bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SYNDROMOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ROSACEA
Authors:   Medical Institute of Sumy State University, Salem Sarayreh Anas Atalla
Published: January 2021

The objective: to clarify the clinical syndromological manifestations of the skin and other body systems in women of reproductive age, patients with rosacea. Materials and methods: clinical and laboratory examination of 52 women of reproductive age (from 18 to 35 years old), patients with rosacea. All patients consulted with a gynecologist, endocrinologist, neuropathologist. Results and its discussion. A clear connection was found between the exacerbation of the course of dermatosis and disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system in 59.6% of the examined women with rosacea, in particular, with menstrual irregularities in 15 of them (40.4%). These changes were mainly of a syndromic nature, and on the skin manifested mainly in the form of hirsutism, hyperpigmentation, atrophic striae, follicular hyperkeratosis, male alopecia. Separate skin manifestations typical of rosacea have a need to differentiate also with more than 20 other syndromes, in which there is a rash or cosmetic changes on the skin, dysendocrinia or vegetative-vascular disorders. Both for rosacea and for syndromes with rosacea-like changes, peptide signaling molecules of various classes (neuropeptides, prostaglandins, kinins, etc.) play an important role in pathogenesis, and the identification of changes in the content of these biologically active compounds in patients requires an adjustment to the complex therapy of patients. Conclusions. In women with rosacea, the current features of the course of the disease are its appearance at an earlier age and the combination of dermatosis with certain syndromes (mainly associated with disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal system), which requires further study of the role of peptide signaling compounds in the pathogenesis of dermatosis as modulators of it regulatory activities and factors that may determine the clinical signs of the disease and rosacea-like manifestations in various syndromes.
POLYMORPHIC VARIANTS OF THE VDR GENE IN CHILDREN WITH PSORIASIS
Authors:   Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Murzina E.O. , Rossokha Z.I. ,   SА «Reference Center for Molecular Diagnostics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine»
Published: January 2021

The objective. To study and analyze the differences in prevalence of ApaI (A/C) and TaqI (T/C) polymorphic variants of the VDR gene in children with psoriasis depending on gender. Materials and methods. We examined 56 children with psoriasis aged 4–17. Psoriasis was determined based on clinical findings and generally accepted diagnostic criteria. The buccal epithelium, taken from children, served as the material for genotyping. ApaI and TaqI polymorphisms of the VDR gene were detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and the following restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The values were calculated using the STATISTICA software package. Results and discussion. When studying polymorphic variants of the VDR gene, AC (48.21%) and TC (47.37%) heterozygotes were identified to prevail by ApaI (A/C) and TaqI (T/C) allele frequency in the group of children with psoriasis. In the group of boys with psoriasis the number of AA homozygotes (8.70%) by ApaI was apparently less than in the group of healthy ones (58.33%), TT homozygous variants (56.52%) prevailed by TaqI polymorphic variant, while in the group of healthy boys – TC heterozygotes (44.00%). Based on the research results the increasing frequency of the ApaI C allele (0.56) and significant frequency of the TaqI T allele (0.68), which prevails due to the distinctions between groups of boys with psoriasis and healthy ones, were registered in the group of children with psoriasis. Five haplotype combinations, in the loci studied, were detected in children, and TTCC haplotype (32.14%) as well as TCAC (35.71%) prevailed, while CCAA haplotype (8.93%) was least in number. Conclusion. Statistically significant differences by the frequency of ApaI (A/C) and TaqI (T/C) polymorphic variants were detected between groups of children with psoriasis and healthy children. While grouping haplotype frequencies by two polymorphic variants of the VDR gene, a statistically significant difference was detected between groups of children with psoriasis and healthy ones, which takes place due to a statistically significant difference in the frequencies of TTAA and TTCC haplotypes between groups. The risk of psoriasis was reported to be the highest in children with TTCC haplotype.
Deciphering the Potential of Rhizobium pusense MB-17a, a Plant Growth-Promoting Root Endophyte, and Functional Annotation of the Genes Involved in the Metabolic Pathway
Authors: Chaudhary Twinkle , Gera Rajesh , Shukla Pratyoosh
Published: January 2021

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are root endophytic bacteria used for growth promotion, and they have broader applications in enhancing specific crop yield as a whole. In the present study, we have explored the potential ofRhizobium pusenseMB-17a as an endophytic bacterium isolated from the roots of the mung bean (Vigna radiata) plant. Furthermore, this bacterium was sequenced and assembled to reveal its genomic potential associated with plant growth-promoting traits. Interestingly, the root endophyteR. pusenseMB-17a showed all essential PGPR traits which were determined by biochemical and PGPR tests. It was noted that this root endophytic bacterium significantly produced siderophores, indole acetic acid (IAA), ammonia, and ACC deaminase and efficiently solubilized phosphate. The maximum IAA and ammonia produced were observed to be 110.5 and 81 μg/ml, respectively. Moreover, the PGPR potential of this endophytic bacterium was also confirmed by a pot experiment for mung bean (V. radiata), whose results show a substantial increase in the plant's fresh weight by 76.1% and dry weight by 76.5% on the 60th day after inoculation ofR. pusenseMB-17a. Also, there is a significant enhancement in the nodule number by 66.1% and nodule fresh weight by 162% at 45th day after inoculation with 100% field capacity after the inoculation ofR. pusenseMB-17a. Besides this, the functional genomic annotation ofR. pusenseMB-17a determined the presence of different proteins and transporters that are responsible for its stress tolerance and its plant growth-promoting properties. It was concluded that the unique presence of genes likerpoH, otsAB, andclpBenhances the symbiosis process during adverse conditions in this endophyte. Through Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (RAST) analysis, the key genes involved in the production of siderophores, volatile compounds, indoles, nitrogenases, and amino acids were also predicted. In conclusion, the strain described in this study gives a novel idea of using such type of endophytes for improving plant growth-promoting traits under different stress conditions for sustainable agriculture.
Microtubule Severing Protein Fignl2 Contributes to Endothelial and Neuronal Branching in Zebrafish Development
Authors: Dong Zhangji , Chen Xu , Li Yuanyuan , Zhuo Run , Lai Xiaona , Liu Mei
Published: January 2021

Previously,fidgetin(fign) and its family membersfidgetin-like 1(fignl1) andfidgetin-like 2(fignl2) were found to be highly expressed during zebrafish brain development, suggesting their functions in the nervous system. In this study, we report the effects of loss-of-function of these genes on development. We designed and identified single-guide RNAs targeted to generatefign, fignl1, andfignl2mutants and then observed the overall morphological and behavioral changes. Our findings showed that whilefignandfignl1null mutants displayed no significant defects,fignl2null zebrafish mutants displayed pericardial edema, reduced heart rate, and smaller eyes;fignl2null mutants responded to the light-darkness shift with a lower swimming velocity.fignl2mRNAs were identified in vascular endothelial cells byin situhybridization and re-analysis of an online dataset of single-cell RNAseq results. Finally, we used morpholino oligonucleotides to confirm thatfignl2knockdown resulted in severe heart edema, which was caused by abnormal vascular branching. The zebrafishfignl2morphants also showed longer axonal length and more branches of caudal primary neurons. Taken together, we summarize that Fignl2 functions on cellular branches in endothelial cells and neurons. This study reported for the first time that the microtubule-severing protein Fignl2 contributes to cell branching during development.
Structural and Biochemical Characterization of EFhd1/Swiprosin-2, an Actin-Binding Protein in Mitochondria
Authors: Mun Sang A. , Park Jongseo , Park Kyoung Ryoung , Lee Youngjin , Kang Jung Youn , Park Taein , Jin Minwoo , Yang Jihyeong , Jun Chang-Duk , Eom Soo Hyun
Published: January 2021

Ca2+ regulates several cellular functions, including signaling events, energy production, and cell survival. These cellular processes are mediated by Ca2+-binding proteins, such as EF-hand superfamily proteins. Among the EF-hand superfamily proteins, allograft inflammatory factor-1 (AIF-1) and swiprosin-1/EF-hand domain-containing protein 2 (EFhd2) are cytosolic actin-binding proteins. AIF-1 modulates the cytoskeleton and increases the migration of immune cells. EFhd2 is also a cytoskeletal protein implicated in immune cell activation and brain cell functions. EFhd1, a mitochondrial fraternal twin of EFhd2, mediates neuronal and pro-/pre-B cell differentiation and mitoflash activation. Although EFhd1 is important for maintaining mitochondrial morphology and energy synthesis, its mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we report the crystal structure of the EFhd1 core domain comprising a C-terminus of a proline-rich region, two EF-hand domains, and a ligand mimic helix. Structural comparisons of EFhd1, EFhd2, and AIF-1 revealed similarities in their overall structures. In the structure of the EFhd1 core domain, two Zn2+ ions were observed at the interface of the crystal contact, suggesting the possibility of Zn2+-mediated multimerization. In addition, we found that EFhd1 has Ca2+-independent β-actin-binding and Ca2+-dependent β-actin-bundling activities. These findings suggest that EFhd1, an actin-binding and -bundling protein in the mitochondria, may contribute to the Ca2+-dependent regulation of mitochondrial morphology and energy synthesis.
Place of Angioplasty for Coronary Artery Anomalies With Interarterial Course
Authors: Aubry Pierre , Halna du Fretay Xavier , Boudvillain Olivier , Degrell Philippe ,   The ANOCOR Working Group
Published: January 2021

Few patients with an anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) require a correction of this congenital anomaly. Current recommendations offer surgical repair as a first line therapy to prevent a sudden cardiac death as a main objective. However, these guidelines are focused on children and not based on randomized controlled studies. Furthermore, decision-making should be different in an adult population less exposed to the risk of sudden cardiac death. Current practices showed reluctance to offer a surgical treatment for right AAOCA associated with ischemic symptoms or myocardial ischemia. Our aim in this review is to expose the rationale for percutaneous coronary intervention in right AAOCA with interarterial course and to present the published results.
Severe T-System Remodeling in Pediatric Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Fiegle Dominik J. , Schöber Martin , Dittrich Sven , Cesnjevar Robert , Klingel Karin , Volk Tilmann , Alkassar Muhannad , Seidel Thomas
Published: January 2021

Chronic heart failure (HF) in adults causes remodeling of the cardiomyocyte transverse tubular system (t-system), which contributes to disease progression by impairing excitation-contraction (EC) coupling. However, it is unknown if t-system remodeling occurs in pediatric heart failure. This study investigated the t-system in pediatric viral myocarditis. The t-system and integrity of EC coupling junctions (co-localization of L-type Ca2+ channels with ryanodine receptors and junctophilin-2) were analyzed by 3D confocal microscopy in left-ventricular (LV) samples from 5 children with myocarditis (age 14 ± 3 months), undergoing ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation, and 5 children with atrioventricular septum defect (AVSD, age 17 ± 3 months), undergoing corrective surgery. LV ejection fraction (EF) was 58.4 ± 2.3% in AVSD and 12.2 ± 2.4% in acute myocarditis. Cardiomyocytes from myocarditis samples showed increased t-tubule distance (1.27 ± 0.05 μm, n = 34 cells) and dilation of t-tubules (volume-length ratio: 0.64 ± 0.02 μm2) when compared with AVSD (0.90 ± 0.02 μm, p < 0.001; 0.52 ± 0.02 μm2, n = 61, p < 0.01). Intriguingly, 4 out of 5 myocarditis samples exhibited sheet-like t-tubules (t-sheets), a characteristic feature of adult chronic heart failure. The fraction of extracellular matrix was slightly higher in myocarditis (26.6 ± 1.4%) than in AVSD samples (24.4 ± 0.8%, p < 0.05). In one case of myocarditis, a second biopsy was taken and analyzed at VAD explantation after extensive cardiac recovery (EF from 7 to 56%) and clinical remission. When compared with pre-VAD, t-tubule distance and density were unchanged, as well as volume-length ratio (0.67 ± 0.04 μm2 vs. 0.72 ± 0.05 μm2, p = 0.5), reflecting extant t-sheets. However, junctophilin-2 cluster density was considerably higher (0.12 ± 0.02 μm−3 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01 μm−3, n = 9/10, p < 0.001), approaching values of AVSD (0.13 ± 0.05 μm−3, n = 56), and the measure of intact EC coupling junctions showed a distinct increase (20.2 ± 5.0% vs. 6.8 ± 2.2%, p < 0.001). Severe t-system loss and remodeling to t-sheets can occur in acute HF in young children, resembling the structural changes of chronically failing adult hearts. T-system remodeling might contribute to cardiac dysfunction in viral myocarditis. Although t-system recovery remains elusive, recovery of EC coupling junctions may be possible and deserves further investigation.
A Rationale for a Gamified E-Coach Application to Decrease the Consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages
Authors: Beun Robbert Jan , Luiten Claire , Verbeek Chris , Poelman Maartje P.
Published: January 2021

The design and implementation of applications for behavior change should be preceded by careful analysis of the behavior change process and the target population. We, therefore, present on the basis of a blended research approach a rationale, opportunities and basic requirements for an application that offers a program for reducing intake of sugar sweetened beverages (SSB) by adolescents. This paper discusses the role of e-coaching and gamification as two high-touch design patterns in the behavior change process. Both design patterns aim at supporting the individual in a transformational journey from a current state toward a desired state where the detrimental behavior should be replaced by healthy alternative behavior. First, an elementary behavior scheme is introduced that frames three empirical studies. In the first study (plenary focus groups;n= 13), participants advised to include system recommendations for alternative healthy behavior, stressed the need for personalization of the e-coach and showed strong appreciation for the inclusion of gamification elements. The second study (online survey;n= 249) showed that SSB-intake is highly contextual and that reasons for (limiting) consumption SSB varies greatly between individuals, which the e-coach application should take into account. In a final small-scale pilot study (n= 27), we observed the potential of the inclusion of gamification elements, such as challenges and rewards, to increase compliance to the self-monitoring process of SSB consumption. Building upon these insights and prior studies, we argue that an e-coach mimics the collaborative practice of the program; its main task is to enrich the interaction with cooperative conversational experiences, in particular with respect to the alignment between user and system, motivational encouragement, personalized advice, and feedback about the activities. In addition, we outline that gamification not only has the potential to increase self-monitoring of the target behavior, user engagement, and commitment with the intervention program, but also enables a designer to shift long-term negative outcome of excessive intake in real life to short-term consequences in a virtual environment. In future larger follow-up studies, we advise to integrate the two design patterns within a social network of virtual and human agents that play a variety of competitive, normative and supportive roles.
Paleoenvironmental Evolution and Human Activities at the Hejia Site on the Ningshao Coastal Plain in Eastern China
Authors: Li Haiyan , Sun Jue , Ma Chunmei , Zhao Dongsheng , Li Yongning , Ding Fengya , Sun Jia , Huang Zhenhui , Shang Guangchun , Deng Yunkai
Published: January 2021

The eastern China coastal plain is an ideal area for studying the human–environment interaction during the Neolithic period as there are multiple Neolithic sites in this area. Located in the Ningshao Coastal Plain of the south bank of Hangzhou Bay in eastern China, the Hejia Site is part of the late Hemudu Culture sites and includes the late Hemudu Culture, the Liangzhu Culture, and the Qianshanyang Culture. Based on palynology, charcoal, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and magnetic susceptibility (χ), combined with accelerator mass spectrometry 14C dating and analysis of the archaeological cultural layers, we explored the paleoenvironmental evolution and human activities at the Hejia Site. 1) Pollen records suggest that the vegetation type was evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forest during the Middle Holocene. Cr/Cu and low-frequency magnetic susceptibility (χlf) reveal that the climate underwent through warm and wet (Hemudu Culture Period IV)–cool and dry (Liangzhu Culture Period)–warm and wet (Qianshanyang Culture Period) periods. 2) During the Middle Holocene, the intensity of human activities, related to the transformation of the natural environment, increased obviously. The increasing Poaceae pollen (>37 μm) indicates that the ability of prehistoric humans in managing crop fields gradually increased from the late Hemudu Culture Period to the Liangzhu Culture Period. The charcoal concentration results suggest that the occurrence of high-intensity fire events during the late Hemudu Culture Period might be caused by the slash-and-burn operation, while those that occurred during the middle Liangzhu Culture Period might be caused by the increasing fire demand owing to the greater ancestors’ lives and production activities in the Liangzhu Culture Period.
Research Competencies to Develop Academic Reading and Writing: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Castillo-Martínez Isolda Margarita , Ramírez-Montoya María Soledad
Published: January 2021

Rationale:The development of research skills in the higher education environment is a necessity because universities must be concerned about training professionals who use the methods of science to transform reality. Furthermore, within research competencies, consideration must be given to those that allow for the development of academic reading and writing in university students since this is a field that requires considerable attention from the educational field at the higher level.

Objective:This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature that allows the analysis of studies related to the topics of research competencies and the development of academic reading and writing.

Method:The search was performed by considering the following quality criteria: (1) Is the context in which the research is conducted at higher education institutions? (2) Is the development of academic reading and writing considered? (3) Are innovation processes related to the development of academic reading and writing considered? The articles analyzed were published between 2015 and 2019.

Results:Forty-two papers were considered for analysis after following the quality criterion questions. Finally, the topics addressed in the analysis were as follows: theoretical–conceptual trends in educational innovation studies, dominant trends and methodological tools, findings in research competencies for innovation in academic literacy development, types of innovations related to the development of academic reading and writing, recommendations for future studies on research competencies and for the processes of academic reading and writing and research challenges for the research competencies and academic reading and writing processes.

Conclusion:It was possible to identify the absence of studies about research skills to develop academic literacy through innovative models that effectively integrate the analysis of these three elements.
Metagenomic Approaches to Analyze Antimicrobial Resistance: An Overview
Authors: de Abreu Vinicius A. C. , Perdigão José , Almeida Sintia
Published: January 2021

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global public health problem, which develops when pathogens acquire antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), primarily through genetic recombination between commensal and pathogenic microbes. The resistome is a collection of all ARGs. In microorganisms, the primary method of ARG acquisition is horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Thus, understanding and identifying HGTs, can provide insight into the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance transmission and dissemination. The use of high-throughput sequencing technologies has made the analysis of ARG sequences feasible and accessible. In particular, the metagenomic approach has facilitated the identification of community-based antimicrobial resistance. This approach is useful, as it allows access to the genomic data in an environmental sample without the need to isolate and culture microorganisms prior to analysis. Here, we aimed to reflect on the challenges of analyzing metagenomic data in the three main approaches for studying antimicrobial resistance: (i) analysis of microbial diversity, (ii) functional gene analysis, and (iii) searching the most complete and pertinent resistome databases.
Putative Pathobionts in HLA-B27-Associated Spondyloarthropathy
Authors: Gill Tejpal , Rosenbaum James T.
Published: January 2021

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a group of immune mediated inflammatory diseases with a strong association to the major histocompatibility (MHC) class I molecule, HLA-B27. Although the association between HLA-B27 and AS has been known for almost 50 years, the mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis are elusive. Over the years, three hypotheses have been proposed to explain HLA-B27 and disease association: 1) HLA B27 presents arthritogenic peptides and thus creates a pathological immune response; 2) HLA-B27 misfolding causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which activates the unfolded protein response (UPR); 3) HLA-B27 dimerizes on the cell surface and acts as a target for natural killer (NK) cells. None of these hypotheses explains SpA pathogenesis completely. Evidence supports the hypothesis that HLA-B27-related diseases have a microbial pathogenesis. In animal models of various SpAs, a germ-free environment abrogates disease development and colonizing these animals with gut commensal microbes can restore disease manifestations. The depth of microbial influence on SpA development has been realized due to our ability to characterize microbial communities in the gut using next-generation sequencing approaches. In this review, we will discuss various putative pathobionts in the pathogenesis of HLA-B27-associated diseases. We pursue whether a single pathobiont or a disruption of microbial community and function is associated with HLA-B27-related diseases. Furthermore, rather than a specific pathobiont, metabolic functions of various disease-associated microbes might be key. While the use of germ-free models of SpA have facilitated understanding the role of microbes in disease development, future studies with animal models that mimic diverse microbial communities instead of mono-colonization are indispensable. We discuss the causal mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis including the role of these pathobionts on mucin degradation, mucosal adherence, and gut epithelial barrier disruption and inflammation. Finally, we review the various uses of microbes as therapeutic modalities including pre/probiotics, diet, microbial metabolites and fecal microbiota transplant. Unravelling these complex host-microbe interactions will lead to the development of new targets/therapies for alleviation of SpA and other HLA-B27 associated diseases.
Computational Derivation of Core, Dynamic Human Blunt Trauma Inflammatory Endotypes
Authors: Schimunek Lukas , Lindberg Haley , Cohen Maria , Namas Rami A. , Mi Qi , Yin Jinling , Barclay Derek , El-Dehaibi Fayten , Abboud Andrew , Zamora Ruben , Billiar Timothy Robert , Vodovotz Yoram
Published: January 2021

Systemic inflammation ensues following traumatic injury, driving immune dysregulation and multiple organ dysfunction (MOD). While a balanced immune/inflammatory response is ideal for promoting tissue regeneration, most trauma patients exhibit variable and either overly exuberant or overly damped responses that likely drive adverse clinical outcomes. We hypothesized that these inflammatory phenotypes occur in the context of severe injury, and therefore sought to define clinically distinct endotypes of trauma patients based on their systemic inflammatory responses. Using Patient-Specific Principal Component Analysis followed by unsupervised hierarchical clustering of circulating inflammatory mediators obtained in the first 24 h after injury, we segregated a cohort of 227 blunt trauma survivors into three core endotypes exhibiting significant differences in requirement for mechanical ventilation, duration of ventilation, and MOD over 7 days. Nine non-survivors co-segregated with survivors. Dynamic network inference, Fisher Score analysis, and correlations of IL-17A with GM-CSF, IL-10, and IL-22 in the three survivor sub-groups suggested a role for type 3 immunity, in part regulated by Th17 and γδ 17 cells, and related tissue-protective cytokines as a key feature of systemic inflammation following injury. These endotypes may represent archetypal adaptive, over-exuberant, and overly damped inflammatory responses.
Role of Sea Surface Microlayer Properties in Cloud Formation
Authors: Hendrickson Brianna N. , Brooks Sarah D. , Thornton Daniel C. O. , Moore Richard H. , Crosbie Ewan , Ziemba Luke D. , Carlson Craig A. , Baetge Nicholas , Mirrielees Jessica A. , Alsante Alyssa N.
Published: January 2021

To date, the relative contribution of primary marine organic matter to the subset of atmospheric particles that nucleate cloud droplets is highly uncertain. Here, cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) measurements were conducted on aerosolized sea surface microlayer (SML) samples collected from the North Atlantic Ocean during the NASA North Atlantic Aerosols and Marine Ecosystems Study (NAAMES), κ values were predicted for three representative high molecular weight (HMW) organic components of marine aerosol: 6-glucose, humic acid, and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (RuBisCO). The predicted κ values for pure organic aerosols varied by only ±0.01 across all of the organics chosen. For the desalted SML samples, calculations assuming an organic composition of entirely RuBisCO provided the closest predicted κ values for the desalted SML samples with a mean κ value of 0.53 ± 0.10. These results indicate that it is the sea salt in the SML which drives the cloud formation potential of marine aerosols. While the presence of organic material from the ocean surface waters may increase aerosol mass due to enrichment processes, cloud formation potential of mixed organic/salt primary marine aerosols will be slightly weakened or unchanged compared to sea spray aerosol.
Staying Alive: Long-Term Success of Bottlenose Dolphin Interventions in Southwest Florida
Authors: McHugh Katherine A. , Barleycorn Aaron A. , Allen Jason B. , Bassos-Hull Kim , Lovewell Gretchen , Boyd Denise , Panike Anna , Cush Carolyn , Fauquier Deborah , Mase Blair , Lacy Robert C. , Greenfield Michelle R. , Rubenstein Daniel I. , Weaver Ann , Stone Abby , Oliver Lisa , Morse Kent , Wells Randall S.
Published: January 2021

Small cetaceans face persistent threats from fisheries interactions, making effective mitigation a priority for conservation. In southwest Florida, interactions come primarily from small-scale recreational hook and line and trap/pot fisheries, with regional stranding network partners working with federal agency managers to assess and intervene as possible in cases of live animal entanglement. Evaluating success of intervention cases is difficult due to financial and logistical constraints which may preclude detailed follow-up monitoring. Survival over the initial 6 weeks post-release has been used as a marker of short-term success for small-cetacean rescue and/or rehabilitation cases. Early intervention prior to stranding, especially via remote disentanglement or rescue and immediate re-release onsite, can save entangled free-ranging dolphins facing life-threatening anthropogenic injuries. However, given the costs associated with interventions, it is important to understand the benefits of these endeavors not only to save individuals, but also to establish if and how saved individuals contribute to social functioning, survival and reproduction within small, resident populations facing multiple concurrent threats. Here we provide evidence from 27 well-documented common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) intervention cases during 1985–2019 where follow-up monitoring over multiple years sheds light on the longer-term success of these efforts and potential benefits to local populations. Nearly all rescued individuals (92%) survived longer than 6 weeks post-release (mean minimum survival period = 5 years, range 0–35 years), with 13 still observed frequently within their prior resident communities, in good physical health, and engaging in normal behavior. Survivorship rates did not decline substantially between 1 and 5 years post-rescue, meaning survival beyond 1 year may be a useful benchmark of long-term success. Rescued females that reached reproductive maturity (n= 4) have produced 12 post-intervention offspring to date. Social network analysis and demographic modeling applied to cases from the long-term resident community in Sarasota Bay confirmed that animals maintain social connections post-intervention and that interventions result in higher population growth rates. While not every intervention succeeds, this study demonstrates the conservation value of pre-stranding interventions which allow individuals that otherwise would be lost to remain viable and productive members of local populations when prevention of anthropogenic injury is not possible.
Effect of Gradation Variability on Volume Parameter and Key Performances of HMA
Authors: Liu Shutang , Zhu Lin , Zhang Huiqin , Liu Tao , Ji Ping , Cao Weidong
Published: January 2021

The graded mineral aggregate composed of coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and mineral powder is the main component of hot asphalt mixture (HMA), and it occupies a mass ratio of more than 95% in HMA. The gradation variability of mineral aggregate is frequently an unavoidable problem in the construction of asphalt pavement engineering. In order to investigate the effect of gradation variability on the volume parameters and key performances of HMA, the asphalt concrete with a nominal maximum particle size of 20 mm (AC20) was selected as the research carrier. Firstly, a benchmark mineral aggregate gradation (BMAG) was designed based on the theory of dense skeleton gradation presented in the paper. Secondly, six types of HMA (that is, AC20) with variable gradations were also determined and all the specimens were prepared by rotary compaction process with the same optimum asphalt content (gradation varies but asphalt content remains the same), and finally based on asphalt pavement analyzer, the performances of all the specimens of each gradation were tested. The results show that, compared with the BMAG-HMA, the volume parameters such as air voids, voids in mineral aggregate, and voids filled with asphalt of the variable-graded HMA change in different directions, but the water stability and high-temperature performance both degrade greatly. The experimental results also show the feasibility and effectiveness of the dense skeleton gradation design theory adopted in this study.
Lupus and the Lungs: The Assessment and Management of Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Amarnani Raj , Yeoh Su-Ann , Denneny Emma K. , Wincup Chris
Published: January 2021

Pulmonary manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are wide-ranging and debilitating in nature. Previous studies suggest that anywhere between 20 and 90% of patients with SLE will be troubled by some form of respiratory involvement throughout the course of their disease. This can include disorders of the lung parenchyma (such as interstitial lung disease and acute pneumonitis), pleura (resulting in pleurisy and pleural effusion), and pulmonary vasculature [including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), pulmonary embolic disease, and pulmonary vasculitis], whilst shrinking lung syndrome is a rare complication of the disease. Furthermore, the risks of respiratory infection (which often mimic acute pulmonary manifestations of SLE) are increased by the immunosuppressive treatment that is routinely used in the management of lupus. Although these conditions commonly present with a combination of dyspnea, cough and chest pain, it is important to consider that some patients may be asymptomatic with the only suggestion of the respiratory disorder being found incidentally on thoracic imaging or pulmonary function tests. Treatment decisions are often based upon evidence from case reports or small cases series given the paucity of clinical trial data specifically focused on pulmonary manifestations of SLE. Many therapeutic options are often initiated based on studies in severe manifestations of SLE affecting other organ systems or from experience drawn from the use of these therapeutics in the pulmonary manifestations of other systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In this review, we describe the key features of the pulmonary manifestations of SLE and approaches to investigation and management in clinical practice.
Occupational Burden of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Commonwealth of Independent States: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vinnikov Denis , Rybina Tatsyana , Strizhakov Leonid , Babanov Sergey , Mukatova Irina
Published: January 2021

Background: Population-based studies from the Russian Federation and neighboring countries on the occupational burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are seldom or not included in the systematic reviews. The aim of this review was to summarize published population-based studies from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in order to ascertain the occupational burden of COPD.

Methods: We systematically searched www.elibrary.ru and PubMed for population-based studies on the epidemiology of COPD in nine countries using PRISMA. Quality of studies was assessed using the original tool. The odds of COPD in the included studies from vapors, gases, dusts, and fumes (VGDF) was pooled using meta-analysis (fixed effects model), whereas the population attributable fraction percent (PAF%) was pooled with meta-proportion using the random effects model in Stata 14.2.

Results: Five studies, three from Russia, one from Kazakhstan, and one more from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan (total N = 18,908) with moderate to high quality and published from 2014 to 2019 (none from Armenia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan), were included. Spirometry-defined COPD was the outcome in four of them. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of COPD from VGDF was 1.69 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34;2.13], greater in Kazakhstan [OR 1.96 (95% CI 1.35;2.85, N = 2 studies)] compared to Russia [OR 1.52 (95% CI 1.13;2.05, N = 2 studies)]. The pooled PAF% was 6% (95% CI 2; 14%) from three studies.

Conclusions: Population-based studies in the CIS get little attention with very few studies published. Although the effect was greater in Kazakhstan compared to Russia, the overall effect did not differ from studies published in the rest of the world. Research capacity to study occupational risks of COPD should be strengthened to produce more evidence of higher quality.
Use of a Sparse-Response Deep Belief Network and Extreme Learning Machine to Discriminate Alzheimer's Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, and Normal Controls Based on Amyloid PET/MRI Images
Authors: Zhou Ping , Jiang Shuqing , Yu Lun , Feng Yabo , Chen Chuxin , Li Fang , Liu Yang , Huang Zhongxiong
Published: January 2021

In recent years, interest has grown in using computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and its prodromal stage, mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, existing CAD technologies often overfit data and have poor generalizability. In this study, we proposed a sparse-response deep belief network (SR-DBN) model based on rate distortion (RD) theory and an extreme learning machine (ELM) model to distinguish AD, MCI, and normal controls (NC). We used [18F]-AV45 positron emission computed tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images from 340 subjects enrolled in the ADNI database, including 116 AD, 82 MCI, and 142 NC subjects. The model was evaluated using five-fold cross-validation. In the whole model, fast principal component analysis (PCA) served as a dimension reduction algorithm. An SR-DBN extracted features from the images, and an ELM obtained the classification. Furthermore, to evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we performed comparative trials. In contrast experiment 1, the ELM was replaced by a support vector machine (SVM). Contrast experiment 2 adopted DBN without sparsity. Contrast experiment 3 consisted of fast PCA and an ELM. Contrast experiment 4 used a classic convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify AD. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) were examined to validate the results. Our model achieved 91.68% accuracy, 95.47% sensitivity, 86.68% specificity, and an AUC of 0.87 separating between AD and NC groups; 87.25% accuracy, 79.74% sensitivity, 91.58% specificity, and an AUC of 0.79 separating MCI and NC groups; and 80.35% accuracy, 85.65% sensitivity, 72.98% specificity, and an AUC of 0.71 separating AD and MCI groups, which gave better classification than other models assessed.
Prevalence of Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma in the Last 20 Years: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Nan , Wang Jiaxing , Chen Biyue , Li Ying , Jiang Bing
Published: January 2021

Purpose:This meta-analysis aims to investigate the worldwide prevalence of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) and its risk factors in the last 20 years.

Methods:We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 37 population-based studies and 144,354 subjects. PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched for cross-sectional or cohort studies published in the last 20 years (2000–2020) that reported the prevalence of PACG. The prevalence of PACG was analyzed according to various risk factors. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis.

Results:The global pooled prevalence of PACG was 0.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.5–0.8%] for the last 20 years. The prevalence of PACG increases with age. Men are found less likely to have PACG than women (risk ratio = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.53–0.93,p< 0.01). Asia is found to have the highest prevalence of PACG (0.7%, 95% CI = 0.6–1.0%). The current estimated population with PACG is 17.14 million (95% CI = 14.28–22.85) for people older than 40 years old worldwide, with 12.30 million (95% CI = 10.54–17.57) in Asia. It is estimated that by 2050, the global population with PACG will be 26.26 million, with 18.47 million in Asia.

Conclusion:PACG affects more than 17 million people worldwide, especially leading a huge burden to Asia. The prevalence of PACG varies widely across different ages, sex, and population geographic variation. Asian, female sex, and age are risk factors of PACG.
COVID-19, COPD, and AECOPD: Immunological, Epidemiological, and Clinical Aspects
Authors: Polverino Francesca , Kheradmand Farrah
Published: January 2021

The newly identified severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes several heterogeneous clinical conditions collectively known as Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Older patients with significant cardiovascular conditions and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are predisposed to a more severe disease complicated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. COPD is associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, and viruses are among the top causes of acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Thus, COVID-19 could represent the ultimate cause of AECOPD. This review will examine the pathobiological processes underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection, including the effects of cigarette smoke and COPD on the immune system and vascular endothelium, and the known effects of cigarette smoke on the onset and progression of COVID-19. We will also review the epidemiological data on COVID-19 prevalence and outcome in patients with COPD and analyze the pathobiological and clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the context of other known viral causes of AECOPD. Overall, SARS-CoV-2 shares common pathobiological and clinical features with other viral agents responsible for increased morbidity, thus representing a novel cause of AECOPD with the potential for a more long-term adverse impact. Longitudinal studies aimed at COPD patients surviving COVID-19 are needed to identify therapeutic targets for SARS-CoV2 and prevent the disease's burden in this vulnerable population.
A Study of the Disruptive Effect of the Acetate Fraction of Punica granatum Extract on Cryptococcus Biofilms
Authors: Villis Paulo C. M. , de Macedo Alessandra T. , Furtado Haryne L. A. , Fontenelle Pedro H. C. , Gonçalves Ingrid S. , Mendes Thayariane L. , Motta Brenda L. A. , Marinho Pedro L. L. , Pinheiro Aruanã J. M. C. R. , Lima-Neto Lídio G. , Monteiro Cristina A. , da Silva Luís C. N. , Ferreira Gabriella F. , Holanda Rodrigo A. , Santos Julliana R. A.
Published: January 2021

Cryptococcosis, caused by yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus, is an infectious disease with a worldwide distribution. Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the species that commonly cause this disease in humans; however, infections caused by Cryptococcus laurentii, especially in immunocompromised patients, are increasingly being reported. Owing to the increase in the resistance of fungi to antifungals, and a lack of treatment options, it is important to seek new therapeutic alternatives such as natural products. Among these are plant species such as Punica granatum, which is used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the activity of the acetate fraction of P. granatum leaf extract against environmental and clinical isolates of Cryptococcus. Three environmental isolates of C. laurentii, PMN, PMA, and PJL II, isolated from soils of different municipalities in the state of Maranhão, a clinical isolate, C. gattii, from a patient with neurocryptococcosis, and a standard strain of C. gattii (ATCC 32068) were used. The minimum and fractional inhibitory concentrations (MIC and FIC, respectively) and time-kill curve of the extract and fluconazole were determined to assess the susceptibility profile of the fungal isolates. Larvae of Tenebrio molitor were infected with Cryptococcus strains, and the effects of acetate fraction of P. granatum extract and fluconazole on the survival and fungal burden were determined. The extract activity was tested against pre-formed biofilms. The acetate fraction of P. granatum extract showed promising antifungal activity against all the species of Cryptococcus evaluated in this study, with an MIC value lower than that of fluconazole. The indices obtained in the FIC test indicated that the antimicrobial effect of the combination of the extract and antifungal was indifferent for 80% of the isolates. The P. granatum acetate fraction reduced the pre-formed biofilm of some isolates, showing better activity than fluconazole, which is consistent with results from fluorescence microscopy. This is the first study on the use of P. granatum and its ability to inhibit Cryptococcus biofilms; therefore, further studies and tests are needed to investigate the components and mechanism of action of P. granatum against cryptococcosis agents.
Biochemical Characterization of Arylamine N-acetyltransferases From Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Liu Xinning , Liu Yuanchang , Zhao Guangjian , Zhang Yidan , Liu Lu , Wang Juan , Wang Yifan , Zhang Siyu , Li Xin , Guo Dongliang , Wang Peng , Xu Ximing
Published: January 2021

Vibrio vulnificus is a zoonotic bacterium that is capable of causing highly lethal diseases in humans; this pathogen is responsible for 95% of all seafood-related deaths in the United States. Arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NAT, E.C. 2.3.1.5) is a major family of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes that can biotransform aromatic amine chemicals. In this research, to evaluate the effect of NAT on acetyl group transformation in arylamine antibiotics, we first used sequence alignment to study the structure of V. vulnificus NAT [(VIBVN)NAT]. The nat gene encodes a protein of 260 amino acids, which has an approximate molecular mass of 30 kDa. Then we purified recombinant (VIBVN)NAT and determined the enzyme activity by PNPA and DTNB methods. The DTNB method indicates that this prokaryotic NAT has a particular substrate specificity towards aromatic substrates. However, (VIBVN)NAT lost most of its activity after treatment with high concentrations of urea and H2O2. In addition, we also explored the stability of the enzyme at different temperatures and pH values. In analyzing the influence of metal ions, the enzyme activity was significantly inhibited by Zn2+ and Cu2+. The kinetic parameters Km and Vmax were determined using hydralazine, isoniazid, 4-amino salicylic acid, and 4-chloro-3-methylaniline as substrates, and the Tm, Tagg and size distribution of (VIBVN)NAT were observed. In particular, a molecular docking study on the structure of (VIBVN)NAT was conducted to understand its biochemical traits. These results showed that (VIBVN)NAT could acetylate various aromatic amine substrates and contribute to arylamine antibiotic resistance in V. vulnificus.