bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Data on PIRCHE and T-Cell Reactivity: HLA-DPB1-Derived Peptides Identified by PIRCHE-I Show Binding to HLA-A*02:01 in vitro and T-Cell Activation in vivo
Authors: Peereboom Emma T.M. , Maranus Anna E. , Timmerman Laura M. , Geneugelijk Kirsten , Spierings Eric
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DPB1 mismatches during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with an unrelated donor result in an increased risk for the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). The number of CD8+ T-cell epitopes available for indirect allorecognition as predicted by the PIRCHE algorithm has been shown to be associated with GvHD development. As a proof of principle, PIRCHE-I predictions for HLA-DPB1 mismatches were validated in vitro and in vivo. Methods: PIRCHE-I analysis was performed to identify HLA-DPB1-derived peptides that could theoretically bind to HLA-A*02:01. PIRCHE-I predictions for HLA-DPB1 mismatches were validated in vitro by investigating binding affinities of HLA-DPB1-derived peptides to the HLA-A*02:01 in a competition-based binding assay. To investigate the capacity of HLA-DPB1-derived peptides to elicit a T-cell response in vivo, mice were immunized with these peptides. T-cell alloreactivity was subsequently evaluated using an interferon-gamma ELISpot assay. Results: The PIRCHE-I algorithm identified five HLA-DPB1-derived peptides (RMCRHNYEL, YIYNREEFV, YIYNREELV, YIYNREEYA, and YIYNRQEYA) to be presented by HLA-A*02:01. Binding of these peptides to HLA-A*02:01 was confirmed in a competition-based peptide binding assay, all showing an IC50 value of 21 μm or lower. The peptides elicited an interferon-gamma response in vivo. Conclusion: Our results indicate that the PIRCHE-I algorithm can identify potential immunogenic HLA-DPB1-derived peptides present in recipients of an HLA-DPB1-mismatched donor. These combined in vitro and in vivo observations strengthen the validity of the PIRCHE-I algorithm to identify HLA-DPB1 mismatch-related GvHD development upon HSCT.
Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors in Patients with FOXP1 Syndrome: An International Cross-Sectional Survey-Based Study
Authors: Curtis Kaya L. , Lipner Shari R.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: FOXP1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder due to forkhead box protein 1 (FOXP1) gene mutations and is associated with intellectual disability, dysmorphic features, and autism spectrum disorder. We aimed to assess body-focused repetitive behavior (BFRB) prevalence in this patient population using a cross-sectional survey-based study. Methods: A validated survey assessing for BFRBs was administered to parents attending the International FOXP1 Foundation conference on June 21, 2023, and was sent to a FOXP1 syndrome listserv. Results: Excoriation disorder, onychophagia, onychotillomania, and trichotillomania were reported by 58.6%, 38.6%, 29.7%, and 10.0% of subjects, with 63.4%, 59.3%, 54.5%, and 14.3% having moderate to severe disease, respectively. Overall, 28.6%, 30.0%, and 10.0% had one, two, and three BFRBs, respectively. Conclusion: Prevalence of BFRBs is high among FOXP1 syndrome patients surveyed, affecting quality of life for patients and their families and causing significant sequelae.
Vietnamese American Perspectives on Engagement in an Aging-Focused Research Registry
Authors: Meyer Oanh L. , Nguyen Krystal , Nam Bora , Tsoh Janice Y. , Hinton Ladson , Gallagher-Thompson Dolores , Grill Joshua , Vuong Quyen , Park Van Ta
Published: April 2024

Introduction: We elicited Vietnamese Americans’ perspectives on culturally appropriate recruitment into a new research registry: Collaborative Approach for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) Research and Education (CARE). Methods: Three focus groups were conducted with 21 Vietnamese Americans. Topics included knowledge about and experiences with research, outreach and recruitment methods for research participation and registry enrollment, and views about research incentives. Focus group transcripts were analyzed thematically. Results: Mean age of participants was 41 years (range 18–73), 57% were male, 86% were non-US born, and 81% had never participated in a research study. Themes that emerged included (1) motivations to participate in research to gain knowledge: for oneself, for family’s benefit, and for the Vietnamese American community as a whole; (2) necessity of trustworthy and credible individuals/spokespersons to promote the research initiative; (3) recruitment strategies that are age-specific and culturally appropriate, and (4) importance of monetary incentives. Conclusion: Findings from this study will be used to guide recruitment into and engagement with CARE among Vietnamese Americans but are also relevant for other registries aiming to diversify their participants.
Acceptability of Two Perturbation-Based Balance Training Paradigms: Perturbation Treadmill versus Dynamic Stability Training in the Presence of Perturbations
Authors: Hezel Natalie , Brüll Leon , Arampatzis Adamantios , Schwenk Michael
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Perturbation-based balance training (PBT) is promising for fall prevention in older adults, mimicking real-life fall situations at a person’s stability thresholds to improve reactive balance. Hence, it can be associated with anxiety, but knowledge about the acceptability of PBT is scarce. Method: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of two different PBT paradigms that aims to evaluate and compare the acceptability of those training paradigms in fall-prone older adults. Participants (74.9 ± 5.7 years) who completed the training (6 weeks, 3x/week) on either a perturbation treadmill (PBTtreadmill: n = 22) or unstable surfaces in the presence of perturbations (PBTstability: n = 27) were surveyed on the acceptability of PBT using a 21-item questionnaire addressing seven domains (perceived effectiveness, tailoring, demand, safety, burden, devices, affective attitude), based on the theoretical framework of acceptability and context-specific factors. Relative scores (% of absolute maximum) for single items and domains were calculated. Results: Median domain scores of perceived effectiveness, tailoring, safety, devices, and affective attitude were all ≥70% for both paradigms. The highest scores were obtained for tailoring (both paradigms = 100% [interquartile range 80–100%]). Domain scores of demand and burden were in the medium range (40–45%) for both paradigms. No significant differences between paradigms were found for any domain score. Two single items of safety differed significantly, with PBTtreadmill perceived as needing less support (p = 0.015) and leading less often to balance loss (p = 0.026) than PBTstability. Conclusion: PBT conducted on a perturbation treadmill or unstable surfaces is well accepted in this fall-prone older sample, even though it is conducted at individual stability thresholds. Tailoring may play a key role in achieving high levels of perceived effectiveness, appropriate levels of demand and burden, and a high sense of safety. PBT delivered on treadmills might be more appropriate for more anxious persons.
Involvement of Muscarinic M3 Receptor in the Development of M2 Macrophages in Allergic Inflammation
Authors: Jinno Megumi , Ohta Shin , Mikuni Hatsuko , Uno Tomoki , Uchida Yoshitaka , Manabe Ryo , Miyata Yoshito , Homma Tetsuya , Watanabe Yoshio , Kusumoto Sojiro , Suzuki Shintaro , Tanaka Akihiko , Sagara Hironori
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist, tiotropium, has a bronchodilatory effect on asthma patients. Additionally, tiotropium inhibits allergic airway inflammation and remodeling in a murine asthma model. However, the underlying mechanisms of this M3 receptor antagonist remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated the effect of muscarinic M3 receptor blockage on M2 macrophage development during allergic airway inflammation. Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin to develop a murine model of allergic airway inflammation mimicking human atopic asthma. During the challenge phase, mice were treated with or without tiotropium. Lung cells were isolated 24 h after the last treatment and gated using CD68-positive cells. Relm-α and Arginase-1 (Arg1) (M2 macrophage markers) expression was determined by flow cytometry. Mouse bone marrow mononuclear cell-derived macrophages (mBMMacs) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)-derived macrophages were stimulated with IL-4 and treated with a muscarinic M3 receptor antagonist in vitro. Results: The total cells, eosinophils, and IL-5 and IL-13 levels in BAL fluids were markedly decreased in the asthma group treated with tiotropium compared to that in the untreated asthma group. The Relm-α and Arg1 expression in macrophages was reduced considerably in the asthma group treated with tiotropium compared to that in the untreated asthma group, suggesting that the development of M2 macrophages was inhibited by muscarinic M3 receptor blockage. Additionally, muscarinic M3 receptor blockage in vitro significantly inhibited M2 macrophage development in both mBMMacs- and PBMCs-derived macrophages. Conclusions: Muscarinic M3 receptor blockage inhibits M2 macrophage development and prevents allergic airway inflammation. Moreover, muscarinic M3 receptors might be involved in the differentiation of immature macrophages into M2 macrophages.
Consensus-Based Expert Recommendations on the Management of Hemophilia A in the Gulf Region
Authors: Abdulla Alzahrani Hazzaa , Warsi Ashraf , Mullah-Ali Ali , Alotaibi Ghazi , Abu-Riash Mahmoud , Alshahrani Mohammad , Siddiqui Mustaqeem , Owaidah Tarek , Hashmi Shahrukh
Published: April 2024

Background: Hemophilia A presents a significant health challenge in the Gulf region, where it has an especially high prevalence. There are several unmet needs associated with the management of hemophilia A in the region. The aim of this manuscript was to contextualize unmet management needs, provide recommendations to optimize care, and specify requirements for the establishment of gene therapy centers in the region. Summary: An expert panel was assembled comprising ten clinical hematologists from Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The Delphi methodology was used to obtain a consensus on statements relating to several aspects of hemophilia A. A consensus was reached for all statements by means of an online, anonymized voting system. The consensus statements pertain to screening and diagnosis, treatment approaches, and requirements for the implementation of gene therapy. Key Messages: There are significant challenges that hinder the optimal management of hemophilia A in the Gulf region. The consensus statements presented provide specific recommendations to improve diagnostic and treatment approaches, promote multidisciplinary care, and optimize regional data generation and reporting. These statements also delineate the requirements for the establishment of gene therapy centers for hemophilia A in the region.
IGFBP5 Promotes Neuronal Apoptosis in a 6-OHDA-Toxicant Model of Parkinson’s Disease by Inhibiting the Sonic Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
Authors: Guo Shenglong , Lei Qi , Yang Qian , Chen Ruili
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Studies have shown that insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) may contribute to methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity and neuronal apoptosis in PC-12 cells and rat striatum. Here, we studied the expression and role of IGFBP5 in the 6-OHDA-toxicant model of PD. Methods: PC-12 and SH-SY5Y cells were exposed to 50 μm 6-OHDA for 24 h. qRT-PCR, western blotting, CCK-8 assay, EdU staining, annexin V staining, and immunofluorescence were performed to study the effects of IGFBP5-specific siRNAs. The effects of IGFBP5 on a rat 6-OHDA model of PD were confirmed by performing behavioral tests, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunofluorescence staining, and western blotting. Results: In the GSE7621 dataset, IGFBP5 was highly expressed in the substantia nigra tissues of PD patients compared to healthy controls. In PC-12 and SH-SY5Y cells, IGFBP5 was upregulated following 6-OHDA exposure in a dose-dependent manner. Silencing of IGFBP5 promoted PC-12 and SH-SY5Y proliferation and inhibited apoptosis under 6-OHDA stimulation. Silencing of IGFBP5 relieved 6-OHDA-induced TH-positive neuron loss. Hedgehog signaling pathway was predicted as a downstream signaling pathway of IGFBP5. Negative regulation between IGFBP5 and sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway was confirmed in vitro. The effects of IGFBP5 silencing on SH-SY5Y cells were partially reversed using cyclopamine, a direct inhibitor of the SHH signaling pathway. In addition, silencing of IGFBP5 attenuated motor deficits and neuronal damage in 6-OHDA-induced PD rats. Conclusion: Elevated IGFBP5 expression may be involved in 6-OHDA-induced neurotoxicity through regulation of the SHH signaling pathway.
Pesquisa em Arte e Crítica de Processo: contribuições de Cecília Salles para as poéticas visuais
Authors: Pfutzenreuter Edson , Guaraldo Lais
Published: April 2024

The activity of supervising coursework that explores poetics in undergraduate Arts courses is a privileged moment to monitor the development of students' creative processes. It is common for Salles' books to promote identification between the reports of the artists analyzed in the books and the categories highlighted there with their own trajectories of poetic elaboration and writing of the text that accompanies the work prepared for TCCs, Masters and Doctorates.
Final year courseworks in visual poetics in Arts degrees usually require the development of an artistic proposal and the writing of a monographic text of a memorial nature. This article presents the presence and importance of the methodological approach developed by Cecília Salles for the elaboration of this reflection on the creative process itself among students completing their Arts degrees, bringing specificities from the field of Visual Arts. And it also points out the contribution of Salles' work to the deepening of this work of self-analysis, considering that the student/artist begins to observe his process in a broader and more complex way, better understanding its singularities and its identifications with other processes.
« Penser l’impensé » : traduire Meschonnic
Authors: Ciobaca Carmen-Ecaterina
Published: April 2024

Le présent travail porte sur les défis qu’engendre la traduction de l’œuvre d’Henri Meschonnic en roumain. La première section est un état de lieux sur la traduction de la traductologie. Les ouvrages traductologiques sont rarement traduits, principalement à cause du manque de projets de traduction. Nous passons en revue dans la seconde section les axes fondamentaux de la pensée de Meschonnic pour examiner dans la dernière section les difficultés de traduction de son discours, partant de l’expérience de traductrice de Pier-Pascale Boulanger. Le texte source choisi dans le cadre de l’étude de cas est l’article « Traduire ce que les mots ne disent pas, mais ce qu’ils font » (Meta, 1995). La traduction est une manière de continuer l’œuvre de Meschonnic et de contribuer au progrès de la traductologie.
Traduzir poesia ou a poesia do traduzir
Authors: Lemes Karen
Published: April 2024

This research aims to study rhythm as an element – considered essential and indispensable to analyse when examining the poetic verse – which also arises as a concrete concern to those who write and translate prose. More than intuitively approaching the material or worrying about stablishing or reproducing the tones and sounds in a work of art, dealing with rhythm can be a systematic part of the making, another literary element to compose and constitute the textual materiality. Thus, throughout our route, we are reflecting on the matter of rhythm in prose while analysing “carta do tradutor” – or “a translator’s letter” –, an open letter written by Brazilian translator Caetano Waldrigues Galindo to Marcia Copola, who would later proofread his translation of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. Our observations are made according to the critical lens of the creative process, a line of reasoning which allows us to see literary translation as a creative and, therefore, continuous act. Furthermore, this study believes that even though it has its materiality, the text is a malleable organism which depends on its readings to stay fixed – or even to keep its moving nature. Therefore, while applying such theoretical principles to our object of study analysis, we reason regarding the translation practice and the possibility of it being traversed by the matter of rhythm and rhythmic patterns.
Cost‐Effectiveness of a Workplace‐Based Hypertension Management Program in Real‐World Practice in the Kailuan Study
Authors: Zhou Yan‐Feng , Chen Shuohua , Chen Jun‐Xiang , Chen Simiao , Wang Guodong , Pan Xiong‐Fei , Wu Shouling , Pan An
Published: April 2024

Background

In 2009, a workplace‐based hypertension management program was launched among men with hypertension in the Kailuan study. This program involved monitoring blood pressure semimonthly, providing free antihypertensive medications, and offering personalized health consultations. However, the cost‐effectiveness of this program remains unclear.

Methods and Results

This analysis included 12 240 participants, with 6120 in each of the management and control groups. Using a microsimulation model derived from 10‐year follow‐up data, we estimated costs, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), life‐years, and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for workplace‐based management compared with routine care in both the study period and over a lifetime. Analyses are conducted from the societal perspective. Over the 10‐year follow‐up, patients in the management group experienced an average gain of 0.06 QALYs with associated incremental costs of $633.17 (4366.85 RMB). Projecting over a lifetime, the management group was estimated to increase by 0.88 QALYs or 0.92 life‐years compared with the control group, with an incremental cost of $1638.64 (11 301.37 RMB). This results in an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of $1855.47 per QALY gained and $1780.27 per life‐year gained, respectively, when comparing workplace‐based management with routine care. In probabilistic sensitivity analyses, with a threshold willingness‐to‐pay of $30 765 per QALY (3 times 2019 gross domestic product per capita), the management group showed a 100% likelihood of being cost‐effective in 10 000 samples.

Conclusions

Workplace‐based management, compared with routine care for Chinese men with hypertension, could be cost‐effective both during the study period and over a lifetime, and might be considered in working populations in China and elsewhere.
Quantitative Benefit–Risk Evaluation of Rivaroxaban in Patients After Peripheral Arterial Revascularization: The VOYAGER PAD Trial
Authors: Yuan Zhong , Levitan Bennett , Deng Hsiaowei , Szarek Michael , Bauersachs Rupert M. , Berkowitz Scott D. , Haskell Lloyd , Barnathan Elliot S. , Bonaca Marc P.
Published: April 2024

Background

The VOYAGER PAD (Efficacy and Safety of Rivaroxaban in Reducing the Risk of Major Thrombotic Vascular Events in Subjects With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease Undergoing Peripheral Revascularization Procedures of the Lower Extremities) trial compared rivaroxaban (2.5 mg twice a day) plus aspirin with aspirin alone in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease requiring endovascular or surgical limb revascularization, with 50% receiving clopidogrel background therapy. The New Drug Indication application includes benefit–risk assessments using clinical judgment to balance benefits against risks. During its review, the US Food and Drug Administration requested additional quantitative benefit–risk analyses with formal weighting approaches.

Methods and Results

Benefits and risks were assessed using rate differences between treatment groups (unweighted analysis). To account for clinical importance of the end points, a multi‐criteria decision analysis was conducted using health state utility values as weights. Monte Carlo simulations incorporated statistical uncertainties of the event rates and utility weights. Intent‐to‐treat and on‐treatment analyses were conducted. For unweighted intent‐to‐treat analyses, rivaroxaban plus aspirin would result in 120 (95% CI, −208 to −32) fewer events of the primary composite end point (per 10 000 patient‐years) compared with aspirin alone. Rivaroxaban caused an excess of 40 (95% CI, 8–72) Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction major bleeding events, which was largely driven by nonfatal, nonintracranial hemorrhage Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction major bleeding events. For weighted analyses, rivaroxaban resulted in the utility equivalent of 13.7 (95% CI, −85.3 to 52.6) and 68.1 (95% CI, 7.9–135.7) fewer deaths per 10 000 patient‐years (intent‐to‐treat and on‐treatment, respectively), corresponding to probabilities of 64.4% and 98.7%, respectively, that benefits outweigh risks favoring rivaroxaban per Monte Carlo simulation.

Conclusions

These analyses show a favorable benefit–risk profile of rivaroxaban therapy in the VOYAGER PAD trial, with findings generally consistent between the unweighted and weighted approaches.
Association Between Young Adult Characteristics and Blood Pressure Trajectories
Authors: An Jaejin , Fischer Heidi , Ni Liang , Xia Mengying , Choi Soon Kyu , Morrissette Kerresa L. , Wei Rong , Reynolds Kristi , Muntner Paul , Safford Monika M. , Moran Andrew E. , Bellows Brandon K. , Isasi Carmen R. , Allen Norrina B. , Xanthakis Vanessa , Colantonio Lisandro D. , Zhang Yiyi
Published: April 2024

Background

Blood pressure (BP) trajectories from young adulthood through middle age are associated with cardiovascular risk. We examined the associations of hypertension risk factors with BP trajectories among a large diverse sample.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data from young adults, aged 18 to 39 years, with untreated BP <140/90 mm Hg at baseline from Kaiser Permanente Southern California (N=355 324). We used latent growth curve models to identify 10‐year BP trajectories and to assess the associations between characteristics in young adulthood and BP trajectories. We identified the following 5 distinct systolic BP trajectories, which appeared to be determined mainly by the baseline BP with progressively higher BP at each year: group 1 (lowest BP trajectory, 7.9%), group 2 (26.5%), group 3 (33.0%), group 4 (25.4%), and group 5 (highest BP trajectory, 7.3%). Older age (adjusted odds ratio for 30–39 versus 18–29 years, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.18–1.28]), male sex (13.38 [95% CI, 12.80–13.99]), obesity (body mass index ≥30 versus 18.5–24.9 kg/m
2
, 14.81 [95% CI, 14.03–15.64]), overweight (body mass index 25–29.9 versus 18.5–24.9 kg/m
2
, 3.16 [95% CI, 3.00–3.33]), current smoking (1.58 [95% CI, 1.48–1.67]), prediabetes (1.21 [95% CI, 1.13–1.29]), diabetes (1.60 [95% CI, 1.41–1.81]) and high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (≥160 versus <100 mg/dL, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.37–1.68]) were associated with the highest BP trajectory (group 5) compared with the reference group (group 2).

Conclusions

Traditional hypertension risk factors including smoking, diabetes, and elevated lipids were associated with BP trajectories in young adults, with obesity having the strongest association with the highest BP trajectory group.
Early Mortality, Cardiovascular, and Renal Diseases in Women's Lives Following Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: The Prospective Nationwide Study CONCEPTION
Authors: Lailler Grégory , Grave Clémence , Gabet Amélie , Joly Pierre , Regnault Nolwenn , Deneux‐Tharaux Catherine , Tstsaris Vassilis , Plu‐Bureau Geneviève , Kretz Sandrine , Blacher Jacques , Olie Valérie
Published: April 2024

Background

We aimed to evaluate the impact of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy occurrence, recurrence, onset time, and severity on mortality and on a wide range of cardiovascular outcomes in France.

Methods and Results

CONCEPTION (Cohort of Cardiovascular Diseases in Pregnancy) is a French nationwide prospective cohort using data from the National Health Data System. We included all women in CONCEPTION with no history of a cardiovascular event who delivered in France for the first time between 2010 and 2018 (N=2 819 655). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and cardiovascular outcomes during the study follow‐up were identified using algorithms combining
International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision
(
ICD‐10
) coded diagnoses during hospitalization and purchases of medication between 2010 and 2021. We fitted Cox models with time‐varying exposure to assess the associations of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy with mortality and cardiovascular events. Women with gestational hypertension had a 1.25‐ to 2‐fold higher risk of stroke, acute coronary syndrome, peripheral arterial disease, pulmonary embolism, and chronic kidney disease, and a 2‐ to 4‐fold higher risk of rhythm and conduction disorder and heart failure. Women with preeclampsia had a 1.35‐ to 2‐fold higher risk of rhythm or conduction disorder and pulmonary embolism during follow‐up; a 2‐ to 4‐fold higher risk of stroke, acute coronary syndrome, and peripheral arterial disease; and a 7‐ to 9‐fold higher risk of heart failure and chronic kidney disease. They were 1.8 times more likely to die and 4.4 times more likely to die of cardiovascular causes.

Conclusions

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy drastically increase the risk of mortality, cardiovascular, and renal events early after pregnancy. Recurrent, severe, and early‐onset preeclampsia further increases this risk.
Enantiomer‐Specific Cardiovascular Effects of the Ketone Body 3‐Hydroxybutyrate
Authors: Gopalasingam Nigopan , Moeslund Niels , Christensen Kristian Hylleberg , Berg‐Hansen Kristoffer , Seefeldt Jacob , Homilius Casper , Nielsen Erik Nguyen , Dollerup Mie Ringgaard , Alstrup Olsen Aage K. , Johannsen Mogens , Boedtkjer Ebbe , Møller Niels , Eiskjær Hans , Gormsen Lars Christian , Nielsen Roni , Wiggers Henrik
Published: April 2024

Background

The ketone body 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐OHB) increases cardiac output (CO) by 35% to 40% in healthy people and people with heart failure. The mechanisms underlying the effects of 3‐OHB on myocardial contractility and loading conditions as well as the cardiovascular effects of its enantiomeric forms, D‐3‐OHB and L‐3‐OHB, remain undetermined.

Methods and Results

Three groups of 8 pigs each underwent a randomized, crossover study. The groups received 3‐hour infusions of either D/L‐3‐OHB (racemic mixture), 100% L‐3‐OHB, 100% D‐3‐OHB, versus an isovolumic control. The animals were monitored with pulmonary artery catheter, left ventricle pressure‐volume catheter, and arterial and coronary sinus blood samples. Myocardial biopsies were evaluated with high‐resolution respirometry, coronary arteries with isometric myography, and myocardial kinetics with D‐[
11
C]3‐OHB and L‐[
11
C]3‐OHB positron emission tomography. All three 3‐OHB infusions increased 3‐OHB levels (
P
<0.001). D/L‐3‐OHB and L‐3‐OHB increased CO by 2.7 L/min (
P
<0.003). D‐3‐OHB increased CO nonsignificantly (
P
=0.2). Circulating 3‐OHB levels correlated with CO for both enantiomers (
P
<0.001). The CO increase was mediated through arterial elastance (afterload) reduction, whereas contractility and preload were unchanged. Ex vivo, D‐ and L‐3‐OHB dilated coronary arteries equally. The mitochondrial respiratory capacity remained unaffected. The myocardial 3‐OHB extraction increased only during the D‐ and D/L‐3‐OHB infusions. D‐[
11
C]3‐OHB showed rapid cardiac uptake and metabolism, whereas L‐[
11
C]3‐OHB demonstrated much slower pharmacokinetics.

Conclusions

3‐OHB increased CO by reducing afterload. L‐3‐OHB exerted a stronger hemodynamic response than D‐3‐OHB due to higher circulating 3‐OHB levels. There was a dissocitation between the myocardial metabolism and hemodynamic effects of the enantiomers, highlighting L‐3‐OHB as a potent cardiovascular agent with strong hemodynamic effects.
Population Trends of New Prescriptions for Antihyperglycemics and Antihypertensives Between 2014 and 2022
Authors: Yu Amy Y. X. , Austin Peter C. , Jackevicius Cynthia A. , Chu Anna , Holodinsky Jessalyn K. , Hill Michael D. , Kamal Noreen , Kumar Mukesh , Lee Douglas S. , Vyas Manav V. , Joundi Raed A. , Khan Nadia A. , Kapral Moira K. , McNaughton Candace D.
Published: April 2024

Background

In the wake of pandemic‐related health decline and health care disruptions, there are concerns that previous gains for cardiovascular risk factors may have stalled or reversed. Population‐level excess burden of drug‐treated diabetes and hypertension during the pandemic compared with baseline is not well characterized. We evaluated the change in incident prescription claims for antihyperglycemics and antihypertensives before versus during the pandemic.

Methods and Results

In this retrospective, serial, cross‐sectional, population‐based study, we used interrupted time series analyses to examine changes in the age‐ and sex‐standardized monthly rate of incident prescriptions for antihyperglycemics and antihypertensives in patients aged ≥66 years in Ontario, Canada, before the pandemic (April 2014 to March 2020) compared with during the pandemic (July 2020 to November 2022). Incident claim was defined as the first prescription filled for any medication in these classes. The characteristics of patients with incident prescriptions of antihyperglycemics (n=151 888) or antihypertensives (n=368 123) before the pandemic were comparable with their pandemic counterparts (antihyperglycemics, n=97 015; antihypertensives, n=146 524). Before the pandemic, monthly rates of incident prescriptions were decreasing (−0.03 per 10 000 individuals [95% CI, −0.04 to −0.01] for antihyperglycemics; −0.14 [95% CI, −0.18 to −0.10] for antihypertensives). After July 2020, monthly rates increased (postinterruption trend 0.31 per 10 000 individuals [95% CI, 0.28–0.34] for antihyperglycemics; 0.19 [95% CI, 0.14–0.23] for antihypertensives).

Conclusions

Population‐level increases in new antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive prescriptions during the pandemic reversed prepandemic declines and were sustained for >2 years. Our findings are concerning for current and future cardiovascular health.
The Development of Jazz in China and Its Intercultural Influence on Chinese Pop Music, from the 20th Century to the 21st Century
Authors: Bei Meiqianyi , Jian Li
Published: April 2024

What is the intercultural significance of jazz for the development of Chinese pop music? The main content of this dissertation is to study and discuss the period when jazz music entered China and how it affects the development of past and present Chinese pop music. In today’s society, intercultural research is ubiquitous. Since the birth of civilization, people from different disciplines and artistic fields have been trying to build cultural bridges.1 China has a long history of culture and music development. With the changes of the times, China’s music civilization has been continuously developed and changed with the replacement of various dynasties in the past. In addition, Confucius’s Confucianism has influenced the development of Chinese music and music education. The history of jazz music is not very long, but it has become an indispensable element of today’s social music culture. Perhaps it is because jazz has rich musical style features, such as improvisation and unique jazz scales. In addition, the musical content of its expression is democratic and free. The musical form of Jazz music originated in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it is a combination of African black culture and European white culture. It is a kind of “hybrid” music form that affects the development of Chinese music with deep-rooted civilization, especially some Chinese pop music. The dissertation will study how jazz integrates Chinese music to produce Chinese pop music, as well as the intercultural influence of jazz, and how Jazz affects the pop singers of Chinese pop music.
Four new combinations in Phanera (Leguminosae: Cercidoideae) from some countries of Indo-China
Authors: BANDYOPADHYAY SUBIR , KUMAR ANAND
Published: April 2024

In the course of preparing a list of Bauhinia Linnaeus (1753: 374) and allied genera for the Legume Taxonomy Working Group, we found that new combinations are needed in Phanera Loureiro (1790: 37) for four species of Bauhinia endemic to some countries of Indo-China following the recent circumscription of the genus Phanera (Lewis & Forest 2005, Bruneau et al. 2008, Sinou et al. 2009, LPWG 2017, Clark et al. 2017, Sinou et al. 2020).
Introduction to the Triple Special Issue “The Emotional Side of Populist Support: Key Affective Mechanisms at Test”
Authors: Verbalyte Monika , Bonansinga Donatella , Capelos Tereza
Published: April 2024

Although research on populism has gained traction as an established field of inquiry, its affective underpinnings remain a puzzle. A relatively underexplored area of study, now garnering attention, is the intricate relationship between populism and emotions. This Triple Special Issue focuses on the demand side of populist politics, delving into populist attitudes and the role emotions play in their activation. Articles in this collection address three overarching research questions, which we explore in this Introduction: What are the primary emotional drivers of populist attitudes? Which emotions are evoked in audiences by populist communication and framing? What is the significance of exploring complex emotions and moving beyond “thin ideology” in the study of emotions and populism? In this Introduction, we assess the current state of the art and highlight the contributions of our collection to ongoing theoretical and empirical debates.
Downward Geographical Mobility and Upward Social Mobility: Women’s Return Migration and Entrepreneurship in China’s Small Cities and Remote Counties
Authors: Li Lulu , Song Jing
Published: April 2024

Migration studies often assume a hierarchy of places that drives a periphery-to-core movement and regard reverse migration as being related to downward social mobility. This study draws on in-depth interviews with 16 highly educated women migrants who returned to small cities and counties in less developed areas after years spent studying and working in China’s metropolises and/or abroad. Contrary to the stereotypes of unambitious and family-oriented women returnees, the study finds that women’s return migration can be motivated by complex goals and expectations, ranging from perceived economic opportunities to noneconomic needs of returning to a familiar place and to be near their families. These women were empowered by their skills accumulated in a “brain circulation” process, but their consequent social mobility also depended on their positionalities in local power structures and access to family resources. Based on their goals and positionalities, these highly educated women returnees illustrated different forms of agency: (1) the adventuring women returned to embrace market opportunities in small cities despite the lack of local resources; (2) the settling women returned mainly for family reasons and fell into self-employment serendipitously, without readily available local resources; (3) the integrating women connected their entrepreneurial goals with their access to local resources; and (4) the compensated women returned mainly for family reasons, but their access to local resources allowed them to try out working for themselves as a compensation for giving up metropolitan life. The study challenges the core-to-periphery stereotypical narrative and finds that women’s return migration may lead to upward social mobility and/or self-realization, although still constrained by women’s goals and positionalities underlying their return migration.
How Glass Ceilings and Iron Rice Bowls Create “Glass Bowls”: Gendered Barriers and Protections in Public Sector Employment in South Korea
Authors: Kang Miliann , Park Juyeon , Le C. N. , Kang-Le Sangha
Published: April 2024

Integrating the concept of “glass ceiling” barriers with “iron rice bowl” job security, this study develops the framework of “glass bowls” to theorize tradeoffs between workplace advancement and protections, focusing on public sector employment in South Korea. While the glass ceiling refers to invisible, impenetrable barriers, especially but not exclusively regarding gender, the glass bowl concept also emphasizes the fragility of glass to highlight women’s tenuous gains in long-term employment and leadership positions. Further, it expands the “bowl” context beyond post-socialist transitions to market economies, particularly in China, to address hyper-capitalist countries such as South Korea, where public sector protections play a significant role in mitigating gender discrimination. Comparing South Korean women ( N = 86) in public and private sector employment, this study shows how women are attracted to the public sector due to protections in hiring and long-term employment, but face ongoing barriers regarding promotions, pay, and leadership roles, especially if they are mothers. Thus, even if the public sector provides a supportive “bowl” for a select few, the persistence of “glass” barriers, both within this sector and throughout society, requires stronger government and workplace policies alongside cultural changes in order to create real security and advancement for women across workplace sectors.
Preoperative Nil Per Os Duration Predicts Mortality and Ambulation Following Below-Knee Amputation
Authors: Chao Natalie T. , Karwoski Allison S. , Pitsenbarger Luke T. , Som Maria N. , Dunlap Eleanor , Nagarsheth Khanjan H.
Published: April 2024

Background

Routine use of nil per os (NPO) prior to procedures has been associated with dehydration and malnutrition leading to patient discomfort. We aim to examine how duration of NPO status affects postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing elective below-knee amputation (BKA).

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 92 patients who underwent elective BKA between 2014-2022 for noninfectious indications. We performed statistical analysis using Chi-square tests, t-tests, and linear/logistic regression with odds ratio using P < .05 as our significance level.

Results

The mean age was 48.0 ± 16.7 years, and there were 64 (70%) male patients and 41 (45%) Black patients. Mean NPO duration was 12.9 ± 4.7 hours. Patients with longer NPO duration were associated with increased rates of postoperative stroke ( P = .03). Patients with shorter NPO duration had significantly lower mean BUN on postoperative day (POD) 1 (14.5, P < .001) and POD 3 (14.1, P < .001) compared to preoperative mean BUN (16.8), however this normalized by POD 7 (19.2, P = .26). There were no changes in postoperative renal function based on baseline kidney disease status or associated with longer NPO duration. Shorter NPO duration was a predictor of increased likelihood of 1-year follow-up (OR: 2.9 [1.24-6.79], P = .01), independent ambulation (OR: 2.7 [1.03-7.34], P = .04), and decreased mortality (OR: .11 [.013-.91], P = .04).

Conclusion

While NPO duration does not appear to result in postoperative renal dysfunction, prolonged NPO duration predicts worse rates of follow-up, ambulation, and survival and is associated with increased stroke rates.
Virtual Nutrition Counseling in Pediatric Primary Care: An Integrated Approach to the Prevention and Management of Pediatric Obesity
Authors: Mann Katherine , (Miller) DiGiacomo Rachel , Mirza Nazrat , Vaidya Susma
Published: April 2024

Given the rising prevalence of pediatric obesity, new approaches to the delivery of targeted nutrition counseling to not only prevent but also treat pediatric obesity are needed. The integration of a dietitian virtually was a successful quality improvement measure in this academic pediatric primary care clinic. The virtual dietitian provided age-appropriate nutrition counseling at well-child visits from 9 months to 6 years of age. Dietary counseling was also provided for children with overweight and obesity regardless of age. Vegetable, fruit, snack, and dairy intake was assessed in children who received counseling versus those who had traditional well childcare. Improved dairy habits were noted in the counseling cohort. A decrease in body mass index was not demonstrated in the patients with obesity or overweight; however, patient and provider satisfaction was quite high with this novel quality improvement measure. Virtual nutrition counseling can be easily integrated to facilitate a comprehensive pediatric medical home.
The Link Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Mental Health in Offenders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pessoa Telma M. G. , Almeida Telma Catarina
Published: April 2024

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health issues are highly prevalent in the history of adult offenders, as they affect an individual’s social, psychological, and emotional development and, consequently, their welfare and role in society. The present study explores the relationship between ACEs and mental health in adult offenders. B-on, Psycnet, Pubmed, Scielo, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched and selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twelve articles were included in the final sample, exploring the relationship between ACEs and mental health in adult inmates. ACEs impact criminal conduct and mental health. The study of those variables is essential to contribute to implementing intervention strategies and crime prevention.
Justice-Involvement and Access to Mental Health Care
Authors: Hancock Katy
Published: April 2024

Barriers to mental health treatment are underscored in the justice-involved (JI) population, which faces multiple stigma and greater social and economic disadvantage. Indeed, some have suggested that greater access to community treatment may prevent re-arrest. By analyzing the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the impact of JI status on probability of various barriers to mental health treatment was assessed. Results indicated that justice-involvement, especially in the past year, was related to a higher error rate in perceiving mental health issues. However, JI status was generally related to a lower likelihood of reporting any particular barrier. Recommendations include an emphasis on the system response, including provision of mental health education, legislative reform, and funding community treatment options.
Prevalence of Household Food Security and Health-related Quality of Life: Special Consideration on the Expectant Mothers in Punjab
Authors: Arora Sugandh , Nabi Tawheed , Oberoi Sumit , Awasthi Vedica
Published: April 2024

Household food security (HFS) affects the quality and adequacy of nutrition and can significantly impact an individual’s health. The study aims to examine the association between HFS and maternal quality of life in Punjab. The cross-sectional study was conducted in the northern Indian state of Punjab from January to March 2021 on 384 expectant mothers. The urban health facilities were chosen using the random cluster selection approach from geographical locations in Punjab, India. A well-structured questionnaire was adapted from HFS and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) that was used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics were used to investigate the socioeconomic status and food security. HFS and HR-QOL relationship was studied using multilinear regression. The results revealed that 43.9% of expectant women experienced food insecurity. Mean (±SD) scores for the domains of ‘social performance’ (84.4 ± 16.6) and ‘role limitation due to physical reasons’ (64.5 ± 35.5) were the highest in pregnant women. Quality of life scores for expectant mothers with food insecurity were the lowest. Due to physical reasons, role constraint scored the weakest for pregnant women with food insecurity (64.3 ± 45.5, 69.1 ± 43.2 and 49.3 ± 57.2, respectively, for mild, moderate and severe food insecurity). High-risk pregnant women screened for HFS in their primary prenatal care can increase their diet quality and quantity. Additionally, there is a need for multi-level actions such as policy development, resource allocation and proper amenities to ensure expectant mothers have access to nutritious food.

JEL Codes: D1, I0, I30, I31
Continuous finite-time terminal sliding mode to solve the tracking problem in a class of mechanical systems
Authors: Rascón Raúl , Moreno-Ahedo Luis , Calvillo-Téllez Andrés
Published: April 2024

The major contribution of this study is the feedback design of a finite-time convergence sliding mode control to solve the trajectory-tracking problem in a class of mechanical systems. Some advantages are that the controller presents a continuous signal by integration of the high-frequency switching term. Another benefit is the design and implementation of an uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE) to robustify the closed-loop system. We use Lyapunov tools to develop the closed-loop stability analysis and to give an expression of the convergence time [Formula: see text] t through this, we can reduce the convergence time by tuning the gains of the controller. We illustrate the performance of the proposed control structure via numerical simulations conducted for a mass-spring-damper system and experiments developed in a pendular system.
Effects of online coping skills training on stress, anxiety and social problem solving in young people: A randomised controlled study
Authors: Özkan Esma , Altuntaş Onur
Published: April 2024

Background:

Although most young people successfully manage the transition from childhood to adulthood, the speed and magnitude of these changes can cause stress that can exceed the coping abilities of many young people. Previous studies have suggested that adolescence is a vulnerable period for the development of psychiatric disorders; therefore, an adequate coping repertoire must be developed.

Aims:

Our aims were to develop and implement a coping skills training for young people and to evaluate the results of the training. Therefore, the components of the coping skills training programs in the existing literature were used.

Methods:

Young people from Turkey participated in this cluster randomised controlled trial ( n = 89; mean age, 20.06 ± 1.44 years). Ten sessions of the coping skills training were applied in the study group (SG; n = 33), and one session was applied in the control group (CG; n = 56). To assess the effects of the coping skills training, all participants completed several psychological questionnaires (for stress, anxiety, coping and social problem-solving evaluations) at the beginning and end of the training. We performed an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). In cases where ANCOVA assumptions could not be met, the efficacy of the intervention was determined using the mixed design/split-plot analysis of variance.

Results:

Compared with the CG, the SG had significantly reduced stress and anxiety levels and increased adaptive coping skills. Social problem-solving skills remained relatively similar between the groups.

Conclusion:

Complete and correct implementation of coping skills training among the youth may contribute positively to the development of adaptive coping skills by reducing their stress and anxiety levels. This online coping skills training program allowed young people to directly experience their response to stress and offered opportunities to try and develop different coping strategies. Coping skills should be considered for successful stress and anxiety management in everyday life.