bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repair of the Infarcted Heart: Cellular Effectors, Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities
Authors: Hilgendorf Ingo , Frantz Stefan , Frangogiannis Nikolaos G.
Published: June 2024

The adult mammalian heart has limited endogenous regenerative capacity and heals through the activation of inflammatory and fibrogenic cascades that ultimately result in the formation of a scar. After infarction, massive cardiomyocyte death releases a broad range of damage-associated molecular patterns that initiate both myocardial and systemic inflammatory responses. TLRs (toll-like receptors) and NLRs (NOD-like receptors) recognize damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and transduce downstream proinflammatory signals, leading to upregulation of cytokines (such as interleukin-1, TNF-α [tumor necrosis factor-α], and interleukin-6) and chemokines (such as CCL2 [CC chemokine ligand 2]) and recruitment of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Expansion and diversification of cardiac macrophages in the infarcted heart play a major role in the clearance of the infarct from dead cells and the subsequent stimulation of reparative pathways. Efferocytosis triggers the induction and release of anti-inflammatory mediators that restrain the inflammatory reaction and set the stage for the activation of reparative fibroblasts and vascular cells. Growth factor–mediated pathways, neurohumoral cascades, and matricellular proteins deposited in the provisional matrix stimulate fibroblast activation and proliferation and myofibroblast conversion. Deposition of a well-organized collagen-based extracellular matrix network protects the heart from catastrophic rupture and attenuates ventricular dilation. Scar maturation requires stimulation of endogenous signals that inhibit fibroblast activity and prevent excessive fibrosis. Moreover, in the mature scar, infarct neovessels acquire a mural cell coat that contributes to the stabilization of the microvascular network. Excessive, prolonged, or dysregulated inflammatory or fibrogenic cascades accentuate adverse remodeling and dysfunction. Moreover, inflammatory leukocytes and fibroblasts can contribute to arrhythmogenesis. Inflammatory and fibrogenic pathways may be promising therapeutic targets to attenuate heart failure progression and inhibit arrhythmia generation in patients surviving myocardial infarction.
Intersection of Immunology and Metabolism in Myocardial Disease
Authors: Thorp Edward B. , Karlstaedt Anja
Published: June 2024

Immunometabolism is an emerging field at the intersection of immunology and metabolism. Immune cell activation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and is integral for regeneration during cardiac injury. We currently possess a limited understanding of the processes governing metabolic interactions between immune cells and cardiomyocytes. The impact of this intercellular crosstalk can manifest as alterations to the steady state flux of metabolites and impact cardiac contractile function. Although much of our knowledge is derived from acute inflammatory response, recent work emphasizes heterogeneity and flexibility in metabolism between cardiomyocytes and immune cells during pathological states, including ischemic, cardiometabolic, and cancer-associated disease. Metabolic adaptation is crucial because it influences immune cell activation, cytokine release, and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities. This review describes current concepts about immunometabolic regulation in the heart, focusing on intercellular crosstalk and intrinsic factors driving cellular regulation. We discuss experimental approaches to measure the cardio-immunologic crosstalk, which are necessary to uncover unknown mechanisms underlying the immune and cardiac interface. Deeper insight into these axes holds promise for therapeutic strategies that optimize cardioimmunology crosstalk for cardiac health.
Autoimmune Myocarditis, Old Dogs and New Tricks
Authors: Won Taejoon , Song Evelyn J. , Kalinoski Hannah M. , Moslehi Javid J. , Čiháková Daniela
Published: June 2024

Autoimmunity significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of myocarditis, underscored by its increased frequency in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and polymyositis. Even in cases of myocarditis caused by viral infections, dysregulated immune responses contribute to pathogenesis. However, whether triggered by existing autoimmune conditions or viral infections, the precise antigens and immunologic pathways driving myocarditis remain incompletely understood. The emergence of myocarditis associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, commonly used for treating cancer, has afforded an opportunity to understand autoimmune mechanisms in myocarditis, with autoreactive T cells specific for cardiac myosin playing a pivotal role. Despite their self-antigen recognition, cardiac myosin-specific T cells can be present in healthy individuals due to bypassing the thymic selection stage. In recent studies, novel modalities in suppressing the activity of pathogenic T cells including cardiac myosin-specific T cells have proven effective in treating autoimmune myocarditis. This review offers an overview of the current understanding of heart antigens, autoantibodies, and immune cells as the autoimmune mechanisms underlying various forms of myocarditis, along with the latest updates on clinical management and prospects for future research.
Dissecting and Visualizing the Functional Diversity of Cardiac Macrophages
Authors: Holt Megan , Lin Julia , Cicka Markus , Wong Anthony , Epelman Slava , Lavine Kory J.
Published: June 2024

Cardiac macrophages represent a functionally diverse population of cells involved in cardiac homeostasis, repair, and remodeling. With recent advancements in single-cell technologies, it is possible to elucidate specific macrophage subsets based on transcriptional signatures and cell surface protein expression to gain a deep understanding of macrophage diversity in the heart. The use of fate-mapping technologies and parabiosis studies have provided insight into the ontogeny and dynamics of macrophages identifying subsets derived from embryonic and adult definitive hematopoietic progenitors that include tissue-resident and bone marrow monocyte-derived macrophages, respectively. Within the heart, these subsets have distinct tissue niches and functional roles in the setting of homeostasis and disease, with cardiac resident macrophages representing a protective cell population while bone marrow monocyte-derived cardiac macrophages have a context-dependent effect, triggering both proinflammatory tissue injury, but also promoting reparative functions. With the increased understanding of the clinical relevance of cardiac macrophage subsets, there has been an increasing need to detect and measure cardiac macrophage compositions in living animals and patients. New molecular tracers compatible with positron emission tomography/computerized tomography and positron emission tomography/ magnetic resonance imaging have enabled investigators to noninvasively and serially visualize cardiac macrophage subsets within the heart to define associations with disease and measure treatment responses. Today, advancements within this thriving field are poised to fuel an era of clinical translation.
Cardiac Fibroblastic Niches in Homeostasis and Inflammation
Authors: Cadosch Nadine , Gil-Cruz Cristina , Perez-Shibayama Christian , Ludewig Burkhard
Published: June 2024

Fibroblasts are essential for building and maintaining the structural integrity of all organs. Moreover, fibroblasts can acquire an inflammatory phenotype to accommodate immune cells in specific niches and to provide migration, differentiation, and growth factors. In the heart, balancing of fibroblast activity is critical for cardiac homeostasis and optimal organ function during inflammation. Fibroblasts sustain cardiac homeostasis by generating local niche environments that support housekeeping functions and by actively engaging in intercellular cross talk. During inflammatory perturbations, cardiac fibroblasts rapidly switch to an inflammatory state and actively communicate with infiltrating immune cells to orchestrate immune cell migration and activity. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the molecular landscape of cardiac fibroblasts, focusing on their dual role in promoting tissue homeostasis and modulating immune cell–cardiomyocyte interaction. In addition, we discuss potential future avenues for manipulating cardiac fibroblast activity during myocardial inflammation.
Left Atrial Appendage Pseudothrombus Is Associated With Stroke History in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: Nicol Edward , Karim Nabeela , Semple Tom , Baleswaran Saranya , Owen Ruth , Riad Omar , Markides Vias , Padley Simon P. G. , Wong Tom
Published: June 2024

Background

In nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), the left atrial appendage (LAA) is the source of thrombus in up to 90% of patients. LAA pseudothrombus (LAAPT), defined as a filling defect on the initial but not the 60‐second delayed acquisition on cardiovascular computed tomography scan (CCT), is a recognized phenomenon in NVAF, with unknown clinical relevance. We aimed to determine the relationship between LAAPT and history of stroke in patients with NVAF.

Methods and Results

The study included 213 consecutive patients with NVAF undergoing CCT who were assessed for LAAPT. LA and LAA dimensions and LAA morphology correlated with clinical demographics including cardiovascular risk factors, history of stroke, thromboembolic stroke, and transient ischemic attack. Mean age (±SD) was 65.1±10.5 years (range 31–89) and 150 of 213 (70.4%) were men. LAAPT was present in 59 of 213 (27.7%) patients. Greater mean LAA ostium area (5.7 versus 4.5,
P
<0.001), greater mean LAA ostium area:curved length (0.11 versus 0.08,
P
<0.001), increased LAA volume (14.0 versus 10.2,
P
<0.001), and lower mean LAA tortuosity index (1.17 versus 1.38,
P
<0.001) were all associated with the presence of LAAPT. On multivariable analysis, LAAPT on CCT (odds ratio [OR], 3.20 [95% CI, 1.40–7.20];
P
<0.006) and higher CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score (OR, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.16–2.35];
P
=0.01) were associated with all strokes, with LAAPT remaining a statistically significant risk factor even after adjustment for CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score.

Conclusions

LAAPT on CCT is common in patients with NVAF. It has a strong positive association with stroke prevalence, even after adjustment for CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score. LAAPT on CCT may potentially allow further stratification for stroke risk, additive to the CHA
2
DS
2
‐VASc score.
Cardiometabolic Profile in Young Adults With Diverse Cigarette Smoking Histories: A Longitudinal Study From Adolescence
Authors: Yari‐Boroujeni Reza , Cheraghi Leila , Masihay‐Akbar Hasti , Azizi Fereidoun , Amiri Parisa
Published: June 2024

Background

For the first time, the present study investigated smoking trajectory and cardiometabolic profile from adolescence to young adulthood in a middle‐income developing country facing a high prevalence of smoking and cardiovascular disease‐related outcomes.

Methods and Results

Data on 1082 adolescents (12–18 years of age) who participated in the TLGS (Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study) were gathered, and participants were followed for a median of 12.5 years (baseline: 1999–2002, last follow‐up: 2014–2017). Participants were categorized as non/rare smokers, experimenters, and escalators using group‐based trajectory models. Statistical analysis was used to compare the trajectory groups' cardiometabolic components, clinical characteristics, and cardiometabolic changes due to the individuals' placement in experimenter and escalator groups compared with non/rare smokers. The smoking trajectory groups in young adulthood differ significantly in blood pressure, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, and body mass index, with the escalator group having the highest risk values for each component. Significant differences were observed in blood pressure (
P
=0.014), triglycerides (
P
<0.001), and waist circumference (
P
<0.001) status after using clinical cut points. The adjusted linear regression revealed that the escalator group had 3.16 mm Hg‐lower systolic blood pressure SBP (
P
=0.016), 2.69 mm Hg‐lower diastolic blood pressure (
P
=0.011), and 4.42 mg/dL‐lower high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (
P
=0.002), compared with the non/rare smoker group.

Conclusions

Despite elevated risks in unadjusted analyses for all cardiometabolic components among smokers, our study identified a modest protective link between early smoking and blood pressure in addition to a remarkable harmful association with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels exclusively in the escalator group during the developmental stage to young adulthood, using adjusted analyses.
Greater Adherence to Life's Essential 8 for Cardiovascular Health Is Associated With Lower Arterial Stiffness in Survivors of Cancer
Authors: Lefferts Elizabeth C. , Lee Duck‐Chul
Published: June 2024

Background

Survivors of cancer have elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, likely stemming from the negative impact of anticancer therapies on vascular function. Arterial stiffness is a strong indicator of vascular function and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends Life's Essential 8 for optimal cardiovascular health. It is currently unknown, however, whether greater adherence to Life's Essential 8 is associated with low arterial stiffness in survivors of cancer.

Methods and Results

This cross‐sectional study included 172 older adult (≥65 years) survivors of cancer (74±6 years; 58% female). Life's Essential 8 100‐point cardiovascular health score, with higher scores indicative of better cardiovascular health, was calculated based on 8 components: diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, sleep health, body mass index, blood lipids, blood glucose, and blood pressure. Participants were classified as having low (<60), moderate (60–79), or high (≥80) cardiovascular health. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was used to assess arterial stiffness; with high arterial stiffness defined as a pulse wave velocity ≥10 m/s. The mean cardiovascular health score was 72±11 and 40 survivors (23%) had high arterial stiffness. Compared with low cardiovascular health, the odds ratio of high arterial stiffness was 0.12 (95% CI, 0.03–0.50) and 0.02 (95% CI, 0.003–0.18) for moderate and high cardiovascular health, respectively. Every 10‐point increase in the cardiovascular health score was associated with a 0.43 m/s reduction in pulse wave velocity (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

Greater adherence to the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 was associated with lower prevalence of high arterial stiffness in older adult survivors of cancer. Prospective studies with larger samples are needed.
Incidence and Risk Factors for New and Recurrent Infarcts in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Jordan Lori C. , King Allison A. , Kanter Julie , Lebensburger Jeff , Ford Andria L. , Varughese Taniya E. , Garrett Lisa , Mullis Lauren , Saint Jean LeShana , Davis Samantha , Dumas Jeanine , Kassim Adetola A. , Rodeghier Mark , Hikima Mustapha S. , Suwaid Mohammad A. , Saleh Mohammed K. , DeBaun Michael R.
Published: June 2024

Background

Most adults with sickle cell disease will experience a silent cerebral infarction (SCI) or overt stroke. Identifying patient subgroups with increased stroke incidence is important for future clinical trials focused on stroke prevention. Our 3‐center prospective cohort study tested the primary hypothesis that adults with sickle cell disease and SCIs have a greater incidence of new stroke or SCI compared with those without SCI. A secondary aim focused on identifying additional risk factors for progressive infarcts, particularly traditional risk factors for stroke in adults.

Methods and Results

This observational study included adults with sickle cell disease and no history of stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging scans of the brain completed at baseline and >1 year later were reviewed by 3 radiologists for baseline SCIs and new or progressive infarcts on follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging. Stroke risk factors were abstracted from the medical chart. Time‐to‐event analysis was utilized for progressive infarcts. Median age was 24.1 years; 45.3% of 95 participants had SCIs on baseline magnetic resonance imaging. Progressive infarcts were present in 17 participants (17.9%), and the median follow‐up was 2.1 years. Incidence of new infarcts was 11.95 per 100 patient‐years (6.17–20.88) versus 3.74 per 100 patient‐years (1.21–8.73) in those with versus without prior SCI. Multivariable Cox regression showed that baseline SCI predicts progressive infarcts (hazard ratio, 3.46 [95% CI, 1.05–11.39];
P
=0.041); baseline hypertension was also associated with progressive infarcts (hazard ratio, 3.23 [95% CI, 1.16–9.51];
P
=0.025).

Conclusions

Selecting individuals with SCIs and hypertension for stroke prevention trials in sickle cell disease may enrich the study population with those at highest risk for infarct recurrence.
Sex and Racial Disparities in Proportionate Mortality of Premature Myocardial Infarction in the United States: 1999 to 2020
Authors: Gonuguntla Karthik , Badu Irisha , Duhan Sanchit , Sandhyavenu Harigopal , Chobufo Muchi Ditah , Taha Amro , Thyagaturu Harshith , Sattar Yasar , Keisham Bijeta , Ali Shafaqat , Khan Muhammad Zia , Latchana Sharaad , Naeem Minahil , Shaik Ayesha , Balla Sudarshan , Gulati Martha
Published: June 2024

Background

The incidence of premature myocardial infarction (PMI) in women (<65 years and men <55 years) is increasing. We investigated proportionate mortality trends in PMI stratified by sex, race, and ethnicity.

Methods and Results

CDC WONDER (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research) was queried to identify PMI deaths within the United States between 1999 and 2020, and trends in proportionate mortality of PMI were calculated using the Joinpoint regression analysis. We identified 3 017 826 acute myocardial infarction deaths, with 373 317 PMI deaths corresponding to proportionate mortality of 12.5% (men 12%, women 14%). On trend analysis, proportionate mortality of PMI increased from 10.5% in 1999 to 13.2% in 2020 (average annual percent change of 1.0 [0.8–1.2,
P
<0.01]) with a significant increase in women from 10% in 1999 to 17% in 2020 (average annual percent change of 2.4 [1.8–3.0,
P
<0.01]) and no significant change in men, 11% in 1999 to 10% in 2020 (average annual percent change of −0.2 [−0.7 to 0.3,
P
=0.4]). There was a significant increase in proportionate mortality in both Black and White populations, with no difference among American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, or Hispanic people. American Indian/Alaska Natives had the highest PMI mortality with no significant change over time.

Conclusions

Over the last 2 decades, there has been a significant increase in the proportionate mortality of PMI in women and the Black population, with persistently high PMI in American Indian/Alaska Natives, despite an overall downtrend in acute myocardial infarction–related mortality. Further research to determine the underlying cause of these differences in PMI mortality is required to improve the outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in these populations.
Individual and Joint Associations of High‐Sensitivity Troponin I and High‐Sensitivity Troponin T with Cardiac Phenotypes and Outcomes in the General Population: An Analysis From the Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Vigen Rebecca , Ayers Colby , Berry Jarett , Rohatgi Anand , Nambi Vijay , Ballantyne Christie M. , Omland Torbjorn , de Filippi Christopher R. , de Lemos James
Published: June 2024

Background

High‐sensitivity troponin I (hs‐cTnI) and T (hs‐cTnT) provide complementary information regarding cardiovascular disease risk. The explanation for their distinct risk profiles is incompletely understood.

Methods and Results

hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT were measured in Dallas Heart Study participants. Associations of hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT with demographics and phenotypes were assessed using linear regression. Associations with incident heart failure, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, global cardiovascular disease, and cardiovascular and all‐cause mortality were assessed using Cox models. Among 3276 participants (56% women, 50% Black persons, median age 43 years), the correlation between hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT was modest (Spearman rho=0.35). Variables associated with hs‐cTnI but not hs‐cTnT included hypertension, higher body mass index and total cholesterol, and lower high‐density lipoprotein and cholesterol efflux capacity. Older age, male sex, and diabetes were positively associated, and smoking was negatively associated, with hs‐cTnT but not hs‐cTnI. Hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT were associated with heart failure (hazard ratio [HR] per SD log hs‐cTnI 1.53 [95% CI, 1.30–1.81] and HR per SD log hs‐cTnT 1.65 [95% CI, 1.40–1.95]), global cardiovascular disease (HR, 1.22 [95% CI, 1.10–1.34] and HR, 1.27 [95% CI, 1.15–1.32]), and all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.01–1.25], and HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.06–1.29]). After adjustment for N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide and the alternative troponin, both remained associated with heart failure (HR per SD log hs‐cTnI 1.32 [95% CI, 1.1–1.58] and HR per log hs‐cTnT 1.27 [95% CI, 1.06–1.51]).

Conclusions

Hs‐cTnI and hs‐cTnT are modestly correlated, demonstrate differential associations with cardiac and metabolic phenotypes, and provide complementary information regarding heart failure risk.
Self‐Performed Dietary Sodium Reduction and Blood Pressure in Patients With Essential Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Duus Camilla Lundgreen , Nielsen Steffen Flindt , Hornstrup Bodil Gade , Mose Frank Holden , Bech Jesper Nørgaard
Published: June 2024

Background

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease worldwide. Patients with blood pressure (BP) response to dietary sodium reduction are referred to as “salt sensitive.” Salt sensitivity (SS) might be due to differences in sodium storage capacity and the erythrocyte SS examines this capacity of the red blood cells. This study aimed to test the effect of a self‐performed sodium reduced diet on BP in patients with essential hypertension and examine whether erythrocyte SS predicts SS.

Methods and Results

Seventy‐two patients with hypertension were included and randomized 2:1 to either sodium reduction or a control group for 4 weeks. Blood samples, 24‐hour BP measurement, and 24‐hour urine collection were performed before and after. The intervention group received advice on how to lower sodium intake. Urinary sodium excretion decreased 66 mmol (95% CI, −96 to −37 mmol) in the intervention group compared with the control group. Systolic 24‐hour BP decreased 9 mm Hg after low‐sodium diet compared with the control group (95% CI, −13 to −4 mm Hg). Similarly, the difference in reduction in diastolic BP between the groups was 5 mm Hg (95% CI, −8 to −1 mm Hg). We found no correlation between erythrocyte SS at baseline and decrease in 24‐hour BP, neither systolic nor diastolic (
P
=0.66 and
P
 = 0.84).

Conclusions

Self‐performed sodium reduction was feasible and led to decrease in 24‐hour BP of 9/5 mm Hg compared with a control group. The erythrocyte SS did not correlate to the change in BP after lowering sodium intake.

Registration

URL:
https://clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT05165823.
Effect of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Barry Arden R. , Helisaz Hamed , Safari Abdollah , Loewen Peter
Published: June 2024

Background

The effect of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARBs) on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery is equivocal. This retrospective, population‐based cohort study evaluated effect of exposure to an ACEI/ARB on MACE using linked administrative databases that included all cardiac revascularization procedures, hospitalizations, and prescriptions for the population of British Columbia, Canada.

Methods and Results

All adults who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery between 2002 and 2020 were eligible. The primary outcome was time to MACE, defined as a composite of all‐cause death, myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke using Cox proportional hazards models with inverse probability treatment weighting. Included were 15 439 patients and 6191 (40%) were prescribed an ACEI/ARB. Mean age was 66 years, 83% were men, and 16% had heart failure (HF). Median exposure time was 40 months. Over the 5‐year follow‐up, 1623 MACE occurred. Impact of exposure was different for patients with and without HF (
P
<0.0001 for interaction). After probability‐weighting and adjustment for relevant covariates, exposure to ACEI/ARBs was associated with a lower hazard of MACE in patients with HF at 1 year (hazard ratio, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.09–0.19]) and 5 years (hazard ratio, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.30–0.44]). In patients without HF, ACEI/ARBs had a lower hazard of MACE at 1 year (hazard ratio, 0.35 [95% CI, 0.27–0.46]) and 5 years (hazard ratio, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.58–0.76]).

Conclusions

In this population‐based study, ACEI/ARBs were associated with a lower hazard of MACE in a cohort of patients post–coronary artery bypass graft surgery irrespective of HF status.
Artistic Resistance and Resilience in Sank, or the Patience of the Dead, by Aristide Tarnagda
Authors: Tiendrebeogo Pingdewindé Issiaka
Published: June 2024

Burkina Faso has faced a security crisis unlike any other in its history for the past eight years. The government has lost control of up to 35 % of the national territory, and there are as many as two million internally displaced persons living in the big cities. The emblematic figure of Thomas Sankara, Burkina Faso’s president from 1984 to 1987, has soared beyond the local image of the “upright man” (the ideal to which the very name “Burkina Faso” refers) to that of a globally recognised icon of resistance against imperialism. Theatre artists are inspired to create theatrical performances that “represent” (or “face up”) this great figure, as the recent edition of the Ouagadougou-based biannual theatre festival called Les Récréâtrales invited them to do. This paper emphasises theatre’s contribution to efforts of artistic resilience and resistance in Burkina Faso. It addresses the question: How do Burkinabè artists produce acts of artistic resilience through performance? In other words, does the staging proposed by the Burkinabè playwright Aristide Tarnagda carry the seeds of hope for a Burkina Faso entirely liberated from terrorism? The theory of communication developed by J.L. Austin in How to Do Things With Words (1962) and Anne Ubersfeld’s (1982) semiotic analysis theory provide the key critical concepts of this study.
Technological Developments and Change in Armed Forces Recruitment Systems
Authors: Karasu Şemsettin , Çokgezen Murat
Published: June 2024

The impact of technological changes in military technology on warfare, military organizations, and peace has been investigated by a number of researchers but only very few explicitly refer to the effects of technological changes on the military recruitment systems. With the aim of filling this gap, this study, based on previous studies examining war history and military technology, hypothesizes that long-running trends in military recruitment systems, from professional armies to conscription or the other way round, can be explained by the changes in military technology. We assert that as military technology changed, so too did the skills required for those technologies, and, in turn, those need by the recruitment system and therefore the system itself. Although changes in military technology may explain the long-term cycles, one should keep in mind that we need the other determinants discussed in the literature to understand why different countries switched from one military recruitment system to another at different times throughout the cycle. Further studies, simultaneously taking into account both the impact of the changes in military technology as well as other variables, would improve our understanding of the determinants of the changes in military recruitment systems.
A new species of Metopeurum Mordvilko, 1914 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from the Transcaucasus, with a key to the species of this genus
Authors: BARJADZE SHALVA , STEPANYAN ILONA , KALASHIAN MARK , KARAGYAN GAYANE , GABRIELYAN IVAN , THIEME THOMAS
Published: June 2024

The new aphid species Metopeurum caucasicum sp. nov. living on Achillea millefolium and five species of Tanacetum, namely T. abrotanifolium, T. balsamita, T. balsamitoides, T. canescens and T. vulgare (Asteraceae) in Armenia and Georgia, is described based on the apterous viviparous females. Diagnosis to other species of the genus is given. Some diagnostic characters of the holotype of Metopeurum capillatum (Börner, 1950), which was originally briefly described, are presented. An updated identification key for apterous viviparous females of all Metopeurum species is provided.
Effects of the Drying Technique Used on the Contents of Total Polyphenols, Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activity of Five Varieties of Mangoes (Mangifera Indica) Dried in Senegal
Authors: Ba Ibrahima , Fofana Mouhamadou , Diouf El , Mbow Bédié , Ayessou Nicolas , Faye Fatou
Published: June 2024

The Ziguinchor region (Kaguitte village), where the mango samples were collected, is an area that is very affected by post-school losses of seasonal fruit in general. Faced with this problem, the women in the GIE (economic interest group) have been processing mangoes into by-products for several years, particularly drying, which is one of the mwain techniques for preserving agricultural and food products. It is a process that is used in the production of many food products. To carry out this drying, three techniques were used: the one used by the women of the locality (Normal) and two others with osmotic dehydration for two hours and three hours respectively. After peeling, it was found that the improved varieties Knt and Kt had the highest pulp yields (60% of their total mass) and that the Sl variety had the lowest yield. In this work, we followed the variation of polyphenol contents and antioxidant powers according to the technique and the mango variety. For total polyphenols, the Folin-Ciocalteu method was used and antioxidant activity was assessed with 2,2-diphenyl-1-pycrilhydrazyl (DPPH°). The results showed that the antioxidant power, significantly decreases after treatment of the four varieties (example: Knt normal-AAR=0.83%, Treatment-2h-AAR=0.69% and Treatment-3h-AAR=0.59%) with the exception of Dr variety (Normal-AAR=0.68% and Treatment-2h-AAR=0.79% and Treatment-3h-AAR=0.78%). The determination of total polyphenols in these samples showed a much more obvious variation between varieties and less important after the treatment. Thus we have: Knt (Normal-0.07g/100g, treatment-2h-0.03g/100g and treatment-3h-0.19g/100g), Kt (Normal-0.27g/100g, treatment-2h-0.07g/100g and treatment-3h-0.06g/100g) and Sl (Normal-0.11g/100g, treatment-2h-0.07g/100g and treatment-3h-0.21g/100g) Analyses (of Variance and linear models) show that the varieties Knt (treatment-2h-0.0087g/100g and normal-0.0033g/100g), Dr (treatment-2h-0.0023g/100g and normal-0.0019g/100g) and Sl (treatment-2h-0.0023g/100g and normal-0.0017g/100g), respectively, have quite high flavonoid contents. These experimental results show that the technique used (Normal) by the local units preserves the antioxidant compounds well and in some cases it is necessary to treat the different varieties before drying them.
Assessing the Results of Satellite Positioning for Geodetic Network Points with Different Observation Sessions
Authors: Younes Sobhy
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, static satellite observations are widely used in many fields. To obtain high measurement accuracy, the static satellite observations of the geodetic network have been carried out using one and two base stations. This study is important due to the lack of information on whether using several base stations impacts measurement accuracy. In addition, the dependence of the measurement accuracy of different lengths of the geodetic network lines on the observation time is investigated. Direct measurements have been carried out on the territory of Egypt, where the development of a geodetic network of the National Agricultural Cadastral Network (NACN) is a burning issue. The observations were conducted using Trimble R10 dual-frequency receivers based on specific schemes. In the case of using one base station, all the lines that connect the nearest points to the station were calculated. In the case where two stations were being used, the observations were carried out simultaneously on three points, including the base points. The third point is the closest point to the baseline. The other three points were determined as follows: two points had been taken from the previous triangle; and the one that was the nearest one to the line formed by the first two points, etc. The analysis of the results shows that if only one station is used, it takes at least 3–4 hours to make measurements that are precise up to a centimeter. The use of two base stations can reduce measurement time by two hours. Additionally, these studies can help select satellite positioning technology based on the equipment available.
Structural and Optical Properties of Fe Doped Tio2 Nanoparticles: Investigation of Effects of Different Doping Concentration
Authors: Gakuru Simon , Kiprotich Sharon , Waithaka Peter
Published: June 2024

Fe-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (F-T NPs) were synthesized using the sol-gel method where different molar concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 10%) of Iron (iii) nitrate were added to a constant amount of the metal precursor TetraisopropylOrthotitanate (TTIP) solution, the solvent precursor ethanol and refluxing agent diethanolamine at the ratios of 1:6:1 respectively. The gel formed was annealed at 500°C in a muffle furnace for 2h. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) showed Fe-O symmetrical stretching vibration for the 5% doping and above and Ti-O-Fe asymmetrical stretching vibration at wavenumber 668 cm-1 and 1033cm-1, respectively. Fe-O stretching vibration confirms substitution doping. The crystallite size was calculated using the Debye Scherer equation; 2% F-T NPs had the largest crystallite size at 16.45 nm, and 7% F-T NPs had the least size at 10.95 nm, a decrease of 2.80 nm from the 0% F-T NPs. X-ray diffraction spectra showed a merging of peaks at planes 105 and 211. The peak at plane 204 is found to diminish, and the growth of another peak at 2θ (64.28°). Optical analysis was studied using UV-Vis, where the Tauc plot estimated the calculated band gap (Eg). It was the least at 7% F-T NPs with a value of 4.41 eV, and 5% F-T NPs were found to have the highest value of 4.86 eV.% Transmittance is directly proportional to the optical band gap. Scanning Electron Microscope showed improved agglomeration and aggregation with a dense and smooth particle. Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Fe, Ti, and O in the F-T NPs.
Efficacy of Combination Therapy with External Human Epidermal Growth Factor and Ebastin in 60 Cases of Eczema
Authors: Huyu Li , Dongdong Liu , Chao Liu
Published: June 2024

Objective: The primary aim of this research endeavor was to meticulously evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of integrating external human epidermal growth factor (EGF) with ebastine in the therapeutic management of eczema, Methods: A comprehensive cohort comprising sixty patients clinically diagnosed with eczema and admitted to our esteemed medical facility during the period spanning from June 2020 to June 2022 was meticulously curated for this investigation. Employing a rigorous randomized allocation procedure, the recruited patients were stratified into two distinct groups: the control group and the study group. The control group, serving as the comparative benchmark, underwent treatment with conventional ebastine therapy, whereas the study group was subjected to a novel therapeutic regimen encompassing the combined administration of external human epidermal growth factor and ebastine. Throughout the study duration, each patient's response to treatment was diligently monitored and meticulously documented. Results: Upon comprehensive analysis of the treatment outcomes, it was unequivocally evident that the therapeutic regimen involving the concomitant administration of external human epidermal growth factor and ebastine yielded markedly superior outcomes in comparison to the conventional ebastine monotherapy. Specifically, the study group exhibited an impressively high effective rate of 96.7%, which starkly contrasted with the comparatively modest effective rate of 73.3% observed in the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was notably lower, standing at 13.3%, as opposed to the substantially higher incidence rate of 46.7% documented in the control group (P < 0.05). These compelling findings underscore the profound therapeutic potential and favorable safety profile associated with the innovative combination therapy. Conclusions: In light of the compelling evidence gleaned from this meticulously conducted study, it can be unequivocally concluded that the integration of external human epidermal growth factor with ebastine holds immense promise as a novel therapeutic strategy for the effective management of eczema. These findings advocate for the wider adoption and integration of this innovative therapeutic approach into mainstream clinical practice, thereby signifying a pivotal advancement in the armamentarium against this debilitating dermatological ailment.
Forage Yield and Nutritive Values of Vetches Grown as a Sole and Intercropped with Desho Grass at Different Row Spacing in Western Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Wekgari Yerosan , Dereba Fikre
Published: June 2024

Legume forage, like vetches, is an important feed source for animals as a supplement to low-quality feeds. This study was conducted to evaluate the forage yield and nutritional values of vetches intercropped at various spacings of desho grass. The study was designed in a factorial arrangement with a randomized complete block design with three inter-row spaces (0.50 m, 0.75 m, and 1 m) and intercropping two vetches (Vicia sativa ICARDA 61509 and Vicia dasycarpa lana) and desho grass with three replications. Agronomic parameters, forage and seed yield, chemical analysis, and in vitro digestibility of vetch forage samples were determined. Results showed that significant differences (p<0.05) were observed for all measured agronomic parameters of vetches, except leaf length, due to spacing and interaction effects. Dry matter yield of vetch (DMY) was only affected by row spacing, while crude protein yield (CPY) was affected by row spacing and their interactions. Higher DMY (3.87 - 4.04 t/ha) and CPY (0.74 - 0.79 t/ha) were obtained from solely grown vetches as compared to intercropped vetches (2.26 - 2.42 t/ha and 0.417 - 0.423 t/ha), respectively. Forage yield significantly decreased as row spacing increased. Seed yield decreased as the row space increased, and the yield obtained from Vicia sativa ICARDA 61509 was higher (0.6 and 1.23 t/ha) than Vicia dasycarpa lana (0.41 and 0.82 t/ha) when either intercropped with desho grass or sown alone, respectively. The interaction of intercropping with spacing unaffected vetch's chemical composition. However, crude protein (CP) and acid detergent lignin of vetches were influenced by intercropping, whereas CP, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were affected by spacing (p<0.05). Intercropped Vicia dasycarpa gave higher in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro organic matter digestibility, and metabolizable energy than Vicia sativa, and IVDMD increased as row spacing increased from 0.5 to 1 m.
Islam: The Complete, Functional and Practical Guide to Life
Authors: Rahman Mohammad
Published: June 2024

People say developed countries became developed by following secularism while Muslim countries became backward by following Islam. This is false perception. In fact developed countries are following Islamic principles unknowingly in all the areas of development; Islamic principles of rule of law, justice, honesty, integrity, research and knowledge learning, development and application. Developed countries and corruption ridden Muslim countries are self harming in all those areas where they are not following Islamic principles; resource intensive hedonism, predatory economic and financial policies, corruption, fraud, injustice, prejudice and selective exploitation of people. Latest development in many developed countries is adoption of prohibition of smoking in public places and this is also based on Islamic principle of avoiding greater harm. So Islam is an essential aspect of humanity’s existence. It teaches us how to conduct ourselves in all aspects of life in a morally and legally upright manner. Islam created a well-defined system of laws governing moral behavior, civil and political rights, social issues and rights, marriage and divorce laws, inheritance rights, and all other matters we deal with daily. It serves as a guide to life in all its facets and is not just for the mosque. Since Islam is logical and rational, it keeps a Muslim free from confusion of any kind. These are some of the main points raised in the paper regarding how Islam is a comprehensive, functional, and practical code of life. Nine major relevant and significant fields have been discussed: the Islamic political system, law and legal system, Jihad, economic system, education system, marriage and family, Islamic society, the mindset, and the hijab. The discussion is analytical and comparative addressing secular ideologies based on Islamic texts and social sciences. The paper establishes that the Islamic system is the alternative system that can replace secular ideologies. This paper has been summarized from a broader and larger discussion of the same topic.
SMOG (Simple Measure of Goobledygook) Readibility Index in Selecting Reading Materials and Reading Literacy Skills of Primary School Student
Authors: Dalillah Nida , Ismayanti Febry , Azzahra Ersa , Kusmana Suherli , Rahayu Ira
Published: June 2024

Reading materials for elementary school students generally do not have readability in accordance with the measurement results so that the literacy level of students is low, as shown by the survey results from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization which noted that the literacy level of Indonesian society was only 0.001 percent. Therefore, it is necessary to measure readability so that the material in books used in learning is in accordance with the age level of readers and can be understood by students. With these conditions, this study aims to overcome the problem of reading materials in elementary schools that are not in accordance with their readability so that they do not support efforts to develop reading literacy. Reading materials in elementary schools need to be measured through a readability measurement in order to know the suitability of readability with the age of the reader. One of the formulas that can be used to measure readability is the SMOG formula (Simple Measure of Goobledygook), this formula is simpler because it does not use graphs only considers the number of sentences and difficult words. This research uses quantitative methods in the process of measuring and collecting data. The research instruments used text readability measurement, text comprehension instrument questionnaire, literacy measurement and student reading habit questionnaire. Based on the results of the linear regression test, there is a relationship between the results of the readability measurement and the results of the student comprehension measurement of 0.688. The positive correlation shows that the higher the score value of the readability measurement results, the lower the students' understanding of the reading. The results show that reading books used in elementary schools have a high readability index value, so that it can reduce students' understanding of reading materials used in learning.
Choices of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability and Its Determinants: Evidence from Farm Households of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Mersha Firomsa , Haji Jema , Emana Bezabih , Mehare Abule
Published: June 2024

Climate variability and change is a serious threat to the livelihoods of rural communities because they are very sensitive to such changes. This study identified farmers’ choice of and factors determining adaptation strategies to climate variability and change in Benishangul Gumuz regional state, western Ethiopia which is harshly affected by climate change stresses. Both primary and secondary data were used for the study. Primary data were collected from a randomly selected 395 sample households through interviewed using field-based questionnaires and focus group discussions. Relevant secondary data were also obtained from Benishangul Gumuz region Agriculture and Natural resource Bureau, national meteorological agency and different reports. Descriptive statistics were used to describe farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change. Multivariate probit model was estimated to identify the factors determining households’ choice of adaptation strategies to climate change. The results of the model pointed out that the likelihood of households to adopt soil and water conservation practice, crop diversity, small scale irrigation, improved crop varieties, agrochemical applications and adjusting planting date were 64.7%, 70.4%, 65.5%, 64.2%, 63.6% and 58.9% respectively. The results also indicated that the joint likelihood of using all adaptation strategies was only 2.13% and the joint likelihood of failure to adopt all of the adaptation strategies was 2.82%. Moreover, Multivariate probit model confirmed that age, sex, education status, family size, dependency ratio, total land holding, farming experience, credit access, frequency of extension contacts, distance to the market, total livestock holding, farm income and off/non-farm income have a statistically significant impact on climate adaptation strategies. Therefore, policy makers should focus on towards supporting improved extension service, facilitating the availability of credit especially to adaptation technologies, improving farmers farm income earning opportunities, improving their literacy status, and improving their access to markets.
Ileal Evisceration Per Vaginum: A Serious Complication of Clandestine Abortions
Authors: Mamadouba Camara , Adama Traoré , Mamadou Camara , Fodé Cissé
Published: June 2024

Per vaginum evisceration through uterine perforation is a rare but potentially serious complication of clandestine abortion. early diagnosis and aggressive volume resuscitation enable major surgical management and reduce patient mortality. Serious complications include haemorrhage, infection and damage to surrounding organs (intestinal, urological). This is the report of two observations of evisceration per vaginum during a clandestine abortion by endo-uterine maneuver. The first patient, aged 20, nulliparous, presented to the emergency department with externalization of the bowel and ileal loop necrosis 3 hours after the abortion. In the majority of cases, surgical management is by laparotomy, but a laparoscopic procedure can be performed if the externalized viscera is the omentum. The post-operative course is straightforward, but the obstetrical prognosis remains guarded due to the sequelae of induced abortion. Despite efforts to raise young girls' awareness of the harmful effects of clandestine abortions and legislation against such practices, young girls are still being encouraged to undergo abortions with serious complications. Conclusion: we describe two cases of post-abortive intestinal evisceration, despite efforts to raise young women's awareness of the harmful effects of illegal abortions. Vaginal evisceration is a surgical emergency and treatment is mandatory without a diagnostic assessment. Efforts must be made to reduce the number of unsafe abortions.