bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the travel time in the upper Yellow River in 2015
Authors: Sun Zhaodong , Zhang Yatong , Song Zhangyang , Sun Hong , Sun Yigong
Published: April 2023

The solute travel time in steady and gradually varied flow in rivers is necessary for waste transport studies, in particular, to evaluate the behavior of accidentally spilled soluble substances in streams. This study conducted two dye tests on the Donghe reach within Baotou in the upper Yellow River to measure the travel times in October 2015. It reconstructed the leading and trailing edge missed data by extension from time-concentration curves developed by fitting a three-parameter log-normal (3PLN) equation to the discretely observed data. It also calculated the travel times, dispersion rates, and longitudinal dispersion coefficients. The results show that the calculated travel rates of the centroid are less than the velocities at the Baotou hydrometric station. The calculated longitudinal dispersion rates ranged from about 0.22 meters per second to 0.68 meters per second. Using the nonlinear best fit method, a dispersion model for an instantaneous injection of tracer gave the longitudinal dispersion coefficients ranging from about 76 square meters per second to about 304 square meters per second. However, the ones generated by some commonly used empirical equations are at least 2.6 times them. Tracing tests are essential to obtain helpful information for pollutant transport studies.
Sulfur and phosphorus co-doped hard carbon for potassium ion storage
Authors: Chi Chunlei , Liu Zheng , Fan Zhuangjun
Published: April 2023

Due to the low cost, good chemical stability and structural diversity, hard carbon has been considered as an important anode material for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). However, due to the large diameter of K+, PIBs with both excellent rate performance and long-life is still challenging. Herein, sulfur (S), phosphorus (P) co-doped hard carbon anode are synthesized via polymerization of thiophene and phytic acid and the following concise pyrolysis strategy. S in hard carbon can used as reactive sites for K+ storage and P doping will effectively improve wettability of electrolyte. After temperature regulation, the fabricated SP-700 with dual and abundant heteroatom doping exhibits high initial reversible capacity (412 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1), excellent rate performance (130 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1) and stable cyclic performance (94 mAh g−1 after 1500 cycles at 2 A g−1).
Overview of ecology and automation status of pig breeding
Authors: Li Yumei , Xiao Jixue , Meng Yawei , You Jia
Published: April 2023

The mass production of pigs will affect the ecological environment around the pig farm. It requires hard work and a lot of manpower and material resources. This paper investigates the ecological environment status of pig manure cleaning and treatment, antibiotic and nitrogen and phosphorus treatment in manure, and gas pollution treatment in pig farms. The development of pig house environmental monitoring and pig farm feeding automation is reviewed. It is pointed out that the research on the cleaning and disposal methods of pig excretion pollutants, the integration of these methods, and the automation and intelligence of pig breeding will become the main research trend of pig breeding.
Study on the relationship between phreatic level and water quality: a case study of city in northwest China
Authors: Liu Yixin , Li Weiqing , Qian Hui , Li Siqi , Gao Yanyan
Published: April 2023

Phreatic is an important water resource for human survival and development. With the process of urbanization, diving in many areas has been polluted to varying degrees. In order to find out the existing relationship between phreatic level and water quality, in this study, 53 Wells in the main urban area of Xi’an in 2017 were selected to map and analyze the submersible water level, and the improved fuzzy comprehensive evaluation was used to evaluate the submersible water quality. The results show that the change of phreatic level is closely related to the fluctuation of terrain. The improved fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method can well reflect the phreatic quality in the study area, and it is universal. There is a linear relationship between phreatic level and water quality. Due to the flow in phreatic water, the polluted phreatic in the upstream will pollute it in the downstream. This is also the reason why the water quality along the Weihe River is poor. This study has positive significance for the good development of phreatic protection and the construction of human life in the study area.
Fabrication of microfluidic paper-based channels by inkjet printing process for analytical applications
Authors: Le Ngan Nguyen , Dinh Duc Minh Trinh , Lam Phuong Hong , Le Anh Van Thi , Le Mai Thi , Pham Minh Duc , Thi Dang Dung My , Dang Chien Mau
Published: April 2023

Microfluidic paper-based channels play an important role in microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs). There are some fabrication methods which could be utilised to fabricate microfluidic channels on paper substrate. Among these methods, inkjet printing process is considered as a promising fabrication method with many advantages such as low-cost, material saving, high precision, etc. The aim of this work is to apply inkjet printing technology to fabricate paper channels of μPADs. A new design of μPAD was proposed in this paper to demonstrate how to fabricate inkjet-printed hydrophobic lines to make paper-based biosensor. Biological target of our μPADs is human chOrionic gonadotropin (hCG). Colorimetric signals from μPADs were captured by digital camera and measured by ImageJ software, which showed that these μPADs can determine hCG in the range from 1,000 to 10,000 ng ml−1. These results showed that piezoelectric inkjet printing technology can fabricate 250 μm-width hydrophobic lines on paper substrate, helping in fabricating μPADs in next applications.
Detection of hydrogen peroxide vapor using flexible gas sensor based on SnO2 nanoparticles decorated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Aleksanyan Mikayel , Sayunts Artak , Shahkhatuni Gevorg , Simonyan Zarine , Aroutiounian Vladimir , Khachatryan Emma
Published: April 2023

In this work, a high-sensitive flexible sensor based on the SnO2 nanoparticles decorated with the multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was fabricated by a simple and cost-effective centrifugation method for hydrogen peroxide vapour (HPV) detection. Morphological, composition, structural, and HPV sensing studies of the film were thoroughly conducted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the presence of MWCNTs in the SnO2 material and energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) elementary analysis determined the actual concentration of carbon elements (24.47 wt%) in the SnO2:MWCNTs material with pronounced peaks of C, O, and Sn. Elemental mapping analysis showed the nearly homogeneous distribution of the elements while x-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) confirmed the diffraction peaks of tin oxide and carbon. The HPV sensing behaviour of the flexible SnO2:MWCNTs sensor was investigated in the temperature range of 25 °C–150 °C towards 1.5–56 ppm HPV under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The flexible sensor had a fairly high response (44) to 1.5 ppm of HPV concentration at room temperature (RT). The fabricated SnO2:MWCNTs based sensor was capable of detecting extremely low concentrations of HPV, thus being a potential candidate for use in real environments.
Methodologies in Mitochondrial Testing: Diagnosing a Primary Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain Disorder
Authors: Gill Emily L , Wang Jing , Viaene Angela N , Master Stephen R , Ganetzky Rebecca D
Published: April 2023

Background

Mitochondria are cytosolic organelles within most eukaryotic cells. Mitochondria generate the majority of cellular energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Pathogenic variants in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nDNA) lead to defects in OxPhos and physiological malfunctions (Nat Rev Dis Primer 2016;2:16080.). Patients with primary mitochondrial disorders (PMD) experience heterogeneous symptoms, typically in multiple organ systems, depending on the tissues affected by mitochondrial dysfunction. Because of this heterogeneity, clinical diagnosis is challenging (Annu Rev Genomics Hum Genet 2017;18:257–75.). Laboratory diagnosis of mitochondrial disease depends on a multipronged analysis that can include biochemical, histopathologic, and genetic testing. Each of these modalities has complementary strengths and limitations in diagnostic utility.

Content

The primary focus of this review is on diagnosis and testing strategies for primary mitochondrial diseases. We review tissue samples utilized for testing, metabolic signatures, histologic findings, and molecular testing approaches. We conclude with future perspectives on mitochondrial testing.

This review offers an overview of the current biochemical, histologic, and genetic approaches available for mitochondrial testing. For each we review their diagnostic utility including complementary strengths and weaknesses. We identify gaps in current testing and possible future avenues for test development.
Semi-automatic translation of medicine usage data (in Dutch, free-text) from Lifelines COVID-19 questionnaires to ATC codes
Authors: Kellmann Alexander J , Lanting Pauline , Franke Lude , van Enckevort Esther J , Swertz Morris A
Published: April 2023

The mapping of human-entered data to codified data formats that can be analysed is a common problem across medical research and health care. To identify risk and protective factors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) susceptibility and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity, frequent questionnaires were sent out to participants of the Lifelines Cohort Study starting 30 March 2020. Because specific drugs were suspected COVID-19 risk factors, the questionnaires contained multiple-choice questions about commonly used drugs and open-ended questions to capture all other drugs used. To classify and evaluate the effects of those drugs and group participants taking similar drugs, the free-text answers needed to be translated into standard Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) codes. This translation includes handling misspelt drug names, brand names, comments or multiple drugs listed in one line that would prevent a computer from finding these terms in a simple lookup table. In the past, the translation of free-text responses to ATC codes was time-intensive manual labour for experts. To reduce the amount of manual curation required, we developed a method for the semi-automated recoding of the free-text questionnaire responses into ATC codes suitable for further analysis. For this purpose, we built an ontology containing the Dutch drug names linked to their respective ATC code(s). In addition, we designed a semi-automated process that builds upon the Molgenis method SORTA to map the responses to ATC codes. This method can be applied to support the encoding of free-text responses to facilitate the evaluation, categorization and filtering of free-text responses. Our semi-automatic approach to coding of drugs using SORTA turned out to be more than two times faster than current manual approaches to performing this activity.

Database URL https://doi.org/10.1093/database/baad019
Thiopurines Have Longer Treatment Durability than Methotrexate in Adults and Children with Crohn’s Disease: A Nationwide Analysis from the epi-IIRN Cohort
Authors: Atia Ohad , Friss Chagit , Ledderman Natan , Greenfeld Shira , Kariv Revital , Daher Saleh , Yanai Henit , Loewenberg Weisband Yiska , Matz Eran , Dotan Iris , Turner Dan
Published: April 2023

Background

Thiopurines and methotrexate have long been used to maintain remission in Crohn’s disease [CD]. In this nationwide study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of these drugs in CD.

Methods

We used data from the epi-IIRN cohort, including all patients with CD diagnosed in Israel. Outcomes were compared by propensity-score matching and included therapeutic failure, hospitalisations, surgeries, steroid dependency, and adverse events.

Results

Of the 19264 patients diagnosed with CD since 2005, 3885 [20%] ever received thiopurines as monotherapy and 553 [2.9%] received methotrexate. Whereas the use of thiopurines declined from 22% in 2012–2015 to 12% in 2017–2020, the use of methotrexate remained stable. The probability of sustaining therapy at 1, 3, and 5 years was 64%, 51%, and 44% for thiopurines and 56%, 30%, and 23% for methotrexate, respectively [p <0.001]. Propensity-score matching, including 303 patients [202 with thiopurines, 101 with methotrexate], demonstrated a higher rate of 5-year durability for thiopurines [40%] than methotrexate [18%; p <0.001]. Time to steroid dependency [p = 0.9], hospitalisation [p = 0.8], and surgery [p = 0.1] were comparable between groups. These outcomes reflect also shorter median time to biologics with methotrexate (2.2 [IQR 1.6–3.1 years) versus thiopurines (6.6 [2.4–8.5]; p = 0.02). The overall adverse events rate was higher with thiopurines [20%] than methotrexate [12%; p <0.001], including three lymphoma cases in males, although the difference was not significant [4.8 vs 0 cases/10 000 treatment-years, respectively; p = 0.6].

Conclusion

Thiopurines demonstrated higher treatment durability than methotrexate but more frequent adverse events. However, disease outcomes were similar, partly due to more frequent escalation to biologics with methotrexate.
Thermal biology and overwintering behavior of the red sunflower seed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Pantzke Shawna , Ferguson Beth , Rajamohan Arun , Rinehart Joseph P , Prischmann-Voldseth Deirdre , Prasifka Jarrad R
Published: April 2023

Most natural mortality of the red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), occurs while larvae overwinter in the soil. To test the hypothesis that S. fulvus mortality is related to low temperatures, experiments were used to (i) evaluate the temperature at which larvae freeze (= supercooling point [SCP]), (ii) assess possible vertical movement between entry into the soil in fall and adult emergence in summer, and (iii) determine if realistic soil temperatures could explain patterns of overwintering mortality. Mean SCP for groups of S. fulvus larvae differed between years and months, but only ranged from −20.93 to −22.68 °C. Most overwintering larvae were found within 6 cm of the soil surface, but larvae appeared to move 1–2 cm deeper between pairs of successive sample dates (September to January, January to April). Significant larval mortality that occurred between January and April 2021 was tentatively attributed to a period in February where daily minimum soil temperatures ranged from −8 to −12 °C. When overwintering under control conditions (constant 4 °C) was interrupted with week-long exposure to −4, −8, or −12 °C in a cold bath, significant S. fulvus mortality was seen for temperatures at or below −8 °C. Combined results suggest that mortality of overwintering S. fulvus is likely caused by continuous exposure to low temperatures that may not be cold enough to freeze larvae. Additionally, the shallow overwintering by S. fulvus supports the idea that routine farm management, including tillage and herbicide incorporation, may help limit populations of this sunflower pest.
Lung cancer surgery for patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: clinical outcomes and long-term survival
Authors: Kim Min Soo , Hong Tae Hee , Yun Jeonghee , Kim Hong Kwan , Choi Yong Soo , Kim Jhingook , Shim Young Mog , Cho Yang Hyun , Cho Jong Ho
Published: April 2023

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with lung cancer in whom left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was reduced.

METHODS

A total of 9814 patients with lung cancer who underwent pulmonary resection from 2010 to 2018 were included for the study. Fifty-six (0.57%) patients had LVEFs ≤45% and we performed propensity score matching (1:3) to compare postoperative clinical outcomes and survival in 56 patients (reduced LVEF group) with those in 168 patients with normal LVEFs (nonreduced LVEF group).

RESULTS

The data of the reduced LVEF group and nonreduced group were matched and compared. The 30- (1.8%) and 90-day (7.1%) mortality rates were higher in the reduced LVEF group than those (0% for both 30- and 90-day mortality rates) in the nonreduced LVEF group (P < 0.001). The estimated rates of overall survival at 5-year point were similar in the nonreduced LVEF group (66.0%) and in the reduced LVEF group (60.1%). The estimated rates of overall survival at 5-year point were almost the same between in the nonreduced and reduced LVEF groups for clinical stage 1 lung cancer (76.8% vs 76.4%, respectively), but for stages 2 and 3, they were significantly better in the nonreduced LVEF group than in the reduced LVEF group (53.8% vs.39.8%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Lung cancer surgery for selected patients with reduced LVEFs can yield favourable long-term outcomes despite the relatively high early mortality rate. A careful patient selection and meticulous postoperative care could further improve clinical outcome with reduced LVEF.
Atrial fibrillation fundamentals: from physiopathology to transcatheter ablation
Authors: Gaita Fiorenzo , Ferraris Federico , Anselmino Matteo , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common and harmful arrhythmia. Its complex pathogenesis can be outlined using Coumel’s Triangle, that considers at the base of AF three different factors: substrate, trigger, and catalyst factor. The triangle can serve as a guide to understand the mechanism of action of the different possible treatments. Anti-arrhythmic drug therapies have a modest efficacy and no proven benefit on prognosis. Interventional therapy is more effective, especially if employed in the first stages of the disease, and can reduce mortality in selected populations. Ablative schemes must be different depending on the type of AF (paroxysmal, persistent) and the presence or absence of atrial dilation.
Stress Echo 2030: the new ABCDE protocol defining the future of cardiac imaging
Authors: Picano Eugenio , Ciampi Quirino , Arbucci Rosina , Cortigiani Lauro , Zagatina Angela , Celutkiene Jelena , Bartolacelli Ylenia , Kane Garvan C , Lowenstein Jorge , Pellikka Patricia
Published: April 2023

Functional testing with stress echocardiography is based on the detection of regional wall motion abnormality with two-dimensional echocardiography and is embedded in clinical guidelines. Yet, it under-uses the unique versatility of the technique, ideally suited to describe the different functional abnormalities underlying the same wall motion response during stress. Five parameters converge conceptually and methodologically in the state-of-the-art ABCDE protocol, assessing multiple vulnerabilities of the ischemic patient. The five steps of the ABCDE protocol are (1) step A: regional wall motion; (2) step B: B-lines by lung ultrasound assessing extravascular lung water; (3) step C: left ventricular contractile reserve by volumetric two-dimensional echocardiography; (4) step D: coronary flow velocity reserve in mid-distal left anterior descending coronary with pulsed-wave Doppler; and (5) step E: assessment of heart rate reserve with a one-lead electrocardiogram. ABCDE stress echo offers insight into five functional reserves: epicardial flow (A); diastolic (B), contractile (C), coronary microcirculatory (D), and chronotropic reserve (E). The new format is more comprehensive and allows better functional characterization, risk stratification, and personalized tailoring of therapy. ABCDE protocol is an ‘ecumenic’ and ‘omnivorous’ functional test, suitable for all stresses and all patients also beyond coronary artery disease. It fits the need for sustainability of the current era in healthcare, since it requires universally available technology, and is low-cost, radiation-free, and nearly carbon-neutral.
Drug-coated balloon combined with drug-eluting stent for the treatment of coronary bifurcation lesions: insights from the HYPER study
Authors: Pellegrini Dario , Donahue Michael , Regazzoli Damiano , Tedeschi Delio , Loffi Marco , Pellicano Mariano , De Blasio Giuseppe , Tespili Maurizio , Guagliumi Giulio , Ielasi Alfonso
Published: April 2023

True coronary bifurcation lesions (CBL) represent a challenging scenario for percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), and are associated with a higher risk of target lesion failure (TLF), particularly when two stents are implanted. A hybrid strategy combining a drug-eluting stent (DES) in the main branch, and a drug-coated balloon in the side branch may improve outcomes by reducing the total stent length while maintaining an effective anti-prolipherative action. In this sub-study of the HYPER trial, 50 patients with true CBL were treated with a hybrid strategy: procedural success was 96%, one case of peri-procedural myocardial infarction and one case of TLF (in a DES-treated segment) at 1 year were reported. This study suggests that such a hybrid strategy may be a safe and effective option for true CBL PCI, and warrants additional investigations to compare outcomes with standard of care strategies.
Bempedoic acid: what prospective uses?
Authors: Jacomelli Ilaria , Monzo Luca , Panattoni Germana , Lanzillo Chiara , Rebecchi Marco , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

There is still the need to lower LDL-c, although the use of statins, ezetimibe and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and/or familial hypercholesterolaemia are treated with statins at maximum tolerated dose, with or without further lipid-lowering drugs, but very often, we can’t reach the goal, so bempedoic acid treatment lead to a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, in different groups of patients, with a favourable safety profile.
New perspectives in diagnosis and risk stratification of non-ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pio Loco detto Gava Carola , Merlo Marco , Paldino Alessia , Korcova Renata , Massa Laura , Porcari Aldostefano , Zecchin Massimo , Perotto Maria , Rossi Maddalena , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: April 2023

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a primitive heart muscle condition, characterized by structural and functional abnormalities, in the absence of a specific cause sufficient to determine the disease. It is, though, an ‘umbrella’ term that describes the final common pathway of different pathogenic processes and gene–environment interactions. Performing an accurate diagnostic workup and appropriate characterization of the patient has a direct impact on the patient’s outcome. The physician should adapt a multiparametric approach, including a careful anamnesis and physical examination and integrating imaging data and genetic testing. Aetiological characterization should be pursued, and appropriate arrhythmic risk stratification should be performed. Evaluations should be repeated thoroughly at follow-up, as the disease is dynamical over time and individual risk might evolve. The goal is an all-around characterization of the patient, a personalized medicine approach, in order to establish a diagnosis and therapy tailored for the individual patient.
Heart failure and telemedicine: where are we and where are we going? Opportunities and critical issues
Authors: Calò Leonardo , Martino Annamaria , Bollettino Michela , Scialla Ludovica , Cicogna Francesco , Tota Claudia , Ponziani Beatrice , Oliviero Giada , Panuccio Marco , Fagagnini Alessandro , Toto Federica , Fanisio Francesca , De Ruvo Ermenegildo
Published: April 2023

Heart failure (HF) is one of the main causes of morbidity in the world and is responsible for an enormous amount of health costs, mostly due to hospitalizations. The remote control techniques of vital signs and health status have the potential to help prevent factors leading to HF instability by stimulating early therapeutic interventions. The goal of telemedicine is to change the intervention strategy from a ‘reactive’ type, in which therapy is optimized in response to the worsening of symptoms, to a ‘pro-active’ type, in which therapeutic changes are undertaken based on changes in the monitored parameters during the sub-clinical phase. This article is aimed at exploring the major results obtained by telemedicine application in HF patients with and without cardiac electronic devices or in those with haemodynamic sensors and to analyse the critical issues and the opportunities of its use.
Cardiac computed tomography: from anatomy to function
Authors: Maragna Riccardo , Mushtaq Saima , Baggiano Andrea , Annoni Andrea , Carerj Maria Ludovica , Cilia Francesco , Fazzari Fabio , Formenti Alberto , Fusini Laura , Mancini Elisabetta , Marchetti Francesca , Penso Marco , Volpe Alessandra , Tassetti Luigi , Baessato Francesca , Rossi Alexia , Rovera Chiara , Guaricci Andrea I , Pontone Gianluca
Published: April 2023

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is one of the world’s leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Likewise, the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have always been based on the detection of the presence and extent of ischaemia by physical or pharmacological stress tests with or without the aid of imaging methods (e.g. exercise stress, test, stress echocardiography, single-photon emission computed tomography, or stress cardiac magnetic resonance). These methods show high performance to assess obstructive CAD, whilst they do not show accurate power to detect non-obstructive CAD. The introduction into clinical practice of coronary computed tomography angiography, the only non-invasive method capable of analyzing the coronary anatomy, allowed to add a crucial piece in the puzzle of the assessment of patients with suspected or chronic IHD. The current review evaluates the technical aspects and clinical experience of coronary computed tomography in the evaluation of atherosclerotic burden with a special focus about the new emerging application such as functional relevance of CAD with fractional flow reserve computed tomography (CT)-derived (FFRct), stress CT perfusion, and imaging inflammatory makers discussing the strength and weakness of each approach.
Optimal management of patients after acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Panattoni Germana , Monzo Luca , Gugliotta Maria , Proietti Giulia , Tatangelo Mario , Jacomelli Ilaria , Zimbardo Giuseppe , Meringolo Federica , Fedele Elisa , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

Patients with clinically established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease are at a very high risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. An adequate management of risk factors and the implementation of healthy behaviours significantly decrease the risk of unfavourable clinical outcomes and future cardiovascular events, including death. Patients discharged after an acute coronary syndrome should be managed according to their individual risk level in order to ensure the appropriate treatment. Nevertheless, care pathways should also take into consideration the available resources and the logistical/structural aspects. In this setting, cardiac rehabilitation is prosed as a multidisciplinary approach to improving daily function and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. The organization of a network with the involvement of different medical and non-medical figures is essential to ensure successful outcomes and expected cost-effectiveness.
The electrocardiogram in non-ischaemic-dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Crescenzi Cinzia , Silvetti Elisa , Romeo Fabiana , Martino Annamaria , Bressi Edoardo , Panattoni Germana , Stefanini Matteo , Stazi Alessandra , Danza Maria Ludovica , Rebecchi Marco , Canestrelli Stefano , Fedele Elisa , Lanza Oreste , Lanzillo Chiara , Fusco Armando , Golia Paolo , De Ruvo Ermenegildo , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

This article summarizes the main electrocardiogram (ECG) findings in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients. Recent reports are described in the great ‘pot’ of DCM peculiar ECG patterns that are typical of specific forms of DCM. Patients with late gadolinium enhancement on CMR, who are at greatest arrhythmic risk, have also distinctive ECG features. Future studies in large DCM populations should evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of the ECG.
Cardiac magnetic resonance in Fabry disease
Authors: Lanzillo Chiara , Fedele Elisa , Martino Annamaria , Ferrazza Alessandro , Fusco Armando , Silvetti Elisa , Canestrelli Stefano , Romeo Fabiana , Canali Emanuele , De Luca Lucia , Golia Paolo , Crescenzi Cinzia , Stefanini Matteo , Calò Leonardo
Published: April 2023

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient a-galactosidase A activity that leads to an accumulation of glycolipids, mainly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) and globotriaosylsphingosine, in affected tissues, including the heart. Cardiovascular involvement usually manifests as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), myocardial fibrosis, heart failure, and arrhythmias, which limit the quality of life and represent the most common causes of death. Following the introduction of enzyme replacement therapy, early diagnosis and treatment have become essential in slowing down the disease progression and preventing major cardiac complications. Recent advances in the understanding of FD pathophysiology suggest that in addition to Gb3 accumulation, other mechanisms contribute to the development of cardiac damage. FD cardiomyopathy is characterized by an earlier stage of glycosphingolipid accumulation and a later one of hypertrophy. Morphological and functional aspects are not specific in the echocardiographic evaluation of Anderson–Fabry disease. Cardiac magnetic resonance with tissue characterization capability is an accurate technique for the differential diagnosis of LVH. Progress in imaging techniques has improved the diagnosis and staging of FD-related cardiac disease: a decreased myocardial T1 value is specific of FD. Late gadolinium enhancement is typical of the later stage of cardiac involvement but as in other cardiomyopathy is also valuable to predict the outcome and cardiac response to therapy.
How an innovative catheter with temperature control and very high-power, short-duration ablation changed our approach to the treatment of persistent atrial fibrillation
Authors: Volpato Giovanni , Compagnucci Paolo , Cipolletta Laura , Parisi Quintino , Valeri Yari , Santarelli Giulia , Colonnelli Michela , Casella Michela , Dello Russo Antonio
Published: April 2023

Ablation targets of persistent atrial fibrillation remain poorly understood nowadays: due to structural alterations of the left atrium, isolation of the pulmonary veins alone has proved ineffective. New ablation targets such as the posterior wall, coronary sinus, and left atrial appendage were then sought. A new catheter (QDOT Micro™) has recently been released, which has the potential to increase the safety and efficacy of the procedure: it is connected to a new radiofrequency generator that allows for temperature-controlled ablation by reducing power and increasing irrigation with the increase in tissue temperature and allows to deliver power up to 90 W for few seconds (very high-power short-duration).
Gene- and variant-specific efficacy of serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 inhibition in long QT syndrome types 1 and 2
Authors: Giannetti Federica , Barbieri Miriam , Shiti Assad , Casini Simona , Sager Philip T , Das Saumya , Pradhananga Sabindra , Srinivasan Dinesh , Nimani Saranda , Alerni Nicolò , Louradour Julien , Mura Manuela , Gnecchi Massimiliano , Brink Paul , Zehender Manfred , Koren Gideon , Zaza Antonio , Crotti Lia , Wilde Arthur A M , Schwartz Peter J , Remme Carol Ann , Gepstein Lior , Sala Luca , Odening Katja E
Published: April 2023

Aims

Current long QT syndrome (LQTS) therapy, largely based on beta-blockade, does not prevent arrhythmias in all patients; therefore, novel therapies are warranted. Pharmacological inhibition of the serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1-Inh) has been shown to shorten action potential duration (APD) in LQTS type 3. We aimed to investigate whether SGK1-Inh could similarly shorten APD in LQTS types 1 and 2.

Methods and results

Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) and hiPSC-cardiac cell sheets (CCS) were obtained from LQT1 and LQT2 patients; CMs were isolated from transgenic LQT1, LQT2, and wild-type (WT) rabbits. Serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 inhibition effects (300 nM–10 µM) on field potential durations (FPD) were investigated in hiPSC-CMs with multielectrode arrays; optical mapping was performed in LQT2 CCS. Whole-cell and perforated patch clamp recordings were performed in isolated LQT1, LQT2, and WT rabbit CMs to investigate SGK1-Inh (3 µM) effects on APD. In all LQT2 models across different species (hiPSC-CMs, hiPSC-CCS, and rabbit CMs) and independent of the disease-causing variant (KCNH2-p.A561V/p.A614V/p.G628S/IVS9-28A/G), SGK1-Inh dose-dependently shortened FPD/APD at 0.3–10 µM (by 20–32%/25–30%/44–45%). Importantly, in LQT2 rabbit CMs, 3 µM SGK1-Inh normalized APD to its WT value. A significant FPD shortening was observed in KCNQ1-p.R594Q hiPSC-CMs at 1/3/10 µM (by 19/26/35%) and in KCNQ1-p.A341V hiPSC-CMs at 10 µM (by 29%). No SGK1-Inh-induced FPD/APD shortening effect was observed in LQT1 KCNQ1-p.A341V hiPSC-CMs or KCNQ1-p.Y315S rabbit CMs at 0.3–3 µM.

Conclusion

A robust SGK1-Inh-induced APD shortening was observed across different LQT2 models, species, and genetic variants but less consistently in LQT1 models. This suggests a genotype- and variant-specific beneficial effect of this novel therapeutic approach in LQTS.
Plastic responses to warmer climates: a semi-natural experiment on lizard populations
Authors: Bestion Elvire , San-Jose Luis M , Di Gesu Lucie , Richard Murielle , Sinervo Barry , Côte Jessica , Calvez Olivier , Guillaume Olivier , Cote Julien
Published: April 2023

Facing warming environments, species can exhibit plastic or microevolutionary changes in their thermal physiology to adapt to novel climates. Here, using semi-natural mesocosms, we experimentally investigated over two successive years whether a 2°C-warmer climate produces selective and inter- and intragenerational plastic changes in the thermal traits (preferred temperature and dorsal coloration) of the lizard Zootoca vivipara. In a warmer climate, the dorsal darkness, dorsal contrast, and preferred temperature of adults plastically decreased and covariances between these traits were disrupted. While selection gradients were overall weak, selection gradients for darkness were slightly different between climates and in the opposite direction to plastic changes. Contrary to adults, male juveniles were darker in warmer climates either through plasticity or selection and this effect was strengthened by intergenerational plasticity when juveniles’ mothers also experienced warmer climates. While the plastic changes in adult thermal traits alleviate the immediate overheating costs of warming, its opposite direction to selective gradients and to juveniles’ phenotypic responses may slow down evolutionary shifts toward phenotypes that are better adapted to future climates. Our study demonstrates the importance of considering inter- and intragenerational plasticity along with selective processes to better understand adaptation and population dynamics in light of climate change.
Need a flu jab? Let’s try pharmacy: patient characteristics and experiences with pharmacy immunisation services
Authors: Dalgado Amanda , Patel Jatin , Kim Jenny , Helm Kara , Williams Kate , Kadariya Kubir , Napier Patti , Anwar Mudassir
Published: April 2023

Objectives

New Zealand pharmacists have been providing immunisation services since 2011. Literature from other developed countries reports the positive experience of people with community pharmacy immunisation services resulting in expansion of the scope of pharmacy practice. However, there is a dearth of such data in a New Zealand context. Therefore, we aimed to understand patients’ experiences with pharmacy immunisation services in New Zealand.

Methods

A self-administered questionnaire developed after considering the aims and objectives of the study, and previously published literature was delivered to 14 pharmacies covering a range of socio-economic areas across New Zealand. The survey assessed patients’ experiences in a community pharmacy setting and measured their satisfaction using a 5-point Likert scale.

Key findings

Out of the 364 survey participants, 60.7% were female, 76.9% were of European ethnicity and 43.4% belonged to the age group of 45–64 years. Convenience (65.4%) and accessibility (44.8%) were cited as the most common reasons for choosing a community pharmacy to receive vaccinations. Over 90% of the respondents reported that they were satisfied with the pharmacy immunisation services, were vaccinated professionally, would choose a community pharmacy again next time for vaccination and would like to see pharmacists administering other vaccines.

Conclusions

The pharmacy immunisation services were highly valued by patients because of the associated convenience and professionalism demonstrated by the pharmacists. A possible expansion of pharmacist-administered vaccination services to a wider range of vaccines will not only improve access to immunisation but will also potentially escalate immunisation rates.
In Vivo Study of the Effects of Propranolol, Timolol, and Minoxidil on Burn Wound Healing in Wistar Rats
Authors: Freiha Michel , Achim Marcela , Gheban Bogdan-Alexandru , Moldovan Remus , Filip Gabriela Adriana
Published: April 2023

Propranolol, timolol, and minoxidil have all shown benefits in treatment of burn injury and other skin wounds. The study evaluated their effects on full-thickness thermal skin burns in a Wistar rat model.

Performed on 50 female rats; two dorsal skin burns were created on each animal. On the next day, the rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 10); each has received a specific treatment daily for 14 days: group I—topical vehicle (control), group II—topical silver sulfadiazine (SSD), group III—oral propranolol (5.5 mg) associated with topical vehicle, group IV—topical timolol 1% cream, and group V—topical minoxidil 5% cream. Wound contraction rates, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH, GSSG), and catalase activity in skin and/or serum were evaluated, and histopathological analyses were performed.

Propranolol did not show advantages in necrosis prevention and wound contraction and healing, and did not reduce oxidative stress. It impaired keratinocyte migration, and promoted ulceration, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis, yet reducing the necrotic zone. Timolol prevented necrosis and promoted contraction and healing, increased antioxidant capacity and promoted keratinocyte migration and neo capillarization in comparison to the other treatments. Minoxidil reduced necrosis and enhanced contraction, resulting in positive outcomes after 1 week of treatment regarding local antioxidant defense, keratinocyte migration, neo capillarization, chronic inflammation, and fibrosis rates. However, after 2 weeks, it resulted in contrasting outcomes.

In conclusion, topical timolol promoted wound contraction and healing, reducing local oxidative stress and improving keratinocyte migration, bringing arguments for potential benefits in skin epithelization.
Life form-dependent nitrogen–phosphorous allocation strategies of leaf and fine root in a temperate natural forest under long-term nitrogen addition
Authors: Yu Jiangshan , Song Zhaopeng , Hou Jihua
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen deposition has increased rapidly in eastern China, which can affect the stoichiometric characteristics of plants. However, the effects of N addition on the nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) allocation strategies for various plant life forms (e.g. trees, shrubs and herbs) have rarely been studied. In this study, we evaluated the effects of N addition on N and P stoichiometry and their scaling exponents in the leaves and fine roots of the different life form groups. N and P concentrations in the leaves of shrubs and herbs increased under N addition treatments, whereas tree leaves exhibited a more stable response. In contrast, N addition had no significant effect on N and P concentrations in the fine roots of the three plant life forms. N addition enhanced the allocation of more N and P to the leaves than to the fine roots in all three life forms. Furthermore, the N–P allocation scaling exponents of the leaves and fine roots of the trees were equal to 1.0, indicating an isometric pattern. In contrast, the N–P allocation scaling exponents of shrubs and herbs were less than 1.0, indicating an allometric pattern. Although high N availability promoted shrubs and herbs to distribute P to leaves at a higher proportion than N, only slight effects were detected in tree leaves. These changes in N–P allocation patterns indicate that life forms and N addition levels work together to modulate plants allocation strategies. These results suggest the importance of life form categories when evaluating N–P allocation strategies in forest plants.
The Burden of Human Bocavirus 1 in Hospitalized Children With Respiratory Tract Infections
Authors: Jalving Hedda Trømborg , Heimdal Inger , Valand Jonas , Risnes Kari , Krokstad Sidsel , Nordbø Svein Arne , Døllner Henrik , Christensen Andreas
Published: April 2023

Background

Human bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) is frequently codetected with other viruses, and detected in asymptomatic children. Thus, the burden of HBoV1 respiratory tract infections (RTI) has been unknown. Using HBoV1-mRNA to indicate true HBoV1 RTI, we assessed the burden of HBoV1 in hospitalized children and the impact of viral codetections, compared with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Methods

Over 11 years, we enrolled 4879 children <16 years old admitted with RTI. Nasopharyngeal aspirates were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction for HBoV1-DNA, HBoV1-mRNA, and 19 other pathogens.

Results

HBoV1-mRNA was detected in 2.7% (130/4850) samples, modestly peaking in autumn and winter. Forty-three percent with HBoV1 mRNA were 12–17 months old, and only 5% were <6 months old. A total of 73.8% had viral codetections. It was more likely to detect HBoV1-mRNA if HBoV1-DNA was detected alone (odds ratio [OR]: 3.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–8.9) or with 1 viral codetection (OR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.1–3.3), compared to ≥2 codetections. Codetection of severe viruses like RSV had lower odds for HBoV1-mRNA (OR: 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19–0.61). The yearly lower RTI hospitalization rate per 1000 children <5 years was 0.7 for HBoV1-mRNA and 8.7 for RSV.

Conclusions

True HBoV1 RTI is most likely when HBoV1-DNA is detected alone, or with 1 codetected virus. Hospitalization due to HBoV1 LRTI is 10–12 times less common than RSV.
Peeking beneath the precision floor − II. Probing the chemo-dynamical histories of the potential globular cluster siblings, NGC 288 and NGC 362
Authors: Monty Stephanie , Yong David , Massari Davide , McKenzie Madeleine , Myeong GyuChul , Buder Sven , Karakas Amanda I , Freeman Ken C , Marino Anna F , Belokurov Vasily , Evans N Wyn
Published: April 2023

The assembly history of the Milky Way (MW) is a rapidly evolving subject, with numerous small accretion events and at least one major merger proposed in the MW’s history. Accreted alongside these dwarf galaxies are globular clusters (GCs), which act as spatially coherent remnants of these past events. Using high precision differential abundance measurements from our recently published study, we investigate the likelihood that the MW clusters NGC 362 and NGC 288 are galactic siblings, accreted as part of the Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus (GSE) merger. To do this, we compare the two GCs at the 0.01 dex level for 20 + elements for the first time. Strong similarities are found, with the two showing chemical similarity on the same order as those seen between the three LMC GCs, NGC 1786, NGC 2210-, and NGC 2257. However, when comparing GC abundances directly to GSE stars, marked differences are observed. NGC 362 shows good agreement with GSE stars in the ratio of Eu to Mg and Si, as well as a clear dominance in the r- compared to the s-process, while NGC 288 exhibits only a slight r-process dominance. When fitting the two GC abundances with a GSE-like galactic chemical evolution model, NGC 362 shows agreement with both the model predictions and GSE abundance ratios (considering Si, Ni, Ba, and Eu) at the same metallicity. This is not the case for NGC 288. We propose that the two are either not galactic siblings, or GSE was chemically inhomogeneous enough to birth two similar, but not identical clusters with distinct chemistry relative to constituent stars.
Social determinants of cognitive outcomes in survivors of pediatric brain tumors treated with conformal radiation therapy
Authors: Mule' Taylor N , Hodges Jason , Wu Shengjie , Li Yimei , Ashford Jason M , Merchant Thomas E , Conklin Heather M
Published: April 2023

Background

Social determinants of health including parental occupation, household income, and neighborhood environment are predictors of cognitive outcomes among healthy and ill children; however, few pediatric oncology studies have investigated this relationship. This study utilized the Economic Hardship Index (EHI) to measure neighborhood-level social and economic conditions to predict cognitive outcomes among children treated for brain tumors (BT) with conformal radiation therapy (RT).

Methods

Two hundred and forty-one children treated on a prospective, longitudinal, phase II trial of conformal photon RT (54–59.4 Gy) for ependymoma, low-grade glioma, or craniopharyngioma (52% female, 79% white, age at RT = 7.76 ± 4.98 years) completed serial cognitive assessments (intelligence quotient [IQ], reading, math, and adaptive functioning) for ten years. Six US census tract-level EHI scores were calculated for an overall EHI score: unemployment, dependency, education, income, crowded housing, and poverty. Established socioeconomic status (SES) measures from the extant literature were also derived.

Results

Correlations and non-parametric tests revealed EHI variables share modest variance with other SES measures. Income, unemployment, and poverty overlapped most with individual SES measures. Linear mixed models, accounting for sex, age at RT, and tumor location, revealed EHI variables predicted all cognitive variables at baseline and change in IQ and math over time, with EHI overall and poverty most consistent predictors. Higher economic hardship was associated with lower cognitive scores.

Conclusions

Neighborhood-level measures of socioeconomic conditions can help inform understanding of long-term cognitive and academic outcomes in survivors of pediatric BT. Future investigation of poverty’s driving forces and the impact of economic hardship on children with other catastrophic diseases is needed.
Kondo scattering in underdoped Nd1−xSrxNiO2 infinite-layer superconducting thin films
Authors: Shao Ting-Na , Zhang Zi-Tao , Qiao Yu-Jie , Zhao Qiang , Liu Hai-Wen , Chen Xin-Xiang , Jiang Wei-Min , Yao Chun-Li , Chen Xing-Yu , Chen Mei-Hui , Dou Rui-Fen , Xiong Chang-Min , Zhang Guang-Ming , Yang Yi-Feng , Nie Jia-Cai
Published: April 2023

The recent discovery of superconductivity in infinite-layer nickelates generates tremendous research endeavors, but the ground state of their parent compounds is still under debate. Here, we report experimental evidence for the dominant role of Kondo scattering in the underdoped Nd1−xSrxNiO2 thin films. A resistivity minimum associated with logarithmic temperature dependence in both longitudinal and Hall resistivities are observed in the underdoped Nd1−xSrxNiO2 samples before the superconducting transition. At lower temperatures down to 0.04 K, the resistivities become saturated, following the prediction of the Kondo model. A linear scaling behavior $\sigma _{{\boldsymbol{xy}}}^{{{\bf AHE}}}{\rm{\ }}\sim{\rm{\ }}{\sigma }_{{\boldsymbol{xx}}}$ between anomalous Hall conductivity $\sigma _{{\boldsymbol{xy}}}^{{\bf{AHE}}}$ and conductivity ${\sigma }_{{\boldsymbol{xx}}}{\rm{\ }}$is revealed, verifying the dominant Kondo scattering at low temperature. The effect of weak (anti-)localization is found to be secondary. Our experiments can help in clarifying the basic physics in the underdoped Nd1−xSrxNiO2 infinite-layer thin films.