bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of polymeric nanoparticles and traditional agents in dental implant decontamination
Authors: Haugen Håvard J , Bueno Jaime , Hussain Badra , Osorio Raquel , Sanz Mariano
Published: January 2025

Peri-implant diseases, such as peri-implantitis, affect up to 47% of dental implant recipients, primarily due to biofilm formation. Current decontamination methods vary in efficacy, prompting interest in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for their antimicrobial and protein-specific cleaning properties. This study evaluated the efficacy of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) in decontaminating titanium dental implants by removing proteinaceous pellicle layers and resisting recontamination. Titanium discs were treated with saline water, PrefGel®, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), GUM® Paroex®, or polymeric NPs, and analysed using SEM, EDX, XPS, and contact angle measurements to assess changes in surface composition, morphology, and hydrophilicity. Polymeric NPs significantly reduced nitrogen levels compared to PrefGel® (mean reduction: 2.6%, p < 0.05), indicating effective protein removal. However, their carbon reduction efficacy was similar to that of other agents. SEM images revealed that polymeric NPs disaggregated larger protein aggregates but did not fully decontaminate the surface. Contact angle analysis showed changes in hydrophilicity consistent with other treatments. Hydrogen peroxide performed best overall, achieving the lowest carbon levels post-recontamination (mean reduction: 13%, p < 0.01). While polymeric NPs exhibited unique protein-specific cleaning potential, their overall performance was comparable to traditional agents. Residual contaminants, including carbon and oxygen, persisted on all treated surfaces, indicating enhanced cleaning strategies were needed. These findings highlight the potential of polymeric NPs as an innovative approach to implant decontamination, particularly for protein-specific biofilm control. However, their efficacy in broader applications remains like that of conventional methods. This research contributes to developing targeted decontamination protocols to manage peri-implant diseases and improve long-term implant outcomes.
Efficacy of Oral Melatonin Supplementation as an Adjunct in Periodontal Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Clinical Trails
Authors: Ramesh KSV , Kumar K Anil , Vivek B , Lakshmi K Rama , Manisha B , Joshna I , Krishna D Murali
Published: February 2025

Aim:

To study the effectiveness of melatonin supplements used orally as an adjunct to NSPT in the treatment of periodontitis.

Materials and methods:

Using Booleans like “AND,” “OR,” the MesH terms “melatonin” AND “periodontitis,” “melatonin” OR “periodontitis” were searched for in the databases of “Web of Science,” “PubMed,” and “Scopus” from 2010 till July 2023. Randomized controlled clinical trials that prescribed the oral supplementation of melatonin as an adjunct to NSPT were included. For continuous outcomes, mean differences and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to summarize the results of each study. The meta‑analysis was conducted using fixed‑ or random‑effects methods. Fixed‑effects meta‑analysis was used when the heterogeneity was small ( I 2 < 60%, p < .05). When the heterogeneity was large ( I 2 > 60%, p > .05), a random‑effects model analysis was undertaken. All statistical analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.4. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were registered on the PROSPERO (CRD42023455908) on September 8, 2023.

Results:

A total of 109 publications were found (40 PubMed, 35 Scopus, and 34 Web of Science). We eliminated 70 articles that were identical. Only seven of the 39 articles that were examined met the requirements for acceptance and were chosen for the qualitative review. In every study, periodontal metrics such as pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and plaque index gingival index improved. Outcome data were taken from every research.

Conclusions:

Key periodontal indicators, including pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, have improved in individuals with periodontitis when melatonin is administered systemically. However, the presented data should be interpreted cautiously due to the substantial potential for bias. To provide stronger clinical results and indications, more carefully planned RCTs must be carried out in addition to standardizing the dosage titration, frequency, and formulation.

Clinical implications:

Melatonin is one possible substance that modulates the host when used as an adjunctive to non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Lymphocytic Esophagitis: Navigating an Uncharted Territory
Authors: Jradi Ahmad , Khoury Kaline Maya , Karam Karam , El Hajj Dr. Ihab I. , Fiani Elias
Published: January 2025

Lymphocytic esophagitis (LE) is an uncommon subtype of esophagitis defined by persistent esophageal inflammation characterized by a high count of intraepithelial lymphocytes with scarce granulocytes. Although LE can present with atypical features such as chest pain, its clinical presentation can mimic that of gastroesophageal reflux disease or eosinophilic esophagitis, highlighting the importance of biopsy in diagnosing LE. Studies are still limited in understanding the pathophysiology behind this disease warranting further research. A 47-year-old female patient sought medical care with a chief complaint of recurrent substernal chest pain for the past year. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed and showed patchy linear esophageal erosions and mucosal edema in the middle third of the esophagus with mild erythema. Biopsies revealed intraepithelial lymphocytosis with more than 40 lymphocytes per high-power field, corroborating a diagnosis of LE. Patient reported improvement after receiving high dose of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) on her first follow-up, advised to follow a low-acid diet and an annual endoscopy to monitor her response to treatment. Lymphocytic esophagitis often presents with symptoms that overlap with other esophageal diseases explaining the possible errors in underdiagnosing it as reason behind non-cardiac chest pain. This case plays an instrumental role in changing the way physicians translate unexplained chest pain, adding LE to their list of differential diagnosis as prompt detection slows us to start management with PPIs quicker and lessen the burden of symptoms on the patient. Standardized treatment approaches and further studies are required to clarify the connection between LE and non-cardiac chest discomfort.
Effect of Ramp Lesions on Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Ishibashi Hikaru K. , Sasaki Eiji , Chiba Daisuke , Tsushima Takahiro , Kimura Yuka , Tsuda Eiichi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: January 2025

Background:

Ramp lesions (RLs) associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury increase knee instability. However, whether RLs should be treated surgically remains unclear.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

This study aimed to investigate the presence of RLs and compare the knee stability between patients who underwent surgical repair for unstable RLs and those who received nonoperative management for stable RLs. It was hypothesized that there would be a correlation between RLs and knee instability and that RL repair would improve postoperative knee stability.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Overall, 180 patients who underwent primary ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon graft were included in this study. The decision to perform surgical intervention for RLs was based on the size and instability of the RL. Knee stability was evaluated using the KT-1000 arthrometer for side-to-side difference at the manual maximum, as well as the Lachman and pivot-shift tests. Linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to examine factors associated with knee instability.

Results:

Arthroscopy confirmed RLs in 59 patients (32.8%), with a higher prevalence among women; of this total, 33 patients (55.9%) were treated nonoperatively and 26 (44.1%) underwent repair. Although the preoperative side-to-side difference in laxity in the patients with RL was significantly greater than that in patients without RL ( P = .01), no significant clinical differences were observed for the preoperative Lachman test ( P = .50) and pivot-shift test ( P = .36). No secondary meniscal injuries occurred during the follow-up period. There were no significant differences in postoperative laxity between patients with and without RLs.

Conclusion:

Although the presence of RLs was associated with preoperative knee instability, contrary to the hypothesis, RLs were not associated with postoperative knee instability. Stable RLs are clinically benign lesions that may tend to heal spontaneously after appropriate anatomic ACL reconstruction. Therefore, RLs may not require aggressive treatment if they are small and stable.
Dalit Consciousness and Epistemic Resistance: A Study of Ratan Kumar Sambharia’s Short Stories
Authors: Chaudhary Deepak
Published: February 2025

Marginalization has been a part of human society ever since the first civilizational structures started to crystallize. It significantly affects the cognitive functioning of individuals excluded from mainstream culture. It conditions their access to epistemological resources required to exercise discursive agency as an individual. However, marginalization is a multifaceted phenomenon. This article goes beyond a monochromatic reading of the marginalized subject’s identity and argues for positive possibilities available to Dalit individuals as a result of conscious resistance offered by them to the casteist structure around them. This article studies Dalit consciousness and its theorizations for substantiating the incumbency of epistemic resistance upon Dalit individuals. This article focuses on the epistemic virtues of resistance offered by Dalit communities through a study of Ratan Kumar Sambharia’s short stories. He is a Hindi Dalit writer who has written extensively across genres and has been a recipient of state and national literary awards.
Matching plus regression adjustment for the estimation of the average treatment effect on survival outcomes: a case study with mosunetuzumab in relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma
Authors: Di Maio Danilo , Mitchell S. A. , Batson S. , Keeney E. , Thom Howard H. Z.
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (England’s health technology assessment body) recommend the use of the average treatment effect (ATE) as an estimand for economic evaluations. However there is limited literature on methods to estimate the ATE, particularly in the case of survival outcomes. Single-arm trials and real-world data are playing an increasing role in health technology assessments, particularly in oncology/rare diseases, generating a need for new ATE estimation methods. This study aimed to present the adaptation and utility of this methodology for survival outcomes.

Methods

The approach is based on a “doubly robust” method combining matching with regression adjustment (Austin 2020) using a Weibull model (lowest Akaike information criteria [AIC] specification) to estimate counterfactual event times. As a case study, we compared mosunetuzumab versus rituximab/bendamustine, as a proxy for rituximab/chemotherapy, in 3L+ relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma. Individual patient data for mosunetuzumab (NCT02500407) and a combination of two rituximab/bendamustine 3L+ follicular lymphoma cohorts (NCT02187861/NCT02257567) were used. Endpoints included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Sensitivity analyses were performed to test robustness to different distributional assumptions (log-normal, log-logistic and exponential) or model specifications (second, third and fourth lowest AIC) for event times.

Results

The case study found improved PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.43 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.13, 0.91]) and OS (HR 0.30 [95% CI: 0.05, 5.28]) for mosunetuzumab. Consistent findings (HR range 0.25–0.47 and 0.21–0.50 with all CIs excluding/including 1 for PFS/OS, respectively) were observed in sensitivity analyses.

Discussion/conclusions

The proposed adaptation expands the range of available approaches for the estimation of the (local) ATE for survival outcomes in health technology assessments using “doubly robust” methods. This approach appeared relatively robust to modelling decisions in our case study.
Influence of different polymeric materials of implant and attachment on stress distribution in implant-supported overdentures: a three-dimensional finite element study
Authors: Elsayed Sherif , Ahmed Yousra , El-Anwar Mohamed I. , Elddamony Enas , Ashraf Reem
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Investigating high performance thermoplastic polymers as substitutes to titanium alloy, in fabrication of implants and attachments to support mandibular overdenture, aiming to overcome stress shielding effect of titanium alloy implants.

Aim of study

Assessment of stress distribution in polymeric prosthetic components and bone around polymeric implants, in case of implant-supported mandibular overdenture.

Materials and methods

3D finite element model was established for mandibular overdenture, supported bilaterally by two implants at canine region, and retained by two ball attachments. Linear static stress analysis was carried out by ANSYS 2020 R1. Three identical models were created with different materials for modeling of prosthetic components (implant body, gingival former, ball attachment and matrix). The Monolithic principle was applied as the same material was used in modelling all the prosthetic components in each model (Titanium alloy grade V, poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK)). Simultaneous Force application of 60 N was carried out bilaterally at the first molar occlusal surface area using 3 runs (vertical, lateral and oblique).

Results

PEEK and PEKK prosthetic components exhibited the highest total deformation and critical Maximum von Mises stresses values in implant body and gingival former under lateral and oblique loads. The stress values approached the fatigue limit of both polymeric materials presenting low factor of safety (< 1.5). The Peri-implant cortical bone in case of PEEK and PEKK showed nearly double maximum principal stresses compared with the titanium model. Conversely, Maximum von Mises stresses in spongy bone were lower in polymeric models than those of titanium ones. Additionally maximum equivalent strain values in spongy peri-implant bone of polymeric models were also lower than those of titanium model.

Conclusion

Critical high stresses were induced in implant body and gingival former under oblique or lateral loadings, accordingly, fatigue failure of both PEEK and PEKK polymer prosthetic elements was estimated due to low factor of safety. Both PEEK and PEKK Polymer models offered no advantage over titanium one regarding stress shielding effect, due to low stress and strain values generated at spongy peri-implant bone in polymer models.
Provision of dementia-specific care in nursing homes in North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) – analysis of person-centered practices and related problems within a holistic multiple case study
Authors: Schmüdderich Kathrin , Fahsold Anne , Dörner Jonas , Roes Martina , Palm Rebecca , Holle Bernhard
Published: February 2025

Background

To ensure high-quality care for residents living with dementia, recommendations for dementia-specific care do exist internationally as well as in Germany. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how dementia-specific care is currently provided and what can be derived from this for the improvement of dementia-specific care. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the provision of dementia-specific care and related problems in German nursing homes.

Methods

We used a holistic multiple case design with a total of four cases. The cases were defined as care units in which residents living with dementia were cared for. For data collection, we used problem-centered face-to-face interviews, document analysis, and context questionnaires and analyzed all qualitative data inductively and deductively using content structuring qualitative analysis. To identify case-specific and cross-case patterns and themes, we focused on similarities and differences between the cases. The reporting followed the EQUATOR reporting guideline for organizational case studies.

Results

We interviewed 21 professionals, 14 relatives and 8 residents living with dementia. Despite context-specific differences, we identified a variation of care practices and problems in applying person-centered, dementia-specific care in German nursing homes. In all cases, these belong to the following topics: 1) handling neuropsychiatric symptoms, 2) dealing with communication difficulties, 3) providing person-centered interaction and communication, 4) dealing with stress caused by experiencing dementia-specific symptoms and 5) using and sharing knowledge. Even though the problems were identified in all cases, we also found differences in the extent and perception of these problems across the analyzed cases.

Discussion

Despite existing conceptual recommendations and described care practices in our study, the identified problems showed that current care practices are perceived as problematic and partly are not person-centered. This highlights that person-centered requirements in dementia-specific care are not yet adequately addressed and that there is a need to give greater consideration to the identified problems when developing interventions to improve quality of care. Furthermore, the identified context-specific differences in the extent and perception of these problems show that the designs of new care models should allow for more flexibility, so that written recommendations can be implemented in practice and adapted to given contexts.
Synthesis, antibacterial evaluation and in silico studies of novel 2-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-N-arylacetamides and their derivatives as potential DHFR inhibitors
Authors: Metwally Nadia Hanafy , Elgemeie Galal Hamza , Abdelrazek Aya Ragab , Eldaly Salwa Magdy
Published: January 2025

Novel N-arylacetamides 2a–f were synthesized based on benzo[d]thiazole scaffold. The compounds 2a–c underwent Knoevenagel condensation through green synthetic method with different aromatic aldehydes and pyrazole-7-carbaldehydes delivered the respective arylidenes with efficient yields. Arylidenes 4 reacted with malononitrile affording the corresponding N-arylpyridones 11a–i. Moreover, the reaction of 2a–c with each of salicylaldehyde and 5-arylazo salicylaldehydes afforded the unexpected coumarins rather than quinolin-5-ones. The structure of coumarin 8 was confirmed by density functional theory (DFT) calculations using basis set B3LYP/6-311 G +  + (d,p) to obtain the suitable geometrical structure with molecular orbitals` energies revealing its planar structure and its agreement with experimental data. Besides, the antibacterial activity was tested against different bacterial strains revealing potent activity especially Gram-negative bacteria with excellent minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) value ranging from 31.25 to 250 µg/L. Additionally, compounds 2c and 4m showed enzyme inhibition against dihydrofolate reductase in Escherichia coli with greater potency (IC50 for 2c = 3.796 µM, IC50 for 4m = 2.442 µM) than the standard antibiotic trimethoprim (IC50 = 8.706 µM). Investigation of the physicochemical properties of the newly compounds exhibited their better ADME properties that can be developed for the discovery of new antibacterial agents.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-stage structure-based virtual screening approach combining 3D pharmacophore, docking and molecular dynamic simulation towards the identification of potential selective PARP-1 inhibitors
Authors: El Hassab Mahmoud A. , Eldehna Wagdy M. , Hassan Ghaneya S. , Abou-Seri Sahar M.
Published: February 2025

Presently, humanity is confronted with a range of diseases that have high death rates, especially those linked to cancerous growths. Several enzymes and proteins have been discovered as highly attractive targets for cancer treatment. The PARP family consists of 17 members and plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage, which enables the survival of cancer cells. PARP-1 and, to a lesser extent, PARP-2 display above 90% activity in response to DNA damage, thereby distinguishing them apart from other members of the PARP family. Elevated levels of PARP-1 were observed in many types of tumor cells, such as breast, lung, ovarian, prostate, and melanomas. In an attempt to provide a future guide for developing selective inhibitors for PARP-1 over PARP-2 to minimize the resulting side effects from PARP-2 inhibitors, we constructed a structure-based virtual screening approach (SBVS). Firstly. A 3D pharmacophore was constructed based on the interaction of the selective inhibitor compound IV. After that, a database of nearly 450,000 phthalimide-containing inhibitors was screened through the validated pharmacophore, and 165 compounds were retrieved. The retrieved compounds were docked into the active site of PARP-1 where only 5 compounds MWGS-1-5 achieved a favorable docking score than the reference IV (-16.8 Kcal/mol). Redocking of the five compounds should have excellent selectivity for PARP-1 over PARP-2, especially compound MWGS-1. Further endorsement via molecular dynamics has proven higher affinity and selectivity for MWGS-1 towards PARP-1 over PARP-2, in which PARP-1- MWGS-1 and PARP-1- MWGS-1 achieved RMSD values of 1.42 and 2.8 Å, respectively.
Vestibular schwannoma: evolution of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Radparvar Sina
Published: January 2025

Background

Vestibular Schwannomas are benign tumors of the vestibular branch of the eight cranial nerves usually seen in adults who present with sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus. While there is no infiltration or invasion of brain tissue, the tumors are still dangerous lesions because of their position in the cerebellopontine angle and potential for compression in a crowded neighborhood filled with vital structures.

Methods

Ovid Medline and Google Scholar searches were performed to identify pertinent historical and modern research and review articles related to the topic.

Findings

The article reviews the evolution of diagnosis and treatments for Vestibular Schwannoma in the last century and highlights significant breakthroughs. It provides a historical perspective on this topic with emphasis on the chronological progression and advancements of various diagnostic methods and treatment approaches. The article portrays neurosurgical specialty with its enormous dimension and ancient history, as one of the most constantly changing and evolving specialties in medicine.

Conclusions

Diagnosis and treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma has had a lengthy and torturous history. Significant discoveries occurred in the last century with the most notable breakthroughs in the last fifty years. In this historical vignette, the evolutionary pathways for diagnosis and treatment of Vestibular Schwannoma are analyzed including the historical breakthroughs, contemporary management, and future directions.
Ethylene vinyl acetate as a multifunctional compatibilizer for natural rubber/cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber blends with enhanced compatibility, filler dispersion and mechanical properties
Authors: Liang Jiyu , Wu Jianhui , Wang Chunhua , Sang Jun , Ren Keshuai , Ngai To , Lin Wei
Published: February 2025

The blending of natural rubber (NR) with cis-1,4-polybutadiene rubber (BR) has gained widespread attention due to its potential in enhancing the low temperature resistance and abrasion resistance of NR. However, the incompatibility between NR and BR as well as the non-uniform distribution of fillers often have an adverse impact on the mechanical properties. Herein, we propose a facile approach to modulate the multi-scale structures in NR/BR blends including polymer compatibility and filler distribution by introducing ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with varying vinyl acetate (VA) content as multifunctional compatibilizers. The results indicate that the cure characteristics (i.e., processability) and mechanical properties of NR/BR blends can be readily tailored through adjustment of the VA content in EVA. When the VA content in EVA is increased to 18% (EVA-18), the NR/BR blends simultaneously exhibit favorable processability and mechanical properties. The microstructural analysis demonstrates that the introduction of EVA-18 not only enhances the compatibility between NR and BR with significantly reduced domain size, but also improves fillers dispersion in the rubber matrix. The presence of EVA-18 at concentrations up to 20 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) in NR/BR vulcanizates improves the mechanical properties by approximately 24% compared to un-compatibilized NR/BR vulcanizates, which is superior to the most present studies. This work will be beneficial for the development of NR/BR blends in the industry and provide a guideline for designing efficient compatibilizers for other immiscible rubber blends.

Graphical abstract
Parametric design and numerical analysis of super long span upper-support thrust-bearing concrete arch bridge
Authors: Ge Yaojun , Zheng Linqian , Deng Zhuozhang , Fang Genshen
Published: February 2025

With the progress of construction technology and the application of high-performance materials, arch bridges are constantly breaking the span records. This study conducts parametric design and numerical analysis on upper-support thrust-bearing concrete arch bridges (UTCAB) with spans ranging from 450 to 2000 m, utilizing concrete of different strengths to explore the feasibility limits of spans. Through parameter sensitivity analysis, the study determines the reasonable parametric design of UTCAB with different spans. The results of static wind response analysis indicate that as the span increases, wind load gradually becomes the control load, but after comprehensive consideration, it is unnecessary to install installing tuyeres on the main arch to reduce the wind load. Ultimate bearing capacity analysis is conducted, and the results confirms that all parametric designs meet the requirements. Research on the impact of nonlinearity reveals that material nonlinearity has a much greater impact on ultimate bearing capacity than geometric nonlinearity. Considering the construction feasibility, the recommended feasible maximum span is 1200 m. This study can provide valuable reference for the future design of super long span upper-support thrust-bearing concrete arch bridges.
Potential Mechanism Associated with Post–Heart Transplantation Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Patients
Authors: Huang Xiao , Xu Qiling , Chen Linhua , Liu Li , Zhou Ying , Zhou Hong , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2025

Context

Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common metabolic complication following heart transplantation (HT), which not only leads to elevated microvascular morbidity, but also seriously affects graft function and recipient survival. However, the specific metabolites and underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood.

Objective

This study aimed to preliminarily screen out differentially expressed metabolites that are associated with PTDM in HT recipients and elucidate its potential pathophysiological mechanisms by using a global metabolomics approach, and provide a basis for the management of PTDM.

Methods

A total of 106 adult HT recipients (56 PTDM and 50 non-PTDM) who were followed for more than 1 year were enrolled in the study. Untargeted metabolomics was performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Demographics, clinical data, and drug information were collected at the time of sample collection.

Results

PTDM patients were older (P = .003), with higher body mass index scores (P = .010), higher triglyceride levels (P = .007), and a higher prevalence of hypertension (P = .001) than non-PTDM patients. A total of 1174 metabolites were detected, of which 99 metabolites showed significantly differentially abundant (VIP > 1; P < .05; FC > 1.5 or <0.67). KEGG functional enrichment analysis showed these differently expressed metabolites could be further enriched in ABC transporter, carbon metabolism, retrograde endocannabinoid signaling, and phospholipase D signaling pathway. Compared with the non-PTDM group, glutamate, diacylglycerol, and D-sorbitol were significantly changed in PTDM through metabolomics.

Conclusion

These findings may provide a novel understanding of the pathological mechanism of PTDM and could be used to predict the development and progression of PTDM.
Interaction between Estrogen Receptors and p53: A Broader Role for Tamoxifen?
Authors: Das Gokul M , Oturkar Chetan C , Menon Vishnu
Published: February 2025

Tamoxifen is one of the most widely used anticancer drugs in the world. It is a safe drug with generally well-tolerated side effects and has been prescribed for the treatment of early-stage and advanced-stage or metastatic estrogen receptor α (ERα/ESR1)-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen therapy also provides a 38% reduction of the risk of developing breast cancer in women at high risk. With the advent of newer medications targeting ERα-positive breast cancer, tamoxifen is now mainly used as adjuvant therapy for lower-risk premenopausal breast cancer and cancer prevention. It is widely accepted that tamoxifen as a selective estrogen receptor modulator exerts its therapeutic effect by competitively binding to ERα, leading to the recruitment of corepressors and inhibition of transcription of genes involved in the proliferation of breast cancer epithelium. As such, expression of ERα in breast tumors has been considered necessary for tumors to be responsive to tamoxifen therapy. However, ERα-independent effects of tamoxifen in various in vitro and in vivo contexts have been reported over the years. Importantly, the recent discovery that ERα and estrogen receptor β (ERβ/ESR2) can bind tumor suppressor protein p53 with functional consequences has provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying response to tamoxifen therapy and resistance. Furthermore, these findings have paved the way for broadening the use of tamoxifen by potentially repurposing it to treat triple negative (negative for ERα, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and progesterone receptor) breast cancer. Herein, we summarize these developments and discuss their mechanistic underpinnings and clinical implications.
Magnetic orientation of marsh warblers (Acrocephalus palustris) and spotted flycatchers (Muscicapa striata) after simulated crossing of the magnetic equator
Authors: Utvenko Gleb , Gorvat Polina , Grebenkova Anastasia , Pakhomov Alexander , Chernetsov Nikita
Published: January 2025

Every year, billions of birds migrate to optimize their foraging, shelter and breeding. They use an inclination compass, which, unlike the technical compass, distinguishes between the directions towards the magnetic equator from the magnetic pole based on magnetic inclination angles, which range from ±90 deg at the poles to 0 deg at the equator. During autumn migration, some species cross the magnetic equator, where field lines are horizontal, i.e. the inclination angle is 0 deg. At this point, the avian magnetic compass becomes ambiguous, because the birds can no longer distinguish ‘to the pole’ from ‘to the equator’. Experiments with bobolinks and garden warblers have shown that these birds adaptively change their orientation when exposed to a horizontal magnetic field. We tested this in marsh warblers and spotted flycatchers, but they showed no such response, suggesting they may use other cues. This indicates that different species may rely on varying stimuli, and the current experimental models may not be universally applicable.
A Composite Endpoint of Liver Surgery (CELS): Development and Validation of a Clinically Relevant Endpoint Requiring a Smaller Sample Size
Authors: Kawashima Jun , Akabane Miho , Endo Yutaka , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Khalil Mujtaba , Sahara Kota , Ruzzenente Andrea , Aldrighetti Luca , Bauer Todd W. , Marques Hugo P. , Lopes Rita , Oliveira Sara , Martel Guillaume , Popescu Irinel , Weiss Mathew J. , Kitago Minoru , Poultsides George , Sasaki Kazunari , Maithel Shishir K. , Hugh Tom , Gleisner Ana , Aucejo Federico , Pulitano Carlo , Shen Feng , Cauchy François , Groot Koerkamp Bas , Endo Itaru , Pawlik Timothy M.
Published: January 2025

Background

The feasibility of trials in liver surgery using a single-component clinical endpoint is low because single endpoints require large samples due to their low incidence. The current study sought to develop and validate a novel composite endpoint of liver surgery (CELS) to facilitate the generation of more feasible and robust high-level evidence in the field of liver surgery.

Methods

Patients who underwent curative-intent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, or colorectal liver metastasis were identified using a multi-institutional database. Components of CELS were selected based on perioperative liver surgery-specific complications using univariable logistic regression models. The association of CELS with prolonged length of stay (LOS) and surgery-related death was evaluated and externally validated. Sample sizes were calculated for both individual outcomes and CELS.

Results

Among 1958 patients, 377 (19.3%) met CELS criteria based on postoperative bile leak (n = 221, 11.3%), post-hepatectomy liver failure (n = 71, 3.6%), post-hepatectomy hemorrhage (n = 38, 1.9%), or intraoperative blood loss of 2000 ml or greater (n = 101, 5.2%). CELS demonstrated favorable discriminative accuracy of surgery-related death (analytic cohort: area under the curve [AUC], 0.79 vs external validation cohort: AUC, 0.85). In addition LOS was longer among the patients with a positive CELS (analytic cohort: 14 vs. 9 days [p < 0.001] vs. the validation cohort: 10 vs. 6 days [p < 0.001]). Relative to individual endpoints, CELS allowed a 45.8–91.6% reduction in sample size.

Conclusion

CELS effectively predicted surgery-related death and can be used as a standardized, clinically relevant endpoint in prospective trials, facilitating smaller sample sizes and enhancing feasibility compared with single quality outcome metrics.
Spillover, Efficiency, and Equity Effects of Regional Firm Subsidies
Authors: Siegloch Sebastian , Wehrhöfer Nils , Etzel Tobias
Published: January 2025

We analyze the effects of a large place-based policy, subsidizing up to 50 percent of the investment costs of East German manufacturing plants. We show that a 1 percentage point decrease in subsidy rate leads to a 1 percent decrease in manufacturing employment. We document important local spillovers for the untreated construction and retail sectors, counties connected via trade, and local tax rates. There is no evidence for regional reallocation, within-firm spillover, or changes in commuting and residential decisions. The cost per job amounts to about $19,000. We show local subsidies are substantially more effective in curbing regional inequality than place-blind policies. (JEL G31, H71, L60, L74, L81, R23, R51)
Review of the book Environmental Sociology and Social Transformation: Key issues, by M. Boström and R. Lidskog
Authors: Ariyanto Komang
Published: January 2025

N/A
Για το βιβλίο Κρίση, κομματικό σύστημα, Αριστερά. Κριτικά σημειώματα του Κώστα Π. Ελευθερίου
Authors: Χατζηγιαννάκης Ορέστης
Published: January 2025

N/A
La utilidad didáctica percibida del ChatGPT por parte del alumnado universitario
Authors: Ortega-Rodríguez Pablo Javier , Pericacho-Gómez Francisco Javier
Published: January 2025

La Inteligencia Artificial está cambiando el enfoque de la educación. El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la utilidad didáctica percibida del ChatGPT por parte del alumnado universitario. El instrumento utilizado es la Escala UTAUT2, que mide el uso de las nuevas tecnologías, a partir de ocho factores: la expectativa de rendimiento, la expectativa del esfuerzo, la influencia social, las condiciones favorables, la motivación hedónica, el valor del precio, el hábito y la intención de uso. La muestra está formada por 152 estudiantes de la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (79.2% chicas, 20.8% chicos), con una media de edad de 21.3 años. Los resultados muestran que la experiencia de uso es el factor que más influye sobre las condiciones favorables, la motivación hedónica y el hábito. Los cinco factores que influyen sobre la utilidad percibida del ChatGPT son el hábito, las condiciones favorables, la expectativa de rendimiento, la motivación hedónica y el valor del precio. Estos resultados sugieren la necesidad de desarrollar actividades de alfabetización digital sobre el uso de ChatGPT desde una perspectiva crítica, fomentar el uso responsable de esta tecnología y dar pautas al alumnado sobre la escritura de instrucciones que generen una respuesta precisa.
When Top-Down Meets Bottom-Up: Legislative Signals and Online Crowdfunding
Authors: Wu Anqi , Garimella Aravinda , Subramanyam Ramanath
Published: January 2025

Over the last two decades, online crowdfunding platforms have facilitated fundraising efforts to alleviate resource shortages across various sectors. As these platforms become increasingly important channels for bottom-up resource mobilization, it is essential to understand their vulnerability to shifts in public perception caused by top-down, off-platform events. We examine the effect of legislative signals on online giving behavior in the context of public education. We analyze how the ratification of the prominent Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) impacted giving behavior on a leading education crowdfunding platform and find two contrasting donor tendencies. Although donors contributed more to local initiatives following the ratification, they contributed less to nonlocal initiatives, leading to a substantial net decline in the funds raised. These effects manifest through two mechanisms: information push and information pull. This hyper-localization exacerbates the resource-divide problem in education; schools with students of lower socioeconomic status experienced a sharper decline in the proportion of projects funded. This finding suggests the usefulness of timed and targeted nudges by platform managers, especially around the announcement of major external events. If matching processes are designed carefully, online platforms can mitigate, at least to some extent, the consequences of education inequity.
Desarrollo de una compota autóctona e inocua para lactante de 6 a 12 meses utilizando como método de higienización la Ultrapasteurización
Authors: Cardona Marbe , López Beatriz
Published: February 2025

Introducción: Una nutrición adecuada para bebés entre 6 a 12 meses es vital para mantener su salud y las compotas son los alimentos preparados para esta población, de mayor tradición que son adquiridos por madres y padres. Además de que contribuyen con el mantenimiento de la salud de los lactantes, son alimentos no lácteos a base de frutas y verduras, que deben ser sometidos a procesos de esterilización comercial; para asegurar la inocuidad microbiana y dar cumplimiento a las normativas vigentes. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta investigación fue desarrollar una compota con otros alimentos más autóctonos, empleando a la vez una tecnología sencilla que poco afectara la calidad sensorial y nutricional de los alimentos empleados, pero que permitiera un alimento inocuo, y de buena aceptación para el lactante. Diseño: La metodología implicó la preparación de tres sabores de compota a base de ahuyama, zanahoria y breva, las cuales se higienizaron aplicando proceso térmico de ultrapasteurización. Además de análisis fisicoquímicos, microbiológicos y bromatológicos. Resultados: Las compotas cumplieron con lo estipulado en la normatividad vigente nacional e internacional al no presentar microorganismos patógenos (0 UFC/mL), los resultados de pH (6.2, 6.8 y 7.4) estuvieron bajo los parámetros establecidos para este alimento, los grados Brix aunque estuvieron por rangos bajos cumplieron con lo establecido para una compota (18, 30.5 y 31.8), sensorialmente los productos fueron aceptados y nutricionalmente cumplieron con los estándares establecidos por las normativas vigentes Conclusiones: La pasteurización UHT mostró ser una buena tecnología de higienización para la elaboración de las compotas, pues el producto final resulto inocuo y las propiedades nutricionales del producto no se vieron afectadas, permitiendo además una buena aceptación para el consumidor final, cumpliendo además con las características solicitadas por la normatividad internacional y nacional.
Prevalencia de exceso ponderal entre los escolares de La Mancha-Centro según diferentes criterios.
Authors: Falero Gallego MP , González González A , Muñoz Serrano A , Moreno Manzanaro I , Arias Arias A , Redondo González O
Published: February 2025

Introducción. La sobrecarga ponderal infantil constituye un importante problema de salud pública mundial. El índice de masa corporal (IMC) es el indicador más empleado. No existe acuerdo internacional sobre los criterios definitorios que se deben emplear en la infancia, lo que ocasiona gran variabilidad de cifras y dificulta su interpretación. Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad de la población escolar del Área Sanitaria de La Mancha-Centro (Comunidad Autónoma de Castilla-La Mancha) aplicando diferentes criterios definitorios y valorar las diferencias encontradas. Material y métodos. Estudio de corte transversal de una muestra representativa de 954 niños de 6 a 12 años. Se calculó la prevalencia de sobrepeso, obesidad y sobrecarga ponderal global, por sexo e intervalo anual, aplicando los criterios más empleados, nacionales (Estudio Transversal Español de Crecimiento 2010 -ETEC 2010-, Orbegozo 1988, Orbegozo 2004) e internacionales (Organización Mundial de la Salud - OMS-, International Obesity Task Force -IOTF-). Resultados. La prevalencia global de sobrepeso, obesidad y sobrecarga ponderal fue, respectivamente, 25,4%, 21,1%, 46,5% con el criterio de OMS; 26,3%, 11,5%, 37,8% con IOTF; 9,8%, 14,8%, 24,6% con Orbegozo 1988; 10,9%, 15,4%, 26,3% con Orbegozo 2004; y 15,5%, 8,6%, 24,1% con ETEC 2010. Las mujeres presentaron prevalencias más elevadas de sobrepeso y obesidad que los varones, observándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la sobrecarga ponderal con todos los criterios empleados. Conclusiones. Los escolares de La Mancha-Centro presentan prevalencias globales muy elevadas de sobrepeso, obesidad y sobrecarga ponderal, ampliamente variables según el criterio utilizado. Estas cifras son superiores a las de la mayoría de los últimos estudios españoles, nacionales o regionales, y de muchos países de nuestro entorno. Las mujeres muestran valores significativamente más altos que los varones. Sería recomendable unificar a nivel internacional qué puntos de corte utilizar en los estudios de exceso ponderal infantil.
Medidas antropométricas para la evaluación de la masa muscular en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica bajo tratamiento conservador
Authors: Pereira Priscila Moreira de Lima , Cándido Ana paula Carlos
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have increased protein catabolism, leading to worse quality of life, cardiometabolic complications and increased risk of hospitalizations. Nutritional assessment is important, although it has limitations due to changes in body water and bone mass. The aim of the study was to identify the correlation of anthropometric measurements with muscle mass in patients with CKD.
Methods: Epidemiological cross-sectional study. Patients with CKD under conservative treatment from 60 years of age were evaluated. We collected: weight, height, BMI, arm circumference (BC), arm muscle circumference (AMC), calf circumference (CC), adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT), muscle mass obtained by bipolar and tetrapolar bioimpedance (LTM). Descriptive analyzes were performed and the measurements were correlated with the LTM by Pearson Correlation. The agreement between the methods were tested by the Kappa test. Results: The sample consisted of 137 individuals, 60.6% male, with a mean age of 72.89 ± 7.66 years. In females, only the dominant hand EMAP correlated with the LTM (r = 0.33), whereas in males, all measurements (BMI, CC, BC, AMC, muscle mass and EMAP) showed a moderate correlation. Evaluating the agreement between the classification according to the LTM index and the anthropometric measurements, poor or light agreement was obtained. Discussion: Anthropometric measurements have the following advantages: low cost, fast, easy evaluation and clinical applicability. Among the evaluated measures, the EMAP stands out, which presented a moderate correlation and slight agreement with the muscle mass. Such measure is promising for assessment of nutritional status. Conclusion: The use of anthropometric measurements to assess muscle mass in elderly patients with chronic kidney disease under conservative treatment should be performed and interpreted with caution and in a complementary manner in the assessment of body composition.
Utilização do SARC-F para triagem de sarcopenia em pacientes adultos hospitalizados.
Authors: Souza Ismael Paula , Vale Mateus Cardoso , Sena Ana Caroline Barros , Barboza Carolina Drummond
Published: February 2025

Introdução: a perda da massa muscular inicia-se na idade adulta, quando não identificada precocemente pode levar ao surgimento de sarcopenia ao longo dos anos. Objetivo: avaliar a prevalência de sarcopenia em pacientes adultos hospitalizados utilizando a triagem SARC-F.Método: estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo. A amostra foi constituída por pacientes adultos com até 24 horas de admissão hospitalar, sendo excluídos aqueles com incapacidade mental ou física para realização da antropometria. Foram coletados dados sociodemográficos, antropométricos efuncionais. Os parâmetros antropométricos utilizados foram Índice de Massa Corporal e circunferência da panturrilha. Foi utilizada a SARC-F para detecção do risco de sarcopenia. Os dados foram analisados por meio da estatística descritiva.Resultados: a amostra perfez um total de 100 adultos hospitalizados. Observou-se um maior percentual de internação por AVE (n=32/32%), com diagnóstico nutricional de sobrepeso segundo índice de massa corporal (n=48/48%). Verificou-se 41% da amostra (n=41) com sinais sugestivos de sarcopenia segundo a aplicação da triagem SARC-F.Discussão: estudos mostram que a identificação da perda da massa muscular em adultos pode determinar o surgimento de sarcopenia ao longo da vida, porém poucos estudos utilizam triagens como diagnóstico de risco na população adulta.Conclusão: a aplicação da triagem SARC-F mostrou-se sensível para a aplicação em adultos hospitalizados objetivando o rastreamento precoce de sarcopenia.
Do more overweight patients at admission lose weight during hospitalization?
Authors: Vieira Teles Milena , Leandro Merhi Vania Aparecida , Braga de Aquino José Luiz , Teixeira Mendes Elisa Donalisio , Mendonça José Alexandre
Published: February 2025

Aims: Investigate in-patients weight loss during hospital stay.Methods: In a retrospective study carried out with 170 inpatients, weight loss during hospitalization and its relationship with the type of disease, diet therapy, subjective global assessment (SGA), nutritional risk screening (NRS), anthropometry and hospitalization time (HT) were investigated. TheChi-square test, the Mann-Whitney and the univariate and multiple Cox regression analysis were used.Results: During hospitalization 41.18% patients experienced weight loss. Patients who were overweight experienced a higher rate of weight loss while in the ward (45.7% of patients; p=0.0179). Patients who were overweight, were twice as likely to lose weight during hospitalization, when compared with those who were already underweight (p= 0.0339; HR = 2.312; CI % = 1.066; 5.018). The age, gender, disease, diet prescribed during hospitalization, SGA, NRS, anthropometry and fasting time were not considered risk factors associated with weight loss.Conclusion: There was no influence of the dietary therapy type on weight loss. Only those patients who were overweight according to BMI were more associated to lose weight during hospitalization.