bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and Validation of a Novel Prognostic Signature for Intestinal Type of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Fan , Maswikiti Ewetse Paul , Wei Yucai , Wu Wenzhang , Li Yumin
Published: August 2021

Background. Intestinal type of gastric cancer (IGC) is the largest subtype of gastric cancer (GC) by Lauren classification. The purpose of this present study was to construct a prognostic signature for IGC patients, based on the high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and IGC tissues, to improve and enhance the prognostic accuracy. Methods. The microarray datasets and associated clinical characteristics of HGD and IGC were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Based on the differential expression analysis between HGD and IGC, the prognostic-related differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified in a training set by univariate COX regression analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to construct an optimal prognostic signature. The enrichment analysis was performed by using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). The performance of the nomogram was assessed by the calibration curve and concordance index (C-index). The results were validated by using a testing set. Results. We identified 35 prognostic-related DGEs in the training set. The nine-gene signature was established by LASSO analysis. The nine-gene signature was an independent risk factor in both the training and testing sets. The areas under the curve (AUC) values of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis were 0.733 and 0.700 for the training and testing sets, respectively. In GSEA analysis, the gene expression in high-risk group was enriched in hedgehog signaling, epithelial mesenchymal transition, and angiogenesis. The nomogram for IGC showed good performance with C-index of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76-0.86) and 0.70 (95% CI: 0.63-0.77) in the training and testing sets, respectively. Conclusion. We identified and verified a nine-gene signature for the prognostic prediction of IGC patients, which might identify subgroups of IGC patients and select more suitable therapeutic options.
Reliability and Validity of the Czech Version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in Patients with Sleep Disorders and Healthy Controls
Authors: Manková Denisa , Dudysová Daniela , Novák Jan , Fárková Eva , Janků Karolina , Kliková Monika , Bušková Jitka , Bartoš Aleš , Šonka Karel , Kopřivová Jana
Published: August 2021

Objectives. Psychometric properties of the Czech version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI‐CZ) have been evaluated only in patients with chronic insomnia, and thus, it is unclear whether PSQI‐CZ is suitable for use in other clinical and nonclinical populations. This study was aimed at examining the validity and reliability of the PSQI‐CZ and at assessing whether the unidimensional or multidimensional scoring of the instrument would be recommended. Methods. A total of 524 adult subjects from the Czech population participated in the study. The internal consistency of PSQI was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha. The known‐group validity was tested using the Kruskal‐Wallis H test to verify the difference between patients with sleep disorders and healthy control sample. For testing the structural validity, a cross‐validation approach was used with both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). For EFA, the maximum likelihood method with direct oblimin rotation and parallel analysis was used. Results. The internal consistency of PSQI‐CZ items was moderate (α = 0.75). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed high specificity (0.79) and moderate sensitivity (0.64) using an optimal cut‐off score of 10. The EFA revealed a 3‐factor structure with factors labelled as “sleep duration and efficiency,” “sleep disturbances and quality,” and “sleep latency.” The CFA showed that the emerged 3‐factor model had a partly acceptable fit, which was better than other previously supported models. Conclusions. A high cut‐off score of 10 is recommended to define poor sleep quality. Given the inconsistency of structural analyses, alternative scoring was not recommended. However, the individual components in addition to a total score should be interpreted when assessing sleep quality. We recommend editing and verifying the PSQI‐CZ translation.
On Convolution and Convex Combination of Harmonic Mappings
Authors: Ahmad El-Faqeer Ahmad Sulaiman , Ng Zhen Chuan , Supramaniam Shamani
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the subclass of harmonic univalent functions by shearing construction is studied and this subclass of harmonic mappings needs a necessary and adequate condition to be convex in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, convolutions of two special subclasses of univalent harmonic mappings are shown to be convex in the horizontal direction. Also, the family of univalent harmonic mappings of the unit disk onto a region convex in the direction of the imaginary axis is introduced. Sufficient conditions for convex combinations of harmonic mappings of this family to be univalently convex in the direction of the imaginary axis are obtained.
Atypical Presentation of Systemic Arthritis in a Toddler with Down Syndrome
Authors: Worley Emily , Li Weijie , Jones Jordan T.
Published: August 2021

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of childhood, which is characterized by the combination of arthritis, serositis, daily, high-spiking fevers, and evanescent macular rash and can present with the life-threatening complication of macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Children with Down syndrome (DS) have complex medical challenges related to abnormalities in their immune system, which can cause a broad spectrum of disease manifestations, which can occur atypically. Children with DS are at increased risk for arthritis and interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with sJIA that has high mortality. This case report outlines an atypical presentation of sJIA in a 21-month-old male with DS in which fever was not part of the initial presentation of sJIA and then later developed MAS and ILD. Due to broad spectrum of disease and atypical presentation in children with DS, this case report was created to increase awareness of atypical presentations of rheumatic disease in children with DS.
Moringa oleifera is a Prominent Source of Nutrients with Potential Health Benefits
Authors: Islam Zahidul , Islam S. M. Rashadul , Hossen Faruk , Mahtab-ul-Islam Kazi , Hasan Md. Rakibul , Karim Rezaul
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, the socioeconomic status has been changed a lot, so people are now more concerned about their life style and health. They have knowledge about the detrimental effects of synthetic products. That is why they are interested in natural products. Utilization of natural products of plant origin having fewer side effects has gained popularity over the years. There is immense scope for natural products that can intimate health benefits beyond traditional nutrients. Moringa oleifera is one such tree having tremendous nutritional and medicinal benefits. It is rich in macro- and micronutrients and other bioactive compounds which are important for normal functioning of the body and prevention of certain diseases. Leaves, flowers, seeds, and almost all parts of this tree are edible and have immense therapeutic properties including antidiabetic, anticancer, antiulcer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Most of the recent studies suggested that Moringa should be used as a functional ingredient in food. The aim of this review is to focus the use of Moringa oleifera as a potential ingredient in food products.
Formation of Residual Bubbles in Diesel Engine Nozzle and Their Influence on Initial Jet
Authors: Ni Xiaonan , Wen Hua
Published: August 2021

The method of combining experiment and numerical simulation was used to study the cavitation and gas backflow phenomena during nozzle off-flow stage and the influence of residual bubbles on the initial jet in the near field. An equal-size optical nozzle based on acrylic material is designed, and the injection process of the fuel nozzle is photographed using high-speed photography technology. Establish a cavitation mathematical model to analyze the details of internal flow and initial jet. The results show that after the needle valve starts to close, cavitation occurs in the orifice and the sac in sequence, and the amount of cavitation in the sac is large. The collapse of cloud of cavitation bubbles will cause the outside air to flow back into the nozzle. The volume of the backflow air is slightly larger than the total volume of cloud of cavitation bubbles. The study found that the initial position of the residual bubbles has a significant effect on the initial atomization shape. When the residual bubble was in the front of the orifice, the initial tip was formed at the front of jet, and then, it stretched into a thin ligament due to vortex ring motion around the jet.
Damage Evolution of Sandstone under Constant‐Amplitude Cyclic Loading Based on Acoustic Emission Parameters and Resistivity
Authors: Wang Kui , Xia Zhengting , Huang Zhen , Li Xue
Published: August 2021

In the real environment, besides static load, rock is more affected by cyclic load. There is a large difference in the mechanical properties exhibited by rocks under cyclic and static loading. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to investigate the mechanical characteristics of rock subjected to cyclic loading. These parameters of rock, acoustic emission (AE) and resistivity, are both sensitive to the failure process of rock, and they are complementary to the different stages of rock damage. Therefore, in this paper, the AE characteristics and resistivity properties of sandstone subjected to constant‐amplitude cyclic loading and unloading were experimentally investigated using a typical sandstone in Chongqing. The same three‐stage pattern was found for the AE evolution of sandstones during constant‐amplitude cyclic loading. Initial evolution stage: the rock deformation is fast with strong changes in the AE signal. The rock deformation developed slowly while the changes of the AE signal were stable in the constant velocity evolution stage. The rock deformation developed dramatically while the AE signal became more intense in accelerated evolution stage. The change in resistivity is characterized by a rapid decrease during the loading stage and a rapid rebound during the unloading stage. Overall, from the beginning of the cycle to the end of the cycle, the resistivity of the sandstone showed a general trend of gradual decrease, until the sudden increase in resistivity at the time of damage. Finally, a damage model based on AE parameters and resistivity was constructed by combining damage mechanics.
Multifactor Analysis of Calibration and Service Quality of the Soil Moisture Sensor Applied in Subgrade Engineering
Authors: Xiao Ke , Bai Wen-qi , Wang Si-si
Published: August 2021

The soil is an important natural resource, and its moisture status plays a key role in the strength and stability of the soil structure. In civil industries including the agriculture engineering and the forestry engineering, moisture sensors are widely used to test and monitor the engineering properties and long‐term service performance of soil. The influence of multiple factors on the quality and the accuracy of the soil moisture sensor should be taken into account. Both laboratory and field tests were performed by the time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) method. The soil dielectric constant and magnetic permeability under different moisture contents, different temperatures, and different dry densities were comprehensively evaluated. At the same time, the sensitive factors in the service performance of the TDR sensor have been revealed by the real state of tested soil samples. Based on the testing principle of TDR, a calibration calculation model has been developed to evaluate accurately the moisture content of the subgrade slope. The results show that both the moisture content and the dry density had a significant influence on the dielectric constant and the magnetic permeability of soil. The developed calculation model has a good fitting effect and stability. Through the model, the influence of moisture content and temperature on the soil dielectric constant has been analyzed, and the fitting goodness is above 90%. After half a year of settlement, the soil was gradually drained and consolidated, and the moisture content of the subgrade section gradually decreased. It verified that the monitoring method determined by the laboratory calibration test was effective and accurate.
The Analysis of Driver’s Recognition Time of Different Traffic Sign Combinations on Urban Roads via Driving Simulation
Authors: Liu Kun , Deng Hongxing
Published: August 2021

Given the impact of traffic sign combinations (TSC) on the driver’s visual recognition, this paper analyzed the influence on the driver’s visual recognition process. It used the cognitive psychology theory to establish the information transmission model during the traffic sign combinations. It abstracted the information transmission model to construct the driver’s information processing model. Simultaneously, according to the analysis of the traffic sign combinations of the urban roads, this paper carried out the driver’s visual recognition simulation test when the traffic signs were combined, measured the reaction time of the driver’s visual recognition of multiple combinations of traffic signs, and analyzed the driver’s recognition time (DRT) range in the traffic sign combinations. It used correlation analysis, robust estimation, polynomial regression, and other methods to obtain a significant relationship between the driver’s recognition times in different traffic sign combinations (DTSC). Then it built polynomial regression analysis models, fitted the data, and visualized the fitting results. The results show that through the analysis of the experimental data, based on ensuring certain accuracy, the driver’s recognition time of the traffic sign combinations of the urban road increased appropriately. There is a significant relationship between different traffic sign combinations and the driver’s recognition time. As the number of traffic signs increases, the driver’s recognition time increases significantly. Besides, under certain conditions, gender, age, and the driving experience will impact the driver’s recognition time during the traffic sign combinations. The research results can provide the relevant theoretical basis for the setting of urban traffic signs, provide a powerful reference for the revision of various traffic sign setting standards and norms, and provide ideas for future research on the sign system.
Dengue Infection and Its Relationship with Evans Syndrome: A Pediatric Case
Authors: Ardila Gomez Ivan Jose , López Pilar Pérez , Hernández Carreño Mónika Rocío , Barrios Torres Juan Camilo
Published: August 2021

Dengue is a single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family. It is an endemic virus in tropical countries. In Colombia, 4 serotypes are present, and the disease is a burden for public health, social programs, and the economic sectors. The main vector is Aedes aegypti, and most infections are asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic. The hemorrhagic appearances of severe dengue are due to plasma leakage as a result of increased vascular permeability, severe thrombopenia, and hemoconcentration. In 2020, 78,979 cases of dengue were reported in Colombia. 38,836 (49.2%) of them were warning-free signs, 39,246 (49.7%) with warning signs, and 897 (1.1%) of severe dengue. As it is well-known, viral diseases are immune system activators, triggering off a loss of tolerance in it. Dengue is not an exception, and it is able to explain different autoimmune phenomena including macrophage activation. Mechanisms have been described by which an exacerbated response of the disease is triggered through the increase of infected cells, formation of immune complexes, and complement pathway activation, which lead to a cross-reaction of viral antigens with epithelial cells with platelets with subsequent endothelial dysfunction and bleeds. The first description of Evans syndrome was made in 1951 by Robert Evans. This syndrome is characterized by the combination of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, immune thrombocytopenia, and, less common/usual, immune neutropenia. This disease’s etiology is unknown, and the dysregulation of the immune system is among its possibilities. Here, we present the case of an unusual hematological and immunological complication of a patient who developed Evans syndrome during severe dengue, taking into account the concomitantly limited literature available for these two diseases, the need for a broader diagnostic approach, multidisciplinary intervention, and a more complex therapeutic approach.
MicroRNA‐23a‐5p Is Involved in the Regulation of Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Acute Lung Injury by Targeting HSP20/ASK1
Authors: Chen Yi-Fei , Hu Fen , Wang Xian-Guo , Tang Zheng , Tang He-Xiao , Xu Ming
Published: August 2021

Inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the progression of acute lung injury (ALI). MicroRNA‐23a‐5p (miR‐23a‐5p) has been reported to regulate inflammation and oxidative stress; however, its role in ALI is still poorly elucidated. Mice were intravenously treated with the miR‐23a‐5p antagomir, agomir, or the negative controls for 3 consecutive days and then received a single intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5 mg/kg) to induce ALI. Pulmonary function, bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALFs), arterial blood gas, and molecular biomarkers associated with inflammation and oxidative stress were analyzed. In addition, murine peritoneal macrophages were isolated and treated with LPS to verify the role of miR‐23a‐5p in vitro. We detected an elevation of miR‐23a‐5p expression in the lungs from ALI mice. The miR‐23a‐5p antagomir was prevented, whereas the miR‐23a‐5p agomir aggravated inflammation, oxidative stress, lung tissue injury, and pulmonary dysfunction in LPS‐treated mice. Besides, the miR‐23a‐5p antagomir also reduced the productions of proinflammatory cytokines and free radicals in LPS‐treated primary macrophages, which were further augmented in cells following the miR‐23a‐5p agomir treatment. Additional findings demonstrated that the miR‐23a‐5p agomir exacerbated LPS‐induced ALI via activating apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), and that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of ASK1 significantly repressed the deleterious effects of the miR‐23a‐5p agomir. Moreover, we proved that the miR‐23a‐5p agomir activated ASK1 via directly reducing heat shock protein 20 (HSP20) expression. miR‐23a‐5p is involved in the regulation of LPS‐induced inflammation, oxidative stress, lung tissue injury, and pulmonary dysfunction by targeting HSP20/ASK1, and it is a valuable therapeutic candidate for the treatment of ALI.
Mining Natural Products with Anticancer Biological Activity through a Systems Biology Approach
Authors: Theofylaktou Dionysia , Takan Işıl , Karakülah Gökhan , Biz Gökay Mehmet , Zanni Vaso , Pavlopoulou Athanasia , Georgakilas Alexandros G.
Published: August 2021

Natural products, like turmeric, are considered powerful antioxidants which exhibit tumor‐inhibiting activity and chemoradioprotective properties. Nowadays, there is a great demand for developing novel, affordable, efficacious, and effective anticancer drugs from natural resources. In the present study, we have employed a stringent in silico methodology to mine and finally propose a number of natural products, retrieved from the biomedical literature. Our main target was the systematic search of anticancer products as anticancer agents compatible to the human organism for future use. In this case and due to the great plethora of such products, we have followed stringent bioinformatics methodologies. Our results taken together suggest that natural products of a great diverse may exert cytotoxic effects in a maximum of the studied cancer cell lines. These natural compounds and active ingredients could possibly be combined to exert potential chemopreventive effects. Furthermore, in order to substantiate our findings and their application potency at a systems biology level, we have developed a representative, user‐friendly, publicly accessible biodatabase, NaturaProDB, containing the retrieved natural resources, their active ingredients/fractional mixtures, the types of cancers that they affect, and the corresponding experimentally verified target genes.
Matricellular Protein WISP2 Is an Endogenous Inhibitor of Collagen Linearization and Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Janjanam Jagadeesh , Pano Glendin , Wang Ruishan , Minden-Birkenmaier Benjamin A. , Breeze-Jones Hannah , Baker Eleanor , Garcin Cecile , Clayton Georgia , Shirinifard Abbas , Zaske Ana Maria , Finkelstein David , Labelle Myriam
Published: August 2021

Collagen remodeling contributes to many physiologic and pathologic processes. In primary tumors, the linearization of collagen fibers promotes cancer cell invasion and metastasis and is indicative of poor prognosis. However, it remains unknown whether there are endogenous inhibitors of collagen linearization that could be exploited therapeutically. Here, we show that collagen linearization is controlled by two secreted matricellular proteins with antagonistic functions. Specifically, WISP1 was secreted by cancer cells, bound to type I collagen (Col I), and linearized Col I via its cysteine-rich C-terminal (CT) domain. In contrast, WISP2, which lacks a CT domain, inhibited Col I linearization by preventing WISP1-Col I binding. Analysis of patient data revealed that WISP2 expression is lower in most solid tumors, in comparison with normal tissues. Consequently, genetic or pharmacologic restoration of higher WISP2 levels impaired collagen linearization and prevented tumor cell invasion and metastasis in vivo in models of human and murine breast cancer. Thus, this study uncovers WISP2 as the first inhibitor of collagen linearization ever identified and reveals that collagen architecture can be normalized and metastasis inhibited by therapeutically restoring a high WISP2:WISP1 ratio.

Significance:

Two secreted factors, WISP1 and WISP2, antagonistically regulate collagen linearization, and therapeutically increasing the WISP2:WISP1 ratio in tumors limits collagen linearization and inhibits metastasis.

See related commentary by Barcus and Longmore, p. 5611
Oncostatin M Receptor–Targeted Antibodies Suppress STAT3 Signaling and Inhibit Ovarian Cancer Growth
Authors: Geethadevi Anjali , Nair Ajay , Parashar Deepak , Ku Zhiqiang , Xiong Wei , Deng Hui , Li Yongsheng , George Jasmine , McAllister Donna M. , Sun Yunguang , Kadamberi Ishaque P. , Gupta Prachi , Dwinell Michael B. , Bradley William H. , Rader Janet S. , Rui Hallgeir , Schwabe Robert F. , Zhang Ningyan , Pradeep Sunila , An Zhiqiang , Chaluvally-Raghavan Pradeep
Published: August 2021

Although patients with advanced ovarian cancer may respond initially to treatment, disease relapse is common, and nearly 50% of patients do not survive beyond five years, indicating an urgent need for improved therapies. To identify new therapeutic targets, we performed single-cell and nuclear RNA-seq data set analyses on 17 human ovarian cancer specimens, revealing the oncostatin M receptor (OSMR) as highly expressed in ovarian cancer cells. Conversely, oncostatin M (OSM), the ligand of OSMR, was highly expressed by tumor-associated macrophages and promoted proliferation and metastasis in cancer cells. Ovarian cancer cell lines and additional patient samples also exhibited elevated levels of OSMR when compared with other cell types in the tumor microenvironment or to normal ovarian tissue samples. OSMR was found to be important for ovarian cancer cell proliferation and migration. Binding of OSM to OSMR caused OSMR–IL6ST dimerization, which is required to produce oncogenic signaling cues for prolonged STAT3 activation. Human monoclonal antibody clones B14 and B21 directed to the extracellular domain of OSMR abrogated OSM-induced OSMR–IL6ST heterodimerization, promoted the internalization and degradation of OSMR, and effectively blocked OSMR-mediated signaling in vitro. Importantly, these antibody clones inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer cells in vitro and in vivo by suppressing oncogenic signaling through OSMR and STAT3 activation. Collectively, this study provides a proof of principle that anti-OSMR antibody can mediate disruption of OSM-induced OSMR–IL6ST dimerization and oncogenic signaling, thus documenting the preclinical therapeutic efficacy of human OSMR antagonist antibodies for immunotherapy in ovarian cancer.

Significance:

This study uncovers a role for OSMR in promoting ovarian cancer cell proliferation and metastasis by activating STAT3 signaling and demonstrates the preclinical efficacy of antibody-based OSMR targeting for ovarian cancer treatment.
Development of a Third Trimester Contingent Prognostic Prediction Scheme for Suspected Early-Onset Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Sabrià Enric , Lafuente-Ganuza Paula , Lequerica-Fernández Paloma , Escudero Ana Isabel , Martínez-Morillo Eduardo , Barceló-Vidal Carles , Álvarez Francisco Vicente
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Short-term prediction of pre-eclampsia (PE) using soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1)/ placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio has high false-positive rate. Therefore, we developed a prognostic prediction tool that predicts early-onset PE leading to delivery within 1 week on pregnancies with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio above 38 and compared it with an analogous model based on sFlt-1/PlGF ratio and with the 655 sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cutoff. Methods: Cohort study of 363 singleton pregnancies with clinical suspicion of PE before 34 weeks of gestation, allowing repeated assessments (522). 213 samples with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio above 38 were assessed to construct and identify the best-fit linear mixed model. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), sFlt-1 MoM, PlGF MoM, and sFlt-1/PlGF ratio combined with gestational age (GA) were assessed. Results: None of the pregnancies with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of 38 or below developed early-onset PE (309 samples from 240 pregnancies). Conversely, 47 women of 213 assessments (22.1%) with an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio above 38 developed the assessed outcome. The selected model included sFlt-1 MoM, NT-proBNP, and GA. Differences in area under the curve were observed between the selected model and the GA + sFlt-1/PlGF model (p = 0.04). At an sFlt-1/PlGF ratio cutoff of 655, detection rate was 31.9% (15/47), while the selected model detection was 55.3% (26/47) (p = 0.008). Discussion: Considering repeated assessments, the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio of 38 or below adequately ruled out early-onset PE, leading to delivery within 1 week. However, when sFlt-1/PlGF ratio is above 38, the prediction tool derived from linear mixed model based on GA, NT-proBNP, and sFlt-1 MoM, provided a better prognosis prediction than the sFlt-1/PlGF ratio.
Disordered Selfhood in Schizophrenia and the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience: Accumulated Evidence and Experience
Authors: Nordgaard Julie , Henriksen Mads Gram , Jansson Lennart , Handest Peter , Møller Paul , Rasmussen Andreas Rosen , Sandsten Karl Erik , Nilsson Lars Siersbæk , Zandersen Maja , Zahavi Dan , Parnas Josef
Published: August 2021

Disordered selfhood in schizophrenia was rediscovered at the turn of the millennium. In 2005, Psychopathology published the psychometric instrument, the Examination of Anomalous Self-Experience (EASE). In this article, we summarize the historical background of the creation of the EASE, explicate the notion of the disorder of basic or minimal self with the help of phenomenological philosophy, and provide a brief description of clinical manifestations targeted by the EASE. We also present our personal experience using and teaching the EASE and summarize the empirical evidence obtained so far. We conclude that the basic self-disorder represents a crucial phenotype of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and that this phenotype offers a potential avenue to empirical pathogenetic research and psychotherapeutic treatment.
Major Adverse Renal and Cardiovascular Events following Intra-Arterial Contrast Media Administration in Hospitalized Patients with Comorbid Conditions
Authors: McCullough Peter , Ng Chaan S. , Ryan Michael , Baker Erin R. , Mehta Ravindra
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Several clinical studies and meta-analyses have demonstrated lower incidence of adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes associated with the use of iso-osmolar contrast media (IOCM) than low-osmolar contrast media (LOCM) in patients with variable risk profiles undergoing intra-arterial interventional procedures. However, the association of contrast-type and major adverse renal and cardiovascular events (MARCE) has not been studied via comprehensive and robust real-world data analyses in patients with comorbid conditions considered at risk for post-procedural acute kidney injury (AKI). The objective of this study was therefore to retrospectively assess the MARCE rates comparing IOCM with LOCM in at-risk patients receiving iodinated intra-arterial contrast media using a real-world inpatient data source. Methods: Patients who underwent a diagnostic or treatment procedure with intra-arterial IOCM or LOCM administration were identified using the Premier Healthcare Database. Patient subgroups including those with diabetes, heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 1–4, CKD 3–4, or diagnosis of chronic total occlusion (CTO) were formed. Subgroups with combinations of diabetes and CKD 3–4 with and without CTO were also investigated. We compared the primary endpoint of MARCE (composite of AKI, AKI requiring dialysis, acute myocardial infarction, stroke/transient ischemic attack, stent occlusion/thrombosis, or death) after IOCM versus LOCM administration via adjusted multivariable regression analyses. Results: A total of 536,013 inpatient visits met the primary inclusion and exclusion criteria (IOCM = 133,192; LOCM = 402,821). After multivariable modeling, the use of IOCM was associated with a significantly lower incidence of MARCE than LOCM in patients with CKD 1–4, CKD 3–4, diabetes, or heart failure, with greatest absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 2.4% (p < 0.0001) in CKD 3–4 patients (relative risk reduction [RRR] = 13.8%, number needed to treat [NNT] = 43). Additionally, ARR associated with IOCM increased to 3.5% (p < 0.0001) in patients with combined comorbidities of diabetes and CKD 3–4 (RRR = 19.1%, NNT = 29). Statistically significant risk reduction was also found for the use of IOCM among patients who underwent revascularization for CTO (ARR = 1.6% [p < 0.0001], RRR = 22.3%, NNT = 62). Conclusion: Intra-arterial administration using IOCM in at-risk patients is associated with lower rates of MARCE than the use of LOCM. This difference is especially apparent in patients with a combination of CKD 3–4 and diabetes and in patients with CTO, providing real-world data validation with meaningful NNT in favor of IOCM.
Role of Intestinal Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Postsurgical Recurrence in Crohn’s Disease: Correlation with Endoscopic Findings
Authors: Macedo Cláudia Patricia , Sarmento Costa Mara , Gravito-Soares Elisa , Gravito-Soares Marta , Ferreira Ana Margarida , Portela Francisco , Figueiredo Pedro
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Endoscopy remains the exam of choice in the evaluation of activity in Crohn’s disease (CD) after surgery (ACD-AS). However, intestinal ultrasound (IUS) may represent a noninvasive alternative. The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of this modality compared to endoscopy. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, comprising a period of 14 months, carried out in patients with established CD and ileocecal resection due to the disease. IUS (HI-VISION Avius®, Tokyo, Japan) was performed with linear probe B-mode/Doppler prior to ileocolonoscopy. IUS and ileocolonoscopy were performed on the same day by 2 specialists in Gastroenterology dedicated to ultrasound and inflammatory bowel disease, in a double-blind mode. Collected demographic and clinical data (Harvey-Bradshaw Index [HBI]; remission ≤4), serological/fecal inflammatory parameters (leukocytes [4–10 × 109 cells/L], C-reactive protein [≤0.5 mg/dL], and fecal calprotectin [<50 mg/kg]), endoscopy (Rutgeerts score: remission <i2), and ultrasound (intestinal wall thickening [≤3 mm] and digestive wall vascularization using the semiquantitative score of Limberg [absent = 0, sparse = 1, moderate = 2, and marked = 3]). Results: Thirty-nine patients (female: 64.1%, mean age: 43.5 ± 15.3 years) were included. The median post-surgery follow-up was 9 years (IQR 3–12). The Montreal classification was as follows: L1, 61.5% (n = 24); L3, 38.5% (n = 15); B1 and B2, 28.2% (n = 11); and B3, 43.6% (n = 17). Most patients were in clinical remission (87.2%; n = 34), with a mean HBI of 2.1 ± 2.2. Twenty-two patients (56.4%) had normal inflammatory markers. IUS (intestinal wall thickening >3 mm and/or Limberg score >1) was abnormal in 61.5% (n = 24) of the cases. Endoscopic remission (Rutgeerts score <i2) in 53.8% (n = 21) of the cases. Compared to endoscopy, IUS (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.75, p = 0.007) showed a diagnostic accuracy superior to that of inflammatory parameters (AUROC = 0.66, p = 0.083) and clinical parameters (AUROC = 0.64, p = 0.139). IUS showed a moderate concordance with endoscopy (κ = 0.5, p = 0.001), which was higher than that with inflammatory parameters (ĸ = 0.33, p = 0.041) or clinical parameters (ĸ = 0.29, p = 0.01). Conclusions: Ultrasound evaluation of the digestive wall is a noninvasive technique that shows a good diagnostic accuracy and a moderate concordance with endoscopy, being superior to clinical and serological/fecal inflammatory parameters.
Dietary Intake and TCF7L2 rs7903146 T Allele Are Associated with Elevated Blood Glucose Levels in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Podboi Isabela Cristina Ramos , Stephenson Sophie , Pilic Leta , Graham Catherine Anna-Marie , King Alexandra , Mavrommatis Yiannis
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a leading cause of global mortality with diet and genetics being considered amongst the most significant risk factors. Recently, studies have identified a single polymorphism of the TCF7L2 gene (rs7903146) as the most important genetic contributor. However, no studies have explored this factor in a healthy population and using glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), which is a reliable long-term indicator of glucose management. This study investigates the association of the genetic polymorphism rs7903146 and dietary intake with T2D risk in a population free of metabolic disease. Methods: T2D risk was assessed using HbA1c plasma concentrations and dietary intake via a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire in 70 healthy participants. Results: T allele carriers had higher HbA1c levels than the CC group (32.4 ± 7.2 mmol/mol vs. 30.3 ± 7.6 mmol/mol, p = 0.005). Multiple regression reported associations between diet, genotype and HbA1c levels accounting for 37.1% of the variance in HbA1c (adj. R2 = 0.371, p < 0.001). The following macronutrients, expressed as a median percentage of total energy intake (TEI) in the risk group, were positively associated with HbA1c concentration: carbohydrate (≥39% TEI, p < 0.005; 95% CI 0.030/0.130) protein (≥21% TEI, p < 0.005, 95% CI 0.034/0.141), monounsaturated (≥15% TEI p < 0.05, 95% CI 0.006/0.163) and saturated fatty acids (≥13% TEI; p < 0.05, 95% CI 0.036/0.188). Conclusion: Carriers of the T allele showed significantly higher levels of HbA1c compared to non-carriers. Dietary intake affected T2D risk to a greater extent than genetic effects of TCF7L2rs7903146 genotype in a healthy population. The study focus on healthy individuals is beneficial due to the applicability of findings for T2D screening.
Hypothalamic Overexpression of Neurosecretory Protein GL Leads to Obesity in Male C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Narimatsu Yuki , Iwakoshi-Ukena Eiko , Fukumura Keisuke , Shikano Kenshiro , Furumitsu Megumi , Morishita Masahiro , Bentley George E. , Kriegsfeld Lance J. , Ukena Kazuyoshi
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The mechanisms underlying obesity are not fully understood, necessitating the creation of novel animal models for the investigation of metabolic disorders. We have previously found that neurosecretory protein GL (NPGL), a newly identified hypothalamic neuropeptide, is involved in feeding behavior and fat accumulation in rats. However, the impact of NPGL on obesity remains unclear in any animal model. The present investigation sought to elucidate whether NPGL causes obesity in the obesity-prone mouse strain C57BL/6J. Methods: We overexpressed the NPGL-precursor gene (Npgl) in the hypothalamus using adeno-associated virus in male C57BL/6J mice fed normal chow (NC) or a high-calorie diet (HCD). After 9 weeks of Npgl overexpression, we measured adipose tissues, muscle, and several organ masses in addition to food intake and body mass. To assess the effects of Npgl overexpression on peripheral tissues, we analyzed mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related genes by quantitative RT-PCR. Whole body energy consumption was assessed using an O2/CO2 metabolism measurement before an apparent increase in body mass. Results: Npgl overexpression increased food intake, body mass, adipose tissues and liver masses, and food efficiency under both NC and HCD, resulting in obesity observable within 8 weeks. Furthermore, we observed fat accumulation in adipose tissues and liver. Additionally, mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related factors was increased in white adipose tissue and the liver after Npgl overexpression. Npgl overexpression inhibited energy expenditure during a dark period. Conclusion: Taken together, the present study suggests that NPGL can act as an obesogenic factor that acts within a short period of time in mice. As a result, this Npgl overexpression-induced obesity can be widely applied to study the etiology of obesity from genes to behavior.
Para vestir a cena contemporânea: moldes e moda no Brasil do século XIX
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades, Italiano Isabel , Viana Fausto ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Comunicações e Artes, Bastos Desirée ,   Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Araújo Luciano ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades
Published: August 2021

Este é muito mais do que um livro de modelagem do século XIX – é uma reflexão sobre o traje brasileiro, seus modos de produção, sua identidade cultural e também sua modelagem. Indicado para estudantes de teatro, moda, pesquisadores em geral e interessados em cultura brasileira, a obra é uma prática ferramenta de publicação para figurinistas, costureiras, alfaiates e estilistas, que contarão com esta publicação como suporte para a criação de seus trabalhos.
O quê, para quê e como? Desenvolvendo instrumentos de aferição em epidemiologia
Authors: Reichenheim Michael , Bastos João Luiz
Published: August 2021

Embora fundamental para a pesquisa epidemiológica, o desenvolvimento e a adaptação transcultural de instrumentos de aferição têm recebido menos destaque nas discussões metodológicas que permeiam o campo. Em paralelo, a qualidade das mensurações realizadas em muitos estudos epidemiológicos está frequentemente aquém do desejado para a construção de conhecimento sólido sobre o processo saúde-doença. A escassez de sistematizações sobre o que, para que e como aferir na área provavelmente contribui para esse cenário. Nesta revisão, propomos um modelo processual composto por uma sequência de etapas voltadas à mensuração de construtos em níveis aceitáveis de validade, confiabilidade e, por extensão, comparabilidade. Subjaz à proposta a ideia de que não apenas alguns, mas diversos estudos concatenados entre si e sucessivamente mais aprofundados devem ser conduzidos para obter aferições adequadas. A implementação do modelo poderá contribuir para alargar o interesse sobre instrumentos de aferição e, especialmente, para enfrentar os problemas investigados em epidemiologia.
Consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados e associação com fatores sociodemográficos na população adulta das 27 capitais brasileiras (2019)
Authors: Costa Caroline dos Santos , Sattamini Isabela Fleury , Steele Eurídice Martinez , Louzada Maria Laura da Costa , Claro Rafael Moreira , Monteiro Carlos Augusto
Published: August 2021

OBJETIVO: Descrever a magnitude do consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados na população adulta (≥ 18 anos) das capitais das 27 unidades federativas do Brasil e sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas. MÉTODOS: Os dados utilizados neste estudo provêm dos participantes (n = 52.443) da onda 2019 do inquérito anual do “Sistema nacional de vigilância de fatores de risco e proteção para doenças crônicas por inquérito telefônico” (Vigitel). O consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi descrito com base em escore correspondente à somatória de respostas positivas para questões sobre o consumo no dia anterior de treze subgrupos de alimentos ultraprocessados frequentemente consumidos no Brasil. Modelos de regressão de Poisson foram utilizados para descrever as associações bruta e ajustada do alto consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados (escores ≥ 5) com sexo, faixa etária e nível de escolaridade. RESULTADOS: A frequência de alto consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi 18,2% (IC95% 17,4–19,0). Com ou sem o ajuste para as demais variáveis sociodemográficas, essa frequência foi significativamente menor no sexo feminino e diminuiu linearmente com a idade. Na análise bruta, evidenciou-se aumento na frequência de alto consumo do nível inferior para o nível intermediário de escolaridade e diminuição desse consumo do nível intermediário para o superior. Na análise ajustada por sexo e idade, a frequência de alto consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados foi significativamente menor no nível superior de escolaridade (12 ou mais anos de estudo), não havendo diferenças entre os demais níveis. CONCLUSÃO: Alimentos ultraprocessados são consumidos com alta frequência na população brasileira adulta das 27 capitais da federação. Pertencer ao sexo masculino, ser mais jovem e ter escolaridade inferior à universitária são condições que aumentam, de forma independente, o consumo desses alimentos.
Effectiveness of screening for tuberculosis in HIV: a pragmatic clinical trial
Authors: Santos Marcela Lopes , Batista Joanna d’Arc Lyra , Braga Cynthia , Silva Adriana Paula da , Maruza Magda , Souza Wayner Vieira , Carvalho Maria Rosimery de , Siqueira-Filha Noemia Teixeira de , Albuquerque Maria de Fátima Pessoa Militão de
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness of screening for tuberculosis (TB) on all-cause mortality and tuberculosis cases in newly diagnosed HIV-infected patients through a clinical algorithm based on recommendations of the World Health Organization. METHODS: From March 2014 to April 2016, a pragmatic randomized clinical trial was conducted with newly diagnosed and TB-free HIV-infected adults undergoing antiretroviral therapy for up to one month at a major tertiary hospital for HIV in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Participants were randomized into intervention and control groups using an automatically-generated random list, and followed-up for at least 6 months. The intervention group was screened for TB at hospital admission and at every follow-up visit through a series of questions addressing TB-related symptoms (cough, fever, night sweating, and weight loss). Patients presenting with any of these symptoms were referred to a pulmonologist and underwent sputum smear microscopy, sputum culture, and rapid molecular testing (GeneXpert). When at least one test result came back positive, TB treatment was initiated. In turn, if patients tested negative but presented with severe clinal symptoms, TB preventive treatment was initiated. Screening for TB was not performed systematically in the control group. The primary outcome assessed in this study was death from all causes, and secondary outcomes included sensitivity and specificity of this screening test, as well as its detection time. RESULTS: This study evaluated 581 patients, 377 in the intervention group (64.9%) and 204 in the control group (35.1%). In total, 36 patients died during the follow-up period. Of these, 26 (6.9%) were from the intervention group, reaching a cumulative mortality coefficient of 69 per 1,000 inhabitants, and 10 (4.9%) from the control group (p = 0.341), with a cumulative mortality coefficient of 49 per 1,000 inhabitants (p = 0.341).
Association Between Early Trauma and Ideal Cardiovascular Health Among Black Americans
Authors: Islam Shabatun J. , Hwan Kim Jeong , Joseph Emma , Topel Matthew , Baltrus Peter , Liu Chang , Ko Yi-An , Almuwaqqat Zakaria , Mujahid Mahasin S. , Sims Mario , Mubasher Mohamed , Ejaz Kiran , Searles Charles , Dunbar Sandra B. , Pemu Priscilla , Taylor Herman , Bremner J. Douglas , Vaccarino Viola , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Lewis Tené T.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Early trauma (general, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse before age 18 years) has been associated with both cardiovascular disease risk and lifestyle-related risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity. Despite higher prevalence, the association between early trauma and cardiovascular health (CVH) has been understudied in Black Americans, especially those from low-income backgrounds, who may be doubly vulnerable. Therefore, we investigated the association between early trauma and CVH, particularly among low-income Black Americans.

Methods:

We recruited 457 Black adults (age 53±10, 38% male) without known cardiovascular disease from the Atlanta, GA, metropolitan area using personalized, community-based recruitment methods. The Early Trauma Inventory was administered to assess overall early traumatic life experiences which include physical, sexual, emotional abuse, and general trauma. Our primary outcome was the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7, which is a set of 7 CVH metrics, including 4 lifestyle-related factors (smoking, body mass index, physical activity, and diet) and three physiologically measured health factors (blood pressure, total blood cholesterol, and blood glucose). We used linear regression models adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and depression to test the association between early trauma and CVH and tested the early trauma by household income (<$50 000) interaction.

Results:

Higher levels of early trauma were associated with lower Life’s Simple 7 scores (β, −0.05 [95% CI, −0.09 to −0.01],
P
=0.02, per 1 unit increase in the Early Trauma Inventory score) among lower, but not higher, income Black participants (
P
value for interaction=0.04). Subtypes of early trauma linked to Life’s Simple 7 were general trauma, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Exploratory analyses demonstrated that early trauma was only associated with the body mass index and smoking components of Life’s Simple 7.

Conclusions:

Early trauma, including general trauma, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse, may be associated with worse CVH among low-, but not higher-income Black adults.
Probabilistic Feature Attention as an Alternative to Variables in Phonotactic Learning
Authors: Prickett Brandon
Published: August 2021

Since Halle 1962, explicit algebraic variables (often called alpha notation) have been commonplace in phonological theory. However, Hayes and Wilson (2008) proposed a variable-free model of phonotactic learning, sparking a debate about whether such algebraic representations are necessary to capture human phonological acquisition. While past experimental work has found evidence that suggested a need for variables in models of phonology (Berent et al. 2012, Moreton 2012, Gallagher 2013), this article presents a novel mechanism, Probabilistic Feature Attention, that allows a variable-free model of phonotactics to predict a number of these phenomena. This approach also captures experimental results involving phonological generalization that cannot be explained by variables. These results cast doubt on whether variables are necessary to capture human-like phonotactic learning and provide a useful alternative to such representations.