bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Ecological Consciousness of Kwon Jeong-saeng's Daedaerong From Rangrang Star
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Song Tae-Hyeon
Published: November 2022

This paper traces the major elements of Kwon Jeong-saeng's ecological thought, focusing on the work Daedaerong From Rangrang Star. The characteristic of this work is that it deals with three worlds using a fantasy form. By dealing with the “Earth Star” we live in, “the present of Rangrang Star”, and another world “Rangrang Star, which dates back to 500 years ago,” the writer is drawing the ecology and social problems of the Earth, the future society that will come if science and technology continue to develop, and the ideal world he wants to present as an alternative. In this paper, we reveal how the three worlds unfolded in Kwon Jung-saeng's work Daedaerong From Rangrang Star relate to the negative reality of our society diagnosed by the author, the ideal society presented as a prescription, and the important moments of pursuing such an alternative.
Nail Art Expression Technique and Color Analysis of Korean Nail Magazine Cover Design: Focusing on Domestic Nailpia Magazine
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Choi Jieun , Cho Hansol
Published: November 2022

This study aims to visualize nail design images through nail art expression techniques and color analysis of cover designs for domestic nail magazines, and to suggest the possibility of improving content production. Through the review of previous studies, nail art expression techniques were categorized into coloring, expression techniques, nail decorations, and finishing forms, and the nail art works that appeared in the cover design of the S/S season from 2018 to 2022 were analyzed. The color analysis of the cover design was frequently analyzed by color and color tone using the Korean standard color analysis program. Through this study, the relationship between the color of the cover design and nail art expression technique was identified, and by predicting the correlation between nail design and color, it is expected to be used as a useful basic data for the production of nail industry image contents and the development of nail design.
Analysis of Taken Course History for Information and Technology in General Education
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Nah Jeongeun
Published: November 2022

Students have recognized the importance of the change to a software-centered society, and the demand for education for all students is increasing, and each university is preparing a curriculum for software education. Yonsei University also began strengthening software education in 2017 and prepared information and technology fields in general education. Starting in the 2022 academic year, the completion of information and technology fields is made mandatory to prepare for in-depth education. We analyzed the characteristics of students taken course history from 2017 to 2021. As a result of analysis, such as taken-course characteristics by division, withdrawal rate in basic courses, and completion pattern in related subjects, we can prepare a curriculum that reflects student demands. Also, other universities that want to strengthen software education can refer to this feature and refer to it in their educational preparation.
A Preliminary Study on the Literary Ci of the Upper Class
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Yun Hyeji , Hong Byunghye
Published: November 2022

This research conducted a broad examination on the subjects of Ci works. All the writers who created Ci works for 50~ 60 years, in the early period of the Song Dynasty, were royal high officials and literary men of the upper class. It can be identified that most of works that they composed were xiaoling (a short lyrical poem) without almost breaking the poetry style of Late Tang and Five Dynasties. The poetry style is relatively simple. The poetic imagery takes on the clear, neat, and beautiful hue. Another characteristic of the works is that they subjectively focused on individual true feeling and deep thoughts, adopting Ci's weak and soft tone. Consequently, specific poetry style and flow were not established, for decades of the early period of the Song Dynasty when the Ci circles were not active. The poetry creation pattern of ‘composing Ci like a poetry’, creation criteria of feeling and setting successfully blended in the poem, and a long poem of unhurried rhythm in the initial period presented an elementary framework for establishing the heyday of the Ci circles of the Buksong Era. It can be identified above all that the clear, novel, and soft poetry style that the literary Ci pursued in the early period of the Song Dynasty, served for not a few motive for developing the Ci of the Song Dynasty.
A Sstudy on the Specification of Educational Goals of University Basic Liberal Arts Writing
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Yim Taekkyun , Ji Hyunbae
Published: November 2022

This study is about the structure and content of implicit knowledge about the goal of writing education shared by professors who have developed through the experience of university writing education by approaching from the perspective of 'teaching-learning'. For this purpose, Focus Group Interview(FGI) were conducted with 14 writing professors with extensive experience in university writing education. Afterwards, a survey was conducted asking about 100 university writing professors how important they were to recognize and utilize them. As a result of the common factor analysis, at the content level, 'logic and topic delivery, outline writing, overall text composition, and paragraph composition', on the expression level, 'vocabulary and expression, paragraph, text format and quantity, sentence', and situation and context level, it was found that it has a factor structure related to 'achievement of purpose and intention, creativity, and consideration of prospective readers'. The generalization of the research results by expanding the sampling range and elaboration by genre of writing are left as a task for subsequent research.
A Comparative Study on Korean Culture Centers and Overseas Cultural Centers in Korea based on BSC
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Jubin , Kim Sunyoung
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to suggest future direction of the Korean Culture Centers by conducting a comparative study with representative Foreign Culture Centers of Germany, Britain and France, To this end, case study and in-depth interview were undertaken based on BSC. The results are follow; first, at the financial perspective, Korean Culture Centers’ self-sustainability is lower than Foreign Culture Centers. Second, at the customer perspective, Korean Culture Centers require to develop diverse cooperative projects to enhance accessibility to the local. Third, at the internal process perspective, director of the Center manages entire number of staff and employ only 12% professionals. Furthermore, the Centers’ do not have autonomous system to manage performance. Lastly, at the learning and growth perspective, the Korean Culture Centers only focus on the role as public officer rather than professionality. This study holds implications as follows; it is required to expand Korean Center and the KOCIS needs to operate control tower.
The Impact of China's Digital Inclusive Finance on Economic Development: Based in Shandong Province
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Liu Guofeng , Bae Kihyung , Fu Jinhe
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of digital inclusive finance on the economic development of Shandong Province in the background of rapid economic development. By establishing an economic development index system, this study uses a panel model for economic development data and digital inclusive financial development index from 2011 to 2020 for 16 provinces in Shandong Province to determine whether digital inclusive financial development in Shandong is the economy of Shandong Province. The effect on development was empirically analyzed. The analysis results are as follows. First, it was found that digital inclusive finance had a significant positive (+) effect on Shandong's economic development. Second, it was found that the breadth of coverage, the operational depth, the degree of digitization had a significant positive (+) effect on the economic development of Shandong Province.
A Study on the Adaptation of Memes to the New Media Environment: Centering on the Meme Phenomenon of the MZ Generation
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Shin Jongcheon
Published: November 2022

This study examines the meme phenomenon through the relationship between the survival method of meme, the brain of the MZ generation and the development of new media, and considers the development method of the meme phenomenon through the culture transmission form. The meme phenomenon does not appear because the MZ generation is inherently different from the previous generation. This is because the human environment to which selfish meme must adapt has been reorganized centering on new media, the brain suitable for meme delivery is the brain of the MZ generation, and the MZ generation is most optimized in the new media environment. In conclusion, this study interprets the meme phenomenon as a cultural transmission formed by combining methods such as play, empathy, and storytelling in the meeting of selfish meme, the MZ generation, and new media.
A Study on the Translation and Enjoyment of  in the Joseon Dynasty: Focusing on Manuscripts
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Young
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to  discuss the influx and enjoyment of the Joseon Dynasty, and the translation characteristics of the famous long-form folk epic of ancient Chinese poetry from the Joseon Dynasty. It only targets materials transcribed in the Joseon Dynasty. Currently, there are 4 Chinese manuscripts and 3 Hangul manuscripts. All of the titles showed the characteristics of being used as “Gongjaksi” and “Gongjakhaeng.” It was named by Joseon itself and was used to reflect the first words appearing in the text of the work and the stylistic nature of the work. The Hangul manuscripts was translated based on a collection of views published in Ming and Qing Dynasties. In addition, there was a use case in which the name “dan” of Taejo Lee Sung-gye was used. The use of subjects was thoroughly observed not only in Hangul manuscripts but also in Chinese manuscripts. In the Joseon Dynasty, the male and female awards required by the feudal social system that emphasized Confucian ethics were divided and evaluated. As for Uranji, who chose to die when she was forced to give a dog at home, she was evaluated as a young woman who lost her husband, and glorified and used it as an ideal female image required by the times.
Exploring the Types of Pleasure in Adult’s Narrative about Reading Experience
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Hyori , Jung Okryun
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the types of reading pleasure experienced by adult readers. To this end, six adult readers who claimed to experience pleasure through reading were selected as research participants. The research results were obtained by analyzing the reading experience narrative using a thematic analysis method. There are six types of reading pleasure in the adults’ reading experience: ‘Attitude and Interest Pleasure’, ‘Cognitive pleasure’, ‘Affective pleasure’, ‘Practical pleasure’, ‘Social pleasure’, ‘Physical pleasure’. This study will be a source for designing educational programs which promote adult readers into lifelong readers who enjoy reading.
Current Status and Improvement Plans of Korean Language Education at the Support Center for Foreign Workers
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lee Sunae
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the current status of Korean Language Education at the Support Center for Foreign Workers(SCFW) and to suggest improvement plans. For this purpose, the realities of Korean language education curriculum, textbooks and teachers at SCFW are examined. Although Korean language education is one of major businesses of SCFW, they do not have the education infrastructure and education expertise, So educational improvements are urgently needed. This study suggests that a curriculum that reflects the specific needs of foreign workers should be developed first and textbooks should be developed accordingly. In addition, the direction of providing teacher education to train professional teachers was suggested. This study would be meaningful as a discussion to find an efficient Korean language education plan for foreign workers, which has not been studied much in the past.
Onkonefrológiai kitekintő
Authors: Várady Tímea , Szlovák Edina , Dolgos Szilveszter
Published: November 2022

A daganatos betegek kezelésében elért áttörő eredmények okozta javuló életkilátás és hosszabb túlélés miatt egyre nagyobb jelentőségű az új típusú gyógyszeres onkoterápiák kapcsán kialakuló rövid és hosszú távú szövődmények, mellékhatások pontosabb megismerése. A daganatos betegek kezelése során a kemoterápiát követően kialakuló két leggyakoribb életveszélyes szövődmény az akut veseelégtelenség (AVE) és a tumorlízis-szindróma (TLS), amely miatt minden esetben nefrológus bevonása szükséges. Az onkológiai terápiás paletta szélesedésével egyre szerteágazóbb nephrotoxicus mellékhatásprofillal kell számolnunk. Jelenleg még mindig a konvencionális kemoterápiák a leggyakrabban alkalmazott tumorellenes terápiák, ezért ezen gyógyszerek használatával kapcsolatos veseszövődmények megismerése és megelőzési lehetőségeinek ismerete kiemelkedő jelentőségű, azonban az új típusú immunterápiák és a molekulárisan célzott terápiák eddig ismeretlen mechanizmusú mellékhatásaival és nephrotoxicus hatásával is számolnunk kell a mindennapi klinikai gyakorlatban. Ezáltal a multidiszciplináris megközelítést igénylő onkológiai gondozás során a nefrológusok is egyre nagyobb szerepet kapnak, így egy új szubspecialitás, a klinikai onkonefrológia megjelenése figyelhető meg.
Rhabdomyolysis mint a biliaris obstrukció első klinikai jele
Authors: Várady Tímea , Arányi József , Tóth Kinga , Penyige József , Dolgos Szilveszter
Published: November 2022

A klinikai gyakorlatban elterjedt sztatinterápia mellékhatásai során leggyakrabban izompanaszokkal találkozunk. Ennek legsúlyosabb formája a rhabdomyolysis, amely potenciálisan életveszélyes következményekkel járhat. Az állapot kezelése mellett az etiológia tisztázása minden esetben szükséges. Egyes hajlamosító állapotok mellett a sztatinok metabolizációjának sérülése lehet a kulcsmozzanat. Esetünkben nem gyógyszer-interakció, hanem a sztatin májon keresztüli kiürülésének gátlása vezetett rhabdomyolysis kialakulásához és derített fényt egy addig tünetmentes betegségre.
The Impacts of Ethnicwar in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Education
Authors: ELCAN KAYNAK Naime
Published: November 2022

This paper attempts to explore the factors triggering segregated education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Bosnia and Herzegovina (BİH) is one of the post conflict societies suffering from damages the ethnic war created. Before starting to war BiH belonged to the Yugoslavia where people from different ethnic groups lived side by side in peace. Along with the onset of the war in Yugoslavia, everything was changed and reversed in BiH. Individuals from different ethnic groups became adversaries to each other. The war created deep ethnic, religious and national segregations in BiH which formerly famous with its multiethnic and multicultural tradition. These divisions extended to education system. The war caused destruction and divided schools, curriculums, teachers, and overall education system of the society. In this study using documentary analysis all sub-themes have been explored and discussed in detail that impact segregated education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Findings display that parents opposition to integrity, lack of trust and international support, politicians and politicized text book and multiple ministries and curriculums are among the factors triggering segregation in education.
A new derivation shows Schubert learning thematic work from a Beethoven sonata
Authors: Nettheim Nigel
Published: November 2022

A newly discovered derivation of Schubert from Beethoven is presented: the piano sonata in B major D.575 IV from the piano sonata in A-flat major Op.26 II. A method for finding thematic derivations is first outlined. The present derivation shows Schubert learning to compose thematic material by following Beethoven’s example. The article increases our knowledge of Schubert after his early mastery of vocal composition, as he earnestly worked to learn the piano solo side of his craft. He needed to master three main areas: logical manipulation of abstract musical material rather than text-based expression, sonata-allegro and related forms rather than song forms, and writing for the physical technique of solo piano performance rather than for voice with piano accompaniment. He had apparently received little or no training in those areas, and it is very instructive to see him making his own way.
Desenvolvimento e Construção do Sistema de Abafamento de Crotales - SACRO2020
Authors: Chaib Fernando , Augusto Charles , César Leandro , Alexandre Silva Tiago
Published: November 2022

Ao nos depararmos com o repertório percussivo que contempla obras com o instrumento crotales percebemos que, em muitos casos, as possibilidades de sua expressividade musical não são de todo exploradas. Um desses fatores se deve a falta de implementação do uso do pedal para gerar fraseados distintos com os crotales. Ao revisarmos mecanismos de abafamento desse instrumento foi observado que os mesmos apenas atendem a marcas específicas, limitando a sua utilização. Acreditando tratar-se esse um fator determinante para que compositores e intérpretes não façam uso desse artificio, propomos aqui o desenvolvimento e construção de um protótipo abafador de crotales universal, capaz de atender a qualquer modelo no mercado. Além de revisão sobre obras musicais foram também visitados depósitos de patentes. O projeto contou com uma equipe multidiscplinar, utilizando softwares de design e prototipagem rápida, dando origem ao Sistema de Abafamento de Crotales por Pedal - SACRO-2020. Esperamos contribuir para a comunidade musical, proporcionando um sistema que possa ser utilizado por qualquer local/performer que possua crotales.
Design of personalized scoliosis braces based on differentiable biomechanics—Synthetic study
Authors: Kardash Kateryna , Koutras Christos , Otaduy Miguel A.
Published: November 2022

This work describes a computational methodology for the design of braces for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The proposed methodology relies on a personalized simulation model of the patient’s trunk, and automatically searches for the brace geometry that optimizes the trade-off between clinical improvement and patient comfort. To do this, we introduce a formulation of differentiable biomechanics of the patient’s trunk, the brace, and their interaction. We design a simulation model that is differentiable with respect to both the deformation state and the brace design parameters, and we show how this differentiable model is used for the efficient update of brace design parameters within a numerical optimization algorithm. To evaluate the proposed methodology, we have obtained trunk models with personalized geometry for five patients of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and we have designed Boston-type braces. In a simulation setting, the designed braces improve clinical metrics by 45% on average, under acceptable comfort conditions. In the future, the methodology can be extended beyond synthetic validation, and tested with physical braces on the actual patients.
Non-transport roles of nuclear import receptors: In need of the right balance
Authors: Damizia Michela , Altieri Ludovica , Lavia Patrizia
Published: November 2022

Nuclear import receptors ensure the recognition and transport of proteins across the nuclear envelope into the nucleus. In addition, as diverse processes as mitosis, post-translational modifications at mitotic exit, ciliogenesis, and phase separation, all share a common need for regulation by nuclear import receptors - particularly importin beta-1 and importin beta-2/transportin - independent on nuclear import. In particular, 1) nuclear import receptors regulate the mitotic spindle after nuclear envelope breakdown, 2) they shield cargoes from unscheduled ubiquitination, regulating their timely proteolysis; 3) they regulate ciliary factors, crucial to cell communications and tissue architecture during development; and 4) they prevent phase separation of toxic proteins aggregates in neurons. The balance of nuclear import receptors to cargoes is critical in all these processes, albeit in opposite directions: overexpression of import receptors, as often found in cancer, inhibits cargoes and impairs downstream processes, motivating the therapeutic design of specific inhibitors. On the contrary, elevated expression is beneficial in neuronal contexts, where nuclear import receptors are regarded as potential therapeutic tools in counteracting the formation of aggregates that may cause neurodegeneration. This paradox demonstrates the amplitude of nuclear import receptors-dependent functions in different contexts and adds complexity in considering their therapeutic implications.
Non-muscle myosin II and the plasticity of 3D cell migration
Authors: Cowan James M. , Duggan Jacob J. , Hewitt Breanne R. , Petrie Ryan J.
Published: November 2022

Confined cells migrating through 3D environments are also constrained by the laws of physics, meaning for every action there must be an equal and opposite reaction for cells to achieve motion. Fascinatingly, there are several distinct molecular mechanisms that cells can use to move, and this is reflected in the diverse ways non-muscle myosin II (NMII) can generate the mechanical forces necessary to sustain 3D cell migration. This review summarizes the unique modes of 3D migration, as well as how NMII activity is regulated and localized within each of these different modes. In addition, we highlight tropomyosins and septins as two protein families that likely have more secrets to reveal about how NMII activity is governed during 3D cell migration. Together, this information suggests that investigating the mechanisms controlling NMII activity will be helpful in understanding how a single cell transitions between distinct modes of 3D migration in response to the physical environment.
Comparison of metagenomic next-generation sequencing using cell-free DNA and whole-cell DNA for the diagnoses of pulmonary infections
Authors: He Ping , Wang Jing , Ke Rui , Zhang Wei , Ning Pu , Zhang Dexin , Yang Xia , Shi Hongyang , Fang Ping , Ming Zongjuan , Li Wei , Zhang Jie , Dong Xilin , Liu Yun , Zhou Jiemin , Xia Han , Yang Shuanying
Published: November 2022

Although the fast-growing metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been used in diagnosing infectious diseases, low detection rate of mNGS in detecting pathogens with low loads limits its extensive application. In this study, 130 patients with suspected pulmonary infections were enrolled, from whom bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected. The conventional tests and mNGS of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and whole-cell DNA (wcDNA) using BALF were simultaneously performed. mNGS of cfDNA showed higher detection rate (91.5%) and total coincidence rate (73.8%) than mNGS of wcDNA (83.1% and 63.9%) and conventional methods (26.9% and 30.8%). A total of 70 microbes were detected by mNGS of cfDNA, and most of them (60) were also identified by mNGS of wcDNA. The 31.8% (21/66) of fungi, 38.6% (27/70) of viruses, and 26.7% (8/30) of intracellular microbes can be only detected by mNGS of cfDNA, much higher than those [19.7% (13/66), 14.3% (10/70), and 6.7% (2/30)] only detected by mNGS of wcDNA. After in-depth analysis on these microbes with low loads set by reads per million (RPM), we found that more RPM and fungi/viruses/intracellular microbes were detected by mNGS of cfDNA than by mNGS of wcDNA. Besides, the abilities of mNGS using both cfDNA and wcDNA to detect microbes with high loads were similar. We highlighted the advantage of mNGS using cfDNA in detecting fungi, viruses, and intracellular microbes with low loads, and suggested that mNGS of cfDNA could be considered as the first choice for diagnosing pulmonary infections.
Epigenetic regulation in myocardial infarction: Non-coding RNAs and exosomal non-coding RNAs
Authors: Fadaei Sara , Zarepour Fatemeh , Parvaresh Mehrnoosh , Motamedzadeh Alireza , Tamehri Zadeh Seyed Saeed , Sheida Amirhossein , Shabani Mohammad , Hamblin Michael R. , Rezaee Mehdi , Zarei Maryam , Mirzaei Hamed
Published: November 2022

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of deaths globally. The early diagnosis of MI lowers the rate of subsequent complications and maximizes the benefits of cardiovascular interventions. Many efforts have been made to explore new therapeutic targets for MI, and the therapeutic potential of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) is one good example. NcRNAs are a group of RNAs with many different subgroups, but they are not translated into proteins. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are the most studied type of ncRNAs, and have been found to regulate several pathological processes in MI, including cardiomyocyte inflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. These processes can also be modulated by circular RNAs and long ncRNAs via different mechanisms. However, the regulatory role of ncRNAs and their underlying mechanisms in MI are underexplored. Exosomes play a crucial role in communication between cells, and can affect both homeostasis and disease conditions. Exosomal ncRNAs have been shown to affect many biological functions. Tissue-specific changes in exosomal ncRNAs contribute to aging, tissue dysfunction, and human diseases. Here we provide a comprehensive review of recent findings on epigenetic changes in cardiovascular diseases as well as the role of ncRNAs and exosomal ncRNAs in MI, focusing on their function, diagnostic and prognostic significance.
Management of pregnant patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Huangfu Zhao
Published: November 2022

Pregnant individuals with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have significantly high risks of maternal and perinatal mortality. Profound changes in plasma volume, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance can all increase the strain being placed on the right ventricle, leading to heart failure and cardiovascular collapse. Given the complex network of opposing physiological changes, strict contraception and reduction of hemodynamic fluctuations during pregnancy are important methods of minimizing the risk of maternal mortality and improving the outcomes following pregnancy. In this review, we discuss the recent research progress into pre-conception management and the various therapeutic strategies for pregnant individuals with PAH.
Risk stratification in adult and pediatric pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review
Authors: Lokhorst Chantal , van der Werf Sjoukje , Berger Rolf M. F. , Douwes Johannes M.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Currently, risk stratification is the cornerstone of determining treatment strategy for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Since the 2015 European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society (ESC/ERS) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension recommended risk assessment, the number of studies reporting risk stratification has considerably increased. This systematic review aims to report and compare the variables and prognostic value of the various risk stratification models for outcome prediction in adult and pediatric PAH.

Methods

A systematic search with terms related to PAH, pediatric pulmonary hypertension, and risk stratification was performed through databases PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science up to June 8, 2022. Observational studies and clinical trials on risk stratification in adult and pediatric PAH were included, excluding case reports/series, guidelines, and reviews. Risk of bias was assessed using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool. Data on the variables used in the models and the predictive strength of the models given by c-statistic were extracted from eligible studies.

Results

A total of 74 studies were eligible for inclusion, with this review focusing on model development (n = 21), model validation (n = 13), and model enhancement (n = 9). The variables used most often in current risk stratification models were the non-invasive WHO functional class, 6-minute walk distance and BNP/NT-proBNP, and the invasive mean right atrial pressure, cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation. C-statistics of current risk stratification models range from 0.56 to 0.83 in adults and from 0.69 to 0.78 in children (only two studies available). Risk stratification models focusing solely on echocardiographic parameters or biomarkers have also been reported.

Conclusion

Studies reporting risk stratification in pediatric PAH are scarce. This systematic review provides an overview of current data on risk stratification models and its value for guiding treatment strategies in PAH.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022316885], identifier [CRD42022316885].
Activin A directly impairs human cardiomyocyte contractile function indicating a potential role in heart failure development
Authors: MacDonnell Scott , Megna Jake , Ruan Qin , Zhu Olivia , Halasz Gabor , Jasewicz Dan , Powers Kristi , E Hock , del Pilar Molina-Portela Maria , Jin Ximei , Zhang Dongqin , Torello Justin , Feric Nicole T. , Graziano Michael P. , Shekhar Akshay , Dunn Michael E. , Glass David , Morton Lori
Published: November 2022

Activin A has been linked to cardiac dysfunction in aging and disease, with elevated circulating levels found in patients with hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart failure. Here, we investigated whether Activin A directly impairs cardiomyocyte (CM) contractile function and kinetics utilizing cell, tissue, and animal models. Hydrodynamic gene delivery-mediated overexpression of Activin A in wild-type mice was sufficient to impair cardiac function, and resulted in increased cardiac stress markers (N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide) and cardiac atrophy. In human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (hiPSC) CMs, Activin A caused increased phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and significantly upregulated SERPINE1 and FSTL3 (markers of SMAD2/3 activation and activin signaling, respectively). Activin A signaling in hiPSC-CMs resulted in impaired contractility, prolonged relaxation kinetics, and spontaneous beating in a dose-dependent manner. To identify the cardiac cellular source of Activin A, inflammatory cytokines were applied to human cardiac fibroblasts. Interleukin -1β induced a strong upregulation of Activin A. Mechanistically, we observed that Activin A-treated hiPSC-CMs exhibited impaired diastolic calcium handling with reduced expression of calcium regulatory genes (SERCA2, RYR2, CACNB2). Importantly, when Activin A was inhibited with an anti-Activin A antibody, maladaptive calcium handling and CM contractile dysfunction were abrogated. Therefore, inflammatory cytokines may play a key role by acting on cardiac fibroblasts, causing local upregulation of Activin A that directly acts on CMs to impair contractility. These findings demonstrate that Activin A acts directly on CMs, which may contribute to the cardiac dysfunction seen in aging populations and in patients with heart failure.
Emerging roles of fibroblast growth factor 21 in critical disease
Authors: Yan Fang , Yuan Li , Yang Fan , Wu Guicheng , Jiang Xiaobo
Published: November 2022

In spite of the great progress in the management of critical diseases in recent years, its associated prevalence and mortality of multiple organ failure still remain high. As an endocrine hormone, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) functions to maintain homeostasis in the whole body. Recent studies have proved that FGF21 has promising potential effects in critical diseases. FGF21 has also been found to have a close relationship with the progression of critical diseases and has a great predictive function for organ failure. The level of FGF21 was elevated in both mouse models and human patients with sepsis or other critical illnesses. Moreover, it is a promising biomarker and has certain therapeutic roles in some critical diseases. We focus on the emerging roles of FGF21 and its potential effects in critical diseases including acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS), acute myocardial injury (AMI), acute kidney injury (AKI), sepsis, and liver failure in this review. FGF21 has high application value and is worth further studying. Focusing on FGF21 may provide a new perspective for the management of the critical diseases.
Clinical and hemodynamic features of acute pulmonary embolism patients diagnosed in cold weather predicts adverse clinical outcome
Authors: Sun Na , Chen Yiqiang , Liang Xichao , Fan Youli , Fang Ming , Gao Xuan , Wang Yongbing , Chen Yansheng , Wang Zhuozhong , Yu Bo , Tian Jinwei , Wu Bingxiang
Published: November 2022

Background

Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is associated with peak incidence and mortality rate in winter. The present study sought to characterize the clinical and hemodynamic features of cold weather on APE patients.

Methods

All enrolled 224 APE patients underwent clinical and hemodynamic evaluation and baseline parameters were collected. Recruited patients were grouped by weather pattern on admission into cold and warm weather group. The correlation and prognostic values among cold weather and other variables were analyzed.

Results

Compared to warm weather group, patients in cold weather group present with more severe cardiac function, with adverse WHO-functional class (P = 0.032) and higher NT-proBNP concentration [1,853.0 (398.0, 5,237.0) pg/ml vs. 847.5 (56.8, 3,090.5) pg/ml, P = 0.001]. The cold weather group also displayed much critical hemodynamic status and heavier thrombosis load, with higher mPAP (29.1 ± 11.2mmHg vs. 25.6 ± 14.2mmHg, P = 0.045), higher PVR [3.3 (1.7, 6.0) wood units vs. 1.8 (0.9, 3.8) wood units, P < 0.001], higher Miller index (21.4 ± 5.9 vs. 19.1 ± 8.0, P = 0.024), and higher D-dimer levels [2,172.0 (854.5, 3,072.5) mg/L vs. 1,094.5 (210.5, 2,914.5) mg/L, P = 0.008]. Besides, cold weather showed well correlation with the above variables. Survival analysis showed APE patients in cold weather had significantly higher clinical worsening event rate (P = 0.010) and could be an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcome in the multivariate analysis (HR 2.629; 95% CI 1.127, 6.135; P = 0.025).

Conclusion

APE patients in cold weather were associated with thrombus overload, cardiac dysfunction, hemodynamic collapse and higher clinical worsening event rate. Cold weather proves to be an independent predictor of adverse clinical outcome.
Case report: A rare case of recurrent right atrial mass dramatically disappeared after anticoagulation
Authors: Wang Huarui , Zi Jie , Li Qiao , Sun Yuanyuan , Zhu Ling
Published: November 2022

A young man repeatedly found a right atrial mass with severe wheezing and extreme dyspnea. His condition was critical and complicated. The process of correct diagnosis was full of twists and turns. Finally, he got better and was discharged from the hospital after anticoagulation therapy, which suggested that correct clinical thinking and decision are particularly important in the process of diagnosis and treatment.
Combined effect of inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference and carotid artery plaque on cardiovascular diseases and mortality: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Yun Cuijuan , Xin Qian , Zhang Sijin , Chen Shuohua , Wang Jianli , Wang Chi , Wang Miao , Zhao Maoxiang , Sun Yizhen , Hou Ziwei , Wu Shouling , Xue Hao
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Previous studies have confirmed the relations between inter-arm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) and carotid artery plaque with the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). But it is unclear whether the combined effect of IASBPD and carotid artery plaque further increases the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 4,970 participants (≥40 years old) in the prospective Kailuan study. All participants underwent dual-arm blood pressure and carotid artery ultrasounds. IASBPD was the absolute value of the difference between dual-arm blood pressure. All the participants were divided into four groups according to their IASBPD levels and the presence or absence of carotid artery plaque and Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for incident CVD and all-cause mortality.

Results

During a median follow-up of 7 years, 179 CVD events and 266 deaths occurred. Multivariable Cox Regression showed that participants with IASBPD ≥ 10 mmHg and plaque had a significantly higher incidence of CVD, cerebral infarction (CI), and myocardial infarction (10, 7.27, and 1.36%, respectively). After adjusting for covariates, the IASBPD ≥ 10 mmHg and carotid plaque group significantly increased risks for CVD (HR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.40∼4.05), CI (HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.31∼4.67), and all-cause mortality (HR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.20∼3.59).

Conclusion

Our study indicated that the combination of IASBPD and carotid artery plaque was associated with incident CVD and all-cause mortality.
Causal associations between blood pressure and the risk of myocardial infarction: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Zhi-Qiang , Fan Ting-Ting , Wang Zheng , Zhou Wan-Ting , Wang Zhen-Xian , Tan Yan , Wu Qi , Xu Bang-Long
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Many observational studies imply elevated blood pressure (BP) as a leading risk factor for incident myocardial infarction (MI), but whether this relationship is causal remains unknown. In this study, we used bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the potential causal association of BP levels with the risk of MI.

Methods

Genetic variants associated with BP and MI traits were retrieved from the International Consortium of Blood Pressure (N = 7,57,601) and UKB (N = 3,61,194), obtaining 1,26,40,541 variants. We used two-sample MR (TSMR) analyses to examine the potential bidirectional causal association of systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) with MI.

Results

The forward MR analysis identified a potentially causal association between MI and BP except PP[odds ratio (OR) SBP: 1.0008, P = 1.911 × 10−22; ORDBP: 1.0014, P = 1.788 × 10−28;odds ratio (OR)pp: 1.0092, P = 0.179]. However, the reverse analysis suggested no causal relation (betaSBP: 5.469, P = 0.763; betaDBP: 3.624, P = 0.588; betaPP: −0.074, P = 0.912). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses such as the MR–Egger method, the maximum likelihood method and the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test (MR-PRESSO). No horizontal pleiotropy (p = 0.869 for SBP, p = 0.109 for DBP and p = 0.978 for PP in the forward results and p = 0.168 for SBP, P = 0.892 for DBP and p = 0.989 for PP in the reverse results) was observed.

Conclusions

Elevated SBP or DBP levels increase the risk of MI, but there is no causal relationship between MI and changes in BP including PP. Independent of other risk factors, optimal BP control might represent an important therapeutic target for MI prevention in the general population.
Additive effects of mitral regurgitation on left ventricular strain in essential hypertensive patients as evaluated by cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking
Authors: Tang Si-Shi , Shi Rui , Zhang Yi , Li Yuan , Li Xue-Ming , Yan Wei-Feng , Jiang Li , Yang Zhi-Gang
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a heart valve disease commonly seen in hypertensive cases. This study aims to assess the effect of MR on left ventricle (LV) strain impairment among essential hypertensive cases and determine factors that independently impact the global peak strain of the LV.

Materials and methods

We enrolled 184 essential hypertensive patients, of which 53 were patients with MR [HTN (MR +) group] and 131 were without MR [HTN (MR−) group]. Another group of 61 age-and gender-matched controls was also included in the study. All participants had received cardiac magnetic resonance examination. The HTN (MR +) group was classified into three subsets based on regurgitation fraction, comprising mild MR (n = 22), moderate MR (n = 19), and severe MR (n = 12). We compared the LV function and strain parameters across different groups. Moreover, we performed multivariate linear regression to determine the independent factors affecting LV global radial peak strain (GRS), circumferential peak strain (GCS), and global longitudinal peak strain (GLS).

Results

HTN (MR−) cases exhibited markedly impaired GLS and peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR) but preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF) compared to the controls. However, HTN (MR +) patients showed a decrease in LVEF and further deteriorated GRS, GCS, GLS, PDSR, and the peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) compared to the HTN (MR−) group and controls. With increasing degrees of regurgitation, the LV strain parameters were gradually reduced in HTN (MR +) patients. Even the mild MR group showed impaired GCS, GLS, PDSR, and PSSR compared to the HTN (MR−) group. Multiple regression analyses indicated that the degree of regurgitation was independently associated with GRS (β = -0.348), GCS (β = -0.339), and GLS (β = -0.344) in HTN (MR +) patients.

Conclusion

GLS was significantly impaired in HTN (MR−) patients. MR may further exacerbate the deterioration of LV strain among essential hypertensive cases. Besides, the degree of regurgitation was independently correlated with GRS, GCS, and GLS in HTN (MR +) patients.
Methods for detecting probable COVID-19 cases from large-scale survey data also reveal probable sex differences in symptom profiles
Authors: Klein Amit , Puldon Karena , Dilchert Stephan , Hartogensis Wendy , Chowdhary Anoushka , Anglo Claudine , Pandya Leena S. , Hecht Frederick M. , Mason Ashley E. , Smarr Benjamin L.
Published: November 2022

Background

Daily symptom reporting collected via web-based symptom survey tools holds the potential to improve disease monitoring. Such screening tools might be able to not only discriminate between states of acute illness and non-illness, but also make use of additional demographic information so as to identify how illnesses may differ across groups, such as biological sex. These capabilities may play an important role in the context of future disease outbreaks.

Objective

Use data collected via a daily web-based symptom survey tool to develop a Bayesian model that could differentiate between COVID-19 and other illnesses and refine this model to identify illness profiles that differ by biological sex.

Methods

We used daily symptom profiles to plot symptom progressions for COVID-19, influenza (flu), and the common cold. We then built a Bayesian network to discriminate between these three illnesses based on daily symptom reports. We further separated out the COVID-19 cohort into self-reported female and male subgroups to observe any differences in symptoms relating to sex. We identified key symptoms that contributed to a COVID-19 prediction in both males and females using a logistic regression model.

Results

Although the Bayesian model performed only moderately well in identifying a COVID-19 diagnosis (71.6% true positive rate), the model showed promise in being able to differentiate between COVID-19, flu, and the common cold, as well as periods of acute illness vs. non-illness. Additionally, COVID-19 symptoms differed between the biological sexes; specifically, fever was a more important symptom in identifying subsequent COVID-19 infection among males than among females.

Conclusion

Web-based symptom survey tools hold promise as tools to identify illness and may help with coordinated disease outbreak responses. Incorporating demographic factors such as biological sex into predictive models may elucidate important differences in symptom profiles that hold implications for disease detection.
Spinel harzburgite–derived silicate melts forming sulfide-bearing orthopyroxenite in the lithosphere. Part 2: Sulfide compositions and their chalcophile and highly siderophile trace element signatures
Authors: Bénard A.
Published: November 2022

In the first article, we have reported petrological data for a new, glass-bearing orthopyroxenite vein cutting a sub-arc mantle xenolith from Kamchatka. As similar veins from the West Bismarck arc, this orthopyroxenite is sulfide-rich and formed by cooling of parental melts derived by partial melting of spinel harzburgite sources. Here, I report new data for the abundances of major base metals and chalcophile and highly siderophile trace elements in vein sulfides from the two localities. Kamchatka vein sulfides are all Cu-poor monosulfide solid solution (MSS). West Bismarck veins contain MSS and a ternary (Fe, Cu, Ni)S solid solution (“xSS”), which ranges between MSS and intermediate solid solution (ISS) in composition. Sulfides follow Ni and Cu enrichment trends and have chondrite-normalized platinum-group element (PGE) patterns with elevated Pt relative to Os, Ir, Ru, and Rh. Pt alloys are frequently associated with sulfides and vugs formed from hydrothermal fluids, which also contain metallic Fe and wüstite. Vein sulfides, ranging from Fe-rich MSS (ca. 1,050–1,100°C) to xSS (≤850°C) through Ni-rich MSS, were formed in a sulfide liquid line of descent under oxygen and sulfur fugacity conditions (fO2 and fS2) down to one log unit below the fayalite–magnetite–quartz and close to the Pt-PtS buffers, respectively. The Ni and Cu enrichment trends in MSS are consistent with cooling and fractionation of Ni-rich and Cu-poor sulfide liquids (original atomic ∑metal/S∼0.9), which will finally solidify as xSS or ISS. Chondrite-normalized Pt/Pd>1 in some of the sulfides is a signature of spinel harzburgite sources. Because it occurs at relatively low fS2, the crystallization sequence of these sulfide liquids is accompanied by the formation of abundant PGE alloys and other metallic phases. Melts derived from spinel harzburgite sources can be originally oxidized to carry up to ∼2,600 ppm S (predominantly as S6+) and follow a sulfide-undersaturated evolution trend, until they are rapidly cooled to crystallize as orthopyroxenite dykes or sills. There, S6+-Fe2+ redox reactions with host rocks, together with the production of high-Mg# andesite derivatives with low S solubility and high-temperature, hydrothermal fluids at decreasing fO2 and fS2, will lead to the local precipitation of abundant sulfides and alloys.