bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Typical X-Ray Outburst Light Curves of Aql X-1
Authors: Çoban Ömer Faruk , Ertan Ünal
Published: February 2024

We show that the typical X-ray outburst light curve of Aql X-1 can be reproduced by accretion onto a neutron star in the frame of the disk instability model without invoking partial accretion or the propeller effect. The knee and the subsequent sharp decay in the X-ray light curve can be generated naturally by taking into account the weak dependence of the disk aspect ratio, h/r, on the disk mass-flow rate,

M

̇

in

, in the X-ray irradiation flux calculation. This

M

̇

in

dependence of h/r only slightly modifies the irradiation temperature profile along the hot disk in comparison to that obtained with a constant h/r. Nevertheless, this small difference has a significant cumulative effect on the hot disk radius, leading to a much faster decrease in the size of the hot disk and thereby to a sharper decay in the X-ray outburst light curve. The same model also produces the long-term evolution of Aql X-1, consistent with its observed outburst recurrence time and typical light curve. Our results imply that the source accretes matter from the disk in the quiescent state as well. We also estimate that the dipole moment of the source μ ≲ 4 × 1026 G cm3 (B ≲ 4 × 108 G at the surface).
The MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS) Data Release. I. Stokes I Image Catalogs at 1–1.4 GHz
Authors: Deka P. P. , Gupta N. , Jagannathan P. , Sekhar S. , Momjian E. , Bhatnagar S. , Wagenveld J. , Klöckner H.-R. , Jose J. , Balashev S. A. , Combes F. , Hilton M. , Borgaonkar D. , Chatterjee A. , Emig K. L. , Gaunekar A. N. , Józsa G. I. G. , Klutse D. Y. , Knowles K. , Krogager J.-K. , Mohapatra A. , Moodley K. , Muller Sébastien , Noterdaeme P. , Petitjean P. , Salas P. , Sikhosana S.
Published: February 2024

The MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS) has observed 391 telescope pointings at the L band (900–1670 MHz) at δ ≲ +20°. We present radio continuum images and a catalog of 495,325 (240,321) radio sources detected at a signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) > 5 over an area of 2289 deg2 (1132 deg2) at 1006 MHz (1381 MHz). Every MALS pointing contains a central bright radio source (S
1 GHz ≳ 0.2 Jy). The median spatial resolution is 12″ (8″). The median rms noise away from the pointing center is 25 μJy beam−1 (22 μJy beam−1) and is within ∼15% of the achievable theoretical sensitivity. The flux density scale ratio and astrometric accuracy deduced from multiply observed sources in MALS are <1% (8% scatter) and 1″, respectively. Through comparisons with NVSS and FIRST at 1.4 GHz, we establish the catalog’s accuracy in the flux density scale and astrometry to be better than 6% (15% scatter) and 0.″8, respectively. The median flux density offset is higher (9%) for an alternate beam model based on holographic measurements. The MALS radio source counts at 1.4 GHz are in agreement with literature. We estimate spectral indices (α) of a subset of 125,621 sources (S/N > 8), confirm the flattening of spectral indices with decreasing flux density, and identify 140 ultra-steep-spectrum (α < −1.3) sources as prospective high-z radio galaxies (z > 2). We have identified 1308 variable and 122 transient radio sources comprising primarily active galactic nuclei that demonstrate long-term (26 yr) variability in their observed flux densities. The MALS catalogs and images are publicly available at https://mals.iucaa.in.
Fierce Feedback in an Obscured, Sub-Eddington State of the Seyfert 1.2 Markarian 817
Authors: Zak Miranda K. , Miller Jon M. , Behar Ehud , Brandt W. N. , Brenneman Laura , Draghis Paul A. , Kammoun Elias , Koss Michael J. , Reynolds Mark T. , Zoghbi Abderahmen
Published: February 2024

Mrk 817 is a bright and variable Seyfert 1.2 active galactic nucleus (AGN). X-ray monitoring of Mrk 817 with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory in 2022 revealed that the source flux had declined to a lower level than recorded at any prior point in the then 19 yr mission. We present an analysis of deep XMM-Newton and NuSTAR observations obtained in this low flux state. The spectra reveal a complex X-ray wind consisting of neutral and ionized absorption zones. Three separate velocity components are detected as part of a structured ultrafast outflow (UFO), with

v

/

c

=

0.043

−
0.003

+
0.007

,

v

/

c

=

0.079

−
0.0008

+
0.003

, and

v

/

c

=

0.074

−
0.005

+
0.004

. These projected velocities suggest that the wind likely arises at radii that are much smaller than the optical broad-line region. In order for each component of the outflow to contribute significant feedback, the volume filling factors must be greater than f ≃ 0.009, f ≃ 0.003, and f ≃ 0.3, respectively. For plausible, data-driven volume filling factors, these limits are passed, and the total outflow likely delivers the fierce feedback required to reshape its host environment, despite a modest radiative Eddington fraction of λ ≃ 0.008–0.016 (this range reflects plausible masses). UFOs are often detected at or above the Eddington limit; this result signals that black hole accretion has the potential to shape host galaxies even at modest Eddington fractions and over a larger fraction of a typical AGN lifetime. We discuss our findings in terms of models for disk winds and black hole feedback in this and other AGN.
Atmospheric Loss in Giant Impacts Depends on Preimpact Surface Conditions
Authors: Lock Simon J. , Stewart Sarah T.
Published: February 2024

Earth likely acquired much of its inventory of volatile elements during the main stage of its formation. Some of Earth’s proto-atmosphere must therefore have survived the giant impacts, collisions between planet-sized bodies, that dominate the latter phases of accretion. Here, we use a suite of 1D hydrodynamic simulations and impedance-match calculations to quantify the effect that preimpact surface conditions (such as atmospheric pressure and the presence of an ocean) have on the efficiency of atmospheric and ocean loss from protoplanets during giant impacts. We find that—in the absence of an ocean—lighter, hotter, and lower-pressure atmospheres are more easily lost. The presence of an ocean can significantly increase the efficiency of atmospheric loss compared to the no-ocean case, with a rapid transition between low- and high-loss regimes as the mass ratio of atmosphere to ocean decreases. However, contrary to previous thinking, the presence of an ocean can also reduce atmospheric loss if the ocean is not sufficiently massive, typically less than a few times the atmospheric mass. Volatile loss due to giant impacts is thus highly sensitive to the surface conditions on the colliding bodies. To allow our results to be combined with 3D impact simulations, we have developed scaling laws that relate loss to the ground velocity and surface conditions. Our results demonstrate that the final volatile budgets of planets are critically dependent on the exact timing and sequence of impacts experienced by their precursor planetary embryos, making atmospheric properties a highly stochastic outcome of accretion.
Hypothesis Description: Enemy Release Hypothesis
Authors: Heger Tina , Jeschke Jonathan , Bernard-Verdier Maud , Musseau Camille , Mietchen Daniel
Published: February 2024

This paper provides a brief overview of a major hypothesis in invasion biology: the enemy release hypothesis. Building on a summary of different previous definitions, we provide the following revised definition: “A reduced pressure by enemies in the non-native range contributes to invasion success.” Further, we suggest formalizing the hypothesis in the basic form ‘subject - relationship - object’ to allow for disambiguating the different existing meanings and enhancing their usability by machines.
Les schèmes affectifs et le rôle de l’affectivité dans la construction de la connaissance et de la subjectivité : examen critique de la conception piagétienne
Authors: Genovesi Mariela Cecilia
Published: February 2024

Cet article vise à analyser de l’approche que Jean Piaget a mise en oeuvre au sujet du lien entre l’affectivité, l’intelligence et la formation des schèmes de connaissance. L’objectif est de reconsidérer la place assignée à l’affectivité – conçue uniquement comme énergétique – et de formaliser la notion de schème affectif grâce à divers apports théoriques dans le champ de la psychologie, certains classiques (Ribot, Wallon, Freud) et d’autres plus récents (Aulagnier, Green, Rochat, Damasio et LeDoux).
Expansion en milieu hostile
Authors: Bonnet François
Published: February 2024

Dans un paysage médiatique sinistré, une nouvelle presse indépendante réinvente un journalisme à l’écoute de la société. Ignorée par les pouvoirs publics, elle paye au prix fort son indépendance.
« Les institutions internationales ne sont plus adaptées »
Authors: Mbembe Achille , Lafortune Guillaume , Hervieu-Léger Benoît
Published: February 2024

Bâti au mitan du XX e  siècle, le système financier international peine à tenir l’enjeu du développement durable dans un monde plombé par les inégalités. Quelles pistes feraient bouger les lignes ? Dialogue entre le politologue et historien Achille Mbembe et Guillaume Lafortune, vice-président du réseau des Nations unies de solutions pour le développement durable.
Les grandes espérances : la Grande-Bretagne et l’inclusion de la Russie soviétique et post-soviétique dans le système de sécurité européen (1984-1994)
Authors: Guderzo Massimiliano , Guderzo Massimiliano
Published: February 2024

L’article veut contribuer au thème de l’inclusion/exclusion de la Russie dans les organisations régionales à la fin de la guerre froide et peu après, avec une référence particulière à l’intégration européenne et atlantique. Quels ont été la perception et le rôle de Londres face aux initiatives de Mikhaïl Gorbatchev dans les années où l’Union soviétique pouvait encore être perçue comme une superpuissance, bien qu’en déclin, puis face à la Fédération de Russie dans les premières années de l’administration Eltsine ? Des éléments de continuité ou de discontinuité ont-ils prévalu dans la transition Thatcher-Major en 1990 ? Dans quelle mesure la politique britannique a-t‑elle influencé les politiques européennes dans la sphère atlantique et au moment très délicat de la constitution de l’Union européenne ? L’article vise aussi à étudier l’hypothèse qui voit dans l’échec du décollage d’un sujet fédéral européen fort au début des années 1990 l’une des principales causes du désordre international des trente dernières années.
S’échapper vers l’ouest ? La Pologne en quête de nouvelles alliances, 1989-1991
Authors: Jarzabek Wanda , Jarzabek Wanda
Published: February 2024

Après 1989, la Pologne a pu décider plus librement des orientations de sa politique étrangère. Elle restait membre du Pacte de Varsovie, l’URSS existait et un nouvel ordre international commençait tout juste à émerger. L’article traite de la politique étrangère polonaise jusqu’à la dissolution de l’URSS. Il cherche à montrer comment Varsovie a profité des changements intervenus dans les relations Est-Ouest pour sortir la Pologne de sa dépendance à l’égard de Moscou et l’ancrer à l’Ouest. La majorité des Polonais était convaincue que c’était la direction à prendre, pensant que le pays appartenait culturellement à la civilisation latine et occidentale et que les liens traditionnels séculaires avec celle-ci avaient été brutalement rompus par les décisions des Trois (Quatre) Grands qui avaient fixé l’ordre international après la Deuxième Guerre mondiale.
Delay differential equations with fractional differential operators: Existence, uniqueness and applications to chaos
Authors: Arık İrem Akbulut , Araz Seda İğret
Published: February 2024

In this study, we consider a chaotic model in which fractional differential operators and the delay term are added. Using the Carathéodory existence-uniqueness theorem for this chaotic model modified with the Caputo fractional derivative, we show that the solution of the associated system exists and is unique. We consider the chaotic model with a delay term with Caputo, Caputo–Fabrizio and Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivatives and present a numerical algorithm for these models. We then present the numerical solution of chaotic models with delay terms by using piecewise differential operators, where fractional, classical and stochastic processes can be used. We present the numerical solution of chaotic models with delay terms, as modified by using piecewise differential operators. The graphical representations of these models are simulated for different values of the fractional order.
Accelerating biomedical image segmentation using equilibrium optimization with a deep learning approach
Authors: Al-Shahari Eman A. , Obayya Marwa , Alotaibi Faiz Abdullah , Alsafari Safa , Salama Ahmed S. , Assiri Mohammed
Published: February 2024

Biomedical image segmentation is a vital task in the analysis of medical imaging, including the detection and delineation of pathological regions or anatomical structures within medical images. It has played a pivotal role in a variety of medical applications, involving diagnoses, monitoring of diseases, and treatment planning. Conventionally, clinicians or expert radiologists have manually conducted biomedical image segmentation, which is prone to human error, subjective, and time-consuming. With the advancement in computer vision and deep learning (DL) algorithms, automated and semi-automated segmentation techniques have attracted much research interest. DL approaches, particularly convolutional neural networks (CNN), have revolutionized biomedical image segmentation. With this motivation, we developed a novel equilibrium optimization algorithm with a deep learning-based biomedical image segmentation (EOADL-BIS) technique. The purpose of the EOADL-BIS technique is to integrate EOA with the Faster RCNN model for an accurate and efficient biomedical image segmentation process. To accomplish this, the EOADL-BIS technique involves Faster R-CNN architecture with ResNeXt as a backbone network for image segmentation. The region proposal network (RPN) proficiently creates a collection of a set of region proposals, which are then fed into the ResNeXt for classification and precise localization. During the training process of the Faster RCNN algorithm, the EOA was utilized to optimize the hyperparameter of the ResNeXt model which increased the segmentation results and reduced the loss function. The experimental outcome of the EOADL-BIS algorithm was tested on distinct benchmark medical image databases. The experimental results stated the greater efficiency of the EOADL-BIS algorithm compared to other DL-based segmentation approaches.
Alfredo Castro : explorer les marges et se jeter dans l’abîme
Authors: Bello María José
Published: February 2024

Le célèbre acteur Alfredo Castro revisite dans cet entretien les moments qui ont marqué sa carrière au théâtre et au cinéma. Mettant l’accent sur la composante testimoniale, ses personnages explorent les histoires marginales, celles des oublié·es du système.
Jeux de répétitions et de spirales narratives dans la poétique cinématographique de Matías Piñeiro
Authors: Soria Carolina
Published: February 2024

Le présent article propose un parcours à travers la filmographie “shakespearienne” du réalisateur argentin Matías Piñeiro, en prenant comme principe d’analyse la ligne directrice de la relation intertextuelle que ses films établissent avec l’œuvre du dramaturge anglais.
Du théâtre à l’écran. Desideria et la satire sociale dans le cinéma chilien dans les années 1940
Authors: Núñez Fabián
Published: February 2024

Desideria est le personnage le plus célèbre créé par Ana González qui a donné la parole à une catégorie sociale nouvellement formée au Chili : les employées de maison. Notre objectif est de raconter la genèse du personnage et d’analyser le film P’al otro lao.
Las comedias tempranas de Tomás Gutiérrez Alea
Authors: Marting Diane E.
Published: February 2024

Las comedias de Gutiérrez Alea pretenden fortalecer a Cuba y criticar aquellos elementos que la debilitan. Las películas cómicas más tempranas en blanco y negro atacan los restos de la cultura prerrevolucionaria y se burlan de la mujer con humor irreverente y cubano.
Les premières comédies de Tomás Gutiérrez Alea
Authors: Marting Diane E.
Published: February 2024

Les comédies de Gutiérrez Alea désirent renforcer Cuba et critiquer les éléments qui l’affaiblissent. Les premiers films comiques en noir et blanc s’attaquent aux restes de la culture prérévolutionnaire et se moquent de la femme par l’irrévérence de l’humour cubain.
A idade de ouro da chanchada brasileira (1949-1962)
Authors: Rodrigues João Carlos
Published: February 2024

Nova visão das chanchadas, gênero de comédia popular dos anos 1950, com seus arquétipos e caricaturas da sociedade brasileira. Produção. Distribuição. Star-system. Recepção do público e da crítica. Apogeu e decadência.
Comédie populaire et humour noir dans le scénario cinématographique non filmé de A hora dos ruminantes
Authors: Cordeiro de Mello Marcelo
Published: February 2024

En 1967, le cinéaste Sérgio Person et le scénariste et critique Jean-Claude Bernardet écrivent le scénario de A hora dos ruminantes, qu’ils n’arriveront pas à filmer. Leur intention était de présenter un message de résistance à la dictature militaire en forme de spectacle cinématographique, avec des touches d’humour populaire (directement influencé par Amácio Mazzaroppi), souvent mêlées à l’horreur.
El humor en el cine chicano contemporáneo. Parodia y transnacionalismo en la trilogía de El Mariachi de Robert Rodriguez
Authors: Gregorio Fernández Noelia
Published: February 2024

Este artículo analiza los aspectos paródicos en cuanto a la representación del personaje masculino en la trilogía de El Mariachi de Robert Rodriguez, como estrategia alternativa a los estereotipos cinematográficos del latino en el cine.
Parodie, politique de la représentation et genre dans Las niñas bien
Authors: Castro Ricalde Maricruz
Published: February 2024

Cet article revient sur les croisements entre la politique de la représentation de la classe sociale et du genre à travers les recours de la parodie dans le long-métrage Las niñas bien (2018) d’Alejandra Márquez Abella. scénariste également, elle montre comment les vies de ses personnages féminins, malgré la jouissance de tous les privilèges, gravitent aux marges de l’histoire mexicaine.
Paul Leduc a toujours été là
Authors: Rodríguez Israel
Published: February 2024

Paul leduc était un cinéaste qui a toujours conservé son indépendance, refusant constamment les aides d’état. Il a choisi de développer une œuvre critique et militante. Elle est le portrait des luttes sociales et politiques du Mexique et de l’Amérique latine des dernières décennies du XXe siècle.
Argumentation et prise de position en ligne : analyse des commentaires Facebook autour de la polémique « hijab de running »
Authors: Chikh Salah Yamina , Benaldi Hassiba
Published: February 2024

Ce présent article s’intéresse à une polémique qui a éclaté en 2019 sur le réseau socionumérique Facebook autour du « hijab de running », un hijab de sport que l’entreprise française Decathlon souhaitait commercialiser en France. Dans ce cadre, nous portons une attention particulière aux discours produits par les partisans de la vente de ce hijab tels qu’ils ont circulé sur Facebook dans l’espace des commentaires. Inscrivant notre recherche au croisement de plusieurs disciplines, l’analyse du discours, l’analyse du discours numérique et la lexico-sémantique, nous comptons rendre compte des enjeux de ces discours. Pour ce faire, nous avons étudié les stratégies argumentatives mises en œuvre dans le débat en ligne. L’analyse a révélé la mobilisation de principalement deux stratégies dans le but de construire d’une part un plaidoyer pour légitimer la vente sur le sol français et d’autre part pour dénoncer l’attitude des opposants.
Automated Detection of On-Farm Irrigation Reservoirs in Two Critical Groundwater Regions of Arkansas
Authors: Shults Daniel D. , Nowlin John W. , Massey Joseph H. , Reba Michele L.
Published: February 2024

In eastern Arkansas, the use of surface water for crop irrigation is steadily increasing in response to declining aquifers. Effective conjunctive water management requires accurate and timely information on the locations, sizes, and numbers of on-farm irrigation reservoirs. A method for remotely locating and characterizing on-farm reservoirs was developed using relative elevation and near-infrared imagery. With 62% accuracy, the method automatically identified 429 irrigation reservoirs within a 1.9-Mha area in less than an hour using an off-the-shelf laptop. Reservoirs not accurately identified (i.e., false negatives) were caused by the presence of vegetation or turbidity within the reservoirs. There were no false positive detections. This approach for identifying elevated reservoirs is applicable across the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP) that encompasses over 4-Mha of irrigated cropland and other agricultural areas having low-relief.
Channel Semantic Enhancement-Based Emotional Recognition Method Using SCLE-2D-CNN
Authors: Fu Dan , Yang Weisi , Pan Li
Published: February 2024

The existing EEG emotion classification methods have some problems, such as insufficient emotion representation and lack of targeted channel enhancement module due to feature redundancy. To this end, a novel EEG emotion recognition method (SCLE-2D-CNN) combining scaled convolutional layer (SCLs), enhanced channel module and two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2D-CNN) is proposed. Firstly, the time-frequency features of multi-channel EEG emotional signals were extracted by stacking scl layer by layer. Secondly, channel enhancement module is used to reassign different importance to all EEG physical channels. Finally, 2D-CNN was used to obtain deep local spatiotemporal features and complete emotion classification. The experimental results show that the accuracy of SEED data set and F1 are 98.09% and 97.00%, respectively, and the binary classification accuracy of DEAP data set is 98.06% and 96.83%, respectively, which are superior to other comparison methods. The proposed method has a certain application prospect in the recognition of human mental state.
Outbreak of Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a Tertiary Health Center from Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Mohammed Yahaya , Muhammad Abubakar Sadiq , Zainu Sabitu Muhammad , Jimoh Ahmed Kolawole , Olowo-Okere Ahmed , Ogunyinka Ibrahim Abayomi , Abubakar Jibril , Dada Khadijah Muhammad , Egbe Oloche Emmanuel , Galalain Salma Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Background:

In spite of its global notoriety and WHO alarm, Acinetobacter baumannii is still an understudied critical-priority pathobiont in Nigeria. We characterized its antimicrobial susceptibility profile and resistance genes during an outbreak.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study involved collection of patients’ urine samples and swabs from unit staff’s hands and ward environments for the identification of A. baumannii strains using standard morphologic and biochemical methods. The disk diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates with the production of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) confirmed by the combined disk test screening method. Characterization of the resistance genes of the ESBL producers was carried out using polymerase chain reaction polymerase chain reaction technique.

Results:

A total of eight (six clinical and two nonclinical) A. baumannii isolates were identified. The overall isolate susceptibility and resistance rates to all the antimicrobial agents was 56.3% (27/48) and 35.4% (17/48), respectively. Similarly, all (8/8; 100.00%) isolates were susceptible to meropenem and 75.0% (6/8) to ampicillin-sulbactam while 62.5% (5/8) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and 50.0% (4/8) to each of ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime. In addition, 37.5% (3/8) of the isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR) with nonclinical isolates exhibiting more antimicrobial resistance than their clinical counterparts (9/12%–75.0% vs. 8/36%–22.2%). Phenotypic detection and molecular characterization revealed three ESBL-producing isolates that each harbored bla
SHV and bla
TEM genes with bla
CTX-M gene being absent.

Conclusion:

MDR strains of A. baumannii harboring bla
SHV and bla
TEM genes were recovered from clinical and environmental sources during the outbreak, which was contained with preventive measures recommended.
Clinicoradiological Features and Long-term Cognitive and Functional Outcome in Patients with Deep Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Patwardhan Ameya , Gupta Manisha , Philip Mariamma , Rangarajan Anush , Joshi Tarachand , Alladi Suvarna , Kulkarni Girish B , Ramakrishnan Subasree
Published: February 2024

Background:

Deep cerebral venous thrombosis (DCVT) can have long-term functional and cognitive sequelae. Although literature exists on cognitive impairment after arterial stroke, cognitive sequelae after cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) are much less studied.

Methods:

Clinical records of 29 patients diagnosed with DCVT were reviewed. The Modified Telephonic Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M) was adapted and validated in the regional language (Kannada) and applied to 18 patients with DCVT, at a mean follow-up duration of 5.32 years. Screening for depression was done via telephonic Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)-Kannada version, and functional status was screened by applying the modified Rankin Scale (mRS).

Results:

DCVT had a mortality rate of 10.34% due to acute complications. mRS scores of 0–1 were achieved at follow-up in all patients who survived. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed a cutoff of ≤44.5 (maximum score of 49) for the diagnosis of cognitive impairment via TICS-M (Kannada version) in DCVT patients. Evidence of cognitive dysfunction was seen in eight patients (42.10%), and three patients (16.66%) had evidence of depression.

Conclusions:

Survivors of acute DCVT can potentially have long-term cognitive sequelae. Screening for cognitive dysfunction, depression, and functional status can be effectively done using telephonically applied scales that are adapted to the local language. Neuropsychological evaluation and early cognitive rehabilitation can be initiated for patients in whom deficits are identified on cognitive screening.
Assessment of students’ pharmacist competency in dispensing cough medicines for self-medication: a simulated patient study
Authors: Ponnusankar Sivasankaran , Komarapalayam Sakthivel Naghul Adhithya , De Alex Rebinno , Mugilraj Sekar , Balasubramaniam Viswanathan
Published: February 2024

Background

Cough is a symptom for which patients present to community pharmacists for relief. As future pharmacists, pharmacy students must be evaluated for their competence in providing self-medication services.

Aims

To measure the Indian pharmacy students’ capability (competency) in delivering self-medication consultation service (SMCS) to simulated cough patients and to identify the factors associated with the provision of appropriate advice.

Settings and design

A prospective, interventional, cross-sectional study using a simulated patient method describing the product and symptom-based request of chronic cough was used on students from a pharmacy school in India. The type and quantity of information gathered and advice delivered by student pharmacists were recorded.

Materials and methods

The data collected before and after pharmacy students received SMCS training were summarized.

Statistical analysis used

A descriptive-statistics was performed to identify the factors associated with the provision of advice.

Result

Participated students gathered information from simulated patients before providing advice to them. Direct medical referral which is considered optimized advice was provided by 46.7% and 91.1% of the 90 participants, before and after receiving self-medication consultation training (SMCT), respectively. Participants who gathered information on the duration and the nature of cough, past medical conditions, and medication use were positively associated with the delivery of optimum recommendations.

Conclusion

After receiving SMCT, pharmacy students’ competency to provide SMCS improved. Future studies are required to determine the elements that influence pharmacy students’ competence in providing SMCS.
Micronutrient supplementation as an interventional therapy for growth faltering in children with environmental enteric dysfunction
Authors: El Wakeel Maged A. , El-Kassas Ghada M. , Ali Walaa H. , Hasanin Hasanin M. , Abu Shady Mones M. , Ahmed Gihan F. , Hussein Mona A.A. , El-Zayat Salwa R. , Sibaii Hiba
Published: February 2024

Background

Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical disorder which affects the small bowel of children, mainly living in developing countries. Zinc acts a major function in intestinal cells proliferation and crypt-villus structure preservation. Omega-3 fatty acids modulate some enzymes implicated in intestinal inflammation.

Objective

This research was performed to assess the effect of receiving both zinc and omega-3 supplements on anthropometric parameters and serum markers levels of EED [high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), zonulin, and antibody of endotoxin core (EndoCAb)]. In those stunted kids with EED, this evaluation may lead to enhancing the nutritional composition of complementary food introduced to stunted and malnourished children having EED.

Materials and methods

This interventional study included 105 stunted and/or underweight children who were diagnosed as EED patients. They were subdivided into two groups; group I: 55 children receiving zinc sulphate and group II: 50 children receiving omega-3. Quantification of serum markers of EED (hsCRP, AGP, TNF-α, zonulin, antibody of endotoxin core) in addition to serum vitamin D, along with assessment of anthropometric parameters were performed to those children 6 months after zinc and omega-3 supplementation

Results and conclusion

In all subjects postintervention group, anthropometric parameters [height for age z-score (HAZ) score, weight for age z-score (WAZ) score and arm circumference] increased significantly 6 months after supplementation, however serum markers of EED (AGP, hsCRP, TNF-α and zonulin) decreased significantly 6 months after supplementation. Vitamin D level correlated positively with weight for age z-score and height for age z-scores.

Conclusion

Oral zinc sulphate and omega-3 may be added to EED management protocol to improve anthropometric parameters and decrease serum markers of EED.
Prognostic value of mitral annular calcification in coronary atherosclerotic disease assessed by coronary computed tomographic angiography
Authors: Moradi Maryam , Jahromi Amirabbas Shafiei
Published: February 2024

Background:

There is a lack of evidence on the link between mitral annular calcification (MAC) and coronary atherosclerotic diseases. The present investigation was undertaken to detect the clinical and prognostic value of MAC in coronary atherosclerotic diseases in patients who underwent coronary computed tomographic (CT) angiography.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred and five individuals with MAC and without it (n = 85 and 120, respectively) were included in the present cross-sectional study. Coronary artery disease-reporting and data system (CAD-RADS) at coronary CT angiography was used to define the severity of coronary atherosclerotic diseases. Patients were classified into no or non-significant CAD (CAD-RADS 0–2) and significant CAD (CAD-RADS 3–5) according to the severity of coronary atherosclerotic diseases. The association of MAC with two mentioned groups (no or non-significant CAD and significant CAD) was assessed using the Chi-squared test and logistic regression in crude and adjusted models.

Results:

Patients with MAC were significantly older (69.34 ± 8.20 vs. 60.64 ± 11.42, P < 0.001), had lower glomerular infiltration rate (69.67 ± 20.92 vs. 78.00 ± 20.23, P = 0.005), and higher coronary artery calcification score (352.87 ± 495.85 vs. 200.55 ± 426.13, P = 0.05) in comparison to those without MAC. However, the significant difference between the two groups regarding coronary artery calcification score disappeared after adjustment for confounders (P = 0.14). In addition, a statistically significant positive link between MAC and significant CAD was observed (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.96 [1.04–3.71], P = 0.04). Nevertheless, the association became statistically insignificant after adjustment for confounders (OR [95% CI]: 1.60 [0.78–3.28], P = 0.2).

Conclusion:

The findings of the study revealed that MAC has no independent prognostic value in coronary atherosclerotic diseases evaluated by coronary CT angiography.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury: PERK as a potential target for intervention
Authors: Zheng Ju , Li Yixin , Zhang Ting , Fu Yanlin , Long Peiyan , Gao Xiao , Wang Zhengwei , Guan Zhizhong , Qi Xiaolan , Hong Wei , Xiao Yan
Published: February 2024

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Several studies have shown that activation of unfolded protein response and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a crucial role in severe cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Autophagy occurs within hours after cerebral ischemia, but the relationship between ER stress and autophagy remains unclear. In this study, we established experimental models using oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation in PC12 cells and primary neurons to simulate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. We found that prolongation of oxygen-glucose deprivation activated the ER stress pathway protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK)/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 subunit alpha (eIF2α)-activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4)-C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), increased neuronal apoptosis, and induced autophagy. Furthermore, inhibition of ER stress using inhibitors or by siRNA knockdown of the PERK gene significantly attenuated excessive autophagy and neuronal apoptosis, indicating an interaction between autophagy and ER stress and suggesting PERK as an essential target for regulating autophagy. Blocking autophagy with chloroquine exacerbated ER stress-induced apoptosis, indicating that normal levels of autophagy play a protective role in neuronal injury following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Findings from this study indicate that cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury can trigger neuronal ER stress and promote autophagy, and suggest that PERK is a possible target for inhibiting excessive autophagy in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Regulation and function of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Zhao Xiu-Yun , Xu De-En , Wu Ming-Lei , Liu Ji-Chuan , Shi Zi-Ling , Ma Quan-Hong
Published: February 2024

The endoplasmic reticulum, a key cellular organelle, regulates a wide variety of cellular activities. Endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, one of the quality control systems of the endoplasmic reticulum, plays a pivotal role in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis by controlling endoplasmic reticulum turnover, remodeling, and proteostasis. In this review, we briefly describe the endoplasmic reticulum quality control system, and subsequently focus on the role of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy, emphasizing the spatial and temporal mechanisms underlying the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy according to cellular requirements. We also summarize the evidence relating to how defective or abnormal endoplasmic reticulum autophagy contributes to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. In summary, this review highlights the mechanisms associated with the regulation of endoplasmic reticulum autophagy and how they influence the pathophysiology of degenerative nerve disorders. This review would help researchers to understand the roles and regulatory mechanisms of endoplasmic reticulum-phagy in neurodegenerative disorders.
Hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington’s disease via Nrf2
Authors: Jiang Zige , Liu Dexiang , Li Tingting , Gai Chengcheng , Xin Danqing , Zhao Yijing , Song Yan , Cheng Yahong , Li Tong , Wang Zhen
Published: February 2024

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The pathophysiology of Huntington’s disease involves high levels of the neurotoxin quinolinic acid. Quinolinic acid accumulation results in oxidative stress, which leads to neurotoxicity. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which quinolinic acid contributes to Huntington’s disease pathology remain unknown. In this study, we established in vitro and in vivo models of Huntington’s disease by administering quinolinic acid to the PC12 neuronal cell line and the striatum of mice, respectively. We observed a decrease in the levels of hydrogen sulfide in both PC12 cells and mouse serum, which was accompanied by down-regulation of cystathionine β-synthase, an enzyme responsible for hydrogen sulfide production. However, treatment with NaHS (a hydrogen sulfide donor) increased hydrogen sulfide levels in the neurons and in mouse serum, as well as cystathionine β-synthase expression in the neurons and the mouse striatum, while also improving oxidative imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction in PC12 cells and the mouse striatum. These beneficial effects correlated with upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 expression. Finally, treatment with the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 inhibitor ML385 reversed the beneficial impact of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on quinolinic acid-induced oxidative stress. Taken together, our findings show that hydrogen sulfide reduces oxidative stress in Huntington’s disease by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, suggesting that hydrogen sulfide is a novel neuroprotective drug candidate for treating patients with Huntington’s disease.
Peripheral blood RNA biomarkers can predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy
Authors: Zheng Zhenzhong , Chen Jialin , Xu Jinghong , Jiang Bin , Li Lei , Li Yawei , Dai Yuliang , Wang Bing
Published: February 2024

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Degenerative cervical myelopathy is a common cause of spinal cord injury, with longer symptom duration and higher myelopathy severity indicating a worse prognosis. While numerous studies have investigated serological biomarkers for acute spinal cord injury, few studies have explored such biomarkers for diagnosing degenerative cervical myelopathy. This study involved 30 patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (51.3 ± 7.3 years old, 12 women and 18 men), seven healthy controls (25.7 ± 1.7 years old, one woman and six men), and nine patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (51.9 ± 8.6 years old, three women and six men). Analysis of blood samples from the three groups showed clear differences in transcriptomic characteristics. Enrichment analysis identified 128 differentially expressed genes that were enriched in patients with neurological disabilities. Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis, we constructed a five-gene model (TBCD, TPM2, PNKD, EIF4G2, and AP5Z1) to diagnose degenerative cervical myelopathy with an accuracy of 93.5%. One-gene models (TCAP and SDHA) identified mild and severe degenerative cervical myelopathy with accuracies of 83.3% and 76.7%, respectively. Signatures of two immune cell types (memory B cells and memory-activated CD4+ T cells) predicted levels of lesions in degenerative cervical myelopathy with 80% accuracy. Our results suggest that peripheral blood RNA biomarkers could be used to predict lesion severity in degenerative cervical myelopathy.
The autophagy–lysosome pathway: a potential target in the chemical and gene therapeutic strategies for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jiao Fengjuan , Meng Lingyan , Du Kang , Li Xuezhi
Published: February 2024

Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease with movement disorders associated with the intracytoplasmic deposition of aggregate proteins such as α-synuclein in neurons. As one of the major intracellular degradation pathways, the autophagy-lysosome pathway plays an important role in eliminating these proteins. Accumulating evidence has shown that upregulation of the autophagy-lysosome pathway may contribute to the clearance of α-synuclein aggregates and protect against degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, multiple genes associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease are intimately linked to alterations in the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Thus, this pathway appears to be a promising therapeutic target for treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In this review, we briefly introduce the machinery of autophagy. Then, we provide a description of the effects of Parkinson’s disease–related genes on the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Finally, we highlight the potential chemical and genetic therapeutic strategies targeting the autophagy–lysosome pathway and their applications in Parkinson’s disease.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in Alzheimer’s disease: effects on neural and synaptic rehabilitation
Authors: Ji Yi , Yang Chaoyi , Pang Xuerui , Yan Yibing , Wu Yue , Geng Zhi , Hu Wenjie , Hu Panpan , Wu Xingqi , Wang Kai
Published: February 2024

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from deficits in synaptic transmission and homeostasis. The Alzheimer’s disease brain tends to be hyperexcitable and hypersynchronized, thereby causing neurodegeneration and ultimately disrupting the operational abilities in daily life, leaving patients incapacitated. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation is a cost-effective, neuro-modulatory technique used for multiple neurological conditions. Over the past two decades, it has been widely used to predict cognitive decline; identify pathophysiological markers; promote neuroplasticity; and assess brain excitability, plasticity, and connectivity. It has also been applied to patients with dementia, because it can yield facilitatory effects on cognition and promote brain recovery after a neurological insult. However, its therapeutic effectiveness at the molecular and synaptic levels has not been elucidated because of a limited number of studies. This study aimed to characterize the neurobiological changes following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment, evaluate its effects on synaptic plasticity, and identify the associated mechanisms. This review essentially focuses on changes in the pathology, amyloidogenesis, and clearance pathways, given that amyloid deposition is a major hypothesis in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Apoptotic mechanisms associated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation procedures and different pathways mediating gene transcription, which are closely related to the neural regeneration process, are also highlighted. Finally, we discuss the outcomes of animal studies in which neuroplasticity is modulated and assessed at the structural and functional levels by using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, with the aim to highlight future directions for better clinical translations.
Aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: progress of experimental models based on disease pathogenesis
Authors: Xu Li , Xu Huiming , Tang Changyong
Published: February 2024

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are neuroinflammatory demyelinating disorders that lead to permanent visual loss and motor dysfunction. To date, no effective treatment exists as the exact causative mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, experimental models of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are essential for exploring its pathogenesis and in screening for therapeutic targets. Since most patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders are seropositive for IgG autoantibodies against aquaporin-4, which is highly expressed on the membrane of astrocyte endfeet, most current experimental models are based on aquaporin-4-IgG that initially targets astrocytes. These experimental models have successfully simulated many pathological features of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, such as aquaporin-4 loss, astrocytopathy, granulocyte and macrophage infiltration, complement activation, demyelination, and neuronal loss; however, they do not fully capture the pathological process of human neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders. In this review, we summarize the currently known pathogenic mechanisms and the development of associated experimental models in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, suggest potential pathogenic mechanisms for further investigation, and provide guidance on experimental model choices. In addition, this review summarizes the latest information on pathologies and therapies for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders based on experimental models of aquaporin-4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, offering further therapeutic targets and a theoretical basis for clinical trials.
The emerging role of nitric oxide in the synaptic dysfunction of vascular dementia
Authors: Zhang Xiaorong , Chen Zhiying , Xiong Yinyi , Zhou Qin , Zhu Ling-Qiang , Liu Dan
Published: February 2024

With an increase in global aging, the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing, and the incidence of vascular dementia—closely related to cerebrovascular risk—is increasing at an epidemic rate. However, few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients. Similarly in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurological disorders, synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline. Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system. Recently, nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and blood–brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia. Additionally, we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.
Function and dysfunction of GEMIN5: understanding a novel neurodevelopmental disorder
Authors: Nelson Charles H. , Pandey Udai B.
Published: February 2024

The recent identification of a neurodevelopmental disorder with cerebellar atrophy and motor dysfunction (NEDCAM) has resulted in an increased interest in GEMIN5, a multifunction RNA-binding protein. As the largest member of the survival motor neuron complex, GEMIN5 plays a key role in the biogenesis of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins while also exhibiting translational regulatory functions as an independent protein. Although many questions remain regarding both the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of this new disorder, considerable progress has been made in the brief time since its discovery. In this review, we examine GEMIN5 within the context of NEDCAM, focusing on the structure, function, and expression of the protein specifically in regard to the disorder itself. Additionally, we explore the current animal models of NEDCAM, as well as potential molecular pathways for treatment and future directions of study. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in our understanding of this unique member of the survival motor neuron complex.