bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct transmission of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus from farm-raised fur animals to workers in Weihai, China
Authors: Li Jizhao , Wang Chunping , Li Xiang , Zhang Guoying , Sun Shunzeng , Wang Zhefeng , Zhao Jian , Xiu Linqing , Jiang Nianchen , Zhang Huajiang , Yang Zhenghui , Zhang Jinbo
Published: May 2024

Background

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease. SFTS virus (SFTSV) is transmitted by tick bites and contact with the blood or body fluids of SFTS patients. Animal-to-human transmission of SFTS has been reported in Japan, but not in China. In this study, the possible transmission route of two patients who fed and cared for farm-raised fur animals in a mink farm was explored.

Method

An epidemiological investigation and a genetic analysis of patients, animals and working environment were carried out.

Results

It was found that two patients had not been bitten by ticks and had no contact with patients infected with SFTS virus, but both of them had skinned the dying animals. 54.55% (12/22) of the farm workers were positive for SFTS virus antibody. By analyzing the large, medium and small segments sequences, the viral sequences from the two patients, animals and environments showed 99.9% homology.

Conclusion

It is suspected that the two patients may be directly infected by farm-raised animals, and that the virus may have been transmitted by aerosols when skinning dying animals. Transmission by direct blood contacts or animal bites cannot be ignored.
How effective are interventions to reduce attacks on people from large carnivores? A systematic review protocol
Authors: Eklund Ann , Frank Jens , Bao José Vicente López
Published: May 2024

Background

Instances of attacks from large carnivores that lead to human injury or death are increasingly reported worldwide. Ensuring human safety when people and carnivores co-occur is central to minimizing human suffering but is also essential to support sustainable carnivore conservation. Various interventions are available intended to alter either the behavior of large carnivores or people, in order to reduce the likelihood of a risky encounter and an attack. Collated evidence on best practices is still lacking, and this protocol outlines a systematic review of evidence for intervention effectiveness to reduce the risk or severity of direct attacks on humans by large carnivores. Specifically, the review seeks to answer the question: How effective are evaluated interventions in reducing large carnivore attacks on people?

Methods

The bibliographic databases Zoological Record, BIOSIS Citation Index, and Scopus will be searched using a predefined search string. Grey literature will be requested through professional networks, contacts with relevant organizations, and searching selected websites. All returned titles and abstracts will be manually screened using Rayyan.ai. For inclusion, studies should describe the Population, Intervention, Comparator, and Outcome (PICO) of the review research question and be written in English, Spanish, or Swedish. Review papers will be excluded. All records of data coding and extraction are documented in a purposely developed, and priorly piloted, data sheet. Critical appraisal of study validity will be done according to the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence Critical Appraisal Tool prototype version 0.3. Review outcomes will be synthesized in a narrative, and if possible, a quantitative synthesis. The narrative synthesis will describe in text the carnivore population (species, location), context (target object, intervention model), as well as the design and reported results of each study. The quantitative synthesis will include a summary statistic, preferably logarithmic risk ratio, calculated for each original study. A forest plot will be created to visualize study outcomes, as well as judgments of critical appraisal. Provided that enough data is available and that it complies with its assumptions, a meta-regression analysis will be undertaken using metafor package for R software.
IDH1 mutation produces R-2-hydroxyglutarate (R-2HG) and induces mir-182-5p expression to regulate cell cycle and tumor formation in glioma
Authors: Zhao Haiting , Meng Li , Du Peng , Liao Xinbin , Mo Xin , Gong Mengqi , Chen Jiaxin , Liao Yiwei
Published: May 2024

Background

Mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 and 2 (IDH1 and IDH2), are present in most gliomas. IDH1 mutation is an important prognostic marker in glioma. However, its regulatory mechanism in glioma remains incompletely understood.

Results

miR-182-5p expression was increased within IDH1-mutant glioma specimens according to TCGA, CGGA, and online dataset GSE119740, as well as collected clinical samples. (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate ((R)-2HG) treatment up-regulated the expression of miR-182-5p, enhanced glioma cell proliferation, and suppressed apoptosis; miR-182-5p inhibition partially eliminated the oncogenic effects of R-2HG upon glioma cells. By direct binding to Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2 C (CDKN2C) 3’UTR, miR-182-5p inhibited CDKN2C expression. Regarding cellular functions, CDKN2C knockdown promoted R-2HG-treated glioma cell viability, suppressed apoptosis, and relieved cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, CDKN2C knockdown partially attenuated the effects of miR-182-5p inhibition on cell phenotypes. Moreover, CDKN2C knockdown exerted opposite effects on cell cycle check point and apoptosis markers to those of miR-182-5p inhibition; also, CDKN2C knockdown partially attenuated the functions of miR-182-5p inhibition in cell cycle check point and apoptosis markers. The engineered CS-NPs (antagomir-182-5p) effectively encapsulated and delivered antagomir-182-5p, enhancing anti-tumor efficacy in vivo, indicating the therapeutic potential of CS-NPs(antagomir-182-5p) in targeting the miR-182-5p/CDKN2C axis against R-2HG-driven oncogenesis in mice models.

Conclusions

These insights highlight the potential of CS-NPs(antagomir-182-5p) to target the miR-182-5p/CDKN2C axis, offering a promising therapeutic avenue against R-2HG’s oncogenic influence to glioma.
Predicting the short and long term effects of food price inflation, armed conflicts, and climate variability on global acute malnutrition in Somalia
Authors: Mohamed Jama , Abdi Mukhtar Jibril , Mohamed Ahmed Ismail , Muhumed Mohamed Aden , Abdeeq Barkhad Aden , Abdi Abdinasir Ali , Abdilahi Mohamed Mussa , Ali Dahir Abdi
Published: May 2024

Background

Malnutrition poses a substantial challenge in Somalia, impacting approximately 1.8 million children. This critical issue is exacerbated by a multifaceted interplay of factors. Consequently, this study seeks to examine the long-term and short-term effects of armed conflicts, food price inflation, and climate variability on global acute malnutrition in Somalia.

Methods

The study utilized secondary data spanning from January 2015 to December 2022, sourced from relevant databases. Two distinct analytical approaches were employed to comprehensively investigate the dynamics of global acute malnutrition in Somalia. Firstly, dynamic autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) simulations were applied, allowing for a nuanced understanding of the short and long-term effects of armed conflicts, food price inflation, and climate variability on malnutrition. Additionally, the study employed kernel-based regularized least squares, a sophisticated statistical technique, to further enhance the robustness of the findings. The analysis was conducted using STATA version 17.

Results

In the short run, armed conflicts and food price inflation exhibit positive associations with global acute malnutrition, particularly in conflict-prone areas and during inflationary periods. Moreover, climatic variables, specifically temperature and rainfall, demonstrate positive associations. It is important to note that temperature lacks a statistically significant relationship with global acute malnutrition in the short run. In the long run, armed conflicts and food price inflation maintain persistent impacts on global acute malnutrition, as confirmed by the dynamic ARDL simulations model. Furthermore, both temperature and rainfall continue to show positive associations with global acute malnutrition, but it is worth noting that temperature still exhibits a non-significant relationship. The results from kernel-based regularized least squares were consistent, further enhancing the robustness of the findings.

Conclusions

Increased armed conflicts, food price inflation, temperature, and rainfall were associated with increased global acute malnutrition. Strategies such as stabilizing conflict-prone regions, diplomatic interventions, and peace-building initiatives are crucial, along with measures to control food price inflation. Implementing climate adaptation strategies is vital to counter temperature changes and fluctuating rainfall patterns, emphasizing the need for resilience-building. Policymakers and humanitarian organizations can leverage these insights to design targeted interventions, focusing on conflict resolution, food security, and climate resilience to enhance Somalia's overall nutritional well-being.
Chartering policies and operational efficiency of shipping lines: exploring strategic changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: D’agostini Enrico , Jo Sohyun , Attard Maria
Published: May 2024

Shipping is a highly cyclical, volatile, and unpredictable industry. In recent history, economic shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic have heavily disrupted supply chains and tested the resilience and adaptability of shipping lines from both operational and financial perspectives. Therefore, the commercial success of shipping lines is increasingly determined by an optimal balance between reliable logistics operations and financial performance. Given this, chartering strategies of shipping lines are pivotal in achieving fleet optimisation and financial sustainability. Using a Mann–Whitney U test and a data envelopment analysis (DEA), this study provides a view on chartering strategies and efficiency levels of shipping lines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal that chartering strategies have changed considerably since 2020 and that most shipping lines have pursued a peculiar strategy with a different mix in terms of chartered vessels’ size, age, and period of charter. Shipping lines which showed the most marked differences in chartering strategies also yielded higher efficiency scores under DEA, whereas those that did not sustain large changes scored lower in terms of efficiency. This study provides significant insights on and managerial guidance for understanding and benchmarking chartering strategies and their impact on efficiency gains.
Decellularization and enzymatic preconditioning of bovine uterus for improved recellularization
Authors: Sehic Edina , de Miguel-Gómez Lucía , Thorén Emy , Sameus Johan , Bäckdahl Henrik , Oltean Mihai , Brännström Mats , Hellström Mats
Published: May 2024

Background

Uterus tissue engineering aims to repair a dysfunctional uterus that causes infertility, e.g., after significant scarring from benign or malign resection procedures. Decellularized uterine tissue provided regenerative support in several animal models as a biocompatible natural extracellular matrix (ECM) derived scaffold after uterine damage. However, variations in decellularization protocols and species used limit conclusive evidence and translational progress. Hence, a species-independent decellularization protocol could facilitate preclinical research. Therefore, we investigated if our developed sheep uterus decellularization protocol was species-independent and effective for the significantly larger bovine uterus. We further assessed if there were any negative post transplantation immunological consequences from the metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP 2, MMP 9) treatment that was used as a preconditioning treatment to significantly improve scaffold recellularization after decellularization.

Methods

Bovine uterus was decellularized using sodium deoxycholate, and the remaining ECM was quantitatively assessed for DNA, protein, and ECM components. The morphology and physical attributes were examined by immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and mechanical tests. Scaffold biocompatibility, bioactivity, and angiogenic properties were assessed with the chorioallantoic membrane assay (CAM) and the immune response following transplantation of MMP treated scaffolds was compared with untreated scaffolds in a rat model. The in vitro recellularization efficiency of the scaffolds was also assessed.

Results

The decellularization protocol was effective for bovine uterus. The MMP treatment did not negatively affect scaffold immunogenicity in vivo, while the treatment potentiated mesenchymal stem cell recellularization in vitro. Furthermore, the decellularization protocol generated biocompatible and angiogenic uterine scaffolds.

Conclusion

Bovine uterus was successfully decellularized using previously established protocols. These results confirm earlier findings in the sheep model and further indicate that MMP treatment may be beneficial. The results further conclude the development of a species-independent, reproducible, and biocompatible scaffold generation protocol that can provide an important element for successful translational research.
Fire history in the serpentine‑soil Spanish firs of Sierra Bermeja
Authors: Gómez-Zotano José , Pardo-Martínez Rubén , Olmedo-Cobo José Antonio , Martos-Martín Javier
Published: May 2024

Background

Abies pinsapo Clemente ex Boiss. is a species classified as endangered and currently occupies a very small and fragmented area of distribution in the southwest of the Baetic System. The uniqueness of these relict forests has motivated their study from different perspectives: phytogeography, faunal and floristic communities or biotic and abiotic risks. However, the paleoecological characterisation of this fir is still clearly deficient. Consequently, there is hardly any information on the impact that fire has had on this conifer during the Holocene nor the real effect that this disturbance has had on the Spanish fir in recent decades. To fill this knowledge gap, the present research uses the pedoanthracological network developed over the last 10 years in Sierra Bermeja, one of the natural habitats of the Spanish fir forest most affected by fire. This discipline is based on the analysis of the charcoals present in the natural soils, which are an unexplored resource and particularly useful for the reconstruction of paleo-fires and the knowledge of the dynamics of the vegetation. This paleoecological approach has also been complemented by the mapping of recent forest fires. Both approaches constitute the methodological body of this study.

Results

The identification of Abies charcoal in places where this taxon is not present today supports the idea that the Spanish fir was more widely distributed in the past. Likewise, the available dates (between 9931−9616 and 294−102 years cal BP) have revealed the existence of up to 28 events of forest fires that have affected the Spanish fir during the Holocene. The recurrence of fire could have caused its local extinction in the Sierra Palmitera. This reduction of the distribution area of the Spanish fir as a consequence of fire, as can be inferred from the cartography carried out, has been particularly intense during the last few decades, with almost 4500 fir trees affected.

Conclusions

Results report on the important role played by fire in the dynamics of the serpentine-soil Spanish firs of Sierra Bermeja from the Last Glacial Maximum to the present day. This is a phenomenon that has intensified in recent decades, affecting the Spanish fir in a very worrying way. Consequently, we insist on the need to include the whole of Sierra Bermeja in the Spanish National Park Network to help ensure effective protection for the most important serpentine-tolerant ecosystem in Spain.
Evaluation of antioxidant activity in different Egyptian barley cultivars: an in vitro and in silico study
Authors: Eid Omneya , Ezzat Shahira , Elkady Wafaa M. , El Sayed Abeer , Abd el-sattar Essam
Published: May 2024

Background

Cereals have historically played a crucial role in the human diet, serving as a significant natural source of energy and offering various health benefits. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) has been given significant attention in recent years due to its exceptional nutritional value, surpassing that of other cereals. The objective of this research is to evaluate the antioxidant activity of various solvent extracts obtained from three different barley cultivars.

Results

The G.136 variety's acetone extract exhibited the highest level of antioxidant activity in both the DPPH assay, with an IC50 of 55.62 µg/ml, and the FRAP assay, with 447 μM trolox/mg extract. The dominant compounds identified before in the acetone fraction were subjected to an evaluation of their docking scores, along with an assessment of ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) and TOPKAT (Toxicity Prediction by Komputer Assisted Technology) studies. Notably, hordatine A1, prodelphinidin B3, hordatine B1, procyanidin B2, and isovitexin 7-O-glucoside were the major compounds with the highest LipDock scores compared to trolox the reference drug with polyphenol oxidase.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the acetone extract from all three cultivars demonstrates noteworthy results, surpassing the efficacy of other solvent extracts against the antioxidant activity.
Effects of different treatments for type 2 diabetes mellitus on mortality of coronavirus disease from 2019 to 2021 in China: a multi-institutional retrospective study
Authors: Xu Ke , He Wu , Yu Bo , Zhong Kaineng , Zhou Da , Wang Dao Wen
Published: May 2024

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has continued for 5 years. Sporadic cases continue to occur in different locations. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with a high risk of a poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19. Successful control of blood glucose levels can effectively decrease the risks of severe infections and mortality. However, the effects of different treatments were reported differently and even adversely. This retrospective study included 4,922 patients who have been diagnosed as COVID-19 and T2DM from 138 Hubei hospitals. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared and calculated their risk for death using multivariate Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier curves. After adjustment of age, sex, comorbidities, and in-hospital medications, metformin and alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (AGI) use performed lower all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24–0.71; p = 0.001 for metformin; 0.53, 0.35–0.80, p = 0.002 for AGIs), while insulin use was associated with increased all-cause mortality (adjusted HR, 2.07, 95% CI, 1.61–2.67, p < 0.001). After propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis, adjusted HRs for insulin, metformin, and AGIs associated with all-cause mortality were 1.32 (95% CI, 1.03–1.81; p = 0.012), 0.48 (95% CI, 0.23–0.83, p = 0.014), and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.35–0.98, p = 0.05). Therefore, metformin and AGIs might be more suitable for patients with COVID-19 and T2DM while insulin might be used with caution.
Prediction of tight sandstone reservoirs by multiwave joint prestack inversion technology: A case study of the Qiulin area in the Sichuan Basin
Authors: Chen Qiyan , Chen Kang , Wang Hongqiu , Yang Guangguang , Guo Xin , Wei Wei , Guo Guangrui
Published: May 2024

The Shaximiao (SXM) Formation of the Middle Triassic in the central Sichuan Basin is a river-lake sedimentary system with an average burial depth of 2800 m. The channel sand bodies of the SXM Formation in the Qiulin area are developed with large lateral variation and high- and medium-porosity sand. This leads to great differences in the seismic response and difficulty in predicting the sand bodies and reservoirs using P-wave data. We carry out well-log analysis for different types of sand bodies. The no. 8 sand body of high porosity can be effectively identified using P-wave impedance (PI). Whereas for the no. 7 sand body of relatively lower porosity (mainly due to the higher shale content in the no. 7 sand compared with the no. 8 sand), sandstone and mudstone can be distinguished using S-wave impedance (SI), and reservoirs can be recognized by the P- to S-wave velocity ratio ([Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]). Based on the PP wave and the P-to-S converted wave (PS wave) (after matching) angle-stacked data, a prestack inversion of multicomponent data is performed. Multiwave joint inversion results (SI and [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]) have better accuracy and stronger stability than the PP-wave inversion in practical application. In addition, the PI of the joint inversion more clearly describes the distribution and boundaries of the channel sand and better matches the prediction and drilling data in sand 8. The SI of the joint inversion can identify subtle sand bodies (weak PI contrast) that are difficult to be detected by PP-wave inversion. The distribution of the reservoir predicted by the [Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text] of the joint inversion is clearer (the no. 7 sand body) and better than that by the PP-wave inversion. This study demonstrates the advantage of the multiwave joint inversion technology in tight sand identification.
Long-Term Analysis of NRG Oncology RTOG 0415: A Randomized Phase III Noninferiority Study Comparing Two Fractionation Schedules in Patients With Low-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lee W. Robert , Dignam James J. , Amin Mahul B. , Bruner Deborah W. , Low Daniel , Swanson Gregory P. , Shah Amit B. , D'Souza David , Michalski Jeff M. , Dayes Ian S. , Seaward Samantha A. , Hall William A. , Nguyen Paul L. , Pisansky Thomas M. , Faria Sergio L. , Chen Yuhchyau , Rodgers Joseph P. , Sandler Howard M.
Published: May 2024

Clinical trials frequently include multiple end points that mature at different times. The initial report, typically based on the primary end point, may be published when key planned co-primary or secondary analyses are not yet available. Clinical Trial Updates provide an opportunity to disseminate additional results from studies, published in JCO or elsewhere, for which the primary end point has already been reported.

NRG Oncology RTOG 0415 is a randomized phase III noninferiority (NI) clinical trial comparing conventional fractionation (73.8 Gy in 41 fractions) radiotherapy (C-RT) with hypofractionation (H-RT; 70 Gy in 28) in patients with low-risk prostate cancer. The study included 1,092 protocol-eligible patients initially reported in 2016 with a median follow-up of 5.8 years. Updated results with median follow-up of 12.8 years are now presented. The estimated 12-year disease-free survival (DFS) is 56.1% (95% CI, 51.5 to 60.5) for C-RT and 61.8% (95% CI, 57.2 to 66.0) for H-RT. The DFS hazard ratio (H-RT/C-RT) is 0.85 (95% CI, 0.71 to 1.03), confirming NI ( P < .001). Twelve-year cumulative incidence of biochemical failure (BF) was 17.0% (95% CI, 13.8 to 20.5) for C-RT and 9.9% (95% CI, 7.5 to 12.6) for H-RT. The HR (H-RT/C-RT) comparing biochemical recurrence between the two arms was 0.55 (95% CI, 0.39 to 0.78). Late grade ≥3 GI adverse event (AE) incidence is 3.2% (C-RT) versus 4.4% (H-RT), with relative risk (RR) for H-RT versus C-RT 1.39 (95% CI, 0.75 to 2.55). Late grade ≥3 genitourinary (GU) AE incidence is 3.4% (C-RT) versus 4.2% (H-RT), RR 1.26 (95% CI, 0.69 to 2.30). Long-term DFS is noninferior with H-RT compared with C-RT. BF is less with H-RT. No significant differences in late grade ≥3 GI/GU AEs were observed between assignments (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00331773 ).
Correlation of Patient-Reported Social Determinants of Health With Census Tract Measures of Socioeconomic Disadvantage in Patients With GI Cancers in Eastern North Carolina
Authors: Hao Scarlett , Quinn Ashley W. , Iasiello John A. , Lea C. Suzanne , Popowicz Patrycja , Fu Yuanyuan , Irish William , Parikh Alexander A. , Snyder Rebecca A.
Published: May 2024

PURPOSE

Investigating the impact of social determinants of health (SDOHs) on cancer care in large populations relies on census estimates. Routine clinic SDOH screening provides timely patient-level information which could inform best practices. This study evaluated the correlation between patient-reported SDOH needs and population-level census tract measures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of a cohort of adult patients with GI malignancy screened for SDOHs such as financial insecurity, transportation, and food insecurity during initial outpatient evaluation at East Carolina University (formerly Vidant) Health Medical Center in Greenville, NC (November 2020-July 2021). Primary outcomes included number and severity of identified SDOH needs and area deprivation index (ADI) and census tract measures for each patient. Spearman rank correlations were calculated among patient-level needs and between patient-level needs and similar census tract measures.

RESULTS

Of 112 patients screened, 58.9% self-identified as White (n = 66) and 41.1% as Black (n = 46). A total of 50.5% (n = 54) resided in a rural county. The collective median state ADI rank was 7 (IQR, 5-9). The median household income was $38,125 in US dollars (USD) (IQR, $31,436-$48,934 [USD]). Only 12.5% (n = 14) reported a moderate or severe financial need. Among reported needs, financial need moderately correlated with food insecurity (coefficient, 0.46; P < .001) and transportation (coefficient, 0.45; P < .001). Overall, census tract measures and reported needs poorly correlated. Lack of transportation correlated with percentage of households without a vehicle (coefficient, 0.18; P = .03) and limited access to healthy foods (coefficient, 0.18; P = .04).

CONCLUSION

Given the poor correlation between reported and census needs, population-level measures may not accurately predict patient-reported needs. These findings highlight the importance of SDOH screening in the clinical setting to reduce health disparities and identify opportunities to improve care delivery.
Outcomes of Mechanical Thrombectomy for Patients With Stroke Presenting With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score in Early and Late Time Windows
Authors: Elawady Sameh Samir , Cunningham Conor , Matsukawa Hidetoshi , Uchida Kazutaka , Lin Steven , Maier Ilko , Jabbour Pascal , Kim Joon-Tae , Wolfe Stacey Quintero , Rai Ansaar , Starke Robert M. , Psychogios Marios-Nikos , Samaniego Edgar A. , Arthur Adam , Yoshimura Shinichi , Cuellar Hugo , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Alawieh Ali , Romano Daniele G. , Tanweer Omar , Mascitelli Justin , Fragata Isabel , Polifka Adam , Osbun Joshua , Crosa Roberto , Matouk Charles , Park Min S. , Levitt Michael R. , Brinjikji Waleed , Moss Mark , Dumont Travis , Williamson Richard , Navia Pedro , Kan Peter , De Leacy Reade , Chowdhry Shakeel , Ezzeldin Mohamad , Spiotta Alejandro M. , Al Kasab Sami
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed to compare outcomes of low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) patients with stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) within 6 hours or 6 to 24 hours after stroke onset.

METHODS:

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from a large multicenter international registry from 2013 to 2023. Patients with low ASPECTS (2-5) who underwent MT for anterior circulation intracranial large vessel occlusion were included. A propensity matching analysis was conducted for patients presented in the early (<6 hours) vs late (6-24 hours) time window after symptom onset or last known normal.

RESULTS:

Among the 10 229 patients who underwent MT, 274 met the inclusion criteria. 122 (44.5%) patients were treated in the late window. Early window patients were older (median age, 74 years [IQR, 63-80] vs 66.5 years [IQR, 54-77]; P < .001), had lower proportion of female patients (40.1% vs 54.1%; P = .029), higher median admission National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (20 [IQR, 16-24] vs 19 [IQR, 14-22]; P = .004), and a higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (46.1% vs 27.3; P = .002). Propensity matching yielded a well-matched cohort of 84 patients in each group. Comparing the matched cohorts showed there was no significant difference in acceptable outcomes at 90 days between the 2 groups (odds ratio = 0.90 [95% CI = 0.47-1.71]; P = .70). However, the rate of symptomatic ICH was significantly higher in the early window group compared with the late window group (odds ratio = 2.44 [95% CI = 1.06-6.02]; P = .04).

CONCLUSION:

Among patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion and low ASPECTS, MT seems to provide a similar benefit to functional outcome for patients presenting <6 hours or 6 to 24 hours after onset.
Female Alms1-deficient mice develop echocardiographic features of adult but not infantile Alström syndrome cardiomyopathy
Authors: McKay Eleanor J. , Luijten Ineke , Broadway-Stringer Sophie , Thomson Adrian , Weng Xiong , Gehmlich Katya , Gray Gillian A. , Semple Robert K.
Published: May 2024

Alström syndrome (AS), a multisystem disorder caused by biallelic ALMS1 mutations, features major early morbidity and mortality due to cardiac complications. The latter are biphasic, including infantile dilated cardiomyopathy and distinct adult-onset cardiomyopathy, and poorly understood. We assessed cardiac function of Alms1 knockout (KO) mice by echocardiography. Cardiac function was unaltered in Alms1 global KO mice of both sexes at postnatal day 15 (P15) and 8 weeks. At 23 weeks, female − but not male − KO mice showed increased left atrial area and decreased isovolumic relaxation time, consistent with early restrictive cardiomyopathy, as well as reduced ejection fraction. No histological or transcriptional changes were seen in myocardium of 23-week-old female Alms1 global KO mice. Female mice with Pdgfra-Cre-driven Alms1 deletion in cardiac fibroblasts and in a small proportion of cardiomyocytes did not recapitulate the phenotype of global KO at 23 weeks. In conclusion, only female Alms1-deficient adult mice show echocardiographic evidence of cardiac dysfunction, consistent with the cardiomyopathy of AS. The explanation for sexual dimorphism remains unclear but might involve metabolic or endocrine differences between sexes.
Urinary Proteomic Biomarkers of Trabecular Bone Volume Change during Army Basic Combat Training
Authors: FLANAGAN SHAWN D. , HOUGLAND JULIANA R. , ZENG XUEMEI , CANTRELL PAMELA S. , SUN MAI , JONES-LAUGHNER JACKIE , CANINO MARIA C. , HUGHES JULIE M. , FOULIS STEPHEN A. , TAYLOR KATHRYN M. , WALKER LEILA A. , GUERRIERE KATELYN I. , STERCZALA ADAM J. , CONNABOY CHRIS , BECKNER MEAGHAN E. , MATHENY RONALD W. , NINDL BRADLEY C.
Published: May 2024

Changes in bone microarchitecture resulting from chronic physical stress such as that experienced during U.S. Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) underscore its adaptive potential. There is a need for noninvasive biomarkers of adaptive bone formation that can be obtained at scale in real-world settings. Differential mass spectrometry (dMS), a label-free quantitative proteomics technique, may provide useful information about bone adaptation based on the proteomic features of urine.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to optimize a dMS-based urinary proteomic technique and evaluate the relationship between urinary proteome content and adaptive changes in bone microarchitecture during BCT.

Methods

Urinary proteomes were analyzed with an optimized dMS technique in two groups of 13 recruits (N = 26) at the beginning (Pre) and end (Post) of BCT. Matched by age (21 ± 4 yr), sex (16 W), and baseline tibial trabecular bone volume fractions (Tb.BV/TV), these groups were distinguished by the most substantial (High) and minimal (Low) improvements in Tb.BV/TV. Differential protein expression was analyzed with mixed permutation ANOVA and false discovery proportion-based adjustment for multiple comparisons.

Results

Tibial Tb.BV/TV increased from pre- to post-BCT in High (3.30 ± 1.64%, P < 0.0001) but not Low (−0.35 ± 1.25%, P = 0.4707). The optimized dMS technique identified 10,431 peptides from 1368 protein groups that represented 165 integrative biological processes. Seventy-four urinary proteins changed from pre- to post-BCT (P = 0.0019), and neutrophil-mediated immunity was the most prominent ontology. Two proteins (immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 4 and C-type lectin domain family 4 member G) differed from pre- to post-BCT in High and Low (P = 0.0006).

Conclusions

The dMS technique can identify more than 1000 urinary proteins. At least 74 proteins are responsive to BCT, and other principally immune system–related proteins show differential expression patterns that coincide with adaptive bone formation.
Δημοσιογραφικές αφηγήσεις και ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα σε ένοπλες συρράξεις
Authors: Σιμάτου Αθηνά
Published: May 2024

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή διερευνά τη σύνδεση μεταξύ δημοσιογραφίας και ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων. Με μεθοδολογικά εργαλεία τη μελέτη περίπτωσης, την ανάλυση αφήγησης και τη συγκριτική μελέτη διερευνά, αν η αφήγηση χρησιμοποιείται από τις/τους δημοσιογράφους, προκειμένου να μιλήσουν για γεγονότα που λαμβάνουν χώρα στις ένοπλες συρράξεις και σχετίζονται με ζητήματα παραβιάσεων των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων. Ειδικότερα, εστιάζοντας σε μία ένοπλη σύρραξη, εν εξελίξει, και σε αφηγήσεις δημοσιογραφικών οργανισμών διεθνούς εμβέλειας συλλέγει ερευνητικό υλικό, του οποίου η μελέτη γίνεται σε τρία στάδια: Κάθε δημοσιογραφική αφήγηση αναλύεται ως αφήγηση αυτή καθαυτή, ως μέρος ενός συνόλου αφηγήσεων ενός δημοσιογραφικού οργανισμού, αλλά και ως κομμάτι του διεθνούς δημοσιογραφικού λόγου για τα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα στον πόλεμο. Έτσι, μέσα από την ποιοτική ανάλυση του εμπειρικού υλικού, η έρευνα απαντάει σε δύο κεντρικά ερευνητικά ερωτήματα, αν οι δημοσιογράφοι εντάσσουν στις αφηγήσεις τους ζητήματα ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων διακυβευομένων στις ένοπλες συρράξεις και, αν οι αφηγήσεις αυτές έχουν προσέγγιση που βασίζεται στα ανθρώπινα δικαιώματα.
Poor quality of sleep and it's associated factors among urban slum-dwellers of Bengaluru- a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rao Mithun , Bhushan Shobha , TS Ranganath
Published: May 2024

Background Sleep can be defined as a state of reduced attention from where the person can be woken up by any kind of stimuli. Sleep difficulties are a major group of disorders affecting one third of the adult population. The present study was taken up to assess the sleep quality and prevalence of sleep disorders among the adult population in the urban slum area of H Siddaiah Road Urban Primary Health Center (UPHC), which is in the Urban Field Practice Area, BMCRI. Methods Stratified random sampling was used to select 821 adults in the population of 18-60 years of age. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethical Committee. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the adults after obtaining their consent. The data was entered in Microsoft Office Excel and analysed using SPSS ver20.0. Results The study population was 52.81% females and 77.5% in the age group of 18-30 years. Most of the study population were Hindus (78.90%), and only 3.8% of the study population were illiterate. Most of them were employed (86.12%). Substance use was present in 82.9% of the study participants and overcrowding was present in 51.3% of the subjects. Female gender, being unemployed, living with relatives, overcrowding, and substance use such as alcohol and smokeless tobacco were the factors associated with poor sleep quality as measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Among the study participants having poor sleep quality, most of participants needed further clinical assessment for insomnia (86%) followed by assessment for sleep apnoea (50.5%). Conclusions 200 (24.36%) study participants were determined to have poor sleep quality. Gender, marital status and overcrowding were the factors associated with poor sleep quality. A significant number of study participants need further assessment on insomnia, sleep apnoea and psychiatric disorders.
Acute Kidney Injury Complicating Critical Forms of COVID-19: risk Factors and Prognostic Impact
Authors: Guissouma Jihene , Ben Ali Hana , Allouche Hend , Trabelsi Insaf , Hammami Olfa , Yahia Yosra , Hatem Ghadhoune
Published: May 2024

Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) mainly affects the respiratory tract, but different organs may be involved including the kidney. Data on acute kidney injury (AKI) in critical forms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are scarce. We aimed to assess the incidence, risk factors and prognostic impact of AKI complicating critical forms of COVID-19. Methods A retrospective descriptive case/control monocentric study conducted in a medical intensive care unit of a tertiary teaching hospital over a period of 18 months. Results We enrolled 144 patients, with a mean age of 58±13 years old and a male predominance (sex-ratio: 1.25). Forty-one (28%) developed AKI within a median of 4 days (Q1: 3, Q3: 8.5) after hospitalization. It was staged KDIGO class 3, in about half of the cases. Thirteen patients underwent renal replacement therapy and renal function improved in seven cases. Diabetes (OR: 6.07; 95% CI: (1,30-28,4); p: 0.022), nephrotoxic antibiotics (OR: 21; 95% CI: (3,2-146); p: 0.002), and shock (OR: 12.21; 95% CI: (2.87-51.85); p: 0.031,) were the three independent risk factors of AKI onset. Mortality was significantly higher in AKI group (OR: 3.94; 95% CI: (1.65-9.43); p<10−3) but AKI didn’t appear to be an independent risk factor of poor outcome. In fact, age (p: 0.004), shock (p: 0.045) and MV (p<10−3) were the three prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Conclusions The incidence of AKI was high in this study and associated to an increased mortality. Diabetes, use of nephrotoxic antibiotics and shock contributed significantly to its occurrence. This underlines the importance of rationalizing antibiotic prescription and providing adequate management of patients with hemodynamic instability in order to prevent consequent AKI.
Partner violence in healthcare settings on breastfeeding mothers: a scientometric analysis
Authors: Wahyutri Endah
Published: May 2024

Background Partner violence is a significant issue affecting women’s health, particularly their breastfeeding practices in healthcare settings. Despite a considerable body of research on this topic, there is a need for a systematic overview of the existing literature to explore its thematic and structural developments. Methods This scientometric analysis covers a period of 45 years (1977-2022) and identifies 415 peer-reviewed articles published in English before 2023 from the Scopus database. The articles were included if they engaged with themes related to partner violence, healthcare settings, breastfeeding, and mothers, using predefined search terms and filters. Bibliometric data were decoded and visualized using VOSviewer and RStudio to analyze and visualize the scientific dialogue, trends, patterns, and networks in the literature regarding partner violence and its impact on breastfeeding mothers in healthcare settings. Results The study revealed a concentrated exploration of themes related to violence, healthcare provision, mental health, and women’s reproductive health. The co-occurrence network and thematic mapping illuminated seven pivotal clusters, revealing a complex narrative of interconnected research areas. Niche and emerging themes such as “Depression,” “HIV,” and “Covid-19” were identified, highlighting the evolving landscape of the research domain. Conclusions This analysis provides a panoramic overview of the existing literature, revealing intricate thematic structures and collaboration networks within the research on partner violence and breastfeeding mothers in healthcare settings. The study not only sheds light on the historical and current states of research but also pinpoints potential future directions, thereby assisting scholars and policymakers in navigating and prioritizing subsequent investigative endeavors.
Greenspace exposure and associated health outcomes: a systematic review of reviews
Authors: Bryer Brittnee , Odebeatu Chinonso Christian , Lee Wen Ray , Vitangcol Kathryn , Gallegos-Rejas Victor , Osborne Nicholas J. , Williams Gail , Darssan Darsy
Published: May 2024

Background Numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have sought to clarify the relationship between greenspace exposure and health outcomes, but the results are inconsistent. We aimed to synthesise all relevant systematic reviews and meta-analyses on this association. Methods We searched five databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews) and conducted a manual reference search for systematic reviews and meta-analyses written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals that used clearly defined measures of greenspace exposure and reported health outcomes directly attributable to greenspace exposure. A total of 36 systematic reviews published between January 2010 and December 2020 were identified for inclusion in this systematic review of reviews (PROSPERO: CRD42021227422). An updated review is underway, and the protocol is published in PROSPERO (CRD42022383421). The methodological quality and risk of bias of included systematic reviews were evaluated using the AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS tools, respectively. Results Beneficial effects of greenspace exposure were observed for all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, and mental health and cognitive function. Ambivalent results were found for cardiovascular and metabolic health, general health and quality of life (QOL), and respiratory health and allergies. Most of the systematic reviews included in the current umbrella review had a low to moderate methodological quality and a high risk of bias. Conclusions This umbrella review highlights the link between greenspaces and a variety of health outcomes, emphasising the importance of preserving existing greenspaces and integrating additional vegetation into urban areas to maintain public health.
A review on the phytochemistry and biological activities of Curculigo latifolia Dryand ex. W.Aiton
Authors: Taufik Amanina Yusrina , Mohd Yasin Hartini , Ahmad Norhayati , Arai Masayoshi , Ja'afar Fairuzeta
Published: May 2024

Curculigo latifolia Dryand. ex W. T. Aiton, from the genus Curculigo, is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat numerous illnesses such as fever, stomach aches, jaundice, wounds, and inflammation. C. latifolia is a perennial herb that is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Southeast Asia, Southern China, Bangladesh, Australia, and the Andaman Islands. This review collates the reported studies on the different aspects of C. latifolia from its plant description, nutritional value, phytochemistry, chemical composition, and pharmacological properties. This review aims to identify gaps in the literature and provide useful references for future work on this plant. Previous studies have shown that C. latifolia contains high mineral contents of calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are essential components of human health. Moreover, the plant is rich in phytochemicals, which play a prominent role in various pharmacological activities. The most common compounds identified included curculigoside, crassifoside I, nyasicoside, and curculigine. C. latifolia demonstrated high antioxidant activity through its ability to scavenge superoxide anions, 1,1–diphenyl–2–picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azino–bis(3–ethylbenzthiazoline–6–sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, reducing ferric ions to ferrous complexes, iron chelation, and B-carotene bleaching. It was also shown that the roots, stems, and leaves of C. latifolia were effective in exerting antimicrobial activity against several microbial strains, including Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtillis, Enterobacter aerogenes, Erwinia sp., Klebsiella sp., Pseudomonas sp., Candida albicans, Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the root, fruit, leaf, petiole, and rhizome extracts were found to improve glucose uptake and insulin secretion in diabetic rats, suggesting their antidiabetic potential. C. latifolia presents a wide range of medicinal properties that could make it a promising functional food or source of food supplements to prevent nutrition–related or chronic diseases.
A progressive overview of the mainstream additive manufacturing of ceramic components for industrial advancement
Authors: Islam M. Bodiul , Sumona Hasnat Jahan , Haque M. Jahidul , Mahmood Abdullah Al
Published: May 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM), well-known as 3D printing, has revolutionized traditional manufacturing methods, particularly in the production of ceramic components. These techniques offer unique advantages and challenges in ceramic component production. Developing specific ceramic materials with AM improves the finished products' mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics. Integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning shows promise in improving process control and design optimization, spurring innovation and opening previously unimaginable possibilities, although problems such as material shrinkage, microstructural control, and surface polish remain crucial research areas. This review article presents a comprehensive overview of the advancements and applications of AM for ceramic pieces in the industrial sector. This study highlights the fundamental principles of AM, focusing on their difficulties and potential in ceramic fabrication. A comprehensive review of AM will deliver an understanding of its ability to alter industrial manufacturing and open the door to a new era of ceramic fabrication and applications.
The FIRE-IN project: Tsunami-risk related practitioner challenges and 3rd cycle overall results
Authors: Sakkas Georgios , Tsaloukidis Ioannis , Kazantzidou-Firtinidou Danai , Schneider Iris , Kouskouna Vassiliki , Hybbeneth Nico , Berchtold Claudia , Schlierkamp Juliane , Miralles Marta , Lahaye Sebastien , Bour Michel
Published: May 2024

This article summarizes the methodology for the identification of practitioners’ challenges, in the context of the H2020 funded project FIRE-IN (Fire and Rescue Innovation Network) activities. The project consisted of five thematic areas or “Thematic Working Groups”, as they are called, i.e., Search and Rescue Emergency Response, Structure Fires, Landscape Fires Crisis Mitigation, Natural Hazard Mitigation and Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear and Explosives, and three iterations, each one including the identification of capability challenges, the screening for solutions, that can potentially address these challenges, and the request for ideas regarding future innovations that will complement already existing ones and will assist in covering capability gaps. This article focuses on the natural hazard mitigation working group and tsunamis in the Mediterranean region as a case study for the 3rd and last iteration of the project. The scenario of a tsunami occurrence in the Mediterranean is the basis for the FIRE-IN 3rd cycle workshop, as an indicative example of a high impact – low probability event, which aims to identify practitioners’ Future Common Capability Challenges in Europe. The current status of the tsunami hazard in Europe, national and international tsunami risk mitigation measures and procedures and operational experience from recent events are also discussed. Focus is provided on the natural hazard mitigation and tsunami related practitioners’ challenges, while results from the FIRE-IN request for ideas process and the interaction between practitioners, researchers and industry are also discussed. The aim is to present practitioners’ current and future capability challenges , one of the main outcomes of the FIRE-IN project, and to provide further guidelines to stakeholders of disaster management towards a safer Europe, mainly, through preparedness and adaptation for stronger and resilient societies.