bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of myocardial strain in primary mitral regurgitation—a cardiovascular magnetic resonance study
Authors: Romano Simone , Kitkungvan Danai , Nguyen Duc T , El-Tallawi Carlos , Graviss Edward A , Farzaneh-Far Afshin , Shah Dipan J 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Chronic primary mitral regurgitation (MR) results in progressive left ventricular (LV) remodelling. Abnormal myocardial deformation (strain) can be present despite preserved ejection fraction (EF). Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) feature-tracking techniques allow assessment of global longitudinal strain (GLS) from routine cine images. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of CMR feature tracking–derived GLS in patients with primary MR.

Methods and results
Consecutive patients undergoing CMR for chronic MR from January 2012 to June 2018 were enrolled. Patients with LVEF &lt;50% were excluded. The composite primary outcome aiming to detect decompensation related to MR comprised (i) referral for mitral surgery owing to symptoms or LV systolic dysfunction or (ii) cardiovascular death. The secondary outcome was all-cause death. A total of 422 patients were followed for a median of 2.7 years, and the primary endpoint was met in 93 patients (34 patients reported symptoms at baseline). At multivariable analysis, GLS≥ −16.6% was associated with primary outcome [hazard ratio (HR) 1.90, P = 0.01]. In moderate MR cohort, patients with GLS≥ −16.6% had worse event-free survival, whereas there was no significant difference in mild or severe MR groups. GLS≥ −16.0% remained associated with all-cause death after adjusting for other covariates including the MR severity (HR 2.24, P = 0.02).

Conclusion
In patients with primary MR with preserved systolic function, GLS was associated with our composite outcomes and all-cause death. GLS may serve as a marker of cardiac dysfunction in the patients with primary MR with preserved systolic function allowing identification of patients likely to decompensate during observation.
Fabrication of a three-dimensional scaffold-free trachea with horseshoe-shaped hyaline cartilage
Authors: Uchida Fumitake , Matsumoto Keitaro , Nishimuta Masato , Matsumoto Takamune , Oishi Kaido , Hara Ryosuke , Machino Ryusuke , Taniguchi Daisuke , Oyama Shosaburo , Moriyama Masaaki , Tomoshige Koichi , Doi Ryoichiro , Obata Tomohiro , Miyazaki Takuro , Nonaka Takashi , Nakayama Koichi , Nagayasu Takeshi 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Tracheal regeneration is challenging owing to its unique anatomy and low blood supply. Most tracheal regeneration applications require scaffolds. Herein, we developed bio-three-dimensional-printed scaffold-free artificial tracheas.

METHODS
We fabricated bio-three-dimensional-printed artificial tracheas. Their anterior surface comprised hyaline cartilage differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells, and their posterior surface comprised smooth muscle. Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells were cultured and differentiated into chondrocytes using fibroblast growth factor-2 and transforming growth factor-beta-3. Initially, horseshoe-shaped spheroids were printed to cover the anterior surface of the artificial trachea, followed by the application of human bronchial smooth muscle cells for the posterior surface. After a 3-week maturing process, the artificial trachea was subjected to histological and immunohistochemical analyses.

RESULTS
The anterior surface of the artificial trachea comprised well-differentiated hyaline cartilage from human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the smooth muscle expressed α-smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain 11.

CONCLUSIONS
A bio-three-dimensional-printed scaffold-free artificial trachea comprising different tissues at the front and back was successfully fabricated.
Increasing the reach: optimizing screening for atrial fibrillation—the STROKESTOP III study
Authors: Khan Mashroor , Ingre Michael , Carlstedt Fredrik , Eriksson Anders , Skröder Sofia , Star Tenn Johanna , Rosenqvist Mårten , Svennberg Emma 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Aims
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrythmia and is an important risk factor for ischaemic stroke. Many cases of AF remain undiagnosed due to its paroxysmal, intermittent, and often asymptomatic nature. Early detection of AF through screening and initiation of treatment with oral anticoagulants can prevent stroke, increase life expectancy, and decrease the cost of healthcare for the society. However, participation has been low in previous AF screening studies employing population screening. The aim of this study is to determine whether opportunistic screening is a superior method to increase participation in comparison to population screening. We hypothesize that opportunistic screening will significantly increase participation.

Methods and results
In our study, STROKESTOP III, a randomized prospective cohort study, we compare two different methods of AF screening in high-risk individuals: population screening vs. opportunistic screening. Sixteen different primary clinics in Värmland, Sweden, serving 75–76-year-old individuals (n = 2954), will be randomized to either population screening or opportunistic screening. The individuals will be instructed to record electrocardiogram (ECG) for 30 s, 3 times daily for 2 weeks, using a handheld one-lead ECG device. Patients with detected AF will be referred to their primary healthcare physician and offered treatment. The main objective of the study is to determine the rate of participation in opportunistic screening in comparison to population screening.

Conclusions
The STROKESTOP III study will provide valuable information on which screening method to use for improved participation in atrial fibrillation screening.
Impact of Rhg1 copy number variation on a soybean cyst nematode resistance transcriptional network
Authors: Chaiprom Usawadee , Miraeiz Esmaeil , Lee Tong Geon , Drnevich Jenny , Hudson Matthew 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Soybean yield loss due to soybean cyst nematode (SCN) infestation has a negative impact on the US economy. Most SCN-resistant soybeans carry a common resistance locus (Rhg1), but there is extensive copy number variation of a 31.2-kb segment at Rhg1. To identify the effects of Rhg1 copy number on the plant prior to SCN infection, we investigated genome-wide expression profiles in isogenic Fayette plants carrying different copy numbers at the Rhg1 locus (9–11 copies), that confer different levels of resistance to SCN. We found that even small differences in copy number lead to large changes in expression of downstream defense genes. The co-expression network constructed from differentially expressed genes (DEGs) outside the Rhg1 locus revealed complex effects of Rhg1 copy number on transcriptional regulation involving signal transduction and ethylene-mediated signaling pathways. Moreover, we report variation in expression levels of phytoalexin biosynthesis-related genes that is correlated with copy number, and the activation of different NBS-LRR gene sets, indicating a broad effect of copy number on defense responses. Using qRT-PCR time series during SCN infection, we validated the SCN responses of DEGs detected in the copy number comparison and showed a stable upregulation of genes related to phytoalexin biosynthesis in resistant Fayette lines during the early stages of the incompatible interaction between soybeans and SCN, before syncytium formation. These results suggest additional genes that could enhance Rhg1-mediated SCN resistance.
Caregiving-Related Depression Increases Neuroinflammation in Spousal Caregivers to Individuals With Cognitive Impairment: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Jeon So Yeon , Yang Hee Won , Son Bo Ran , Baek Jimin , Kim Jeong Lan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
The caregiving burden of the spousal caregivers (SCGs) to individuals with cognitive impairment poses public health challenges with adverse psychosocial and physiological effects. However, few studies have investigated the neurobiological impact of caregiving, particularly through the investigation of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Methods
Using data from a longitudinal cohort at Chungnam National University Hospital, the relationship between caregiving burden, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration was examined in 38 older adult couples over a 16-month period. Caregiving burden was assessed through a multifaceted approach. For factors related to the care recipient, we assessed cognitive function and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Factors regarding the SCGs included the measurement of perceived depression. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was used as a plasma biomarker for neuroinflammation and neurofilament light chain (NfL) for neurodegeneration. Regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, apolipoprotein E status, follow-up interval, vascular risk factors, and physical activity.

Results
Changes in depression among SCGs were significantly correlated with increased GFAP levels (p = .003), indicating that greater depressive symptoms during caregiving are associated with increased neuroinflammation. In contrast, no significant correlations were found between changes in cognitive function or neuropsychiatric symptoms in care recipients and the plasma biomarker levels of SCGs. Additionally, there was no significant association between changes in depression and NfL levels in SCGs.

Conclusions
The psychological stress experienced by SCGs while caring for partners with cognitive impairment actively contributes to neuroinflammation, a well-known risk factor for various diseases. This study emphasizes the need to address psychological stress experienced by older adult caregivers.
DQN and dynamic feedback for multitask scheduling optimization in engineering management
Authors: Cui Mingxiu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Within the realm of complex project management, the prevailing multitask scheduling optimization algorithm grapples with the dual constraints of sluggish convergence and exorbitant computational overhead. To address this challenge, this paper introduces a novel multitask scheduling optimization algorithm anchored in Deep Q Network (DQN) and dynamic feedback mechanisms. This innovative approach endeavors to ameliorate the algorithm’s learning prowess and scheduling efficiency through a reinforcement learning framework and dynamic feedback mechanisms. To substantiate the efficacy of the proposed algorithm, comprehensive experiments are conducted utilizing a sizable project management dataset. Comparative analyses are performed against established algorithms such as the ant colony algorithm, particle swarm algorithm, and adaptive genetic algorithm. Evaluation metrics encompass convergence speed and algorithmic runtime. Notably, experimental results unveil the superiority of the proposed algorithm across these metrics, underscoring its prowess in multitask scheduling within project management contexts. Looking ahead, future endeavors may entail further optimization of reinforcement learning parameters and their application in larger-scale engineering projects. Such endeavors hold the promise of augmenting the algorithm’s stability and efficacy, thereby fostering advancements in multitask scheduling optimization within the project management domain.
Optimization and application of the electricity charge trial calculation technology within the intelligent electricity billing management system
Authors: Duan Zihe , Huo Yujia , Jiang Jiyuan , Wang Wei , Ma Xiaocheng , Fu Jianpei 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In response to the poor performance of the existing electricity billing management system in optimizing enterprise electricity costs, a method for predicting electricity demand based on the CNN-BiLSTM-Attention model has been proposed. This method has been implemented in the intelligent electricity optimization cloud platform to enhance the prediction accuracy of enterprise power load. The objective of this research is to forecast the continuous variation curve of 24-h demand in a day, in order to calculate the peak demand value and provide users with rational and effective energy efficiency optimization recommendations. Leveraging historical data, a prediction model was constructed using MATLAB in this study, and case simulations were conducted. By analyzing the performance of this model in predicting the demand for different energy usage characteristics, it was observed that the model performs better in enterprises with stable or fluctuating energy usage profiles compared to those with random energy usage profiles. Compared with other models, the MAE value and RMSE value of this model are reduced. Furthermore, the prediction results were compared with those of other models to validate the accuracy of the prediction model. Finally, a strategy for electricity cost optimization control was proposed, which involves controlling the charging or discharging of energy storage systems based on the predicted demand curve.
DNA break clustering as a predictor of cell death across various radiation qualities: influence of cell size, cell asymmetry, and beam orientation
Authors: Poignant Floriane , Pariset Eloise , Plante Ianik , Ponomarev Artem L , Evain Trevor , Viger Louise , Slaba Tony C , Blattnig Steve R , Costes Sylvain V 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Cosmic radiation, composed of high charge and energy (HZE) particles, causes cellular DNA damage that can result in cell death or mutation that can evolve into cancer. In this work, a cell death model is applied to several cell lines exposed to HZE ions spanning a broad range of linear energy transfer (LET) values. We hypothesize that chromatin movement leads to the clustering of multiple double strand breaks (DSB) within one radiation-induced foci (RIF). The survival probability of a cell population is determined by averaging the survival probabilities of individual cells, which is function of the number of pairwise DSB interactions within RIF. The simulation code RITCARD was used to compute DSB. Two clustering approaches were applied to determine the number of RIF per cell. RITCARD outputs were combined with experimental data from four normal human cell lines to derive the model parameters and expand its predictions in response to ions with LET ranging from ~0.2 keV/μm to ~3000 keV/μm. Spherical and ellipsoidal nuclear shapes and two ion beam orientations were modeled to assess the impact of geometrical properties on cell death. The calculated average number of RIF per cell reproduces the saturation trend for high doses and high-LET values that is usually experimentally observed. The cell survival model generates the recognizable bell shape of LET dependence for the relative biological effectiveness (RBE). At low LET, smaller nuclei have lower survival due to increased DNA density and DSB clustering. At high LET, nuclei with a smaller irradiation area—either because of a smaller size or a change in beam orientation—have a higher survival rate due to a change in the distribution of DSB/RIF per cell. If confirmed experimentally, the geometric characteristics of cells would become a significant factor in predicting radiation-induced biological effects.
Insight Box: High-charge and energy (HZE) ions are characterized by dense linear energy transfer (LET) that induce unique spatial distributions of DNA damage in cell nuclei that result in a greater biological effect than sparsely ionizing radiation like X-rays. HZE ions are a prominent component of galactic cosmic ray exposure during human spaceflight and specific ions are being used for radiotherapy. Here, we model DNA damage clustering at sub-micrometer scale to predict cell survival. The model is in good agreement with experimental data for a broad range of LET. Notably, the model indicates that nuclear geometry and ion beam orientation affect DNA damage clustering, which reveals their possible role in mediating cell radiosensitivity.
COVID-19 vaccine wastage in private and public healthcare facilities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: Manickum Viloshini Krishna , Mathibe Lehlohonolo John 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, COVID-19 vaccinations commenced in May 2021. This study investigated the extent and reasons for COVID-19 vaccine (C19V) wastage in KZN and strategies undertaken to mitigate loss.

Methods
This two-phase multicenter study was conducted at private and public healthcare facilities from May 2021 to July 2022.

Results
KZN reported 2% Pfizer and 1% Janssen C19V wasted, mainly due to expiry. C19V waste-minimization strategies reported by 100% public and private sector vaccination leads included cold chain monitoring, designated trained staff and the use of stock-management systems.

Conclusions
The WHO’s risk-mitigation factors should be implemented continuously to minimize vaccine wastage.
Moment or Process? Eucharistic Consecration and Epiclesis in Egyptian Thought: A Survey of Liturgical, Patristic, and Medieval Sources
Authors: Zakhary Beniamin 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
There is a long-standing polemic that the ‘moment’ of eucharistic consecration for the West is the words of institution and for the East is the epiclesis. Zheltov and Mckenna have previously analysed this issue with respect to the Byzantine rite; however, there is still a need for analysis of the Coptic rite. This paper examines the liturgical, patristic, and medieval sources to provide a survey of understandings of the epiclesis and consecration within the Egyptian liturgical heritage. The liturgical sources utilized include the early Egyptian anaphoras, as well as those utilized in the Coptic rite today—Egyptian Liturgy of St Basil the Great, Anaphora of St Gregory the Theologian, and Anaphora of St Cyril of Alexandria. The paper will show that there is diversity of thought regarding eucharistic consecration within the Egyptian tradition; yet, while accents on moment and process are both present, consecration as a process appears to be the dominant understanding.
Inelastic scattering of PO+ by H2 at interstellar temperatures
Authors: Chahal Pooja , Kushwaha Apoorv , Dhilip Kumar T J 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Phosphorous species are of great interest in interstellar chemistry since they are the basic blocks for building life here on Earth. Modelling the abundance and environment of recently detected PO$^{+}$ under non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) requires rotational spectra of the molecule along with accurate collisional rates with the most abundant species, hydrogen and helium. A new 4D ab initio potential energy surface (PES) of PO$^{+}$ – H$_{2}$ collision is calculated using CCSD(T)/CBS(DTQ) methodology considering rigid rotor approximation. The region containing the minima of the PES is augmented using neural networks (NNs) model while very high potentials ($\gt 2500$ cm$^{-1}$) and asymptotic region have been approximated using Slater and R$^{-4}$ functions, respectively. The close coupling calculations have been performed using molscat software for both ortho and para-H$_{2}$. The rate coefficients have been reported for transitions $j-j^{\prime }=$$1-0$, $2-1$, $3-2$, and $5-4$ through which PO$^{+}$ has been experimentally detected in interstellar medium (ISM). The rate coefficients for even and odd transitions of PO$^{+}$ with para-H$_{2}$ are compared with that of helium and are found to be 1.1–2.0 times higher. For even transitions ($\Delta j = 2$), the ortho-H$_{2}$ rates are 10 per cent higher than para-H$_{2}$ rates. However, the trend reverses in the case of odd transitions ($\Delta j = 1$) when higher J transitions are considered at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, the ortho rates cross the para-H$_{2}$ rates and become larger than the latter. The new rate coefficients with both ortho and para-H$_{2}$ will enable accurate modelling of the PO$^{+}$ abundance in the ISM under non-LTE conditions.
Short-lived gravitational instability in isolated irradiated discs
Authors: Rowther Sahl , Price Daniel J , Pinte Christophe , Nealon Rebecca , Meru Farzana , Alexander Richard 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Irradiation from the central star controls the temperature structure in protoplanetary discs. Yet simulations of gravitational instability typically use models of stellar irradiation with varying complexity, or ignore it altogether, assuming heat generated by spiral shocks is balanced by cooling, leading to a self-regulated state. In this paper, we perform simulations of irradiated, gravitationally unstable protoplanetary discs using 3D hydrodynamics coupled with live Monte-Carlo radiative transfer. We find that the resulting temperature profile is approximately constant in time, since the thermal effects of the star dominate. Hence, the disc cannot regulate gravitational instabilities by adjusting the temperatures in the disc. In a $0.1M_\odot$ disc, the disc instead adjusts by angular momentum transport induced by the spiral arms, leading to steadily decreasing surface density, and hence quenching of the instability. Thus, strong spiral arms caused by self-gravity would not persist for longer than ten thousand years in the absence of fresh infall, although weak spiral structures remain present over longer time-scales. Using synthetic images at 1.3 mm, we find that spirals formed in irradiated discs are challenging to detect. In higher mass discs, we find that fragmentation is likely because the dominant stellar irradiation overwhelms the stabilizing influence of $P\mathrm{d}V$ work and shock heating in the spiral arms.
Effects of nucleon–nucleon short-range correlation and symmetry energy on the evolution of newly born magnetars
Authors: Liu C X , Feng T F , Dong J M 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Millisecond magnetars are widely suggested as the central engines powering hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe). These magnetars primarily lose huge rotational energy through gravitational wave radiation (GWR) and magnetic dipole radiation (MDR), with MDR serving as an energy source for SLSNe. We study the evolution of the magnetar spin, magnetic inclination angle, and the resulting thermal radiative luminosity of the SLSNe, where the impacts of the nucleon–nucleon short-range correlation, the mass and initial spin of the magnetar, and the density-dependent symmetry energy of the dense nuclear matter on the evolution are discussed. The relativistic mean-field theory is employed to calculate the nuclear matter properties, and we particularly concentrate on the time- and space-dependent bulk viscosity, which is crucial for the magnetic inclination angle evolution. It is found that the nucleon–nucleon short-range correlation weakens the damping of bulk viscosity of dense matter and therefore inhibits the growth of magnetic inclination angle, and it reduces the MDR (GWR) peak luminosity of a canonical magnetar by several times while it raises the peak thermal radiation luminosity of SLSNe by several times. For magnetars with non-rotating mass obviously lower than the $1.4 \, \rm M_\odot$ with slow initial rotation, the magnetic inclination angle is more likely to evolve towards 0 deg quickly, and these magnetars are not suitable as the central engine for SLSNe. Within the ‘family’ of FSUGarnet interaction, a stiffer symmetry energy gives a lower threshold of direct Urca process and hence gives a much larger bulk viscosity coefficient, and thus it promotes the growth of the magnetic inclination angle and the GWR for canonical stars but reduces the peak brightness of SLSNe significantly.