bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efek Ingesti Seduhan Daun Sungkai (Peronema canescens) terhadap Perubahan Glukosa Darah dan Kerusakan Ginjal Tikus Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Primal Def , Ahriyasna Risya
Published: January 2023

Gangguan aktivitas kualitatif atau kuantittatif jaringan ginjal pada diabetes melitus merupakan gangguan metabolisme dan homeostasis glukosa yang ditandai dengan hiperglikemia yang terjadi secara kronis karena menurun dan atau berkurangnya sensitifitas reseptor insulin dalam tubuh. Sungkai (Paronema canescens Jack) terdapat kandungan antioksidan seperti flavonoid, folifenol, alkaloid tanin, dan saponin. Flavonoid dapat menurunkan kadar glukosa darah dengan kemampuannya sebagai zat anti oksidan. Penelitian ini menguji efektivitas seduhan daun sungkai terhadap profil glukosa darah dengan indikasi terjadinya perubahan kadar glukosa darah, dan terjadinya proses kerusakan jaringan organ ginjal pada tikus wistar diinduksi diabetes melitus. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain true experiment dengan randomized pre-post-test with control group design. Hasil penelitian data selisih kadar gula darah tikus sebelum dan sesudah intervensi memperlihatkan terjadinya penurunan kadar gula darah pada kelompok K+(40.00±37.084), P-1 (90.17±24.441), P-2 99.17±14,442), sedangkan pada kelompok K- (-.83±2.927) terjadi penurunan.  Hasil uji paired t-test memperlihatkan nilai P value pada masing-masing kelompok adalah K- (P= .517), K+ (.046), P-1 (P= .001), P-2 (P= .001), sehingga terdapat pengaruh pemberian rebusan daun sungkai terhadap kadar gula darah pada tikus wistar yang diinduksi diabetes melitus. Penelitian ini juga menunjukan adanya perbedaan kerusakan jaringan organ ginjal tikus disetiap kelompok perlakuan pada persentase yang berbeda. Hasil analisis komposisi kandungan antioksidan dan flavonoid yang cukup tinggi pada daun Sungkai diyakini menjadi indikasi terjadinya perbaikan jaringan ginjal yang semakin membaik pada dosis sungkai yang lebih tinggi.
Uji Mutu Sediaan Sabun Padat dari Ekstrak Lidah Buaya (Aloe vera)
Authors: Yansen Fatridha , Humaira Vilma
Published: January 2023

Aloe vera mengandung saponin, pyrocatechol, glucomannan, lignin, asam amino dan vitamin sehingga berfungsi sebagai antiseptik alami, antimikroba, dan melembutkan kulit. Berdasarkan fakta tersebut maka ekstrak Aloe vera digunakan sebagai zat aditif pada formulasi sediaan sabun padat. Kualitas sabun padat yang baik adalah sabun yang telah sesuai dengan Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) sabun mandi padat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji kualitas dari sediaan sabun padat ekstrak Aloe vera yang dihasilkan. Sabun dibuat melalui metode cold process menggunakan tiga campuran lemak, yaitu minyak sawit, minyak kelapa, dan minyak zaitun serta ekstrak Aloe vera yang berfungsi sebagai antiseptik alami. Uji mutu sediaan sabun mandi padat dilakukan dengan mengevaluasi aspek organoleptik, pH, dan kadar air terhadap tiga sampel yaitu sabun padat ekstrak Aloe vera, sabun padat tanpa ekstrak Aloe vera sebagai kontrol negatif dan sabun padat komersial sesuai SNI sebagai kontrol positif. Hasil evaluasi mutu dari ketiga sampel tersebut menunjukkan bahwa pH pada rentang 10,08 – 10,75 dan kadar air pada rentang 7,58 – 10,35%.  Kualitas sediaan sabun padat ektrak Aloe vera telah memenuhi standar mutu berdasarkan SNI sabun mandi padat.
PATHOGENETIC THERAPY OF PATIENTS WITH ACNE, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF PERIPHERAL BLOOD CELLS
Authors:   Bogomolets National Medical University, Svirid S. G. , Bardov P. V. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Naumova L. A. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University, Svirid-Dzyadikevich A. S. ,   Bogomolets National Medical University
Published: January 2023

Objective – to increase the effectiveness of treatment of patients with acne, taking into account the peculiarities of the metabolic activity of leukocytes and peripheral blood platelets through the use of pathogenetic therapy. Materials and methods Under our supervision there were 66 patients with acne (39 women and 27 men) aged 18 to 40 years. The duration of the disease ranged from 6 months. up to 14 years old. 42 (63,6%) patients were diagnosed with a mild degree of severity of the course of dermatosis, and in 24 (36,4%) – moderate. In most patients, the pathological process covered two or three topographic areas, that is, it tended to spread. The content of phospholipids and glycogen in neutrophils, monocytes and platelets of peripheral blood was determined by calculating the average cytochemical coefficient (MCC). The control group consisted of 20 healthy individuals. Results and discussion It is proved that in patients with acne there is a probable decrease in the level of phospholipids in peripheral blood neutrophils, which is more pronounced in the moderate severity of the pathological process. The obtained data indicate, respectively, a violation of the structural integrity and inhibition of the energy potential of granulocytes. The content of phospholipids in peripheral blood monocytes was also likely to decrease, more significantly at moderate severity of acne. However, the vector of changes in glycogen levels in these cells had the opposite direction. The results led us to the adjuvant use of platelet-enriched autoplasma, which has a wide range of modulating effects. Conclusions It has been found that in patients with acne, there are various vector changes in the metabolic activity of peripheral blood monocytes, which are manifested by a decrease in phospholipids, combined with an increase in glycogen content, which characterizes the development of intracellular imbalance. It was determined that the metabolic activity of the platelet pool of peripheral blood in acne remains intact, but there is a redistribution of the number of hemoelements with different saturation of phospholipids and glycogen. It is proved that the use of complex therapy of patients with acne using, against the background of standardized drugs, autoplasma enriched with platelets, can significantly improve both short-term and long-term treatment results by significantly correcting the metabolic activity of peripheral blood leukocytes.
On the relationship between metabolic capacities and in vivo viscoelastic properties of the liver
Authors: Shahryari Mehrgan , Keller Sarah , Meierhofer David , Wallach Iwona , Safraou Yasmine , Guo Jing , Marticorena Garcia Stephan R. , Braun Jürgen , Makowski Marcus R. , Sack Ingolf , Berndt Nikolaus
Published: January 2023

The liver is the central metabolic organ. It constantly adapts its metabolic capacity to current physiological requirements. However, the relationship between tissue structure and hepatic function is incompletely understood; this results in a lack of diagnostic markers in medical imaging that can provide information about the liver’s metabolic capacity. Therefore, using normal rabbit livers, we combined magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) with proteomics-based kinetic modeling of central liver metabolism to investigate the potential role of MRE for predicting the liver’s metabolic function in vivo. Nineteen New Zealand white rabbits were investigated by multifrequency MRE and positron emission tomography (PET). This yielded maps of shear wave speed (SWS), penetration rate (PR) and standardized uptake value (SUV). Proteomic analysis was performed after the scans. Hepatic metabolic functions were assessed on the basis of the HEPATOKIN1 model in combination with a model of hepatic lipid-droplet metabolism using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Our results showed marked differences between individual livers in both metabolic functions and stiffness properties, though not in SUV. When livers were divided into ‘stiff’ and ‘soft’ subgroups (cutoff SWS = 1.6 m/s), stiff livers showed a lower capacity for triacylglycerol storage, while at the same time showing an increased capacity for gluconeogenesis and cholesterol synthesis. Furthermore, SWS was correlated with gluconeogenesis and PR with urea production and glutamine exchange. In conclusion, our study indicates a close relationship between the viscoelastic properties of the liver and metabolic function. This could be used in future studies to predict non-invasively the functional reserve capacity of the liver in patients.
The influence of mouth opening on pharyngeal pressure loss and its underlying mechanism: A computational fluid dynamic analysis
Authors: Hu Bin , Yin Guoping , Fu Song , Zhang Baoshou , Shang Yan , Zhang Yuhuan , Ye Jingying
Published: January 2023

Objective: During inspiration, mechanical energy generated from respiratory muscle produces a negative pressure gradient to fulfill enough pulmonary ventilation. The pressure loss, a surrogate for energy loss, is considered as the portion of negative pressure without converting into the kinetic energy of airflow. Mouth opening (MO) during sleep is a common symptom in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mouth opening on pharyngeal pressure loss using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation.

Methods: A total of four subjects who were morphologically distinct in the pharyngeal characteristics based on Friedman tongue position (FTP) grades were selected. Upper airway computed tomography (CT) scan was performed under two conditions: Mouth closing (MC) and mouth opening, in order to reconstruct the upper airway models. computational fluid dynamics was used to simulate the flow on the two different occasions: Mouth closing and mouth opening.

Results: The pharyngeal jet was the typical aerodynamic feature and its formation and development were different from mouth closing to mouth opening in subjects with different Friedman tongue position grades. For FTP I with mouth closing, a pharyngeal jet gradually formed with proximity to the velopharyngeal minimum area plane (planeAmin). Downstream the planeAmin, the jet impingement on the pharyngeal wall resulted in the frictional loss associated with wall shear stress (WSS). A rapid luminal expansion led to flow separation and large recirculation region, corresponding to the interior flow loss. They all contributed to the pharyngeal total pressure loss. While for FTP I with mouth opening, the improved velopharyngeal constriction led to smoother flow and a lower total pressure loss. For FTP IV, the narrower the planeAmin after mouth opening, the stronger the jet formation and its impingement on the pharyngeal wall, predicting a higher frictional loss resulted from higher WSS. Besides, a longer length of the mouth opening-associated constant constrictive segment was another important morphological factor promoting frictional loss.

Conclusion: For certain OSAHS patients with higher Friedman tongue position grade, mouth opening-related stronger jet formation, more jet breakdown and stronger jet flow separation might contribute to the increased pharyngeal pressure loss. It might require compensation from more inspiratory negative static pressure that would potentially increase the severity of OSAHS.
Modal testing of masonry constructions by ground-based radar interferometry for structural health monitoring: A mini review
Authors: Camassa Domenico , Vaiana Nicolò , Castellano Anna
Published: January 2023

Modal testing is one of the most effective experimental techniques for the structural health monitoring of masonry constructions, as it provides useful information for the calibration of structural models and for the assessment of structural damage. However, the application of modal testing to masonry constructions is sometimes hindered by the complexity of the conventional experimental set-up, which is generally based on contact sensors. In order to overcome this issue, several researchers are exploring the application of the ground-based radar interferometry, which is an increasingly popular measurement technique for remotely monitoring displacement and vibration of structures. Given the recently increasing number of articles on this subject, here we propose a mini review on the most significant works dealing with the application of ground-based radar interferometry for modal testing of masonry constructions. In particular, we show the current state of the art and highlight the main research gaps with the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of ground-based radar interferometry for the structural health monitoring of these constructions. Our mini review is primarily aimed at engineers and scientists who already know about modal testing and radar interferometry technique and are interested in the specific application to masonry constructions.
Nuclear envelope transmembrane proteins involved in genome organization are misregulated in myotonic dystrophy type 1 muscle
Authors: Todorow Vanessa , Hintze Stefan , Schoser Benedikt , Meinke Peter
Published: January 2023

Myotonic dystrophy type 1 is a multisystemic disorder with predominant muscle and neurological involvement. Despite a well described pathomechanism, which is primarily a global missplicing due to sequestration of RNA-binding proteins, there are still many unsolved questions. One such question is the disease etiology in the different affected tissues. We observed alterations at the nuclear envelope in primary muscle cell cultures before. This led us to reanalyze a published RNA-sequencing dataset of DM1 and control muscle biopsies regarding the misregulation of NE proteins. We could identify several muscle NE protein encoding genes to be misregulated depending on the severity of the muscle phenotype. Among these misregulated genes were NE transmembrane proteins (NETs) involved in nuclear-cytoskeletal coupling as well as genome organization. For selected genes, we could confirm that observed gene-misregulation led to protein expression changes. Furthermore, we investigated if genes known to be under expression-regulation by genome organization NETs were also misregulated in DM1 biopsies, which revealed that misregulation of two NETs alone is likely responsible for differential expression of about 10% of all genes being differentially expressed in DM1. Notably, the majority of NETs identified here to be misregulated in DM1 muscle are mutated in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy or clinical similar muscular dystrophies, suggesting a broader similarity on the molecular level for muscular dystrophies than anticipated. This shows not only the importance of muscle NETs in muscle health and disease, but also highlights the importance of the NE in DM1 disease progression.
Biomarkers for prognostic functional recovery poststroke: A narrative review
Authors: Zhang Jack Jiaqi , Sánchez Vidaña Dalinda Isabel , Chan Jackie Ngai-Man , Hui Edward S. K. , Lau Kui Kai , Wang Xin , Lau Benson W. M. , Fong Kenneth N. K.
Published: January 2023

Background and objective: Prediction of poststroke recovery can be expressed by prognostic biomarkers that are related to the pathophysiology of stroke at the cellular and molecular level as well as to the brain structural and functional reserve after stroke at the systems neuroscience level. This study aimed to review potential biomarkers that can predict poststroke functional recovery.

Methods: A narrative review was conducted to qualitatively summarize the current evidence on biomarkers used to predict poststroke functional recovery.

Results: Neurophysiological measurements and neuroimaging of the brain and a wide diversity of molecules had been used as prognostic biomarkers to predict stroke recovery. Neurophysiological studies using resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) revealed an interhemispheric asymmetry, driven by an increase in low-frequency oscillation and a decrease in high-frequency oscillation in the ipsilesional hemisphere relative to the contralesional side, which was indicative of individual recovery potential. The magnitude of somatosensory evoked potentials and event-related desynchronization elicited by movement in task-related EEG was positively associated with the quantity of recovery. Besides, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies revealed the potential values of using motor-evoked potentials (MEP) and TMS-evoked EEG potentials from the ipsilesional motor cortex as prognostic biomarkers. Brain structures measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been implicated in stroke outcome prediction. Specifically, the damage to the corticospinal tract (CST) and anatomical motor connections disrupted by stroke lesion predicted motor recovery. In addition, a wide variety of molecular, genetic, and epigenetic biomarkers, including hemostasis, inflammation, tissue remodeling, apoptosis, oxidative stress, infection, metabolism, brain-derived, neuroendocrine, and cardiac biomarkers, etc., were associated with poor functional outcomes after stroke. However, challenges such as mixed evidence and analytical concerns such as specificity and sensitivity have to be addressed before including molecular biomarkers in routine clinical practice.

Conclusion: Potential biomarkers with prognostic values for the prediction of functional recovery after stroke have been identified; however, a multimodal approach of biomarkers for prognostic prediction has rarely been studied in the literature. Future studies may incorporate a combination of multiple biomarkers from big data and develop algorithms using data mining methods to predict the recovery potential of patients after stroke in a more precise way.
Ciliary signaling proteins are mislocalized in the brains of Bardet-Biedl syndrome 1-null mice
Authors: Stubbs Toneisha , Bingman James I. , Besse Jason , Mykytyn Kirk
Published: January 2023

In the brain, primary cilia are found on most, if not all, central neurons. The importance of neuronal cilia is underscored by the fact that human diseases caused by primary cilia dysfunction, which are known as ciliopathies, are associated with neuropathologies, including neuropsychiatric disorders and learning and memory deficits. Neuronal cilia are enriched for certain G protein-coupled receptors and their downstream effectors, suggesting they sense and respond to neuromodulators in the extracellular milieu. GPCR ciliary localization is disrupted in neurons from mouse models of the ciliopathy Bardet-Biedl syndrome, with GPCRs failing to localize to cilia, indicating the Bardet-Biedl syndrome proteins are required for trafficking of G protein-coupled receptors into neuronal cilia. Yet, dopamine receptor 1 accumulates in cilia in the absence of Bardet-Biedl syndrome proteins, suggesting Bardet-Biedl syndrome proteins are required for normal ciliary import and export. To further explore the roles of the Bardet-Biedl syndrome proteins in neuronal cilia, we examined localization of ciliary signaling proteins in a new constitutive Bbs1 knockout mouse model. Interestingly, we find that two additional ciliary G protein-coupled receptors (Gpr161 and Gpr19) abnormally accumulate in cilia on Bardet-Biedl syndrome neurons. In addition, we find that the GPCR signaling protein β-arrestin accumulates in a subset of cilia in the brain, suggesting the presence of additional unidentified ciliary G protein-coupled receptors. These results confirm the importance of the Bardet-Biedl syndrome proteins in establishing ciliary GPCR pathways and indicate that loss of Bbs1 leads to complex changes in the localization of signaling proteins in the brain.
Assessment of host–guest molecular encapsulation of eugenol using β-cyclodextrin
Authors: Freitas Camila Auad Beltrão de , Costa Clauber Henrique Souza , da Costa Kauê Santana , da Paz Simone Patrícia Aranha , Silva José Rogério A. , Alves Cláudio Nahum , Lameira Jerônimo
Published: January 2023

Eugenol is a natural compound with well-known repellent activity. However, its pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications are limited, since this compound is highly volatile and thermolabile. Nanoencapsulation provides protection, stability, conservation, and controlled release for several compounds. Here, eugenol was included in β-cyclodextrin, and the complex was characterized through X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, we used molecular dynamics simulations to explore the eugenol–β-cyclodextrin complex stability with temperature increases. Our computational result demonstrates details of the molecular interactions and conformational changes of the eugenol–β-cyclodextrin complex and explains its stability between temperatures 27°C and 48°C, allowing its use in formulations that are subjected to varied temperatures.
A study on the material properties of novel PEGDA/gelatin hybrid hydrogels polymerized by electron beam irradiation
Authors: Şener Raman Tuğçe , Kuehnert Mathias , Daikos Olesya , Scherzer Tom , Krömmelbein Catharina , Mayr Stefan G. , Abel Bernd , Schulze Agnes
Published: January 2023

Gelatin-based hydrogels are highly desirable biomaterials for use in wound dressing, drug delivery, and extracellular matrix components due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, insufficient and uncontrollable mechanical properties and degradation are the major obstacles to their application in medical materials. Herein, we present a simple but efficient strategy for a novel hydrogel by incorporating the synthetic hydrogel monomer polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA, offering high mechanical stability) into a biological hydrogel compound (gelatin) to provide stable mechanical properties and biocompatibility at the resulting hybrid hydrogel. In the present work, PEGDA/gelatin hybrid hydrogels were prepared by electron irradiation as a reagent-free crosslinking technology and without using chemical crosslinkers, which carry the risk of releasing toxic byproducts into the material. The viscoelasticity, swelling behavior, thermal stability, and molecular structure of synthesized hybrid hydrogels of different compound ratios and irradiation doses were investigated. Compared with the pure gelatin hydrogel, 21/9 wt./wt. % PEGDA/gelatin hydrogels at 6 kGy exhibited approximately up to 1078% higher storage modulus than a pure gelatin hydrogel, and furthermore, it turned out that the mechanical stability increased with increasing irradiation dose. The chemical structure of the hybrid hydrogels was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and it was confirmed that both compounds, PEGDA and gelatin, were equally present. Scanning electron microscopy images of the samples showed fracture patterns that confirmed the findings of viscoelasticity increasing with gelatin concentration. Infrared microspectroscopy images showed that gelatin and PEGDA polymer fractions were homogeneously mixed and a uniform hybrid material was obtained after electron beam synthesis. In short, this study demonstrates that both the presence of PEGDA improved the material properties of PEGDA/gelatin hybrid hydrogels and the resulting properties are fine-tuned by varying the irradiation dose and PEGDA/gelatin concentration.
Chemiluminescent polymeric nanoprobes for tumor diagnosis: A mini review
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Li Cong , Chen Wenjuan , Wang Guanhua , Zou Huiru , Liu Hao
Published: January 2023

Chemiluminescence (CL), a distinct luminescent process by taking advantage of chemical reactions rather than external light source, has recently attracted considerable research interests due to its high sensitivity and low background signal. The sensitivity and specificity of chemiluminescent signals in complex tumor microenvironment provide a sound basis for accurate detection of tumors. Various chemiluminescent nanoprobes with superior performance have been obtained by structural modification of chemiluminescent units or introduction of fluorescent dyes. In this review, we focused on the recent progress of chemiluminescent polymeric systems based on various chromophore substrates, including luminol, peroxyoxalates, 1, 2-dioxetanes and their derivatives for tumor detecting. And we also emphasized the design strategies, mechanisms and diagnostic applications of representative chemiluminescent polymeric nanoprobes. Finally, the critical challenges and perspectives of chemiluminescent systems usage in tumor diagnosis were also discussed.
A modified deep learning weather prediction using cubed sphere for global precipitation
Authors: Singh Manmeet , Acharya Nachiketa , Patel Pratiman , Jamshidi Sajad , Yang Zong-Liang , Kumar Bipin , Rao Suryachandra , Gill Sukhpal Singh , Chattopadhyay Rajib , Nanjundiah Ravi S. , Niyogi Dev
Published: January 2023

Deep learning (DL), a potent technology to develop Digital Twin (DT), for weather prediction using cubed spheres (DLWP-CS) was recently proposed to facilitate data-driven simulations of global weather fields. DLWP-CS is a temporal mapping algorithm wherein time-stepping is performed through U-NET. Although DLWP-CS has shown impressive results for fields, such as temperature and geopotential height, this technique is complicated and computationally challenging for a complex, non-linear field, such as precipitation, which depends on other prognostic environmental co-variables. To address this challenge, we modify the DLWP-CS and call our technique “modified DLWP-CS” (MDLWP-CS). In this study, we transform the architecture from a temporal to a spatio-temporal mapping (multivariate setup), wherein precursor(s) of precipitation can be used as input. As a proof of concept, as a first simple case, a 2-m surface air temperature is used to predict precipitation using MDLWP-CS. The model is trained using hourly ERA-5 reanalysis and the resulting experimental findings are compared to two benchmark models, viz, the linear regression and an operational numerical weather prediction model, which is the Global Forecast System (GFS). The fidelity of MDLWP-CS is much better compared to linear regression and the results are equivalent to GFS output in terms of daily precipitation prediction with 1 day lag. These results provide an encouraging framework for an efficient DT that can facilitate speedy, high fidelity precipitation predictions.
Impact of pulmonary arterial systolic pressure on patients with mitral valve disease combined with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zheng Tie , Zhao Yichen , Ye Qing , Zheng Shuai , Meng Fei , Hu Qiuming , Zhang Haibo , Han Jie , Tian Baiyu , Zhu Junming , Wang Jiangang
Published: January 2023

Objective

To determine whether different changes of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) after surgeries have an impact on the long-term outcomes in patients with rheumatic and degenerative mitral valve (MV) disease and atrial fibrillation.

Methods

Between 2004 and 2016, 1,188 patients with rheumatic and degenerative MV disease undergoing MV and Cox-Maze procedure were identified. Clinic outcomes, as well as rhythm state and echocardiography indices in long-term follow-up were recorded. Patients were grouped by the changes of PASP (persistently normal, persistently increased, increased, and decreased) from preoperative estimation to follow-up.

Results

A complete echocardiography was performed at baseline and after 5 years. During follow-up, free of death and atrial fibrillation (AF) off antiarrhythmic drugs was 90 and 61%, 78 and 41% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Survival rate was higher in patients with persistently normal and became worse in patients with persistently increased and increased PASP (log-rank 166.0, P < 0.0001). Moreover, the patients with persistently normal PASP had a lowest risk of recurrent AF (SHR: 0817; CI: 0.765–0.872; P < 0.0001) after considering death as a competing risk. A persistently normal PASP at follow-up and degenerative MV disease were associated with improved survival and sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance at multivariable Cox regression analysis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with degenerative MV disease or have persistently normal PASP during follow-up have better survival and SR maintenance rate than patients with either rheumatic MV disease or persistently abnormal PASP.
The association between chronic heart failure and frailty index: A study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2018
Authors: Chen Xiaozhe , Hou Chunlei , Yao Lei , Ma Yulong , Li Yunfeng , Li Jianhua , Gui Mingtai , Wang Mingzhu , Zhou Xunjie , Lu Bo , Fu Deyu
Published: January 2023

Objective

This study aims to explore the association between the frailty index and chronic heart failure (CHF).

Methods

We collected data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1998–2018) database to assess the association between CHF and frailty. Demographic, inquiry, laboratory examinations, and characteristics were gathered to compare CHF and non-CHF groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between frailty and CHF. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for mortality from all causes and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Results

A total of 16,175 participants with cardiac and cerebrovascular disease were categorized into CHF (n = 1,125) and non-CHF (n = 15,050) groups. In patients with CHF, the prevalence of frailty, pre-frailty, and non-frailty were 66.31, 30.93, and 2.75%, respectively. In multiple logistic regression, patients with CHF who were male (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 3.11–5.22), whose annual family income was over $20,000 (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37–0.72, p < 0.001), or with normal hemoglobin level (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.68–0.88, P < 0.001) had a lower likelihood of frailty. CHF patients with hypertension (OR = 3.60, 95% CI: 2.17–5.99, P < 0.0001), coronary heart disease (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.10–2.84, P = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.28–2.78, P < 0.001), and stroke (OR = 2.52, 95% CI: 1.53–4.15, P < 0.001) tended to be frail. Survival analysis suggested that pre-frailty and frailty were related to poor all-cause deaths (HR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.36–1.66; HR = 2.77, 95% CI: 2.40–3.18) and CVD mortality (HR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.26–1.97; HR = 2.55, 95% CI: 2.02–3.21). CHF patients with frailty were strongly connected with all-cause death (HR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.27–3.62).

Conclusion

Frailty was positively associated with CHF. Patients with CHF who were male, whose annual family income was over $20,000, or with normal hemoglobin level were negatively correlated to frailty. For patients with cardiac and cerebrovascular disease as well as CHF, frailty was strongly connected with all-cause death.
Novel variants of seryl-tRNA synthetase resulting in HUPRA syndrome featured in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yang Fan , Wang Dan , Zhang Xuehua , Fan Haoqin , Zheng Yu , Xiao Zhenghui , Chen Zhi , Xiao Yunbin , Liu Qiming
Published: January 2023

Hyperuricemia, pulmonary hypertension, and renal failure in infancy and alkalosis syndrome (HUPRA syndrome) is an ultrarare mitochondrial disease that is characterized by hyperuricemia, pulmonary hypertension, renal failure, and alkalosis. Seryl-tRNA synthetase 2 (SARS2) gene variants are believed to cause HUPRA syndrome, and these variants result in the loss of function of seryl-tRNA synthetase. Eventually, mutated seryl-tRNA synthetase is unable to catalyze tRNA synthesis and leads to the inhibition of the biosynthesis of mitochondrial proteins. This causes oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system impairments. To date, five mutation sites in the SARS2 gene have been identified. We used whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing to find and validate a novel compound heterozygous variants of SARS2 [c.1205G>A (p.Arg402His) and c.680G>A (p.Arg227Gln)], and in silico analysis to analyze the structural change of the variants. We found that both variants were not sufficient to cause obvious structural damage but changed the intermolecular bond of the protein, which could be the cause of HUPRA syndrome in this case. We also performed the literature review and found this patient had significant pulmonary hypertension and minor renal dysfunction compared with other reported cases. This study inspired us to recognize HUPRA syndrome and broaden our knowledge of gene variation in PH.
Periodontitis was associated with worse clinical outcomes after catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Tashiro Akira , Yonetsu Taishi , Aoyama Norio , Shiheido-Watanabe Yuka , Niida Takayuki , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Maejima Yasuhiro , Goya Masahiko , Isobe Mitsuaki , Iwata Takanori , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: January 2023

Background

Periodontitis (PD), a common chronic inflammatory disease, may be associated with the subsequent development of atrial fibrillation (AF) through a mechanism of systemic inflammation. However, little is known about the impact of PD on the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation (CA).

Methods

A total of 132 patients (age 62.2 ± 10.6 years; 72.7% male) who underwent periodontal examinations and the first CA for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) were investigated. Clinical periodontal examination was performed by independent trained periodontists, and patients were diagnosed with PD when the maximum periodontal probing depth was equal to or greater than 4 mm and bleeding on probing was evident. Of these, 71 patients (54%) were categorized as those with PD (PD group) and the other 61 (46%) as those without PD (non-PD group). Pulmonary vein isolation was performed in a standard fashion.

Results

Kaplan–Meier curve analysis revealed worse atrial arrhythmia recurrence-free survival probabilities after CA for PAF in the PD group than in the non-PD group (64.8% versus 80.3%, respectively; p = 0.024) during a median follow-up period of 3.0 (interquartile range: 1.1–6.4) years. Cox regression analysis revealed PD as a significant predictor of arrhythmia recurrence (hazard ratio: 2.063, 95% confidence interval: 1.018–4.182), after adjusting for age and gender.

Conclusion

Periodontitis was independently associated with an increased risk of arrhythmia recurrence after the first CA for PAF. Our results may suggest that the periodontal status is potentially a modifiable determinant of the outcomes after PAF ablation, and further prospective studies are warranted.
End-diastolic forward flow in repaired tetralogy of Fallot: Mid-term outcomes from a single center
Authors: Huang Ying , Cai Xiaowei , Zhong Lishan , Xie Wen , Lou Qi , Ma Jianrui , Chen Jimei , Zhuang Jian , Wen Shusheng , Zhao Junfei
Published: January 2023

Background

Pulmonary arterial end-diastolic forward flow (EDFF) following repaired tetralogy of Fallot (rTOF) is recognized as right ventricular (RV) restrictive physiology, which is closely related to poor prognosis. This study sought to review mid-term experience and investigate the risk factors of EDFF in the rTOF patients.

Methods

From September 2016 to January 2019, 100 patients (age < 18 years old) who underwent complete tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair were enrolled and were divided into EDFF group (n = 52) and non-EDFF group (n = 48) based on the presence of postoperative EDFF. Elastic net analysis was performed for variable selection. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were used to analyze the correlation between risk factors and EDFF.

Results

End-diastolic forward flow group had lower systolic blood pressure (P = 0.037), diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.027), and higher vasoactive-inotrope score within 24 h after surgery (P = 0.022) than non-EDFF group. Transannular patch (TAP) was an independent predictor of postoperative EDFF [P = 0.029, OR: 2.585 (1.102∼6.061)]. Patients were followed up for a median of 2.6 years [interquartile range (IQR) 1.6] after the first TOF repair. During follow-up, the prevalence of the EDFF was lower in those with pulmonary valve (PV) reconstructions than that in those undergoing patch enlargement without PV reconstructions in the primary TOF repair (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

End-diastolic forward flow was associated with TAP. Patients with EDFF might have a transient hemodynamic instability in the early postoperative period. PV reconstructions in the TOF repair might reduce the incidence of EDFF in the mid-term follow-up.
Trend and early outcomes in isolated surgical aortic valve replacement in the United Kingdom
Authors: Chan Jeremy , Dimagli Arnaldo , Fudulu Daniel P. , Sinha Shubhra , Narayan Pradeep , Dong Tim , Angelini Gianni D.
Published: January 2023

Objective

Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is traditionally the gold-standard treatment in patients with aortic valve disease. The advancement of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) provides an alternative treatment to patients with high surgical risks and those who had previous cardiac surgery. We aim to evaluate the trend, early clinical outcomes, and the choice of prosthesis use in isolated SAVR in the United Kingdom.

Methods

All patients (n = 79,173) who underwent elective or urgent isolated surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) from 1996 to 2018 were extracted from the National Adult Cardiac Surgery Audit database. Patients who underwent additional procedures and emergency or salvage SAVR were excluded from the study. Trend and clinical outcomes were investigated in the whole cohort. Patients who had previous cardiac surgery, high-risk groups (EuroSCORE II >4%), and predicted/observed mortality were evaluated. Furthermore, the use of biological prostheses in five different age groups, that are <50, 50–59, 60–69, 70–79, and >80, was investigated. Clinical outcomes between the use of mechanical and biological aortic valve prostheses in patients <65 years old were analyzed.

Results

The number of isolated SAVR increased across the study period with an average of 4,661 cases performed annually after 2010. The in-hospital/30-day mortality rate decreased from 5.28% (1996) to 1.06% (2018), despite an increasing trend in EuroSCORE II. The number of isolated SAVR performed in octogenarians increased from 596 to 2007 (the first year when TAVR was introduced in the UK) to 872 in 2015 and then progressively decreased to 681 in 2018. Biological prosthesis usage increased across all age groups, particularly in the 60–69 group, from 24.59% (1996) to 81.87% (2018). There were no differences in short-term outcomes in patients <65 years old who received biological or mechanical prostheses.

Conclusion

Surgical aortic valve replacement remains an effective treatment for patients with isolated aortic valve disease with a low in-hospital/30-day mortality rate. The number of patients with high-risk and octogenarians who underwent isolated SAVR and those requiring redo surgery has reduced since 2016, likely due to the advancement in TAVR. The use of biological aortic prostheses has increased significantly in recent years in all age groups.
Study on fault sealing of the Lishui West Sag in the East China Sea Basin
Authors: Yang Bing , Fu Qiang , Liu Jinshui , Ma Wenrui , Zhao Shijie
Published: January 2023

The property of fault sealing is a critical controlling factor for hydrocarbon transportation. To date, the sealing property of the complex fault system in the Lishui West Sag is still not clear, meaning it is essential to study regional hydrocarbon transportation and reservoir formation. In this study, we use an integrated method to quantitatively analyze and characterize several important index parameters that affect the sealing property of the faults in the Lishui West Sag based on regional logs and seismic data. We calculated the shale smear factor (SSF), shale gouge ratio (SGR), and clay smear potential (CSP) to characterize the lateral sealing property of the main faults covered with the giant thick shale cap in the Lishui West Sag. We used the vertical shale smear factor Q to clarify the vertical sealing property of these faults quantitatively as a comparison. The results show that the shale cap has a strong smear ability in the Lishui West Sag, while the active fault could moderate the smear. A high fault activity in this area benefits hydrocarbon transportation at the same time. The lateral sealing property and the vertical sealing property of the main faults in the Lishui West Sag have negative correlations.
Spatio-temporal evolution, climatic response and social impacts of locust breeding areas from 618 to 1949 in Cangzhou, Hebei, China
Authors: Feng Chenxi , Li Gang , Xu Wei , Wang Shuo , Wang Xingxing , Gao Xing
Published: January 2023

Recent years have seen a significant increase in natural disasters and vicissitudes of the environment, making it imperative to investigate their spatio-temporal dynamics. Using records extracted from historical documents and focusing on a typical hazardous area—Cangzhou, this study reconstructed databases of locust plagues and related disasters from 618 to 1949 to analyze the spatio-temporal evolution of the locust plagues as well as the locust breeding areas under the influence of patterns of water environment, and to clarify the climatic system and the social response to the locust plagues. The results suggested that: 1) Locust plagues occurred chiefly from March to June, while frequency and grades of the locust plagues rose in volatility, with mainly slight or moderate locust plagues becoming severe or catastrophic, the impact of the locust plagues increasing significantly from the Ming Dynasty to the Republic of China and the 17th century was the peak. 2) Locust plagues were widespread throughout Cangzhou, frequently occurring in densely hydrographic networks with significant hydrophilia. The locust breeding areas were divided into four main types: the eastern sea coast locust breeding areas, the central river flood locust breeding areas, the northwestern lake shore locust breeding areas, and the southwestern internal plain flood locust breeding areas. 3) There was no significant correlation between the locust plagues and temperature, while precipitation was closely related to the locust plagues. Locust plagues were misaligned with river floods and synchronized with droughts. 4) Locust plagues were formed by combination of climatic and social influences and act as mediums for transmitting negative impacts to social systems, resulting in social impacts and responses.
Research on the breaking mechanism of bolts and cables in the gateway driven along a small coal pillar in the Datong mining area and the corresponding control technology
Authors: Peng Cheng
Published: January 2023

The gateway of the thick coal seam working face in the Datong mining area was excavated along a small coal pillar, resulting in serious bolt (cable) breaking failure, strong surrounding rock deformation, serious ground pressure appearance, and difficulties surrounding rock control. So, the bolt (cable) breaking characteristics and corresponding causes of the 5106 return air gateway with a small coal pillar in Dongzhouyao coal mine (a mine in the Datong mining area) were analyzed through an on-site investigation, surrounding rock geotechnical parameters test, theoretical analysis, laboratory experiment, on-site engineering test, and other research means. The study carried out laboratory testing and analysis on the stress distribution characteristics and laws of the bolts, put forward the bolt (cable) breaking mechanism and prevention countermeasures, and completed the field industrial test of the surrounding rock pressure relief and support joint control technology in the gateway. The on-site tracking and data showed that the breaking conditions of the bolts (cables) were significantly reduced by improving the initial force of the bolts (cables), optimizing the supporting materials and components, canceling the pressure ring, and implementing the hydraulic fracturing top cutting and pressure relief + high prestressed full cable support technology. The displacement of the top and bottom plates was reduced by 51%, the displacement of the two sides was reduced by 46%, and the influence distance of the working face advance stress was reduced from 85 m to 30 m. The successful implementation of the study results in the small pillar gateway of the Dongzhouyao coal mine provided a reference for the promotion and application of similar gateway conditions in the Datong mining area.
Structural deformation characteristics and its influence on shale gas preservation of the Wufeng−Longmaxi Formation in the Wuxi area, Chongqing, China
Authors: Li Wei , Luo Tongtong , Yu Chuan , Tian Xuesong , Sun Chaoya , Wang Wei , Wang Shengxiu , Zhong Zheng , Zhang Ye , Liu Jun
Published: January 2023

The Upper Ordovician Wufeng to Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation has a good material basis for marine shale gas development, and the structural preservation condition is the key factor to control the rich and integrated shale gas reservoirs in the Wuxi area of Chongqing City, China. Based on the seismic-structural interpretation data, combined with the regional structural background and drilling effect, the structural deformation characteristics and shale gas structural preservation conditions are comprehensively analyzed in the study area. The Wuxi area is located at the structural junction of the Sichuan Basin and southern Dabashan along with strong structural deformations. Seven rows of NW to near EW structural belts are mainly developed. The fold styles and fault development degrees of different structural belts are different, and the difference in the structural preservation conditions of shale gas is also obvious. The study results reveal that the shale gas structure preservation conditions of the Wufeng−Longmaxi Formation in the Wuxi area are overall poor and only locally better. The structure preservation conditions for shale gas enrichment and accumulation are divided into four grades, such as the good Class I area, the general Class II area, the poor Class III area, and the very poor Class IV area. Among them, the Heiloumen structural zone and Huangcaoping buried structural zone nearby the Sichuan Basin have good preservation conditions and are classified as the good Class I preservation area. The macroscopic preservation type of shale gas in the Wufeng−Longmaxi Formation of the Wuxi area belongs to the complex structural preservation of the basin margin. Three structural preservation modes of shale gas in the study area have also been confirmed, including the lost destruction type, lost residual type, and trap preservation type. The trap preservation type is more conducive to the preservation of shale gas, which is the most favorable structural mode for shale gas exploration.
A mechanistic model for minimizing pressure loss in the wellbore during drilling by considering the effects of cuttings
Authors: Li Baixue , Wang Xueying , Zhang Feifei , Wang Xi , Wang Yuezhi , Wang Yidi
Published: January 2023

Because of the existence of cuttings in the flow, the pressure loss in the wellbore can increase significantly. Minimization of the flow pressure loss greatly benefits the drilling process. This work investigates the most important factors to the pressure loss in the wellbore during the hole cleaning process. It is found that, for the solid–liquid, two-phase flow, the fluid flow rate is not always proportional to annular pressure loss as the single-phase flow. The mechanisms behind this effect are studied, and a mechanistic model based on the solid–liquid, two-phase flow is proposed to simulate the hole cleaning process and predict the critical fluid flow rate, which gives the minimum pressure loss in the wellbore. The effect of the inclination angle, fluid rheological parameters, annulus geometry, and the rate of penetration on the critical value are investigated by using the proposed model. Results show that the critical flow rate value increases as the inclination angle increases under 60° and decreases once the inclination angle goes beyond 60°. The critical flow rate increases as the fluid viscosity and the wellbore geometry increase. This proposed model can be used to minimize the pressure loss in the wellbore in the given operational conditions and optimize the drilling parameters.