Elevated Rates Research Articles

Population Dynamics of Gudusia chapra (Hamilton, 1822) from Lake Kaptai, Bangladesh

Aims: This study aimed to assess the population dynamics of Gudusia chapra in Lake Kaptai, Bangladesh, utilizing FiSAT II software for comprehensive analysis. The key objective was to determine growth parameters, mortality rates, exploitation status, and length-weight relationships to inform policy.
 Study Design: The study employed a quantitative approach, utilizing length frequency data collected from Lake Kaptai. FiSAT II software facilitated the estimation of population dynamics parameters, employing the Von Bertalanffy growth equation and other relevant analyses.
 Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in Lake Kaptai, Bangladesh, focusing on the intricate aquatic ecosystem from November 2003 to October 2004. Data collection and analysis spanned an extensive duration, providing a robust understanding of the population dynamics of G. chapra.
 Methodology: FiSAT II software was utilized for population dynamics estimation, with a particular focus on growth parameters, mortality rates, and exploitation status using Von Bertalanffy growth equation. Length-weight relationships were also determined. Recruitment patterns were observed, and key indices, including the growth performance index calculated.
 Results: The estimated asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) of G. chapra were found to be 19.95 cm and 0.89 year-1 respectively. Natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (F) and total mortality (Z) rates were 1.85, 2.21 and 4.06 year-1 respectively. The exploitation rate (E) indicated overfishing, with a value of 0.54, which exceeded the optimum E (E=0.5). The growth performance index (φ´) of 2.54 was recorded, and the recruitment pattern occurred between April and July.
 Conclusion: The study concludes that G. chapra in Lake Kaptai is experiencing overfishing, as indicated by the elevated exploitation rate. Understanding the growth parameters and mortality rates is vital for sustainable fisheries management in the region.
 Implication: The findings have significant implications for fisheries management, highlighting the urgent need for measures to mitigate overfishing of G. chapra in Lake Kaptai. Implementing conservation strategies and monitoring recruitment patterns are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of this important fish species.

The crucial role of lateral root angle in enhancing drought resilience in cotton.

Plant responses to drought stress are influenced by various factors, including the lateral root angle (LRA), stomatal regulation, canopy temperature, transpiration rate and yield. However, there is a lack of research that quantifies their interactions, especially among different cotton varieties. This experiment included two water treatments: well-watered (75 ± 5% soil relative water content) and drought stress (50 ± 5% soil relative water content) starting from the three-leaf growth stage. The results revealed that different LRA varieties show genetic variation under drought stress. Among them, varieties with smaller root angles show greater drought tolerance. Varieties with smaller LRAs had significantly increased stomatal opening by 15% to 43%, transpiration rate by 61.24% and 62.00%, aboveground biomass by 54% to 64%, and increased seed cotton yield by 76% to 79%, and decreased canopy temperature by 9% to 12% under drought stress compared to the larger LRAs. Varieties with smaller LRAs had less yield loss under drought stress, which may be due to enhanced access to deeper soil water, compensating for heightened stomatal opening and elevated transpiration rates. The increase in transpiration rate promotes heat dissipation from leaves, thereby reducing leaf temperature and protecting leaves from damage. Demonstrating the advantages conferred by the development of a smaller LRA under drought stress conditions holds value in enhancing cotton's resilience and promoting its sustainable adaptation to abiotic stressors.

Comparison of Protective Effect of Tri-circulator and Coenzyme Q10 on Myocardial Injury and the Mechanism Study by Zebrafish Model.

Tri-Circulator (TC) is a product comprising coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Panax notoginseng. Individually, each of these constituents has demonstrated protective effects on myocardial injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the protective efficacy of TC on heart function and compare the differential effects between CoQ10 and TC. Two myocardial injury models of zebrafish, the hypoxia-reoxygenation model (H/R) and the isoproterenol (ISO, a β-receptor agonist) model, were used in this experiment. The zebrafish subjects were divided into 4 groups: control, H/R, TC, and CoQ10. Heart rate, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), ejection fraction (EF), fractional area change (FAC), and pericardial height were monitored to assess changes in heart function. The gene expression of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was studied as markers of injury/stress. TC significantly suppresses elevated heart rate induced by H/R and prevents the decrease of heart rate induced by ISO. It alleviates the pericardial infusion induced by ISO, whereas CoQ10 does not possess a similar effect. Both TC and CoQ10 significantly inhibit the decline in SV, CO, EF, and FAC induced by H/R and ISO, and suppress the expression of ANP and BNP in cardiomyocytes induced by ISO. It is noteworthy that TC demonstrates a more pronounced effect on EF, FAC, ANP, and BNP gene expression compared to CoQ10. Both TC and CoQ10 have a protective effect on myocardial injury of zebrafish. However, TC exhibits a greater efficacy compared to CoQ10 alone in mitigating myocardial injury.

FREQUENCY OF ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN PATIENTS POST-CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS GRAFTING AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, KARACHI

A descriptive study was conducted at the Department of Medicine and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, from May 27, 2019, to November 27, 2019, to determine the frequency of acute kidney injury in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting. A total of 174 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery were enrolled in the study. Postoperatively, all patients were closely observed for acute kidney injury up to 48 hours post-surgery. The demographic characteristics of the participants revealed a mean age of 54.14±9.49 years, with 108 (62.1%) being males and 66 (37.9%) females. Out of the total participants, 25 (14.4%) experienced acute kidney injuries, while 149 (85.6%) did not show any signs of acute kidney injuries. The findings suggest that acute kidney injury is a common complication following isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This observation holds significant clinical importance, as it is associated with unfavourable postoperative outcomes, prolonged stays in the intensive care unit (ICU), and elevated fatality rates. These insights underscore the need for careful monitoring and management of renal function in patients undergoing CABG surgery to mitigate the impact of acute kidney injury on overall postoperative well-being.

Hyperparameter optimization strategy for Multi-Armed Bandits: Genre recommendation in MovieLens dataset

Due to the challenge of balancing exploration and exploitation in Multi-Armed Bandits (MAB) problems, it is rather challenging to determine the optimal exploration length for diverse datasets. This paper presents an in-depth investigation of the hyperparameter setting for the Explore-Then-Commit (ETC) algorithm, emphasizing an enforced exploration strategy to guarantee adequate exploration of each arm. This investigation will be realized in the context of movie recommendation systems, specifically utilizing the MovieLens 1M dataset. Two key hyperparameters are scrutinized: the horizon, which sets the overall timeframe of the algorithm's execution, and the number of times each arm is explored. The study systematically varies these parameters to study their influence on cumulative regret, a measure of the opportunity cost each time a non-optimal arm is sampled. The empirical examination of the ETC algorithm, conducted employing the MovieLens 1M dataset, has yielded significant discernments pertaining to the dynamic configuration of exploration lengths tailored to particular datasets. The empirical findings underscore that judicious fine-tuning of the ETC algorithm's hyperparameters, under a defined horizon of 50,000 and an exploration length of 500, engenders commendable competitive performance. This optimized configuration notably excels in the domain of genre recommendations, particularly manifesting enhanced proficiency in suggesting genres characterized by the most elevated average ratings. This research accentuates and reinforces the comprehension of hyperparameters under the exploration and exploitation dilemma, thereby providing a structured pathway for the forthcoming applicability of MAB in the wider realm of recommendation systems.

Text mining and sentiment analysis: A new lens to explore the emotion dynamics of mother‐child interactions

AbstractEmotions are highly dynamic and social in nature. Traditional approaches to studying emotion expression face obstacles such as substantial time investments, susceptibility to human biases, and limited capacity to capture nuanced emotional patterns. To address these challenges, this research leveraged text mining and sentiment analysis to explore the dynamic patterns of emotion expression within the context of mother‐child interactions. We analyzed 8,841 conversation transcripts involving 1,462 mother‐child dyads, sourced from the Child Language Data Exchange System. Polarity scores were calculated and analyzed to uncover the temporal patterns of mother and child emotional sentiment. Our findings revealed that mothers tended to exhibit heightened levels of positive emotion at the beginning and conclusion of conversations, whereas children displayed a more linear positive trend. Using model‐based cluster analysis, we identified two distinct clusters of mothers characterized by varying degrees of emotion expression variation and two clusters of children showing different rates of elevation in positive emotion. At the dyadic level, the differences between mother and child polarity scores varied as a function of time, with an increase of difference from the beginning to the 20th percentile point, a decrease until the 90th percentile, and then an increase again towards the end of the conversation. This study demonstrates the utility of text mining and sentiment analysis in developmental studies, particularly in the context of parent‐child interactions. The findings hold informative implications for interventions that focus on fostering healthy parent‐child relationships.

Novel application of the ferroptosis-related genes risk model associated with disulfidptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis and immune infiltration.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as the prevailing manifestation of primary liver cancer and continues to pose a formidable challenge to human well-being and longevity, owing to its elevated incidence and mortality rates. Nevertheless, the quest for reliable predictive biomarkers for HCC remains ongoing. Recent research has demonstrated a close correlation between ferroptosis and disulfidptosis, two cellular processes, and cancer prognosis, suggesting their potential as predictive factors for HCC. In this study, we employed a combination of bioinformatics algorithms and machine learning techniques, leveraging RNA sequencing data, mutation profiles, and clinical data from HCC samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases, to develop a risk prognosis model based on genes associated with ferroptosis and disulfidptosis. We conducted an unsupervised clustering analysis, calculating a risk score (RS) to predict the prognosis of HCC using these genes. Clustering analysis revealed two distinct HCC clusters, each characterized by significantly different prognostic and immune features. The median RS stratified HCC samples in the TCGA, GEO, and ICGC cohorts into high-and low-risk groups. Importantly, RS emerged as an independent prognostic factor in all three cohorts, with the high-risk group demonstrating poorer prognosis and a more active immunosuppressive microenvironment. Additionally, the high-risk group exhibited higher expression levels of tumor mutation burden (TMB), immune checkpoints (ICs), and human leukocyte antigen (HLA), suggesting a heightened responsiveness to immunotherapy. A cancer stem cell infiltration analysis revealed a higher similarity between tumor cells and stem cells in the high-risk group. Furthermore, drug sensitivity analysis highlighted significant differences in response to antitumor drugs between the two risk groups. In summary, our risk prognostic model, constructed based on ferroptosis-related genes associated with disulfidptosis, effectively predicts HCC prognosis. These findings hold potential implications for patient stratification and clinical decision-making, offering valuable theoretical insights in this field.

Stenosis severity and heart rate effects on left coronary artery hemodynamics and myocardial oxygen balance: A comprehensive assessment using pressure gradient

The estimation of pressure drop across stenotic arteries can provide valuable information about the hemodynamic features. Nevertheless, the temporal behavior of pressure in stenotic arteries is not well reported for realistic pulsatile flows. This research investigates the pressure drop across a left coronary artery model for different degrees of stenotic severity and heart rates. The zones prone to further atherogenic degeneration are identified using time-averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI). A unique attempt has been made to quantify the effect of stenosis severity and elevated heart rate on coronary perfusion pressure (CPP) and endocardial viability ratio (EVR), which is an indicator of myocardial oxygen supply-demand balance. We have predicted reductions in both CPP and EVR as stenosis severity increases. The aforementioned metrics exhibit a notable drop when confronted with a moderate stenosis at an increased heart rate, implying that the hemodynamic consequences of a moderate stenosis during an elevated heart rate may be comparable to those of a severe stenosis during a state of rest. The current computational investigation has the potential to reduce the need for in vivo hemodynamic assessments of stenosis. In addition, the wall shear stress-based mechanical parameters, such as TAWSS and OSI, can indicate the atherogenic and thrombogenic regions in the stenosed vessels.

Influence of connection impedance on the performance of parallel-connected lithium-ion battery modules

Parallel lithium-ion battery modules are crucial for boosting the energy and power of battery systems. However, the presence of faulty electrical contact points (FECPs) between the cells often leads to severe performance degradation, including reduced capacity, accelerated aging, and the potential risk of thermal runaway. Hence, comprehending the influence of connection impedance (CI) on battery module performance and effectively diagnosing FECPs in parallel modules are of paramount importance for ensuring the secure and efficient operation of battery modules. This study investigates the influence of CI within a LiFePO4/graphite 2-parallel module, focusing on voltage, capacity, temperature, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The findings reveal a direct relationship between increased CI and decreased capacity as well as diminished rate capability of the battery modules. Moreover, the presence of FECPs induces voltage fluctuations between cells and modules, while concurrently accelerating the rate of temperature elevation at the FECPs. Through EIS analysis, this study identifies the connection quality and locates FECPs within the 2-parallel module. The insights gained from this research offer valuable guidance for optimizing the design and performance of parallel-connected lithium-ion battery modules, ultimately enhancing the efficiency and reliability of energy storage systems.

A tale of two effusions diagnosing and managing pleural and pericardial empyema

A male in his early 50s with no comorbidities presented with a weeklong history of left-sided chest pain, breathlessness, and cough with yellow–green expectoration. Over 4 months, he reported a 5 kg weight loss and decreased appetite. Investigations revealed mild anemia, electrolyte imbalances, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and alkaline phosphatase. An electrocardiogram showed low-voltage complexes, and an echocardiogram detected pericardial effusion. A chest X-ray showed bilateral pleural effusion. Ultrasound-guided thoracentesis indicated pleural and pericardial empyema. Sputum tests identified Proteus mirabilis and pericardial fluid grew Escherichia coli. After the therapeutic intervention, the patient initially improved but later worsened, requiring mechanical ventilation, and inotrope support. On the 5th day of admission, he suffered a cardiac arrest and expired despite resuscitative efforts.

Abstract WP253: Prevalence of Undiagnosed and Uncontrolled Hypertension Among Low-Wage Workers in North Carolina With Elevated Stroke Risk

Introduction: Compared to the rest of the United States, North Carolina has an elevated stroke mortality rate. Risk factors, including uncontrolled hypertension (HTN), associated with disparities in stroke outcomes are also prevalent in North Carolina. We sought to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed and uncontrolled HTN among a sample of low-wage workers with elevated stroke risk. Methods: Between February 2021 and June 2023, we partnered with 35 business to provide worksite-based health screenings to rural, low-wage workers. Demographic information and a brief medical history were collected. A physical assessment included automated blood pressure measurement. Risk of stroke was assessed using the CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc. Results: A total of 930 screened individuals (52.5% Black) are included in this report. Among the 488 Black participants screened, 29.1 percent (n=142) had a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score ≥2. In comparison, less than 20 percent (n=79, 17.9%) of the 442 White participants had an elevated stroke risk (Figure 1). Of the 221 participants with a CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score ≥2, stage 1 HTN (systolic blood pressure (SBP) = 130-139) and stage 2 HTN (SBP ≥ 140) was found among 19.5 and 52 percent of participants, respectively. We identified previously undiagnosed HTN among 6.3 percent of Black participants and 15.2 percent of White participants. In addition, over 60 percent of participants (Black = 62.7%, White = 60.8%) had been previously diagnosed with HTN, but screening results indicated their HTN was not well controlled. Conclusions: The prevalence of elevated stroke risk was 11.2 percent greater among Black participants compared to White participants. Using a worksite-based approach to health screening, we found high rates of undiagnosed and uncontrolled HTN among both Black and White participants with elevated stroke risk. This novel approach to care delivery facilitates screening among individuals who may otherwise underutilize or avoid engagement with the healthcare system.

Rapid and stable energy storage using MoN/Mo2N composite electrodes

Molybdenum nitride-based composites, specifically the two-dimensional MoN/Mo2N variants, emerge as promising electrode materials for next-generation energy storage devices. This research presents a facile synthesis approach involving a mechanochemical method followed by heat treatment at 900 ֯C in a nitrogen atmosphere to produce the MoN/Mo2N composite material. Crystallographic analysis using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and morphological characterization via high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) were conducted. The electrochemical evaluation demonstrated remarkable supercapacitor performance, with a specific capacitance of 306.7 F/g at 1 A/g, highlighting exceptional charge storage capacity. Even at a higher current density of 2 A/g, the composite maintained substantial reversible capacity (198.6 F/g), higher capacitance retention (95.7 %), and Coulombic efficiency (86.2 %) over 6000 cycles, showcasing its robust stability. At a challenging current density of 10 A/g, the specific capacitance remained high at 85.4 F/g. Detailed charge storage mechanism analysis, employing the Dunn method, revealed a complex interplay of capacitive and diffusive processes. Particularly noteworthy was the predominance of capacitive behavior, constituting 78.4 % at an accelerated scan rate of 100 mV/s. This observation underscores the material's advantageous propensity for a higher proportion of capacitive behavior in the charge storage mechanism at elevated scan rates, making it well-suited for applications requiring rapid energy storage and release.

A Generalized Kinetic Model of Fractional Order Transport Dynamics with Transit Time Heterogeneity in Microvascular Space.

The aim of this study is to develop and validate a unifying kinetic model for microvascular transport by introducing an impulse response function that incorporates essential physiological parameters and integrates key features of existing models. This new methodology combines a one-compartment model of fractional order with a model that uses the gamma distribution to describe the distribution of capillary transit times. Central to this model are two primary parameters: [Formula: see text], representing the kurtosis of residue times, and [Formula: see text], signifying the width of the distribution of capillary transit times within a tissue voxel. To validate this proposed model, data from dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCI-MRI) were employed and the findings were compared with three existing models. Using the Akaike information criterion for model selection, the results demonstrate that the integrative model, especially at elevated blood flow rates, frequently offers superior fits in comparison to constrained models.

Abstract TMP107: Persistent Beta-Blocker Use and Mortality Reduction in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: The efficacy of beta-blockers in acute ischemic stroke remains ambiguous. Research targeting high-risk patients, especially those with elevated heart rates, is crucial. Methods: A comprehensive multicenter registry of acute ischemic stroke patients was integrated with the National Health Insurance Service database. We focused on patients exhibiting a heart rate of ≥100 bpm between days 3-7 post-symptom onset. These patients were categorized based on whether they received a beta-blocker prescription by day 8. To account for potential imbalances, we employed Cox’s proportional hazard model with inverse-probability of treatment weighting based on propensity score. The primary outcome was composite of stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, and mortality within a year post-stroke. Recognizing the significant discontinuation rate of beta-blockers, we conducted an additional analysis on persistent users and landmark analysis at 2-month, 1-year, and 2-year intervals. Results: Out of 5,049 patients, 1,623 (32.1%) were prescribed with beta-blockers by the 8th day. Beta-blocker usage did not significantly influence the primary outcome within the first year (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.98 [0.86-1.12]). However, patients who consistently used beta-blockers beyond 2 months exhibited a reduced mortality risk (adjusted HR, 0.88 [0.78-0.99]). Landmark analysis further revealed that consistent beta-blocker usage notably decreased mortality risk at 8-day to 2-month (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.80 [0.69-0.93]) and 2-month to 1-year intervals (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.80 [0.68-0.94]). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that beta-blockers can potentially reduce mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients, with consistent usage being a pivotal factor.

Investigating the Relationship Between COVID-19 Stress in Pregnant Women and Mode of Delivery, APGAR Score, and Anthropometric Indices of Newborns

Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to a wave of anxiety and stress in all segments of society, especially among pregnant women. Stress poses a significant health concern for pregnant women, potentially impacting maternal and fetal well-being. Aim This study aims to explore the relationship between COVID-19 stress in pregnant women and the mode of delivery, APGAR score, and anthropometric indices of newborns. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2021, employing a survey method on 195 pregnant women who sought delivery at 22 Bahman Hospital in Khaf. Data collection involved the use of the standard COVID Stress Scale (CSS). SPSS-22 software was utilized for the analysis, employing Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results Pregnant women who underwent cesarean sections exhibited significantly higher levels of COVID-19-related stress compared to those who had natural deliveries (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between the APGAR scores in the first and fifth minutes and the anthropometric indices (weight, length, and head circumference) of newborns concerning COVID-19 stress (p<0.001). Moreover, maternal stress emerged as a predictor for the type of delivery, APGAR scores, length, and head circumference of newborns (p<0.001). Conclusion The study underscores the adverse impact of COVID-19 stress on maternal pregnancy outcomes, particularly leading to elevated cesarean section rates. The substantial influence of this stress on the APGAR score and anthropometric indices of newborns highlights the significance of implementing screening, counseling, and stress reduction education for pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Trajectory Groups of 72-Hour Heart Rate After Mechanical Thrombectomy and Outcomes.

Elevated heart rate (HR) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes. However, optimal HR management after MT remains unclear. This study aimed to identify patient subgroups with distinct HR trajectories after MT and explore their association with outcomes. Acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing MT therapy were prospectively recruited from July 2020 to December 2022. Their heart rate indicators were collected every hour for 72 hours after MT procedure. Latent variable mixture modeling was used to separate subjects into five groups with distinct HR trajectories. The primary outcome was poor functional outcome (mRS score >2) at 3 months. Additional outcome was all-cause mortality (mRS score = 6) at 3 months. A total of 224 patients with large vessel occlusion were enrolled, with a mean age of 65.2+14.0 years. Eighty-seven patients had a good functional outcome, and 137 patients had a poor functional outcome. Five distinct HR trajectories were observed: low (19.2%), moderate (33.0%), rapidly stabilized HR group (20.5%), persistently high HR group (21.0%), and very high HR group (6.3%). After adjusting for potential confounders, the HR trajectory group was independently associated with poor functional outcome at 3 months (P for interaction = 0.022). The risk of having poor functional outcome was increased in the rapidly stabilized HR group (odds ratio, 3.18 [95% confidence interval, 1.10-9.19]), the persistently high HR group (odds ratio, 5.55 [95% confidence interval, 1.72-17.87]) and very high HR group (odds ratio, 18.32 [95% confidence interval, 2.20-95.52]) but not in the moderate group (odds ratio, 1.50 [95% confidence interval, 0.61-3.69]), when compared with the low HR group. No significant association was found between trajectory group and 3-month all-cause mortality. HR during the first 72 hours after MT may be categorized into distinct trajectory groups, which differ in relation to poor functional outcome event risks. The findings may help to recognize potential candidates for future HR control trials.

Identification of a panel of microRNA biomarkers for the management of patients with refractory germ cell tumor of the testis.

521 Background: In 1946, nearly 90% of patients diagnosed with metastatic Testicular Germ Cell Tumor (TGCT) succumbed to the disease within a year. In the present day, over 90% of such patients are successfully cured. However, there is a remaining 10% of patients have tumors that consist of chemotherapy-resistant forms of TGCT, such as yolk sac tumors and teratomas. This underlines the need for developing biomarkers that can guide the choice between additional chemotherapy and surgical intervention. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), non-coding RNA molecules that control post-transcriptional modifications, have shown promise in identifying TGCTs. Research has particularly highlighted the overexpression of miR-371a-3p and miR-375-3p in TGCTs. Nevertheless, these miRNAs are not effective in distinguishing between teratomas and other TGCT types. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a publicly accessible database, offers clinical and miRNA data on various tumors, including TGCTs. Our objective is to leverage TCGA to identify miRNAs that can be used to classify TGCTs containing teratomas from those that do not. Methods: Between 2001 and 2013, TCGA gathered a total of 135 primary TGCT samples. We group these tumors into those without teratomas and those with any teratomatous components. We used EdgeR, a Bioconductor package designed for differential expression analysis of RNA that accounts for both biological and technical variation. A false discovery rate of less than 1e-8 was applied. A heatmap was generated to display the hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed miRNAs. Results: Based on the above cut-off, a panel of 50 miRNAs of differentially expressed miRNA were used to generate a hierarchical clustering that showed clear clustering between the two groups. Notably, tumor suppressor miRNAs such as hsa-mir-203a, hsa-mir-199, and hsa-mir-152, which are usually downregulated in non-teratoma TCGT, are overexpressed in teratomas. Other miRNA including hsa-mir-146a and hsa-mir-3607, which are downregulated tumor suppressors for non-TCGT are also downregulated in teratomas but not in teratoma-free TGCT. Conclusions: Despite the high cure rate for TGCTs, tumors containing chemotherapy-resistant teratomas still contribute to elevated mortality rates. Utilizing TCGA data, we identified a set of miRNAs that are effective in distinguishing between teratoma-containing and teratoma-free TGCTs. This miRNA panel has the potential to inform decisions related to surgical treatment plans and provide further insight into the biology of the disease.

Predictive Value of High Mobility Group Box-1 and miR-146b in Septic Shock Patients

In the face of the elevated incidence and mortality rate of septic shock in the ICU, this retrospective study seeks to investigate the indicative and predictive value of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and miR-146b in patients with septic shock. Quantitative RT-PCR was employed in this study to quantify the HMGB1 and miR-146b levels in plasma samples obtained from the patient group and healthy controls. The investigation involved the comparison between the two groups and tracking changes in the patient group over time. The finding revealed that upon admission, the patient group exhibited markedly elevated relative expression levels of HMGB1, which subsequently decreased over time. Conversely, the patient group displayed significantly reduced relative expression levels of miR-146b upon admission, which subsequently increased over time compared to the control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed good predictive value for HMGB1 and miR-146b. The experimental results suggest that HMGB1 and miR-146b serve as valuable and convenient biomarkers for evaluating the severity of septic shock and predicting mortality. Additionally, it is proposed that serum miR-146b may be inducible and potentially exerts a negative regulatory effect on the expression of HMGB1.

Effects of Daylong Exposure to Indoor Overheating on Thermal and Cardiovascular Strain in Older Adults: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Health agencies recommend that homes of heat-vulnerable occupants (e.g., older adults) be maintained below 24-28°C to prevent heat-related mortality and morbidity. However, there is limited experimental evidence to support these recommendations. To aid in the development of evidence-based guidance on safe indoor temperatures for temperate continental climates, we evaluated surrogate physiological outcomes linked with heat-related mortality and morbidity in older adults during simulated indoor overheating. Sixteen older adults [six women; median age: 72 y, interquartile range (IQR): 70-73 y; body mass index: ] from the Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, region (warm summer continental climate) completed four randomized, 8-h exposures to conditions experienced indoors during hot weather in continental climates (e.g., Ontario, Canada; 64 participant exposures). Ambient conditions simulated an air-conditioned environment (22°C; control), proposed indoor temperature upper limits (26°C), and temperatures experienced in homes without air-conditioning (31°C and 36°C). Core temperature (rectal) was monitored as the primary outcome; based on previous recommendations, between-condition differences were considered clinically meaningful. Compared with 22°C, core temperature was elevated to a meaningful extent in 31°C [; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.5, 0.8] and 36°C (; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.1), but not 26°C (, 95% CI: 0.0, 0.3). Increasing ambient temperatures were also associated with elevated heart rate and reduced arterial blood pressure and heart rate variability at rest, as well as progressive impairments in cardiac and blood pressure responses to standing from supine. Core temperature and cardiovascular strain were not appreciably altered following 8-h exposure to 26°C but increased progressively in conditions above this threshold. These data support proposals for the establishment of a 26°C indoor temperature upper limit for protecting vulnerable occupants residing in temperate continental climates from indoor overheating. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13159.

Hyper-IgE syndrome: a case report

Introduction and importance: Hyper-IgE syndrome (HIES), also known as Job syndrome, is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by elevated serum IgE levels, recurrent infections, and various clinical features. Early diagnosis, prompt management of infections, and supportive care are essential in improving outcomes for individuals with HIES. Genetic testing, including STAT3 gene sequencing, plays a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis. Further research is needed to enhance our understanding of HIES and develop targeted therapies to improve the quality of life for affected individuals. Case presentation: This case report presents the clinical features and management of a 37-year-old male with HIES, diagnosed at the age of 2 due to recurrent cold abscesses caused by Staphylococcal infections. Clinical discussion: The patient exhibited typical symptoms of HIES, including recurrent eczema, frequent bacterial infections, mucocutaneous candidiasis, and various physical abnormalities. Diagnostic markers such as elevated IgE levels and eosinophilia supported the HIES diagnosis, which was further confirmed by the identification of a STAT3 gene mutation. Treatment primarily involved supportive measures and antibiotics for infections. The patient’s blood test results and imaging findings revealed abnormalities such as low red blood cell count, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and pulmonary nodules. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of early diagnosis, prompt management of infections, and the need for ongoing research to improve our understanding and treatment of HIES.