Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Conceptual Models to Explain Heart Failure With a Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Tale of Futility, Frustration, and Perhaps, Fruition
Robust performance optimization of UAV dynamic systems using MPC-PID hybrid control
N-Palmitoyl Glutamine Is a Candidate Mediator of Cardiorespiratory Fitness
BACKGROUND: Cardiorespiratory fitness is an integrative measure of cardiometabolic health and predictor of survival, yet little is known about its molecular underpinnings. Small molecule metabolites and lipids are increasingly recognized as exercise-stimulated signaling molecules and candidate molecular transducers of cardiorespiratory fitness. METHODS: We performed nontargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry–based plasma metabolomics in 654 participants (mean age, 35 years; 55% women) from the HERITAGE Family Study (Health, Risk Factors, Exercise Training, and Genetics) who had cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake [VO 2 max]) measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing and underwent 20 weeks of supervised endurance training. Metabolite–VO 2 max relationships were assessed using linear regression and tested for replication in FHS (Framingham Heart Study) participants who also underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Metabolite relationships with incident all-cause mortality ascertained in JHS (Jackson Heart Study) and MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) were tested using Cox regression. Experimental studies of cellular respiration and mitochondrial function were performed in C2C12 myotubes. RESULTS: An unknown mass spectrometry peak (mass-to-charge, 385.3056; retention time, 3.69 minutes) had the strongest, positive relationship with VO 2 max (mL×kg −1 min −1 ) after adjustment for age, sex, race, and lean body mass (β=1.29; false discovery rate q =5.3×10 −6 ); was identified as N-palmitoyl glutamine (N-pal-gln) using tandem mass spectrometry and bioinformatics; and was confirmed with an authentic chemical standard. The biological role of N-pal-gln has not been described previously. The relationship of N-pal-gln with VO 2 max was validated in 408 participants from the FHS (β=1.2; P =3.8×10 −5 ), and its levels increased after exercise training (log fold change=0.22; q =5.3×10 −12 ). N-pal-gln levels were inversely associated with all-cause mortality in JHS and MESA (hazard ratio, 0.91 and 0.65 [ P =0.029 and P =0.028], respectively). Previous studies have shown that structurally related biochemicals modulate energy homeostasis; thus, we performed mitochondrial experiments. N-pal-gln administration led to a dose-dependent increase in mitochondrial:nuclear DNA ratio compared with control treated cells (15% and 20% increases at 6.5 nM and 26 nM N-pal-gln, respectively [ P =0.04 and P =0.02]) and improved bioenergetics (N-pal-gln at 26 nM increased the phosphate:oxygen ratio across ADP concentrations from 0 to 100 μM; ANOVA P =0.0027). CONCLUSIONS: We identified a novel, lipidated amino acid, N-pal-gln, that is positively associated with VO 2 max, increases after regular aerobic exercise, and is inversely associated with incident mortality. N-pal-gln stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis and efficiency, demonstrating its potential role as an exercise-stimulated transducer of cardiorespiratory fitness.
Gut plasma membrane proteomes reflect the distinct feeding strategies of Nezara viridula and Diaphorina citri
Dapagliflozin Reduces Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Myocardial Fibrosis in Subclinical Heart Failure: The DAPA-EAT Trial
Impact of extreme weather events on faecal sludge management based on standardized precipitation index in Dar es Salaam
Randomized Controlled Trial of Mechanical Thrombectomy With Anticoagulation Versus Anticoagulation Alone for Acute Intermediate-High Risk Pulmonary Embolism: Primary Outcomes From the STORM-PE Trial
BACKGROUND: Patients with intermediate-high risk pulmonary embolism (PE) have an elevated right ventricular (RV) to left ventricular (LV) diameter ratio and are at risk of early clinical decompensation and mortality. Reperfusion therapy aims to rapidly relieve acute RV pressure overload and to normalize hemodynamics. STORM-PE (A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Anticoagulation Alone Versus Anticoagulation Plus Mechanical Aspiration With the Indigo Aspiration System for the Treatment of Intermediate-High Risk Acute Pulmonary Embolism) is the first reported randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy and to evaluate the safety of mechanical thrombectomy, specifically computer-assisted vacuum thrombectomy (CAVT) with anticoagulation compared to anticoagulation alone. METHODS: STORM-PE is an international randomized controlled trial with 1:1 randomization to CAVT with anticoagulation or anticoagulation alone. Eligible adults had acute-onset (symptoms ≤14 days), intermediate-high risk PE and were normotensive, with an RV/LV ratio ≥1.0 on computed tomographic pulmonary angiography and elevated cardiac biomarkers. The primary end-point analysis tested for a difference between groups for the change in RV/LV ratio at 48 hours, assessed by a blinded independent imaging core laboratory. Secondary end points included major adverse events within 7 days (a composite of clinical deterioration necessitating rescue therapy, PE-related mortality, symptomatic recurrent PE, and major bleeding), adjudicated by an external clinical events committee. Additional outcomes included change in vital signs and core laboratory–assessed pulmonary artery obstruction at 48 hours. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients enrolled across 22 sites were randomized to CAVT (n=47) or anticoagulation alone (n=53). Baseline characteristics were comparable between arms. At 48 hours, mean reduction in RV/LV ratio was greater for CAVT (0.52±0.37) than anticoagulation (0.24±0.40), a difference of 0.27 (95% CI, 0.12–0.43; P <0.001). Refined modified and modified Miller scores exhibited greater changes for CAVT than anticoagulation alone at 48 hours ( P <0.001). Early normalization of vital signs within 48 hours was more frequent after CAVT. The major adverse event rate within 7 days was not different between groups (CAVT, 4.3% versus anticoagulation, 7.5%; P =0.681). Two PE-related deaths occurred in the CAVT arm. CONCLUSIONS: CAVT was superior to anticoagulation alone in reducing RV/LV ratio within 48 hours in patients with intermediate-high risk PE, accompanied by earlier normalization of vital signs and major adverse event rates comparable to those for anticoagulation. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT05684796.
Role of environmental variables on plant community formation in simien mountains national park afromontane vegetation
Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy Inhibition With Alirocumab: The CAVIAR Trial
BACKGROUND: Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is an important cause of mortality after heart transplantation (HT). Dyslipidemia is a major contributor to the development of cardiac allograft vasculopathy. The safety and effectiveness of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibition to lower cholesterol and to prevent cardiac allograft vasculopathy early after HT are not well established. METHODS: In this investigator-initiated, prospective, multicenter, double-blind randomized trial, participants were randomized early after HT to receive either alirocumab or placebo in addition to rosuvastatin. Before randomization and at 1 year, all participants underwent invasive coronary assessment, including angiography, fractional flow reserve, coronary flow reserve, the index of microcirculatory resistance, and intravascular ultrasound with near-infrared spectroscopy. Lipid values were assessed at baseline and at prespecified intervals. The primary end point was the change in coronary artery plaque volume from baseline to 1 year after HT based on serial intravascular ultrasound. RESULTS: A total of 114 HT recipients were included (57 assigned to alirocumab and 57 assigned to placebo). Baseline characteristics were well matched between the 2 groups. The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased significantly from baseline to 1 year in the alirocumab arm (72.7±31.7 to 31.5±20.7 mg/dL; P <0.001) and did not change with placebo (69.0±22.4 to 69.2±28.1 mg/dL; P =0.92). Plaque volume increased numerically in both groups from baseline to 12 months (alirocumab, 176.3±95.2 to 184.5±105.4 mm³; P =0.23; placebo 173.7±96.7 to 183.1±109.8 mm 3 ; P =0.15). The change in plaque volume (mean difference in differences) did not differ between groups (1.01 [0.89–1.14]; P =0.86). Fractional flow reserve, coronary flow reserve, and the index of microcirculatory resistance did not change significantly with the addition of alirocumab. There were no significant adverse events related to alirocumab. CONCLUSIONS: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 inhibition with alirocumab in addition to statin therapy early after HT safely lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but did not reduce coronary artery plaque progression after 1 year compared with rosuvastatin alone in patients with a low baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique identifier: NCT03537742.
Learning enhanced scheduling and resource allocation for heterogeneous UAV swarms in edge assisted remote sensing
Response by Tanguturi and Elmariah to Letter Regarding Article, “Electronic Provider Notification to Facilitate the Recognition and Management of Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial”
Influence of different industrial resource profiles on taxonomical richness and community structure of insects populations
Abstract Industrial activity has significant effects on terrestrial biota and insect community which are considered a significant biological indicator of alterations in the environment. This research examined insect diversity, dominance, and abundance over two years on eight factory types (both non-food and food-processing) in 6th of October City, Egypt. To describe insect community structures and determine the ecological drivers of observed patterns, the study used a variety of biodiversity indices, such as Taxa_S, Shannon_H, Simpson_1-D, Menhinick, Margalef, Fisher’s Alpha, Evenness, Equitability_J, Dominance_D, Brillouin, Berger-Parker, and ACE. Due to the abundance of organic waste, the results consistently demonstrated that food-processing factories, especially the ice cream and cheese factories, supported the highest taxonomic richness and diversity. Conversely, the car’s factory exhibited the lowest diversity, though it demonstrated unexpected improvements in evenness in 2022, possibly indicating microhabitat development or reduced stressors. Despite maintaining low variety, the chips & corn factory consistently recorded the highest insect abundance, indicating substantial dominance by a small number of highly adapted species. The cycle of seasons and thus the massed population in the onion factory was unconventional due to the unpleasant nature of onion byproducts. The ice cream factory carried a more balanced community as compared to the chocolate and Meat Factories that had high Berger-Parker indices. In most places, spring was a season of seasonal highs in diversity and abundance. The influence of personal products of industry turns out with the rich and unreasonable preponderance of Coleoptera (Ptinidae, Nitidulidae) and over-abundance of Diptera, in particular, Muscidae and Drosophilidae. Such findings evidence the role of industry in greatly influencing insect ecology and show how a tailored seasonally adjustable whole integrated pest management protocol dependent upon the resource availability, ecological considerations specific to a particular factory are needed.
Letter by Huang et al Regarding Article, “Electronic Provider Notification to Facilitate the Recognition and Management of Severe Aortic Stenosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial”
The impact of DeepSeek’s perceived interactivity on medical students’ self-directed learning ability
Abstract With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, DeepSeek, as a new-generation generative AI model, has demonstrated significant advantages in the field of medical education. Its robust interactive capabilities and localized deployment features make it particularly well-suited for medical education scenarios. This study aims to explore the mechanism and underlying pathways through which perceived interactivity influences medical students’ self-directed learning ability. It also examines whether social influence indirectly affects self-directed learning ability via the mediating role of self-efficacy, and investigates whether trust moderates the relationship between social influence and behavioral intention. These findings reveal theoretical and practical implications for medical education contexts. This study employed SPSS 27.0 software for statistical data description, utilized Amos 27.0 software to validate the research model, and integrated Process 3.3.1 software to conduct moderation effect analysis. Building upon this foundation, an innovative research framework was constructed by synthesizing three major theoretical models. A random sampling method was used to collect 691 valid questionnaire responses from medical students. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderation effect analysis were then applied to test the research hypotheses. Perceived interactivity indirectly promotes willingness to use through performance expectancy (β = 0.180, p < 0.001) and effort expectancy (β = 0.428, p < 0.001), while social influence exerts the most significant direct effect on willingness to use (β = 0.925, p < 0.001). Furthermore, self-efficacy played a crucial mediating role between intention to use and self-directed learning ability (β = 0.575, p < 0.001), forming a psychological bridge from technology acceptance to capability enhancement. This study integrates the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), and the Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model to construct a multidimensional mechanism framework examining how perceived interactivity of DeepSeek influences medical students’ autonomous learning capabilities. This study not only validates the synergistic effects of social cognition and technological ease of use in the digital transformation of medical education but also provides theoretical support and practical pathways for the precise adaptation and optimization of DeepSeek within medical education settings. It offers significant implications for advancing the innovative development of medical education.
Quantitative dissection of sexual dimorphism in mice through Y-linked gene knockouts and multivariate phenotyping
Experimental evaluation of alumina nanoparticle additives in sunflower oil methyl ester for enhanced CI engine performance and emission control
Monitoring and assessment of potentially hazardous particles in high-risk workplaces in the production of Ni-Cd batteries
Abstract The manufacture of Ni-Cd batteries involves the risk of contact with and inhalation of dust particles containing heavy metals, including potential carcinogens. Three workplaces were selected that appeared to pose the greatest risk to workers in terms of exposure to heavy metal (nickel and cadmium) dust generated during the production and handling of nickel-cadmium plates. Although the limits for dust and carcinogens and mutagens are very strict, they are gradually being tightened. Therefore, the main motivation was to find the source of the highest amounts of respirable particles, determine the size of the particles, the composition of the fraction and evaluated potential toxicity of particles captured on the filters. This will help to propose additional measures to minimise concentrations of potentially carcinogenic particles in the working environment. The chemical analysis, particle size distribution, metal content and cytotoxicity of the particles trapped on the filters were investigated. While the concentration of heavy metals was well below the permissible exposure limits, the extracts obtained from the sampled filters had a significant effect on cytotoxicity, particularly those containing lower concentrations of particles.