bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Association of the Ins/Del Variant of ACE and Risk of Cardiomyopathy: A Case-Control Study and Updated Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bharti Shikha , Sudershan Amrit , Kumar Dharminder , Younis Mohd , Bhagat Meenakshi , Behlam Ishan , Pathania Surbhi , Gupta Mayushi , Bhagat Sheetal , Panjalyia Rakesh K. , Mir Ashiq Hussain , Banu Najitha , Kumar Parvinder
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Cardiomyopathy is a complex condition influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. It has been suspected that cardiomyopathy is affected by the ACE gene’s I/D polymorphism. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between this polymorphism and cardiomyopathy risk in the Jammu population of North India, alongside a meta-analysis to determine the specific risks associated with different types of cardiomyopathy. Method: In the case-control study, we opted for a convenient sampling technique to gather patients from hospitals. Meanwhile, for the meta-analysis registered under PROSPERO with CRD42024519763, and in line with PRISMA guidelines, we accessed online databases and applied predefined inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Statistical analysis included genotypic frequencies, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing, logistic regression models, and assessments for heterogeneity and publication bias. Result: The case-control study revealed a significant association between the ACE I/D risk variant and cardiomyopathy risk in the Jammu population (odds ratio [OR]: 1.30, confidence interval [CI] [1.04–1.63], p value = 0.021). Furthermore, a total of 34 studies were fund-eligible for the meta-analysis and demonstrated a significant association between the risk variant and both dilated (OR: 1.25, CI [1.03–1.50], p value = 0.022) and hypertrophic (OR: 1.31, CI [1.0876–1.5776], p value = 0.004446) cardiomyopathy. Conclusion: Our study found a significant association between the I/D polymorphism and cardiomyopathy risk in the Jammu population. Further, the meta-analysis strengthens the findings by consistently linking the ACE I/D polymorphism to both dilated and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. These results underscore the importance of genetic factors in cardiomyopathy risk assessment and further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic implications.
Prognostic and Immunotherapeutic Role of TACC3 in Pancancer and Its Impact on Proliferation and Docetaxel Resistance in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Xu Jianyu , Zhu Ying , Liu Qian , Xu Chenchang , Wang Wenjuan , Sun Jiantong , Ding Xinyuan , Liu Biao , Chen Lei
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Transforming acidic coiled-coil containing protein 3 (TACC3) exerts a vital role in cancer progression by modulating cell division and facilitating tumor growth. Given the lack of comprehensive research on the pancancer implications of TACC3, our study aimed to analyze the functional role of TACC3 in pancancer and validate it through experimental investigations in lung adenocarcinoma. Methods: We first employed various bioinformatics techniques to investigate the expression and prognostic significance of TACC3 in pancancer. Subsequently, we analyzed the correlation between TACC3 and immune infiltration, immune checkpoints, drug sensitivity, as well as the prediction of immune therapy response. Finally, we validated the association between TACC3 and the proliferation of lung adenocarcinoma, as well as its resistance to docetaxel, through in vitro experiments. Results: Here, TACC3 exhibited high expression in human cancers and was associated with poor prognosis in various cancer types. It was also involved in immune infiltration and demonstrated a strong predictive ability for immune therapy response. Through drug sensitivity prediction, we further identified a potential association between TACC3 and docetaxel resistance, which was subsequently validated in lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusion: Our investigation of TACC3 revealed its potential as a promising target both for immunosuppression and docetaxel resistance in pancancer, especially in lung adenocarcinoma.
Seasonal differences of 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in children and adolescents from Mexico City and Metropolitan Area
Authors: Montiel-Ojeda Diana , Lopez-Gonzalez Desiree , Guagnelli Miguel Ángel , Méndez Sánchez Lucía , Clark Patricia
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with bone metabolism and immune disorders. Radiation's seasonal variation affects vitamin D status more at the poles. In Mexico, near the equator, there have been reports of 10-20% vitamin D deficiency in children. There is no consensus on the definition of vitamin D deficiency, different organizations consider that a vitamin D level should be above 20 to 30 ng/ml. This study aimed to analyze vitamin D serum concentrations in children and adolescents from Mexico City and the Metropolitan Area (MA) during different seasons. Methods: Cross-sectional study in children and adolescents aged 5-20 years from Mexico City and Metropolitan Area, from autumn 2016 to winter 2017. Variables of interest such as anthropometric measurements, food consumption, and physical activity were analyzed. Results: A total of 816 children and adolescents were included. A high frequency of vitamin D deficiency was detected in 40.7% of the sample. The lowest vitamin D status occurred in winter 2016 and winter 2017. Conclusion: We found a higher frequency of vitamin D deficiency during winter in children and adolescents in Mexico City and MA. This risk persisted after adjusting for age, sex, BMI Z-score, milk consumption, physical activity, and screen time.
Within- and Cross-Language Generalization in Narrative Production of Bilingual Persons with Aphasia following Semantic Feature Analysis Therapy
Authors: Bihovsky Alina , Ben-Shachar Michal , Meir Natalia
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) therapy is a widely used approach for single-word naming treatment in monolingual and bilingual persons with aphasia (BiPWAs). There is evidence that SFA leads to naming improvements in both treated and untreated languages of BiPWAs. However, research on the generalization effects of SFA on narrative production is scarce. This study investigated the within- and cross-language generalization effects of SFA on narrative production and its relationship to naming gains in a group of L1-Russian-L2-Hebrew chronic-stage BiPWAs. Methods: The study included two groups of BiPWAs. In the experimental group, ten individuals received one or two blocks of SFA, while ten participants who did not receive therapy served as a control group. We compared the changes in narrative production between the experimental and control groups and examined whether the narrative changes in the experimental group were related to naming gains. Results: The results indicated that SFA generalized to narrative production in the experimental group. Within-language generalization was observed following SFA in L1, while cross-language generalization was found following SFA in both L1 and L2. Conclusion: Although SFA has the potential to generalize to narrative production in BiPWAs, this effect did not consistently align with the therapy gains in naming. To achieve greater within- and cross-language generalization effects, we recommend providing SFA in the L1 of BiPWAs.
Challenges and Adaptation in Online Classes during the Pandemic among College Students in the Philippines and Indonesia
Authors: Santos Cresencia M. , Evangelista Gerald T. , Ryandini Felicia Risca , Veranga Maricar , Jazul Regina , Tamayo Josan
Published: November 2024

The technological breakthrough and the unprecedented pandemic largely impacted the educational system worldwide. The students’ experiences during this time affect their acquisition of the learning outcome and well-being.  Although many studies have been conducted in this area, limited information is available on the correlation between the student’s challenges and adaptation between the two countries, the Philippines and Indonesia.  Hence, this study attempts to fill in the void. The findings of this study revealed the following results: challenges encountered by the college students from the Philippines yielded a moderate extent (x̄=2.90; SD= 0.41) while the college students from Indonesia resulted to some extent (x̄=2.80; SD= 0.26); on adaptation, the college students from the Philippines showed a moderate extent (x̄=3.01; SD= 0.42) while the college students from Indonesia utilized adaptation to some extent (x̄=2.01; SD= 0.26). There is a positive correlation (0.153 and 0.485) between the schools in the Philippines and Indonesia. The variability in the college students’ responses may have been shaped by the different factors situated around him/her such as the availability of resources, type of learning platforms, computer literacy, student personality behavior towards learning, family structure, and the physical environment. The implications of the study on policy-making, programs on mental health, and future research are discussed.
Safety Knows No Pause: Identifying the Relationship Between Disaster Literacy and Public Health Nurses’ Disaster Response Performance
Authors: Maala Renmir Jan D. , Madano Roselyn M. , Palwa Yara M. , Vibas Rene G.
Published: November 2024

This descriptive quantitative study aimed to identify the relationship between disaster literacy and the disaster response performance of public health nurses in various health institutions in Davao City. The research utilized a self-designed questionnaire survey, with participants providing details on their sex and years of experience. The survey comprised 10 questions assessing disaster literacy and 7 questions evaluating disaster response performance. Statistical analyses including Mann-Whitney U and Spearman were employed. Results showed a mean disaster literacy level of 3.91, categorized as high. However, no statistically significant relationship was found between disaster literacy and nurses' disaster response performance, regardless of sex and years of experience. Although a slight correlation of 0.135 between disaster literacy and performance was observed, it was not statistically significant (p=0.100), as indicated by the scatter plot analysis. Based on the findings of this study, researchers have devised disaster strategies. These strategies aim to equip all public health nurses to effectively respond to disasters, regardless of sex, experience, or prior knowledge. It involves creating a standardized disaster preparedness and response plan, conducting regular drills covering various scenarios, implementing ongoing education courses, and assigning roles based on skills rather than sex or experience, with clear documentation of responsibilities.
A tribal transfer and four new distributional records in South American Cerambycidae (Coleoptera), with notes on Stenoeme aguilari Galileo and Martins and Stenoeme bellarmini Gounelle
Authors: Santos-Silva Antonio , Silva Weliton D.
Published: November 2024

In this study, we document new Brazilian state records for the cerambycid beetles Eburodacrystola pickeli (Melzer, 1928) (Cerambycinae, Eburiini), Phygomelitta triangularis (Fuchs, 1961) (Cerambycinae, Rhinotragini), and Oreodera bituberculata Bates, 1861 (Lamiinae, Acrocinini). Additionally, Stenoeme aguilari Galileo & Martins, 2010 (Cerambycinae, Oemini) is recorded for the first time in Brazil. We also discuss the probable synonymy between Stenoeme aguilari and S. bellarmini Gounelle, 1909. Furthermore, we propose the transfer of Piezosecus Martins & Galileo, 2003, from Piezocerini to Hesperophanini (Hesperophanina), examining the features currently used to define Hesperophanini and the differences between it and Piezocerini.
New land microsnails of the genus Gastrocopta (Eupulmonata: Gastrocoptidae) in the semiarid region of Brazil
Authors: Lima Silvio Felipe Barbosa , Abreu Evandro Cosmo Tomaz de
Published: November 2024

Gastrocoptidae Pilsbry, 1918 is a group of land snails with expressive species richness and widely distributed through the planet's terrestrial ecosystems. In Brazil, members of this family include only representatives of the genus Gastrocopta Wollaston, 1878, which are mainly found in the phytogeographic domains of the Atlantic Forest, Caatinga, Cerrado and Pampa. Here, two new species of Gastrocopta are describe from the phytogeographic domain of the Caatinga (semiarid scrubland): Gastrocopta joaoherminioi sp. nov. and Gastrocopta caatinga sp. nov. The shell morphology of G. joaoherminioi n. sp. differs substantially from native and invasive congeners of Brazil, mainly in the greatly convex whorls as well as number and configuration of apertural barriers, which totals 11 very strongly developed teeth (except suprapalatal tooth) that greatly obstruct the region. The shell morphology of G. caatinga n. sp. has a typical ovoid shape and apertural barriers totaling four teeth that does not obstruct the region (except for the projection of parieto-angular tooth). The new land snails found in a dense layer of leaf litter on sandy soil at a semi-open dry tropical forest habitat are compared with congeners from the neotropical region
A comunicação pública nos desertos de notícia: uma análise a partir de 25 municípios brasileiros
Authors: Montesso Junior José Agnaldo
Published: November 2024

Este artigo analisa as plataformas de mídia social de prefeituras em 25 municípios considerados desertos de notícia, com a observação sistemática de 1.523 publicações realizadas em novembro de 2023. O objetivo foi avaliar se esses canais eram utilizados a partir dos princípios da Comunicação Pública. Constatou-se que o Facebook e o Instagram foram os mais utilizados para divulgar ações governamentais em detrimento de informações consideradas serviços públicos sociais. A área cultural obteve o maior número de postagens.
Estado e classes médias no Primeiro Governo Vargas (1930-1945)
Authors: Vannucchi Marco Aurélio
Published: November 2024

O corporativismo institucionalizado pelo regime varguista abriu um importante canal para a expressão de demandas das classes médias junto ao Estado e aos patrões pela criação de novas instituições, como os sindicatos oficiais e os conselhos profissionais. Essa nova forma de representação política era atravessada simultaneamente por incentivos e restrições ao seu exercício, elementos detalhadamente examinados pelo artigo. O saldo da participação política em chave corporativa das classes médias é avaliado em torno de dois aspectos: ação coletiva e interesses materiais. Em relação ao primeiro, observa-se uma tendência ao insulamento político paralelamente ao fortalecimento organizativo das classes médias. Em relação ao segundo, o corporativismo resultou em diminuição da concorrência profissional e em aquisição de direitos sociais e trabalhistas.
Cure of Congenital Purpura Fulminans via Expression of Engineered Protein C Through Neonatal Genome Editing in Mice
Authors: Togashi Tomoki , Baatartsogt Nemekhbayar , Nagao Yasumitsu , Kashiwakura Yuji , Hayakawa Morisada , Hiramoto Takafumi , Fujiwara Takayuki , Morishita Eriko , Nureki Osamu , Ohmori Tsukasa
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

PC (protein C) is a plasma anticoagulant encoded by
PROC
; mutation in both
PROC
alleles results in neonatal purpura fulminans—a fatal systemic thrombotic disorder. In the present study, we aimed to develop a genome editing treatment to cure congenital PC deficiency.

METHODS:

We generated an engineered APC (activated PC) to insert a furin-cleaving peptide sequence between light and heavy chains. The engineered PC was expressed in the liver of mice using an adeno-associated virus vector or CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat–associated 9)-mediated genome editing using an adeno-associated virus vector in vivo.

RESULTS:

The engineered PC could be released in its activated form and significantly prolonged the plasma coagulation time independent of the cofactor activity of PS (protein S) in vitro. The adeno-associated virus vector-mediated expression of the engineered PC, but not wild-type PC, prolonged coagulation time owing to the inhibition of activated coagulation FV (factor V) in a dose-dependent manner and abolished pathological thrombus formation in vivo in C57BL/6J mice. The insertion of
EGFP
(enhanced green fluorescent protein) sequence conjugated with self-cleaving peptide sequence at
Alb
locus via neonatal in vivo genome editing using adeno-associated virus vector resulted in the expression of EGFP in 7% of liver cells, mainly via homology-directed repair, in mice. Finally, we succeeded in improving the survival of PC-deficient mice by expressing the engineered PC via neonatal genome editing in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that the expression of engineered PC via neonatal genome editing is a potential cure for severe congenital PC deficiency.
Prognostic Value of Coronary Flow Capacity by
82
Rb PET in Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease and Normal Myocardial Perfusion at Semiquantitative Imaging Analysis
Authors: Zampella Emilia , Assante Roberta , D’Antonio Adriana , Mannarino Teresa , Gaudieri Valeria , Nappi Carmela , Arumugam Parthiban , Panico Mariarosaria , Buongiorno Pietro , Petretta Mario , Cuocolo Alberto , Acampa Wanda
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coronary flow capacity (CFC) is a measure that integrates hyperemic myocardial blood flow and myocardial flow reserve to quantify the pathophysiological impact of coronary artery disease on vasodilator capacity. We assessed the prognostic value of CFC derived from
82
Rb positron emission tomography/computed tomography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease and normal myocardial perfusion imaging.

METHODS:

We studied 1967 patients with suspected coronary artery disease and normal myocardial perfusion at the semiquantitative analysis of stress/rest cardiac
82
Rb positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. Coronary artery calcium scores were calculated and categorized into 3 groups: 0, 0.1 to 99.9, and ≥100. Patients were classified as having myocardial steal, severely reduced CFC, moderately reduced CFC, mildly reduced CFC, minimally reduced CFC, or normal flow using previously defined thresholds. The outcome end points were myocardial infarction and cardiac death, whichever occurred first.

RESULTS:

During a mean time of 41±27 months, 49 events occurred (2.5% cumulative event rate, with an annualized event rate of 0.5% person-years). At multivariable Cox analysis, coronary artery calcium score categories and impaired CFC resulted as independent predictors of events (both
P
<0.001). The annualized event rate was higher in patients with impaired CFC compared with those with normal CFC (
P
<0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with impaired CFC were at the highest risk of events.

CONCLUSIONS:

In patients with suspected coronary artery disease and normal myocardial perfusion, impaired CFC is associated with a higher risk of cardiac events. Evaluating CFC can help identify patients’ candidates for additional therapies to prevent future events.
Association Between Noninvasive Liver Fibrosis Scores and Heart Failure in a General Population
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhang Hong‐Jin , Fang Chang‐Chang , Li Lin , Lai Ze‐Qun , Liang Ning‐Peng , Zhang Xiang‐Tao , Wu Meng‐Bo , Yin Xiaoping , Zhang Huang , Dong Yi‐Fei
Published: November 2024

Background

The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease is firmly established, yet the association between noninvasive liver fibrosis scores and cardiovascular events remains a topic of uncertainty. Our study aimed to explore the association between liver fibrosis and heart failure.

Methods and Results

The data set was from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011 to 2018. Advanced hepatic fibrosis risk was assessed through 3 noninvasive liver fibrosis scores: Fibrosis‐4 score (FIB‐4), the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), and the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI). We included 19 695 eligible participants. The national prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis risk in the United States was 4.20%, 8.06%, and 0.35% as determined by FIB‐4, NFS, and APRI scores, respectively. Weighted logistic regression analysis revealed significant associations between advanced liver fibrosis risk and the prevalence of heart failure (continuous variables, FIB‐4: odds ratio [OR], 1.15 [95% CI, 1.07–1.23]; NFS: OR, 1.42 [95% CI, 1.23–1.64]; APRI: OR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.15–1.81]). When the scores were assessed as categorical variables, the results were still significant (FIB‐4 ≥2.67 versus FIB‐4 <1.3: OR, 2.18 [95% CI, 1.47–3.24]; NFS ≥0.675 versus NFS <−1.455: OR, 2.53 [95% CI, 1.37–4.68]). Subgroup analysis found that the association between APRI and heart failure was stronger in female patients.

Conclusions

In the general US population, the prevalence of advanced liver fibrosis risk varied between 0.35% and 8.06% as indicated by noninvasive liver fibrosis scores. FIB‐4, NFS, and APRI scores were linked to an elevated prevalence of heart failure.
Feasibility and Improved Diagnostic Yield of Intracoronary Adenosine to Assess Microvascular Dysfunction With Bolus Thermodilution
Authors: Mejia‐Renteria Hernan , Shabbir Asad , Nuñez‐Gil Ivan J. , Macaya Fernando , Salinas Pablo , Tirado‐Conte Gabriela , Nombela‐Franco Luis , Jimenez‐Quevedo Pilar , Gonzalo Nieves , Fernandez‐Ortiz Antonio , Escaned Javier
Published: November 2024

Background

Bolus thermodilution and intravenous adenosine are established methods for coronary microcirculatory assessment. Yet, its adoption remains low, partly due to procedural time and patient discomfort associated with intravenous adenosine. We investigated differences between intracoronary and intravenous adenosine using bolus thermodilution in terms of microcirculatory indices, procedural time, and side effects associated with adenosine in patients with myocardial ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries.

Methods and Results

In this prospective, observational study, 102 patients with suspected myocardial ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries underwent measurements of mean transit time, coronary flow reserve, index of microcirculatory resistance, procedure time and patient tolerability with low‐dose intracoronary adenosine, high‐dose intracoronary adenosine (HDIC), and intravenous adenosine. HDIC induced greater hyperemia compared with low‐dose intracoronary IC adenosine and intravenous adenosine with a shorter hyperemic mean transit time,
P
<0.0001. Coronary flow reserve was higher and index of microcirculatory resistance lowest with HDIC, compared with low‐dose intracoronary IC adenosine and intravenous adenosine,
P
<0.05. Low coronary flow reserve was downgraded from 21% with intravenous adenosine to 10% with HDIC adenosine (
P
=0.031); high index of microcirculatory resistance was downgraded from 23% with intravenous adenosine to 14% with HDIC (
P
=0.098). Intracoronary adenosine was associated with lower procedural times (
P
<0.0001). More patients experienced chest pain with intravenous adenosine (
P
<0.01) and the chest pain intensity was higher compared with intracoronary adenosine (
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

In patients with suspected myocardial ischemia and nonobstructive coronary arteries undergoing coronary microcirculatory assessment with bolus thermodilution, the use of HDIC compared with intravenous adenosine was associated with enhanced induction of hyperemia. The use of intracoronary adenosine allowed for a shorter procedure time and was better tolerated.

Registration+

URL:
clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique Identifier: NCT04827498.
Endovascular Treatment of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke With Tandem Lesions Presenting With Low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score
Authors: Galecio‐Castillo Milagros , Farooqui Mudassir , Guerrero Waldo R. , Ribo Marc , Hassan Ameer E. , Jumaa Mouhammad A. , Divani Afshin A. , Abraham Michael G. , Petersen Nils H. , Fifi Johanna T. , Malik Amer , Siegler James E. , Nguyen Thanh N. , Sheth Sunil A. , Linares Guillermo , Janjua Nazli , Soomro Jazba , Quispe‐Orozco Darko , Olivé‐Gadea Marta , Tekle Wondewossen G. , Zaidi Syed F. , Sabbagh Sara Y. , Barkley Tiffany , Prasad Ayush , De Leacy Reade A. , Abdalkader Mohamad , Salazar‐Marioni Sergio , Gordon Weston , Turabova Charoskhon , Rodriguez‐Calienes Aaron , Dibas Mahmoud , Mokin Maxim , Yavagal Dileep R. , Yoo Albert J. , Sarraj Amrou , Jovin Tudor G. , Ortega‐Gutierrez Santiago
Published: November 2024

Background

Recent trials confirmed the efficacy and safety of endovascular thrombectomy in patients with low Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS); however, evidence in tandem lesions is limited. This study evaluates endovascular thrombectomy safety and efficacy in patients with acute large‐vessel occlusion with tandem lesions, stratified by baseline ASPECTS.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 16 centers. Inclusion criteria included the following: age ≥18 years, anterior circulation tandem lesions, endovascular thrombectomy <24 hours of symptom onset, and ≥70% internal carotid artery stenosis/occlusion. Patients were categorized into low (0–5) and high (6–10) ASPECTS. Inverse probability of treatment weighting matching was used to balance the groups. Primary outcomes included the following: 90‐day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0 to 2 and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Secondary outcomes included the following: ordinal mRS, mRS 0 to 3, modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction ≥2b and 2c‐3, petechial hemorrhage, parenchymal hematoma (1/2), early neurologic improvement, and mortality. Of 691 patients, 44 had ASPECTS 0 to 5 and 505 had ASPECTS 6 to 10. Patients with low ASPECTS had lower odds of 90‐day mRS 0 to 2 (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.48;
P
=0.036) and higher odds of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted OR, 3.78;
P
=0.014). Additional significant differences were found in mRS shift, mRS 0 to 3, parenchymal hematoma 2, and mortality. In interaction analysis, the association between low ASPECTS and functional outcome persisted only in the internal carotid artery occlusion subgroup, with no significant interaction indicating no reason to suppose a difference between the effect of both subgroups.

Conclusions

Endovascular thrombectomy in patients with tandem lesions with low ASPECTS is associated with reduced odds of functional recovery and increased symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk, when compared with patients with high ASPECTS. However, 30% of patients with low ASPECTS achieved 90‐day functional independence, suggesting potential benefit for a nonnegligible proportion of patients.
Associations Between Mosaic Loss of Sex Chromosomes and Incident Hospitalization for Atrial Fibrillation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Lim Jungeun , Hubbard Aubrey K. , Blechter Batel , Shi Jianxin , Zhou Weiyin , Loftfield Erikka , Machiela Mitchell J. , Wong Jason Y.Y.
Published: November 2024

Background

Mosaic loss of chromosome Y (mLOY) in leukocytes of men reflects genomic instability from aging, smoking, and environmental exposures. A similar mosaic loss of chromosome X (mLOX) occurs among women. However, the associations between mLOY, mLOX, and risk of incident heart diseases are unclear.

Methods and Results

We estimated associations between mLOY, mLOX, and risk of incident heart diseases requiring hospitalization, including atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. We analyzed 190 613 men and 224 853 women with genotyping data from the UK Biobank. Among these participants, there were 37 037 men with mLOY and 13 978 women with mLOX detected using the Mosaic Chromosomal Alterations caller. Multivariable Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of each incident heart disease in relation to mLOY in men and mLOX in women. Additionally, Mendelian randomization was conducted to estimate causal associations. Among men, detectable mLOY was associated with elevated risk of atrial fibrillation (HR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03–1.11]). The associations were apparent in both never smokers (HR, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01–1.14]) and ever smokers (HR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01–1.11]) as well as men aged >60 and ≤60 years. Mendelian randomization analyses supported causal associations between mLOY and atrial fibrillation (HR
MR‐PRESSO
, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.13–1.18]). Among postmenopausal women, we found a suggestive inverse association between detectable mLOX and atrial fibrillation risk (HR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.83–0.98]). However, associations with mLOY and mLOX were not found for other heart diseases.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that mLOY and mLOX reflect sex‐specific biological processes or exposure profiles related to incident atrial fibrillation requiring hospitalization.
JAHA
at Scientific Sessions 2023: Moving Toward Social Justice in Cardiovascular Health in the United States
Authors: Baker‐Smith Carissa M. , Waddy Salina P. , Hassani Sara , Mujahid Mahasin , Okwuosa Tochi , Peprah Emmanuel , Boden‐Albala Bernadette
Published: November 2024

Attention to social justice is essential to improving cardiovascular health outcomes. In the absence of social justice, equitable cardiovascular health is impossible. This viewpoint provides a brief synopsis of the 2023
Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA)
–sponsored session titled “Moving Towards Social Justice in Cardiovascular Health.” We define social justice and summarize the burden of cardiovascular disease inequity in the United States. We also highlight strategies for achieving social justice, including addressing workforce diversity, integrating social determinants into cardiovascular research, designing cardiovascular interventions to close the equity gap, and improving inclusivity in cardiovascular disease trials.
The Impact of Selective Attention and Musical Training on the Cortical Speech Tracking in the Delta and Theta Frequency Bands
Authors: Schüller Alina , Mücke Annika , Riegel Jasmin , Reichenbach Tobias
Published: November 2024

Oral communication regularly takes place amidst background noise, requiring the ability to selectively attend to a target speech stream. Musical training has been shown to be beneficial for this task. Regarding the underlying neural mechanisms, recent studies showed that the speech envelope is tracked by neural activity in auditory cortex, which plays a role in the neural processing of speech, including speech in noise. The neural tracking occurs predominantly in two frequency bands, the delta and the theta bands. However, much regarding the specifics of these neural responses, as well as their modulation through musical training, still remain unclear. Here, we investigated the delta- and theta-band cortical tracking of the speech envelope of target and distractor speech using magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings. We thereby assessed both musicians and nonmusicians to explore potential differences between these groups. The cortical speech tracking was quantified through source-reconstructing the MEG data and subsequently relating the speech envelope in a certain frequency band to the MEG data using linear models. We thereby found the theta-band tracking to be dominated by early responses with comparable magnitudes for target and distractor speech, whereas the delta band tracking exhibited both earlier and later responses that were modulated by selective attention. Almost no significant differences emerged in the neural responses between musicians and nonmusicians. Our findings show that only the speech tracking in the delta but not in the theta band contributes to selective attention, but that this mechanism is essentially unaffected by musical training.
IUCN's Application of Cluster Analysis to Usage Classification Areas in Korean protected areas: Based on Gangwon Province
Authors: Lee Sangmyung , Kil Sung-Ho
Published: November 2024

Background and objective: Protected areas in South Korea are currently designated by different ministries for similar purposes, causing overlapping management and conflicts of interest. Moreover, protected areas after designation have been lacking sufficient management. Thus, it is necessary to classify the types of protected areas in South Korea considering variables related to designation, management, and the natural environment, and to verify the applicability of IUCN categories.Methods: We selected variables that are easy to apply to spatial data, easy to interpret, and can solve problems within protected areas based on previous studies and literature review. The optimal number of clusters was derived by conducting hierarchical and non-hierarchical cluster analysis on 174 protected areas using the selected variables. The applicability of IUCN categories was verified based on the results.Results: Cluster centroids represent the characteristics of the variables in each cluster, which were applied to IUCN categories for classification. Based on this standard, we formed clusters of similar protected areas through cluster analysis and classified them according to IUCN categories. The clusters were compared with the protected areas classified by the existing IUCN categories and were further subdivided according to the characteristics of the use districts.Conclusion: This study classified protected areas located in Gangwon Province as well as overlapping protected areas using criteria such as the natural environment, activity restrictions, protected target and area as set in the research method, and derived the characteristics of each cluster. This study has significance in that it verified the protected areas classified as IUCN categories and suggested appropriate management measures for unclear overlapping protected areas.
An Analysis of Visitor Behaviors and Satisfaction in Urban Forests: Focused on Major Forests in Incheon
Authors: Choi Yun Eu , Choi Ga Eun , Yun Young-Jo
Published: November 2024

Background and objective: Urban forests have increasingly integrated recreational and welfare facilities to enhance the quality of life for urban residents. This study explores the behaviors, perceptions, and satisfaction of visitors to major forests in Incheon Metropolitan City, aiming to offer guidelines for the improvement of recreational facilities within these urban forests. By understanding visitor needs and preferences, the study seeks to contribute to the development of more user-friendly and sustainable forest environments that cater to the well-being of city dwellers.Methods: The study focused on five major forests in Incheon: Munhaksan Mountain, Cheongnyangsan Mountain, Manwolsan Mountain, Wonjeoksan Mountain, and Gyeyangsan Mountain. Data were collected through field surveys and analyzed using cross-tabulation, one-way ANOVA, and regression analysis. Based on the results, targeted recommendations were made for the enhancement of recreational facilities in each forest.Results: For Munhaksan Mountain, expanding recreational spaces and offering trail-specific programs are key priorities, along with developing a maintenance plan to improve visitor satisfaction. In Cheongnyangsan Mountain, expanding popular facilities like barefoot walking paths and optimizing the forest structure for air purification and noise reduction are needed. Manwolsan Mountain requires a more efficient maintenance system, focusing on security, amenities, and visitor services to address the issue of low satisfaction. Wonjeoksan Mountain should enhance trail safety with more CCTVs and improve amenities such as restrooms and trash disposal. Gyeyangsan Mountain needs more rest areas and amenities, addressing congestion in the northwest while preserving natural scenery and providing an information platform for younger visitors.Conclusion: This study contributes to optimizing the use of urban forests and improving the quality of life for residents by proposing a strategic framework for the development of recreational welfare in forests. The findings are expected to serve as a valuable resource for local governments in formulating rational forest management and usage plans.
Turbiditylenchus corticeus n. gen., n. sp. (Rhabditida: Anguinidae) from the bark of Eucalyptus macrorhyncha from the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: Huston Daniel C. , Khudhir Manda , Hodda Mike
Published: November 2024

A new genus and species of the Anguinidae, Turbiditylenchus corticeus n. gen., n. sp., was isolated from the bark of Eucalyptus macrorhyncha from southeastern Australia. Turbiditylenchus corticeus is readily differentiated from all recognised anguinid genera and is characterised primarily by a slender body, lateral field with six incisures, an anteriorly flattened lip region continuous with the body, delicate stylet 7.9-9.9 μm long, muscular median bulb containing a strongly refractive valve, post-vulval uterine sac 1.87-4.4 times vulval body diam., conical tail with pointed tip, and males with leptoderan bursa and spicules 20.5-25.8 μm in length. The phylogenetic relationships of the new species with other anguinid lineages were reconstructed using sequences of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA), the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS; comprising ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and partial large subunit ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA D2-D3) genes based on Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood analyses. These analyses demonstrate the new species represents a lineage distinct from all other anguinids. Based on phylogenetic results we also transfer Ditylenchus parvicauda Gu, Ma, Castillo & Munawar, 2024 and Ditylenchus gracicauda Gu, Ma, Castillo & Munawar, 2024 to Ditylenchoides Subbotin & Ryss, 2024 as Ditylenchoides parvicauda n. comb. and Ditylenchoides gracicauda n. comb.
Le four de Noé : un cas d’intertextualité coranique
Authors: Mongellaz Olivier
Published: November 2024

En rapportant l’histoire de Noé, le Coran mentionne un motif narratif étrange : un four (tannūr) duquel de l’eau déborde (Cor 11, 40 ; 23, 27). Dans la mesure où pareil motif n’est guère expliqué par l’énoncé coranique, il a posé et continue de poser problème au lecteur. Les exégètes musulmans, qui furent les premiers à appréhender le Coran, notèrent la difficulté et tâchèrent de la résoudre en s’appuyant sur la sémantique et en fournissant divers récits étiologiques. Des siècles plus tard, les orientalistes crurent trouver la clef de cette énigme dans le patrimoine rabbinique. Mais dès 1867, en publiant son édition d’une chaîne arabe, Paul de Lagarde attirait l’attention du monde académique sur certains fragments attribués à Hippolyte de Rome mentionnant, dans l’histoire de Noé, un four duquel de l’eau déborde. Pour plusieurs raisons, il fallut attendre 1995 pour qu’un rapprochement soit explicitement opéré entre ces fragments et le Coran. Dans la présente étude, nous suivrons cette piste de recherche et tâcherons de déterminer la relation que ces fragments entretiennent avec l’énoncé coranique.
The Dual Meaning of Šafāʿa and the Social Function of the Saints in Mamluk Society
Authors: Amir Or
Published: November 2024

In pre-modern Islamic societies, the Sufi šayḫ was the ultimate model of the saint, who offered the laity a direct channel for intercession with God. Focusing on the šayḫs’ relations with the Mamluk elite, and examining the dual meaning of the term šafāʽa, which represents both sacred and mundane intercession, this article shows that the saints’ intercessory role was not limited to the spiritual sphere but applied also to the mundane realm of interceding between rulers and subjects. Combining both forms of intercession, while maintaining the aura of otherworldliness, greatly increased the appeal of many Sufi šayḫs. However, balancing both required some maneuvering on the part of the šayḫs, which the article considers.
The European Court of Human Rights’ Case Law on the Rights of Judges in the cee States – Towards A Rule of Law Standard?
Authors: Selejan-Guțan Bianca
Published: November 2024

Recent examples from the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the Court of Justice of the European Union show that judicial independence across Europe is still under stress in certain countries. In the last four years, a rich body of jurisprudence has been developed by the ECtHR around the rights of judges: right to a fair trial, right to privacy, freedom of expression, right to liberty and security. These cases comprise a vital component of the rule of law references by the Strasbourg Court, which became more willing to include the protection of the rights of the members of the judiciary in the Convention’s application sphere. The attacks against judicial independence at the origin of these cases are diverse, and there is no unique recipe for how to respond. The article posits that this jurisprudence can become one of the criteria to assess a state’s compliance with the rule of law requirements. However, the results still depend too much on the political will of the states concerned.
Colonial Interactions
Authors: Pomar Azar Darío Karim
Published: November 2024

This research article analyses the complex interplay between international law and Islamic law in shaping the possibilities for Palestinian (armed) resistance against Israeli occupation. It uses “interaction” (between two legal systems with much epistemological overlap) as a lens with which to ground this meta-analysis, understanding international law and Islamic law as necessarily co-constitutive. Following a historical and macro-scale examination of this relationship, the research article then applies the analysis to Mandate Palestine, identifying a Palestinian “state of exception” that excludes Palestinians from international law’s ‘protective jurisdiction’. As such, the article situates Palestinian (armed) resistance within the gap that emerges between international law’s colonial reverberations and Islamic law’s emancipatory potential.
The Historical Roots behind the Libyan State Failure
Authors: Bin Musa Ali
Published: November 2024

This paper discusses the phenomenon of state failure in general and uses the current Libyan state as a case study by tracing the historical path of the formation of the modern Libyan state, specifically the impact of the legacy left by the Gaddafi regime on three main variables: authority, legitimacy, and institutional capacity. It addresses the following question: How did the historical legacy of the Gaddafi regime contribute to the crisis of the Libyan state after 2011? The study is based on the hypothesis that personal authoritarian regimes, such as Gaddafi’s, have the most detrimental impact on institutions in relation to the monopoly of violence, legitimacy, and capacity. This is because the ruling elites in personalistic authoritarian regimes are often unable to restrain the decisions and actions of the head of the regime, who often seeks to dismantle institutions that could limit their power. This contrasts with other types of authoritarian regimes (monarchy, military, one-party) that may, to some extent, maintain institutional rules for governance and the transfer of power.
Electronic Resources Adoption by Academic Staff in Public Universities in Tanzania Using the Technology Acceptance Model
Authors: Kuzilwa Matilda S. , Musabila Albogast
Published: November 2024

This paper analyzes emerging issues on the use of electronic resources (e-resources) by academic staff in public universities in Tanzania. Notable issues include factors influencing adoption of e-resources by academic staff. A quantitative research design based on a cross-sectional survey of academic staff in four public universities was used. The study was informed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with demographic and institutional factors like awareness on ICT policy and regulations added. A sample of 292 academic staff obtained through a combination of stratified and random sampling was used. Cross-tabulations and Chi-Square statistics were used for analysis of association to establish the influence of the factors on adoption. Through TAM, perceived benefits were measured by eagerness for promotion and increase in income. Perceived ease of use was measured by capacity built on ICT use and perception on ICT infrastructure. Awareness was measured by members’ recognition of ICT policy and regulations. The findings show that experience, age, and awareness have a significant correlation with e-resources adoption. Also, the mostly accessed and used e-resources by academic staff are scholarly search engines such as Google Scholar.
Perceived Meaningfulness of Semantically Noncongruent Stimuli Increases in Art Context
Authors: Iosifyan Marina , Wolfe Judith
Published: November 2024

The media occasionally report instances where people mistake ordinary objects for art. This often happens in art galleries or museums and might suggest that people attribute meaning differently depending on whether the context is artistic or rooted in everyday life. In this manuscript, we investigate how people attribute meaning to seemingly nonsensical sentences and images when they believe they are made by poets or artists. We used a collection of sentences that conclude with semantically congruent and noncongruent words, and a collection of images where the object is either congruent or noncongruent with the background. We randomly assigned participants to the baseline and experimental (art) conditions, telling participants in the art condition that the sentences/images were created by artists. Studies 1 and 2 found that the art context increases the perceived meaningfulness of noncongruent sentences (‘Most cats see well at court’), but not the congruent ones (‘Most cats see well at night’), while Study 3 found a similar effect regarding noncongruent images (a lion in an office) and congruent images (a lion in a field). Additionally, we discuss how individual differences in aberrant salience and religiosity moderate the main effects of the art context on meaning-making. These results advance our theoretical understanding of how art contexts affect the interpretation of meaning and the importance of semantic noncongruency.
Revisional notes on Siniphanerotomella He et al. (Hymenoptera Braconidae Cheloninae) with description of a new species from China
Authors: YAO JUNLI , ACHTERBERG CORNELIS VAN , ZHAO QINGYAN , ZHOU JIN-JIN , PENG YANQIONG
Published: November 2024

Siniphanerotomella He, Chen et van Achterberg, 1994 is a genus endemic to China with three described species. A fourth new species from Yunnan (China), S. yunnanensis Yao et van Achterberg, sp. nov., is described and illustrated. In addition, S. disparclypeolus Ji et Chen and the female of S. fanjingshana He et al. are for the first time fully illustrated. Additional revisional notes on Siniphanerotomella are provided as is a key to all known species of this genus.
First record of the genus Eusterinx Förster (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Orthocentrinae) from the Afrotropical Region, with description of a new species from South Africa
Authors: HUMALA ANDREI E.
Published: November 2024

The genus Eusterinx Förster, 1869 is reported from the Afrotropical region for the first time. The new species E. africana sp. nov. from South Africa belonging to the subgenus Ischyracis is described and illustrated. The subgenus Dallatorrea Ashmead, 1902 is reduced to the synonym Ischyracis Förster, 1869 syn. n. An identification key to all known Ischyracis species of the world fauna is provided.