bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimized hip-knee-ankle exoskeleton assistance reduces the metabolic cost of walking with worn loads
Authors: Bryan Gwendolyn M. , Franks Patrick W. , Song Seungmoon , Reyes Ricardo , O’Donovan Meghan P. , Gregorczyk Karen N. , Collins Steven H.
Published: November 2021

Background

Load carriage is common in a wide range of professions, but prolonged load carriage is associated with increased fatigue and overuse injuries. Exoskeletons could improve the quality of life of these professionals by reducing metabolic cost to combat fatigue and reducing muscle activity to prevent injuries. Current exoskeletons have reduced the metabolic cost of loaded walking by up to 22% relative to walking in the device with no assistance when assisting one or two joints. Greater metabolic reductions may be possible with optimized assistance of the entire leg.

Methods

We used human-in the-loop optimization to optimize hip-knee-ankle exoskeleton assistance with no additional load, a light load (15% of body weight), and a heavy load (30% of body weight) for three participants. All loads were applied through a weight vest with an attached waist belt. We measured metabolic cost, exoskeleton assistance, kinematics, and muscle activity. We performed Friedman’s tests to analyze trends across worn loads and paired t-tests to determine whether changes from the unassisted conditions to the assisted conditions were significant.

Results

Exoskeleton assistance reduced the metabolic cost of walking relative to walking in the device without assistance for all tested conditions. Exoskeleton assistance reduced the metabolic cost of walking by 48% with no load (p = 0.05), 41% with the light load (p = 0.01), and 43% with the heavy load (p = 0.04). The smaller metabolic reduction with the light load may be due to insufficient participant training or lack of optimizer convergence. The total applied positive power was similar for all tested conditions, and the positive knee power decreased slightly as load increased. Optimized torque timing parameters were consistent across participants and load conditions while optimized magnitude parameters varied.

Conclusions

Whole-leg exoskeleton assistance can reduce the metabolic cost of walking while carrying a range of loads. The consistent optimized timing parameters across participants and conditions suggest that metabolic cost reductions are sensitive to torque timing. The variable torque magnitude parameters could imply that torque magnitude should be customized to the individual, or that there is a range of useful torque magnitudes. Future work should test whether applying the load to the exoskeleton rather than the person’s torso results in larger benefits.
How to prevent alcohol and illicit drug use among students in affluent areas: a qualitative study on motivation and attitudes towards prevention
Authors: Kvillemo Pia , Hiltunen Linda , Demetry Youstina , Carlander Anna-Karin , Hansson Tim , Gripenberg Johanna , Elgán Tobias H. , Einhorn Kim , Skoglund Charlotte
Published: November 2021

Background

The use of alcohol and illicit drugs during adolescence can lead to serious short- and long-term health related consequences. Despite a global trend of decreased substance use, in particular alcohol, among adolescents, evidence suggests excessive use of substances by young people in socioeconomically affluent areas. To prevent substance use-related harm, we need in-depth knowledge about the reasons for substance use in this group and how they perceive various prevention interventions. The aim of the current study was to explore motives for using or abstaining from using substances among students in affluent areas as well as their attitudes to, and suggestions for, substance use prevention.

Methods

Twenty high school students (age 15–19 years) in a Swedish affluent municipality were recruited through purposive sampling to take part in semi-structured interviews. Qualitative content analysis of transcribed interviews was performed.

Results

The most prominent motive for substance use appears to be a desire to feel a part of the social milieu and to have high social status within the peer group. Motives for abstaining included academic ambitions, activities requiring sobriety and parental influence. Students reported universal information-based prevention to be irrelevant and hesitation to use selective prevention interventions due to fear of being reported to authorities. Suggested universal prevention concerned reliable information from credible sources, stricter substance control measures for those providing substances, parental involvement, and social leisure activities without substance use. Suggested selective prevention included guaranteed confidentiality and non-judging encounters when seeking help.

Conclusions

Future research on substance use prevention targeting students in affluent areas should take into account the social milieu and with advantage pay attention to students’ suggestions on credible prevention information, stricter control measures for substance providers, parental involvement, substance-free leisure, and confidential ways to seek help with a non-judging approach from adults.
The basis and advances in clinical application of boron neutron capture therapy
Authors: He Huifang , Li Jiyuan , Jiang Ping , Tian Suqing , Wang Hao , Fan Ruitai , Liu Junqi , Yang Yuyan , Liu Zhibo , Wang Junjie
Published: November 2021

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) was first proposed as early as 1936, and research on BNCT has progressed relatively slowly but steadily. BNCT is a potentially useful tool for cancer treatment that selectively damages cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. BNCT is based on the nuclear reaction that occurs when 10B capture low-energy thermal neutrons to yield high-linear energy transfer (LET) α particles and recoiling 7Li nuclei. A large number of 10B atoms have to be localized within the tumor cells for BNCT to be effective, and an adequate number of thermal neutrons need to be absorbed by the 10B atoms to generate lethal 10B (n, α)7Li reactions. Effective boron neutron capture therapy cannot be achieved without appropriate boron carriers. Improvement in boron delivery and the development of the best dosing paradigms for both boronophenylalanine (BPA) and sodium borocaptate (BSH) are of major importance, yet these still have not been optimized. Here, we present a review of this treatment modality from the perspectives of radiation oncology, biology, and physics. This manuscript provides a brief introduction of the mechanism of cancer-cell-selective killing by BNCT, radiobiological factors, and progress in the development of boron carriers and neutron sources as well as the results of clinical study.
Dual-layer spectral detector CT to study the correlation between pericoronary adipose tissue and coronary artery stenosis
Authors: Zhu Xiaolong , Chen Xujiao , Ma Shaowei , Zhou Ke , Hou Yang
Published: November 2021

Background

To investigate the relationship of pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) with coronary artery stenosis using dual-layer spectral detector CT (SDCT).

Methods

99 patients were retrospectively divided into normal group, non-significant stenosis group and significant stenosis group (n = 33 in each group). Fat attenuation index (FAI) 40kev, spectral curve slope (λHU), effective atomic number (Eff-Z) and epicardial fat volume (EFV) were quantitatively evaluated of the narrowest part of the lesion tissue by SDCT.

Results

There were significant differences in PCAT parameters on SDCT (FAI40keV, λHU, Eff-Z and EFV) among the three groups (P < 0.05). FAI40keV, λHU, and Eff-Z in significant stenosis group were statistically different from those in normal group and non-significant stenosis group (P < 0.05). FAI40keV, λHU, and Eff-Z in non-significant stenosis group were statistically different from significant stenosis group (P < 0.05). EFV in normal group were significantly lower in non-significant stenosis group and significant stenosis group (P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified FAI40keV (OR = 1.50, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.09) and λHU (OR = 6.81, 95%CI 1.87 to 24.86) as independent predictors of significant stenosis. FAI40keV and λHU had quite good discrimination, with an AUC of 0.84 and 0.80 respectively.

Conclusion

FAI40keV, λHU, and Eff-Z on SDCT in significant stenosis group were significantly different from normal and non-significant stenosis group while EFV in normal group were significantly different from non-significant stenosis group and significant stenosis group. FAI40kev and λHU were risk factors for significant stenosis.
Double arterial cannulation versus right axillary artery cannulation for acute type A aortic dissection: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang He , Xie Wei , Lu Yuzhou , Pan Tuo , Zhou Qing , Xue Yunxing , Wang Dongjin
Published: November 2021

Background

Cannulation strategy in surgery for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) remains controversial. We aimed to retrospectively analyze the safety and efficacy of double arterial cannulation (DAC) compared with right axillary cannulation (RAC) for ATAAD.

Methods

From January 2016 to December 2018, 431 ATAAD patients were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into DAC group (n = 341) and RAC group (n = 90). Propensity score matching analysis was performed to compare the early and mid-term outcomes between these two groups. To confirm the organ protection effect by DAC, intraoperative blood gas results and cardiopulmonary bypass parameters were compared between the two groups.

Results

Demographics and preoperative comorbidities were comparable between two groups, while patients in DAC group were younger than RAC group (51.55 ± 13.21 vs. 56.07 ± 12.16 years, P < 0.001). DAC had a higher incidence of limb malperfusion (18.2% vs. 10.0%, P = 0.063) and lower incidence of coronary malperfusion (5.3% vs. 12.2%, P = 0.019). No significant difference in cardiopulmonary bypass and cross-clamp time was found between the two groups. The in-hospital mortality was 13.5% (58/431), while there was no difference between the two groups (13.5% vs. 13.3%; P = 0.969). Patients who underwent DAC had higher incidence of postoperative stroke (5.9% vs. 0%, P = 0.019) and lower incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) (24.7% vs. 40.3%; P = 0.015). During a mean follow-up period of 31.8 (interquartile range, 25–45) months, the overall survival was 81.5% for DAC group and 78.0% for RAC group (P = 0.560). Intraoperative blood gas results and cardiopulmonary bypass parameters showed that DAC group had more intraoperative urine output volume than RAC group (P = 0.05), and the time of cooling (P = 0.04) and rewarming (P = 0.04) were shorter in DAC group.

Conclusions

DAC will not increase the surgical risks compared to RAC, but could reduce the incidence of postoperative AKI which may be benefit for renal protection.
Therapeutic potential of triptolide in autoimmune diseases and strategies to reduce its toxicity
Authors: Cheng Yaxin , Zhao Yonghua , Zheng Ying
Published: November 2021

With the increasing epidemiology of autoimmune disease worldwide, there is an urgent need for effective drugs with low cost in clinical treatment. Triptolide, the most potent bioactive compound from traditional Chinese herb Tripterygium Wilfordii Hook F, possesses immunosuppression and anti-inflammatory activity. It is a potential drug for the treatment of various autoimmune diseases, but its clinical application is still restricted due to severe toxicity. In this review, the pharmacodynamic effects and pharmacological mechanisms of triptolide in autoimmune diseases are summarized. Triptolide exerts therapeutic effect by regulating the function of immune cells and the expression of cytokines through inflammatory signaling pathways, as well as maintaining redox balance and gut microbiota homeostasis. Meanwhile, the research progress on toxicity of triptolide to liver, kidney, reproductive system, heart, spleen, lung and gastrointestinal tract has been systematically reviewed. In vivo experiments on different animals and clinical trials demonstrate the dose- and time- dependent toxicity of triptolide through different administration routes. Furthermore, we focus on the strategies to reduce toxicity of triptolide, including chemical structural modification, novel drug delivery systems, and combination pharmacotherapy. This review aims to reveal the potential therapeutic prospect and limitations of triptolide in treating autoimmune diseases, thus providing guiding suggestions for further study and promoting its clinical translation.
Williams syndrome: on the role of intellectual abilities in anxiety
Authors: Willfors Charlotte , Riby Deborah M. , van der Poll Marcus , Ekholm Katja , Avdic Björlin Hanna , Kleberg Johan Lundin , Nordgren Ann
Published: November 2021

Background

Individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) have an elevated risk for anxiety disorders throughout the life span, making it a research priority to identify the individual factors associated with anxiety. Most of the existing literature is based on questionnaire data and suggests that impaired executive functions (EF) increase the risk for anxiety in WS. The aim of this study was to use direct measures by trained clinicians to investigate the effects of general intelligence, inhibition, sustained attention, and working memory on anxiety in WS, to further elucidate potential underlying mechanisms.

Method

Twenty-four individuals with WS participated in the study (mean age: 29 years, range: 9–53 years), together with at least one of their parents. The MINI international neuropsychiatric interview for DSM-5 was completed to establish clinical diagnosis of anxiety, and the Clinical Global Impression Scale – Severity was used for an expert rating of symptom severity. Intellectual abilities were measured using the Wechsler scales, and attention and inhibition using the Conner’s Continuous Performance Test. In addition, a parent-report questionnaire measuring EF, learning and memory was collected.

Results

In contrast to the apriori hypothesis, there was no significant association between anxiety and core elements of EF such as working memory, sustained attention, and inhibition (i.e. the process of restraining one’s impulses or behaviour). Using ordinal logistic regression analyses, we showed that decreasing intelligence quotient (IQ) and age are associated with elevated anxiety. We confirmed these results in between-groups analyses (anxiety disorder vs no current anxiety disorder), and low IQ was associated with higher risk of having an anxiety diagnosis. In addition, Bayesian statistics gave substantial evidence for no significant association between anxiety and inhibition.

Conclusion

By using direct measures of psychological pathology and functioning, the current results provide a deeper characterisation of the WS phenotype and provide novel insights into the potential mechanisms underpinning anxiety.
STAT5 is activated in macrophages by breast cancer cell-derived factors and regulates macrophage function in the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Jesser Emily A. , Brady Nicholas J. , Huggins Danielle N. , Witschen Patrice M. , O’Connor Christine H. , Schwertfeger Kathryn L.
Published: November 2021

Background

In breast cancer, complex interactions between tumor cells and cells within the surrounding stroma, such as macrophages, are critical for tumor growth, progression, and therapeutic response. Recent studies have highlighted the complex nature and heterogeneous populations of macrophages associated with both tumor-promoting and tumor-inhibiting phenotypes. Defining the pathways that drive macrophage function is important for understanding their complex phenotypes within the tumor microenvironment. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) transcription factors, such as STAT5, are key regulators of immune cell function. The studies described here investigate the functional contributions of STAT5 to tumor-associated macrophage function in breast cancer.

Methods

Initial studies were performed using a panel of human breast cancer and mouse mammary tumor cell lines to determine the ability of tumor cell-derived factors to induce STAT5 activation in macrophages. Further studies used these models to identify soluble factors that activate STAT5 in macrophages. To delineate STAT5-specific contributions to macrophage function, a conditional model of myeloid STAT5 deletion was used for in vitro,RNA-sequencing, and in vivo studies. The effects of STAT5 deletion in macrophages on tumor cell migration and metastasis were evaluated using in vitro co-culture migration assays and an in vivo tumor cell-macrophage co-injection model.

Results

We demonstrate here that STAT5 is robustly activated in macrophages by tumor cell-derived factors and that GM-CSF is a key cytokine stimulating this pathway. The analysis of RNA-seq studies reveals that STAT5 promotes expression of immune stimulatory genes in macrophages and that loss of STAT5 in macrophages results in increased expression of tissue remodeling factors. Finally, we demonstrate that loss of STAT5 in macrophages promotes tumor cell migration in vitro and mammary tumor metastasis in vivo.

Conclusions

Breast cancer cells produce soluble factors, such as GM-CSF, that activate the STAT5 pathway in macrophages and drive expression of inflammatory factors. STAT5 deletion in myeloid cells enhances metastasis, suggesting that STAT5 activation in tumor-associated macrophages protects against tumor progression. Understanding mechanisms that drive macrophage function in the tumor microenvironment will ultimately lead to new approaches that suppress tumor-promoting functions while enhancing their anti-tumor functions.
Comprehensive characterization of single-cell full-length isoforms in human and mouse with long-read sequencing
Authors: Tian Luyi , Jabbari Jafar S. , Thijssen Rachel , Gouil Quentin , Amarasinghe Shanika L. , Voogd Oliver , Kariyawasam Hasaru , Du Mei R. M. , Schuster Jakob , Wang Changqing , Su Shian , Dong Xueyi , Law Charity W. , Lucattini Alexis , Prawer Yair David Joseph , Collar-Fernández Coralina , Chung Jin D. , Naim Timur , Chan Audrey , Ly Chi Hai , Lynch Gordon S. , Ryall James G. , Anttila Casey J. A. , Peng Hongke , Anderson Mary Ann , Flensburg Christoffer , Majewski Ian , Roberts Andrew W. , Huang David C. S. , Clark Michael B. , Ritchie Matthew E.
Published: November 2021

A modified Chromium 10x droplet-based protocol that subsamples cells for both short-read and long-read (nanopore) sequencing together with a new computational pipeline (FLAMES) is developed to enable isoform discovery, splicing analysis, and mutation detection in single cells. We identify thousands of unannotated isoforms and find conserved functional modules that are enriched for alternative transcript usage in different cell types and species, including ribosome biogenesis and mRNA splicing. Analysis at the transcript level allows data integration with scATAC-seq on individual promoters, improved correlation with protein expression data, and linked mutations known to confer drug resistance to transcriptome heterogeneity.
Rab32 uses its effector reticulon 3L to trigger autophagic degradation of mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) proteins
Authors: Herrera-Cruz Maria Sol , Yap Megan C. , Tahbaz Nasser , Phillips Keelie , Thomas Laurel , Thomas Gary , Simmen Thomas
Published: November 2021

Background

Rab32 is a small GTPase associated with multiple organelles but is particularly enriched at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Here, it controls targeting to mitochondria-ER contacts (MERCs), thus influencing composition of the mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM). Moreover, Rab32 regulates mitochondrial membrane dynamics via its effector dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Rab32 has also been reported to induce autophagy, an essential pathway targeting intracellular components for their degradation. However, no autophagy-specific effectors have been identified for Rab32. Similarly, the identity of the intracellular membrane targeted by this small GTPase and the type of autophagy it induces are not known yet.

Results

To investigate the target of autophagic degradation mediated by Rab32, we tested a large panel of organellar proteins. We found that a subset of MERC proteins, including the thioredoxin-related transmembrane protein TMX1, are specifically targeted for degradation in a Rab32-dependent manner. We also identified the long isoform of reticulon-3 (RTN3L), a known ER-phagy receptor, as a Rab32 effector.

Conclusions

Rab32 promotes degradation of mitochondrial-proximal ER membranes through autophagy with the help of RTN3L. We propose to call this type of selective autophagy “MAM-phagy”.
Much ado about something: a response to “COVID-19: underpowered randomised trials, or no randomised trials?”
Authors: Haber Noah A. , Wieten Sarah E. , Smith Emily R. , Nunan David
Published: November 2021

Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) for infectious diseases such as COVID-19 are particularly challenging given the complexities of what is both practical and ethical to randomize. We are often faced with the difficult decision between having weak trials or not having a trial at all. In a recent article, Dr. Atle Fretheim argues that statistically underpowered studies are still valuable, particularly in conjunction with other similar studies in meta-analysis in the context of the DANMASK-19 trial, asking “Surely, some trial evidence must be better than no trial evidence?” However, informative trials are not always feasible, and feasible trials are not always informative. In some cases, even a well-conducted but weakly designed and/or underpowered trial such as DANMASK-19 may be uninformative or worse, both individually and in a body of literature. Meta-analysis, for example, can only resolve issues of statistical power if there is a reasonable expectation of compatible well-designed trials. Uninformative designs may also invite misinformation. Here, we make the case that—when considering informativeness, ethics, and opportunity costs in addition to statistical power—“nothing” is often the better choice.
Efficacy of Bushen Huatan Decoction combined with Baduanjin in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (IR-PCOS), kidney deficiency and phlegm dampness: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Qian Haiqing , Xu Wenting , Cui Lijuan , Wang Rong , Wang Jiahui , Tang Mengyu , Wei Minggang , Wang Lihong
Published: November 2021

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common reproductive endocrine disease in women. Insulin resistance (IR) has emerged as a central contributor to the pathogenesis of this disease. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), kidney deficiency is the main syndrome of PCOS. The deficiency of the kidney cannot vaporize water-dampness, and the retention of water-dampness accumulates into phlegm dampness stagnation, resulting in visceral dysfunction and metabolic disorder. TCM involving syndrome differentiation and treatment is widely used to adjust women’s menstrual cycles. Our patented formula Bushen Huatan Decoction (BSHTD) has been proven to be effective in the clinical treatment of IR-PCOS. Baduanjin also plays an important role in improving metabolic syndrome through lifestyle intervention. This study investigates the clinical efficacy of Bushen Huatan Decoction combined with Baduanjin in IR-PCOS, to form a specific TCM-behaviour intervention plan in the treatment of IR-PCOS.

Methods/design

This is a randomized controlled trial involving 190 participants diagnosed with IR-PCOS. All participants will be randomly allocated into 5 groups: group A will receive metformin; group B, BSHTD; group C, Baduanjin; group D, BSHTD combined with metformin; and group E, BSHTD combined with Baduanjin. One course of treatment lasts 3 months, a total of two courses. The primary outcomes are changes in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and improvements in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and insulin-releasing test (INS). The secondary outcomes are improvements in the menstrual cycle, ovulation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, basic serum sex hormone levels, free androgen index (FAI), Ferriman-Gallwey scores, body mass index (BMI) and TCM syndrome scores. The related observation indexes will be collected at baseline, during the process of treatment and at the 6-month follow-up. Simultaneously, close monitoring of possible adverse events will be performed throughout the trial process.

Discussion

This trial will investigate the efficacy of the comprehensive intervention program of Bushen Huatan Decoction combined with Baduanjin on the adjustment of the menstrual cycle, improvement of insulin resistance and correction of glucose metabolism disorder in IR-PCOS patients. It is expected to form an alternative treatment of TCM-behaviour intervention therapy for IR-PCOS and promote the Chinese fitness Qigong Baduanjin in the application of lifestyle diseases.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100043415. Registered on 15 February 2021.
Aedes albopictus life table: environment, food, and age dependence survivorship and reproduction in a tropical area
Authors: Cui Guzhen , Zhong Saifeng , Zheng Tuquan , Li Zhangrui , Zhang Xu , Li Chuang , Hemming-Schroeder Elizabeth , Zhou Guofa , Li Yiji
Published: November 2021

Background

Environmental conditions affect the biology of mosquito vectors. Aedes albopictus is a major vector of many important diseases including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya in China. Understanding the development, fecundity, and survivorship of Ae. albopictus mosquitoes in different environmental conditions is beneficial for the implementation of effective vector control measures.

Methods

Aedes albopictus larval and adult life-table experiments were conducted under natural conditions in indoor, half-shaded, and fully shaded settings, simulating the three major habitat types in Hainan Province, a tropical island in the South China Sea. Temperature, humidity, and light intensity were recorded daily. Larval rearing used habitat water and tap water, with and without additional artificial food. Development time, survivorship, pupation rate, and adult emergence rates were monitored. Adult mosquito survivorship and fecundity were monitored daily and reproductive rates were determined, and age-dependent survivorship and reproduction were analyzed.

Results

The pupation time and male and female emergence times were significantly shorter in indoor conditions than in shaded and half-shaded conditions for both tap water with added food and habitat water with added food groups. For habitat water with added food, the shaded environment had the lowest pupation rate among the settings. For tap water with added food group, the shaded environment had the lowest pupation rate. The mean survival time of females was 27.3 ± 0.8 days in the indoor condition, which was significantly longer than that in the half-shaded (18.4 ± 0.6 days) and shaded (13.8 ± 1.2 days) conditions. Adult mortality was age-dependent, and the rate of change in mortality with age was not significantly different among different environmental conditions. The mean net replacement rate (R0) of female mosquitoes showed no significant difference among the three conditions, whereas the per capita intrinsic growth rate (r) in the shaded condition was 42.0% and 20.4% higher than that in the indoor and half-shaded conditions, respectively. Female daily egg mass was also age-dependent in all the settings, decaying exponentially with age.

Conclusions

Our results imply that half-shaded conditions are likely the best natural condition for adult emergence and female reproduction, and food supply is crucial for larval development and pupation. The results provide new avenues for integrated mosquito management in indoor and outdoor areas, especially in half-shaded areas.

Graphical Abstract
Urine transferrin as an early endothelial dysfunction marker in type 2 diabetic patients without nephropathy: a case control study
Authors: Sánchez-Hidalgo José Juan , Suárez-Cuenca Juan Antonio , Lozano-Nuevo José Juan , García-López Víctor Hugo , Leal-Gutiérrez María Graciela , León-Angel Sein Antonio , Ramírez-Villa María Leslye , Rodea-Rubio Martha Elena , González-Hernández José Enrique , Canela-Mayoral José Antonio , Murillo-Heredia Eduardo , Vera-Gómez Eduardo , Hernández-Patricio Alejandro , Zamora-Alemán Carlos Ramiro , Domínguez-Pérez Gabriela Alexandra , Gutiérrez-Buendia Juan Ariel , Mondragón-Terán Paul
Published: November 2021

Background

Albumin, along with other proteins, is abnormally eliminated via the urine during early stages of diabetic nephropathy. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction (ED) accompanying early diabetic nephropathy may develop even before microalbuminuria is detectable. Transferrin has a molecular weight comparable to albumin, whereas transferrinuria and microalbuminuria in a 24-h urine sample may comparably reflect early diabetic nephropathy. Whereas transferrin metabolism is related with ED during very early diabetic nephropathy has not been elucidated yet. This case–control study aimed to evaluate the relation between ED and urine transferrin, even before early diabetic nephropathy is present.

Methods

Patients were enrolled from two study sites in Mexico City: Ticomán General Hospital (healthy controls); and a Specialized Clinic for the Management of the Diabetic Patient (cases). All patients provided written informed consent. The primary endpoint was the correlation between urinary transferrin concentration and ED measured in type 2 diabetic patients without albuminuria. ED was evaluated by ultrasonographic validated measurements, which included carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and flow mediated dilation (FMD). Plasma biomarkers included glycated hemoglobin, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as urine albumin, transferrin and evidence of urinary tract infection.

Results

Sixty patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (t2DM; n = 30) or without t2DM (n = 30), both negative for microalbuminuria, were recruited. The group with t2DM were older, with higher values of HbA1c and higher ED. This group also showed significant differences in urine transferrin and urine/plasma transferrin ratio, as compared with healthy controls (14.4 vs. 18.7 mg/mL, p = 0.04, and 74.2 vs. 49.5; p = 0.01; respectively). Moreover, urine transferrin correlated with higher CIMT values (r = 0.37, p = 0.04), being particularly significant for t2DM population. CIMT also correlated with time from t2DM diagnosis (r = 0.48, p < 0.001) and HbA1c (r = 0.48; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Urine transferrin correlated with subclinical atherogenesis in patients with t2DM without renal failure, suggesting its potential to identify cardiovascular risk in patients at very early nephropathy stage without microalbuminuria.
Breast may not always be best: moderation of effects of postnatal depression by breastfeeding and infant sex
Authors: Braithwaite Elizabeth C. , Sharp Helen , Pickles Andrew , Hill Jonathan , Wright Nicola
Published: November 2021

Background

There is good evidence that female infants are particularly vulnerable to poor emotional outcomes following in utero glucocorticoid exposure. It is currently unclear whether such effects might persist into the postnatal period for breastfed infants, as maternal cortisol is expressed in breastmilk and is influenced by maternal psychological distress. We pre-registered hypotheses that maternal postnatal depression would be associated with infant negative emotionality, and that this effect would be moderated by breastfeeding status and infant sex.

Methods

We analysed data from the Wirral Child Health and Development Study (WCHADS), a prospective epidemiological study starting in pregnancy. Nine weeks after birth mothers self-reported depressive symptoms and breastfeeding status, and reported infant negative emotionality using the distress to limits subscale of the infant behaviour questionnaire (IBQ-R) when their infant was aged 9 weeks and 14 months. Maximum likelihood estimations made use of data from 857 mother-infant pairs.

Results

At 9 weeks of age, maternal postnatal depressive symptoms were positively associated with infant distress to limits; however, this effect was not moderated by infant sex or breastfeeding. At age 14 months, the association between postnatal depression symptoms and distress to limits was greatest in the breastfed females, whereas the association was smaller, but still significant, in the non-breastfed females. For males, the association was non-significant in both the breastfed and non-breastfed groups. A test of sex difference between breastfed males and females was significant.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that effects of maternal postnatal depression on child emotional outcomes are moderated by breastfeeding status and differ by infant sex. Female vulnerability to elevated maternal breastmilk glucocorticoids may, at least in part, explain these effects.
Topology optimization subject to additive manufacturing constraints
Authors: Ebeling-Rump Moritz , Hömberg Dietmar , Lasarzik Robert , Petzold Thomas
Published: November 2021

In topology optimization the goal is to find the ideal material distribution in a domain subject to external forces. The structure is optimal if it has the highest possible stiffness. A volume constraint ensures filigree structures, which are regulated via a Ginzburg–Landau term. During 3D printing overhangs lead to instabilities. As a remedy an additive manufacturing constraint is added to the cost functional. First order optimality conditions are derived using a formal Lagrangian approach. With an Allen-Cahn interface propagation the optimization problem is solved iteratively. At a low computational cost the additive manufacturing constraint brings about support structures, which can be fine tuned according to demands and increase stability during the printing process.
Factors influencing access and utilization of health services among older people during the COVID − 19 pandemic: a scoping review
Authors: Bastani Peivand , Mohammadpour Mohammadtaghi , Samadbeik Mahnaz , Bastani Misagh , Rossi-Fedele Giampiero , Balasubramanian Madhan
Published: November 2021

Background

Access to healthcare and service utilization are both considered essential factors for improving the general health and wellbeing of older people, especially at the time of COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the study is to explore factors affecting healthcare access and health service utilization for older people during the pandemic.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and Embase were systematically searched for relevant articles. Access, utilization, health, elderly and COVID-19 were used as keywords in the search strategy. A total of 4308 articles were identified through the initial database search; 50 articles were included in the review as passing the eligibility criteria. The searches were conducted up to August 2021. Data extraction was performed, and evidence was descriptively illustrated. Thematic analysis was used to explore factors influencing the elderly’s access and utilization of healthcare services, using Max QDA10, a qualitative analysis software.

Results

Among articles included in the review (n = 50), a majority of the studies were from the United States (36%), followed by India (8%). According to the main healthcare services, a large number of articles (18%) were related to mental health services, followed by digital health services (16%). Factors were identified at an individual, provider and systems level. Seven main themes emerged from the thematic analysis, as determinants of elderly’s access and utilization of healthcare services during COVID-19 pandemic. These included: access to non-COVID related services, access to COVID-related services, literacy and education, accommodation challenges, perceived attitudes of aging, and policies and structures, and social determinants.

Conclusion

Mental health and digital health services were identified as major issues influencing or contributing to or influencing older people’s health during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also argue on the importance of a rounded view, as attention to a range of factors is vital for policy decisions towards sustainable care and equitable interventions for improving the health of older people.
Germination and seedling growth response of mango (Mangifera Indica L.) cultivars to different nursery potting media
Authors: Gebregiorgs Gebresmon , Tekeste Negasi , Mengesha Berhan
Published: November 2021

Background

Mango is an important cash crop greatly contributing for food security of fruit growers in northwestern parts of Tigray region, northern Ethiopia. However, information was critically lacking with respect to germination and growth response of mango rootstock to varying compositions of growing media in the region. Thus,an experiment was conductedduring 2018to evaluategermination and seedling growthresponseof mango cultivars to different combinations of nursery potting media in a net house at Indasellassie. Seeds of Local, Dodo and Keitt cultivars of mango were sown in full top soil (M1); top soil: sawdust: sand (3:2:1)(M2); top soil: FYM (Farmyard manure): sand (3:2:1)(M3); and top soil: FYM: sawdust: (3:2:1)(M4). Randomized complete block design in a factorial arrangement with three replications were used. Data on germination and growth parameters were collected and analyzed using GenStat software.

Results

The findings of the experiment revealed that mango cultivar had significantly affected most of the germination and growth parameters except shoot number. Moreover, potting media affected most of the parameters except days to germination, germination percentage, stem diameter, root number, and shoot number. Interaction effects of cultivar and growing media significantly affected all parameters except internode length, shoot number and stem diameter. Accordingly, interactions of local mango cultivar and M3 media combination gave the highest for most of the parameters with the order of M3 = M1 = M4 > M2 for germination percentage, M3 = M1 > M4 = M2 for plant height, M3 > M1 > M2 = M4 for leaf number, M3 > M1 > M4 > M2 for leaf area, M3 = M1 > M2 = M4 for stem diameter, M3 = M1 > M2 > M4 for root number, M3 > M2 > M1 = M4 for root length, M3 > M1 > M2 = M4 for fresh weight, M3 > M1 = M2 = M4 for dry weight and Vigorosity II of mango.

Conclusion

Considering better mango performance on seed germination, seedling growth and establishment in the study area, mango growers should use Local mango cultivar with soil potting media combinations of top soil: FYM: sand in the ratio of 3:2:1 for improving productivity and food security.
Carbon dioxide snow cleaning of paper
Authors: Mašková Ludmila , Smolík Jiří , Vávrová Petra , Neoralová Jitka , Součková Magda , Novotná Dana , Jandová Věra , Ondráček Jakub , Ondráčková Lucie , Křížová Tereza , Kocová Kateřina , Stanovský Petr
Published: November 2021

The cleaning of particles from smooth and rough paper surfaces using a high-speed CO2 snow jet was investigated. The measurements included characterization of the jet properties, determination of the cleaning efficiency, and evaluation of any possible adverse effects. The method was compared with nitrogen jet cleaning and dry cleaning by commercial materials. The results showed that the CO2 snow jet is able to effectively remove particles from the paper surface and did not cause any observable degradation. The CO2 snow jet cleaning compared with the mechanical dry cleaning showed similar effectiveness without any adverse effects on the paper surface. It was proved that the CO2 snow technique is a suitable method for cleaning common types of paper materials.
Current state of populations of Rhodiola rosea L. (Crassulaceae) in East Kazakhstan
Authors: Kubentayev Serik A. , Zhumagul Moldir Zh. , Kurmanbayeva Meruyert S. , Alibekov Daniar T. , Kotukhov Jurii A. , Sitpayeva Gulnara T. , Mukhtubayeva Saule K. , Izbastina Klara S.
Published: November 2021

Background

Based on world experience, first, a modern assessment of the flora is needed to develop strategies for the conservation of ecosystems of rare and endangered plant species. A regional and global biodiversity strategy should focus on assessing the current state of bioresources. To preserve the biodiversity of the species and its habitat, we evaluated botanical features, ontogenetic phases, the ecological and phytocenotic structure of the rare and endangered of Rhodiola rosea L. (golden rose root) populations from the highlands of Eastern Kazakhstan.

Results

R. rosea in the study region lives on damp mossy rocks, rocky slopes, overgrown moraines and along the banks of mountain rivers in the upper limit of cedar-larch forests, subalpine and alpine belts, in the altitude limit of 1700–2400 m. In the studied region, R. rosea begins to vegetate in May–June, blooms in June–July, the fruits ripen in August. The species is encountered in the high mountain ranges of the Kazakh Altai and Saur-Tarabagatai. Unfavorable habitat conditions for the species are overgrown by sedge-grass and birch-moss communities. The most common species at sites with R. rosea are: Schulzia crinita, Achillea ledebourii, Doronicum altaicum, Macropodium nivale, Hylotelephium telephium, Rhodiola algida, Carex capillaris, C. aterrima. Ontogenetic study revealed that all age-related phases were present, with the exception of the senile states. Individual life expectancy shown to be 50–55 years. The analysis of the species composition in the communities with R. rosea showed that the leading families in terms of the number of accompanying species are Poaceae, Ranunculaceae, Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Caryophyllaceae, Apiaceae, Fabaceae; while the most dominant genera are: Carex, Aconitum, Dracocephalum, Festuca, Pedicularis, Poa, Salix; the ecological groups are dominated by psychrophytes, mesophytes mesopsychrophytes; the Asian, Eurasian, and Holarctic groups are the most represented groups. Dominant life forms according to Serebyakov were rod-rooted, brush-rooted, short-rooted and long-rooted grasses, while based on Raunkiaer’s groups the overwhelming majority consisted of Hemincryptophytes (74%).

Conclusions

The R. rosea populations of Kazakhstan represent an important gene stock of the species. Our study provides new insights into the species’ biology thus contributes to the conservation of biodiversity on a wide spatial scale.
The role of vulpinic acid as a natural compound in the regulation of breast cancer-associated miRNAs
Authors: Cansaran-Duman Demet , Yangın Sevcan , Çolak Betül
Published: November 2021

Background

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer, and no effective treatment solution has yet been found. The number of studies based on the research of novel natural compounds in the treatment of breast cancer has been increasing in recent years. The anticancer properties of natural compounds are related to the regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression. Therefore, changing the profile of miRNAs with the use of natural products is very important in cancer treatment. However, the role of vulpinic acid and related miRNAs in breast cancer progression remains unknown. Vulpinic acid, methyl (as2E)-2-(3-hydroxy-5-oxo-4-phenylfuran-2-ylidene)-2 phenylacetate, is a natural product extracted from the lichen species and shows an anticancer effect on different cancer cells.

Methods

This study examines the effects of vulpinic acid on the miRNA levels of breast cancer (MCF-7) cells and its relationship with cell proliferation and apoptosis levels. The antiproliferative effect of vulpinic acid was screened against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and MCF-12A breast epithelial cells using the xCELLigence real-time cell analysis system. We analyzed the altered miRNA expression profile in MCF-7 breast cancer cells versus MCF-12A cells following their response to vulpinic acid through microarray analysis. The microarray analysis results were confirmed through quantitative real-time PCR and bioinformatics analysis.

Results

The results of the miRNA array and bioinformatic analyses demonstrated that 12 miRNAs were specifically responsive to vulpinic acid in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. This is the first study to reveal that vulpinic acid inhibits the expression of 12 miRNAs and suppresses breast cancer cell proliferation. The study also revealed that vulpinic acid may downregulate the expression of 12 miRNAs by repressing theFOXO-3gene. The miRNA targets were mainly found to play a role in the apoptosis, cell cycle and MAPK pathways. Moreover, Bcl-2, Bax, procaspase-3 and procaspase-9 protein levels were assessed by western blot analysis for validation of apoptosis at the protein level.

Conclusion

This study revealed the molecular mechanisms of vulpinic acid on breast cancer and showed that vulpinic acid regulates apoptosis signaling pathways by decreasing the expression of miRNAs. The miRNA expression patterns illuminate the underlying effect of vulpinic acid in breast cancer treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Effects of ascorbic acid and iron nanoparticles supplements on hyperthermia-induced stress in African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Authors: Oluyemi Gbadamosi K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Thermal stressors in tropical aquaculture are unavoidable and cause many harmful effects. This study assessed the effects of ascorbic acid (AA) and iron nanoparticles supplementation in the diet of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, and exposed to hyperthermia-induced stress. C. gariepinus juveniles weighing 6.89 ± 0.05 g were randomly distributed into plastic tanks of 48 cm by 30 cm by 31 cm dimension at ten fish per tank in a triplicate treatment. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 35% crude protein were formulated with AA and iron nanoparticles supplementation at (10, 8, 6, 4, 0) g/kg of AA and (0, 4, 6, 8, 0) g/kg of iron nanoparticles in treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively. After 8 weeks of feeding, fish were exposed to hyperthermia-induced stress. Blood was collected from the fish for haematological and biochemical analyses.

Results

Results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the growth performance and nutrient utilization of fish subjected to hyperthermia-induced stress. Treatment three had the highest specific growth rate of 1.89 g per day and the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.48.

Conclusion

Mortality was reduced with the supplementation of the fish diets with AA and iron nanoparticles. Based on the result of this study, a supplementation level containing AA and iron nanoparticles supplementation of 6 g/kg and 4 g/kg were sufficient as a stress-reducing agent in the production of C. gariepinus during hyperthermia stress.
Numerical simulation of pulsatile blood flow: a study with normal artery, and arteries with single and multiple stenosis
Authors: Kabir Md. Alamgir , Alam Md. Ferdous , Uddin Md. Ashraf
Published: November 2021

Numerical simulations of pulsatile transitional blood flow through symmetric stenosed arteries with different area reductions were performed to investigate the behavior of the blood. Simulations were carried out through Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations and well-known k-ω model was used to evaluate the numerical simulations to assess the changes in velocity distribution, pressure drop, and wall shear stress in the stenosed artery, artery with single and double stenosis at different area reduction. This study found a significant difference in stated fluid properties among the three types of arteries. The fluid properties showed a peak in an occurrence at the stenosis for both in the artery with single and double stenosis. The magnitudes of stated fluid properties increase with the increase of the area reduction. Findings may enable risk assessment of patients with cardiovascular diseases and can play a significant role to find a solution to such types of diseases.