bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research tendency of microplastics and nanoplastics based on bibliometric analysis and perspective of the influence of human health
Authors: Zhang Xue , Hu Naifan , Yu Zhenfan , Du Yurun , Liu Yu , Wang Huihui , Pu Lining , He Xiaoxue , Pan Degong , He Shulan , Qiu Hongyan , Li Jiangping
Published: August 2022

Plastic microparticles are pollutants that have been proven to cause serious harm to human health and the environment. Using the core data set of Web of Science (WoSCC), this study analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of 7,076 relevant articles on microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics published from 2004 to 2021. The visualization software CiteSpace 5.8.R3 was used to analyze the research status and emerging trends in this field. The results show that MPs and nanoplastics are important research hotspots for environmental pollution and biological toxicity, with research carried out mainly in the fields of environmental science, material science, and toxicology. Research on the impact of MPs and nanoplastics on human health is still in its infancy.
Investigating the limits of superconductivity in UTe2
Authors: Weiland A , Thomas S M , Rosa P F S
Published: August 2022

Spin-triplet bulk superconductors are a promising route to topological superconductivity, and UTe2 is a recently discovered contender. The superconducting properties of UTe2, however, vary substantially as a function of the synthetic route, and even nonsuperconducting single crystals have been reported. To understand the driving mechanism suppressing superconductivity, we investigate UTe2 single crystals grown close to the nonsuperconducting boundary (growth temperature ∼710 ∘C) through a combination of thermodynamic and x-ray diffraction measurements. Specific heat measurements reveal a sharp decrease in the superconducting volume and a concomitant increase in the residual specific heat coefficient close to the nonsuperconducting boundary. Notably, these crystals are inhomogeneous and show an apparent double transition in specific heat measurements, similar to samples grown at much higher temperatures (∼1000 ∘C). Our single crystal x-ray diffraction measurements reveal that there are two important tuning parameters: uranium vacancies and the atomic displacement along the c axis, which shows a twofold increase in samples with a reduced superconducting volume. Our results highlight the key role of local disorder along the uranium-uranium dimers and suggest that the apparent double superconducting transition is more likely to emerge close to the superconducting limits of UTe2.
Scaling of biosynthesis and metabolism with cell size
Authors: Cadart Clotilde , Heald Rebecca
Published: August 2022

Cells adopt a size that is optimal for their function, and pushing them beyond this limit can cause cell aging and death by senescence or reduce proliferative potential. However, by increasing their genome copy number (ploidy), cells can increase their size dramatically and homeostatically maintain physiological properties such as biosynthesis rate. Recent studies investigating the relationship between cell size and rates of biosynthesis and metabolism under normal, polyploid, and pathological conditions are revealing new insights into how cells attain the best function or fitness for their size by tuning processes including transcription, translation, and mitochondrial respiration. A new frontier is to connect single-cell scaling relationships with tissue and whole-organism physiology, which promises to reveal molecular and evolutionary principles underlying the astonishing diversity of size observed across the tree of life.
Cell cycle and developmental control of cortical excitability in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Swider Zachary T. , Michaud Ani , Leda Marcin , Landino Jennifer , Goryachev Andrew B. , Bement William M.
Published: August 2022

Here we combine imaging with computational analysis to describe previously unnoticed changes in cortical excitability that respond to both cell cycle and developmental state. We also report two spatially segregated populations of waves: pan-cortical waves that are present throughout the cell cycle and F-actin waves confined to the cleavage furrow.
ZC3HC1 is a structural element of the nuclear basket effecting interlinkage of TPR polypeptides
Authors: Gunkel Philip , Cordes Volker C.
Published: August 2022

The nuclear basket (NB) is a fibrillar structure commonly looked upon as solely built of polypeptides of the large coiled-coil-forming protein TPR. Here, protein ZC3HC1 is reported as a novel second structural element of the NB functioning in the stepwise recruitment and stable interconnection of TPR subpopulations at the NB.
Precise measurement of nanoscopic septin ring structures with deep learning-assisted quantitative superresolution microscopy
Authors: Zehtabian Amin , Müller Paul Markus , Goisser Maximilian , Obendorf Leon , Jänisch Lea , Hümpfer Nadja , Rentsch Jakob , Ewers Helge
Published: August 2022

Deep learning (DL)-based recognition and analysis of structures in superresolution microscopy data is prone to bias. Validation of DL models on cellular and simulated data allows for unbiased recognition of septin structures different in size from wildtype providing a new experimental system for the investigation of septin polymerization.
Preprint Highlight: Transcriptomic changes highly similar to Alzheimer's disease are observed in a subpopulation of individuals during normal brain aging
Authors: Lee-Liu Dasfne
Published: August 2022

Relatively few studies have addressed how aging contributes to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) development and the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here the authors integrate gene expression data from ∼1000 brains, comparing normal aging with LOAD individuals across different brain regions and identify normal aging-specific and LOAD-specific gene expression signatures. They also identify a subgroup of normal-aging samples highly similar to LOAD, representing individuals with high risk for developing LOAD. This high-risk gene expression signature contains excellent candidates for future studies on the early molecular mechanisms of LOAD development. The systems biology approach used can and should be more widely applied to study other diseases using previously available databases.
Preprint Highlight: The novel Rab5 effector FERRY links early endosomes with the translation machinery
Authors: Mantegazza Adriana
Published: August 2022

Early endosomes bind certain mRNAs and are thought to facilitate translation thereon, but the mechanism underlying this function is not known. This study identifies a novel Rab 5 effector complex, the five-subunit endosomal Rab5 and the RNA/ribosome ntermediary (FERRY), which localizes to endosomes in neurons. By combining biochemical- and fluorescence-based assays, the authors find that FERRY binds specific mRNA transcripts, mostly those encoding mitochondrial proteins, and is found in proximity to mitochondria. This study proposes that early endosomes function both as platforms for particular mRNA translation and vehicles for mRNA delivery to mitochondria. Considering that mutations in FERRY subunits are associated with neurological disorders, these findings shed new light on the importance of endosomal-mitochondrial cross-talk in neurons and likely other cell types.
Preprint Highlight: Self‐supervised deep learning encodes high-resolution features of protein subcellular localization
Authors: Zaritsky Assaf
Published: August 2022

The ability to quantitatively characterize protein subcellular spatial organization is key for understanding how cells orchestrate their many functions. This study presents cytoself, a deep‐learning self‐supervised method to compute lower dimensional representations of protein spatial localization distributions by forcing different images of the same protein to have similar representations. Cytoself was applied to the public resource OpenCell to build a protein localization atlas that was validated by identifying known protein complexes that cluster together. The authors demonstrate how to interpret cytoself's output by identifying specific features in the localization representation associated with specific localization patterns in the images and by reverse engineering the neural network. Cytoself could serve as a “discovery tool” to generate hypotheses regarding unknown protein functions and protein‐protein interactions.
Preprint Highlight: Collagen remodeling dictates pancreatic cancer bioenergetics and outcome through DDR1 activation or degradation
Authors: Aguilera Kristina Y.
Published: August 2022

Aberrant desmoplasia (e.g., collagen deposition) is a prominent hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) pathogenesis. The mechanisms and signaling pathways impacted by the prevalent increase in collagen deposition are poorly understood. This study demonstrated opposing roles of fibrolytic stroma (cleaved type I collagen) and inert stroma (intact type I collagen) in driving PDAC tumorigenicity. Cleaved type I collagen activates discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), leading to increased tumor growth and liver metastases, macropinocytosis, metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, and poor patient outcomes. These effects were inhibited by intact type I collagen. This study describes new roles of DDR1-mediated regulation of macropinocytosis and mitochondrial biogenesis, delineates stromal states as oncogenic drivers of PDAC, and advances our understanding of aberrant desmoplasia.
HNOXPred: a web tool for the prediction of gas-sensing H-NOX proteins from amino acid sequence
Authors: Jiang Shiyu , Abdalla Hemn Barzan , Bi Chuyun , Zhu Yi , Tian Xuechen , Yang Yixin , Wong Aloysius
Published: August 2022

HNOXPred is a webserver for the prediction of gas-sensing heme-nitric oxide/oxygen (H-NOX) proteins from amino acid sequence. H-NOX proteins are gas-sensing hemoproteins found in diverse organisms ranging from bacteria to eukaryotes. Recently, gas-sensing complex multi-functional proteins containing only the conserved amino acids at the heme centers of H-NOX proteins, have been identified through a motif-based approach. Based on experimental data and H-NOX candidates reported in the literature, HNOXPred is created to automate and facilitate the identification of similar H-NOX centers across systems. The server features HNOXSCORES scaled from 0 to 1 that consider in its calculation, the physicochemical properties of amino acids constituting the heme center in H-NOX in addition to the conserved amino acids within the center. From user input amino acid sequence, the server returns positive hits and their calculated HNOXSCORES ordered from high to low confidence which are accompanied by interpretation guides and recommendations. The utility of this server is demonstrated using the human proteome as an example.

Availability and implementation

The HNOXPred server is available at https://www.hnoxpred.com.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Sera of patients infected by earlier lineages of SARS-CoV-2 are capable to neutralize later emerged variants of concern
Authors: Pauvolid-Corrêa Alex , Caetano Braulia Costa , Machado Ana Beatriz , Ferreira Mia Araújo , Valente Natalia , Neves Thayssa Keren , Geraldo Kim , Motta Fernando , dos Santos Valdiléa Gonçalves Veloso , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Siqueira Marilda Mendonça , Resende Paola Cristina
Published: August 2022

Serum samples of 20 hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients from Brazil who were infected by the earlier severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) lineages B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33, and by the variant of concern (VOC) Gamma (P.1) were tested by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90) with wild isolates of a panel of SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including B.1, Zeta, N.10, and the VOCs Gamma, Alpha, and Delta that emerged in different timeframes of the pandemic. The main objective of this study was to evaluate if the serum of patients infected by earlier lineages was capable to neutralize later emerged VOCs. We also evaluated if the 4-fold difference in PRNT90 titers is a reliable seropositivity criterion to distinguish infections caused by different SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Sera collected between May 2020 and August 2021 from the day of admittance to the hospital to 21 days after diagnostic of patients infected by the two earlier lineages B.1.1.28 and B.1.1.33 presented neutralizing capacity for all challenged VOCs, including Gamma and Delta. Among all variants tested, Delta and N.10 presented the lowest geometric mean of neutralizing antibody titers, and B.1.1.7, presented the highest titers. Four patients infected with Gamma, that emerged in December 2020, presented neutralizing antibodies for B.1, B.1.1.33, and B.1.1.28, its ancestor lineage. All of them had neutralizing antibodies under the level of detection for the VOC Delta. Patients infected by B.1.1.28 presented very similar geometric mean of neutralizing antibody titers for both B.1.1.33 and B.1.1.28. Findings presented here indicate that most patients infected in early stages of COVID-19 pandemic presented neutralizing antibodies capable to neutralize wild types of all later emerged VOCs in Brazil, and that the 4-fold difference in PRNT90 titers is not reliable to distinguish humoral response among different SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
Apolipoprotein B-100-mediated motor neuron degeneration in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Wong Jamie K , Roselle Anna K , Shue Taylor M , Shimshak Serena J E , Beaty Joseph M , Celestin Nadia M , Gao Ivy , Griffin Rose P , Cudkowicz Merit E , Sadiq Saud A
Published: August 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor neuron degeneration. Approximately 90% of cases occur sporadically with no known cause while 10% are familial cases arising from known inherited genetic mutations. In vivo studies have predominantly utilized transgenic models harbouring amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated gene mutations, which have not hitherto elucidated mechanisms underlying motor neuron death or identified therapeutic targets specific to sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here we provide evidence demonstrating pathogenic differences in CSF from patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients with mutations in SOD1, C9orf72 and TARDBP. Using a novel CSF-mediated animal model, we show that intrathecal delivery of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patient-derived CSF into the cervical subarachnoid space in adult wild-type mice induces permanent motor disability which is associated with hallmark pathological features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis including motor neuron loss, cytoplasmic TDP-43 translocation, reactive astrogliosis and microglial activation. Motor impairments are not induced by SOD1, C9orf72 or TARDBP CSF, although a moderate degree of histopathological change occurs in C9orf72 and TARDBP CSF-injected mice. By conducting a series of CSF filtration studies and global proteomic analysis of CSF, we identified apolipoprotein B-100 in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis CSF as the putative agent responsible for inducing motor disability, motor neuron degeneration and pathological translocation of TDP-43. Apolipoprotein B-100 alone is sufficient to recapitulate clinical and pathological outcomes in vivo and induce death of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived motor neurons in vitro. Targeted removal of apolipoprotein B-100 from sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis CSF via filtration or immunodepletion successfully attenuated the neurotoxic capacity of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis CSF to induce motor disability, motor neuron death, and TDP-43 translocation. This study presents apolipoprotein B-100 as a novel therapeutic target specific for the predominant sporadic form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and establishes proof-of-concept to support CSF pheresis as a therapeutic strategy for mitigating neurotoxicity in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Brain atrophy in middle age using magnetic resonance imaging scans from Japan’s health screening programme
Authors: Mori Susumu , Onda Kengo , Fujita Shohei , Suzuki Toshiaki , Ikeda Mikimasa , Zay Yar Myint Khin , Hikage Jun , Abe Osamu , Tomimoto Hidekazu , Oishi Kenichi , Taguchi Junichi
Published: August 2022

Although health screening plays a key role in the management of chronic diseases associated with lifestyle choices, brain health is not generally monitored, remaining a black box prior to the manifestation of clinical symptoms. Japan is unique in this regard, as brain MRI scans have been widely performed for more than two decades as part of Brain Dock, a comprehensive health screening programme. A vast number of stored images (well over a million) of longitudinal scans and extensive health data are available, offering a valuable resource for investigating the prevalence of various types of brain-related health conditions occurring throughout adulthood.

In this paper, we report on the findings of our preliminary quantitative analysis of T1-weighted MRIs of the brain obtained from 13 980 subjects from three participating sites during the period 2015–19. We applied automated segmentation analysis and observed age-dependent volume loss of various brain structures. We subsequently investigated the effects of scan protocols and the feasibility of calibration for pooling the data. Last, the degree of brain atrophy was correlated with four known risk factors of dementia; blood glucose level, hypertension, obesity, and alcohol consumption.

In this initial analysis, we identified brain ventricular volume as an effective marker of age-dependent brain atrophy, being highly sensitive to ageing and evidencing strong robustness against protocol variability. We established the normal range of ventricular volumes at each age, which is an essential first step for establishing criteria used to interpret data obtained for individual participants. We identified a subgroup of individuals at midlife with ventricles that substantially exceeded the average size. The correlation studies revealed that all four risk factors were associated with greater ventricular volumes at midlife, some of which reached highly significant sizes.

This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting a large-scale quantitative analysis of existing Brain Dock data in Japan. It will importantly guide future efforts to investigate the prevalence of large ventricles at midlife and the potential reduction of this prevalence, and hence of dementia risk, through lifestyle changes.
SGLT-2 inhibition by empagliflozin has no effect on experimental arterial thrombosis in a murine model of low-grade inflammation
Authors: Liberale Luca , Kraler Simon , Puspitasari Yustina M , Bonetti Nicole R , Akhmedov Alexander , Ministrini Stefano , Montecucco Fabrizio , Marx Nikolaus , Lehrke Michael , Hartmann Niels-Ulrik K , Beer Jürg H , Wenzl Florian A , Paneni Francesco , Lüscher Thomas F , Camici Giovanni G
Published: August 2022

Aims

Low-grade inflammation couples dysmetabolic states to insulin resistance and atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease (ASCVD). Selective sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibition by empagliflozin improves clinical outcomes in patients with ASCVD independently of its glucose lowering effects. Yet, its mechanism of action remains largely undetermined. Here, we aimed to test whether empagliflozin affects arterial thrombus formation in baseline (BSL) conditions or low-grade inflammatory states, a systemic milieu shared among patients with ASCVD.

Methods and results

Sixteen-week-old C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to acute administration of empagliflozin (25 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle, of which a subgroup was pre-treated biweekly over 4 weeks with super-low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 5 ng/kg body weight), before carotid thrombosis was induced by photochemical injury. The between-group difference in Doppler-flow probe detected time-to-occlusion remained within the predefined equivalence margin (Δ = |10.50|), irrespective of low-grade inflammation (95% confidence interval, –9.82 to 8.85 and –9.20 to 9.69), while glucose dropped by 1.64 and 4.84 mmoL/L, respectively. Ex vivo platelet aggregometry suggested similar activation status, corroborated by unchanged circulating platelet-factor 4 plasma levels. In concert, carotid PAI-1 expression and tissue factor (TF) activity remained unaltered upon SGLT-2 inhibition, and no difference in plasma D-dimer levels was detected, suggesting comparable coagulation cascade activation and fibrinolytic activity. In human aortic endothelial cells pre-treated with LPS, empagliflozin neither changed TF activity nor PAI-1 expression. Accordingly, among patients with established ASCVD or at high CV risk randomized to a daily dose of 10 mg empagliflozin signatures of thrombotic (i.e. TF) and fibrinolytic activity (i.e. PAI-1) remained unchanged, while plasma glucose declined significantly during 3 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

SGLT-2 inhibition by empagliflozin does not impact experimental arterial thrombus formation, neither under BSL conditions nor during sustained low-grade inflammation, and has no impact on proxies of thrombotic/fibrinolytic activity in patients with ASCVD. The beneficial pleiotropic effects of empagliflozin are likely independent of pathways mediating arterial thrombosis.
Prognostic value of right ventricular remodelling in patients undergoing concomitant aortic and mitral valve surgery
Authors: Tse Yi-Kei , Li Hang-Long , Yu Si-Yeung , Wu Mei-Zhen , Ren Qing-Wen , Huang Jiayi , Tse Hung-Fat , Bax Jeroen J , Yiu Kai-Hang
Published: August 2022

Aims

Long-term risk stratification and surgical timing remain suboptimal in concomitant aortic and mitral (double) valve surgery. This study sought to examine the predictors, changes, and prognostic implications of right ventricular (RV) remodelling in patients undergoing double-valve surgery.

Methods and results

In 152 patients undergoing double-valve surgery, four RV remodelling patterns were characterized using transthoracic echocardiography: normal RV size and systolic function (Pattern 1); dilated RV (tricuspid annulus diameter >35 mm) with normal systolic function (Pattern 2); normal RV size with systolic dysfunction (percentage RV fractional area change <35%; Pattern 3); and dilated RV with systolic dysfunction (Pattern 4). The primary endpoint was the composite of heart failure hospitalization and all-cause mortality. Patterns 1, 2, 3, and 4 RV remodelling were present in 41, 20, 23, and 16% of patients, respectively. Patients with Stage 4 RV remodelling had worse renal function, higher EuroSCORE II, and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. During a 3.7-year median follow up, 45 adverse events occurred. Patterns 3 and 4 RV remodelling were associated with significantly higher adverse event rates compared with Pattern 1 (37 and 75% vs. 11%, P < 0.01) and had incremental prognostic value when added to clinical parameters and EuroSCORE II (χ2 increased from 30 to 66, P < 0.01). At 1 year after surgery (n = 100), Patterns 3 and 4 RV remodelling had a higher risk of adverse events compared with Pattern 1.

Conclusion

Right ventricular remodelling was strongly related to adverse outcomes and deserves consideration as part of the risk and decision-making algorithms in double-valve surgery.
Functional performance of 8 small surgical aortic valve bioprostheses: an in vitro study
Authors: Sadat Najla , Scharfschwerdt Michael , Schaller Tim , Aboud Anas , Saisho Hiroyuki , Ensminger Stephan , Fujita Buntaro
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES

Selection of a surgical aortic valve (SAV) bioprosthesis model for the treatment of aortic valve disease remains controversial. The aim of this study was to characterize the functional performance of 8 SAV models in a standardized in vitro setting.

METHODS

The hydrodynamic performance of 8 SAVs with labelled size 21 mm (Avalus™, Hancock® II, Mosaic® Ultra™, Perimount®, Perimount® Magna Ease, Epic™ Supra, Trifecta™ GT; Freestyle®), was investigated in a pulse duplicator. Transvalvular pressure gradients and effective orifice area (EOA) were recorded. The geometrical orifice area and physical dimensions of the valves were determined, and new functional dimensions were introduced.

RESULTS

Mean pressure gradient (MPG) and EOA differed significantly between the analysed SAVs. The Epic presented with the lowest EOA and highest MPG, while the Trifecta showed the highest EOA and the lowest MPG. We introduce a useful way to determine the minimal internal diameter and a new measure termed ‘relative orifice area’ to characterize a valve’s performance.

CONCLUSIONS

SAVs showed significant differences in their hydrodynamic performance despite the same label size. This finding was related to the construction of the valves. We introduce a new measure that characterizes the functional performance of a valve model and size for the treatment of an aortic annulus of a specific size. Our data emphasize that SAV selection should carefully be done using an individual patient approach and that future research is necessary to improve the current generation of SAVs.
Socioeconomic impacts on Andean adolescents’ growth
Authors: Burris Mecca E , Caceres Esperanza , Chester Emily M , Hicks Kathryn A , McDade Thomas W , Sikkink Lynn , Spielvogel Hilde , Thornburg Jonathan , Vitzthum Virginia J
Published: August 2022

Background/Objectives

We evaluated potential socioeconomic contributors to variation in Andean adolescents’ growth between households within a peri-urban community undergoing rapid demographic and economic change, between different community types (rural, peri-urban, urban) and over time. Because growth monitoring is widely used for assessing community needs and progress, we compared the prevalences of stunting, underweight, and overweight estimated by three different growth references.

Methods

Anthropometrics of 101 El Alto, Bolivia, adolescents (Alteños), 11.0–14.9 years old in 2003, were compared between households (economic status assessed by parental occupations); to one urban and two rural samples collected in 1983/1998/1977, respectively; and to the WHO growth reference, a representative sample of Bolivian children (MESA), and a region-wide sample of high-altitude Peruvian children (Puno).

Results

Female Alteños’ growth was positively associated with household and maternal income indices. Alteños’ height averaged ∼0.8SD/∼0.6SD/∼2SDs greater than adolescents’ height in urban and rural communities measured in 1983/1998/1977, respectively. Overweight prevalence was comparable to the WHO, and lower than MESA and Puno, references. Stunting was 8.5/2.5/0.5 times WHO/MESA/Puno samples, respectively.

Conclusions/Implications

Both peri-urban conditions and temporal trends contributed to gains in Alteños’ growth. Rural out-migration can alleviate migrants’ poverty, partly because of more diverse economic options in urbanized communities, especially for women. Nonetheless, Alteños averaged below WHO and MESA height and weight medians. Evolved biological adaptations to environmental challenges, and the consequent variability in growth trajectories, favor using multiple growth references. Growth monitoring should be informed by community- and household-level studies to detect and understand local factors causing or alleviating health disparities.
Epigenetics in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: influence of exercise and nutrition
Authors: Gevaert Andreas B , Wood Nathanael , Boen Jente R A , Davos Constantinos H , Hansen Dominique , Hanssen Henner , Krenning Guido , Moholdt Trine , Osto Elena , Paneni Francesco , Pedretti Roberto F E , Plösch Torsten , Simonenko Maria , Bowen T Scott
Published: August 2022

Increasing evidence links changes in epigenetic systems, such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and non-coding RNA expression, to the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). These epigenetic modifications can change genetic function under influence of exogenous stimuli and can be transferred to next generations, providing a potential mechanism for inheritance of behavioural intervention effects. The benefits of exercise and nutritional interventions in the primary and secondary prevention of CVD are well established, but the mechanisms are not completely understood. In this review, we describe the acute and chronic epigenetic effects of physical activity and dietary changes. We propose exercise and nutrition as potential triggers of epigenetic signals, promoting the reshaping of transcriptional programmes with effects on CVD phenotypes. Finally, we highlight recent developments in epigenetic therapeutics with implications for primary and secondary CVD prevention.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction is an independent predictor of developing cancer in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Rajai Nazanin , Ahmad Ali , Toya Takumi , Sara Jaskanwal D , Herrmann Joerg , Lerman Lilach O , Lerman Amir
Published: August 2022

Aims

Cardiovascular disease and cancer share common pathogenesis and risk factors. Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD), reflecting impaired coronary microvascular dilation in response to stress, is related to a higher risk of major cardiovascular events; however, its association with cancer has not been explored.

Methods and results

A retrospective study on 1042 patients with non-obstructive coronary artery diseases (NOCADs) was performed. Data regarding demographic, clinical history, diagnostic coronary reactivity test, and cancer occurrence were collected. Coronary microvascular dysfunction was defined as coronary flow reserve (the ratio of hyperaemic blood flow to resting blood flow) ≤2.5. Thirty-four per cent had CMD (67.4% female and the average age was 52.4 ± 12.2 years). Of 917 patients with no history of cancer, 15.5% developed cancer during follow-up [median of 9 (4, 16) years]. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that CMD patients had lower cancer-free survival compared with those without CMD (log-rank P = 0.005). Cox proportional hazard analyses showed that after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and glomerular filtration rate, CMD is independently associated with cancer [hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09–2.04; P = 0.04]. The rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) was significantly higher in CMD patients compared with that in non-CMD patients who had a previous history of cancer [odds ratio (OR), 2.5; 95% CI, 1–6.2; P = 0.04] and those with no history of cancer (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.01–1.9; P = 0.044).

Conclusion

Coronary microvascular dysfunction is associated with cancer incidence in patients presenting with NOCADs. This study emphasizes follow-up in patients with CMD to evaluate the risk of MACE as well as potential malignant diseases.
The Time-Varying Link of Public Timber REITs with Private Timberland, Real Estate, and Financial Assets
Authors: Baral Srijana , Mei Bin
Published: August 2022

We examined the relationship between public timber real estate investment trusts (REIT), private timberland, real estate, and financial asset returns using a multi-factor model and investigated the time-varying volatility of timber REITs under the state space framework. We first orthogonalized explanatory variables to obtain pure factors. Then we decomposed REIT volatility into S&P500, private-equity timberland, real estate, bond, and idiosyncratic risk components. Results reveal that timber REITs are positively sensitive to large-cap stocks and bonds. Volatility contributions of the large-cap stock factor are consistent and high whereas those of idiosyncratic risk factors decline over time. Private-equity timberland, real estate, and bonds exhibit negligible contribution to the volatility of timber REITs. We conclude that timber REIT characteristics change with time and the timber REIT market is not mature. Thus, the results contribute to our understanding of the risk and return features of public-equity timberland investments.
The cAMP-PKA pathway regulates prey sensing and trap morphogenesis in the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora
Authors: Chen Sheng-An , Lin Hung-Che , Hsueh Yen-Ping
Published: August 2022

Sensing environmental factors and responding swiftly to them is essential for all living organisms. For instance, predators must act rapidly once prey is sensed. Nematode-trapping fungi (NTF) are predators that use “traps” differentiated from vegetative hyphae to capture, kill, and consume nematodes. These traps undergo drastic and rapid morphological changes upon nematode induction. Multiple signaling hubs have been shown to regulate this remarkable process. Here, we demonstrate that the conserved cAMP-PKA signaling pathway exerts a crucial role in trap morphogenesis of the nematode-trapping fungi Arthrobotrys oligospora. A gene deletion mutant of the PKA catalytic subunit TPK2 proved insensitive toward nematode presence. Moreover, we show that the G protein alpha subunit GPA2 acts upstream of adenylate cyclase, with GPA2 deletion resulting in substantially reduced trap formation, whereas exogenous provision of cAMP rescued the prey-sensing and trap morphogenesis defects of a gpa2 mutant. Thus, we show that cAMP production triggered by G protein signaling and downstream PKA activity are vital for prey-sensing and trap development in A. oligospora, demonstrating that this highly conserved signaling pathway is critical for nematode-trapping fungi and nematode predator–prey interactions.
Pericardioperitoneal shunt for the treatment of refractory non-malignant pericardial effusion
Authors: Masaru Ishida , Tetsuya Kajiyama , Hisashi Satoh
Published: August 2022

We report the case of a 74-year-old man treated for refractory non-malignant pericardial effusion using a pericardioperitoneal shunt. After the failure of conventional pericardiocentesis, a pericardioperitoneal shunt using a Denver shunt was inserted to drain the pericardial effusion into the peritoneal cavity. At 3-year follow-up, the effusion was well controlled and the shunt remained patent.
Comparison of Fibrinogen Concentrations Determined by the Clauss Method with Prothrombin-Derived Measurements on an Automated Coagulometer
Authors: Guven Berrak , Can Murat , Tekin Abdulkadir
Published: August 2022

Background

This research aims to compare fibrinogen results, obtained from the Clauss and PT-derived method on the Cobas t511 analyzer, in patients with specific categories of disease. A second aim was to determine the reference range for these 2 methods.

Methods

We retrospectively compared fibrinogen concentrations of 914 patients obtained by the Clauss and PT-derived methods on the Cobas t511 coagulation analyzer from the laboratory information system. Fibrinogen data was segregated into a healthy outpatient population and those populations with possible fibrinogen abnormalities including pregnancy, chronic illness, liver disease, heart and vascular diseases, and clinical suspicion of COVID-19. All data were analyzed using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman analysis. Reference ranges were determined from fibrinogen results of the healthy outpatient population who presented for a clinic check-up.

Results

All fibrinogen results were grouped and compared according to fibrinogen values (low, normal, and high), international normalized ratio (INR) values (<1.2, 1.2–2.0, and >2.0), and diagnosis. There were statistically significant positive correlations in all groups (P < 0.05), except for low fibrinogen values (P = 0.96). Results with INR value <1.2 had the highest correlation between 2 methods.

Conclusion

The PT-derived method can be used alone in the Cobas t511 analyzer, especially in patients with an INR <1.2. Reported new reference ranges of the PT-derived method could help to determine and compare the clinical significance of fibrinogen methods. Further studies must be focused on the conditions in which PT-derived fibrinogen results should be directed to the Clauss test.
Differential RNA aptamer affinity profiling on plasma as a potential diagnostic tool for bladder cancer
Authors: Fjelstrup Søren , Dupont Daniel M , Bus Claus , Enghild Jan J , Jensen Jørgen B , Birkenkamp-Demtröder Karin , Dyrskjøt Lars , Kjems Jørgen
Published: August 2022

The molecular composition of blood is a signature of human health, reflected in the thousands of blood biomarkers known for human diseases. However, establishing robust disease markers is challenging due to the diversity of individual samples. New sequencing methods have simplified biomarker discovery for circulating DNA and RNA while protein profiling is still laborious and costly. To harness the power of high-throughput sequencing to profile the protein content of a biological sample, we developed a method termed APTASHAPE that uses oligonucleotide aptamers to recognize proteins in complex biofluids. We selected a large pool of 2′Fluoro protected RNA sequences to recognize proteins in human plasma and identified a set of 33 cancer-specific aptamers. Differential enrichment of these aptamers after selection against 1 μl of plasma from individual patients allowed us to differentiate between healthy controls and bladder cancer-diagnosed patients (91% accuracy) and between early non-invasive tumors and late stage tumors (83% accuracy). Affinity purification and mass spectrometry of proteins bound to the predictive aptamers showed the main target proteins to be C4b-binding protein, Complement C3, Fibrinogen, Complement factor H and IgG. The APTASHAPE method thus provides a general, automated and highly sensitive platform for discovering potential new disease biomarkers.
Equity Issuance Methods and Dilution
Authors: Burkart Mike , Zhong Hongda
Published: August 2022

We analyze rights and public offerings when informed shareholders strategically choose to subscribe. Absent wealth constraints, rights offerings achieve the full information outcome and dominate public offerings. When some shareholders are wealth constrained, rights offerings lead to more dilution of their stakes and lower payoffs, despite the income from selling these rights. In both rights and public offerings, there is a trade-off between investment efficiency and wealth transfers among shareholders. When firms can choose the flotation method, either all firms choose the same offer method or high and low types opt for rights offerings, while intermediate types select public offerings. (JEL G32)
Revealed Price Preference: Theory and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Deb Rahul , Kitamura Yuichi , Quah John K H , Stoye Jörg
Published: August 2022

To determine the welfare implications of price changes in demand data, we introduce a revealed preference relation over prices. We show that the absence of cycles in this relation characterizes a consumer who trades off the utility of consumption against the disutility of expenditure. Our model can be applied whenever a consumer’s demand over a strict subset of all available goods is being analysed; it can also be extended to settings with discrete goods and non-linear prices. To illustrate its use, we apply our model to a single-agent data set and to a data set with repeated cross-sections. We develop a novel test of linear hypotheses on partially identified parameters to estimate the proportion of the population who are revealed better off due to a price change in the latter application. This new technique can be used for non-parametric counterfactual analysis more broadly.
Stem Cell Therapies for Chronic Liver Diseases: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Li Tian-Tian , Wang Ze-Rui , Yao Wei-Qi , Linghu En-Qiang , Wang Fu-Sheng , Shi Lei
Published: August 2022

Chronic liver diseases have become a significant health issue worldwide and urgently require the development of novel therapeutic approaches, in addition to liver transplantation. Recent clinical and preclinical studies have shown that cell-based therapeutic strategies may contribute to the improvement of chronic liver diseases and offer new therapeutic options to restore liver function through their roles in tissue impairment and immunomodulation. In this review, we summarize the current progress and analyze the challenges for different types of cell therapies used in the treatment of chronic liver diseases currently explored in clinical trials and preclinical studies in animal models. We also discuss some critical issues regarding the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, the most extensive cell source of stem cells), including therapeutic dosage, transfusion routine, and pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) of transfused MSCs.
Real-Time PCR Detection of Elsinoë spp. on Citrus
Authors: Elliott Ashleigh J. , van Raak Marcel M. J. P. , Barnes Ann V. , Field Christopher J. , van Duijnhoven Aron A. L. A. M. , Webb Kathryn , van de Vossenberg Bart T. L. H.
Published: August 2022

Elsinoë species are the causal agents of scab and spot diseases on many economically important plant species. Diagnosis based on symptomology is often problematic, and traditional methods are not appropriate as Elsinoë spp. are notoriously difficult to isolate and slow growing. Three Elsinoë species that infect Citrus are regulated as quarantine organisms within the European Union. Reliable and fast detection of Elsinoë species on citrus fruit is essential for effective phytosanitary control. In this study, a multiplex real-time PCR was designed for rapid and sensitive detection of Elsinoë species, and validation was focused on citrus fruit. The test was specific to the Elsinoë genus when tested against a range of nontarget pathogens and had the ability to detect all three regulated Elsinoë species on Citrus. The test also proved highly sensitive, with a limit of detection of 12 fg of DNA per reaction. This new test can be used as a tool in the diagnostic process for the rapid and sensitive detection of Elsinoë pathogens on symptomatic plant material.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Capturing Essentials in Wound Photography Past, Present, and Future: A Proposed Algorithm for Standardization
Authors: Onuh Ogechukwu C. , Brydges Hilliard T. , Nasr Hani , Savage Elizabeth , Gorenstein Scott , Chiu Ernest
Published: August 2022

GENERAL PURPOSE

To discuss a standardized methodology for wound photography with a focus on aiding clinicians in capturing high-fidelity images.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant will be able to:

1. Discriminate the components of high-quality wound photography.

2. Identify the technological innovations that can augment clinical decision-making capacity.

3. Choose strategies that can help clinicians avoid adverse medicolegal outcomes.

Significance

According to a 2018 study, chronic wounds affect more than 8 million Americans and impose a substantial economic burden, with costs of care reaching upward of US $30 billion. As demographics in the US shift toward an aging population, these numbers are likely to progressively increase annually. Care of these patients relies heavily on photographic documentation, which catalogs disease progression and informs management decisions. This article elaborates a standardized methodology for wound photography and aims to aid clinicians in capturing high-fidelity images.

Recent Advances

Technological advancements, notably digital cameras and smart phones, have exponentially improved both the rate and quality of wound photography, but their potential has yet to be fully realized.

Critical Issues

Despite the indispensable nature of wound photography, literature detailing the photography process remains sparse. The absence of a standardized methodology for wound photography leads to subpar documentation, which ultimately hinders patient care. Further, information regarding medicolegal implications of wound photography remains fragmented and opaque to many clinicians. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of best practices in wound photography, medicolegal considerations, and an overview of emerging technologies.

Future Directions

Photographic documentation is indispensable in the management of chronic wounds. Capturing consistent, high-fidelity images requires the adoption of standardized protocols. Emerging technologies, such as three-dimensional imagery, biosensors, and artificial intelligence, are poised to profoundly alter wound photography in the future. However, standardized protocols informed by sound clinical judgment will remain of paramount importance.
Building a Business Case for Hiring Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurses
Authors: Gallagher Mary Anne , Chraplyvy Natalia
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE

To describe how one organization built a business case for a wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurse team expansion.

SETTING

The organization is part of a multihospital system; it is an 862-bed, urban, academic medical center with a gastrointestinal surgery program.

METHODS

The director of nursing and the WOC nurse staff worked collaboratively to build a staffing proposal. Finding a lack of published staffing guidelines for WOC nurses, researchers assessed workload and volume growth, benchmarked internal and external staffing, and conducted a market comparison. The proposal demonstrated impact on care outcomes related to a reduction in WOC nurses.

RESULTS

Based on the case presented, the Off Budget Investment Team committee was satisfied that additional WOC nurse resources would bring both quality and financial value to the organization by reducing hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) incidence and increasing ostomy consults. Approval of additional full-time equivalents was contingent upon a commitment to reduce year-over-year HAPI incidence and to assess the additional costs of treating a HAPI, specific to this organization.

CONCLUSIONS

Wound ostomy continence nurses bring value to clinical outcomes that impact patient experience, direct and indirect expenses, rankings, reputation, liability, and pay for performance.
American Cochlear Implant Alliance Task Force Guidelines for Clinical Assessment and Management of Adult Cochlear Implantation for Single-Sided Deafness
Authors: Dillon Margaret T. , Kocharyan Armine , Daher Ghazal S. , Carlson Matthew L. , Shapiro William H. , Snapp Hillary A. , Firszt Jill B.
Published: August 2022

The indications for cochlear implantation have expanded to include individuals with profound sensorineural hearing loss in the impaired ear and normal hearing (NH) in the contralateral ear, known as single-sided deafness (SSD). There are additional considerations for the clinical assessment and management of adult cochlear implant candidates and recipients with SSD as compared to conventional cochlear implant candidates with bilateral moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss. The present report reviews the current evidence relevant to the assessment and management of adults with SSD. A systematic review was also conducted on published studies that investigated outcomes of cochlear implant use on measures of speech recognition in quiet and noise, sound source localization, tinnitus perception, and quality of life for this patient population. Expert consensus and systematic review of the current literature were combined to provide guidance for the clinical assessment and management of adults with SSD.