bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METTL3‐Mediated m6A Modification Regulates the Osteogenic Differentiation through LncRNA CUTALP in Periodontal Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Periodontitis Patients
Authors: Chen Xin , Qin Yuan , Wang Xian , Lei Hao , Zhang Xiaochen , Luo Houzhuo , Guo Changgang , Sun Weifu , Fang Shishu , Qin Wen , Jin Zuolin
Published: January 2024

Objective. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes loss of periodontal support tissue. Our objective was to investigate the mechanism by which METTL3‐mediated N6‐methyladenosine modification regulates the osteogenic differentiation through lncRNA in periodontal mesenchymal stem cells in patients with periodontitis (pPDLSCs). Material and Methods. We carried out a series of experiments, including methylated RNA immunoprecipitation‐PCR, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. The expressions of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Runx2, Col1, Runx2 protein level, ALP staining, and Alizarin red staining were used to demonstrate the degree of osteogenic differentiation. Results. We found that METTL3 was the most significantly differentially expressed methylation‐related enzyme in pPDLSCs and promoted osteogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs. METTL3 regulated the stability and expression of lncRNA CUTALP, while lncRNA CUTALP promoted osteogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs by inhibiting miR‐30b‐3p. At different time points of osteogenic differentiation, lncRNA CUTALP expression was positively correlated with Runx2, while miR‐30b‐3p showed the opposite pattern. The attenuated osteogenic differentiation induced by METTL3 knockdown was recovered by lncRNA CUTALP overexpression. The attenuated osteogenic differentiation induced by lncRNA CUTALP knockdown could be reversed by the miR‐30b‐3p inhibitor. Conclusions. In summary, METTL3/lncRNA CUTALP/miR‐30b‐3p/Runx2 is a regulatory network in the osteogenic differentiation of pPDLSCs.
Mechanical Properties of Sandwiched Construction with Composite and Hybrid Core Structure
Authors: Njim Emad Kadum , Hasan Hussam Raad , Jweeg Muhsin J. , Al-Waily Muhannad , Hameed Alaa Ali , Youssef Ahmed M. , Elsayed Fahmi M.
Published: January 2024

In the field of lighter substitute materials, sandwich plate models of composite and hybrid foam cores are used in this study. Three core structures: composite core structure and then the core is replaced by a structure of a closed and open repeating cellular pattern manufactured with 3D printing technology. It finally integrated both into one hybrid open-cell core filled with foam and employed the same device (WBW-100E) to conduct the three-point bending experiment. The test was conducted based on the international standard (ASTM-C 393-00) to perform the three-point bending investigation on the sandwich structure. Flexural test finding, with the hybrid polyurethane/polytropic acid (PUR/PLA) core, the ultimate bending load is increased by 127.7% compared to the open-cell structure core. In addition, the maximum deflection increased by 163.3%. The simulation results of three-point bending indicate that employing a hybrid combination of PUR-PLA led to an increase of 382.3%, and for PUR–TPU by 111.8%; however, the highest value recorded with PUR/PLA, which has the slightest stress error among the tests. Also, it is reported that when the volume fraction of reinforced aluminum particles is increased, the overall deformation becomes more sufficient, and the test accuracy improves; for example, rising from 0.5% to 3%, the midspan deflection of composite (foam-Al) is increased by 40.34%. There were noticeable improvements in mechanical properties in the 2.5% composite foam-Al.
Cymbopogon nardus Leaf Ash as an Alternative Material for Enhancing Concrete Strength
Authors: Bunyamin Bunyamin , Hady Munirul , Munirwan Reza Pahlevi , Putra Jaya Ramadhansyah
Published: January 2024

Numerous waste materials containing calcium and silica have been adopted as partial cement substitutes. This practice is intended to reduce the environmental impact of cement production, specifically in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, plantation waste, specifically waste from Cymbopogon nardus leaf, has not been completely exploited. The presence of silica in C. nardus leaf ash (CNLA) presents an opportunity to partially replace cement in concrete. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of substituting CNLA at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% as a partial replacement for cement on the compressive and tensile strengths of concrete after 28 days of curing. For testing purposes, 15 cm × 30 cm cylindrical concrete specimens were formed. The investigation was conducted following ACI 211.1‐91 (American Concrete Institute) and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. The required compressive strength for the concrete was 17.00 MPa. The results of the study indicate that the addition of CNLA to cement at concentrations of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% resulted in compressive strengths of 21.56, 21.12, 22.58, and 17.88 MPa, respectively. The results of the split tensile strength test were 2.43, 2.72, 2.87, and 3.18 MPa, respectively. According to the findings of this study, increasing the amount of CNLA in cement by 10% can increase the compressive and tensile strengths of concrete. In addition, as the percentage of CNLA exceeds 10%, the workability of the concrete decreases, posing challenges in attaining the targeted strength of the concrete.
Cement‐Stabilized Granular Volcanic Ash Materials for Construction of Low‐Traffic Roads in Yemen
Authors: Alhadama Saddam H. , Almaswari Abdullah A. , Algaboby Ziyad M.
Published: January 2024

Granular volcanic ash (GVA) is a volcanic activity material with low density, high porosity, and other undesirable properties that must be improved prior to use in any construction. This material can be considered an alternative for use in road building, given its availability in many locations and in large quantities in Yemen. This article aims to investigate the potential use of GVA for the construction of roads in Yemen when treated with cement stabilizer. Two types of GVA materials with different colors were selected and referred to as red and black GVA materials. Tests performed included the unconfined compressive strength (UCS), compaction, indirect tensile strength (ITS), wetting–drying durability test, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test for samples curried for 7 and 28 days. For each GVA–cement mixture, the cement content varied as 2%, 5%, and 8% by dry weight of GVA. Test results revealed that the compaction energy applied during sample preparation led to a significant reduction in the finesse modulus for red and black coarse GVA materials, with reductions of 10% and 23%, respectively. In addition, the cement content and curing period had a significant effect on UCS, ITS, and UPV for cement‐treated GVA. The applicable quantity of cement required stabilizing GVA and achieving the base course specification for strength and durability criteria in flexible pavement with low traffic is 8% cement.
Optimized Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) Production by Moderately Haloalkaliphilic Bacterium Halomonas alkalicola Ext
Authors: Muigano Martin N. , Anami Sylvester E. , Onguso Justus M. , Mauti Godfrey O.
Published: January 2024

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are biodegradable and biocompatible polymers that are produced by microorganisms as storage materials under limited nutrition and excess carbon. These PHAs have been found to be ideal for replacing synthetic plastics for use in packaging and biomedical applications. In this study, an alkaliphilic and moderately halophilic bacterium Halomonas alkalicola Ext was isolated from Lake Simbi Nyaima in western Kenya and investigated for PHA production. Sudan Black B and Nile Red A staining showed that bacterium had distinct ability for accumulation of PHAs. To optimize PHA production, the bacterium was grown in submerged fermentation under varying culture conditions and different sources and concentrations of carbon and nitrogen. With one‐factor‐at‐a‐time (OFTA) approach, optimal PHA yields were obtained after 72 hours at a pH of 10.0, temperature of 35°C, and 2.5% (w/v) NaCl. The bacterium yielded the highest biomass, and PHA amounts on 2% galactose and 0.1% ammonium sulfate as sources of carbon and nitrogen, respectively. A record PHA yield of 0.071 g g-1 with a titer of 1.419 ± 0.09 g/L was achieved from 3.397 g/L of biomass, equivalent to 41.8% PHA content. Using response surface methodology, PHA titer was increased by 1.5% to 1.44 g/L, while PHA content was improved 1.1‐fold to 45.57%. Polymer analysis revealed that the extracted PHA was a poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) (3 − HB : 3 − HV = 92 : 8) with two copolymer subunits of 3‐hydroxyvaryrate (3‐HB) and 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐HV). Halomonas alkalicola Ext attained efficient galactose conversion into PHBV under high salinity and alkalinity conditions.
AKT1 interacts with DHX9 to Mitigate R Loop–Induced Replication Stress in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Huang Tzu-Ting , Chiang Chih-Yuan , Nair Jayakumar R. , Wilson Kelli M. , Cheng Ken , Lee Jung-Min
Published: January 2024

PARP inhibitor (PARPi)–resistant BRCA-mutant (BRCAm) high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) represents a new clinical challenge with unmet therapeutic needs. Here, we performed a quantitative high-throughput drug combination screen that identified the combination of an ATR inhibitor (ATRi) and an AKT inhibitor (AKTi) as an effective treatment strategy for both PARPi-sensitive and PARPi-resistant BRCAm HGSOC. The ATRi and AKTi combination induced DNA damage and R loop–mediated replication stress (RS). Mechanistically, the kinase domain of AKT1 directly interacted with DHX9 and facilitated recruitment of DHX9 to R loops. AKTi increased ATRi-induced R loop–mediated RS by mitigating recruitment of DHX9 to R loops. Moreover, DHX9 was upregulated in tumors from patients with PARPi-resistant BRCAm HGSOC, and high coexpression of DHX9 and AKT1 correlated with worse survival. Together, this study reveals an interaction between AKT1 and DHX9 that facilitates R loop resolution and identifies combining ATRi and AKTi as a rational treatment strategy for BRCAm HGSOC irrespective of PARPi resistance status.

Significance:

Inhibition of the AKT and ATR pathways cooperatively induces R loop–associated replication stress in high-grade serous ovarian cancer, providing rationale to support the clinical development of AKT and ATR inhibitor combinations.

See related commentary by Ramanarayanan and Oberdoerffer, p. 793
National Trends and Prevalence of Atopic Dermatitis and Pandemic-Related Factors among Korean Adults, 2007–2021
Authors: Kang Jiseung , Park Jaeyu , Lee Myeongcheol , Kim Hyeon Jin , Kwon Rosie , Kim Sunyoung , Rahmati Masoud , Ai Koyanagi , Smith Lee , Kim Min Seo , Cho Seong H. , Kim Tae , Yon Dong Keon
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Previous studies have variably reported inconclusive trends in the prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) among adults, and there are limited data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to investigate the national trends and age-stratified prevalence of AD among adults from 2007 to 2021 in South Korea, focusing mainly on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related factors. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2007 to 2021. Overall and age-stratified prevalence for AD were assessed using weighted beta coefficients or odds ratios. Results: A total of 83,566 adults over 20 years (male, 49.40%) were included. During the observation period, the prevalence of AD was stable in the overall population from 2.61% (95% CI, 2.29–2.93) in 2007–2009 to 2.15% (1.68–2.63) in 2020 and 2.38% (1.81–2.95) in 2021. However, the weighted prevalence of AD in adults aged 40–59 years old decreased during the pre-pandemic era, and the prevalence of AD in adults aged above 60 years significantly decreased during the pandemic, with a significant decline observed after the initial outbreak. From age-stratification analysis, the adults aged 40–59 years showed a significant increase after the pandemic outbreak which was evident in specific variables: individuals with rural residence, lower education, and lower household income quartiles. Adults aged above 60 years showed a significant decrease in the slope after the outbreak, evident in specific variables: individuals of female, rural residence, lower education, and lower household income quartiles. Conclusion: We observed a stable overall prevalence of AD throughout the 15-year observation period. However, the age-stratified analysis suggested significantly different trends according to age-stratified groups and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of AD.
Kutanes mikrovaskuläres Okklusionssyndrom als erste Manifestation eines katastrophalen Lupus-assoziierten Antiphospholipid-Antikörper-Syndroms: ein Fallbericht
Authors: Hosseini Nastaran-Sadat , Babaei Sharareh , Rahimi Hamid , Gheissari Alaleh , Sedaghat Banafsheh , Pourmahdi-Boroujeni Mahsa , Abtahi-Naeini Bahareh
Published: January 2024

Hintergrund: Das Antiphospholipid-Syndrom (APS), das durch thrombotische Ereignisse oder geburtshilfliche Komplikationen bei anhaltend hohen Antiphospholipid-Antikörpern definiert ist, zeichnet sich durch eine Vielzahl von klinischen Erscheinungsformen aus, und die Auswirkungen des Gefäßverschlusses können nahezu jedes Organsystem oder Gewebe betreffen. Da die Klassifizierungskriterien für das APS bei Erwachsenen in der Pädiatrie (wo schwangerschaftsbedingte Probleme selten sind) nicht gut verifiziert sind, ist die Schätzung der Prävalenz im Kindesalter schwierig. Schlaganfall und Lungenembolie sind thromboembolische Ereignisse, die bei Kindern auftreten und eine erhebliche Langzeitmorbidität verursachen können. Kinder mit APS sind anfälliger für wiederkehrende Thromboembolien als Erwachsene. Die kutanen Symptome stehen im Vordergrund und sind in der Regel der erste Hinweis auf ein APS. Obwohl dermatologische Befunde äußerst heterogen sind, ist es wichtig zu überlegen, welche dermatologischen Symptome die Untersuchung auf ein APS und die erforderliche weitere Behandlung rechtfertigen. Falldarstellung: Wir beschreiben einen 7-jährigen iranischen Jungen mit retiformer Purpura und akralen kutanen ischämischen Läsionen als erste klinische Präsentation des APS im Rahmen eines systemischen Lupus erythematodes.
Methods for optimizing the assignment of cloud computing resources and the scheduling of related tasks
Authors: Sultana Zeenath , Gulmeher Raafiya , Sarwath Asra
Published: January 2024

Efficient scheduling algorithms are necessary in the cloud paradigm to optimize service provision to clients while minimizing time duration, energy consumption, and violations of service level agreements (SLAs). Disregarding task appropriateness in resource scheduling can have a detrimental effect on the quality of service provided by cloud providers. Moreover, the utilization of resources in an ineffective manner will necessitate a substantial expenditure of energy to execute activities, leading to prolonged processing duration that adversely affect the temporal duration. Many research projects have focused on employment scheduling problems, and the algorithms used in these studies have offered answers that were deemed nearly flawless. This study presents a chaos bird swarm algorithm (Chaos BSA) approach that use machine learning to consider task priority while allocating tasks to the cloud platform. The method calculates the priorities of task virtual machines and incorporates these values into the scheduler. The scheduler will select tasks that align with the specified priorities and are compatible with the virtual machines. The implementation of the system utilized the openstack cloud platform and the cloudsim tool. The results and comparison with the baseline approach genetic algorithm (GA), ant colony optimization (ACO), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) clearly demonstrate that our Chaos BSA outperforms them by 18% in terms of efficiency.
Lexicon-grammar tables standardization and implementation
Authors: Kourtin Asmaa , Amzali Asmaa , Mourchid Mohammed , Mouloudi Abdelaziz , Mbarki Samir
Published: January 2024

The lexicon-grammar approach is a very important linguistic approach in automatic natural language processing (NLP). It allows for the description of the lexicon of the language through readable and intuitive tables for human manual editing. However, the automatic use of the lexicon-grammar tables in the automatic NLP platforms remains difficult, given the incompatibility between the codes used to represent the properties in the lexicon-grammar tables and those used to represent the properties in the automatic NLP platforms. In this work, we present our method of standardizing the lexicon-grammar tables for the French language, since they constitute very rich lexical, syntactic, and semantic linguistic resources. First, we standardize their properties so that they can be compatible with those used in the NLP platforms. Then, to implement the standardized tables, we used a linguistic platform such as NooJ. For that, we describe the process of integrating these tables into this platform through the automatic generation of the dictionaries from these tables. Finally, to test the efficiency of the generated dictionaries, we create for some of them syntactic grammars that take into account all the grammatical, syntactic, and semantic information contained in the dictionaries.
Unveiling visionary frontiers: a survey of cutting-edge techniques in deep learning for retinal disease diagnosis
Authors: Rajatha Rajatha , Davanageri Virupakshappa Ashoka
Published: January 2024

Retinal disorders impact millions of people globally. These disorders can be detected and diagnosed early enough to not only cure but also avoid permanent blindness. Manual identification of these diseases has always been tedious, time-consuming, and inconsistent. For ophthalmologists, retinal fundus images are a valuable source of information in diagnosing retinal diseases. Automatic identification of eye disorders using artificial intelligence (AI) based learning models has seen substantial development in the computer vision sector recently. Various models, particularly deep learning (DL) models are incredible in identifying and classifying diseases. In the presented review, we have performed an in-depth analysis of various existing DL models, involving preprocessing, classification, segmentation, and techniques to deal with data imbalance. We have also endeavored to gauge the effectiveness of these models by evaluating their performance using the metrics employed in their assessment. In addition, we explored various challenges along with the potential future scope in this domain.
 
Efficient number theoretic transform accelerator for CRYSTALS-Kyber
Authors: Nguyen Toan , Anh Pham Hoang , Nguyen Hung , Hoang Trang , Tran Linh
Published: January 2024

The national institute of standards and technology (NIST) has presented its draft of the module-lattice-based key-encapsulation mechanism standard (MLBKEMS), choosing cryptographic suite for algebraic lattices (CRYSTALS)- Kyber as the base encryption. Existing hardware implementations of modern cryptography will need to process the new standard efficiently. The primary process in CRYSTALS-Kyber key-encapsulation mechanism (KEM) is the number theoretic transform (NTT), which requires heavy computing power. This paper contributes an efficient hardware accelerator for NTT and inverse NTT (INTT) by CRYSTAL-Kyber parameters. The proposed design utilizes the K-RED algorithm for reducing polynomial multiplication. It also incorporates the BrentKung method for efficient modular addition and subtraction operation with an address generator to control the sequences of computation. On the Xilinx Artix 7 field programmable gate array (FPGA), our design achieves 262 MHz clock speed, utilizing only 1405 LUTs.
Blue-emitting fluorophosphate phosphor to enhance color rendition of near-ultraviolet LED white light
Authors: Van Dung Nguyen , Le Thai Nguyen , Minh Bui Thuc , Phuc Dang Huu
Published: January 2024

This work presents a novel blue phosphor, Na2MgPO4F: Eu2+ (NMPF: Eu) for violet 405-nm light-emitting diode (LED) devices. The compound is synthesized via a simple one-step sintering process using readily available precursors. Notably, NMPF: Eu exhibits highly efficient and thermally stable blue emission when excited by violet light. The NMPF: Eu is applied to produce a white LED device driven by a 405 nm LED chip and Y3Al5O12: Ce3+ (YAG: Ce) yellow phosphor. The impacts of NMPF: Eu phosphors are investigated by varying their particle size while maintaining consistent doping concentrations. Impressively, the LED prototype displays a substantial reduction in blue light emission while generating white light with enhanced color rendering and luminous properties. These results highlight the suitability and potential of NMPF: Eu as a promising phosphor for widening violet LED applications, especially in generating white light perceptible to the human eyes.
Automated hydroponic nutrient control system for smart agriculture
Authors: Naveena Ambidi , Nannu Saheb Shaik , Mamidi Ratnababu , Lakshmi Narasimha Murthy Godavarthi
Published: January 2024

Hydroponics is a type of soil-free farming that uses less water and other resources than conventional soil-based farming methods. Hydroponic cultivation system has high yield per acre of land with minimal consumption of water and can be a possible to meet the growing food demand of the world. The hydroponic plants fertility must be preserved, proper nutrition, a environmental temperature, and nutrient stability are crucial. It will be simpler for a farmer to keep track of all hydroponic plants by automatically monitoring nutrient flow and ambient temperature stability. By implementing artificial intelligence-based regulating algorithms in the agriculture industry, recent technology advancements are highly helpful in resolving these issues. This paper presents, automated hydroponic nutrient control system (AHNCS) for smart agriculture. System architecture is consisting of sensors network, Raspberry pi 4 microcontroller and actuators. Raspberry pi 4 microcomputer read sensor values from sensors process and activates particular actuator. The automation of the hydroponic system helps to avoid human intervention. The utilization of sensors and actuators, promptly act for the needs of the plant without any delay. The AHNCS having high accuracy, high efficiency and less delay. Hence, automation of the existing hydroponic system can reduce human dependency, provide accurate results, constant monitoring of plant health.
Acoustic and visual geometry descriptor for multi-modal emotion recognition fromvideos
Authors: Ramyasree Kummari , Sumanth Kumar Chennupati
Published: January 2024

Recognizing human emotions simultaneously from multiple data modalities (e.g., face, and speech) has drawn significant research interest, and numerous research contributions have been investigated in the affective computing community. However, most methods concentrate less on facial alignment and keyframe selection for audio-visual input. Hence, this paper proposed a new audio-visual descriptor, mainly concentrating on describing the emotion through only a few frames. For this purpose, we proposed a new self-similarity distance matrix (SSDM), which computes the spatial, and temporal distances through landmark points on the facial image. The audio signal is described through an asset of composite features, including statistical features, spectral features, formant frequencies, and energies. A support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is employed to classify both models, and the final results are fused to predict the emotion. Surrey audio-visual expressed emotion (SAVEE) and Ryerson multimedia research lab (RML) datasets are utilized for experimental validation, and the proposed method has shown significant improvement from the state of art methods.
Energy-efficient deep Q-network: reinforcement learning for efficient routing protocol in wireless internet of things
Authors: Bhimshetty Sampoorna , Victor Ikechukwu Agughasi
Published: January 2024

The internet of things (IoT) underscores pivotal real-world applications ranging from security systems to smart infrastructure and traffic management. However, contemporary IoT devices grapple with significant challenges pertaining to battery longevity and energy efficiency, constraining the assurance of prolonged network lifetimes and expansive sensor coverage. Many existing solutions, although promising on paper, are intricate and often impractical for real-world implementations. Addressing this gap, we introduce an energy-efficient routing protocol leveraging reinforcement learning (RL) tailored for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This protocol harnesses RL to discern the optimal transmission route from the source to the sink node, factoring in the energy profile of each intermediary node. Training of the RL algorithm is facilitated through a reward function that includes energy outflow and data transmission efficacy. The model was compared against two prevalent routing protocols, LEACH and fuzzy C-means (FCM), for a comprehensive assessment. Simulation results highlight our protocol’s superiority with respect to the active node count, energy conservation, network longevity, and data delivery efficiency.
Por uma Genealogia das Festas de Fim do Mundo
Authors: Lopes Denilson
Published: January 2024

Why to think the past only or mostly by trauma and wounds? This essay tries to propose a genealogy at cinema through parties especially those related to the ends of worlds especially from a transcultural and transhistorical constellation that include following movies “Marie Antoinette” (Sofia Coppola, 2006), “Rules of the game” (Jean Renoir, 1939) and  “Earrings of Madame de...” (Max Ophüls, 1953), We understand moments like French Revolution, First and Second World Wars as ends of the world at these movies in which  there is a sensation of  frail or melancholic temporality mixed with joy.
“Nenhum Brasil Existe”: Atmosferas Conspiratórias e Cosmovisão Reacionária nos Documentários da Brasil Paralelo
Authors: Felinto Erick
Published: January 2024

this work has the goal of analyzing the elements and articulations of a conspiracist imaginary present in the documentary “Pátria Educadora”, a product of the streaming service Brasil Paralelo. My main hypothesis is that such imaginary must be investigated not only on the semantic level of meanings engendered by the audiovisual discourse, but also on the dimension of the atmospheres that act as co-adjutants for said discourse. This analysis must take place in the interface between the field of political studies, affects and communication technologies.
Reflexões sobre a matriz cultural melodramática em animês
Authors: Santos Thátilla Sousa , Satler Lara Lima
Published: January 2024

The article exposes a theoretical research on Cultural Studies and Reception Studies to, later, associate it with the research themes. Supported by theories, it’s observed the relationship between production and reception in a circular way, which incites questions about identities, hybridity, globalization, resignification, interaction, mediations and cultural matrices. With the exercise, it’s perceived that the use of melodramatic narrative strategies in productions such as the anime helps the dramatic construction and raises reflections on its transnational capacity, in such a way that melodrama can be understood as a transcultural matrix, as it crosses cultures, softens borders and contributes to the access and popularity of Japanese cultural products.
Interview with Giuliana Bruno
Authors: Hamburger Esther Império , Mello Cecília , Bruno Giuliana
Published: January 2024

Giuliana Bruno is Emmet Blakeney Gleason Professor of Visual and Environmental Studies at Harvard University, situated in the Carpenter Center for Visual Arts.
For over three decades, her critical thinking has been characterized by sophistication, rigor and originality, placing her among the leading world academics exploring intersections between visual arts, art history, architecture, film, and visual culture studies. Bruno's interdisciplinary approach has fostered connections between these fields, enriching our understanding of visual culture. Her work anticipated the field of ‘media archaeology’, uncovering and analyzing historical layers and traces embedded in visual artifacts for deeper contextual insights. She has also contributed significantly to spatial theory, particularly in relation to the intersection of architecture, art, and film, exploring how spaces and places shape our experiences and perceptions. In anticipation of her visit to São Paulo in December 2023, Significação: Revista de Cultura Audiovisual conducted a two-hour online interview with Bruno, focusing on Atmospheres of Projection and her other groundbreaking contributions.
Role of the CCL5 and Its Receptor, CCR5, in the Genesis of Aldosterone-Induced Hypertension, Vascular Dysfunction, and End-Organ Damage
Authors: Costa Rafael M. , Cerqueira Débora M. , Bruder-Nascimento Ariane , Alves Juliano V. , Awata Wanessa M.C. , Singh Shubhnita , Kufner Alexander , Prado Douglas S. , Johny Ebin , Cifuentes-Pagano Eugenia , Hawse William F. , Dutta Partha , Pagano Patrick J. , Ho Jacqueline , Bruder-Nascimento Thiago
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Aldosterone has been described to initiate cardiovascular diseases by triggering exacerbated sterile vascular inflammation. The functions of CCL5 (C-C motif chemokine ligand 5) and its receptor CCR5 (C-C motif chemokine receptor 5) are well known in infectious diseases, their contributions to aldosterone-induced vascular injury and hypertension remain unknown.

METHODS:

We analyzed the vascular profile, blood pressure, and renal damage in wild-type (CCR5
+/+
) and CCR5 knockout (CCR5
−/−
) mice treated with aldosterone (600 µg/kg per day for 14 days) while receiving 1% saline to drink. Vascular function was analyzed in aorta and mesenteric arteries, blood pressure was measured by telemetry and renal injury and inflammation were analyzed via histology and flow cytometry. Endothelial cells were used to study the molecular signaling whereby CCL5 induces endothelial dysfunction.

RESULTS:

Aldosterone treatment resulted in exaggerated CCL5 circulating levels and vascular CCR5 expression in CCR5
+/+
mice accompanied by endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, and renal inflammation and damage. CCR5
−/−
mice were protected from these aldosterone-induced effects. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that CCL5 increased NOX1 (NADPH oxidase 1) expression, reactive oxygen species formation, NFκB (nuclear factor kappa B) activation, and inflammation and reduced NO production in isolated endothelial cells. These effects were abolished by antagonizing CCR5 with Maraviroc. Finally, aorta incubated with CCL5 displayed severe endothelial dysfunction, which is prevented by blocking NOX1, NFκB, or CCR5.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data demonstrate that CCL5/CCR5, through activation of NFκB and NOX1, is critically involved in aldosterone-induced vascular and renal damage and hypertension placing CCL5 and CCR5 as potential therapeutic targets for conditions characterized by aldosterone excess.
Relationship Between Obesity and Global Longitudinal Strain in the Pediatric Single Ventricle Fontan Population Across Ventricular Morphologies
Authors: Madan Nitin , Aly Doaa , Kathol Melanie , Buddhavarapu Amulya , Rieth Thomas , Sherman Ashley , Forsha Daniel
Published: January 2024

Background

Obesity is associated with diminished myocardial function as measured by strain echocardiography in children and young adults with normal cardiac anatomy. Data are lacking about the effect of obesity on myocardial strain in patients with a single ventricle. In this study, the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and single ventricle myocardial strain in the Fontan population was assessed.

Methods and Results

Thirty‐eight abnormal BMI Fontan cases (21 overweight and 17 obese) and 30 normal BMI Fontan controls matched based on single ventricular morphology, age, and sex were included in the study. Ventricular morphology was categorized as single right ventricle, single left ventricle, or biventricular. Single ventricle global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLS) and other echocardiographic measurements were performed and compared between groups, with a
P
≤0.05 defined as significant. The abnormal BMI group demonstrated diminished GLS (−15.7±3.6% versus −17.2±3.2%, [
P
=0.03]) and elevated systolic blood pressure (
P
=0.04) compared with the normal BMI group. On subgroup analysis of those with single right ventricle morphology, the abnormal BMI group demonstrated diminished GLS compared with controls. There was no significant difference in GLS between the abnormal BMI and control groups in the single left ventricle and biventricular subgroups. Analyzed by ventricular morphology, no other variables were statistically different in the abnormal BMI group including systolic blood pressure. Inter‐reader reproducibility for GLS and strain rate were excellent for both measures.

Conclusions

Obesity has an adverse relationship with myocardial strain in the young Fontan population, with the most maladaptive response seen in the single right ventricle.
Impact of Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Attenuation on Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients With Chronic Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Yamamoto Tetsuya , Kawamori Hiroyuki , Toba Takayoshi , Sasaki Satoru , Fujii Hiroyuki , Hamana Tomoyo , Osumi Yuto , Iwane Seigo , Naniwa Shota , Sakamoto Yuki , Matsuhama Koshi , Fukuishi Yuta , Hirata Ken‐ichi , Otake Hiromasa
Published: January 2024

Background

Perivascular inflammation contributes to the development of atherosclerosis and microcirculatory dysfunction. Pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) attenuation, measured by coronary computed tomography angiography, is a potential indicator of coronary inflammation. However, the relationship between PCAT attenuation, microcirculatory dysfunction, and periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) remains unclear.

Methods and Results

Patients with chronic coronary syndrome who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography before percutaneous coronary intervention were retrospectively identified. PCAT attenuation and adverse plaque characteristics were assessed using coronary computed tomography angiography. The extent of microcirculatory dysfunction was evaluated using the angio‐based index of microcirculatory resistance before and after percutaneous coronary intervention. Overall, 125 consecutive patients were included, with 50 experiencing PMI (PMI group) and 75 without PMI (non‐PMI group). Multivariable analysis showed that older age, higher angio‐based index of microcirculatory resistance, presence of adverse plaque characteristics, and higher lesion‐based PCAT attenuation were independently associated with PMI occurrence (odds ratio [OR], 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01–1.13];
P
=0.02; OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.00–1.12];
P
=0.04; OR, 6.62 [95% CI, 2.13–20.6];
P
=0.001; and OR, 2.89 [95% CI, 1.63–5.11];
P
<0.001, respectively). High PCAT attenuation was correlated with microcirculatory dysfunction before and after percutaneous coronary intervention and its exacerbation during percutaneous coronary intervention. Adding lesion‐based PCAT attenuation to the presence of adverse plaque characteristics improved the discriminatory and reclassification ability in predicting PMI.

Conclusions

Adding PCAT attenuation at the culprit lesion level to coronary computed tomography angiography‐derived adverse plaque characteristics may provide incremental benefit in identifying patients at risk of PMI. Our results highlight the importance of microcirculatory dysfunction in PMI development, particularly in the presence of lesions with high PCAT attenuation.

Registration

URL:
https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi‐open‐bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000057722
; Unique identifier: UMIN000050662.
Impact of High Lipoprotein(a) on Long‐Term Survival Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Yuan Shuo , Li Fangzhou , Zhang Heng , Zeng Juntong , Su Xiaoting , Qu Jianyu , Lin Shen , Gu Dachuan , Rao Chenfei , Zhao Yan , Zheng Zhe
Published: January 2024

Background

Lipoprotein(a) is a possible causal risk factor for atherosclerosis and related complications. The distribution and prognostic implication of lipoprotein(a) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting remain unknown. This study aimed to assess the impact of high lipoprotein(a) on the long‐term prognosis of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Methods and Results

Consecutive patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent isolated coronary artery bypass grafting from January 2013 to December 2018 from a single‐center cohort were included. The primary outcome was all‐cause death. The secondary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Of the 18 544 patients, 4072 (22.0%) were identified as the high‐lipoprotein(a) group (≥50 mg/dL). During a median follow‐up of 3.2 years, primary outcomes occurred in 587 patients. High lipoprotein(a) was associated with increased risk of all‐cause death (high lipoprotein(a) versus low lipoprotein(a): adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.31 [95% CI, 1.09–1.59];
P
=0.005; lipoprotein(a) per 1‐mg/dL increase: aHR, 1.003 [95% CI, 1.001–1.006];
P
=0.011) and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (high lipoprotein(a) versus low lipoprotein(a): aHR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.06–1.33];
P
=0.004; lipoprotein(a) per 1‐mg/dL increase: aHR, 1.002 [95% CI, 1.001–1.004];
P
=0.002). The lipoprotein(a)‐related risk was greater in patients with European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation <3, and tended to attenuate in patients receiving arterial grafts.

Conclusions

More than 1 in 5 patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting were exposed to high lipoprotein(a), which is associated with higher risks of death and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. The adverse effects of lipoprotein(a) were more pronounced in patients with clinically low‐risk profiles or not receiving arterial grafts.
Efficacy and Safety of Low‐Dose Edoxaban by Body Weight in Very Elderly Patients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Subanalysis of the Randomized ELDERCARE‐AF Trial
Authors: Akao Masaharu , Yamashita Takeshi , Fukuzawa Masayuki , Hayashi Takuya , Okumura Ken
Published: January 2024

Background

The ELDERCARE‐AF trial showed that low‐dose edoxaban benefits elderly patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation considered ineligible for standard oral anticoagulants due to high bleeding risk, but whether this applied to patients with extremely low body weight was unclear.

Methods and Results

This was a prespecified subanalysis by body weight (≤45, >45 kg) of the phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, event‐driven ELDERCARE‐AF trial, which compared low‐dose edoxaban (15 mg once daily) with placebo in Japanese patients considered ineligible for oral anticoagulants at the recommended therapeutic strength or the approved doses. The primary efficacy and safety end points were stroke or systemic embolism and major bleeding (International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis definition), respectively. The ≤45‐kg weight group included 374/984 patients (38.0%), and the >45‐kg group included 610/984 patients (62.0%). The stroke or systemic embolism rate was lower with edoxaban than placebo in both weight groups (≤45 kg: hazard ratio [HR], 0.36 [95% CI, 0.16–0.80]; >45 kg: HR, 0.31 [95% CI, 0.13–0.73]; interaction
P
=0.82). Major bleeding incidence was numerically higher with edoxaban than placebo (≤45 kg: HR, 3.05 [95% CI, 0.84–11.11]; >45 kg: HR, 1.40 [95% CI, 0.56–3.48), with no interaction with body weight (interaction
P
=0.33). All‐cause mortality was higher in the ≤45‐kg group, with no significant difference between treatment groups.

Conclusions

The benefit of edoxaban 15 mg was consistent in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation and extremely low body weight, though clinicians must remain vigilant about the risk of major bleeding, especially gastrointestinal bleeding.

Registration Information

ClinicalTrials.gov
. Identifier: NCT02801669.
Atrial Fibrillation Detection and Ischemic Stroke Recurrence in Cryptogenic Stroke: A Retrospective, Multicenter, Observational Study
Authors: Todo Kenichi , Okazaki Shuhei , Doijiri Ryosuke , Yamazaki Hidekazu , Sonoda Kazutaka , Koge Junpei , Iwata Tomonori , Ueno Yuji , Yamagami Hiroshi , Kimura Naoto , Morimoto Masafumi , Kondo Daisuke , Koga Masatoshi , Nagata Eiichiro , Miyamoto Nobukazu , Kimura Yoko , Gon Yasufumi , Sasaki Tsutomu , Mochizuki Hideki ,   for the CRYPTON‐ICM Registry Investigators
Published: January 2024

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is known to be a strong risk factor for stroke. However, the risk of stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke with AF detected after stroke by an insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) is not well known. We sought to evaluate the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke with and without ICM‐detected AF.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively reviewed patients with cryptogenic stroke who underwent ICM implantation at 8 stroke centers in Japan. Cox regression models were developed using landmark analysis and time‐dependent analysis. We set the target sample size at 300 patients based on our estimate of the annualized incidence of ischemic stroke recurrence to be 3% in patients without AF detection and 9% in patients with AF detection. Of the 370 patients, 121 were found to have AF, and 110 received anticoagulation therapy after AF detection. The incidence of ischemic stroke recurrence was 4.0% in 249 patients without AF detection and 5.8% in 121 patients with AF detection (
P
=0.45). In a landmark analysis, the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence was not higher in patients with AF detected ≤90 days than in those without (hazard ratio, 1.47 [95% CI, 0.41–5.28]). In a time‐dependent analysis, the risk of ischemic stroke recurrence did not increase after AF detection (hazard ratio, 1.77 [95% CI, 0.70–4.47]).

Conclusions

The risk of ischemic stroke recurrence in patients with cryptogenic stroke with ICM‐detected AF, 90% of whom were subsequently anticoagulated, was not higher than in those without ICM‐detected AF.
Association Between Self‐Reported Medication Adherence and Therapeutic Inertia in Hypertension: A Secondary Analysis of SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial)
Authors: Jacobs Joshua A. , Derington Catherine G. , Zheutlin Alexander R. , King Jordan B. , Cohen Jordana B. , Bucheit John , Kronish Ian M. , Addo Daniel K. , Morisky Donald E. , Greene Tom H. , Bress Adam P.
Published: January 2024

Background

Therapeutic inertia (TI), failure to intensify antihypertensive medication when blood pressure (BP) is above goal, remains prevalent in hypertension management. The degree to which self‐reported antihypertensive adherence is associated with TI with intensive BP goals remains unclear.

Methods and Results

Cross‐sectional analysis was performed of the 12‐month visit of participants in the intensive arm of SPRINT (Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial), which randomized adults to intensive (<120 mm Hg) versus standard (<140 mm Hg) systolic BP goals. TI was defined as no increase in antihypertensive regimen intensity score, which incorporates medication number and dose, when systolic BP is ≥120 mm Hg. Self‐reported adherence was assessed using the 8‐Item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS‐8) and categorized as low (MMAS‐8 score <6), medium (MMAS‐8 score 6 to <8), and high (MMAS‐8 score 8). Poisson regressions estimated prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% CIs for TI associated with MMAS‐8. Among 1009 intensive arm participants with systolic BP >120 mm Hg at the 12‐month visit (mean age, 69.6 years; 35.2% female, 28.8% non‐Hispanic Black), TI occurred in 50.8% of participants. Participants with low adherence (versus high) were younger and more likely to be non‐Hispanic Black or smokers. The prevalence of TI among patients with low, medium, and high adherence was 45.0%, 53.5%, and 50.4%, respectively. After adjustment, neither low nor medium adherence (versus high) were associated with TI (PR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.87–1.42]; PR, 1.08 [95% CI, 0.84–1.38], respectively).

Conclusions

Although clinician uncertainty about adherence is often cited as a reason for why antihypertensive intensification is withheld when above BP goals, we observed no evidence of an association between self‐reported adherence and TI.
Association of Periodic Limb Movements and Obstructive Sleep Apnea With Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality
Authors: Zinchuk Andrey , Srivali Narat , Qin Li , Jeon Sangchoon , Ibrahim Ahmad , Sands Scott A. , Koo Brian , Yaggi Henry K.
Published: January 2024

Background

Obstructive sleep apnea is a well‐established risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Recent studies have also linked periodic limb movements during sleep to CVD. We aimed to determine whether periodic limb movements during sleep and obstructive sleep apnea are independent or synergistic factors for CVD events or death.

Methods and Results

We examined data from 1049 US veterans with an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) <30 events/hour. The primary outcome was incident CVD or death. Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the relationships between the AHI, periodic limb movement index (PLMI), and the AHI×PLMI interaction with the primary outcome. We then examined whether AHI and PLMI were associated with primary outcome after adjustment for age, sex, race and ethnicity, obesity, baseline risk of mortality, and Charlson Comorbidity Index. During a median follow‐up of 5.1 years, 237 of 1049 participants developed incident CVD or died. Unadjusted analyses showed an increased risk of the primary outcome with every 10‐event/hour increase in PLMI (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08 [95% CI, 1.05–1.13]) and AHI (HR, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.01– 1.37]). Assessment associations of AHI and PLMI and their interaction with the primary outcome revealed no significant interaction between PLMI and AHI. In fully adjusted analyses, PLMI, but not AHI, was associated with an increased risk of primary outcome: HR of 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00–1.09) per every 10 events/hour. Results were similar after adjusting with Framingham risk score.

Conclusions

Our study revealed periodic limb movements during sleep as a risk factor for incident CVD or death among those who had AHI <30 events/hour, without synergistic association between periodic limb movements during sleep and obstructive sleep apnea.