bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BLSSpeller to discover novel regulatory motifs in maize
Authors: Rahmani Razgar Seyed , Decap Dries , Fostier Jan , Marchal Kathleen
Published: July 2022

With the decreasing cost of sequencing and availability of larger numbers of sequenced genomes, comparative genomics is becoming increasingly attractive to complement experimental techniques for the task of transcription factor (TF) binding site identification. In this study, we redesigned BLSSpeller, a motif discovery algorithm, to cope with larger sequence datasets. BLSSpeller was used to identify novel motifs in Zea mays in a comparative genomics setting with 16 monocot lineages. We discovered 61 motifs of which 20 matched previously described motif models in Arabidopsis. In addition, novel, yet uncharacterized motifs were detected, several of which are supported by available sequence-based and/or functional data. Instances of the predicted motifs were enriched around transcription start sites and contained signatures of selection. Moreover, the enrichment of the predicted motif instances in open chromatin and TF binding sites indicates their functionality, supported by the fact that genes carrying instances of these motifs were often found to be co-expressed and/or enriched in similar GO functions. Overall, our study unveiled several novel candidate motifs that might help our understanding of the genotype to phenotype association in crops.
The impacts of donor transitions on health systems in middle-income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Huffstetler Hanna E , Bandara Shashika , Bharali Ipchita , Kennedy Mcdade Kaci , Mao Wenhui , Guo Felicia , Zhang Jiaqi , Riviere Judy , Becker Liza , Mohamadi Mina , Rice Rebecca L , King Zoe , Farooqi Zoha Waqar , Zhang Xinqi , Yamey Gavin , Ogbuoji Osondu
Published: July 2022

As countries graduate from low-income to middle-income status, many face losses in development assistance for health and must ‘transition’ to greater domestic funding of their health response. If improperly managed, donor transitions in middle-income countries (MICs) could present significant challenges to global health progress. No prior knowledge synthesis has comprehensively surveyed how donor transitions can affect health systems in MICs. We conducted a scoping review using a structured search strategy across five academic databases and 37 global health donor and think tank websites for literature published between January 1990 and October 2018. We used the World Health Organization health system ‘building blocks’ framework to thematically synthesize and structure the analysis. Following independent screening, 89 publications out of 11 236 were included for data extraction and synthesis. Most of this evidence examines transitions related to human immunodeficiency virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS; n = 45, 50%) and immunization programmes (n = 14, 16%), with a focus on donors such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (n = 26, 29%) and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (n = 15, 17%). Donor transitions are influenced by the actions of both donors and country governments, with impacts on every component of the health system. Successful transition experiences show that leadership, planning, and pre-transition investments in a country’s financial, technical, and logistical capacity are vital to ensuring smooth transition. In the absence of such measures, shortages in financial resources, medical product and supply stock-outs, service disruptions, and shortages in human resources were common, with resulting implications not only for programme continuation, but also for population health. Donor transitions can affect different components of the health system in varying and interconnected ways. More rigorous evaluation of how donor transitions can affect health systems in MICs will create an improved understanding of the risks and opportunities posed by donor exits.
Forum: Searching for a Global Solidarity: A Collective Auto-Ethnography of Early-Career Women Researchers in the Asia-Pacific
Authors: Agarwal Amya , Chen Ching-Chang , Choi Shine , Cruz Frances Antoinette , Hoo Chiew-Ping , Watanabe Atsuko
Published: July 2022

This forum critically reflects on discrimination faced by early-career women international relations (IR) scholars in the Asia-Pacific region in their workplaces and beyond. By taking a self-ethnographic perspective, six contributors from five countries provide an engaging overview of difficulties they face in their everyday lives. Against the backdrop of this diverse and globalizing region, the contributors are all academic migrants in search of employment and learning opportunities within the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. They lead migratory lives by frequently crossing ideational and material boundaries to contribute to a more diverse IR knowledge base, and they encounter numerous difficulties and forms of discrimination. This forum has two aims. First, in reflecting on the contributors’ own lived experiences, it highlights the diversity of issues faced by early-career women scholars in this region. Second, it calls for novel, more inclusive forms of solidarity that appreciates diversity as plurality across any divides.
Qualitative Analysis and Quality Evaluation of Pimpinella thellungiana by Serum Pharmacochemistry, Network Pharmacology and QAMS
Authors: Cui Xiaomin , Hu Jing , Chen Zhiyong , Ren Hui
Published: July 2022

Background

Pimpinella thellungiana H. Wolff (P. thellungiana) is widely used as a Chinese medicinal herb to treat coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the bioactive compounds of this herbal medicine have not been defined and quality control is imperfect.

Objective

To develop methods for qualitative analysis and improved quality evaluation of P. thellungiana.

Method

In this study, UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS, network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches were applied to explore the quality markers of P. thellungiana. A quantitative analysis of multi-components via a single marker (QAMS) method was developed to simultaneously detect nine quality markers of P. thellungiana.

Results

Nine compounds were selected as quality markers for quality control of P. thellungiana: protocatechuic acid, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, luteolin-7-O-glucuronide, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The established QAMS method was validated and applied in 10 batches of P. thellungiana samples.

Conclusions

These findings facilitate effective quality evaluation of P. thellungiana and suggest this approach could be applied to evaluate the quality of other herbal medicines.

Highlights

UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS was used to detect 36 compounds in P. thellungiana and 40 compounds in rat plasma after dosing with P. thellungiana. Quality markers were selected based on detection of compounds absorbed into rat plasma and network pharmacology analysis.
Improving the memory efficiency of RTM using both Nyquist sampling and DCT based on GPU
Authors: Lee Dawoon , Chung Wookeen
Published: July 2022

Reverse time migration (RTM) is used to obtain complex structural images of subsurface media. The RTM can be expressed as a zero-lag cross-correlation between the source and receiver wave fields. As imaging conditions can be calculated based on the pre-stored source wavefield and the received wavefield generated during backward modelling, only the source wavefield must be stored in the memory (or disc). Therefore, reducing source-wavefield storage requirements can improve memory efficiency. High-performance computing based on graphic processing units (GPUs) is being developed to reduce the computational time in wave-propagation modelling. Accordingly, GPU-based RTM technology has the potential to improve the computational efficiency of RTM. Storage of the source wavefield wholly in GPU video random-access memory (VRAM) may further improve computational efficiency. In this paper, we present a new algorithm for a three-dimensional (3D) GPU-based RTM that can enable efficient storage of the source wavefield in VRAM using both Nyquist sampling and discrete cosine transform (DCT) compression. A numerical example employing a modified SEG/EAGE 3D overthrust model presented in this study verifies that the proposed algorithm requires only 2% of the memory usage of conventional RTM while producing similar results.
The Mechanism of Chlorantraniliprole Resistance and Detoxification in Trichogramma chilonis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Zhu Wenya , Wang Juan , Zhang Ye
Published: July 2022

Parasitic Trichogramma chilonis Ishii, an egg parasitoid of Grapholita molesta, is a critical agent for biological control of insect pests in crop plants. However, the efficiency of T. chilonis is influenced by its resistance to the common pesticide chlorantraniliprole. To elucidate the chlorantraniliprole detoxification mechanism, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to chlorantraniliprole resistance were studied at different developmental stages of the wasp. Individuals of T. chilonis were grouped and treated with chlorantraniliprole at different developmental stages. Untreated wasps were used as controls. Transcriptomic analysis identified the DEGs associated with chlorantraniliprole resistance and detoxification in T. chilonis. A total of 1,483 DEGs were associated with chlorantraniliprole resistance at all developmental stages. DEGs that correlated with chlorantraniliprole sensitivity of T. chilonis at different developmental stages were distinct and had various functions. The newly identified DEGs are involved in cytochrome P450- and glutathione metabolism-related pathways, which were predicted to contribute to chlorantraniliprole detoxification. Chlorantraniliprole detoxification by T. chilonis was associated with cytochrome P450- and glutathione-related pathways. Our findings may be useful for balancing chemical and biological control practices aimed to optimize agricultural production.
Relationships between age, diet, and stress-related hormones and reproduction in American marten (Martes americana)
Authors: Keogh Mandy J , Nicholson Kerry L , Skinner John P
Published: July 2022

American marten (Martes americana) in Interior Alaska are at the northwestern limit of their North American range. To investigate factors that may be associated with reproduction we determined the cementum age and the presence or absence of blastocysts in 118 female martens for 3 years (2012, 2014, and 2016) in two regions. For each marten we collected fur samples and measured steroid hormone concentrations (cortisol, testosterone, and progesterone) and stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C values, a proxy for diet). These parameters reflect the diet and endocrine activity between June and October when fur is grown. We also collected two claws from a subset of 39 female marten from one region in 2012 and 2014. Progesterone concentrations were measured in one whole claw and from a second claw divided into proximal (recent growth) and distal sections. Differences in the probability of blastocysts being present were associated with geographic region and sample year suggesting that reproduction in female marten varies on a fine scale. We found the that presence of blastocysts was positively associated with marten age and δ15N values in fur but negatively associated with fur cortisol concentrations. These findings suggest that the likelihood a female marten will reproduce in a given year is influenced, in part, by the proportion of protein in their diet and stressors encountered during late summer and fall, months before active gestation begins.
Reconsidering communication visibility in politically restrictive contexts: organizational social media use in China
Authors: Fu Jiawei Sophia , Cooper Katherine R
Published: July 2022

Increasing evidence reveals that social media visibility produces paradoxes in which actors simultaneously confront contradictory, even mutually exclusive, conditions. Yet limited research has explored how actors perceive these paradoxes and manage resulting tensions in a politically repressive context. Ubiquitous government oversight, information control, and Internet censorship may uniquely complicate paradoxes of visibility in non-Western environments. To address this gap, this research reconsiders the paradox(es) of visibility in politically restrictive contexts. Interview data from 50 social entrepreneurs and two field experts in China reveal the antecedents to visibility paradoxes, and suggest three novel forms of paradoxes: resource investment, public attention, and social change. We also show these paradoxes are interdependent such that one may be amplified or attenuated by the other paradoxes. Further, we identify three strategies for responding to these paradoxes and suggest implications for vulnerable actors in maintaining a public profile, especially in sensitive sociopolitical environments.
An unusual cause of hemoptysis and hoarseness due to live leech in the glottis: case report
Authors: Zou Yang , Wang Zhen , Wang Gang , Zhang Li , Cheng Zhengyu , Miao Feng , Chen Tuo
Published: July 2022

We performed laryngoscopy on a patient with symptoms such as hoarseness, hemoptysis, cough and intermittent dyspnea, and took out a brown-black foreign body—living leech in the glottis area, no such case has been reported before.
Identification of a novel deFADding activity in human, yeast and bacterial 5′ to 3′ exoribonucleases
Authors: Sharma Sunny , Yang Jun , Doamekpor Selom K , Grudizen-Nogalska Ewa , Tong Liang , Kiledjian Megerditch
Published: July 2022

Identification of metabolite caps including FAD on the 5′ end of RNA has uncovered a previously unforeseen intersection between cellular metabolism and gene expression. To understand the function of FAD caps in cellular physiology, we characterised the proteins interacting with FAD caps in budding yeast. Here we demonstrate that highly conserved 5′-3′ exoribonucleases, Xrn1 and Rat1, physically interact with the RNA 5′ FAD cap and both possess FAD cap decapping (deFADding) activity and subsequently degrade the resulting RNA. Xrn1 deFADding activity was also evident in human cells indicating its evolutionary conservation. Furthermore, we report that the recently identified bacterial 5′-3′ exoribonuclease RNase AM also possesses deFADding activity that can degrade FAD-capped RNAs in vitro and in Escherichia coli cells. To gain a molecular understanding of the deFADding reaction, an RNase AM crystal structure with three manganese ions coordinated by a sulfate molecule and the active site amino acids was generated that provided details underlying hydrolysis of the FAD cap. Our findings reveal a general propensity for 5′-3′ exoribonucleases to hydrolyse and degrade RNAs with 5′ end noncanonical caps in addition to their well characterized 5′ monophosphate RNA substrates indicating an intrinsic property of 5′-3′ exoribonucleases.
Tinker, tailor, soldier, cell: the role of C-type lectins in the defense and promotion of disease
Authors: Arnold James N , Mitchell Daniel A
Published: July 2022

C-type lectins (CTLs) represent a large family of soluble and membrane-bound proteins which bind calcium dependently via carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) to glycan residues presented on the surface of a variety of pathogens. The deconvolution of a cell’s glycan code by CTLs underpins several important physiological processes in mammals such as pathogen neutralization and opsonization, leukocyte trafficking, and the inflammatory response. However, as our knowledge of CTLs has developed it has become apparent that the role of this innate immune family of proteins can be double-edged, where some pathogens have developed approaches to subvert and exploit CTL interactions to promote infection and sustain the pathological state. Equally, CTL interactions with host glycoproteins can contribute to inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and cancer whereby, in certain contexts, they exacerbate inflammation and drive malignant progression. This review discusses the ‘dual agent’ roles of some of the major mammalian CTLs in both resolving and promoting infection, inflammation and inflammatory disease and highlights opportunities and emerging approaches for their therapeutic modulation.
Scrub Typhus: A Spatial and Temporal Analysis from South India
Authors: Kumar Madhan , Valiaveetil Koshy Alan , Chandran Jolly , Mohan Venkata Raghava , Chandrasekar K , Ghosh Urmi , Punnen Anu , Rose Winsley
Published: July 2022

Scrub typhus is a zoonotic rickettsial disease caused by the bacterium Orientia tsutsugamushi. The non-specificity of presentation, low index of suspicion and the poor availability of diagnostic tests often lead to delayed diagnosis and significant morbidity and mortality. Temperature, humidity, rainfall and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) on the spatio-temporal clustering of scrub typhus cases in children in three contiguous administrative districts in South India over 5 years were studied. A total of 419 children were diagnosed with scrub typhus during the study period. A surge of children with scrub typhus was noted when the NVDI ranged between 0.6 and 0.8 µm. Temperature, humidity and rainfall had a major role in the incidence of scrub typhus.
Significance of timing of therapeutic line on effectiveness of nivolumab for metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Teishima Jun , Murata Daiki , Yukihiro Kazuma , Sekino Yohei , Inoue Shogo , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Mita Koji , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Kato Masao , Kajiwara Mitsuru , Shigeta Masanobu , Maruyama Satoshi , Moriyama Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Seiji , Matsubara Akio
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to clarify the significance of therapeutic timing on the effectiveness of nivolumab for treating metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Marterials and methods

Fifty-eight patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with nivolumab monotherapy were retrospectively studied. Patients who were treated with nivolumab as second-line therapy were included in the second-line group, while the others were included in the later-line group. The clinicopathological characteristics, effects of nivolumab, and prognoses of these groups were compared.

Results

Twenty and thirty-eight patients were included in the second-line and later-line groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the distribution of International Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma Database Consotium risk and other clinicopathological characteristics between the 2 groups. The proportion of patients whose objective best response was progressive disease in the second-line group was significantly lower than that in the later-line group (15% vs. 50%, p = 0.0090). The 50% progression-free survival with nivolumab in the second-line group was significantly better than that in the later-line group (not reached and 5 months, p = 0.0018). Multivariate analysis showed that the second-line setting was an independent predictive factor for better progression-free survival (p = 0.0028, hazard ratio = 0.108). The 50% overall survival after starting nivolumab in the second-line and later-line groups was not reached and 27.8 months, respectively (p = 0.2652).

Conclusions

The therapeutic efficacy of nivolumab as second-line therapy is expected to be better than that of later therapy.
Computer and Furniture Affecting Musculoskeletal Problems and Work Performance in Work From Home During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Du Tanghuizi , Iwakiri Kazuyuki , Sotoyama Midori , Tokizawa Ken
Published: July 2022

Objectives

We surveyed how home-working conditions, specifically furniture and computer use, affected self-reported musculoskeletal problems and work performance.

Methods

Questionnaires from 4112 homeworkers were analyzed. The relationship between subjective musculoskeletal problems or work performance and working conditions were determined by logistic regression analyses.

Results

More than half the homeworkers used a work desk, work chair, and laptop computer. However, approximately 20% of homeworkers used a low table, floor chair/floor cushion, or other furniture that was different from the office setup. Using a table of disproportionate size and height, sofa, floor cushion, and floor chair were associated with neck/shoulder pain or low back pain. Disproportionate table and chair, floor cushion, and tablet computer were associated with poor work performance.

Conclusions

Disproportionate desk and chair, floor cushion/chair, and computer with small screen may affect musculoskeletal problems and home-working performance.
Evaluation of Depression, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Children Diagnosed With COVID-19
Authors: Üstündağ Gülnihan , Özyurt Gonca , Kara Aksay Ahu , Şahin Aslıhan , Ekemen Keleş Yıldız , Öztürk Yusuf , Şamlıoğlu Pınar , Eliaçık Kayı , Yılmaz Çiftdoğan Dilek
Published: July 2022

COVID-19 has affected individuals of all age groups, both physically and mentally. We aimed to determine anxiety and depression in children diagnosed with COVID-19. Fifty children aged 8 to 18 years diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in the study. The children were evaluated the revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, STAI form TX-I (state anxiety inventory), and STAI form TX-II (trait anxiety inventory). Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire was applied for one of the parents according to three different periods. The periods were established as before the pandemic, during the illness-quarantine process, and after the quarantine. We observed the highest scores for depression-anxiety and the poorest sleep quality during the quarantine period. The scores for depression-anxiety were lower, and sleep quality scores were higher in the prepandemic period compared with after the quarantine period. Measures should be taken to protect mental health for children with COVID-19.
Paranasal Augmentation: A Viable and Simplified Modality With Diced Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene
Authors: Zhai Zhen , Zhao Jun , Qi Zuoliang
Published: July 2022

A flat or concave lower midface profile is generally considered less attractive. Paranasal augmentation is usually performed to move paranasal deficiency to relative convexity. Herein, we present a viable and simplified modality with diced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene to correct paranasal deficiency. Between February of 2020 and April of 2021, 19 patients underwent procedures to correct paranasal deficiency. Paranasal augmentation was performed with diced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. All procedures were performed via intranasal approach. Preoperative and postoperative photographs were taken. Of these 19 patients (18 women and 1 man), deficiency of 18 patients were caused by congenital factors and 1 by cleft deformities. All but 1 procedures were carried out bilaterally. Procedures were performed in conjunction with additional operations mainly including rhinoplasty and minimally invasive midface lift. Age of patients ranged from 19 to 57 years, with a mean of 37 years. Follow-up time ranged from 8 to 22 months, with a mean of 12.6 months. All patients were satisfied with esthetic improvement and facial holistic profile. No severe complications and reoperation arisen in any of the patients. Temporary discomfort involved foreign body sensation in 1 case and numbness in 2 cases. The present technique provides a viable and simplified method to give the face a more balanced appearance and achieves esthetically superior results.
Length of the Most Distal End of Head and Neck Defect to Axilla Affects Survival of Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Flap
Authors: Jung Eun Kyung , Jang Hye-Bin , Lee Joon Kyoo
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to determine factors affecting the survival of pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) flap.

Materials and Methods:

Medical records of 20 pedicled LD flap patients for head and neck reconstruction by a single operator from 2015 to 2019 in a tertiary hospital were reviewed. Factors including flap size and pedicle’s length from the most distal end of the flap to the axilla (Fp) and from the most distal end of the defect to the axilla (Dfp) were assessed. Partial flap loss requiring procedures and total loss were considered as failure. Descriptive statistics, the Pearson χ2 test, and linear-by-linear association analysis were performed.

Results:

Seventy percent of patients showed success. There was no significant difference in various factors including preoperative body mass index, underlying diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, preoperative treatment either radiation or chemotherapy, lab results, and operation time between the survival and the failure group. Rotation arc (Dfp/Fp) showed significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.001). Unlike Fp, Dfp tend to be shorter on the success group (P=0.053).

Conclusions:

Low rotation arc through shorter Dfp affects survival of pedicled LD flap significantly.
Modified Simultaneous Double Eyelid Blepharoplasty and Ptosis Correction With a Single-Knot, Continuous, Nonincisional Technique
Authors: Chen Chun-Yu , Wu Yung-Hsiang , Wu Chien-Ju , Hsu Kuo-Feng , Chou Yu-Yu , Dun-Wei Huang , Chen Shyi-Gen
Published: July 2022

Background:

“Double eyelid” blepharoplasty is one of the most common cosmetic operations among Asian populations. Some patients might present with concomitant mild to moderate blepharoptosis, even though they choose initially to undergo blepharoplasty for cosmetic reasons.

Objective:

Using nonincisional double eyelid surgery without ptosis correction tends to produce unsatisfactory results. We introduce our modified suture method for the simultaneous correction of blepharoptosis during double eyelid blepharoplasty.

Materials and Methods:

We carried out a retrospective review on 13 patients who underwent simultaneous nonincisional ptosis correction and double eyelid surgery, using a single-knot continuous technique, from January 2017 to December 2019. A superior tarsal (Müller’s) muscle tagging suture was utilized to achieve an accurate tucking during surgery and create a double upper lid fold simultaneously.

Results:

The mean patient age was 31.8 years (range=23–54), and 9 patients (69%) were female. The mean marginal reflex distance 1 increased from 2.46±0.36 mm preoperatively to 4.07±0.61 mm postoperatively with a statistically significant difference. Most patients showed favorable results with an average of 10.8 months of follow-up and minimal complications.

Conclusions:

This simultaneous double eyelid blepharoplasty technique using a single-knot, continuous, nonincisional technique is relatively easy and effective, with minimal downtime and few postoperative complications, and avoids scarring for patients with mild to moderate blepharoptosis.
The Multiple Rib Osteomyocutaneous Split Latissimus Dorsi Flap for Calvarial Reconstruction: Indication, Operative Technique, and Review of Literature
Authors: Klein Holger J. , Giovanoli Pietro , Schweizer Riccardo
Published: July 2022

Major complex cranial defects may be challenging for the reconstructive microsurgeon. Affected patients often present with impaired soft tissues including dura exposure or fistulas. The lacking structural bony support may cause severe neurological issues and in select patients, there is a need for well-vascularized autologous tissue repair. The authors herein elucidate the role of the multiple rib osteomyocutaneous split latissimus dorsi flap for reconstruction of composite skull defects, providing an indication, an exemplary case, operation technique, and literature review. A 40-year-old woman after anaplastic oligodendroglioma resection suffered multiple extrusions and allograft cranioplasty infections. The defect was reconstructed with an osteomyocutaneus split latissimus dorsi flap including costae 3 ribs and a skin island. The included ribs were nourished via the anterior periosteum, while the posterior periosteum was left in place for the protection of the pleura parietalis. A proper amount of craniomedial latissimus dorsi muscle was spared to reduce donor site morbidity. The patient presented after 6 months with stable bony and soft tissue conditions without neurological symptoms, and acceptable donor site morbidity. After failed alloplastic cranioplasties, the free latissimus dorsi flap including vascularized ribs is well suitable for coverage of large compound cranial defects, providing skeletal support, improved contour, and enhanced functional outcome.
Transnasal Endoscopy and Combined Approach to Infratemporal Fossa Abscess and Parapharyngeal Abscess
Authors: Wang Yunmeng , Jin Chengxun , Cui Ning , Yang Jingpu
Published: July 2022

The infratemporal fossa is a very important anatomical space that is relatively closed with an irregular shape and is adjacent to the parapharyngeal space. Infratemporal fossa abscess is rare clinically. It can occur as a complication of maxillary sinusitis, maxillary sinus fracture, or odontogenic infection. If not handled in time, it may endanger the lives of patients. This paper reports the diagnosis and treatment of infratemporal fossa abscess in 2 diabetic patients. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are the best methods to diagnose suspected cases of this disease. The key treatment is to combine sensitive antibiotic treatment with endoscopic abscess drainage. Different approaches can be selected according to the range of lesions. If necessary, a combined approach to drain the pus is needed. Early diagnosis, timely initiation of antibiotics, and surgical intervention are essential for curing this disease.
A Salvage Strategy for the Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap Without Traditional Perforator: A Case Report of Peroneal Artery Tibialis Anterior Cutaneous Perforator Skin Paddle
Authors: Yang Enli , Wu Haiwei , Chen Zhanwei
Published: July 2022

The fibula osteocutaneous flap is the most commonly used flap to repair jaw defects, which can be used for composite soft and hard tissue reconstruction. Traditionally, the skin paddle of the fibula osteocutaneous flap is based on perforators from the peroneal artery, which is affifixed to the posterior crural septum between the peroneus and the soleus. The anatomy is relatively constant, and the perforators of skin paddle variation encounter in clinical occasionally. The authors report a case of reconstruction of mandible and soft tissue with fibula osteocutaneous flap after extensive radical resection of squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth floor. In this case, the authors raised a skin paddle based on the anterior tibial perforator of peroneal artery from the anterolateral intermuscular septum between the peroneus and the anterior calf muscles, which successfully rescued the traditional perforator absence and avoided exploration for a second donor site.
Conjunctival Fistula After Cosmetic Lateral Canthoplasty
Authors: Hou Dan , Tian Bingyu , Zhu Yuan
Published: July 2022

The authors report the diagnosis and treatment of a patient who developed a conjunctival fistula after undergoing cosmetic lateral canthoplasty. A 34-year-old female patient continued to shed tears in the canthus skin of the left eye for 3 years after undergoing cosmetic lateral canthoplasty. She underwent preoperative fluorescein sodium staining and tear duct probing, which led to a diagnosis of conjunctival fistula. Methylene blue was used as a diagnostic marker and the tear duct probe was positioned for conjunctival fistula resection intraoperatively. Postoperative recovery was good. The causes of tearing of the canthal skin after cosmetic canthal surgery are divided into the following 3 types: lacrimal gland fistula, lacrimal ductal fistula, and conjunctival fistula. The authors further developed its preoperative identification method and treatment.
Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Adams Amber , Olesky Courtney L. , Fisher Allison , Justice Stephanie Baker
Published: July 2022

Heart failure impacts millions of Americans and has an approximate 5-year mortality rate of 50%–55%. Decompensation of this disease state could result in a patient's initial presentation and diagnosis or may reflect a worsening of a chronic condition that is being managed but needs optimization. Secondary to this, it is important for members of the health care team in the emergency department to recognize the presentation of this disease and manage the patient's signs and symptoms appropriately. Patients may be normotensive upon presentation or hemodynamically unstable. Those who are normotensive are often managed with loop diuretics and possibly low-dose vasodilators, whereas those who are hemodynamically unstable require more aggressive, focused care. It is important to note that some patients may present with respiratory failure and with no known history of heart failure. In these cases, a rapid and accurate diagnosis is critical. This article briefly summarizes the common acute clinical presentations of heart failure and the therapies considered first line for treatment based on the primary literature.
Chest X-Ray Findings in Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Baker Caron , Ramponi Denise R.
Published: July 2022

Currently, there are limited research and reports on how a chest radiograph plays a role in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, but some of the findings up to now have demonstrated that they are useful in specific situations, such as when symptoms are severe, other testing is limited, and an acute outbreak occurs (Blain et al., 2021). As referenced by Rubin et al. (2020) a consensus statement made by the Fleischner Society recommended that imagining should not be ordered in patients with mild symptoms, but it can be used in diagnosing COVID-19 if deemed necessary. Chest radiography is a relatively inexpensive, quick imaging method with minimal radiation exposure for finding typical COVID-19 lesions such as ground glass opacities or consolidation findings as the viral infection progresses. Chest radiography can also be helpful in inpatient settings when there are possible superimposed complications such as pleural effusions or pneumothorax (Chalian, 2020).
Psychological impacts of COVID-19 outbreak in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: lankrew Tadele , Gelaw Belete
Published: July 2022

Background

The novel coronavirus disease has led individuals in several medical, psychosocial and economic impacts among the majority of the society such as psychological distress, anxiety, depression, denial, panic, and fear. This pandemic is a disastrous health crisis and becoming a current public health emergency and affects several nations across the world. The widespread of COVID-19 has brought not only the risk of death but also major psychological pressure.

The COVID-19 pandemic led individuals to unavoidable psychological distress, anxiety, depression, denial, panic, and fear. The COVID-19 pandemic is a global public health emergency concern, which is severely affected the community and influences the day-to-day life of individuals in Ethiopia. This systematic review used to investigate the pooled estimate on the psychological impact of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.

Objective

The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to provide comprehensive evidence on the psychological impact of COVID-19 in Ethiopia.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis searched through Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Google, Google Scholar, and web of sciences. Data extracted by Microsoft Excel then statistical analyses done using STATA Version 14 software with a random-effects model. The funnel plot checked. The heterogeneity of the studies checked. Subgroup analysis done in relation to the study area and authors’ names.

Results

A total of 10 studies with 4,215 participants were included in this systematic review and the overall estimated psychological impact of coronavirus disease in Ethiopia was 42.50% (95% CI (31.18%, 53.81%). According to subgroup analysis, the highest estimated status of the psychological impact of coronavirus disease in Ethiopia are 66.40% and 16.20% in Addis Ababa and Amhara regions respectively.

Conclusion

This systematic review revealed that the psychological impact of coronavirus disease in Ethiopia is 42.50%. Multiple education and training and adequate personal protective equipment supplies focusing on the psychological impact of COVID-19 should be avail properly for the community in Ethiopia.
Loss of aquaporin-4 results in glymphatic system dysfunction via brain-wide interstitial fluid stagnation
Authors: Gomolka Ryszard S. , Hablitz Lauren , Mestre Humberto , Giannetto Mike , Du Ting , Hauglund Natalie , Xie Lulu , Peng Weiguo , Martinez Paula Melero , Nedergaard Maiken , Mori Yuki
Published: July 2022

The glymphatic system is a fluid transport network of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) entering the brain along arterial perivascular spaces, exchanging with interstitial fluid (ISF), ultimately establishing directional clearance of interstitial solutes. CSF transport is facilitated by the expression of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) water channels on the perivascular endfeet of astrocytes. Mice with genetic deletion of AQP4 (AQP4 KO) exhibit abnormalities in the brain structure and molecular water transport. Yet, no studies have systematically examined how these abnormalities in structure and water transport correlate with glymphatic function. Here we used high-resolution 3D magnetic resonance (MR) non-contrast cisternography, diffusion-weighted MR imaging (MR-DWI) along with intravoxel-incoherent motion (IVIM) DWI, while evaluating glymphatic function using a standard dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging to better understand how water transport and glymphatic function is disrupted after genetic deletion of AQP4. AQP4 KO mice had larger interstitial spaces and total brain volumes resulting in higher water content and reduced CSF space volumes, despite similar CSF production rates and vascular density compared to wildtype mice. The larger interstitial fluid volume likely resulted in increased slow but not fast MR diffusion scores and coincided with reduced glymphatic influx. This markedly altered brain fluid transport in AQP4 KO mice may result from a reduction in glymphatic clearance, leading to stagnation of ISF movement and enlargement of the interstitial space. Overall, diffusion MR is a useful tool to evaluate glymphatic function and may serve as valuable translational biomarker to study glymphatics in human disease.
De-differentiation and Proliferation of Artery Endothelial Cells Drive Coronary Collateral Development
Authors: Arolkar Gauri , K Sneha , Wang Hanjay , Gonzalez Karen M. , Kumar Suraj , Bishnoi Bhavnesh , Rios Coronado Pamela E. , Woo Y. Joseph , Red-Horse Kristy , Das Soumyashree
Published: July 2022

Collateral arteries act as natural bypasses which re-route blood flow to ischemic regions and facilitate tissue regeneration. In an injured heart, neonatal artery endothelial cells orchestrate a systematic series of cellular events, which includes their outward migration, proliferation, and coalescence into fully functional collateral arteries. This process, called Artery Reassembly, aids complete cardiac regeneration in neonatal hearts, but is absent in adults. The reason for this age-dependent disparity in artery cell response is completely unknown. In this study, we investigated if regenerative potential of coronary arteries, like in cardiomyocytes, is dictated by their ability to de-differentiate. We performed single cell RNA sequencing of coronary endothelial cells and identified differences in molecular profiles of neonatal and adult endothelial cells. Neonates show significant increase in actively cycling artery cells that expressed prominent de-differentiation markers. Using both,in silicopathway analyses andin vivoexperiments, we show that cell cycle re-entry of pre-existing artery cells, subsequent collateral artery formation and cardiac function is dependent on arterial VegfR2. This sub-population of de-differentiated and proliferating artery cells is absent in non-regenerative P7 or adult hearts. Together, our data indicate that adult artery endothelial cells fail to drive collateral artery development due to their limited ability to de-differentiate and proliferate.
Germ-cell specific eIF4E1B regulates maternal RNA translation to ensure zygotic genome activation
Authors: Yang Guanghui , Xin Qiliang , Feng Iris , Dean Jurrien
Published: July 2022

Translation of maternal mRNAs is detected before transcription of zygotic genes and is essential for mammalian embryo development. How certain maternal mRNAs are selected for translation instead of degradation and how this burst of translation affects zygotic genome activation remains unknown. Using gene-edited mice, we document that the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E family member 1B (eIF4E1B) is the regulator of maternal mRNA translation that ensures subsequent reprogramming of the zygotic genome. In oocytes, the germ-cell specific eIF4E1B binds to mRNAs encoding chromatin remodeling complexes as well as reprogramming factors to protect them from degradation and promote their translation in zygotes. These protein products establish an open chromatin landscape in one-cell zygotes and enable transcription. Our results define a program for rapid resetting of the zygotic epigenome that is regulated by maternal mRNA translation and provides new insight into the mammalian maternal-to-zygotic transition.
Structural rationale to understand the effect of disease-associated mutations on Myotubularin
Authors: Bhattacharyya Teerna , Ghosh Avishek , Verma Shailya , Raghu Padinjat , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: July 2022

Myotubularin or MTM1 is a lipid phosphatase that regulates vesicular trafficking in the cell. The MTM1 gene is mutated in a severe form of muscular disease, X-linked myotubular myopathy or XLMTM, affecting 1 in 50,000 newborn males worldwide. There have been several studies on the disease pathology of XLMTM, but the structural effects of missense mutations of MTM1 are underexplored due to the unavailability of a crystal structure. MTM1 consists of three domains- a lipid-binding N-terminal GRAM domain, the phosphatase domain and a coiled-coil domain which aids dimerization of Myotubularin homologs. While most mutations reported to date map to the phosphatase domain of MTM1, the other two domains on the sequence are also frequently mutated in XLMTM. To understand the overall structural and functional effects of missense mutations on MTM1, we curated several missense mutations and performed in silico and in vitro studies. Apart from significantly impaired binding to substrate, abrogation of phosphatase activity was observed for a few mutants. Possible long-range effects of mutations from non-catalytic domains on phosphatase activity were observed as well. Coiled-coil domain mutants have been characterised here for the first time in XLMTM literature.

Author Summary

X-linked myotubular myopathy is a rare paediatric disorder and affected males suffer neonatal death or may live on only with ventilatory support. In this study, we employed a range of approaches to understand the molecular level effects of patient-derived mutations on an enzyme directly linked to the congenital muscular disorder. Using three-dimensional modelling and simulations, the effect of these mutations on the structure of the enzyme and its ability to bind its substrate was studied. To complement theoretical observations, experiments were performed with cells expressing this enzyme and its mutants. These studies reveal that each part of the protein may directly or indirectly affect its enzyme activity and most of the patient-derived mutations are expressed insufficiently in the cell. With the advent of genome sequencing technology, identification of congenital mutations is easier; computational studies of molecular consequences of mutations on a protein function such as this will prove immensely useful in understanding the disease and its prognosis.
Dynamic microtubules slow down during their shrinkage phase
Authors: Luchniak Anna , Kuo Yin-Wei , McGuinness Catherine , Sutradhar Sabyasachi , Orbach Ron , Mahamdeh Mohammed , Howard Jonathon
Published: July 2022

Microtubules are dynamic polymers that undergo stochastic transitions between growing and shrinking phases. The structural and chemical properties of these phases remain poorly understood. The transition from growth to shrinkage, termed catastrophe, is not a first-order reaction but is rather a multi-step process whose frequency increases with the growth time: the microtubule ages as the older microtubule tip becomes more unstable. Aging shows that the growing phase is not a single state but comprises several substates of increasing instability. To investigate whether the shrinking phase is also multi-state, we characterized the kinetics of microtubule shrinkage following catastrophe using anin vitroreconstitution assay with purified tubulins. We found that the shrinkage speed is highly variable across microtubules and that the shrinkage speed of individual microtubules slows down over time by as much as several fold. The shrinkage slowdown was observed in both fluorescently labeled and unlabeled microtubules as well as in microtubules polymerized from tubulin purified from different species, suggesting that the shrinkage slowdown is a general property of microtubules. These results indicate that microtubule shrinkage, like catastrophe, is time-dependent and that the shrinking microtubule tip passes through a succession of states of increasing stability. We hypothesize that the shrinkage slowdown is due to destabilizing events that took place during growth which led to multi-step catastrophe. This suggests that the aging associated with growth is also manifest during shrinkage with the older, more unstable growing tip being associated with a faster depolymerizing shrinking tip.

Statement of Significance

The dynamics of the microtubule cytoskeleton is crucial for several functions in eukaryotic cells. Microtubule dynamics is traditionally described by constant growth and shrinkage speeds with first order transitions between the growth and shrinkage phases. However, catastrophe, the transition from growth to shrinkage, increases with microtubule age and is not a first order process. In contrast to the common assumption that microtubules shrink with constant speed, here we show that shrinking microtubule tips undergo step-wise slowdown during depolymerization. Our results suggest that microtubule shrinkage, like catastrophe, is a multi-step process. This finding is important for understanding the molecular nature of microtubule dynamic instability and how microtubule shrinkage can be modulated by microtubule associated proteins.