bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Outcomes After Post–Cardiac Arrest Brain Injury: A Scientific Statement From the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Authors: Perkins Gavin D. , Neumar Robert , Hsu Cindy H. , Hirsch Karen G. , Aneman Anders , Becker Lance B. , Couper Keith , Callaway Clifton W. , Hoedemaekers Cornelia W.E. , Lim Shir Lynn , Meurer William , Olasveengen Theresa , Sekhon Mypinder S. , Skrifvars Markus , Soar Jasmeet , Tsai Min-Shan , Vengamma Bhuma , Nolan Jerry P. ,   on behalf of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation
Published: June 2024

This scientific statement presents a conceptual framework for the pathophysiology of post–cardiac arrest brain injury, explores reasons for previous failure to translate preclinical data to clinical practice, and outlines potential paths forward. Post–cardiac arrest brain injury is characterized by 4 distinct but overlapping phases: ischemic depolarization, reperfusion repolarization, dysregulation, and recovery and repair. Previous research has been challenging because of the limitations of laboratory models; heterogeneity in the patient populations enrolled; overoptimistic estimation of treatment effects leading to suboptimal sample sizes; timing and route of intervention delivery; limited or absent evidence that the intervention has engaged the mechanistic target; and heterogeneity in postresuscitation care, prognostication, and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. Future trials must tailor their interventions to the subset of patients most likely to benefit and deliver this intervention at the appropriate time, through the appropriate route, and at the appropriate dose. The complexity of post–cardiac arrest brain injury suggests that monotherapies are unlikely to be as successful as multimodal neuroprotective therapies. Biomarkers should be developed to identify patients with the targeted mechanism of injury, to quantify its severity, and to measure the response to therapy. Studies need to be adequately powered to detect effect sizes that are realistic and meaningful to patients, their families, and clinicians. Study designs should be optimized to accelerate the evaluation of the most promising interventions. Multidisciplinary and international collaboration will be essential to realize the goal of developing effective therapies for post–cardiac arrest brain injury.
In Vivo Computed Tomography Sizing for Redo–Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Evolut Valves: Impact on Sizing, Feasibility, and Prosthesis-Patient Mismatch
Authors: Okada Atsushi , Fukui Miho , Zaid Syed , Thao Kiahltone R. , Walser-Kuntz Evan , Stanberry Larissa I. , Burns Marcus R. , Koike Hideki , Wang Cheng , Phichaphop Asa , Lesser John R. , Cavalcante João L. , Sorajja Paul , Bapat Vinayak N.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND:

SAPIEN3 (S3) is a ubiquitous redo–transcatheter aortic valve (TAV) replacement alternative for degenerated Evolut valves, but S3 sizing for S3-in-Evolut remains unclear. We sought to compare the impact of in vivo computed tomography (CT)-sizing on redo-TAV feasibility for S3-in-Evolut with traditional bench-sizing.

METHODS:

CT scans of 290 patients treated using Evolut R/PRO/PRO+ between July 2015 and December 2021 were analyzed. S3-in-Evolut was simulated using S3 outflow/neoskirt plane (NSP) at node-6, -5, and -4. CT-sizing for S3 was determined by averaging 4 areas of the Evolut stent frame at NSP level and 3 nodes below. Redo-TAV was deemed feasible if the NSP was below the coronaries, or the narrowest valve (virtual S3)-to-aorta distance was >4 mm. Risk of prosthesis-patient mismatch was estimated using predicted indexed-effective orifice area.

RESULTS:

Compared with bench-sizing, CT-sizing yielded smaller S3 size in 82% at node-6, 81% at node-5, and 84% at node-4. Factors associated with CT-sizing less than bench-sizing were larger index Evolut size, underexpansion of index Evolut, and shallower implant depth (all
P
<0.05). CT-sizing increased redo-TAV feasibility by +8% at node-6, +10% at node-5, and +4% at node-4. Redo-TAV feasibility increased with annulus size, sinotubular junction dimensions, coronary heights, index Evolut size, deeper Evolut implant depth, and lower NSP levels (all
P
<0.05). CT-sizing had a slightly higher estimated risk of severe prosthesis-patient mismatch (9% at node-6, 7% at node-5, and 6% at node-4), which could be mitigated by changing the NSP.

CONCLUSIONS:

CT-sizing for S3-in-Evolut is associated with higher feasibility of redo-TAV compared with bench-sizing, potentially reducing the risk of excessive oversizing and S3 underexpansion. Further validation using real-world clinical data is necessary.
Addressing Disparities in Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease: A Call for Equitable Health Care
Authors: Chowdhury Devyani , Elliott Pietro A. , Asaki S. Yukiko , Amdani Shahnawaz , Nguyen Quang‐Tuyen , Ronai Christina , Tierney Seda , Levy Victor Y. , Puri Kriti , Altman Carolyn A. , Johnson Jonathan N. , Glickstein Julie S.
Published: June 2024

While significant progress has been made in reducing disparities within the US health care system, notable gaps remain. This article explores existing disparities within pediatric congenital heart disease care. Congenital heart disease, the most common birth defect and a leading cause of infant death, has garnered substantial attention, revealing certain disparities within the US health care system. Factors such as race, ethnicity, insurance coverage, socioeconomic status, and geographic location are all commonalities that significantly affect health disparities in pediatric congenital heart disease. This comprehensive review sheds light on disparities from diverse perspectives in pediatric care, demonstrates the inequities and inequalities leading to these disparities, presents effective solutions, and issues a call to action for providers, institutions, and the health care system. Recognizing and addressing these disparities is imperative for ensuring equitable care and enhancing the long‐term well‐being of children affected by congenital heart disease. Implementing robust, evidence‐based frameworks that promote responsible and safe interventions is fundamental to enduring change.
Monoclonal Antibody chP3R99 Reduces Subendothelial Retention of Atherogenic Lipoproteins in Insulin‐Resistant Rats: Acute Treatment Versus Long‐Term Protection as an Idiotypic Vaccine for Atherosclerosis
Authors: Soto Yosdel , Hernández Arletty , Sarduy Roger , Brito Victor , Marleau Sylvie , Vine Donna F. , Vázquez Ana M. , Proctor Spencer D.
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is triggered by the retention of apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins by proteoglycans. In addition to low‐density lipoprotein, remnant lipoproteins have emerged as pivotal contributors to this pathology, particularly in the context of insulin resistance and diabetes. We have previously reported antiatherogenic properties of a monoclonal antibody (chP3R99) that recognizes sulfated glycosaminoglycans on arterial proteoglycans.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Solid‐phase assays demonstrated that chP3R99 effectively blocked >50% lipoprotein binding to chondroitin sulfate and vascular extracellular matrix in vitro. The preperfusion of chP3R99 (competitive effect) resulted in specific antibody‐arterial accumulation and reduced fluorescent lipoprotein retention by ~60% in insulin resistant JCR:LA‐
cp
rats. This competitive reduction was dose dependent (25–250 μg/mL), effectively decreasing deposition of cholesterol associated with lipoproteins. In a 5‐week vaccination study in insulin resistant rats with (200 μg subcutaneously, once a week), chP3R99 reduced arterial lipoprotein retention, and was associated with the production of antichondroitin sulfate antibodies (Ab3) able to accumulate in the arteries (dot‐blot). Neither the intravenous inoculation of chP3R99 (4.5 mg/kg), nor the immunization with this antibody displayed adverse effects on lipid or glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, liver function, blood cell indices, or inflammation pathways in JCR:LA
‐cp
rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Both acute (passive) and long‐term administration (idiotypic cascade) of chP3R99 antibody reduced low‐density lipoprotein and remnant lipoprotein interaction with proteoglycans in an insulin‐resistant setting. These findings support the innovative approach of targeting proatherogenic lipoprotein retention by chP3R99 as a passive therapy or as an idiotypic vaccine for atherosclerosis.
Preoperative Malnutrition Increases Risk of In‐Hospital Mortality, Major Infection, and Longer Intensive Care Unit Stay After Ventricular Septal Defect Closure
Authors: Wittenberg Rachel E. , Gauvreau Kimberlee , Duggan Christopher P. , Du Xinwei , Giang Do , Jayanthi Kishore , Sandoval Nestor , Sivalingam Sivakumar , Zhao Xiaolei , Jenkins Kathy J.
Published: June 2024

Background

High energy requirements and poor feeding can lead to growth failure in patients with ventricular septal defect (VSD), but effects of preoperative malnutrition on surgical outcomes are poorly understood, especially in low‐resource settings.

Methods and Results

We analyzed a cohort of children <5 years of age undergoing VSD closure at 60 global centers participating in the International Quality Improvement Collaborative for Congenital Heart Disease, 2015 to 2020. We calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for in‐hospital death and major infection and adjusted coefficients for duration of intensive care unit stay for 4 measures of malnutrition: severe wasting (weight‐for‐height
Z
score, <−3), moderate wasting (−3<weight‐for‐height
Z
score≤−2), underweight (weight‐for‐age
Z
score, ≤−2), and stunting (height‐for‐age
Z
score, ≤−2) according to World Health Organization Child Growth Standards. Among 10 966 children undergoing VSD closure in the analyzed cohort, 8136 (74%) were membranous VSDs. Median age was 9.6 months (interquartile range, 3.6–12.0), and 4088 (37.3%) had wasting/severe wasting, 5029 (45.9%) had underweight, and 3515 (32.1%) had stunting. There were 4749 (43.3%) children who met the criteria for ≥2 malnutrition categories. Overall, 84 patients (0.8%) died in‐hospital, and 199 (1.8%) had major infection. Severe wasting (OR, 3.38 [95% CI, 1.55–7.35];
P
=0.002), underweight (OR, 6.46 [95% CI, 2.81–14.8];
P
<0.001), and stunting (OR, 2.73 [95% CI, 1.40–5.34];
P
=0.003) were independent predictors of mortality. Similar results were observed for infection and duration of intensive care unit stay. Underweight was the strongest predictor of adverse outcomes. Children meeting criteria for all 3 (stunting, wasting, and underweight) had 17.2 times higher odds of mortality (
P
<0.001) than nonmalnourished children.

Conclusions

Malnutrition was associated with mortality, infection, and longer intensive care unit stay in a global cohort of children undergoing VSD closure.
Postpartum Weight Change Association With Readmission and Blood Pressure Trend Among Individuals With Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Authors: Lemon Lara S. , Venkatakrishnan Kripa , Countouris Malamo , Simhan Hyagriv , Hauspurg Alisse
Published: June 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between early postpartum weight change and (1) hospital readmission and (2) 2‐week blood pressure trajectory.

Methods and Results

This retrospective study cohort included 1365 individuals with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy enrolled in a postpartum hypertension remote monitoring program. Exposure was percentage weight change from delivery to first weight recorded within 10 days postpartum. We first modeled likelihood of hospital readmission within 8 weeks postpartum using logistic regression adjusting for age, race, insurance, type of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, early body mass index, gestational weight gain, mode of delivery, and any discharge antihypertensive medications. We then performed case–control analysis additionally matching in a 1:3 ratio on breastfeeding, early body mass index, discharge on antihypertensive medications, and days between weight measurements. Both analytic approaches were repeated, limiting to readmissions attributable to hypertension or heart failure. Finally, we compared blood pressure trajectories over first 2 weeks postpartum. Individuals who did not lose weight in the early postpartum period had more admissions compared with weight loss groups (group 3: 14.1% versus group 2: 5.8% versus group 1: 4.5%). These individuals had 4 times the odds of postpartum readmissions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.9 [95% CI, 1.8–8.6]) to 7 (aOR, 7.8 [95% CI, 2.3–26.5]) compared with those with the most weight loss. This association strengthened when limited to hypertension or heart failure readmissions. These individuals also had more adverse postpartum blood pressure trajectories, with significant differences by weight change group.

Conclusions

Weight change is readily accessible and may identify individuals at high risk for postpartum readmission following a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy who could benefit from targeted interventions.
Survival and Neurologic Outcomes From Pharmacologic Peptide Administration During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of Pulseless Electrical Activity
Authors: Oberdier Matt T. , Li Jing , Ambinder Daniel I. , Suzuki Masahito , Tumarkin Ethan , Fink Sarah , Neri Luca , Zhu Xiangdong , Justice Cody N. , Vanden Hoek Terry L. , Halperin Henry R.
Published: June 2024

Background

Outcomes from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) following sudden cardiac arrest are suboptimal. Postresuscitation targeted temperature management has been shown to have benefit in subjects with sudden cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation, but there are few data for outcomes from sudden cardiac arrest due to pulseless electrical activity. In addition, intra‐CPR cooling is more effective than postresuscitation cooling. Physical cooling is associated with increased protein kinase B activity. Therefore, our group developed a novel peptide, TAT‐PHLPP9c, which regulates protein kinase B. We hypothesized that when given during CPR, TAT‐PHLPP9c would improve survival and neurologic outcomes following pulseless electrical activity arrest.

Methods and Results

In 24 female pigs, pulseless electrical activity was induced by inflating balloon catheters in the right coronary and left anterior descending arteries for ≈7 minutes. Advanced life support was initiated. In 12 control animals, epinephrine was given after 1 and 3 minutes. In 12 peptide‐treated animals, 7.5 mg/kg TAT‐PHLPP9c was also administered at 1 and 3 minutes of CPR. The balloons were removed after 2 minutes of support. Animals were recovered and neurologically scored 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation. Return of spontaneous circulation was more common in the peptide group, but this difference was not significant (8/12 control versus 12/12 peptide;
P
=0.093), while fully intact neurologic survival was significantly more common in the peptide group (0/12 control versus 11/12 peptide;
P
<0.00001). TAT‐PHLPP9c significantly increased myocardial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels.

Conclusions

TAT‐PHLPP9c resulted in improved survival with full neurologic function after sudden cardiac arrest in a swine model of pulseless electrical activity, and the peptide shows potential as an intra‐CPR pharmacologic agent.
Evaluating the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guideline—Recommended and Contemporary Pretest Probability Models in a Mixed Asian Cohort: The Contribution of Coronary Artery Calcium
Authors: Baskaran Lohendran , Yan Linxuan , Tan Chun S. , Ho Woon W. , Tan Swee Y. , Williams Michelle C. , Han Donghee , Nakanishi Rine , Cerci Rodrigo J. , Ng Ming‐Yen , Shaw Leslee J. , Chua Terrance S. J. , Douglas Pamela , Winther Simon
Published: June 2024

Background

Most pretest probability (PTP) tools for obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) were Western ‐developed. The most appropriate PTP models and the contribution of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) in Asian populations remain unknown. In a mixed Asian cohort, we compare 5 PTP models: local assessment of the heart (LAH), CAD Consortium (CAD2), risk factor‐weighted clinical likelihood, the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology and the European Society of Cardiology PTP and 3 extended versions of these models that incorporated CACS: LAH
(CACS)
, CAD2
(CACS)
, and the CACS‐clinical likelihood.

Methods and Results

The study cohort included 771 patients referred for stable chest pain. Obstructive CAD prevalence was 27.5%. Calibration, area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves (AUC) and net reclassification index were evaluated. LAH clinical had the best calibration (χ
2
5.8;
P
=0.12). For CACS models, LAH
(CACS)
showed least deviation between observed and expected cases (χ
2
37.5;
P
<0.001). There was no difference in AUCs between the LAH clinical (AUC, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.69–0.77]), CAD2 clinical (AUC, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.68–0.76]), risk factor‐weighted clinical likelihood (AUC, 0.73 [95% CI: 0.69–0.76) and European Society of Cardiology PTP (AUC, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.67–0.75]). CACS improved discrimination and reclassification of the LAH
(CACS)
(AUC, 0.88; net reclassification index, 0.46), CAD2
(CACS)
(AUC, 0.87; net reclassification index, 0.29) and CACS‐CL (AUC, 0.87; net reclassification index, 0.25).

Conclusions

In a mixed Asian cohort, Asian‐derived LAH models had similar discriminatory performance but better calibration and risk categorization for clinically relevant PTP cutoffs. Incorporating CACS improved discrimination and reclassification. These results support the use of population‐matched, CACS‐inclusive PTP tools for the prediction of obstructive CAD.
Qualifying Event and Recurrence of Ischemic Stroke in Symptomatic Artery Occlusion: A Post Hoc Analysis of CMOSS
Authors: Lu Guangdong , Wang Tao , Sun Xinyi , Yang Renjie , Luo Jichang , Tong Xiaoguang , Gu Yuxiang , Wang Jiyue , Tong Zhiyong , Kuai Dong , Cai Yiling , Ren Jun , Wang Donghai , Duan Lian , Maimaitili Aisha , Hang Chunhua , Yu Jiasheng , Ma Yan , Liu Sheng , Jiao Liqun , Ling Feng , Wang Haibo , Amin‐Hanjani Sepideh , Bai Xuesong , Powers William J. , Derdeyn Colin P. , Wu Yangfeng
Published: June 2024

Background

The authors aimed to elucidate the relationship between latest ischemic event and the incidence of subsequent ischemic stroke in patients with symptomatic artery occlusion.

Methods and Results

We analyzed the association between qualifying event—the latest ischemic event (transient ischemic attack [TIA] or stroke)—and the incidence of ipsilateral ischemic stroke in patients with symptomatic artery occlusion treated with medical therapy alone in CMOSS (Carotid or Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Surgery Study). The incidence of CMOSS primary outcomes, including any stroke or death within 30 days after randomization or ipsilateral ischemic stroke between 30 days and 2 years, between the bypass surgical and medical groups, stratified by qualifying events, was also compared. Of the 165 patients treated with medical therapy alone, 75 had a TIA and 90 had a stroke as their qualifying event. The incidence of ipsilateral ischemic stroke did not significantly differ between patients with a TIA and those with a stroke as their qualifying event (13.3% versus 6.7%,
P
=0.17). In multivariate analysis, the qualifying event was not associated with the incidence of ipsilateral ischemic stroke. There were no significant differences in the CMOSS primary outcomes between the surgical and medical groups, regardless of the qualifying event being TIA (10.1% versus 12.2%,
P
=0.86) or stroke (6.7% versus 8.9%,
P
=0.55).

Conclusions

Among patients with symptomatic artery occlusion and hemodynamic insufficiency, the risk of subsequent ipsilateral ischemic stroke does not appear to be lower in patients presenting with a TIA compared with those with a stroke.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01758614.
Checkpoint Kinase 1 Stimulates Endogenous Cardiomyocyte Renewal and Cardiac Repair by Binding to Pyruvate Kinase Isoform M2 C‐Domain and Activating Cardiac Metabolic Reprogramming in a Porcine Model of Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wei Tian‐Wen , Shan Tian‐Kai , Wang Hao , Chen Jia‐Wen , Yang Tong‐Tong , Zhou Liu‐Hua , Zhao Di , Sun Jia‐Teng , Wang Si‐Bo , Gu Ling‐Feng , Du Chong , Jiang Qi‐Qi , Sun Rui , Wang Qi‐Ming , Kong Xiang‐Qing , Lu Xiao‐Hu , Sun Hao‐Liang , Xu Yi , Xie Li‐Ping , Gu Ai‐Hua , Chen Feng , Ji Yong , Guo Xue‐Jiang , Wang Lian‐Sheng
Published: June 2024

Background

The regenerative capacity of the adult mammalian hearts is limited. Numerous studies have explored mechanisms of adult cardiomyocyte cell‐cycle withdrawal. This translational study evaluated the effects and underlying mechanism of rhCHK1 (recombinant human checkpoint kinase 1) on the survival and proliferation of cardiomyocyte and myocardial repair after ischemia/reperfusion injury in swine.

Methods and Results

Intramyocardial injection of rhCHK1 protein (1 mg/kg) encapsulated in hydrogel stimulated cardiomyocyte proliferation and reduced cardiac inflammation response at 3 days after ischemia/reperfusion injury, improved cardiac function and attenuated ventricular remodeling, and reduced the infarct area at 28 days after ischemia/reperfusion injury. Mechanistically, multiomics sequencing analysis demonstrated enrichment of glycolysis and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) pathways after rhCHK1 treatment. Co‐Immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) experiments and protein docking prediction showed that CHK1 (checkpoint kinase 1) directly bound to and activated the Serine 37 (S37) and Tyrosine 105 (Y105) sites of PKM2 (pyruvate kinase isoform M2) to promote metabolic reprogramming. We further constructed plasmids that knocked out different CHK1 and PKM2 amino acid domains and transfected them into Human Embryonic Kidney 293T (HEK293T) cells for CO‐IP experiments. Results showed that the 1–265 domain of CHK1 directly binds to the 157–400 amino acids of PKM2. Furthermore, hiPSC‐CM (human iPS cell‐derived cardiomyocyte) in vitro and in vivo experiments both demonstrated that CHK1 stimulated cardiomyocytes renewal and cardiac repair by activating PKM2 C‐domain‐mediated cardiac metabolic reprogramming.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the 1–265 amino acid domain of CHK1 binds to the 157–400 domain of PKM2 and activates PKM2‐mediated metabolic reprogramming to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation and myocardial repair after ischemia/reperfusion injury in adult pigs.
miR‐193b‐3p and miR‐346 Exert Antihypertensive Effects in the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Wang Xueping , Dai Tengteng , Tong Lei , Chen Gaojun , Wang Linping , Ren Zhangyan , Liu Haisheng , Du Dongshu
Published: June 2024

Background

Rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) neuron hyperactivity raises sympathetic outflow, causing hypertension. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) contribute to diverse biological processes, but their influence on RVLM neuronal excitability and blood pressure (BP) remains widely unexplored.

Methods and Results

The RVLM miRNA profiles in spontaneously hypertensive rats were unveiled using RNA sequencing. Potential effects of these miRNAs in reducing neuronal excitability and BP and underlying mechanisms were investigated through various experiments. Six hundred thirty‐seven miRNAs were identified, and reduced levels of miR‐193b‐3p and miR‐346 were observed in the RVLM of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Increased miR‐193b‐3p and miR‐346 expression in RVLM lowered neuronal excitability, sympathetic outflow, and BP in spontaneously hypertensive rats. In contrast, suppressing miR‐193b‐3p and miR‐346 expression in RVLM increased neuronal excitability, sympathetic outflow, and BP in Wistar Kyoto and Sprague‐Dawley rats. Cdc42 guanine nucleotide exchange factor (
Arhgef9)
was recognized as a target of miR‐193b‐3p. Overexpressing miR‐193b‐3p caused an evident decrease in
Arhgef9
expression, resulting in the inhibition of neuronal apoptosis. By contrast, its downregulation produced the opposite effects. Importantly, the decrease in neuronal excitability, sympathetic outflow, and BP observed in spontaneously hypertensive rats due to miR‐193b‐3p overexpression was greatly counteracted by
Arhgef9
upregulation.

Conclusions

miR‐193b‐3p and miR‐346 are newly identified factors in RVLM that hinder hypertension progression, and the miR‐193b‐3p/
Arhgef9
/apoptosis pathway presents a potential mechanism, highlighting the potential of targeting miRNAs for hypertension prevention.
Checklist of the Triassic wood (updated June 2024)
Authors: GOU XU-DONG , FENG ZHUO
Published: June 2024

A list of all known fossil wood taxa recorded from the Triassic, up to June of 2024, is provided. The list contains 50 genera and 130 species of gymnospermous wood taxa documented from 16 countries across seven continents. Specifically, 17 genera and 27 species were reported from Asia, 10 genera and 39 species from Europe, 3 genera and 3 species from Africa, 5 genera and 6 species from North America, 21 genera and 43 species from South America, 9 genera and 16 species from Australia and 4 genera and 7 species Antarctica. Taxonomically, 7 genera and 8 species were documented from the Lower Triassic, 7 genera and 8 species from the Middle Triassic, and 37 genera and 98 species from the Upper Triassic. Systematically, 5 genera and 7 species belong to Cycadales, 1 monotypic genus belongs to Bennettitales, 2 genera and 3 species belong to Ginkgoales, 30 genera and 97 species of Coniferales, 7 genera and 12 species belong to Pteridosperms, 3 genera and 4 species belong to Cordaitales, and 3 genera and 6 species are incertae sedis.
Implementing Statcheck During Peer Review Is Related to a Steep Decline in Statistical-Reporting Inconsistencies
Authors: Nuijten Michèle B. , Wicherts Jelte M.
Published: June 2024

We investigated whether statistical-reporting inconsistencies could be avoided if journals implement the tool statcheck in the peer-review process. In a preregistered pretest–posttest quasi-experiment covering more than 7,000 articles and more than 147,000 extracted statistics, we compared the prevalence of reported p values that were inconsistent with their degrees of freedom and test statistics in two journals that implemented statcheck in their peer-review process ( Psychological Science and Journal of Experimental and Social Psychology) and two matched control journals ( Journal of Experimental Psychology: General and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology) before and after statcheck was implemented. Preregistered multilevel logistic regression analyses showed that the decrease in both inconsistencies and decision inconsistencies around p = .05 is considerably steeper in statcheck journals than in control journals, offering preliminary support for the notion that statcheck can be a useful tool for journals to avoid statistical-reporting inconsistencies in published articles. We discuss limitations and implications of these findings.
Symptoms of COPD in the absence of airflow obstruction are more indicative of pre-COPD than overdiagnosis
Authors: Spittle Daniella A. , Thomas Maximillian , Stevens Caitlin , Gazwani Abdulrhman , Fenton Sally , De Soyza Joshua , Turner Alice M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Dysfunction of the small airways is a precursor of COPD but is not detectable on standard spirometric testing until significant destruction has occurred. A proportion of COPD patients have a forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) <0.7 which is greater than the lower limit of normal (LLN), when adjusted for their age and sex. It is not understood whether this group of patients, known as “discordant COPD”, are representative of “early COPD” or overdiagnosis.

Methods

We sought to characterise discordant COPD (disCOPD) using radiology, lung function, serum biomarkers, activity monitoring and quality-of-life scores, comparing with COPD patients with an FEV1/FVC <0.7 and <LLN and healthy, age-matched controls.

Results

Six out of eight serum biomarkers were significantly different in the disCOPD groupversushealthy controls, as were the scores of all four quality-of-life questionnaires. Activity monitoring revealed similar levels of sedentary time between the disCOPD group and concordant COPD (conCOPD). Computed tomography analysis showed less involvement of small airway dysfunction and emphysema in the disCOPD groupversusconCOPD.

Conclusions

Collectively, our findings support the hypothesis that disCOPD is a clinically relevant phenomenon that represents a pre-COPD state. Identification of such patients is important for early intervention and management before progression to fully established COPD.
Impact analysis of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) regarding road safety – computing reduction potentials
Authors: Aleksa Michael , Schaub Andrea , Erdelean Isabela , Wittmann Stephan , Soteropoulos Aggelos , Fürdös Alexander
Published: June 2024

In the present study road safety impact analysis for certain advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) was conducted. Based on a literature review, expert interviews and current adaptations in legislation, the most promising nine ADAS were selected. The impact was analysed based on statistical crash data from Austria. Factors such as infrastructure and weather conditions, market penetration, expected functionality of sensors, user acceptance and risk homeostasis were considered. A software tool was developed to calculate the crash reduction potential of the selected ADAS for the scenarios 2025, 2030 and 2040.

The results show that the ADAS related to warning/braking have the greatest future reduction potential and could lead to a reduction of up to 8,700 crashes and 70 fatalities in Austria in 2040. In addition, the Intelligent Speed Assistance system would lead to an overall crash reduction of 8% compared to current crash numbers in Austria in 2040. The Turning Assistant for heavy goods vehicles shows the lowest reduction in crashes and casualties, but due to the highest severity per crash (93 fatalities per 1,000 crashes), it nevertheless provides an important contribution to the reduction of fatalities in road traffic.

However, to benefit from the ADAS safety potential, it is highly relevant that these systems are used in a correct manner. In the future, it will be necessary to provide users with more information on the correct use, benefits and limitations of the respective ADAS and to integrate the use of these systems into driver education procedures and tests.
Genetic correlation between smoking behavior and gastroesophageal reflux disease: insights from integrative multi-omics data
Authors: Yan Zhaoqi , Xu Yifeng , Li Keke , Liu Liangji
Published: June 2024

Background

Observational studies have preliminarily revealed an association between smoking and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, little is known about the causal relationship and shared genetic architecture between the two. This study aims to explore their common genetic correlations by leveraging genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of smoking behavior—specifically, smoking initiation (SI), never smoking (NS), ever smoking (ES), cigarettes smoked per day (CPD), age of smoking initiation(ASI) and GERD.

Methods

Firstly, we conducted global cross-trait genetic correlation analysis and heritability estimation from summary statistics (HESS) to explore the genetic correlation between smoking behavior and GERD. Then, a joint cross-trait meta-analysis was performed to identify shared “pleiotropic SNPs” between smoking behavior and GERD, followed by co-localization analysis. Additionally, multi-marker analyses using annotation (MAGMA) were employed to explore the degree of enrichment of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) heritability in specific tissues, and summary data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) was further utilized to investigate potential functional genes. Finally, Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted to explore the causal relationship between the smoking behavior and GERD.

Results

Consistent genetic correlations were observed through global and local genetic correlation analyses, wherein SI, ES, and CPD showed significantly positive genetic correlations with GERD, while NS and ASI showed significantly negative correlations. HESS analysis also identified multiple significantly associated loci between them. Furthermore, three novel “pleiotropic SNPs” (rs4382592, rs200968, rs1510719) were identified through cross-trait meta-analysis and co-localization analysis to exist between SI, NS, ES, ASI, and GERD, mapping the genes MED27, HIST1H2BO, MAML3 as new pleiotropic genes between SI, NS, ES, ASI, and GERD. Moreover, both smoking behavior and GERD were found to be co-enriched in multiple brain tissues, with GMPPB, RNF123, and RBM6 identified as potential functional genes co-enriched in Cerebellar Hemisphere, Cerebellum, Cortex/Nucleus accumbens in SI and GERD, and SUOX identified in Caudate nucleus, Cerebellum, Cortex in NS and GERD. Lastly, consistent causal relationships were found through MR analysis, indicating that SI, ES, and CPD increase the risk of GERD, while NS and higher ASI decrease the risk.

Conclusion

We identified genetic loci associated with smoking behavior and GERD, as well as brain tissue sites of shared enrichment, prioritizing three new pleiotropic genes and four new functional genes. Finally, the causal relationship between smoking behavior and GERD was demonstrated, providing insights for early prevention strategies for GERD.
GmHXK2 promotes the salt tolerance of soybean seedlings by mediating AsA synthesis, and auxin synthesis and distribution
Authors: Guo Yuqi , Liu Chang , Chen Shuai , Tian Zengyuan
Published: June 2024

Background

Salt is an important factor that affects crop productivity. Plant hexokinases (HXKs) are key enzymes in the glycolytic pathway and sugar signaling transduction pathways of plants. In previous studies, we identified and confirmed the roles of GmHXK2 in salt tolerance.

Results

In this study, we analyzed the tissue-specific expression of GmHXK2 at different growth stages throughout the plant’s life cycle. The results showed that GmHXK2 was expressed significantly in all tissues at vegetative stages, including germination and seedling. However, no expression was detected in the pods, and there was little expression in flowers during the later mature period. Arabidopsis plants overexpressing the GmHXK2 (OE) had more lateral roots. The OE seedlings also produced higher levels of auxin and ascorbic acid (AsA). Additionally, the expression levels of genes PMM, YUC4/YUC6/YUC8, and PIN/LAX1,LAX3, which are involved respectively in the synthesis of AsA and auxin, as well as polar auxin transport, were upregulated in OE plants. This upregulation occurred specifically under exogenous glucose treatment. AtHKT1, AtSOS1, and AtNHX1 were up-regulated in OE plants under salt stress, suggesting that GmHXK2 may modulate salt tolerance by maintaining ion balance within the cells and alleviating damage caused by salt stress. Additionally, we further confirmed the interaction between GmHXK2 and the protein GmPMM through yeast two-hybridization and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, respectively.

Conclusion

The expression of GmHXK2 gene in plants is organ-specific and developmental stage specific. GmHXK2 not only regulates the synthesis of AsA and the synthesis and distribution of auxin, but also promotes root elongation and induces lateral root formation, potentially enhancing soil water absorption. This study reveals the crosstalk between sugar signaling and hormone signaling in plants, where GmHXK2 acts as a glucose sensor through its interaction with GmPMM, and sheds light on the molecular mechanism by which GmHXK2 gene is involved in salt tolerance in plants.
Application of two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography in radiotherapy-related cardiac systolic dysfunction and analysis of its risk factors: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Liu Rong , Xu Li ang , Zhao Ziqi , Han Ruoling
Published: June 2024

Background

The cardiac toxicity of radiotherapy (RT) can affect cancer survival rates over the long term. This has been confirmed in patients with breast cancer and lymphoma. However, there are few studies utilizing the two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) to evaluate the risk factors affecting radiation induced heart disease (RIHD), and there is a lack of quantitative data. Therefore, we intend to explore the risk factors for RIHD and quantify them using 2D-STE technology.

Methods

We ultimately enrolled 40 patients who received RT for thoracic tumors. For each patient, 2D-STE was completed before, during, and after RT and in the follow up. We analyzed the sensitivity of 2D-STE in predicting RIHD and the relationship between RT parameters and cardiac systolic function decline.

Results

Left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LVGLS), LVGLS of the endocardium (LVGLS-Endo), LVGLS of the epicardium (LVGLS-Epi), and right ventricle free-wall longitudinal strain (RVFWLS) decreased mid- and post-treatment compared with pre-treatment, whereas traditional parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac Tei index (Tei), and peak systolic velocity of the free wall of the tricuspid annulus (s’) did not show any changes. The decreases in the LVGLS and LVGLS-Endo values between post- and pre-treatment and the ratios of the decreases to the baseline values were linearly correlated with mean heart dose (MHD) (all P values < 0.05). The decreases in the LVGLS-Epi values between post- and pre-treatment and the ratios of the decreases to the baseline values were linearly correlated with the percentage of heart volume exposed to 5 Gy or more (V5) (P values < 0.05). The decrease in RVFWLS and the ratio of the decrease to the baseline value were linearly related to MHD and patient age (all P values < 0.05). Endpoint events occurred more frequently in the right side of the heart than in the left side. Patients over 56.5 years of age had a greater probability of developing right-heart endpoint events. The same was true for patients with MHD over 20.2 Gy in both the left and right sides of the heart.

Conclusions

2D-STE could detect damages to the heart earlier and more sensitively than conventional echocardiography. MHD is an important prognostic parameter for LV systolic function, and V5 may also be an important prognostic parameter. MHD and age are important prognostic parameters for right ventricle systolic function.
Impact of perineal pain and delivery related factors on interference with activities of daily living until 1 month postpartum: A longitudinal prospective study
Authors: Yamada Akiko , Takahashi Yuki , Usami Yurika , Tamakoshi Koji
Published: June 2024

Background

Interference with activities of daily living can negatively impact maternal practices both physically and psychologically. This study aimed to explore the patterns of interference with activities of daily living and perineal pain among Japanese women until 1 month postpartum. Furthermore, we aimed to describe how both perineal pain and delivery-related factors were associated with interference with activities of daily living.

Methods

This study was part of a larger prospective longitudinal study conducted at five maternity hospitals in Japan. The participants were 293 women who had full-term vaginal deliveries and singleton infants. Participants self-evaluated their perineal pain and interference with activities of daily living using a 100 mm visual analogue scale and ‘behaviour that interferes with daily life scale’ at day 1, day 5, and 1 month postpartum. We used a linear mixed model to calculate the fixed-effects parameter estimates and their 95% confidence intervals. Interference with activities of daily living, which included difficulty sitting, difficulty moving, and difficulties with excretion and cleanliness, were set as the dependent variables.

Results

The final analysis included 184 participants with a mean age of 31.5±4.5 years. Perineal pain and the three sub-scales of interference with activities of daily living reduced from day 1 to 5 postpartum, and further from day 5 to 1 month postpartum (perineal pain, p<0.01, p<0.01; difficulty sitting, p<0.01, p<0.01; difficulty moving, p<0.01, p<0.01; difficulties with excretion and cleanliness, p<0.01, p<0.01). These tendencies did not change, even adjusted for independent variables using a mixed model. In the mixed model for follow-up data, perineal pain was a significantly and positively associated with three sub-scales of interference with activities of daily living, even after adjusted for perineal injury and episiotomy.

Conclusions

Positive relationships were observed between perineal pain and interference with activities of daily living until 1 month postpartum, although both reduced. To promote maternal role attainment through child-rearing since early postpartum, midwives should pay additional attention to mothers’ perineal pain as it could negatively affect their daily life and child-rearing.
Clinical evaluation of an artificial intelligence-assisted cytological system among screening strategies for a cervical cancer high-risk population
Authors: Yang Wen , Jin Xiangshu , Huang Liying , Jiang Shufang , Xu Jia , Fu Yurong , Song Yaoyao , Wang Xueyan , Wang Xueqing , Yang Zhiming , Meng Yuanguang
Published: June 2024

Background

Primary cervical cancer screening and treating precancerous lesions are effective ways to prevent cervical cancer. However, the coverage rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines and routine screening are low in most developing countries and even some developed countries. This study aimed to explore the benefit of an artificial intelligence-assisted cytology (AI) system in a screening program for a cervical cancer high-risk population in China.

Methods

A total of 1231 liquid-based cytology (LBC) slides from women who underwent colposcopy at the Chinese PLA General Hospital from 2018 to 2020 were collected. All women had received a histological diagnosis based on the results of colposcopy and biopsy. The sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), false-positive rate (FPR), false-negative rate (FNR), overall accuracy (OA), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and Youden index (YI) of the AI, LBC, HPV, LBC + HPV, AI + LBC, AI + HPV and HPV Seq LBC screening strategies at low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) thresholds were calculated to assess their effectiveness. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted to assess the diagnostic values of the different screening strategies.

Results

The Se and Sp of the primary AI-alone strategy at the LSIL and HSIL thresholds were superior to those of the LBC + HPV cotesting strategy. Among the screening strategies, the YIs of the AI strategy at the LSIL + threshold and HSIL + threshold were the highest. At the HSIL + threshold, the AI strategy achieved the best result, with an AUC value of 0.621 (95% CI, 0.587–0.654), whereas HPV testing achieved the worst result, with an AUC value of 0.521 (95% CI, 0.484–0.559). Similarly, at the LSIL + threshold, the LBC-based strategy achieved the best result, with an AUC of 0.637 (95% CI, 0.606–0.668), whereas HPV testing achieved the worst result, with an AUC of 0.524 (95% CI, 0.491–0.557). Moreover, the AUCs of the AI and LBC strategies at this threshold were similar (0.631 and 0.637, respectively).

Conclusions

These results confirmed that AI-only screening was the most authoritative method for diagnosing HSILs and LSILs, improving the accuracy of colposcopy diagnosis, and was more beneficial for patients than traditional LBC + HPV cotesting.
Assessing the quality of life in patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang He , Gu Jiayi , Zhang Lijun , Song Yan
Published: June 2024

Background

This study investigated the current status of the quality of life (QOL) of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) patients in Nanjing, China, and analyzed the influencing factors.

Methods

The survey was conducted among patients with DR-TB who were hospitalized in the tuberculosis department of the Second Hospital of Nanjing (Nanjing Public Health Medical Center) from July 2022 to May 2023. The Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire was used to investigate the QOL levels of patients with DR-TB, and a multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the QOL influencing factors.

Results

A total of 135 patients participated in the study; 69.6% were male, the average age was 46.30 ± 17.98 years, 13.33% had an education level of elementary school or below, and 75.56% were married. The QOL scores were 51.35 ± 17.24, 47.04 ± 20.28, 43.89 ± 17.96, and 35.00 ± 11.57 in the physiological, psychological, social, and environmental domains, respectively. The differences between the four domain scores and the Chinese normative results were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that the factors related to the physiological domain included residence, family per-capita monthly income, payment method, adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and comorbidities; psychological domain correlates included educational level, family per-capita monthly income, course of the disease, and caregivers; social domain correlates included age and comorbidities; and factors related to the environmental domain included age, education level, and comorbidities.

Conclusions

In Nanjing, China, patients with younger age, higher education level, living in urban areas, high family per-capita monthly income, no adverse drug reactions, no comorbidities, and having caregivers have better quality of life. Future interventions to improve the quality of life of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis could be tailored to a specific factor.