bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive ventilation in intensive care unit: yesterday, today, tomorrow (literature review)
Authors: Vlasenko A. V. , Koryakin A. G. , Evdokimov E. A. , Klyuev I. S.
Published: October 2021

The development of medical technologies and the emergence of new methods of respiratory support with extensive capabilities to control positive pressure on the inhale and exhale made it possible to implement non-invasive ventilation. The integration of microprocessors in modern respiratory interfaces, on the one hand, and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of respiratory failure, on the other hand, made it possible to improve and implement various methods of non-invasive respiratory support in everyday clinical practice. The experience gained in recent decades with the use of non-invasive ventilation made it possible to widely use this method of respiratory support in a wide variety of clinical situations. However, the selection of patients for mask ventilation, the choice of method and algorithm for its application, prognosis of effectiveness, prevention of negative effects, as before, remain relevant. This dictates the need to continue studying the clinical efficacy of non-invasive ventilation in patients with respiratory failure of various origins. The review presents the possibilities and limitations of the use of non-invasive respiratory support in patients with respiratory failure in the intensive care unit.
When the Riemann Hypothesis might be false
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: October 2021

Robin criterion states that the Riemann Hypothesis is true if and only if the inequality $\sigma(n) < e^{\gamma } \times n \times \log \log n$ holds for all natural numbers $n > 5040$, where $\sigma(n)$ is the sum-of-divisors function and $\gamma \approx 0.57721$ is the Euler-Mascheroni constant. Let $q_{1} = 2, q_{2} = 3, \ldots, q_{m}$ denote the first $m$ consecutive primes, then an integer of the form $\prod_{i=1}^{m} q_{i}^{a_{i}}$ with $a_{1} \geq a_{2} \geq \cdots \geq a_{m} \geq 0$ is called an Hardy-Ramanujan integer. If the Riemann Hypothesis is false, then there are infinitely many Hardy-Ramanujan integers $n > 5040$ such that Robin inequality does not hold and $n < (4.48311)^{m} \times N_{m}$, where $N_{m} = \prod_{i = 1}^{m} q_{i}$ is the primorial number of order $m$.
Learning from the whirlpools of existence
Authors: Alhadeff-Jones Michel
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper is to problematize and enrich the use of the concept of crisis in adult education to theorize further its contribution to the study of transformative processes. This paper discusses first the implications inherent in the adoption of event-based and processual approaches to crises. It seeks then to nuance and problematize the ways in which the relationships between crisis, learning and (trans)formative processes are conceived in adult education, especially through transformative learning theory and biographical approaches. The reflection highlights the difficulty of capturing the fluidity of learning and (trans)formative dynamics. Inspired by Edgar Morin’s paradigm of complexity and illustrated by examples taken from the COVID-19 pandemic, three principles are defined to help conceiving what structures, regulates and reorganizes such dynamics. The contribution concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing a critical awareness of the rhythms that shape educational processes.
Correlation Between Quantitative Uptake of 99mTC-DPD and Echocardiographic Parameters in Cardiac ATTR: A Novel Follow-Up Strategy
Authors: Harapoz Mehmet , Evans Scott , Geenty Paul , Kwok Fiona , Stewart Graeme , Taylor Mark S. , Farlow David , Thomas Liza
Published: October 2021

Aims: There has been a paradigm shift in diagnosis of cardiac transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) with non-invasive techniques including technetium-99m 3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid (99mTc-DPD) bone scintigraphy. We evaluated structural and functional biventricular alterations by transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and determined the correlation with 99mTc-DPD tracer uptake in ATTR.

Materials and Methods: ATTR patients (wild-type, hereditary or asymptomatic transthyretin [TTR] variant carriers) with 99mTc-DPD and TTE were selected; 99mTc-DPD uptake was analyzed quantitatively. TTE assessment of left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) parameters was performed.

Results: Forty ATTR patients (wild-type n = 17; hereditary ATTR and TTR variant carriers n = 23; median age 68.8 ± 22 years) were included. TTE parameters displaying good correlation with 99mTc-DPD tracer uptake included LV average wall thickness (r = 0.837), LV indexed mass (LVMI; r = 0.802), RV wall thickness (r = 0.610), average e' (r = −0.830), E/e' ratio (r = 0.786), LV global longitudinal strain (GLS; r = 0.714) and RV GLS (r = 0.632; p < 0.001 for all). Hereditary ATTR and TTR variant carriers without cardiac tracer uptake had normal echocardiographic parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curves demonstrated strong diagnostic accuracies for structural (LV wall thickness, LVMI and RV wall thickness; area under the curve (AUC) of 0.96 for all) and functional (LV and RV GLS; AUC of 0.86 and 0.88, respectively) parameters.

Conclusion: Good correlations between TTE biventricular structural and functional parameters were demonstrated with quantitative 99mTc-DPD uptake. Echocardiography may potentially assume a significant role in longitudinal follow-up for monitoring disease progression and for evaluating treatment response.
Acute Stent-Induced Endothelial Denudation: Biomechanical Predictors of Vascular Injury
Authors: Conway Claire , Nezami Farhad R. , Rogers Campbell , Groothuis Adam , Squire James C. , Edelman Elazer R.
Published: October 2021

Recent concern for local drug delivery and withdrawal of the first Food and Drug Administration-approved bioresorbable scaffold emphasizes the need to optimize the relationships between stent design and drug release with imposed arterial injury and observed pharmacodynamics. In this study, we examine the hypothesis that vascular injury is predictable from stent design and that the expanding force of stent deployment results in increased circumferential stress in the arterial tissue, which may explain acute injury poststent deployment. Using both numerical simulations and ex vivo experiments on three different stent designs (slotted tube, corrugated ring, and delta wing), arterial injury due to device deployment was examined. Furthermore, using numerical simulations, the consequence of changing stent strut radial thickness on arterial wall shear stress and arterial circumferential stress distributions was examined. Regions with predicted arterial circumferential stress exceeding a threshold of 49.5 kPa compared favorably with observed ex vivo endothelial denudation for the three considered stent designs. In addition, increasing strut thickness was predicted to result in more areas of denudation and larger areas exposed to low wall shear stress. We conclude that the acute arterial injury, observed immediately following stent expansion, is caused by high circumferential hoop stresses in the interstrut region, and denuded area profiles are dependent on unit cell geometric features. Such findings when coupled with where drugs move might explain the drug–device interactions.
Fine-Scale Spatial Structure of Soil Microbial Communities in Burrows of a Keystone Rodent Following Mass Mortality
Authors: Kaufmann Chadwick , Cassin-Sackett Loren
Published: October 2021

Soil microbial communities both reflect and influence biotic and abiotic processes occurring at or near the soil surface. Ecosystem engineers that physically alter the soil surface, such as burrowing ground squirrels, are expected to influence the distribution of soil microbial communities. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) construct complex burrows in which activities such as nesting, defecating, and dying are partitioned spatially into different chambers. Prairie dogs also experience large-scale die-offs due to sylvatic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, which lead to mass mortality events with potential repercussions on microbial communities. We used 16S sequencing to examine microbial communities in soil that was excavated by prairie dogs from different burrow locations, and surface soil that was used in the construction of burrow entrances, in populations that experienced plague die-offs. Following the QIIME2 pipeline, we assessed microbial diversity at several taxonomic levels among burrow regions. To do so, we computed community similarity metrics (Bray–Curtis, Jaccard, and weighted and unweighted UniFrac) among samples and community diversity indexes (Shannon and Faith phylogenetic diversity indexes) within each sample. Microbial communities differed across burrow regions, and several taxa exhibited spatial variation in relative abundance. Microbial ecological diversity (Shannon index) was highest in soil recently excavated from within burrows and soils associated with dead animals, and was lowest in soils associated with scat. Phylogenetic diversity varied only marginally within burrows, but the trends paralleled those for Shannon diversity. Yersinia was detected in four samples from one colony, marking the first time the genus has been sampled from soil on prairie dog colonies. The presence of Yersinia was a significant predictor of five bacterial families and eight microbial genera, most of which were rare taxa found in higher abundance in the presence of Yersinia, and one of which, Dictyostelium, has been proposed as an enzootic reservoir of Y. pestis. This study demonstrates that mammalian modifications to soil structure by physical alterations and by mass mortality can influence the distribution and diversity of microbial communities.
Insights Into Sea Turtle Population Composition Obtained With Stereo-Video Cameras in situ Across Nearshore Habitats in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Siegfried Tabitha , Noren Christopher , Reimer Jackson , Ware Matthew , Fuentes Mariana M. P. B. , Piacenza Susan E.
Published: October 2021

Population size estimates are key parameters used in assessments to evaluate and determine a species’ conservation status. Typically, sea turtle population estimates are made from nesting beach surveys which capture only hatchling and adult female life stages and can display trends opposite of the full population. As such, in-water studies are critical to improve our understanding of sea turtle population dynamics as they can target a broader range of life stages – though they are more logistically and financially challenging to execute compared to beach-based surveys. Stereo-video camera systems (SVCS) hold promise for improving in-water assessments by removing the need to physically capture individuals and instead extract 3D measurements from video footage, thereby simplifying monitoring logistics and improving safety for the animals and surveyors. To demonstrate this potential, snorkel surveys were conducted at artificial habitats in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico (neGOM) to collect size and photo-identification data on sea turtles in situ using a SVCS. Over 29.86 survey hours, 35 sea turtles were observed across three species (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, and Lepidochelys kempii) and all neritic life stages (juvenile, sub-adult, and adult) utilizing different habitats, including artificial reefs, jetties, and fishing piers. Greens straight carapace length ranged from 28.55 to 66.96 cm (n = 23, mean 43.07 cm ± 11.26 cm standard deviation; SD) and loggerheads ranged from 59.71 to 91.77 cm (n = 10, mean 74.50 cm ± 11.35 cm SD), and Kemp’s ridleys ranged from 42.23 cm to 44.98 cm (mean 43.61 cm ± 1.94 cm SD). Using a linear mixed model, we found that species and habitat type were the most important predictors of sea turtle body length distribution. Overall, this case study demonstrates the potential of SVCS surveys to enhance our understanding of the population structure of sea turtle species within the neGOM and elsewhere.
Patients With Microscopic Colitis Have Altered Levels of Inhibitory and Stimulatory Biomarkers in Colon Biopsies and Sera Compared to Non-inflamed Controls
Authors: Lushnikova Alexandra , Bohr Johan , Wickbom Anna , Münch Andreas , Sjöberg Klas , Hultgren Olof , Wirén Anders , Hultgren Hörnquist Elisabeth
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Microscopic colitis (MC) is an inflammatory bowel condition with two subtypes, lymphocytic colitis (LC) and collagenous colitis (CC). Unlike patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and non-inflamed individuals, MC patients have reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer, possibly due to increased immune surveillance in MC patients.

Aim: To examine differences in levels of immunomodulatory molecules, including those involved in immune checkpoint mechanisms, in sera from patients with MC and in colonic biopsies from patients with MC and UC compared with controls.

Methods: Using Luminex, 23 analytes (4-1BB, 4-1BBL, APRIL, BAFF, BTLA, CD27, CD28, CD80, CTLA-4, E-cadherin, Galectin-3, GITR, HVEM, IDO, IL-2Rα, LAG-3, MICA, MICB, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, sCD40L and TIM-3) were studied in serum from patients with active MC (n = 35) and controls (n = 23), and in colonic biopsies from patients with active LC (n = 9), active CC (n = 16) and MC in histological remission (LC n = 6, CC n = 6), active UC (n = 15) and UC in remission (n = 12) and controls (n = 58).

Results: In serum, IDO, PD-1, TIM-3, 4-1BB, CD27, and CD80 were decreased whereas 4-1BBL and IL-2Rα were increased in MC patients compared with controls. In contrast, in biopsies, levels of PD-L2 and 4-1BB were increased in MC and UC patients with active disease. Furthermore, in biopsies from CC and UC but not LC patients with active disease, CTLA-4, PD-1, APRIL, BAFF, and IL-2Rα were increased compared with controls. PD-L1 was increased in CC but not UC or LC patients. CD27 and TIM-3 were decreased in biopsies from MC patients in comparison to controls whereas levels of MICB were decreased in patients with active UC compared with controls.

Conclusions: Compared with non-inflamed controls, levels of soluble and membrane-bound immunomodulatory molecules were systemically and locally altered in MC and UC patients, with most analytes being decreased in serum but enhanced in colonic biopsies. These findings contribute to knowledge about checkpoint molecules and their role as biomarkers in MC and may also contribute to knowledge about possible mechanisms behind the seemingly protective effects of MC against colorectal cancer.
Lung Cancer Death Attributable to Long-Term Ambient Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Exposure in East Asian Countries During 1990–2019
Authors: Liu Xiaoxue , Mubarik Sumaira , Wang Fang , Yu Yong , Wang Yafeng , Shi Fang , Wen Haoyu , Yu Chuanhua
Published: October 2021

Background: Ambient particulate matter is a public health concern in East Asia as it contributes to a growing number of all-cause and cancer deaths. This study aimed to estimate lung cancer death attributable to ambient particulate matter (PM) < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) in East Asia countries.

Methods: The attributable death rates of lung cancer were estimated based on the calculation of population attributable fraction. We performed joinpoint regression analysis and age-period-cohort (APC) model to estimate temporal trends of the attributable death to PM2.5.

Results: In 2019, PM2.5 was estimated to have caused 42.2% (nearly 0.13 million) of lung cancer deaths in East Asia men. During 1990–2019, the increase in age-standardized death rates of lung cancer attributable to PM2.5 was highest in China, which increased by 3.50% in males and 3.71% in females. The death rate caused by PM2.5 also significantly increased in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (2.16% in males; 3.06% in females). Joinpoint analysis showed that the rates generally increased in younger and older people in both the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Mongolia, while it only increased in elderly people in other countries'. Age effect from APC analysis demonstrated the risk of lung cancer death attributable to PM2.5 generally increased from young to old age. Period effect indicated that from 1994–1998 to 2019–2023 period risk continuously increased by 1.77, 1.68, and 1.72 times in China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Japan, respectively. The period risk decreased from 1999 to 2009 and subsequently increased from 2009 to 2019 in both the Republic of Korea and Mongolia.

Conclusions: The death rate of lung cancer attributable to PM2.5 is increasing in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Mongolia, and China. In East Asia, China is facing the highest attributable death rate in recent decades. The period effect suggested a remarkably increased risk of lung cancer death caused by PM2.5 in China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Japan during the long-term period. It is recommended that the governments of these countries should continuously concentrate on particulate matter pollution governance and improvement.
Changes in H+, K+, and Ca2+ Concentrations, as Observed in Seizures, Induce Action Potential Signaling in Cortical Neurons by a Mechanism That Depends Partially on Acid-Sensing Ion Channels
Authors: Alijevic Omar , Peng Zhong , Kellenberger Stephan
Published: October 2021

Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are activated by extracellular acidification. Because ASIC currents are transient, these channels appear to be ideal sensors for detecting the onset of rapid pH changes. ASICs are involved in neuronal death after ischemic stroke, and in the sensation of inflammatory pain. Ischemia and inflammation are associated with a slowly developing, long-lasting acidification. Recent studies indicate however that ASICs are unable to induce an electrical signaling activity under standard experimental conditions if pH changes are slow. In situations associated with slow and sustained pH drops such as high neuronal signaling activity and ischemia, the extracellular K+ concentration increases, and the Ca2+ concentration decreases. We hypothesized that the concomitant changes in H+, K+, and Ca2+ concentrations may allow a long-lasting ASIC-dependent induction of action potential (AP) signaling. We show that for acidification from pH7.4 to pH7.0 or 6.8 on cultured cortical neurons, the number of action potentials and the firing time increased strongly if the acidification was accompanied by a change to higher K+ and lower Ca2+ concentrations. Under these conditions, APs were also induced in neurons from ASIC1a–/– mice, in which a pH of ≤ 5.0 would be required to activate ASICs, indicating that ASIC activation was not required for the AP induction. Comparison between neurons of different ASIC genotypes indicated that the ASICs modulate the AP induction under such changed ionic conditions. Voltage-clamp measurements of the Na+ and K+ currents in cultured cortical neurons showed that the lowering of the pH inhibited Na+ and K+ currents. In contrast, the lowering of the Ca2+ together with the increase in the K+ concentration led to a hyperpolarizing shift of the activation voltage dependence of voltage-gated Na+ channels. We conclude that the ionic changes observed during high neuronal activity mediate a sustained AP induction caused by the potentiation of Na+ currents, a membrane depolarization due to the changed K+ reversal potential, the activation of ASICs, and possibly effects on other ion channels. Our study describes therefore conditions under which slow pH changes induce neuronal signaling by a mechanism involving ASICs.
COMPASS: Computations for Orientation and Motion Perception in Altered Sensorimotor States
Authors: Kravets Victoria G. , Dixon Jordan B. , Ahmed Nisar R. , Clark Torin K.
Published: October 2021

Reliable perception of self-motion and orientation requires the central nervous system (CNS) to adapt to changing environments, stimuli, and sensory organ function. The proposed computations required of neural systems for this adaptation process remain conceptual, limiting our understanding and ability to quantitatively predict adaptation and mitigate any resulting impairment prior to completing adaptation. Here, we have implemented a computational model of the internal calculations involved in the orientation perception system’s adaptation to changes in the magnitude of gravity. In summary, we propose that the CNS considers parallel, alternative hypotheses of the parameter of interest (in this case, the CNS’s internal estimate of the magnitude of gravity) and uses the associated sensory conflict signals (i.e., difference between sensory measurements and the expectation of them) to sequentially update the posterior probability of each hypothesis using Bayes rule. Over time, an updated central estimate of the internal magnitude of gravity emerges from the posterior probability distribution, which is then used to process sensory information and produce perceptions of self-motion and orientation. We have implemented these hypotheses in a computational model and performed various simulations to demonstrate quantitative model predictions of adaptation of the orientation perception system to changes in the magnitude of gravity, similar to those experienced by astronauts during space exploration missions. These model predictions serve as quantitative hypotheses to inspire future experimental assessments.
The Precuneus Contributes to Embodied Scene Construction for Singing in an Opera
Authors: Tanaka Shoji , Kirino Eiji
Published: October 2021

Performing an opera requires singers on stage to process mental imagery and theory of mind tasks in conjunction with singing and action control. Although it is conceivable that the precuneus, as a posterior hub of the default mode network, plays an important role in opera performance, how the precuneus contributes to opera performance has not been elucidated yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the contribution of the precuneus to singing in an opera. Since the precuneus processes mental scenes, which are multimodal and integrative, we hypothesized that it is involved in opera performance by integrating multimodal information required for performing a character in an opera. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing the functional connectivity of the precuneus during imagined singing and rest. This study included 42 opera singers who underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging when performing “imagined operatic singing” with their eyes closed. During imagined singing, the precuneus showed increased functional connectivity with brain regions related to language, mirror neuron, socio-cognitive/emotional, and reward processing. Our findings suggest that, with the aid of its widespread connectivity, the precuneus and its network allow embodiment and multimodal integration of mental scenes. This information processing is necessary for imagined singing as well as performing an opera. We propose a novel role of the precuneus in opera performance.
Associations Between the Density of Oil and Gas Infrastructure and the Incidence, Stage and Outcomes of Solid Tumours: A Population-Based Geographic Analysis
Authors: Jost Evan , Dingley Brittany , Jost Casey , Cheung Winson Y. , Quan May Lynn , Bouchard-Fortier Antoine , Kong Shiying , Xu Yuan
Published: October 2021

Background

We hypothesized that there are geographic areas of increased cancer incidence in Alberta, and that these are associated with high densities of oil and gas(O+G) infrastructure. Our objective was to describe the relationship between O+G infrastructure and incidence of solid tumours on a population level.

Methods

We analyzed all patients >=18 years old with urological, breast, upper GI, colorectal, head and neck, hepatobiliary, lung, melanoma, and prostate cancers identified from the Alberta Cancer Registry from 2004-2016. Locations of active and orphan O+G sites were obtained from the Alberta Energy Regulator and Orphan Well Association. Orphan sites have no entity responsible for their maintenance. ArcGIS (ESRI, Toronto, Ontario) was used to calculate the distribution of O+G sites in each census distribution area (DA). Patient residence at diagnosis was defined by postal code. Incidence of cancer per DA was calculated and standardized. Negative binomial regression was done on O+G site density as a categorical variable with cutoffs of 1 and 30 wells/100km2, compared to areas with 0 sites.

Results

125,316 patients were identified in the study timeframe;58,243 (46.5%) were female, mean age 65.6 years. Breast (22%) and prostate (19.8%) cancers were most common. Mortality was 36.5% after a median of 30 months follow up (IQR 8.4 – 68.4). For categorical density of active O+G sites, RR was 1.02 for 1-30 sites/100km2 (95% CI=0.95-1.11) and 1.15 for >30 sites/100km2 (p<0.0001, 95%CI=1.11-1.2). For orphan sites, 1-30 sites RR was 1.25 (p<0.0001, 95%CI=1.16-1.36) and 1.01 (p=0.97, 95%CI=0.7-1.45) for >30 sites. For all O+G sites, RR for 1-30 sites was 1.03 (p=0.4328, 95%CI=0.95-1.11) and 1.15 (p<0.0001, 95%CI=1.11-1.2) for >30 sites.

Conclusion

We report a statistically significant correlation between O+G infrastructure density and solid tumour incidence in Alberta. To our knowledge this is the first population-level study to observe that active and orphan O+G sites are associated with increased risk of solid tumours. This finding may inform policy on remediation and cancer prevention.
Case Report: Factor VII Deficiency Presented With Cephalohematoma After Birth
Authors: Lo Yuan-Chun , Peng Ching-Tien , Chen Yin-Ting
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Factor VII deficiency is a rare inherited autosomal recessive bleeding disorder with a global prevalence of 1/500,000. Most cases remain asymptomatic, and cases with severe clinical presentation are rarely reported.

Case Presentation: A newborn male with no relevant maternal antenatal history, delivered via vacuum-assisted cesarean section, presented with a large cephalohematoma after delivery. Poor appetite, pale appearance, and bulging fontanelles were observed 2 days later, progressing to hypovolemic shock. Further imaging examination revealed a large intracranial hemorrhage. Serial laboratory examination revealed remarkable coagulopathy with prolonged prothrombin time and factor VII deficiency (<1%, severe type). The patient was genetically confirmed to have the FVII:c 681+1 G>T homozygous mutation. Brain hemorrhage was resolved with high-dose factor VII replacement therapy with recombinant activated factor VII. However, repeated hemothorax and intracranial hemorrhage were detected. Therefore, the patient was under regular factor VII supplementation with a rehabilitation program for cerebral palsy.

Conclusions: A case of factor VII deficiency with large cephalohematoma and intracranial hemorrhage after birth is described herein, which was treated with high-dose replacement therapy. Variants of the FVII:c 681+1 G>T (IVS6+1G>T) homozygous genotype may present with a severe phenotype at the neonatal stage. We aim to share a unique neonatal presentation with a certain genotype and treatment experience with initial replacement therapy, followed by regular prophylactic dosage.
Influence of Cytochrome P450 2C19 Genotype on Helicobacter pylori Proton Pump Inhibitor-Amoxicillin-Clarithromycin Eradication Therapy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Morino Yuko , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Nagata Naoyoshi , Niikiura Ryota , Iwata Eri , Hamada Mariko , Kawai Yusuke , Fujimiya Tatsuhiro , Takeuchi Hironori , Unezaki Sakae , Kawai Takashi
Published: October 2021

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the first-line treatment for acid-related diseases. The pharmacokinetics and therapeutic efficacy of PPIs, however, are influenced by genetic factors such as variants in genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P450 2C19 [CYP2C19]) and drug transporters. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the influence of CYP2C19 genotype and PPI class, PPI dose, treatment duration and clarithromycin dose on the cure rate of PPI-containing Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.

Methods: Randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating cure rates using a PPI-amoxicillin-clarithromycin regimen among different CYP2C19 genotypes through May 2021 were included.

Results: A total of 25 studies (5,318 patients) were included. The overall eradication rate in the intention-to-treat analysis was 79.0% (3,689/4,669, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.8–80.2%), and that in CYP2C19 extensive metabolizers (EMs), intermediate metabolizer (IMs) and poor metabolizers (PMs) was 77.7% (1,137/1,464, 95% CI: 75.3–79.6%), 81.2% (1,498/1,844, 95% CI: 79.3–83.0%) and 86.8% (644/742, 95% CI: 83.9–88.9%), respectively. Meta-analysis showed that the relaTakashitive risk of failed eradication in CYP2C19 EMs compared with IMs and PMs was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.06–1.39, P = 0.006) and 1.57 (95% CI: 1.27–1.94, P < 0.001), respectively, in the fixed-effects model. The cure rate of omeprazole and lansoprazole-containing eradication regimens differed among CYP2C19 genotypes (P < 0.05), while that of rabeprazole and esomeprazole-containing regimens was similar.

Conclusion: The cure rates of PPI-amoxicillin-clarithromycin H. pylori eradication regimen, especially those containing omeprazole and lansoprazole, differ among CYP2C19 genotypes. Therefore, selection of a second-generation PPI or tailored treatment may achieve higher eradication rates than first-generation PPI-amoxicillin-clarithromycin triple regimen.
Foliar N Application on Tea Plant at Its Dormancy Stage Increases the N Concentration of Mature Leaves and Improves the Quality and Yield of Spring Tea
Authors: Liu Mei-Ya , Tang Dandan , Shi Yuanzhi , Ma Lifeng , Zhang Qunfeng , Ruan Jianyun
Published: October 2021

Over 30% of the Chinese tea plantation is supplied with excess fertilizer, especially nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Whether or not foliar N application on tea plants at the dormancy stage could improve the quality of spring tea and be a complementary strategy to reduce soil fertilization level remains unclear. In this study, the effects of foliar N application on tea plants were investigated by testing the types of fertilizers and their application times, and by applying foliar N under a reduced soil fertilization level using field and 15N-labeling pot experiments. Results showed that the foliar N application of amino acid liquid fertilizer two times at the winter dormancy stage was enough to significantly increase the N concentration of the mature leaves and improved the quality of spring tea. The foliar application of 2% urea or liquid amino acid fertilizer two times at the winter dormancy stage and two times at the spring dormancy stage showed the best performance in tea plants among the other foliar N fertilization methods, as it reduced the soil fertilization levels in tea plantations without decreasing the total N concentration of the mature leaves or deteriorating the quality of spring tea. Therefore, foliar N application on tea plants at its dormancy stage increases the N concentration of the mature leaves, improves the quality and yield of spring tea, and could be a complementary strategy to reduce soil fertilization levels.
Solidarity Through Localization? Humanitarian Responses to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dany Charlotte
Published: October 2021

This contribution discusses whether humanitarian aid is a suitable tool for expressing global solidarity in the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the distinction between the concepts of humanitarianism and solidarity, as well as the example of the so-called “refugee crisis,” it provides a mixed answer: humanitarian aid and solidarity are, principally, different things, hardly comparable and, at times, even contradictory. However, the corona pandemic presents an opportunity for localization of humanitarian aid, which is an opportunity for greater solidarity with those most in need. To make humanitarian aid a real tool for expressing global solidarity, one would have to regard the recipients of aid as equals and strengthen their agency, as well as that of local and grassroots organizations in the most affected areas - much as the localization agenda demands.
Emotion Reactivity and Suicide Risk in Patients With Depression: The Mediating Role of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Moderating Role of Childhood Neglect
Authors: Wang Lu , Cui Qian , Liu Jun , Zou Haiou
Published: October 2021

Background: The association between emotion reactivity (ER) and suicide risk has been confirmed in recent studies, especially in patients with depression. However, there is a lack of understanding of the underlying mechanism of the relation from ER to suicide risk among patients with depression. This study planned to examine a model of how ER, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), and childhood neglect (CN) interact to affect suicide risk in depressed patients.

Methods: Four hundred and ninety-six patients (64.5% female, mean age = 30.40 years, SD = 12.56) who have accomplished self-rating instruments of ER, NSSI, CN, and suicide risk were included.

Results: Findings showed that ER was positively connected with suicide risk, and NSSI partially mediated the above connection. Besides, CN moderated the mediation model, that is, the mediation effect was more pronounced in depressed patients with CN compared to depressed patients without CN.

Conclusions: It was concluded that there is a relationship among ER, NSSI, CN, and suicide risk in patients with depression, and it strengthens our knowledge of the mechanism behind suicide risk. Our findings emphasize that the identification of NSSI and CN should be considered when assessing the suicide risk of patients with depression, as well as the intervention focus on emotion regulation and support for patients.
Establishment of an Internet-Based Epidemiological Survey Data Collection Customized System Model
Authors: Wang Xusheng
Published: October 2021

Epidemiology occupies a very important position in preventive medicine. Its essence is to summarize the etiology and epidemic laws by studying the distribution and possible effects of diseases, so as to promote the formation of scientific epidemic prevention measures. The purpose of this article is to help relevant personnel complete the collection, induction, and analysis of epidemiological survey data by establishing a data collection system model to improve work efficiency. This article focuses on the new coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19), investigates the development status of epidemiological survey data collection, and analyzes the problems in the current business process, and on this basis, develops a dedicated epidemiological survey System model for data collection. From the experimental data, the optimized correction evaluation index has been increased from 8.384 to 9.067. It can be seen that the combination of data mining algorithms and backpropagation algorithms can better improve the system's ability to process information. Professional information disclosure platforms can have a good positive impression on the prevention and treatment of epidemics. The Internet-based epidemiological survey customized system model established in this article is to integrate various epidemiological data so that people can correctly understand the spread of epidemics and promote the development of preventive medicine.
What Lives in the Ocean? An Introduction to the Biodiversity of the Red Sea
Authors: Barreto Marcelle M. , Herrera Marcela , Aranda Manuel
Published: October 2021

Have you ever wondered how many species are out there? Biodiversity refers to all the different plants and animals in the world, and it is incredibly important for our well-being. All organisms have a role in the environment, and healthy ecosystems depend on high biodiversity. For example, tiny plant-like organisms living in the ocean are responsible for most of the oxygen we breathe. Mangroves and coral reefs are homes for many wonderful fish, and they protect our coastlines from storms. The Red Sea is one of the world’s most biodiverse oceans. It is a unique home to many different species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Scientists have estimated that there are around 29 species of sharks, 17 of whales and dolphins, 5 of marine turtles, 1,078 of fish, 359 of hard corals, and many more invertebrates. Imagine all the tiny microorganisms that we cannot see!
An AI-Based Algorithm for the Automatic Classification of Thoracic Radiographs in Cats
Authors: Banzato Tommaso , Wodzinski Marek , Tauceri Federico , Donà Chiara , Scavazza Filippo , Müller Henning , Zotti Alessandro
Published: October 2021

An artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer-aided detection (CAD) algorithm to detect some of the most common radiographic findings in the feline thorax was developed and tested. The database used for training comprised radiographs acquired at two different institutions. Only correctly exposed and positioned radiographs were included in the database used for training. The presence of several radiographic findings was recorded. Consequenly, the radiographic findings included for training were: no findings, bronchial pattern, pleural effusion, mass, alveolar pattern, pneumothorax, cardiomegaly. Multi-label convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were used to develop the CAD algorithm, and the performance of two different CNN architectures, ResNet 50 and Inception V3, was compared. Both architectures had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) above 0.9 for alveolar pattern, bronchial pattern and pleural effusion, an AUC above 0.8 for no findings and pneumothorax, and an AUC above 0.7 for cardiomegaly. The AUC for mass was low (above 0.5) for both architectures. No significant differences were evident in the diagnostic accuracy of either architecture.
An Evaluation Method for Dry Friction Damping of Ring Damper in Gas Turbine Engines under Axial Vibration
Authors: Gao Shimin , Wang Yanrong
Published: October 2021

The blisks and labyrinth seals in gas turbine engines are typical rotating periodic structures. Vibration problems will inevitably occur during the operation, which can easily lead to High Cycle Fatigue failure of the structure. Adding ring damper is an effective means of structural vibration reduction. The damper uses the dry friction of the contact surface to dissipate the vibration energy, improve the damping of the system, and then reduce the vibration response of the structure. The structures have a nodal diameter and modal shape, and the forced vibration often presents the characteristics of traveling wave. In this paper, an evaluation method for dry friction damping of ring damper under the axial component of traveling wave vibration is established. For the given vibration stress at the critical location, the equivalent damping ratio provided by the ring damper is calculated based on the friction energy dissipation and the damping characteristic curve that is the equivalent damping ratio varying with the vibration stress is obtained. This method can avoid calculating the nonlinear dry friction forced response and is suitable for the design stage. The damping of split ring dampers with rectangular section for one blisk and labyrinth seal is analyzed in this paper. It is shown that rotating speed, friction coefficient, section area and material density significantly influence the damping characteristics. There are many factors affecting the damping characteristics of the damping, so it is necessary to comprehensively consider various factors and multiple modes for vibration reduction design.
Biotechnological Conversion of Grape Pomace to Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) by Moderately Thermophilic Bacterium Tepidimonas taiwanensis
Authors: Kourilova Xenie , Pernicova Iva , Vidlakova Michaela , Krejcirik Roman , Mrazova Katerina , Hrubanova Kamila , Krzyzanek Vladislav , Nebesarova Jana , Obruca Stanislav
Published: October 2021

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are microbial polyesters that have recently come to the forefront of interest due to their biodegradability and production from renewable sources. A potential increase in competitiveness of PHA production process comes with a combination of the use of thermophilic bacteria with the mutual use of waste substrates. In this work, the thermophilic bacterium Tepidimonas taiwanensis LMG 22826 was identified as a promising PHA producer. The ability to produce PHA in T. taiwanensis was studied both on genotype and phenotype levels. The gene encoding the Class I PHA synthase, a crucial enzyme in PHA synthesis, was detected both by genome database search and by PCR. The microbial culture of T. taiwanensis was capable of efficient utilization of glucose and fructose. When cultivated on glucose as the only carbon source at 50 °C, the PHA titers reached up to 3.55 g/L, and PHA content in cell dry mass was 65%. The preference of fructose and glucose opens the possibility to employ T. taiwanensis for PHA production on various food wastes rich in these abundant sugars. In this work, PHA production on grape pomace extracts was successfully tested.
Tau Post-Translational Modifications: Potentiators of Selective Vulnerability in Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Carroll Trae , Guha Sanjib , Nehrke Keith , Johnson Gail V. W.
Published: October 2021

Sporadic Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, and its severity is characterized by the progressive formation of tau neurofibrillary tangles along a well-described path through the brain. This spatial progression provides the basis for Braak staging of the pathological progression for AD. Tau protein is a necessary component of AD pathology, and recent studies have found that soluble tau species with selectively, but not extensively, modified epitopes accumulate along the path of disease progression before AD-associated insoluble aggregates form. As such, modified tau may represent a key cellular stressing agent that potentiates selective vulnerability in susceptible neurons during AD progression. Specifically, studies have found that tau phosphorylated at sites such as T181, T231, and S396 may initiate early pathological changes in tau by disrupting proper tau localization, initiating tau oligomerization, and facilitating tau accumulation and extracellular export. Thus, this review elucidates potential mechanisms through which tau post-translational modifications (PTMs) may simultaneously serve as key modulators of the spatial progression observed in AD development and as key instigators of early pathology related to neurodegeneration-relevant cellular dysfunctions.
Phylogeographic and SNPs Analyses of Bemisia tabaci B Mitotype Populations Reveal Only Two of Eight Haplotypes Are Invasive
Authors: Paredes-Montero Jorge R. , Haq Q. M. Imranul , Mohamed Amr A. , Brown Judith K.
Published: October 2021

The Bemisia tabaci cryptic species contains 39 known mitotypes of which the B and Q are best recognized for having established outside their extant endemic range. In the 1980s, previously uncharacterized haplotype(s) of the B mitotype rapidly established in tropical and subtropical locales distant from their presumed center of origin, leading to displacement of several native mitotypes and extreme damage to crops and other vegetation particularly in irrigated agroecosystems. To trace the natural and evolutionary history of the invasive B haplotypes, a phylo-biogeographic study was undertaken. Patterns of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and signatures potentially indicative of geographic isolation were investigated using a globally representative mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) sequence database. Eight haplotype groups within the North Africa-Middle East (NAFME) region were differentiated, NAFME 1–8. The NAFME 1–3 haplotypes were members of the same population that is associated with warm desert climate niches of the Arabian Peninsula and east coastal Africa-Ethiopia. The NAFME 4 and 5 haplotypes are endemic to warm and cold semi-arid niches delimited by the Irano-Turanian floristic region, itself harboring extensive biodiversity. Haplotypes 6 and 7 co-occurred in the Middle East along eastern Mediterranean Sea landmasses, while NAFME 8 was found to be endemic to Cyprus, Turkey, and desert micro-niches throughout Egypt and Israel. Contrary to claims that collectively, the B mitotype is invasive, NAFME 6 and 8 are the only haplotypes to have established in geographical locations outside of their zone of endemism.
Comparative Cancer Cell Signaling in Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder in Dogs and Humans
Authors: Tsamouri Maria Malvina , Steele Thomas M. , Mudryj Maria , Kent Michael S. , Ghosh Paramita M.
Published: October 2021

Muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma (MIUC) is the most common type of bladder malignancy in humans, but also in dogs that represent a naturally occurring model for this disease. Dogs are immunocompetent animals that share risk factors, pathophysiological features, clinical signs and response to chemotherapeutics with human cancer patients. This review summarizes the fundamental pathways for canine MIUC initiation, progression, and metastasis, emerging therapeutic targets and mechanisms of drug resistance, and proposes new opportunities for potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutics. Identifying similarities and differences between cancer signaling in dogs and humans is of utmost importance for the efficient translation of in vitro research to successful clinical trials for both species.
Unprecedented Monoterpenoid Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols with a Rare 6/6/5/4 Tetracyclic Core, Enhanced MCF-7 Cells’ Sensitivity to Camptothecin by Inhibiting the DNA Damage Response
Authors: Liu Xiang-Zhong , Zhou Mi , Du Chun-Chun , Zhu Hong-Hong , Lu Xi , He Shou-Lun , Wang Guang-Hui , Lin Ting , Tian Wen-Jing , Chen Hai-Feng
Published: October 2021

(±)-Hypersines A–C (1–3), the three pairs of enantiomerically pure monoterpenoid polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols with an unprecedented 6/6/5/4 fused ring system, were isolated from Hypericum elodeoides. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic data, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and quantum chemical calculations. The plausible, biosynthetic pathway of 1–3 was proposed. Moreover, the bioactivity evaluation indicated that 1a might be a novel DNA damage response inhibitor, and could enhance MCF-7 cell sensitivity to the anticancer agent, camptothecin.
Transcriptomic Characterization of Postmolar Gestational Choriocarcinoma
Authors: Collet Constance , Lopez Jonathan , Battail Christophe , Allias Fabienne , Devouassoux-Shisheboran Mojgan , Patrier Sophie , Lemaitre Nicolas , Hajri Touria , Massardier Jérôme , You Benoit , Mallet François , Golfier François , Alfaidy Nadia , Bolze Pierre-Adrien
Published: October 2021

The human placenta shares properties with solid tumors, such as rapid growth, tissue invasion, cell migration, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. However, the mechanisms that drive the evolution from premalignant proliferative placental diseases—called hydatidiform moles—to their malignant counterparts, gestational choriocarcinoma, as well as the factors underlying the increased aggressiveness of choriocarcinoma arising after term delivery compared to those developing from hydatidiform moles, are unknown. Using a 730-gene panel covering 13 cancer-associated canonical pathways, we compared the transcriptomic profiles of complete moles to those of postmolar choriocarcinoma samples and those of postmolar to post-term delivery choriocarcinoma. We identified 33 genes differentially expressed between complete moles and postmolar choriocarcinoma, which revealed TGF-β pathway dysregulation. We found the strong expression of SALL4, an upstream regulator of TGF-β, in postmolar choriocarcinoma, compared to moles, in which its expression was almost null. Finally, there were no differentially expressed genes between postmolar and post-term delivery choriocarcinoma samples. To conclude, the TGF-β pathway appears to be a crucial step in the progression of placental malignancies. Further studies should investigate the value of TGF- β family members as biomarkers and new therapeutic targets.