bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KEBERAGAMAN BAHASA DAN BUDAYA SEBAGAI KEKAYAAN BANGSA INDONESIA
Authors: Peter Ramot , Simatupang Masda Surti
Published: October 2022

Keberagaman bahasa dan budaya di Indonesia merupakan anugerah besar dari Tuhan bagi Indonesia. Dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat, pertemuan antar bahasa dan budaya tidak dapat terelakkan dalam kehidupan masyarakat Indonesia dan cenderung menimbulkan konflik sosial baik vertikal maupun horizontal. Untuk mengatasi konflik sebagai dampak keberagaman tersebut, pemerintah mencanangkan program dan gerakan pendidikan karakter. Program dan gerakan tersebut belum maksimal memberikan dampak sehingga dunia pendidikan perlu dilibatkan mulai dari Pendidikan dasar, menengah, hingga Pendidikan tinggi. Untuk mendukung program dan gerakan pendidikan karakter dalam pendidikan tinggi, pemerintah mengeluarkan kebijakan yang diatur dalam nomor: 43/dikti/kep/2006 tentang rambu-rambu pelaksanaan kelompok matakuliah pengembangan kepribadian di perguruan tinggi dan undang-undang No. 12 tahun 2012 tentang pendidikan tinggi. Dalam kebijakan-kebijakan tersebut, bahasa Indonesia termasuk dalam kelompok matakuliah pengembangan kepribadian sebagai penguatan karakter semangat kebangsaan melalui pembelajaran bahasa Indonesia. Diharapkan dengan dicanangkannya kebijakan-kebijakan tersebut dapat menyemarakkan program dan gerakan pendidikan karakter untuk membangun kesadaran masyarakat Indonesia dalam penggunaan bahasa Indonesia yang baik dan benar dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat. Dengan menggunakan bahasa Indonesia yang baik dan benar diharapkan dapat membangun karakter masyarakat Indonesia agar semakin mencintai bahasa Indonesia sebagai alat pemersatu bangsa di tengah keberagaman bahasa dan budaya daerah. Menguatnya karakter kebangsaan dalam berbahasa Indonesia diharapkan dapat meningkatkan ketahanan nasional dalam menghadapi segala ancaman, tantangan, hambatan dan gangguan baik dari dalam maupun luar negeri.
Modelado de la red de recolección de aprovechamiento en el municipio de Sogamoso
Authors: Pineda-Melgarejo Ricardo Javier , Rojas-Baracaldo Álvaro Javier , Toro-Perea Edward Fernando
Published: October 2022

La universidad y la docencia desde su misión en el aporte al desarrollo regional y la inclusión social no son ajenos a enfrentar problemáticas de las diferentes regiones donde tiene participación, es por esa razón que el trabajo de investigación coadyuva al cumplimiento de los requisitos legales que deben cumplir los recicladores de oficio para las actividades de aprovechamiento (Decreto 596 de 2016). La investigación muestra los métodos y técnicas aplicadas desde la investigación de operaciones, para el “Modelado de la red de recolección de aprovechamiento en el municipio de Sogamoso”, como:

Diseño de la red de aprovechamiento para modelarse y resolverse desde las teorías de redes, donde los nodos son los puntos de recolección y deben estar conectados por ramas (distancias entre puntos de recolección) para la actividad de recolección de los residuos sólidos aprovechables en el municipio de Sogamoso.

Análisis de la red de aprovechamiento, para definir la ruta más corta que optimice los recursos que intervienen en las mismas. Presentación de una herramienta basada en la georreferenciación final de la red a la empresa prestadora del servicio público de aseo para la implementación según los procedimientos ajustados a la norma para la recolección, el transporte y el aprovechamiento que garantice el desarrollo sostenible en el municipio.

The university and teaching from their mission to contribute to regional development and social inclusion are not alien to facing problems in the different regions where they participate, it is for that reason that the research work contributes to the fulfillment of the legal requirements that must comply with the ex-officio recyclers for the exploitation activities (Decree 596 of 2016). The research shows the methods and techniques applied from the operations research, for the “Modeling of the harvesting collection network (micro routes) from the public cleaning service in the municipality of Sogamoso”, such as:

 Design of the exploitation network to be modeled and solved from the network theories, where the nodes are the collection points and must be connected by branches (distances between collection points) for the usable solid waste collection activity in the municipality of Sogamoso.

 Analysis of the exploitation network, to define the shortest route that optimizes the resources involved in them. Presentation of a tool based on the final georeferencing of the network to the company that provides the public cleaning service for implementation according to the procedures adjusted to the standard for collection, transportation and use that guarantees sustainable development in the municipality.
Digital Technology and Power in Agriculture. Technology Development, Data Valorization, and Sustainability Narratives in Germany
Authors: Hackfort Sarah
Published: October 2022

To investigate the political economy of digital agriculture this paper puts corporate power relations center stage and examines how corporate actors exert their power to shape, and benefit from digital agriculture in Germany, while disempowering other actors and approaches. This paper presents the results of an empirical investigation of the power relations in digital agriculture in Germany to answer the research question: How do corporate actors and existing power relations shape the development and distribution of benefits of digital agriculture in Germany?
Campaign Issue Appeals: Activation and Persuasion in U.S. Presidential Elections
Authors: Lachance Sarah
Published: October 2022

This study challenges the claim that polarization in the United States has diminished the importance of issue voting by putting forward the communication of candidates on issues as a mechanism for campaign effects. To do so, it uses a combination of survey and Twitter data on the issue statements made by candidates during the 2012 and 2016 presidential electoral campaigns. The findings show that voters respond to policy information that is congruent with their preferences from both the congenial candidate and the candidate they are predisposed against. While these effects are small in the aggregate, they can determine elections.
Центральный институт аудио- и видео наследия Италии: прошлое и настоящее
THE CENTRAL INSTITUTE FOR SOUND AND AUDIOVISUAL HERITAGE OF ITALY: THE PAST AND PRESENT
Authors: Bakhmatova M. N.
Published: October 2022

В статье рассказывается об истории основания Центрального института аудио- и видео наследия Италии и об эвристических возможностях хранимых в нем источников. Институт берет свое начало из частной коллекции звукозаписей «Голоса великих», переданной в 1927 г. государству. Так как первые фонды состояли преимущественно из аудиоматериалов на граммофонных пластинках, ему было присвоено название «Государственной дискотеки». Благодаря усилиям первого директора фонды стали пополняться и видеоматериалами. Кроме того, Дискотека стала превращаться из хранилища преимущественно пропагандистских материалов в научное заведение по сбору и хранению аудио- и визуальных источников. Благополучно пережив эпоху фашизма, Институт стал крупнейшим центром, в который стекаются материалы таких знаковых музыкальных фестивалей, как «Сан Ремо», богатейшие частные коллекции по итальянскому фольклору, хранятся вещественные источники по истории звукозаписывающих устройств, а также обязательные экземпляры аудио- и видео документов, произведенных в Италии. Кроме того, здесь находится единая точка Доступа к Архиву Визуальной истории Государственного архива, где опубликованы интервью с итальянскими жертвами Холокоста, а также к базе данных Фонда Шоа Стивена Спилберга. Фонды Института представляют значительный интерес для историков, этнологов и антропологов.
The paper is dedicated to the history of the creation of the Central Institute for Sound and Audiovisual Heritage of Italy and the exploration of the heuristic possibilities offered by its storage. The foundation of the Institute stems from the legacy of the private collection of audio recordings “The Words of the Greatest”, donated in 1927 to the Italian State. The first name of the Institute was “State Records”, since the first archive mostly consisted of audio recordings on phonograph records. Thanks to the efforts of its first Director, video recordings were added to the collection. Moreover, the archive began to evolve from a deposit of mainly propaganda recordings to a scientific institution for the collection and conservation of audio and video sources. Having successfully survived the Fascist Era, the Institute became the largest center for the collection of recordings coming from different sources, such as the renowned Sanremo music festival, rich private collections of Italian folklore, artifacts from the history of recording instruments, as well as the mandatory copies of all audio and video documents produced in Italy. In addition, the Institute stores the unique access point to the Archives for Visual History of the state archives, which include interviews with the Italian victims of the Holocaust, as well as the databases of the Steven Spielberg Shoah Foundation. The sources of the Institute can be of considerable interest to historians, ethnologists, and anthropologists.
Optimal design of dampers in seismic applications utilizing the MOPSO algorithm
Authors: Baei Mahmoud , Terzic Vesna
Published: October 2022

New technological developments in engineering present an opportunity for improved efficiency in structural design through optimization. High-performance computing resources reduce the time needed for computational calculations. Concurrently, optimization algorithms have greatly evolved to provide the opportunity to solve complicated nonlinear engineering problems that typically include several interrelated, and often conflicting, objectives under a set of constraints. This research proposes a method for the optimal design of viscous dampers in seismic applications utilizing the multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) algorithm. The MOPSO, with its inherent metaheuristic approach and geographically-based adaptive grids, effectively discovers global and diverse non-convex solutions. To further improve the efficiency and quality of the search in the milieu of an engineering application, we have extended MOPSO by introducing constraints on objective functions and implementing parallel computing. Additionally, this research provides recommendations on how to efficiently generate reliable solution sets by proper selection of objective (cost) functions and adequate set-up of MOPSO input parameters. These recommendations are derived from a series of sensitivity studies. The proposed method is verified by utilizing an engineered solution of a viscously damped moment frame. It was found that under the same set of constraints and performance objectives, MOPSO produces a solution set that contains outcomes that are superior to the engineered solutions. For example, the MOPSO solution set contains outcomes that reduce demands on dampers (force and stroke) while maintaining engineering demand parameters, generating construction savings as a result of the reduced manufacturing costs of dampers.
Increased Aurora B expression reduces substrate phosphorylation and induces chromosomal instability
Authors: Britigan Eric M. C. , Wan Jun , Sam Daniel K. , Copeland Sarah E. , Lasek Amber L. , Hrycyniak Laura C. F. , Wang Lei , Audhya Anjon , Burkard Mark E. , Roopra Avtar , Weaver Beth A.
Published: October 2022

Increased Aurora B protein expression, which is common in cancers, is expected to increase Aurora B kinase activity, yielding elevated phosphorylation of Aurora B substrates. In contrast, here we show that elevated expression of Aurora B reduces phosphorylation of six different Aurora B substrates across three species and causes defects consistent with Aurora B inhibition. Complexes of Aurora B and its binding partner INCENP autophosphorylate in trans to achieve full Aurora B activation. Increased expression of Aurora B mislocalizes INCENP, reducing the local concentration of Aurora B:INCENP complexes at the inner centromere/kinetochore. Co-expression of INCENP rescues Aurora B kinase activity and mitotic defects caused by elevated Aurora B. However, INCENP expression is not elevated in concert with Aurora B in breast cancer, and increased expression of Aurora B causes resistance rather than hypersensitivity to Aurora B inhibitors. Thus, increased Aurora B expression reduces, rather than increases, Aurora B kinase activity.
The role of serine/threonine phosphatases in human development: Evidence from congenital disorders
Authors: Vaneynde Pieter , Verbinnen Iris , Janssens Veerle
Published: October 2022

Reversible protein phosphorylation is a fundamental regulation mechanism in eukaryotic cell and organismal physiology, and in human health and disease. Until recently, and unlike protein kinases, mutations in serine/threonine protein phosphatases (PSP) had not been commonly associated with disorders of human development. Here, we have summarized the current knowledge on congenital diseases caused by mutations, inherited or de novo, in one of 38 human PSP genes, encoding a monomeric phosphatase or a catalytic subunit of a multimeric phosphatase. In addition, we highlight similar pathogenic mutations in genes encoding a specific regulatory subunit of a multimeric PSP. Overall, we describe 19 affected genes, and find that most pathogenic variants are loss-of-function, with just a few examples of gain-of-function alterations. Moreover, despite their widespread tissue expression, the large majority of congenital PSP disorders are characterised by brain-specific abnormalities, suggesting a generalized, major role for PSPs in brain development and function. However, even if the pathogenic mechanisms are relatively well understood for a small number of PSP disorders, this knowledge is still incomplete for most of them, and the further identification of downstream targets and effectors of the affected PSPs is eagerly awaited through studies in appropriate in vitro and in vivo disease models. Such lacking studies could elucidate the exact mechanisms through which these diseases act, and possibly open up new therapeutic avenues.
CREB3L1 and CREB3L2 control Golgi remodelling during decidualization of endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Pittari Daniele , Dalla Torre Marco , Borini Elena , Hummel Barbara , Sawarkar Ritwick , Semino Claudia , van Anken Eelco , Panina-Bordignon Paola , Sitia Roberto , Anelli Tiziana
Published: October 2022

Upon progesterone stimulation, Endometrial Stromal Cells (EnSCs) undergo a differentiation program into secretory cells (decidualization) to release in abundance factors crucial for embryo implantation. We previously demonstrated that decidualization requires massive reshaping of the secretory pathway and, in particular, of the Golgi complex. To decipher the underlying mechanisms, we performed a time-course transcriptomic analysis of in vitro decidualizing EnSC. Pathway analysis shows that Gene Ontology terms associated with vesicular trafficking and early secretory pathway compartments are the most represented among those enriched for upregulated genes. Among these, we identified a cluster of co-regulated genes that share CREB3L1 and CREB3L2 binding elements in their promoter regions. Indeed, both CREB3L1 and CREB3L2 transcription factors are up-regulated during decidualization. Simultaneous downregulation of CREB3L1 and CREB3L2 impairs Golgi enlargement, and causes dramatic changes in decidualizing EnSC, including Golgi fragmentation, collagen accumulation in dilated Endoplasmic Reticulum cisternae, and overall decreased protein secretion. Thus, both CREB3L1 and CREB3L2 are required for Golgi reshaping and efficient protein secretion, and, as such, for successful decidualization.
Use of gold nanoparticle-silibinin conjugates: A novel approach against lung cancer cells
Authors: Ravi Rangnath , Zeyaullah Md. , Ghosh Shubhrima , Khan Warsi Mohiuddin , Baweja Renu , AlShahrani Abdullah M. , Mishra Abhijeet , Ahmad Razi
Published: October 2022

Lung cancer presents one of the most challenging carcinomas with meager 5-year survival rates (less than 20%), high metastasis and high recurrence due to chemo- and radio- resistance. An alternative or complementation to existing prognosis modalities is the use of phytochemicals such as silibinin, which targets essential cytokines, angiogenic factors and transcription factors for a profound anti-tumor effect. However, the problems of low solubility in an aqueous physiological environment, poor penetration, high metabolism and rapid systemic clearance limit the therapeutic use of silibinin. Conjugation of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with silibinin may overcome the above challenges along with distinct advantages of biocompatibility, optical properties for monitoring and causation of cytotoxicity in cancer cells. The current study thus aims to develop silibinin conjugated gold nanoparticles (Sb-GNPs) with pH responsive release in the cancer microenvironment, optimizing several parameters for its higher activity and further evaluate the nanoplatform for their efficacy in inducing cell death in vitro against A549 lung cancer cells. GNPs was synthesized using trisodium citrate dihydrate as the reducing agent and further used for the conjugation of silibinin. The synthesized GNPs were found to be monodispersed and spherical in shape. The silibinin was successfully conjugated with gold nanoparticles and long-term stability of GNPs and Sb-GNPs nanoconjugates in suspension phase was confirmed by FTIR and DLS. Anticancer properties of Sb-GNPs were confirmed by different assay using MTT, Trypan blue dye exclusion assay and cell cycle analysis assay. After conjugation of silibinin with GNPs, the efficacy of silibinin increased 4–5 times in killing the cancer cells. This is the first report on using silibinin gold nanoconjugate system for lung cancer therapy with promising future applications.
New anionic cobalt(III) complexes enable enantioselective synthesis of spiro-fused oxazoline and iodoacetal derivatives
Authors: Salem Mohamed S. H. , Takizawa Shinobu
Published: October 2022

Anionic salicylimine-based cobalt (III) complexes featuring chiral ligands derived from isoleucine amino acids were used as efficient bifunctional phase-transfer catalysts for electrophilic iodination of enol ethers. The Brønsted acids of these complexes enabled the enantioselective asymmetric iodocyclization of enol ethers, furnishing spiro-fused oxazoline derivatives in high yields with up to 90:10 er. In addition, chiral cobalt (III) complexes catalyze the asymmetric intermolecular iodoacetalization of enol ethers with various alcohols to afford 3-iodoacetal derivatives in high yields with up to 92:8 er.
Combined analysis of the transcriptome and proteome of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Duzhong) in response to Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Lu Yingxia , Dong Xuan , Huang Xiaozhen , Zhao De-gang , Zhao Yichen , Peng Lei
Published: October 2022

Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. (Duzhong), a valued traditional herbal medicine in China, is rich in antibacterial proteins and is effective against a variety of plant pathogens. Fusarium oxysporum is a pathogenic fungus that infects plant roots, resulting in the death of the plant. In this study, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were used to explore the molecular mechanism of E. ulmoides counteracts F. oxysporum infection. Transcriptomic analysis at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after inoculation identified 17, 591, 1,205, and 625 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while proteomics identified were 66, 138, 148, 234 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Meanwhile, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the DEGs and DEPs showed that they were mainly associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER), fructose and mannose metabolism, protein processing in the ER, type II diabetes mellitus, the ribosome, antigen processing and presentation, and the phagosome. In addition, proteome and transcriptome association analysis and RT-qPCR showed that the response of E. ulmoides to F. oxysporum was likely related to the unfolded protein response (UPR) of the ER pathway. In conclusion, our study provided a theoretical basis for the control of F. oxysporum.
Pd/δ-MnO2 nanoflower arrays cordierite monolithic catalyst toward toluene and o-xylene combustion
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Liao Qianyan , Ling Weizhao , Ye Fan , Liu Fangfang , Zhang Xipeng , He Jiajun , Cheng Gao
Published: October 2022

Exploring high-efficiency and stable monolithic structured catalysts is vital for catalytic combustion of volatile organic compounds. Herein, we prepared a series of Pd/δ-MnO2 nanoflower arrays monolithic integrated catalysts (0.01–0.07 wt% theoretical Pd loading) via the hydrothermal growth of δ-MnO2 nanoflowers onto the honeycomb cordierite, which subsequently served as the carrier for loading the Pd nanoparticles (NPs) through the electroless plating route. Moreover, we characterized the resulting monolithic integrated catalysts in detail and evaluated their catalytic activities for toluene combustion, in comparison to the controlled samples including only Pd NPs loading and the δ-MnO2 nanoflower arrays. Amongst all the monolithic samples, the Pd/δ-MnO2 nanoflower arrays monolithic catalyst with 0.05 wt% theoretical Pd loading delivered the best catalytic performance, reaching 90% toluene conversion at 221°C at a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 10,000 h−1. Moreover, this sample displayed superior catalytic activity for o-xylene combustion under a GHSV of 10,000 h−1. The monolithic sample with optimal catalytic activity also displayed excellent catalytic stability after 30 h constant reaction at 210 and 221°C.
Identification of new components of the basal pole of Toxoplasma gondii provides novel insights into its molecular organization and functions
Authors: Roumégous Chloé , Abou Hammoud Aya , Fuster Damien , Dupuy Jean-William , Blancard Corinne , Salin Bénédicte , Robinson Derrick R. , Renesto Patricia , Tardieux Isabelle , Frénal Karine
Published: October 2022

The Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoite is a singled-cell obligate intracellular parasite responsible for the acute phase of toxoplasmosis. This polarized cell exhibits an apical complex, a hallmark of the phylum Apicomplexa, essential for motility, invasion, and egress from the host cell. Located on the opposite end of the cell is the basal complex, an elaborated cytoskeletal structure that also plays critical roles in the lytic cycle of the parasite, being involved in motility, cell division, constriction and cytokinesis, as well as intravacuolar cell-cell communication. Nevertheless, only a few proteins of this structure have been described and functionally assessed. In this study, we used spatial proteomics to identify new basal complex components (BCC), and in situ imaging, including ultrastructure expansion microscopy, to position them. We thus confirmed the localization of nine BCCs out of the 12 selected candidates and assigned them to different sub-compartments of the basal complex, including two new domains located above the basal ring and below the posterior cup. Their functional investigation revealed that none of these BCCs are essential for parasite growth in vitro. However, one BCC is critical for constricting of the basal complex, likely through direct interaction with the class VI myosin heavy chain J (MyoJ), and for gliding motility. Four other BCCs, including a phosphatase and a guanylate-binding protein, are involved in the formation and/or maintenance of the intravacuolar parasite connection, which is required for the rosette organization and synchronicity of cell division.
Gastric-type mucinous endocervical adenocarcinomas: A case report and literature review
Authors: Lu Junling , Na Jing , Li Ya , Wang Xinyou , Wang Jun , Han Shichao
Published: October 2022

Gastric-type mucinous endocervical adenocarcinomas (GAS) are new variant types of cervical adenocarcinomas according to the 2014 World Health Organization (WHO) classification. GAS is a unique disease that can be differentiated from typical adenocarcinomas—it is less common and more aggressive and likely to have deep invasion and horizontal diffusion, invasion of the uterus and vagina, early distant metastases, and a lower 5-year survival rate compared to the usual-type cervical cancer. At present, initial treatment and postoperative adjuvant therapy are not conclusive, but early detection and early treatment are a consensus that can improve prognosis. Most of its occurrence has nothing to do with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Whether it is only negative for the subtypes that can be detected at present and whether it may be an unknown subtype of infection need to be further explored in the future. The clinical symptoms commonly include aqueous secretion, lower abdominal pain, and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen-19-9 (CA19-9) levels, which may be helpful for diagnosis. MRI and PET-CT can help to describe the characteristics of lesions and judge the state of the systemic metastasis. We believe that early detection and surgical treatment will give patients more benefits. Looking for potential gene and molecular changes and establishing biomarkers to identify molecular targets will be the key to early identification and target therapy.
Fibrinogen levels in relation to colorectal cancer onset: A nested case-cohort study from the Moli-sani cohort
Authors: Parisi Roberta , Panzera Teresa , Russo Laura , Gamba Sara , De Curtis Amalia , Di Castelnuovo Augusto , Marchetti Marina , Cerletti Chiara , Falanga Anna , de Gaetano Giovanni , Donati Maria Benedetta , Iacoviello Licia , Costanzo Simona ,   the Moli-sani Study Investigators
Published: October 2022

Background

Patients with cancer are commonly characterized by abnormalities in laboratory coagulation tests, underlying a subclinical hypercoagulable condition. Due to the involvement of the hemostatic system in cancer patients, some of its biomarkers, such as fibrinogen, could be a useful tool in predicting cancer risk. We performed a case-cohort study to evaluate the relationship among fibrinogen levels and colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

In the framework of Moli-sani Study (N = 24,325, enrolled 2005–2010) a subcohort of 1,290 individuals (55.0% women; mean age 55.0 ± 12.0 years) was selected and compared with 126 CRC cases identified during a follow-up of 4.3 years. Incident cases of colorectal cancer were ascertained by direct linkage with hospital discharge forms according to the International Classification of Disease (ICD-9-CM) codes: 153–154. Events were validated through medical records and confirmed by histological reports. Fibrinogen levels were measured in frozen citrated plasma samples. Hazard Ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusted by relevant covariates were estimated by a Cox regression model using Prentice method.

Results

Individuals with levels of fibrinogen ≥400 mg/dL had a higher hazard to develop colorectal cancer when compared to those with lower levels after adjustment for sex and age (HR: 1.81; 95% CI 1.12–2.92). Additional adjustment for CRC family history, income, physical activity, diabetes medication and hypercholesterolemia did not modify the result (HR: 1.91; 95% CI 1.15–3.17). Analyses stratified by age and sex showed a most evident association in elderly (HR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.10–4.81) and in women (HR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.08–4.81). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the main findings, showing independence from a potential role of confounding by a large panel of biomarkers, including inflammation and hemostasis factors.

Conclusion

Our results, based on a case-cohort study from a general adult population apparently free from any cancer during the recruitment, showed that fibrinogen levels ≥400 mg/dL were positively and independently associated with CRC, suggesting that this glycoprotein could be a potential biomarker for this type of cancer and supporting the “common soil hypothesis” in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease and tumors.
Long-term outcomes of primary aortic valve repair in children with congenital aortic stenosis – 15-year experience at a single center
Authors: Ren Qiushi , Yu Juemin , Chen Tianyu , Qiu Hailong , Ji Erchao , Liu Tao , Xu Xiaowei , Cen Jianzheng , Wen Shusheng , Zhuang Jian , Liu Xiaobing
Published: October 2022

Background

Studies on the long-term outcomes of children with congenital aortic stenosis who underwent primary aortic repair are limited. We reviewed the long-term outcomes of children who underwent aortic valve (AoV) repair at our center.

Methods

All children (n = 75) who underwent AoV repair between 2006 and 2020 were reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to demonstrate the survival estimates. The Cox proportional hazard model and competing risk regression model were used to identify risk factors for death, reintervention, adverse events, and replacement.

Results

The median age at surgery was 1.8 (IQR, 0.2–7.7) years, and the median weight at surgery was 10.0 (IQR, 5.0–24.0) kg. Early mortality and late mortality were 5.3% (4/75) and 5.6% (4/71), respectively. Risk factors for overall mortality were concomitant mitral stenosis (P = 0.01, HR: 9.8, 95% CI: 1.8–53.9), low AoV annulus Z-score (P = 0.01, HR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–0.9), and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (P < 0.01, HR: 9.5, 95% CI: 1.7–52.1). Freedom from reintervention was 72.9 ± 0.10% (95% CI: 56.3–94.4%) at 10 years. Risk factors for occurrence of adverse event on multivariable analysis included preoperative intubation (P = 0.016, HR: 1.004, 95% CI: 1.001–1.007) and a low AoV annulus Z-score (P = 0.019, HR: 0.714, 95% CI: 0.540–0.945). Tricuspid AoV morphology was associated with a suboptimal postoperative outcome (P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Aortic valve repair remains a safe and durable solution for children with congenital aortic stenosis. Concomitant mitral stenosis and aortic valve anatomy, including tricuspid valve morphology and smaller annulus size, are associated with poor early and long-term outcomes.
A novel and effective ECG method to differentiate right from left ventricular outflow tract arrhythmias: Angle-corrected V2S
Authors: Qiu Shifeng , Sun Zhuhua , Li Xinzhong , Li Jianyong , Huang Xiaobo , Liu Menghui , Bin Jianping , Liao Yulin , Xiu Jiancheng , Zha Daogang , Xue Yumei , Wang Lichun , Wang Yuegang
Published: October 2022

Background and aims

Standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns combined with the anatomical cardiac long-axis angle revealed by chest X-ray can prevent the influence of cardiac rotation, physical shape, and lead position, so it may be an ideal means to predict the origin of the outflow tract (OT) ventricular arrhythmias (OTVAs) for ablation procedures. The study explores the value of this strategy in identifying the origin of OTVA.

Methods

This study was conducted using a retrospective cohort and a prospective cohort of consecutive patients at two centers. The anatomical cardiac long-axis angle was calculated by measuring the angle between the cardiac long-axis (a line joining the apex to the midpoint of the mitral annulus) and the horizontal plane on a chest X-ray. The V2S angle was calculated as the V2S amplitude times the angle. We ultimately enrolled 147 patients with symptomatic OTVAs who underwent successful radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) (98 women (66.7%); mean age 46.9 ± 14.7 years; 126 right ventricular OT (RVOT) origins, 21 left ventricular OT (LVOT) origins) as a development cohort. The new algorithm was validated in 48 prospective patients (12 men (25.0%); mean age 48.0 ± 15.8 years; 36 RVOT, 12 LVOT origins).

Results

Patients with RVOT VAs had greater V2S, long-axis angle, and V2S angle than patients with LVOT VA (all P < 0.001). The cut-off V2S angle obtained by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was 58.28 mV° for the prediction of RVOT origin (sensitivity: 85.7%; specificity: 95.2%; positive predictive value: 99.1%; negative predictive value: 52.6%). The AUC achieved using the V2S angle was 0.888 (P < 0.001), which was the highest among all indexes (V2S/V3R: 0.887 (P < 0.016); TZ index: 0.858 (P < 0.001); V1-2 SRd: 0.876 (P < 0.001); V3 transition: 0.651 (P < 0.001)). In the prospective cohort, the V2S angle had a high overall accuracy of 93.8% and decreased the procedure time (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

V2S angle can be a novel measure that can be used to accurately differentiate RVOT from LVOT origins. It could help decrease ablation duration and radiation exposure.
Association between plasma vitamin B5 and coronary heart disease: Results from a case-control study
Authors: Sun Pengfei , Weng Haoyu , Fan Fangfang , Zhang Nan , Liu Zhihao , Chen Ping , Jia Jia , Zheng Bo , Yi Tieci , Li Yuxi , Zhang Yan , Li Jianping
Published: October 2022

Aim

The relationship of vitamin B5 and coronary heart disease (CHD) is still uncertain. This case–control study was performed to evaluate the relationship between the plasma vitamin B5 concentration and the risk of CHD.

Materials and methods

The study involved 429 patients with >70% stenosis of the coronary arteries on coronary angiography and 429 matched controls were included for age ± 2 years, gender, and date of coronary angiography examination ± 180 days. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between plasma vitamin B5 and the risk of CHD.

Results

An L-shaped relationship was found between the plasma vitamin B5 concentration and CHD. Compared with patients with low vitamin B5 (first quartile, <27.6 ng/ml), the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for participants in the third quartile (34.9–44.0 ng/ml) and fourth quartile (≥44.0 ng/ml) were 0.42 (95% CI, 0.26–0.70) and 0.49 (95% CI, 0.29–0.82), respectively. In the threshold effect analysis, the risk of CHD significantly decreased as the vitamin B5 concentration increased (per 10 ng/ml increment: OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57–0.89) in participants with a plasma vitamin B5 concentration of <40.95 ng/ml; however, an increased plasma vitamin B5 concentration was no longer associated with a decreased risk of CHD (per 10 ng/ml increment: OR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.87–1.14) in participants with a plasma vitamin B5 concentration of ≥40.95 ng/ml. The association between vitamin B5 and CHD was stronger in ever or current smokers than non-smokers (p-interaction = 0.046).

Conclusion

Plasma vitamin B5 has an L-shaped relationship with CHD, with a threshold around 40.95 ng/ml. This association was modified by smoking.
Integrated proteomic and metabolomic profile analyses of cardiac valves revealed molecular mechanisms and targets in calcific aortic valve disease
Authors: Fu Bo , Wang Jing , Wang Lianqun , Wang Qiang , Guo Zhigang , Xu Meilin , Jiang Nan
Published: October 2022

Background

This study aimed to define changes in the metabolic and protein profiles of patients with calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD).

Methods and results

We analyzed cardiac valve samples of patients with and without (control) CAVD (n = 24 per group) using untargeted metabolomics and tandem mass tag-based quantitative proteomics. Significantly different metabolites and proteins between the CAVD and control groups were screened; then, functional enrichment was analyzed. We analyzed co-expressed differential metabolites and proteins, and constructed a metabolite-protein-pathway network. The expression of key proteins was validated using western blotting. Differential analysis identified 229 metabolites in CAVD among which, 2-aminophenol, hydroxykynurenine, erythritol, carnosine, and choline were the top five. Proteomic analysis identified 549 differentially expressed proteins in CAVD, most of which were localized in the nuclear, cytoplasmic, extracellular, and plasma membranes. Levels of selenium binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) positively correlated with multiple metabolites. Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporters, starch and sucrose metabolism, hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling, and purine metabolism were key pathways in the network. Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), calcium2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II delta (CAMK2D), and ATP binding cassette subfamily a member 8 (ABCA8) were identified as hub proteins in the metabolite-protein-pathway network as they interacted with ADP, glucose 6-phosphate, choline, and other proteins. Western blotting confirmed that ENPP1 was upregulated, whereas ABCA8 and CAMK2D were downregulated in CAVD samples.

Conclusion

The metabolic and protein profiles of cardiac valves from patients with CAVD significantly changed. The present findings provide a holistic view of the molecular mechanisms underlying CAVD that may lead to the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets to treat CAVD.
Artificial intelligence in cardiology: Hope for the future and power for the present
Authors: Karatzia Loucia , Aung Nay , Aksentijevic Dunja
Published: October 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the principal cause of mortality and morbidity globally. With the pressures for improved care and translation of the latest medical advances and knowledge to an actionable plan, clinical decision-making for cardiologists is challenging. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a field in computer science that studies the design of intelligent agents which take the best feasible action in a situation. It incorporates the use of computational algorithms which simulate and perform tasks that traditionally require human intelligence such as problem solving and learning. Whilst medicine is arguably the last to apply AI in its everyday routine, cardiology is at the forefront of AI revolution in the medical field. The development of AI methods for accurate prediction of CVD outcomes, non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), detection of malignant arrythmias through wearables, and diagnosis, treatment strategies and prediction of outcomes for heart failure (HF) patients, demonstrates the potential of AI in future cardiology. With the advancements of AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and the promotion of precision medicine, the future of cardiology will be heavily based on these innovative digital technologies. Despite this, ethical dilemmas regarding the implementation of AI technologies in real-world are still unaddressed.
Higher serum tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 predicts atrial fibrillation recurrence after radiofrequency catheter ablation
Authors: Li Haiwei , Sun Weiping , Wang Zefeng , Wang Ziyu , Du Xiao , Chen Junjun , Gao Jianwei , Liu Xuxia , Wang Xipeng , Wang Yueli , Wu Yongquan , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: October 2022

Background

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) levels is strongly associated with cardiac extracellular matrix accumulation and atrial fibrosis. Whether serum levels of TIMP-1 are associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) remains unknown.

Materials and methods

Serum TIMP-1 levels of patients with AF before they underwent initial RFCA were measured using ELISA. Univariate and multivariate-adjusted Cox models were constructed to determine the relationship between TIMP-1 levels and AF recurrence. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of AF recurrence.

Results

Of the 194 enrolled patients, 61 (31.4%) had AF recurrence within the median 30.0 months (interquartile range: 16.5–33.7 months) of follow-up. These patients had significantly higher baseline TIMP-1 levels than those without AF recurrence (129.8 ± 65.7 vs. 112.0 ± 51.0 ng/ml, P = 0.041). The same was true of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (3.9 ± 6.0 vs. 1.9 ± 2.8 ng/ml, P = 0.001). When a TIMP-1 cutoff of 124.15 ng/ml was set, patients with TIMP-1 ≥ 124.15 ng/ml had a higher risk of recurrent AF than those with TIMP-1 < 124.15 ng/ml (HR, 1.961, 95% CI, 1.182–2. 253, P = 0.009). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high TIMP-1 was an independent risk factor for AF recurrence. Univariate Cox regression analysis found that substrate modification surgery does not affect AF recurrence (P = 0.553). Subgroup analysis revealed that female sex, age < 65 years, hypertension (HTN), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2, CHA2DS2-VASc score < 2, HAS-BLED score < 3, and EHRA score = 3 combined with high TIMP-1 level would perform well at predicting AF recurrence after RFCA.

Conclusion

Elevated preoperative TIMP-1 levels are related to a higher risk of AF recurrence and can independently predict AF recurrence following RFCA.
Assessing the impact of blocking distal coronary sinus-left atrial muscular connection on inducible rate of atrial fibrillation and follow-up recurrence in persistent atrial fibrillation patients with different fibrotic degrees of left atrial: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang FeiLong , Liu JiChun , Fang Ping , Wang XiangHai , Wang JinFeng , Wei YouQuan , Yang Hao
Published: October 2022

Background

The musculature of the coronary sinus (CS), especially its distal connection with the post wall of the left atrial (LA), has been associated with the genesis and maintenance of atrial flutter (AFL) and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the relative contributions of the distal coronary sinus (CSD)-LA connection to PersAF with various degrees of atrial fibrosis remain unknown.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the different roles of blocking the CSD-LA connection in the induction of acute AF and middle-term follow-up of recurrence among PersAF patients with various degrees of LA fibrosis.

Methods and results

A retrospective cohort of 71 patients with drug-refractory and symptomatic PersAF underwent ablation for the first time were studied. The population was divided into two groups according to disconnection of the CSD-LA or not. All patients enrolled accepted the unified ablation procedure (circumferential pulmonary vein isolation, non-pulmonary vein trigger ablation and ablation of the CSD-LA connection). Group A (n = 47) successfully blocked the CSD-LA electrical connection and Group B (n = 24) failed. Twenty-five patients could be induced into sustained AF in the Group A compared to 20 in the Group B (53.2 vs. 83.3%, p = 0.013). After a mean follow-up of 185 ± 8 days, 24 (33.8%) patients experienced atrial arrhythmia recurrences. The Group A had significantly fewer recurrences (25.5%) compared to Group B (50%). Meanwhile, in Group A, the ROC curve analysis suggested that in the case of blocking CSD-LA, low voltage area (LVA) of LA can act as a predictive factor for acute AF induction (AUC = 0.943, Cut-off = 0.190, P < 0.001) with sensitivity and specificity of 92.3 and 90.5%, and middle-term recurrence (AUC = 0.889, Cut-off = 0.196, P < 0.001) with sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 65.7%.

Conclusion

Disconnection of CSD-LA could reduce the inducible rate of acute AF and the recurrences of atrial arrhythmia during middle-term follow-up. The PersAF patients with CSD-LA muscular connection blocked, experienced a higher acute AF inducible rate with larger proportion of LVA of LA (≥19%) and a higher recurrent rate of atrial arrhythmias with a larger proportion of LA fibrosis (≥19.6%).
Evaluation of the myocardial deformation in the diagnosis of rejection after heart transplantation
Authors: Costa Rodrigo Cordovil Pinto Lobo da , Rodrigues Ana Clara Tude , Vieira Marcelo Luiz Campos , Fischer Claudio Henrique , Monaco Claudia Gianini , Filho Edgar Bezerra Lira , Bacal Fernando , Caixeta Adriano , Morhy Samira Saady
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Heart transplantation represents main therapy for end-stage heart failure. However, survival after transplantation is limited by development of graft rejection. Endomyocardial biopsy, an invasive and expensive procedure, is gold standard technique for diagnosis of rejection. Most of biopsy complications are observed using echocardiography. Novel echocardiographic techniques, such as myocardial strain and three-dimensional reconstruction, can be useful in heart transplant patients.

Purpose

To evaluate ventricular strain in heart transplant patients and association with rejection, cellular or humoral, as well as two- and three-dimensional echocardiographic parameters.

Methods

Cohort of patients from heart transplant program taken to echocardiography after endomyocardial biopsy, from December 2017 to January 2020. Ventricular strain and three-dimensional left ventricle parameters were studied. Rejection results were retrieved from medical record. Qualitative variables were expressed by absolute frequency and percentages, while continuous variables by means and standard deviations. Association between rejection and variables of interest was measured by odds ratio and confidence interval of 95%, with p-value < 0.05.

Results

123 post-endomyocardial biopsy echocardiographic exams were performed in 54 patients. Eighteen exams were excluded, lasting 105 exams to be evaluated for conventional and advanced echocardiographic parameters. Male patients were 60.4%. Prevalence of cellular rejection was 8.6%, humoral rejection 12.4%, and rejection of any type 20%. There was no association between right ventricular strain and rejection, whether cellular (p = 0.118 and p = 0.227 for septum and free wall, respectively), humoral (p = 0.845 and p = 0.283, respectively), or of any type (0.504 and 0.446). There was no correlation between rejection and left ventricle global longitudinal strain, three-dimensional ejection fraction or desynchrony index. Conventional parameters associated to rejection were left ventricle posterior wall thickness [OR 1.660 (1.163; 2.370), p = 0.005] and left ventricle mass index [OR 1.027 (1.011; 1.139), p = 0.001]. Left ventricle posterior wall thickness remained significant after analysis of cellular and humoral rejection separately [OR 1.825 (1.097; 3.036), p = 0.021 and OR 1.650 (1.028; 2.648), p = 0.038, respectively].

Conclusions

There was no association between ventricular strain, three-dimensional left ventricular ejection fraction and the desynchrony index and rejection, cellular or humoral. Evidence of association of graft rejection with left ventricle posterior wall thickness and left ventricle mass index was observed.
Educational robotics studies in Italian scientific journals: A systematic review
Authors: Bonaiuti Giovanni , Campitiello Lucia , Di Tore Stefano , Marras Arianna
Published: October 2022

In recent years, there has been increasing attention to applying educational robotics (ER) in learning settings and, consequently, it has concerned and involved the entire pedagogical field, giving rise to a large amount of experimentation and research. Educational robots are used within the school curriculum and in extra-curricular activities to improve student interest, engagement and academic achievement in various fields, such as STEM and digital literacy, and in many other ways, for example fostering specific cognitive and socio-relational skills. In Italy, as in many other countries, an increasing number of publications are featuring this subject. While there are also some reviews, none of them has been interested in reviewing studies published in Italian journals. The aim of this work is to provide a systematic review of the literature regarding studies investigating educational robotics and provide suggestions for further research and teaching practices. To do this we used the PRISMA statement process. In total, 28 studies published between 2011 and 2021 in 49 Italian journals were analyzed. The main findings from this review provide the current state of the art on research in ER. Furthermore, the paper discusses trends and the vision toward the future and opportunities for further research.