bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Combined Effect of Environmental Policies on China’s Renewable Energy Development: A Multi-Perspective Study Based on Semiparametric Regression Model
Authors: Yang Xiaolei , Zhong Shuiying
Published: December 2022

Based on a sample of 92 listed renewable energy enterprises in China from 2007–2017, this paper empirically examines the nonlinear effect of environmental policies on renewable energy investments using a semiparametric regression model. Environmental policies are divided into three groups in terms of pre-control, in-process governance, and post-accounting—the groups being green supervision and public regulations, green standardized regulations, and green accounting regulations—and this paper explores the differences in the effects of environmental policies at different stages. The results indicate that the relationship between environmental policies and renewable energy development has been unstable, following a “W-shaped” pattern. Green supervision and public regulations can greatly enhance investments in the renewable energy industry, with an estimated coefficient of 10.8173. Green standardized regulations have a similar “W-shaped” impact on renewable energy development. However, the nonlinear impact of green accounting regulations on renewable energy development fails the significance test. In addition, the effect of environmental policies on investment in the solar energy industry is positive, with a coefficient of 1.0697. The positive effect of environmental policies on investments in the renewable energy industry is reflected mainly in medium-, small-, and micro-sized enterprises. These findings contribute to the literature on the effectiveness of environmental policies by putting a set of environmental policies into a unified framework to explore their combined effects.
Tailoring Perinatal Health Communication: Centering the Voices of Mothers at Risk for Maternal Mortality and Morbidity
Authors: Sampson McClain , Xu Wen , Prabhu Sahana
Published: December 2022

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any industrialized country. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Black women die at 2–3 times the rate of white women, and the infant mortality rate in the U.S. is 2.5 times higher than their White counterparts. Maternal and child health programs, such as Healthy Start, are an important gateway to increasing awareness, education, and referral to perinatal care and mental health services. This paper explored mothers’ perceptions of the importance of health and healthcare during pregnancy and postpartum and their preferences for communication from a community-based service program, such as Healthy Start. Data were collected from four focus groups with 29 expectant or current mothers. Most participants (57.7%) identify as Black or African American. They age from 24 to 43 with a mean of 31.7. We analyzed the data using the thematic analysis approach. Themes that emerged supported an overall desire for inclusive, strength-based educational materials. Use of advocacy-based health educational materials, materials that show diverse and realistic images of mothers, peer-based education through testimonials, and health education materials that are easy to understand and apply to one’s own experience emerged as the broad theme from the focus groups.
Restorative Effects of Observing Natural and Urban Scenery after Working Memory Depletion
Authors: van Oordt Menno , Ouwehand Kim , Paas Fred
Published: December 2022

According to attention restoration theory observing nature has restorative effects on cognitive components, such as working memory, after a cognitive depleting task. Additionally, urban environments are thought to have no effect or even a negative effect on cognitive restoration. Previous research has confirmed that observing actual, as well as digitally presented nature sceneries leads to more restoration of working memory capacity (WMC) than observing (digital) urban sceneries. To further investigate these findings, we conducted an experiment with 72 university students as participants. After a WMC depleting task, participants observed either digitally presented nature scenery, urban scenery or no scenery, and subsequently performed a digit span test, which was used to measure restoration of WMC. Results indicated significant higher performance on the digit span test for those who observed nature scenery in comparison to those who observed urban scenery or no scenery, thereby replicating results from previous research. Observing urban scenery was neither harmful nor helpful in terms of cognitive restoration compared to observing no scenery. These findings provide a foundation for implementing a brief intervention of observing nature in academic settings to facilitate the restoration of WMC.
Study on the Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Agricultural Carbon Emissions in the Counties of Zhejiang Province
Authors: Wen Changcun , Zheng Jiaru , Hu Bao , Lin Qingning
Published: December 2022

The accurate measurement of agricultural carbon emissions and the analysis of the key influential factors and spatial effects are the premise of the rational formulation of agricultural emission reduction policies and the promotion of the regional coordinated governance of reductions in agricultural carbon emissions. In this paper, a spatial autocorrelation model and spatial Dubin model are used to explore the spatiotemporal characteristics, influential factors and spatial effects of agricultural carbon emissions (ACEs). The results show that (1) From 2014 to 2019, the overall carbon emissions of Zhejiang Province showed a downward trend, while the agricultural carbon emission density showed an upward trend. ACEs are mainly caused by rice planting and land management, accounting for 59.08% and 26.17% of the total agricultural carbon emissions, respectively. (2) The ACEs in Zhejiang Province have an obvious spatial autocorrelation. The spatial clustering characteristics of the ACEs are enhanced, and the “H-H” cluster is mainly concentrated in the northeast of Zhejiang, while the “L-L” cluster is concentrated in the southwest. (3) The results of the Dubin model analysis across the whole sample area show that the ACEs exhibit a significant spatial spillover effect. The disposable income per capita in the rural areas of the county significantly promotes the increase in the ACEs in the neighboring counties, and the adjustment of the industrial structure of the county has a positive effect on the agricultural carbon emission reductions in neighboring counties. (4) The grouping results show that there is heterogeneity between 26 counties in the mountainous areas and non-mountainous areas. In the 26 mountainous counties, the urbanization rate, rural population, mechanization level and industrial structure have significant negative spatial spillover effects on the carbon emissions. In the non-mountainous counties, the agricultural economic development level and disposable income per capita of the rural residents have significant spatial spillover effects on the agricultural carbon emissions. These research results can provide a theoretical basis for the promotion of the development of low-carbon agriculture in Zhejiang according to the region and category.
Impact of the Empathic Understanding of People and Type D Personality as the Correlates of Social Skills of Primary Health Care Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chrzan-Rodak Agnieszka , Nowicki Grzegorz Józef , Schneider-Matyka Daria , Grochans Elżbieta , Ślusarska Barbara
Published: December 2022

Efficient functioning at work depends on social skills. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship among empathy, type D personality traits, and the level of social skills among Primary Health Care (PHC) nurses. A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 446 PHC nurses. In the multidimensional model, after taking into account disruptive variables (age, place of residence, postgraduate education and self-assessment of health), as in one-dimensional models, respondents with a higher level of empathic understanding of other people were found to have a higher level of social skills (b = 0.76; SE = 0.11; p < 0.001), while a lower level of social skills was observed among respondents with traits which are characteristic of type D personality (b = −11.86; SE = 2.28; p < 0.001). The results of the study show that personal predispositions, such as empathy or type D personality, may support or hinder the shaping of social skills of nurses. Therefore, it is essential to create an individualised approach when nurses are undergoing social skills training.
The Impact of Sustainability Practices on Share Performance with Mediation of Board Members Experience: A Study on Malaysian Listed Companies
Authors: Bhatti Uzair , Sulaiman Noralfishah
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of ESG sustainability practices (i.e., Environmental, Social, Governance/economic) on share performance. Moreover, the objective of the study is to investigate the sustainability practices with mediation of board member experience, which might contribute in maintaining the share performance. The study is unique in such a way that instead of analysing the stated relationship with internal financial performance measures such as return on asset (ROA) or return on equity (ROE), this study will investigate the relationship using external performance measures such as firm share performance. In this research, data were collected from 100 Bursa Malaysia listed companies using purposive sampling during the sampling period from 2017 to 2020. The data were analysed using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bound testing model instead of a traditional regression model to examine the causal relationship. The results of the study showed the long-run steady relationships through the error correction term (ECT) at the optimum lag. Further, the findings also revealed that there is no short run association between the sustainability practices and the stock performance with mediation of the board experience. The findings also showed that sustainability practices have a significant impact on share performance with mediation of board experience. It is found that sustainability practices, especially environmental and social, are essential to attract investors. The results have also demonstrated that a board of directors of different ages has different knowledge, competencies, and expertise which could prove beneficial in terms of board diversity that decides to adapt the best sustainability practices. These findings provide some inference for future research on the relationship of sustainability practices and share performance with other mediating factors of board attributes.
Murine Animal Models in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: The Quest for Improving the Quality of Life
Authors: Alcorta-Sevillano Natividad , Infante Arantza , Macías Iratxe , Rodríguez Clara I.
Published: December 2022

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a rare genetic disorder characterized by bone fragility, due to alterations in the type I collagen molecule. It is a very heterogeneous disease, both genetically and phenotypically, with a high variability of clinical phenotypes, ranging from mild to severe forms, the most extreme cases being perinatal lethal. There is no curative treatment for OI, and so great efforts are being made in order to develop effective therapies. In these attempts, the in vivo preclinical studies are of paramount importance; therefore, serious analysis is required to choose the right murine OI model able to emulate as closely as possible the disease of the target OI population. In this review, we summarize the features of OI murine models that have been used for preclinical studies until today, together with recently developed new murine models. The bone parameters that are usually evaluated in order to determine the relevance of new developing therapies are exposed, and finally, current and innovative therapeutic strategies attempts considered in murine OI models, along with their mechanism of action, are reviewed. This review aims to summarize the in vivo studies developed in murine models available in the field of OI to date, in order to help the scientific community choose the most accurate OI murine model when developing new therapeutic strategies capable of improving the quality of life.
Ameliorative Effect of Ethanolic Echinacea purpurea against Hyperthyroidism-Induced Oxidative Stress via AMRK and PPAR Signal Pathway Using Transcriptomics and Network Pharmacology Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yingli , Zhang Jianjun , Wang Chun , Zheng Ting , Di Songrui , Wang Yinyin , Fei Wenting , Liang Weican , Wang Linyuan
Published: December 2022

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP) is a well-known botanical supplement with antioxidant characteristics. However, the effects of EP on oxidative stress induced by hyperthyroidism have not yet been studied. This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidative effect of ethanolic Echinacea Purpurea (EEP) on hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress mice using an integrated strategy combining transcriptomics with network pharmacology analysis. Firstly, a hyperthyroidism mice model was induced via thyroxine (160 mg/kg) and EEP (1, 2, or 4 g/kg) once daily for 2 weeks. Body weight, thyroid-stimulating hormones, and oxidative stress markers were tested. Secondly, EEP regulating the potential genes at transcript level were analyzed. Thirdly, a network pharmacology based on the constituents of EEP identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis was adopted. Finally, a joint analysis was performed to identify the key pathway. The results showed that EEP significantly changed the thyroid-stimulating hormones and oxidative stress markers. Meanwhile, RT-qPCR and Western Blotting demonstrated that the mechanism of the antioxidant effect of EEP reversed the mRNA expression of EHHADH, HMGCR and SLC27A2 and the protein expression of FABP and HMGCR in AMPK and PPAR signaling pathways. This study integrates transcriptomics with network pharmacology to reveal the mechanism of ameliorative effect of EEP on hyperthyroidism-induced oxidative stress.
Oral Delivery of miR-320-3p with Lipidic Aminoglycoside Derivatives at Mid-Lactation Alters miR-320-3p Endogenous Levels in the Gut and Brain of Adult Rats According to Early or Regular Weaning
Authors: Tavares Gabriel Araujo , Torres Amada , Le Drean Gwenola , Queignec Maïwenn , Castellano Blandine , Tesson Laurent , Remy Séverine , Anegon Ignacio , Pitard Bruno , Kaeffer Bertrand
Published: December 2022

To investigate if the artificial delivery of microRNAs naturally present in the breastmilk can impact the gut and brain of young rats according to weaning. Animals from a new transgenic rat line expressing the green-fluorescent protein in the endocrine lineage (cholecystokinin expressing cells) received a single oral bolus of miR-320-3p or miR-375-3p embedded in DiOleyl-Succinyl-Paromomycin (DOSP) on D-12. The pups were weaned early (D-15), or regularly (D-30). The expression of relevant miRNA, mRNAs, chromatin complexes, and duodenal cell density were assessed at 8 h post-inoculation and on D-45. The miR-320-3p/DOSP induced immediate effects on H3K4me3 chromatin complexes with polr3d promoter (p < 0.05). On regular weaning, on D-45, miR-320-3p and 375-3p were found to be downregulated in the stomach and upregulated in the hypothalamus (p < 0.001), whereas miR-320-3p was upregulated in the duodenum. After early weaning, miR-320-3p and miR-375-3p were downregulated in the stomach and the duodenum, but upregulated in the hypothalamus and the hippocampus. Combination of miR-320-3p/DOSP with early weaning enhanced miR-320-3p and chromogranin A expression in the duodenum. In the female brain stem, miR-320-3p, miR-504, and miR-16-5p levels were all upregulated. Investigating the oral miRNA-320-3p loads in the duodenal cell lineage paved the way for designing new therapeutics to avoid unexpected long-term impacts on the brain.
Betulin Acid Ester Derivatives Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth by Inducing Apoptosis through Caspase Cascade Activation: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Silico Study
Authors: Pęcak Paweł , Świtalska Marta , Chrobak Elwira , Boryczka Grzegorz , Bębenek Ewa
Published: December 2022

Betulin, or naturally occurring triterpene, possesses promising antiproliferative activity. To further explore this potential, thirty-eight betulin acid ester derivatives modified at the C-28 position were tested for antitumor activities. Four human cancer cell lines, MV4-11 (leukemia), A549 (lung), PC-3 (prostate), MCF-7 (breast) as well as the normal BALB/3T3 (mouse fibroblasts) cell line were examined using MTT and SRB assays. A few derivatives exhibited strong antiproliferative activity with IC50 values between 2 and 5 µM. Subsequent mechanistic studies revealed that some derivatives induced apoptosis by inducing caspase-3/7 activity. A strong structure–activity correlation of tested compounds has been proposed along with experimental and in silico pharmacokinetic properties.
Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition Induced in Cancer Cells by Adhesion to Type I Collagen
Authors: Fujisaki Hitomi , Futaki Sugiko
Published: December 2022

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important biological process that is physiologically observed during development, wound healing, and cancer invasion. During EMT induction, cancer cells lose their epithelial properties owing to various tumor microenvironmental factors and begin to exhibit mesenchymal properties, such as loss of apical–basal polarity, weakened intercellular adhesion, and promotion of single cell migration. Several factors, including growth factor stimulation and adhesion to type I collagen (Col-I), induce EMT in cancer cells. Cells adhere to Col-I via specific receptors and induce EMT by activating outside-in signals. In vivo, Col-I molecules often form fibrils, which then assemble into supramolecular structures (gel form). Col-I also self-assembles in vitro under physiological conditions. Notably, Col-I can be used as a culture substrate in both gel and non-gel forms, and the gel formation state of Col-I affects cell fate. Although EMT can be induced in both forms of Col-I, the effects of gel formation on EMT induction remain unclear and somewhat inconsistent. Therefore, this study reviews the relationship between Col-I gel-forming states and EMT induction in cancer cells.
Nrf2 Activation: Involvement in Central Nervous System Traumatic Injuries. A Promising Therapeutic Target of Natural Compounds
Authors: Silvestro Serena , Mazzon Emanuela
Published: December 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) trauma, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI), represents an increasingly important health burden in view of the preventability of most injuries and the complex and expensive medical care that they necessitate. These injuries are characterized by different signs of neurodegeneration, such as oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuronal apoptosis. Cumulative evidence suggests that the transcriptional factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays a crucial defensive role in regulating the antioxidant response. It has been demonstrated that several natural compounds are able to activate Nrf2, mediating its antioxidant response. Some of these compounds have been tested in experimental models of SCI and TBI, showing different neuroprotective properties. In this review, an overview of the preclinical studies that highlight the positive effects of natural bioactive compounds in SCI and TBI experimental models through the activation of the Nrf2 pathway has been provided. Interestingly, several natural compounds can activate Nrf2 through multiple pathways, inducing a strong antioxidant response against CNS trauma. Therefore, some of these compounds could represent promising therapeutic strategies for these pathological conditions.
Longitudinal Analysis of Antiphospholipid Antibody Dynamics after Infection with SARS-CoV-2 or Vaccination with BNT162b2
Authors: Ogrič Manca , Žigon Polona , Sodin-Semrl Snezna , Zlatković-Švenda Mirjana , Zdravković Marija , Ovuka Milica , Švec Tinka , Lakota Katja , Radšel Peter , Rotar Žiga , Čučnik Saša
Published: December 2022

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) comprise a group of autoantibodies that reflect prothrombotic risk in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) but may also be present in a small proportion of healthy individuals. They are often transiently elevated in infections, including SARS-CoV-2, and may also be associated with vaccine-induced autoimmunity. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the dynamics of aPL in COVID-19 patients and in individuals (healthcare professionals—HCPs) after receiving BNT162b2 vaccine and to compare aPL levels and positivity with those found in APS patients. We measured solid-phase identifiable aPL, including anticardiolipin (aCL), anti-β2 glycoprotein I (anti-β2GPI), and anti-prothrombin/phosphatidylserine (aPS/PT) antibodies in 58 HCPs before and after vaccination (at 3 weeks, 3, 6, and 9 months after the second dose, and 3 weeks after the third booster dose), in 45 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the ICU, in 89 COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the non-ICU (at admission, at hospital discharge, and at follow-up), and in 52 patients with APS. The most frequently induced aPL in COVID-19 patients (hospitalized in non-ICU) were aCL (50.6% of patients had positive levels at at least one time point), followed by anti-β2GPI (21.3% of patients had positive levels at at least one time point). In 9/89 COVID-19 patients, positive aPL levels persisted for three months. One HCP developed aCL IgG after vaccination but the persistence could not be confirmed, and two HCPs developed persistent anti-β2GPI IgG after vaccination with no increase during a 1-year follow-up period. Solid-phase aPL were detected in 84.6% of APS patients, in 49.4% of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the non-ICU, in 33.3% of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the ICU, and in only 17.2% of vaccinated HCPs. aPL levels and multiple positivity were significantly lower in both infected groups and in vaccinated individuals compared with APS patients. In conclusion, BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine may have induced aPL in a few individuals, whereas SARS-CoV-2 infection itself results in a higher percentage of aPL induction, but the levels, persistence, and multiple positivity of aPL do not follow the pattern observed in APS.
Yeast Mannan-Rich Fraction Modulates Endogenous Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Resistant E. coli
Authors: Smith Helen , Grant Sharon , Meleady Paula , Henry Michael , O’Gorman Donal , Clynes Martin , Murphy Richard
Published: December 2022

Mannan-rich fraction (MRF) isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been studied for its beneficial impact on animal intestinal health. Herein, we examined how MRF affected the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), impacting antibiotic susceptibility in resistant Escherichia coli through the modulation of bacterial metabolism. The role of MRF in effecting proteomic change was examined using a proteomics-based approach. The results showed that MRF, when combined with bactericidal antibiotic treatment, increased ROS production in resistant E. coli by 59.29 ± 4.03% compared to the control (p ≤ 0.05). We further examined the effect of MRF alone and in combination with antibiotic treatment on E. coli growth and explored how MRF potentiates bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics via proteomic changes in key metabolic pathways. Herein we demonstrated that MRF supplementation in the growth media of ampicillin-resistant E. coli had a significant impact on the normal translational control of the central metabolic pathways, including those involved in the glycolysis–TCA cycle (p ≤ 0.05).
Regulation of Myeloid Dendritic Cells by Synthetic and Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Umbreen Hira , Zhang Xiang , Tang Kuo-Tung , Lin Chi-Chien
Published: December 2022

Different subsets of dendritic cells (DCs) participate in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In particular, myeloid DCs play a key role in the generation of autoreactive T and B cells. Herein, we undertook a literature review on those synthetic and natural compounds that have therapeutic efficacy/potential for RA and act through the regulation of myeloid DCs. Most of these compounds inhibit both the maturation of DCs and their secretion of inflammatory cytokines and, subsequently, alter the downstream T-cell response (suppression of Th1 and Th17 responses while expanding the Treg response). The majority of the synthetic compounds are approved for the treatment of patients with RA, which is consistent with the importance of DCs in the pathogenesis of RA. All of the natural compounds are derived from plants. Their DC-modulating effect has been demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, these natural products ameliorate arthritis in rodents and are potential therapeutics for human RA.
Sex Differences in Arteriovenous Fistula Failure: Insights from Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Hu Ke , Li Yiqing , Guo Yi , Cheng Peng , Li Yuxuan , Lu Chanjun , Cai Chuanqi , Wang Weici
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are the preferred access for hemodialysis. Unfortunately, about 60% of patients, especially female patients, fail to receive normal dialysis within one year after surgery because of AVF failure. However, the underlying mechanisms caused by sex differences in AVF failure remain unclear. (2) Methods: We performed analysis of DEGs and functional analysis with the dataset GSE119296 to reveal the biology underlying AVF failure. Immune responses were calculated using CIBERSORT. A protein–protein interaction network and hub gene were constructed using STRING and stepwise identification of potential drugs was performed online. (3) Results: Functional analysis showed that extracellular matrix reprogramming and PI3K-AKT pathway enrichment were significant in both male and female patients. COL1A1 was the hub gene in male patients, whereas CDK1 was the hub gene in female patients. Immune responses including γδ-T cells and mast cells are activated in female patients while no significant differences were noted in the male group. (4) Conclusions: In this study, we used a series of mature and recognized bioinformatic strategies to determine the following items: (1) Reveal the pathogenesis of AVF failure through HUB genes and signaling pathways between the different sexes. (2) Determine the relationship between sex differences in AVF failure and immune abnormalities. (3) Search for relevant sex-specific drugs targeting AVF failure.
Cardiac Morphofunctional Characteristics of Individuals with Early Repolarization Pattern: A Literature Review
Authors: Kocsis Loránd , Pap Zsuzsanna , Frigy Attila
Published: December 2022

The early repolarization pattern (ERP) is an electrocardiographic phenomenon characterized by the appearance of a distinct J-wave or J-point elevation at the terminal part of the QRS complex. ERP is associated with an increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias in susceptible individuals. The cardiac morphofunctional parameters in subjects with ERP have been characterized mainly by imaging techniques, which suggests that certain changes could be identified in the background of the electrical pathomechanism: however, in this regard, current data are often contradictory or insufficiently detailed. For clarification, a more comprehensive cardiac imaging evaluation of a large patient population is necessary. This review summarizes and analyses the data from the literature related to cardiac morphofunctional characteristics in individuals with ERP.
Comparison of Endoscopic Hemostasis for Endoscopic Sphincterotomy Bleeding between a Novel Self-Assembling Peptide and Conventional Technique
Authors: Uba Yuki , Ogura Takeshi , Ueno Saori , Okuda Atsushi , Nishioka Nobu , Miyano Akira , Yamamoto Yoshitaro , Bessho Kimi , Tomita Mitsuki , Nakamura Junichi , Hakoda Akitoshi , Nishikawa Hiroki
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Recently, a novel self-assembling peptide hemostatic gel has become available in Japan. However, the safety and efficacy of this novel self-assembling peptide hemostatic gel remain unclear for bleeding after EST. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel self-assembling peptide hemostatic gel for bleeding after EST, and to perform a comparison to a conventional endoscopic hemostasis technique. Method: This retrospective study was carried out between January 2019 and October 2022. Patients who developed bleeding associated with EST were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the hemostasis technique used: a conventional hemostasis technique (Group A) or a novel self-assembling peptide hemostatic gel hemostasis technique (Group B). Result: A total of 62 patients (Group A, n = 36; Group B, n = 26) were included. Endoscopic hemostasis was initially obtained in 72.2% (26/32) of patients in Group A and in 88.4% (23/26) of patients in Group B, which was not significantly different (p = 0.1320). However, the procedure time was significantly shorter in Group B (mean, 9.38 min) compared with Group A (mean, 15.4 min) (p = 0.0103). There were no significant differences in the severity of bleeding between the two groups (p = 0.4530). Post-EST bleeding was observed in six patients (Group A, n = 4; Group B, n = 2). Adverse events were more frequently observed in Group A (n = 12) than in Group B (n = 1) (p = 0.0457). Conclusions: PuraStat application for EST bleeding might be safe and effective, and is comparable to the conventional endoscopic hemostasis technique, although further prospective randomized trials are needed.
Ultra Short Heart Rate Variability Predicts Clinical Outcomes in Patients with a Clinical Presentation Consistent with Myocarditis: A Derivation Cohort Analysis
Authors: Perek Shay , Nussinovitch Udi , Cohen Reut , Gidron Yori , Raz-Pasteur Ayelet
Published: December 2022

Myocarditis prognosis varies substantially, hence identification of novel prognostic factors is crucial. The prognostic role of ultra-short heart-rate variability (HRV) in myocarditis remains unknown. In a retrospective study, adult patients admitted to a tertiary hospital due to clinically suspected myocarditis were included. Clinical, laboratory and HRV parameters were assessed as predictors of severe short term complications (heart failure (HF), dilated cardiomyopathy—DCM, ventricular arrhythmia—VA and death), utilizing logistic regression (LR). Accuracy was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve area under the curve (AUC). HRV indices included standard deviation of normal beat intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). 115 patients, aged 34 (±13) years old, were examined. Six patients (5%) developed severe HFrEF. RMSSD was included in a multivariate LR model (RMSSD < 10.72 ms adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 14.056, p-value 0.024). Model classification accuracy was very good, with an AUC of 86%. Eight patients (7%) developed DCM. RMSSD < 10.72 ms was included in a multivariate classification model (AOR 8.826, p-value 0.013); model classification AUC of 82%. HRV did not predict development of VA or death. SDNN and especially RMSSD may be prognostic indicators in myocarditis.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Associated with Synergistic Defects of AP3B1 and ATM Genes: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yin Guangjiao , Lu Yasu , Pan Huaqin , Deng Bin , Wu Sanyun , Peng Zhiyong , Ye Xujun
Published: December 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is an overwhelming immune system activation that manifests as hyperinflammation and life-threatening multiple organ failure. However, the clinical manifestations of the systemic inflammatory response in sepsis and fulminant cytokine storm caused by HLH macrophage activation are very similar and difficult to distinguish. HLH triggered by two novel gene defects manifesting with multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and distributive shock has not been reported. A 14-year-old male patient was hospitalized with a high fever, his condition deteriorated rapidly, accompanied by cytopenia, shock, and MODS, and he was subsequently transferred to our intensive care unit (ICU) for symptomatic and organ-supportive treatments. Laboratory indicators of cytopenia, hypofibrinogenemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperferritinemia, high soluble CD25, low natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, and hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow confirmed the diagnosis of HLH. Molecular genetic analysis revealed that two novel heterozygous gene mutations in AP3B1 (c.3197 C > T) and ATM (c.8077 G > T) might have accounted for the onset. After treatment, the patient’s condition successfully improved. This case report demonstrates the timely determination of underlying triggers and critical care supports (supportive and etiological treatment) of HLH related to the improved outcome.
Ankle Doppler for Cuffless Ankle Brachial Index Estimation and Peripheral Artery Disease Diagnosis Independent of Diabetes
Authors: Rodway Alexander D. , Cheal Darren , Allan Charlotte , Pazos-Casal Felipe , Hanna Lydia , Field Benjamin C. T. , Pankhania Ajay , Aston Philip J. , Skene Simon S. , Maytham Gary D. , Heiss Christian
Published: December 2022

Ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) is the first-line test to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD). Its adoption in clinical practice is poor and its validity, particularly in diabetes, is limited. We hypothesised that ABPI can be accurately and precisely estimated based on cuffless Doppler waveforms. Retrospective analysis of standard ABPI and handheld Doppler waveform characteristics (n = 200). Prospective analysis of angle-corrected Doppler acceleration index (AccI, n = 148) and standard ABPI with testing of performance to diagnose PAD as assessed with imaging reference standards in consecutive patients. The highest AccI from handheld Doppler at ankle arteries was significantly logarithmically associated with the highest standard ABPI (E[y] = 0.32 ln [1.71 ∗ x + 1], p < 0.001, R2 = 0.68, n = 100 limbs). Estimated ABPI (eABPI) based on AccI closely resembled ABPI (r = 0.81, p < 0.001, average deviation −0.01 ± 0.13 [SD], n = 100 limbs). AccI from angle-corrected Doppler in patients without overt media sclerosis (ABPI ≤ 1.1) improved ABPI prediction (E[y] = 0.297 ∗ ln[0.039 ∗ x + 1], R2 = 0.92, p = 0.006, average deviation 0.00 ± 0.08, n = 100). In a population (n = 148 limbs) including diabetes (56%), chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (51%) and media sclerosis (32%), receiver operating characteristics analysis of (angle-corrected) eABPI performed significantly better than standard ABPI to diagnose PAD defined by ultrasound (ROC AUC = 0.99 ± 0.01, p < 0.001; sensitivity: 97%, specificity: 96%) at the ≤0.9 cut-off. This was confirmed with CT angiography (ROC AUC = 0.98, p < 0.001, sensitivity: 97%, specificity: 100%) and was independent of the presence of diabetes (p = 0.608). ABPI can be estimated based on ankle Doppler AccI without compression, and eABPI performs better than standard ABPI to diagnose PAD independent of diabetes. eABPI has the potential to be included as a standard component of lower extremity ultrasound.
Development of the Peritoneal Metastasis: A Review of Back-Grounds, Mechanisms, Treatments and Prospects
Authors: Ren Kaijie , Xie Xin , Min Tianhao , Sun Tuanhe , Wang Haonan , Zhang Yong , Dang Chengxue , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2022

Peritoneal metastasis is a malignant disease which originated from several gastrointestinal and gynecological carcinomas and has been leading to a suffering condition in patients for decades. Currently, as people have gradually become more aware of the severity of peritoneal carcinomatosis, new molecular mechanisms for targeting and new treatments have been proposed. However, due to the uncertainty of influencing factors involved and a lack of a standardized procedure for this treatment, as well as a need for more clinical data for specific evaluation, more research is needed, both for preventing and treating. We aim to summarize backgrounds, mechanisms and treatments in this area and conclude limitations or new aspects for treatments.
Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Premixed Calcium Silicate and Resin Sealers
Authors: Kharouf Naji , Sauro Salvatore , Eid Ammar , Zghal Jihed , Jmal Hamdi , Seck Anta , Macaluso Valentina , Addiego Frédéric , Inchingolo Francesco , Affolter-Zbaraszczuk Christine , Meyer Florent , Haikel Youssef , Mancino Davide
Published: December 2022

The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate specific mechanical and physicochemical properties of two calcium silicate based sealers, (AH Plus Bioceramic “AHPB”; Well-Root ST “WRST”), and a conventional resin sealer (AH Plus “AHP”). These aims were accomplished by assessing the porosity, pH, compression strength, roughness, wettability and cell attachment of the tested materials. The results were compared statistically using the one-way ANOVA test. Higher pH values were obtained in both AHPB and WRST compared to AHP at 3, 24 and 72 h (p < 0.05). A greater level of porosity and wettability was detected for both AHPB and WRST compared to the resin sealer AHP (p < 0.05). Evident cell growth characterized by elongated morphology was observed on the surface of AHPB and WRST, while only a thin layer of cells was seen on the surface of AHP. A significant lower compression strength and modulus were obtained in the specimens created using AHPB compared to those made with AHP and WRST (p < 0.05). The removal of calcium silicates may be quite tricky during endodontic retreatment. In conclusion, considering the limitations of the present in vitro study, both calcium silicate sealers demonstrated good physicochemical properties. However, the lower compression strength and modulus of AHPB may facilitate its removal and make the retreatment procedures considerably easier.
Shaping Exploration: How Does the Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy Helps Patients Finding a New Movement Solution
Authors: Pacheco Matheus M. , García-Salazar Luisa F. , Gomes Laura H. S. C. , Marques Fabiana S. , Pereira Natalia D.
Published: December 2022

Despite the relative success of constraint-induced movement therapy in the recovery of injury-/trauma-related populations, the mechanisms by which it promotes its results are still unknown. From a dynamical systems approach, we investigated whether the induced exploratory patterns within and between trials during an exercise in Shaping (the therapy’s practice) could shed light on this process. We analyzed data from four chronic spinal-cord injury patients during a task of placing and removing their feet from a step. We assessed the within and between trial dynamics through recurrent quantification analyses and task-space analyses, respectively. From our results, individuals found movement patterns directed to modulate foot height (to accomplish the task). Additionally, when the task was manipulated (increasing step height), individuals increased coupling and coupling variability in the ankle, hip, and knee over trials. This pattern of findings is in consonance with the idea of Shaping inducing exploration of different movements. Such exploration might be an important factor affording the positive changes observed in the literature.
Statutory and Operational Damage Stability by a Monte Carlo Based Approach
Authors: Krüger Stefan
Published: December 2022

The paper describes the extension of a Monte Carlo based damage stability simulation method for the generation of approval documents for both statutory and operational damage stability. The intention of this development is that the advantages of the Monte Carlo damage stability simulation concept can be used without the necessity to ask for alternative design approval procedures during the statutory approval by the classification society. This means that the same damage stability documentation must be generated as by the conventional damage stability calculation. To generate the required approval documentation, the individual probabilities for each damage case have to be determined and the different damage cases have to be sorted into so called damage zones, which is required by the classification societies. Within one damage zone, the splitting of damage cases was found to be necessary to avoid the computation of probabilities greater than 1. This extended method is then applied to the computation of damage stability during the operation of ships, which means that the method can now be applied in situ to real loading conditions, which makes the ship operation more flexible. This new capability is also interesting for those ships which carry a substantial amount of project deck cargo.
Genetic Regulation of Mycotoxin Biosynthesis
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Liang Xinle , Li Yudong , Wang Pinmei , Keller Nancy P.
Published: December 2022

Mycotoxin contamination in food poses health hazards to humans. Current methods of controlling mycotoxins still have limitations and more effective approaches are needed. During the past decades of years, variable environmental factors have been tested for their influence on mycotoxin production leading to elucidation of a complex regulatory network involved in mycotoxin biosynthesis. These regulators are putative targets for screening molecules that could inhibit mycotoxin synthesis. Here, we summarize the regulatory mechanisms of hierarchical regulators, including pathway-specific regulators, global regulators and epigenetic regulators, on the production of the most critical mycotoxins (aflatoxins, patulin, citrinin, trichothecenes and fumonisins). Future studies on regulation of mycotoxins will provide valuable knowledge for exploring novel methods to inhibit mycotoxin biosynthesis in a more efficient way.
Risk of Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Cheng Yih-Dih , Huang Ching-Hua , Gau Shuo-Yan , Chung Ning-Jen , Huang Shiang-Wen , Huang Cheng-Yang , Lee Chien-Ying
Published: December 2022

Few studies have comprehensively investigated the occurrence of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. This study investigated the risk of PJP after organ transplantation. Each patient who underwent SOT was propensity-score-matched with four non-SOT individuals in terms of sex, age, insured salary, urbanization of residence, comorbidities, and year of enrollment. When considering the 3-year follow-up, the patients who had undergone SOT were at higher risk of PJP, with the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) being 17.18 (95% confidence interval (CI): 8.80–33.53). Furthermore, SOT recipients were also at higher PJP risk than the patients without SOT at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, with the aOR being 22.64 (95% CI: 7.53–68.11), 26.19 (95% CI: 9.89–69.37), and 23.06 (95% CI: 10.23–51.97), respectively. Patients comorbid with HIV infection, hematological malignancies, or vasculitis were at higher risk (aOR = 59.08, 95% CI = 20.30–171.92), (aOR = 11.94, 95% CI = 5.36–26.61), and (aOR = 21.72, 95% CI = 2.41–195.81), respectively. The recipients of SOT were at higher risk of PJP, and PJP can develop at any stage after transplantation. SOT recipients comorbid with HIV, hematologic malignancies, or vasculitis were at higher PJP risk.
Function of the Mitochondrial Transport Protein BcMtp1 in Regulating Vegetative Development, Asexual Reproduction, Stress Response, Fungicide Sensitivity, and Virulence of Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Shao Wenyong , Zhang Yu , Chen Changjun , Xing Yujun
Published: December 2022

In model fungi, mitochondrial transport proteins (MTPs), also known as “mitochondrial carriers” (MC), are known to facilitate the exchange of biochemical substances across the mitochondrial inner membrane. In this study, we characterized an MTP in Botrytis cinerea homologous to the known MTPs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae designated BcMtp1. The BcMtp1 deletion mutant phenotype was strikingly defective in vegetative development, conidiation, and sclerotia production. In addition, ΔBcMtp1 showed increased sensitivity to osmotic stress, oxidative stress, and cell wall biogenesis inhibitors. In the pathogenicity assay, ΔBcMtp1 displayed compromised virulence on various host-plant tissues. The BcMtp1 deletion mutant phenotype was rescued by transforming the wild-type BcMtp1 variant into the mutant. Together, these data indicate that BcMtp1 is critical for vegetative development, asexual reproduction, stress tolerance, and virulence of B. cinerea.
Clinical Cancer and Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Test Result-Sharing Behavior: Findings from HINTS 2020
Authors: Makhnoon Sukh , Yu Robert , Peterson Susan K , Shete Sanjay
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Sharing genetic test results with different stakeholders such as family members, healthcare providers and genetic counselors (HCP/GCs), spouses/partners, and friends is a health behavior of clinical importance in genomic medicine. Methods: Using nationally representative population-based data collected from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, cycle 4), we identified the prevalence and factors associated with genetic test result-sharing behavior for high-risk cancer tests, genetic health risk tests, and ancestry tests within four groups: HCP/GCs, first-degree relatives (FDRs), spouse/partner, and friend/other. Results: Overall, 68.4% of those who underwent high-risk cancer genetic testing shared their results with FDRs, whereas 89.9% shared with HCP/GCs. In adjusted multivariable analyses, women were nine times more likely than men to share (p = 0.006), and those with a personal history of cancer were less likely to share with HCP/GCs (OR = 0.025, p ≤ 0.001). Of those tested for genetic health risk, 66.5% shared with HCP/GCs, 38.7% with FDRs, 66.6% with a spouse/partner, 12.8% with a friend, and 14.1% did not share results with anyone. Of those who underwent ancestry testing, very few shared results with HCP/GCs (2.6%), whereas modest sharing was reported with FDRs, spouses/partners, and friends. Discussion: These data add empirical evidence about the population prevalence of genetic information sharing and serve as a metric for public engagement with genetic testing.
The Declining Effect of Insurance on Life Expectancy
Authors: Leightner Jonathan
Published: December 2022

This paper used Reiterative Truncated Projected Least Squares (RTPLS) to estimate the effects on life expectancy of an additional dollar of insurance premiums for 43 countries. The data shows a clear positive relationship between insurance and life expectancy with insurance premiums increasing much faster than the inflation rate. The relationship d(life expectancy)/d(insurance) fell by a statistically significant amount (at a 95 percent confidence level) for 35 of the countries (and the eight exceptions to this pattern had relatively short data series). By 2020, the last dollar of per capita insurance increased a US citizen’s life expectancy at birth by only 6 days, a citizen in the United Kingdom by only 9 days, a citizen in Switzerland by only 7 days, and a citizen in Luxembourg by only 1 day. With such small returns to insurance, an important question is, “Could a society gain more life expectancy by shifting money from insurance into alternative uses”?