bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial activation and fibrotic changes are impeded by laminar flow-induced CHK1-SENP2 activity through mechanisms distinct from endothelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition
Authors: Nguyen Minh T. H. , Imanishi Masaki , Li Shengyu , Chau Khanh , Banerjee Priyanka , Velatooru Loka reddy , Ko Kyung Ae , Samanthapudi Venkata S. K. , Gi Young J. , Lee Ling-Ling , Abe Rei J. , McBeath Elena , Deswal Anita , Lin Steven H. , Palaskas Nicolas L. , Dantzer Robert , Fujiwara Keigi , Borchrdt Mae K. , Turcios Estefani Berrios , Olmsted-Davis Elizabeth A. , Kotla Sivareddy , Cooke John P. , Wang Guangyu , Abe Jun-ichi , Le Nhat-Tu 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe deSUMOylase sentrin-specific isopeptidase 2 (SENP2) plays a crucial role in atheroprotection. However, the phosphorylation of SENP2 at T368 under disturbed flow (D-flow) conditions hinders its nuclear function and promotes endothelial cell (EC) activation. SUMOylation has been implicated in D-flow-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (endoMT), but the precise role of SENP2 in counteracting this process remains unclear.MethodWe developed a phospho-specific SENP2 S344 antibody and generated knock-in (KI) mice with a phospho-site mutation of SENP2 S344A using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. We then investigated the effects of SENP2 S344 phosphorylation under two distinct flow patterns and during hypercholesteremia (HC)-mediated EC activation.ResultOur findings demonstrate that laminar flow (L-flow) induces phosphorylation of SENP2 at S344 through the activation of checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1), leading to the inhibition of ERK5 and p53 SUMOylation and subsequent suppression of EC activation. We observed a significant increase in lipid-laden lesions in both the aortic arch (under D-flow) and descending aorta (under L-flow) of female hypercholesterolemic SENP2 S344A KI mice. In male hypercholesterolemic SENP2 S344A KI mice, larger lipid-laden lesions were only observed in the aortic arch area, suggesting a weaker HC-mediated atherogenesis in male mice compared to females. Ionizing radiation (IR) reduced CHK1 expression and SENP2 S344 phosphorylation, attenuating the pro-atherosclerotic effects observed in female SENP2 S344A KI mice after bone marrow transplantation (BMT), particularly in L-flow areas. The phospho-site mutation SENP2 S344A upregulates processes associated with EC activation, including inflammation, migration, and proliferation. Additionally, fibrotic changes and up-regulated expression of EC marker genes were observed. Apoptosis was augmented in ECs derived from the lungs of SENP2 S344A KI mice, primarily through the inhibition of ERK5-mediated expression of DNA damage-induced apoptosis suppressor (DDIAS).SummaryIn this study, we have revealed a novel mechanism underlying the suppressive effects of L-flow on EC inflammation, migration, proliferation, apoptosis, and fibrotic changes through promoting CHK1-induced SENP2 S344 phosphorylation. The phospho-site mutation SENP2 S344A responds to L-flow through a distinct mechanism, which involves the upregulation of both mesenchymal and EC marker genes.
Computational fluid dynamics as supporting technology for coronary artery disease diagnosis and treatment: an international survey
Authors: Chiastra Claudio , Zuin Marco , Rigatelli Gianluca , D’Ascenzo Fabrizio , De Ferrari Gaetano Maria , Collet Carlos , Chatzizisis Yiannis S. , Gallo Diego , Morbiducci Umberto 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) is emerging as an effective technology able to improve procedural outcomes and enhance clinical decision-making in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study aims to assess the state of knowledge, use and clinical acceptability of CFD in the diagnosis and treatment of CAD.MethodsWe realized a 20-questions international, anonymous, cross-sectional survey to cardiologists to test their knowledge and confidence on CFD as a technology applied to patients suffering from CAD. Responses were recorded between May 18, 2022, and June 12, 2022.ResultsA total of 466 interventional cardiologists (mean age 48.4 ± 8.3 years, males 362), from 42 different countries completed the survey, for a response rate of 45.9%. Of these, 66.6% declared to be familiar with the term CFD, especially for optimization of existing interventional techniques (16.1%) and assessment of hemodynamic quantities related with CAD (13.7%). About 30% of respondents correctly answered to the questions exploring their knowledge on the pathophysiological role of some CFD-derived quantities such as wall shear stress and helical flow in coronary arteries. Among respondents, 85.9% would consider patient-specific CFD-based analysis in daily interventional practice while 94.2% declared to be interested in receiving a brief foundation course on the basic CFD principles. Finally, 87.7% of respondents declared to be interested in a cath-lab software able to conduct affordable CFD-based analyses at the point-of-care.ConclusionsInterventional cardiologists reported to be profoundly interested in adopting CFD simulations as a technology supporting decision making in the treatment of CAD in daily practice.
Visualization of electrographic flow fields of increasing complexity and detection of simulated sources during spontaneously persistent AF in an animal model
Authors: Kong Melissa H. , Castellano Steven , Ruppersberg Peter , Lizama Ken S. , Avitall Boaz 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundMapping algorithms have thus far been unable to localize triggers that serve as drivers of AF, but electrographic flow (EGF) mapping provides an innovative method of estimating and visualizing in vivo, near real-time cardiac wavefront propagation.Materials and MethodsOne-minute unipolar EGMs were recorded in the right atrium (RA) from a 64-electrode basket catheter to generate EGF maps during atrial rhythms of increasing complexity. They were obtained from 3 normal, animals in sinus rhythm (SR) and from 6 animals in which persistent AF which was induced by rapid atrial pacing. Concurrent EGF maps and high-resolution bipolar EGMs at the location of all EGF-identified sources were acquired. Pacing was subsequently conducted to create focal drivers of AF, and the accuracy of source detection at the pacing site was assessed during subthreshold, threshold and high-output pacing in the ipsilateral or contralateral atria (n = 78).ResultsEGF recordings showed strong coherent flow emanating from the sinus node in SR that changed direction during pacing and were blocked by ablation lesions. Additional passive rotational phenomena and lower activity sources were visualized in atrial flutter (AFL) and AF. During the AF recordings, source activity was not found to be correlated to dominant frequency or f wave amplitude observed in concurrently recorded EGMs. While pacing in AF, subthreshold pacing did not affect map properties but pacing at or above threshold created active sources that could be accurately localized without any spurious detection in 95% of cases of ipsilateral mapping when the basket covered the pacing source.DiscussionEGF mapping can be used to visualize flow patterns and accurately identify sources of AF in an animal model. Source activity was not correlated to spectral properties of f-waves in concurrently obtained EGMs. The locations of sources could be pinpointed with high precision, suggesting that they may serve as prime targets for focal ablations.
The quantitative effects of climate change and human activity on the vegetation growth in the Yangtze River Basin
Authors: Guo Renjie , Cai Anning , Chen Xin 
Published: September 2023

Vegetation has changed dramatically in recent years as a result of various disturbances, but the factors influencing vegetation growth vary geographically. We looked into the impact of climate change and human activity on vegetation growth in the Yangtze River Basin (YRB). We characterized vegetation growth in the YRB using gross primary production (GPP) and the leaf area index (LAI), analyzed the relationship between vegetation growth and climate change using the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI), and quantified the relative contribution rate of climate change and human activity to vegetation growth in the YRB by using residual trend method. The findings revealed that: 1) From 2000 to 2018, the YRB showed an increasing trend of temperature (0.03°C yr−1) and precipitation (4.02 mm yr−1) and that the entire area was gradually becoming warmer and wetter; 2) Vegetation growth in the YRB showed a significant increasing trend (GPP: 7.83 g C m−2 yr−2, LAI: 0.02 years‐1). Among them, 87.40% of the YRB showed an increasing trend, primarily in the northern, eastern, and southern parts, while decreasing areas were primarily found in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) and the YRB’s west region. 3) Vegetation had a significant positive correlation with SPEI in most areas of the YRB, and it was more sensitive to SPEI over a long time scale. The effects of climate change and human activity on vegetation growth in the YRB were spatially heterogeneous, and climate change was the primary driving factors of vegetation change in the YRB (accounting for 61.28%). A large number of grass were converted into forest, crop and urban. Overall, climate change and human activity promoted the growth of vegetation in the middle and upper reaches of YRB (MUYRB) while inhibited the growth of vegetation in the YRD. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of the effects of climate change and human activity on vegetation growth in the YRB, as well as provide a scientific foundation for future ecological restoration in humid and semi-humid areas.
Differences in instructional quality during the Covid-19 pandemic between Oman and Germany and the role of teacher competences
Authors: Ohle-Peters Annika , Shahat Mohamed A. 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionSchool closures during the Covid-19 pandemic hit educational systems worldwide, forcing teachers to switch to digital learning settings. The presented study aims to (a) adapt and evaluate scales on instructional quality in digital settings, (b) describe instructional quality during the pandemic, and (c) to identify predictive teacher competences.MethodData was assessed in a cross-sectional design via an online questionnaire conducted in Oman and Germany simultaneously.ResultsAnalyses of data from N = 284 teachers in Oman and Germany revealed mostly good psychometric parameters, differences in instructional quality between both countries, and positive relations between teachers’ competences and instructional quality.ConclusionThe present study contributes to instrument development and to the growing body of research, investigating teaching quality during the pandemic.
Causal effects of the gut microbiome on COVID-19 susceptibility and severity: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhong Meng-Mei , Xie Jia-Hao , Feng Yao , Zhang Shao-Hui , Xia Jiang-Nan , Tan Li , Chen Ning-Xin , Su Xiao-Lin , Zhang Qian , Feng Yun-Zhi , Guo Yue 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused a global pandemic, with potential severity. We aimed to investigate whether genetically predicted gut microbiome is associated with susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 risk. MethodsMendelian randomization (MR) analysis of two sets with different significance thresholds was carried out to infer the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and COVID-19. SNPs associated with the composition of the gut microbiome (n = 5,717,754) and with COVID-19 susceptibility (n = 14,328,058), COVID-19 severity (n = 11,707,239), and COVID-19 hospitalization (n = 12,018,444) from publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The random-effect inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used to determine causality. Three more MR techniques—MR Egger, weighted median, and weighted mode—and a thorough sensitivity analysis were also used to confirm the findings.ResultsIVW showed that 18 known microbial taxa were causally associated with COVID-19. Among them, six microbial taxa were causally associated with COVID-19 susceptibility; seven microbial taxa were causally associated with COVID-19 severity ; five microbial taxa were causally associated with COVID-19 hospitalization. Sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of pleiotropy or heterogeneity. Then, the predicted 37 species of the gut microbiome deserve further study.ConclusionThis study found that some microbial taxa were protective factors or risky factors for COVID-19, which may provide helpful biomarkers for asymptomatic diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19.
Synthesis of Cu/Co-hybrid MOF as a multifunctional porous compound in catalytic applications, synthesis of new nanofibers, and antimicrobial and cytotoxicity agents
Authors: Asiri Mohammed , Jawad BahrAluloom Yamamah , Abdullateef Alzubaidi Mazin , Mourad Mohammed Ibrahim , Suliman Muath , Ramzy Muhammad Eman , Abed Ahmed S. , Abodi Ali Fattma , Hadrawi Salema K. , Alsalamy Ali H. , Alwave Marim 
Published: September 2023

Several biological properties of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and fiber compounds have been reported, and combinations of these structures can have unique properties. In this study, copper-containing and cobalt-containing MOF nanostructures were synthesized by the ultrasonic technique. Then, novel Cu/Co-hybrid MOF nanostructures were synthesized using the ultrasonic method. Synthesized Cu/Co-hybrid MOF nanostructures were used as a new and efficient recyclable catalyst in the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives using the four-component reaction of phenylhydrazine, ethyl acetoacetate, malononitrile, and aldehyde. In the following, novel Cu/Co-hybrid MOF/PVA (poly vinyl alcohol) fiber nanostructures were synthesized by electrospinning and using Cu/Co-hybrid MOF nanostructures and PVA. The structures of the Cu/Co-hybrid MOF nanostructures and the Cu/Co-hybrid MOF/PVA fiber nanostructures were identified and confirmed using BET, TGA, FTIR, SEM, and XRD. In biological studies, the antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxicity activities of Cu/Co-hybrid MOF and Cu/Co-hybrid MOF/PVA fiber nanostructures were evaluated. In investigating the catalytic activity of Cu/Co-hybrid MOF, pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives were synthesized with higher efficiency and less time than previously reported methods. High antibacterial (against gram-negative and gram-positive strains) and antifungal properties of synthesized Cu/Co-hybrid MOF nanostructures and Cu/Co-hybrid MOF/PVA fiber nanostructures were observed (MIC between 16 and 256 μg/mL), which were higher than some commercial drugs. In the investigation of cytotoxicity activity, the effectiveness on breast cancer cells was studied. The maximum cell proliferation and viability for Cu/Co-hybrid MOF and Cu/Co-hybrid MOF/PVA fiber nanostructures were 38% and 38% higher than the control in a concentration of 200 μg/mL after 48 h. The high catalytic and biological properties of the synthesized nanoparticles can be attributed to the presence of nano-sized bioactive metals and their high specific surface area. The significant physical-chemical properties obtained for synthesized nanoparticles in this study can be related to the desirable synthesis methods, the development of materials with high purity, and the incorporation of hybrid compounds into the nanostructures.
The role of dexmedetomidine in ARDS: an approach to non-intensive care sedation
Authors: Simioli Francesca , Annunziata Anna , Coppola Antonietta , Imitazione Pasquale , Mirizzi Angela Irene , Marotta Antonella , D’Angelo Rossella , Fiorentino Giuseppe 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionSevere COVID-19 is a life-threatening condition characterized by complications such as interstitial pneumonia, hypoxic respiratory failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Non-pharmacological intervention with mechanical ventilation plays a key role in treating COVID-19-related ARDS but is influenced by a high risk of failure in more severe patients. Dexmedetomidine is a new generation highly selective α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist that provides sedative effects with preservation of respiratory function. The aim of this study is to assess how dexmedetomidine influences gas exchange during non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in moderate to severe ARDS caused by COVID-19 in a non-intensive care setting.MethodsThis is a single center retrospective cohort study. We included patients who showed moderate to severe respiratory distress. All included subjects had indication to NIV and were suitable for a non-intensive setting of care. A total of 170 patients were included, divided in a control group (n = 71) and a treatment group (DEX group, n = 99).ResultsA total of 170 patients were hospitalized for moderate to severe ARDS and COVID-19. The median age was 71 years, 29% females. The median Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was 2.5. Obesity affected 21% of the study population. The median pO2/FiO2 was 82 mmHg before treatment. After treatment, the increase of pO2/FiO2 ratio was clinically and statistically significant in the DEX group compared to the controls (125 mmHg [97–152] versus 94 mmHg [75–122]; ***p &lt; 0.0001). A significative reduction of NIV duration was observed in DEX group (10 [7–16] days vs. 13 [10–17] days; *p &lt; 0.02). Twenty four patients required IMV in control group (n = 71) and 16 patients in DEX group (n = 99) with a reduction of endotracheal intubation of 62% (OR 0.38; **p &lt; 0.008). A higher incidence of sinus bradycardia was observed in the DEX group.ConclusionDexmedetomidine provides a “calm and arousal” status which allows spontaneous ventilation in awake patients treated with NIV and HFNC. The adjunctive therapy with dexmedetomidine is associated with a higher pO2/FiO2, lower duration of NIV, and a lower risk of NIV failure. A higher incidence of sinus bradycardia needs to be considered.
Risk factors and prediction model of nomogram for preoperative calf muscle vein thrombosis in geriatric hip fracture patients
Authors: Jiang Jiabao , Xing Fei , Luo Rong , Chen Zhao , Liu Hao , Xiang Zhou , Duan Xin 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionCalf muscular vein thrombosis (CMVT) is a common complication in geriatric hip fracture patients. Despite its high incidence, prior research on the topic is limited. The occurrence of CMVT in patients will prolong the preoperative waiting time and even lead to serious thromboembolic events, which can be detrimental to the patient’s prognosis. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the risk factors for preoperative CMVT in geriatric hip fracture patients and construct a nomogram model to predict the risk of preoperative CMVT in patients.Materials and methodsGeriatric hip fracture patients who underwent surgery between January 2019 and January 2022 were included. The patients were categorized into two groups depending on whether they had preoperative CMVT, confirmed through Color Doppler ultrasound or venography examination. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze demographic characteristics, medical history, comorbidities, and laboratory tests. A nomogram was constructed to predict preoperative CMVT in geriatric hip fracture patients based on the results of the multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThree hundred and eighty-eight geriatric hip fracture patients, including one hundred and thirty-four patients with CMVT and two hundred and fifty-four patients without CMVT, were ultimately included in our study. After multivariable logistic regression analysis, the time from injury to admission, smoking history, serum albumin levels, and D-dimer levels was identified as independent risk factors and was entered into a nomogram model. The nomogram showed robust discrimination, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.805. The calibration curve showed strong agreement between the CMVT probabilities predicted by the nomogram and the actual probabilities. The decision curve analysis illustrates the excellent clinical utility of the model.ConclusionWe have constructed a new nomogram prediction model that can effectively predict the risk of preoperative CMVT in geriatric hip fracture patients based on their medical history and blood test results. This model can help clinicians make individualized predictions of CMVT that are tailored to each patient’s unique circumstances.
Effects of prebiotics on the gut microbiota in vitro associated with functional diarrhea in children
Authors: Du Zhi , Li Jiabin , Li Wei , Fu Hao , Ding Jieying , Ren Guofei , Zhou Linying , Pi Xionge , Ye Xiaoli 
Published: September 2023

PurposeDiarrhea is among the top five causes of morbidity and mortality in children. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota is considered the most important risk factor for diarrhea. Prebiotics have shown efficacy in treating diarrhea by regulating the balance of the gut microbiota in vivo.MethodsIn this study, we used an in vitro fermentation system to prevent the interference of host-gut microbe interactions during in vivo examination and investigated the effect of fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) on gut microbiota composition and metabolism in 39 pediatric patients with functional diarrhea.Results16S rRNA sequencing revealed that FOS significantly improved α- and β-diversity in volunteers with pediatric diarrhea (p &lt; 0.05). This improvement manifested as a significant increase (LDA &gt; 2, p &lt; 0.05) in probiotic bacteria (e.g., Bifidobacterium) and a significant inhibition (LDA &gt; 2, p &lt; 0.05) of harmful bacteria (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella). Notably, the analysis of bacterial metabolites after FOS treatment showed that the decrease in isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, NH3, and H2S levels was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Lachnoclostridium. This decrease also showed the greatest negative correlation with the abundance of Streptococcus. Random forest analysis and ROC curve validation demonstrated that gut microbiota composition and metabolites were distinct between the FOS treatment and control groups (area under the curve [AUC] &gt; 0.8). Functional prediction using PICRUSt 2 revealed that the FOS-induced alteration of gut microbiota was most likely mediated by effects on starch and sucrose metabolism.ConclusionThis study is the first to evince that FOS can modulate gut microbial disorders in children with functional diarrhea. Our findings provide a framework for the application of FOS to alleviate functional diarrhea in children and reduce the use of antibiotics for managing functional diarrhea-induced disturbances in the gut microbiota.