bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melanocortin 1 Receptor Regulates Pathological and Physiological Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Suominen Anni , Suni Aino , Ruohonen Saku , Szabó Zoltán , Pohjolainen Lotta , Cai Minying , Savontaus Eriika , Talman Virpi , Kerkelä Risto , Rinne Petteri 
Published: February 2025

Background
The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is abundantly expressed in the skin and leukocytes, where it regulates skin pigmentation and inflammatory responses. Recently, MC1R was also found in the heart, but its functional role has remained unknown. We aimed to investigate whether MC1R is involved in the regulation of pathological or physiological cardiac remodeling.

Methods and Results
Recessive yellow mice, as a model of global MC1R deficiency, and cardiomyocyte‐specific MC1R knockout mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction or voluntary wheel running to induce pathological or physiological cardiac hypertrophy, respectively. Mice were phenotyped for cardiac structure and function by echocardiography, histology, and quantitative PCR analysis. H9c2 cells and neonatal mouse ventricular cardiac myocytes were used as in vitro models to investigate the effects of pharmacological MC1R activation on hypertrophy‐related responses. We found that the expression of MC1R progressively declines in the failing mouse heart. MC1R recessive yellow mice showed blunted hypertrophic response to transverse aortic constriction–induced pressure overload and exercise training. This phenotype was recapitulated in MC1R knockout mice, demonstrating that MC1R deficiency specifically in cardiomyocytes is responsible for the antihypertrophic effect. However, MC1R knockout mice subjected to pressure overload showed left ventricular dilatation that was associated with reduced ejection fraction and changes in left ventricular diastolic function. At the molecular level, the mRNA expression of myosin heavy chain β was upregulated in the hearts of MC1R knockout mice. In contrast, selective activation of MC1R promoted hypertrophic responses in cultured cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions
Cardiomyocyte‐specific MC1R deficiency attenuates physiological and pathological cardiac hypertrophy in mice, while pharmacological activation of MC1R promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
Age‐Based Classification and Outcomes in Pediatric Heart Failure: Findings From a Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Yuan Yuxing , Pan Bo , Wang Fangjie , Chen Zhi , Guo Ying , Shen Xing , Liang Xuecun , Liang Yanyan , Xing Yanlin , Zhang HuiLi , Zhang Yingqian , Xie Chunhong , Li Li , Huang Zhilin , Sun Huichao , Zheng Min , Liu Lingjuan , Lv Tiewei , Li Zipu , Liang Xiaohua , Tian Jie 
Published: February 2025

Background
Although heart failure is a well‐known major global public health concern, the general understanding of the clinical status of pediatric heart failure (PHF) is inadequate. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the general understanding of clinical characteristics across different PHF age groups and provide references for improving PHF treatment strategies.

Methods
This multicenter retrospective cohort study involved patients from 20 Chinese provinces, primarily including hospitalized patients (aged ≤18 years) diagnosed with heart failure between January 2013 and December 2022. The study subjects were categorized into 4 groups: neonatal, infant and toddler, young children, and adolescent.

Results

Herein, 2903 hospitalized patients with PHF were included. Significant differences were observed across age groups in clinical characteristics, auxiliary examination results, comorbid diagnoses, and hospitalization outcomes. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of in‐hospital death were significantly lower in the infant and toddler (odds ratio [OR], 0.46 [95% CI, 0.25–0.85]), young children (OR, 0.39 [95% CI, 0.18–0.85]), and adolescent (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.13–0.87]) groups compared with the neonatal group. Furthermore, the odds of cardiovascular adverse events were significantly higher in the young children (OR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.62–2.88]) and adolescent (OR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.15–4.06]) groups compared with the neonatal group. Additionally, regarding the odds of a bad Ross class, the adolescent group had 1.85 times higher odds (95% CI, 1.11–3.09) compared with the neonatal group, 2.36 times (95% CI, 1.67–3.35) higher odds compared with the infant and toddler group, and 1.45 times (95% CI, 1.05–2.02) higher odds compared with the young children group (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions
This study emphasizes the importance of age‐specific stratification in PHF management, revealing distinct clinical and prognostic differences across various developmental stages.

Registration

URL:
https://www.chictr.org.cn
. Unique identifier: ChiCTR2300078262.
Association Between Age at Diagnosis of Atrial Fibrillation and Subsequent Risk of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Cheng Yun‐Jiu , Deng Hai , Wei Hui‐Qiang , Lin Wei‐Dong , Liang Zhuomin , Chen Yili , Dong Yugang , Fang Xian‐Hong , Liao Hong‐Tao , Wu Shu‐Lin , Liu Fang‐Zhou , Xue Yu‐Mei , Wu Zexuan 
Published: February 2025

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the ischemic stroke risk. However, the relationship between age at diagnosis of AF and subsequent stroke risk remains poorly understood.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data from 5 prospective cohorts: ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study, CHS (Cardiovascular Health Study), CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults), MESA (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), and Framingham Heart Study (including Offspring cohort and the Third‐Generation cohorts). Cox regression models and competing risk survival analyses were used to assess incidence rates and hazard ratios (HRs) for ischemic stroke stratified by age groups. Among 47 239 participants (median follow‐up: 21.1 years), 6689 (14.2%) developed AF, and 536 (8.0%) subsequently experienced ischemic stroke. Younger age at AF diagnosis was significantly associated with a higher ischemic stroke risk. Fully adjusted HRs for ischemic stroke were 5.35 (95% CI, 3.56–8.03), 2.99 (95% CI, 2.32–3.86), 2.13 (95% CI, 1.75–2.58), and 1.93 (95% CI, 1.59–2.34) for AF diagnosed at ages 55, 65, 75, and 85, respectively. Compared with participants without AF at age 55, HRs for ischemic stroke were 7.30 (95% CI, 3.27–16.31) for AF diagnosed >10 years earlier, 4.98 (95% CI, 2.99–8.29) for 6 to 10 years earlier, and 4.60 (95% CI, 1.48–14.34) for ≤5 years earlier (
P
‐trend <0.001). The presence of AF yielded a 13.9 years earlier occurrence of ischemic stroke among those with AF diagnosis at 55 years compared with 1.5 years earlier at age 85.

Conclusions
Younger age at AF diagnosis was associated with a higher risk of subsequent ischemic stroke.
Evaluation and Comparison of the PREVENT and Pooled Cohort Equations for 10‐Year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk Prediction
Authors: Zhou Hui , Zhang Yiyi , Zhou Matt M. , Choi Soon Kyu , Reynolds Kristi , Harrison Teresa N. , Bellows Brandon K. , Moran Andrew E. , Colantonio Lisandro D. , Allen Norrina B. , Safford Monika M. , An Jaejin 
Published: February 2025

Background
We compared the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk prediction performance of the American Heart Association's Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease Events (PREVENT) Base and PREVENT Full equations (includes urine albumin/creatinine ratio, glycated hemoglobin, and social deprivation index) with the pooled cohort equations (PCEs).

Methods
We included adults, aged 40 to 75 years, with no history of ASCVD, diabetes, or statin use in 2009 from Kaiser Permanente Southern California and followed up through 2019. ASCVD was defined as myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease, and fatal and nonfatal ischemic stroke. We compared model discrimination (Harrell C), mean calibration (estimated as the ratio of predicted/observed event rates), and calibration curve among the overall population and stratified by sex and race and ethnicity.

Results
Of the 559 241 adults (mean age, 54 years; 11% Asian, 11% non‐Hispanic Black, and 32% Hispanic), 10 695 developed an ASCVD event (median follow‐up, 10 years). Harrell C was 0.741 (95% CI, 0.736–0.745) for PREVENT Base, 0.743 (95% CI, 0.738–0.748) for PREVENT Full, and 0.741 (95% CI, 0.736–0.746) for the PCEs. Compared with the PCEs, both PREVENT equations improved Harrell C in men but not women, and in non‐Hispanic Black adults but not in other races and ethnicities. Both PREVENT equations were well calibrated (mean calibration, 0.85–1.36; calibration slope, 0.69–1.27), whereas the PCEs overestimated 10‐year ASCVD risk (mean calibration, 1.80–2.18; calibration slope, 0.32–0.45).

Conclusions
Compared with the PCEs, PREVENT Base and Full equations better predict absolute 10‐year ASCVD risk across sex and racial and ethnic groups in a contemporary US adult population.
Effect of Home Care on Physical Function in Post-Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pengpala Kornkanya , Buchholz Susan W. , Ling Jiying , Kao Tsui-Sui , Deka Pallav , Reeves Mathew J. , Mowbray Fabrice I. 
Published: February 2025

Background: A decline in physical function is commonly observed after patients transition to their homes following hospital admission; this is especially true for patients requiring mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit (ICU). Objective: This meta-analysis examines characteristics and effects of home-based or outpatient+home-based interventions used to improve physical function post-discharge in patients who received mechanical ventilation in an ICU. Methods: PRISMA guidelines were utilized. The literature search was conducted with the assistance of a medical librarian. Study inclusion criteria were post-ICU adult patients receiving mechanical ventilation who then had home-based or outpatient+home-based care to improve physical function after discharge. Effect size (Hedges’ g) was calculated with random effects models. Results: Our search yielded 11 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The majority were randomized controlled trials, with 1 quasi-experimental study. All studies included physical therapists, and 2 included nurses. The 11 studies reported results for 39 physical function measurements. The overall pooled intervention effect across the 4 studies that utilized the 6-minute walk test was 0.32 (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.05 to 0.58), for the 3 studies that utilized the Timed Up and Go test it was 1.38 (95% CI: −0.09 to 2.84), and for the 8 studies that used the SF-36 Physical Function subscale, it was 0.31 (95% CI: 0.09 to 0.52). Conclusions: This review’s findings show that patients may improve their physical function after participating in specific intervention programs that are home-based alone or outpatient+home-based care. However, the effect sizes are small, so it may be useful to explore how to maximize the gains in physical function.
Validation of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Intensity and Brief Pain Inventory During Pregnancy
Authors: Vignato Julie , Perkhounkova Yelena , Marilim Hannah , Lee Jihye , Hein Maria , Santillan Donna , Santillan Mark 
Published: February 2025

Objectives: We sought to (1) validate the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pain Intensity Short Form 3a measure and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) for assessing pain during pregnancy and (2) evaluate pain in a sample of pregnant individuals. Methods: Pregnant individuals (N = 196) were prospectively surveyed: n = 171 up to 22 weeks gestational age, n = 123 during their third trimester of pregnancy, and n = 98 both times. Additional measures included SPRINT Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Tool, Neurological Quality of Life, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and anxiety subscale, and Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire. Validity evidence examined included content validity, reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, and relevant criterion relationships. Results: Content validity analysis suggests that the PROMIS pain measure was easy to use and interpret while the BPI provided more detail. However, BPI questions regarding medication usage and relief were unclear to some pregnant individuals. In addition, the relationships among pain ratings were stronger than relationships between pain ratings and measures intended to assess other constructs suggesting convergent and discriminant validity. Relationships with relevant criterions were presented for both the PROMIS and BPI by comparing ratings of pain intensity and severity for pregnant individuals with and without areas of pain reported on BPI. Conclusion: Results indicate that PROMIS and BPI provided valid information on pain intensity or severity for our perinatal sample. Depending on the research question, the PROMIS pain or BPI may be more appropriate to an individual study. Either measure could also be included in an electronic health record for accurate pain assessment in clinical settings.
Curcumin inhibits growth and triggers apoptosis in human castration-resistant prostate cancer cells via IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Qiwu , Liu Jiwen 
Published: February 2025

Objective This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism by which curcumin inhibits human prostate cancer (PCa) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Methods CRPC cells were treated with curcumin and their viability was assessed by MTT assay and apoptosis was detected by annexinV/propidium iodide double-staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assays. Expression levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) were determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt, and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) expression and phosphorylation were assessed by western blotting. Results The highly expressed PCa-related molecule IGF-1R was down-regulated in CRPC cells after curcumin treatment, as determined by RT-qPCR and western blotting. In addition, curcumin inhibited the tumor-related PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in CRPC cells. Moreover curcumin down-regulated the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in tumors derived from CRPC cells. Conclusions These results demonstrated that curcumin inhibits growth and triggers apoptosis of human CRPC cells via the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway, thus providing potential new therapeutic strategies for PCa and CRPC.
Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Surgeon-Reported Causes of Failure From the Norwegian Knee Ligament Register
Authors: Vindfeld Søren , Persson Andreas , Lindanger Line , Fenstad Anne Marie , Visnes Håvard , Inderhaug Eivind 
Published: February 2025

Background: Failed anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) leads to reduced quality of life and sometimes the need for repeat surgery. The reason for failure can be multifactorial and difficult to determine. Reports on failure leading to revision are few with limited generalizability. Also, no studies have investigated the reasons for early (<2 years) versus late (≥2 years) revision. Purpose: To describe patients undergoing revision surgery, the surgeon's reported cause of failure, and the risk of undergoing early versus late revision surgery. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Primary ACLR cases without concomitant ligament injuries or surgery, registered in the Norwegian Knee Ligament Register from 2004 throughout 2023, were eligible. Descriptive analyses were conducted on intraoperative findings and procedures, time from injury to surgery, activity at the time of injury, revision surgery, surgeon-reported cause of revision, and reporting method. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate revision rates. A multivariable Cox regression model, adjusted for confounders, was used to calculate the hazard ratio of early and late revision surgery. Results: A total of 30,035 primary ACLR cases were analyzed, of which 1599 resulted in revision surgery. The overall revision rate was 7.1% at 15 years. Female patients were younger at the time of both primary and revision surgery (23.8 and 22.5 years, respectively) compared with male patients (28.2 and 22.2 years, respectively). Age at the time of primary surgery was significantly lower for patients who underwent revision (20.4 years) compared with those who did not undergo revision (26.5 years). Male sex, lower age, hamstring tendon graft, and no cartilage injury at the time of primary reconstruction were all associated with a higher risk of early revision. Lower age, hamstring tendon graft, and no meniscal injury were associated with a higher risk of late revision. New trauma (38.1%) was found to be the most common cause of failure leading to revision. Conclusion: In the current study, representing one of the largest cohorts to date investigating failed primary ACLR leading to revision, the overall 15-year revision rate was estimated as 7.1%. Patients receiving hamstring tendon grafts were at a particular risk for early revision during the first 2 years after primary reconstruction. New trauma was the most common reported cause of failure leading to revision ACLR.
Understanding the Facets of Work-Related Fatigue Moderated by Cognitive, Behavioural and Contemplative Coping Strategies: A Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Sharma Sakshi , Kumar Sudesh 
Published: February 2025

Background: New-day technology evolutions and modern pedagogical approaches have significantly benefitted teaching environments and teachers. While digital tools have helped ease a lot of work, the challenges of proficiency, better performances, long workable hours and overload of duties have created a cognitive burden on teachers, making them feel mentally, emotionally and physically tired. Objective: The objective of this study is to find and fill research gaps in understanding the facets of work-related fatigue in teachers in Indian scenarios. Furthermore, a framework is proposed that investigates the dimensions and facets of fatigue associated with common work stressors, moderated by various categories of coping strategies. Key Arguments: The study highlights the prevalence of work-related fatigue in teachers, the impact of stressors, the effectiveness of coping strategies and the need for targeted interventions to enhance teacher well-being and educational outcomes. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in the job demands-resources theory and conservation of resources theory, which explain the relationship between work demands, available resources and resultant fatigue. Main Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for educational institutions and policymakers to implement targeted interventions that support teachers in managing fatigue, thereby improving educational quality and fostering a healthier work environment.
Nonlinear PID-LQR controller based ACO for enhancing dynamics of active suspension systems
Authors: Benhiba Ayoub , lahlouh Ilyas , Bybi Abdelmajid , Drissi Hilal , Chater El Ayachi 
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an innovative approach to analyzing and optimizing the performance of nonlinear hydraulic actuators for vehicle suspension systems. It focuses on dynamic behavior modeling and advanced control strategies designed to improve both driver comfort and vehicle performance. The study uses a comprehensive set of differential equations to model hydraulic operations, incorporating state-of-the-art control methodologies such as nonlinear PID (NL-PID) and advanced techniques such as genetic algorithms (GA), ant colony optimization (ACO), and particle swarm optimization (PSO). The novelty of this work lies in the development and application of the NL-PID-ACO control strategy, which shows superior performance in minimizing chassis displacement and sprung mass acceleration. Specifically, the NL-PID-ACO reduced displacement to 0.0126 m, representing a 35.38% improvement over the NL-PID-PSO, and achieved an optimal acceleration of 0.0632 m/s2, a reduction of 90.6% compared to passive systems. On average, the NL-PID-ACO achieved a displacement of 0.0016 m and an acceleration of 0.078 m/s2, corresponding to a 63.38% improvement over passive suspension systems. These findings underscore the unprecedented efficiency of the NL-PID-ACO control strategy, highlighting its potential as a transformative solution for optimizing the performance of nonlinear hydraulic actuators, ultimately contributing to enhanced driver comfort and vehicle dynamics.
Adaptive vocal performance training using transfer learning and genetic algorithm: Personalization and optimization
Authors: Guo Juan 
Published: February 2025

This study proposes an adaptive vocal performance training system based on transfer learning and genetic algorithms to address the limitations of traditional training methods, such as insufficient personalization and low efficiency. The system extracts high-level performance techniques from existing vocal datasets using transfer learning, and fine-tunes the pre-trained ResNet-50 convolutional neural network to cater to the specific needs of vocal training. A genetic algorithm is then employed to optimize the training plan, which is continuously refined through multiple iterations to meet individual student needs. Personalized training plans are provided based on the students’ voice characteristics and learning requirements. The system’s performance was evaluated, showing significant improvements in training effectiveness, with a training improvement score of 4.5 ± 0.4 and a user satisfaction score of 4.7 ± 0.3. The system also achieved a personalization score of 4.8 ± 0.2 and reduced training time to 28 ± 3 min. Compared to traditional vocal training methods, this system demonstrates superior performance in enhancing both training efficiency and effectiveness.
Open Conversion After Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair With a Novel Hybrid Graft
Authors: Malik Karolina Daria , Debus Sebastian , Enzmann Florian K , Schulte-Uentrop Leonie , Kölbel Tilo , Wipper Sabine 
Published: February 2025

Open surgical conversion (OSC) constitutes the final treatment option for failed endovascular aortic repair. The procedure is exceptionally challenging and infrequently performed, particularly following complex aortic reconstructions involving the thoracoabdominal segment. We describe a unique technique of an OSC for thoracoabdominal aneurysm due to persistent endoleak after branched endovascular aortic repair and multiple endovascular endoleak treatment attempts, which was accomplished using a novel Thoracoflo hybrid device. Clinical Impact This technical note introduces the first open surgical conversion after a failed branched endovascular repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, using the new hybrid Thoracoflo device. This innovative technique reduces reno-visceral ischemia time and can be performed through a xipho-pubic laparotomy without the need for extracorporeal circulation. It offers a safe and effective solution for complex thoracoabdominal aortic diseases, and can also serve as a bailout option following endovascular failure.