Literature Data Research Articles

Optical measurements of solid nitrogen solubility in hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures

The solubility of impurities in hydrogen at cryogenic temperatures is essential information for the design of liquid hydrogen plants. However, large data scatter and inconsistent predictions of impurity solubility by thermodynamic models mean that expensive engineering design margins are required to avoid blockages in cryogenic equipment. Here we report the combination of a stereomicroscope, commercial cryocooler and pressure cell to directly visualise solid impurity freeze-out and melting in stirred hydrogen at low temperatures and elevated pressures. Scattered literature data for nitrogen's solubility in hydrogen are compared to new solid-fluid equilibrium (SFE) measurements for a 1000 ppm N2 in H2 mixture at (1.8–5) MPa, and (42–52) K. These results were used to improve solubility models implemented in the ThermoFAST software package, achieving a three-fold decrease in the root-mean-square deviations between the SFE predictions and the data, helping lower the risk of impurity freeze-out in hydrogen liquefaction.

Сurrent medical rehabilitation methods for patients after carpal tunnel syndrome surgical treatment: a review

INTRODUCTION. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common tunnel syndromes types and ranks sixth in the all-occupational diseases’ registry. The high interest in this pathology and its’ postoperative management peculiarities study is due to the disease widespread prevalence, social significance, often unsatisfactory surgical treatment results and a long hand function restoration period. The purpose of this work was to study modern concepts of postoperative rehabilitation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. SOURCE SEARCH METHODOLOGY. When preparing the review, open electronic databases of scientific literature were used: PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, eLibrary.ru. The search for medical literature data was carried out using the following keywords: “rehabilitation”, “carpal tunnel syndrome”, “carpal tunnel syndrome”, “median nerve”, “compressive neuropathy”. The criteria for inclusion in the analysis of literature sources were: randomized controlled clinical trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Preference was given to publications over the past 5–10 years. DISCUSSION. The article presents the most commonly used techniques in the postoperative management of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, discusses the mechanisms of their action and prospects for the development of this area. The review discussed the following rehabilitation methods: a wide range of methods of hardware physiotherapy, manual therapy, kinesiotaping, manual lymphatic drainage, as well as the possibilities of physical therapy and robotic mechanotherapy. Despite the high level of development of medicine, the long process of rehabilitation of these patients remains an important problem, while the clinical effectiveness of a wider range of proposed techniques still remains poorly understood. Some of the most promising methods of rehabilitation of patients after surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome are methods of robotic mechanotherapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy. CONCLUSION. For the effective use of the described techniques as part of the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome in clinical practice, further research and study of their long-term effects, as well as comparison of their effectiveness with the aim of the most complete and rapid restoration of the function of the affected hand, is necessary.

Rapid chemical characterization and pharmacological mechanism of Fining Granules in the treatment of chronic bronchitis based on UHPLC–Q-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometer and network pharmacology

BackgroundSenecio cannabifolius Less. is a perennial herb belonging to the Compositae family that has been used in traditional medicine as an antitussive and expectorant for treating chronic bronchitis and acute respiratory infections. Traditionally, Feining Granules are prepared from water extracts of the raw plant material. However, the chemical composition and pharmacological mechanisms of Feining Granules have not been thoroughly investigated. MethodsA systematic strategy for the rapid detection and identification of the constituents of Feining Granules was developed using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole-exactive orbitrap mass spectrometry (MS) with parallel reaction monitoring. ResultsOverall, 162 compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, organic acids, and others, were identified unambiguously and tentatively by comparing the retention times and MS fragmentation with reference standards and literature data. Ninety-nine of these were reported for the first time to the best of our knowledge. Network pharmacology suggests that Feining Granules can be used to treat chronic bronchitis as they contain active components associated with the ALB, VEGFA, and SRC target genes influenced by HIF-1, VEGF, and other signaling pathways. ConclusionThese results provide information that can help understand the effective substances of S. cannabifolius Less. and improve quality control.

#1182 Arterial hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—problems of choice of therapy

Abstract Background and Aims The development of hypertension in COPD is based on the early formation of endothelial dysfunction in the small and large circulatory circles, increased sympathetic activity with an imbalance in the synthesis of catecholamines, a violation of the role of the lungs in the metabolism of vasoactive substances, oxidative stress, chronic systemic inflammation, an imbalance in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). There are few studies confirming the role of RAAS components in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular changes in patients COPD. The activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) increases with hypoxia, which may play an important role in increasing the degree of systemic hypertension. An increase in the function of the RAAS is possible both under the direct influence of hypoxia and indirectly through activation of the sympathoadrenal system. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the angiotensin II receptor antagonist valsartan (Nortivan) at a dose 80-160 mg per day in patients with hypertension of 1-2 degrees and COPD of stage II-IV. Method The study design is a local, open, incomparable study on the efficacy and safety of the drug Nortivan in patients with hypertension in combination with COPD. We examined 18 patients with stage II-IV in remission, suffering from grade I and II hypertension, determined in accordance with the generally accepted classification of blood pressure levels (VNOK, 2010). Results The criteria for exclusion from the study were the presence in patients of complications of hypertension, coronary heart disease, decompensated chronic pulmonary heart, endocrine diseases requiring drug correction, kidney pathology, chronic heart failure, oral steroid therapy. 10 days in the last 6 months before inclusion in the study, oncological diseases and any other conditions that could interfere with the interpretation and evaluation of the results of the study. Patients who had not previously received antihypertensive treatment were included in the study immediately, and the rest underwent a washing period for 2 weeks. Patients received Nortivan as antihypertensive therapy for 24 weeks. The effectiveness of therapy was controlled by daily monitoring blood pressure. The choice of quality criteria for the effectiveness of therapy parameters SMAD is associated with literature data and own observations on the prevalence of diurnal blood pressure profiles in patients with hypertension and COPD with no decrease or increase in blood pressure at night, when office blood pressure figures are to a lesser extent reflect the effectiveness of antihypertensive therapy. The initial dosage was 80 mg/day. With insufficient hypotensive effect, the dose of the drug was doubled at the 4th week of treatment. The basic COPD therapy did not change throughout the study period and included anticholinergic drugs (ipratropium bromide, tiotropium bromide), beta2-adrenomimetic (fe-noterol) or a combination thereof. Initially and after 24 weeks of treatment, a complete laboratory examination was performed: a clinical blood test, a biochemical blood test. The thickness of the intima-media complex of the carotid arteries and ECG was also studied. The criterion The safety of the therapy was assessed by the indicators of respiratory function, daily pulse oximetry. Conclusion The use of the drug Nortivan has shown high efficacy and safety in patients Grade I–II hypertension in combination with stage II-IV COPD. A statistically and clinically significant normalization of SMAD indicators with correction of pathological types of daily curves due to a decrease in the number of patients with an increase in or the absence of a decrease in blood pressure during the night period. The safety of using the drug in the clinical group with bronchial obstruction syndrome was confirmed by the dynamics of ventilation indicators according to spirometry and the results of daily pulse oximetry, which showed the absence of exacerbation of hypoxia during therapy.

Evaluating Residual Strength of RCC Tanks Affected by ASR Using NDT Methods

This case study focuses on the groundwater level tanks (GLR) located in Netra Village, 35 km from Jodhpur, on Nagour Road. The investigation revealed that people and livestock in the area were grappling with water scarcity issues. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods were employed to assess the residual strength of three tanks in the region. The results showed that Tank-1 had a residual strength of 35.41%, Tank-2 had 63.08%, and Tank-3 had 53.8%. Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of concrete tanks, necessitating accurate and non-destructive methods for residual strength assessment. This research paper delves into the effectiveness of NDT methods, specifically rebound hammer and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), in evaluating the residual strength of ASR-affected tanks. Through an extensive review of literature, case studies, and experimental data, this study aims to shed light on the practical application of rebound hammer and UPV for ASR assessment in tank structures. The paper discusses the principles, advantages, and limitations of each NDT method, emphasizing their ability to detect ASR-induced damage and predict the remaining structural capacity of tanks. Moreover, the research addresses the challenges associated with implementing rebound hammer and UPV techniques in ASR-affected environments, offering recommendations for enhancing their reliability and accuracy. By harnessing the combined capabilities of rebound hammer and UPV, engineers and asset managers can make well-informed decisions regarding the maintenance, repair, and retrofitting of ASR-affected tanks, ensuring their long-term safety and functionality in critical infrastructure applications.

Developing a Framework for Cost Reduction Strategies through Process Automation in SMEs: A United States Perspective

In the United States, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) swim in a competitive environment, an arduous task is that of resource optimization without sacrificing one's competitiveness. The automation process of activities has been a very promising opportunity to reduce costs and improve productivity. On the contrary, smaller businesses typically do not spend enough time creating clear roadmaps for how to appropriately take advantage of automation. The goal is to efficiently formulate a cost-reduction framework using process automation in small to medium-sized enterprises in America. The creation of the framework is firmly based on the use of the relevant literature and empirical data to pinpoint the most important themes, such as process identification, technology selection, implementation strategies, and performance measurement. Therefore, through weaving the key themes into a workable model, this paper acts as a pragmatic manual for SMEs who aspire to reap cost reduction and competitiveness gains through the implementation of process automation.

#2823 High doses and levels of cholecalciferol for secondary hyperparathyroidism in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims Vitamin D is crucial for musculoskeletal and general health. Low levels are associated with an increased risk of death and morbidity, including cancer, cardiovascular, autoimmune diseases and infections. In hemodialysis (HD) patients vitamin D deficiency plays additionally an important role in the pathogenesis of Chronic Kidney Disease–Mineral And Bone Disorder (CKD-MBD), including the development of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHP). Determination of 25(OH)D levels in CKD patients and the administration of cholecalciferol according to the guidelines for the general population is recommended. The literature data show that therapy even with high doses of cholecalciferol appear to be safe and sufficient to increase 25(OH)D level > 30 ng/ml in HD patients. However, the prevailing opinion is that PTH lowering with cholecalciferol in CKD is unproven and clinically insignificant. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy (including PTH concentration) and safety of increasing vitamin D levels from the recommended 30 ng/mL to >75 ng/mL in HD patients treated with high doses of cholecalciferol. Method 22 HD patients (16 M, 6 F)), with an average age of 72.5 ± 13.03 years and 25(OH)D concentration 30–50 ng/mL were administered cholecalciferol at a therapeutic dose of 70,000 IU/week (20,000 IU + 20,000 IU + 30,000 IU, immediately after each dialysis session) to reach the target serum 25(OH)D level > 75 ng/mL, but not longer than for 24 weeks. The baseline data on calcium, phosphate, 1,84 PTH, 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D serum levels were compared with the data when 25(OH)D > 75 ng/mL was achieved or when the highest 25(OH)D levels were noted. Results A significant decrease in 1,84 PTH levels was observed during the study (542.36 ± 420.87 vs 230.99 ± 386.22 pg/mL; p < 0.005). No significant effect on calcium (8.91 ± 0.57 vs 9.03 ± 0.63 mg/dL; p = 0.23) and phosphate (4.6 ± 1.06 vs 4.81 ± 1.06 mg/dL; p = 0.93) concentrations was shown. There was also significant increase in 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D levels (35.52 ± 8.26 vs 79.83 ± 21.38 ng/mL; p < 0.005, and 13.38 ± 7.26 vs 25.56 ± 12.80 pg/mL; p < 0.005, respectively). In the range of 25(OH)D levels 30-50 ng/mL 25(OH)D correlated positively with 1,25(OH)2D levels, r = 0.305. When 25(OH)D levels exceeded 50 ng/mL, there was negative correlation with 1,25(OH)2D levels (r = –0 .177 for 25(OH)D 50-75 ng/mL, and r = –0.262 for 25(OH)D >75 ng/mL). Conclusion Our study showed that the administration of high therapeutic doses of cholecalciferol to achieve 25(OH)D levels >75 ng/mL was safe, without the risk of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. Raising of 25(OH)D levels to the upper limit of the laboratory norm resulted in significant decrease in PTH levels. Cholecalciferol may be useful in the treatment of SHP in HD patients, but higher 25(OH)D levels seem to be crucial.

Current understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia

The current literature data on the etiology and pathogenesis of schizophrenia were analyzed. The research method is the analysis of scientific papers on this problem over the past 5 years, presented in the databases of eLibrary, National Library of Medicine and electronic versions of the journals “World Psychiatry Journal”, “The Lancet Psychiatry”, “Schizophrenia Bulletin” and others. Genetic, neurotransmitter, psycho-traumatic, sociocultural and other theories of the origin and development of schizophrenia are analyzed in the review. Schizophrenia is a disease difficult to verify and genetically determined. According to modern theories, the occurrence of schizophrenia and the appearance of symptoms can be influenced by metabolic disorders of neurotransmitters, psycho-traumatic factors, socio-cultural aspects of human life, while the anatomical subcortical structures of the brain are damaged.

#2708 Impact of dialysis modality on bone phenotype

Abstract Background and Aims Literature data suggest that low bone turnover is the prevailing bone phenotype in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and point to high sclerostin as the central culprit. Lack of adequate controls, diagnostic heterogeneity, and a changing mineral metabolism landscape and armamentarium call for a cautious interpretation and confirmation in contemporary patients. Method Laboratory parameters of mineral metabolism (biointact parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor 23 [FGF23] and sclerostin), bone turnover markers (bone alkaline phosphatase [BALP], intact procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide [PINP], tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b [TRAP5b]) and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed in 636 non-diabetic kidney transplant candidates of whom 447 were treated with hemodialysis (HD) and 189 with PD. A bone biopsy was performed in 204 patients (n = 134 HD; n = 70 PD), with bone sclerostin expression assessed in a subset (n = 52). Results Patients treated with PD had lower levels of PINP (79.6 vs 99.5 ug/L; p < 0.01) and BALP (20.2 vs 23.7 ug/L; p = 0.04) compared to those treated with HD. Histomorphometric parameters of bone formation were numerically lower in patients treated with PD, but significance was not reached. Bone mineralization was impaired in HD patients (osteoid width: 7.90 vs 6.75 µM; p = 0.01; osteoid maturation: 9 vs 6 days; p = 0.03), while frank osteomalacia was rare in both modalities (6.0%, both groups). BMD was higher in patients treated with PD compared to HD at skeletal sites rich in cortical bone (Z-score midshaft radius −0.4 ± 1.3 vs −0.9 ± 1.7; p = 0.04). PTH levels were comparable (150 vs 144 pg/mL, PD vs HD), while patients treated with PD showed higher serum phosphate (4.9 ± 1.3 vs 4.5 ± 1.6 mg/dl; p < 0.01) and FGF23 levels (3852 pg/ml vs 2361 pg/ml; p = 0.01). Circulating (1.82 ng/mL, both groups) and bone tissue expression (205 ± 126 vs 206 ± 112 positive osteocytes per mm2) of sclerostin did not differ between groups. Conclusion Patients treated with PD present a lower bone turnover, better mineralization, and higher cortical BMD than counterparts treated HD. Overall, differences are marginal and most probably clinically irrelevant. We speculate that inferior phosphate control may be in the causal pathway.

Ethnicity-related differences in mitochondrial regulation by insulin stimulation in diabetes.

Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been implicated in the development of insulin resistance, which is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. However, recent studies reveal ethnicity-related differences in mitochondrial processes, underscoring the need for nuance in studying mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes among African Americans and individuals of African descent has brought attention to the role of ethnicity in disease susceptibility. In this review, which covers existing literature, genetic studies, and clinical data, we aim to elucidate the complex relationship between mitochondrial alterations and insulin stimulation by considering how mitochondrial dynamics, contact sites, pathways, and metabolomics may be differentially regulated across ethnicities, through mechanisms such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In addition to achieving a better understanding of insulin stimulation, future studies identifying novel regulators of mitochondrial structure and function could provide valuable insights into ethnicity-dependent insulin signaling and personalized care.

Phonon Properties and Lattice Dynamics of Two- and Tri-Layered Lead Iodide Perovskites Comprising Butylammonium and Methylammonium Cations—Temperature-Dependent Raman Studies

Hybrid lead iodide perovskites are promising photovoltaic and light-emitting materials. Extant literature data on the key optoelectronic and luminescent properties of hybrid perovskites indicate that these properties are affected by electron–phonon coupling, the dynamics of the organic cations, and the degree of lattice distortion. We report temperature-dependent Raman studies of BA2MAPb2I7 and BA2MA2Pb3I10 (BA = butylammonium; MA = methylammonium), which undergo two structural phase transitions. Raman data obtained in broad temperature (360–80 K) and wavenumber (1800–10 cm−1) ranges show that ordering of BA+ cations triggers the higher temperature phase transition, whereas freezing of MA+ dynamics occurs below 200 K, leading to the onset of the low-temperature phase transition. This ordering is associated with significant deformation of the inorganic sublattice, as evidenced by changes observed in the lattice mode region. Our results show, therefore, that Raman spectroscopy is a very valuable tool for monitoring the separate dynamics of different organic cations in perovskites, comprising “perovskitizer” and interlayer cations.

Asteroid spin and shape properties from Gaia DR3 photometry

The third data release of in June 2022, included the first large sample of sparse photometric data for more than 150\,000 Solar System objects (SSOs), mainly asteroids. The SSO photometric data can be processed to derive information on the physical properties for a large number of objects, including spin properties, surface photometric behaviour in a variety of illumination conditions, and overall shape. After selecting a set of 22\,815 objects for which an adequate number of accurate photometric measurements had been obtained by we applied the 'genetic' algorithm of photometric inversion developed by the Data Processing and Analysis Consortium to process SSO photometric data. Given the need to minimise the required data processing time, the algorithm was set to adopt a simple triaxial ellipsoid shape model. Our results show that in spite of the limited variety of observing circumstances and the limited numbers of measurements per object at present (in the majority of cases no greater than $40$ and still far from the number expected at the end of the mission of about $60$ - $70$), the proportion of correct determinations for the spin period among the observed targets is about $85$<!PCT!>. This percentage is based on a comparison with reliable literature data following a moderate filtering procedure developed to remove dubious solutions. The analysis performed in this paper is important in the context of developing further improvements to the adopted data reduction procedure. This includes the possible development of better solution filtering procedures that take into account, for each object, the possible presence of multiple, equivalent spin period solutions that have not been systematically investigated in this preliminary application.

Deep learning-based prediction of structural responses of RC slabs subjected to blast loading

Considering the risk of explosion, studying the dynamic structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs subjected to blast loads is crucial for enhancing their resistance. Conventional approaches, including costly experimental tests, highly hypothetical analytical methods, and time-consuming numerical simulations, have their limitations. This study presents two deep learning-based models for rapid and accurate prediction of explosion-induced responses in RC slabs. Available literature data and supplemented numerical simulation data are used for training and testing. First, a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model is established to predict the maximum displacement of RC slabs subjected to explosions. The input features include 10 parameters. The training results show that the MLP model exhibits good prediction performance. Second, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) model is constructed to predict the failure modes of RC slabs under explosive loads. The input features of the model are consistent with those of the MLP model. The 1D-CNN model outperforms the other five conventional machine learning models in classification. Furthermore, a permutation feature importance analysis is conducted to determine the effects of the 10 input features on the predicted outcomes. This analysis makes the predictions interpretable, thereby bolstering the credibility of the models. Results show that the proposed deep learning models offer an efficient and reliable method to predict the structural response of RC slabs under explosion loads.

Treatment outcomes of digital nasoalveolar moulding in infants with cleft lip and palate: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the treatment outcomes of digital nasoalveolar moulding (dNAM) technique with conventional nasoalveolar moulding (cNAM) or non-presurgical intervention protocol in infants with unilateral (UCLP) or bilateral (BCLP) cleft lip and palate. A bibliometric search by MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library, grey literature and manual method was conducted without language restriction until November 2023. Literature screening and data extraction were undertaken in Covidence. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and RoB-2. Pooled effect sizes were determined through random-effects statistical model using R-Software, and the certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Among 775 retrieved articles, nine studies were included for qualitative synthesis (6-UCLP, 3-BCLP), with only three eligible UCLP studies for meta-analysis. In the UCLP group, very low certainty of evidence indicated no difference in alveolar cleft width (SMD, 0.13 mm; 95% CI, -0.31 to 0.57; I2, 0%), soft tissue (lip) cleft gap, nasal width, nasal height, and columellar deviation angle changes between dNAM and cNAM. In the BCLP group, qualitative synthesis suggested similar changes in alveolar, lip, and nasal dimensions with dNAM and cNAM. In both cleft groups (UCLP, BCLP), reduced alveolar cleft width was observed in the dNAM group compared to the non-presurgical intervention protocol, along with fewer clinical visits and reduced chairside time for dNAM compared to cNAM. It can be concluded that the treatment outcomes with dNAM were comparable to cNAM in reducing malformation severity and were advantageous in terms of chairside time and clinical visit frequency. However, the overall quality of evidence is very low and standardization is needed for the virtual workflow regarding the alveolar movements and growth factor algorithms. Registration: PROSPERO-database (CRD42020186452).

The economic impact of 14 compassionate use programs for medicines in Italy, in the perspective of the National Health Service

Background: Compassionate use programs (CUP) for medicines allow patients, not recruited in trials, accessing medicines before marketing approval. The evidence on the economic impact of CUP is limited to one paper that did not include the possible long-term economic impact of medicines used in CUP compared to alternative treatments, like avoided hospitalization costs. This paper aims at covering this information gap, updating and integrating the existing evidence, with a cost analysis in the perspective of the Italian National Health Service (SSN). Methods: Data were retrieved from the Roche CUP Database, the peer-reviewed literature (e.g. published cost-effectiveness studies, if any), the gray literature (e.g. regional documents for the alternative treatment cost) and unpublished data (e.g. cost-effectiveness analysis provided for price and reimbursement negotiation for medicines in CUP). Results: We retrieved data from 14 CUPs and 3,485 patients (70% affected by tumors) (Jan 2015-August 2022). The alternative treatment mean cost per patient ranged from € 11.1 k to € 18.8 k. The net economic benefit ranged from € 47 million to € 75 million (€ 13.5 k-€ 21.5 k per patient). Avoiding alternative treatments mostly contributes to the economic benefit. The long-term economic impact accounted for 20/30% of the net economic impact. The net economic benefit for cancer drugs ranged from € 12.6 million to € 40.0 million. Conclusions: Despite research limitations, this paper provides additional evidence on the economic impact of CUP in Italy. This could represent the first step of a broader analysis of the economic impact of early access schemes for drugs.

Exploration of the mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine for anxiety and depression in patients with diarrheal irritable bowel syndrome based on network pharmacology and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in managing irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D) accompanied by anxiety and depression remains uncertain. Thus, a systematic review was carried out employing meta-analysis and network pharmacology to ascertain the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of CHM therapy.MethodsBy conducting a systematic review, including literature search, screening, and data extraction, we identified 25 randomized controlled trials to assess CHM’s effectiveness in treating irritable bowel syndrome alongside anxiety and depression. Network pharmacology was utilized to scrutinize the metabolite utility of CHM in addressing this condition. Potential primary mechanisms were synthesized using information sourced from the PubMed database.ResultsTwenty-five studies, including 2055 patients, were analyzed, revealing significant treatment efficacy for IBS-D in the trial group compared to controls [OR = 4.01, 95% CI (2.99, 5.36), I2 = 0%] Additionally, treatment for depression [SMD = −1.08, 95% CI (-1.30, −0.86), p < 0.00001, I2 = 68%; SDS: SMD = -1.69, 95% CI (-2.48, −0.90), p < 0.0001, I2 = 96%] and anxiety [HAMA: SMD = -1.29, 95% CI (-1.68, −0.91), p < 0.00001, I2 = 89%; SAS: SMD = -1.75, 95% CI (-2.55, −0.95), p < 0.00001, I2 = 96%] significantly improved in the trial group. Furthermore, the trial group exhibited a significantly lower disease relapse rate [OR = 0.30, 95% CI (0.20, 0.44), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%]. CHM treatment consistently improved IBS severity (IBS-SSS) and symptom scores. Network pharmacology analysis identified key chemical metabolites in traditional Chinese medicine formulations, including Beta-sitosterol, Stigmasterol, Quercetin, Naringenin, Luteolin, Kaempferol, Nobiletin, Wogonin, Formononetin, and Isorhamnetin. Utilizing the STRING database and Cytoscape v3.9.0 software, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed the top eight key targets: IL-6, TNF, PPARG, PTGS2, ESR1, NOS3, MAPK8, and AKT1, implicated in anti-inflammatory responses, antioxidant stress modulation, and neurotransmitter homeostasis maintenance.ConclusionChinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) offers a promising and safe treatment approach for patients dealing with Diarrheal Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D) accompanied by anxiety and depression; thus, indicating its potential for practical implementation. The most active metabolites of CHM could simultaneously act on the pathological targets of IBS-D, anxiety, and depression.The diverse scope of CHM’s therapeutic role includes various aspects and objectives, underscoring its potential for broad utilization.

A 12-month longitudinal naturalistic follow-up of cariprazine in schizophrenia

BackgroundCariprazine, a third-generation antipsychotic (TGAs), has demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of schizophrenia with good tolerability profile. Actual real-world literature data are lacking, particularly when exploring its efficacy in the long term. The present study examined the effects of cariprazine treatment on specific psychopathological domains with a particular focus on outcomes and side effects in real-life experience, after a long-term treatment.MethodsThe present 12-month longitudinal naturalistic study included a sample of subjects with a DSM-5-TR diagnosis of schizophrenia, recruited in the outpatients’ psychiatric services of university and community hospitals in Italy, naturally treated with cariprazine. The assessments included: a sociodemographic data sheet, the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-5 (SCID-5), the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS) and the St. Hans Rating Scale (SHRS). The PANSS was also administered after 6 (T1) and 12 (T2) months of treatment with cariprazine while the SHRS at T1.ResultsThe total sample consisted of 31 patients, 15 males and 16 females. A significant decrease of the PANSS’ subscales, Marder factors and total mean scores emerged at both T1 and T2 with respect to T0. Extrapyramidal symptoms occurred in a minority of patients and in mild or mild/moderate forms: no patient showed moderate forms of psychic/motor akathisia or dystonia, three subjects showed moderate parkinsonism.ConclusionsThis study confirms a good efficacy profile of cariprazine in both positive and negative symptoms in patients with Schizophrenia, combined with a good tolerability profile in extrapyramidal symptoms.

LncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 is downregulated in patients with ventricular fibrillation in acute myocardial infarction.

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the main cause of deaths occurring in the acute phase of an ischemic event. Although it is known that genetics may play an important role in this pathology, the possible role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) has never been studied. Therefore, the aim of this work is to study the expression of 10 lncRNAs in patients with and without VF in AMI. For this purpose, the expression of CDKN2B-AS1, KCNQ1OT1, LIPCAR, MALAT1, MIAT, NEAT1, SLC16A1-AS1, lnc-TK2-4:2, TNFRSF14-AS1, and UCA1 were analyzed. After the analysis and Bonferroni correction, the lncRNA CDKN2B-AS showed a statistical significance lower expression (P values of 2.514 x 10-5). In silico analysis revealed that six proteins could be related to the possible effect of lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1: AGO3, PLD4, POU4F1, ZNF26, ZNF326 and ZNF431. These in silico proteins predicted to have a low cardiac expression, although there is no literature indicating a potential relationship with VF in AMI. Thus, the lncRNA CDKN2B-AS1 shows a significant lower expression in patients with VF in AMI vs patients without VF in AMI. Literature data suggest that the role of CDKN2B1-AS is related to the miR-181a/SIRT1 pathway.

Regulatory Arrangement in Supporting The Restructuring of State-Owned Plantation Enterprises

The formation of a holdingholding to restructure the state-owned plantation industry cannot be separated from the government’s ability to control the country’s economic engine. Government Regulations Number 72 of 2014 and Number 72 of 2016 which were passed as legalizing the formation of BUMN holdingholding s have sparked controversy and public debate. The fundamental issue of this procedure is the Parent Company’s legal obligation to manage the Parent Company. In the relationship between parent companies and subsidiaries, the concept of limited liability presents its own problems. In addition, there is uncertainty regarding legal obligations to third parties. The research methodology is normative law which is supported and obtained from literature data. The findings of this study indicate that the use of the BUMN Law and Limited Liability Company Law as guidelines for managing Plantation BUMNs does not provide the business confidence that Plantation BUMNs need to grow and stay healthy. Considering that the business world continues to develop and the high need for group company management among business actors who carry out business development and expansion, adjustments to these two regulations are very important. The modern business paradigm has resulted in the consolidation of centralized operations in a way that drives growth. As a result, the formation of a holding companyholding company by the government is inappropriate if it is not preceded by changes to the Limited Liability Company Law which provides business certainty for established Plantation BUMNs.

Denigrins H-L: Sulfated Derivatives of Denigrins D and E from a New Zealand Dictyodendrilla c.f. dendyi Marine Sponge.

Five new sulfated arylpyrrole and arylpyrrolone alkaloids, denigrins H-L (1-5), along with two known compounds, dictyodendrin B and denigrin G, were isolated from an extract of a New Zealand Dictyodendrilla c.f. dendyi marine sponge. Denigrins H-L represent the first examples of sulfated denigrins, with denigrins H and I (1-2), as derivatives of denigrin D, containing a pyrrolone core, and denigrins J-L (3-5), as derivatives of denigrin E (6), containing a pyrrole core. Their structures were elucidated by interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, ESI, and HR-ESI-MS spectrometric data, as well as comparison with literature data. Compounds 1-5, along with six known compounds previously isolated from the same extract, showed minimal cytotoxicity against the HeLa cervical cancer cell line.