bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Herba Houttuyniae Aqueous Extract against OVA-Induced Airway Hyperresponsiveness and Inflammation in Asthmatic Mice
Authors: Yang Yu , Lai Qingzhong , Wang Chenyu , Zhou Gaoli
Published: November 2022

Herba Houttuyniae is the well-knownfood-medicine herb with the special taste and smell. It is also widely used in south China for prevention of various chronic pulmonary inflammatory diseases including asthma. However, the active ingredients and therapeutic mechanism of this herb remain obscure. In this study, network pharmacology technology was employed to investigate the effects of Herba Houttuyniae aqueous extract (HHAE) on OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. The results showed that six compounds (isoramanone, kaempferol, 1-methyl-2-nonacosyl-4-quinolone, C09747, spinasterol, and quercetin) were found to be mainly responsible for the therapeutic effects of the herb, which totally regulated the expressions of 168 asthma-related proteins. All those targets involved in the signal transduction of the prolactin signaling pathway, central carbon metabolism in cancer, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, endocrine resistance, and VEGF signaling pathway. The in vivo experiment also revealed that orally administrated with HHAE alleviated airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in OVA-induced asthmatic mice. It significantly decreased the counts of neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes as well as the levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13 in BALF of asthmatic mice. Mechanically, HHAE downregulated both the mRNA and protein expressions of p38 MAPK, PI3K, AKT, and VEGF in the lung tissues of asthmatic mice. Therefore, HHAE improved OVA-induced airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation in mice and could be a potential supplement for asthma treatment.
Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) Induced Surface Roughness Precisely Monitored In-Situ and in Real Time by Reflectance Anisotropy Spectroscopy (RAS) in Combination with Principle Component Analysis (PCA)
Authors: Oliveira Emerson , Strassner Johannes , Doering Christoph , Fouckhardt Henning
Published: November 2022

Reactive ion etching (RIE) of group IV or III/V semiconductors is an important step in many lithographic processes in semiconductor technology. Typically, surface roughness is undesired, but more and more applications arise where rough surfaces are used as functional quasi-layers. Either to avoid roughness or to precisely define it, in situ monitoring and control of the state of the etch front is desirable to increase yield. As we already know, reflectance anisotropy spectroscopy (RAS) or RAS equipment might be used to monitor the state of the etch front, to determine the current etch depth in situ precisely with accuracies of as good as some lattice constants only, and to identify roughness morphologies, the latter in combination with principle component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). In cases where only one specific morphology with different characteristic parameters is under consideration, PCA suffices for monitoring, although the task is even harder. The PCA-RAS combination allows for distinguishing states of the etch front, which differ by a couple of minutes of etch duration only.
Abstract 14100: Which Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors Agent is More Effective in Patients With Heart Failure? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Awad Ahmed K. , Tarek Hasan Mohammed , Shih Mohamed , Attia Amir N. , Aboeldahab Heba , Abdelazeem Basel , Baral Nischit , savarapu pramod , Santos Volgman Annabelle S
Published: November 2022

Background:
Treatment with various sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2Is) has decreased cardiovascular events in patients with heart failure (HF). Therefore, we conducted a network meta-analysis to investigate which SGLT-2Is are more effective in patients with HF.

Methods:
PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, were systematically searched from inception to February 2022. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the use of SGLT-2Is vs. placebo in HF patients. The main outcomes were all-cause, cardiovascular mortality, serious adverse events, and hospitalizations due to HF. The random-effects method model and inverse variance statistics were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:
Our study included 12 RCTs with a total number of 69,024 patients (37,923 in the SGLT2 inhibitors group and 31,101 in the placebo group). Five RCTs used empagliflozin, 4 used dapagliflozin, 1 used canagliflozin, 1 used ertugliflozin, and 1 used sotagliflozin. Our analysis showed that empagliflozin has a statistically significant lowest odds for both cardiovascular mortality and serious adverse effects (OR: 0.80 with 95% CI [0.67-0.96]) and (OR: 0.84 with 95% CI [0.76-0.93]), respectively compared to other SGLT-2Is. All SGLT-2Is have been associated with the same lower odds without preferences for one over the others regarding all-cause mortality. Furthermore, the hospitalization rate due to HF showed a statistically significant decrease with all the SGLT-2Is except for canagliflozin, which showed insignificant results with (OR: 0.63 with 95% CI [0.39-1.01]).

Conclusion:
No differences between the SGLT-2Is included in this analysis were observed in terms of all-cause mortality. Empagliflozin had the lowest odds of cardiovascular mortality and serious adverse effects. Canagliflozin was the only SGLT-2Is that showed no significant results in odds of hospitalization for HF.
Myosin Inhibition and Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Referred for Septal Reduction Therapy: Insights From the VALOR-HCM Study
Authors: Cremer Paul C. , Geske Jeffrey B. , Owens Anjali , Jaber Wael A. , Harb Serge C. , Saberi Sara , Wang Andrew , Sherrid Mark , Naidu Srihari S. , Schaff Hartzell , Smedira Nicholas G. , Wang Qiuqing , Wolski Kathy , Lampl Kathy L. , Sehnert Amy J. , Nissen Steven E. , Desai Milind Y.
Published: November 2022

Background:

In the randomized phase 3 VALOR-HCM study (A Study to Evaluate Mavacamten in Adults With Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Who Are Eligible for Septal Reduction Therapy) of patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, mavacamten reduced the need for septal reduction therapy. Because mavacamten improves ventricular compliance, this sub-study examined the effects of treatment with this cardiac myosin inhibitor on diastolic function.

Methods:

Symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients on maximally tolerated medical therapy referred for septal reduction therapy were randomized 1:1 to mavacamten or placebo. At baseline and week 16, a resting and stress echocardiogram was performed with interpretation by a core laboratory. In this exploratory substudy, the principal end point was the change in parameters used to define the grade of diastolic function in patients treated with mavacamten and placebo. A related objective was to assess the proportion of patients with an improvement in diastolic function grade. A secondary aim was to assess for correlation between diastolic function parameters and the secondary end points from VALOR-HCM: New York Heart Association class, quality of life, and cardiac biomarkers.

Results:

Diastolic dysfunction grade was evaluable in 98 patients at baseline and week 16. Among patients treated with mavacamten, 29.4% (15 of 51) demonstrated improvement in diastolic function grade compared with 12.8% (6 of 47) patients with placebo (
P
=0.05). Average E/e’ ratio decreased significantly in patients treated with mavacamten (−3.4±5.3) compared with placebo (0.57±3.5;
P
<0.001). Indexed left atrial volumes (mL/m
2
) also decreased significantly in patients who received mavacamten (−5.2±7.8) compared with placebo (−0.51±8.1;
P
=0.005). After adjustment for change in left ventricular outflow tract gradient and mitral regurgitation, mavacamten was significantly associated with a decrease in average E/e’ ratio and indexed left atrial volumes. Change in average E/e’ ratio was significantly correlated with the secondary end points from VALOR-HCM.

Conclusions:

In this exploratory substudy, after 16 weeks of therapy, mavacamten improved diastolic function, and this change correlated with improvement in clinical and biomarker end points.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04349072.
Dose-Blinded Myosin Inhibition in Patients With Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Referred for Septal Reduction Therapy: Outcomes Through 32 Weeks
Authors: Desai Milind Y. , Owens Anjali , Geske Jeffrey B. , Wolski Kathy , Saberi Sara , Wang Andrew , Sherrid Mark , Cremer Paul C. , Naidu Srihari S. , Smedira Nicholas G. , Schaff Hartzell , McErlean Ellen , Sewell Christina , Balasubramanyam Aarthi , Lampl Kathy , Sehnert Amy J. , Nissen Steven E.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Septal reduction therapy (SRT) in patients with intractable symptoms from obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (oHCM) is associated with variable morbidity and mortality. The VALOR-HCM trial (A Study to Evaluate Mavacamten in Adults with Symptomatic Obstructive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Who Are Eligible for Septal Reduction Therapy) examined the effect of mavacamten on the need for SRT through week 32 in oHCM.

Methods:

A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled multicenter trial at 19 US sites included patients with oHCM on maximal tolerated medical therapy referred for SRT with left ventricular outflow tract gradient ≥50 mm Hg at rest or provocation (enrollment, July 2020–October 2021). The group initially randomized to mavacamten continued the drug for 32 weeks, and the placebo group crossed over to dose-blinded mavacamten from week 16 to week 32. Dose titrations were based on investigator-blinded echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular outflow tract gradient and left ventricular ejection fraction. The principal end point was the proportion of patients proceeding with SRT or remaining guideline eligible at 32 weeks in both treatment groups.

Results:

From the 112 randomized patients with oHCM, 108 (mean age, 60.3 years; 50% men; 94% in New York Heart Association class III/IV) qualified for week 32 evaluation (56 in the original mavacamten group and 52 in the placebo cross-over group). After 32 weeks, 6 of 56 patients (10.7%) in the original mavacamten group and 7 of 52 patients (13.5%) in the placebo cross-over group met SRT guideline criteria or elected to undergo SRT. After 32 weeks, a sustained reduction in resting left ventricular outflow tract gradient (−33.0 mm Hg [95% CI, −41.1 to −24.9]) and Valsalva left ventricular outflow tract gradient (−43.0 mm Hg [95% CI, −52.1 to −33.9]) was observed in the original mavacamten group. A similar reduction in resting (−33.7 mm Hg [95% CI, −42.2 to −25.2]) and Valsalva (−52.9 mm Hg [95% CI, −63.2 to −42.6]) gradients was quantified in the cross-over group after 16 weeks of mavacamten. After 32 weeks, improvement by ≥1 New York Heart Association class was observed in 48 of 53 patients (90.6%) in the original mavacamten group and 35 of 50 patients (70%) after 16 weeks in the cross-over group.

Conclusions:

In severely symptomatic patients with oHCM, 32 weeks of mavacamten treatment showed sustained reduction in the proportion proceeding to SRT or remaining guideline eligible, with similar effects observed in patients who crossed over from placebo after 16 weeks.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04349072.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock: Results of the ECMO-CS Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Ostadal Petr , Rokyta Richard , Karasek Jiri , Kruger Andreas , Vondrakova Dagmar , Janotka Marek , Naar Jan , Smalcova Jana , Hubatova Marketa , Hromadka Milan , Volovar Stefan , Seyfrydova Miroslava , Jarkovsky Jiri , Svoboda Michal , Linhart Ales , Belohlavek Jan ,   for the ECMO-CS Investigators
Published: November 2022

Background:

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is increasingly being used for circulatory support in patients with cardiogenic shock, although the evidence supporting its use in this context remains insufficient. The ECMO-CS trial (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in the Therapy of Cardiogenic Shock) aimed to compare immediate implementation of VA-ECMO versus an initially conservative therapy (allowing downstream use of VA-ECMO) in patients with rapidly deteriorating or severe cardiogenic shock.

Methods:

This multicenter, randomized, investigator-initiated, academic clinical trial included patients with either rapidly deteriorating or severe cardiogenic shock. Patients were randomly assigned to immediate VA-ECMO or no immediate VA-ECMO. Other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures were performed as per current standards of care. In the early conservative group, VA-ECMO could be used downstream in case of worsening hemodynamic status. The primary end point was the composite of death from any cause, resuscitated circulatory arrest, and implementation of another mechanical circulatory support device at 30 days.

Results:

A total of 122 patients were randomized; after excluding 5 patients because of the absence of informed consent, 117 subjects were included in the analysis, of whom 58 were randomized to immediate VA-ECMO and 59 to no immediate VA-ECMO. The composite primary end point occurred in 37 (63.8%) and 42 (71.2%) patients in the immediate VA-ECMO and the no early VA-ECMO groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.46–1.12];
P
=0.21). VA-ECMO was used in 23 (39%) of no early VA-ECMO patients. The 30-day incidence of resuscitated cardiac arrest (10.3.% versus 13.6%; risk difference, –3.2 [95% CI, –15.0 to 8.5]), all-cause mortality (50.0% versus 47.5%; risk difference, 2.5 [95% CI, –15.6 to 20.7]), serious adverse events (60.3% versus 61.0%; risk difference, –0.7 [95% CI, –18.4 to 17.0]), sepsis, pneumonia, stroke, leg ischemia, and bleeding was not statistically different between the immediate VA-ECMO and the no immediate VA-ECMO groups.

Conclusions:

Immediate implementation of VA-ECMO in patients with rapidly deteriorating or severe cardiogenic shock did not improve clinical outcomes compared with an early conservative strategy that permitted downstream use of VA-ECMO in case of worsening hemodynamic status.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT02301819.
Prehospital Stroke Triage to Route Patients Directly to a Thrombectomy Center: New York City First‐Year Experience
Authors: Kim Brian D. , Morey Jacob R. , Marayati Naoum Fares , Matsoukas Stavros , Redlener Michael , Skliut Maryna , Wheelwright Danielle , Zhang Xiangnan , Tuhrim Stanley , De Leacy Reade , Stein Laura , Mocco J. , Fifi Johanna T.
Published: November 2022

Background

New York City Emergency Medical Services implemented a prehospital triage protocol using a modified Speech–Los Angeles Motor Scale to identify patients with large‐vessel occlusion. Patients with Speech–Los Angeles Motor Scale ≥4 and last known well within 5 hours were routed to the nearest thrombectomy‐capable stroke center. Our aim was to describe the Speech–Los Angeles Motor Scale Triage Positive (STP) cohort and compare to a cohort that ultimately underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) but were missed by the protocol (not triaged as Speech–Los Angeles Motor Scale positive [NSTP]).

Methods

A prospectively collected database identified patients arriving within 5 hours from last known well between April 2019 and March 2020. STP patients (N=145) were assessed for medical history, acute stroke time metrics, and clinical accuracy. NSTP (N=65) was subdivided into those who arrived directly to a thrombectomy‐capable stroke center (direct NSTP, N=30), and those transferred to a thrombectomy‐capable stroke center (transferred NSTP, N=35). Comparisons were made between the cohorts that underwent EVT.

Results

In the STP cohort, stroke was diagnosed in 110 of 145 (75.9%) patients: 31 hemorrhagic, 79 ischemic. There were 45 patients (31.0%) with large vessel occlusion and 34 (23.4%) underwent EVT. STP and NSTP subgroups had no difference in first medical contact‐to‐intravenous thrombolysis (≈90 minutes) despite STP patients taking 5 minutes longer to arrive. Ambulance travel times were similar (11 minutes). First medical contact‐to‐arterial access was similar in STP (137.9 minutes) and direct NSTP (137.9 minutes) groups but significantly shorter against transferred NSTP (252.1 minutes;
P
<0.01).

Conclusion

Through the protocol, a high percentage of identified patients with large‐vessel occlusion undergo EVT with no sacrifice to intravenous thrombolysis. The increased ambulance travel time has minimal effect. As more than half the NSTP cohort required transfer for EVT, these patients would have reaped the greatest benefit. Appropriate implementation that maintains the score specificity would prevent patients with high large‐vessel occlusion likelihood from delayed thrombectomy.
Management of Severe Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Using Mechanical Balloon Assisted Thrombectomy
Authors: Alwan Anand , Miraclin Angel T , Bal Deepti , Moses Vinu , Mannam Pavithra , Ahmed Munawwar , K.B Santhosh Babu , Muthukumar Kumar , Jasper Anitha , Mani Sunithi Elizabeth , Nair Shalini , Prabhakar Appaswamy Thirumal , Sivadasan Ajith , Mathew Vivek , Alexander Mathew , N Keshava Shyamkumar , Aaron Sanjith
Published: November 2022

Background

Cerebral venous thrombosis is a devastating condition with, despite optimal medical management, a significant proportion deteriorating due to involvement of the deep venous system, worsening intracranial pressures, and hemorrhage. In this study, we report the characteristics, immediate and long‐term outcomes of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using a Forgarty balloon catheter among patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.

Methods

A prospective study conducted at the Christian Medical College, Vellore over 5 years (February 2017–February 2022), wherein patients with cerebral venous thrombosis who had clinical deterioration despite best medical management and requiring MT were included. MT was performed through retrograde venous access through internal jugular veins using a Fogarty balloon. The primary outcome was composite end point of mortality and proportion of patients with favorable clinical response at last follow‐up, defined as a disability score in modified Rankin scale 0–2.

Results

Among 546 patients treated in our center during the study period, 57(10%), patients required MT. The median age of the study population was 33 years (interquartile range: 17–70 years) with equal gender predilection. Hemorrhagic venous infarction was seen in 28/57 (50%) patients. The mean duration between starting medical treatment and to MT was 43 hours (interquartile range: 5–260 hours) with the most common indication being clinical deterioration (70%). Five patients (9%) required decompressive hemicraniectomy. The mortality at discharge was 5% (n=3), and at last follow‐up visit was 7% (n=4). Younger patients without hemorrhagic venous infarction and non‐involvement of the frontoparietal lobes seem to benefit the most. Favorable functional outcome at discharge (modified Rankin scale 0–2) was seen in 65% which further improved to 77% at 1‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Balloon‐assisted MT is safe and effective in a subset of patients with severe cerebral venous thrombosis, with clinical deterioration despite optimal medical management.
Inter-Korean People-to-People Diplomacy: Social and Cultural Exchanges across the 38th Parallel
Authors: Ayhan Kadir Jun , Jang Siyeon
Published: November 2022

The people of the two Koreas cannot communicate directly with one another. Since the early 1990s, South and North Korea have allowed a limited number of people-to-people exchanges. In this article, we map the South Korean government’s theories of change regarding inter-Korean exchanges based on policy documents and semi-structured interviews with five high-level Ministry of Unification bureaucrats. We also explore the outcomes of inter-Korean exchanges, building on ten South Korean participants’ insights. Our findings suggest that the primary goals of inter-Korean social and cultural exchanges have been to expand contact between the two Koreas to alleviate the sense of mutual alienation, to increase empathy and, in turn, to reduce tensions and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula. Participant interviews reveal that direct interpersonal interaction between South and North Koreans reinforces the idea of a superordinate Korean group identity.
A redescription of Leptochiton belknapi Dall, 1878 (Mollusca: Polyplacophora: Leptochitonidae), the type species of the new genus Belknapchiton
Authors: SIRENKO BORIS , SAITO HIROSHI , SCHWABE ENRICO
Published: November 2022

Leptochiton belknapi is revisited, based on a morphological study of more than 340 specimens from different localities in the Pacific Ocean; intraspecific and age variability has been determined and a confirmed distribution of this species has been compiled. The restudy of the species allowed to test the usefulness of a combined character set, which mainly focuses on body size, perinotum coverage, tegmental structures and radula characteristics. By doing so, it turned out that the intraspecific variability is less pronounced than previously assumed. The obtained results and comparison with morphologically similar species, leads to the erection of the new genus Belknapchiton, with Leptochiton belknapi being its type species. The new genus differs from the genus Leptochiton by its elongate oval, large body, rather narrow, sharply pointed perinotum scales with scattered needles, a short radula with a wide central tooth, short first lateral teeth and a strong unidentate (sometimes with denticle-like appendage) head of the second lateral teeth. The vast majority of the 22 species of the new genus inhabit the deep waters of the Pacific Ocean and only B. alveolus (M. Sars MS, Lovén, 1846) is known from the Atlantic Ocean.
The spider genus Diguetia Simon, 1895 (Araneae: Diguetidae) in North America: a new species, redescriptions, and comments on the distribution of the genus
Authors: JIMENEZ MARIA-LUISA , CARDIEL CARLOS PALACIOS , CHAMÉ-VÁZQUEZ DAVID
Published: November 2022

A new species of the genus Diguetia Simon, 1895, D. balandra sp. nov. is described, the male of D. signata Gertsch, 1958 is described for the first time and D. dialectica Chamberlin, 1924 stat. reval. is raised to the species level and redescribed based on specimens from Baja California Sur, Mexico. Diguetia imperiosa Gertsch & Mulaik, 1940 is recorded from Baja California Sur. Furthermore, we emend the diagnosis of the genus, biogeographic comments for all North American species. In the United States, California (five species) and Arizona (four species) have more species of Diguetia while the Mexican states of Sonora (five species), Chihuahua, Baja California, Baja California Sur (four species each) and Coahuila (three species) harbor the highest diversity of diguetids. Diguetia canities (McCook, 1890) has the highest number of records (133) in North America. Mexico has a striking diversity of Diguetia with eight out of ten species currently known.
Churingosia, a new subgenus of the genus Manulea Wallengren with descriptions of four new species from the Oriental realm (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae)
Authors: VOLYNKIN ANTON V. , ČERNÝ KAREL
Published: November 2022

A new subgenus of the genus Manulea Wallengren, 1863, Churingosia subgen. n. (type species: Ilema nigripes Hampson, 1900) is described and subdivided into two species groups. Two new combinations are introduced: Manulea (Churingosia) chrysophleps (Hampson, 1895), comb. n. and Manulea (Churingosia) nigripes (Hampson, 1900), comb. n. Four new species are described: Manulea (Churingosia) fardyftera sp. n. from Northeast India, Manulea (Churingosia) reducta sp. n. from northern Myanmar and Northeast India, Manulea (Churingosia) mikrotera sp. n. from northern Myanmar and Northeast India, and Manulea (Churingosia) mavropoda sp. n. from northern Indochina. Lectotypes for Lithosia chrysophleps Hampson, 1895 and Ilema nigripes Hampson, 1900 are designated. Adults, male and female genitalia are illustrated.
New species and records of the genus Extraordinarius Rheims, 2019 (Araneae: Sparassidae: Sparianthinae)
Authors: RHEIMS CRISTINA A.
Published: November 2022

In this paper, I revisit the genus Extraordinarius Rheims. I describe the female of E. klausmeinei Rheims and two new species: E. alicecooperi spec. nov. (♂♀) from Espírito Santo and E. angusyoungi spec. nov. (♀) from Rio de Janeiro, all in southeastern Brazil. In addition, I include an identification key for all species of the genus, a new record for E. brucedickinsoni Rheims and an updated distribution map for the genus.
Defining Parenting Practices for Reducing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption Among Preschoolers
Authors: Branscum Paul , Keysor Paige
Published: November 2022

While attempts have been made to organize parenting practices in a working system, there are problems that make it difficult to understand how parenting is related to children’s eating behaviors. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a new instrument evaluating parenting practices toward sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) using the nine intervention functions of the Behavior Change Wheel. Each intervention function (education, persuasion, incentivization, coercion, training, restriction, environmental restructuring, modeling, and enablement) was applied to a parenting practice for having a preschooler consume no more than 8 oz of SSBs per week. A survey was developed to evaluate each practice. Forty-eight parents of preschoolers (2–5 years old) completed the survey, and the most utilized practices were modeling, creating a supportive home environment, persuading children, and restricting SSBs. The framework presented in this study can be useful for determining which parenting practices are acceptable and effective for promoting health behaviors among children.
The role of iron metabolism in chronic diseases related to obesity
Authors: Qiu Fangyi , Wu Lei , Yang Guang , Zhang Cong , Liu Xiaofang , Sun Xiance , Chen Xin , Wang Ningning
Published: November 2022

Obesity is one of the major public health problems threatening the world, as well as a potential risk factor for chronic metabolic diseases. There is growing evidence that iron metabolism is altered in obese people, however, the highly refined regulation of iron metabolism in obesity and obesity-related complications is still being investigated. Iron accumulation can affect the body’s sensitivity to insulin, Type 2 diabetes, liver disease and cardiovascular disease. This review summarized the changes and potential mechanisms of iron metabolism in several chronic diseases related to obesity, providing new clues for future research.
Feasibility of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in evaluating renal microvascular perfusion in pediatric patients
Authors: Zhang Wei , Yi Huiming , Cai Baohuan , He Yonghua , Huang Shi , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2022

Background

Changes in renal microvascular perfusion are involved in several kidney diseases. Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) quantitative analysis can enable the estimation of renal microvascular perfusion non-invasively. However, to date, few pediatric patients with renal disease have been subjected to CEUS quantitative analysis. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of CEUS in evaluating renal microvascular perfusion in pediatric patients and paving its way to clinical practice.

Methods

Seventeen pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and five children without kidney disease were consecutively examined using CEUS. Quantitative analysis of CEUS images based on time-intensity curve (TIC) fittings was performed using specialized software. Quantitative parameters of wash-in microvascular blood flow, including A, k, B, and TtoPk, were generated from three regions of interest (ROIs) each in the cortex and medulla of each kidney.

Results

CEUS was performed in all children successfully and safely without the use of sedatives. All parameters (A, B, k, and TtoPk) demonstrated no statistical differences among the three sampling ROIs in the renal cortex and medulla. All parameters (A, B, k, and TtoPk) showed no statistical differences between the left and right sides of kidneys both in cortices and medullas. Comparing with patients with CKD stage 3–5, both control group and patients with CKD stage 1–2 had significantly higher values of parameter A in the renal cortex (p = 0.025 and p = 0.031, respectively). In control group and patients stage 1–2, the values of parameters k in the renal cortices were significantly higher than that in the renal medullas, while in patients with CKD stage 3–5, parameter k showed no statistically significant differences between the renal cortex and medulla (p = 0.173).

Conclusion

CEUS is safe and practicable in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease. Renal microvascular perfusion estimated by CEUS could be a robust approach in the evaluation of pediatric renal diseases. Parameters A and k derived from CEUS quantitative analysis can provide great potential in non-invasive assessment of renal microvascular perfusion impairment in pediatric CKD.
A global study of the association of cesarean rate and the role of socioeconomic status in neonatal mortality rate in the current century
Authors: Alipour Abbas , Hantoushzadeh Sedigheh , Hessami Kamran , Saleh Maasoumeh , Shariat Mamak , Yazdizadeh Bahareh , Babaniamansour Sepideh , Ghamari Azin , Aghajanian Sepehr , Moradi Kamyar , Abdolmaleki Abolfazl Shirdel , Emami Zahra
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Caesarean section (C/S) rates have significantly increased across the world over the past decades. In the present population-based study, we sought to evaluate the association between C/S and neonatal mortality rates.

Material and methods

This retrospective ecological study included longitudinal data of 166 countries from 2000 to 2015. We evaluated the association between C/S rates and neonatal mortality rate (NMR), adjusting for total fertility rate, human development index (HDI), gross domestic product (GDP) percentage, and maternal age at first childbearing. The examinations were also performed considering different geographical regions as well as regions with different income levels.

Results

The C/S rate and NMR in the 166 included countries were 19.97% ± 10.56% and 10 ± 10.27 per 1000 live birth, respectively. After adjustment for confounding variables, C/S rate and NMR were found correlated (r = -1.1,p < 0.001). Examination of the relationship between C/S rate and NMR in each WHO region resulted in an inverse correlation in Africa (r = -0.75,p = 0.005), Europe (r = -0.12,p < 0.001), South-East Asia (r = -0.41,p = 0.01), and Western Pacific (r = -0.13,p = 0.02), a direct correlation in America (r = 0.06,p = 0.04), and no correlation in Eastern Mediterranean (r = 0.01,p = 0.88). Meanwhile, C/S rate and NMR were inversely associated in regions with upper-middle (r = -0.15,p < 0.001) and lower-middle (r = -0.24,p < 0.001) income levels, directly associated in high-income regions (r = 0.02,p = 0.001), and not associated in low-income regions (p = 0.13). In countries with HDI below the centralized value of 1 (the real value of 0.9), the correlation between C/S rate and NMR was negative while it was found positive in countries with HDI higher than the mentioned cut-off.

Conclusions

This study indicated that NMR associated with C/S is dependent on various socioeconomic factors such as total fertility rate, HDI, GDP percentage, and maternal age at first childbearing. Further attentions to the socioeconomic status are warranted to minimize the NMR by modifying the C/S rate to the optimum cut-off.
Exploration of the role of Cuproptosis genes and their related long non-coding RNA in clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a comprehensive bioinformatics study
Authors: Xia Dian , Liu Qi , Jiao Wen , Peng Longfei , Wang Qi , Tuo ZhouTing , Bi Liangkuan
Published: November 2022

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system. The mechanism of its occurrence and development is unknown, and there is currently few effective comprehensive predictive markers for prognosis and treatment response. With the discovery of a new cell death process – cuproptosis drew the attention of researchers. We constructed a model for the prediction of clinical prognosis and immunotherapy response through integrative analysis of gene expression datasets from KIRC samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. During the course of the study, we found that cuproptosis genes are significantly differentially expressed between clear cell renal cell carcinoma samples and normal samples. Based on this, we put forward the prognostic model for cuproptosis gene related-long non-coding RNA. And through various statistic and external independent cohorts, we proved that the model is accurate and stable, worthy of clinical application and further exploration and validation.
Oral cancer patients experience mechanical and chemical sensitivity at the site of the cancer
Authors: Sawicki Caroline M. , Janal Malvin N. , Nicholson Samuel J. , Wu Angie K. , Schmidt Brian L. , Albertson Donna G.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Oral cancer patients suffer severe chronic and mechanically-induced pain at the site of the cancer. Our clinical experience is that oral cancer patients report new sensitivity to spicy foods. We hypothesized that in cancer patients, mechanical and chemical sensitivity would be greater when measured at the cancer site compared to a contralateral matched normal site.

Methods

We determined mechanical pain thresholds (MPT) on the right and left sides of the tongue of 11 healthy subjects, and at the cancer and contralateral matched normal site in 11 oral cancer patients in response to von Frey filaments in the range of 0.008 to 300 g (normally not reported as painful). We evaluated chemical sensitivity in 13 healthy subjects and seven cancer patients, who rated spiciness/pain on a visual analog scale in response to exposure to six paper strips impregnated with capsaicin (0–10 mM).

Results

Mechanical detection thresholds (MDT) were recorded for healthy subjects, but not MPTs. By contrast, MPTs were measured at the site of the cancer in oral cancer patients (7/11 patients). No MPTs were measured at the cancer patients’ contralateral matched normal sites. Measured MPTs were correlated with patients’ responses to the University of California Oral Cancer Pain Questionnaire. Capsaicin sensitivity at the site of the cancer was evident in cancer patients by a leftward shift of the cancer site capsaicin dose-response curve compared to that of the patient’s contralateral matched normal site. We detected no difference in capsaicin sensitivity on the right and left sides of tongues of healthy subjects.

Conclusions

Mechanical and chemical sensitivity testing was well tolerated by the majority of oral cancer patients. Sensitivity is greater at the site of the cancer than at a contralateral matched normal site.
Prevalence and determinants of hypertension among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh
Authors: Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Hossain Md. Belal , Parvez Mahmood , Gupta Rajat Das , Arora Amit
Published: November 2022

Background

In low- and middle- income countries such as Bangladesh, urban slum dwellers are particualry vulnerable to hypertension due to inadequate facilities for screening and management, as well as inadequate health literacy among them. However, there is scarcity of evidence on hypertension among the urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with hypertension among urban slum dwellers in Bangladesh.

Methods

Data were collected as part of a large-scale cross-sectional survey conducted by Building Resources Across Communities (BRAC) between October 2015 and January 2016. The present analysis was performed among 1155 urban slum dwellers aged 35 years or above. A structured questionnaire was adminstered to collect data electronically and blood pressure measurements were taken using standardised procedures. Binary logistic regression with generalized estimating equation modelling was performed to estimate the factors associated with hypertension.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension was 28.3% among urban slum dwellers aged 35 years and above. In adjusted analysis, urban slum dwellers aged 45–54 years (AOR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.17–2.28), 55–64 years (AOR: 2.47, 95% CI: 1.73–3.53) and ≥ 65 years (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.47–3.72), from wealthier households (AOR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.18–3.20), sleeping < 7 h per day (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.39–2.51), who were overweight (AOR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.09–2.14) or obese (AOR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.71–3.20), and having self-reported diabetes (AOR: 3.08, 95% CI: 1.88–5.04) had an increased risk of hypertension. Moreover, 51.0% of the participants were taking anti-hypertensive medications and 26.4% of them had their hypertension in control.

Conclusions

The findings highlight a high burden of hypertension and poor management of it among the slum dwellers in Bangladesh requiring a novel approach to improve care. It is integral to effectively implement the available national non-communicable disease (NCD) control guidelines and redesign the current urban primary health care system to have better coordination.
Final year undergraduate nursing and midwifery students’ perspectives on simulation-based education: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Moloney Mairead , Murphy Louise , Kingston Liz , Markey Kathleen , Hennessy Therese , Meskell Pauline , Atkinson Sandra , Doody Owen
Published: November 2022

Background

Simulation-based education is a teaching and learning approach that can enhance learning experiences for students on healthcare programmes. Within undergraduate nursing and midwifery education, simulation can support students in developing graduate attributes necessary to become practice-ready professionals. This paper reports on the evaluation of a simulation-based education initiative, which was introduced to support final year undergraduate nursing and midwifery students in preparation for their upcoming clinical internship in practice.

Methods

This study aimed to evaluate a simulation-based education initiative from the perspectives of final year undergraduate nursing and midwifery students (N = 95). An online survey, using the validated Simulation Effectiveness Tool – Modified (SET-M), was distributed to final year nursing and midwifery students at one university in Ireland. This study was conducted and reported in line with the Consensus-Based Checklist for Reporting of Survey Studies (CROSS).

Results

The results of the study highlight final year nursing and midwifery students’ perceptions, experiences, and satisfaction with learning in a simulated environment. Students reported their simulation-based learning experiences as worthwhile, motivating, and as important opportunities to build on previous learning, increase confidence and gain experience in preparation for real-life practice. Students reported feeling more confident in their assessment skills, in providing care and interventions in responding to changes in a person’s health status. All students reported that the simulation-based learning experiences enabled them to think more critically about the clinical case scenarios and critically question their actions and decision-making processes. Pre-briefing and debriefing sessions were highlighted as important aspects of the simulation which helped to increase student confidence and cultivate meaningful learning.

Conclusion

Simulation-based education is a valuable teaching and learning modality, particularly for final year students who are transitioning to real-life clinical practice. Student-centred simulation-based learning experiences can cultivate professional development and support learners in their transition from university student to healthcare professional.
Willingness to pay for HPV vaccine among female health care workers in a Chinese nationwide survey
Authors: Lu Xinyue , Ji Mengdi , Wagner Abram L. , Huang Weifeng , Shao Xiaoping , Zhou Weiyu , Lu Yihan
Published: November 2022

Background

Payment methods for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine could substantially influence vaccination behavior. In China, HPV vaccination uptake remains currently low. This study aims to determine willingness to pay (WTP) for HPV vaccines among Chinese female health care workers under different payment scenarios.

Methods

This is a nationwide online survey recruiting female health care workers aged 18–45 years from 31 provinces throughout China. We collected the respondents’ vaccination status of HPV vaccines and their sociodemographics. Two WTPs were defined and estimated in the study. A general WTP for HPV vaccination was determined using the contingent valuation method with double dichotomous choice bidding. A WTP out-of-pocket was estimated for each HPV vaccine under two scenarios, including partial coverage by governmental subsidy or partial incorporation in basic medical insurance. Accordingly, a multivariable linear regression model was employed to determine the association between sociodemographis and general WTP. Then the maximum WTP out-of-pocket was compared among the respondents’ attitude shift towards HPV vaccination, payment scenarios, and levels of vaccine attributes, using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results

A total of 15,969 respondents were included in the study. The median general WTP was 2000 CNY (interquartile range, 1000–3200 CNY), positively associated with younger age, unmarried status, higher monthly income, fewer children, more positive vaccination behavior, working in tertiary hospital, higher local GDP and HDI (each P < 0.05). Moreover, the median WTP out-of-pocket was 1250 CNY (540–2000 CNY). It was significantly higher for vaccines partly covered by governmental subsidy (median, 1250 CNY; interquartile range, 560–2000 CNY), imported vaccines (1260 CNY; 630–1960 CNY), and 9-valent vaccines (1400 CNY; 750–2240 CNY) (each P < 0.001). Additionally, majority of respondents did not change their attitude towards HPV vaccination between two payment scenarios; those remaining with more expensive HPV vaccines (51.1%) had higher WTP out-of-pocket (1400 CNY; 560–2250 CNY) than those with cheaper vaccines (39.0%) (1120 CNY; 490–1960 CNY) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Chinese female health care workers have high WTP for HPV vaccines. A direct public funding for HPV vaccination is more preferable. Our findings may facilitate the adjustment of HPV vaccination strategy and payment mechanism in China.
PTEN regulates invasiveness in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors through DUSP19-mediated VEGFR3 dephosphorylation
Authors: Chang Tsung-Ming , Chu Pei-Yi , Lin Hui-You , Huang Kuo-Wei , Hung Wen-Chun , Shan Yan-Shen , Chen Li-Tzong , Tsai Hui-Jen
Published: November 2022

Background

Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is a tumor suppressor. Low PTEN expression has been observed in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) and is associated with increased liver metastasis and poor survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase and is usually activated by binding with vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC). VEGFR3 has been demonstrated with lymphangiogenesis and cancer invasiveness. PTEN is also a phosphatase to dephosphorylate both lipid and protein substrates and VEGFR3 is hypothesized to be a substrate of PTEN. Dual-specificity phosphatase 19 (DUSP19) is an atypical DUSP and can interact with VEGFR3. In this study, we investigated the function of PTEN on regulation of pNET invasiveness and its association with VEGFR3 and DUSP19.

Methods

PTEN was knocked down or overexpressed in pNET cells to evaluate its effect on invasiveness and its association with VEGFR3 phosphorylation. In vitro phosphatase assay was performed to identify the regulatory molecule on the regulation of VEGFR3 phosphorylation. In addition, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining were performed to evaluate the molecule with direct interaction on VEGFR3 phosphorylation. The animal study was performed to validate the results of the in vitro study.

Results

The invasion and migration capabilities of pNETs were enhanced by PTEN knockdown accompanied with increased VEGFR3 phosphorylation, ERK phosphorylation, and increased expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition molecules in the cells. The enhanced invasion and migration abilities of pNET cells with PTEN knockdown were suppressed by addition of the VEGFR3 inhibitor MAZ51, but not by the VEGFR3-Fc chimeric protein to neutralize VEGFC. VEGFR3 phosphorylation is responsible for pNET cell invasiveness and is VEGFC-independent. However, an in vitro phosphatase assay failed to show VEGFR3 as a substrate of PTEN. In contrast, DUSP19 was transcriptionally upregulated by PTEN and was shown to dephosphorylate VEGFR3 via direct interaction with VEGFR3 by an in vitro phosphatase assay, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining. Increased tumor invasion into peripheral tissues was validated in xenograft mouse model. Tumor invasion was suppressed by treatment with VEGFR3 or MEK inhibitors.

Conclusions

PTEN regulates pNET invasiveness via DUSP19-mediated VEGFR3 dephosphorylation. VEGFR3 and DUSP19 are potential therapeutic targets for pNET treatment.
A CRISPR-based chromosomal-separation technique for Escherichia coli
Authors: Su Junchang , Wang Pengju , Li Ju , Zhao Dongdong , Li Siwei , Fan Feiyu , Dai Zhubo , Liao Xiaoping , Mao Zhitao , Zhang Chunzhi , Bi Changhao , Zhang Xueli
Published: November 2022

Background

Natural life systems can be significantly modified at the genomic scale by human intervention, demonstrating the great innovation capacity of genome engineering. Large epi-chromosomal DNA structures were established in Escherichia coli cells, but some of these methods were inconvenient, using heterologous systems, or relied on engineered E. coli strains.

Results

The wild-type model bacterium E. coli has a single circular chromosome. In this work, a novel method was developed to split the original chromosome of wild-type E. coli. With this method, novel E. coli strains containing two chromosomes of 0.10 Mb and 4.54 Mb, and 2.28 Mb and 2.36 Mb were created respectively, designated as E. coli0.10/4.54 and E. coli2.28/2.36. The new chromosomal arrangement was proved by PCR amplification of joint regions as well as a combination of Nanopore and Illumina sequencing analysis. While E. coli0.10/4.54 was quite stable, the two chromosomes of E. coli2.28/2.36 population recombined into a new chromosome (Chr.4.64MMut), via recombination. Both engineered strains grew slightly slower than the wild-type, and their cell shapes were obviously elongated.

Conclusion

Finally, we successfully developed a simple CRISPR-based genome engineering technique for the construction of multi-chromosomal E. coli strains with no heterologous genetic parts. This technique might be applied to other prokaryotes for synthetic biology studies and applications in the future.