bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation study on serum miR-222-3p and glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Wang Qin , Fang Chuanxiang , Zhao Ying , Liu Zhaoxia
Published: October 2022

Objective

microRNAs (miRNAs) play pivotal roles in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine and metabolic disorder that commonly occurs in women of childbearing age. This paper aimed to measure miR-222-3p expression in sera of PCOS patients and to explore its clinical value on PCOS diagnosis and prediction of diabetic and cardiovascular complications.

Methods

Totally 111 PCOS patients and 94 healthy people were recruited and assigned to the overweight (ow) group and non-overweight (non-ow) group, followed by determination of serum miR-222-3p expression. The diagnostic efficiency of miR-222-3p on PCOS ow and non-ow patients was analyzed. Correlations between miR-222-3p and glycolipid metabolic indicators and diabetic and cardiovascular complications in PCOS were analyzed. The downstream target of miR-222-3p was predicted and their binding relationship was verified. The correlation between PGC-1α and miR-222-3p was analyzed.

Results

miR-222-3p was highly-expressed in PCOS patients (p < 0.001), in especially PCOS ow patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of miR-222-3p diagnosing PCOS non-ow patients was 0.9474 and cut-off value was 1.290 (89.06% sensitivity, 98.11% specificity), indicating that non-ow people with serum miR-222-3p > 1.290 could basically be diagnosed with PCOS. AUC of miR-222-3p diagnosing PCOS ow patients was 0.9647 and cut-off value was 2.425 (85.11% sensitivity, 100% specificity), suggesting that ow people with serum miR-222-3p > 2.425 could basically be diagnosed with PCOS. miR-222-3p was positively-correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), homeostatic model assessment–insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and negatively-correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). miR-222-3p was independently-correlated with diabetic and cardiovascular complications in PCOS (p < 0.05). High expression of miR-222-3p predicted high risks of diabetic and cardiovascular complications in PCOS. miR-222-3p targeted PGC-1α and was negatively-correlated with PGC-1α (r = − 0.2851, p = 0.0224; r = − 0.3151, p = 0.0310).

Conclusion

High expression of miR-222-3p assisted PCOS diagnosis and predicted increased risks of diabetic and cardiovascular complications. miR-222-3p targeted PGC-1α and was negatively-correlated with PGC-1α.
Prediction of successful aging using ensemble machine learning algorithms
Authors: Asghari Varzaneh Zahra , Shanbehzadeh Mostafa , Kazemi-Arpanahi Hadi
Published: October 2022

Background

Aging is a chief risk factor for most chronic illnesses and infirmities. The growth in the aged population increases medical costs, thus imposing a heavy financial burden on families and communities. Successful aging (SA) is a positive and qualitative view of aging. From a biomedical perspective, SA is defined as the absence of diseases or disability disorders. This is distinct from normal aging, which is associated with age-related deterioration in physical and cognitive functions. From a social perspective, SA highlights life satisfaction and individual well-being, usually attained through socialization. It is an abstract and multidimensional concept surrounded by imprecision about its definition and measurement. Our study attempted to find the most effective features of SA as defined by Rowe and Kahn's theory. The determined features were used as input parameters of six machine learning (ML) algorithms to create and validate predictive models for SA.

Methods

In this retrospective study, the raw data set was first pre-processed; then, based on the data of a sample of 983, five basic ML techniques including artificial neural network, decision tree, support vector machine, Naïve Bayes, and k-nearest neighbors (K-NN) with one ensemble method (that gathers 30 K-NN algorithms as weak learners) were trained. Finally, the prediction result was yielded using the majority vote method based on the output of the generated base models.

Results

The experimental results revealed that the predictive system has been more successful in predicting SA with a 93% precision, 92.40% specificity, 87.80% sensitivity, 90.31% F-measure, 89.62% accuracy, and a ROC of 96.10%, using a five-fold cross-validation procedure.

Conclusions

Our results showed that ML techniques potentially have satisfactory performance in supporting the SA-related decisions of social and health policymakers. The KNN-based ensemble algorithm is superior to the other ML models in classifying people into SA and non-SA classes.
Rational design of an essential diagnostics network to support Universal Health Coverage: a modeling analysis
Authors: Schroeder Lee F. , Dei-Adomakoh Yvonne , DeStigter Kristen , Idigbe Emmanuel O. , Flanigan John , Ekpale Priscilla Mawuli Awo , Adjei Ernest , Roa Lina , Wilson Michael L. , Horton Susan
Published: October 2022

Background

Diagnostic investigations, including pathology and laboratory medicine (PALM) and radiology, have been largely absent from international strategies such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Further, there is little international guidance on which health system tiers different diagnostics should be placed, a critical step in developing a country-level diagnostics network. We describe a modeling strategy to produce tier-specific diagnostic recommendations based on disease burden, current treatment pathways, and existing infrastructure in a country.

Methods

The relational model assumes that diagnostics should be available at the lowest tier where patients might receive medical management. Using Ghana as an exemplar, the 20 diseases forecasted by 2030 and 2040 to cause the greatest burden in low- and middle-income countries were mapped to three generalized tiers in the Ghanaian health system (Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary care) for three levels of each disease (triage, uncomplicated, and complicated). The lowest tier at which a diagnostic could potentially be placed was restricted by existing infrastructure, though placement still required there be a medical justification for the diagnostic at that tier.

Results

The model recommended 111 unique diagnostic investigations with 17 at Primary tier, an additional 45 at Secondary tier and a further 49 at Tertiary tier. Estimated capital costs were $8,330 at Primary tier and between $571,000 to $777,000 at Secondary tier. Twenty-eight different laboratory tests were recommended as send-outs from Primary to Secondary tier, and twelve as send-outs to Tertiary tier.

Conclusions

This model provides a transparent framework within which countries can customize diagnostic planning to local disease priorities, health system patient treatment pathways, and infrastructural limitations to best support Universal Health Coverage.
Association between healthy lifestyle and the occurrence of cardiometabolic multimorbidity in hypertensive patients: a prospective cohort study of UK Biobank
Authors: Xie Hejian , Li Jinchen , Zhu Xuanmeng , Li Jing , Yin Jinghua , Ma Tianqi , Luo Yi , He Lingfang , Bai Yongping , Zhang Guogang , Cheng Xunjie , Li Chuanchang
Published: October 2022

Background

Cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is becoming increasingly common in patients with hypertension, and it is well established that healthy lifestyle plays a key role in the prevention of hypertension. However, the association between combined lifestyle factors and CMM in patients with hypertension is uncertain.

Methods

This prospective analysis included the data (obtained from the UK biobank) of participants with hypertension who did not have coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, or diabetes. The outcome was the occurrence of CMM, defined as ≥ 1 disease of CHD, stroke, and diabetes that occurred in participants with hypertension. Four lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, diet, and physical activity) were assessed using a weighted healthy lifestyle score, and participants were divided into four groups: the very unhealthy, unhealthy, healthy, and very healthy groups. The flexible parameter Royston-Parmar proportional hazard model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) between lifestyles and CMM, as well as the difference in CMM-free life expectancy.

Results

During a median follow-up of 12.2 years, 9812 (18.4%) of the 53,397 hypertensive patients occurred CMM. Compared with the very unhealthy group, the very healthy group had a 41% reduction in the risk for CMM in hypertensive patients and a 32–50% reduction in the risk for specific cardiometabolic diseases such as CHD, stroke, and diabetes. For each lifestyle factor, non-smoking had the greatest protective effect against CMM (HR: 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–0.68). A lifestyle combining multiple healthy factors extended CMM-free life expectancy (e.g., six years longer at age 45 years for participants in the very healthy group).

Conclusions

Combined healthy lifestyle factors were associated with a lower risk for CMM in hypertensive patients. This suggests that combined healthy lifestyle should be supported to decrease disease burden.
Sleep SAAF responsive parenting intervention improves mothers’ feeding practices: a randomized controlled trial among African American mother-infant dyads
Authors: Hernandez Erika , Lavner Justin A. , Moore Amy M. , Stansfield Brian K. , Beach Steven R. H. , Smith Jessica J. , Savage Jennifer S.
Published: October 2022

Background/Objective

Parents shape children’s early experiences with food, influencing what is served, children’s food choices, and how much children eat. Responsive parenting (RP) interventions such as INSIGHT have improved maternal infant feeding practices, but have only been tested among predominantly White families. This secondary analysis of data from the Sleep SAAF (Strong African American Families) RCT tests the effects of an RP intervention designed to prevent rapid infant weight gain on African American mothers’ infant feeding practices.

Methods

Primiparous African American mother-infant dyads (n = 194) were randomized to an RP or safety control intervention delivered by community research associates at infant age 3 and 8 weeks. At 16 weeks, mothers completed the Babies Need Feeding questionnaire, the Infant Feeding Styles Questionnaire, and the Babies Need Soothing questionnaire. Logistic regression and general linear models examined the effect of study group on infant feeding practices. Moderation analyses explored whether effects varied by feeding mode (any breast milk versus exclusive formula), maternal age (≥ 20 years versus < 20 years), and maternal pre-pregnancy BMI (with obesity versus not).

Results

RP mothers reported more responsive feeding (p = 0.005, partial η2 = 0.02), lower likelihood of using beverages other than breast milk/formula to soothe their infant (p = 0.01, OR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.2–0.8]), and less pressure with cereal than control mothers (p = 0.09, partial η2 = 0.02). RP mothers also reported less pressure to finish/soothe than controls (p = 0.007, partial η2 = 0.04); feeding mode (B = 0.74, p = 0.003) and maternal age (B = 0.53, p = 0.04) moderated this effect. There were no significant group differences in bottle-feeding practices (e.g., adding cereal to bottle, using an appropriate nipple/bottle size), or in context-based or emotion-based food to soothe.

Conclusions

Responsive parenting education influenced some feeding practices of African American mothers. Mothers reported using less pressure, a control-based feeding practice, and more responsive feeding than controls.

Trial registration

Sleep SAAF: A Strong African American Families Study. www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT03505203. Registered 3 April 2018.
Impaired response of blood neutrophils to cell-death stimulus differentiates AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD from MOGAD
Authors: Schroeder-Castagno Maria , Del Rio-Serrato Alba , Wilhelm Andreas , Romero-Suárez Silvina , Schindler Patrick , Alvarez-González Cesar , Duchow Ankelien-Solveig , Bellmann-Strobl Judith , Ruprecht Klemens , Hastermann Maria , Grütz Gerald , Wildemann Brigitte , Jarius Sven , Schmitz-Hübsch Tanja , Paul Friedemann , Infante-Duarte Carmen
Published: October 2022

Background

In neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD), neutrophils are found in CNS lesions. We previously demonstrated that NMOSD neutrophils show functional deficiencies. Thus, we hypothesized that neutrophil accumulation in the CNS may be facilitated by impairments affecting mechanisms of neutrophil death.

Objective

To evaluate cell death in blood neutrophils from aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG-seropositive NMOSD and MOGAD patients as well as matched healthy controls (HC) using in vitro assays.

Methods

Twenty-eight AQP4 + NMOSD and 19 MOGAD patients in stable disease phase as well as 45 age- and sex-matched HC were prospectively recruited. To induce cell death, isolated neutrophils were cultured with/without phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Spontaneous and PMA-induced NETosis and apoptosis were analyzed using 7-AAD and annexin-V by flow cytometry. Caspase-3 was assessed by western blot. Myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), MPO and elastase were evaluated by ELISA, and cell-free DNA (cfDNA) by a fluorescence-based assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated by a dihydrorhodamine 123-based cytometric assay. Serum GM-CSF, IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, TNF-ɑ and IL-10 were evaluated by multiplex assays, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) by single-molecule array assay.

Results

In response to PMA, neutrophils from AQP4 + NMOSD but not from MOGAD patients showed an increased survival, and subsequent reduced cell death (29.6% annexin V+ 7-AAD+) when compared to HC (44.7%, p = 0.0006). However, AQP4 + NMOSD also showed a mild increase in annexin V+ 7-AAD− early apoptotic neutrophils (24.5%) compared to HC (20.8%, p = 0.048). PMA-induced reduction of caspase-3 activation was more pronounced in HC (p = 0.020) than in AQP4 + NMOSD neutrophils (p = 0.052). No differences were observed in neutrophil-derived MPO-DNA or serum levels of MPO, elastase, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-ɑ. IL-15 levels were increased in both groups of patients. In AQP4 + NMOSD, an increase in cfDNA, GM-CSF and IL-10 was found in serum. A positive correlation among cfDNA and NfL was found in AQP4 + NMOSD.

Conclusions

AQP4 + NMOSD neutrophils showed an increased survival capacity in response to PMA when compared to matched HC neutrophils. Although the data indicate that the apoptotic but not the NETotic response is altered in these neutrophils, additional evaluations are required to validate this observation.
Traumatic brain injury alters dendritic cell differentiation and distribution in lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs
Authors: Tsymbalyuk Orest , Gerzanich Volodymyr , Simard J. Marc , Rathinam Chozha Vendan
Published: October 2022

Background

Pathophysiological consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) mediated secondary injury remain incompletely understood. In particular, the impact of TBI on the differentiation and maintenance of dendritic cells (DCs), which are regarded as the most professional antigen presenting cells of the immune system, remains completely unknown. Here, we report that DC-differentiation, maintenance and functions are altered on day 3 and day 7 after TBI.

Methods

Long bones, spleen, peripheral lymph nodes (pLNs), mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs), liver, lungs, skin and blood were collected from mice with either moderate-level cortical impact (CCI) or sham on day 1, day 3 or day 7 after TBI. Bone marrow cells were isolated from the tibias and femurs of hind limb through flushing. Tissues were digested with Collagenase-D and DNase I. Skin biopsies were digested in the presence of liberase + DNase I. Single cell suspensions were made, red blood cells were lysed with Ammonium chloride (Stem Cell Technology) and subsequently filtered using a 70 μM nylon mesh. DC subsets of the tissues and DC progenitors of the BM were identified through 10-color flow cytometry-based immunophenotyping studies. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were identified through H2DCFDA staining.

Results

Our studies identify that; (1) frequencies and absolute numbers of DCs in the spleen and BM are altered on day 3 and day 7 after TBI; (2) surface expression of key molecules involved in antigen presentation of DCs were affected on day 3 and day 7 after TBI; (3) distribution and functions of tissue-specific DC subsets of both circulatory and lymphatic systems were imbalanced following TBI; (4) early differentiation program of DCs, especially the commitment of hematopoietic stem cells to common DC progenitors (CDPs), were deregulated after TBI; and (5) intracellular ROS levels were reduced in DC progenitors and differentiated DCs on day 3 and day 7 after TBI.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate, for the first time, that TBI affects the distribution pattern of DCs and induces an imbalance among DC subsets in both lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs. In addition, the current study demonstrates that TBI results in reduced levels of ROS in DCs on day 3 and day 7 after TBI, which may explain altered DC differentiation paradigm following TBI. A deeper understanding on the molecular mechanisms that contribute to DC defects following TBI would be essential and beneficial in treating infections in patients with acute central nervous system (CNS) injuries, such as TBI, stroke and spinal cord injury.
On the use of Earth Observation to support estimates of national greenhouse gas emissions and sinks for the Global stocktake process: lessons learned from ESA-CCI RECCAP2
Authors: Bastos Ana , Ciais Philippe , Sitch Stephen , Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Chevallier Frédéric , Fawcett Dominic , Rosan Thais M. , Saunois Marielle , Günther Dirk , Perugini Lucia , Robert Colas , Deng Zhu , Pongratz Julia , Ganzenmüller Raphael , Fuchs Richard , Winkler Karina , Zaehle Sönke , Albergel Clément
Published: October 2022

The Global Stocktake (GST), implemented by the Paris Agreement, requires rapid developments in the capabilities to quantify annual greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals consistently from the global to the national scale and improvements to national GHG inventories. In particular, new capabilities are needed for accurate attribution of sources and sinks and their trends to natural and anthropogenic processes. On the one hand, this is still a major challenge as national GHG inventories follow globally harmonized methodologies based on the guidelines established by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but these can be implemented differently for individual countries. Moreover, in many countries the capability to systematically produce detailed and annually updated GHG inventories is still lacking. On the other hand, spatially-explicit datasets quantifying sources and sinks of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Earth Observations (EO) are still limited by many sources of uncertainty. While national GHG inventories follow diverse methodologies depending on the availability of activity data in the different countries, the proposed comparison with EO-based estimates can help improve our understanding of the comparability of the estimates published by the different countries. Indeed, EO networks and satellite platforms have seen a massive expansion in the past decade, now covering a wide range of essential climate variables and offering high potential to improve the quantification of global and regional GHG budgets and advance process understanding. Yet, there is no EO data that quantifies greenhouse gas fluxes directly, rather there are observations of variables or proxies that can be transformed into fluxes using models. Here, we report results and lessons from the ESA-CCI RECCAP2 project, whose goal was to engage with National Inventory Agencies to improve understanding about the methods used by each community to estimate sources and sinks of GHGs and to evaluate the potential for satellite and in-situ EO to improve national GHG estimates. Based on this dialogue and recent studies, we discuss the potential of EO approaches to provide estimates of GHG budgets that can be compared with those of national GHG inventories. We outline a roadmap for implementation of an EO carbon-monitoring program that can contribute to the Paris Agreement.
A standardized nomenclature for mammalian histone genes
Authors: Seal Ruth L. , Denny Paul , Bruford Elspeth A. , Gribkova Anna K. , Landsman David , Marzluff William F. , McAndrews Monica , Panchenko Anna R. , Shaytan Alexey K. , Talbert Paul B.
Published: October 2022

Histones have a long history of research in a wide range of species, leaving a legacy of complex nomenclature in the literature. Community-led discussions at the EMBO Workshop on Histone Variants in 2011 resulted in agreement amongst experts on a revised systematic protein nomenclature for histones, which is based on a combination of phylogenetic classification and historical symbol usage. Human and mouse histone gene symbols previously followed a genome-centric system that was not applicable across all vertebrate species and did not reflect the systematic histone protein nomenclature. This prompted a collaboration between histone experts, the Human Genome Organization (HUGO) Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) and Mouse Genomic Nomenclature Committee (MGNC) to revise human and mouse histone gene nomenclature aiming, where possible, to follow the new protein nomenclature whilst conforming to the guidelines for vertebrate gene naming. The updated nomenclature has also been applied to orthologous histone genes in chimpanzee, rhesus macaque, dog, cat, pig, horse and cattle, and can serve as a framework for naming other vertebrate histone genes in the future.
Increasing serum antibodies against type B influenza virus in 2017–2018 winter in Beijing, China
Authors: Yao Yao , Chen Lingling , Zhu Dong , Li Runqing , Zhao Zhipeng , Song Wenqi , Zhao Xiuying , Qin Kun
Published: October 2022

Influenza B virus circulates yearly with lower activity than that of influenza A virus in China. During winter 2017 to 2018, a sharp surge of influenza activity dominated by type B/Yamagata lineage virus caused unprecedented medical burden in Beijing. This research aimed to understand the underlying mechanism for this circulation and prepare for epidemics in the future. Sera samples collected from the patients in 2016–2017 and 2017–2018 flu seasons were tested for profiling hemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibodies against both prevailing Victoria and Yamagata lineages of type B influenza viruses. It showed that the seroprevalence against both lineages of the virus in 2017–2018 winter was higher than that in 2016–2017, while no difference of the seroprevalence was observed between the two viruses. Meanwhile, significant elevated geometric mean titer (GMT) against both lineages of influenza B viruses was found in the specimens collected during 2017–2018 flu season than that from 2016 to 2017, suggesting the viruses might undergo antigenic changes. These results also suggested that lower GMT against both type B variants in 2016–2017 might serve as an immunological niche for the dominating of B/Yamagata virus in China during 2017–2018 winter season. Our findings have implication that there was a significantly elevation of HI antibodies to influenza viruses B in 2017–2018 than in 2016–2017. On the other hand, the low level of HI antibodies to both B/Y and B/V in 2016–2017 could contribute to the severe B/Y epidemic in 2017–2018 to some extent.
Aberrant methylation of Serpine1 mediates lung injury in neonatal mice prenatally exposed to intrauterine inflammation
Authors: Yao Dongting , Zhao Jiuru , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Tao , Ni Meng , Qi Sudong , Shen Qianwen , Li Wei , Li Baihe , Ding Xiya , Liu Zhiwei
Published: October 2022

Background

Intrauterine inflammation (IUI) alters epigenetic modifications in offspring, leading to lung injury. However, the epigenetic mechanism underlying IUI-induced lung injury remains uncertain. In the present study, we aim to investigate the effect of IUI on lung development, and to identify the key molecule involved in this process and its epigenetic regulatory mechanism.

Results

Serpine1 was upregulated in the lung tissue of neonatal mice with IUI. Intranasal delivery of Serpine1 siRNA markedly reversed IUI-induced lung injury. Serpine1 overexpression substantially promoted cell senescence of both human and murine lung epithelial cells, reflected by decreased cell proliferation and increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, G0/G1 cell fraction, senescence marker, and oxidative and DNA damage marker expression. IUI decreased the methylation level of the Serpine1 promoter, and methylation of the promoter led to transcriptional repression of Serpine1. Furthermore, IUI promoted the expression of Tet1 potentially through TNF-α, while Tet1 facilitated the demethylation of Serpine1 promoter. DNA pull-down and ChIP assays revealed that the Serpine1 promoter was regulated by Rela and Hdac2. DNA demethylation increased the recruitment of Rela to the Serpine1 promoter and induced the release of Hdac2.

Conclusion

Increased Serpine1 expression mediated by DNA demethylation causes lung injury in neonatal mice with IUI. Therefore, therapeutic interventions targeting Serpine1 may effectively prevent IUI-induced lung injury.
Cilia regeneration requires an RNA splicing factor from the ciliary base
Authors: Xu Kaiming , Ou Guangshuo
Published: October 2022

Cilia are microtubule-based organelles projected from most eukaryotic cell surfaces performing cell motility and signaling. Several previously recognized non-ciliary proteins play crucial roles in cilium formation and function. Here, we provide additional evidence that the Caenorhabditis elegans RNA splicing factor PRP-8/PRPF8 regulates ciliogenesis and regeneration from the ciliary base. Live imaging of GFP knock-in animals reveals that the endogenous PRP-8 localizes in the nuclei and the ciliary base. A weak loss-of-function allele of prp-8 affects ciliary structure but with little impact on RNA splicing. Conditional degradation of PRP-8 within ciliated sensory neurons showed its direct and specific roles in cilium formation. Notably, the penetrance of ciliary defects correlates with the reduction of PRP-8 at the ciliary base but not nuclei, and sensory neurons regenerated cilia accompanying PRP-8 recovery from the ciliary base rather than the nuclei. We suggest that PRP-8 at the ciliary base contributes to cilium formation and regeneration.
A robust encryption watermarking algorithm for medical images based on ridgelet-DCT and THM double chaos
Authors: Liu Zilong , Li Jingbing , Ai Yang , Zheng Yuancai , Liu Jing
Published: October 2022

With the help of big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other technologies, the informatization and intelligence of the wisdom medical have been gradually realized. However, with the transmission and storage of massive amounts of medical images in the cloud, information security issues have become increasingly prominent. The privacy of patients is at risk of disclosure, theft and tampering, which has become an important challenge restricting the development of wisdom medical. How to protect the personal information of patients in the cloud environment has become an urgent problem to be solved. Medical image watermarking technology is an effective method to solve this problem. Combining the characteristics of Tent chaos and Henon chaos, this paper designed a Tent-Henon-Map double chaos watermarking encryption method and designed a medical image encryption watermarking algorithm based on ridgelet-DCT transform. The watermark images were encrypted by the Tent-Henon-Map double chaos which had the characteristics of sensitive initial values and large key space. Then, the feature vectors of the medical images were extracted through ridgelet-DCT transform. On the basis of ordinary watermarking technology, combined with zero watermarking, third-party concepts, and cryptographic technology, watermarking had a good ability to resist image processing attacks. The experimental results showed that the key space of the algorithm was $${10}^{116}$$

10

116

, which had better encryption and hard to crack. The time of watermark embedding and extraction were only 0.336 s and 0.439 s, with lower computational cost. And under high-strength conventional attacks and geometric attacks, the NC values of the algorithm were all greater than 0.55, which could effectively extract watermark information. It shown that the algorithm proposed had good robustness against conventional and geometric attacks It shown that the algorithm proposed had good robustness against conventional and geometric attacks, while taking into account the security.
Working with alcohol prevention in occupational health services: “knowing how” is more important than “knowing that” – the WIRUS OHS study
Authors: Thørrisen Mikkel Magnus , Sadeghi Talieh , Bonsaksen Tore , Graham Ian D. , Aas Randi Wågø
Published: October 2022

Background

Alcohol consumption is a major public health challenge; the majority of employees consume alcohol regularly and a considerable proportion of employees can be characterized as risky drinkers in need of interventions. Occupational health services (OHS) are uniquely positioned for implementing alcohol prevention interventions targeting employees, but rarely do so. Studies have shown that lack of knowledge among OHS personnel is a barrier to alcohol prevention activity. This study aimed to explore OHS personnels’ levels of theoretical and practical alcohol knowledge, and whether these two ways of knowing were differentially associated with alcohol prevention activity.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, survey data were collected from 322 OHS personnel in Norway in 2018 (response rate = 53.6%). The survey included variables of two ways of knowing (theoretical and practical) and three types of doing (intervention frequency, conducting individual interventions, and conducting group interventions). Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, paired sample t-tests, bivariate correlations, and adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results

OHS personnel rated their theoretical alcohol knowledge higher than their practical knowledge (η2 = 0.33, p < 0.001). Higher reported levels of practical knowledge were associated with higher intervention frequency (b = 0.39, β = 0.60, p < 0.001) and greater likelihood of conducting individual interventions (OR = 1.60, p < .001) as well as group interventions (OR = 1.84, p < 0.001). Theoretical knowledge was not associated with conducting interventions, and there was no evidence of an interaction between the two ways of knowing in their association with doing. Sensitivity analyses did not indicate clustering effects of OHS personnel being employed within different units.

Conclusions

Different ways of knowing about alcohol among OHS personnel were dissimilarly associated with conducting alcohol prevention interventions in occupational health settings. For doing, knowing how seems to be more important than knowing that. Training programs for OHS personnel should emphasize knowledge about how to deal with alcohol-related issues and how to conduct prevention interventions, rather than focus on detrimental effects of alcohol.
Production of quinolone derivatives in Escherichia coli
Authors: Park Yeo-Jin , Choi Gyu‑Sik , Lee Shin-Won , Ahn Joong-Hoon
Published: October 2022

Alkyl-4-quinolones (AQs) are natural compounds synthesized by bacteria. Members of this group are known quorum-sensing molecules. Other biological functions, such as anti-bacterial, anti-algal, antifungal, and anti-malaria activities have also been reported. The synthetic pathways of AQs have been validated in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Five genes (pqsA–E) are involved in the synthesis of 2-heptyl-4(1H)-quinolone (HHQ). To synthesize HHQ in a microbial system, pqsA–E genes were introduced into Escherichia coli and HHQ and 2-methyl-4(1H)-quinolone (MHQ) were synthesized. After the copy number, construct promoters, and substrate supplements were optimized, 141.3 mg/L MHQ and 242.8 mg/L HHQ were synthesized.
Association of radiological lung pattern and respiratory mechanics with potential for lung recruitment in patients with COVID–ARDS: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gillmann Hans-Jörg , Jung Carolin , Speth Milan , Vogel-Claussen Jens , Stueber Thomas
Published: October 2022

Background

The ventilatory management of COVID–ARDS is controversial, especially with regard to the different subtypes and associated PEEP titration. A higher PEEP may be beneficial only in patients with potential for lung recruitment. The assessment of lung recruitment may be guided by lung imaging, such as electric impedance tomography or recruitment computed tomography, but is complex and not established in routine clinical practice. Therefore, bedside identification of recruitable ARDS phenotypes can aid in PEEP titration in clinical settings.

Methods

In this retrospective consecutive cohort study in 40 patients with moderate-to-severe COVID–ARDS, we assessed lung recruitment using the recruitment-to-inflation ratio (R/I) in moderate-to-severe COVID–ARDS. Evidence of recruitment (R/I ≥ 0.5) was compared between clinical and computed tomography data.

Results

Of the included patients, 28 (70%) were classified as recruiters by the R/I. Lung recruitment was associated with higher compliance and was not associated with a consolidated lung pattern assessed using CT. Even in the tertile of patients with the highest compliance (37–70 ml/mbar), eight (73%) patients were classified as recruitable. Patients classified as recruitable presented a lower reticular lung pattern (2% vs. 6%, p = 0.032).

Conclusions

Prediction of lung recruitment is difficult based on routine clinical data but may be improved by assessment of radiographic lung patterns. A bedside assessment of recruitment is necessary to guide clinical care. Even a high compliance may not rule out the potential for lung recruitment.
Evaluation of technical efficiency of some rain-fed cereal and legume crops production in Syria: does crisis matter?
Authors: AlFraj Naji , Hamo Alaa
Published: October 2022

Background

Syria is a developing country whose economy is still dominated by the agricultural sector. The agricultural sector is considered as the main source of food in Syria and a major source of employment and income generation. Food and agricultural policies in Syria focus heavily on achieving food security and improving its four pillars (availability, accessibility, stability and utilization). As a result, until 2011, a good progress has been attained in food availability. The food security situation deteriorated in Syria after 2011 crisis, with the number of people facing acute food insecurity rising from 7.9 million in 2020 to a staggering 12.4 million in 2021. This is the result of many shocks that the agricultural sector has been exposed to, such as the relative decrease in cultivated areas, high costs of production, reduced input availability including labour, prevailing violence, related damage to farm equipment, and abandoned land. In view of the changes that the agricultural sector has been exposed to in Syria as a result of the crisis, the study concerns measuring the technical efficiency of production of some rain-fed cereal and legume crops in Syria and comparing it in the pre and post-crisis period, which has started in 2011. A non-parametric (DEA) method is applied for measuring technical efficiency during the time period 2003–2010 (pre-crisis) and the period 2011–2018 (post-crisis) with censored regression (the tobit model) to investigate the determinants of technical efficiency. A t test is used to test the null hypothesis (H0) that there was no difference in technical efficiency of the production of studied crops before and after the crisis in Syria and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) that there was a significant difference in technical efficiency.

Results

The findings show low level of technical efficiency in the post-crisis period. The results verified differences in the technical efficiency of pre- and post-crisis period. The use of censored regression with dummy for crisis has shown negative and significant effect on technical efficiency of each of the durum wheat and lentil crops, while it had no significant effect on the other studied crops.

Conclusions

This study can provide important information to the government to pursue a new policy for recovery and improving the agricultural production and productivity. There is an urgent need to adopt new policies that focus on providing production requirements in the form of low-interest loans, sustainable use of resources, providing support for the marketing process, and focusing on the export markets of some study crops (chickpeas and lentils). Government should improve agricultural extension services for farmers and encouraging them to adopt new technologies.
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in a female presenting with status asthmaticus: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Clark Lindsey C. , Khunger Arjun , Aji Walif
Published: October 2022

Background

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TCM) is a non-ischemic syndrome characterized by transient acute left ventricular dysfunction as evident on transthoracic echocardiography. It can often mimic myocardial ischemia and is characterized by the absence of angiographic evidence of obstructive coronary artery disease. Reports of Takotsubo syndrome in elderly with asthma exacerbations have been noted.

Case presentation

We describe a case of TCM in a 68-year-old female who presented with acute shortness of breath secondary to status asthmaticus. Her electrocardiogram showed ST segment elevations in multiple coronary artery distributions and mildly elevated troponin levels. Coronary angiography showed no significant stenosis of the coronary arteries with left ventriculography that showed systolic apical ballooning with a 10% ejection fraction, consistent with TCM.

Conclusions

Takotsubo syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with status asthmaticus and elevated troponin levels on admission. Patients should be asked about the use of beta agonist prior to admission. A thorough literature review including a summary of 11 previously published case reports of TCM with acute asthma exacerbations has been presented.
President's Page: Vision for SEG
Authors: Tubman Ken
Published: October 2022

Imagine for a moment you have just attended another terrific event hosted jointly by SEG and partner societies. This joint-society approach has paid off in terms of broadening the viewpoints, attendees, and subjects available to SEG members. Geoscientists, engineers, environmentalists, city planners, and policy makers all joined in the conversations. Global participation was high as everyone has become comfortable with digital event components. Online interactions went far beyond just playing recordings of presentations. Web attendees benefited from real-time analysis and commentary on the work shown in the technical presentations. The digital exhibition with hosted tours was also a huge success.
Basin-scale subsurface characterization using single-station teleseismic receiver function analysis
Authors: Li Yiran , Nikulin Alex
Published: October 2022

Teleseismic receiver function (RF) analysis traditionally has targeted deep earth structures in the context of observational seismology, allowing the detection of converted seismic phases originating from major boundaries of impedance. Recent efforts to adapt this passive-source seismic imaging technique to basin-scale subsurface characterization have retrieved primary basin geometries and key stratigraphic boundaries by relying on densely deployed broadband seismometer networks. While accurate interpretation of RF time series on Earth benefitted from complementary subsurface constraints (e.g., core and well logs), lack of such resources and instrumental limitations must be considered in the context of planetary geophysics, where passive-source imaging may emerge as a key frontier exploration technique. Thus, it is important to establish an analysis framework in which observed RF signals are interpreted by relying on first-order suppositions about the physical properties of the underlying subsurface. In this work, we seek to simulate this approach in single-station scenarios and qualitatively examine the baseline information inferable from the RF time series. Our results suggest that signals observed in the sedimentary interval can be reasonably attributed to major impedance changes expected from the generalized lithostratigraphy of the local subsurface, including the transition to the underlying crust. We also find patterns of anisotropy-related directional variations in high-frequency signals as well as unique frequency-dependent responses likely associated with the depth and vertical dimension of converting boundaries. Together, these seismic observables enable inference of various geologic attributes within the underlying sedimentary unit, proving it to be a critical tool in future efforts of planetary exploration.
Flash flooding on Mars could be linked to large fault slip events
Authors: Crane Kelsey , Bohanon Allison , Rich Jonathan , McCullough Leta , Cunningham Desiree'
Published: October 2022

Studies of Martian fault-related landform morphology have noted an interesting phenomenon associated with large thrusts — isolated channels that run from the crests of these landforms down their slopes. One such example is Ogygis Rupes, an east-verging, 180 km long thrust-fault-related landform located near 55°W, 33°S. Geometric modeling efforts have indicated the fault underlying this landform has experienced approximately 2850 m of slip, and a large anticlinal fold has grown above the fault. We mapped 72 channels on back and front slopes of this massive landform at 1:24,000 scale on 10 mosaiced Context Camera images (6 m/pixel) and one High-Resolution Imaging Experiment image (2.5 m/pixel). The morphology of these channels indicates that they formed through flash flood events that originated near the hinge of the fold. We propose that these flooding events were due to the melting of subsurface ice during fault slip. We apply a thermodynamic model for heat generation along the fault surface during slip events of various magnitudes to estimate the volumes of water produced during each hypothetical event. By comparing these estimates to channel discharge values estimated from channel morphologies, we resolve fault slip magnitudes that could produce the channels. We find that slip events of approximately 28 m produce enough heat to melt the ice associated with channel flow (4.867 × 109m3). This estimate is based on slip within a 1 m basaltic fault zone, with a friction coefficient of 0.6 where all pore space is occupied by water ice. Results indicate that only mature faults with well-developed, fractured hinges are capable of both (1) melting enough subsurface ice and (2) transporting the water to the surface to result in flooding, explaining why this impressive phenomenon remains a rare but important hazard of which to be aware during planning of the exploration and settlement of Mars.
Reviews
Authors: Green William
Published: October 2022

Radon: A Tracer for Geological, Geophysical and Geochemical Studies, by Mark Baskaran, ISBN 978-3-319-21328-6, 2016, Springer, 260 p. Drought, Flood, Fire, by Chris Funk, ISBN 978-1-108-83987-7, 2021, Cambridge University Press, 332 p.
Fabry disease: Definition, Incidence, Clinical presentations and Treatment - Focus on cardiac involvement
Authors: Saeed Sahrai , Imazio Massimo
Published: October 2022

Fabry disease (FD) is a relatively rare X-linked hereditary disease caused by mutations in the GLA gene that results in deficient α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A) enzyme activity. The disturbed catabolism of the neutral sphingolipids globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) leads to its progressive lysosomal accumulation throughout the body. Multiple organs can be affected. The atypical late-onset cardiac variant is associated with a high burden of cardiac morbidity and mortality. The aim of this work was to present an updated overview of the FD, with focus on cardiovascular manifestations and its management. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is nowadays an established treatment of FD and is recommended as early as possible with or without chaperone therapy (migalastat) to prevent or delay the progression of renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular complications. It improves quality of life and may further result in decrease in Left ventricular (LV) mass and to some extent LV function recovery. However, LV hypertrophy (LVH) does not always respond well to ERT despite successful Gb3 clearance. Furthermore, its impact on the hard clinical events is uncertain. Some possible reasons for this apparent discrepancy are discussed. ERT may be less effective in patients who have already developed fibrosis or irreversible organ damage. However, other confounding factors may be equally important.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.7063

How to cite this:Saeed S, Imazio M. Fabry disease: Definition, Incidence, Clinical presentations and Treatment - Focus on cardiac involvement. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(8):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.8.7063

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Physical activity after breast cancer - conditions for practicing sports
Authors: Filarecka Agnieszka , Leksowski Łukasz , Biernacki Maciej , Jęchorek Michał
Published: October 2022

Physical activity is a vital part of your lifestyle. Reports on the positive effects of physical activity are widely discussed in the literature. However, there are also drawbacks to physical activity. One of the contraindications is neoplastic disease. Such reports pretend to reduce the activity in cancer patients.

The aim of the work is to present a method of modifying physical activity in women after breast cancer treatment in order to consolidate the rehabilitation therapy and the prevention of treatment-related disorders. The paper proposes the procedure and conditions for the implementation of physical activity.
A Review on Neurodegenerative Diseases with their Suitable Animal Models
Authors: B. Udavant Pavan , R. Sable Rahul , J. Khairnar Shubham , R. Chavan Sonali , P. Torane Apurva , N. Kanade Gayatri , R. Ahmed Musab Tanzeel
Published: October 2022

Neurodegeneration is one of the common disease conditions globally. The animal models give resemblance to these disease conditions. By using various animal models it can be easy to study the disease in detail with their pathology, history, mechanism of drug. Animal models are crucial for researchers to find out preventing measures of neurodegenerative diseases. The intention of writing this review paper is to give a brief idea about neurodegenerative disorder and the possible animal models that are recently in use with their short introduction. This paper also explains the future expected animal model that should overcome the previous model’s lacuna. Neurodegeneration is a global health concern now. So to study disease pathology and finding advanced therapy is a challenge. For thorough understanding of this condition there are various animal models that provide deep information at molecular and cellular level. The genetic models are also present that mainly concern for mutation and studying the factors that contribute to the happening of disease conditions. It will be fruitful to study such factors that are responsible for causing disease, so that one can treat conditions by preventing or stopping the genetic risk factors by various drug mechanisms. Studying the neurodegeneration process using animal models is quite interesting.