bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Status of Plant-Based Bioactive Compounds as Therapeutics in Alzheimer’s Diseases
Authors: Chen Dan , Sun Yun
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common central neurodegenerative disease disorder characterized primarily by cognitive impairment and non-cognitive neuropsychiatric symptoms that significantly impact patients’ daily lives and behavioral functioning. The pathogenesis of AD remains unclear and current Western medicines treatment are purely symptomatic, with a singular pathway, limited efficacy, and substantial toxicity and side effects. In recent years, as research into AD has deepened, there has been a gradual increase in the exploration and application of medicinal plants for the treatment of AD. Numerous studies have shown that medicinal plants and their active ingredients can potentially mitigate AD by regulating various molecular mechanisms, including the production and aggregation of pathological proteins, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, neurogenesis, neurotransmission, and the brain-gut microbiota axis. In this review, we analyzed the pathogenesis of AD and comprehensively summarized recent advancements in research on medicinal plants for the treatment of AD, along with their underlying mechanisms and clinical evidence. Ultimately, we aimed to provide a reference for further investigation into the specific mechanisms through which medicinal plants prevent and treat AD, as well as for the identification of efficacious active ingredients derived from medicinal plants.
Prediction of Survival Outcomes in Patients with Glioma Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Mingfang , Li Jinge , Li Zhangyu , Shen Jian
Published: January 2025

Background: Glioma is the most common malignancy in the central nervous system. Even with optimal therapies, glioblastoma (the most aggressive form of glioma) is incurable, with only 26.5% of patients having a 2-year survival rate. The present meta-analysis evaluated the association of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived parameters in glioma patients with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival. Eligible clinical articles on glioma patients included those that contained an evaluation of the association between MRI findings, PFS, and overall length of survival. Methods: Review of the literature included the following databases: WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform; Google Scholar; Web of Science; PubMed; SIGLE; NYAM; Scopus; Randomized controlled trial (RCT); Virtual Health Library (VHL); Cochrane Collaboration; EMBASE; and Clinical Trials. Results: The current review included 20 studies, and covered 2097 patients with gliomas. There were 1310 patients with glioblastoma and 320 with astrocytoma. There were 161 patients with grade-2 gliomas and 111 patients with grade-3. Tumour necrosis, peritumoural oedema, and multiple lesions were associated with PFS, as well as tumour necrosis and peritumoural oedema with overall survival. Conclusions: The present meta-analysis highlighted the ability of MRI to predict PFS and overall survival in patients with gliomas. This is crucial to identify patients at risk for poor survival outcomes and for individualising the treatment plan for such patients. The PROSPERO Registration: CRD42023489535, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=489535.
Mitochondria as a Therapeutic Target: Focusing on Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Carteri Randhall Bruce
Published: January 2025

Mitochondria are organelles of eukaryotic cells delimited by two membranes and cristae that consume oxygen to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and are involved in the synthesis of vital metabolites, calcium homeostasis, and cell death mechanisms. Strikingly, normal mitochondria function as an integration center between multiple conditions that determine neural cell homeostasis, whereas lesions that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction can desynchronize cellular functions, thus contributing to the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI). In addition, TBI leads to impaired coupling of the mitochondrial electron transport system with oxidative phosphorylation that provides most of the energy needed to maintain vital functions, ionic homeostasis, and membrane potentials. Furthermore, mitochondrial metabolism produces signaling molecules such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), regulating calcium levels and controlling the expression profile of intrinsic pro-apoptotic effectors influenced by TBI. Hence, the set of these functions is widely referred to as ‘mitochondrial function’, although the complexity of the relationship between such components limits such a definition. In this review, we present mitochondria as a therapeutic target, focus on TBI, and discuss aspects of mitochondrial structure and function.
Neural Correlates of Social Touch Processing: An fMRI Study on Brain Functional Connectivity
Authors: Khorev Vladimir , Kurkin Semen , Mayorova Larisa , Portnova Galina , Kushnir Anastasia , Hramov Alexander
Published: January 2025

Background: The significance of tactile stimulation in human social development and personal interaction is well documented; however, the underlying cerebral processes remain under-researched. This study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the neural correlates of social touch processing, with a particular focus on the functional connectivity associated with the aftereffects of touch. Methods: A total of 27 experimental subjects were recruited for the study, all of whom underwent a 5-minute calf and foot massage prior to undergoing resting-state fMRI. Additionally, 11 healthy controls participated solely in the resting-state fMRI recording. A functional connectivity network analysis was conducted to examine the alterations in connections between different brain regions following massage. Results: The findings indicated the involvement of discrete neural networks in the processing of social touch, with notable discrepancies in functional connectivity observed between the experimental and control groups. The study revealed that the control group exhibited a higher degree of connectivity within a subnetwork comprising 25 connections and 23 nodes than the experimental group following the massage intervention. The experimental group showed hypoactivation in this subnetwork following the massage. The left anterior pulvinar thalamus and the right pregenual anterior cingulate cortex, which serve as the key hubs within this subnetwork, exhibited higher clustering and increased node strength in the control group. Relatively small and unequal sample sizes are the limitations of the study that may affect the generalizability of the results. Conclusions: These findings elucidate the neural underpinnings of tactile experiences and their potential impact on behavior and emotional state. Gaining insight into these mechanisms could inform therapeutic approaches that utilize touch to mitigate stress and enhance mental health. From a practical standpoint, our results have significant implications for the development of sensory stimulation strategies for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness, sensory loss, autism spectrum disorders, or limited access to tactile interaction in their upper extremities.
Association of Insomnia, Lipid Profile, and Lipid-Lowering Medications: A Narrative Review
Authors: Jia Fang , Shi Shun-Yi , Fei Si-Fan , Zhou Min , Li Jian-Jun
Published: January 2025

Sleep is a fundamental phenomenon that helps maintain normal physiological processes. Conversely, sleep disorders, usually presented as insomnia, are a common public health problem that can lead to multiple pathophysiological changes in humans, including lipid metabolic abnormality. Interestingly, several previous studies have examined the potential relation of insomnia to metabolic syndrome and hyperlipidemia and found that insomnia was associated with elevated plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. This review summarizes evidence regarding the linkage between insomnia and lipid abnormalities. Moreover, the underlying physiologic mechanisms linking insomnia to lipid abnormalities are systemically discussed. Finally, issues with lipid-lowering drugs and the risk of insomnia are also presented. This knowledge can improve our understanding of the pathophysiological features of insomnia, which may help to prevent and treat insomnia-induced dyslipidemia clinically.
Atrial Cardiomyopathy: From Diagnosis to Treatment
Authors: Liu Zheyu , Liu Tao , Wu Gang
Published: January 2025

With a better understanding of the susceptibility to atrial fibrillation (AF) and the thrombogenicity of the left atrium, the concept of atrial cardiomyopathy (ACM) has emerged. The conventional viewpoint holds that AF-associated hemodynamic disturbances and thrombus formation in the left atrial appendage are the primary causes of cardiogenic embolism events. However, substantial evidence suggests that the relationship between cardiogenic embolism and AF is not so absolute, and that ACM may be an important, underestimated contributor to cardiogenic embolism events. Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress response, lipid accumulation, and fibrosis leading to ACM form the foundation for AF. Furthermore, persistent AF can exacerbate structural and electrical remodeling, as well as mechanical dysfunction of the atria, creating a vicious cycle. To date, the relationship between ACM, AF, and cardiogenic embolism remains unclear. Additionally, many clinicians still lack a comprehensive understanding of the concept of ACM. In this review, we first appraise the definition of ACM and subsequently summarize the noninvasive and feasible diagnostic techniques and criteria for clinical practice. These include imaging modalities such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, as well as electrocardiograms, serum biomarkers, and existing practical diagnostic criteria. Finally, we discuss management strategies for ACM, encompassing “upstream therapy” targeting risk factors, identifying and providing appropriate anticoagulation for patients at high risk of stroke/systemic embolism events, and controlling heart rhythm along with potential atrial substrate improvements.
Contemporary Multi-modality Imaging of Prosthetic Aortic Valves
Authors: Abadie Bryan Q , Wang Tom Kai Ming
Published: January 2025

With the aging of the general population and the rise in surgical and transcatheter aortic valve replacement, there will be an increase in the prevalence of prosthetic aortic valves. Patients with prosthetic aortic valves can develop a wide range of unique pathologies compared to the general population. Accurate diagnosis is necessary in this population to generate a comprehensive treatment plan. Transthoracic echocardiography is often insufficient alone to diagnose many prosthetic valve pathologies. The integration of many imaging modalities, including transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, cardiac computed tomography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and nuclear imaging, is necessary to care for patients with prosthetic valves. The purpose of this review is to describe the strengths, limitations, and contemporary use of the different imaging modalities necessary to diagnose prosthetic valve dysfunction.
Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting Long-Term Net Adverse Clinical Events in High Bleeding Risk Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Zhang Junyan , Chen Zhongxiu , Liu Ran , Li Yuxiao , Zhao Hongsen , Li Yanning , Zhou Minggang , Wang Hua , Li Chen , Rao Li , He Yong
Published: January 2025

Background: Patients with a high risk of bleeding undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI-HBR) were provided consensus-based criteria by the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR). However, the prognostic predictors in this group of patients have yet to be fully explored. Thus, an effective prognostic prediction model for PCI-HBR patients is required. Methods: We prospectively enrolled PCI-HBR patients from May 2022 to April 2024 at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The cohort was randomly divided into training and internal validation sets in a ratio of 7:3. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm was employed to select variables in the training set. Subsequently, a prediction model for 1-year net adverse clinical events (NACEs)-free survival was developed using a multivariable Cox regression model, and a nomogram was constructed. The outcome of the NACEs is defined as a composite endpoint that includes death, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) grade 3–5 major bleeding. Validation was conducted exclusively using the internal validation cohort, assessing the discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility of the nomogram. Results: This study included 1512 patients with PCI-HBR, including 1058 in the derivation cohort and 454 in the validation cohort. We revealed five risk factors after LASSO regression, Cox regression, and clinical significance screening. These were then utilized to construct a prognostic prediction nomogram, including chronic kidney disease, left main stem lesion, multivessel disease, triglycerides (TG), and creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB). The nomogram exhibited strong predictive ability (the area under the curve (AUC) to predict 1-year NACE-free survival was 0.728), displaying favorable levels of accuracy, discrimination, and clinical usefulness in the internal validation cohort. Conclusions: This study presents a nomogram to predict 1-year NACE outcomes in PCI-HBR patients. Internal validation showed strong predictive capability and clinical utility. Future research should validate the nomogram in diverse populations and explore new predictors for improved accuracy. Clinical Trial Registration: The data for this study were obtained from the PPP-PCI registry, NCT05369442 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05369442).
Autonomic Nervous System Activity before Atrial Fibrillation Onset as Assessed by Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Grégoire Jean-Marie , Gilon Cédric , Marelli François , Godart Pascal , Bersini Hugues , Carlier Stéphane
Published: January 2025

Background: Neuromodulation has been shown to increase the efficacy of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures. However, despite its ability to influence the autonomic nervous system (ANS), the exact mechanism of action remains unclear. The activity of the ANS via the intracardiac nervous system (ICNS) can be inferred from heart rate variability (HRV). Therefore, this study aims to investigate the significance of changes in the ICNS prior to the onset of AF by analyzing the evolution of HRV in a large new cohort of patients. Methods: We selected and annotated recordings with AF and atrial flutter from our database of 95,871 Holter recordings. Each recording included both sinus rhythm and one or more AF episodes. We computed parameters estimating parasympathetic activity (root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) and percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms (pNN50)), as well as HRV frequential parameters a few minutes before AF onset. To allow a minute-by-minute assessment of the parameter changes, we computed their values over 5-minute sliding windows, starting at 35 minutes before AF onset. Results: The mean age of the whole group of patients was 71.1 ± 11.3 years (range 35–99), the total number of episodes was 1319 on 623 recordings from 570 patients, with an average of 2.1 ± 2.2 episodes per recording (range 1–17) and 2.3 ± 2.6 episodes per patient (range 1–21). The proportion of premature atrial contractions (PACs) increased from 4.8 ± 0.3%, 35 minutes before the onset of AF to 8.3 ± 0.4%, 5 minutes before the AF episode. We measured a statistically significant increase in very-low-frequency (VLF), low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF), RMSSD and pNN50 between 35 minutes and 5 minutes before AF onset. Conclusions: Our data suggest that a significant short-term increase in vagal activity precedes most AF events. Dynamic changes in HRV parameters could be considered when determining the optimal neuromodulation strategies.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Postoperative Stress Hyperglycemia in Patients without Diabetes Following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Zhang Mengli , Zhang Ziyi , Zhu Ningning , Wang Lulu , Huang Hui , Wang Yike , Xue Fang
Published: January 2025

Background: To systematically evaluate risk factors for stress-induced hyperglycemia in patients without diabetes after cardiac surgery. Methods: Databases including CNKI, WanFang data, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched using computer retrieval. The data were subjected to an in-depth meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 15.0 software. Results: This study involved 11,645 postoperative cardiac surgery patients, including 8 case-control studies and 3 cohort studies, over which 18 risk factors were identified. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that statistically significant risk factors included age >65 years [odds ratios (OR) (95% CI ) = 3.47 (2.61–4.32)], female gender [OR (95%) = 1.54 (1.34–1.76)], combined heart valve and coronary artery bypass surgery [OR (95%) = 1.82 (1.23–2.70)], ejection fraction <40% [OR (95%) = 1.38 (1.17–1.63)], history of heart surgery [OR (95%) = 1.30 (1.06–1.59)], myocardial infarction [OR (95%) = 1.17 (1.05–1.31)], hyperlipidemia [OR (95%) = 0.76 (0.67–0.86)], hypertension [OR (95%) = 1.12 (1.03–1.22)], anticoagulant medication [OR (95%) = 0.77 (0.65–0.90)], cardiopulmonary bypass time >2 hours [OR (95%) = 20.26 (17.03–23.48)] and history of cardiopulmonary bypass [OR (95%) = 1.24 (1.09–1.41)]. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that there are key risk factors for postoperative stress hyperglycemia in patients without diabetes who have undergone cardiac surgery. These factors can help identify patients at a high risk of perioperative stress hyperglycemia during cardiac surgery. This evidence provides a basis for healthcare professionals to develop predictive management strategies for perioperative stress hyperglycemia in patients without diabetes. However, more high-quality studies are required to address the limitations of the current research. The PROSPERO registration: CRD42024479215, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=479215.
Correlation Between Prognostic Nutritional Index and Heart Failure in Adults with Diabetes in the United States: Study Results from NHANES (1999–2016)
Authors: Bai Qiyuan , Chen Hao , Gao Zhen , Li Xuhua , Li Jiapeng , Liu Shidong , Song Bing , Yu Cuntao
Published: January 2025

Background: The relationship between diabetes and heart failure significantly impacts public health. This study assessed the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as a predictor of heart failure risk in adult diabetic patients. Methods: An analysis was performed on 1823 diabetic adults using data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2016. Serum albumin levels and lymphocyte counts were combined to calculate the PNI. We used descriptive statistics categorized by PNI quartiles and performed multivariate logistic regression to adjust for variables including age, gender, ethnicity, and coexisting medical conditions. Results: The median age (mean ± SD) was 59.942 ± 12.171 years, and the mean value ± SD of the PNI was 52.412 ± 5.430. The prevalence of heart failure was 7.405%. In the fully adjusted model, for each 1-unit increase in PNI, the risk of heart failure decreased by 8.2% (odds ratio (OR), 0.918; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.884, 0.953). Participants in the highest PNI quartile (Q4) had a 63% reduced risk of heart failure compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1). Tests for interactions did not reveal any statistically significant differences among these stratified subgroups (p for interaction > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a higher PNI was significantly associated with a decreased prevalence of heart failure in adults with diabetes.
Utilization of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Assessing Myocardial Fibrosis in Prognosis Evaluation and Risk Stratification of Patients with Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Feng Xin-Yi , Zheng Yu-Cong , Yang Ying-Xia , He Wen-Feng , Yang Fan , Wang Ling-Li , Yang Han-Feng , Li Chun-Ping , Xu Xiao-Xue , Li Rui
Published: January 2025

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the ultimate manifestation of the myocardial response to various genetic and environmental changes and is characterized mainly by impaired left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. DCM can ultimately lead to heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia (VA), and sudden cardiac death (SCD), making it a primary indication for heart transplantation. With advancements in modern medicine, several novel techniques for evaluating myocardial involvement and disease severity from diverse perspectives have been developed. Myocardial fibrosis is a significant contributor to VA events and SCD. Based on different pathological mechanisms, myocardial fibrosis can be categorized into replacement and interstitial forms. Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance is the clinical gold standard for evaluating replacement myocardial fibrosis and exhibits high concordance with histological replacement fibrosis. However, because of the absence of normal tissue as a control, the LGE technique often fails to effectively visualize diffuse interstitial fibrosis. In such cases, T1 mapping and extracellular volume fraction mapping can be complementary or alternative methods to the LGE technique for detecting interstitial fibrosis. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive and precise assessment of myocardial fibrosis and to determine the use of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for prognostic evaluation and risk stratification of patients with DCM.
Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Replacement: Current Options and Future Perspectives
Authors: Monaco Guido Del , Mincione Gianluca , Sticchi Alessandro , Reimers Bernhard , Colombo Antonio , Mangieri Antonio
Published: January 2025

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a potentially lethal condition and represents a significant clinical challenge both for clinical and interventional cardiologists. Traditionally managed medically and surgically, transcatheter therapies are now an emerging option, especially in patients with prohibitive surgical risk due to age or comorbidities. Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) is emerging as a potential solution for patients suffering from TR with positive clinical data supporting its use in a wide range of anatomies and clinical settings. However, the adoption of TTVR introduces new challenges, including a scarcity of long-term clinical risks of valve thrombosis, questions regarding the durability of implanted valves, and the potential higher risk for post-procedural pacemaker (PM) implantation.
Analysis of Metabolic Risk Factors for Microcirculation Disorders Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Predictive Model Construction: A Study on Patients with Unstable Angina
Authors: Li Kangming , Liu Shuang , Wang Jing , Liu Zhen , Qi Chunmei
Published: January 2025

Background: This study aimed to analyze the metabolic risk factors for microcirculation disorders in patients with unstable angina (UA) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), evaluating their predictive value for developing microcirculation disorders. Methods: A single-center retrospective study design was used, which included 553 patients with UA who underwent PCI. The angiographic microcirculatory resistance (AMR) index was calculated based on coronary angiography data. Patients were divided into two groups according to their post-PCI AMR values: a post-PCI AMR ≤2.50 group and a post-PCI AMR >2.50 group. Variables were included in the multivariate regression model through univariate regression and variance inflation factor (VIF) screening. Subgroup analyses were conducted by sex to further evaluate the predictive value of selected variables in the overall sample. The total sample was randomly split into a 7:3 ratio for the training and validation sets. A nomogram based on the training sets was then constructed to visualize these predictions. The discrimination and calibration of the prediction model were evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve. Results: The post-PCI AMR >2.50 group had a higher percentage of females, increased incidence of diabetes, and elevated fasting blood glucose (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified HbA1c, TG, LDL-C, and Lp(a) as independent predictors of elevated AMR post-PCI after adjusting for confounders. Subgroup analysis confirmed no significant interaction between the model and sex (p > 0.05). A nomogram was constructed based on the training set, with the area under the curve (AUC) for the ROC of 0.824 in the training set and 0.746 in the validation set. The calibration curves showed a good fit (training set: p = 0.219; validation set: p = 0.258). Conclusions: HbA1c, TG, LDL-C, and Lp(a) levels are independent risk factors for microcirculation disorders in patients with UA post-PCI. The constructed nomogram provides good predictive accuracy.
Use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) to Assess Myocardial Perfusion and Territorial Distribution of Vein Grafts Implanted on Coronary Arteries in an Ex-vivo Porcine Model. A Potential Adjunct to Assist Revascularization Strategies and Training in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Spadaccio Cristiano , Nenna Antonio , Corrado Diletta , Glenn Carter , Panza Antonio , Vester Russell , Laskawski Grzegorz , Rose David , Louis Louis
Published: January 2025

Background: The fluorescent dye indocyanine green (ICG) has been used to identify anatomical structures intraoperatively in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using ICG to assess graft patency and territorial distribution of myocardial reperfusion during CABG. Methods: Porcine arrested hearts (n = 18) were used to evaluate territorial distribution of native coronary arteries and of a coronary bypass constructed with porcine saphenous vein graft (SVG) using ICG. Coronary ostia were dissected and selectively cannulated for ICG injection. Sequential fluorescence was assessed in the epicardial coronary arteries, myocardium and coronary veins using an infrared-sensitive charge-coupled device (CCD) camera system. In a separate set of experiments, SVG was used for anastomosis in end-to-side fashion to a terminal obtuse marginal (OM) branch. This approach was used to avoid bias in the assessment of territorial distribution. The anastomosis was injected with ICG; graft patency and territorial distribution was assessed using an infrared-sensitive CCD camera system from 30 cm above the field, as previously described. Native circulation and SVG grafts were assessed using real-time video recording and fluorescence intensity mapping that was averaged into a graded scoring system. The heart was divided into functional regions: anterior wall, lateral wall, inferior wall and right ventricle. All experiments were performed in triplicates. Results: After ICG injection into the individual coronary ostia, perfusion of the native coronary artery was visible. Portions of the vessels embedded into the epicardial fat could be easily visualized on the surface of the heart and the dissection facilitated via fluorescence guidance. The territorial distribution reflected the expected regional perfusion. The SVG graft was anastomosed to an OM branch. ICG visualization allowed for assessment of graft patency excluding potential technical anastomosis problems or graft twisting or dissection. The myocardial perfusion observed in real-time confirmed regional distribution to the entire lateral wall and minimally to the inferior wall. These findings were confirmed in all the specimens used in the study. Conclusions: Besides assisting the identification of intramyocardial vessels, ICG can provide information on the native coronary circulation status and the territorial distribution of the perfusion before and after grafting. It enables visualization of collaterals and the territory of distribution subtended by a graft offering real-time assessment and guidance on the grafting strategy.
Evaluating SCUBE-1 as Predictive Biomarker for Hypertension-Mediated Organ Damage: A Comparative Study
Authors: Yamak Betül Ayça , Candemir Mustafa , Kızıltunç Emrullah , Özdemir Hüseyin Baran , Gülbahar Özlem , Şahinarslan Asife
Published: January 2025

Background: Hypertension-mediated organ damage (HMOD) is a critical complication of hypertension that can present with cardiac, retinal, and renal manifestations and affect patient outcomes. Serum signal peptide, CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1) domain, and epidermal growth factor-like domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1), a novel biomarker implicated in vascular pathology, shows promise for detecting HMOD. This study aims to explore the relation between SCUBE-1 levels and HMOD in hypertensive patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 115 participants, comprising 79 hypertensive patients and 36 healthy controls. The hypertensive patients were divided into two groups based on HMOD presence. SCUBE-1 levels were measured to evaluate their diagnostic utility in detecting HMOD. Results: Hypertensive patients exhibited significantly higher SCUBE-1 levels than controls (160.70 ng/mL vs. 75.64 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Among these patients, those with HMOD (cardiac, retinal, and renal) displayed even higher SCUBE-1 levels (311.27 ng/mL, range 137.86–460 ng/mL) compared to those without HMOD (142.53 ng/mL, range 110.56–178.19 ng/mL). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that SCUBE-1 levels have significant diagnostic potential for differentiating between hypertensive patients with and without HMOD with area under the curve values of 0.722 for cardiac, 0.761 for retinal, and 0.707 for renal damage. Conclusions: Our study has revealed that SCUBE-1 levels are significantly elevated in hypertensive patients, particularly those with HMOD. The findings support the potential of SCUBE-1 as a valuable biomarker for predicting organ damage in hypertensive patients.
Efficacy and Safety of Aprocitentan in the Treatment of Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Evidence from Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Zheng Li , Liu Ming , Gu Xiaotong , Zhang Yatong , Wang Yan
Published: January 2025

Background: Hypertension is one of the most prevalent disorders encountered in medical practice, yet effective pharmacotherapy options for resistant hypertension are limited. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of aprocitentan in treating hypertension. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the Cochrane Library databases from inception to June 3, 2024, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy and safety between aprocitentan and placebo in treating hypertension. According to the dosage of aprocitentan, the study was divided into a low-dose group (10–12.5 mg), medium-dose group (25 mg), and high-dose group (50 mg). Results: This meta-analysis included five RCTs, which incorporated 1224 patients, and displayed that aprocitentan can reduce the mean sitting systolic blood pressure (msSBP) [(low dose subgroup: mean difference (MD): –3.85 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI): –7.47 to –0.23; p = 0.040; medium dose group: MD: –5.56 mmHg; 95% CI: –10.69 to –0.44; p = 0.030)], mean sitting diastolic blood pressure (msDBP) (low dose subgroup: MD: –3.95 mmHg; 95% CI: –4.06 to –3.85; p < 0.001; medium dose group: MD: –4.75 mmHg; 95% CI: –5.91 to –3.60; p < 0.001), 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure (maSBP) (low dose group: MD: –4.18 mmHg; 95% CI: –4.32 to –4.04; p < 0.001; medium dose group: MD: –5.89 mmHg; 95% CI: –6.03 to –5.75; p < 0.001), and 24-hour ambulatory diastolic blood pressure (maDBP) (low dose group: MD: –4.33 mmHg; 95% CI: –4.42 to –4.24; p < 0.001; medium dose group: MD: –5.82 mmHg; 95% CI: –5.91 to –5.73; p < 0.001). In the high-dose group, there was no difference between the aprocitentan and placebo groups in the msSBP (MD: –4.83 mmHg; 95% CI: –11.44 to 1.79; p = 0.150). Meanwhile, the safety profile of aprocitentan was good, and no significant differences in the frequency of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) were observed compared to the placebo. Conclusions: Aprocitentan significantly reduces blood pressure and has a good safety profile. However, it is worth noting that high doses of aprocitentan (50 mg) did not yield better blood pressure-lowering effects.
Construction and Validation of a Major Depression Risk Predictive Model for Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: Insights from NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Zhang Li-xiang , Hou Shan-bing , Zhao Fang-fang , Wang Ting-ting , Jiang Ying , Zhou Xiao-juan , Cao Jiao-yu
Published: January 2025

Background: This study aimed to develop and validate a predictive model for major depression risk in adult patients with coronary heart disease (CHD), offering evidence for targeted prevention and intervention. Methods: Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018, 1098 adults with CHD were included. A weighted logistic regression model was applied to construct and validate a nomogram-based prediction tool for major depression in this population. Results: The weighted prevalence of major depression among these patients was 13.95%. Multivariate weighted logistic regression revealed that waist circumference, smoking status, arthritis, sleep disorders, and restricted work capacity were independent risk factors for major depression (odds ratio (OR) >1, p < 0.05). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the nomogram model for both the development and validation cohorts were 0.816 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.776–0.857) and 0.765 (95% CI: 0.699–0.832), respectively, indicating the model possessed strong discriminative ability. Brier scores in the development and validation cohorts were 0.107 and 0.127, respectively, both well below the 0.25 threshold, demonstrating good calibration. Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that when the threshold probability for major depression ranged from 0.04 to 0.54 in the development group and from 0.08 to 0.52 in the validation group, the nomogram provided the highest clinical net benefit compared to “Treat All” and “Treat None” strategies, confirming its strong clinical utility. Conclusions: With a weighted prevalence of 13.95%, this nomogram model shows excellent predictive performance and clinical relevance for predicting major depression risk in patients with CHD. Thus, the model can be applied to aid healthcare professionals in identifying high-risk individuals and implementing targeted preventive strategies, potentially lowering the incidence of major depression in this patient population.
Reappraisal of ANK2 Variants in Cardiovascular Diseases: Uncovering Mechanisms and Future Directions
Authors: Guo Linjuan , Wu Dexi , Zhu Wengen
Published: January 2025

Inherited cardiac arrhythmias, which may lead to sudden cardiac death, represent a significant health risk, with genetic factors playing a key role in their development. The ankyrin 2 (ANK2) gene, encoding ankyrin-B, is implicated in several heritable arrhythmia syndromes. ANK2 variants have been linked to an inherited condition known as “ankyrin-B syndrome”, which manifests as a spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy. Our current review examines the relationship between ANK2 variants and specific heart conditions, summarizing recent findings on the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying ANK2-related arrhythmias and structural abnormalities. By emphasizing the need for further research, this review aims to enhance understanding of ANK2’s role in heart disease and guide the development of effective therapies.
Efficacy and Safety of New Oral Anticoagulants versus Warfarin in the Resolution of Atrial Fibrillation with Left Atrial/Left Atrial Appendage Thrombus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mo Guan-lian , Wen Jing , Ye Yu-yu , Lu Yong-qi , Gan Tian-ming , Yang Ying-jie , Li Jin-yi
Published: January 2025

Background: To compare the efficacy and safety of novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients with left atrial/left atrial thrombosis through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: The CBM (China Biology Medicine disc), CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure), VIP (Chinese Technology Periodical Database), Wanfang, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies from their inception to June 30, 2022. Results: Twelve articles (eight cohort studies and four randomized controlled trials) involving 982 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed that NOACs had a significantly higher thrombolysis rate than VKAs (78.0% vs. 63.5%, odds ratio (OR) = 2.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.71 to 3.15, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed rivaroxaban to be more effective than VKAs, whereas there was no significant difference between dabigatran and apixaban. There were no significant differences in embolic events, bleeding, or all-cause mortality. Thrombus resolution analysis showed higher left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and smaller left atrial diameter in the effective group than in the ineffective group. Conclusions: NOACs are more effective in thrombolysis than VKAs in NVAF patients with left atrial thrombosis, and there is no increased risk of adverse events compared with VKAs.
The Discourse of Freedom in the Austrian Pedagogical Press of 1867–1914 as a Tool of Protest against Public Control
Authors:   Ural Federal University, But Julija
Published: January 2025

Ever since their emergence, state systems of secular schooling have been regularly influenced not only by pedagogical theories, but also by socio-political movements and official ideologies. After the dualist monarchy of Austria-Hungary was established, the school and its issues turned into an arena of nationalist and political struggle and it also became an object of increased state control. All stakeholders considered schools and teachers as an effective tool for enhancing their influence. As schools felt growing pressure from the state, political parties, and national organisations, the word “freedom” sounded increasingly loud in public speeches during meetings of teachers’ associations and appeared more frequently in the pedagogical periodicals. The article analyses teachers’ journals and newspapers, which were the press organs of teachers’ associations of different political background, where Austrian schoolteachers used the discourse of “freedom” to express their views on their profession, their identity, and their role in society. The author identifies the following main meanings of freedom in the Austrian teachers' polemic: personal freedom and civil liberties, professional freedom, freedom in fulfilling one's national mission, and freedom from political engagement. At the same time, special attention is paid to the policies of the Viennese Ministry of Culture and Education and the actions of the Habsburg bureaucracy, which triggered the teachers’ demand for freedom for schools. This allows for a correction of the findings in the historiography, which previously ignored the role of state officials in the development of Austrian schooling. The author questions the thesis about the passivity of Habsburg officials in the face of the nationalist onslaught and argues that teachers’ protests against the restriction of their freedom were caused by the bureaucracy’s desire to improve the quality of teaching in schools and to provide civic and patriotic education for pupils that was aimed at developing a sense of “Austrianness”, love for the “great Fatherland” and loyalty to the ruling dynasty.
French Legislation of the Napoleonic Era in the Kingdom of Poland: The Development of Political and Economic Freedoms in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Marney Liudmila
Published: January 2025

According to the decision by the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Austria, Prussia and Russia, which included parts of the territory of the Duchy of Warsaw, assumed mutual obligations to ensure the rights of the Polish population. In the Kingdom of Poland, established on Polish lands within the Russian Empire, which was granted a constitution, preserved state institutions and some political and civil liberties, the French Civil Code (Code Napoleon) and the French Commercial Code continued to apply. Thus, the Duchy of Warsaw and the Kingdom of Poland were involved in the process of systematising state and civil law, which took place in many European countries at the beginning of the nineteenth century. At the same time, from the end of the 1820s onwards, the legislation of the Kingdom of Poland was brought closer to that of the Empire. This process, especially after the suppression of the Polish Uprising of 1830-1831, accompanied by the restriction of political and civil liberties granted by the Constitution of 1815, favoured the incorporation of the Polish lands into the Russian state. At the same time, the 1809 incorporation of the French Commercial Code into the national legal system of the Duchy of Warsaw, which was also in force in the Kingdom of Poland, even after the creation of the independent Polish state in 1918, contributed to the creation of legal and economic unity, which was perceived as a manifestation of economic and political freedom under conditions of a significant restriction of national rights. The implementation of French legislation in the early nineteenth century had a significant impact on the systematisation of state and civil law in the Kingdom of Poland.
Shared Sufferings, Shared Interests, One Hope for Freedom. A Review of Krotofil, M., Michaluk, D., eds. Nationen und Grenzen. Bildung neuer Staaten in Ost- und Mitteleuropa nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg. Göttingen: V&R unipress, 2022. 277 S. (Geschichte im mitteleuropäischen Kontext. Bd. 4)
Authors:   Russian State University for the Humanities, Kosovan Elena
Published: January 2025

The article critically reviews the collection of articles with the title “Nations and Borders. The Emergence of New States in Central and Eastern Europe after World War I”. The collection was published in 2022 as part of the series “History from the Central European Perspective”, a platform welcoming academic discussion centred around the medieval, modern, and contemporary history of Poland and so-called Central and Eastern Europe. The articles were written by historians from Poland, Russia, Ukraine, Latvia, and Lithuania. They focus on the “emancipation” of the peoples of the region during and after World War I, when the Russian, German and Austro-Hungarian empires collapsed, and Poland began restoring its statehood. The authors look closely into the formation of statehood and the steps associated with it, that is establishing territories and borders, defining the population and its status / status hierarchy, creating power structures and organisations, and singling out the executive branch and the armed forces. The collection research also delves into national sovereignty and its domestic and external sources. For example, the authors analyse the impact Great Britain, the US, France, Germany, and Russia had on the formation of Polish, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Lithuanian, and Latvian statehood, with the restored Polish state acting both as a participant and as a factor of national and state creation. The author of the review praises the contribution of the collection creators to contemporary Eastern and Central European studies, listing historiographical value as its strength, as it shows that big imperial narratives are being reinterpreted from a national perspective.
Exploitation of Social Dispersion: The Socio-Political Experience of Post-War Poland. A Review of Borowiec, P. The politicization of social divisions in post-war Poland. [London]: Palgrave Macmillan, an imprint of Springer, 2024. 261 p.
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lopatina Elena
Published: January 2025

The monograph by Piotr Borowiec provides a comprehensive view of the social and political dynamics that shaped the post-war history of Poland. Carefully examining class, religious and regional divisions, the author resumes that the political leaders of both post-war and democratic Poland used existing social differences to consolidate their power and mobilize public support. The book highlights the negative consequences of exploiting social divisions for ideological advantage. The author offers a blueprint for understanding current political challenges, based on historical facts and parallels, as well as on empirical and theoretical achievements of scholars dealing with the structure of Polish society, which allows the reader to take a fresh look at the features of the contemporary political landscape in Poland.
Anti-German Protests in Ljubljana in September 1908 — an Episode of the Slovenes’ Struggle for National Freedom
Authors:   Institute of Slavic Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kirilina Liubov
Published: January 2025

This article examines the specifics of the anti-German riot of the Slovenes on 18-20 September 1908 in Ljubljana, which took place in the context of a general tightening of Slovenian-German confrontation at the beginning of the twentieth century, and also analyses their results and significance for the further development of the national struggle of the Slovenian people. In response to the anti-Slovenian protests by the Germans in Ptuj on 13 September 1908, Slovene liberals held a protest rally in Ljubljana on 18 September, which escalated into street riots where Germans were attacked by Slovenes. These were the most powerful incidences of public unrest in the city since the revolution of 1848. As late as 20 September, they were suppressed by government troops, while several Slovenians were injured and two were killed. The shooting of Slovene protesters had serious consequences. Anti-German and anti-Slovenian protest rallies and demonstrations pervaded the empire, the Germans were outraged by the actions of the Slovenian nationalists, and the majority of the Austrian Slavs expressed their solidarity with them. One of the consequences of the September protests in Ljubljana was a boycott against the Germans initiated by Slovenian politicians, which not only infringed on their national dignity, but also incurred serious economic damage to them. Previously, Slovenian historians assessed the September events in Ljubljana as a milestone in the development of the national self-awareness of the Slovenes; modern researchers believe that they should not be considered to be of so much importance. In any case, anti-German unrest in Ljubljana caused a rise in nationalism among the Slovenes, dissatisfaction with the actions of the army and the government, and sharply worsened Slovene-German relations. In addition to the annexation of Bosnia and Herzegovina by Austria-Hungary a few days later, the riots gave impetus to the intensified development of the Slovenes’ own version of the trialism programme, which was already adopted in January 1909 by both Catholics and liberals at a meeting of the Carniola provincial assembly.