bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A global perspective: characteristics of infertility‐related randomized clinical trials
Authors: Xi Yu , Cao Ya‐Lei , Tao Li‐Yuan , Gao Song‐Zhan , Jin Zi‐Run , Cheng Jian‐Xing , Jiang Hui , Zhang Zhe
Published: January 2024

Background

Infertility is a prevalent global condition, and emerging reproductive technologies may enhance its evaluation and treatment. Understanding the current features of randomized clinical trials in infertility is crucial for improving study design and ensuring the translation of results for patient benefits.

Objectives

To investigate the primary characteristics of randomized clinical trials related to infertility and areas where require improvement.

Materials and methods

We conducted a search on the International Clinical Trials Registry platform for eligible infertility trials between 2003 and 2022. The distribution ratio of various characteristics uploaded by infertility‐related studies on the platform was analyzed and compared according to sex and registration year.

Results

Out of the total trials, 85.3% (1,906) included only women, 8.6% (192) included only men, and 6.1% (136) included couples. The majority of retrieved trials followed a parallel arm design (91.0%) and were non‐industry‐funded (92.2%), with a median planned sample size of 131 patients (interquartile range 75–270). Among these trials, 54.5% (1,217) were conducted in Asia. The most common primary purpose of infertility‐related trials was treatment (88.8%), with over half of the investigated interventions focusing on medication (57.9%).

Discussion

Asia is the leading region for research, and the drug therapy is still widely used and updated. However, support care for infertile couples has also received some preference. Areas that require improvement and promotion include addressing male infertility and focusing on underserved regions like Africa. The results also highlight deficiencies in trial registration and masking methods, emphasizing the need for better regulation and facilitation of infertility trials in the post‐COVID‐19 era.

Conclusion

Based on the current status of infertility RCT studies, greater attention should be paid to infertile men and populations in underdeveloped regions like Africa in future studies, together with a standardized registration and implementation procedures.
Heme‐induced corpus cavernosum relaxation and its implications for priapism in sickle cell disease: a mechanistic insight
Authors: Pereira Dalila Andrade , Pereira Danillo Andrade , Silveira Tammyris Helena Rebecchi , Calmasini Fabiano Beraldi , Burnett Arthur L. , Costa Fernando Ferreira , Silva Fábio Henrique
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) experience intravascular hemolysis, leading to elevated plasma heme levels. This phenomenon has been associated with increased priapism in men with SCD. The heme group can be metabolized by heme oxygenase (HO), generating carbon monoxide (CO), which is known to promote smooth muscle relaxation via soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC)–cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). However, the effects of heme on the relaxation responses of corpus cavernosum (CC) have not been investigated.

Objectives

To evaluate the functional and biochemical effects of the heme group on mouse CC smooth muscle in vitro.

Materials and methods

Male C57BL/6 mice were used. CC tissues were mounted in organ baths. Measurement of cGMP in mice CC was evaluated.

Results

The cumulative addition of heme concentrations promoted the relaxation of CC. HO inhibitor (1J, 100 μM) or sGC inhibitor (ODQ, 10 μM) blocked the relaxing effect of the heme group. Pre‐incubation of CC with heme (100 μM) enhanced relaxation induced by acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and nitrergic relaxation (electrical field stimulation), which was abolished by 1J or ODQ. The heme group increased the cGMP production in CC, which was abolished by 1J or ODQ. cGMP levels were significantly higher in CC treated with heme, and pre‐incubation with compound 1J or ODQ abolished the effect of heme in raising cGMP levels.

Discussion and conclusion

The HO–CO–sGC–cGMP pathway appears to play a crucial role in promoting CC relaxation. Our study provides novel insight into the role of group heme in CC relaxation and its potential contribution to priapism in SCD. Heme may serve as a pharmacological target for new therapies to prevent priapism.
Evaluation and patient experience of wireless noninvasive fetal heart rate monitoring devices
Authors: Eenkhoorn Chantal , Goos Tom G. , Dankelman Jenny , Franx Arie , Eggink Alex J.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In clinical practice, fetal heart rate monitoring is performed intermittently using Doppler ultrasound, typically for 30 minutes. In case of a non‐reassuring heart rate pattern, monitoring is usually prolonged. Noninvasive fetal electrocardiography may be more suitable for prolonged monitoring due to improved patient comfort and signal quality. This study evaluates the performance and patient experience of four noninvasive electrocardiography devices to assess candidate devices for prolonged noninvasive fetal heart rate monitoring.

Material and methods

Non‐critically sick women with a singleton pregnancy from 24 weeks of gestation were eligible for inclusion. Fetal heart rate monitoring was performed during standard care with a Doppler ultrasound device (Philips Avalon‐FM30) alone or with this Doppler ultrasound device simultaneously with one of four noninvasive electrocardiography devices (Nemo Fetal Monitoring System, Philips Avalon‐Beltless, Demcon Dipha‐16 and Dräger Infinity‐M300). Performance was evaluated by: success rate, positive percent agreement, bias, 95% limits of agreement, regression line, root mean square error and visual agreement using FIGO guidelines. Patient experience was captured using a self‐made questionnaire.

Results

A total of 10 women were included per device. For fetal heart rate, Nemo performed best (success rate: 99.4%, positive percent agreement: 94.2%, root mean square error 5.1 BPM, bias: 0.5 BPM, 95% limits of agreement: −9.7 – 10.7 BPM, regression line: y = −0.1x + 11.1) and the cardiotocography tracings obtained simultaneously by Nemo and Avalon‐FM30 received the same FIGO classification. Comparable results were found with the Avalon‐Beltless from 36 weeks of gestation, whereas the Dipha‐16 and Infinity‐M300 performed significantly worse. The Avalon‐Beltless, Nemo and Infinity‐M300 closely matched the performance of the Avalon‐FM30 for maternal heart rate, whereas the performance of the Dipha‐16 deviated more. Patient experience scores were higher for the noninvasive electrocardiography devices.

Conclusions

Both Nemo and Avalon‐Beltless are suitable devices for (prolonged) noninvasive fetal heart rate monitoring, taking their intended use into account. But outside its intended use limit of 36 weeks’ gestation, the Avalon‐Beltless performs less well, comparable to the Dipha‐16 and Infinity‐M300, making them currently unsuitable for (prolonged) noninvasive fetal heart rate monitoring. Noninvasive electrocardiography devices appear to be preferred due to greater comfort and mobility.
Characterizations of uveal melanoma patients with three additional primary malignancies
Authors: Eide Nils Andreas , Faber Rowan Thomas , Garred Øystein , Sørum Falk Ragnhild , Robsahm Trude Eid
Published: January 2024

Purpose

In a population‐based cohort of 960 uveal melanoma (UM) patients, we describe patients with three additional malignancies, including one unique patient with four synchronous primary malignancies.

Method

A descriptive presentation of the clinical course and outcome for UM patients with three additional primary malignancies.

Results

After more than 20 years of follow‐up of the UM cohort, 11 patients (1.1%) were diagnosed with three additional primary malignancies before, simultaneously or after UM. Among these, one patient had four synchronous primary malignancies, detected during workup for a symptomatic UM. All diagnoses were treated during the following 4 months, firstly the breast cancer, thereafter, the lung and pancreatic cancers and finally the UM. The patient died 3 years later of abdominal carcinomatosis due to the pancreatic cancer. The family history and gene testing did not disclose any genetic predisposition for cancer. A comparison of the four synchronous tumours, morphologically and immunohistochemically, showed no similarities and the expression of antibodies was different.

Conclusion

Patients with UM may be diagnosed with non‐ocular additional primary cancers. Thus, a comprehensive workup is obligatory and a further follow‐up of the UM patients seems necessary. The UM is not always the main problem.
Hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel inhibitor in myocardial infarction: Potential benefits beyond heart rate modulation
Authors: Sripusanapan Adivitch , Yanpiset Panat , Sriwichaiin Sirawit , Siri‐Angkul Natthaphat , Chattipakorn Siriporn C. , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: January 2024

Myocardial infarction (MI) and its associated complications including ventricular arrhythmias and heart failure are responsible for a significant incidence of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The ensuing cardiomyocyte loss results in neurohormone‐driven cardiac remodeling, which leads to chronic heart failure in MI survivors. Ivabradine is a heart rate modulation agent currently used in treatment of chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. The canonical target of ivabradine is the hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels (HCN) in cardiac pacemaker cells. However, in post‐MI hearts, HCN can also be expressed ectopically in non‐pacemaker cardiomyocytes. There is an accumulation of intriguing evidence to suggest that ivabradine also possesses cardioprotective effects that are independent of heart rate reduction. This review aims to summarize and discuss the reported cardioprotective mechanisms of ivabradine beyond heart rate modulation in myocardial infarction through various molecular mechanisms including the prevention of reactive oxygen species‐induced mitochondrial damage, improvement of autophagy system, modulation of intracellular calcium cycling, modification of ventricular electrophysiology, and regulation of matrix metalloproteinases.
Experiences of Working‐Age Adults with Depression of Psychodynamic Couple Therapy: A Thematic analysis using a Phenomenological Approach
Authors: Tercelli Ilaria , McPherson Susan , Senra Hugo
Published: January 2024

The current study draws on interviews with service users about their experiences to inform the practice of psychodynamic couple therapy for depression. Five participants, who had received at least six months of psychodynamic couple therapy in London (UK) for the treatment of severe distress and depression, completed a semi‐structured interview. They were recruited using a purposive sampling technique. Data was analysed using a phenomenological approach to thematic analysis. Six themes were identified in relation to participants' experiences of couple therapy. Key aspects highlighted by participants include: the therapist, described as a ‘third person’, became a referee and mediated the communication within the couple, providing a different perspective, enabling a safe environment for reciprocal listening; the process of making links with the past enabled participants to understand their current behaviour as individual and dysfunctional areas as a couple; the therapist's ability to understand the couple as individuals rather than as a unified entity was key; therapist neutrality and capacity to empathise with the couple was valued by participants. The study highlighted the intertwined dynamic between relationship difficulties and depression. Participants were not able to make a clear distinction between these two experiences, and this microcosm may reflect the difficulties that clients face in accessing public services, which have historically held a more individualistic perspective of distress.
Plasma steroid concentrations reflect acute disease severity and normalise during recovery in people hospitalised with COVID‐19
Authors: Devine Kerri , Russell Clark D. , Blanco Giovanny R. , Walker Brian R. , Homer Natalie Z. M. , Denham Scott G. , Simpson Joanna P. , Leavy Olivia C. , Elneima Omer , McAuley Hamish J. C. , Shikotra Aarti , Singapuri Amisha , Sereno Marco , Saunders Ruth M. , Harris Victoria C. , Houchen‐Wolloff Linzy , Greening Neil J. , Lone Nazir I. , Thorpe Mathew , Greenhalf William , Chalmers James D. , Ho Ling‐Pei , Horsley Alex , Marks Michael , Raman Betty , Moore Shona C. , Dunning Jake , Semple Malcolm G. , Andrew Ruth , Wain Louise V. , Evans Rachael A. , Brightling Christopher E. , Kenneth Baillie John , Reynolds Rebecca M. ,   The ISARIC4C Investigators and PHOSP‐COVID Study Collaborative Group
Published: January 2024

Objective

Endocrine systems are disrupted in acute illness, and symptoms reported following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are similar to those found with clinical hormone deficiencies. We hypothesised that people with severe acute COVID‐19 and with post‐COVID symptoms have glucocorticoid and sex hormone deficiencies.

Design/Patients

Samples were obtained for analysis from two UK multicentre cohorts during hospitalisation with COVID‐19 (International Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Consortium/World Health Organisation [WHO] Clinical Characterization Protocol for Severe Emerging Infections in the UK study), and at follow‐up 5 months after hospitalisation (Post‐hospitalisation COVID‐19 study).

Measurements

Plasma steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Steroid concentrations were compared against disease severity (WHO ordinal scale) and validated symptom scores. Data are presented as geometric mean (SD).

Results

In the acute cohort (n = 239, 66.5% male), plasma cortisol concentration increased with disease severity (cortisol 753.3 [1.6] vs. 429.2 [1.7] nmol/L in fatal vs. least severe, p < .001). In males, testosterone concentrations decreased with severity (testosterone 1.2 [2.2] vs. 6.9 [1.9] nmol/L in fatal vs. least severe, p < .001). In the follow‐up cohort (n = 198, 62.1% male, 68.9% ongoing symptoms, 165 [121–192] days postdischarge), plasma cortisol concentrations (275.6 [1.5] nmol/L) did not differ with in‐hospital severity, perception of recovery, or patient‐reported symptoms. Male testosterone concentrations (12.6 [1.5] nmol/L) were not related to in‐hospital severity, perception of recovery or symptom scores.

Conclusions

Circulating glucocorticoids in patients hospitalised with COVID‐19 reflect acute illness, with a marked rise in cortisol and fall in male testosterone. These findings are not observed 5 months from discharge. The lack of association between hormone concentrations and common post‐COVID symptoms suggests steroid insufficiency does not play a causal role in this condition.
Recruiting foster families for teenagers in Italy: Motivational elements, socio‐demographic characteristics and availability factors
Authors: Giordano Marco
Published: January 2024

According to government data, there is a slow decline in foster care in Italy, especially for teenagers, caused by an insufficient number of available foster families. The need to provide an intense stimulus to foster care is evident. This study conducted individual qualitative interviews with 126 foster parents of teenagers, transcribed and analysed using Atlas.ti software. Valuable indications for social services were individuated. The importance of the foster parents' intrinsic motivations and the suggestion for social services to emphasize them in the recruitment campaigns were reaffirmed. The appropriateness of directing the proposal towards foster parents with previous experience in parenting, foster parenting or working with teenagers was also confirmed. Additionally, results revealed that foster parents connected to foster parents' associations/networks and religious groups are preferred. The importance of the relationship between foster parents and social services and suitable support for the ongoing fostering is pivotal. Establishing a relationship based on trust and the diffusion of the foster care invitation through testimonies and word‐of‐mouth was also highlighted. The initiatives promoting spaces and occasions for teens needing foster care and potential candidates for fostering to meet them have promising outcomes.
Using expert knowledge to propose recreational marine reef‐fish management measures in Chile
Authors: Estévez Rodrigo A. , Godoy Natalio , Araya Miguel , Azocar Cristian , de la Barra Christian , Bardi Francisca , Fernández‐Urzúa Francisco , García Marcelo , Hiriart‐Bertrand Luciano , Lomonico Serena , Medina Marianela , Naretto Javier , Ojeda F. Patricio , Pequeño Germán , Ponce Francisco , Pulgar José , Pérez‐Matus Alejandro , Rivera Javier , Smith Andrés , Toro Da Ponte Jorge , Torres‐Cañete Felipe , Vásquez Julio A. , Gelcich Stefan
Published: January 2024

Marine recreational fisheries often lack necessary information to perform assessments and develop sustainable management strategies. In Chile, although reef‐fish fisheries have been signaled as overexploited, there are still no commercial or recreational regulations regarding bans, catch limits, or size limits. We implemented an expert elicitation protocol to propose management measures to regulate recreational reef‐fish harvests of 17 reef‐fish species. Sixteen experts estimated minimum legal sizes, temporal closures, and maximum number of individuals harvested per person per trip (known as “bag limits”). Experts also prioritized management measures for each of 17 reef‐fish species. Maximum number of individuals harvested per person per trip varied between 1 and 7. In addition, permanent bans were recommended for some species, such as acha (Medialuna ancietae), pejeperro (Semicossyphus darwini), and San Pedro (Oplegnathus insignis). We concluded that information gathered through expert elicitation can play a key role to inform data‐poor recreational fishery management. Expert elicitation protocols that include iterative process, based on individual estimates and an open expert discussion phase, provide the necessary enabling environment to identify a variety of management measures. While future challenges include the development of mechanisms to promote acceptability and compliance for recreational fisheries management, the approach presented here is important to initiate much needed discussions.
A mixed black and whitelist approach for wildlife trade regulation in China: Biodiversity conservation is made of shades of gray
Authors: Xiao Lingyun , Pagani‐Núñez Emilio , Han Xuesong , Zhao Peng , Li Xueyang , Hong Yixuan , Hu Ruocheng , Zhao Xiang , Sun Ge , Wardhana Cynthia , Lu Zhi
Published: January 2024

The Kunming‐Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework requires effective actions to bend the curve of biodiversity loss by 2030. Wildlife trade, a direct drive of biodiversity decline, calls for more effective regulations to both protect wildlife populations in the wild and facilitate sustainable use of wildlife resources to meet human needs. This call has become particularly urgent in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic. In 2021, China's List of State Key Protected Wild Animals, a list of fauna under the strictest protection by national legislation, has been updated in the year 2021, 32 years after its first release, increasing its coverage (from the original 13%) an 11% of species across taxa. Combined with the updated List of State Protected Terrestrial Wild Animals which covers species with lower protection priority, these two national lists already cover 77% terrestrial vertebrate species of China. Such a blacklist approach, placing threatened species under a list of legal protection, is a common practice globally in species conservation. We discussed pros and cons of this dominant strategy and further explored the potential integration with a whitelist approach, listing all wildlife and only permitting regulated uses of certain species. We propose a mixed approach combining black and whitelists at different administration levels which could perhaps be first adopted in China. This is mainly due to the fact that in addition to illegal harvesting from the wild, traded wildlife in China are mostly from captive breeding and related laundering of wild‐caught animals.
The myth of being modern: Digital machines and the loss of discovery
Authors: Smuts Carson
Published: January 2024

‘Digitization’ is a logical operation that deconstructs information and transforms it into digits, rendering it a logical construct. Digital operations are fast, infinitely replicable, objective, and absolute. But digitization is not without costs: the result of operationalizing information is that it becomes abstract—disconnected from its referent, and subject to processes that alter its representation without detection. Visions of modernity that draw on the potential for digital technology to invariably raise standards of living fail to consider the intrinsic properties of the digital that tend toward replicability, speed, and scalability, which favor globalization. This article argues how, through reductive processes, the discrete, mathematical nature of the digital provides a framework for rationality and order that is fundamentally incompatible with multiple modernities. Moreover, the history of digital machines is intricately linked to education and epistemology across North America and South Africa. The mechanization of learning illustrates the promise, power, and potential consequence of digital operations; by limiting our horizons, the Modern and now the Digital, limits our ability to think, thereby concealing the destruction of society, nature, and us as a species.
Impacts of Northern Territory banned drinker register on police recorded youth assault
Authors: Baldwin Ryan , Miller Peter G. , Coomber Kerri , Scott Debbie , Paradies Yin
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In September 2017 the Northern Territory Government of Australia introduced a banned drinker register (BDR) to mitigate the high levels of alcohol‐related harm within the Northern Territory. The current study aimed to examine the impact of the Northern Territory BDR on youth (aged <18 years) using police recorded assault data.

Methods

Interrupted time‐series models were used to assess monthly trends in assaults and alcohol‐related assaults perpetration and victimisation in the regions of Greater Darwin, Alice Springs and Katherine between January 2014 and December 2019.

Results

Examining the three regions combined, after the re‐introduction of the BDR a significant step decrease in police recorded youth assault perpetration (β = −1.67) and a significant step increase in police recorded youth assault victimisation (β = 1.40) was identified. However, no significant effects were identified at the individual region level.

Discussion and Conclusions

Findings suggest that restricting alcohol consumption in high‐risk adults through the BDR had a limited immediate effect in police recorded youth assaults. Individual level or contextual factors may have influenced both immediate and long‐term impacts of the BDR, and as such, future policy design needs to support and empower community leaders across the policy development and implementation process. A wider evaluation of the BDR currently underway may provide additional understanding behind the mechanisms that underpin alcohol‐related harm in the Northern Territory.
Microcirculation disorders of the skin
Authors: Lutze Stine , Westphal Thea , Jünger Michael , Arnold Andreas
Published: January 2024

Changes in the microcirculation of the skin are a frequently observed accompanying phenomenon of many diseases, far beyond the spectrum of dermatological diseases. Not all of these changes are pathological, many are transient and have no serious consequences. This is true for many inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis vulgaris or atopic eczema.

However, there are also diseases in which functionally and morphologically recognizable microangiopathies lead to severe disease consequences. One of the most important diseases in this context is systemic sclerosis, an autoimmune systemic disease with multiple organ manifestations. Investigations of the cutaneous microcirculation are of great importance for the initial diagnosis as well as for prognosis and assessment of disease progression.

In peripheral hemodynamic disorders such as peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), understanding microcirculatory disturbances also plays an important role in therapy and in monitoring the success of therapeutic interventions.
The role of vision in the acquisition of words: Vocabulary development in blind toddlers
Authors: Campbell Erin , Casillas Robyn , Bergelson Elika
Published: January 2024

What is vision's role in driving early word production? To answer this, we assessed parent‐report vocabulary questionnaires administered to congenitally blind children (N = 40, Mean age = 24 months [R: 7–57 months]) and compared the size and contents of their productive vocabulary to those of a large normative sample of sighted children (N = 6574). We found that on average, blind children showed a roughly half‐year vocabulary delay relative to sighted children, amid considerable variability. However, the content of blind and sighted children's vocabulary was statistically indistinguishable in word length, part of speech, semantic category, concreteness, interactiveness, and perceptual modality. At a finer‐grained level, we also found that words’ perceptual properties intersect with children's perceptual abilities. Our findings suggest that while an absence of visual input may initially make vocabulary development more difficult, the content of the early productive vocabulary is largely resilient to differences in perceptual access.

Research Highlights

Infants and toddlers born blind (with no other diagnoses) show a 7.5 month productive vocabulary delay on average, with wide variability.

Across the studied age range (7–57 months), vocabulary delays widened with age.

Blind and sighted children's early vocabularies contain similar distributions of word lengths, parts of speech, semantic categories, and perceptual modalities.

Blind children (but not sighted children) were more likely to say visual words which could also be experienced through other senses.
Mapping methodological nationalism in Middle Eastern studies: Toward a transnational understanding of the 2011 Arab uprisings?
Authors: Nabbe Jonas , Vloeberghs Ward , Kruithof Maryse
Published: January 2024

This article assesses the prevalence and implications of the research foci methodological nationalism, methodological globalism, and transnationalism in publications regarding the 2011 Arab uprisings. We propose a new typology that contrasts state‐centered methodological nationalism with the cosmopolitan lens of methodological globalism as two opposite ends of a spectrum. Transnationalism is conceptualized in between these two, due to its sensitivity to multiple localities and cross‐border variables. We compare the merits and limits of these three research foci through quantitative research and content analysis. Our systematic review of one decade of scholarship on the Arab uprisings suggests a consistent trend toward the dominance of methodologically nationalist research approaches in Middle Eastern studies. This is surprising because the multilocal nature of the Arab uprisings suggests that it can best be analyzed transnationally. This article, therefore, critically discusses the methodological nationalist bias to better understand and illustrate the trend. We conclude by highlighting some comparative advantages offered by transnational perspectives on actors and processes in the Arab uprisings and its aftermath.
The influence of maternal COVID‐19 on cardiac functions: From fetal life to infancy
Authors: Şahan Yasemin Özdemir , Sakcak Bedri , Göncü Ayhan Şule , Tanaçan Atakan , Kibar Gül Ayşe Esin , Şahin Dilek , İlker Çetin İbrahim
Published: January 2024

Objective

To evaluate both short and mid‐term effects of maternal COVID‐19 on cardiac functions of fetuses and children.

Methods

The present case‐control study was conducted on 36 pregnant women who had COVID‐19 infection in the second trimester of pregnancy and 30 pregnant women as healthy controls. Fetal, neonatal, and infant cardiac functions were compared between the groups. Assessment of fetal cardiac functions were performed in the last trimester of the pregnancy at least 6 weeks after the recovery of infection. The first postnatal echo was performed within the first 2 weeks and the follow‐up (second) echo was performed in the 6–8 weeks of life.

Results

The demographic data were similar between groups. Interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall end‐diastolic dimensions were significantly higher in the study group in both fetal, neonatal, and infant periods. Impaired diastolic functions of right and left ventricles were detected and myocardial performance indexes with tissue doppler imaging of both lateral walls and septum were significantly higher than controls at all periods.

Conclusion

Maternal COVID‐19 seems to have a global impact on the cardiac functions of babies in the short and mid‐term periods after maternal recovery.
Left atrial strain, embolic stroke of undetermined source, and atrial fibrillation detection
Authors: Bashir Zubair , Chen Edward W. , Wang Shuyuan , Shu Liqi , Goldstein Eric D. , Rana Maheen , Kala Narendra , Dai Xing , Mandel Daniel , Has Phinnara , Xie Mingxing , Wang Tao , Dickey John B , Poppas Athena , Simmons James , Song Christopher , Yaghi Shadi , Haines Philip
Published: January 2024

Background

Atrial cardiopathy is a proposed mechanism of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). Left atrial (LA) strain may identify early atrial cardiopathy prior to structural changes. We aim to study the associations between LA strain, ESUS, and atrial fibrillation (AF) detection in ESUS.

Methods

The study population included patients with ESUS and noncardioembolic (NCE) stroke presenting to the Rhode Island Hospital Stroke Center between January 2016 and June 2017 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was used to measure the three phases of LA strain (reservoir, conduit, and contractile). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the associations between LA strain and stroke subtype (ESUS vs. NCE) as well as follow‐up detection of AF in ESUS patients.

Results

We identified 656 patients, 307 with ESUS and 349 with NCE. In binary logistic regression, the lowest tertiles of LA reservoir (adjusted OR 1.944, 95% CI 1.266–2.986, p = .002), contractile (aOR 1.568, 95% CI 1.035–2.374, p = .034), and conduit strain (aOR 2.288, 95% CI 1.448–3.613, p = .001) were more likely to be significantly associated with ESUS compared to NCE stroke. Among all ESUS patients, the lowest tertiles of LA reservoir strain (OR 2.534, 95% CI 1.029–6.236, p = .043), contractile strain (OR 2.828, 95% CI 1.158–6.903, p = .022), and conduit strain (OR 2.614, 95% CI 1.003–6.815, p = .049) were significantly associated with subsequent detection of AF.

Conclusion

Reduced LA strain is associated with ESUS occurrence and AF detection in ESUS patients. Therefore, quantification of LA strain in ESUS patients may improve risk stratification and guide secondary prevention strategies.
Use of transillumination echocardiography in the assessment and diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Martinez‐Dominguez Pavel , Luna‐Alcala Santiago , Guerra Enrique C. , Espinola‐Zavaleta Nilda
Published: January 2024

Bicuspid aortic valve is the most common congenital heart defect. Transthoracic echocardiogram is the initial tool to assess and diagnose this condition, however, transesophageal echocardiogram with 3D modalities, including transillumination have a better anatomical and functional evaluation of the valve, allowing to classify the bicuspid aortic valve according to the position of the raphe and assess the main vessels for complications or exclude other cardiovascular diseases.
The association between the basal metabolic rate and cardiovascular disease: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Kaijie , Zhang Yue , Zhou Siyu , Jin Chengjiang , Xiang Meixiang , Ma Hong
Published: January 2024

Background

Mendelian randomization analysis was applied to elucidate the causal relationship between the basal metabolic rate (BMR) and common cardiovascular diseases.

Method

We choose BMR as exposure. BMR is the metabolic rate of the body when the basic physiological activities (blood circulation, breathing and constant body temperature) are maintained. The normal BMR is 1507 kcal/day for men and 1276 kcal/day for women. The dataset was drawn from the public GWAS dataset (GWAS ID: ukb‐a‐268), collected and analysed by UK biobank, containing 331,307 European males and females. SNPs independently and strongly associated with BMR were used as instrumental variables in the inverse variance weighted analysis. MR‐Egger, weighted median, MR pleiotropy residual sum, and outlier methods were also performed, and the sensitivity was evaluated using horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity analyses to ensure the stability of the results.

Results

An increased BMR is associated with a higher risk of cardiomyopathy (odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.57–2.54, p = 1.87 × 10−8), heart failure (OR = 1.39, 95% CI, 1.27–2.51, p = 8.1 × 10−13), and valvular heart disease (OR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.10–1.27, p = .00001). However, there was no clear association between BMR and the subtypes of other cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary disease (OR = .96, 95% CI, .85–1.08, p = .48651) and atrial fibrillation (AF) (OR = 1.85, 95% CI, 1.70–2.02, p = 6.28 × 10−44).

Conclusion

Our study reveals a possible causal effect of BMR on the risk of cardiomyopathy, heart failure and valvular disease, but not for coronary disease and AF.
Effect of statins on sepsis and inflammatory factors: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhang Kai , Liu Wei , Liang Hongjin
Published: January 2024

Background

As inhibitors of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), statins can reduce the synthesis of low‐density lipoptrotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and are clinically used as first‐line lipid‐lowering drugs to prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, the effect of statins on sepsis is controversial. Therefore, we intend to explore the effects of statins on sepsis and inflammatory factors through Mendelian randomization (MR).

Method

We obtained sepsis, inflammatory factors, and LDL‐C data from open and free genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for subsequent analysis. Inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) was the main method, MR‐Egger, MR‐PRESSO and Cochrane's Q‐test were used as sensitive analysis to evaluate the robustness of MR results.

Results

Statins were associated with a reduced risk of sepsis under 75 (sepsis in individuals under 75 years old) (OR: .716, 95% CI: .572–.896, p = .003), elevated circulating IL‐18 (OR: .762, 95% CI: .643–.903, p = .002) and elevated circulating CCL2 (OR: .416, 95% CI: .279–.620, p = 1.685e−5).

Conclusion

Statins may have a protective effect on sepsis and this may provide a new idea for the treatment of sepsis.
Gender and justice: The status of women in Ottoman courts
Authors: Coşgel Metin M. , Genç Hamdi , Özer Emre , Yıldırım Sadullah
Published: January 2024

This paper studies legal disparities between men and women in a patriarchal framework. Throughout history, women have confronted discrimination in matters of inheritance, property ownership, and various other legal rights. We examine the consequences of legal discrimination for women's differential engagement and success within legal conflicts, using data from Ottoman courts in the early nineteenth century. The results show that women were parties to approximately 30 per cent of cases, with a modest gender gap of around eight to ten percentage points in terms of plaintiff win rates. The gap varied across courts and types of cases, consistent with gender disparities in legal knowledge and trial stakes in patriarchal societies. Notably, when litigating against male defendants, the disparity was more pronounced in provincial courts (Konya and Kütahya), as opposed to courts in the capital city (Galata and Üsküdar). Similarly, while the gender gap was greater in property and probate cases than those involving personal crimes and commercial exchange, the gap was reversed in family matters. The analysis suggests that a significant portion of the gender gap in litigation success can be attributed to disparities in evidence presentation (witness testimonies, written documents and legal opinions).
In vitro differentiation of human amniotic epithelial stem cells into keratinocytes regulated by OPN3
Authors: Jin Shuqi , Zhang Wei , Zeng Wen , Zhang Yulei , Feng Jianglong , Wang Yu , Luo Huanhuan , Liu Ting , Lu Hongguang
Published: January 2024

Human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs) are regarded as potential alternatives to keratinocytes (KCs) used for skin wound healing. Light is an alternative approach for inducing stem cell differentiation. Opsins (OPNs), a family of light‐sensitive, G protein‐coupled receptors, play a multitude of light‐dependent and light‐independent functions in extraocular tissues. However, it remains unclear whether the light sensitivity and function of OPNs are involved in light‐induced differentiation of hAESCs to KCs. Herein, we determine the role of OPNs in differentiation of hAESCs into KCs through cell and molecular biology approaches in vitro. It is shown that mRNA expression of OPN3 in the amniotic membrane and hAESCs was higher than the other four primary OPNs by RT‐qPCR analysis. Changes in OPN3 gene expression had a significant impact on cell proliferation, stemness and differentiation capability of hAESCs. Furthermore, we found a significant upregulation of OPN3, KRT5 and KRT14 with hAESCs treated at 3 × 33 J/cm2 irradiation from blue‐light LED. Taken together, these results suggest that OPN3 acts as a positive regulator of differentiation of hAESCs into KCs. This study provides a novel insight into photosensitive OPNs associated with photobiomodulation(PBM)‐induced differentiation in stem cells.
Responses of animals and plants to physiological doses of ethanol: a molecular messenger of hypoxia?
Authors: Diot Alice , Groth Georg , Blanchet Simon , Chervin Christian
Published: January 2024

Our viewpoint is that ethanol could act as a molecular messenger in animal and plant organisms under conditions of hypoxia or other stresses and could elicit physiological responses to such conditions. There is evidence that both animal and plant organisms have endogenous levels of ethanol, but reports on the changes induced by this alcohol at physiological levels are sparse. Studies have shown that ethanol has different effects on cell metabolism at low and high concentrations, resembling a hormetic response. Further studies have addressed the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms used by organisms to sense changes in physiological concentrations of ethanol. This article summarizes the possible mechanisms by which ethanol may be sensed, particularly at the cell membrane level. Our analysis shows that current knowledge on this subject is limited. More research is required on the effects of ethanol at very low doses, in plants and animals at both molecular and physiological levels. We believe that further research on this topic could lead to new discoveries in physiology and may even help us understand metabolic adjustments related to climate change. As temperatures rise more frequently, dissolved oxygen levels drop, leading to hypoxic conditions and consequently, an increase in cellular ethanol levels.
Functional composition outweighs taxonomic and functional diversity in maintaining ecosystem properties and processes of mangrove forests
Authors: Rahman Md Mizanur , Zimmer Martin , Donato Daniel , Ahmed Imran , Xu Ming , Wu Jin
Published: January 2024

Biodiversity loss can have significant consequences for human well‐being, as it can affect multiple ecosystem properties and processes (MEPP) that drive ecosystem services. However, a comprehensive understanding of the link between environmental factors, biodiversity, and MEPP remains elusive, especially in mangrove ecosystems that millions of people along tropical coastlines worldwide depend upon. Here, we collated a comprehensive dataset on forest inventory, plant traits, and environmental factors across 93 plots in the Sundarbans Reserved Forests, Bangladesh. The functional composition (FC) of leaf area showed a stronger positive association with MEPP, being determined by total biomass and productivity of the mangroves, sediment organic carbon, and ammonium, phosphorus, and potassium contents of the sediment, than species richness (SR) or functional diversity (FD). Further, FC mediated a strong negative association of sediment salinity, and a positive association of SR, with MEPP. The similar but opposite total associations of SR and sediment salinity with MEPP suggest that species‐rich mangroves could offset the negative impacts of rising salinity on MEPP. When focusing on a single aspect of MEPP, both FD and FC mattered, with the FD of leaf area showing a strong association with mangrove productivity and sediment potassium content, while the FC of leaf litter nitrogen showed the strongest associations with sediment ammonium and phosphorus contents. Therefore, to sustain mangrove ecosystems as a reliable nature‐based solution for climate change mitigation, conservation and (re‐)establishment projects should prioritize regionally dominant species with high leaf area and nitrogen content, plus functionally different species to support the ecosystem processes and services provided by mangroves.
Lipidomic analysis of facial skin surface lipids in acne in young women
Authors: Su Qianqian , Hu Xueqing , Yang Manli , He Huaming , Jia Yan
Published: January 2024

Background

Alterations in the secretion and composition of skin surface lipids (SSL) are closely associated with the development of acne. Lipidomics is a useful tool to analyse the SSL of different types of acne. Our previous study found that phosphatidylserine and triacylglycerols dominate SSL changes in male acne and infantile acne, respectively. However, skin surface lipids as well as specific lipids in female acne patients remain to be investigated.

Objectives

To analyse and compare the SSL profile of acne women and healthy women and to discuss the involvement of differential lipids in acne development.

Methods

Systematic lipidomics approach (high‐throughput UPLC‐QTOF‐MS technology in combination with multivariate data analysis methods) was used to analyse the variations of SSL between acne and healthy groups.

Results

Analysis revealed significant differences in lipid content and composition between the two groups. Further analysis showed that levels of 13 individual lipids were significantly different and followed the same trend as the main class and subclasses. The largest individual contributor to the subgroup was triglycerides (TG) and phosphatidylinositol (PI). In addition, female acne patients exhibited reduced ceramide chain length (CCL) and increased levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), The changes of CCL in female acne are identical to male acne.

Conclusions

There was a significantly higher level of TG and PI in the SSL of female acne patients. A reduction in CCL and an increase in UFAs content might contribute to the reduced skin barrier function in acne patients. The results suggest that female acne may have different pathogenesis than male acne.
Cosmetic application of the stem‐bark extract of Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K
Authors: Silva Márcia J. A. , Acho Leonard D. R. , Carneiro Simone B. , Guimarães Anderson C. , Lima Emerson S.
Published: January 2024

Objective

The Amazon has a rich biodiversity where many different plant species can be found. This diversity is an important source of bioactive substances, mainly due to the different structural components of their phytometabolites. Research for natural products is a strategy for the development of new agents in therapeutic applications, especially cosmetic applications, that have better pharmacological potential. Within this perspective, the objective of the study was to investigate the cosmetic application (anti‐aging potential) of the stem‐bark extract of Bertholletia excelsa H.B.K – (SBEBE), popularly known as the Brazil nut tree, here called SBEBE, a noble plant species of the Amazon that is rich in selenium.

Methods

Enzymatic, glycation, proliferation, cell‐healing, collagen quantification, toxicity and genotoxicity assays were used.

Results

Among the enzymes involved in the extracellular matrix of the skin, SBEBE was able to inhibit only elastase (62.67 ± 3.75) when compared to the standard sivelestat (89.04 ± 0.53), and the extract was also able to inhibit both the oxidative and the non‐oxidative pathway. When cell toxicity in fibroblasts (MRC‐5) and keratinocytes (HACAT) was evaluated, SBEBE did not present toxicity in 24 h of incubation. After this period, the extract showed average cytotoxicity in 48 and 72 h, but not enough to reach the concentration of 50% of MRC‐5 fibroblasts. In the trypan blue assay, the extract promoted fibroblast proliferation in 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation, which was evaluated through exponential cell growth, with emphasis mainly on the lowest concentration with results higher than the standard. When the cell healing capacity was evaluated, in 48 h of exposure to fibroblast, SBEBE was able to induce a cell carpet (cell film) in the cell monolayer scratch assay.

Conclusions

SBEBE stimulated collagen production at all concentrations tested. In the alkaline comet assay, at the lowest concentration, the extract did not induce DNA damage when compared to the reference drug doxorubicin. This study proved that SBEBE extract can be considered an ally in the treatment of skin anti‐ageing as a possible biotechnological, phytocosmetic product.
Perception of nurses applying silver diamine fluoride to children's teeth: A mixed methods study
Authors: Ong Yu Jie , Meyer Beau , Quek Yu Ting Eline , Wong Mun Loke , Hong Catherine Hsu Ling , Hu Shijia
Published: January 2024

Background

No studies have evaluated the unique potential of nurse‐led silver diamine fluoride (SDF) application for children to bridge the gap in interprofessional collaboration.

Aim

To investigate the attitudes, beliefs and perceptions of nurses regarding nurse‐led SDF application at the well‐child visit and identify possible barriers and make recommendations.

Design

Mixed methods design involving a questionnaire and semi‐structured individual interviews were conducted.

Results

All eligible nurses (n = 110) completed the questionnaire, and 16 were interviewed. Questionnaire responses highlighted that nurses were not confident in providing oral health services (score: <3 of 5) beyond oral hygiene advice (score: ≥3.9 of 5) but believed that they should be providing these services for individuals with difficulty accessing care. Interviews reflected that most nurses viewed oral health care as an important part of paediatric health but were limited by knowledge, time and manpower. Most were willing to expand their job scope to include SDF application with formal education and training, competency assessments and approaches to counter time limitations.

Conclusion

Where nurses are already providing basic oral healthcare, nurse‐led SDF application could be the next step. Findings suggest that systemic changes should include strategies to empower and motivate nurses to apply SDF at the well‐child visit.