bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between mean arterial pressure and clinical outcomes among patients with heart failure
Authors: Gao Qi , Lin Yuxin , Xu Ruqi , Zhang Yuping , Luo Fan , Chen Ruixuan , Li Pingping , Nie Sheng , Li Yanqin , Su Licong
Published: May 2023

Aims

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) is widely used for evaluating organ perfusion, but its impact on clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF) remains poorly understood. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between MAP and all‐cause mortality and readmission in patients with HF.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed data from PhysioNet, involving 2005 patients with HF admitted to Zigong Fourth People's Hospital between 2016 and 2019. The primary outcomes were composite outcomes of all‐cause mortality and readmission at 3 and 6 months. The secondary outcomes were readmission at 3 and 6 months. Multivariate‐adjusted Cox regression models, restricted cubic spline curves (RCS), and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to explore the relationship between MAP and clinical outcomes. Among 2005 patients with HF [≥70 years, 1460 (72.8%); male, 843 (42.0%)], the incidence of primary outcome at 3 months was 33.4% (223/668), 24.4% (163/668), and 22.7% (152/669), and at 6 months, it was 47.5% (317/668), 38.5% (257/668), and 38.0% (254/669) across MAP tertiles [from Tertile 1 (T1) to Tertile 3 (T3)], respectively. The RCS showed an ‘L‐shaped’ relationship between MAP and primary or secondary endpoints. Multivariate‐adjusted Cox models showed that a higher MAP was significantly associated with a lower risk of composite endpoints at 3 months [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.61–0.92, P = 0.006, Tertile 2 (T2); aHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56–0.86, P = 0.001, T3] and 6 months (aHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.67–0.93, P = 0.005, T2; aHR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64–0.91, P = 0.003, T3) compared with T1. After 1:1 PSM, the effect of maintaining a relatively higher MAP was slightly attenuated. Threshold analyses indicated that per 10 mmHg increase in MAP, there was a 21% and 14% decrease in composite endpoints at 3 and 6 months, respectively (aHR 0.79, 95% CI 0.69–0.91, P = 0.001), and 6 months (aHR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.97, P = 0.013) in patients with MAP ≤ 93 mmHg. The associations were consistent in readmission (secondary outcomes), various subgroups, and sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

A higher MAP was associated with a lower risk of a composite of all‐cause mortality and readmission. Maintaining a relatively higher MAP could potentially improve the clinical prognosis for patients with HF.
Isoform‐specific functions of Ras in T‐cell development and differentiation
Authors: Bodhale Neelam , Nair Arathi , Saha Bhaskar
Published: May 2023

Ras GTPases, well characterized for their role in oncogenesis, are the cells’ molecular switches that signal to maintain immune homeostasis through cellular development, proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. In the immune system, T cells are the central players that cause autoimmunity if dysregulated. Antigen‐specific T‐cell receptor (TCR) stimulation activates Ras‐isoforms, which exhibit isoform‐specific activator and effector requirements, functional specificities, and a selective role in T‐cell development and differentiation. Recent studies show the role of Ras in T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune diseases; however, there is a scarcity of knowledge about the role of Ras in T‐cell development and differentiation. To date, limited studies have demonstrated Ras activation in response to positive and negative selection signals and Ras isoform‐specific signaling, including subcellular signaling, in immune cells. The knowledge of isoform‐specific functions of Ras in T cells is essential, but still inadequate to develop the T‐cell‐targeted Ras isoform‐specific treatment strategies for the diseases caused by altered Ras‐isoform expression and activation in T cells. In this review, we discuss the role of Ras in T‐cell development and differentiation, critically analyzing the isoform‐specific functions.
A novel strategy for fabrication, activation and cleaning of fully 3D printed flexible planar electrochemical platforms
Authors: Grazioli Cristian , Svigelj Rossella , Dossi Nicolò
Published: May 2023

In recent years, 3D printing of carbon‐based conductive filaments has received growing attention for assembling electrodes to be used in a wide variety of electroanalytical devices and applications. Despite the large amount of work present in literature concerning the development of three‐dimensional (3D) conductive structures, its potential as dry deposition method for assembling two‐dimensional (2D) electrodes to be used in planar configuration is still largely unexplored. In fact, the possibility to rapidly change the geometry of the electrochemical circuits, associated with the reduction of waste and the absence of solvents, which are instead important components of ink and paste formulations, makes this strategy a valid green and efficient alternative to other deposition approaches such as screen‐printing technology. We report here a rapid and solvent‐free method for assembling fully 3D printed flexible planar electroanalytical platforms (3DEPs) to be used with microliters of liquid. At the same time, a novel protocol for the surface pre‐treatment of 3D printed electrodes based on ultrasonication in aqueous NaOH solution followed by electrochemical activation using the same medium, is presented. In addition, the same procedure has proved to be efficient for cleaning the electrode surface after electrochemical passivation, thus confirming the validity of both time‐efficient and environmentally‐friendly assembling and activation/cleaning procedures developed which allow efficient and reusable electrodes to be produced. Finally, 3DEPs were tested by a proof‐of‐concept quantification of a commonly used food dye (Brilliant Blue, E‐133) in commercial solutions used for homemade food coloring.
An Interface Strategy on SnO2 for Stable Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yang Jing , Xing Chuwu , Bao Qinhui , Zhang Le , Huang Shuai , Wang Duofa , Zhang Tianjin
Published: May 2023

Defects and band shifts at the heterogeneous interface between the perovskite layer and the charge transport layer are two important problems that hinder the efficiency of photoelectric conversion and the stability of devices. Considering these issues, an interface engineering to reinforce the operation stability of FACsPbI3 perovskite solar cells (PSCs) by the introduction of a multifunctional ligand 2‐carboxyphenyl ethyl phosphate (CEPPA) modification layer between the electron transport layer and the perovskite layer is presented. It demonstrates that CEPPA adsorbs on the substrate surface to passivate the oxygen vacancy defects and effectively reduce the defect states on SnO2 films. On the other hand, the optimized arrangement of energy levels leads to better electron extraction and transport. Eventually, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the FACsPbI3 device increases from 16.33% to 17.78%. Moreover, compared with unmodified SnO2, the unpackaged devices with CEPPA‐modified SnO2 show better phase stability and moisture stability. Unpackaged devices retain more than 80% of their initial PCE after 500 h of aging. Herein, a further perspective for the analysis and development of buried interfaces and an effective approach for better improving the function and stability of PSCs are presented.
The Influence of Peltier Effect on the Exergy of Thermoelectric Cooler–Thermoelectric Generator System and Performance Improvement of System
Authors: Li Xingjun , Wang Jun , Huang Zhiqiang , Yu Dan , Rezaniakolaei Alireza
Published: May 2023

Thermoelectric modules (TEMs) have great potential in energy conversion. There is research about performance improvements of thermoelectric generator (TEG) and thermoelectric coolers (TECs). However, TEMs are always studied separately, and no research focuses on the influence of the Peltier effect of TEG on the TEC–TEG hybrid system, in which TEG is driven directly by TEC. Herein, an experimental setup is built to discover how the Peltier effect produced by the TEG affects the exergy of the TEC–TEG system especially for the included TEC. The temperature variation of hybrid system caused by the Peltier effect of TEG is studied, and the relationship between performance of every single part and the Peltier effect of TEG is revealed. The performance of the hybrid system and the single TEC system is also compared. It is shown in the results that the Peltier effect produced by TEG is beneficial to the operation of TEC in the system. And, the adverse influence of Peltier effect produced by TEG on itself can be compensated. After thermal‐resistance optimization of hybrid system, the total output power of the hybrid system is up to 14.2% higher than that of the single TEC system in same conditions.
Ablation of Argonaute 2 in Schwann cells accelerates the progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Fan Baoyan , Chopp Michael , Zhang Yi , Wang Xinli , Kemper Amy , Zhang Zheng Gang , Liu Xian Shuang
Published: May 2023

Schwann cells (SCs) form myelin and provide metabolic support for axons, and are essential for normal nerve function. Identification of key molecules specific to SCs and nerve fibers may provide new therapeutic targets for diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Argonaute2 (Ago2) is a key molecular player that mediates the activity of miRNA‐guided mRNA cleavage and miRNA stability. Our study found that Ago2 knockout (Ago2‐KO) in proteolipid protein (PLP) lineage SCs in mice resulted in a significant reduction of nerve conduction velocities and impairments of thermal and mechanical sensitivities. Histopathological data revealed that Ago2‐KO significantly induced demyelination and neurodegeneration. When DPN was induced in both wild‐type and Ago2‐KO mice, Ago2‐KO mice exhibited further decreased myelin thickness and exacerbated neurological outcomes compared with wild‐type mice. Deep sequencing analysis of Ago2 immunoprecipitated complexes showed that deregulated miR‐206 in Ago2‐KO mice is highly related to mitochondrial function. In vitro data showed that knockdown of miR‐200 induced mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis in SCs. Together, our data suggest that Ago2 in SCs is essential to maintain peripheral nerve function while ablation of Ago2 in SCs exacerbates SC dysfunction and neuronal degeneration in DPN. These findings provide new insight into the molecular mechanisms of DPN.
Adaptation of a Brazilian university hospital to clinical treatment of ectopic pregnancy: Lessons learned over 17 years
Authors: Tavares Bárbara V. G. , Delfino Letícia S. , Ignarro Isabella S. , Baccaro Luiz F.
Published: May 2023

Objective

To describe and compare the annual success rates of medical treatment in the analyzed period and to evaluate the associated factors.

Methods

Retrospective study with 158 women with tubal pregnancy followed up over 17 years. Statistical analysis was performed using the Cochran‐Armitage test, the χ2 test, Mann–Whitney test, and multiple logistic regression.

Results

The success rate was 47.4%. There was a trend of significant change in the success rate of clinical treatment over time (Z = 2.01, P = 0.044); it was associated to undergoing treatment between 2012 and 2017 (P = 0.028), the absence of abdominal pain (P = 0.020), receiving a higher dose of methotrexate (P < 0.001), and less time hospitalized (P < 0.001). In the final statistical model, we observed that receiving a higher dose of methotrexate (P = 0.025, odds ratio [OR] 1.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.06), having a low serum β‐HCG concentration before treatment (P = 0.003, OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.79–0.95), and not having abdominal pain (P = 0.004, OR 4.26, 95% CI 1.61–11.28) were factors associated with a higher chance of successful clinical treatment for tubal pregnancy.

Conclusion

A greater chance of success was observed among women undergoing clinical treatment from 2012 onwards, who used higher doses of methotrexate, were asymptomatic at admission, and had low concentrations of β‐hCG.
Predictors of maternal satisfaction with labor induction: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Ramlee Nurbayani , Azhary Jerilee Mariam Khong , Hamdan Mukhri , Saaid Rahmah , Gan Farah , Tan Peng Chiong
Published: May 2023

Objective

To identify independent predictors of maternal satisfaction with labor induction.

Method

In this prospective observational cohort study, 769 women prior to their labor induction had sleep and psychological well‐being assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales. Women were asked about the adequacy of labor induction information provided and their involvement and time pressure felt in the decision‐making for their labor induction. Maternal characteristics, induction and intrapartum care measures, and labor and neonatal outcomes were also assessed. Prior to discharge, women rated their satisfaction with their birth experience.

Results

A total of 34 variables were considered for bivariate analysis, with 15 found to have P < 0.05. Following adjusted analysis, 10 independent predictors of maternal satisfaction were identified: maternal education, previous cesarean delivery, maternal involvement, information provided, and decision‐making time pressure regarding labor induction, amniotomy, induction to delivery interval, mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal admission. Maternal satisfaction was not associated with sleep, depression, anxiety, or stress.

Conclusion

The identification of independent predictors of maternal satisfaction allows for patient selection, targeting of specific preinduction and intrapartum care, and focus on induction methods that can reduce induction to delivery interval, cesarean birth, and delivery blood loss to maximize women's satisfaction with labor induction.
Pregnancy after laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis: How long should we wait? A retrospective study involving a long‐term follow up at a university endometriosis center
Authors: Tahmasbi Rad Morva , Akpinar‐Isci Dilara , Nobs Tatjana , Gasimli Khayal , Becker Sven
Published: May 2023

Objective

To find the factors that influence the time until pregnancy after laparoscopic intervention and to evaluate the proper time to start assisted reproductive therapy (ART).

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis that includes a prospective evaluation of patients with infertility and with a diagnosis of endometriosis. A subgroup of patients who desired to be pregnant after laparoscopic intervention (102 patients) was followed up for 36–197 months after the surgery.

Results

In this study, 71 (69.9%) and 60 (58.8%) of the patients achieved pregnancy and live birth, respectively. In the group of patients who became pregnant, the duration of infertility was significantly lower (2.7 ± 2.1 years vs. 4.7 ± 3.2 years). The median time until pregnancy after laparoscopic intervention was 8 months (the average was 10 months). After 38 months, no pregnancy occurred.

Conclusion

In the group of patients with endometriosis and infertility, the first 12 months were the optimal time for pregnancy. For women with revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification of endometriosis (rASRM) stages I and II, spontaneous pregnancy can probably be delayed for up to 24 months, but in patients with rASRM stages III and IV, ART may be considered after 12 months. The gynecologist must be careful about the timing of further interventions after the operation.
The impact of extending the second stage of labor on repeat cesarean section and maternal and neonatal outcome
Authors: Lauterbach Roy , Justman Naphtali , Ginsberg Yuval , Siegler Yoav , Bachar Gal , Vitner Dana , Ben‐David Chen , Zipori Yaniv , Beloosesky Ron , Weiner Zeev , Khatib Nizar
Published: May 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effects of extending the second stage of labor in women attempting a trial of labor after a cesarean section (TOLAC).

Method

A retrospective cohort study comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes following TOLAC over two periods: period I whose prolonged second stage was considered 2 h, and period II whose prolonged second stage was considered 3 h. The primary outcome was repeat cesarean delivery (CD) rate.

Results

Incidence of repeat CD was significantly lower in period II (18.1% vs 29.7%, P < 0.001). Incidence of uterine rupture was significantly higher in period II (P < 0.001). Instrumental delivery rates were significantly higher in period II (26.2% vs 15.6%, odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% CI 1.21–3.56, P < 0.001). Rates of third‐ and fourth‐degree perineal lacerations, chorioamnionitis, and length of hospital stay were similar between groups. Incidence of fetal acidemia was significantly higher in period II (1.5% vs 0.7%, OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32–5.63, P < 0.001), and incidence of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission was significantly higher (2.5% vs 1.6%, P = 0.004).

Conclusion

Extension of the second stage of labor is associated with a decrease in repeat CD rate with a concomitant increase in instrumental delivery rates, uterine rupture, fetal acidemia, and NICU admissions. These findings may warrant further consideration of allowing a prolonged second stage in patients attempting TOLAC.
An in‐depth analysis of maternal mortality in a quaternary university hospital in Southern Thailand: A 16‐year experience
Authors: Peeyananjarassri Krantarat , Ratipann Ninizna , Suwanrath Chitkasaem , Pinjaroen Sutham , Chainarong Natthicha , Choobun Thanapan
Published: May 2023

Objective

To perform an in‐depth analysis and evaluate the causes of maternal deaths in a university hospital in Southern Thailand.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study was conducted. Medical records of all women who died during pregnancy or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy at Songklanagarind Hospital from January 2006 to December 2021 were reviewed.

Results

There were 51 910 live births during the 16‐year period and 68 maternal deaths (31 of direct cause, 36 of indirect cause, and one of unknown cause). The maternal mortality ratio was 131 per 100 000 live births. There was a decreasing trend in the maternal mortality ratio, especially during the past 4 years. The leading causes of death were cardiac disease (n = 17), hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (n = 9), and postpartum hemorrhage (n = 7). The most common indirect causes of maternal death were cardiac disease, hematologic disease, and dengue hemorrhagic fever. There was a decreasing trend in indirect to direct deaths ratios during three study periods. Ratios in 2006 to 2010, 2011 to 2015, and 2016 to 2021 were 1.6, 1.4, and 0.5, respectively.

Conclusions

The three leading causes of death were cardiac disease, hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, and postpartum hemorrhage. Improvements in the quality of obstetric care at all hospital levels are required.
Endoscopic optical coherence tomography angiography using an externally driving catheter
Authors: Gao Lei , Wu Zhengjie , Chen Zhuoquan , Kong Ruiming , Song Yuting , Ma Teng , Dai Cuixia
Published: May 2023

Endoscopic optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging modality that enables cross‐sectional subsurface imaging of tubular organs and cavities. Recently, endoscopic OCT angiography (OCTA) was successfully achieved in distal scanning systems using an internal‐motor‐driving catheter. In conventional OCT systems using externally driving catheters, the mechanical instability in the proximal actuation causes difficulties for differentiating capillaries in tissues. In this study, OCTA in an endoscopic OCT system using an external‐motor‐driving catheter was proposed. Blood vessels were visualized by using a high‐stability inter‐A‐scan scheme and the spatiotemporal singular value decomposition algorithm. It is not limited by nonuniform rotation distortion caused by the catheter and physiological motion artifacts. Results show that microvasculature in a custom‐made microfluidic phantom and the submucosal capillaries in the mouse rectum are successfully visualized. Furthermore, OCTA using a catheter with a small size (outer diameter less than 1 mm) makes it possible for early diagnosis of narrow lumens, such as pancreatic and bile duct cancers.
Novice school counselors’ countertransference management on emotional exhaustion: The role of daily emotional processes
Authors: Hong Soeun , Lee Taerim , Ko Hyeyun , Kang Jieun , Jang Gi‐Eun , Lee Sang Min
Published: May 2023

The present study aimed to examine the role of daily emotional processes in the relationship between countertransference (CT) management and emotional well‐being in novice school counselors. We collected data for 7 consecutive days from 305 novice school counselors in South Korea. Multilevel mediation analyses revealed that novice school counselors with low CT management ability were less likely to be aware of their emotions, increasing their daily emotional exhaustion. In contrast, novice school counselors with a high level of CT management ability were more likely to engage in daily decentering and, in turn, were less likely to experience daily emotional exhaustion. Although emotional inhibition (lack of emotional awareness) significantly exacerbated emotional exhaustion over time, decentering was not related to emotional exhaustion over time. The practical and theoretical implications of this study are discussed.
A meta‐analysis of supervisee attachment style and the supervisory relationship
Authors: McKibben W. Bradley , Lenz A. Stephen , Sheperis Donna
Published: May 2023

Attachment theory has been used to explain supervisee/supervisor bonding in clinical supervision, but research on these constructs has been mixed. To test the extent to which supervisee attachment strategies relate to the supervisory relationship, the authors conducted a meta‐analysis of 19 published research studies on supervisee attachment from 1998 to 2022. Supervisee attachment strategies produced a small but statistically significant effect on the supervisory relationship (R2 = 0.052). We discuss this finding in the light of previous mixed results, including that the supervisory relationship may not be characterized by a full‐blown attachment bond. We recommend additional areas of research on attachment in supervision and highlight additional supervisory models to conceptualize and study the supervisory relationship.
Counseling interventions for victims of intimate partner violence: A systematic review
Authors: Craven Laura C. , Fields Alexander M. , Carlson Ryan G. , Combs Elizabeth M. , Howe Emily S.
Published: May 2023

Intimate partner violence is a serious public health problem with significant implications for the mental health and well‐being of victims. Therefore, we sought to critically review research on counseling interventions for victims to inform counselors’ work and identify areas of need for future research. We used the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses protocols to identify articles from 2000 to 2022 that investigated the impact of counseling interventions on the mental health and safety of victims. Four themes emerged: (1) participant demographics, (2) treatment modality, (3) interventions and study outcomes, and (4) study limitations. Study findings are synthesized to help counselors identify effective interventions for victims based on mental health concerns and violence type. Many of the studies were limited by high attrition rates and few researchers implemented randomized controlled trials. Further research is needed on interventions for LGBTQ victims and victims who present with comorbid mental health concerns.
IGMPlot: A program to identify, characterize, and quantify molecular interactions
Authors: Lefebvre C. , Klein J. , Khartabil H. , Boisson J.‐C. , Hénon E.
Published: May 2023

We describe the development and features of a program called IGMPlot, which is based on the independent gradient model (IGM) and its local descriptor . The IGM approach analyzes the gradient of the electron density (ED) in a molecular system to identify regions of space where chemical interactions take place. IGMPlot is intended for use by both experimental scientists and theoretical chemists. It is standalone software written in C++, with versions available for multiple platforms. Some key features are: probing and quantifying interactions between two given molecular fragments, determining bond strength (IBSI), estimating the atomic contributions to an intermolecular interaction and preparing data to build 2D and 3D representations of interaction regions. The software has been updated to include new features: critical point analysis of the ED, assessing ED asymmetry of a given bond (PDA) and a new descriptor called designed to enhance the IGM‐ analysis. The program can be found at:http://igmplot.univ-reims.fr.
BinderSpace: A package for sequence space analyses for datasets of affinity‐selected oligonucleotides and peptide‐based molecules
Authors: Kelich Payam , Zhao Huanhuan , Orona Jose R. , Vuković Lela
Published: May 2023

Discovery of target‐binding molecules, such as aptamers and peptides, is usually performed with the use of high‐throughput experimental screening methods. These methods typically generate large datasets of sequences of target‐binding molecules, which can be enriched with high affinity binders. However, the identification of the highest affinity binders from these large datasets often requires additional low‐throughput experiments or other approaches. Bioinformatics‐based analyses could be helpful to better understand these large datasets and identify the parts of the sequence space enriched with high affinity binders. BinderSpace is an open‐source Python package that performs motif analysis, sequence space visualization, clustering analyses, and sequence extraction from clusters of interest. The motif analysis, resulting in text‐based and visual output of motifs, can also provide heat maps of previously measured user‐defined functional properties for all the motif‐containing molecules. Users can also run principal component analysis (PCA) and t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t‐SNE) analyses on whole datasets and on motif‐related subsets of the data. Functionally important sequences can also be highlighted in the resulting PCA and t‐SNE maps. If points (sequences) in two‐dimensional maps in PCA or t‐SNE space form clusters, users can perform clustering analyses on their data, and extract sequences from clusters of interest. We demonstrate the use of BinderSpace on a dataset of oligonucleotides binding to single‐wall carbon nanotubes in the presence and absence of a bioanalyte, and on a dataset of cyclic peptidomimetics binding to bovine carbonic anhydrase protein. BinderSpace is openly accessible to the public via the GitHub website: https://github.com/vukoviclab/BinderSpace.
Off track or on? Associations of positive and negative life events with the continuation versus cessation of repetitive adolescent nonsuicidal self‐injury
Authors: Claréus Benjamin , Daukantaité Daiva
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study examined how patterns of repetitive (≥5 instances) nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) associate with measures of resilience and life events retrospectively reported to have occurred within the last year, 1 to <5 years ago, and 5 to <10 years ago.

Method

Life events reported by 557 young adults (mean [SD] age 25.3 [0.68]; 59.2% women) were classified as positive, negative, or profoundly negative based on their relationship to participants' mental health and well‐being. We subsequently examined how these categories, together with resilience, were cross‐sectionally associated with reporting no NSSI, and the (full/partial) cessation/continuation of repetitive NSSI from adolescence to young adulthood.

Results

Repetitive NSSI in adolescence was associated with (profoundly) negative life events. Relative to cessation, NSSI continuation was significantly associated with more kinds of negative life events (odds ratio [OR] = 1.79) and fewer kinds of positive life events 1 to <5 years ago (OR = 0.65) and tended to be associated with lower resilience (b = −0.63, p = 0.056). Neither life events nor resilience significantly differentiated individuals reporting full or partial cessation.

Conclusion

Resilience appears important for the cessation of repetitive NSSI, but contextual factors must still be considered. Assessing positive life events in future studies holds promise.
Cachexia causes time‐dependent activation of the inflammasome in the liver
Authors: das Neves Rodrigo Xavier , Yamashita Alex S. , Riccardi Daniela M.R. , Köhn‐Gaone Julia , Camargo Rodolfo G. , Neto Nelson I. , Caetano Daniela , Gomes Silvio P. , Santos Felipe H. , Lima Joanna D.C.C. , Batista Miguel L. , Rosa‐Neto José Cesar , Martins De Alcântara Paulo Sérgio , Maximiano Linda F. , Otoch José P. , Trinchieri Giorgio , Tirnitz‐Parker Janina E.E. , Seelaender Marília
Published: May 2023

Background

Cachexia is a wasting syndrome associated with systemic inflammation and metabolic disruption. Detection of the early signs of the disease may contribute to the effective attenuation of associated symptoms. Despite playing a central role in the control of metabolism and inflammation, the liver has received little attention in cachexia. We previously described relevant disruption of metabolic pathways in the organ in an animal model of cachexia, and herein, we adopt the same model to investigate temporal onset of inflammation in the liver. The aim was thus to study inflammation in rodent liver in the well‐characterized cachexia model of Walker 256 carcinosarcoma and, in addition, to describe inflammatory alterations in the liver of one cachectic colon cancer patient, as compared to one control and one weight‐stable cancer patient.

Methods

Colon cancer patients (one weight stable [WSC] and one cachectic [CC]) and one patient undergoing surgery for cholelithiasis (control, n = 1) were enrolled in the study, after obtainment of fully informed consent. Eight‐week‐old male rats were subcutaneously inoculated with a Walker 256 carcinosarcoma cell suspension (2 × 107 cells in 1.0 mL; tumour‐bearing [T]; or phosphate‐buffered saline—controls [C]). The liver was excised on Days 0 (n = 5), 7 (n = 5) and 14 (n = 5) after tumour cell injection.

Results

In rodent cachexia, we found progressively higher numbers of CD68+ myeloid cells in the liver along cancer‐cachexia development. Similar findings are described for CC, whose liver showed infiltration of the same cell type, compared with both WSC and control patient organs. In advanced rodent cachexia, hepatic phosphorylated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase protein content and the inflammasome pathway protein expression were increased in relation to baseline (P < 0.05). These changes were accompanied by augmented expression of the active interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) form (P < 0.05 for both circulating and hepatic content).

Conclusions

The results show that cancer cachexia is associated with an increase in the number of myeloid cells in rodent and human liver and with modulation of hepatic inflammasome pathway. The latter contributes to the aggravation of systemic inflammation, through increased release of IL‐1β.
Small extracellular vesicles are released ex vivo from platelets into serum and from residual blood cells into stored plasma
Authors: Małys Małgorzata S. , Köller Maximilian C. , Papp Kristin , Aigner Christof , Dioso Daffodil , Mucher Patrick , Schachner Helga , Bonelli Michael , Haslacher Helmuth , Rees Andrew J. , Kain Renate
Published: May 2023

Small extracellular vesicles (sEV) purified from blood have great potential clinically as biomarkers for systemic disease; however interpretation is complicated by release of sEV ex vivo after blood taking. To quantify the problem and devise ways to minimise it, we characterised sEV in paired serum, plasma and platelet poor plasma (PPP) samples from healthy donors. Immunoblotting showed twofold greater abundance of CD9 in sEV fractions from fresh serum than from fresh plasma or PPP. MACSPlex confirmed this, and showed that proteins expressed on platelet sEV, either exclusively (CD41b, CD42a and CD62P) or more widely (HLA‐ABC, CD24, CD29 and CD31) were also twofold more abundant; by contrast non‐platelet proteins (including CD81) were no different. Storage of plasma (but not serum) increased abundance of platelet and selected leukocyte sEV proteins to at least that of serum, and this could be recapitulated by activating cells in fresh plasma by Ca2+, an effect abrogated in PPP. This suggests that a substantial proportion of sEV in serum and stored plasma were generated ex vivo, which is not the case for fresh plasma or PPP. Thus we provide strategies to minimise ex vivo sEV generation and criteria for identifying those that were present in vivo.
Prognostic analysis and validation of lncRNAs in bladder cancer on the basis of neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: Gu Lan , Guo Hao , Wu Long‐Xiang , Yuan Jun‐Bin
Published: May 2023

Background

Complex interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) between bladder cancer (BLCA) and immune cells are critical for cancer progression. However, studies of neutrophil extracellular trap‐associated long non‐coding RNAs (NET‐lncRNAs) in the TME of BLCA have not been reported. This study aims to screen for NET‐lncRNAs in BLCA and to preliminarily explore their effects on BLCA development.

Methods

The correlation of NET‐related gene sets, which were identified from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) BLCA datasets, with lncRNAs was analyzed and the prognosis‐related genes were identified through random forest analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) model was utilized to obtain prognostic risk scores for NET‐lncRNAs (NET‐Score). We collected clinical BLCA samples, as well as SV‐HUC‐1 and BLCA cells, to validate the expression of NET‐lncRNAs. Survival and independent prognostic analysis were performed. In J82 and UM‐UC‐3 cells, after NKILA expression was inhibited, cell proliferation and apoptosis levels were detected.

Results

NET‐related gene sets mainly included CREB5, MMP9, PADI4, CRISPLD2, CD93, DYSF, MAPK3, TECPR2, MAPK1 and PIK3CA. Then, four NET‐lncRNAs, MAP 3 K4‐AS1, MIR100HG, NKILA and THY1‐AS1, were identified. NET‐Score had the highest hazard ratio for BLCA. An elevated NET‐Score was linked to a significant increase in immune cell infiltration and copy number variation, as well as a notable decrease in survival rate and drug sensitivity. NET‐lncRNA‐related genes were mainly enriched in the pathways of angiogenesis, immune response, cell cycle and T cell activation. MAP 3 K4‐AS1, MIR100HG, NKILA and THY1‐AS1 expressions were significantly increased in BLCA tissues. Compared with SV‐HUC‐1 cells, NKILA expression was elevated in J82 and UM‐UC‐3 cells. Inhibition of NKILA expression inhibited the proliferation and promoted apoptosis of J82 and UM‐UC‐3 cells.

Conclusions

Several NET‐lncRNAs, including MAP 3 K4‐AS1, MIR100HG, NKILA and THY1‐AS1, were successfully screened in the BLCA. The NET‐Score was an independent prognostic factor for BLCA. In addition, inhibition of NKILA expression suppressed BLCA cell development. The above NET‐lncRNAs could serve as potential prognostic markers and targets in BLCA.
Prolonged inflammation in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) resolves 2 years after infection
Authors: Fong Siew‐Wai , Goh Yun Shan , Torres‐Ruesta Anthony , Chang Zi Wei , Chan Yi‐Hao , Neo Vanessa Kexin , Lee Bernett , Duan Kaibo , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Yeo Nicholas Kim‐Wah , Chen Hsiuyi V. , Tay Matthew Zirui , Carissimo Guillaume ,   COVID‐19 Study Group,   NCID Study Group, Tan Seow Yen , Leo Yee‐Sin , Lye David C. , Renia Laurent , Young Barnaby Edward , Ng Lisa F. P.
Published: May 2023

Long‐term complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) are concerning, as survivors can develop subclinical multiorgan dysfunction. It is unknown if such complications are due to prolonged inflammation, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccination may reduce sequela. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study on hospitalized patients over 24 months. Clinical symptoms were collected by self‐reporting during follow‐up, along with blood samples for quantification of inflammatory markers and immune cell frequencies. All patients were given one dose of mRNA vaccine at 12−16 months. Their immune profiles at 12 and 24 months were compared. Approximately 37% and 39% of our patients reported post‐COVID‐19 symptoms at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The proportion of symptomatic patients with more than one symptom decreased from 69% at 12 months to 56% at 24 months. Longitudinal cytokine profiling revealed a cluster of individuals with persistently high inflammatory cytokine levels 12 months after infection. Patients with prolonged inflammation showed elevated terminally differentiated memory T cells in their blood; 54% had symptoms at 12 months. The majority of inflammatory markers and dysregulated immune cells in vaccinated patients recovered to a healthy baseline at 24 months, even though symptoms persisted. Post‐COVID‐19 symptoms can linger for 2 years after the initial infection and are associated with prolonged inflammation. Prolonged inflammation in hospitalized patients resolves after 2 years. We define a set of analytes associated with persistent inflammation and presence of symptoms, which could be useful biomarkers for identifying and monitoring high‐risk survivors.
Genetic correlation, causal relationship, and shared loci between vitamin D and COVID‐19: A genome‐wide cross‐trait analysis
Authors: Qiu Shizheng , Zheng Keyang , Hu Yang , Liu Guiyou
Published: May 2023

Observational studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation reduces the risk of COVID‐19 infection, yet little is known about the shared genomic architectures between them. Leveraging large‐scale genome‐wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics, we investigated the genetic correlation and causal relationship between genetically determined vitamin D and COVID‐19 using linkage disequilibrium score regression and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses, and conducted a cross‐trait GWAS meta‐analysis to identify the overlapping susceptibility loci of them. We observed a significant genetic correlation between genetically predicted vitamin D and COVID‐19 (rg = −0.143, p = 0.011), and the risk of COVID‐19 infection would decrease by 6% for every 0.76 nmol L−1 increase of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations in generalized MR (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89–0.99, p = 0.019). We identified rs4971066 (EFNA1) as a risk locus for the joint phenotype of vitamin D and COVID‐19. In conclusion, genetically determined vitamin D is associated with COVID‐19. Increased levels of serum 25OHD concentration may benefit the prevention and treatment of COVID‐19.
Interactions between systemic diseases and oral microbiota shifts in the aging community: A narrative review
Authors: Mosaddad Seyed Ali , Mahootchi Pegah , Safari Sajedeh , Rahimi Hussein , Aghili Seyedeh Sara
Published: May 2023

As a gateway to general health and a diverse microbial habitat, the oral cavity is colonized by numerous microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. Oral microbiota plays an essential role in preserving oral health. Besides, the oral cavity also significantly contributes to systemic health. Physiological aging influences all body systems, including the oral microbial inhabitants. The cited effect can cause diseases by forming dysbiotic communities. Since it has been demonstrated that microbial dysbiosis could disturb the symbiosis state between the host and the resident microorganism, shifting the condition toward a more pathogenic one, this study investigated how the oral microbial shifts in aging could associate with the development or progression of systemic diseases in older adults. The current study focused on the interactions between variations in the oral microbiome and prevalent diseases in older adults, including diabetes mellitus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular diseases, oral candidiasis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and glaucoma. Underlying diseases can dynamically modify the oral ecology and the composition of its resident oral microbiome. Clinical, experimental, and epidemiological research suggests the associations of systemic disorders with bacteremia and inflammation after oral microbial changes in older adults.
Impact of leading Indo‐Pacific climatic modes in modulating the wave power variability and their trends in the North Indian Ocean
Authors: Volvaiker Samiksha S. , Nigam Tanuja , Gangiredla Srinivas
Published: May 2023

The present study analyses the trend and variability in wave parameters (wave height and wave period) and wave power (WP) in the North Indian Ocean (NIO). The impact of climatic modes such as El‐Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) on the WP of NIO has been investigated using the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis datasets (ERA5) for the period 1959–2021. It is observed that along the west coast of India (WCI), the coastal WP increased from south to north during summer whereas, in winter and other seasons the WP increased from north to south. Instead, along the east coast of India (ECI), WP is higher on the north than the south, always. The annual WP climatology along the Indian coasts reveals that WP potential is higher along/adjacent to WCI than the ECI. It was observed that the total significant wave height (SWH) WP anomalies during normal and positive IOD (pIOD) events are mainly dominated by swell WP, whereas during El Niño and combined ENSO‐IOD events, dominated by wind seas. During the peak of pure El‐Niño, the SWH WP shows a basin‐wide increase in WP anomalies. However, during summer, SWH WP showed increasing trends over Bay of Bengal. It is evident from the composite analysis that annual averaged WP anomalies are decreasing in normal, pure pIOD and combined events, but El‐Niño is found to increase the WP anomalies over the Arabian Sea in the region north of 20°N. The present study advocates that a detailed analysis of WP along the Indian coastal regions is beneficial to the renewable energy industries to utilize this as an important energy resource.
Identification of Iran's rainy season and its relation to some spatial features
Authors: Asakereh Hossein , Masoodian Sayed Abolfazl , Tarkarani Fatemeh
Published: May 2023

Identifying the rainy season (RS) is significantly important from the meteorological, hydrological and socio‐economic points of view. In the current study, the climatology of Iran's RS was identified based on developing a definition by mainly relying on examining daily rainfall observations from 2188 stations in the period of January 1, 1971–December 31, 2015 (45 years). Accordingly, it was revealed that at most two RSs could be distinguished in Iran; and there was a widespread rainy season (WRS) covering the entire country in three consecutive months (phases). In the northwest of the country, the Alborz Mountain chains, and in the southeast of Iran, the RS was mainly interrupted by a dry season. Therefore, two RSs occurred in these areas (widespread and regional rainy seasons [RRS]). The four withdrawal phases of the RS were relatively different on the regional scales. However, they generally showed a relation with latitudes. Unlike the onset date of phases of the RS, these phases did not occur at the same intervals. The diversity of spatial factors in Iran (including geographic coordination, topographic features and sea surface temperature of surrounding seas) caused the spatial diversity of the timing of the RS. Consequently, linear relationships could not illustrate the nature of the spatial pattern of this diversity. The linear spatial relationship was statistically significant only for the onset date of the RS. The regression model used in the present study showed that despite the effect of local factors on the onset date of the RS, the major regional differences could be attributed to systems and mechanisms that probably affected the onset date of the RS from outside of the country.
Analysis of climate extremes indices in tropical South America through the RegCM4.7
Authors: da Silva Maria Leidinice , de Oliveira Cristiano Prestrelo , e Silva Cláudio Moisés Santos , de Araújo João Medeiros
Published: May 2023

In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events induced by global warming have increased significantly, exerting serious impacts on the development of society and ecosystems. Based on low (RCP2.6) and high (RCP8.5) greenhouse gas emissions scenarios from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we use the general circulation model HadGEM2‐ES that is part of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to drive the regional climate model RegCM4.7. This study evaluated the ability of both models to simulate (1986–2005) and projection (2080–2099) spatio‐temporal features of extreme indices over tropical South America (TSA). Indices based on precipitation and daily maximum and minimum temperature follow the definitions of the Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI). In general, the RegCM4.7 reproduces accordingly the spatial distribution of the ETCCDI indices derived from precipitation and temperature on the TSA, in addition to added value to HadGEM2‐ES, especially over regions of complex topography. HadGEM2‐ES performs poorly along the west coast, due to the topography and altitude of the Andes. On the other hand, it demonstrates better performance in the Amazon Basin compared to RegCM4.7. The projection results showed that climate extreme indices based on precipitation and temperature indicate that drought events may advance to the end of the century, showing a spatial pattern that precipitation will be gradually reduced in the Amazon Basin and Northeast region of Brazil. Despite some discrepancies between the models, studies like this one help us to understand how climate change can affect regional planning and development.
Occurrence and impact of carbendazim and hymexazol residues on yeast growth and ochratoxin A contamination during wine production
Authors: Zhang Ying , Wei Dongmei , Wu Xiaohu , Duan Tingting , Xu Jun , Dong Fengshou , Pan Xinglu , Zheng Yongquan
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Grapes are highly vulnerable to infection by carbon black aspergilli, which produce ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin. Carbendazim and hymexazol are widely applied to control grape diseases. Howerver, fungicides, toxigenic fungi, and OTA can be transferred from grapes to wine causing potential safety issues. The impact of these residues on fungal populations and OTA during vinification are currently unclear. Here we investigated the effects of carbendazim and hymexazol on the viability of Aspergillus carbonarius and OTA contamination during an indoor wine‐processing experiment.

RESULTS

The population size of A. carbonarius substantially increased at 24 h followed by a significantly decreased at 72 h after destemming and crushing. However, carbendazim and hymexazol notably inhibited the growth of A. carbonarius in must samples. In addition, yeast growth was substantially deleyed by carbendazim, hymexazol, and OTA during the first 3 days in compared with the control. Carbendazim, hymexazol, and OTA residues declined over time, and the processing factors (PFs) for carbendazim and hymexazol throughout vinification were 0.164, 0.074, and 0.185–0.476, respectively. Carbendazim and hymexazol each reduced OTA concentrations. However, there was no significant difference after 48 h. Addition of carbendazim or hymexazol significantly reduced the level of A. carbonarius but had no significant effect on the final concentration of OTA in mature wine.

CONCLUSION

The wine‐making process can reduce the residues of OTA, carbendazim, and hymexazol in grapes, but it is recommended that grapes chosen to make wine should be free of A. carbonarius contamination. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.