bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three-Year Clinical Impact of Murray Law-Based Quantitative Flow Ratio and OCT- or FFR-Guidance in Angiographically Intermediate Coronary Lesions
Authors: Aurigemma Cristina , Ding Daixin , Tu Shengxian , Li Chunming , Yu Wei , Li Yingguang , Leone Antonio Maria , Romagnoli Enrico , Vergallo Rocco , Maino Alessandro , Trani Carlo , Wijns William , Burzotta Francesco
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The FORZA trial (FFR or OCT Guidance to Revascularize Intermediate Coronary Stenosis Using Angioplasty) prospectively compared the use of fractional flow reserve (FFR) or optical coherence tomography (OCT) for treatment decisions and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) optimization in patients with angiographically intermediate coronary lesions. Murray law-based quantitative-flow-ratio (μQFR) is a novel noninvasive method for the computation of FFR. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical impact of μQFR, FFR, or OCT guidance in FORZA trial lesions at 3-year follow-up.

METHODS:

μQFR was assessed at baseline and, in the case of a decision to intervene, after (FFR- or OCT-guided) PCI. The baseline μQFR was considered the final μQFR for deferred lesions, and post-PCI μQFR value was taken as final for stented lesions. The primary end point was target vessel failure ([TVF]; cardiac death, target-vessel-related myocardial infarction, and target-vessel-revascularization) at a 3-year follow-up.

RESULTS:

A total of 419 vessels (199 OCT-guided and 220 FFR-guided) were included in the FORZA trial. μQFR was evaluated in 256 deferred lesions and 159 treated lesions (98 OCT-guided PCI and 61 FFR-guided PCI). In treated lesions, post-PCI μQFR was higher in OCT-group compared with FFR-group (median, 0.93 versus 0.91;
P
=0.023), and the post-PCI μQFR improvement was greater in FFR-group (0.14 versus 0.08;
P
<0.0001). At 3-year follow-up, OCT- and FFR-guided treatment decisions resulted in comparable TVF rate (6.7% versus 7.9%;
P
=0.617). Final μQFR was the only predictor of TVF. μQFR ≤0.89 was associated with 3× increase in TVF (11.6% versus 3.7%;
P
=0.004). PCI was a predictor of higher final μQFR (odds ratio, 0.22 [95% CI, 0.14–0.34];
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

In vessels with angiographically intermediate coronary lesions, OCT-guided PCI resulted in comparable clinical outcomes as FFR-guided PCI. μQFR estimated at the end of diagnostic or interventional procedure predicted 3-year TVF.

REGISTRATION:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01824030.
Environmental Impacts on Cardiovascular Health and Biology: An Overview
Authors: Blaustein Jacob R. , Quisel Matthew J. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Wittkopp Sharine
Published: April 2024

Environmental stressors associated with human activities (eg, air and noise pollution, light disturbance at night) and climate change (eg, heat, wildfires, extreme weather events) are increasingly recognized as contributing to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. These harmful exposures have been shown to elicit changes in stress responses, circadian rhythms, immune cell activation, and oxidative stress, as well as traditional cardiovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, diabetes, obesity) that promote cardiovascular diseases. In this overview, we summarize evidence from human and animal studies of the impacts of environmental exposures and climate change on cardiovascular health. In addition, we discuss strategies to reduce the impact of environmental risk factors on current and future cardiovascular disease burden, including urban planning, personal monitoring, and mitigation measures.
SPTLC3 Is Essential for Complex I Activity and Contributes to Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kovilakath Anna , Mauro Adolfo G. , Valentine Yolander A. , Raucci Frank J. , Jamil Maryam , Carter Christiane , Thompson Jeremy , Chen Qun , Beutner Gisela , Yue Yang , Allegood Jeremy , Wang Xiaoxin X. , Dail Jordan , Devarakonda Teja , Myakala Komuraiah , Windle Jolene J. , Subler Mark A. , Montefusco David , Willard Belinda , Javaheri Ali , Bernas Tytus , Mahata Sushil K. , Levi Moshe , Liu Jinze , Porter George A. , Lesnefsky Edward J. , Salloum Fadi N. , Cowart L. Ashley
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Dysregulated metabolism of bioactive sphingolipids, including ceramides and sphingosine-1-phosphate, has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, although the specific species, disease contexts, and cellular roles are not completely understood. Sphingolipids are produced by the serine palmitoyltransferase enzyme, canonically composed of 2 subunits, SPTLC1 (serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 1) and SPTLC2 (serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 2). Noncanonical sphingolipids are produced by a more recently described subunit, SPTLC3 (serine palmitoyltransferase long chain base subunit 3).

METHODS:

The noncanonical (d16) and canonical (d18) sphingolipidome profiles in cardiac tissues of patients with end-stage ischemic cardiomyopathy and in mice with ischemic cardiomyopathy were analyzed by targeted lipidomics. Regulation of SPTLC3 by HIF1α under ischemic conditions was determined with chromatin immunoprecipitation. Transcriptomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, echocardiography, mitochondrial electron transport chain, mitochondrial membrane fluidity, and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed in the cSPTLC3
KO
transgenic mice we generated. Furthermore, morphological and functional studies were performed on cSPTLC3
KO
mice subjected to permanent nonreperfused myocardial infarction.

RESULTS:

Herein, we report that SPTLC3 is induced in both human and mouse models of ischemic cardiomyopathy and leads to production of atypical sphingolipids bearing 16-carbon sphingoid bases, resulting in broad changes in cell sphingolipid composition. This induction is in part attributable to transcriptional regulation by HIF1α under ischemic conditions. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte-specific depletion of SPTLC3 in mice attenuates oxidative stress, fibrosis, and hypertrophy in chronic ischemia, and mice demonstrate improved cardiac function and increased survival along with increased ketone and glucose substrate metabolism utilization. Depletion of SPTLC3 mechanistically alters the membrane environment and subunit composition of mitochondrial complex I of the electron transport chain, decreasing its activity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings suggest a novel essential role for SPTLC3 in electron transport chain function and a contribution to ischemic injury by regulating complex I activity.
Comparison of Incidence and Prognostic Impact of Ischemic, Major Bleeding and Heart Failure Events in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome: Insights From the CORONOR Registry
Authors: Lemesle Gilles , Lamblin Nicolas , Schurtz Guillaume , Labreuche Julien , Duhamel Alain , Verdier Basile , Steg Philippe Gabriel , Bauters Christophe
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Evaluation of the residual risk in patient with chronic coronary syndrome is challenging in daily practice. Several types of events (myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, bleeding, and heart failure [HF]) may occur, and their impact on subsequent mortality is unclear in the era of modern evidence-based pharmacotherapy.

METHODS:

CORONOR (Suivi d’une cohorte de patients Coronariens stables en région Nord-pas-de-Calais) is a prospective multicenter cohort that enrolled 4184 consecutive unselected outpatients with chronic coronary syndrome. We analyzed the incidence, correlates, and impact of ischemic events (a composite of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke), major bleeding (Bleeding Academic Research Consortium 3 or higher), and hospitalization for HF on subsequent patient mortality.

RESULTS:

During follow-up (median, 4.9 years), 677 patients (16.5%) died. The 5-year cumulative incidences (death as competing event) of ischemic events, major bleeding, and HF hospitalization were 6.3% (5.6%–7.1%), 3.1% (2.5%–3.6%), and 8.1% (7.3%–9%), respectively. Ischemic events, major bleeding, and HF hospitalization were each associated with all-cause mortality. Major bleeding and hospitalization for HF were associated with the highest mortality rates in the postevent period (42.4%/y and 34.7%/y, respectively) compared with incident ischemic events (13.1%/y). The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 3.57 (95% CI, 2.77–4.61), 9.88 (95% CI, 7.55–12.93), and 8.60 (95% CI, 7.15–10.35) for ischemic events, major bleeding, and hospitalization for HF, respectively (all
P
<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Hospitalization for HF has become both the most frequent and one of the most ominous events among patients with chronic coronary syndrome. Although less frequent, major bleeding is strongly associated with worse patient survival. Secondary prevention should not be limited to preventing ischemic events. Minimizing bleeding and preventing HF may be at least as important.
Risk of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events After Emergency Department Visits for Hypertensive Urgency
Authors: Liberman Ava L. , Razzak Junaid , Lappin Richard I. , Navi Babak B. , Bruce Samuel S. , Liao Vanessa , Kaiser Jed H. , Ng Catherine , Segal Alan Z. , Kamel Hooman
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

Chronic hypertension is an established long-term risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). However, little is known about short-term MACE risk after hypertensive urgency, defined as an episode of acute severe hypertension without evidence of target-organ damage. We sought to evaluate the short-term risk of MACE after an emergency department (ED) visit for hypertensive urgency resulting in discharge to home.

METHODS:

We performed a case-crossover study using deidentified administrative claims data. Our case periods were 1-week intervals from 0 to 12 weeks before hospitalization for MACE. We compared ED visits for hypertensive urgency during these case periods versus equivalent control periods 1 year earlier. Hypertensive urgency and MACE components were all ascertained using previously validated
International Classification of Diseases
,
Tenth Revision Clinical Modification
codes. We used McNemar test for matched data to calculate risk ratios.

RESULTS:

Among 2 225 722 patients with MACE, 1 893 401 (85.1%) had a prior diagnosis of hypertension. There were 4644 (0.2%) patients who had at least 1 ED visit for hypertensive urgency during the 12 weeks preceding their MACE hospitalization. An ED visit for hypertensive urgency was significantly more common in the first week before MACE compared with the same chronological week 1 year earlier (risk ratio, 3.5 [95% CI, 2.9–4.2]). The association between hypertensive urgency and MACE decreased in magnitude with increasing temporal distance from MACE and was no longer significant by 11 weeks before MACE (risk ratio, 1.2 [95% CI, 0.99–1.6]).

CONCLUSIONS:

ED visits for hypertensive urgency were associated with a substantially increased short-term risk of subsequent MACE.
The Wrong Side of the River: a Cantonese Emigrant Community in the Nineteenth-Century Mobility Transition
Authors: Miles Steven B.
Published: April 2024

This focused study of one emigrant community in southern China explores linkages between internal and overseas migration during the nineteenth century, emphasizing both the diversity of lived experience and the contingent nature of categories that have informed the historiography of overseas Chinese migrants. Building on comparative studies that present an aggregate picture of changing migration patterns during the “mobility transition,” this microhistory shows how both preexisting and novel patterns of internal migration (urbanization, frontier migration, and military migration) shaped new strategies of overseas migration. For this particular emigrant community, new dynamics of migration in the mid-nineteenth century influenced the reputation of its emigrants, bringing about a transition from respectability to notoriety. Whereas earlier patterns of internal migration had linked this community to its neighbor on the opposite bank of the West River, new dynamics of migration in the nineteenth century bolstered the river’s role as a boundary. This community’s liminal place highlights the contingent nature of nineteenth-century tropes and current categories of overseas Chinese migrants.
A Pentecostal Third Article Theology
Authors: Studebaker Steven M.
Published: April 2024

This article proposes a pentecostal theology of the Holy Spirit. It argues that the Holy Spirit plays a central role in the narrative of redemption from creation to eschaton. Indeed, the telos of redemption is the outpouring of the Spirit of Pentecost that culminates in the eschatological promise of the new creation. This eschatological work of the Holy Spirit indicates the Spirit’s immanent identity and agency as the divine person who completes the fellowship of the triune God. It begins with detailing areas of traditional pentecostal theology that prevent the development of pentecostal pneumatology that reflects the central place of the Holy Spirit in pentecostal experience and the biblical narrative of redemption. It then builds the case for a pentecostal pneumatology on the Holy Spirit’s role in the narrative of redemption from creation to eschaton. It concludes with a pentecostal account of the Holy Spirit’s identity in the immanent Trinity. Throughout, it articulates this pentecostal pneumatology considering the classical pentecostal theology of Spirit baptism and traditional Western and Eastern trinitarian theologies.
“Look at Lagosians and Say I Am Going to Be in Charge”: Ideologies in the 2019 Lagos State (Nigeria) Gubernatorial Debate
Authors: Bamgbose Ganiu A. , Babalola Pedepo
Published: April 2024

Man, in the generic sense, is a political being whose entire life is permeated by politics. Because language plays a critical role in politics, the study was aimed at examining language as an instrument of persuasion and/or appeal in the 2019 gubernatorial debate in Lagos State. It was born out of the desire to unravel the linguistic strategies utilised by politicians to curry the electorate’s votes. Van Dijk’s (1997) socio-cognitive model of critical discourse analysis (CDA) was blended with Culpeper’s (2013) impoliteness theory to analyse the thirty-two (32) texts which were purposively sampled from the responses of the contestants. The theories were merged to establish how authors represent one another while communicating their plans. The analysis of the data revealed that the US/THEM dichotomy of the ideological square was employed by all the candidates. Findings revealed that politicians often raise very germane socio-economic issues in the polity in their presentations in a way that displays solidarity with the citizens, all in a bid to curry their votes. While lexicalisation is also another strategy employed to foreground issues to their own advantage, linguistic impoliteness (e.g., bald on record, name-calling, negative impoliteness, etc.) is deployed by politicians to whittle down opponents’ influence in order to increase theirs. The study concludes that the explication of the discursive, rhetorical, and linguistic strategies deployed by politicians helps citizens become more discerning listeners who make political choices based on convictions and not on rhetoric.
Collective Data Protection Litigation
Authors: Wörle Karl , Gstrein Oskar Josef
Published: April 2024

At first glance data protection litigation seems to be a niche topic. Yet, record sum compensation such as those resulting from the Meta – Cambridge Analytica lawsuit (725 million usd) reveal enormous practical relevance. This proceeding took the form of a class action, brought before a Californian court. Such collective proceedings might sweep across the Atlantic, as the EU Directive on Representative Actions introduced a new collective litigation mechanism. We commence our comparative analysis by outlining the relevant legal landscapes in the EU and the US, give an account of the latest developments, and examine relevant case law and scientific literature (paras. 1.–4.). Subsequently, the law and economics of data protection litigation are explained (para. 5.), which will serve as standard of comparison. On this basis, in para. 6. the article contrasts the efficiency of collective litigation mechanisms, enabling enforcement against data protection infringements, with the objectives of evaluating the legal status quo and distilling proposals for future legal policy.
Dressing Pope Francis: His Public Costume between Pontifical, Jesuit, and Franciscan Traditions
Authors: Pattenden Miles
Published: April 2024

When Jorge Bergoglio became the first Jesuit to be elected as a successor to St. Peter, it created a novel problem in papal and Jesuit history: how would a Jesuit interpret the long-standing but ever-evolving traditions of pontifical dress? This article sets out how Francis’s public sartorial choices have developed as he has negotiated his twin roles within the church. It further considers the influence of both Jesuit and Franciscan visual and material culture on the image he cultivates and the intersections between them and the imperatives of papal fashion. Finally, it considers the contribution of clothing to Francis’s image and reputation within the church and in popular media in Italy and in the wider world.
Sacred Landscapes of Greater Syria: Joseph Besson’s 1660 Jesuit Perspective
Authors: Altic Mirela
Published: April 2024

Joseph Besson’s 1660 account of Jesuit missions in Syria offers a rare glimpse into the region’s cultural landscape from the perspective of French Jesuits living among diverse communities of Jews, Christians (Greek-Orthodox and Catholic), and Muslims. Drawing on unpublished Jesuit relations from 1625 to 1659 and an unsigned map of Syria, this article explores Besson’s portrayal of Greater Syria, a region encompassing modern-day Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, and western Jordan, within the Ottoman empire. A detailed analysis reveals that the map is likely an original Jesuit creation, highlighting how Jesuit spirituality influenced their interpretation of physical spaces. Furthermore, the study illuminates the Jesuits’ role in shaping European views of the Orient and the Holy Land, contributing to the early development of Orientalism.
Development of yogurt products from alternative protein
Authors: Oupathumpanont O. , Wisansakkul S.
Published: April 2024

This research (1) developed a formula and production process for yogurt made from alternative protein, (2) studied the physical properties, nutrition, microorganisms, and consumer acceptance of yogurt made from alternative protein, and (3) assessed the shelf life of yogurt made from alternative protein. Formula development and production process factors included the ratio of bamboo worms to water (1:1 and 2:1), the amount of powdered milk (6% and 8%), and the incubation time (8 and 10 hours). The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design CRD. Results showed that the optimal formula for producing yogurt products made from alternative protein consisted of ratio of bamboo worms to water 2:1, powered milk 8%, and incubation time 8 hours at 40 °C. Nutritional value (per 100 g) was 30.56 μg vitamin A, 70.04 mg calcium, 8.98 g protein, 2.68 g dietary fiber, and essential amino acids including 224.73 mg threonine, 333.91 mg valine, 368.75 mg lysine, and 419.82 mg leucine. The average consumer preference score was 6.79 ± 1.47. A total of 67.81% of consumers decided to buy alternative protein yogurt products, and after receiving nutritional information about alternative protein yogurt products this number increased to 89.81%. The shelf life of the product stored at 4 °C was not more than 4 weeks.
Hexaplaric Readings or Assimilations with a Hebrew Text in Göttingen’s Edition of Leviticus
Authors: Paximadi Giorgio
Published: April 2024

The article takes into consideration a certain number of readings contained in the Göttingen critical edition of the book of Leviticus published by J.W. Wevers in 1986. Whilst maintaining the importance of this edition, it is possible to note that in numerous points the readings chosen seem to be the most harmonized with the Hebrew text, thereby risking the loss of some particular characteristics of the LXX text that may contain interpretative elements of a theological or legislative nature. In this contribution I shall review some examples that seem significant to me in which, with differing degrees of certainty, we might suspect that such a harmonizing tendency has influenced the readings chosen by Wevers, even in some cases including the tendency to introduce Hexaplaric readings.
Looking Back at the Present
Authors: Darnbrough Leanne Rae
Published: April 2024

This article examines Hedwig Fechheimer’s 1914 Die Plastik der Aegypter (Egyptian Sculpture) and Tristan Tzara and Étienne Sved’s 1954 collaborative book L’Égypte face à face (Egypt Face to Face) and how, bookending the classical European avant-garde period, both took recourse to ancient Egypt to explain their present moment. While Fechheimer approaches Egyptian artwork via a nascent Cubism, Tzara and Sved reflect on ancient Egypt through nostalgic, Dada-tinted lenses. The presents of Fechheimer, Tzara, and Sved were rife with anti-Semitism and conflict; while Fechheimer avoids politics entirely Tzara and Sved do have a poignantly political purpose. In both cases time is folded, challenging teleological conceptions of historicity.
Impact of Station Design and Passengers Flow on Urban Rail Dwell Time: A Systemwide Analysis Using APC and AVL Data
Authors: Buchunde Suryakant , Saidi Saeid , Ataeian Shervin
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we investigated the impact on dwell time of station design, train load, and passenger flow, considering boarding fraction. We employed system-wide automated data sources including automatic passenger counting and automatic vehicle location data in the rail transit system in Calgary, Canada. Regression analyses were conducted to achieve accurate dwell time estimation by calculating passenger load per car, boarding, and alighting passengers per door, and also identifying the critical door with the highest demand. Observations for each critical door were divided based on the fraction of boarding passengers with respect to the sum of boarding and alighting. Six stations with distinct geometric designs were selected for comparison to assess their impact on dwell time. The results indicate that, for dominant boarding or alighting, a longer time is needed per passenger to alight or board, respectively. Our findings indicate that a station with a middle platform and two entrances positioned in the middle performed better in terms of dwell time in the case of alighting-dominant and mixed passenger flow. For stations experiencing boarding-dominant passenger flows, side platforms with multiple entrances at the ends and middle outperformed. Narrower platforms experienced significantly longer dwell times than other selected stations under similar demand. While the conclusion about the station design may not be generic, the proposed model provides a consistent and adaptable approach to study the impact of station design and passenger flows on urban rail dwell times, facilitating better-informed decision-making for station design or modification and enhancement of the overall rail system performance.
Gene expression analysis of drought tolerance and cuticular wax biosynthesis in diploid and tetraploid induced wallflowers
Authors: Fakhrzad Fazilat , Jowkar Abolfazl
Published: April 2024

Whole-genome doubling leads to cell reprogramming, upregulation of stress genes, and establishment of new pathways of drought stress responses in plants. This study investigated the molecular mechanisms of drought tolerance and cuticular wax characteristics in diploid and tetraploid-induced Erysimum cheiri. According to real-time PCR analysis, tetraploid induced wallflowers exhibited increased expression of several genes encoding transcription factors (TFs), including AREB1 and AREB3; the stress response genes RD29A and ERD1 under drought stress conditions. Furthermore, two cuticular wax biosynthetic pathway genes, CER1 and SHN1, were upregulated in tetraploid plants under drought conditions. Leaf morphological studies revealed that tetraploid leaves were covered with unique cuticular wax crystalloids, which produced a white fluffy appearance, while the diploid leaves were green and smooth. The greater content of epicuticular wax in tetraploid leaves than in diploid leaves can explain the decrease in cuticle permeability as well as the decrease in water loss and improvement in drought tolerance in wallflowers. GC‒MS analysis revealed that the wax components included alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, and fatty acids. The most abundant wax compound in this plant was alkanes (50%), the most predominant of which was C29. The relative abundance of these compounds increased significantly in tetraploid plants under drought stress conditions. These findings revealed that tetraploid-induced wallflowers presented upregulation of multiple drought-related and wax biosynthesis genes; therefore, polyploidization has proved useful for improving plant drought tolerance.
Integrated metabolome and transcriptome analyses reveal the role of BoGSTF12 in anthocyanin accumulation in Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra)
Authors: Tang Kang , Karamat Umer , Li Guihua , Guo Juxian , Jiang Shizheng , Fu Mei , Yang Xian
Published: April 2024

Background

The vivid red, purple, and blue hues that are observed in a variety of plant fruits, flowers, and leaves are produced by anthocyanins, which are naturally occurring pigments produced by a series of biochemical processes occurring inside the plant cells. The purple-stalked Chinese kale, a popular vegetable that contains anthocyanins, has many health benefits but needs to be investigated further to identify the genes involved in the anthocyanin biosynthesis and translocation in this vegetable.

Results

In this study, the purple- and green-stalked Chinese kale were examined using integrative transcriptome and metabolome analyses. The content of anthocyanins such as cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-feruloyl) sophoroside-5-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3,5-O-diglucoside (cyanin), and cyanidin-3-O-(6″-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl) sophoroside-5-O-glucoside were considerably higher in purple-stalked Chinese kale than in its green-stalked relative. RNA-seq analysis indicated that 23 important anthocyanin biosynthesis genes, including 3 PAL, 2 C4H, 3 4CL, 3 CHS, 1 CHI, 1 F3H, 2 FLS, 2 F3’H, 1 DFR, 3 ANS, and 2 UFGT, along with the transcription factor BoMYB114, were significantly differentially expressed between the purple- and green-stalked varieties. Results of analyzing the expression levels of 11 genes involved in anthocyanin production using qRT-PCR further supported our findings. Association analysis between genes and metabolites revealed a strong correlation between BoGSTF12 and anthocyanin. We overexpressed BoGSTF12 in Arabidopsis thaliana tt19, an anthocyanin transport mutant, and this rescued the anthocyanin-loss phenotype in the stem and rosette leaves, indicating BoGSTF12 encodes an anthocyanin transporter that affects the accumulation of anthocyanins.

Conclusion

This work represents a key step forward in our understanding of the molecular processes underlying anthocyanin production in Chinese kale. Our comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptome analyses provide important insights into the regulatory system that controls anthocyanin production and transport, while providing a foundation for further research to elucidate the physiological importance of the metabolites found in this nutritionally significant vegetable.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Hypertension Belief Assessment Tool
Authors: Yang Xue , Mei Yujin , Li Yuqing , Zhang Xiaoyun , Gui Jiaofeng , Wang Ying , Chen Wenyue , Chen Mingjia , Liu Changjun , Zhang Lin
Published: April 2024

Background

Hypertension is prevalent in China. Hypertensive patients suffer from many health problems in life. Hypertension is a common chronic disease with long-term and lifelong characteristics. In the long run, the existence of chronic diseases will affect the patient’s own health beliefs. However, people’s health beliefs about Hypertension are not explicit. Therefore, it is vital to find a suitable instrument to comprehend and improve the health beliefs of hypertensive patients, thus, better control of blood pressure and improvement of patient’s quality of life are now crucial issues. This study aimed to translate the Hypertension Belief Assessment Tool (HBAT) into Chinese and examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Hypertension Belief Assessment Tool in hypertensive patients.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study. We translated the HBAT into Chinese and tested the reliability and validity of the Chinese version among 325 hypertensive patients.

Results

The Chinese version of the scale contains 21 items. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) revealed six factors and explained 77.898% of the total variation. A six-factor model eventually showed acceptable fit indices in the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). With modified Confirmatory Factor Analysis, the fit indices were Chi-square/Degree of Freedom (CMIN/DF) = 2.491, Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.952, Incremental Fit Index (IFI) = 0.952, Root-mean-square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.068, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.941. The HBAT exhibits high internal consistency reliability (0.803), and the scale has good discriminant validity.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the HBAT is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the beliefs of Chinese hypertensive patients.
Pathogenic spectrum and risk factors of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: You Linshuang , Zhang Baoguo , Zhang Fan , Wang Jianwen
Published: April 2024

The present study aimed to explore the pathogenic spectrum and risk factors of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (Peritoneal dialysis associated peritonitis, PDAP) in Yongzhou, Hunan, China. The clinical and epidemiological data on regular peritoneal dialysis (Peritoneal dialysis, PD) between January 2016 and December 2020 in Yongzhou were collected for retrospective analysis. The related factors of peritonitis were evaluated by single-factor analysis, while risk factors of refractory PDAP were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.172/331 172 (51.9%) patients developed peritonitis. The risk factors of PDAP in PD patients included high C-reactive protein (C-reactive protein, CRP), low albumin(Albumin, ALB), low hemoglobin (Hemoglobin, Hb), low educational level (junior high school or lower), preference of spicy food, irregular diet, low annual household income, unfavorable fluid exchange conditions, unstable employment (including working as a farmer), and unfavorable humidity conditions (P < 0.05). 63/172 (36.6%) PDAP patients were intractable cases with a pathogenic bacteria positive rate of 74.60% in the peritoneal dialysate cultures, and 109/172 patients were non-intractable cases with a pathogenic bacteria positive rate of 53.21%. Gram-positive bacteria (G+) were detected in most of the dialysate cultures, with Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) as the most common type, while Escherichia coli (E. coli) was the most common Gram-negative bacteria (G-). Gram-positive bacteria were sensitive to vancomycin and linezolid, while G- bacteria were sensitive to imipenem and amikacin. Lifestyle, educational level, and environmental factors are the major contributors to PDAP in PD patients. Fungal and multi-bacterial infections are the major causes of death; PD is stopped for such patients.
MRCT and CT in the diagnosis of pediatric disease imaging: assessing imaging performance and clinical effects
Authors: Wang Xiaofei , Hu Wen
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study focused on analyzing the clinical value and effect of magnetic resonance imaging plus computed tomography (MRCT) and CT in the clinical diagnosis of cerebral palsy in children.

Methods

From February 2021 to April 2023, 94 children diagnosed with cerebral palsy were selected from our hospital for study subjects. These patients were divided into CT and MRI groups, with CT examination given to the CT group and MRI examination given to the MRI group. The positive rate of the two examination methods in the diagnosis of cerebral palsy was compared, different imaging signs in two groups of children with cerebral palsy were compared, and the diagnostic test typing results between two groups were further analyzed.

Results

The diagnostic positivity rate of the children in the MRI group was 91.49%, which was significantly higher than that of the children in the CT group (70.21%) (P < 0.05). In both groups, encephalomalacia, bilateral frontal subdural effusions, and gray-white matter atrophy of the brain were the main signs, and the difference in the proportion of these three imaging signs between the two groups was not significant (P > 0.05). Differences between the two groups examined for cerebral palsy subtypes were not significant (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The positive rate of pediatric cerebral palsy examined by MRI is higher than that of CT diagnosis, but the clinic should organically combine the two to further improve the detection validity and accuracy.
Taste disorders and alopecia in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Uzawa Akiyuki , Suzuki Shigeaki , Kuwabara Satoshi , Akamine Hiroyuki , Onishi Yosuke , Yasuda Manato , Ozawa Yukiko , Kawaguchi Naoki , Kubota Tomoya , Takahashi Masanori P. , Suzuki Yasushi , Watanabe Genya , Kimura Takashi , Sugimoto Takamichi , Samukawa Makoto , Minami Naoya , Masuda Masayuki , Konno Shingo , Nagane Yuriko , Utsugisawa Kimiaki
Published: April 2024

Background

Non-motor symptoms in myasthenia gravis (MG) are rarely confirmed. Although there are some small cohort studies, a large-systemic survey has not yet been performed.

Methods

We investigated the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients with MG who had taste disorders and alopecia using data of 1710 patients with MG enrolled in the Japan MG Registry 2021.

Results

Among them, 104 (6.1%) out of 1692 patients and 138 (8.2%) out of 1688 patients had histories of taste disorders and alopecia, respectively. Among the patients with MG, taste disorders were significantly more common in women, those with severe symptoms, refractory MG, or thymoma-associated MG, and were less common in those with ocular MG. The taste disorders often occurred after the onset of MG and often responded to MG treatments. Alopecia was more common in MG patients with a history of bulbar palsy and thymoma, and it often occurred before the onset of MG and sometimes responded to MG treatments. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed taste disturbance was associated with worst quantitative MG score and thymoma-associated MG; and alopecia was associated with thymoma-associated MG.

Conclusion

Clinicians should be aware of the non-motor symptoms in MG, especially in patients with severe myasthenic symptoms and thymoma-associated MG.
The maternal factors associated with infant low birth weight: an umbrella review
Authors: Arabzadeh Hoda , Doosti-Irani Amin , Kamkari Sima , Farhadian Maryam , Elyasi Elahe , Mohammadi Younes
Published: April 2024

Background

In this umbrella review, we systematically evaluated the evidence from meta-analyses and systematic reviews of maternal factors associated with low birth weight.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify all relevant published studies up to August 2023. We included all meta-analysis studies (based on cohort, case-control, cross-sectional studies) that examined the association between maternal factors (15 risk factors) and risk of LBW, regardless of publication date. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the summary effect size along with the 95% confidence interval (CI), 95% prediction interval, and heterogeneity (I2) in all meta-analyses. Hedges’ g was used as the effect size metric. The effects of small studies and excess significance biases were assessed using funnel plots and the Egger’s test, respectively. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool.

Results

We included 13 systematic Review with 15 meta-analysis studies in our study based on the inclusion criteria. The following 13 maternal factors were identified as risk factors for low birth weight: crack/cocaine (odds ratio [OR] 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.26–3.52), infertility (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.2–1.48), smoking (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.76–2.28), periodontal disease (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.67–3.47), depression (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.34–2.53), anemia (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13–1.55), caffeine/coffee (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57), heavy physical workload (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.00-3.47), lifting ≥ 11 kg (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02–2.48), underweight (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.20–2.67), alcohol (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.46), hypertension (OR 3.90, 95% CI 2.73–5.58), and hypothyroidism (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01–1.94). A significant negative association was also reported between antenatal care and low birth weight.

Conclusions

This umbrella review identified drug use (such as crack/cocaine), infertility, smoking, periodontal disease, depression, caffeine and anemia as risk factors for low birth weight in pregnant women. These findings suggest that pregnant women can reduce the risk of low birth weight by maintaining good oral health, eating a healthy diet, managing stress and mental health, and avoiding smoking and drug use.
Effects of reprogrammed splenic CD8+ T-cells in vitro and in mice with spontaneous metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma
Authors: Skurikhin E. , Ermakova N. , Zhukova M. , Pan E. , Widera D. , Sandrikina L. , Kogai L. , Pershina O. , Pakhomova A. , Pan V. Yu. , Kushlinskii N. , Kubatiev A. , Morozov S. , Dygai A.
Published: April 2024

Background

Metastatic disease is a major and difficult-to-treat complication of lung cancer. Considering insufficient effectiveness of existing therapies and taking into account the current problem of lung cancer chemoresistance, it is necessary to continue the development of new treatments.

Methods

Previously, we have demonstrated the antitumor effects of reprogrammed CD8+ T-cells (rCD8+ T-cells) from the spleen in mice with orthotopic lung carcinoma. Reprogramming was conducted by inhibiting the MAPK/ERK signalling pathway through MEKi and the immune checkpoint PD-1/PD-L1. Concurrently, CD8+ T-cells were trained in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells. We suggested that rCD8+ T-cells isolated from the spleen might impede the development of metastatic disease.

Results

The present study has indicated that the reprogramming procedure enhances the survival and cytotoxicity of splenic CD8+ T-cells in LLC culture. In an LLC model of spontaneous metastasis, splenic rCD8 + T-cell therapy augmented the numbers of CD8+ T-cells and CD4+ T-cells in the lungs of mice. These changes can account for the partial reduction of tumors in the lungs and the mitigation of metastatic activity.

Conclusions

Our proposed reprogramming method enhances the antitumor activity of CD8+ T-cells isolated from the spleen and could be valuable in formulating an approach to treating metastatic disease in patients with lung cancer.
Prognosis stratification of cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors through lung immune prognostic index: a meta-analysis and systematic review
Authors: Guo Yusheng , Pan Yao , Wan Jiayu , Gong Bingxin , Li Yi , Kan Xuefeng , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: April 2024

Background

Although numerous studies have reported the prognostic value of the lung immune prognostic index (LIPI) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the prognostic value of the LIPI in a pancancer setting remains unclear.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted until July 2023 across the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant studies evaluating the prognostic value of the LIPI in cancer patients treated with ICIs. The outcomes were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR). We described and compared the pooled outcomes by stratifying the patients based on different groupings of LIPI (good vs. intermediate [0 vs. 1], good vs. poor [0 vs. 2], and good vs. intermediate / poor [0 vs. 1 + 2]).

Results

A total of 9959 patients in 35 studies were included. A higher score of LIPI was associated with impaired OS. The pooled HRs were 1.69 (95% CI: 1.55–1.85, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 1), 3.03 (95% CI: 2.53–3.63, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 2), and 2.38 (95% CI: 1.97–2.88, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 1 + 2). A higher LIPI score was associated with shorter PFS. The pooled HRs were 1.41 (95% CI: 1.31–1.52, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 1), 2.23 (95% CI: 1.87–2.66, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 2), and 1.65 (95% CI: 1.46–1.86, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 1 + 2). Similarly, a higher LIPI score was associated with a lower ORR. The pooled ORs were 0.63 (95% CI: 0.54–0.75, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 1) and 0.38 (95% CI: 0.29–0.50, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 2). A higher LIPI score was associated with a lower DCR. The pooled ORs were 0.47 (95% CI: 0.35–0.61, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 1) and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.12–0.30, p < 0.001; 0 vs. 2).

Conclusion

In patients with NSCLC or other solid tumours, the lung immune prognostic index could robustly stratify the clinical outcomes into three groups among the patients who receive ICIs. LIPI is a low-cost, simple, accessible, and accurate prognostic tool in a pancancer setting and it may contribute to the evaluation of risk stratification in patients treated with ICIs.
The ‘PSILAUT’ protocol: an experimental medicine study of autistic differences in the function of brain serotonin targets of psilocybin
Authors: Whelan Tobias P. , Daly Eileen , Puts Nicolaas A. , Smith Paula , Allison Carrie , Baron-Cohen Simon , Malievskaia Ekaterina , Murphy Declan G. M. , McAlonan Grainne M.
Published: April 2024

Background

The underlying neurobiology of the complex autism phenotype remains obscure, although accumulating evidence implicates the serotonin system and especially the 5HT2A receptor. However, previous research has largely relied upon association or correlation studies to link differences in serotonin targets to autism. To directly establish that serotonergic signalling is involved in a candidate brain function our approach is to change it and observe a shift in that function.

We will use psilocybin as a pharmacological probe of the serotonin system in vivo. We will directly test the hypothesis that serotonergic targets of psilocybin – principally, but not exclusively, 5HT2A receptor pathways—function differently in autistic and non-autistic adults.

Methods

The ‘PSILAUT’ “shiftability” study is a case–control study autistic and non-autistic adults. How neural responses ‘shift’ in response to low doses (2 mg and 5 mg) of psilocybin compared to placebo will be examined using multimodal techniques including functional MRI and EEG. Each participant will attend on up to three separate visits with drug or placebo administration in a double-blind and randomized order.

Results

This study will provide the first direct evidence that the serotonin targets of psilocybin function differently in the autistic and non-autistic brain. We will also examine individual differences in serotonin system function.

Conclusions

This work will inform our understanding of the neurobiology of autism as well as decisions about future clinical trials of psilocybin and/or related compounds including stratification approaches.

Trial registration

NCT05651126.
Association between movement behavior patterns and cardiovascular risk among Chinese adults aged 40–75: a sex-specific latent class analysis
Authors: Chen Yichao , Song Yingqian , Zhou Nan , Wang Weiwei , Hong Xin
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major global health threat, particularly in China, contributing to over 40% of deaths. While sleep behaviors, sedentary behaviors, and physical activities are recognized as independent lifestyle risk factors for CVD, there remains limited understanding of specific movement behavior patterns and their CVD risks, especially considering sex-specific differences. This study examines movement behavior patterns among Chinese adults (40–75) and their associations with cardiovascular risk, with a focus on sleep, physical activity (PA), and sedentary behavior (SB).

Methods

Data pertaining to 13,465 male participants and 15,613 female participants, collected from the Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance Survey in Nanjing from February 2020 to December 2022. The latent class analysis method was employed to identify underlying movement patterns across sexes. Multinomial logistic regression models assessed CVD risk, and the China-PAR model calculated 10-year risk.

Results

Three male and four female movement patterns emerged. Active Movers (17.10% males, 5.93% females) adhered to PA recommendations but had poorer sleep quality. Moderate Achievers (61.42% males, 45.32% females) demonstrated moderate behavior. Sedentary Sleepers (21.48% males, 10.20% females) exhibited minimal PA but good sleep. Female Moderate Physical Activity (MPA) Dominant Movers demonstrated a prevalent adherence to recommended MPA levels. Active movers had the lowest CVD risk. After adjusting for potential confounders, moderate achievers (OR = 1.462, 95% CI 1.212, 1.764) and sedentary sleepers (OR = 1.504, 95% CI 1.211, 1.868) were both identified as being associated with a high-risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) compared to active movers in males, demonstrating a similar trend for intermediate risk. Such associations were not statistically significant among females.

Conclusions

Our study revealed sex-specific movement patterns associated with CVD risks among middle-aged Chinese adults. We suggest that adopting an active movement behavior pattern, characterized by meeting or exceeding recommended levels of vigorous physical activity (VPA) and reducing sedentary behavior, is beneficial for all middle-aged adults, particularly males. An active lifestyle could help counteract the adverse effects of relatively poor sleep quality on the risk of developing CVD in this population. Integrating sleep, PA, and SB information provides a holistic framework for understanding and mitigating CVD risks.
The dynamic risk factors of cardiovascular disease among people living with HIV: a real-world data study
Authors: Liu Ziang , Zhang Jiajia , Yang Xueying , Gao Haoyuan , Chen Shujie , Weissman Sharon , Olatosi Bankole , LI Xiaoming
Published: April 2024

Background

This study aims to investigate the incidence and dynamic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) among people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods

In this population-based statewide cohort study, we utilized integrated electronic health records data to identify adult (age ≥ 18) who were diagnosed with HIV between 2006 and 2019 and were CVD event-free at the HIV diagnosis in South Carolina. The associations of HIV-related factors and traditional risk factors with the CVD incidence were investigated during the overall study period, and by different follow-up periods (i.e., 0-5yrs, 6-10yrs 11-15yrs) using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Among 9,082 eligible participants, the incidence of CVD was 18.64 cases per 1000 person-years. Overall, conventional risk factors, such as tobacco use, hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease (CKD), were persistently associated with the outcome across all three groups. While HIV-related factors, such as recent CD4 count (e.g., > 350 vs. <200 cells/mm3: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] range: 0.18–0.25), and percent of years in retention (e.g., 31–75% vs. 0–30%: aOR range: 0.24–0.57) were associated with lower odds of CVD incidence regardless of different follow up periods. The impact of the percent of days with viral suppression gradually diminished as the follow-up period increased.

Conclusions

Maintaining an optimal viral suppression might prevent CVD incidence in the short term, whereas restoring immune recovery may be beneficial for reducing CVD risk regardless of the duration of HIV diagnosis. Our findings suggest the necessity of conducting more targeted interventions during different periods of HIV infection.