bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract 9742: Conservation of Mir Direct Cardiac Reprogramming Across Several Mammalian Species
Authors: Baksh Syeda , Pratt Richard E , Dzau Victor J , Hodgkinson Conrad
Published: April 2022

There is considerable interest in regenerating the injured heart by reprogramming resident fibroblasts into new functional cardiomyocytes. Cardiac reprogramming has been achieved via transcription factors or miRNAs. Transcription factor combinations appear to be species-specific as evidenced by the fact that combinations of transcription factors which are effective for the reprogramming of mouse fibroblasts, are ineffective in pigs and humans. It is unknown if miRNA based cardiac reprogramming suffers from the same limitation. We have previously demonstrated that mouse cardiac fibroblasts(mCFs) can be directly converted into cardiomyocytes both
in vitro
and
in vivo
via a combination of four microRNAs (miR-1, miR-133a, miR-208a and miR-499) termed “miR combo.” To test species-specificity, miR combo was transfected into cardiac fibroblasts isolated from the left ventricle of adult sheep, dogs, pigs and humans. Reprogramming was determined by qPCR and RNA-seq. In contrast to transcription factor based approaches, miR combo effectively reprogrammed fibroblasts from all of the tested mammalian species. Marked upregulation of cardiac developmental, sarcomere, and cardiac ion channel genes was observed (N=3-5, P<0.001).Concomitant with up-regulation of cardiomyocyte-specific signatures, fibroblast-specific genes were down-regulated (N=3-5, P<0.001). Moreover, we also observed marked downregulation of genes that are associated with neuronal, skeletal muscle and endothelial cells (N=3-5, P<0.001). Importantly, we also found that miR comb otransfection induced dog, pig and human cardiac fibroblasts to develop into cardiomyocyte-like cells (N=3, P<0.05). In conclusion, we have demonstrated that in contrast to transcription factor based approaches, miR combo effectively reprograms mammlian cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocyte-like cells. These findings validate the potential of miR combo as a therapeutic modality for myocardial regeneration following myocardial injury in humans.
Abstract 9745: Exosome Delivery for Therapeutic Cardiac Reprogramming
Authors: Sun Hualing , Hodgkinson Conrad , Pratt Richard E , Dzau Victor J
Published: April 2022

We, and others, have demonstrated that directly reprogramming scar fibroblasts into new cardiomyocytes improves cardiac function in the infarcted heart. A major challenge is the specific delivery of reprogramming factors to cardiac fibroblasts in vivo. Currently, reprogramming factors are delivered into the heart by viruses which are often poor delivery vehicles; typically lacking cell specificity and suffering from packaging size constraints. We hypothesized that the efficacy of direct cardiac reprogramming would be improved by optimizing delivery. To that end, we focused on identifying a fibroblast-targeting exosome. Exosomes were isolated from a variety of different cells and assessed for their ability to deliver fluorescent RNA molecules into cardiac fibroblasts in vitro. We found that exosomes derived from C166 cells targeted fibroblasts; ~95% of cardiac fibroblasts were labelled with the fluorescent RNA (N=5, P<0.001). C166 derived exosomes were similarly effective in vivo. C166 derived exosomes containing fluorescent RNA were injected into the infarcted heart. Subsequent analysis of heart tissue indicated that the fluorescent RNA was preferentially found within fibroblasts (85±6%, N=3, P<0.01) and rarely present in cardiomyocytes (10±4%, N=3, P<0.01) or endothelial cells (5±3%, N=3, P<0.01). C166 derived exosomes were similarly effective at delivering reprogramming factors in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, reprogramming factors delivered by C166 derived exosomes induced cardiomyocyte-specific gene expression (Actn2, Myh6 and Tnni3; 5 to 20 fold; N=5; P<0.05) and induced cardiomyocyte formation (6±3%, N=3, P<0.05). In vivo, reprogramming factors delivered by C166 derived exosomes efficiently converted ~20% of cardiac fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes (N=3, P<0.01). Importantly, reprogramming was associated with significant improvements in cardiac function in a myocardial infarction injury model (~20% increase in Ejection Fraction, N=5, P<0.01). In summary, C166 derived exosomes are an effective tool for the delivery of reprogramming factors into the heart.
Abstract 9746: Rig-1 Agonists Regulate Cardiac Reprogramming via Yy1
Authors: Baksh Syeda , Hu Jiabiao , Pratt Richard E , Dzau Victor J , Hodgkinson Conrad
Published: April 2022

We have discovered that innate immunity plays an important role in the reprogramming of fibroblasts into cardiomyocytes. Previously, we have focused on the role of the TLR3-NFkB pathway. We have now found evidence for an alternative Rig-1:YY1 pathway. Specific Rig-1 agonists such as 3p-hpRNA were found to enhance the efficacy of cardiac reprogramming with cardiomyocyte-specific gene expression increasing by 10 to 20 fold (Actn2, Myh6, Tnni3; N=6; P<0.01). Similarly, formation of new cardiomyocytes was increased 5 fold (N=3, P<0.01). To determine the mechanism of action, MNase-seq was performed. MNase-seq indicated that Rig-1 activation induced transcription factor binding to genomic regions immediately downstream of the transcription start site of cardiomyocyte-specific genes (N=3, P<0.01). Further analysis of the binding regions revealed an overabundance of YY1 binding sequences (N=3, P<0.001). To understand the role of YY1, knockdown experiments were performed. YY1 knockdown completely ablated the effects of Rig-1 agonists on cardiac reprogramming (N=5, P<0.01). To understand how YY1 was activating cardiomyocyte-specific genes, ChIP-seq and ChIP-qPCR was carried out. ChIP-seq and ChIP-qPCR indicated that following Rig-1 activation, YY1 associated with Kdm6 and P300. Kdm6 and P300 were found to work in concert; activating cardiomyocyte-specific gene expression via the removal of the inhibitory epigenetic mark tri-methylated lysine-27 of Histone-H3 and deposition of the stimulatory epigenetic mark acetylated lysine-4 of Histone-H3 (N=3, P<0.01). To conclude, the Rig-1:YY1 pathway plays a critical role in cardiac reprogramming. Manipulation of the Rig-1:YY1 pathway may enhance the effectiveness of cardiac reprogramming in vivo.
Abstract 9748: Validation of a Brief Dietary Questionnaire for Use in Clinical Practice: Mini-EAT
TM
Authors: Lara-Breitinger Kyla , Medina Inojosa Jose , Li Zhuo , Kunzova Sarka , Lerman Amir , Kopecky Stephen , Lopez-jimenez Francisco
Published: April 2022

Introduction:
Limited validated rapid dietary screening tools are available for patient use for actionable goal setting to improve health and reduce cardiovascular risk. The Healthy Index (HEI) Score measures compliance with the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans but requires completion of an extensive food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) to compute, which is time consuming and impractical.

Hypothesis:
A 19-item dietary survey that assesses consumption of common food groups known to affect health is correlated to the gold standard FFQ and HEI score and can be further reduced without affecting validity.

Methods:
An evidence-based 19-item Eating Assessment Tool (EAT™) of common food groups was created through literature review and expert consensus. We then conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult patients from a preventive cardiology clinic or cardiac rehabilitation and of healthy volunteers (n=628, mean age= 37 y, 76% women). Participants completed an online 156-item FFQ which was used to calculate the HEI score using standard methods. The association between each EAT™ question and HEI score category was analyzed by Kruskal-Walis test. Linear regression models were used to identify univariable and multivariable predictors for HEI score. The final model of Mini-EAT™ was validated by 5-fold cross validation.

Results:
The 19-item EAT™ had good correlation with the HEI (r=0.77) and was subsequently reduced to the 8 items independently predictive of the HEI score: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, refined grains, legumes/nuts/seeds, low-fat dairy, high-fat dairy, and sweets consumption, without affecting the predictive ability of the tool (r=0.76).

Conclusions:
Mini-EAT™ is an 8-item validated brief dietary screener that correlates well with a comprehensive FFQ. Future studies to test the Mini-EAT™’s validity in diverse populations and for development of clinical decision support systems to capture changes over time are needed.
Abstract 9755: Impact of Outflow Obstruction and Septal Myectomy on Long Term Risk of New Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cooper Craig , Carrick Richard , Tsoi Melissa , Maron Martin S , Maron Barry , Rowin Ethan J
Published: April 2022

Background:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), with patients having a 4 to 6 fold greater likelihood of developing AF as compared to the general population, and is an important cause of morbidity, impaired quality of life and embolic stroke in HCM. The impact of outflow obstruction and the influence of surgical septal myectomy on the development of new-onset AF has not been well described.

Aim:
To characterize the risk of new-onset AF in nonobstructive and obstructive HCM and compare to AF risk in patients after myectomy.

Methods:
1767 consecutive HCM patients without prior AF history, seen at the Tufts HCM Institute between 2004 and 2019, including 712 with obstruction (outflow gradients ≥ 30mmHg at rest or following provocation) who did not undergo invasive septal reduction therapy (SRT), 552 with nonobstructive HCM (outflow gradients < 30mmHg), and 503 who underwent surgical myectomy were followed for an average of 4.3 ±4.2 years for new-onset symptomatic AF. Isolated post-operative episodes of AF, i.e., occurring within the first 3 months after myectomy, were excluded from analysis.

Results:
Patients with obstructive HCM who did not undergo SRT had a 1.5-fold increased risk for new-onset AF as compared to nonobstructive HCM (rate onset of 2.8%/year vs.1.7%/year, p=0.04), with freedom from AF at 10-years of 72% in obstructive patients. Patients undergoing myectomy were older (52 ± 15 vs. 50 ± 15 years; p<0.01), had larger LA dimension (42 ± 7 vs 40 ± 6mm; p<0.01), and higher HCM-AF risk scores (22 ± 3.5 vs. 19 ± 3.8; p<0.01) as compared to nonobstructive HCM. However, despite a higher predicted risk for new-onset AF at time of myectomy (2.7%/year vs. 1.5%/year), after myectomy the risk of new onset AF was no different from patients with nonobstructive HCM (hazard ratio 0.9; rate of onset of 1.8%/year vs. 1.7%/year; p=.73), with freedom from AF at 10-years of 83% post-myectomy.

Conclusions:
Patients with obstructive HCM have a higher risk of AF as compared to nonobstructive HCM. After myectomy risk of new-onset AF is substantially reduced, such that risk is no different from patients with nonobstructive HCM. These data demonstrate efficacy of myectomy in decreasing long term risk of AF in obstructive HCM.
Abstract 9776: Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Outcomes with Image-Guided Left Ventricular Lead Placement: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Allen Lapointe Nancy M , Ali-ahmed Fatima , Dalgaard Frederik , Kosinski Andrzej S , Sanders Gillian D , Al-Khatib Sana M
Published: April 2022

Introduction:
To improve CRT outcomes, image-guided approaches targeting left ventricular (LV) lead placement at the segment of latest mechanical activation have been compared to non-image-guided approaches with mixed results. A meta-analysis was conducted to assess the association between an image-guided approach and CRT outcomes.

Methods:
A systematic literature review was performed to identify RCTs and prospective observational studies of CRT from October 2008 through October 2020 that compared any image-guided versus any non-image-guided approach for LV lead placement. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts then reviewed full text of identified studies. One reviewer abstracted data and a second over-read for accuracy. Meta-analyses were performed for NYHA class improvement and changes in LV end systolic volume, LV end diastolic volume, and LVEF using random effects models.

Results:
Of 5715 citations screened, 5 RCTs with a total of 818 patients met the inclusion criteria. Speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) was the primary imaging method in all studies, but 3 studies included CT, CMR, SPECT, and/or PET in addition to STE. The comparator arms were standard of care in 4 studies and an electrically guided approach in one. Mean age ranged from 66 to 72 years, 76% were male, and 53% had ischemic cardiomyopathy. Among 747 evaluable patients, concordant or adjacent LV lead was achieved in 348 of 386 (90%) in the image-guided arm and 291 of 361 (81%) in the control arm. At 6 months, the image-guided approach was statistically significantly associated with a NYHA class improvement, but no other statistically significant differences were found (Figure).

Conclusion:
An image-guided CRT approach was associated with significant Improvement in NYHA class but not in echocardiographic measures, possibly due to small sample size and high LV concordance with area of latest activation in both study arms - the latter of which merits further investigation.
Abstract 9785: A Very-Low Carbohydrate Content in a High-Fat Diet Modifies the Plasma Metabolome and Alleviates Experimental Atherosclerosis
Authors: Whalen Courtney , Kalecky Karel , Gullette Sean , Huang Neil K , Singh Vishal , Peterson Kristina , Neuberger Thomas , Ross A Catharine , Bottiglieri Teodoro , Castro Rita
Published: April 2022

Background:
A healthy diet is a cornerstone of CVD prevention and management. The vascular impact of very-low-carbohydrate (CHO), high-fat diets, or ketogenic diets (KD), remains unclear.

Hypothesis:
A KD will be protective against atherogenesis compared to a moderate-CHO, high-fat diet (HFD).

Methods:
Seven-week-old male
apoE
-/-
mice, a model for human atherosclerosis, were fed two casein-based diets
ad libitum
for 12 weeks (Kcal%, CHO/fat/protein): KD (1/81/18) or HFD (42/40/18). Animals (6-8/group) were weighed weekly, and plasma was collected for quantification of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) by a colorimetric assay, the inflammatory cytokines MCP1 and TNFα by immunoassays, and targeted metabolites by LC-MS/MS. Aortic atherosclerotic lesions were quantified
ex-vivo
by MRI on a 14-tesla-system.

Results:
KD mice weighed significantly less than HFD mice, reflecting the anti-obesogenic effect of the KD diet. Relative to HFD mice, the BHB level was markedly higher, and cytokines were significantly lower in the KD group, confirming the presence of ketosis in KD mice that alleviated the well-established fat-induced systemic inflammation. Several changes in the plasma metabolome driven by KD included a significant decrease in lipophilic metabolites, with increases in hydrophilic ones. Despite the higher fat content of KD
versus
HFD, KD mice presented significantly lower levels of several lipid metabolites including phosphatidylcholines, cholesterol esters, sphingomyelins, and ceramides. Consistent with the shift in energy metabolism toward fatty acid oxidation caused by the KD, the ratio of acyl-carnitines to free carnitine was significantly higher in KD than in HFD mice. Mice under nutritional ketosis displayed a distinct plasma amino acid profile evidencing a KD-induced alteration in protein metabolism. These included increased levels of the constituents of the major antioxidant glutathione, suggesting a more favorable redox status in the animals under nutritional ketosis. Lastly, the aortic plaque burden was significantly lower in the KD (4.8t±2.4 vol%)
versus
the HFD (12.8±6.72 vol%) group.

Conclusion:
Nutritional ketosis induced by the KD was associated with specific metabolic changes and an atheroprotective phenotype
versus
HFD.
Abstract 9787: Guideline Implementation Trends Following Diabetes and CVD Hospital Award Program
Authors: Halio Melody A , Harpster Heather , Maynard Susan , Sednew Renee M , Niu Ray , Overton Katherine , Olson Liz , Thomas Kathie , Scharnott Michelle C
Published: April 2022

Background:
While it is accepted that recognition drives performance improvement over time, less is known about implementation attitudes and behaviors following introduction of a new guideline recognition program. This analysis aims to understand guideline implementation trends within hospitals treating diabetes in patients with stroke and/or heart failure after launch of a diabetes recognition program.

Methods:
Hospitals participating in American Heart Association’s (AHA) Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke and/or GWTG-Heart Failure modules are asked to document adherence to guidelines for diabetes care. A 26-question survey regarding implementation attitudes and behaviors related to guideline adherence for diabetes care of patients with stroke and/or heart failure was sent to a stratified random selection of 678 hospitals participating in GWTG-Stroke and 328 hospitals in GWTG-Heart Failure. A total of 311 surveys were collected.

Results:
Perceived value of the diabetes recognition award was higher in award-winning (34-44%) compared with non award-winning hospitals (21-24%). Both award winning and non-award winning hospitals reported "limited time due to COVID-19" as a top data entry barrier, and "reason for not prescribing an antihyperglycemic medication with proven CVD benefit" as most difficult to locate. Award-winning hospitals reported higher rates of referral for a diabetes consult as standard practice.

Conclusion:
This diabetes award recognition program demonstrated higher value in award-winning hospitals, with higher rates of standard practice referrals after a new diabetes diagnosis. Further barriers to achievement of standards were identified, highlighting the need for continued support of hospitals following introduction of recognition programs. Future findings may inform strategies for successful implementation of similar programs, ultimately leading to improved care of those with diabetes and CVD.
Jumping spiders of the tribe Lapsiini Maddison (Salticidae: Spartaeinae) from Colombia: new species and records
Authors: MUÑOZ-CHARRY VALENTINA , GALVIS WILLIAM , MARTÍNEZ LEONEL
Published: April 2022

The spider subfamily Spartaeinae Wanless, with its only New World tribe Lapsiini (Araneae: Salticidae) is for the first time recorded from Colombia. Six new species of the genera Lapsias Simon and Thrandina Maddison are described and illustrated herein from the country. From the Andean region are described: L. iguaque sp. nov. (♂; Boyacá department), Lapsias quimbaya sp. nov. (♂; Quindío, Risaralda, and Caldas departments), L. tequendama sp. nov. (♂; Cundinamarca department), L. walekeru sp. nov. (♂; La Guajira department), and Thrandina colombiaenpaz sp. nov. (♂♀; Huila department). From the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Magdalena department, Caribbean region, is described L. tayrona sp. nov. (♂♀). In addition, new records of Galianora sacha Maddison and L. lorax Maddison for the country are presented, and the female of L. lorax is described for the first time. Finally, a map with plotted distribution of the tribe Lapsiini from South America is presented.
Review of Chinese species of genus Phlogothamnus Ishihara (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) with description of a new species
Authors: YAO BINBIN , ZHANG RUNZHI , XING JICHUN
Published: April 2022

The Chinese leafhopper species of the genus Phlogothamnus Ishihara,1961 are reviewed, and a new species Phlogothamnus circinatus sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, China. And the species Phlogothamnus fanjingshanensis Li, 2011 treated as Phlogotettix fanjingshanensis (Li, 2011) comb. nov.. A key is given to separate all species of the genus from China. The type specimens of the new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC).
A new salamander of the genus Bolitoglossa (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from the highlands of western Panama
Authors: PONCE MARCOS , NAVARRO DEIVY , MORALES ROGER , BATISTA ABEL
Published: April 2022

We describe a new species of salamander of the genus Bolitoglossa from the Cordillera de Talamanca in western Panama. The new species is distinct from its congeners by its dorsal and ventral coloration, finger and toe webbing, and a comparatively high maxillary teeth count in relation to SVL. Analysis of mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed an isolated phylogenetic position of the new species which is related to the B. robinsoni, B. subpalmata and B. epimela species groups, all four of which form a subclade within the subgenus Eladinea.
The Polar Transition from Alpha to Beta Regions Set by a Surface Buoyancy Flux Inversion
Authors: Caneill Romain , Roquet Fabien , Madec Gurvan , Nycander Jonas
Published: April 2022

The stratification is primarily controlled by temperature in subtropical regions (alpha ocean) and by salinity in subpolar regions (beta ocean). Between these two regions lies a transition zone, often characterized by deep mixed layers in winter and responsible for the ventilation of intermediate or deep layers. While of primary interest, no consensus on what controls its position exists yet. Among the potential candidates, we find the wind distribution, air–sea fluxes, or the nonlinear cabbeling effect. Using an ocean general circulation model in an idealized basin configuration, a sensitivity analysis is performed testing different equations of state. More precisely, the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) temperature dependence is explored, changing the impact of heat fluxes on buoyancy fluxes in a series of experiments. The polar transition zone is found to be located at the position where the sign of the surface buoyancy flux reverses to become positive, in the subpolar region, while wind or cabbeling are likely of secondary importance. This inversion becomes possible because the TEC is reducing at low temperature, enhancing in return the relative impact of freshwater fluxes on the buoyancy forcing at high latitudes. When the TEC is made artificially larger at low temperature, the freshwater flux required to produce a positive buoyancy flux increases and the polar transition moves poleward. These experimets demonstrate the important role of competing heat and freshwater fluxes in setting the position of the transition zone. This competition is primarily influenced by the spatial variations of the TEC linked to meridional variations of the surface temperature.
Decreasing Colectomy Rates in Advanced Adenomas
Authors: Mack Joseph D. , Couch Luke , Chapman Brandon C. , Hyde G. Alan , Giles W. Health , Stanley J. Daniel
Published: April 2022

Advanced colon adenomas are commonly treated with colectomy, which is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Novel endoscopic resection techniques have been described, including endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal resection (ESR), which demonstrate promise in treating these neoplasms without colectomy. We performed a retrospective review of patients with advanced adenomas who were referred to a colorectal surgeon for evaluation for resection over 4 years. 40 of 46 (87%) of these patients underwent a successful endoscopic resection. 10 of 46 (21.6%) patients ultimately underwent an operation for a variety of reasons: inability to resect endoscopically (n = 6), invasive cancer on the excised specimen (n = 2), complication of procedure (n = 1), colectomy after polyp recurrence (n = 1). Our study demonstrates EMR and ESD offers an alternative to colectomy in appropriately selected patients with a high success rate. As more surgeons learn advanced endoscopic techniques, there is potential to decrease colectomy rates in benign disease.
Machiavellianism in Alliance Partnerships
Authors: Musarra Giuseppe , Robson Matthew J. , Katsikeas Constantine S.
Published: April 2022

Against a backdrop of limited research focusing on dark-side characteristics in alliances, the authors argue that Machiavellianism in an alliance influences strategies pertaining to gaining new knowledge and using power to achieve better performance effectiveness. They develop a model using theories-in-use procedures and drawing from both Machiavellian intelligence and achievement goal perspectives, which they test in a quasi-longitudinal study of 199 marketing alliances. The results suggest that Machiavellianism relates negatively to collaborative learning and positively to learning anxiety and use of power. The findings also indicate that collaborative learning enhances performance, whereas learning anxiety and use of power result in underperformance. Collaborative learning, learning anxiety, and use of power fully mediate Machiavellianism's impact on performance. Finally, Machiavellianism's relationships with collaborative learning and learning anxiety are moderated positively and negatively, respectively, by partners’ collaborative history. This evidence provides managers with a more in-depth understanding about the nature, functioning, and performance relevance of Machiavellianism in alliance partnerships.
Edo-Tokyo and the Meiji Revolution
Authors: Megumi Matsuyama
Published: April 2022

This essay explores the changing sociospatial structures of Edo-Tokyo as the city emerged as the dominant political, economic, and cultural center of modern Japan through the Meiji Revolution of the mid-nineteenth century (conventionally called the Meiji Restoration). In the process of relocating the capital after the defeat of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the new government replaced the old ruling class through the disposal of the samurai estates that had once constituted most of Edo. The government’s strategy was to divide the city into two territories: the Inner Precinct ( kakunai), which would now house the political core transferred from Kyoto, and the Outer Precinct ( kakugai), where former feudal lords and others forced out of the center were relocated. The government used the land of kakunai in projects to enhance the authority of the emperor. Meanwhile, land owned by former feudal lords in the vast area of the kakugai was newly rented out to people who were banned from doing business on the street by the government. The government relied on powerful commoners to act as brokers in this redevelopment. In addition, former feudal estates linked Tokyo and the rest of the archipelago by providing dormitories for youth from the lords’ former fiefs. Modern Tokyo was thus configured by political choices made in the immediate context of the revolution. Other castle towns underwent a similar restructuring at the same time. This process of conversion reorganized spatial hierarchies within Japanese cities, creating a dual urban structure that has continued to shape urban development since.
Toward Human-Centric Transportation and Energy Metrics: Influence of Mode, Vehicle Occupancy, Trip Distance, and Fuel Economy
Authors: Henao Alejandro , Sperling Joshua , Weigl Dustin , Atnoorkar Swaroop , Wilson Alana , Nobler Erin , Shankari K. , Smith Scott
Published: April 2022

Traditional metrics measuring transportation and energy outcomes can be augmented to better represent impacts on people’s lives and systems-level performance. This study introduces, analyzes, and tests two novel metrics: human-centered road capacity (road capacity for people) and energy intensity (energy use for people’s transportation) using empirical cumulative distribution functions of associated parameters for scenario development. Current national-level distributions of available data in the United States for factors contributing to the two new integrated metrics are used as context to evaluate potential outcomes. These factors include vehicle occupancy, mode share, fuel economy, and trip distance. Variations in input values provide insights on how these factors shape efficiencies in road capacity and energy intensity. Parametric sensitivity analysis indicates that the impact of each input depends on the metric being evaluated. For the human-centered road capacity mobility metric, increasing vehicle occupancy has the largest effect—twice that of increasing mode share for bike, walk, and transit. For the energy intensity mobility metric, the effect of improving fuel economy is the largest. Additionally, a novel interactive tool to visualize the results for various parameter combinations is designed to allow researchers and decision makers to test the metrics. The findings show deficiencies in continuing to use traditional vehicle-centric metrics and suggest that the diffusion of new human-centric metrics that benchmark outcomes associated with road capacity and energy may be significant in motivating new sustainable transportation investments and efficient utilization of infrastructure, mobility assets, and services.
Adult and Adolescent Disclosures of Child Sexual Abuse: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: McGill Lucy , McElvaney Rosaleen
Published: April 2022

The recent attention focused on child sexual abuse (CSA) disclosure pathways has highlighted complex psychological processes that influence disclosure both for children and adults. Some authors have suggested that such processes may differ between children and adults yet few studies have examined distinct samples within the same study. This paper addresses this gap by exploring adolescent ( n = 20) and adult ( n = 10) experiences of disclosure of childhood sexual abuse. Interviews were conducted with both samples, using the same interview schedule and a comparative analysis was conducted of the key themes identified from a grounded theory analysis. Those themes that were found to be common to both samples included pressure cooker effect, telling would make it worse, and self-blame. Themes that were found to be more prevalent in the adolescent sample included police/court involvement, concern for other children, being asked, and peer influence. It is suggested that such potential differences reflect the changing social context over the past few decades which is characterised by increased awareness of sexual abuse as a crime and the risks of recidivism of offenders.
Trajectories of Insomnia Symptoms Among Aging Employees and Their Associations With Memory, Learning Ability, and Concentration After Retirement - A Prospective Cohort Study (2000–2017)
Authors: Etholén Antti , Pietiläinen Olli , Kouvonen Anne , Hänninen Mirja , Rahkonen Ossi , Lallukka Tea
Published: April 2022

Objectives

We applied a person-oriented approach and used latent class linear mixed models to identify sleep trajectories that explain memory, concentration, and learning ability problems after retirement.

Methods

Data consist of prospective surveys from four phases of the Helsinki Health Study between 2000–2017 (n = 3748, aged 55–77 years, 80% women). Multinomial regression was used to examine the associations between sleep trajectories and cognitive function, adjusting for sociodemographic, health-related behavior, and health factor covariates.

Results

Among statutory retirees, three latent group trajectories of insomnia-related symptoms were identified: stable low, decreasing, and increasing. Among those who had retired for disability reasons, we identified one additional latent group trajectory: stable high. Insomnia symptoms were associated with worse cognitive function.

Discussion

Early detection of insomnia symptoms would be a potential intervention point to improve both sleep quality and prevent cognitive decline in later life. However, intervention studies are needed.
Computational fluid dynamics investigation of a misaligned-phase parallel external gear pump
Authors: Qiang Yan , Yang Dandan , Zhan Peng , Li Fenfen , Luo Xiaomei , Gu Hongtao , Wei Liejiang
Published: April 2022

To clarify the flow characteristics of the misaligned-phase parallel external gear pump with different phases and rotational speeds, the flow pulsation and cavitation of the misaligned-phase parallel external gear pump under different working conditions were systematically studied by combining theoretical analysis with tridimensional numerical simulation. The flow pulsation characteristics of the misaligned-phase parallel external gear pump are analyzed. Compared with the same-phase gear pump, the flow pulsation of the misaligned-phase parallel external gear pump was reduced. When the phase angle is [Formula: see text], the pressure and flow pulsations of the parallel gear pump are minimum, the flow pulsation is less than 1/4 of the same-phase gear pump. The relationship between cavitation and phase angle of the misaligned-phase parallel external gear pump is verified. When the rotational speed is different, with the increase in the rotational speed, the amplitude of the pressure fluctuation increases, and the effect of pressure pulsation overlapping and counteracting each other in the misaligned phase is more ideal. The flow does not fluctuate with the rotational speed and is only related to the phase angle, the cavitation is aggravated with the increase in the rotational speed.
Experimental and numerical investigation of hydroforming process of bi-layered metallic bellows
Authors: Safari M. , Salimi J.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, hydroforming process of bi-layered bellows is investigated experimentally and numerically. The process consists of two steps: tube bulging and tube folding. For this purpose, the effects of two main process parameters i.e. internal pressure and die stroke on characterizations of hydroformed bi-layered bellows are examined. The convolution height and thickness of the top point of each convolution are selected as the main features of metallic bellows. The results show that the numerical simulations are in good agreement with experimental measurements. It is demonstrated from the obtained numerical and experimental results that the thickness reduction is noticeably increased from bottom point to top point of each convolution. In addition, it is concluded that the inner layer has the most reduction in wall thickness while the outer layer has the least thickness reduction due to the supportive role of the inner layer for the outer layer. The experimental and numerical results showed that a bi-layered bellows can successfully fabricated with internal pressure of 230 Bar and die stroke of 14 mm. Also, by changing the internal pressure from 70 to 230 Bar in a situation where the die stroke is constant and equal to 14 mm, the convolution height will increase by about 62% while the thickness of top point of outer layer will decrease by about 20%. Changing the die stroke from 6 to 16 mm in a situation where the internal pressure is constant and equal to 230 bar leads to a 60% increase in the convolution height and a 23% decrease in the thickness of top point of outer layer.
Detecting Prejudice From Egalitarianism: Why Black Americans Don’t Trust White Egalitarians’ Claims
Authors: Rosenblum Michael , Jacoby-Senghor Drew S. , Brown N. Derek
Published: April 2022

Although White Americans increasingly express egalitarian views, how they express egalitarianism may reveal inegalitarian tendencies and sow mistrust with Black Americans. In the present experiments, Black perceivers inferred likability (Experiments 1-2), allyship (Experiment 1a), and trustworthiness (Experiments 1b-2), and accurately inferred underlying racial attitudes and motivations from White writers’ declarations that they are nonprejudiced and egalitarian (Experiments 1 and 2). White writers believed that their egalitarianism seemed more inoffensive than was perceived by Black Americans (Experiment 1a). Linguistic analysis revealed that, when inferring racial attitudes and motivations, Black perceivers accurately attended to language emphasizing humanization, support for equal opportunity, personal responsibility, and the idea that equality already exists (Experiment 1b). We found causal evidence that these linguistic cues informed Black Americans’ perceptions of White egalitarians (Experiment 2). Suggesting societal costs of these perceptions, White egalitarians’ underlying racial beliefs negatively predicted Black participants’ actual trust and cooperation in an economic game (Experiment 3). Our experiments ( N = 1,335 adults) showed that White Americans’ insistence that they are egalitarian itself perpetuates mistrust with Black Americans.
Association of miR-9-5p and NFIC in the progression of gastric cancer
Authors: Lv Shihong , Liu Lei , Yang Baijing , Zhao Xiaohua
Published: April 2022

Background

Gastric cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm of digestive system. Herein, we aim to detect the expression of nuclear factor I C (NFIC) in gastric cancer cells, and to explore the effect and mechanism of its expression on the development of gastric cancer.

Methods

qPCR and Western blot assays were carried out to detect NFIC expression. Then, BGC-823 and SGC-7901 cell lines were selected to perform the following functional experiments. The function of NFIC on gastric cancer cells was analyzed by biological experiments. The associations between miR-9-5p and NFIC were searched on the bioinformatics website and identified by dual luciferase assay. The effects of miR-9-5p and NFIC on cells were verified by co-transfection experiments. The related genes expression was examined by Western blot.

Results

A marked augmentation of NFIC was observed in gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of NFIC significantly inhibited the viability, colony formation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-9-5p obviously suppressed the viability, colony formation, invasion, and migration of gastric cancer cells, and this phenomenon was aggravated by si-NFIC. Additionally, the expression levels of PCNA, vimentin, and Snail were obviously decreased after miR-9-5p mimic or/and si-NFIC treatment.

Conclusions

These results suggested that NFIC was highly expressed in gastric cancer cells, and knockdown of NFIC suppressed the growth and mobility of gastric cancer cells; miR-9-5p was identified as an upstream regulator of NFIC and suppressed the malignant behaviors of gastric cancer cells by targeting NFIC through affecting PCNA, vimentin, and Snail expression.
The Relationship of School Connectedness to Adolescents’ Engagement in Co-Occurring Health Risks: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Rose India D. , Lesesne Catherine A. , Sun Jing , Johns Michelle M. , Zhang Xiaodong , Hertz Marci
Published: April 2022

School connectedness is an important factor in the lives of youth and are a leverage point for optimizing youth’s social, emotional, and physical health. This study presents a meta-analysis examining the relationship between school connectedness and four health domains that are prevalent in adolescence, have implications for adult health, and often co-occur: mental health, sexual health, violence, and high-risk substance use. Ninety articles published between 2009 and 2019 were included in the analysis. The study found that school connectedness had a protective average effect size across all health domains (Hedges’ g = −0.345, p-value<0.001). When examined separately, school connectedness had a significant protective relationship with substance use ( g = −0.379, p < 0.001), mental health (Hedges’ g = −0.358, p < 0.001), violence (Hedges’ g = −0.318, p < 0.001), sexual health (Hedges’ g = −0.145, p < 0.001), and with co-occurring risks (Hedges’ g = −0.331, p < 0.001). These results provide strong evidence that school connectedness has the potential to prevent and mitigate multiple health risks during adolescence.
Parents’ views on and need for an intervention during their chronically ill child’s transfer to adult care
Authors: Thomsen Ena L , Hanghøj Signe , Esbensen Bente A , Hansson Helena , Boisen Kirsten A
Published: April 2022

Parents of chronically ill adolescents play a significant role during their child’s transition and transfer to adult care. Parents seek help and support, but appropriate initiatives are still lacking. Thus, there is an urgent call for knowledge regarding parents’ needs and views on such support. The aim of this study was to examine, in relation to parents of chronically ill adolescents: 1) views and experiences regarding their child’s transfer from paediatric to adult care, and 2) which initiatives parents preferred in relation to the transfer. The study was based on the interpretive description method, and data were collected through face-to-face or telephone interviews with parents of chronically ill adolescents aged 16–19 (n = 11). We found three overall findings: ‘Feeling acknowledged vs. feeling excluded’, ‘Perceived differences between paediatric and adult care’ and ‘Feeling safe vs. entering the unknown’, together with three preferred initiatives: 1) Joint consultations, 2) Educational events and 3) Online support/website. In general, we found that some parents were extremely worried about the transfer, while others were not. Our results suggest that transfer initiatives targeting parents should focus on knowledge, expectations, relationships and goals in accordance with the social-ecological model of adolescent and young adult readiness to transition (SMART).
The Impact of Peer Education on HIV Testing for Chinese Men Who Have Sex With Men: The Mediation Effect of Accompanying Friends for Testing
Authors: Li Yijun , Jiao Kedi , Wang Lin , Liao Meizhen , Gao Lijie , Ma Wei
Published: April 2022

This study aims to explore how peer education influences men who have sex with men (MSM) to accompany friends to test and then affects their own testing, and to reveal the internal mechanism of peer education influencing HIV testing. A cross-sectional study among MSM in 11 cities in Shandong province, China was conducted to collect information on demographic characteristics, behavior, HIV-related knowledge, HIV testing history, and use of prevention services. Blood samples were tested for HIV status. Logistic regression was used for univariate and multivariate analyses, and R Mediation package was used for mediating effect analysis. Of 4,005 participants, 66.8% (2,674/4,005) had HIV testing in the last year, 50.6% (2,026/4,004) accompanied a friend for HIV testing, and 65.3% (2,614/4,005) received peer education in the last year. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MSM who had anal sex with men in the past six months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.772, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.438, 2.182]), had used drugs (AOR = 2.762, 95% CI = [2.264, 3.368]), received peer education in the past year (AOR = 2.412, 95% CI = [2.081, 2.796]), and accompanied a friend for testing in the past year (AOR = 3.077, 95% CI = [2.653, 3.569]) were more likely to take HIV testing. Receiving peer education in the past year could influence their own HIV testing in the past year by affecting their accompanying one’s friends to take the test in the past year (a*b = 0.889, 95% CI = [0.733, 1.053]). Peer education not only had a direct effect on HIV testing but also had an indirect effect on HIV testing by influencing accompanying friends for testing.
Update on the role of naldemedine in opioid-induced constipation in patients with chronic noncancer pain
Authors: BouSaba Joelle , Sannaa Wassel , Camilleri Michael
Published: April 2022

Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) affects up to 20% of adults and can interfere with activities of daily living. Up to 4% of adults in the United States receive chronic opioid therapy and up to 57% of patients on long-term opioids for CNCP report opioid-induced constipation (OIC). OIC is essentially constipation occurring after starting opioid treatment. While laxatives are traditionally the first-line therapy for OIC, 81% of patients taking daily laxatives and opioids still reported OIC and considered that it negatively affected their quality of life. Naldemedine is a peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonists (PAMORA) approved for the treatment of OIC in patients with CNCP. This article reviews the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of naldemedine in CNCP patients. Naldemedine improves OIC in patients with CNCP by acting as an opioid receptor antagonist in the gastrointestinal tract. It does not interfere with the analgesic properties of opioids or cause withdrawal symptoms since these effects are centrally mediated, and naldemedine does not cross the blood brain barrier. Naldemedine showed significant and sustained improvement in frequency of bowel movements, quality of life, and constipation-related symptoms. It is generally well tolerated with a higher incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events of mild or moderate severity such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting compared to placebo. While there are no randomized, controlled trials that compare head-to-head pharmacological therapies used for treatment of OIC, network meta-analysis shows that naldemedine has an overall good benefit-risk profile compared to the other approved medications.
Sound Source Selection Based on Head Movements in Natural Group Conversation
Authors: Lu Hao , Brimijoin W. Owen
Published: April 2022

To optimally improve signal-to-noise ratio in noisy environments, a hearing assistance device must correctly identify what is signal and what is noise. Many of the biosignal-based approaches to solving this question are themselves subject to noise, but head angle is an overt behavior that may be possible to capture in practical devices in the real world. Previous orientation studies have demonstrated that head angle is systematically related to listening target; our study aimed to examine whether this relationship is sufficiently reliable to be used in group conversations where participants may be seated in different layouts and the listener is free to turn their body as well as their head. In addition to this simple method, we developed a source-selection algorithm based on a hidden Markov model (HMM) trained on listeners’ head movement. The performance of this model and the simple head-steering method was evaluated using publicly available behavioral data. Head angle during group conversation was predictive of active talker, exhibiting an undershoot with a slope consistent with that found in simple orientation studies, but the intercept of the linear relationship was different for different talker layouts, suggesting it would be problematic to rely exclusively on this information to predict the location of auditory attention. Provided the location of all target talkers is known, the HMM source selection model implemented here, however, showed significantly lower error in identifying listeners’ auditory attention than the linear head-steering method.