bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Client Satisfaction with Health Service Delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme: The Case of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital
Authors: Okyere-Mensah Hephzibah , Appiah Brempong Emmanuel , Babon-Ayeng Prosper , Kissi Ernest
Published: March 2023

Background. Client satisfaction is the direct effect of service delivery and, in essence, the basis for quality improvement in any industry. In health financing, it is a significant determinant of clients’ enrolment in an insurance scheme. Objectives. This study sought to assess client satisfaction with healthcare delivery under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) at a tertiary facility in Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending the outpatient department of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Questionnaires were administered to 300 purposively selected patients, stratified based on their insurance status. Data obtained were then analysed using mean score ranking and an independent sample t-test. Results. The client satisfaction variable with a high level of satisfaction was observed for physical environment (πins = 3.80; πunins = 3.69). The least rated construct was responsiveness (πins = 2.59; πunins = 2.51). A statistically significant difference in the means between the insured and uninsured was observed for two of the five constructs, namely, communication (πdiff = 0.36;

p
<
0.05

) and service availability (πdiff = 0.33;

p
<
0.05

). Conclusions. This study advocates for prioritization of measures and policy initiatives aimed at improving responsiveness in healthcare delivery, as the least rated construct. It further draws health providers’ attention to modesty in communication regardless of socioeconomic or insurance status.
Buccal swabs for amphibian genomics
Authors: Ambu Johanna , Dufresnes Christophe
Published: March 2023

Conservation genetics must find the balance between the technical challenges of DNA sampling while promoting animal welfare. In amphibians, buccal swabs offer a least intrusive source of DNA, but most herpetologists still refrain to use them, partly due to doubts regarding their effectiveness to provide enough material now that next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses have become routine. In this article, we hope to change their minds through an empirical demonstration that buccal swabs offer DNA amounts and success rates for a widely used NGS approach (RAD-sequencing) that are equivalent to those of more intrusive yet commonly used samples in frogs and toads. We thus call for a shift of DNA sampling practices, and stress the fact that beyond their proven reliability, buccal swabs facilitate the issue of collection permits by increasingly restrictive ethical committees, especially when it comes to endangered species. With this purpose in mind, we share our long-term experience with amphibian buccal swabs through visual and textual pointers.
Trap nesting bees of genus Megachile and nesting biology of three species of subgenus Callomegachile (Hymenoptera; Megachilidae) from North India
Authors: Kunjwal Neha , Khan Mohammad Sarfraz
Published: March 2023

Studies conducted on the fitness of types of trap nests for Megachile bees showed that six species, viz. Megachile (Callomegachile) cephalotes, Megachile (Callomegachile) disjuncta, Megachile (Pseudomegachile) lanata, Megachile (Callomegachile) relata, Megachile (Eutricharaea) studiosella and Megachile (Callomegachile) umbripennis nested in tunnels (5-10 mm diameter), provided in different forms (drilled tunnels in bee nesting posts and wooden logs, and hollowed tunnels in bamboo sticks and reed stems). Nesting biology studies for three callomegachid bees, M. cephalotes, M. disjuncta and M. umbripennis, revealed that they nest in tunnels of similar length (; ) and diameter (; ). The cell walls and cell partitions were significantly different among the three species. The M. cephalotes females used resin to build their brood cells leaving an empty space. Megachile disjuncta females constructed their brood cells without leaving any basal space using resin as well as other materials in different combinations. In M. umbripennis, we recognized two distinct types of nests. One, similar to those of the two other resin bees usually having cylindrical or tubiform brood cells, and a second having only oval cells scattered all over in the nesting tunnel. The structural details of their nests exhibited several common features but also showed intraspecific and interspecific variations. This study provides new information on nesting details for these bees including their nest structure, brood development and adult emergence pattern for two different generations, which would be valuable in understanding the ecology of the diverse group of Megachile bees.
Populist Discourse beyond the Borders
Authors: Oner Imdat , Shehadeh Lana
Published: March 2023

Following the 2016 US elections, populism as a political discourse tactic surged worldwide and became critically examined by scholars as result of the anti-establishment rhetoric used throughout the Trump campaign. Yet despite the considerable amount of scholarly attention dedicated to this topic, its international dimension and ability to transcend beyond national borders has been rarely studied. To fill the lacuna in the literature on populism, in this article we examine how populist discourse is construed by leaders in an effort to appeal to an audience beyond their national borders. In doing so we examine the speeches and political rhetoric of Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Venezuela’s former president Hugo Chavez’s, both of which demonstrate obvious examples of populist narratives. We adopt a qualitative discursive approach to identify salient populist rhetoric in the speeches of both leaders, which ultimately create divisions over identity and politics among citizenry and in many instances create such divides within the international arena.
The Institutionalist Anti-Populism of the January 6th Committee: A Commentary
Authors: Crothers Lane
Published: March 2023

An assessment of the work of the January 6th committee investigating the assault on the U.S. Capitol in January 2021. The commentary addresses the committee’s work as an exercise in institutionalist anti-populism that seeks to disrupt the populist, Trumpist narrative by insisting on the rule of law, the power of expertise, and the value of norms in maintaining a liberal, democratic order. It offers an analysis of how the committee’s work might contribute to the demise of the Trumpist social movement, adding possible lines of analysis to the populist phenomenon going forward.
Separation of Powers in Distress: AMLO’s Charismatic Populism and Mexico’s Return to Hyper-presidentialism
Authors: Villanueva Ulfgard Rebecka
Published: March 2023

This article inquires the charismatic populism of López Obrador (AMLO) and Mexico’s return to hyper-presidentialism. Drawing on the literature on populism and hyper-presidentialism it explores the tension between charismatic populist leadership and independent institutions, especially the Supreme Court and the National Electoral Institute serving as a counterbalance to the president’s agenda, which aims for institutional ‘transformation’. The main argument, that AMLO is defying the integrity and independence of these institutions, is sustained by analyzing a) the Zaldívar Law named after the former Supreme Court President, a last-minute amendment that would extend his term; b) the public consultation on the prosecution of former presidents; c) the recall vote, and d) the electoral reform. The article concludes that AMLO’s charismatic populism, his transgression of constitutional constraints to the executive power and use of meta-constitutional powers means a return to hyper-presidentialism, which also raises concerns about Mexico’s struggling democracy.
Populism as Form and Content
Authors: Ballacci Giuseppe , Goodman Rob
Published: March 2023

The difficulty of defining populism is well-known. As populism lacks a fully articulated ideological foundation, it tends to assume different shapes according to context. Due to this ideological inarticulation, some scholars have rejected the so-called ideational approach to populism. They instead propose its conceptualization as a political style or discourse. This paper advances an alternative approach. We reject the opposition between stylistic and ideational approaches to populism and develop the idea that the form and the content of populism are intrinsically related. We argue that the forms populism adopts cannot be understood in merely strategic or stylistic terms: they presuppose and entail specific ideological contents. Only by tracing the relationship between populist form and content can we make sense of populism as a distinctive phenomenon and explain its ambiguous relationship with liberal democracy.
The genus Minettia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 (Diptera: Lauxaniidae: Lauxaniinae) from the Oriental Region with descriptions of seventeen new species
Authors: LI WENLIANG , BAI YINGMING , YANG DING
Published: March 2023

Seventeen species of Minettia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 from Southwest China are described as new to science: Minettia (Plesiominettia) bicolorata sp. nov., M. (P.) caii sp. nov., M. (P.) cuiae sp. nov., M. (P.) dulongjiangensis sp. nov., M. (P.) huangi sp. nov., M. (P.) ludingensis sp. nov., M. (P.) mediclavata sp. nov., M. (P.) nujiangensis sp. nov., M. (P.) orbitalis sp. nov., M. (P.) prominens sp. nov., M. (P.) spiniphallata sp. nov., M. (P.) surstylata sp. nov., M. (Minettia) annulifera sp. nov., M. (M.) baii sp. nov., M. (M.) scutellata sp. nov., M. (M.) terminalis sp. nov. and M. baihualingensis sp. nov. The new species M. baihualingensis sp. nov. cannot be classified under one of the five known subgenera because of its unique characteristics. Keys to separate world species of the subgenus Plesiominettia and Oriental species of the subgenus Minettia are presented.
Five new species of the genus Leucania Ochsenheimer in Central America (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: MCCABE TIMOTHY L. , ADAMS MORTON S.
Published: March 2023

Five new species of the noctuid genus Leucania in Central America are described: L. mopan Adams and McCabe, sp. nov., L. merga Adams and McCabe, sp. nov., L. championi Adams and McCabe, sp. nov., L. colorada McCabe and Adams, sp. nov., L. sororia McCabe and Adams, sp. nov. The internal genitalia are key to resolving the taxonomy in this genus; in particular, the morphology of the male everted endophallus (vesica) and the female bursa copulatrix jointly resolve taxonomic confusion among cryptic species near L. albifasciata, L. oaxacana and L. humidicola. We recognize the valvular pore plate and the “poma” (bubble-like structure at base of valvae) as generic synapomorphies for Leucania. Lappets (inflatable pouches on the outer aspect of the valvae) are newly described. Descriptions and color illustrations of the imagos, male valvae, everted endophalli, and the female bursae copulatrix are provided for all newly described species and selected congeners to aid identification. Additional nomenclatorial actions are: Leucania complicata Strecker, 1898 rest. stat.; Leucania februalis Hill, 1924 syn. nov., a junior synonym of L. humidicola; Leucania elephas Troubridge 2020 syn. nov., a junior synonym of L. humidicola.
Miocene divergence for Texoreddellia? An important component of the cave-adapted fauna of Texas and northern Mexico
Authors: ESPINASA LUIS , SPROUS PETER , POSSO KARA , MITCHELL ANDREW , ESPINASA MONIKA , LIN JONATHAN
Published: March 2023

The genus Texoreddellia (Zygentoma; Nicoletiidae) is an important component of the cave-adapted fauna of Texas and northern Mexico. Specimens are often found in caves in central Texas. They are less common in western Texas and Coahuila, Mexico. We describe a new species, Texoreddellia chihuahuensis n. sp., from Chihuahua, Mexico, greatly expanding the range for the genus. The new species is found in an isolated karstic zone, far removed from the other cave forming areas inhabited by Texoreddellia spp. Phyletic analyses show the species to be the most basal and earliest to diverge within the genus. When compared to a calibrated molecular clock of the 16S rRNA for nicoleiids, its sequence supports a divergence of roughly 20 mya. Such a date is congruent with the geological origins of the Rio Grande and the Pecos River. Structural deformations coupled with long term erosion and downcutting through major river basins may have contributed in forming biological barriers that influenced speciation and isolation, especially between the western and eastern species of Texoreddellia.
Micropodarke fujianensis n. sp. (Annelida: Hesionidae) from Fujian, China
Authors: WANG ZHI , YANG DEYUAN , QIU JIAN-WEN , CAI MINGGANG , DENG YONGZHI , KE CAIHUAN
Published: March 2023

We describe M. fujianensis n. sp. (Annelida: Hesionidae), collected from the coast of Fujian Province, China, based on morphological and molecular analyses. Micropodarke fujianensis n. sp. is characterized by having two pairs of minute eyes, and neurochaetae of middle segments without basal long teeth. The K2P distances of COI, 16S rRNA, 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and histone H3 fragments diverged from the corresponding sequences of the closest related species of Micropodarke in GenBank and BOLD Systems by 22.3%, 10.7%, 0, 1.15%, and 1.1%, respectively. Among the Micropodarke species with such DNA sequences for comparison, M. fujianensis n. sp. is most closely related to M. cf. dubia—a species collected from Daya Bay, China. An updated key to Micropodarke species is provided.
A description of the second species of the genus Platybolium Blair, 1938 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) collected from a nest of Pheidole singaporensis Özdikmen, 2010 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Thailand
Authors: MARUYAMA MUNETOSHI , SASITORN HASIN , ANDO KIYOSHI
Published: March 2023

Platybolium watanai sp. nov., the second species of the genus, is described from Thailand, with illustrations of the diagnostic characters, including the defensive glands and the cuticular structures of females. The type species of the genus, Platybolium alvearium Blair, 1938, is known from beehives in a wide range of the Oriental region, but the new species was found in an ant nest of Pheidole singaporensis Özdikmen, 2010. Myrmecophily in the new species is discussed.
Paussus (Edaphopaussus) asseyi sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Paussinae) from the Nguru Mountains of the Eastern African Arc in Tanzania
Authors: BEDNAŘÍK MICHAL , BOCAK LADISLAV
Published: March 2023

A new species of Paussus L., 1775 (Coleoptera: Carabidae) is described from the Nguru Mountains of the Eastern African Arc in Tanzania. Paussus asseyi sp. nov. is diagnosed by the shape of the antennal club, which bears two sharp edges at the outer margin, the blunt spines on tibiae, and the characteristic colouration that allows this species to be distinguished from all other species in Paussus (Series I) defined in the latest molecular phylogeny. Other characters, i.e., the shape of the pronotum and absent pronotal setae, place the new species in the subgenus Edaphopaussus Kolbe, 1920. The colouration resembles P. dichrous Janssens, 1950 from Democratic Republic Congo and Angola and some Asian species, yet all are morphologically different from the new species. The robust head, small eyes, and clypeus shape resemble distantly related P. (Hylotorus) cephalotes Raffray, 1886. The individual mountain massifs of Eastern Tanzania represent rainforest islands set in much drier lowlands with savannah ecosystems. The new species contributes to our understanding of the isolated mountain ranges’ relatively poorly investigated beetle fauna.
Engineering of inhalable nano-in-microparticles for co-delivery of small molecules and miRNAs
Authors: Motiei Marjan , Mišík Ondrej , Truong Thanh Huong , Lizal Frantisek , Humpolíček Petr , Sedlařík Vladimír , Sáha Petr
Published: March 2023

In this study, novel Trojan particles were engineered for direct delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and miR-34a as model drugs to the lungs to raise local drug concentration, decrease pulmonary clearance, increase lung drug deposition, reduce systemic side effects, and overcome multi-drug resistance. For this purpose, targeted polyelectrolyte nanoparticles (tPENs) developed with layer-by-layer polymers (i.e., chitosan, dextran sulfate, and mannose-g-polyethyleneimine) were spray dried into a multiple-excipient (i.e., chitosan, leucine, and mannitol). The resulting nanoparticles were first characterized in terms of size, morphology, in vitro DOX release, cellular internalization, and in vitro cytotoxicity. tPENs showed comparable cellular uptake levels to PENs in A549 cells and no significant cytotoxicity on their metabolic activity. Co-loaded DOX/miR-34a showed a greater cytotoxicity effect than DOX-loaded tPENs and free drugs, which was confirmed by Actin staining. Thereafter, nano-in-microparticles were studied through size, morphology, aerosolization efficiency, residual moisture content, and in vitro DOX release. It was demonstrated that tPENs were successfully incorporated into microspheres with adequate emitted dose and fine particle fraction but low mass median aerodynamic diameter for deposition into the deep lung. The dry powder formulations also demonstrated a sustained DOX release at both pH values of 6.8 and 7.4.
Low-temperature synthesis of colloidal few-layer WTe2 nanostructures for electrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Xie Rui , Luo Wenchen , Zou Luwei , Fan Xiulian , Li Cheng , Lv Tiezheng , Jiang Jinming , Chen Zhihui , Zhou Yu
Published: March 2023

High-quality transition metal tellurides, especially for WTe2, have been demonstrated to be necessarily synthesized under close environments and high temperatures, which are restricted by the low formation Gibbs free energy, thus limiting the electrochemical reaction mechanism and application studies. Here, we report a low-temperature colloidal synthesis of few-layer WTe2 nanostructures with lateral sizes around hundreds of nanometers, which could be tuned the aggregation state to obtain the nanoflowers or nanosheets by using different surfactant agents. The crystal phase and chemical composition of WTe2 nanostructures were analyzed by combining the characterization of X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging and elements mapping. The as-synthesized WTe2 nanostructures and its hybrid catalysts were found to show an excellent HER performance with low overpotential and small Tafel slope. The carbon-based WTe2–GO and WTe2–CNT hybrid catalysts also have been synthesized by the similar strategy to study the electrochemical interface. The energy diagram and microreactor devices have been used to reveal the interface contribution to electrochemical performance, which shows the identical performance results with as-synthesized WTe2–carbon hybrid catalysts. These results summarize the interface design principle for semimetallic or metallic catalysts and also confirm the possible electrochemical applications of two-dimensional transition metal tellurides.
High sensitivity carbon monoxide detector using iron tetraphenyl porphyrin functionalized reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Shirsat Sumedh M. , Chiang Chih-Hao , Bodkhe Gajanan A. , Shirsat Mahendra D. , Tsai Meng-Lin
Published: March 2023

The detection of pollutant and toxic gases has attracted extensive attention due to the growing environmental issues. In the present investigation, free-based tetraphenyl porphyrin (TPP) and iron tetraphenyl porphyrin (FeTPP) are used to functionalize thermally reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and further used for the detection of carbon monoxide (CO). TPP and FeTPP functionalized rGO (FeTPP@rGO) sensors are fabricated on a glass substrate with thermally coated copper electrodes. The materials are characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristics have also been studied to demonstrate the operation of the device. In addition, the FeTPP@rGO device shows high sensitivity toward the detection of CO. By testing in the chemiresistive sensing modality, the as-fabricated device shows good response and recovery of 60 s and 120 s, respectively, with a low detection limit of 2.5 ppm.
Development of portable sensor for the detection of bacteria: effect of gold nanoparticle size, effective surface area, and interparticle spacing upon sensing interface
Authors: Al-Yahmadi Khadija , Kyaw Htet Htet , Myint Myo Tay Zar , Al-Mamari Rahma , Dobretsov Sergey , Al-Abri Mohammed
Published: March 2023

In this study, systematic development of a portable sensor for the rapid detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Exiguobacterium aurantiacum (E. aurantiacum) was reported. A conductive glass was utilized as a substrate and developed the electrode patterns on it. Trisodium citrate (TSC) and chitosan-stabilized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) (CHI-AuNP-TSC) and chitosan-stabilized AuNPs (CHI-AuNP) were synthesized and utilized as a sensing interface. The morphology, crystallinity, optical properties, chemical structures, and surface properties of immobilized AuNPs on the sensing electrodes were investigated. The sensing performance of the fabricated sensor was evaluated by using an electrochemical method to observe the current changes in cyclic voltammetric responses. The CHI-AuNP-TSC electrode has higher sensitivity toward E. coli than CHI-AuNP with a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.07 CFU/mL. TSC in the AuNPs synthesis process played a vital role in the particle size, the interparticle spacing, the sensor’s effective surface area, and the presence of CHI around AuNPs, thus enhancing the sensing performance. Moreover, post-analysis of the fabricated sensor surface exhibited the sensor stability and the interaction between bacteria and the sensor surface. The sensing results showed a promising potential for rapid detection using a portable sensor for various water and food-borne pathogenic diseases.
Multi-sensitive functionalized niosomal nanocarriers for controllable gene delivery in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Abtahi Najmeh Alsadat , Salehi Saba , Naghib Seyed Morteza , Haghiralsadat Fatemeh , Edgahi Mohammadmahdi Akbari , Ghorbanzadeh Sadegh , Zhang Wei
Published: March 2023

MicroRNAs, which can contribute to numerous cellular functions through post-transcriptional silencing, have become well-documented candidates for cancer treatment applications, particularly in chemo-resistant cancers. Herein, several formulations were examined to optimize the essential parameters, and the niosomal formulation consisting of cholesterol:tween-80:DOTAP:PEG with 9:69:15:7 ratio had the best physicochemical parameters including spherical shape, high entrapment efficiency, small diameter (81 ± 0.65 nm), and appropriate positive charge (23 ± 0.64 mV). Here, we aimed to design a system with increased delivery efficiency which was tested by the encapsulation of miR-34a within niosome NPs and assessed the nano-niosomal delivery of miR-34a as a tumor suppressor in MCF-7 human adenocarcinoma cells. The results showed that our novel niosome systems with non-ionic surfactants can successfully eliminate cancer cells by increasing the expression of p53 and reducing the expression of NF-κB. In comparison with the free dispersion of miR-34a, the lysis of a nano-sized delivery system demonstrated a better cytotoxicity effect against cancer cells. Similar results were obtained by performing in vivo test on the 4T1 xenografted Balb/C mouse tumor model and the miR-34a-loaded niosomes displayed a better reduction in tumor size by improving approximately + 13% in tumor inhabitation rate while maintaining the bodyweight close to the first day. Therefore, it is concluded that miR-34a delivery via niosomes has high potential as a tumor suppressor and a reliable procedure for breast cancer treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Novel m7G-related lncRNA signature for predicting overall survival in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Zhao Bin , Fang Fang , Liao Yiqun , Chen Yuji , Wang Fei , Ma Yichao , Wei Chen , Zhao Jiahao , Ji Hao , Wang Daorong , Tang Dong
Published: March 2023

Presenting with a poor prognosis, gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the leading causes of disease and death worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate tumor formation and have been long used to predict tumor prognosis. N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is the most prevalent RNA modification. m7G-lncRNAs regulate GC onset and progression, but their precise mechanism in GC is unclear. The objective of this research was the development of a new m7G-related lncRNA signature as a biomarker for predicting GC survival rate and guiding treatment. The Cancer Genome Atlas database helped extract gene expression data and clinical information for GC. Pearson correlation analysis helped point out m7G-related lncRNAs. Univariate Cox analysis helped in identifying m7G-related lncRNA with predictive capability. The Lasso-Cox method helped point out seven lncRNAs for the purpose of establishing an m7G-related lncRNA prognostic signature (m7G-LPS), followed by the construction of a nomogram. Kaplan–Meier analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, calibration plot of the nomogram model, receiver operating characteristic curve and principal component analysis were utilized for the verification of the risk model’s reliability. Furthermore, q-PCR helped verify the lncRNAs expression of m7G-LPS in-vitro. The study subjects were classified into high and low-risk groups based on the median value of the risk score. Gene enrichment analysis confirmed the constructed m7G-LPS’ correlation with RNA transcription and translation and multiple immune-related pathways. Analysis of the clinicopathological features revealed more progressive features in the high-risk group. CIBERSORT analysis showed the involvement of m7G-LPS in immune cell infiltration. The risk score was correlated with immune checkpoint gene expression, immune cell and immune function score, immune cell infiltration, and chemotherapy drug sensitivity. Therefore, our study shows that m7G-LPS constructed using seven m7G-related lncRNAs can predict the survival time of GC patients and guide chemotherapy and immunotherapy regimens as biomarker.
Enhanced immune complex formation in the lungs of patients with dermatomyositis
Authors: Zaizen Yoshiaki , Okamoto Masaki , Azuma Koichi , Fukuoka Junya , Hozumi Hironao , Sakamoto Noriho , Suda Takafumi , Mukae Hiroshi , Hoshino Tomoaki
Published: March 2023

Background

Interstitial lung disease is frequently comorbid with dermatomyositis and has a poor prognosis, especially in patients with the anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5) autoantibody. However, the pathogenesis of dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung disease remains unclear.

Methods

We examined 18 and 19 patients with dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (control), respectively. Lung tissues obtained from these patients were semi-quantitatively evaluated by immunohistochemical staining with in-house anti-human MDA5 monoclonal antibodies, as well as anti-human immunoglobulin (Ig) G, IgM, IgA, and complement component 3(C3) antibodies. We established human MDA5 transgenic mice and treated them with rabbit anti-human MDA5 polyclonal antibodies, and evaluated lung injury and Ig and C3 expression.

Results

MDA5 was moderately or strongly expressed in the lungs of patients in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups. However, patients with dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung disease showed significantly stronger expression of C3 (p < 0.001), IgG (p < 0.001), and IgM (p = 0.001) in the lungs than control. Moreover, lung C3, but IgG, IgA, nor IgM expression was significantly stronger in MDA5 autoantibody-positive dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung disease (n = 9) than in MDA5 autoantibody-negative dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung disease (n = 9; p = 0.022). Treatment with anti-MDA5 antibodies induced lung injury in MDA5 transgenic mice, and strong immunoglobulin and C3 expression was observed in the lungs of the mice.

Conclusion

Strong immunoglobulin and C3 expression in the lungs involve lung injury related to dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung disease. Enhanced immune complex formation in the lungs may contribute to the poor prognosis of MDA5 autoantibody-positive dermatomyositis-related interstitial lung disease.
Efficacy of antihyperglycemic therapies on cardiovascular and heart failure outcomes: an updated meta-analysis and meta-regression analysis of 35 randomized cardiovascular outcome trials
Authors: Hasebe Masashi , Yoshiji Satoshi , Keidai Yamato , Minamino Hiroto , Murakami Takaaki , Tanaka Daisuke , Fujita Yoshihito , Harada Norio , Hamasaki Akihiro , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: March 2023

Background

Effects of antihyperglycemic therapies on cardiovascular and heart failure (HF) risks have varied widely across cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs), and underlying factors remain incompletely understood. We aimed to determine the relationships of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) or bodyweight changes with these outcomes in all CVOTs of antihyperglycemic therapies.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE up to 25 January 2023 for all randomized controlled CVOTs of antihyperglycemic therapies reporting both major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and HF outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. We performed meta-regression analyses following random-effects meta-analyses to evaluate the effects of HbA1c or bodyweight reductions on each outcome.

Results

Thirty-five trials comprising 256,524 patients were included. Overall, antihyperglycemic therapies reduced MACE by 9% [risk ratio (RR): 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88–0.94; P < 0.001; I2 = 36.5%]. In meta-regression, every 1% greater reduction in HbA1c was associated with a 14% reduction in the RR of MACE (95% CI 4–24; P = 0.010), whereas bodyweight change was not associated with the RR of MACE. The magnitude of the reduction in MACE risk associated with HbA1c reduction was greater in trials with a higher baseline prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, antihyperglycemic therapies showed no overall significant effect on HF (RR: 0.95; 95% CI 0.87–1.04; P = 0.28; I2 = 75.9%). In a subgroup analysis based on intervention type, sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) conferred the greatest HF risk reduction (RR: 0.68; 95% CI 0.62–0.75; P < 0.001; I2 = 0.0%). In meta-regression, every 1 kg bodyweight reduction, but not HbA1c reduction, was found to reduce the RR of HF by 7% (95% CI 4–10; P < 0.001); however, significant residual heterogeneity (P < 0.001) was observed, and SGLT2i reduced HF more than could be explained by HbA1c or bodyweight reductions.

Conclusions

Antihyperglycemic therapies reduce MACE in an HbA1c-dependent manner. These findings indicate that HbA1c can be a useful marker of MACE risk reduction across a wide range of antihyperglycemic therapies, including drugs with pleiotropic effects. In contrast, HF is reduced not in an HbA1c-dependent but in a bodyweight-dependent manner. Notably, SGLT2i have shown class-specific benefits for HF beyond HbA1c or bodyweight reductions.
Analysis and enhancement of the energy utilization efficiency of corn stover using strain Lsc-8 in a bioelectrochemical system
Authors: Cao Lianbin , Sun Hongmei , Ma Yamei , Lu Mingguo , Zhao Mengrui , Li Enzhong , Liu Ying
Published: March 2023

The strain Lsc-8 can produce a current density of 33.08 µA cm−2 using carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as a carbon source in a three-electrode configuration. A co-culture system of strain Lsc-8 and Geobacter sulfurreducens PCA was used to efficiently convert cellulose into electricity to improve the electricity generation capability of microbial fuel cells (MFCs). The maximum current density achieved by the co-culture with CMC was 559 μA cm−2, which was much higher than that of strain Lsc-8 using CMC as the carbon source. The maximum power density reached 492.05 ± 52.63 mW cm−2, which is much higher than that previously reported. Interaction mechanism studies showed that strain Lsc-8 had the ability to secrete riboflavin and convert cellulose into acetic acid, which might be the reason for the high electrical production performance of the co-culture system. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, a co-culture or single bacteria system using agricultural straw as the carbon source to generate electricity has not been reported. In this study, the maximum current density of the three-electrode system inoculated with strain Lsc-8 was 14.56 μA cm−2 with raw corn stover as the sole carbon source. Raw corn stover as a carbon source was also investigated for use in a co-culture system. The maximum current density achieved by the co-culture was 592 μA cm−2. The co-culture system showed a similar electricity generation capability when using raw corn stover and when using CMC. This research shows for the first time that a co-culture or single bacteria system can realize both waste biomass treatment and waste power generation.
Cannabinoids in traumatic brain injury and related neuropathologies: preclinical and clinical research on endogenous, plant-derived, and synthetic compounds
Authors: Lins Brittney R. , Anyaegbu Chidozie C. , Hellewell Sarah C. , Papini Melissa , McGonigle Terence , De Prato Luca , Shales Matthew , Fitzgerald Melinda
Published: March 2023

Traumatic brain injury is common, and often results in debilitating consequences. Even mild traumatic brain injury leaves approximately 20% of patients with symptoms that persist for months. Despite great clinical need there are currently no approved pharmaceutical interventions that improve outcomes after traumatic brain injury. Increased understanding of the endocannabinoid system in health and disease has accompanied growing evidence for therapeutic benefits ofCannabis sativa. This has driven research of Cannabis’ active chemical constituents (phytocannabinoids), alongside endogenous and synthetic counterparts, collectively known as cannabinoids. Also of therapeutic interest are other Cannabis constituents, such as terpenes. Cannabinoids interact with neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, and exert anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects which are highly desirable for the management of traumatic brain injury. In this review, we comprehensively appraised the relevant scientific literature, where major and minor phytocannabinoids, terpenes, synthetic cannabinoids, and endogenous cannabinoids were assessed in TBI, or other neurological conditions with pathology and symptomology relevant to TBI, as well as recent studies in preclinical TBI models and clinical TBI populations.
Exercise suppresses neuroinflammation for alleviating Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Minghui , Zhang Hu , Liang Jiling , Huang Jielun , Chen Ning
Published: March 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, with the characteristics of neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) and senile plaque (SP) formation. Although great progresses have been made in clinical trials based on relevant hypotheses, these studies are also accompanied by the emergence of toxic and side effects, and it is an urgent task to explore the underlying mechanisms for the benefits to prevent and treat AD. Herein, based on animal experiments and a few clinical trials, neuroinflammation in AD is characterized by long-term activation of pro-inflammatory microglia and the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes. Damaged signals from the periphery and within the brain continuously activate microglia, thus resulting in a constant source of inflammatory responses. The long-term chronic inflammatory response also exacerbates endoplasmic reticulum oxidative stress in microglia, which triggers microglia-dependent immune responses, ultimately leading to the occurrence and deterioration of AD. In this review, we systematically summarized and sorted out that exercise ameliorates AD by directly and indirectly regulating immune response of the central nervous system and promoting hippocampal neurogenesis to provide a new direction for exploring the neuroinflammation activity in AD.
Comparison of the early clinical efficacy of the SuperPath approach versus the modified Hardinge approach in total hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shen Jiquan , Ji Weiping , Shen Yonghui , He Shijie , Lin Youbin , Ye Zhijun , Wang Bo
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To investigate the clinical efficacy and advantages of the SuperPath approach for total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of femoral neck fractures in the elderly population.

Methods

From February 2018 to March 2019, 120 patients were randomly divided into two groups with 60 patients each: the SuperPath group and the conventional group. The results evaluated included the general operation situation, serum markers, blood loss, pain score, hip function and prosthesis location analysis.

Results

There was no demographic difference between the two groups. Compared with the conventional group, the SuperPath group had a shorter operation time (78.4 vs. 93.0 min, p = 0.000), a smaller incision length (5.8 vs. 12.5 cm, p = 0.000), less intraoperative blood loss (121.5 vs. 178.8 ml, p = 0.000), a shorter hospitalization time (8.0 vs. 10.8 days, p = 0.000) and less drainage volume (77.8 vs. 141.2 ml, p = 0.000). The creatine kinase level in the SuperPath group was significantly lower than that in the conventional group, while there was no difference in the C-reactive protein level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate level. The visual analog scale score was lower one month postoperatively, and the Harris hip score was higher three months postoperatively in the SuperPath group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the cup abduction angle or anteversion angle of the two groups.

Conclusion

We found better clinical efficacy after using the SuperPath approach with less muscle damage, less postoperative pain and better postoperative function than after using the modified Hardinge approach.

Trial registration The randomized clinical trial was retrospectively registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 31/12/2020 (ChiCTR-2000041583, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=57008).
Parent-reported phenotype data on chromosome 6 aberrations collected via an online questionnaire: data consistency and data availability
Authors: Engwerda Aafke , Frentz Barbara , Rraku Eleana , de Souza Nadia F. Simoes , Swertz Morris A. , Plantinga Mirjam , Kerstjens-Frederikse Wilhelmina S. , Ranchor Adelita V. , van Ravenswaaij-Arts Conny M. A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Even with the introduction of new genetic techniques that enable accurate genomic characterization, knowledge about the phenotypic spectrum of rare chromosomal disorders is still limited, both in literature and existing databases. Yet this clinical information is of utmost importance for health professionals and the parents of children with rare diseases. Since existing databases are often hampered by the limited time and willingness of health professionals to input new data, we collected phenotype data directly from parents of children with a chromosome 6 disorder. These parents were reached via social media, and the information was collected via the online Chromosome 6 Questionnaire, which includes 115 main questions on congenital abnormalities, medical problems, behaviour, growth and development.

Methods

Here, we assess data consistency by comparing parent-reported phenotypes to phenotypes based on copies of medical files for the same individual (n = 20) and data availability by comparing the data available on specific characteristics reported by parents (n = 34) to data available in existing literature (n = 39).

Results

The reported answers to the main questions on phenotype characteristics were 85–95% consistent, and the consistency of answers to subsequent more detailed questions was 77–96%. For all but two main questions, significantly more data was collected from parents via the Chromosome 6 Questionnaire than was currently available in literature. For the topics developmental delay and brain abnormalities, no significant difference in the amount of available data was found. The only feature for which significantly more data was available in literature was a sub-question on the type of brain abnormality present.

Conclusion

This is the first study to compare phenotype data collected directly from parents to data extracted from medical files on the same individuals. We found that the data was highly consistent, and phenotype data collected via the online Chromosome 6 Questionnaire resulted in more available information on most clinical characteristics when compared to phenotypes reported in literature reports thus far. We encourage active patient participation in rare disease research and have shown that parent-reported phenotypes are reliable and contribute to our knowledge of the phenotypic spectrum of rare chromosomal disorders.
The phenotypic spectrum of terminal 6q deletions based on a large cohort derived from social media and literature: a prominent role for DLL1
Authors: Engwerda Aafke , Kerstjens-Frederikse Wilhelmina S. , Corsten-Janssen Nicole , Dijkhuizen Trijnie , van Ravenswaaij-Arts Conny M. A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Terminal 6q deletions are rare, and the number of well-defined published cases is limited. Since parents of children with these aberrations often search the internet and unite via international social media platforms, these dedicated platforms may hold valuable knowledge about additional cases. The Chromosome 6 Project is a collaboration between researchers and clinicians at the University Medical Center Groningen and members of a Chromosome 6 support group on Facebook. The aim of the project is to improve the surveillance of patients with chromosome 6 aberrations and the support for their families by increasing the available information about these rare aberrations. This parent-driven research project makes use of information collected directly from parents via a multilingual online questionnaire. Here, we report our findings on 93 individuals with terminal 6q deletions and 11 individuals with interstitial 6q26q27 deletions, a cohort that includes 38 newly identified individuals.

Results

Using this cohort, we can identify a common terminal 6q deletion phenotype that includes microcephaly, dysplastic outer ears, hypertelorism, vision problems, abnormal eye movements, dental abnormalities, feeding problems, recurrent infections, respiratory problems, spinal cord abnormalities, abnormal vertebrae, scoliosis, joint hypermobility, brain abnormalities (ventriculomegaly/hydrocephaly, corpus callosum abnormality and cortical dysplasia), seizures, hypotonia, ataxia, torticollis, balance problems, developmental delay, sleeping problems and hyperactivity. Other frequently reported clinical characteristics are congenital heart defects, kidney problems, abnormalities of the female genitalia, spina bifida, anal abnormalities, positional foot deformities, hypertonia and self-harming behaviour. The phenotypes were comparable up to a deletion size of 7.1 Mb, and most features could be attributed to the terminally located geneDLL1. Larger deletions that includeQKI(> 7.1 Mb) lead to a more severe phenotype that includes additional clinical characteristics.

Conclusions

Terminal 6q deletions cause a common but highly variable phenotype. Most clinical characteristics can be linked to the smallest terminal 6q deletions that include the geneDLL1(> 500 kb). Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for clinical follow-up and surveillance of individuals with terminal 6q deletions.
Comprehensive molecular characterization of complete mitogenome assemblies of 33 Eimeria isolates infecting domestic chickens
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Wang Lidan , Zhu Pengchen , Yang Zijiang , Wang Zhao , Chen Yijun , Gu Xiaobin , He Ran , Xu Jing , Jing Bo , Yang Guangyou , Chen Shun , Wu Shuangyang , Xie Yue
Published: March 2023

Background

Coccidiosis caused by Eimeria is one of the most severe chicken diseases and poses a great economic threat to the poultry industry. Understanding the evolutionary biology of chicken Eimeria parasites underpins development of new interactions toward the improved prevention and control of this poultry disease.

Methods

We presented an evolutionary blueprint of chicken coccidia by genetically characterizing complete mitogenome assemblies of 33 isolates representing all seven known Eimeria species infecting chickens in China. Further genome- and gene-level phylogenies were also achieved to better understand the evolutionary relationships of these chicken Eimeria at the species level.

Results

33 mitogenomes of chicken eimerian parasites ranged from 6148 bp to 6480 bp in size and encoded typical mitochondrial compositions of apicomplexan parasites including three protein-coding genes (PCGs), seven fragmented small subunit (SSU) and 12/13 fragmented large subunit (LSU) rRNAs. Comparative genomics provided an evolutionary scenario for the genetic diversity of PCGs-cytochrome c oxidase subunits 1 and 3 (cox1 and cox3) and cytochrome b (cytb); all were under purifying selection with cox1 and cox3 being the lowest and highest evolutionary rates, respectively. Genome-wide phylogenies classified the 33 Eimeria isolates into seven subgroups, and furthermore Eimeria tenella and Eimeria necatrix were determined to be more closely related to each other than to the other eight congenic species. Single/concatenated mitochondrial protein gene-based phylogenies supported cox1 as the genetic marker for evolutionary and phylogenetic studies for avain coccidia.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, these are the first population-level mitogenomic data on the genus Eimeria, and its comprehensive molecular characterization provides valuable resources for systematic, population genetic and evolutionary biological studies of apicomplexan parasites in poultry.

Graphical Abstract