bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstract P3097: Sex-related Differences In Immune Responsiveness Of Sarcospan-deficient Mice To Metabolic Stress
Authors: Samarah Luaye , Valera Isela C , Reis Gisienne , Rahimi Kahmini Aida , Olateju Bolade , Mohammadipour Nazanin , Parvatiyar Michelle S
Published: October 2023

This study compares sex-related differences in inflammatory signaling that may contribute to metabolic and cardiovascular disease. The SSPN gene encoding the sarcospan (SSPN) protein has been described as an “obesity-susceptibility” gene. To study the influence of SSPN on metabolic function we subjected young 2-month-old male and female WT and sarcospan-deficient (SSPN
-/-
) mice to 4 months high fat diet (HFD) (60% fat). Young male and female SSPN
-/-
mice exhibited some protection from weight gain and tissue inflammation. Cardiac function was preserved in the SSPN
-/-
mice of both sexes after HFD. Thus, we became interested in the combined impact of SSPN and metabolic stress on systemic inflammation. To study how metabolic stress impacts activation of anti- and pro-inflammatory pathways the chemokine/cytokine/adipokine proteome was examined in blood serum, heart, white adipose tissue, and liver of male mice. Under control conditions both WT and SSPN
-/-
male blood serum exhibited low levels of pro-inflammatory molecules, however CXCL 10 and CCL-2 significantly increased in SSPN
-/-
after HFD. Histological analysis of white adipose tissue (WAT) further revealed that SSPN deficiency may be protective against WAT immune infiltration in both males and females. Proteome analysis of WAT from HFD and control diet males revealed striking alterations in inflammatory signatures, whereas in the heart and liver most significant changes were observed in SSPN
-/-
controls. Flow cytometry was performed to examine spleen immune cell content of the mice. To elucidate factors contributing to the sex differences observed in the SSPN
-/-
response to metabolic stress we examined the response of bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) obtained from the sex/diet/gender groups included in this study. The BMDM acute response to innate immune ligands was tested at 3 and 6 hours to innate immune ligands and in general, female control diet SSPN
-/-
BMDMs exhibited enhanced pro-inflammatory responsiveness compared to female HFD and male control diet BMDMs. Overall, these studies describe distinct inflammatory signatures in the heart and WAT and a sex-dependent influence of SSPN
-/-
on macrophage activation that may have distinct consequences on cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Abstract P3117: Cardiac Proteomics Analysis Reveals Sex-related Differences In Doxorubicin-induced Delayed Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Abdelgawad Ibrahim Y , George Benu , Grant Marianne , Huang Yingbo , Shan Yuting , Huang R. Stephanie , Zordoky Beshay
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
Cancer survivors experience long-term cardiovascular complications due to chemotherapeutic drugs such as doxorubicin (DOX). Sex was shown to be an important risk factor for DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Previous proteomic studies characterized the immediate cardiotoxic effects of acute or chronic DOX in male mice, but no proteomic studies have been conducted in DOX-treated female mice. In the current study, we first characterized sex differences in DOX-induced delayed cardiac dysfunction using a mouse model and then identified the proteomic changes associated with the observed sex differences.

Methods:
Five-week-old male and female mice were administered intraperitoneal injections of DOX (4 mg/kg/week) or saline for six consecutive weeks. Echocardiography was performed five weeks after the last dose of DOX to evaluate cardiac function. One week later, all mice were sacrificed and hearts were collected for further analysis. Gene expression of cardiac stress markers was assessed by PCR. Proteomic profiling of the heart from both sexes was undertaken to determine the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs).

Results:
DOX-treated male, but not female, mice showed cardiac dysfunction with decreased cardiac output, ejection fraction, fractional shortening, and stroke volume. Additionally, only male mice demonstrated cardiac atrophy, lower left ventricular mass, and upregulated
Bnp
and β-
Mhc
expression. Proteomic analysis identified a total of 2461 proteins (FDR=1%), of which 29 and 46 proteins were up- and down-regulated in males, whereas 35 and 28 were up- and down-regulated in females. Enrichment of DEPs revealed that biological processes such as catalytic activity and response to topologically incorrect protein were downregulated in male mice, while many DOX-associated protective mechanisms were enriched in female mice.

Conclusions:
This is the first study to determine proteomic changes in a male and female mouse model of DOX-induced delayed cardiotoxicity. Our study demonstrates that male mice are more susceptible to DOX-induced delayed cardiotoxicity. Proteomic analysis identified several sexually-dimorphic DEPs, which could be important molecular targets in DOX-treated cancer survivors following further validation.
Abstract P3125: Big Data Evaluation Of Cardiac Remodeling Trajectories After Myocardial Infarction In Male And Female Mice
Authors: Rodriguez-Paar Jocelyn R , van Berlo Jop , Lindsey Merry L , Chalise Upendra
Published: October 2023

Female mice display higher survival rates by day (D) 7 after myocardial infarction (MI) compared to their male counterparts. We used big data analysis of the mouse Heart Attack Research Tool (mHART) 2.0 database to identify sex similarities and differences in cardiac wound healing after MI. The database includes echocardiogram and necropsy analysis from n=1,746 (1,146M and 600F) C57BL/6J wild-type adult mice (age 2-9 months). The extent of cardiac dilation over the first week after MI (calculated as fold-change of average D0 value) was parallel in males and females on all days except MI D5. At D5, males displayed 22% higher end systolic volume and 17% higher end diastolic volume than females (both p<0.0001). D5 infarct size did not explain the dilation or survival differences (53±1% in males and 50±2% in females, p>0.99). Analysis of extracellular matrix (ECM) gene expression data for 84 ECM genes (by Qiagen array) from no MI D0 left ventricle (n=40, 24M/16F) and MI D5 (n=28, 21M/7F) infarct tissue revealed molecular signaling differences by sex. Compared to D0, MI D5 showed 70 ECM genes differentially expressed (all p<0.05). MI D5 showed 38 genes differentially expressed by sex (all p<0.05 by t-test), of which 20 were higher and 18 were lower in males. The top 3 genes ranked by variable important scores
were Timp3, Col4a2,
and
Mmp7
, and all were increased in males. The most enriched pathway represented was focal adhesion in males and matrix metalloproteinases in females. Focal adhesion was enriched in both males and females at MI D5, albeit through upregulation of different gene profiles;
Itgb1, Col3a1, Col4a1/2
in males and
Lamb3, Lama1, and Itgax
in females. Overall, our results indicate that male and female mice show unique cardiac remodeling trajectories with notable divergence at D5, leading to higher early survival.
Abstract P3126: Atrial Fibrillation Is Associated With Decreased Claudin-5 In Cardiomyocyte
Authors: Luo Tao , Chen Baihe , Liu Haiqiong , Wu Yuanzhou , Abdel-Latif Ahmed , Kim Jin Kuyng , Kitakaze Masafumi
Published: October 2023

Background:
Although it is critically important to understand the underlying molecular and electrophysiological changes that predispose to the induction and maintenance of atrial fibrillation (Af), the underlying mechanism of Af is still poorly defined. Af is characterized as the electrophysiological and membrane integrity abnormality of the atrial cells, and claudin-5, a tight junction protein, may be involved in the pathophysiology of Af, however, the role of claudin-5 in Af is unknown.

Methods and Results:
Cardiac tissues from the left atrial appendage were obtained from AF patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease undergoing modified radiofrequency ablation maze procedure with approval from local human research ethic review and normal left atrial appendages were obtained from non-AF donors. Western blot, immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscope showed the expression of claudin-5 significantly decreased in cardiomyocytes from left atrium of AF patients compared to non-AF donors. Then proteomics analysis was performed to screen the specific protein expression and signal pathway changed in AF heart tissue
vs.
non-AF heart tissue, and showed that 83 proteins were downregulated and 102 proteins were upregulated in the left atrial appendage of AF patients. Among them, DAG, CACNA2D2, MYL2 were downregulated and MCU was upregulated. KEGG pathway analysis showed these changes would lead to hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy. Finally, claudin-5 shRNA AAV was injected in mouse left ventricle to knockdown claudin-5 in cardiomyocytes to observe whether change of claudin-5 affects the protein expression in KEGG pathway analysis. We found claudin-5 deficiency caused severe ventricular dilation, ST elevation and arrythmia, and the protein level of DAG, CACNA2D2 and MYL2 were downregulated and MCU was upregulated. Co-immunoprecipitation also confirmed the specific protein-protein interaction between these targeted proteins and claudin-5.

Conclusion:
We demonstrated that the decrease of claudin-5 in the left atrium of AF patients with rheumatic valvular heart disease. The mechanism of AF might be associated with claudin-5 downregulation-induced decrease of DAG, CACNA2D2, MYL2 and increase of MCU in cardiomyocytes.
Abstract P3127: Atrial Myocytes From Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Show A Higher Predisposition To Arrhythmogenic Action Potential Alternans
Authors: Fakuade Funsho E , Steckmeister Vanessa , Seibertz Fitzwilliam , Mason Fleur E , Dibb Katharine M , Kutschka Ingo , Voigt Niels
Published: October 2023

Background:
Alternans, the periodic beat-to-beat alternation in electrical and calcium signaling of a cardiac myocyte stimulated at a fixed frequency is well documented to be proarrhythmic. Nonetheless, the involvement of alternans in the processes promoting paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) is unknown. As such, we set out to ascertain if alternans contribute to the arrhythmogenic mechanisms in pAF.

Methods:
Simultaneous action potentials (patch-clamp) and [Ca
2+
]
i
(Fluo3) were recorded in right atrial myocytes obtained from patients with sinus rhythm (Ctl; n=16) and pAF (n=8). AP and CaT alternans were acquired and analyzed using a custom-written software.

Results:
AP duration was similar between pAF and Ctl groups over different pacing frequencies, exempting electrical remodeling in pAF. A higher incidence of CaT alternans (46% vs 18%;
P
=0.08) and AP alternans (82% vs 52%;
P
<0.05) was observed in myocytes from pAF patients compared with Ctl (
Figure A
). Additionally, the minimum frequency at which AP alternans was detected was significantly lower in pAF (2.4 ± 0.8 vs 4.6 ± 0.6 Hz; n/N=9/6 pAF vs 13/12 Ctl;
P
<0.05;
Figure B
). However, the AP restitution was unchanged in Ctl and pAF myocytes (
Figure C
), thus suggesting CaT alternans as the primary driver of AP alternation (
Figure D
).

Conclusion:
Atrial myocytes from pAF patients exhibit a higher predisposition to cellular alternans that may alter excitation-propagation in the atria and contribute to the arrhythmogenic substrate in these patients.
Abstract P3128: Synapse-associated Protein 97 Is Necessary For Enhancing Cardiac Contractility Via Beta1 Adrenoceptor-neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Pathway And Guanosine3',5'-cyclic Monophosphate Signaling
Authors: Bahriz Sherif M , Xu Bing , Zhu Chaoqun , Zhao Meimi , Salemme Victoria , Xiang Yang K
Published: October 2023

Objective:
Synapse-associated protein 97 (SAP97) is a scaffold protein widely expressed in the brain, heart, and kidney. SAP97 has been suggested function in the regulation of cardiac contractility. SAP97 directly binds to cardiac beta1 adrenceptor. Our recent studies have shown that increased cAMP and cGMP levels are involved in enhancing excitation-contraction (E-C) coupling after sympathetic nervous system activation. We aim to study the role of SAP97 in beta1 adrenoceptor-induced increases in cyclic nucleotides and cardiac E-C coupling.

Results and Methods:
Cardiac function in mice with cardiomyocyte-specific deletion of the SAP97 (SAP97-cKO) was comparable to that in flox/flox control littermates. Ligand-induced cGMP signal in freshly isolated adult ventricular myocytes (AVMs) using FRET biosensor Gi500. The cGMP responsiveness caused by β1AR agonist as dobutamine was reduced in SAP97-cKO versus f/f cells. No significant difference between the groups using nonselective beta-adrenergic stimulation isoproterenol (ISO). In comparison, the dobutamine-induced cAMP levels were not reduced in SAP97-cKO when compared to f/f controls. The dobutamine-induced ejection fraction in hearts and sarcomere shortening in AVMs were significantly attenuated in SAP97-cKO hearts and AVMs when compared to f/f controls, respectively. On the other hand, no difference was observed between f/f and cKO AVMs and hearts after stimulation by ISO. To further examine the LTCC activity, whole-cell currents (ICa) were recorded from freshly isolated AVMs. The results showed that the LTCC current was attenuated in SAP97-cKO AVMs than cKO controls when exposed to dobutamine. These results show SAP97 is necessary for increasing intracellular cGMP level, LTCC current, and cardiac E-C coupling and contractility after β1AR stimulation.

Conclusion:
SAP97 plays a crucial role in β
1
AR signaling, which is necessary for triggering E-C coupling through cAMP and cGMP pathways.
Abstract P3151: A Unique Profile Of Extracellular Vesicles In Marfan Patients With Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Diehl J. Nathaniel , Ray Amelia , Collins Lauren B , Peterson Andrew , Alexander Kyle , Boutros Jacob , Ikonomidis John S , Akerman Adam W
Published: October 2023

Objectives:
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) [exosomes and microvesicles] have significant diagnostic and therapeutic potential, but clinical application is limited by disparate methods of data collection. Exosomes are 30-100nm, and microvesicles are 100-300nm lipid bilayer vesicles that originate from all cell types. Marfan Syndrome (MFS) is a connective tissue disorder. Thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) formation and dissection are the leading causes of death in MFS patients. Early identification of TAAs in MFS patients is imperative and will mitigate morbidity and mortality. This study’s goal was to develop a reproducible workflow for isolation and quantification of EVs 30-300nm and test the hypothesis that number and size distribution are altered in MFS patients with TAA.

Methods:
A method of standardized reproducible measurement of EVs isolated from plasma was developed. This includes isolation by automated size exclusion chromatography and quantification of size distribution by tunable resistive pulse sensing. Characteristic markers specific to both EV subtypes were confirmed by immunoblot.

Results:
EVs isolated from control plasma (n=12) and Marfan TAA plasma (n=6) were measured for concentration (control 0.60 x 10
11
particles/mL, MFS TAA 1.47 x 10
11
particles/mL), mean diameter (control 77.75nm, MFS TAA 69.92nm), mode diameter (control 65.50nm, MFS TAA 60.50nm), and d90/d10 ratio (control 1.68, MFS TAA 271 1.57).

Conclusion:
MFS patients with TAA have more EVs with a smaller diameter, suggesting increased export and a shift in ratio of microvesicles:exosomes. This may be used as a diagnostic tool or potential therapeutic target. This scalable protocol ensures recovery of intact EVs suitable for downstream biochemical and functional analyses. Simultaneous measurement quantifies EV concentration and size distribution absolutely, correcting for variations, providing a novel method of standardization.
Abstract P3156: Activated Fibroblast-Derived Exosomal Mir-216a-5p Promotes Endothelial Dysfunction By Targeting PGM5 In Diabetic Heart
Authors: Ranjan Prabhat , Dutta Roshan , Colin Karen , Wang Yajing , Verma Suresh K
Published: October 2023

Background:
Diabetic patients are more susceptible to heart failure (HF). High blood glucose level in diabetic patients eventually triggers the body's inflammatory response and causes cardiac fibroblast activation, endothelial cell dysfunction (ECD), and, ultimately, HF. Previously, we have shown that activated fibroblast-mediated ECD leads to HF. However, the molecular mechanism of fibroblast-induced ECD in diabetics is not yet well defined. Therefore, we hypothesized that “myofibroblast in the diabetic heart secretes exosomes loaded with antiangiogenic/profibrotic factors, which impair EC function.”

Methods:
Exosomes were isolated from diabetic mice plasma and fibroblast conditioned media by ultracentrifugation and characterized by nanosight & electron microscopy. We cultured mouse primary heart endothelial cells in EC growth media. ECs were treated with exosomes derived from fibroblasts (treated with either 25mM glucose, 500nM Angiotensin II (AngII) or both) for 48 hr. Mannitol (25mM) served as control. Pathway-based miRNA array was screened with exosome-derived miR, and targets were predicted bioinformatically for selected miR.

Results:
Glu-AngII cotreatment significantly activated fibroblasts as shown by qPCR (Col1α, and FN expression) and western blot (pSmad2/Smad2, p-p38/p38). Interestingly, exosomes derived from activated fibroblasts significantly induced ECD (eNOS, VEGF, CD31 genes, and proteins expression). We further checked the effect of diabetic mice plasma exosomes on ECs function. We found significantly impaired endothelial function, as shown by Matrigel tube formation and Boyden chamber migration assays. Micro RNA array and qPCR data showed that miR-216a-5p was highly upregulated in exosomes derived from FBs cotreated with Glu-AngII. Pathway-based analysis revealed that PGM5 could be a potential target in miR-216-induced ECD. Interestingly, miR-216a-5p inhibition significantly rescued diabetes-induced PGM5 inhibition and improved endothelial function

Conclusions:
Taken together, this study demonstrates that fibroblast in the diabetic heart releases miR-216a-5p through exosomes, which promote endothelial dysfunction via the miR-216a-5p/PGM5 axis.
Abstract P3178: Gja1-20k Is Downstream Of Drp1 And Can Rescue Drp1 Suppression In Mouse Heart
Authors: Hunter Jennifer , Nguyen Vu D , Hong Tingting , Shaw Robin M , Shimura Daisuke
Published: October 2023

Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (DRP1) is a major mediator of mitochondrial fission and its mutation results with hyper-fused mitochondria and, in mice, a dilated cardiomyopathy. GJA1-20k is the most abundant N-terminus truncated isoform of Connexin 43 (Cx43) formed by internal translation and was originally identified as a trafficking subunit of Cx43. It has been recently identified that GJA1-20k is located on the mitochondrial membrane and plays a role in mediating ischemia preconditioning by promoting a protective mitochondrial fission. Interestingly, GJA1-20k mediated fission occurs even under DRP1 inhibition in vitro. Here, we hypothesize that GJA1-20k is downstream of DRP1 and that exogenous GJA1-20k administration rescues hyper-fusion of mitochondria in DRP1-suppressed mouse hearts. Using an AAV9-mediated DRP1 dominant negative mutant (Drp1-K38A) to suppress DRP1, we confirmed that the Drp1-K38A mouse hearts have an increase in cardiac mitochondrial size (158.9 ± 3.7% of control) and decrease in cardiac function (ejection fraction is 43.1 ± 1.5% versus 64.0 ± 4.1% in control animals), as assayed by electron microscopy and in vivo echocardiography, respectively. However, the administration of exogenous GJA1-20k via AAV9 transduction normalizes mitochondrial size (net 14.1 ± 3.3% decrease from control group) and rescues cardiac function (ejection fraction 61.6 ± 2.7%), suggesting that the progression to the cardiomyopathy is prevented by GJA1-20k administration. In summary, GJA1-20k functions downstream of DRP1 and can rescue the effect DRP1 suppression on mitochondrial size and cardiac function.
Abstract P3180: Cardiomyocyte Pgc-1α Mediates The Adaptive Response To Endurance Exercise Training In Mice
Authors: Khetarpal Sumeet A , LI Haobo , Castro Claire , Houstis Nicholas H , Rhee James , Sprenger Hans-Georg , Mittenbuhler Melanie , Kuznetsov Alexandra , Freeman Rebecca , Dumesic Phillip , Roh Jason D , Rosenzweig Anthony , Spiegelman Bruce
Published: October 2023

Exercise has myriad systemic benefits in reducing the incidence from and morbidity of cardio-metabolic diseases. In healthy individuals, aerobic exercise promotes physiologic hypertrophy of the heart, which requires increased mitochondrial numbers and function. In skeletal muscle and heart, a key orchestrator of the adaptation to increased energetic needs is the transcriptional regulator PGC-1α. PGC-1α may mediate cardiac adaptation to physiological stress through its function in mitochondrial biogenesis but also through other mechanisms. The role of cardiac PGC-1α to the systemic training response is poorly understood. We generated PGC-1α cardiomyocyte-specific knockout (cKO) mice to study its role in endurance exercise training. Sedentary cKO mice demonstrated normal cardiac function and no significant differences in acute treadmill exercise tolerance. However, cKO mice demonstrated a lack of ability to augment exercise capacity after 6 weeks of wheel running compared to WT (work achieved 32.9 J in WT [39% increase] vs 23.1 J in cKOs [no change vs baseline], p<0.001, unpaired t-test). This was despite comparable voluntary wheel distance run during training (2.93-3.67 km/day for both over 5 weeks, p=0.58). Unexpectedly, after 6 weeks of training, cKO mice developed a dilated cardiomyopathy at rest and exercise-related dysfunction (contractile reserve [ΔFS
stress-rest
] +6.0 in WT vs -6.4% in KO, p<0.05, unpaired t-test). They also demonstrated features of cardiac cachexia as measured by 30% and 21% reductions in inguinal adipose and gastrocnemius mass, respectively (P<0.05, unpaired t-test). Gene expression profiling demonstrated activation of pathological (
Nppa
,
Nppb
,
Myh7/Myh6
) and atrophic pathways (
Gdf11
,
Gdf15
,
Fstl3
) in the trained cKOs. In vitro, gain of function studies using adenoviral expression in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes demonstrated that PGC-1α overexpression could abrogate pathologic hypertrophy and atrophy gene expression pathways stimulated by phenylephrine. Our preliminary studies support cardiomyocyte PGC-1α as a key mediator of the adaptive response to exercise training and unveil a key role of this transcriptional activator in protecting from exercise-related cardiac dysfunction in mice.
Abstract P3185: ATP Citrate Lyase Regulates Cardiomyocyte Function By Controlling Mitochondrial Reductive Stress
Authors: Meddeb Mariam , Koleini Navid , Jun Seungho , Keykhaei Mohammad , Farshidfar Farnaz , Zhao Liang , Mulligan Abigail , Kwon Seoyoung , Lin Brian , Keceli Gizem , Sharma Kavita , Ranek Mark J , Paolocci Nazareno , Pearce Erika L , Kass David A
Published: October 2023

ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) is a cytosolic enzyme that converts citrate transported from the mitochondria into oxaloacetate and acetyl-CoA. It was recently reported to support a non-canonical TCA cycle, which is particularly important in immature and proliferating cells. Cardiomyocytes are both mature and non-proliferating and the role of ACLY in such cells is unknown. Using uniformly labeled C
13
glucose, we found that inhibiting ACLY using highly specific BMS-303141 (ACLY-I) significantly elevated M2 malate/M2 citrate ratio in adult cardiomyocytes in 1 hour, indicating their engagement in a non-canonical TCA cycle. In isolated hearts (Langendorff), we found both dP/dt
max
and dP/dt
min
markedly depressed after 40 minutes of ACLY-I. Isolated adult myocytes exposed to 1 hour of ACLY-I had depressed sarcomere shortening and prolonged relaxation. Reactive oxygen species was unchanged. BMS303141 at >10 μM was cardiotoxic while concentrations up to 50μM are not toxic in cardiac fibroblasts or hepatocytes. Untargeted metabolomics from ACLY-I treated hearts found significant decreases in TCA cycle intermediates citrate and α-ketoglutarate, accompanied by reduction in ATP production despite accumulation of NADH. The NAD/NADH ratio was reduced after 1-hr ACLY-I in cardiomyocytes, supporting its induction of reductive stress. Consistent with this, lactate was increased perhaps as a mechanism to oxidize NADH and alleviate reductive stress. These results have translational importance, as we find in human heart failure biopsies that ACLY is significantly downregulated at both transcript and protein levels. This finding is inversely related to body mass index, raising the hypothesis that exposure to high fat diet may reduce ACLY levels. This was tested in adult cardiomyocytes isolated from hearts 4 weeks after transaortic constriction and then treated with palmitate and oleate. ACLY mRNA declined post fatty acid treatment and paralleled a decline in ACLY promoter activity. These results identify a critical role of ACLY in normal myocyte NAD/NADH balance and mitochondrial function. ACLY reduction in heart failure particularly with obesity (e.g. heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) suggests a potentially new metabolic therapeutic target.
Bibliography of Women and Gender in China (2018-2022)
Authors: Yates Robin D.S. , Cai Danni
Published: October 2023

This bibliography is the third iteration of a bibliography of women and gender in China studies. The first was published in book form by Brill in 2009 and the second was published in this journal, Nan Nü: Men, Women and Gender in China, in 2018. It has been compiled in celebration of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the journal. It contains approximately 1200 citations of works published primarily since 2018 (with some items missed in the previous bibliographies) in the form of books, chapters in books, or journal articles, with some items published only in online journals. The articles have been culled from approximately 200 journals. Most of the items were published in English in multiple disciplines. The index lists all the authors in 18 categories, some of whom appear in more than one category.
The Effects of Regular Sport and Nanofibrous Conduit on Peripheral Nerve Repair: An In Vitro and In Vivo Study
Authors: Ling Qingdong
Published: October 2023

In the current research, the effects of a regular sport program was investigated on peripheral nerve regeneration in a rat model. The critical sized peripheral nerve gap was created in a rat model and the nerve injury gap was bridged by an electrospun polycaprolacton/collagen-based
neural conduit. After bridging the nerve gap, the animals received a regular exercise three times a week until week 8. Study showed that the regular exercise program significantly augmented the level of sciatic nerve repair as evidenced by histopathological examinations and functional recovery
experiments. Gene expression studies showed that rats treated with regular exercise had higher expression levels of BDNF, NGF, and b-FGF genes.
Research on the Mechanism of Moxibustion Intervention in Atherosclerosis Based on Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Yang Jia , Dai Hanxi , Hu Shiwan , Cai Kun
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism through which moxibustion intervention therapy improves platelet activation in rats with atherosclerosis using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Atherosclerosis models were established in 15 Apolipoprotein E knockout mice (ApoE-/-
mice) aged 8 weeks, while non-transgenic mice (C57BL/6) were used as the control group. The mice were divided into four groups: moxibustion group, clopidogrel group, model group, and blank control group. Following 12 weeks of intervention, platelet-rich plasma was prepared from venous blood
collected from the mice’s eyeballs. RNA extraction and analysis were performed to assess gene expression patterns. In the moxibustion group, the expression of PPBP was downregulated, while PTPN7 expression was upregulated, indicating involvement in the MAPK classical pathway. The moxibustion
group exhibited significantly higher PTPN7 mRNA expression compared to both the clopidogrel and model groups, while Robo4 mRNA expression was significantly reduced in both the moxibustion and clopidogrel groups. The PTPN7 gene locus, acting through the MAPK pathway, may serve as a potential
target for enhancing atherosclerosis management by modulating platelet activation.
Competencies of Coaches that Predict Client Behavior Change
Authors: Boyatzis Richard , Liu Han , Smith Amy , Zwygart Kira , Quinn Joann
Published: October 2023

Coaching as a practice and process has grown. Coach training and certification is currently based on competency models derived from opinion surveys not research on coaching outcomes. Competency models developed on expert opinion were about 50% accurate in terms of predicting managerial effectiveness in prior studies. To address this gap, we tested behavioral emotional and social intelligence competencies of coaches, not self-assessed, that predicted client behavior change over 2 years. The sample was 240 coach-client dyads involving 60 different coaches. Effective coach competencies were achievement orientation, adaptability, emotional self-control, empathy, organizational assessment, and influence. To rule out general mental ability (GMA) as a component, a subsample of 135 dyads based on 27 different coaches showed that GMA was not significant. In the subsample, effective competencies were the above list and conflict management, with near significant findings for coaching/mentoring and teamwork. More studies are needed to guide training and certification programs.
The acquisition of the passive voice in Northern East Cree
Authors: Henke Ryan E. , Brittain Julie , Deen Kamil U. , Acton Sara
Published: October 2023

This article analyzes the acquisition of the passive voice in Northern East (NE) Cree and pays particular attention to the interaction of frequency effects and language-specific cues in the way children form and employ expectations, the process of anticipating oncoming structure in the ambient language. The passive has long been of interest in first-language acquisition, and expectations may play a role in the reported challenges acquiring the passive in languages such as English. We present two studies analyzing approximately 24 hours of naturalistic video recordings involving one adult and two children: Daisy (age 3;08–5;11) and Billy (4;06–5;10). Study 1 examines the passive voice in child-directed speech (CDS). CDS employs passive verbs frequently, at rates much higher than what has been reported for other languages. Passives also typically occur without overt arguments and most often are derived from verbs with two animate participants. Study 2 traces the acquisition of the passive by Daisy and Billy. Daisy demonstrates productivity with all three passive suffixes by age 3;11. Billy’s recordings begin at a later age, and he shows productivity with suffixes -naaniu at 4;06, -ikiwi at 4;10, and -ikiniw at 5;05. Both children produce passives at rates much higher than what has been reported in child speech for other languages. They also most frequently produce passives without overt arguments, and they show no difficulties passivizing verbs with two animate arguments. These results expand the typological purview of passives research and shed additional light on the role of expectations in acquiring the passive voice. The combination of high frequency and particular structural characteristics for the passive voice in Cree CDS allows children to build expectations differing greatly from those of children acquiring languages such as English. In turn, children acquiring NE Cree do not show the same difficulties in acquiring the passive voice.
Integrating competing institutional logics by benefit corporations: Challenges and practices
Authors: Sharmelly Rifat , Tomczyk David
Published: October 2023

Drawing on institutional logics, this study empirically examines challenges faced by benefit corporations that are at the crossroads of competing logics—need-based social logic to do right by society and demand-based market logic to generate adequate profit for sustaining operations—and the practices that such organizations adopt to manage these challenges to maintain their hybrid nature. Examining 30 benefit corporations from the United States, this study finds multiple sets of primary challenges and empirically specifies that benefit corporations should integrate competing institutional logics by actively managing both internal dynamics in the organizations and external relations to be successful. The article further identifies benefit corporations that were unsuccessful in combining both logics, and thus, has implications for both the literature and management practice.
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 modified bacterial cellulose/sodium alginate composite aerogel for efficient removal of tetracycline hydrochloride
Authors: Yang Xu , Bismark Sarkodie , Wang Dengbing , Liu Zuyi , Tao Yun , Sun Ziwei , Han Xu , Feng Quan
Published: October 2023

Antibiotics released in the water pose a serious threat to human and ecological health. Therefore, it is of great importance to effectively remove antibiotics from wastewater. In this study, recyclable bacterial cellulose/sodium alginate/zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (BC/SA/ZIF-8) aerogel composites were prepared by chemical cross-linking and in situ growth in freeze-drying. The successful preparation of the composite aerogel was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results reveal that BC/SA/ZIF-8 aerogel composite has significantly high BET specific surface area of 165.24 m2/g than that of BC/SA at 7.39 m2/g. The BC/SA/ZIF-8 composite aerogel exhibited excellent adsorption performance for tetracycline hydrochloride, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 746.27 mg/g. The adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir adsorption isotherm model. Moreover, the reusability test on BC/SA/ZIF-8 composite aerogel revealed an insignificant decline in adsorption after six cycles. Therefore, BC/SA/ZIF-8 composite aerogel has a high potential as a novel and recyclable adsorbent for efficient removal of tetracycline hydrochloride from water.
The relationship between the perceived risk of infection at the workplace and quality of work life (QoWL): Healthcare workers’ perspectives
Authors: Alolayyan Main Naser , Alyahya Mohammad , Momani Salam
Published: October 2023

Background

One of today’s most significant organizational priorities, including healthcare organizations, is to improve the quality of work-life (QoWL), which leads to offering high-quality services to patients.

Aim

The study aimed to explore the effect of the perceived risk of infection and its impact on the quality of work-life (QoWL) on HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 484 healthcare workers. Respondents were recruited using convenience sampling methods.

Results

: The study findings revealed a better QoWL with a decreased perceived risk of COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion

Increasing the quality of work life will be reflected in adherence to health protocols, which creates a work environment capable of dealing with challenges, including the risk of infection such as COVID-19.
Modelling the impact of urban form on daily mobility energy consumption using archetypal cities
Authors: Haffner Maud , Bonin Olivier , Vuidel Gilles
Published: October 2023

Urban form is regularly identified as a potential key factor for reducing road traffic and the resulting energy consumption, but the nature of the link between mobility and urban form has been subject to considerable debate. This paper employs quantitative research methods to investigate the influence of urban form on daily mobility energy consumption. First, we used archetypal cities, representative of French large-sized cities, which allow us to isolate the impact of urban form and to have more generalised results. Second, we simulated daily mobility in those archetypal cities by using an individual-based daily mobility simulation model, Mobisim-Soft and then calculated the resulting energy consumptions. Our results confirm that the periurban city is the most energy consuming compare to the axialized and the polycentric cities, but it appears that the global structure of an agglomeration is a second-order factor compared to the inner arrangement of its neighbourhoods.
A survey of Israeli physical therapists regarding reactive balance training
Authors: Margalit Noam , Kurz Ilan , Wacht Oren , Mansfield Avril , Melzer Itshak
Published: October 2023

Background

‘Reactive balance training’ (RBT) was developed to improve balance reactions to unexpected losses of balance. Although this training method is effective, its practical usage in the field of physical-therapy in Israel and world-wide is still unclear.

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the extent of RBT use in physical-therapy clinics in Israel, to identify the significant barriers to/facilitators for implementing RBT in clinical practice among physical therapists, and to determine which aspects of RBT most interest physical therapists in Israel.

Methods

Physical therapists in Israel completed a survey using a questionnaire regarding their knowledge and use of RBT in their clinical practices. We compared the specific use of RBT among users; non-users; and open-to-use physical therapists. The odds ratios of the facilitators and barriers were calculated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Four-hundred and two physical therapists responded to a yes/no question regarding their use of RBT. Three-quarters (75.4%) of physical therapists reported using RBT in their practices. The most prevalent barrier cited was insufficient space for setting up equipment and most prevalent facilitator was having a colleague who uses RBT. Most of the respondents wanted to learn more about RBT, and most of the non-users wanted to expand their knowledge and mastery of RBT principles.

Conclusions

There are misconceptions and insufficient knowledge about RBT among physical therapists in Israel, indicating that they may falsely believe that RBT requires large and expensive equipment, suggesting they categorize RBT as external perturbation training only. Reliable information may help to improve general knowledge regarding RBT, and to facilitate the more widespread implementation of RBT as an effective fall-prevention intervention method.
CDC6, a key replication licensing factor, is overexpressed and confers poor prognosis in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Shen Mingfang , Zhang Yunfeng , Tang Lun , Fu Qinyan , Zhang Jiawei , Xu Yang , Zeng Hui , Li Yuan
Published: October 2023

Background

Cell division cycle 6 (CDC6) is a key licensing factor in the assembly of pre-replicative complexes at origins of replication. The role of CDC6 in the pathogenesis of in diffuse larger B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) remains unknown. We aim to investigate the effects of CDC6 on the proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle regulation in DLBCL cells, delineate its underlying mechanism, and to correlate CDC6 expression with clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with DLBCL.

Methods

Initial bioinformatic analysis was performed to screen the potential role of CDC6 in DLBCL. Lentiviral constructs harboring CDC6 or shCDC6 was transfected to overexpress or knockdown CDC6 in SUDHL4 and OCI-LY7 cells. The cell proliferation was evaluated by CCK-8 assay, cell apoptosis was detected by Annexin-V APC/7-AAD double staining, and cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry. Real time quantitative PCR and western blot was used to characterize CDC6 expression and its downstream signaling pathways. The clinical data of DLBCL patients were retrospectively reviewed, the CDC6 expression in DLBCL or lymph node reactive hyperplasia tissues was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

In silico data suggest that CDC6 overexpression is associated with inferior prognosis of DLBCL. We found that CDC6 overexpression increased SUDHL4 or OCI-LY7 cell proliferation, while knockdown of CDC6 inhibited cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner. Upon overexpression, CDC6 reduced cells in G1 phase and did not affect cell apoptosis; CDC6 knockdown led to significant cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and increase in cell apoptosis. Western blot showed that CDC6 inhibited the expression of INK4, E-Cadherin and ATR, accompanied by increased Bcl-2 and deceased Bax expression. The CDC6 protein was overexpressed DLBCL compared with lymph node reactive hyperplasia, and CDC6 overexpression was associated with non-GCB subtype, and conferred poor PFS and OS in patients with DLBCL.

Conclusion

CDC6 promotes cell proliferation and survival of DLBCL cells through regulation of G1/S cell cycle checkpoint and apoptosis. CDC6 is overexpressed and serves as a novel prognostic marker in DLBCL.
Visual acuity assessment of central retinal artery occlusion patients with or without paracentral acute middle maculopathy via OCT-A
Authors: Gong Hongxia , Wu Bin , Xie Shiyong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The association between paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) and visual acuity in patients with central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is still unclear. The present study investigated the visual acuity of CRAO patients with and without PAMM.

Methods

CRAO patients with PAMM or without PAMM were included. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) was used to record the macular retinal thickness and density of shallow and deep vessels. The Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was converted to a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) for statistical analysis.

Results

There were 34 CRAO patients with PAMM (43.13%), other 30 CRAO patients without PAMM (46.87%). Compared with the no-PAMM group, PAMM group had better LogMAR BCVA (1.48 (0.49, 1.85) Vs. 1.85 (1.70, 1.96), P < 0.01). There was also a significant difference in retinal thickness of the central macular sulcus (328.00 (304.50–332.25) Vs. 352.50 (311.75–420.50), P = 0.01). A significant correlation between LogMAR BCVA and macular retinal thickness was found (r = 0.42; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

CRAO patients with PAMM had significantly better visual acuity and less macular edema. OCT-A can be used to distinguish different levels of damage due to CRAO.
Harnessing community expertise in understanding food insecurity to inform responses in a local government area in Victoria, Australia: a mixed methods photovoice study
Authors: Molenaar Annika , Bucello Pieta , Kleve Sue
Published: October 2023

Background

Local food systems which support affordable, equitable, accessible, and sustainable food are important to enhance food access and reduce food insecurity. Cardinia Shire Council, a local government in Victoria, Australia has developed and endorsed a ‘Community Food Strategy’ to support their local food system and food security. This study aimed to explore local government community member perspectives regarding food access within their local food environment, and suggested areas to be addressed to better support access.

Methods

A sequential mixed methods photovoice methodology was implemented. Participants aged over 18 years, who resided in Cardinia Shire, completed an online quantitative survey to explore demographics, food access and food security status and severity (18-item USDA Household Food Security Survey Module). The qualitative photovoice method was used, whereby participants were asked to take photographs that represent their experiences of food access. These photographs were used as prompts in a semi-structured interview Interview data were thematically analysed.

Results

Seventeen participants completed the study, of which five participants experienced varied severity levels of food insecurity. From the photovoice interviews four themes were developed: 1) Food: a connector to self, people and place, 2) Influencers of food access and triggers for food insecurity, 3) Savvy food literacy skills to support access to food, 4) Consequences of and struggles with food insecurity. Participants suggested recommendations for action to support future food access in their community.

Conclusions

While food choice is influenced by a range of determinants, the local food environment greatly impacts both food access and food choice. A supportive local food system which promotes inclusion of a community voice, community connectedness, food literacy and physical and economic access to local produce is crucial to support food security.
Do restaurants comply with reduced salt requests from consumers ordering on meal delivery apps?
Authors: Song Chao , Li Wenyue , Cui Ying , Li Beisi , Chen Zhongdan , Snider Paige , Long Ying , Liu Ailing , Galea Gauden
Published: October 2023

Background

Chinese urban residents consume more salt from meals prepared outside home than in the past. The purpose of this study is to understand Chinese consumer demand for salt reduction as expressed through their orders on meal delivery apps (MDAs), restaurants’ willingness to promote salt reduction, and the extent to which restaurants comply with reduced salt requests.

Methods

We analyzed consumer comments extracted from 718 restaurants on a Chinese MDA called ELEME for orders made in the July-December 2020 timeframe. A self-designed questionnaire was distributed to the restaurant managers to assess restaurants’ attitude towards salt reduction upon signing up for the study, and laboratory validation was conducted to test whether dishes ordered with reduced salt requests by consumers actually contained less salt.

Results

A total of 25,982 (0.7%) orders out of 3,630,798 orders contained consumer comments. Of the consumer comments, 40.6% (10,549) were about requests for less salt in dishes. Totally 91.5% of 421 surveyed restaurants showed a willingness to respond to consumers’ reduced salt requests. The median sodium content measured in the reduced-salt dishes by the laboratory was significantly lower than that in their regular salt counterparts (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

We observed substantial consumer demand for salt reduction while ordering meals on the MDA and that restaurants did, in response, reduce the sodium content in the meals they provided. As meals delivered via MDAs comprise an increasing proportion of outside foods consumed, there is an opportunity for public health experts and policy makers to work with MDAs and restaurants to promote healthier food selections.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2100047729.