Search Results (205)

Background: Aortic stenosis (AS) is a prevalent acquired heart valve disease with increasing incidence, particularly among older adults. Gender-specific differences in AS presentation, comorbidities, and outcomes remain underexplored, necessitating further investigation to optimize personalized treatment strategies. Objective: To evaluate the clinical and demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and survival outcomes of patients with AS, stratified by gender and aortic valve morphology. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 145,454 echocardiographic examinations (2009–2018) at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “V.A. Almazov National Medical Research Centre” identified 84,851 patients meeting the inclusion criteria (Vmax ≥ 2.0 m/s, age ≥ 18 years). Patients were stratified by gender and valve morphology (bicuspid aortic valve [BAV] vs. tricuspid aortic valve [TAV]). Survival was assessed in 475 pts with AS over a 16-year period (2009–2025) using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Statistical comparisons utilized STATISTICA v. 10.0, with p-values derived from P-tests. Results: Of the cohort, 4998 men and 6322 women had AS. Men with AS were older (median 64 vs. 57 years, p < 0.0001) and had higher systolic blood pressure (140 vs. 130 mmHg, p < 0.0001) than men without AS. Women with AS were also older (median 70 vs. 58 years, p < 0.0001) with higher systolic (140 vs. 130 mmHg, p < 0.0001) and diastolic blood pressure (80 vs. 80 mmHg, p < 0.0001). Men with AS had higher rates of hyperlipidemia (HLP) (26.3% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.0001), while women with AS had increased coronary artery disease (CAD) (35.7% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.0001), diabetes mellitus (DM) (13.4% vs. 10.2%, p < 0.0001), and obesity (10.9% vs. 10.2%, p = 0.06). Chronic heart failure (CHF) was more frequently reported in patients with AS, regardless of gender, compared to patients without AS (in men 53.4% vs. 41.8%, p < 0.0001; in women 54.5% vs. 37.5%, p < 0.0001). BAV was associated with higher AS prevalence (54.5% in men, 66.4% in women). Survival analysis revealed higher mortality. Over the 16-year follow-up period, the mortality rate was 21.7%. Conclusions: Mortality in a representative AS cohort reached 21.7%, underscoring the progressive nature of the disease and its long-term impact. Survival was negatively affected by age over 68.5 years, as well as the presence of aortic regurgitation (AR), increased peak aortic jet velocity, and enlarged maximum aortic diameter. Aortic valve replacement demonstrates an insignificant effect on patient survival rates. Beta-blocker therapy in patients with varying degrees of aortic AS severity has not only demonstrated its safety but has also shown a positive effect on reducing mortality (improving survival). In contrast, the combination of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) with calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is quite dangerous for patients with AS and reduces their survival. Aortic valve replacement demonstrates an insignificant effect on patient survival rates. In contrast, the absence of fibrinolytic therapy and anticoagulant treatment is associated with an improved prognosis. Conversely, the administration of antiarrhythmic agents and statins is correlated with enhanced survival outcomes, potentially attributable to their influence on coexisting comorbidities. Further research is required to delineate their precise mechanisms and contributions. These results emphasize the importance of early identification, comprehensive risk assessment, and individualized management strategies in improving outcomes for patients with AS. Full article

Background: The candidate therapeutic peptide TnP demonstrates broad, system-level regulatory capacity, revealed through integrated network analysis from transcriptomic data in zebrafish. Our study primarily identifies TnP as a multifaceted modulator of drug metabolism, wound healing, proteolytic activity, and pigmentation pathways. Results: Transcriptomic profiling of TnP-treated larvae following tail fin amputation revealed 558 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), categorized into four functional networks: (1) drug-metabolizing enzymes (cyp3a65, cyp1a) and transporters (SLC/ABC families), where TnP alters xenobiotic processing through Phase I/II modulation; (2) cellular trafficking and immune regulation, with upregulated myosin genes (myhb/mylz3) enhancing wound repair and tlr5-cdc42 signaling fine-tuning inflammation; (3) proteolytic cascades (c6ast4, prss1) coupled to autophagy (ulk1a, atg2a) and metabolic rewiring (g6pca.1-tg axis); and (4) melanogenesis-circadian networks (pmela/dct-fbxl3l) linked to ubiquitin-mediated protein turnover. Key findings highlight TnP’s unique coordination of rapid (protease activation) and sustained (metabolic adaptation) responses, enabled by short network path lengths (1.6–2.1 edges). Hub genes, such as nr1i2 (pxr), ppara, and bcl6aa/b, mediate crosstalk between these systems, while potential risks—including muscle hypercontractility (myhb overexpression) or cardiovascular effects (ace2-ppp3ccb)—underscore the need for targeted delivery. The zebrafish model validated TnP-conserved mechanisms with human relevance, particularly in drug metabolism and tissue repair. TnP’s ability to synchronize extracellular matrix remodeling, immune resolution, and metabolic homeostasis supports its development for the treatment of fibrosis, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Conclusions: Future work should focus on optimizing tissue-specific delivery and assessing genetic variability to advance clinical translation. This system-level analysis positions TnP as a model example for next-generation multi-pathway therapeutics. Full article

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), originally developed for cardiovascular indications, have gained attention for their therapeutic potential in neuropsychiatric, endocrine, and pain-related disorders. In neuropsychiatry, nimodipine and isradipine, both L-type CCBs, show mood-stabilizing and neuroprotective effects, with possible benefits in depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In endocrinology, verapamil, a non-dihydropyridine L-type blocker, has been associated with the preservation of pancreatic β-cell function and reduced insulin dependence in diabetes. CCBs may also aid in managing primary aldosteronism and pheochromocytoma, particularly in patients with calcium signaling mutations. In pain medicine, α2δ ligands and selective blockers of N-type and T-type channels demonstrate efficacy in neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, their broader use is limited by challenges in central nervous system (CNS) penetration, off-target effects, and heterogeneous trial outcomes. Future research should focus on pharmacogenetic stratification, novel delivery platforms, and combination strategies to optimize repurposing of CCBs across disciplines. Full article

In the marine red alga Pyropia yezoensis, filamentous phases of the life cycle, e.g., the conchocelis (sporophyte) and conchosporangium (conchosporophyte), proliferate by tip growth. In this study, we investigated the possible involvement of phosphoinositide turnover and actin polymerization in the spontaneous initiation and tip growth of new branches in isolated single-celled conchocelis cells using pharmacological treatments. Treatment with LY294002 and U73122, specific inhibitors of phosphoinositide-phosphate 3-kinase and phospholipase C, respectively, reduced side-branch formation and inhibited the elongation of branches. In addition, two inhibitors of the actin cytoskeleton, cytochalasin B (CCB) and latrunculin B (LAT-B), had similar effects on tip growth. However, CCB did not alter the branching rate of single-celled conchocelis, whereas LAT-B did. As CCB and LAT-B affect actin polymerization through different mechanisms, this result suggests differences in the contributions of actin polymerization to branch initiation versus tip growth. These findings demonstrate the critical and diverse functional roles played by phosphoinositide turnover and actin polymerization in the regulation of the initiation and maintenance of tip growth in the conchocelis phase of P. yezoensis. Full article

This study investigates the chemical stability and leaching behavior of two environmentally sustainable EPDM elastomers filled with circular carbon black (CCB) and recycled carbon black (RCB) when exposed to acidic, fuel cell-like environments. Accelerated aging tests were conducted in sulfuric acid solutions of varying concentrations (1 M, 0.1 M, and 0.001 M) at 90 °C for 1000 h to simulate long-term degradation in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) sealing applications. Complementary hot water extraction tests (HWET) were performed at 80 °C for up to 168 h to evaluate ionic leaching via conductivity measurements. HPLC-DAD analysis was used to assess organic leachates, while surface changes were examined by SEM and thermal transitions by DSC. Results revealed lower leaching and improved surface preservation in the CCB-filled EPDM, which remained below the critical 5 µS/cm ionic conductivity threshold for longer durations than its RCB counterpart. HPLC results showed filler-dependent trends in organic compound release, with CCB EPDM exhibiting higher leaching only under strong acid exposure. SEM confirmed greater surface damage and porosity in RCB EPDM. Overall, both materials demonstrated adequate chemical resistance, but the CCB formulation exhibited superior long-term stability, supporting its use in sustainable PEMFC sealing applications. Full article

The Morehouse School of Medicine Prevention Research Center (MSM-PRC) conducted a Community Health Needs and Assets Assessment (CHNAA) survey using a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. In this article, we will demonstrate the application of CBPR in informing research agenda and implementation strategies. We will discuss the practical considerations and potential benefits of engaging the community in data collection, interpretation, and utilization to address community health challenges. Emphasizing collaboration, co-learning, and respect, and guided by the CBPR principles, CHNAA ensured that community voices led to the identification and integration of the research priorities. Overseen by the Community Coalition Board (CCB) and its Data Monitoring and Evaluation (DME) Committee, the survey featured closed- and open-ended questions addressing social determinants of health. Out of 1000 targeted participants, 754 provided valid responses, with a 75% response rate. Most respondents were female and represented a racially diverse group. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis revealed that key health concerns were diabetes, COVID-19, mental health, and high blood pressure. Barriers to care included lack of food access, affordable housing, and limited mental health services. The findings led to five public health initiatives launched between 2023 and 2024 demonstrating the CBPR model’s effectiveness in aligning community needs with actionable solutions. Full article

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in children under one year of age, a particularly vulnerable population due to immunological and respiratory immaturity. The diverse etiology includes multiple respiratory viruses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), influenza, rhinovirus, and SARS-CoV-2, each with distinct potential to cause severe illness and death. Understanding the specific incidence and lethality by etiological agents in the recent Brazilian context (2024), after the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential to guide surveillance and public health strategies. This study aimed to analyze the risk of incidence and lethality by specific etiology of SARS in children under one year of age hospitalized in Brazil during the year 2024. A descriptive cross-sectional study was performed using secondary data from the 2024 Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Gripe), obtained via OpenDataSUS. Reported cases of SARS hospitalized in children <1 year of age in Brazil were included. Distribution by final classification and epidemiological week (EW) was analyzed; the incidence rate by Federative Unit (FU) (cases/100,000 < 1 year) with risk classification (Low/Moderate/High) was assessed; and, for cases with positive viral RT-PCR, the etiological frequency and virus-specific lethality rate (deaths/total cases of etiology ×100), also with risk classification, were extracted. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed for the risk factors of death. A total of 66,170 cases of SARS were reported in children under 1 year old (national incidence: 2663/100,000), with a seasonal peak between April and May. The majority of cases were classified as “SARS due to another respiratory virus” (49.06%) or “unspecified” (37.46%). Among 36,009 cases with positive RT-PCR, RSV (50.06%) and rhinovirus (26.97%) were the most frequent. The overall lethality in RT-PCR-positive cases was 1.28%. Viruses such as parainfluenza 4 (8.57%), influenza B (2.86%), parainfluenza 3 (2.49%), and SARS-CoV-2 (2.47%) had higher lethality. The multivariate model identified parainfluenza 4 (OR = 6.806), chronic kidney disease (OR = 3.820), immunodeficiency (OR = 3.680), Down Syndrome (OR = 3.590), heart disease (OR = 3.129), neurological disease (OR = 2.250), low O₂ saturation (OR = 1.758), SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 1.569) and respiratory distress (OR = 1.390) as risk factors for death. Cough (OR = 0.477) and RSV (OR = 0.736) were associated with a lower chance of death. The model had good calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow p = 0.693) and overall significance (p < 0.001). SARS represented a substantial burden of hospitalizations, with marked seasonal and geographic patterns. RSV and rhinovirus were the main agents responsible for the volume of confirmed cases but had a relatively low to moderate risk of lethality. In contrast, less frequent viruses such as parainfluenza 4, influenza B, parainfluenza 3, and SARS-CoV-2 were associated with a significantly higher risk of death. These findings highlight the importance of dissociating frequency from lethality and reinforce the need to strengthen etiological surveillance, improve diagnosis, and direct preventive strategies (such as immunizations) considering the specific risk of each pathogen for this vulnerable population. Full article

Freshwater bivalves play essential ecological roles in ecosystems, but they are among the most threatened fauna worldwide. Despite receiving industrial and domestic wastes, the Guandu River is the main source of drinking water for more than nine million people in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan region. This study aimed to assess how infaunal bivalves respond to water and sediment quality in the Guandu River basin. Samples were collected at 10 sites across reservoirs, lotic, and lentic systems during cold–dry and warm–rainy seasons. Four bivalves were identified: Anodontites trapesialis, Diplodon ellipticus, Corbicula fluminea (non-native), and C. largillierti (non-native). Native species were restricted to two lentic sites at Guandu Lagoon, with the poorest environmental quality, significantly affected by high chlorophyll a and ammonia in the water. In contrast, C. fluminea was widely distributed and more abundant in the basin but restricted to less degraded sites, suggesting a lower tolerance to environmental pollution. Multivariate analyses indicated significant differences in environmental conditions and species–environment correlation. The non-native species spread and poor environmental quality threaten native bivalves in the Guandu River basin, leading them to a local extinction risk. Results highlight the need for effective management and conservation actions to protect biodiversity in tropical river basins. Full article

We highlight the lack of researchers studying freshwater zooplankton in Latin America and contextualize it within the global extinction of taxonomists, global loss of biodiversity, and regional reality to visualize the intensity of this threat and possible strategies for addressing it. The scarcity of researchers working on freshwater zooplankton currently threatens the future of these studies in the world. This global trend of the decreasing interest of scientists and local governments in learning about this important component of freshwater biodiversity is more accentuated in Latin America by regional drivers, such as brain drain, a lack of support by stakeholders, and the absence of planning for the rational use and conservation of this essential natural resource. All these drivers interact and have more dramatic consequences for regional research due to the recent reduction in government funds for science in some of these countries. In the context of Global Change; a loss of biodiversity due to this fact; and the misuse of drainage basins, overexploitation, and regional pressures, the lack of researchers studying freshwater zooplankton and, in general, all aquatic life has emerged as a critical threat to the delicate equilibrium of these ecosystems. Within this situation, scientific integration through intra-regional and extra-regional collaboration networks has emerged as an unavoidable strategy for the survival and future strengthening of studies on biodiversity and the conservation of freshwater zooplankton in Latin America. The development of new technologies such as DNA barcoding, metabarcoding, and metagenomics has emerged as a solution to this problem. Nevertheless, they should be considered as new tools towards integrative taxonomy and not as replacements for taxonomical studies. Full article

Background: Educational neuroscience has made important contributions to show how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted schooling. In countries like Brazil, with significant educational inequality, the suspension of in-person classes worsened these disparities, as low-income families faced difficulties accessing remote learning. Methods: This study evaluated executive functions (EF) and academic skills in reading, writing, and maths for 178 public school students from the first to ninth grades in São Paulo, Brazil, comparing them with pre-pandemic norms to assess possible differences. EF were assessed using the Hayling Test, Digit Span Task, and Verbal Fluency, while academic skills were measured by the School Performance Test II. To analyse differences between the sample of this study and the pre-pandemic normative samples, one-sample t-tests were performed. Due to the small sample size, segmented by school grade and age, the bootstrapping resampling method was used, and the effect size was measured with Cohen’s d. Results: A one-sample t-test showed significant differences between times, with lower post-pandemic performance in verbal fluency (9–14 years old), working memory (10–14 years old), and inhibitory control across all age groups. Writing skills were lower from the fifth to eighth grades and reading from the fourth to eight grades. Maths skills were lower in the fourth, eighth, and ninth grades. Better post-pandemic performance was seen in working memory (6 and 7 years old). Conclusions: Students in the upper grades of elementary school during the pandemic were most impacted by the suspension of in-person teaching, highlighting the importance of schooling and the need for recovery efforts at these levels. Full article

Background: Recent drug enforcement activities have possibly suggested the presence of some calcium channel blocker antihypertensives in association with cocaine. The seizure revealed the possibility that the two drugs might have been used together for some unknown reasons. Methods: Hence, this study aimed at investigating the nature and frequency of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) reported in association with the concomitant use of calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and cocaine, using data from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Results: After removing duplicate reports, a total of 67 cases involving concomitant use of cocaine and CCBs were analyzed and were stratified into three groups based on the CCB involved: verapamil (n = 19), diltiazem (n = 30), and amlodipine (n = 18). Logistic regression analysis identified “product use for unknown indication” (β = 0.33) as the strongest predictor of fatal outcomes. Age revealed a modest negative association with fatal outcome (β = −0.93, intercept = 4.07). Concomitant substance use was reported in over 84% of cases. Frequently co-used substances included opioids, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antihistamines, and alcohol. Poly-drug use was most pronounced in the diltiazem group, which exhibited the highest burden of opioid and alcohol co-exposure. Conclusions: It is here suggested that clinicians should exercise caution when managing individuals who use cocaine, due to the potential for increased toxicity and lethality when CCBs are co-used, either as part of a prescribed treatment or if CCBs are present as adulterants in cocaine. Full article

Background: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) disproportionately affects pregnant women who reside in low-income countries because they predominantly consume staple legumes and tubers such as conventional common beans (CCBs) and white-fleshed sweet potatoes (WFSPs). Such staples are either low in iron or rich in iron absorption inhibitors such as phytates. To fight IDA, a high-iron-biofortified common bean (IBCB) was introduced in Uganda. However, there is limited knowledge about its acceptability among pregnant women. This experimental crossover study determined the sensory acceptability of a low phytate:iron molar ratio dish, WFSP + IBCB (test food), against a high phytate:iron molar ratio dish, WFSP + CCB (control food), among pregnant women in rural Uganda. Their perceptions of consuming the test food during pregnancy were also explored. Methods: A total of 104 pregnant women participated in this study. The sensory attributes (taste, color, aroma, texture, and general acceptability) of the test and control foods were rated using a five-point facial hedonic scale ranging from “dislike very much”, “dislike”, “neutral”, “like”, to “like very much”. An attribute was acceptable if the participant scored either “like” or “like very much”. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to explore participant perceptions about the factors that may influence them to eat WFSP + IBCB during pregnancy. The chi-square test was used to detect the proportion difference for each sensory attribute within participants between test and control foods, while FGD data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Results: All the sensory attributes were acceptable to the participants and not significantly different between control and test foods (p > 0.05). Participants were willing to consume IBCB if it was affordable, sustainably available, and provided healthy pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: The sensory attributes of the test food were equally accepted as the control food, suggesting that the consumption of WFSP + IBCB has the potential to replace WFSP + CCB among the study participants. The study participants showed positive perceptions of consuming IBCB if it was accessible, sustainable, affordable, and provided healthy pregnancy outcomes. Full article

Sustainable ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomers are gaining traction as eco-friendly sealing materials in fuel cell applications. This study evaluates the mechanical degradation behavior of two ECO EPDM formulations—one reinforced with circular carbon black (CCB EPDM), and the other with recycled carbon black (RCB EPDM)—under conditions representative of acidic fuel cell environments. The samples underwent thermal aging at 90 °C for 1000 h, and were immersed in aqueous H₂SO₄ solutions of varying concentrations (1 M, 0.1 M, and 0.001 M) for 1000 h at the same temperature. Gravimetric and volumetric swelling measurements revealed that RCB EPDM experienced significantly higher mass and volume uptake, particularly at intermediate acid concentration, indicating greater susceptibility to fluid ingress. Mechanical testing, including measurement of tensile strength, Shore A hardness, and IRHD microhardness, showed that while RCB EPDM exhibited higher initial strength, it degraded more severely under thermal and acidic exposure. SEM-EDS analysis revealed microstructural damage and compositional changes, with RCB EPDM displaying more pronounced oxidation and surface erosion. In contrast, CCB EPDM demonstrated greater retention of mechanical integrity, greater dimensional stability, and lower variability across aging conditions. These findings highlight the advantages of circular carbon black in enhancing the durability of ECO EPDM compounds in acidic and thermally dynamic fuel cell environments. Full article

The development of carbon sequestration projects in plantation forests has the potential to offer win–win outcomes for the environment and economy. The Climate, Community, and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards ensure that a particular forest project will deliver tangible climate, community, and biodiversity benefits. According to the CCB Standards, it is necessary to assess community diversity in plantation forests. Our study provides indicators of community diversity based on Forest Integrity Assessment (FIA) according to the CCB Standards for carbon sequestration projects in Tianshui City, Gansu Province, China, which is located in the western Qinba Mountains. Herein, we estimated plantation forest conditions based on a forest condition assessment. Linear regression models were used to explore the relationships between FIA scores and community diversity (such as species richness, Shannon–Wiener index, inverse Simpson’s index, and Pielou’s evenness index quantified by species abundance) in plantation forests managed under carbon sequestration projects. The high community diversity reaches the CCB Standards. FIA scores were closely associated with Pielou’s evenness index of plant communities in plantation forests managed under carbon sequestration projects (R² = 0.104; mean square error = 0.014; standard error = 0.104; p = 0.012). A complex topography had positive effects on species richness, while a rich standing condition had negative effects on the Shannon–Wiener index. Forest conditions have been used as indicators of community diversity in plantation forests managed under carbon sequestration projects. The occurrence of climber and animal species should be used as indicators for enhancing community diversity to meet the CCB Standards. Furthermore, plant species richness benefits from a complex topography. However, our study had the limitation that the FIA could not cover the full range of environmental conditions. Our study provides a practical reference for applying the CCB Standards to plantation forests managed under carbon sequestration projects. Full article

Background: Firefighters face elevated chronic disease risks, and interventions promoting healthier lifestyles are essential for improving their well-being. This study aimed to beta test and further evaluate a healthy lifestyle app (HLS app) for firefighters. Methods: Beta usability testing was conducted with new firefighters after using the app. Pilot testing was conducted in two cohorts, (1) the Connecticut Fire Academy Class A-CCA after graduation and (2) the Connecticut Class B-CCB and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Academy, during academy training to evaluate the potential efficacy of the HLS app in improving healthy lifestyle behaviors, mental health, and physical fitness over three months of use. Results: Beta testing (n = 93) revealed positive usability feedback, with 62% finding it useful for their health. Pilot testing after graduation (n = 28) was associated with increased push-up capacity (35.6 ± 11.7 vs. 42.9 ± 16.1, p = 0.006) and improved mental health scores. Pilot testing during academy training (n = 90) was associated with improvements in push-up capacity (33.8 ± 10.8 vs. 41 ± 10.6, p < 0.001), pull-ups (7 [4–11] vs. 10.5 [6–14], p < 0.001), 1.5-mile run time (11.96 ± 1.43 vs. 11.26 ± 1.1, p < 0.001), BMI (26.7 [24.3–29.7] vs. 25.95 [24.0–28.8], p < 0.001), and mental health scores. Conclusions: The app was well received and showed potential for improving firefighter health. A randomized controlled trial is needed to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of the HLS app. Full article