bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dual Role of Toll-like Receptor10
Authors: Dargahi Motahareh , Taheri Niloufar , Mirsanei Zahra , Rasti Arezoo , Jafari Reza
Published: May 2021

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) family that identify pathogen-associated molecular patterns derived from microbes and activate immune cell response. Following TLRs ligation, different adaptor and transcription molecules such as myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) are recruited that initiate inflammatory signaling pathways. The human Toll-like receptor 10 (hTLR10) is a novel member of the PRRs family with a regulatory function of immune responses because of unique cytoplasmic domains which lead to induction of both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have reported the association of TLR10 polymorphisms with many inflammatory diseases and human cancer. Engagement of TLR10 on the surface of the epithelium and macrophages leads to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, while other studies have proven an anti-inflammatory role of TLR10. Accordingly, TLR10 suppresses proinflammatory cytokine production via negative regulation of MyD88 and the Akt (protein kinase B) and MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathways. This review aimed to provide answers for these conflicting findings (Inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties of TLR10) to further identify distinct biological functions of TLR10.
A Comprehensive Survey of Social Based Routing for Delay Tolerant Networks
Authors: Jain Sweta , Soares Vasco N.G.J.
Published: May 2021

Delay-tolerant networks (DTN) is an approach to deal with scarce network connectivity found in sparse mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) which makes the problem of routing messages a challenging task. DTNs have find their usefulness in many challenging environments such as tactical networks, underwater sensor networks, wildlife monitoring, disaster recovery etc. Pocket Switched Networks (PSNs) have emerged as a new application of the delay tolerant networks where network nodes are computing devices carried by humans. Hence, the study of how humans interact in their day-to-day life, the places they visit frequently, the people they meet frequently, the social groups in which they participate on regular basis etc. can help improve routing process in PSNs. This type of routing inspired from the way humans interact with each other is referred to as social based routing and had been a recent topic of research in the field of DTNs. This paper presents a comprehensive survey of the various social-based algorithms that have been designed for Delay Tolerant Networks.
BIRTH RATE AND POTENTIAL MEASURES TO IMPROVE IT
Authors:   Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Professor V. F. Voyno-Yasenetsky, Kapitonov V.F. , Li-Gi-Ru S.Yu. ,   Krasnoyarsk Inter-district Maternity Hospital No. 2, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Published: May 2021

Low birth rates resulting a natural decline in population and changes in its age structure, have a negative impact on the increasing shortage of labor resources in all areas of the national economy. At the same time, studies on family planning and family life values by a number of authors show that the main restraining factors of childbearing are social ones caused by a high demand for vocational education. Purpose: to assess dynamics in birth rate and factors affecting its level. Material and methods. According to the purpose of the study, 1985 parturient women were interviewed. The survey results were supplemented with data obtained through the analysis of medical documentation (individual card of the pregnant and puerperal No. 111/y). The study also used materials of the state statistics for the period 2013-2018. The following indicators were calculated: general and age-specific fertility rates, as well as special (F) and total fertility rates (Fsum). Results. The study results show that changes in the age structure of women of the fertile age and decreased age-specific fertility rates have a greater impact on indicators of the total and overall fertility rates than increase in the number of women of reproductive age. A high share of firstborn children (57.5%) born to women aged over 25 indicates a postponement of childbearing to a later age and increase in the average age of primiparous. A high share of primiparous and first-time pregnant women (88.6% and 81.3%, respectively) with higher-than-secondary education in the overall structure of puerperal suggests influence of education on the decision to postpone childbearing. Conclusion. The postponement of childbearing is influenced by a complex of factors, mainly of a socio-economic nature, as evidenced by the sociological survey of puerperal. Development of appropriate socio-economic conditions during the period of education and formation of a young family, will contribute to changes in the fertility age pattern, which is confirmed by the analysis of the responses and suggestions received from the survey respondents.
ORGANIZING MEDICAL VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES ON THE BASIS OF THE REGIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM
Authors:   Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Mironova A.A. ,   Krasnoyarsk regional branch of the all-Russia movement of volunteers in health «Medical volunteers», Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Narkevich A.N. ,   Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky, Krasnoyarsk, Russia, Savchuk P.O. ,   All-Russia movement «Medical volunteers», Moscow, Russia, Evminenko S.A. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Medical Information and Analytical Center, Krasnoyarsk, Russia
Published: May 2021

Significance. In most regions of the Russian Federation, including the Krasnoyarsk Territory, regional projects on medical volunteer activities are under way. However, the existing organizational and functional models fail to meet the need for effective organization of medical volunteer activities. The purpose of the study is to develop an organizational and functional model for organizing and monitoring medical volunteer activities based on the regional information system of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Results. The paper presents the developed organizational and functional model for organizing and monitoring medical volunteer activities on the basis of a regional information system. This model includes a unified regional information space, including a register of volunteer activities, a management body represented by the regional Ministry of Health, as well as medical organizations in which volunteers carry out their activities. Conclusions. The developed organizational and functional model for organizing and monitoring medical volunteer activity allows to keep a full account of the facts of the volunteer activities implementation, their volumes, terms, medical organizations in which this activity was carried out, to manage medical volunteer activities at the regional level, as well as to evaluate their effectiveness. Scope of application. The organizational and functional model for organizing and monitoring medical volunteer activities developed and implemented in the Siberian Federal District, based on the regional information system of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, can be used for complete accounting and, if necessary, confirming volumes and additional conditions for implementing such activities in other regions of the Russian Federation.
CURRENT TRENDS IN MORTALITY IN INDUSTRIAL CITIES OF THE ARCTIC MACROREGION: SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES
Authors:   The Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Kharkova T.L. ,   The Institute of Demography of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia, Kvasha E.A. ,   The Institute of Demography of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia, Revich B.A. ,   The Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Published: May 2021

The authors have evaluated dynamics in indicators of standardized mortality and life expectancy in the industrial cities of the Arctic macroregion. Those cities are characterized by a higher mortality rate including mortality from external causes compared to the Russian indicators. The highest mortality from lung cancer is registered in the city of Norilsk. Purpose. To identify trends in life expectancy and main causes of death in a number of cities with the developed industry of the Arctic macroregion, namely: Arkhangelsk, Severodvinsk, Syktyvkar, Norilsk and Novy Urengoy, in comparison with the urban population of Russia as a whole. Material and methods. Analysis of mortality in the selected cities was carried out on the basis of the Rosstat data with a breakdown on sex, age and causes of death for 2008-2019. To level random annual fluctuations, mortality rates were calculated for four three-year periods. The decomposition method was used to analyze contribution of groups of causes of death to changes in life expectancy. Results. Dynamics in life expectancy in the Arctic cities generally follow he national trends with certain differences. Cities in the Arctic macroregion are characterized by a greater contribution of the reduced mortality from external causes to the rise in life expectancy. Moreover, in Norilsk, the contribution of diseases of the circulatory system in both men and women was negative, and it was the decrease in mortality from external causes that contributed to the increase in life expectancy. However, mortality from external causes of death in the Arctic cities remains higher compared to the all-Russia indicator. This city is characterized by higher mortality from neoplasms, (mortality from lung cancer is 1.2-2.5 times higher). Despite the increase in life expectancy in the Arctic cities over the past decade, trends in mortality from some causes of death in some cities remain negative. Conclusion. Trends in mortality in the Arctic cities largely repeat the national ones but are characterized by a number of features that should be taken into account while developing regional measures for effective mortality reduction. A special attention should be focused on such reserve of mortality reduction as diseases of the respiratory and digestive system, neoplasms, infections as well as external causes of death.
Routine Postoperative Chemistry Panels Are Not Necessary for Most Total Joint Arthroplasty Patients
Authors: Tischler Eric H. , Restrepo Camilo , Ponzio Danielle Y. , Austin Matthew S.
Published: May 2021

Background:

The routine use of traditional chemistry-7 (chem-7) laboratory tests following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been called into question with the advent of short-stay procedures. Our objective was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and clinical interventions associated with inpatient abnormal routine postoperative chem-7 panels.

Methods:

From 2015 to 2017, 3,162 patients underwent a total of 3,721 TJA procedures, including primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) (n = 1,939; 52.1%) or primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (n = 1,782; 47.9%). Patients underwent routine preoperative and postoperative chem-7 testing. Clinical interventions were identified. With use of mixed-effects multivariate logistic regression, potential risk factors for abnormal chemistry panel values (including preoperative chem-7 results, type of surgery, age, sex, race, comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] score, and medications) were analyzed.

Results:

The rates of abnormal preoperative laboratory results were 3.4% for sodium (Na+), 7.4% for potassium (K+), 15.8% for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and 26.4% for creatinine (Cr). The incidence of abnormal postoperative results was low for K+ (9.7%) and higher for Na+ (25.6%), BUN (55.6%), and Cr (27.9%). Preoperative abnormal laboratory results were a significant predictor of a postoperative abnormality for Na+ (odds ratio [OR] = 2.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.82 to 2.54), K+ (OR = 4.22; 95% CI = 3.03 to 5.88), and Cr (OR = 3.00; 95% CI = 2.45 to 3.68). Bilateral TJA was associated with increased odds of abnormal postoperative Na+ (OR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.44 to 1.68). Renal disease was associated with increased odds of abnormal postoperative Cr (OR = 15.21; 95% CI = 5.67 to 40.77). Patients taking loop diuretics had increased odds of abnormal postoperative K+ (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.42 to 3.11) and Cr (OR = 2.28; 95% CI = 1.56 to 3.33). Regarding intervention, 6.7% of hypokalemic patients received potassium chloride (KCl) fluid/tablets. Forty percent of hyponatremic patients received sodium chloride (NaCl) fluid/tablets. The electrolyte-related medicine consultation rate was 0.3% (13 of 3,721).

Conclusions:

On the basis of our findings, we recommend postoperative chem-7 testing for patients with an abnormal preoperative laboratory result (Na+, K+, BUN, Cr), preexisting renal disease, bilateral TJA, and prescribed angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), and diuretics.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Syndrome in Revision Arthroplasty for a Prosthetic Knee Infection
Authors: Portney Daniel A. , Baker Hayden P. , Boyle Margaret M. , Barbosa Victoria H. , Luu Hue H.
Published: May 2021

Case:

A 51-year-old woman underwent stage I of a 2-stage revision for a prosthetic knee infection with a vancomycin-impregnated articulating cement spacer followed by IV vancomycin and ceftriaxone. Four weeks later, she developed fevers, a diffuse cutaneous eruption, lymphadenopathy, transaminitis, and acute renal tubular necrosis before being diagnosed with drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic syndrome (DRESS).

Conclusion:

DRESS is a rare, potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction with cutaneous manifestations and multiorgan involvement. Although rare, its incidence in orthopaedic patients is likely to increase with the aging population. It must be recognized early to minimize end-stage organ dysfunction and mortality.
A protocol to generate SPH-OminiCMV-Ents mESCs
Authors: Gao Ni , Hu Jing , Zhou Haibo , Yang Hui
Published: May 2021

Detection of genetic information in the natural context is essential to understand the biological principles. However, the ability to sense the activity of endogenous genes is limited for conventional tools. Here, we developed a highly programmable sgRNA switch system (Ents) that enables detection of endogenous genes and lncRNAs, even with very low expression level. This protocol is related to the publication “Endogenous promoter-driven sgRNA for monitoring the expression of low-abundant genes and lncRNAs” in Nature Cell Biology.
Single-Cell Mapping and 3D Tissue Reconstruction using Cryosection-derived Images and Tissue Mapper software
Authors: Robbins Shanina , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Schwaber James
Published: May 2021

The present protocol describes the process of using the MBF Bioscience Tissue Mapper software to create a 3D reconstructed stack from contouring the block face images of serial cryosections and mark the individual immunolabeled cells onto the contoured images. The stack of aligned, contoured and annotated images can be visualized as a 3D reconstruction that depicts the tissue shape as it was embedded and cryosectioned, relative positions of various tissue features, and locations of individually marked neurons within the tissue, yielding a 3D anatomical map of the distribution of cells of interest with a tissue. This protocol can be used in conjunction with other protocols for sampling spatially-tracked single neurons using laser capture micro-dissection and assessed for molecular profiles using transcriptomics approaches. Such integration extends the present protocol to enable 3D visualization of molecular data in conjunction with the anatomical information for spatial transcriptomic analysis.
Multifocal IOL Explantation in Patients with Opaque Lentis after Refractive Lens Exchange
Authors: Phylactou Maria , Din Nizar , Matarazzo Francesco , Maurino Vincenzo
Published: May 2021

Purpose
We describe the outcomes of intraocular lens (IOL) explantation in a cluster of opaque multifocal Lentis LS-313 following refractive lens exchange (RLE).
Methods
Single-centre, single-surgeon, retrospective case series.
Results
The study enrolled 10 eyes of 10 patients, 6 male and 4 female. All patients had uneventful RLE with multifocal IOL implantation. The mean patient age at the time of RLE was 53 years ± 2.52 (SD). Two eyes had YAG laser capsulotomy prior explantation. The mean interval between the initial RLE and IOL explantation was 5.4 years ± 1.4 (SD). IOL exchange was performed in all eyes in one procedure. Five eyes had in the bag hydrophobic acrylic IOL (3 multifocal and 2 monofocal) three eyes had 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL in the ciliary sulcus and two had an anterior chamber IOL. Intraoperatively one patient had weak zonules and two patients had zonular dehiscence and required anterior vitrectomy. The mean preoperative CDVA was 0.25 ± 0.15 (SD) logMAR and at the final follow-up, improved to 0.00 ± 0.07 (SD) logMAR (p < 0.01). Light microscopy with von Kossa stain confirmed IOL calcification. No postoperative complications were recorded.
Conclusions
IOL exchange appears to be a feasible and safe surgical option for multifocal IOL opacification. However, patients must be warned of additional intraoperative risks including zonular dialysis, vitreous loss, retinal detachment and need for potential ACIOL with its associated sequel of complications. Moreover, YAG laser capsulotomy should be considered carefully as increases the chances of intraoperative complications and restricts the surgical options of secondary IOL insertion, including in-the-bag IOL exchange with MFIOL.
Plant-mediated rhizospheric interactions in rice-water spinach intercropping enhance Si uptake by rice
Authors: Ning Chuanchuan , Wang Lei , Liu Rui , Pan Taowen , Cai Yixia , Tian Jihui , Luo Shiming , Cai Kunzheng
Published: May 2021

Aims Although biodiversity utilization in paddy fields has increased in recent years, silicon (Si) nutrition of rice in intercropping systems is poorly understood. On the basis of our previous study, the present research focused on deciphering the underlying mechanisms involved in rice and water spinach intercropping, which enhance Si uptake by rice.Methods We carried out a series of experiments including field, greenhouse, and incubation experiments to explore the underlying mechanisms.Results The field trials showed that rice-water spinach intercropping with different row ratios can increase Si concentration by 9.8%-52.6% and Si absorption by 34.7%-127.8% in rice leaves at ripening stage compared to rice monoculture. The pot trials further indicated that intercropping can promote rice to increase Si concentration in Si-deficient soil, with an increase of 35.9% in stems and 29.7% in leaves, and intercropping significantly increased soil water-soluble Si content by 168.1% compared to rice monoculture. Further research indicated that there was an interaction between rice roots and water spinach roots under intercropping conditions, which not only induced the up-regulated expression of Si transporter genes in rice roots (OsLsi1, OsLsi2) and stems (OsLsi6), but also stimulated rice roots to secrete more organic acids to increase Si availability in the soil. Moreover, water spinach root exudates helped the mobilization of Si in soil through proton efflux of roots. Conclusions Rice-water spinach intercropping can greatly enhance Si absorption of rice through several beneficial ways, which will have important practical significance for sustainable rice production, especially in Si-deficient soils.
Effects of episodic slow slip on seismicity and stress near a subduction-zone megathrust
Authors: Kita Saeko , Houston Heidi , Yabe Suguru , Tanaka Sachiko , Asano Youichi , Shibutani Takuo , Suda Naoki
Published: May 2021

Slow slip phenomena deep in subduction zones reveal cyclic processes downdip of locked megathrusts. Here we analyze seismicity within a subducting oceanic slab under Kii Peninsula, Japan, spanning nearly 50 major deep slow slip and tremor episodes over 17 years. Changes in rate, b-values, and stress orientations of inslab seismicity are temporally associated with the slow slip episodes. Furthermore, although stress orientations in the slab below these slow slips may rotate slightly, inslab orientations 20 to 50 km updip from there rotate significantly, suggesting previously-unrecognized transient slow slip occurs on the plate interface updip. We infer that fluid migrates from slab to interface, promoting episodes of slow slip, which break mineral seals, letting fluid migrate 10’s of km further updip along the interface where it promotes transient slow slips. The proposed methodology, based primarily on inslab seismicity, may help monitor plate boundary conditions and slow slip phenomena, which can signal the beginning stages of megathrust earthquakes.
Systemic Inflammation Alters The Neuroinflammatory Response: A Prospective Clinical Trial In Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Lassarén Philipp , Lindblad Caroline , Frostell Arvid , Carpenter Keri LH , Guilfoyle Mathew R , Hutchinson Peter JA , Helmy Adel , Thelin Eric Peter
Published: May 2021

Background: Neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been shown to be associated with secondary injury development, however how systemic inflammatory mediators affect this is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to see how systemic inflammation affects markers of neuroinflammation, if this inflammatory response had a temporal correlation between compartments and how different compartments differ in cytokine composition.Methods: TBI patients recruited to a previous randomized controlled trial studying the effects of the drug anakinra (Kineret®), a human recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL1ra), were used (n=10 treatment arm, n=10 control arm). Cytokine concentrations were measured in arterial and jugular venous samples twice a day, as well as in microdialysis-extracted brain extracellular fluid (ECF) following pooling every 6 hours. C-reactive protein level (CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), temperature and confirmed systemic clinical infection were used as systemic markers of inflammation. Principal component analyses, linear mixed-effect models, cross-correlations and multiple factor analyses were used.Results: Jugular and arterial blood held similar cytokine information content, but brain-ECF was markedly different. No clear arterial to jugular gradient could be seen. No substantial delayed temporal associations between blood and brain compartments were detected. The development of a systemic clinical infection resulted in a significant decrease of IL1-ra, G-CSF, PDGF-ABBB, MIP-1b and RANTES (p<0.05, respectively) in brain-ECF, even if adjusting for injury severity and demographic factors, while an increase in several cytokines could be seen in arterial blood. Conclusions: Systemic inflammation, and infection in particular, alters cytokine levels with different patterns seen in brain and in blood. Cerebral inflammatory monitoring provides independent information from arterial and jugular samples, which both demonstrate similar information content. These findings could present potential new treatment options in severe TBI patients, and stresses the need of adequate monitoring of inflammatory markers.
Research of the Influence of Production Technologies on the Positioning Accuracy of a Robotic Arm for Low Handling Weights
Authors: Michalik Peter , Molnár Vieroslav , Fedorko Gabriel , Stehlíková Beáta , Tirpak Peter , Macej Jozef
Published: May 2021

The subject of the paper is the research of production technologies influence on positioning accuracy of a robotic arm. The aim was to find out whether different production technologies (additive and conventional) and the related design differences of the robotic arm affect its operational functionality. In the research, positioning accuracy of a robotic arm formed by 3 partial arms was specifically investigated, while the first partial arm Arm I was manufactured by two different technologies. On the robotic arm, the research was carried out in such a way that the first partial arm, Arm I, was being continuously changed and was available for research purposes in two variants. Each of the Arm I variants was manufactured using a different technology (additive and conventional) while, at the same time, the individual variants also differed in construction. The design differences of both variants were related to the production technology used. The measurement of positioning accuracy was performed with the use of two methods. Specifically, a contact and a non-contact method was used. The contact method was implemented on a 3D-measuring machine RAPID and the second contactless method was performed using an inductive sensor. The maximum working load of the robotic arm was 2 kg, so the positioning accuracy was examined at three degrees of operating load equal to 0; 50 and 100% of the maximum workload.
Removal of Elemental Mercury from Flue Gas using the Magnetic Attapulgite by Mn-Cu Oxides Modification
Authors: Long Yifei , He Zhong , Li Xiaoyi , Yin Yajie , Wang Yuan , Li Honghu , Hu Jiangjun
Published: May 2021

Mercury pollution has become one of the most concerned environmental issues in the world because of its high toxicity, non-degradability and bioaccumulation. Attapulgite adsorbents modified by magnetic manganese-copper (MnxCuy-MATP) were fabricated by co-precipitation and ultrasonic impregnation method,aiming at removing Hg0 from coal-fired flue gas. BET, SEM, XRD, VSM and XPS were used to systematically explore the physical and chemical properties of the adsorbents, the effects of manganese and copper additions, reaction temperature and various components in the flue gas on the efficiency of Hg0 removal were investigated. Mn8Cu5-MATP exhibited the optimal properties, and excessive copper loadings led to the aggregation of the active components. The efficiency of mercury removal can be effectively improved by NO and HCl regardless of the absence and presence of O2, because the NO+, NO3, NO2 and Cl* produced during the reaction can promote the adsorption and oxidation of Hg0. SO2 and H2O inhibited the oxidation of Hg0 because of the competitive adsorption at the active sites, while a large amount of sulfite and sulfate were formed to block the pores. However, the introduction of copper caused the sample to obtain SO2 resistance, which resulted in a mercury removal efficiency of 84.3% even under 1500 ppm SO2. In addition, after 5 cycles of adsorption and regeneration, Mn8Cu5-MATP can still maintain excellent Hg0 removal ability. The fabricated adsorbent can save the actual production cost and effectively improve the mercury removal efficiency in sulfur-containing flue gas.
Shifts in outdoor activity patterns in the time of COVID-19 and its implications for exposure to vector-borne diseases in the United States.
Authors: Fernandez Pilar , Bron Gebbiena , Kache Pallavi , Tsao Jean , Bartholomay Lyric , Hayden Mary , Ernst Kacey , Berry Kevin , Diuk-Wasser Maria
Published: May 2021

Unintended consequences of human behavioral changes induced by governmental and individual responses to COVID-19 risk are yet to be fully realized. Herein, we evaluated changes in outdoor activity patterns during the spring and summer of 2020 vs. 2019 in the Northeast and Midwest United States. We used self-reported data from daily surveys available through a smartphone application, The Tick App. We simultaneously assessed changes in exposure to tick vectors in relation to changes in outdoor recreation. Outdoor activities and particularly peridomestic activities, increased by two-fold between years, while recreational activities in green spaces decreased by 70%. Tick encounters increased by 30%, and were mainly associated with outdoor activities and living in a rural county. Changes in outdoor recreation were associated with statewide stay-at-home orders in 2020 and persisted as out-of-home mobility increased. Our findings suggest that public health response should also address competing hazards from COVID-19 related outdoor exposure.
Subclinical Brain Lesion in MRI is a Potential Indicative of PFO-Related Migraine in Younger Patients
Authors: Ma Fei , Luo Xiang , Lin Fan , Li Rui , Zhou Qiang , Zeng Hesong , Wang Dao Wen , Wang Hong
Published: May 2021

Background: The causal relationship of migraine with PFO remains controversial and a major question unresolved is how to define the PFO-attributable migraine.Objective: In this study, we evaluated diffusion-weighted-imaging (DWI) presentation in brain MRI and its association with PFO in patients with migraine. We aimed to define if brain lesion could be a potential indicative of PFO-related migraine. Methods: Consecutive migraine patients <60 years with or without aura from 2017 to 2019 who underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) or transcranial Doppler (TCD) examination with agitated saline contrast (ASC) injection were assessed for right-to-left shunt (RLS). We then assessed brain DWI findings in the patients and tested the association of brain lesion with PFO. Results: A total of 424 patients with mean age 44.39±12.06 years were included in the study. Among them, 244 patients (57.5%) had PFO and 246 patients (58%) had subclinical brain lesion. The brain lesion presented as single or multiple scattered lesion. Although there was no association between PFO prevalence and brain lesion in the total cohort (OR 0.499, 95% CI 0.236-1.052), the association was significant in patients who were aged less than 46 years (OR 3.614 in group of age<34 years, 95% CI 1.128-11.580, and 3.132 in group of 34 years≤age<46 years, 95% CI 1.334-7.350, respectively). DWI lesion in patients with PFO was more coming from anterior or multiple than posterior vascular territory (p=0.033). DWI lesion numbers, location and RLS amounts were not affecting the association between DWI lesion and PFO. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that subclinical brain lesion are associated with PFO in migraineurs younger than 46 years. The DWI pattern of brain lesions may be used as a potential predictor of PFO-related migraine in patients who are aged less than 46 years and aids in selection of appropriate candidates for PFO closure.
Parasitism of Egeria radiata (Lamarck, 1804) in Lower Sanaga delta, Cameroon: Prevalence, Diversity, Intensity and its Impact on This Economic and Nutritional Clam Species
Authors: DIKOUME Adolphe , NWUTIH Gordon AJONINA , FOKO Loick Pradel KOJOM , EYANGO Minette TOMEDI
Published: May 2021

Background: Clams are an important source of economic incomes and animal protein source in Cameroon. In contrast, parasitism is a serious threat to the economy and health risk to Cameroonian populations. The present study aimed at determine diversity and intensity of parasitism along with its impact on E. radiata, a major clam species in the country. Methods: Parasitic screening of freshwater Egeria radiata was carried out December 2017 to July 2018 at lower Sanaga delta in the Littoral region of Cameroon. Bolounga and Maldjedou were local stations of sampling, where clams were collected and in situ measurements of weight, length and width and were transported to the laboratory for parasites survey. Parasites were examined and attempt was made on the identification using appropriate keys. Results: Statistical analysis of results showed that the parasitic prevalence was 74.5% overall and was 56% and 90% at Bolounga and Maldjedou respectively. The prevalence of parasites habour found were Protozoans (10% vs 0%; p=0.01), Trematodes (4% vs 16.7%; p=0.04), Cestodes (6% vs 23%; p=0.01) and Nematodes (12% vs 31.7%; p=0.01) at respectively Bolounga and Maldjedou stations. Parasites diversity of Egeria radiata show Intensity index at Bolounga and Maldjedou was respectively 1.35 and 1.31 with 1.32 overall. Abundance rate was 0.99 overall and was 0.76 and 1.18 at Bolounga and Maldjedou respectively. Significative correlation can be observed with Burrow and parasitic index ; The size of clams in two stations show lengths (5.2mm vs 4.5mm), height (4.1cm vs 3.5cm), total shell weight (38.9g vs 30.0g) and left shell weight (19.6g vs 15.2g). higher values were encountered in Maldjedou with significant differences that were observed.Conclusion: Velocity of parasites inside bivalve species to burrow and filter water expose it to infection with these above mentioned groups of parasites that cause a mass mortality and significant economic losses and public health.
First Record of Traumatic Myiasis Obtained From Forest Musk Deer (Moschus Berezovskii) Using Dna Barcoding
Authors: Gao Yunyun , Fu Yajun , Yan Liping , Hu Defu , Jiang Benmo , Zhang Dong
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMyiasis is an infestation of maggots on living tissue in humans and animals all over the world. It is known to occur in wild animals, while no information is reported in forest musk deer. We found a case of traumatic myiasis of an injured forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii), the wound of which was infected by numerous maggots, and the fur was covered by clusters of eggs. The affected individual was clinically treated immediately and recovered. MethodsDNA barcoding is an efficient technique for species diagnosis, therefore is employed to identify the blowfly samples collected from the infected forest musk deer. Firstly, we extracted genomic DNA from larvae and eggs respectively. The DNA barcoding sequences of 49 individuals were obtained and subsequently analyzed calculating nucleotide composition and divergence and haplotypes, constructing a neighbor-joining (NJ) tree, for accurate identification of these blowflies. ResultsOur results suggest that the average nucleotide divergence between the 49 sequences of blowfly samples is 0.0022, 0.0054 is between sequences of blowfly samples and Lucilia caesar (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). Furthermore, the NJ tree construction indicates that the flies collected from the forest musk deer are clustered together with L. caesar. The sequences of sampled blowflies have nine haplotypes, including two shared haplotypes, with haplotype diversity 0.588, nucleotide diversity 0.00215, and the average number of nucleotide differences was 1.374. Conclusions﻿We report traumatic myiasis of forest musk deer for the first time, which expands the information on parasite and myiasis of forest musk deer and confirmed the potential risk of traumatic myiasis of forest musk deer.
Neutrophils Defensively Degrade Graphene Oxide in a Lateral Dimension Dependent Manner through Two Distinct Myeloperoxidase Mediated Mechanisms
Authors: Huang Shiyi , Li Sijie , Liu Yanlei , Ghalandari Behafarid , Hao Ling , Huang Chengjie , Su Wenqiong , Ke Yuqing , Cui Daxiang , Zhi Xiao , Ding Xianting
Published: May 2021

The boosting exploitation of graphene oxide (GO) increases exposure risk to human beings. However, as the first line defender, neutrophils’ mechanism of defensive behavior towards GO invasion remains unclear. Herein, we discover that neutrophils defensively degrade GO in a lateral dimension dependent manner. The micrometer-sized GO (mGO) induces NETosis by releasing neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), while nanometer-sized GO (nGO) elicits neutrophil degranulation. The neutrophils’ defensive behavior is accompanied with generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of p-ERK and p-Akt kinases. We unveil that mGO-induced NETosis is NADPH oxidase (NOX)-independent, while nGO-triggered degranulation is NOX-dependent. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase (MPO) is identified to be a determinant mediator despite distinct neutrophil phenotypes in the biodegradation. Neutrophils release NETs comprising of MPO upon activated with mGO, while MPO is secreted via nGO induced-degranulation. Moreover, the binding energy between MPO and GO is calculated to be 69.8728 kJ·mol− 1, which indicates that electrostatic interactions mainly cause the spontaneous binding process in a spatial distance of 9.2 Å. Meanwhile, the central enzymatic biodegradation is found to occur at oxygenic active sites and defects on GO. Mass spectrometry analysis deciphers the degradation products are biocompatible molecules like flavonoids and polyphenols. Our study provides fundamental evidence and practical guidance for functional biomaterial development in sustainable nanotechnology, including but not limited to vaccine adjuvant and drug carrier.
To Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Drug‐eluting Beads Bronchial Arterial Chemoembolization Loaded with Pirarubicin in the Treatment of Advanced Non-small-cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Zhaonan , Chen Quanjing , Jiao Dechao , Han Xinwei
Published: May 2021

Objectives The control of solid tumors by drug-eluting beads has been recognized in clinical practice, but there are still few applications regarding drug‐eluting beads bronchial arterial chemoembolization (DEB‐BACE) in lung cancer. To further investigate the role of DEB-BACE in patients with lung cancer. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of Pirarubicin-loaded CalliSpheres beads in patients treated for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). MethodsFrom June 2017 to January 2018, 54 patients with advanced NSCLC received DEB‐BACE with Pirarubicin‐loaded CalliSpheres® beads. After the treatment, the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Moreover, adverse events and complications were also reported. ResultsAfter DEB‐BACE treatment, most of the adverse events and complications were CTCAE grade 1 or 2 (mild symptoms, no or local/noninvasive intervention indicated) . Of the 54 patients, 2 persons (4%) had grade-3 lung abscess and required percutaneous drainage, 1(2%) had a grade-3 pulmonary infection that caused difficulty breathing and required intravenous antibiotics and ventilator adjuvant therapy. Moreover, the patient’s mean PFS was 7.828 months (95% CI: 6.614, 9.043), and the mean OS rates were 17.678 months (95% CI: 15.573, 19.783). Additionally, both univariate and multivariate cox regression indicated that the disease stage (stage III) seems related to better PFS in patients with advanced NSCLC (P=0.013). ConclusionsThe clinical effect of DEB‐BACE with Pirarubicin‐loaded CalliSpheres® beads on advanced NSCLC is probably significant and could improve the PFS, the adverse events and complications were tolerable.
Vaccinate Early and Vaccinate Broadly: On the health and Economic Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines
Authors: Ganslmeier Michael , Deb Pragyan , Furceri Davide , Ostry Jonathan , Tawk Nour
Published: May 2021

Recent progress in COVID-19 vaccination campaigns has provided real hope for people around the world to successfully end the pandemic, decrease fatality rates and lift social distancing rules for timely economic recovery. Even though several RCT and single-country case studies have shown the high efficacy of the developed vaccines, little is known about how vaccination will result in lower cases and higher economic activity at the macro level. Quantifying the speed of these effects using observational data is of great relevance for policymakers as they grapple with decisions on vaccine distribution and equity, costly containment and social distancing measures, healthcare planning and expenditures, and macroeconomic policy support.

With this article, we aim to contribute to the pandemic literature by measuring the effect of vaccination rates on new cases and macroeconomic activity indicators using daily real-world observational data from 314 regions/states in 17 countries. Our results show that: (i) vaccination has a delayed containment effect which increases over time; (ii) the effects on changes in economic activity are transitory after large initial rises—that is, vaccination has permanent level effects; and (iii) the effect of the second vaccine dose is only present for new cases while being insignificant for economic activity.
Utility of an Artificial Intelligence System for Classification of Esophageal Lesions when Simulating its Clinical use
Authors: Tajiri Ayaka , ISHIHARA Ryu , KATO Yusuke , INOUE Takahiro , MATSUEDA Katsunori , MIYAKE Muneaki , WAKI Kotaro , SHIMAMOTO Yusaku , FUKUDA Hiromu , MATSUURA Noriko , EGAWA Satoshi , YAMAGUCHI Shinjiro , OGIYAMA Hideharu , OGISO Kiyoshi , NISHIDA Tsutomu , AOI Kenji , TADA Tomohiro
Published: May 2021

Background:Previous reports have shown favorable performance of artificial intelligence (AI) systems for diagnosing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) compared with endoscopists. However, these findings don’t reflect performance in clinical situations, as endoscopists classify lesions based on both magnified and non-magnified videos, while AI systems often use only a few magnified narrow band imaging (NBI) still images. We evaluated the performance of the AI system in simulated clinical situations.Methods:We used 25,048 images from 1,433 superficial ESCC and 4,746 images from 410 noncancerous esophagi to construct our AI system. For the validation dataset, we took NBI videos of suspected superficial ESCCs. The AI system diagnosis used one magnified still image taken from each video, while 19 endoscopists used whole videos. Results:We used 147 datasets including 83 superficial ESCC and 64 non-ESCC lesions. The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity for the classification of ESCC were, respectively, 80.9%, 85.5%, and 75.0% for the AI system and 69.2%, 67.5%, and 71.5% for the endoscopists. The AI system correctly classified all ESCCs invading the muscularis mucosa or submucosa and 96.8% of lesions ≥ 20 mm, whereas even the experts misdiagnosed some of them.Conclusions:Our AI system showed higher diagnostic ability for classifying ESCC and non-ESCC than endoscopists. It may provide valuable diagnostic support to endoscopists.
Foraging Roots and their Associated Microbes Slow the Decay of Belowground Litters in a Temperate Hardwood Forest
Authors: Beidler Katilyn , Oh Young Eui , Pritchard Seth G. , Phillips Richard P.
Published: May 2021

1. There is increasing evidence that plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, whether living or dead, play a central role in soil carbon (C) cycling. Root-mycorrhizal-microbial interactions can both suppress and enhance litter decay, with the net result dependent upon belowground nutrient acquisition strategies and soil nutrient availability. 2. We measured the net effect of living roots and mycorrhizal fungi on the decay of dead roots and fungal hyphae in a hardwood forest dominated by either sugar maple (Acer saccharum) or white oak (Quercus alba) trees. Root and fungal litter were allowed to decompose within root-ingrowth bags and root-exclusion cores. In conjunction with root effects on decay, we assessed foraging responses and root induced changes in soil moisture, nitrogen (N) availability and enzyme activity. 3. After one year, maple root production increased, and mycorrhizal fungal colonization decreased in the presence of decaying litter Additionally, we found that actively foraging roots suppressed the decay of root litter (-14%) more than fungal litter (-3%), and suppression of root decay was stronger for oak (-20%) than maple roots (-8%). Suppressive effects of oak roots on decay were greatest when roots also reduced soil N availability, which corresponded with reductions in β-glucosidase, (BG) enzyme activity and enhanced oxidative (OX) enzyme activities. 4. These findings further our understanding of context-dependent drivers of root–mycorrhizal–microbial interactions and demonstrate the potential for suppression of soil saprotrophs to contribute to the accumulation of root and fungal derived soil C in temperate forests.
Effect of Obesity on Mortality in Pulmonary Hypertension, Does Obesity Paradox Exist?
Authors: Reddy Raju M , Khan Akram , Singh Saminder , Alzghoul Bashar , Gause Sherie , Colaco Nalini , Robinson Jeffrey , Zayed Yazan
Published: May 2021

Obesity is reported to have a protective effect on mortality in pulmonary hypertension (PH), a phenomenon known as obesity paradox. However, the data is conflicting with some studies showing decreased mortality while other studies found no effect of obesity on mortality. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to examine the effect of obesity on mortality in PH. Only patients with PH diagnosed by right heart catheterization were included. We also performed a sub-group analysis of subjects with pre-capillary PH only. A total of seven studies met the inclusion criteria with a sample size of 79,577 patients. Obese subjects had lower mortality compared to non-obese subjects in the mixed PH group (hazard ratio 0.67, 95% CI 0.51-0.87, P<0.00001) and in the pre-capillary PH group (hazard ratio 0.74; 95% CI 0.58-0.96; P<0.00001). Body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2 may be associated with reduced mortality but these results must be interpreted with caution.
In-Office Communication About Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Associated with Treated Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Insights from an Ethnographic Study of Physician-Patient Visits
Authors: Won Christine , Bogan Richard K , Doghramji Karl , Ojile Joseph , Bujanover Shay , Hyman Danielle L , Hewett Kathleen A , Thomas Robert
Published: May 2021

Background: Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), a primary symptom of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), negatively affects functioning and quality of life (QoL). EDS can persist despite primary airway therapy, and often remains unmanaged, potentially due to inadequate provider-patient communication. Ethnographic research was conducted to assess provider-patient communication about EDS. Methods: Participating physicians (primary care n=5; pulmonologists n=5; sleep specialists n=3) identified adult patients (n=33) diagnosed with OSA who were prescribed positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy ≥6 months prior and previously reported EDS. Visits and post-visit interviews were video-recorded and analyzed using standardized, validated sociolinguistic techniques. Results: Despite 55% of patients (18/33) reporting QoL impacts post-visit, this was discussed during 28% (5/18) of visits. Epworth Sleepiness Scale was administered during 27% (9/33) of visits. Many patients (58% [19/33]) attributed EDS to factors other than OSA. Physicians provided EDS education during 24% of visits (8/33). No pharmacotherapy for EDS was prescribed to patients not currently taking medications despite 78% (18/23) reporting EDS.Conclusions: EDS was minimally discussed and rarely reassessed or treated after PAP therapy initiation in this study. Patients often attributed EDS to factors other than OSA. The findings suggest physicians and patients may benefit from dialogue tools, routine use of screening tools, and patient education.