bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATP and Substrate Binding Regulates Conformational Changes of Human Peroxisomal ABC Transporter ALDP
Authors: Tang Lin , Xiong Chao , Jia Lina , Shen Ming-He , Xiong Wei-Xi , Xiong Liu-Lin , Wang Ting-Hua , Zhou Dong , Liu Zheng
Published: November 2021

The malfunction of ABCD1 causes X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a rare neurodegenerative disease that affect all tissues in human. Residing in the peroxisome membrane, ABCD1 plays a role in the translocation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) for their damage by β-oxidation. Here, we present five Cryo-Electron microscopy structures of ABCD1 in four conformational states. Combined with functional analysis, we found that substrate and ATP trigger the closing of two nucleotide binding domains (NBDs) over a distance of 40 Å and the rearrangement of the transmembrane domains. Each of the three inward-facing structure of ABCD1 has a vestibule opens to cytosol with variable size. Furthermore, the structure of ABCD1 in the outward-facing state supports that ATP molecules pull the two NBDs together and open the transmembrane domain to the peroxisomal lumen for substrate release. The five structures provide a snapshot of substrate transporting cycle and mechanistic implications for disease-causing mutations.
Federated Learning and Differential Privacy for Medical Image Analysis
Authors: Adnan Mohammed , Kalra Shivam , Cresswell Jesse C. , Taylor Graham W. , Tizhoosh Hamid
Published: November 2021

The artificial intelligence revolution has been spurred forward by the availability of large-scale datasets. In contrast, the paucity of large-scale medical datasets hinders the application of machine learning in healthcare. The lack of publicly available multi-centric and diverse datasets mainly stems from confidentiality and privacy concerns around sharing medical data. To demonstrate a feasible path forward in medical image imaging, we conduct a case study of applying a differentially private federated learning framework for analysis of histopathology images, the largest and perhaps most complex medical images. We study the effects of IID and non-IID distributions along with the number of healthcare providers, i.e., hospitals and clinics, and the individual dataset sizes, using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, a public repository, to simulate a distributed environment. We empirically compare the performance of private, distributed training to conventional training and demonstrate that distributed training can achieve similar performance with strong privacy guarantees. We also study the effect of different source domains for histopathology images by evaluating the performance using external validation. Our work indicates that differentially private federated learning is a viable and reliable framework for the collaborative development of machine learning models in medical image analysis.
Normalization of Gene Expression Data Revisited: The Three Viewpoints of the Transcriptome in Human Skeletal Muscle Undergoing Load-induced Hypertrophy and Why They Matter
Authors: Khan Yusuf , Hammarström Daniel , Ellefsen Stian , Ahmad Rafi
Published: November 2021

BackgroundThe biological relevance and accuracy of gene expression data depend on the adequacy of data normalization. This is both due to its role in resolving and accounting for technical variation and errors, and its defining role in shaping the viewpoint of biological interpretations. Still, normalization is often treated in serendipitous manners. This is especially true for the viewpoint perspective, which may be particularly decisive for conclusions in studies involving pronounced cellular plasticity. In this study, we highlight the consequences of using three fundamentally different modes of normalization for interpreting RNA-seq data from human skeletal muscle undergoing exercise-training-induced growth. Briefly, 25 participants conducted 12 weeks of high-load resistance training. Muscle biopsy specimens were sampled from m. vastus lateralis before, after two weeks of training (week 2) and after the intervention (week 12), and were subsequently analyzed using RNA-seq. Transcript counts were modeled as i) per-library-size, ii) per-total-RNA, and iii) per-sample-size (per-mg-tissue). ResultInitially, the three modes of transcript modeling led to the identification of three unique sets of stable genes, which displayed differential expression profiles. Specifically, genes showing stable expression across samples in the per-library-size dataset displayed training-associated increases in per-total-RNA and per-sample-size datasets. These gene sets were then used for normalization of the entire dataset, providing transcript abundance estimates corresponding to each of the three biological viewpoints (i.e., per-library-size, per-total-RNA, and per-sample-size). The different normalization modes led to different conclusions, measured as training-associated changes in transcript expression. Briefly, for 28% and 24% of the transcripts, training was associated with changes in expression in per-total-RNA and per-sample-size scenarios, but not in the per-library-size scenario. At week 2, this led to opposite conclusions for 5% of the transcripts between per-library-size and per-sample-size datasets (↑ vs. ↓, respectively). ConclusionScientists should be explicit with their choice of normalization strategies and should interpret the results of gene expression analyses with caution. This is particularly important for data sets involving a limited number of genes or involving growing or differentiating cellular models, where the risk of biased conclusions is pronounced.
Effect of Cell Cycle on Cell Surface Expression of Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels and Na+,K+-ATPase
Authors: Edenfield Samantha I. , Gould III Harry J. , Paul Dennis
Published: November 2021

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are the target for many therapies. Variation in membrane potential occurs throughout the cell cycle, yet little attention has been devoted to VGSCs and Na+,K+-ATPase in the cell cycle. We hypothesized that in addition to doubling DNA and cell membrane in anticipation of cell division, there should be a doubling of VGSCs and Na+,K+-ATPase compared to non-dividing cells. We tested this hypothesis in eight immortalized cell lines by correlating immunocytofluorescent labeling of VGSCs or Na+,K+-ATPase, with propidium iodide or DAPI fluorescence using flow cytometry. Cell surface expression of VGSCs during phases S through M was double that seen during phases G0 - G1. By contrast, Na+,K+-ATPase expression increased only 1.5-fold. The increases were independent of baseline expression of channels or pumps. The variation in VGSC and Na+,K+-ATPase expression has implications for both our understanding of sodium's role in controlling the cell cycle and variability of treatments targeted at these components of the Na+ handling system.
mecA-Gene Detection and MDR Profile of S. Aureus Isolates From Patients Attending The Referral Hospitals of Amhara Reginal State, Ethiopia
Authors: Moges Feleke , Tamiru Tadele , Amare Azanaw , Mengistu Getachew , Abebe Wondwossen , Eshetie Setegn , Dagnew Mulat , Feleke Tigist , Gizachew Mucheye
Published: November 2021

Background: Staphylococcus aureus causes different types of human infections, and has an ability to develop resistance to many antibiotics. There is scarcity of data on mecA gene and MDR profiles of this organism in developing countries, like Ethiopia. The aim of the present study is therefore, to investigate MDR profiles and mecA-gene profile of S. aureus from Referral Hospitals of Amhara Reginal State. Methods: Of the total of 110 isolates collected from Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, 70 MDR isolates were further processed for isolation of S. aureus mecA gene. Genomic DNA was isolated using SIGMA ALDRICH genomic DNA isolation Kit for Gram positive bacteria. Amplification of S. aureus mecA gene was done using amplicon size of 533 bp. Agarose gel electrophoresis was prepared with 1.5% agarose by TAE solvent and 0.5μg/mL of ethidium bromide. Electrophoresis was carried out for 1 hour and a half (7 Volts/ cm²) in 1X tris acetate EDTA (TAE) buffer. Data were analysed by using descriptive statistics.Results: Majority of the isolates were recovered from patients age less than 5 years, 51 (36.7%) and least from age greater than 60 years, 6 (4.3%). Most of the isolates were from blood, 61 (43.9%), followed by wound, 45 (32.4%). High resistance rate was observed in penicillin 81 (73.6%), followed by cotrimoxazole 78 (70.9%), ceftriaxone 76 (69%), erythromycin 66 (60%) and tetracycline 65 (59.1%). Phenotypically, considering cefoxitin as a surrogate marker, 38 (34.5%) of the isolates were methicillin resistant. The overall MDR isolates were 92 (83.6%). The PCR amplification result of mecA gene was 14 (20%).Conclusions and recommendations: There are high rate of MDR and MRSA isolates of S. aureus. PCR amplification result indicates 20% of MRSA isolates are mecA gene producers. Largescale study for detection of MDR strains of S. aureus including MRSA using molecular techniques should be encouraged in Amhara region.
Inhibition of TRPC4 Channel Activity in Colonic Myocytes by Tricyclic Antidepressants Disrupts Colonic Motility Causing Constipation
Authors: Jeong Byeongseok , Sung Tae Sik , Jeon Dongju , Park Kyu Joo , Jun Jae Yeoul , So Insuk , Hong Chansik
Published: November 2021

Background: Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) have been used to treat depression and were recently approved for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients with severe or refractory IBS symptoms. However, the molecular mechanism of TCA action in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract remains poorly understood. Transient receptor potential channel canonical type 4 (TRPC4), which is a Ca2+-permeable nonselective cation channel, is a critical regulator of GI excitability. Herein, we investigated whether TCA modulates TRPC4 channel activity and by what mechanism in colonic myocytes consequently causes constipation.Methods: To prove the clinical benefit in patients with diarrhea by TCA treatment, we performed mechanical tension recording using human colonic migrating motor complexes (CMMCs) and isolated muscle strips. To determine the contribution of TRPC4 to colonic motility, we measured the electrical activity of heterologous or endogenous TRPC4 by TCAs using the patch clamp technique in HEK293 cells and murine colonic myocytes.Results: All TCA compounds significantly inhibited the spontaneous contraction of CMMCs and muscle strips isolated from CMMCs by TRPC4 inhibition of colonic myocytes. In TRPC4-overexpressed HEK cells, we observed TCA-evoked direct inhibition of TRPC4 with IC50 values. Compared with TRPC4-knockout mice, we identified that muscarinic cationic current (mIcat) was suppressed through TRPC4 inhibition by TCA in isolated murine colonic myocytes. Conclusions: We investigated the inhibitory effect of the TRPC4 current by TCAs on colonic motility in TCA-induced constipation. These findings provide clinical insights into abnormal intestinal motility and medical interventions aimed at IBS therapy.
Successful Treatment of Airway Rupture with Femoro-Femoral Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Traumatic Tracheal Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Ko Haein , Jeong In-seok , Oh Sang Gi , Lee Kyo Seon , Song Sang Yun , Kim Do Wan
Published: November 2021

BackgroundTraumatic tracheal injury is a rare type of trauma. In this type of injury, catastrophes may occur owing to a failure to secure the patient's airway. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is rescue therapy available for the treatment of urgent cardiorespiratory distress until the patient's vital signs have stabilized. The various applications of ECMO configurations have expanded the scope for this therapy.Case presentationWe describe the case of a 66-year-old man with tracheal rupture with thyroid cartilage fracture due to cultivator handle who was treated with veno-venous ECMO. This case reflects the role and limitations of veno-venous ECMO, in which patient survival was possible with a bi-femoral configuration while also ensuring a clear airway. ConclusionWe shared our experience with bi-femoral veno-venous ECMO as a therapeutic option to contribute to choosing an appropriate approach. Based on our review of the literature, the present case was an uncommon report of survival after tracheal rupture due to trauma without other complications.
The Identification of Multidrug Resistant Microorganisms Including Bergyella Zoohelcum Acquired from the Skin/Prosthetic Interface of Amputees and Their Susceptibility to Medihoney™ and Garlic Extract (Allicin)
Authors: Harsent Ruby , Smith Paul , Blaxland James Arthur , Rushmere Neil
Published: November 2021

BackgroundUsers of prosthetic devices face the accumulation of potentially drug-resistant pathogenic bacteria on the skin/prosthesis interface. In this study, we took surface swabs of the skin/prosthesis interface of eleven disabled athletes to identify microorganisms present. In addition to determining their antimicrobial resistance profile, we assessed their sensitivity to Manuka honey and Garlic extract (allicin) MethodsEleven volunteers were directed to swab the skin at the skin/prosthesis interface. After initial isolation of microorganisms we employed the following general microbiological methods; Gram stain, Catalase test, Oxidase test, lactose fermenting capability, haemolytic capability, Staphaurex, mannitol fermenting capability, Streptex; API Staph, 20E, Candida, and BBL crystal identification system tests. Once identified, isolates were analysed for their sensitivity to penicillin, erythromycin. ampicillin, vancomycin, ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and colistin-sulphate. Isolates were also analysed for their sensitivity to allicin (Garlic Extract (GE)) and Manuka honey (Medihoney™) (MH). ResultsEleven isolates were identified, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Micrococcus spp., Bacillus subtilis, Group D Streptococcus, Pantoea spp., Enterobacter cloacae and Bergyella zoohelcum. All Gram-positive organisms were resistant to 1.5 units of penicillin and 10 μg of ampicillin, and two Gram-negatives Pseudomonas oryzihabitans and Bergyella zoohelcum were resistant to 10 μg ceftazidime, whilst Bergyella zoohelcum, was also resistant to 10 μg of gentamicin. In comparison, all organisms were sensitive to Manuka honey and nine sensitive to Allicin. ConclusionsThis study highlights the prevalence of uncommon drug resistant microorganisms on the skin within a vulnerable population, highlighting the potential for MH or GE intervention.
A Novel Signature to Predict Thyroid Cancer Prognosis and Immune Landscape Using Immune-Related LncRNA Pairs
Authors: SONG BO , Tian Lijun , Zhang Fan , Lin Zheyu , Gong Boshen , Liu Tingting , Teng Weiping
Published: November 2021

Background: Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide. The incidence of TC is high and increasing worldwide due to continuous improvements in diagnostic technology. TC is still often overtreated due to a lack of reliable diagnostic biomarkers. Therefore, determining accurate prognostic predictions to stratify TC patients is important.Methods: Raw data were downloaded from the TCGA database, and pairwise comparisons were applied to identify differentially expressed immune-related lncRNA (DEirlncRNA) pairs. Then, we used univariate Cox regression analysis and a modified Lasso algorithm on these pairs to construct a risk assessment model for TC. Next, TC patients were assigned to high- and low-risk groups based on the optimal cutoff score of the model for the 1-year ROC curve. We evaluated the signature in terms of prognostic independence, predictive value, immune cell infiltration, ICI-related molecules and small-molecule inhibitor efficacy. Results: We identified 30 DEirlncRNA pairs through Lasso regression, and 14 pairs served as the novel predictive signature. The high-risk group had a significantly poorer prognosis than the low-risk group. Cox regression analysis revealed that this immune-related signature can predict prognosis independently and reliably for TC. With the CIBERSORT algorithm, we found an association between the signature and immune cell infiltration. Additionally, several immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related molecules, such as PD-1 and PD-L1, showed a negative correlation with the high-risk group. We further found that some commonly used small-molecule inhibitors, such as sunitinib, were related to this new signature. Conclusions: We constructed a prognostic immune-related lncRNA signature that can predict TC patient survival without considering the technical bias of different platforms, and this signature also sheds light on TC overall prognosis and novel clinical treatments, such as ICB therapy and small molecular inhibitors.
Egg production performance of three strains of laying hens kept in floor pens
Authors: Yigzaw Mebratu , Demeke Solomon , Hassen Wasihun
Published: November 2021

Genetic limitation is one of the major bottle necks for the development of the poultry production and the expansion of the commercial poultry production is limited by inadequate supply of high performing chicken breeds locally in Ethiopia. Research system is currently attempting to alleviate this problem by introducing improved poultry breeds that can adapt and perform in Ethiopia. This experiment was carried out to study the on station egg production performance of Lohman Brown, Novo Brown and Dominant Sussex breeds under the objective condition of Jimma. One hundred fifty of each of Dominant Sussex, Lohman Brown and Novo Brown breed of layers obtained from Debre Zeit Research Station was placed at Jucavm layer house on standard commercial layers’ ration in completely randomized design with three replicates. Finally, all the data collected on performance of the experimental breeds of chickens were subjected to statistical analysis. There was no significant difference (P<0.05) between the three breeds tested in age at the first egg, even if Lohman Brown tended to lay comparatively earlier (137 days). The hen day egg production rate and egg weight of Dominant Sussex was better than other two breeds. In summary, the results of this experiment indicated that the three breed of chicken have well performed (except the adaptive potential of Dominant Sussex chickens) under Jimma condition in most of the economically important production traits studied. However, comparative evaluation of the egg quality and reproductive performance of the three breeds seems to be the future direction of research under objective condition of Jimma.
Diversity Analysis of Soil Microbial Population Abundance Before and After Planting JunCao "Oasis No. 1" in Saline-Alkali Soil
Authors: Xiao ZhiQi , Lin ZhanXi
Published: November 2021

In order to explore the difference of soil microbial population structure and abundance before and after planting JunCao"Oasis No. 1" in saline-alkali soil, verify the improvement effect of JunCao"Oasis No. 1" on microbial population structure and abundance in saline-alkali soil. Samples were collected from the blank saline area with and without JunCao"Oasis NO.1" and no plant growth on the surface, respectively, as Experimental group soil samples (S.Y.1-S.Y.8) and Blank group soil samples (K.B.1-K.B.8).16sDNA high-throughput sequencing technology was used for sequencing analysis respectively, and the diversity of microbial population abundance between them was compared and analyzed.The results showed that the diversity of microbial population abundance in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the blank group, and the diversity of microbial population abundance in the experimental group was significantly different from that in the blank group, indicating that the composition of microbial population in the experimental group was significantly different from that in the blank group. In the OTU cluster analysis, the number of OTU clusters in the Experimental group soil samples (S.Y.1-S.Y.8) was significantly higher than that in the Blank group soil samples (K.B.1-K.B.8). In the sample complexity analysis of α-diversity analysis, the richness and diversity of microbial population in soil samples of Experimental group (S.Y.1-S.Y.8) were significantly higher than that in soil samples of Blank group (K.B.1-K.B.8), which was clearly reflected in the Species accumulation boxplot and Graph of species diversity. In the β-diversity analysis, PcoA, PCA and NMDS analysis methods were used to analyze the difference of microbial population diversity between Experimental soil samples (S.Y.1-S.Y.8) and Blank soil samples (K.B.1-K.B.8). The results showed that the diversity of microbial population in Experimental soil sample (S.Y.1-S.Y.8) was significantly different from that in Blank soil sample (K.B.1-K.B.8). In this paper, 16sDNA high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the diversity of microbial population abundance between Blank soil samples and Experimental soil samples, and it was proved that JunCao"Oasis No. 1" had good saline-alkali soil improvement characteristics. It can effectively increase the abundance of microbial population in saline-alkali soil, so as to restore the microbial population ecosystem in saline-alkali soil, which has important application value in soil saline-alkali control.
Fluorine Speciation in Loess in The Shaanxi Loess Plateau, Related Quality Assessment And Exposure Risks Implication
Authors: Deng Lin , Wang Jiangxia , Xu Bin , Yang Xiaoting , Hu Anyan
Published: November 2021

In this study, distributing characteristics of five fluorine (F) species in loess in the Shaanxi Loess Plateau (SLP) were determined including unextractable residual F (Fre), extractable water-soluble F (Fws), exchangeable F (Fex), F bound to Fe-Mn oxides (Ffm), and F bound to organics (For). The results show that unextractable Fre represents most percentage of Ftf in loess. Of the four extractable F species, the content of Fws is higher than the other three extractable F species in most loess samples. The loess in the southeast SLP has the highest Fws content while the loess in the southwest has the highest Ftf content. And the loess in the north SLP contains the lowest overall concentrations of Ftf and Fws. Similar to Fws, the respective content of Fex, Ffm, and For in the loess is also very low. However, the total of them and Fws cannot be negligible for F mobility in loess. Overall, the loess in the SLP can be assessed as inferior quality in terms of F as a result of high Fws content in most samples. Based on the F speciation in the loess, F exposure to grazing animals and humans, in fact to children, was assessed, indicating that F in the loess in the southwest SLP might pose a much greater risk to grazing animals than in other part of SLP as the loess contains more Ftf. However, there is no concern for the children’s exposure to loess F via ingestion in the study area in the present condition. As for the loess F risk to groundwater, it can be concluded that not only Fws but also the other extractable F including Fex, Ffm and For in loess may be responsible for the F enrichment in local groundwater in the area with the aid of the characteristics of F speciation in loess and distribution of local high-fluoride groundwater.
The Role of Telemedicine for Symptoms Management in Oral Medicine: Retrospective Study
Authors: Alsafwani Zahra , Shiboski Caroline , Villa Alessandro
Published: November 2021

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had devastating effect on access to care in many specialties and dental services including oral medicine. Following the shelter‐in‐place orders in March 2020, we implemented Tele(oral)medicine practices for the diagnosis and management of some oral medicine conditionsObjectives: To assess the effectiveness of telemedicine visits with respect to pain control among patients affected by oral diseases. Methods: A retrospective chart review for all the new patients seen at their first visit via telemedicine between April 2020 and December 2020. The patient-reported pain score was recorded at each visit using a 0-10 scale. Differences in oral pain from the first fist to the follow-up visit of the patients were evaluated using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: A total of 137 new patients were included with a median age of 56 years. If seen in person, patients would have travelled a median distance of 65 miles. The most common oral conditions seen were reactive/inflammatory lesions. There was a 3-point median pain reduction from the first video visit to the first follow-up (p<0.05) and a self-reported 65% median improvement of oral symptoms. Conclusion: Tele(oral)medicine was an effective method for symptoms management of oral medicine conditions.
Carrington Longitudinal and Solar Cycle Distribution of the Super Active Regions From 1976 to 2018
Authors: Zhao MIng-Xian , Le Guiming , Liu Yonghua , Mao Tian
Published: November 2021

We studied the Carrington longitudinal and solar cycle distribution of the super active regions (SARs) from 1976to 2018. There were 51 SARs during this period. We divided the SARs into SARs1 and SARs2. SARs1 refers tothe SARs that produced extreme space weather events including ≥X5.0 flares, ground level events (GLEs) andsuper geomagnetic storms (SGSs: Dst≤ −250 nT), while SARs2 did not produce extreme space weather events.The total number of SARs1 and SARs2 are 32 and 19, respectively. The statistical results show that 34.4%, 65.6%and 78.1% of the SARs1 appeared in the ascending phase, descending phase and in the period from two yearsbefore to the three years after the solar maximum, respectively, while 52.6%, 47.4% and 100% of the SARs2appeared in the ascending phase, descending phase and in the period from two years before to the three years aftersolar maximum, respectively. The Carrington longitude distribution of the SARs1 shows that SARs1 in thelongitudinal scope of [0,150°] produced ≥X5.0 flares and GLEs, while only the SARs1 in the longitude range of[150°,360°] not only produced ≥X5.0 flares and GLEs, but also produced SGSs. The total number of SARsduring a SC has a good correlation with the SC size. However, the largest flare index of a SAR within a SC has apoor correlation with the SC size, implying that the number of SARs in a weak SC will be small. However, aweak SC may have a SAR that can produce very strong solar flare activities.
Evaluation of Mental Health Status of the Pregnant Women Working in Hospitals During Covid-19 Era
Authors: Eslamzadeh Mahboubeh , Najjari Bita , Emadzadeh Maryam , Feyzi Zhaleh , Modaresi Farzaneh , Mirzaeian Sara , Yazdi Aazam Sadat Heydari
Published: November 2021

Background Women represent the majority of the healthcare workforce and many of these women are probably pregnant and working at the front-line during COVID-19 outbreak. In COVID-19 crisis healthcare workers experienced excessive issues and challenges that made them vulnerable for getting various mental health disorders. We aimed to evaluate the mental health state among pregnant health care workers in COVID-19 era. MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 64 pregnant clinical residents, general physicians, nurses and other medical staff who worked in the hospitals in Iran, from August 2020 to December 2020 using an anonymous online survey available on Google Form platform. The online survey consisted of socio demographic questions, pregnancy-related questions, and some questions about medical/drug history, The Persian versions of General Health Questionnaire – 28 (GHQ-28), and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) were also fulfilled by the participants.ResultsThe mean age and gestational age of participants were 31.3±3.9 years, and 24.5±10.1 weeks. Psychological problems were moderate (total score GHQ-28> 40) in 9.4% (n:6) of the pregnant health care workers (PHCW). The frequency of moderate/severe problems in the four subclasses, including somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression were 9(14.1%), 25(39.0%), 7(10.9%), and 10(15.6%), respectively. According to CDAS, 26.5% of participants had moderate to severe COVID-19 related anxiety. COVID-19 related anxiety and its subclasses, physical and psychological, were significantly correlated with GHQ-28 total score and its subclasses, including somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression among pregnant health care workers (P<0.01).ConclusionAccording to the results of the current study, over 25% of the pregnant health care workers have moderate to severe COVID-19 related anxiety; so it is crucial for policymakers to focus on the mental health of the pregnant health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic. This study has major implications on health care practice. Further studies are needed to draw a clear picture of mental health problems among PHCW.
Muscle Contributions to Pre-Swing Biomechanical Tasks Influence Swing Leg Mechanics in Individuals Post-Stroke during Walking
Authors: Brough Lydia G. , Kautz Steven A. , Neptune Richard
Published: November 2021

Background

Successful walking requires the execution of the pre-swing biomechanical tasks of body propulsion and leg swing initiation, which are often impaired post-stroke. While excess rectus femoris activity during swing is often associated with low knee flexion, previous work has suggested that deficits in propulsion and leg swing initiation may also contribute. The purpose of this study was to determine underlying causes of propulsion, leg swing initiation and knee flexion deficits in pre-swing and their link to stiff knee gait in stroke survivors.
Methods

Musculoskeletal models and forward dynamic simulations were developed for individuals post-stroke (n=15) and neurotypical participants (n=5). Linear regressions were used to evaluate the relationships between peak knee flexion, braking and propulsion symmetry, and individual muscle contributions to braking, propulsion, knee flexion in pre-swing, and leg swing initiation.
Results

27% of individuals post-stroke had higher plantarflexor contributions to propulsion and 47% had higher vasti contributions to braking on their paretic leg relative to their nonparetic leg. Higher gastrocnemius contributions to propulsion were correlated to paretic propulsion symmetry (p=0.005) while soleus contributions were not. Higher vasti contributions to braking in pre-swing predicted lower knee flexion (p=0.022). The rectus femoris and iliopsoas did not directly contribute to lower knee flexion acceleration in pre-swing compared to contributions from the vasti. However, for some individuals with low knee flexion, during pre-swing the rectus femoris absorbed more power and the iliopsoas contributed less power to the paretic leg. Total muscle-tendon work done on the paretic leg in pre-swing was not correlated to knee flexion during swing.
Conclusions

These results emphasize the multiple causes of propulsion asymmetry in individuals post-stroke, including low plantarflexor contributions to propulsion, increased vasti contributions to braking and reliance on compensatory mechanisms. The results also show that the rectus femoris is not a major contributor to knee flexion in pre-swing, but absorbs more power from the paretic leg in pre-swing in some individuals with stiff knee gait. These results further highlight the heterogeneity of the post-stroke population and the need to identify individual causes of propulsion and knee flexion deficits to improve rehabilitation outcomes.
Hydrogen Enhanced the Myogenic Differentiation of Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through P38 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fei Wenyong , Pang Erkai , Hou Lei , Dai Jihang , Liu Mingsheng , Wang Xuanqi , Xie Bin , Wang Jingcheng
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study aims to clarify the systems underlying regulation and regulatory roles of hydrogen in the myogenic differentiation of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs). Materials and methods: In this study, ADSCs acted as an in vitro myogenic differentiating mode. First, the Alamar blue Staining and mitochondrial tracer technique were used to verify whether hydrogen could promote cell proliferation. In addition, this study assessed myogenic differentiating markers (e.g., Myogenin, Mhc and Myod protein expressions) based on the Western blotting assay, analysis on cellular morphological characteristics (e.g., Myotube number, length, diameter and maturation index), RT-PCR (Mhc and Myod mRNA expression) and Immunofluorescence analysis (Desmin, Myosin and β-actin protein expression). Lastly, to verify the myogenic differentiating system of hydrogen, Western blotting assay was performed to detect p38 and p-p38 proteins expressions. Results: Hydrogen can remarkably enhance the proliferation of ADSCs in vitro by increasing the number of single-cell mitochondria and by up-regulating the expression of myogenic biomarkers (e.g., Myod, Mhc and myotube formation). The expressions of both p38 and p-p38 were up-regulated by hydrogen. The differentiating ability was suppressed when the cells were cultivated in combination with SB203580 (p38 MAPK signal pathway inhibitor). Conclusions: The present study initially indicated that hydrogen can promote myogenic differentiation via the p38 MAPK pathway. Thus, the mentioned results present insights into myogenic differentiation and are likely to generate one potential alternative strategy for skeletal muscle related diseases.
Tooth Loss During Supportive Periodontal Care in a Strict Non-surgically Treated Cohort – a Retrospective Data Analysis
Authors: Bartha Valentin , Mohr Judith , Krumm Boris , Herz Marco , Wolff Diana , Petsos Hari
Published: November 2021

Background: This retrospective study aimed to evaluate tooth loss (TL) within a strict non-surgically treated patient cohort after supportive periodontal care (SPC) of 2.5-10.7 years.Methods: Data for non-surgically treated patients were checked for: complete periodontal examination data at baseline (T0), after active periodontal therapy (T1), and after ≥2.5 years of SPC (T2); Smoking, diabetes mellitus, age (at least 18 years), plaque and gingival indices, bleeding on probing (BOP), percentage of residual pockets, SPC adherence, and number of SPCs were assessed as risk factors for TL.Results: 132 patients were included (76 female, mean age 56.7±10.3 years), mean T1–T2: 4.5±1.6 years. 26.5% of all patients lost 118 teeth (0.5 teeth/patient, 0.12 teeth/patient/year). Plaque and bleeding parameters: mean plaque control record (PCR): 59.77±28.07%, mean papilla bleeding index (PBI): 47.46±34.12%, mean BOP: 33.46±21.52%. SPC duration (p=0.013) and T2 BOP (p=0.048) were identified as patient-related risk factors for TL.Conclusion: The strictly non-surgical approach within the reported cohort was characterized by elevated BOP, PBI, and PCR scores, possibly highlighting the lack of surgical intervention and regular SPC as negative effect. An apparently low TL rate could be observed. Duration of SPC and BOP (T2) were identified as risk factors for TL.
Nicotinamide Mononucleotide Adenylyltransferase 1 Regulates Cerebral Ischemia-Induced Blood–Brain Barrier Disruption Through NAD+/SIRT1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yang , Guo Xun , Peng Zhifeng , Liu Chang , Ren Lili , Liang Jia , Wang Peng
Published: November 2021

The molecular mechanisms of blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption in the early stage after ischemic stroke are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the potential role of nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyltransferase 1 (NMNAT1) in ischemia-induced BBB damage using an animal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of ischemic stroke. Recombinant human NMNAT1 (rh-NMNAT1) was administered intranasally and Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) siRNA was administered by intracerebroventricular injection. Our results indicated that rh-NMNAT1 reduced infarct volume, improved functional outcome and decreased BBB permeability in mice after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, rh-NMNAT1 prevented the loss of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin-5) and reduced cell apoptosis in ischemic microvessels. NMNAT1-mediated BBB permeability was correlated with the elevation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+)/NADH and SIRT1 level in ischemic microvessels. In addition, rh-NMNAT1 treatment significantly decreased the levels of acetylated nuclear factor-κB, acetylated p53 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in ischemic microvessels. Moreover, the protective effects of rh-NMNAT1 were reversed by SIRT1 siRNA. In conclusion, these findings indicate that NMNAT1 protects BBB after ischemic stroke in mice which was in part via the NAD+/SIRT1 signaling pathway in brain microvascular endothelial cells. NMNAT1 may be a novel potential therapeutic target for reducing BBB disruption after ischemic stroke.
Dynamics of Water Accounting Balance for Assessing Water Stress Vulnerability Considering Social Aspects
Authors: Ebrahimi Elham , Karamouz Mohammad
Published: November 2021

To advance proper planning, water accounting (WA) could provide the possibility of linking physical and operational data to their interdisciplinary attributes. In its new form, WA, combined with a dynamic model considering socio-economic aspects, is a valuable tool for rectifying today's water issues. The social water-accounting-based system dynamics (SWA-SD) provides a feedback-based platform to better support flexible decision-making. Analyzing the indicators that correspond to water security in the context of DPSIR (driving force-pressure-state-impact-response) and SWA-SD combined with principal component analysis (PCA) for identifying data patterns is applied to a generic study area suffering from water stress to assess the environmental, economic, and social vulnerabilities. The water accounting has to be based on water balance data (called water accounting balance). As a practical solution to generate water balance data, a time series by the use of basic climatic and hydrologic data is synthesized. According to the results, the water stress and urbanization index were increased by a factor of 43% and 64% in 2020 during a 20-year time horizon, respectively, which is alarming for the region. Moreover, the economic and social water resources vulnerability shows an upward trend, and the environmental component shows many highs (as much as 2.24) and lows (as low as 0.73) due to different supply measures responded to the increasing demands. This study provides a basis that can be replicated for other developing regions to quantify this type of important planning information and for implementing different socially sensitive triggers and technically feasible to measure water vulnerabilities.
Using the Archydro tool for watershed delineationCase of the Kherzet Youcef mine, North-eastern Algeria
Authors: Souhila Cheddad , Abdelhamid Haouchine
Published: November 2021

This research article is attempted on the study of the morphological characteristics of the oued Loussif sub-watershed, located in the Wilaya of Sétif, Algeria. This study is part of a more general study on the hydrogeological study of the Kherzet Youcef deposit. In all fields interested in the study of spatial phenomena, a need for automation is emerging, especially for geographical structures of the ‘network’ type, given their systemic organization of space that is not explained in databases of geographical data. In order to meet this need for automation, the use of Geographic Information Systems has proven to be cost-effective. Morphological characteristics such as flow accumulation, flow direction and stream network were extracted on the basis of the digital elevation model (DEM), and the results were interpreted and analyzed. The geographic information system (GIS) based approach with the use of DME facilitates the understanding of the different morphological features represented in the thematic matrix data maps, and the correlation between flow accumulations, flow direction, stream order and stream network has been well explored. The study represents the morphological characteristics extracted from the DEM. The software used to perform the global analysis was ESRI ArcGIS version 10.8 with the ESRI Spatial Analyst and ArcHydro extension. Morphological features are effective in understanding the spatial distribution of the watercourse network and identifying potential groundwater locations.
Treatment of Degenerated Intervertebral Discs Using a Viable Disc Tissue Allograft for Chronic Discogenic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Single-site Outcomes With Aggregate and Longer-Term Follow-Up Data
Authors: Davis Timothy , Sara Afrida , Nguyen Terry , Burkus John Kenneth
Published: November 2021

Background: Disruption of the internal structure of the nucleus pulposus commonly occurs with the development of painful degenerative lumbar disc disease. Supplementing disc tissue through autologous or allogeneic human cellular and tissue therapies has been tested in small sample clinical trials. A few investigators have reported substantial improvements in pain and function. A viable disc tissue allograft was developed to supplement tissue loss associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. Methods: We assessed results in a subgroup of patients from a large trial comparing this allograft with other treatments. A multicenter randomized controlled trial of 218 subjects with chronic low back pain secondary to degenerative disc disease was conducted. Patients were treated with the allograft, saline, or nonsurgical management and studied for 12 months. We assessed longer-term results in a single-site subgroup from this prospective trial.Results: At 12 months, subjects from the single-site subgroup who had been randomly assigned to the active allograft group (n=17) showed improvements in both mean Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. There was an overall reduction of 28.69 points in the ODI and 33.06 points in the VAS. This was similar to the aggregate ODI and VAS scores of the active allograft group. At 24 months postprocedure, 9 of the 10 patients remaining in the active allograft group at the single study site had mean ODI and VAS score improvements of 28.23 and 36.13, respectively. A similar improvement in pain scores occurred in the 4 patients at 36 months with mean ODI and VAS score improvements from preoperative scores of 25.21 and 51.35, respectively.Conclusions: Clinically meaningful improvements demonstrated in this single-site analysis were comparable to the aggregate study population at 12 months. Longer-term results from this single site at 24 and 36 months suggested durability of viable disc tissue allograft supplementation for patients with discogenic back pain.Trial registration: The trial was retrospectively registered 17 October 2018 on www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03709901) and was approved by the Sterling Institutional Review Board, Atlanta, Georgia (IRB no. 5792).
Osteoporotic Hip Fractures in the Elderly: Is There a Gender Difference?
Authors: Wan Sharifah Aishah , Tiong Ing Khieng , Chuah Seow Lin , Cheong Yaw Kiet , Singh Benjamin Sachdev Manjit , Lee Kar Hoo , Lee Wendy Wan Hui , Teh Cheng Lay , Tiong Jeh Kiong , Samsudin Affizal , Jobli Ahmad Tirmizi
Published: November 2021

BackgroundOsteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture pose a major public health problem in our aging population and carry an increased morbidity and mortality. While overall diagnosis and treatment for osteoporosis have improved, osteoporosis in men remain underdiagnosed and undertreated.AimWe aim to describe the difference in clinical characteristics between elderly men and women with osteoporotic hip fractures in Sarawak General Hospital.MethodsAll patients diagnosed with osteoporotic hip fracture admitted from June 2019-March 2021 were recruited and demographic data and clinical features were obtained.ResultsThere were 140 patients with osteoporotic hip fracture, and 40 were men (28.6%). The mean age for males were 74.1 ± 9.5 years, while the mean age for females were 77.4 ± 9.1 years (p=0.06). There were 20 men with secondary osteoporosis (50%), while 13 women (13%) had secondary osteoporosis (p<0.001). The causes of secondary osteoporosis among the men were hypogonadism, COPD, GIOP, renal disease, ADT, thyroid disorder, prostate cancer, and previous gastrectomy. There were two deaths among the men and four deaths among the women during the inpatient and 3 months follow up period. There was no statistical significance between the mortality rates between male patients (5%) and female patients (4%) (p=0.55). ConclusionThere were more females with osteoporotic hip fractures, and there were significantly more males with secondary osteoporotic hip fractures.Trial registration: This study (Male osteoporotic hip fracture in Sarawak General Hospital) was registered with the Malaysian National Medical Research Register (NMRR). Trial registration number: NMRR-19-323-46068 IIR
Influence of East Asia Pacific Teleconnection and Scandinavian Teleconnection on Summer Precipitation in Southwest China
Authors: yang mingxin , Xiao Tiangui , Zhao Ping , Li Yong , Huang Wei , Li Yueqing , Tan Jie
Published: November 2021

Based on the summer precipitation data of 328 stations in Southwest China in 50 years and the reanalysis data of NCEP / NCAR monthly geopotential height field, and wind field, the relationship between summer precipitation in Southwest China and East Asia Pacific teleconnection pattern (EAP) and Scandinavian teleconnection pattern (SCA) is explored by using EOF, correlation analysis and synthetic analysis. The research results show that: the summer precipitation distribution in Southwest China is mainly divided into two types: the whole region consistent type and the north-south contrary type. EAP teleconnection patterns and SCA teleconnection patterns have a significant negative correlation with the precipitation in Southwest China during the same period. In the active year (teleconnection indices >= 0.3 or <= 0.3), the two teleconnection patterns mostly appear in the same phase, and the distribution of the precipitation is consistent with the second mode distribution of the EOF for summer precipitation in Southwest China, showing a north-south contrary distribution in Southwest China. The two types of teleconnections are divided into two configurations, both of which are positive phase (configuration I), and both are negative phase (configuration II). Configuration I, the summer precipitation in Southwest China presents the distribution of "more in the south and less in the north"; configuration II, the distribution of precipitation is opposite to that configuration I, showing the distribution of "more in the north and less in the south".