bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A potential oral microbiome signature associated with coronary artery disease in Tunisia
Authors: Bouzid Fériel , Gtif Imen , Alfadhli Suad , Charfeddine Salma , Ghorbel Walid , Abdelhédi Rania , Benmarzoug Riadh , Abid Leila , Bouayed Abdelmoula Nouha , Elloumi Inés , Masmoudi Saber , Rebai Ahmed , Kharrat Najla
Published: June 2022

The coronary artery disease (CAD) is a chronic inflammatory disease involving genetic as well as environmental factors. Recent evidence suggests that the oral microbiome has a significant role in triggering atherosclerosis. The present study assessed the oral microbiome composition variation between coronary patients and healthy subjects in order to identify a potential pathogenic signature associated with CAD. We performed metagenomic profiling of salivary microbiomes by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) next-generation sequencing. Oral microbiota profiling was performed for 30 individuals including 20 patients with CAD and ten healthy individuals without carotid plaques or previous stroke or myocardial infarction.

We found that oral microbial communities in patients and healthy controls are represented by similar global core oral microbiome. The predominant taxa belonged to Firmicutes (genus Streptococcus, Veillonella, Granulicatella, Selenomonas), Proteobacteria (genus Neisseria, Haemophilus), Actinobacteria (genus Rothia), Bacteroidetes (genus Prevotella, Porphyromonas), and Fusobacteria (genus Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia). More than 60% relative abundance of each sample for both CAD patients and controls is represented by three major genera including Streptococcus (24.97 and 26.33%), Veillonella (21.43 and 19.91%), and Neisseria (14.23 and 15.33%).

Using penalized regression analysis, the bacterial genus Eikenella was involved as the major discriminant genus for both status and Syntax score of CAD. We also reported a significant negative correlation between Syntax score and Eikenella abundance in coronary patients’ group (Spearman rho = −0.68, P=0.00094).

In conclusion, the abundance of Eikenella in oral coronary patient samples compared with controls could be a prominent pathological indicator for the development of CAD.
The evolution and structure/function of bHLH–PAS transcription factor family
Authors: Edwards Hailey E. , Gorelick Daniel A.
Published: June 2022

Proteins that contain basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) and Per-Arnt-Sim motifs (PAS) function as transcription factors. bHLH–PAS proteins exhibit essential and diverse functions throughout the body, from cell specification and differentiation in embryonic development to the proper function of organs like the brain and liver in adulthood. bHLH–PAS proteins are divided into two classes, which form heterodimers to regulate transcription. Class I bHLH–PAS proteins are typically activated in response to specific stimuli, while class II proteins are expressed more ubiquitously. Here, we discuss the general structure and functions of bHLH–PAS proteins throughout the animal kingdom, including family members that do not fit neatly into the class I-class II organization. We review heterodimerization between class I and class II bHLH–PAS proteins, binding partner selectivity and functional redundancy. Finally, we discuss the evolution of bHLH–PAS proteins, and why a class I protein essential for cardiovascular development in vertebrates like chicken and fish is absent from mammals.
Plant peroxisome proteostasis—establishing, renovating, and dismantling the peroxisomal proteome
Authors: Muhammad DurreShahwar , Smith Kathryn A. , Bartel Bonnie
Published: June 2022

Plant peroxisomes host critical metabolic reactions and insulate the rest of the cell from reactive byproducts. The specialization of peroxisomal reactions is rooted in how the organelle modulates its proteome to be suitable for the tissue, environment, and developmental stage of the organism. The story of plant peroxisomal proteostasis begins with transcriptional regulation of peroxisomal protein genes and the synthesis, trafficking, import, and folding of peroxisomal proteins. The saga continues with assembly and disaggregation by chaperones and degradation via proteases or the proteasome. The story concludes with organelle recycling via autophagy. Some of these processes as well as the proteins that facilitate them are peroxisome-specific, while others are shared among organelles. Our understanding of translational regulation of plant peroxisomal protein transcripts and proteins necessary for pexophagy remain based in findings from other models. Recent strides to elucidate transcriptional control, membrane dynamics, protein trafficking, and conditions that induce peroxisome turnover have expanded our knowledge of plant peroxisomal proteostasis. Here we review our current understanding of the processes and proteins necessary for plant peroxisome proteostasis—the emergence, maintenance, and clearance of the peroxisomal proteome.
IoT based thermal aware routing protocols in wireless body area networks: Survey: IoT based thermal aware routing in WBAN
Authors: Jalili Marandi Shabnam , Golsorkhtabaramiri Mehdi , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Jafarali Jassbi Somayyeh
Published: June 2022

The growth of the world's population, especially that of the elderly, along with the outbreak of infectious diseases such as COVID‐19 have caused hospitals and healthcare centres to become full, and even economical treatments cost a lot. On that account, the conjunction of wireless body area networks (WBAN) and Internet of Things (IoT) for healthcare and medical diagnosis has become really important, and is accordingly one of the most popular and attractive areas of the Internet of Things (IoT). In such an IoT, a wireless body area network (WBAN) consists of a miniature sample of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) that can be either implanted in the human body or wearable. Nowadays, IoT has made healthcare evaluation possible. Instead of the patient being constantly hospitalized for treatment, the condition of the person is sent to the health centre by the IoMT over the Internet. IoT enables wireless communication between smart devices on one side and almost anything on the other. Since this network deals with medical and critical conditions, data must be sent to a physician or practitioner in the prescribed period; this indicates that routing is one of the most critical issues. Thus, routing is considered a very important challenge in WBANs. The present study describes thermal (temperature)‐aware routing protocols in WBANs. Routing protocols in WBANs are divided into thermal (temperature)‐aware, QoS‐aware, security‐aware, cluster‐based, cross‐layered, postured‐based, cost‐effect, link‐aware, and opportunistic ones. In a WBAN, temperature rise in implant nodes can damage body tissues, which is dangerous for the patient. Accordingly, here, those algorithms were considered which are presented in thermal (temperature)‐aware protocols. This paper first introduces IoT‐based WBANs, their routing mechanism and challenges, after which it provides a detailed description of thermal (temperature)‐aware algorithms. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of these algorithms are presented.
Fast charging load guidance strategy based on adjustable charging service fee
Authors: Zhang Meixia , Zhang Qianqian , Yang Xiu , Sun Quanjie
Published: June 2022

Aiming at solving the problem of the deterioration of the voltage quality of the distribution network caused by the fast charging load of large‐scale electric vehicles, a fast charging load guidance strategy based on adjustable tiered charging service fees is proposed to guide users to adopt the charging location decision with the least comprehensive charging cost, and then balance the charging load distribution of each charging station to improve the voltage quality of the distribution network. Firstly, considering the constraints of the regional road network and distribution network, a fast charging load forecasting model based on the trip chain theory and Monte Carlo method is established; secondly, a regional tiered charging service fee adjustment model is constructed with the optimization goal of minimizing the absolute sum of node voltage deviations of distribution network; then, the user charging location weighted decision model with the least comprehensive cost of charging service fee, trip time and road power consumption is constructed. Finally, from the calculation, it can be seen that the adjustable tiered charging service fees can more effectively guide users to change the charging location, thus improving voltage quality and reducing pressure on grid capacity.
Isolation and Characterization of a New Flavone C-glycoside Isoembinin from Iris lacteal along with its Effects on Platelet Activation
Authors: Whaley Andrei , Ponkratova Anastasiia , Rukoyatkina Natalia , Prilepskaya Anna , Bogoutdinova Alina , Fock Ekaterina , Gambaryan Stepan , Luzhanin Vladimir
Published: June 2022

One new compound isoembinin 1 along with ten known compounds 2-11 were isolated from the terrestrial parts of Iris lactea Pall. All of the compound structures were determined through extensive 1D and 2D NMR experiments along with HR-ESIMS analysis and comparison with literature data. Because many flavonoids exert antiplatelet and antioxidant activity we tested the effects of the isolated flavone C-glycosides 1-9 on platelet activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Platelet reactivity was assessed by activation of αIIbβ3 integrins activation and ROS production by DCF-DA fluorescence. For the analysis of whether protein kinase A or G are involved in the platelet inhibition, the activity of these kinases was analyzed by phosphorylation of their common substrate in platelets. In all experiments apigenin, which inhibit platelet activation was used as a positive control. All isolated flavone C-glycosides inhibited platelet αIIbβ3 integrins activation with IC50 in the µM range, however this inhibitory effect was found to not be mediated through the prevention of ROS formation or by the activation of cyclic nucleotide pathways. Structure-activity comparison between apigenin and compounds 1-9 shows that the presence of C-glycoside and O-glycoside residues on the aglycone apigenin diminish the degree of platelet inhibition.
Comparison of Risk of Serious Cardiovascular Events after Hemorrhagic versus Ischemic Stroke: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Akyea Ralph K. , Georgiopoulos Georgios , Iyen Barbara , Kai Joe , Qureshi Nadeem , Ntaios George
Published: June 2022

Background Patients with ischemic stroke are considered a very high risk population for subsequent cardiovascular events and guidelines recommend intensive preventive strategies. However, there is no clear recommendation that patients with hemorrhagic stroke should also be regarded as a very high cardiovascular risk population.

Objective To compare the risk of subsequent cardiovascular morbidity/mortality between patients with incident hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke.

Methods Patients aged ≥18 years with incident hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke between 1998 and 2017 and no prior history of serious vascular event were identified from UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD GOLD) linked to Hospital Episode Statistics data.

Results The cohort included 32,091 patients with an overall follow-up of 381,237 person-years (median: 11.8 years). After adjusting for potential confounders, patients with incident hemorrhagic stroke had no significantly different risk of subsequent cardiovascular morbidity compared with patients with incident ischemic stroke—coronary heart disease (CHD; hazard ratio [HR]: 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.56–1.32), recurrent stroke (HR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.83–1.02), peripheral vascular disease (PVD; HR: 1.15, 95% CI:0.56–2.38), or heart failure (HR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.61–1.74). Patients with incident hemorrhagic stroke had significantly higher risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality (HR: 2.35, 95% CI: 2.04–2.72) and all-cause mortality (HR: 2.16, 95% CI: 1.94–2.41). Propensity-score matched analysis of 1,039 patients with hemorrhagic stroke and 1,039 with ischemic stroke showed similar risk in subsequent cardiovascular morbidity—CHD (stratified HR [sHR]: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.55–1.54), recurrent stroke (sHR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.82–1.02), PVD (sHR: 1.04 95% CI: 0.45–2.41), or heart failure (sHR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.39–1.27).

Conclusion The risk of subsequent cardiovascular events is similar between patients with incident hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Patients with previous hemorrhagic stroke should be regarded as a population at very high risk for subsequent CVD.
Adverse Events and All-Cause Mortality in Danish Patients with Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Ording Anne Gulbech , Skjøth Flemming , Andersen Søren Due , Larsen Torben Bjerregaard
Published: June 2022

Background Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare manifestation of stroke and venous thromboembolism (VTE), compared with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). We examined whether CVT was associated with adverse cardiovascular events.

Methods A Danish cohort study with adult patients diagnosed with CVT (N = 1,015) between 1997 and 2017. We matched 10 patients with VTE (DVT and PE) to each patient with CVT for age, sex, and diagnosis year. We also matched 10 individuals from the general population to each patient with CVT. We computed cumulative incidence and estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) at 5 years for major bleeding, intracranial bleeding, ischemic stroke, and cardiovascular events. Death was examined separately.

Results Major bleeding risks were 1.2% for CVT and 0.7% for VTE at 6 months; these risks increased to 2.7% and 2.6%, respectively, at 5 years. Although rare, intracranial bleeding risks were markedly higher for CVT (2.9%) than for VTE (0.4%) at 5 years (HR = 8.9, 95% CI: 5.3–15.1). Incidences of ischemic stroke were 5.9% for CVT and 0.3% for VTE, at 6 months; and 10.0% and 1.4%, respectively, at 5 years (HR = 9.5, 95% CI: 7.1–12.7). In contrast, incidence of cardiac events was lower for CVT that VTE (1.7% vs. 3.6% at 5 years). Mortality risk was higher after CVT compared with VTE, at 6 months (6.6% vs. 3.8%), but the risks differed little at 5 years (14.3% vs. 14.1%).

Conclusion Intracranial bleeding, ischemic stroke, and mortality risks were higher for patients with CVT than matched patients with VTE and the general population, particularly within 6 months after diagnosis.
Flow Cytometric Expression of CD49d in Newly Diagnosed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Its Correlation with Established Prognostic Markers
Authors: Kunnumbrath Arathi , Singh Neha , Gupta Arvind Kumar , Chowdhury Nilotpal , Nath Uttam Kumar , Chandra Harish
Published: June 2022

Introduction Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the commonest hematological malignancy in the West but is relatively uncommon in India. The prognosis of CLL is determined by well-established prognostic markers. CD49d has been emerging as a promising prognostic marker in CLL. CD49d expression in CLL has been found to have an aggressive clinical course, shorter time to first treatment, and poorer prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the flow cytometric expression of CD49d in newly diagnosed CLL and to correlate its expression with clinico-hematological parameters.

Materials and Methods Twenty-five consecutive patients of CLL, diagnosed on flow cytometry, were included in the study. Patients on treatment or those with relapse were excluded. The panel for flow cytometry included the routine markers used for CLL diagnosis along with CD49d. The expression of CD49d was correlated with clinico-hematological parameters in all patients. “R” software was used for the statistical analysis. Fisher's exact test and Wilcox test were used to assess the correlation of CD49d to categorical and continuous data, respectively.

Results The mean age of the patients was 62.6 ± 12.5 years, and 80% were symptomatic at diagnosis. CD49d expression was found in 44% cases, with a higher proportion being male patients. CD49d and prolymphocyte percentage showed a statistically significant correlation (p = 0.0007). We found a statistically significant correlation between CD49d expression and lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly with p-values of 0.033 and 0.0472, respectively. CD49d positivity correlated significantly with a higher Rai stage (p = 0.0196) and intermediate and high-risk cases according to Binet staging (p = 0.033).

Conclusion CD49d expression in the present study correlated with a higher prolymphocyte percentage, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and higher Rai and Binet stages. CD49d expression on flow cytometry was reproducible and easy to interpret.
Resistance of sugarcane varieties to smut (
Authors: Bhuiyan Shamsul A. , Stringer Joanne K. , Croft Barry J. , Olayemi Muyiwa E.
Published: June 2022

Aims and methods An experiment was established in Australia in 2008 with 34 varieties of sugarcane, to determine disease development over the crop classes, and the relationship between resistance category and yield loss from sugarcane smut. Key results Yield loss was related to incidence and disease severity in different varieties. Susceptible varieties had > 40% smut infected plants in the plant crop whereas little smut infection was observed on intermediate and resistant varieties. Smut disease across all varieties increased from 5% incidence and 7% severity in the plant crop to 46% and 19% incidence and severity respectively in the first ratoon (first regrowth crop) and to 59% and 27% incidence and severity respectively in the second ratoon (second regrowth) crops. Strong negative correlations were observed for smut incidence (r = −0.57) and severity (r = −0.62) with cane yield in the second ratoon crop. For every percent of increase in smut incidence and severity, a loss of 574 kg and 756 kg of cane per hectare were estimated, respectively. Similarly, the losses of tonnes of sugar per hectare were estimated to 96 kg and 128 kg for each 1% increase in smut incidence and smut severity. Conclusion Regression analysis showed that yield loss can be reduced from > 40% for susceptible varieties to < 6% for resistant varieties. Implications A relationship of different resistance categories and yield loss due to sugarcane smut has been established to develop a guide for growers in selecting appropriate varieties for a particular agroclimatic zone.
Hot and dry conditions predict shorter nestling telomeres in an endangered songbird: Implications for population persistence
Authors: Eastwood Justin R. , Connallon Tim , Delhey Kaspar , Hall Michelle L. , Teunissen Niki , Kingma Sjouke A. , La Porte Ariana M. , Verhulst Simon , Peters Anne
Published: June 2022

Climate warming is increasingly exposing wildlife to sublethal high temperatures, which may lead to chronic impacts and reduced fitness. Telomere length (TL) may link heat exposure to fitness, particularly at early-life stages, because developing organisms are especially vulnerable to adverse conditions, adversity can shorten telomeres, and TL predicts fitness. Here, we quantify how climatic and environmental conditions during early life are associated with TL in nestlings of wild purple-crowned fairy-wrens (Malurus coronatus), endangered songbirds of the monsoonal tropics. We found that higher average maximum air temperature (range 31 to 45 °C) during the nestling period was associated with shorter early-life TL. This effect was mitigated by water availability (i.e., during the wet season, with rainfall), but independent of other pertinent environmental conditions, implicating a direct effect of heat exposure. Models incorporating existing information that shorter early-life TL predicts shorter lifespan and reduced fitness showed that shorter TL under projected warming scenarios could lead to population decline across plausible future water availability scenarios. However, if TL is assumed to be an adaptive trait, population viability could be maintained through evolution. These results are concerning because the capacity to change breeding phenology to coincide with increased water availability appears limited, and the evolutionary potential of TL is unknown. Thus, sublethal climate warming effects early in life may have repercussions beyond individual fitness, extending to population persistence. Incorporating the delayed reproductive costs associated with sublethal heat exposure early in life is necessary for understanding future population dynamics with climate change.
Structural basis for ultrapotent antibody-mediated neutralization of human metapneumovirus
Authors: Banerjee Avik , Huang Jiachen , Rush Scott A. , Murray Jackelyn , Gingerich Aaron D. , Royer Fredejah , Hsieh Ching-Lin , Tripp Ralph A. , McLellan Jason S. , Mousa Jarrod J.
Published: June 2022

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalization among children worldwide, however, no vaccines or therapeutics are currently available for hMPV disease prevention and treatment. The hMPV fusion (F) protein is the sole target of neutralizing antibodies. To map the immunodominant epitopes on the hMPV F protein, we isolated a panel of human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and the mAbs were assessed for binding avidity, neutralization potency, and epitope specificity. We found the majority of the mAbs target diverse epitopes on the hMPV F protein, and we discovered multiple mAb binding approaches for antigenic site III. The most potent mAb, MPV467, which had picomolar potency, was examined in prophylactic and therapeutic mouse challenge studies, and MPV467 limited virus replication in mouse lungs when administered 24 h before or 72 h after viral infection. We determined the structure of MPV467 in complex with the hMPV F protein using cryo-electron microscopy to a resolution of 3.3 Å, which revealed a complex novel prefusion-specific epitope overlapping antigenic sites II and V on a single protomer. Overall, our data reveal insights into the immunodominant antigenic epitopes on the hMPV F protein, identify a mAb therapy for hMPV F disease prevention and treatment, and provide the discovery of a prefusion-specific epitope on the hMPV F protein.
Climate-aware decision-making: lessons for electric grid infrastructure planning and operations
Authors: Brockway Anna M , Wang Liyang , Dunn Laurel N , Callaway Duncan , Jones Andrew
Published: June 2022

Climate change poses significant risks to large-scale infrastructure systems and brings considerable uncertainties that challenge historical planning approaches. Here we focus on how climate awareness might be better incorporated into planning and decision-making in the electric power sector. To do so, we consider lessons from decision science literature where researchers have specifically focused on how to make better decisions under uncertainty. We perform a three-part review: of decision science literature on best practices for decision-making under uncertainty, of industry practice documents to understand how new uncertainties may affect the types of decisions electric utilities are making today, and of literature on electricity sector planning under climate change to assess how lessons from decision science might fit into sector-specific analyses. We discuss how characterizations of uncertainty from the decision science literature might guide approaches in the electricity sector to appropriately capture climate-related uncertainties. We also distill three key ideas from the decision science literature that can be incorporated into electricity sector planning to manage these new uncertainties: robustness, adaptive planning, and multi-stakeholder engagement. We offer example recommendations for how these key ideas might be incorporated into one essential type of planning activity, capacity expansion.
Psychological Stress Management and Stress Reduction Strategies for Stroke Survivors: A Scoping Review
Authors: Hinwood Madeleine , Ilicic Marina , Gyawali Prajwal , Coupland Kirsten , Kluge Murielle G , Smith Angela , Bowden Sue , Nilsson Michael , Walker Frederick Rohan
Published: June 2022

Background

Stroke can be a life-changing event, with survivors frequently experiencing some level of disability, reduced independence, and an abrupt lifestyle change. Not surprisingly, many stroke survivors report elevated levels of stress during the recovery process, which has been associated with worse outcomes.

Purpose

Given the multiple roles of stress in the etiology of stroke recovery outcomes, we aimed to scope the existing literature on stress management interventions that have been trialed in stroke survivors.

Methods

We performed a database search for intervention studies conducted in stroke survivors which reported the effects on stress, resilience, or coping outcome. Medline (OVID), Embase (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), Cochrane Library, and PsycInfo (OVID) were searched from database inception until March 11, 2019, and updated on September 1, 2020.

Results

Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. There was significant variation in the range of trialed interventions, as well as the outcome measures used to assess stress. Overall, just over half (13/24) of the included studies reported a benefit in terms of stress reduction. Acceptability and feasibility were considered in 71% (17/24) and costs were considered in 17% (4/24) of studies. The management of stress was rarely linked to the prevention of symptoms of stress-related disorders. The overall evidence base of included studies is weak. However, an increase in the number of studies over time suggests a growing interest in this subject.

Conclusions

Further research is required to identify optimum stress management interventions in stroke survivors, including whether the management of stress can ameliorate the negative impacts of stress on health.
Discrimination, Mediating Psychosocial or Economic Factors, and Antihypertensive Treatment: A 4-Way Decomposition Analysis in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Sims Kendra D , Batty G David , Smit Ellen , Hystad Perry W , McGregor Jessina C , Odden Michelle C
Published: June 2022

Untested psychosocial or economic factors mediate associations between perceived discrimination and suboptimal antihypertensive therapy. This study included 2 waves of data from Health and Retirement Study participants with self-reported hypertension (n = 8,557, 75% non-Hispanic White, 15% non-Hispanic Black, and 10% Hispanic/Latino) over 4 years (baselines of 2008 and 2010, United States). Our primary exposures were frequency of experiencing discrimination, in everyday life or across 7 lifetime circumstances. Candidate mediators were self-reported depressive symptoms, subjective social standing, and household wealth. We evaluated with causal mediation methods the interactive and mediating associations between each discrimination measure and reported antihypertensive use at the subsequent wave. In unmediated analyses, everyday (odds ratio (OR) = 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78, 0.95) and lifetime (OR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85, 0.98) discrimination were associated with a lower likelihood of antihypertensive use. Discrimination was associated with lower wealth, greater depressive symptoms, and decreased subjective social standing. Estimates for associations due to neither interaction nor mediation resembled unmediated associations for most discrimination-mediator combinations. Lifetime discrimination was indirectly associated with reduced antihypertensive use via depressive symptomatology (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.00). In conclusion, the impact of lifetime discrimination on the underuse of antihypertensive therapy appears partially mediated by depressive symptoms.
Comparative Effectiveness of Direct-Acting Antivirals for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans Affairs Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Shiner Brian , Huybrechts Krista , Gui Jiang , Rozema Luke , Forehand Jenna , Watts Bradley V , Jiang Tammy , Hoyt Jessica E , Esteves Jack , Schnurr Paula P , Ray Kristen , Gradus Jaimie L
Published: June 2022

We recently conducted an exploratory study that indicated that several direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), highly effective medications for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, were also associated with improvement in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among a national cohort of US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patients treated between October 1, 1999, and September 30, 2019. Limiting the same cohort to patients with PTSD and HCV, we compared the associations of individual DAAs with PTSD symptom improvement using propensity score weighting. After identifying patients who had available baseline and endpoint PTSD symptom data as measured with the PTSD Checklist (PCL), we compared changes over the 8–12 weeks of DAA treatment. The DAAs most prescribed in conjunction with PCL measurement were glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB; n = 54), sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL; n = 54), and ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF; n = 145). GLE/PIB was superior to LDV/SOF, with a mean difference in improvement of 7.3 points on the PCL (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1, 13.6). The mean differences in improvement on the PCL were smaller between GLE/PIB and SOF/VEL (3.0, 95% CI: −6.3, 12.2) and between SOF/VEL and LDV/SOF (4.4, 95% CI: −2.4, 11.2). While almost all patients were cured of HCV (92.5%) regardless of the agent received, PTSD outcomes were superior for those receiving GLE/PIB compared with those receiving LDV/SOF, indicating that GLE/PIB may merit further investigation as a potential PTSD treatment.
Seed macro- and micromorphology in Allium (Amaryllidaceae) and its phylogenetic significance
Authors: Yusupov Ziyoviddin , Ergashov Ibrokhimjon , Volis Sergei , Makhmudjanov Dilmurod , Dekhkonov Davron , Khassanov Furkat , Tojibaev Komiljon , Deng Tao , Sun Hang
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Macro- and micromorphology of seeds are diagnostic characteristics of importance in delimiting taxa in Allium (Amaryllidaceae). However, there is no consensus on the phylogenetic significance of testa cell characteristics and whether they reflect the different evolutionary levels recognized in Allium.

Methods

Seeds of 95 species (98 samples) representing 14 subgenera and 58 sections of Allium were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for such traits as periclinal wall surface area of ten testa cells, distance between testa cells (macromorphology), testa cell shapes, and arrangement and structure of anticlinal and periclinal walls (micromorphology). The data matrix was subjected to cladistic analysis. The produced phylogenetic tree was examined against the molecular tree obtained from publically available ITS sequences.

Key Results

The periclinal wall surface area of ten testa cells and the distance between them, examined for the first time, were found useful for delimitation of species in Allium. Based on seed macro- and micromorphology, we present a taxonomic key and a hypothetical reconstruction of the migration routes during the early stages of evolution of Allium.

Conclusions

The ancestors of Allium originated in an area bounded by the Caucasus, Central Asia and Iran. The seed testa morphology-based evolutionary state of a species is determined by two parameters: the shape of the periclinal walls and curvature of the anticlinal walls.
Plant photosynthetic overcompensation under nocturnal warming: lack of evidence in subtropical evergreen trees
Authors: Du Ying , Lu Ruiling , Sun Huanfa , Cui Erqian , Yan Liming , Xia Jianyang
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Increased plant photosynthesis under nocturnal warming is a negative feedback mechanism to overcompensate for night-time carbon loss to mitigate climate warming. This photosynthetic overcompensation effect has been observed in dry deciduous ecosystems but whether it exists in subtropical wet forest trees is unclear.

Methods

Two subtropical evergreen tree species (Schima superba and Castanopsis sclerophylla) were grown in a greenhouse and exposed to ambient and elevated night-time temperature. The occurrence of the photosynthetic overcompensation effect was determined by measuring daytime and night-time leaf gas exchange and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentration.

Key Results

A reduction in leaf photosynthesis for both species and an absence of persistent photosynthetic overcompensation were observed. The photosynthetic overcompensation effect was transient in S. superba due to respiratory acclimation and stomatal limitation. For S. superba, nocturnal warming resulted in insufficient changes in night-time respiration and NSC concentration to stimulate overcompensation and inhibited leaf stomatal conductance by increasing the leaf-to-air vapour pressure deficit.

Conclusions

The results indicate that leaf stomatal conductance is important for the photosynthetic overcompensation effect in different tree species. The photosynthetic overcompensation effect under nocturnal warming may be a transient occurrence rather than a persistent mechanism in subtropical forest ecosystems.
Neurocognitive Profiles Associated With Limited English Proficiency in Cognitively Intact Adults
Authors: Brantuo Maame A , An Kelly , Biss Renee K , Ali Sami , Erdodi Laszlo A
Published: June 2022

Objective

The objective of the present study was to examine the neurocognitive profiles associated with limited English proficiency (LEP).

Method

A brief neuropsychological battery including measures with high (HVM) and low verbal mediation (LVM) was administered to 80 university students: 40 native speakers of English (NSEs) and 40 with LEP.

Results

Consistent with previous research, individuals with LEP performed more poorly on HVM measures and equivalent to NSEs on LVM measures—with some notable exceptions.

Conclusions

Low scores on HVM tests should not be interpreted as evidence of acquired cognitive impairment in individuals with LEP, because these measures may systematically underestimate cognitive ability in this population. These findings have important clinical and educational implications.
Transparency in Social Work: Mapping Polarities Faced by Social Workers
Authors: Dons Gretl , Naert Jan , Roose Rudi
Published: June 2022

During recent decades, the notion of transparency has become a guiding framework in social work policy and practice. Transparency is often approached in this context as a managerial notion. In this article, we approach transparency as a relational notion, a key attitude in social work. Relation transparency is a prerequisite for achieving democratic partnership with service users and their family and social network. Transparency as a key attitude of the social worker is often taken for granted, both by practitioners and policymakers. In the first face of our action research, we found that the way in which transparency is realised in the everyday practice of social work is a major challenge. After discussing the shift from a managerial to a relational notion of transparency, we analyse the various polarities social workers have to deal with in order to develop a transparent practice vis-à-vis service users. The question is whether we repeatedly fall into the trap of thinking that these dilemmas can be resolved instead of looking for ways to deal with them in daily practice without losing the fundamental values and ethical standards that social work represents.
An investigation into the feasibility of a hybrid generator–photovoltaic–wind farm with variable load profile: case of headland south-west of Morocco
Authors: Beyoud Abdelkader , Bouhaouss Ahmed
Published: June 2022

A hybrid system proposed by three different specifications for the equipment of a tourist lodge in the headland of south-west Morocco was sized by analysing the limits of load profile constraints, such as hour-to-hour variability (HHR), day-to-day variability (DDR) and the operating reserve rate (ROR). Based on the three-factor Doehlert matrix recommendations, the simulations employed an energy-sizing tool for hybrid renewable-energy systems. Testing was conducted with DDR at 5–30%, HHR at 10–30% and ROR at 0–20%. Under these conditions, a second-order polynomial relationship with a correlation rate of ~90% was found between the net present cost (NPC) of the system, the levelized cost of electricity and the various constraint factors. The first specification, SPC(1), composed of generators and batteries, was introduced to control and validate the simulation independently of renewable energy, which showed a positive manifestation with the imposed constraints. The analysis expanded by introducing solar and wind energy resources. The SPC(2) configuration added PV modules to the SPC(1) and the SPC(3) configuration added wind turbines to SPC(2). The effect of DDR, HHR and ROR in the trials was significant by linear regression. At the same time, only DDR had a significant quadratic regression. The others, with their pairwise interactions, were insignificant. The desirability procedure made it possible to calculate the maximum limits of load profile constraint variables leading to targets of LCOE = 0.41 US$/kWh and NPC =  US$320 080.1 of the load profile constraints: the DDR = 15.47% and the HHR = 26.55% at an ROR rate of 17.77%.
Interleaved high-gain boost converter powered by solar energy using hybrid-based MPP tracking technique
Authors: Nagaraja Rao S , Anisetty Suresh Kumar , Manjunatha B M , Kiran Kumar B M , Praveen Kumar V , Pranupa S
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a solar-powered interleaved high-gain boost converter (IHGBC) that increases voltage gain with fewer ripples in the output voltage in comparison to existing DC–DC converters. The goal of this research is to develop a hybrid-based maximum power point tracking (MPPT) approach with the combination of a flower pollination (FP) algorithm assisted with a perturb & observe (P&O) MPPT approach for solar photovoltaic (SPV) systems integrated with IHGBC. To ensure effective usage of both FP and P&O algorithms, this study incorporates and validates the hybrid-based MPPT approach. The proposed solar-powered IHGBC with a hybrid-based MPPT algorithm has been computationally modelled and simulated using MATLAB® and Simulink® for both uniform and non-uniform irradiation and analysed for voltage gain, ripples in the output waveforms and convergence time. The proposed hybrid-based MPPT is based on a number of flowers that forecast the initial global peak, assisted by P&O in the last stage for faster convergence to attain the maximum power point (MPP). As a result, the hybrid-based MPPT approach alleviates the computational issues encountered in P&O and FP-based MPP approaches. The proposed hybrid MPPT is compared with conventional MPPT for SPV and the results show that the solar-powered IHGBC using a hybrid-based MPPT technique has negligible oscillations of 0.14% with a high-voltage gain of 7.992 and a fast convergence rate of 0.05 seconds compared to individual P&O-based MPPT and FP-based MPPT techniques. The simulation results of the proposed MPPT with IHGBC outperform the conventional MPPT with high-gain converters.
The parcellation of cingulate cortex in neonatal period based on resting-state functional MRI
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Yu Qiaowen , Cheng Luqi , Chen Jinge , Gao Jie , Liu Yujia , Lin Xiangtao , Wang Ximing , Hou Zhongyu
Published: June 2022

The human cingulate cortex (CC) is a complex region that is characterized by heterogeneous cytoarchitecture, connectivity, and function, and it is associated with various cognitive functions. The adult CC has been divided into various subregions, and this subdivision is highly consistent with its functional differentiation. However, only a few studies have focused on the function of neonatal CC. The aim of this study was to describe the cingulate segregation and the functional connectivity of each subdivision in full-term neonates (n = 60) based on resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. The neonatal CC was divided into three subregions, and each subregion showed specific connectivity patterns. The anterior cingulate cortex was mainly correlated with brain regions related to the salience (affected) network and default mode network (DMN), the midcingulate cortex was related to motor areas, and the posterior cingulate cortex was coupled with DMN. Moreover, we found that the cingulate subregions showed distinct functional profiles with major brain networks, which were defined using independent component analysis, and exhibited functional lateralization. This study provided new insights into the understanding of the functional specialization of neonatal CC, and these findings may have significant clinical implications, especially in predicting neurological disorder.
Regulation and impact of cardiac lymphangiogenesis in pressure-overload-induced heart failure
Authors: Heron Coraline , Dumesnil Anais , Houssari Mahmoud , Renet Sylvanie , Lemarcis Theo , Lebon Alexis , Godefroy David , Schapman Damien , Henri Orianne , Riou Gaetan , Nicol Lionel , Henry Jean-Paul , Valet Manon , Pieronne-Deperrois Marie , Ouvrard-Pascaud Antoine , Hagerling Réné , Chiavelli Hélène , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Mulder Paul , Fraineau Sylvain , Richard Vincent , Tardif Virginie , Brakenhielm Ebba
Published: June 2022

Aims

Lymphatics are essential for cardiac health, and insufficient lymphatic expansion (lymphangiogenesis) contributes to development of heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction. However, the regulation and impact of lymphangiogenesis in non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy following pressure-overload remains to be determined. Here, we investigated cardiac lymphangiogenesis following transversal aortic constriction (TAC) in C57Bl/6 and Balb/c mice, and in end-stage HF patients.

Methods and results

Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and cardiac hypertrophy, lymphatics, inflammation, oedema, and fibrosis by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, microgravimetry, and gene expression analysis. Treatment with neutralizing anti-VEGFR3 antibodies was applied to inhibit cardiac lymphangiogenesis in mice. We found that VEGFR3-signalling was essential to prevent cardiac lymphatic rarefaction after TAC in C57Bl/6 mice. While anti-VEGFR3-induced lymphatic rarefaction did not significantly aggravate myocardial oedema post-TAC, cardiac immune cell levels were increased, notably myeloid cells at 3 weeks and T lymphocytes at 8 weeks. Moreover, whereas inhibition of lymphangiogenesis did not aggravate interstitial fibrosis, it increased perivascular fibrosis and accelerated development of left ventricular (LV) dilation and dysfunction. In clinical HF samples, cardiac lymphatic density tended to increase, although lymphatic sizes decreased, notably in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy. Similarly, comparing C57Bl/6 and Balb/c mice, lymphatic remodelling post-TAC was linked to LV dilation rather than to hypertrophy. The striking lymphangiogenesis in Balb/c was associated with reduced cardiac levels of macrophages, B cells, and perivascular fibrosis at 8 weeks post-TAC, as compared with C57Bl/6 mice that displayed weak lymphangiogenesis. Surprisingly, however, it did not suffice to resolve myocardial oedema, nor prevent HF development.

Conclusions

We demonstrate for the first time that endogenous lymphangiogenesis limits TAC-induced cardiac inflammation and perivascular fibrosis, delaying HF development in C57Bl/6 but not in Balb/c mice. While the functional impact of lymphatic remodelling remains to be determined in HF patients, our findings suggest that under settings of pressure-overload poor cardiac lymphangiogenesis may accelerate HF development.
Efficacy, safety and tolerability of oral sulphate tablet for bowel preparation in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A multicentre randomized controlled study
Authors: Kim Kyeong Ok , Kim Eun Young , Lee Yoo Jin , Lee Hyun Seok , Kim Eun Soo , Chung Yun Jin , Jang Byung Ik , Kim Sung Kook , Yang Chang Heon
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

We evaluated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of novel oral sulphate tablets [OSTs] vs 2 L of polyethylene glycol and ascorbate [PEG/Asc] in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD].

Patients and Methods

A total of 110 patients with clinically inactive IBD were enrolled in this single-blind multicentre non-inferiority study. Patients were randomly assigned to the OST or 2 L PEG/Asc group and we applied a split-dose regimen. The primary efficacy endpoint was bowel cleansing success rate defined as Harefield Cleansing Scale Grade A or B. The secondary endpoints were perfect preparation rate, the presence of air bubbles, safety as assessed by laboratory abnormalities and self-reported adverse events, or IBD symptom flare-ups. Tolerability was assessed by a pre-procedural visual analog scale [VAS] interview.

Results

Both groups showed high cleansing success rates [98.1%] and there was no significant difference in perfect preparation rate. The proportion of a bubble score 0 was significantly higher in the OST group [94.5% vs 50.0%, p < 0.001]. There was no significant intergroup difference in vomiting or bloating. Symptom flare-ups occurred in two OST group patients. No clinically significant blood test abnormalities were noted in either group. Ease of ingestion and taste scores were significantly higher in the OST group. More patients in the OST group [94.5%] wanted to take the same preparation agent for their next colonoscopy.

Conclusions

Both OST and 2 L PEG/Asc demonstrated high successful cleansing and safety in patients with inactive IBD. OST achieved higher satisfaction than 2 L PEG/Asc. Our results suggest that the OST split-dose regimen is effective and safe for patients with inactive IBD.
Early Intestinal Ultrasound Predicts Intravenous Corticosteroid Response in Hospitalised Patients With Severe Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Ilvemark Johan F K F , Wilkens Rune , Thielsen Peter , Dige Anders , Boysen Trine , Brynskov Jørn , Bjerrum Jacob Tveiten , Seidelin Jakob Benedict
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Our aim was to determine if transabdominal intestinal ultrasound changes after 48 ± 24 h of intravenous corticosteroids can predict treatment outcomes in hospitalised patients with severe ulcerative colitis.

Methods

We performed a blinded observational multicentre study. Ultrasound parameters were assessed before treatment initiation, after 48 ± 24 h, and 6 ± 1 days. Treatment response was determined within 7 days by two outcome measures: 1] partial Mayo score reduction; 2] no administration of rescue therapy.

Results

Out of 69 recruited patients, 56 were included in the final analysis, with 37 responders. The colon segment with the highest baseline bowel wall thickness was analysed, being the sigmoid in all patients. There was no difference in baseline bowel wall thickness between responders and non-responders in the partial Mayo score outcome. At 48 ± 24 h, a significant difference between responders and non-responders was identified in both absolute bowel wall thickness [median 3.1 mm vs 4.9 mm; p <0.0001], absolute reduction [-1.9 mm vs -0.2 mm; p <0.001], and relative reduction [-35.9% vs -4.1%; p <0.0001]. A ≤20% reduction had a sensitivity of 84.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 60.4, 96.6%) and a specificity of 78.4% [61.8, 90.2%] for determining non-response [area under the curve 0.85]. In the multivariable analysis, a >20% reduction had the highest odds ratio (22.6 [4.2, 201.2]; p = 0.001) for determining response. Similar results were seen for the rescue therapy outcome.

Conclusions

Changes in bowel wall thickness, after 48 ± 24 h following intravenous corticosteroid treatment in hospitalised patients with severe ulcerative colitis, identify responders with high accuracy and might be used as an early marker to guide accelerated rescue therapy.