bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibroblast growth factor 21 attenuates the progression of hyperuricemic nephropathy through inhibiting inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress
Authors: Jiang Xinghao , Wu Qing , Opoku Yeboah Kwaku , Zou Yimeng , Wang Dan , Hu Changhui , Ren Guiping
Published: September 2022

Elevated levels of circulating fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) have been reported in patients with hyperuricemia. However, the effect of FGF21 in hyperuricemic nephropathy (HN) remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the effect and mechanism of action of FGF21 on HN. HN model was induced with adenine and potassium oxysalt in wild‐type C57BL/6 mice and FGF21−/− mice. For in vitro studies, human renal tubular epithelial (HK‐2) cells were exposed to uric acid with/without FGF21 or β‐Klotho‐siRNA. Here, we reported aggravated renal dysfunction and structural damage in the FGF21−/− mice compared to the wild‐type mice. These were evident in the upsurge of inflammatory factors IL‐1β, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐18; fibrotic markers Collagen I and α‐SMA; and oxidation products ROS and MDA. However, exogenous administration of FGF21 to wild‐type HN mice significantly reversed these negative effects. In terms of mechanism, FGF21 significantly inhibited NF‐κB/NLRP3 and TGF‐β1/Smad3 pathways and promoted nuclear translocation of Nrf2 both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the silencing of β‐Klotho was marked by the attenuation of the improved effect of FGF21 on cell damage. In conclusion, our studies revealed that exogenous FGF21 treatment significantly improved HN, which was achieved by the inhibition of inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress.
Exposure to phenanthrene affects oocyte meiosis by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Wang Yi , Li Si‐Hong , Yang Shu‐Jie , Li Xiao‐Qing , Liu Lu , Ma Xiang , Niu Dong , Duan Xing
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Phenanthrene (PHE) is one of the most abundant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which is a widespread environmental contaminant. Various studies showed that PHE has adverse impacts on animals and human health. It has been shown that PHE exposure induced follicular atresia and endocrine dyscrasia in female mice. However, the potential mechanism regarding how PHE affects female reproductive system especially the oocyte quality has not been elucidated.

Methods and Results

In this study, we set up PHE exposure model and found that PHE exposure compromised oocytes maturation competence by inhibiting spindle assembly and chromosomes alignment. Moreover, PHE exposure induced mitochondrial dysfunction and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and aberrant calcium levels in cytoplasm, eventually induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in oocytes. Furthermore, we found that oral administration of PHE caused the occurrence of oxidative stress and apoptosis in female ovary. In addition, the oocyte exhibited aberrant spindle morphology and failure of actin cap formation in metaphase II oocytes.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress‐induced oxidative stress and DNA damage are the major cause of poor oocyte quality after PHE exposure.
TGF‐β1 regulates the lncRNA transcriptome of ovarian granulosa cells in a transcription activity‐dependent manner
Authors: Li Qiqi , Huo Yangan , Wang Siqi , Yang Liu , Li Qifa , Du Xing
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), an essential cytokine belongs to TGF‐β superfamily, is crucial for female fertility. Increasing evidence show that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) influence the state of granulosa cells (GCs). This study aimed to detect the effects of TGF‐β1 on the lncRNA transcriptome, and investigate whether lncRNAs mediate the functions of TGF‐β1 in GCs.

Material and Methods

RNA‐seq and bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify and characterize the differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs). The regulatory mechanism of TGF‐β1 to lncRNA transcriptome was analyzed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The effects of lncRNAs on the antiapoptotic and proproliferative functions of TGF‐β1 were examined by morphological analysis, fluorescence‐activated cell sorting, Cell Counting Kit‐8, and Western blot.

Results

A total of 72 DElncRNAs highly sensitive to TGF‐β1 were identified with the criteria of |log2(fold chage)| ≥ 3 and false discovery rate < 0.05. Functional assessment showed that DElncRNAs were enriched in TGF‐β, nuclear factor kappa B, p53, and Hippo pathways which are crucial for the normal state and function of GCs. Importantly, SMAD4 is essential for the regulation of TGF‐β1 to lncRNA transcriptome. In vitro studies confirmed that TGF‐β1 induced TEX14‐IT1 transcription in a SMAD4‐dependent manner, and TEX14‐IT1 mediated the antiapoptotic and proproliferative effects of TGF‐β1 in GCs.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that TGF‐β1 alters lncRNA transcriptome in a SMAD4‐dependent manner, and highlight that lncRNAs mediate the functions of TGF‐β1 in GCs, which contribute to a better understanding of the epigenetic regulation of female fertility.
An exploratory machine learning approach to identify placebo responders in pharmacological binge eating disorder trials
Authors: Goyal Rahul K. , Kalaria Shamir N. , McElroy Susan L. , Gopalakrishnan Mathangi
Published: September 2022

Randomized, placebo‐controlled trials for binge eating disorder (BED) have revealed highly variable, and often marked, rates of short‐term placebo response. Several quantitative based analyses in patients with BED have inconsistently demonstrated which patient factors attribute to an increase in placebo response. The objective of this study is to utilize machine learning (ML) algorithms to identify moderators of placebo response in patients with BED. Data were pooled from 12 randomized placebo‐controlled trials evaluating different treatment options for BED. The final dataset consisted of 189 adults receiving placebo with complete information of baseline variables. Placebo responders were defined as patients experiencing ≥75% reduction in binge eating frequency (BEF) at study end point. Nine patient prerandomization variables were included as predictors. Patients were divided into training and testing subsets according to an 75%:25% distribution while preserving the proportion of placebo responders. All analysis was performed in the software Pumas 2.0. Gaussian Naïve Bayes algorithm showed the best cross‐validation accuracy (~64%) and was chosen as the final algorithm. Shapley analysis suggested that patients with low baseline BEF and anxiety status were strong moderators of placebo response. Upon applying the final algorithm on the test dataset, the resulting sensitivity was 88% and prediction accuracy was 72%. This is the first application of ML to identify moderators of placebo response in BED. The results of this analysis confirm previous findings of lesser baseline disease severity and adds that patients with no anxiety are more susceptible to placebo response.
Right ventricular peak systolic free wall longitudinal strain as a practical tool to detect right ventricular dysfunction in acute myocarditis
Authors: Maharlou Maryam , Kaviani Raheleh , Rezaeian Nahid , Amin Ahmad , Omidvar Razieh , Farrashi Melody
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Acute myocarditis is one of the etiologies of acute heart failure, chronic dilated cardiomyopathy, and cardiac mortality. The extent of right ventricular (RV) involvement and its impact on the course of the disease have been scarcely studied. This study aimed to evaluate both the prevalence of RV dysfunction in acute myocarditis and echocardiographic measures as a diagnostic tool for RV dysfunction compared with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) findings.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with a definite or probable acute myocarditis diagnosis based on the Lake Louise criteria in CMR and evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of echocardiographic measures in predicting RV dysfunction in CMR.

Results

The study population consisted of 71 patients, including 54 men (76%), at a median (Q1–Q3) age of 33 (26–46) years. CMR detected RV dysfunction in 53.5% of the patients. The RV free wall peak systolic longitudinal strain showed the highest correlation (r = −.786, p < .001) and area under the curve (.919) with the RV ejection fraction in CMR, followed by the RV global peak systolic longitudinal strain and the RV fractional area change. The RV‐free wall peak systolic longitudinal strain had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 73% for the diagnosis of RV dysfunction in myocarditis. A cutoff value of −17.9% was 100% specific for RV systolic dysfunction.

Conclusions

Echocardiography, as a readily available tool, was predictive of and had acceptable accuracy for RV dysfunction in acute myocarditis compared with CMR.
Callosobruchus larval competition and its consequences for male and female adults
Authors: Amiri Azam , Bandani Ali R.
Published: September 2022

The struggle for life is generally the most intense among individuals of the same species because they compete to access the same food, territory, and mates. In the current study, we used Callosobruchus maculatus to investigate how males and females respond to a competitor's presence inside a bean. We monitored males' and females' from egg to adult developmental time, adult emergence, copulation success, copulatory behaviors, fecundity, egg hatching percentage, and adult longevity. Our findings revealed that a competitor's presence during immature life did not influence developmental time and adult longevity in females and males. Also, the environmental condition of living with a potential competitor in the immature stages could not significantly affect adult beetle mating behaviors compared to beetles reared alone. However, female larvae were more likely to interfere with competitors than males. Females' neighbors died sooner (mainly in the larval stage) than males (primarily as pupae). Also, when we paired males and females whose competitors died in the larval stage, female adult longevity decreased compared to without competitor control pairs. However, male adult longevity in all examined pairs was similar and was not affected by their mate's conditions. A competitor's presence during larval development decreased the insect fecundity and, at the same time, increased egg hatching percentage in all treatments regardless of the competitor's sex, or if the competitor died, compared to the control (reared alone individuals). In all, females show more interference than males toward a potential competitor.
Changing co‐morbidity and increasing deprivation among people living with HIV: UK population‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: McGettigan Patricia , Morales Daniel R. , Moreno‐Martos David , Matin Nashaba
Published: September 2022

Background

The great success of HIV treatments means that, increasingly, people living with HIV (PLHIV) are growing old enough to develop age‐associated comorbid conditions. We investigated the evolution of comorbid conditions and demographics among PLHIV in England.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study linking Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) primary care, hospitalization, death registry and Index of Multiple Deprivation data, we measured the prevalence of 304 individual health conditions, categorized into 47 condition groups (36 non‐communicable, 11 communicable). Using logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) for the likelihood of each condition and condition group in 2015 versus 2008, adjusting for age, sex and deprivation.

Results

In 2015, there were 964 CPRD‐registered PLHIV compared with 1987 in 2008; 62% were male and 38% female in both cohorts. The 2015 cohort was older, with 51.1% aged 45–64 years and 7.2% aged 65–84 years compared with 31.8% and 3.2%, respectively, in 2008. Deprivation was higher in 2015, at 23.9% (quintile 4) and 28.7% (quintile 5) compared with 5.8% and 6.6%, respectively, in 2008.

Of 36 non‐communicable condition groups, 14 (39%) occurred in ≥ 10% of PLHIV in 2015, of which seven were more likely in 2015 than in 2008: renal‐chronic‐kidney‐disease [odds ratio (OR) = 1.96 (95% CI: 1.33–2.90); endocrine‐obesity [OR = 1.76 (1.12–2.77)]; rheumatology [OR = 1.64 (1.30–2.07)]; dermatology [OR = 1.55(1.29–1.85)]; genito‐urinary‐gynaecological [OR = 1.44(1.18–1.76)]; eyes‐ears/nose/throat [OR = 1.31(1.08–1.59)]; and gastro‐intestinal conditions [OR = 1.28 (1.04–1.58)]. Two condition groups, respiratory‐chronic‐obstructive‐pulmonary‐disease [OR = 0.36 (0.19–0.69)] and endocrine‐diabetes [OR = 0.49 (0.34–0.70)], were less likely in 2015. Ten out of 11 communicable infectious condition groups were less likely in 2015.

Conclusions

Although infections in PLHIV have fallen, chronic non‐communicable comorbidity is increasingly prevalent. Alongside the marked increases in deprivation and ageing, this study suggests that socio‐economic measures in addition to healthcare provision are needed to achieve holistic health for PLHIV.
Editorial: Does the polygenic revolution herald a watershed in the study of GE interplay in developmental psychopathology? Some considerations for the Special Issue reader
Authors: Barker Edward D. , Maughan Barbara , Allegrini Andrea , Pingault Jean Baptiste , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund
Published: September 2022

The primary goal motivating the scientific field of Developmental Psychopathology is to discover why some individuals develop mental health and neuro‐developmental difficulties while others do not. This is not simply a ‘blue skies’ preoccupation: the underlying hope, of course, is to translate such discoveries to the benefit of individuals, families and communities, reducing poor outcomes for those at risk and – in the best case scenario – ensuring that they thrive. A core tenet of the bio‐psycho‐social framework within which this field of enquiry operates is that children's difficulties are determined by the interplay of predisposing genetic risk and resilience factors and the environments and experiences to which individuals are exposed. From this perspective, understanding gene–environment (GE) interplay is a necessary condition for explaining and, as importantly predicting, why one individual is at risk while another is not. If we believe this, then the risk calculators designed to show who will and will not get a particular disorder – all the rage at the moment – are doomed to fail until they can go beyond modelling the main effects of genes and environments, and reliably estimate GE processes too. Despite significant progress, we remain a considerable way off cracking this problem.
Facial reactions to emotional films in young children with conduct problems and varying levels of callous‐unemotional traits
Authors: Kimonis Eva R. , Le Brandon , Fleming Georgette E. , Kyranides Melina N. , Demetriou Chara A. , Fanti Kostas A. , Neo Bryan , Prasad Ashneeta H. , Chan Amanda , Hawes David J. , Eapen Valsamma
Published: September 2022

Background

Elevated levels of callous‐unemotional (CU) traits have proven useful for identifying a distinct subgroup of children whose conduct problems (CP) are early emerging, severe, persistent, and underpinned by aberrant emotional processing. The early childhood emotional experiences and expressions of CP subtypes are poorly understood, despite their importance to understanding the problematic attachments and atypical social affiliation experienced by children with elevated CU traits. The current study aimed to test for differences in facial emotional reactions to mood‐inducing film clips in children with CP and varying levels of CU traits.

Method

We compared facial emotional reactions during a developmentally appropriate mood induction task in a mixed‐sex sample of clinic‐referred preschool children (Mage = 3.64 years, SD = 0.63, 66.9% male) classified as CP with elevated levels of CU traits (CP + CU; n = 25) versus low CU traits (CP‐only; n = 47), and typically developing children (TD; n = 28).

Results

Relative to TD children, children with clinical CP showed less congruent and more incongruent facial emotional expressions to sad and happy film clips, controlling for child sex, age, and ethnicity.

Conclusions

Consistent with older samples, young children with CP show atypical facial emotional expressions in response to positive and negative emotional stimuli. Findings have implications for developmental models of childhood antisocial behavior and can inform the development of targeted interventions.
Efficacy analysis of hemostatic spray following endoscopic papillectomy: A multicenter comparative study
Authors: Lee Kyong Joo , Lee Tae Hoon , Cho Jae Hee , Hyun Jong Jin , Jang Sung Ill , Jeong Seok , Park Jin‐Seok , Yang Jae Kook , Lee Don Haeng , Lee Dong Ki , Park Sang Heum
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim

Endoscopic post‐papillectomy bleeding is a serious adverse event with a prevalence ranging from 2% to 45.3%. Conventional hemostatic methods, including diluted epinephrine injection before papillectomy or argon plasma coagulation after papillectomy, did not show a preventive role in reducing immediate or delayed post‐papillectomy bleeding. Therefore, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a hemostatic powder spray for post‐papillectomy bleeding and compare with those of conventional modalities.

Methods

Patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy were enrolled in five tertiary hospitals. The group was divided into hemostatic spray and conventional control groups according to the bleeding control methods. The main outcome measurements were delayed bleeding rate and any adverse events related to the procedures.

Results

A total of 40 patients who received a hemostatic spray (n = 18) or conventional hemostatic methods (n = 22) after endoscopic papillectomy were included. The prevalence of delayed bleeding was not different in the two groups: 27.8% and 36.4% in hemostatic spray and conventional control groups (P = 0.564), respectively. The adverse events such as post‐papillectomy pancreatitis and cholangitis were not different in the two groups. There were no procedure‐related mortalities.

Conclusion

Hemostatic spray is technically feasible and safe for the prevention or management of post‐papillectomy bleeding. Hemostatic spray can be one of the options for post‐papillectomy bleeding control methods owing to its convenient use.
Three‐dimensional visualization and quantitative analysis of embryonic and fetal thigh muscles using magnetic resonance and phase‐contrast X‐ray imaging
Authors: Yamaguchi Yutaka , Murase Ami , Kodama Ryota , Yamamoto Akira , Imai Hirohiko , Yoneyama Akio , Yamada Shigehito
Published: September 2022

The musculoskeletal system around the human hip joint has acquired a suitable structure for erect bipedal walking. However, little is known about the process of separation and maturation of individual muscles during the prenatal period, when muscle composition is acquired. Understanding the maturation process of the normal musculoskeletal system contributes to elucidating the acquisition of bipedal walking in humans and to predicting normal growth and detecting congenital muscle disorders and anomalies. In this study, we clarify the process of thigh muscle maturation from the embryonic stage to the mid‐fetal stage using serial sections, phase‐contrast X‐ray computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. We also provide a 4D atlas of human thigh muscles between 8 and 23 weeks of gestation. As a result, we first show that muscle separation in the lower thigh tends to progress from the superficial to the deep layers and that all musculoskeletal components are formed by Carnegie Stage 22. Next, we show that femur and muscle volume grow in correlation with crown‐rump length. Finally, we show that the anterior, abductor, and posterior muscle groups in the thigh contain a high percentage of monoarticular muscle volume by the end of the embryonic period. This ratio approaches that of adult muscle composition during normal early fetal development and is typical of bipedal walking. This study of fetal muscle composition suggests that preparation for postnatal walking may begin in early fetal period.
Critical care nurses' experiences of physical restraint in intensive care units: A qualitative systematic review and meta‐synthesis
Authors: Lao Yuewen , Chen Xiangping , Zhang Yi , Shen Lanjun , Wu Feixia , Gong Xiaoyan
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Physical restraint is widely used in intensive care units. Critical care nurses are the primary decision makers and practitioners of physical restraint. However, little is known about the qualitative evidence of their experience of physical restraint.

Aims

To aggregate, synthesise and interpret the qualitative evidence of studies that explored critical care nurses' experiences of physical restraint in intensive care units.

Methods

A qualitative systematic review and meta‐synthesis was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported following the ENTREQ statement. Qualitative studies published in the English and Chinese were systematically searched in eight databases.

PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from inception to November 2021. Two reviewers independently assessed the study eligibility and performed the data extraction and the quality appraisal. A meta‐aggregative approach was used to synthesise findings. The review protocol was registered prospectively with PROSPERO (CRD42021278671).

Results

Thirteen studies were included. A total of 48 intact and definite codes were extracted and classified into ten sub‐categories. Four themes were finally identified: intention, alternatives, determinants, and reflection.

Conclusion

The intention of critical care nurses to use physical restraint is primarily driven by patient safety. Nurses will consider alternatives; however, many determinants urge nurses to implement physical restraint. Nurses prefer to sacrifice patients' comfort to ensure their safety. When nurses reflect on what they have done, some experience moral distress, but most rationalise their decision making. Further studies should explore the safety of alternatives, reduce the use of physical restraint, and pay more attention to nurses' moral distress through these insights.

Relevance to clinical practice

Developing alternatives, providing relevant training for nurses, physicians, patients, and families to facilitate a restraint‐free culture, and developing high‐quality guidelines and regulations are essential strategies to reduce the use of physical restraint in ICUs.
What do we know about no‐show behavior? A systematic, interdisciplinary literature review
Authors: Amberger Caroline , Schreyer Dominik
Published: September 2022

No‐show behavior, a distinct form of absenteeism, is often problematic, particularly in the service industry. Given the growing relevance of the phenomenon in the industry, an increasing number of researchers from such different disciplines as educational economics, healthcare management research, and sports economics have begun examining both the potential antecedents and measures to counteract no‐show behavior, recently. Although the continuously growing body of literature on no‐show behavior has been reviewed before, most such previous attempts were neither interdisciplinary nor systematic, sometimes lacking both completeness and thoroughness. In this article, we address this gap in the still‐emerging literature by providing a systematic, interdisciplinary review of the literature. We observe that, although the potential antecedents are manifold and not always neatly comparable across the different industries, there still exist commonalities, most of which are related to product characteristics and the opportunity costs arising from physical attendance. In contrast, although we document a promising effect of exploiting reminders in reducing no‐show behavior, our understanding of the effectiveness of potential countermeasures is less pronounced.
A vessel without a pilot: Bodily and affective experience in the Cotard delusion of inexistence
Authors: Gerrans Philip
Published: September 2022

The initial cause of Cotard delusion is pervasive dyshomeostasis (dysregulation of basic bodily function).This explanation draws on interoceptive active inference account of self‐representation. In this framework, the self is an hierarchical predictive model made by the brain to facilitate homeostatic regulation. The account I provide is an alternative to two factor accounts of the Cotard delusion that treat depersonalisation experience as the first factor in genesis of the Cotard delusion. I argue that depersonalisation experience and the Cotard delusion are produced by different breakdowns in the process of self‐modelling.
Is Anterior Trans‐Intervertebral Space Decompression Important in Treating Cervical Spondylosis with Severe Intervertebral Space Narrowing? A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Qi Min , Shen Xiaolong , Wu Huiqiao , Sun Baifeng , Cao Peng , Tian Ye , Wu Xiaodong , Chen Yu , Liu Yang , Yuan Wen
Published: September 2022

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and practicality of anterior trans‐intervertebral space decompression and fusion (ATIDF) by comparing radiological and clinical outcomes between ATIDF and traditional anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) in cervical spondylosis patients with severe disc space narrowing.

Methods

Seventy‐one cervical spondylosis patients with severe disc space narrowing underwent anterior cervical spine surgery were included in this retrospective study. Thirty‐seven patients underwent ATIDF and 34 patients underwent ACCF. The neck disability index (NDI), Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and the Hirabayashi improvement rate were used to evaluate patient neurological status. Cervical sagittal alignment (C2–C7 Cobb angle), surgical segment sagittal alignment (Cobb angle of surgical segment) and disc space height were also compared between the two groups.

Results

There were 39 males and 32 females; mean age was 63.72 ± 6.36 years (range, 39–81 years). Mean follow‐up was 22.4 months (range, 6–45 months). All patients achieved an adequate neurological improvement. There were no significant differences in NDI, JOA scores and Hirabayashi improvement rate between the two groups. The change of C2–7 Cobb angle and surgical segment Cobb angle were both greater in the ATIDF group. The average intervertebral height ratio of the patients in the ATIDF group increased significantly after surgery (0.38 ± 0.17 before surgery to 1.13 ± 0.32 after surgery, P < 0.01). The overall complication rate was lower in the ATIDF group than the ACCF group (35.14% and 44.12%). At 6 months follow‐up, three patients in the ACCF group presented with subsidence of the titanium mesh cage.

Conclusion

ATIDF is an effective technique for treating cervical spondylosis with severe disc space narrowing; it can achieve adequate decompression and improve sagittal alignment while avoiding and reducing the implant‐related complications inherent to traditional ACCF.
Progression and flaring of focal dermal hypoplasia during an acute illness
Authors: Drolshagen Helena , Chang Joshua , Evans Megan S.
Published: September 2022

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), or Goltz syndrome, is a rare genodermatosis affecting tissues of mesodermal and ectodermal origin. The characteristic skin changes have been reported to symptomatically flare in response to certain triggers as well as to progress over time in some cases. We present the case of a 5‐year‐old girl with cutaneous flaring and progression of FDH in the setting of septic shock. This case adds to the growing body of literature on both flaring and progression of the cutaneous manifestations of FDH.
Taking stock of the longitudinal study of romantic couple relationships: The last 20 years
Authors: Galovan Adam M. , Orbuch Terri L. , Shrout M. Rosie , Drebit Emma , Rice TeKisha M.
Published: September 2022

Longitudinal dyadic research provides significant benefits for our understanding of romantic couple relationships. In this systematic review, we begin by providing a broad overview of topical trends and approaches in longitudinal couple relationships research from 2002 through 2021. Then, we narrow our review to dyadic relationship quality articles, highlighting key themes as well as noting important gaps in the research. Using an intersectional perspective that acknowledges multiple ways that disadvantage, power, and oppression may be seen in both research and in couples' lived experience, we note prominent paradigms used in examining couple relationships, what types of questions have been most valued, and what groups and approaches are underrepresented in the literature. Most longitudinal couple relationships research is quantitative, relies on self‐report approaches from American couples in the early‐to‐middle years of their relationships, concentrates more on negative aspects of relationships than positives, and takes a communication‐satisfaction paradigm in studying couples. We see a clear need to increase the use of methodologies beyond self‐report measures, conduct more studies with within‐group minority, older adult, culturally‐diverse, and context‐specific samples to explore the diversity of relationships, and fully consider both strengths and positive processes in relationships as well as the challenges couples experience.
The prospective relationship between subjective aging and inflammation: Evidence from the health and retirement study
Authors: Stephan Yannick , Sutin Angelina R. , Luchetti Martina , Terracciano Antonio
Published: September 2022

This study tested the prospective associations and potential mediators between subjective aging, indexed by subjective age and self‐perceptions of aging (SPA), and a range of inflammatory markers, including C‐reactive proteins (CRP) and pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines among older adults. Participants (N = 6099, 59% women, age range = 50 to 94, Mean Age = 65.32, SD = 8.85) were drawn from the Health and Retirement Study. Subjective age, SPA, and demographic factors were assessed in 2008/2010. Assessments of soluble transformation growth factor‐beta 1 (sTGF‐β1), interleukin 10 (IL‐10), interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors (sTNFR1), and high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) were measured in 2016. Potential mediators (body mass index, disease burden, physical inactivity, and depressive symptoms) were asssessed at baseline and in 2012/2014. Linear regression analyses indicated that an older subjective age and negative SPA were related to higher level of IL‐10, IL‐1Ra, IL‐6, sTNFR1 and hsCRP. These associations were mediated by higher disease burden and physical inactivity. Negative SPA (but not subjective age) was associated with lower sTGF‐β1. The link between subjective aging and inflammatory markers was relatively independent from chronological age. The present study provides new evidence that subjective aging is prospectively associated with inflammation, including systemic inflammation and pro‐and anti‐inflammatory cytokines.
The road to the first FDA‐approved genetically engineered pig heart transplantation into human
Authors: Singh Avneesh K. , Griffith Bartley P. , Goerlich Corbin E. , Ayares David , Mohiuddin Muhammad M.
Published: September 2022

We have been testing genetically engineered (GE) pig hearts and optimizing immunosuppression (IS) in non‐human primates (NHPs) since 2005. We demonstrate how we translated this preclinical investigation into a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved clinical cardiac xenotransplantation. First, genetically engineered (GE) pig hearts were transplanted into the abdomen of NHP along with IS, which included anti‐CD20 and anti‐CD40‐based co‐stimulation blockade antibodies. We reported 945 days of survival of three gene GE pig hearts in NHPs. Building on this proof‐of‐concept, we tested 3–10 gene‐modified GE pig hearts (in order to improve the immunocompatibility of the xenograft further) in a life‐supporting orthotopic model, but had limited success due to perioperative cardiac xenograft dysfunction (PCXD). With novel non‐ischemic continuous perfusion preservation (NICP), using the XVIVO Heart solution (XHS), life‐supporting survival was extended to 9 months. We approached the FDA under an application for “Expanded Access” (EA), to transplant a GE pig heart in a patient with end‐stage non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy. He was without other therapeutic options and dependent on VA‐ECMO. A team of FDA reviewers reviewed our preclinical research experience and data and allowed us to proceed. This clinical cardiac xenotransplantation was performed, and the patient survived for 60 days, demonstrating the translational preclinical investigation of cardiac xenotransplantation from bench to bedside. The ultimate etiology of graft failure is currently a topic of investigation and lessons learned will progress the field forward.
Genetic modifications designed for xenotransplantation attenuate sialoadhesin‐dependent binding of human erythrocytes to porcine macrophages
Authors: Petitpas Kaitlyn , Habibabady Zahra , Ritchie Veronica , Connolly Margaret R. , Burdorf Lars , Qin Wenning , Kan Yinan , Layer Jacob V. , Crabtree Juliet N. , Youd Michele E. , Westlin William F. , Magnani Diogo M. , Pierson Richard N. , Azimzadeh Agnes M.
Published: September 2022

The phenomenon of diminishing hematocrit after in vivo liver and lung xenotransplantation and during ex vivo liver xenoperfusion has largely been attributed to action by resident liver porcine macrophages, which bind and destroy human erythrocytes. Porcine sialoadhesin (siglec‐1) was implicated previously in this interaction. This study examines the effect of porcine genetic modifications, including knockout of the CMAH gene responsible for expression of Neu5Gc sialic acid, on the adhesion of human red blood cells (RBCs) to porcine macrophages. Wild‐type (WT) porcine macrophages and macrophages from several strains of genetically engineered pigs, including CMAH gene knockout and several human transgenes (TKO+hTg), were incubated with human RBCs and “rosettes” (≥3 erythrocytes bound to one macrophage) were quantified by microscopy. Our results show that TKO+hTg genetic modifications significantly reduced rosette formation. The monoclonal antibody 1F1, which blocks porcine sialoadhesin, significantly reduced rosette formation by WT and TKO+hTg macrophages compared with an isotype control antibody. Further, desialation of human RBCs with neuraminidase before addition to WT or TKO+hTg macrophages resulted in near‐complete abrogation of rosette formation, to a level not significantly different from porcine RBC rosette formation on porcine macrophages. These observations are consistent with rosette formation being mediated by binding of sialic acid on human RBCs to sialoadhesin on porcine macrophages. In conclusion, the data predict that TKO+hTg genetic modifications, coupled with targeting of porcine sialoadhesin by the 1F1 mAb, will attenuate erythrocyte sequestration and anemia during ex vivo xenoperfusion and following in vivo liver, lung, and potentially other organ xenotransplantation.
Esterilização compulsória como forma de controle a liberdade reprodutiva das mulheres em situação de rua
Authors: Meneses da Silva Fernanda Victória , Da Cunha Leandro Reinaldo
Published: September 2022

O objetivo geral do presente artigo é verificar o uso da esterilização compulsória como forma de controle populacional nas mulheres em situação de rua, verificando de que modo tal ato afeta a liberdade reprodutiva das mesmas. A escolha do tema se justifica em razão da sua importância constitucional, averiguando os limites do Estado ao intervir na esfera privada dos indivíduos. Dessa forma, analisa-se o conceito de vulnerabilidade, e de qual forma as mulheres em situação de rua estão inseridas neste grupo, para que, posteriormente, possa-se observar se ocorre o respeito à sua liberdade reprodutiva, com diminuição das desigualdades sociais para que todas possam ter acesso igualitário a informação acerca dos métodos contraceptivos. Por fim, concluiu-se que não há legitimidade para que o Estado interceda em sua autonomia privada, devendo ser igualado o acesso à saúde, de forma que não seja utilizado um método tão invasivo.
A Numerical Study on Microgap-Based Focal Brain Cooling Device to Mitigate Hotspot for the Treatment of Epileptic Seizure
Authors: Narendran G. , Kumar Amit , Gnanasekaran N. , Arumuga Perumal D.
Published: September 2022

Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder characterized by abnormally excessive and synchronized brain cell activities causing seizures. For proper functioning of the brain, epilepsy should be diagnosed with existing treatments such as medication therapy, lorazepam, benzodiazepine drug intake, and surgery. However, 30–40% of people continue to have a seizure because of the available treatments. So, the focal brain cooling device (FBC) is a new alternative cooling method in which affected brain tissue is cooled to suppress unprovoked seizures. The present numerical study investigates the cooling effectiveness by adding three different structured titanium micro pin fins in the existing base model. A finite volume-based software fluent-15.0 is used to perform transient heat transfer analysis and flow hydrodynamics. The numerical results obtained show that the temperature distribution is found and more uniform and diamond-structured micro pin fin takes less than 7 min to reach below 15 °C, which is desirable to diminish the high-frequency and high-amplitude epileptic discharges.
Telehealth solutions for assessing auditory outcomes related to noise and ototoxic exposures in clinic and research
Authors: Robler Samantha Kleindienst , Coco Laura , Krumm Mark
Published: September 2022

Nearly 1.5 billion people globally have some decline in hearing ability throughout their lifetime. Many causes for hearing loss are preventable, such as that from exposure to noise and chemicals. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 50% of individuals 12–25 years old are at risk of hearing loss due to recreational noise exposure. In the occupational setting, an estimated 16% of disabling hearing loss is related to occupational noise exposure, highest in developing countries. Ototoxicity is another cause of acquired hearing loss. Audiologic assessment is essential for monitoring hearing health and for the diagnosis and management of hearing loss and related disorders (e.g., tinnitus). However, 44% of the world's population is considered rural and, consequently, lacks access to quality hearing healthcare. Therefore, serving individuals living in rural and under-resourced areas requires creative solutions. Conducting hearing assessments via telehealth is one such solution. Telehealth can be used in a variety of contexts, including noise and ototoxic exposure monitoring, field testing in rural and low-resource settings, and evaluating auditory outcomes in large-scale clinical trials. This overview summarizes current telehealth applications and practices for the audiometric assessment, identification, and monitoring of hearing loss.
The Effects of Cadence Manipulation on Joint Kinetic Patterns and Stride-to-Stride Kinetic Variability in Female Runners
Authors: Massie Cheyanne , Redman Kelsey , Casper Samantha , Wissink Danielle , Dade Renee , Lowery Anna , Ross Kim , Sackiriyas Kanikkai Steni Balan , Almonroeder Thomas Gus
Published: September 2022

Altering running cadence is commonly done to reduce the risk of running-related injury/reinjury. This study examined how altering running cadence affects joint kinetic patterns and stride-to-stride kinetic variability in uninjured female runners. Twenty-four uninjured female recreational runners ran on an instrumented treadmill with their typical running cadence and with a running cadence that was 7.5% higher and 7.5% lower than typical. Ground reaction force and kinematic data were recorded during each condition, and principal component analysis was used to capture the primary sources of variability from the sagittal plane hip, knee, and ankle moment time series. Runners exhibited a reduction in the magnitude of their knee extension moments when they increased their cadence and an increase in their knee extension moments when they lowered their cadence compared with when they ran with their typical cadence. They also exhibited greater stride-to-stride variability in the magnitude of their hip flexion moments and knee extension moments when they deviated from their typical running cadence (ie, running with either a higher or lower cadence). These differences suggest that runners could alter their cadence throughout a run in an attempt to limit overly repetitive localized tissue stresses.
New
In Situ
-Generated Polymer-Iodine Complexes with Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: López-Álvarez Marina , Ulmer Herb , Klay Nico , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: September 2022

Infectious diseases are of mounting medical and public concern. A major contributor to this trend is the proliferation of medical implants, which are inherently vulnerable to microbial contamination and the subsequent onset of hospital-acquired infections.
Association between COVID-19 infection and work exposure assessed by the Mat-O-Covid job exposure matrix in the CONSTANCES cohort
Authors: Fadel Marc , Gilbert Fabien , Legeay Clément , Dubée Vincent , Esquirol Yolande , Verdun-Esquer Catherine , Dinh Aurelien , Sembajwe Grace , Goldberg Marcel , Roquelaure Yves , Leclerc Annette , Wiernik Emmanuel , Zins Marie , Descatha Alexis
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light a new occupational health threat. We aimed to evaluate the association between COVID-19 infection and work exposure to SARS-CoV-2 assessed by a job-exposure matrix (JEM), in a large population cohort. We also estimated the population-attributable fraction among exposed subjects.

Methods

We used the SAPRIS-SERO sample of the CONSTANCES cohort, limited to subjects actively working, and with a job code available and a questionnaire on extra work activities. The following outcomes were assessed: COVID-19 diagnosis was made by a physician; a seropositivity to the ELISA-S test (‘serology strict’) and ELISA-S test intermediate with positive ELISA-NP or a positive neutralising antibodies SN (‘serology large’). Job exposure was assessed using Mat-O-Covid, an expert-based JEM with an Index used as a continuous variable and a threshold at 13/1000.

Results

The sample included 18 999 subjects with 389 different jobs, 47.7% were men with a mean age of 46.2 years (±9.2 years). The Mat-O-Covid index taken as a continuous variable or with a threshold greater than 13/1000 was associated with all the outcomes in bivariable and multivariable logistic models. ORs were between 1.30 and 1.58, and proportion of COVID-19 attributable to work among exposed participants was between 20% and 40%.

Discussion

Using the Mat-O-Covid JEM applied to a large population, we found a significant association between work exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 infection, though the estimation of attributable fraction among exposed people remained low to moderate. Further studies during other exposed periods and with other methods are necessary.
Morphological and molecular characterization of the ciliate parasite Tetrahymena rostrata infecting the renal organ of the dusky slug (Arion fuscus)
Authors: Zhang Tengyue , Vďačný Peter
Published: September 2022

The histophagous ciliate Tetrahymena rostrata (Kahl, 1926) is a facultative parasite of the renal organ of land snails and slugs. The possibility of transovum transmission and the lack of heteroparental sex make T. rostrata an interesting model for studying host specificity and distribution patterns in pathogenic ciliates. We recorded mass Tetrahymena infection in the dusky slug ( Arion fuscus (O.F. Müller, 1774)) collected in Slovakia, Central Europe. Based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and barcoding cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences, Slovak isolates belong to the TRO-1 subgroup. Strains of T. rostrata, however, do not cluster according to the relatedness of their gastropod hosts, i.e., various phylogenetically unrelated snails and slugs are parasitized by members of both T. rostrata subclades (TRO-1 and TRAUS). Invasion of adult gastropods through the integumentary pouch might be thus a more important transmission way than the transovum route. Geographic distances of T. rostrata isolates are not correlated with divergences in COI sequences. The absence of a clear relationship between genetic and geographic distances might have been, however, also caused by the human-mediated transmission of invasive gastropods.
Investigation on contact behavior of planetary roller screw mechanism considering thermal deformation
Authors: Miao Jiacheng , Wang Shuyan , Shan Xinping , Chen Bingkui
Published: September 2022

Previous thermal studies on planetary roller screw mechanism (PRSM) are mainly concentrated on frictional heat without the consideration of external thermal loads. However, the contact behavior of PRSM varies greatly during the operation process. In this paper, a calculating method for frictional heat of PRSM based on friction torque is proposed, and a transient thermal model is established to analyze the heat transfer of PRSM at multiple thermal conditions. After that, an analytical method is introduced to investigate the temperature, and the equations of its influences on the thermal deformation are derived. The influences of temperature distribution on the clearances and contact positions of the mating thread surfaces are studied as well. We found that the frictional heat, thermal resistance, and thermal loads can significantly alter the temperature distribution consistency. The results indicated that the load-bearing capacity of PRSM is greatly affected by the temperature differences between the planetary roller screw components. By allowing comprehensive thermal simulation, the proposed model can be utilized for PRSM optimization design.
An SM9-Based Secondary Authentication Framework for 5G Technology
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Xin , Liu Donglan , Zhang Hao , Ma Lei , Wang Yong , Liu Han , Chen Jianfei , Li Zhenghao
Published: September 2022

As the latest generation of cellular mobile communication technology, the fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology is proposed to build a network-based society. As a result, industry and academia are placing great emphasis on security research for 5G technology. 5G technology has higher security requirements than previous systems and the secondary authentication is an important technology to ensure the security of 5G. In this paper, we propose to incorporate the SM9 encryption algorithm with 5G secondary authentication to provide higher security assurance. Due to the high computational overhead of the SM9 algorithm, we further propose an acceleration strategy for the SM9 algorithm based on the non-adjacent form (NAF) representation method to improve the performance of the entire system.