bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Luseogliflozin inhibits high glucose-induced TGF-β2 expression in mouse cardiomyocytes by suppressing NHE-1 activity
Authors: Osaka Naoya , Mori Yusaku , Terasaki Michishige , Hiromura Munenori , Saito Tomomi , Yashima Hironori , Shiraga Yoshie , Kawakami Raichi , Ohara Makoto , Fukui Tomoyasu , Yamagishi Sho-ichi 
Published: May 2022

Objective Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors exhibit cardioprotective properties in patients with diabetes. However, SGLT2 is not expressed in the heart, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. We investigated whether the SGLT2 inhibitor luseogliflozin exerts beneficial effects on high glucose-exposed cardiomyocytes via the suppression of sodium-hydrogen exchanger-1 (NHE-1) activity. Methods Mouse cardiomyocytes were incubated under normal or high glucose conditions with vehicle, luseogliflozin, or the NHE-1 inhibitor cariporide. NHE-1 activity and gene expression were evaluated by the SNARF assay and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, respectively. Six-week-old male db/db mice were treated with vehicle or luseogliflozin for 6 weeks, and the hearts were collected for histological, RT-PCR, and western blot analyses. Results High glucose increased NHE-1 activity and transforming growth factor (Tgf)-β 2 mRNA levels in cardiomyocytes, both of which were inhibited by luseogliflozin or cariporide, whereas their combination showed no additive suppression of Tgf-β2 mRNA levels. Luseogliflozin attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in db/db mice in association with decreased mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β2. Conclusions Luseogliflozin may suppress cardiac hypertrophy in diabetes by reducing Tgf-β2 expression in cardiomyocytes via the suppression of NHE-1 activity.
Permafrost, thermal conditions and vegetation patterns since the mid-20th century: A remote sensing approach applied to Jotunheimen, Norway
Authors: Hallang Helen , Los Sietse O , Hiemstra John F 
Published: May 2022

Northern high-alpine regions are currently experiencing rapid warming, which often results in the degradation of sub-surface permafrost and the upslope advancement of vegetation. The present study combines remotely sensed MODIS Land Surface Temperatures (LSTs) and the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) with observed air temperatures to model the thermal and vegetational dynamics in NE Jotunheimen (Norway) for the period 1957–2019. An altitudinal transect on the north-facing slope of Galdhøpiggen was used for ground truthing. Results indicate a substantial warming trend since the late 1950s, accompanied by increased NDVI. The spatial and temporal patterns of observed change were not uniform. Winter surface temperatures increased most rapidly, by 2.4–2.8°C at mid- and low altitudes (600–1500 m a.s.l.). The highest increases in NDVI (by ∼0.1) were detected during the growing season (April–September) and over the mid-range altitudes (1050–1500 m a.s.l.), that is, above the tree line on Galdhøpiggen. We attribute this to increased shrubification at these altitudes. Our results confirm that the surface temperatures near the previously estimated lower altitudinal limit of permafrost (∼1450 m a.s.l.) have continued to increase during the past decade, likely facilitating further permafrost degradation. Finally, we demonstrate that mapping remotely sensed mean growing season LSTs below 0°C can be used to identify areas suitable for continuous sub-surface permafrost, and mean June–September LSTs above 7°C can detect areas suitable for tree ( Betula pubescens) growth in NE Jotunheimen.
Risk Perceptions about Cannabis Use and Receipt of Health-Related Information during Pregnancy
Authors: McKenzie Lara B. , Keim Sarah A. , Klebanoff Mark A. 
Published: May 2022

Purpose: To understand risk perception about cannabis use during pregnancy. Design: Mixed -Methods. Setting: Focus groups. Participants: Mothers. Method: Focus groups were conducted to learn about person’s experiences with pregnancy, health-related behaviors, perception of risky behaviors (cannabis use), and receipt of health-related information during pregnancy. Participants completed the Electronic Health Literacy Scale, the Single Item Literacy Screener, and questions about whether topics were discussed during their prenatal care. Data were coded and analyzed iteratively for emerging themes. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. Results: Twenty-one persons (mean age = 34.4, 57% African American, 38% White, 5% Multi-racial) participated in 4 focus groups. One-third of the participants used cannabis; 24% used alcohol; and 48% used tobacco during pregnancy. Participant’s perceptions and use of cannabis during pregnancy were shaped by relief from pregnancy-related symptoms, recommendations from health care providers that cannabis is safe, anecdotal stories from friends and family, fear associated with prescription medications, and preference for “natural” remedies. The context of distrust of providers permeated these themes. The sample displayed poor e-health literacy compared to other adult samples. Conclusion: Inter-related factors that influence cannabis use among persons who are pregnant should be considered when establishing trust between patients and providers, creating messages for patients about cannabis use during pregnancy, and when implementing interventions to improve provider-patient communication about health risk behaviors.
Numerical analysis of the effects of ultrasonic vibrations and elevated temperature in incremental sheet forming
Authors: Sharma Mohit , Gupta Vijay Kumar , Tandon Puneet 
Published: May 2022

Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is one of the novel processes practised for more than the last decade in the field of sheet metal forming. ISF, although recognised as a promising manufacturing process over conventional forming, does not give good results in terms of geometrical accuracy, sheet thinning, surface finish and the forming forces. To make the ISF process more efficient, strategies to enhance the forming limits and capabilities are constantly being developed. Two such adaptations to the ISF process are ultrasonic vibration-assisted incremental sheet forming (UVaISF) and elevated temperature incremental sheet forming (ET-ISF). In the present work, investigations have been carried out to compare ISF, UVaISF and ET-ISF on 1 mm thick AA1050 and Titanium Grade 2 sheets with the help of numerical simulations using Abaqus/CAE. Response parameters like stress, strain, thickness distribution, the final shape of the geometry, strain energy, energy dissipated during plastic deformation and the forming forces are evaluated to measure the effectiveness of the processes. It is observed that there is a considerable reduction in the forming forces and spring-back with the UVaISF and ET-ISF processes, in comparison to the ISF at room temperature. This considerable reduction in the forming forces and spring-back is due to the softening behaviour of sheet material and the drop in yield strength during UVaISF and ET-ISF processes. The work overcomes some of the limitations of the ISF process and enlarges the scope of application of the process.
Evaluating vaporization heat, thermal performance, and efficiency of a natural draft wet cooling tower
Authors: Song Baohong , Song Yu 
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to improve the accuracy of the thermal performance analysis of a natural draft wet cooling tower (NDWCT) and explore the effect factors of the decrease water and energy consumption. In this study, we determined the thermal performance and water loss of the NDWCT under dynamic conditions using mass-balance equations, and obtained water loss from 10.4 kg s−1 to 16.9 kg s−1. The analyzed vaporization heat accounted for 71.5%–86.9% of the total heat flow. Furthermore, the total amount of water discharged exceeded the average standard is 33.06 m3 has been spotted for the first time. Increasing the air-water ratio from 0.38 to 0.77, the cooling efficiency is increased by 44%. The change relationship between water temperature drop, water loss, air enthalpy, and air flow in the tower were discovered and established. The thermal performance analysis model based on water loss and air flow was used, compared with the total heat of the measured data, the maximum deviations were by 4.5% and 1.88%, respectively. The validity of the model was fully verified. These two models were combined with the heat balance equation analysis model based on three variables, which can provide support for optimal operation conditions that the energy savings and water reductions in NDWCTs, and providing convenience and a new reference for thermal performance evaluation, design, and research. Finally, we also proposed the suggestion for improving low efficiency of cooling tower is the most economical operation mode.
A Case Study of National Power Limited
Authors: Majumder Abhijit , Ghosh Piyali , Bhongade Ankita 
Published: May 2022

National Power Limited (NPL) was a public sector undertaking of the Government of India under the Ministry of Power, having a total generating capacity of 4,860 megawatts of coal-based thermal power. NPL had seven power plants in operation across three states in the northern part of the country, with 8,212 employees. The case describes an appointment of a non-executive post at a power-generating plant of NPL, which is referred to as the Chandanpur unit. This appointment was made to honour an unprincipled demand by the Minister of Forestry and Environment of the concerned state government. The matter got exposed through a complaint received by the Vigilance Department of NPL. The manager of the coal handling department of the Chandanpur unit had lodged the complaint, mentioning the possibility of anomalies in the appointment. On verification, it was found out that the executive director of the Chandanpur unit had appointed a person in the highest supervisory post of that unit by flouting all rules and guidelines of recruitment in the organization. Anomalies included not taking approval for upgradation of the offer made initially, interviewing directly without holding any written test and changing the minimum eligibility criterion for the post. All this was a major breach of Article 14 of the Constitution of India, which confers the right to equality to a citizen of India as a fundamental right. Based upon findings of the investigation report, the culpability established in the irregularity and gross violation of the established rules of NPL, major disciplinary proceedings were initiated against all the involved officials and the appointee. Since it was a criminal case, it was also referred to the Federal Investigating Agency for further investigation and prosecution of the offenders. All NPL executives involved, and the appointee was implicated, though no culpability could be established against the Minister or his confidential assistant.
An Evidence-Based Perspective on The 2020 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Malhi Gin S , Bell Erica , Bassett Darryl , Boyce Philip , Bryant Richard , Hazell Philip , Hopwood Malcolm , Lyndon Bill , Mulder Roger , Porter Richard , Singh Ajeet B , Murray Greg 
Published: May 2022

Objective To rebut the claims made in an opinion piece by Anaf and colleagues regarding the recommendations for psychotherapy within the 2020 RANZCP Mood Disorders Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG). Conclusions The CPG attaches importance to psychological interventions and recommends their administration as first-line in the treatment of depression. The concerns raised by Anaf and colleagues have no basis and are readily dismissed by referring to the guidelines. Therefore, we strongly encourage clinicians to formulate their own views by reading the guidelines for themselves.
Team-Based Hospice Referrals: A Potential Quality Metric for Lung Cancer in the Immunotherapy Era
Authors: Lycan Thomas W. , Buckenheimer Alyssa , Ruiz Jimmy , Russell Gregory , Dothard Andy Shipe , Ahmed Tamjeed , Grant Stefan , Grey Carl , Petty William J. 
Published: May 2022

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can lead to durable responses in patients with lung cancer but may delay transitions to hospice at the end of life (EOL). We aimed to test the association of continuity of care with EOL outcomes in the ICI era. Methods We collected retrospective data on all patients with lung cancer who started ICI treatment at a single comprehensive cancer center in the United States (1/1/14–5/1/18) and subsequently died. We defined a hospice referral as having continuity of care if placed by a provider from the patient’s multidisciplinary cancer team (e.g., a medical oncologist, palliative care specialist, intensivist, and hospitalist). Results In this cohort of 143 patients, 58% had a team-based hospice referral which was associated with a lower risk of death in the hospital. The most common reason patients declined hospice at EOL was an unwillingness to discontinue cancer-directed therapy. As compared to a similar historical cohort of patients treated with chemotherapy alone (2008–2010), there was a similar rate of hospice referral (68% vs 74%) but higher rates of new systemic therapy initiated within 30 days of death (17% vs 6%, p .001) and last dose within 14 days of death (13% vs 5%, p .005). Conclusions Future studies should test the continuity of care at EOL as a new quality metric for advanced NSCLC.
Neural Activity and Emotion Socialization as Predictors of Later Emotion Regulation Difficulties in Children With and Without Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Authors: Gair Shannon L. , Brown Hallie R. , Breaux Rosanna , Lugo-Candelas Claudia I. , McDermott Jennifer M. , Harvey Elizabeth A. 
Published: May 2022

Objective: This study examined emotion socialization and neural activity during frustration as predictors of emotion regulation (ER) difficulties, and the interplay of emotion socialization and neural activity, in children with and without hyperactivity/impulsivity (H/I). Method: At Time 1, neural activity (P1, N2, P3) during a frustration task, H/I symptoms, and emotion socialization were assessed in 68 children (aged 4–7 years old). At Time 2 (1.5–2 years later), child-report, maternal-report, and observation measures of ER difficulties were assessed. Results: H/I symptoms moderated the relation between predictors and ER difficulties; there were significant relations for children with high, but not low, levels of H/I. Further, as emotion socialization quality increased, relations between event-related potentials and later ER difficulties became weaker. Conclusion: The processes underlying ER difficulties differ for children with H/I symptoms. High quality emotion socialization may have a protective effect for children whose neural patterns indicate risk for later ER difficulties.
Gastric Antral Mucosal Changes in Children With Intestinal Metaplasia
Authors: Li Geling , Kelly David R. , Mroczek-Musulman Elizabeth , Wang Kai , Council Leona , Zhao Lei 
Published: May 2022

Objectives: The gastric mucosal change accompanying gastric antral intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the pediatric population and its clinical implications remain unclear. Methods: We retrieved all patients younger than 18 years who had upper GI endoscopy with a pathology diagnosis of antral IM between 2009 and 2020. Each biopsy was evaluated for the presence of dysplasia, Helicobacter pylori, gastritis, and other pathologic changes. Results: A total of 134 patients with antral IM were identified; 72 (53.7%) with coexisting pathology including chronic gastritis (n = 22), reactive gastropathy (n = 16), focal mild chronic inflammation (n = 13), gastric eosinophilia (n = 9), chronic active gastritis associated with (n = 2) and without Helicobacter infection (n = 3), and others (n = 7). The remaining 62 (46.3%) showed isolated IM. Gastric IM increased with age, and was often accompanied by other pathologic changes, especially in female children. Twenty-seven patients had follow up biopsies; 11 of the 27 patients (40.7%) showed persistent IM in at least one repeat biopsies. None demonstrated dysplasia. Conclusions: In children, antral IM increases with age and often coexists with other pathologic changes. Gastric IM could persist for at least months to years in a significant subset of patients with chronic gastritis and gastric eosinophilia.
Characterization of post-transfusion anti-FEA 1 alloantibodies in transfusion-naive FEA 1-negative cats
Authors: Cannavino Alyssa , LeVine Dana , Blais Marie-Claude 
Published: May 2022

Objectives The aim of this study was to characterize anti-feline erythrocyte antigen (FEA) 1 alloantibodies following sensitization of FEA 1-negative cats, including their rate of appearance, agglutination titer over time and immunoglobulin class. A secondary aim was to obtain polyclonal anti-FEA 1 alloantibodies to increase the availability of FEA 1 blood typing. We also describe a case study documenting an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction in a transfusion-naive FEA 1-negative feline patient that received FEA 1-positive blood. Methods In this prospective clinical study, 35 cats with blood group type A underwent extensive blood typing for FEA 1–5. Two cats were identified as FEA 1-negative; these cats were transfused uneventfully with 50 ml of FEA 1-positive, but otherwise compatible, packed red blood cells. Post-transfusion blood samples were collected routinely as long as anti-FEA 1 alloantibodies were detected. Appearance of anti-FEA 1 alloantibodies was detected using a gel column crossmatch method. Results Anti-FEA 1 alloantibodies were detected as early as 5 days post-transfusion and remained detectable for over 400 days in one cat. Agglutination titers in both cats were relatively weak (1:1 to 1:8). The main immunoglobulin class was IgM. Conclusions and relevance Transfusion of FEA 1-negative, transfusion-naive cats with FEA 1-positive blood results in production of post-transfusion anti-FEA 1 alloantibodies as early as 5 days post-transfusion. Our results confirm the potential immunogenicity of FEA 1 and support crossmatching prior to a blood transfusion, even in transfusion-naive cats. Further studies are needed to better document the clinical importance of these post-transfusion antibodies, as well as to facilitate routine blood typing for the FEA 1 antigen in cats.
DNA Methylation Patterns of Glucocorticoid Pathway Genes in Preterm Birth Among Black Women
Authors: Nowak Alexandra L. , Anderson Cindy M. , Ford Jodi L. , Mackos Amy , Ohm Joyce , Saadat Nadia , Tan Alai , Zhao Yihong , Misra Dawn P. , Giurgescu Carmen 
Published: May 2022

Preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks gestation) rates have increased for 5 of the last 6 consecutive years in the United States. These rates are particularly alarming for U.S. non-Hispanic Black women who give birth prematurely at 1.5 times the rate of non-Hispanic White women. Previous research suggests that psychological stress is associated with PTB in Black women. However, the biological pathways by which stress alters birth timing are not clear. We examined DNA methylation (DNAm) in peripheral blood leukocytes in 6 glucocorticoid, stress-related genes in 44 (22 PTB; 22 term birth) pregnant Black women. Four cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites were identified as differentially methylated ( p < 0.05) between women with PTB and women with term births. The ability to identify stress-related biological markers that are associated with PTB among Black women would provide a critical step toward decreasing the PTB disparity among these women. Future studies should include larger sample sizes and gene expression analyses of the stress-related biological pathways to PTB.
Optical coherence tomography angiography as predictor of visual outcomes in retinal vein occlusion treated with antiangiogenic therapy
Authors: Mejía María Elisa , Ríos Hernán A. , Rosenstiehl Shirley , Rodríguez Francisco J. 
Published: May 2022

Purpose Evaluate optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) features in retinal vein occlusions (RVO) associated with visual outcomes after anti-VEGF. Methods Analytical observational study performed in eyes with macular edema secondary to RVO treated with anti-VEGF, with at least 6 months of follow-up. Bradley et al. classification of macular ischemia was used. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate associations between final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT-A. Results A total of 62 eyes, 61 subjects, mean age of 70 ± 12,6 years were included. Median follow up time 21,2 months (IQR 24.8), 53,2% had central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 46,8% branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Median BCVA pre-treatment was 0,84 logMAR (IQR 0,83) and post-treatment 0,47 logMAR (IQR 0,52). BCVA improved at the end of follow-up (p = 0,01), as well as central retinal thickness (CRT) (p = 0,02). Regarding capillary densities (CD), there was a decrease for both plexus, Superficial CD (p = 0,01) and Deep CD (p = 0,01), being more involved the superficial plexus. The lower the capillary density in both plexus, the worse BCVA, Superficial CD (r − 0,27, p = 0,03) and Deep CD (r − 0,29, p = 0,02). Media FAZ pre-treatment was 0,30 mm2 (IQR 0,23), with enlargement to 0,37 mm2 (IQR 0,32) (p = 0,01) post-treatment. Preservation of External Limiting Membrane/ Ellipsoid Zone (ELM/EZ) was seen in 60% of subjects (n = 37). The majority had grade 3 macular ischemia. Variables that best explain visual results were, baseline visual acuity (p = 0,01), pre-treatment CRT (p = 0,02) and pretreatment foveal superficial CD (p = 0,02). Conclusions Variables that best explain final vision after anti-VEGF were baseline visual acuity, CRT and foveal superficial CD.
Examination of corneal microstructure in the quiescent phase of vernal keratoconjunctivitis using in vivo confocal microscopy
Authors: Csorba Anita , Maneschg Otto Alexander , Resch Miklós Dénes , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt 
Published: May 2022

Introduction This study investigated the morphological characteristics of corneal microstructure in the quiescent phase of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). Methods Twenty patients with quiescent VKC and 25 healthy subjects were included. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) of the central cornea was performed. Cellular density of each layer and the morphology of subbasal nerve plexus (SBNP) was analysed. Langerhans cell density (LCD), morphology (LCM), and field area (LCF) were also examined. Results No differences were found either in cell densities nor in SBNP morphology ( p > 0.05). LCD, LCM and LCF were significantly higher in the VKC group ( p = 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The severity of papillary hypertrophy had a significant impact on LCD, LCM and LCF (β-coefficient: 19.541, p < 0.001; β-coefficient: 0.283, p < 0.001 and β-coefficient: 595.255, p < 0.001, respectively). Discussion In quiescent VKC, LCD, LCM, and LCF were increased, and they were associated with the severity of papillary hypertrophy. Alterations of Langerhans cells indicate a subclinical inflammatory process without ocular symptoms.