bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial peptide A20L:
in vitro
and
in vivo
antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Zhou Huijing , Du Xin , Wang Yue , Kong Jingchun , Zhang Xiaodong , Wang Weixiang , Sun Yao , Zhou Cui , Zhou Tieli , Ye Jianzhong
Published: July 2024

Antimicrobial resistance has become a growing public health threat in recent years.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is one of the priority pathogens listed by the World Health Organization. Antimicrobial peptides are considered promising alternatives to antibiotics due to their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and low resistance. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of antimicrobial peptide A20L against
K. pneumoniae. In vitro
antibacterial activity of A20L against
K. pneumoniae
was demonstrated by broth microdilution method. We confirmed the
in vivo
efficacy of A20L by
Galleria mellonella
infection model. In addition, we found that A20L also had certain antibiofilm activity by crystal violet staining. We also evaluated the safety and stability of A20L, and the results revealed that at a concentration of ≤128 µg/mL, A20L exhibited negligible toxicity to RAW264.7 cells and no substantial toxicity to
G. mellonella
. A20L was stable at different temperatures and with low concentration of serum [5% fetal bovine serum (FBS)]; however, Ca
2+
, Mg
2+
, and high serum concentrations reduced the antibacterial activity of A20L. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and membrane permeability tests revealed that A20L may exhibit antibacterial action by damaging bacterial cell membranes and increasing the permeability of outer membrane. Taken together, our results suggest that A20L has significant development potential as a therapeutic antibiotic alternative, which provides ideas for the treatment of
K. pneumoniae
infection.

IMPORTANCE

A20L showed antibacterial and anti-infective efficacy
in vitro
and
in vivo
against
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. It can have an antibacterial effect by disrupting the integrity of cell membranes. A20L displayed anti-biofilm and anti-inflammatory activity against carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
and certain application potential
in vivo
, which provides a new idea for the clinical treatment of biofilm-associated infections.
Comparing priority received by global health issues: a measurement framework applied to tuberculosis, malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and dengue fever
Authors: Parashar Rakesh , Nanda Sharmishtha , Smith Stephanie L , Shroff Zubin , Shawar Yusra R , Hamunakwadi Dereck L , Shiffman Jeremy
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The relative priority received by issues in global health agendas is subjected to impressionistic claims in the absence of objective methods of assessment of priority. To build an approach for conducting structured assessments of comparative priority health issues receive, we expand the public arenas model (2021) and offer a framework for future assessments of health issue priority in global and national health agendas.

Methods

We aimed to develop a more comprehensive set of measures for conducting multiyear priority comparisons of health issues in six agenda-setting arenas by identifying possible measures and data sources, selecting indicators based on feasibility and comparability of measures and gathering the data on selected indicators. We applied these measures to four communicable diseases—tuberculosis (TB), malaria, diarrhoeal diseases and dengue fever—given their differing impressionistic claims of priority. Where possible, we analysed the annual and/or 5-year trends from 2000 through 2022.

Results

We observed that TB and malaria received the highest priority for most periods in the past two decades in most arenas. However, a stagnation in development funding for these two conditions over the last 8–10 years may have fuelled the neglect claims. Despite having a higher disease burden, diarrhoea has been slipping in global priority with reduced spending, fewer clinical trials and stagnating publications. Dengue remains a low-priority condition but has witnessed a sharp rise in attention from the pharmaceutical industry.

Discussions

We expanded the arenas model by including a transnational arena (international representation) and additional measurements for various arenas. This analysis presents an approach to enable comparative trend analysis of the markers of agenda status over a multiyear period. More such analyses can bring much-desired objectivity in understanding how attention to global or national health issues changes over time in different arenas, potentiating a more equitable allocation of resources.
A temporal record of microplastic accumulation in sediment cores of the Great Lakes, North America, reflects macroeconomic and regional influences
Authors: Belontz Sara L. , Corcoran Patricia L. , Kimpe Linda , Helm Paul A. , Marvin Chris
Published: July 2024

Documented plastic pollution throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes system prompted investigation of microplastics (MPs) in sediment cores. We examined offshore sediment cores from Lake Huron (LH43) and Lake Ontario (403A) to understand temporal trends and changes in microplastic (MP) pollution in the size range 53 µm to 2 mm. MP abundances varied from 18.1 to 280.1 particles per g of dry weight sediment ( N g−1 dw) in LH43, and 8.2–488.4 g−1 dw in core 403A. The 15 cm cores are equivalent to 56 years of accumulation in Lake Huron and 72 years of accumulation in Lake Ontario. Analysis of the two cores shows an increasing trend in MP accumulation from 1964 to 1989, which mirrors the global plastic production rate. Subsequent peaks and troughs in the MP abundance profiles reflect macroeconomic changes and regional controls. These results show how changing abundances of MPs in lake sediment cores can act as proxies for global perturbations in oil supply as well as national economic shifts.
Simulation of an entanglement-based quantum key distribution protocol
Authors: Mariani L. , Salatino L. , Attanasio C. , Pagano S. , Citro R.
Published: July 2024

Since the 80 s when it was first proposed, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) elicited great interest in the field of cryptography as a unique procedure for key generation that could in principle guarantee unconditionally secure communication “by the laws of Physics”. In the last fifteen years commercial solutions have started appearing on the market, showing that practical implementations of the protocol were not only possible but also competitive in terms of security and achievable secret-key rate. In this work we describe a simulation of the historical QKD protocol E91 on the IBM Quantum platform, making use of the qubit formalism to represent the quantum states received by two communicating nodes. Having implemented also the post-processing steps for the error correction and the privacy amplification, this model can represent a simple stand-alone tool to study the performance not only of one-to-one communication but of more complex systems that rely on QKD for security, one above all QKD networks.
User Engagement Triggers in Social Media Discourse on Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Dethlefs Nina , Cuayahuitl Heriberto
Published: July 2024

Studies in digital conservation have increasingly used social media in recent years as a source of data to understand the interactions between humans and nature, model and monitor biodiversity, and analyse online discourse about the conservation of species. Current approaches to digital conservation are for the most part purely frequentist, i.e., focused on easily trackable and quantifiable features, or purely qualitative, which allows a deeper level of interpretation but is less scalable. Our approach aims to evaluate the applicability of recent advances in deep learning in combination with semi-automatic analysis. We present a multimodal neural learning framework that experiments with different combinations of linguistic and visual features and metadata of tweets to predict user engagement from a function of
likes
and
retweets
. Experimental results show that text is the single most effective modality for prediction when a large amount of training data is available. For smaller datasets, drawing information from multiple modalities can boost performance. Notably, we find a negative effect of large pre-trained language models when dealing with substantially unbalanced datasets. A qualitative analysis into the triggers of user engagement with tweets reveals that it emerges from a combination of online discourse topic and sentiment and is often amplified by user activity, e.g., when content originates from an influencer account. We find clear evidence of existing sub-communities around specific topics, including
animal photography and sightings
,
illegal wildlife trade and trophy hunting
,
deforestation and destruction of nature
, and
climate change and action
in a broader sense.
Comparing Diagnostic Accuracy of Radiologists versus GPT-4V and Gemini Pro Vision Using Image Inputs from Diagnosis Please Cases
Authors: Suh Pae Sun , Shim Woo Hyun , Suh Chong Hyun , Heo Hwon , Park Chae Ri , Eom Hye Joung , Park Kye Jin , Choe Jooae , Kim Pyeong Hwa , Park Hyo Jung , Ahn Yura , Park Ho Young , Choi Yoonseok , Woo Chang-Yun , Park Hyungjun
Published: July 2024

Using direct radiologic image inputs, two large language models, GPT-4V and Gemini Pro Vision, improved in diagnostic accuracy with increasing temperature settings; although GPT-4V slightly underperformed compared with radiologists, it nonetheless demonstrated promising potential as a supportive tool in diagnostic decision-making.
Krüppel-like factor 2 is an endoprotective transcription factor in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: Min Lulin , Zhong Fang , Gu Leyi , Lee Kyung , He John Cijiang
Published: July 2024

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a microvascular complication of diabetes, and glomerular endothelial cell (GEC) dysfunction is a key driver of DKD pathogenesis. Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2), a shear stress-induced transcription factor, is among the highly regulated genes in early DKD. In the kidney, KLF2 expression is mostly restricted to endothelial cells, but its expression is also found in immune cell subsets. KLF2 expression is upregulated in response to increased shear stress by the activation of mechanosensory receptors but suppressed by inflammatory cytokines, both of which characterize the early diabetic kidney milieu. KLF2 expression is reduced in progressive DKD and hypertensive nephropathy in humans and mice, likely due to high glucose and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. However, KLF2 expression is increased in glomerular hyperfiltration-induced shear stress without metabolic dysregulation, such as in settings of unilateral nephrectomy. Lower KLF2 expression is associated with CKD progression in patients with unilateral nephrectomy, consistent with its endoprotective role. KLF2 confers endoprotection by inhibition of inflammation, thrombotic activation, and angiogenesis, and thus KLF2 is considered a protective factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Based on similar mechanisms, KLF2 also exhibits renoprotection, and its reduced expression in endothelial cells worsens glomerular injury and albuminuria in settings of diabetes or unilateral nephrectomy. Thus KLF2 confers endoprotective effects in both CVD and DKD, and its activators could potentially be developed as a novel class of drugs for cardiorenal protection in diabetic patients.
Noncanonical functions of adhesion proteins in inflammation
Authors: Wang Ruochong , Shu Raphael R. , Seldin Lindsey
Published: July 2024

Cell adhesion proteins localize to epithelial and endothelial cell membranes to form junctional complexes between neighboring cells or between cells and the underlying basement membrane. The structural and functional integrities of these junctions are critical to establish cell polarity and maintain tissue barrier function, while also facilitating leukocyte migration and adhesion to sites of inflammation. In addition to their adhesive properties, however, junctional proteins can also serve important noncanonical functions in inflammatory signaling and transcriptional regulation. Intriguingly, recent work has unveiled novel roles for cell adhesion proteins as both signaling initiators and downstream targets during inflammation. In this review, we discuss both the traditional functions of junction proteins in cell adhesion and tissue barrier function as well as their noncanonical signaling roles that have been implicated in facilitating diverse inflammatory pathologies.
Safety and Biodistribution of an Autologous Bone Marrow‐Derived Mononuclear Cell Infusion into Renal Arteries in Patients with Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: A Phase 1 Study
Authors: Botelho Bruno Freire , Barreira André Luis , Filippo Marcio Gomes , Asensi Karina Dutra , Faccioli Lanuza A P , dos Santos Salgado Anna Beatriz , de Salles Elizabeth Figueiredo , Marques Carlos Eduardo Cruz , Silva Pedro Leme , dos Santos Goldenberg Regina Coeli , Maiolino Angelo , Gutfilen Bianca , de Souza Sergio Augusto Lopes , Junior Maurilo Leite , Morales Marcelo Marcos
Published: July 2024

Patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) who are refractory to drug treatment may present progressive loss of kidney function, leading to chronic kidney disease stage 5 under dialysis treatment. The safety of systemic administration of bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells (BMDMCs) has been shown in different preclinical models of kidney diseases. However, to date, no study has evaluated the safety and biodistribution of BMDMCs after infusion in renal arteries in patients with FSGS. We used a prospective, non‐randomized, single‐center longitudinal design to investigate this approach. Five patients with refractory FSGS and an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 20 and 40 ml/min/1.73 m2 underwent bone marrow aspiration and received an arterial infusion of autologous BMDMCs (5 × 107) for each kidney. In addition, BMDMCs labeled with technetium‐99m (99mTc‐BMDMCs) were used to assess the biodistribution by scintigraphy. All patients completed the 270‐day follow‐up protocol with no serious adverse events. A transient increase in creatinine was observed after the cell therapy, with improvement on day 30. 99mTc‐BMDMCs were detected in both kidneys and counts were higher after 2 hr compared with 24 hr. The arterial infusion of BMDMCs in both kidneys of patients with FSGS was considered safe with stable eGFR at the end of follow‐up. This trial is registered with NCT02693366.
Thymoquinone Increases the Sensitivity of SW‐480 Colon Cancer Cells to 5‐Fluorouracil
Authors: Zeinali Nima , Mahmoudzadeh Vahid , Anarjani Alireza , Ebrahimnejad Mohammad , Yousefi Bahman , Valizadeh Amir
Published: July 2024

Background: Studies have concentrated on the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ), a natural polyphenol, in diverse malignancies, such as colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms of TQ‐mediated anticancer properties are not yet fully elucidated.

Objective: The present study has been designed to scrutinize the impact of TQ on 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)–mediated apoptosis in SW‐480 cells.

Materials and Methods: SW‐480 cells were treated with TQ, 5‐FU, and a combination of TQ + 5‐FU. MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was applied to evaluate apoptotic markers comprising Bcl‐2, Bax, and caspase‐9 expression levels. The γ‐H2AX protein expression was assessed by western blotting, and Annexin V flow cytometry was implemented to determine the apoptosis rate.

Results: 5‐FU significantly reversed the cell proliferation in a dose‐dependent circumstance. The concurrent administration of TQ and 5‐FU led to a substantial inhibition of cell growth in comparison to single treatments (p < 0.05). TQ also facilitated apoptosis via upregulating Bax and caspase‐9 proapoptotic markers and suppressing antiapoptotic mediators, like Bcl‐2. In addition, TQ augmented 5‐FU‐induced apoptosis in SW‐480 cells. 5‐FU, combined with TQ, increased the protein expression of γ‐H2AX in SW‐480 cells compared with groups treated with TQ and 5‐FU alone.

Conclusion: The present study’s findings unveil the significance of TQ as a potential therapeutic substance in colorectal cancer, particularly through enhancing 5‐FU‐induced apoptosis.
Alginate Microcapsules Loaded with Eryngium billardieri Extract and Its Application in Apple Juice
Authors: Abtahi Seyed Amirsalar , Khoshkhoo Zhaleh , Khorshidian Nasim , Mohammadi Mehrdad
Published: July 2024

Fruit juices can be enriched with plant extracts to enhance the nutritional and biological value of the product. Plant extracts are rich sources of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols with potential health benefits for consumers. In the present study, alginate microcapsules containing Eryngium billardieri (EB) extract (derived from aerial parts) were prepared and incorporated into apple juice. EB extract as nonencapsulated (NE), encapsulated (E) in microcapsules, and the combination of nonencapsulated + encapsulated (NE + E) at different concentrations of 1, 3, and 5% (w/v) were added to apple juice. These sample groups were stored at 4°C, and quality characteristics were evaluated for 21 days with a week of regular intervals. The results showed that the prepared microcapsules were spherical shaped with a size of 150–170 μm. The highest (75.12%) and the lowest (70.63%) encapsulation efficiency (EE) on the first day of storage were obtained in microcapsules containing 5% and 1% extract, respectively. EE decreased during storage time, and the lowest EE (65.25%) was observed in samples with 1% extract on day 21. Incorporation of E and NE + E extract improved total anthocyanin, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity of apple juice due to the protective effects of the encapsulation on polyphenol compounds in the extract. After 21 days of storage, the highest (10.21%) and the lowest (5.85%) ascorbic acid contents were observed in samples with 5% NE + E t and control samples, respectively. Addition of EB extract to apple juice prevented the growth of yeasts and molds till day 7, and encapsulation of extract could enhance inhibitory activity. In terms of sensory acceptability, apple juices containing encapsulated extract received higher scores by panelists as a result of masking the unpleasant color and flavor of the extract. These results indicate that the application of EB microcapsules has potential for use in the food industry.
Modeling of Release Mechanism of Sage (Salvia fruticosa Miller) Phenolics Encapsulated in Alginate Capsule: Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Aykın-Dinçer Elif , Dinçer Cüneyt , Topuz Osman Kadir
Published: July 2024

Alginate capsules are promising delivery systems for encapsulation and release of phenolics since they can be fabricated from food‐grade biopolymers using mild processes. On the other hand, knowing the release kinetic of the phenolic in the capsules is critical for capsule fabrication and product quality improvement This study is aimed at mathematically modeling the transfer of encapsulated sage (Salvia fruticosa Miller) phenolics in alginate particles to water and to determine some physicochemical properties of capsules containing different concentrations of phenolics. The water activity values (aw) of the capsule varied between 0.9976 and 0.9990. Sphericity factors of 1 (37.5 ppm), 2 (75 ppm), 3 (150 ppm), 4 (300 ppm), and control (0 ppm) samples were determined as 0.042, 0.044, 0.043, 0.273, and 0.039, respectively. The yellowness (+b ∗) value of the samples increased significantly as the added sage extract concentration increased. While the phenolic content of the samples was determined between 0.174 and 1.1831 mg/kg GAE, the antioxidant activity values were determined between 0.9602 and 6.6930. To understand the mechanism of phenolic release from the capsules, six different mathematical models were used (First Order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas, Hixson and Crowell, The Peppas-Sahlin, and Gompertz). The highest R2 (0.9952‐0.9979) and the lowest RMSE (1.0171‐1.7032) values were calculated in The Peppas‐Sahlin among the six models. The Peppas‐Sahlin model kinetic parameters indicated the dominance of Fickian diffusion and the minor effect of relaxation process in the mechanism of phenolic release.
Effect of Glass Powder on the Compressive Strength and Drying Shrinkage Behavior of OPC‐ and LC3‐50‐Based Cementitious Composites of Various Strengths
Authors: Ayub Tehmina , Jamil Tariq , Ayub Ayesha , Khan Asad-Ur-Rehman , Mehmood Eraj , Sheikh Muhammad Danyal
Published: July 2024

This study assesses the compressive strength and drying shrinkage behavior of cement and LC3‐50‐based cementitious composites containing glass powder. A total of four, i.e., 20, 35, 50, and 60 MPa, strengths of cementitious composites were targeted by varying the mix composition and water‐to‐cement ratios. In all four composite mix types, locally available glass powder was used as 0, 5, 10, and 15% added as a partial replacement of cement and LC3‐50. The novelty of this research is the addition of waste glass powder as an alternative to silica fume, especially in a high‐strength composite (including 50 and 60 MPa). The aim was to investigate the efficiency of waste glass powder in providing eco‐friendly composites. The compressive strength was determined following ASTM C 109 standard and the drying shrinkage test followed ASTM C 157 standard. The results of compressive strength in the enhancement using up to 10% waste glass powder are beneficial in enhancing strength and reducing drying shrinkage. Furthermore, the use of LC3‐50 initially reduced compressive strength up to 14 days while increased at 28 days compared to OPC. Contrariwise, the initial drying shrinkage was higher in LC3‐50 specimens and lower at later ages compared to OPC. A detailed investigation of existing shrinkage models for mortar/composite is assessed, and limitations are also discussed.
Targeted Treatment of Metastatic Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hammershøi Madsen Anna Martha , Løvendahl Eefsen Rikke Helene , Nielsen Dorte , Kümler Iben
Published: July 2024

Introduction. Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subgroup of breast cancer characterized by the absence of estrogen and the human epidermal 2 receptor and also a lack of targeted therapy options. Chemotherapy has so far been the only approved treatment option, and patients with metastatic cancer have a dismal prognosis with a median overall survival (OS) of approximately 14 months. Identification of druggable targets for metastatic TNBC is therefore of special interest. Methods. A systematic search was performed, to review the existing evidence on targeted therapies in metastatic TNBC. Results. A total of 37 phase 2/3 studies were identified, evaluating 29 different targeted agents. In this review, results on progression free survival (PFS) and OS are presented. Conclusion. In most of the studies included, no improvement was observed for neither PFS nor OS; however, a few studies did show improvement with targeted agents and have led to new treatment options in subgroups of patients. The antibody drug conjugate, sacituzumab govitecan, demonstrated superior PFS and OS in comparison to chemotherapy. Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors such as atezolizumab and pembrolizumab is now recommended as a first‐line treatment option for patients with expression a PD‐L1 positive tumor. Finally, the poly adenosine diphosphate‐ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors talazoparib and olaparib are recommended, as first‐line treatment options in patients with metastatic breast cancer and a germline BRCA mutation, but an immune checkpoint inhibitor should be considered for the subset of these patients who are PD‐L1 positive.
Transcriptional Phenocopies of Deleterious KEAP1 Mutations Correlate with Survival Outcomes in Lung Cancer Treated with Immunotherapy
Authors: Scalera Stefano , Ricciuti Biagio , Marinelli Daniele , Mazzotta Marco , Cipriani Laura , Bon Giulia , Schiavoni Giulia , Terrenato Irene , Di Federico Alessandro , Alessi Joao V. , Fanciulli Maurizio , Ciuffreda Ludovica , De Nicola Francesca , Goeman Frauke , Caravagna Giulio , Santini Daniele , De Maria Ruggero , Cappuzzo Federico , Ciliberto Gennaro , Jamal-Hanjani Mariam , Awad Mark M. , McGranahan Nicholas , Maugeri-Saccà Marcello
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

Co-occurring mutations in KEAP1 and STK11/KRAS have emerged as determinants of survival outcomes in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immunotherapy. However, these mutational contexts identify a fraction of nonresponders to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We hypothesized that KEAP1 wild-type tumors recapitulate the transcriptional footprint of KEAP1 mutations and that this KEAPness phenotype can determine immune responsiveness with higher precision compared to mutation-based models.

Experimental Design:

The Cancer Genome Atlas was used to infer the KEAPness phenotype and explore its immunological correlates at the pan-cancer level. The association between KEAPness and survival outcomes was tested in two independent cohorts of patients with advanced NSCLC treated with immunotherapy and profiled by RNA sequencing (SU2C n = 153; OAK/POPLAR n = 439). The NSCLC TRACERx421 multiregion sequencing study (tumor regions, n = 947) was used to investigate evolutionary trajectories.

Results:

KEAPness-dominant tumors represented 50% of all NSCLCs and were associated with shorter progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to KEAPness-free cases in independent cohorts of patients with NSCLC treated with immunotherapy (SU2C PFS P = 0.042, OS P = 0.008; OAK/POPLAR PFS P = 0.0014, OS P < 0.001). Patients with KEAPness tumors had survival outcomes comparable to those with KEAP1-mutant tumors. In the TRACERx421, KEAPness exhibited limited transcriptional intratumoral heterogeneity and immune exclusion, resembling the KEAP1-mutant disease. This phenotypic state occurred across genetically divergent tumors, exhibiting shared and private cancer genes under positive selection when compared to KEAP1-mutant tumors.

Conclusions:

We identified a KEAPness phenotype across evolutionary divergent tumors. KEAPness outperforms mutation-based classifiers as a biomarker of inferior survival outcomes in patients with NSCLC treated with immunotherapy.
Mixed Shock Complicating Cardiogenic Shock: Frequency, Predictors, and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Baldetti Luca , Gallone Guglielmo , Filiberti Gaia , Pescarmona Luca , Cesari Andrea , Rizza Vincenzo , Roagna Edoardo , Gurrieri Davide , Peveri Beatrice , Nocera Lorenzo , Cianfanelli Lorenzo , Marcelli Gianluca , De Lio Giulia , Boretto Paolo , Angelini Filippo , Gramegna Mario , Pazzanese Vittorio , Sacchi Stefania , Calvo Francesco , Ajello Silvia , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Frea Simone , Scandroglio Anna Mara
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Patients presenting with cardiogenic shock (CS) are at risk of developing mixed shock (MS), characterized by distributive-inflammatory phenotype. However, no objective definition exists for this clinical entity.

METHODS:

We assessed the frequency, predictors, and prognostic relevance of MS complicating CS, based on a newly proposed objective definition. MS complicating CS was defined as an objective shock state secondary to both an ongoing cardiogenic cause and a distributive-inflammatory phenotype arising at least 12 hours after the initial CS diagnosis, as substantiated by predefined longitudinal changes in hemodynamics, clinical, and laboratory parameters.

RESULTS:

Among 213 consecutive patients admitted at 2 cardiac intensive care units with CS, 13 with inflammatory-distributive features at initial presentation were excluded, leading to a cohort of 200 patients hospitalized with pure CS (67±13 years, 96% Society of Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions CS stage class C or higher). MS complicating CS occurred in 24.5% after 120 (29–216) hours from CS diagnosis. Lower systolic arterial pressure (
P
=0.043), hepatic injury (
P
=0.049), and suspected/definite infection (
P
=0.013) at CS diagnosis were independent predictors of MS development. In-hospital mortality (53.1% versus 27.8%;
P
=0.002) and hospital stay (21 [13–48] versus 17 [9–27] days;
P
=0.018) were higher in the MS cohort. At logistic multivariable analysis, MS diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 3.00 [95% CI, 1.39–6.63];
P
adj
=0.006), age (OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03–1.10] years;
P
adj
<0.001), admission systolic arterial pressure <100 mm Hg (OR, 2.41 [95% CI, 1.19–4.98];
P
adj
=0.016), and admission serum creatinine (OR, 1.61 [95% CI, 1.19–2.26];
P
adj
=0.003) conferred higher odds of in-hospital death, while early temporary mechanical circulatory support was associated with lower in-hospital death (OR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.17–0.75];
P
adj
=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS:

MS complicating CS, objectively defined leveraging on longitudinal changes in distributive and inflammatory features, occurs in one-fourth of patients with CS, is predicted by markers of CS severity and inflammation at CS diagnosis, and portends higher hospital mortality.
Type 2 Myocardial Infarction in a Sub‐Saharan Africa Population: Challenging the Current Concepts—Data From REACTIV
Authors: Yao Hermann , Touré Camille , Ekou Arnaud , Sepih Elvis , Cottin Yves , Zeller Marianne , Putot Alain , N'Guetta Roland
Published: July 2024

Background

From a large observational acute coronary syndrome registry in Côte d'Ivoire, we aimed to assess incidence, clinical presentation, management, and in‐hospital outcomes for type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) compared with type 1 MI.

Methods and Results

We conducted a cross‐sectional monocentric study using data from REACTIV (Registre des Infarctus de Côte d'Ivoire) at the Abidjan Heart Institute. All patients hospitalized with MI between 2018 and 2022 who underwent coronary angiography were included. For each patient, sociodemographic data, cardiovascular risk factors and history, and clinical and paraclinical presentation were collected at admission. In‐hospital outcomes, including major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality, were reported. Among 541 consecutive patients hospitalized with MI, 441 met the definition of type 1 MI or T2MI. T2MI accounted for 14.1% of cases. Patients with T2MI showed a trend toward slightly younger age (54 versus 58 years,
P
=0.09). Patients with T2MI seemed to have less severe coronary artery disease, with less frequent multivessel disease (
P
<0.001). Main triggering factors for T2MI were coronary embolism (24.2%), severe hypertension with or without left ventricular hypertrophy (22.6%), and tachyarrhythmia (16.1%).

In‐hospital event rates were low in both MI types. Although the difference was nonsignificant, death rates for patients with type 1 MI tended to be higher than for patients with T2MI, as well as occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions

Our study revealed disparities in clinical characteristics, angiographic features, cause, and in‐hospital outcomes in T2MI in our population compared with Western populations. These results suggest the heterogeneity of T2MI and the potential causative and demographic variability depending on geographical area.
Depression and Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillator Implantation in Black Patients at Risk for Sudden Cardiac Death
Authors: Boursiquot Brian C. , Young Rebecca , Alhanti Brooke , Sullivan Lonnie T. , Maul Andrew J. , Khedagi Apurva , Sears Samuel F. , Jackson Larry R. , Thomas Kevin L.
Published: July 2024

Background

Black patients meeting indications for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) have lower rates of implantation compared with White patients. There is little understanding of how mental health impacts the decision‐making process among Black patients considering ICDs. Our objective was to assess the association between depressive symptoms and ICD implantation among Black patients with heart failure.

Methods and Results

This is a secondary analysis of the VIVID (Videos to Address Racial Disparities in ICD Therapy via Innovative Designs) randomized trial, which enrolled self‐identified Black individuals with chronic systolic heart failure. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 and the Mental Component Summary of the 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey. Decisional conflict was measured by an adapted Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS). ANCOVA was used to assess differences in Decisional Conflict Scale scores. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between depressive symptoms and ICD implantation. Among 306 participants, 60 (19.6%) reported depressed mood, and 142 (46.4%) reported anhedonia. Participants with the lowest Mental Component Summary of the 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey scores (poorer mental health and higher likelihood of depression) had greater decisional conflict regarding ICD implantation compared with those with the highest Mental Component Summary of the 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey scores (adjusted mean difference in Decisional Conflict Scale score, 3.2 [95% CI, 0.5–5.9]). By 90‐day follow‐up, 202 (66.0%) participants underwent ICD implantation. There was no association between either the Patient Health Questionnaire‐2 score or the Mental Component Summary of the 12‐Item Short‐Form Health Survey score and ICD implantation.

Conclusions

Depressed mood and anhedonia were prevalent among ambulatory Black patients with chronic systolic heart failure considering ICD implantation. The presence of depressive symptoms did not impact the likelihood of ICD implantation in this population.
Addition of Social Determinants of Health to Coronary Heart Disease Risk Prediction: The Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Murphy Brittany Saldivar , Nam Yunbi , McClelland Robyn L. , Acquah Isaac , Cainzos‐Achirica Miguel , Nasir Khurram , Post Wendy S. , Aldrich Melinda C. , DeFilippis Andrew P.
Published: July 2024

Background

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and outcomes; however, they are absent from risk prediction models. We aimed to assess if the addition of SDoH improves the predictive ability of the MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) Risk Score.

Methods and Results

This was a community‐based prospective population cohort study that enrolled 6286 men and women, ages 45–84 years, who were free of clinical coronary heart disease (CHD) at baseline. Data from 10‐year follow‐up were examined for CHD events, defined as myocardial infarction, fatal CHD, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and revascularization in cases of anginal symptoms. Participants included 53% women with average age of 62 years. When adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, SDoH, and coronary artery calcium, economic strain, specifically low family income, was associated with a greater risk of CHD events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.42 [95% CI, 1.17–1.71],
P
value<0.001). Area under the curve of risk prediction with SDoH was 0.822, compared with 0.816 without SDoH. The calibration slope was 0.860 with SDoH and 0.878 in the original model.

Conclusions

Significant associations were found between economic/financial SDoH and CHD risk factors and outcomes. Incorporation of SDoH into the MESA Risk Score did not improve predictive ability of the model. Our findings do not support the incorporation of SDoH into current risk prediction algorithms.
Intensive Versus Moderate Statin‐Based Therapies in Patients With Mild Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Fan Hai‐mei , Wang Yong‐le , Zhang Kai‐li , Liu Ting‐ting , Li Xin‐yi , Li Ya‐nan , Li Ya‐li , Li Juan , Ren Jing , Liu Yu‐ting , Wang Jun‐hui , Xue Li‐xi , Du Wen‐xian , Niu Wen‐hua , Yan Yu‐ping , Gao Xiao‐lei , Liu Qing‐ping , Li Gai‐mei , Wu Xue‐mei , Niu Xiao‐yuan
Published: July 2024

Background

Statins are widely used for treating patients with ischemic stroke at risk of secondary cerebrovascular events. It is unknown whether Asian populations benefit from more intensive statin‐based therapy for stroke recurrence. Therefore, in the present study we evaluated the effectiveness and safety of high‐dose and moderate‐dose statins for patients who had experienced mild ischemic stroke during the acute period.

Methods and Results

This multicenter prospective study included patients with mild ischemic stroke who presented within 72 hours of symptom onset. The outcomes of patients in the high‐intensity and moderate‐intensity statin treatment groups were compared, with the main efficacy outcome being stroke recurrence and the primary safety end point being intracranial hemorrhage. The propensity score matching method was employed to control for imbalances in baseline variables. Subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate group differences. In total, the data of 2950 patients were analyzed at 3 months, and the data of 2764 patients were analyzed at 12 months due to loss to follow‐up. According to the multivariable Cox analyses adjusted for potential confounders, stroke recurrence occurred similarly in the high‐intensity statin and moderate‐intensity statin groups (3 months: adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.12 [95% CI, 0.85–1.49];
P
=0.424; 12 months: adjusted HR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.86–1.34];
P
=0.519). High‐intensity statin therapy was associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (3 months: adjusted HR, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.00–3.25];
P
=0.048; 12 months: adjusted HR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.10–3.16];
P
=0.021). The results from the propensity score‐matched analyses were consistent with those from the Cox proportional hazards analysis.

Conclusions

Compared with moderate‐intensity statin therapy, high‐dose statin therapy may not decrease the risk of mild, noncardiogenic ischemic stroke recurrence but may increase the risk of intracranial hemorrhage.

Registration

URL:
www.chictr.org.cn/
. Unique Identifier: ChiCTR1900025214.
Effect of Local Fermentation on Sensory, Nutritional and Microbiological Quality of “Bobolo” (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
Authors: Eyenga Eliane , Mbassi Josiane , Mouafo Hippolyte , Zing Bertrand , Nchuaji Tang , Achu Mercy , Ngome Francis , Mbacham Wilfred
Published: July 2024

Bobolo is a thick fermented, popular traditional food, derived from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Cameroon. The physical, sensory, chemical and microbiological characteristics of Bobolo were analyzed, in order to identify the suitable cassava varieties and the local fermentation method with the best nutritional and industrial properties. The range of L* (lightness / darkness), a* (redness / greenness), b* (yellowness / blueness) were 75.00±0.65-80.07±0.60, 3.7±0.57-4.90±0.60, 11.9±08-17.2±0.75 respectively. Sensorial characteristics (color, pasting, and global quality) evaluation reveal that Bobolo made with aerobic fermentation with ferment had the best characteristics and independent of varieties. The campo varieties presented superior characteristics compared to the other varieties. Bobolo of different varieties and the same processed cassava products had an average range of moisture content (40.85±0.91 – 44.36±0.33%), carbohydrates (38.72±0.66 – 40.91±1.12%), protein (1.18±0.04 – 1.44±0.01%), total fat (4.02±0.05 – 4.38±0.14%), crude fiber (1.71±0.05 – 2.77±0.15%), ash (0.28±0.05 – 0.36±0.02%) and cyanure (4.28±0.22 – 6.49±0.12mg/kg) and where they varied significantly between products and variety. The mineral analysis result in the Bobolo samples ranged 0.04±0.00 - 0.07±0.00 mg/100 g Ca, 0.07±0.00 – 0.10±0.00 mg/100 g Mg, 0.74±0.05 – 0.88±0.04 mg/100 g K, 7.82±0.87 – 11.96±1.00 mg/100 g Na, 5.7±0.14 – 8.7±0.14 ug/g Zn and 15.37±0.18- 21.15±0.77 ug/g Mn respectively. The Bobolo produced contained more mesophilic total flora and molds and yeasts and was absent from Eschericha coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium spp. Bacillus cereus and Salmonella spp. Therefore, the types and varieties of cassava fermentations influence the quality of Bobolo.
The Eastern Mediterranean Boundary Current: Seasonality, Stability, and Spiral Formation
Authors: Verma Vicky , Barkan Roy , Solodoch Aviv , Gildor Hezi , Toledo Yaron
Published: July 2024

Seasonal variability and the effect of bottom interaction on the dynamics of the along-slope boundary current flowing around the Levantine Basin are investigated using nested high-resolution simulations of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The numerical solutions show a persistent boundary current year-round that is ≈60 km wide and ≈200 m deep. An enstrophy balance diagnostic reveals significant bottom-drag influence on the boundary current, leading to anticyclonic vorticity generation in thin regions along the coast, which in turn become unstable and roll into surface-intensified anticyclonic spirals characterized by O(1) Rossby numbers. An eddy kinetic energy generation analysis suggests that a mix of baroclinic and barotropic instabilities is likely responsible for the spiral formation. The boundary current and spirals play a crucial role in the cross-shore transport of materials. In winter, the anticyclonic spirals frequently interact and exchange material with the energetic offshore submesoscale flow field. In summer, when the offshore flow structures are relatively less energetic, the spirals remain confined to the boundary current region as they are advected by the boundary current and undergo an upscale kinetic energy (KE) cascade that is manifested in spiral merging and growth up to 100 km in diameter. In both seasons, a coarse-graining analysis demonstrates that the cross-scale KE fluxes are spatially localized in coherent structures. The upscale KE fluxes typically occur within the spirals, while the downscale KE fluxes are confined to fronts and filaments at spiral peripheries.
Exploring the complex associations among risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Celik Halil Ibrahim , Koc Ferda , Siyasal Kübra , Ay Büsra , Ilter Nazlı Bengu , Celik Ozge Mengi
Published: July 2024

Background

Malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty are age-related conditions that are associated with multiple health-related negative outcomes. However, the complex associations between them remain to be elucidated. The aims of the study were to explore: (1) whether the risk of sarcopenia has a mediator effect on the association between risks of malnutrition and frailty; and (2) whether physical activity (PA) level modulates this mediator effect in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 593 older adults (62.73% female; mean age = 71.35 ± 5.86 years). The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF), the SARC-F Questionnaire, and the FRAIL Questionnaire were used to assess the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty, respectively. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was employed to assess PA level. Using the Hayes PROCESS macro (Models 4 and 7), mediation and moderated mediation analyses were performed.

Results

The mediation analysis demonstrated that the MNA-SF had a significant effect on the SARC-F (B=-0.325; p < 0.001) and the SARC-F, in turn, had a significant effect on the FRAIL (B = 0.341; p < 0.001). The total (B=-0.171; p < 0.001), direct (B=-0.061; p = 0.001), and indirect (B=-0.111; bootstrap CI did not include zero, which indicates a significant effect) effects of MNA-SF on FRAIL were significant, showing that 65% of the association between the MNA-SF and FRAIL was explained by the SARC-F acting as a mediator. The moderated mediation analysis demonstrated that the association between MNA and SARC-F was moderated by the PA level (B = 0.253; p = 0.016). The SARC-F mediated and relatively enhanced the association between MNA-SF and FRAIL only in older adults with a moderate PA level (B=-0.120; CI: -0.154 to -0.085).

Conclusions

The SARC-F partially mediates the association between the MNA-SF and the FRAIL, indicating that malnutrition affects frailty through an indirect path via sarcopenia. Furthermore, the PA level moderates this mediator effect, with sarcopenia serving as a mediator in older adults with moderate a PA level but not in those with a low PA level. These findings reveal that it may be beneficial to consider PA level in combination with malnutrition and sarcopenia in the management and prevention of frailty in community-dwelling older adults.
Anticandidal applications of selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized with Limosilactobacillus fermentum (OR553490)
Authors: Mohamed Esraa Ali , El‑Zahed Mohamed Marzouk
Published: July 2024

Candida albicans is one of the most dangerous pathogenic fungi in the world, according to the classification of the World Health Organization, due to the continued development of its resistance to currently available anticandidal agents. To overcome this problem, the current work provided a simple, one-step, cost-effective, and safe technique for the biosynthesis of new functionalized anticandidal selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) against C. albicans ATCC10231 using the cell-free supernatant of Limosilactobacillus fermentum (OR553490) strain. The bacterial strain was isolated from yogurt samples available in supermarkets, in Damietta, Egypt. The mixing ratio of 1:9 v/v% between cell-free bacterial metabolites and sodium selenite (5 mM) for 72 h at 37 °C were the optimum conditions for Se NPs biosynthesis. Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Zeta analyses, and elemental analysis system (EDS) were used to evaluate the optimized Se NPs. The Se NPs absorption peak appeared at 254 nm. Physicochemical analysis of Se NPs revealed the crystalline-shaped and well-dispersed formation of NPs with an average particle size of 17–30 nm. Se NPs have − 11.8 mV, as seen by the zeta potential graph. FT-IR spectrum displayed bands of symmetric and asymmetric amines at 3279.36 cm−1 and 2928.38 cm−1, aromatic and aliphatic (C–N) at 1393.32 cm−1 and 1237.11.37 cm−1 confirming the presence of proteins as stabilizing and capping agents. Se NPs acted as a superior inhibitor of C. albicans with an inhibition zone of 26 ± 0.03 mm and MIC value of 15 µg/mL compared to one of the traditional anticandidal agent, miconazole, which revealed 18 ± 0.14 mm and 75 µg/mL. The cytotoxicity test shows that Se NPs have a low toxic effect on the normal keratinocyte (IC50 ≈ 41.5 μg/mL). The results indicate that this green synthesis of Se NPs may have a promising potential to provide a new strategy for drug therapy.
Evolution content in school textbooks: data from eight European countries
Authors: Panayides Andreas , Sá-Pinto Xana , Mavrikaki Evangelia , Aanen Duur K. , Aboim Sara , Cavadas Bento , Dvorakova Radka Marta , Eens Marcel , Filova Eliska , Gregorčič Tanja , Kapsala Nausica , Nieuwenhuis Mathijs , Ometto Lino , Papadopoulou Penelope , Pinxten Rianne , Realdon Giulia , Ribeiro Nuno , Coelho da Silva José Luis , Sousa Bruno , Torkar Gregor , Korfiatis Konstantinos
Published: July 2024

Background

Evolution is a unifying theme in biology and its understanding is essential to address sustainability problems. However, many people across the world do not understand evolution. Textbooks are among the most widely used educational resources and the way they depict evolution may greatly impact students’ scientific literacy in evolution. In this paper we investigate which evolution concepts are addressed in European science textbooks, from the 1st to the 9th grade. A content analysis using the ‘Framework for the Assessment of school Curricula on the presence of Evolutionary concepts”, was performed on textbooks from eight European countries: Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Slovenia. At least two experienced coders per country independently analysed the texts, images and activities, discussed the results and reached a final consensus.

Results

Our results show that textbooks lack or rarely address concepts considered important for evolution understanding, notably the processes driving evolution and their daily life implications, limiting opportunities for education for sustainability.

Conclusions

We recommend that science textbooks emphasize evolution and its processes since the first school years. This recommendation is particularly relevant for the analysed textbooks from Cyprus and Belgium, that cover less than 45% of the concepts important to evolution literacy.