bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFEKTIVITAS REBUSAN JAHE DAN VITAMIN B6 DALAM MENGATASI MORNING SICKNESS: LITERATUR REVIEW
Authors: Nabila Sarah , Hidayah Nurul , Maolinda Winda
Published: August 2022

Latar Belakang : Sekitar 50-90% wanita hamil memiliki keluhan mual dan muntah (Morning Sickness). Salah satu komplikasi yang terjadi pada kehamilan adalah mual muntah yang jika tidak ditangani akan menjadi mual muntah berlebihan (Hiperemesis Gravidarum) Pemberian rebusan jahe dan vitamin B6 merupakan salah satu alternatif terapi yang dapat digunakan membantu ibu dalam mengatasi morning sickness.Tujuan : Mengetahui efektifitas rebusan jahe dan Vitamin B6 dalam mengatasi morning sickness: Literatur ReviewMetode : Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan literatur review dengan menggunakan beberapa sumber melalui Google Schoolar, Portal Garuda, dan Pubmed.Hasil : Database yang didapatkan dari 10 literatur menyatakan bahwa ada pengaruh pemberian rebusan jahe dan vitamin B6 dalam mengatasi morning sickness, 6 literatur mengatakan rebusan jahe Â saja dapat mengatasi morning sickness dan 4 literatur menyatakan bahwa vitamin B6 dapat menurunkan frekuensi morning sickness. Dari 10 literatur terdapat 3 literatur menyatakan bahwa rebusan jahe dikombinasikan dengan Vitamin B6 lebih efektif menurunkan frekuensi dan mengatasi morning sicknessKesimpulan : Berdasarkan literatur review dari 10 jurnal penelitian didapatkan rebusan jahe lebih efektif mengatasi morning sickness daripada vitamin B6.Â Kata Kunci : Morning Sickness, Rebusan Jahe, Vitamin B6.Â Introduction : 50-90% of pregnant women complain of nausea and vomiting (Morning Sickness). One of the complications that occur in pregnancy is nausea and vomiting, which if left untreated will lead to excessive nausea and vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum). Ginger and vitamin B6 decoction is an alternative therapy that can be used to help mothers overcome morning sickness..OBJECTIVE: Knowing the efficacy of ginger and vitamin B6 decoction in overcoming morning sickness: Literature ReviewMethods : This study uses a literature review approach using several sources through Google Schoolar, Garuda Portal, and Pubmed.Results : The database obtained from 10 literature states that there is an effect of giving boiled ginger and vitamin B6 in overcoming morning sickness, 6 literatures say that ginger stew alone can overcome morning sickness and 4 literatures state that vitamin B6 can reduce the frequency of morning sickness. From 10 literatures, there are 3 literatures stating that ginger decoction combined with Vitamin B6 is more effective in reducing the frequency and overcoming morning sickness.Conclusions : Based on the literature review from 10 research journals, it was found that ginger decoction was more effective in dealing with morning sickness than vitamin B6.Â Keyword : Morning sickness, Ginger Stew, Vitamin B6.
EFEKTIVITAS PEMBERIAN UBI JALAR UNGU PADA IBU HAMIL TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KADAR HEMOGLOBIN: NARRATIVE REVIEW
Authors: Ranti Ranti , Haryono Ika Avrilina , Zulliati Zulliati
Published: August 2022

ABSTRAKÂ Latar Belakang: Banyak ibu hamil yang mengalami anemia selama masa kehamilan karena ibu hamil mengalami perubahan fisiologis pada setiap trimester sehingga menyebabkan rendahnya kadar hemoglobin. Pemberian ubi jalar ungu salah satu terapi komplementer yang dapat membantu ibu dalam meningkatkan kadar hemoglobin.Tujuan: Mengkaji efektivitas pemberian ubi jalar ungu pada ibu hamil terhadap peningkatan kadar hemoglobin dengan literatur review pada beberapa artikel yang relevan.Metode: Metode pencarian artikel ini dengan menggunakan kata kunci ubi jalar ungu untuk ibu hamil anemia, iron and purple sweet potato dari database portal garuda, DOAJ dan google scholar adapun kriteria inklusi yang digunakan artikel yang akan ditelaah berdasarkan kata kunci, artikel berupa full paper dan tidak terbatas metode artikel yang akan direview serta artikel minimal terbitan 5 tahun kebawah.Hasil: Dari beberapa artikel menyatakan bahwa pemberian ub jalar ungu dalam bentuk rebusan, snack, dan sulfaktan dapat meningkatkan kadar hemoglobin karena ubi jalar ungu memiliki kaya akan kadar zat besi 4 mg dan vitamin C 20 mg.Simpulan: Ubi jalar ungu merupakan suatu makanan alternative yang dapat membantu meningkatkan kadar hemoglobin didalam sel darah merah terhadap ibu hamil.Â Kata Kunci: Ubi jalar Ungu, Kadar hemoglobin, Ibu hamilÂ ABSTRACTBackground: Many pregnant women experience anemia during pregnancy because pregnant women experience physiological changes in each trimester, causing low hemoglobin levels. Giving purple sweet potato is a complementary therapy that can help mothers in increasing hemoglobin levels.Â Objective: To assess the effectiveness of giving purple sweet potato to pregnant women to increase hemoglobin levels by reviewing literature on several relevant articles.Â Methods: The search method for ths article uses the keyword purple sweet potato for anemia pregnant women, iron ad purple sweet potao from the garuda, DOAJ and google scholar portal database. Metod of article to be reviewed and articles published at least 5 yaer and under.Results: Several articles state that giving purple seeet potato in the form of stew, snack and sulfactants can increase hemoglobin levels because purple sweet potato are rih in iron levels of 4 mg and vitamin C 20 mg.Conclusion: Purple sweet potato is an alternative food that can help increase hemoglobin levels in red blood cells in pregnant women.Â Keywords: Purple Sweet Potatoes, Hemoglobin Levels, Pregnant Women
Roles of type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells in allergen-specific immunotherapy
Authors: Matsuda Masaya , Terada Tetsuya , Kitatani Kazuyuki , Kawata Ryo , Nabe Takeshi
Published: August 2022

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) is the only causative treatment for allergic diseases by modification of the immune response to allergens. A key feature of AIT is to induce immunotolerance to allergens by generating antigen-specific regulatory T (Treg) cells in allergic patients. Type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells and forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3)-expressing Treg cells are well known among Treg cell subsets. Foxp3 was identified as a master transcription factor of Treg cells, and its expression is necessary for their suppressive activity. In contrast to Foxp3+ Treg cells, the master transcription factor of Tr1 cells has not been elucidated. Nevertheless, Tr1 cells are generally considered as a distinct subset of Treg cells induced in the periphery during antigen exposure in tolerogenic conditions and can produce large amounts of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-β, followed by down-regulation of the function of effector immune cells independently of Foxp3 expression. Since the discovery of Tr1 cells more than 20 years ago, research on Tr1 cells has expanded our understanding of the mechanism of AIT. Although the direct precursors and true identity of these cells continues to be disputed, we and others have demonstrated that Tr1 cells are induced in the periphery by AIT, and the induced cells are re-activated by antigens, followed by suppression of allergic symptoms. In this review, we discuss the immune mechanisms for the induction of Tr1 cells by AIT and the immune-suppressive roles of Tr1 cells in AIT.
Temperature-dependent compatibility study on halide solid-state electrolytes in solid-state batteries
Authors: Jia Gaoshuai , Deng Zhi , Ni Dixing , Ji Zhaoran , Chen Diancheng , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Tao , Li Shuai , Zhao Yusheng
Published: August 2022

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) have attracted much attention owing to their high safety and energy density compared to conventional organic electrolytes. However, the interfaces between solid-state electrolytes and electrodes retain some knotty problems regarding compatibility. Among the various SSEs investigated in recent years, halide SSEs exhibit relatively good interfacial compatibility. The temperature-dependent interfacial compatibility of halide SSEs in solid-state batteries is investigated by thermal analysis using simultaneous thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG–DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Halide SSEs, including rock-salt-type Li3InCl6 and anti-perovskite-type Li2OHCl, show good thermal stability with oxides LiCoO2, LiMn2O4, and Li4Ti5O12 up to 320 °C. Moreover, anti-perovskite-type Li2OHCl shows a chemical reactivity with other battery materials (eg., LiFePO4, LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, Si-C, and Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7(PO4)3) at 320°C, which reaches the melting point of Li2OHCl. It indicated that Li2OHCl has relatively high chemical reactivity after melting. In contrast, rock-salt-type Li3InCl6 shows higher stability and interfacial compatibility. This work delivers insights into the selection of suitable battery materials with good compatibility for ASSLBs.
The interactions between oral-gut axis microbiota and Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Nanxi , Wang Jiannan , Liao Binyou , Cheng Lei , Ren Biao
Published: August 2022

In the human body, each microbial habitat exhibits a different microbial population pattern, and these distinctive microflorae are highly related to the development of diseases. The microbial interactions from host different niches are becoming crucial regulators to shape the microbiota and their physiological or pathological functions. The oral cavity and gut are the most complex and interdependent microbial habitats. Helicobacter pylori is one of the most important pathogens from digestive tract, especially the stomach, due to its direct relationships with many gastric diseases including gastric cancer. H. pylori infections can destroy the normal gastric environment and make the stomach a livable channel to enhance the microbial interactions between oral cavity and gut, thus reshaping the oral and gut microbiomes. H. pylori can be also detected in the oral and gut, while the interaction between the oral-gut axis microbiota and H. pylori plays a major role in H. pylori’s colonization, infection, and pathogenicity. Both the infection and eradication of H. pylori and its interaction with oral-gut axis microbiota can alter the balance of the microecology of the oral-gut axis, which can affect the occurrence and progress of related diseases. The shift of oral-gut axis microbiota and their interactions with H. pylori maybe potential targets for H. pylori infectious diagnosis and treatment.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing: A promising tool for diagnosis and treatment of suspected pneumonia in rheumatic patients with acute respiratory failure: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shi Yan , Peng Jin-Min , Qin Han-Yu , Du Bin
Published: August 2022

Background

The effectiveness of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in respiratory pathogen detection and clinical decision-making in critically rheumatic patients remains largely unexplored.

Methods

A single-center retrospective study of 58 rheumatic patients who were admitted to ICU due to suspected pneumonia with acute respiratory failure if they underwent both bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimen mNGS and combined microbiological tests (CMTs) was conducted to compare their diagnostic performance, using clinical composite diagnosis as the gold standard. Treatment modifications based on mNGS results were also reviewed.

Results

Forty-three patients were diagnosed with microbiologically confirmed pneumonia and 15 were considered as a non-infectious disease. mNGS outperformed CMTs in the accurate diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious lung infiltration (98.1% [57/58] vs. 87.9% [51/58], P = 0.031). A total of 94 causative pathogens were defined by the gold standard and 27 patients had polymicrobial pneumonia. The sensitivity of pathogen detection and complete concordance with the gold standard by mNGS exceeded those by CMTs (92.6% [87/94] vs. 76.6% [72/94], P < 0.001 and 72.1% [31/43] vs. 51.2% [22/43], P = 0.004, respectively). Moreover, 22 pathogens were detected only by mNGS and confirmed by orthogonal test. Accordingly, the etiological diagnosis changed in 19 cases, and the empirical treatment improved in 14 cases, including 8 cases of rescue treatment and 11 of antibiotics de-escalation. At the pathogen-type level, both methods were comparable for bacteria, but mNGS was advantageous to identify viruses (accuracy: 100% vs. 81%, P = 0.004). For Pneumocystis jirovecii detection, mNGS improved the sensitivity compared with Gomori’s methenamine silver stain (91.7% vs. 4.2%, P < 0.001) and was higher than polymerase chain reaction (79.2%), but the difference was not significant (P = 0.289). In terms of Aspergillus, the better sensitivity with a combination of culture and galactomannan test than that with mNGS was found (100% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.033).

Conclusions

mNGS has an excellent accuracy in etiological diagnosis and pathogen detection of suspected pneumonia in critically rheumatic patients, which has potential significance for clinical decision-making. Its superiority to different types of pathogens depends on the comprehensiveness of CMTs.
Ataxia telangiectasia mutated: The potential negative regulator in platelet-derived growth factor-BB promoted proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Qin Chaoyi , Zan Yiheng , Xie Liang , Liu Hanmin
Published: August 2022

Objective

To study the role of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) in the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) through reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation.

Methods

Primary cultures of PASMCs were treated with different concentrations of PDGF-BB or exogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The activation level of ATM and the proliferation level of PASMCs were measured by immunofluorescence staining and Cell Counting Kit-8, respectively. Moreover, NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) and intracellular H2O2 were detected under the stimulation of different levels of PDGF-BB by Western blot and dihydroethidium staining.

Results

Both the control group and 50 ng/ml of the PDGF-BB group showed significantly higher levels of phosphorylation ATM compared to other groups (P < 0.05). With the ATM inhibitor, 50 ng/ml of the PDGF-BB group showed further increased proliferative level compared to the 10 ng/ml (P < 0.05). Both the levels of NOX2 and H2O2 showed dose-dependent manners under PDGF-BB stimulation (P < 0.05). ATM could be activated by H2O2 upon a dose-dependent way, except for the 500 μM H2O2 group. Under 200 μM H2O2 stimulation, proliferation level decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was shown with the addition of ATM inhibitor (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our study first established ROS-induced ATM activation in PDGF-BB-stimulated proliferation of PASMCs. Inhibition of ATM had promoted effects on the proliferation of PASMCs under the excessive levels of PDGF-BB and H2O2. Our study might provide a novel promising target for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).
External validation and comparison of two delirium prediction models in patients admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit
Authors: Kim Sung Eun , Ko Ryoung-Eun , Na Soo Jin , Chung Chi Ryang , Choi Ki Hong , Kim Darae , Park Taek Kyu , Lee Joo Myung , Song Young Bin , Choi Jin-Oh , Hahn Joo-Yong , Choi Seung-Hyuk , Gwon Hyeon-Cheol , Yang Jeong Hoon
Published: August 2022

Background

No data is available on delirium prediction models in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU), although preexisting delirium prediction models [PREdiction of DELIRium in ICu patients (PRE-DELIRIC) and Early PREdiction of DELIRium in ICu patients (E-PRE-DELIRIC)] were developed and validated based on a population admitted to the general intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, we externally validated the usefulness of the PRE-DELIRIC and E-PRE-DELIRIC models and compared their predictive performance in patients admitted to the CICU.

Methods

A total of 2,724 patients admitted to the CICU were enrolled between September 2012 and December 2018. Delirium was defined as at least one positive Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU) which was screened at least once every 8 h. The PRE-DELIRIC value was calculated within 24 h of CICU admission, and the E-PRE-DELIRIC value was calculated at CICU admission. The predictive performance of the models was evaluated by using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, and the calibration slope was assessed graphically by plotting.

Results

Delirium occurred in 677 patients (24.8%) when the patients were assessed thrice daily until 7 days of the CICU stay. The AUROC curve for the prediction of delirium was significantly greater for PRE-DELIRIC values [0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–0.86] than for E-PRE-DELIRIC values (0.79, 95% CI: 0.77–0.80) [z score of −6.24 (p < 0.001)]. Net reclassification improvement for the prediction of delirium increased by 0.27 (95% CI: 0.21–0.32, p < 0.001). Calibration was acceptable in the PRE-DELIRIC model (Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.170) but not in the E-PRE-DELIRIC model (Hosmer-Lemeshow p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Although both models have good predictive performance for the development of delirium, even in critically ill cardiac patients, the performance of the PRE-DELIRIC model might be superior to that of the E-PRE-DELIRIC model. Further studies are required to confirm our results and design a specific delirium prediction model for CICU patients.
Long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of heart failure: A literature review
Authors: Fan Xiaoyan , Zhang Zhenwei , Zheng Liang , Wei Wei , Chen Zetao
Published: August 2022

Heart failure (HF) is a common cardiovascular disorder and a major cause of mortality and morbidity in older people. The mechanisms underlying HF are still not fully understood, restricting novel therapeutic target discovery and drug development. Besides, few drugs have been shown to improve the survival of HF patients. Increasing evidence suggests that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) serve as a critical regulator of cardiac physiological and pathological processes, regarded as a new target of treatment for HF. lncRNAs are versatile players in the pathogenesis of HF. They can interact with chromatin, protein, RNA, or DNA, thereby modulating chromatin accessibility, gene expressions, and signaling transduction. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on how lncRNAs involve in HF and categorized them into four aspects based on their biological functions, namely, cardiomyocyte contractility, cardiac hypertrophy, cardiac apoptosis, and myocardial fibrosis. Along with the extensive laboratory data, RNA-based therapeutics achieved great advances in recent years. These indicate that targeting lncRNAs in the treatment of HF may provide new strategies and address the unmet clinical needs.
The Extra-Ordinary Music Camp: An informal online distance learning approach for children with intellectual and physical disabilities and learning disorders
Authors: Després Jean-Philippe , Julien-Gauthier Francine , Jourdan-Ionescu Colette , Bédard-Bruyère Flavie
Published: August 2022

In summer 2020, 25 children aged 8–17 with intellectual and physical disabilities and learning disorders participated in a research project called the Extra-Ordinary Music Camp. The objectives were to (1) provide an adapted environment where extra-ordinary children could develop musical creativity; and (2) examine the impact of informal, inclusive, participatory, and adapted creative music activities on specific development areas. Individual 20–40-min online sessions were delivered at a distance biweekly for 7 weeks. Mixed methods analysis was used to determine the effects. Results show shared improvement across the communication and social skills measures, and improvements for all participants in community use, musical skills, autonomy, and technology skills. Notably, the improvements in community use (ABAS-II) and communication (specifically developed questionnaire) were significant.
Efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for metastatic papillary thyroid cancer with and without initial biochemical complete status
Authors: Chen Wen-Chieh , Chou Chen-Kai , Chang Yen-Hsiang , Chiang Pi-Ling , Lim Lay-San , Chi Shun-Yu , Luo Sheng-Dean , Lin Wei-Che
Published: August 2022

Objective

The application of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for recurrent thyroid cancer has been demonstrated to effectively manage lesions at critical locations, such as abutting the trachea, with limited complications. Comprehensive investigation of both biochemical (B) and structural (S) change after RFA remains limited. We herein present the first single-center experience of RFA for the treatment of locoregional recurrent thyroid cancer in Taiwan.

Design

23 patients were enrolled, and the treatment responses after RFA were divided into four groups (E, S(+), B(+), and SB(+)), and then compared. The RFA technique, follow-up strategy, changes in pre-and post-operative status, and complications are presented. The volume reduction rate at 1, 3, and 6 months, and the differing responses between lesions abutting/not abutting the trachea are also discussed.

Results

In patients with pre-RFA structural and biochemical incomplete (SB(+)) status, presenting with lesion with an initial maximum diameter of >3.2cm, a higher rate of structural incomplete status at the 6-month follow-up was noted in ROC analysis, with a sensitivity of 57% and specificity of 91%. Favorable structural remission after RFA was noted, and 60.9% of patients achieved biochemical complete status. No significant correlation was noted between the trachea-abutted lesion number and complete remission (p= 0.474). No significant difference in RFA efficacy was noted between the lesions abutting/not abutting the trachea.

Conclusions

This retrospective study reveals that RFA can achieve both structural and biochemical improvements for locoregionally recurrent thyroid cancer, with a low complication rate. Nearly half of the patients achieved an excellent response after RFA, while a favorable treatment response can be achieved despite the lesion abutting the trachea, with a mean VRR of 84.74%.
Adrenal hyperplasias in childhood: An update
Authors: Pitsava Georgia , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: August 2022

Pediatric adrenocortical hyperplasias are rare; they usually present with Cushing syndrome (CS); of them, isolated micronodular adrenal disease and its variant, primary pigmented adrenocortical disease are the most commonly encountered. Most cases are due to defects in the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) pathway, although a few cases remain without an identified genetic defect. Another cause of adrenal hyperplasia in childhood is congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a group of autosomal recessive disorders that affect steroidogenic enzymes in the adrenal cortex. Clinical presentation varies and depends on the extent of the underlying enzymatic defect. The most common form is due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency; it accounts for more than 90% of the cases. In this article, we discuss the genetic etiology of adrenal hyperplasias in childhood.
Heavy metal levels and sources in suspended particulate matters of the glacier watersheds in Northeast Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wu Rui , Dong Zhiwen , Cheng Xiping , Brahney Janice , Jiao Xiaoyu , Wu Lihua
Published: August 2022

This study collected summer meltwater runoff samples from several glacier watersheds of the northeast Tibetan Plateau during June-July 2017, and measured the concentrations of 17 trace elements (Li, Be, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Mo, Cd, In, Sb, Cs, Ba) in meltwater suspended particulate matter (SPM), in order to reveal the elemental concentration, spatial distribution, and water quality in remote glacier watershed under regional anthropogenic activities. Results showed that, the concentration of heavy metal elements was relatively high in Yuzhufeng Glacier basin, ranging from 0.57 μg/L (In) to 1,551.6 μg/L (Ba), whereas in Qiyi Glacier basin it was the lowest, ranging from 0.02 to 85.05 μg/L; and relatively medium in other glacier watersheds, with total elemental concentration varying from 1,503.9 to 1726.2 μg/L. Moreover, enrichment factors (EFs) of SPM heavy metals showed significantly higher value in the downstream than that of upper glacier region of the watershed. Most heavy metals with low EFs mainly originated from crust dust, while others with higher EFs (e.g., Cd, Sb) probably originated from anthropogenic sources. Spatially, the EFs of heavy metals were higher in Yuzhufeng and Laohugou Glacier basins; while in other regions the EFs were relatively low, which may be caused by regional land-surface and atmospheric environmental differences surrounding the various glacier watersheds. Compared with other remote locations in global range, heavy metals level (e.g., Cu, Ni, and Zn) in this region is relatively higher. Meanwhile, we find that, though the water quality of the glacier basin in northeast Tibetan Plateau was relatively clean and pollution-free, it is still obviously affected by regional anthropogenic activities. Mining activities, transportation and natural weathering and erosion processes in the study areas have important effects on the content of heavy metal pollutants of river-water SPM in the glacier watershed. Moreover, backward air-mass trajectories demonstrated the potential atmospheric pollutants transport from the surrounding cities and suburbs, to deposit in the snowpack and glaciers, and then melted out and released into meltwater runoff. This study provides a new perspective on more complete view of heavy metals distribution in glacier watershed, and new understanding for the cryosphere water environment evaluation in the Tibetan Plateau region.
Data-integration of opportunistic species observations into hierarchical modeling frameworks improves spatial predictions for urban red squirrels
Authors: Grabow Marius , Louvrier Julie L. P. , Planillo Aimara , Kiefer Sarah , Drenske Sinah , Börner Konstantin , Stillfried Milena , Hagen Robert , Kimmig Sophia , Straka Tanja M. , Kramer-Schadt Stephanie
Published: August 2022

The prevailing trend of increasing urbanization and habitat fragmentation makes knowledge of species’ habitat requirements and distribution a crucial factor in conservation and urban planning. Species distribution models (SDMs) offer powerful toolboxes for discriminating the underlying environmental factors driving habitat suitability. Nevertheless, challenges in SDMs emerge if multiple data sets - often sampled with different intention and therefore sampling scheme – can complement each other and increase predictive accuracy. Here, we investigate the potential of using recent data integration techniques to model potential habitat and movement corridors for Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), in an urban area. We constructed hierarchical models integrating data sets of different quality stemming from unstructured on one side and semi-structured wildlife observation campaigns on the other side in a combined likelihood approach and compared the results to modeling techniques based on only one data source - wherein all models were fit with the same selection of environmental variables. Our study highlights the increasing importance of considering multiple data sets for SDMs to enhance their predictive performance. We finally used Circuitscape (version 4.0.5) on the most robust SDM to delineate suitable movement corridors for red squirrels as a basis for planning road mortality mitigation measures. Our results indicate that even though red squirrels are common, urban habitats are rather small and partially lack connectivity along natural connectivity corridors in Berlin. Thus, additional fragmentation could bring the species closer to its limit to persist in urban environments, where our results can act as a template for conservation and management implications.
A comparative study of adjuvants effects on neonatal plasma cell survival niche in bone marrow and persistence of humoral immune responses
Authors: Aradottir Pind Audur Anna , Thorsdottir Sigrun , Magnusdottir Gudbjorg Julia , Meinke Andreas , Del Giudice Giuseppe , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Bjarnarson Stefania P.
Published: August 2022

The neonatal immune system is distinct from the immune system of older individuals rendering neonates vulnerable to infections and poor responders to vaccination. Adjuvants can be used as tools to enhance immune responses to co-administered antigens. Antibody (Ab) persistence is mediated by long-lived plasma cells that reside in specialized survival niches in the bone marrow, and transient Ab responses in early life have been associated with decreased survival of plasma cells, possibly due to lack of survival factors. Various cells can secrete these factors and which cells are the main producers is still up for debate, especially in early life where this has not been fully addressed. The receptor BCMA and its ligand APRIL have been shown to be important in the maintenance of plasma cells and Abs. Herein, we assessed age-dependent maturation of a broad range of bone marrow accessory cells and their expression of the survival factors APRIL and IL-6. Furthermore, we performed a comparative analysis of the potential of 5 different adjuvants; LT-K63, mmCT, MF59, IC31 and alum, to enhance expression of survival factors and BCMA following immunization of neonatal mice with tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine. We found that APRIL expression was reduced in the bone marrow of young mice whereas IL-6 expression was higher. Eosinophils, macrophages, megakaryocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes were important secretors of survival factors in early life but undefined cells also constituted a large fraction of secretors. Immunization and adjuvants enhanced APRIL expression but decreased IL-6 expression in bone marrow cells early after immunization. Furthermore, neonatal immunization with adjuvants enhanced the proportion of plasmablasts and plasma cells that expressed BCMA both in spleen and bone marrow. Enhanced BCMA expression correlated with enhanced vaccine-specific humoral responses, even though the effect of alum on BCMA was less pronounced than those of the other adjuvants at later time points. We propose that low APRIL expression in bone marrow as well as low BCMA expression of plasmablasts/plasma cells in early life together cause transient Ab responses and could represent targets to be triggered by vaccine adjuvants to induce persistent humoral immune responses in this age group.
Factors that predict severity of infection and seroconversion in immunocompromised children and adolescents with COVID-19 infection
Authors: Abu Shanap Mayada , Sughayer Maher , Alsmadi Osama , Elzayat Ismail , Al-Nuirat Abeer , Tbakhi Abdelghani , Sultan Iyad
Published: August 2022

Objectives

We aimed to study the outcomes, severity, and seroconversion post SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised children and adolescents treated at our center.

Method

For this observational study, all pediatric patients who had COVID-19 infection from Sep-22-2020 to Nov-10-2021were identified by reviewing our laboratory records. Their charts were reviewed to determine clinical severity and outcome. Blood samples were drawn for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay. Serious COVID-19 infection (SVI) was defined if the patient had moderate, severe, or critical illness. A cutoff of 100 U/mL anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was used to categorize low and high titer seroconversion.

Results

We identified 263 pediatric patients with COVID-19; most (68%) were symptomatic: 5% had severe or critical infection, 25% were hospitalized, 12 required respiratory support, 12 were admitted to the ICU, and five patients (2%) died. Multivariable analysis revealed several factors that predict SVI: Age above 12 years (p=0.035), body mass index above 95th percentile (p=0.034), comorbid conditions (p=0.025), absolute neutrophil count ≤500(p=0.014) and absolute lymphocyte count ≤300 (p=0.022). Levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies were obtained for 173 patients at a median of 94 days (range, 14–300) after PCR diagnosis; of them 142 (82%) patients seroconverted; the lowest seroconversion rate was observed in patients with hematological malignancies (79%). Our univariable model showed that the following factors were predictive of low titer: lower ANC, p=0.01; hematologic malignancy, p=0.023; receiving steroids in the last 14 days, p=0.032; time since last chemotherapy or immunosuppressive therapy less than 30 days, p=0.002; and being on active chemotherapy in the last 3 months prior to infection, p<0.001.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies developed in most immunocompromised patients with COVID-19 infection in our study. Mortality was relatively low in our patients. Our univariable and multivariable models showed multiple variables that predict severity of infections and antibody response post COVID-19 infection. These observations may guide choice of active therapy during infection and the best timing of vaccination in this high-risk population.
Rare earth element behaviour in seawater under the influence of organic matter cycling during a phytoplankton spring bloom – A mesocosm study
Authors: Sutorius Mara , Mori Corinna , Greskowiak Janek , Boettcher Lea , Bunse Carina , Dittmar Thorsten , Dlugosch Leon , Hintz Nils Hendrik , Simon Meinhard , Striebel Maren , Pahnke Katharina
Published: August 2022

Rare earth elements (REEs) are used as powerful proxies for a variety of oceanic processes. The understanding of their biogeochemical behaviour in the marine environment is therefore essential. While the influence of OM-cycling on REE patterns in seawater is considered as insignificant, it has been shown that algae and bacteria provide good sorption surfaces for REEs and that components of the dissolved OM pool are able to complex REEs, thus potentially altering their behaviour. To investigate the impact of bio-associated processes on REEs in the bio-productive marine environment, we conducted an indoor mesocosm experiment that mimicked a phytoplankton spring bloom in the neritic coastal North Sea. The incubation period of 38 days covered two distinct phytoplankton bloom phases (diatoms followed by Phaeocystis sp.) and an interjacent bacterioplankton maximum. All dissolved REEs (dREEs) except samarium showed similar temporal concentration patterns, which were closely connected to the bloom succession. The concentration patterns were shaped by the ‘phytoplankton-shuttle’, which summarizes adsorption processes on phytoplankton-derived particulate OM (POM) and resulted in decreasing dREE concentrations alongside chlorophyll-a and POM maxima. The ‘heterotrophic-shuttle’ resulted in increasing dREE concentrations likely linked to heterotrophically mediated regeneration of POM and associated desorption processes. The effect of these processes on dREEs resulted in enhanced fractionation of light REEs (LREEs) relative to heavy REEs (HREEs) during adsorption processes and decreased fractionation as a result of desorption. At times of high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations, we observed a stabilization of especially dHREEs likely in organic complexes. To test the potential influence of DOC on dREEs, we used a PHREEQC model approach that revealed dREE complexation with components of the DOC pool and an increase in complexation with atomic mass of the REEs. That is, at high DOC concentrations OM-dREE complexation leads to an effective and preferential buffering of dHREE against adsorption. Our findings reveal that OM-cycling influences concentration patterns of dREEs via ad- and desorption processes as well as organic complexation with parts of the OM pool, suggesting these processes can have a significant impact on dREE concentrations in the natural marine environment under high OM conditions.
Radium isotope assessment of submarine groundwater discharge and associated nutrient inputs in Eastern Liaodong Bay, China
Authors: Guo Qiaona , Zhao Yue , Li Mengjun , Liu Jinhui
Published: August 2022

The accurate assessment of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and associated nutrient fluxes plays a significant role in water resources management and ecological environment protection in the coastal area. Currently, Liaodong Bay has become one of the most polluted marine areas in China. However, the nutrient fluxes carried by the SGD and its environmental effects have not yet been thoroughly reported in eastern Liaodong Bay, China. In this study, the distribution of 224Ra/223Ra activity ratio and its influencing factors under the geochemical conditions were explored. The activity of radium was affected by the water type and the geochemical factors. The radium isotopes in seawater were positively correlated with the ratios of Mg2+/Na+ and Ca2+/Na+ but negatively correlated with salinity and SO42−. The average apparent water age was evaluated to be 13.0 days. Furthermore, based on the radium mass balance model, the total average SGD flux was calculated to be 1.31 × 108 m3 day–1. The nutrient fluxes carried by the SGD were 7.16 × 107, 1.01 × 106, 1.61 × 107, 0.92 × 106, and 5.41 × 107 mol day−1 for DIN, DIP, NH4+, NO2−, and NO3−, respectively. The nutrient inputs through the SGD have an average DIN : DIP ratio of 70, which was able to seriously affect the ecological environment. The SGD-derived nutrient fluxes were higher than the local river input, which demonstrated that the SGD was a major source of nutrients affecting regional marine ecosystems.
Baduanjin exercise: A potential promising therapy toward osteoporosis
Authors: Sun Chuanrui , Qi Baoyu , Huang Xinyi , Chen Ming , Jin Zikai , Zhang Yili , Zhu Liguo , Wei Xu
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Baduanjin (BDJ) exercise is a traditional exercise that combines breathing, body movement, meditation and awareness to help delay the onset and progression of senile degenerative musculoskeletal diseases, such as osteoporosis (OP). The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of BDJ exercise, and preliminarily infer its effective mechanism in the treatment of OP.

Methods

We identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through eight databases, and compared BDJ exercise with the control groups (including blank control and conventional treatment intervention). The main outcome measure was bone mineral density (BMD), the additional outcome measures were visual analogue scale (VAS), Berg balance scale (BBS), serum Calcium (Ca), serum Phosphorus (P), serum Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum bone gla protein (BGP). Meta-analysis and trial sequence analysis (TSA) were performed using RevMan 5.4, Stata 16.0, and TSA 0.9.

Results

In total, 13 RCTs involving 919 patients were included in the analysis. For postmenopausal osteoporosis, BDJ exercise alone and BDJ exercise combined with conventional treatment can improve the BMD of lumbar spine. BDJ exercise alone can influence serum Ca and ALP. BDJ exercise combined with conventional treatment can improve balance (BBS) and influence serum BGP. For senile osteoporosis, BDJ exercise alone and BDJ exercise combined with conventional treatment can improve balance (BBS). BDJ exercise combined with conventional treatment can improve the BMD of hip and pain relieve (VAS). For primary osteoporosis, BDJ exercise combined with conventional treatment can improve the BMD of lumbar spine and femoral neck.

Conclusion

Baduanjin exercise may be beneficial to improve BMD, relieve pain, improve balance ability, influence serum BGP and serum ALP in patients with OP, but differences occur due to various types of OP. Due to the low quality of research on the efficacy and mechanism of BDJ exercise in the treatment of OP, high-quality evidence-based research is still needed to provide reliable supporting evidence.

Systematic Review Registration

[http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42022329022].
Cinematic rendering in rheumatic diseases—Photorealistic depiction of pathologies improves disease understanding for patients
Authors: Pachowsky Milena L. , Morf Harriet , Simon David , Schönau Verena , Valor-Mendez Larissa , Knitza Johannes , Fagni Filippo , Engel Klaus , Uder Michael , Hueber Axel , Schmidkonz Christian , Schett Georg , Kleyer Arnd
Published: August 2022

Background

Patient education is crucial for successful chronic disease management. Current education material for rheumatic patients however rarely includes images of disease pathologies, limiting patients’ disease understanding. Cinematic rendering (CR) is a new tool that allows segmentation of standard medical images (DICOMs) into pictures that illustrate disease pathologies in a photorealistic way. Thus CR has the potential to simplify and improve the explanation of disease pathologies, disease activity and disease consequences and could therefore be a valuable tool to effectively educate and inform patients about their rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease (RMD).

Objectives

To examine the feasibility of creating photorealistic images using CR from RMD patients depicting typical rheumatic disease pathologies and, in a second step to investigate the patient-perceived educational potential of these photorealistic images in clinical routine.

Methods

We selected conventional, high-resolution (HR) and positron emission tomography (PET) computed tomography (CT) images of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), and giant cell arteritis (GCA) that showed typical respective disease pathologies. These images were segmented using CR technique. In a prospective study, physicians used CR-enhanced and conventional original images to explain the depicted pathognomonic pathologies to patients with the respective rheumatic disease. Patients were then asked to complete a questionnaire evaluating the perceived usefulness of being presented with CR-enhanced images to better understand their underlying disease.

Results

CR images were successfully generated from above mentioned CT methods. Pathologies such as bone erosions, bony spurs, bone loss, ankylosis, and PET-based inflammation could be visualized in photorealistic detail. A total of 79 patients (61% females) with rheumatic diseases (RA 29%, PsA 29%, axSpA 24%, GCA 18%) were interviewed and answered the quantitative questionnaire. Mean age was 55.4 ± 12.6 years. Irrespective of disease, all patients agreed or highly agreed that CR-based images help to improve disease understanding, should be shown at disease onset, provide a rationale to regularly take medication and would like to have access to their own CR-enhanced images.

Conclusion

Conventional disease images can successfully be turned into photorealistic disease depictions using CR. Patients perceived CR images as a valuable addition to current patient education, enabling personalized disease education and potentially increased medication adherence.
Contrasting seasonal patterns and factors regulating biocrust N2-fixation in two Florida agroecosystems
Authors: Sorochkina Kira , Strauss Sarah L. , Inglett Patrick W.
Published: August 2022

Biocrusts are communities of microorganisms within the top centimeter of soil, often dominated by phototrophic dinitrogen-fixing (N2-fixing) organisms. They are common globally in arid ecosystems and have recently been identified in agroecosystems. However, unlike natural ecosystem biocrusts, agroecosystem biocrusts receive regular fertilizer and irrigation inputs. These inputs could influence seasonal biocrust N2-fixation and their relationship with soil nutrients in perennial agroecosystems, which is of particular interest given crop management requirements. In this study, biocrust and adjacent bare soil N2-fixation activity was measured in the field during the summer, fall, spring, and winter seasons in a Florida citrus orchard and vineyard using both acetylene reduction assays and 15N2 incubations. Samples were analyzed for microbial and extractable carbon (MBC, EC), nitrogen (MBN, EN), and phosphorus (MBP, EP). In both agroecosystems, biocrusts had greater microbial biomass and extractable nutrients compared to bare soil. The citrus and grape biocrusts were both actively fixing N2, despite crop fertilization, with rates similar to those found in natural arid and mesic systems, from 0.1 to 142 nmol of C2H4 g–1 of biocrust dry weight h–1 (equivalent to 1–401 μmol m–2h–1). Lower soil temperatures and higher EC:EN ratios were associated with higher N2-fixation rates in citrus biocrusts, while higher soil moisture and higher EP were associated with higher N2-fixation rates in grape biocrusts. The N2-fixation activity of these agroecosystem biocrusts indicates the possibility of biocrusts to enhance N cycling in perennial agroecosystems, with potential benefits for crop production.
Generation of synthetic antibody fragments with optimal complementarity determining region lengths for Notch-1 recognition
Authors: Maruthachalam Bharathikumar Vellalore , Barreto Kris , Hogan Daniel , Kusalik Anthony , Geyer Clarence Ronald
Published: August 2022

Synthetic antibodies have been engineered against a wide variety of antigens with desirable biophysical, biochemical, and pharmacological properties. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of synthetic antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) against Notch-1. Three single-framework synthetic Fab libraries, named S, F, and modified-F, were screened against the recombinant human Notch-1 extracellular domain using phage display. These libraries were built on a modified trastuzumab framework, containing two or four diversified complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) and different CDR diversity designs. In total, 12 Notch-1 Fabs were generated with 10 different CDRH3 lengths. These Fabs possessed a high affinity for Notch-1 (sub-nM to mid-nM KDapp values) and exhibited different binding profiles (mono-, bi-or tri-specific) toward Notch/Jagged receptors. Importantly, we showed that screening focused diversity libraries, implementing next-generation sequencing approaches, and fine-tuning the CDR length diversity provided improved binding solutions for Notch-1 recognition. These findings have implications for antibody library design and antibody phage display.
Current advances and potential trends of the polysaccharides derived from medicinal mushrooms sanghuang
Authors: Wang Hao , Ma Jin-Xin , Zhou Miao , Si Jing , Cui Bao-Kai
Published: August 2022

For thousands of years, sanghuang is distinctive as a general designation for a group of precious and rare Chinese medicinal mushrooms. Numerous investigations have revealed that polysaccharide is one of the important biological active ingredients of sanghuang with various excellent biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective, and anti-microbial functionalities. For the past two decades, preparation, structural characterization, and reliable bioactivities of the polysaccharides from fruiting bodies, cultured mycelia, and fermentation broth of sanghuang have been arousing extensive interest, and particularly, different strains, sources, and isolation protocols might result in obvious discrepancies in structural features and bioactivities. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent reports on preparation strategies, structural features, bioactivities, and structure-activity relationships of sanghuang polysaccharides, which will enrich the knowledge on the values of natural sanghuang polysaccharides and support their further development and utilization as therapeutic agents, vaccines, and functional foods in tonic and clinical treatment.