bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical outcomes and structural remodelling after ablation of atrial fibrillation in heart failure with mildly reduced or mid‐range ejection fraction
Authors: Lee Dan‐Ying , Chang Ting‐Yung , Chang Shih‐Lin , Lin Yenn‐Jiang , Lo Li‐Wei , Hu Yu‐Feng , Chung Fa‐Po , Tuan Ta‐Chuan , Chao Tze‐Fan , Liao Jo‐Nan , Lin Chin‐Yu , Kuo Ling , Liu Chih‐Min , Chen Shih‐Ann
Published: September 2022

Aims

The efficacy of catheter ablation (CA) on clinical outcomes and cardiac structural remodelling in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with HF with mildly reduced or mid‐range ejection fraction (HFmrEF) remains unclear. We aimed to compare the efficacy of CA with medical therapy (MT) in AF patients with HFmrEF.

Methods and results

We retrospectively screened a total of 36 879 patients with AF between 2005 and 2020. Patients who were initially diagnosed with echocardiography‐proved HFmrEF and had follow‐up echocardiography were enrolled. After applying propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio, 72 patients treated by CA (Group 1) and 72 patients receiving MT (Group 2) were taken into further analysis. The co‐morbidities were similar between the two groups, except for hyperlipidaemia. After a mean follow‐up duration of 58.9 ± 42.6 months, Group 1 had a lower HF hospitalization and all‐cause mortality compared with Group 2 (hazard ratio (HR), 0.089 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.011–0.747]; P = 0.026 and HR, 0.121 [95% CI, 0.016–0.894]; P = 0.038, respectively). As for cardiac structural remodelling, the Group 1 had a better improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and a more decreased left atrium (LA) diameter than Group 2 (+25.0% ± 18.0% vs. +6.2% ± 21.6%, P = <0.0001 and −1.6 ± 4.7 mm vs. +1.5 ± 8.2 mm, P = 0.008, respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with HFmrEF and AF, CA of AF could reduce both HF hospitalization and all‐cause mortality as compared with those with MT. A significant improvement in LVEF and decrease in LA diameter were also observed in the CA group. Early rhythm control with CA should be taken into consideration in patients with HFmrEF and AF.
Homoarginine and creatine deficiency do not exacerbate murine ischaemic heart failure
Authors: McAndrew Debra J. , Lake Hannah A. , Zervou Sevasti , Schwedhelm Edzard , Schneider Jurgen E. , Neubauer Stefan , Lygate Craig A.
Published: September 2022

Aims

Low levels of homoarginine and creatine are associated with heart failure severity in humans, but it is unclear to what extent they contribute to pathophysiology. Both are synthesized via L‐arginine:glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT), such that AGAT−/− mice have a combined creatine and homoarginine deficiency. We hypothesized that this would be detrimental in the setting of chronic heart failure.

Methods and results

Study 1: homoarginine deficiency—female AGAT−/− and wild‐type mice were given creatine‐supplemented diet so that both had normal myocardial creatine levels, but only AGAT−/− had low plasma homoarginine. Myocardial infarction (MI) was surgically induced and left ventricular (LV) structure and function assessed at 6–7 weeks by in vivo imaging and haemodynamics. Study 2: homoarginine and creatine‐deficiency—as before, but AGAT−/− mice were given creatine‐supplemented diet until 1 week post‐MI, when 50% were changed to a creatine‐free diet. Both groups therefore had low homoarginine levels, but one group also developed lower myocardial creatine levels. In both studies, all groups had LV remodelling and dysfunction commensurate with the development of chronic heart failure, for example, LV dilatation and mean ejection fraction <20%. However, neither homoarginine deficiency alone or in combination with creatine deficiency had a significant effect on mortality, LV remodelling, or on any indices of contractile and lusitropic function.

Conclusions

Low levels of homoarginine and creatine do not worsen chronic heart failure arguing against a major causative role in disease progression. This suggests that it is unnecessary to correct hArg deficiency in patients with heart failure, although supra‐physiological levels may still be beneficial.
Probing Electron Transfer Events in Radical Cation Cycloadditions: Intramolecular vs. Intermolecular Single Electron Transfer
Authors: Tanami Shuhei , Hussaini Syed R. , Kitano Yoshikazu , Chiba Kazuhiro , Okada Yohei
Published: September 2022

Although radical ion chain pathways have long been recognized in the field of synthetic organic chemistry and are expected to be operative in various reactions, it is somewhat complicated to verify their involvement, since counting the number of electrons is not straightforward. Herein, a series of bis‐styrenes is designed and synthesized to investigate electron transfer events by using radical cation [4+2] cycloadditions as probes. It is demonstrated that the intramolecular single electron transfer seems to be ineffective, while the intermolecular variants are highly effective. Therefore, a truly catalytic amount of electricity is enough for full conversions, confirming that chain pathways were definitely involved.
Exploring the molecular and functional cellular response to hydrazine via transcriptomics and DNA repair mutant cell lines
Authors: Crosby Meredith E. , Ciurlionis Rita , Brayman Timothy G. , Kondratiuk Alison , Nicolette John J.
Published: September 2022

Hydrazine is a rodent carcinogen and is classified as a probable human carcinogen by IARC. Though hydrazine is positive in both in vitro and in vivo DNA strand break (comet) assays, hydrazine was reported to be negative in an in vitro mutation Muta Mouse lung epithelial cell (FE1) test, as well as in a regulatory‐compliant, in vivo Big Blue mouse mutation test. In this article, mechanistic studies explored the cellular response to hydrazine. When tested in a regulatory‐compliant mouse lymphoma assay, hydrazine yielded unusual, weakly positive results. This prompted an investigation into the transcriptional response to hydrazine in FE1 cells via RNA sequencing. Amongst the changes identified was a dose‐dependent increase in G2/M DNA damage checkpoint activation associated genes. Flow cytometric experiments in FE1 cells revealed that hydrazine exposure led to S‐phase cell cycle arrest. Clonogenic assays in a variety of cell lines harboring key DNA repair protein deficiencies indicated that hydrazine could sensitize cells lacking homology dependent repair proteins (Brca2 and Fancg). Lastly, hprt assays with hydrazine were conducted to determine whether a lack of DNA repair could lead to mutagenicity. However, no robust, dose‐dependent induction of mutations was noted. The transcriptional and cell cycle response to hydrazine, coupled with functional investigations of DNA repair‐deficient cell lines support the inconsistencies noted in the genetic toxicology regulatory battery. In summary, while hydrazine may be genotoxic, transcriptional and functional processes involved in cell cycle regulation and DNA repair appear to play a nuanced role in mediating the mutagenic potential.
Numerical research on ablation and wear of the artillery barrel based on UMESHMOTION user‐defined subroutine
Authors: Jin Yinxiang , Zou Libo , Huang Jianwen , Jiang Xin , Guo Zhangxia , Xie Jingyun , Yuan Zekun
Published: September 2022

During the firing process, the gun barrel bears the thermal and chemical erosion of high‐temperature gunpowder gas and the wear of the rotation band. The forced cone tended to the most severely worn part of the barrel, which directly affects the life of the barrel. Combined with the erosion test and wear test of gun steel materials, this research studied the forcing cone of a medium caliber naval gun barrel. With the commercial finite element software ABAQUS as the platform, we took advanced adaptive mesh method combined with secondary development technology. This method used in our study in order to better realize the numerical simulation of the radial erosion wear of the forced projectile cone in the continuous firing environment. At the same time, we compared the numerical simulation with the actual firing test data, and proposed a new calculation method of barrel life. In conclusion, the results of this study showed that this method can better calculate the radial erosion wear of the forced cone, and provide guidance for improving the life of the gun barrel in the future.
Nature‐based solutions enhance sediment and nutrient storage in an agricultural lowland catchment
Authors: Robotham John , Old Gareth , Rameshwaran Ponnambalam , Sear David , Trill Emily , Bishop James , Gasca‐Tucker David , Old Joanne , McKnight David
Published: September 2022

In this paper, nature‐based solutions (NBS) include: (1) natural flood management (NFM) interventions with a primary function of flood risk reduction but with additional multiple benefits for water quality improvements through the mitigation of diffuse pollution; and (2) ponds with a primary function of water quality improvement. This study assesses the ability of these NBS to trap pollutants in run‐off within two small (3.4 km2) agricultural catchments (Upper Thames, UK). The masses of sediment, phosphorus, and organic carbon trapped by 14 features (since construction 2–3 years previously) were quantified through sediment surveying and sampling. Streamflow and suspended sediment monitoring downstream of features enabled catchment yields to be calculated. The features trapped a total of 83 t sediment, 122 kg phosphorus, and 4.3 t organic carbon. Although the footprint of the features was <1% of the catchment area, they drained 44% of the total land area and captured the equivalent of 15% of the total suspended sediment yield, 10% of the total phosphorus yield, and 8% of the particulate organic carbon yield as monitored at the catchment outlet over the monitoring period. Results reveal that accumulation rates were influenced by hydrological connectivity, with greater accumulation in features constructed directly on streams (online ponds), and those offline features that filled from overbank flows. The low to moderate accumulation rates observed in offline features suggests that their floodwater storage potential is only likely to significantly reduce in the medium term, necessitating maintenance after ~10 years. Compared with topsoil in each contributing area, trapped sediment was enriched in phosphorus and carbon in the majority of features, having on average 50% higher phosphorus and 17% higher organic carbon concentrations than surrounding arable soils, highlighting its potential value for redistribution on farmland. Monitoring results demonstrate the potential of NBS, including NFM, to mitigate diffuse pollution in lowland catchments.
Fault geometry and slip rates from the Nullarbor and Roe Plains of south‐central Australia: Insights into the spatial and temporal characteristics of intraplate seismicity
Authors: Sellmann Schirin , Quigley Mark , Duffy Brendan , Yang Haibin , Clark Dan
Published: September 2022

Analysis of TanDEM‐X and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data reveals geomorphic evidence for 292 fault‐propagation fold scarps across the Miocene Nullarbor and Pliocene Roe Plains in south‐central Australia. Vertical displacements (VD) are determined using topographic profiling of a subset (n = 48) of the fold traces. Fault dips (mean = 44 +16/−14° at 1σ) are estimated from seismic reflection data; the mean dip is assigned to faults with unknown dip and combined with VD to estimate net displacements (ND) and average net displacements (AD) for each fault. AD exceeds single‐event displacements estimated from fault‐length scaling regressions, indicating the identified faults have hosted multiple earthquakes. Combining AD with (i) faulted surface ages (Nullarbor ~10–5 Ma, Roe ~2.5 Ma), (ii) ages of faulted erosional–depositional features (e.g. relic Late Miocene dune fields and Pliocene paleochannels), and (iii) onset of the neotectonic regime in Australia at ~10 Ma yields average slip rates from <0.1 m Myr−1to >17 m Myr−1(mean = 1.1 m Myr−1). Summation of displacements across faults yields crustal horizontal shortening rates lower than geodetically detectable resolution (≤0.01 mm yr−1) since the Late Miocene. The ca. 10 Myr‐long record of neotectonic faulting on the Nullarbor Plain provides important insights into earthquake spatial–temporal behaviours in a slowly deforming intraplate continental region.
Direct measurement of the inertial drag and lift forces on entrained coarse particles at various protrusion heights
Authors: Xie Yushu , Melville Bruce W. , Shamseldin Asaad Y. , Whittaker Colin N. , Yang Yifan
Published: September 2022

Laboratory experiments were performed to study the impact of relative particle protrusion P/D (P is the protrusion height and D is the diameter of the spherical target particle) on the entrainment of sediment particles from a rough bed of spherical grains. The target particle to be entrained was instrumented with electronic sensors to measure the triaxial linear acceleration, and consequently the particle inertial forces, during the entrainment process. The velocity field around the particle was obtained using two‐dimensional particle tracking velocimetry (PTV) technique and the velocity data were synchronised with the force data relative to the moment of entrainment. Experimental results show that the inertial drag and lift forces systematically decreased as relative particle protrusion increased. The ratio of inertial lift force to drag force revealed that drag force slightly dominated the entrainment process at P/D > 0.7, while lift force slightly dominated at P/D < 0.62. Inertial drag coefficient was found to be independent of particle protrusion for low P/D, but rapidly declined for P/D > 0.62–0.7. Differently, inertial lift coefficient remained relatively constant within the tested protrusion ranges. Additionally, the critical Shields number was linearly related to the normalised inertial forces over the present particle protrusion range. In summary, the particle protrusion demonstrates a significant impact on the inertial forces and, further, the entrainment process.
Factors Affecting the Binding of Diltiazem to Rainbow Trout Plasma: Implications for the Risk Assessment of Pharmaceuticals in Aquatic Systems
Authors: Glover Chris N. , Klaczek Chantelle E. , Goss Greg G. , Saari Gavin N.
Published: September 2022

The accumulation of organic toxicants in fish plasma, and how they partition between the bound and unbound fraction once absorbed, are important metrics in models that seek to predict the risk of such contaminants in aquatic settings. Rapid equilibrium dialysis of diltiazem, an ionizable weak base and important human pharmaceutical contaminant of freshwaters, was conducted with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) plasma. The effect of fed state, fish sex, fish strain/size, and dialysis buffer pH on the binding of radiolabeled diltiazem (9 ng ml−1) was assessed. In fed fish, 24.6%–29.5% of diltiazem was free, unbound to plasma proteins. Although starvation of fish resulted in a decrease in plasma protein, the bound fraction of diltiazem remained relatively constant. Consequently, the protein-bound concentration of diltiazem increased with length of starvation. In general, rainbow trout strain was a significant factor affecting plasma binding, although the two strains tested also differed markedly in size. Dialysis buffer pH significantly influenced plasma binding, with a higher unbound diltiazem fraction at pH 6.8 than pH 8.0. These data indicate that empirical measures of plasma binding in fish are important for accurate risk assessment and that the physiological status of a fish is likely to impact its sensitivity to toxicants such as diltiazem. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:3125–3133. © 2022 SETAC
Health effects of a ban on late‐night alcohol sales
Authors: Bäuml Matthias , Marcus Jan , Siedler Thomas
Published: September 2022

This paper studies the impact of a ban on late‐night off‐premise alcohol sales between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. in Germany. We use three large administrative data sets: (i) German diagnosis related groups‐Statistik, (ii) data from a large social health insurance, and (iii) Road Traffic Accident Statistics. Applying difference‐in‐differences and synthetic‐control‐group methods, we find that the ban had no effects on alcohol‐related road casualties, but significantly reduced alcohol‐related hospitalizations (doctor visits) among young people by around 9 (18) percent. The decrease is driven by fewer hospitalizations due to acute alcohol intoxication during the night—when the ban is in place—but not during the day.
Phosphorylation, compartmentalization, and cardiac function
Authors: Collins Kerrie B. , Scott John D.
Published: September 2022

Protein phosphorylation is a fundamental element of cell signaling. First discovered as a biochemical switch in glycogen metabolism, we now know that this posttranslational modification permeates all aspects of cellular behavior. In humans, over 540 protein kinases attach phosphate to acceptor amino acids, whereas around 160 phosphoprotein phosphatases remove phosphate to terminate signaling. Aberrant phosphorylation underlies disease, and kinase inhibitor drugs are increasingly used clinically as targeted therapies. Specificity in protein phosphorylation is achieved in part because kinases and phosphatases are spatially organized inside cells. A prototypic example is compartmentalization of the cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cAMP)‐dependent protein kinase A through association with A‐kinase anchoring proteins. This configuration creates autonomous signaling islands where the anchored kinase is constrained in proximity to activators, effectors, and selected substates. This article primarily focuses on A kinase anchoring protein (AKAP) signaling in the heart with an emphasis on anchoring proteins that spatiotemporally coordinate excitation‐contraction coupling and hypertrophic responses.
N6‐methyladenosine regulators are potential prognostic biomarkers for multiple myeloma
Authors: Wang Jing , Zuo Yifan , Lv Chenglan , Zhou Min , Wan Yuan
Published: September 2022

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) regulators play an important role in tumorigenesis; however, their role in multiple myeloma (MM) remains unknown. This study aimed to create an m6A RNA regulators prognostic signature for MM patients. We integrated data from the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation CoMMpass Study and the Genotype‐Tissue Expression database to analyze gene expression profiles of 21 m6A regulators. Consistent clustering analysis was used to identify the clusters of patients with MM having different clinical outcomes. Gene distribution was analyzed using principal component analysis. Next, we generated an mRNA gene signature of m6A regulators using a multivariate logistic regression model with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. The expressions of m6A regulators, except FMR1, were significantly different in MM samples compared with those in normal samples. The KIAA1429, HNRNPC, FTO, and WTAP expression levels were dramatically downregulated in tumor samples, whereas those of other signatures were remarkably upregulated. Three clusters of patients with MM were identified, and significant differences were found in terms of overall survival (p = .024). A prognostic two‐gene signature (KIAA1429 and HNRNPA2B1) was constructed, which had a good prognostic significance using the ROC method (AUC = 0.792). Moreover, the risk score correlated with the infiltration immune cells. In addition, KEGG pathway analysis showed that 16 pathways were dramatically enriched. The m6A signature might be a novel biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with MM (p = .002). Our study is the first to explore the potential application value of m6A in MM. These findings may enhance the understanding of the functional organization of m6A in MM and provide new insights into the treatment of MM patients.
Factors associated with pharmacy residency matching: A scoping review
Authors: Miller Juliette A. , Lavender Devin L. , Johnson Blake R. , Osae Sharmon P. , Stone Rebecca H. , Thomas Ian , Phillips Beth Bryles
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The increasing demand for pharmacy residency programs continues to outpace the supply. The mismatch between available pharmacy residency positions and the number of residency applicants leaves many interested and qualified candidates without a residency. The objective of this review is to describe available literature and factors associated with successful matching to a pharmacy residency program.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Protocols and Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) was used to guide the identification and selection of articles. A search strategy was developed using the combination of medical subject headings (MeSH) and keywords from a review of titles and abstracts of known articles. Titles and abstracts were independently reviewed, and citation mapping was completed for all studies that met inclusion criteria.

Results

Studies assessing residency match rates were included and 28 studies met inclusion criteria. Of these studies, 16 analyzed data from pharmacy schools, with over half evaluating an intervention such as mock interviews or residency preparation courses. Most of these studies found an association between the intervention and higher match rates. Two studies surveyed residency program directors on desired traits of prospective candidates. Ten studies analyzed national data. A higher number of residency applications, a higher number of interviews completed or invitations received, publication of research abstracts, and higher grade point averages were associated with higher match rates. Pharmacy school characteristics with positive impacts on match rates included public institution, older age of the school, higher North American Pharmacy Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) pass rates, and affiliation with an academic medical center.

Conclusion

The studies described show the positive benefit of pharmacy residency preparatory activities and individual applicant factors, as well as pharmacy school characteristics on match rates. Most studies had limitations in study design and generalizability, and much of the data were heterogeneous.
Reflective FT‐NIR and SERS studies of HER‐II breast cancer biomarker using plasmonic‐active nanostructured thin film immobilized oriented antibody
Authors: Khosroshahi Mohammad E. , Patel Yesha
Published: September 2022

We describe the fabrication of plasmonic‐active nanostructured thin film substrate as a label‐free surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)‐based biosensor immobilized covalently with monoclonal HER‐II antibody (mAb) to detect overexpressed HER‐II as a biomarker in breast cancer serum (BCS). Oriented conjugation of mAb via hydrazone linkage to provide higher mAb accessibility was characterized by UV‐vis and reflective Fourier transform near‐infrared (FT‐NIR) spectroscopic techniques. The interaction of BCS with mAb was studied by FT‐NIR and nonresonant SERS at 637 nm. The results showed detection of glycoprotein content at different laser powers including a rise in amino acid and glycan content with varying results at higher power. With nonresonant SERS we observed nonlinear behavior of peak intensity. Analysis of variance was implemented to determine the effect of laser power which was found not to be a contributing factor. However, at the nanoscale, factors including the heating effect and aggregation of molecules can contribute to the nonlinearity of peak intensity.
Activating EGFR Signaling Attenuates Osteoarthritis Development Following Loading Injury in Mice
Authors: Gui Tao , Wei Yulong , Luo Lijun , Li Jun , Zhong Leilei , Yao Lutian , Beier Frank , Nelson Charles L. , Tsourkas Andrew , Liu X. Sherry , Enomoto-Iwamoto Motomi , Yu Feifan , Cheng Zhiliang , Qin Ling
Published: September 2022

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) results in joint pain, loss of joint function, and impaired quality of daily life in patients with limited treatment options. We previously demonstrated that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling is essential for maintaining chondroprogenitors during articular cartilage development and homeostasis. Here, we used a nonsurgical, loading-induced PTOA mouse model to investigate the protective action of EGFR signaling. A single bout of cyclic tibial loading at a peak force of 6 N injured cartilage at the posterior aspect of lateral femoral condyle. Similar loading at a peak force of 9 N ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament, causing additional cartilage damage at the medial compartment and ectopic cartilage formation in meniscus and synovium. Constitutively overexpression of an EGFR ligand, heparin binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF), in chondrocytes significantly reduced cartilage injury length, synovitis, and pain after 6 N loading and mitigated medial side cartilage damage and ectopic cartilage formation after 9 N loading. Mechanistically, overactivation of EGFR signaling protected chondrocytes from loading-induced apoptosis and loss of proliferative ability and lubricant synthesis. Overexpressing HBEGF in adult cartilage starting right before 6 N loading had similar beneficial effects. In contrast, inactivating EGFR in adult cartilage led to accelerated PTOA progression with elevated cartilage Mankin score and synovitis score and increased ectopic cartilage formation. As a therapeutic approach, we constructed a nanoparticle conjugated with the EGFR ligand TGFα. Intra-articular injections of this nanoconstruct once every 3 weeks for 12 weeks partially mitigated PTOA symptoms in cartilage and synovium after 6 N loading. Our findings demonstrate the anabolic actions of EGFR signaling in maintaining articular cartilage during PTOA development and shed light on developing a novel nanomedicine for PTOA. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Novel insights into the effect of deer IGF‐1 on chondrocyte viability and IL‐1β‐induced inflammation response
Authors: Zhong Jinghong , Zhang Jingcheng , Zhou Zhenwei , Pan Daian , Zhao Daqing , Dong Haisi , Yao Baojin
Published: September 2022

Clinical treatment of Osteoarthritis (OA) remains a challenge due to the poor self‐regeneration ability of cartilage. Deer antler is the only cartilage tissue that can completely regenerate each year. Insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) is one of the major active components in the deer antler that participate in regulating the rapid regeneration of deer antler cartilage. This has led us to speculate that deer IGF‐1 might potentially become a candidate drug for reducing damage and inflammation of OA. Thus, we aimed to explore the underlying mechanism of deer IGF‐1 in chondrocyte proliferation, differentiation, and inflammation response. Deer, mouse, and human IGF‐1 amino acid sequences and protein structures were aligned using CLUSTAL and PSIPRED. The underlying molecular mechanism of deer IGF‐1 on primary chondrocytes was investigated by RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) technology combined with various experiments. Cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) was used to induce the inflammation response of primary chondrocytes. We found that deer IGF‐1 was more similar to human IGF‐1 than mouse IGF‐1. qRT‐PCR and immunofluorescence assay indicated that deer IGF‐1 had stronger effects than mouse IGF‐1. We also found that the deer IGF‐1 enhanced the expression of cell proliferation, differentiation, and extracellular matrix (ECM)‐related genes, but decreased the expression of ECM‐degrading genes. Deer IGF‐1 also attenuated the IL‐1β‐induced inflammatory and ECM degradation in chondrocytes. This study provides insight into the molecular mechanisms of deer IGF‐1 on primary chondrocyte viability and presents a candidate for combatting inflammatory responses in OA development.
Ageing with HIV: a longitudinal study of markers of resilience in young adults with perinatal exposure to HIV, with or without perinatally acquired HIV
Authors: Sirois Patricia A. , Huo Yanling , Nozyce Molly L. , Garvie Patricia A. , Harris Lynnette L. , Malee Kathleen , McEvoy Robin , Mellins Claude A. , Nichols Sharon L. , Smith Renee , Tassiopoulos Katherine ,   for the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Medical challenges, including perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV), can be considered adversity with the potential to compromise individuals’ ability to meet societal expectations across the lifespan. Studies suggest that resilience, defined as positive adaptation in the context of adversity, helps individuals overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. Few longitudinal studies have examined resilience in young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (YAPHIV) or perinatal HIV exposure, uninfected (YAPHEU). We examined three young adult milestones, which can affect the life‐long quality of life, as markers of resilience: high school graduation, postsecondary education and current employment.

Methods

Analyses included YAPHIV and YAPHEU, ages 19–27 years, followed in longitudinal cohort studies: Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study Adolescent Master Protocol (AMP) (7–17 years) and AMP Up (≥18 years). Factors known to influence the attainment of milestones (outcomes) were examined: executive function, cognitive efficiency (working memory and processing speed), behavioural/social‐emotional functioning, parent/caregiver mental/physical health and cumulative risk. HIV disease markers for YAPHIV were examined. The most recent AMP assessment was used for each factor; outcomes were measured at AMP Up 1‐year follow‐up. Separate robust Poisson regression models were used to assess associations of each factor with each outcome; PHIV status was explored as an effect modifier of each association.

Results

Participants (N = 315; YAPHIV = 228): 58% female, 67% Black and 27% Hispanic. Compared to YAPHEU, YAPHIV were older and from families with higher median income and fewer symptoms of parent/caregiver mental health/substance use disorders. Proportions of YAPHIV and YAPHEU, respectively, who achieved each milestone were comparable: 82% versus 78% for high school graduation (p = 0.49), 45% versus 51% for postsecondary education (p = 0.35) and 48% versus 54% for current employment (p = 0.32). Higher cognitive efficiency was positively associated with postsecondary education and current employment. Higher executive function, age‐appropriate behavioural/social‐emotional functioning and lower cumulative risk were associated with academic milestones. Among YAPHIV, positive associations were: higher current CD4 with postsecondary education and lower nadir CD4 with current employment. PHIV status did not modify any association.

Conclusions

YAPHIV and YAPHEU demonstrated resilience, attaining at least one young adult milestone. Cognitive, behavioural and social resources to support resilience in childhood and adolescence may provide the foundation for continued achievement throughout adulthood.
The role and control of arginine levels in arginase 1 deficiency
Authors: Diaz George A. , Bechter Mark , Cederbaum Stephen D.
Published: September 2022

Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1‐D) is a rare urea cycle disorder that results in persistent hyperargininemia and a distinct, progressive neurologic phenotype involving developmental delay, intellectual disability, and spasticity, predominantly affecting the lower limbs and leading to mobility impairment. Unlike the typical presentation of other urea cycle disorders, individuals with ARG1‐D usually appear healthy at birth and hyperammonemia is comparatively less severe and less common. Clinical manifestations typically begin to develop in early childhood in association with high plasma arginine levels, with hyperargininemia (and not hyperammonemia) considered to be the primary driver of disease sequelae. Nearly five decades of clinical experience with ARG1‐D and empirical studies in genetically manipulated models have generated a large body of evidence that, when considered in aggregate, implicates arginine directly in disease pathophysiology. Severe dietary protein restriction to minimize arginine intake and diversion of ammonia from the urea cycle are the mainstay of care. Although this approach does reduce plasma arginine and improve patients' cognitive and motor/mobility manifestations, it is inadequate to achieve and maintain sufficiently low arginine levels and prevent progression in the long term. This review presents a comprehensive discussion of the clinical and scientific literature, the effects and limitations of the current standard of care, and the authors' perspectives regarding the past, current, and future management of ARG1‐D.
Excess risk for acute myocardial infarction mortality during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yeo Yee Hui , Wang Maggie , He Xinyuan , Lv Fan , Zhang Yue , Zu Jian , Li Mei , Jiao Yang , Ebinger Joseph E. , Patel Jignesh K. , Cheng Susan , Ji Fanpu
Published: September 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the healthcare system. Our study armed to assess the extent and the disparity in excess acute myocardial infarction (AMI)‐associated mortality during the pandemic, through the recent Omicron outbreak. Using data from the CDC's National Vital Statistics System, we identified 1 522 669 AMI‐associated deaths occurring between 4/1/2012 and 3/31/2022. Accounting for seasonality, we compared age‐standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for AMI‐associated deaths between prepandemic and pandemic periods, including observed versus predicted ASMR, and examined temporal trends by demographic groups and region. Before the pandemic, AMI‐associated mortality rates decreased across all subgroups. These trends reversed during the pandemic, with significant rises seen for the youngest‐aged females and males even through the most recent period of the Omicron surge (10/2021–3/2022). The SAPC in the youngest and middle‐age group in AMI‐associated mortality increased by 5.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6%–9.1%) and 3.4% (95% CI: 0.1%–6.8%), respectively. The excess death, defined as the difference between the observed and the predicted mortality rates, was most pronounced for the youngest (25–44 years) aged decedents, ranging from 23% to 34% for the youngest compared to 13%–18% for the oldest age groups. The trend of mortality suggests that age and sex disparities have persisted even through the recent Omicron surge, with excess AMI‐associated mortality being most pronounced in younger‐aged adults.
Impact of COVID‐19 vaccination on transmission risk of breakthrough infections: Lessons from adapted N95 mask sampling for emerging variants and interventions
Authors: Sriraman Kalpana , Shaikh Ambreen , Vaswani Smriti , Mestry Tejal , Patel Grishma , Sakthivel Shalini , Oswal Vikas , Kadam Pratibha , Nilgiriwala Kayzad , Shah Daksha , Gomare Mangala , Mistry Nerges
Published: September 2022

This study used an adapted N95 mask sampling to understand the effect of COVID‐19 vaccination in the context of circulating variants on infected individuals to emit the virus into the air, a key risk factor of transmission. Mask, swab, and blood samples were collected from 92 COVID‐19 patients vaccinated (Covishield/COVAXIN‐partial/fully) or unvaccinated between July and September 2021 during the Delta‐dominated period in Mumbai. Mask/swab samples were analyzed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for viral RNA. Blood was evaluated for SARS‐CoV‐2 anti‐spike and nucleocapsid antibody responses. At <48 h of diagnosis, 93% of the patients emitted detectable viral RNA, with 40% emitting >1000 copies in 30 min (high emitters). About 8% continued to be high emitters even after 8 days of symptom onset. No significant difference was observed in emission patterns between partial, full, and unvaccinated patients. However, when vaccinated patients were stratified based on spike protein neutralization and nucleocapsid immunoglobulin G (IgG), the group with moderate/high neutralization showed a significantly lower proportion of high emitters and viral RNA copies than the group with no/low neutralization, which further reduced in the group having antinucleocapsid IgG. In conclusion, mask sampling showed that Delta infections were associated with greater virus emission in patients, which was significantly reduced only in vaccinated patients with moderate/high SARS‐CoV‐2 neutralization, especially with evidence of past infection. The study demonstrated that mask sampling could be useful for understanding the transmission risk of emerging variants, screening vaccine/booster candidates, and guiding control interventions.
Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalizations After Pediatric Tracheostomy
Authors: Beams Dylan R. , Chorney Stephen R. , Kou Yann‐Fuu , Teplitzky Taylor B. , Wynings Erin M. , Johnson Romaine F.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To determine factors associated with frequent emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations after pediatric tracheostomy.

Methods

A prospective cohort of children (<18 years) with a tracheostomy placed at a tertiary children's hospital between 2015 and 2019 were followed for 24 months after index discharge. ED visits and hospitalizations were recorded to identify risk factors for frequent utilization (≥4 visits).

Results

A total of 239 children required 1285 total visits to the ED or hospital after index discharge with 112 children (47%) having ≥4 visits. Respiratory‐related illness was the most common reason (N = 699, 54%) followed by gastrostomy tube issues (N = 119, 9.3%). Frequent utilization was associated with Black race (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.18–3.70, p = 0.01), mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.35–5.59, p = 0.006), and Spanish language (OR: 3.86, 95% CI: 1.47–10.11, p = 0.006) on regression modeling. There were no predictors of visits for tracheostomy‐related complications, which accounted for 4.8% of all encounters. A sub‐analysis showed that Hispanic ethnicity and gestational age predicted visits for respiratory failure.

Conclusion

Frequent ED visits or hospitalizations are required for 47% of children in the first 2 years after tracheostomy placement. Ventilatory support, Black race, and Spanish language increase the likelihood of high utilization. Although tracheostomy‐related visits are uncommon, strategies to anticipate and decrease respiratory‐related admissions may have the most impact.

Level of evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2018–2024, 2023
Influence of surface treatment on the metal dusting behavior of alloy 699 XA
Authors: White Emma , Schlereth Clara , Lepple Maren , Hattendorf Heike , Nowak Benedikt , Galetz Mathias C.
Published: September 2022

Metal dusting attack is a serious problem in processing industries using carbonaceous gases and high temperatures. Ni‐based alloy 699 XA was recently developed as an alloy for these types of environments with high resistance against metal dusting. In this study, different surface treatments of this chromium‐ and aluminum‐rich alloy are shown to have an important influence on the metal dusting onset behavior. It was found that surface treatments that are traditionally considered to be helpful for fatigue performance, for example, shot peening, and pickling were detrimental to the metal dusting performance of alloy 699 XA. Additionally, the shot peening surface treatment promoted Fe surface contamination, resulting in a negative impact on the metal dusting pitting resistance of the alloy. Deformation accompanied by apparent BCC α‐Cr precipitation in the bulk microstructure, but a comparison with cold‐rolled materials shows that the surface treatment dominates the metal dusting resistance.
The impact of quality of life on industrial and agricultural production and environmental efficiency in China's provinces
Authors: Yang Li , Chiu Yung‐ho , Chang Tzu‐Han
Published: September 2022

While most related topics focus on industrial production, economics, and environmental pollution, few studies discuss industrial production, economic development, environmental pollution, and quality of life together, and those that do fail to recognize how QoL influences agriculture and industry development issues. This research thus takes QoL as an exogenous variable and places agricultural production efficiency and industrial production efficiency as two parallel stages into one stage. The finding is that its addition modifies the overall efficiency of the region, as none of the 30 provinces has reached the efficiency frontier, and there is room for improvement in all of them.
A delayed modulation of solar ultraviolet radiation on theCOVID‐19 transmission reflects an incubation period
Authors: He Maosheng , Fang Keyan , Zhou Feifei , Ou Tinghai , Chen Deliang
Published: September 2022

Laboratory experiments have revealed the meteorological sensitivity of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) virus. However, no consensus has been reached about how outdoor meteorological conditions modulate the virus transmission as it is also constrained by non‐meteorological conditions. Here, we identify the outbreak's evolution stage, constrained least by non‐meteorological conditions, by searching the maximum correlation coefficient between the ultraviolet flux and the growth rate of cumulative confirmed cases at the country level. At this least‐constrained stage, the cumulative cases count around 1300–3200, and the count's daily growth rate correlates with the ultraviolet flux and temperature significantly (correlation coefficientsr = −0.54 ± 0.09 and −0.39 ± 0.10 at , respectively), but not with precipitation, humidity, and wind. The ultraviolet correlation exhibits a delay of about 7 days, providing a meteorological measure of the incubation period. Our work reveals a seasonality of COVID‐19 and a high risk of a pandemic resurgence in winter, implying a need for seasonal adaption in public policies.
Depression screening scores for teens with T1D need adjusting
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: September 2022

Observing that some depression screening tools can miss cases of depression in teens with diabetes, authors of a new study suggest that adjusted cutoff scores could help better detect depressive disorders in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes.
Comparing seroma formation rate after harvest of the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap and the superficial abdominal perforator flaps in autologous breast reconstruction: A propensity‐matched analysis
Authors: Nakatsuka Kengo , Fuse Yuma , Karakawa Ryo , Yano Tomoyuki , Yoshimatsu Hidehiko
Published: September 2022

Background

Donor site seroma formation and prolonged drainage duration are commonly seen after harvest of perforator‐based abdominal flaps. The lymphatic network including the lymphatic vessels and the lymph nodes can be traumatized during harvest of a perforator‐based abdominal flap, eventually causing seroma formation. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative seroma occurrence rates between the deep system group including the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap and the superficial system group comprised of the superficial inferior epigastric artery (SIEA) flap, the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap, and the SIEA‐SCIP combined flap.

Patients and methods

A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent unilateral breast reconstruction using perforator‐based abdominal flaps from June 2020 to May 2021 was performed. The patients were divided into the deep system group and the superficial system group. Propensity score matching was used to compare in the two groups the mean duration of drainage in the donor site and the occurrence of postoperative aspiration. Covariates included sex, age, body mass index, history of smoking, past history of diabetes mellitus. One hundred and fifteen patients (the deep system group, n = 100 and the superficial system group, n = 15) met inclusion criteria for a 1:1 match performed on 14 deep system group patients using propensity scores, with 14 superficial system group patients having similar characteristics.

Results

The mean duration of drainage in the donor site was shorter in the deep system group (6.6 ± 1.9 days) than in the superficial system group (9.3 ± 2.3 days, p < .01). The occurrence rate of postoperative aspiration was lower in the deep system group (0%) than in the superficial system group (50%, p < .01).

Conclusions

Although superficial abdominal perforator flaps are considered to be less invasive than the DIEP flap, they are associated with prolonged donor site drainage and more frequent occurrence rate of postoperative aspiration.
Doppelte Inhoffen‐Vorlesung
Authors: Werz Daniel B.
Published: September 2022

In einer gemeinsamen Veranstaltung der TU Braunschweig und des Helmholtz‐Zentrums für Infektionsforschung (HZI) wurden am 9. Juni an der TU Braunschweig gleich zwei Inhoffen‐Preisträger geehrt: Die bedeutende Auszeichnung für Naturstoffchemie für das Jahr 2020 ging an Christian Hertweck, den Preis für dieses Jahr erhielt Sarah E. Reisman.
"Unterhaltsam zu sein, ist die Basis" – Interview mit Lars Fischer
Authors: Fischer Lars , Zbikowski Frauke , Remenyi Christian
Published: September 2022

Der Chemiker und Blogger Lars Fischer hat in diesem Jahr den Preis der GDCh für Journalismus erhalten. Mit den Nachrichten aus der Chemie sprach er darüber, ob er lieber unterhalten oder lieber informieren möchte und warum er Filterblasen in Social Media für überschätzt hält.
A weak Galerkin method and its two‐grid algorithm for the quasi‐linear elliptic problems of non‐monotone type
Authors: Zhu Peng , Xie Shenglan
Published: September 2022

In this article, a weak Galerkin (WG) method is first presented and analyzed for the quasi‐linear elliptic problem of non‐monotone type. By using Brouwer's fixed point technique, the existence of WG solution and error estimates in both the energy norm and the norm are derived. Then an efficient two‐grid WG method is introduced to improve the computational efficiency. The convergence error of the two‐grid WG method is analyzed in the energy norm. Numerical experiments are presented to verify our theoretical findings.
Identification of tumour‐infiltrating myeloid subsets associated with overall survival in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lu Jun , Duan Yumei , Liu Pinbo , He Xiang , Yang Yiping , Zhang Ran , Weng Liang
Published: September 2022

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is a primary subtype of lung cancer with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis, and tumour‐infiltrating myeloid cells (TIMs) are key regulators of LUSC. However, the correlation between the abundance of TIM subtypes and clinical outcomes of LUSC remains unexplored. This study aimed to develop and validate a prognostic model for low‐ and high‐risk patients with LUSC based on myeloid cell microenvironments. TIM markers in the tumoural (T) and stromal (S) regions were quantified using immunohistochemistry for 502 LUSC patients. L1‐penalized Cox regression was used to develop a myeloid survival score (MSS) model based on the training cohort, followed by validation in distinct cohorts from multiple centres. RNA sequencing and immunostaining were used to examine the mechanisms of myeloid cells in LUSC progression and predict potential drug targets and therapeutic agents. Of the 12 myeloid markers, CD163T, CD163S, and S100A12T were highly associated with overall survival (OS) in LUSC patients. The MSS of the three myeloid signatures accurately categorized LUSC patients into risk categories, with an observable difference in OS between the training and validation cohorts. Tumours with high MSS were associated with enhanced antioxidative ability and hedgehog signalling and a shift to a more pro‐tumorigenic microenvironment, accompanied by a reduced tumour cell immunogenicity and increased CD8+ T cell exhaustion patterns. Additionally, in high‐risk patients, potential drug targets and compounds regulating hedgehog signalling were identified. Our study provides the first prognostic myeloid signature for LUSC, which may help advance precision medicine. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.