bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Selected Signaling Pathways and Transcription Factors in Chondrogenesis
Authors: Ayariga Joseph A.
Published: November 2021

During cartilage development, the lineage commitment and condensation of stem cells into chondrocytes and their differentiation involves a ubiquitous signaling cascades and huge numbers of transcriptional factors. The kinetic requirements and the stoichiometry for the expression of key transcriptional factors are relevant and must be met to form proper and functionally competent cartilage tissue. More interestingly also, an exact and precise spatio-temporal distribution of these molecules are as necessary in the proper tissue morphogenesis and patterning as the relevant physical conditions and micro environmental forces playing at the background during embryogenesis. A milestone of experimental achievements has been obtained over the years on several signaling pathways involved in cartilage development. Several fate determining transcriptional factors has also been investigated and determined with regards to the transition of stem cells (pluripotent, embryonic, etc.) into chondrocytes. These transcriptional factors serve as master controllers in chondrocytes proliferation and hypertrophy. Concerns that variability in signaling and transcriptional factors have detrimental effect on cartilage formation and could potentiate most cartilage related diseases have led most scientists to investigate the role of signaling molecules and transcriptional factors implicated in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other cartilage degenerative diseases. On bases of spatio-temporal distribution of transcriptional factors, there exist functional overlaps, hence, it is difficult to draw a hard line of demarcation of roles at each point of the cell’s life, nonetheless, it is also markedly established that some factors are skewed to the chondrocyte’ survival and proliferation, and others known for their master’s role in the cell’s apoptotic, necrotic and senescence. Here we review some published works on selected signaling pathways and transcriptional factors that are preferentially expressed in chondrogenic cells and their role as major players in cartilage formation, cartilage diseases, along with some highlights of unique signaling molecules that are indispensable in cartilage tissue regeneration and management.
Adverse Local Tissue Reaction and Late-Onset Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Mihara Masahiko , Hirakawa Kazuo , Takayanagi Satoshi , Maekawa Kazunari , Kitagawa Ryuta , Sato Toshifumi
Published: November 2021

Case:

A 67-year-old woman suffered from chronic diarrhea at 10 years after right total hip arthroplasty. She also had a pseudotumor caused by an adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR) in her right pelvis. We performed revision arthroplasty, in part because we suspected the diarrhea may have been associated with the intrapelvic pseudotumor. She was later diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE).

Conclusion:

Although these two diseases were thought be be related through a similar immune reaction, our patient's clinical course suggests that the ALTR and EGE were independent events.
Climate Change and Variability in the Northeastern Himalayan Region of India
Authors: Saitluanga Benjamin L , Lalchhandama Gabriel , Rinawma P
Published: November 2021

Mountainous regions are considered highly vulnerable to the affects of climate change. The extent of change and variability of climatic parameters is still unexamined in many remote mountainous areas.  This paper aims in understanding the change in pattern of rainfall and temperature for a period of 30 years in Mizoram. The analysis of time series changing trend in climatic variables is carried out by using Coefficient of Variation (CV), Mann-Kendall (M-K) and Sen’s Slope estimator. The analysis reveals that high variation is observed for both the variables in all the decadal, three decadal and seasonal change. The CV analysis shows that the highest seasonal rainfall variation occurs during winter and the highest seasonal temperature variation occurs during spring. Mann-Kendall test shows a significant change in rainfall with November showing the highest negative trend of rainfall. The temperature trend analysis in the study also reveals drastic change of temperature. An understanding of climatic change, trend and variability helps in predicting for better natural resources from the susceptibility of climate change.
Efficient Drilling Sequence Optimization Using Heuristic Priority Functions
Authors: Wang Z. , He J. , Tanaka S. , Wen X.-H.
Published: November 2021

Drilling sequence optimization is a common challenge faced in the oil and gas industry, and yet it cannot be solved efficiently by existing optimization methods due to its unique features and constraints. For many fields, the drilling queue is currently designed manually based on engineering heuristics. In this paper, we combined the heuristic priority functions (HPFs) with traditional optimizers to boost the optimization efficiency at a lower computational cost to speed up the decision-making process.

The HPFs are constructed to map the individual well properties such as well index and interwell distance to the well priority values. As the name indicates, wells with higher priority values will be drilled earlier in the queue. The HPFs are a comprehensive metric of interwell communication and displacement efficiency. For example, injectors with fast support to producers, or producers with a better chance to drain the unswept region, tend to have high scores. They contain components that weigh the different properties of a well. These components are then optimized during the optimization process to generate the beneficial drilling sequences. Embedded with reservoir engineering heuristics, the priority function (PF) helps the optimizer focus on exploring scenarios with promising outcomes.

The proposed HPFs, combined with the genetic algorithm (GA), have been tested through drilling sequence optimization problems for the Brugge Field and Olympus Field. Optimizations that are directly performed on the drilling sequence are used as reference cases. Different continuous/categorical parameterization schemes and various forms of HPFs are also investigated. Our exploration reveals that the HPF including well type, constraints, well index, distance to existing wells, and adjacent oil in place (OIP) yields the best outcome. The proposed approach achieved a better optimization starting point (∼5 to 18% improvement due to more reasonable drilling sequence rather than random guess), a faster convergence rate (results stabilized at 12 vs. 30 iterations), and a lower computational cost [150 to 250 vs. 1,300 runs to achieve the same net present value (NPV)] over the reference methods. Similar performance improvement was also observed in another application to a North Sea–type reservoir. This demonstrated the general applicability of the proposed method.

The use of HPFs improves the efficiency and reliability of drilling sequence optimization compared with the traditional methods that directly optimize the sequence. They can be easily embedded in either commercial or research simulators as an independent module. In addition, they are also an automatic process that fits well with iterative optimization algorithms.

NOTE: This paper is also published as part of the 2021 SPE Reservoir Simulation Conference Special Issue.
Experimental Investigation of Polyethylene Oxide Polymer Solutions for Enhanced Oil Recovery in Low-Permeability Carbonate Rocks
Authors: Mejía Miguel , Pope Gary A. , Song Haofeng , Balhoff Matthew T.
Published: November 2021

New experiments using polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymer were performed to evaluate its potential for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications in low-permeability reservoirs. This is the first time that high molecular weight PEO solutions have been shown to have favorable transport in low-permeability (~20 md) carbonate cores and the first time PEO has been shown to improve oil recovery in a fractured carbonate core. Rheology measurements in synthetic seawater show the higher viscosity of PEO solutions compares favorably to the viscosity of acrylamide–sodium acrylate (AM-AA) copolymers of similar molecular weight because PEO is less sensitive to hardness and high salinity. Filtration experiments using 0.45 μm cellulose filters show very favorable filtration ratios of PEO with a molecular weight of 4 million g/mol, which is consistent with its favorable transport in low-permeability cores. Four coreflood experiments in Texas Cream Limestone (TC Limestone) cores demonstrate the viability of PEO for EOR in low-permeability carbonate rocks. Single-phase experiments show 4 million g/mol PEO solutions transported through 18 and 28 md TC Limestone cores. Oil recovery experiments show 4 million g/mol PEO solutions transported and was more efficient than waterflooding in aged TC Limestone with favorable retention of 40 µg/g rock. An oil recovery experiment in an artificially fractured TC Limestone core improved oil recovery by a remarkable 15% considering the very large fracture-matrix permeability contrast (>7,000). These experimental results as well as other favorable properties of PEO reported in the literature indicate PEO should be considered for some EOR applications, especially in low-permeability reservoirs.
The Cardiovascular Implications of Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair: how aortic stenting impacts LV function and coronary artery flow
Authors: Stonko David P , Abdou Hossam , Edwards Joseph , Elansary Noha N , Lang Eric , Hicks Caitlin W , Morrison Jonathan J
Published: November 2021

Aortic stents are known to have harmful effects on the cardiovascular system. They augment left ventricular function by decreasing aortic compliance. How these cardiovascular parameters change during and immediately after deployment of aortic stents has not been rigorously quantified, despite the development of heart failure in as many as 40% of post-TEVAR survivors within one-year. Without a comprehensive understanding of how the cardiovascular system changes in response to aortic stenting, surgical or medical strategies to augment prevent these changes cannot be developed. The goal of this study is to evaluate alterations in cardiovascular physiology that develop during and after total aortic endografting in a swine model. We will employ left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume (PV) loop analysis, which provides comprehensive pump mechanical information about LV function including stroke work and cardiac output, coupled with direct coronary flow measurements to understand how these parameters change when an aortic stent is placed. Our hypotheses are that aortic stenting: 1) is associated with decreased aortic compliance and increased LV afterload, 2) augments the LV end systolic pressure relationship (i.e., stroke work and end systolic pressure increase) and 3) increases coronary blood flow but decreases the coronary flow/cardiac output ratio.
HIF-1α associated logistic regression model serves for predicting decompensation of hepatitis B cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Jun-Hui , Gu Yu-Rong , Wu Zhe-Bin , Zhang Yan-Yan , Huang Shao-Zhuo , Yang Shui-Xian , Xie Lin-Dan , Wu Yi , Liu Xiang-Fu , He Xiu-Ting , Zheng Yu-Bao
Published: November 2021

Background

HIF-1α is relevant to inflammation and fibrosis in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver diseases. Thus, we designed a predictive model for decompensated cirrhosis.
Methods

Peripheral plasma HIF-1α levels were measured in 52 subjects, including 20 patients with HBV-related-compensated-cirrhosis (HBV-CC), 20 patients with HBV-related-decompensated-cirrhosis (HBV-DC) that underwent transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and 12 healthy controls (HC). Portal plasma HIF-1α levels were detected in HBV-DC patients. The correlation between clinical data and HIF-1α levels was assessed, logistic regression and nomogram were used to develop prediction model.
Results

Plasma HIF-1α levels were significantly higher in HBV-DC patients than that in HBV-CC patients and healthy controls (DC: 656.34±417.96, CC: 294.23±138.03, HC: 194.63±54.14, pg/ml; P = 0.0004). Plasma HIF-1α levels were positively correlated with total bile acid, total bilirubin, APRI, FIB-4, and MELD scores, and negatively correlated with albumin and platelets. Multivariate logistic regression manifested that total bilirubin (OR = 19.439; 95% CI: 1.486–254.320, P = 0.024), spleen thickness (OR = 75.144; 95% CI: 4.157–1358.440, P = 0.003) and HIF-1α concentrations above 341.78 pg/ml (OR = 23.580; 95% CI: 1.842–301.781, P = 0.015) were markedly associated with HBV-DC and thus included in the nomogram. The terrific cut-off value for the probability of HBV-DC was > 45%, and area under the curve was 0.954 (P < 0.001), with 95% sensitivity and specificity.
Conclusions

HIF-1α is related to biochemical liver parameters, cirrhosis grade, and progression to HBV-DC. Our model has preferable predictive value for HBV-DC.
Analysis of Relay Protection System Comparison for Better Identification of Faults in High Voltage AC Transmission Lines
Authors: Fazal Rimsha , Aslam Arooj , Manzoor Habib Ullah , Manzoor Tareq
Published: November 2021

A high voltage protection system is designed to protect the system against the hazards like instant high voltage condition like lightening voltage in the rain, power variation in the transmission lines etc. In these conditions, our system may face a voltage twice and thrice greater than its original nominal ratings. In this paper, performance of four different relays (overcurrent relay, over and under voltage relay, distance relay and differential relay) have been calculated based on operating time in 400KV high voltage AC transmission line of 80-250km under different faults, modeled on MATLAB for the identification of different types of faults in a transmission line. These relays can differentiate between the normal operating condition and fault conditions. In this paper simulation comparison of these four relays is presented by comparing their operating time in Single line to ground fault (LG), three phase fault (LLLG) and Double phase to ground fault (LLG). The output waveforms are observed under the normal condition or no-fault condition and in the fault condition and response time is calculated to operate a circuit breaker.
Complex Interplay between Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory signaling in Development of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Cancer
Authors: Dharshini Loganathan Chandramani Priya , Sakthivel Kunnathur Murugesan , Kathirvelan Chinnadurai , R Rasmi R
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation are closely related with cancer progression and neurodegenerative diseases. Excess ROS generated either oxidize biomolecules or triggers the signaling cascade thereby activating inflammation. The activation of inflammation causes immune cells to secrete cytokines and chemokines which recruits various immune cells to the site of infection or oxidative stress. This interrelation between oxidative stress and inflammation in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases is discussed in the article.
Methods

The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in cancer progression and neurodegenerative disease related literature were collected to obtain data. A narrative review was constructed after obtaining all the relevant information to provide a detailed note on it.
Results

In cancer, OS and inflammation aids in various oncogenic metabolic events including proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, metabolic changes and evading programmed cell death. The disproportion between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants in the body is termed as OS which damages the macromolecules (nucleic acids, lipids and proteins). It leads to dysfunction in biological signaling cascade. Prolonged oxidative stress triggers inflammation by stimulating transcription factors (NF-κB, p53, HIF-1α, PPAR-γ, Nrf2, AP-1) which altered expression of various other genes and proteins such as growth factors, tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, pro-inflammatory cytokines etc., triggering cancer cells survival. In neurodegenerative diseases, both OS and inflammation activates astrocytes and microglia, which in turn altered energy metabolism, proteostasis and redox signaling in brain by activating various protein kinases.
Conclusion

The present review article delineates the complex interplay between OS and inflammation in some cancers (Colorectal, breast and lung cancer) and neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease).
Variable Curvature Modelling Method of Continuum Robots with Contraints
Authors: Chen Peng , Yu Yi , Liu Yuwang
Published: November 2021

The inherent compliance of continuum robots holds great promise in the fields of soft manipulation and safe human-robot interaction. This compliance reduces the risk of damage to the manipulated object and the surroundings. However, continuum robots have theoretically infinite degrees of freedom, and this high flexibility usually leads to complex deformations with external forces and positional constraints. How to describe this complex deformation is the main challenge for modelling continuum robots. In this study, we investigated a novel variable curvature modeling method for continuum robots, considering external forces and positional constraints. The robot configuration curve is described by the developed mechanics model, and then the robot is fitted to the curve. To validate the model, a 10-section continuum robot prototype with a length of 1 m was developed. The ability of the robot to reach the target points and track complex trajectories with load verified the feasibility and accuracy of the model. The ratio of the average position error of the robot endpoint to the robot length was less than 2.38%. This work may serve a new perspective for design analysis and motion control of continuum robots.
Adolescents’ Perceptions of Sexual and Reproductive Health: Does the Adolescent School Health Club Intervention Matter?
Authors: Darko Nana Akosua Konadu , Glozah Franklin N.
Published: November 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to examine variations in perceptions of sexual and reproductive health of adolescents in Junior High Schools that implement the Adolescent health club intervention and those that do not. Methods: A cross-sectional quasi-experimental study design was used consisting of 424 adolescents (255 females) between 11years and 19 years old in schools that implement (private) and schools that do not implement (private and public) the intervention. Data was collected using a standardised questionnaire eliciting information about participants’ knowledge, attitude and behaviour towards their sexual and reproductive health. Chi squares, multiple regression analysis and one-way analysis of variance statistical techniques were used to analyse the data.Results: There were significant variations in knowledge about reproductive physiology and knowledge about condom use. Private schools with the health club intervention reported higher scores on both knowledge about reproductive physiology and knowledge about condom. Adolescents in private schools with the intervention had a more positive attitude towards abstinence. Adolescents in schools with the intervention were less likely to have had sex, use condoms, or have friends who have had sex compared to adolescents in schools that do to implement the intervention. Conclusion: The Adolescent health club intervention has a significant influence on Ghanaian adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health particularly knowledge about reproductive physiology and knowledge about condoms. It is recommended that the intervention be scaled up and intensified in Junior High Schools in Ghana.
Nematode as a Cause of Appendicular–Cutaneous Fistula
Authors: Yu Jiangtao , Sun Qingfei , Shan Ying , Zheng Xiangyun , Zhang Huanhu
Published: November 2021

BackgroundCutaneous fistula may develop spontaneously as a complication of an perforating appendicitis. However, intestinal fistula caused by parasites is a rare report.Case presentationIn the operation, we found that expanded appendix was perforated from its distal part and was fistulized to the right lateral abdominal wall. The complications of postoperative was intestinal fistula. Colonoscopy was performed revealing some nematode around the appendiceal orifice. The development of fistula after bowel resection and anastomosis can be devastating. Immediate drainage and establishment of enteral nutrition can lead to spontaneous healing of fistula.ConclusionsTesting for nematode infection in a patient with suspected appendicitis is not routine, it still stands as a challenge in clinical practice. In view of this situation, killing parasites is necessary, otherwise it is difficult to cure.
Injury Rates in Female and Male Military Personnel: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schram Ben , Canetti Elisa , Orr Rob , Pope Rodney
Published: November 2021

Background: An effective military force is required to be agile, capable, efficient, and potent. Injuries to military personnel interrupt active-duty service and can detract from overall capability. These injuries are associated with a high individual and organizational burden, with lost work time and financial costs - all problematic for the ongoing functioning of a military force. Injury control strategies have therefore been described as force multipliers. Female personnel form an integral part of any modern defence force, but little research has examined their specific experiences of injury, to inform targeted injury control efforts. The aim of this review was to identify and synthesise findings from studies of injury rates and patterns in female military personnel, comparing them to those of male personnel.Methods: A systematic search was conducted for studies which compared injury rates between the sexes at any stage of military service, from basic training through to deployment. Databases searched included PUBMED, CINAHL and Medline through OVID. Methodological quality of eligible articles was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP), and AXIS tools and data were extracted, synthesized, and, where possible, underwent meta-analysis.Results: Of 2287 identified studies, a total of 25 studies were eligible and included. Methodological quality ranged from 60% up to a perfect score of 100%, with an average of 82% across all studies. Relative risks for injuries (reported as RR [95%CI]) to females when compared to males were 2.10 [1.89-2.33] during basic training, 1.70 [1.33–2.17] during officer training, and 1.23 [1.05-1.43] post initial training. After adjustment for differences between the sexes in average fitness levels (2-mile run time), there was no longer a significant difference in injury rates (adjusted RR: 0.95 [0.86-1.05]). Female personnel tended to make bigger improvements in their fitness during basic training than males and tended to report their injuries more frequently and sooner than males. Conclusion While this review found a higher rate of reported injuries in female military personnel when compared to male personnel, differences between the sexes in average fitness levels and injury reporting behaviours may largely explain this rate difference. The difference in rates of reported injuries was greatest during basic training, and reduced thereafter, possibly due in part to a reduced difference in fitness between the sexes or increased opportunity to self-determine workloads relative to fitness levels.
Pandemic-Related Differences in Physical and Mental Health of Older Adults
Authors: Lau Chun Fatt , Shahimi Nur Husna , Mat Sumaiyah , Kioh Sheng Hui , Khoo Ee Ming , Zakaria Mohd Idzwan , Khaliddin Nurliza , Mazlan Mazlina , Khoo Selina , Saedon Nor Izzati , Khor Hui Min , Nyman Samuel R , Morgan Karen , Tan Maw Pin
Published: November 2021

Background

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in data collection methods have been introduced in research to ensure continuity despite physical distancing and lockdown restrictions. However, little is currently known about the potential differences in information collected using these traditional face-to-face methods compared to the incorporation of virtual methods to address the above, particularly in studies involving older adults.
Aims

Our objectives were, therefore, to compare data collected during the pandemic using hybrid methods from older individuals participating in falls research to that collected through traditional face-to-face methods.
Methods

Participants comprised of individuals recruited to two fall studies which hurdled the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Both studies recruited individuals aged 60 years and over with at least one fall in the past 12 months, and controls with no history of falls in the past 12 months. Pre-pandemic, individuals were interviewed face-to-face exclusively, those interviews after the start of the pandemic were conducted virtually with physical assessments conducted face-to-face to minimize physical contact. Cognitive, physical, and psychological status were determined using the visual cognitive assessment tool (VCAT), timed-up-and-go (TUG), functional reach (FR), handgrip strength (HGS), and the 21-item depression, anxiety and stress scale (DASS-21). In addition quality of life, physical activity and social participation were also measured.
Results

Of the 145 participants (median age (interquartile range, IQR) of 73.5 (67-81) years), 69 (47.6%) were interviewed face-to-face, while 76 (53.4%) were assessed using a hybrid method. Participants in both groups had similar age, gender, ethnic breakdown, marital status, education levels, anthropometric measurements, and medication burden. More face-to-face participants had hypertension and fall compared to hybrid participants Differences were observed in presence of fall characteristics, with fewer fallers seeing a doctor and more fallers attending the emergency department after the start of the pandemic. After adjustment for baseline differences, participants interviewed using hybrid status had lower depression scores (odds ratio, OR (95% confidence interval, CI)=0.29(0.14-0.61) and stress scores (OR(95%CI)=0.33(0.15-0.72)), but greater fear of falling (OR(95%CI)=2.16(1.04-4.48)) and reduced social participation (OR(95%CI)=2.64(1.20-5.79)).
Conclusion

Alterations in recruitment and data collection methods to overcome pandemic restrictions should take into consideration potential differences in individuals who agree to participate as well as the influence of major life events on the psychological status of participants.
Maize Yield Forecast Using GIS and Remote Sensing The Case of Kaffa Zone, South Western Ethiopia
Authors: Biru Dereje , . Jemal Tefera
Published: November 2021

Background: Policy makers, government planners and agriculturalist in Ethiopia require accurate and timely information about maize yield and production. Kaffa zone is by far the most important maize producing zone in the country. The manual collection of field data and data processing for crop forecasting by the CSA requires significant amounts of time before official reports are released. Several studies have shown that maize yield can be effectively forecast using satellite remote sensing data. The objectives of this study were to develop a maize yield forecast model in kaffa Zone derived from time series data of eMODIS_NDVI, actual and potential evapotranspiration and CHIRPS for the years 2008-2017.Official grain yield data from the Central statistical Agency of Ethiopia was used to validate the strength of the indices in explaining the yield. Crop masking at crop land area was applied and refined by using agro ecological zones suitable for the crop of interest. Correlation analyses were used to determine associations among crop yield, spectral indices and agro meteorological variables for maize crop of the long rainy season (kiremt). Indices with high correlation with maize yield were identified. Results: Average Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and rainfall have high correlation of maize yield with 84% and 89%, respectively. That means their variables are positively strong related with maize yield. The generated spectro-agro meteorological yield model was successfully tested against the Central Statistical Agency's expected Zone level yields (r2= 0.89, RMSE = 1.54qha1, and 16.7% coefficient of variation).Conclusions: Thus, remote sensing and geographical information system based maize yield forecast improved quality and timelines of the data besides distinguishing yield production levels/areas and making intervention very easy for the decision makers there by proving the clear potential of spectro-agro meteorological factors for maize yield forecasting, particularly for Ethiopia.
A Multiple Sclerosis Patient Benefitting from CSF Flow Enhancement Had Imaging Signs of "Glymphatic-Lymphatic System Disease." Case Report
Authors: Scollato Antonio , Lolli Francesco , Lastrucci Giancarlo , Repice Anna , De Santis Giuseppe , Nicoletti Claudio , Porfirio Berardino , Gallina Pasquale
Published: November 2021

Background The derangement of CSF circulation impacts the functions of glymphatic-lymphatic system (G-Ls), which regulates solute trafficking and immune surveillance in the CNS. The imaging features of dilated perivascular spaces imply the substantial impairment of the G-Ls and can be easily estimated It has been proposed that multiple sclerosis can be viewed as a disease involving a failure component and therapeutically could be targeted as such.Case presentationWe report the case of a female patient diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, also presenting perivascular spaces dilatation, who transiently improved after CSF shunt diversions. ConclusionsThe G-Ls failure leads to dysregulation of waste molecule clearance in the brain and an altered CNS immune response, potentially in many diseases. The clinical improvement observed in our patient may relate to an increased clearance of inflammatory mediators following the G-Ls reestablishment obtained by CSF flow enhancement.
Posterior Cranial Fossa Meningioma Causing Tonsillar Herniation and Giant Cervicothoracic Syringomyelia, Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Hong Estelle Anne How , Ahmed Shalid , Deepak Srihari , Kounin Gueorgui
Published: November 2021

Background

Syringomyelia is a fluid-filled cyst within the spinal cord and usually associated with Arnold-Chiari malformation. Posterior cranial fossa tumours are a rare cause of tonsillar herniation and secondary syringomyelia.
Case Presentation:

We report a rare case of a 56-year-old female with posterior cranial meningioma and secondary syringomyelia, admitted with headache, nausea, vomiting, and ataxic gait. MRI demonstrated a large posterior fossa lesion causing early ventriculomegaly and syrinx within the upper spinal cord extending from the hindbrain inferiorly to the level of T8. She underwent a posterior fossa craniectomy with left C1 hemilaminectomy and complete excision of the tumour. In 6 months following her procedure, MRI scan showed a significant reduction in the calibre of the syringomyelia throughout its length and there was a significant improvement in symptoms.
Literature review:

A PubMed literature search was carried out with keywords: “syringomyelia”, “posterior fossa” and “tumour”. 120 articles were reviewed. The inclusion criteria for this study was posterior fossa meningioma causing syrinx formation. A total of 9 isolated similar cases were identified.
Discussion

Tonsillar herniation and syringomyelia secondary to posterior cranial fossa meningioma are rare. The alteration in the dynamic flow of CSF is likely to be the cause for the formation and enlargement of the syrinx.
Conclusion

Although the pathophysiology of syrinx formation is still poorly understood, the alteration of CSF dynamic has been implicated, but a common unifying cause appears to be increased transcranial difference in intracranial pressure across the foramen magnum causing tonsillar herniation, irrespective of location in the posterior fossa. Posterior fossa craniotomy and excision of the lesion is the mainstay treatment.
fMRI findings in cortical brain networks interactions in migraine following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Markin Kirill , Trufanov Artem , Frunza Daria , Litvinenko Igor , Tarumov Dmitriy , Polyakova Victoria , Krasichkov Alexander , Medvedev Dmitriy , Efimtsev Alexander
Published: November 2021

Background: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is one of high-potential non-pharmacological methods for migraine treatment. The purpose of this study is to objectively evaluate the efficacy of rTMS in patients with migraine based on data from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: 19 patients with migraine without aura underwent a 5-day course of rTMS of the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex bilaterally, at 10Hz frequency and 60% of motor threshold response of 900 pulses. Resting-state functional MRI (1.5 T) and battery of tests were carried out for each patient to clarify their diagnosis, qualitative and quantitative characteristics of pain, and associated affective symptoms. Changes in functional connectivity (FC) in the brain’s neural networks before and after the treatment were identified through independent components analysis. Results: Over the course of therapy, we observed an increase in FC of the default mode network within it, with pain system components and with structures of the visual network. We also noted a decrease in FC of the salience network with sensorimotor and visual networks, as well as an increase in FC of the visual network. Besides, we identified 5 patients who did not have a positive response to one rTMS course, presumably because of an increased trend to depressive symptoms and neuroimaging criteria for depressive disorder. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence of a 70% efficacy of rTMS judging by neuroimaging changes and a decrease in clinical symptoms. Moreover, we identified neuroimaging criteria for the therapy efficacy as well as possible predictors of successful/unsuccessful response to the therapy.
Evaluation of Apoptotic Activity of Modified Carvacrol and Anticancer Peptide Against AGS Gastric Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Elahi Mona Ghods , Hekmati Malak , Esmaeili Davoud , Ziararti Parisa , Yousefi Mohamad
Published: November 2021

IntroductionTreating stomach cancer remains a major challenge. There have been many reports of the positive effect of modified carvacrol and anti-cancer peptides on gastric cancer. The main purpose of this study was to determine and design a fusion modified carvacrol and anti-cancer peptide against AGS gastric cancer cell line using flowcytometry technique.MethodDetermination of cell lethality was conducted with different concentrations of the modified carvacrol and anti-cancer peptides against AGS cell line by MTT technique. Treatment of AGS cells with different concentrations of components to evaluate the apoptosis of AGS cells was performed by flow cytometry. In this study used. The MTT test performed according to protocol with different concentrations of components.ResultsThe results showed that the percentage of cells treated with modified carvacrol and anti-cancer peptides at a concentration of 80μg/ml with total apoptosis was 46.91% and increased by 36.25% compared to untreated cells.ConclusionDue to the anticancer properties of modified carvacrol with anticancer peptide, the above combination can be used to treat and induction apoptotic activity against gastric cancer cell line.
Sevoflurane Postconditioning Upregulates HIF-1α Pathway Enhances BNIP3 Mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy in Myocardium of Aged Mice
Authors: Wang Jiang , Wu Jianjiang , Taiwangu Tailaiti , Masula Maisitanguli , Huang Yidan , Chen Siyu , Zou Tiantian , Yang Long
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND: Diminished mitochondrial autophagy in aged myocardium may be due to impaired HIF-1α protein expression. Previous studies confirmed that upregulation of HIF-1α expression protects myocardial tissue from ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and found that sevoflurane post-conditioning (SpostC) mediated mitochondrial autophagy plays a significant role in myocardial protection. However, the protective mechanism of SpostC in aged myocardium is unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether SpostC regulates BNIP3 - mediated mitochondrial autophagy by upregulating HIF-1α expression, thus alleviating myocardial I/R injury in aged mice.Methods: An in vivo mouse model of myocardial I/R injury was established and treated with sevoflurane at the time of reperfusion, and at the end of reperfusion, echocardiographic changes, myocardial infarct size, mitochondrial ultrastructure, and autophagosomes were measured, mitochondrial respiratory function and enzyme activity were detected, serum LDH, CKM, CK-MB, TNNT2, IL-6 levels were determined, and Western blot was used to examine the expression levels of phosphorylated HIF-1α, LC3-II, BNIP3, Beclin1, TLR9, and IL-6 protein in myocardial tissue.RESULTS: In young, healthy myocardium, SpostC upregulated the expression of HIF-1α, activated the downstream target gene BNIP3 protein, and upregulated the expression levels of autophagy essential proteins LC3-II, Beclin-1, and TLR9, attenuated myocardial oxidative stress injury, stabilized mitochondrial ultrastructure, inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and ultimately reduced myocardial infarct size. In aged myocardium, SpostC also played an excellent myocardial protective role.CONCLUSION: SpostC was able to upregulate HIF-1α expression, promote BNIP3-mediated mitochondrial autophagy, reduce myocardial infarct size, and alleviate myocardial I/R injury in aged mice.
Platelet-to-lymphocyte Ratio can be used as Marker to Predict Activity and Severity in Moderate and High Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Chen Bilin , Zhu Qing , Li Shu , Ge Yan , Wu Peijun , Tian Jing , Xie Xi , Li Fen
Published: November 2021

Objective: This study aimed to study and evaluate the value of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as markers to predict the disease activity and severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods: A total of 139 inpatients with RA were divided into two groups: moderate activity group (3.2<DAS28-CRP score<5.1) and high activity group (≥5.1). The correlation of routine hematological indices with DAS28 and joint ultrasound score (gray-scale ultrasound score, GS-US; power Doppler ultrasound score, PD-US; total ultrasound score, T-US) were analyzed by Pearson's correlation and logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to compare the efficacy of blood indices, ESR, or CRP in reflecting the disease activity and severity of RA.Results: The values of PLR, NLR, PD-US, and T-US were significantly different between moderate and high disease activity groups (p<0.001), and PLR was significantly correlated with PD-US and DAS28. Logistic regression analyses showed that PLR was an independent risk factor for disease activity by DAS 28 and joint damage severity by PD-US and T-US. ROC analysis showed that the efficacy of using PLR alone to evaluate the disease activity and joint severity of RA was similar to that of using combined CRP and ESR. The best cut-off value of PLR for predicting high disease activity and high joint severity was determined as 236.6.Conclusions: PLR can be used as a marker to predict activity and severity in patients with moderate and high RA disease activity.
A New Non-Human Primate Model of Desiccating Stress-Induced Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Gong Li , Guan Yilin , Cho WonKyung , Li Baowen , Pan Lingzhen , Yang Zhenyan , Wu Mingling , Yang Zunyuan , Chauhan Sunil K. , Zeng Wen
Published: November 2021

Dry eye disease (DED), a multifactorial ocular surface disease, is estimated to affect up to 34% of individuals over 50 years old. Although numerous animal models, including rodents and rabbits, have been developed to mimic the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the dry eye, there is a lack of non-human primate (NHP) models, critical for translational drug studies. Here, we developed a novel desiccating stress-induced dry eye disease model using rhesus monkeys. The monkeys were housed in a controlled-environment room for 21 to 36 days under humidity, temperature, and airflow regulation. Following desiccating stress, NHPs demonstrated clinical symptoms similar to those of humans, as shown by increased corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) and decreased tear-film breakup. Moreover, corticosteroid treatment significantly reduced CFS scoring, restored TFBUT, and prevented upregulation of tear proinflammatory cytokines as observed in dry eye patients following steroid treatment. These close resemblance of clinical symptoms and treatment responses to those of human DED patients provides great translational value to the NHP model which could serve as a clinically relevant animal model to study the efficacy of the new potential treatment for DED.
Can the Imbalance Between Neurotrophic and Apoptotic Proteins be the "Beware the Ides of March" for Unaffected Relatives of Schizophrenia Patients?
Authors: Yesilkaya Umit Haluk , Gica Sakir , Menekseoglu Pelin Ozkara , Tasdemir Busra Guney , Cirakli Zeynep , Karamustafalioglu Nesrin
Published: November 2021

Schizophrenia (SZ) is a mental disorder with a strong genetic basis as well as epigenetic aspects. Siblings of patients with SZ can share certain endophenotypes with the patients, suggesting that the siblings may be important for distinguishing between trait and state markers. In the current study, we aimed to characterize the balance between pro-BDNF/mature BDNF and its receptors p75NTR/TrkB, which is tpa-BDNF pathways proteins and thought to play a role in synaptic pruning as a possible endophenotype of schizophrenia. Forty drug-naïve patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) matched for age, gender and level of education, 40 unaffected siblings (UAS) of patients with FEP and 67 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from all participants to determine BDNF, pro-BDNF, TrkB and p75NTR, PAI1, tPA, ACTH and cortisol levels. We showed that levels of proteins of the tPA-BDNF pathway, pro-BDNF/m-BDNF and p75NTR/TrkB ratios could successfully differentiateFEP and their siblings from the HCs by using ROC analysis. Plasma levels of m-BDNF were found to be the lowest in the healthy siblings and highest in the healthy control group with statistically significant differences between all 3 groups. The plasma levels of pro-BDNF in the healthy control group were similar to the FEP patients, the same in the healthy siblings of the FEP patients. Our data Support the hypothesis that imbalance between neurotrophic and apoptotic proteins might occur in SZ, and this imbalance could be an endophenotype of the disease.
The Trunk Rotation may Differentially Affect Lung Volume and Respiratory Muscle Strength in Males and Females
Authors: Takahata Miki , Osawa Miho , Hoshina Mizuki , Yamaki Michiyasu , Sato Toshiaki
Published: November 2021

It is known that gender affect pulmonary function, associated with anatomical differences between male and female. However, the effects of trunk rotation on respiratory variables and its differences between males and females remain unclear. We examined the effects of gender and physical characteristics on postural changes in healthy young people. In this study, 9 males and 11 females (22 ± 1 year old for both males and females) were enrolled. We measure the vital capacity (VC), inspiratory capacity (IC), tidal volume (VT), expiratory reserve volume (ERV), inspiratory reserve volume (IRV), and force vital capacity (FVC) and respiratory muscle (PImax and PEmax) with rest posture in the sitting position (rest posture) in sitting position and 30° trunk rotation both genders in the sitting position (rotational posture). The value of VC, IC, ERV, IRV, FVC, or FEV1.0 for males were significantly higher than that for females in both postures. Further, PEmax was more affected by rotational posture in male than in female. On the other hand, PImax showed a significant decrease in the rotational posture only in females. This study indicated that the effect of rotational posture on PImax and PEmax, a measure of respiratory muscle strength, may be different between males and females. These finding may provide important insights on gender differences in respiration in daily living.
Evaluation of species distribution models for estimating animal dark diversity
Authors: Matus-Olivares Camilo , Carrasco Jaime , Yela José Luis , Meli Paula , Weintraub Andres , Lisón Fulgencio
Published: November 2021

Aim

Applying wide and effective sampling of animal communities is rarely possible due to the associated costs and the use of techniques that are not always efficient. Thus, many areas have a faunistic hidden diversity we denote Animal Dark Diversity (ADD), defined as the diversity that is present but not yet detected plus the diversity defined by Pärtel et al. (2011) that is not (yet) present despite the area’s favourable habitat conditions. We evaluated different species distribution model types (SDM techniques) on the basis of three requirements for ADD estimate reliability: 1) estimated spatial patterns of ADD do not differ significantly from other SDM techniques; 2) good predictive performances; and 3) low overfitting.
Location
Iberian Peninsula.
Taxon
Chiroptera and Noctuoidea (Lepidoptera)
Methods

We used distribution data for 25 species of bats and 352 species of moths. We evaluated eleven SDM techniques using biomod2 package implemented in the R software environment. We fitted the various SDM techniques to the data for each species and compared the resulting ADD estimates for the two animal groups under three threshold types.
Results

The results demonstrated that estimated ADD spatial patterns vary significantly between SDM techniques and depend on the threshold type. They also showed that SDM techniques with overfitting tend to generate smaller ADD sizes, thus reducing the possible species presence estimates. Among the SDMs studied, the ensemble models delivered ADD geographic patterns more like the other techniques while also presenting a high predictive performance for both faunal groups. However, the Ensemble Model Committee Average (ECA) performed much better on the sensitivity metric than all other techniques under any of the thresholds tested. In addition, ECA stood out clearly from the other ensemble model techniques in displaying low-medium overfitting.
Main conclusions

SDM techniques should no differ among each other in their ADD estimations, have good predictive performances and exhibit low overfitting. Furthermore, to reduce estimate uncertainty it is suggested that the threshold type be one that transforms high values of presences probabilities into binary information and furthermore that the SDM technique have a sensitivity bias, as otherwise the estimates will perform better for species absence in cases where it is not in fact known whether a species is truly absent.