bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aluminum Bronze Crystallization on Deformed Base during Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Nikonov Anton Yu. , Lychagin Dmitry V. , Bibko Artem A. , Novitskaya Olga S.
Published: April 2023

To obtain a given structure in 3D building-up modes, it is necessary to use optimal surfacing modes that determine the amount of heat input in local areas. For this purpose, aluminum bronze was surfacing onto a deformed base and the structure and its characteristics in the surfacing and heat-affected zones were studied by the EBSD method. The heterogeneity of the formation of the structure in each selected zone is established, which indicates the heterogeneity of heat input in local areas of the material in one mode of surfacing. For typical cases of crystallization, a molecular dynamics simulation of crystallization processes with different heat input to the base with characteristics specified based on experimental data was carried out. It has been established that the amount of heat input determines the degree of melting and the inherited defectiveness of growing crystals. The formation of misorientation boundaries and crystallization centers of new grains is determined by the conditions of joint growth of grains with given crystallographic parameters of the computational model. Numerical calculations agree with the experimentally observed results.
Backpropagation and F-adjoint
Authors: Boughammoura Ahmed
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a concise mathematical framework for investigating both feed-forward and backward process, during the training to learn model weights, of an artificial neural network (ANN). Inspired from the idea of the two-step rule for backpropagation, we define a notion of F_adjoint which is aimed at a better description of the backpropagation algorithm. In particular, by introducing the notions of F-propagation and F-adjoint through a deep neural network architecture, the backpropagation associated to a cost/loss function is proven to be completely characterized by the F-adjoint of the corresponding F-propagation relatively to the partial derivative, with respect to the inputs, of the cost function.
Design, Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Novel 3,6-Diunsaturated 2,5-Diketopiperazines
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Xun Tianrong , Xu Huayan , Pang Xiaoyan , Yang Bin , Wang Junfeng , Zhou Xuefeng , Lin Xiuping , Tan Suiyi , Liu Yonghong , Liao Shengrong
Published: April 2023

Based on the marine natural products piperafizine B, X334 and our previously reported compound 4m, fourteen novel 3,6-diunsaturated 2,5-diketopiperazine (2,5-DPK) derivatives (1-2, 4-6, 8-16), together with two known ones (3 and 7), were designed and synthesized as anticancer agents against cell lines A549 and Hela. The MTT assay results showed that the derivatives 6, 8-12 and 15 had moderate to good anticancer capacities with the IC50 values ranging from 0.7 to 8.9 μM. Among them, compound 11 with naphthalen-1-ylmethylene and 2-methoxybenzylidene functions at the 3- and 6-positions of 2,5-DPK ring, respectively, displayed good inhibitory activities to both cancer cells A549 (IC50 = 1.2 μM) and Hela (IC50 = 0.7 μM). It could also induce apoptosis and obviously block the cell cycle progression at G2/M phase in both cells at 1.0 μM. The electron withdrawing functions might not be favorable for the derivatives with high anticancer activities. Additionally, compared to piperafizine B and X334, these semi-N-alkylated derivatives have high liposolubilities (> 1.0 mg•mL-1). Compound 11 can be further developed aiming to the discovery of novel anticancer candidate.
Unveiling the Intimate Mechanism of the Crocin Antioxidant Properties by Radiolytic Analysis and Molecular Simulations
Authors: Gharib Sarah Al , Archirel Pierre , Adjei Daniel , Belloni Jacqueline , Mostafavi Mehran
Published: April 2023

The successive steps of the oxidation mechanism of crocin, major compound of saffron, by the free OH• radical are investigated by the pulse radiolysis, steady-state (gamma) radiolysis methods and molecular simulations. The optical absorption properties of the transient species and their reaction rate constants are determined. The absorption spectrum of the oxidized radical of crocin resulting from the H-abstraction presents a maximum at 678 nm and a band at 441 nm, almost as intense as that of crocin. The spectrum of the covalent dimer of this radical contains an intense band at 441 nm and a weaker one at 330 nm. The final oxidized crocin, issued from radical disproportionation, absorbs weaker with a maximum at 330 nm. The molecular simulation results suggest that the OH• radical is electrostatically attracted by the terminal sugar and is scavenged predominantly by the neighbor methyl site of the polyene chain as in a sugar-driven mechanism. Based on detailed experimental and theoretical investigations, the antioxidant properties of crocin are highlighted.
The Importance of Arterial Blood Gas Analysis as a Systemic Diagnosis Approach in Assessing and Preventing Chronic Diseases, From Emergency Medicine to the Daily Practice
Authors: Balzanelli Mario Giosue' , DISTRATIS PIETRO , LAZZARO RITA , Pham Van Hung , Del Prete Raffaele , Dipalma Gianna , Inchingolo Francesco , Aityan Sergey Khachatur , Hoang Linh thuy , Nguyen Kieu Cao Diem , Isacco gargiulo Ciro
Published: April 2023

Blood gas analysis is a diagnostic tool to evaluate the partial pressures of gas in blood and acid-base content. The use of blood gas analysis enables to clear understanding the respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic disorders. The arterial blood gas (ABG) explicitly analyzes blood taken from an artery, assessing the patient's partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), carbon dioxide (PaCO2) pH (acid/base). PaO2 indicates the oxygenation status, and PaCO2 indicates the ventilation status (chronic or acute respiratory failure). PaCO2 is affected by hyperventilation characterized by rapid or deep breathing, and hypoventilation characterized by slow or shallow breathing. The acid-base balance tested by the ABG procedure measures the pH and PaCO2 directly while the use of the Hasselbach equation gives the serum bicarbonate (HCO3) and base deficit or excess. The measured HCO3is based on strong alkali that frees all CO2 in serum, including dissolved CO2, carbamino compounds, and carbonic acid the calculation uses a standard chemistry analysis giving the amount of "total CO2", the difference will amount to around 1.2 mmol/L. Though ABG is frequently ordered in emergency medicine contests for acute conditions it may also be needed in other clinical settings. The ABG analysis shows to be an exceptional diagnostic tool including the group of those diseases known as acid-base diseases (ABDs) which include a great variety of conditions as such severe sepsis, septic shock, hypovolemic shock, diabetic ketoacidosis, renal tubular acidosis, chronic respiratory failure, chronic heart failure, and diverse metabolic diseases.
Risk Factors for Anaphylaxis in Children Allergic to Peanuts
Authors: Petek Tadej , Lajhar Mija , Krašovec Blažka , Homšak Matjaž , Kavalar Maja , Korošec Peter , Koren Brigita , Tomazin Maja , Hojnik Tina , Berce Vojko
Published: April 2023

Background and Objectives: Peanut allergy is the most common single cause of anaphylaxis in children. The risk factors for anaphylaxis in children with peanut allergy are not well defined. Therefore, we aimed to identify epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of children with peanut allergy that may predict the severity of allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and included 94 children with peanut allergy. Allergy testing was performed, including skin prick testing and determination of specific IgE levels to peanut and its Ara h2 component. In case of discordance between patient history and allergy testing, an oral food challenge with peanut was performed. Results: Anaphylaxis, moderate and mild reactions to peanuts occurred in 33 (35.1%), 30 (31.9%) and 31 (33.0%) patients, respectively. The severity of the allergic reaction only weakly correlated (p = 0.04) with the amount of peanuts consumed. The median number of allergic reactions to peanut was 2 in children with anaphylaxis compared with 1 in other patients (p = 0.04). The median level of specific IgE to Ara h2 was 5.3 IU/ml in children with anaphylaxis compared to 0.6 IU/ml and 10.3 IU/ml in children with mild and moderate peanut allergy (p = 0.06). The optimal cutoff for distinguishing between anaphylaxis and a less severe allergic reaction to peanut was a specific IgE Ara h2 level of 0.92 IU/ml with 90% sensitivity and 47.5% specificity for predicting anaphylaxis (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the patient cannot predict the severity of allergic reaction to peanut in children. Even standard allergy testing, including component diagnostics, is a relatively poor predictor of the severity of allergic reaction to peanuts. Therefore, more accurate predictive models including new diagnostic tools are needed to reduce the need for oral food challenge in most patients.
Plan for Constructing DataDiscoveryLab
Authors: Keskinoglu Elbek
Published: April 2023

DataDiscoveryLab is a software tool that enables users to recommend possible pathways to their research with references by extracting valuable insights from academic articles by parsing them into text and figures and processing the image data using computer vision algorithms. The software creates two databases for text-based purposes, one for titles, figure captions, and references, and another for abstracts, introductions, methods, and results using NLP techniques. The software then compares these databases to users' research questions, finds similarities, and presents the findings. Additionally, the software takes data from researchers' scientific software and devices to compare with the current figure-based databases, creating a loop until the best answer and pathways to research and articles to recommend can be found. This tool provides valuable insights and context for researchers, helping them make informed decisions about their research.
Imaging Diagnosis and Management of Carpal Trauma and Instability – An Illustrated Guide
Authors: Okoro Chukwuemeka , Skalski Matthew , Patel Dakshesh B. , White Eric A. , MD George Matcuk
Published: April 2023

Understanding the subtle signs of carpal instability and other unique injury patterns in the wrist is a critical skill for radiologists. Proper patient management and outcomes are directly dependent on the accurate interpretation of wrist imaging studies. This review will provide a detailed overview of typical imaging features of carpal trauma and instability, management, and complications, using multimodality imaging and original medical illustrations. A detailed overview of the osseous, ligamentous, arterial anatomy of the wrist, arcs of Gilula, and zones of vulnerability will be provided. Carpal fractures, dislocations, special radiographic views, and imaging pearls will be discussed. Instability patterns and the myriad of associate abbreviations (CID, CIND, CIC, CIA, VISI, DISI, SLD, LTD, MCI, SLAC, SNAC) will be clarified. Expected outcomes, potential complications, and management will be reviewed.
COVID-19 in Pediatric Intensive Care Units in Poland, PAPITCO-19 study ( Polish Analysis in PICUs Trends of COVID-19)
Authors: Damps Maria , Maciejasz Elżbieta Byrska , Kowalska Małgorzata , Rosada-Kurasińska Judyta , Rybojad Beata , Sordyl Joanna , Zielinska Marzena Malgorzata , Bartkowska-Śniatkowska Alicja
Published: April 2023

Background: Children suffering from COVID-19 constitute about 10% of the entire population infected with the virus. In most of them, we observe asymptomatic or mild course; however, about 1% of affected children require a stay in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) due to the severe life-threatening course. The risk of respiratory failure, as in adults, is associated with the coexistence of concomitant diseases. The aim of our study was to analyze patients admitted to PICUs due to severe course of SARS-CoV-19 infection. Methods: A retrospective multi-center study, the analysis covered all children with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection, who were admitted to PICUs, in the period from November 2020 to August 2021. We studied epidemiological and laboratory parameters, and the endpoint – survival or death. Results: The study analyzed 45 patients (0.075% of all children hospitalized in Poland due to COVID-19 at that time). Mortality calculated in the entire study group was 40% (n=18). Statistically significant differences between the compared groups (survived and died) concerned the parameters of the respiratory system, Lung Injury Score and Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment . A significant correlation between disease severity and the patient's prognosis was shown by the liver function parameter AST (p=0.028). Analyzing patients requiring mechanical ventilation and assuming survival as the primary outcome, a significantly higher oxygen index on the first day of hospitalization, lower pSOFA scores and lower AST levels (p: 0.007; 0.043; 0.020; 0.005; 0.039, respectively) were found. Conclusions: As in adults, children with comorbidities are most frequently at risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increasing symptoms of respiratory failure, the need for mechanical ventilation and persistently high values of aspartate aminotransferase are indicators of poor prognosis.
Machine Learning Prediction of Estimated Risk for Bipolar Disorders Using Hippocampal Subfield and Amygdala Nuclei Volumes
Authors: Huth Fabian , Tozzi Leonardo , Marxen Michael , Riedel Philipp , Bröckel Kyra , Martini Julia , Berndt Christina , Sauer Cathrin , Vogelbacher Christoph , Jansen Andreas , Kircher Tilo , Falkenberg Irina , Odenthal Florian Thomas , Lambert Martin , Kraft Vivien , Leicht Gregor , Mulert Christoph , Fallgatter Andreas J. , Ethofer Thomas , Rau Anne , Leopold Karolina , Bechdolf Andreas , Reif Andreas , Matura Silke , Biere Silvia , Bermpohl Felix , Fiebig Jana , Stamm Thomas , Correll Christoph U. , Juckel Georg , Flasbeck Vera , Ritter Philipp , Bauer Michael , Pfennig Andrea , Mikolas Pavol
Published: April 2023

The pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) remains mostly unclear. Yet, a valid biomarker is necessary to improve early detection of this serious disorder. Patients with manifest BD display reduced volumes of the hippocampal subfields and amygdala nuclei. In this pre-registered analysis, we used structural MRI (N=271, 7 sites), to compare volumes of hippocampus, amygdala, and their subfields/nuclei between help-seeking subjects divided in risk groups for BD as estimated by BPSS-P, BARS and EPIbipolar. We performed between-group comparisons using linear mixed effects models for all three risk assessment tools. Additionally, we aimed to differentiate the risk groups using linear support vector machine. We found no significant volume differences between the risk groups for all limbic structures during the main analysis. However, the SVM could still classify subjects at risk according to BPSS-P criteria with a balanced accuracy of 66.90% (95% CI 59.2– 74.6) for 10-fold cross-validation and 61.9% (95% CI 52.0– 71.9) for leave-one-site-out. Structural altera-tions of hippocampus and amygdala may not be as pronounced in young people at risk, nonetheless, ma-chine learning can predict estimated risk for BD above chance. This suggests that neural changes may not merely be a consequence of BD and may have prognostic clinical value.
Balloon Dilatation in the Management of Congenital Obstructive Lesions of the Heart: Review of Author’s Experiences and Observations – Part II
Authors: Rao P. Syamasundar
Published: April 2023

While investigating the outcomes of balloon dilatation procedures in patients with congenital obstructive lesions of the heart, several parallel observations have been made. The purpose of this review is to present these observations/phenomena/innovations related to balloon dilatation of pulmonary stenosis (PS), aortic stenosis (AS), and aortic coarctation (AC). In subjects who had balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV), development of infundibular obstruction, electrocardiographic (ECG) changes, changes in right ventricular filling, role of balloon/annulus ratios on the results of BPV, and double balloon vs. single balloon BPV will be reviewed. In patients who had balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV), causes of aortic insufficiency and trans-umbilical venous approach for BAV will be tackled. In children who had balloon angioplasty (BA) of AC, aortic remodeling and biophysical response after BA of AC will be discussed.
Shapley Value for Shortest Path Routing in Dynamic Networks
Authors: Masimli Aykhan
Published: April 2023

Transportation is a crucial component of supply chain management, responsible

for delivering goods and services to customers. This paper explores the

application of game theory concepts, precisely the Shapley value, to cost allocation

in transportation operations involving drones and trucks.

Our focus is on shortest-path games in which agents own nodes in a network

and seek to transport items between nodes at the lowest possible cost. We

provide a comprehensive literature review of the Shapley value and its use in

shortest-path games, with particular emphasis on transportation networks.

Our proposed model includes sets of customers, drones, and trucks and uses

binary decision variables to indicate whether a drone or truck serves a given

customer. The objective is to minimize the total cost of serving all customers

while adhering to capacity and synchronization constraints. We use the Shapley

value to determine the contribution and cost-sharing of each drone and truck in

serving the customers.

Through a combination of denitions, theorems, and examples, we explore

the formal meaning of the Shapley value and its relationship to shortest-path

games in transportation networks. We highlight exceptional cases and considerations

that must be taken into account when applying the Shapley value in

such scenarios.
Novel Genetic Variants Expand the Functional, Molecular and Pathological Diversity of KCNA1 Channelopathy
Authors: Paulhus Kelsey , Glasscock Edward
Published: April 2023

The KCNA1 gene encodes Kv1.1 voltage-gated potassium channel α subunits, which are crucial for maintaining healthy neuronal firing and preventing hyperexcitability. Mutations in the KCNA1 gene can cause several neurological diseases and symptoms, such as episodic ataxia and epilepsy, which may occur alone or in combination, making it challenging to establish simple genotype-phenotype correlations. Previous analyses of human KCNA1 variants have shown that epilepsy-linked mutations tend to cluster in regions critical for the channel’s pore, whereas EA1-associated mutations are evenly distributed across the length of the protein. In this review, we examine 17 recently discovered pathogenic or likely pathogenic KCNA1 variants to gain new insights into the molecular genetic basis of KCNA1 channelopathy. We provide the first systematic breakdown of disease rates for KCNA1 variants in different protein domains, uncovering potential location biases that influence genotype-phenotype correlations. Our examination of the new mutations strengthens the proposed link between the pore region and epilepsy and reveals new connections between epilepsy-related variants, genetic modifiers, and respiratory dysfunction. Additionally, the new variants include the first two gain-of-function mutations ever discovered for KCNA1, the first frameshift mutation, and the first mutations located in the cytoplasmic N-terminal domain, broadening the functional and molecular scope of KCNA1 channelopathy. Moreover, the recently identified variants highlight emerging links between KCNA1 and musculoskeletal abnormalities and nystagmus, conditions not typically associated with KCNA1. These findings improve our understanding of KCNA1 channelopathy and promise to enhance personalized diagnosis and treatment for individuals with KCNA1-linked disorders.
Two decades of ITALUNG. What we have learned and what is yet to be addressed in lung cancer screening with low dose CT.
Authors: Mascalchi Mario , Picozzi Giulia , Puliti Donella , Diciotti Stefano , Deliperi Annalisa , Romei Chiara , Falaschi Fabio , Pistelli Francesco , Grazzini Michela , Vannucchi Letizia , Bisanzi Simonetta , Zappa Marco , Gorini Giuseppe , Carozzi Francesca Maria , Carrozzi Laura , Paci Eugenio
Published: April 2023

The ITALUNG trial started in 2004 and compared lung cancer (LC) and other-causes mortality in 55-69 years-aged smokers and ex-smokers who were randomized to four annual chest low-dose CT (LDCT) or usual care. ITALUNG showed a lower LC and cardiovascular mortality in the screened subjects after 13 years of follow-up, especially in women, and produced many ancillary studies. They included recruitment results of a population-based mimicking approach, development of software for computer aided diagnosis (CAD) and lung nodules volumetry, LDCT assessment of pulmonary emphysema and coronary artery calcifications (CAC) and their relevance to long-term mortality, results of a smoking-cessation intervention, assessment of the radiations dose associated with screening LDCT, and the results of biomarkers assays. Moreover ITALUNG data indicated that screen-detected LCs are mostly already present at baseline LDCT, can present as Lung Cancer associated with Cystic Airspaces, and can be multiple. However, several issues of LC screening are still unaddressed. They include the annual vs biennial pace of LDCT, choice between opportunistic or population-based recruitment and between uni or multi-center screening, implementation of CAD-assisted reading, containment of false positive and negative LDCT results, incorporation of emphysema and CAC quantification in models of personalized LC and mortality risk, validation of ultra-LDCT acquisitions, optimization of the smoking-cessation intervention and prospective validation of the biomarkers.
Plasma Amino Acids in NAFLD Patients With Obesity Are Associated With Steatosis and Fibrosis; Results From the MAST4HEALTH Study
Authors: Amanatidou Athina I. , Mikropoulou Eleni V , Amerikanou Charalampia , Milanović Maja , Stojanoski Stefan , Bjelan Mladen , Cesarini Lucia , Campolo Jonica , Thanopoulou Anastasia , Banerjee Rajarshi , Kurth Mary Jo , Milić Nataša , Medic-Stojanoska Milica , Trivella Maria Giovanna , Gastaldelli Amalia , Halabalaki Maria , Kaliora Andriana C. , Dedoussis George V
Published: April 2023

Background & Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have been linked to changes in amino acid (ΑΑ) levels. The current observational study sought to investigate the relationship between plasma AA concentrations in a NAFLD population and MRI parameters reflecting inflammation and fibrosis, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and disease-related anthropometric and biochemical indicators. Approach & Results: Plasma AA levels were quantified with liquid chromatography in 97 NAFLD patients from the MAST4HEALTH study. Medical, anthropometric and lifestyle characteristics were collected and biochemical parameters, as well as inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured. In total, males and subjects with higher MRI-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) exhibited higher plasma AA levels compared to females and subjects with lower PDFF respectively. Several associations of AAs with disease related markers were revealed, with the more prominent ones being those of aromatic amino acids with log-PDFF (beta: 1.190E-02, p-Value: 0.001) and log-ALT (beta: 7.55E-03, p-Value: 0.001), of branched amino acids with log-insulin (beta: 1.97E-03, p-Value: 1.16E-04) and of ethanolamine (beta: 0.036, p-Value: 3.65E-04) and L-ornithine (beta: 5.4E-04, p-Value: 0.021) with log-total antioxidant status (TAS). Conclusions: Plasma AA levels varied according to sex, BMI, and several MRI clinical factors. Furthermore, significant relationships were demonstrated between AA and several disease indicators, such as MRI parameters, biochemical and oxidative stress indices, showing the potential utility of AAs as diagnostic dis-ease-related indicators activity.
The Magnificent Realm of Affine Quantization: valid results for particles, fields,
and gravity
Authors: Klauder John , Fantoni Riccardo
Published: April 2023

Affine quantization
is a relatively new procedure, and it can solve many new problems. This essay reviews this
new, and novel, procedure for particle problems, as well as those of fields and gravity. New
quantization tools, which are extremely close to, and even constructed from, the tools of
canonical quantization, are able to fully solve selected problems that using the standard
canonical quantization would fail. In particular, improvements can even be found with an
affine quantization of fields, as well as gravity.
Organizational Inertia, Digital Capabilities, Digital Transformation, and Firm Competencies
Authors:   Swiss German University, Utomo Adhi Ari , Maulida Mira , Musa Soebowo
Published: April 2023

Research Aims: This research aims to look at the impact of organizational inertia on digital capabilities and digital transformation to optimise firm competencies. Design/Methodology/Approach: The dataset was produced through a quantitative survey of 125 Indonesian businesses using the Structural Equation Model (SEM) to analyse the data. Research Findings: The results of this study indicate that digital capabilities and digital transformation indirectly impact business competencies due to organizational inertia. While organizational inertia affects digital capabilities but not digital transformation, the latter affects both a firm's skills. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study contributes to the literatures on organizational behaviour and strategic management by investigating the impact of organizational inertia on the achievement of digital transformation and its impact on firm competencies. Managerial Implication in the South East Asian context: The research findings embrace digital transformation practices by enhancing firms' digital capabilities, particularly in digital transformation response, digital opportunity identification, innovative digital technology product development, acquisition, and mastery of cutting-edge digital technologies. Research Limitation & Implications: The findings of this study reflect the conditions of numerous enterprises operating in several industry sectors in Indonesia during the chaotic post-COVID-19 pandemic period. Furthermore, the survey respondents represent a diverse range of businesses at varying stages of digital transformation implementation. Keywords: Inertia, Digital Capabilities, Digital Transformation, Firm Competencies
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease among pregnant women in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Authors: Cepero Andrea Alexandra Lopez , Cameron Stephanie , González Mariana , Sierra Deborah Santos , Inostroza-Nieves Yaritza
Published: April 2023

Background: In Puerto Rico (PR), the burden of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVDRF) in women is high. CVDRF during pregnancy is a threat to maternal and child health. Little is known about CVDRF among pregnant women in PR.
Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from pregnancy charts (n=264; no prior pregnancies) from an outpatient clinic in PR. CVDRF included: pre-pregnancy obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension, and gestational diabetes and hypertension. Age was categorized as: 21-25y,26- 30y, and 31-35y. Analyses included adjusted logistic and multinomial regressions.
Results: Obesity pre-pregnancy was the most common CVDRF (23.5%). Women of 31-35y (vs. 21-25y) had higher odds of T2D/gestational diabetes (OR=4.66; 95% CI=1.18, 18.4) and were more likely to experience 2+ CVDRF (RRR=2.73; 95% CI=1.10, 6.80).
Discussion: Pregnant women in PR experienced CVDRF, and these were more common among women of older age. Studies are needed to confirm our findings and monitor the health of women at high risk of CVD during postpartum.
Significance: There is a need for studies documenting CVD risk factors among pregnant women in PR. Such knowledge is needed for early intervention and to preserve women’s health and that of children in PR.
Conflicts Between Priming and Explicit Memory: A Question of Fluency?
Authors: Weller P. , Recio G. , Kaltwasser L. , Nowparast-Rostami H. , Stuermer B. , Sommer W.
Published: April 2023

A basic distinction in theories of human memory is between explicit and implicit types of memory. However, little is known, how these forms of memory interact. An interesting test case is the repetition priming effect for unfamiliar faces in familiarity decisions on the target, which is highly variable and may even reverse. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this reversed priming effect may be due to conflicts between implicit and explicit memory. After replicating the reverse priming effect, three different manipulations were effective in diminishing it. We suggest that each of these manipulations diminished the ambiguity regarding the source of priming-induced fluency of target processing. Event-related potentials were consistent with the conflict account but insensitive to the experimental manipulations. Our findings argue against a strictly independent view of explicit and implicit memory and support an interactive account of different types of memory.
Multi-staged development and pilot testing of a self-assessment tool for organizational health literacy
Authors: Klockmann Izumi , Jaß Leonie , Härter Martin , Knesebeck Olaf von dem , Lüdecke Daniel , Heeg Johanna
Published: April 2023

Background: Until now a comprehensive, consensus-based tool that can be used by a variety of health care organizations for assessing their organizational health literacy (OHL) is missing. Therefore, we aimed to develop and test a literature- and consensus-based self-assessment tool.
Methods: The study is based on a literature review that was previously published by the authors. For the development of the self-assessment tool, the criteria identified in the literature were synthesized with criteria gained through group discussions with representatives of different types of health care organizations all based in Hamburg (Germany). Consensus on the criteria was reached through a Delphi process. A review by the project’s persons with lived experience committee was included in the process. The self-assessment tool was converted into an online tool and refined through a pretest. Finally, the online survey was piloted and the reliability and item loadings for each scale were analyzed.
Results: In total, 77 criteria (items) characterizing a health literate health care organization were developed and grouped into five main categories (scales): 1) “easy access and navigation”, 2) “integration, prioritization, and dissemination of OHL”, 3) “qualification, quality management, evaluation, and needs assessment”, 4) “communication with target groups”, and 5) “involvement and support of target groups”. The results of the online survey showed that the tool is suitable for assessing an organization’s status quo on OHL. The psychometric analysis showed good to excellent internal consistency. Item analyses supported the developed self-assessment tool structure.
Conclusions: We were able to define a set of 77 items to characterize OHL. These can be used as a new, comprehensive, and consensus-based self-assessment tool to identify aspects that need improvement. We found evidence that the self-assessment tool, based on the identified criteria, consists of the assumed five scales. Further research should analyze the validity of the self-assessment tool on a higher detail level.
Relationship between antibiotic resistance with class 1 integron and SmeDEF efflux pump encoding genes in clinical isolates of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Mashouf Rasoul Yousefi , Salimizand Himen , Nazari Mohsen , Farajnia Safar , Alikhani Mohammad Yousef
Published: April 2023

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an emerging multidrug-resistant organism with an increasing frequency of hospital-acquired infections predominantly in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to determine the antibiotic resistance and frequency of the smeD, class1 integron, and sul1 genes in clinical isolates of S. maltophilia in two Iranian provinces. From January 2020 to September 2021, 38 clinical isolates of S. maltophila were collected from patients in hospitals in Tabriz and Sanandaj provinces of Iran. S. maltophilia isolates were confirmed by standard bacteriological tests and 16S rRNA gene PCR. Disc diffusion and E-test methods were used to determine the antibiotic resistance pattern. PCR was performed to investigate the presence of smeD, class1 integron, and sul1 genes. The antimicrobial test for the isolated S. maltophilia showed a high level of sensitivity against most of the antibiotics used. Maximum sensitivity was recorded for ciprofloxacin [100% (38/38)] and levofloxacin 100% (38/38), followed by ceftazidim [97.36% (37/38)], trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole [94.73% (36/38)], ticarcillin-clavulanate [60.52% (23/38)] and piperacillin-tazobactam [55.26% (21/38)]. We observed a high prevalence of smeD [100% (38/38)] and class1 integron [94.73% (36/38)] genes in the isolates, and none of the isolates carried the sul1 gene. The findings from this study indicate that resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole was not observed and still, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is the best drug with desirable antimicrobial effect in the treatment of nosocomial infections caused by S. maltophilia strains. Despite the observation of a high number of class1 integron, the sul1 gene was not observed, which indicates the role of this gene in high-level trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance and not having a role in low-level resistance. Based on our results clinical microbiology laboratories need continuous surveillance of resistance rates to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, because of the possibility of S. maltophilia acquiring trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistance by mobile gen elements.
Border-associated macrophages promote cerebral amyloid angiopathy and cognitive impairment through vascular oxidative stress
Authors: Uekawa Ken , Hattori Yorito , Ahn Sung Ji , Seo James , Casey Nicole , Anfray Antoine , Zhou Ping , Luo Wenjie , Anrather Josef , Park Laibaik , Iadecola Costantino
Published: April 2023

Background: Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a devastating condition common in patients with Alzheimer’s disease but also observed in the general population. Vascular oxidative stress and neurovascular dysfunction have been implicated in CAA but the cellular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and related signaling mechanisms remain unclear. We tested the hypothesis that brain border-associated macrophages (BAM), yolk sac-derived myeloid cells closely apposed to parenchymal and leptomeningeal blood vessels, are the source of radicals through the Aβ-binding innate immunity receptor CD36, leading to neurovascular dysfunction, CAA, and cognitive impairment.
Methods: Tg2576 mice and WT littermates were transplanted with CD36-/- or CD36+/+ bone marrow at 12-month of age and tested at 15 months. This approach enables the repopulation of perivascular and leptomeningeal compartments with CD36-/- BAM. Neurovascular function was tested in anesthetized mice equipped with a cranial window in which cerebral blood flow was monitored by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Amyloid pathology and cognitive function were also examined.
Results: The increase in blood flow evoked by whisker stimulation (functional hyperemia) or by endothelial and smooth muscle vasoactivity was markedly attenuated in WT®Tg2576 chimeras but was fully restored in CD36-/-®Tg2576 chimeras, in which BAM ROS production was suppressed. CAA-associated Aβ1-40, but not Aβ1-42, was reduced in CD36-/-®Tg2576 chimeras. Similarly, CAA, but not parenchymal plaques, was reduced in CD36-/-®Tg2576 chimeras. These beneficial vascular effects were associated with cognitive improvement. Finally, CD36-/- mice were able to more efficiently clear exogenous Aβ1-40 injected into the neocortex or the striatum.
Conclusions: CD36 deletion in BAM suppresses ROS production and rescues the neurovascular dysfunction and damage induced by Aβ. CD36 deletion in BAM also reduced brain Aβ1-40 and ameliorated CAA without affecting parenchyma plaques. Lack of CD36 enhanced the vascular clearance of exogenous Aβ. Restoration of neurovascular function and attenuation of CAA resulted in a near complete rescue of cognitive function. Collectively, these data implicate CNS BAM in the pathogenesis of CAA and raise the possibility that targeting BAM CD36 is beneficial in CAA and other conditions associated with vascular Aβ deposition and damage.
A phase II dose evaluation pilot feasibility randomized controlled trial of cholecalciferol in critically ill children with vitamin D deficiency (VITdAL-PICU study)
Authors: O’Hearn Katie , Menon Kusum , Weiler Hope A. , Amrein Karin , Fergusson Dean , Gunz Anna , Bustos Raul , Campos Roberto , Catalan Valentina , Roedl Siegfried , Tsampalieros Anne , Barrowman Nick , Geier Pavel , Henderson Matthew , Khamessan Ali , Lawson Margaret L. , McIntyre Lauralyn , Redpath Stephanie , Jones Glenville , Kaufmann Martin , McNally Dayre
Published: April 2023

Background: Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is highly prevalent in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) and associated with worse clinical course. Trials in adult ICU demonstrate rapid restoration of vitamin D status using an enteral loading dose is safe and may improve outcomes. There have been no published trials of rapid normalization of VDD in the pediatric ICU.
Methods: We conducted a multicenter placebo-controlled phase II pilot feasibility randomized clinical trial from 2016 to 2017. We randomized 67 critically ill children with VDD from ICUs in Canada, Chile and Austria using a 2:1 randomization ratio to receive a loading dose of enteral cholecalciferol (10,000 IU/kg, maximum of 400,000 IU) or placebo. Participants, care givers, and outcomes assessors were blinded. The primary objective was to determine whether the loading dose normalized vitamin D status (25(OH)D >75 nmol/L). Secondary objectives were to evaluate for adverse events and assess the feasibility of a phase III trial.
Results: Of 67 randomized participants, one was withdrawn and seven received more than one dose of cholecalciferol before the protocol was amended to a single loading dose, leaving 59 participants in the primary analyses (40 treatment, 19 placebo). Thirty-one/38 (81.6%) participants in the treatment arm achieved a plasma 25(OH)D concentration >75 nmol/L versus 1/18 (5.6%) the placebo arm. The mean (SD) 25(OH)D concentration in the treatment arm was 125.9 nmol/L (63.4). There was no evidence of vitamin D toxicity and no major drug or safety protocol violations. The accrual rate was 3.4 patients/month, supporting feasibility of a larger trial. A day 7 blood sample was collected for 84% of patients. A survey administered to 40 participating families showed that health-related quality of life (HRQL) was the most important outcome for families for the main trial (30, 75%).
Conclusions: A single 10,000 IU/kg dose can rapidly and safely normalize plasma 25(OH)D concentrations in critically ill children with VDD, but with significant variability in 25(OH)D concentrations. We established that a phase III multicentre trial is feasible. Using an outcome collected after hospital discharge (HRQL) will require strategies to minimize loss-to-follow-up.
Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02452762Registered 25/05/2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02452762?term=NCT02452762&draw=2&rank=1
The role of health behaviours, genetic factors, and early life environment in the association of family-related events and sustainable working life
Authors: Wang Mo , Svedberg Pia , Silventoinen Karri , Böckerman Petri , Narusyte Jurgita , Ropponen Annina
Published: April 2023

Background Studies are limited for family-related events in relation to sustainable working life (i.e., not having long-term periods of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension). We aimed to investigate the associations between stability and change in family life and sustainable working life and whether these associations were explained by health behaviours, genetic factors, and early life environment.Methods Register data and surveys for family-related events, sustainable working life and health behaviours of 49 611 Swedish twins were used. Cox proportional hazards regressions were applied to estimate the associations between family-related events and sustainable working life, while conditional Cox models for twin pairs accounted for confounding of genetic factors and early life environment. Further, the analyses were stratified by health behaviours.Results Change from being single living without children to married living with children was associated with sustainable working life. Moreover, individuals who experienced divorce and single individuals who changed status of living with children were less likely to experience a sustainable working life. Genetic factors and early life environment played a role in some associations. Also, those with healthy behaviours were more likely to have sustainable working life even though they had changes in family life compared to those with unhealthy behaviours.Conclusions Family formation is associated with sustainable working life whereas divorce seems to decrease the possibility of sustainable working life. Health behaviours as well as genetic factors and early life environment also need to be considered in relation to changes in family life for supporting sustainable working life.
Exploring a new mechanism between lactate and VSMC calcification: PARP1/POLG/UCP2 signaling pathway and imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Zhu Yi , Zhang Jia-li , Yan Xue-jiao , Ji Yuan , Wang Fang-fang
Published: April 2023

Lactate leads to the imbalance of mitochondria homeostasis, which then promotes vascular calcification. PARP1 can upregulate osteogenic genes and accelerate vascular calcification. However, the relationship among lactate, PARP1, and mitochondrial homeostasis is unclear. The present study aimed to explore the new molecular mechanism of lactate to promote VSMC calcification by evaluating PARP1 as a breakthrough molecule. A coculture model of VECs and VSMCs was established, and the model revealed that the glycolysis ability and lactate production of VECs were significantly enhanced after incubation in DOM. Osteogenic marker expression, calcium deposition, and apoptosis in VSMCs were decreased after lactate dehydrogenase A knockdown in VECs. Mechanistically, exogenous lactate increased the overall level of PARP and PARylation in VSMCs. PARP1 knockdown inhibited Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and partially restored PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy, thereby reducing mitochondrial oxidative stress. Moreover, lactate induced the translocation of PARP1 from the nucleus to the mitochondria, which then combined with POLG and inhibited POLG-mediated mitochondrial DNA synthesis. This process led to the downregulation of mitochondria-encoded genes, disturbance of mitochondrial respiration, and inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation. The knockdown of PARP1 could partially reverse the damage of mitochondrial gene expression and function caused by lactate. Furthermore, UCP2 was upregulated by the PARP1/POLG signal, and UCP2 knockdown inhibited Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission and partially recovered PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Finally, UCP2 knockdown in VSMCs alleviated DOM-caused VSMC calcification in the coculture model. The study results thus suggest that upregulated PARP1 is involved in the mechanism through which lactate accelerates VSMC calcification partly via POLG/UCP2-caused unbalanced mitochondrial homeostasis.
Preparation of ZnGa2O4 Nanoflowers and Their Full-color Luminescence Properties
Authors: Liu Yan , Wan Xinhuan , Zheng Tingting , Zhang Xiuyun , Chen Chen
Published: April 2023

Gallate material, a luminescent matrix with excellent performance is normally prepared by vapor deposition or solid phase sintering method at high temperature, however, it has not been solved to prepare gallate-based fluorescent materials with full-color luminescent properties at low temperature. In this paper, ZnGa2O4 undoped or doped with Cr or Mn nanoflowers composed of nanosheet-level structure were prepared by hydrothermal method at low temperature. Under ultraviolet light irradiation, ZnGa2O4, ZnGa2O4:Mn2+ and ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ display three primary colors of blue, green and red luminescence through self-excitation, Mn2+ and Cr3+ excitation respectively. The solid fluorescence yields of blue, green, and red colors are 32.3, 36.5, and 40.7%, respectively. It is highly expected to be applied to color display, biological imaging, white light devices.
Sch C Ameliorates Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting the Level of LOX
Authors: Xu Mingchen , Zhao Chenghe , Song Haiming , Wang Chunmei , Li He , Qiu Xudong , Jing He , Zhuang Wenyue
Published: April 2023

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a serious progressive fibrotic disease that is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), thus resulting in stiff lung tissues. Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an enzyme involved in fibrosis by catalyzing collagen cross-linking. Studies found that the ingredients in schisandra ameliorated bleomycin (BLM)-induced PF, but it is unknown whether the anti-PF of schisandra is related to LOX. In this study, we established models of PF including a mouse model stimulated by BLM and a HFL1 cell model induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 to evaluate the inhibition effects of Schisandrin C (Sch C) on PF. We observed that Sch C treatment decreased pulmonary indexes compared to control group. Treatment of Sch C showed a significant reduction in the accumulation of ECM as evidenced by decreased expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)、fibronectin (FN)、matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP2)、MMP9、tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP1) and collagen proteins such as collagen 1A1 (Col 1A1), and Col 3A1. In addition, the expression of LOX in the lung tissue of mice after Sch C treatment was effectively decreased compared with the MOD group. The inhibition effects in vitro were consistent with those in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that Sch C significantly inhibited TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and TNF-α/JNK signaling pathways. In conclusion, our data demonstrated that Sch C significantly ameliorated PF in vivo and vitro, which may play an important role by reducing ECM deposition and inhibiting the production of LOX.