bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence of Magneto-Resistance and Magneto-Dielectric Effect in Composite of Perovskite Pb0.79Nd0.21TiO3 and Sr -Based U-Type Hexaferrite (Sr1–3xNd2x)4Co2Fe36O60
Authors: Sharma Indu , Sharma Sunil
Published: March 2023

The increasing demand of multipurpose equipment materials leads us to study the behaviour of composite consisting of ferroelectrics with high dielectric properties and ferrites with magnetic properties. The coupling among the properties of these materials with one another will favor many application paths. Based upon the dielectric and magnetic properties of perovskite and U-type hexaferrite, composite of these materials have been selected for this study. The composites, (1-x)PbNdTiO3-x(Sr1–3x
Nd2x
)4Co2Fe36O60 where x = 0.42, 0.44, 0.46, 0.48 are manufactured using the solid state reaction process, and analyzed for phase formation. The magnetic, dielectric and magneto-dielectric properties have been considered. The coupling between the electric and magnetic domains on imposing electric and magnetic forces on the materials has been established under this work. All of the samples showed magneto-electric coupling, according to the magneto-dielectric investigation. The sample, however, indicates the highest coupling for x = 0.46 with MDR% values of 90.68% which may be due to the appearance of high magneto-resistance (68.23%) in this sample.
Functional and molecular determinants of right ventricular response to severe pulmonary hypertension in a large animal model
Authors: Brown R. Dale , Hunter Kendall S. , Li Min , Frid Maria G. , Harral Julie , Krafsur Greta M. , Holt Timothy N. , Williams Jason , Zhang Hui , Riddle Suzette R. , Edwards Michael G. , Kumar Sushil , Hu Cheng-Jun , Graham Brian B. , Walker Lori A. , Garry Franklyn B. , Buttrick Peter M. , Lahm Tim , Kheyfets Vitaly O. , Hansen Kirk C. , Stenmark Kurt R.
Published: March 2023

Using a large animal model and employing a comprehensive approach integrating hemodynamic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and immunohistochemical analyses, we examined the early (2 wk) effects of severe PH on the RV. We observed that RV remodeling during PH progression represents a continuum of transcriptionally driven processes whereby cardiac myocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and proremodeling macrophages act to coordinately maintain physiological homeostasis and protect myocyte survival during chronic, severe, and progressive pressure overload.
Aerobic exercise training reduces ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction and improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in postmenopausal women
Authors: Wenner Megan M. , Welti Laura M. , Dow Caitlin A. , Greiner Jared J. , Stauffer Brian L. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: March 2023

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to declines in endothelial function in postmenopausal women. To our knowledge, we show for the first time that aerobic exercise reduces ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction in previously sedentary postmenopausal women. Moreover, aerobic exercise improved endothelial-dependent dilation due in part to the reductions in ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction.
Streptococcus agalactiae Serotype VII, an Emerging Pathogen Affecting Snakeskin Gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis) in Intensive Farming
Authors: Pulpipat Theeraporn , Boonyawiwat Visanu , Moonjit Pattra , Sanguankiat Arsooth , Phatthanakunanan Sakuna , Jala Siriluk , Surachetpong Win
Published: March 2023

Snakeskin gourami (Trichogaster pectoralis) is a freshwater fish species that is being increasingly cultivated in Southeast Asia. The expansion of farms and intensive farming practices has led to the unexplained mortality of snakeskin gourami and tremendous economic losses in many farms. We investigated the unusual mortality of snakeskin gourami at 22 farms in Central Thailand. The moribund fish showed darkened skin, erratic swimming, exophthalmos, and haemorrhaging around the eyeballs, with cumulative mortality between 20% and 45%. Our necropsy findings revealed an enlarged liver and anterior kidney, splenomegaly, haemorrhage in most internal organs, pericarditis, and brain congestion. Histopathology revealed haemorrhaging and congestion of the blood vessels in the liver with infiltration of lymphocytes, enlarged blood vessels with mononuclear and lymphocyte infiltration in the meninges, and cerebral parenchyma were observed. Severe necrotising and suppurative pericarditis with myocardial infarction were found. Epidemiological studies and laboratory diagnosis revealed that Streptococcus agalactiae was predominantly isolated from the moribund fish. Laboratory investigations of the representative 33 isolates of S. agalactiae using mass spectrometry, multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay, pulse-gel electrophoresis, and serotyping suggested that all the isolates were S. agalactiae serotype VII, which is different from the serotype III isolated from diseased tilapia in Thailand. An experimental challenge using three representative isolates of S. agalactiae on snakeskin gourami caused clinical signs, gross lesions, and pathological changes, with high mortality exceeding 60%, which is similar to the mortality in most natural infections. Moreover, S. agalactiae was recovered from the spleen, kidneys, and liver of all the challenged fish. Taken together, this study provides important information that S. agalactiae serotype VII is virulent in snakeskin gourami and can potentially spread among these fish in fish farms. Appropriate preventive measures and the control of animal movements should thus be implemented.
Personalized Recommendation Model Based on Improved GRU Network in Big Data Environment
Authors: Guo Hui , Guo Zheng , Liu Zhihong
Published: March 2023

To address the diversity of user preferences and dynamic changes of interests in the personalized recommendation scenario, a personalized recommendation model based on the improved gated recurrent unit (GRU) network in a big data environment is proposed. First, in order to deal with outliers in sequence recommendation, context awareness sequence recommendation is introduced, and the dynamic changes of users’ interests are modeled by redefining the update gate and the reset gate of the GRU. Then, the duration information about how long users browse each item is processed and transformed to obtain the duration attention factor of each recommended item. And the duration attention factors and the item information are together used as the input of the proposed model for training and prediction. Finally, the auxiliary loss function is introduced to make up for the shortcomings of the traditional negative logarithmic likelihood function, and a super-parameter is applied to combine the auxiliary loss function with the negative logarithmic likelihood function so as to enhance the relationship between the interest representation and the accuracy of recommendation. Experiments show that the root mean square error (RMSE) of the proposed method in the Criteo dataset and MovieLens-1M dataset is 0.7257 and 0.7869, respectively, and the mean absolute error (MAE) is 0.5147 and 0.5893, respectively, which are better than those of the comparison methods. Therefore, the proposed method significantly outperforms the comparison methods in improving the accuracy of personalized recommendation in the system.
Findings from a Statewide Teleretina Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program in Arkansas
Authors: Shirey Megan , Kwok Alexander , Jenkins Holly , Uwaydat Sami
Published: March 2023

Introduction. A significant proportion of diabetic patients in the United States do not present for annual dilated eye exams to monitor for signs of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of a statewide, multiclinic teleretina program designed to screen rural Arkansans for this sight-debilitating disease. Methods. Patients with diabetes seen at 10 primary care clinics across Arkansas were offered teleretinal-imaging services. Images were transmitted to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute (JEI) for grading and recommendations for further treatment. Results. From February 2019 to May 2022, 668 patients underwent imaging; 645 images were deemed of sufficient quality to generate an interpretation. 541 patients had no evidence of DR, while 104 patients had some evidence of DR. 587 patients had no evidence of maculopathy, while 58 patients had some evidence of maculopathy on imaging. 246 patients had other pathology evident on imaging, with the most common being hypertensive retinopathy, glaucoma suspects, and cataracts. Discussion. In a rural, primary care setting, the JEI teleretina program identifies DR and other nondiabetic ocular pathologies, allowing for an appropriate triage for eye care for patients in a predominantly rural state.
High-Performance Control Simulation of PFC Converter for Electric Vehicle Charger
Authors: Zhu Bubo , Sun Shaojie , Jia Yongfeng
Published: March 2023

In order to solve the problems of low power factor and large harmonic pollution of some electrical equipment connected to the power grid, such as electric vehicle charger system, the author proposes a high-performance control simulation study of a PFC converter for electric vehicle charger. Using the staggered parallel boost power factor correction circuit topology of electric vehicle chargers as the front stage, its high power factor and low harmonic current characteristics can reduce the pollution to the power grid, and the detailed design process and loss analysis of the circuit are given. Through the digital control method and hardware optimization design, the loss is reduced, and the conversion efficiency of the power factor correction converter in the full power range is high, which meets the efficiency requirements of the platinum version and achieves the goal of energy saving and environmental protection. The test results show that the actual efficiency of the experimental prototype is 97.43%, 97.55%, and 97.36%, which are far higher than the efficiency requirements of the platinum version. Conclusion. The high-performance control of the PFC converter of the electric vehicle charger has certain guiding significance for the application in the electric vehicle.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Risk of Death in Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Calen Christelle , Von Moos Seraina , Cippà Pietro , Mebazaa Alexandre , Arrigo Mattia
Published: March 2023

Aim. Noninvasive identification of haemodialysis patients at high risk of cardiovascular events and death might improve their outcome. Growth differentiation factor 15 is a prognostic biomarker in multiple disease entities, including cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess the association between plasma GDF-15 and mortality in a cohort of haemodialysis patients. Methods. Circulating GDF-15 was measured in 30 patients after a regular haemodialysis session, followed by a clinical follow-up for all-cause death. Measurements were performed using the Proseek Multiplex Cardiovascular disease panels (Olink Proteomics AB) and validated using the Elecsys GDF-15 electrochemiluminescence immunoassay on a Cobas E801 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). Results. During a median of 38 months, 9 patients (30%) died. Seven deaths occurred in the group of patients with a circulating GDF-15 above the median and two in the group with lower GDF-15. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with circulating GDF-15 levels above the median, log-rankP = 0.044. The performance of circulating GDF-15 to predict long-term mortality has an area under the ROC curve of 0.76, P = 0.028. Prevalence of most relevant comorbidities and the Charlson comorbidity index were similar across the two groups. A high agreement with a correlation among both diagnostic methods was observed (Spearman’s rho = 0.83,

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. Plasma GDF-15 displays promising prognostic properties for the prediction of long-term survival beyond clinical parameters in patients on maintenance haemodialysis.
Numerical Simulation and Test Study on Track Welding of QTT
Authors: Xu Duoxiang , Xu Qian , Li Lin , Wang Hui , Wang Na
Published: March 2023

Considering the stringent requirement of the pointing accuracy up to 2.5″ of the world’s largest full steerable radio telescope, this paper studies the welding experiment of the azimuth track of the antenna. First, the opposite deformation jig and welding process were designed for the QTT’s azimuth track. Then, the welding process was numerically simulated using a finite element model. The simulation results show that a better welding effect will be obtained by appropriately reducing the opposite force on the basis of the original. The three deformation processes of the track are regulated by the opposite deformation jig. The results show that the opposite deformation jig designed for QTT’s azimuth track can make the amount of deformation and flatness meet the design requirements. Finally, nondestructive testing was carried out to check the welding quality of the track surface and interior. The results show that there are no obvious defects in the welds of the azimuth track. The constraint jig and welding processes designed for QTT are effective and feasible.
Explaining the Soil Quality Using Different Assessment Techniques
Authors: Abdu Abass , Laekemariam Fanuel , Gidago Gifole , Getaneh Lakew
Published: March 2023

Soil quality serves as the basis for both food security and environmental sustainability. To optimize production and implement soil management interventions, understanding the state of the soil quality is fundamental. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the soil quality of arable lands situated in the Nitisols and Luvisols using different assessment techniques. A total of 57 georeferenced soil samples were taken at a depth of 20 cm (18 from Nitisols and 39 from Luvisols land). The soil samples were analyzed for particle size distribution (PSD), texture, pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), exchangeable bases (calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K)), soil micronutrients (boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The techniques used to estimate soil quality includes principal component analysis (PCA), a normalized PCA, and common soil parameters (soil texture, pH, OC, N, P, and K). The results were expressed in terms of soil quality index (SQI). In addition, the soil fertility/nutrient/index (NI) approach was used. The result showed that the SQI values using the common parameters approach were 0.17 and 0.30 for the lands belonging to Nitisols and Luvisols and categorized as very poor (<0.2) and poor (0.2–0.4) quality soils, respectively. PCA-SQI and normalized PCA-SQI values for lands in the Nitisols were 0.36 and 0.42, while for Luvisols they were 0.38 and 0.40, respectively. The soil quality of lands in the Luvisols was rated low (0.38–0.44), while lands in the Nitisols qualified under very low (<0.38) and low soil quality, respectively. In addition, the value of 1.42 and 1.78 in their order for lands belonging to Nitisols and Luvisols were recorded using the NI method that indicated low and medium soil quality. In conclusion, PCA and common soil parameters techniques regardless of soil types offered consistently similar information and could be taken as useful techniques for aiding soil management interventions. Furthermore, the result also calls for the need for applying soil management practices.
Diversity and Abundance of Breeding Birds, Habitat, and Nesting Substrate Selection in Urban Areas: A Relevant Case from the Southern Slope of the Mediterranean
Authors: Douini Ikram , Squalli Wafae , Mansouri Ismail , Mounir Mohamed , Benka El-Mostafa , Dakki Mohamed , Hammada Soumaya
Published: March 2023

Urban areas may affect the richness of avian species. The abundance and diversity of urban landscapes offer breeding habitats and nesting resources for urban-adapted species. In our study, we investigated the breeding birds in urban landscapes of Fez’s historical city (Morocco). We used line-transects to search for nests of breeding species, populations, and habitats counting breeding sites and predicting factors (foraging, nesting resources, and urbanization). Furthermore, four habitats counting green gardens, old city walls, urban farms, and urban forests were prospected to search for nests of breeding birds. Among 13 breeding species including 12 resident-breeders, and one breeding migrant, a total of 109 nests were documented. Five species counting Turdus merula, Sylvia atricapilla, Spilopelia senegalensis, Columba livia, and Coloeus monedula were encountered in green gardens; four species counting Athene noctua, Sturnus unicolor, Passer domesticus, and Tachymarptis melba were observed in old city walls. Falco tinnunculus, Fringilla coelebs, and Accipiter nisus occurred in urban forests; and Streptopelia decaocto in urban farms. The recorded nests were divided between cavities (50 nests) and trees (59 nests). In green spaces, nests were distributed among Olea europaea (17), Citrus aurantium (15), Bambusa vulgaris (11), and Eucalyptus globulus (7). In contrast, Olea oleaster and Cupressus sp. hosted only tree nests each, while Populus sp. and Washingtonia filifera hosted only one nest each. Most nests were recorded in habitats rich in nesting trees and close to water sources. On the contrary, the number of nests decreased as the surface and distance of the habitat to the urban center increased. Our data revealed the diversity, habitat use, and nesting substrates of urban breeding bird communities in Morocco and the Southern slope of the Western Palearctic. Future urban plans must integrate measures to provide suitable breeding resources such as cavities of old walls and a high diversity of urban green spaces for birds to enhance their breeding performances, thus promoting the well-being of the population via increasing biodiversity.
The Immunopeptidome from a Genomic Perspective: Establishing the Noncanonical Landscape of MHC Class I–Associated Peptides
Authors: Bedran Georges , Gasser Hans-Christof , Weke Kenneth , Wang Tongjie , Bedran Dominika , Laird Alexander , Battail Christophe , Zanzotto Fabio Massimo , Pesquita Catia , Axelson Håkan , Rajan Ajitha , Harrison David J. , Palkowski Aleksander , Pawlik Maciej , Parys Maciej , O'Neill J. Robert , Brennan Paul M. , Symeonides Stefan N. , Goodlett David R. , Litchfield Kevin , Fahraeus Robin , Hupp Ted R. , Kote Sachin , Alfaro Javier A.
Published: March 2023

Tumor antigens can emerge through multiple mechanisms, including translation of noncoding genomic regions. This noncanonical category of tumor antigens has recently gained attention; however, our understanding of how they recur within and between cancer types is still in its infancy. Therefore, we developed a proteogenomic pipeline based on deep learning de novo mass spectrometry (MS) to enable the discovery of noncanonical MHC class I–associated peptides (ncMAP) from noncoding regions. Considering that the emergence of tumor antigens can also involve posttranslational modifications (PTM), we included an open search component in our pipeline. Leveraging the wealth of MS-based immunopeptidomics, we analyzed data from 26 MHC class I immunopeptidomic studies across 11 different cancer types. We validated the de novo identified ncMAPs, along with the most abundant PTMs, using spectral matching and controlled their FDR to 1%. The noncanonical presentation appeared to be 5 times enriched for the A03 HLA supertype, with a projected population coverage of 55%. The data reveal an atlas of 8,601 ncMAPs with varying levels of cancer selectivity and suggest 17 cancer-selective ncMAPs as attractive therapeutic targets according to a stringent cutoff. In summary, the combination of the open-source pipeline and the atlas of ncMAPs reported herein could facilitate the identification and screening of ncMAPs as targets for T-cell therapies or vaccine development.
A Case of Kidney Transplantation from a Deceased Donor with Acute Kidney Injury due to Rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Takada Yusuke , Hotta Kiyohiko , Moriya Kimihiko , Sasaki Hajime , Takamoto Daiji , Higuchi Haruka , Tanabe Tatsu , Minami Keita , Iwasaki Sari , Tsuji Takahiro , Tanaka Hiroshi
Published: March 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) due to rhabdomyolysis occurs because of renal ischemia or acute tubular necrosis due to the deposition of myoglobin casts in the renal tubules. Donors with AKI due to rhabdomyolysis are not contraindication for transplantation. However, the dark red kidney raises concerns about renal hypofunction or primary nonfunction after transplantation. We report the case of a 34-year-old man with a 15-year history of hemodialysis for chronic renal failure due to congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. The patient received a renal allograft from a young woman who suffered cardiac death. The serum creatinine (sCre) level of the donor at the time of transport was 0.6 mg/dL, and renal ultrasonography revealed no abnormalities in renal morphology or blood flow. Her serum creatinine kinase level increased to 57,000 IU/L 58 h after femoral artery cannulation and sCre level worsened to 1.4 mg/dL, suggesting AKI due to rhabdomyolysis. However, since the urine output of the donor was maintained, the sCre elevation was thought to be nonproblematic. The allograft had a dark red appearance at the time of procurement. The perfusion of the isolated kidney was good, but the dark red color did not improve. A 0-h biopsy showed flattening of the renal tubular epithelium and absence of the brush border and myoglobin casts in 30% of the renal tubules. Rhabdomyolysis-related tubular damage was diagnosed. Hemodialysis was discontinued on postoperative day 14. Twenty-four days after the operation, the transplanted kidney function progressed favorably (sCre 1.18 mg/dL), and the patient was discharged. Protocol biopsy 1 month after transplantation showed disappearance of myoglobin casts and improvement in renal tubular epithelial damage. The patient’s sCre level was approximately 1.0 mg/dL 24 months after transplantation, and he is doing well without complications.
Interface entre linguagem humana, consciência e emoção
Authors: Santos Mônica Maria Soares , Vicente Renata Barbosa
Published: March 2023

Considerando o aumento da expectativa de vida dos seres humanos e a consequente ampliação do número idosos no mundo, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar a consciência humana e a emoção sob a perspectiva de Damásio (2000; 2011), bem como, com base em estudos recentes, os impactos, desta última, na linguagem. Sob o enfoque de diferentes teorias da Cognição e da Linguística, estes estudos demonstraram resultados positivos e negativos da emoção sobre a linguagem humana e a e consequente qualidade de vida dos idosos. Dessa forma, Soares Santos (2021) demonstra que a emoção, ocasionada pela música, favorece o resgate da consciência linguística, perdida com a doença de Alzheimer, enquanto que Vicente (2014), reconhece os níveis distintos de processamento na produção do texto dissertativo-argumentativo – mente, mente consciente e mente consciente capaz de produzir cultura materializada nos textos produzidos pelos indivíduos e em Projeto de Extensão Vicente (2017, 2018, 2019), intitulado “Descobertas da melhor idade: além dos muros da universidade”, realizado na Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), no qual esclarece, por meio de atividades lúdicas, que situações de tensão podem impactar, negativa e emocionalmente, o idoso.
O fenómeno da Consciência enquanto Literatura
Authors: Branco Luís Carlos S.
Published: March 2023

Este artigo parte das postulações de António Damásio sobre o funcionamento da Consciência para responder à seguinte pergunta: é a Consciência um fenómeno narrativo e ficcional? Assim, numa perspetiva correlata à Neurofilosofia, pretendo aprofundar algumas das ideações propostas pelo neurocientista, de modo a inquirir se os processos de emergência da Consciência são, ou não, fenómenos que poderemos categorizar como eminentemente literários. Em que medida e como, é o que pretendo averiguar.
Whole Genome Analysis of Venous Thromboembolism: the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine Program
Authors: Seyerle Amanda A. , Laurie Cecelia A. , Coombes Brandon J. , Jain Deepti , Conomos Matthew P. , Brody Jennifer , Chen Ming-Huei , Gogarten Stephanie M. , Beutel Kathleen M. , Gupta Namrata , Heckbert Susan R. , Jackson Rebecca D. , Johnson Andrew D. , Ko Darae , Manson JoAnn E. , McKnight Barbara , Metcalf Ginger A. , Morrison Alanna C. , Reiner Alexander P. , Sofer Tamar , Tang Weihong , Wiggins Kerri L. ,   Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine Program, Boerwinkle Eric , de Andrade Mariza , Gabriel Stacey B. , Gibbs Richard A. , Laurie Cathy C. , Psaty Bruce M. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Rice Ken , Kooperberg Charles , Pankow James S. , Smith Nicholas L. , Pankratz Nathan
Published: March 2023

Background:

Risk for venous thromboembolism has a strong genetic component. Whole genome sequencing from the TOPMed program (Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine) allowed us to look for new associations, particularly rare variants missed by standard genome-wide association studies.

Methods:

The 3793 cases and 7834 controls (11.6% of cases were individuals of African, Hispanic/Latino, or Asian ancestry) were analyzed using a single variant approach and an aggregate gene-based approach using our primary filter (included only loss-of-function and missense variants predicted to be deleterious) and our secondary filter (included all missense variants).

Results:

Single variant analyses identified associations at 5 known loci. Aggregate gene-based analyses identified only
PROC
(odds ratio, 6.2 for carriers of rare variants;
P
=7.4×10
−14
) when using our primary filter. Employing our secondary variant filter led to a smaller effect size at
PROC
(odds ratio, 3.8;
P
=1.6×10
−14
), while excluding variants found only in rare isoforms led to a larger one (odds ratio, 7.5). Different filtering strategies improved the signal for 2 other known genes:
PROS1
became significant (minimum
P
=1.8×10
−6
with the secondary filter), while
SERPINC1
did not (minimum
P
=4.4×10
−5
with minor allele frequency <0.0005). Results were largely the same when restricting the analyses to include only unprovoked cases; however, one novel gene,
MS4A1
, became significant (
P
=4.4×10
−7
using all missense variants with minor allele frequency <0.0005).

Conclusions:

Here, we have demonstrated the importance of using multiple variant filtering strategies, as we detected additional genes when filtering variants based on their predicted deleteriousness, frequency, and presence on the most expressed isoforms. Our primary analyses did not identify new candidate loci; thus larger follow-up studies are needed to replicate the novel
MS4A1
locus and to identify additional rare variation associated with venous thromboembolism.
Genetic Identification of Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia by Long-Read Sequencing Among Patients With Clinically Diagnosed Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Chaudhry Ahsen , Trinder Mark , Vesely Kristin , Cermakova Lubomira , Jackson Linda , Wang Jian , Hegele Robert A. , Brunham Liam R.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extremely elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and accelerated atherosclerosis. Accurate identification of patients with HoFH is essential as they may be eligible for specialized treatments. We hypothesized that a subset of patients with clinically diagnosed heterozygous FH (HeFH) may in fact have HoFH, and this could be identified by genetic diagnosis.

Methods:

We recruited patients with a clinical diagnosis of HeFH based on a Dutch Lipid Clinic Network score ≥6 and no secondary cause of hypercholesterolemia. We performed targeted next-generation sequencing of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (
LDLR
), apolipoprotein B (
APOB
), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (
PCSK9
), and low-density lipoprotein receptor adapter protein 1 (
LDLRAP1
) genes, followed by long-read sequencing of the
LDLR
gene in patients with >1 pathogenic
LDLR
variant. We examined lipid levels and cardiovascular events.

Results:

Among 705 patients with clinically diagnosed HeFH, we identified a single pathogenic variant in 300 (42.6%) and >1 pathogenic variant in the
LDLR
gene in 11 patients (1.6%). We established a genetic diagnosis of HoFH in 6 (0.9%) patients (3 true homozygotes and 3 compound heterozygotes). The mean baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and prevalence of premature cardiovascular disease of patients with genetically identified HoFH was significantly higher than patients with HeFH.

Conclusions:

In a cohort of patients with clinically diagnosed HeFH, genetic testing including long-read sequencing revealed that 0.9% had HoFH. These patients tended to have a more severe clinical phenotype. Genetic testing of patients with clinical FH may identify patients with HoFH that had eluded clinical diagnosis.
Long-Term Outcomes of Brugada Substrate Ablation: A Report from BRAVO (Brugada Ablation of VF Substrate Ongoing Multicenter Registry)
Authors: Nademanee Koonlawee , Chung Fa-Po , Sacher Frederic , Nogami Akihiko , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Jiang Chenyang , Hocini Meleze , Behr Elijah , Veerakul Gumpanart , Jan Smit Jaap , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Chen Shih-Ann , Yamashiro Kohei , Sakamoto Yuichiro , Morishima Itsuro , Das Mithilesh K. , Khongphatthanayothin Apichai , Vardhanabhuti Saran , Haissaguerre Michel
Published: March 2023

Background:

Treatment options for high-risk Brugada syndrome (BrS) with recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF) are limited. Catheter ablation is increasingly performed but a large study with long-term outcome data is lacking. We report the results of the multicenter, international BRAVO (Brugada Ablation of VF Substrate Ongoing Registry) for treatment of high-risk symptomatic BrS.

Methods:

We enrolled 159 patients (median age 42 years; 156 male) with BrS and spontaneous VF in BRAVO; 43 (27%) of them had BrS and early repolarization pattern. All but 5 had an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator for cardiac arrest (n=125) or syncope (n=34). A total of 140 (88%) had experienced numerous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shocks for spontaneous VF before ablation. All patients underwent a percutaneous epicardial substrate ablation with electroanatomical mapping except for 8 who underwent open-thoracotomy ablation.

Results:

In all patients, VF/BrS substrates were recorded in the epicardial surface of the right ventricular outflow tract; 45 (29%) patients also had an arrhythmic substrate in the inferior right ventricular epicardium and 3 in the posterior left ventricular epicardium. After a single ablation procedure, 128 of 159 (81%) patients remained free of VF recurrence; this number increased to 153 (96%) after a repeated procedure (mean 1.2±0.5 procedures; median=1), with a mean follow-up period of 48±29 months from the last ablation. VF burden and frequency of shocks decreased significantly from 1.1±2.1 per month before ablation to 0.003±0.14 per month after the last ablation (
P
<0.0001). The Kaplan-Meier VF-free survival beyond 5 years after the last ablation was 95%. The only variable associated with a VF-free outcome in multivariable analysis was normalization of the type 1 Brugada ECG, both with and without sodium-channel blockade, after the ablation (hazard ratio, 0.078 [95% CI, 0.008 to 0.753];
P
=0.0274). There were no arrhythmic or cardiac deaths. Complications included hemopericardium in 4 (2.5%) patients.

Conclusions:

Ablation treatment is safe and highly effective in preventing VF recurrence in high-risk BrS. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether it can be an alternative treatment to implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation for selected patients with BrS.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT04420078.
Imaging of Intracranial Saccular Aneurysms
Authors: Beaman Charles , Patel Smit D. , Nael Kambiz , Colby Geoffrey P. , Liebeskind David S.
Published: March 2023

Vascular imaging is an essential tool to appropriately diagnose and treat intracranial saccular aneurysms. There is extensive heterogeneity in aneurysm characteristics including location, size, shape, patient demographics, and clinical status that leads to a great diversity in both surgical and endovascular treatment options. This variability may elicit confusion when deciding the most appropriate imaging paradigm for an individual patient at particular time points. A collection of pre‐ and posttreatment scales and grades exist, but there is no current consensus on which one to implement. In this review, we discuss the key advantages and disadvantages of the available imaging modalities and how each can guide management. We also review novel imaging tools that are likely to alter the diagnostic landscape of intracranial aneurysms in the coming years.
Four new species of the spider genus Pseudopoda Jäger, 2000 (Sparassidae) from Yintiaoling Natural Reserve of Chongqing, China
Authors: DENG MING-QIN , ZHONG YANG , IRFAN MUHAMMAD , WANG LU-YU
Published: March 2023

Four new species of the huntsmen spider genus Pseudopoda are described: P. hongqi sp. n. (male), P. shuyue sp. n. (male, female), P. wuxi sp. n. (male, female) and P. yintiaoling sp. n. (male, female). Morphological descriptions, photos of body and copulatory organs, as well as a locality map are provided.
Interpretation of Net Surface Heat Fluxes and Meridional Overturning Circulations in Global Coupled HadGEM3 Climate Simulations
Authors: Bell Michael J. , Nurser A. J. George , Storkey David
Published: March 2023

The annual mean net surface heat fluxes (NSHFs) from the ocean to the atmosphere generated by historical forcing simulations using the HadGEM3-GC3.1 coupled climate model are shown to be relatively independent of resolution, for model horizontal grid spacings between 1° and 1/12°, and to agree well with those based on the DEEP-C (Diagnosing Earth’s Energy Pathways in the Climate System) analyses. Interpretations of the geographical patterns of the NSHFs are suggested that use basic ideas extracted from the theory of the ventilated thermocline and planetary geostrophic layer models. As a step toward investigation of the validity of the assumptions underlying the interpretations, we examine the contributions to the rate of change of the active tracers from the main terms in their prognostic equations as a function of the active tracer and latitude. We find that, consistent with our assumptions, the main contributions from vertical diffusion occur in “near-surface” layers. We also find that, except at high latitudes, the sum of the NSHF and vertical diffusion is mainly balanced by time-mean advection of potential temperature. A corresponding statement holds for potential density but not salinity. We also show that the heat input by latitude bands is dominated by the NSHFs, the time-mean advection, and the equatorial Pacific. It is usually assumed that global integrals of tracer tendencies due to advection as a function of the tracer should be identically zero. We show that nonnegligible contributions to them arise from net freshwater surface fluxes.

Significance Statement

Our aim is to understand better how the heat and freshwater that are input into the ocean from the atmosphere are then redistributed within the ocean and released back into the atmosphere. We show that the geographical patterns of the heat that is input to or released from the ocean surface in coupled climate models agree well with observations. We outline a dynamically based interpretation of these surface fluxes and provide evidence that supports some of its assumptions. This work might in future help us to understand how the patterns of the surface fluxes will respond to changes in greenhouse gas forcing.
Epiglottopexy in Infants Younger Than 6 Months Old: A Case Series
Authors: Hazkani Inbal , Stein Eli , Ghadersohi Saied , Ida Jonathan , Thompson Dana M. , Valika Taher
Published: March 2023

Background:

Severe laryngomalacia, characterized by apnea, hypoxia, and feeding difficulties, is an uncommon diagnosis that often requires surgical intervention with supraglottoplasty. Children who require surgery at a young age and those with additional comorbidities pose a special challenge and may require further surgical interventions. Posterior displacement of the epiglottis has been noted in some infants with congenital stridor and is commonly treated with epiglottopexy. The goal of our study is to review the outcomes of epiglottopexy combined with supraglottoplasty in our cohort of infants younger than 6 months old with severe laryngomalacia.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of infants younger than 6 months old who underwent epiglottopexy combined with supraglottoplasty for severe laryngomalacia from January 2018 to July 2021 at a tertiary care children’s hospital.

Results:

13 patients (age 1.3 week-5.2 months) underwent supraglottoplasty and epiglottopexy for severe laryngomalacia and epiglottis retroflection. The patients were admitted to the intensive care unit and remained intubated for at least one night. All patients demonstrated subjective and objective improvement in upper airway respiratory signs and symptoms. Ten patients demonstrated aspiration immediately postoperatively, despite 4 of them having no concern for aspiration at preoperative evaluation. On follow-up, 1 patient required revision supraglottoplasty and epiglottopexy for persistent laryngomalacia, and 2 patients required tracheostomy tube placement due to cardiopulmonary comorbidities.

Conclusion:

Infants younger than 6 months old with medical comorbidities undergoing epiglottopexy with supraglottoplasty may demonstrate significant improvement in respiratory symptoms. Worsening dysphagia may complicate the postoperative period, particularly among children with medical comorbidities.
Understanding the negotiation and performance effects of idiosyncratic deals: Test of a moderated mediation model
Authors: Aryee Samuel , Sun Li-Yun , Hsiung Hsin-Hua
Published: March 2023

Despite the prevalence of idiosyncratic deals (i-deals) as an adaptive strategy for the effective management of an increasingly diverse workforce, the drivers of these customized work arrangements and why they enhance mutuality in the employment relationship are not well understood. Drawing on an integration of social cognitive theory and resource-based perspective, we address these interrelated questions by proposing and examining a moderated mediation model of antecedents and outcomes of task and career i-deals. Multi-source and multi-wave data obtained from supervisors and employees in service and manufacturing organizations were used to test our hypothesized relationships. Results of multilevel path analysis reveal that both employee approach motive and supervisor political skill relate to i-deals. Furthermore, high-commitment HR system moderates the relationship between supervisor political skill (but not employee approach motive) and i-deals such that this relationship is stronger when high-commitment HR system is high but not low. Additionally, i-deals relate to service creativity but indirectly through personal skill development suggesting a potential human capital (relative to the predominantly motivational) explanation of the performance implications of i-deals. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding and enhancing the effectiveness of negotiating and implementing i-deals.
Let’s do it right: Eight steps to competence in laboratory animal science in the European Union
Authors: Frías Rafael
Published: March 2023

Demonstrated competence in laboratory animal science (LAS) is a prerequisite in Directive 2010/63/EU to work with animals used in scientific procedures, as it is essential to increase animal welfare, improve the quality of science, promote the acceptability of animal research and meet the demands of free movement of personnel and scientific exchange. Although since 2010 there have been eight clear steps to achieving the required competence of personnel working with animals used in science, it is not uncommon to see documentation for individuals who have just completed an LAS course that contains only education and training elements (three steps), for which the status of competence in LAS is granted. Here, a simplified summary of how competence in LAS should be delivered in eight steps according to EU recommendations is presented.
Evaluation of the effect of tramadol, paracetamol and metamizole on the severity of experimental colitis
Authors: Spalinger Marianne , Schwarzfischer Marlene , Niechcial Anna , Atrott Kirstin , Laimbacher Andrea , Jirkof Paulin , Scharl Michael
Published: March 2023

Application of dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) is often used to induce experimental colitis. Current state of the art is to refrain from the use of analgesics due to their possible interaction with the model. However, the use of analgesics would be beneficial to reduce the overall constraint imposed on the animals. Here, we analyzed the effect of the analgesics Dafalgan (paracetamol), Tramal (tramadol) and Novalgin (metamizole) on DSS-induced colitis. To study the effect of those analgesics in colitis mouse models, acute and chronic colitis was induced in female C57BL6 mice by DSS administration in the drinking water. Analgesics were added to the drinking water on days four to seven (acute colitis) or on days six to nine of each DSS cycle (chronic colitis). Tramadol and paracetamol had minor effects on colitis severity. Tramadol reduced water uptake and activity levels slightly, while mice receiving paracetamol presented with a better overall appearance. Metamizole, however, significantly reduced water uptake, resulting in pronounced weight loss. In conclusion, our experiments show that tramadol and paracetamol are viable options for the use in DSS-induced colitis models. However, paracetamol seems to be slightly more favorable since it promoted the overall wellbeing of the animals upon DSS administration without interfering with typical readouts of colitis severity.
Developing Emotional Intelligence through Physical Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rico-González Markel
Published: March 2023

The development of Emotional Intelligence (EI) has gained importance in the context of goals to spur a new generation of people intent upon improving human health. Physical education (PE) is a suitable curriculum subject in which to train EI. Therefore, our aim in this review is to summarize existing literature pertaining to EI within PE, while seeking particular guidance on how to best teach EI. We systematically reviewed PubMed, ERIC, Education Database, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane, and FECYT (i.e., Web of Sciences, CCC, DIIDW, KJD, MEDLINE, RSCI, and SCIELO) databases up to January 24, 2022. From 248 studies initially located, 28 were included in a final qualitative synthesis. These 28 studies were sub-divided into (i) correlation and (ii) intervention studies with an intervention group, possibly a control group, and with pre-test and post-test outcome measures. There was a clear correlation between EI-motivation and EI-psychological needs, and there emerged the following types of educational programs for developing EI within PE: (a) pedagogical models based on corporal expression and relaxation, (b) Cooperative Learning (e.g., the Sport Education Model), (c) community engagement interventions (e.g., Social-Emotional Learning, the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility model, and Service Learning), and (d) augmented reality games. Most successful EI programs included themes of collaborative work, concern for others, and social welfare. Including EI as a PE goal will require developing students’ personality and encouraging PE teachers to focus on EI within pedagogical models based on community engagement.
The Reading Journey of Zion—A Case Study of Race in the Context of Special Education
Authors: Robinson Shawn Anthony , Neat Kenneth J
Published: March 2023

The reading trajectory of African Americans males within the PreK-12 special education system has been at the forefront of scholarship. This case study was to understand how Zion's misidentification may have influenced his reading experiences. The inequalities Zion encountered in Special Education are examined through the Critical Race Theory and DisCrit lens. The article is illuminating the racialized impact of special education practices and policies, analyzed through Zion's experiences of receiving services for an emotional/behavioral disability identification rather than receiving specific reading services and accommodations.
Longitudinal Assessment to Evaluate Continued Certification and Lifelong Learning in Healthcare Professionals: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ward Robyn C. , Baker Kathy A. , Spence Dennis , Leonard Colleen , Sapp Alysha , Choudhry Shahid A.
Published: March 2023

The balance of lifelong learning with assessment for continued certification is a challenge faced by healthcare professions. The value of single-point-in-time assessments has been questioned, and a shift to longitudinal assessments (LA) has been undertaken to assess lifelong learning over-time. This scoping review was conducted to inform healthcare certifying organizations who are considering LA as an assessment tool of competence and lifelong learning in healthcare professionals. A search of 6 databases and grey literature yielded 957 articles. After screening and removal of duplicates, 14 articles were included. Most articles were background studies informing the underpinnings of LA in the form of progress testing, pilot studies, and process of implementation. Progress testing is used in educational settings. Pilot studies reported satisfaction with LA’s ease of use, online format, and provision of lifelong learning. Implementation processes reveal that key aspects of success include stakeholder participation, phased rollout, and a publicly available content outline. Initial outcomes data affirm that LA addresses knowledge gaps, and results in improved performance on maintenance of certification exams. Future research is needed to substantiate validity evidence of LA and its correlation with high-stakes exam performance when assessing lifelong learning and continued competence of healthcare professionals over time.
Comparability of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and Written Tests for Assessing Medical School Students’ Competencies: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chang Oswin , Holbrook Anne M. , Lohit Simran , Deng Jiawen , Xu Janice , Lee Munil , Cheng Alan
Published: March 2023

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) and written tests are commonly used to assess health professional students, but it remains unclear whether the additional human resources and expenses required for OSCEs, both in-person and online, are worthwhile for assessing competencies. This scoping review summarized literature identified by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE comparing 1) OSCEs and written tests and 2) in-person and online OSCEs, for assessing health professional trainees’ competencies. For Q1, 21 studies satisfied inclusion criteria. The most examined health profession was medical trainees (19, 90.5%), the comparison was most frequently OSCEs versus multiple-choice questions (MCQs) (18, 85.7%), and 18 (87.5%) examined the same competency domain. Most (77.5%) total score correlation coefficients between testing methods were weak ( r < 0.40). For Q2, 13 articles were included. In-person and online OSCEs were most used for medical trainees (9, 69.2%), checklists were the most prevalent evaluation scheme (7, 63.6%), and 14/17 overall score comparisons were not statistically significantly different. Generally low correlations exist between MCQ and OSCE scores, providing insufficient evidence as to whether OSCEs provide sufficient value to be worth their additional cost. Online OSCEs may be a viable alternative to in-person OSCEs for certain competencies where technical challenges can be met.