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Plasma proteins and mechanisms involved in the evolvement of cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Abstract Heart failure (HF) is a severe potential complication of myocardial infarction(MI). However precise mechanisms underlying progression from MI to HF are not yet fully understood. Exploring how plasma proteomic profiles of post-MI patients relate to cardiac function during follow-up can give insights into pathophysiological processes that contribute to HF development. We measured 4587 circulating proteins in 246 patients hospitalized for a first anterior Q-wave MI at 1, 3 and 12 months post-MI. Echocardiographic measurements of left-ventricular (LV) end-diastolic volume (EDV), LV ejection fraction (EF), and left atrial volume (AV), were assessed at hospital discharge, 3, and 12 months. Associations between protein and echocardiographic variables were assessed using pair-wise multivariate linear mixed-effects models. Median (IQR) age was 56 (46, 69) years, and 19% were women. Twenty-eight proteins were associated with LVEDV (linked to cardiac remodeling, vascular dysfunction, oxidative stress), twelve with AV (coronary artery disease, atherosclerosis, immune system), and eight with LVEF (cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation). Trajectories of all three echocardiographic variables were associated with NT-proBNP and BNP. Our results give an overview of the most important mechanisms related to the deterioration of cardiac function after MI, with cardiac stress, cardiac remodeling, vascular dysfunction, and inflammation emerging as central mechanisms.
pH-dependent structural dynamics of neuropeptide Y in aqueous solution
Neuropeptide Y regulates key molecular processes in the brain. Its interaction with the cell membrane, where it binds to specialized receptors with key physiological roles, likely depends on pH. Available structural ensembles of both porcine and human peptides, solved by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) at an acidic pH in aqueous solution, indicate an α -helical core with unstructured termini. However, the protonation states of the carboxylic and histidine residues of the peptide, as well as the interplay between these states and peptide conformational dynamics, remain unexplored. In this study, we performed constant pH simulations and graph-based analyses to investigate the dynamics and H-bond patterns of neuropeptide Y within a pH range of 3.0 to 7.0. We found that an α -helical core is present at all pH values, though its length can vary by 2–3 residues depending on the pH. The pK a of Asp16, part of the α -helix, and of Asp11 may shift by more than one pH unit. Based on these findings, we suggest that performing constant pH simulations may be required to accurately describe neuropeptide Y interactions with its cellular partners at the pH values of interest.
Dietary gallic acid facilitate growth performance, improve slaughter performance through enhanced intestinal function in yellow-feathered broiler
Evaluating others’ well-being: Survey experiment on fictional Japanese celebrities generated from wikipedia articles and ChatGPT
Well-being attracts scholars’ and policymakers’ interests for decades. This study examines how respondents evaluate a “Good Life,” “Happy Life,” and “Meaningful Life” through the analysis of fictional celebrity articles using the supervised Indian Buffet Process (sIBP). We identify key patterns in well-being perception, highlighting the importance of artistic engagement, public influence, and career success across all three dimensions. While happiness is closely linked to career achievements and personal stability, meaning is driven by cultural and artistic contributions, and a good life balances both elements. Personal hardships negatively impact all three dimensions but are particularly detrimental to happiness. Conversely, creative contributions and public engagement enhance perceptions of a meaningful life. These findings suggest that external success and intrinsic fulfillment are both essential for well-being. Our approach demonstrates the value of computational text analysis in uncovering nuanced insights into societal conceptions of a fulfilling life, paving the way for further interdisciplinary research on well-being and perception.
Nitrogen oxides removal from hydrogen flue gas by direct photolysis
Predatory activity and nematocidal compounds released into liquid culture filtrates as attack strategies of a Mexican strain of Arthrobotrys oligospora against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae
Nematophagous fungi offer a sustainable alternative for controlling nematode infections in small ruminants. The aims were to isolate and characterize both morphological and molecular nematophagous fungi from soil, to assess their predatory activity and the nematocidal activity of their liquid culture filtrates (LCF) against Haemonchus contortus infective larvae (L3), and to identify the protease activity of the LCF and mycoconstituents. The isolated and characterized Arthrobotrys oligospora was identified using both morphological and molecular techniques, with a similarity of 98%. Additionally, the isolated strain showed 89% phylogenetic similarity in the phylogenetic tree concerning the Arthrobotrys order. The A. oligospora isolate exhibited 72.06% predatory activity, and the liquid filtrate demonstrated 96.10% nematocidal activity at 100 mg/mL after 48 hours post-exposure against H. contortus infective larvae. Regarding enzyme activity, A. oligospora showed metalloprotease and cysteine-protease activities, and the zymogram revealed that these activities were higher under acidic conditions (pH 5).
Do obesity drugs treat addiction? Huge study hints at their promise
North–South asymmetry of Parkinson’s disease mortality in Brazil between 2009 and 2023: a spatial analysis
Person-centered strategies for integrating TB treatment into community pharmacies for people with TB/HIV in Uganda: A human-centered design methodology study protocol
Background Community pharmacies (private retail drug shops or pharmacies) have successfully delivered antiretroviral therapy (ART) to people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and could support integrated tuberculosis (TB) treatment, but the implementation strategies are unclear. To inform a planned pilot randomized trial, we aim to develop person-centered strategies for integrating TB treatment into community pharmacies targeting people with TB/HIV using a Human-Centered Design (HCD) methodology. Here, we describe the study protocol. Methods We will employ a three-phased HCD methodology comprising inspiration, ideation, and implementation across six primary health facilities in Kampala, Uganda. Eligible participants will include people with TB/HIV, focal persons for TB and HIV, Ministry of Health officials, and community pharmacy healthcare providers. The inspiration phase will build the themes on barriers and facilitators to integrating TB treatment into community pharmacies from a qualitative study, complemented by participant observations at selected 2–3 community pharmacies to understand the care pathway of people with TB/HIV (journey mapping), including sketching the ideal pharmacy-based TB treatment pick-up. The ideation phase will use design workshops to consolidate identified themes, generate insight statements, including translating them into design opportunities, and conclude with forming low and high-fidelity prototypes. The implementation phase will comprise two rounds of prototype testing, low and high fidelity, with 12–16 participants per round, including people with TB/HIV, focal persons, Ministry of Health officials, and pharmacy health workers. Feedback on usability, desirability, feasibility, and viability will guide iterative refinement, with high-scoring prototypes in system usability surveys prioritized for trial. Discussion Through iterative user engagement, we will adapt contextually relevant strategies that will leverage key facilitators and address barriers to TB treatment integration. Strategies demonstrating perceived usefulness, user-friendliness, high acceptability, person-centeredness, and contextual relevance will be adapted and piloted in a planned randomized trial aiming to determine feasibility, acceptability, and fidelity, including preliminary effectiveness.
The Epstein scandal is a wake-up call — new rules are needed on links with rich donors
Evaluation method for engineering supervisory action quality based on dual-code activity network
Communication competences of multiple sclerosis neurologists during advance care planning conversations: A multi-observer study
Background The ConCure-SM intervention [ISRCTN48527663] consists of an advance care planning (ACP) training program for neurologists/other professionals caring for people with progressive multiple sclerosis (PwPMS). We assessed the communication competences of ACP-trained neurologists who participated in the trial. Methods Eighteen ACP conversations were audio-recorded. After each conversation, participants (PwPMS, significant others [SOs], and neurologists) rated the neurologist’s communication skills using dedicated versions of the Quality of Communication questionnaire (QOC). Independent observers assessed the conversations using the Observing Patient Involvement in Shared Decision Making (SDM; OPTION), and the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES). Results Mean duration of the ACP conversations was 62.7 minutes. Neurologists (5/7 women) were 30–62-year-old. PwPMS mean age was 61.8 years, 39% were women. Mean QOC scores (distinguished in general communication and end-of-life communication; 0–100 scale) were 92.4, 90.1 respectively, according to PwPMS; 95.2, 94.3 according to SOs. Mean neurologists’ self-reported QOC score (0–100 scale) was 69.5. Mean OPTION score (0–100 scale) was 48.4. PwPMS expressed a median of 8.5 cues (hints to emotion) and 3.0 concerns (explicit expressions of emotion) per conversation. Neurologists provided space to 59% of cues and 73% of concerns. A quarter of cues/concerns contained figurative expressions or metaphors to express concerns or as signals of emotional distress. Moreover, 12% of expressions were coded as positive emotional statements (i.e., expressions indicating hope, confidence, and positive wishes). Conclusions Neurologists’ communication skills during ACP conversations were rated as high using the QOC by both PwPMS and SOs, while neurologists rated their own skills more critically. Neurologists’ SDM competences were moderate, but higher compared to two published studies on MS consultations. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of ACP conversation transcripts indicate that ACP can evoke many emotions. In most instances neurologists provided space for the PwPMS to elaborate on affective expressions. Trial registration ISRCTN48527663.
Projected impacts of climate change on malaria in Africa
Variations in genotype- and position-dependent seed tuber sprouting linked to skin morphology in white Guinea yam
Factors influencing job satisfaction and turnover intention among nurses in the UAE
Job satisfaction and turnover intention are critical factors influencing nurse retention and healthcare outcomes. This study explores the impact of organizational policies, work environment, patient care quality, and individual factors on job satisfaction and turnover intention among nurses in the UAE. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with data collected between August and November 2024 from 313 nurses working across various healthcare settings in the UAE. Validated self-reported questionnaires, including the Job Satisfaction Scale and a Turnover Intention Measure, were used. The survey assessed job satisfaction, turnover intention, and their associations with key organizational and individual factors. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to identify significant relationships and prevalence rates. The findings showed that 73.5% of nurses were satisfied with their jobs, while 20.1% reported an intention to leave. Job satisfaction was positively associated with supportive organizational policies, a positive work environment, higher patient care quality, and individual characteristics. Turnover intention was lower compared to global benchmarks, suggesting the potential impact of favourable workplace practices and systems in the UAE. Enhancing job satisfaction and reducing turnover intention require supportive policies, positive work environments, and access to professional development opportunities.
Mitochondrial apoptosis gene-based pathomics for ovarian cancer prognosis
A cost-effective breast cancer screening strategy for Urban China: Findings from a Shenzhen-based modeling study
Background Early detection through breast cancer screening significantly enhances survival rates and reduces mortality. However, financial constraints in low- and middle-income countries often limit the implementation of large-scale screening programs. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of a combined Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), Breast Ultrasound (BUS), and supplementary Mammography (MAM), screening strategy for women aged 35–65 in Shenzhen, China. It further identifies optimal screening protocols by analyzing variations in screening frequency, starting/ending ages, and long-term health outcomes. Methods A Markov model was developed from a societal perspective to assess the lifetime cost-effectiveness of biennial (CBE + BUS)+MAM screening for women aged 35–65. A total of 27 strategies were simulated, varying screening frequency (annual, biennial, triennial), age at initiation (35, 40, 45), age at cessation (65, 69, 70), and modality combinations. Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) served as the primary health outcome metric. Incremental Cost-Utility Ratios (ICURs) were calculated, with one-way and second-order Monte Carlo sensitivity analyses conducted to evaluate parameter uncertainty. Results Among 699,600 participants, 724 breast cancer cases were detected (detection rate: 103.49 per 100,000), with 88% diagnosed at early stages. The current Shenzhen strategy – biennial Clinical Breast Examination combined with Breast Ultrasound and supplementary Mammography ((CBE + BUS)+MAM/2year/35_65) – demonstrated an ICUR of 140,915 CNY/QALY compared to no screening, below one times the per capita GDP (indicating cost-effectiveness). In various scenarios, while the (CBE + BUS)+MAM/3year/45_65 strategy had a lower ICUR (95,545 CNY/QALY), the ICUR for the current strategy versus this alternative was 518,121 CNY/QALY, still below the willingness-to-pay threshold of 537,000 CNY (three times GDP). Second-order Monte Carlo simulations confirmed the robustness of the current strategy in 76% of scenarios. Conclusion The (CBE + BUS) +MAM/2year/35_65 strategy was identified as the optimal choice among 27 alternatives, providing a cost-effective balance between early detection and resource efficiency. This evidence solidifies its use and offers a strategic framework for allocating public health resources in Shenzhen and comparable urban settings.
Author Correction: Increased emergency cardiovascular events among under-40 population in Israel during vaccine rollout and third COVID-19 wave
Study protocol for a multiarm, randomized controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of community-based frailty rehabilitation to improve physical function in older adults: The OPTIMAL Fitness Trial
Background Frailty in older adults is on the rise with the rapid aging population. Frailty is dynamic and proven to be reversible or treatable. Evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of community-based frailty interventions is limited. Frailty rehabilitation has the potential to be an accessible community-based intervention that may enable independence. We will examine a model of frailty rehabilitation and consider key components for improving physical function, frailty, sarcopenia, and cost-effectiveness. Methods A multiarm, parallel-group, partially blinded, randomized controlled trial will compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of OPTimizing Independence, Mobility, and Active Life (OPTIMAL) Fitness multimodal (group exercise, nutritional coaching/supplementation, medication optimization) versus OPTIMAL Fitness exercise-only and control. Participants in the OPTIMAL Fitness multimodal and exercise-only groups will attend exercise classes twice weekly for 4 months and be provided with a tailored one-hour home exercise program. We will recruit community-dwelling older adults living with frailty aged ≥65 years. Eligibility includes a FRAIL scale score of ≥2 (prefrail or frail), ability to ambulate 25 meters, follow two-step commands, and not attend another group exercise program. The target sample size is 324 participants (n = 108 per arm). The primary outcome is physical function measured via the Short Performance Physical Battery and the 400m Walk Test. Secondary outcomes include frailty change, sarcopenia, cognition, affect, quality of life, and healthcare utilization. Outcome analysis will be performed via generalized linear model analysis. Analyses will be based on the intention-to-treat principle. This protocol is guided by the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials statement. Discussion This trial is the first to determine whether a community-based frailty rehabilitation intervention can improve physical function in older adults with frailty and the level of intervention needed. The results from the OPTIMAL Fitness study will guide the development of a standardized program that could be implemented in global regions. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03824106 Registered January 31, 2019, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03824106