bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empagliflozin Attenuates Neointima Formation After Arterial Injury and Inhibits Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Migration by Suppressing Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor–Related Signaling
Authors: Chang Gwo‐Jyh , Chen Wei‐Jan , Hsu Yu‐Juei , Chen Ying‐Hwa 
Published: November 2024

Background
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce cardiovascular events. However, the precise mechanisms beyond glycemic control are not fully understood. The objective of this study was to determine the role of PDGF (platelet‐derived growth factor)–related signaling in empagliflozin‐mediated inhibition of neointima formation.

Methods and Results
Adult male nondiabetic Wistar rats were subjected to carotid artery balloon injury. Empagliflozin (30 mg/kg per day) was administered by oral gavage for 18 days beginning 4 days before surgery. The in vitro effects of empagliflozin on rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and migration were also determined. Empagliflozin attenuated balloon injury–induced neointima formation in carotid arteries. In VSMCs, empagliflozin attenuated PDGF‐BB‐induced proliferation and migration. Moreover, empagliflozin‐treated VSMCs did not undergo apoptosis or cytotoxic death. Empagliflozin suppressed PDGF‐related signaling, including phosphorylation of PDGF receptor β, Akt, and STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3). Overactivation of PDGF signaling attenuated empagliflozin‐mediated inhibition of VSMC function. SGLT2 mRNA levels in rat VSMCs were undetectable, and SGLT2 silencing did not alter the empagliflozin‐mediated effects, supporting the SGLT2‐independent effects of empagliflozin on VSMC.

Conclusions
This study highlights the crucial role of suppressing PDGF‐related signaling in mediating the beneficial effects of empagliflozin on neointima formation and VSMC function, which are independent of SGLT2 and glycemic control. Our study provides a novel mechanistic aspect of empagliflozin for the prevention of vascular stenosis disorders.
Prevalent Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Among Veterans by Sexual Orientation
Authors: Streed Carl G. , Duncan Meredith S. , Heier Kory R. , Workman T. Elizabeth , Beach Lauren B. , Caceres Billy A. , O'Leary John R. , Skanderson Melissa , Goulet Joseph L. 
Published: November 2024

Background
Seven million lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults will be aged >50 years by 2030; assessing and addressing their risk for cardiovascular disease is critical.

Methods and Results

We analyzed a nationwide cohort using the Veterans Health Administration data. Sexual orientation (SO) was classified via a validated natural language processing algorithm. Prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) (history of acute myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, or revascularization) was identified via
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision
(
ICD‐9
and
ICD‐10
) codes. The index date was the date of the first primary care appointment on or after October 1, 2009. We ascertained covariates and prevalent ASCVD in the year following the index date; the baseline date was 1 year after the index date. We calculated sample statistics by sex and SO and used logistic regression analyses to assess associations between SO and prevalent ASCVD. Of 1 102 193 veterans with natural language processing‐defined SO data, 170 861 were classified as LGB. Prevalent ASCVD was present among 25 031 (4105 LGB). Adjusting for age, sex, race, and Hispanic ethnicity, LGB veterans had 1.24 [1.19–1.28] greater odds of prevalent ASCVD versus non‐LGB identified veterans. This association remained significant upon additional adjustment for the ASCVD risk factors substance use, anxiety, and depression (odds ratio [OR],1.17 [95% CI, 1.13–1.21]). Among a subset with self‐reported SO, findings were consistent (OR, 1.53 [95% CI, 1.20–1.95]).

Conclusions
This is one of the first studies to examine cardiovascular risk factors and disease of the veteran population stratified by natural language processing‐defined SO. Future research must explore psychological, behavioral, and physiological mechanisms that result in poorer cardiovascular health among LGB veterans.
Reimagining Spaces in Central and Eastern Europe or Memory Roulette: Legal, Political and Social Aspects
Authors: Sadowski Mirosław Michał 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
If one was to look for a single word to describe the historical experiences of Central and Eastern Europe (cee), roulette comes immediately to mind. Be that the fall of great empires of the region following World War i (wwi), the tragedy of World War ii (wwii), the Iron Curtain separating cee from the rest of the world, the fall of communism, the more recent illiberal ‘reckoning’ or the Russo-Ukrainian war, the region’s history is characterised by unpredictibility. Importantly, these moments of ground-breaking change affect not only the political sphere – although the regime shifts and border changes are often amongst the most noticeable – but also the national imaginaries, as the process of collective memory inversion takes place, and official narratives of the yesteryear are replaced by those currently in power. Law plays an important role in managing these modifications, in particular those most visible, relating to public spaces and cultural heritage. The purpose of this paper is to look holistically at the changes that took place in the public sphere in the region since the end of wwi, with a particular focus on the intersection of law, politics and social changes. In the first, theoretical part of the paper, the author explains the relationship between collective memory and public spaces, linking these concepts with the understanding of the field, violence, habitus, and crisis proposed by Bourdieu. The second part of the paper introduces the major moments of change in the recent cee history from the perspective of reimagination of public spaces, illustrating them on selected case studies: post-wwi fall of the empires and the destruction of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Warsaw, the wwii atrocities and the erasure of shtetl culture, the times of communism and the construction of the People’s Palace in Bucharest, the post-1989 decommunisation and the (not always) meticulous removal of the communist monuments from Estonia, the arrival of illiberalism and the reimagining of museums in Hungary, and, ultiamtely, the Russo-Ukrainian war and the ensuing derussification of Ukraine. In the third, conclusive part of the paper, the author looks at the big picture, linking the theoretical with the case studies more generally and proposing to draw lessons from Central and Eastern European roulette, which may also be applicable to other spaces in permanent flux.
Unmasking Authoritarian Constitutional Imaginary
Authors: Szente Zoltán 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper examines how the constitutional imaginary was transformed in Hungary after 2010, during the period of the right-wing populist government. While after the fall of the communist regime at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s there was a consensus that a Western-style democracy and the rule of law should be established in Hungary, and the democratic transition took place accordingly, 2010 was a turning point in the Hungarian constitutional development. The former right-wing opposition won a parliamentary supermajority in the general elections that year, which created an opportunity for the new government to unilaterally transform the country’s constitutional structure and at the same time introduce a new constitutional narrative. The paper analyzes this new kind of constitutional imaginary discussing its three main symbols, constitutional identity, the revival of the historical constitution, and the Christian culture. The study argues that these elements and other ideological features of the new constitutional order do not form a coherent system, nor did they create a new form of constitutionalism, but their primary goal has been to consolidate and strengthen the government’s power and make it exclusive. The Hungarian example shows how the constitutional imaginary has been instrumentalized during an authoritarian transition.
Theoretical and experimental investigation of sandwich panels with 3D printed cores with GFRP composite and aluminum face sheets under 3-point bending
Authors: Chahardoli S. , Akhavan Attar Ali 
Published: November 2024

Composite structures have been widely used in recent years in the aerospace industry as well as in industries that require lightweight structures due to their lightness and high strength-to-weight ratio. The purpose of this research is to introduce and compare a new type of sandwich panel to introduce structures that can be used in the aerospace industry. The cores in this research are made using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) with two types of PLA and ABS polymers. The face sheets used for this study are glass fiber reinforced composites and aluminum face sheets. In the first part of this study, a theoretical model for obtaining the force-displacement curve in nuclei with rectangular geometry was presented. Comparison of theoretical and experimental results showed that theoretical relationships have a good ability to predict the amount of force in experimental tests. The results obtained in this study showed that the use of composites made of epoxy glass fibers as a face sheet for sandwich panels leads to higher resistance to three-point bending. It was also found that sandwich panels made with ABS cores have higher strength compared to PLA cores, but their softness is less.
Avoid delaying vitrectomy by foregoing diagnostic testing if the intraocular foreign body is visible and endophthalmitis is incipient
Authors: Morris Robert E. , Saini Vikram T. , Tosi Nicholas , Kuhn Ferenc , Sapp Mathew R. , Oltmanns Matthew H. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) are known to cause endophthalmitis at a high rate. Media opacity (corneal edema, cataract, vitreous hemorrhage) and the need for diagnostic testing often prevent timely recognition of an infection; the resulting treatment delay worsens the prognosis. We present a case in which direct visualization of a posterior-segment IOFB and the incipient endophthalmitis allowed foregoing further testing (computed tomography), shortening the time to sight-saving vitrectomy. Case Description A 16-year-old male presented 19 h after a hammering-related injury. The media remained clear, permitting recognition of a large area of purulent retinal infiltrate adjacent to the intravitreal IOFB. Within one hour the patient underwent comprehensive surgery (wound closure, vitrectomy, IOFB removal, and intravitreal antibiotic injection). The development of full-blown endophthalmitis was prevented, even though the vitreous culture yielded Staphylococcus epidermidis. Final visual acuity at one year was 20/30, with the retinal injury approaching to within 1 mm of the fovea. Conclusions In opaque-media eyes with a suspected IOFB treatment delay is common, due to waiting for computed tomography (CT) – instead of ultrasonography, which can safely identify the IOFB in over 90% of cases. Expediting surgery is the best prophylaxis against post-presentation endophthalmitis. Our case highlights the benefits of early vitrectomy based on direct inspection of the IOFB alone; instant ultrasonography instead of a CT-caused delay may save eyes with infection developing behind media opacity.
Clinical Study on the Induction of Psoriasis Flare-Ups by PM2.5 Air Pollutants via Immune Barrier Dysfunction
Authors: Wang Xueliang , Wang Shuixia , Luo Xuejiao 
Published: November 2024

Objective: This study explores the clinical correlation between the air pollutant PM2.5 and the induction of psoriasis flare-ups through the disruption of the immune barrier. Methods: Air quality data, the average mass concentration of the primary atmospheric pollutant PM2.5, and meteorological data spanning from November 2023 to March 2024 were gathered from 9 air quality monitoring stations situated within our city, courtesy of the local Meteorological Information Center. Psoriasis cases were sourced from our hospital’s dermatology department, encompassing patients diagnosed and treated from November 2023 to March 2024 and residing within the city. Results: From January 2023 to May 2024, aberrant expression of Th1 cells and Th2 cells was observed in psoriasis flare-up patients. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis revealed a positive correlation between PM2.5, PM10, and Th1 cells, and a negative correlation with Th2 cells, exhibiting significant differences ( P < .05). Supplemental Figure 1 illustrates an increase in psoriasis flare-ups on the fifth day following a unit increase in PM2.5 concentration, with an excess risk (ER) value of 0.046 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.137-0.893]. Conversely, after an increase of 1 unit of PM10, there was a decrease on the third and fourth days, followed by increases on the fifth, sixth, and seventh days, with ER values of 0.038 (95% CI: 0.013-0.067), 0.045 (95% CI: 0.019-0.073), 0.051 (95% CI: 0.034-0.078), 0.057 (95% CI: 0.045-0.083), and 0.061 (95% CI: 0.051-0.087), respectively. Conclusion: Air pollutant PM2.5 could potentially exacerbate psoriasis flare-ups by compromising the immune barrier, suggesting a plausible mechanism linked to the onset of this condition.
Te Wāhi Whangai methodology: A nurturing space for storytelling, achievement and research
Authors: Jackson (Te Ātiawa) Suzette Claire , Chubb Laura Ann , Paris (Ngāphui) Simone , de Haan Irene 
Published: November 2024

Te Wāhi Whangai (the nurturing space) is an innovative methodological approach informed by concepts rooted in a Māori worldview. Co-developed by a doctoral student, a kaiako raranga (weaving teacher), and a doctoral supervisory team, it integrates storytelling and healing into research within a therapeutic environment, addressing the necessity for culturally sustaining methodologies that invite wāhine (women) to openly share their stories. Developed for inquiry into wāhine’s experiences with substance use and their experiences during 6 months of a residential programme integrating parenting education with alcohol and drug treatment, Te Wāhi Whangai created a distinctive research environment within the treatment setting. The authors present concepts informing the development of Te Wāhi Whangai, including Kaupapa Māori, Mana Wāhine, Indigenous Storywork and Wānanga methodologies alongside design and conditions for application. Embracing a slower paced research environment, the methodology encourages participants to exercise agency in guiding conversations and envisioning the future to open possibilities for a different life. Its emphasis on cultural connection, doing while researching, and prioritising participant voices holds broader implications for Indigenous, Mana Wāhine (often referred to as Māori feminist discourses) and arts-based research methodologies, as well as other sensitive research settings.
Comprehensive analysis of the corrosion inhibition effect of Houttuynia Cordata extract: experimental and theoretical research
Authors: Wang Pengjie , Tang Zijie , Song Yuhao , Li Hao , Ansari Kashif Rahmani , Singh Ambrish , Li Zhonghui , Lin Yuanhua , Talha Mhod 
Published: November 2024

Background Due to the low toxicity and easy decomposition of green plant extracts, they are gradually replacing traditional corrosion inhibitors. Generally, plant extracts have low corrosion inhibition efficiency in corrosive media and are difficult to exert corrosion inhibition effects. Therefore, it is urgent to find efficient plant resources as corrosion inhibitors. Houttuynia cordata (HC) was used as the raw material and the corrosion inhibition performance and mechanism on Q235 were studied in 1.0 mol/L HCl solution. Methods The corrosion inhibition performance and mechanism were verified through weight loss and electrochemical experiments. SEM + EDS, ATR-IR and XPS were used to detect and analyse the protective film formed on the surface of Q235 after weight loss. DFT demonstrated the adsorption sites and reaction activity of the corrosion inhibitor, and MD further verified the corrosion inhibition mechanism. Significant Findings HC could spontaneously adsorb on the surface of Q235 and formed a stable protective film. With the temperature increased, the corrosion inhibition efficiency decreased gradually. At 293 K and 1.0 g/L, the corrosion inhibition efficiency could reach 96.97% in weight loss experiment, HC could simultaneously inhibit the anodic and cathodic reactions in 1.0 mol/L HCl solution, and followed Langmuir adsorption isotherm.
Generic Volar Locking Plate Use in Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Study to Evaluate Clinical Outcomes and Cost Reduction
Authors: Doxey Stephen A. , Kleinsmith Rebekah M. , Qian Lily J. , Husband Jeffrey B. , Bohn Deborah C. , Cunningham Brian P. 
Published: November 2024

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in 90-day clinical outcomes between patients treated with generic volar locking plates (VLPs) and conventional VLPs in distal radius fractures. Secondary aims included assessing for differences in surgical characteristics and cost between the groups. Methods: From November 2022 to April 2023, a prospective block-randomized study was undertaken in which surgeons alternated between using a generic VLP and a conventional VLP each month. The institution’s chargemaster database was cross-referenced for implant cost. Primary outcomes were 90-day readmission, reoperation, and mortality rates. Secondary outcomes included estimated blood loss, tourniquet time, and implant cost. Results: A total of 66 patients were included. Most were women (n = 61, 92.4%), with an average age of 61.0 ± 11.5 years. There were no significant differences in age, sex, smoking status, AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification, or tourniquet time between patients who received generic and conventional implants. The average total cost was higher with conventional implants than generic implants($1348.61 ± 100.77 and $702.38 ± 47.83, respectively; P < .001). The largest difference in cost came from pegs and screws that were used ($640.77 ± 90.93 vs $268.47 ± 45.93, P < .001). No patients experienced complications such as readmission, reoperation, or death within 90 days. Conclusions: Total implant cost was lower for procedures where generic VLPs were used. Cost differences between generic and conventional implants are driven by the variable selection of pegs and screws. With no differences in 90-day outcomes, surgeons may consider using generic implants as a way of increasing the value of care delivery.
A Phase II study of avenciguat, a novel soluble guanylate cyclase activator, in patients with systemic sclerosis: Study design and rationale of the VITALISScE™ study
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , de Vries-Bouwstra Jeska , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Kuwana Masataka , Low Andrea Hsiu Ling , Proudman Susanna , Flack Mary , Kukreja Anjli , Fagan Nora , Distler Oliver 
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease characterised by (1) microvasculopathy; (2) immune dysregulation; and (3) progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Soluble guanylate cyclase plays an important role in maintaining vascular and immunological homeostasis and preventing organ fibrosis. Pharmacological modulation of soluble guanylate cyclase with soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators has shown anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects in animal models of systemic sclerosis, with a trend towards clinical efficacy in a Phase II study (RISE-SSc). However, the efficacy of soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators may be reduced under conditions of hypoxia and oxidative stress. Soluble guanylate cyclase activators have the potential to overcome this limitation. This paper describes the study design of VITALISScE™, a Phase II clinical trial assessing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of avenciguat, a novel soluble guanylate cyclase activator in patients with active systemic sclerosis at risk of progression. Methods: The VITALISScE™ study (NCT05559580) is evaluating the action of avenciguat on all three aspects of systemic sclerosis pathophysiology. The primary endpoint is the rate of decline in forced vital capacity (mL) over 48 weeks. Secondary endpoints include absolute change from baseline at Week 48 in modified Rodnan skin score, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index score and the proportion of responders based on the revised Composite Response Index in Systemic Sclerosis. Additional endpoints include a composite assessment of Raynaud’s phenomenon, digital ulcer burden, functional outcomes and quality of life, safety, pharmacokinetics, and biomarkers associated with systemic sclerosis and the mechanism of action of avenciguat. Results: VITALISScE™ is an ongoing, multicentre (180 sites; 38 countries), placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, Phase II clinical study. Recruitment is currently ongoing. Conclusions: The VITALISScE™ study is assessing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of avenciguat in patients with active systemic sclerosis at risk of progression. Results will inform further development of avenciguat. Trial Registration: VITALISScE™; EU CT No. 2022-500332-11-00; Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05559580 ( https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05559580 ).
Dihydroergotamine for migraine: Evidence for multiple modes of action: The single molecule ‘combination’ product—A narrative review
Authors: Tepper Stewart J , Albrecht Detlef , Kellerman Don 
Published: November 2024

Background Here, we review studies conducted in the last 25 years that attempted to increase our understanding of the various receptors that play a role in the pathogenesis and treatment of migraine. Several of these studies evaluated the effects of dihydroergotamine (DHE), and we attempt to examine clinical evidence and plasma DHE levels, effects that likely relate to receptor class activation. Methods From a review of these studies, there is evidence about the potential role of the serotonergic 5-HT1A receptor, alpha-receptors, and dopaminergic receptors in the pathogenesis of migraine. Interactions with these receptors likely contribute to the effectiveness of DHE at concentrations achieved clinically. Also included is a discussion of the observable clinical correlates of multiple mechanisms of action. The impact of 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D stimulation is easily documented by the efficacy of triptans. For dopaminergic stimulation, the clinical correlate (nausea) is well supported. In the case of alpha-adrenergic effects, there is considerable preclinical evidence, but the clinical evidence is more subtle. Conclusion Overall, DHE is a nonspecific, broadly acting drug, with activity at multiple receptors that contribute to migraine pathogenesis and likely have a role in migraine resolution. This broader activity may contribute to DHE's utility in treating migraines that have not responded to other drugs with a singular mechanism of action. An understanding of the pharmacological profile of DHE and how drug effects, including adverse events, will vary based on plasma concentrations may be important to clinicians as they contemplate therapeutic options for patients with difficult to treat migraines.