bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medication Non-adherence and Condomless Anal Intercourse Increased Substantially During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among MSM PrEP Users: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Four Chinese Metropolises
Authors: Gao Yangyang , Hu Qinghai , Leuba Sequoia I. , Jia Le , Wang Hongyi , Huang Xiaojie , Chen Yaokai , Wang Hui , Zhang Jing , Chu Zhenxing , Zhang Lukun , Wang Zixin , Shang Hong , Xu Junjie ,   CROPrEP Study Team
Published: February 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted HIV prevention strategies globally. However, changes in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and HIV-related behaviors, and their associations with medication adherence among men who have sex with men (MSM) PrEP users remain unclear since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A Retrospective Cohort Study of HIV-negative MSM PrEP users was conducted in four Chinese metropolises from December 2018 to March 2020, assessing the changes in PrEP adherence and HIV-related behaviors before and during the COVID-19. The primary outcome was poor PrEP adherence determined from self-reported missing at least one PrEP dose in the previous month. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine factors correlated with poor adherence during COVID-19.

Results

We enrolled 791 eligible participants (418 [52.8%] in daily PrEP and 373 [47.2%] in event-driven PrEP). Compared with the data conducted before the COVID-19, the proportion of PrEP users decreased from 97.9 to 64.3%, and the proportion of poor PrEP adherence increased from 23.6 to 50.1% during the COVID-19 [odds ratio (OR) 3.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.62–4.02]. While the percentage of condomless anal intercourse (CAI) with regular partners (11.8 vs. 25.7%) and with casual partners (4.4 vs. 9.0%) both significantly increased. The proportion of those who were tested for HIV decreased from 50.1 to 25.9%. Factors correlated with poor PrEP adherence during the COVID-19 included not being tested for HIV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.38 [95% CI: 1.00, 1.91]), using condoms consistently with regular partners (vs. never, aOR = 2.19 [95% CI: 1.16, 4.13]), and being married or cohabitating with a woman (vs. not married, aOR = 3.08 [95% CI: 1.60, 5.95]).

Conclusions

Increased poor PrEP adherence and CAI along with the decrease in HIV testing can lead to an increase in HIV acquisition and drug resistance to PrEP. Targeted interventions are needed to improve PrEP adherence and HIV prevention strategies.
Radiation safety considerations for the use of radium-224-calciumcarbonate-microparticles in patients with peritoneal metastasis
Authors: Grønningsæter Simen Rykkje , Blakkisrud Johan , Selboe Silje , Revheim Mona-Elisabeth , Bruland Øyvind Sverre , Bønsdorff Tina Bjørnlund , Larsen Stein Gunnar , Stokke Caroline
Published: February 2023

Aim

Two ongoing phase I studies are investigating the use of radium-224 adsorbed to calcium carbonate micro particles (224Ra-CaCO3-MP) to treat peritoneal metastasis originating from colorectal or ovarian cancer. The aim of this work was to study the level of radiation exposure from the patients to workers at the hospital, carers and members of the public.

Method

Six patients from the phase 1 trial in patients with colorectal cancer were included in this study. Two days after cytoreductive surgery, they were injected with 7 MBq of 224Ra-CaCO3-MP. At approximately 3, 24 and 120 h after injection, the patients underwent measurements with an ionization chamber and a scintillator-based iodide detector, and whole body gamma camera imaging. The patient was modelled as a planar source to calculate dose rate as a function of distance. Scenarios varying in duration and distance from the patient were created to estimate the potential effective doses from external exposure. Urine and blood samples were collected at approximately 3, 6, 24, 48 and 120 h after injection of 224Ra-CaCO3-MP, to estimate the activity concentration of 224Ra and 212Pb.

Results

The patients’ median effective whole-body half-life of 224Ra-CaCO3-MP ranged from 2.6 to 3.5 days, with a mean value of 3.0 days. In the scenarios with exposure at the hospital (first 8 days), sporadic patient contact resulted in a range of 3.9–6.8 μSv per patient, and daily contact resulted in 4.3–31.3 μSv depending on the scenario. After discharge from the hospital, at day 8, the highest effective dose was received by those with close daily contact; 18.7–83.0 μSv. The highest activity concentrations of 224Ra and 212Pb in urine and blood were found within 6 h, with maximum values of 70 Bq/g for 224Ra and 628 Bq/g for 212Pb.

Conclusion

The number of patients treated with 224Ra-CaCO3-MP that a single hospital worker - involved in extensive care - can receive per year, before effective doses of 6 mSv from external exposure is exceeded, is in the order of 200–400. Members of the public and family members are expected to receive well below 0.25 mSv, and therefore, no restrictions to reduce external exposure should be required.
Safety and immunogenicity of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac and the RBD-dimer–based COVID-19 vaccine ZF2001 in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Wu Shiheng , Wang Xiaolin , Feng Mingyang , Liu Xiaoman , Fan Xinxing , Ran Xiangui , Wang Baogui , Wang Hui
Published: February 2023

Background and aims

Although COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for the patients with chronic liver disease, the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 vaccinated in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has not been well characterized. The study aimed to explore the safety and specific antibody responses following COVID-19 vaccination among CHB patients.

Methods

Patients with CHB were included. All patients were vaccinated with two doses of inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac) or three doses of adjuvanted protein subunit vaccine (ZF2001). The adverse events were recorded and neutralizing antibody (NAb) were determined 14 days following the whole-course vaccination.

Results

A total of 200 patients with CHB were included. Specific NAb against SARS-CoV-2 were positive in 170 (84.6%) patients. The median (IQR) concentrations of NAb were 16.32 (8.44–34.10) AU/ml. Comparison of immune responses between CoronaVac and ZF2001 vaccines showed no significant differences in neither the concentrations of NAb nor the seropositive rates (84.4 vs. 85.7%). Moreover, we observed lower immunogenicity in older patients and in patients with cirrhosis or underlying comorbidities. The incidences of adverse events were 37 (18.5%) with the most common adverse event as injection side pain [25 (12.5%)], followed by fatigue [15 (7.5%)]. There were no differences in the frequencies of adverse between CoronaVac and ZF2001 (19.3% vs. 17.6%). Almost all of the adverse reactions were mild and self-resolved within a few days after vaccination. Severe adverse events were not observed.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccines, CoronaVac and ZF2001 had a favorable safety profile and induced efficient immune response in patients with CHB.
Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccines in primary prevention against infections and reduction in severity of illness following the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant in Shanghai
Authors: Yang Dawei , Weng Huifen , Wang Rui , Li You , Zhang Hao , Shao Shifeng , Huang Hunan , Song Yuanlin , Chen Xiaoyan , Hou Dongni , Wu Yin , Lu Xingwei , Yang Wei , Chen Zhengguo , Hu Xiaohan , Xuan Jianwei , Bai Chunxue , Wang Yaoli
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To evaluate COVID-19 vaccines in primary prevention against infections and lessen the severity of illness following the most recent outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Shanghai.

Data sources

Data from 153,544 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Shanghai “Four-Leaf Clover” Fangcang makeshift shelter hospital were collected using a structured electronic questionnaire, which was then merged with electronic medical records of the hospital. For healthy controls, data on vaccination status and other information were obtained from 228 community-based residents, using the same structured electronic questionnaire.

Methods

To investigate whether inactivated vaccines were effective in protecting against SARS-CoV-2 virus, we estimated the odds ratio (OR) of the vaccination by comparing cases and matched community-based healthy controls. To evaluate the potential benefits of vaccination in lowering the risk of symptomatic infection (vs. asymptomatic), we estimated the relative risk (RR) of symptomatic infections among diagnosed patients. We also applied multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses to measure the risk of disease severity (symptomatic vs. asymptomatic and moderate/severe vs. mild) in the COVID-19 patient cohort with vaccination status as an independent variable while controlling for potential confounding factors.

Results

Of the 153,544 COVID-19 patients included in the analysis, the mean age was 41.59 years and 90,830 were males (59.2%). Of the study cohort, 118,124 patients had been vaccinated (76.9%) and 143,225 were asymptomatic patients (93.3%). Of the 10,319 symptomatic patients, 10,031 (97.2%), 281 (2.7%), and 7 (0.1%) experienced mild, moderate, and severe infections, respectively. Hypertension (8.7%) and diabetes (3.0%) accounted for the majority of comorbidities. There is no evidence that the vaccination helped protect from infections (OR = 0.82, p = 0.613). Vaccination, however, offered a small but significant protection against symptomatic infections (RR = 0.92, p < 0.001) and halved the risk of moderate/severe infections (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.37–0.61). Older age (≥60 years) and malignant tumors were significantly associated with moderate/severe infections.

Conclusion

Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines helped provide small but significant protection against symptomatic infections and halved the risk of moderate/severe illness among symptomatic patients. The vaccination was not effective in blocking the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant community spread.
Familial CD45RA– T cells to treat severe refractory infections in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Al-Akioui Sanz Karima , Echecopar Parente Carlos , Ferreras Cristina , Menéndez Ribes Marta , Navarro Alfonso , Mestre Carmen , Clares Laura , Vicario José Luis , Balas Antonio , De Paz Raquel , López Granados Eduardo , Sánchez Zapardiel Elena , Jiménez Carlos , López-Oliva María , Ramos Esther , Hernández-Oliveros Francisco , Pérez-Martínez Antonio
Published: February 2023

Background

Immunocompromised patients are susceptible to high-risk opportunistic infections and malignant diseases. Most antiviral and antifungal drugs are quite toxic, relatively ineffective, and induce resistance in the long term. The transfer of pathogen-specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes has shown a minimal toxicity profile and effectiveness in treating Cytomegalovirus, Adenovirus, Epstein - Barr virus, BK Virus and Aspergillus infections, but this therapy have the main limitations of regulatory issues, high cost, and absence of public cell banks. However, CD45RA– cells containing pathogen-specific memory T-cells involve a less complex manufacturing and regulatory process and are cheaper, feasible, safe, and potentially effective.

Methods

We present preliminary data from six immunocompromised patients: four who had severe infectious diseases and two who had EBV lymphoproliferative disease. All of them underwent multiple safe familial CD45RA– T-cell infusions as adoptive passive cell therapy, containing Cytomegalovirus, Epstein - Barr virus, BK virus, and Aspergillus-specific memory T-cells. We also present the method for selecting the best donors for CD45RA– cells in each case and the procedure to isolate and store these cells.

Results

The infusions were safe, there was no case of graft-versus host disease, and they showed a clear clinical benefit. The patients treated for BK virus nephritis, Cytomegalovirus encephalitis, Cytomegalovirus reactivation, and disseminated invasive aspergillosis experienced pathogen clearance, complete resolution of symptoms in 4-6 weeks and a lymphocyte increase in 3 of 4 cases after 3–4 months. Donor T cell transient microchimerism was detected in one patient. The two patients treated for EBV lymphoproliferative disease underwent chemotherapy and several infusions of CD45RA– memory T-cells containing EBV cytotoxic lymphocytes. Donor T-cell microchimerism was observed in both patients. The viremia cleared in one of the patients, and in the other, despite the viremia not clearing, hepatic lymphoproliferative disease remained stable and was ultimately cured with EBV-specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocytes.

Conclusion

The use of familial CD45RA– T-cells containing specific Cytotoxic T-lymphocytes is a feasible, safe and potential effective approach for treating severe pathogen infections in immunocompromised patients through a third party donor. Furthermore, this approach might be of universal use with fewer institutional and regulatory barriers.
Circulating levels of mitochondrial oxidative stress-related peptides MOTS-c and Romo1 in stable COPD: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Amado Carlos A. , Martín-Audera Paula , Agüero Juan , Lavín Bernardo A. , Guerra Armando R. , Boucle Daymara , Ferrer-Pargada Diego , Berja Ana , Martín Fernando , Casanova Ciro , García-Unzueta Mayte
Published: February 2023

Background

MOTS-c and Romo1 are mitochondrial peptides that are modulated by oxidative stress. No previous studies have explored circulating levels of MOTS-c in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods

We enrolled 142 patients with stable COPD and 47 smokers with normal lung function in an observational cross-sectional study. We assessed serum levels of both MOTS-c and Romo1 and associated these findings with clinical characteristics of COPD.

Results

Compared with smokers with normal lung function, patients with COPD had lower levels of MOTS-c (p = 0.02) and higher levels of Romo1 (p = 0.01). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that above-median MOTS-c levels were positively associated with Romo1 levels (OR 1.075, 95% CI 1.005–1.150, p = 0.036), but no association was found with other COPD characteristics. Below-median levels of circulating MOTS-c were associated with oxygen desaturation (OR 3.25 95% CI 1.456–8.522, p = 0.005) and walking <350 meters (OR 3.246 95% CI 1.229–8.577, p = 0.018) in six-minute walk test. Above-median levels of Romo1 were positively associated with current smoking (OR 2.756, 95% CI 1.133–6.704, p = 0.025) and negatively associated with baseline oxygen saturation (OR 0.776 95% CI 0.641–0.939, p = 0.009).

Conclusions

Reduced levels of circulating MOTS-c and increased levels of Romo1 were detected in patients diagnosed with COPD. Low levels of MOTS-c were associated with oxygen desaturation and poorer exercise capacity using 6 min walk test. Romo1 was associated with current smoking and baseline oxygen saturation.

Trial registration

www.clinicaltrials.gov; No.: NCT04449419; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov. Date of registration: June 26, 2020.
Risk factor analysis of malignant adenomas detected during colonoscopy
Authors: Hu Hong , Gong Xiaoyuan , Xu Kai , Luo Shenzheng , Gao Wei , Li Baiwen , Jing Dadao
Published: February 2023

Background

Several studies have shown that colorectal adenomas are the most important precancerous lesions. The colonoscopic identification of groups with the high risk of malignant colorectal adenomas remains a controversial issue for clinicians.

Aims

To evaluate the basic characteristics of colorectal adenomas with malignancy risk using high-grade dysplasia (HGD) as an alternative marker for malignant transformation.

Methods

Data from Shanghai General Hospital between January 2017 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was the incidence of HGD in adenomas, which was used as a surrogate marker for the risk of malignancy. Odds ratios (ORs) for the HGD rate in adenomas were analyzed in relation to adenoma-related factors.

Results

A total of 9,646 patients identified with polyps during 57,445 screening colonoscopies were included in the study. Patients with flat polyps, sessile polyps, and pedunculated polyps represented 27.3% (N = 2,638), 42.7% (N = 4,114), and 30.0% (N = 2,894) of the total number, respectively. HGD was found in 2.41% (N = 97), 0.92% (N = 24), and 3.51% (N = 98) of sessile adenomas, flat adenomas, and pedunculated adenomas, respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that polyp size (P < 0.001) but not shape (P > 0.8), was an independent predictor of HGD. Contrast to the diameter ≤1 cm, the OR value for diameters 1–2, 2–3, and >3 cm was 13.9, 49.3, and 161.6, respectively. The HGD incidence also increased in multiple adenomas (>3 vs. >1, ORs 1.582) and distal adenomas (distal vs. proximal adenomas, OR 2.252). Adenoma morphology (pedunculated vs. flat) was statistically significant in univariate analysis but not when size was included in the multivariate analysis. Besides, the incidence of HGD was also significantly higher in older patients (>64 vs. <50 years old, OR = 2.129). Sex (P = 0.681) was not statistically significant. All these associations were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The malignant potential of polyps is mostly affected by their size but not by their shape. In addition, distal location, multiple adenomas, and advanced age were also correlated with malignant transformation.
Gangrenous cholecystitis during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation operation: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Peipei , Wang Shuai , Gu Qiao , Zhu Ying , Hu Wei , Liu Bingwei
Published: February 2023

A 50-year-old male presented to the emergency department of a hospital with an acute myocardial infarction who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) followed by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The patient developed persistent jaundice during the course of the disease, which was later found to be gangrenous cholecystitis. We believe this case report will alert clinicians to the possibility of this complication and encourage early detection and intervention to improve the prognosis. Traditionally, the gallbladder has received secondary attention in patients receiving ECMO support, as vital organs tend to be prioritized. However, this case report illustrates the importance of preserving gallbladder function in patients receiving ECMO support.
Genome-centric view of the microbiome in a new deep-sea glass sponge species Bathydorus sp.
Authors: Wei Tao-Shu , Gao Zhao-Ming , Gong Lin , Li Qing-Mei , Zhou Ying-Li , Chen Hua-Guan , He Li-Sheng , Wang Yong
Published: February 2023

Sponges are widely distributed in the global ocean and harbor diverse symbiotic microbes with mutualistic relationships. However, sponge symbionts in the deep sea remain poorly studied at the genome level. Here, we report a new glass sponge species of the genus Bathydorus and provide a genome-centric view of its microbiome. We obtained 14 high-quality prokaryotic metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) affiliated with the phyla Nitrososphaerota, Pseudomonadota, Nitrospirota, Bdellovibrionota, SAR324, Bacteroidota, and Patescibacteria. In total, 13 of these MAGs probably represent new species, suggesting the high novelty of the deep-sea glass sponge microbiome. An ammonia-oxidizing Nitrososphaerota MAG B01, which accounted for up to 70% of the metagenome reads, dominated the sponge microbiomes. The B01 genome had a highly complex CRISPR array, which likely represents an advantageous evolution toward a symbiotic lifestyle and forceful ability to defend against phages. A sulfur-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria species was the second most dominant symbiont, and a nitrite-oxidizing Nitrospirota species could also be detected, but with lower relative abundance. Bdellovibrio species represented by two MAGs, B11 and B12, were first reported as potential predatory symbionts in deep-sea glass sponges and have undergone dramatic genome reduction. Comprehensive functional analysis indicated that most of the sponge symbionts encoded CRISPR–Cas systems and eukaryotic-like proteins for symbiotic interactions with the host. Metabolic reconstruction further illustrated their essential roles in carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles. In addition, diverse putative phages were identified from the sponge metagenomes. Our study expands the knowledge of microbial diversity, evolutionary adaption, and metabolic complementarity in deep-sea glass sponges.
Identification of a prototype human gut Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum strain based on comparative and functional genomic approaches
Authors: Alessandri Giulia , Fontana Federico , Tarracchini Chiara , Rizzo Sonia Mirjam , Bianchi Massimiliano G. , Taurino Giuseppe , Chiu Martina , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Mancabelli Leonardo , Argentini Chiara , Longhi Giulia , Anzalone Rosaria , Viappiani Alice , Milani Christian , Turroni Francesca , Bussolati Ovidio , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco
Published: February 2023

Bifidobacteria are extensively exploited for the formulation of probiotic food supplements due to their claimed ability to exert health-beneficial effects upon their host. However, most commercialized probiotics are tested and selected for their safety features rather than for their effective abilities to interact with the host and/or other intestinal microbial players. In this study, we applied an ecological and phylogenomic-driven selection to identify novel B. longum subsp. longum strains with a presumed high fitness in the human gut. Such analyses allowed the identification of a prototype microorganism to investigate the genetic traits encompassed by the autochthonous bifidobacterial human gut communities. B. longum subsp. longum PRL2022 was selected due to its close genomic relationship with the calculated model representative of the adult human-gut associated B. longum subsp. longum taxon. The interactomic features of PRL2022 with the human host as well as with key representative intestinal microbial members were assayed using in vitro models, revealing how this bifidobacterial gut strain is able to establish extensive cross-talk with both the host and other microbial residents of the human intestine.
Enhanced treatment of landfill leachate by biochar-based aerobic denitrifying bacteria functional microbial materials: Preparation and performance
Authors: Song Jianyang , Li Minghui , Wang Chunyan , Fan Yujie , Li Yuan , Wang Yongkun , Zhang Wenxiao , Li Haisong , Wang Hongyu
Published: February 2023

Objective

In this work, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA) were used as entrapped carriers and Artemisia argyi stem biochar (ABC) was used as an absorption carrier to immobilize aerobic denitrifying bacteria screened from landfill leachate, thus a new carbon-based functional microbial material (PVA/SA/ABC@BS) was successfully prepared.

Methods

The structure and characteristics of the new material were revealed by using a scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the performance of the material for treating landfill leachate under different working conditions was studied.

Results

ABC had abundant pore structures and that the surface contained many oxygen-containing functional groups, carboxyl groups, and amide groups, etc. and it had good absorbing performance and strong acid and alkali buffering capacity, which was beneficial to the adhesion and proliferation of microorganisms. After adding ABC as a composite carrier, the damage rate of immobilized particles was decreased by 1.2%, and the acid stability, alkaline stability, and mass transfer performance were increased by 9.00, 7.00, and 56%, respectively. When the dosage of PVA/SA/ABC@BS was 0.017g/ml, the removal rates of nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) and ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) were the highest, which were 98.7 and 59.4%, respectively. When the pH values were 11, 7, 1, and 9, the removal rates of chemical oxygen demand (COD), NO3−-N, nitrite nitrogen (NO2−-N) and NH4+-N reached the maximum values, which were 14.39, 98.38, 75.87, and 79.31%, respectively. After PVA/SA/ABC@BS was reused in 5 batches, the removal rates of NO3−-N all reached 95.50%.

Conclusion

PVA, SA and ABC have excellent reusability for immobilization of microorganisms and degradation of nitrate nitrogen. This study can provide some guidance for the great application potential of immobilized gel spheres in the treatment of high concentration organic wastewater.
Ubiquitin-modifying enzymes in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Sap Karen A. , Geijtenbeek Karlijne W. , Schipper-Krom Sabine , Guler Arzu Tugce , Reits Eric A.
Published: February 2023

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the N-terminus of the HTT gene. The CAG repeat expansion translates into a polyglutamine expansion in the mutant HTT (mHTT) protein, resulting in intracellular aggregation and neurotoxicity. Lowering the mHTT protein by reducing synthesis or improving degradation would delay or prevent the onset of HD, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) could be an important pathway to clear the mHTT proteins prior to aggregation. The UPS is not impaired in HD, and proteasomes can degrade mHTT entirely when HTT is targeted for degradation. However, the mHTT protein is differently ubiquitinated when compared to wild-type HTT (wtHTT), suggesting that the polyQ expansion affects interaction with (de) ubiquitinating enzymes and subsequent targeting for degradation. The soluble mHTT protein is associated with several ubiquitin-modifying enzymes, and various ubiquitin-modifying enzymes have been identified that are linked to Huntington’s disease, either by improving mHTT turnover or affecting overall homeostasis. Here we describe their potential mechanism of action toward improved mHTT targeting towards the proteostasis machinery.
The role of structural variations in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Wang Hui , Wang Li-San , Schellenberg Gerard , Lee Wan-Ping
Published: February 2023

Dozens of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have been discovered by large scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs). However, only a small portion of the genetic component of AD can be explained by SNPs observed from GWAS. Structural variation (SV) can be a major contributor to the missing heritability of AD; while SV in AD remains largely unexplored as the accurate detection of SVs from the widely used array-based and short-read technology are still far from perfect. Here, we briefly summarized the strengths and weaknesses of available SV detection methods. We reviewed the current landscape of SV analysis in AD and SVs that have been found associated with AD. Particularly, the importance of currently less explored SVs, including insertions, inversions, short tandem repeats, and transposable elements in neurodegenerative diseases were highlighted.
Fish and chips: Using machine learning to estimate the effects of basal cortisol on fish foraging behavior
Authors: Bessa Wallace M. , Cadengue Lucas S. , Luchiari Ana C.
Published: February 2023

Foraging is an essential behavior for animal survival and requires both learning and decision-making skills. However, despite its relevance and ubiquity, there is still no effective mathematical framework to adequately estimate foraging performance that also takes interindividual variability into account. In this work, foraging performance is evaluated in the context of multi-armed bandit (MAB) problems by means of a biological model and a machine learning algorithm. Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens) were used as a biological model and their ability to forage was assessed in a four-arm cross-maze over 21 trials. It was observed that fish performance varies according to their basal cortisol levels, i.e., a reduced average reward is associated with low and high levels of basal cortisol, while the optimal level maximizes foraging performance. In addition, we suggest the adoption of the epsilon-greedy algorithm to deal with the exploration-exploitation tradeoff and simulate foraging decisions. The algorithm provided results closely related to the biological model and allowed the normalized basal cortisol levels to be correlated with a corresponding tuning parameter. The obtained results indicate that machine learning, by helping to shed light on the intrinsic relationships between physiological parameters and animal behavior, can be a powerful tool for studying animal cognition and behavioral sciences.
The role of socio-demographic variables and buying habits in determining milk purchasers’ preferences and choices
Authors: Merlino Valentina Maria , Mosca Oriana , Blanc Simone , Sparacino Antonina , Massaglia Stefano , Borra Danielle , Mastromonaco Giulia , Fornara Ferdinando
Published: February 2023

Emerging new purchasing behaviors have been reflected in the sales trends of dairy products, mainly in cow milk consumption. This study aimed to investigate the preferences of milk purchasers toward different product attributes, by considering both individuals’ socio-demographic characteristics (SD) and milk purchasing habits (PH) as independent variables in the milk consumption model definition. To achieve this objective, a questionnaire was administered to a sample of 1,216 residents in Northwest Italy. The application of the Best-Worst scaling (BWS) methodology to define the purchasers’ declared preferences toward a set of 12 milk attributes, showed that milk origin and expiry date are the most important attributes for milk choice in the decision-making process. The correlation analysis showed that the SD and milk purchasing habits variables affect the definition of stated preferences heterogeneously between the intrinsic, extrinsic, and credence attributes.
Drying sea buckthorn berries (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): Effects of different drying methods on drying kinetics, physicochemical properties, and microstructure
Authors: Geng Zhihua , Zhu Lichun , Wang Jun , Yu Xianlong , Li Mengqing , Yang Wenxin , Hu Bin , Zhang Qian , Yang Xuhai
Published: February 2023

Sea buckthorn berries are important ingredients in Chinese medicine and food processing; however, their high moisture content can reduce their shelf life. Effective drying is crucial for extending their shelf life. In the present study, we investigated the effects of hot-air drying (HAD), infrared drying (IRD), infrared-assisted hot-air drying (IR-HAD), pulsed-vacuum drying (PVD), and vacuum freeze-drying (VFD) on the drying kinetics, microstructure, physicochemical properties (color, non-enzyme browning index, and rehydration ratio), and total phenol, total flavonoid, and ascorbic acid contents of sea buckthorn berries. The results showed that the IR-HAD time was the shortest, followed by the HAD, IRD, and PVD times, whereas the VFD time was the longest. The value of the color parameter L* decreased from 53.44 in fresh sea buckthorn berries to 44.18 (VFD), 42.60 (PVD), 37.58 (IRD), 36.39 (HAD), and 36.00 (IR-HAD) in dried berries. The browning index also showed the same trend as the color change. Vacuum freeze-dried berries had the lowest browning index (0.24 Abs/g d.m.) followed by that of pulsed-vacuum–(0.28 Abs/g d.m.), infrared- (0.35 Abs/g d.m.), hot-air–(0.42 Abs/g d.m.), and infrared-assisted hot-air–dried berries (0.59 Abs/g d.m.). The ascorbic acid content of sea buckthorn berries decreased by 45.39, 53.81, 74.23, 77.09, and 79.93% after VFD, PVD, IRD, IR-HAD, and HAD, respectively. The vacuum freeze-dried and pulsed-vacuum–dried sea buckthorn berries had better physicochemical properties than those dried by HAD, IRD, and IR-HAD. Overall, VFD and PVD had the highest ascorbic acid and total phenolic contents, good rehydration ability, and bright color. Nonetheless, considering the high cost of VFD, we suggest that PVD is an optimal drying technology for sea buckthorn berries, with the potential for industrial application.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in gastric cancer: A rare syndrome for the oncologist. Case report and brief review
Authors: Monti Manlio , Marconi Giovanni , Ambrosini-Spaltro Andrea , Gallio Chiara , Ghini Virginia , Esposito Luca , Antonini Stefano , Montanari Daniela , Frassineti Giovanni Luca
Published: February 2023

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and life-threatening condition characterized by uncontrolled activation of the immune system. HLH is a reactive mononuclear phagocytic response that occurs in association with a constellation of conditions such as malignancies and infections. The clinical diagnosis of HLH remains challenging because HLH can present with symptoms that significantly overlap with other causes of cytopenia, such as sepsis, autoimmune diseases, hematological cancers, and multiorgan failure. A 50-year-old man went to the emergency room (ER) for hyperchromic urine, melena, gingivorrhagia, and spontaneous abdominal wall hematomas. The first blood tests showed severe thrombocytopenia, alteration of the INR, and consumption of fibrinogen, and therefore, a diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was made. A bone marrow aspirate showed numerous images of hemophagocytosis. With the suspicion of immune-mediated cytopenia, oral etoposide, intravenous immunoglobulin, and intravenous methylprednisolone were administered. Then, a diagnosis of gastric carcinoma was performed with a lymph node biopsy and gastroscopy. On the 30th day, the patient was transferred to the oncology ward of another hospital. On admission, he had serious piastrinopenia, anemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperferritinemia. He was supported with a platelet transfusion and underwent a bone biopsy that showed a picture compatible with myelophthisis from diffuse medullary localization of a carcinoma of gastric origin. A diagnosis of HLH secondary to solid neoplasm was formulated. The patient started chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, calcium levofolinate, 5-fluorouracil bolus, 5-fluorouracil for 48 h (mFOLFOX6), and methylprednisolone. Six days after the third cycle of mFOLFOX6, the patient was discharged with the stabilization of his piastrinopenia condition. The patient continued chemotherapy with an improvement in his clinical conditions and normalization of hematological values. After 12 cycles of mFOLFOX, it was decided to start maintenance chemotherapy with capecitabine but, unfortunately, after only one cycle, HLH reappeared. The oncologist has to keep in mind the existence of HLH when there is an unusual clinical presentation of cancer, such as cytopenia affecting ≥2 lineages and alterations of ferritin and triglycerides other than fibrinogen and coagulation. Increased attention and additional research as well as a close collaboration with hematologists are needed to benefit patients with solid tumors complicated by HLH.
Immunotherapy progress and clinical strategy of unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Jianguo , Liu Peiyi , Wang Juan , Zhao Kuaile , Zhu Zhengfei , Gu Kangsheng , Zhao Weixin
Published: February 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer negative for actionable molecular markers entered the splendid era of immunotherapy. This review aims to provide an evidence-based summary for immunotherapy for unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer, and references for clinical strategies of immunotherapy. Through literature review, the standard treatment for unresectable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer should be radical concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy followed by consolidation immunotherapy. However, the efficacy of concurrent radiotherapy, chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy has not been improved, and its safety should be further validated. It is believed that induction immunotherapy plus concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy plus consolidation immunotherapy is promising. In clinical practice, the delineation of radiotherapy target should be relatively small. Pemetrexed combined with PD-1 inhibitor induces the strongest immunogenicity in chemotherapy, which is suggested by preclinical pathway study. Although there is no significant difference between PD1 and PD1 for effect, PD-L1 inhibitor is better in the combination treatment of radiotherapy which presents significantly less adverse events.
Value of growth arrest lines for predicting treatment effect on children with distal tibial epiphysis fractures
Authors: Wang Sisheng , Zheng Shaoluan , Liu Qi , Wang Chengyun , Liu Maosheng , Su Lianbin
Published: February 2023

Objective

This study aims to explore whether growth arrest lines can predict epiphyseal fracture healing.

Method

The data of 234 children with distal tibial epiphysis fractures treated in our hospital from February 2014 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Imaging data were examined to record epiphyseal grade, fracture type, and the time to appearance of growth arrest lines. Follow-up data were retrieved to record treatment results (i.e., malunion, premature closure, or bone bridge formation).

Results

There was a significant difference in the time to appearance of growth arrest lines between patients with epiphyseal grade 0–1 and grade 2–3 (P < 0.05) and between patients with normal healing and patients with a bone bridge (P < 0.05). Among patients with normal healing, there were no significant differences in the time to appearance of growth arrest lines between men and women and between patients with and without surgery (P > 0.05). There was a significant difference in the time to appearance of growth arrest lines between patients with different Salter–Harris fracture types (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

For patients with epiphyseal grade 0–1, the time to appearance of growth arrest lines could be useful for predicting the treatment result of a distal tibial epiphyseal fracture.
Efficiency of a novel thermosensitive enema in situ hydrogel carrying Periplaneta americana extracts for the treatment of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Wu Ming , Ding Hui , Tang Xiao , Chen Jiayi , Zhang Meng , Yang Ziqiong , Du Qian , Wang Jun
Published: February 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a thermosensitive in situ gel (TISG) as an effective rectal delivery platform for delivering Periplaneta americana extracts (PA) to alleviate ulcerative colitis (UC) and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.

Materials and methods: Thermosensitive (poloxamer 407) and adhesive polymers (chondroitin sulfate modified carboxymethyl chitosan, CCMTS) were used to construct the in situ gel. CCMTS and aldehyde poloxamer 407 (P407-CHO) were synthesized and chemically cross-linked by Schiff base reaction to formulate thermosensitive in situ gel, which carried Periplaneta americana extracts (PA/CCMTS-P). The cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of CCMTS-P were investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) -induced macrophages by CCK-8 assay. The anti-inflammatory effects of PA/CCMTS-P were studied in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis mouse models. In addition, the ability of PA/CCMTS-P to restore the intestinal mucosal barrier after rectal administration was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis (IHC).

Results: PA/CCMTS-P was prepared and characterized as gel with a phase-transition temperature of 32.9°C. The results of the in vitro experiments indicated that the hydrogels promoted the cellular uptake of Periplaneta americana extracts without causing any toxicity as compared to the free gel. PA/CCMTS-P showed superior anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo, which restored the damaged intestinal mucosal barrier associated by inhibiting necroptosis in dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis models.

Conclusion: The findings from our study show that the rectal administration of PA/CCMTS-P holds a promising potential for the treatment of ulcerative colitis.
Charged-particle timing with 10 ps accuracy using TimeSPOT 3D trench-type silicon pixels
Authors: Borgato F. , Brundu D. , Cardini A. , Cossu G. M. , Dalla Betta G. F. , Garau M. , La Delfa L. , Lai A. , Lampis A. , Loi A. , Obertino M. M. , Simi G. , Vecchi S.
Published: February 2023

For the next generation of vertex detectors, the accurate measurement of the charged particle timing at the pixel level is considered to be the ultimate solution in experiments operating at very high instantaneous luminosities. This work shows that the 55 μm × 55 µm wide 150 µm thick 3D trench-type pixels, developed by the TimeSPOT Collaboration, achieve a time resolution close to 10 ps with minimum ionizing particles while maintaining a detection efficiency close to 100% when operated at a tilt angle larger than 10° from normal incidence. This record performance is obtained with software-based constant-fraction algorithms applied to signal waveforms. However, time resolutions as good as 25 ps can be achieved using a simple leading-edge discriminating technique, without any amplitude correction. Similar timing performances can also be achieved when the charged particles cross two nearby pixels if both signal amplitudes are measured. 3D trench-type pixels, as of today, are the fastest charged-particles pixel detectors available and represent a very promising solution for the future upgrade of tracking systems of many HEP experiments operating in extreme conditions.
Enhancing the expression of a key mitochondrial enzyme at the inception of ischemia-reperfusion injury can boost recovery and halt the progression of acute kidney injury
Authors: Corridon Peter R.
Published: February 2023

Hydrodynamic fluid delivery has shown promise in influencing renal function in disease models. This technique provided pre-conditioned protection in acute injury models by upregulating the mitochondrial adaptation, while hydrodynamic injections of saline alone have improved microvascular perfusion. Accordingly, hydrodynamic mitochondrial gene delivery was applied to investigate the ability to halt progressive or persistent renal function impairment following episodes of ischemia-reperfusion injuries known to induce acute kidney injury (AKI). The rate of transgene expression was approximately 33% and 30% in rats with prerenal AKI that received treatments 1 (T1hr) and 24 (T24hr) hours after the injury was established, respectively. The resulting mitochondrial adaptation via exogenous IDH2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (NADP+) and mitochondrial) significantly blunted the effects of injury within 24 h of administration: decreased serum creatinine (≈60%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈50%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) and blood urea nitrogen (≈50%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈35%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) levels, and increased urine output (≈40%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈26%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) and mitochondrial membrane potential, Δψm, (≈ by a factor of 13, p < 0.001 at T1hr; ≈ by a factor of 11, p < 0.001 at T24hr), despite elevated histology injury score (26%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; 47%, p < 0.05 at T24hr). Therefore, this study identifies an approach that can boost recovery and halt the progression of AKI at its inception.
Maximal pulmonary ventilation and lactate affect the anaerobic performance in young women exposed to hypobaric hypoxia
Authors: Páez Valeria , Rodriguez-Fernandez Maria , Silva-Urra Juan , Núñez-Espinosa Cristian , Lang Morin
Published: February 2023

Background: Athletes, tourists, and mining workers from all over the world ascend daily to an altitude greater than 3.000 meters above sea level to perform different activities, all of which demand physical effort. A ventilation increase is the first mechanism once the chemoreceptors perceive hypoxia, and is key to maintaining blood oxygen levels during acute exposure to high altitudes and to buffering lactic acidosis during exercise. It has been observed that gender is a variable that can influence the ventilatory response. Still, the available literature is limited due to the few studies considering women as study subjects. The influence of gender on anaerobic performance and its effects under high altitudes (HA) environments have been poorly studied.

Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate anaerobic performance in young women exposed to high altitudes and to compare the physiological response to multiple sprints between women and men measured by ergospirometry.

Methodology: Nine women and nine men (22.9 ± 3.2 years old) carried out the multiple-sprint anaerobic tests under two conditions, sea level and high altitudes.

Results: In the first 24 h of exposure to a high altitudes, lactate levels were higher in women than those in men (2.57 ± 0.4 Mmol/L, 2.18 ± 0.3 Mmol/L, respectively; p < 0.05). Second, women had a decreased ventilatory response in exposure to high altitudes compared to men (p > 0.005). Third, there is a positive correlation between lactate levels prior to an anaerobic test and the ventilatory response developed by subjects at high altitudes (R2 = 0.33, slope = -41.7, and p < 0.05). Lastly, this ventilatory response can influence VO2peak (R2 = 0.60, slope = 0.02, and p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This study provides insights into the mechanisms behind the reduced respiratory capacity observed in women during an anaerobic exercise test at high altitudes. An acute response to HA showed a greater work of breathing and increased the drive ventilatory response. It is possible to postulate the differences in the fatigue-induced metaboreflex of the respiratory muscles and aerobic–anaerobic transition between genders. These results on multiple sprint performance and the influences of gender in hypoxic environments deserve further investigation.
Immune-metabolic mechanisms of post-traumatic stress disorder and atherosclerosis
Authors: Tian Yali , Ullah Hanif , Gu Jun , Li Ka
Published: February 2023

The interaction of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and atherosclerosis (AS) increase the risk of mortality. Metabolism and immunity play important roles in the comorbidity associated with PTSD and AS. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathways are attractive research topics in the fields of metabolism, immunity, and autophagy. They may be effective intervention targets in the prevention and treatment of PTSD comorbidity with AS. Herein, we comprehensively review metabolic factors, including glutamate and lipid alterations, in PTSD comorbidity with AS and discuss the possible implications in the pathophysiology of the diseases.
Traits plasticity of Sodom Apple (Calotropis procera) along the environmental gradient in the semi-arid environment
Authors: Siraj  , Khan Nasrullah , Okla Mohammad , Al-amri Saud , Al-Qahtani Wahidah , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa , AbdElgawad Hamada
Published: February 2023

Biomass and morphological characteristics of plant species provide essential insight into how well a species adapts to its environment. The study aims to evaluate how environmental variables (viz., altitude, slope, aspect degree, and soil properties) influence the morphological traits and biomass variability of Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton in a semi-arid environment. C. procera sample locations were divided into 39 permanent sites (5×5 = 25 m2). Slope, aspect degree, slope aspect, altitude, and soil variables (soil moisture, organic matter, nitrogen (N %), and phosphorus (P) gradients were used to quantify morphological parameters (height, diameters, canopy area, volume, and leave/branch biomass) and aboveground biomass. Environmental variables, i.e., altitude and aspect degree, were the most important factor influencing the biomass variation and affecting soil moisture content; however, they did not directly affect the total biomass of the species. The results also reveal significant plasticity in morphological traits exists concerning elevation and aspect degree at (p< 0.05). Plant volume was a better indicator of species’ total biomass revealed from the regression model showing significant at p< 0.05. The study also reveals that soil properties such as soil moisture and Phosphorus have an important role in enhancing the productivity of the studied plant species. The results concluded that plants functional traits and biomass shows significant variation across the altitude and these parameters could be consider in the conservation of this native species.