bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Covid-19 Pandemi Sürecine Etkisi Bağlamında Kamusal Tedbirlere Analitik Bakış
Authors: KARA Oğuz
Published: April 2022

Covid-19 pandemisinin ülkelerin sağlık sistemleri ve sağlık altyapıları üzerinde önemli etkileriolmaktadır. Salgını kontrol altına almak için ülkeler, vakaların tespiti ve tedavisi gibi süreçlere eşzamanlı olarak hastalığın daha fazla yayılmasını önlemek için bazı kamusal önlemleri de hayatageçirmektedir. Alınan tedbirler ve kısıtlamalar birçok ülkede ekonomik ve sosyal hayatı durmanoktasına getirmiştir. Tedarik zincirindeki aksaklıklar, ekonomik ve sosyal etkileşimleri sınırlayankısıtlamalar ve azalan talep koşulları ekonomik ve sosyal hayatı olumsuz etkilemiştir. Salgınınyayılmasını önlemek için hükümetler tarafından alınan tedbirlerin etkin ve kararlı bir şekilde devametmesi, kamuoyunun ve işletmelerin tedbirlere tepkisi, ülkelerin salgınla mücadeledeki başarıperformansını etkiemektedir. Bu çalışmada salgın sırasında uygulanan kamusal önlem ve kısıtlamalarınCovid-19 ile mücadeledeki etkisi incelenmiştir. Çalışmada Panel ARDL yöntemi kullanılmıştır.Hükümetlerin kamu önlemleri konusunda giderek artan katılığının ülkelerin salgınla mücadeledekibaşarısına olumlu katkı sağladığı belirlendi
GMEmbeddings: An R Package to Apply Embedding Techniques to Microbiome Data
Authors: Tataru Christine , Eaton Austin , David Maude M.
Published: April 2022

Large-scale microbiome studies investigating disease-inducing microbial roles base their findings on differences between microbial count data in contrasting environments (e.g., stool samples between cases and controls). These microbiome survey studies are often impeded by small sample sizes and database bias. Combining data from multiple survey studies often results in obvious batch effects, even when DNA preparation and sequencing methods are identical. Relatedly, predictive models trained on one microbial DNA dataset often do not generalize to outside datasets. In this study, we address these limitations by applying word embedding algorithms (GloVe) and PCA transformation to ASV data from the American Gut Project and generating translation matrices that can be applied to any 16S rRNA V4 region gut microbiome sequencing study. Because these approaches contextualize microbial occurrences in a larger dataset while reducing dimensionality of the feature space, they can improve generalization of predictive models that predict host phenotype from stool associated gut microbiota. The GMEmbeddings R package contains GloVe and PCA embedding transformation matrices at 50, 100 and 250 dimensions, each learned using ∼15,000 samples from the American Gut Project. It currently supports the alignment, matching, and matrix multiplication to allow users to transform their V4 16S rRNA data into these embedding spaces. We show how to correlate the properties in the new embedding space to KEGG functional pathways for biological interpretation of results. Lastly, we provide benchmarking on six gut microbiome datasets describing three phenotypes to demonstrate the ability of embedding-based microbiome classifiers to generalize to independent datasets. Future iterations of GMEmbeddings will include embedding transformation matrices for other biological systems. Available at: https://github.com/MaudeDavidLab/GMEmbeddings.
Comparative Evaluation of Stress Acting on Abutment, Bone, and Connector of Different Designs of Acid-Etched Resin-Bonded Fixed Partial Dentures: Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Shaikh Saquib Ahmed , Rai Punith , Aldhuwayhi Sami , Mallineni Sreekanth Kumar , Lekha Krishnapalli , Joseph Angel Mary , Kumari Vardharaj Vinutha , Meshramkar Roseline
Published: April 2022

Background: Finite element analysis (FEA) is one of the best methods for evaluating the stress distribution of restorations, such as fixed partial dentures. The development of resin cement has transformed prosthesis bonding and retention properties. Resin-bonded fixed partial dentures (RBFPD) have been considered minimally invasive treatment options for the prosthetic rehabilitation of single missing teeth.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stress load and distribution in four different designs of acid-etched RBFPDs using FEA.

Materials and Methods: The designs included standard tooth preparation principles and additional features. The first premolar and first molar abutments replaced the missing second premolar. Designs 1, 2, 3, and 4 included (1) lingual wings and occlusal rests; (2) wings and proximal slices; (3) wings, rests, and grooves; and (4) wings, rests, grooves, and occlusal coverage. The prepared models were restored with RBFPDs. A load of 100 N was applied to the central groove of the pontic to simulate occlusal forces. The materials used in the models were considered to be isotropic, homogeneous, and linearly elastic. FEA was used to reveal stresses acting on the abutment, bone, and connector in all prosthesis designs.

Results: The stresses transmitted to the abutment and bones were lowest for design 3, using wings, rests, and grooves. The stresses acting on the connector were the weakest in design 2. The stresses transmitted to the abutment and bone were highest in designs 1 and 4. The stresses transmitted to the connector were highest in design 3.

Conclusion: The wings, rests, and grooves design is possibly the ideal and conservative tooth preparation design to receive a posterior RBFPD. This design transmits less stress to the abutments and less bone resorption in the FEA. It is most likely to be successful in the clinical provision and ensures the longevity of the prosthesis.
Role of CD47-SIRPα Checkpoint in Nanomedicine-Based Anti-Cancer Treatment
Authors: Liao Haiqin , Niu Chengcheng
Published: April 2022

Many cancers have evolved various mechanisms to evade immunological surveillance, such as the inhibitory immune checkpoint of the CD47-SIRPα signaling pathway. By targeting this signaling pathway, researchers have developed diverse nanovehicles with different loaded drugs and modifications in anticancer treatment. In this review, we present a brief overview of CD47-SIRPα interaction and nanomedicine. Then, we delve into recent applications of the CD47-SIRPα interaction as a target for nanomedicine-based antitumor treatment and its combination with other targeting pathway drugs and/or therapeutic approaches.
Functionalization of Nanomaterials for Skin Cancer Theranostics
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhu Xinlin , Hou Shuming , Pan Weihua , Liao Wanqing
Published: April 2022

Skin cancer has drawn attention for the increasing incident rates and high morbidity worldwide. Timely diagnosis and efficient treatment are of paramount importance for prompt and effective therapy. Thus, the development of novel skin cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies is of great significance for both fundamental research and clinical practice. Recently, the emerging field of nanotechnology has profoundly impact on early diagnosis and better treatment planning of skin cancer. In this review, we will discuss the current encouraging advances in functional nanomaterials for skin cancer theranostics. Challenges in the field and safety concerns of nanomaterials will also be discussed.
“Anti-Condensation” Aluminum Superhydrophobic Surface by Smaller Nanostructures
Authors: Li Kangning , Zhao Ying , Yang Jintao , Feng Jie
Published: April 2022

According to classical heterogeneous nucleation theory, the free energy barrier (ΔGc) of heterogeneous nucleation of vapor condensation ascends dramatically as the substrate nanostructure diameter (Rs) decreases. Based on this idea, we fabricated two types of superhydrophobic surfaces (SHSs) on an aluminum substrate by different roughening processes and the same fluorization treatment. Water vapor condensation trials by optical microscope and ESEM confirmed that on SHSs with submicron rectangle structures, a typical self-propelled motion of condensates or jumping condensation occurred. However, on SHS with coral-like micro/nano-structures, vapor nucleation occurred tardily, randomly, and sparsely, and the subsequent condensation preferentially occurred on the nuclei formed earlier, e.g., the condensation on such SHS typically followed the Matthew effect. Higher vapor-liquid nucleation energy barrier caused by smaller fluorinated nanostructures should be responsible for such a unique “anti-condensation” property. This study would be helpful in designing new SHSs and moving their application in anti-icing, anti-fogging, air humidity control, and so on.
Hoxa5 Activity Across the Lateral Somitic Frontier Regulates Development of the Mouse Sternum
Authors: Mitchel Kira , Bergmann Jenna M. , Brent Ava E. , Finkelstein Tova M. , Schindler Kyra A. , Holzman Miriam A. , Jeannotte Lucie , Mansfield Jennifer H.
Published: April 2022

The skeletal system derives from multiple embryonic sources whose derivatives must develop in coordination to produce an integrated whole. In particular, interactions across the lateral somitic frontier, where derivatives of the somites and lateral plate mesoderm come into contact, are important for proper development. Many questions remain about genetic control of this coordination, and embryological information is incomplete for some structures that incorporate the frontier, including the sternum. Hox genes act in both tissues as regulators of skeletal pattern. Here, we used conditional deletion to characterize the tissue-specific contributions of Hoxa5 to skeletal patterning. We found that most aspects of the Hoxa5 skeletal phenotype are attributable to its activity in one or the other tissue, indicating largely additive roles. However, multiple roles are identified at the junction of the T1 ribs and the anterior portion of the sternum, or presternum. The embryology of the presternum has not been well described in mouse. We present a model for presternum development, and show that it arises from multiple, paired LPM-derived primordia. We show evidence that HOXA5 expression marks the embryonic precursor of a recently identified lateral presternum structure that is variably present in therians.
Ectopic Endometrial Cell-Derived Exosomal Moesin Induces Eutopic Endometrial Cell Migration, Enhances Angiogenesis and Cytosolic Inflammation in Lesions Contributes to Endometriosis Progression
Authors: Abudula Maidinaimu , Fan Xiaodan , Zhang Jing , Li Jiajie , Zhou Xiaoming , Chen Yichen
Published: April 2022

Background: Endometriosis (EMs) is the most common gynaecological disorder with its etiology and/or pathophysiology remains enigmatic. Recent studies showed that extracellular vesicles (EVs), exosomes in particular, play a critical role in developing various clinical disorders. However, the implication of exosomes in endometriosis progression has not been well elucidated.

Method: The ectopic stromal cellular exosomes (eEVs) were assessed by transwell assay, scratch tests, tube formation assay, western blot, and qRT-PCR analysis. Protein expression profiles of exosomes in endometrial tissue and vaginal discharge collected from patients with EMS and healthy donors were analysed by Mass spectrometry. siRNA interference technology was used to inhibit the expression of exosomal protein for the functional analysis in in-vivo. Finally, in-vitro experiments were performed to validate the results that we observed in EMs mouse model.

Results:In vitro, we discovered that eEVs improved NSC migratory potential by upregulating MMP9 expression and activity. eEVs also aided angiogenesis and elevated the expression of inflammatory cytokines in ovarian epithelial cells, according to our findings. Moesin (MSN) levels in ESC exosomes were substantially greater than in NSC exosomes (1.22e8±5.58e6 vs. 6.605e7±4.574e6, LFQ intensity), as shown by protein mass spectrometry and bioinformatics analysis. In ectopic stromal cells, ERa receptors stimulated the RhoA/Rock-2/MSN pathway. We discovered that downregulating exosomal moesin reduced NSC migration (about 3-fold change) and MMP9 expression (about 2-fold change). On the other hand, Exomsni inhibited angiogenesis and inflammatory cytokine release. In vivo the result of immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence demonstrated that exosomal MSN substantially modified the expression of MM9, VEGFR and p-VEGFR in polyclonal lesions. In addition, we discovered an elevation in the expression of proinflammatory factors in the surrounding tissue.

Conclusion: Exosomal MSN derived from ectopic stromal cells can contribute to endometriosis progression by mediating the construction of a “migration-vascularization-inflammation” loop in the ectopic environment.
A Brain Region-Specific Expression Profile for Genes Within Large Introgression Deserts and Under Positive Selection in Homo sapiens
Authors: Buisan Raül , Moriano Juan , Andirkó Alejandro , Boeckx Cedric
Published: April 2022

Analyses of ancient DNA from extinct hominins have provided unique insights into the complex evolutionary history of Homo sapiens, intricately related to that of the Neanderthals and the Denisovans as revealed by several instances of admixture events. These analyses have also allowed the identification of introgression deserts: genomic regions in our species that are depleted of “archaic” haplotypes. The presence of genes like FOXP2 in these deserts has been taken to be suggestive of brain-related functional differences between Homo species. Here, we seek a deeper characterization of these regions and the specific expression trajectories of genes within them, taking into account signals of positive selection in our lineage. Analyzing publicly available transcriptomic data from the human brain at different developmental stages, we found that structures outside the cerebral neocortex, in particular the cerebellum, the striatum and the mediodorsal nucleus of the thalamus show the most divergent transcriptomic profiles when considering genes within large introgression deserts and under positive selection.
PEX19 Coordinates Neutral Lipid Storage in Cells in a Peroxisome-Independent Fashion
Authors: Lyschik Sven , Lauer Anna A. , Roth Tanja , Janitschke Daniel , Hollander Markus , Will Thorsten , Hartmann Tobias , Kopito Ron R. , Helms Volkhard , Grimm Marcus O. W. , Schrul Bianca
Published: April 2022

Cellular lipid metabolism is tightly regulated and requires a sophisticated interplay of multiple subcellular organelles to adapt to changing nutrient supply. PEX19 was originally described as an essential peroxisome biogenesis factor that selectively targets membrane proteins to peroxisomes. Metabolic aberrations that were associated with compromised PEX19 functions, were solely attributed to the absence of peroxisomes, which is also considered the underlying cause for Zellweger Spectrum Disorders. More recently, however, it was shown that PEX19 also mediates the targeting of the VCP/P97-recuitment factor UBXD8 to the ER from where it partitions to lipid droplets (LDs) but the physiological consequences remained elusive. Here, we addressed the intriguing possibility that PEX19 coordinates the functions of the major cellular sites of lipid metabolism. We exploited the farnesylation of PEX19 and deciphered the organelle-specific functions of PEX19 using systems level approaches. Non-farnesylated PEX19 is sufficient to fully restore the metabolic activity of peroxisomes, while farnesylated PEX19 controls lipid metabolism by a peroxisome-independent mechanism that can be attributed to sorting a specific protein subset to LDs. In the absence of this PEX19-dependent LD proteome, cells accumulate excess triacylglycerols and fail to fully deplete their neutral lipid stores under catabolic conditions, highlighting a hitherto unrecognized function of PEX19 in controlling neutral lipid storage and LD dynamics.
Mitochondrial ROS in Slc4a11 KO Corneal Endothelial Cells Lead to ER Stress
Authors: Shyam Rajalekshmy , Ogando Diego G. , Bonanno Joseph A.
Published: April 2022

Recent studies from Slc4a11−/− mice have identified glutamine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction as a significant contributor toward oxidative stress, impaired lysosomal function, aberrant autophagy, and cell death in this Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy (CHED) model. Because lysosomes are derived from endoplasmic reticulum (ER)—Golgi, we asked whether ER function is affected by mitochondrial ROS in Slc4a11 KO corneal endothelial cells. In mouse Slc4a11−/− corneal endothelial tissue, we observed the presence of dilated ER and elevated expression of ER stress markers BIP and CHOP. Slc4a11 KO mouse corneal endothelial cells incubated with glutamine showed increased aggresome formation, BIP and GADD153, as well as reduced ER Ca2+ release as compared to WT. Induction of mitoROS by ETC inhibition also led to ER stress in WT cells. Treatment with the mitochondrial ROS quencher MitoQ, restored ER Ca2+ release and relieved ER stress markers in Slc4a11 KO cells in vitro. Systemic MitoQ also reduced BIP expression in Slc4a11 KO endothelium. We conclude that mitochondrial ROS can induce ER stress in corneal endothelial cells.
Glucocorticoids Preferentially Influence Expression of Nucleoskeletal Actin Network and Cell Adhesive Proteins in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells
Authors: Bachman William , Maddala Rupalatha , Chakraborty Ayon , Eldawy Camelia , Skiba Nikolai P. , Rao Ponugoti V.
Published: April 2022

Clinical use of glucocorticoids is associated with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), a major risk factor for glaucoma. Glucocorticoids have been reported to induce changes in actin cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, extracellular matrix, fibrogenic activity, and mechanical properties of trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue, which plays a crucial role in aqueous humor dynamics and IOP homeostasis. However, we have a limited understanding of the molecular underpinnings regulating these myriad processes in TM cells. To understand how proteins, including cytoskeletal and cell adhesion proteins that are recognized to shuttle between the cytosolic and nuclear regions, influence gene expression and other cellular activities, we used proteomic analysis to characterize the nuclear protein fraction of dexamethasone (Dex) treated human TM cells. Treatment of human TM cells with Dex for 1, 5, or 7 days led to consistent increases (by ≥ two-fold) in the levels of various actin cytoskeletal regulatory, cell adhesive, and vesicle trafficking proteins. Increases (≥two-fold) were also observed in levels of Wnt signaling regulator (glypican-4), actin-binding chromatin modulator (BRG1) and nuclear actin filament depolymerizing protein (MICAL2; microtubule-associated monooxygenase, calponin and LIM domain containing), together with a decrease in tissue plasminogen activator. These changes were independently further confirmed by immunoblotting analysis. Interestingly, deficiency of BRG1 expression blunted the Dex-induced increases in the levels of some of these proteins in TM cells. In summary, these findings indicate that the widely recognized changes in actin cytoskeletal and cell adhesive attributes of TM cells by glucocorticoids involve actin regulated BRG1 chromatin remodeling, nuclear MICAL2, and glypican-4 regulated Wnt signaling upstream of the serum response factor/myocardin controlled transcriptional activity.
Electrochemical Behavior and Direct Quantitative Determination of Paclitaxel
Authors: Lang Jiaqi , Wang Wenting , Zhou You , Guo Dongqin , Shi Rujie , Zhou Nong
Published: April 2022

The electrochemical behavior and direct quantitative determination of paclitaxel, a poorly soluble drug made into microemulsion, were researched by cyclic voltammetry in acetate buffer solutions (pH = 4.0) at a glassy carbon electrode. The results show that the oxidation process is irreversible and controlled by diffusion. Moreover, the effects of anodic peak current (Ipa), anodic peak potential, scan rate, pH, and the electrochemical redox mechanism have been studied. The anodic peak current varied linearly with paclitaxel concentration in the range of 5 × 10−5 mol/L to 5 × 10−4 mol/L, and the detection limit was 9.15 × 10−8 mol/L. The results of RSD (0.90%) and recovery (99.22%–101.69%) were obtained. Additionally, it has been proved that one electron and one proton are involved in the electrochemical redox process. The present research has been successfully used to determine paclitaxel in pure and real samples, which further supported the electrochemical behavior investigation of paclitaxel and direct determination of micro-emulsion.
Copper-Promoted Hiyama Cross-Coupling of Arylsilanes With Thiuram Reagents: A Facile Synthesis of Aryl Dithiocarbamates
Authors: Wang Yiying , Shen Hongtao , Qiu Jianhua , Chen Mengqi , Song Weimin , Zhao Mingqin , Wang Longfei , Bai Feng , Wang Hongxia , Wu Zhiyong
Published: April 2022

We report herein a facile Hiyama cross-coupling reaction of arylsilanes with thiuram reagents (tetraalkylthiuram disulfides or tetraalkylthiuram monosulfide) enabled by copper fluoride. Compared to our previous work, this protocol is an alternative protocol for the generation of S-aryl dithiocarbamates. It features low toxic and readily available substrates, cost-effective promoter, easy performance, and provides good yields.
Mild, Organo-Catalysed Borono-Deamination as a Key to Late-Stage Pharmaceutical Precursors and 18F-Labelled Radiotracers
Authors: Pérez-García Raúl M. , Riss Patrick J.
Published: April 2022

A tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane catalysed method for the synthesis of boronic acid esters from aromatic amines in yields of up to 93% was devised. Mild conditions, benign reagents, short reaction times, low temperatures and a wide substrate scope characterize the method. The reaction was found applicable to the synthesis of boronic acid ester derivatives of complex drug molecules in up to 86% isolated yield and high purity suitable for labelling. These boronates were subsequently labelled with [18F]fluoride ion in radiochemical yields of up to 55% with and even without isolation of the boronate-intermediate.
Coverage of In Situ Climatological Observations in the World's Mountains
Authors: Thornton James M. , Pepin Nicholas , Shahgedanova Maria , Adler Carolina
Published: April 2022

Many mountainous environments and ecosystems around the world are responding rapidly to ongoing climate change. Long-term climatological time-series from such regions are crucial for developing improving understanding of the mechanisms driving such changes and ultimately delivering more reliable future impact projections to environmental managers and other decision makers. Whilst it is already established that high elevation regions tend to be comparatively under-sampled, detailed spatial and other patterns in the coverage of mountain climatological data have not yet been comprehensively assessed on a global basis. To begin to address this deficiency, we analyse the coverage of mountainous records from the Global Historical Climatological Network-Daily (GHCNd) inventory with respect to space, time, and elevation. Three key climate-related variables—air temperature, precipitation, and snow depth—are considered across 292 named mountain ranges. Several additional datasets are also introduced to characterize data coverage relative to topographic, hydrological, and socio-economic factors. Spatial mountain data coverage is found to be highly uneven, with station densities in several “Water Tower Units” that were previously identified as having great hydrological importance to society being especially low. Several mountainous regions whose elevational distribution is severely undersampled by GHCNd stations are identified, and mountain station density is shown to be only weakly related to the human population or economic output of the corresponding downstream catchments. Finally, we demonstrate the capabilities of a script (which is provided in the Supplementary Material) to produce detailed assessments of individual records' temporal coverage and measurement quality information. Overall, our contribution should help international authorities and regional stakeholders identify areas, variables, and other monitoring-related considerations that should be prioritized for infrastructure and capacity investment. Finally, the transparent and reproducible approach taken will enable the analysis to be rapidly repeated for subsequent versions of GHCNd, and could act as a basis for similar analyses using other spatial reporting boundaries and/or environmental monitoring station networks.
Upregulation of the Long Non-coding RNA LINC01480 Is Associated With Immune Infiltration in Coronary Artery Disease Based on an Immune-Related lncRNA-mRNA Co-expression Network
Authors: Xiong Ting , Xiao Botao , Wu Yueheng , Liu Yunfeng , Li Quhuan
Published: April 2022

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is considered one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Although dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) has been reported to be associated with the initiation and progression of CAD, the knowledge regarding their specific functions as well their physiological/pathological significance in CAD is very limited. In this study, we aimed to systematically analyze immune-related lncRNAs in CAD and explore the relationship between key immune-related lncRNAs and the immune cell infiltration process. Based on differential expression analysis of mRNAs and lncRNAs, an immune-related lncRNA-mRNA weighted gene co-expression network containing 377 lncRNAs and 119 mRNAs was constructed. LINC01480 and AL359237.1 were identified as the hub immune-related lncRNAs in CAD using the random forest-recursive feature elimination and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic regression. Furthermore, 93 CAD samples were divided into two subgroups according to the expression values of LINC01480 and AL359237.1 by consensus clustering analysis. By performing gene set enrichment analysis, we found that cluster 2 enriched more cardiovascular risk pathways than cluster 1. The immune cell infiltration analysis of ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM; an advanced stage of CAD) samples revealed that the proportion of macrophage M2 was upregulated in the LINC01480 highly expressed samples, thus suggesting that LINC01480 plays a protective role in the progression of ICM. Based on the findings of this study, lncRNA LINC01480 may be used as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for CAD.
Dynamics of Emergency Cardiovascular Hospital Admissions and In-Hospital Mortality During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Time Series Analysis and Impact of Socioeconomic Factors
Authors: Álvarez-Martín Claudia , Ribera Aida , Marsal Josep Ramon , Ariza-Solé Albert , Pérez-Hoyos Santiago , Oristrell Gerard , Soriano-Colomé Toni , Romaguera Rafael , Pijoan Jose Ignacio , Lidón Rosa M. , Mauri Josepa , Ferreira-González Ignacio
Published: April 2022

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the decline in urgent cardiovascular hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality during the COVID pandemic in two successive waves, and to evaluate differences by sex, age, and deprivation index subgroups.

Methods and Results

We obtained acute cardiovascular hospital episodes during the years 2019–2020 from region-wide data on public healthcare usage for the population of Catalonia (North-East Spain). We fitted time models to estimate the incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and acute heart failure (HF) admissions during the first pandemic wave, the between-waves period, and the second wave compared with the corresponding pre-COVID-19 periods and to test for the interaction with sex, age, and area-based socioeconomic level. We evaluated the effect of COVID-19 period on in-hospital mortality. ACS (n = 8,636) and HF (n = 27,566) episodes were defined using primary diagnostic ICD-10 codes. ACS and HF admissions decreased during the first wave (IRR = 0.66, 95%CI: 0.58–0.76 and IRR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.55–0.68, respectively) and during the second wave (IRR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.72–0.88 and IRR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.69–0.84, respectively); acute HF admissions also decreased in the period between waves (IRR: 0.81, 95%CI: 0.74–0.89). The impact was similar in all sex and socioeconomic subgroups and was higher in older patients with ACS. In-hospital mortality was higher than expected only during the first wave.

Conclusion

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a marked decline in urgent cardiovascular hospital admissions that were attenuated during the second wave. Both the decline and the attenuation of the effect have been similar in all subgroups regardless of age, sex, or socioeconomic status. In-hospital mortality for ACS and HF episodes increased during the first wave, but not during the second wave.
A Rare Case of Cardiac Metastatic Uterine Intravenous Leiomyomatosis
Authors: Wu Xun , Li Feng , Iroegbu Chukwuemeka Daniel , Fan Chengming , Song GuoBao
Published: April 2022

Intravenous leiomyomatosis (IVL) is a distinct uterine leiomyoma, even rare when combined with intracardiac invasion. Although leiomyomas are histologically benign, intracardiac metastasis may cause circulatory failure and death. Herein, we report a 55-year-old woman with a tricuspid chordae mass on echocardiography. Subsequently, gynecological ultrasonography revealed that the patient had masses in the ovaries, internal iliac vein, and inferior vena cava. The patient successfully underwent resection of the tricuspid chordae tendinea mass and implantation of the tricuspid annuloplasty ring. The patient underwent inferior vena cava, common iliac vein, hysterectomy, and bilateral adnexectomy after 4 months. To our knowledge, the present study is the first reported case with such a rare combination.
Paracrine Role of the Endothelium in Metabolic Homeostasis in Health and Nutrient Excess
Authors: Luk Cheukyau , Haywood Natalie J. , Bridge Katherine I. , Kearney Mark T.
Published: April 2022

The vascular endothelium traditionally viewed as a simple physical barrier between the circulation and tissue is now well-established as a key organ mediating whole organism homeostasis by release of a portfolio of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory vasoactive molecules. Healthy endothelium releases anti-inflammatory signaling molecules such as nitric oxide and prostacyclin; in contrast, diseased endothelium secretes pro-inflammatory signals such as reactive oxygen species, endothelin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). Endothelial dysfunction, which has now been identified as a hallmark of different components of the cardiometabolic syndrome including obesity, type 2 diabetes and hypertension, initiates and drives the progression of tissue damage in these disorders. Recently it has become apparent that, in addition to vasoactive molecules, the vascular endothelium has the potential to secrete a diverse range of small molecules and proteins mediating metabolic processes in adipose tissue (AT), liver, skeletal muscle and the pancreas. AT plays a pivotal role in orchestrating whole-body energy homeostasis and AT dysfunction, characterized by local and systemic inflammation, is central to the metabolic complications of obesity. Thus, understanding and targeting the crosstalk between the endothelium and AT may generate novel therapeutic opportunities for the cardiometabolic syndrome. Here, we provide an overview of the role of the endothelial secretome in controlling the function of AT. The endothelial-derived metabolic regulatory factors are grouped and discussed based on their physical properties and their downstream signaling effects. In addition, we focus on the therapeutic potential of these regulatory factors in treating cardiometabolic syndrome, and discuss areas of future study of potential translatable and clinical significance. The vascular endothelium is emerging as an important paracrine/endocrine organ that secretes regulatory factors in response to nutritional and environmental cues. Endothelial dysfunction may result in imbalanced secretion of these regulatory factors and contribute to the progression of AT and whole body metabolic dysfunction. As the vascular endothelium is the first responder to local nutritional changes and adipocyte-derived signals, future work elucidating the changes in the endothelial secretome is crucial to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic disease, and in aiding our development of new therapeutic strategies to treat and prevent cardiometabolic syndrome.
Tricuspid Annulus Dilation in Patients With Combined Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation and Left-Heart Valvular Disease: Does Septal Annulus Not Dilate?
Authors: Teng Peng , Dai Xiaoyi , Zou Yu , Yuan Shuai , Chen Yan , Ma Liang , Ni Yiming
Published: April 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate the course of tricuspid annulus dilation in functional tricuspid regurgitation with varied severities by direct intraoperative assessment.

Methods

A total of 317 patients who underwent left heart surgery and concomitant tricuspid repair were divided into three groups according to the severity of the functional tricuspid regurgitation (mild, moderate and severe). Demographic and echocardiographic data were collected. The length of each tricuspid annulus segment was measured intraoperatively. The risk factors for preoperative severe functional tricuspid regurgitation and its postoperative recurrence were identified, and the impact of each tricuspid annulus segment on postoperative recurrence was compared.

Results

In the course of tricuspid annulus dilation, the posterior annulus dilated 17% (group 1: 33.31 ± 6.94 mm vs. group 2: 35.56 ± 7.63 vs. group 3: 38.98 ± 8.70, p < 0.01), the anterior annulus dilated 13.4% (group 1: 36.71 ± 6.30 mm vs. group 2: 38.21 ± 8.35 vs. group 3: 41.63 ± 9.20, p < 0.01), and the septal annulus dilated 11.4% (group 1: 38.11 ± 5.28 mm vs. group 2: 39.76 ± 6.90 vs. group 3: 42.46 ± 7.50, p < 0.01). Tricuspid annulus circumference index (p < 0.01) independently correlated with preoperative severe tricuspid regurgitation and postoperative recurrence. When patients were grouped based on the length of each segment, the septal annulus demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity (p < 0.001) to postoperative recurrence than the anterior (p = 0.085) or posterior annulus (p = 0.262).

Conclusions

This study revealed that each segment of tricuspid annulus could dilate in functional tricuspid regurgitation and highlighted the potential benefits of septal annulus plication in tricuspid annuloplasty, which may aid in the development of a methodology for prosthetic ring annuloplasty.
Effects of Nicotine Exposure From Tobacco Products and Electronic Cigarettes on the Pathogenesis of Neurological Diseases: Impact on CNS Drug Delivery
Authors: Sharma Sejal , Rahman Archie Sabrina , Kanchanwala Vrajesh , Mimun Kyle , Rahman Md Ashrafur , Zhang Yong , Abbruscato Thomas
Published: April 2022

Nicotine, the major component of tobacco smoke (TS) and electronic cigarette (e-cig) vape, has been reported in some cases to be prodromal to cerebrovascular toxicity as well as a promoting factor for the onset of various neurological diseases. In some conditions, pre-exposure to nicotine can lead to a state of compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, including altered BBB-related protein expression, BBB leakage, and defective ion and glucose homeostasis within the brain. Moreover, drugs used to treat central nervous system disorders (CNS) have been reported to interact with nicotine and other components of TS/e-cig through both transporter and enzyme-based mechanisms. Herein we discuss nicotine’s potential toxicity at the brain cerebrovasculature and explain how nicotine (from smoking/vaping) may interfere with the uptake of CNS drugs through a CNS drug interaction perspective.
Tidal Modulation of Ice Streams: Effect of Periodic Sliding Velocity on Ice Friction and Healing
Authors: McCarthy Christine , Skarbek Rob M. , Savage Heather M.
Published: April 2022

Basal slip along glaciers and ice streams can be significantly modified by external time-dependent forcing, although it is not clear why some systems are more sensitive to tidal stresses. We have conducted a series of laboratory experiments to explore the effect of time varying load point velocity on ice-on-rock friction. Varying the load point velocity induces shear stress forcing, making this an analogous simulation of aspects of ice stream tidal modulation. Ambient pressure, double-direct shear experiments were conducted in a cryogenic servo-controlled biaxial deformation apparatus at temperatures between −2°C and −16°C. In addition to a background, median velocity (1 and 10 μm/s), a sinusoidal velocity was applied to the central sliding sample over a range of periods and amplitudes. Normal stress was held constant over each run (0.1, 0.5 or 1 MPa) and the shear stress was measured. Over the range of parameters studied, the full spectrum of slip behavior from creeping to slow-slip to stick-slip was observed, similar to the diversity of sliding styles observed in Antarctic and Greenland ice streams. Under conditions in which the amplitude of oscillation is equal to the median velocity, significant healing occurs as velocity approaches zero, causing a high-amplitude change in friction. The amplitude of the event increases with increasing period (i.e. hold time). At high normal stress, velocity oscillations force an otherwise stable system to behave unstably, with consistently-timed events during every cycle. Rate-state friction parameters determined from velocity steps show that the ice-rock interface is velocity strengthening. A companion paper describes a method of analyzing the oscillatory data directly. Forward modeling of a sinusoidally-driven slider block, using rate-and-state dependent friction formulation and experimentally derived parameters, successfully predicts the experimental output in all but a few cases.
A Review of the Hydrologic Response Mechanisms During Mountain Rain-on-Snow
Authors: Brandt W. Tyler , Haleakala Kayden , Hatchett Benjamin J. , Pan Ming
Published: April 2022

Mountain rain-on-snow (ROS) generates large flooding events worldwide. Climate warming will enhance the frequency, magnitude, and widespread nature of these events. Past studies indicate rainfall, not snowmelt, typically drives much of the runoff response during ROS. However, there is substantial event-to-event variability—resulting from shifting atmospheric drivers and nuanced physical mechanisms governing water flow through a snowpack. Historically, turbulent fluxes were assumed to dominate the energy balance for snowmelt during ROS. Recent research nonetheless suggests that other components of the energy balance might be larger drivers depending on: 1) the time of year; 2) the elevation; and 3) the aspect of the slope. This mini review summarizes the literature on the physical processes governing ROS and proposes that moving forward we utilize the terms “active” and “passive” to describe a snowpack’s contribution (via snowmelt) to terrestrial water input (TWI) during ROS. Active snowpacks readily contribute meltwater to TWI via the energy balance, bolstering rainfall-runoff totals. Passive snowpacks do not melt, but simply convey rainwater through the snow matrix. In both snowpack cases, preferential flow paths enhance transmissivity. This proposed classification scheme will help researchers and water managers better communicate and interpret past findings, and aid in forecasting discussions of future events.
Surrounding Rock Damage Characteristics and Support Optimization of Roadway in Soft Gas-Rich Coal Seam Under the Condition of Penetrating Hydraulic Reaming
Authors: Han Xu , Zhang Kai , Xue Xinran , Ma Bailong
Published: April 2022

The support of roadways in soft coal seams is a challenge in deep coal mines. For gas-rich coal seams, many methods are developed to drain the gas before mining. The penetrating hydraulic reaming (PHR) is one of the most efficient methods to reduce the gas content and pressure in the coal seams. However, the PHR method will cause many large holes in the coal seam, which brings difficulty to in-seam roadways control. The strength parameters of the coal are essential for roadway stability analysis. However, in soft coal seams, the sampling of the coal is difficult, and the direct evaluation of the coal strength parameters is unfeasible. In the present research, the surrounding rock damage characteristics of the holes induced by PHR are first evaluated by ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Then, the strength parameters of the coal are determined via the back-analysis method. After that, the deformation and failure of the roadway are analyzed, and an optimized support scheme is proposed. According to the monitored displacement and measured damage zone of the roadway, the roadway is well controlled by the proposed support scheme.
Reflection and Transmission of Inhomogeneous Plane Waves in Thermoelastic Media
Authors: Hou Wanting , Fu Li-Yun , Carcione José M. , Han Tongcheng
Published: April 2022

We study the reflection and transmission coefficients of plane waves incident at an interface between two isotropic thermoelastic half spaces and compare them with those of the elastic case. The models include the classical-Biot (B) and extended Lord-Shulman (LS) theories, and predict reflected and transmitted fast-compressional (P), thermal (T) and shear (S) waves. The coefficients are formulated in terms of incidence and inhomogeneity angles, medium properties and potential functions. We consider different incident wave types and inhomogeneity angles to analyze the magnitude, phase and energy ratio of the plane waves, and perform a comparison with the isothermal (elastic) theory. The thermoelastic and elastic models predict different energy partitions between the P and S modes, satisfying the conservation of energy. The LS model exhibits higher T-wave thermal attenuation with increasing inhomogeneity angle at high frequencies, accordingly predicting more interference energy. The angle affects the energy partitions, particularly at the critical angle and near grazing incidence for an incident P wave, which satisfies the conservation of energy. Beyond the critical angle, the energy flux perpendicular to the interface of the isothermal model vanishes, while it is significant in the thermoelastic case. The T-wave magnitudes increase when the thermal conductivity (relaxation time) increases.
Carbon Dioxide and its Carbon Isotopic Composition of Natural Gas in the Sichuan Basin, SW China
Authors: Dai Jinxing , Ni Yunyan , Liu Quanyou , Wu Xiaoqi , Yu Cong , Gong Deyu , Hong Feng , Zhang Yanling , Yan Zengmin
Published: April 2022

The Sichuan Basin, covering an area of 180 × 103 km2, has the following advantages in natural gas geology: The sedimentary rocks are 6,000–12,000 m thick with high maturity of source rocks, and nine sets of primary gas source rocks are developed in the basin with a gas–oil ratio of 80:1, and thus it is a gas basin. The remaining recoverable reserves of conventional and unconventional natural gas are up to 13.6404 × 1012 m3. Multiple gas-bearing systems are developed with 25 conventional and tight oil and gas producing layers and 135 discovered gas fields, and the total proved geological reserves and cumulative production of natural gas by the end of 2019 were 5.7966 × 1012 m3 and 648.8 × 109 m3, respectively. The CO2 components and the correlation with relevant parameters for 243 samples from 22 gas fields indicate that CO2 in the Sichuan Basin display the following two characteristics: (1) Relatively low CO2 content of 0.02%–22.90% with an average of 2.96%, which guaranteed the commerciality of natural gas exploration and production; (2) cratonic CO2, which is characterized by low CO2 contents (<5%) and low R/Ra ratios (<0.24). According to the δ13CCO2 values and the relationship with R/Ra, δ13C1, CO2 contents, and wetness coefficient (W) for 263 gas samples, the δ13CCO2 values display three characteristics: (1) The highest δ13CCO2 value (10.4‰) in China is found in the Fuling shale gas field, which extends the interval values from previous −39‰–7‰ to −39‰–10.4‰. (2) The δ13CCO2 values can be applied to identify the CO2 origin of natural gas in the Sichuan Basin: type A, organic origin from thermal decomposition of organic matter, with an average δ13CCO2 value of −12.8‰ and average wetness coefficient of 7.8% for 44 samples; type B, organic origin from thermal cracking of organic matter, with an average δ13CCO2 value of −15.7‰ and average wetness coefficient of 1.30% for 34 samples; type C, inorganic origin from thermal decomposition or organic acid dissolution of carbonate rocks or minerals, with an average δ13CCO2 value of −1.8‰ and average wetness coefficient of 0.85% for 175 samples. (3) δ13CCO2>δ13CCH4. This is a common characteristic shared by all geological age (from Z2dn to J2s) gas reservoirs and various gas types (coal-derived gas, oil-associated gas, and shale gas).
Characteristics of High Saturation Hydrate Reservoirs in the Low-Angle Subduction Area of the Makran Accretionary Prism
Authors: Liao Jing , Liu Xinxin , Zhao Qingfang , Gong Jianming , Yin Weihan , Li Sen , Lei Baohua , Liang Jie , Muhammad Khalid , Syed Waseem Haider
Published: April 2022

To delineate the spatial distribution of high saturation gas hydrate reservoirs in the low-angle subduction areas of the Makran Accretionary Prism, we conducted seismic data interpretation and impedance inversion of gas hydrates in the Makran Accretionary Prism and comprehensively analyzed the characteristics of the high saturation gas hydrate reservoirs in the Nankai Trough in Japan and the Shenhu Area in the South China Sea. The results show that the Makran Accretionary Prism features thick sediments, developed transport systems of “two-way gas supply” (i.e., thrust fault and normal fault, thrust fault and high permeable strata), and clear and continuous bottom simulating reflector (BSR). Meanwhile, strong-amplitude reflectors and strong-impedance anomalies coexist in the anticline wing above the BSR. Combined with the proven characteristics of high saturation gas hydrate reservoir, the high saturation gas hydrate reservoirs in the Makran Accretionary Prism are probably mainly distributed in the anticline wings immediately above the BSR. These results provide useful information for the exploration and development of gas hydrate in the low-angle subduction area of the Makran Accretionary Prism.
End-Triassic Extinction in a Carbonate Platform From Western Tethys: A Comparison Between Extinction Trends and Geochemical Variations
Authors: Todaro Simona , Rigo Manuel , Di Stefano Pietro , Aiuppa Alessandro , Chiaradia Massimo
Published: April 2022

The Triassic/Jurassic boundary section cropping out at Mt Sparagio in north-western Sicily (Italy) consists of a thick and continuous peritidal succession typical of a Tethyan carbonate platform. The combined chemostratigraphic and biostratigraphic study of this section allowed us to parallel the environmental variations inferred by the isotopic records and the extinction trends recorded by the benthic organisms. In the studied section, the isotope data of C, O, and S are indicative of serious environmental perturbations related to the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province (CAMP) activity, as recorded worldwide. Two negative excursions in the C-curve (Initial-CIE and Main-CIE) confirm the acidification processes that affected the benthic community. Moreover, the oxygen isotopes curve indicates a strong warming-trend that corresponds to the reduction in biodiversity and size of the megalodontoids in the upper part of the Rhaetian beds, probably due to the deterioration of the photosymbiotic relationships of these pelecypods. We here present some novel isotope data (Zn, Pb, Sr) from the Mt Sparagio section that offer additional clues on a tight control of CAMP volcanism on the End-Triassic Extinction.