bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Defect Engineering and Surface Functionalization in the Design of Carbon Nanotube-Based Nitrogen Oxide Sensors
Authors: Valdés-Madrigal Manuel A. , Montejo-Alvaro Fernando , Cernas-Ruiz Amelia S. , Rojas-Chávez Hugo , Román-Doval Ramon , Cruz-Martinez Heriberto , Medina Dora I.
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are among the main atmospheric pollutants; therefore, it is important to monitor and detect their presence in the atmosphere. To this end, low-dimensional carbon structures have been widely used as NOx sensors for their outstanding properties. In particular, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used as toxic-gas sensors owing to their high specific surface area and excellent mechanical properties. Although pristine CNTs have shown promising performance for NOx detection, several strategies have been developed such as surface functionalization and defect engineering to improve the NOx sensing of pristine CNT-based sensors. Through these strategies, the sensing properties of modified CNTs toward NOx gases have been substantially improved. Therefore, in this review, we have analyzed the defect engineering and surface functionalization strategies used in the last decade to modify the sensitivity and the selectivity of CNTs to NOx. First, the different types of surface functionalization and defect engineering were reviewed. Thereafter, we analyzed experimental, theoretical, and coupled experimental–theoretical studies on CNTs modified through surface functionalization and defect engineering to improve the sensitivity and selectivity to NOx. Finally, we presented the conclusions and the future directions of modified CNTs as NOx sensors.
Royal Jelly Protects against Epidermal Stress through Upregulation of the NQO1 Expression
Authors: Okumura Nobuaki , Ito Takashi , Degawa Tomomi , Moriyama Mariko , Moriyama Hiroyuki
Published: December 2021

Royal jelly (RJ) is secreted by honeybees and has been used as an apitherapy to obtain healthy skin since ancient times. However, the mechanism of the protective effects of RJ against skin aging and skin diseases caused by skin stress and its components have not been clarified. In this study, we attempted to understand the effect of RJ on epidermal function and observed that NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) is significantly induced by RJ in keratinocytes. The expression of NQO1 was also increased in the 3D epidermal skin model. NQO1 is involved in antioxidation and detoxification metabolism, and we found that RJ protects against the epidermal stress caused by UVB and menadione through the upregulation of NQO1. We identified 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10H2DA), a major fatty acid in RJ, as an active compound in this reaction as it induced the expression of NQO1 and protected the skin against oxidative stress. We demonstrated that the protective effect of RJ against epidermal stress is mediated through the upregulation of NQO1 by 10H2DA.
Reducing Drought Stress in Plants by Encapsulating Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria with Polysaccharides
Authors: Saberi Riseh Roohallah , Ebrahimi-Zarandi Marzieh , Gholizadeh Vazvani Mozhgan , Skorik Yury A.
Published: December 2021

Drought is a major abiotic stress imposed by climate change that affects crop production and soil microbial functions. Plants respond to water deficits at the morphological, biochemical, and physiological levels, and invoke different adaptation mechanisms to tolerate drought stress. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) can help to alleviate drought stress in plants through various strategies, including phytohormone production, the solubilization of mineral nutrients, and the production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase and osmolytes. However, PGPB populations and functions are influenced by adverse soil factors, such as drought. Therefore, maintaining the viability and stability of PGPB applied to arid soils requires that the PGPB have to be protected by suitable coatings. The encapsulation of PGPB is one of the newest and most efficient techniques for protecting beneficial bacteria against unfavorable soil conditions. Coatings made from polysaccharides, such as sodium alginate, chitosan, starch, cellulose, and their derivatives, can absorb and retain substantial amounts of water in the interstitial sites of their structures, thereby promoting bacterial survival and better plant growth.
Fighting Cancer with Bacteria and Their Toxins
Authors: Trivanović Dragan , Pavelić Krešimir , Peršurić Željka
Published: December 2021

Cancer is one of the most important global health problems that continues to demand new treatment strategies. Many bacteria that cause persistent infections play a role in carcinogenesis. However, since bacteria are well studied in terms of molecular mechanisms, they have been proposed as an interesting solution to treat cancer. In this review, we present the use of bacteria, and particularly bacterial toxins, in cancer therapy, highlighting the advantages and limitations of bacterial toxins. Proteomics, as one of the omics disciplines, is essential for the study of bacterial toxins. Advances in proteomics have contributed to better characterization of bacterial toxins, but also to the development of anticancer drugs based on bacterial toxins. In addition, we highlight the current state of knowledge in the rapidly developing field of bacterial extracellular vesicles, with a focus on their recent application as immunotherapeutic agents.
Combined Pharmacophore and Grid-Independent Molecular Descriptors (GRIND) Analysis to Probe 3D Features of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptor (IP3R) Inhibitors in Cancer
Authors: Ismatullah Humaira , Jabeen Ishrat
Published: December 2021

Inositol 1, 4, 5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-mediated Ca2+ signaling plays a pivotal role in different cellular processes, including cell proliferation and cell death. Remodeling Ca2+ signals by targeting the downstream effectors is considered an important hallmark in cancer progression. Despite recent structural analyses, no binding hypothesis for antagonists within the IP3-binding core (IBC) has been proposed yet. Therefore, to elucidate the 3D structural features of IP3R modulators, we used combined pharmacoinformatic approaches, including ligand-based pharmacophore models and grid-independent molecular descriptor (GRIND)-based models. Our pharmacophore model illuminates the existence of two hydrogen-bond acceptors (2.62 Å and 4.79 Å) and two hydrogen-bond donors (5.56 Å and 7.68 Å), respectively, from a hydrophobic group within the chemical scaffold, which may enhance the liability (IC50) of a compound for IP3R inhibition. Moreover, our GRIND model (PLS: Q2 = 0.70 and R2 = 0.72) further strengthens the identified pharmacophore features of IP3R modulators by probing the presence of complementary hydrogen-bond donor and hydrogen-bond acceptor hotspots at a distance of 7.6–8.0 Å and 6.8–7.2 Å, respectively, from a hydrophobic hotspot at the virtual receptor site (VRS). The identified 3D structural features of IP3R modulators were used to screen (virtual screening) 735,735 compounds from the ChemBridge database, 265,242 compounds from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) database, and 885 natural compounds from the ZINC database. After the application of filters, four compounds from ChemBridge, one compound from ZINC, and three compounds from NCI were shortlisted as potential hits (antagonists) against IP3R. The identified hits could further assist in the design and optimization of lead structures for the targeting and remodeling of Ca2+ signals in cancer.
Target-Based Physiological Modulations and Chloroplast Proteome Reveals a Drought Resilient Rootstock in Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Genotypes
Authors: Razi Kaukab , Bae Dong-Won , Muneer Sowbiya
Published: December 2021

As climate changes increase, drought stress is becoming a problem for all major horticultural crops; among them is okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). Despite its superior resilience to heat stress and high nutritional content, it is still underutilized in contrast to other vegetable crops. Moreover, the drought-resistant and drought-sensitive genotypes of okra are also not well known and require further exploration to improve their productivity. To investigate this in more detail, we performed comparative physiological and large-scale chloroplast proteomics on drought-stressed genotypes of okra. We evaluated four major genotypes of okra, viz., NS7774, NS7772, Green Gold, and OH3312 for drought resilient rootstock. The physiological modulations demonstrated a significant change by 50–76% in biomass, net-photosynthetic machinery, water transport, and absorption both in early and late stages of drought stress compared to well-watered crops in all genotypes. Maximum oxidative damage due to drought stress was observed for the genotypes NS7772, Green Gold and OH3312 as depicted by H2O2 and O2− determination. Greater oxidative stress was correlated to lesser antioxidant activity and expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and ascorbate peroxidase under stress in okra genotypes. The overall photosynthetic pigments, such as total chlorophyll, and total carotenoid content, were also decreased, and stomatal guard cells were disrupted and appeared closed compared to the control for the above three mentioned genotypes, except NS7774. A subsequent tissue-specific proteome analysis of chloroplasts and thylakoids analyzed by BN-PAGE (blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) revealed either over or under expression of specific proteins, such as ATPase, PSI, PSII core dimer, PSII monomer and ATP synthase. The expression of multiprotein complex proteins, including PSII-core dimer and PSII-core monomer, was slightly higher for the genotype NS7774 when compared to three other genotypes for both 5 and 10 days of drought stress. Further identification of specific proteins obtained in second dimension BN-PAGE provided descriptive detail of seven proteins involved in drought resistance across all genotypes. The identified proteins are majorly involved in photosynthesis under drought stress, suggesting NS7774 as a drought tolerant genotype. Further, the proteomic results were confirmed using Immunoblot by selecting specific protein such as PsaA. Overall, from our physiological modulations and chloroplast proteomics in all genotypes, we summarized NS7774 as a resilient rootstock and the other three genotypes (NS7772, OH3312, and Green Gold) as sensitive ones.
Regulation of Cytosolic pH: The Contributions of Plant Plasma Membrane H+-ATPases and Multiple Transporters
Authors: Zhou Jin-Yan , Hao Dong-Li , Yang Guang-Zhe
Published: December 2021

Cytosolic pH homeostasis is a precondition for the normal growth and stress responses in plants, and H+ flux across the plasma membrane is essential for cytoplasmic pH control. Hence, this review focuses on seven types of proteins that possess direct H+ transport activity, namely, H+-ATPase, NHX, CHX, AMT, NRT, PHT, and KT/HAK/KUP, to summarize their plasma-membrane-located family members, the effect of corresponding gene knockout and/or overexpression on cytosolic pH, the H+ transport pathway, and their functional regulation by the extracellular/cytosolic pH. In general, H+-ATPases mediate H+ extrusion, whereas most members of other six proteins mediate H+ influx, thus contributing to cytosolic pH homeostasis by directly modulating H+ flux across the plasma membrane. The fact that some AMTs/NRTs mediate H+-coupled substrate influx, whereas other intra-family members facilitate H+-uncoupled substrate transport, demonstrates that not all plasma membrane transporters possess H+-coupled substrate transport mechanisms, and using the transport mechanism of a protein to represent the case of the entire family is not suitable. The transport activity of these proteins is regulated by extracellular and/or cytosolic pH, with different structural bases for H+ transfer among these seven types of proteins. Notably, intra-family members possess distinct pH regulatory characterization and underlying residues for H+ transfer. This review is anticipated to facilitate the understanding of the molecular basis for cytosolic pH homeostasis. Despite this progress, the strategy of their cooperation for cytosolic pH homeostasis needs further investigation.
Investigation of the Proteomes of the Truffles Tuber albidum pico, T. aestivum, T. indicum, T. magnatum, and T. melanosporum
Authors: Krösser Dennis , Dreyer Benjamin , Siebels Bente , Voß Hannah , Krisp Christoph , Schlüter Hartmut
Published: December 2021

Truffles of the Tuber species are known as expensive foods, mainly for their distinct aroma and taste. This high price makes them a profitable target of food fraud, e.g., the misdeclaration of cheaper truffle species as expensive ones. While many studies investigated truffles on the metabolomic level or the volatile organic compounds extruded by them, research at the proteome level as a phenotype determining basis is limited. In this study, a bottom-up proteomic approach based on LC-MS/MS measurements in data-independent acquisition mode was performed to analyze the truffle species Tuber aestivum, Tuber albidum pico, Tuber indicum, Tuber magnatum, and Tuber melanosporum, and a protein atlas of the investigated species was obtained. The yielded proteomic fingerprints are unique for each of the of the five truffle species and can now be used in case of suspected food fraud. First, a comprehensive spectral library containing 9000 proteins and 50,000 peptides was generated by two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (2D-LC-MS/MS). Then, samples of the truffle species were analyzed in data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics mode yielding 2715 quantified proteins present in all truffle samples. Individual species were clearly distinguishable by principal component analysis (PCA). Quantitative proteome fingerprints were generated from 2066 ANOVA significant proteins, and side-by-side comparisons of truffles were done by T-tests. A further aim of this study was the annotation of functions for the identified proteins. For Tuber magnatum and Tuber melanosporum conclusive links to their superior aroma were found by enrichment of proteins responsible for sulfur-metabolic processes in comparison with other truffles. The obtained data in this study may serve as a reference library for food analysis laboratories in the future to tackle food fraud by misdeclaration of truffles. Further identified proteins with their corresponding abundance values in the different truffle species may serve as potential protein markers in the establishment of targeted analysis methods. Lastly, the obtained data may serve in the future as a basis for deciphering the biochemistry of truffles more deeply as well, when protein databases of the different truffle species will be more complete.
Ultrastructural Study of Platelet Behavior and Interrelationship in Sprouting and Intussusceptive Angiogenesis during Arterial Intimal Thickening Formation
Authors: Díaz-Flores Lucio , Gutiérrez Ricardo , García Maria Pino , González-Gómez Miriam , Díaz-Flores Lucio , Gayoso Sara , Carrasco Jose Luis , Álvarez-Argüelles Hugo
Published: December 2021

Platelets in atherosclerosis, bypass stenosis, and restenosis have been extensively assessed. However, a sequential ultrastructural study of platelets in angiogenesis during the early phases of these lesions has received less attention. Our objective was the study of platelets in angiogenesis and vessel regression during intimal thickening (IT) formation, a precursor process of these occlusive vascular diseases. For this purpose, we used an experimental model of rat occluded arteries and procedures for ultrastructural observation. The results show (a) the absence of platelet adhesion in the de-endothelialized occluded arterial segment isolated from the circulation, (b) that intraarterial myriad platelets contributed from neovessels originated by sprouting angiogenesis from the periarterial microvasculature, (c) the association of platelets with blood components (fibrin, neutrophils, macrophages, and eosinophils) and non-polarized endothelial cells (ECs) forming aggregates (spheroids) in the arterial lumen, (d) the establishment of peg-and-socket junctions between platelets and polarized Ecs during intussusceptive angiogenesis originated from the EC aggregates, with the initial formation of IT, and (e) the aggregation of platelets in regressing neovessels (‘transitory paracrine organoid’) and IT increases. In conclusion, in sprouting and intussusceptive angiogenesis and vessel regression during IT formation, we contribute sequential ultrastructural findings on platelet behavior and relationships, which can be the basis for further studies using other procedures.
Transcriptomics Changes in the Peritoneum of Mice with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Peritonitis
Authors: Liu Shaoguang , Zhang Shaotong , Sun Yulong , Zhou Wence
Published: December 2021

Peritonitis caused by LPS is a severe clinical challenge, which causes organ damage and death. However, the mechanism of LPS-induced peritonitis has not been fully revealed yet. Here, we investigated the transcriptome profile of the peritoneal tissue of LPS-induced peritonitis in mice. A model of LPS-induced peritonitis in mice was established (LPS 10 mg/kg, i.p.), and the influence of TAK 242 (TLR4 inhibitor) on the level of inflammatory cytokines in mouse peritoneal lavage fluid was investigated by using an ELISA test. Next, the peritoneal tissues of the three groups of mice (Control, LPS, and LPS+TAK 242) (n = 6) were isolated and subjected to RNA-seq, followed by a series of bioinformatics analyses, including differentially expressed genes (DEGs), enrichment pathway, protein-protein interaction, and transcription factor pathway. Then, qPCR verified-hub genes that may interact with TAK 242 were obtained. Subsequently, the three-dimensional structure of hub proteins was obtained by using homology modeling and molecular dynamics optimization (300 ns). Finally, the virtual docking between TAK 242 and hub proteins was analyzed. Our results showed that TAK 242 significantly inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines in the peritoneal lavage fluid of mice with peritonitis, including IL-6, IFN-γ, IL-1β, NO, and TNF-α. Compared with the Control group, LPS treatment induced 4201 DEGs (2442 down-regulated DEGs and 1759 up-regulated DEGs). Compared with the LPS group, 30 DEGs were affected by TAK 242 (8 down-regulated DEGs and 22 up-regulated DEGs). A total of 10 TAK 242-triggered hub genes were obtained, and the possible docking modes between TAK 242 and hub proteins were acquired. Overall, our data demonstrated that a large number of DEGs were affected in LPS-triggered peritonitis mice. Moreover, the TLR4 inhibitor TAK 242 is capable of suppressing the inflammatory response of LPS-induced peritonitis. Our work provides clues for understanding the pathogenesis of LPS-induced peritonitis in mice.
Swallowtail Butterflies Use Multiple Visual Cues to Select Oviposition Sites
Authors: Nagaya Hiromi , Stewart Finlay J. , Kinoshita Michiyo
Published: December 2021

Flower-foraging Japanese yellow swallowtail butterflies, Papilio xuthus, exhibit sophisticated visual abilities. When ovipositing, females presumably attempt to select suitable leaves to support the growth of their larval offspring. We first established that butterflies indeed select particular leaves on which to lay eggs; when presented with a single Citrus tree, butterflies significantly favored two out of 102 leaves for oviposition. These preferences were observed across many individuals, implying that they were not merely idiosyncratic, but rather based on properties of the leaves in question. Because the butterflies descended towards the leaves rather directly from a distance, we hypothesized that they base their selection on visual cues. We measured five morphological properties (height, orientation, flatness, roundness, and size) and four reflective features (green reflectance, brightness, and degree and angle of linear polarization). We found that the number of eggs laid upon a leaf was positively correlated with its height, flatness, green reflectance, and brightness, and negatively correlated with its degree of polarization, indicating that these features may serve as cues for leaf selection. Considering that other studies report ovipositing butterflies’ preference for green color and horizontally polarized light, butterflies likely use multiple visual features to select egg-laying sites on the host plant.
Hot Water Treatment for Post-Harvest Disinfestation of Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Its Effect on cv. Tommy Atkins Mango
Authors: Mwando Nelson L. , Ndlela Shepard , Meyhöfer Rainer , Subramanian Sevgan , Mohamed Samira A.
Published: December 2021

Mango production and trade in sub-Saharan Africa is hampered by direct damage and the high quarantine status of B. dorsalis and the paucity of effective post-harvest phytosanitary treatments. The current study reports the development of a quarantine treatment protocol using hot water to disinfest B. dorsalis and assess its effect on cv. Tommy Atkins mango quality. We first determined the development of the eggs and all larval stages of B. dorsalis in cv. Tommy Atkins mango and used the information to establish a time–mortality relationship of the immature stages after subjecting infested fruits to a regimen of eight, time instances of hot water at 46.1 °C. Using probit analysis, we estimated the minimum time required to achieve 99.9968% mortality of each stage. Our results indicate that the egg was the least heat tolerant, followed by the first, second, and third instar. The time required to achieve 99.9968% control of the third instar in cv. Tommy Atkins mango (400–600 g) was determined to be 72.63 min (95% Cl: 70.32–74.95). In the confirmatory trials, the hot water treatment schedule of 46.1 °C/72.63 min was validated, and none of the 59,120 most heat-tolerant individuals treated survived. Further, there were no significant differences between hot water-treated and untreated mangoes recorded in weight loss, fruit firmness, pH, total soluble solids, moisture content, and titratable acidity eleven days post-treatment. These findings demonstrate an effectively optimum post-harvest disinfestation treatment against B. dorsalis in cv. Tommy Atkins mango that should be adopted commercially to facilitate access to profitable but strict export markets globally.
On the Thermal Dynamics of Metallic and Superconducting Wires. Bifurcations, Quench, the Destruction of Bistability and Temperature Blowup
Authors: Krikkis Rizos N.
Published: December 2021

In the present study, a numerical bifurcation analysis is carried out in order to investigate the multiplicity and the thermal runaway features of metallic and superconducting wires in a unified framework. The analysis reveals that the electrical resistance, combined with the boiling curve, are the dominant factors shaping the conditions of bistability—which result in a quenching process—and the conditions of multistability—which may lead to a temperature blowup in the wire. An interesting finding of the theoretical analysis is that, for the case of multistability, there are two ways that a thermal runaway may be triggered. One is associated with a high current value (“normal” runaway) whereas the other one is associated with a lower current value (“premature” runaway), as has been experimentally observed with certain types of superconducting magnets. Moreover, the results of the bifurcation analysis suggest that a static criterion of a warm or a cold thermal wave propagation may be established based on the limit points obtained.
Wearable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Used as a Telemonitoring System in a Real-Life Heart Failure Unit Setting
Authors: Blockhaus Christian , List Stephan , Waibler Hans-Peter , Gülker Jan-Erik , Klues Heinrich , Bufe Alexander , Seyfarth Melchior , Koektuerk Buelent , Shin Dong-In
Published: December 2021

Background: In patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) who are at risk of sudden cardiac death, a wearable cardioverter-defibrillator (WCD) is recommended as a bridge to the recovery of LVEF or as a bridge to the implantation of a device. In addition to its function to detect and treat malignant arrhythmia, WCD can be used via an online platform as a telemonitoring system to supervise patients’ physical activity, compliance, and heart rate. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 173 patients with regard to compliance and heart rate after discharge. Results: Mean WCD wearing time was 59.75 ± 35.6 days; the daily wearing time was 21.19 ± 4.65 h. We found significant differences concerning the patients’ compliance. Men showed less compliance than women, and younger patients showed less compliance than patients who were older. Furthermore, we analyzed the heart rate from discharge until the end of WCD prescription and found a significant decrease from discharge to 4, 8, or 12 weeks. Conclusion: WCD can be used as a telemonitoring system to help the involved heart failure unit or physicians attend to and adjust the medical therapy. Furthermore, specific patient groups should be educated more intensively with respect to compliance.
Feasibility and Clinical Outcomes of a Step Up Noninvasive Respiratory Support Strategy in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Coppola Silvia , Santus Pierachille , Sotgiu Giovanni , Mondoni Michele , Gandola Alessia , Saad Marina , Sferrazza Papa Giuseppe Francesco , Centanni Stefano , Saderi Laura , Chiumello Davide Alberto , Radovanovic Dejan
Published: December 2021

The best noninvasive respiratory strategy in patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia is still discussed. We aimed at assessing the rate of endotracheal intubation (ETI) in patients treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and noninvasive ventilation (NIV) if CPAP failed. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and in-hospital length of stay (LOS). A retrospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted in intermediate-high dependency respiratory units of two Italian university hospitals. Consecutive patients with COVID-19 treated with CPAP were enrolled. Thoraco-abdominal asynchrony or hemodynamic instability led to ETI. Patients showing SpO2 ≤ 94%, respiratory rate ≥ 30 bpm or accessory muscle activation on CPAP received NIV. Respiratory distress and desaturation despite NIV eventually led to ETI. 156 patients were included. The overall rate of ETI was 30%, mortality 18% and median LOS 24 (17–32) days. Among patients that failed CPAP (n = 63), 28% were intubated, while the remaining 72% received NIV, of which 65% were intubated. Patients intubated after CPAP showed lower baseline PaO2/FiO2, lower lymphocyte counts and higher D-dimer values compared with patients intubated after CPAP + NIV. Mortality was 22% with CPAP + ETI, and 20% with CPAP + NIV + ETI. In the case of CPAP failure, a NIV trial appears feasible, does not deteriorate respiratory status and may reduce the need for ETI in COVID-19 patients.
Assessment of Selected Baseline and Post-PCI Electrocardiographic Parameters as Predictors of Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction after a First ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Fabiszak Tomasz , Kasprzak Michał , Koziński Marek , Kubica Jacek
Published: December 2021

Objective: To assess the performance of ten electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters regarding the prediction of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) after a first ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Methods: We analyzed 249 patients (74.7% males) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) included into a single-center cohort study. We sought associations between baseline and post-PCI ECG parameters and the presence of LVSD (defined as left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 40% on echocardiography) 6 months after STEMI. Results: Patients presenting with LVSD (n = 52) had significantly higher values of heart rate, number of leads with ST-segment elevation and pathological Q-waves, as well as total and maximal ST-segment elevation at baseline and directly after PCI compared with patients without LVSD. They also showed a significantly higher prevalence of anterior STEMI and considerably wider QRS complex after PCI, while QRS duration measurement at baseline showed no significant difference. Additionally, patients presenting with LVSD after 6 months showed markedly more severe ischemia on admission, as assessed with the Sclarovsky-Birnbaum ischemia score, smaller reciprocal ST-segment depression at baseline and less profound ST-segment resolution post PCI. In multivariate regression analysis adjusted for demographic, clinical, biochemical and angiographic variables, anterior location of STEMI (OR 17.78; 95% CI 6.45–48.96; p < 0.001), post-PCI QRS duration (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.22–2.00; p < 0.001) expressed per increments of 10 ms and impaired post-PCI flow in the infarct-related artery (IRA; TIMI 3 vs. <3; OR 0.14; 95% CI 0.04–0.46; p = 0.001) were identified as independent predictors of LVSD (Nagelkerke’s pseudo R2 for the logistic regression model = 0.462). Similarly, in multiple regression analysis, anterior location of STEMI, wider post-PCI QRS, higher baseline number of pathological Q-waves and a higher baseline Sclarovsky-Birnbaum ischemia score, together with impaired post-PCI flow in the IRA, higher values of body mass index and glucose concentration on admission were independently associated with lower values of LVEF at 6 months (corrected R2 = 0.448; p < 0.00001). Conclusions: According to our study, baseline and post-PCI ECG parameters are of modest value for the prediction of LVSD occurrence 6 months after a first STEMI.
The Use of HSQoL-24 in an Assessment of Quality-of-Life Impairment among Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: First Look at Real-Life Data
Authors: Krajewski Piotr K. , Marrón Servando E. , Gomez-Barrera Manuel , Tomas-Aragones Lucía , Gilaberte-Calzada Yolanda , Szepietowski Jacek C.
Published: December 2021

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with well-documented effects on patients’ quality of life (QoL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the QoL of patients with HS via the use of a newly developed questionnaire: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life-24 (HSQoL-24). This study was performed on a population of 342 HS patients. Their QoL was assessed via the HSQoL-24 questionnaire. The perceived impairment of QoL due to HS in the studied group was considered to be serious (mean HSQoL-24 score: 58.3 ± 21.0 points). Women tended to experience a significantly higher impact from the disease than men (61.6 ± 19.2 points vs. 51.1 ± 23.1 points, p < 0.001). The HS severity had an effect on the perceived QoL, with statistically significant differences being evident between the self-assessed HS severity groups. The level of QoL impairment correlated positively with the number of affected body areas (r = 0.285, p < 0.001) and the duration of the disease (r = 0.173, p = 0.001), while the patients’ age at disease onset correlated negatively with the HSQoL-24 global score (r = −0.182, p = 0.001). Patients living in their family house scored higher than other groups. The least affected were patients who lived alone. The study shows that the HSQoL-24 questionnaire is a reliable, HS-specific tool for measuring the QoL among patients with HS in real-life clinical settings.
Immediate Post-Procedural and Discharge Assessment of Mitral Valve Function Following Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Mitral Valve Repair: Correlation and Association with Outcomes
Authors: Sudarsky Doron , Kusniec Fabio , Grosman-Rimon Liza , Lubovich Ala , Kinany Wadia , Hazanov Evgeni , Gelbstein Michael , Birati Edo Y. , Carasso Shemy
Published: December 2021

The correlation between residual mitral regurgitation (rMR) grade or mitral valve pressure gradient (MVPG), at transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair (TEEMr) completion and at discharge, is unknown. Furthermore, there is disagreement regarding rMR grade or MVPG from which prognosis diverts. We retrospectively studied 82 patients that underwent TEEMr. We tested the correlation between rMR or MVPG and evaluated their association, with outcomes. Moderate or less rMR (rMR ≤ 2) at TEEMr completion was associated with improved survival, whereas mild or less rMR (rMR ≤ 1) was not. Patients with rMR ≤ 1 at discharge demonstrated a longer time of survival, of first heart failure hospitalization and of both. The correlation for both rMR grade (r = 0.5, p < 0.001) and MVPG (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), between TEEMr completion and discharge, was moderate. MR ≤ 2 at TMEER completion was the strongest predictor for survival (HR 0.08, p < 0.001) whereas rMR ≤ 1 at discharge was independently associated with a lower risk of the combined endpoint (HR 4.17, p = 0.012). MVPG was not associated with adverse events. We conclude that the assessments for rMR grade and MVPG, at the completion of TEEMr and at discharge, should be distinctly reported. Improved outcome is expected with rMR ≤ 2 at TEEMr completion and rMR ≤ 1 at discharge. Higher MVPG is not associated with unfavorable outcomes.
Sophocarpine Alleviates Injury-Induced Intima Hyperplasia of Carotid Arteries by Suppressing Inflammation in a Rat Model
Authors: Yang Genhuan , Zeng Rong , Song Xitao , Liu Changwei , Ni Leng
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Balloon angioplasty is a commonly applied procedure for treating atherosclerotic vascular diseases. However, the maintenance of long-term lumen patency is relatively difficult due to the occurrence of restenosis. Previous research has shown that the occurrence of vascular wall inflammation is associated with higher rates of restenosis. Sophocarpine (SPC) can exert various therapeutic effects such as anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, antivirus and immune regulation. This study aimed to investigate whether SPC can alleviate intimal hyperplasia following balloon injury in a rat carotid artery model. Methods: Twenty Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (i) control, (ii) balloon injury, (iii) balloon injury followed by saline injection, and (iv) balloon injury followed by SPC administration. Each group contained five rats. A high-pressure balloon of 3 mm × 20 mm was placed in the carotid artery. The balloon was inflated to a pressure of 8 atmospheres to carry out rat carotid artery balloon injury model. The areas of neointimal and media were determined by Verhoeff_Van Gieson staining, and the intima-to-media (I:M) ratios were subsequently evaluated. After that, the protein levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and eNOS were measured. Results: The ratio of I:M was remarkably higher in the balloon injury group than in the control group (p < 0.01). SPC could significantly decrease the ratio of I:M compared with the balloon injury group (p < 0.01). Besides, the protein levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MCP-1, NF-κB, TNF-α, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were increased in rat carotid arteries exposed to balloon injury (p < 0.01), and treatment with SPC could attenuate these effects (p < 0.05). Furthermore, balloon injury inhibited the protein expression of eNOS (p < 0.01), and SPC could elevate its level (p < 0.05). Conclusions: SPC could alleviate an intimal hyperplasia in balloon-injured carotid artery, and the mechanisms underlying this protective effect might be due to its inhibitory potency against inflammation signals. Our study also implies the potential applicability of SPC in treating restenosis after balloon angioplasty.
Assessing the Impact of Gender and COPD on the Incidence and Mortality of Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia. A Retrospective Cohort Study Using the Spanish National Discharge Database (2016–2019)
Authors: de-Miguel-Diez Javier , Jimenez-Garcia Rodrigo , Hernandez-Barrera Valentin , de-Miguel-Yanes Jose M. , Carabantes-Alarcon David , Lopez-de-Andres Ana
Published: December 2021

Background: We aim to analyze incidence and outcomes of patients hospitalized with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) according to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) status and sex in Spain (2016–2019). Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using national hospital discharge data of patients ≥40 years with a primary diagnosis of HAP, using the specific diagnostics of non-ventilator (NV)-HAP and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Results: We identified 37,029 patients with HAP ((NV)-HAP 87.28%, VAP 12.72%), 13.40% with COPD. HAP incidence increased over time, but only in subjects without COPD (p < 0.001). In women, incidence of HAP and (NV)-HAP was similar regardless of COPD status, but VAP incidence was lower in COPD women (p = 0.007). In men, the incidence of (NV)-HAP was significantly higher in those with COPD, while VAP incidence was lower in COPD men (p < 0.001). The in-hospital mortality (IHM) was similar in men and women with and without COPD. The risk of dying in hospital increased with age, congestive heart failure, cancer, and dialysis among men and women with COPD. Men that underwent surgery had a lower risk of IHM. VAP increased 2.58-times the probability of dying in men and women. Finally, sex was not associated with IHM among COPD patients. Conclusions: Incidence of HAP was significantly higher in COPD patients than in those without COPD, at the expense of (NV)-HAP but not of VAP. When stratifying by sex, we found that the difference was caused by men. IHM was similar in COPD and non-COPD patients, with no significant change overtime. In addition, sex was not associated with IHM.
Topical Cyclosporine in Oral Lichen Planus—A Series of 21 Open-Label, Biphasic, Single-Patient Observations
Authors: Monshi Babak , Ellersdorfer Christina , Edelmayer Michael , Dvorak Gabriella , Ganger Clemens , Ulm Christian , Rappersberger Klemens , Vujic Igor
Published: December 2021

Topical cyclosporine (CSA) has been reported as an alternative treatment in steroid-refractory oral lichen planus (OLP), but evidence is limited and conflicting. An N-of-1 trial setting could be appropriate to evaluate interindividual differences in treatment response. We studied a series of 21 open-label, biphasic single-patient observations. Patients (15 women, 6 men) with OLP recalcitrant to topical steroids received four weeks of CSA mouth rinse (200 mg/twice daily) followed by four weeks of drug withdrawal. Pain (visual analogue scale (VAS) score), disease extent (physicians’ global assessment (PGA) score) and quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score,) were assessed at baseline (T0), after four weeks of treatment (T1) and after another four weeks without treatment (T2). Median age was 58 years (interquartile range/IQR = 52–67) and median disease duration was 18 months (IQR = 12–44). Median baseline VAS score decreased significantly at T1 (p = 0.0003) and increased at T2 (p = 0.032) (T0 = 5 (IQR = 3–6.5); T1 = 2 (IQR = 0.5–3.4); T2 = 3 (IQR = 2–4.8)). Similarly, median baseline PGA score decreased significantly at T1 (p = 0.001) and increased at T2 (p = 0.007) (T0 = 2 (IQR = 1.3–2.5); T1 = 1 (IQR = 1–2); T2 = 2 (IQR = 1–2)). Median baseline DLQI score also decreased significantly at T1 (p =.027) but did not change at T2 (p = 0.5) (T0 = 2.5 (IQR = 1–5.8); T1 = 1 (IQR = 0–3); T2 = 1 (IQR = 1–4)). CSA responders (n = 16) had significantly higher median baseline VAS scores (5.2 (IQR = 5–6.5)) than nonresponders (n =5) (2 (IQR = 2–3.5) (p = 0.02). In our study, pain, disease extent and quality of life of patients with OLP improved significantly during therapy with low-dose CSA mouth rinse and exacerbated after drug withdrawal. Remarkably, patients with high initial VAS scores seemed to profit most.
Low Brachial Artery Flow-Mediated Dilation Predicts Worse Prognosis in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Bianconi Vanessa , Mannarino Massimo Raffaele , Figorilli Filippo , Schiaroli Elisabetta , Cosentini Elena , Batori Giuseppe , Marini Ettore , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Grignani Francesco , Gidari Anna , Francisci Daniela , Pirro Matteo
Published: December 2021

Background: Endothelial injury can be induced by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and seems to exert a crucial pathogenic role in its most severe clinical manifestations. We aimed to investigate the association between brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (bFMD), a potential clinical and non-invasive measure of endothelial function, and in-hospital prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Methods: Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation was assessed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients within 48 h of hospital admission. The association between bFMD and either intensive care unit (ICU) admission or in-hospital death was explored using univariable and multivariable analyses. Results: Four hundred and eight patients were enrolled. Significantly lower bFMD values emerged in COVID-19 patients with either radiographic signs of pneumonia, respiratory distress, or the need for non-invasive ventilation compared with patients without these signs (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Forty-two (10%) patients were admitted to the ICU, 76 (19%) patients died, and 118 (29%) patients met the composite endpoint of ICU admission/in-hospital death. At unadjusted Cox regression analysis showed that low bFMD (<4.4%, the median value) was associated with a higher risk for the composite endpoint of ICU admission/in-hospital death compared with high bFMD (≥4.4%, the median value) (HR 1.675, 95% CI 1.155–2.428, p = 0.007). Multi-adjusted Cox regression analyses showed that low bFMD was independently associated with a 1.519- to 1.658-fold increased risk for the composite endpoint of ICU admission/in-hospital death. Conclusions: Low bFMD predicts an unfavorable in-hospital prognosis in COVID-19 patients. The measurement of bFMD may be clinically useful in the prognostic stratification of COVID-19 patients upon hospital admission.
Local Vibration Reduces Muscle Damage after Prolonged Exercise in Men
Authors: Piotrowska Anna , Pilch Wanda , Tota Łukasz , Maciejczyk Marcin , Mucha Dariusz , Bigosińska Monika , Bujas Przemysław , Wiecha Szczepan , Sadowska-Krępa Ewa , Pałka Tomasz
Published: December 2021

Prolonged exercise can lead to muscle damage, with soreness, swelling, and ultimately reduced strength as a consequence. It has been shown that whole-body vibration (WBV) improves recovery by reducing the levels of stress hormones and the activities of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effect of local vibration treatment applied after exercise on the level of selected markers of muscle fiber damage. The study involved 12 untrained men, aged 21.7 ± 1.05 years, with a VO2peak of 46.12 ± 3.67 mL·kg−1·min−1. A maximal intensity test to volitional exhaustion was performed to determine VO2peak and individual exercise loads for prolonged exercise. The subjects were to perform 180 min of physical effort with an intensity of 50 ± 2% VO2peak. After exercise, they underwent a 60 min vibration treatment or placebo therapy using a mattress. Blood samples were taken before, immediately after the recovery procedure, and 24 h after the end of the exercise test. Myoglobin (Mb) levels as well as the activities of CK and LDH were recorded. Immediately after the hour-long recovery procedure (vibration or placebo), the mean concentrations of the determined indices were significantly different from baseline values. In the vibration group, significantly lower values of Mb (p = 0.005), CK (p = 0.030), and LDH (p = 0.005) were seen. Differences were also present 24 h after the end of the exercise test. The results of the vibration group compared to the control group differed in respect to Mb (p = 0.002), CK (p = 0.029), and LDH (p = 0.014). After prolonged physical effort, topical vibration improved post-workout recovery manifested by lower CK and LDH activity and lower Mb concentration compared to a control group.
Fusarium Keratitis—Review of Current Treatment Possibilities
Authors: Szaliński Marek , Zgryźniak Aleksandra , Rubisz Izabela , Gajdzis Małgorzata , Kaczmarek Radosław , Przeździecka-Dołyk Joanna
Published: December 2021

In many parts of the world, fungi are the predominant cause of infectious keratitis; among which, Fusarium is the most commonly isolated pathogen. The clinical management of this ophthalmic emergency is challenging. Due to the retardation of the first symptoms from an injury and the inability to differentiate fungal from bacterial infections based on clinical symptoms and difficult microbial diagnostics, proper treatment, in many cases, is postponed. Moreover, therapeutical options of Fusarium keratitis remain limited. This paper summarizes the available treatment modalities of Fusarium keratitis, including antifungals and their routes of administration, antiseptics, and surgical interventions.
Longitudinal Assessment of Health and Quality of Life of COVID-19 Patients Requiring Intensive Care—An Observational Study
Authors: Erber Johanna , Wießner Johannes R. , Zimmermann Gregor S. , Barthel Petra , Burian Egon , Lohöfer Fabian , Martens Eimo , Mijočević Hrvoje , Rasch Sebastian , Schmid Roland M. , Spinner Christoph D. , Braren Rickmer , Schneider Jochen , Lahmer Tobias
Published: December 2021

Long-term health consequences in survivors of severe COVID-19 remain unclear. Eighteen COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit at the University Hospital Rechts der Isar, Munich, Germany, between 14 March and 23 June 2020, were prospectively followed-up at a median of 36, 75.5, 122 and 222 days after discharge. The health-related quality of life (HrQoL) (36-item Short Form Health Survey and St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), cardiopulmonary function, laboratory parameters and chest imaging were assessed longitudinally. The HrQoL assessment revealed a reduced physical functioning, as well as increased SGRQ impact and symptoms scores that all improved over time but remained markedly impaired compared to the reference groups. The median radiological severity scores significantly declined; persistent abnormalities were found in 33.3% of the patients on follow-up. A reduced diffusion capacity was the most common abnormal pulmonary function parameter. The length of hospitalization correlated with role limitations due to physical problems, the SGRQ symptom and the impact score. In conclusion, in survivors of severe COVID-19, the pulmonary function and symptoms improve over time, but impairments in their physical function and diffusion capacity can persist over months. Longer follow-up studies with larger cohorts will be necessary to comprehensively characterize long-term sequelae upon severe COVID-19 and to identify patients at risk.