bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life course partnership history and objectively measured physical functional ability in Danish middle-aged adults
Authors: Nersesjan Simon Carstensen , Nilsson Charlotte Juul , Davidsen Karolina , Kriegbaum Margit , Lund Rikke
Published: March 2023

Background

Partnership break-up and living alone is associated with several negative health-related outcomes. Little is known about the association with physical functional ability in a life course perspective. The aim of this study is to investigate (1) the association between number of partnership break-ups and years living alone across 26 years of adult life respectively and objectively measured physical capability in midlife, (2) how the joint exposure of accumulated break-ups or years living alone respectively, and education relates to physical capability in midlife and (3) potential gender differences.

Methods

Longitudinal study of 5001 Danes aged 48–62. Accumulated number of partnership break-ups and years living alone were retrieved from national registers. Handgrip strength (HGS) and number of chair rises (CR) were recorded as outcomes in multivariate linear regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic factors, early major life events and personality.

Results

Increasing number of years living alone was associated with poorer HGS and fewer CR. Concomitant exposure to short educational level and break-ups or long duration of time living alone respectively was associated with poorer physical capability compared with the groups with long educational level and no break-ups or few years lived alone.

Conclusion

Accumulated number of years living alone but not break-ups was associated with poorer physical functional ability. Joint exposure to a high number of years lived alone or break-ups respectively and having a short education was associated with the lowest levels of functional ability, which points towards an important target group for interventions. No gender differences were suggested.
LAL deficiency induced myeloid-derived suppressor cells as targets and biomarkers for lung cancer
Authors: Zhao Ting , Liu Sheng , Hanna Nasser H , Jalal Shadia , Ding Xinchun , Wan Jun , Yan Cong , Du Hong
Published: March 2023

Background

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of cells in tumor microenvironment, which suppress antitumor immunity. Expansion of various MDSC subpopulations is closely associated with poor clinical outcomes in cancer. Lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) is a key enzyme in the metabolic pathway of neutral lipids, whose deficiency (LAL-D) in mice induces the differentiation of myeloid lineage cells into MDSCs. TheseLal-/-MDSCs not only suppress immune surveillance but also stimulate cancer cell proliferation and invasion. Understanding and elucidating the underlying mechanisms of MDSCs biogenesis will help to facilitate diagnosis/prognosis of cancer occurrence and prevent cancer growth and spreading.

Methods

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to distinguish intrinsic molecular and cellular differences between normal versusLal-/-bone marrow–derived Ly6G+myeloid populations in mice. In humans, LAL expression and metabolic pathways in various myeloid subsets of blood samples of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were assessed by flow cytometry. The profiles of myeloid subsets were compared in patients with NSCLC before and after the treatment of programmed death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy.

Results

scRNA-seq ofLal-/-CD11b+Ly6G+MDSCs identified two distinctive clusters with differential gene expression patterns and revealed a major metabolic shift towards glucose utilization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. Blocking pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) in glycolysis reversedLal-/-MDSCs’ capabilities of immunosuppression and tumor growth stimulation and reduced ROS overproduction. In the blood samples of human patients with NSCLC, LAL expression was significantly decreased in CD13+/CD14+/CD15+/CD33+myeloid cell subsets. Further analysis in the blood of patients with NSCLC revealed an expansion of CD13+/CD14+/CD15+myeloid cell subsets, accompanied by upregulation of glucose-related and glutamine-related metabolic enzymes. Pharmacological inhibition of the LAL activity in the blood cells of healthy participants increased the numbers of CD13+and CD14+myeloid cell subsets. PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor treatment in patients with NSCLC reversed the increased number of CD13+and CD14+myeloid cell subsets and PDH levels in CD13+myeloid cells.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that LAL and the associated expansion of MDSCs could serve as targets and biomarkers for anticancer immunotherapy in humans.
Patients’ understanding of long-term cardiovascular risks and associated health-seeking behaviours after pre-eclampsia
Authors: Atkinson Jessica , Wei William , Potenza Stephanie , Simpson Grace , Middleton Anna , Walker Susan , Tong Stephen , Hastie Roxanne , Lindquist Anthea
Published: March 2023

Objective

The lifelong risks of cardiovascular disease following hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are well described. Awareness of these risks and associated health-seeking behaviours among affected individuals remains unclear. We aimed to assess participants’ knowledge of their cardiovascular disease risk and relevant health-seeking behaviours following a pregnancy affected by preeclampsia or gestational hypertension.

Methods

We undertook a single-site, cross-sectional cohort study. The target population included individuals who birthed at a large tertiary referral centre in Melbourne, Australia, between 2016 and 2020, and were diagnosed with gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia. Participants completed a survey assessing pregnancy details, medical comorbidities, knowledge of future risks and health-seeking behaviours post-pregnancy.

Results

1526 individuals met inclusion criteria and 438 (28.6%) completed the survey. Of these, 62.6% (n=237) were unaware of their increased risk of cardiovascular disease following a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. Participants who reported awareness of their increased risk were more likely to have annual blood pressure monitoring (54.6% vs 38.1%, p<0.01), and at least one assessment of blood cholesterol (p<0.01), blood glucose (p=0.03) and renal function (p=0.01). Participants who were aware were more likely to be taking antihypertensive medication (24.5% vs 6.6%, p<0.01) since pregnancy, compared with those who were unaware. There were no differences between groups in diet, exercise or smoking habits.

Conclusion

Among our study cohort, risk awareness was associated with increased health-seeking behaviours. Participants who were aware of their increased risk of cardiovascular disease were more likely to have regular cardiovascular risk factor assessments. They were also more likely to be taking antihypertensive medication.
Agent Based Modeling of the Spread of Social Unrest Using Infectious Disease Models
Authors: Adhikari Anup , Soh Leen-Kiat , Joshi Deepti , Samal Ashok , Werum Regina
Published: March 2023

Prior research suggests that the timing and location of social unrest may be influenced by similar unrest activities in another nearby region, potentially causing a spread of unrest activities across space and time. In this paper, we model the spread of social unrest across time and space using a novel approach, grounded in
agent-based modeling (ABM)
. In it, regions (geographic polygons) are represented as agents that transition from one state to another based on changes in their environment. Our approach involves (1) creating a vector for each region/agent based on
socio-demographic, infrastructural, economic, geographic, and environmental (SIEGE)
factors, (2) formulating a neighborhood distance function to identify an agent's neighbors based on geospatial distance and SIEGE proximity, (3) designing transition probability equations based on two distinct compartmental models—i.e., the
Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR)
and the
Susceptible-Infected-Susceptible (SIS)
models, and (4) building a ground truth for evaluating the simulations. We use ABM to determine the individualized probabilities of each region/agent to transition from one state to another. The models are tested using the districts of three states in India as agents at a monthly scale for 2016-2019. For ground truth of unrest events, we use the
Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED)
dataset. Our findings include that (1) the transition probability equations are viable, (2) the agent-based modeling of the spread of social unrest is feasible while treating regions as agents (Brier's score < 0.25 for two out of three regions), and (3) the SIS model performs comparatively better than the SIR model.
Bioelectronic Sensor Nodes for the Internet of Bodies
Authors: Chatterjee Baibhab , Mohseni Pedram , Sen Shreyas
Published: March 2023

Energy-efficient sensing with physically secure communication for biosensors on, around, and within the human body is a major area of research for the development of low-cost health care devices, enabling continuous monitoring and/or secure perpetual operation. When used as a network of nodes, these devices form the Internet of Bodies, which poses challenges including stringent resource constraints, simultaneous sensing and communication, and security vulnerabilities. Another major challenge is to find an efficient on-body energy-harvesting method to support the sensing, communication, and security submodules. Due to limitations in the amount of energy harvested, we require a reduction in energy consumed per unit information, making the use of in-sensor analytics and processing imperative. In this article, we review the challenges and opportunities of low-power sensing, processing, and communication with possible powering modalities for future biosensor nodes. Specifically, we analyze, compare, and contrast ( a) different sensing mechanisms such as voltage/current domain versus time domain, ( b) low-power, secure communication modalities including wireless techniques and human body communication, and ( c) different powering techniques for wearable devices and implants.
Return of Results in Genomic Research Using Large-Scale or Whole Genome Sequencing: Toward a New Normal
Authors: Wolf Susan M. , Green Robert C.
Published: March 2023

Genome sequencing is increasingly used in research and integrated into clinical care. In the research domain, large-scale analyses, including whole genome sequencing with variant interpretation and curation, virtually guarantee identification of variants that are pathogenic or likely pathogenic and actionable. Multiple guidelines recommend that findings associated with actionable conditions be offered to research participants in order to demonstrate respect for autonomy, reciprocity, and participant interests in health and privacy. Some recommendations go further and support offering a wider range of findings, including those that are not immediately actionable. In addition, entities covered by the US Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) may be required to provide a participant's raw genomic data on request. Despite these widely endorsed guidelines and requirements, the implementation of return of genomic results and data by researchers remains uneven. This article analyzes the ethical and legal foundations for researcher duties to offer adult participants their interpreted results and raw data as the new normal in genomic research.
Reduction of intracellular Mg2+ caused by reactive oxygen species in rat ventricular myocytes
Authors: Tashiro Michiko , Konishi Masato , Watanabe Makino , Yokoyama Utako
Published: March 2023

The concentration of intracellular free Mg2+ ([Mg2+]i) should be maintained strictly for the regulation of cellular functions. Since reactive oxygen species (ROS) are liable to increase in various pathological conditions and induce cellular damage, we investigated whether ROS affect intracellular Mg2+ homeostasis. We measured [Mg2+]i in ventricular myocytes from Wistar rats using the fluorescent indicator, mag-fura-2. The administration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) decreased [Mg2+]i in Ca2+-free Tyrode’s solution. Intracellular free Mg2+ was also reduced by endogenous ROS as generated by pyocyanin, which was inhibited by pretreatment with n-acetyl cysteine (NAC). The rate of change in [Mg2+]i by 500 μM H2O2 in 5 min (on average, −0.61 μM/s) was independent of extracellular Na+, and intra- and extracellular Mg2+ concentrations. When extracellular Ca2+ was present, the rate of Mg2+ decrease was significantly reduced, on average, by ∼60%. The half-maximal effective concentration of H2O2 on the Mg2+ decrease was estimated to be between 400 and 425 μM. The Mg2+ decrease by H2O2 in the absence of Na+ was inhibited by 200 μM imipramine, a known inhibitor of Na+/Mg2+ exchange. We perfused rat hearts with the Ca2+-free Tyrode’s solution containing H2O2 (500 μM, 5 min) on the Langendorff apparatus,. H2O2 stimulation increased Mg2+ concentration in the perfusate, suggesting the H2O2-induced decrease in [Mg2+]i was caused by Mg2+ extrusion. Collectively, these results suggest the existence of a Na+-independent Mg2+ efflux system activated by ROS in cardiomyocytes. The lower [Mg2+]i may in part be attributed to ROS-mediated cardiac dysfunction.
Study on the Bearing Mechanism and Stability of Surrounding Rock in Original Roadway Filling and Nonpillar Tunneling
Authors: Shi Wenbao , Chang Jucai , Li Yan , Li Dong , Hu Ru
Published: March 2023

This study is focused on the problem that with the increase of coal seam mining depth, it is difficult to continuously replace mining due to complex roadway layout and unreasonable stope layout. By taking the mining geological conditions of the 62210 fully mechanized mining face of Xinzhuangzi Coal Mine in Huainan mining area, China, as the background, it explores the stress characteristics of the original roadway filling body as well as the stress distribution and deformation characteristics of roadway surrounding rock in original roadway filling and nonpillar tunneling (ORFNPT) through theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The following findings are obtained. The required strength for the filling body is primarily determined by two factors, i.e., the span of the hanging roof that lies over the filling body and the width of the filling body. The span of the hanging roof is positively correlated with the required strength of the filling body. However, when the width of the filling body reaches a certain value, its further increase fails to change the required strength of the filling body. Compared with gob-side entry driving with small coal pillars, when the ORFNPT technology is applied to the lower-section roadway, the peak stress position in the solid coal on the lower side of the roadway is closer to the roadway sides, and the filling body is of a much higher stress than the small coal pillars. Besides, the roadway surrounding rock undergoes milder deformation. According to the on-site application and measurement data, the roof-to-floor convergence and side-to-side displacement amounts of the roadway are about 89 mm and 58 mm during tunneling of the 62310 working face, and the two amounts are about 910 and 1,290 mm during recovery of the 62310 working face, respectively. This tunneling method achieves an excellent roadway control effect.
A Comprehensive Investigation of the Potential Role of Lipoproteins and Metabolite Profile as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease Compared to the Known CSF Biomarkers
Authors: Nasab Azam Sajjadi , Noorani Fatemeh , Paeizi Zahra , Khani Leila , Banaei Saba , Sadeghi Mohammad , Shafeghat Melika , Shafie Mahan , Mayeli Mahsa , Initiative (ADNI) The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging
Published: March 2023

Introduction. While cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) core biomarkers have been considered diagnostic biomarkers for a long time, special attention has been recently dedicated to lipoproteins and metabolites that could be potentially associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neurodegeneration. Herein, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the levels of CSF core biomarkers including Aβ-42, TAU, and P-TAU and plasma lipoproteins and metabolites of patients with AD from the baseline cohort of the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Method. Using the ADNI database, fourteen subclasses of lipoproteins as well as a number of lipids and fatty acids and low-molecular metabolites including amino acids, ketone bodies, and glycolysis-related metabolites in blood samples were measured as potential noninvasive markers, and their association with the CSF core biomarkers was statistically investigated controlling for age and gender. Results. A total number of 251 AD subjects were included, among whom 71 subjects were negative for the Apo-E ε4 allele and 150 were positive. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding cognitive assessments, CSF core biomarkers, and lipoproteins and metabolites except the level of Aβ-42 (

p
<
0.001

) and phenylalanine (

p
=
0.049

), which were higher in the negative group. CSF TAU and P-TAU were significantly correlated with medium and small HDL in the negative group, and with extremely large VLDL in the positive group. Our results also indicated significant correlations of metabolites including unsaturated fatty acids, glycerol, and leucine with CSF core biomarkers. Conclusion. Based on our findings, a number of lipoproteins and metabolites were associated with CSF core biomarkers of AD. These correlations showed some differences in Apo-E ε4 positive and negative groups, which reminds the role of Apo-E gene status in the pathophysiology of AD development. However, further research is warranted to explore the exact association of lipoproteins and other metabolites with AD core biomarkers and pathology.
Examining the Effects of Human Development, Unemployment, and Globalization on Obesity in the Community: Evidence from BRICS Countries
Authors: Aydin Mucahit , Aydin Mehmet
Published: March 2023

Obesity is a social problem that needs to be carefully considered regarding its causes and consequences. This study examines the impact of human development, unemployment, and globalization on obesity in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries from 1991 to 2016. For this aim, the study uses Fourier causality and cointegration tests, which consider smooth structural breaks. The cointegration test results show that obesity and explanatory variables do not move together in the long run for all countries. According to the causality result of this study, there is a unidirectional causal relationship from obesity to unemployment in China. On the other hand, there is unidirectional causality from obesity to human development and globalization in India. Overall, India can lessen the negative effects of obesity on its population and improve its standing in the global economy if it promotes healthy lifestyles and controls the food and beverage industry. On the other hand, obesity may cause people to become unemployed, so it is recommended that policymakers fight obesity to control unemployment in China.
Sex-Biased Expression of Genes Allocated in the Autosomal Chromosomes: Blood LC-MS/MS Protein Profiling in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Giha Hayder A. , Abdulwahab Rabab A. , Abbas Jaafar , Shinwari Zakia , Alaiya Ayodele
Published: March 2023

Background. Sex and gender have a large impact in human health and disease prediction. According to genomic/genetics, men differ from women by a limited number of genes in Y chromosome, while the phenotypes of the 2 sexes differ markedly. Methods. In this study, serum samples from six healthy Bahraini men and women were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Bioinformatics databases and tools were used for protein/peptide (PPs) identification and gene localization. The PPs that differed significantly (

p

 < 0.05, ANOVA) in abundance with a fold change (FC) of ≥1.5 were identified. Results. Revealed 20 PPs, 11 were upregulated in women with very high FC (up to 8 folds), and 9 were upregulated in men but with much lower FC. The PPs are encoded by genes located in autosomal chromosomes, indicative of sex-biased gene expression. The only PP related to sex, the sex hormone-binding globulin, was upregulated in women. The remaining PPs were involved in immunity, lipid metabolism, gene expression, connective tissue, and others, with some overlap in function. Conclusions. The upregulated PPs in men or women are mostly reflecting the functon or risk/protection provided by the PPs to the specific sex, e.g., Apo-B100 of LDLC. Finally, the basis of sex-biased gene expression and sex phenotypic differences needs further investigation.
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Agonists during Gonadal Chemotherapy for the Effect on Pregnancy Outcome and Ovarian Function in Premenopausal Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Zhang Chu , Lei Xueli , Ren Tianshu , Chen Han , Zhao Qingchun
Published: March 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRHas) on pregnancy outcomes, premature ovarian failure (POF), menstrual recovery, disease-free survival (DFS), and adverse events in premenopausal breast cancer patients during gonadal chemotherapy. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. The trials were eligible if they included premenopausal breast cancer patients treated with chemotherapy alone or with concurrent GnRHa and reported ovarian function recovery data. Heterogeneity for the eligible data was assessed, and a pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. A meta-analysis was conducted using a fixed-effect model. Results: Fifteen randomized controlled trials were included in this analysis. The results indicated that GnRHa combined with chemotherapy significantly increased pregnancy rates compared with chemotherapy alone (RR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.16–2.67) and decreased rates of POF (RR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.35–0.51). For secondary endpoints, the GnRHa group improved menstrual recovery rates (RR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.11–1.30) and decreased the rate of amenorrhea 1–2 years after chemotherapy (RR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.40–0.63). Furthermore, the 5-year DFS and overall survival (OS) rates were significantly improved in the GnRHa group. Conclusion: For premenopausal breast cancer patients receiving gonadal toxic chemotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy with GnRHa can better protect the ovarian function of patients, reduce the rate of POF and amenorrhea, and improve the pregnancy rate, menstrual recovery rate, DFS rate, and OS rate of patients.
Primary Healthcare Service: Important Support for the Patient at Home
Authors: Backer Mortensen Trude M.
Published: March 2023

Individuals living with cancer often experience multiple nutrition-related side effects from cancer treatment, including changes in taste and smell, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and pain during eating. These side effects can profoundly impact nutritional status and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore experiences with nutrition-related cancer treatment side effects among cancer patients and their family caregivers, the way they manage such side effects, and the resulting changes in food preferences and behaviors. Structured surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted. Interviews focused on the presence and management of treatment side effects, how those changes influenced food preferences, and the extent to which they interfered with quality of life. Most patients (72%) reported treatment side effects; 61% reported that these side effects impacted their eating and drinking. Common side effects included fatigue (58%), dry mouth (30%), nausea (24%), constipation (20%) and diarrhea (20%). Six overarching qualitative themes were identified: Spiral of side effects; Pain of eating; Burden of eating; Loss of taste/change in taste; Symptom management; and Solutions. The authors conclude with implications for food and nutrition practice-moving beyond traditional recommendations of what to eat or avoid-to consider the overall patient and caregiver experience.
Identification of a Hypoxia-Related Signature as Candidate Detector for Schizophrenia Based on Genome-Wide Gene Expression
Authors: Li Zhitao , Sun Xinyu , He Jia , Kong Dongyan , Wang Jinyi , Wang Lili
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Schizophrenia (SCZ), a severe neuropsychiatric disorder with high genetic susceptibility, has high rates of misdiagnosis due to the unavoidably subjective factors and heterogeneous clinical presentations. Hypoxia has been identified as an importantly risk factor that participates in the development of SCZ. Therefore, development of a hypoxia-related biomarker for SCZ diagnosis is promising. Therefore, we dedicated to develop a biomarker that could contribute to distinguishing healthy controls and SCZ patients. Methods: GSE17612, GSE21935, and GSE53987 datasets, consisting of 97 control samples and 99 SCZ samples, were involved in our study. The hypoxia score was calculated based on the single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis using the hypoxia-related differentially expressed genes to quantify the expression levels of these genes for each SCZ patient. Patients in high-score groups were defined if their hypoxia score was in the upper half of all hypoxia scores and patients in low-score groups if their hypoxia score was in the lower half. GSEA was applied to detect the functional pathway of these differently expressed genes. CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to evaluate the tumor-infiltrating immune cells of SCZ patients. Results: In this study, we developed and validated a biomarker consisting of 12 hypoxia-related genes that could distinguish healthy controls and SCZ patients robustly. We found that the metabolism reprogramming might be activated in the patient with high hypoxia score. Finally, CIBERSORT analysis illustrated that lower composition of naive B cells and higher composition of memory B cells might be observed in low-score groups of SCZ patients. Conclusion: These findings revealed that the hypoxia-related signature was acceptable as a detector for SCZ, providing further insight into effective diagnosis and treatment strategies for SCZ.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Elderly Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients following Surgical Resection: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Garcia Elizabeth M , Nerurkar Sanjna N , Tan Eunice X , Tan Shaun YS , Peck Ern-Wei , Quek Sabrina XZ , Teh Readon , Teng Margaret , Tran Andrew , Yeo Ee Jin , Le Michael , Wong Connie , Cheung Ramsey , Huang Daniel Q.
Published: March 2023

Background & Aims: Due to ageing of the global population, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly common among elderly patients, but outcomes after curative hepatic resection are unclear. Using a metanalytic approach, we aimed to estimate overall survival (OS), recurrence free survival (RFS) and complication rates in elderly HCC patients undergoing resection.
Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from inception to Nov 10, 2020 for studies reporting outcomes in elderly (age ≥ 65 years) patients with HCC undergoing curative surgical resection. Pooled estimates were generated using a random-effects model.
Results: We screened 8,598 articles and included 42 studies (7,778 elderly patients). The mean age was 74.45 years (95% CI 72.89-76.02), 75.54% were male (95% CI 72.53-78.32) and 66.73% had cirrhosis (95% CI 43.93-83.96). The mean tumor size was 5.50 cm (95% CI 4.71-6.29) and 16.01% had multiple tumors (95% CI 10.74-23.19). The 1-year (86.02% versus 86.66%, p=0.84) and 5-year OS (51.60% versus 53.78%) between non-elderly versus elderly patients were similar. Likewise, there were no differences in the 1-year (67.32% versus 73.26%, p=0.11) and 5-year RFS (31.57% versus 30.25%, p=0.67) in non-elderly versus elderly patients. There was a higher rate of minor complications (21.95% versus 13.71%, p=0.03) among elderly patients compared with non-elderly patients, but no difference in major complications (p=0.43)
Conclusion: This data shows that overall survival, recurrence and major complications after liver resection for HCC are comparable between elderly and non-elderly patients, and may inform clinical management of HCC in this population.
Sensitive Periods for the Effect of Child Maltreatment on Psychopathology Symptoms in Adolescence
Authors: Dunn Erin , Busso Daniel S. , Davis Kathryn A. , Smith Andrew D.A.C. , Mitchell Colter , Tiemeier Henning , Susser Ezra S.
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Child maltreatment is among the strongest risk factors for mental disorders. However, little is known about whether there are ages when children may be especially vulnerable to its effects. We sought to identify potential sensitive periods when exposure to the 2 most common types of maltreatment (neglect and harsh physical discipline) had a particularly detrimental effect on youth mental health. Methods: Data came from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), a birth cohort oversampled from “fragile families” (n = 3,474). Maltreatment was assessed at 3, 5, and 9 years of age using an adapted version of the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS-PC). Using least angle regression, we examined the relationship between repeated measures of exposure to maltreatment on psychopathology symptoms at age 15 years (Child Behavior Checklist; CBCL/6–18). For comparison, we evaluated the strength of evidence to support the existence of sensitive periods in relation to an accumulation of risk model. Results: We identified sensitive periods for harsh physical discipline, whereby psychopathology symptom scores were highest among girls exposed at age 9 years (r2 = 0.67 internalizing symptoms; r2 = 1% externalizing symptoms) and among boys exposed at age 5 years (r2 = 0.41%). However, for neglect, the accumulation of risk model explained more variability in psychopathology symptoms for both boys and girls. Conclusion: Child maltreatment may have differential effects based on the child’s sex, type of exposure, and the age at which it occurs. These findings provide additional evidence for clinicians assessing the benefits and drawbacks of screening efforts and point toward possible mechanisms driving increased vulnerability to psychopathology.
Dependência de benzodiazepínicos e fatores genéticos: uma revisão de literatura
Authors: Camargo Beatriz Milene de Oliveira , Ziliani Maria Júlia da Gama Fortunato , Alvarenga Ana Luiza , Calciolari Bianca , Nagao Rafael Shoiti , Michelin Luis Felipe Gomes , Antunes Aline Alexandrino , Garcia Daniel Moreno
Published: March 2023

Os benzodiazepínicos (BZDs) são fármacos psicotrópicos, depressores do sistema nervoso central (SNC), utilizados mundialmente na prática clínica. O seu consumo exacerbado e a dependência se tornaram uma questão de saúde pública. A etiologia da dependência de BZDs ocorre por diversos fatores, genéticos e não genéticos. O objetivo dessa revisão é compilar os fatores genéticos associados aos mecanismos de dependência de BZDs. Os mecanismos genéticos envolvem a interação com receptores de glutamato e modulação do GABA, reduzindo a ativação cerebral e criação de memórias. O genótipo BAIAP 3 é o primeiro marcador de risco genético de ansiedade e abuso de BZDs. Outro mecanismo, ainda, é o polimorfismo das enzimas citocromo P450 monooxigenases (CYP450). O aumento do uso crônico de BZDs tem grande impacto na saúde pública. Dessa forma, faz-se fundamental a análise dos fatores genéticos que aumentam a dependência, objetivando uma terapia individualizada e a redução desta problemática.
Acoplamento das unidades catalítica e regulatória do proteassomo e a funcionalidade mitocondrial em leveduras após mutações sítio-específicas na unidade catalítica do proteassomo
Authors: Penatti Natalia Mori Avellaneda , Demasi Marilene
Published: March 2023

Em leveduras da espécie S. cerevisiae, foi descrito uma modificação redox pós-traducional denominada S-glutationilação em resíduos Cys da subunidade α5 da unidade catalítica 20S do proteassomo, especificamente o resíduo α5-C76, posteriormente mutada para α5-C76S. A linhagem carregando essa mutação apresentou como alteração fenotípica um menor tempo de vida cronológico (CLS: chronological life span) e uma maior frequência da conformação fechada da câmara catalítica da unidade 20S. Uma dupla mutação randômica na subunidade α5 (α5-S35P/C221S) criou uma linhagem duplo-mutante (DM), a qual induziu a abertura da câmera catalítica do 20S e também aumentou o CLS da célula. O presente estudo teve como objetivo estudar o grau de acoplamento entre as unidades catalítica e regulatória do proteassomo nas linhagens de levedura (C76S, WT e DM), bem como avaliar a funcionalidade mitocondrial em todas elas. A análise do acoplamento foi feita com eletroforese em gel nativo. Para determinar a funcionalidade mitocondrial, foi medida a atividade da enzima citrato sintase a partir da reação entre DTNB e CoA-SH. Foi observado que na linhagem C76S com CLS reduzido havia um menor grau de acoplamento entre as unidades catalítica 20S e regulatória 19S, além de uma atividade mitocondrial diminuída. Portanto, um menor grau de acoplamento entre as unidades do proteassomo muito provavelmente provocou uma disfunção mitocondrial devido a um importe de proteínas mitocondriais defeituoso, resultando em uma CLS reduzida, fato que pode melhor elucidar a nossa compreensão acerca do processo de envelhecimento e da morte celular prematura vista em doenças degenerativas causadas por acumulação proteica.
Ensinar em tempos de pandemia: relato de uma professora substituta de língua e literatura italianas em ambiente universitário
Authors: Martins Sabrina de Cássia
Published: March 2023

O presente artigo relata uma experiência de ensino de língua e literatura italianas para os alunos em ambiente universitário no contexto pandêmico. Para tanto, aborda primeiramente a concepção de língua (KUMARAVADIVELU, 2012), uma vez que se entende aqui o processo de ensino-aprendizagem como um ato comunicativo; em segundo lugar, discute a comunicação mediada pelo computador e os instrumentos que permitem a interação no contexto de ensinoaprendizado virtual (BONAIUTI et al., 2016), sendo enfatizado o papel da interação na aula de língua estrangeira (DIADORI, 2011; BALBONI, 2006); em terceiro, enfatiza a relação entre necessidade e motivação (SCHÜTZ, 2003; HALL, 2011; KUMARAVADIVELU, 2012). A experiência descrita expõe os conflitos do ensino remoto durante a pandemia, portanto, em uma situação de incerteza extrema, em uma universidade pública e para alunos que em sua maioria são de baixa renda.
Atrial Fibrillation Occurring During Acute Hospitalization: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association
Authors: Chyou Janice Y. , Barkoudah Ebrahim , Dukes Jonathan W. , Goldstein Larry B. , Joglar Jose A. , Lee Anson M. , Lubitz Steven A. , Marill Keith A. , Sneed Kevin B. , Streur Megan M. , Wong Graham C. , Gopinathannair Rakesh ,   on behalf of the American Heart Association Acute Cardiac Care and General Cardiology Committee, Electrocardiography and Arrhythmias Committee, and Clinical Pharmacology Committee of the Council on Clinical Cardiology; Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; Council on Cardiopulmonary, Critical Care, Perioperative and Resuscitation; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; and Stroke Council
Published: March 2023

Acute atrial fibrillation is defined as atrial fibrillation detected in the setting of acute care or acute illness; atrial fibrillation may be detected or managed for the first time during acute hospitalization for another condition. Atrial fibrillation after cardiothoracic surgery is a distinct type of acute atrial fibrillation. Acute atrial fibrillation is associated with high risk of long-term atrial fibrillation recurrence, warranting clinical attention during acute hospitalization and over long-term follow-up. A framework of substrates and triggers can be useful for evaluating and managing acute atrial fibrillation. Acute management requires a multipronged approach with interdisciplinary care collaboration, tailoring treatments to the patient’s underlying substrate and acute condition. Key components of acute management include identification and treatment of triggers, selection and implementation of rate/rhythm control, and management of anticoagulation. Acute rate or rhythm control strategy should be individualized with consideration of the patient’s capacity to tolerate rapid rates or atrioventricular dyssynchrony, and the patient’s ability to tolerate the risk of the therapeutic strategy. Given the high risks of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with acute atrial fibrillation, clinical follow-up and heart rhythm monitoring are warranted. Long-term management is guided by patient substrate, with implications for intensity of heart rhythm monitoring, anticoagulation, and considerations for rhythm management strategies. Overall management of acute atrial fibrillation addresses substrates and triggers. The 3As of acute management are acute triggers, atrial fibrillation rate/rhythm management, and anticoagulation. The 2As and 2Ms of long-term management include monitoring of heart rhythm and modification of lifestyle and risk factors, in addition to considerations for atrial fibrillation rate/rhythm management and anticoagulation. Several gaps in knowledge related to acute atrial fibrillation exist and warrant future research.
Crises of reputation as asynchronous online polylogues
Authors: Pluwak Agnieszka
Published: March 2023

Crises of reputation are rarely studied from the linguistic point of view, which results in several research gaps. Therefore, in this study three selected crisis cases have been analyzed as asynchronous online polylogues—Internet debates performed by stakeholders in different sources from the moment of publication. In this approach corpus analysis has been combined with the theory of computer-mediated communication, speech acts and a semantic study of emotions. One of the findings was that certain common patterns of subtopics, emotion expressions and communicative actions are noticeable in the user-generated content across different crisis cases. Contrary to some NLP studies, emotions expressed by stakeholders in a crisis situation refer not to the major topic, but to its subtopics, which impacts the construction of text-mining models. Unlike in pre-social media studies, sarcasm and not anger is the major emotion expressed textually in reaction to a crisis of reputation.
Vessel diameter polymorphism determines vulnerability-to-embolism curve shape
Authors: Jacobsen Anna L. , Pratt R. Brandon
Published: March 2023

Sherwin Carlquist proposed several functional interpretations for vessel diameter, including that narrow vessels were hydraulically “safe” while wide diameter vessels were more vulnerable to embolism. He applied these ideas both across species and biomes, and within xylem tissue, where function of growth ring types was inferred from vessel diameter polymorphisms (occurrence of differing vessel diameter classes within a tissue). Following on Carlquist’s ideas, we were interested in evaluating if vessel diameter polymorphism could be linked to vulnerability-to-embolism curve shape. Vulnerability curves were fit with a model that included a continuous shape term (alpha). We predicted that high variation in vessel diameter would result in lower alpha (more r-shaped) curves whereas low variation would produce higher alpha (more s-shaped) curves, with potential for intermediate curve types. Our findings support Carlquist’s functional interpretations of vessel diameter. Vessel diameter polymorphism was strongly correlated to vulnerability curve shape. Homogeneous vessel diameters were associated with more s-shaped curves. As vessel diameter polymorphism increased, alpha declined and curves became more linear. High polymorphism was associated with r-shaped curves. There was no relationship between vessel length and curve shape. Vessel diameter was strongly correlated with a common estimate of embolism resistance (P50), with wider diameter vessels associated with increased vulnerability. Vulnerability curves show enormous variety in shape and scale, and both parameters are likely critical in understanding and predicting plant function. Carlquist’s ecological anatomy data, predictions, and functional inferences will continue to be valuable as we expand our understanding of structure–function links in plant anatomy.
The Etymology of “Manchu”: A Critical Evaluation of the Riverside Hypothesis
Authors: Hölzl Andreas
Published: March 2023

Manchu is the name of a people that has an important place in world history. While the list of etymologies of the name already encompasses several dozen proposals, none is widely accepted. The most promising etymology from a linguistic perspective can be characterized as the “riverside hypothesis”. It states that the name is that of the lower Amur that was later used for peoples living along that river. This paper takes a fresh look at this hypothesis, discussing previous approaches, rejecting earlier arguments against it, and evaluating the plausibility of the hypothesis by establishing a detailed semantic model and a list of sound laws. It concludes that, despite minor phonological issues, the hypothesis is very likely the correct one.
Using Ground-Based Radar Observations to Evaluate Asymmetric Convection and Eyewall Dynamics during the Landfall of Hurricane Harvey (2017)
Authors: Alford A. Addison , Biggerstaff Michael I. , Carrie Gordon
Published: March 2023

Asymmetric dynamics in tropical cyclones (TCs) are vital to understanding intensity change and convective distribution at landfall. The growth of barotropic–convective instability (e.g., mesovortices), vortical hot towers, and vortex Rossby waves (VRWs) have been considered through numerical modeling studies, often by mean–eddy partitioning of the tangential wind tendency. Unfortunately, few observational datasets exist that are sufficient for such study. A University of Oklahoma Shared Mobile Atmospheric Research and Teaching radar observed major Hurricane Harvey (2017) as it intensified just before landfall near Port Aransas, Texas. Combined with a coastal WSR-88D radar, dual-Doppler derived kinematic analyses were constructed every ∼6 min at 1-km spatial resolution during Hurricane Harvey’s landfall. In this study, observations of asymmetric mesovortices on the interior edge of Harvey’s eyewall are documented. The asymmetries promoted a dual exchange of vorticity in the TC eyewall and represent an example of an eddy mechanism of intensity change on various time scales. Considering the combined effects of resolvable asymmetries, we examine the change in the tangential wind as a function of mean–eddy kinematics before and after landfall. Before landfall, the low-level eddy contribution was positive to the low-level tangential wind tendency. Following landfall, the contribution from the low-level eddy became weakly positive to weakly negative. Finally, the evolution of some asymmetric features in Harvey’s eyewall are shown to manifest in a VRW-like response that initiates rainbands just outside of Harvey’s eyewall.
Numerical Accuracy Necessary for Large-Eddy Simulation of Planetary Boundary Layer Turbulence Using the Discontinuous Galerkin Method
Authors: Kawai Yuta , Tomita Hirofumi
Published: March 2023

In large-eddy simulations (LES), it is crucial to ensure that discretization errors do not contaminate the subgrid effect of the turbulence model in a wavelength range larger than the effective resolution. Recently, we showed that a seventh- or eighth-order accuracy is required for advection terms in planetary boundary layer simulations when using conventional gridpoint methods. However, a significant amount of communication between parallel computers is necessary to achieve high-order accuracy in gridpoint methods, and this can degrade computational efficiency. The discontinuous Galerkin method (DGM) is a promising approach for overcoming these limitations. Therefore, this study focuses on the numerical criteria of the DGM at LES from the viewpoint of numerical diffusion and dispersion. We extend our earlier study to the DGM framework and clarify the necessary order of the polynomial (p). We find that p = 4 is required based on the numerical criteria at the grid spacing of O(10) m with sufficiently scale-selective modal filters. The examination of temporal accuracy suggests that the fourth-order is sufficient when a fully explicit temporal scheme is used. In addition, we investigate the effect of hyperupwinding that is usually met when the Rusanov flux is employed in the low Mach number flows. It suggests that the choice of numerical flux has little effect on simulation results when the high-order DGM is used. Furthermore, we perform a series of LES in the planetary boundary layer and confirm that the indication obtained from the criteria holds for an actual LES.
Relation Between Serum Uric Acid to Albumin Ratio and Severity of Chronic Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Yalcinkaya Damla , Karacali Kadir , Ilhan Bilal Canberk , Yarlioglues Mikail
Published: March 2023

Uric acid (UA) to albumin ratio (UAR) is an emerging marker to predict coronary artery disease (CAD)-related events. There is limited data on the relationship between UAR and the severity of the disease in chronic CAD patients. We aimed to evaluate UAR as an indicator for CAD severity using the Syntax score (SS). We retrospectively enrolled 558 patients with stable angina pectoris and underwent coronary angiography (CAG). Patients were divided into 2 groups, according to CAD severity: low SS (≤22) and intermediate-high SS (>22) groups. UA levels were higher and albumin levels were lower in the intermediate-high SS score group ( P < .001). UAR levels were significantly higher in the intermediate-high SS group ( P < .001). Also, there was a significant correlation between UAR levels and SS (r = .55, 95% confidence interval (CI): .49–.60, P < .001). In multivariable analysis, UAR >1.34 (Odds ratio, 3.8 [2.3–6.2]; P < .001) was an independent predictor of intermediate-high SS while albumin and UA levels were not. In conclusion, UAR predicted disease burden in chronic CAD patients. It may prove useful as a simple and readily available marker to select patients for further evaluation.
Impact of Electronic Cigarette use on Cardiovascular Health: Current Evidence, Causal Pathways, and Public Health Implications
Authors: Critselis Elena , Panagiotakos Demosthenes
Published: March 2023

Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use is increasing in Europe and the USA. While mounting evidence exists regarding an array of associated adverse health effects, to date limited evidence exists regarding the health effects of e-cigarette use on cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD). The present review summarizes the effects of e-cigarette use on CV health. A search strategy of in vivo experimental, observational studies (including population-based cohort studies), and interventional studies was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science (April 1, 2009–April 1, 2022). The main findings revealed that the influence of e-cigarette on health are attributed mainly to the individual and interactive effects of flavors and additives used in e-cigarette fluids, along with the extended heating. The above collectively stimulate prolonged sympathoexcitatory CV autonomic effects, such as increased heart rate and diastolic blood pressure (BP), as well as decreased oxygen saturation. Hence, e-cigarette users are at increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, hypertension, arrhythmia, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Such risks are anticipated to increase, especially among the young who are increasingly adopting e-cigarette use particularly with flavored additives. Further investigations are urgently needed to evaluate the long-term effects of e-cigarette use, particularly among susceptible population groups such as youth.