bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regenerative medicine: a brief look into platelet-rich plasma therapy
Authors: Bonelli Eugenia
Published: September 2022

Aesthetic medicine has shown massive growth over the past few years, with a special focus on the regeneration and repair of cells to slow down the ageing process. In this article, Eugenia Bonelli explores platelet-rich plasma, which has become one of the most popular procedures, and it can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies, such as microneedling or mesotherapy
Research Roundup
Authors: McGloin Claudia
Published: September 2022

In this regular feature, aesthetic nurse Claudia McGloin presents a brief synopsis of a range of recently published articles on medical aesthetics. Research roundup aims to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary and critique, of the papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided at the end of each study summary
A brief overview of current proposed changes and the legalities of advertising prescription-only medicines
Authors: Mather Linda
Published: September 2022

Linda Mather discusses advertising within the spheres of surgical and non-surgical aesthetics
The top 10 mistakes aesthetics businesses make with their digital marketing
Authors: O'Neill Rick
Published: September 2022

Rick O'Neill discusses the 10 biggest marketing mistakes that businesses can make and how to avoid them
Creative Teaching STEM Module: High School Students’ Perception
Authors: Othman Oziah , Iksan Zanaton H. , Yasin Ruhizan Mohammad
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of enrolling in the creative teaching module in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education from high school students’ perspectives. This study applied a case study and qualitative research approach involving 26 Grade 11 students and 31 Grade 8 students. The creative teaching-STEM (CT-STEM) module, which comprised various activities related to energy literacy in real-world situations for the community’s well-being, involved outdoor STEM education activities with the assistance of two science teachers. The CT-STEM module was developed based on the directed creative process model by applying four creative teaching strategies: (i) constructivism learning, (ii) discovery inquiry, (iii) problem-based learning, and (iv) project-based learning. The theme of these out-of-classroom activities is sustainability education, focusing on energy sustainability. The results showed that the planned approaches could positively impact and build students’ creativity and create an exciting learning experience. Furthermore, the findings from the open-ended questionnaire instrument, observations, and analysis of the worksheets have shown enhancements in five themes: the development of problem-solving skills with an emphasis on the element of sustainability education, high-level thinking skills, active learning skills, communication skills, and humanity skills. The students also showed an increased interest in STEM as they learned using the CT-STEM module.
ATF3 as a potential diagnostic marker of early-stage osteoarthritis and its correlation with immune infiltration through bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Yang Jianle , Fan Yu , Liu Shuzhong
Published: September 2022

Aims

This study aimed, through bioinformatics analysis, to identify the potential diagnostic markers of osteoarthritis, and analyze the role of immune infiltration in synovial tissue.

Methods

The gene expression profiles were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by R software. Functional enrichment analyses were performed and protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) were constructed. Then the hub genes were screened. Biomarkers with high value for the diagnosis of early osteoarthritis (OA) were validated by GEO datasets. Finally, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to evaluate the immune infiltration between early-stage OA and end-stage OA, and the correlation between the diagnostic marker and infiltrating immune cells was analyzed.

Results

A total of 88 DEGs were identified. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses indicated that DEGs were significantly enriched in leucocyte migration and interleukin (IL)-17 signalling pathways. Disease ontology (DO) indicated that DEGs were mostly enriched in rheumatoid arthritis. Six hub genes including FosB proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit (FOSB); C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CXCL2); CXCL8; IL-6; Jun proto-oncogene, AP-1 transcription factor subunit (JUN); and Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) were identified and verified by GEO datasets. ATF3 (area under the curve = 0.975) turned out to be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of early OA. Several infiltrating immune cells varied significantly between early-stage OA and end-stage OA, such as resting NK cells (p = 0.016), resting dendritic cells (p = 0.043), and plasma cells (p = 0.043). Additionally, ATF3 was significantly correlated with resting NK cells (p = 0.034), resting dendritic cells (p = 0.026), and regulatory T cells (Tregs, p = 0.018).

Conclusion

ATF3 may be a potential diagnostic marker for early diagnosis and treatment of OA, and immune cell infiltration provides new perspectives for understanding the mechanism during OA progression. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(9):679–689.
Experimental Investigation of Innovative Vortex Generators in the Mixing Enhancement of Subsonic Jets
Authors: VASU KANNAH D. L. Vasthadu , MUTHUSUBASH B. Ramki , SRINITHI PRIYADHARSHINI P.
Published: September 2022

Jet mixing becomes necessary for its wide range of applications from household appliances to modern high technology rockets. Various researchers have studied the enhancement of jet mixing and concluded that the most effective jet mixing is due to the engagement of a vortex generator at the exit plane of the nozzle, thereby creating vortices of different sizes to enhance the mixing. To intensify the jet mixing, two similar innovative vortex generators with a total blockage ratio of 3.5% are placed diametrically opposite locations of the convergent nozzle. The Aspect Ratio of the convergent nozzle is 1. A numerical investigation is carried out to assess the effectiveness of the vortex generator for Mach numbers of 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7 and 0.8. The centerline Pitot pressure decay was calculated and found to exhibit the core length reduction due to the introduction of the Vortex generator. To measure the effectiveness of the jet mixing using vortex generators, the results are compared with the uncontrolled jet.
Investigation of Cold Extrusion of Aluminum AA 2024 Alloy using Finite Element Analysis
Authors: KOTHASIRI Anupama Francy , CHALAMALASETTI Srinivasa Rao
Published: September 2022

In recent years, the interest in modeling extrusion processes has resulted in the development of several analytical and numerical methodologies. The present work optimizes cold extrusion process variables (Die angle (DA), Ram speed (RS), Coefficient of friction (CoF)) on extrusion force, displacement, damage and time for the Aluminum AA 2024 alloy material. DEFORMTM-3D software is used to carry out numerical simulations and to study the behavior of the Aluminum AA 2024 billet during the plastic deformation over the conical die. The die/ container and ram (top die) are considered as rigid bodies and the room temperature is maintained during the extrusion process. The simulations are conducted as per L27 Taguchi orthogonal array. The obtained results are analyzed in ANOVA. An optimization using multiple variables is performed by grey relational analysis (GRA). The highest grey relational grade (GRG) is obtained for experiments conducted at DA level 2, RS level 2, and CoF level 3 (minimum extrusion force, damage and time) and (maximum displacement) is achieved by GRA. Systematically, the influence of the ram speed, coefficient of friction, and die angle are examined. The damage factor is considerable at 30° DA under the ram speed of 3mm/min.
Time-domain Analytical Method for Aeroelastic Analysis of High Aspect Ratio Wing Using Unsteady Indicial Aerodynamics
Authors: REHMAN Zia Ur
Published: September 2022

This paper deals with the development of a novel time-domain analytical method to perform an aeroelastic stability analysis of a high aspect ratio wing. The aerodynamic model in this paper is built upon the frequency domain of Theodorsen aerodynamics. An inverse Fourier transform technique is applied to convert the Theodorsen frequency domain transfer function to the Wagner time-domain response function. Later, lift and moment expressions, containing aerodynamic lag states are obtained using the indicial function approach which performs the convolution of the unit step response Wagner lift function with arbitrary input and its time derivative using the principle of superposition. Additional equations containing the derivative of aerodynamic lag states are coupled with previously obtained lift and moment expressions to fully get the complete unsteady aerodynamic model in the time-domain. This time-domain unsteady aerodynamic model is then coupled with a combined bending torsion beam finite element model, using the state space approach. A complex eigenvalue analysis of this state space system is performed, using MATLAB, to determine both the static and dynamic aeroelastic stability boundary. Finally, in this paper, aeroelastic stability analysis of the high aspect ratio wing is performed using the current method and results are validated with MSC Nastran aeroelastic analysis and those available in the literature.
Improved spectral demodulation algorithm with EEMDAD for sapphire fiber Fabry–Perot high-temperature sensing
Authors: Wang Shuang , Yan Meiyu , Jiang Junfeng , Li Zhiyuan , Chen Anqi , Tan Ke , Liu Tiegen
Published: September 2022

In this paper, an improved spectral demodulation algorithm with the ensemble empirical mode decomposition average denoising is proposed to suppress order jumps in the sapphire fiber Fabry–Perot high-temperature sensing system. It is proven that the signal-to-noise ratio of the sensor is closely related to the severity of the demodulation jumps. The proposed algorithm can reduce the fluctuations of key parameters by reducing the noise in the spectrum, thus overcoming this obstacle. The simulations and experiment demonstrate that the algorithm can effectively eliminate the order jumps in both stable and variable temperature environments. The proposed algorithm solves the order jumping problem that has long plagued the demodulation of this system, improves demodulation accuracy, ensures the reliable operation of the high-temperature sensor, and exhibits excellent demodulation performance.
Increasing the field-of-view in oblique plane microscopy via optical tiling
Authors: Chen Bingying , Chang Bo-Jui , Zhou Felix Y. , Daetwyler Stephan , Sapoznik Etai , Nanes Benjamin A , Terrazas Isabella , Gihana Gabriel M. , Castro Lizbeth Perez , Chan Isaac S. , Conacci-Sorrell Maralice , Dean Kevin M. , Millett-Sikking Alfred , York Andrew G. , Fiolka Reto
Published: September 2022

Fast volumetric imaging of large fluorescent samples with high-resolution is required for many biological applications. Oblique plane microscopy (OPM) provides high spatiotemporal resolution, but the field of view is typically limited by its optical train and the pixel number of the camera. Mechanically scanning the sample or decreasing the overall magnification of the imaging system can partially address this challenge, albeit by reducing the volumetric imaging speed or spatial resolution, respectively. Here, we introduce a novel dual-axis scan unit for OPM that facilitates rapid and high-resolution volumetric imaging throughout a volume of 800 × 500 × 200 microns. This enables us to perform volumetric imaging of cell monolayers, spheroids and zebrafish embryos with subcellular resolution. Furthermore, we combined this microscope with a multi-perspective projection imaging technique that increases the volumetric interrogation rate to more than 10 Hz. This allows us to rapidly probe a large field of view in a dimensionality reduced format, identify features of interest, and volumetrically image these regions with high spatiotemporal resolution.
Steganographic optical image encryption based on single-pixel imaging and an untrained neural network
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Wang Xiaogang , Zhu Angang , Xue Jidong , Xu Bijun
Published: September 2022

We propose a steganographic optical image encryption based on single-pixel imaging (SPI) and an untrained neural network. In this encryption scheme, random binary illumination patterns are projected onto a secret image and light intensities reflected from the image are then detected by a bucket detector (BD). To enhance the security of collected secret data, a steganographic approach is introduced in this method, which implements data hiding with a SPI system using encoded illumination patterns. A non-secret image is illuminated with a sequence of encoded patterns that were generated from the scrambled measurements of secret image, and sequential cyphertext data can be obtained by collecting the diffraction data with the BD. Different from traditional SPI-based encryption schemes, an untrained neural network is adopted as a SPI-encrypted image processor, which allows to reduce time spent on data preparation and reconstruct the secret images with high quality. Both computer simulations and optical experiments are carried out to demonstrate the feasibility of the method.
Body-of-revolution finite-difference time-domain modeling of hybrid-plasmonic ring resonators
Authors: Mirzaei-Ghormish S. , Shahabadi M. , Smalley D. E.
Published: September 2022

Development of a computational technique for the analysis of quasi-normal modes in hybrid-plasmonic resonators is the main goal of this research. Because of the significant computational costs of this analysis, one has to take various symmetries of these resonators into account. In this research, we consider cylindrical symmetry of hybrid-plasmonic ring resonators and implement a body-of-revolution finite-difference time-domain (BOR-FDTD) technique to analyze these resonators. We extend the BOR-FDTD method by proposing two different sets of auxiliary fields to implement multi-term Drude-Lorentz and multi-term Lorentz models in BOR-FDTD. Moreover, we utilize the filter-diagonalization method to accurately compute the complex resonant frequencies of the resonators. This approach improves numerical accuracy and computational time compared to the Fourier transform method used in previous BOR-FDTD methods. Our numerical analysis is verified by a 2D axisymmetric solver in COMSOL Multiphysics.
Optimizations and investigations for transfer learning of iteratively pruned neural network equalizers for data center networking
Authors: Xiao Jiawang , Sun Lin , Liu Caoyang , Liu Gordon Ning
Published: September 2022

In this work, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, we introduce the iterative pruning technique into the transfer learning (TL) of neural network equalizers (NNE) deployed in optical links with different length. For the purpose of time saving during the training period of NNE, TL migrates the NNE parameters which have been already trained on the source link to the newly-routed link (the target link), which has been proved to outperform the training initialized with the random state. Based on simulations, we proved that iterative pruning technique could further enhance the convergence speed during TL between the source and target links. Moreover, we quantitatively investigate the marginal effects of pruned threshold and pruned span on the convergence performance in various transmission distance scenarios. In addition, we observed a trade-off between performance stability and complexity of NNE, which requires to be optimized compromisingly by choosing an appropriate equalizer scale.
Thermal suppression of high-repetition rate SBS pulse compression in liquid media
Authors: Wang Hongli , Seongwoo Cha , Kong Hong Jin , Wang Yulei , Lu Zhiwei
Published: September 2022

Thermal problems of high-repetition-rate stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) pulse compression in liquid media are theoretically and experimentally analyzed in detail. A wedge lens with less coma-aberration was designed using the ray tracing method and the thermally induced beam-pattern distortion was compensated by inhibiting thermal convection. The heat transfer form and fluid state were quantitatively analyzed for different SBS liquid media. For a 74-W pump power, 3-kHz pulse-compressed phase-conjugation mirror with an energy efficiency of 36.2% is achieved. A potential optimization method of continuously adjusting SBS output characteristics using a mixed medium is proposed and theoretically demonstrated, to improve energy efficiency.
Upper limit of gamut volumes in multi-primary display systems
Authors: Yao Binghui , Zhu Liquan , Deng Linxiao , Yang Yuhua , Wang Guan , Gu Chun , Xu Lixin
Published: September 2022

Based on the difference between multi-primary displays (MPDs) and three-primary displays, we propose a new definition for evaluating the color gamut volume (CGV) to explore the upper limit of MPDs, which could theoretically represent all colors that MPDs can display. The proposed definition corrects the defects in the L*a*b* color space that arise when calculating the CGV of MPDs. In view of the high computational complexity of this method, we propose a simplified scheme with a small margin of error. Additionally, we verify the new definition with experiments on a six-primary projector. This method is helpful in guiding the selection of light sources and the evaluation of MPDs, and also has great reference value to calculate the target gamut for gamut mapping in MPDs.
Utility of constraints reflecting system stability on analyses for biological models
Authors: Kariya Yoshiaki , Honma Masashi , Tokuda Keita , Konagaya Akihiko , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: September 2022

Simulating complex biological models consisting of multiple ordinary differential equations can aid in the prediction of the pharmacological/biological responses; however, they are often hampered by the availability of reliable kinetic parameters. In the present study, we aimed to discover the properties of behaviors without determining an optimal combination of kinetic parameter values (parameter set). The key idea was to collect as many parameter sets as possible. Given that many systems are biologically stable and resilient (BSR), we focused on the dynamics around the steady state and formulated objective functions for BSR by partial linear approximation of the focused region. Using the objective functions and modified global cluster Newton method, we developed an algorithm for a thorough exploration of the allowable parameter space for biological systems (TEAPS). We first applied TEAPS to the NF-κB signaling model. This system shows a damped oscillation after stimulation and seems to fit the BSR constraint. By applying TEAPS, we found several directions in parameter space which stringently determines the BSR property. In such directions, the experimentally fitted parameter values were included in the range of the obtained parameter sets. The arachidonic acid metabolic pathway model was used as a model related to pharmacological responses. The pharmacological effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were simulated using the parameter sets obtained by TEAPS. The structural properties of the system were partly extracted by analyzing the distribution of the obtained parameter sets. In addition, the simulations showed inter-drug differences in prostacyclin to thromboxane A2 ratio such that aspirin treatment tends to increase the ratio, while rofecoxib treatment tends to decrease it. These trends are comparable to the clinical observations. These results on real biological models suggest that the parameter sets satisfying the BSR condition can help in finding biologically plausible parameter sets and understanding the properties of biological systems.
Species abundance correlations carry limited information about microbial network interactions
Authors: Pinto Susanne , Benincà Elisa , van Nes Egbert H. , Scheffer Marten , Bogaards Johannes A.
Published: September 2022

Unraveling the network of interactions in ecological communities is a daunting task. Common methods to infer interspecific interactions from cross-sectional data are based on co-occurrence measures. For instance, interactions in the human microbiome are often inferred from correlations between the abundances of bacterial phylogenetic groups across subjects. We tested whether such correlation-based methods are indeed reliable for inferring interaction networks. For this purpose, we simulated bacterial communities by means of the generalized Lotka-Volterra model, with variation in model parameters representing variability among hosts. Our results show that correlations can be indicative for presence of bacterial interactions, but only when measurement noise is low relative to the variation in interaction strengths between hosts. Indication of interaction was affected by type of interaction network, process noise and sampling under non-equilibrium conditions. The sign of a correlation mostly coincided with the nature of the strongest pairwise interaction, but this is not necessarily the case. For instance, under rare conditions of identical interaction strength, we found that competitive and exploitative interactions can result in positive as well as negative correlations. Thus, cross-sectional abundance data carry limited information on specific interaction types. Correlations in abundance may hint at interactions but require independent validation.
Regulation of heme utilization and homeostasis in Candida albicans
Authors: Andrawes Natalie , Weissman Ziva , Pinsky Mariel , Moshe Shilat , Berman Judith , Kornitzer Daniel
Published: September 2022

Heme (iron-protoporphyrin IX) is an essential but potentially toxic cellular cofactor. While most organisms are heme prototrophs, many microorganisms can utilize environmental heme as iron source. The pathogenic yeastCandida albicanscan utilize host heme in the iron-poor host environment, using an extracellular cascade of soluble and anchored hemophores, and plasma membrane ferric reductase-like proteins. To gain additional insight into theC.albicansheme uptake pathway, we performed an unbiased genetic selection for mutants resistant to the toxic heme analog Ga3+-protoporphyrin IX at neutral pH, and a secondary screen for inability to utilize heme as iron source. Among the mutants isolated were the genes of the pH-responsive RIM pathway, and a zinc finger transcription factor related toS.cerevisiae HAP1. In the presence of hemin in the medium,C.albicans HAP1is induced, the Hap1 protein is stabilized and Hap1-GFP localizes to the nucleus. In thehap1mutant, cytoplasmic heme levels are elevated, while influx of extracellular heme is lower. Gene expression analysis indicated that in the presence of extracellular hemin, Hap1 activates the heme oxygenaseHMX1, which breaks down excess cytoplasmic heme, while at the same time it also activates all the known heme uptake genes. These results indicate that Hap1 is a heme-responsive transcription factor that plays a role both in cytoplasmic heme homeostasis and in utilization of extracellular heme. The induction of heme uptake genes byC.albicansHap1 under iron satiety indicates that preferential utilization of host heme can be a dietary strategy in a heme prototroph.
Seroepidemiological investigation of COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in Jundiai, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Batista Marília Jesus , Lino Carolina Matteussi , Tenani Carla Fabiana , Zanin Luciane , Correia da Silva Andréa Tenório , Nunes Lipay Monica Vannucci , Rossi Carolina de Lima , Tonetti Jane Rodrigues , de Souza Andréia Pinto , de Alcântara Fredo Fabiana Barrete , Marchi Evaldo
Published: September 2022

The dramatic increase in the number of COVID-19 cases has been a threat to global health and a challenge for health systems. Estimating the prevalence of infection in the population is essential to provide support for action planning. Within this scenario, the aim of the present study was to analyze the seroprevalence and associated factors of COVID-19 Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil. This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 1st to June 19th, 2020. The participants were patients with respiratory symptoms who sought Primary Care Units (UBS) (n = 1,181) and subjects recruited from randomly selected households by probability sampling (n = 3,065), as screening strategy. All participants, in both phases, were submitted to SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (IgG and IgM) and responded to a questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics based on Behavioural Insights for COVID-19. Total seroprevalence (positive/negative) was the outcome and the independent variables were sociodemographic variables, health behavior and signs/symptoms. The chi-squared test was used for association analysis (p<0.05) and variables with p<0.20 were entered into the logistic regression model (p<0.05). A total of 1,181 subjects from the UBS and 3,065 from the selected households participated in the study. The seroprevalence was 30.8% in the UBS and 3.1% in the households. The adjusted logistic regression identified that lower educational level (OR 2.68; 95%CI 1.59–4.54), household member testing positive (OR 1.67; 95%CI 1.16–2.39), presence of anosmia (OR 3.68, 95%CI 2.56–5.28) and seeking UBS (OR 3.76; 95%CI 2.08–6.82) was risk factors to test positive for SARS-CoV-2. Estimating the seroprevalence in the population was important to know the disease extension that was higher than the notified cases. These results showed socioeconomic aspects associated with COVID-19 even adjusted by symptoms. Populational epidemiologic studies that investigate the associated factors of COVID-19 are relevant to plan strategies to control the pandemic.
Clonorchis sinensis infection modulates key cytokines for essential immune response impacted by sex
Authors: Kan Shuo , Li Qi , Li Hong-Mei , Yao Yan-Hua , Du Xin-Yue , Wu Chen-Yun , Chen Guang-Jie , Guo Xiao-Kui , Qian Men-Bao , Wang Zhao-Jun
Published: September 2022

Infection with helminths can modulate the host immune response, which ultimately shape morbidity and mortality of the associated diseases. We studied key cytokines for essential immune response in sera from 229 southeastern China individuals infected with Clonorchis sinensis and 60 individuals without C. sinensis infection, and measured serum specific IgG and IgE against worms in these people. Individuals infected with C. sinensis had significantly higher antigen-specific IgG and IgE levels, which were positively correlated with egg counts in feces. However, less enhancement of IgE antibody was observed in females when compared to males with similar infection levels. C. sinensis infection caused diminished Th1 cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-12p70, IFN-γ and TNF-α), Th2 cytokine (IL-4), as well as Th17 cytokine (IL-17A) in sera, which showed decreasing trend by infection intensity. Notably, these phenotypes were more significant in females than those in males. Although C. sinensis infection is associated with the development of hepatobiliary diseases, there was no significant correlation between the dampened cytokine profiles and the hepatobiliary morbidities. Our study indicates C. sinensis infection is strongly related to the immune suppression in human. Sex differences shape the immune milieus of clonorchiasis. This study provides a better understanding of how worms affect immune responses and cause a long-term immune alternation in humans with C. sinensis infection.
Visual closed dumbbell-mediated isothermal amplification (CDA) for on-site detection of Rickettsia raoultii
Authors: Gui Zheng , Cai Hao , Wu Lin , Miao Qing , Yu Jing feng , Cai Ting , Mao Rui
Published: September 2022

Spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are important zoonoses, threatening human health seriously and gradually attracting more attention in the world. SFG rickettsiae are classified as neglected pathogens. If these pathogens are detected at all, they are usually recognized very late in the infection through indirect detection of specific antibodies. Previous studies have shown that Rickettsia raoultii (R. raoultii), a member of the SFG rickettsiae, occurs with increasing incidence in remote countries. Therefore, a rapid detection method for R. raoultii is in urgently need. In this study, a R. raoultii diagnosis method by closed dumbbell-mediated isothermal amplification (R-CDA) assay targeting a conserved sequence of the outer membrane protein A (OmpA) gene with high sensitivity and specificity was developed. This assay offered a rapid and simple method for on-site detection of R. raoultii. Firstly, four pairs of R-CDA primers were designed and the optimum primer set was selected to amplify target gene specifically and effectively. Then, a pair of outer primer was designed to accelerate the reaction based on the inner primers to establish the RO-CDA reaction. In addition, the results of real-time amplification curves, melting curves and end-point colorimetric judgements showed that the established visual RO-CDA reaction could accurately detect R. raoultii without cross-reaction with other closely related pathogens. Furthermore, the detection limit of visual RO-CDA assay was 10 copies/μL, which was feasible for on-site detection with merits of easy-operation, rapidity, high sensitivity, and specificity. In conclusion, the developed RO-CDA detection method could be helpful for pathogen screening and epidemic prevention at the point of care.
Cysteine protease of Clonorchis sinensis alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Xie Xiaoying , Wu Zhanshuai , Wu Yuhong , Liu Jing , Chen Xinyuan , Shi Xiaoqian , Wei Caiheng , Li Jiasheng , Lv Jiahui , Li Qing , Tang Lili , He Shanshan , Zhan Tingzheng , Tang Zeli
Published: September 2022

Background

Currently, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become a global chronic idiopathic disease with ever-rising morbidity and prevalence. Accumulating evidence supports the IBD-hygiene hypothesis that helminths and their derivatives have potential therapeutic value for IBD.Clonorchis sinensis(C.sinensis) mainly elicit Th2/Treg-dominated immune responses to maintain long-term parasitism in the host. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of cysteine protease (CsCP) and adult crude antigen (CsCA) ofC.sinensis, andC.sinensis(Cs) infection on DSS-induced colitis mice.

Methods

BALB/c mice were given 5% DSS daily for 7 days to induce colitis. During this period, mice were treated with rCsCP,CsCA or dexamethasone (DXM) every day, orCsinfection which was established in advance. Changes in body weight, disease activity index (DAI), colon lengths, macroscopic scores, histopathological findings, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity levels, regulatory T cell (Treg) subset levels, colon gene expression levels, serum cytokine levels, and biochemical indexes were measured.

Results

Compared withCsinfection, rCsCP andCsCA alleviated the disease activity of acute colitis more significant without causing abnormal blood biochemical indexes. In comparison, rCsCP was superior toCsCA in attenuating colonic pathological symptoms, enhancing the proportion of Treg cells in spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes, and improving the secretion of inflammatory-related cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13) in serum. Combined with RNA-seq data, it was revealed thatCsCA might up-regulate the genes related to C-type lectin receptor and intestinal mucosal repair related signal pathways (e.g., Cd209d, F13a1 and Cckbr) to reduce colon inflammation and benefit intestinal mucosal repair. Dissimilarly, rCsCP ameliorated colitis mainly through stimulating innate immunity, such as Toll like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway, down-regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-12b, IL-23r and IL-7), thereby restraining the differentiation of Th1/Th17 cells.

Conclusions

Both rCsCP andCsCA showed good therapeutic effects on the treatment of acute colitis, but rCsCP is a better choice. rCsCP is a safe, effective, readily available and promising therapeutic agent against IBD mainly by activating innate immunity and regulating the IL-12/IL-23r axis.
Tumor purity adjusted beta values improve biological interpretability of high-dimensional DNA methylation data
Authors: Staaf Johan , Aine Mattias
Published: September 2022

A common issue affecting DNA methylation analysis in tumor tissue is the presence of a substantial amount of non-tumor methylation signal derived from the surrounding microenvironment. Although approaches for quantifying and correcting for the infiltration component have been proposed previously, we believe these have not fully addressed the issue in a comprehensive and universally applicable way. We present a multi-population framework for adjusting DNA methylation beta values on the Illumina 450/850K platform using generic purity estimates to account for non-tumor signal. Our approach also provides an indirect estimate of the aggregate methylation state of the surrounding normal tissue. Using whole exome sequencing derived purity estimates and Illumina 450K methylation array data generated by The Cancer Genome Atlas project (TCGA), we provide a demonstration of this framework in breast cancer illustrating the effect of beta correction on the aggregate methylation beta value distribution, clustering accuracy, and global methylation profiles.
Barriers and facilitators to vaccination uptake against COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal pneumonia in immunosuppressed adults with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases: A qualitative interview study during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fuller Amy , Hancox Jennie , Vedhara Kavita , Card Tim , Mallen Christian , Van-Tam Jonathan S. Nguyen , Abhishek Abhishek
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To explore barriers and facilitators to COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal vaccine uptake in immunosuppressed adults with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs).

Methods

Recruiting through national patient charities and a local hospital, participants were invited to take part in an in-depth, one-to-one, semi-structured interview with a trained qualitative researcher between November 2021 and January 2022. Data were analysed thematically in NVivo, cross-validated by a second coder and mapped to the SAGE vaccine hesitancy matrix.

Results

Twenty participants (75% female, 20% non-white) were recruited. Barriers and facilitators spanned contextual, individual/group and vaccine/vaccination-specific factors. Key facilitators to all vaccines were higher perceived infection risk and belief that vaccination is beneficial. Key barriers to all vaccines were belief that vaccination could trigger IMID flare, and active IMID. Key facilitators specific to COVID-19 vaccines included media focus, high incidence, mass-vaccination programme with visible impact, social responsibility, and healthcare professionals’ (HCP) confirmation of the new vaccines’ suitability for their IMID. Novel vaccine technology was a concern, not a barrier. Key facilitators of influenza/pneumococcal vaccines were awareness of eligibility, direct invitation, and, clear recommendation from trusted HCP. Key barriers of influenza/pneumococcal vaccines were unaware of eligibility, no direct invitation or recommendation from HCP, low perceived infection risk, and no perceived benefit from vaccination.

Conclusions

Numerous barriers and facilitators to vaccination, varying by vaccine-type, exist for immunosuppressed-IMID patients. Addressing vaccine benefits and safety for IMID-patients in clinical practice, direct invitation, and public-health messaging highlighting immunosuppression as key vaccination-eligibility criteria may optimise uptake, although further research should assess this.
Structural modeling for Oxford histological classifications of immunoglobulin A nephropathy
Authors: Joh Kensuke , Nakazato Takashi , Hashiguchi Akinori , Shimizu Akira , Katafuchi Ritsuko , Okonogi Hideo , Koike Kentaro , Hirano Keita , Tsuboi Nobuo , Kawamura Tetsuya , Yokoo Takashi , Narita Ichiei , Suzuki Yusuke
Published: September 2022

In immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN), Cox regression analysis can select independent prognostic variables for renal functional decline (RFD). However, the correlation of the selected histological variables with clinical and/or treatment variables is unknown, thereby making histology-based treatment decisions unreliable. We prospectively followed 946 Japanese patients with IgAN for a median of 66 mo. and applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify direct and indirect effects of histological variables on RFD as a regression line of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) via clinical variables including amount of proteinuria, eGFR, mean arterial pressure (MAP) at biopsy, and treatment variables such as steroid therapy with/without tonsillectomy (ST) and renin–angiotensin system blocker (RASB). Multi-layered correlations between the variables and RFD were identified by multivariate linear regression analysis and the model’s goodness of fit was confirmed. Only tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T) had an accelerative direct effect on RFD, while endocapillary hypercellularity and active crescent (C) had an attenuating indirect effect via ST. Segmental sclerosis (S) had an attenuating indirect effect via eGFR and mesangial hypercellularity (M) had accelerative indirect effect for RFD via proteinuria. Moreover, M and C had accelerative indirect effect via proteinuria, which can be controlled by ST. However, both T and S had additional indirect accelerative effects via eGFR or MAP at biopsy, which cannot be controlled by ST. SEM identified a systemic path links between histological variables and RFD via dependent clinical and/or treatment variables. These findings lead to clinically applicable novel methodologies that can contribute to predict treatment outcomes using the Oxford classifications.
bp: Blood pressure analysis in R
Authors: Schwenck John , Punjabi Naresh M. , Gaynanova Irina
Published: September 2022

Despite the world-wide prevalence of hypertension, there is a lack in open-source software for analyzing blood pressure data. The R package bp fills this gap by providing functionality for blood pressure data processing, visualization, and feature extraction. In addition to the comprehensive functionality, the package includes six sample data sets covering continuous arterial pressure data (AP), home blood pressure monitoring data (HBPM) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring data (ABPM), making it easier for researchers to get started. The R package bp is publicly available on CRAN and at https://github.com/johnschwenck/bp.
Development and validation of an end stage kidney disease awareness survey: Item difficulty and discrimination indices
Authors: Orozco Tatiana , Segal Emma , Hinkamp Colin , Olaoye Olanrewaju , Shell Popy , Shukla Ashutosh M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Lack of awareness for chronic kidney disease (CKD), including end stage kidney disease (ESKD) and their management options is a major impediment to patients being able to select and use home dialysis therapies. While some instruments have been developed to measure CKD awareness, we lack validated instruments to evaluate patients’ awareness of ESKD and dialysis modalities. This study is part of multipart project for developing and validating an ESKD-centric disease awareness questionnaire.

Methods

A team of specialty renal care experts developed a 45-items questionnaire encompassing the subdomains of General Kidney Knowledge, CKD Knowledge, and ESKD Knowledge. Item reduction analysis—specifically, calculation of item difficulty and item discrimination index scores—was used to items for further review and potential removal.

Results

Index scores were reviewed in conjunction with consideration of theoretical and substantive item content to reduce the number of items in the questionnaire, resulting in a 32-item questionnaire, retaining 5/10 items in the general kidney knowledge subdomain, 14/21 items in the CKD knowledge subdomain, and 13/14 items in the ESKD knowledge subdomain. Retained items ranged from 0.19 to 0.79 on the difficulty index, and from 0.31 to 0.81 on the discrimination index. Scores for percent correct on the reduced questionnaire spanned 0% to 87.5% correct on the full scale, 0% to 100% correct on the General Knowledge subdomain, 0% to 100% on the CKD Knowledge subdomain, and 0% to 92.3% on ESKD Knowledge subdomain.

Conclusions

The questionnaire developed and refined in this study constitutes a patient disease awareness instrument that spans a range of difficulty, and yet shows strong ability to distinguish between patients with varying levels of disease awareness. This study is the first in part of a multistep project to addresses a gap in measuring ESKD specific knowledge. Accurate assessment of patients’ disease awareness through a validated instrument can allow identification of knowledge domains leading to positive impacts on their healthcare decisions and improve targeted patient education efforts.
The effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models
Authors: Zhao Yu , Zhou Bo , Zhang Guangyin , Xu Shixin , Yang Jipeng , Deng Shizhe , Yao Zengmin , Geng Qiang , Ouyang Bin , Xia Tian
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Oxidative stress is involved in the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. Acupuncture shows an excellent clinical efficacy in practical application but its mechanism remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed at assessing the effect of acupuncture on oxidative stress in animal models.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science database were retrieved for randomized controlled trials about acupuncture on oxidative stress in animal models from inception to August 2021. Two reviewers independently screened and extracted articles according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. We used the mean difference (MD)/standardized mean difference (SMD) to perform an effect size analysis and selected fixed-effect or random-effect models to pool the data, depending on a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of 12 studies comprising 125 samples were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture (manual acupuncture, electropuncture, and laser acupuncture) reduced the level of malondialdehyde (SMD, −3.03; CI, −4.40, −1.65; p < 0.00001) and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase (SMD, 3.39; CI, 1.99, 4.79; p < 0.00001), glutathione peroxidase (SMD, 2.21; CI, 1.10, 3.32; p < 0.00001), and catalase (SMD, 2.80; CI, 0.57, 5.03; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture can regulate oxidative stress by lowering the lipid peroxidation and activating the antioxidant enzyme system. In consideration of heterogeneity between studies, future studies should be performed by complying with strict standards and increasing sample size in animal experiments to reduce bias.
The mosquito vectors that sustained malaria transmission during the Magude project despite the combined deployment of indoor residual spraying, insecticide-treated nets and mass-drug administration
Authors: Fernández Montoya Lucía , Martí-Soler Helena , Máquina Mara , Comiche Kiba , Cuamba Inocencia , Alafo Celso , Koekemoer Lizette L. , Sherrard-Smith Ellie , Bassat Quique , Galatas Beatriz , Aide Pedro , Cuamba Nelson , Jotamo Dulcisaria , Saúte Francisco , Paaijmans Krijn P.
Published: September 2022

The “Magude project” aimed but failed to interrupt local malaria transmission in Magude district, southern Mozambique, by using a comprehensive package of interventions, including indoor residual spraying (IRS), pyrethroid-only long-lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs) and mass-drug administration (MDA). Here we present detailed information on the vector species that sustained malaria transmission, their association with malaria incidence and behaviors, and their amenability to the implemented control interventions. Mosquitoes were collected monthly between May 2015 and October 2017 in six sentinel sites in Magude district, using CDC light traps both indoors and outdoors. Anopheles arabiensis was the main vector during the project, while An. funestus s.s., An. merus, An. parensis and An. squamosus likely played a secondary role. The latter two species have never previously been found positive for Plasmodium falciparum in southern Mozambique. The intervention package successfully reduced vector sporozoite rates in all species throughout the project. IRS was effective in controlling An. funestus s.s. and An. parensis, which virtually disappeared after its first implementation, but less effective at controlling An. arabiensis. Despite suboptimal use, LLINs likely provided significant protection against An. arabiensis and An. merus that sought their host largely indoors when people where in bed. Adding IRS on top of LLINs and MDA likely added value to the control of malaria vectors during the Magude project. Future malaria elimination attempts in the area could benefit from i) increasing the use of LLINs, ii) using longer-lasting IRS products to counteract the increase in vector densities observed towards the end of the high transmission season, and iii) a higher coverage with MDA to reduce the likelihood of human infection. However, additional interventions targeting vectors that survive IRS and LLINs by biting outdoors or indoors before people go to bed, will be likely needed to achieve local malaria elimination.
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Clinical outcomes due to COVID-19. Protocol of a systematic literature review
Authors: Pérez Bedoya Juan Pablo , Mejía Muñoz Alejandro , Barengo Noël Christopher , Diaz Valencia Paula Andrea
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Diabetes has been associated with an increased risk of complications in patients with COVID-19. Most studies do not differentiate between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, which correspond to two pathophysiological distinct diseases that could represent different degrees of clinical compromise.

Objective

To identify if there are differences in the clinical outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and diabetes (type 1 and type 2) compared to patients with COVID-19 without diabetes.

Methods

Observational studies of patients with COVID-19 and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) will be included without restriction of geographic region, gender or age, whose outcome is hospitalization, admission to intensive care unit or mortality compared to patients without diabetes. Two authors will independently perform selection, data extraction, and quality assessment, and a third reviewer will resolve discrepancies. The data will be synthesized regarding the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with diabetes and without diabetes accompanied by the measure of association for the outcomes. The data will be synthesized regarding the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with diabetes and without diabetes accompanied by the measure of association for the outcomes.

Expected results

Update the evidence regarding the risk of complications in diabetic patients with COVID-19 and in turn synthesize the information available regarding type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, to provide keys to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of diabetics.

Systematic review registry

This study was registered at the International Prospective Registry for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO)—CRD42021231942.