bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
WITHDRAWN: Endometriosis related sex steroid hormones, hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis hormones and related animal modeling: A comprehensive review of published articles and endometriosis induction methods from 2010 to 2021 with scoring based approach
Authors: Salehpour Aria , Zare Afshin , Khoradmehr Arezoo , Mahdipour Mahdi , Tamadon Amin
Published: December 2021

Endometriosis is an enigmatic gynecological disease initiated by the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue and causes critical symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, cyclic menstrual pain, subfertility or infertility. Considering extensive investigations for explaining the underlying pathophysiology of endometriosis, origin and distinctive processes which lead to endometritic state are not completely understood. In this comprehensive review, studies published from 2010 to 2021 are reviewed in order to provide a bright insight through the applications of translational animal models and endometriosis induction methods for evaluation of endometriosis pathogenesis and treatment. We provided method based inclusion criteria and reviewed all hormone-based studies with concentration on animal models. Additionally, studies with novel induction methods and approaches are categorized separately and analyzed by a novel scoring table for suitability of further investigations. Eventually, our scoring system suggested that the best-evaluated animal model for hormone related endometriosis studies is an “unopposed estrogenicity baboon model of endometriosis”.
Diagnostic value of systematic ultrasonography for trisomy 18 syndrome in fetuses before 16 weeks gestation
Authors: Zhou Jie , Dai Xiaohui , Liu Hanmin , Li Yiping , Luo Ling , Chen Jiao
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To explore the diagnostic value of systematic fetal ultrasonography for trisomy 18 (T18) syndrome before 16 weeks gestation.
Methods

A total of 12 fetuses with T18 were selected as research subjects and their nuchal translucency (NT) screening and fetal systematic ultrasonographic images acquired at 11–15 weeks were retrospectively analyzed.
Results

In the 12 fetuses’ NT screening, ten fetuses showed NT thickening, one showed nuchal cystic hygroma, four showed reversed a-wave ductus venosus flow, and three showed omphalocele. The most common anomalies on the systematic ultrasonography before 16 weeks gestation were cardiac defects (12/12, 100%), omphalocele (4/12, 33.3%), limb anomalies (5/12, 41.7%), and facial anomalies (3/12, 25.0%). Seven of the 12 fetuses had multiple structural malformations: three had two structural malformations (25.0%), three had three structural malformations (25.0%), and one had four structural malformations (8.3%).
Conclusion

Systematic fetal ultrasonography before 16 weeks gestation can detect most of the structural malformations of T18, effectively shortening the prenatal diagnosis time. It is therefore of great importance for reducing the birth rate of children with T18 and minimizing the physical and mental damage to mothers and their families.
Short-Term Outcomes of Laparoscopic/Robotic Gastrectomy Compared with Open Gastrectomy for Advanced Gastric Cancer Following Chemotherapy
Authors: Yoshikawa Kozo , Shimada Mitsuo , Tokunaga Takuya , Nakao Toshihiro , Nishi Masaaki , Takasu Chie , Kashihara Hideya , Wada Yuma , Yoshimoto Toshiaki , Yamashita Shoko
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy/robotic gastrectomy after chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer and compare these outcomes with those of open gastrectomy.
Methods

Fifty patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer after chemotherapy between 2007 and 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: the laparoscopic gastrectomy/robotic gastrectomy (n = 11) and open gastrectomy (n = 39) groups. The short-term outcomes of these procedures were subsequently examined.
Results

The laparoscopic gastrectomy/robotic gastrectomy group had significantly shorter hospital stays and lower intraoperative blood loss than the open gastrectomy group. The overall complication rates were 12.8% (5 of 39 patients) and 0% (0 of 11 patients) in the open gastrectomy and laparoscopic gastrectomy/robotic gastrectomy groups, respectively (P = 0.1).
Conclusions

Laparoscopic gastrectomy/robotic gastrectomy may be a surgical option after chemotherapy for patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Neuron-Recognizable Characteristics of Peptides Recombined Using A Neuronal Binding Domain of Botulinum Neurotoxin
Authors: Kim Hye Rin , Jung Younghun , Shin Jonghyeok , Park Myungseo , Kweon Dae-Hyuk , Ban Choongjin
Published: December 2021

Recombinant peptides were designed using the C-terminal domain (receptor binding domain, RBD) and its subdomain (peptide A2) of a heavy chain of botulinum neurotoxin A-type 1 (BoNT/A1), which can bind to the luminal domain of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2C (SV2C-LD). Peptide A2- or RBD-containing recombinant peptides linked to an enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) were prepared by expression in Escherichia coli. A pull-down assay using SV2C-LD-covered resins showed that the recombinant peptides for CDC5328 BoNT/A1, referred to EGFP-A2ʹ and EGFP-RBDʹ, exhibited ≥ 2.0-times stronger binding affinity to SV2C-LD than those for the wild-type BoNT/A1. Using bio-layer interferometry, an equilibrium dissociation rate constant (KD) of EGFP-RBDʹ to SV2C-LD was determined to be 5.45 mM, which is 33.87- and 15.67-times smaller than the KD values for EGFP and EGFP-A2ʹ, respectively. Based on confocal laser fluorescence micrometric analysis, the adsorption/absorption of EGFP-RBDʹ to/in differentiated PC-12 cells was 2.49- and 1.29-times faster than those of EGFP and EGFP-A2ʹ, respectively. Consequently, the recombinant peptides acquired reasonable neuron-specific binding/internalizing ability through the recruitment of RBDʹ. In conclusion, RBDs of BoNTs are versatile protein domains that can be used to mark neural systems and treat a range of disorders in neural systems.
G9a/GLP inhibition during ex vivo lymphocyte expansion increases in vivo cytotoxicity of engineered TCR-T cells against hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lam Maxine , Reales-Calderon Jose , Ow Jin Rong , AW Joey , TAN Damien , Ceccarello Erica , TABAGLIO TOMMASO , Lim Yan Ting , Wang Loo Chien , Sobota Radoslaw , Adriani Giulia , Bertoletti Antonio , Guccione Ernesto , PAVESI Andrea
Published: December 2021

Engineered T cells transiently expressing tumor-targeting receptors are an attractive form of engineered T cell therapy as they carry no risk of insertional mutagenesis or long-term adverse side-effects. However, multiple rounds of treatment are often required, increasing patient discomfort and cost. To mitigate this, we sought to improve the antitumor activity of transient engineered T cells by screening a panel of small molecules targeting epigenetic regulators for their effect on T cell cytotoxicity. Using a model for engineered T cells targetting hepatocellular carcinoma, we found that short-term inhibition of G9a/GLP increased T cell antitumor activity in in vitro models and an orthotopic mouse model. G9a/GLP inhibition increased granzyme expression without terminal T cell differentiation or exhaustion and resulted in specific changes in expression of genes and proteins involved in pro-inflammatory pathways, T cell activation and cytotoxicity.
Body Composition, Dietary Intake and Biochemical Profile in Thalassemia Major Patients, Southwest of Iran
Authors: Koor Behrooz Ebrahimzadeh , Yousefi Mojtaba , Mohammadian Zahra , Etemadfar Peyman
Published: December 2021

Background: Thalassemia, as an autosomal recessive disorder, leads to life-threatening anemia, in which patient's life depends on long term blood transfusion and regular medical care. In this study, body composition, nutritional intake and biochemical parameters of blood transfusing dependent major thalassemia patients were evaluated.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 74 major thalassemia volunteers referred to educational hospital in Yasuj city were recruited. Body composition, demographic and biochemical parameters were measured. Data were statistically analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. P-values less than 0.05 were defined as statistically significant.Results: Data analysis showed that mean of age of participants in this cross-sectional study was 21.09± 7.7 years old. 21.6% of our patients were underweight, 68.9% of them were normal weight, 9.5% were overweight and none of them were obese. 8.1% of < 20 years old patients were short stature. About 80% of patients had low blood HDL concentration. About 30% of participants were at borderline levels ​and 42% of patients were at high and toxic levels of Ferritin. Approximately, all patients had hemoglobin lower than standard of healthy individuals. The mean body fat percent of patients was 24 ± 6.6%, which was higher than the normal value ​​(P <0.001), with exception of copper, phosphorus and vitamin K and percent of protein and carbohydrates from total energy were significantly lower than standard values. The Binary logistic regression analysis also showed that the interval between sessions of blood transfusion (P=0.03), daily intake of vitamin D (P=0.01) and vitamin K (P=0.028) and fatness (0.006) were significant predictors of the Ferritin equation as iron overload in thalassemia patients.Discussion and Conclusion: Malnutrition, especially underweight was evident among our patients. Intake of the energy and most nutrients were lower than standard values. Biochemical parameters such as Ferritin and hemoglobin were also abnormal. Blood levels of vitamin D in thalassemia patients should be routinely monitored. Clinical trials on the effect of supplementation with nutrients such as vitamin D and calcium and zinc are recommended. Blood levels of vitamin D in thalassemia patients should be routinely monitored every six months.
Identification of a Cancer Stemness Driven Prognostic Model and Therapeutic Drug Targets by Machine Learning in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lai Mingchun , Xi Bin , Wei Shenyu , Zhang Wenjin , Zheng Shusen
Published: December 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), characterized by self-renewal and drug-resistance, play an important role in the development and progression of diverse cancers, but the underlying association of HCC and CSCs is not fully researched.Methods: Transcriptome and clinical data of 903 patients in four independent HCC cohorts were obtained from TCGA, ICGC, and GEO databases. We evaluated the stemlike index for each patient to reflect the cancer stemness by using one-class logistic regression (OCLR) algorithm. GISTIC 2.0, Maftools and GSVA were used to reveal the association between the stemness index and genomic variation and biological processes in HCC. The differential expression analysis, univariate Cox analysis and LASSO analysis were used to identify the prognostic stemness signatures. The HCC stemness-related risk score (HCSRS) was constructed to quantify stemness levels of individual tumors. Based on HCSRS, the nomogram was established for HCC prognosis in a quantitative approach. Additionally, single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm was used to evaluate the immune infiltration levels in HCC, and drug response analysis was adopted to identify potential agents with drug sensitivity in high-HCSRS score patients.Results: The stemness index in HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues, and there was a significant positive correlation with pathological grade. Patients with high stemness index showed higher somatic mutation frequency, tumor mutation load, and copy number variation frequency, and were significantly enriched in tumor-related signaling pathways. Meanwhile, the 7-gene based HCSRS model that was trained and validated in 4 independent cohorts exhibited high predictive significance for overall survival (OS). Further analysis revealed that patients with high HCSRS possessed higher immunosuppression status, characterized by significantly decreased infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells (CD8 T cells, cytotoxic T cells, DC cells, NK cells, etc.) and exhausted CYT responses. At last, a total of twelve agents were identified to have potential therapeutic effects in high-HCSRS patients.Conclusion: In current study, we systematically analyzed the potential relationship of HCC stemness with genomic variation, tumor microenvironment and biological processes, provided a theoretical basis for individualized treatment of HCC patients.
A Novel Alternately Energy Source Strategy for Re-Ablation of Patients with Recurrent Atrial Fibrillation—Cryoballoon or Radiofrequency Current Energy Ablation. A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tang Qinghui , Guo XiaoGang , Ma Jian
Published: December 2021

Background: Atrial fibrillation recurrence after circumferential pulmonary vein (PV) isolation was common. Which ablation technique is better for repeat ablation in patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate long-term efficacy of repeat ablation using a novel alternately energy source sequence for re-ablation of patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation: cryoballoon (CB) re-ablation for patients with a failed radiofrequency (RFC) ablation (RFC-CB redo group); radiofrequency energy re- ablation for patients with a failed cryoballoon ablation (CB-RFC redo group).Method: Recurrent AF patients received a repeat ablation procedure in our hospital were enrolled into the study. Demographic and re-ablation procedural characteristics and outcomes were compared among groups.Results: A total of 156 patients were enrolled into the study, 60 patients (38.5%) were in the CB-RFC-redo group and 96 patients (61.5%) were in the RFC-CB-redo group. Longer duration of AF (69.31±64.69 vs 50.78 ±51.48 months; P=0.039) and longer time from first ablation to re-ablation (54.02 ±38.10 vs 14.2 ±10.5 months; P=0.001) were observed in the RFC-CB-redo group as compared with the CB-RFC redo group. Early recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation following initial ablation were equal among groups (RFC-CB-redo group: 42.7% vs CB-RFC-redo group:48.3% , p=0.515).The number of reconnected PVs was significantly higher in the RFC-CB redo group than the CB-RFC redo group (3.36 ± 0.96 vs 1.50 ± 0.81, p=0.01). During the average follow-up of 10.7 ±2.41 months, significantly less AF recurrence was observed in the CB-RFC redo group (16.7% vs 31.3%, p=0.045). In the multivariate analysis, different energy ablation sequence, AF type and early recurrence after the initial ablation were independent predictors of AF recurrence after re-ablation.Conclusions: Alternate energy source sequence strategy for re-ablation of patients with recurrent atrial fibrillation was safe and moderately effective. However, Large multi-center studies must be warranted to provide conclusive evidence.
Postoperative Morbidity Risk Factors After Conservative Surgery of Hydatic Cyst of the Liver: A Retrospective Study of 151 Hydatic Cysts of the Liver
Authors: Ghannouchi Mossaab , Rodayna Hawas , khlifa Mohamed Ben , nacef karim , boudokhan moez
Published: December 2021

Background: Hepatic hydatid cyst is an endemic parasitosis in Tunisia. Although most of these cysts are benign; their treatment may lead to several complications which can cause an important post-operative morbidity and mortality.The purpose of the present paper is to assess the morbidity and mortality specifics risk factors of hepatic hydatid cysts after conservative surgery.Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 102 patients over a period of 13 years, from 2006 to 2019. We included all patients operated on for hydatid cyst of the liver, complicated and uncomplicated, in the Department of General Surgery of Mahdia, Tunisia.We excluded patients who received an exclusive medical treatment and those who have other hydatic cyst localizations.Descriptive statistics,bivariate analysis using chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables;t-test,ANOVA , and Kruskal–Wallis for continuous variables; odds ratio calculations, ordinal and multivariate logistic regression models were appliedResults: The cohort was composed of 102 patients with a total of 151 cysts operated on using conservative surgery, among them there was 75 women (73, 5%) and 27 men (26.5%). The median age was 43, with extremes ranging from 12 to 88 years. The majority of patients (94. 1%) were from rural areas. The cysts were uncomplicated in about half of the cases (48%), elsewhere complications such as compression of neighboring organs (25,5%), opening in the bile ducts (16,7%), infection (9,8%), and rupture in the peritoneum (2%) were found. Conservative surgery was the mainstay of treatment with an overall mortality rate of 1. 9%. The overall morbidity rate was 22%: 14% specific morbidity and 8% non-specific morbidity. External biliary fistula was the most common postoperative complication (9%). The predictive factors of morbidity in univariate analysis were Preoperative hydatid cyst infection (P = 0.01), Compressive cysts (P=0.05), preoperative fever and jaundice, (respectively P=0. 03 and P=0. 02), no one achieved statistical significance in the multivariate modelConclusions:Preoperative hydatid cyst infection, compressive cysts and preoperative fever and jaundice are significant predictor factors of morbidity after conservative surgery for liver hydatid cyst. They must be considered in the treatment and the surgical decision for patients with hydatid cyst.
Brief Report: Higher Fentanyl Exposures Require Higher Doses of Naloxone for Successful Reversals in a Quantitative Systems Pharmacology Model
Authors: Moss Ronald B. , Pryor Meghan McCabe , Baillie Rebecca , Kudrycki Katherine , Friedrich Christina , Reed Mike , Carlo Dennis J
Published: December 2021

Background: Previously, we reported on an opioid receptor quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model to evaluate naloxone dosing. Methods: In this study we extended our model to include higher systemic levels of fentanyl (up to 100 ng/ml) and the newly approved 8mg IN naloxone dose (equivalent to 4 mg)Results : As expected, at the lower peak fentanyl concentrations (25 ng/ml and 50 ng/ml), the simulations predicted that 2 mg, 4 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg IM doses of naloxone displaced fentanyl and reached below the 50% receptor occupancy within 10 minutes. However, at the concentration of 75 ng/ml, the simulation predicted that the 2 mg dose of naloxone failed to reach below the 50% occupancy within 10 minutes. Interestingly, at the highest peak concentration of fentanyl studied (100 ng/ml), the model predicted that the 4 mg of naloxone IM (equivalent to 8 mg IN) failed to reach below the threshold of 50 % occupancy within 10 minutes or even within 15 minutes (Data not shown). In contrast, the model predicted successful reversals when 5 and 10 mg IM doses were utilized. Conclusion:These results support the notion that acutely administered higher doses of naloxone are needed for rapid and adequate clinical reversal, particularly when higher systemic exposure of the potent synthetic opioids occur.
Multi-directional Forging of Large-Scale Mg-9Gd-3Y-2Zn-0.5Zr Alloy Guided By 3D Processing Maps And Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Li Jiyu , Dong Shuai , Zhao Chaoyu , Zeng Jian , Jin Li , Wang Fenghua , Wang Fulin , Dong Jie
Published: December 2021

The three-dimensional (3D) processing maps of cast Mg-9.0Gd-3.0Y-2.0Zn-0.5Zr alloy were established based on isothermal compression tests and dynamic material model (DMM). The stable and power efficient forming domains were determined by considering both the instability and power dissipation efficiency maps. Multi-directional forging (MDF) was then simulated by employing finite element (FE) analysis in the Deform-3D software, using the 3D power dissipation efficiency maps as input. The optimal forging parameters were thus obtained for a large-scale ingot with 430 mm in diameter and 440 mm in height, i.e. a forging temperature of 450 ℃ and forging speed of 10 mm/s. Finally, a Mg-9.0Gd-3.0Y-2.0Zn-0.5Zr cake-shaped forged part with 900 mm in diameter and 100 mm in height was produced. After T6-heat treatment, the edge and center of the forged part exhibit homogeneous microstructure and relatively consistent properties, with the tensile strength, yield strength and elongation being about 400 MPa, 320 MPa and 14.0% respectively. Using transmission electron microscopy, the main strengthening phases were revealed to be the dense nano-scale β' phases that are uniformly distributed inside the material.
Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of the Flexible Iron-Based MIL-88B Metal-Organic Framework for Advanced Energetic Systems
Authors: Zorainy Mahmoud Y. , Kaliaguine Serge , Gobara Mohamed , Elbasuney Sherif , Boffito Daria C.
Published: December 2021

The 3D metal-organic framework (MOF), MIL-88B, built from the trivalent metal ions and the ditopic 1,4-Benzene dicarboxylic acid linker (H2BDC), distinguishes itself from the other MOFs for its flexibility and high thermal stability. MIL-88B was synthesized by a rapid microwave-assisted solvothermal method at high power (850 W). The iron-based MIL-88B [Fe3.O.Cl.(O2C-C6H4 -CO2)3] exposed oxygen and iron content of 29% and 24%, respectively, which offers unique properties as an oxygen-rich catalyst for energetic systems. Upon dispersion in an organic solvent and integration into ammonium perchlorate (AP) (the universal oxidizer for energetic systems), the dispersion of the MOF particles into the AP energetic matrix was uniform (investigated via elemental mapping using an EDX detector). Therefore, MIL-88B(Fe) could probe AP decomposition with the exclusive formation of mono-dispersed Fe2O3 nanocatalyst during the AP decomposition. The evolved nanocatalyst can offer superior combustion characteristics. XRD pattern for the MIL-88B(Fe) framework TGA residuals confirmed the formation of α-Fe2O3 nanocatalyst as a final product. The catalytic efficiency of MIL-88B(Fe) on AP thermal behavior was assessed via DSC and TGA. AP solely demonstrated a decomposition enthalpy of 733 J g-1 , while AP/MIL-88B(Fe) showed a 66% higher decomposition enthalpy of 1218 J g-1 ; the main exothermic decomposition temperature was decreased by 71 °C. Besides, MIL-88B(Fe) resulted in a decrease in AP decomposition activation energy by 23% and 25% using Kissinger and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) models, respectively.
Pseudodesulfovibrio sediminis sp. nov., a Mesophilic and Neutrophilic Sulfate-reducing Bacterium Isolated From Sediment of a Brackish Lake
Authors: Takahashi Ayaka , Kojima Hisaya , Watanabe Miho , Fukui Manabu
Published: December 2021

A novel mesophilic and neutrophilic sulfate-reducing bacterium, strain SF6T, was isolated from sediment of a brackish lake in Japan. Cells of strain SF6T were motile and rod-shaped with length of 1.2–2.5 μm and width of 0.6–0.9 μm. Growth was observed at 10–37°C with an optimum growth temperature of 28°C. The pH range for growth was 5.8–8.2 with an optimum pH of 7.0. The most predominant fatty acid was anteiso-C15 : 0. Under sulfate-reducing conditions, strain SF6T utilized formate, lactate, ethanol and glucose as growth substrate. Chemolithoautotrophic growth on H2 was also observed. Fermentative growth occurred on pyruvate. As electron acceptor, sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate and nitrate supported heterotrophic growth of the strain. The complete genome of strain SF6T is composed of a circular chromosome with length of 3.8 Mbp and G + C content of 54 mol%. Analyses of the 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequence indicated that strain SF6T belongs to the genus Pseudodesulfovibrio but distinct form all existing species in the genus. On the basis of its genomic and phenotypic properties, strain SF6T (= DSM111931T = NBRC 114895T) is proposed as the type strain of a new species, with name of Pseudodesulfovibrio sediminis sp. nov.
Utility of Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography For Predicting Atrial Fibrillation Following Ischemic Stroke: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gao Qinggele , Liu Peng , Lv Tingting , Yang Ying , Zhang Ping
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Undiagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the main sources of cryptogenic stroke. And strain indices measured by speckle-tracking echocardiography are associated with atrial remodeling supposed to be the substrate of AF. Therefore, there is a strong need for evaluating the utility of speckle-tracking echocardiography to predict the likelihood of AF in patients with cryptogenic stroke.Methods: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Database were searched for studies. The random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled results, and summary receiver operating characteristic curve (SROC) analysis was performed to show the overall predictive value.Results: There were 1483 patients with cryptogenic stroke from 8 studies. Meta-analysis showed that strain indices including global longitudinal strain (GLS) (mean difference [SMD]: -0.22, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: -0.40 to -0.04) , left atrial reservoir strain (εR), (SMD: -0.87, 95% CI: -1.26 to -0.48, conduit strain (εCD) (SMD: -0.56, 95% CI: -0.81 to -0.30), contractile strain (εCT) (SMD: -1.00, 95% CI: -1.39 to -0.61), and left atrial reservoir strain rate (SRe) (SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -0.80 to -0.28) measured at the period of cryptogenic stroke was significantly decreased in patients with AF occurrence compared to without. SROC analysis suggested an acceptable predictive efficiency of εR for AF occurrence (AUC = 0.799).Conclusion: For patients after cryptogenic stroke, GLS, εR, εCD, εCT and SRe were significantly decreased in AF occurrence compared with non-occurrence. But there was no value in left atrial reservoir strain rate (SRs) and contractile strain rate (SRa) for predicting AF.
Microbial Communities Associated With Stunted Growth Syndrome In Penaeus Vannamei Farming
Authors: Jangam Ashok Kumar , Nathamuni Suganya , Katneni Vinaya Kumar , Avunje Satheesha , Angel Raymond Jani , Grover Monendra , Shekhar Mudagandur Shashi
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Stunted/slow growth syndrome is one of the yield-limiting diseases in Penaeus vannamei farming. Limited information is available on the aetiology of this condition, which needs to be studied to devise prophylactic measures to minimise the production losses. Amongst the factors that influence this condition, microbial communities in the growing environment play an important role. This study aimed at understanding major microbial associations of affected and healthy pond waters through shotgun metagenomics.Method: The water samples were filtered through vacuum filtration to extract suspended microbes. Subsequently, DNA was isolated from the filtrate using PowerSoil® DNA Isolation Kit. Libraries prepared from isolated DNA were sequenced using the shotgun metagenomic method on the Illumina HiSeq platform. The microbial profiling and their functional prediction of the shotgun metagenome sequences were carried out using stand-alone versions of Kaiju, OmicsBox respectively. Results: The taxonomic classification results revealed that species of Oceanospirillum, and vibrio were high in the disease sample, while Rhodobacteraceae bacterium and Neptunomonas were high in the healthy sample. The alpha diversity analysis showed slightly higher diversity in the healthy sample compared to the disease infected. The taxonomic biomarkers for healthy and infected states reported in previous studies were also observed in this study. The major functional associations of both the healthy and infected groups include amino acid transport and metabolism, cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis, and energy production and conversion. Conclusion: The study identified major taxonomical and functional associations of ponds affected and unaffected with stunted growth syndrome. These associations significantly varied between the samples, indicating dysbiosis of the microbial profiles in the pond waters. This dysbiosis could be a potential cause for the manifestation of stunted growth syndrome. Microbial associations along with other pond environmental factors need to be further explored for an in-depth understanding of stunted growth syndrome.
Clinical Application of a Modified Local Transposition Flap Surgery in Repairing Fingertip Defects
Authors: Zhang Yingkai , Wang Yao , Wu Rongbo , Zhou Jiaqi
Published: December 2021

Background: A modified local transposition flap surgery was performed for fingertip injuries, which allows a more significant transfer distance with good outcomes.Methods: The study collected patients who underwent parallelogram transposition flaps and V-Y flaps to repair fingertip defects from 2017 to 2020. 122 cases (122 fingers) were included in our study, The interval between the injury and operation was 5.78 h (the mean value was 4.7-8.4 h). All operations were performed by one surgical team, and the average operation time was 31.2 min.Record the operation time，two-point discrimination（2PD），Total Active Movement (TAM)and the MHQ (Michigan Hand Questionnaire) of the injured fingers to evaluate the therapeutic effect.Results: All parallelogram （Group A）and V-Y flaps （Group B）had survived postoperatively. There was no difference with operative duration and follow-up time in two groups. At last follow-up, there was no difference with the 2PD of the palmar part of the flaps and the TAM of injured figures in Group A and Group B . The MHQ summary scores in Group A were much higher than in Group B . Evaluation of the MHQ subscale performance showed that the overall hand function, activities of daily living, work performance and pain score had no differences, but aesthetics and satisfaction score was higher in Group A .Conclusions: The reconstruction using parallelogram flaps is a easier and more versatile treatment with better functions, less morbidity and better aesthetics. This method is a better choice for reconstruction of fingertip injury.
Long-term culture expanded alveolar macrophages restore full epigenetic identity in vivo
Authors: Subramanian Sethuraman , Busch Clara , Molawi Kaaweh , Geirsdottir Laufey , Maurizio Julien , Vargas-Aguilar Stephanie , Belahbib Hassiba , Gimenez Gregory , de Laval Bérengère , Yuda Ridzky , Burkon Michaela , Najjar Sara Gholamhosseinian , Kandalla Prashanth Kumar , Sarrazin Sandrine , Alexopoulou Lena , Favret Jérémy , Sieweke Michael
Published: December 2021

Alveolar macrophages (AM) are tissue resident macrophages of the lung that can be expanded in culture, but it is unknown to what extent culture affects their in vivo identity. Here we show that long-term ex vivo expanded mouse AM (exAM) maintain core AM gene expression but show culture adaptations related to adhesion, metabolism and proliferation. Strikingly, even after several months in culture exAM reacquired full transcriptional and epigenetic identity upon transplantation into the lung and could self-maintain in the natural niche long-term. Changes in open chromatin regions (OCR) observed in culture were fully reversible in transplanted exAM (texAM) and resulted in a gene expression profile indistinguishable from resident AM. Our results demonstrate that long-term proliferation of AM in culture does not compromise cellular identity in vivo. The demonstrated robustness of exAM identity provides new opportunities for mechanistic analysis and highlights the therapeutic potential of ex vivo expanded macrophages.
Simultaneous Bicompartmental Bucket Handle Injury Associated With a Chronic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Buljubasich Martin , Garcia-Mansilla Agustin Maria , Bistolfi Mariano Garcia , Astoul Juan , Paz Matias Costa , Vestri Renato
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Simultaneously locked bucket handle injury of both menisci is a rare phenomenon. Clinically the knee is locked in flexion with pain in both joint lines. It has a high association rate with instability generated by an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL). There are a few reports regarding this association or without any associated injury treated either in one-stage or two-stage surgery.Objetive: To report a patient with a simultaneous bicompartmental locked bucket handle, highlighting the challenges of the surgical technique and a literature review.Case Report: We present the case of a 42-year-old male with a simultaneous bicompartmental locked bucket handle injury associated with chronic ACL deficiency. Treated in one stage by bilateral partial meniscectomy and ACL reconstruction. We discuss the MRI findings, treatment options and performed an up-to date review.Conclusions: Although partial meniscectomy is a common procedure, when performed in an unusual patient and in the absence of therapeutic guidelines or consensus when dealing with this association, an appropriate preoperative plan should be followed. This case provides a perioperative approach focused on a review of the most recent literature.
Full counting statistics for interacting trapped fermions
Authors: Smith Naftali , Le Doussal Pierre , Majumdar Satya , Schehr Gregory
Published: December 2021

We study NN
spinless fermions in their ground state confined by an external
potential in one dimension with long range interactions of the general
Calogero-Sutherland type. For some choices of the potential this system
maps to standard random matrix ensembles for general values of the Dyson
index \betaβ.
In the fermion model \betaβ
controls the strength of the interaction, \beta=2β=2
corresponding to the noninteracting case. We study the quantum
fluctuations of the number of fermions N_DND
in a domain DD
of macroscopic size in the bulk of the Fermi gas. We predict that for
general \betaβ
the variance of N_DND
grows as A_{\beta} \log N + B_{\beta}AβlogN+Bβ
for N \gg 1N≫1
and we obtain a formula for A_\betaAβ
and B_\betaBβ.
This is based on an explicit calculation for
\beta\in\left\{ 1,2,4\right\}β∈{1,2,4}
and on a conjecture that we formulate for general
\betaβ.
This conjecture further allows us to obtain a universal formula for the
higher cumulants of N_DND.
Our results for the variance in the microscopic regime are found to be
consistent with the predictions of the Luttinger liquid theory with
parameter K = 2/\betaK=2/β,
and allow to go beyond. In addition we present families of interacting
fermion models in one dimension which, in their ground states, can be
mapped onto random matrix models. We obtain the mean fermion density for
these models for general interaction parameter
\betaβ.
In some cases the fermion density exhibits interesting transitions, for
example we obtain a noninteracting fermion formulation of the
Gross-Witten-Wadia model.
Corrupt from the Head Down: Human Rights Impacts of Political Favouritism in Public Procurement
Authors: Arevadze Nika
Published: December 2021

Public procurement represents a significant part of the global economy and influencesthe nature and quality of public goods and services. Consequently, it has substantial direct and indirectlinks with the human rights of a wide array of rightsholders. However, public procurement systemsrarely reflect these links and remain resistant to calls on human rights integration from internationalorganizations and academic scholarship. While this divergence is often discussed, the root governance issues that create the gap between public procurement and human rights and contribute to the lackof progress remain relatively unexplored. This paper investigates a prevalent governance issue inpublic procurement – political favouritist corruption schemes – and their role in the paradoxical lackof progress in aligning public procurement systems with human rights requirements. Through theanalysis of primary and secondary sources, the paper demonstrates the links between such corruptpractices and prevalent human rights issues in public procurement. It argues that by underminingpublic procurement systems, political favouritism jeopardizes primary economic and secondarysocial objectives of procurement and brings about adverse human rights impacts. These impactsharm civil and political, as well as economic, social and cultural human rights in national contextsand obstruct the development at large. Moreover, this corrupt arrangement represents a roadblockfor promoting human rights integration in public procurement and, hence, hampers the progressfor the novel approach of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in general, andits provisions concerning the state-business nexus in particular. The paper concludes by outliningthe need for further interdisciplinary and empirical research which will explore this issue throughthe lens of business and human rights, and offer a systemic analysis of root causes, the state of playand potential solutions.
Organizational networks and sustainable urban water practices in US local governments
Authors: Pivo Gary , Henry Adam Douglas , Berger Lena , Gomez-Fernandez Edna Liliana
Published: December 2021

Organizational networks are regarded as key in policy innovation for sustainable development. They are thought to enhance innovation through access to first-hand experience, enhanced trust within a community, and exposure to role models and competitors. Despite theoretical pertinence, organizational networks have not been studied as much as other drivers of innovation, such as organizational capacity, leadership, and the socio-political environment. This empirical study explores how networks affect the implementation of Sustainable Urban Water Management Practices (SUWM) at the local level. Using data from 110 local governments in five US regions, we examine the relationship between social interaction and the implementation of SUWM, and how this relationship depends on the types of interaction partners. Our findings show that local governments with larger organizational networks implement more SUWM practices. Collaboration with non-governmental organizations, particularly water sector associations, is strongly associated with an increase in use of SUWM practices. Overall, our findings suggest that creating and maintaining a robust organizational network of other government agencies and non-governmental organizations, especially water sector associations, increases the chances that a local government will implement more SUWM practices.
Enhanced desalination efficiency of flow-through capacitive deionization cell by mesh electrode with granular aerogel carbon in the removal of ions from synthetic and real samples
Authors: Roshan Bahram , Rasoulzadeh Hassan , Massoudinejad Mohamadreza , Saadani Mohsen , Sanaei Daryoush
Published: December 2021

Flow-through capacitive deionization (FTCDI) is a traditional improved flow-by CDI cellular structure, used to remove ions from aqueous solutions. In this study, a new FTCDI was designed consisting of mesh electrodes (ME) containing ion-exchange membranes (IEM) and aerogel carbon granules with a specific surface area of 489 m2/g. All analyses and experiments performed showed that the new design can remove nitrate, phosphate, sodium, calcium, and chloride. Under optimal conditions, the new FTCDI system can remove 82.5, 49, 85, and 90% of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, nitrate, and phosphate with a maximum input concentration of 450 mg/L, 450 mg/L, 70 mg/L, and 3 mg/L, respectively. The efficiency of this system was also evaluated for real samples. Findings of the study showed that if the initial amount of turbidity is 12 NTU, total soluble solids (TDS) 1,700 mg/L, total hardness 540 mg/L, phosphate 0.09 mg/L, nitrate 28.8 mg/L, and electrical conductivity (EC) 3,480 μs/cm, the system can remove 25, 23.5, 33.3, 66.6, 54.4, and 39.1%, respectively.
Association between Estimated Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Depression among Middle-income Country Adults: Evidence from National Health Survey
Authors: Lattari Eduardo , Pascouto Andreza Jesus Costa , Oliveira Bruno Ribeiro Ramalho , Silva Livia Soares , Oliveira Aldair José , Machado Sérgio , Neto Geraldo Albuquerque Maranhao
Published: December 2021

Objective:

This study assessed the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and depression in adults.

Methods:

A total of 52,611 individuals aged between 18-59 years old were evaluated for symptoms of depression and CRF. The presence of depressive symptoms was self-report through the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the CRF was predicted from a non-exercise equation. The association between CRF and the presence of depression was determined by crude and multivariable-adjusted logistic regressions.

Results:

The associations were identified between symptoms of depression and CRF in both unadjusted and adjusted models. After adjusting for age categories, sex, body mass index categories, educational level, marital status, smoking, and alcohol use, the individuals with moderate CRF had 18% lower odds of depression (OR: 0.82, CI 95%: 0.71 – 0.95) compared to individuals with low CRF.

Conclusion:

Depressive symptoms are inversely related to CRF levels in adults.
Autism and Visual impairment: A First Approach to a Complex Relationship
Authors: Pili Roberto , Zolo Bachisio , Farris Pericle , Penna Valentina , Valinotti Simona , Carrogu Gian Pietro , Gaviano Luca , Berti Roberta , Pili Lorenzo , Petretto Donatella Rita
Published: December 2021

Since the first half of the 20th century there has been an interest in the study of the relationship between autism and autistic-like clinical features and with visual impairments. Autism Spectrum disorders are one of the more worldwide-studied neurodevelopmental disorder with an increasing prevalence in the last ten years. Visual impairment is a condition which derives from several causes (genetic, constitutional, injuries, nutritional and environmental ones). Again, it is a kind of spectrum and an overarching category, because visual impairments range from refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism), to amblyopia, strabismus, and to partial and total blindness. Since the first study of Keeler (1956) which described autistic-like patterns in five preschool children who were totally blind due to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a growing number of researchers addressed the relationship between autism and visual impairment. In this paper we focused on it, aiming to discuss on some lessons learned in this field and to discuss some open questions since the first research in this field.
Patterns and Predictors of Internet Gaming Disorder: An Observational Study from Jordan
Authors: Karasneh Reema , Al-Azzam Sayer , Alzoubi Karem H. , Nusair Mohammad B. , Hawamdeh Sahar , Nusir Amal T.
Published: December 2021

Objective:

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a rapidly growing public health problem that may have detrimental effects. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with IGD status.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional observational study, a convenient sample of gamers in Jordan was recruited and asked to participate in an online survey based on the nine criteria of the 20-item Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD-20) used to assess gaming disorder. Sociodemographic and psychosocial data were also obtained.

Results:

A total of 504 gamers participated in this study. The mean age of respondents was 21.6 ± 3.90 years. Using the standard IGD-20 scale, 96 participants (19%) were classified as potential IGD cases, compared to 408 (80.9%) non-disordered gamers. Males were dominant among the population, constituting 348 (69%) of gamers. Males also played significantly more hours per week [17.8 ±16.75] compared to females [13 ± 17.65]. The majority of gamers (411 (81.5%)) were students, although unemployed adults played for the highest total time [23.9 ± 30.84 hours/week]. Device type used for gaming also significantly (p <0.05) affected the time spent playing. Predictors of IGD included educational level (p< 0.05) and playing hours/week (p< 005). Conversely, no significant associations were found between IGD and gender, age, employment, or sleeping hours. IGD is increasingly being diagnosed among both genders and presents a health challenge for internet users.

Conclusion:

Establishing gamer profiles and recognizing predictors of IGD is therefore vital for guiding clinical classification and diagnosis of the disease.
Analysis of Market Structure-Conduct-Performance of Gurame Fish (Osphonemus gouramy) in Kediri Regency
Authors:   Marketer of Fisheries Products in Kediri, Veteran Street of Kediri Regency, Al-Baiquni BJ.
Published: December 2021

The role of marketing institutions is important for conducting marketing activities, so that research has a purpose for: 1) knowing the market structure of gurame fish, 2) describing the behavior of gurame fish marketing institutions, 3) knowing the performance of marketing institutions for gurame fish in Kediri Regency. Type of research is descriptive using analysis of structure, conduct, and performance. Sampling techniques using purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques, data collection techniques by observation, direct interviews and documentation. The results of the study are based on market structure that is influenced by the number of sellers and buyers, barriers to entry and exit markets, and market information indicating that the formed market structure is oligopoly; There are still many marketing agency behaviors that harm several parties in marketing such as accounts payable, and other fraudulent practices; The marketing of gurame fish in Kediri Regecy cannot be said to be efficient because of the uneven distribution of marketing margins, costs, and profits of each institution, as well as the high margin value, costs, and profits from one of the marketing institutions, large-scale collectors.
Financial Feasibility Analysis of Wooden Fishing Vessel in Panggungrejo Subdistrict, Pasuruan, East Java
Authors:   Marine Technology Faculty, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Sukolilo, Surabaya, Pribadi Sri Rejeki Wahyu , Ariesta Rizky Chandra ,   Marine Technology Faculty, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Sukolilo, Surabaya, Puspitasari Hutami Putri ,   Fisheries and Marine Science Faculty, Brawijaya University Veteran Street, Malang
Published: December 2021

Fishermen in fishing to catch fish need tools to get fish. The tools used here are fishing vessels. livelihoods as fishermen are carried out from generation to generation, the demand for fishing boat production will increase. Pasuruan is one of the producing areas of wooden ships with good quality and able to compete, with this potential it is necessary to analyze the financial feasibility of wooden boatyards in Pasuruan which will produce NPV, IRR, BC ration and timber boat dock payback periods in Pasuruan in a row amounted to IDR 505,472,000, 59%, 3.46 and 1.89 per year. The results obtained over the eligibility criteria of the financial value of NPV >1 and BC ratio > 1, so the wooden boatyard business in Pasuruan fulfills the feasibility value index to continue and development.
Nota Introdutória: Mais Investigação, Melhor Inclusão
Authors: Veiga Carlos Veloso da , Fernandes Luísa Martins , Verdugo Miguel Angel
Published: December 2021

Ao publicar este número sob o título “Inclusão das Pessoas com Deficiência. Políticas, Práticas, Investigação e Narrativas” a Revista Lusófona de Estudos Culturais (RLEC) torna-se, seguramente, a primeira revista portuguesa na área das ciências sociais que dedica integralmente um dos seus números ao tema da inclusão das pessoas com deficiência (PCD). Trata-se, pois, de um acontecimento importante pelo seu contributo para a construção de uma sociedade mais justa e inclusiva para as PCD...
The Normative Space of Resilience
Authors: Ferrarello Susi
Published: December 2021

This paper intends to provide a way for reflecting on the normative space of resilience with the goal of creating a fruitful cross-disciplinary dialogue on well-being and health. I will point to the epistemological and temporal bias of resilience as two necessary problems that need to be tackled when considering resilience as a dynamic life process. I believe that this is timely research given the several attempts currently being pursued to shape the notion of health and well-being as it pertains to resilience (Rockström et al., 2009).