bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNCAN.eu: Toward a European Federated Cancer Research Data Hub
Authors: Boutros Michael , Baumann Michael , Bigas Anna , Chaabane Linda , Guérin Julien , Habermann Jens K. , Jobard Aurélien , Pelicci Pier Giuseppe , Stegle Oliver , Tonon Giovanni , Valencia Alfonso , Winkler Eva C. , Blanc Patricia , De Maria Ruggero , Medema Rene H. , Nagy Peter , Tabernero Josep , Solary Eric
Published: January 2024

To enable a collective effort that generates a new level of UNderstanding CANcer (UNCAN.eu) [Cancer Discov (2022) 12 (11): OF1], the European Union supports the creation of a sustainable platform that connects cancer research across Member States. A workshop hosted in Heidelberg gathered European cancer experts to identify ongoing initiatives that may contribute to building this platform and discuss the governance and long-term evolution of a European Federated Cancer Data Hub.
Supplementary Figure S6 from A Systems Biology Approach to Understand the Racial Disparities in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Nwaokorie Annabelle , Kolch Walter , Fey Dirk
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Figure S6 shows the mRNA distributions for the most significant gene of each CRC STN found in the Black/AA and White patient cohorts
Serum Proteomic Signatures of Common Health Outcomes among Older Adults
Authors: Roberts Jackson A. , Basu-Roy Sayantani , Shin Jong , Varma Vijay R. , Williamson Andrew , Blackshear Chad , Griswold Michael E. , Candia Julián , Elango Palchamy , Karikkineth Ajoy C. , Tanaka Toshiko , Ferrucci Luigi , Thambisetty Madhav
Published: January 2024

Introduction: In aging populations, the coexistence of multiple health comorbidities represents a significant challenge for clinicians and researchers. Leveraging advances in omics techniques to characterize these health conditions may provide insight into disease pathogenesis as well as reveal biomarkers for monitoring, prognostication, and diagnosis. Researchers have previously established the utility of big data approaches with respect to comprehensive health outcome measurements in younger populations, identifying protein markers that may provide significant health information with a single blood sample. Methods: Here, we employed a similar approach in two cohorts of older adults, the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (mean age = 76.12 years) and InCHIANTI Study (mean age = 66.05 years), examining the relationship between levels of serum proteins and 5 key health outcomes: kidney function, fasting glucose, physical activity, lean body mass, and percent body fat. Results: Correlations between proteins and health outcomes were primarily shared across both older adult cohorts. We further identified that most proteins associated with health outcomes in the older adult cohorts were not associated with the same outcomes in a prior study of a younger population. A subset of proteins, adiponectin, MIC-1, and NCAM-120, were associated with at least three health outcomes in both older adult cohorts but not in the previously published younger cohort, suggesting that they may represent plausible markers of general health in older adult populations. Conclusion: Taken together, these findings suggest that comprehensive protein health markers have utility in aging populations and are distinct from those identified in younger adults, indicating unique mechanisms of disease with aging.
Hypoglycaemia in a Child Unmasks a Unique Association
Authors: Shirodkar Diksha , Bhattacharyya Shaila
Published: January 2024

Childhood hypoglycaemia results from impairment or defects in glucose homeostasis and has a blood glucose (BG) operational threshold of 60 mg/dL (<3.3 mmol/L) as below this level, neurological symptoms occur, and if the BG falls below 50 mg/dL (2.8 mmol/L), it is highly likely to cause long-term neurological consequences. A 38-month-old previously healthy boy presented with hypoglycaemic seizures (BG: 30 mg/dL [1.7 mmol/L]) after a brief period of being unwell. The sepsis screen was normal. Hypoglycaemia screen detected a low cortisol level (28 nmol/L [83–555]). This was also associated with a low thyroid-stimulating-hormone (0.768 mIU/mL [0.5–5.5]) and a low-normal T4 (5.57 μg/dL [5–12]). Hydrocortisone and levothyroxine replacement was started. Four weeks from the time of discharge, the short synacthen test (SST; generic name: tetracosactide acetate) for adrenal function revealed a low stimulated cortisol (2/1.51/1.52 nmol/L at 0, 30, and 60 min, respectively, post synacthen [normal range: 83–550; peak >420 μg/dL]) and low basal adrenocorticotropic hormone (4.6 pg/mL [10–60]). A rare diagnosis of isolated secondary adrenocortical insufficiency was made, and the neuroimaging demonstrated a reduced pituitary height (3 mm). Three months later, levothyroxine was tapered and omitted as the child was euthyroid, but the SST showed a similar flat response to the synacthen. The genetic testing demonstrated a pathogenic heterozygous mutation in the nuclear factor kappa B subunit 2 (NFKB2) gene responsive for common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), and this entity has been described as deficient anterior pituitary hormone with CVID syndrome (DAVID syndrome). The immunoglobulin profile showed a decrease in three types of immunoglobulin (IgM, IgG, and IgE), meeting the diagnostic criteria for CVID. Till date, less than 35 cases are reported worldwide, and of which, less than 5 of them presented with adrenal insufficiency prior to immunodeficiency, making this case rare and teaching us a lesson to think beyond the usual causes of hypoglycaemia.
Case Report and Literature Review: Isolated Trochlear Nerve Palsy due to Herpes Zoster Infection
Authors: Srimanan Worapot , Panyakorn Somboon
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Trochlear nerve palsy (TNP) is a common cause of vertical diplopia resulting from superior oblique muscle weakness. While herpes zoster is a well-documented cause of cranial neuropathies, reports of TNP associated with herpes zoster infection remain limited. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 65-year-old patient with typical herpes zoster ophthalmicus on the left side of his face with subsequent corneal endotheliitis and isolated TNP. The MRI revealed a faint enhancement at the cavernous sinus on the same side as the TNP. Cerebrospinal fluid detected human herpesvirus 3, confirming the diagnosis. An intravenous antiviral was administered for 14 days with prolonged maintenance to prevent recurrence. Oral corticosteroids were also used as an adjuvant to reduce inflammation. After treatment, the uveitis subsided, and the vertical diplopia recovered partially. TNP from herpes zoster is a rare presentation. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms, including potential direct viral invasion, inflammatory responses, and possible vasculopathy affecting the trochlear nerve, are explored. Conclusion: TNP can be a rare neuro-ophthalmic complication of herpes zoster infection. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion when assessing patients with cranial neuropathies in the context of herpes zoster. Prompt antiviral therapy and supportive measures can aid in the resolution of symptoms and alleviate potential long-term sequelae.
Fußdermatosen bei berufsbedingten Hauterkrankungen: Erfolgreiche Prävention durch individuelle Fußschutzberatung
Authors: Brans Richard
Published: January 2024

Background: A programme based on health education has been developed to prevent foot dermatoses (FD) in patients with work-related skin diseases (WRSD). Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the programme in a prospective cohort study (OCCUPES). Methods: Six and 12 months after completing the programme, follow-up questionnaires were sent to 231 patients with WRSD and FD. Assessments included occupational footwear and foot care, self-reported disease course, and health-related quality of life. Results: Response to follow-ups was >70%. Wearing functional socks and changing footwear and socks during one work shift increased (all p < 0.001). Complaints about occupational footwear decreased, including sweating and exposure to moisture/wetness. More than 60% reported improved FD while quality of life significantly increased. After 12 months, all foot symptoms were less frequent, including itch (p = 0.009), pain when walking (p = 0.005), pain in rest (p = 0.015) and smell (p = 0.001). The programme received very good ratings by the participants. Conclusions: The intervention was effective in improving occupational footwear, foot care and preventive behaviour. It resulted in a reduced burden of FD and should be implemented in the general care of patients with WRSD. © 2023 The Authors. Contact Dermatitis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Collecting and analyzing network-based evidence
Authors: K. Singh Ashwini , Kamble Dhwaniket , Bains Abhishek , Tiwari Naman , R. Deshmukh Tejas , Pandey Sanidhya , Kumar Hemant , M. Bhalerao Diksha
Published: January 2024

Since nearly the beginning of the Internet, malware has been a significant deterrent to productivity for end users, both personal and business related. Due to the pervasiveness of digital technologies in all aspects of human lives, it is increasingly unlikely that a digital device is involved as goal, medium or simply ‘witness’ of a criminal event. Forensic investigations include collection, recovery, analysis, and presentation of information stored on network devices and related to network crimes. These activities often involve wide range of analysis tools and application of different methods. This work presents methods that helps digital investigators to correlate and present information acquired from forensic data, with the aim to get a more valuable reconstructions of events or action to reach case conclusions. Main aim of network forensic is to gather evidence. Additionally, the evidence obtained during the investigation must be produced through a rigorous investigation procedure in a legal context.
ErbB3 Governs Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Bian Jin-Song , Chen Jingyu , Zhang Junting , Tan Jianxin , Chen Yuan , Yang Xusheng , Li Yiying , Deng Lin , Chen Rongchang , Nie Xiaowei
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Pulmonary hypertension, characterized by vascular remodeling, currently lacks curative therapeutic options. The dysfunction of pulmonary artery endothelial cells plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH). ErbB3 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 3), also recognized as HER3, is a member of the ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases.

METHODS:

Microarray, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting analyses were conducted to investigate the pathological role of ErbB3. Blood samples were collected for biomarker examination from healthy donors or patients with hypoxic PH. The pathological functions of ErbB3 were further validated in rodents subjected to chronic hypoxia- and Sugen-induced PH, with or without adeno-associated virus-mediated ErbB3 overexpression, systemic deletion, or endothelial cell–specific ErbB3 knockdown. Primary human pulmonary artery endothelial cells and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS:

ErbB3 exhibited significant upregulation in the serum, lungs, distal pulmonary arteries, and pulmonary artery endothelial cells isolated from patients with PH compared with those from healthy donors. ErbB3 overexpression stimulated hypoxia-induced endothelial cell proliferation, exacerbated pulmonary artery remodeling, elevated systolic pressure in the right ventricle, and promoted right ventricular hypertrophy in murine models of PH. Conversely, systemic deletion or endothelial cell–specific knockout of ErbB3 yielded opposite effects. Coimmunoprecipitation and proteomic analysis identified YB-1 (Y-box binding protein 1) as a downstream target of ErbB3. ErbB3 induced nuclear translocation of YB-1 and subsequently promoted hypoxia-inducible factor 1/2α transcription. A positive loop involving ErbB3-periostin-hypoxia–inducible factor 1/2α was identified to mediate the progressive development of this disease. MM-121, a human anti-ErbB3 monoclonal antibody, exhibited both preventive and therapeutic effects against hypoxia-induced PH.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our study reveals, for the first time, that ErbB3 serves as a novel biomarker and a promising target for the treatment of PH.
Endovascular Therapy for Basilar Artery Occlusion in Sudden Onset to Maximal Deficit Ischemic Events
Authors: Zhu Lina , Liu Wenhua , Hu Zhizhou , Li Zhenguang , Duan Zhenhui , Guo Zhangbao , Huang Fang , Lv Kefeng , Liao Jiasheng , Chen Zhao , Jiang He , Wang Kuiyun , Wang Hongjun , Lei Yang , Liao Jiachuan , Li Jing , Wang Mengmeng , Yuan Haicheng , Zi Wenjie , Wan Yue , Wang Pengfei
Published: January 2024

Background

The presence of sudden onset to maximal deficit (SOTMD) in patients with acute basilar artery occlusion often results in more severe outcomes. However, the effect of endovascular therapy on SOTMD and whether the outcome is affected by onset‐to‐puncture time remain unclear.

Methods and Results

This retrospective analysis was conducted using data from the prospective BASILAR (Endovascular Treatment for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion Study Registry). Consecutive patients with basilar artery occlusion receiving endovascular therapy were dichotomized into SOTMD and non‐SOTMD cohorts. The primary outcomes included a favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale 0–3), recanalization, and mortality at 90 days. The outcomes of patients with SOTMD were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. In the multivariate analysis, a favorable outcome was similar between the two cohorts (odds ratio [OR], 0.88 [95% CI, 0.58–1.34];
P
=0.5), although the mortality of patients with SOTMD was higher than that of patients with non‐SOTMD (OR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.14–2.44];
P
=0.008). The probability of mortality increased from 40.0% at 1 hour to 70.0% at 6 hours in the SOTMD cohort, and favorable outcomes of patients with non‐SOTMD declined from 38.0% at 1 hour to 18.0% at 8 hours.

Conclusions

No significant difference was observed in favorable outcomes between the SOTMD and non‐SOTMD groups, although mortality was higher in the SOTMD cohort. The patients with SOTMD had a stronger time dependence for endovascular therapy in terms of mortality, while the time dependency regarding favorable outcome in the NSOTMD group was even higher.

Registration

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1800014759.
Intravascular Imaging–Guided Versus Angiography‐Guided Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Sreenivasan Jayakumar , Reddy Rohin K. , Jamil Yasser , Malik Aaqib , Chamie Daniel , Howard James P. , Nanna Michael G. , Mintz Gary S. , Maehara Akiko , Ali Ziad A. , Moses Jeffrey W. , Chen Shao‐Liang , Chieffo Alaide , Colombo Antonio , Leon Martin B. , Lansky Alexandra J. , Ahmad Yousif
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the initial evidence supporting the utility of intravascular imaging to guide percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), adoption remains low. Recent new trial data have become available. An updated study‐level meta‐analysis comparing intravascular imaging to angiography to guide PCI was performed. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of intravascular imaging–guided PCI compared with angiography‐guided PCI.

Methods and Results

A random‐effects meta‐analysis was performed on the basis of the intention‐to‐treat principle. The primary outcomes were major adverse cardiac events, cardiac death, and all‐cause death. Mixed‐effects meta‐regression was performed to investigate the impact of complex PCI on the primary outcomes. A total of 16 trials with 7814 patients were included. The weighted mean follow‐up duration was 28.8 months. Intravascular imaging led to a lower risk of major adverse cardiac events (relative risk [RR], 0.67 [95% CI, 0.55–0.82];
P
<0.001), cardiac death (RR, 0.49 [95% CI, 0.34–0.71];
P
<0.001), stent thrombosis (RR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.40–0.99];
P
=0.046), target‐lesion revascularization (RR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.49–0.91];
P
=0.01), and target‐vessel revascularization (RR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.45–0.80];
P
<0.001). In complex lesion subsets, the point estimate for imaging‐guided PCI compared with angiography‐guided PCI for all‐cause death was a RR of 0.75 (95% CI, 0.55–1.02;
P
=0.07).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing PCI, intravascular imaging is associated with reductions in major adverse cardiac events, cardiac death, stent thrombosis, target‐lesion revascularization, and target‐vessel revascularization. The magnitude of benefit is large and consistent across all included studies. There may also be benefits in all‐cause death, particularly in complex lesion subsets. These results support the use of intravascular imaging as standard of care and updates of clinical guidelines.
Acute Coronary Syndrome Subphenotypes Based on Repeated Biomarker Measurements in Relation to Long‐Term Mortality Risk
Authors: de Bakker Marie , Scholte Niels T. B. , Oemrawsingh Rohit M. , Umans Victor A. , Kietselaer Bas , Schotborgh Carl , Ronner Eelko , Lenderink Timo , Aksoy Ismail , van der Harst Pim , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Maas Arthur , Oude Ophuis Anton J. , Krenning Boudewijn , de Winter Robbert J. , The S. Hong Kie , Wardeh Alexander J. , Hermans Walter , Cramer G. Etienne , van Schaik Ron H. , de Rijke Yolanda B. , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , Kardys Isabella , Boersma Eric , Akkerhuis K Martijn , de Bakker Marie , Boersma Eric , Kardys Isabella , de Rijke Yolanda B. , van Schaik Ron H. , Scholte Niels T.B. , Aksoy Ismail , Asselbergs Folkert W , Cramer G Etienne , van der Harst Pim , Hermans Walter , The S Hong Kie , Kietselaer Bas , Krenning Boudewijn , Gasthuis Franciscus , Lenderink Timo , Maas Arthur , Oemrawsingh Rohit M. , Oude Ophuis Anton J. , Ronner Eelko , Schotborgh Carl , Umans Victor A. , Wardeh Alexander J. , de Winter Robbert J.
Published: January 2024

Background

We aimed to identify patients with subphenotypes of postacute coronary syndrome (ACS) using repeated measurements of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and growth differentiation factor 15 in the year after the index admission, and to investigate their association with long‐term mortality risk.

Methods and Results

BIOMArCS (BIOMarker Study to Identify the Acute Risk of a Coronary Syndrome) was an observational study of patients with ACS, who underwent high‐frequency blood sampling for 1 year. Biomarkers were measured in a median of 16 repeated samples per individual. Cluster analysis was performed to identify biomarker‐based subphenotypes in 723 patients without a repeat ACS in the first year. Patients with a repeat ACS (N=36) were considered a separate cluster. Differences in all‐cause death were evaluated using accelerated failure time models (median follow‐up, 9.1 years; 141 deaths). Three biomarker‐based clusters were identified: cluster 1 showed low and stable biomarker concentrations, cluster 2 had elevated concentrations that subsequently decreased, and cluster 3 showed persistently elevated concentrations. The temporal biomarker patterns of patients in cluster 3 were similar to those with a repeat ACS during the first year. Clusters 1 and 2 had a similar and favorable long‐term mortality risk. Cluster 3 had the highest mortality risk. The adjusted survival time ratio was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.44–0.93;
P
=0.018) compared with cluster 1, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.39–1.32;
P
=0.281) compared with patients with a repeat ACS.

Conclusions

Patients with subphenotypes of post‐ACS with different all‐cause mortality risks during long‐term follow‐up can be identified on the basis of repeatedly measured cardiovascular biomarkers. Patients with persistently elevated biomarkers have the worst outcomes, regardless of whether they experienced a repeat ACS in the first year.
Association of Segment‐Specific Pulse Wave Velocity With Vascular Calcification: The ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study
Authors: Ejiri Kentaro , Ding Ning , Kim Esther , Honda Yasuyuki , Cainzos‐Achirica Miguel , Tanaka Hirofumi , Howard‐Claudio Candace M. , Butler Kenneth R. , Hughes Timothy M. , Van't Hof Jeremy R. , Meyer Michelle L. , Blaha Michael J. , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: January 2024

Background

Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a noninvasive measure of arterial stiffness and predictor of cardiovascular disease. However, the association between PWV and vascular calcification across different vascular beds has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to quantify the association between PWV and multiterritory calcification and to explore whether PWV can identify individuals with vascular calcification beyond traditional risk factors.

Methods and Results

Among 1351 older adults (mean age, 79.2 years [SD, 4.1]) from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study, we measured segment‐specific PWVs: heart–carotid, heart–femoral, carotid–femoral, heart–ankle, brachial–ankle, and femoral–ankle. Dependent variables were high calcium score (≥75th percentile of Agatston score) across different vascular beds: coronary arteries, aortic valve ring, aortic valve, mitral valve, ascending aorta, and descending aorta. Quartiles of carotid–femoral, heart–femoral, heart–ankle, and brachial–ankle PWV were significantly associated with coronary artery calcium (eg, adjusted odds ratio [OR] for the highest versus lowest quartile of carotid–femoral PWV, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.24–2.74]). Overall, PWVs were most strongly associated with descending aorta calcification, with significant results for carotid–femoral, heart–femoral, heart–ankle, and brachial–ankle PWV (eg, adjusted OR for the highest versus lowest quartile of carotid–femoral PWV, 3.99 [95% CI, 2.61–6.17]). In contrast, femoral–ankle PWV was inversely associated with descending aorta calcification. Some PWVs improved the discrimination of coronary artery calcium and descending aorta calcification beyond traditional risk factors.

Conclusions

The associations of PWV with vascular calcification varied substantially across segments, with descending aorta calcification most closely linked to PWVs. Our study suggests that some PWVs, especially carotid–femoral PWV, are helpful to identify individuals with coronary artery calcium and descending aorta calcification.
Infection, Inflammation, and Poststroke Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Milosevich Elise , Demeyere Nele , Pendlebury Sarah T.
Published: January 2024

Background

Infection and inflammation are dementia risk factors in population‐based cohorts; however, studies in stroke are scarce. We determined the prevalence of infection after stroke and routinely measured inflammatory biomarkers during hospitalization and their associations with acute and 6‐month cognitive impairment.

Methods and Results

A prospective stroke cohort completed the Oxford Cognitive Screen at ≤2 weeks and 6 months after stroke. Infection, inflammatory markers (C‐reactive protein, white cell count, and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome were ascertained throughout admission with electronic patient records supplemented by hand searches. Associations with acute and 6‐month global and domain‐specific cognitive impairment were analyzed using multivariable regression, adjusting for demographic/vascular factors and stroke severity. Among 255 patients (mean age, 73.9 [SD, 12.6] years; 46.3% women; mean education, 12.6 [SD, 3.7] years; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 5 [range, minimum‐maximum, 0–30]), infection was present in 90 patients (35.3%) at mean 4.4 (SD, 6.9) days after stroke, consisting predominantly of pneumonia (47/90; 52%) and urinary tract infection (39/90; 43%). Admission white cell count was elevated in 25.1% (n=64; mean, 9.5×10
9
/L [SD, 3.2×10
9
/L]), C‐reactive protein in 41.2% (n=105; mean, 27.5 [SD, 50.9 mg/L]), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in 55.7% (n=97; mean, 5.5 [SD, 4.5]), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome in 26.6% (n=53 [45.2%] positive during hospitalization). Infection was associated with acute and 6‐month poststroke cognitive impairment (
P
<0.05
adj
) with stronger associations acutely for severe infection (infection+systemic inflammatory response syndrome;
P
=0.03
adj
). Acute language, executive function and attention domain impairments, and 6‐month number processing impairment were associated with infection (
P
<0.05
adj
). No significant relationships were found for any biomarker and cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Infection and elevations in routinely measured inflammatory biomarkers are common following stroke; however, only infection is associated with poststroke cognitive impairment, suggesting that increases in these biomarkers may be nonspecific. Infection may present a tractable target for reducing poststroke cognitive impairment.
Future Changes in the Intensity and Duration of Marine Heat and Cold Waves: Insights from Coupled Model Initial-Condition Large Ensembles
Authors: Deser Clara , Phillips Adam S. , Alexander Michael. A. , Amaya Dillon J. , Capotondi Antonietta , Jacox Michael G. , Scott James D.
Published: January 2024

The future evolution of sea surface temperature (SST) extremes is of great concern, not only for the health of marine ecosystems and sustainability of commercial fisheries, but also for precipitation extremes fueled by moisture evaporated from the ocean. This study examines the projected influence of anthropogenic climate change on the intensity and duration of monthly SST extremes, hereafter termed marine heat waves (MHWs) and marine cold waves (MCWs), based on initial-condition large ensembles with seven Earth system models. The large number of simulations (30–100) with each model allows for robust quantification of future changes in both the mean state and variability in each model. In general, models indicate that future changes in variability will cause MHW and MCW events to intensify in the northern extratropics and weaken in the tropics and Southern Ocean, and to shorten in duration in many areas. These changes are generally symmetric between MHWs and MCWs, except for the longitude of duration change in the tropical Pacific and sign of duration change in the Arctic. Projected changes in ENSO account for a large fraction of the variability-induced changes in MHW and MCW characteristics in each model and are responsible for much of the intermodel spread as a result of differences in future ENSO behavior. The variability-related changes in MHW and MCW characteristics noted above are superimposed upon large mean-state changes. Indeed, their contribution to the total change in SST during MHW and MCW events is generally <10% except in polar regions where they contribute upward of 50%.
Seasonality, Latitudinal Dependence, and Structural Evolution of Arctic Cyclones
Authors: Yang Mingshi , Wang Zhuo , Rauber Robert M. , Walsh John E.
Published: January 2024

Arctic cyclones (ACs) are an important component of the Arctic climate system. While previous studies focused on case studies or samples of intense ACs, an AC tracking algorithm is applied here to ERA5 to provide more than 9300 tracks. This large sample enables evaluations of seasonality, latitudinal dependence, and the structural evolution of ACs using storm-centered composite analysis and phase space analysis. The structures of ACs of different genesis regions, polar versus midlatitude, are also examined and compared. The results show that ACs typically have an asymmetric horizontal structure with cold air to the west and warm air to the east of the cyclone center. Cyclone asymmetry decreases, and the circulation becomes more barotropic in higher latitudes. ACs of polar origin are more symmetric than ACs of midlatitude origin and dominate the cyclone occurrences over the Arctic Ocean. Regarding seasonality, winter ACs are more intense and have a stronger horizontal asymmetry, and the cyclonic circulation extends higher into the stratosphere than summer ACs. In contrast, summer ACs have stronger warm anomalies in the lower stratosphere associated with subsidence above the cyclone center, and the cyclonic circulation typically does not extend beyond 50 hPa. The latitudinal and seasonal variations of AC structure are consistent with the latitudinal and seasonal differences in environmental baroclinicity. Additionally, our analyses show that the structural evolution of ACs is characterized by reduced vertical tilt and asymmetry, weakened temperature contrast between west and east sectors in troposphere, and reduced updraft strength in the later stage of the AC life cycle.

Significance Statement

Arctic cyclones play a crucial role in climate projections and risk assessments for Arctic infrastructure, transportation, and other human activities. This study aims to enhance our understanding of Arctic cyclone characteristics, including their origin, structure, seasonality, and evolution. We discovered that Arctic cyclones exhibit various structures in different environments. Their degrees of symmetry, vertical tilts, temperature contrasts, and updraft strengths vary with season, latitude, and life cycle stage.
Association Between Serum Uric Acid and Abdominal Aortic Calcification in Adults Aged 40 to 80 years: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hu Sheng , Qiu Shengyu , Wan Bingen , Ruan Liancheng , Zhu Lingxiao , Wang Siling , Su Lang , Guo Qiang , Xu Jianjun , Wei Yiping
Published: January 2024

There are numerous causes of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), among which the relationship between serum uric acid and AAC still needs to be investigated further. The aim of this research was to ascertain whether serum uric acid is correlated with AAC. Our study included 3007 participants. We described the study population characteristics and utilized univariate analysis, stratified analysis, multiple equation regression analysis, smoothed curve fitting, and threshold effects analysis. AAC Total 24 score is used to reflect the range of aortic calcification at each vertebral level. As serum uric acid increased, the AAC Total 24 score first decreased and then increased. The fold point is located when serum uric is at 3.5 mg/dL. After adjusting for 16 covariates, the beta values for the groups with moderate and high serum uric acid levels were 0.34 and 0.53, respectively, compared with the low serum uric acid tertile group ( P < .05). Our research indicates a negative correlation between serum acid level and AAC when serum uric acid <3.5 mg/dl, but it is positively correlated with the formation of AAC when serum uric acid >3.5 mg/dl.
A Novel Discriminating Tool for Microcytic Anemia in Childhood
Authors: Ogino Jayme , Wilson Melissa L. , Hofstra Thomas C. , Chan Randall Y.
Published: January 2024

Accurate and timely interpretation of microcytic anemia can be diagnostically challenging in the primary care setting. We sought to develop a novel model for distinguishing iron-deficiency anemia from thalassemia trait in the modern pediatric population. Demographic history and red blood cell indices were retrospectively characterized for 76 children referred to our pediatric hematology clinic for evaluation of microcytic anemia. Statistically significant variables were sequentially added into a logistic regression model to develop the final model. The final discriminating model incorporates red cell distribution width, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell values. Favorable predictive performance is seen in the initial (sensitivity 89.2%, specificity 92.3%) and external validation cohort (sensitivity 84.4%, specificity 88.9%). This novel tool may aid in determining the cause of hypochromic, microcytic anemia in the primary care setting. Finally, the study cohort reflects an underrepresented group in the development of screening tools, and thus offers generalizability.
Detecting Careless Responding in Multidimensional Forced-Choice Questionnaires
Authors: Kupffer Rebekka , Frick Susanne , Wetzel Eunike
Published: January 2024

The multidimensional forced-choice (MFC) format is an alternative to rating scales in which participants rank items according to how well the items describe them. Currently, little is known about how to detect careless responding in MFC data. The aim of this study was to adapt a number of indices used for rating scales to the MFC format and additionally develop several new indices that are unique to the MFC format. We applied these indices to a data set from an online survey ( N = 1,169) that included a series of personality questionnaires in the MFC format. The correlations among the careless responding indices were somewhat lower than those published for rating scales. Results from a latent profile analysis suggested that the majority of the sample (about 76–84%) did not respond carelessly, although the ones who did were characterized by different levels of careless responding. In a simulation study, we simulated different careless responding patterns and varied the overall proportion of carelessness in the samples. With one exception, the indices worked as intended conceptually. Taken together, the results suggest that careless responding also plays an important role in the MFC format. Recommendations on how it can be addressed are discussed.
The Influence of Group Favoritism on Moral Judgment -- Evidence From Event-Related Potential
Authors: Bo Yang , Lihua Zhang
Published: January 2024

When judging the morality of an action, individuals may exhibit a bias stemming from group favoritism. It leads to the expression of different moral evaluations of the same behaviors performed by different social groups. The current study used event-related potentials (ERPs) to investigate the influence of in-group favoritism (in-group vs. homogeneous out-group) and out-group favoritism (in-group vs. high-quality out-group) on moral judgments. Two experiments were conducted, showing a higher moral score of the in-group compared to the homogeneous out-group by participants. ERP data indicated that in-group stimulation triggered larger P2 amplitudes than homogeneous out-group. Additionally, a larger N400-like amplitude, localized to the right hemisphere, was observed during the evaluation of the homogeneous out-group. Significantly, when comparing the in-group to the high-quality out-group, there was no discernible difference in moral scores or ERP amplitudes. Overall, the results indicate that in-group favoritism can affect moral judgments, especially when assessing homogeneous out-groups, but it can be reduced by the characteristics of groups.
State Resident Handedness, Ideology, and Political Party Preference: U.S. Presidential Election Outcomes Over the Past 60 Years
Authors: McCann Stewart J. H.
Published: January 2024

Pearson correlation, partial correlation, and multiple regression strategies determined the degree to which estimates of the level of left-handedness in each of the 48 contiguous American states related to citizen political ideology and to Democratic-Republican presidential popular vote over the past 60 years. Higher state levels of left-handedness were associated significantly with liberal ideology in each of the presidential election years from 1964 to 2016. Comparable ideology data were not available for 2020. Higher state levels of left-handedness also were associated with a greater degree of Democratic candidate popular vote support in each of the presidential election years from 1964 to 2020 except for 1976. The mean size of these 28 significant Pearson correlations involving the two political criteria was .62 ( SD = .12) with a range of .38–.80, indicating handedness alone could account for a mean of 40.1% ( SD = 14.9) of the variance in the two political preference variables. Corresponding multiple regressions showed that when state-level Big Five personality, White population percent, urbanization, and income variables were given the opportunity to enter the equations, handedness still emerged with a significant regression coefficient in 26 of the 28 equations. The two exceptions occurred for 1968 with either political preference criterion. It is speculated that such relations are grounded in hypothesized but poorly understood genetic links between handedness, personality, and political beliefs and attitudes, and, that a foundational genetic predisposition to left-handedness in a population may have much greater impact on correlates than overt levels of left-handedness.
John Witherspoon and the Rhetoric of Reputation
Authors: Bourbouhakis Emmanuel C.
Published: January 2024

The controversy surrounding the statue of John Witherspoon on Princeton's campus has revolved largely around his contentious stance on the gradual abolition of slavery and his presumed ownership of at least two slaves for some indeterminate period. This article is intended to shift the focus to Witherspoon's pedagogical legacy as the more appropriate measure of his place on campus.
Partial Iconoclasm: John Witherspoon's Presbyterian (Political) Theology and Slavery
Authors: Mikoski Gordon S.
Published: January 2024

The Reformed and Presbyterian traditions, characterized by their iconoclasm and anti-idolatry, stress the importance of rejecting false gods and idolatry, with a political theology that allows for critique of unjust authorities. Yet, there's a dichotomy in how leaders like Witherspoon applied these principles, as they criticized oppressive systems while simultaneously benefiting from the oppression of enslaved Black individuals. With respect to ending slavery, Witherspoon and other Presbyterian leaders in Princeton during the Revolutionary period adopted a strategy of gradualism, aiming for incremental changes towards the end of slavery. However, their approach often seemed inconsistent, advocating for immediate disruptive change against British rule but taking a more moderate stance on slavery and race. An in-depth theological and historical analysis of figures like Witherspoon provides insights into their complex legacies and the broader Reformed tradition's stance on slavery, race, and political upheaval.
Impact of pulmonary hypertension on short-term outcomes in patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement for severe aortic valve stenosis
Authors: Ivanov Borko , Krasivskyi Ihor , Förster Friedrich , Gaisendrees Christopher , Elderia Ahmed , Großmann Clara , Mihaylova Mariya , Djordjevic Ilija , Eghbalzadeh Kaveh , Sabashnikov Anton , Kuhn Elmar , Deppe Antje-Christin , Rahmanian Parwis Baradaran , Mader Navid , Gerfer Stephen , Wahlers Thorsten
Published: January 2024

Objectives

In patients with left heart disease and severe aortic stenosis (AS), pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common comorbidity and predictor of poor prognosis. Untreated AS aggravates PH leading to an increased right ventricular afterload and, in line to right ventricular dysfunction. The surgical benefit of aortic valve replacement (AVR) in elderly patients with severe AS and PH could be limited due to the multiple comorbidities and poor outcomes. Therefore, we purposed to investigate the impact of PH on short-term outcomes in patients with moderate to severe AS who underwent surgical AVR in our heart center.

Methods

In this study we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 99 patients with severe secondary post-capillary PH who underwent surgical AVR (AVR + PH group) at our heart center between 2010 and 2021 with a regard to perioperative outcomes. In order to investigate the impact of PH on short-term outcomes, the control group of 99 patients without pulmonary hypertension who underwent surgical AVR (AVR group) at our heart center with similar risk profile was accordingly analyzed regarding pre-, intra- and postoperative data.

Results

Atrial fibrillation occurred significantly more often ( p = .013) in patients who suffered from PH undergoing AVR. In addition, the risk for cardiac surgery (EUROSCORE II) was significantly higher ( p < .001) in the above-mentioned group. Likewise, cardiopulmonary bypass time ( p = .018), aortic cross-clamp time ( p = .008) and average operation time ( p = .009) were significantly longer in the AVR + PH group. Furthermore, the in-hospital survival rate was significantly higher ( p = .044) in the AVR group compared to the AVR + PH group. Moreover, the dialysis rate was significantly higher ( p < .001) postoperatively in patients who suffered PH compared to the patients without PH undergoing AVR.

Conclusion

In our study, patients with severe PH and severe symptomatic AS who underwent surgical aortic valve replacement showed adverse short-term outcomes compared to patients without PH.
The impact of cannabidiol placebo on responses to an acute stressor: A replication and proof of concept study
Authors: Zhekova Radostina M , Perry Robin N , Spinella Toni C , Dockrill Kayley , Stewart Sherry H , Barrett Sean P
Published: January 2024

Background:

Our group has previously reported that cannabidiol (CBD) expectancy alone blunts markers of stress, particularly during anticipation, but it is not clear the extent to which such findings were specific to the methods utilized.

Aims:

To examine CBD-related placebo effects on stress reactivity and anticipation and to validate a protocol to be used in a neuroimaging study.

Methods:

Forty-eight healthy adults (24 female) were randomly assigned to be informed that they ingested a CBD-containing oil or a CBD-free oil despite receiving the same oil (CBD-free). Following oil administration, participants engaged in a laboratory stressor and were then incorrectly informed that they would engage in a second more difficult task following a waiting period. Subjective state (sedation, energy, stress, anxiety) and heart rate were assessed at baseline, post-oil administration, immediately following the first stressor, and while anticipating the second stressor.

Results:

Subjective stress and anxiety were significantly elevated immediately following the stressor ( p-values < 0.001). CBD expectancy was associated with increased subjective sedation ( p < 0.01) and tended to be associated with blunted subjective stress ( p = 0.053). Post hoc within-condition pairwise compassions suggested a return to pre-stressor levels during the anticipation period in the CBD condition for subjective stress and anxiety ( p = 0.784, 0.845), but not the CBD-free condition ( p = 0.025, 0.045).

Conclusion:

Results replicate and extend previous findings that CBD expectancy alone can impact stress- and anxiety-relevant responses in the laboratory context.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor antagonism reduces motion sickness indicators in mouse migraine models
Authors: Rahman Shafaqat M , Luebke Anne E
Published: January 2024

Background

Migraine and vestibular migraine are disorders associated with a heightened motion sensitivity that provoke symptoms of motion-induced nausea and motion sickness. VM affects ∼3% of adults in the USA and affects three-fold more women than men. Triptans (selective serotonin receptor agonists) relieve migraine pain but lack efficacy for vertigo. Murine models of photophobia and allodynia have used injections of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) or other migraine triggers, such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP), to induce migraine sensitivities in mice to touch and light. Yet, there is limited research on whether these triggers affect motion-induced nausea in mice, and whether migraine blockers can reduce these migraine symptoms. We hypothesized that systemic delivery of CGRP or SNP will increase motion sickness susceptibility and motion-induced nausea in mouse models, and that migraine blockers can block these changes induced by systemically delivered CGRP or SNP.

Methods

We investigated two measures of motion sickness assessment [motion sickness index (MSI) scoring and motion-induced thermoregulation] after intraperitoneal injections of either CGRP or SNP in C57BL/6J mice. The drugs olcegepant, sumatriptan and rizatriptan were used to assess the efficacy of migraine blockers.

Results

MSI measures were confounded by CGRP’s effect on gastric distress. However, analysis of tail vasodilatations as a surrogate for motion-induced nausea was robust for both migraine triggers. Only olcegepant treatment rescued tail vasodilatations.

Conclusions

These preclinical findings support the use of small molecule CGRP receptor antagonists for the treatment of motion-induced nausea of migraine, and show that triptan therapeutics are ineffective against motion-induced nausea of migraine. Trial Registration: Not Applicable
Can We Leverage Text Analysis to Inform Policy Priorities Through a Community Engagement Grid?
Authors: Diana Tony
Published: January 2024

The implementation of new performance-based navigation procedures at an East Coast airport in 2016 required the airport authority to step up its engagement with airport community residents. This case study leverages natural language processing to explain changes in the sentiments of airport community residents from 2015 to 2021. Natural language processing algorithms made it possible to create a community engagement grid that highlights issues identified in digital prints and social media and allows decision-makers to prioritize them based on awareness and urgency.
Faster Convergence of Integrated Activity-Based Models in Dynamic Multimodal Transit Assignment Using Macroscopic Road Congestion Estimation
Authors: Zhou Yuhan , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes an integrated framework of an activity-based behavior model and a multimodal transit assignment-simulation tool that captures road network congestion dynamics. The framework has two levels: the upper level is the demand-side activity-based model that decides individual travelers’ behavioral choices based on up-to-date information from the lower level; the lower level consists of both transit and road network estimation models on the supply side, whose inputs are trips from the upper level. The objective of this framework is to assess impacts of transit service policies, so the transit network is simulated with an agent-based multimodal hyperpath assignment model in each iteration, while the road network is mainly estimated by a macroscopic model of congestion (metamodel) instead of a simulation-based assignment model to accelerate execution time toward an equilibrated solution. Convergence under this framework is also defined from two aspects: individual choice behaviors and transit hyperpath assignment. One contribution of this paper is to incorporate the exogenous effects of road network dynamics into the integrated demand and transit assignment model, and to reduce the time to reach convergence with macroscopic modeling. This paper uses mode choice behavior as an example to demonstrate mathematical formulations and implementation procedures to reach two-level convergence. The framework is tested with the large-scale regional network of the Greater Chicago metropolitan area. The results suggest that the major advantage of the macroscopic road model is to accelerate convergence toward equilibrium when it is used to capture the traffic network congestion effects in this integrated mode choice-transit assignment framework.