bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid on-site nucleic acid testing: On-chip sample preparation, amplification, and detection, and their integration into all-in-one systems
Authors: Wang Jingwen , Jiang Han , Pan Leiming , Gu Xiuying , Xiao Chaogeng , Liu Pengpeng , Tang Yulong , Fang Jiehong , Li Xiaoqian , Lu Chenze
Published: February 2023

As nucleic acid testing is playing a vital role in increasingly many research fields, the need for rapid on-site testing methods is also increasing. The test procedure often consists of three steps: Sample preparation, amplification, and detection. This review covers recent advances in on-chip methods for each of these three steps and explains the principles underlying related methods. The sample preparation process is further divided into cell lysis and nucleic acid purification, and methods for the integration of these two steps on a single chip are discussed. Under amplification, on-chip studies based on PCR and isothermal amplification are covered. Three isothermal amplification methods reported to have good resistance to PCR inhibitors are selected for discussion due to their potential for use in direct amplification. Chip designs and novel strategies employed to achieve rapid extraction/amplification with satisfactory efficiency are discussed. Four detection methods providing rapid responses (fluorescent, optical, and electrochemical detection methods, plus lateral flow assay) are evaluated for their potential in rapid on-site detection. In the final section, we discuss strategies to improve the speed of the entire procedure and to integrate all three steps onto a single chip; we also comment on recent advances, and on obstacles to reducing the cost of chip manufacture and achieving mass production. We conclude that future trends will focus on effective nucleic acid extraction via combined methods and direct amplification via isothermal methods.
Outbreak of colistin resistant, carbapenemase (blaNDM, blaOXA-232) producing Klebsiella pneumoniae causing blood stream infection among neonates at a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Pathak Ashutosh , Tejan Nidhi , Dubey Akanksha , Chauhan Radha , Fatima Nida , Jyoti  , Singh Sushma , Bhayana Sahil , Sahu Chinmoy
Published: February 2023

Infections caused by multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae are a leading cause of mortality and morbidity among hospitalized patients. In neonatal intensive care units (NICU), blood stream infections by K. pneumoniae are one of the most common nosocomial infections leading to poor clinical outcomes and prolonged hospital stays. Here, we describe an outbreak of multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae among neonates admitted at the NICU of a large tertiary care hospital in India. The outbreak involved 5 out of 7 neonates admitted in the NICU. The antibiotic sensitivity profiles revealed that all K. pneumoniae isolates were multi-drug resistant including carbapenems and colistin. The isolates belonged to three different sequence types namely, ST-11, ST-16 and ST-101. The isolates harboured carbapenemase genes, mainly blaNDM-1, blaNDM-5 and blaOXA-232 besides extended-spectrum β-lactamases however the colistin resistance gene mcr-1, mcr-2 and mcr-3 could not be detected. Extensive environmental screening of the ward and healthcare personnel led to the isolation of K. pneumoniae ST101 from filtered incubator water, harboring blaNDM-5, blaOXA-232 and ESBL genes (blaCTX-M) but was negative for the mcr genes. Strict infection control measures were applied and the outbreak was contained. This study emphasizes that early detection of such high-risk clones of multi-drug resistant isolates, surveillance and proper infection control practices are crucial to prevent outbreaks and further spread into the community.
Conservation, collaboration, and claims: Saemie inclusion and influence in a Swedish national park process
Authors: Flodén Linn , Reimerson Elsa
Published: February 2023

In Sweden, environmental governance and management has historically been centralized, with low levels of local influence and control. Although a large proportion of the areas set aside for environmental protection in Sweden are located in Saepmie, the traditional lands of the Saemie people, Saemie influence in the governance and management of these areas has been limited. However, recent events and ongoing processes indicate a potential change in both discourse and policy practice. This paper critically examines the planning process for a proposed national park in the southern part of the Swedish mountain range. It was organized in a collaborative and participatory form, including Saemie representatives on both local and central levels. After several years of planning, local Saemie opposition to the park led to the termination of the process. We investigate discursive constructions of the local Saemie actors’ inclusion in the process and their effects on possible Saemie influence. Our results show that state and Saemie actors articulate inclusion in different ways, limiting and enabling varying forms of influence. The landscape and the state of nature were central constructions affecting the process, and the project’s aim transformed over time – with significant consequences for the process and, possibly, also its results.
Outcomes of minimally invasive isolated tricuspid valve reoperation after left-side valve surgery: A single-center experience
Authors: Liu Jian , Tan Tong , Huang Huanlei , Gu Wenda , Zang Xin , Ma Jianrui , Wu Hongxiang , Liu Haozhong , Zhuang Jian , Chen Jimei , Guo Huiming
Published: February 2023

Background

Late severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after left-side valve surgery (LSVS) is not uncommon. However, the tricuspid valve has been deemed the forgotten valve because the isolated TR is well tolerated with medication, and reoperation has a higher rate of adverse events. With the advancement of minimally invasive techniques, isolated tricuspid valve reoperation (ITVR) via totally endoscopy or transcatheter approach brings the tricuspid valve into spotlight. Our aim is to report the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive ITVR using endoscopic and transcatheter approaches.

Methods

From October 2020 to October 2021, 21 patients with LSVS history and secondary massive TR underwent minimally invasive ITVR in our institution. Baseline characteristics, surgical outcomes and follow-up results were analyzed, and data between the totally endoscopy approach and the transcatheter approach were compared.

Results

Of the 21 cases, totally endoscopic isolated tricuspid valve surgery (EITVS) accounts for 16 (76.2%) cases, with 14 tricuspid valvuloplasty cases, and 2 tricuspid valve replacement cases; the remaining 5 (23.8%) cases underwent transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR). The mean age was (60.0 ± 8.4) years, with 15 (71.4%) being female. Minimally invasive ITVR procedures were 100% successfully performed in all patients without any perioperative mortality, sternotomy conversion, or reoperation. During the median follow-up of 16.8 months (IQR, 13.0–20.6 months), New York Heart Association Class improved significantly from baseline (P = 0.004). TR severity was significantly improved during postoperative and follow-up period (both P < 0.001). Compared with the EITVS group, the TTVR group had a higher clinical risk score [8.00 (8.00, 9.00) vs. 5.00 (3.25, 5.00), P = 0.001], but a higher success rate in reducing TR to less than grade 1+ (100 vs. 43.8%, P = 0.045) at follow-up.

Conclusion

In our series, minimally invasive ITVR, including EITVS and TTVR, is a safe and feasible option for severe TR after LSVS, and presents excellent early outcomes in selected patients. TTVR is a reliable alternative for patients with high surgical risk. To improve the results of ITVR, it is necessary to improve patient’s preoperative status or perform reoperation before the onset of significant right heart failure. Further studies with a larger sample size and a longer follow-up period are awaited.
Approximate analytical solutions for multispecies convection-dispersion transport equation with variable parameters
Authors: Kumbhakar Manotosh , Singh Vijay P.
Published: February 2023

Multispecies pollutant migration often occurs in polluted groundwater systems. Most of the multispecies problems that have been dealt in the literature assume constant transport parameters, primarily because analytical solutions for varying parameters become a challenge. The present study analytically solves a two-species convection-dispersion transport equation, considering spatially varying dispersion coefficient and seepage velocity, which corresponds to the steady migration in a steady flow domain. Indeed, the methodology can be adopted for other cases, such as the transient migration in a steady flow domain and transient migration in an unsteady flow domain, without any difficulty. Three kinds of homotopy-based methods, namely the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), homotopy analysis method (HAM), and optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM), are used to derive approximate analytical solutions in the form of truncated series. In homotopy analysis method, the convergence-control parameter ℏ plays a key role in the convergence of the series solution. It is observed that for a specific case of this parameter, namely ℏ=−1, the HAM-based solution recovers the HPM-based solution. For the verification of homotopy-based solutions, we utilize the MATLAB routine pdepe, which efficiently solves a class of parabolic PDEs (single/system). An excellent agreement is found between the derived analytical solutions and the numerical solutions for all three methods. Further, a quantitative assessment is carried out for the derived solutions. Also, convergence theorems are proposed for the series solutions obtained using HAM and OHAM.
Influence of filling sequence of concrete faced rockfill dam on deformation of squeezed sidewall and dam
Authors: Hongru Li , Min Yang , Jiaqi Li
Published: February 2023

During construction of concrete faced rockfill dam (CFRD), the extrusion-sidewall will be protruding or deficiency under normal. Before panel construction, local slope cutting should be taken for the squeezed side wall or supplementary filling measures should be taken after excavating the squeezed side wall, which will affect the mechanical deformation of the panel. According to the monitoring data of concrete-faced rockfill dams of some hydro-electric station in Hubei Province, the three-dimensional finite element analysis method is used to simulate the original filling sequence process of the concrete face rockfill dam. By comparing the difference between the monitoring data and the calculation results, the deformation law of the extrusion side wall and the dam is obtained, which verifies the rationality of the three-dimensional simulation analysis of the dam. The characteristic values of settlement and horizontal displacement obtained from dam monitoring and numerical calculation are compared with those of other high concrete faced rockfill dams. The characteristic values of this dam are close to those of general concrete faced rockfill dams. The deformation law of extrusion side wall and dam under two optimization schemes with different filling sequence is studied. It is found that if conditions permit, the upstream should be filled first and then the downstream to reduce the deformation of extrusion side wall to the upstream.
An improved method to efficiently acquire rice black-streaked dwarf virus viruliferous small brown planthoppers
Authors: Du Linlin , Zeng Bo , Li Xuejuan , Lan Ying , Guo Wei , Wang Zhaoyun , Liu Zhiyang , Zhou Yijun , Jiban Kumar Kunda , Zhou Tong
Published: February 2023

Accurate phenotypic identification is the basis of research for resistance genetics and rice breeding for resistance to RBSDV disease. Obtaining rice black-streaked dwarf virus (RBSDV) viruliferous small brown planthoppers (SBPHs) with high transmission efficiency is an essential part of accurate phenotypic identification. Here, through quantifying number of RBSDV copies in infected rice plants, optimizing times of SBPHs fed on RBSDV-infected rice plants and leaf stage of rice seedlings, a method to acquire an RBSDV-carrying SBPH population more efficiently was improved. The results showed that rate of viruliferous SBPHs was significantly higher when fed on RBSDV-infected rice plants that had the copy numbers of RBSDV S10 of 3.0*104 and 1.1*104 than 8.3*102. Therefore, it is more efficient for SBPHs to acquire the virus when fed on RBSDV-infected rice plants that have copy numbers of RBSDV S10 above 1.1*104. The rate of viruliferous SBPHs were 50% and 54%, respectively, after the insects fed on RBSDV-infected rice plants for 7 and 9 days and being transferred to healthy rice seedlings for 5 and 3 days, which was significantly higher than those at other feeding times. The optimal inoculation leaf stage of rice seedlings was the 2-3-leaf stage (3 effective SBPHs per seedling for 72 h), but a high rate of viruliferous SBPHs may be suggested for inoculation of older rice seedlings.
In vitro assessment of Neuronal PAS domain 2 mitigating compounds for scarless wound healing
Authors: Clements Adam , Shibuya Yoichiro , Hokugo Akishige , Brooks Zachary , Roca Yvonne , Kondo Takeru , Nishimura Ichiro , Jarrahy Reza
Published: February 2023

Background

The core circadian gene Neuronal PAS domain 2 (NPAS2) is expressed in dermal fibroblasts and has been shown to play a critical role in regulating collagen synthesis during wound healing. We have performed high throughput drug screening to identify genes responsible for downregulation of Npas2 while maintaining cell viability. From this, five FDA-approved hit compounds were shown to suppress Npas2 expression in fibroblasts. In this study, we hypothesize that the therapeutic suppression of Npas2 by hit compounds will have two effects: (1) attenuated excessive collagen deposition and (2) accelerated dermal wound healing without hypertrophic scarring.

Materials and methods

To test the effects of each hit compound (named Dwn1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), primary adult human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) were treated with either 0, 0.1, 1, or 10 μM of a single hit compound. HDFa behaviors were assessed by picrosirius red staining and quantitative RT-PCR for in vitro collagen synthesis, cell viability assay, in vitro fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation test, and cell migration assays.

Results

Dwn1 and Dwn2 were found to significantly affect collagen synthesis and cell migration without any cytotoxicity. Dwn3, Dwn4, and Dwn5 did not affect collagen synthesis and were thereby eliminated from further consideration for their role in mitigation of gene expression or myofibroblast differentiation. Dwn1 also attenuated myofibroblast differentiation on HDFa.

Conclusion

Dwn1 and Dwn2 may serve as possible therapeutic agents for future studies related to skin wound healing.
Development of a mobile application for assessing reaction time in walking and TUG duration: Concurrent validity in female older adults
Authors: Pumpho Ampha , Kaewsanmung Supapon , Keawduangdee Petcharat , Suwannarat Patcharawan , Boonsinsukh Rumpa
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The TUG can be used to distinguish between people who fall and people who don’t fall. To evaluate cognitive dual-task performance while walking for fall prediction, TUG-dual was frequently employed. A recent study has created a mobile application that enables simple interaction to provide greater convenience for monitoring the duration of TUG, TUG-subtraction, and reaction time.

Objective

The research aim was to ascertain the concurrent validity of the mobile application that was developed for the clinical assessment of TUG, TUG-subtraction, and reaction time.

Methods

Twenty-nine older persons participated in this study. The testing protocol involved the TUG, TUG-subtraction, and reaction time assessment. For TUG and TUG-subtraction, the duration to complete the task was recorded by the APDM Mobility Lab system and the mobile application. For the reaction time tests, the reaction times (msec) were recorded by the Multi Choice Reaction timer and the Mobile application. The TUG durations recorded by the APDM Mobility Lab system were correlated with those recorded by the mobile application to verify the concurrent validity using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient. Also, the reaction time by the Multi Choice Reaction timer was correlated with the mobile application. Bland-Altman plots were used to explore the existence of any systematic differences between the measurements.

Results

Our results showed very strong correlations between the TUG and TUG-subtraction duration derived from the APDM Mobility Lab system and the mobile application (r = 0.96 and 0.96, respectively). For the reaction time, the results showed a moderate correlation between the reaction time derived from the mobile application and the Multi Choice Reaction Timer (r = 0.67).

Conclusion

The mobile application, which allows measurement in TUG and TUG-subtraction, is a highly valid tool for TUG duration assessment. However, this application is capable for assess the reaction time with moderate validity for reaction time assessment.
Role of seed infection for the near and far distance dissemination of wheat blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum
Authors: Surovy Musrat Zahan , Islam Tofazzal , von Tiedemann Andreas
Published: February 2023

Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) is a devastating fungal phytopathogen causing wheat blast disease which threatens wheat production particularly in warmer climate zones. Effective disease control is hampered by the limited knowledge on the life cycle, epidemiology, and pathogenicity of MoT. Since MoT mainly infects and colonizes the inflorescences of wheat, infection, invasion routes and colonization of MoT on wheat ears and in wheat seeds were investigated in order to assess potential seed transmission pathways. MoT was spray inoculated on two wheat cultivars (Sumai 3, susceptible and Milan, resistant) at three ear maturity stages [full ear emergence, growth stage (GS) 59; mid flowering, GS 65; and end of flowering, GS 69]. Incidence of MoT on Sumai 3 seeds was 100% and 20–25% on Milan. MoT sporulation rate on Sumai 3 contaminated seeds was more than 15 times higher than on Milan. Repeated washes of seed samples for removing paraffin fixation hampers seed microscopy. To overcome the damage of seed samples, we used hand-sectioned seed samples instead of paraffin-fixed microtome samples to facilitate microscopy. The colonization of MoT within various seed tissues was followed by light and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Invasion of MoT in seeds predominantly occurred in the caryopsis germ region, but entry via other seed parts was also observed, confirming the potential of intense colonization of MoT in wheat grains. Fungal spread in wheat plants growing from MoT infected seeds was monitored through plating, microscopic and molecular techniques. Under greenhouse conditions, no spread of MoT from infected seeds to seedlings later than GS 21 or to ears was detected, neither in Milan nor in Sumai 3. We therefore conclude, that MoT may not systemically contaminate inflorescences and seeds in neither susceptible nor resistant wheat cultivars. However, initial blast symptoms, only found on seedlings of Sumai 3 but not Milan, resulted in the formation of new conidia, which may serve as inoculum source for plant-to-plant dissemination by airborne infection of plant stands in the field (short distance spread). Ultimately the inoculum may infect young inflorescences in the field and contaminate seeds. Our findings again stress the risk of long-distance dissemination of wheat blast across continents through MoT-contaminated seeds. This underlines the importance of mandatory use of healthy seeds in strategies to control any further spread of wheat blast.
Crop diversity promotes the recovery of fungal communities in saline-alkali areas of the Western Songnen Plain
Authors: Li Bin , Liu Xiaoqian , Zhu Dan , Su Heng , Guo Kaiwen , Sun Guangyu , Li Xin , Sun Lei
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Phytoremediation is an effective strategy for saline land restoration. In the Western Songnen Plain, northeast China, soil fungal community recovery for saline phytoremediation has not been well documented among different cropping patterns. In this study, we tested how rotation, mixture, and monoculture cropping patterns impact fungal communities in saline-alkali soils to assess the variability between cropping patterns.

Methods

The fungal communities of the soils of the different cropping types were determined using Illumina Miseq sequencing.

Results

Mixture and rotation promoted an increase in operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness, and OTU richness in the mixture system decreased with increasing soil depth. A principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that cropping patterns and soil depths influenced the structure of fungal communities, which may be due to the impact of soil chemistry. This was reflected by soil total nitrogen (TN) and electrical conductivity (EC) being the key factors driving OTU richness, while soil available potassium (AK) and total phosphorus (TP) were significantly correlated with the relative abundance of fungal dominant genus. The relative abundance of Leptosphaerulina, Alternaria, Myrothecium, Gibberella, and Tetracladium varied significantly between cropping patterns, and Leptosphaerulina was significantly associated with soil chemistry. Soil depth caused significant differences in the relative abundance of Fusarium in rotation and mixture soils, with Fusarium more commonly active at 0–15 cm deep soil. Null-model analysis revealed that the fungal community assembly of the mixture soils in 0–15 cm deep soil was dominated by deterministic processes, unlike the other two cropping patterns. Furthermore, fungal symbiotic networks were more complex in rotation and mixture than in monoculture soils, reflected in more nodes, more module hubs, and connectors. The fungal networks in rotation and mixture soils were more stable than in monoculture soils, and mixture networks were obviously more connected than rotations. FUNGuild showed that the relative proportion of saprotroph in rotation and mixture was significantly higher than that in monocultures. The highest proportion of pathotroph and symbiotroph was exhibited in rotation and mixture soils, respectively.

Discussion

Overall, mixture is superior to crop rotation and monocultures in restoring fungal communities of the saline-alkali soils of the Western Songnen Plain, northeast China.
Serotype conversion gene rfbT is directly regulated by histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) in V. cholerae O1
Authors: Han Yu , Li Jing , Gao He , Li Xiaorui , Duan Ran , Cheng Qian , Kan Biao , Liang Weili
Published: February 2023

Vibrio cholerae serogroup O1 (V. cholerae O1) is closely associated with cholera epidemics and has two main immunologically distinguishable serotypes, Ogawa and Inaba. Isolates serotype as Ogawa if the O-antigen polysaccharide (O-PS) is methylated or as Inaba if the O-PS is not methylated. This methylation is mediated by a methyltransferase encoded by the rfbT gene, and the mutation and low expression of rfbT results in serotype switch from Ogawa to Inaba. Previously, we have shown that cAMP receptor protein (CRP) activates rfbT. In this study, we demonstrated that histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) is directly involved in the transcriptional repression of rfbT. This finding is supported by the analyses of rfbT mRNA level, rfbT-lux reporter fusions, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), and DNase I footprinting assay. The rfbT mRNA abundances were significantly increased by deleting hns rather than fis which also preferentially associates with AT-rich sequences. A single-copy chromosomal complement of hns partly restored the down-regulation of rfbT. Analysis of rfbT-lux reporter fusions validated the transcriptional repression of hns. Subsequent EMSA and DNase I footprinting assay confirmed the direct binding of H-NS to rfbT promoter and mapped the exact binding site which was further verified by site-directed mutagenesis and promoter functional analysis. Furthermore, we found that in hns deletion mutant, CRP is no longer required for transcriptionally activating rfbT, suggesting that CRP functions as a dedicated transcription factor to relieve H-NS repression at rfbT. Together, this study expanded our understanding of the genetic regulatory mechanism of serotype conversion by global regulators in V. cholerae O1.
Molecular determinants associated with temporal succession of SARS-CoV-2 variants in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Pal Smita , Mehta Poonam , Pandey Ankita , Ara Anam , Ghoshal Ujjala , Ghoshal Uday C. , Pandey Rajesh , Tripathi Raj Kamal , Yadav Prem N. , Ravishankar Ramachandran , Kundu Tapas K. , Rajender Singh
Published: February 2023

The emergence and rapid evolution of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global crisis that required a detailed characterization of the dynamics of mutational pattern of the viral genome for comprehending its epidemiology, pathogenesis and containment. We investigated the molecular evolution of the SASR-CoV-2 genome during the first, second and third waves of COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh, India. Nanopore sequencing of the SARS-CoV-2 genome was undertaken in 544 confirmed cases of COVID-19, which included vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. In the first wave (unvaccinated population), the 20A clade (56.32%) was superior that was replaced by 21A Delta in the second wave, which was more often seen in vaccinated individuals in comparison to unvaccinated (75.84% versus 16.17%, respectively). Subsequently, 21A delta got outcompeted by Omicron (71.8%), especially the 21L variant, in the third wave. We noticed that Q677H appeared in 20A Alpha and stayed up to Delta, D614G appeared in 20A Alpha and stayed in Delta and Omicron variants (got fixed), and several other mutations appeared in Delta and stayed in Omicron. A cross-sectional analysis of the vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals during the second wave revealed signature combinations of E156G, F157Del, L452R, T478K, D614G mutations in the Spike protein that might have facilitated vaccination breach in India. Interestingly, some of these mutation combinations were carried forward from Delta to Omicron. In silico protein docking showed that Omicron had a higher binding affinity with the host ACE2 receptor, resulting in enhanced infectivity of Omicron over the Delta variant. This work has identified the combinations of key mutations causing vaccination breach in India and provided insights into the change of [virus’s] binding affinity with evolution, resulting in more virulence in Delta and more infectivity in Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings will help in understanding the COVID-19 disease biology and guide further surveillance of the SARS-CoV-2 genome to facilitate the development of vaccines with better efficacies.
Mean arterial pressure-aneurysm neck ratio predicts the rupture risk of intracranial aneurysm by reflecting pressure at the dome
Authors: Shen Jie , Huang Kaiyuan , Zhu Yu , Weng Yuxiang , Xiao Feng , Mungur Rajneesh , Wu Fan , Pan Jianwei , Zhan Renya
Published: February 2023

Background and purpose

The unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) has high disability and mortality rate after rupture, it is particularly important to assess the risk of UIA and to carry out individualized treatment. The objective of this research is to introduce a novel parameter to predict the rupture risk of UIA.

Methods

A total of 649 patients with 964 intracranial aneurysms in our center were enrolled. A novel parameter named mean arterial pressure-aneurysmal neck ratio (MAPN) was defined. Ten baseline clinical features and twelve aneurysm morphological characteristics were extracted to generate the MAPN model. The discriminatory performance of the MAPN model was compared with the PHASES score and the UCAS score.

Results

In hemodynamic analysis, MAPN was positively correlated with wall shear stress and aneurysm top pressure, with Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.887 and 0.791, respectively. The MAPN was larger in the ruptured group (36.62 ± 18.96 vs. 28.38 ± 14.58, P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of the MAPN was superior than the AUC of aspect ratio (AR) and the bottleneck factor (BN), they were 0.64 (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.588–0.692), 0.611 (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.559–0.663) and 0.607 (P < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.554–0.660), respectively. The MAPN model constructed by aneurysm size, aneurysm location, presence of secondary sacs and MAPN, demonstrated good discriminatory ability. The MAPN model exhibited superior performance compared with the UCAS score and the PHASES score (the AUC values were 0.799 [P < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.756–0.840], 0.763 [P < 0.001; 95% CI,0.719–0.807] and 0.741 [P < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.695–0.787], respectively; the sensitivities were 0.849, 0.758 and 0.753, respectively).

Conclusions

Research demonstrates the potential of MAPN to augment the clinical decision-making process for assessing the rupture risk of UIAs.
Efficacy of Tai Chi on lower limb function of Parkinson’s disease patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Ping-an , Lu Qi-qi , Li Zhi-liang , Hu Rong-liang , Xu Shu , Brodersen Lisa , Liu Yuan-xin , Liu Howe , Bao Xiao
Published: February 2023

Background

At present, the effect of Tai Chi (TC) on lower limb function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis on the influence of TC on lower limb function in PD patients.

Methods

According to the PRISMA guidelines, seven databases were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTS) were selected and screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. We assessed the quality of the studies using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and then extracted the characteristics of the included studies. The random effect model was adopted, and heterogeneity was measured by I2 statistic.

Results

A total of 441 articles were screened, and 10 high-quality RCTs were with a total of 532 patients with PD met Our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that compared To control groups TC improved several outcomes. TC significantly improved motor function (SMD = −0.70; 95% CI = −0.95, −0.45; p < 0.001; I2 = 35%), although The results were not statistically significant for The subgroup analysis of TC duration (SMD = −0.70; 95% CI = −0.95, −0.45; p = 0.88; I2 = 0%;). TC significantly improved balance function (SMD = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.51, 1.27; p < 0.001; I2 = 54%), functional walking capacity (SMD = −1.24; 95% CI = −2.40, −0.09; p = 0.04; I2 = 95%), and gait velocity (SMD = 0.48; 95% CI = −0.02, 0.94; p = 0.04; I2 = 78%), But Did Not improve endurance (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI = −0.12, 0.75; p = 0.16; I2 = 0%), step length (SMD = 0.01; 95% CI = −0.34, 0.37; p = 0.94; I2 = 29%), and cadence (SMD = 0.06; 95% CI = −0.25, 0.36; p = 0.70; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

TC has beneficial effects on motor function, balance function, functional walking ability, and gait velocity, but does not improve walking endurance, stride length, and cadence.
Modeling the acceptability of BCIs for motor rehabilitation after stroke: A large scale study on the general public
Authors: Grevet Elise , Forge Killyam , Tadiello Sebastien , Izac Margaux , Amadieu Franck , Brunel Lionel , Pillette Léa , Py Jacques , Gasq David , Jeunet-Kelway Camille
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Strokes leave around 40% of survivors dependent in their activities of daily living, notably due to severe motor disabilities. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have been shown to be efficiency for improving motor recovery after stroke, but this efficiency is still far from the level required to achieve the clinical breakthrough expected by both clinicians and patients. While technical levers of improvement have been identified (e.g., sensors and signal processing), fully optimized BCIs are pointless if patients and clinicians cannot or do not want to use them. We hypothesize that improving BCI acceptability will reduce patients' anxiety levels, while increasing their motivation and engagement in the procedure, thereby favoring learning, ultimately, and motor recovery. In other terms, acceptability could be used as a lever to improve BCI efficiency. Yet, studies on BCI based on acceptability/acceptance literature are missing. Thus, our goal was to model BCI acceptability in the context of motor rehabilitation after stroke, and to identify its determinants.

Methods

The main outcomes of this paper are the following: i) we designed the first model of acceptability of BCIs for motor rehabilitation after stroke, ii) we created a questionnaire to assess acceptability based on that model and distributed it on a sample representative of the general public in France (N = 753, this high response rate strengthens the reliability of our results), iii) we validated the structure of this model and iv) quantified the impact of the different factors on this population.

Results

Results show that BCIs are associated with high levels of acceptability in the context of motor rehabilitation after stroke and that the intention to use them in that context is mainly driven by the perceived usefulness of the system. In addition, providing people with clear information regarding BCI functioning and scientific relevance had a positive influence on acceptability factors and behavioral intention.

Discussion

With this paper we propose a basis (model) and a methodology that could be adapted in the future in order to study and compare the results obtained with: i) different stakeholders, i.e., patients and caregivers; ii) different populations of different cultures around the world; and iii) different targets, i.e., other clinical and non-clinical BCI applications.
Prognostic and immunological role of sulfatide-related lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Xing Feng , Fu Li Sheng , Cai Qian Qian , Fan Fei
Published: February 2023

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy of the liver. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in the occurrence and development of HCC through multiple pathways. Our previous study reported the specific molecular mechanism for sulfatide regulation of integrin αV expression and cell adhesion in HCC cells through lncRNA AY927503. Next, it is necessary to identify more sulfatide-related lncRNAs, explore their clinical signifcance, and determine new targeted treatment strategies.

Methods

Microarrays were used to screen a complete set of lncRNAs with different expression profiles in sulfatide-treated cells. Sulfatide-related lncRNAs expression data and corresponding HCC patient survival information were obtained from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, and the prognosis prediction model was constructed based on Cox regression analysis. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation with next generation sequencing (MeRIP-seq) was used to detemine the effect of sulfatide on lncRNAs m6A modification. Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) and Gene set nnrichment analysis (GSEA) were utilized to enrich the immune and functional pathways of sulfatide-related lncRNAs.

Results

A total of 85 differentially expressed lncRNAs (|Fold Change (FC)|>2, P<0.05) were screened in sulfatide-treated HCC cells. As a result, 24 sulfatide-related lncRNAs were highly expressed in HCC tissues, six of which were associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. Based on thses data, a sulfatide-related lncRNAs prognosis assessment model for HCC was constructed. According to this risk score analysis, the overall survival (OS) curve showed that the OS of high-risk patients was significantly lower than that of low-risk patients (P<0.05). Notably, the expression difference in sulfatide-related lncRNA NRSN2-AS1 may be related to sulfatide-induced RNA m6A methylation. In addition, the expression level of NRSN2-AS1 was significantly positively correlated with immune cell infiltration in HCC and participated in the peroxisome and Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathways.

Conclusions

In conclusion, sulfatide-related lncRNAs might be promising prognostic and therapeutic targets for HCC.
How to position the patient? A meta-analysis of positioning in vestibular schwannoma surgery via the retrosigmoid approach
Authors: Vychopen Martin , Arlt Felix , Güresir Erdem , Wach Johannes
Published: February 2023

Objective

Patient positioning is a matter of ongoing debate in the surgical treatment of vestibular schwannoma (VS). Main endpoints of this discussion are preservation of facial nerve functioning, extent of resection, and complications. In this meta-analysis, we aim to investigate the impact of patient positioning on VS surgery via the retrosigmoid approach.

Methods

We searched for eligible comparative trials on PubMed, Cochrane library, and Web of Science. Positioning groups were compared regarding facial nerve outcome, extent of resection, postoperative hydrocephalus, postoperative CSF leaks, perioperative venous air embolism, and perioperative mortality. Two groups of positions were defined, and the following positions were allocated to those groups: (1) Semi-sitting and Sitting-position; (2) Lateral position, supine position with extensive head rotation, lateral oblique (=Fukushima/Three-quarter prone), and park-bench position.

Results

From 374 full-text screenings, 7 studies met the criteria and were included in our meta-analysis comprising 1640 patients. Our results demonstrate a significantly better long-term (≥6 months) outcome of the facial nerve after VS surgery in the semi-sitting positioning (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.03-2.15, p = 0.03). Positioning did not influence the extent of resection, rate of postoperative CSF leaks, and the presence of a postoperative hydrocephalus. Overall incidence of venous air embolisms was significantly associated with VS surgery in sitting positioning (OR: 6.77, 95% CI: 3.66-12.54, p < 0.00001). Perioperative mortality was equal among both positioning groups.

Conclusion

Semi-sitting positioning seems to be associated with an improved facial nerve outcome after VS surgery via the retrosigmoid approach. Venous air embolisms are significantly more often observed among VS patients who underwent surgery in the sitting position, but the perioperative mortality is equal in both positioning groups. Both positioning groups are a safe procedure. Multicentric prospective randomized trials are needed to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of each positioning in VS surgery via the retrosigmoid approach.
Rapid maxillary expansion treatment increases mid-facial depth in early mixed dentition
Authors: Si Jiaping , Hu Xinyi , Du Yu , Wei Mengyao , Xu Lehan , Li Bing , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Xuan
Published: February 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on mid-facial depth in early mixed dentition and to investigate the relationship between change in mid-facial depth and maxillary sinus and nasal cavity.

Methods

A total of 35 patients with mixed dentition treated with a Haas expander were included in this retrospective study. All patients underwent a cone-beam computed tomography scan before and after rapid maxillary expansion. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to evaluate the changes in maxillary width, facial depth, maxillary sinus, and nasal cavity volume before and after expansion. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to evaluate the correlations among them.

Results

The hard and soft tissue facial depth in the middle third increased significantly (P < 0.001). The gain on the outer sagittal plane (1.04–1.52 mm) was slightly bigger than that on the inner sagittal plane (0.91–1.30 mm). Maxillary width and nasal cavity width increased 3.42 ± 0.93 mm (P < 0.001) and 2.25 ± 0.77 mm (P < 0.001), respectively, after treatment. A gain was also achieved in both nasal cavity volume (2,236.15 mm3, P < 0.001) and maxillary sinus volume (1,227.33 mm3, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that with the increase in maxillary sinus volume, the facial depth increased as well (B = 0.455–0.683, P < 0.05). Also, statistically significant correlations were found between nasal width and nasal cavity volume (B = 0.384, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The depth of the middle third face increased significantly. The facial depth increase was related to the enlargement of maxillary sinus volume, while the nasal cavity volume gain was related to the nasal width increase. This indicated that RME might enhance the fullness of the mid-face and facilitate the patency of nose breathing.
Case report: Emergency treatment of late-presenting congenital diaphragmatic hernia with tension gastrothorax in three Chinese children
Authors: Guo Rui , Zhang Lina , Zhang Shisong , Xu Hongxiu , Zhai Yunpeng , Zhao Huashan , Lv Longfei
Published: February 2023

Background

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a scarce birth defect. It is called late-presenting CDH when symptoms are found after 1 month of life. The clinical manifestations of late-presenting CDH are diverse, among which the most fatal is the cardiac arrest caused by tension gastrothorax. The disease is rare, can easily lead to death owing to improper emergency treatment. This report illustrates the emergency treatment of late-presenting CDH with tension gastrothorax in three Chinese children.

Case reports and management

Three children presented to emergency room with a sudden dyspnea, diagnosed accurately by x-ray or computed tomography. In case 1, the gastric tube could not be inserted at the first attempt, and the child cried incessantly. Cardiac arrest occurred when the gastric tube was re-inserted. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation and placement of a thoracic drainage tube, a large amount of gas and stomach contents were drained. Laparoscopic surgery was performed. The patient died of sepsis. In case 2, the gastric tube could not be inserted at the first attempt; consequently, emergency surgery was considered instead of retrying. After the patient was anesthetized, a gastric tube was successfully placed. Subsequently, a large amount of gas and gastric contents was drained, and thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The patient recovered evenly. In case 3, the gastric tube was successfully inserted at the first attempt; however, the vital signs were unstable due to poor drainage of the gastric tube. We injected 20 ml of iohexol into the stomach tube for angiography and dynamic chest film monitoring. After adjusting the position of the stomach tube, the stomach collapsed completely. Thoracoscopic surgery was performed. The patient recovered evenly.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis is essential for children with late-presenting CDH complicated by tension gastrothorax. Fully collapsing the stomach is a key step in emergency treatment. In addition, gastric tube insertion is the first choice. In children with difficulty in gastric tube placement at the first attempt, the gastric tube can be placed under anesthesia, and emergency surgery performed simultaneously. Endoscopic surgery can be the first choice in cases of complete stomach collapse.
Direction and distribution sensitivity of sup-DOF interference suppression for GNSS array antenna receiver
Authors: Sun Yifan , Chen Feiqiang , Wang Feixue , Liu Wenxiang , Li Baiyu , Song Jie
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Distributed wideband jamming (interference) is commonly used in navigation countermeasure. Due to the limited volume of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) array antenna receiver, the number of interferences usually exceeds the number of array elements. At present, the anti-jamming capability and mechanism of Global Navigation Satellite System array antenna against distributed sup-DOF (Degree of Freedom) interference have not been fully studied.

Methods and innovation: To solve this problem, this paper analyzes the characteristics of GNSS System array antenna against sup-Degree of Freedom interference by formula derivation and simulation. Firstly, the definition of sup-Degree of Freedom interference of Global Navigation Satellite System array antenna is proposed from the perspective of spatial anti-jamming; Secondly, the directional characteristics of Global Navigation Satellite System array antenna for sup-Degree of Freedom interference suppression are analyzed.

Results: The results show that the performance of sup-Degree of Freedom interference suppression is sensitive to the direction and distribution of interference. On the one hand, the residual interference power varies from interference direction and distribution, while the minimum value of which is zero and the maximum value is the sum of interference power. On the other hand, the suppression performance of UCA (Uniform Circular Array) and central Uniform Circular Array is periodic along azimuth. If the number of elements on the circumference is M (M ≥ 3), the period of the suppression performance is 4π/M/3+(−1M+1.

Discussion: The conclusion of this paper show the upper and lower bounds of sup-Degree of Freedom interference suppression performance and the variation rule in azimuth, which can be used in the fields such as interference deployment, anti-jamming performance evaluation and anti-jamming algorithm development.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of vacuolar ATPase subunit d mediates phytohormone biosynthesis and virus resistance in rice
Authors: Lu Qinghua , Luo Xiangwen , Yang Xiao , Zhou Tong , Zhang Yu , Lan Ying , Zhang Deyong , Zheng Limin , Li Yixin , Li Li , Zhang Songbai , Liu Yong
Published: February 2023

Vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) are proton pumps for proton translocation across membranes that utilize energy derived from ATP hydrolysis; OsV-ATPase subunit d (OsV-ATPase d) is part of an integral, membrane-embedded V0 complex in the V-ATPase complex. Whether OsV-ATPase d is involved in phytohormone biosynthesis and resistance in rice remains unknown. The knockout mutants of OsV-ATPase d in rice were generated using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and mutation of OsV-ATPase d did not show any detrimental effect on plant growth or yield productivity. Transcriptomic results showed that OsV-ATPase d is probably involved in mediating the biosynthesis of plant hormones and resistance in rice. Compared to wild type, mutation of OsV-ATPase d significantly increased JA and ABA biosynthesis and resistance against Southern rice black-streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV), but it decreased resistance against Rice stripe virus (RSV) in rice. The data presented in this study reveal that OsV-ATPase d mediates phytohormone biosynthesis and virus resistance in rice and can be selected as a potential target for resistance breeding in rice.