bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lung Inflammation in alpha-1-antitrypsin deficient individuals with normal lung function
Authors: Kokturk Nurdan , Khodayari Nazli , Lascano Jorge , Riley E. Leonard , Brantly Mark L.
Published: February 2023

Background

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficient (AATD) individuals are prone to develop early age of onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) more severe than non-genetic COPD. Here, we investigated the characteristics of lower respiratory tract of AATD individuals prior to the onset of clinically significant COPD.

Methods

Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed on 22 AATD with normal lung function and 14 healthy individuals. Cell counts and concentrations of proteases, alpha-1-antitrypsin and proinflammatory mediators were determined in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from study subjects. In order to determine the airway inflammation, we also analyzed immune cell components of the large airways from bronchial biopsies using immunohistochemistry in both study subjects. Finally, we made comparisons between airway inflammation and lung function rate of decline using four repeated lung function tests over one year in AATD individuals.

Results

AATD individuals with normal lung function had 3 folds higher neutrophil counts, 2 folds increase in the proteases levels, and 2–4 folds higher levels of IL-8, IL-6, IL-1β, and leukotriene B4 in their epithelial lining fluid compared to controls. Neutrophil elastase levels showed a positive correlation with the levels of IL-8 and neutrophils in AATD epithelial lining fluid. AATD individuals also showed a negative correlation of baseline FEV1 with neutrophil count, neutrophil elastase, and cytokine levels in epithelial lining fluid (p < 0.05). In addition, we observed twofold increase in the number of lymphocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and mast cells of AATD epithelial lining fluid as compared to controls.

Conclusion

Mild inflammation is present in the lower respiratory tract and airways of AATD individuals despite having normal lung function. A declining trend was also noticed in the lung function of AATD individuals which was correlated with pro-inflammatory phenotype of their lower respiratory tract. This results suggest the presence of proinflammatory phenotype in AATD lungs. Therefore, early anti-inflammatory therapies may be a potential strategy to prevent progression of lung disease in AATD individuals.
Insights into the susceptibility of Pseudomonas putida to industrially relevant aromatic hydrocarbons that it can synthesize from sugars
Authors: García-Franco Ana , Godoy Patricia , Duque Estrella , Ramos Juan Luis
Published: February 2023

Pseudomonas putida DOT-T1E is a highly solvent tolerant strain for which many genetic tools have been developed. The strain represents a promising candidate host for the synthesis of aromatic compounds—opening a path towards a green alternative to petrol-derived chemicals. We have engineered this strain to produce phenylalanine, which can then be used as a raw material for the synthesis of styrene via trans-cinnamic acid. To understand the response of this strain to the bioproducts of interest, we have analyzed the in-depth physiological and genetic response of the strain to these compounds. We found that in response to the exposure to the toxic compounds that the strain can produce, the cell launches a multifactorial response to enhance membrane impermeabilization. This process occurs via the activation of a cis to trans isomerase that converts cis unsaturated fatty acids to their corresponding trans isomers. In addition, the bacterial cells initiate a stress response program that involves the synthesis of a number of chaperones and ROS removing enzymes, such as peroxidases and superoxide dismutases. The strain also responds by enhancing the metabolism of glucose through the specific induction of the glucose phosphorylative pathway, Entner-Doudoroff enzymes, Krebs cycle enzymes and Nuo. In step with these changes, the cells induce two efflux pumps to extrude the toxic chemicals. Through analyzing a wide collection of efflux pump mutants, we found that the most relevant pump is TtgGHI, which is controlled by the TtgV regulator.

Graphical Abstract
Computer-aided diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy using expert system
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Siyang , Xu Liang , Wang Jinyan , Guo Jiao , Wang Haiping , Sun Jing
Published: February 2023

Background

The diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) often depends on invasive renal biopsy, and the diagnosis based on clinical manifestations and target antigens may not be completely reliable as it could be affected by uncertain factors. Moreover, different experts could even have different diagnosis results due to their different experiences, which could further impact the reliability of the diagnosis. Therefore, how to properly integrate the knowledge of different experts to provide more reliable and comprehensive PMN diagnosis has become an urgent issue.

Methods

This paper develops a belief rule-based system for PMN diagnosis. The belief rule base is constructed based on the knowledge of the experts, with 9 biochemical indicators selected as the input variables. The belief rule-based system is developed of three layers: (1) input layer; (2) belief rule base layer; and (3) output layer, where 9 biochemical indicators are selected as the input variables and the diagnosis result is provided as the conclusion. The belief rule base layer is constructed based on the knowledge of the experts. The final validation was held with gold pattern clinical cases, i.e., with known and clinically confirmed diagnoses.

Results

134 patients are used in this study, and the proposed method is defined by its sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and area under curve (AUC), which are 98.0%, 96.9%, 97.8% and 0.93, respectively. The results of this study present a novel and effective way for PMN diagnosis without the requirement of renal biopsy.

Conclusions

Through analysis of the diagnosis results and comparisons with other methods, it can be concluded that the developed system could help diagnose PMN based on biochemical indicators with relatively high accuracy.

Graphical Abstract
Comparing socio-economic inequalities in self-reported and undiagnosed hypertension among adults 45 years and over in India: what explains these inequalities?
Authors: Bhatia Mrigesh , Dixit Priyanka , Kumar Manish , Dwivedi Laxmi Kant
Published: February 2023

Background

Hypertension (HTN) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in developing countries. For India, the hidden burden of undiagnosed hypertension is a major concern. This study aims to assess and explain socio-economic inequalities among self-reported and undiagnosed hypertensives in India.

Methods

The study utilized data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), a nationally-representative survey of more than 72,000 older adults. The study used funnel plots, multivariable logistic regression, concentration indices, and decomposition analysis to explain the socio-economic gap in the prevalence of self-reported and undiagnosed hypertension between the richest and the poorest groups.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported and undiagnosed hypertension was 27.4 and 17.8% respectively. Monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) quintile was positively associated with self-reported hypertension but negatively associated with undiagnosed hypertension. The concentration index for self-reported hypertension was 0.133 (p < 0.001), whereas it was − 0.047 (p < 0.001) for undiagnosed hypertension. Over 50% of the inequalities in self-reported hypertension were explained by the differences in the distribution of the characteristics whereas inequalities remained unexplained for undiagnosed hypertension. Obesity and diabetes were key contributors to pro-rich inequality.

Conclusions

Results imply that self-reported measures underestimate the true prevalence of hypertension and disproportionately affect the poorer MPCE groups. The prevalence of self-reported HTN was higher in the richest group, whereas socio-economic inequality in undiagnosed hypertension was significantly concentrated in the poorest group. As majority of the inequalities remain unexplained in case of undiagnosed hypertension, broader health systems issues including barriers to access to health care may be contributing to inequalities.
Associations of home and neighborhood environments with children’s physical activity in the U.S.-based Neighborhood Impact on Kids (NIK) longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Carver Alison , Cerin Ester , Akram Muhammad , Sallis James F. , Cain Kelli L. , Frank Lawrence D. , Geremia Carrie M. , Conway Terry L. , Glanz Karen , Saelens Brian E.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Physical activity is important for children’s health and well-being. Supportiveness for physical activity of home and neighborhood environments may affect children’s PA, but most studies are cross-sectional. We examined environmental predictors of change in children’s physical activity over two years.

Methods

Data were from the longitudinal, observational cohort study, ‘Neighborhood Impact on Kids’. Participants were children (initially aged 6–12 years) and their parent/caregiver (n = 727 dyads) living in neighborhoods throughout San Diego County, California and King County (Seattle area), Washington, USA. Children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was measured using accelerometers at T1 (Time 1 or baseline, 2007–2009) and T2, the two-year follow-up. At T1, parents survey-reported on physical activity (PA) equipment at home and demographics. Neighborhood environment was measured using spatial data in Geographic Information Systems (intersection density; park availability) and in-person audits (informal play space near home; park-based PA facilities; land use; support for walking/cycling). Generalized additive mixed models estimated total effects, then direct effects, of environmental attributes on MVPA at T1. Two-way moderating effects of child’s sex and age were examined at T1. To examine associations of environmental exposures with changes in MVPA, we estimated interaction effects of environmental attributes on the association between time and MVPA.

Results

On average, children accumulated 146 min/day (standard deviation or SD = 53) of MVPA at T1, and 113 (SD = 58) min/day at T2. There were no significant total or direct effects of environmental attributes on MVPA at T1, and no significant two-way interaction effects of child’s age and sex for T1 MVPA. Having informal play spaces proximal to home with more amenities was associated with less MVPA decline from T1 to T2. Higher residential density, higher land use mix, and higher number of PA facilities in nearby parks were unexpectedly associated with greater MVPA decline.

Conclusion

Higher quality informal play spaces close to home may help offset declines in MVPA during middle childhood, as they may promote unstructured active play with opportunities for parental or neighbor surveillance. Unexpectedly, environmental factors consistent with higher walkability were associated with greater declines in children’s MVPA. As physical activity differs across the lifespan, so may environmental factors that facilitate it.
The soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor TPPU improves comorbidity of chronic pain and depression via the AHR and TSPO signaling
Authors: Luo Ailin , Wu Zifeng , Li Shan , McReynolds Cindy B. , Wang Di , Liu Hanyu , Huang Chaoli , He Teng , Zhang Xinying , Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Cunming , Hammock Bruce D. , Hashimoto Kenji , Yang Chun
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients suffering from chronic pain often also exhibit depression symptoms. Soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibitors can decrease blood levels of inflammatory cytokines. However, whether inhibiting sEH signaling is beneficial for the comorbidity of pain and depression is unknown.

Methods

According to a sucrose preference test (SPT), spared nerve injury (SNI) mice were classified into pain with or without an anhedonia phenotype. Then, sEH protein expression and inflammatory cytokines were assessed in selected tissues. Furthermore, we used sEH inhibitor TPPU to determine the role of sEH in chronic pain and depression. Importantly, agonists and antagonists of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and translocator protein (TSPO) were used to explore the pathogenesis of sEH signaling.

Results

In anhedonia-susceptible mice, the tissue levels of sEH were significantly increased in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampus, spinal cord, liver, kidney, and gut. Importantly, serum CYP1A1 and inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), were increased simultaneously. TPPU improved the scores of mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and SPT, and decreased the levels of serum CYP1A1 and inflammatory cytokines. AHR antagonist relieved the anhedonia behaviors but not the algesia behaviors in anhedonia-susceptible mice, whereas an AHR agonist abolished the antidepressant-like effect of TPPU. In addition, a TSPO agonist exerted a similar therapeutic effect to that of TPPU, whereas pretreatment with a TSPO antagonist abolished the antidepressant-like and analgesic effects of TPPU.

Conclusions

sEH underlies the mechanisms of the comorbidity of chronic pain and depression and that TPPU exerts a beneficial effect on anhedonia behaviors in a pain model via AHR and TSPO signaling.
TNEA therapy promotes the autophagic degradation of NLRP3 inflammasome in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease via TFEB/TFE3 activation
Authors: Lin Wenjia , Li Zhao , Liang Guangfeng , Zhou Runjin , Zheng Xiaoyan , Tao Rongrong , Huo Qingwei , Su Chengfu , Li Min , Xu Nenggui , Tang Chunzhi , Song Ju-Xian
Published: February 2023

Background

The impairment in the autophagy-lysosomal pathway (ALP) and the activation of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome represent two molecular events leading to neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder without a cure. Previously we demonstrated the cognitive-enhancing effect of a combined electroacupuncture (EA) therapy termed TNEA in a transgenic mouse model of AD, involving activation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master regulator of ALP. However, whether and how TNEA inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome via TFEB-mediated ALP in AD remains to be investigated.

Methods

5xFAD mice overexpressing amyloid-β (Aβ) were treated with TNEA or EA on its composing acupoints (GB13 and GV24). The changes in the signaling pathways regulating NLRP3 inflammasome, the association of NLRP3 inflammasome with ALP, and the roles of TFEB/TFE3 in mice brains were determined by immunoblots, immunohistochemistry and AAV-mediated knockdown assays.

Results

TNEA inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and the release of active interleukin 1β (IL1B) in the hippocampi of 5xFAD mice. Mechanistically, TNEA promoted the autophagic degradation of inflammasome components via activating both TFEB and TFE3 by modulating kinases including AMPK and AKT. The composing acupoints in TNEA showed synergistic effects on regulating these molecular events and memory improvement.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that TNEA attenuates AD-associated memory impairment via promoting TFEB/TFE3-mediated autophagic clearance of Aβ and NLRP3 inflammasome, and partially reveal the molecular basis of combined acupoints therapy originated from ancient wisdom.
The maturation of iPS cell-derived brain microvascular endothelial cells by inducible-SOX18 expression
Authors: Zhang Hongyan , Yamaguchi Tomoko , Kawabata Kenji
Published: February 2023

Background

Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) play a major role in the blood–brain barrier (BBB), and are critical for establishing an in vitro BBB model. Currently, iPSC-derived BMECs (iBMECs) have been used to construct in vitro BBB models with physiological barrier functions, such as high trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and expression of transporter proteins. However, the relatively low p-glycoprotein (P-gp) level and a decrease in the efflux ratio of its substrates in iBMECs suggest their immature nature. Therefore, more mature iBMECs by optimizing the differentiation induction protocol is beneficial for establishing a more reliable in vitro BBB model for studying central nervous system (CNS) drug transport.

Methods

To identify human brain endothelial cell fate-inducing factors, HUVEC was transfected with Zic3A-, Zic3B-, and Sox18-expressing lentivirus vector. Since SOX18 was found to induce BMEC properties, we used a Dox-inducible Tet-on system to express SOX18 during iBMEC differentiation and explored the impact of SOX18 expression on iBMEC maturation.

Results

Sox18-mediated iBMECs achieved a higher TEER value than normal iBMECs (> 3000 Ω cm2). From day 6 to day 10 (d6–10 group), the iBMECs with SOX18 expression expressed a series of tight junction markers and showed upregulation of Mfsd2a, a specific marker of the BBB. The d6–10 group also expressed SLC2A1/Glut1 at levels as high as normal iBMECs, and upregulated ABCB1/P-gp and ABCC1/MRP1 expression. Moreover, Sox18-mediated iBMECs showed higher viability than normal iBMECs after puromycin treatment, indicating that SOX18 expression could upregulate P-gp activity in iBMECs.

Conclusions

Inducible SOX18 expression in iBMECs gained BBB phenotypes, including high TEER values and upregulation of tight junction-related genes, endothelial cell (EC) markers, BBB transporters, and higher cell viability after treatment with puromycin. Collectively, we provide a differentiation method for the maturation of human iPS cell-derived BMECs with SOX18 expression, describing its contribution to form an in vitro BBB model for CNS drug transport studies.
LoFTK: a framework for fully automated calculation of predicted Loss-of-Function variants and genes
Authors: Alasiri Abdulrahman , Karczewski Konrad J. , Cole Brian , Loza Bao-Li , Moore Jason H. , van der Laan Sander W. , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Keating Brendan J. , van Setten Jessica
Published: February 2023

Background

Loss-of-Function (LoF) variants in human genes are important due to their impact on clinical phenotypes and frequent occurrence in the genomes of healthy individuals. The association of LoF variants with complex diseases and traits may lead to the discovery and validation of novel therapeutic targets. Current approaches predict high-confidence LoF variants without identifying the specific genes or the number of copies they affect. Moreover, there is a lack of methods for detecting knockout genes caused by compound heterozygous (CH) LoF variants.

Results

We have developed the Loss-of-Function ToolKit (LoFTK), which allows efficient and automated prediction of LoF variants from genotyped, imputed and sequenced genomes. LoFTK enables the identification of genes that are inactive in one or two copies and provides summary statistics for downstream analyses. LoFTK can identify CH LoF variants, which result in LoF genes with two copies lost. Using data from parents and offspring we show that 96% of CH LoF genes predicted by LoFTK in the offspring have the respective alleles donated by each parent.

Conclusions

LoFTK is a command-line based tool that provides a reliable computational workflow for predicting LoF variants from genotyped and sequenced genomes, identifying genes that are inactive in 1 or 2 copies. LoFTK is an open software and is freely available to non-commercial users at https://github.com/CirculatoryHealth/LoFTK.
Semi-field evaluation of the space spray efficacy of Fludora Co-Max EW against wild insecticide-resistant Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito populations from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Zahouli Julien Z. B. , Dibo Jean-Denis , Diakaridia Fofana , Yao Laurence V. A. , Souza Sarah D. , Horstmann Sebastian , Koudou Benjamin G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Space spraying of insecticides is still an important means of controlling Aedes and Culex mosquitoes and arboviral diseases. This study evaluated the space spray efficacy of Fludora Co-Max EW, (water-based insecticide space spray combining flupyradifurone and transfluthrin with film forming aqueous spray technology (FFAST)), against wild insecticide-resistant Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, compared with K-Othrine EC (deltamethrin-only product), in small-scale field trials.

Methods

Wild Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae were collected in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire from August to December 2020. Mosquito larvae were reared in the laboratory until the adult stage. Fludora Co-Max EW and K-Othrine EC were tested against emerged adult females (F0 generation) using ultra-low volume cold fogging (ULV) and thermal fogging (TF) delivery technology, both outdoors and indoors in Agboville, Côte d’Ivoire. Specifically, cages containing 20 mosquitoes each were placed at distances of 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 m from the spraying line for outdoor spraying, and at ceiling, mid-height and floor levels for indoor house spraying. Knockdown and mortality were recorded at each checkpoint and compared by treatments.

Results

Overall, Fludora Co-Max EW induced significantly higher knockdown and mortality effects in the wild insecticide-resistant Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus compared with K-Othrine EC. In both species, mortality rates with Fludora Co-Max EW were > 80% (up to 100%) with the ULV spray outdoors at each distance checkpoint (i.e. 10–100 m), and 100% with the ULV and TF sprays indoors at all checkpoints (i.e. ceiling, mid-height and floor). K-Othrine EC induced high mortality indoors (97.9–100%), whereas mortality outdoors rapidly declined in Ae. aegypti from 96.7% (10 m) to 36.7% (100 m) with the ULV spray, and from 85.0% (10 m) to 38.3% (100 m) with the TF spray. Fludora Co-Max EW spray applied as ULV spray outdoors had higher knockdown and higher killing effects on Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus than when applied as TF spray. Fludora Co-Max EW performed better against Cx. quinquefasciatus than against Ae. aegypti.

Conclusions

Fludora Co-Max EW induced high mortality and knockdown effects against wild insecticide-resistant Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus Abidjan strains and performed better than K-Othrine EC. The presence of flupyradifurone and transfluthrin (with new and independent modes of action) and FFAST technology in the current Fludora Co-Max EW formulation appears to have broadened its killing capacity. Fludora Co-Max EW is thus an effective adulticide and may be a useful tool for Aedes and Culex mosquito and arbovirus control in endemic areas.

Graphical Abstract
State of nutrition amongst US college students: dataset of a national survey study
Authors: Gande Saipriya , Mangal Rohan K. , Stead Thor S. , Ganti Latha
Published: February 2023

Objective

This article presents the dataset titled “Nutrition habits amongst college students in the United States. [1]” The dataset contains the survey responses of 200 US college students aged 18–24 years regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and challenges with regard to nutrition. The recommended USDA (US daily allowance) is 200 calories, comprised of 2 cups fruits, 2.5 cups vegetables, 5.5 ounces of protein, 6 ounces of grains, and 3 cups of dairy [2]. Adhering to these nutritional guidelines however can be complicated by rising tuition prices, food insecurity, and inability to make one’s own food.

Data description

The data in the dataset attempt to estimate the incidence of these barriers. These data could be useful to understand the barriers to healthy eating amongst young adults, and design targeted solutions.
Models and data of AMPlify: a deep learning tool for antimicrobial peptide prediction
Authors: Li Chenkai , Warren René L. , Birol Inanc
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Antibiotic resistance is a rising global threat to human health and is prompting researchers to seek effective alternatives to conventional antibiotics, which include antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Recently, we have reported AMPlify, an attentive deep learning model for predicting AMPs in databases of peptide sequences. In our tests, AMPlify outperformed the state-of-the-art. We have illustrated its use on data describing the American bullfrog (Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana) genome. Here we present the model files and training/test data sets we used in that study. The original model (the balanced model) was trained on a balanced set of AMP and non-AMP sequences curated from public databases. In this data note, we additionally provide a model trained on an imbalanced set, in which non-AMP sequences far outnumber AMP sequences. We note that the balanced and imbalanced models would serve different use cases, and both would serve the research community, facilitating the discovery and development of novel AMPs.

Data description

This data note provides two sets of models, as well as two AMP and four non-AMP sequence sets for training and testing the balanced and imbalanced models. Each model set includes five single sub-models that form an ensemble model. The first model set corresponds to the original model trained on a balanced training set that has been described in the original AMPlify manuscript, while the second model set was trained on an imbalanced training set.
Hippocampus-centred grey matter covariance networks predict the development and reversion of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Dang Mingxi , Yang Caishui , Chen Kewei , Lu Peng , Li He , Zhang Zhanjun ,   for the Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative, for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: February 2023

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been thought of as the transitional stage between normal ageing and Alzheimer’s disease, involving substantial changes in brain grey matter structures. As most previous studies have focused on single regions (e.g. the hippocampus) and their changes during MCI development and reversion, the relationship between grey matter covariance among distributed brain regions and clinical development and reversion of MCI remains unclear.

Methods

With samples from two independent studies (155 from the Beijing Aging Brain Rejuvenation Initiative and 286 from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative), grey matter covariance of default, frontoparietal, and hippocampal networks were identified by seed-based partial least square analyses, and random forest models were applied to predict the progression from normal cognition to MCI (N-t-M) and the reversion from MCI to normal cognition (M-t-N).

Results

With varying degrees, the grey matter covariance in the three networks could predict N-t-M progression (AUC = 0.692–0.792) and M-t-N reversion (AUC = 0.701–0.809). Further analyses indicated that the hippocampus has emerged as an important region in reversion prediction within all three brain networks, and even though the hippocampus itself could predict the clinical reversion of M-t-N, the grey matter covariance showed higher prediction accuracy for early progression of N-t-M.

Conclusions

Our findings are the first to report grey matter covariance changes in MCI development and reversion and highlight the necessity of including grey matter covariance changes along with hippocampal degeneration in the early detection of MCI and Alzheimer’s disease.
Nonepisodic angioedema with eosinophilia after COVID-19 vaccination: a case successfully treated with reslizumab
Authors: Nam Young-Hee
Published: February 2023

Background

Angioedema with eosinophilia (AE) is a rare allergic disease classified as episodic or nonepisodic. AE is characterized by angioedema, urticaria, fever, weight gain, and eosinophilia, but its etiology and pathogenesis have not yet been clarified.

Case presentations

We present a 70-year-old woman presented with generalized edema and urticaria after Moderna COVID-19 vaccination. Peripheral blood eosinophil count was marked elevated and echocardiography and Doppler ultrasonography of both the upper and lower extremities were unremarkable. Her symptoms and peripheral blood eosinophil count were improved after systemic steroid therapy, but she failed to respond to steroid tapering. Reslizumab (anti-interluekin-5) was administered intravenously, and she remained symptom free with a normal eosinophil count during 8 months of reslizumab treatment without steroids.

Conclusions

We report a case of nonepisodic AE after COVID-19 vaccination that was successfully treated with reslizumab.
Modulation of foraging-like behaviors by cholesterol-FGF19 axis
Authors: Huang Alyssa , Maier Matthew T. , Vagena Eirini , Xu Allison W.
Published: February 2023

Background

Foraging for food precedes food consumption and is an important component of the overall metabolic programming that regulates feeding. Foraging is governed by central nervous system neuronal circuits but how it is influenced by diet and hormonal signals is still not well understood.

Results

In this study, we show that dietary cholesterol exerted suppressive effects on locomotor activity and that these effects were partially mediated by the neuropeptide Agouti-related protein (AgRP). High dietary cholesterol stimulated intestinal expression of fibroblast growth factor 15 (Fgf15), an ortholog of the human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19). Intracerebroventricular infusion of FGF19 peptide reduced exploratory activity in the open field test paradigm. On the other hand, the lack of dietary cholesterol enhanced exploratory activity in the open field test, but this effect was abolished by central administration of FGF19.

Conclusions

Experiments in this study show that dietary cholesterol suppresses locomotor activity and foraging-like behaviors, and this regulation is in part mediated by AgRP neurons. Dietary cholesterol or the central action of FGF19 suppresses exploratory behaviors, and the anxiogenic effects of dietary cholesterol may be mediated by the effect of FGF19 in the mouse brain. This study suggests that dietary cholesterol and intestinal hormone FGF15/19 signal a satiating state to the brain, thereby suppressing foraging-like behaviors.
Evaluation, management and future perspectives of anal pruritus: a narrative review
Authors: Jakubauskas Matas , Dulskas Audrius
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The without a time limitation. Most recent search was performed on 1st June 2022.

Results

Thorough history and physical examination are very important in view of multiple possible causes of anal pruritus. Most of the focus during examination is drawn on to the perianal region. A digital rectal examination and an anoscopy are essential. It is necessary aim of this narrative review is to overview the classification, diagnostics, possible treatment options and future perspective of anal pruritus.

Methods

The search was performed by two authors (AD and MJ) independently in the following electronic databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CENTRAL and the Allied and Complementary Medicine Databases (AMED). Search was restricted to English language only to avoid moisture and the use of soaps in the perianal region. Furthermore, the patient should avoid certain foods and increase the intake of fiber. If the symptoms do not resolve, topical steroids, capsaicin (0.006%) and tacrolimus (0.1%) ointments may be used. For intractable cases, intradermal methylene blue injection might give a long-lasting symptom relief.

Conclusion

Anal pruritus is a long-term deteriorating quality of life issue. Most of the time it is a symptom with a difficult diagnosis. Thorough history and examination should be performed for the best possible treatment.
Validity of household survey indicators to monitor food security in time and space: Burkina Faso case study
Authors: Deléglise Hugo , Bazié Yves Gérard , Bégué Agnès , Interdonato Roberto , Roche Mathieu , Teisseire Maguelonne , Maître d’Hôtel Elodie
Published: February 2023

Background

The timely and accurate identification of food insecurity situations represents a challenging issue. Household surveys are routinely used in low-income countries and are an essential tool for obtaining key food security indicators that are used by decision makers to determine the targets of food security interventions.

Methodology

This paper investigates the spatial and temporal quality of the food security indicators obtained through household surveys. The empirical case of Burkina Faso is used in this paper, where a large-scale rural household survey has been conducted yearly since 2009. From this data set, three food security indicators (the Food Consumption Score, the Household Dietary Diversity Score and the Coping Strategies Index) are calculated at the regional level for each year during the 2009–2017 period.

Results

Results highlight that observed spatiotemporal variations in these indicators are consistent with the major regional food shocks reported in food warning system reports and are significantly correlated with variations computed from other sources of data, such as satellite images, rainfall and food prices.

Conclusion

These results raise new research questions on food security monitoring systems and on the use of heterogeneous data and multiple food security indicators.
Tsc2 mutation rather than Tsc1 mutation dominantly causes a social deficit in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Kashii Hirofumi , Kasai Shinya , Sato Atsushi , Hagino Yoko , Nishito Yasumasa , Kobayashi Toshiyuki , Hino Okio , Mizuguchi Masashi , Ikeda Kazutaka
Published: February 2023

Background

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder that is associated with neurological symptoms, including autism spectrum disorder. Tuberous sclerosis complex is caused by pathogenic germline mutations of either the TSC1 or TSC2 gene, but somatic mutations were identified in both genes, and the combined effects of TSC1 and TSC2 mutations have been unknown.

Methods

The present study investigated social behaviors by the social interaction test and three-chambered sociability tests, effects of rapamycin treatment, and gene expression profiles with a gene expression microarray in Tsc1 and Tsc2 double heterozygous mutant (TscD+/−) mice.

Results

TscD+/− mice exhibited impairments in social behaviors, and the severity of impairments was similar to Tsc2+/− mice rather than Tsc1+/− mice. Impairments in social behaviors were rescued by rapamycin treatment in all mutant mice. Gene expression profiles in the brain were greatly altered in TscD+/− mice more than in Tsc1+/− and Tsc2+/− mice. The gene expression changes compared with wild type (WT) mice were similar between TscD+/− and Tsc2+/− mice, and the overlapping genes whose expression was altered in mutant mice compared with WT mice were enriched in the neoplasm- and inflammation-related canonical pathways. The “signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, interferon regulatory factor 1, interferon regulatory factor 4, interleukin-2R α chain, and interferon-γ” signaling pathway, which is initiated from signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 and PDZ and LIM domain protein 2, was associated with impairments in social behaviors in all mutant mice.

Limitations

It is unclear whether the signaling pathway also plays a critical role in autism spectrum disorders not caused by Tsc1 and Tsc2 mutations.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that TSC1 and TSC2 double mutations cause autistic behaviors similarly to TSC2 mutations, although significant changes in gene expression were attributable to the double mutations. These findings contribute to the knowledge of genotype–phenotype correlations in TSC and suggest that mutations in both the TSC1 and TSC2 genes act in concert to cause neurological symptoms, including autism spectrum disorder.
Do executive functions predict physical activity behavior? A meta-analysis
Authors: Gürdere Ceren , Strobach Tilo , Pastore Massimiliano , Pfeffer Ines
Published: February 2023

Background

Executive functions (EFs) are important determinants of health behaviors. In the present study, a meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between EFs and physical activity (PA) behavior.

Methods

Systematic searches were carried out in PsycInfo, MEDLINE, and SPORTDiscus databases throughout April 2021. Prospective empirical studies conducted with general healthy populations across the lifespan, which reported the relationship between baseline EFs and later PA behavior were selected.

Results

Eight studies were found eligible. Results of the multilevel meta-analysis revealed a small but significant total effect size for EFs on PA behavior of z = 0.12. High heterogeneity was observed among studies. When potential moderators were tested, residual heterogeneity remained significant and the effects of the moderators were not significant. The effect size dropped when accounted for publication bias.

Conclusions

Despite limitations, the study provided evidence for EFs’ determinant role on PA behavior. More research is however encouraged to inform PA promotion programs that are well-prepared for individual differences in EFs.
Processing speed predicts SuperAging years later
Authors: Ticha Zuzana , Georgi Hana , Schmand Ben , Heissler Radek , Kopecek Miloslav
Published: February 2023

Background

SuperAging is one of the current concepts related to elite, resilient or high-functioning cognitive aging. The main aim of our study was to find possible predictors of SuperAgers (SA).

Methods

Community-dwelling older persons (N = 96) aged 80–101 years in 2018 were repeatedly tested (year 2012 and 2018). SA were defined based on their performance in 2018 as persons of 80+ years of age who recalled ≥ 9 words in the delayed recall of the Philadelphia Verbal Learning Test, and had a normal performance in non-memory tasks [the Boston Naming Test, the Trail Making Test Part B, and Category Fluency (“Animals”)], which was defined as a score within or above one standard deviation from the age and education appropriate average. Three composite scores (CS; immediate memory, processing speed, and executive functions) were created from the performance in 2012, and analysed as possible predictors of SA status in 2018.

Results

We identified 19 SA (15 females) and 77 nonSA (42 females), groups did not significantly differ in age, years of education, and sex. The logistic regression model (p = 0.028) revealed three predictors of SA from the baseline (year 2012), including processing speed (p = 0.006; CS-speed: the Prague Stroop Test—Dots and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test), sex (p = 0.015), and age (p = 0.045).

Conclusions

Thus, SA may be predicted based on the level of processing speed, which supports the hypothesis of the processing speed theory of healthy aging.
E-diagnostic assessment of collaborative and individual oral tiered task performance in differentiated second language instruction framework
Authors: Rafi Fahimeh , Pourdana Natasha
Published: February 2023

Differentiated second/foreign language (L2) instruction (DI) has received growing attention in pedagogical research. Yet, as a cornerstone of inclusive education, the DI is still under-documented. In this study, we integrated diagnostic assessment (DIA) and collaborative language learning in a differentiated (tiered) oral tasks intervention and mediated them in a Google Meet cyber classroom. To do so, an intact group of 64 non-English major university students was selected, pretested, and randomly assigned to collaborative (CG) and individual (IG) groups. Each group was partitioned into higher, middle, and lower language ability tiers. The objectives were to examine (1) how differently mixed-ability English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) learners could improve their collaborative and individual oral tiered task performances on which they received e-DIA for 10 weeks, and (2) how differently e-DIA could affect their postintervention learning achievement in oral skills. The statistical analysis indicated the positive and equal impact of e-DIA on CG-tiers, but a positive and divisive impact on IG-tiers. Responded to e-DIA, both groups had significant pretest-to-postest learning achievement in oral skills, but CG-tiers’ collaboration resonated with the impact of e-DIA to outperform the IG-tiers on the posttest. The findings implied the integration of e-DIA and collaborative learning in the DI framework to mitigate L2 learners’ diversity in inclusive L2 education.
Does more mean better? Remote-sensing data for monitoring sustainable redevelopment of a historical granary in Mydlniki, Kraków
Authors: Gawronek Pelagia , Noszczyk Tomasz
Published: February 2023

The Post-2015 UN Development Agenda includes culture and links the preservation of cultural heritage (CH) to sustainable development. In principle, sustainable redevelopment of CH should preserve historical qualities and ensure the financial profitability of the asset. Still, being a construction process, it has to be under constant change monitoring. Bearing in mind the quality of data achieved by measurement systems, TLS instruments can be used to capture 3D spatial data for cultural heritage. The authors analyse the usefulness of TLS data as the spatial database for the redevelopment and functional reuse of a historical granary. Following measurements on various stages of the redevelopment of the CH asset, TLS data undergo principally simple and rapid analyses (shape analysis, determination of the pace and scope of redevelopment, detection of conservation effort results, HBIM) to improve decision-making capabilities within the project. Contrary to the universal approach, periodic CH redevelopment scanning involves the entire structure, not merely its most valuable heritage components. As a result, not only doesthe remote-sensing data acquisition for monitoring of sustainable redevelopment of cultural heritage record the state of the revitalised building, but it also demonstrates the potential of periodic measurements as the primary source of insight into the heritage asset and the directions and quality of changes it undergoes.
Hollow Ni/NiO/C composite derived from metal-organic frameworks as a high-efficiency electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Do Ha Huu , Tekalgne Mahider Asmare , Le Quyet Van , Cho Jin Hyuk , Ahn Sang Hyun , Kim Soo Young
Published: February 2023

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constitute a class of crystalline porous materials employed in storage and energy conversion applications. MOFs possess characteristics that render them ideal in the preparation of electrocatalysts, and exhibit excellent performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, H–Ni/NiO/C catalysts were synthesized from a Ni-based MOF hollow structure via a two-step process involving carbonization and oxidation. Interestingly, the performance of the H–Ni/NiO/C catalyst was superior to those of H–Ni/C, H–NiO/C, and NH–Ni/NiO/C catalysts for the HER. Notably, H–Ni/NiO/C exhibited the best electrocatalytic activity for the HER, with a low overpotential of 87 mV for 10 mA cm−2 and a Tafel slope of 91.7 mV dec−1. The high performance is ascribed to the synergistic effect of the metal/metal oxide and hollow architecture, which is favorable for breaking the H–OH bond, forming hydrogen atoms, and enabling charge transport. These results indicate that the employed approach is promising for fabricating cost-effective catalysts for hydrogen production in alkaline media.
Comparison of tropospheric delay correction methods for InSAR analysis using a mesoscale meteorological model: a case study from Japan
Authors: Sailellah Sardila Nurulhikmah , Fukushima Yo
Published: February 2023

A major source of error in interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR), used for mapping ground deformation, is the delay caused by changes in the propagation velocity of radar microwaves in the troposphere. Correcting this tropospheric delay noise using numerical weather models is common because of their global availability. Various correction methods and tools exist; selecting the most appropriate one by considering weather models, delay models, and delay calculation algorithms is essential for specific applications. We compared the performance of two tropospheric delay correction methods applied to Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) data acquired over Japan, where the atmospheric field is complex with significant seasonal variation. We tested: (1) a method of delay integration along the slant radar line-of-sight (LOS) path using the mesoscale model (MSM) provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency and (2) the Generic Atmospheric Correction Online Service (GACOS) for InSAR, which estimates delay using the high-resolution forecast (HRES)-European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) products along with an iterative decomposition approach. The results showed that the tropospheric delay correction using the slant-delay integration approach with MSM, which has a finer temporal and spatial resolution, performed slightly better than GACOS. We further found that the differences in the refractivity models would have limited significance, suggesting that the difference in performance mainly originates from differences in the numerical weather models being used. This study highlights the importance of using the best-available numerical weather model data for tropospheric delay calculations.

Graphical Abstract
Anti-vibriosis bioactive molecules from Arctic Penicillium sp. Z2230
Authors: Guo Jiacheng , Yang Jin , Wang Pei , Guo Bo , Li Huifang , Zhang Di , An Faliang , Gao Song
Published: February 2023

Vibrio species (Vibrio sp.) is a class of Gram-negative aquatic bacteria that causes vibriosis in aquaculture, which have resulted in big economic losses. Utilization of antibiotics against vibriosis has brought concerns on antibiotic resistance, and it is essential to explore potential antibiotic alternatives. In this study, seven compounds (compounds 1–7) were isolated from the Arctic endophytic fungus Penicillium sp. Z2230, among which compounds 3, 4, and 5 showed anti-Vibrio activity. The structures of the seven compounds were comprehensively elucidated, and the antibacterial mechanism of compounds 3, 4, and 5 was explored by molecular docking. The results suggested that the anti-Vibrio activity could come from inhibition of the bacterial peptide deformylase (PDF). This study discovered three Penicillium-derived compounds to be potential lead molecules for developing novel anti-Vibrio agents, and identified PDF as a promising antibacterial target. It also expanded the bioactive diversity of polar endophytic fungi by showing an example in which the secondary metabolites of a polar microbe were a good source of natural medicine.

Graphical Abstract