bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of essential genes for Acanthamoeba castellanii excystation during encystation and excystation
Authors: Kim Min-Jeong , Jo Hye-Jeong , Quan Fu-Shi , Chu Ki Back , Kong Hyun-Hee , Moon Eun-Kyung
Published: November 2024

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.
Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in HIV: The Unseen Impact of Visceral Fat
Authors: Roberts Eleanor
Published: November 2024

While modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) for people with HIV (PWH) increases life expectancy, there is still an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population. As one factor associated with this increased risk is excess visceral abdominal fat (EVAF), the Visceral Adiposity Measurement and Observations Study (VAMOS) aimed to assess the impact of EVAF on CVD risk in PWH taking modern ART. Participants were grouped according to visceral adipose tissue (VAT) surface area <130 cm2 (non-EVAF group) or ≥130 cm2 (EVAF group), quantified by CT scan. Findings presented at IDWeek 2024 revealed significant differences between EVAF and non-EVAF groups in 10-year atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk score, as well as many of their individual components. VAMOS also showed correlations between increasing VAT surface area and increasing 10-year ASCVD risk score and insulin resistance measures. Accordingly, VAT may represent a targetable factor to reduce ASCVD risk. Also shown was an inverse relationship between growth hormone (GH) levels and VAT surface area. As GH reductions related to obesity are associated with elevated CVD risk, increasing GH levels may consequently reduce ASCVD risk score. Analysis of two Phase III trials of the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue tesamorelin, which can significantly reduce VAT in PWH, was also presented at IDWeek 2024. A significant overall trend in 10-year ASCVD risk score reduction was shown in tesamorelin-treated participants, around half of which were already taking lipid lowering therapies. This suggests a benefit of targeting and reducing EVAF to further impact ASCVD risk.
Casos sospechosos de violencia de género e intrafamiliar con violencia psicológica notificados al Sistema de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila), Colombia, 2021
Authors: González Sarmiento Nidza Fernanda
Published: November 2024

Introducción: la violencia de género e intrafamiliar es una problemática en salud pública que afecta principalmente a mujeres, niñas, niños y adolescentes. Es uno de los tipos de violencia que no suele ser identificada con facilidad por parte de la víctima o del personal de la salud por lo cual no se realiza la atención oportuna e integral de la víctima, lo que puede conllevar a afectaciones en la salud mental y física y/o a la presentación de otras formas de violencia. El objetivo del estudio fue describir el comportamiento de la notificación de los casos sospechosos de violencia de género e intrafamiliar.
Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal, a partir de los casos sospechosos de violencia de género e intrafamiliar con violencia psicológica notificados al Sivigila en 2021.
Resultados: en 2021 se notificaron 11 545 casos sospechosos de violencia psicológica, con una tasa de notificación de 22,6 casos por 100 000 habitantes. Los departamentos de Cundinamarca, Huila, Antioquia, Quindío y Amazonas tuvieron las mayores tasas de notificación y el 62,0 % (7 139) de los casos ocurrieron en las entidades territoriales de Antioquia, Cundinamarca y Bogotá D. C. El 85,3 % (9 846) de las víctimas fueron mujeres, el 41,0 % (4 728) pertenecía al régimen contributivo; en el 33,1 % (3 827) de los casos el agresor fue la pareja y en el 85,4 % (9 863) el escenario donde se presentó la violencia fue la vivienda.
Conclusión: se presentó con mayor frecuencia en mujeres y el grupo de edad más afectado fue el de 29 a 59 años, la disminución de la notificación de casos en 2020 y su posterior aumento en 2021 puede estar relacionado con la accesibilidad de las víctimas a los servicios de salud.
Fecal Loading Evaluation by Two Radiological Scores: Comparisons between Functional Constipation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Constipation in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Hercos Gabriela Nascimento , de Assis Carvalho Mary , Dias Juliana Tedesco , de Jesus Carine Dias Ferreira , Machado Nilton Carlos
Published: November 2024

Aim: Compare fecal loading (FL) using Leech and Starreveld methods in children and adolescents with functional constipation (FC) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C).

Methods: Single-center, observational, retrospective, cross-sectional study of consecutive cases referred with unresponsive constipation. Inclusion criteria: FC and IBS-C, according to the Rome IV Criteria, age between 4 and 15 years old. Exclusion criteria: underlying chronic disorders, no medication during the two weeks preceding the radiography. Data collection is executed from electronic medical records. Before the analysis, two pediatric gastroenterologists discussed the methods to ensure an accurate evaluation. The scores were applied to the entire colon.

Results: 114 children/adolescents were divided into the FC group (59 patients) and the IBS-C group (55 patients). Baseline characteristics highlight the more prevalent duration of symptoms and painful defecation in FC and female sex, defecation frequency, and abdominal pain in IBS-C. There is a high level of agreement between the two pediatric gastroenterologists in their assessment of FL for both FC and IBS-C, indicating the reliability of the methods. The FL scores in FC were higher than IBS-C, Leech (p<0.001), and Starreveld (p<0.002). The Leech proportion of positive score was FC (93%) and IBS-C (78%), and Starreveld, FC (95%) and IBS-C (89%). Results underscore the effectiveness of the methods in identifying FL. However, in the comparison of the proportion of positive results, FC was higher than IBS-C using only Leech (p<0.02) with Sensitivity (0.93) and Specificity (0.21), and the Starreveld method does not differentiate FC and IBS-C (p=0.30).

Conclusions: FC and IBS-C effectively identify groups with differences in FL. Notably, IBS-C had a significantly lower FL score than FC. Thus, the simplicity, low cost, and applicability of the Leech and the Starreveld for observing the FL and gas distribution in the colonic segments may permit better therapeutic planning.
Factores que contribuyen a la sostenibilidad económica de las experiencias de innovación social presentes en el departamento del Cauca - Colombia
Authors: Ordoñez Erazo Luis Esteban
Published: November 2024

El texto tiene como objetivo principal determinar los factores internos que contribuyen a la sostenibilidad económica de las experiencias de innovación social en contextos latinoamericanos, centrándose en el departamento del Cauca, Colombia. Se aborda el desafío de asegurar la sostenibilidad económica en estas experiencias, destacando la importancia de obtener recursos sin comprometer la esencia colectiva. Se incluye una revisión bibliografía para identificar los distintos factores que influyen en la sostenibilidad económica y se ratifican mediante su análisis en dos experiencias de innovación social, permitiendo el establecimiento de una estrategia sustentada en modelos de negocios que incluya componentes comunitarios, de mercado y no relacionados con el mercado, donde factores como el liderazgo, asociatividad, empoderamiento comunitario y desarrollo del capital humano y relacional son sumamente fundamentales. De esta forma, el articulo proporciona perspectivas para alcanzar la sostenibilidad económica y sugiere futuras exploraciones en áreas como la sostenibilidad ambiental y social.
La cooperación entre la Economía social y la Empresa convencional en las políticas de la Unión Europea: oportunidad para ampliar el acceso de la Economía social a los mercados
Authors: Vela-Micoulaud Gabriel
Published: November 2024

En los últimos años, la economía social ha experimentado un creciente reconocimiento a nivel europeo e internacional. Sin embargo, a pesar de los avances, persisten necesidades para desarrollar su potencial, especialmente en términos de aumentar su participación en los mercados.
Para abordar este desafío, la Comisión Europea, a través de la adopción del Plan de Acción Europeo para la Economía Social (PAES) en 2021, ha propuesto fomentar la colaboración entre entidades de economía social y empresas tradicionales. Esta estrategia busca promover prácticas que integren a la economía social en las cadenas de suministro y valor a largo plazo de empresas tradicionales.
Este artículo se centrará en examinar el acceso de las entidades de economía social a los mercados mediante alianzas con empresas convencionales. Con este propósito, se llevará a cabo un análisis del estado actual de estas relaciones, se identificarán las motivaciones principales que impulsan la colaboración entre estos actores, se explorarán prácticas ejemplares recientes, y finalmente, se evaluarán posibles riesgos o amenazas inherentes al establecimiento de estas alianzas.
Cooperativas y sostenibilidad: revisión sistemática de un área emergente
Authors: Hernández Muñoz Valentina , Monzón Campos José Luis , Torres Ortega Jorge
Published: November 2024

Este artículo proporciona una revisión sistemática realizada con la metodología PRISMA y un estudio bibliométrico sobre el estado del arte de las cooperativas en el contexto de la sostenibilidad, explorando cómo se ha desarrollado el campo a través del tiempo. Esta técnica de investigación es relevante para la identificación de conceptos claves y emergentes, permitiendo delimitar las brechas y desafíos para el campo de estudio. Se logra observar distintas aristas del cooperativismo y como se ha ido vinculando con las diferentes ramas enlazadas a la sostenibilidad, en los primeros periodos más enfocado en un aspecto medioambiental, pero luego transformándose a un concepto que integra dimensiones sociales y organizacionales. Mediante el análisis de literatura y ejemplos específicos, el estudio mapea el panorama actual, los estudios más relevantes y sintetiza la principal contribución.
Finalmente, se sugieren direcciones futuras de investigación para promover un entendimiento más profundo de la relación entre cooperativas y sostenibilidad. Este estudio busca contribuir al desarrollo sostenible, identificando como la Economía Social a través del sector cooperativo ha implementado prácticas y acciones que han permitido enfrentar los desafíos globales actuales.
El BIG DATA, la digitalización y la Inteligencia Artificial Generativa. Aplicaciones en la financiación de la entidades del Tercer sector.
Authors: Gómez Álvarez Juan Jesús
Published: November 2024

La digitalización, el big data y la Inteligencia Artificial han revolucionado todas las áreas de nuestras vidas, desde la comunicación, el trabajo, la cultura, el arte, las relaciones interpersonales o el ocio. Por ello, consideramos que estas herramientas pueden tener un impacto positivo en el Tercer Sector, cuyo problema endémico es, entre otros, la escasez de financiación. Para ello, se llevará a cabo un estudio sobre las implicaciones de la big data, los avances de la digitalización en el Tercer Sector, los usos e implicaciones de los Customer Relationship Managment (CRM) y de la Inteligencia Artificial generativa orientada a la financiación de estas entidades. Paralelamente, en materia de regulación, se abordarán algunas de las principales medidas que se están implementando desde la Unión Europea, entre las que podemos destacar el Reglamento Europeo de Inteligencia Artificial, el Reglamento de Gobernanza de Datos y el Reglamento de Datos.
Bibliometric Analysis of Lean Six Sigma in social economy
Authors: Letzkus Saavedra Alexander , Letzkus Palavecino Manuel
Published: November 2024

This study undertook a bibliometric analysis to explore the intersection of Lean Six Sigma methodologies and the social economy, an area previously unexamined in scholarly research. Utilizing the Scopus database, a comprehensive search identified 204 articles spanning 47 terms related to Lean Six Sigma and 12 terms associated with the social economy. The research employed advanced bibliometric tools, VOSviewer and Bibliometrix, and analytical techniques such as co-authorship, citation analysis, co-citation and co-occurrence, and thematic evolution analysis, providing a nuanced understanding of the domain's intellectual structure and thematic trajectory. Despite the extensive literature on Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, the analysis highlighted a significant gap in studies integrating these operational efficiency tools within the social economy context. The conclusion emphasizes the need for future research to focus on merging operational efficiency with social value creation, proposing comparative studies to address the barriers to effective interdisciplinary collaboration and integrate these strategies within the social economy frameworks more robustly.
La sostenibilidad de las iniciativas ambientales solidarias en Colombia bajo el marco de los principios del diseño de Elinor Ostrom
Authors: Casas Cuestas Michel , Álvarez Juan Fernando
Published: November 2024

Colombia ha iniciado su proceso de participación en los proyectos ambientales de la agenda global de las Naciones Unidas para la mitigación del cambio climático y la protección de la biodiversidad. Por ello las organizaciones del sector solidario han formulado proyectos buscando alinearse con los programas regionales y propender por el liderazgo en el desarrollo rural a través de las iniciativas ambientales solidarias. Entre ellas se encuentran las organizaciones Canapro Ambiental, Cooperación Verde y Cootregua por su participación y acompañamiento a los proyectos ambientales locales, las cuales son el foco del presente estudio que ha identificado los elementos comunes relacionados a los principios del diseño organizacional planteados por Elinor Ostrom. Con lo anterior fue posible corroborar la relevancia de los principios del diseño organizacional como metodología de valoración cualitativa para las iniciativas ambientales solidarias, en favor de los objetivos de la sostenibilidad y la gobernanza en los horizontes del largo plazo, así como la formulación de las variables de evaluación institucional.
Evaluation of cryptococcal antigen testing using a novel chemiluminescence assay in two medical centers of China
Authors: Tang Zhuo-Yun , Xu Ping , Wang Zhong-Hao , Wang Ting-Ting , Zhou Dan , Ao Ke-Ping , Song Hua-Feng , Yin Xiao-Yun , Li Dong-Dong
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of innovative Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) in testing Cryptococcal Antigen (CrAg) across two medical centers, employing the FDA-approved CrAg Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) by IMMY as a reference standard.

Methods

The study encompassed patients diagnosed with cryptococcosis at West China Hospital of Sichuan University (HX) between July 2022 and May 2023, and Suzhou Fifth People’s Hospital (SZ) from September 2020 to September 2023. All specimens underwent simultaneous detection using the LFA (IMMY, Norman, USA) and CLIA (Chuanglan, Suzhou, China).

Results

A total of 628 patients were enrolled, revealing a remarkable 99.20% concordance between LFA and CLIA (623/628, 99.20%). The LFA exhibited a sensitivity of 96.83% (244/252) and specificity of 98.35% (179/182). Among the 42 patients with unaltered CrAg titers, the changes of Signal-to-Cut-Off ratio (ΔS/CO) results exhibited a noteworthy discrepancy, with 71.43% (30/42) demonstrating a decreasing trend in ΔS/CO of at least 10%.

Conclusions

The CLIA method demonstrated commendable specificity and sensitivity, exhibiting a high level of agreement with the FDA-approved LFA method. Additionally, CLIA demonstrated superior utility for treatment monitoring compared to LFA, offering continuous insight into the fluctuation of CrAg concentrations.
Terpenoids as principal bioactive compound of Cissampelos oppositifolia essential oils: enhancing synergistic efficacy with conventional antibiotics
Authors: Zhao Kexin , Jiang Yurong , Dev Kamal , He Xin , Sharma Vipasha , Pang Xinli
Published: November 2024

Background

The rise of antibiotic resistance imposes the search for novel antimicrobial strategies as natural products or its combination with antibiotics. This study investigates the synergistic effects of terpenoids from Cissampelos oppositifolia (C. oppositifolia) essential oil in combination with antibiotics against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The aims were to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy, analyze functional group modifications and assess molecular interaction.

Methods

Essential oil was extracted from C. oppositifolia by hydro-distillation. The EO was analyzed for terpenoid content via Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration determinations (MIC) by broth dilution followed by bactericidal essay (Time-killing). FTIR and UV spectroscopy were employed to detect functional group modifications in terpenoid-antibiotic combinations. Molecular docking studies assessed interaction energies between terpenoids and antibiotics.

Results

TLC identified α-pinene, δ-carene, and caryophyllene in the EO. δ-Carene exhibited the highest synergy with antibiotics, showing the lowest MIC of 0.04 mg/mL against S. aureus ATCC-43300 and 0.05 mg/mL against E. coli MTCC-739. Time-kill assays demonstrated that α-pinene, δ-carene, and caryophyllene achieved complete bacterial eradication by 4 hours in combination with amoxicillin against E. coli, and by 2 hours against S. aureus in combination with erythromycin. FTIR analysis revealed peak shifts at 1599, 1774, and 2259 cm−1 for amoxicillin + α-pinene, and new peaks at 1648 and 1287 cm−1 for δ-carene + erythromycin. UV spectra indicated potential complex formations. Docking studies showed δ-carene’s strong interaction with erythromycin and amoxicillin, with interaction energies of -96.10 and -87.75 kcal/mol, respectively.

Conclusion

Terpenoids from C. oppositifolia enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of antibiotics. Functional group modifications and complex formations suggest that these interactions may contribute to synergistic effects. These findings support the potential use of terpenoid-antibiotic combinations in overcoming antibiotic resistance and warrant further investigation into their mechanisms of action.
Prevalence of respiratory pathogens among hospitalised patients with acute respiratory infection during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Shijiazhuang, China
Authors: Zheng Pan-pan , Zhao Ya-nan , Wang Zhi-kai , Wang Min-zhen , Li Rong , Zhang Jing , Li Nan , Zhang Zi-feng , Rong Rui-juan , Sun Yi-chan , Liu Zan-chao
Published: November 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have led to changes in the epidemiology of other respiratory pathogens. This study was conducted to explore the epidemiological characteristics of 13 respiratory pathogens, including 11 respiratory viruses and 2 non-classical microorganisms, in hospitalised patients with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) and to compare the prevalence of respiratory pathogens during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a single-centre retrospective study involving 8979 patients with ARTIs in Shijiazhuang City from December 2019 to December 2023. The GeXP analysis platform and multiple reverse transcription–PCR (mRT–PCR) technology were used to simultaneously detect 13 respiratory pathogens. The ARIMA model was constructed to predict the pathogen detection rate in each quarter of Shijiazhuang City in the next 2 y.

Results

Among the 8979 patients, 4169 (46.43%) tested positive for respiratory pathogens. The total pathogen detection rate rebounded in the year after the COVID-19 pandemic. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the positive rates in men were slightly higher than those in women and the positive rates in spring and winter were significantly higher than those in summer. The dominant pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic were Influenza A viru (InfA; 24.08%) and Human Rhinovirus (HRV; 21.77%), and after the COVID-19 pandemic were InfA (27.92%) and H3 (21.17%). During the COVID-19 pandemic, InfA and HRV frequently occurred in all age groups. After the COVID-19 pandemic, InfA and Seasonal Influenza virus H3N2 (H3) frequently occurred in all age groups.

Conclusions

A series of NPIs introduced by the Chinese government during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on acute upper respiratory pathogenic infections. After the withdrawal of the NPIs, the spectrum of respiratory pathogens changed.
Transplanting interventions could help conserve the living fossil Athrotaxis cupressoides under fire regimes induced by climate change
Authors: French Ben J. , Prior Lynda D. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Pencil pine (Athrotaxis cupressoides) is an iconic, paleoendemic tree restricted to historic fire refugia in Tasmania’s western mountains. Anthropogenic climate change is increasingly exposing these areas to wildfire. Given that pencil pines have little capacity to recover from fire, and show scarce natural recruitment across their core range, they will be lost from many areas without interventions to restore population viability to burnt stands.

Methods

We conducted a large-scale field study targeting pencil pine stands burnt in recent (2016) and historic (1960) fires. Using small (0.5 m2) experimental plots distributed across a range of topography and vegetation, we trialled three interventions: i) protecting groups of naturally germinated seedlings from herbivores in situ (35 plots); ii) introducing seeds via multiple sowing methods (300 plots); and iii) transplanting tube stock propagated from seed or cutting material, with and without herbivore protection (1007 plots).

Results

We found that protecting natural germinants from herbivores did not prevent seedling mortality over 2.5 years, and sowing interventions largely failed. Most transplants exposed to herbivores failed to establish after 1.5 years, but establishment rates were high with herbivore exclusion, indicating strong predation by native macropod herbivores. Transplant establishment also varied with fine-scale topography, with the best outcomes in well-drained and Sphagnum dominated positions, and the worst outcomes in poorly-drained positions, suggesting young pencil pines are sensitive to waterlogging. Transplant establishment rates varied little between recently and historically burnt sites, and were insensitive to how plants were propagated.

Discussion

In summary, transplanting tube stock with herbivore protection is a promising method for restoring burnt pencil pine stands, and establishment rates can be improved by selecting favourable planting positions at fine scales. Our findings suggest pencil pine stands burnt decades previously are suitable for restoration. Managers seeking to conserve pencil pines may begin restoring both historically and recently burnt stands, alongside protecting unburned stands from fire. Interventions should be refined through adaptive management, including re-surveys of this long-term trial.
Association between urinary cadmium levels and prevalence of coronary artery disease: NHANES cross-sectional study (2009–2018)
Authors: Ma Xuhui , Yang Yang , Jiang Qingjun
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aims to sheds light on the correlation between urinary cadmium (Cd-U) exposure and coronary heart disease (CHD) and the mediating effects of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) based on a sample of adults in the United States.

Methods

A comprehensive cross-sectional study was performed on 8,998 CHD participants who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 to 2018. Weighted logistic regression was employed to elucidate the association between Cd-U and the likelihood of CHD. We investigated the link of Cd-U exposure to the prevalence of CHD using limited cubic spline models to analyze the exposure-dose relationship. In addition, mediation analyses were conducted to explore the role of serum ALP in metal exposure-induced CHD.

Results

8,998 participants were included, and 323 among them were diagnosed with CHD. Our study found that elevated levels of Cd-U in U.S. are linked to a heightened likelihood of CHD. Additionally, there is a non-linear positive correlation between Cd-U and CHD, and a saturation effect was observed. Further mediation analysis revealed that the association between Cd-U and CHD prevalence was mediated through serum ALP mellitus, with the mediation percentage being 2.5% (P value <0.05).

Conclusions

Our study indicates a strong association between the levels of Cd-U exposure in urine and the likelihood of CHD, with serum ALP serving as a mediator.
Exercise intolerance in patients with chronic coronary syndrome: insights from exercise stress echocardiography
Authors: Zhu Wei-wei , Tian Run-Yu , Guo Di-chen , Lin Ming-ming , Cai Qi-zhe , Qin Yun-yun , Ding Xue-yan , Lv Xiu-zhang
Published: November 2024

Aims

This study applied exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) to identify risk factors associated with exercise intolerance in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).

Methods and results

90 CCS patients underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test and ESE, assessing exercise capacity, left ventricular systolic and diastolic function, and systolic reserve. The patients were divided into two groups according to the percentage of predicted oxygen consumption (VO2) at peak (≥85%, normal exercise tolerance group; <85%, exercise intolerant group). The left ventricular ejection fraction, average mitral valve S’, and left ventricular global longitudinal strain were lower in the exercise intolerant group than in the normal group, but no significant differences were observed in myocardial work parameters at rest. The average mitral valve E/e’, EDVi/E/e’, and proportion of abnormal diastolic function at the peak were higher in the exercise intolerant group than in the normal group. Moreover, the ΔSVi and flow reserve were lower, but the Δaverage mitral valve E/e’ was higher in the exercise-intolerant group. From univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, only peak EDVi/E/e’ and ΔSVi correlated independently with exercise intolerance in CCS patients. With cutoff values of 8.64 ml/m2 for peak EDVi/E/e’ and 12.17 ml/m2 for ΔSVi, the combination of these factors had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.906 (95% confidence interval, 0.820–0.960) for the prediction of exercise intolerance in CCS patients.

Conclusion

Hemodynamic changes during exercise in CCS patients were effectively evaluated using ESE. An elevated peak EDVi/E/e’ and a decreased ΔSVi are independent risk factors for exercise intolerance in patients with CCS.
Sex modifies association between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease mortality among US adult with hypertension: a national population-based cohort
Authors: Chen Zhiqiang , Rao Jingan , Fan Weiguo , Wu Zuxiang , Shi Yumeng , Wu Yingxing , Hu Huan , Cheng Xiaoshu , Li Ping
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between dietary sodium intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in hypertensive American adults.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted to examine the association between dietary sodium intake, as estimated by a single 24-h dietary recall from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2012), and mortality data obtained from the National Death Index.

Results

This study included 12,236 adults with hypertension, with 837 CVD-related deaths identified over a median follow-up period of 10.3 years. A nonlinear association between dietary sodium intake and CVD mortality was observed. The inflection point of the curve occurred at a sodium intake level of 2.07 g/day. Below this threshold, higher sodium intake was associated with a reduced risk of CVD mortality, though the association was not statistically significant after full adjustment (aHR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.58–1.05). In contrast, sodium intake above 2.07 g/day was significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality (aHR: 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02–1.23). The log-likelihood ratio test yielded a P-value of 0.04. This J-shaped association was observed exclusively in females, not males. Among females, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% CI) were 0.65 (0.42, 0.99) below and 1.29 (1.11, 1.53) above the inflection point (P for log-likelihood ratio test = 0.009).

Conclusions

In American adults with hypertension, dietary sodium intake exceeding 2.07 g/day was significantly associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality, while intake below this threshold was not significantly linked to mortality risk. Additionally, a sex-specific effect of dietary sodium intake on CVD mortality was observed, showing a J-shaped relationship exclusively in females, with no such association found in males.
Transcatheter ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia in children and congenital heart disease in the era of 3D mapping
Authors: Drago Fabrizio , Flore Francesco , Raimondo Cristina , Pandozi Claudio
Published: November 2024

Atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is a common supraventricular tachycardia in children and congenital heart disease (CHD) patients. Nowadays, in large enough children, chronic treatment for symptomatic and recurrent AVNRT episodes relies on transcatheter ablation. Indeed, many three-dimensional (3D) mapping strategies and ablation techniques have been developed and it helped to increase success rates and to reduce complications. Therefore, this study aimed to perform an updated comprehensive review of the available literature regarding contemporary management of AVNRT in children. A literature search was performed using Google Scholar, PubMed, Springer, Ovid, and Science Direct. We found that in recent times many investigations have demonstrated that 3D mapping systems allow to localize more precisely the ablation substrate, with minimal use of fluoroscopy. The most frequently employed mapping strategies are the low-voltage bridge strategy together with the search for the SP potential and the Sinus Rhythm Propagation Map with the identification of areas of Wave Collision or Pivot Points. For transcatheter ablation in pediatric settings, radiofrequency (RF) ablation was first used in the 1990s, while cryoablation was introduced in 2003 and nowadays represents the most used energy for AVNRT ablation in this population. Indeed, its specific features, such as reversible cryomapping, cryoadhesion and the precision in lesion delivery, made this technique very appealing to decrease complications and fluoroscopy time. As regards AVNRT in CHD patients, it represents the third most common form of arrhythmia in children with CHD. However, in this subgroup ablation remains challenging and experience limited, since anatomy may be atypical and the areas of ablation less predictable or less accessible.
Association between residual cholesterol and sarcopenia in American adults
Authors: Li Jianzhao , Lin Yuning
Published: November 2024

Background

Remnant cholesterol (RC) is a novel lipid metabolism indicator; however, its relationship with sarcopenia has not been clearly established. This study was conducted to explore the association between RC and sarcopenia.

Methods

An analysis was performed utilizing cross-sectional data from the NHANES 2011–2018. The variable RC was subjected to a logarithmic transformation to address its skewness. Logistic regression studies were conducted to examine the association between RC and sarcopenia. This study used restricted cubic spline (RCS) and threshold saturation techniques to investigate nonlinear connections. Subgroup, sensitivity, and additional analyses were performed to assess the robustness and validity of the findings.

Results

The study included 4636 participants. Participants with sarcopenia had significantly higher RC levels. Logistic regression demonstrated a substantial positive association between the prevalence of sarcopenia and log RC (OR=1.69, 95% CI=1.32-2.17). RCS analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship, identifying a threshold at RC=25. When the RC is below this threshold, every one-unit increase in RC increases the chance of sarcopenia by 7% (OR=1.07, 95% CI=1.04-1.10); above this threshold, changes in RC were not significant. Subgroup analysis confirmed that RC was an independent risk factor for sarcopenia. The sensitivity and supplementary analyses supported the main findings.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a significant positive association between RC levels and the prevalence of sarcopenia in U.S. adults, offering novel evidence that RC may serve as a valuable indicator for sarcopenia assessment.
International tourism carbon footprint and carbon transfer along the belt and road regions
Authors: Shi Hong , Liu Qijuan , Yan Ruyu , Li Taohong , Chen Ning Chris , Ren Yun
Published: November 2024

It is increasingly urgent to constantly monitor and analyze the carbon emission of international tourism activities. This paper focuses on countries and regions along the Belt and Road (B&R), utilizes the MRIO model to approximate international tourism carbon footprint (ITCT), and analyzes the patterns of carbon transfer. Panel model is further applied to discuss the effects of various influencing factors. The results show that: 1) in 2015, ITCT along the B&R accounts for approximately 40.74% of global carbon emission of the year; 2) ITCT along the B&R experienced continuous growth from 2005 to 2015, with an annual growth rate of 3.22%; 3) individual income level, urbanization, and air passenger volume in the countries along the B&R has positive impact on ITCT, which varies according to the income level of the country. The results are of significance for countries and regions along the B&R to formulate future policies for tourism development.
Impact of different types of nitrogen and phosphorus compound fertilizers on maize yield and drip emitter clogging using secondary sewage effluent
Authors: Hao Fengzhen , Liu Zihui , Zhen Zhilei , Wang Zhen
Published: November 2024

Phosphorus (P) is a key nutrient for crop growth and yield. The use of drip irrigation systems to apply phosphate fertilizer may enhance the migration distance and improve usage rates. However, emitter clogging poses a substantial challenge to phosphorus drip irrigation systems. In this study, we evaluated the influences of the phosphorus fertilizer type on soil-available phosphorus (P), plant growth, yield, and drip emitter clogging. Experiments were conducted in both seasons using different phosphorus fertilizers, including urea phosphate (UP, F1), monoammonium phosphate (MAP, F2), and a combination of urea phosphate and monoammonium phosphate (UP + MAP, F3). A treatment without phosphate fertigation (F0) was used as the control. Applying phosphorus fertilizers enhanced soil-available P content, increased plant height, and improved the leaf area index (LAI) to a larger extent than those without P fertilizer. This promoted photosynthesis and increased the dry matter mass, plant P and N uptake, and aboveground plant biomass. The maximum yield of 14,764.2 and 14,778.2 kg ha−1 was obtained under urea phosphate (F1) and monoammonium phosphate (F2) in 2022 and 2023 seasons, respectively. Phosphorus fertilization changes the composition and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities in the emitter biofilm. Urea phosphate and monoammonium phosphate increased the abundance of Proteobacteria and decreased the abundance of Acidobacteriota. Acidobacteriota was strongly positively correlated with extracellular protein, whereas Proteobacteria was negatively correlated with extracellular polysaccharides, extracellular protein, and extracellular polymer. The content of extracellular polymer and solid particles decreased by 30.1%–42.0% and 39.8%–79.7%, respectively, inducing a higher relative emitter discharge for the treatment with phosphorus fertilizers. Acidic phosphorus fertilizers, such as urea phosphate and monoammonium phosphate, can maintain the high performance of drip irrigation and produce high crop yield.
Intra-tumoral lymphocyte scoring in colorectal cancer: improving prognostic utility and correlation with underlying cancer biology
Authors: Wagner Patrick L. , Xie Jianwu , Flaherty Devin C. , Park Hyun , Knotts Chelsea , Debelius Justine , Tilves Curtis , Dadgar Neda , Xiao Kunhong , Zaidi Ali H. , Acevedo Louis Gil , LaFramboise William , Zhao Ni , Sears Cynthia , Mueller Noel
Published: November 2024

Background

Intra-tumoral lymphocytes hold prognostic and predictive significance in colorectal cancer (CRC). The internationally validated Immunoscore™ predicts CRC survival risk by averaging percentile scores of tumor-associated CD3+ and CD8+ cell densities, but is limited by increased cost, intra-tumoral heterogeneity and omission of other immunologic variables of importance. To address these limitations, we sought to explore alternative prognostic markers based on CD3+ and CD8+ quantification in CRC.

Methods

201 resected CRCs were subjected to quantitative CD3/CD8 immunohistochemistry, from which percentile cell counts were averaged (“I-score”) in a manner analogous to the Immunoscore™. I-score and exploratory endpoints, including CD3+ and CD8+ cell densities/percentiles, CD3+-CD8+ density/percentile differences, and CD3+:CD8+ density/percentile ratios were tested for association with clinicopathologic and genomic correlates and disease-specific survival (DSS).

Results

CD3+ density among CRCs was right-skewed and potentially bimodal, while CD8+ density was right-skewed. Density and intra-tumoral variability for CD3+ and CD8+, as well as combination metrics including I-score, CD3+-CD8+ density/percentile differences, and CD3+-CD8+ density/percentile ratios showed distinct clinicopathologic and genomic associations, suggesting that each may hold unique biological significance. CD3+ density, CD8+ density/percentile, I-score and CD3+:CD8+ percentile ratio were associated with DSS; only CD3+:CD8+ percentile ratio was pTNM stage-independent on multivariable analysis. Independently, CD8+ density was as prognostic as I-score, questioning the necessity of CD3, or a combination metric.

Conclusions

I-score, in our study, was closely associated with potentially confounding biologic variables such as sex, active smoking, pTNM stage, and mutations in BRAF, and MMR genes. More precise and biologically relevant biomarkers can be achieved by using data-driven CD3+/CD8+ density cutoffs and ratios, while controlling for important clinicopathologic and molecular variables in CRC. Independent validation and inclusion of other relevant immunocyte types could bring these findings closer to clinical utility in CRC.
Social media provides support and education for pregnant people when healthcare does not
Authors: Faro Elissa Z. , Santillan Donna A. , Funk Meghan L. , Boeldt Kara , Santillan Mark K.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The use of social media for health-related reasons is growing, but there is a dearth of research on the mechanisms of support provided. Understanding how social media groups work could improve communications between providers and patients. Preeclampsia (PreE) is a hypertensive disease of pregnancy that has short- and long-term physical and psychosocial effects. The Preeclampsia, Eclampsia & HELLP Syndrome Survivors Global Support Network (PEHSS) Facebook group is an online, international, moderated support group that provides evidence-based information and community support. Our study aimed to (1) characterize the forms of social support and types of information sought and provided from the perspective of the group moderators and members, and (2) describe group members' experiences of patient care. We triangulated interview and survey findings to identify gaps in care, ultimately to inform in improvements in care delivery.

Methods

We began with 30–45-minute semi-structured interviews with PEHSS moderators exploring experiences and perceptions of membership; preliminary findings were member-checked with additional moderators. Interviews were analyzed using template and matrix analysis. Based on emergent themes, we conducted an online, validated patient experience survey with PEHSS members that was analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Emotional and social support, mental health, resources and education, and personal health advocacy emerged as major themes in the 12 interviews. 1,148 PEHSS members responded to the survey. 68% of survey participants wanted to be more involved in the decisions about their care and treatment and over 30% felt they were not informed about danger signals post discharge while approximately half reported always feeling treated with respect and dignity while in the hospital. Geographic analysis showed differences in experiences of communication with providers within and outside the US.

Discussion

The triangulated results from interviews and surveys indicated a need for better communication with providers and the ability for patients to have more input on their care. The survey results indicate a global issue in providing support for people with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy during their hospitalization. The needs currently supported through communities on social media highlight opportunities to address critical gaps in care.
Research trend and hotspots of polycystic ovary syndrome with depression from 1993 to 2024: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Xie Jing , Cao Yi , Wen Qian , Song Xuxia , Shi Yuanyuan , Gao Xia
Published: November 2024

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common endocrine disorder, affects women of reproductive age, and its adverse consequences affect women throughout their lifespan, from adolescence to postmenopause. The prevalence of depression is much higher in women with PCOS than in healthy controls. Thus, it is recommended that depressive syndrome be screened routinely in all patients with PCOS at diagnosis. To date, no comprehensive bibliometric analysis has been conducted in this field. Therefore, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to describe the current status, trends, and hotspots of PCOS research related to depression.

Materials and methods

Using data retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database from 1993 to 2024, bibliometric analyses were performed using WoS and CiteSpace software.

Results

Since the first paper was published in 1993, studies related to PCOS and depression have remained rare in the following decade. Since the establishment of the Rotterdam criteria in 2003, research on the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of PCOS with depressive syndrome has entered a booming period. The United States and Australia indisputably took leading positions in this area, with the most outstanding institutions in the world being the University of Pennsylvania and Monash University. Although achievements have flourished since 2003, the exact pathogenesis of PCOS remains uncertain owing to its heterogeneity. New research is rapidly increasing to fill these gaps and to push forward the goal of improving the quality of life in women with PCOS and depression. Along with progress in research, the world's leading societies organize conferences every 5 years to update guidelines for the assessment and management of PCOS. “Oxidative stress,” “inflammation,” “obstructive sleep apnea,” “gut microbiota,” and “single nucleotide polymorphism” appeared as new hotspots in the recent 5 years.

Conclusion

A bibliometric analysis was performed to describe the trends and hotspots of research in women with PCOS and depression to attract the attention of more researchers to this topic.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/basic-search.
Long COVID symptoms 6 months after acute infection among people living with HIV and people not living with HIV
Authors: Li Qin , Ma Yijie , He Peng , Chen Dongqiong , Zhang Tingrui , Wang Xiaoying , Xu Ying , Li Peiming , Wen Weibo , Wang Zefeng
Published: November 2024

Background

Chronic viral infections, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and their reactivation are considered potential contributing factors to Long-Corona Virus Disease (LC). However, research on the long-term sequelae of Long-COVID in individuals with HIV is limited.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study involving a total of 84 participants categorized into two groups: people living with HIV (PLWH) and people not living with HIV (PNLWH) within the six-month post-infection LC population. Differences in sequelae symptoms, cardiovascular biomarkers (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, and ACE2), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 neutralization antibodies (SARS-CoV-2 nAb) and cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-17) were analyzed between the two groups.

Results

After 6 months of infection, PLWH exhibited significantly higher serum levels of ACE2, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1 (P < 0.01, respectively) compared to PNLWH with COVID-19. Additionally, sequelae symptoms were more pronounced in PNLWH, and there were no differences in serum levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 between the two groups (P > 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

PLWH had lower symptoms of LC and reduced frequency of symptoms, increased cardiovascular risk factors, and no differences in levels of inflammation or SARS-CoV-2 nAb levels when compared to PNLWH.