bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of extracranial carotid artery stenosis during endovascular treatment for acute ischaemic stroke: results from the MR CLEAN Registry
Authors: Collette Sabine L , Rodgers Michael P , van Walderveen Marianne A A , Compagne Kars C J , Nederkoorn Paul J , Hofmeijer Jeannette , Martens Jasper M , de Borst Gert J , Luijckx Gert Jan R , Majoie Charles B L M , van der Lugt Aad , Bokkers Reinoud P H , Uyttenboogaart Maarten
Published: December 2022

Background

The optimal management of ipsilateral extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis during endovascular treatment (EVT) is unclear. We compared the outcomes of two different strategies: EVT with vs without carotid artery stenting (CAS).

Methods

In this observational study, we included patients who had an acute ischaemic stroke undergoing EVT and a concomitant ipsilateral extracranial ICA stenosis of ≥50% or occlusion of presumed atherosclerotic origin, from the Dutch Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) Registry (2014–2017). The primary endpoint was a good functional outcome at 90 days, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score ≤2. Secondary endpoints were successful intracranial reperfusion, new clot in a different vascular territory, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage, recurrent ischaemic stroke and any serious adverse event.

Results

Of the 433 included patients, 169 (39%) underwent EVT with CAS. In 123/168 (73%) patients, CAS was performed before intracranial thrombectomy. In 42/224 (19%) patients who underwent EVT without CAS, a deferred carotid endarterectomy or CAS was performed. EVT with and without CAS were associated with similar proportions of good functional outcome (47% vs 42%, respectively; adjusted OR (aOR), 0.90; 95% CI, 0.50 to 1.62). There were no major differences between the groups in any of the secondary endpoints, except for the increased odds of a new clot in a different vascular territory in the EVT with CAS group (aOR, 2.96; 95% CI, 1.07 to 8.21).

Conclusions

Functional outcomes were comparable after EVT with and without CAS. CAS during EVT might be a feasible option to treat the extracranial ICA stenosis but randomised studies are warranted to prove non-inferiority or superiority.
Minimal important difference in childhood interstitial lung diseases
Authors: Griese Matthias , Schwerk Nicolaus , Carlens Julia , Wetzke Martin , Emiralioğlu Nagehan , Kiper Nural , Lange Joanna , Krenke Katarzyna ,   chILD collaborators, Seidl Elias
Published: December 2022

Background

Monitoring disease progression in childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) is essential. No information for the minimal important difference (MID), which is defined as the smallest change in a parameter that is perceived as important prompting a clinician to change the treatment, is available. We calculated MIDs for vital signs (respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation in room air, Fan severity score) and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) scores.

Methods

This study used data from the Kids Lung Register, which is a web-based management platform that collects data of rare paediatric lung disorders with a focus on chILD. Data of vital signs and HrQoL scores (Health Status Questionnaire, chILD-specific questionnaire and PedsQL V.4.0) were collected. MIDs were calculated according to distribution-based (one-third SD) and anchor-based methods (using forced expiratory volume in 1 s and forced vital capacity) as anchors.

Results

Baseline data of 774 children were used to calculate the following MIDs: respiratory rate 1.3 (z-score), O2saturation in room air 3.0%, Fan severity score 0.2–0.4, Health Status Questionnaire 0.4–0.8, chILD-specific questionnaire 4.4%–8.2%, physical health summary score 7.8%–8.9%, psychosocial health summary score 3.4%–6.9% and total score 5.1%–7.4%. Results of the responsiveness analysis generally agreed with the MIDs calculated.

Conclusions

For the first time, we provide estimates of MIDs for vital signs and HrQoL scores in a large cohort of chILD using different methods.
Black hole solutions in the quadratic Weyl conformal geometric theory of gravity
Authors: Yang Jin-Zhao , Shahidi Shahab , Harko Tiberiu
Published: December 2022

We consider numerical black hole solutions in the Weyl conformal geometry and its associated conformally invariant Weyl quadratic gravity. In this model, Einstein gravity (with a positive cosmological constant) is recovered in the spontaneously broken phase of Weyl gravity after the Weyl gauge field ($$\omega _{\mu }$$

ω
μ

) becomes massive through a Stueckelberg mechanism and it decouples. As a first step in our investigations, we write down the conformally invariant gravitational action, containing a scalar degree of freedom and the Weyl vector. The field equations are derived from the variational principle in the absence of matter. By adopting a static spherically symmetric geometry, the vacuum field equations for the gravitational, scalar, and Weyl fields are obtained. After reformulating the field equations in a dimensionless form, and by introducing a suitable independent radial coordinate, we obtain their solutions numerically. We detect the formation of a black hole from the presence of a Killing horizon for the timelike Killing vector in the metric tensor components, indicating the existence of the singularity in the metric. Several models corresponding to different functional forms of the Weyl vector are considered. An exact black hole model corresponding to a Weyl vector having only a radial spacelike component is also obtained. The thermodynamic properties of the Weyl geometric type black holes (horizon temperature, specific heat, entropy, and evaporation time due to Hawking luminosity) are also analyzed in detail.
ENDOGENOUS FORMATION OF A JOINT LAB IN AN OLIGOPOLISTIC MARKET: PRIVATE INCENTIVES, COLLECTIVE INCENTIVES AND WELFARE
Authors: SAIT RAZIKA , HAMMOUDI ABDELHAKIM , RADJEF MOHAMMED SAID
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we study the endogenous formation of a joint lab in an oligopolistic market. We compare the situation where N firms choose their R&D efforts non-cooperatively and the situation where a subset of firms conduct their R&D through a partial joint lab. We show that the profits of the firms joining a lab increase with its size until a certain critical size. Beyond this critical size, the profits of the players decrease with the growth of the dimension of the lab. An important result yields that the socially optimum size of the lab is lower than the equilibrium size when the output spillover levels are sufficiently low such as applied research. The policy implications to this result suggest the intervention of public authorities to prohibit firms to form the grand joint lab or partial cooperations that can emerge spontaneously but are detrimental to social welfare through the strengthening of antitrust laws.
DIGITIZATION AND TOTAL FACTOR PRODUCTIVITY: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: FENG SULING , CHONG YU , YANG YANG , HAO XIANGRU
Published: December 2022

This study calculates China’s provincial total factor productivity (TFP) and decomposition indexes. Then, a system of indicators is constructed to measure digitization, and an empirical analysis is conducted. The results show that (1) digitization can significantly improve TFP, especially technical efficiency, largely due to the increase in factor allocation efficiency and the quality of technological innovation resulting from digitization, a finding that remains valid even after a series of robustness tests. (2) The effect of digitization on the improvement of TFP is more pronounced in the central and western regions of China than in the east and more pronounced when economic development is in the service stage. The existence of a digital divide can diminish the positive effects of digitization. The regression results by industry show that digitization has a more significant positive impact on TFP in the secondary and tertiary industries than in the primary industries. (3) Further analysis shows that the process of digitization in raising TFP is nonlinear and that the positive effect of digitization on TFP is stronger when the level of industrial structure crosses the threshold. The findings of this paper bear some beneficial policy implications.
Electron acceleration by relativistic pondermotive force in the interaction of intense laser pulse with an axially inhomogeneous underdense plasma
Authors: Xia Xiongping , Wei Guimei , Tian Kaijing , Chen Junxue , Liang Qiuqun
Published: December 2022

In this paper, electron acceleration by relativistic pondermotive force has been studied in the interaction of intense laser pulse with an axially inhomogeneous underdense plasma. The results show that the relativistic ponderomotive nonlinearity causes obvious beam self-focusing and a highly energetic electron can be achieved in the plasma, moreover, the high-energy electron would be automatically ejected by the ponderomotive force without adding any additional extractor. In addition, it is found that the real part and imaginary part of Lorentz factor can directly affect the amplitude and change the trend of electron acceleration, and electrons acceleration can be strengthened when we can elect properly the laser intensity with higher momentum and smaller beam width, but nonuniformity of plasmas can slightly decrease the electron acceleration. The results can provide useful physical support for novel design of table accelerator and the optimized parameters of electron acceleration in the plasma.
A Brief Journey through Collision Models for Multipartite Open Quantum Dynamics
Authors: Cattaneo Marco , Giorgi Gian Luca , Zambrini Roberta , Maniscalco Sabrina
Published: December 2022

The quantum collision models are a useful method to describe the dynamics of an open quantum system by means of repeated interactions between the system and some particles of the environment, which are usually termed “ancillas”. In this paper, we review the main collision models for the dynamics of multipartite open quantum systems, which are composed of several subsystems. In particular, we are interested in models that are based on elementary collisions between the subsystems and the ancillas, and that simulate global and/or local Markovian master equations in the limit of infinitesimal timestep. After discussing the mathematical details of the derivation of a generic collision-based master equation, we provide the general ideas at the basis of the collision models for multipartite systems, we discuss their strengths and limitations, and we show how they may be simulated on a quantum computer. Moreover, we analyze some properties of a collision model based on entangled ancillas, derive the master equation it generates for small timesteps, and prove that the coefficients of this master equation are subject to a constraint that limits their generality. Finally, we present an example of such collision model with two bosonic ancillas entangled in a two-mode squeezed thermal state.
Barriers and opportunities for gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer therapy
Authors: Beutel Alica K. , Halbrook Christopher J.
Published: December 2022

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has become one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths across the world. A lack of durable responses to standard-of-care chemotherapies renders its treatment particularly challenging and largely contributes to the devastating outcome. Gemcitabine, a pyrimidine antimetabolite, is a cornerstone in PDA treatment. Given the importance of gemcitabine in PDA therapy, extensive efforts are focusing on exploring mechanisms by which cancer cells evade gemcitabine cytotoxicity, but strategies to overcome them have not been translated into patient care. Here, we will introduce the standard treatment paradigm for patients with PDA, highlight mechanisms of gemcitabine action, elucidate gemcitabine resistance mechanisms, and discuss promising strategies to circumvent them.
The impact of high-fat feeding and parkin overexpression on skeletal muscle mass, mitochondrial respiration, and H2O2 emission
Authors: Reynaud Olivier , Wang Jennifer , Ayoub Marie-Belle , Leduc-Gaudet Jean-Philippe , Mayaki Dominique , Dulac Maude , Hussain Sabah N. A. , Bergeron Raynald , Gouspillou Gilles
Published: December 2022

Obesity is a major risk factor for developing various health problems, including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Although controversial, accumulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, and notably an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, was proposed as a key contributor leading to obesity-induced insulin resistance. Here, our goal was to investigate whether Parkin overexpression, a key regulator of the removal of dysfunctional mitochondria through mitophagy, could confer protection against obesity-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. To this end, intramuscular injections of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) were performed to overexpress Parkin in limb muscle of 6-mo-old mice fed a control diet (CD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 wk. An AAV-expressing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as control. HFD increased fat mass, altered glycemia, and resulted in insulin resistance. Parkin overexpression resulted in an increase in muscle mass in both CD and HFD mice. In CD mice, Parkin overexpression increased maximal mitochondrial respiration and lowered H2O2 emission. HFD increased mitochondrial respiration and, surprisingly, also lowered H2O2 emission. Parkin overexpression did not significantly impact mitochondrial function in HFD mice. Taken altogether, our results indicate that Parkin overexpression positively impacts muscle and mitochondrial health under basal conditions and challenges the notion that intrinsic mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the development of insulin resistance caused by high-fat feeding.
An overview of alamadine/MrgD signaling and its role in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jesus Itamar Couto Guedes , Mesquita Thássio , Souza Santos Robson Augusto , Guatimosim Silvia
Published: December 2022

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a classical hormonal system involved in a myriad of cardiovascular functions. This system is composed of many different peptides that act in the heart through different receptors. One of the most important of these peptides is angiotensin II, which in pathological conditions triggers a set of actions that lead to heart failure. On the other hand, another RAS peptide, angiotensin-(1–7) is well known to develop powerful therapeutic effects in many forms of cardiac diseases. In the last decade, two new components of RAS were described, the heptapeptide alamandine and its receptor, the Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor member D (MrgD). Since then, great effort was made to characterize their physiological and pathological function in the heart. In this review, we summarize the latest insights about the actions of alamandine/MrgD axis in the heart, with particular emphasis in the cardiomyocyte. More specifically, we focused on their antihypertrophic and contractility effects, and the related molecular events activated in the cardiomyocyte.
Improving physiological relevance of cell culture: the possibilities, considerations, and future directions of the ex vivo coculture model
Authors: Allen Sophie L. , Elliott Bradley T. , Carson Brian P. , Breen Leigh
Published: December 2022

In vitro models provide an important platform for the investigation of cellular growth and atrophy to inform, or extend mechanistic insights from, logistically challenging in vivo trials. Although these models allow for the identification of candidate mechanistic pathways, many models involve supraphysiological dosages, nonphysiological conditions, or experimental changes relating to individual proteins or receptors, all of which limit translation to human trials. To overcome these drawbacks, the use of ex vivo human plasma and serum has been used in cellular models to investigate changes in myotube hypertrophy, cellular protein synthesis, anabolic and catabolic markers in response to differing age, disease states, and nutrient status. However, there are currently no concurrent guidelines outlining the optimal methodology for this model. This review discusses the key methodological considerations surrounding the use of ex vivo plasma and serum with a focus in application to skeletal muscle cell lines (i.e., C2C12, L6, and LHCN-M2) and human primary skeletal muscle cells (HSMCs) as a means to investigate molecular signaling in models of atrophy and hypertrophy, alongside future directions.
An Adaptive Multiexecutors Scheduling Algorithm Based on Heterogeneity for Cyberspace Mimic Defense
Authors: Zhu Zhengbin , Yu Hong , Liu Qinrang , Liu Dongpei , Yu Huapeng
Published: December 2022

With the rapid development of network technology, the traditional defense of “mending the fold after the sheep have been stolen” cannot accurately prevent various potential threats and attacks in cyberspace. At the same time, cyberspace mimic defense (CMD) makes the system uncertain and dynamic in time and space to effectively defend against potential attacks. As the key technology of CMD, the scheduling algorithm still needs to be improved in reliability and active defense. Aiming at current problems, this paper first innovatively proposes a new heterogeneous measure algorithm HVTG combined with a vulnerability topology graph, which measures the heterogeneity of executor set in a fine-grained manner. Then, based on the historical confidence, heterogeneity, and minimum sleep time of the executor, we propose an adaptive multi-executors scheduling algorithm (HHAC) to better defend against various attacks. Finally, combining with Analytic Hierarchy Process and Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation, this research proposes a comprehensive evaluation model and fill in the gap of the evaluation model of the scheduling algorithm. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the HHAC performs well on the system dynamics, probability of system failure, and reliability, which is conducive to the development of CMD.
Fluorination of Defective Titanium Dioxide with an Efficient Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhao Yijie , Hu Xuan , Hu Rongrong , Wang Xingjian , Gu Zhangyu , Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhao Yuan
Published: December 2022

Fluorinated‐defective titanium dioxide (F‐TiO2−x) was successfully synthesized by fluorination of TiO2 through the hydrothermal method. The microstructure and physicochemical properties of the catalyst were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). As expected, F‐TiO2−x demonstrates high photocatalytic activity and stability on dye degradation. Results indicated that fluorine element can effective for stabilizing Ti3+ and oxygen vacancies on the surface of F‐TiO2−x. With the increase in the amount of hydrofluoric acid (HF) added, the photocatalytic performance of the prepared material is first increased and then decreased, and the catalyst shows the best performance when the amount of HF added is 0.3 mL. For three different dyes, the catalysts all showed a certain photocatalytic degradation performance, and the degradation effect of rhodamine B was the best.
Analysis of Seismic Response of the Arch Bridge across Reservoir considering Fluid-Solid Coupling Effect
Authors: Chu Yuhang , Li Rui , Li Xiaozhang
Published: December 2022

Most of the deep-water bridges in Chinese reservoirs are concentrated on rivers in the southwest region. The unique structural characteristics of arch bridges are more in line with the geological topography requirements of deep reservoir areas, making them the bridge type of choice for bridges in deep reservoir areas. While the southwest region is an earthquake-prone area, in order to study the safety of arch bridges across deep water in the reservoir area, it is necessary to analyze the effect of water under seismic behavior on the box section arch ring and explore the effect of arch inundation depth on the dynamic response of arch bridges in the reservoir area. In this study, the effect of fluid-solid coupling is considered, the modified Morison equation is used to calculate the hydrodynamic pressure, and the effect of arch bridge inundation depth on the dynamic response is analyzed based on the Midas/civil finite element model of the arch bridge in the Yunnan reservoir area. The results show that the seismic response of the arch bridge across the reservoir is greatly influenced by the submergence depth of the arch bridge due to the fluid-solid coupling effect, and the influence of the hydrodynamic pressure on the longitudinal moment (My) and transverse moment (Mz) of the arch bridge increases with the increase of the submergence depth. There is a threshold value of the submergence depth. When the submergence depth is less than the threshold, the effect of fluid-solid coupling is negligible, and when the submergence depth is greater than the threshold, the fluid-solid coupling effect is significant. The thresholds for different parts of the main arch ring are different. The most unfavorable water depth in different parts of the main arch ring is not necessarily the water depth when the arch ring is completely submerged. Based on this result, for reservoir arch bridges in high intensity areas, it is recommended that the inundation depth of arch bridges crossing deep water reservoirs should be h/f less than or equal to 5/8 f.
Screening of Key Prognosis Genes of Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on Expression Analysis on TCGA Database
Authors: Shen Youfeng , Tang Xiaoqing , Zhou Xiaoqin , Yi Yuanxue , Qiu Yuan , Xu Jian , Tian Xingzhong
Published: December 2022

Objective. The data of lung adenocarcinoma- (LUAD-) related gene expression profiles were mined from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using bioinformatics methods and potential biomarkers related to the occurrence, development, and prognosis of LUAD were screened out to explore the key prognostic genes and clinical significance. Methods. Following the LUAD gene expression profile data that were initially exported from the TCGA database, R software DESeq2 was employed to analyze the difference between the expression profiles of LUAD and normal tissues. The R package “clusterProfiler” was subsequently utilized to perform gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of the differential genes. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed via the String database, and cytohubba, a plugin of Cytoscape, was applied to screen hub genes using the MCC algorithm. The Gene Expression Profile Data Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) was used to analyze expressions of 10 candidate genes in LUAD samples and healthy lung samples, and the selected genes were employed for survival analysis. Results. A total of 1,598 differential genes were identified through differential analyses and data mining, with 1,394 genes upregulated and 204 downregulated. A total of 10 hub genes CCNA2, CDC20, CCNB2, KIF11, TOP2A, BUB1, BUB1B, CENPF, TPX2, and KIF2C were obtained using the cytohubba plugin. The results of the GEPIA analysis indicated that compared with normal lung tissue, the mRNA expression level of the described hub genes in LUAD tissue was significantly increased (

P
<
0.05

). Survival analysis revealed that these genes had a significant impact on the overall survival time of LUAD patients (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. The previously described key genes related to LUAD identified in the TCGA database may be used as potential prognostic biomarkers, which will contribute to further comprehension of the occurrence and development of LUAD and provide references for its diagnosis and treatment.
Positive Expression of Retinol-Binding Protein 4 Is Related to the Malignant Clinical Features Leading to Poor Prognosis of Glioblastoma
Authors: Deng Xinqing , Ren Jian , Bi Zhongsheng , Fu Zhenghao
Published: December 2022

Backgrounds. Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) is a monomeric-binding protein belonging to the lipocalin protein family, which has been reported to be dysregulated in several malignancies such as breast cancer and lung cancer. However, the expression and function of RBP4 in glioblastoma (GBM) are completely unknown. Materials and Methods. TCGA datasets were used for analyzing the mRNA level of RBP4 in GBM and its clinical relevance. A retrospective GBM cohort (n = 73) was enrolled from our hospital to test the protein expression profile of RBP4 in GBM tissues as well as its correlation with patients’ prognoses. Two human GBM cell lines, LN229 and U251, were collected to conduct overexpression and knockdown experiments targeting RBP4. The tumor-related effects of RBP4 in GBM were finally evaluated by proliferation and invasion assays. Results. Both the higher mRNA level and protein level of RBP4 in GBM tissues were significantly correlated with poorer patients’ overall survival. Multivariate analysis identified RBP4 as a novel independent prognostic predictor in GBM patients. Overexpression of RBP4 resulted in enhanced GBM proliferation capacity, which was consistent with clinical findings on the positive correlation between RBP4 level and tumor size. Meanwhile, overexpressing RBP4 promoted GBM cell migration and invasion, while silencing RBP4 led to the opposite results. Conclusions. RBP4 overexpression in tumor tissues is correlated with poorer prognosis of GBM patients, which functions by promoting GBM proliferation and invasion, thus, may serve as an invaluable predictive biomarker and therapeutic target.
Trajectory Optimization of Multi-UAVs for Marine Target Tracking during Approaching Stage
Authors: Shi Hao-Ran , Lu Fa-Xing , Wu Ling , Xia Jia-Wei
Published: December 2022

This paper focuses on a coordinated tracking planning method of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which was deployed in the best positions to better fulfill the marine target localization tasks when approaching the target. The optimal planning of multi-UAVs was implemented using an online centralized nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) based on the target state’s uncertainty criteria. The penalty function is used to solve UAV platform dynamic performance in the model predictive control method to consider the more realistic situation. The coordinated planning problems of multi-UAVs are numerically simulated and compared with the Lyapunov vector field guidance (LVFG) method under classical mission scenarios. Simulation results demonstrate that the algorithm can maintain the optimal observation configuration of multi-UAVs to improve the marine target positioning accuracy, verifying the feasibility and superiority of this method. Furthermore, the simulation results can provide a useful reference for the flight control law design of multi-UAVs with optimal observation configuration.
Effect of Joint Flexibility on Seismic Performance of a Reinforced Concrete Ductile Moment-Resisting Frame
Authors: Gombosuren Dagvabazar , Maki Takeshi
Published: December 2022

Currently, the seismic collapse risk of modern code-conforming reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures is often evaluated without considering the behavior of the beam-column (BC) joints since joints designed to meet modern concrete design codes are assumed to be sufficiently rigid. BC joints in RC ductile moment frames may undergo a significant amount of inclined cracking during strong earthquakes. Consequently, the stiffness, strength, and dynamic characteristics of the RC moment frames may vary. Hence, the rigid joint assumption may be unsuitable for assessing the seismic performances of RC ductile moment frames because the local strength and ductility demands of the constituent members can be misinterpreted by structural analyses based on the assumption of a rigid joint. In this study, nonlinear static and dynamic analyses are conducted to quantify the seismic response variations of low- to midrise RC-frame structures under different joint modeling assumptions. In total, six 2D continuum finite element models of four- and eight-story frames with rigid and flexible joints were constructed by simulating the actual structures as realistically as possible. The results indicate that the interior joints in the considered frames suffer light-to-moderate damage, and the effect of joint cracking is found to be significant in a four-story structure whose column-to-beam flexural strength ratio and column-to-beam area ratio are below 1.5. Such joint behavior demonstrates that current code provisions cannot ensure joint behavior compatible with the rigid joint assumption that is used in the practical structural analysis of RC-frame buildings.
Tei Index Complements Conventional Echocardiographic Parameters in Diagnostic Workup of Suspected Takotsubo Syndrome
Authors: Mirna Moritz , Vogl Fabian , Schmutzler Lukas , Rezar Richard , Boxhammer Elke , Topf Albert , Hoppe Uta C. , Lichtenauer Michael
Published: December 2022

Background: Tei index (TI) is a combined myocardial performance index for overall cardiac function, the sensitivity of which seems to be better than that of systolic and diastolic parameters alone. Evidence for TI in the context of Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is currently limited, which is why we chose to investigate this parameter in affected patients. Subjects and Methods: Patients with TTS (n = 51), acute coronary syndrome (ACS; n = 29), and controls (n = 58) were retrospectively investigated. Laboratory and echocardiographic parameters including TI were analyzed for their ability to discriminate TTS in the total study cohort. Results: TI was the highest, and thus most pathological, in patients with TTS (median 0.516 vs. ACS: 0.355 vs. control: 0.313, p < 0.0001) and showed the best discriminatory ability for TTS (AUC: 0.836, p < 0.0001). A cut-off for diagnosis of TTS was calculated at ≥0.418 (specificity: 83.5% and sensitivity: 74.0%) by means of the Youden index. Conclusion: The discriminatory ability of TI was better than that of other echocardiographic parameters such as LV systolic function. Due to the simple, fast, and inexpensive way of calculating TI, diagnostic workup with conventional parameters could be complemented by TI in patients with suspected TTS.
Development of an Efficient Extraction Methodology to Analyse Potential Inflammatory Biomarkers from Sebum
Authors: Jayabal Hemalatha , Bader Dan L. , Worsley Peter
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Proteins, such as cytokines and chemokines, are present in varying concentrations in a range of biofluids, with an important signalling role in maintaining homeostasis. Commercial tapes have been employed to non-invasively collect these potential biomarkers in sebum from the skin surface to examine their concentrations in conditions including acne, atopic dermatitis, and pressure ulcers. However, the identification of robust biomarker candidates is limited by the low abundance of specific proteins extracted by current methodologies. Therefore, this study was designed to develop an optimized extraction method for potential inflammatory biomarkers in sebum collected with Sebutapes. Methods: Commercial tapes (Sebutapes) coated with synthetic sebum were used to systematically evaluate the effects of chemical and mechanical stimuli on extraction efficiency. Varying concentrations of high- and low-abundance biomarkers (IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8, INF-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1RA) were used to spike the synthetic sebum samples. Methodological variables included different surfactants, mechanical stimuli, and buffer volume. Extraction efficiency was estimated using immunoassay kits from the extracted buffer. Results: The results revealed that the use of a surfactant, i.e., β-dodecyl maltoside, in addition to the mechanical stimuli, namely, sonication and centrifugation, resulted in an increased recovery of cytokines, ranging from 80% for high-abundant cytokines, such as IL-1α and IL-1RA, and up to 50% for low-abundance cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. Compared to previous methods, the new extraction protocol resulted in between a 1.5–2.0-fold increase in extraction efficiency. Conclusion: The study revealed that there was a high degree of variability in the extraction efficiency of different cytokines. However, improved efficiency was achieved across all cytokines with selective surfactants and mechanical stimuli. The optimised protocol will provide means to detect low levels of potential biomarkers from skin surface, enabling the evaluation of local changes in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines present in different skin conditions.
Practical Approach to the Evaluation of Malignant Peritoneal Fluids in the Setting of Gynecologic Neoplasms
Authors: Mendoza Rachelle P. , Lastra Ricardo R.
Published: December 2022

Background: Evaluation of peritoneal fluid cytology, either from ascitic fluids or as a result of peritoneal washings, is a fundamental aspect in the evaluation of women presenting with clinically concerning or histologically confirmed gynecologic neoplasms. Summary: Ascitic fluid samples are often the initial and only source of diagnostic material in women presenting with gynecologic malignancies, and important therapeutic decisions will result from the information provided in the cytology report. On the other hand, cytologic evaluation of peritoneal washing specimens obtained during surgical excision of a presumed gynecologic neoplasm provides crucial information to the clinical team regarding tumor staging, often with significant therapeutic implications. While recognition of high-grade tumors in either of these samples is generally straightforward, low-grade tumors and unusual neoplasms can prove to be more difficult to recognize, differentiate from benign mimics, and correctly diagnose, particularly in low-cellularity specimens. Even with high-grade tumors, a mere diagnosis of “positive for malignancy” in diagnostic ascitic fluid specimens might not suffice to guide clinical management, and the use of ancillary techniques to further and more definitively characterize the lesional cells is required. Key Messages: This review will focus on the clinically relevant issues surrounding interpretation of peritoneal fluid cytology specimens in the setting of gynecologic neoplasms, making emphasis on the salient cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical features of the various neoplastic processes, in an attempt to provide a practical yet effective guide on how to best evaluate, diagnose, and report these samples.
The Effect of Prenatal Yoga on Pregnancy-Related Symptoms: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Simsek Sahin Eda , Can Gürkan Özlem
Published: December 2022

Introduction: In the last decade, yoga has attracted much attention from researchers. Although there are many studies on yoga, research on the effect of prenatal yoga on pregnancy-related symptoms is limited. This study aimed to determine the effect of prenatal yoga on pregnancy-related symptoms. Methods: The study was conducted at antenatal care services between June 2018 and October 2018 in Turkey. Simple random method was used to assign participants to the study arms. The yoga group attended a prenatal yoga program for 60 min once a week for 4 weeks. The control group received routine care. Data were collected before and after the intervention using the Descriptive Characteristics Form and Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory. Data analysis used descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation/standard error, and percentages), χ2, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: The study was completed with 70 participants (the yoga group: 35; the control group: 35). The yoga group had a significantly lower posttest Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory Symptom Frequency Total Score than the pretest score (38.42 ± 18.76 vs. 32.77 ± 16.55, p < 0.05). The total score of the yoga group’s gastrointestinal, respiratory, and mental health symptoms was reduced after the intervention (respectively, 6.74 ± 4.32 vs. 5.31 ± 3.38; 1.48 ± 1.26 vs. 1.05 ± 1.13; 7.08 ± 4.59 vs. 5.22 ± 3.48, p < 0.05). The yoga group had significantly lower mental health symptom scores than the control group (5.22 ± 3.48 vs. 7.34 ± 4.02, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the control group’s pretest and posttest Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory Symptom Frequency Scores. Conclusion: Pregnancy-related symptoms were significantly reduced in the yoga group. It is thought that prenatal yoga may be effective on pregnancy-related symptoms. Yoga can be recommended to cope with pregnancy-related symptoms and support activities of daily living.
Elderly Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Benefit from Liver Transplantation as Much as Younger Ones
Authors: Mittler Jens , Heinrich Stefan , Koch Martina , Hoppe-Lotichius Maria , Hadian Ali , Weinmann Arndt , Kloeckner Roman , Galle Peter Robert , Lang Hauke
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The literature on liver transplantation (LT) for cirrhosis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (cirr-HCC) in elderly patients (≥65 years of age) is scarce. The aim of this study was therefore to analyze the outcome after LT for cirr-HCC in elderly patients in our single-center experience. Methods: All consecutive patients who underwent LT for cirr-HCC at our center were identified from our prospectively collected LT database and stratified into an elderly (≥65 years) and a younger (<65 years) cohort. Perioperative mortality as well as Kaplan-Meier estimations of overall (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were compared between age strata. A subgroup analysis was performed for patients with HCC only inside Milan criteria. For further oncological comparison, outcome in the subgroup of elderly LT recipients with HCC inside Milan was also compared to a group of elderly patients undergoing liver resection for cirr-HCC inside Milan extracted from our institutional liver resection database. Results: Out of 369 consecutive patients with cirr-HCC who underwent LT between 1998 and 2022 at our center, we identified 97 elderly (with a subgroup of 14 septuagenarians) and 272 younger LT patients. 5- and 10-year OS in elderly compared to younger LT patients was 63% and 52% versus 63% and 46% (p = 0.67), respectively, while 5- and 10-year RFS was 58% and 49% versus 58% and 44% (p = 0.69). 5-/10-year OS and RFS in 50 elderly LT recipients with HCC inside Milan were 68%/55% and 62%/54%, respectively, which compared to 46%/38% (p = 0.07) and 26%/14% (p < 0.0001) in elderly patients after liver resection for cirr-HCC inside Milan. Conclusion: Our results in almost 100 elderly patients after LT for cirr-HCC show that older age per se should not be considered a contraindication to LT and that selected elderly patients older than 65 and even 70 years benefit from LT as much as younger ones.
Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais: Marcgraviaceae
Authors: Antar Guilherme Medeiros , Sano Paulo Takeo
Published: December 2022

O estudo de Marcgraviaceae integra o projeto “Flora da Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais, Brasil”. A família está representada na área por duas espécies: Schwartzia adamantium (Cambess.) Bedell ex Gir.-Cañas e Marcgravia polyantha Delpino. São apresentadas chaves para os gêneros, descrições e ilustrações das espécies, além de comentários sobre distribuição geográfica, variabilidade e aspectos ecológicos.
Panorama of risky sexual behaviors in the Brazilian adult population – PNS 2019
Authors: Gomes Nayara Lopes , Lopes Claudia de Souza
Published: December 2022

This corrects the article: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2022056004007
In the article “Panorama of risky sexual behaviors in the Brazilian adult population – PNS 2019”, DOI https://doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.2022056004007, published on the Revista de Saúde Pública.2022;56:61, on pages 1,4,5,6,7 and 8 the RSP corrects tables 1 and 2, results section and estimates reported in the abstract and discussion.
Epidemiology of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in truck drivers
Authors: Fernandes Inaina Lara , Guimarães Rafael Alves , Lucchese Roselma , Vera Ivânia , Brito Rodolfo Pereira de , Ramos Camila Borges , Marinho Tamíris Augusto , Nunes Patrícia Silva , Diniz-Pinto Henrique Senna , Amorim Thiago Aquino
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of tobacco use and nicotine dependence in a sample of truck drivers in Brazil. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 624 truck drivers who operate on the BR-050 highway in Brazil. Participants were interviewed about sociodemographic data, occupational characteristics, mental health, behavioral data, and tobacco use. Then, the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) was used to verify nicotine dependence in smoking truck drivers. Logistic regression and linear regression were also used to verify factors associated with tobacco use in the previous 30 days and nicotine dependence scores, respectively. RESULTS: The prevalence of tobacco use among truck drivers was 21.1% (n = 132; 95%CI: 18.1–24.5). Of the total number of smokers who responded to the FTND (n = 118; 89.4%), most had high/very high nicotinic dependence (68.6%; 95%CI: 59.8–76.3). Tobacco use was associated with absence of religion (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.60; 95%CI: 1.35–5.01), employment relationship of the contract (AOR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.26–3.13); > 12 hours daily working time (AOR = 1.80; 95%CI: 1.09–2.98) and alcohol use in the previous 30 days (AOR = 2.92; 95%CI: 1.86–4.57). Irregular physical activity was associated with higher scores of nicotine dependence (β = 1.87; 95%CI: 0.55–3.19). CONCLUSION: The results showed a high prevalence of tobacco use and high/very high nicotine dependence among the truck drivers.
Percepción de discriminación en inmigrantes comparados a nacidos en Chile y su relación con acceso a servicios y resultados de salud
Authors: Oyarte Marcela , Cabieses Báltica , Espinoza Manuel , Valenzuela María Teresa , Delgado Iris
Published: December 2022

OBJETIVOS: Comparar la autopercepción de discriminación entre inmigrantes y locales en Chile y analizar la relación entre inmigración y discriminación percibida e inmigración, discriminación y resultados de salud, ajustando por características sociodemográficas y capital social. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, utilizando encuesta poblacional (CASEN2017). Se seleccionaron 2.409 inmigrantes (representativos de N = 291.270) y 67.857 locales (representativos de N = 5.438.036) mayores de 18 años encuestados. Se estimaron modelos de regresión logística, considerando la muestra compleja, con discriminación, salud autoevaluada, tratamiento médico, pertenencia al sistema de salud, seguros complementarios de salud, consulta médica y problemas al consultar como variables dependientes, inmigración y discriminación como variables de exposición principal, y capital social y variables sociodemográficas como covariables de los modelos. RESULTADOS: Inmigrantes tuvieron mayor posibilidad de percibir discriminación en general comparado con locales (OR = 2,31; IC95%:1,9–2,9). Sin embargo, esto no ocurre para todos los motivos específicos de discriminación; color de piel y apariencia física fueron las causas de discriminación más frecuentes en inmigrantes. La interacción entre inmigración y discriminación se relacionó significativamente con peores resultados de salud autoevaluada y tratamiento por patologías, en desfavor de los inmigrantes discriminados. Tanto en locales como en inmigrantes la discriminación no se asoció con resultados de acceso a atención en salud, excepto problemas durante la consulta en locales (OR = 1,61; IC95% 1,4–1,8). CONCLUSIONES: En Chile, las experiencias de discriminación se entrelazan con otras formas de rechazo y exclusión social, por lo cual es urgente concientizar a la población para prevenir estas prácticas discriminatorias, sobre todo en la atención en salud y lugares de uso cotidiano. Abordar la discriminación es indispensable para lograr impactar en variables intermedias y resultados de salud. La extensión de los resultados a toda la población inmigrante podría ser de amplia utilidad para profundizar la problemática y mejorar las estimaciones realizadas.
Fatores associados às taxas de cirurgias bariátricas nas Unidades Federativas do Brasil
Authors: Cecilio e Silva Ivan Augusto , Favoretto Cassia Kely , Russo Leticia Xander
Published: December 2022

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores socioeconômicos, demográficos e de gestão em saúde associados às taxas de cirurgias bariátricas realizadas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) nas unidades federativas (UF) do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Descrição e análise da taxa de cirurgias bariátricas (por 100 mil habitantes) realizadas pelo SUS em adultos de 18 a 65 anos, nas 27 unidades federativas do Brasil, entre 2008 e 2018; para isso, utilizou-se a metodologia econométrica de painel de contagem com distribuição binomial negativa (population-averaged, efeitos fixos e efeitos aleatórios). Investigou-se, também, os fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos, considerando o produto interno bruto (PIB) real per capita, a média de anos de estudo de adultos e a expectativa de vida ao nascer, e os da gestão em saúde, tendo em vista a cobertura da atenção básica, a taxa de cirurgiões de aparelho digestivo e a taxa de hospitais credenciados na assistência de alta complexidade (AAC) ao indivíduo obeso no SUS. RESULTADOS: Em termos regionais, verificou-se grande disparidade na realização de cirurgias bariátricas públicas no Brasil ao longo do período analisado: os procedimentos estão concentrados nas regiões Sul e Sudeste, sendo escassos na região Norte. Além disso, encontrou-se uma relação positiva entre a taxa de cirurgias bariátricas e a expectativa de vida, a taxa de cirurgiões de aparelho digestivo e a taxa de hospitais credenciados na assistência de alta complexidade; havendo, porém, uma associação negativa em relação ao PIB real per capita, a média de anos de estudo de adultos e a cobertura da atenção básica. CONCLUSÕES: No período analisado, o índice de cirurgias bariátricas foi explicado pelos fatores investigados. Portanto, mostrou-se de fundamental importância a formação de profissionais de saúde especializados, o credenciamento de hospitais conforme o marco legal, as ações preventivas da atenção básica, e os fatores socioeconômicos e demográficos, condicionantes da oferta do tratamento cirúrgico pelo Sistema Único de Saúde. Sendo assim, todos fatores relevantes para a formulação de políticas públicas nessa área.
The association between vitamin D and BDNF on cognition in older adults in Southern Brazil
Authors: Quialheiro Anna , D´Orsi Eleonora , Moreira Júlia Dubois , Xavier André Junqueira , Peres Marco Aurélio
Published: December 2022

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the association between vitamin D and the cognitive decline of older adults and evaluate whether this association is mediated by brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum concentration. METHODS: Cross-sectional study nested in a population-based cohort. Of the 604 participants in the complementary examination of the EpiFloripa Study, 576 older adults (60 years or older) were eligible for the study. The outcome is cognitive decline evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination, the exposure is vitamin D, and BDNF is the mediator. The control variables are age, sex, per capita family income, and educational level. The direct effect of vitamin D and BDNF on cognitive decline and the indirect effect mediated by BDNF was evaluated using path analysis, with the estimation of standardized coefficients. RESULTS: Among the participants, we observed a direct and positive effect of vitamin D on cognitive function (Coef: 0.06; 95%CI 0.02 to 0.11; p < 0.001) and serum BDNF concentration (Coef: 21.55; 95%CI 9.92 to 33.17; p = 0.002), i.e., the higher the vitamin D, the higher the cognitive function and serum level of BDNF. CONCLUSION: There was an association between vitamin D on serum BDNF and on cognitive decline in older adults. Moreover, BDNF did not have an effect on cognitive decline, so BDNF was not a mediator of the vitamin D effect on cognitive decline.