bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iguratimod inhibits skin fibrosis by regulating TGF‐β1/Smad signalling pathway in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Xie Xi , Gan Haina , Tian Jing , li Fen , Chen Jinwei , Wang Jia , Liao Jiafeng , Li Shu 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundIguratimod (T‐614), exerting a powerful anti‐inflammatory ability, has therapeutic efficacy in multiple autoimmune diseases. However, the effect of T‐614 on systemic sclerosis (SSc) is unclear. Here, we investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of T‐614 in experimental SSc models.MethodsIn vitro, cultured dermal fibroblasts from four SSc patients were subjected to different doses of T‐614 in the presence or absence of TGF‐β1 stimulation. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration were determined by CCK‐8, flow cytometry and transwell assay, respectively. Fibrosis markers and smad signalling pathway‐related proteins were detected by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. In vivo, a bleomycin‐induced SSc mouse model was used to evaluate the effect of T‐614 on skin fibrosis. Pathological changes in skin tissues were evaluated by HE, Masson staining and immunohistochemistry.ResultsIn the study, we found T‐614 inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced cell proliferation, migration and promoted apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner (all p < 0.01). T‐614 partially reversed TGF‐β1‐induced upregulation of fibrosis markers and phosphorylation of smad2 and smad3 and blocked p‐Smad3 nuclear translocation (all p < 0.05), suggesting T‐614 may inhibit dermal fibroblasts activation by regulating TGF‐β1/smad pathway. In vivo experiments, T‐614 alleviated skin thickness in bleomycin‐induced SSc mice (all p < 0.05). The expression of fibrosis markers and the infiltration of macrophages in skin tissue were significantly decreased after T‐614 treatment (all p < 0.05).ConclusionOur preliminary data indicated T‐614 inhibited dermal fibroblasts activation and skin fibrosis at least partly by regulating TGF‐β1/smad pathway in experimental SSc models and may be a promising therapeutic agent for SSc.
Sporothrix schenckii regulates macrophage inflammatory responses via the c‐JUN‐induced Dab2 transcription
Authors: Zhao Shengnan , Qi Rui‐Qun , Gao Xing‐Hua , Chen Hong‐Duo 
Published: April 2022

AbstractMacrophages, which serve as a bridge between innate and adaptive immunity, play an important role in sporotrichosis. Sporothrix schenckii infections can produce immune responses such as macrophage polarization and inflammatory factor secretion. In the early stages of inflammation, the expression of DAB2 in macrophages is increased, which controls the secretion of inflammatory factors and affects the polarization of macrophages. However, the expressions and mechanisms of DAB2 in sporotrichosis are not clear. In this study, we examined the expression of DAB2 and its regulation of inflammatory factors under conditions of Sporothrix schenckii infection. Our results indicated that the Sporothrix schenckii infection increased the expression of DAB2 and revealed a mixed M1/M2‐like type of gene expression in BMDMs with the inhibited Il‐6, Il1‐β and Arg‐1 and induced Tnf‐α, Il‐10 and Mgl‐1. The deficiency of Dab2 gene suspended the changes of cytokines. In addition, JNK activity in BMDMs was inhibited by Sporothrix schenckii infection, leading to an increase in c‐JUN. We also identified c‐JUN as a transcription factor for Dab2 through chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. In an in vivo mouse model, sporotrichosis‐induced skin lesions were accompanied with an upregulation of c‐JUN and inhibition of JNK activity, which were in accord with findings from in vitro experiments. Taken together, these findings indicate that in the early stages of Sporothrix schenckii infection there is a promotion of DAB2 expression through the JNK/c‐JUN pathway, effects that can then control the expression of inflammatory factors.
Wireless electroencephalogram monitoring system for deciphering neurological disorders using brain connectivity patterns
Authors: Das Surya , Puthankattil Subha D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOver the last two decades, there has been a tremendous increase in research activity on brain connectivity studies and its application in different neurological disorders. Studies have been focused on different connectivity patterns generated and potential biomarkers that could be derived to find the etymology of the disorder. In this review, the focus is on the utilization of wireless electroencephalogram monitoring system for functional connectivity analysis and its capacity for deciphering neurological disorders. The paper reviews different methods adopted to estimate connectivity and the possible convergence of connectivity patterns in four neurological disorders: epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer and Parkinson's disease. The paper reviews the current status of connectivity research in the aforementioned neurological disorders and its potential in developing a smart e‐health service.
Two cases of ceftriaxone‐induced encephalopathy treated by hemoperfusion in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Onogi Chikao , Osada Akinori , Imai Kentaro , Mimura Tetsushi , Saka Yosuke , Urahama Yoshimichi , Oishi Hideto , Naruse Tomohiko 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCeftriaxone is a third‐generation cephalosporin commonly used to treat infection. However, encephalopathy is an emerging adverse effect of ceftriaxone infusion. These patients present with various symptoms, including those of neurotoxicity, that typically resolve 1 week after discontinuation of ceftriaxone. We experienced two cases of ceftriaxone‐induced encephalopathy that were successfully treated by rapid removal of ceftriaxone by hemoperfusion.
ENDOGENOUS SOCIAL NETWORKS AND INEQUALITY IN AN INTERGENERATIONAL SETTING
Authors: Ioannides Yannis M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe article examines the joint evolution of human capital investment and social networking where the network may be endogenous or exogenous. It extends Cabrales et al. (Games and Economic Behavior72 (2011), 339–60) to dynamic settings to allow for intergenerational transfers of human capital and social networking endowments as joint decisions. Social multipliers characterize the social equilibria. The associated intergenerational transfer elasticities exhibit rich dependence on social effects allowing the intergenerational transfers elasticity to be increasing with inequality in parents' human capitals. The stochastic steady states highlight the cross‐sectional human capital distribution as outcome of shocks to cognitive and social skills coefficients.
Physicochemical, techno‐functional and structural properties of gluten‐free crackers developed from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.)) varieties
Authors: Perraulta Lavanya J. , Gowthamraj G. , Hemalatha V. , Sadashiv S.O. , Sharath R. , Sangeetha N. 
Published: April 2022

SummaryThe present study was conducted to develop gluten‐free crackers using six different white varieties of sorghum, namely CO30, K12, Parbhani Moti (PM), Parbhani Shakti (PS), ICSV15021 and M35‐1. The physico‐chemical, mineral and functional properties of developed crackers were studied. The crackers from soft wheat flour serve as a control. Highest protein (7.35 g/100 g), iron (6.63 mg/100 g) and potassium (199.86 mg/100 g) were found in ICSV15021 crackers, whereas highest total dietary fibre (9.01 g/100 g), magnesium (31.13 mg/100 g), copper (1.47 mg/100 g), zinc (1.92 g/100 g) and manganese (1.32 mg/100 g) were found in PS crackers. All exhibited A‐type crystallinity pattern except PS crackers (V‐type pattern). Overall acceptability of K12 sorghum crackers was found to be similar to control. In conclusion, this study evidenced that gluten‐free sorghum crackers exhibited higher nutrients and mineral composition and can be regarded as health‐promoting functional food, which is also cost‐effective than commercially available gluten‐free products.
Hemoglobinopathies and preimplantation diagnostics
Authors: Mamas Thalia , Kakourou Georgia , Vrettou Christina , Traeger‐Synodinos Joanne 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHemoglobinopathies constitute some of the most common inherited disorders worldwide. Manifestations are very severe, patient management is difficult and treatment is not easily accessible. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT‐M) is a valuable reproductive option for hemoglobinopathy carrier‐couples as it precludes the initiation of an affected pregnancy. PGT‐M is performed on embryos generated by assisted reproductive technologies and only those found to be free of the monogenic disorder are transferred to the uterus. PGT‐M has been applied for 30 years now and β‐thalassemia is one of the most common indications. PGT may also be applied for human leukocyte antigen typing to identify embryos that are unaffected and also compatible with an affected sibling in need of hemopoietic stem cell transplantation. PGT‐M protocols have evolved from PCR amplification‐based, where a small number of loci were analysed, to whole genome amplification‐based, the latter increasing diagnostic accuracy, enabling the development of more generic strategies and facilitating multiple diagnoses in one embryo. Currently, numerous PGT‐M cycles are performed for the simultaneous diagnosis of hemoglobinopathies and screening for chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo in an attempt to further improve success rates and increase deliveries of unaffected babies.
Looking through racism in the nurse–patient relationship from the lens of culturally congruent care: A scoping review
Authors: Vaismoradi Mojtaba , Fredriksen Moe Cathrine , Ursin Gøril , Ingstad Kari 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAimThis review aimed to identify the nature of racism in the nurse–patient relationship and summarize international research findings about it.DesignA scoping review of the international literature.Data sourcesThe search process encompassed three main online databases of PubMed (including MEDLINE), Scopus and Embase, from 2009 until 2021.Review methodsThe scoping review was informed by the Levac et al.’s framework to map the research phenomenon and summarize current empirical research findings. Also, the review findings were reflected in the three‐dimensional puzzle model of culturally congruent care in the discussion section.ResultsThe search process led to retrieving 149 articles, of which 10 studies were entered into data analysis and reporting results. They had variations in the research methodology and the context of the nurse–patient relationship. The thematical analysis of the studies' findings led to the development of three categories as follows: bilateral ignition of racism, hidden and manifest consequences of racism and encountering strategies.ConclusionRacism threatens patients' and nurses' dignity in the healthcare system. There is a need to develop a framework of action based on the principles of culturally congruent care to eradicate racism from the nurse–patient relationship in the globalized context of healthcare.ImpactRacism in the nurse–patient relationship has remained a relatively unexplored area of the nursing literature. It hinders efforts to meet patients' and families' needs and increases their dissatisfaction with nursing care. Also, racism from patients towards nurses causes emotional trauma and enhances job‐related stress among nurses. Further research should be conducted on this culturally variant phenomenon. Also, the participation of patients and nurses should be sought to prohibit racism in healthcare settings.
Grid‐mapping catheters versus PentaRay catheters for left atrial mapping on ensite precision mapping system
Authors: Saito Jumpei , Yamashita Kennosuke , Numajiri Takaki , Gibo Yuma , Usumoto Soichiro , Narui Syuro , Fujioka Tatsuki , Asukai Yu , Igawa Wataru , Ono Morio , Ebara Seitaro , Okabe Toshitaka , Isomura Naoei , Ochiai Masahiko 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionAreas displaying reduced bipolar voltage are defined as low‐voltage areas (LVAs). Moreover, left atrial (LA) LVAs after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) have been reported as a predictor of recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF). In this study, we compared grid mapping catheter (GMC) with PentaRay catheter (PC) for LA voltage mapping on Ensite Precision mapping system.MethodsTwenty‐six consecutive patients with LVAs and border zone within the LA were enrolled. After achieving PVI, voltage mapping under high right atrial pacing for 600 ms was performed twice using each catheter type (GMC first, PC next). Furthermore, LVA was defined as a region with a bipolar voltage of <0.50, and border zone was defined as a region with a bipolar voltage of <1.0, or <1.5 mV.ResultsCompared with PC, using GMC, voltage mapping contained more mapping points (20 242 [15 859, 26 013] vs. 5589 [4088, 7649]; p < .0001), and more mapping points per minute(1428 [1275, 1803] vs. 558 [372, 783]; p < .0001). In addition, LVA and border zone size using GMC was significantly less than that reported using PC: <1.0 mV (5.9 cm2 [2.9, 20.2] vs. 13.9 cm2 [6.3, 24.1], p  =  .018) and <1.5 mV voltage cutoff (10.6 cm2 [6.6, 27.2] vs. 21.6 cm2 [12.6, 35.0], p  =  .005).ConclusionBipolar voltage amplitude estimated by GMC was significantly larger than that estimated by PC on Ensite Precision mapping system. GMC may be able to find highly selective identification of LVAs with lower prevalence and smaller LVA and border zone size.
Efficacy and safety of high‐power short duration atrial fibrillation ablation in elderly patients
Authors: Müller Julian , Nentwich Karin , Berkovitz Artur , Ene Elena , Sonne Kai , Chakarov Ivaylo , Barth Sebastian , Waechter Christian , Lüsebrink Ulrich , Behnes Michael , Akin Ibrahim , Deneke Thomas 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIntroductionData about atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using high‐power short duration (HPSD) radiofrequency ablation in the elderly population is still scarce. The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of HPSD ablation in patients over 75 years compared to younger patients.MethodsConsecutive patients older than 75 years with paroxysmal or persistent AF undergoing a first‐time AF ablation using 50 W HPSD ablation approach were analyzed in this retrospective observational analysis and compared to a control group <75 years. Short‐term endpoints included intraprocedural reconnection of at least one pulmonary vein (PV) and intrahospital and AF recurrence during 3 months blanking period, as well as a long‐term endpoint of freedom from atrial arrhythmias of antiarrhythmic drugs after 12 months.ResultsA total of 540 patients underwent a first AF ablation with HPSD (66 ± 10 years; 58% male; 47% paroxysmal AF). Mean age was 78 ± 2.4 and 63 ± 6.3 years (p < .001), respectively. Elderly patients were significantly more often women (p < .001). The procedure, fluoroscopy, and ablation were comparable. Elderly patients revealed significantly more often extra‐PV low‐voltage areas requiring additional left atrial ablations (p < .001). Overall complication rates were low; however, elderly patients revealed higher major complication rates mainly due to unmasking sick sinus syndrome (p = .003). Freedom from arrhythmia recurrences was comparable (68% vs. 76%, log‐rank p = .087). Only in the subgroup of paroxysmal AF, AF recurrences were more common after 12 months (69% vs. 82%; log‐rank p = .040; hazard ratio: 1.462, p = .044) in the elderly patients. In multivariable Cox regression analysis of the whole cohort persistent AF, female gender, diabetes mellitus and presence of left atrium low‐voltage areas, but not age >75 years were associated with AF recurrences.ConclusionHPSD AF ablation of patients >75 years in experienced centers is safe and effective. Therefore, age alone should not be the reason to withhold AF ablation from vital elderly patients due to only a slightly worse outcome and safety profile. In paroxysmal AF, elderly patients have more recurrences compared to the younger control group.
Comprehensive analysis identified a reduction in ATP1A2 mediated by ARID3A in abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Wang Qunhui , Li Na , Guo Xian , Huo Bo , Li Rui , Feng Xin , Fang Zemin , Zhu Xue‐Hai , Wang Yixiang , Yi Xin , Wei Xiang , Jiang Ding‐Sheng 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by abdominal aorta dilatation and progressive structural impairment and is usually an asymptomatic and potentially lethal disease with a risk of rupture. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of AAA initiation and progression, seven AAA datasets related to human and mice were downloaded from the GEO database and reanalysed in the present study. After comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we identified the enriched pathways associated with inflammation responses, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype switching and cytokine secretion in AAA. Most importantly, we identified ATPase Na+/K+ transporting subunit alpha 2 (ATP1A2) as a key gene that was significantly decreased in AAA samples of both human and mice; meanwhile, its reduction mainly occurred in VSMCs of the aorta; this finding was validated by immunostaining and Western blot in human and mouse AAA samples. Furthermore, we explored the potential upstream transcription factors (TFs) that regulate ATP1A2 expression. We found that the TF AT‐rich interaction domain 3A (ARID3A) bound the promoter of ATP1A2 to suppress its expression. Our present study identified the ARID3A‐ATP1A2 axis as a novel pathway in the pathological processes of AAA, further elucidating the molecular mechanism of AAA and providing potential therapeutic targets for AAA.
TNFα‐induced abnormal activation of TNFR/NF‐κB/FTH1 in endometrium is involved in the pathogenesis of early spontaneous abortion
Authors: Wen Yuting , Cheng Meng , Qin Lang , Xu Wenming 
Published: April 2022

AbstractEarly spontaneous abortion (ESA) is one of the most common complications during pregnancy and the inflammation condition in uterine environment such as long‐term exposure to high TNFα plays an essential role in the aetiology. Ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) is considered to be closely associated with inflammation and very important in normal pregnancy, yet the underlying mechanism of how TNFα induced abortion and its relationship with FTH1 remain elusive. In this study, we found that TNFα and FTH1 were positively expressed in decidual stromal cells and increased significantly in the ESA group compared with the normal pregnancy group (NP group). Besides, TNFα expression was positively correlated with FTH1 expression. Furthermore, in vitro cell model demonstrated that high TNFα could induce the abnormal signals of TNFR/NF‐κB/FTH1 and activate apoptosis both in human endometrium stromal cells (hESCs) and in local decidual tissues. Taken together, the present findings suggest that the excessive apoptosis in response to TNFα‐induced upregulation of FTH1 may be responsible for the occurrence of ESA, and thus provide a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of ESA.
Comparative salary‐related costs of a brief app‐directed delirium identification protocol by hospitalists, nurses, and nursing assistants
Authors: Leslie Douglas L. , Fick Donna M. , Moore Amber , Inouye Sharon K. , Jung Yoojin , Ngo Long H. , Boltz Marie , Husser Erica , Shrestha Priyanka , Boustani Malaz , Marcantonio Edward R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundSystematic screening can improve delirium identification among hospitalized older adults. Prior studies have shown clinicians and health system leaders may believe they do not have the time and resources for assessment. We conducted a comparative salary‐related cost analysis of an adaptive delirium identification protocol directed by an iPad app.MethodsWe recruited 527 older adult medicine patients from an urban academic medical center (n = 269) and a rural community hospital (n = 258). Physicians and nurses completed the two‐step Ultra‐brief Confusion Assessment Method (UB‐CAM) protocol (with or without a skip pattern), while certified nursing assistants completed only the UB‐2 ultra‐brief screen. The sample included 527 patients (average age 80, 57% women, 35% with dementia). Time required to administer the protocol was collected automatically by the iPad app. Salary‐related costs of screening were determined by multiplying the time required by the hourly wage for the three disciplines, as obtained from national and regional published healthcare salary cost data. Cost estimates for entire hospital implementation were also calculated.ResultsParticipants were screened on 924 hospital days by 399 clinicians (53 physicians, 236 nurses, 110 CNAs). For the UB‐2, CNAs cost per screen was lower than the other clinician types ($0.37 per screen vs. $0.73 for nurses and $2.39 for hospitalists). For the UB‐CAM with skip (UB‐CAM), costs per protocol were $1.10 for nurses vs. $3.61 for physicians. The annual salary–related costs of hospital‐wide implementation of a nurse‐based UB‐CAM protocol in a medium‐sized (300‐bed) hospital was $63,015 plus $4356 for initial and annual training.ConclusionsCNAs and nurses had the lowest salary‐associated costs for app‐directed CAM‐based delirium screening and identification, respectively. Salary‐related annual hospital costs for the most efficient protocols in a medium‐sized hospital were less than the annual cost of hiring 1 FTE of the discipline performing the protocols.
Low diet quality is associated with adverse levels of metabolic health markers and clustering of risk factors in adults with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Sanjeevi Namrata , Freeland‐Graves Jeanne H. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundNutritional recommendations for diabetes management emphasise an overall, healthful diet consistent with the guidelines for the general population. The present study assessed the relationship of diet quality, as measured by Healthy Eating Index‐2015 (HEI‐2015), with metabolic health markers and risk factor clustering in type 2 diabetes patients using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2016 data.MethodsHEI‐2015 diet quality scores were calculated using 24‐h dietary recalls. Adults with type 2 diabetes (n = 2220) were assessed for: (1) hyperglycaemia; (2) overweight/obesity; (3) dyslipidaemia; and (4) hypertension. Logistic regression examined associations of diet quality quartiles with odds of hyperglycaemia, overweight/obesity, dyslipidaemia and hypertension, as well as odds of clustering of these risk factors.ResultsOdds of overweight/obesity and hyperglycaemia were significantly greater for participants in the lowest HEI‐2015 quartile compared to those in the highest quartile. Furthermore, individuals in the bottom two HEI‐2015 quartiles had increased odds of dyslipidaemia. Those in the lowest quartile also had significantly higher odds of having ≥ 2, ≥ 3 and 4 risk factors (vs. having ≤ 1 risk factor).ConclusionsLow diet quality was related to increased odds of hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, overweight/obesity and risk factor clustering. Findings imply poorer prognosis of diabetes in individuals with low diet quality.