bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Septische Kardiomyopathie – Diagnostik und Schweregradabschätzung
Authors: Müller-Werdan Ursula , Vogt Alexander , Werdan Karl
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Die septische Kardiomyopathie (sKM) wird in ihrer Relevanz häufig unterschätzt. Die Unterschätzung basiert auf der komplexen Schädigung des Herzens und der Schwierigkeit, den Schweregrad der Funktionseinschränkung zu quantifizieren.

Ziel der Arbeit

Darstellung der methodischen Möglichkeiten zur Diagnosestellung und Schweregradquantifizierung der sKM.

Methodik

Literatursichtung und Analyse der wesentlichen Ergebnisse.

Ergebnisse

Die sKM ist charakterisiert sowohl durch eine systolische als auch diastolische Funktionsstörung nicht nur des linken, sondern auch des rechten Ventrikels sowie durch eine Sinustachykardiomyopathie (≥ 90–95 Schläge/min) variablen Ausmaßes. „Sepsis-related organ failure assessment“ (SOFA)Score, linksventrikuläre Auswurffraktion (LVEF), EKG und kardiale Biomarker sind zur Schweregradquantifizierung nicht hilfreich. Erforderlich dazu ist entweder eine „komplexe“ Echokardiographiediagnostik oder die Bestimmung globaler Herzfunktionsparameter, die die Nachlastabhängigkeit des Herzzeitvolumens (HZV) bei der ausgeprägten Vasodilatation in der Sepsis und im septischen Schock berücksichtigen. Ein entsprechender, mittels HZV-Messung zu ermittelnder Parameter ist „afterload-related cardiac performance“ (ACP), der den Prozentsatz des HZV des Sepsispatienten bei dem jeweiligen Gefäßwiderstand in Relation zum HZV eines gesunden Herzens angibt. Die ACP-Bestimmung zeigt, dass mindestens jeder zweite Sepsispatient eine Herzfunktionseinschränkung aufweist und dass diese mit zunehmendem Schweregrad die Sterblichkeit erhöht.

Diskussion

Einfache Parameter wie die LVEF sind zur Diagnostik und Schweregradklassifizierung der sKM nicht hilfreich. Dazu sind entweder „komplexe“ Echokardiographiemessungen oder – am besten validiert – die ACP-Bestimmung geeignet.
A conditional mutation in a wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) gene regulating root morphology
Authors: Zeng Deying , Ford Brett , Doležel Jaroslav , Karafiátová Miroslava , Hayden Mathew J. , Rathjen Tina M. , George Timothy S. , Brown Lawrie K. , Ryan Peter R. , Pettolino Filomena A. , Mathesius Ulrike , Delhaize Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Key message

Characterisation and genetic mapping of a key gene defining root morphology in bread wheat.

Root morphology is central to plants for the efficient uptake up of soil water and mineral nutrients. Here we describe a conditional mutant of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that when grown in soil with high Ca2+ develops a larger rhizosheath accompanied with shorter roots than the wild type. In wheat, rhizosheath size is a reliable surrogate for root hair length and this was verified in the mutant which possessed longer root hairs than the wild type when grown in high Ca2+ soil. We named the mutant Stumpy and showed it to be due to a single semi-dominant mutation. The short root phenotype at high Ca2+ was due to reduced cellular elongation which might also explain the long root hair phenotype. Analysis of root cell walls showed that the polysaccharide composition of Stumpy roots is remodelled when grown at non-permissive (high) Ca2+ concentrations. The mutation mapped to chromosome 7B and sequencing of the 7B chromosomes in both wild type and Stumpy identified a candidate gene underlying the Stumpy mutation. As part of the process to determine whether the candidate gene was causative, we identified wheat lines in a Cadenza TILLING population with large rhizosheaths but accompanied with normal root length. This finding illustrates the potential of manipulating the gene to disconnect root length from root hair length as a means of developing wheat lines with improved efficiency of nutrient and water uptake. The Stumpy mutant will be valuable for understanding the mechanisms that regulate root morphology in wheat.
Household energy poverty and trajectories of emotional and behavioural difficulties in children and adolescents: findings from two prospective cohort studies
Authors: O Driscoll David J. , Kiely Elizabeth , O’Keeffe Linda M. , Khashan Ali S.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study is to examine the association between household energy poverty (EP) and trajectories of emotional and behavioural difficulties during childhood.

Methods

The Growing up in Ireland study is two nationally representative prospective cohorts of children. The Infant Cohort (n = 11,134) were recruited at age 9 months (9 m) and followed up at 3, 5, 7 and 9 years (y). The Child Cohort (n = 8,538) were recruited at age 9 y and followed up at 13 y and 17/18 y. EP was a composite of two relative measures of EP. Emotional and behavioural difficulties were repeatedly measured using the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Linear spline multilevel models were used, adjusted for confounders to examine the association between (1) EP (9 m or 3 y) and trajectories of emotional and behavioural difficulties from 3 to 9 y in the Infant Cohort and (2) EP at 9 y and the same trajectories from 9 to 18 y in the Child Cohort.

Results

In adjusted analyses, EP at 9 m or 3 y of age was associated with higher total difficulties score at 3 y (0.66, 95% CI 0.41, 0.91) and 5 y (0.77, 95% CI 0.48, 1.05) but not at 7 y or 9 y. EP at 9 y was associated with higher total difficulties score at 9 y (1.73, 95% CI 1.28, 2.18), with this difference reducing over time leading to 0.68 (95% CI 0.19, 1.17) at 17/18 y.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a potential association between early life EP and emotional and behavioural difficulties that may be transient and attenuate over time during childhood. Further studies are required to replicate these findings and to better understand if these associations are causal.
Thermodynamically extended symplectic numerical simulation of viscoelastic, thermal expansion and heat conduction phenomena in solids
Authors: Takács Donát M. , Pozsár Áron , Fülöp Tamás
Published: February 2024

Symplectic numerical schemes for reversible dynamical systems predict the solution reliably over large times as well, and are a good starting point for extension to schemes for simulating irreversible situations like viscoelastic wave propagation and heat conduction coupled via thermal expansion occuring in rocks, plastics, biological samples etc. Dissipation error (artificial nonpreservation of energies and amplitudes) of the numerical solution should be as small as possible since it should not be confused with the real dissipation occurring in the irreversible system. In addition, the other well-known numerical artefact, dispersion error (artificial oscillations emerging at sharp changes), should also be minimal to avoid confusion with the true wavy behavior. The continuum thermodynamical aspects (respect for balances with fluxes, systematic constitutive relationships between intensive quantities and fluxes, the second law of thermodynamics with positive definite entropy production, and the spacetime-based kinematic viewpoint) prove valuable for obtaining such extended schemes and for monitoring the solutions. Generalizing earlier works in this direction, here, we establish and investigate such a numerical scheme for one-dimensional viscoelastic wave propagation in the presence of heat conduction coupled via thermal expansion, demonstrating long-term reliability and the applicability of thermodynamics-based quantities in supervising the quality of the solution.
Parabolic John–Nirenberg spaces with time lag
Authors: Myyryläinen Kim , Yang Dachun
Published: February 2024

We introduce a parabolic version of the so-called John–Nirenberg space that is a generalization of functions of parabolic bounded mean oscillation. Parabolic John–Nirenberg inequalities, which give weak type estimates for the oscillation of a function, are shown in the setting of the parabolic geometry with a time lag. Our arguments are based on a parabolic Calderón–Zygmund decomposition and a good lambda estimate. Chaining arguments are applied to change the time lag in the parabolic John–Nirenberg inequality.
Decay of Multi-point Correlation Functions in $$\mathbb {Z}^d$$
Authors: Han Rui , Yang Fan
Published: February 2024

We prove multi-point correlation bounds in $$\mathbb {Z}^d$$

Z

d

for arbitrary $$d\ge 1$$

d
≥
1

with symmetrized distances, answering open questions proposed by Sims–Warzel (Commun Math Phys 347(3):903–931, 2016) and Aza–Bru–Siqueira Pedra (Commun Math Phys 360(2):715–726, 2018). As applications, we prove multi-point correlation bounds for the Ising model on $$\mathbb {Z}^d$$

Z

d

, and multi-point dynamical localization in expectation for uniformly localized disordered systems, which provides the first examples of this conjectured phenomenon by Bravyi–König (Commun Math Phys 316(3):641–692, 2012) .
The Relationship Among Probable SARCopenia, Osteoporosis and SuprasPinatus Tendon Tears in Postmenopausal Women: The SARCOSP Study
Authors: Kara Murat , Kara Özgür , Durmuş Mahmut Esad , Analay Pelin , Şener Fatıma Edibe , Çıtır Beyza Nur , Korkmaz Gizem Olgu , Ünlü Zeliha , Tiftik Tülay , Gürçay Eda , Mülkoğlu Cevriye , Yalçınkaya Berkay , Bağcıer Fatih , Aksakal Mahmud Fazıl , Erdoğan Kübra , Sertçelik Ahmet , Çakır Banu , Kaymak Bayram , Özçakar Levent
Published: February 2024

We aimed to investigate the relationship among probable sarcopenia, osteoporosis (OP) and supraspinatus tendon (SSP) tears in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women screened/followed for OP were recruited. Demographic data, comorbidities, exercise/smoking status, and handgrip strength values were recorded. Probable sarcopenia was diagnosed as handgrip strength values < 20 kg. Achilles and SSP thicknesses were measured using ultrasound. Among 1443 postmenopausal women, 268 (18.6%) subjects had SSP tears. Unilateral tears were on the dominant side in 146 (10.1%) and on the non-dominant side in 55 women (3.8%). In contrast to those without, women with SSP tears had older age, lower level of education, thinner SSP and lower grip strength (all p < 0.05). In addition, they had higher frequencies of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, DM, OP and probable sarcopenia, but lower exercise frequency (all p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression modeling revealed that age [odds ratio (OR): 1.046 (1.024–1.067 95% CI)], hypertension [OR: 1.560 (1.145–2.124 95% CI)], OP [OR: 1.371 (1.022–1.839 95% CI)] and probable sarcopenia [OR: 1.386 (1.031–1.861 95% CI)] were significant predictors for SSP tears (all p < 0.05). This study showed that age, presence of hypertension, probable sarcopenia and OP were related with SSP tears in postmenopausal women. To this end, although OP appeared to be related to SSP tears, SSP tear/thickness evaluation can be recommended for OP patients, especially those who have other risk factors such as older age, higher BMI, hypertension, and probable sarcopenia.
COVID-19 and pregnancy: A European study on pre- and post-infection medication use
Authors: Hurley Eimir , Geisler Benjamin P. , Lupattelli Angela , Poblador-Plou Beatriz , Lassalle Régis , Jové Jérémy , Bernard Marie-Agnes , Sakr Dunia , Sanfélix-Gimeno Gabriel , Sánchez-Saez Francisco , Rodríguez-Bernal Clara L. , Sabaté Mònica , Ballarín Elena , Aguilera Cristina , Jordan Sue , Thayer Daniel , Farr Ian , Ahmed Saira , Bartolini Claudia , Limoncella Giorgio , Paoletti Olga , Gini Rosa , Maglanoc Luigi A. , Dudukina Elena , Ehrenstein Vera , Alsina Ema , Vaz Tiago A. , Riera-Arnau Judit , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M. , Nordeng Hedvig M. E.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted medication needs and prescribing practices, including those affecting pregnant women. Our goal was to investigate patterns of medication use among pregnant women with COVID-19, focusing on variations by trimester of infection and location.

Methods

We conducted an observational study using six electronic healthcare databases from six European regions (Aragon/Spain; France; Norway; Tuscany, Italy; Valencia/Spain; and Wales/UK). The prevalence of primary care prescribing or dispensing was compared in the 30-day periods before and after a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis.

Results

The study included 294,126 pregnant women, of whom 8943 (3.0%) tested positive for, or were diagnosed with, COVID-19 during their pregnancy. A significantly higher use of antithrombotic medications was observed particularly after COVID-19 infection in the second and third trimesters. The highest increase was observed in the Valencia region where use of antithrombotic medications in the third trimester increased from 3.8% before COVID-19 to 61.9% after the infection. Increases in other countries were lower; for example, in Norway, the prevalence of antithrombotic medication use changed from around 1–2% before to around 6% after COVID-19 in the third trimester. Smaller and less consistent increases were observed in the use of other drug classes, such as antimicrobials and systemic corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the substantial impact of COVID-19 on primary care medication use among pregnant women, with a marked increase in the use of antithrombotic medications post-COVID-19. These results underscore the need for further research to understand the broader implications of these patterns on maternal and neonatal/fetal health outcomes.
Primary anterior cruciate ligament repair—morphological and quantitative assessment by 7-T MRI and clinical outcome after 1.5 years
Authors: Pachowsky Milena L. , Söllner Stefan , Gelse Kolja , Sambale Jannik , Nagel Armin M. , Schett Georg , Saake Marc , Uder Michael , Roemer Frank W. , Heiss Rafael
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to assess morphological and quantitative changes of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and cartilage after ACL repair.

Methods

7T MRI of the knee was acquired in 31 patients 1.5 years after ACL repair and in 13 controls. Proton density-weighted images with fat saturation (PD-fs) were acquired to assess ACL width, signal intensity, elongation, and fraying. T2/T2* mapping was performed for assessment of ACL and cartilage. Segmentation of the ACL, femoral, and tibial cartilage was carried out at 12 ROIs. The outcome evaluation consisted of the Lysholm Knee Score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score and clinical examination.

Results

ACL showed a normal signal intensity in 96.8% and an increased width in 76.5% after repair. Fraying occurred in 22.6% without having an impact on the clinical outcome (Lysholm score: 90.39 ± 9.75, p = 0.76 compared to controls). T2 analysis of the ACL revealed no difference between patients and controls (p = 0.74). Compared to controls, assessment of the femoral and tibial cartilage showed a significant increase of T2* times in all ROIs, except at the posterolateral femur. Patients presented a good outcome in clinical examination with a Lysholm score of 87.19 ± 14.89 and IKDC of 80.23 ± 16.84.

Conclusion

T2 mapping results suggest that the tissue composition of the ACL after repair is similar to that of a native ACL after surgery, whereas the ACL exhibits an increased width. Fraying of the ACL can occur without having any impact on functional outcomes. T2* analysis revealed early degradation at the cartilage.

Clinical relevance statement

MRI represents a noninvasive diagnostic tool for the morphological and compositional assessment of the anterior cruciate ligament after repair, whereas knowledge about post-surgical alterations is crucial for adequate imaging interpretation.

Key Points

• There has been renewed interest in repairing the anterior cruciate ligament with a proximally torn ligament.

• T2 times of the anterior cruciate ligament do not differ between anterior cruciate ligament repair patients and controls.

• T2 mapping may serve as a surrogate for the evaluation of the anterior cruciate ligament after repair.
The contribution of β-amyloid, Tau and α-synuclein to blood–brain barrier damage in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Wu Ying-Chieh , Bogale Tizibt Ashine , Koistinaho Jari , Pizzi Marina , Rolova Taisia , Bellucci Arianna
Published: February 2024

Central nervous system (CNS) accumulation of fibrillary deposits made of Amyloidβ(Aβ), hyperphosphorylated Tau orα-synuclein (α-syn), present either alone or in the form of mixed pathology, characterizes the most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) as well as the aging brain. Compelling evidence supports that acute neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) and stroke, are also accompanied by increased deposition of toxic Aβ, Tau andα-syn species. While the contribution of these pathological proteins to neurodegeneration has been experimentally ascertained, the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving Aβ, Tau andα-syn-related brain damage remain to be fully clarified. In the last few years, studies have shown that Aβ, Tau andα-syn may contribute to neurodegeneration also by inducing and/or promoting blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption. These pathological proteins can affect BBB integrity either directly by affecting key BBB components such as pericytes and endothelial cells (ECs) or indirectly, by promoting brain macrophages activation and dysfunction. Here, we summarize and critically discuss key findings showing how Aβ, Tau andα-syn can contribute to BBB damage in most common NDDs, TBI and stroke. We also highlight the need for a deeper characterization of the role of these pathological proteins in the activation and dysfunction of brain macrophages, pericytes and ECs to improve diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic neurological disorders.
Impact of multiple treatment cycles with anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies on migraine course: focus on discontinuation periods. Insights from the multicenter, prospective, I-GRAINE study
Authors: Barbanti Piero , Aurilia Cinzia , Egeo Gabriella , Proietti Stefania , Torelli Paola , d’Onofrio Florindo , Carnevale Antonio , Tavani Sofia , Orlando Bianca , Fiorentini Giulia , Colombo Bruno , Filippi Massimo , Bonassi Stefano , Cevoli Sabina ,   for the Italian Migraine Registry (I-GRAINE) study group
Published: February 2024

Objectives

While a single 12-month treatment cycle (TrC) with anti-CGRP mAbs is not disease-modifying for most patients, there is limited understanding of the effects of multiple TrCs on migraine course. We evaluated whether a second TrC might modify the migraine course by comparing the occurrence of migraine relapse after discontinuation of the second TrC to that following the cessation of the first TrC.

Methods

In a real-life, multicenter, prospective study we considered all consecutive patients diagnosed with high-frequency episodic migraine (HFEM) or chronic migraine (CM) with > 3 treatment failures and treated with any anti-CGRP mAbs for ≥ 2 consecutive 12-month TrCs who were responders at week 12. The primary endpoint was the change in monthly migraine days (MMD) for HFEM or monthly headache days (MHD) for CM at the first month of treatment discontinuation after the second TrC (D2) compared to the first TrC (D1). Secondary endpoints included variations in monthly analgesic medications (MAM), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) scores, ≥ 50%, ≥ 75%, and 100% response rates, and relapse from episodic migraine to CM and from no-medication overuse (MO) to MO at D2 vs. D1.

Results

One-hundred-seventy-eight patients completed two 12-month TrCs with anti-CGRP mAbs. At D2, patients experienced a significant reduction in MMD (– 0.6, p = 0.028), MHD (– 2.6, p < 0.001), monthly analgesic medications (– 2.0, p < 0.001), and HIT-6 score (– 2.2, p < 0.001) compared to D1, indicating improved effectiveness. The ≥ 50% response rate at weeks 45–48 during the first TrC was 95.5%, while at weeks 45–48 of the second TrC was 99.4%. Corresponding rates at D1 was 20.2% whereas at D2 was 51.6% (p < 0.0001). No statistical difference emerged in ≥ 75% and 100% responders. The relapse rate from episodic migraine to CM at D2 was lower than at D1 (12.3% vs 30.4%; p = 0.0002) Fewer patients experienced relapse from no-MO to MO at D2 compared to D1 (29.5% vs 68.7%; p = 0.00001).

Discussion

A second TrC with anti-CGRP mAbs demonstrated clinical improvements compared to the first one, as indicated by a milder migraine relapse at D2 compared to D1. Multiple TrCs with anti-CGRP mAbs could progressively modify migraine evolution by reducing CGRP-dependent neuroinflammatory nociceptive inputs to the brain.
Neuro-ophthalmic complications of modern anti-cancer drugs
Authors: Oskam Joshua A. , Danesh-Meyer Helen V.
Published: February 2024

Purpose

Targeted cancer therapies have been responsible for a dramatic shift in treatment strategies for cancer, and the number of drugs, classes, and indications are continually growing. Neuro-ophthalmic complications of these medications are an uncommon but important subset of adverse events which profoundly impact vision. This review aims to collate studies and reports of known neuro-ophthalmic complications of targeted therapies and describe their management.

Methods

The anti-cancer drugs included in the review were any drugs targeting specific molecules involved in the cancer disease process. PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched using the generic names of each drug and keywords of neuro-ophthalmic conditions. The prescribing information published by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for each drug was also reviewed.

Results

Several classes of targeted anti-cancer drugs were found to cause neuro-ophthalmic adverse effects. Immune checkpoint inhibitors are responsible for a raft of immune-related adverse events such as optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, PRES, and myasthenia gravis. Therapies with anti-VEGF activity can provoke posterior reversible leukoencephalopathy, which commonly presents with visual loss and can be fatal if not treated promptly. Inhibitors of BCR-ABL1, VEGF, ALK, and proteasomes have all been linked to optic nerve disorders which can have debilitating consequences for vision.

Conclusion

The neuro-ophthalmic complications of modern anti-cancer drugs can limit or necessitate the withdrawal of these life-prolonging medications. Ophthalmologists should be alert for neuro-ophthalmic complications in these medications to facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment and reduce the risk of severe and permanent consequences.
Fibrosis and expression of extracellular matrix proteins in human interventricular septum in aortic valve stenosis and regurgitation
Authors: Sedmera David , Kvasilova Alena , Eckhardt Adam , Kacer Petr , Penicka Martin , Kocka Matej , Schindler Dana , Kaban Ron , Kockova Radka
Published: February 2024

Valvular heart disease leads to ventricular pressure and/or volume overload. Pressure overload leads to fibrosis, which might regress with its resolution, but the limits and details of this reverse remodeling are not known. To gain more insight into the extent and nature of cardiac fibrosis in valve disease, we analyzed needle biopsies taken from the interventricular septum of patients undergoing surgery for valve replacement focusing on the expression and distribution of major extracellular matrix protein involved in this process. Proteomic analysis performed using mass spectrometry revealed an excellent correlation between the expression of collagen type I and III, but there was little correlation with the immunohistochemical staining performed on sister sections, which included antibodies against collagen I, III, fibronectin, sarcomeric actin, and histochemistry for wheat germ agglutinin. Surprisingly, the immunofluorescence intensity did not correlate significantly with the gold standard for fibrosis quantification, which was performed using Picrosirius Red (PSR) staining, unless multiplexed on the same tissue section. There was also little correlation between the immunohistochemical markers and pressure gradient severity. It appears that at least in humans, the immunohistochemical pattern of fibrosis is not clearly correlated with standard Picrosirius Red staining on sister sections or quantitative proteomic data, possibly due to tissue heterogeneity at microscale, comorbidities, or other patient-specific factors. For precise correlation of different types of staining, multiplexing on the same section is the best approach.
Risk of atrial fibrillation development in adolescent patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: El Amrousy Doaa , El Ashry Heba , Maher Sara , Hamza Mohamed , Hasan Samir
Published: February 2024

There is increasing evidence linking chronic inflammation to the initiation and continuation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), namely (Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are chronic systemic inflammatory disorders with both intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations. Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) has been known as an early marker of AF. The objective of this study was to evaluate the atrial electromechanical properties in children and adolescents with IBD during remission. One hundred IBD patients aged 12–17 years (50 with CD and 50 with UC) in remission state and 100 healthy controls were recruited for the study. Atrial electromechanical properties were measured using transthoracic echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging, and simultaneous surface ECG recording. Interatrial EMD, left intra-atrial, and right intra-atrial EMD were calculated. IBD patients in remission state have significantly prolonged left and right intra-atrial EMD and interatrial EMD compared to healthy controls (P = 0.03,P = 0.02, andP = 0.01 respectively). No statistical difference was observed between CD and UC in terms of inter- and intra-atrial EMDs.

 Conclusion: Atrial EMD is increased in pediatric patients with IBD indicating the increased risk of AF development. Measurement of atrial EMD parameters might be used to predict the risk of the development of AF in pediatric patients with IBD.What is Known:• There is increasing evidence linking chronic inflammation to the initiation and continuation of atrial fibrillation (AF).• Inflammatory bowel diseases are chronic systemic inflammatory disorders with both intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations.• Atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) has been reported as an early marker of AF.What is New:• Atrial EMD is increased in pediatric patients with IBD indicating the increased risk of AF development.• Measurement of atrial EMD parameters might be used to predict the risk of the development of AF in pediatric patients with IBD.
An angiogenesis-associated gene-based signature predicting prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Chen Bangjie , Han Yanxun , Sheng Shuyan , Deng Jianyi , Vasquez Emely , Yau Vicky , Meng Muzi , Sun Chenyu , Wang Tao , Wang Yu , Sheng Mengfei , Wu Tiangang , Wang Xinyi , Liu Yuchen , Lin Ning , Zhang Lei , Shao Wei
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To develop a model that can assist in the diagnosis and prediction of prognosis for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

Materials and methods

Data from TCGA and GEO databases were used to generate normalized gene expression data. Consensus Cluster Plus was used for cluster analysis and the relationship between angiogenesis-associated gene (AAG) expression patterns, clinical characteristics and survival was examined. Support vector machine (SVM) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyzes and multiple logistic regression analyzes were performed to determine the diagnostic model, and a prognostic nomogram was constructed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. ESTIMATE, XCELL, TIMER, QUANTISEQ, MCPCOUNTER, EPIC, CIBERSORT-ABS, CIBERSORT algorithms were used to assess the immune microenvironment of HNSCC patients. In addition, gene set enrichment analysis, treatment sensitivity analysis, and AAGs mutation studies were performed. Finally, we also performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in the tissue samples.

Results

We classified HNSCC patients into subtypes based on differences in AAG expression from TCGA and GEO databases. There are differences in clinical features, TME, and immune-related gene expression between two subgroups. We constructed a HNSCC diagnostic model based on nine AAGs, which has good sensitivity and specificity. After further screening, we constructed a prognostic risk signature for HNSCC based on six AAGs. The constructed risk score had a good independent prognostic significance, and it was further constructed into a prognostic nomogram together with age and stage. Different prognostic risk groups have differences in immune microenvironment, drug sensitivity, gene enrichment and gene mutation.

Conclusion

We have constructed a diagnostic and prognostic model for HNSCC based on AAG, which has good performance. The constructed prognostic risk score is closely related to tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy response.
Optimizing machine learning yield functions using query-by-committee for support vector classification with a dynamic stopping criterion
Authors: Shoghi Ronak , Morand Lukas , Helm Dirk , Hartmaier Alexander
Published: February 2024

In the field of materials engineering, the accurate prediction of material behavior under various loading conditions is crucial. Machine Learning (ML) methods have emerged as promising tools for generating constitutive models straight from data, capable of describing complex material behavior in a more flexible way than classical constitutive models. Yield functions, which serve as foundation of constitutive models for plasticity, can be properly described in a data-oriented manner using ML methods. However, the quality of these descriptions heavily relies on the availability of sufficient high-quality and representative training data that needs to be generated by fundamental numerical simulations, experiments, or a combination of both. The present paper addresses the issue of data selection, by introducing an active learning approach for Support Vector Classification (SVC) and its application in training an ML yield function with suitable data. In this regard, the Query-By-Committee (QBC) algorithm was employed, guiding the selection of new training data points in regions of the feature space where a committee of models shows significant disagreement. This approach resulted in a marked reduction in the variance of model predictions throughout the active learning process. It was also shown that the rate of decrease in the variance went along with an increase in the quality of the trained model, quantified by the Matthews Correlation Coefficient (MCC). This demonstrated the effectiveness of the approach and offered us the possibility to define a dynamic stopping criterion based on the variance in the committee results.
Optimal time of starting tocilizumab in acute phase of adult-onset Still’s disease and comparison of its efficacy with that of methotrexate: a case series and a review of the literature
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Kataoka Yuko , Otani Tomoya , Taniguchi Yukino , Ikeda Keigo , Tamura Naoto , Morimoto Shinji
Published: February 2024

Adult-onset still’s disease is a rare condition that is generally treated by glucocorticoids. Importantly, due to the limited established treatments, glucocorticoid-refractory cases are particularly difficult to treat. Between December 2009 and August 2022, nine patients with adult-onset Still’s disease were treated with tocilizumab (tocilizumab group). The therapeutic efficacy and safety of tocilizumab initiation in the acute phase were evaluated in cases of initial onset and recurrence. We also compared the efficacy of tocilizumab with that of methotrexate (methotrexate group, n = 13), which has been the drug of choice for adjunctive therapy. Tocilizumab demonstrated the expected efficacy in all four patients who received it at relapse and in three of the five patients who received it at the initial onset. However, two patients developed macrophage activation syndrome following treatment. A comparison of treatment effects between the methotrexate and tocilizumab groups revealed that the ferritin and C-reactive protein levels, severity score, and glucocorticoid doses decreased over time in both groups; nonetheless, the tocilizumab group experienced a more stable effect. Tocilizumab is undoubtedly a valuable treatment option for adult-onset Still’s disease, especially when administered at relapse. This suggests that it shows both high safety and good efficacy. Nevertheless, a larger sample size is required to validate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab compared with those of the existing alternatives.

Key Points

• We examined the significance of TCZ in terms of therapeutic efficacy, reduction in glucocorticoid usage, and safety in patients with AOSD.

•We compared the therapeutic efficacy of TCZ with that of MTX, which is often used to treat glucocorticoid-resistant AOSD.

•TCZ is undoubtedly a valuable treatment option for AOSD, especially when administered at relapse, suggesting both high safety and good efficacy.
Real-scale measurements of debris-flow run-ups
Authors: Nagl Georg , Hübl Johannes , Scheidl Christian
Published: February 2024

Rapid mass movements, such as debris flows, endanger alpine areas due to their destructive nature. In order to counteract these dangerous flows, it is necessary to design appropriate mitigation measures. A particular problem is the run-up of debris flows that impact on such structures. We provide in situ measurements of the run-up of three natural debrnis flows, each with multiple surges, in Gadria Creek, resulting from interaction with a mid-channel structure monitoring station. Four models were checked against data from other studies and the in situ measurements of the natural debris flows. The natural debris-flow measurements are all located in low Froude areas (Fr < 3) typical of Alpine granular debris flows. Sediment-laden pre-surges with Froude values greater than 2 produced the largest run-up factors in terms of run-up heights standardized to flow heights. Nevertheless, ensuing debris-flow surges exhibited a notable granular behavior and occurred at low Froude values. The findings indicate that the use of an energy conservation-based prediction model yields the most accurate estimates of the observed run-up factors. However, this smooth, gradual run-up can also be enhanced by preceding debris deposition and the formation of ramps. This can also prevent the formation of a reflection or shock wave, as assumed in models based on conservation of mass and momentum. These models have mainly overestimated the run-up factors of the observed debris flows.
Do sociodemographic factors play a role in the relation between COVID-19 infection and obesity? Findings from a cross-sectional study in eastern Oslo
Authors: Pereira Margarida
Published: February 2024

Aim

This study aims to assess the odds of having COVID-19 according to an individual’s weight status and to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with having COVID-19 in a sample of individuals residing in the eastern districts of Oslo.

Subject and methods

This is a cross-sectional study that uses primary survey data collected in six districts of Oslo in June 2021. Chi-square tests are used to test associations between sociodemographic variables and individuals with healthy weight vs overweight/obesity and those who reported having COVID-19 or not. Logistic regression models were computed to identify the sociodemographic factors associated with having COVID-19 (sex, age, educational level, income, employment status, district of residence and having been born in Norway) using body mass index and dichotomic and continuous variable.

Results

The percentage of COVID-19 cases was higher in individuals with overweight/obesity (5.9%) than in individuals with healthy weight (5.0%). Being a woman, with overweight/obesity, from a younger age group, unemployed and not having been born in Norway, increases the odds of having COVID-19.

Conclusion

More research on the relevance of sociodemographic factors in the association between weight status and COVID-19, together with biological aspects, is needed, to allow the identification and protection of groups at greater risk of infection.
Perceived social benefits and drawbacks of sea turtle conservation efforts in a globally important sea turtle rookery
Authors: Vieira Sara , Jiménez Victor , Ferreira-Airaud Betânia , Pina Antunes , Soares Venceslau , Tiwari Manjula , Teodósio Maria A. , Castilho Rita , Nuno Ana
Published: February 2024

Conservation interventions have wide-ranging social impacts - both positive and negative. Yet a limited understanding of how conservation initiatives affect people’s livelihoods often hinders our ability to learn from past efforts and design more effective and equitable conservation measures. This is particularly needed when there is a high degree of overlap between critical habitats and human activities or a high cultural and economic demand for products derived from the conservation target. Here, we explore the social impacts of sea turtle conservation initiatives implemented on São Tomé Island (Gulf of Guinea) as a case study and consider how these might enhance or hinder future efforts. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key actors involved in the sea turtle trade in December 2014-February 2015 (prior to the implementation of key initiatives) and February-April 2022. Our findings suggest a clear reduction in the scale of the sea turtle trade and the number of main actors involved. However, most respondents previously involved in the trade had experienced economic displacement and several associated social impacts, such as the reduced ability to support family and friends and food insecurity, due to trade restrictions. Financial capital was the main barrier to transitioning to alternative livelihoods, followed by the lack of skills and peer pressure. Finally, this study highlights the importance of considering human dimensions during the planning and implementation phase of conservation actions and the need for more investment focused on the well-being of communities to ensure the long-term survival of endangered species.
Neutral and niche theory in community ecology: a framework for comparing model realism
Authors: Morrow Katie H.
Published: February 2024

Ecological neutral theory has been controversial as an alternative to niche theory for explaining community structure. Neutral theory, which explains community structure in terms of ecological drift, is frequently charged with being unrealistic, but commentators have usually not provided an account of theory or model realism. In this paper, I propose a framework for comparing the “realism” or accuracy of alternative theories within a domain with respect to the extent to which the theories abstract and idealize. Using this framework I argue, contrary to most previous commentators, that neutral and niche theories are similarly realistic. Realism cannot provide a basis for accepting or rejecting either type of theory; instead, community ecologists should continue working with a plurality of models. While theoretical unification may become possible, we should treat a plurality of complementary, partial models as the expected situation within community ecology.
Repositioning baloxavir marboxil as VISTA agonist that ameliorates experimental asthma
Authors: Di Jian-wen , Wang Yi-xin , Ma Rui-xue , Luo Zhi-jie , Chen Wen-ting , Liu Wan-mei , Yuan Ding-yi , Zhang Yu-ying , Wu Yin-hao , Chen Cai-ping , Liu Jun
Published: February 2024

V-type immunoglobulin domain–containing suppressor of T-cell activation (VISTA), a novel negative checkpoint regulator, plays an essential role in allergic pulmonary inflammation in mice. Treatment with a VISTA agonistic antibody could significantly improve asthma symptoms. Thus, for allergic asthma treatment, VISTA targeting may be a compelling approach. In this study, we examined the functional mechanism of VISTA in allergic pulmonary inflammation and screened the FDA-approved drugs for VISTA agonists. By using mass cytometry (CyTOF), we found that VISTA deficiency primarily increased lung macrophage infiltration in the OVA-induced asthma model, accompanied by an increased proportion of M1 macrophages (CD11b+F4/80+CD86+) and a decreased proportion of M2 macrophages (CD11b+F4/80+CD206+). Further in vitro studies showed that VISTA deficiency promoted M1 polarization and inhibited M2 polarization of bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs). Importantly, we discovered baloxavir marboxil (BXM) as a VISTA agonist by virtual screening of FDA-approved drugs. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays revealed that BXM (KD = 1.07 µM) as well as its active form, baloxavir acid (BXA) (KD = 0.21 µM), could directly bind to VISTA with high affinity. Notably, treatment with BXM significantly ameliorated asthma symptoms, including less lung inflammation, mucus secretion, and the generation of Th2 cytokines (IL-5, IL-13, and IL-4), which were dramatically attenuated by anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody treatment. BXM administration also reduced the pulmonary infiltration of M1 macrophages and raised M2 macrophages. Collectively, our study indicates that VISTA regulates pulmonary inflammation in allergic asthma by regulating macrophage polarization and baloxavir marboxil, and an old drug might be a new treatment for allergic asthma through targeting VISTA.
How Observed Personality Traits in (Mildly) Depressed Adolescents Relate to Nonverbal Responses of Peers
Authors: Schreur Marry , Beek Yolanda van , Hutteman Roos
Published: February 2024

Depression in adolescence is related to negative social responses. Previous studies indicate that negative responses precede, co-occur and follow depressive episodes, indicating that more stable characteristics of depressed(to-be) adolescents may trigger such responses. This study examines whether personality traits, as observed in behavior, mediate or moderate responses of peers towards (mildly) depressed adolescents. Nonverbal responses of peers were observed during two short semi-structured interactions, one with a (mildly) depressed partner and one with a nondepressed partner, matched for age and gender. Personality traits of partners were observed. Results show that peers responded more negatively towards (mildly) depressed partners. Personality traits moderated the link between depression and peer responses. In general, but particularly for (mildly) depressed girls, neuroticism strengthened the link between depression and negative peer responses, while expressivity diminished the link between depression and negative peer responses. For boys, small and counterintuitive moderation effects were found which merit further research.
Pilot Study Dismantling the Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy: Identifying the Active Ingredients
Authors: Long Lee R. , Foster Mark , Burr Kara , Penberthy J. Kim , Baker Tracy N. , McCullough James P.
Published: February 2024

Background

CBASP is a learning acquisition model of psychotherapy and until this present study, has not been systematically dismantled to identify the active ingredient.

Methods

The present investigation is the first formal dismantling pilot-study conducted to date on the Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP). The two major treatment components of CBASP, Situational Analysis (SA) and the Interpersonal Discrimination Exercise (IDE), were administered alone and with CBASP treatment-as-usual (the combination of both) to determine if there were active ingredients operative in the model. Secondly, we questioned if the dismantling of CBASP should continue in a larger study in an effort to answer the greater dismantling question of whether to administer both SA and IDE separately based on the active ingredient outcomes.

Results

The study did achieve visually inspected differential data patterns across the three groups of the dependent measures. Based on these outcomes, a larger dismantling study seems warranted and is recommended.

Conclusions

We strongly urge that a larger dismantling study using a similar design be conducted in an effort to further the dismantling process of the CBASP model.
Temporal variation in the relative abundance, suitable habitat selection, and distribution of Ataeniobius toweri (Meek, 1904) (Goodeidae), by life stages, in the Media Luna spring, Mexico
Authors: Rössel-Ramírez D. W. , Palacio-Núñez J. , Espinosa S. , Martínez-Montoya J. F.
Published: February 2024

The Media Luna spring, Mexico, is the main reservoir of the endemic and endangered fish Ataeniobius toweri. In the last decades, the ecosystem has been modified by tourism, and the habitat has changed for this species. Therefore, for better conservation management of the natural fish population, it is necessary to understand its abundance status and suitable habitat conditions, in ecological and spatial scenarios, on a temporal scale. In the present study, we modeled A. toweri’s ecological responses and spatial distribution for adult and juvenile life stages, in three summer periods (years 1999, 2009, and 2019). As habitat variables, we used water depth and underwater coverage. Ecological response curves were obtained from a Generalized Linear Model; distribution models were obtained with DOMAIN. In the modeling evaluation, for the Linear Regression Model, we obtained true statistical skills metric > 0.30 and, for DOMAIN, an area under the curve (AUC) > 0.70 with an AUC ratio > 1.00. In general, as the summer periods progressed, we found the highest probability of occurrence (P > 0.20) and distribution (P > 0.60) in areas with conditions of large coverage of underwater vegetation, in the first 1.5 m of depth, and near the shores of the spring. Also, the variations of relative abundance were always observed at sites with these habitat conditions. Thus, we concluded that our models had the performance to discern between suitable and unsuitable habitat conditions for A. toweri, and that areas with little or no anthropogenic pressure are more important for this species.
Operator Space Manifold Theory: Modeling Quantum Operators with a Riemannian Manifold
Authors: Nowaskie Gabriel
Published: February 2024

The Half-Transform Ansatz (HTA) is a proposed method to solve hyper-geometric equations in Quantum Phase Space by transforming a differential operator to an algebraic variable and including a specific exponential factor in the wave function, but the mechanism which provides this solution scheme is not known. Analysis of the HTA’s application to the Hydrogen atom suggests an underlying mechanism which the HTA is a part of. Observations of exponential factors that act on the wave function naturally suggest modeling quantum operator definitions as a point on a Riemannian manifold in the 4D Operator Space, a novel idea we call the Operator Space Manifold Theory. On this manifold, we explore the concepts of superposition, regions of unique energy eigenvalues, and translation operators. We also find the theoretical backing to derive the HTA and how Operator Space Manifold Theory can be used to describe and solve quantum systems by manipulating how a quantum state perceives position and momentum.