bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin‐3, Metabolic Risk, and Incident Heart Failure: The ARIC Study
Authors: Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B. , Zhang Sui , Florido Roberta , Pankow James S. , Michos Erin D. , Goldberg Ronald B. , Nambi Vijay , Gerstenblith Gary , Post Wendy S. , Blumenthal Roger S. , Ballantyne Christie M. , Coresh Josef , Selvin Elizabeth , Ndumele Chiadi E. 
Published: March 2024

Background
It is unclear how metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes affect Gal‐3 (galectin 3) levels and the resulting implications for heart failure (HF) risk. We assessed relationships of MetS and diabetes with Gal‐3, and their joint associations with incident HF.

Methods and Results

We included 8445 participants without HF (mean age, 63 years; 59% men; 16% Black race) at ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study visit 4 (1996–1999). We categorized participants as having MetS only, MetS with diabetes, or neither, and by quartiles of MetS severity
Z
score. We assessed cross‐sectional associations of metabolic risk categories with high Gal‐3 level (≥75th percentile) using logistic regression. We used Cox regression to evaluate combined associations of metabolic risk categories and Gal‐3 quartiles with HF. In cross‐sectional analyses, compared with no MetS and no diabetes, MetS only (odds ratio [OR], 1.24 [95% CI, 1.10–1.41]) and MetS with diabetes (OR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.32–1.92]) were associated with elevated Gal‐3. Over a median follow‐up of 20.5 years, there were 1749 HF events. Compared with individuals with neither diabetes nor MetS and with Gal‐3 in the lowest quartile, the combination of MetS with diabetes and Gal‐3 ≥75th percentile was associated with a 4‐fold higher HF risk (hazard ratio, 4.35 [95% CI, 3.30–5.73]). Gal‐3 provided HF prognostic information above and beyond MetS, NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide), high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T, and CRP (C‐reactive protein) (ΔC statistic for models with versus without Gal‐3: 0.003;
P
=0.004).

Conclusions
MetS and diabetes are associated with elevated Gal‐3. The HF risk significantly increased with the combination of greater metabolic risk and higher Gal‐3.
Sustained Pericarditis Recurrence Risk Reduction With Long‐Term Rilonacept
Authors: Imazio Massimo , Klein Allan L. , Brucato Antonio , Abbate Antonio , Arad Michael , Cremer Paul C. , Insalaco Antonella , LeWinter Martin M. , Lewis Basil S. , Lin David , Luis Sushil A. , Nicholls Stephen J. , Sutej Paul , Wasserstrum Yishay , Clair JoAnn , Agarwal Indra , Wang Sheldon , Paolini John F. ,   for the RHAPSODY Investigators
Published: March 2024

Background
Rilonacept, a once‐weekly interleukin‐1 alpha and beta cytokine trap, reduced pericarditis recurrence in the phase 3 study, RHAPSODY (Rilonacept Inhibition of Interleukin‐1 Alpha and Beta for Recurrent Pericarditis: A Pivotal Symptomatology and Outcomes Study). The RHAPSODY long‐term extension further explored recurrent pericarditis natural history and treatment duration decision‐making during 24 additional months of open‐label rilonacept treatment.

Methods and Results

Seventy‐four patients commenced the long‐term extension, with a median (maximum) total rilonacept duration of 22 (35) months. Individually, 18 months after the most proximal pericarditis recurrence, investigators decided to continue rilonacept on study, suspend rilonacept for off‐treatment observation (rescue allowed), or discontinue the study. The annualized incidence of pericarditis recurrence on rilonacept up to the 18‐month decision milestone was 0.04 events/patient‐year versus 4.4 events/patient‐year prestudy while on oral therapies. At the 18‐month decision milestone, 64% (33/52) continued rilonacept, 15% (8/52) suspended rilonacept for observation, and 21% (11/52) discontinued the study. Among the 33 patients (1/33; 3.0%) continuing rilonacept (median time to recurrence could not be estimated due to too few events), a single recurrence occurred 4 weeks after a treatment interruption. Among patients suspending rilonacept, 75% (6/8) experienced recurrence (median time to recurrence, 11.8 weeks [95% CI, 3.7 weeks to not estimable]). There was a 98% reduction in risk of pericarditis recurrence among patients continuing rilonacept treatment after the 18‐month decision milestone versus those suspending treatment for observation (hazard ratio, 0.02;
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions
In the RHAPSODY long‐term extension, continued rilonacept treatment resulted in continued response; treatment suspension at the 18‐month decision milestone was associated with pericarditis recurrence.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03737110.
Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Review of Current Interventional Management
Authors: Ambrosino Maxwell , Sangoi Matthew , Monzer Nasser , Irving Brett , Fiorilli Paul , Khazan Benjamin , Goldberg Sheldon 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Tricuspid regurgitation is a common yet clinically complex problem, traditionally managed with diuretic therapy with no observable mortality benefit. Older studies on surgical intervention observed poor outcomes; however, this clinical reasoning predates current surgical approaches and novel transcatheter technology. The tricuspid apparatus is a complex structure that poses a technical challenge for surgeons and interventional cardiologists. Recent advances in surgical techniques and transcatheter therapy, particularly edge‐to‐edge repair devices, have demonstrated promising results for safety, reduction in tricuspid regurgitation, and improving quality of life. We review the clinical, imaging, and hemodynamic findings that characterize patients who should be considered for intervention, alongside the rapidly evolving approaches to interventional management.
First detailed report of cooperative breeding in red-billed blue magpie (Urocissa erythrorhyncha) in central China
Authors: Guo Weibin , Lin Buge , Hu Zhiqing , Cao Hanqing , Wang Changcao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The cooperative breeding system of birds is an ideal model for studying and exploring social evolution in animals. However, a basic question, i.e., how many cooperative-breeding bird species exist in the world, remains controversial due to the lack of accumulated knowledge of the natural history of many birds, which prevents a generalized understanding of the evolution of cooperative breeding in birds and challenges the accuracy of results in many comparative studies. In this paper, we provide the first evidence of cooperative breeding in red-billed blue magpies (Urocissa erythrorhyncha). Moreover, we document and discuss potential relationships between cooperative breeding and nest predation, brood parasitism and breeding performance in U. erythrorhyncha. These findings about cooperative breeding in red-billed blue magpie will lay a foundation for further research on this species’ sociality and provide useful insights into the evolution of cooperative breeding and other social systems in birds.
Short-term oxidation and residual compression properties of needle-punched carbon/carbon composites
Authors: Han Meng , Wang Zhichao , Zhang Xingyu , Ni Yang , Ma Weixin , Qi Ge , Han Xiujing , Silberschmidt Vadim V. , Zhou Chuwei 
Published: March 2024

Needle-punched carbon/carbon (NP C/C) composite is widely used in rocket-engine nozzles and re-entry vehicles. Recyclable technology expedited the research on repeated oxidation and residual mechaincal properties of thermal-protection materials. In this study, the critical longitudinal compression strengths before and after oxidation are derived based on the Timoshenko beam theory. Three repetitions of short-term oxidation cycles and compression experiments are investigated. The average oxidation rate of this composite was 5∼6% in 10 min and kept linear increase. In-plane and out-of-plane compressive strengths of NP C/C composite diminish quasi-linearly due to oxidation at 1000°C, with their moduli decreasing in a periodically slow-sharp pattern. After three oxidation cycles, the levels of residual in-plane modulus and strength were 55.20% and 56.89%, respectively, while the resudual out-of-plane modulus and strength were 44.65% and 47.23%, respectively. The results showed that the material exhibited the pesudo-plastical behaviour after oxidation, cracks grew along the punched conical structures formed by the punching technology. In-plane and out-of-plane modulus were more sensitive than their strengths after first oxidation cycle.
Medical cannabis use in oncology and associated outcomes: A scoping review
Authors: Valente Ana Carolina , Lopes Luis Phillipe Nagem , Matheus Maria Eline 
Published: March 2024

Background Natural and synthetic cannabinoids are being used worldwide to treat various symptoms in cancer patients. This study aims to map the therapeutic benefits and adverse effects associated with the use of cannabis-based drugs in these outcomes. Methods Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines a scoping review was conducted. The study protocol was available in the Open Science Framework public repository. An extensive search strategy involving databases like Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, Medline/PubMed, Lilacs, Google Scholar, and Open Gray for gray literature analysis was executed by a skilled librarian. The inclusion criteria were primary studies (observational and randomized) that evaluated the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids in cancer patients. The review encompassed studies of diverse designs, publication years, and types, as long as they addressed cannabinoids’ impact in oncology. Results Twenty-nine (82.86%) out of total of 35 were randomized and 6 (14.14%) were non-randomized. About 57.1% of studies utilized registered products as interventions, with THC being the most natural cannabinoid cited in variable doses and administration routes. Moreover, 62.85% of studies specified the cancer types (breast, lung, sarcomas, hematological and reproductive system), while only one study detailed cancer staging. The evaluated outcomes encompassed nausea and vomiting (77.14%), appetite (11.43%), pain (8.57%), and tumor regression (2.86%) across different proportions of studies. Conclusion Cannabinoids show promise in managing pain, emesis, and anorexia/cachexia linked to cancer progression. New randomized clinical trials with a larger number of participants and observational studies on long-term safety are crucial to affirm their medicinal utility for cancer patients unresponsive to conventional drugs.
Preparation, design, and characterization of an electrospun polyurethane/calcium chloride nanocomposite scaffold with improved properties for skin tissue regeneration
Authors: Mani Mohan Prasath , Ponnambalath Mohanadas Hemanth , Faudzi Ahmad Athif Mohd , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Tucker Nick , Mohamaddan Shahrol , K Verma Suresh , Jaganathan Saravana Kumar 
Published: March 2024

The present research paper explores the potential of electrospun nanofibers in the promising field of skin tissue engineering. Specifically, we propose an advanced preparation and characterization of an electrospun Polyurethane/Calcium Chloride (PU/CaCl2) nanocomposite scaffold, devised to boost the scaffold’s physicochemical and biological properties for skin tissue regeneration. By incorporating CaCl2 into the PU matrix using an electrospinning process, we were able to fabricate a novel nanocomposite scaffold. The morphological examination through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) revealed that the fiber diameter of the PU/CaCl2 (563 ± 147 nm) scaffold was notably smaller compared to the control (784 ± 149 nm). The presence of CaCl2 in the PU matrix was corroborated by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Furthermore, the PU/CaCl2 scaffold exhibited superior tensile strength (10.81 MPa) over pristine PU (Tensile −6.16 MPa, Contact angle - 109° ± 1° and Roughness - 854 ± 32 nm) and revealed enhanced wettability (72° ± 2°) and reduced surface roughness (274 ± 104 nm), as verified by Contact angle and Atomic Force Microscopy. The developed scaffold demonstrated improved anticoagulant properties, indicating its potential for successful integration within a biological environment. The improved properties of the PU/CaCl2 nanocomposite scaffold present a significant advancement in electrospun polymer nanofibers, offering a potential breakthrough in skin tissue engineering. However, additional studies are required to thoroughly evaluate the scaffold’s effectiveness in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. We aim to catalyze significant advancements in the field by revealing the creation of a potent skin scaffold leveraging electrospun nanofibers. Encouraging deeper exploration into this innovative electrospun composite scaffold for skin tissue engineering, the PU/CaCl2 scaffold stands as a promising foundation for pioneering more innovative, efficient, and sustainable solutions in biomedical applications.
Embedding clinical research in pre-registration nursing and midwifery programmes
Authors: Henshall Catherine , Dorgan Sharon , Menzies Julie , Hopewell Nancy , Briggs Michelle , Cunningham Nicola , Rostron Heather , Brand Sarah , Allison Jennifer 
Published: March 2024

Background: Within the UK, there is a goal that research is embedded into everyday healthcare practice. Currently education provided to students at pre-registration level is theoretical, with little focus on clinical research delivery. Aims: The paper’s aim is to report on the development and evaluation of a pre-registration clinical research resource for nursing and midwifery students with direct application to clinical settings and patient care outcomes. Methods: An initial survey assessed whether the learning resource was useful for nursing pre-registration students. Based on the findings, alongside expert stakeholder input, adaptations were made to the learning resources and a second survey re-evaluated the learning resources. Survey findings were analysed using descriptive statistics. Free text responses were thematically grouped. Results: Ninety-seven pre-registration nursing students responded. Most students agreed that they had enjoyed using the resources, had improved understanding of clinical research, anticipated being actively involved in research and would consider a future clinical research role. Conclusions: The learning resources can help overcome barriers to research engagement by nurses and midwives. The results demonstrate that research can be incorporated into clinical, educational and academic roles, highlighting their worth in supporting the clinical research workforce.
Assessing the Vulnerability of Endemic Colombian Amphibian Species to Climate Change in an Isolated Montane Ecosystem
Authors: Roach Nicolette S. , Castellanos Adrian A. , Lacher Thomas E. 
Published: March 2024

Background and Research Aims Climate change, habitat loss, and fragmentation are the major threats to biodiversity. Montane amphibians are particularly sensitive to these threats. We address the vulnerability of the amphibian community in Colombia using a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (CCVA) and prioritize amphibian species at risk of extinction and in need of conservation actions. Methods We completed two independent spatial analyses to assess species vulnerability in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM), Colombia. First, we calculated the Area of Habitat and the percent of the Area of Habitat under protected area coverage for 19 species. We then examined the breadth of climatic space occupied by 16 species and how this space is predicted to shift under climate scenarios (RCP scenarios 4.5 and 8.5) for 12 General Circulation Models for 2050. We combined these two analyses with trait data related to adaptive capacity, obtained from previous research, to create a combined (correlative-trait) CCVA. Results Our analysis reveals a large reduction in available climatic space under both RCP scenarios by 2050. Our CCVA identified eight high priority species, including three Atelopus species and five within the Serranobatrachus/Tachiramantis complex, with extreme reductions in available climate space under RCP 8.5. The SNSM endemic and range restricted species are at elevated risk of extinction under climate change scenarios, with many moving into a high-risk category of extinction under the RCP 8.5. Given its isolation, the endemic species of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (SNSM) are threatened by changing climates. Implications for Conservation The information provided in this manuscript used a vulnerability assessment to develop regional strategies for climate change adaptation and conservation. When possible, climate vulnerability must be incorporated into future adaptation and priority planning for the conservation of endemic, threatened montane amphibians, preferably via local management plans.
Polypharmacy of Older Surgical Patients With Extremity Fractures
Authors: Taniguchi Takumi , Inagaki Risa , Michikawa Takehiro , Kawabata Soya , Yoshida Masahiro , Kawano Yusuke , Morita Mitsuhiro , Hayakawa Kazue , Iwata Mitsunaga , Yamada Shigeki , Fujita Nobuyuki 
Published: March 2024

Introduction Fractures are often caused by falls in older people. Among various causes of falls, polypharmacy is known to be a risk of falls. Furthermore, potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs), which interact with polypharmacy, include the drugs involved in falls. Here, we primarily aimed to investigate the prescribed drugs in older surgical patients with extremity fractures to determine the frequency of polypharmacy and identify PIMs. The second aim was to clarify the characterization of prescribed drugs of older patients with hip fracture. Materials and Methods We retrospectively collected the following clinical data of consecutive patients aged ≥65 years who underwent surgery for extremity fractures at our hospital between April 2019 and March 2021. A total of 19 categories were considered as PIMs. The Poisson regression models were used to examine the association between the number of prescribed drugs and hip fracture prevalence. Results A total of 590 patients were reviewed. Our data showed that 55% of older patients with extremity fractures took ≥6 prescription drugs. The frequency of prescription of hypnotics, antithrombotic drugs, diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was comparatively high among the 19 categories of PIMs. Multivariable analysis revealed that polypharmacy was significantly associated with hip fractures. Among PIMs, antithrombotic drugs and diuretics were significantly associated with the prevalence of hip fractures. Finally, we found a significant positive association between the prevalence of hip fracture and the number of drug categories of PIMs among older patients with extremity fractures. Conclusions The present study clarified the characterization of the prescribed drugs in older surgical patients with extremity fractures. Special attention should be paid to hip fractures of older patients with polypharmacy or prescribed with many drugs categories of PIMs, particularly antithrombotic drugs and diuretics.
The micro-743a-3p–GSTM1 pathway is an endogenous protective mechanism against alcohol-related liver disease in mice
Authors: Xu Tiantian , Pan Yan , Ding Qinchao , Cao Feiwei , Chang Kaixin , Qiu Jiannan , Zhuge Hui , Hao Liuyi , Wei Haibin , Si Caijuan , Dou Xiaobing , Li Songtao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background and aims
Epidemiological evidence suggests that the phenotype of glutathione S-transferase mu 1 (GSTM1), a hepatic high-expressed phase II detoxification enzyme, is closely associated with the incidence of alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). However, whether and how hepatic GSTM1 determines the development of ALD is largely unclear. This study was designed to elucidate the role and potential mechanism(s) of hepatic GSTM1 in the pathological process of ALD.

Methods
GSTM1 was detected in the liver of various ALD mice models and cultured hepatocytes. Liver-specific GSTM1 or/and micro (miR)-743a-3p deficiency mice were generated by adenoassociated virus-8 delivered shRNA, respectively. The potential signal pathways involving in alcohol-regulated GSTM1 and GSTM1-associated ALD were explored via both genetic manipulation and pharmacological approaches.

Results
GSTM1 was significantly upregulated in both chronic alcohol-induced mice liver and ethanol-exposed murine primary hepatocytes. Alcohol-reduced miR-743a-3p directly contributed to the upregulation of GSTM1, since liver specific silencing miR-743a-3p enhanced GSTM1 and miR-743a-3p loss protected alcohol-induced liver dysfunctions, which was significantly blocked by GSTM1 knockdown. GSTM1 loss robustly aggravated alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, and early fibrotic-like changes, which was associated with the activation of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38. GSTM1 antagonized ASK1 phosphorylation and its downstream JNK/p38 signaling pathway upon chronic alcohol consumption via binding with ASK1. ASK1 blockage significantly rescued hepatic GSTM1 loss-enhanced disorders in alcohol-fed mice liver.

Conclusions
Chronic alcohol consumption-induced upregulation of GSTM1 in the liver provides a feedback protection against hepatic steatosis and liver injury by counteracting ASK1 activation. Down-regulation of miR-743a-3p improves alcohol intake-induced hepatic steatosis and liver injury via direct targeting on GSTM1. The miR-743a-3p–GSTM1 axis functions as an innate protective pathway to defend the early stage of ALD.

Graphical Abstract
Protein Kinase A in neurological disorders
Authors: Glebov-McCloud Alexander G. P. , Saide Walter S. , Gaine Marie E. , Strack Stefan 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCyclic adenosine 3’, 5’ monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent Protein Kinase A (PKA) is a multi-functional serine/threonine kinase that regulates a wide variety of physiological processes including gene transcription, metabolism, and synaptic plasticity. Genomic sequencing studies have identified both germline and somatic variants of the catalytic and regulatory subunits of PKA in patients with metabolic and neurodevelopmental disorders. In this review we discuss the classical cAMP/PKA signaling pathway and the disease phenotypes that result from PKA variants. This review highlights distinct isoform-specific cognitive deficits that occur in both PKA catalytic and regulatory subunits, and how tissue-specific distribution of these isoforms may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders in comparison to more generalized endocrine dysfunction.
From compression to diagnosis: identification of superior vena cava syndrome using point-of-care ultrasound in the emergency department
Authors: Ali Noman , Tan Alan , Chenkin Jordan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome is an urgent condition arising from restricted blood flow through the SVC, often linked to factors like malignancy, thrombosis, or infections. Typically, confirmation of the diagnosis involves computed tomography. However, many patients experience respiratory distress and cannot lie supine. Given the increasing integration of point-of-care ultrasound in emergency medicine, it is important to be familiar with findings that are suggestive of this important condition.

Case report
In this case report, we highlight a young patient presenting to the emergency department with superior vena cava syndrome symptoms, successfully diagnosed using point-of-care ultrasound.

Conclusion
This case highlights the utility of point-of-care ultrasound based diagnosis of SVC syndrome and upper arm deep venous thrombosis in a patient with underlying malignancy which ultimately led to early involvement of relevant speciality for initiation of treatment.