bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of sympathetic hyperactivity induced by brain microglial activation on organ damage in sepsis with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Nishihara Masaaki , Shinohara Keisuke , Ikeda Shota , Akahoshi Tomohiko , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: September 2024

Background

Sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of several diseases such as sepsis and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Activation of microglia in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) has been implicated in SNA. The mechanisms responsible for the adverse prognosis observed in sepsis associated with CKD remain to be determined. Therefore, we aimed to clarify the impact of increased SNA resulting from microglial activation on hemodynamics and organ damage in sepsis associated with CKD.

Methods and results

In protocol 1, male Sprague–Dawley rats underwent either nephrectomy (Nx) or sham surgery followed by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham surgery. After CLP, Nx-CLP rats exhibited decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, elevated serum creatinine and bilirubin levels, and decreased platelet count compared to Nx-Sham rats. Heart rate variability analysis revealed an increased low to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio in Nx-CLP rats, indicating increased SNA. Nx-CLP rats also had higher creatinine and bilirubin levels and lower platelet counts than sham-CLP rats after CLP. In protocol 2, Nx-CLP rats were divided into two subgroups: one received minocycline, an inhibitor of microglial activation, while the other received artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) intracerebroventricularly via an osmotic minipump. The minocycline-treated group (Nx-mino-CLP) showed attenuated hypotensive and increased heart rate responses compared to the CSF-treated group (Nx-CSF-CLP), and the LF/HF ratio was also decreased. Echocardiography showed larger left ventricular dimensions and inferior vena cava in the Nx-mino-CLP group. In addition, creatinine and bilirubin levels were lower and platelet counts were higher in the Nx-mino-CLP group compared to the Nx-CSF-CLP group.

Conclusions

In septic rats with concomitant CKD, SNA was significantly enhanced and organ dysfunction was increased. It has been suggested that the mechanism of exacerbated organ dysfunction in these models may involve abnormal systemic hemodynamics, possibly triggered by activation of the central sympathetic nervous system through activation of microglia in the PVN.
Nitroglycerin challenge identifies microcirculatory target for improved resuscitation in patients with circulatory shock
Authors: Bertacchi Massimiliano , Wendel-Garcia Pedro D. , Hana Anisa , Ince Can , Maggiorini Marco , Hilty Matthias P.
Published: September 2024

Background

Circulatory shock and multi-organ failure remain major contributors to morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients and are associated with insufficient oxygen availability in the tissue. Intrinsic mechanisms to improve tissue perfusion, such as up-regulation of functional capillary density (FCD) and red blood cell velocity (RBCv), have been identified as maneuvers to improve oxygen extraction by the tissues; however, their role in circulatory shock and potential use as resuscitation targets remains unknown. To fill this gap, we examined the baseline and maximum recruitable FCD and RBCv in response to a topical nitroglycerin stimulus (FCDNG, RBCvNG) in patients with and without circulatory shock to test whether this may be a method to identify the presence and magnitude of a microcirculatory reserve capacity important for identifying a resuscitation target.

Methods

Sublingual handheld vital microscopy was performed after initial resuscitation in mechanically ventilated patients consecutively admitted to a tertiary medical ICU. FCD and RBCv were quantified using an automated computer vision algorithm (MicroTools). Patients with circulatory shock were retrospectively identified via standardized hemodynamic and clinical criteria and compared to patients without circulatory shock.

Results

54 patients (57 ± 14y, BMI 26.3 ± 4.9 kg/m2, SAPS 56 ± 19, 65% male) were included, 13 of whom presented with circulatory shock. Both groups had similar cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, RBCv, and RBCvNG. Heart rate (p < 0.001), central venous pressure (p = 0.02), lactate (p < 0.001), capillary refill time (p < 0.01), and Mottling score (p < 0.001) were higher in circulatory shock after initial resuscitation, while FCD and FCDNG were 10% lower (16.9 ± 4.2 and 18.9 ± 3.2, p < 0.01; 19.3 ± 3.1 and 21.3 ± 2.9, p = 0.03). Nitroglycerin response was similar in both groups, and circulatory shock patients reached FCDNG similar to baseline FCD found in patients without shock.

Conclusion

Critically ill patients suffering from circulatory shock were found to present with a lower sublingual FCD. The preserved nitroglycerin response suggests a dysfunction of intrinsic regulation mechanisms to increase the microcirculatory oxygen extraction capacity associated with circulatory shock and identifies a potential resuscitation target. These differences in microcirculatory hemodynamic function between patients with and without circulatory shock were not reflected in blood pressure or cardiac index.
Using mixed methods and partnership to develop a program evaluation toolkit for organizations that provide physical activity programs for persons with disabilities
Authors: Lawrason Sarah V. C. , DaSilva Pinder , Michalovic Emilie , Latimer-Cheung Amy , Tomasone Jennifer R. , Sweet Shane , Forneris Tanya , Leo Jennifer , Greenwood Matthew , Giles Janine , Arkell Jane , Patatas Jackie , Boyle Nick , Adams Nathan , Martin Ginis Kathleen A.
Published: September 2024

Background

The purpose of this paper is to report on the process for developing an online RE-AIM evaluation toolkit in partnership with organizations that provide physical activity programming for persons with disabilities.

Methods

A community-university partnership was established and guided by an integrated knowledge translation approach. The four-step development process included: (1) identify, review, and select knowledge (literature review and two rounds of Delphi consensus-building), (2) adapt knowledge to local context (rating feasibility of outcomes and integration into online platform), (3) assess barriers and facilitators (think-aloud interviews), and (4) select, tailor, implement (collaborative dissemination plan).

Results

Step 1: Fifteen RE-AIM papers relevant to community programming were identified during the literature review. Two rounds of Delphi refined indicators for the toolkit related to reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance. Step 2: At least one measure was linked with each indicator. Ten research and community partners participated in assessing the feasibility of measures, resulting in a total of 85 measures. Step 3: Interviews resulted in several recommendations for the online platform and toolkit. Step 4: Project partners developed a dissemination plan, including an information package, webinars, and publications.

Discussion

This project demonstrates that community and university partners can collaborate to develop a useful, evidence-informed evaluation resource for both audiences. We identified several strategies for partnership when creating a toolkit, including using a set of expectations, engaging research users from the outset, using consensus methods, recruiting users through networks, and mentorship of trainees. The toolkit can be found at et.cdpp.ca. Next steps include disseminating (e.g., through webinars, conferences) and evaluating the toolkit to improve its use for diverse contexts (e.g., universal PA programming).
Does mandible ramus height asymmetry affect postoperative skeletal stability in orthognathic surgery patients?
Authors: Cha Jihun , Park Kyuwon , Ryu Jaeyoung , Jung Seunggon , Park Hong-Ju , Oh Hee-Kyun , Kook Min-Suk
Published: September 2024

Background

Relapses following orthognathic surgery have been reported to exceed 2% to 50%, depending on multiple factors. This study aimed to analyze the stability after orthognathic surgery in patients with mandibular ramus height asymmetry through 3D reconstruction using Cone-beam CT.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study investigated patients who underwent mandibular setback surgery using bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Three-dimensional CT scans were taken at three different time points. Evaluation of the postoperative stability involved measuring changes in the x, y, and z axes as well as roll and yaw rotations of the mandible at specific landmarks (B point, mental foramen) on 3D CT scans obtained immediately after surgery and 6–12 months postoperatively. They were categorized into four groups based on bilateral mandibular height asymmetry through Asymmetry index (AI). The one-way ANOVA was implemented to compare the intergroup differences and Tukey's post hoc test was employed. Additionally, the Pearson correlation coefficient was also calculated.

Results

A total of 24 patients were included in this study. The corresponding AI, representing the degree of asymmetry in both mandibles, were calculated as Group 1 was 1.25 ± 0.64%, Group 2 was 2.89 ± 0.47%, Group 3 was 5.03 ± 0.51%, and Group 4 was 9.40 ± 1.99%. The x-axis change in Group 4 was significantly larger at 1.71 mm compared to Group 1 at 0.64 mm. The mandibular roll, Group 4 showed a statistically significant increase at 1.33° compared to Group 1 at 0.35°. And there was a significant positive correlation observed between x-axis change and AI (p = 0.019), as well as between mandibular roll and AI (p = 0.025).

Conclusion

After orthognathic surgery, stability was influenced by numerous factors, with the findings of this study suggesting that the degree of ramus height asymmetry in the mandible can be considered one contributing factor.
Evaluation of the accuracy and readability of ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini in providing information on retinal detachment: a multicenter expert comparative study
Authors: Strzalkowski Piotr , Strzalkowska Alicja , Chhablani Jay , Pfau Kristina , Errera Marie-Hélène , Roth Mathias , Schaub Friederike , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Hoerauf Hans , Reiter Constantin , Schuster Alexander K. , Geerling Gerd , Guthoff Rainer
Published: September 2024

Background

Large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini show potential for patient health education, but concerns about their accuracy require careful evaluation. This study evaluates the readability and accuracy of ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini in answering questions about retinal detachment.

Methods

Comparative study analyzing responses from ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini to 13 retinal detachment questions, categorized by difficulty levels (D1, D2, D3). Masked responses were reviewed by ten vitreoretinal specialists and rated on correctness, errors, thematic accuracy, coherence, and overall quality grading. Analysis included Flesch Readability Ease Score, word and sentence counts.

Results

Both Artificial Intelligence tools required college-level understanding for all difficulty levels. Google Gemini was easier to understand (p = 0.03), while ChatGPT-4 provided more correct answers for the more difficult questions (p = 0.0005) with fewer serious errors. ChatGPT-4 scored highest on most challenging questions, showing superior thematic accuracy (p = 0.003). ChatGPT-4 outperformed Google Gemini in 8 of 13 questions, with higher overall quality grades in the easiest (p = 0.03) and hardest levels (p = 0.0002), showing a lower grade as question difficulty increased.

Conclusions

ChatGPT-4 and Google Gemini effectively address queries about retinal detachment, offering mostly accurate answers with few critical errors, though patients require higher education for comprehension. The implementation of AI tools may contribute to improving medical care by providing accurate and relevant healthcare information quickly.
Neuraxial anesthesia for patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension undergoing urgent open abdominal surgeries: two case reports
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Takise Yoshiaki , Sekiya Yuri , Masuda Yuya , Misonoo Yoshi , Wakaizumi Kenta , Suhara Tomohiro , Morisaki Hiroshi , Kato Jungo , Yamada Takashige
Published: September 2024

Background

There is no consensus regarding the choice of anesthetic method for patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). We report two cases in which neuraxial anesthesia was safely performed without general anesthesia during open abdominal surgery in patients with severe PH.

Case presentation

Case 1: A 59-year-old woman had an atrial septal defect and a huge abdominal tumor with a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) of 39 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) of 3.5 Wood units. Case 2: A 23-year-old woman who had hereditary pulmonary artery hypertension (mean PAP, 65 mmHg; PVR, 16.45 Wood units). Both patients underwent open abdominal surgery under neuraxial anesthesia without circulatory collapse with intraoperative administration of vasoconstrictors.

Conclusion

Although anesthetic care must be personalized depending on the pathology and severity of PH, neuraxial anesthesia may be an option for patients with severe PH undergoing abdominal surgery.
Characterization, stability, and skin application of astaxanthin particulates
Authors: Ai Miyu , Kanai Risa , Todo Hiroaki , Tomita Junki , Tanikawa Takashi , Inoue Yutaka
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Astaxanthin (AX), commonly used for dermal applications, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities; however, it has poor water solubility. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical properties of AX-containing particulates formulated using the amphiphilic graft copolymer Soluplus (polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer: Sol) and polyethylene glycol-2000 (PEG 2000); in addition, the stability and skin applications of AX particulates were investigated.

Methods

AX, Sol, and PEG were mixed by weight to prepare AX particles using the hydration method. The prepared particles were subjected to stability evaluations including particle size distribution, zeta potential estimation, and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as physical evaluations including 1H-1H NOESY NMR spectral measurement, powder X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Functional evaluations included singlet oxygen scavenging, skin permeation test, and fluorescence microscopy.

Results

Relatively stable particles of Sol/AX and Sol/PEG 2000/AX, approximately 100 nm and 125 nm in size, respectively, were formed at a mixed weight ratio (9/1) of 0.1 M Ascorbic Acid solution (0.1 M ASC) and a mixed weight ratio (8/1/1) of 0.1 M ASC, respectively, at 25 °C after storage for 14 days under light-shielded condition. Stability evaluations revealed a decrease in fluorescence intensity and color fading for Sol/AX = 9/1 and Sol/PEG 2000/AX = 8/1/1 (dispersion medium: distilled water); however, no change in fluorescence intensity of AX was observed immediately after preparation in Sol/AX = 9/1 and Sol/PEG 2000/AX = 8/1/1 (dispersion medium: 0.1 M ASC). The fluorescence intensity of AX did not fluctuate significantly immediately after adjustment, and the particles remained stable, showing a bright orange color with time. NMR spectra of Sol/AX = 9/1 and Sol/PEG 2000/AX (dispersion medium: 0.1 M ASC) showed the interactions between the CH3 group e from Sol (1.8 ~ 2.0 ppm) and the CH groups H-15,11 from AX (6.7 ~ 6.8 ppm), 8’,12’ (6.4 ~ 6.5 ppm), H-10,14 (6.4 ~ 6.5 ppm), and 7,7’ (6.2 ~ 6.3 ppm), indicating the disappearance of cross peaks. Furthermore, new cross peaks were identified for the CH3 group e of Sol (1.8 ~ 2.0 ppm), the 7-membered ring z of Sol (1.5 ~ 1.8 ppm), the 5-membered ring S of ASC (3.5 ~ 3.6 ppm), the CH group T (3.8 ~ 3.9 ppm), and the CH group U (4.7 ppm). Fluorescence microscopy observations of microparticles formulated with Sol/PEG 2000/AX showed a slight improvement in skin penetration.

Conclusion

New AX particulates were formed using Sol/PEG 2000/AX = 8/1/1, suggesting that Sol/PEG 2000/AX maintained the stability and improved the skin penetration of AX.
The flow pattern of neuro-pediatric emergency visits during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khojah Imad M. , Muthaffar Osama Y. , Alyazidi Anas S. , Alghamdi Maha K. , Alhuqaili Mayar , Alalawi Hassan A. , Alharbi Ohud T. , Almuharib Latifa A.
Published: September 2024

Background

COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has highly impacted the healthcare system and patients, especially patients with epilepsy, due to the fact that the success of their treatment depends on obtaining sustainable access to medical professions, diagnostic services, facilities, and medications. The epidemiology and presence of neuro-pediatric emergencies in the setting of COVID-19 in XXX have not been thoroughly described. This is a barrier to planning and providing quality emergency care within the local health systems. The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive description of the epidemiology of neurological cases encountered in the pediatric emergency unit.

Methods

This is a retrospective study to analyze the flow pattern of Emergency Department (ED) visits among pediatric patients with neuro-related complaints. Participants were filtered, and a total of 108,000 visits were reduced to 960 patients with a neurological provisional diagnosis. Patients were grouped into pre- and post-pandemic visits according to their age group. We identified demographic and clinical variables.

Results

The study included 960 patients with a provisional neurological diagnosis, consisting of 542 (56.5%) males and 418 (43.5%) females. The mean age of admission was 5.29 ± 4.19 years. The majority of patients were triaged as “priority 1—resuscitation” (n = 332, 34.6%), and seizures were the most frequent chief complaint (n = 317, 33.0%). Statistical significance was observed for patients with vascular issues (p = 0.013) during the pre-COVID-19 period after adjusting for odds ratio. The most common outcome was discharge (n = 558, 58.1%). The mean length of stay during the pre-COVID-19 pandemic was 16.48 ± 33.53 h, which was significantly longer compared to a mean length of stay of 7.76 ± 7.27 h during the COVID-19 pandemic (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We presented a new epidemiology of pediatric patients with neuro-related ED visits. An increase in seizure diagnosis was observed, as were significant shifts in the length of stay. Demographic changes were less evident in the two periods. Understanding such variation aids in managing this vulnerable population during critical periods.
The brain–heart-immune axis: a vago-centric framework for predicting and enhancing resilient recovery in older surgery patients
Authors: Acker Leah , Xu Kevin , Ginsberg J. P.
Published: September 2024

Nearly all geriatric surgical complications are studied in the context of a single organ system, e.g., cardiac complications and the heart; delirium and the brain; infections and the immune system. Yet, we know that advanced age, physiological stress, and infection all increase sympathetic and decrease parasympathetic nervous system function. Parasympathetic function is mediated through the vagus nerve, which connects the heart, brain, and immune system to form, what we have termed, the brain–heart-immune axis. We hypothesize that this brain–heart-immune axis plays a critical role in surgical recovery among older adults. In particular, we hypothesize that the brain–heart-immune axis plays a critical role in the most common surgical complication among older adults: postoperative delirium. Further, we present heart rate variability as a measure that may eventually become a multi-system vital sign evaluating brain–heart-immune axis function. Finally, we suggest the brain–heart-immune axis as a potential interventional target for bio-electronic neuro-immune modulation to enhance resilient surgical recovery among older adults.
The combined effects of resistance and endurance training with ursolic acid supplementation on some Alzheimer's disease-related biomarkers in a rat model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Ghadiri Neda , Gorgin Karaji Zeinab , Farsani Zahra Hemati , Akbarzadeh Hamid
Published: September 2024

Background

Type 2 diabetes is associated with increased inflammation and a risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to assess the impact of exercise with ursolic acid (UA) on some protein levels in the brains of aged male Wistar rats with diet-induced Type 2. We investigated the effects of exercise with UA on protein levels in rats with type 2 diabetes. The rats were divided into seven groups and underwent different exercise or UA protocols.

Results

The results showed that type 2 diabetes led to increased levels of tau, IL-1β, TNF-α, and c-Jun, and decreased levels of IRS2 protein. Endurance training improved tau, Jun, and IRS2 levels. UA reduced increased levels of tau, IL-1β, TNF-α, and c-Jun, and increased IRS2 levels. Combining the supplement with training led to further improvements.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that combining training and UA partially reversed the inflammation in the Type 2 diabetes model. However, further research is needed to understand how UA consumption with or without training protocols can reduce the risk of AD in type 2 diabetes.
New partial key exposure attacks on RSA with additive exponent blinding
Authors: Jiang Ziming , Zhou Yongbin , Liu Yuejun
Published: September 2024

Partial key exposure attacks present a significant threat to RSA-type cryptosystems. These attacks factorize the RSA modulus by utilizing partial knowledge of the decryption exponent, which is typically revealed by side-channel attacks, cold boot attacks, etc. In practice, the RSA implementations typically employ countermeasures to resist physical attacks, such as additive exponent blinding $$d' = d + r \varphi (N)$$

d
′

=
d
+
r
φ

(
N
)

with unknown random blinding factor r. Although there are a couple of partial key exposure attacks on blinding RSA, these attacks require a considerable amount of leakage and fail to work when e is up to full size. In this paper, we propose new partial key exposure attacks on RSA with additive exponent blinding, focusing on leakage scenarios where the Most Significant Bits (MSBs) or Least Significant Bits (LSBs) of $$d'$$

d
′

are revealed. For the case where e is small, we first recover partial information of p by solving the quadratic congruence equation, and then find the small roots of the integer equation to recover entire private key. Our method relaxes the attack requirements, for instance, we reduce the amount of MSBs for a successful attack from 75 to 25% when $$e \approx N^{0.25}$$

e
≈

N

0.25

and $$r\approx N^{0}$$

r
≈

N
0

. Furthermore, we propose new attacks using the unique algebraic relationship in blinding RSA, which extend the attack to the case where e is of full size.
Characteristics of DNMT3a mutation in acute myeloid leukemia and its prognostic implication
Authors: Khattab Ahmed Mahmoud Taha , Ghaffar Afaf Abdel Aziz Abdel , El-Sewefy Dalia Ahmed , ElSakhawy Yasmin Nabil , Salem Ramy Mahmoud , Omar Heba Samy Agamy
Published: September 2024

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal disorder arising from the differentiation arrest of myeloid precursor and malignant proliferation of a bone marrow derived, self-renewing stem or progenitor cells inside the bone marrow (BM) and blood due to numerous genetic mutations. Some mutations can also adjust DNA methylation and may play a critical function in pathogenesis in Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia (CN-AML). Somatic mutations in DNMT3a were pronounced in approximately 20% and ∼30–35% of overall AML and CN-AML, respectively. Most DNMT3a mutations in AML have been observed to be heterozygous, A missense mutation, R882, located inside Hot spot exon 23, has been found to be the maximum common mutation. This is a preliminary study conducted on 20 adult Egyptian patients newly diagnosed as AML where Sanger sequencing of Hotspot Exon 23 of DNMT3a gene was performed on their initial bone marrow samples and were followed up to 3 months post-induction therapy. Only De Novo AML patients were included in our study.

Results

Our results revealed that overall DNMT3a mutations were present in 25% of our patients, 10% having the R882 (rs147001633) mutation being 5% R882C and 5% R882H. Immunophenotyping analysis among Mutated DNMT3a (R882 and Non R882) and Wild DNMT3a revealed that AML markers exhibited no significant differences except for myeloperoxidase positivity which was significant among the groups (0.050). Regarding cytogenetics, only one case of the mutated DNMT3a had positive FISH inv (16), where the rest were FISH negative. After 28 days of induction, 75% of all our patients achieved complete response (CR), 20% achieve partial response (PR) out of which 75% are DNMT3a mutated. After 3 months follow-up, 10% of all patients faced mortality where 5% was DNMT3a wild type (died due to treatment-related mortality) and 5% was R882 mutated DNMT3a.

Conclusion

DNMT3a mutations are present in 25% (5/20) of our AML patients, with 10% (2/20) having the R882 mutation being 5% (1/20) R882C and 5% (1/20) R882H. R882 mutation is associated with resistance to chemotherapy, and poorer outcomes, highlighting its poorer prognostic significance in AML.
Assessment of left ventricular myocardial systolic dysfunction in premature ovarian insufficiency patients using echocardiographic layer-specific myocardial strain imaging
Authors: Wang Yu-Lin , Yin Li-Xue , Li Mei
Published: September 2024

Background

Due to the lack of oestrogen, premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is an independent risk factor for ischaemic heart disease and overall cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to apply layer-specific myocardial strain for early quantitative evaluation of subclinical left ventricular myocardial systolic function changes in patients with POI.

Methods

Forty-eight newly diagnosed, untreated patients with POI (POI group) and fifty healthy female subjects matched for age, height and weight (control group) were enrolled. Standard transthoracic echocardiography was used to measure conventional parameters and layer-specific strain parameters.The layer-specific strain parameters included subendomyocardial global longitudinal strain (GLSendo), mid-layer myocardial global longitudinal strain (GLSmid), subepimyocardial global longitudinal strain (GLSepi), subendomyocardial global circumferential strain (GCSendo), mid-layer myocardial global circumferential strain (GCSmid), and subepimyocardial global circumferential strain (GCSepi).

Results

There were no significant differences in age, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, or left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between the two groups. The end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVST) was greater in the POI group (8.29 ± 1.32 vs. 7.66 ± 0.82, P = 0.008), and the POI group had lower E, E/A, and lateral e′ (all P < 0.05). As for systolic functions,the POI group had lower GLSendo, GLSmid, GLSepi, GCSendo, GCSmid, and GCSepi (all P < 0.05).The intraobserver and interobserver coefficients of GLSendo, GLSmid, GLSepi, GCSendo, GCSmid, and GCSepi were greater than 0.900.

Conclusions

POI patients with normal LVEF may suffer from subclinical left ventricular myocardial systolic dysfunction. Echocardiography of layer-specific myocardial strain could more sensitively detect subclinical impairment of left ventricular systolic function in POI patients.

Graphical abstract
A new economic policy uncertainty index for Brazil
Authors: Barros de Melo Saulo , Ayres Barreira de Campos Barros Lucas
Published: September 2024

This study has created a novel economic policy uncertainty (EPU) index for Brazil by analyzing the frequency of news articles published by the country’s major news portals. The measurement proposed here is based on news from different news outlets, unlike the similar index previously available, extracted by a web-scraping procedure. This research also evaluated the role of EPU in its relationship with stock returns in the Brazilian market, comparing the new index with the one previously available. The new measure showed a negative relationship with the return in excess of the risk-free rate, similar to that found using the previously existing index, but with a greater magnitude. Furthermore, the explanatory power of the regression model is substantially greater when the proposed measure is used. In this way, the study contributes not only by deepening the understanding of the relationship between uncertainty and stock returns but also by serving as a methodological subsidy for future research focusing on EPU in the country.
Η έννοια του «σχολικού μουσείου» ως μια εναλλακτική μορφή συνεργασίας σχολείου και μουσείου
Authors: Κυριάκου Μαρία , Κανάρη Χαρίκλεια
Published: September 2024

Η διασύνδεση σχολείου και μουσείου πραγματώνεται, συνήθως, μέσω των σχολικών επισκέψεων σε μουσεία. Στη γενικότερη, όμως, κατεύθυνση ενίσχυσης αυτής της σχέσης, ανακύπτουν ερωτήματα σχετικά με τις δυνατότητες εναλλακτικών μορφών συνεργασίας. Οι συλλογές υλικού πολιτισμού στο πλαίσιο της λειτουργίας σχολικών μονάδων θα μπορούσαν να αποτελέσουν μία αφορμή και μορφή εναλλακτικής συνεργασίας με εκπαιδευτικά οφέλη και ποικίλες προεκτάσεις. Λαμβάνοντας υπόψη τις σύγχρονες προσεγγίσεις διασύνδεσης εκπαίδευσης και πολιτισμού, η παρούσα εργασία εστιάζει στις συλλογές αυτές, ή αλλιώς «σχολικά μουσεία», και αποτελεί μία βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση, με σκοπό να καταγράψει μελέτες και έρευνες σχετικά με τη συγκρότηση, τον ρόλο καθώς και την εννοιολογική οριοθέτηση αυτών. Τα αποτελέσματα ανέδειξαν ότι η έννοια και οι πρακτικές «σχολικών μουσείων» έχουν μακρά ιστορία. Μεγάλο μέρος των δεδομένων αφορούν σε μελέτες εκπαιδευτικής ιστοριογραφίας παρουσιάζοντας διαφορετικές περιπτώσεις «σχολικών μουσείων», ενώ ένας σημαντικός αριθμός ερευνών πραγματεύονται ζητήματα σύγχρονης μουσειοπαιδαγωγικής εφαρμογής. Ωστόσο, στη χώρα μας αποτελεί ένα πεδίο που χρήζει περαιτέρω έρευνας.
Addressing new aspects of surveillance in late mediaeval England, 1350-1550
Authors: Chatziathanasiou Manos
Published: September 2024

The paper addresses new aspects of surveillance in late medieval England. New approaches to the study of the phenomenon are introduced, while a limited study puts some of the author’s suggestions to the test. The study addresses the modus operandi of political and labour surveillance focusing on late medieval English towns. Surveillance was intensified after the Black Death. Institutional and noninstitutional surveillance were part of everyday life, but they were also used by the ruling elites to consolidate their power. Surveillance was endured by the lower social ranks. Nevertheless, evidence suggests that sometimes popular classes resisted surveillance or even used it to their own advantage.
“Il fier tiranno”
Authors: Battista Fabio
Published: September 2024

The execution of King Charles I in 1649 sparked outrage across Europe: after years of civil war, the anointed sovereign of  England, Scotland, and Ireland was to die by parliamentary order. While conspicuous attention was devoted to this event in 17th-century Italian historiography, author Girolamo Graziani repurposed it as the subject for his five-act tragedy Il Cromuele (1671). Built around the dichotomy between the king and his rival, the tyrant Cromuele (Oliver Cromwell), Graziani’s work  which is dedicated to King Louis XIV of France– blurs ideological lines and points to an evident fascination for the political novelty embodied by the leader of the parliamentarians against the backdrop of ancien régime. This tragedy, I argue, highlights at once the crisis of divine right and contrasts it with the emergence of a new type of political leader, influenced by the post-Machiavellian theory of ragion di stato.
Promising effect of cisplatin and melatonin combination on the inhibition of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer
Authors: Adeya Adella Cut , Siregar M Fidel Ganis , Putra Imam B , Hasibuan Poppy Anjelisa , Andrijono Andrijono , Bachtiar Adang , Lumbanraja Sarma N , Nasution Iqbal P
Published: September 2024

Background Ovarian cancer management has not yet given a satisfactory result, and the recurrence rate is still high. One of the reasons for this is resistance to chemotherapy. Melatonin and cisplatin may be involved in the chemotherapy resistance of ovarian cancer. Methods A laboratory experiment was performed using melatonin and cisplatin in the SKOV3 cell, from September 2020 to November 2021 at the SCTE and Integrated Laboratory & Research Center Universitas Indonesia. Several variables were used, such as doxorubicin, melatonin, cisplatin, and combination of cisplatin and melatonin at several concentrations (1×, 3/4×, 1/2×, and 1/4×). A total of 24 samples were included and divided into 8 groups. The IC50 values of melatonin, doxorubicin, and cisplatin as well as cell viability was calculated via MTS assay. Subsequently, flow cytometry was performed to assess the effect of cisplatin and melatonin on the mechanisms of CTR1, p-glycoprotein, GSH, ERCC1, e-cadherin, and apoptosis. Analysis of variance and Bonferroni test were employed for the study. Results The IC50 values of melatonin, cisplatin, and doxorubicin were 1.841 mM, 117.5 mM, and 14.72 mM, respectively. The combination groups of cisplatin and melatonin reduced cell viability; decreased the CTR1 mean (19.73), Pgp (6.7), GSH (11.73), and ERCC1 (4.27) in the combination 1 (C1) group; and increased e-cadherin (32.2) and annexin V (53.57) also in the combination 1 (C1) group. Conclusions The combination of melatonin and cisplatin might have an impact on drug resistance via several mechanisms in ovarian cancer.
The interface of dementia and physical disability; causative factors and associations in the elderly population from Pakistan: evidence from the nationally representative cross-sectional Demographic and Health Survey (DHS, 2017-18) of Pakistan
Authors: Khalid Amna , Karim Asima , Ahmad Firdous , Qaisar Rizwan , Hussain Azhar
Published: September 2024

Objectives : The interface of dementia and physical disability is poorly characterized in the elderly population. We used the 2017-2018 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) (PKPR71FL) to investigate the prevalence and interface of dementia and physical disability in Pakistan. Study design : A cross-sectional study design was used by analyzing the latest DHS conducted for Pakistan from 22 November 2017 to 30 April 2018. Methods : We used Gamma correlation to evaluate the effects of several demographic and socioeconomic factors on dementia and physical disability in 2,899 males and 2,284 females. Results : The prevalence of both forms of disabilities increased with advancing age with a higher preponderance among females. Being unmarried, not educated, having a smaller household, and poverty was associated with a greater disability. Having four or more children was associated with a higher disability in men but lower disability in women. The prevalence of disability was highest in Punjab and lowest in Balochistan. Conclusion : Altogether, we describe several factors associated with the burden of disability in Pakistan. Community-based interventions are recommended to reduce the disability of the elderly in Pakistan.
Prayers for Sickness: What do people pray for and how do they deal with unanswered prayer?
Authors: Dein Simon , Brown Candy Gunther
Published: September 2024

Background This paper focuses upon prayer for sickness. What do individuals suffering from illness, their families and the wider community pray for? How do they deal with unanswered prayer? Do they pray for cure, to guide medical professionals or to cope with their sickness? What rationalisations do they proffer for unanswered prayer? Methods Based on a critical literature review and deploying secondary data from the Twenty First Century Evangelical research programme, the data suggest that prayers for guiding medical professionals and coping are more common than for cure, at least in Global North countries such as the UK and US. But why do those who believe in miracles not ask God for divine healing? Furthermore, unanswered prayer can conflict with Christian views of God as omnipotent and all loving. Results Respondents use a number of theodical rationalisations to resolve this conflict. Conclusions The results are discussed in relation to cognitive dissonance theory, learned helplessness, the need to conserve a relationship with the Divine, and desire to manage risk of disappointment and reduce consequent emotional pain.
Analyzing the Relationship Between Organizational Politics, Emotional Intelligence, and Employee Behavior: A PLS-SEM Modeling
Authors: Bhatia Sonakshi , Rawat Babita , Chaubey Dhani Shanker , Ali Farman
Published: September 2024

Background This study explores the complex relationship between organizational politics, emotional intelligence and employee behavior in contemporary settings. Organizational politics, which is widespread in organizational settings, has a substantial impact on different aspects of employee behavior. Emotional Intelligence has become a vital factor in individuals' capacity to successfully traverse the complexities of an organization. This study consolidates current material to offer insights into the impact of organizational politics on employee behavior and the mediating role of emotional intelligence in this connection. Methods A survey was undertaken with a sample size of 500 employees hailing from several Information Technology (IT) and Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) firms in the Dehradun (Uttarakhand) region. The study employed quantitative methodologies to investigate the correlations between Emotional Intelligence, Perceived Organizational Politics and Employee Behavior. The data were evaluated using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to examine the hypothesized correlations and mediation effects. Results The study identified substantial correlations between Emotional Intelligence, Perceived Organizational Politics, and Employee Behavior. Emotional Intelligence was discovered to have a positive impact on Behavioral Dynamics. Perceived Organizational Politics had a substantial influence on both Emotional Intelligence and Behavioral Dynamics. Factors such as Need for Power, Relationship Conflict, Resource Constraints, Role Conflict, and Workforce Diversity were discovered to have an impact on Perceived Organizational Politics. Conclusions The results confirm strong connections between organizational politics, emotional intelligence, and employee behavior, highlighting the significance of these concepts in comprehending employee behavior in organizational environments. The study proposes that enhancing employees' emotional intelligence can alleviate the adverse effects of organizational politics, resulting in enhanced behavioral dynamics. The study also addresses the limits, outlines potential areas for further research, and highlights the managerial implications. It suggests that firms should prioritize the development of emotional intelligence to cultivate a favorable work environment.
Utilization and associated determinants of multi-sectoral approach in zoonotic disease surveillance among animal and human healthcare workers in Nakuru County, Kenya
Authors: Cheptoyek Levi , Kikuvi Gideon , Gachohi John
Published: September 2024

Background Zoonoses are naturally transmissible between humans and animals. Globally, they account for more than 60% of human infections, 75% of emerging infections, 2.7 million human deaths, and 10% of the total DALYs lost yearly in Africa. In the last three decades, Kenya has had sporadic outbreaks of zoonoses. To increase the speed of reporting and efficiencies in detection and control, a multi-sectoral collaboration in zoonotic disease surveillance (MZDS) between human and animal health workers is essential. In an effort, Zoonotic disease unit (ZDU) in Kenya has been established at national and county levels. Methods A cross sectional study was carried out to determine the level of utilization of multisectoral collaboration and its associated determinants in zoonotic disease surveillance among animal and human healthcare workers in Nakuru County. Quantitative data was gathered from 102 participants and qualitative data from 5 key informants. To test for significant differences, Chi-square and independent t-test were used. Results MZDS utilization level was 16% and the factors associated with MZDS utilization include; knowing what MZDS entails, education level, sector affiliation, trainings, supportive infrastructure, budget allocation and data storage. Lack of financing and poor coordination are hindrances to MZDS. Conclusion There is need to finance MZDS activities, strengthen coordination mechanisms, carry out more sensitization and trainings among animal and human healthcare workers.
Appreciative Axiology: The Lens Through Which We Value the Appreciative Paradigm
Authors: Varona Federico
Published: September 2024

The Appreciative Paradigm, as any paradigm in social sciences, has an original and distinctive way of valuing (Axiology) what is most important in human beings and the social and natural world in which we live.
AI’s Voice for AI: Co-Creating Successful AI2
Authors: Hau Vivien , Shaked David
Published: September 2024

In this article, Vivien Hau and David Shaked invite and include the voice of Artificial Intelligence to the mix. Having held multiple ‘chats’ with a mix of leading Artificial Intelligence tools, they capture the tools’ ‘views’ of how to approach combining Appreciative Inquiry and Artificial Intelligence.
The Electric Vehicle Routing and Overnight Charging Scheduling Problem on a Multigraph
Authors: Yamín Daniel , Desaulniers Guy , Mendoza Jorge E.
Published: September 2024

In the electric vehicle (EV) routing and overnight charging scheduling problem, a fleet of EVs must serve the demand of a set of customers with time windows. The problem consists in finding a set of minimum cost routes and determining an overnight EV charging schedule that ensures the routes’ feasibility. Because (i) travel time and energy consumption are conflicting resources, (ii) the overnight charging operations take considerable time, and (iii) the charging infrastructure at the depot is limited, we model the problem on a multigraph where each arc between two vertices represents a path with a different resource consumption trade-off. To solve the problem, we design a branch-price-and-cut algorithm that implements state-of-the-art techniques, including the ng-path relaxation, subset-row inequalities, and a specialized labeling algorithm. We report computational results showing that the method solves to optimality instances with up to 50 customers. We also present experiments evaluating the benefits of modeling the problem on a multigraph rather than on the more classical 1-graph representation.

History: Accepted by Andra Lodi, Area Editor for Design and Analysis of Algorithms—Discrete.

Funding: This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada through the Discovery grants [Grant RGPIN-2023-03791]. It was also partially funded by HEC Montréal through the research professorship on Clean Transportation Analytics.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0404 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0404 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Technical Note: Dynamic Duopolistic Competition with Sticky Prices
Authors: Heston Steven L. , Hu Bo
Published: September 2024

Steven Heston of the R.H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park, and Bo Hu of the Costello College of Business, George Mason University, resolve a puzzle about industrial competition in “Dynamic Duopolistic Competition with Sticky Prices.” Previous papers analyze the effect of frictions on competition in continuous time, such as sticky prices or transactions costs. Those papers conclude that miniscule frictions have a large impact on market prices and quantities. However, Heston and Hu show that these conclusions are an artifact of the continuous-time math. Heston and Hu use discrete-time models to analyze the effect of frictions that are small per unit of time. These models show the effect of small frictions is small.
Pelatihan Kader PKK di Kota Probolinggo dalam Upaya Pencegahan Kematian Ibu dan Bayi serta Pencegahan Stunting
Authors: Fadli Sonny , Rangkuti Rahmah Yasinta , Susilo Imam , Furaidah Erna
Published: September 2024

Indikator kesehatan seperti angka kematian ibu, angka kematian bayi, dan prevalensi stunting merupakan tolak ukur penting dalam pemantauan kesehatan masyarakat. Meskipun terdapat penurunan angka global dalam rasio kematian ibu, situasi di Indonesia masih mengkhawatirkan. Kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat dilakukan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan kader PKK Kota Probolinggo dalam deteksi dini kehamilan risiko tinggi dengan menggunakan platform digital Hamilku.ID dan meningkatkan pengetahuan kader PKK tentang skrining tumbuh kembang untuk penceghan stunting. Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat dilaksanakan di Dinas Kesehatan dan P2KB Kota Probolinggo dengan diawali pre-test, pelatihan dan post-test yang melibatkan 50 kader PKK di Kota Probolinggo. Dari hasil pre-test dan post-test terhadap 30 kader PKK, didapatkan nilai mean dari 30 responden pada saaat pre-test yakni sebesar 51,3 sedangkan nilai mean dari 30 responden pada saat post-test sebesar 85,3 yang dapat menunjukkan peningkatan pengetahuan setelah dilakukan pelatihan. Dengan nilai pearson correlation sebesar 0,362 dan P(T<=t) two-tail sebesar 1,599. Terdapat peningkatan pengetahuan kader dalam hal deteksi kehamilan risiko tinggi menggunakan platform digital Hamilku.ID dan skrining tumbuh kembang pada kader PKK di Kota Probolinggo.
Perancangan Meja Kerja Perajin Perhiasan Perak dan Emas untuk IKM dengan Konsep Kompak dan Terorganisasi
Authors: Krisbianto Ari Dwi , Maharany Gunanda Tiara , Estiyono Andhika , Yulardi Audit , Purwanita Nadia Septarina
Published: September 2024

Pasca pandemi yang terjadi pada tahun 2022 memberikan dampak yang cukup mengena bagi pelaku IKM khususnya perajin perhiasan emas dan perak. Untuk dapat terus berlanjut, banyak upaya dilakukan dengan cara tetap berusaha berdaya upaya meskipun sudah tidak lagi berada di pabrik. Keadaan rumah yang terkadang cukup sempit atau workshop yang tidak banyak menampung beberapa perajin membutuhkan sebuah rancangan stasiun kerja yang kompak, dapat menampung banyak peralatan, memiliki sumber pencahayaan yang cukup dan memfasilitasi semua aktivitas proses pembentukan perhiasan emas dan perak. Pengabdian masyarakat ini bermitra dengan IKM perhiasan di area Kayoon, Surabaya. Selain upaya pemenuhan kebutuhan pemfasilitasan aktivitas, ditarget lebih ergonomis, mampu ringkas bahkan hingga sambungan untuk patri, lini gerinda mini dan periferalnya. Dihadapkan sebuah permasalahan aktivitas operasionalnya, direncanakan dilakukan observasi gestur mikro maupun makro, wawancara terkait kebutuhan, studi dan analisis terkait. Hasil akhir dari pengabdian masyarakat ini ialah sebuah produk stasiun kerja baru yang lebih nyaman, aman dan ringkas, berdimensi kompak dan memfasilitasi semua kebutuhan aktivitas perajin. Meja kerja juga telah diujicobakan pada perajin IKM dan berhasil mencapai tingkat kekokohan dan kekuatan sesuai kebutuhan.