bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Coronary Syndrome patterns in the Young: risk factor profile and in-hospital outcome in a tertiary referral hospital in Kenya
Authors: kassam Nadeem , Varwani Mohamed , Ngunga Mzee , Msunza Miriam , Mohamed Jeilan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) accounts for coronary artery disease–related morbidity and mortality. There has been growing concern about the rising incidence of ACS among young adults globally both in developed and developing countries, including Sub Saharan Africa. This groups phenotypic characteristics; risk factors and clinical outcomes are not well described. Contextual and regional studies are necessary to understand the magnitude of ACS among young Individuals and help highlight challenges and opportunities for improved ACS outcomes in the region. The study aimed to describe the characteristics of young individuals hospitalized with ACS and report on in-hospital outcomes.
Methodology
This single-center retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. Medical records of young individuals hospitalized with ACS from 30th June 2020 to 1st May 2023 were reviewed. We defined young as 50 years or below. Categorical variables were reported as frequencies and proportions, and compared with chi- squared or Fisher’s exact tests. Continuous variables were reported as means or medians and compared with t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results
Among 506 Patients hospitalized with ACS, (n= 138,27.2%) were aged 50 years and below. The study population was male (n=107, 79.9%) and African(n=82,61.2%) Predominant with a median age of 46.5 years (IQR 41.0- 50.0). Hypertension (n=101,75.4%) was noted in most study participants. More than half of the cohort were smokers (n=69,51.5%) having a family history of premature ASCVD(n=70,52.2%) and were on lipid-lowering therapy(n=68,50.7%) prior to presentation. ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was the most common clinical manifestation of ACS (n=77, 57.5%). Of the significant coronary artery disease (n=75,56.0%), majority of the individuals had single vessel disease (n=60, 80%) with a predilection of Left Anterior deciding artery(n=47,62.6%). The Main cause of ACS was atherosclerosis (n=41,54.6%). The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 46.0 (± 12.4). The In-hospital mortality was (n= 2, 1.5%)
Conclusion
This study highlights that young patients contribute to a relatively large proportion of patients presenting with ACS at our center. The most common presentation was STEMI. Findings of this study highlight the importance of awareness campaigns and developing systems of care that enable early detection and reperfusion. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were prevalent and thus targets of intervention.
Loss of ULK1 impairs autophagy activation, spheroid viability, and tumor progression in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Webb Jack D. , Viola Lauren , Buensuceso Adrian , Borrelli Matthew J. , Valdes Yudith Ramos , Singha Bipradeb , Shepherd Trevor G. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains a leading cause of gynecological cancer-related deaths due its late diagnosis and the absence of effective treatments for chemo-resistant disease. EOC metastasizes through peritoneal dissemination, often forming multicellular spheroids, in which autophagy—a cell survival mechanism—is induced, requiring ULK1 (Unc-51-like kinase 1) activity. Our study aims to further understand the role of ULK1 in EOC tumor growth and metastasis.
Methods: Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we ablated the ULK1 gene in EOC cell lines OVCAR8 and HEYA8, and the fallopian tube derived FT190 control line. Western blotting confirmed ULK1 loss and key autophagy markers. Autophagic flux was assessed using fluorescence microscopy and cell viability by Trypan Blue, Cell Titer-Glo, and Caspase-Glo assays. We tested sensitivity to carboplatin and paclitaxel treatments in cell culture, while bioluminescent imaging monitored tumor progression of xenograftsULK1KO. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to assess Ki67 for cell proliferation and cleaved caspase-3 for apoptosis.
Results: Our results show that ULK1 loss leads to impaired autophagy in EOC spheroids, with reduced LC3 processing and elevated p62 levels. Intriguingly, FT190 cells maintained autophagy which correlated with elevated ULK2 expression. All cell lines lacking ULK1KO had reduced spheroid cell viability and spheroid integrity. Surprisingly, ULK1 loss led to differential sensitivity to chemotherapy agents carboplatin and paclitaxel between OVCAR8 and HEYA8 cells. ULK1 deficiency reduced tumor burden in xenografted mice, although differences were observed in tumor growth rate and extent of metastasis between OVCAR8 and HEYA8 cells. Furthermore, Ki67 and cleaved caspase-3 staining revealed reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis respectively in tumors derived from ULK1KO cells.
Conclusions: ULK1 is required for EOC spheroid formation and cell survival while in suspension likely through its regulation of autophagy, but it may have a lesser role for autophagy regulation in precursor cells. ULK1 deficiency does not increase EOC cell sensitivity to standard-of-care chemotherapy, possibly indicating that other therapeutic strategies would be needed to synergize with autophagy inhibition for EOC treatment.. Altogether, ULK1 may have a multifaceted role in EOC beyond autophagy regulation, by contributing to early dissemination of as spheroids and establishment of secondary tumors
Sedentary Patterns and Health Outcomes in the Oldest-Old: a Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Lebuf Elien , Dyck Delfien Van , de Velde Laura Van , Beeckman Melanie , Cauwenberg Jelle Van , Compernolle Sofie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background. Sedentary behavior is most prevalent among those aged 80 and above. Current literature emphasizes the significance of SB patterns, but further evidence is required to understand how these patterns relate to specific health outcomes and to identify at-risk profiles for tailored interventions in the oldest old. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify profiles of older adults based on their sedentary patterns and health outcomes, and to examine associations between profiles and socio-demographics.
Methods. A cross-sectional study was performed between February 2021 and December 2022 in Flanders, Belgium. Distinct profiles of device-based sedentary patterns and physical and cognitive functioning, mental health-related quality of life (QoL) and social isolation were identified using a latent profile analysis on data of 90 older adults (80+). Associations with socio-demographics were analyzed using one-way ANOVAs and chi2-tests.
Results. Three distinct profiles were identified: (1) the ‘cognitively and physically frail’ profile, (2) the ‘healthy’ profile and (3) the ‘lower mental health-related QoL’ profile. Those in the ‘cognitively and physically frail’ profile exhibited the least favorable sedentary pattern, and had a higher likelihood of residing in a nursing home. No significant differences were found for the other socio-demographic variables, being age, sex, educational degree and family situation.
Conclusions. Individuals with lower physical and cognitive functioning have the most unhealthy sedentary patterns, often involving prolonged bouts lasting at least one hour. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize interventions that address and interrupt extended sedentary behavior in this subgroup.
Intermolecular interactions probed by rotational wavepackets in gas-phase clusters
Authors: Lin Kang , Lu Chenxu , Zhou Lianrong , Shi Menghang , Lu Peifen , Li Wenxue , Xu Long , Dorner Reinhard , Wu Jian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The rotational dynamics of a molecule is sensitive to neighboring atoms or molecules, which can be used to probe the intermolecular interactions in the gas phase. Here, we real-time track the laser-driven rotational dynamics of a single N2 molecule affected by neighboring Ar atoms using coincident Coulomb explosion imaging. We find that the alignment trace of N-N axis decays fast and only persists for a few picoseconds when an Ar atom is nearby. We show that the decay rate depends on the rotational geometry of whether the Ar atom stays in or out of the rotational plane of the N2 molecule. Furthermore, we investigate the quantity effect of the neighboring atoms on the rotational dynamics and find that the laser-induced alignment of the N-N axis is immediately impeded when surrounded by two Ar atoms. The observations are well reproduced by solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation after taking the interaction potential between the N2 and Ar into consideration. Our results pave the way to probe the environmental effect on a molecular level by directly visualizing the rotational dynamics.
Effect of molecular weight on the properties and structure of biodegradable Poly-lactic acid melt-blown nonwovens
Authors: Yu JinShuo , Tian Hanlin , Wang Zepeng , Tan Zhiyong , Pan Hongwei , Zhao Yan , Zhang Huiliang , Bian Junjia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This work has successfully prepared biodegradable poly-lactic acid (PLA) melt-blown nonwovens with varying molecular weights through the process of melt spinning. To achieve a reduced molecular weight PLA, the Lewis acid Tin (II) 2-ethyl hexanoate (Sn(Oct)2) was employed for degradation. The investigation encompassed the phase morphology, rheological behavior, hydrophobicity, and crystalline characteristics of the melt-blown nonwovens. The examination of crystallization characteristics revealed that PLA molecules with lower molecular weights, comprising shorter-chain segments, exhibit enhanced mobility. Consequently, these molecules tend to crystallize more readily, resulting in a higher degree of crystallinity. Polarized optical microscopy (POM) analysis demonstrates that PLA with lower molecular weights generates the largest spherical crystal size within the same time frame. The storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G′′), and complex viscosity |η*| were increased with the increase in molecular weight from rheological measurement. The increase in viscosity led to an increase in the distribution of melt-blown nonwoven fiber diameters, and the average diameter increased from 11.86 to 21.07 μm. Furthermore, it triggers a reduction in the water contact angle (WCA), causing it to drop from 128.9° to 114.9°.
q-Space Myelin Map: A new myelin-specific imaging technique for treatment monitoring of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kitagawa Satoshi , Kufukihara Kenji , Motegi Haruhiko , Sekiguchi Koji , Sato Yayoi , Nakahara Jin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
The hallmark of multiple sclerosis (MS) is demyelination of the central nervous system. In the McDonald diagnostic criteria, hyperintense signals on T2-weighted image (so-called “T2-lesions”) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can substitute for clinical findings as evidence of disease activities; however, T2 signals are theoretically non-specific for demyelination and its over-reliance may lead not only to misdiagnosis but also to the failure of accurately monitoring disease activities, hence potentially causing over or under-treatment. In order to provide a more myelin-specific modality, we have recently developed q-space Myelin Map (qMM) and preliminary reported its utility in MS patients, particularly for depicting remyelination. This current study aimed to analyze clinical factors associated with qMM-supported remyelination in a series of consecutive MS patients initiating different disease-modifying drugs (DMDs), and to examine the utility and the feasibility of qMM in daily clinical practice.
Methods
Data from sequential patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) initiating one of the following DMDs at our center were collected: interferon β (IFN β), glatiramer acetate (GA), fingolimod (FTY), dimethyl fumarate (DMF), or natalizumab (NTZ). After treatment initiation, qMM was performed at 6-month intervals and the resulting images analysed for evidence of remyelination.
Results
48 patients with RRMS were included: 22 with DMF, 14 with FTY, 4 with GA, 8 with NTZ, and 0 with IFN β. qMM revealed qMM-remyelination in 22 patients (45.8%), including 10 receiving DMF, 6 receiving FTY, 1 receiving GA, and 5 receiving NTZ. qMM-remyelination was significantly associated with younger age in the NTZ group(p = 0.036), and associated with female sex in the DMF group(p = 0.015).
Conclusions
This study demonstrated the potential clinical utility of qMM for visualizing remyelination in MS patients and fine-tuning their pharmacotherapy. Two potential clinical factors promoting qMM-remyelination were identified: female sex with DMF and younger baseline age with NTZ; a larger prospective study is warranted to confirm these results.
Research on MPPT control strategy based on CCAOA algorithm
Authors: Xiao Yiping , Shen Zongtao , Zhao Yunfeng , Jiao Hongjian 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays under partial shading conditions (PSC) can lead to multiple peaks in the power-voltage curve of PV system output. The traditional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is difficult to solve the multi-peak problem and generally has slow convergence speed and easy fall into local optimality. To address this problem, a collaborative and cosine arithmetic optimization algorithm (CCAOA) was proposed in this paper. The cosine factor was introduced into the mathematical optimization acceleration function in traditional AOA to enhance the global search capability of the algorithm. And the circle chaotic mapping and cross-variance strategy were introduced to increase the diversity and randomness of the algorithm population. Meanwhile, a cooperative search strategy of addition and subtraction is used to strengthen the local search capability of the algorithm, thus accelerate the convergence speed of the algorithm. The effectiveness of the CCAOA is evaluated by using six typical IEEE standard test functions, and the simulation results show that compared with AOA, TSO and PSO algorithms it outperforms other algorithms in terms of convergence speed and accuracy. Appling the CCAOA into the MPPT control, the performance of MPPT control strategy based on CCAOA was verified by simulation. The simulation results illustrate that the CCAOA has better performance in tracking speed, stability and efficiency when comparing with AOA, TSO and PSO algorithms. In conclusion, the MPPT control based on CCAOA can significantly improve the power generation efficiency of PV arrays under PSC.
What is the purpose of ultra-processed food? An exploratory analysis of the financialisation of ultra-processed food corporations and implications for public health
Authors: Wood Benjamin , Robinson Ella , Baker Phillip , Paraje Guillermo , Mialon Mélissa , Tulleken Christoffer van , Sacks Gary 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
In recent decades there has been a global rise in consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) to the detriment of population health and the environment. Large corporations that have focused heavily on low-cost manufacturing and extensive marketing of UPFs to maximise profits have driven this dietary transition. The same corporations claim to serve the interests of multiple ‘stakeholders’, and that they are contributing to sustainable development. This paper aimed to test these claims by examining the degree to which UPF corporations have become ‘financialised’, focusing on the extent to which they have been prioritising the financial interests of their shareholders relative to other actors, as well as the role that various types of investors have played in influencing their governance. Findings were used to inform discussion on policy responses to improve the healthiness of population diets.
Methods
We adopted an exploratory research design using multiple methods. We conducted quantitative analysis of the financial data of U.S. listed food and agricultural corporations between 1962 and 2021, share ownership data of a selection of UPF corporations, and proxy voting data of a selection of investors between 2012 and 2022. We also conducted targeted narrative reviews using structured and branching searches of academic and grey literature.
Results
Since the 1980s, corporations that depend heavily on manufacturing and marketing UPFs to generate profits have been increasingly transferring money to their shareholders relative to their total revenue, and at a level considerably higher than other food and agricultural sectors. In recent years, hedge fund managers have had a substantial influence on the governance of major UPF corporations in their pursuit of maximising short-term returns. In comparison, investors seeking to improve population diets have had limited success, in part because large asset managers mostly oppose public health-related shareholder proposals.
Conclusions
The operationalisation of ‘shareholder primacy’ by major UPF corporations has driven inequity, and undermines their claims that they are creating ‘value’ for diverse actors. Measures that protect population diets and food systems from the extractive forces of financialisation are needed as part of efforts to improve the healthiness of population diets.
Response to COVID-19 vaccination imaged by PD-L1 PET scanning
Authors: MacManus Michael , Akhurst Tim , Lewin Sharon R , Hegi-Johnson Fiona 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
During a phase 0 clinical trial of an investigational PD-L1 PET tracer in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), three patients received booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines before PD-L1 imaging. Five patients underwent whole-body PET/CT imaging with a novel PD-L1 tracer, constructed by attaching 89Zr to the anti PD-L1 antibody durvalumab. Intramuscular (deltoid) booster doses of mRNA BNT162b2 COVID-19 mRNA vaccine were coincidentally given to three patients in the month before PD-L1 tracer injection.
Results
Two recently-vaccinated patients, in remission of NSCLC and receiving nonimmunosuppressive cancer therapies (immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitor respectively), showed PD-L1 tracer uptake in ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes. No abnormal nodal uptake was seen in a third recently-vaccinated patient who was receiving immunosuppressive chemotherapy, or in two patients not recently-vaccinated.
Conclusions
Immune response to mRNA BNT162b2 vaccination appears to involve regulation by PDL1 positive immune cells in local draining lymph nodes in immunocompetent patients.
Malocclusion worsens survival following sepsis due to the disruption of the innate and acquired immunity
Authors: Fujinami Yoshihisa , Saito Masafumi , Ono Yuko , Akashi Masaya , Inoue Shigeaki , Kotani Joji 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Sepsis is a major health care concern worldwide. Recently, frailty -physical, cognitive, and mental dysfunction- has been recognized as one of the poor prognostic factors for critically ill patients. Poor oral health is also recognized as an inducing factor of frailty, which is called “oral frailty.” However, few previous studies clarifies whether and how oral frailty does harm in septic condition. Therefore, we introduced an additional sepsis model into the tooth extraction mouse model to determine how malocclusion affect the immune response during sepsis. The group of sepsis with malocclusion had a significantly lower survival rate than the group of sepsis without malocclusion, and both neutrophil and T cell counts in the blood were also significantly lower. Therefore, it implies that tooth extraction impaired both innate and acquired immunity during sepsis. The implication of this study is to determine the immunological impact of tooth loss during sepsis.
Demonstration of Enhanced Long-Range Cosmic Time Synchronization for Wireless and Secure Dissemination of Standard Time
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki K.M. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Accurate traceability of time is prerequisite to the proper functioning of many necessary aspects of our modern life including making financial transactions, managing automated technology and navigating the transport of goods and human beings. One of the most reliable international time references is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) that can be distributed wirelessly in principle. However, this wireless option is currently limited to GPS and other global navigation satellite systems. GPS signals are weak and easily affected by environmental conditions. Moreover, since GPS signals are unencrypted, the possibility of a signal spoofing attack remains a continuous threat. Prior works showed the potential of the alternative wireless time synchronization technique called Cosmic Time Synchronization (CTS); its clocks located 50 m apart were wirelessly synchronized with a sub-microsecond level accuracy, and its operation time was limited to 20 minutes. However, for the actual implementation of CTS to real-life situations, these distance and stability are not sufficient. In this study, we constructed a dedicated CTS facility and conducted a long-haul (180 m) CTS demonstration. As a result, it was verified that this long-range CTS is capable of maintaining stable sub-microsecond time synchronization for 3 days with a granularity of 148.8 ns (SD) and an offset of 22.97 ns. Since the current version of CTS can now operate over an area that has been enlarged by more than one order of magnitude, it is possible to utilize for more diverse applications. As a case study, it is shown that CTS now has the capability to offer wireless time synchronization service to large clusters of financial firms in large cities. With its accurate time dissemination (UTC compatible traceability), its reasonable cost, and its hack-proof, stable design, this latest CTS model has the capacity to improve the accuracy of timing for a wide variety of sectors.
The RESTORE C19 Study: Outcomes for women denied immediate breast reconstruction in the United Kingdom during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Authors: Fairhurst Katherine , Dave Rajiv , O'Connell Rachel L , Vidya Raghaven , Fairbrother Patricia , Skillman Jo , Rooshenas Leila , Potter Shelley 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The RESTORE C19 study aimed to explore outcomes for women not offered immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) following mastectomy for breast cancer during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.
Methods
Women who were not offered IBR during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (March-October 2020) were identified from the B-Map-C study database. Local collaborators were contacted between December 2021 and July 2022 to provide follow up data on the cohort, specifically whether women had been seen to discuss delayed breast reconstruction (DBR) and if so by whom; the receipt and timing of delayed reconstruction or documented decisions not to pursue reconstruction.
Results
Of the 366 women who were not offered IBR, complete follow-up data were available for 311 (85.0%). At a time point of between 21–28 months after mastectomy, less than half of women (n = 149, 47.6%) had been seen by a surgeon to discuss DBR and less than a third (n = 91, 29.2%) had been referred to plastic surgery to discuss autologous options. Only 21 (6.8%) women had actually received a DBR (4 with implant, 17 with autologous tissue). Almost one in five (n = 57) had decided against reconstructive surgery.
Conclusions
The majority of women denied IBR during the first wave of COVID-19 are still waiting for reconstructive surgery with almost 20% deciding not to pursue this option. Qualitative work is now needed to explore the experiences of this group in more detail to determine how best to support these women to complete their breast cancer journeys.