bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased spinal adenosine impairs phrenic long-term facilitation in aging rats
Authors: Marciante Alexandria B. , Mitchell Gordon S.
Published: May 2023

Advanced age undermines respiratory motor plasticity, specifically phrenic long-term facilitation (pLTF) following moderate acute intermittent hypoxia (mAIH). We report that spinal adenosine increases in aged male rats, undermining mAIH-induced pLTF via adenosine 2A (A2A) receptor activation, an effect reversed by selective spinal adenosine 2A receptor inhibition. These findings advance our understanding of mechanisms that impair neuroplasticity, and the ability to compensate for the onset of lung or neural injury with age, and may guide efforts to harness mAIH as a treatment for clinical disorders that compromise breathing and other movements.
Phytochemicals: Alternative for Infertility Treatment and Associated Conditions
Authors: Chorosho Saziini H. , Malik Neha , Panesar Gulsheen , Kumari Pratima , Jangra Sarita , Kaur Rupinder , Al-Ghamdi Mariam S. , Albishi Tasahil S. , Chopra Hitesh , Singh Ravinder , Murthy H. C. Ananda
Published: May 2023

Infertility and obstetric complications have become global health issues in the past few years. Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive even after twelve months or more of regular and unprotected intercourse. According to WHO data published in the year 2020, 186 million people have infertility globally. Factors leading to infertility are variable in both males and females. But some common factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and stress. Various synthetic drugs and treatment options are available that are effective in treating infertility, but their prolonged usage produces various unwanted adverse effects like hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, and weight gain. In extreme cases, these may also lead to the development of anxiety and depression. Herbal remedies have gained a lot of popularity over the years, and people’s inclination toward them has increased all over the world. The prime reason is that these show significant therapeutic efficacy and have fewer side effects. The therapeutic efficacy of plants can be attributed to the presence of diverse phytochemical classes of constituents like alkaloids, flavonoids, and volatile oils. These secondary metabolites, or phytomolecules, can be used to develop herbal formulations. The review highlights the applications and mechanisms of action of various phytochemicals for treating infertility. Also, it focuses on the various future prospects associated with it.
The Relationship between the Serum NLRP1 Level and Coronary Lesions in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Zong Jing , Wang Yixiao , Pan Siyu , Yang Yiming , Peng Jingfeng , Li Fangfang , Xu Luhong , Li Shanshan , Qian Wenhao
Published: May 2023

Background. The pathogenesis of coronary artery disease is complex, and inflammation is one of the regulatory factors. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1) plays an important role in the cellular inflammatory response, cell apoptosis, cell death, and autoimmune diseases. Whether the level of NLRP1 is related to the severity of coronary artery stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been reported. Objective. To test the serum level of NLRP1 in unstable angina (UA) patients and investigate the effect of NLRP1 on coronary stenosis severity of the coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods. 307 patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University for coronary angiography from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022 were included. We detect the level of NLRP1 in the serum of the included patients. Patients were divided into UA group and control group according to coronary angiography results and other clinical data. We use logistic regression to screen the influencing factors of UA. Then, subgroups were divided according to the Gensini score and the number of coronary artery lesions, and the difference of serum NLRP1 level between the groups was compared. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between the serum NLRP1 level and Gensini score. We analyze the diagnostic value of NLRP1 for UA by drawing ROC curve. Results. The median level of serum NLRP1 in patients with UA (n = 257) was 49.71 pg/ml, IQR 30.15, 80.21, and that in patients without UA (n = 50) was 24.75 pg/ml, IQR 13.49, 41.95. Serum NLRP1 levels were significantly different among different subgroups. The patient’s Gensini score was correlated with the patient’s serum NLRP1 level. Conclusion. The serum NLRP1 level is increased in patients with UA, which is increased with the increasing severity of coronary lesions.
First-Hand Recommendations for Nursing Management to Support Nurses Involved in the Process of Hastened Death: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Evidence
Authors: Egger-Rainer Andrea , Bublitz Sarah , Lorenzl Stefan , Weck Christiane , Paal Piret
Published: May 2023

Aim. The aim of this review was to support nursing management in creating frameworks for the care of people requesting hastened death, based on the best available evidence on the experiences of nurses. Background. The legalisation of hastened death presents nurses with a complex set of ethical and moral risks. The largely unregulated role of nurses in the politics of hastened death can lead to moral distress and burnout. Evaluation. A systematic database search was conducted in CINAHL, LIVIVO, Medline, OVID, and Web of Science. The meta-aggregative approach was used to synthesise the findings. Quality appraisal was done using criteria of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Key Issues. Sixteen studies from four different countries were included. Interview data were from 200 nurses. Meta-aggregation resulted in ten synthesised findings including the need for guidelines; time resources; a supporting team; and professional, social, and personal skills. Conclusions. A working environment with clear guidelines, sufficient resources, structured professional adjustment programmes, and educational measures is supportive for nurses. Implications for Nursing Management. Nursing management should create a professional strategy, guidelines, promote good team culture, implement education, and training activities.
Effects of Cycloplegic Agents on Ocular Parameters in Children with Myopia and Hyperopia
Authors: Qu Guangzhi , Wang Bingfeng , Ding Saisai , Liu Xiaocui , Gao Lei , Wang Xuli
Published: May 2023

Background. To study the effect of cycloplegia on ocular parameters in children with myopia and hyperopia. Methods. Forty‐two myopia and forty‐four hyperopia eyes in children between 5 and 10 years of age were included. Measurements were taken before and after cycloplegia using 1% atropine sulfate ointment. The ocular parameters included central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal curvature (CC), anterior chamber depth (ACD), pupil diameter (PD), axial length (AL), and central retinal thickness (CRT). Results. There was no significant difference in CCT, CC, and CRT between the two groups without cycloplegia, but the ACD of the myopia (3.64 ± 0.28 mm) group was significantly higher than that of hyperopia (3.40 ± 0.24 mm; t = −4.522; P < 0.0001). The average PD of the myopia (4.85 ± 0.87 mm) group was significantly smaller than that of the hyperopia group (5.47 ± 1.15 mm; t = 2.903; P < 0.0046). The average AL of myopia (24.25 ± 0.77 mm) was significantly higher than that of hyperopia (21.73 ± 1.24 mm; t = 12.084; P < 0.0001). However, it was found that the average PD of myopia (7.68 ± 0.51 mm) was significantly larger than that of hyperopia (7.41 ± 0.57 mm; t = 2.364; P = 0.0202) under cycloplegia. As for the changes in refractive factors before and after cycloplegia, deepened ACD and enlarged PD were noted in both the groups after cycloplegia. Conclusions. Cycloplegia not only affects ACD and PD but also leads to the reversal of PD differences between the two groups. Cycloplegia effects enabled us to study changes in all known ocular parameters in a short period.
Development and Experimental Verification of an Intelligent Isolation System Based on Long Short-Term Memory Module Model for Ground Motion Characteristics Prediction
Authors: Lin Tzu-Kang , Lu Lyan-Ywan , Chuang Chun-Kai , Lin Ting-Kuan
Published: May 2023

Semiactive seismic control requires appropriate control laws that dictate the behavior of seismic suppression devices based on measurements and feedback during an earthquake. Optimal control parameters should be determined in real time to achieve high performance. The initial ground motion characteristics of an earthquake substantially affect control performance. In this study, a genetic algorithm (GA)-optimized long short-term memory (LSTM)-based intelligent control system (hereafter denoted GA-LSTM system) for obtaining optimal control parameters for a semiactive variable-stiffness isolation system was proposed. First, the LSTM module classifies earthquakes as near-fault or far-field events to determine the optimal control strategy. Second, earthquakes from a global database are analyzed to determine a fuzzy inference surface for the optimal parameters of the earthquake suppression system. Both numerical simulations and shaking table experimental results indicated that the proposed GA-LSTM system exhibited superior isolation displacement and superstructure acceleration suppression for both near-fault and far-field earthquakes when compared with other control techniques. The proposed intelligent control system is highly efficient and could reliably protect structures from earthquakes with any ground motion characteristics.
Application of a Titanium Screw for the Hemorrhage from the Bone Channel during the Lateral Window Technique: A Technical Note
Authors: Yamamoto Hidekazu , Matsushita Kazuhiro , Takada Hirokazu , Suito Masahiko , Tamura Masato
Published: May 2023

Pulsatile and profuse hemorrhage occurred in the lateral window technique for implant placement. The surgery was performed in the dental clinic under local anesthesia. The posterior superior alveolar artery was suspected to be the main feeder. Ordinary methods for hemostasis, such as vasoconstrictor-soaked gauze compression, electrocautery hemostasis, absorbable hemostat packing, and bone wax application, were tried. However, strong pulsatile bleeding could not be controlled at all. Complete hemostasis was hardly expected. The idea came up when the titanium screws came into sight. The sterilized screw was always stocked for bone grafting. After visualizing the bleeding point clearly by suction, and the screw was inserted into the bone channel. The bleeding was completely stopped immediately. It may not be a novel method, but is certainly a reliable application of the screw, which is fundamentally the same as arterial catheter embolization.
Supplementary Table S4 from A Phase I/II Trial of HER2 Vaccine–Primed Autologous T-Cell Infusions in Patients with Treatment Refractory HER2–Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Dang Yushe , Coveler Andrew L. , Childs Jennifer S. , Higgins Doreen M. , Liu Ying , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Salazar Lupe G.
Published: May 2023

Immunologic parameters between pre-treatment and post T cell infusion in PR+SD and PD patients.
Supplementary Table S2 from A Phase I/II Trial of HER2 Vaccine–Primed Autologous T-Cell Infusions in Patients with Treatment Refractory HER2–Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Dang Yushe , Coveler Andrew L. , Childs Jennifer S. , Higgins Doreen M. , Liu Ying , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Salazar Lupe G.
Published: May 2023

Detailed adverse events.
Supplementary Figure S3 from A Phase II Redifferentiation Trial with Dabrafenib-Trametinib and 131I in Metastatic Radioactive Iodine Refractory BRAF p.V600E-Mutated Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Leboulleux Sophie , Do Cao Christine , Zerdoud Slimane , Attard Marie , Bournaud Claire , Lacroix Ludovic , Benisvy Danielle , Taïeb David , Bardet Stéphane , Terroir-Cassou-Mounat Marie , Anizan Nadège , Bouvier-Morel Emilie , Lamartina Livia , Lion Georges , Betrian Sarah , Sajous Christophe , Schiazza Aurélie , Garcia Marie-Eve , Ciappuccini Renaud , Schlumberger Martin , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Godbert Yann , Borget Isabelle
Published: May 2023

Quality of life score changes
Data from A Phase I/II trial of HER-2/neu vaccine primed autologous T-cell infusions in patients with treatment refractory HER-2/neu overexpressing breast cancer
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Dang Yushe , Coveler Andrew L. , Childs Jennifer S. , Higgins Doreen M. , Liu Ying , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Salazar Lupe G.
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose: High levels of Type I T-cells are needed for tumor eradication. We evaluated whether the HER2 specific vaccine primed T-cells are readily expanded ex vivo to achieve levels needed for therapeutic infusion. Patients and Methods: Phase I/II non-randomized trial of escalating doses of ex-vivo expanded HER2 specific T-cells after in vivo priming with a multiple peptide-based HER2 intracellular domain vaccine. Vaccines were given weekly for a total of 3 immunizations. Two weeks after the third vaccine, patients underwent leukapheresis for T-cell expansion, then received 3 escalating cell doses over 7-10-day intervals. Booster vaccines were administered after the T-cell infusions. The primary objective was safety. The secondary objectives included extent and persistence of HER2 specific T-cells, development of epitope spreading, and clinical response. Patients received a CT scan prior to enrollment and 1 month after the last T-cell infusion. Results: Nineteen patients received T-cell infusions. Treatment was well tolerated. One month after the last T-cell infusion, 82% of patients had significantly augmented T-cells to at least one of the immunizing epitopes and 81% of patients demonstrated enhanced intramolecular epitope spreading compared to baseline (p<0.05). There were no complete responses, one partial response (6%) and eight patients with stable disease (47%) for a disease control rate of 53%. The median survival for those with progressive disease was 20.5 months and for responders (PR+SD) was 45.0 months. Conclusions: Adoptive transfer of HER2 vaccine primed T-cells was feasible, associated with minimal toxicity, and resulted in an increased overall survival in responding patients.
Data from A Phase I/II Trial of HER2 Vaccine–Primed Autologous T-Cell Infusions in Patients with Treatment Refractory HER2–Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Disis Mary L. , Dang Yushe , Coveler Andrew L. , Childs Jennifer S. , Higgins Doreen M. , Liu Ying , Zhou Jing , Mackay Sean , Salazar Lupe G.
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurpose:
High levels of type I T cells are needed for tumor eradication. We evaluated whether the HER2-specific vaccine–primed T cells are readily expanded ex vivo to achieve levels needed for therapeutic infusion.
Patients and Methods:
Phase I/II nonrandomized trial of escalating doses of ex vivo–expanded HER2-specific T cells after in vivo priming with a multiple peptide–based HER2 intracellular domain (ICD) vaccine. Vaccines were given weekly for a total of three immunizations. Two weeks after the third vaccine, patients underwent leukapheresis for T-cell expansion, then received three escalating cell doses over 7- to 10-day intervals. Booster vaccines were administered after the T-cell infusions. The primary objective was safety. The secondary objectives included extent and persistence of HER2-specific T cells, development of epitope spreading, and clinical response. Patients received a CT scan prior to enrollment and 1 month after the last T-cell infusion.
Results:
Nineteen patients received T-cell infusions. Treatment was well tolerated. One month after the last T-cell infusion, 82% of patients had significantly augmented T cells to at least one of the immunizing epitopes and 81% of patients demonstrated enhanced intramolecular epitope spreading compared with baseline (P < 0.05). There were no complete responses, one partial response (6%), and eight patients with stable disease (47%), for a disease control rate of 53%. The median survival for those with progressive disease was 20.5 months and for responders (PR+SD) was 45.0 months.
Conclusions:
Adoptive transfer of HER2 vaccine–primed T cells was feasible, was associated with minimal toxicity, and resulted in an increased overall survival in responding patients.
Data from A Phase II Redifferentiation Trial with Dabrafenib-Trametinib and 131I in Metastatic Radioactive Iodine Refractory BRAF p.V600E-Mutated Differentiated Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Leboulleux Sophie , Do Cao Christine , Zerdoud Slimane , Attard Marie , Bournaud Claire , Lacroix Ludovic , Benisvy Danielle , Taïeb David , Bardet Stéphane , Terroir-Cassou-Mounat Marie , Anizan Nadège , Bouvier-Morel Emilie , Lamartina Livia , Lion Georges , Betrian Sarah , Sajous Christophe , Schiazza Aurélie , Garcia Marie-Eve , Ciappuccini Renaud , Schlumberger Martin , Al Ghuzlan Abir , Godbert Yann , Borget Isabelle
Published: May 2023

AbstractPurpose:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dabrafenib-trametinib-131I for the treatment of radioactive iodine refractory metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) with a BRAF p.V600E mutation.
Patients and Methods:
A prospective phase II trial including patients with RECIST progression within 18 months and no lesion > 3 cm. Following a baseline recombinant human (rh)TSH-stimulated diagnostic whole-body scan (dc1-WBS), dabrafenib and trametinib were given for 42 days. A second rhTSH-stimulated dc WBS (dc2-WBS) was done at day 28 and 131I (5.5 GBq–150 mCi after rhTSH) was administered at day 35. Primary endpoint was the 6-month RECIST objective response rate. In case of partial response (PR) at 6 or 12 months, a second treatment course could be given. Among 24 enrolled patients, 21 were evaluable at 6 months.
Results:
Abnormal 131I uptake was present on 5%, 65%, and 95% of the dc1-WBS, dc2-WBS, and post-therapy scans, respectively. At 6 months, PR was achieved in 38%, stable disease in 52%, and progressive disease (PD) in 10%. Ten patients received a second treatment course: one complete response and 6 PRs were observed at 6 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was not reached. The 12- and 24-month PFS were 82% and 68%, respectively. One death due to PD occurred at 24 months. Adverse events (AE) occurred in 96% of the patients, with 10 grade 3–4 AEs in 7 patients.
Conclusions:
Dabrafenib-trametinib is effective in BRAF p.V600E-mutated DTC patients for restoring 131I uptake with PR observed 6 months after 131I administration in 38% of the patients.
Figure S3 from Reprogramming of tumor reactive Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes to human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Islam SM Rafiqul , Maeda Takuya , Tamaoki Naritaka , Good Meghan L , Kishton Rigel J , Paria Biman C. , Yu Zhiya , Bosch-Marce Marta , Bedanova Nicole M , Liu Chengyu , Kruhlak Michael J , Restifo Nicholas P , Vizcardo Raul
Published: May 2023

Figure S3: TIL-Tumor cell co-culture resulted in establishment of TIL-iPSCs from tumor reactive T cell clones from patient 1913
Figure S2 from Reprogramming of tumor reactive Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes to human induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Islam SM Rafiqul , Maeda Takuya , Tamaoki Naritaka , Good Meghan L , Kishton Rigel J , Paria Biman C. , Yu Zhiya , Bosch-Marce Marta , Bedanova Nicole M , Liu Chengyu , Kruhlak Michael J , Restifo Nicholas P , Vizcardo Raul
Published: May 2023

Figure S2: Newly identified TCRs in TIL-iPSCs established from patient 4069 TIL by αCD3/28 Ab stimulation
Evaluating the Contribution of Cell Type–Specific Alternative Splicing to Variation in Lipid Levels
Authors: Gawronski Katerina A.B. , Bone William P. , Park YoSon , Pashos Evanthia E. , Wenz Brandon M. , Dudek Max F. , Wang Xiao , Yang Wenli , Rader Daniel J. , Musunuru Kiran , Voight Benjamin F. , Brown Christopher D.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Genome-wide association studies have identified hundreds of loci associated with lipid levels. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying most of these loci are not well-understood. Recent work indicates that changes in the abundance of alternatively spliced transcripts contribute to complex trait variation. Consequently, identifying genetic loci that associate with alternative splicing in disease-relevant cell types and determining the degree to which these loci are informative for lipid biology is of broad interest.

Methods:

We analyze gene splicing in 83 sample-matched induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and hepatocyte-like cell lines (n=166), as well as in an independent collection of primary liver tissues (n=96) to perform discovery of splicing quantitative trait loci (sQTLs).

Results:

We observe that transcript splicing is highly cell type specific, and the genes that are differentially spliced between iPSCs and hepatocyte-like cells are enriched for metabolism pathway annotations. We identify 1384 hepatocyte-like cell sQTLs and 1455 iPSC sQTLs at a false discovery rate of <5% and find that sQTLs are often shared across cell types. To evaluate the contribution of sQTLs to variation in lipid levels, we conduct colocalization analysis using lipid genome-wide association data. We identify 19 lipid-associated loci that colocalize either with an hepatocyte-like cell expression quantitative trait locus or sQTL. Only 2 loci colocalize with both a sQTL and expression quantitative trait locus, indicating that sQTLs contribute information about genome-wide association studies loci that cannot be obtained by analysis of steady-state gene expression alone.

Conclusions:

These results provide an important foundation for future efforts that use iPSC and iPSC-derived cells to evaluate genetic mechanisms influencing both cardiovascular disease risk and complex traits in general.
Platelets and SARS-CoV-2 During COVID-19: Immunity, Thrombosis, and Beyond
Authors: Sciaudone Anthony , Corkrey Heather , Humphries Fiachra , Koupenova Milka
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 is characterized by dysregulated thrombosis and coagulation that can increase mortality in patients. Platelets are fast responders to pathogen presence, alerting the surrounding immune cells and contributing to thrombosis and intravascular coagulation. The SARS-CoV-2 genome has been found in platelets from patients with COVID-19, and its coverage varies according to the method of detection, suggesting direct interaction of the virus with these cells. Antibodies against Spike and Nucleocapsid have confirmed this platelet-viral interaction. This review discusses the immune, prothrombotic, and procoagulant characteristics of platelets observed in patients with COVID-19. We outline the direct and indirect interaction of platelets with SARS-CoV-2, the contribution of the virus to programmed cell death pathway activation in platelets and the consequent extracellular vesicle release. We discuss platelet activation and immunothrombosis in patients with COVID-19, the effect of Spike on platelets, and possible activation of platelets by classical platelet activation triggers as well as contribution of platelets to complement activation. As COVID-19-mediated thrombosis and coagulation are still not well understood in vivo, we discuss available murine models and mouse adaptable strains.
COVID-19, Myocarditis and Pericarditis
Authors: Fairweather DeLisa , Beetler Danielle J. , Di Florio Damian N. , Musigk Nicolas , Heidecker Bettina , Cooper Leslie T.
Published: May 2023

Viral infections are a leading cause of myocarditis and pericarditis worldwide, conditions that frequently coexist. Myocarditis and pericarditis were some of the early comorbidities associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19. Many epidemiologic studies have been conducted since that time concluding that SARS-CoV-2 increased the incidence of myocarditis/pericarditis at least 15× over pre-COVID levels although the condition remains rare. The incidence of myocarditis pre-COVID was reported at 1 to 10 cases/100 000 individuals and with COVID ranging from 150 to 4000 cases/100 000 individuals. Before COVID-19, some vaccines were reported to cause myocarditis and pericarditis in rare cases, but the use of novel mRNA platforms led to a higher number of reported cases than with previous platforms providing new insight into potential pathogenic mechanisms. The incidence of COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis/pericarditis covers a large range depending on the vaccine platform, age, and sex examined. Importantly, the findings highlight that myocarditis occurs predominantly in male patients aged 12 to 40 years regardless of whether the cause was due to a virus-like SARS-CoV-2 or associated with a vaccine—a demographic that has been reported before COVID-19. This review discusses findings from COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccine-associated myocarditis and pericarditis considering the known symptoms, diagnosis, management, treatment, and pathogenesis of disease that has been gleaned from clinical research and animal models. Sex differences in the immune response to COVID-19 are discussed, and theories for how mRNA vaccines could lead to myocarditis/pericarditis are proposed. Additionally, gaps in our understanding that need further research are raised.
Renin-Angiotensin System and Sex Differences in COVID-19: A Critical Assessment
Authors: Chappell Mark C.
Published: May 2023

The current epidemic of corona virus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in an immense health burden that became the third leading cause of death and potentially contributed to a decline in life expectancy in the United States. The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 binds to the surface-bound peptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2, EC 3.4.17.23) leading to tissue infection and viral replication. ACE2 is an important enzymatic component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) expressed in the lung and other organs. The peptidase regulates the levels of the peptide hormones Ang II and Ang-(1–7), which have distinct and opposing actions to one another, as well as other cardiovascular peptides. A potential consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection is reduced ACE2 activity by internalization of the viral-ACE2 complex and subsequent activation of the RAS (higher ratio of Ang II:Ang-[1–7]) that may exacerbate the acute inflammatory events in COVID-19 patients and possibly contribute to the effects of long COVID-19. Moreover, COVID-19 patients present with an array of autoantibodies to various components of the RAS including the peptide Ang II, the enzyme ACE2, and the AT
1
AT
2
and Mas receptors. Greater disease severity is also evident in male COVID-19 patients, which may reflect underlying sex differences in the regulation of the 2 distinct functional arms of the RAS. The current review provides a critical evaluation of the evidence for an activated RAS in COVID-19 subjects and whether this system contributes to the greater severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection in males as compared with females.
Variation in Carotid Artery Stenosis Measurements Among Facilities Seeking Carotid Stenting Facility Accreditation
Authors: Jareczek Francis J. , Farrell Mary Beth , Lehman Erik B. , Sila Cathy , Terry John B. , Sacks David , Kalapos Paul , Simon Scott D. , Cockroft Kevin M.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Based on the inclusion criteria of clinical trials, the degree of cervical carotid artery stenosis is often used as an indication for stent placement in the setting of extracranial carotid atherosclerotic disease. However, the rigor and consistency with which stenosis is measured outside of clinical trials are unclear. In an agreement study using a cross-sectional sample, we compared the percent stenosis as measured by real-world physician operators to that measured by independent expert reviewers.

Methods:

As part of the carotid stenting facility accreditation review, images were obtained from 68 cases of patients who underwent carotid stent placement. Data collected included demographics, stroke severity measures, and the documented degree of stenosis, termed operator-reported stenosis (ORS), by 34 operators from 14 clinical sites. The ORS was compared with reviewer-measured stenosis (RMS) as assessed by 5 clinicians experienced in treating carotid artery disease.

Results:

The median ORS was 90.0% (interquartile range, 80.0%–90.0%) versus a median RMS of 61.1% (interquartile range, 49.8%–73.6%), with a median difference of 21.8% (interquartile range, 13.7%–34.4%),
P
<0.001. The median difference in ORS and RMS for asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients was not statistically different (24.6% versus 19.6%;
P
=0.406). The median difference between ORS and RMS for facilities granted initial accreditation was smaller compared with facilities whose accreditation was delayed (17.9% versus 25.5%,
P
=0.035). The intraclass correlation between ORS and RMS was 0.16, indicating poor agreement. If RMS measurements were used, 72% of symptomatic patients and 10% of asymptomatic patients in the population examined would meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services criteria for stent placement.

Conclusions:

Real-world operators tend to overestimate carotid artery stenosis compared with external expert reviewers. Measurements from facilities granted initial accreditation were closer to expert measurements than those from facilities whose accreditation was delayed. Since decisions regarding carotid revascularization are often based on percent stenosis, such measuring discrepancies likely lead to increased procedural utilization.
The Musical Modes of al-Andalus
Authors: Reynolds Dwight F.
Published: May 2023

The 13th-century Tunisian author Aḥmad at-Tīfāšī describes in his work Mutʿat al-asmāʿ fī ʿilm as-samāʿ a system of melodic modes used in al-Andalus. This essay represents a preliminary attempt to situate at-Tīfāšī’s Andalusi modes within the broader historical development of medieval Arab modal systems and to explore their relationship to the modern modes of North Africa commonly referred to as Andalusi. This is, however, primarily an exploration of terminology or nomenclature rather than of the melodic characteristics of the modes themselves, since the sources examined here give little to no information about the internal features of the individual modes.
Consistency in Beliefs and Behaviors of Highly Religious Christian Youth
Authors: Belsterling Ronald G. , Shepson Donald
Published: May 2023

With Christian Smith’s consent, research was conducted at a life Conference (Christian & Missionary Alliance’s national youth conference, July 2013) using a modified version of Christian Smith’s and Lisa Pearce’s interview instrument, used in the National Study of Youth & Religion (2002). Approximately two thousand life Conference attendees (close to 400 youth leaders and 1600 students) participated in the research, though this study reports only on the adolescent responses. Frequency measures and multiple regression analyses provide evidence that adolescents’ religiosity appears to be positively associated with pro-social beliefs and behaviors and negatively associated with pop-culture-religiosity (zombies, vampires, good witches, etc.) beliefs. Single items and scales represented the religiosity variable and the associations of these varying measures of religiosity to dependent variables were compared and contrasted. Implications for issues that may need more or less focus in the classroom with future youth leaders will be discussed.
The spider genus Pseudotyphistes (Araneae, Linyphiidae) in Uruguay: a new species and new records
Authors: CAJADE MANUEL , LABORDA ÁLVARO , HAGOPIÁN DAMIÁN , SIMÓ MIGUEL
Published: May 2023

Pseudotyphistes deinceps Cajade n. sp. is described from Uruguay based on males and females. Illustrations of somatic and sexual characters and a distribution map of the species is provided. In addition, new records of Pseudotyphistes pennatus Brignoli, 1972 for the country are presented. Data of the natural history and conservation status of both species are discussed.
Actinarctus doryphorus (Tanarctidae) DNA barcodes and phylogenetic reinvestigation of Arthrotardigrada with new A. doryphorus and Echiniscoididae sequences
Authors: GROLLMANN MILENA MARIE , JØRGENSEN ASLAK , MØBJERG NADJA
Published: May 2023

Little is still known about the diversity and evolution of marine arthrotardigrades, as they are generally difficult to sample, resulting in a limited amount of molecular data for barcoding and phylogenetic studies. With the current study, we provide the first investigation into COI haplotype diversity in a marine tanarctid and at the same time readdress arthrotardigrade phylogeny. Specifically, we provide COI mtDNA, 18S and 28S rDNA sequences from a population of Actinarctus doryphorus (Tanarctidae) sampled off the coast of Roscoff, France and further provide new 18S sequences from two marine echiniscoidids. A. doryphorus COI sequences confirmed the presence of a single species and further revealed five haplotypes shared among nine sequenced individuals. Our 18S and 28S rDNA datasets were individually and combined analysed with Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood. Actinarctus doryphorus was placed together with Tanarctus sequences within a maximally supported Tanarctidae, confirming previous interpretations that the clade is distinct from Halechiniscidae. Although several studies in recent decades have concluded that the marine arthrotardigrades are paraphyletic, recent studies have argued that the clade may not be paraphyletic. Our phylogenetic analyses consistently inferred Arthrotardigrada as paraphyletic, as the clade includes the monophyletic Echiniscoidea. Accordingly, we propose that it is time to suppress the order Arthrotardigrada as it clearly does not reflect tardigrade phylogeny.
Notes on some type specimens of the Natural History Museum of Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: AZEVEDO-SANTOS VALTER M. , KATZ AXEL M. , ZAWADZKI CLÁUDIO H. , DEPRÁ GABRIEL DE CARVALHO
Published: May 2023

Professor Manuel Pereira de Godoy idealized the Natural History Museum of Pirassununga (MHNP, in Portuguese), State of São Paulo, Brazil, in 1938. In 1962, the MHNP was constructed in the backyard of his house. In 1977, the museum also received the type specimens of fishes from the defunct Estação Experimental de Biologia e Piscicultura de Pirassununga (EEBP). Here we provide notes (including photographs) of 11 type specimens (holotypes, paratypes, and syntypes) of the following 10 species belonging to four families and two orders: Leporinus amae, Astyanax (Astyanax) trierythropterus, Hyphessobrycon flammeus guabirubae, Plecostomus fluviatilis, Plecostomus luteus, Plecostomus topavae, Cetopsorhamdia iheringi, Chasmocranus brachynema, Nannorhamdia schubarti, Pimelodella insignis. Our study provides unprecedented photographic records of several type specimens deposited in MHNP. We expect this study will help in species identification and also assist future taxonomic studies of Neotropical freshwater fishes.
Assessing Risk of Family Violence by Young People: Identifying Recidivism Base Rates and the Validity of the VP-SAFvR for Youth
Authors: Sheed A. , Mcewan T. , Papalia N. , Spivak B. , Simmons M.
Published: May 2023

Police-reported incidents of youth family violence have been increasing in frequency yet limited research exists about how best to risk assess this cohort. The present study examined the validity of the Victoria Police Screening Assessment for Family Violence Risk (VP-SAFvR) for Australian youth aged 10 to 24 years ( n = 4,999) reported to police for using family violence. The 6-month base rate of family violence recidivism was 24.24% for same-dyad recidivism and 35.31% for any-dyad recidivism. The VP-SAFvR demonstrated moderate discriminative validity (area under the curve [AUC] = .65) for the total sample and comparable discriminative validity across age (AUCs = .64-.67), gender (AUCs = .63-.65), and relationship (i.e., child-to-parent abuse, sibling abuse, intimate partner abuse; AUCs = .62-.65). Predictive validity was adequate at a threshold score of four for 10- to 24-year olds and most subgroups. Results demonstrate the utility of a structured risk triage tool for youth family violence.
Model-based adaptive randomization procedures for heteroscedasticity of treatment responses
Authors: Liu Zhongqiang , Wang Xi
Published: May 2023

In clinical trials, the responses of patients usually depend on the assigned treatment as well as some important covariates, which may cause heteroscedasticity in treatment responses. As clinical trials are generally designed to demonstrate efficacy for the overall population, they are usually not adequately powered for detecting interactions. To improve the power of interaction tests, this article develops two model-based adaptive randomization procedures for heteroscedasticity of treatment responses, and derives their limiting allocation proportions, which are generalizations of the Neyman allocation. Issues of hypothesis testing and sample size estimation are also addressed. Simulation studies show that compared with complete randomization, the two model-based randomization procedures have greater power to detect differences in systematic effects, main treatment effects and treatment–covariate interactions. In addition, the validity of limiting allocation proportion is also verified through simulations.
Nonlinear modeling of a misaligned rotor under non-stationary operating conditions
Authors: Rokn-Abadi Mohammad , Amirzadegan Sadegh , Firouzabadi RD , Kouchakzadeh Mohammad Ali
Published: May 2023

In this study, a novel model is developed to investigate the angular acceleration of the nonlinear misaligned rotor passing through the critical speeds under non-stationary operating conditions. The concerned rotor is modeled elastic with the effects of nonlinear inertia terms and flexible bearing. Nonlinear equations of motion are derived using the Lagrange method and solved with the finite element method. Effects of parameters such as shaft eccentricity, damping, and stiffness of the supports on the increase in the rotor angular speed passing through the critical speed are considered. The obtained results indicate that a small amount of eccentricity prevents exceeding the elastic critical speed of the rotor. According to the results, if the support parameters are not selected properly, the rotor will not even be able to pass its rigid critical speed.
Pulmonary Histopathologic Findings in Pediatric Patients After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: An Autopsy Study
Authors: Cortes-Santiago Nahir , Patel Kalyani R. , Wu Hao , Sartain Sarah E. , Bhar Saleh , Silva-Carmona Manuel , Pogoriler Jennifer
Published: May 2023

Background:

Pathologic characterization of pulmonary complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is limited. We describe lung findings in pediatric patients who died following HSCT and attempt to identify potential clinical associations.

Methods:

Pathology databases at Texas Children’s Hospital and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia were queried (2013-2018 CHOP and 2017-2018 TCH). Electronic medical records and slides were reviewed.

Results:

Among 29 patients, 19 received HSCT for hematologic malignancy, 8 for non-malignant hematologic disorders, and 2 for metastatic solid tumors. Twenty-five patients (86%) showed 1 or more patterns of acute and organizing lung injury. Sixty-two percent had microvascular sclerosis, with venous involvement noted in most cases and not correlating with clinical history of pulmonary hypertension, clinical transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy, irradiation, or graft-versus-host disease. Features suggestive of graft-versus-host-disease were uncommon: 6 patients had lymphocytic bronchiolitis, and only 2 patients had evidence of bronchiolitis obliterans (both clinically unexpected), both with a mismatched unrelated donor transplant.

Conclusions:

Acute and subacute alveolar injury (diffuse alveolar damage or organizing pneumonia) is common in pediatric patients who died following HSCT and is difficult to assign to a specific etiology. Microvascular sclerosis was frequent and did not correlate with a single distinct clinical feature.
On joining the editorial team of European Journal of Cultural Studies in its 25th year
Authors: Kay Jilly Boyce
Published: May 2023

In this essay, I discuss my appointment as co-editor of this journal within the context of its history across its 25 years of life thus far, as well as within the field of cultural studies more broadly. I briefly consider the value and crucial importance of conjunctural analysis, cultural studies’ complex but crucial relationship to Marxism, and the generative feminist possibilities of engaging with, rather than ignoring or wholly disavowing, ‘classic’ theories of media and culture that may be problematic or limited. I also briefly identify some areas of inquiry that I see as important focal points for future cultural studies scholarship, particularly around contemporary mutations of popular and conservative feminisms, popular left politics, and the ‘culture wars’.
Private security discretion: Economic rules, social norms and situational judgement in the night-time economy
Authors: Kostara Fryni , White Adam
Published: May 2023

This article seeks to transform private security discretion from a subject discussed in passing to a substantive area of research. It first draws upon the police discretion literature to construct a socio-economic model of private security discretion. It then uses this model to explore one specific articulation of discretion: the moral discretion of door supervisors as they deal with serious incidents in the night-time economy. It uncovers three distinctive rule–norm–discretion configurations: ‘enabling’ (where economic rules and moral standards line up to facilitate a straightforward mode of moral discretion); ‘constraining’ (where economic rules override countervailing moral standards to prevent a desired mode of moral discretion); and ‘complex’ (where moral standards take precedence over prohibitive economic rules to generate a circuitous mode of moral discretion). Through this analysis, the article offers an original set of categories for studying private security discretion while simultaneously deepening our socio-economic understanding of the market for security.
The impact of COVID-19 on liver transplantation: challenges and perspectives
Authors: Fatima Ifrah , Duong Nikki
Published: May 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presented unique challenges to patients with decompensated cirrhosis awaiting transplant, with respect to accessing medical facilities for routine clinic visits, imaging, laboratory workup, or endoscopies. There was a delay in organ procurement that led to a decrease in the number of liver transplants (LTs) and an increase in the morality of waitlisted patients at the beginning of the pandemic. LT numbers later equalized to pre-pandemic numbers due to combined efforts and adaptability of transplant centers as well as dynamic guidelines. Due to being immunosuppressed, the demographics of LT patients were at an increased risk of infection. Although there is a higher rate of mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic liver disease, LT itself is not a risk factor for mortality in COVID-19. There was no difference in overall mortality in LT patients compared to non-LT patients, and mortality risk factors were the same: age, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease. The most common causes of death were respiratory complications. Liver-related deaths were reported in 1.6% of patients. The optimal timing of liver transplantation post-infection depends on various factors, such as the severity of liver injury, the presence of comorbidities, and the progression of the underlying liver disease. There is not enough data available on COVID-19 cholangiopathy and the number of cases that will be seen in the future that will require LT. There are some concerns of lower immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines in LT patients but available evidence suggests that the vaccines are safe and well-tolerated.
The size and composition of haplotype reference panels impact the accuracy of imputation from low-pass sequencing in cattle
Authors: Lloret-Villas Audald , Pausch Hubert , Leonard Alexander S.
Published: May 2023

Background

Low-pass sequencing followed by sequence variant genotype imputation is an alternative to the routine microarray-based genotyping in cattle. However, the impact of haplotype reference panels and their interplay with the coverage of low-pass whole-genome sequencing data have not been sufficiently explored in typical livestock settings where only a small number of reference samples is available.

Methods

Sequence variant genotyping accuracy was compared between two variant callers, GATK and DeepVariant, in 50 Brown Swiss cattle with sequencing coverages ranging from 4- to 63-fold. Haplotype reference panels of varying sizes and composition were built with DeepVariant based on 501 individuals from nine breeds. High-coverage sequence data for 24 Brown Swiss cattle were downsampled to between 0.01- and 4-fold to mimic low-pass sequencing. GLIMPSE was used to infer sequence variant genotypes from the low-pass sequencing data using different haplotype reference panels. The accuracy of the sequence variant genotypes that were inferred from low-pass sequencing data was compared with sequence variant genotypes called from high-coverage data.

Results

DeepVariant was used to establish bovine haplotype reference panels because it outperformed GATK in all evaluations. Within-breed haplotype reference panels were more accurate and efficient to impute sequence variant genotypes from low-pass sequencing than equally-sized multibreed haplotype reference panels for all target sample coverages and allele frequencies. F1 scores greater than 0.9, which indicate high harmonic means of recall and precision of called genotypes, were achieved with 0.25-fold sequencing coverage when large breed-specific haplotype reference panels (n = 150) were used. In absence of such large within-breed haplotype panels, variant genotyping accuracy from low-pass sequencing could be increased either by adding non-related samples to the haplotype reference panel or by increasing the coverage of the low-pass sequencing data. Sequence variant genotyping from low-pass sequencing was substantially less accurate when the reference panel lacked individuals from the target breed.

Conclusions

Variant genotyping is more accurate with DeepVariant than GATK. DeepVariant is therefore suitable to establish bovine haplotype reference panels. Medium-sized breed-specific haplotype reference panels and large multibreed haplotype reference panels enable accurate imputation of low-pass sequencing data in a typical cattle breed.