bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploration of the Mechanism of Valsartan Treatment in Chronic Renal Failure: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation
Authors: Zhu Min , Wang Zhaoran , Zhu Ziming , Zhang Cuifeng , Wu Fanrong 
Published: October 2023

Objective. To investigate the targets and mechanisms of valsartan in the treatment of chronic renal failure based on network pharmacology and animal experiment validation. Methods. The objectives of using valsartan were predicted with the PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Relevant targets of chronic renal failure have been searched in various disease databases, with the common purposes of drugs and diseases extracted. Network analysis was carried out with the STRING database to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, as Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was used to analyze network topology of the key targets and establish the “valsartan-core target gene” network. Gene Ontology (GO) and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on core targets to explore their possible molecular mechanisms. The chronic renal failure mouse model was established by the plat method. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson staining observed morphological changes in renal problems of each group, as levels of serum Cre, BUN, T-SOD, and MDA in each group were detected by kit; real-time PCR was used to detect the relative expression of mRNA of TNF-αIL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in renal disease of mice in each group, with WB detect CALM, PKCα, and CaMKIV protein expression levels in renal disease from each group. Results. The network pharmacology approach identified 10 key targets for treatment of chronic renal failure with valsartan, including EGFR, PTGS2, PPARG, and ERBB2. KEGG enrichment analysis predicted that the drug exerted neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, the calcium signaling pathway, the HIF-1 signaling pathway, the proteoglycans in cancer, PD-L1 expression, and the PD-1 checkpoint pathway in cancer. Results from animal experiments were compared to those of the model group, as renal function was significantly improved in the valsartan-dose group. The serum levels of Cre, BUN, and MDA and relative mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 decreased significantly, while serum T-SOD levels, relative mRNA expression of IL-10, and the protein expression level of CALM, PKCα, and CaMKIV increased significantly (

P

< 0.05 and

P

< 0.001). Conclusion. Valsartan yields certain renal protection, which may improve chronic renal failure in mice through the calcium signaling pathway.
Changes in Seed Quality during Seed Development and Maturation of Bambara Nut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Landraces
Authors: Oballim Gerard , Obura Morish , Opile Wilson Reuben , Ochuodho Julius Onyango 
Published: October 2023

This study aimed at determining changes in the seed quality of bambara nut (BN) landraces during seed development and maturation so as to more precisely time seed harvest for better seed quality. Three bambara nut landraces, AbiBam001, LocalBam, and TVSU544, were sown in two field experimental sites in northern Uganda in October 2020 and 2021. Seeds were harvested at 83, 93, 103, 113, and 123 days after sowing (DAS) in the first experiment and at 123, 130, and 138 DAS in the second. Seeds were subjected to quality tests of seed dry weight, final germination percentage (FGP), germination velocity index (GVI), and seedling dry weight (SDW). All landraces showed significant differences

P

<

0.05

in seed weight and seedling dry weight at progressive developmental stages in the first experiment. All parameters showed no differences

P

>

0.05

in the second experiment except for the seed weight of AbiBam001 and the FGP of TVSU544. Both TVSU544 and LocalBam attained mass maturity (highest seed weight) at approximately 113 DAS, while AbiBam001 reached mass maturity at about 130 DAS. Seeds of the highest quality were obtained at 103 DAS for TVSU544 and at 113 DAS for both LocalBam and AbiBam001. For both AbiBam001 and TVSU544, the highest quality seeds occur before mass maturity, while for LocalBam, at about mass maturity. Seed harvest should be timed at 103−113, 113−123, and 120−130 DAS for TVSU544, LocalBam, and AbiBam001, respectively. The assessment of seed development before 83 DAS and maturation after 138 DAS in the main growing season will synchronize growing conditions with farmers’ practices and crucially provide a complete picture of the developmental patterns of the landraces.
Dissimilar FTA Strategies of Japan and the United States: An Analysis of the Product-Specific Rules of Origin
Authors: Ando Mitsuyo , Urata Shujiro , Yamanouchi Kenta 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper investigates the trade restrictiveness of product-specific rules of origin (PSRs) in the comprehensive sets of free trade agreements (FTAs) for Japan and the United States, focusing on their similarities and dissimilarities. The most distinctive dissimilarities are the major PSR types and their variation among FTAs. Japan's FTAs use the selective type (“change in tariff classification [CTC] or regional value content [RVC]”) most intensively. In contrast, a few U.S. FTAs use RVC and others use CTC most intensively, and the distribution of simplified PSR types appears to be almost the same among FTAs in each group. The detailed PSR types, however, are likely to be more heterogeneous and complicated in U.S. FTAs than in Japan's FTAs. Such dissimilar features are more salient in machinery sectors with dense global value chains (GVCs)/international production networks (IPNs). The quantitative estimates suggest that the selective types utilized by Japan for most machinery products are much less trade-restrictive, while certain complicated types adopted by the United States for many machinery products are substantially trade-restrictive. Our detailed investigation revealed the two countries’ contrasting strategies, namely, Japan appears to aggressively utilize FTAs with less restrictive PSRs to enhance GVCs/IPNs, while the United States tends to make PSRs more restrictive and complicated in detail as a sort of disguised protection tool.
Predictive Coding as a Neuromorphic Alternative to Backpropagation: A Critical Evaluation
Authors: Zahid Umais , Guo Qinghai , Fountas Zafeirios 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Backpropagation has rapidly become the workhorse credit assignment algorithm for modern deep learning methods. Recently, modified forms of predictive coding (PC), an algorithm with origins in computational neuroscience, have been shown to result in approximately or exactly equal parameter updates to those under backpropagation. Due to this connection, it has been suggested that PC can act as an alternative to backpropagation with desirable properties that may facilitate implementation in neuromorphic systems. Here, we explore these claims using the different contemporary PC variants proposed in the literature. We obtain time complexity bounds for these PC variants, which we show are lower bounded by backpropagation. We also present key properties of these variants that have implications for neurobiological plausibility and their interpretations, particularly from the perspective of standard PC as a variational Bayes algorithm for latent probabilistic models. Our findings shed new light on the connection between the two learning frameworks and suggest that in its current forms, PC may have more limited potential as a direct replacement of backpropagation than previously envisioned.
Tropical Cool-Skin and Warm-Layer Effects and Their Impact on Surface Heat Fluxes
Authors: Yan Yunwei , Song Xiangzhou , Wang Guihua , Li Xiaojing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Cool-skin and warm-layer effects are important phenomena in the ocean–atmosphere system. Here, we study tropical cool-skin and warm-layer effects and their impact on surface heat fluxes using the methods proposed by Fairall et al. in 1996, i.e., the F96 cool-skin scheme and the combined warm-layer method. The results reveal strong cool-skin effects (∼−0.3 K) in the Indo-Pacific warm pool, but weak effects in the equatorial Pacific and Atlantic cold tongues. The spatial pattern of the cool-skin effect is determined by the difference in the specific humidity between the sea and air. The warm-layer effect is strong (∼0.25 K) in both the warm pool and cold tongues but weak in the trade wind regions and exhibits a spatial pattern that is inversely related to the surface wind speed. In the tropics, the cool-skin effect causes an average reduction of 11.0 W m−2 in the heat loss from the ocean to the atmosphere, while the warm-layer effect causes an increase of 6.0 W m−2. With respect to the F96 cool-skin scheme, four common wind-speed-dependent empirical models could not fully capture the spatial distribution of the cool-skin effect. A new empirical model that depends on the sea–air humidity difference is proposed to overcome this problem. Compared to the combined warm-layer method, when only the F96 warm-layer scheme is applied, the effect is underestimated at both low and high wind speeds. These new findings improve our understanding of the cool-skin and warm-layer effects and provide insights into their parameterization schemes.

Significance Statement
The aim of this study is to improve our understanding of tropical cool-skin and warm-layer effects and to examine their impact on surface heat fluxes. In addition, we evaluate the parameterization schemes for these effects to provide insights into their improvement in ocean–atmosphere coupled models. Our results indicate that the sea–air humidity difference is likely the most important factor influencing the tropical cool-skin effect. As a result, a new empirical model that depends on the sea–air humidity difference is proposed. Furthermore, we find that existing diagnostic models underestimate the impact of the warm-layer phenomenon on the ocean–atmosphere system. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an improved parameterization scheme, especially as synchronous near-surface temperature measurements become available.
Rigid Plate Fixation for Closure of Emergent Sternotomies for Trauma
Authors: Grant April A. , Moore Cameron , Smith Randi N. , Sciarretta Jason D. , Sola Richard , Udobi Khadi , Williams Keneeshia N. , Busby Stephanie , Butler Caroline , Keeling Brent , Ghodsizad Ali , Nguyen Jonathan 
Published: October 2023

Background No studies to date have evaluated the use of rigid plate fixation for emergent sternotomy in trauma patients. We evaluated our use of rigid plate fixation vs wire cerclage in patients requiring emergent sternotomy. We hypothesized there would be no difference in complications related to sternal closure between the two groups. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study to include all patients who underwent emergent sternotomy from 1/1/2018 to 1/31/2021 and survived to have their sternum closed. Outcomes in patients closed with wire cerclage group (WC) were compared to patients who underwent rigid plate fixation (RPF). Results Twenty-two patients underwent emergent sternotomy. There were 11 patients in each group. There was no significant difference in admission demographics, ISS, or admission characteristics between the two groups. Complication rates related to closure (wound infection and hardware removal) were not significantly different (WC 27% vs RPF 9%, P = .58). Neither hospital length of stay (WC: 29 days vs RPF: 13 days, P = .13), ICU length of stay (WC: 6 days vs RPF: 7 days, P = .62), nor the number of ventilator days (WC: 3 days vs RPF: 1 day, P .11) were statistically different. All patients survived to discharge. Discussion This is the first study comparing RPF and WC for sternotomy closure in the setting of trauma. We found no difference in the rate of wound related complications. This study demonstrates the feasibility of rigid plate fixation for trauma sternotomy closure and lays the foundation for future prospective studies.
The effectiveness of home modifications on the risk of falling in older adults with dementia: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dalvand Hamid , Setoudeh Hamed , Namazi Shabestari Alireza , Vahabi Zahra , Almasi-Hashiani Amir 
Published: October 2023

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of modifying the home environment on falls in older adults with dementia. Methods: In this single-blind clinical trial study, 44 older adult patients with dementia who met the inclusion criteria, were included in the study and then randomly assigned to intervention ( n = 22) and control ( n = 22) groups using a balanced block randomization method. The intervention group received home modifications, while the control group did not receive any modifications. After intervention, The HOME Fall and Accident Screening Tool was used to assess falls. The ethics committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences approved the study procedure (IR.TUMS.FNM.REC.1399.163) and this study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with the code: IRCT20210106049950N1. Results: Comparing the mean fall risk scores between the two groups at the beginning of the study showed no significant difference in the risk of falling ( p = 0.6). By contrast, at the end of the study, this difference became significant between groups ( p < 0.001). This comparison in the control group at the beginning and end of the study indicated no significant difference ( p = 0.32). However, it was significant in the intervention group at the beginning of the study and after modifications ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Modifications by applying changes and reforms to the home environment reduced the risk of falling in older adults with dementia.
Care Practices of Mental Health Clinical Pharmacist Practitioners Within an Interdisciplinary Primary Care Model for Patients With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Percy Annette , Kelley A. Taylor , Valentino Natalie , Butz Amy , Baylis Jacob D. , Suo Ying , Gordon Adam J. , Jones Audrey L. 
Published: October 2023

Background: Clinical pharmacist practitioners (CPPs) play an increasingly important role in interdisciplinary care for patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). However, CPPs’ scope of practice varies substantially across clinics and settings. Objectives: We sought to describe CPP practices and activities within an interdisciplinary, team-based primary care clinic dedicated to treat Veterans with histories of substance use disorders, experience of homelessness, high medical complexity, and other vulnerabilities. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of CPP activities using Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative data in 2019. Results: CPPs provided care for 228 patients, including 766 in-clinic visits, 341 telephone visits, and 626 chart reviews, with an average of 2.5 hours spent per patient per year. Patients seen by CPPs frequently experience mental health conditions and SUDs, including depression (66%), post-traumatic stress disorder (52%), opioid use disorder (OUD) (45%), and alcohol use disorder (44%). CPPs managed buprenorphine medications for OUD or chronic pain in 76 patients (33%). Most CPP interventions (3330 total) were for SUDs (33%), mental health conditions (24%), and pain management (24%), with SUD interventions including medication initiation, dose changes, discontinuations and monitoring. As part of opioid risk mitigation efforts, CPPs queried the state’s prescription drug monitoring program 769 times and ordered 59 naloxone kits and 661 lab panels for empaneled patients. Conclusion: CPPs managed a high volume of vulnerable patients and provided complex care within an interdisciplinary primary care team. Similar CPP roles could be implemented in other primary care settings to increase access to SUD treatment.
Hukou Status and Cognitive Function Among Older Chinese Adults: Does Support from Friends Matter?
Authors: Peng Changmin , Burr Jeffrey A. , Wu Bei , Li Mengting 
Published: October 2023

Objectives This study examined whether older Chinese adults with different types of hukou status (government household registration system) exhibited different cognitive outcomes and whether receiving support from friends, an under-appreciated resource, helped mitigate the negative impacts of agricultural hukou status on cognitive health disparities. Methods Using nationally representative data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this study tested these relationships with well-validated measures. Results Our results showed that older Chinese adults with agricultural hukou were more likely to have worse cognitive function than those with non-agricultural hukou. Further, friend support characteristics moderated the association between hukou status and cognitive function, whereby having better friend support was related to a weaker negative effect of agricultural hukou status on cognitive function. Discussion The findings suggested that agricultural hukou status reflects the effects of accumulated disadvantage across the life course with negative consequences for late-life cognition. The cognitive health disparities between agricultural and non-agricultural residents may be reduced in the context of a higher level of friend support, supporting a stress buffering hypothesis.
Epoxy resin/cyannate ester copolymer with improved fire safety, mechanical properties and low dielectric loss enabled by 10-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-10-hydrogen-9-oxa-10-phosphazephenanthrene-10-oxide and copper hydroxystannate
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Wang Zhengzhou 
Published: October 2023

Epoxy resin/cyanate ester copolymer (EC) possesses the advantages of low dielectric constant and low dielectric loss, while the easy flammability of EC restricts its applications. The effect of 10-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-10-hydrogen-9-oxa-10-phosphazephenanthrene-10-oxide (DQ) and copper hydroxystannate (CuHS) on the flame retardancy, smoke suppression, mechanical properties and thermal decomposition behavior of EC was studied. The EC composite containing 7 wt% DQ and 3 wt% CuHS (EC/7DQ3CuHS) passed the UL-94 V0 rating with a limiting oxygen index of 32.0% The peak heat release rate and total heat release of EC/7DQ3CuHS fell by 41.9% and 35.0% respectively, compared with those of pure EC. The total smoke release of EC/7DQ3CuHS was reduced by 36.0% in comparison with that of the EC composite containing 10 wt% DQ. The tensile and impact strengths of the EC composite with 9 wt% DQ and 1 wt% CuHS increased by 16.9% and 19.2%, respectively in contrast with pure EC. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the EC composites maintained at relative low values. The as-prepared EC composites have application prospect in electronic packaging industry.
The prognostic value of neutrophile/lymphocyte ratio and serum chemerin to predict maternal-fetal complications in pregnant systemic lupus erythematosus patients
Authors: Medina Gabriela , González-Cortés Francisco R , Sánchez-González Antonio , Vázquez-Rodríguez Juan G , Ordoñez-González Irvin , Jiménez-Arellano María P , García-Collinot Grettel , Morales-Montalvo Susana I , Florez-Durante Oscar I , Cruz-Domínguez María P , Colorado-Cruz María F , Zurita-Muñoz Miguel A , Cruz-Arteaga Gilberto , Sánchez-Enriquez Carolina , Jara Luis J , Saavedra Miguel Á 
Published: October 2023

Background Pregnancy in SLE continues to be a challenge. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and chemerin are predictors of preeclampsia in the general population; however, their role as predictors of maternal-fetal complications in pregnant SLE patients has not been analyzed. Objective To investigate the prognostic value of NLR and serum chemerin, to predict maternal-fetal complications in pregnant SLE patients, and compare both biomarkers among three study groups. Methods Design: Analytical cross-sectional study of cases and controls with the following study groups: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), preeclampsia, and healthy. NLR and chemerin serum were determined between 20 and 25 weeks of gestation. Patients were evaluated every 4–6 weeks until pregnancy resolution. Maternal and fetal outcomes were registered. We employed Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves to validate prognostic values. Results Seventy pregnant patients were included: 20 with SLE, 20 with preeclampsia, and 30 healthy pregnant women; NLR values were 4 (2.3–5.6) in SLE, 6 (4.6–9.2) in preeclampsia, and 2.8 (2.1–2.9) in the group of healthy women ( p = .0001). Chemerin levels were: 26 (15.3–56.2) in SLE, 96 (37.3–146.2) in preeclampsia, and 24.6 ng/mL (15.3–47.4) in the healthy group ( p = .007) Maternal complications were observed in 11 (55%), 20 (100%), and 8 (26%) per group, respectively. Thrombocytopenia was the most frequent complication in all pregnant women, followed by hypertensive disorders. Fetal complications were registered in 12 (60%), 16 (80%), and 2 (6.7%), respectively. Congenital malformations and prematurity were the most frequent fetal complications. NLR had good diagnostic accuracy in predicting maternal-fetal complications (AUROC 0.715) p = .015, CI 95% 0.56–0.86, cut-off point level: 2.9, sensitivity 61%, specificity 78%, positive predictive value (PPV) 65%, negative predictive value (NPV) 75%. Regarding chemerin, a cut-off point level >43 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 72% AUROC 0.75, p = .001, CI 95% 0.61–0.89, PPV 51.7% NPV 87.8%, meaning that 51.7% of patients with chemerin levels >43 ng/mL have or will have preeclampsia. Conclusion The NLR may help predict maternal-fetal complications in SLE pregnancy, constituting a marker of subclinical inflammation. Chemerin levels may be associated with preeclampsia. These biomarkers could improve the care of SLE patients with timely intervention of potential complications during pregnancy.
Association of torpedo maculopathy and keratoconus in a young patient: A multimodal imaging study
Authors: Cozzupoli Grazia Maria , Fasciani Romina , Fedeli Romolo , Rizzo Stanislao 
Published: October 2023

Purpose To report and document a case of torpedo maculopathy found in a patient affected by keratoconus. Case report: An healthy 16-year-old male patient, affected by keratoconus in both eyes, was referred to the cornea service of our hospital for a follow-up visit. During the dilated fundus examination of the left eye, an oval, well-demarcated, hypopigmented lesion was observed in the juxtafoveal temporal region, pointing towards the center of the macula. Multimodal imaging of the lesion was performed, and the diagnosis of Torpedo Maculopathy was established based on the clinical picture. Conclusion This is the first case of torpedo maculopathy described in a patient affected by keratoconus. This association may be merely fortuitous or the result of developmental abnormalities affecting both corneal and retinal structures.
Acute onset of decreased vision after violently vomiting: A case report
Authors: He Hailong , Wang Ziyi , Zhou Haiying , Jin Zi-Bing 
Published: October 2023

Purpose Reported cases of central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) associated with violent vomiting are scarce all over the world. In this case, we reported a male patient with an acute decreased vision right after violently vomiting. Methods A 55-year-old male patient found himself with a sudden, painless decline in visual acuity in his left eye (LE) after violently vomiting due to alcohol consumption for 1 day. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/2000 in the LE. He has a history of moderate myopia in both eyes and well-controlled hypertension. After evaluating multimodal images, non-ischemic CRVO retinopathy was diagnosed. Results During the follow-up period, the patient's BCVA in the LE improved to 20/40 and the ocular examination data confirmed that the previous abnormal performances were nearly back to normal without any treatment. Conclusion Non-ischemic CRVO retinopathy following violent vomiting suggests that vomiting-related mechanisms like Valsalva maneuvers and dehydration may contribute to CRVO through effects on ocular blood flow and thrombosis.