bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statin treatment in the ageing population
Authors:   , Lefeber Geert Jan
Published: September 2023

In Western countries, the number of people aged 80 years and older with cardiovascular disease will rise in the coming years. Statins have been shown to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients below 80 years. In patients above 80 evidence is limited, yet many older patients are being treated with statins. It can be hard to determine whether to initiate or discontinue statin treatment in older patients. A prevalent cardiovascular disease in older persons is aortic valve stenosis. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), a minimally invasive procedure, isa viable treatment for aortic valve stenosis in frail patients. It is however unclear if frailty parameters increase the complication risk post-TAVI and whether statin treatment decreases this risk.
In this thesis, we found that initiating statins after 80 reduced the risk of new cardiovascular events when initiated after a first heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, we demonstrated that discontinuation of statin treatment increased the risk for new cardiovascular events. This increased risk was found both in fit and frail older patients. Additionally, we found that impaired cognition doubled the risk of complications post-TAVI, and that statin use did not lower this complication risk.
Based on our research, we recommend initiating statin treatment above the age of 80 after a cardiovascular event and not to discontinue statin treatment thereafter, unless adverse effects occur or it no longer fits goals of care. Exploring cognitive function before TAVI is important, as impairment is associated with a higher complication risk. Initiation of statins before TAVI to reduce this risk is not recommended.
Blast Absorption Capacity of Brittle Mineral Foam: an Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Aminou Aldjabar , Ben-Rhouma Mohamed , Belkassem Bachir , Ousji Hamza , Atoui Oussama , Pyl Lincy , Lecompte David
Published: September 2023

Cellular materials, such as aluminum foam, have proven to be effective energy absorbents. They can be used as the crushable core for blast mitigation sacrificial cladding. In this paper insights into the blast response of a brittle mineral foam-based sacrificial cladding are presented. The experimental set-up used consists of a rigid steel frame (1000 mm × 1000 mm × 15 mm) with a square cavity of 300 mm x 300 mm in the center. An aluminum plate, representing the structure, with a total surface of 400 mm × 400 mm and a thickness of 2 mm is clamped into the steel frame. Two synchronized high-speed cameras in a stereoscopic configuration are used to capture the dynamic response of the aluminum plate at a frame rate of 20000 frames per second. The transient deformation fields are computed using a three-dimensional digital image correlation technique. The blast load is obtained by detonating 20 g of C4 placed at a distance of 250 mm from the center of the tested aluminum plate. The absorption capacity of the brittle mineral foam is assessed by comparing the out-of-plane displacement, the velocity, the acceleration and the major principal strain of the thin aluminum plate with and without the protective mineral foam. Two foam configurations with different thicknesses are considered: 60 mm and 120 mm. It is shown that adding the brittle mineral foam reduces the out-of-plane displacement together with the displacement velocity and acceleration of the aluminum plate at least by a factor of two. Post-mortem analysis of the foams shows that mitigation of the blast load in the present set-up and under the considered loading is partially obtained by crushing of the cell walls but mostly though the growth of cracks in the specimen.
TÜRKİYE’DE E-TİCARET DİFÜZYON PATİKASI: AJAN BAZLI MODELLEME
Authors: FİKİRLİ Özlem , ŞAHİN Hasan
Published: September 2023

Dijitalleşme süreci toplumu etkileyerek sosyal düzeyde değişim yaratırken ekonomik hayatın da yeni bir boyuta evrimini sağlamaktadır. Dijital dönüşümü ivmelendiren nemli gelişmelerden birisi internetin ortaya çıkmasıdır. Küresel düzeyde internet ağının ortaya çıkması e-ticaret kavramını da beraberinde getirmiştir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de tüketiciler arasında e-ticaret difüzyon patikası şeklinin ve dinamiklerinin belirlenmesidir. Çalışmada ajan bazlı modelleme ile ekonometrik yöntemlerden oluşan hibrit bir model kullanılmaktadır. Elde edilen bulgulara göre bireylerin e-ticarete adaptasyonunda demografik ve hane özelliklerinin yanı sıra bilgi difüzyon süreçleri temelinde ortaya çıkan toplumsal kültür ve aile kültürü belirleyici olmaktadır. Türkiye’de e-ticaret difüzyon patikası S-şekline sahiptir. E-ticaretin algılanan işlem maliyetinin düşürülmesi ve internet kullanımının desteklenmesi e-ticarete geçiş sürecini hızlandırarak daha dik bir difüzyon patikasının ortaya çıkmasını sağlamaktadır.
Claves literarías de la originalidad del erotismo poético en San Juan de la Cruz frente a sus fuentes y contexto. Ejemplos comparativos con el "Cantar de los Cantares" y Garcilaso
Authors: Sancho Mas Fracisco Javier
Published: September 2023

El tratamiento del erotismo en la obra de san Juan de la Cruz se basa en fuentes literarias y religiosas conocidas, pero destaca por una intensidad simbólica peculiar. Su estilo lleva al lenguaje al límite de sus capacidades, al igual que al límite de la experiencia inefable que deses trasladar. Ambigüedad y paradoja confluyen en sus textos, sobre todo cuando derrocha imágenes sensoriales para describir la renuncia a lo sensorial, o cuando sus descripciones de la ausencia del éxtasis producen un efecto extático. Este artículo se propone analizar algunos rasgos de la originalidad del símbolo erótico del carmelita, partiendo de aspectos claves de su contexto literario, y en comparación con fuentes bíblicas como el Cantar o poéticas como la de Garcilaso. San Juan de la Cruz aportará una particular expresión del deseo y la unión altamente eróticas que conjugan su experiencia vital, poética y mística.
Panorama crítico de la prosa del siglo de Oro (2017-2020)
Authors: Castillo Martínez Cristina
Published: September 2023

Este artículo presenta un panorama general de los estudios publicados sobre prosa del Siglo de Oro en el trienio 2017-2020. Consta de una amplia bibliografía con más de 1800 trabajos, precedida de un comentario de cada uno de sus apartados.
Shy Trumpers and Live Callers : An Analysis of The U.S. 2020 Polls
Authors: Thies Clifford F.
Published: September 2023

This study uses multiple regression to analyze more than 1600 state and nationwide polls released from April to November 2020 concerning the U.S. Presidential election of that year. The study finds that sample composition and survey-taking technology affected the results of these polls. Specifically, polls that over-sampled Democrats and polls that used live-callers were biased in favor of Biden. Live-caller bias almost certainly argues that polls suffered from Shy Trumpers. In addition, many poll-takers are found to be biased relative to a reference set of polls, independent of sample composition and the use of live-callers.
The Quest for Self-Discovery: A Study of the Journey Motif in Kahf’s
Authors: Ahmad Ulayyan Huda
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the journey motif plays a pivotal role in the works of Arab women writers in diaspora. Through a close reading of Arab American novelist Mohja Kahf’s The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf (2006) and Arab British novelist Leila Aboulela’s The Translator (1999), the paper highlights how the journeys taken by Khadra and Sammar, respectively, govern each of these two novels structurally and thematically. As they make journeys to their home towns in Syria and Sudan, respectively, they edge closer toward self-discovery. Therefore, the journeys the characters embark on are linked to their inner search for their own identities. Khadra and Sammar gain knowledge, better understand life, and consequently, better understand themselves. Overall, the paper shows how investigating the importance of journeys and travels in The Girl in the Tangerine Scarf and The Translator helps shed light on how Khadra and Sammar negotiate their cultural circumstances and cope with pressing social demands. In this sense, the two women personify resilience, courage and self-respect since they resist social pressures and decide to challenge them..
Религиозное пространство Казани: идентичности и практики (по материалам этносоциологического исследования) (Religious Space of Kazan: Identities and Practices (the Results of Ethnosociological Research)
Authors: Титова Т. , Фролова Е.
Published: September 2023

Актуальность статьи обусловлена необходимостью изучения особенностей конфессионального пространства крупных полиэтничных городов Российской Федерации. Статья написана на материалах этносоциологического исследования, проведенного в г. Казань в 2021 г. Цель работы заключается в анализе идентичности и практик трех численно преобладающих в конфессиональном пространстве Казани социальных групп – мусульман, православных и неверующих (атеистов). Авторами рассмотрена содержательная сторона восприятия верующими своей конфессиональной идентичности, описана динамика состояния внутри- и межгрупповых (межконфессиональных) отношений в оценках верующих и неверующих. Проанализирован общий социально-психологический настрой в изучаемых группах. Сделан вывод о том, что тренд на «мирное сосуществование» разных мировоззрений подкрепляется ростом в группах верующих численности тех, кто занимает позицию осознанного выбора религии самим человеком и самостоятельным приходом к вере. Показано, что неверующие горожане чаще настроены более критично, чаще высказываются против усиления роли религии в различных сферах общественной и политической жизни. Материалы статьи могут быть полезными для социологов, психологов, социальных и культурных антропологов, политологов, а также представителей органов и структур, курирующих вопросы политики в этнической и религиозной сферах.
This article seeks to contribute to the trend of studying the confessional space of large multi-ethnic cities of the Russian Federation. It is based on the ethnosociological study conducted in Kazan in 2021. The purpose is to analyze the identity and practices of three numerically predominant social groups in the confessional space of Kazan – Muslims, Orthodox and non-believers (atheists). The authors studied the content of believers' perception of their confessional identity, described the dynamics of intra- and inter-confessional relations in the assessments of believers and non-believers, analyzed the general socio-psychological atmosphere in the studied groups. It is concluded that the trend towards "peaceful coexistence" of different worldviews is supported by the growing number of believers who propagate conscious choice of religion and independent coming to faith. It is shown that non-believers more often speak out against the strengthening role of religion in various spheres of public and political life. The results may be useful for sociologists, psychologists, social and cultural anthropologists, political scientists, and bodies in charge of ethnic and religious policy.
Новый вклад в изучение самосознания и культуры русских. Рецензия на книгу: Жигунова М. А. Русское население Города Омска: идентичность, культура, традиции. Омск, Екатеринбург: Уральский рабочий, 2022. 232 с. (A New Contribution to the Study of the Identity and Culture of Russians. Book review: M. A. Zhigunova. The Russian Population of the City of Omsk: Identity, Culture, Traditions. Omsk, Yekaterinburg: The Ural Worker, 2022. 232 p.)
Authors: Федоров Р.
Published: September 2023

В представленной к рецензии монографии М. А. Жигуновой опубликованы результаты многолетних исследований автора антропологии и этнографии современного сибирского города на примере Омска. Автор характеризует этническое, национальное, гражданское, региональное и религиозное самосознание, основные черты характера русских, их представления о семье и браке, обряды жизненного цикла. Впервые специфика культуры анализируется через этнокультурные предпочтения: любимые праздники, блюда и напитки национальной кухни, фольклор и музыкальные предпочтения, учреждения культуры и творческие коллективы. Рецензент кратко охарактеризовал содержание, источниковую базу и методологию работы, выделив элементы их новизны в контексте современных исследований русского населения Сибири.
The reviewed monograph by M. A. Zhigunova presents the results of the author’s long-term anthropological and ethnographic research of the modern Siberian city on the example of Omsk. The author characterizes ethnic, national, regional and religious identity, the personality traits associated with Russians, their understanding of family and marriage, and the life cycle rituals. For the first time, the specificity of culture is analyzed through ethnocultural preferences: favourite holidays, dishes and drinks of national cuisine, folklore and musical preferences, cultural institutions and folk groups. The reviewer briefly describes the content, source base and methodology of the work, highlighting the novel elements in the context of modern studies of the Siberian Russian population.
Рецензия на книгу: Dagiev Dagikhudo. Central Asian Ismailis. An Annotated Bibliography of Russian, Tajik and Other Sources. London: I. B. Tauris, 2022. 278 р.
Book Review: Dagiev Dagikhudo. Central Asian Ismailis. An Annotated Bibliography of Russian, Tajik and Other Sources. London: I. B. Tauris, 2022. 278 р.
Authors: Каландаров Т.
Published: September 2023

В рецензии на книгу Дагихудо Дагиева “Central Asian Ismailis. An annotated bibliography of Russian, Tajik and other sources” дается в целом высокая оценка этому научному труду. Рецензент в краткой форме анализирует все три главы книги, показывая слабые и сильные стороны монографии. Несмотря на то, что исмаилитское сообщество Средней Азии имеет тысячелетнюю историю, подготовленных исследований еще мало. Что касается опубликованных работ на английском языке, то их еще меньше. В этой связи рецензируемая книга особенно ценна, потому что обзорно знакомит англоязычных читателей с историей исмаилитов Средней Азии и дает историографию проблемы. Несмотря на то, что автор рецензируемого труда собрал внушительный библиографический список работ по истории и доктринам исмаилитов (собственно библиография и составляет содержание третий главы), тем не менее он не охватил абсолютно все исследования по данной теме, на что указывает рецензент. Однако аннотации к более 700 публикациям на таджикском, русском и английском языках являются хорошим ресурсом для исследователей, которые занимаются проблематикой, связанной с исмаилизмом.
In the book review of Dagikhudo Dagiev's “Central Asian Ismailis. An annotated bibliography of Russian, Tajik and other sources”, the reviewer expresses his high appreciation with the regard to this academic work in general. The reviewer briefly analyses all three chapters of the book, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the monograph. Despite the fact that the Ismaili community of Central Asia has a thousand-year history, there are still few studies conducted in this area. This is especially true for the published works in English. In this regard, the reviewed work is particularly valuable as it introduces English-speaking readers to the history of the Ismailis of Central Asia and provides a historiography of this issue. The author has compiled an impressive bibliographic list (the third chapter is entirely dedicated to the bibliography) of works on the history and doctrine of the Ismailis, nevertheless, it has not covered all published works on this issue. However, the abstracts of more than 700 works in Tajik, Russian and English are a decent resource for researchers who work in this area.
Hybrid Boolean gates show that Cas12c controls transcription activation effectively in the yeast S. cerevisiae
Authors: Liu Yifan , Ge Huanhuan , Marchisio Mario Andrea
Published: September 2023

Among CRISPR-Cas systems, type V CRISPR-Cas12c is of significant interest because Cas12c recognizes a very simple PAM (TN) and has the ability to silence gene expression without cleaving the DNA. We studied how new transcription factors for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can be built on Cas12c. We found that, upon fusion to a strong activation domain, Cas12c is an efficient activator. Its functionality was proved as a component of hybrid Boolean gates, i.e., logic circuits that mix transcriptional and translational control (the latter reached via tetracycline-responsive riboswitches). Moreover, Cas12c activity can be strongly inhibited by the anti-CRISPR AcrVA1 protein. Thus, Cas12c has the potential to be a new tool to control the activation of gene expression within yeast synthetic gene circuits.
Endogenous retrovirus group FRD member 1 is a potential biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Wen Xiaofen , Shen Jiaxin , De Miglio Maria Rosaria , Zeng De , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The activation of endogenous retroviral (ERV) genes in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) suggests the necessity for further research on their functions.

Methods

In this study, KIRC and healthy cohorts were obtained from TGGA and GEO datasets. Subsequently, differential analysis and functional annotation were conducted using GO, KEGG, and GSEA. Clinical outcomes were then observed and utilized in the development of a nomogram.

Results

We observed the general low expression of ERVFRD-1 in KIRC tumors compared to normal tissue (P < 0.001) across multiple cohorts. Differential analysis and functional annotation using GO, KEGG, GSEA analysis revealed significant involvement of ERVFRD-1 in tumor immunoregulation: a close relation to the infiltration levels of mast cells and Treg cell (P < 0.001) and occurrence with a variety of immune markers. Methylation status was then applied to uncover potential mechanisms of ERVFRD-1 in KIRC. Notably, higher expression levels of ERVFRD-1 were associated with extended overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free survival. Finally, based on Cox regression analysis, we constructed a nomogram incorporating ERVFRD-1, pathologic T, and age, which exhibited promising predictive power in assessing the survival outcomes of KIRC patients.

Discussion

To sum up, our study suggests that ERVFRD-1 plays a role in regulating immunological activity within the tumor microenvironment and is associated with overall survival in KIRC patients. ERVFRD-1 may therefore be a sensitive biomarker for diagnosis, immunotherapy, and prognosis assessment of KIRC.
Clinical applicability of an artificial intelligence prediction algorithm for early prediction of non-persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Kim Yeji , Joo Gihun , Jeon Bo-Kyung , Kim Dong-Hyeok , Shin Tae Young , Im Hyeonseung , Park Junbeom
Published: September 2023

Background and aims

It is difficult to document atrial fibrillation (AF) on ECG in patients with non-persistent atrial fibrillation (non-PeAF). There is limited understanding of whether an AI prediction algorithm could predict the occurrence of non-PeAF from the information of normal sinus rhythm (SR) of a 12-lead ECG. This study aimed to derive a precise predictive AI model for screening non-PeAF using SR ECG within 4 weeks.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients aged 18 to 99 with SR ECG on 12-lead standard ECG (10 seconds) in Ewha Womans University Medical Center for 3 years. Data were preprocessed into three window periods (which are defined with the duration from SR to non-PeAF detection) – 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks from the AF detection prospectively. For experiments, we adopted a Residual Neural Network model based on 1D-CNN proposed in a previous study. We used 7,595 SR ECGs (extracted from 215,875 ECGs) with window periods of 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks for analysis.

Results

The prediction algorithm showed an AUC of 0.862 and an F1-score of 0.84 in the 1:4 matched group of a 1-week window period. For the 1:4 matched group of a 2-week window period, it showed an AUC of 0.864 and an F1-score of 0.85. Finally, for the 1:4 matched group of a 4-week window period, it showed an AUC of 0.842 and an F1-score of 0.83.

Conclusion

The AI prediction algorithm showed the possibility of risk stratification for early detection of non-PeAF. Moreover, this study showed that a short window period is also sufficient to detect non-PeAF.
Mean arterial pressure trajectory with premature cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality in young adults: the Kailuan prospective cohort study
Authors: Song Zongshuang , Zhao Haiyan , Wei Zhihao , Zhao Wenliu , Tan Yizhen , Yang Peng , Chen Shuohua , Wu YunTao , Li Yun , Wu Shouling
Published: September 2023

Background

The association between mean arterial pressure (MAP) trajectory in young adults and risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and all-cause mortality is not well-characterized. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different MAP trajectory on the risk of CVD and all-cause mortality among the young.

Methods

In the Kailuan cohort study, 19,171 participants aged 18–40 years were enrolled without CVD (including myocardial infarction, stroke, atrial fibrillation and heart failure). The potential hybrid model was used to fit different trajectory patterns according to longitudinal changes of MAP. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for risk of CVD and all-cause mortality were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression models for participants with different trajectories.

Results

Five distinct MAP trajectories were identified during 2006–2013. Each of the trajectories was labelled as low-stable, middle-stable, decreasing, increasing, or high-stable. With the low-stable trajectory group as the reference, the multivariate adjusted HR (95%CI) of CVD for the middle-stable, decreasing, increasing and high-stable groups were 2.49 (1.41–4.40), 5.18 (2.66–10.06), 5.91 (2.96–11.80) and 12.68 (6.30–25.51), respectively. The HR (95%CI) for all-cause deaths were 1.27 (0.84–1.94), 2.01 (1.14–3.55), 1.96 (1.04–4.3.72), and 3.28 (1.69–6.37), respectively.

Conclusion

In young adults, MAP trajectories were associated with the risk of CVD or all-cause mortality and increasing MAP trajectories within the currently designated “normal” range may still increase the risk for CVD.
Case report: Combination of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and intra-aortic balloon pump in a young male patient with refractory cardiogenic shock due to aluminum phosphide poisoning
Authors: Dukhin Oleg , Bala Danila , Felker Evgeny , Golovina Polina , Tretyakova Mariya , Haes Boris , Savvinova Polina
Published: September 2023

Background

Acute toxic myocardial damage may be accompanied by the development of cardiogenic shock (CS), the mortality from which is still unacceptably high. Since there is no specific antidote for many types of toxins, treatment of such patients includes various measures of hemodynamic and respiratory support. The paper presents a case of refractory CS due to possible aluminum phosphide (AP) poisoning.

Case summary

A 20-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department 4 days after home inhalation of AP due to complaints of nausea, vomiting, abdominal and chest pain. Over the next few hours, he rapidly developed CS, which was refractory to conservative treatment. Therefore, veno-arterial membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) was performed, during which hemodynamics stabilized, but later there were signs of left ventricular overload. To unload the left ventricle (LV), an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was implanted, which significantly improved the patient's condition. After 6 days the patient was decannulated, and a few more days later IABP was discontinued. Subsequently, the patient was treated for sepsis due to bilateral pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome and optimal medical therapy for heart failure was prescribed. The patient was discharged after 34th day of hospitalization.
The lactate to albumin ratio linked to all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with septic myocardial injury
Authors: Chen Sheng , Guan Senhong , Yan Zhaohan , Ouyang Fengshan , Li Shuhuan , Liu Lanyuan , Zhong Jiankai
Published: September 2023

Background

The lactate to albumin ratio (LAR) has emerged as a promising prognostic marker in critically ill patients. Despite its potential utility, the prognostic value of LAR in septic myocardial injury (SMI) remains uncertain.

Methods

This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of LAR in SMI through a retrospective cohort analysis of data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) (v1.4) database. The study included intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients (age ≥18 years) diagnosed with SMI. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality.

Results

A total of 704 patients were included in the study, of which 59.10% were male. Hospital mortality and ICU mortality rates were recorded at 29.97% and 22.87%, respectively. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate Cox proportional risk analysis demonstrated that LAR was independently associated with an increased risk of both hospital mortality (HR, 1.39 [95% CI: 1.24–1.56] P < 0.001) and ICU mortality (HR, 1.46 [95% CI: 1.29–1.65] P < 0.001). Furthermore, the generalized additive model (GAM) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model indicated a linear relationship between LAR and mortality rates in the ICU and hospital.

Conclusions

The LAR may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker in critically ill patients with SMI. High LAR levels are associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality and can help identify individuals with high mortality rates. Overall, the findings emphasize the importance of using LAR as a tool for risk stratification and management of critically ill patients with SMI.
Case report: Surgical management of a rare right coronary artery fistula with a giant pseudoaneurysm compressing the pulmonary vein in a young patient
Authors: Tang Weijie , Xiang Kun , Zhou Huatao , Li Yichen , Yang Jinfu , Liu Jijia , Fan Chengming
Published: September 2023

Congenital coronary artery fistula (CAF) represents a remarkable rarity within the realm of cardiovascular anomalies, characterized by an aberrant connection between coronary arteries and either cardiac chambers or major vessels. Clinical manifestations of CAFs often remain unspecified or may even be entirely absent, posing diagnostic challenges. Notably, patients harboring substantial CAFs may exhibit symptoms such as palpitations, chest tightness, and dyspnea. Although right-sided congenital CAFs are relatively prevalent, the occurrence of a CAF accompanied by a colossal pseudoaneurysm imposing compression upon the pulmonary vein is an exceedingly rare phenomenon. This exceptional case report delineates a singular fistula originating from the right coronary artery, extending its course to the right atrium, and remarkably featuring a substantial pseudoaneurysm exerting compression upon the right superior pulmonary vein. Therapeutic intervention encompassed surgical closure of the proximal artery and excision of the pseudoaneurysm, underscoring the complexity and criticality of managing such intricate cardiac anomalies to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
Comparison of middle-term valve durability between transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs
Authors: Lerman Tsahi T. , Levi Amos , Jørgensen Troels Højsgaard , Søndergaard Lars , Talmor-Barkan Yeela , Kornowski Ran
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aims to compare valve durability between transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis using data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was structural valve deterioration (SVD). Secondary outcomes were bioprosthetic valve failure, reintervention, effective orifice area (EOA), mean pressure gradient, and moderate–severe aortic regurgitation (AR, transvalvular and/or paravalvular).

Results

Twenty-five publications from seven RCTs consisting of 7,970 patients were included in the analysis with follow-up ranges of 2–8 years. No significant difference was found between the two groups with regard to SVD [odds ratio (OR) 0.72; 95% CI: 0.25–2.12]. The TAVI group was reported to exhibit a statistically significant higher risk of reintervention (OR 2.03; 95% CI: 1.34–3.05) and a moderate–severe AR (OR 6.54; 95% CI: 3.92–10.91) compared with the SAVR group. A trend toward lower mean pressure gradient in the TAVI group [(mean difference (MD) −1.61; 95% CI: −3.5 to 0.28)] and significant higher EOA (MD 0.20; 95% CI: 0.08–0.31) was noted.

Conclusion

The present data indicate that TAVI provides a comparable risk of SVD with favorable hemodynamic profile compared with SAVR. However, the higher risk of significant AR and reintervention was demonstrated.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42022363060).
Temporal variability of explosive activity at Tajogaite volcano, Cumbre Vieja (Canary Islands), 2021 eruption from ground-based infrared photography and videography
Authors: Birnbaum Janine , Lev Einat , Hernandez Pedro A. , Barrancos José , Padilla Germán D. , Asensio-Ramos María , Calvo David , Rodríguez Fátima , Pérez Nemesio M. , D’Auria Luca , Calvari Sonia
Published: September 2023

The 2021 eruption at Tajogaite (Cumbre Vieja) volcano (La Palma, Spain) was characterized by Strombolian eruptions, Hawaiian fountaining, white gas-dominated and grey ash-rich plumes, and lava effusion from multiple vents. The variety of eruptive styles displayed simultaneously and throughout the eruption presents an opportunity to explore controls on explosivity and the relationship between explosive and effusive activity. Explosive eruption dynamics were recorded using ground-based thermal photography and videography. We show results from the analysis of short (<5 min) near-daily thermal videos taken throughout the eruption from multiple ground-based locations and continuous time-lapse thermal photos over the period November 16 to November 26. We measure the apparent radius, velocity, and volume flux of the high-temperature gas-and-ash jet and lava fountaining behaviors to investigate the evolution of the explosive activity over multiple time scales (seconds-minutes, hours, and days-weeks). We find fluctuations in volume flux of explosive material that correlate with changes in volcanic tremor and hours-long increases in explosive flux that are immediately preceded by increases in lava effusion rate. Correlated behavior at multiple vents suggests dynamic magma ascent pathways connected in the shallow (tens to hundreds of meters) sub-surface. We interpret the changes in explosivity and the relative amounts of effusive and explosivity to be the result of changes in gas flux and the degree of gas coupling.
The impact of female BMI on sperm DNA damage repair ability of oocytes and early embryonic development potential in intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles
Authors: Jiang Yuqing , Shen Zhaoyang , Xu Jianmin , Zhu Jing , Wang Huan , Chen Wenhui , Sun Yingpu , Yang Qingling
Published: September 2023

Background

Obesity adversely influences the quality of oocytes and embryos and can affect DNA repair in embryos, leading to reproductive issues. However, the effects of body mass index (BMI) on DNA repair ability in oocytes during intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles have not yet been investigated. Therefore, this retrospective study aimed to analyze the influence of sperm DNA damage on embryo development and reproductive outcomes in overweight/obese and normal-weight women in ICSI cycles.

Methods

A total of 1,141 patients who received the first fresh ICSI cycle treatments were recruited from July 2017 to July 2021. Based on the BMI of the women, all patients were divided into normal weight (18.5≤BMI<25 kg/m2; n=824; 72.22%) and overweight/obese (BMI≥25 kg/m2; n=317; 27.78%) groups. Furthermore, according to the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), these two groups were subdivided into two subgroups: DFI<30% and DFI≥30%.

Results

In the normal-weight women group, the embryonic development and reproductive outcomes of ICSI cycles were not statistically different between the two subgroups (DFI<30% and DFI≥30%). However, in the overweight/obese women group, couples with a sperm DFI≥30% had a significantly lower fertilization rate (76% vs. 72.7%; p=0.027), cleavage rate (98.7% vs. 97.2%; p=0.006), and high-quality embryo rate (67.8% vs. 62.6%; p=0.006) than couples with a sperm DFI<30%.

Conclusion

When injected sperm with high DFI into the oocytes of overweight/obese women, resulting in lower fertilization, cleavage, and high-quality embryo rates in ICSI cycles, and the decreased early developmental potential of embryos from overweight/obese patients may be caused by the diminished capacity of oocytes to repair sperm DNA damage.
A clinically useful and biologically informative genomic classifier for papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Craig Steven , Stretch Cynthia , Farshidfar Farshad , Sheka Dropen , Alabi Nikolay , Siddiqui Ashar , Kopciuk Karen , Park Young Joo , Khalil Moosa , Khan Faisal , Harvey Adrian , Bathe Oliver F.
Published: September 2023

Clinical management of papillary thyroid cancer depends on estimations of prognosis. Standard care, which relies on prognostication based on clinicopathologic features, is inaccurate. We applied a machine learning algorithm (HighLifeR) to 502 cases annotated by The Cancer Genome Atlas Project to derive an accurate molecular prognostic classifier. Unsupervised analysis of the 82 genes that were most closely associated with recurrence after surgery enabled the identification of three unique molecular subtypes. One subtype had a high recurrence rate, an immunosuppressed microenvironment, and enrichment of the EZH2-HOTAIR pathway. Two other unique molecular subtypes with a lower rate of recurrence were identified, including one subtype with a paucity of BRAFV600E mutations and a high rate of RAS mutations. The genomic risk classifier, in addition to tumor size and lymph node status, enabled effective prognostication that outperformed the American Thyroid Association clinical risk stratification. The genomic classifier we derived can potentially be applied preoperatively to direct clinical decision-making. Distinct biological features of molecular subtypes also have implications regarding sensitivity to radioactive iodine, EZH2 inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors.
ACTH-producing small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma from the gallbladder: a case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Huang Dihua , Pan Xiaojie , Si Qiya , You Qiaoying
Published: September 2023

Ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS) is a condition of hypercortisolism caused by non-pituitary tumors that secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). A rare occurrence of this syndrome is due to an ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumor that originates from the gallbladder. One patient with severe hypokalemia and alkalosis was admitted to our hospital. Clinical presentations and radiographic findings confirmed the diagnosis of an aggressive ACTH-producing gallbladder malignancy with multiple liver metastases. The diagnosis was verified by pathological and immunohistochemical measurements from a biopsy of the hepatic metastasis. A literature review identified only four similar cases had been reported. Despite being rare and having a poor prognosis, hormone-producing neuroendocrine tumors that derive from the gallbladder should be considered in the differential diagnosis of ectopic ACTH syndrome.
Effectiveness and potential mechanism of Jiawei-Xiaoyao-San for hyperthyroidism: a systematic review
Authors: Ma Wenxin , Zhang Xiaowen , Zhao Ruotong , Tang Yang , Zhu Xiaoyun , Liu Longkun , Xu Mingyuan , Wang Ge , Peng Peiyue , Liu Jianping , Liu Zhaolan
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and potential mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine Jiawei-Xiaoyao-San (JWXYS) as an adjunct or mono- therapy for antithyroid drugs (ATDs) in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Methods

Eight databases and three trial registries were searched from inception until May 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included and meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 14.0. The Cochrane risk of bias (ROB) tool 1.0 and GRADE tool was used for quality appraisal. The findings from case reports using mono-JWXYS and pharmacological studies were summarized in tables.

Results

Thirteen RCTs with 979 participants were included. The majority of the included studies were assessed as high risk of bias in one ROB domain. Compared with ATDs, JWXYS plus ATDs resulted in lower free triiodothyronine (FT3) (MD = -1.31 pmol/L, 95% CI [-1.85, -0.76]; low-certainty), lower free thyroxine (MD = -3.24 pmol/L, 95% CI [-5.06, -1.42]; low-certainty), higher thyroid stimulating hormone (MD = 0.42 mIU/L, 95% CI [0.26, 0.59]; low-certainty), higher effectiveness rate of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome (RR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.08, 1.52]; low-certainty), lower goiter score (MD = -0.66, 95% CI [-1.04, -0.29]; very low-certainty), lower thyrotrophin receptor antibody (SMD = -0.44, 95% CI [-0.73, -0.16]; low-certainty) and fewer adverse events (AEs) (RR = 0.34, 95% CI [0.18, 0.67]; moderate-certainty). Compared with regular dosage of ATDs, JWXYS plus half-dose ATDs resulted in fewer AEs (RR = 0.24, 95% CI [0.10, 0.59]; low-certainty). Compared with ATDs in 1 trial, JWXYS resulted in higher FT3, lower goiter score and fewer AEs. Three case reports showed that the reasons patients sought TCM-only treatment include severe AEs and multiple relapses. Three pharmacological studies demonstrated that JWXYS restored Th17/Treg balance, lowered deiodinases activity, regulated thyroid cell proliferation and apoptosis, and alleviated liver oxidative stress in mouse or rat models.

Conclusion

JWXYS may enhance the effectiveness of ATDs for hyperthyroidism, particularly in relieving symptoms and reducing AEs. Mono-JWXYS is not recommended except in patients intolerant to ATDs. The findings should be interpreted with caution due to overall high risk of bias. Further pharmacological studies with more reliable models are needed.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023394923.
Re-examining the efficiency of the EU carbon futures market in phase Ⅱ: price discovery and intertemporal arbitrage
Authors: Xi Zili , Pan Huanxue , Qin Tao
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Carbon futures market plays an important role in energy conservation and emission reduction of energy-intensive firms, and its efficiency is largely reflected by the dynamic relationship between carbon spot and futures prices. Even though the EU carbon futures market has undergone three phases, its efficiency in Phase Ⅱ still contains much controversy.

Methods: Based on the cost-of-carry model, we apply linear and nonlinear Granger causality test, vector error correction model and threshold vector error correction model to re-examine the efficiency of the carbon futures market in the second phase of the European Union Emissions Trading System from the perspectives of price discovery and intertemporal arbitrage.

Results: i) the EU carbon futures market has the function of price discovery by virtue of the broad scope of participants and the consequent huge liquidity, suggesting that the carbon futures price can predict the carbon spot price; ii) the coefficient requirement of the cost-of-carry model is satisfied and the relationship between the European Union Allowance (EUA) futures and spot prices is consistent with the cost-of-carry model, which indicates that the former is an unbiased estimator of the latter and an equilibrium relationship exists between the two prices so that the carbon futures market is efficient in the long run; iii) however, the carbon futures market shows inefficiency in the short run since it has an error correction function only when the basis is less than −0.07 and the carbon futures price indicates a remarkably slow adjustment to the long-run equilibrium when there is deviation, which can be ascribed to the global financial crisis as well as its aftermath in 2008.

Discussion: In the context of global warming and carbon neutrality, the results of this paper are of great significance to emitters, arbitrageurs, hedgers and policymakers in emerging and young carbon markets.
Sequential extraction procedure of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash targeting grain size and the amorphous fraction
Authors: De Matteis C. , Mantovani L. , Tribaudino M. , Bernasconi A. , Destefanis E. , Caviglia C. , Toller S. , Dinelli E. , Funari V.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Bottom ash (BA) constitutes a significant by-product obtained during the incineration of municipal solid waste in waste-to-energy (WtE) plants. BA is a heterogeneous material made of different fractions, glass, minerals, metals, and unburned residual organic matter. Due to the non-hazardous nature of the unburned material, BA can be effectively recycled, becoming a valuable resource. However, BA displays a high content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) within its finer grain size. The presence of these elements raises concerns regarding the potential toxicity associated with BA.

Materials and methods: The release of PTEs in the smaller fraction (0.063–0.2 mm; 0.3–0.5 mm; 2–4 mm; bulk <4 mm) of BA collected from the Parma WtE plant was investigated using a new five-step sequential extraction procedure (SEP). Through this method, both leached solutions and solid residues were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. This integrated approach provided valuable insights into the mineralogy, chemical composition, and PTEs leachability of BA.

Results and discussion: The novelty of this work is the development of a new SEP protocol specifically designed and planned for an anthropogenic material such as BA. The weight reduction recorded after each step is linked to the progressive disappearance of both crystalline and amorphous phases. Water-soluble phases, such as salts, are the first to react, followed by the carbonate fraction in the second step. At the end of the procedure, only quartz, corundum, and Ti-oxide are identified. Among the PTEs, Pb exhibits the highest release, particularly during the acid attack, followed by Zn. The significant release of Ni during the oxidizing and reducing steps can potentially be linked to hydroxides and metallic alloys, respectively. The integration of XRF and Rietveld refinement results on solid residues enabled the identification of several types of amorphous materials and their chemical evolution during the sequential extraction.
What determines demographic growth in green anacondas? Strong interactions among vertebrates in a neotropical ecosystem
Authors: Rivas Jesús A. , Jaremko-Wright Will
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Trophic cascades can produce important effects on a community where some species may have strong effects on other parts of the community up, down the food chain, or both. Top predators are often controlled from the bottom-up by the abundance of their prey base while prey animals are often controlled from the top-down. Studies of trophic interactions in the tropics suggest that the trophic chains are longer because of the high productivity; and because of the high diversity there is abundant intraguild redundancy which results in weak interactions.

Methods

We studied the effect of bottom-up forces affecting the population of green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) in the Venezuelan llanos; looking at net primary productivity, precipitation, and the abundance of an important prey item, Capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris).

Results

Our data show a strong interaction of these variables on the percentage of Anacondas that reproduce in a given year (here forth breeding ratio). In particular Capybara abundance has a strong effect. Capybara abundance itself is also under strong bottom-up influence determined by precipitation and Net Primary Productivity.

Discussion

These strong interactions are not what is expected from a tropical ecosystem. We also found an unexpected strong influence of precipitation and primary productivity on Anaconda breeding ratio not related to the abundance of Capybara, likely affecting abundance of other prey or affecting non-trophic variables. This later evidence supports the notion that there is redundancy in tropical food chains and, strong as the effect of Capybara abundance might be, Anacondas do not entirely rely on them.
Identifying target ion channel-related genes to construct a diagnosis model for insulinoma
Authors: Mo Shuangyang , Wang Yingwei , Wu Wenhong , Zhao Huaying , Jiang Haixing , Qin Shanyu
Published: September 2023

Background: Insulinoma is the most common functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) with abnormal insulin hypersecretion. The etiopathogenesis of insulinoma remains indefinable. Based on multiple bioinformatics methods and machine learning algorithms, this study proposed exploring the molecular mechanism from ion channel-related genes to establish a genetic diagnosis model for insulinoma.

Methods: The mRNA expression profile dataset of GSE73338 was applied to the analysis, which contains 17 insulinoma samples, 63 nonfunctional PNET (NFPNET) samples, and four normal islet samples. Differently expressed ion channel-related genes (DEICRGs) enrichment analyses were performed. We utilized the protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis and machine learning of LASSO and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) to identify the target genes. Based on these target genes, a nomogram diagnostic model was constructed and verified by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Moreover, immune infiltration analysis, single-gene gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) were executed. Finally, a drug–gene interaction network was constructed.

Results: We identified 29 DEICRGs, and enrichment analyses indicated they were primarily enriched in ion transport, cellular ion homeostasis, pancreatic secretion, and lysosome. Moreover, the PPI network and machine learning recognized three target genes (MCOLN1, ATP6V0E1, and ATP4A). Based on these target genes, we constructed an efficiently predictable diagnosis model for identifying insulinomas with a nomogram and validated it with the ROC curve (AUC = 0.801, 95% CI 0.674–0.898). Then, single-gene GSEA analysis revealed that these target genes had a significantly positive correlation with insulin secretion and lysosome. In contrast, the TGF-beta signaling pathway was negatively associated with them. Furthermore, statistically significant discrepancies in immune infiltration were revealed.

Conclusion: We identified three ion channel-related genes and constructed an efficiently predictable diagnosis model to offer a novel approach for diagnosing insulinoma.
Recent advances in understanding the effects of T lymphocytes on mucosal barrier function in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Yang Maolin , Sun Liwei , Zhu Dongdong , Meng Cuida , Sha Jichao
Published: September 2023

Allergic rhinitis is a non-infectious chronic inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa that affects T cells and their cytokines. T cells play significant roles in the development of allergic inflammatory diseases by orchestrating mechanisms underlying innate and adaptive immunity. Although many studies on allergic rhinitis have focused on helper T cells, molecular makeup, and pathogenesis-related transduction pathways, pathological mechanisms have not yet been completely explored. Recent studies have suggested that T cell status may play an important role in the interaction between T cells and the nasal mucosal barrier in allergic rhinitis. This study aimed to explore the interactions between T cells and nasal mucosal barriers in allergic rhinitis and to review the therapeutic modalities of pertinent biological agents involving T cells.