bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conserved gastropod withdrawal circuit in Biomphalaria glabrata, an intermediate host for schistosomiasis
Authors: Vaasjo Lee O. , Miller Mark W.
Published: March 2024

Neuronal signals mediated by the biogenic amine serotonin underlie critical survival strategies across the animal kingdom. This investigation identified a group of serotonergic cells in the panpulmonate snail Biomphalaria glabrata that appear to be homologous to neurons that mediate withdrawal responses in other gastropod taxa. It is proposed that an ancient withdrawal circuit has been highly conserved in three major gastropod lineages.
Dynamic Performance Analysis of Semiactive Vehicle ISD Suspension Based on the Power‐Driven‐Damper Strategy
Authors: Shen Yujie , Wang Jinsen , Du Fu , Yang Xiaofeng , Liu Yanling , Chen Long
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the vehicle ISD (inerter‐spring‐damper) suspension and power‐driven‐damper control strategy are combined to the suspension design, and the power‐driven‐damper semiactive ISD suspension is proposed. The dynamic models of the passive suspension S1 and two semiactive ISD suspensions S2 and S3 are established. Based on the port‐controlled Hamiltonian theory, the power‐driven‐damper semiactive control strategy is designed by analyzing the power transfer of suspension S3. Then, the parameters of the two models are optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm, and the optimization results show that the suspension S3 has better performance. The influence of the semiactive damping coefficient, the spring stiffness, and the inertance on the vibration suppression performance is investigated based on the suspension S3. The effect of parameter perturbation on power‐driven‐damper semiactive vehicle ISD suspension illustrates that the designed semiactive vehicle ISD suspension has better ride comfort in a wider range frequency and good robust performance.
Experimental Study on Dynamic Tensile Mechanical Behavior and Fracture Mechanical Characteristics of Sandstone with a Single Prefabricated Fissure
Authors: Wu Jie-hao , Du Yu-xiang , Wang Chang-bai , Zong Qi
Published: March 2024

The structural stability of engineering rock mass under dynamic disturbance is directly associated with the fracture mechanics properties in engineering practice. Fully understanding the rock’s fracture mechanical behavior and crack evolution caused by stress concentration at the crack tip in engineering rock mass under dynamic load can offer useful insight into the rock’s dynamic fracture mechanism. A dynamic test using split‐Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) test system was performed on a single prefabricated fissure sandstone centrally cracked Brazilian disk (CCBD) specimens. Based on the theory of fracture mechanics and one‐dimensional stress wave theory, the dynamic crack initiation criterion of CCBD specimen is proposed, and the regression model of sandstone’s dynamic fracture toughness under the coupling effect of fissure angle and strain rate is established by using response surface methodology (RSM). The influence of strain rate and fissure angle on stress wave characteristics, dynamic tensile mechanical behavior, and fracture mechanics characteristic was investigated in this study. The findings demonstrate that: (1) The fissure angle plays a pivotal role in determining the failure mode of sandstone. As the fissure angle increases, three distinct failure modes emerge in the sandstone specimens, while variations in strain rate have minimal impact on the fracture mode of these specimens. (2) Alterations in the fissure angle result in changes to the waveform of transmitted waves. When the fissure angle is below 30°, the transmitted wave exhibits “double peak” characteristics; when it exceeds 30°, a “single peak” waveform is observed. This phenomenon can be attributed to diffraction principles governing incident waves. (3) When the impact pressure is 0.2 MPa, the peak load initially exhibits an increase followed by a decrease, with the peak load reaching its maximum at a fracture angle of 60°; when the impact pressures are 0.3 and 0.5 MPa, there exists a negative correlation between the peak load and the fissure angle. (4) The influence of strain rate on sandstone’s fracture resistance is predominant, with alterations in fissure angle exerting an auxiliary effect on this property. The research results can provide a theoretical and experimental basis for dynamic disaster prevention in urban underground space.
Exploring Attitudes toward Communication Skills Training and Their Impact on Patient-Centeredness among Medical Students in Sri Lanka: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dalpatadu S. A. C. , Amaratunga L. T. D. S. , Mudiyanse R. M. , Dalpatadu K. C. S.
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Communication skills (CS) play a paramount role in medical students’ (MS) interaction with patients. They are essential when approaching a patient holistically to provide comprehensive care with the aim of both treating an illness and improving patient satisfaction. However, there seems to be a deficiency in communication skills training (CST) for students in Sri Lanka. Enhancing CS at an early stage will give rise to patient-centered doctors in the future, thus augmenting patient care. This study aimed to evaluate the level and patterns of attitude toward (CST) and the weight of patient-centeredness on such attitudes. Materials and Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires among MS in the final 2 years. The Communication Skills Attitude Scale and Patient–Practitioner Orientation Scale were used to determine attitudes toward CST and patient-centeredness, respectively. Independent sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used to evaluate intervariable relationships. A statistical significance of p <0.05 was used. Results. Students had high positive attitudes (mean 3.80) and lesser negative attitudes (mean 2.16) toward CST, in general. A greater positive attitude was associated with prior attendance to a CST session, female gender, and patient-centeredness. Female students and final-year students showed higher levels of patient-centeredness and also scored more on the caring subscale. There was a significant association between the sharing subscore and a positive attitude toward CST. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that improving patient-centeredness among MS via a CST program would enhance the essential CS required of them. Integration of such a program as a formal subject into the medical curriculum of Sri Lanka, both at the beginning and latter part of the undergraduate course, would lead to better patient-centeredness, thus leading to improved patient care.
Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis in Menopausal Patients: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Eldessouky Hadir F. , Marie Magda
Published: March 2024

Background. Menopause is typically accompanied by significant systemic and oral manifestations, including hormonal changes and increased susceptibility to periodontal disease, which may involve inflammatory biomarkers like aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and osteocalcin in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). The study is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of regular inoculation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as an adjunctive treatment for menopausal women’s periodontitis. Methods. Twenty elderly women with chronic periodontitis were split evenly into two groups by random assignment. Patients in group II (the research group) were given soft gelatin capsules containing PUFAs to be consumed directly once daily for 12 months, as opposed to group I (the control group), who received soft gelatin capsules containing some olive oil (placebo). Scaling and root planning (SRP) were used to address periodontal disease in all cases. Results. At baseline, six and twelve months after treatment, clinical indicators and AST and osteocalcin amounts in the GCF were noted. By the conclusion of the research period, all observed clinical measurements had changed significantly and improved. In addition, there had been a significant decrease in AST levels and a nonsignificant decrease in osteocalcin levels in group II compared to group I. Conclusions. Menopausal women with periodontitis who take omega-3 fatty acid supplements in addition to SRP have better oral health. Significant improvements in clinical indicators and a notable decrease in AST levels within the GCF were observed. However, further research with larger cohorts and extended duration is needed to validate these findings and explain potential mechanisms. This trial is registered with NCT06254118.
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials: Efficacy and Safety of Colchicine for Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Akl Elie , Sahami Nazanin , Labos Christopher , Genest Jacques , Zgheib Ali , Piazza Nicolo , Jolly Sanjit
Published: March 2024

Background. Colchicine has shown potential cardioprotective effects owing to its broad anti-inflammatory properties. We performed a meta-analysis to assess its safety and efficacy in secondary prevention in patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods. We searched Ovid Healthstar, MEDLINE, and Embase (inception to May 2022) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the cardiovascular effects of colchicine compared with placebo or usual care in patients with CAD. Study-level data on efficacy and safety outcomes were pooled using the Peto method. The primary outcome was the composite of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke. Results. A total of 8 RCTs were included with a follow-up duration of ≥1 month, comprising a total of 12,151 patients. Compared with placebo or usual care, colchicine was associated with a significant risk reduction in the primary outcome (odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.83, P<0.0001; I2=52%). Risks of MI (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.62 to 0.91, P=0.003; I2=33%), stroke (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.74, P=0.001; I2=0%), and unplanned coronary revascularization (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.82, P=0.0001; I2=58%) were all reduced in the colchicine group. Rates of CV and all-cause mortality did not differ between the two groups, but there was an increase in noncardiac deaths with colchicine (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.15, P=0.01; I2=51%). The occurrence of all other adverse events was similar between the two groups, including GI reactions (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.20, P=0.35; I2=42%) and infections (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.28, P=0.74; I2=53%). Conclusions. Colchicine therapy may reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events in patients with established CAD; however, there remains a concern about non-CV mortality. Further trials are underway that will shed light on non-CV mortality and colchicine NCT03048825, and NCT02898610.
A Novel Hybrid MPPT Controller for PEMFC Fed High Step-Up Single Switch DC-DC Converter
Authors: Rafikiran Shaik , Basha C. H. Hussaian , Dhanamjayulu C.
Published: March 2024

At present, there are different types of Renewable Energy Resources (RESs) available in nature which are wind, tidal, fuel cell, and solar. The wind, tidal, and solar power systems give discontinuous power supply which is not suitable for the present automotive systems. Here, the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Stack (PEMFS) is used for supplying the power to the electrical vehicle systems. The features of fuel stack networks are very quick static response, plus low atmospheric pollution. Also, this type of power supply system consists of high flexibility and more reliability. However, the fuel stack drawback is a nonlinear power supply nature. As a result, the functioning point of the fuel stack varies from one position to another position on the V-I curve of the fuel stack. Here, the first objective of the work is the development of the Grey Wolf Optimization Technique (GWOT) involving a Fuzzy Logic Controller (FLC) for finding the Maximum Power Point (MPP) of the fuel stack. This hybrid GWOT-FLC controller stabilizes the source power under various operating temperature conditions of the fuel stack. However, the fuel stack supplies very little output voltage which is improved by introducing the Single Switch Universal Supply Voltage Boost Converter (SSUSVBC) in the second objective. The features of this proposed DC-DC converter are fewer voltage distortions of the fuel stack output voltage, high voltage conversion ratio, and low-level voltage stress on switches. The fuel stack integrated SSUSVBC is analyzed by selecting the MATLAB/Simulink window. Also, the proposed DC-DC converter is tested by utilizing the programmable DC source.
Translational Frontiers and Clinical Opportunities of Immunologically Fitted Radiotherapy
Authors: Morel Daphné , Robert Charlotte , Paragios Nikos , Grégoire Vincent , Deutsch Eric
Published: March 2024

Ionizing radiation can have a wide range of impacts on tumor–immune interactions, which are being studied with the greatest interest and at an accelerating pace by the medical community. Despite its undeniable immunostimulatory potential, it clearly appears that radiotherapy as it is prescribed and delivered nowadays often alters the host's immunity toward a suboptimal state. This may impair the full recovery of a sustained and efficient antitumor immunosurveillance posttreatment. An emerging concept is arising from this awareness and consists of reconsidering the way of designing radiation treatment planning, notably by taking into account the individualized risks of deleterious radio-induced immune alteration that can be deciphered from the planned beam trajectory through lymphocyte-rich organs. In this review, we critically appraise key aspects to consider while planning immunologically fitted radiotherapy, including the challenges linked to the identification of new dose constraints to immune-rich structures. We also discuss how pharmacologic immunomodulation could be advantageously used in combination with radiotherapy to compensate for the radio-induced loss, for example, with (i) agonists of interleukin (IL)2, IL4, IL7, IL9, IL15, or IL21, similarly to G-CSF being used for the prophylaxis of severe chemo-induced neutropenia, or with (ii) myeloid-derived suppressive cell blockers.
Supplementary Figure 3 from Dabrafenib Alters MDSC Differentiation and Function by Activation of GCN2
Authors: Ciudad M. Teresa , Quevedo Rene , Lamorte Sara , Jin Robbie , Nzirorera Nadine , Koritzinsky Marianne , McGaha Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Figure 3
FIGURE 6 from Dabrafenib Alters MDSC Differentiation and Function by Activation of GCN2
Authors: Ciudad M. Teresa , Quevedo Rene , Lamorte Sara , Jin Robbie , Nzirorera Nadine , Koritzinsky Marianne , McGaha Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

MDSC differentiation arrest is a result of a combination of cell cycle and myeloid lineage alteration. A and B, Relative frequency of cells in each Seurat cluster from scRNA-seq data of MDSCs ± 1.5 µmol/L DAB. Relative levels were calculated on the basis of the standardized residuals from using Pearson χ2 overlaid on the UMAP plot of integrated samples (A) and grouped by functional annotation (B). Positive standardized residuals (yellow) for each cluster indicates increased frequency in the DAB-treated sample whereas a negative number (purple) indicates increased frequency in the DMSO control sample. A dotted line indicates standardized residual values of ±3. C, UMAP plot of the integrated scRNA-seq data from MDSCs ± 1.5 µmol/L DAB, showing the trajectory branches calculated by Monocle3 and represented over the 22 clusters defined by Seurat. Most relevant nodes at the end of the branches (black dots) and at intersections (red dots) are shown. Nodes used as starting (a) or end (b and c) points for regulon analysis across the branch are labeled. D, Heat map of the regulons significantly regulated by DAB calculated on AUCell (q < 0.01, |log2FC| >0.01) for each Seurat cluster. Color represents regulons significantly enriched in cells treated with DAB (red), those enriched in control samples (blue) and the ones that do not show significant changes (light yellow). E, Heat map of the regulons significantly regulated during differentiation in the direction from node a to node b in C, which spans from cluster 6 (immature granulocytes) to cluster 9 (intermediate granulocytes) in DMSO control cell cultures. Scale represents z-score of the normalized average AUCell score per regulon. F, Heat map of the regulons significantly regulated during differentiation in the direction from node a to node c in C, which spans from cluster 6 (immature granulocytes) to cluster 5 (mature PMN) in DMSO control cell cultures. Scale represents z-score of the normalized average AUCell score per regulon. DAB = dabrafenib.
FIGURE 5 from Dabrafenib Alters MDSC Differentiation and Function by Activation of GCN2
Authors: Ciudad M. Teresa , Quevedo Rene , Lamorte Sara , Jin Robbie , Nzirorera Nadine , Koritzinsky Marianne , McGaha Tracy L.
Published: March 2024

Dabrafenib induces broad transcriptional changes in MDSCs. A, Top, UMAP plot of the integrated scRNA-seq data from MDSC differentiated ± 1.5 µmol/L DAB, showing the 22 clusters defined by Seurat analysis. Bottom, UMAP plot of the integrated scRNA showing the 11 annotated lineage clusters. B, UMAP plot of the integrated scRNA-seq data from MDSCs showing RNA expression of selected myeloid markers. Scale represents normalized RNA expression. C, Heat map of the SCPA multivariate distribution analysis of genes associated with the Hallmark, Reactome, and Gene Ontology (GO) Biological process pathways. Pathways are representative top biological processes involved in myeloid cell and PMN differentiation, MAPK activation, ISR, UPR, proliferation and translation, cytokine signaling, and respiration metabolism. Left panel shows q-value for individual pathways in each cluster. Right panel shows the average q-value ±SD for the pathways included in the biological process indicated, for each annotated group. Higher q-values represent pathways with greater differences upon stimulation with DAB versus control. q-value is defined by SCPA as the square root of the log10(P-adjusted values) based on the Rosenbaum cross-match test.
Identification of Nonfunctional Alternatively Spliced Isoforms of STING in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Boda Akash R. , Liu Arthur J. , Castro-Pando Susana , Whitfield Benjamin T. , Molldrem Jeffrey J. , Al-Atrash Gheath , Di Francesco Maria Emilia , Jones Philip , Ager Casey R. , Curran Michael A.
Published: March 2024

Lack of robust activation of Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway and subsequent induction of type I IFN responses is considered a barrier to antitumor immunity in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using common human AML cell lines as in vitro tools to evaluate the efficacy of novel STING agonists, we found most AML lines to be poor producers of IFNs upon exposure to extremely potent agonists, suggesting cell-intrinsic suppression of STING signaling may occur. We observed unexpected patterns of response that did not correlate with levels of STING pathway components or of known enzymes associated with resistance. To identify a genetic basis for these observations, we cloned and sequenced STING from the cDNA of human AML cell lines and found both frequent mutations and deviations from normal RNA splicing. We identified two novel spliced isoforms of STING in these lines and validated their expression in primary human AML samples. When transduced into reporter cells, these novel STING isoforms exhibited complete insensitivity to agonist stimulation. These observations identify alternative splicing as a mechanism of STING pathway suppression and suggest that most AML silences the STING pathway through direct modification rather than through engagement of external inhibitory factors.

Significance:

We find that AML acquires resistance to innate immune activation via the STING pathway through aberrant splicing of the STING transcript including two novel forms described herein that act as dominant negatives. These data broaden understanding of how cancers evolve STING resistance, and suggest that the AML tumor microenvironment, not the cancer cell, should be the target of therapeutic interventions to activate STING.
Measuring Change over Time on Cognitive Screening Measures: An Evaluation of the Psychometric Properties of ACE-III, CBI-R, and EMQ for the Purpose of Dementia Screening
Authors: Murphy Donnchadh F. , Scott Jonathan P. , Noad Rupert F.
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Cognitive screening measures are an established part of a dementia assessment and often include measures of subjective difficulties, e.g., Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ), informant-rated difficulty, Cambridge Behavioural Inventory – Revised (CBI-R), and objective cognitive assessments like Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE-III). While these measures have validity for the purpose of diagnosing dementia, in clinical practice they are often used outside of their evidence base for the purpose of cognitive re-assessment. The current study sought to evaluate the psychometric properties for the repeated use of these assessments. Methods: This study used a longitudinal design, which included 49 healthy controls, 33 people with subjective memory difficulties, and 10 people with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being assessed twice, with approximately a 1-year interval between assessments. Results: The EMQ has adequate re-test reliability (r = 0.78), but people with an AD diagnosis rated their memory as better than those with SMD, making it unsuitable as a measure. The CBI-R had moderate re-test reliability (r = 0.62). However, deterioration on the CBI-R was not useful for diagnosing AD. The ACE-III has high re-test reliability (r = 0.89). A change of five was associated with reasonable classification accuracy for identifying AD and achieved statistical significance. Conclusion: Using a 1-year interval, of the three measures used in this study, only the ACE-III total score may be a useful measure of change over time, although it should be applied cautiously due to the lack of representativeness of the sample, and change scores should always be triangulated with other forms of evidence of deterioration.
Characterization of a Novel TiF4 Inclusion Complex and in vitro Evaluation of Its Effect on Inhibiting Enamel Demineralization
Authors: Farhadi Elham , Ranjbar Omrani Ladan , Abdi Khosrou , Rafeie Niyousha , Moradi Zohreh
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Titanium tetrafluoride (TiF4) is an anticariogenic agent with high remineralizing potential. However, the acidic pH of TiF4 solution can limit its clinical application. The present study aimed to prepare and characterize a new TiF4-dendrimer inclusion complex and evaluate its ability to inhibit enamel demineralization under pH cycling conditions. Methods: PEG-citrate dendrimer and TiF4-dendrimer inclusion complex were synthesized and their molecular structures were evaluated using Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Hydrogen Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (HNMR), and Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) tests. Forty-eight enamel samples were prepared and randomly divided into four groups: distilled water (negative control), TiF4 solution (T), dendrimer solution (D), and TiF4-dendrimer solution (TD). The microhardness of the samples was measured initially. Next, the samples underwent pH cycling, were exposed to the solutions, the microhardness was measured again, and microhardness loss was calculated. EDX analysis was performed on the surface and cross-sectional segments of the samples. Results: The microhardness loss was significantly higher in control (−65.1 ± 6.0) compared to other groups. No significant difference was observed between T (−47.9 ± 5.6) and D (−41.7 ± 12.0) and also D and TD (−40.5 ± 9.4) in this regard. Microhardness loss was significantly higher in T compared to TD group. The TD samples showed similar fluoride and titanium content in both surface and subsurface regions, while the T group had higher concentrations in the surface region. Moreover, the TD solution had a higher pH of 3.4 compared to the T solution’s pH of 1.1. Conclusion: No significant difference was observed between the efficacy of TiF4-dendrimer and TiF4 solution in inhibiting demineralization while TiF4-dendrimer solution had the added advantage of having a higher pH.
Persistent COVID-19: A Case Report of an Immunocompromised Patient and a Literature Review
Authors: Bekkaoui Sirine , Venton Geoffroy , Bretelle Fannie , Garrido Victoria , Chabbert Victor , Gayet Stéphane , Dalmas Paul , Tichadou Antoine , Jarrot Pierre-André , Villani Patrick , Daumas Aurélie , Arcani Robin
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Immunocompromised patients can show prolonged shedding of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and persistent symptoms, which is called persistent COVID-19. Case Presentation: We report a case of an immunocompromised patient who was treated for mantle cell lymphoma and was suffering from B-cell depletion. The patient developed persistent COVID-19, which was confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests in only sputum and bronchoalveolar fluid which remained positive for at least 112 days. The patient was successfully treated with SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma. Conclusion: It could be of interest to investigate the RT-PCR results of SARS-CoV-2 in sputum/bronchoalveolar lavage samples from immunocompromised patients with unexplained pneumonia.
Rationale for the Inclusion of β-Blockers Among Major Antihypertensive Drugs in the 2023 European Society of Hypertension Guidelines
Authors: Mancia Giuseppe , Brunström Mattias , Burnier Michel , Grassi Guido , Januszewicz Andrzej , Kjeldsen Sverre E. , Muiesan Maria Lorenza , Thomopoulos Costas , Tsioufis Konstantinos , Kreutz Reinhold
Published: March 2024

We address the reasons why, unlike other guidelines, in the 2023 guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension β-blockers (BBs) have been regarded as major drugs for the treatment of hypertension, at the same level as diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and blockers of the renin-angiotensin system. We argue that BBs, (1) reduce blood pressure (the main factor responsible for treatment-related protection) not less than other drugs, (2) reduce pooled cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in placebo-controlled trials, in which there has also been a sizeable reduction of all major cause-specific cardiovascular outcomes, (3) have been associated with a lower global cardiovascular protection in 2 but not in several other comparison trials, in which the protective effect of BBs versus the other major drugs has been similar or even greater, with a slightly smaller or no difference of global benefit in large trial meta-analyses and a similar protective effect when comparisons extend to BBs in combination versus other drug combinations. We mention the large number of cardiac and other comorbidities for which BBs are elective drugs, and we express criticism against the exclusion of BBs because of their lower protective effect against stroke in comparison trials, because, for still uncertain reasons, differences in protection against cause-specific events (stroke, heart failure, and coronary disease) have been reported for other major drugs. These partial data cannot replace global benefits as the main deciding factor for drug choice, also because in the general hypertensive population whether and which type of event might occur is unknown.
Evaluating Transport Strategies and Local Hospital Impact on Stroke Outcomes: A RACECAT Trial Substudy
Authors: Olive‐Gadea Marta , Rodrigo‐Gisbert Marc , Garcia‐Tornel Alvaro , Rudilosso Salvatore , Rodríguez Alejandro , Doncel‐Moriano Antonio , Werner Mariano Facundo , Renú Arturo , Muchada Marian , Requena Manuel , Rizzo Federica , de la Ossa Natalia Pérez , Abilleira Sònia , Ribo Marc , Urra Xabier ,   the RACECAT Trial Investigators
Published: March 2024

Background

The optimal strategy for transferring patients to specialized acute stroke care remains controversial. This substudy of the Effect of Direct Transportation to Thrombectomy‐Capable Center vs Local Stroke Center on Neurological Outcomes in Patients with suspected Large‐Vessel Occlusion Stroke in Nonurban Areas (RACECAT) trial aims to investigate the impact of local hospital characteristics and performance on the optimal transport strategy and stroke outcomes.

Methods

This was a secondary post hoc analysis of the RACECAT trial, evaluating factors potentially associated with functional outcomes among patients initially evaluated at a local stroke center (Local‐SC) versus a thrombectomy‐capable center. The primary outcome was the shift in the 90‐day modified Rankin Scale score in the target population of the RACECAT trial. Door‐to‐needle time, level of care of the Local‐SC (telestroke versus primary stroke center), the specialty of the physician involved with therapeutic decisions, and Local‐SC case volume were assessed for subgroup analyses.

Results

Of the 1367 patients included in the analysis, 903 had acute ischemic strokes (modified intention to treat). The 90‐day modified Rankin Scale score was associated with door‐to‐needle time in the entire modified intention‐to‐treat cohort (
P
 = 0.026) and in patients initially evaluated in a Local‐SC (
P
 = 0.063), and with local hospital level of care (telestroke versus primary stroke center;
P
 = 0.10). There was a trend favoring direct transport to thrombectomy‐capable center for patients whose assigned Local‐SC was a telestroke center (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.47 [95% CI, 0.93–2.33] versus 0.94 [95% CI, 0.71–1.24];
P
interaction
 = 0.08) or had door‐to‐needle time over the global median (adjusted OR, 1.52 [95% CI, 0.97–2.40] versus 0.94 [95% CI, 0.71–1.25];
P
interaction
 = 0.06). In patients with confirmed large‐vessel occlusion, the benefit of direct transport to thrombectomy‐capable centers when the Local‐SC was a telestroke center (
P
interaction
 = 0.04) or had longer door‐to‐needle time (
P
interaction
 = 0.07) was more evident.

Conclusions

Direct transport to thrombectomy‐capable centers may be preferable in areas primarily covered by telestroke or Local‐SCs with poorer performance, especially in patients with large‐vessel occlusion. These findings can contribute to refining prehospital triage strategies and optimizing stroke systems of care.
Justice and the Atonement: a Public Theology to Confront Police Brutality in America
Authors: Coulter Matt R.
Published: March 2024

This article proposes a public theology of justice in light of police brutality and broad injustice in American policing. That public theology is created through rediscovering the socially and politically transformative nature of the atonement to build a foundation for understanding justice as a proactive, communal, and transformative force. By diagnosing the sickness via historical context and engaging with a plurality of voices, the result is an holistic approach within a framework that catalyzes the conversation forward toward transformative justice.
Aflatoxins in the nut chains: strategies to reduce their impact on consumer’s health and economic losses
Authors: Chulze S.N. , Alaniz Zanon M.S. , Taniwaki M.H. , Tsitsigiannis D. , Olsen M. , Ortega Beltran A. , Herrera M. , Vargas E. , Logrieco A. , Battilani P.
Published: March 2024

The presence of Aspergillus section Flavi and aflatoxins (AFs) in nut chains are of great concern due to the toxic effects of AFs on human and animal health as well as the economic losses during commercialisation. Extreme events related to climate change like increased temperature, severe rainfalls and droughts are modulating factors of fungal growth and mycotoxin production. The Expert Working Group (EWG) on nuts that worked under the frame of the Horizon 2020 Mycokey Project prepared this review based on discussions about the situation of contamination with AFs in nuts and the available strategies to reduce the impact of these toxins in the nut chains. The EWG selected as examples peanuts, pistachios and Brazil nuts, and discussed in the review the importance of nut value chains in the production, commercialisation and regulations that establish maximum levels for AFs. Also data on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) was considered and showed several notifications for mycotoxins, mainly AFs for nuts and nut products, such as pistachio nuts and dried mix nuts. Under a scenario of climate change, we elaborated strategies to prevent AFs contamination with emphasis on biocontrol and decision support systems. Also, the relevance of strategies to prevent and reduce both fungal infection and AFs accumulation in peanuts, Brazil nuts and pistachio are included as guidelines.
Migrant Activists and Cultural Spaces of Anticolonialism in Weimar Berlin
Authors: Petersson Fredrik
Published: March 2024

Weimar Berlin was an anticolonial metropolis in the interwar period. After the ending of the Great War in 1918, Berlin developed into a hotbed of political activism, culminating in 1933 with the Nazi Party’s ascendancy to power, having migrants from the colonial and semi-colonial world arriving, living and working in the city. In this spatial and temporal setting established individuals, holding different national and cultural backgrounds, networks that overlapped with the political milieu of pacifism, socialism and communism in Germany. In some cases this resulted in anticolonial articulations that explicitly fused politics with culture. By mapping and locating these anticolonial articulations in Weimar Berlin, drawing inspiration from theoretical concepts on space and place, the essay analyze the spatial setting of anticolonial politics and culture, and how this constituted an articulated resistance against colonialism and imperialism, performed at theaters, in film, music, or curricular activities. The essay is based on archival research conducted in Berlin, Moscow and Stockholm.
UK Withdrawal From the echr (‘BrECHRit’): From Taboo to Tenable?
Authors: Bates Ed
Published: March 2024

In the 1990s it was almost a taboo for senior United Kingdom (UK) politicians to criticise the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR); however, it has now become commonplace, especially since 2012. There has been more and more criticism of the ECtHR by certain Conservative politicians, the talk including regular references to the possibility that the UK could withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (echr). Increasingly UK withdrawal (‘BrECHRit’) has been presented as a credible position – a tenable, not taboo option. This article charts this trend and provides a critical analysis of the same, contextualised to the various legal developments occurring in parallel with it. It sets out what is referred to as the ‘closed’/‘inward-looking’ approach adopted to the echr by UK Conservative politicians since 2012, and points out that this has roots going back to at least the 1990s.
Innovation Energy as a Stimulus for Converting Employees’ Innovation Properties into IWB, Yielding Result Drive, Flow and Stamina
Authors: van Essen Henk Jan
Published: March 2024

The article centres on a study, extending from two preceding case studies, with a specific focus on exploring the converting role of innovation energy in the realm of innovative work behaviour (IWB). The findings underscore the pivotal role of innovation energy in converting the individual innovation properties—creativity, psychological empowerment and optimism—into IWB. It also underscores the significance of organisational attention to these individual properties, along with four additional working mechanisms—autonomy in work design, innovative teamwork, supportive leadership and external contacts—all of which impact the converting process. Insights gleaned from this case study show that innovation energy plays a crucial role in the overall IWB process. Through a careful examination of the interplay between the construct of innovation energy and five associated mechanisms, the article offers an understanding of the IWB process as observed through the lens of engaged employees actively demonstrating IWB.
Revisionary insights into the genus Ledebouria (Asparagaceae) from India
Authors: CHAKRAL KIRAN GANGADHAR , DUTTA SUCHANDRA RANJIT , RODRIGUES HENSAL , DWIVEDI MAYANK
Published: March 2024

The genus Ledebouria Roth (Asparagaceae: Scilloideae) is currently known to have 3 species from India. The accepted name for L. hyacinthina is L. revoluta. The two taxa have been segregated based on presence of bulblets, threads when leaves and bulb scales are torn, number of inflorescence & presence of basal ovary lobes. Molecular evidence supports this segregation. L. hyderabadensis and L. karnatakensis are reduced to variety & forma of L. hyacinthina respectively. One new variety and a new forma of L. hyacinthina are also described here from Maharashtra.
Species richness, geographic distribution and endemism of Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) in the Mexican Transition Zone
Authors: LÓPEZ-PÉREZ JORGE DAVID , ZAMUDIO SERGIO , MUNGUÍA-LINO GUADALUPE , RODRÍGUEZ AARÓN
Published: March 2024

The genus Pinguicula (Lentibulariaceae) is composed of 115 species of carnivorous plants and Mexico is a center of diversification. The Mexican Transition Zone (MTZ) is the boundary between the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. It includes the main mountain ranges of Mexico, which extend south to northeastern Nicaragua. Its geological history, physiographic diversity and climatic complexity would have provided the environment to support a rich flora as well as angiosperm endemism. It was expected that the distribution of Pinguicula would have the same pattern. To test this hypothesis, a database was constructed based on the review of herbaria specimens, digital herbaria, bibliography, and databases. Species richness distribution and endemism were evaluated by country, biome, biogeographic province, elevation gradient, and three grid-cells sizes. The species richness of Pinguicula was centered in Mexico in an elevation gradient extending from 1,501–2,000 m. Also, species richness was greatest in the Tropical & Subtropical Coniferous Forest biome. However, considering biogeographic criteria, the Sierra Madre Oriental (SMOr) was the richest province. This was also supported by the distribution of the cells with the highest species richness and endemism. The results showed that the pattern of species richness and endemism of Pinguicula was concentrated along the MTZ, particularly in the SMOr.
A distinctive new species of Protozantaena Perkins, 1997 from lowland Namaqualand, South Africa (Coleoptera, Hydraenidae)
Authors: BILTON DAVID T. , MLAMBO MUSA C.
Published: March 2024

Protozantaena gigantea sp. nov. is described, based on specimens collected from residual pools in a drying seasonal river in Namaqualand, Northern Cape Province, South Africa. Morphologically, the new species appears to be related to P. labrata Perkins, 1997 from Namibia and P. birdi Bilton, 2022, from the Great Escarpment in the Eastern Cape Province. At up to 2.0 mm in body length, the new species, whilst small, is by far the largest African Protozantaena Perkins, 1997 known to date. The opportunity is also taken to report a new record for P. birdi in the Eastern Cape Drakensberg.
Effects of MicroRNA-24 on Myocardial Fibrosis in Rats After Myocardial Infarction by Targeting Wnt Family Member 4/Dvl-1/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Qi Zhenhui , Tong Ling , Huang Jinxi , Su Qingfeng
Published: March 2024

In this study, we investigated the impact of miR-24 on myocardial fibrosis severity in rats following myocardial infarction (MI) and explored its underlying mechanisms. We established an MI-induced myocardial fibrosis rat model and assessed cardiac function via echocardiography. We
employed Western blotting and RT-qPCR to examine the effects of agomiR-24 on key fibrotic markers, including COL1A1, COL3A1, and α-SMA. Microarray analysis, pathway enrichment, and proteinprotein interaction network analysis revealed the signaling pathways and genes influenced
by agomiR-24. Primary rat cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated, and miR-24’s direct target was confirmed using luciferase reporter assays. We modulated miR-24 expression in CFs and assessed cell proliferation and invasion through CCK-8 and Transwell assays, respectively. Furthermore,
we investigated the impact of miR-24 on the Wnt4/Dvl-1/β-catenin signaling pathway by Western blotting. Finally, we examined mRNA expression levels of key genes (Cyclin D1, p27, p21, MMP-3, and MMP-9) through RT-qPCR. Our findings demonstrated that agomiR-24 improved cardiac function
and reduced fibrotic marker expression in rat myocardial tissues. MiR-24 inhibited CF proliferation and invasion, potentially by targeting Wnt4/Dvl-1/β- catenin signaling. It also regulated mRNA expression of genes associated with cell proliferation and matrix remodeling. Overall,
our study suggests that miR-24 may attenuate myocardial fibrosis in post-MI rats by suppressing the Wnt4/Dvl- 1/β-catenin pathway.
LncRNA Myocardial Infarction-Associated Transcript (MIAT)/miR-505-5p Axis Regulates Proliferation and Migration of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells of Hypertension Mice
Authors: Yang Hua , Song Hongfei , Xiong Pan
Published: March 2024

To clarify the role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MIAT in regulating proliferative and migratory abilities in VSMCs extracted from hypertension mice via downregulating microRNA-505-5p (miR-505-5p). Serum levels of MIAT and miR-505-5p in enrolled 20 hypertension patients and 20 healthy
volunteers were detected. VSMCs were extracted from hypertension mice and healthy mice. Regulatory effects of MIAT and miR-505-5p on proliferative and migratory abilities in VSMCs were examined. At last, the interaction between MIAT and miR-505-5p was explored by dual-luciferase reporter assay
and rescue experiments. Serum level of MIAT was higher in hypertension patients than those of healthy subjects, while miR-505-5p was downregulated. MIAT level was negatively correlated to miR-505-5p level in serum of hypertension patients. Knockdown of MIAT suppressed proliferative and migratory
abilities in VSMCs extracted from hypertension mice. In addition, knockdown of MIAT upregulated E-cadherin and downregulated Vimentin and Snail-1. MiR-505-5p was verified to be the target binding MIAT. Knockdown of miR-505-5p reversed regulatory effects of MIAT on VSMCs phenotypes. LncRNA
MIAT stimulates VSMCs in hypertension mice to proliferate and migrate through downregulating miR-505-5p, which may be a promising target for diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.
[ARTICLE WITHDRAWN] Shenfu Injection Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Septic Acute Kidney Injury by Regulating the Nrf2/NF-κ B Axis
Authors: Wang Yajun , Kang Kai , Lin Yilu , Lai Qiqi , Tang Yujia , Wang Xintong , Wu Di , Liu Huiying , Meng Huan , Huang Libin , Gao Yang
Published: March 2024

THIS ARTICLE WAS WITHDRAWN BY THE PUBLISHER IN AUGUST 2024
Characterization of Immunogenic Cell Death Related Molecular Subtypes and Its Therapeutic Implications for Prostate Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Jie , Wang Chao , Zhou Chuan , Da Zijian , Zhou Fenghai
Published: March 2024

This study investigates immunogenic cell death (ICD)-related gene expression patterns in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD), explores the potential for ICD activation to induce anticancer effects, and identifies molecular subtypes in PRAD. Datasets from TCGA and GEO were analyzed using
R software to assess ICD-related gene expression changes. Up-regulated genes included EIF2AK3, FOXP3, BAX, PDIA3, CALR, and CASP8, while down-regulated genes included IL1R, PIK3CA, IL17A, and others. Western blot confirmation supported the up-regulation of EIF2AK3, FOXP3, BAX, PDIA3, CALR,
and CASP8. Clustering 497 samples based on 33 ICD-related genes revealed three molecular subtypes, with distinct gene functions and varying PD-L1 expression levels. The PRAD tumor microenvironment exhibited an abundance of resting dendritic cells and rare activated dendritic cells. This study
suggests that diverse ICD-related genes are expressed in PRAD, leading to the classification of three molecular subtypes, which could guide precise molecular-level treatments. Additionally, the presence of resting dendritic cells in the PRAD tumor microenvironment hints at the potential for
ICD-based therapies to activate these cells for anti-tumor effects.
Ras-Related Protein Rab24 is a Predictor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Prognosis and Promotes Tumor Growth
Authors: Ding Han , Liu Song , Ding Zhiguo , Wang Zhaojun , Lu Xingsheng
Published: March 2024

Ras-related protein Rab24, a member of the small GTPase family, plays a vital role in regulating intracellular protein trafficking. Recent research has uncovered dysregulation of Rab24 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its clinical implications and tumor-related effects require
further investigation. We aimed to investigate Rab24’s expression patterns and its role in HCC progression. We analyzed Rab24 expression in HCC and adjacent tissues at the transcriptional, mRNA, and protein levels. The prognostic significance of Rab24 in HCC was assessed through univariate
and multivariate analyses, along with Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Rab24’s impact on cell proliferation was investigated through cellular and xenograft experiments. Our findings revealed elevated Rab24 expression in HCC tissues compared to adjacent liver tissues. High Rab24
expression correlated with larger tumor size and advanced tumor stage. Additionally, HCC patients with high Rab24 expression experienced poorer overall survival, with Rab24 identified as an independent prognostic factor. Manipulating Rab24 expression in HCC cell lines demonstrated its role
in promoting tumor proliferation. Silencing Rab24 significantly reduced xenograft growth in vivo. This study highlights the significant association between high Rab24 expression and poorer HCC prognosis, suggesting Rab24’s potential as a novel clinical biomarker and therapeutic
target.
Tumor-Derived Exosomes Promote the Angiogenic Function of Vascular Endothelial Cells by Activating the miR-423-5p/EFNA3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liang Zhongzeng , Zhang Yuanqi , Huang Chaosheng , Yan Zeming , Miao Huilai
Published: March 2024

Angiogenesis plays a key role in promoting the growth and metastasis of breast tumors. Tumor exosomes (EXs) contribute to angiogenesis in various tumor tissues by transferring their carried RNAs. MiR-423-5p was enriched in multiple tumors and implicated in tumor growth. In this study,
we investigated the roles and underlying mechanisms of tumor-derived EXs and their carried miR-423-5p in regulating human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) functions. EXs derived from MCF-7 cells (MCF-7 EXs) or with miR-423-5p knockdown (MCF-7 EXsSimiR-423-5p) were collected
and incubated with ECs, and then the proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of ECs were detected. We found that miR-423-5p was enriched in breast cancer, MCF-7 cell lines and their derived EXs. After coculture with HUVECs, MCF-7 EXs merged into HUVECs and subsequently increased
the miR-423-5p expression, proliferation, migration, and tube formation abilities of HUVECs, paralleling the increased EFNA3 and Notch1 expression, which was partially abolished by miR-423-5p knockdown. Altogether, our data suggest that MCF-7 EXs enriched with miR-423-5p promote the angiogenic
function of vascular endothelial cells by activating the miR-423-5p/EFNA3/Akt signaling pathway.