bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypoxia Induces Apoptosis of Microglia BV2 by Upregulating Kir2.1 to Activate Mitochondrial-Related Apoptotic Pathways
Authors: Xie Yu-fang , Wang Yan , Rong Yi , He Wenjun , Yan Meijuan , Li Xinzhi , Si Junqiang , Li Li , Zhang Yingying , Ma Ketao
Published: March 2022

Aim. To explore the role of Kir2.1 in hypoxia-induced microglial apoptosis. Methods. BV2 microglial cell lines were cultured and treated with ML133 hydrochloride, a Kir2.1 channel blocker, for 23 h and with 500 μmol/L of CoCl2 for 8 h. Cells were divided into the control, CoCl2 (hypoxia-induced model), and CoCl2+ML133 (hypoxia-induced model established after ML133 pretreatment) groups. Cell activity was assessed using the CCK-8 technique. The membrane potential and Kir2.1 current of BV2 were evaluated with the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. The protein levels and mRNA levels of Kir2.1, apoptotic proteins Bax and caspase-3, and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 in BV2 cells were evaluated via immunofluorescence, Western blot analysis, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription. The apoptosis rate of BV2 cells was detected via flow cytometry. Results. CCK-8 analysis showed that the cell activity of each group increased initially and then decreased. The 2 h intervention group had the highest cell activity, and that of the 8 h group was >90%. Hence, there was a significant difference in the results (

P
<
0.05

). Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of cleaved caspase-3 significantly increased in the 8 h group compared with the 0 h group. Compared with the control group, the expression of Kir2.1 and mRNA in the CoCl2 group increased. Thus, hypoxia could upregulate the expression of Kir2.1. The whole-cell patch-clamp results showed that the Kir2.1 channel current amplitude of the CoCl2 group increased compared with that of the control group. Therefore, hypoxia could enhance Kir2.1 function. The apoptosis rate of the CoCl2 group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Further, the ML133 group had a significantly lower apoptosis rate than the CoCl2 group. The expression of apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 increased in the CoCl2 group, and that of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 decreased. The expression of apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved caspase-3 reduced in the CoCl2+ML133 group, whereas that of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 increased. Conclusion. Hypoxia can induce microglia BV2 apoptosis accompanied by the upregulation of Kir2.1 and mRNA expression levels and an increase in the Kir2.1 current. Moreover, ML133 can inhibit hypoxia-induced BV2 cell apoptosis. Hence, Kir2.1 may be involved in the process of hypoxia-induced BV2 cell apoptosis.
Multisensor Data Fusion System for Wushu Sanda Teaching in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Wang Zheng , Liu Yihe , Zhang Shuang
Published: March 2022

Classical data fusion methods can be roughly divided into two categories: one is based on random methods, such as weighted average, least squares, Kalman filtering, Bayesian estimation, DS evidence inference, and production rules; the other is based on artificial intelligence. Intelligent methods include fuzzy logic reasoning, artificial neural networks, and support vector machine methods. This paper introduces, analyzes, and summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the above methods, as well as the level of use of these methods, and then introduces the current trend of data fusion technology toward the mixed development of multiple methods. This article is aimed at carrying out a research on the innovation of Wushu Sanda teaching mode in colleges and universities based on multisensor data fusion technology. This article puts forward the innovative theory of youth sports training in Sanda in the new era, combined with the current status of physical education in Chinese colleges and universities, and analyzes the practicality of the theory and the effect of system integration. This article accelerates reforms and collects data from four aspects: the policy system at the macro level, the integrated governance system at the meso level, the teacher service system at the micro level, and the digital industry system at the functional innovation level, and proposes innovative strategies for youth sports training and teaching in the new era. The results of the study show that people with 5.99 are more interested in the World Cup, accounting for the largest proportion, while the number of people who are interested in martial arts is the least, only 1.63. The innovative theory of youth sports training in Sanda in the new era improves the training effect of students by 60% compared with ordinary college Sanda training. It can to a large extent protect students from reluctant exercises that do not receive physical education in traditional teaching. Physiologically, it has unique advantages for the development of students. The teaching innovation model of this article can effectively solve the problems of physical education organization difficulty.
Utilization of Both Machine Vision and Robotics Technologies in Assisting Quality Inspection and Testing
Authors: Tao Jiagui , Chen Qingmiao , Xu Jinxia , Zhao Heng , Song Siqi
Published: March 2022

Inspecting the smoothness and durability of the exterior and interior surfaces of manufactured products such as large passenger aircraft requires utilizing manufacturing precision instruments. Manual techniques are mainly adopted in inspections, which are, however, much costly and have low efficiency. Moreover, manual operation is more prone to missing and false inspections. To cope with these issues, effective precision instruments have been needed to devise intelligent inspections for impalpable damages as necessary tools. When many inspection tasks are investigated, very few public datasets are available to recognize the intelligent inspection of precision instruments. On the other hand, precision instruments can be applied to a wide variety of damages. YOLO V3 was proposed based on acquiring and processing the image appearances, which deal with the surface inspection of the precision instrument in this study. The image dataset of the impalpable damage was initially established. More specifically, the YOLO V3 detection network is leveraged to roughly calculate the location of the damage appearances and identify the damage type. Afterward, the designed level set algorithm was employed to obtain more accurate damage locations in the image block utilizing the characteristics of different types of damages. Finally, a quantitative analysis was performed employing the refined detection results. A deep architecture that can intelligently conduct damage detection was proposed. Besides, the proposed method exhibited a strong tolerance for unknown types of damages and excellent flexibility and adaptability. Extensive experimental results demonstrated that the proposed method can alleviate the shortcomings of the traditional inspection methods. Thus, it provided technical guidance for the applications of the intelligent orbital inspection of the robots. The proposed method with a more precise and noninvasive inspection technique remarkably accelerates the inspection time of impalpable damages on surfaces.
Metric Dimension of Some Generalized Families of Toeplitz Graphs
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad Faisal , Qu Shaojian , Ahmad Ali , Azeem Muhammad
Published: March 2022

The metric dimension of a graph

G

is the selection of the minimum possible number of vertices such that each vertex of the graph

G

is distinctively defined by its vector of distances to the set of selected vertices. It was proved that the problem of determining the metric dimension of a graph is NP-hard. In this paper, the metric dimension of Toeplitz graphs with two and three generators is discussed and the exact values are found. Also, two conjectures about the exact metric dimension of Toeplitz graphs are given.
Identification of Subclasses of Decompensated Cirrhotic Patients with Acute Kidney Injury with Different Responses to Fluid Input
Authors: Shi Lin , Zhang Shuangshuang
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Acute kidney injury is a heterogeneous disease in decompensated cirrhotic patients. The aims of our study were to detect subphenotypes of cirrhotic patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and explore clinical traits in patients with different subclasses. Methods: All enrolled patients were identified from a clinical database. Clinical and laboratory variables were used to perform latent profile analysis (LPA). Clinical traits in each class were compared. A multivariable logistic regression model and a Cox model were used to explore the independent association of fluid input and mortality outcome. Results: A total of 439 AKI patients with decompensated cirrhosis were enrolled in our study, including 113 patients in profile 1 and 326 patients in profile 2, by the LPA model. Profile 1 had higher mortality (61.1%) than profile 2 (36.81%). Moreover, profile 1 had a higher MELD score (median 39, interquartile range 34–43) than profile 2 (p < 0.001). Higher cumulative fluid input in the first 24 h for profile 1 was associated with an increased risk of hospital mortality (odds ratio 1.33, 95% CI: 1.02–1.75) and 90-day mortality (hazard ratio 1.39, 95% CI: 1.08–1.78). Conclusions: In this study, two distinct subclasses of decompensated cirrhotic patients with AKI were identified, with different clinical outcomes and fluid input responses.
Na
+
-Retaining Action of COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2)/EP
1
Pathway in the Collecting Duct via Activation of Intrarenal Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System and Epithelial Sodium Channel
Authors: Xu Chuanming , Yang Guangrui , Fu Ziwei , Chen Yanting , Xie Shiying , Wang Fei , Yang Tianxin
Published: March 2022

Background:

The collecting duct (CD) is a major site of both biosynthesis and action of prostaglandin E
2
as highlighted by the predominant expression of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and some E-prostanoid (EP) subtypes at this nephron site. The purpose of this study was to determine the relevance and mechanism of CD COX-2/prostaglandin E
2
/EP
1
signaling for the regulation of Na
+
hemostasis during Na
+
depletion.

Methods:

Mice with Aqp2Cre-driven deletion of COX-2 (COX-2
fl/fl
Aqp2Cre
+
) or the EP
1
subtype (EP
1
fl/fl
Aqp2Cre
+
) were generated and the Na
+
-wasting phenotype of these mice during low-salt (LS) intake was examined. EP subtypes responsible for prostaglandin E
2
-induced local renin response were analyzed in primary cultured mouse inner medullary CD cells.

Results:

Following 28-day LS intake, COX-2
fl/fl
Aqp2Cre
+
mice exhibited a higher urinary Na
+
excretion and lower cumulative Na
+
balance, accompanied with suppressed intrarenal renin, AngII (angiotensin II), and aldosterone, expression of CYP11B2 (cytochrome P450 family 11 subfamily B member 2), and blunted expression of epithelial sodium channel subunits compared to floxed controls (COX-2
fl/fl
Aqp2Cre
−
), whereas no differences were observed for indices of systemic renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In cultured CD cells, exposure to prostaglandin E
2
stimulated release of soluble (pro)renin receptor, prorenin/renin and aldosterone and the stimulation was more sensitive to antagonism of EP
1
as compared other EP subtypes. Subsequently, EP
1
fl/fl
Aqp2Cre
+
mice largely recapitulated Na
+
-wasting phenotype seen in COX-2
fl/fl
Aqp2Cre
+
mice.

Conclusions:

The study for the first time reports that CD COX-2/EP
1
pathway might play a key role in maintenance of Na
+
homeostasis in the face of Na
+
depletion, at least in part, through activation of intrarenal renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system and epithelial sodium channel.
The ect, Achmea and Intra-EU Arbitration – Swedish Court Requests Preliminary Ruling from the CJEU
Authors: Liebkind Anina , Norburg Fredrik , Hvarfner Ossian Dittmer
Published: March 2022

The Intra-EU Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) saga moves closer to the precipice in Sweden. In March 2021, the Svea Court of Appeal requested a preliminary ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (cjeu) in a pending challenge proceeding relating to the ECT, and stayed the proceedings in three similar cases, although it had twice previously denied seeking a request for a preliminary ruling. In all of the cases, Achmea has been raised as a basis for the action. This case note will set out the key issues in the pending ECT cases before the Svea Court of Appeal and detail the specific case in which a preliminary ruling from the cjeu has been requested as well as the questions the preliminary ruling will address.
The Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main Is the First European Court to Declare the Achmea Case a Landmark Decision with Significance for All Intra-EU BITS
Authors: Stompfe Philipp
Published: March 2022

In February 2021, the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt am Main (Oberlandesgericht – “olg”), rendered a decision in the case between the Republic of Croatia (“Croatia”) as the applicant, and an Austrian bank incorporated as a joint stock company under Austrian law and a Croatian bank incorporated as a joint stock company under the laws of Croatia having the Austrian bank as its sole shareholder as the Respondents (“Respondents”). This decision concerns the incompatibility of an arbitration clause contained in the Agreement between the Republic of Austria and Croatia on the Promotion and Protection of Investments (“Austria-Croatia bit”)2 with EU law. Croatia successfully challenged the admissibility of an uncitral arbitration based on Article 9(2)(b) of the Austria- Croatia bit, initiated by the Respondents, by virtue of an application under Section 1032(2) of the German Code of Civil Procedure (Zivilprozessordnung – “zpo”). Croatia argued that Article 9(2)(b) of the Austria- Croatia bit was incompatible with EU law.
Type specimens of vascular plants in the herbarium of the National Institute of Biological Resources (II)
Authors: JANG HYUN-DO , HYUN CHANG-WOO , RYU SEAH , LEE SANG-JUN
Published: March 2022

We provide information on 143 sheets of type specimens of 39 species and infraspecific taxa of vascular plants stored in the herbarium of the National Institute of Biological Resources. The specimens were donated by Changwon National University (Prof. Hyeok-Jae Choi), Chungbuk National University (Prof. Byoung-Un Oh), Ewha Womans University (Prof. Chang-Sook Lee), Hallym University (Prof. Young-Dong Kim), Jeonbuk National University (Prof. Muyeol Kim), Korea National Arboretum, Mokwon University (Prof. Jeong Ki Sim), Sungkyunkwan University (Prof. Seung-Chul Kim), and some researchers at KB. The specimens included four sheets for holotypes, 46 sheets for isotypes, and 93 sheets for paratypes of three species and infraspecific taxa of pteridophytes, 21 dicotyledons, and 15 monocotyledons. Nine sheets were sourced from China and 134 sheets were sourced from Korea.
Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae), a new species from southern Western Ghats, India
Authors: HARISHMA KUTTUKARAN HARIDASAN , MOHAN VISHNU , NAMPY SANTHOSH
Published: March 2022

Eriocaulon pandeyana from the Idukki district in Kerala is here described as a new species of Eriocaulaceae. It closely resembles E. ramnadense but is distinct by having oblong-lanceolate, lobed, acute, hyaline involucral bracts, oblanceolate, acuminate floral bracts, 3 sub-equal male petals, 3 unequal, slightly hoary female sepals and yellow, elliptic seeds with transversely elongated or isodiametric seed coat cells. The differences between the other similar species are also discussed. Since adequate data on abundance and distribution are lacking, the new species is provisionally listed under the category Data Deficient (DD) as per IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Dracoleuctra, a new wingless stonefly genus from southern Oregon, U.S.A. (Plecoptera: Leuctridae)
Authors: LEE JONATHAN J. , BAUMANN RICHARD W.
Published: March 2022

Dracoleuctra siskiyou Lee & Baumann gen. nov. sp. nov. a new apterous genus and species in the stonefly family Leuctridae (Insecta, Plecoptera), is described from males and females collected in southern Oregon, U.S.A. Habitus and terminalia are illustrated using both light photography images and scanning electron micrographs. Diagnostic characters, habitat, biological notes, and stonefly apterism in the Klamath Mountains region are discussed.
First Oriental record of genus Neostroblia Heinrich (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Ctenopelmatinae)
with description of one new species
Authors: SHENG MAO-LING , WATANABE KYOHEI , HUANG RUI-FEN
Published: March 2022

One new species, Neostroblia melana Sheng & Watanabe sp. nov., collected from Fanjingshan National Natural Reserve, Guizhou Province, China, is reported. A key to species of Neostroblia known in the world is provided. A key to similar genera of Mesoleiini is also provided.
A new species of Copa (Araneae: Corinnidae: Castianeirinae) from dry forests in the north west of Madagascar
Authors: PETT BROGAN L. , RABEMANANJARA PAUL BIENVENU
Published: March 2022

A new species of the castianeirine spider genus Copa Simon, 1885, is described from northwestern Mahamavo region in Madagascar. Copa sakalava sp. nov. (♂♀) is illustrated and diagnosed against continental Afrotropical congeners.
A new subgenus of Chelonus Panzer, 1806 (Braconidae: Cheloninae) from China
Authors: ZHOU JIN-JIN , ACHTERBERG KEES VAN , TANG PU , CHEN XUE-XIN
Published: March 2022

A new subgenus of the genus Chelonus Panzer, 1806 (Braconidae: Cheloninae), Mirachelonus subgen. nov. (type species: Chelonus (Mirachelonus) miraventris sp. nov.) with deeply incurved apex of carapace, is described and illustrated from southwest China. A key to the subgenera currently recognized in Chelonus is included to facilitate future identifications.
Atlantic equatorial deep jets in Argo float data
Authors: Bastin Swantje , Claus Martin , Brandt Peter , Greatbatch Richard J.
Published: March 2022

Equatorial deep jets (EDJ) are zonal currents along the equator in all three ocean basins that alternate in direction with depth and time. In the Atlantic below the thermocline, they are the dominant variability on interannual timescales. Observations of equatorial deep jets are available but scarce, given the EDJs’ location at depth, their small vertical scale and their long periodicity of several years. In the last few years, Argo floats have added a significant amount of measurements at intermediate depth. In this study we therefore revise estimates of the EDJ scales based on Argo float data. Mostly, we use velocity data at 1000 m depth calculated from float displacement, which yield robust estimates of the Atlantic EDJ period (4.6 years), amplitude distribution, phase distribution, zonal wavelength (146.7°), and meridional structure. We also show that the equatorial amplitude of the EDJs’ first meridional mode Rossby wave component (9.8 cm s−1) is larger than that of their Kelvin wave component (2.8 cm s−1). Additionally, we present a new estimation of the EDJs’ vertical structure throughout the Atlantic basin, based on an equatorial geostrophic velocity reconstruction from hydrographic Argo float measurements from depths between 400 and 2000 m. Our new estimates from Argo float data provide the first basin-wide assessment of the Atlantic EDJ scales, as well as having smaller uncertainties than estimates from earlier studies.
Sleepless and Spent in Survivorship: Fatigue and Insomnia in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Boldyrev Laura , Ghebremichael Musie S. , Lotz Margaret M. , Kovarie Gabrielle , Kennedy Kelly , Keates Sarah , Pories Susan E.
Published: March 2022

Background

It is estimated that there are 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United States. Addressing survivors’ post-treatment needs is critical to providing quality healthcare.

Methods

A standardized questionnaire for breast cancer survivors was employed to assess the health status, challenges, and concerns of our breast cancer patients at their survivorship visits, which were conducted 4 months after surgery. All patients were seen in the breast center at one community hospital over a 6-year period.

Results

Responses to a standardized questionnaire that was administered to 505 consecutive breast cancer patients at their survivorship visits 4 months after surgery were evaluated. The most striking finding was that 35% reported symptoms of insomnia, 26% had persistent fatigue, and 19% experienced fatigue that interfered with their usual activities. There was a significant association between symptoms of insomnia and radiation treatment ( P = .004), pain ( P < .001), hormone therapy ( P < .01), and side effects of hormone therapy ( P < .0001). There was also a significant association between fatigue and pain ( P < .001) as well as side effects from hormone treatment ( P = .0036).

Conclusions

Over a third (35%) of breast cancer patients suffer from insomnia, while over a quarter (26%) complain of fatigue at their survivorship assessments. Contributing factors include radiation treatment, pain, and hormonal therapy. Careful assessment and treatment of fatigue and symptoms of insomnia in breast cancer patients is needed to improve quality of life for survivors.
Adolescents’ Perceptions of Sibling Caregiving
Authors: Kline Gabrielle C. , Killoren Sarah E.
Published: March 2022

The purpose of the current study is to examine adolescents’ perspectives of sibling caregiving and how sibling caregiving is associated with adolescent development and family relationships. Using role theory as a framework, focus group data were collected from 13 primarily white ( n = 10) female ( n = 9) adolescents in a suburban midwestern city and inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Overall, our findings revealed that sibling caregiving is an important part of adolescents’ lives and may have important links to adolescent development and family relationships. It is important to note, however, that while these findings are not without limitations (i.e., lack generalizability) due to sample size and characteristic (predominately female and white), the examination of adolescent’s perspectives is an important avenue as we highlight the multidimensional nature of sibling caregiving, and the influence that sibling caregiving may have on adolescents’ development and family relationships within this sample.
The Role of Magnetic Resonance in Evaluating Abdominopelvic Trauma - Part 2: Trauma in Pregnancy, Vascular, and Genitourinary Injuries
Authors: Rajput Mohamed Z. , Mellnick Vincent M.
Published: March 2022

Trauma is an important cause of mortality, particularly in the young. While computed tomography (CT) is the mainstay of body imaging in the setting of trauma, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be useful in stable patients. Although more commonly used in spinal and musculoskeletal trauma, MR also has a role in abdominopelvic trauma. Broadly, its uses include clarification of equivocal cases, monitoring complications of trauma, particularly with solid organ injury, or as a primary imaging modality for patients with low suspicion for injury for whom avoiding ionizing radiation is a priority—namely, in pediatric and pregnant patients. In this two-part review article, we will review clinical scenarios where this may be encountered, utilizing case examples. Our second installment will focus on the use of MR in pregnant patients and in the characterization of vascular and genitourinary trauma. Body MR can be useful in pregnant patients in characterizing injuries both specific for and not specific for pregnancy. Placental injuries and hematomas in particular may be better seen on MR relative to CT, owing to its superior contrast resolution. MR angiography can be performed either without or with contrast and can be useful to monitor low-grade traumatic aortic injuries. Renal and ureteral injuries can be followed with MR to help identify urine leaks, either in a delayed presentation or in patients who have an iodinated contrast allergy. Lastly, penile injuries are often imaged with ultrasound, but may benefit from additional imaging with MR when the tunica albuginea cannot be completely seen due to overlying hematoma.
Patellar button compatibility in the conversion of Patellofemoral Arthroplasty to a Total Knee Arthroplasty: A review of the contemporary literature
Authors: McDonald Laura K , Kurmis Andrew P
Published: March 2022

Background

Compared to total knee arthroplasty (TKA), patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) is a far less commonly performed operation. However, in carefully selected cohorts, PFA continues to be an appropriate treatment option for end-stage isolated patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis. In the later situation whereby a PFA is considered for conversion to a TKA – often due to disease progression – uncertainty remains regarding optimal management of the in situ patellar button. This review of the contemporary literature aimed to provide a summary of the current evidence to support surgeon decision-making, by evaluating the compatibility, efficacy, and survivorship of retained versus revised patellar buttons in PFA-to-TKA conversion. Specific focus was paid to implant design and technical considerations during revision, plus post-operative patient-reported outcomes and modes of secondary patellar component failure.

Methods

A review of the Embase, Cochrane and PubMed databases was performed following PRISMA search principles.

Results

This investigation highlights that the fate of patellar buttons in PFA-to-TKA conversion has previously been poorly studied, with scant publication data available. Most reports have been of singular cases or small cohort series. Larger formal RCTs and level 1 evidence are lacking.

Conclusion

The findings herein suggest that surgeons can confidently retain well-fixed, undamaged, dome-shaped all-polyethylene patellar buttons in the conversion of a PFA to TKA with the expectation of acceptable mid-term performance and survivorship, as long as congruent tracking with the new tibiofemoral components is achieved. This result is likely translatable to the majority of contemporary, all-polyethylene, dome-shaped patellar buttons, even with manufacturer mismatch.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19: A retrospective nationwide study in Malaysia
Authors: Ismail Siti NA , Abdul Halim Zaki Izzati , Noordin Zakiah Mohd , Md Hussin Nur Sabiha , Ming Long Chiau , Zulkifly Hanis Hanum
Published: March 2022

Background

Age and multiple comorbidities have been reported to influence the case fatality rate of COVID-19 worldwide, so also in Malaysia; however, to date, no scientific study among the local population has been published to confirm this. This study aimed to determine the overall demographics and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 non-survivors in Malaysia, stratified by age (< 65 vs. ≥ 65 years old). The mortality was also compared between two half-year periods: March–August 2020 and September 2020–March 2021.

Method

Daily reports containing demographics and medical history of COVID-19 non-survivors from March 2020 to March 2021 were obtained from the Malaysian Ministry of Health website. All information was extracted retrospectively and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS.

Results

Of 1192 COVID-19 non-survivors, the overall mean (SD) age was 64.8 (15.7) years, with 64.7% male. Death was seen mostly among 50- to 64-year-olds (33.1%) and 65- to 74-year-olds (24.8%). The presence of underlying hypertension (61.8%) and diabetes mellitus (48.2%) were the most common comorbid diseases encountered in the COVID-19 non-survivors. Underlying hypertension, stroke, heart disease and dyslipidaemia were significantly higher among COVID-19 non-survivors who were ≥ 65 years old compared to those < 65 ( p < 0.05). Mortality was a lot higher in September 2020–March 2021 compared to March 2020–August 2020 (91.3% vs. 8.3%).

Conclusion

Older age, male gender and the presence of multimorbidity (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, stroke and heart disease) are risk factors that contribute to mortality due to COVID-19 in Malaysia, especially among those ≥ 65 years old.
The differential role of the lipid raft-associated protein flotillin 2 for progression of myeloid leukemia
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Pereira Raquel S. , Niemann Julian , Azimpour Alexander I. , Zanetti Costanza , Karantanou Christina , Minka Wahyu , Minciacchi Valentina R. , Kowarz Eric , Meister Melanie , Godavarthy Parimala S. , Maguer-Satta Véronique , Lefort Sylvain , Wiercinska Eliza , Bonig Halvard , Marschalek Rolf , Krause Daniela S.
Published: March 2022

Lipid raft-associated proteins play a vital role in membrane-mediated processes. The lipid microdomain-associated protein flotillin 2 (FLOT2), which has a scaffolding function, is involved in polarization, as well as in actin cytoskeletal organization of primitive and mature hematopoietic cells and has been associated with different malignancies. However, its involvement in myeloid leukemias is not well studied. Using murine transplantation models, we show here that the absence of FLOT2 from leukemia-initiating cells (LICs) altered the disease course of BCR-ABL1+ chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), but not of MLL–AF9-driven acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While FLOT2 was required for expression of the adhesion molecule CD44 on both CML- and AML-LIC, a defect in the cytoskeleton, cell polarity, and impaired homing ability of LIC was only observed in FLOT2-deficient BCR-ABL1+ compared with MLL-AF9+ cells. Downstream of CD44, BCR-ABL1 kinase-independent discrepancies were observed regarding expression, localization, and activity of cell division control protein 42 homolog (CDC42) between wild-type (WT) and FLOT2-deficient human CML and AML cells. Inhibition of CDC42 by ML141 impaired the homing of CML LIC and, thereby, CML progression. This suggested that alteration of both CD44 and CDC42 may be causative of impaired CML progression in the absence of FLOT2. In summary, our data suggest a FLOT2-CD44-CDC42 axis, which differentially regulates CML vs AML progression, with deficiency of FLOT2 impairing the development of CML.
Comparative transcriptomics of wild and commercial Citrus during early ripening reveals how domestication shaped fruit gene expression
Authors: Borredá Carles , Perez-Roman Estela , Talon Manuel , Terol Javier
Published: March 2022

Background

Interspecific hybridizations and admixtures were key in Citrus domestication, but very little is known about their impact at the transcriptomic level. To determine the effects of genome introgressions on gene expression, the transcriptomes of the pulp and flavedo of three pure species (citron, pure mandarin and pummelo) and four derived domesticated genetic admixtures (sour orange, sweet orange, lemon and domesticated mandarin) have been analyzed at color break.

Results

Many genes involved in relevant physiological processes for domestication, such sugar/acid metabolism and carotenoid/flavonoid synthesis, were differentially expressed among samples. In the low-sugar, highly acidic species lemon and citron, many genes involved in sugar metabolism, the TCA cycle and GABA shunt displayed a reduced expression, while the P-type ATPase CitPH5 and most subunits of the vacuolar ATPase were overexpressed. The red-colored species and admixtures were generally characterized by the overexpression in the flavedo of specific pivotal genes involved in the carotenoid biosynthesis, including phytoene synthase, ζ-carotene desaturase, β-lycopene cyclase and CCD4b, a carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase. The expression patterns of many genes involved in flavonoid modifications, especially the flavonoid and phenylpropanoid O-methyltransferases showed extreme diversity. However, the most noticeable differential expression was shown by a chalcone synthase gene, which catalyzes a key step in the biosynthesis of flavonoids. This chalcone synthase was exclusively expressed in mandarins and their admixed species, which only expressed the mandarin allele. In addition, comparisons between wild and domesticated mandarins revealed that the major differences between their transcriptomes concentrate in the admixed regions.

Conclusion

In this work we present a first study providing broad evidence that the genome introgressions that took place during citrus domestication largely shaped gene expression in their fruits.
Custodiol HTK versus Plegisol: in-vitro comparison with the use of immature (H9C2) and mature (HCM) cardiomyocytes cultures
Authors: Nowicki Rafał , Berezowski Mikołaj , Kulbacka Julita , Bieżuńska-Kusiak Katarzyna , Jasiński Marek , Saczko Jolanta
Published: March 2022

Background

Although cardioplegia is used since the ‘70s of the last century, debate on cardioprotection during cardio-surgical procedures is still actual. The selection of a particular method depends mainly on the preferences and experience of a specific center or even surgeon. Crystalloid cardioplegia is an aqueous ion solution similar to intracellular (Custodiol HTK) or extracellular (Plegisol) fluid. The potensional clinical advantages of relatively new idea of cardioplegia solution based on intracellular composition (Custodiol HTK) justifies futher research, but only a few used cultured cells in laboratory conditions.

Methods

In this study, the authors sought to compare Custodiol HTK with Plegisol cardioplegia solutions using an in-vitro model simulating cardioplegic arrest. The efficacy of myocardial protection during ischemia was investigated with susceptible indicators like the appearance of the deleterious effect of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress markers. Immersed human cardiomyocytes and rat cardiomyoblasts H9C2 in cardioplegia for 4 h were examined for expression of oxidative stress markers (MnSOD, iNOS, HSP27), cardioplegic solutions cytotoxicity, and peroxidation damage of the cell’s lipids and proteins. All tests were performed after 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h of incubation in identical physical and biological conditions, which is difficult to achieve in clinical trials.

Results

The lower cytotoxicity index performed on matured cells of human cardiomyocytes and highest dehydrogenase level showed after incubation with Custodiol HTK. This did not apply to tests on immature cells H9C2. Custodiol HTK induced significantly stronger iNOS expression. The decrease of HSP27 concentration has been instantaneous and maintained troughout the study only in both cultures incubated with Custodiol HTK. The other tests: lipid peroxidation, carbonyl groups concentration and MnSOD expression show no clear superiority evidence of used cardioplegic solutions.

Conclusions

Considering proceeded examinations on cultured cardiomyocytes, Custodiol HTK appears to be safer than Plegisol.
Characteristics of United States military pilots with atrial fibrillation and deployment and retention rates
Authors: Keithler Andrea N. , Wilson Andrew S. , Yuan Alexander , Sosa Jose M. , Bush Kelvin N. V.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia that impacts deployment and retention rates for United States military pilots. This study aims to characterize United States active duty (AD) pilots with AF and review deployment and retention rates associated with medical and ablative therapies.

Methods

An observational analysis was performed to assess AD pilots diagnosed with AF in the largest military regional healthcare system from 2004 to 2019. Baseline characteristics and AF management were reviewed.

Results

27 AD pilots (mean age, 37.3 ± 7.9 years; mean BMI, 27.3 ± 3.1 kg/m2; 100% male sex) were diagnosed with AF during the study dates. 17 (63%) were Air Force branch pilots with hypertension as the most common risk factor (26%). There were overall low CHA2DS2-VASc scores (mean 0.29 ± 0.47). 22 (82%) pilots were equally treated with medical rate and rhythm strategies (41% and 41%, respectively). 16 (59%) underwent pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with zero complications. 11 (41%) pilots received warfarin and 5 (19%) received a direct oral anticoagulant for stroke prevention. After diagnosis, 12 (44%) pilots deployed and 25 (93%) were retained in military. PVI was not associated with a change in subsequent deployments rates (PVI, 38% vs no PVI, 55%; p = 0.3809) or retention rates (PVI, 94% vs no PVI, 91%; p = 0.7835).

Conclusions

United States military pilots diagnosed with AF are younger patients with few traditional AF risk factors and  they receive medical rate and rhythm strategies equally. Many pilots maintain deployment eligibility and most remain on AD status after diagnosis. PVI is not associated with differences in retention or deployment rates. Further prospective study is needed to further evaluate these findings.
Conventional fluoroscopy-guided versus zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardias
Authors: Prolič Kalinšek Tine , Šorli Jernej , Jan Matevž , Šinkovec Matjaž , Antolič Bor , Klemen Luka , Žižek David , Pernat Andrej
Published: March 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) catheter ablation (CA) for supraventricular tachycardias (SVT).

Methods

584 consecutive patients referred to our institution for CA of SVT were analysed. Patients were categorised into two groups; zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) group and conventional fluoroscopy (CF) group. The ZF group was further divided into two subgroups (adults and paediatric). Patient characteristics, procedural information, and follow-up data were compared.

Results

The ZF group had a higher proportion of paediatric patients (42.2% vs 0.0%; p < 0.001), resulting in a younger age (30.9 ± 20.3 years vs 52.7 ± 16.5 years; p < 0.001) and lower BMI (22.8 ± 5.7 kg/m2 vs 27.0 ± 5.4 kg/m2; p < 0.001). Procedure time was shorter in the ZF group (94.2 ± 50.4 min vs 104.0 ± 54.0 min; p = 0.002). There were no major complications and the rate of minor complications did not differ between groups (0.0% vs 0.4%; p = 0.304). Acute procedural success as well as the long-term success rate when only the index procedure was considered did not differ between groups (92.5% vs 95.4%; p = 0.155; 87.1% vs 89.2%; p = 0.422). When repeated procedures were included, the long-term success rate was higher in the ZF group (98.3% vs 93.5%; p = 0.004). The difference can be partially explained by the operators' preferences.

Conclusion

The safety and efficacy of ZF procedures in adult and paediatric populations are comparable to that of CF procedures.
The role of analytic direction in qualitative research
Authors: Sale Joanna E. M.
Published: March 2022

Background

The literature on qualitative data analysis mostly concerns analyses pertaining to an individual research question and the organization of data within that research question. Few authors have written about the entire qualitative dataset from which multiple and separate analyses could be conducted and reported. The concept of analytic direction is a strategy that can assist qualitative researchers in deciding which findings to highlight within a dataset. The objectives of this paper were to: 1) describe the importance of analytic direction in qualitative research, and 2) provide a working example of the concept of analytic direction.

Methods

A qualitative dataset from one of the author’s research programs was selected for review. Ten potential analytic directions were identified after the initial phenomenological analysis was conducted. Three analytic directions based on the same coding template but different content areas of the data were further developed using phenomenological analysis (n = 2) and qualitative description (n = 1) and are the focus of this paper. Development and selection of these three analytic directions was determined partially relying on methodological criteria to promote rigour including a comprehensive examination of the data, the use of multiple analysts, direct quotations to support claims, negative case analysis, and reflexivity.

Results

The three analytic directions addressed topics within the scope of the overall research question. Each analytic direction had its own central point or story line and each highlighted a different perspective or voice. The use of an inductive and deductive approach to analysis and how the role of theory was integrated varied in each analytic direction.

Conclusions

The concept of analytic direction enables researchers to organize their qualitative datasets in order to tell different and unique “stories”. The concept relies upon, and promotes, the conduct of rigourous qualitative research.
Using a consistency check during data collection to identify invalid responding in an online cannabis screening survey
Authors: Schell Christina , Godinho Alexandra , Cunningham John A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Inconsistent responding is a type of invalid responding, which occurs on self-report surveys and threatens the reliability and validity of study results. This secondary analysis evaluated the utility of identifying inconsistent responses as a real-time, direct method to improve quality during data collection for an Internet-based RCT.

Methods

The cannabis subscale of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was administered as part of eligibility screening for the RCT. Following the consent procedure, the cannabis subscale was repeated during the baseline interview. Responses were automatically compared and individuals with inconsistent responses were screened out.

Results

Nearly half of those initially eligible for the RCT were subsequently screened out for data quality issues (n = 626, 45.3%). Between-group bivariate analysis found that those screened out (OUT) were significantly older (OUT = 39.5 years (SD = 13.9), IN = 35.7 years (SD = 12.9), p < .001), more had annual incomes less than $20,000CND (OUT = 58.3%, IN = 53.0%, p = .047), used cannabis less often in the past 30 days (OUT = 23.3 days (SD = 9.7), IN = 24.8 days (SD = 11.3), p < .006), and had lower total ASSIST scores at screener (OUT = 19.3 (SD = 8.0), IN = 23.8 (SD = 10.4), p < .001) and baseline (OUT = 17.5 (SD = 7.9), IN = 23.3 (SD = 10.3), p < .001) compared to participants who were screened in to the RCT.

Conclusion

Inconsistent responding may occur at high rates in Internet research and direct methods to identify invalid responses are needed. Comparing responses for consistency can be programmed in Internet surveys to automatically screen participants during recruitment and reduce the need for post-hoc data cleaning.
Low muscle mass is an independent risk factor for postoperative blood transfusion in total knee arthroplasty: a retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Hwang Doohyun , Han Hyuk-Soo , Lee Myung Chul , Ro Du Hyun
Published: March 2022

Background

Sarcopenia, an age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function, is correlated with adverse outcomes after some surgeries. This study examined the characteristics of sarcopenic patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and identified low muscle mass as an independent risk factor for postoperative TKA complications.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study examined 452 patients who underwent TKA. The skeletal muscle index (SMI) was obtained via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), along with demographics, the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and medication, laboratory and operative data for 2018–2021. Patients were categorized into normal (n = 417) and sarcopenic (n = 35) groups using the SMI cut-off suggested by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (males, < 7.0 kg/m2; females, < 5.7 kg/m2). Three postoperative complications were analysed: blood transfusion, delirium, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Baseline characteristics were propensity score-matched to address potential bias and confounding factors.

Results

The proportion of sarcopenic patients in primary TKA was 7.7% (35/452). The sarcopenic group had a lower preoperative haemoglobin (12.18 ± 1.20 vs. 13.04 ± 1.73 g/dL, p = 0.004) and total protein (6.73 ± 0.42 vs. 7.06 ± 0.44 mg/dL, p = 0.001). Propensity scoring matching and logistic regression showed that more patients in the sarcopenic group received postoperative blood transfusions (OR = 6.60, 95% CI: 1.57–45.5, p = 0.021); there was no significant difference in AKI or delirium. Univariate receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the propensity-matched group, to determine the predictive value of SMI for postoperative transfusion, gave an AUC of 0.797 (0.633–0.96) and SMI cut-off of 5.6 kg/m2.

Conclusions

Low muscle mass determined by BIA was an independent risk factor for postoperative transfusion in TKA. Multifrequency BIA can serve as a screening tool for sarcopenia that may influence the orthopaedic decision-making process or treatment planning in patients with sarcopenia undergoing primary TKA.

Level of evidence

III, retrospective cohort study.
Erythropoietin in Acute Kidney Injury (EAKI): a pragmatic randomized clinical trial
Authors: Aoun Mabel , Sleilaty Ghassan , Boueri Celine , Younes Eliane , Gabriel Kim , Kahwaji Reine-Marie , Hilal Najla , Hawi Jenny , Araman Rita , Chelala Dania , Beaini Chadia
Published: March 2022

Background

Treatment with erythropoietin is well established for anemia in chronic kidney disease patients but not well studied in acute kidney injury.

Methods

This is a multicenter, randomized, pragmatic controlled clinical trial. It included 134 hospitalized patients with anemia defined as hemoglobin < 11 g/dL and acute kidney injury defined as an increase of serum creatinine of ≥ 0.3 mg/dL within 48 h or 1.5 times baseline. One arm received recombinant human erythropoietin 4000 UI subcutaneously every other day (intervention; n = 67) and the second received standard of care (control; n = 67) during the hospitalization until discharge or death. The primary outcome was the need for transfusion; secondary outcomes were death, renal recovery, need for dialysis.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in transfusion need (RR = 1.05, 95%CI 0.65,1.68; p = 0.855), in renal recovery full or partial (RR = 0.96, 95%CI 0.81,1.15; p = 0.671), in need for dialysis (RR = 11.00, 95%CI 0.62, 195.08; p = 0.102) or in death (RR = 1.43, 95%CI 0.58,3.53; p = 0.440) between the erythropoietin and the control group.

Conclusions

Erythropoietin treatment had no impact on transfusions, renal recovery or mortality in acute kidney injury patients with anemia.

The trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03401710, 17/01/2018).