bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pauli-term-induced fixed points in d-dimensional QED
Authors: Gies Holger , Tam Kevin K. K. , Ziebell Jobst 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWe explore the fixed-point structure of QED-like theories upon the inclusion of a Pauli spin-field coupling. We concentrate on the fate of UV-stable fixed points recently discovered in $$d=4$$

d
=
4

spacetime dimensions upon generalizations to lower as well as higher dimensions for an arbitrary number of fermion flavors $$N_{\text {f}}.$$

N
f

.

As an overall trend, we observe that going away from $$d=4$$

d
=
4

dimensions and increasing the flavor number tends to destabilize the non-Gaussian fixed points discovered in four spacetime dimensions. A notable exception is a non-Gaussian fixed point at finite Pauli spin-field coupling but vanishing gauge coupling, which also remains stable down to $$d=3$$

d
=
3

dimensions and for small flavor numbers. This includes also the range of degrees of freedom used in effective theories of layered condensed-matter systems. As an application, we construct renormalization group trajectories that emanate from the non-Gaussian fixed point and approach a long-range regime in the conventional QED$${}_3$$

3

universality class that is governed by the interacting (quasi) fixed point in the gauge coupling.
Hypoxia-Responsive CAR-T Cells Exhibit Reduced Exhaustion and Enhanced Efficacy in Solid Tumors
Authors: Zhu Xiuxiu , Chen Jun , Li Wuling , Xu Yanmin , Shan Juanjuan , Hong Juan , Zhao Yongchun , Xu Huailong , Ma Jiabin , Shen Junjie , Qian Cheng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Expanding the utility of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells in solid tumors requires improving their efficacy and safety. Hypoxia is a feature of most solid tumors that could be used to help CAR-T cells discriminate tumors from normal tissues. In this study, we developed hypoxia-responsive CAR-T cells by engineering the CAR to be under regulation of hypoxia-responsive elements and selected the optimal structure (5H1P-CEA CAR), which can be activated in the tumor hypoxic microenvironment to induce CAR-T cells with high polyfunctionality. Hypoxia-responsive CAR T cells were in a “resting” state with low CAR expression under normoxic conditions. Compared with conventional CAR-T cells, hypoxia-responsive CAR-T cells maintained lower differentiation and displayed enhanced oxidative metabolism and proliferation during cultivation, and they sowed a capacity to alleviate the negative effects of hypoxia on T-cell proliferation and metabolism. Furthermore, 5H1P-CEA CAR-T cells exhibited decreased T-cell exhaustion and improved T-cell phenotype in vivo. In patient-derived xenograft models, hypoxia-responsive CAR-T cells induced more durable antitumor activity than their conventional counterparts. Overall, this study provides an approach to limit CAR expression to the hypoxic tumor microenvironment that could help to enhance CAR T-cell efficacy and safety in solid tumors.

Significance:
Engineering CAR-T cells to upregulate CAR expression under hypoxic conditions induces metabolic reprogramming, reduces differentiation, and increases proliferation to enhance their antitumor activity, providing a strategy to improve efficacy and safety.
Sigma1 Regulates Lipid Droplet–Mediated Redox Homeostasis Required for Prostate Cancer Proliferation
Authors: Oyer Halley M. , Steck Alexandra R. , Longen Charles G. , Venkat Sanjana , Bayrak Konuralp , Munger Eleanor B. , Fu Dan , Castagnino Paola A. , Sanders Christina M. , Tancler Nathalia A. , Mai My T. , Myers Justin P. , Schiewer Matthew J. , Chen Nan , Mostaghel Elahe A. , Kim Felix J. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Lipid droplets (LD) are dynamic organelles that serve as hubs of cellular metabolic processes. Emerging evidence shows that LDs also play a critical role in maintaining redox homeostasis and can mitigate lipid oxidative stress. In multiple cancers, including prostate cancer, LD accumulation is associated with cancer aggressiveness, therapy resistance, and poor clinical outcome. Prostate cancer arises as an androgen receptor (AR)-driven disease. Among its myriad roles, AR mediates the biosynthesis of LDs, induces autophagy, and modulates cellular oxidative stress in a tightly regulated cycle that promotes cell proliferation. The factors regulating the interplay of these metabolic processes downstream of AR remain unclear. Here, we show that Sigma1/SIGMAR1, a unique ligand-operated scaffolding protein, regulates LD metabolism in prostate cancer cells. Sigma1 inhibition triggers lipophagy, an LD selective form of autophagy, to prevent accumulation of LDs which normally act to sequester toxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This disrupts the interplay between LDs, autophagy, buffering of oxidative stress and redox homeostasis, and results in the suppression of cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo. Consistent with these experimental results, SIGMAR1 transcripts are strongly associated with lipid metabolism and ROS pathways in prostate tumors. Altogether, these data reveal a novel, pharmacologically responsive role for Sigma1 in regulating the redox homeostasis required by oncogenic metabolic programs that drive prostate cancer proliferation.

Significance:
To proliferate, cancer cells must maintain productive metabolic and oxidative stress (eustress) while mitigating destructive, uncontrolled oxidative stress (distress). LDs are metabolic hubs that enable adaptive responses to promote eustress. Targeting the unique Sigma1 protein can trigger distress by disrupting the LD-mediated homeostasis required for proliferation.
Revising and evaluating falls prevention education for older adults in hospital
Authors: Francis-Coad Jacqueline , Farlie Melanie K , Haines Terry , Black Linda , Weselman Tammy , Cummings Philippa , Hill Anne-Marie 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Partnering with patients and staff to develop and evaluate falls prevention education could better enable patient learning and engagement. This study aimed to create a revised version of the Safe Recovery falls prevention education programme in partnership with older patients and hospital staff, to improve patient engagement in undertaking falls preventive strategies in hospital. Design: Two-phase sequential mixed methods participatory design. Setting: Hospital rehabilitation wards in Western Australia. Method: Phase 1: older patients ( n = 10) and staff ( n = 10) were surveyed before and after original programme delivery to ascertain their reaction and learning. Consumer-focused discussions were undertaken with staff and patients online to inform programme revision. A patient video and workbook were co-produced, and staff were trained to deliver the revised programme. Phase 2: older patients ( n = 10) and staff ( n = 10) were surveyed before and after receiving the revised programme to gain reactions and learning. Deductive content analysis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyse the qualitative and quantitative data. Results: Patients and staff perceived the original programme to be outdated and expressed low levels of satisfaction with the original resources. In contrast, both patients and staff were highly satisfied with the revised programme. Both original and revised Safe Recovery programme patient groups demonstrated significant improvements in knowledge and awareness to reduce their risk of falling after receiving the education ( p = .008, p = .005, respectively). However, patients receiving the revised programme were significantly more likely to intend to take action ( p = .024) and have a clear action plan ( p = .010). Staff perceived that the revised resources showed significant improvements in aesthetic appeal ( p = .007) and ability to engage patients in learning ( p = .007). Conclusion: Patients and staff contributed to successfully revising the Safe Recovery programme with positive reactions to the co-produced resources. Participating in falls education significantly improved older patients’ knowledge and attitudes regarding falls prevention.
Healthy eating in preschool children: Perceptions of parents and caregivers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sirasa Fathima , Mitchell Lana , Harris Neil 
Published: October 2023

Objective: Modifying the unhealthy dietary habits of children in low- and middle-income countries is important to overcome the increasing prevalence of childhood under- and overnutrition. Dietary habit formation is multifactorial, with parental influence fundamental in determining children’s food environment and intake. Therefore, understanding parents’ perspectives regarding healthy eating in their preschool-aged children in low- and middle-income countries is necessary to tailor programmes and interventions. However, limited research exists. This study therefore explored parents’ and caregivers’ understanding of healthy eating and perceived barriers and strategies to support their preschool children’s healthy eating in a middle-income country, Sri Lanka. Design: Qualitative study employing focus group discussions. Setting: Preschools in an urban area of north-western Sri Lanka. Method: Thirteen focus groups, each comprising 6–10 participants, were conducted with 110 parents/caregivers of children aged 2–6 years in Kurunegala (an urban area), in north-west Sri Lanka. Group discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, coded and underwent inductive content analysis. Results: Participants’ understanding of healthy eating was largely consistent with dietary guidelines. Perceived barriers to healthy eating were predominantly intrapersonal (‘pester power’ and ‘picky eating’ of children), and family and peer-related (inadequate family support and peer influence). Suggested strategies included changes in household food availability, preparation and rewards, and creating more supportive environments (family, preschool and community). Conclusion: To optimise nutrition intervention outcomes, strategies targeting the identified intrapersonal, family and peer barriers should be incorporated.
An Asian American Feminist Manifesto: Asian American Women Heads of Schools Embodying Culturally Responsive School Leadership
Authors: Cai Lilia 
Published: October 2023

Background: Within more than 1,600 preK–12 member schools in the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in the United States, there were only seven Asian American women heads of schools in 2019, representing 6% of all heads of color, 1% of all women heads, and 0.4% of all heads of schools. There has been limited research on intersectionality in educational leadership, particularly in the context of independent schools. Purpose of Study: This article sets out to address the research gap in current literature as it pertains to examining the intersectional impact of race, gender, culture, and epistemology on the leadership experiences of Asian American women heads of independent schools, and to deconstruct mainstream leadership narratives by unearthing and complicating critical narratives of a small group of educational leaders who are women of color. Research Design: This qualitative study employs intersectionality theory as the conceptual framework, culturally responsive school leadership as the leadership framework, and elements of portraiture, critical Indigenous studies, and critical race theory as the research methodologies and analytical tools. Data Collection and Analysis: A background information survey was emailed to all seven Asian American women heads of schools to collect contextual and demographic information. The goal of the survey was to find commonalities among the heads and their schools so that a portrait of these seven individuals and their schools could be drawn as an intelligible whole before delineating specific experiences of the research participants. Perceptual information was collected via interviews. The interview protocols were designed to gather information around participants’ pathways to leadership, and their epistemological foundation and its impact on their leadership journeys and styles. Elements of portraiture were used to analyze participants’ experiences based on interviews in this qualitative study. Findings: This study connects culture and epistemologies to leadership practices and shines a light on how these Asian American women heads of schools—despite experiencing stereotype threats, microaggressions, and oppositions—negotiate between the transactional nature of independent schools and the transformational power of educational leadership, and make powerful contributions toward reimagining schools as places with radical possibilities. Conclusions: Asian Americans are a historically disadvantaged racial minority group, and Asian American women in education and academia have faced a long history of discrimination grounded in racism, xenophobia, and misogyny. The NAIS leadership team should better understand what challenges Asian American women face on their pathways to leadership and develop a better support system for all women of color aspiring leaders.
Dynamic assessment of brain perfusion in a middle cerebral artery occlusion rat model by contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging: a pilot study
Authors: Zhou Chenyun , Zhu Xiaoxia , Li Jin , Luo Yan , Zhou Yuqing 
Published: October 2023

Background The middle cerebral artery occlusion model (MCAo) is a commonly used animal model for cerebral ischemia studies but lacks accessible imaging techniques for the assessment of hemodynamic changes of the model. Purpose The study aims to explore the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating brain perfusion in the early stages after MCAo surgery. Material and Methods In total, 18 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to right MCAo using an intraluminal filament model, and CEUS was performed at the three following timepoints: before (T0), immediately after (T1), and 6 h after permanent MCAo (T2). Twelve rats successfully completed the study, and their brains were removed and stained using 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC). CEUS video images were visualized offline, and the time-intensity curves (TICs) were analyzed. Different cerebrovascular patterns and manifestations of the contrast enhancement in rat ischemic hemispheres were observed. Semi-quantitative parameters of TICs in ischemic areas (ROIi) and the surrounding normal- or hypo-perfused areas (ROIn) were calculated and compared between T0, T1, and T2, and also between ROIi and ROIn. Results A significant correlation was found between the lesion volume (%) determined by TTC and CEUS parameters (r = −0.691, P = 0.013 for peak intensity; r = −0.742, P = 0.006 for area under the curve) at T2. After the same occlusion, there were differences in contrast perfusion in each group. Conclusion This study suggests that CEUS could be an effective imaging tool for studying cerebral ischemia and perfusion in small animals as long as the transcranial acoustic window allows it.
In vivo study of the utility of selective intra-arterial injection of thiopental for neuroprotection in reversible cerebral ischemia
Authors: Gökten Murat , Öcal Osman , Sezer Can , Zırh Selim , Muftuoglu Sevda , Öcal Elif , Bilginer Burcak , Arat Anıl 
Published: October 2023

Background Neuroprotective agents are needed to reduce cerebral damage during surgical or neurointerventional procedures including stroke patients. Purpose To evaluate if thiopental can be used as a neuroprotective agent when injected intra-arterially in a transient ischemia model. Material and Methods In total, 24 rabbits were studied as four groups of six animals. Group 1 served as the control group. In group 2, transient ischemia was obtained by intracarotid administration of degradable starch microspheres (DSM). Group 3 was administered thiopental intra-arterially via the carotid artery. Group 4 (experimental group) received both thiopental and DSM intra-arterially. DSM and thiopental were administered through a microcatheter placed into the common carotid artery via the central ear artery access. After sacrifice, apoptotic cells in the cerebral tissues of the animals were evaluated in H&E and TUNEL stained slides. Results There was a significant increase in the number of apoptotic glial or neuronal cells in group 2 compared to the control group and group 3. The mean number of both the apoptotic neuronal cells (6.8 ± 2.1 vs. 2.5 ± 1.3, P < 0.001) and the apoptotic glial cells (9.4 ± 3.1 vs. 4.6 ± 1.6, P < 0.001) were higher in group 2 compared to group 4. In addition, a higher level of neurological improvement was observed in group 4 compared to group 2 based on neurological assessment score. Conclusion The intra-arterial administration of thiopental has a protective effect on both glial and neuronal cells during temporary cerebral ischemia in low doses.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bladder cancer patients: a multicenter real-world study
Authors: Wei Yong , Yang Xiao , Zhu Hongru , Zhuang Juntao , Cai Lingkai , Ji Qianying , Chen Peng , Cao Qiang , Qian Wenhui , Zhu Qingyi , Lu Qiang 
Published: October 2023

Objective Hospital management and medical treatment changed during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with bladder cancer. Methods In this multicenter retrospective study, we collected information from the electronic medical records of outpatients who underwent cystoscopy and inpatients with confirmed bladder cancer in three hospitals in Nanjing (two province-level and one county-level hospitals) in 2019 and 2020. Patients’ home addresses, treatment methods, length of stay, and pathology were compared between the periods. Results In total, 4048 outpatients and 1242 inpatients were included. The average number of cystoscopies decreased significantly during the lockdown. In province-level hospitals, the number of cystoscopies increased gradually as the pandemic was brought under control but remained lower than that in 2019, whereas the number grew in 2020 in county-level hospitals. The rates of recurrence and radical cystectomy were higher in 2020 than in 2019. No significant difference in the pathological grade was observed. More patients who underwent radical cystectomy were diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer during the 2020 lockdown. Conclusion The pandemic severely affected patients with bladder cancer, mainly in their choice of institution and treatment.
Awareness and knowledge about HPV and primary HPV screening among women in Great Britain: An online population-based survey
Authors: Waller Jo , Waite Frances , Marlow Laura 
Published: October 2023

Objectives Human papillomavirus (HPV) primary testing for cervical screening is being implemented around the world. We explored HPV awareness, and knowledge about primary screening in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales), where it has been in place for several years, ahead of extended screening intervals being implemented in England. Setting/Methods Women aged 18–70 ( n = 1995) were recruited by YouGov from their online panel in August 2022. The weighted sample ( n = 1930) was population-representative by age, region, education and social grade. We measured HPV awareness, knowledge (excluding those unaware of HPV) using eight true/false items, and understanding of the role of HPV testing in cervical screening. Results Overall, 77.6% (1499/1930) of women were aware of HPV. When asked to identify the statement describing how cervical screening works, only 12.2% (236/1930) correctly selected the statement reflecting HPV primary screening (13.5% (194/1436) in screening-eligible women). Excluding those unaware of HPV, most participants had heard about the virus in the context of cervical screening (981/1596; 61.5%) or HPV vaccination (1079/1596; 67.6%). Mean knowledge score was 3.7 out of 8 (SD = 2.2) in this group. Most knew that an HPV-positive result does not mean a woman will definitely develop cervical cancer (1091/1499; 72.8%) but far fewer were aware of the long timeline for HPV to develop into cervical cancer (280/1499; 18.7%). Conclusions Only three-quarters of women in Britain are aware of HPV, and knowledge of primary screening is very low, even among screening-age women. This points to continued need for awareness-raising campaigns to ensure informed choice about screening and mitigate public concern when screening intervals are extended.
Evaluation of gastroprotectant administration in hospitalized cats in a tertiary referral hospital
Authors: Ullal Tarini V , Marks Stanley L , Evenhuis Janny V , Figueroa Monica E , Pomerantz Leah K , Forsythe Lauren R 
Published: October 2023

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the prescription patterns and appropriateness of the use of gastroprotectant medication in cats. Methods Pharmacy dispensation logs from an academic tertiary referral center were reviewed between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. Cats that were administered proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), sucralfate, misoprostol, antacids or a combination were included. Data regarding medication, dosage, formulation, duration of administration, completeness of discharge instructions and clinical rationales for administration were obtained from medical records. The appropriateness of gastroprotectant use was assessed according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement guidelines. Results Of the 110 cases, 67 (60.9%) were prescribed a gastroprotectant medication without an appropriate indication. The most common reason for prescription was acute kidney injury in 26/67 (38.8%). PPIs were the most common gastroprotectant medication administered in 95/110 (86.3%) cats, followed by sucralfate in 18/110 (16.4%) and H2RAs in 11/110 (10%). Of the 35 cases in which gastroprotectant therapy was indicated, the medication chosen or dosage administered was considered suboptimal in 16 (45.7%). Instructions regarding the duration of administration, potential adverse effects and timing of administration in relation to meals or other medications were inconsistently provided in discharge instructions to pet owners. Of the 29 cases discharged with omeprazole, only 13 (44.8%) instructions included a duration of administration, while 6 (20.7%) recommended continuing gastroprotectants indefinitely until further notice, 16 (55.2%) discussed the timing of the administration in relation to a meal and six (20.7%) mentioned potential adverse effects; none advised tapering of omeprazole before discontinuation. Conclusions and relevance When prescribed, gastroprotectant medications were frequently prescribed injudiciously to cats in this referral population over a 12-month period. Discharge instructions to pet owners also often lacked information and recommendations regarding optimal administration, potential adverse effects, and tapering or discontinuation of the medications.