bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P222: O-GlcNAcylation induces aortic stiffness in aging female rats via CD47-SIRPα
-1
signaling
Authors: JanuarioDa Costa Tiago , Fontes Milene , ShiotaTimmers Montandon Ian , Wood Emily , Pernomian Laena , Bernadino de Paula Ricardo , Gary Olivia , McQuail Joseph , Webb R Clinton , Wenceslau Camilla , McCarthy Cam
Published: October 2024

A reduction in aortic compliance serves as an early indicator of incipient vascular disease. While extracellular matrix modifications, such as elastin fragmentation, are the major mediators of aortic stiffness, the mechanisms that underlie these phenotypes remain to be elucidated. O-GlcNAc, the attachment of β-N-acetylglucosamine to serine and threonine residues of proteins, is a highly dynamic and widespread post-translational modification. This modification plays a pivotal role in modulating the function, activity, localization, and stability of target proteins across nuclear, cytoplasmic, and mitochondrial compartments. Primarily involved in intracellular signaling and transcriptional regulation, O-GlcNAc responds to nutrient availability and cell stress. However, chronic O-GlcNAc is consistently linked to vascular impairments. Indeed, our preliminary data has demonstrated that O-GlcNAc is elevated in aorta of Fisher-334 female at 16 months of age (16MO) than 3MO and pharmacological induction of O-GlcNAc (TMG 100 uM 24h) in 3MO rats can cause aortic stiffness via increased elastase activity and elastin fragmentation. However, how this inherently intracellular cellular signaling could impact aorta remodeling is unknown. CD47 (Cluster of Differentiation 47), also known as integrin-associated protein, is a transmembrane protein that acts as a “do not eat me” signal to immune cells. RNAseq data from our lab suggested that TMG (1 uM, 24 h) increased CD47 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (n =3, p=0.08). Therefore, we hypothesized that CD47 could be an important downstream mediator of O-GlcNAc-induced aortic stiffness. Our findings revealed that CD47 inhibitors, [(RRx 10 uM) and SEN 177 (100 nM)] effectively mitigated the aortic stiffness and elastase activity (Ctrl 2302±38; TMG 4058±328; RRx 1776±121; Sen177 3032±50 A.U.) induced by TMG, suggesting that CD47 is a novel mechanism of O-GlcNAc-induced aortic stiffness. As aging is a major risk factor for aortic stiffness, we also revealed that CD47 was increased in the aorta of 16MO rats compared to 3MO controls (0.1±0.03 vs. 0.3±0.06). Potential ligands for CD47 include thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) and signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα). We observed that in 16MO rats, circulating SIRPα is increased, but not TSP1, suggesting a receptor-ligand interaction that is applicable in aging. Overall, these data reveal a previously unidentified and significant role for CD47 in O-GlcNAc-induced aortic stiffness.
Abstract P325: Additive effect of nighttime blood pressure on left ventricular strain in patients with primary aldosteronism evaluated via cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking
Authors: Wan Jindong , Liu Sen , Yang Yi , Wang Xinquan , Wang Dan , Zhou Peng , Wang Peijian
Published: October 2024

Background:
Primary aldosteronism (PA) induces left ventricular (LV) remodeling and increases the risk of high nighttime blood pressure (BP), which causes further heart damage. This study aimed to investigate whether nighttime BP aggravates LV deformation dysfunction and to identify independent factors affecting the global peak strain (PS) of LV remodeling in patients with PA compared to patients with essential hypertension (EH).

Methods:
A total of 280 patients with PA and 280 age- and sex-matched patients with EH who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance examination at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College were included. According to the results of adrenal computed tomography and/or adrenal venous sampling, there were 154 patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and 126 patients with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). Twenty-four-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM), LV function, global strain parameters, and other clinical medical data were compared, and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent indicators of the LV PS.

Results:
No differences in age, sex, body mass index, clinical BP, 24-h mean BP, daytime BP, or duration of hypertension were found between the groups. Nighttime systolic BP (132 ± 17 vs. 126 ± 18 mm Hg, P < 0.05) and diastolic BP (85 ± 11 vs. 80 ±10 mm Hg, P < 0.05) were greater in PA patients than in EH patients. Compared with the EH controls, the PA patients had a lower LV global PS and peak diastolic strain rate (PDSR) in three directions. No significant differences were found in the PS (radial or longitudinal) or PDSR in the three directions between the APA and IHA groups. Furthermore, nighttime BP was an independent predictor of LV global radial, circumferential, and longitudinal PS.

Conclusions:
High nighttime BP may aggravate LV stiffness in patients with PA, resulting in decreased LV strain and function. Nighttime BP was independently correlated with LV global PS in patients with PA.
Abstract P340: Efficacy and safety of a novel single-pill combination (SPC) of allisartan isoproxil and sustained-release indapamide for uncontrolled hypertension by allisartan isoproxil monotherapy: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group phase III study
Authors: Cai Han , Lu Zhuoqiang , Liu Jingwen , Chen Yan , Deng Chongyang , He Shiying , Liu Jiawen , Lin Jinxiu
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
SAL0108 by Shenzhen Salubris Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd is a novel SPC containing 240mg of allisartan isoproxil (AI) and 1.5 mg of sustained-release (SR) indapamide. AI is a novel angiotensin receptor blocke available in China for over ten years and has the same active compound EXP3174 with losartan, while indapamide SR is a long-standing thiazide-type diuretic.

Hypothesis:
We assessed the hypothesis that SAL0108 is more effective than AI monotherapy.

Methods:
Patients with uncontrolled HTN after AI monotherapy for a minimum duration of 4 weeks were enrolled and randomized 2:1 to receive SAL0108 or continue AI treatment for a 12-week duration (double-blinded phase). Subsequently, all participants receive SAL0108 treatment until week 52 (extended period). The primary endpoint was the change in mean seated systolic blood pressure (msSBP) from baseline to week 12, assessed utilizing a treatment policy estimand within the full analysis set.

Results:
A total of 366 patients were enrolled, with 243 randomized to SAL0108 cohort and 123 to AI cohort. The mean age was 58.7 years, with 50.3% of patients being female. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two cohorts. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean change in msSBP from baseline was -15.48±17.96 mmHg in SAL0108 cohort, and -10.19±17.93 mmHg in AI cohort. SAL0108 demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in msSBP compared to AI, showing a mean difference of -5.29 mmHg (95% CI: -9.24 to -1.33; P=0.009). The achievement of msSBP/diastolic blood pressure of < 130/80 mmHg at week 12 was observed in 15.3% and 6.3% of patients in SAL0108 and AI cohorts, respectively (proportion difference 8.9%; P=0.016). Throughout the double-blinded phase, adverse events were observed in 56.8% of patients in SAL0108 cohort (most commonly being hyperuricemia, hyperlipidemia and COVID-19 infection) and 45.5% in AI cohort. Serious adverse events (SAEs) occurred in 1.7% and 4.1% of patients receiving SAL0108 and AI, respectively, and were deemed unrelated to the study drugs. Hypokalemia was infrequent, noted in 4.1% of SAL0108 recipients and 1.6% of AI recipients. During extended period, SAEs were observed in 3.9% of patients and were unrelated to SAL0108. No deaths related to the study drugs were reported.

Conclusions:
In conclusion, SAL0108 exhibits better efficacy in reducing blood pressure compared to AI monotherapy. The results also highlight the favorable safety profile of SAL0108 for long-term HTN management.
Abstract P370: Dementia Does Not Increase Mortality in Patients Admitted for Hypertensive Emergency.
Authors: Amoah Joseph , Dekowski Sammir , Somoza-Cano Francisco , Amoah Nana Nyarko , Asafu-Adjaye Frempong , Fatuyi Michael , Asafu-Adjaye Sedina
Published: October 2024

Objectives:
Hypertensive Emergency is an acute, marked elevation in blood pressure that is associated with signs of target-organ damage. We sought to determine the outcome of hypertensive emergency in patients with dementia.

Methods:
Using the 2020 National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS), we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted for Hypertensive Emergency as a principal diagnosis according to ICD-10 codes. Our primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes include acute kidney injury (AKI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), myocardial infarction (MI), acute hypoxic respiratory failure, length of hospital stays, and hospital charges between groups. (Patient with or without Dementia)

Results:
A total of 59690 patients were admitted for hypertensive emergency. Of those, 4.3% had a history of dementia. Patients with a history of dementia were older (80 years, 95% CI 79 – 81 VS 59 years, 95% CI 58 – 59). There was no statistically significant difference in inpatient mortality (p=0.1363), acute kidney injury (p=0.7461), cerebrovascular accident (p=0.7712), myocardial infarction (p=0.1517), and acute hypoxic respiratory failure (p=0.3088). Patients with dementia had increased length of hospital stays (6 days, 95% CI 5 – 6 VS 4 days, 95% CI 3 – 4) and total hospital charges ($55,302.18, 95 % CI $49,669.87 - $60,934.5 VS $46,685.84, 95% CI $45,231.38 - $48,140.3)

Conclusion:
This study shows that there is no difference in in-hospital mortality when comparing patients with dementia and the general population admitted for a hypertensive emergency. Patients with dementia had increased length of hospital stays and charges.
Abstract P371: Prevalence, Timing, and Location of Falls in an Older Population with Treated Hypertension
Authors: Harrison Teresa , Wei Rong , Cannavale Kimberly , Qian Lei , Perez Rossy , Calderon Raul , Shimbo Daichi , Schwartz Joseph , Bowling Barrett , Reynolds Kristi
Published: October 2024

Background:
Falls are common among older adults and predict subsequent morbidity and mortality. There is a dearth of knowledge about the timing and location of falls in community-based populations of older adults.

Methods:
We identified members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California aged ≥65 years diagnosed with hypertension enrolled in the AMBulatoRy blOod preSsure In older Adults (AMBROSIA) study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained from electronic health records while self-administered surveys captured social history and presence of functional impairment. Participants submitted 12 monthly falls calendars recording the time and location of each fall, and whether the fall resulted in medical care. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare participant characteristics between those who reported a fall vs. no fall.

Results:
We included 632 participants (mean age 74.6 years [range 65-95]; 57% female; 44% non-Hispanic White, 23% non-Hispanic Black, 18% Hispanic, and 13% Asian/Pacific Islander). Overall, 240 participants (38%) reported 680 falls during follow-up with 9% of falls requiring medical care. Those who reported a fall were older, more likely to be White, have a history of self-reported falls, have consumed alcoholic beverages in the past year and have ≥1 functional impairment (all p-values <.05) compared to those who reported no falls. Over a 24-hour period, 41%, 35%, and 24% of the falls occurred between 6am-12pm, 12pm-6pm, and 6pm-6am, respectively. Further, 59% of falls occurred at an indoor location.

Conclusion:
Falls among community-dwelling, older adults with hypertension were common with few requiring medical care. Although most falls occurred during daytime hours, approximately one fourth occurred during nighttime hours. Further, the majority of falls occurred at an indoor location. Providers should be informed that many falls occur among older adults without presentation to a healthcare facility, and strategies should include prevention of falls indoors and during the daytime.
Abstract P374: Systolic blood pressure burden better predicts tau accumulation than a one-time measurement
Authors: Manchineella Sushruth , Wang Xiuyuan , Butler Tracy , li yi , Chiang Gloria , Pahlajani Silky , Zhou Liangdong , de Leon Mony , Glodzik Lidia
Published: October 2024

In our past work, our group identified a significant relationship between uncontrolled hypertension and greater accumulations of total-tau and phospho-tau181 in cerebrospinal fluid over time. Here, we tested whether blood pressure is related to brain tau deposition assessed using MK-6240 PET. Blood pressure is dynamic in nature, making it difficult to draw conclusions about their risk from a single measurement. To address this issue, different measurement methods have surfaced to better utilize blood pressure as a predictor of disease pathology. Previous studies have found cumulative diastolic blood pressure to increase cardiovascular disease stratification beyond that of a single diastolic blood pressure measurement.

In this project, we studied another method of quantifying blood pressure. We examined whether systolic blood pressure (SBP) burden was better related to tau accumulation than a one-time BP measurement taken at the time of PET scan. SBP load was defined as the percentage of SBP values >=140 mmHg taken in the period spanning from 6 months before tau imaging to 6 months after. SUVR (standardized uptake value ratio) was created using the cerebellar gray matter as the reference region. We assessed SUVR in Braak regions 1-6. Pearson correlation was used to test the associations between the variables of interest.

We studied cognitively healthy subjects from a brain aging research center (n=72, 40% women, 60% with hypertension). Medians of our group were 72 years of age (interquartile range (IQR) 10.6), education of 18 years (IQR 2), and 8 BP measurements (IQR 14). While one-time SBP measurements and tau were not related, SBP load was progressively correlated with SUVR across Braak stages. In the entire group, the correlations ranged from -0.18 (p = 0.133) in Braak region 1 to 0.19 (p = 0.114) in Braak region 3 to 0.24 (p = 0.042) in Braak region 6. In the hypertensive group, these correlations were stronger and ranged from -0.06 (p = 0.713) in Braak region 1 to 0.38 (p = 0.012) in Braak region 3 to 0.50 (p < 0.001) in Braak region 6.

We show that SBP load instead of singular SBP measurements is a stronger predictor of tau accumulation. Furthermore, stronger associations with brain regions known to be affected in more advanced stages suggest that blood pressure control is more critical to tau progression than initial deposition.
Abstract P377: Short-Chain Fatty Acids Improve Cardiac Function in a Hypertensive Rat Model of Heart Failure
Authors: Tagiyeva Nurana , Uhrbach Alisa , Kedziora Sarah , Forslund Sofia Kirke , Sawamiphak Suphansa , Dechend Ralf , Haase Nadine , Mueller Dominik
Published: October 2024

Hypertension-induced ventricular remodeling contributes significantly to the progression of heart failure (HF). The global increase in HF prevalence results in heightened cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, yet treatment options remain limited. The gut microbiota ferments indigestible dietary fibers, producing essential metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), amino acids metabolites. We hypothesize that direct oral administration of SCFAs modulates mucosal immune cells, thereby ameliorating the heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) phenotype in the double-transgenic rat (dTGR) model.

Four-week-old male rats, double-transgenic for human renin and angiotensinogen (dTGRs), were utilized. These dTGR rats exhibit classical symptoms of HFpEF, including hypertension, inflammation, and fibrosis in the heart and kidneys.

The rats were randomized into five experimental groups: healthy non-transgenic vehicle-treated controls (wild type), vehicle-treated dTGR, and dTGR treated with either acetate, propionate, or butyrate. Following a 3-week treatment period, comprehensive phenotyping was conducted, including echocardiography, Millar-tip catheterization, gene expression analysis, and histological examination.

SCFA administration improves diastolic function, as evidenced by alterations in the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship measured via Millar-tip catheter. Notably, butyrate treatment had the most pronounced effect on alleviating diastolic dysfunction and reducing blood pressure. Additionally, gene expressions such as atrial natriuretic peptide, connective tissue growth factor, and myosin heavy chain alpha and beta showed improvement in SCFA-treated dTGR HFpEF rats compared to vehicle-treated counterparts. Furthermore, SCFA treatment ameliorated cardiac inflammation.

Our data suggest that SCFAs, particularly butyric acid, enhance hypertensive diastolic dysfunction and cardiac gene expression in dTGR rats, underscoring their therapeutic potential in HF.
Abstract P389: Immunogenic Peptides Responsible for Experimental Hypertension Contribute to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chen Wei , Abd-Eldayem Marwa , Bloodworth Nathaniel , Patrick David , Harrison David
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Hypertension and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) lead to modification of self-peptides by isolevuglandin (isoLG) lipid oxidation products. These self-peptides are presented by class 1 major histocompatibility complexes and drive CD8
+
T cell activation. We have identified self-peptides from the sodium/glucose cotransporter2 (SGLT2); cadherin 16; Kelch domain-containing protein 7A and solute carrier family 23 that are IsoLG-adducted and cause CD8
+
T cell activation in both ang II and L-NAME/high salt models of hypertension. These prime hypertension in response to low dose ang II.

Hypothesis:
We hypothesized that the same immunogenic peptides responsible for experimental hypertension contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus.

Methods:
A fluorescent probe made of recombinant IgG and the murine class 1 MHC H2-D
b
was loaded with either unadducted SGLT2 peptide or an isoLG-adducted SGLT2 peptide. This probe was used in flow cytometry to detect CD8
+
T cells specific for this peptide antigen in 12-week-old C57Bl/6 and female
B6SLE1.2.3
mice.

Results:
The unadducted SGLT2 probe recognized < 1% of CD8
+
T cells (Figure). In contrast, ang II-infusion caused a striking increase in IsoLG-SGLT2 specific CD8
+
T cells in C57Bl/6 aortas (Figure panels A and D). In C57Bl/6 very few CD8
+
T cells recognizing IsoLG-SGLT2 were observed in the spleen (Panel B and E). Importantly, from 5 to 20% of CD8
+
T cells in spleens of female
B6SLE1.2.3
mice recognized the IsoLG-SGLT2 peptide (Figure panels C and E). Image 1.

Conclusions:
These findings strongly suggest that IsoLG-adducted peptides responsible for ang II-induced hypertension contribute to SLE and suggest that these conditions share similar immunogenicity.
Abstract P412: Pulmonary Hypertension in Patients with Preeclampsia: Prevalence, Predictors and Associated In-Hospital Adverse Events
Authors: Hamlet Casey , Afriyie Felix , Elkattawy Omar , Carrillo Gabriela , Folk Sarah , Patel Neha , Gardin Julius
Published: October 2024

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is prevalent pregnant women, but there is a lack of research into its co-occurence with preeclampsia. Our study aimed to characterize and evaluate the real-world prevalence, predictors and outcomes of PH in preeclamptic patients

Data were obtained from the National Inpatient Sample database from 2016 to 2019.Primary outcomes assessed were baseline and hospital admission characteristics and comorbidities for patients with preeclampsia with or without PH, outcomes for preeclamptic patients with PH, and predictors of mortality.

Of 255,513 preeclamptic patients, 497 (.194%) developed PH. Patients with PH had a significantly elevated likelihood of having IDA (9.7% vs 2.6%, p<.001), CHF (25.5% vs 0.4%, p<.001), pulmonary disease (17.7% vs 7.6%, p<.001), coagulopathy (2.0% vs 0.8%, p=.002), T2DM (7.2% vs 2.8%, p<.001), hypertension (0.8% vs 0.3%, p=.014), alcohol abuse (1.4% vs 0.1%, p<.001), liver disease (2.0% vs 0.4%, p<.001), atrial fibrillation (0.6% vs 0.1%, p<.001), hypothyroidism (7.0% vs 4.6%, p=.01), CAD (1.8% vs 0.1%, p<.001), OSA (8.7% vs 0.7%, p<.001), opioid use (1.8% vs 0.9%, p=.026), obesity (33.2% vs 19.4%, p<.001), and ESRD (0.8% vs 0.0%, p<.001). Univariate analysis showed that PH in preeclamptic patients was associated with higher rates of cardiac arrest (0.8% vs 0.0% p<.001), permanent pacemaker (1.4% vs 0.1% p<.001), ventricular fibrillation (0.2% vs 0.0% p<.001), angioplasty (0.8% vs 0.0% p<.001), PE (1.0% vs 0.0% p<.001), shock after delivery (1.2% vs 0.1% p<.001), PPH (10.1% vs 7.3% p=.017), right heart catheterization (2.0% vs 0.0% p<.001), left heart catheterization (0.6% vs 0.0% p<.001), cardiogenic shock (1.0% vs 0.0% p<.001), medical ventilation (3.6% vs 0.1% p<.001), vasopressor use (1.2% vs 0.1%, p<.001), STEMI (0.2% vs 0.0%, p<.001), and NSTEMI (1.2% vs 0.0% p<.001). Predictors of mortality included age at admission (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.0–1.1, p<.05), Asian and Pacific Islander race (OR 4.89, 95% CI 1.9–12.7 p<0.05), CHF (OR 19.41 , 95% CI –, p<.05), coagulopathy (OR 19.4, 95% CI 6.4–58.8 p<.05), liver disease (OR 6.5, 95% CI 2.0–21.3 p<.05), eclampsia (OR 17.3, 95% CI 5.3–55.9 p<.05), and HELLP syndrome (OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.8–13.5 p<.05).

PH in preeclampsia is associated with an increased risk of maternal mortality, heart failure, arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism. The present study found age at admission, AAPI race, CHF, coagulopathy, liver disease, eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome to be predictors of mortality.
Abstract P420: Amino acid and organic acid signature in urine of prepubescents with higher cardiometabolic risk evaluated by waist-to-height ratio
Authors: Oliveira Lilian Caroline , Azinheira Nobrega Cruz Nayara , Passadore Mariana , Bocato Mariana , MILL JOSE GERALDO , Barbosa Fernando , Casarini Dulce Elena
Published: October 2024

The waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) is a valuable tool for assessing central obesity and cardiometabolic risk, even in non-obese individuals. Childhood obesity is linked to metabolic abnormalities underlying cardiovascular diseases. Amino acids are fundamental in several metabolic processes, such as synthesizing proteins, ATP, and neurotransmitters. Organic acids are products of the metabolism of amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats. We assessed the hypothesis that their levels can serve as biomarkers for exposure, disease progression, and susceptibility, aiding in early intervention strategies. This cross-sectional study assessed amino acids and organic acids profiles in urine from prepubescent children categorized by WHtR. The 110 Brazilian participants aged 9-10 were classified as higher (n=48) or normal (n=62) cardiovascular risk. LC-MS/MS analyzed 47 amino acids and 73 organic acids in 12-hour urine samples, concentration values were adjusted by urinary creatinine. Standard protocols were used to obtain biochemical profiles, cardiovascular and anthropometric parameters. A metabolic signature in the urine of prepubescents at higher cardiometabolic risk was characterized by increased levels of the aromatic amino acids [Tyr (
131 vs 90, p < 0.01
), Trp (
109 vs 95, p =0.02
) and Phe (
65 vs 46, p = 0.04
)], Lys (
212 vs 160, p < 0.01
), α-aminoadipic acid (61
vs 49, p < 0.01
), and cystathionine (
25 vs 21 nmol/mg of creatinine, p = 0.03
) while the levels of the organic acids p-OH-phenyl lactic (4.82 vs 3.7
ug/mg of creatinine, p = 0.02
), suberylglycine (0.37 vs 0.18
, p = 0.01
), and benzoic acid (2.67 vs 1.77
, p = 0.01
) were found to be reduced. These amino acids were correlated with increased anthropometric measurements, low HDL-C, and hypertriglyceridemia. Also, Lys and Tyr were positively associated with higher systolic blood pressure. The organic acids were negatively correlated with anthropometric measurements and benzoic acid showed a positive correlation with time of exclusive breastfeeding. Findings indicate that children at higher cardiometabolic risk present an amino acid and organic acid signature in urine, this amino acid signature is commonly reported in type 2 diabetes and adults with cardiovascular disease. The organic acid signature in the urine of children in the context of cardiometabolic risk is reported for the first time.
Abstract P444: Radial pulse wave velocity measurement method with dual ultrasound probe for low power wearables
Authors: Travagliati Marco , Confalonieri Federica , Fontana Lucia , Colombo Alessandro , Baldasarre Leonardo
Published: October 2024

Background:
Wearables for continuous blood pressure monitoring hold the promise to drastically improve hypertension management, but current solutions still lack the required accuracy. Ultrasounds might be able to overcome this limitation because they can measure quantitative parameters highly correlated with blood pressure, such as artery diameter, its motion over the cardiac cycle (AWM) and local pulse wave velocity (PWV). Here we validate radial PWV measurement with an ultrasound method that can be integrated in low power wearables.

Methods:
The study was conducted on 8 healthy subjects at rest. The ultrasound scan was performed on the left arm with a research scanner and two linear probes held at a fixed distance and used to image two transversal sections of the radial artery at 11.5 kHz for 10 seconds. The first image of each section is segmented to identify the artery walls and AWM is reconstructed by tracking the phase of the wall echo. PWV is extracted from the delay of artery wall motion waveforms on the 2 sections. Reference values of carotid-radial PWV were acquired with Diatecne PulsePen ETT immediately after the ultrasound acquisition on the same arm.

Results:
The estimate and accuracy of the local radial PWV of proposed ultrasound method is in agreement with the reference carotid-radial PWV obtained with the tonometer. The accuracy of the methods is estimated from the beat-to-beat variability of the delays between the waves used for the estimates.

Conclusions:
The proposed method allows to measure the radial pulse wave within shorter distances compatible with integration in wearables. Leveraging TDK ultrasound MEMS platform, this paves the route for low power wearable for continuous cardio-vascular monitoring.
Abstract P446: Prediction of Cardiovascular Events by Algorithm- and Formula-based Pulse Wave Velocity: An Analysis of CARTaGENE
Authors: Desbiens Louis-Charles , Nadeau-Fredette Annie-Claire , Madore Francois , Agharazii Mohsen , Goupil Remi
Published: October 2024

Background:
Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a well-known marker of arterial stiffness and a cardiovascular risk factor. Novel estimations of PWV have been developed, but their ability to improve cardiovascular prediction made by clinical risk tools remains controversial. We hypothesized that PWV estimations can improve cardiovascular risk estimation beyong what is achievable from standard risk factors.

Methods:
Analysis of the population based CARTaGENE cohort, including participants aged between 40 and 69 years. PWV estimations were obtained using published formulas (fPWV) or algorithmic transformation of tonometry-based radial pulse waveforms captured at baseline (aPWV). 10-year cardiovascular risk for each participant was computed using the Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) and the SCORE-2 risk tools. All participants were passively followed during 10 years for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction). Associations of fPWV and aPWV with MACEs were obtained using Cox models adjusted for ASCVD or SCORE-2 predictions.

Results:
17,548 participants were eligible for the study (51.1% female, median age 53 yo, 8.9% diabetes, 13.9% prior cardiovascular disease), from which 2,263 (12.9%) experienced a MACE during follow-up. Mean PWV values at baseline were 8.4 ± 1.4 m/s (fPWV) and 7.9 ± 1.3 m/s (aPWV), and were closely correlated (correlation coefficient= 0.93). Both fPWV (HR= 1.52, 95% CI [1.47-1.58]) and aPWV (HR=1.60 [1.54-1.66]) were predictive of MACE in unadjusted models. Only aPWV remained significantly associated after adjustments for ASCVD (Hazard ratio [HR]= 1.16 [1.09-1.22]) and SCORE-2 (HR= 1.07 [1.00-1.13]). fPWV was significantly associated with MACE after adjustment for ASCVD, but not SCORE-2, only when this was tested in a population with similar exclusions as in the original fPWV derivation cohort.

Conclusions:
Algorithm-based PWV, but not formula-based PWV, improves cardiovascular prediction beyond what is achievable with recognized prediction tools.
Botanists voted to remove offensive names; will zoologists follow?
Authors: ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: October 2024

The Nomenclature Section of the XX International Botanical Congress (IBC) was held from 15 to 19 July 2024, with 173 registered delegates in Madrid plus 219 additional attendees participating online (Gostel et al. 2014). It deliberated 433 proposals to amend the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland et al. 2018, the Shenzhen Code). Among the decisions, one received significant media attention and was featured in top journals Science (Ortega & Stokstad 2024) and Nature (Callaway 2024): the removal of the letter c and the second f (if applicable) from 301 racially offensive names that include caf[e]r- and caff[e]r- (Smith & Figueiredo 2021). This proposal, along with others on offensive names (e.g., Hammer & Thiele 2021), received heated debates in Megataxa (Pethiyagoda 2023; Smith & Figueiredo 2023) and other journals (e.g., Jiménez-Mejías et al. 2024, with summaries of debates prior to this paper).
Senegalia ajaya (Mimosoid clade, Caesalpinioideae, Fabaceae), a new species from Birbhum District, West Bengal, India
Authors: ALAM SHAMIM , LOKHO ADANI
Published: October 2024

A new species of Senegalia, S. ajaya (Mimosoid clade, Caesalpinioideae, Fabaceae) is described and illustrated from Birbhum district of West Bengal, India. This species is closely related to Senegalia caesia but can be distinguished from S. caesia by its distinctive characters such as: climbing shrub habit; internode bearing 6-lines of prickles; tendrils on the branches; rachilla prickles on the underside; two types of paraphyllidia at pinnae bases; asymmetrically rounded leaflet base; mid vein extended straight to the apiculate apex.
Peliosanthes epigynica (Asparagaceae, Convallarioideae), a new species from southeastern Vietnam
Authors: AVERYANOV LEONID V. , TANAKA NORIYUKI , NGUYEN VAN CANH , MAISAK TATIANA V. , SHVANOVA VALERIA V.
Published: October 2024

Peliosanthes epigynica, a new species occurring in a dry coastal forest in southeastern Vietnam (Ninh Thuan Province) is described and illustrated. It is distinguishable from any other Peliosanthes by a combination of the following character states: comparatively small elliptic leaf blades, drooping narrowly campanulate purple/violet flowers, and a nearly flat-topped, perfectly inferior ovary with a short straight (non-tortuous) conoid style. Besides data on morphological and ecological aspects, we provide notes on its taxonomic relationships to some other species similarly sharing completely epigynous flowers.
Species of Wadicosa (Araneae, Lycosidae): a new species from the southeastern Arabian Peninsula
Authors: KRONESTEDT TORBJÖRN , FEULNER GARY R. , ROOBAS BINISH
Published: October 2024

Wadicosa arabica sp. nov. is described from material of both sexes collected in Oman and the United Arab Emirates. The species belongs to the W. fidelis group and differs from its congroupers, inter alia, by the shape of the tegular apophysis and the embolus in the male. The occurrence of W. arabica sp. nov. is restricted to the gravel, pebble and cobble beds of ephemeral and intermittent streams (wadis) in the mountains of the eastern United Arab Emirates and northern Oman (the Hajar Mountains sensu lato). There it is often common and conspicuous alongside areas of surface waters. Notes on its courtship behaviour are given.
Xoconochcothelphusa, a new genus for Ehecatusa chiapensis (Rodríguez & Smalley, 1972), with notes on Spirothelphusa Pretzmann, 1965 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae)
Authors: VILLALOBOS-HIRIART JOSÉ LUIS , MORENO-JUÁREZ ERIC G. , ÁLVAREZ FERNANDO
Published: October 2024

The species of the genus Ehecatusa Ng & Low, 2010, E. chiapensis (Rodríguez & Smalley, 1972) and E. mixtepensis (Rodríguez & Smalley, in Smalley, 1970), were referred to as incertae sedis in the classification system of the tribe Pseudothelphusini Ortmann, 1897, proposed by Villalobos-Hiriart (2005) and Villalobos & Alvarez(2010) and as members of the subfamily Pseudothelphusinae in the recent phylogenetic proposal by Álvarez et al. (2020), supported with morphology and molecular information. The recent discovery of a new specimen of E. chiapensis, from Chiapas, Mexico, comes to expose again the unresolved taxonomic situation of this species in the genus Ehecatusa. New morphologic evidence from the male first gonopod and a phylogenetic analysis based on partial DNA sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear genes (COI, 16S and H3), support the placement of the two species in different genera. Consequently, Xoconochcothelphusa n. gen. is erected to receive X. chiapensis n. comb. The phylogenetic relationships of X. chiapensis n. gen., n. comb. and E. mixtepensis with other genera of the subfamily Pseudothelphusinae Ortmann, 1893 (Ehecatusa, Smalleyus Alvarez, 1989, and Spirothelphusa Pretzmann, 1965) distributed in Mexico, are examined and a key to the identification of the genera of this subfamily is provided.
Three new species of Pheidole Westwood, 1839 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae: Attini) from central Mexico
Authors: VÁZQUEZ-FRANCO CÉSAR MAXIMILIANO , CASTAÑO-MENESES GABRIELA , CASANOVA LETICIA RÍOS- , MORRONE JUAN J.
Published: October 2024

Pheidole is the richest ant genus in the world. We describe herein three new species from the state of Puebla, Mexico: P. jolalpanensis sp. nov., P. latiscava sp. nov. and P. rojasae sp. nov. Additionally state records and notes are provided for P. lamia Wheeler 1901 and P. polymorpha Wilson 2003 for the Mexican states of Veracruz and Querétaro, respectively. Parts of Wilson’s taxonomic keys are modified to allow the identification of the new species.
The terrestrial flatworm Microplana scharffi (Geoplanidae, Microplaninae): mitochondrial genome, phylogenetic proximity to the Bipaliinae and genes related to regeneration
Authors: GASTINEAU ROMAIN , MURCHIE ARCHIE K. , GEY DELPHINE , WINSOR LEIGH , JUSTINE JEAN-LOU
Published: October 2024

A genome skimming approach of sequencing was undertaken on a subfamily of terrestrial flatworms that had been neglected in genomic studies until now, namely the Microplaninae as represented here by Microplana scharffi. A single run of short-read sequencing enabled retrieval of the complete mitogenome, the two paralogous versions of the 18S gene, the elongation factor gene EF1α, plus two genes involved in the regeneration process, namely those coding for ß-CATENIN-1 and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). The 15,297 bp mitogenome lacks a functional tRNA-Ala and has a mandatory alternative TTG start codon in its cox1 gene. The multiprotein phylogeny, inferred from mitogenome proteins, positions M. scharffi as sister-group to the Bipaliinae with maximum support, although the organisation of the mitogenomes shows features previously never observed among Bipaliinae, such as the conserved 32 bp overlap between ND4 and ND4L. Similarly to what has been observed in recent publications on other species of Geoplanidae, the two types of 18S genes display strongly different coverages and are only 90.57% identical. Additionally, alien DNA was identified in the pool of contigs in the form of the complete mitochondrial genome of Lumbricus rubellus, confirming previous observations on the feeding habits of M. scharffi.
New and rare bivalve species for the fauna of the Kuril Islands (northwestern Pacific Ocean): A study of materials collected over 70 years of expeditions (from 1949 to 2019)
Authors: LISITSYNA KSENIYA N. , KAMENEV GENNADY M.
Published: October 2024

Our study of bivalves collected during 24 marine expeditions between 1949 and 2019 at depths of 0–3,000 m off the Kuril Islands resulted in finding 16 new and 11 rare species to the fauna of this region. Their geographical and vertical distribution ranges have been significantly expanded. Species richness within the studied depths is thereby increased by 10%. Of the 27 species examined, three (Huxleyia pentadonta, Limopsis oliveri, and Samacar kurilensis) are endemic to the Kuril Islands. Photographs of shells and revised distribution data, as inferred from this study, are provided for all 27 species.
The most ancient roachfly (Insecta: Plecoptera, Peltoperlidae) from the Lower Cretaceous of the West Transbaikalia, Russia
Authors: SINITSHENKOVA NINA , YAN EVGENY
Published: October 2024

The oldest paleontological find of the family Peltoperlidae, which is also the first report of a fossil peltoperlid nymph, is described herein. The new genus and species Siberiopelta bashkuevi gen. et sp. nov. is established for the nymphs from the Lower Cretaceous, Neocomian, deposits of Khasurty locality in Western Transbaikalia, Russia. The small number of the stonefly nymphal remains of Siberiopelta and their fragmental preservation suggest that they were brought to the burial site postmortem by streams. All known peltoperlids live in rivers and streams draining wooded areas and this is the most probable habitat before their remains entered the lake basin.
Perfluorodecanethiol-Functionalized Silver Nanoparticles on Polyester Films as High-Performance Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrates
Authors: Li Wei , Zhang Tingting , Wu Shiying , Zhang Lan , Li Lujie , Xu Tao , Wang Lingling , Liu Chang , Li Weihua , Lu Rui
Published: October 2024

The insufficient capabilities of current surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates in enriching dilute analytes from complex media severely restrict detection sensitivity, hampering practical applications. To meet this demand, in this study, a novel super hydrophobic membrane that can be directly prepared on a large scale based on the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) functioning with perfluorodecanethiol (PFDT) is fabricated and evaluated as an SERS substrate. Firstly, polyester (PET) films modified with sodium chloride were proven to be capable of loading AgNPs, and the sizes of AgNPs were investigated. In addition, the PFDT concentration and reaction time for functionalizing the surface of AgNPs have been optimized. The relationship between the hydrophobic properties of the film and its SERS performance was then studied. The PET@Ag-PFDT film demonstrates two orders of magnitude superior SERS performance than the unmodified PET@Ag substrate, with a detection limit of folic acid approaching 5 × 10–10 M.
Research on multi-objective energy-saving optimization of propylene distillation column
Authors: Liu Tao
Published: October 2024

The energy-saving optimization problem of the propylene distillation column was investigated. A PRO/II process simulation model was established based on the actual operating data of the unit and a sensitivity analysis of the operating parameters was conducted. On this basis, a multi-objective optimization model for the unit was established using regression analysis. The penalty function mechanism and dynamic search factor were incorporated into the MOGWO algorithm to solve the optimization model. The optimization results demonstrate that by optimizing multiple sets of operating parameters, the propylene distillation column can increase its production while reducing its energy consumption, achieving energy-saving optimization for the unit. This method provides a new theoretical basis for the energy-saving optimization design of propylene distillation units and other distillation processes.
Chromobacterium violaceum: An incidental finding in a neonate
Authors: Rai Amit , Agarwal Krati , Singh Parul , Rukadikar Atul R
Published: October 2024

Chromobacterium violaceum is a gram-negative saprophytic bacterium causing human infection in tropical and subtropical countries. Such infections are uncommon but cause high mortality when the bacterium enters the bloodstream through an open wound. We present a case of C. violaceum infection isolated from a blood culture sample in a neonate identified at a tertiary care teaching hospital in North East Uttar Pradesh. Timely diagnosis by microbiological methods and antimicrobial treatment led to a successful cure for this life-threatening infection. Thus, such bacteria should be included in the routine spectrum for differential diagnosis of sepsis, to provide a chance of cure.
Environmental Discourse and Firm Value: Evidence From Conference Calls
Authors: Henry Elaine , Jiang Xi , Rozario Andrea M.
Published: October 2024

We examine environmental discourse in conference calls and the relation between this discourse and firm value. We measure the amount of environmental discourse as the frequency count of environmentally-related topics in the transcripts of conference calls. We argue that greater environmental discourse in conference calls indicates firms’ prioritization of environmental issues. Evidence indicates that greater amounts of environmental discourse are associated with lower share price and higher cost of capital, which we interpret as reflecting the relatively higher costs of environmentally responsible operations in excess of firm-specific benefits. Additional analysis examining general environmental, social, and governance (ESG), especially social and governance, discourse shows that it is associated with lower cost of capital and higher share price, suggesting that prioritization of social and governance issues does not imply higher operational costs and indeed may signal firm-specific value creation.
‘Beyond’: Reading (toward) Drucilla
Authors: Seely Stephen D
Published: October 2024

This paper enacts a work of mourning inspired by Drucilla Cornell’s own writings on the work of mourning in The Philosophy of the Limit. I begin by reflecting on the theme of the ‘beyond’ across her writings and, in particular, on how this ‘beyond’ names the space-time of the Other that keeps the present out of joint so that neither the past nor the future can ever be captured by an ontology of ‘presence’. It then looks at how she links the ‘beyond’ to the work of mourning – a letting go of any attempt to capture or possess the Other. Reading these reflections through Derrida’s thinking of writing as the prosthesis of memory, I argue for a practice of reading Drucilla’s texts as a work of mourning that allows her to live on in the traces of her life that are her books. I then (re)turn to the interpretation of Fanon’s psychoanalytic papers offered by Drucilla and me in our collaborative work, The Spirit of Revolution, to link the work of mourning to the collective politics of revolution. For Drucilla, I argue, it is through collective struggle, in fidelity to those who have died in the name of justice, that keeps the necessary work of mourning from sliding into individualized melancholia or destructive ‘acting-out’.
“Eating isn’t just about paying attention—It's about the self-regulation of sensory attention while eating!”: Exploring mindful eating by examining sensory attention and non-judgmental awareness in the context of eating cessation
Authors: Mantzios Michail
Published: October 2024

Background: Recent research has focused on several critical categories linked to eating cessation, including decreased food appeal (DFA), physical satisfaction (PS), planned amount (PA), self-consciousness (SC), and decreased priority of eating (DPE). However, how these factors connect to mindful eating remains unclear. Aim: The present study sought to re-examine the relationships between these categories using the Reasons Individuals Stop Eating Questionnaire (RISE-Q) and the Mindful Eating Behavior Scale-Trait (MEBS-T). The MEBS-T measures the self-regulation of sensory attention (SA) while eating, and comprises two subscales—SA and non-judgmental awareness (NJA)—that align with the principles and literature of mindful eating and mindfulness, and create a possible distinction between attentive vs. regulated or reoccurring attentive eating. Methods: A sample of 485 participants was recruited, and Pearson's correlations and multiple linear regressions were used to assess the associations between the MEBS-T and RISE-Q variables. Results: The results indicated a positive association between mindful eating and DFA, PS, and PA, supported by both the SA and NJA subscales. Additionally, unique relationships were observed between the SA and NJA subscales and the SC and DPE scales of the RISE-Q. Multiple linear regression analyses further confirmed these associations and highlighted an increased variance of NJA. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the significance of NJA in understanding the cessation of eating due to negative emotions and social comparison. The study also underlines the potential role of NJA in enhancing attentive eating and its relevance for weight regulation management strategies. Further research is warranted to explore the implications of these findings and their potential applications in improving mindful eating practices.
Influence of vascular graft type for ascending aorta replacement on the early postoperative outcome
Authors: Chigri Alina , Gerfer Stephen , Horatiu Coman , Krasivskyi Ihor , Luehr Maximilian , Djordjevic Ilija , Wahlers Thorsten , Strauch Justus , Haldenwang Peter
Published: October 2024

Background

Aim of this study was to find out if the type of vascular prosthesis used, especially collagen impregnated polyester versus gelatin impregnated woven fabric graft, has any impact on the early postoperative bleeding rate, blood product consumption and re-thoracotomy rate in isolated ascending aortic surgery.

Methods

n = 46 consecutive patients who received a supra-commissural replacement of the ascending aorta between 01/2016 - 01/ 2021 were included in this retrospective single-center study. The underlying pathology was an aortic aneurysm in 36 (81 %) and/or an acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) limited to the ascending aorta in 7 (15 %) and/or a penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) with intramural hematoma in 6 (13 %) patients. According to the type of vascular graft used, the cohort was divided as follows: 25 patients (54%) received a double velour woven, collagen impregnated polyester graft (Hemashield, Getinge; CI-Group) whereas in 21 patients (46 %) a gelatin impregnated woven fabric graft was used (Gelweave, Vascutek / Terumo; GI-group). As primary endpoints class 3 bleeding according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium (VARC3) criteria and freedom from re-intervention were assessed. As secondary endpoints, 30-day mortality and stroke were defined.

Results

Preoperative risk assessment (EuroSCORE II), gender-, BMI-stratification and NYHA-classification as well as mean CPB-times (114 ± 44 min vs 110 ± 48 min) and aortic cross-clamp times (71 ± 28 min vs 66 ± 30 min) were similar in both groups. Bleeding, measured by drainage volume output within the first postoperative 24 h (480 ± 426 mL vs 389 ± 169 mL), erythrocytes concentrate consumption (2,4 vs 2,3) and similar re-thoracotomy rates (4 vs 4.7 %) showed no difference between groups. 30- day mortality (12 vs 5 %; p = 0.614) and stroke rates (4 vs 9.5; p = 0,4) showed no differences between groups.

Conclusions

Regarding postoperative bleeding no difference were seen between the two graft types. Long-term follow-up and larger prospective randomized studies are requested to prove these findings.