bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Impedance Changes with Aging in Lithium Titanate-based Cells Using Physics-Based Dimensionless Modeling
Authors: Mallarapu Anudeep , Santhanagopalan Shriram , Uno Wataru , Kanai Yuta , Uemura Yohei , Yagi Ryosuke , Uchikoga Shuichi
Published: August 2023

Quantifying aging effects in lithium-ion cells with chemistries that have a flat open circuit potential is challenging. We implement a physics-based electrochemical model to track changes in the electrochemical impedance response of lithium titanate-based cells. Frequency domain equations of a pseudo two-dimensional model are made dimensionless, and the corresponding non-dimensional parameters are estimated using a Levenberg-Marquardt routine. The model weighs the relative contributions of changes in diffusion, ionic conduction within the electrolyte phase against solid phase electronic conduction towards cell aging. Solid-phase diffusion, charge transfer resistance and double layer capacitance at the solid-liquid interface are accounted for in the particle impedance. The estimation routine tracks dimensionless parameters using accelerated cycling data from full cells over 1000 cycles. The model can be deployed within a short time for state estimation using physics-based models without requiring prior knowledge of the battery chemistry, format, or capacity.
Exploring the Impact of a Housing Support Service on Hospital Discharge: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation in Two UK Hospital Trusts
Authors: Holding Eleanor , Foster Alexis , Lumley Elizabeth , Gilbertson Jan , Roxby Sarah , Portman Darren , Holliday Judith , Peace Arron , Del Rosario Ismaelette , Kahn Wajid , Blank Lindsay , Goyder Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Delayed discharge from hospital is a global healthcare problem with negative impacts on patient outcomes and the wider health system. Delays to discharge can arise when a patient remains in hospital even when they are medically fit due to nonmedical reasons such as a lack of appropriate housing or social care. However, whilst several nonmedical interventions have been developed to facilitate timely hospital discharge, there remains a lack of evidence on their impact. This study reports on findings from a mixed-methods process evaluation of a newly integrated housing and health service in two United Kingdom- (UK-) based hospitals (one mental health hospital and one general hospital). The service involved housing support coordinators (HSCs) being based within hospitals and supporting inpatients with their housing-related needs. We employed qualitative interviews with service users and hospital/housing staff (N = 16) and routine data analysis (n = 488) to understand the impact of the service and any challenges to service delivery. Service users faced different housing barriers, for example: 28.3% experienced homelessness (n = 136) whilst 80 (16.4%) faced challenges with their accommodation no longer meeting their physical needs. Service users received support for a variety of issues such as assistance with medical priority applications, support to apply for social housing, and referral to other support services. Healthcare professionals at all levels credit the service for improving hospital discharge processes and reducing stress on clinical staff, enabling them to concentrate more effectively on clinical tasks. Key to success is experienced housing staff providing patient-centred support, being integrated within a multidisciplinary team with management and oversight from the health service, and the availability of appropriate housing stock and wider services to support people after discharge. Our findings indicate that other hospitals may benefit from implementing similar housing and health integrated services.
Behavioral Prevention, Treatment, and Rehabilitation of Using Western and Chinese Medicines or Herbal Products among the Public in Response to COVID‐19 in Hong Kong: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Law Siu Kan , Au Dawn Ching Tung , Chow Wesley Yeuk Lung , Poon Chung Hang , Chow Kylie Ka Ching , Zhao Zhongzhen , Chan Shun Wan , Wang Yanping , Li Saimei
Published: August 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic occurred in Hong Kong for more than two years. This article conducted a cross‐sectional study for participants to investigate the behavioral prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of using Western medicines or herbal products for COVID‐19 in Hong Kong. A questionnaire was designed and performed over 2 weeks from 1 May to 15 May 2022. It consisted of five parts with around 20 questions conducted including sociodemographic information, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation of COVID‐19, and also the sources of information. The pattern usage of Chinese or Western medicines for COVID‐19 was studied after data collection. 318 people participated in this survey, and only 311 were qualified. The sociodemographic information, e.g., personal educational level, and behavior for the prevention of COVID‐19, which included wearing masks (98.7%), using alcohol hand sanitizer (83.0%), washing hands frequently (82.4%), avoiding crowds (53.1%), and staying home more often (50.6%). Western medicines, such as antipyretic drugs, antitussive drugs, and pain reliever drugs, whilst Chinese medicines, such as Lianhua Qingwen Jiaonang, Huoxiang Zhengqi San or Wan, and Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa, were most commonly used in the treatment and rehabilitation periods of COVID‐19. Herbal products, including lemon, honey, ginger, and herbal tea, were used as a daily diet to fight against COVID‐19. Based on the result findings, Chinese medicines or herbal products were used during the COVID‐19 pandemic, but most of the participants used an unknown Chinese medicine practitioner’s prescription and self‐administered Chinese medicine. The pattern of Chinese medicines and Western medicines’ usage in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of COVID‐19 was also investigated; this showed a statistically significant association between the variables according to gender, age, and Chinese or Western medicines for further investigation.
Isolation and Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli Carrying blaNDM and mcr-1 from Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Patient
Authors: Chen Liang , Jian Jiyong , Xie Zeqiang , Zhao Ping , Zhang Man
Published: August 2023

Objective. The emergence of carbapenem-resistant E. coli (CRECO), leading to few antibacterial drugs available for CRECO infection. In this study, we report three carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolates coproducing blaNDM and mcr-1 from patients with recurrent urinary tract infection (RUTI). Carbapenem-resistant E. coli strains, E55, E84, and E85, were isolated from the urine sample of RUTI patients. Methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was conducted with VITEK-2 compact system and Kirby–Bauer (K-B) disk diffusion method. The ESBL test was detected by the disk diffusion method. The EDTA-modified carbapenem inactivation method (eCIM) and modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM) were performed for screening the carbapenemase. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was performed for molecular typing of the strains. The resistance genes were detected by PCR. Results. The three isolates were all susceptible to tigecycline and nitrofurantoin. The blaNDM-1, blaCMY-6, blaTEM-1 and blaCTX-M-1, mcr-1, and porin loss expression of outer membrane protein F (OmpF) were detected in E55, which was assigned to ST2. The E84 and E85 were identified as ST471 carrying blaNDM-5, blaCTX-M55, and blaTEM-1 and the quinsolone-resistant genes aac(6′)-Ib-cr and mcr-1. Conclusion. To our knowledge, our study is the first to report carbapenem-resistant E. coli strains carrying blaNDM and mcr-1 from urine of the recurrent urinary tract infection patients. These E. coli strains carrying blaNDM and mcr-1 should be closely monitored.
The Impact on Employment for Rural Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers Travelling to Major Cities for Treatment
Authors: Johnston Elizabeth A. , Craig Nicole , Stiller Anna , Zajdlewicz Leah , Aitken Joanne F. , Ireland Michael J. , Dunn Jeff , Chambers Suzanne K. , Goodwin Belinda C.
Published: August 2023

Purpose. A cancer diagnosis significantly impacts daily life, particularly for those living outside of major cities who must travel to receive cancer treatment. This study investigated the impact of cancer and travelling for treatment on the employment of rural cancer patients and their caregivers. Methods. Cancer patients staying in subsidised accommodation lodges in Queensland, and their nominated caregivers, described employment status prior to diagnosis in a structured interview. Three months later, they answered several open-ended questions about the impact of cancer and travelling for treatment on their employment. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to report and analyse responses. Results. Of 308 rural cancer patients in paid employment prediagnosis, 70% reported a change in employment postdiagnosis, with 62% of these patients no longer working. Many of those still employed postdiagnosis required extended leave, flexible working arrangements, and a gradual return to work, particularly for those experiencing ongoing treatment side effects. Of the 102 rural caregivers in paid employment prior to the patient’s diagnosis, 56% reported a change in employment after diagnosis, with 37% of these caregivers no longer working. Many caregivers were unable to work while at the lodge, except for those with flexible or remote work arrangements and low caregiver burden. Financial stress from loss of income and limited support in returning to work were common experiences. Conclusions. Disruptions to employment are common for people in rural areas affected by cancer. Support from employers is vital, including offering tasks that can be completed remotely or require less physical effort.
Asymmetric Extraction Treatment in a Middle-Aged Patient with Dental Crowding and Protrusion using Clear Aligners
Authors: Xing Xiujin , Qin Hanglin , Sun Jing , Li Kun
Published: August 2023

Frequently, orthodontic treatment involves symmetrically extracting premolars to correct severe crowding or protrusion. Nevertheless, in some cases, a more reasonable alternative may be to remove teeth with poor prognoses to improve protrusion and relieve crowding. A middle-aged woman sought treatment for dental protrusion and crowding. Her mandibular right first molar had been treated with root canal therapy due to pulpitis, but she still felt uncomfortable. In addition, her maxillary left second premolar had become carious. Extractions of the maxillary right first premolar and left second premolar, as well as mandibular right first molar and left first premolar were chosen to resolve the occlusion problems. The patient opted for clear aligners on the demands of esthetics as well as comfort. Following orthodontic treatment, the patient attained properly aligned teeth, a pleasing smile, and a facial profile that exhibited greater harmony. This case report demonstrates that, under proper planning, clear aligners are capable of handling challenging cases, including those involving middle-aged individuals and molar extractions.
Delivering Optimal Care to People with Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson’s Disease: A Qualitative Study of Patient, Caregiver, and Professional Perspectives
Authors: Pigott Jennifer S. , Davies Nathan , Chesterman Elizabeth , Read Joy , Nimmons Danielle , Walters Kate , Armstrong Megan , Schrag Anette
Published: August 2023

Background. Cognitive impairment is common in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and associated with lower quality of life. Cognitive impairment in PD manifests differently to other dementia pathologies. Provision of optimal care requires knowledge about the support needs of this population. Methods. Eleven people with PD and cognitive impairment (PwP), 10 family caregivers, and 27 healthcare professionals were purposively sampled from across the United Kingdom. Semistructured interviews were conducted in 2019–2021, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results. Cognitive impairment in PD conveyed increased complexity for clinical management and healthcare interactions, the latter driven by multifactorial communication difficulties. Techniques that helped included slow, simple, and single messages, avoiding topic switching. Information and emotional support needs were often unmet, particularly for caregivers. Diagnostic pathways were inconsistent and awareness of cognitive impairment in PD was poor, both contributing to underdiagnosis. Many felt that PwP and cognitive impairment fell through service gaps, resulting from disjointed, nonspecific, and underresourced services. Personalised care was advocated through tailoring to individual needs of PwP and caregivers facilitated by flexibility, time and continuity within services, and supporting self-management. Conclusions. This study highlights unmet need for people with this complex condition. Clinicians should adapt their approach and communication techniques for this population and provide tailored information and support to both PwP and caregivers. Services need to be more streamlined and collaborative, providing more time and flexibility. There is a need for wider awareness and deeper understanding of this condition and its differences from other types of dementia.
The Role of Electronic Cigarettes in Dental Caries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gaur Sumit , Agnihotri Rupali
Published: August 2023

Dental caries, a predominant childhood and adolescence affliction, has numerous factors implicated in its pathogenesis. Electronic cigarettes (ECs) have recently gained popularity among the younger population. Various factors, such as the EC liquid composition and aerosols, are associated with the development of dental caries. This review explains numerous EC-related factors which may lead to dental caries. An electronic search was conducted in Medline (Pubmed), Scopus, and Embase databases to evaluate the original research investigating the role of ECs in developing dental caries. About 12 included studies in the review indicated that factors such as the composition of e-liquids and aerosols are significant in the progression of dental caries. Specifically, cariogenic sugars such as sucrose, fructose, glucose, aldehydes, and flavors such as menthol, cinnamon, and strawberry in the e-liquids contribute to dental caries. They are toxic to oral commensals such as Streptococcus gordonii, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus intermedius, and Streptococcus oralis and promote the proliferation of cariogenic pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) which causes dental caries. However, further validation of the effects of ECs on the development of dental caries is warranted through clinical trials.
Supplementary Data1 from A Phase I/II Open-Label Study of Molibresib for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Dawson Mark A. , Borthakur Gautam , Huntly Brian J.P. , Karadimitris Anastasios , Alegre Adrian , Chaidos Aristeidis , Vogl Dan T. , Pollyea Daniel A. , Davies Faith E. , Morgan Gareth J. , Glass Jacob L. , Kamdar Manali , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Tovar Natalia , Yeh Paul , Delgado Regina García , Basheer Faisal , Marando Ludovica , Gallipoli Paolo , Wyce Anastasia , Krishnatry Anu Shilpa , Barbash Olena , Bakirtzi Evi , Ferron-Brady Geraldine , Karpinich Natalie O. , McCabe Michael T. , Foley Shawn W. , Horner Thierry , Dhar Arindam , Kremer Brandon E. , Dickinson Michael
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Tables
Supplemental Figure from A Phase I/II Open-Label Study of Molibresib for the Treatment of Relapsed/Refractory Hematologic Malignancies
Authors: Dawson Mark A. , Borthakur Gautam , Huntly Brian J.P. , Karadimitris Anastasios , Alegre Adrian , Chaidos Aristeidis , Vogl Dan T. , Pollyea Daniel A. , Davies Faith E. , Morgan Gareth J. , Glass Jacob L. , Kamdar Manali , Mateos Maria-Victoria , Tovar Natalia , Yeh Paul , Delgado Regina García , Basheer Faisal , Marando Ludovica , Gallipoli Paolo , Wyce Anastasia , Krishnatry Anu Shilpa , Barbash Olena , Bakirtzi Evi , Ferron-Brady Geraldine , Karpinich Natalie O. , McCabe Michael T. , Foley Shawn W. , Horner Thierry , Dhar Arindam , Kremer Brandon E. , Dickinson Michael
Published: August 2023

Supplemental Figure
TABLE 1 from Whole-genome CpG-resolution DNA Methylation Profiling of HNSCC Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis for Fine-scale HPV+ Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Qin Tingting , Li Shiting , Henry Leanne E. , Chou Elysia , Cavalcante Raymond G. , Garb Bailey F. , D'Silva Nisha J. , Rozek Laura S. , Sartor Maureen A.
Published: August 2023

The total number of tested CpG 100-bp tiles and the number (percentage) of DMRs identified in each comparison
Supplementary Table S5 from Development and Validation of a 15-gene Expression Signature with Superior Prognostic Ability in Stage II Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rokavec Matjaz , Özcan Elif , Neumann Jens , Hermeking Heiko
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table S5 shows the concordance of the 15-gene and the Oncotype DX colon signatures.
Supplementary Table S4 from Whole-genome CpG-resolution DNA Methylation Profiling of HNSCC Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis for Fine-scale HPV+ Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Qin Tingting , Li Shiting , Henry Leanne E. , Chou Elysia , Cavalcante Raymond G. , Garb Bailey F. , D'Silva Nisha J. , Rozek Laura S. , Sartor Maureen A.
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table S4- TFs and their ChIP-seq peak sets used
Supplementary Table S2 from Development and Validation of a 15-gene Expression Signature with Superior Prognostic Ability in Stage II Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rokavec Matjaz , Özcan Elif , Neumann Jens , Hermeking Heiko
Published: August 2023

Supplementary Table S2 shows a subset of 61 genes that were highly significantly associated with survival in CRC patient cohorts.
FIGURE 6 from Development and Validation of a 15-gene Expression Signature with Superior Prognostic Ability in Stage II Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rokavec Matjaz , Özcan Elif , Neumann Jens , Hermeking Heiko
Published: August 2023

Validation of the 15-gene signature in predicting RFS in additional colorectal cancer cohorts. A, KM analysis of RFS according to the 15-gene signature classifier in the GSE161158 validation dataset. B, KM analysis of RFS according to the 15-gene signature classifier in the GSE26906 validation dataset. C, ROC graph showing the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC value of the 15-gene signature to predict relapse in the GSE161158 validation dataset. The red dot indicates the recurrence score threshold that was used to determine sensitivity and specificity. D, ROC graph showing the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC value of the 15-gene signature to predict relapse in the GSE26906 validation dataset. The red dot indicates the recurrence score threshold that was used to determine sensitivity and specificity. E, Risk of recurrence as a continuous function of the 15-gene signature recurrence score within 10 years after surgery in the GSE161158 validation dataset. The shaded area around the curve represents the lower and upper 95% CI. F, Risk of recurrence as a continuous function of the 15-gene signature recurrence score within 10 years after surgery in the GSE26906 validation dataset. The shaded area around the curve represents the lower and upper 95% CI.
Supplementary Fig 8 from Whole-genome CpG-resolution DNA Methylation Profiling of HNSCC Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis for Fine-scale HPV+ Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Qin Tingting , Li Shiting , Henry Leanne E. , Chou Elysia , Cavalcante Raymond G. , Garb Bailey F. , D'Silva Nisha J. , Rozek Laura S. , Sartor Maureen A.
Published: August 2023

(A-D) MIRA profiles of strong and weak enhancers in the NHEK cell line (A), JunD binding sites in the K562 cell line (B), NFKB binding sites in the GM10847 cell line, and STAT3 binding sites in the HeLaS3 cell line (D) Samples are colored by HPV tumor subtype. (E) Correlations between CTCF MIRA scores and Strong Enhancer MIRA scores. (F) Box plot of MIRA scores separated by subtype for EZH2 binding sites and JunB binding sites from NHEK and K562 cell lines, respectively. (G) Correlations between JunD MIRA scores and gene expression-based keratinization scores. All scatter plots separate subtype by color and display the Pearson correlation coefficient (R) along with the corresponding p-value.
Supplementary Fig 6 from Whole-genome CpG-resolution DNA Methylation Profiling of HNSCC Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis for Fine-scale HPV+ Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Qin Tingting , Li Shiting , Henry Leanne E. , Chou Elysia , Cavalcante Raymond G. , Garb Bailey F. , D'Silva Nisha J. , Rozek Laura S. , Sartor Maureen A.
Published: August 2023

Methylation and expression visualization of the genes selected from the 108 genes previously reported as differentially methylated in HPV(+) compared to HPV(-) HNSCC.
FIGURE 1 from Development and Validation of a 15-gene Expression Signature with Superior Prognostic Ability in Stage II Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Rokavec Matjaz , Özcan Elif , Neumann Jens , Hermeking Heiko
Published: August 2023

Study design and workflow scheme. The analysis of six publicly available colorectal cancer patient training cohorts identified 394 genes that were significantly associated with RFS in the majority of cohorts. The 394-gene signature was computationally refined to a 61-gene signature, which showed the highest prognostic significance in the training cohorts. The 61-gene signature was validated in the in-house validation cohort and further refined to a 15-gene signature, which was then validated in additional publicly available cohorts.
Data from Whole-genome CpG-resolution DNA Methylation Profiling of HNSCC Reveals Distinct Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis for Fine-scale HPV+ Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Qin Tingting , Li Shiting , Henry Leanne E. , Chou Elysia , Cavalcante Raymond G. , Garb Bailey F. , D'Silva Nisha J. , Rozek Laura S. , Sartor Maureen A.
Published: August 2023

DNA methylation is a vital early step in carcinogenesis. Most findings of aberrant DNA methylation in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are array based with limited coverage and resolution, and mainly explored by human papillomavirus (HPV) status, ignoring the high heterogeneity of this disease. In this study, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on a well-studied HNSCC cohort (n = 36) and investigated the methylation changes between fine-scaled HNSCC subtypes in relation to genomic instability, repetitive elements, gene expression, and key carcinogenic pathways. The previously observed hypermethylation phenotype in HPV-positive (HPV+) tumors compared with HPV-negative tumors was robustly present in the immune-strong (IMU) HPV+ subtype but absent in the highly keratinized (KRT) HPV+ subtype. Methylation levels of IMU tumors were significantly higher in repetitive elements, and methylation showed a significant correlation with genomic stability, consistent with the IMU subtype having more genomic stability and better prognosis. Expression quantitative trait methylation (cis-eQTM) analysis revealed extensive functionally-relevant differences, and differential methylation pathway analysis recapitulated gene expression pathway differences between subtypes. Consistent with their characteristics, KRT and HPV-negative tumors had high regulatory potential for multiple regulators of keratinocyte differentiation, which positively correlated with an expression-based keratinization score. Together, our findings revealed distinct mechanisms of carcinogenesis between subtypes in HPV+ HNSCC and uncovered previously ignored epigenomic differences and clinical implications, illustrating the importance of fine-scale subtype analysis in cancer.
Significance:
This study revealed that the previously observed hypermethylation of HPV(+) HNSCC is due solely to the IMU subtype, illustrating the importance of fine-scale subtype analysis in such a heterogeneous disease. Particularly, IMU has significantly higher methylation of transposable elements, which can be tested as a prognosis biomarker in future translational studies.
Reflexividad ética de un traspié: niñez y adolescencia migrantes no acompañadas
Authors: Pavez-Soto Iskra , Salinas Sius-geng , Dufraix Iciar , Ortiz-López Juan Eduardo , Acuña Ramírez Valeria
Published: August 2023

(analítico)
El objetivo de este artículo es sistematizar un proceso de reflexividad ética surgido en un proyecto de investigación (Fondecyt) cuyo fin era conocer la situación de la niñez y la adolescencia migrantes no acompañadas en Chile. El proyecto fue aprobado con reparos éticos que hacían difícil poner en práctica métodos participativos. Este «traspié» dio paso a la reflexividad. Mediante una metodología de panel de expertos, creamos un comité de ética autoconvocado (profesionales en derecho y psicología especialistas en infancia) que capacitó al equipo y elaboró recomendaciones y protocolos. En losresultados exponemos algunos dilemas éticos (en torno al consentimiento informado, los derechos de autoría y un balance entre riesgos y beneficios) identificados en las distintas instancias evaluativas, así como los aprendizajes derivados de ello; finalizamos con futuras líneas de investigación.
Palabras clave:  Migración; infancia; ética; derechos del niño. Tesauro de Ciencias Sociales de la Unesco.
Pequeños/as grandes investigadores: niñeces creando conocimiento sobre el compromiso escolar en Chile
Authors: Saracostti Mahia , De Toro Ximena
Published: August 2023

(analítico)A más de 30 años de la Convención de los Derechos del Niño y reconocido su derecho a participar, las investigaciones siguen siendo predominantemente sobre los niños/as y no con ellos/as. Este estudio busca avanzar hacia la incorporación de niños/as como productores de conocimientos en sus escuelas. Es un estudio cualitativo longitudinal donde 64 niños/as asumieron un rol de coinvestigadores del compromiso escolar mediante talleres con una metodología de investigación- acción participativa, entrevistas y análisis que ellos/as realizaron. Se relevan distintas percepciones sobre los subtipos decompromiso escolar y factores contextuales asociados que enriquecen el análisis adulto y la importancia de complementar los datos cuantitativos en las escuelas con las voces de las infancias, en tanto agentes de cambio. Se concluye sobre cómo incluir su participación en investigación más significativamente.
Palabras clave: Participación estudiantil; relación estudiante-escuela; investigación participativa; infancia; adolescencia. Tesauro de Ciencias Sociales de la Unesco.
Proteomic Atlas of Atherosclerosis: The Contribution of Proteoglycans to Sex Differences, Plaque Phenotypes, and Outcomes
Authors: Theofilatos Konstantinos , Stojkovic Stefan , Hasman Maria , van der Laan Sander W. , Baig Ferheen , Barallobre-Barreiro Javier , Schmidt Lukas Emanuel , Yin Siqi , Yin Xiaoke , Burnap Sean , Singh Bhawana , Popham Jude , Harkot Olesya , Kampf Stephanie , Nackenhorst Maja Carina , Strassl Andreas , Loewe Christian , Demyanets Svitlana , Neumayer Christoph , Bilban Martin , Hengstenberg Christian , Huber Kurt , Pasterkamp Gerard , Wojta Johann , Mayr Manuel
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Using proteomics, we aimed to reveal molecular types of human atherosclerotic lesions and study their associations with histology, imaging, and cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS:

Two hundred nineteen carotid endarterectomy samples were procured from 120 patients. A sequential protein extraction protocol was employed in conjunction with multiplexed, discovery proteomics. To focus on extracellular proteins, parallel reaction monitoring was employed for targeted proteomics. Proteomic signatures were integrated with bulk, single-cell, and spatial RNA-sequencing data, and validated in 200 patients from the Athero-Express Biobank study.

RESULTS:

This extensive proteomics analysis identified plaque inflammation and calcification signatures, which were inversely correlated and validated using targeted proteomics. The inflammation signature was characterized by the presence of neutrophil-derived proteins, such as S100A8/9 (calprotectin) and myeloperoxidase, whereas the calcification signature included fetuin-A, osteopontin, and gamma-carboxylated proteins. The proteomics data also revealed sex differences in atherosclerosis, with large-aggregating proteoglycans versican and aggrecan being more abundant in females and exhibiting an inverse correlation with estradiol levels. The integration of RNA-sequencing data attributed the inflammation signature predominantly to neutrophils and macrophages, and the calcification and sex signatures to smooth muscle cells, except for certain plasma proteins that were not expressed but retained in plaques, such as fetuin-A. Dimensionality reduction and machine learning techniques were applied to identify 4 distinct plaque phenotypes based on proteomics data. A protein signature of 4 key proteins (calponin, protein C, serpin H1, and versican) predicted future cardiovascular mortality with an area under the curve of 75% and 67.5% in the discovery and validation cohort, respectively, surpassing the prognostic performance of imaging and histology.

CONCLUSIONS:

Plaque proteomics redefined clinically relevant patient groups with distinct outcomes, identifying subgroups of male and female patients with elevated risk of future cardiovascular events.
SIRT3 Regulates Clearance of Apoptotic Cardiomyocytes by Deacetylating Frataxin
Authors: Gao Jing , Huang Chenglin , Kong Linghui , Zhou Wugang , Sun Mengwei , Wei Tong , Shen Weili
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Efferocytosis is an activity of macrophages that is pivotal for the resolution of inflammation in hypertension. The precise mechanism by which macrophages coordinate efferocytosis and internalize apoptotic cardiomyocytes remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether SIRT3 (sirtuin-3) is required for both apoptotic cardiomyocyte engulfment and anti-inflammatory responses during efferocytosis.

METHODS:

We generated myeloid SIRT3 knockout mice and FXN (frataxin) knock-in mice carrying an acetylation-defective lysine to arginine K189R mutation (FXN
K189R
). The mice were given Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion for 7 days. We analyzed cardiac macrophages’ mitochondrial iron levels, efferocytosis activity, and phenotype both in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS:

We showed that SIRT3 deficiency exacerbated Ang II–induced downregulation of the efferocytosis receptor MerTK (c-Mer tyrosine kinase) and proinflammatory cytokine production, accompanied by disrupted mitochondrial iron homeostasis in cardiac macrophages. Quantitative acetylome analysis revealed that SIRT3 deacetylated FXN at lysine 189. Ang II attenuated SIRT3 activity and enhanced the acetylation level of FXN
K189
. Acetylated FXN further reduced the synthesis of ISCs (iron-sulfur clusters), resulting in mitochondrial iron accumulation. Phagocytic internalization of apoptotic cardiomyocytes increased myoglobin content, and derived iron ions promoted mitochondrial iron overload and lipid peroxidation. An iron chelator deferoxamine improved the levels of MerTK and efferocytosis, thereby attenuating proinflammatory macrophage activation. FXN
K189R
mice showed improved macrophage efferocytosis, reduced cardiac inflammation, and suppressed cardiac fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

The SIRT3-FXN axis has the potential to resolve cardiac inflammation by increasing macrophage efferocytosis and anti-inflammatory activities.
Prognostic Impact of Mitral Regurgitation Before and After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Patients With Severe Low‐Flow, Low‐Gradient Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Ferruzzi Germano Junior , Silverio Angelo , Giordano Arturo , Corcione Nicola , Bellino Michele , Attisano Tiziana , Baldi Cesare , Morello Alberto , Biondi‐Zoccai Giuseppe , Citro Rodolfo , Vecchione Carmine , Galasso Gennaro
Published: August 2023

Background

There is little evidence about the prognostic role of mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and outcome implications of MR severity in patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR, and to evaluate whether MR improvement after TAVR could influence clinical outcome.

Methods and Results

This study included consecutive patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR at 2 Italian high‐volume centers. The study population was categorized according to the baseline MR severity and to the presence of MR improvement at discharge. The primary outcome was the composite of all‐cause death and hospitalization for worsening heart failure up to 1 year. The study included 268 patients; 57 (21%) patients showed MR >2+. Patients with MR >2+ showed a lower 1‐year survival free from the primary outcome (
P
<0.001), all‐cause death (
P
<0.001), and heart failure hospitalization (
P
<0.001) compared with patients with MR ≤2+. At multivariable analysis, baseline MR >2+ was an independent predictor of the primary outcome (
P
<0.001). Among patients with baseline MR >2+, MR improvement was reported in 24 (44%) cases after TAVR. The persistence of MR was associated with a significantly reduced survival free from the primary outcome, all‐cause death, and heart failure hospitalization up to 1 year.

Conclusions

In this study, the presence of moderately severe to severe MR in patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient aortic stenosis undergoing TAVR portends a worse clinical outcome at 1 year. TAVR may improve MR severity in nearly half of the patients, resulting in a potential outcome benefit after discharge.
Global Burden of Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter by National Income: Results From the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Database
Authors: Ohlrogge Amelie H. , Brederecke Jan , Schnabel Renate B.
Published: August 2023

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are common conditions that can lead to significant morbidity and death. We aimed to understand the distribution and disparities of the global burden of AF/AFL as well as the underlying risk factors.

Methods and Results

Data on the AF/AFL burden from the Global Burden of Disease data set were analyzed for the years 1990 to 2019, with countries grouped into low, lower‐middle, upper‐middle, and high national income classes according to World Bank categories. Data were supplemented with World Health Organization and World Bank information. The prevalence of AF/AFL has more than doubled (+120.7%) since 1990 in all income groups, though with a larger increment in middle‐income countries (+146.6% in lower‐middle‐ and +145.2% in upper‐middle‐income countries). In absolute numbers, 63.4% of AF/AFL cases originate from upper‐middle‐income countries, although the relative prevalence is highest in high‐income countries. Prevalence of AF/AFL appears to be correlated with medical doctor rate and life expectancy. The most relevant AF/AFL risk factors are unevenly distributed among income classes, with elevated blood pressure as the only risk factor that becomes less common with increasing income. The development of these risk factors differed over time.

Conclusions

The global burden of AF/AFL is increasing in all income groups and is more pronounced in middle‐income countries, with further growth to be expected. Underdiagnosis of AF/AFL in low‐ and middle‐income countries may contribute to lower reported prevalence. The risk factor distribution varies between income groups.
How research programs come apart: The example of supersymmetry and
the disunity of physics
Authors: Gautheron Lucas , Omodei Elisa
Published: August 2023

According to Peter Galison, the coordination of different “subcultures” within a scientific field happens through local exchanges within “trading zones.” In his view, the workability of such trading zones is not guaranteed, and science is not necessarily driven towards further integration. In this paper, we develop and apply quantitative methods (using semantic, authorship, and citation data from scientific literature), inspired by Galison’s framework, to the case of the disunity of high-energy physics. We give prominence to supersymmetry, a concept that has given rise to several major but distinct research programs in the field, such as the formulation of a consistent theory of quantum gravity or the search for new particles. We show that “theory” and “phenomenology” in high-energy physics should be regarded as distinct theoretical subcultures, between which supersymmetry has helped sustain scientific “trades.” However, as we demonstrate using a topic model, the phenomenological component of supersymmetry research has lost traction and the ability of supersymmetry to tie these subcultures together is now compromised. Our work supports that even fields with an initially strong sentiment of unity may eventually generate diverging research programs and demonstrates the fruitfulness of the notion of trading zones for informing quantitative approaches to scientific pluralism.
Desert Fever: Women in Saudi Arabia Through the Eyes of Palestinian Writers
Authors: Gottesfeld Dorit
Published: August 2023

The article examines the situation of women in Saudi Arabia and their changing status as reflected in the writings of two Palestinian writers. It focuses on the way in which the Palestinian writer Ǧamāl Yūnis in his novel The Head documents and criticizes the status of women in the Saudi society. It compares it to Ibrāhīm Naṣrallāh’s famous novella Prairies of Fever, showing that both works emphasize the loneliness and gloom which women suffer and the false freedom that other women enjoy. The article argues that the focus on women is actually a kind of fictional strategy which aims at stressing the suffering of similar marginal groups in the Saudi society, especially immigrants, and at showing that things have changed there only ostensibly, and that ultimately anyone who stays there will be afflicted with “feverˮ. This link appears in Naṣrallāh’s work, however in Yūnis’s book it is heavily accentuated, and is reflected also in the use of a unique motif of a head throughout the novel.
Comparison of Turkish and English-Speaking ISIS Sympathizers’ Twitter Content between 2015 and 2016
Authors: Tulga Ahmet Yiğitalp
Published: August 2023

The development of social media technologies has had a significant impact on individuals, organizations and societies. However, social media has not only affected people and communities, but also terrorist organizations have started to use social media platforms effectively. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is one such group that actively utilizes social media. Social media has played a critical role in formulating and disseminating ISIS’s strategies. Twitter is one of the most effective social media platforms used by ISIS, and it actively uses Twitter in predominantly Muslim countries such as Turkey. In this article, I use a dictionary-based method to compare and analyze 29,419 tweets from English-speaking supporters of ISIS and 40,526 tweets from Turkish supporters of ISIS between 2015 and 2016.
1. Introduction
Authors: Kantor Benjamin Paul
Published: August 2023

In recent decades, the field of Biblical Hebrew philology and linguistics has been witness to a growing interest in the diverse traditions of Biblical Hebrew. Indeed, while there is a tendency for many students and scholars to conceive of Biblical Hebrew as equivalent with the Tiberian pointing of the Leningrad Codex as it appears in Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS), there are many other important reading traditions attested throughout history.
A Historical Overview on the Science of Derechos: Part I: Identification, Climatology, and Societal Impacts
Authors: Squitieri Brian Joseph , Wade Andrew R. , Jirak Israel L.
Published: August 2023

Research efforts from the last several decades to the present have aimed to better understand when and where derechos occur across the United States and other parts of the world, and what impacts derechos have on society. While the scientific community agrees that derechos are widespread wind storms associated with extratropical mesoscale convective systems, varying quantitative thresholds of what constitutes a derecho exist among peer-reviewed journal articles, introducing ambiguity throughout the literature of what is classified as a derecho, and where derechos most frequently occur. The scientific community would benefit from a summary on the more crucial aspects of derechos and where ambiguities or inconsistencies exist in the literature. Part I of this derecho historical overview discusses the history of derecho identification, and how differences in derecho identification strategies affect our understanding of their spatial climatology across the United States and Europe. Impacts to human life and commerce are also summarized.
A Historical Overview on the Science of Derechos: Part II: Parent Storm Structure, Environmental Conditions, and History of Numerical Forecasts
Authors: Squitieri Brian Joseph , Wade Andrew R. , Jirak Israel L.
Published: August 2023

Over the course of the century, much research has been done to understand how derechos form, what environments support derecho development, and how forecasts of derechos can be improved. Following the definition, climatology, and societal impacts of derechos in Part I of this manuscript, Part II offers a thorough review on the parent MCS structures that produce derechos, which synoptic setups support derecho-producing MCSs, and the successes and failures of forecasting derechos. This manuscript reviews the 3D structure of MCSs that support derecho development, as well as both the strongly and weakly forced synoptic environments where derechos frequently occur. In addition, successes and failures common among most derecho numerical forecast studies are discussed to suggest where the greatest improvements in derecho forecasting may be made.
Criminal justice involvement, transition to fatherhood, and the demographic foundation of the intergenerational transmission of crime
Authors: Fallesen Peter
Published: August 2023

Most analyses of the intergenerational transmission of criminal justice contacts compare outcomes of the second generation to the criminal history of the first generation. Ignoring the demographic process underlying transmission introduces selection bias into estimates insofar as the first generation's criminal history affects the family formation and the probability of parenthood. I study how differential selection into fatherhood across criminal histories may affect prospective transmission of criminal justice convictions. I use administrative data on the complete fertility patterns and criminal justice history all Danish men born during 1965–1973 and retrospective odds-ratio estimates of intergenerational transmission of criminal justice contacts to estimate prospective transmission of crime and the impact of differential fertility on cohort criminal justice involvement. Seriousness of criminal justice involvement is associated with earlier transition to fatherhood but ultimately higher levels of childlessness. The findings suggest that the existing retrospective estimates of the intergenerational transmission of criminal justice contacts overestimate the population level dynastic transmission. Ignoring differential fertility across criminal justice history leads to upward-biased estimates of how criminal justice involvement is maintained across generations when using retrospective sources. Population-level description of fertility trends has substantial implication for theoretical understanding of how transmission of offending occurs at the population level.
Alba de Céspedes tra femminile e alienazione: La “storia di un grande amore e di un delitto” raccontata Dalla parte di lei
Authors: De Filippi Serena
Published: August 2023

Lo scopo dell’articolo, attraverso un punto d’osservazione femminista, è delineare una riflessione riguardante l’istituzione del matrimonio, tesa a sottolinearne il carattere antagonistico all’interno della dicotomia uomo/donna, nel luogo circoscritto del romanzo Dalla parte di lei di Alba de Céspedes. La mia tesi è che, a partire dalla metà del XX° secolo, le opere letterarie italiane comincino ad essere attraversate dall’analisi della subalternità femminile, questione che di lì a poco esploderà con le teoriche della “seconda ondata”. Viene dunque proposta una lettura sintomatica della costruzione dei personaggi e della loro collocazione nelle coordinate storico-sociali, in quanto veicoli dei meccanismi dialettici di subordinazione ed emancipazione, constatando punti di convergenza tra il romanzo decespediano e un inquadramento del matrimonio come forma di alienazione femminile, per come contemporaneamente analizzato da Simone de Beauvoir nel Secondo sesso. This article aims to analyse, through a feminist standpoint, the marriage institution, underlining its antagonistic nature for what concerns the man/woman dichotomy, in the novel The Best of Husbands by Alba de Céspedes. My goal is showing how, since the mid-20th century, Italian literary works began to focus on the analysis of women’s subalternity, an issue that will soon break out, as it is well known, with second-wave feminism. I am therefore presenting a symptomatic reading concerning de Céspedes’ characters and their socio-historical coordinates – as they are meant to convey dialectical mechanisms of subordination and emancipation – in order to identify convergences between de Céspedes’ novel and the concept of matrimony as a form of feminine alienation elaborated in the same years by Simone de Beauvoir’s Second Sex.
Regular Medications in the Emergency Department Short Stay Unit (ReMedIES): Can Prescribing be Improved Without Increasing Resources?
Authors: Jackson Aidan B. , Lewis Mark , Meek Robert , Kim-Blackmore Jeniffer , Khan Irim , Deng Yong , Vallejo Jaime , Egerton-Warburton Diana
Published: August 2023

Background: Hospital medication errors are frequent and may result in adverse events. Data on non-prescription of regular medications to emergency department short stay unit patients is lacking. In response to local reports of regular medication omissions, a multi-disciplinary team was tasked to introduce corrective emergency department (ED) process changes, but with no additional financing or resources. Aim: To reduce the rate of non-prescription of regular medications for patients admitted to the ED Short Stay Unit (SSU), through process change within existing resource constraints. Methods: A pre- and post-intervention observational study compared regular medication omission rates for patients admitted to the ED SSU. Included patients were those who usually took regular home medications at 08:00 or 20:00. Omissions were classified as clinically significant medications (CSMs) or non-clinically significant medications (non-CSMs). The intervention included reinforcement that the initially treating acute ED doctor was responsible for prescription completion, formal checking of prescription presence at SSU handover rounds, double-checking of prescription completeness by the overnight SSU lead nurse and junior doctor, and ED pharmacist medication reconciliation for those still identified as having regular medication non-prescription at 07:30. Results: For the 110 and 106 patients in the pre- and post-intervention periods, there was a non-significant reduction in the CSM omission rate of −11% (95% CI: −23 to 2), from 41% (95% CI: 32-50) to 30% (95% CI: 21-39). Conclusion: Non-prescription of regular CSMs for SSU patients was not significantly reduced by institution of work practice changes within existing resource constraints.