bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AstroLLaMA-Chat: Scaling AstroLLaMA with Conversational and Diverse Datasets
Authors: Perkowski Ernest , Pan Rui , Nguyen Tuan Dung , Ting Yuan-Sen , Kruk Sandor , Zhang Tong , O’Neill Charlie , Jablonska Maja , Sun Zechang , Smith Michael J. , Liu Huiling , Schawinski Kevin , Iyer Kartheik , Ciucă Ioana ,   UniverseTBD
Published: January 2024

We explore the potential of enhancing LLM performance in astronomy-focused question-answering through targeted, continual pre-training. By employing a compact 7B-parameter LLaMA-2 model and focusing exclusively on a curated set of astronomy corpora—comprising abstracts, introductions, and conclusions—we achieve notable improvements in specialized topic comprehension. While general LLMs like GPT-4 excel in broader question-answering scenarios due to superior reasoning capabilities, our findings suggest that continual pre-training with limited resources can still enhance model performance on specialized topics. Additionally, we present an extension of AstroLLaMA: the fine-tuning of the 7B LLaMA model on a domain-specific conversational data set, culminating in the release of the chat-enabled AstroLLaMA for community use. Comprehensive quantitative benchmarking is currently in progress and will be detailed in an upcoming full paper. The model, AstroLLaMA-Chat, is now available at https://huggingface.co/universeTBD, providing the first open-source conversational AI tool tailored for the astronomy community.
A report on recommendations for the most suitable financial contribution model for the Distributed System of Scientific Collections Research Infrastructure (DiSSCo-RI)
Authors: Landel Salomé , Lymer Gaël , Pasterk Markus , Guiraud Michel , Worley Katharine
Published: January 2024

A key consideration during the preparatory phase project DiSSCo Prepare – which laid the foundations for the future Research Infrastructure DiSSCo (Distributed System of Scientific Collections) – was the need to establish a small number of alternative viable financial contribution models and a scalable formula which could be presented to potential funders, with a view to obtaining the minimum financial contribution necessary for DiSSCo to operate, as well as considering how the RI could grow with increased national funding.

This report briefly explains the ERIC funding framework – as chosen for DiSSCo – and its legal constraints, in order to explain the key role played by national member contributions in the viability of an ERIC. An essential annex of the statutes that will be signed by all members of the ERIC is the member fee calculation. A proposal for the DiSSCo member fee calculation is set out in this document and is based on three main indicators: economic power (GDP), annual spending in research and development and population size. In the context of DiSSCo – and to ensure the ERIC can function – these indicators are connected to a fixed baseline fee of €50,000, in order to guarantee a minimum significant annual contribution from each participating country and avoid contributions that will be more expensive to manage than to benefit from. This baseline is multiplied by contribution factors which propose different ways to weight the various indicators.

The method is established on an ideal scenario, whereby all 27 EU members, as well as the UK, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland sign the DiSSCo statutes and agree to the proposed member contribution calculation, amounting to €4.5 million for the annual budget of the ERIC. This scenario remains highly unlikely; therefore, a scaled approach has been envisaged, meaning the initial engagement of some countries will allow DiSSCo to begin its operation and implement its business strategy, whilst the growth of the ERIC and its activities is likely to evolve proportionally to the number of national members it is able to engage.

This report also looks at the ways in which funding could be distributed amongst the DiSSCo members in order to implement decentralised services.
Diagnosing Transient Erythroblastopenia of Childhood: A Review for Pediatricians
Authors: Mejía Sang Miguel E. , Mendez Magda
Published: January 2024

Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood is a rare, benign, self-limited condition seen in infants and young children. Laboratory studies will show moderate or severe normochromic normocytic anemia accompanied by absent or low reticulocytes, neutropenia, and mild thrombocytosis or thrombocytopenia. The etiology is unclear, but it has been associated with clinical or laboratory evidence of a recent viral syndrome. Initial diagnostic studies should be aimed at identifying potential causes of anemia, but a confirmed diagnosis is usually obtained once the hemoglobin level has normalized spontaneously. Differentiation from Diamond-Blackfan anemia is critical, especially in infants. Once the diagnosis is established, treatment is supportive, but red blood cell transfusion is indicated in severe cases. High clinical suspicion is imperative to avoid needless diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2024;53(1):e34–e36.]
Global stability and optimal vaccination control of SVIR models
Authors: Zhu Xinjie , Liu Hua , Lin Xiaofen , Zhang Qibin , Wei Yumei
Published: January 2024

Vaccination is widely acknowledged as an affordable and cost-effective approach to guard against infectious diseases. It is important to take vaccination rate, vaccine effectiveness, and vaccine-induced immune decline into account in epidemic dynamical modeling. In this paper, an epidemic dynamical model of vaccination is developed. This model provides a framework of the infectious disease transmission dynamics model through qualitative and quantitative analysis. The result shows that the system may have multiple equilibria. We used the next-generation operator approach to calculate the maximum spectral radius, that is, basic reproduction number $ {R_{vac}} $. Next, by dividing the model into infected and uninfected subjects, we can prove that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when $ {R_{vac}} < 1 $, provided certain assumptions are satisfied. When $ {R_{vac}} > 1 $, there exists a unique endemic equilibrium. Using geometric methods, we calculate the second compound matrix and demonstrate the Lozinskii measure $ \bar q \leqslant 0 $, which is equivalent to the unique endemic equilibrium, which is globally asymptotically stable. Then, using center manifold theory, we justify the existence of forward bifurcation. As the vaccination rate decreases, the likelihood of forward bifurcation increases. We also theoretically show the presence of Hopf bifurcation. Then, we performed sensitivity analysis and found that increasing the vaccine effectiveness rate can curb the propagation of disease effectively. To examine the influence of vaccination on disease control, we chose the vaccination rate as the optimal vaccination control parameter, using the Pontryagin maximum principle, and we found that increasing vaccination rates reduces the number of infected individuals. Finally, we ran a numerical simulation to finalize the theoretical results.
Multi-scale dynamics of predator-prey systems with Holling-IV functional response
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Yu Caihui , Wang Hongbin , Li Xianghong
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose a Holling-IV predator-prey system considering the perturbation of a slow-varying environmental capacity parameter. This study aims to address how the slowly varying environmental capacity parameter affects the behavior of the system. Based on bifurcation theory and the slow-fast analysis method, the critical condition for the Hopf bifurcation of the autonomous system is given. The oscillatory behavior of the system under different perturbation amplitudes is investigated, corresponding mechanism explanations are given, and it is found that the motion pattern of the non-autonomous system is closely related to the Hopf bifurcation and attractor types of the autonomous system. Meanwhile, there is a bifurcation hysteresis behavior of the system in bursting oscillations, and the bifurcation hysteresis mechanism of the system is analyzed by applying asymptotic theory, and its hysteresis time length is calculated. The final study found that the larger the perturbation amplitude, the longer the hysteresis time. These results can provide theoretical analyses for the prediction, regulation, and control of predator-prey populations.
Solutions and local stability of the Jacobsthal system of difference equations
Authors: Ghezal Ahmed , Balegh Mohamed , Zemmouri Imane
Published: January 2024

We presented a comprehensive theory for deriving closed-form expressions and representations of the general solutions for a specific case of systems involving Riccati difference equations of order $ m+1 $, as discussed in the literature. However, our focus was on coefficients dependent on the Jacobsthal sequence. Importantly, this system of difference equations represents a natural extension of the corresponding one-dimensional difference equation, uniquely characterized by its theoretical solvability in a closed form. Our primary objective was to demonstrate a direct linkage between the solutions of this system and Jacobsthal and Lucas-Jacobsthal numbers. The system's capacity for theoretical solvability in a closed form enhances its distinctiveness and potential applications. To accomplish this, we detailed offer theoretical explanations and proofs, establishing the relationship between the solutions and the Jacobsthal sequence. Subsequently, our exploration addressed key aspects of the Jacobsthal system, placing particular emphasis on the local stability of positive solutions. Additionally, we employed mathematical software to validate the theoretical results of this novel system in our research.
Multiplicative topological indices: Analytical properties and application to random networks
Authors: Aguilar-Sánchez R. , Mendez-Bermudez J. A. , Rodríguez José M. , Sigarreta José M.
Published: January 2024

We consider two general classes of multiplicative degree-based topological indices (MTIs), denoted by $ X_{\Pi, F_V}(G) = \prod_{u \in V(G)} F_V(d_u) $ and $ X_{\Pi, F_E}(G) = \prod_{uv \in E(G)} F_E(d_u, d_v) $, where $ uv $ indicates the edge of $ G $ connecting the vertices $ u $ and $ v $, $ d_u $ is the degree of the vertex $ u $, and $ F_V(x) $ and $ F_E(x, y) $ are functions of the vertex degrees. This work has three objectives: First, we follow an analytical approach to deal with a classical topic in the study of topological indices: to find inequalities that relate two MTIs between them, but also to their additive versions $ X_\Sigma(G) $. Second, we propose some statistical analysis of MTIs as a generic tool for studying average properties of random networks, extending these techniques for the first time to the context of MTIs. Finally, we perform an innovative scaling analysis of MTIs which allows us to state a scaling law that relates different random graph models.
The Great Tang All-Day Mall attractive cause analysis and guidance strategy
Authors: Zhang Weidi , Liang Lei
Published: January 2024

With the rapid rise of social networking software, some attractive content has appeared on social platforms, which has spread rapidly and flourished in the online world. As a commercial district mainly featuring Tang culture, the Great Tang All-Day Mall has received widespread attention both in reality and on the Internet. In this paper, a big data semantic analysis model is introduced into the online reviews of the commercial district of the Great Tang All-Day Mall to understand the behaviour and experience of tourists. Using a large-scale review dataset, an exploratory analysis of the Great Tang All-Day Mall has been conducted. A comprehensive list of topics discussed by tourists visiting the Great Tang All-Day Mall has been created. The interests and concerns of the visitor groups are demonstrated. The proposed methodology and findings help commercial district managers understand visitors' perceptions so that effective marketing and improvement plans could be developed to attract and retain future customers.
ON THE LOSS OF HMS HOOD
Authors: Lawrence M
Published: January 2024

HMS Hood, the largest and most famous warship in the Royal Navy, blew up and sank while engaging the German Battleship Bismarck on the early morning of Saturday 24th
May 1941 in what became known as the battle of the Denmark Strait. Casualties were extremely heavy: only 3 survivors were found from a ship’s complement of 1,418 men. The tragedy represented the largest loss of life of any single Royal Navy vessel lost in the Second World War. It came as a great shock not only to the Admiralty but to the entire
country, every outpost of empire and indeed the World.
La evolución de la representación de los mapuche a través de relatos e imágenes (1790-1950)
Authors: Sagredo Baeza Rafael , Odone Correa María Carolina , Maturana Díaz Felipe
Published: January 2024

Ilustraciones, grabados, fotografías, pinturas y esculturas son los soportes más usados en las obras de influyentes exploradores, naturalistas, antropólogos y artistas visuales para describir y representar a los mapuche del territorio de Chile entre los siglos XVIII al XX. A través de ellos identificamos atributos y significados asociados a este pueblo originario y su cultura, así como también el proceso en virtud del cual su imagen gráfica pasó de la identificación ilustrada en el siglo XVIII, a la clasificación racial pretendidamente científica del cambio de siglo entre el XIX y el XX, y de ahí a la valoración costumbrista e indigenista a comienzos del siglo XX.
La visita pastoral de don Alonso Núñez de Haro y Peralta en el arzobispado de México, un espacio de justicia, negociación y resistencia, 1774-1792
Authors: Martínez Ávalos Leopoldo
Published: January 2024

La visita episcopal en Nueva España fungió como un tribunal de justicia eclesiástica poco estudiado hasta ahora. Este artículo es un acercamiento a la labor como juez del arzobispo Alonso Núñez de Haro y Peralta durante su recorrido por las parroquias de la arquidiócesis de México a finales del siglo XVIII. Se hace énfasis en la participación activa de la feligresía en los foros de justicia durante la visita pastoral y en la caracterización de este tribunal itinerante como un espacio de negociación entre la mitra y los fieles.
Estado y políticas sociales en la Argentina moderna: la creación de la Caja Nacional de Ahorro Postal (1914)
Authors: Portelli María Belén
Published: January 2024

Este artículo examina la conformación de la Caja Nacional de Ahorro Postal (1914) en el marco del temprano proceso de estructuración del Estado social en Argentina a principios del siglo XX. Para ello, indaga en el diseño del marco legal que dio origen a esta institución, atendiendo al entramado de actores, propuestas, modelos y orientaciones que moldearon las definiciones sobre su estructura y sus operaciones. Asimismo, analiza los sentidos y las concepciones que los agentes estatales articularon sobre el ahorro postal, sus beneficios y sus destinatarios.
Maintaining Philanthropy: The Greek Alexandrian Institutions after the Exodus of the Early 1960s
Authors: Mylona Eftychia
Published: January 2024

The departure of most Greeks from Egypt at the beginning of the 1960s raised questions in the community about how it should readjust its presence at an institutional level. This article examines how the Greek Koinotēta of Alexandria (GKA) operated as both a local and diasporic institution in periods of contraction, in terms of size and finances, and analyzes the adjustment policies it undertook concerning its institutional property and real estate. Despite the community’s demographic shrinkage in the 1960s and 1970s, the GKA was assigned its role as the value keeper and moral guide for the children of the community through its educational institutions and orphanages, having the support of the Greek representatives, in this case the consular authorities. Even though the GKA faced serious financial difficulties in the 1960s, it strived to find strategies of adaptation to maintain its agency and social, political and economic capital.
L’annulation de la dissolution des Soulèvements de la Terre : quand la cause environnementale sert aussi celle du Conseil d’État
Authors: Gliniasty Jeanne de
Published: January 2024

Par quatre arrêts datant du 9 novembre 2023, le Conseil d'État cherche à donner un cadre théorique aux décisions administratives de dissolution d'association et à leur contrôle juridictionnel. Il démontre surtout les enjeux politiques et même de politiques jurisprudentielles qui les commandent. Si les restrictions à la liberté d'association peuvent être justifiées au nom de la protection des "valeurs de la République" dont la définition est laissée au gouvernement, la cause environnementale, quant à elle, se révèle un enjeu dont la gravité justifie qu’il puisse être porté atteinte à ces valeurs.
Bismuth Nanoparticles Modified Indium Tin Oxide-Coated with Polyethene Terephthalate Electrode Using Hydrothermal Method for Pb Detection
Authors: Ramli Nurul Hidayah , Mohamad Nor Noorhashimah , Yun Liew Xian , Razak Khairunisak Abdul
Published: January 2024

Heavy metal elements are elements with comparatively high density and are dangerous even in a minimal quantity as they can persist in the environment. The electrochemical sensor can play an essential role in detecting heavy metals. However, the electrochemical sensor has drawbacks, such as low sensitivity and a high detection limit. Bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) can improve the sensitivity and lower the detection limit of an electrochemical sensor by modifying the working electrode. In this study, BiNPs produced by the hydrothermal method were drop-casted on the indium-tin-oxide (ITO) coated with polyethene terephthalate (PET) film (BiNPs/ITO-PET). The effect of the hydrothermal reaction was studied by varying the hydrothermal reaction period (5, 6, 7, and 8 h). X-ray Diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the phase presence, and the morphology of BiNPs was characterized using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The BiNPs/ITO-PET electrode was subjected to electrochemical characterization using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the detection of Pb(II) using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The BiNPs/ITO-PET electrode showed good electrochemical performance in detecting Pb(II).
Investment Casting Simulation of ASTM F75 Acetabular Implant with Mold Pattern Orientation and Gating System Geometry Variation
Authors: Setiyorini Yuli , Pintowantoro Sungging , Abdul Fakhreza , Novita Yulia L. , Ardian Fahny
Published: January 2024

An acetabular implant is a cup-shaped implant that wraps around the head of the femur at the hip joint. Severe damage to the acetabular implant results in bone turnover. To meet the needs of implants, appropriate implant manufacturing techniques are needed. Investment casting is the most widely used casting method because it has the best dimensional accuracy. To help reduce production costs in the industry, this research was carried out using the ProCast 2018 Software. In this study using the 2018 ProCast Software with investment casting techniques with CoCrMo material and variations in the orientation of the mold pattern, namely 0o, 45o, 90o and variations in the shape of the sprue including straight sprue , tapper sprue, and reverse tapper sprue. From these variations, the most optimal result is the tapper sppue variation with 0o print pattern orientation. With the results of the analysis related to the temperature distribution that occurs, fluidity, solidification process and the most optimal shrinkage porosity.
A Method for Micro Powder Dispensing by Using DC Motor with a 2-Axis Vibration
Authors: Badranaya Muhammad Imawan , Pratama Juan , Salim Urip Agus , Suyitno Suyitno , Arifvianto Budi , Mahardika Muslim
Published: January 2024

A comprehensive understanding of powder flow is essential, particularly in the synthesis of additives in the solid free-forming process and dosage dispensing in pharmaceutical industries. The vibration method is the most widely used for inducing powder flow. In this method, a hopper containing powder is vibrated by a piezoelectric system to allow powder flow. However, there are several drawbacks in this method, particularly in the degree of consistency of the resulting flow. This occurs because the vibration characteristics created have a single axis direction, resulting in which can lead to powder compaction. To resolve this problem, this research is conducted to determine the flow properties of titanium powder dispensed by 2-axis vibration. The titanium (Ti) powder having a size of less than 74 μm in the powder hopper was vibrated for 15 min by a DC motor and the weight of the dispensed powder was measured to evaluate the consistency of the resulting powder flow. The result shows that the powder flow generated by the DC motor was consistent during the period of dispensing. However, the powder flow rate dropped up to 8.6% during 5-10 min of dispensing at a speed of 1800 rpm. In conclusion, the 2-axis vibration by using a DC motor could prevent the powder compacting phenomenon and ensure a consistent flow of micro-sized powders during the dispensing process.
Malathion Detection Using Molecularly-Imprinted Polymer Quartz Crystal Microbalance Sensor
Authors: Balela Mary Donnabelle L. , Vega Geramheen Z. Dela , Suyat Yasmin Yvon A.
Published: January 2024

The extensive use of pesticides can result in overexposure and soil, water, and produce residues. For instance, residues of malathion were found on some vegetables. Molecularly-imprinted polymers (MIP) have been recently developed for sensing of pesticide residues. This study prepared malathion-imprinted polymers via precipitation polymerization and deposited on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) electrodes. FTIR spectroscopy proved the incorporation and removal of malathion in the matrix of MIP. SEM images revealed that MIP particles are larger than the non-imprinted polymer (NIP) particles due to the incorporation of malathion. Binding experiments were done using standard malathion solutions of 10 to 60 ppm. The MIP-QCM sensor had a greater response than the NIP-QCM sensor. This is due to the specific binding sites in the MIP matrix. On the other hand, the response of NIP-QCM sensor is attributed to the non-specific adsorption sites in its matrix. A sensitivity and detection limit of 1.62 Hz·L/mg and 5.67 ppm, respectively were determined for the MIP-QCM sensor. Lastly, the MIP-QCM sensor is stable and reusable up to three (3) cycles.
Modular Battery Management System Concept for Medium-High Voltage System
Authors: Nizam Muhammad , Dyartanti Endah Retno , Purwanto Agus , Adriyanto Feri , Jamaluddin Anif , Apribowo Chico Hermanu Brillianto , Gustiana Himmah Sekar Eka Ayu , Adyatama Sony , Irsyad Rizal Mujaddid , Illahi Geovani Rahmad , Hafidzsyah Hilwan , Akhsya Muhammad Farrel
Published: January 2024

The development of lithium batteries as an energy storage system is getting higher equal to the development of eco-friendly energy needs. However, lithium batteries have disadvantages in electrical and temperature interference. Series and parallel configuration causes voltage imbalance and leads to degradation performance of the battery. The focus of the research is the development of BMS with voltage monitoring and balancing features for the 12-series battery pack configuration. Monitoring can be done by observing electrical parameters, are cell voltage and battery temperature. The results of the simulation and modeling of BMS and Lithium-ion Battery show that the flat-zone voltage on the LFP UNS battery is in the 10-90% SoC range (generally SoC 20-80%), and the characteristics of lithium battery are current affects the battery voltage curve (high current causes a high voltage drop), while temperature affects the internal resistance (low temperature causes an increase in internal resistance). The BMS hardware monitoring test shows the accuracy and precision of the voltage sensor at 99.7064% and 99.9998%, while the temperature sensor performs the accuracy and precision of 95.4909% and 100%, respectively. The passive balancing method with Switched Shunt Resistor shows a nominal balancing current of about 170mA with a 20mV voltage drop.
Design of Experimental (DOE) Analysis of Silica Sand Processing Using Spiral Concentrator
Authors: Sinaiyah Pugalyenthiran , Udayakumar Sanjith , Hussin Hashim , Ramakrishan Sivakumar
Published: January 2024

The main aim of this study on silica sand using a spiral concentrator using the design of experiments DOE) approach is to improve the silica content of the tailing sand for the glassmaking process. Three significant operational parameters of the spiral concentrator, namely feed rate (t/h), solid feed (wt.%), and splitter position (cm), were investigated to observe their effects on the SiO2 grade (%) and recovery of SiO2 (%) in the middlings using Design of Experiments (DOE). The raw sample was sieved to prepare the feed sample in the size range of -600+75µm, which was the suitable particle size range for the glassmaking process. The SiO2 grade (%) of each middling fraction from 33 test runs was determined from XRF analysis. The analysis determined that the feed rate and weight of the solid feed (wt.%) significantly affected the separation, while the splitter position in the investigated range (4.5-5.5cm) showed a negligible effect on the percentage and recovery of SiO2 in the middling fraction. It was observed that a maximum SiO2 grade of 94.98% was achieved at a solid feed of 25%, feed rate of 0.63 t/h, and splitter position of 5.5cm. The highest SiO2 recovery of 89.74% was achieved at the solid feed of 15%, feed rate of 0.45t/h, and splitter position of 5.0cm. A trade-off between the optimized results for SiO2 Grade (%) and recovery of SiO2 (%) responses using overlaid contour plots suggested a feed rate of 0.58 t/h of feed rate and 25 wt. % solid feed regardless of the splitter position. The customized range of parameters is expected to produce 94.51% SiO2 grade (%) and 80.11% recovery of SiO2 in the middling fraction.
Small extracellular vesicles from hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells attenuate spinal cord injury via miR-146a-5p-mediated regulation of macrophage polarization
Authors: Liang Zeyan , Yang Zhelun , Xie Haishu , Rao Jian , Xu Xiongjie , Lin Yike , Wang Chunhua , Chen Chunmei
Published: January 2024

Spinal cord injury is a disabling condition with limited treatment options. Multiple studies have provided evidence suggesting that small extracellular vesicles (SEVs) secreted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) help mediate the beneficial effects conferred by MSC transplantation following spinal cord injury. Strikingly, hypoxia-preconditioned bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell-derived SEVs (HSEVs) exhibit increased therapeutic potency. We thus explored the role of HSEVs in macrophage immune regulation after spinal cord injury in rats and their significance in spinal cord repair. SEVs or HSEVs were isolated from bone marrow MSC supernatants by density gradient ultracentrifugation. HSEV administration to rats via tail vein injection after spinal cord injury reduced the lesion area and attenuated spinal cord inflammation. HSEVs regulate macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype in vivo and in vitro. MicroRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analyses of SEVs and HSEVs revealed that miR-146a-5p is a potent mediator of macrophage polarization that targets interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1. Reducing miR-146a-5p expression in HSEVs partially attenuated macrophage polarization. Our data suggest that HSEVs attenuate spinal cord inflammation and injury in rats by transporting miR-146a-5p, which alters macrophage polarization. This study provides new insights into the application of HSEVs as a therapeutic tool for spinal cord injury.
Maintaining moderate levels of hypochlorous acid promotes neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation in the recovery phase of stroke
Authors: Huang Lin-Yan , Zhang Yi-De , Chen Jie , Fan Hai-Di , Wang Wan , Wang Bin , Ma Ju-Yun , Li Peng-Peng , Pu Hai-Wei , Guo Xin-Yian , Shen Jian-Gang , Qi Su-Hua
Published: January 2024

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202503000-00029/figure1/v/2024-06-17T092413Z/r/image-tiff

It has been shown clinically that continuous removal of ischemia/reperfusion-induced reactive oxygen species is not conducive to the recovery of late stroke. Indeed, previous studies have shown that excessive increases in hypochlorous acid after stroke can cause severe damage to brain tissue. Our previous studies have found that a small amount of hypochlorous acid still exists in the later stage of stroke, but its specific role and mechanism are currently unclear. To simulate stroke in vivo, a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model was established, with an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model established in vitro to mimic stroke. We found that in the early stage (within 24 hours) of ischemic stroke, neutrophils produced a large amount of hypochlorous acid, while in the recovery phase (10 days after stroke), microglia were activated and produced a small amount of hypochlorous acid. Further, in acute stroke in rats, hypochlorous acid production was prevented using a hypochlorous acid scavenger, taurine, or myeloperoxidase inhibitor, 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide. Our results showed that high levels of hypochlorous acid (200 μM) induced neuronal apoptosis after oxygen/glucose deprivation/reoxygenation. However, in the recovery phase of the middle cerebral artery occlusion model, a moderate level of hypochlorous acid promoted the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells into neurons and astrocytes. This suggests that hypochlorous acid plays different roles at different phases of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Lower levels of hypochlorous acid (5 and 100 μM) promoted nuclear translocation of β-catenin. By transfection of single-site mutation plasmids, we found that hypochlorous acid induced chlorination of the β-catenin tyrosine 30 residue, which promoted nuclear translocation. Altogether, our study indicates that maintaining low levels of hypochlorous acid plays a key role in the recovery of neurological function.
The physiological role of the unfolded protein response in the nervous system
Authors: Wu Shuangchan , Lin Wensheng
Published: January 2024

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a cellular stress response pathway activated when the endoplasmic reticulum, a crucial organelle for protein folding and modification, encounters an accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins. The UPR aims to restore endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis by enhancing protein folding capacity, reducing protein biosynthesis, and promoting protein degradation. It also plays a pivotal role in coordinating signaling cascades to determine cell fate and function in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Recent research has highlighted the significance of the UPR not only in maintaining endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis but also in influencing various physiological processes in the nervous system. Here, we provide an overview of recent findings that underscore the UPR’s involvement in preserving the function and viability of neuronal and myelinating cells under physiological conditions, and highlight the critical role of the UPR in brain development, memory storage, retinal cone development, myelination, and maintenance of myelin thickness.
Development and Evaluation of Drug-loaded Hydrogel Lens for Treating Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Mahapatra Sangita , Singh Ila , Packirisamy Gopinath , Goswami Mayank
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic disorder that is associated with diabetes that causes disruption to the retinal blood vessels. Conventional methods for treating DR face major limitations due to pathophysiological barriers, formulation of drugs, their effectiveness, and availability. Drug-loaded hydrogel lens can be a prominent treatment method to treat DR in the early stages. Hence, anti-VEGF drugs such as Avastin drug-loaded hydrogel lens can be utilized for treating DR.

Methods:

The hydrogels were prepared by testing numerous compositions and further optimizing them by incorporating components such as gelatin, alginate, and acrylamide to make them clear and viscous. The hydrogels were prepared with varying solvents such as deionized water, phosphate buffer saline, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The selected hydrogel was further investigated to check its transmissivity, biocompatibility, total drug release, and swelling properties.

Results:

Among testing and optimizing various hydrogels for preparing the lens, the hyaluronic acid and poly 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (pHEMA)-based lens showed positive results with LA (Lower hyaluronic Acid)-based hydrogels having optimum transmittance of approximately 80%–82%. The lens was further investigated for cytocompatibility testing which shows they are 70%–80% compatible with/without drug loaded. The drug release and encapsulation studies also show approximately 50% efficiency.

Conclusions:

The LA-based hydrogels are preferred over pHEMA hydrogels due to their biodegradability, economic, and longer shelf life. LA-based hydrogel is a nontoxic transparent lens with optimum drug retention capacity. The preparation of hydrogel is relatively easier with less incubation time making it a suitable material to prepare drug-eluding transparent lenses. The study provides an alternative yet effective hydrogel lens as it is more biocompatible to the NIH3T3 fibroblast cell lines.
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in India and the United States: Clinical Insights from a Comparative Review
Authors: Silas Ananta , Kavitha Karakkattu V. , Tiwari Shalbha , Unnikrishnan Ambika G.
Published: January 2024

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes. This review aims to compare the published research on DPN from India and the United States, both having a significant diabetes population and having diverse means and approaches to health care. An online medical database search was conducted on PubMed using the key terms “global prevalence of diabetic neuropathy’, “epidemiology and risk factors of DPN”, “clinical presentation of diabetic neuropathy’, screening and diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy”, “DFU associated with diabetic neuropathy”, and “Charcot neuroarthropathy” from the onset to June 2022. Due to inadequate PubMed citations, a random Google Scholar search was performed. Out of a total of 209 citations (Title/Abstract) that were identified, following a thorough analysis by four different reviewers, 56 citations were chosen, and divided into various categories. Although data shows that DPN is more prevalent in India than in the United States, the former is largely based on clinic or institution-based data with small sample size and thus cannot be meaningfully compared to large population-based data from the United States.
Placental Site Trophoblastic Tumor – A Rare Gestational Trophoblastic Disease: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Prachi  , Aiyer Hema Malini , Sharma Gaurav
Published: January 2024

Placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT) represents a rare form of gestational trophoblastic disease. It occurs commonly in females with a history of miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, or any other ongoing pathological pregnancy. We report this rare case in a 23-year-old female, who previously had a history of recurrent miscarriages. In this case, we emphasize on clinical and histopathological features for better understanding and awareness of such rare entities.
An Unusual Case of Kartagener’s Syndrome with Fertility
Authors: Thomas Nithin , Moniish V. , Varghese Jereen , Mededi Satish Babu
Published: January 2024

Situs inversus, chronic sinusitis, and bronchiectasis together make up the trinity that characterize the uncommon autosomal recessive genetic ciliary condition known as Kartagener’s syndrome. The fundamental issue is the improper movement of cilia, which causes infertility, frequent chest infections, and ear, nose, and throat complaints. A fertile male with Kartagener’s disease is a unique case of this rare entity, which we are reporting here. The significance of having a high index of suspicion in such patients cannot be stressed to arrive at an early diagnosis and, whenever possible, provide alternatives for fast treatment and avoid needless symptom evaluation.
Patterns of Periodic Acid–Schiff Staining in Subepidermal Bullous Disorders with Emphasis on Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Ponmar Madhurima , Sathishkumar Dharshini , Pulimood Susanne Alexander , Thomas Meera
Published: January 2024

Background:

Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) including salt split skin technique is quintessential in the diagnosis of subepidermal bullous disorders. These techniques are expensive and require technical expertise, limiting their diagnostic utility. The property of periodic-acid–Schiff to stain the basement membrane and the patterns produced by it was observed in a cohort of subepidermal bullous disorders, to see if it offers an alternative cost-effective testing method.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective, observational study conducted in the department of general pathology, in a tertiary care medical center, over a period of 4 years. Only those cases for which paraffin sections, DIF and direct salt split skin immunofluorescence technique were available were included. The levels of anti-bullous pemphigoid (BP) antibodies were collected where available.

Results:

Of the 21 cases analyzed, 15 were BP, two each of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) and lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP), one each of porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT), and bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). All the cases of BP, LPP and EBA showed a floor pattern of staining with periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) stain. Roof pattern of staining was observed in bullous SLE and PCT. PAS was found to be useful in diagnosing BP, especially in conjunction with an eosinophil rich bulla and anti-BP antibodies.

Conclusion:

We found that PAS stain could be an adjunct to hematoxylin and eosin stain when the diagnosis of BP is in doubt. However, larger sample size is needed to study its utility in other subepidermal bullous disorders.
Replacing Formalin with Phenoxetol as an Immersion Medium in a Human Cadaveric Storage Facility – A Feasibility Study
Authors: Sam Femina , Francis Deepak Vinod , Michael Joy Sarojini , Ganesan Maya Pavalasseril , Rabi Suganthy
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives:

Formaldehyde is a well-known preservative commonly used to preserve anatomical specimens. However, due to concerns regarding its detrimental effects, phenoxetol has been explored for its role as an immersion agent. Hence, we aim to understand the properties of phenoxetol-based solution when used as an immersion medium for preserving gross anatomy specimens.

Materials and Methods:

Two sets of specimens were procured from the cadavers embalmed in formalin and one set of specimens was immersed in formalin-based solution and the other set in 1% phenoxetol. Any sloughing, degradation, or presence of mold in the specimen was recorded over 3 years. Microbial cultures were taken from the tissues as well as the immersion solutions. Qualitative feedback regarding the experience of working with the fluids was obtained from the personnel involved in handling the specimens. These specimens were displayed at the end of 3 years to the teaching faculty and the parameters such as the general appearance, consistency to touch, state of degradation, and the ability to differentiate specific structures on the specimen were elicited and statistically analyzed.

Results:

The parameters such as tissue preservation, haptic and visual properties, and the differentiability of the structures in the specimens were preserved adequately with phenoxetol. Microbial assay from the tissues and the fluid showed no growth. There was no significant negative feedback against its use from the staff handling the specimens.

Conclusion:

1% phenoxetol is a good alternative form of immersion medium for anatomical specimens with less toxicity and better environmental impact.
Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia in Association with Eccrine Angiokeratomatous Hamartoma
Authors: Park Su-Kyung , Kwak Hyun-Bin , Park Sang-Woo , Shin Jin-Yong , Park Jin , Nam Kyung-Hwa , Yun Seok-Kweon
Published: January 2024

Eccrine angiokeratomatous hamartoma is a variant of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma. Histopathologically, it shows both features of eccrine angiomatous hamartoma with components of angiokeratoma. Eccrine angiokeratomatous hamartoma is extremely rare. Eccrine angiokeratomatous hamartoma in our case co-existed with intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia. This is the first reported case.
The Use of In Vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy for the Diagnosis and Classification of Melasma
Authors: Duman Nilay , Yaman Banu , Oraloğlu Göktürk , Karaarslan Işıl
Published: January 2024

In recent years, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) draws attention as a noninvasive method to precisely detect abnormal pigment deposits, providing additional cytological details for the diagnosis, classification, and treatment monitoring of melasma. This article aims to review the RCM findings of melasma and classify melasma with RCM findings.
A Retrospective Study of Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia from North-East India
Authors: Verma Shikha , Marak Anita , Paul Debopriya , Dey Biswajit
Published: January 2024

Background:

Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) is an important cause of scarring alopecia seen mostly in post-menopausal women but sometimes in pre-menopausal women and men. Although considered a variant of lichen planopilaris due to its histopathological characteristics, it has distinct clinical features and associations, which make it a unique entity. We hereby report a series of patients with FFA from North-East India.

Aims and Objective:

This study aimed to analyse the clinical and histopathological characteristics of FFA.

Materials and Methods:

We retrospectively analysed clinical records and histopathological features of FFA cases diagnosed in the Dermatology Outpatient Department from April 2013 to February 2023.

Results:

A total of 21 patients, who were diagnosed with FFA from April 2013 to February 2023, were analysed. Of these, 19 patients were female, with a male-to-female ratio of 9.5:1. The mean age of study population was 48.33 years. The majority of the patients were from the post-menopausal age group (15/19 females, 78.94%). Lichen planus pigmentosus (6, 28.57%) was the most commonly associated disease, followed by androgenetic alopecia and lichen planopilaris (2 each, 9.52%). The main histological features noted were perifollicular lymphocytic infiltrate in 18 (85.71%), followed by hydropic degeneration of basal follicular keratinocytes in 15 (71.42%) and melanin incontinence in 14 (66.66%) patients.

Conclusion:

Our study is the first study from North-East India focusing on the clinical presentation and histopathological characteristics of FFA. Furthermore, with respect to the recent development in FFA, our study attempted to determine the clinical significance of the proposed criteria for the diagnosis of FFA patients by Tolkachjov et al. (2018), viz. International FFA Cooperative Group Criteria (2021).
Clinico-pathological Spectrum of Primary Skin Malignancies in an Indian Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sharma Pooja , Aggarwal Phiza , Punia Rajpal Singh , Bhagat Ranjeev , Handa Uma , Sandhu Jasleen K.
Published: January 2024

Background:

Skin malignancies are the most common form of malignant disease in the western world, predominantly affecting older age groups. The majority of skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and malignant melanoma, which account for more than 95% of total skin malignancies. However, in India, these constitute only 1–2% of all cancers. There is an increase in incidence in India over 10 years of period. There is scarcity of data on the clinico-pathological profile of these tumours from this geographical region.

Materials and Methods:

This was a retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in which archival records and histopathology sections of all patients of skin carcinomas diagnosed over a period of 5 years (January 2016 to December 2020) were analysed. The clinical parameters and histopathological features of the cases were analysed and correlated for any possible association.

Results:

Out of the 230 skin malignancies studied, SCC constituted the most common type (n = 148), followed by BCC (n = 70) and malignant melanoma (n = 12). The tumour commonly presented in the 6th decade of life with slightly higher male preponderance (M: F =1.6:1). Sun-exposed areas were the most common sites, and the common presentations included non-healing ulcer, fungating/cauliflower/polypoidal growth, and hyperpigmented or nodular plaque. In SCC, previous history of diabetes and burns was noted in 10% and 3.4% of the patients, respectively.

Conclusion:

SCC is likely the most common histological type of skin malignancies in India. The clinico-pathological profile of skin malignancies of patients depends on multiple factors, notably the skin colour and the geographical location.
Vitamin D and Interleukin-17: Are These Serum Biomarkers Useful in Non-Segmental Vitiligo? A Case Control Study from Central India
Authors: C Anju George , Chhabra Namrata , Patel Suprava
Published: January 2024

Non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) is an autoimmune disorder due to the destruction of melanocytes, where cytokines like interleukin 17 (IL-17) and biomolecules like vitamin D play a theoretical role in pathogenesis. Previous studies in this regard yielded inconsistent results. This study aimed to compare the serum levels of IL-17 and vitamin D between NSV patients and healthy controls and to know the association of these biomarkers with disease activity and extent. This was a case-control study including adult patients with NSV and age and gender-matched healthy controls. Cases and controls with conditions likely to alter the serum levels of IL-17 and vitamin D were excluded. Serum levels of IL-17 were estimated by ELISA and vitamin D levels by chemiluminescence assay. 42 adult patients of NSV and 42 age and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited over a period of eighteen months. The mean value of serum vitamin D levels in the control group was 19.053 ± 5.340 ng/ml, whereas in the case group, it was 17.336 ± 6.931 ng/ml (P > 0.05). The mean value of serum IL-17 levels in the control group was 199.824 ± 51.244 pg/ml and 213.566 ± 69.018 pg/ml in the case group (P > 0.05). These molecules did not show any association with the disease activity and extent. In contrast to the previous studies, we could not establish the role of IL-17 in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Furthermore, we could not find any association between vitamin D and vitiligo in our study, even though there is an inconsistent association between the two in the available literature.