bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Evaluation of an Azobenzenediamide Bridged bis(β-Cyclodextrin)-Bonded Chiral Stationary Phase for HPLC
Authors: Zhong Hui , Zhang Tianci , Zeng Qingli , Li Laisheng 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
An azobenzenediamide bridged bis(β-cyclodextrin) chiral stationary phase (AZCDP) was prepared, and its high-performance liquid chromatography performance in reversed-phase and polar organic modes was evaluated by chiral probes, including triazoles, flavanones, amino acids and β-blockers. The results showed that AZCDP had strong chiral separation ability and the 40 chiral compounds were successfully resolved, of which 32 were completely separated (Rs ≥ 1.5) and the best enantioresolution was up to 3.93 within 20 min under a wide range of pH value and temperature. The separation ability of AZCDP with double cavities was significantly better than common CD-CSPs with single cavity, which was related to the synergistic inclusion effect. Compared with the previously reported stilbene (C=C)-bridged CSP, AZCDP with azobenzene (N=N)-bridged had a wider resolution range. For example, it could resolve myclobutanil, pindolol, carteolol, betaxolol, bevanolol and bitertanol, which could not be resolved before, and should be related to the fact that the flexible N=N was more compatible with the synergistic inclusion between cavities than the rigid C=C bridge group. The azobenzenediamide bridging group could also provide hydrogen bond, π–π and other sites, which was conducive to chiral separations.
Initiation of ventricular arrhythmia in the acquired long QT syndrome
Authors: Alexander Cherry , Bishop Martin J , Gilchrist Rebecca J , Burton Francis L , Smith Godfrey L , Myles Rachel C 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimsLong QT syndrome (LQTS) carries a risk of life-threatening polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (Torsades de Pointes, TdP) and is a major cause of premature sudden cardiac death. TdP is induced by R-on-T premature ventricular complexes (PVCs), thought to be generated by cellular early-afterdepolarisations (EADs). However, EADs in tissue require cellular synchronisation, and their role in TdP induction remains unclear. We aimed to determine the mechanism of TdP induction in rabbit hearts with acquired LQTS (aLQTS).Methods and resultsOptical mapping of action potentials (APs) and intracellular Ca2+ was performed in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts (n = 17). TdP induced by R-on-T PVCs was observed during aLQTS (50% K+/Mg++ & E4031) conditions in all hearts (P &lt; 0.0001 vs. control). Islands of AP prolongation bounded by steep voltage gradients (VGs) were consistently observed before arrhythmia and peak VGs were more closely related to the PVC upstroke than EADs, both temporally (7 ± 5 ms vs. 44 ± 27 ms, P &lt; 0.0001) and spatially (1.0 ± 0.7 vs. 3.6 ± 0.9 mm, P &lt; 0.0001). PVCs were initiated at estimated voltages of ∼ −40 mV and had upstroke dF/dtmax and Vm-Ca2+ dynamics compatible with ICaL activation. Computational simulations demonstrated that PVCs could arise directly from VGs, through electrotonic triggering of ICaL. In experiments and the model, sub-maximal L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) block (200 nM nifedipine and 90% gCaL, respectively) abolished both PVCs and TdP in the continued presence of aLQTS.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that ICaL activation at sites displaying steep VGs generates the PVCs which induce TdP, providing a mechanism and rationale for LTCC blockers as a novel therapeutic approach in LQTS.
Impaired regulation of MMP2/16–MLCK3 by miR-146a-5p increased susceptibility to myocardial ischaemic injury in aging mice
Authors: Dong Ming , Chen Dishen , Zhu Yanxia , Yang Shu , Kumar Santosh , Zhang Rui , Zhou Yin , Yang Ziyi , Zheng Na , Zhu Ting , Xiang Jiaqing , Liu Yun , Kang Lin , Liu Jie 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Aims
Aging impairs cardiac function and increases susceptibility to myocardial ischaemic injury. Cardiac myosin light chain kinase (MLCK3) phosphorylates cardiac myosin regulatory light chain (MLC2), controlling sarcomere organization and cardiomyocyte contraction. Dysregulation of MLCK3 and phosphorylated MLC2 (p-MLC2) contributes to heart failure after myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed at exploring how the MLCK3–p-MLC2 axis changes in aging hearts post MI and at investigating the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Methods and results
We generated adult (3 months) and aged (30 months) MI mouse models to compare their cardiac performance, and then detected MLCK3 expression and MLC2 activity. Aging increased the size of MI-induced infarctions and promoted cardiac contractile dysfunction. Furthermore, MLCK3 expression and MLC2 activity increased in adult hearts after MI, but not in aged hearts. miR-146a was found consistently increased in adult and aged hearts post MI. Mechanistic analyses performed in vitro demonstrated that miR-146a-5p down-regulated matrix metalloprotease (MMP)2/16 expression in cardiomyocytes. This down-regulation in turn increased MLCK3 expression and MLC2 activity. However, miR-146a-5p failed to regulate the MMP2/16–MLCK3–p-MLC2 axis in senescent cardiomyocytes or in cardiac miR-146a conditional knockout mice, with the latter experiencing an exacerbated deterioration of cardiac function post MI.

Conclusion
These results suggest that an increase of MLCK3 and p-MLC2 contents through decreasing MMP2/16 by miR-146a-5p represents a compensatory mechanism that can protect cardiac contractile function after MI. Aging impairs this miR-146a-5p-regulated MMP2/16–MLCK3–p-MLC2 contractile axis, leading to compromised contractile function and increased susceptibility to heart failure.
Inverted left atrial appendage mimicking a left atrial mass after surgical repair of an atrial septal defect: a case report
Authors: Buttar Sana N , Andersen Henrik Ø , Poulsen Jesper B , Thyregod Hans Gustav H 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
Inverted left atrial appendage (ILAA) is a rare condition following cardiac surgery. Failure to recognize the condition or making misdiagnosis of a tumour, a thrombus or vegetation can lead to unnecessary and potentially adverse events. We present a case of ILAA after surgical repair of an atrial septal defect (ASD) in a young female.

Case summary
A 3-year-old caucasian female was admitted for surgical repair of an ASD. The intraoperative course was uneventful until the opening of the right atrium (RA) after the commencement of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and vacuum application, where the inferior vena cava (IVC) cannula was seen displaced in the RA. Cannula was repositioned, and ASD was repaired. On post-CPB transesohageal echocardiography (TEE), a newly developed mass was revealed in the left atrium (LA). The heart was re-arrested, and LA was re-assessed with unexpected finding of ILAA. ILAA was everted. RA was closed and CPB weaned off. Repeated post-CPB TEE showed no mass in the LA. No recurrence of mass was demonstrated on follow-up transthoracic echocardiography (TTE).

Discussion
The incidence of ILAA is rare. Therefore, it is usually forgotten and not anticipated as a complication during heart surgery using CPB. In our case, dislodgement of the IVC cannula into the RA in combination with vacuum application in the setting of an ASD may have resulted in ILAA. This has not been reported in previous cases. ILAA should be suspected on intraoperative TEE if the mass is newly developed. Visual inspection of the left atrium appendage (LAA) in situ is recommended before chest closure.
Case report of a large lipoma discovered intraoperatively in a chronically irritated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator pocket
Authors: Burger Heiko , Göbel Gerhard , Richter Manfred , Pecha Simon 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background
The implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices is a globally established therapy to treat cardiac arrhythmias with low complication rates. Apart from technical problems, however, complications can arise from the implanted material. This can lead to bleeding, infections, or chronic irritation of the generator pocket, resulting in swellings, seromas, perforations, or fistulas. However, the cause of tissue changes is not always clear, and therefore, we would like to report on a rare tissue degeneration diagnosed in a patient.

Case summary
After a history of ventricular fibrillation, a 46-year-old patient received an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) for secondary prevention. Six years later, the generator pocket swelled without evidence of infection. With the suspected diagnosis of a chronically irritated pocket, the device was then surgically relocated. After a 2-year symptom-free period, the patient presented again with a severely swollen but only slightly painful device pocket. Once again, there were no signs of infection, and so the pocket was revised again, assuming a chronic irritant effusion. Intraoperatively, a lipomatous structure (12 × 6 × 3 cm) emerged from the subpectoral ICD pocket. After its complete removal, the histopathological examination revealed a lipoma. A bacterial genesis could be ruled out by microbiological samples, and the wound healed cosmetically well and without further discomfort.

Conclusion
This case shows that the reason of chronically irritated generator pockets, in addition to the usually known tissue changes, can also be tumours. Therefore, resected tissue should be examined histopathologically and, if indicated, specific therapy initiated.
Gender, Unemployment, and Subjective Well-Being: Why Do Women Suffer Less from Unemployment than Men?
Authors: Heyne Stefanie , Voßemer Jonas 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that women suffer less from unemployment than men in terms of subjective well-being. However, there is little research that aims to test possible explanations for this gender-specific reaction. We distinguish two different ways in which unemployment reduces well-being, namely the financial and non-financial effects of becoming unemployed. Gender differences in both types could explain the different effects on the well-being of women and men. Using the German Socio-Economic Panel, we analyse why women are less affected by unemployment than men. Applying fixed-effects panel regressions, we find substantially smaller negative effects for women, but this can only to a small extent be explained by different financial effects. To test the relevance of non-financial effects, we investigate how gender differences vary between subgroups, for which the non-financial effects should differ. Our analyses show that gender differences are more pronounced both among people who were socialized in West Germany compared to East Germany and among parents compared to singles. Moreover, differences in labour market attachment prior to the transition to unemployment explain a large share of the gender gap. These findings support the assumption that non-financial effects are responsible for the weaker consequences of unemployment among women.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnant women with heart disease: the ESC EORP ROPAC Registry
Authors: Ramlakhan Karishma P , Malhamé Isabelle , Marelli Ariane , Rutz Tobias , Goland Sorel , Franx Arie , Sliwa Karen , Elkayam Uri , Johnson Mark R , Hall Roger , Cornette Jérôme , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Aims
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) occur in 10% of pregnancies in the general population, pre-eclampsia specifically in 3–5%. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy may have a high prevalence in, and be poorly tolerated by, women with heart disease.

Methods and results
The prevalence and outcomes of HDP (chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension or pre-eclampsia) were assessed in the ESC EORP ROPAC (n = 5739), a worldwide prospective registry of pregnancies in women with heart disease.
The overall prevalence of HDP was 10.3%, made up of chronic hypertension (5.9%), gestational hypertension (1.3%), and pre-eclampsia (3%), with significant differences between the types of underlying heart disease (P &lt; 0.05). Pre-eclampsia rates were highest in women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (11.1%), cardiomyopathy (CMP) (7.1%), and ischaemic heart disease (IHD) (6.3%). Maternal mortality was 1.4 and 0.6% in women with vs. without HDP (P = 0.04), and even 3.5% in those with pre-eclampsia. All pre-eclampsia-related deaths were post-partum and 50% were due to heart failure. Heart failure occurred in 18.5 vs. 10.6% of women with vs. without HDP (P &lt; 0.001) and in 29.1% of those with pre-eclampsia. Perinatal mortality was 3.1 vs. 1.7% in women with vs. without HDP (P = 0.019) and 4.7% in those with pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and pre-eclampsia rates were higher in women with CMP, IHD, and PAH than in the general population. Adverse outcomes were increased in women with HDP, and maternal mortality was strikingly high in women with pre-eclampsia. The combination of HDP and heart disease should prompt close surveillance in a multidisciplinary context and the diagnosis of pre-eclampsia requires hospital admission and continued monitoring during the post-partum period.
Candidate biomarkers of physical frailty in heart failure: an exploratory cross-sectional study
Authors: Denfeld Quin E , Purnell Jonathan Q , Lee Christopher S , Orwoll Eric S , Camacho S Albert , Hiatt Shirin O , Roberts Davis Mary , Winters-Stone Kerri , Woodward William R , Habecker Beth A 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAimsPhysical frailty is highly prevalent and predictive of worse outcomes in heart failure (HF). Candidate biomarker analysis may help in understanding the mechanisms underlying physical frailty in HF. We aimed to identify candidate biomarkers associated with physical frailty in HF using a multimarker strategy of distinct pathophysiological processes.Methods and resultsWe collected data and plasma samples from 113 adults with New York Heart Association Functional Class I–IV HF. Physical frailty was measured with the Frailty Phenotype Criteria. Plasma biomarkers included: N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, norepinephrine, dihydroxyphenylglycol, soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor-1, adiponectin, insulin, glucose, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and myostatin. Comparative statistics and multivariate linear regression were used to test group differences and associations. The average age was 63.5 ± 15.7 years, half were women (48%), and most had a non-ischaemic aetiology of HF (73%). Physical frailty was identified in 42% and associated with female sex, higher body mass index and percent body fat, more comorbidities, and HF with preserved ejection fraction. Adjusting for Seattle HF Model projected survival score, comorbidities, body composition, and sex, physical frailty was associated with significantly lower plasma adiponectin [β ± standard error (SE) −0.28 ± 0.14, P = 0.047], IGF-1 (β ± SE −0.21 ± 0.10, P = 0.032), and myostatin (β ± SE −0.22 ± 0.09, P = 0.011). In sex-stratified analyses, IGF-1 and myostatin were significantly associated with physical frailty in men but not women.ConclusionWe identified biomarkers involved in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle development, maintenance, and function that were associated with physical frailty in HF.
Systematic overexpression of genes encoded by mycobacteriophage Waterfoul reveals novel inhibitors of mycobacterial growth
Authors: Heller Danielle , Amaya Isabel , Mohamed Aleem , Ali Ilzat , Mavrodi Dmitri , Deighan Padraig , Sivanathan Viknesh 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Bacteriophages represent an enormous reservoir of novel genes, many of which are unrelated to existing entries in public databases and cannot be assigned a predicted function. Characterization of these genes can provide important insights into the intricacies of phage–host interactions and may offer new strategies to manipulate bacterial growth and behavior. Overexpression is a useful tool in the study of gene-mediated effects, and we describe here the construction of a plasmid-based overexpression library of a complete set of genes for Waterfoul, a mycobacteriophage closely related to those infecting clinically important strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and/or Mycobacterium abscessus. The arrayed Waterfoul gene library was systematically screened in a plate-based cytotoxicity assay, identifying a diverse set of 32 Waterfoul gene products capable of inhibiting the growth of the host Mycobacterium smegmatis and providing a first look at the frequency and distribution of cytotoxic products encoded within a single mycobacteriophage genome. Several of these Waterfoul gene products were observed to confer potent anti-mycobacterial effects, making them interesting candidates for follow-up mechanistic studies.
Youth vaping beliefs and behaviors: evidence from New York
Authors: Coats Ellen M , Farrelly Matthew C , Henes Amy L , Pikowski Jessica M , Brown Elizabeth M , Nonnemaker James M 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Current use of vaping products has increased in recent years among youth in the United States. We conducted cross-sectional surveys of vaping product users aged 15–17 in New York in 2017 and 2019 to assess vaping freqency, reported nicotine content of vaping products used, risk perceptions of vaping and openness to vaping cannabis (2019 survey only). Between 2017 and 2019, the proportion of youth vapers who were frequent vaping product users increased from 16.8% to 26.2% (P &lt; 0.05). The proportion of youth vapers who usually used high-nicotine vaping products also increased, from 12.6% to 40.0% (P &lt; 0.05). In both years, the use of high-nicotine vaping products was positively associated with frequent use (P &lt; 0.05). The perceived likelihood of harm from vaping increased (P &lt; 0.05), but respondents’ perception of harm from using tobacco-flavored vaping products remained higher than that from using menthol/mint or sweet flavors. In 2019, 60.6% of respondents reported having tried vaping cannabis. Results suggest shifts in youth vaping behavior toward more frequent use and use of higher nicotine vaping products, support previous findings about youth misperceptions about health risks of flavored vaping products and highlight openness to vaping cannabis among youth vaping product users.
Antibiotic stewardship in the era of precision medicine
Authors: Watkins Richard R 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to spread at an alarming rate worldwide. Novel approaches are needed to mitigate its deleterious impact on antibiotic efficacy. Antibiotic stewardship aims to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics through evidence-based interventions. One paradigm is precision medicine, a medical model in which decisions, practices, interventions, and therapies are adapted to the individual patient based on their predicted response or risk of disease. Precision medicine approaches hold promise as a way to improve outcomes for patients with myriad illnesses, including infections such as bacteraemia and pneumonia. This review describes the latest advances in precision medicine as they pertain to antibiotic stewardship, with an emphasis on hospital-based antibiotic stewardship programmes. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on AMR and antibiotic stewardship, gaps in the scientific evidence, and areas for further research are also discussed.
Usefulness of serum CCL2 as prognostic biomarker in prostate cancer: a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Iwamoto Hiroaki , Izumi Kouji , Nakagawa Ryunosuke , Toriumi Ren , Aoyama Shuhei , Shimada Takafumi , Kano Hiroshi , Makino Tomoyuki , Kadomoto Suguru , Yaegashi Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Shohei , Nohara Takahiro , Shigehara Kazuyoshi , Kadono Yoshifumi , Mizokami Atsushi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractObjectiveProstate-specific antigen is considered the most useful biomarker for prostate cancer, but not in all cases. In a previous study, we have shown that a risk classification combining prostate-specific antigen ≥100 ng/mL and chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 ≥ 320 pg/mL can predict survivals. We investigated the long-term usefulness of serum chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 as a complementary biomarker to prostate-specific antigen and developed a novel risk classification system.MethodsSerum samples were collected from 379 patients who underwent prostate biopsy at Kanazawa University Hospital between 2007 and 2013, and 255 patients with histologically diagnosed prostate cancer were included in this study. We retrospectively examined the efficacy of serum chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 as a prognostic biomarker.ResultsPatients with chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 ≥ 320 pg/mL exhibited a significantly shorter overall survival, prostate cancer-specific survival and castration-resistant prostate cancer-free survival than those with chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 &lt; 320 pg/mL. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine whether chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 was a useful prognostic factor. Independent significant predictors of worse overall survival were prostate-specific antigen ≥ 100 ng/mL, Gleason score ≥ 8 and chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 ≥ 320 pg/dL. Prognostic predictors of prostate cancer-specific survival or cancer-free survival in multivariate analysis were prostate-specific antigen ≥ 100 ng/mL and Gleason score ≥ 8. A novel risk classification system was created to predict overall survival in patients based on the number of risk factors present (chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 ≥ 320 pg/mL, prostate-specific antigen ≥ 100 ng/mL, Gleason score ≥ 8). Scores 2 or 3, 1 and 0 indicated Poor, Intermediate and Good risk groups, respectively.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the utility of serum chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 level as a predictive biomarker of long-term overall survival in prostate cancer. A novel risk classification system that predicts long-term overall survival based on the combined indications of chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2 level, prostate-specific antigen level and Gleason score may be a useful prognostic tool for prostate cancer.
Impacts of psychological stress on high dose-rate radiation acute effects in a mouse experimental model
Authors: Nakajima Tetsuo , Ninomiya Yasuharu , Unno Keiko , Morioka Takamitsu , Nishimura Mayumi , Kakinuma Shizuko 
Published: June 2022

Abstract
Psychological stress affects health. Radiation workers in the medical field or astronauts living in space have possible risks of exposure to radiation, and psychological stress is considered to be easily induced in them due to activities performed in small areas or stress conditions. The impact of psychological stress on the effects of radiation was evaluated in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 10 (SAMP10) mice and ddY mice using a confrontational housing model, which makes dominant and subordinate mice in a cage live together without severe quarrel. Mice of ddY and SAMP10 have been previously demonstrated to be influenced in terms of acute and late effects, respectively, under psychological stress by this model. In SAMP10 mice, irradiation with 4 Gy induced the death of irradiated mice under psychological stress. In ddY mice, irradiation with 5 Gy X-rays alone had almost no effect on the mouse survival, but irradiation in conditions of psychological stress promoted acute death of irradiated mice. In addition, hypocellular bone marrow was also observed histopathologically in irradiated ddY mice under stress. Psychological stress may promote damage caused by radiation through modulation of radio-sensitivity in bone marrow in mice. This model would be useful for evaluation of modulation of radiation-induced various effects by psychological stress.