bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching for Values in Human–Computer Interaction
Authors: Eriksson Eva , Nilsson Elisabet M. , Hansen Anne-Marie , Bekker Tilde
Published: February 2022

There is an increasing awareness of the importance of considering values in the design of technology. There are several research approaches focused on this, such as e.g., value-sensitive design, value-centred human–computer interaction (HCI), and value-led participatory design, just to mention a few. However, less attention has been given to developing educational materials for the role that values play in HCI, why hands-on teaching activities are insufficient, and especially teaching activities that cover the full design process. In this article, we claim that teaching for ethics and values in HCI is not only important in some parts of the design and development process, but equally important all through. We will demonstrate this by a unique collection of 28 challenges identified throughout the design process, accompanied by inspirational suggestions for teaching activities to tackle these challenges. The article is based on results from applying a modified pedagogical design pattern approach in the iterative development of an open educational resource containing teaching and assessment activities and pedagogical framework, and from pilot testing. Preliminary results from pilots of parts of the teaching activities indicate that student participants experience achieving knowledge about how to understand and act ethically on human values in design, and teachers experience an increased capacity to teach for values in design in relevant and innovative ways. Hopefully, this overview of challenges and inspirational teaching activities focused on values in the design of technology can be one way to provide teachers with inspiration to sensitize their students and make them better prepared to become responsible designers by learning how to address and work with values in HCI.
Disparate Associations of 24-h Central Aortic and Brachial Cuff Blood Pressure With Hypertension-Mediated Organ Damage and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Hu Yueliang , Zhao Jiehui , Wang Qian , Chao Huijuan , Tang Biwen , Cheng Di , Tan Isabella , Butlin Mark , Avolio Alberto , Wang Weiliang , Zuo Junli
Published: February 2022

Objective

Aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of non-invasive central aortic and peripheral (brachial) blood pressure (BP) for Hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk.

Methods

We evaluated associations of HMOD with 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) of central aortic and peripheral BP indices in patients with primary hypertension and presence of several cardiovascular risk factors. BP measurements were performed by means of a non-invasive automated oscillometric device (Mobil-O-Graph). HMOD was defined as the presence of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) above normal values and/or carotid plaque, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and/or renal abnormalities as assessed by urine albumin/creatinine ratio above normal values and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2.

Results

In the study cohort of 273 (age 55.2 ± 13.4 years, 71.8% male) patients with primary hypertension, documented HMOD was present in 180 (65.9%), LVH in 70 (25.6%), increased IMT in 129 (47.3%). Fifty-six patients (20.5%) had kidney organ damage (20.5% albuminuria and 2.6% impaired eGFR). When accounting for confounding factors (age, sex, body-mass-index, antihypertensive treatment, smoking, triacylglycerol, statin treatment, glucose, hypoglycemic therapy, or heart rate) only peripheral 24-h pulse pressure (PP) maintained statistical significance with HMOD indices (OR: 1.126, 95% CI: 1.012~1.253; p = 0.029). Using ASCVD risk score as the independent continuous variable in multiple linear regression, 24-h central systolic pressure (SBP) (β = 0.179; 95% CI:0.019~0.387; p = 0.031), daytime central PP (β = 0.114; 95% CI:0.070~0.375; p = 0.005, night-time central SBP (β = 0.411; 95% CI:0.112~0.691; p = 0.007) and night-time PP (β = 0.257; 95% CI:0.165~0.780; p = 0.003) were all positively associated with ASCVD risk.

Conclusions

Blood pressure obtained by 24-h ABPM was better correlated with HMOD than office BP. Whilst 24-h peripheral BP showed a stronger association with HMOD than 24-h central BP, the prognostic value of 24-h central BP for the 10-year ASCVD risk was superior to 24-h peripheral BP.
Cardiac Alterations on 3T MRI in Young Adults With Sedentary Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors
Authors: Snel Gert J. H. , van den Boomen Maaike , Hurtado-Ortiz Katia , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , van Deursen Vincent M. , Nguyen Christopher T. , Sosnovik David E. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Velthuis Birgitta K. , Borra Ronald J. H. , Prakken Niek H. J.
Published: February 2022

Background

Young adult populations with the sedentary lifestyle-related risk factors overweight, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are growing, and associated cardiac alterations could overlap early findings in non-ischemic cardiomyopathy on cardiovascular MRI. We aimed to investigate cardiac morphology, function, and tissue characteristics for these cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods

Non-athletic non-smoking asymptomatic adults aged 18–45 years were prospectively recruited and underwent 3Tesla cardiac MRI. Multivariate linear regression was performed to investigate independent associations of risk factor-related parameters with cardiac MRI values.

Results

We included 311 adults (age, 32 ± 7 years; men, 49%). Of them, 220 subjects had one or multiple risk factors, while 91 subjects were free of risk factors. For overweight, increased body mass index (per SD = 5.3 kg/m2) was associated with increased left ventricular (LV) mass (+7.3 g), biventricular higher end-diastolic (LV, +8.6 ml), and stroke volumes (SV; +5.0 ml), higher native T1 (+7.3 ms), and lower extracellular volume (ECV, −0.38%), whereas the higher waist-hip ratio was associated with lower biventricular volumes. Regarding hypertension, increased systolic blood pressure (per SD = 14 mmHg) was associated with increased LV mass (+6.9 g), higher LV ejection fraction (EF; +1.0%), and lower ECV (−0.48%), whereas increased diastolic blood pressure was associated with lower LV EF. In T2D, increased HbA1c (per SD = 9.0 mmol/mol) was associated with increased LV mass (+2.2 g), higher right ventricular end-diastolic volume (+3.2 ml), and higher ECV (+0.27%). Increased heart rate was linked with decreased LV mass, lower biventricular volumes, and lower T2 values.

Conclusions

Young asymptomatic adults with overweight, hypertension, and T2D show subclinical alterations in cardiac morphology, function, and tissue characteristics. These alterations should be considered in cardiac MRI-based clinical decision making.
Chain Actions Generated High-Elevation and High-Relief Topography of the Eastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau: From Deep Earth Forces to Earthquake-Induced Dams
Authors: Li Hailong , Sun Yujun , Zhang Yueqiao
Published: February 2022

High-elevation and high-relief topography is the most prominent geomorphological features of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. This paper proposes that the interaction of the endogenic and exogenic forces jointly determines the formation of such high and steep landform. Eastward propagation of the Tibetan Plateau has been portioned by NW-striking, large-scaled sinistral strike-slip faults due to resistance of rigid Yangtze craton to the east of the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The transpressional stress has emerged in eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and has resulted in several large-scale active faults. The transpressional behavior has changed the flowing direction of the rivers from NW-SE to nearly N-S. The transport capacity of these southward-flowing rivers decreases correspondingly. Since the late Cenozoic, intensive seismic events have occurred on the active faults of the eastern Tibetan Plateau which resulted in geohazards such as slope failures, landslides along these southward-flowing rivers. This resulted in the formation of a large number of dammed lakes in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. To a certain degree, these dammed lakes play an important role in lowering the upstream erosion rate and in accelerating downstream river incision which yields gravity unloading and uplift of the bedrock. The frequently and widely distributed damming events, therefore, forms an important supplementary factor with respect to the formation of high and steep landforms.
Changes in Visual and Olfactory Cues in Virus-Infected Host Plants Alter the Behavior of Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Zhang Zelong , Zhang Beibei , He Haifang , Yan Minghui , Li Jingjing , Yan Fengming
Published: February 2022

The cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus (CCYV) has caused serious damage to melon crops in many countries in recent years. This plant virus is exclusively transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in a semi-persistent mode. Previous studies have shown that both persistent and non-persistent viruses can affect the orientation and performance of insect vectors, through changing host phenotype or interacting with insect vectors directly to facilitate the spread of viruses. However, how CCYV affects host-plant selection by B. tabaci has not been reported. In this study, we investigated the visual and olfactory preferences of B. tabaci between healthy and CCYV-infected host plants Cucumis sativus (Cucurbitaceae). Volatile profiles of healthy and CCYV-infected C. sativus plants were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the choice assay, whiteflies preferred to settle on CCYV-infected C. sativus seedlings. However, the concentrations of total volatiles and terpenes in C. sativus plants decreased after CCYV infection. Interestingly, in the Y-tube assay and vision preference test, whitefly B. tabaci adults showed significant visual preference to CCYV-infected host but showed olfactory preference to healthy plants. These results indicated that CCYV infection in plants differently affected the visual and olfactory-mediated orientation behaviors of vector whiteflies and implied that visual cues could play a more important role than olfactory cues in whiteflies in locating CCYV-infected host plants.
Early Development Drives Variation in Amphibian Vulnerability to Global Change
Authors: Brooks George C. , Kindsvater Holly K.
Published: February 2022

Understanding how natural selection determines species’ life histories can reveal their resilience or sensitivity to anthropogenic changes. For example, the safe harbor hypothesis posits that natural selection will favor life histories that maximize the time spent in the safest life stages; a second theoretical prediction suggests that species with complex life histories will maximize the growth potential of a life stage relative to its safety. Amphibians exhibit complex life histories, with a diversity of developmental strategies occurring across taxa. Many strategies involve the complete elimination of a particular life stage, and thus provide an excellent opportunity to evaluate the main tenets of the safe harbor hypothesis and understand the consequences of this developmental variation for conservation of threatened amphibians. We develop a general framework for understanding developmental life histories of amphibians – including the special cases of paedomorphism, direct development, and viviparity – based on the relative growth potential and safety offered by aquatic and terrestrial habitat, which we tested using a global trait database. We then compare the IUCN Red List status of species differing in developmental mode, revealing that most fully aquatic species and species with an aquatic larval stage are currently of Least Concern, despite the fact that freshwater habitats are being lost at a much faster rate compared with terrestrial ecosystems. The higher proportion of direct developing and viviparous species that are threatened can be attributed to their smaller ranges, the fact that they are more likely to be found in rainforest habitats, and their relatively slow life histories. We conclude that an amphibian’s developmental mode reflects the relative costs and benefits of different habitats, and that this could contribute to the resilience or vulnerability of amphibians to future anthropogenic change.
Immunological Subsets Characterization in Newly Diagnosed Relapsing–Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: D’Amico Emanuele , Zanghì Aurora , Parrinello Nunziatina Laura , Romano Alessandra , Palumbo Giuseppe Alberto , Chisari Clara Grazia , Toscano Simona , Raimondo Francesco Di , Zappia Mario , Patti Francesco
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Using flow cytometry, we characterized myeloid, B, and T cells in patients recently diagnosed with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) naive to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs).

Methods

This prospective case–control study was conducted in the tertiary MS center of Catania, Italy. Demographic/clinical data and peripheral bloods were collected from 52 naive patients recently diagnosed with RRMS and sex/age-matched healthy controls (HCs) in a 2:1 ratio. We performed flow cytometry on isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells to assess immune cell subsets differences between RMMS patients and HCs. We explored the biomarker potential of cell subsets using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and relative area under the curve (AUC) analyses.

Results

Monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Mo-MDSCs CD14+/HLADR−/low) and inflammatory monocytes (CD14+CD16+) displayed higher frequencies in RRMS patients when compared with HCs (p <.05). A lower percentage of B-unswitched memory cells was observed in RRMS patients when compared with HCs (p = .026). T cells had a higher frequency of T-helper CD4+ cells and their subset, CD4+CD161+, in RRMS patients when compared with HCs (p <.001). ROC analyses revealed an AUC >70% for Mo-MDSCs CD14+/HLADR−/low and inflammatory CD14+CD16+, T-helper CD3+CD4+, and T-helper CD4+CD161+.

Conclusions

Patients with a recent RRMS diagnosis and naive to DMTs, showed peculiar myeloid, B-, and T-cell immunophenotypes.
Serum-Derived Exosomal miR-140-5p as a Promising Biomarker for Differential Diagnosis of Anti-NMDAR Encephalitis With Viral Encephalitis
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Fan Kengna , Lin Qingwen , Tang Minjie , Wang Qi , Huang Er , Zhang Weiqing , Chen Tianbin , Ou Qishui
Published: February 2022

Background

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis is the most common type of autoimmune encephalitis. Early recognition and treatment, especially distinguishing from viral encephalitis (VE) in the early stages, are crucial for the outcomes of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Compared with plasma microRNAs (miRNAs), exosomal miRNAs are more abundant and not easy to degrade. Moreover, exosomes can pass through the blood–brain barrier. This study aimed to explore the clinical value of serum exosomal miRNAs in the differential diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with VE.

Method

Serum samples from a total of 30 patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, 30 patients with VE, and 30 cases of control patients hospitalized in the same period were collected. Firstly, the serum exosomes were isolated and identified by transmission electron microscope (TEM), nanoparticle-tracking analyzer (NTA), and Western blot (WB). The expression levels of let-7b and miR-140-5p from serum exosomes were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). At the same time, we also detected complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), and high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) expression levels in three groups. Finally, we analyzed the difference and diagnostic value of the test results.

Results

Isolated particles showed identical characteristics to the exosomes through TEM, NTA, and WB analyses. Compared with the VE group and control group, the expression of miR-140-5p was significantly upregulated in serum exosomes of the NMDAR group. In contrast, the serum C3 in the NMDAR group was significantly lower than the other two groups. ROC curve analysis showed the area under the curve (AUC) of serum exosomal miR-140-5p and serum C3 was 0.748 (76.67% sensitivity and 73.33% specificity) and 0.724 (76.67% sensitivity and 60% specificity) to distinguish anti-NMDAR encephalitis from VE, respectively. The AUC of serum exosomal miR-140-5p combined with serum C3 was 0.811, the sensitivity was 70.00%, and the specificity was 86.67%.

Conclusion

Serum exosomal miR-140-5p combined with serum C3 would be a promising marker in the differential diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis with VE.
mTOR Inhibitors Induce Erythropoietin Resistance in Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Jefferies Reece , Puttagunta Harish , Krishnan Anoushka , Irish Ashley , Swaminathan Ramyasuda , Olynyk John K.
Published: February 2022

Aim

To elucidate the role of mTOR inhibitors on iron, hepcidin and erythropoietin-mediated regulation of hemopoiesis in stable renal transplant recipients (RTR).

Background

Impaired hemopoiesis is common following renal transplantation managed using mTOR inhibitors. The mechanisms responsible are uncertain but include direct effects on iron, hepcidin or erythropoietin-mediated hemopoiesis.

Methods

We conducted a single center prospective case-control study of 26 adult RTR with stable allograft function. RTR received stable mTOR dosing (cases, 11/26 [42%]) or stable tacrolimus dosing (controls, 15/26 [58%]). Baseline demographics, full blood count, renal function, iron studies, hepcidin-25, Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and erythropoietin (EPO) levels were determined.

Results

There were no differences in age, gender or allograft function. Mean daily sirolimus dose for cases was 1.72 mg, with mean trough level of 8.46 ng/mL. Mean daily tacrolimus dose for controls was 4.3 mg, with mean trough level of 5.8 ng/mL. There were no differences in mean hemoglobin (143 vs. 147 g/L; p = 0.59), MCV (88 vs. 90 fL; p = 0.35), serum ferritin (150 vs. 85.7 μg/L; p = 0.06), transferrin saturation (26 vs. 23.3%; p = 0.46), IL-6 (11 vs. 7.02 pg/ml; p = 0.14) or hepcidin-25 (3.62 vs. 3.26 nM; p = 0.76) between the groups. EPO levels were significantly higher in the group receiving mTOR therapy (16.8 vs. 8.49 IU/L; p = 0.028). On logistic regression analysis EPO level was the only variable that had a significant impact providing an odds ratio of 0.84 (95%CI 0.66–0.98). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) for the analysis was 0.77 (95%CI 0.54–0.94) with p = 0.04.

Conclusion: Higher levels of EPO in the absence of deranged iron biochemistry or hepcidin-25 levels suggest that EPO resistance rather than impaired iron metabolism may contribute to the impaired hemopoiesis previously demonstrated in RTR on mTOR therapy.
Insights Into the Research Status of Neuromedin U: A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis From 1987 to 2021
Authors: Qi Xueping , Liu Peidong , Wang Yanjie , Xue Jinmei , An Yunfang , Zhao Changqing
Published: February 2022

Neuromedin U (NMU) is a regulatory peptide that is widely distributed throughout the body and performs a variety of physiological functions through its corresponding receptors. In recent years, NMU has become the focus of attention in various fields of research as its diverse and essential functions have gradually been elucidated. However, there have been no bibliometrics studies on the development trend and knowledge structure of NMU research. Therefore, in this study, we used VOSviewer software to statistically analyze scientific data from articles related to NMU to track the developmental footprint of this research field, including relevant countries, institutions, authors, and keywords. We retrieved a total of 338 papers related to NMU, written by 1,661 authors from 438 organizations of 41 countries that were published in 332 journals. The first study on NMU was reported by a group in Japan in 1985. Subsequently, nine articles on NMU were published from 1987 to 2006. A small leap in this field could be detected in 2009, with 30 articles published worldwide. Among the various countries in which this research has been performed, Japan and the United States have made the most outstanding contributions. Miyazato M, Kangawa K, and Mori K from the Department of Biochemistry, National Retrain and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute in Japan were the most productive authors who have the highest number of citations. Keyword analysis showed six clusters: central-nervous-system, homeostasis, energy metabolism, cancer, immune inflammation, and food intake. The three most highly cited articles were associated with inflammation. Overall, this study demonstrates the research trends and future directions of NMU, providing an objective description of the contributions in this field along with reference value for future research.
Can Cerebral Regional Oxygen Saturation (rSO2) Be Used as an Indicator of the Quality of Chest Compressions in Patients With Cardiopulmonary Arrest? A Study Evaluating the Association Between rSO2 and Mean Arterial Pressure: The PRESS Study
Authors: Kishihara Yuki , Yasuda Hideto , Kashiura Masahiro , Harada Naoshige , Moriya Takashi
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Sudden cardiac arrest causes numerous deaths worldwide. High-quality chest compressions are important for good neurological recovery. Arterial pressure is considered useful to monitor the quality of chest compressions by the American Heart Association. However, arterial pressure catheter might be inconvenient during resuscitation. Conversely, cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) during resuscitation may be associated with a good neurological prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the correlation between mean arterial pressure and rSO2 during resuscitation to evaluate rSO2 as an indicator of the quality of chest compressions.

Materials and Methods

This study was a single-center, prospective, observational study. Patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who were transported to a tertiary care emergency center in Japan between October 2014 and March 2015 were included. The primary outcome was the regression coefficient between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and rSO2. MAP and rSO2 were measured during resuscitation (at hospital arrival [0 min], 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 min), and MAP was measured by using an arterial catheter inserted into the femoral artery. For analysis, we used the higher value of rSO2 obtained from the left and right forehead of the patient measured using a near-infrared spectrometer. Regression coefficients were calculated using the generalized estimating equation with MAP and systolic arterial pressure as response variables and rSO2 as an explanatory variable since MAP and rSO2 were repeatedly measured in the same patient. Since the confounding factors between MAP or systolic arterial pressure and rSO2 were not clear clinically or from previous studies, the generalized estimating equation was analyzed using a univariate analysis.

Results

In this study, 37 patients were analyzed. The rSO2 and MAP during resuscitation from hospital arrival to 15 min later were expressed as follows: (median [interquartile range, IQR]): rSO2, 29.5 (24.3–38.8)%, and MAP, 36.5 (26–46) mmHg. The regression coefficient (95% CI) of log-rSO2 and log-MAP was 0.42 (0.03–0.81) (p = 0.035).

Conclusion

The values of rSO2 and MAP showed a mild but statistically significant association. rSO2 could be used to assess the quality of chest compressions during resuscitation as a non-invasive and simple method.
Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist vs. Conventional Mechanical Ventilation in Adults and Children With Acute Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Mengfan , Yuan Xueyan , Liu Ling , Yang Yi
Published: February 2022

Background

Patient-ventilator asynchrony is a common problem in mechanical ventilation (MV), resulting in increased complications of MV. Despite there being some pieces of evidence for the efficacy of improving the synchronization of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA), controversy over its physiological and clinical outcomes remain. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the relative impact of NAVA or conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) modes on the important outcomes of adults and children with acute respiratory failure (ARF).

Methods

Qualified studies were searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and additional quality evaluations up to October 5, 2021. The primary outcome was asynchrony index (AI); secondary outcomes contained the duration of MV, intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, the incidence rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia, pH, and Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide in Arterial Blood (PaCO2). A statistical heterogeneity for the outcomes was assessed using the I2 test. A data analysis of outcomes using odds ratio (OR) for ICU mortality and ventilator-associated pneumonia incidence and mean difference (MD) for AI, duration of MV, pH, and PaCO2, with 95% confidence interval (CI), was expressed.

Results

Eighteen eligible studies (n = 926 patients) were eventually enrolled. For the primary outcome, NAVA may reduce the AI (MD = −18.31; 95% CI, −24.38 to −12.25; p < 0.001). For the secondary outcomes, the duration of MV in the NAVA mode was 2.64 days lower than other CMVs (MD = −2.64; 95% CI, −4.88 to −0.41; P = 0.02), and NAVA may decrease the ICU mortality (OR =0.60; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.86; P = 0.006). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia, pH, and PaCO2 between NAVA and other MV modes.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that NAVA ameliorates the synchronization of patient-ventilator and improves the important clinical outcomes of patients with ARF compared with CMV modes.
The Emerging Role of Ultrasonic Nanotechnology for Diagnosing and Treatment of Diseases
Authors: Liu Xinying , Ge Weidong
Published: February 2022

Nanotechnology has been commonly used in a variety of applications in recent years. Nanomedicine has also gotten a lot of attention in the medical and treatment fields. Ultrasonic technology is already being used in research as a powerful tool for manufacturing nonmaterial and in the decoration of catalyst supports for energy applications and material processing. For the development of nanoparticles and the decoration of catalytic assisted powders with nanoparticles, low or high-frequency Ultrasonic are used. The Ultrasonic is frequently used in joint venture with the nanotechnology from the past few years and bring tremendous success in various diseases diagnosing and treatment. Numerous kinds of nanoparticles are fabricated with desired capabilities and targeted toward different targets. This review first highlights the Ultrasonic Treatment and processing of Nanoparticles for Pharmaceuticals. Next, we explain various nanoparticles with ultrasonic technology for different diagnosing and treatment of various diseases. Finally, we explain the challenges face by current approaches for their translation in clinics.
Additive Manufacturing of a Miniature Functional Trocar for Eye Surgery
Authors: Lussenburg Kirsten , Scali Marta , Sakes Aimée , Breedveld Paul
Published: February 2022

Graphical Abstract
Can Technology Abate the Experience of Social Isolation for Those Affected by Dementia?
Authors: Faieta Julie , Faieta Lily , Leblond Jean , Routhier François , Best Krista
Published: February 2022

Background

The widespread social isolation measures recently utilized to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to older adults may have exuded unexpected consequences. Social isolation among older adults is a risk factor for poor health outcomes. Innovative solutions to balancing public safety and health maintenance for those with dementia and their caregivers are needed.

Methods

A sample of N = 82 dementia caregivers participated in a web-based survey to investigate their perceptions on (1) changes in personal mental health due to isolation from their loved one, and (2) the perceived need for use of smart mobile device app use in these situations.

Results

The majority of our sample (87%) reported experiencing negative mental health outcomes beyond those experienced in typical situations. Furthermore, over 70% of caregivers were concerned with the care their loved on received during social isolation. Finally, 67% reported perceived need to use SMD apps in these times of social isolation.

Conclusion

Our findings provide preliminary insight into troubling consequences occurring when individuals with dementia are socially isolated from their caregivers. An inverse relationship between SMD app use and poor mental health points to the potential for communication technology to lessen the negative impacts of social isolation, when it becomes necessary to public safety.
Atrial Cardiopathy and Cryptogenic Stroke
Authors: Kato Yuji , Takahashi Shinichi
Published: February 2022

Recent advances in pathophysiology suggest that a pathological atrial substrate can cause embolic stroke even in patients without atrial fibrillation (AF). This pathological condition is called “atrial cardiopathy”, which indicates atrial structural and functional disorders that can precede AF. The objective of this narrative review was to provide a current overview of atrial cardiopathy and cryptogenic stroke. We searched the PubMed database and summarized the recent findings of the identified studies, including the pathogenesis of atrial cardiopathy, biomarkers of atrial cardiopathy, relationship between atrial cardiopathy and cryptogenic stroke, and therapeutic interventions for atrial cardiopathy. Abnormal atrial substrate (atrial cardiopathy) that leads to AF can result in embolic stroke before developing AF, and may explain the source of cryptogenic stroke in some patients. Although there are several potential biomarkers indicative of atrial cardiopathy, P-wave terminal force in lead V1 (>5,000 μV* ms), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (>250 pg/ml), and left atrial enlargement are currently promising biomarkers for the diagnosis of atrial cardiopathy. Because the optimal combination and thresholds of biomarkers for diagnosing atrial cardiopathy remain uncertain, atrial cardiopathy represents a spectrum disorder. The concept of atrial cardiopathy appears to be most valuable as a starting point for therapeutic intervention to prevent stroke. Validation of the diagnosis of atrial cardiopathy and whether it can be used as a new therapeutic target for direct oral anticoagulants are currently being covered in the ARCADIA trial.
The Patient Lived-Experience of Ventral Capsulotomy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis of Neuroablative Psychiatric Neurosurgery
Authors: Barrios-Anderson Adriel , McLaughlin Nicole C. R. , Patrick Morgan T. , Marsland Richard , Noren Georg , Asaad Wael F. , Greenberg Benjamin D. , Rasmussen Steven
Published: February 2022

Ventral Capsulotomy (VC) is a surgical intervention for treatment-resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Despite clinical studies, little is known about patient perception and lived experience after neurosurgery for severe OCD. To examine the lived experiences of patients who have undergone VC for severe, treatment-resistant OCD through qualitative analysis. We conducted semi-structured interviews with six participants treated with VC for OCD. Interviews were analyzed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. The following themes emerged: (1) After years of conventional treatments, patients felt neurosurgery was their “last hope” and described themselves as “desperate,” (2) While some described the surgery as a “supernatural experience,” patients also demonstrated understanding of the scientific procedure, its risks and potential benefits, (3) The surgical experience itself was positive or neutral, which was linked to trust in the clinical team, (4) Post-surgery, participants described months of heightened fear as they awaited lesion formation and functional improvement. (5) Patients consistently contextualized outcome in the context of their own life goals. Patients undergoing VC have positive views of this neurosurgical intervention, but psychiatric neurosurgical teams should anticipate patient discomfort with the time needed to achieve behavioral improvement following surgery and emphasize the importance of post-operative psychiatric care.
Antifatigue Effect of Panax Notoginseng Leaves Fermented With Microorganisms: In-vitro and In-vivo Evaluation
Authors: Yang Min , Tao Liang , Zhao Cun-Chao , Wang Zi-Lin , Yu Zhi-Jin , Zhou Wen , Wen Yan-Long , Li Ling-Fei , Tian Yang , Sheng Jun
Published: February 2022

Fatigue is a common physiological phenomenon caused by many complicated factors. Excessive fatigue will lead to a series of uncomfortable reactions and damage body health. Panax notoginseng leaves (PNL) is a new resource food that good for soothing nerves, nourishing the heart, and strengthening the spleen. Microbial fermentation could increase the content of bio-ingredients and produce new active ingredients. However, the effect of fermented P. notoginseng leaves (FPNL) on antifatigue and the molecular mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Thus, in this study, we evaluated the antifatigue effect of co-fermented P. notoginseng leaves by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis in-vitro and in-vivo, and its mechanism was further elucidated. The results showed that FPNL exhibited higher saponins, organic phenolic acids content, and antioxidant activity than PNL. FPNL improved ISO-induced H9c2 myocardial cell damage by alleviating apoptosis (modulating Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression) and reducing antioxidant activity in-vitro. Moreover, in-vivo experiment showed that FPNL significantly prolonged the weight-loading swimming time of mice. After gavaged FPNL, the levels of liver glycogen (LG) and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were increased in mice. In contrast, the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate acid, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were decreased. In summary, our results indicated that FPNL showed a good antifatigue effect in-vivo and in-vitro.
An Algorithm for Strategic Continuation or Restriction of Asthma Medication Prior to Exercise Challenge Testing in Childhood Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction
Authors: Hengeveld Vera. S. , Keijzer Pascal B. , Diamant Zuzana , Thio Boony J.
Published: February 2022

Exercise induced bronchial (EIB) constriction is a common and highly specific feature of pediatric asthma and should be diagnosed with an exercise challenge test (ECT). The impact of EIB in asthmatic children's daily lives is immense, considering the effects on both physical and psychosocial development. Monitoring childhood asthma by ECT's can provide insight into daily life disease burden and the control of asthma. Current guidelines for bronchoprovocation tests restrict both the use of reliever and maintenance asthma medication before an exercise challenge to prevent false-negative testing, as both have significant acute bronchoprotective properties. However, restricting maintenance medication before an ECT may be less appropiate to evaluate EIB symptoms in daily life when a diagnosis of asthma is well established. Rigorous of maintenance medication before an ECT according to guidelines may lead to overestimation of the real, daily life asthma burden and lead to an inappropiate step-up in therapy. The protection against EIB offered by the combined acute and chronic bronchoprotective effects of maintenance medication can be properly assessed whilst maintaining them. This may aid in achieving the goal of unrestricted participation of children in daily play and sports activities with their peers without escalation of therapy. When considering a step down in medication, a strategic wash-out of maintenance medication before an ECT aids in providing objective support of potential discontinuation of maintenance medication.
The Right Internal Jugular at the Cricoid Cartilage Level May Represent the Optimal Central Vein Puncture Site in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Xiong Jun , Wang Huijun , Zhu Yun , Zhou Yafen , Pang Yanan , Zhang Liwei
Published: February 2022

Objective

Internal jugular vein puncture or cannulation is far more difficult in children compared with adults. Anthropometric measures of the internal jugular vein acquired by two-dimensional ultrasound are useful in the practice of puncture and catheterization. The aim of this study is to measure anthropometric parameters of bilateral internal jugular veins in children and to determine the best puncture site based on these parameters.

Materials

A total of 107 pediatric patients undergoing elective operation were included. Ultrasound-visible evaluation of bilateral internal jugular veins was used to obtain the depth from skin, maximum antero-posterior diameter, and cross-sectional area at the levels of the superior border of thyroid cartilage and cricoid cartilage. Statistical analysis was performed using these anthropometric data and demographic variables of all studied pediatric patients, such as age, height, and weight.

Results

A very weak correlation was noted between the depth, maximal antero-posterior diameter, and cross-sectional area of both internal jugular veins and the age, height, weight, and body surface index of all included children. All Pearson's R correlation coefficients were <0.45. The largest diameter and cross-sectional area were in the right internal jugular vein at the cricoid cartilage level (p < 0.01) followed by the left internal jugular vein at this level (p < 0.01). In addition, the internal jugular vein at the cricoid cartilage level was more superficial than that of the superior border of the thyroid cartilage (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The right internal jugular vein at the cricoid cartilage level is the best site for puncture. The most appropriate alternative site is the left internal jugular vein on the same level. Better correlation was not observed between the anthropometric parameters of the internal jugular vein and children's biological characteristics. This finding should be confirmed in a larger-scale demographical study in the future.
Use of Drugs With Risk of Heart Rate-Related Problems is Common in Norwegian Dementia Patients Treated With Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: A Prevalence Study Based on the Norwegian Prescription Database
Authors: Efjestad Anne Sverdrup , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Hjellvik Vidar , Engedal Knut , Blix Hege Salvesen
Published: February 2022

Background: Drugs commonly prescribed for heart rate control may induce adverse drug reactions in Alzheimer patients treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs). We have studied use of drugs with a known risk of Torsades de pointes (TdP) and drugs used to treat behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, as well as a combination of drugs with a known risk of TdP and drugs with a known heart rate-lowering effect, before and after initiating treatment with AChEIs.

Methods: The study applied data from the Norwegian Prescription Database for the period 2004–2016. Prescriptions of concomitant use of drugs in persistent users of AChEIs was studied in a follow-up period from 4 years before to 2 years after AChEI initiation in men and women of two age groups: 37–80 and 81–88 years.

Results: A small number of patients were prescribed haloperidol (∼1.5% The second year after AChEI initiation), digoxin/digitoxin (∼3%), and verapamil (∼1.3%), while a substantial proportion of the patients were prescribed betablockers (∼28%) and citalopram/escitalopram (∼17%). During follow-up, up to 6% of the study population were prescribed both betablockers and citalopram/citalopram in addition to AChEIs, a combination that increased over the follow-up period and was observed most frequently in women in the oldest age group.

Conclusions: A large proportion (∼44%) of patients treated with AChEIs were prescribed drugs that could cause bradycardic and prolonged time from the start of the Q wave to the end of the T wave (QT interval). Thus, action should be taken to reduce the combination of drugs with risk of bradycardia and prolonged QT interval. Medication review on a regular basis could be an option as an important risk-reducing intervention.
Therapeutic Effect and Mechanism of Si-Miao-Yong-An-Tang on Thromboangiitis Obliterans Based on the Urine Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Li Hui-Yu , Sun Hui , Zhang Ai-Hua , He Lu-Wen , Qiu Shi , Xue Jun-Ru , Wu Fangfang , Wang Xi-Jun
Published: February 2022

Si-Miao-Yong-An-Tang (SMYAT) is a classic prescription for the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). However, the effect and mechanism are still unclear. This experiment aims to evaluate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of SMYAT on sodium laurate solution induced thromboangiitis obliterans model rats using urine metabolomics. The therapeutic effect of SMYAT was evaluated by histopathology, hemorheology and other indexes. The urine metabolomic method, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used for clustering group and discriminant analysis to screen urine differential metabolic biomarkers, and explore new insight into pathophysiological mechanisms of SMYAT in the treatment of TAO. SMYAT has significant antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects, according to the results of urine metabolomic analysis, and regulate the metabolic profile of TAO rats, and its return profile is close to the state of control group. Through metabolomics technology, a total of 35 urine biomarkers of TAO model were characterized. Among them, SMYAT treatment can regulate 22 core biomarkers, such as normetanephrine and 4-pyridoxic acid. It is found that the therapeutic effect of SMYAT is closely related to the tyrosine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism. It preliminarily explored the therapeutic mechanism of SMYAT, and provided a scientific basis for the application of SMYAT.
Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture Improvement Is Associated With Skeletal Nerve Increase Following Aerobic Exercise Training in Middle-Aged Mice
Authors: Lee Seungyong , Shin Yun-A , Cho Jinkyung , Park Dong-ho , Kim Changsun
Published: February 2022

Advancing age is associated with bone loss and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Exercise training improves bone metabolism and peripheral nerve regeneration, and may play a critical role in osteogenesis and increase in skeletal nerve fiber density. In this study, the potential positive role of aerobic exercise training in bone metabolism and skeletal nerve regeneration was comprehensively evaluated in 14-month-old male C57BL/6 mice. The mice were divided into two groups: no exercise (non-exercise group) and 8-weeks of aerobic exercise training (exercise group), with six mice in each group. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and micro-computed tomography showed that femoral and tibial bone parameters improved after aerobic exercise training. Greater skeletal nerve fiber density was also observed in the distal femoral and proximal tibial periostea, measured and analyzed by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant association between skeletal nerve densities and trabecular bone volume/total volume ratios (distal femur; R2 = 0.82, p < 0.05, proximal tibia; R2 = 0.59, p = 0.07) in the exercise group; while in the non-exercise group no significant correlation was found (distal femur; R2 = 0.10, p = 0.54, proximal tibia; R2 = 0.12, p = 0.51). Analysis of archival microarray database confirmed that aerobic exercise training changed the microRNA profiles in the mice femora. The differentially expressed microRNAs reinforce the role of aerobic exercise training in the osteogenic and neurogenic potential of femora and tibiae. In conclusion, 8-weeks of aerobic exercise training positively regulate bone metabolism, an effect that paralleled a significant increase in skeletal nerve fiber density. These findings suggest that aerobic exercise training may have dual utility, both as a direct stimulator of bone remodeling and a positive regulator of skeletal nerve regeneration.
mt tRFs, New Players in MELAS Disease
Authors: Meseguer Salvador , Rubio Mari-Paz
Published: February 2022

MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes) is an OXPHOS disease mostly caused by the m.3243A>G mutation in the mitochondrial tRNALeu(UUR) gene. Recently, we have shown that the mutation significantly changes the expression pattern of several mitochondrial tRNA-derived small RNAs (mt tsRNAs or mt tRFs) in a cybrid model of MELAS and in fibroblasts from MELAS patients versus control cells. Among them are those derived from mt tRNA LeuUUR containing or not the m.3243A>G mutation (mt 5′-tRF LeuUUR-m.3243A>G and mt 5′-tRF LeuUUR), whose expression levels are, respectively, increased and decreased in both MELAS cybrids and fibroblasts. Here, we asked whether mt 5′-tRF LeuUUR and mt 5′-tRF LeuUUR-m.3243A>G are biologically relevant and whether these mt tRFs are detected in diverse patient samples. Treatment with a mimic oligonucleotide of mt tRNA LeuUUR fragment (mt 5′-tRF LeuUUR) showed a therapeutic potential since it partially restored mitochondrial respiration in MELAS cybrids. Moreover, these mt tRFs could be detected in biofluids like urine and blood. We also investigated the participation of miRNA pathway components Dicer and Ago2 in the mt tRFs biogenesis process. We found that Dicer and Ago2 localize in the mitochondria of MELAS cybrids and that immunoprecipitation of these proteins in cytoplasm and mitochondria fractions revealed an increased mt tRF/mt tRNA ratio in MELAS condition compared to WT. These preliminary results suggest an involvement of Dicer and Ago2 in the mechanism of mt tRF biogenesis and action.
Changing Oar Rotation Axis Position Increases Catch Angle During Indoor and In-Field Para-Rowing: A Randomized Crossover Trial Verified by a Repeated Measurement Trial
Authors: Held Steffen , Rappelt Ludwig , Wicker Pamela , Donath Lars
Published: February 2022

A long rowing stroke length is crucial for adequate rowing performance. Therefore, the relocation of the oar from traditional “in front” (NORM) to “behind the rotation axis” (GATE) may increase (para) rowing performance. Thus, 15 able-bodied rowers (21.4 ± 3.6 years; 187 ± 8 cm; 85.4 ± 8.2 kg) completed indoor TANK rowing 2 min TimeTrials (2 min-TT) of GATE and NORM in a randomized order. Additionally, one elite Paralympic oarsman (37 years, 185 cm, 67 kg) performed a multiple single case in-field BOAT testing (24x2min-TT of GATE and NORM in a randomized order). GATE revealed significantly larger catch angles during TANK (+97.1 ± 120.4%;p = 0.001, SMD = 0.84) and BOAT (+11.9 ± 3.2%;p < 0.021; SMD = 2.69; Tau-U = 0.70) compared to NORM. While total stroke length, rowing power, and work per stroke increased in GATE during TANK (p < 0.010, SMD > 0.634), no such significant changes of these performance parameters between GATE and NORM were observed during BOAT (p > 0.021; SMD < 0.58; Tau-U < 0.29). Rowing economy-related parameters (power or speed per oxygen uptake) and boat speed also showed no significant differences between GATE und NORM during BOAT (p > 0.61; SMD < 0.31; Tau-U < 0.19). The shape of the force–angle curve (position of peak force and ratio between average and maximal force) remained unaffected from GATE during both TANK (p > 0.73, SMD < 0.1) and BOAT (p > 0.63; SMD < 0.60; Tau-U < 0.27). In conclusion, GATE shifted the entire rowing stroke towards the catch (+6.6 ± 1.8°) without notably affecting relevant performance parameters during BOAT. Particularly during crew rowing, the minimization of detrimental boat movements for perfect synchrony should be aimed for. Accordingly, the combined application of GATE and NORM (for different athletes in crew boats) may be beneficial for rowing synchronization.