bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of pre-cue posterior alpha on post-cue alpha activity and target processing in visual spatial attention tasks with instructional and probabilistic cues
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Wang Jianan , Sun Junfeng , Li Chunbo , Tong Shanbao , Hong Xiangfei 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe electroencephalography alpha-band (8–13 Hz) activity may represent a crucial neural substrate of visual spatial attention. However, factors likely contributing to alpha activity have not been adequately addressed, which impedes understanding its functional roles. We investigated whether pre-cue alpha power was associated with post-cue alpha activity in 2 independent experiments (n = 30 each) with different cueing strategies (instructional vs. probabilistic) by median-splitting subjects (between-subject) or trials (within-subject) according to pre-cue alpha. In both experiments, only subjects with higher pre-cue alpha showed significant post-cue alpha desynchronization and alpha lateralization, while whether trials had higher or lower pre-cue alpha affected post-cue alpha desynchronization but not alpha lateralization. Furthermore, significant attentional modulation of target processing indexed by N1 component was observed in subjects and trials regardless of higher or lower pre-cue alpha in the instructional cueing experiment. While in the probabilistic cueing experiment, N1 attentional modulation was only observed in higher pre-cue alpha subjects and lower pre-cue alpha trials. In summary, by demonstrating the effects of pre-cue alpha and cueing strategy on post-cue alpha activity and target processing, our results suggest the necessity of considering these 2 contributing factors when investigating the functional roles of alpha activity in visual spatial attention.
Chronology of Practice: Chinese Practice in Public International Law in 2020
Authors: Wu Xiaohui 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This Survey covers materials reflecting Chinese practice in 2020 relating to: treaties, agreements and other documents signed or ratified by the People’s Republic of China; national legislation; statements made by Chinese representatives at the meetings of the UN and other international organizations, international conferences, and those made by the Foreign Ministry spokespersons, with respect to various branches of international law; and judicial decisions, in particular on the applicability and application of international conventions, by Chinese courts.
Longitudinal Changes in Subclinical Vascular Disease in Ugandan Youth With Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Dirajlal-Fargo Sahera , Zhao Chenya , Labbato Danielle , Sattar Abdus , Karungi Christine , Longenecker Chris T , Nazzinda Rashidah , Funderburg Nicholas , Kityo Cissy , Musiime Victor , McComsey Grace A 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Background
Prospective investigations on the risk of cardiovascular disease among youth with perinatally acquired human immunodeficiency virus (PHIV) in sub-Saharan Africa are lacking.

Methods
A prospective observational cohort study was performed in 101 youth (aged 10–18 years) with PHIV and 97 who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) uninfected (HIV−), from 2017 to 2021 at the Joint Clinical Research Center in Uganda. Participants with PHIV were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and had HIV-1 RNA levels ≤400 copies/mL. The common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated at baseline and at 96 weeks. Groups were compared using unpaired t-test, and potential predictors of IMT and PWV were assessed using quantile regression.

Results
Of the 198 participants recruited at baseline, 168 (89 with PHIV, 79 HIV−) had measurements at 96 weeks. The median age (interquartile range) age was 13 (11–15) years; 52% were female, and 85% had viral loads &lt;50 copies/mL that remained undetectable at week 96. The baseline mean common carotid artery IMT was slightly higher in participants with PHIV compared with controls (P &lt; .01), and PWV did not differ between groups (P = .08). At week 96, IMT decreased and PWV increased in the PHIV group (P ≤ .03); IMT increased in the HIV− group (P = .03), with no change in PWV (P = .92). In longitudinal analyses in those with PHIV, longer ART duration was associated with lower PWV (β = .008 [95% confidence interval, −.008 to .003]), and abacavir use with greater IMT (β = .043 [.012–.074]).

Conclusions
In healthy Ugandan youth with PHIV, virally suppressed by ART, the common carotid artery IMT did not progress over 2 years. Prolonged and early ART may prevent progression of subclinical vascular disease, while prolonged use of abacavir may increase it.
Mesenteric elasticity assessed by shear wave elastography and its relationship with peritoneal function in peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Diao Xiangwen , Chen Yujun , Lin Jianxiong , Xu Ming , Cao Peiyi , Peng Yuan , Wu Haishan , Guo Qunying , Huang Fengxian , Mao Haiping , Yu Xueqing , Xie Xiaoyan , Yang Xiao 
Published: August 2022

ABSTRACT

Background
We evaluated the mesenteric elasticity in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) using shear wave elastography (SWE) and investigated its relationships with peritoneal function.

Methods
Patients were recruited in our peritoneal dialysis (PD) centre between 15 July 2019 and 31 December 2021 and followed up to 31 March 2022. Twelve chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and nineteen healthy people were included as controls. Correlation, linear regression and Cox regression analyses were applied.

Results
Of the 218 PD patients, 104 (47.8%) were male. Their mean age was 48.0 ± 13.2 years and the median PD duration was 59.0 months [interquartile range (IQR) 17.0–105]. The median mesenteric SWE value was 8.15 kPa (IQR 5.20–16.1). The mesenteric SWE values of patients with a PD duration of &lt;3 months [5.20 kPa (IQR 3.10–7.60)] were not significantly different from those of CKD patients [4.35 kPa (IQR 2.63–5.20), P = .17] and healthy controls [3.60 kPa (IQR 2.90–5.10), P = .13] but were lower than those of patients with a PD duration of 3 months–5 years [6.40 kPa (IQR 4.10–10.5), P &lt; .001], 5–10 years [11.9 kPa (IQR 7.40–18.2), P &lt; .001] and &gt;10 years [19.3 kPa (IQR 11.7–27.3), P &lt; .001]. Longer PD duration (β = 0.58, P &lt; .001), high effluent interleukin-6 (β = 0.61, P = .001) and low effluent cancer antigen 125 (β = −0.34, P = .03) were independently associated with low mesenteric elasticity. The mesenteric SWE value was independently correlated with the dialysate:plasma creatinine ratio (β = 0.39, P = .01) and negatively correlated with the total daily fluid volume removed (β = −0.17, P = .03). High mesenteric SWE values were an independent risk factor for death-censored technique failure [adjusted hazard ratio 4.14 (95% confidence interval 1.25–13.7), P = .02).

Conclusions
SWE could be used to non-invasively characterize peritoneal textural changes, which were closely associated with changes in peritoneal function.
A Qualitative Methods Approach to Reimagine Education-Related Parental Involvement among Low–Socioeconomic Status Families
Authors: Perrigo Judith L , Hurlburt Michael , Harris Taylor , Villamil Grest Carolina , Borja Jessica , Samek Anya 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Disparities in academic achievement have been well documented between low– and high–socioeconomic status (SES) students in the United States. Studies point to education-related parental involvement as a key factor in academic accomplishments, with higher parental involvement facilitating higher academic achievement. However, current definitions of parental involvement neglect interpretations of parental involvement held by low-SES parents. This work explored these definitions held by low-SES families through focus groups (n = 10) and individual interviews (n = 23) with parents of school-age children. Findings suggest that low-SES parents define parental involvement to include the vital role of siblings, limited communication with teachers unless behavioral or academic problems arise, and activating informal enrichment activities. Factors that hindered their involvement include having limited time for engaging in education-related activities and poor proficiency in educational materials. These findings suggest that the concept of parental involvement ought to be conceptualized in more nuanced ways to support the closure of the academic achievement gap between students from low- and high-SES families.
Inflammatory pathways in heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: implications for future interventions
Authors: Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Filidei Francesco , De Biase Nicolò , Maffia Pasquale , Guzik Tomasz J , Masi Stefano , Taddei Stefano , Cleland John G F 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Many patients with symptoms and signs of heart failure have a left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, termed heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). HFpEF is a heterogeneous syndrome mainly affecting older people who have many other cardiac and non-cardiac conditions that often cast doubt on the origin of symptoms, such as breathlessness, or signs, such as peripheral oedema, rendering them neither sensitive nor specific to the diagnosis of HFpEF. Currently, management of HFpEF is mainly directed at controlling symptoms and treating comorbid conditions such as hypertension, atrial fibrillation, anaemia, and coronary artery disease.
HFpEF is also characterized by a persistent increase in inflammatory biomarkers. Inflammation may be a key driver of the development and progression of HFpEF and many of its associated comorbidities. Detailed characterization of specific inflammatory pathways may provide insights into the pathophysiology of HFpEF and guide its future management. There is growing interest in novel therapies specifically designed to target deregulated inflammation in many therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular disease. However, large-scale clinical trials investigating the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments in HFpEF are still lacking. In this manuscript, we review the role of inflammation in HFpEF and the possible implications for future trials.
Multimodality imaging and transcriptomics to phenotype mitral valve dystrophy in a unique knock-in Filamin-A rat model
Authors: Delwarde Constance , Toquet Claire , Aumond Pascal , Kayvanjoo Amir Hossein , Foucal Adrien , Le Vely Benjamin , Baudic Manon , Lauzier Benjamin , Blandin Stéphanie , Véziers Joëlle , Paul-Gilloteaux Perrine , Lecointe Simon , Baron Estelle , Massaiu Ilaria , Poggio Paolo , Rémy Séverine , Anegon Ignacio , Le Marec Hervé , Monassier Laurent , Schott Jean-Jacques , Mass Elvira , Barc Julien , Le Tourneau Thierry , Merot Jean , Capoulade Romain 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Aims
Degenerative mitral valve dystrophy (MVD) leading to mitral valve prolapse is the most frequent form of MV disease, and there is currently no pharmacological treatment available. The limited understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to MVD limits our ability to identify therapeutic targets. This study aimed to reveal the main pathophysiological pathways involved in MVD via the multimodality imaging and transcriptomic analysis of the new and unique knock-in (KI) rat model for the FilaminA-P637Q (FlnA-P637Q) mutation associated-MVD.

Methods and results
Wild-type (WT) and KI rats were evaluated morphologically, functionally, and histologically between 3-week-old and 3-to-6-month-old based on Doppler echocardiography, 3D micro-computed tomography (microCT), and standard histology. RNA-sequencing and Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin (ATAC-seq) were performed on 3-week-old WT and KI mitral valves and valvular cells, respectively, to highlight the main signalling pathways associated with MVD. Echocardiographic exploration confirmed MV elongation (2.0 ± 0.1 mm vs. 1.8 ± 0.1, P = 0.001), as well as MV thickening and prolapse in KI animals compared to WT at 3 weeks. 3D MV volume quantified by microCT was significantly increased in KI animals (+58% vs. WT, P = 0.02). Histological analyses revealed a myxomatous remodelling in KI MV characterized by proteoglycans accumulation. A persistent phenotype was observed in adult KI rats. Signalling pathways related to extracellular matrix homeostasis, response to molecular stress, epithelial cell migration, endothelial to mesenchymal transition, chemotaxis and immune cell migration, were identified based on RNA-seq analysis. ATAC-seq analysis points to the critical role of transforming growth factor-β and inflammation in the disease.

Conclusion
The KI FlnA-P637Q rat model mimics human myxomatous MVD, offering a unique opportunity to decipher pathophysiological mechanisms related to this disease. Extracellular matrix organization, epithelial cell migration, response to mechanical stress, and a central contribution of immune cells are highlighted as the main signalling pathways leading to myxomatous MVD. Our findings pave the road to decipher underlying molecular mechanisms and the specific role of distinct cell populations in this context.
Nicotine exacerbates endothelial dysfunction and drives atherosclerosis via extracellular vesicle-miRNA
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Cong , Shi Jiaxin , Li Hairu , Jiang Shuangquan , Zhao Peng , Zhang Maomao , Du Guoqing , Fu Shuai , Li Shouqiang , Wang Zhuo , Wang Xiaokun , Gao Fei , Sun Ping , Tian Jiawei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Aims
Nicotine, a major component of tobacco, is an important factor contributing to atherosclerosis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the link between nicotine and atherosclerosis are unclear. As extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in intercellular communication in atherosclerosis, we investigated whether their influence on arterial pathophysiology under nicotine stimulation.

Methods and results
EVs from the serum of smokers (smoker-EVs) were significantly increased and exacerbated endothelial inflammation, as well as apoptosis according to functional studies. Meanwhile, inhibition of EVs blunted the nicotine-induced atherosclerosis progression, and injection of nicotine-induced EVs promoted atherosclerosis progression in ApoE–/– mice. Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed a remarkable increase in miR-155 levels in smoker-EVs, which was correlated with carotid plaque formation in patients measured by ultrasound imaging. Moreover, CD14 levels were significantly increased in EVs from smokers (representing EVs derived from monocytes), indicating that monocytes are an important source of smoker-EVs. DNA methylation and the transcription factor HIF1α may contribute to increased miR-155 levels in monocytes, as assessed with bisulfite conversion sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Mechanistically, EVs encapsulated miR-155 induced endothelial cell dysfunction by directedly targeting BCL2, MCL1, TIMP3, BCL6, and activating NF-κB pathway, as verified in a series of molecular and biological experiments. Injecting EVs from nicotine-stimulated monocytes promoted plaque formation and triggered vascular endothelial injury in ApoE–/– mice, whereas inhibition of miR-155 weakened this effect.

Conclusion
Our findings revealed an EV-dependent mechanism of nicotine-aggravated atherosclerosis. Accordingly, we propose an EV-based intervention strategy for atherosclerosis management.
Deaf Language Specialists: Delivering Language Therapy in Signed Languages
Authors: Hoskin Joanna , Herman Ros , Woll Bencie 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Deaf professionals, whom we term Deaf Language Specialists (DLS), are frequently employed to work with children and young people who have difficulties learning sign language, but there are few accounts of this work in the literature. Through questionnaires and focus groups, 23 DLSs described their work in this area. Deductive thematic analysis was used to identify how this compared to the work of professionals (typically Speech and Language Therapists/Pathologists, SLPs) working with hearing children with difficulties learning spoken language. Inductive thematic analysis resulted in the identification of two additional themes: while many practices by DLSs are similar to those of SLPs working with hearing children, a lack of training, information, and resources hampers their work; additionally, the cultural context of language and deafness makes this a complex and demanding area of work. These findings add to the limited literature on providing language interventions in the signed modality with clinical implications for meeting the needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing children who do not achieve expectations of learning a first language in their early years. The use of these initial results in two further study phases to co-deliver interventions and co-produce training for DLSs is briefly described.
Spatiotemporal Foraging Dynamics of Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and its Potential Effects on the Spatial Structure of Interspecific Competition
Authors: Vandermeer John , Flores Jennifer , Longmeyer Jacob , Perfecto Ivette 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
The ant communities on coffee farms in the West/Central Mountains of Puerto Rico are composed of mainly invasive species, although many have a long history of occupation and are effectively naturalized. The ecological forces that maintain such communities are thus of interest, and are evidently related to the spatial patterns in which they inevitably occur. Furthermore, the spatial patterns in which members of the native ant community forage almost certainly include limitations related to the structure of the networks of subterranean foraging tunnels that extend from the nest mounds of Solenopsis invicta. Here we explore some details of that structure. We ask, what is the pattern of foraging exit holes and the gaps between them, and how does that pattern change from farm to farm and from time to time? We encounter typical underground foraging trails punctuated by foraging exits, which, we propose, create a structure above ground of relatively small foraging exits in a matrix of effective foraging gaps. This pattern varies from nest to nest and farm to farm. Other ant species clearly occupy those gaps and seem to gain some of their resilience in the system from this peculiarity of S. invicta's foraging area structure.
Impact of residual angina on long-term clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention or coronary artery bypass graft for complex coronary artery disease
Authors: Ono Masafumi , Serruys Patrick W , Kawashima Hideyuki , Lunardi Mattia , Wang Rutao , Hara Hironori , Gao Chao , Garg Scot , O'Leary Neil , Wykrzykowska Joanna J , Piek Jan J , Holmes David R , Morice Marie-Claude , Kappetein Arie Pieter , Noack Thilo , Davierwala Piroze M , Spertus John A , Cohen David J , Onuma Yoshinobu ,   for the SYNTAX Extended Survival Investigators, Head Stuart J , Davierwala Piroze M , Mohr Friedrich-Wilhelm , Serruys Patrick W J C , Mack Michael J , Holmes David R , Morice Marie-Claude , Kappetein A Pieter 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact on 10-year survival of patient-reported anginal status at 1 year following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) in patients with left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) and/or three-vessel CAD (3VD).

Methods and results
In this post hoc analysis of the randomized SYNTAX Extended Survival study, patients were classified as having residual angina (RA) if their self-reported Seattle Angina Questionnaire angina frequency (SAQ-AF) scale was ≤90 at the 1-year follow-up post-revascularization with PCI or CABG. The primary endpoint of all-cause death at 10 years was compared between the RA and no-RA groups. A sensitivity analysis was performed using a 6-month SAQ-AF.
At 1 year, 373 (26.1%) out of 1428 patients reported RA. Whilst RA at 1 year was an independent correlate of repeat revascularization at 5 years [18.3 vs. 11.5%; adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10–2.15], it was not associated with all-cause death at 10 years (22.1 vs. 21.6%; adjusted HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.83–1.47). These results were consistent when stratified by the modality of revascularization (PCI or CABG) or by anginal frequency. The sensitivity analysis replicating the analyses based on 6-month angina status resulted in similar findings.

Conclusion
Among patients with LMCAD and/or 3VD, patient-reported RA at 1 year post-revascularization was independently associated with repeat revascularization at 5 years; however, it did not significantly increase 10-year mortality, irrespective of the primary modality of revascularization or severity of RA.
The cost-effectiveness of rivaroxaban with or without aspirin in the COMPASS trial
Authors: Lamy Andre , Eikelboom John , Tong Wesley , Yuan Fei , Bangdiwala Shrikant I , Bosch Jackie , Connolly Stuart , Lonn Eva , Dagenais Gilles R , Branch Kelley R H , Wang Wei-Jhih , Bhatt Deepak L , Probstfield Jeff , Ertl Georg , Störk Stefan , Steg P Gabriel , Aboyans Victor , Durand-Zaleski Isabelle , Ryden Lars , Yusuf Salim 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Aims
The Cardiovascular Outcomes for People Using Anticoagulation Strategies (COMPASS) trial demonstrated that rivaroxaban 2.5 mg BID with aspirin 100 mg was more effective than aspirin 100 mg daily alone for the prevention of cardiovascular (CV) death, stroke, or myocardial infarction in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD). We aimed to examine the cost-effectiveness of rivaroxaban using patient-level data from the COMPASS trial.

Methods and results
We performed an in-trial analysis and extrapolated our results for 33 years using a two-state Markov model with a 1-year cycle length. Hospitalization events, procedures, and study drugs were documented for patients. We applied country-specific (Canada, France, and Germany) direct healthcare system costs (in USD) to healthcare resources consumed by patients. Average cost per patient during the trial (mean follow-up of 23 months), quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and lifetime cost-effectiveness were calculated. Costs of events and procedures were reduced with rivaroxaban 2.5 mg BID with aspirin. The addition of rivaroxaban 2.5 mg BID increased total costs for the combination group. Over a lifetime horizon (in trial +33 years), rivaroxaban plus aspirin was associated with 1.17 QALYs gained, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $3946/QALY, $9962/QALY, and $10 264/QALY in Canada, France, and Germany, respectively. PAD and polyvascular disease subgroups had lower ICERs.

Conclusion
Rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin compared with aspirin alone reduces direct healthcare costs. After acquisition costs of rivaroxaban, the lifetime cost-effectiveness of 2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin is highly cost-effective in Canada, France, and Germany.
(COMPASS ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01776424)