bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between Angiotensin II, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, and Arteriosclerosis Obliterans
Authors: Liu Yulian , Cui Yuzhi , Zhou Zongqi , Liu Bin , Liu Zheng , Li Gang
Published: February 2023

Objective. To investigate the relationship between angiotensin II (Ang II), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). Methods. 60 ASO patients diagnosed and treated from October 2019 to December 2021 were selected for the observation group while 30 healthy physical examiners were for the control group. The general information (gender, age, history of smoking, diabetes, and hypertension) and arterial blood pressure (systolic and diastolic blood pressure) of the two groups were collected, and parameters like disease site and duration, Fontaine stage, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) of ASO patients have been evaluated. Ang II, VEGF, uric acid (UA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) were also detected for the two groups. The variations in UA, LDL, HDL, TG, and TC among two groups along with levels of Ang II and VEGF in ASO patients in accordance to conditions like the general situation, disease duration, disease site, Fontaine stage, and ABI risk level have been studied to establish a correlation between Ang II and VEGF and ASO. Results. (1) The proportion of males with a history of smoking, diabetes, and hypertension was higher (

P
<
0.05

) among ASO patients in comparison to the control group. The diastolic blood pressure, LDL, TC, Ang II, and VEGF levels were found to be higher (

P
<
0.05

) whereas HDL was low (

P
<
0.01

). (2) The level of Ang II in male patients with ASO was significantly higher than that in female ASO patients (

P
<
0.05

). In ASO patients, the levels of Ang II and VEGF increased not only with age (

P
<
0.01

) but also with progression in Fontaine stages II, III, and IV (

P
<
0.01

). (3) Logistic regression analysis revealed Ang II and VEGF as risk factors for ASO. (4) An AUC (area under the ROC (receiver operator characteristic) curve) for Ang II and VEGF for the diagnosis of ASO was 0.764 (good) and 0.854 (very good), respectively, while their combined AUC in diagnosing ASO was 0.901 (excellent). The AUC of Ang II and VEGF together in diagnosing ASO was greater than that of Ang II and VEGF alone along with higher specificity as well (all

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Ang II and VEGF were correlated with the occurrence and development of ASO. The AUC analysis demonstrates that Ang II and VEGF were highly discriminative of ASO.
Pan‐Cancer Analysis of the Oncogenic and Prognostic Role of PKM2: A Potential Target for Survival and Immunotherapy
Authors: Liang Nan , Mi Lusi , Li Jingting , Li Tong , Chen Jun , Dionigi Gianlorenzo , Guan Haixia , Sun Hui
Published: February 2023

Background. No pan‐cancer study has been conducted till date to explore the comprehensive oncogenic roles of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2). Methods. TCGA, TIMER, GEPIA, UALCAN, STRING, and other databases were used to analyze the expression, prognostic roles, epigenetic variants, and possible oncogenic mechanisms of PKM2. Proteomic sequencing data and PRM were applied to validate. Results. PKM2 showed higher expression in majority of cancers, the expression being significantly correlated with the clinical stage. Higher expression of PKM2 was associated with lower OS and DFS in several cancers, such as MESO and PAAD. In addition, the epigenetic variation of PKM2, including gene alteration, mutation type and sites, DNA methylation, and phosphorylation, showed diversity in different cancers. All four methods indicated that PKM2 is positively associated with the immune infiltration of tumor‐associated fibroblasts, such as in THCA, GBM, and SARC. Further mechanistic exploration suggested that the ribosome pathway might play an essential role in the regulation of PKM2, and interestingly, four out of ten hub genes were found to be highly related to OS in several cancers. Finally, in thyroid cancer specimen, we validated the expression and potential mechanisms by proteomic sequencing and PRM validation. Conclusion. In the majority of cancers, the higher expression of PKM2 was highly associated with poor prognosis. Further molecular mechanism exploration implied that PKM2 might serve as a potential target for cancer survival and immunotherapy by regulating the ribosome pathway.
Analytical and Neural Network Analysis on Flux-Coated Aluminium Alloy by Activated TIG Welding with Synthesized Nanocomposites
Authors: Raja V. L. , Kumar A. M. Senthil , Kumari K. Shantha , Bharanidharan R. , Ezhilarasi P. , Rajeshkannan S. , Nithya T. M. , Kumar S. Venkatesh
Published: February 2023

This research focused to synthesize the material by the tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process with support of appropriate flux coating material. Therefore the required amount of flux coating material was utilized to enhance the mechanical properties of the specified localized welded regions. Hence, this study concentrated to select the nano-SiO2 flux particles that were employed for TIG process. This activated TIG welding composes the flux-coated welding on the base metal of AA5083-H111, as this material was highly reactive with SiO2 by the presence of magnesium precipitates and well synthesized after the welding. The post- and preheat treatment process was achieved before and after welding. The selection of activated TIG process parameters composed of strengthened weld specimens along with constant parameters like electrode tip angle and flow rate, respectively. Initially, the process parameters were designed by the statistical analysis of Box Behnken method with support of regression formulation to determine the optimal solution. The maximum tensile strength was attained at the welding process parameters of welding speed (100 mm/min), voltage (13 V), and current (125 amps). The higher hardness was achieved at the process parameters of welding speed (80 mm/min), voltage (12 V), and current (125 amps), respectively. Finally, the neural network approach was utilized to verify the predicted responses of tensile and microhardness properties. The interaction plots, mean plots, and 3D scatter plots were influenced to enhance the process parameters. In this research, mechanical properties were enhanced by the flux-coated SiO2 and the analytical method also advances the optimal parameters.
Numerical Method for American Option Pricing under the Time‐Fractional Black–Scholes Model
Authors: Sun Yesen , Gong Wenxiu , Dai Hongliang , Yuan Long
Published: February 2023

The fractional Black–Scholes model has had limited applications in financial markets. Instead, the time‐fractional Black–Scholes equation has attracted much research interest. However, it is difficult to obtain the analytic expression for American option pricing under the time‐fractional Black–Scholes model. This paper will present an operator‐splitting method to price the American options under the time‐fractional Black–Scholes model. The fractional partial differential complementarity problem (FPDCP) that the American option price satisfied is split into two subproblems: a linear boundary value problem and an algebraic system. A high‐order compact (HOC) scheme and a grid stretching (GS) method are considered for the linear boundary problem. Furthermore, numerical results show that the HOC scheme with a GS method gives an accurate numerical solution for American options under the time‐fractional Black–Scholes model.
Isochlorogenic Acid C Restrains Erk/JNK/NF-κB Signaling to Alleviate Inflammatory Response and Promote Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Yang , Liang Jiang , Ding Qian , Xu Changjun , Liu Ming , Yang Changfu
Published: February 2023

Isochlorogenic acid C (ICAC) is found in a variety of natural foods and medicinal plant materials. This study aims to validate the biological activity of isochlorogenic acid C in limiting inflammation by the Erk/JNK/NF-κB pathway. In this study, TNF-α-induced human fibroblast-like synoviocytes and collagen-induced arthritis animal models were used to perceive the potential anti-inflammation mechanism of ICAC. The role of isochlorogenic acid C was evaluated by observing the migration, invasion ability, and apoptotic activity of TNF-α-induced fibroblast-like synoviocytes cells in humans and analysing foot swelling, joint index, and histopathological changes in a collagen-induced RA animal model. The results reveal that ICAC inhibited the proliferation of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes and promoted their apoptosis. ICAC also blocked the nuclear transfer of NF-κB, Erk, and JNK. It was observed that ICAC significantly inhibited the degree of posterior foot swelling in CIA, reducing arthritis scores, bone tissue injury, and articular synovitis. ICAC may promote cell apoptosis and inhibit the hyperactivation of inflammatory cells to alleviate inflammation-induced synovial proliferation through the Erk/JNK/NF-κB pathway.
Solving Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations of Special Kinds of 3rd Order Using Balance Method and Its Models
Authors: Gusu Daba Meshesha , Gudeta Wakjira
Published: February 2023

Most nonlinear partial differential equations have many applications in the physical world. Finding solutions to nonlinear partial differential equations is not easily solvable and hence different modified techniques are applied to get solutions to such nonlinear partial differential equations. Among them, we considered the modified Korteweg–de Vries third order using the balance method and constructing its models using certain parameters. The method is successfully implemented in solving the stated equations. We obtained kind one and two soliton solutions and their graphical models are shown using mathematical software-12. The obtained results lead to shallow wave models. A few illustrative examples were presented to demonstrate the applicability of the models. Furthermore, physical and geometrical interpretations are considered for different parameters to investigate the nature of soliton solutions to their models. Finally, the proposed method is a standard, effective, and easily computable method for solving the modified Korteweg–de Vries equations and determining its perspective models.
METTL3 Promotes Endothelium‐Mesenchymal Transition of Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells by Regulating TRPC6/Calcineurin/NFAT Signaling Pathways
Authors: Kong Chunchu , Zhang Fuxiu , Hu Ruicheng , Wang Lile
Published: February 2023

Background. Endothelium‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a process of phenotypic and functional transition from activated endothelial cells to mesenchymal cells. Recently, EndMT has been proved to be one of the main pathological mechanisms of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). However, the molecular mechanism is not clear. Methods. Primary rat pulmonary arterial endothelial cells (rPAECs) were isolated from Sprague‐Dawley rats and verified by CD31 immunofluorescence staining. rPAECs were exposed to hypoxic conditions to induce EndMT. RNA and protein levels in cells were detected by RT‐qPCR and Western blot. The migration ability was verified by the transwell assay. The RIP experiment was used to test the m6A modification of TRPC6 mRNA and the binding relationship between TRPC6 and METTL3. Calcineurin/NFAT signaling was measured by using commercial kits. Results. METTL3 was found to be highly expressed by hypoxia treatment in a time‐dependent manner. Knockdown of METTL3 significantly suppressed cell migration, downregulated the levels of interstitial cell‐related markers like α‐SMA and vimentin, and increased the levels of endothelial cell markers including CD31 and VE‐cadherin. Mechanistically, METTL3 increased TRPC6 expression by enhancing the m6A modification of TRPC6 mRNA, thus activating calcineurin/NFAT signaling. Our experiments showed that METTL3 silencing mediated the inhibitory roles in the hypoxia‐mediated EndMT process, which were significantly reversed by TRPC6/calcineurin/NFAT signaling activation. Conclusion. Our results elucidated that METTL3 knockdown inhibited the hypoxia‐mediated EndMT process by inactivating TRPC6/calcineurin/NFAT signaling.
Association of qnr Genes and OqxAB Efflux Pump in Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains
Authors: Amereh Fereshteh , Arabestani Mohammad Reza , Hosseini Seyed Mostafa , Shokoohizadeh Leili
Published: February 2023

Background. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and relationship between plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes and OqxAB pump genes, as well as the genetic linkage in K. pneumoniae strains isolated from Hamadan hospitals in the west of Iran. Materials and Methods. In this study, 100 K. pneumoniae clinical strains were isolated from clinical samples of inpatients at Hamadan Hospital in 2021. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. The frequencies of genes encoding OqxAB efflux pumps and qnr were investigated by PCR. Molecular typing of qnr-positive K. pneumoniae isolates was assessed by ERIC-PCR. Results. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed high resistance (>80%) to fluoroquinolones. The gene encoding the OqxAB efflux pump was detected in more than 90% of K. pneumomiae strains. All K. pneumoniae isolates were negative for qnrA, and 20% and 9% of the isolates were positive for qnrB and qnrS, respectively. The genes encoding oqxA and oqxB were detected in 96% of qnr-positive strains. A qnrB + /qnrS + profile was observed in 16% of qnr-positive K. pneumoniae strains. Ciprofloxacin MIC ≥ 256 μg/ml was detected in 20% of qnr-positive strains. Genetic association analysis by ERIC-PCR revealed genetic diversity among 25 different qnr-positive strains of K. pneumonia. Conclusion. However, no significant correlation was found between the qnr and the OqxAB efflux pump genes in this study. The high rate of fluoroquinolone resistance and determinants of antibiotic resistance among diverse K. pneumoniae strains increase the risk of fluoroquinolone-resistance transmission by K. pneumoniae strains in hospitals.
Leptospirosis: A Potential Culprit for Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology
Authors: Premarathne Shakila Sudarshani , Gamage Chandika , Chandrajith Rohana , Ratnatunge Neelakanthi Vajira , Wijetunge Sulochana , Wazil Abdul , Chou Li-Fang , Ko Yi-Ching , Huang Chiung-Tseng , Yang Huang-Yu , Fonseka Amanda , Sonnadara Thamalu , Herath Dulanjali , Hewavitharane Pasan , Yang Chih-Wei , Nanayakkara Nishantha
Published: February 2023

Purpose: Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) is an environmental nephropathy in which the etiological factors are yet uncertain. Leptospirosis, a spirochetal infection that is common among agricultural communities, has been identified as a potential etiology for CKDu beyond environmental nephropathy. Although CKDu is a chronic kidney disease, in endemic regions, an increasing number of cases are reported with features suggestive of acute interstitial nephritis without any known reason (AINu), with or without background CKD. The study hypothesizes that exposure to pathogenic leptospires is one of the causative factors for the occurrence of AINu. Method: This study was carried out using 59 clinically diagnosed AINu patients, 72 healthy controls from CKDu endemic region (endemic controls [ECs]), and 71 healthy controls from CKDu non-endemic region (non-endemic controls [NECs]). Results: The seroprevalence of 18.6, 6.9, and 7.0% was observed in the AIN (or AINu), EC, and NEC groups, respectively, from the rapid IgM test. Among 19 serovars tested, the highest seroprevalence was observed at 72.9, 38.9, and 21.1% in the AIN (AINu), EC, and NEC groups, respectively, by microscopic agglutination test (MAT), particularly for serovar Leptospira santarosai serovar Shermani. This emphasizes the presence of infection in AINu patients, and this also suggests that Leptospira exposure might play an important role in AINu. Conclusion: These data suggest that exposure to Leptospira infection could be one of the possible causative factors for the occurrence of AINu, which may lead to CKDu in Sri Lanka.
Interim Evaluation of Germany’s Sugar Reduction Strategy for Soft Drinks: Commitments versus Actual Trends in Sugar Content and Sugar Sales from Soft Drinks
Authors: von Philipsborn Peter , Huizinga Oliver , Leibinger Anna , Rubin Diana , Burns Jacob , Emmert-Fees Karl , Pedron Sara , Laxy Michael , Rehfuess Eva
Published: February 2023

Introduction: A high intake of sugar, in particular from sugar-sweetened soft drinks, increases the risk for obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dental caries. Germany has pursued a national strategy for sugar reduction in soft drinks based on voluntary commitments by industry since 2015, but its effects are unclear. Methods: We use aggregated annual sales data from Euromonitor International to assess trends in mean sales-weighted sugar content of soft drinks and per capita sugar sales from soft drinks in Germany from 2015 to 2021. We compare these trends to the reduction path set by Germany’s national sugar reduction strategy and to data for the United Kingdom, which adopted a soft drinks tax in 2017 and which we selected as best practice comparison country based on pre-defined criteria. Results: Between 2015 and 2021, the mean sales-weighted sugar content of soft drinks sold in Germany decreased by 2% from 5.3 to 5.2 g/100 mL, falling short of an interim 9% reduction target and a 29% reduction observed in the United Kingdom over the same period. Sugar sales from soft drinks in Germany decreased from 22.4 to 21.6 g/capita/day (−4%) between 2015 and 2021 but remain high from a public health perspective. Conclusions: Reductions observed under Germany’s sugar reduction strategy fall short of stated targets and trends observed internationally under best practice conditions. Additional policy measures may be needed to support sugar reduction in soft drinks in Germany.
Use of the Posterior Auricular Artery for Indirect Bypass in Moyamoya: A Pediatric Case Series
Authors: Hawkins J Chris , Ryan Megan V , Graber Sarah , Neuberger Ilana , Slade Jodi , Young Michael , Maloney John A. , Wilkinson C. Corbett
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS) for moyamoya is predominantly performed using a branch of the superficial temporal artery (STA) as the donor artery. At times, other branches of the external carotid artery are better suited for EDAS than is the STA. There is little information in the literature concerning using the posterior auricular artery (PAA) for EDAS in the pediatric age-group. In this case series, we review our experience using the PAA for EDAS in children and adolescents. Case Presentations: We describe the presentations, imaging, and outcomes of 3 patients in whom the PAA was used for EDAS, as well our surgical technique. There were no complications. All 3 patients were confirmed to have radiologic revascularization from their surgeries. All patients also had improvement of their preoperative symptoms, and no patient has had a stroke postoperatively. Conclusion: The PAA is a viable option for use as a donor artery in EDAS for the treatment of moyamoya in children and adolescents.
Optimal Hemostatic Band Duration After Transradial Angiography or Intervention: Insights From a Mixed Treatment Comparison Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Maqsood Muhammad Haisum , Pancholy Samir , Tuozzo Kristin A. , Moskowitz Nicole , Rao Sunil V. , Bangalore Sripal
Published: February 2023

Background:

The optimal duration of hemostatic compression post transradial access is controversial. Longer duration increases the risk of radial artery occlusion (RAO) while shorter duration increases the risk of access site bleeding or hematoma. As such, a target of 2 hours is typically used. Whether a shorter or longer duration is better is not known.

Methods:

A PubMed, EMBASE, and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched for randomized clinical trials of different duration (<90 minutes, 90 minutes, 2 hours, and 2–4 hours) of hemostasis banding. The efficacy outcome was RAO, primary safety outcome was access site hematoma, and secondary safety outcome was access site rebleeding. Primary analysis compared the effect of various duration in reference to the 2 hours duration using a mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis.

Results:

Of the 10 randomized clinical trials included with 4911 patients, when compared to the 2-hour reference duration, there was a significantly higher risk of access site hematoma with 90 minutes (odds ratio, 2.39 [95% CI, 1.40–4.06]) and <90 minutes (odds ratio, 3.61 [95% CI, 1.79–7.29]) but not with the 2 to 4 hours duration. When compared with the 2-hour reference, there was no significant difference in access site rebleeding or RAO with shorter or longer duration but the point estimates favored longer duration for access site rebleeding and shorter duration for RAO. Duration of <90 minutes and 90 minutes ranked 1 and duration of 2 hours ranked 2 as the most efficacious duration whereas duration of 2 hours ranked 1 and 2 to 4 hours ranked 2 as the safest duration.

Conclusions:

In patients undergoing transradial access for coronary angiography or intervention, a hemostasis duration of 2 hours offers the best balance for efficacy (prevention of RAO) and safety (prevention of access site hematoma/rebleeding).
Cardiac Myocyte‐Specific Overexpression of FASTKD1 Prevents Ventricular Rupture After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Marshall Kurt D. , Klutho Paula J. , Song Lihui , Roy Rajika , Krenz Maike , Baines Christopher P.
Published: February 2023

Background

The mitochondrial mRNA‐binding protein FASTKD1 (Fas‐activated serine/threonine [FAST] kinase domain–containing protein 1) protects myocytes from oxidative stress in vitro. However, the role of FASTKD1 in the myocardium in vivo is unknown. Therefore, we developed cardiac‐specific FASTKD1 transgenic mice to test the effects of this protein on experimental myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and Results

Transgenic mouse lines with cardiac myocyte‐specific overexpression of FASTKD1 to varying degrees were generated. These mice displayed normal cardiac morphological features and function at the gross and microscopic levels. Isolated cardiac mitochondria from all transgenic mouse lines showed normal mitochondrial function, ATP levels, and permeability transition pore activity. Male nontransgenic and transgenic mice from the highest‐expressing line were subjected to 8 weeks of permanent coronary ligation. Of nontransgenic mice, 40% underwent left ventricular free wall rupture within 7 days of MI compared with 0% of FASTKD1‐overexpressing mice. At 3 days after MI, FASTKD1 overexpression did not alter infarct size. However, increased FASTKD1 resulted in decreased neutrophil and increased macrophage infiltration, elevated levels of the extracellular matrix component periostin, and enhanced antioxidant capacity compared with control mice. In contrast, markers of mitochondrial fusion/fission and apoptosis remained unaltered. Instead, transcriptomic analyses indicated activation of the integrated stress response in the FASTKD1 transgenic hearts.

Conclusions

Cardiac‐specific overexpression of FASTKD1 results in viable mice displaying normal cardiac morphological features and function. However, these mice are resistant to MI‐induced cardiac rupture and display altered inflammatory, extracellular matrix, and antioxidant responses following MI. Moreover, these protective effects were associated with enhanced activation of the integrated stress response.
Right Ventricular Function During Exercise After Pulmonary Endarterectomy for Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Braams Natalia J. , Kianzad Azar , Meijboom Lilian J. , Westenberg Jesper , Spruijt Onno A. , Smits Josien , Vonk Noordegraaf Anton , Boonstra Anco , Nossent Esther J. , Oosterveer Frank , Handoko M. Louis , Symersky Petr , de Man Frances S. , Bogaard Harm Jan
Published: February 2023

Background

Pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension improves resting hemodynamics and right ventricular (RV) function. Because exercise tolerance frequently remains impaired, RV function may not have completely normalized after PEA. Therefore, we performed a detailed invasive hemodynamic study to investigate the effect of PEA on RV function during exercise.

Methods and Results

In this prospective study, all consenting patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension eligible for surgery and able to perform cycle ergometry underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test, and a submaximal invasive cardiopulmonary exercise test before and 6 months after PEA. Hemodynamic assessment and analysis of RV pressure curves using the single‐beat method was used to determine load‐independent RV contractility (end systolic elastance), RV afterload (arterial elastance), RV–arterial coupling (end systolic elastance–arterial elastance), and stroke volume both at rest and during exercise. RV rest‐to‐exercise responses were compared before and after PEA using 2‐way repeated‐measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni post hoc correction. A total of 19 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension completed the entire study protocol. Resting hemodynamics improved significantly after PEA. The RV exertional stroke volume response improved 6 months after PEA (79±32 at rest versus 102±28 mL during exercise;
P
<0.01). Although RV afterload (arterial elastance) increased during exercise, RV contractility (end systolic elastance) did not change during exercise either before (0.43 [0.32–0.58] mm Hg/mL versus 0.45 [0.22–0.65] mm Hg/mL;
P
=0.6) or after PEA (0.32 [0.23–0.40] mm Hg/mL versus 0.28 [0.19–0.44] mm Hg/mL;
P
=0.7). In addition, mean pulmonary artery pressure–cardiac output and end systolic elastance–arterial elastance slopes remained unchanged after PEA.

Conclusions

The exertional RV stroke volume response improves significantly after PEA for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension despite a persistently abnormal afterload and absence of an RV contractile reserve. This may suggest that at mildly elevated pulmonary pressures, stroke volume is less dependent on RV contractility and afterload and is primarily determined by venous return and conduit function.
Relationship of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 With Hospitalization for Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Hofer Felix , Hammer Andreas , Pailer Ulrike , Koller Lorenz , Kazem Niema , Steinacher Eva , Steinlechner Barbara , Andreas Martin , Laufer Günther , Wojta Johann , Zelniker Thomas A. , Hengstenberg Christian , Niessner Alexander , Sulzgruber Patrick
Published: February 2023

Background

Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) is crucial in regulating phosphate and vitamin D metabolism and is moreover associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. The specific objective of this study was to investigate the influence of FGF‐23 on cardiovascular outcomes, including hospitalization for heart failure (HHF), postoperative atrial fibrillation, and cardiovascular death, in an unselected patient population after cardiac surgery.

Methods and Results

Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft and/or cardiac valve surgery were prospectively enrolled. FGF‐23 blood plasma concentrations were assessed before surgery. A composite of cardiovascular death/HHF was chosen as primary end point. A total of 451 patients (median age 70 years; 28.8% female) were included in the present analysis and followed over a median of 3.9 years. Individuals with higher FGF‐23 quartiles showed elevated incidence rates of the composite of cardiovascular death/HHF (quartile 1, 7.1%; quartile 2, 8.6%; quartile 3, 15.1%; and quartile 4, 34.3%). After multivariable adjustment, FGF‐23 modeled as a continuous variable (adjusted hazard ratio for a 1‐unit increase in standardized log‐transformed biomarker, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.34–2.46]) as well as using predefined risk groups and quartiles remained independently associated with the risk of cardiovascular death/HHF and the secondary outcomes, including postoperative atrial fibrillation. Reclassification analysis indicated that the addition of FGF‐23 to N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide provides a significant improvement in risk discrimination (net reclassification improvement at the event rate, 0.58 [95% CI, 0.34–0.81];
P
<0.001; integrated discrimination increment, 0.03 [95% CI, 0.01–0.05];
P
<0.001).

Conclusions

FGF‐23 is an independent predictor of cardiovascular death/HHF and postoperative atrial fibrillation in individuals undergoing cardiac surgery. Considering an individualized risk assessment, routine preoperative FGF‐23 evaluation may improve detection of high‐risk patients.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes Among People Living With HIV Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Insights From the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program
Authors: Parikh Rushi V. , Hebbe Annika , Barón Anna E. , Grunwald Gary K. , Plomondon Mary E. , Gordin Jonathan , Yeh Robert W. , Jneid Hani , Swaminathan Rajesh V. , Waldo Stephen W. , Monto Alexander , Secemsky Eric , Hsue Priscilla Y.
Published: February 2023

Background

Clinical characteristics and outcomes in people living with HIV (PLWH) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain poorly described. We sought to compare real‐world treatment of coronary artery disease, as well as patient and procedural factors and outcomes after PCI between PLWH and uninfected controls.

Methods and Results

We utilized procedural registry data from the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019 to analyze patients with obstructive coronary artery disease on angiography. In the PCI subgroup, we used inverse probability of treatment weighting and applied Cox proportional hazards to evaluate the association of HIV serostatus with outcomes, including all‐cause mortality at 5 years. Among 184 310 patients with obstructive coronary artery disease, treatment strategy was similar between PLWH and controls—35.7% versus 34.2% PCI, 13.6% versus 15% coronary artery bypass grafting, and 50.7% versus 50.8% medical therapy. The PCI cohort consisted of 546 (0.9%) PLWH and 56 811 (99.1%) controls. PLWH undergoing PCI had well‐controlled HIV disease, and compared with controls, were younger, more likely to be Black, had fewer traditional risk factors, more acute coronary syndrome, less extensive coronary artery disease, and similar types of stents and P2Y12 therapy. However, PLWH experienced worse survival as early as 6 months post‐PCI, which persisted over time and amounted to a 21% increased mortality risk by 5 years (hazard ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.03–1.42;
P
=0.02]).

Conclusions

Despite well‐controlled HIV disease, a more favorable overall cardiovascular risk profile, and similar PCI procedural metrics, PLWH still have significantly worse long‐term survival following PCI than controls.
Characterization and expression analysis of β-catenin from Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis, 1950) (Caridea, Palaemonidae) in embryonic development and immune response to bacteria
Authors: Huang Yi Chen , Xu Wei Kang , Zhu Hong Geng , Chen Jian Hua
Published: February 2023

β-catenin is an important signal transduction protein in the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which is widely involved in the development of animals. However, the role of β-catenin in crustaceans is still unclear. In this study, the cDNA of β-catenin from Exopalaemon carinicauda (Holthuis, 1950) was identified and characterized. The open reading frame (ORF) is 2424 bp, which encodes 807 amino acids containing an N-terminal region of a GSK-β consensus phosphorylation site and a central region of 11 armadillo (ARM) repeats. The tissue distribution showed that β-catenin was highly expressed in ovary, testis, hepatopancreas, heart, and gills. During embryonic development, the transcript of β-catenin was relatively high in the zygote, and the thirty-two-cell stage, blastula stage, gastrula stage, and nauplius stage. The transcripts of β-catenin in haemocytes, gills, and hepatopancreas were significantly up-regulated after infection with Vibrio anguillarum Bergeman, 1909. These results indicate that β-catenin participates in the regulation of embryonic development and in the immune response in E. carinicauda.
Redescription of Bomolochus bellones Burmeister, 1835 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Bomolochidae) recovered from Cololabis saira (Brevoort, 1856) (Actinopterygii) in Japan, with descriptions of the male and copepodids V-III of the species
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: February 2023

Bomolochus bellones Burmeister, 1835 is redescribed based on specimens recovered from the bucco-branchial cavity of the Pacific saury, Cololabis saira (Actinopterygii, Beloniformes, Scomberesocidae), in Japan. The male, copepodid V female, copepodid IV female, and copepodid III male of the species are described. The postantennal processes and lateral processes have appeared in the female at copepodid V.
Taxonomic revision of the Neotropical genus Scutops Coquillett, 1904 (Diptera: Periscelididae)
Authors: FREITAS GEOVÂNIA , ALE-ROCHA ROSALY
Published: February 2023

The Neotropical genus Scutops is revised, including the description of S. flavithorax sp. nov., S. ipixunensis sp. nov., S. melinus sp. nov., S. robustus sp. nov., S. spinophallus sp. nov., and the redescriptions of five species. A key to included species is provided and Scutops striatus Hennig, 1969 is transferred to Periscelis Loew.
Preparation of Iron Oxide Adsorbent Modified by Chitosan Biomaterials and Its Adoption in the Adsorption of Heavy Metals
Authors: Jin Hong , Li Ping , Zhou Sufang
Published: February 2023

Heavy metals in water leads to many ecological and environmental problems. All kinds of new magnetic adsorbents are used to adsorb the heavy metals in the aqueous solution, which has the advantages of high efficiency, low consumption, simplicity, convenience, and industrialization.
Firstly, Fe3O4 is dissolved, and polyethylene glycol (PEG) and anhydrous sodium acetate are added. The dissolved product is placed in the reaction kettle lined with Teflon and reacts at a high temperature to obtain the Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres.
The product is dissolved again. After the ultrasonic water bath, 1 mL tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is added drop by drop to obtain the SiO2/Fe3O4 magnetic microspheres by the ultrasonic and water-bath stirring. The magnetic microspheres are dissolved in
10 mL 3% chitosan solution. Chitosan/SiO2/Fe3O4 (CSF) magnetic adsorbent is obtained after ultrasonic agitation, and chitosan-biomodified iron oxide adsorbent (EDCSF) is obtained by the ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) modification. After the adsorbent
is obtained, the biomaterial is characterized, and its performance of adsorbing heavy metals in water is tested as an adsorbent. In the experiment, the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is used to verify that EDTA successfully modifies the surface of the CSF magnetic adsorbent.
Through the morphology analysis and nitrogen adsorption–desorption test, EDTA cross-linked with the amino group of chitosan through carbodiimide can cause a decrease in the related physical indexes of the material. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and hysteresis loop tests show that
although the magnetism of CSF and EDCSF decreases, the solid–liquid separation is achieved in a relatively short time under the action of magnets. In the adsorption test, EDCSF shows an ideal adsorption performance for Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) in aqueous solution. With pH = 4.7 and
at normal temperature, the maximum saturated adsorption capacity of EDCSF for Cu(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) is 0.696 mmol/g, 0.586 mmol/g, and 0.562 mmol/g, respectively.
Reveal key genes and factors affecting athletes performance in endurance sports using bioinformatic technologies
Authors: Yan Juan , Bai Jie
Published: February 2023

Medium-intensity activities comprise the major proportion of many sorts of sports. The energy consumption of athletes has been a research emphasis for the purpose of improving both training efficiency and competition performance. However, the evidence based on large-scale gene screen has been rarely performed. This is a bioinformatic study revealing the key factors contributed to the metabolic difference between subjects with different endurance activity capacities. A dataset comprised of high- (HCR) and low-capacity running (LCR) rats was used. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and analysed. The Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment was obtained. The DEGs' protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was built, and the enriched terms of the PPI network were also analysed. Our findings showed that the GO terms were enriched in lipid metabolism-related terms. The KEGG signalling pathway analysis enriched in the ether lipid metabolism. Plb1, Acad1, Cd2bp2, and Pla2g7 were identified as the hub genes. This study provides a theoretical foundation showing lipid metabolism plays an important role in the performance of endurance activities. Plb1, Acad1, and Pla2g7 may be the key genes involved. The training plan and diet for athletes can be designed based on above results and expecting a better competitive performance.
Chromosome-length genome assembly of Teladorsagia circumcincta – a globally important helminth parasite in livestock
Authors: Hassan Shamshad Ul , Chua Eng Guan , Paz Erwin A. , Tay Chin Yen , Greeff Johan C. , Palmer Dieter G. , Dudchenko Olga , Aiden Erez Lieberman , Martin Graeme B. , Kaur Parwinder
Published: February 2023

Background

Gastrointestinal (GIT) helminthiasis is a global problem that affects livestock health, especially in small ruminants. One of the major helminth parasites of sheep and goats, Teladorsagia circumcincta, infects the abomasum and causes production losses, reductions in weight gain, diarrhoea and, in some cases, death in young animals. Control strategies have relied heavily on the use of anthelmintic medication but, unfortunately, T. circumcincta has developed resistance, as have many helminths. Vaccination offers a sustainable and practical solution, but there is no commercially available vaccine to prevent Teladorsagiosis. The discovery of new strategies for controlling T. circumcincta, such as novel vaccine targets and drug candidates, would be greatly accelerated by the availability of better quality, chromosome-length, genome assembly because it would allow the identification of key genetic determinants of the pathophysiology of infection and host-parasite interaction. The available draft genome assembly of T. circumcincta (GCA_002352805.1) is highly fragmented and thus impedes large-scale investigations of population and functional genomics.

Results

We have constructed a high-quality reference genome, with chromosome-length scaffolds, by purging alternative haplotypes from the existing draft genome assembly and scaffolding the result using chromosome conformation, capture-based, in situ Hi-C technique. The improved (Hi-C) assembly resulted in six chromosome-length scaffolds with length ranging from 66.6 Mbp to 49.6 Mbp, 35% fewer sequences and reduction in size. Substantial improvements were also achieved in both the values for N50 (57.1 Mbp) and L50 (5 Mbp). A higher and comparable level of genome and proteome completeness was achieved for Hi-C assembly on BUSCO parameters. The Hi-C assembly had a greater synteny and number of orthologs with a closely related nematode, Haemonchus contortus.

Conclusion

This improved genomic resource is suitable as a foundation for the identification of potential targets for vaccine and drug development.
The relationship between bullying, learning disorders and psychiatric comorbidity
Authors: Weinreich Lior , Haberstroh Stefan , Schulte-Körne Gerd , Moll Kristina
Published: February 2023

Background

Both learning disorders and bullying are major sources of public concern. Children with learning disorders often suffer from social rejection, potentially rendering them more susceptible to bullying involvement. Bullying involvement leads to a higher risk towards developing various problems including self-harm and suicidality. Past research on whether learning disorders are childhood bullying risk factors yielded inconsistent results.

Methods

The current study used path analyses on a representative sample of 2,925 German 3rd and 4th grades to examine whether learning disorders are a direct bullying risk factor, or whether their impact depends on psychiatric comorbidity. More so, the current study sought to examine whether associations differ between children with and without learning disorders, compare different bullying roles (i.e., only victim, only bully, or bully-victim), compare gender, and control for IQ and socioeconomic status.

Results

Results indicated that learning disorders are not a direct but rather an indirect childhood risk factor for bully-victim involvement, depending on psychiatric comorbidity with internalizing or externalizing disorders. Regarding the comparison between the samples of children with and without learning disorders, an overall difference and a difference in the path between spelling and externalizing disorders emerged. No difference for different bullying roles (i.e., only victim, only bully) emerged. Negligible differences emerged when IQ and socioeconomic status were controlled. An overall gender difference emerged, compatible with past research, indicating higher bullying involvement among boys compared to girls.

Conclusion

Children with learning disorders are at a higher risk of having psychiatric comorbidity, which in turn renders them at a higher risk of bullying involvement. Implications for bullying interventions and school professionals are deduced.
Impact of the first year of the “This Girl Can” physical activity and sport mass media campaign in Australia
Authors: Bauman Adrian , McNeil Nicola , Nicholson Matthew , O’Halloran Paul , Seal Emma , Randle Erica , Stukas Arthur
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Addressing gender inequalities in physical activity is an important public health goal. A major campaign, ‘This Girl Can’ (TGC) was conducted by Sport England from 2015, and TGC was licenced in 2018 by VicHealth in Australia for development and use in a 3-year mass media campaign. The campaign was adapted through formative testing to Australian conditions and implemented within the state of Victoria. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the initial population impact of the first wave of the TGC-Victoria.

Methods

We assessed campaign impact using serial population surveys, with the target population being women living in Victoria who were not meeting the current physical activity guidelines. Two surveys were carried out before the campaign (October 2017 and March 2018), and the post-campaign survey immediately following the first wave of TGC-Victoria mass media (May 2018). Analyses were primarily on the cohort sample of 818 low-active women followed across all three surveys. We measured campaign effects using campaign awareness and recall, and self-report measures of physical activity behaviour and perceptions of being judged. Changes in perceptions of being judged and in reported physical activity were assessed in relation to campaign awareness over time.

Results

Overall, TGC-Victoria campaign recall increased from 11.2% pre-campaign to 31.9% post-campaign, with campaign awareness more likely among younger and more educated women. There was a slight increase of 0.19 days in weekly physical activity following the campaign. Feeling that being judged was a barrier to physical activity declined at follow up, as did the single item perceptions of feeling judged (P < 0.01). Feeling embarrassed decreased, and self-determination increased, but exercise relevance, theory of planned behaviour and self-efficacy scores did not change.

Conclusions

The initial wave of the TGC-Victoria mass media campaign showed reasonably high levels of community awareness and encouraging decreases in women feeling judged whilst being active, but these did not yet translate into overall physical activity gains. Further waves of the TGC-V campaign are in progress to reinforce these changes and further influence the perception of being judged among low-active Victorian women.
Reduction in omission events after implementing a Rapid Response System: a mortality review in a department of gastrointestinal surgery
Authors: Olsen Siri Lerstøl , Nedrebø Bjørn S , Strand Kristian , Søreide Eldar , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Hansen Britt Sætre
Published: February 2023

Background

Hospitals worldwide have implemented Rapid Response Systems (RRS) to facilitate early recognition and prompt response by trained personnel to deteriorating patients. A key concept of this system is that it should prevent ‘events of omission’, including failure to monitor patients’ vital signs, delayed detection, and treatment of deterioration and delayed transfer to an intensive care unit. Time matters when a patient deteriorates, and several in-hospital challenges may prevent the RRS from functioning adequately. Therefore, we must understand and address barriers for timely and adequate responses in cases of patient deterioration. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether implementing (2012) and developing (2016) an RRS was associated with an overall temporal improvement and to identify needs for further improvement by studying; patient monitoring, omission event occurrences, documentation of limitation of medical treatment, unexpected death, and in-hospital- and 30-day mortality rates.

Methods

We performed an interprofessional mortality review to study the trajectory of the last hospital stay of patients dying in the study wards in three time periods (P1, P2, P3) from 2010 to 2019. We used non-parametric tests to test for differences between the periods. We also studied overall temporal trends in in-hospital- and 30-day mortality rates.

Results

Fewer patients experienced omission events (P1: 40%, P2: 20%, P3: 11%, P = 0.01). The number of documented complete vital sign sets, median (Q1,Q3) P1: 0 (0,0), P2: 2 (1,2), P3: 4 (3,5), P = 0.01) and intensive care consultations in the wards ( P1: 12%, P2: 30%, P3: 33%, P = 0.007) increased. Limitations of medical treatment were documented earlier (median days from admission were P1: 8, P2: 8, P3: 3, P = 0.01). In-hospital and 30-day mortality rates decreased during this decade (rate ratios 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.98) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.99)).

Conclusion

The RRS implementation and development during the last decade was associated with reduced omission events, earlier documentation of limitation of medical treatments, and a temporal reduction in the in-hospital- and 30-day mortality rates in the study wards. The mortality review is a suitable method to evaluate an RRS and provide a foundation for further improvement.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered.