bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association among starch storage, metabolism, related genes and growth of Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) shoots
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Ma Ruixiang , Ding Xingcui , Huang Manchang , Shen Kai , Zhao Siqi , Xiao Zizhang , Xiu Chengming
Published: October 2021

Background

Both underground rhizomes/buds and above-ground Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla) shoots/culms/branches are connected together into a close inter-connecting system in which nutrients are transported and shared among each organ. However, the starch storage and utilization mechanisms during bamboo shoot growth remain unclear. This study aimed to reveal in which organs starch was stored, how carbohydrates were transformed among each organ, and how the expression of key genes was regulated during bamboo shoot growth and developmental stages which should lay a foundation for developing new theoretical techniques for bamboo cultivation.

Results

Based on changes of the NSC content, starch metabolism-related enzyme activity and gene expression from S0 to S3, we observed that starch grains were mainly elliptical in shape and proliferated through budding and constriction. Content of both soluble sugar and starch in bamboo shoot peaked at S0, in which the former decreased gradually, and the latter initially decreased and then increased as shoots grew. Starch synthesis-related enzymes (AGPase, GBSS and SBE) and starch hydrolase (α-amylase and β-amylase) activities exhibited the same dynamic change patterns as those of the starch content. From S0 to S3, the activity of starch synthesis-related enzyme and starch amylase in bamboo rhizome was significantly higher than that in bamboo shoot, while the NSC content in rhizomes was obviously lower than that in bamboo shoots. It was revealed by the comparative transcriptome analysis that the expression of starch synthesis-related enzyme-encoding genes were increased at S0, but reduced thereafter, with almost the same dynamic change tendency as the starch content and metabolism-related enzymes, especially during S0 and S1. It was revealed by the gene interaction analysis that AGPase and SBE were core genes for the starch and sucrose metabolism pathway.

Conclusions

Bamboo shoots were the main organ in which starch was stored, while bamboo rhizome should be mainly functioned as a carbohydrate transportation channel and the second carbohydrate sink. Starch metabolism-related genes were expressed at the transcriptional level during underground growth, but at the post-transcriptional level during above-ground growth. It may be possible to enhance edible bamboo shoot quality for an alternative starch source through genetic engineering.
Probiotics as the live microscopic fighters against Helicobacter pylori gastric infections
Authors: Keikha Masoud , Karbalaei Mohsen
Published: October 2021

Background

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the causative agent of stomach diseases such as duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer, in this regard incomplete eradication of this bacterium has become to a serious concern. Probiotics are a group of the beneficial bacteria which increase the cure rate of H. pylori infections through various mechanisms such as competitive inhibition, co-aggregation ability, enhancing mucus production, production of bacteriocins, and modulating immune response.

Result

In this study, according to the received articles, the anti-H. pylori activities of probiotics were reviewed. Based on studies, administration of standard antibiotic therapy combined with probiotics plays an important role in the effective treatment of H. pylori infection. According to the literature, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, and Saccharomyces boulardii can effectively eradicate H. pylori infection. Our results showed that in addition to decrease gastrointestinal symptoms, probiotics can reduce the side effects of antibiotics (especially diarrhea) by altering the intestinal microbiome.

Conclusion

Nevertheless, antagonist activities of probiotics are H. pylori strain-specific. In general, these bacteria can be used for therapeutic purposes such as adjuvant therapy, drug-delivery system, as well as enhancing immune system against H. pylori infection.
Interrelationships among whole-body skeletal muscle mass, masseter muscle mass, oral function, and dentition status in older Japanese adults
Authors: Iwasaki Masanori , Hirano Hirohiko , Motokawa Keiko , Shirobe Maki , Edahiro Ayako , Ohara Yuki , Kawai Hisashi , Kojima Motonaga , Obuchi Shuichi , Murayama Hiroshi , Fujiwara Yoshinori , Ihara Kazushige , Shinkai Shoji , Kitamura Akihiko
Published: October 2021

Background

Generalized loss of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) may modulate or otherwise affect the loss of masseter muscle mass and be responsible for low masseter muscle performance and strength (i.e., low oral function). Moreover, dentition status can affect oral function independent of the muscle state. This cross-sectional study aimed to simultaneously investigate the relationships among whole-body SMM, masseter muscle mass, oral function (masseter muscle performance and strength), and dentition status in 1349 Japanese adults (mean age = 73.6 years).

Methods

We determined the estimated masseter muscle mass (e-MMM) based on morphological measurements of the masseter muscle. Masseter muscle performance was assessed via masticatory performance evaluation scores using gum, and strength was assessed as the maximal occlusal force. Dentition status was assessed as the number of functional teeth. SMM was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Structural equation modeling stratified by sex was employed to investigate associations among SMM, e-MMM, gum score, occlusal force, and number of functional teeth.

Results

The direct path from SMM to e-MMM was statistically significant, as was the direct path from e-MMM to oral function (gum score and maximum occlusal force) for both sexes. We additionally confirmed that SMM indirectly affected gum score and maximum occlusal force via e-MMM (men; standardized coefficient [95% CI] = 3.64 [1.31 to 5.96] for maximum occlusal force and 0.01 [0.01 to 0.02] for gum score, women; 2.01 [0.38 to 3.81] for maximum occlusal force and 0.01 [0.002 to 0.01] for gum score). The number of functional teeth had direct effects on e-MMM, gum score, and maximum occlusal force.

Conclusions

Low SMM was significantly indirectly associated with poor oral function through a low masseter muscle mass, and dentition status was independently associated with oral function.
Impact of a pulsed xenon disinfection system on hospital onset Clostridioides difficile infections in 48 hospitals over a 5-year period
Authors: Simmons Sarah , Wier Grady , Pedraza Antonio , Stibich Mark
Published: October 2021

Background

The role of the environment in hospital acquired infections is well established. We examined the impact on the infection rate for hospital onset Clostridioides difficile (HO-CDI) of an environmental hygiene intervention in 48 hospitals over a 5 year period using a pulsed xenon ultraviolet (PX-UV) disinfection system.

Methods

Utilization data was collected directly from the automated PX-UV system and uploaded in real time to a database. HO-CDI data was provided by each facility. Data was analyzed at the unit level to determine compliance to disinfection protocols. Final data set included 5 years of data aggregated to the facility level, resulting in a dataset of 48 hospitals and a date range of January 2015–December 2019. Negative binomial regression was used with an offset on patient days to convert infection count data and assess HO-CDI rates vs. intervention compliance rate, total successful disinfection cycles, and total rooms disinfected. The K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) machine learning algorithm was used to compare intervention compliance and total intervention cycles to presence of infection.

Results

All regression models depict a statistically significant inverse association between the intervention and HO-CDI rates. The KNN model predicts the presence of infection (or whether an infection will be present or not) with greater than 98% accuracy when considering both intervention compliance and total intervention cycles.

Conclusions

The findings of this study indicate a strong inverse relationship between the utilization of the pulsed xenon intervention and HO-CDI rates.
The role of estrogen and progesterone receptors in the rotator cuff disease: a retrospective cohort stud﻿y
Authors: Longo Umile Giuseppe , Mazzola Alessandro , Carotti Simone , Francesconi Maria , Catapano Simone , Magrì Francesco , Perrone Giuseppe , Morini Sergio , De Salvatore Sergio , Denaro Vincenzo
Published: October 2021

Background

Rotator cuff (RC) tears represent a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction in adults. The disease affects primarily women and occurs mainly in the postmenopausal period.

This study aimed to investigate immunohistochemically the presence of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-⍺), estrogen receptor-beta (ER-β) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the supraspinatus tendon of patients with RC tendinopathy, searching for gender differences of expression. A secondary aim was to evaluate potential links between their expression and the typical histopathological findings of the ailment.

Methods

Biopsies of the supraspinatus tendon were collected intraoperatively from 15 postmenopausal women and 9 men undergoing RC surgery. Specimens were stained with Haematoxylin/Eosin, Masson-Goldner Trichrome, Alcian Blu and immunohistochemical stainings for ER-⍺, ER-β and PR were performed. Tendon alterations were evaluated with the Bonar histopathological scale. Statistical tests used in this study were the Spearman correlation coefficient and the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

In the supraspinatus tendon, cells expressed ER-⍺ (p = 0.043), ER-β (p = 0.048) and PR (p = 0.004) with statistically significant differences related to age and sex of patients. Immunoreactivity was seen in the nuclei of tenocytes and vascular cells. Postmenopausal women’s samples showed a markedly higher expression of these receptors compared to their male counterpart. There was a positive correlation between the expression of ER-⍺ and ER-β (r = 0.59; p = 0.02) and between ER-β and PR (r = 0.72; p = 0.002) in women’s samples. Furthermore, in postmenopausal women the PR expression decreased with age (r = − 0.56; p = 0.027). Only in women, the ER-β expression positively correlated with the total Bonar histopathological score (p = 0.019) and the ER-β vascular expression positively correlated with ground substance alterations (p = 0.029).

Conclusions

These results reveal that ERs and PR are present in the supraspinatus tendon of patients with RC tears, suggesting a role of sex hormones in the pathogenesis of the disease.
A community-based program to reduce acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in northern Australia
Authors: Kerrigan Vicki , Kelly Angela , Lee Anne Marie , Mungatopi Valerina , Mitchell Alice G. , Wyber Rosemary , Ralph Anna P.
Published: October 2021

Background

In Australia’s north, Aboriginal peoples live with world-high rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and its precursor, acute rheumatic fever (ARF); driven by social and environmental determinants of health. We undertook a program of work to strengthen RHD primordial and primary prevention using a model addressing six domains: housing and environmental support, community awareness and empowerment, health literacy, health and education service integration, health navigation and health provider education. Our aim is to determine how the model was experienced by study participants.

Methods

This is a two-year, outreach-to-household, pragmatic intervention implemented by Aboriginal Community Workers in three remote communities. The qualitative component was shaped by Participatory Action Research. Yarning sessions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 individuals affected by, or working with, ARF/RHD. 31 project field reports were collated. We conducted a hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis guided by critical theory.

Results

Aboriginal Community Workers were best placed to support two of the six domains: housing and environmental health support and health navigation. This was due to trusting relationships between ACWs and families and the authority attributed to ACWs through the project. ACWs improved health literacy and supported awareness and empowerment; but this was limited by disease complexities. Consequently, ACWs requested more training to address knowledge gaps and improve knowledge transfer to families. ACWs did not have skills to provide health professionals with education or ensure health and education services participated in ARF/RHD. Where knowledge gain among participant family members was apparent, motivation or structural capability to implement behaviour change was lacking in some domains, even though the model was intended to support structural changes through care navigation and housing fixes.

Conclusions

This is the first multi-site effort in northern Australia to strengthen primordial and primary prevention of RHD. Community-led programs are central to the overarching strategy to eliminate RHD. Future implementation should support culturally safe relationships which build the social capital required to address social determinants of health and enable holistic ways to support sustainable individual and community-level actions. Government and services must collaborate with communities to address systemic, structural issues limiting the capacity of Aboriginal peoples to eliminate RHD.
Newer generation straight humeral nails allow faster bone healing and better functional outcome at mid-term
Authors: Mocini Fabrizio , Rovere Giuseppe , De Mauro Domenico , De Sanctis Edoardo Giovannetti , Smakaj Amarildo , Maccauro Giulio , Liuzza Francesco
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Although proximal and diaphyseal humerus fractures are frequent, the optimal management remains controversial. Antegrade nailing prevents further damage to the soft tissues and to the vascularization, but it has been associated with postoperative shoulder pain and dysfunction. During the latest years a straight nail design was developed to minimize these problems.

Methods

A total of 243 patients who had undergone surgery for antegrade intramedullary humeral nailing between January 2013 and July 2018 in A. Gemelli Trauma Center were divided into two groups according to the nail design used: straight nail group (S-group) and curvilinear nail group (C-group). Clinical data were collected using assessment forms (SF12-v2, Quick-DASH, ASES and Constant-Murley). Radiographic bone healing was assessed with RUST score at 30, 90 and 180 days after surgery.

Results

The S-group was made up of 128 patients with a mean age of 59 ± 19 (range 18–97) and a mean follow-up of 46 ± 9 months. The C-group was made up of 115 patients with a mean age of 53 ± 16 (range 18–88) and a mean follow-up of 51 ± 8 months. The S-group had a mental component summary (MCS) score of 54.3 ± 7.7 and a physical component summary (PCS) score of 46 ± 10.2, the C-group had a MCS score of 50.9 ± 8.4 and a PCS score of 44.1 ± 7.4. Quick-DASH and ASES were respectively 18.8 ± 4.3 and 78.6 ± 8.2 in the S-group, 28.3 ± 11.6 and 72.1 ± 13.5 in the C-group with statistical significance. Constant-Murley score was 73.9 ± 9.1 in the S-group (76% of the contralateral healthy side) and 69.4 ± 10.4 in the C-group (73% of the contralateral healthy side). The radiographic union score in the S-group was 4.1 ± 0.3 at 30 days after surgery, 7 ± 0.8 at 90 days and 10 ± 1.2 at 180 days, while in the C-group it was 4.2 ± 0.4 at 30 days, 6.4 ± 0.7 at 90 days and 9 ± 0.9 at 180 days.

Conclusion

Newer generation straight nails allow a faster bone healing and better functional outcome at mid-term follow up.

Level of evidence III.
Identifying hub genes and immune infiltration of osteoarthritis using comprehensive bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Wu Zheng-yuan , Du Gang , Lin Yi-cai
Published: October 2021

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic degenerative joint disorder globally that is characterized by synovitis, cartilage degeneration, joint space stenosis, and sub-cartilage bone hyperplasia. However, the pathophysiologic mechanisms of OA have not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

In this study, we conducted various bioinformatics analyses to identify hub biomarkers and immune infiltration in OA. The gene expression profiles of synovial tissues from 29 healthy controls and 36 OA samples were obtained from the gene expression omnibus database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to explore the association between immune infiltration and arthritis.

Results

Eighteen hub DEGs were identified as critical biomarkers for OA. Through gene ontology and pathway enrichment analyses, it was found that these DEGs were primarily involved in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and Rap1 signaling pathway. Furthermore, immune infiltration analysis revealed differences in immune infiltration between patients with OA and healthy controls. The hub gene ZNF160 was closely related to immune cells, especially mast cell activation in OA.

Conclusion

Overall, this study presented a novel method to identify hub DEGs and their correlation with immune infiltration, which may provide novel insights into the diagnosis and treatment of patients with OA.
Thoracoscopic resection of bilateral multiple superior mediastinal neurofibromas
Authors: Azuma Yoko , Tochigi Naobumi , Sano Atsushi , Sakai Takashi , Iyoda Akira
Published: October 2021

Background

The indications for surgical resection concerning multiple bilateral neurofibromas in the superior mediastinum remain controversial, because vascular injury or development of postoperative Horne syndrome are concerned.

Case presentation

A 60-year-old woman presented with multiple nodules in her right neck and bilateral chest cavity tops which indicated neurofibromatosis. The thoracic masses grew slowly over 9 years, and she then underwent a 2-stage resection starting with the left to right side. Bilateral tumors were completely removed via video-assisted thoracic surgery. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, without postoperative Horner syndrome.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of multiple bilateral superior mediastinal neurofibromas resected from the pulmonary apices via thoracoscopy. We selected a minimally invasive pure video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery approach and enucleated some tumors to avoid nerve injury. This approach may be safe and useful for multiple neurofibromas in patients with neurofibromatosis.
Quality of life and phonatory and morphological outcomes in cognitively unimpaired adolescents with Pierre Robin sequence: a cross-sectional study of 72 patients
Authors: Thouvenin Béatrice , Soupre Véronique , Caillaud Marie-Anne , Henry-Mestelan Charlotte , Chalouhi Christel , Houssamo Bachar , Chapuis Cécile , Lind Katia , Royer Aurélie , Vegas Nancy , Amiel Jeanne , Couly Gérard , Picard Arnaud , Vaivre-Douret Laurence , Abadie Véronique
Published: October 2021

Background

Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) is a heterogeneous condition involving retro(micro)gnathia, glossoptosis and upper airway obstruction, very often with posterior cleft palate. Patients with PRS, either isolated or associated with Stickler syndrome have good intellectual prognosis. Nevertheless, the quality of life in adolescence and the phonatory and morphological outcomes are rarely analysed. We assessed the phonatory and morphological outcomes of 72 cognitively unimpaired adolescents with PRS, studied their oral (COHIP-SF19), vocal (VHI-9i) and generic quality of life (QoL; KIDSCREEN-52), and searched for determinants of these outcomes.

Results

Two-thirds of our adolescents retained low or moderate phonation difficulties, but risk factors were not identified. For 14%, morphological results were considered disharmonious, with no link to neonatal retrognathia severity. Only one vs two-stage surgery seemed to affect final aesthetic results. The oral QoL of these adolescents was comparable to that of control patients and was significantly better than that of children with other craniofacial malformations (COHIP-SF19 = 17.5, 15.4 and 25.7, respectively). The oral QoL of the adolescents with non-isolated PRS was significantly worse (COHIP-SF19 = 24.2) than that of control patients and close to that of children with other craniofacial malformations. The vocal QoL of the adolescents (mean [SD] VHI-9i = 7.5 [5.4]) was better than that of patients with other voice pathologies and better when phonation was good. The generic QoL of the adolescents was satisfactory but slightly lower than that of controls, especially in dimensions concerning physical well-being, relationships and autonomy. QoL results were lower for adolescents with non-isolated than isolated PRS. Only non-isolated PRS and low oral QoL affected generic QoL.

Conclusion

Morphological or phonatory impairments remain non-rare in adolescents with PRS but do not seem to be directly responsible for altered QoL. These adolescents, especially those with non-isolated PRS, show self-confidence and social-relation fragility. We must focus on long-term functional and psychological results for PRS patients and improve therapy protocols and follow-up, notably those affecting the oral aspects of the disease.
Efficacy of expressive helping in adult hematologic cancer patients undergoing stem cell transplant: protocol for the Writing for Insight, Strength, and Ease (WISE) study’s two-arm randomized controlled trial
Authors: Whitmore Lauren , Schulte Taylor , Bovbjerg Katrin , Hartstein Madison , Austin Jane , Luta George , McFarland Lily , Rowley Scott D. , Nyirenda Themba , Lewis-Thames Marquita , Stanton Annette L. , Valdimarsdottir Heiddis , Graves Kristi , Rini Christine
Published: October 2021

Background

During, shortly after, and sometimes for years after hematopoietic stem cell transplant, a large proportion of hematological cancer patients undergoing transplant report significant physical and psychological symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life. To address these survivorship problems, we developed a low-burden, brief psychological intervention called expressive helping that includes two theory- and evidence-based components designed to work together synergistically: emotionally expressive writing and peer support writing. Building on evidence from a prior randomized control trial showing reductions in physical symptoms and distress in long-term transplant survivors with persistent survivorship problems, the Writing for Insight, Strength, and Ease (WISE) trial will evaluate the efficacy of expressive helping when used during transplant and in the early post-transplant period, when symptoms peak, and when intervention could prevent development of persistent symptoms.

Methods

WISE is a multi-site, two-arm randomized controlled efficacy trial. Adult hematological cancer patients scheduled for a hematopoietic stem cell transplant will complete baseline measures and then, after hospitalization but prior to transplant, they will be randomized to complete either expressive helping or a time and attention “neutral writing” task. Both expressive helping and neutral writing involve four brief writing sessions, beginning immediately after randomization and ending approximately 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Measures of symptom burden (primary outcome), distress, health-related quality of life, and fatigue (secondary outcomes) will be administered in seven assessments coinciding with medically relevant time points from baseline and to a year post-intervention.

Discussion

The steady and continuing increase in use of stem cell transplantation has created growing need for efficacious, accessible interventions to reduce the short- and long-term negative physical and psychosocial effects of this challenging but potentially life-saving treatment. Expressive helping is a psychological intervention that was designed to fill this gap. It has been shown to be efficacious in long-term transplant survivors but could have even greater impact if it is capable of reducing symptoms during and soon after transplant. The WISE study will evaluate these benefits in a rigorous randomized controlled trial.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrial.govNCT03800758. Registered January 11, 2019
Multifunctional alkalophilic α-amylase with diverse raw seaweed degrading activities
Authors: Gu Xiaoqian , Fu Liping , Pan Aihong , Gui Yuanyuan , Zhang Qian , Li Jiang
Published: October 2021

Uncultured microbes are an important resource for the discovery of novel enzymes. In this study, an amylase gene (amy2587) that codes a protein with 587 amino acids (Amy2587) was obtained from the metagenomic library of macroalgae-associated bacteria. Recombinant Amy2587 was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and was found to simultaneously possess α-amylase, agarase, carrageenase, cellulase, and alginate lyase activities. Moreover, recombinant Amy2587 showed high thermostability and alkali resistance which are important characteristics for industrial application. To investigate the multifunctional mechanism of Amy2587, three motifs (functional domains) in the Amy2587 sequence were deleted to generate three truncated Amy2587 variants. The results showed that, even though these functional domains affected the multiple substrates degrading activity of Amy2587, they did not wholly explain its multifunctional characteristics. To apply the multifunctional activity of Amy2587, three seaweed substrates (Grateloupia filicina, Chondrus ocellatus, and Scagassum) were digested using Amy2587. After 2 h, 6 h, and 24 h of digestion, 121.2 ± 4 µg/ml, 134.8 ± 6 µg/ml, and 70.3 ± 3.5 µg/ml of reducing sugars were released, respectively. These results show that Amy2587 directly and effectively degraded three kinds of raw seaweeds. This finding provides a theoretical basis for one-step enzymatic digestion of raw seaweeds to obtain seaweed oligosaccharides.
Characterisation of the chemo-mechanical behaviour of clays polluted by BTEX: a case study of benzene
Authors: KAHLOUCHE Hicham , GHERIS Abderrahim , GUENFOUD Mohamed
Published: October 2021

In chemo-mechanical coupling of clays, chemical phenomena are likely to have a stronger influence on the mechanical behaviour and mechanical actions can modify the chemical behaviour. The understanding of these different phenomena, taking into account the coupled mechanisms, is essential in the context of the problem of the durability of structures and works built on polluted sites. Thus, the laboratory characterisation of the chemo-mechanical behaviour of a clay contaminated by light hydrocarbon pollutant (BTEX: benzene) was carried out. First in the absence of pollutants, i.e., by the presence of water only, then under the influence of the pollutant, all in two stages: with no external stress, then under imposed external stress. This study presents an experimental protocol based on a series of uniaxial consolidation tests, specific oedometric tests and direct shear strength, this tests performed under controlled saturation conditions and in the presence of organic contamination by benzene. All results confirm the influence of pollutants in different concentrations on the mechanical behaviour of the soil. They show a strong increase in compressibility and a significant increase in swelling, the soil becomes more cohesive, low friction and less elastic. Furthermore, the results show that external load forces play a major role in modifying the behaviour of clay.
Primary gastric synovial sarcoma resected by laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery of the stomach: a case report
Authors: Shibata Ryosuke , Morishita Marina , Koreeda Nobuhiko , Hirano Yousuke , Kaida Hiroki , Ohmiya Toshihiro , Uwatoko Shugo , Kawamoto Makoto , Komono Akira , Sakamoto Ryohei , Miyasaka Yoshihiro , Higashi Daijiro , Tanabe Hiroshi , Nimura Satoshi , Watanabe Masato
Published: October 2021

Background

Primary gastric synovial sarcoma is extremely rare, only 44 cases have been reported so far, and there have been no reports of laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for this condition.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old male patient presented with gastric pain. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed that led to the identification of an 8-mm submucosal tumor in the anterior wall of the antrum, and a kit-negative gastrointestinal stromal tumor was suspected following biopsy. On endoscopic ultrasonography, the boundary of the tumor, mainly composed of the second layer, was depicted as a slightly unclear low-echo region, and a pointless no echo region was scattered inside. A boring biopsy revealed synovial sarcoma. Positron emission tomography did not reveal fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) accumulation in the stomach or other organs. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with a primary gastric synovial sarcoma, and laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery was performed. The tumor of the antrum could not be confirmed laparoscopically from the serosa, and under intraoperative endoscopy, it had delle on the mucosal surface, which was removed by a method that does not involve releasing the gastric wall. Immunohistochemistry showed that the spindle cells were positive for EMA, BCL-2 protein, TLE-1, and SS18-SSX fusion-specific antibodies but negative for KIT and DOG-1. The final pathological diagnosis was synovial sarcoma of the stomach. The postoperative course was good, and the patient was discharged from the hospital on the 11th postoperative day.

Conclusion

Resection with laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS), which has not been reported before, was effective for small synovial sarcomas that could not be confirmed laparoscopically. With the combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with a non-exposure technique (CLEAN-NET) procedure, it was possible to excise the tumor with the minimum excision range of the gastric serosa without opening the stomach.
Migration outside large cities: a comparison of the hiring of migrants for the food processing industry in the United States and Japan
Authors: Mazumi Yusuke
Published: October 2021

Recent studies suggest that the hiring of migrants in the food processing industry has increased the migrant population outside large cities among affluent migrant-receiving countries. This study examines how the U.S. meatpacking industry and the Japanese seafood processing industry, in particular, have developed a dependence on migrants; it does so to identify whether and how a common—thus cross-nationally generalizable—process may account for migration outside large cities. A comparative historical analysis revealed that, with significant national differences between the United States and Japan, including in the legal and institutional contexts of migration, there is little commonality in the processes through which the industries have come to depend on migrants. Yet, there is a similarity in the development of mass production. Such production necessitates an undisrupted availability of full-time as well as low-wage workforce, and migrants on both sides of the Pacific are employed to ensure this availability. Thus, while urban-centered migration studies often emphasize the growth of low-wage services or small-batch manufacturing as an economic driver of migration, this study argues that, outside large cities, a different pattern of industrial transformation is associated with labor migration.
The relationship of mean temperature and 9 collected butterfly species’ wingspan as the response of global warming
Authors: Na Sumi , Lee Eunyoung , Kim Hyunjung , Choi Seiwoong , Yi Hoonbok
Published: October 2021

Background

Organism body size is a basic characteristic in ecology; it is related to temperature according to temperature-size rule. Butterflies are affected in various aspects by climate change because they are sensitive to temperature. Therefore, this study was conducted to understand the effect of an increase in temperature due to global warming on the wing of butterflies.

Results

A total of 671 butterflies belonging to 9 species were collected from 1990 to 2016 in Seoul (336 specimens) and Mokpo (335 specimens). Consequently, as the mean temperature increased, the wing length of the species increased. However, there are exceptions that the Parnassius stubbendorfii, Pieridae canidia, and Pieris rapae wing length of Seoul increased, but the butterfly wing length of Mokpo decreased.

Conclusions

The positive correlations between the butterfly wing length and mean temperature showed that the change of mean temperature for about 26 years affects the wing length of butterfly species. The exception is deemed to have been influenced by the limited research environment, and further studies are needed. We would expect that it can be provided as basic data for studying effect of climate change.
PET/CT uncovers cranial giant cell arteritis
Authors: Anati Tamer , Hoffman Ben Shabat Michal
Published: October 2021

Background

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammation of large and medium sized vessels, mainly affecting people over 50 years of age. Diagnosis needs to be made quickly to prevent complications. Steroids treatment should be started once diagnosis is made.

Case presentation

Here we reported a case of cranial GCA in a 82-year-old man. [18F]FDG PET/CT imaging demonstrated higher FDG uptake in medium sized and cranial vessels. Glucocorticoid treatment was started, followed by a rapid and marked improvement of symptoms and inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

This case report supports the role of PET/CT hybrid imaging as a useful noninvasive tool in the evaluation of cranial GCA.
Hypertension care cascade at a large urban HIV clinic in Uganda: a mixed methods study using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation for Behavior change (COM-B) model
Authors: Muddu Martin , Ssinabulya Isaac , Kigozi Simon P. , Ssennyonjo Rebecca , Ayebare Florence , Katwesigye Rodgers , Mbuliro Mary , Kimera Isaac , Longenecker Chris T. , Kamya Moses R. , Schwartz Jeremy I. , Katahoire Anne R. , Semitala Fred C.
Published: October 2021

Background

Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) have a high prevalence of hypertension (HTN) and increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular diseases. HTN and HIV care integration is recommended in Uganda, though its implementation has lagged. In this study, we sought to analyze the HTN and HIV care cascades and explore barriers and facilitators of HTN/HIV integration within a large HIV clinic in urban Uganda.

Methods

We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study at Mulago ISS clinic in Kampala, Uganda. We determined proportions of patients in HTN and HIV care cascade steps of screened, diagnosed, initiated on treatment, retained, and controlled. Guided by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behavior (COM-B) model, we then conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with healthcare providers (n = 13) and hypertensive PLHIV (n = 32). We coded the qualitative data deductively and analyzed the data thematically categorizing them as themes that influenced HTN care positively or negatively. These denoted barriers and facilitators, respectively.

Results

Of 15,953 adult PLHIV, 99.1% were initiated on ART, 89.5% were retained in care, and 98.0% achieved control (viral suppression) at 1 year. All 15,953 (100%) participants were screened for HTN, of whom 24.3% had HTN. HTN treatment initiation, 1-year retention, and control were low at 1.0%, 15.4%, and 5.0%, respectively. Barriers and facilitators of HTN/HIV integration appeared in all three COM-B domains. Barriers included low patient knowledge of HTN complications, less priority by patients for HTN treatment compared to ART, sub-optimal provider knowledge of HTN treatment, lack of HTN treatment protocols, inadequate supply of anti-hypertensive medicines, and lack of HTN care performance targets. Facilitators included patients’ and providers’ interest in HTN/HIV integration, patients’ interest in PLHIV peer support, providers’ knowledge and skills for HTN screening, optimal ART adherence counseling, and availability of automated BP machines.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HTN among PLHIV is high, but the HTN care cascade is sub-optimal in this successful HIV clinic. To close these gaps, models of integrated HTN/HIV care are urgently needed. These findings provide a basis for designing contextually appropriate interventions for HTN/HIV integration in Uganda and other low- and middle-income countries.
Association between carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger: a clinical and electrophysiological study
Authors: Saba Emmanuel Kamal Aziz
Published: October 2021

Background

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a prevalent mononeuropathy. Trigger finger is a flexor stenosing tenosynovitis. The aim of the study was to assess the concomitant occurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger in the same hand among patients presented with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome or idiopathic trigger finger. The study included 110 hands (75 patients) presented with carpal tunnel syndrome or trigger finger and 60 asymptomatic hands (46 apparently healthy individuals). Clinical assessment and neurophysiological evaluation were done.

Results

Regarding the presenting clinical complaints, there were 76 hands (69.1%) from 48 patients (64.0%) presented with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. There 34 hands (30.9%) from 27 patients (36.0%) presented with idiopathic trigger finger. Classification of the patients into three groups depending on the final diagnosis: (I) carpal tunnel syndrome group, 57 hands (51.8%) with only carpal tunnel syndrome from 36 patients (48.0%); (II) trigger finger group, 25 hands (22.7%) with only trigger finger from 22 patients (29.3%); and (III) carpal tunnel syndrome with trigger finger group, 28 hands (25.5%) with both conditions from 24 patients (32.0%); and among them, seven patients had contralateral hand carpal tunnel syndrome only. The duration of complaints among the carpal tunnel syndrome with trigger finger group was significantly shorter than that in the other two groups. There were statistically significantly higher values of patient global assessment of hand symptoms and effect of hand symptoms on function and quality of life among the carpal tunnel syndrome with trigger finger group versus the other two groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the carpal tunnel syndrome with trigger finger group versus the carpal tunnel syndrome group regarding different classes of the Padua neurophysiological classification scale. The most common digit to have trigger finger was the middle finger in 19 hands (35.8%).

Conclusions

The concurrent presentation of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome and idiopathic trigger finger in the same hand is common. Each of them could be associated with the other one. The symptoms of one of them usually predominate the patient’s complaints. The identification of this association is essential for proper diagnosis and comprehensive management of patients presented with these conditions.
Reading Seoul in Pyongyang: Cross-Border Mediascapes in Early Cold War North Korea
Authors: Kief I Jonathan
Published: October 2021

This article argues that the North Korean mediascape of the 1950s and 1960s must be understood in relationship to its interaction with publications from the South. To do so, it makes three methodological interventions. First, it demonstrates how North Korean writers’ own practices of citation can be used to outline the extensive and expanding body of South Korean texts available in the North during this period. Second, it shows how a focus on such references and their changing character allows us to see a shift in the late 1950s and early 1960s: one that enabled a selection of South Korean texts to be reprinted in the North, producing intersecting reading publics. Finally, it demonstrates how an understanding of this changing relationship to South Korean texts illuminates changing writing practices in the North and the hybrid texts linking North and South Korean authorship that they produced. The article thus contends that the 1950s and 1960s mediascapes of the two Koreas must be seen as imbricated rather than isolated entities.
Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Training on Blood Perfusion and Work Ability of Muscles in Elite Para-alpine Skiers
Authors: GENG YU , ZHANG LEI , WU XUEPING
Published: October 2021

Purpose

The effects of short-term blood flow restriction (BFR) exercise on muscle blood flow perfusion and performance during high-intensity exercise were determined in elite para-alpine standing skiers to assess whether this would be an effective training regimen for elite athletes with disabilities.

Methods

Nine national-level para-alpine standing skiers (mean age, 20.67 ± 1.34 yr; four women) were recruited. Nondominant lower limbs were trained with BFR (eight in final analyses), and dominant lower limbs were trained without BFR (seven in final analyses). The 2-wk protocol included high-load resistance, local muscle endurance (circuit resistance training), and aerobic endurance (stationary cycling) training performed 4 times a week, with BFR during local muscle endurance and aerobic endurance sessions. Muscle strength was measured by maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) in the knee extensors; microcirculatory blood perfusion (MBP), by laser Doppler blood flow; and muscle strength and endurance, by the total amount of work (TW) performed during high-intensity centrifugal and concentric contractions.

Results

BFR significantly increased absolute and relative MVIC (P < 0.001, P = 0.001), MBP (P = 0.011, P = 0.008), and TW (P = 0.006, P = 0.007) from pretraining values, whereas only absolute MVIC increased without BFR (P = 0.047). However, the MVIC increase with BFR exercise (35.88 ± 14.83 N·m) was significantly greater (P = 0.040) than without BFR exercise (16.71 ± 17.79 N·m).

Conclusions

Short-term BFR exercise significantly increased strength endurance, muscle strength, and MBP in national-level para-alpine standing skiers. Our study provides new evidence that BFR exercise can improve local muscle blood perfusion during high-intensity exercise and informs BFR exercise strategies for athletes with disabilities.
Effects of StrongPeople Strong Bodies on Functional Fitness: A Community-Based Randomized Trial
Authors: Seguin-Fowler Rebecca A. , Grocke Michelle , Graham Meredith L. , Tarabochia Dawn , Sriram Urshila , Eldridge Galen D.
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Despite the established benefits of strength training among older adults, access to strength training facilities in rural communities is limited. Local community educator–led classes using affordable equipment that can be easily stored and moved (e.g., handheld weights) offer a feasible approach for improving strength training access among older rural adults; however, very few studies have examined the effects of these types of community-based classes led by nonexercise specialists. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a community-based progressive strength training program led by Cooperative Extension county educators on functional fitness and physical activity among older rural adults.

Methods

Adults 50 yr and older recruited from rural Montana counties were randomized to a 12-wk, 1-h, twice-weekly, progressive strength training program, or a delayed intervention control group. Data were collected at baseline and postintervention via accelerometry, functional fitness tests, and questionnaires about physical activity, social support, and exercise attitudes. Linear mixed models and general additive models, adjusted for sex and age, were used to assess pre–post changes in outcomes between groups.

Results

Intervention participants (n = 83) experienced significantly greater improvements in aerobic endurance, upper body strength, lower body strength, exercise-related social support from friends, and attitudes toward exercise (all P < 0.01) compared with control participants (n = 84); improvements were both statistically significant and functionally meaningful.

Conclusions

The present study provides strong evidence in support of strength training for older adults in community settings, led by nonexercise professionals, to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, strength, social support for physical activity, and attitudes toward exercise.

Trial Registration

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: [NCT04203563]).
Transcription and splicing dynamics during early Drosophila development
Authors: Prudêncio Pedro , Savisaar Rosina , Rebelo Kenny , Martinho Rui Gonçalo , Carmo-Fonseca Maria
Published: October 2021

Widespread cotranscriptional splicing has been demonstrated from yeast to human. However, most studies to date addressing the kinetics of splicing relative to transcription used either Saccharomyces cerevisiae or metazoan cultured cell lines. Here, we adapted native elongating transcript sequencing technology (NET-seq) to measure cotranscriptional splicing dynamics during the early developmental stages of Drosophila melanogaster embryos. Our results reveal the position of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) when both canonical and recursive splicing occur. We found heterogeneity in splicing dynamics, with some RNAs spliced immediately after intron transcription, whereas for other transcripts no splicing was observed over the first 100 nt of the downstream exon. Introns that show splicing completion before Pol II has reached the end of the downstream exon are necessarily intron-defined. We studied the splicing dynamics of both nascent pre-mRNAs transcribed in the early embryo, which have few and short introns, as well as pre-mRNAs transcribed later in embryonic development, which contain multiple long introns. As expected, we found a relationship between the proportion of spliced reads and intron size. However, intron definition was observed at all intron sizes. We further observed that genes transcribed in the early embryo tend to be isolated in the genome whereas genes transcribed later are often overlapped by a neighboring convergent gene. In isolated genes, transcription termination occurred soon after the polyadenylation site, while in overlapped genes, Pol II persisted associated with the DNA template after cleavage and polyadenylation of the nascent transcript. Taken together, our data unravel novel dynamic features of Pol II transcription and splicing in the developing Drosophila embryo.