bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Impact of Thrombus Aspiration and Interaction With D-Dimer Levels in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Li Jun-feng , Lin Zhi-wei , Chen Chang-xi , Liang Shi-qi , Du Lei-lei , Qu Xiang , Gao Zhan , Huang Yu-heng , Kong Shu-ting , Chen Jin-xin , Sun Ling-yue , Zhou Hao
Published: August 2021

Objectives:To evaluate the effect of thrombus aspiration (TA) strategy on the outcomes and its interaction with D-dimer levels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in “real-world” settings.

Materials and Methods:This study included 1,295 patients with STEMI who had undergone primary PCI with or without TA between January 2013 and June 2017. Patients were first divided into a TA+PCI group and a PCI-only group, and the baseline characteristics and long-term mortality between the two groups were analyzed. Furthermore, we studied the effect of TA on the clinical outcomes of patients grouped according to quartiles of respective D-dimer levels. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes were new-onset heart failure (HF), rehospitalization, re-PCI, and stroke.

Results:In the original cohort, there were no significant differences in all-cause mortality between the TA+PCI and PCI-only groups (hazard ratio, 0.789; 95% confidence interval, 0.556–1.120;p= 0.185). After a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, the all-cause mortality rates of patients in the TA + PCI and PCI-only groups were 8.5 and 16.2%, respectively. Additionally, differences between the two groups in terms of the risk of HF, re-PCI, rehospitalization, and stroke were non-significant. However, after dividing into quartiles, as the D-dimer levels increased, the all-cause mortality rate in the PCI group gradually increased (4.3 vs. 6.0 vs. 7.0 vs. 14.7%,p< 0.001), while the death rate in the TA+PCI group did not significantly differ (4.6 vs. 5.0 vs. 4.0 vs. 3.75%,p= 0.85). Besides, in the quartile 3 (Q3) and quartile 4 (Q4) groups, the PCI-only group was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality than that of the TA+PCI group (Q3: 4.0 vs. 7.0%,p= 0.029; Q4: 3.75 vs. 14.7%,p< 0.001). Moreover, the multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that TA is inversely associated with the primary outcome in the Q4 group [odds ratio (OR), 0.395; 95% CI, 0.164–0.949;p= 0.038].

Conclusions:The findings of our real-world study express that routine manual TA during PCI in STEMI did not improve clinical outcomes overall. However, patients with STEMI with a higher concentration of D-dimer might benefit from the use of TA during primary PCI. Large-scale studies are recommended to confirm the efficacy of TA.
Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Potential Therapeutic Roles in Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Jayaraman Selvaraj , Gnanasampanthapandian Dhanavathy , Rajasingh Johnson , Palaniyandi Kanagaraj
Published: August 2021

Owing to myocardial abnormalities, cardiac ailments are considered to be the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. According to a recent study, membranous vesicles that are produced naturally, termed as “exosomes”, have emerged as the potential candidate in the field of cardiac regenerative medicine. A wide spectrum of stem cells has also been investigated in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Exosomes obtained from the stem cells are found to be cardioprotective and offer great hope in the treatment of CVD. The basic nature of exosomes is to deal with the intracellular delivery of both proteins and nucleic acids. This activity of exosomes helps us to rely on them as the attractive pharmaceutical delivery agents. Most importantly, exosomes derived from microRNAs (miRNAs) hold great promise in assessing the risk of CVD, as they serve as notable biomarkers of the disease. Exosomes are small, less immunogenic, and lack toxicity. These nanovesicles harbor immense potential as a therapeutic entity and would provide fruitful benefits if consequential research were focused on their upbringing and development as a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the field of medicine.
Dating North Pacific Abyssal Sediments by Geomagnetic Paleointensity: Implications of Magnetization Carriers, Plio-Pleistocene Climate Change, and Benthic Redox Conditions
Authors: Wang Wanzhang , von Dobeneck Tilo , Frederichs Thomas , Zhang Yang , Lembke-Jene Lester , Tiedemann Ralf , Winklhofer Michael , Nürnberg Dirk
Published: August 2021

Non-carbonaceous abyssal fine-grained sediments cover vast parts of the North Pacific’s deep oceanic basins and gain increasing interests as glacial carbon traps. They are, however, difficult to date at an orbital-scale temporal resolution and still rarely used for paleoceanographic reconstructions. Here, we show that sedimentary records of past geomagnetic field intensity have high potential to improve reversal-based magnetostratigraphic age models. Five sediment cores from Central North Pacific mid-latitudes (39–47°N) and abyssal water depths ranging from 3,900 to 6,100 m were cube-sampled at 23 mm resolution and analyzed by automated standard paleo- and rock magnetic methods, XRF scanning, and electron microscopy. Relative Paleointensity (RPI) records were determined by comparing natural vs. anhysteretic remanent magnetization losses during alternating field demagnetization using a slope method within optimized coercivity windows. The paleomagnetic record delivered well interpretable geomagnetic reversal sequences back to 3 Ma. This age span covers the climate-induced transition from a biogenic magnetite prevalence in the Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene to a dust-dominated detrital magnetic mineral assemblage since the Mid-Pleistocene. Volcaniclastic materials from concurrent eruptions and gravitational or contouritic sediment re-deposition along extinct seamount flanks provide a further important source of fine- to coarse-grained magnetic carriers. Surprisingly, higher proportions of biogenic vs. detrital magnetite in the late Pliocene correlate with systematically lowered RPI values, which seems to be a consequence of magnetofossil oxidation rather than reductive depletion. Our abyssal RPI records match the astronomically tuned stack of the mostly bathyal Pacific RPI records. While a stratigraphic correlation of rock magnetic and element ratio logs with standard oxygen isotope records was sporadically possible, the RPI minima allowed to establish further stratigraphic tie points at ∼50 kyr intervals. Thus, this RPI-enhanced magnetostratigraphy appears to be a major step forward to reliably date unaltered abyssal North Pacific sediments close to orbital-scale resolution.
Role of Exosomes in Islet Transplantation
Authors: Mattke Jordan , Vasu Srividya , Darden Carly M. , Kumano Kenjiro , Lawrence Michael C. , Naziruddin Bashoo
Published: August 2021

Exosomes are known for their ability to transport nucleic acid, lipid, and protein molecules, which allows for communication between cells and tissues. The cargo of the exosomes can have a variety of effects on a wide range of targets to mediate biological function. Pancreatic islet transplantation is a minimally invasive cell replacement therapy to prevent or reverse diabetes mellitus and is currently performed in patients with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes or chronic pancreatitis. Exosomes have become a focus in the field of islet transplantation for the study of diagnostic markers of islet cell viability and function. A growing list of miRNAs identified from exosomes collected during the process of isolating islets can be used as diagnostic biomarkers of islet stress and damage, leading to a better understanding of critical steps of the isolation procedure that can be improved to increase islet yield and quality. Exosomes have also been implicated as a possible contributor to islet graft rejection following transplantation, as they carry donor major histocompatibility complex molecules, which are then processed by recipient antigen-presenting cells and sensed by the recipient immune cells. Exosomes may find their way into the therapeutic realm of islet transplantation, as exosomes isolated from mesenchymal stem cells have shown promising results in early studies that have seen increased viability and functionality of isolated and grafted isletsin vitroas well asin vivo. With the study of exosomes still in its infancy, continued research on the role of exosomes in islet transplantation will be paramount to understanding beta cell regeneration and improving long-term graft function.
Enhanced Piezoelectric Coefficient of PVDF-TrFE Films via In Situ Polarization
Authors: Hu Xiaoran , You Mengli , Yi Na , Zhang Xiaokun , Xiang Yong
Published: August 2021

The d33 coefficient = 28 pC/N of PVDF-TrFE piezoelectric films was achieved by the in situ polarization. Compared with traditional poling methods, the in situ polarization is performed with low poling voltage and short poling time, and it can ensure the PVDF-TrFE film with enhanced piezoelectric performances and uniform distribution among a large area of 200 mm2 × 200 mm2. The processing influence of drying, annealing, and poling on the crystalline properties and piezoelectric performances were investigated. Besides, the obtained PVDF-TrFE films present a good piezoelectric response to different extents of mechanical stimulations, which have great potential in energy harvesting applications.
Climate Impacts on Fire Risk in Desert Shrublands: A Modeling Study
Authors: Moloney Kirk A. , Fuentes-Ramirez Andres , Holzapfel Claus
Published: August 2021

Fire is recognized to be an important disturbance in many ecosystems worldwide, although desert ecosystems are not generally thought of as being prone to fire, primarily because of the lack of a continuous fuel bed. However, the likelihood of catastrophic fires in some desert systems is increasing due to the spread of exotic species, which can grow in the open. A second factor increasing fire risk may be extreme rainfall events caused by climate warming that can lead to an increase in fuel loads. Our work explores the impact of increased rainfall on fire risk in creosote shrublands that have been invaded by exotic grasses. We take experimental results from creosote (Larrea tridentata) shrublands in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of the Southwestern United States and develop spatially explicit simulation models to explore the impact of shifting rainfall regimes on biomass production and fire spread. In doing this, we explore two scales that are important in the spread of fire: (1) the macro-scale which considers the likelihood that fire arriving at one edge of a modeled landscape will successfully reach the opposite edge, leading to spread at a broader scale; and (2) the micro-scale, which considers fire spread within the landscape. We use a very simple model to first explore how changes in the distribution of fuel in the landscape impact the ability of fire to spread across and within the landscape. We then add more realism by including a direct consideration of creosote shrub distributions and biomass levels produced in different vegetation zones associated with distance from creosote. Our models show that the spread of fire at both macro- and micro-scales can be predicted from a knowledge of the statistical distribution of biomass in the field. The only additional information that is needed to predict the extent of fire spread is the amount of biomass at a local site (g m–2) required to ignite standing biomass in adjacent sites. This will depend upon species composition as well as amount of biomass, the hydration status of the vegetation and climatic conditions, such as windspeed and relative humidity.
Braincase and Inner Ear Anatomy of the Late Carboniferous Tetrapod Limnoscelis dynatis (Diadectomorpha) Revealed by High-Resolution X-ray Microcomputed Tomography
Authors: Klembara Jozef , Ruta Marcello , Hain Miroslav , Berman David S.
Published: August 2021

The braincase anatomy of the Pennsylvanian diadectomorphLimnoscelis dynatisis described in detail, based upon high-resolution X-ray microcomputed tomography. Both supraoccipitals and most of the prootics and opisthotics are preserved. The known portions of the left prootic, opisthotic, and supraoccipital enclose complete sections of the endosseous labyrinth, including the anterior, posterior, and lateral semicircular canals, the vestibule, the cochlear recess, and the canal for the endolymphatic duct. The fossa subarcuata is visible anteromedial to the anterior semicircular canal. The presumed endolymphatic fossae occur in the dorsal wall of the posteromedial portion of the supraoccipital. Both the fossa subarcuata and the fossa endolymphatica lie in the cerebellar portion of the cranial cavity. In order to investigate the phylogenetic position ofL. dynatiswe used a recently published data matrix, including characters of the braincase, and subjected it to maximum parsimony analyses under a variety of character weighting schemes and to a Bayesian analysis.Limnoscelis dynatisemerges as sister taxon toL. paludis, and both species form the sister group to remaining diadectomorphs. Synapsids and diadectomorphs are resolved as sister clades in ∼90% of all the most parsimonious trees from the unweighted analysis, in the single trees from both the reweighted and the implied weights analyses, as well in the Bayesian tree.
Divergent Responses of Floral Traits of Lonicera nervosa to Altitudinal Gradients at the Eastern Margin of Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Chen Wenkai , Wang Lihua , Wang Jinniu , Joshi Srijana , Xiang Shuang , Tariq Akash , Liu Xiaodan , Liao Yuchen , Wu Yan
Published: August 2021

Understanding phenotypic responses is crucial for predicting and managing the effects of environmental change on native species. Color and display size are typically used to evaluate the utilization value of ornamental plants, which are also important ornamental characters of Lonicera nervosa Maxim. (L. nervosa). However, there is limited documentation of its floral environmental adaptation. The environmental conditions for the development of an organism changes with altitudinal variation. The aim of this research was to find flower trait variability maintenance and the tradeoff among the organs in five different populations of L. nervosa growing at distinct altitudes. We investigated the distribution patterns of floral color, floral display, and biomass tradeoff along a 700-m altitude gradient from 2,950 to 3,650 m. One-way ANOVA analysis was performed to assess the variability of flower traits and floral color across different altitudes. Moreover, correlations and tradeoffs between flowers and vegetative organs were also observed at different altitude ranges. The results indicated that L. nervosa flowers had a strong adaptability along the elevation and divergent altitude-range-specific patterns, which was divided by an altitude breakpoint at around 3,300 m. Below 3,300 m, petal lightness (petal L) decreased, but total floral display area (TFDA), individual floral dry mass (IFDM), and total floral dry mass (TFDM) increased with an increase in altitude. Whereas, above 3,300 m no significant difference was observed in petal L, TFDA, IFDM, and TFDM decreased slightly with an increase in altitude. The responsibility for the selection on floral color at a lower altitude was stronger than that at a higher altitude, while the selection agents on floral biomass had significant effects within the entire altitude range. However, the effects on floral biomass were opposite on both sides of 3,300 m. Thus, floral trait and floral color can be useful indicators for the domestication of horticultural plants and help to evaluate and initiate management and conservation actions.
Genomic Copy Number Variants in CML Patients With the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph+): An Update
Authors: Zhang Heyang , Liu Meng , Wang Xiaoxue , Ren Yuan , Kim Young Mi , Wang Xianfu , Lu Xianglan , Pang Hui , Liu Guangming , Gu Yue , Sun Mingran , Shi Yunpeng , Zhang Chuan , Zhang Yaowen , Zhang Jianqin , Li Shibo , Zhang Lijun
Published: August 2021

Background

Submicroscopic segmental imbalances detected by array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) were discovered to be common in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients with t(9;22) as the sole chromosomal anomaly. To confirm the findings of the previous study and expand the investigation, additional CML patients with t(9;22) as the sole chromosomal anomaly were recruited and copy number variants (CNVs) were searched for.

Methods

Karyotyping tests were performed on 106 CML patients during January 2010–September 2019 in our Genetics Laboratory. Eighty-four (79.2%) patients had the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome as the sole chromosomal anomaly. Only 49(58.3%) of these 84 patients had sufficient marrow or leukemia blood materials to additionally be included in the array-CGH analysis. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was carried out to confirm the genes covered by the deleted or duplicated regions of the CNVs.

Results

11(22.4%) out of the 49 patients were found to have one to three somatic segmental somatic segmental (CNVs), including fourteen deletions and three duplications. The common region associated with deletions was on 9q33.3-34.12. Identified in five (45.5%) of the 11 positive patients with segmental CNVs, the deletions ranged from 106 kb to 4.1 Mb in size. Two (18.2%) cases had a deletion in the ABL1-BCR fusion gene on der (9), while three (27.3%) cases had a deletion in the ASS1 gene. The remaining CNVs were randomly distributed on different autosomes.

Conclusion

Subtle genomic CNVs are relatively common in CML patients without cytogenetically visible additional chromosomal aberrations (ACAs). Long-term studies investigating the potential impact on patient prognosis and treatment outcome is underway.
Oral Fc-Coupled Preproinsulin Achieves Systemic and Thymic Delivery Through the Neonatal Fc Receptor and Partially Delays Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Corcos Noémie , Culina Slobodan , Deligne Claire , Lavaud Cassandra , You Sylvaine , Mallone Roberto
Published: August 2021

Tolerogenic vaccinations using beta-cell antigens are attractive for type 1 diabetes prevention, but clinical trials have been disappointing. This is probably due to the late timing of intervention, when multiple auto-antibodies are already present. We therefore devised a strategy to introduce the initiating antigen preproinsulin (PPI) during neonatal life, when autoimmunity is still silent and central tolerance mechanisms, which remain therapeutically unexploited, are more active. This strategy employs an oral administration of PPI-Fc, i.e. PPI fused with an IgG Fc to bind the intestinal neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) that physiologically delivers maternal antibodies to the offspring during breastfeeding. Neonatal oral PPI-Fc vaccination did not prevent diabetes development in PPI T-cell receptor-transgenic G9C8.NOD mice. However, PPI-Fc was efficiently transferred through the intestinal epithelium in an Fc- and FcRn-dependent manner, was taken up by antigen presenting cells, and reached the spleen and thymus. Although not statistically significant, neonatal oral PPI-Fc vaccination delayed diabetes onset in polyclonal Ins2-/-.NOD mice that spontaneously develop accelerated diabetes. Thus, this strategy shows promise in terms of systemic and thymic antigen delivery via the intestinal FcRn pathway, but the current PPI-Fc formulation/regimen requires further improvements to achieve diabetes prevention.
IP-10 Promotes Latent HIV Infection in Resting Memory CD4+ T Cells via LIMK-Cofilin Pathway
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Yin Xiaowan , Ma Meichen , Ge Hongchi , Lang Bin , Sun Hong , He Sijia , Fu Yajing , Sun Yu , Yu Xiaowen , Zhang Zining , Cui Hualu , Han Xiaoxu , Xu Junjie , Ding Haibo , Chu Zhenxing , Shang Hong , Wu Yuntao , Jiang Yongjun
Published: August 2021

A major barrier to HIV eradication is the persistence of viral reservoirs. Resting CD4+ T cells are thought to be one of the major viral reservoirs, However, the underlying mechanism regulating HIV infection and the establishment of viral reservoir in T cells remain poorly understood. We have investigated the role of IP-10 in the establishment of HIV reservoirs in CD4+ T cells, and found that in HIV-infected individuals, plasma IP-10 was elevated, and positively correlated with HIV viral load and viral reservoir size. In addition, we found that binding of IP-10 to CXCR3 enhanced HIV latent infection of resting CD4+ T cells in vitro. Mechanistically, IP-10 stimulation promoted cofilin activity and actin dynamics, facilitating HIV entry and DNA integration. Moreover, treatment of resting CD4+ T cells with a LIM kinase inhibitor R10015 blocked cofilin phosphorylation and abrogated IP-10-mediated enhancement of HIV latent infection. These results suggest that IP-10 is a critical factor involved in HIV latent infection, and that therapeutic targeting of IP-10 may be a potential strategy for inhibiting HIV latent infection.
IgG4-Related Disease With Testicular Involvement: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhuo Ning , Luo Xiaowen , Tian Feng , Wen Zhenhua , Li Jingyang
Published: August 2021

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by infiltration of IgG4+ plasma cells that can simulate a tumor manifesting as a tumor-like mass. This disease involves the pancreas, biliary tract, kidneys, salivary glands, lymph nodes, aorta, and retroperitoneum amongst other organs. However, testicular involvement is a rare entity in this disease. The treatment of testicular involvement in IgG4-RD is currently controversial. We present the case of a 65-year-old man with swelling and pain in his right scrotum three months ago. On examination, a mobile mass of approximately 2 cm in diameter was found in the right scrotum. Serological tests showed elevated levels of IgG4 and negative for tumor markers. Enhanced computed tomography of the scrotum showed a nodular hyperdense shadow with a diameter of approximately 23 mm on the right epididymis. Pathological biopsy of the right epididymis showed infiltration of plasma cells, lymphocytes, and a few neutrophils. IgG4+ plasma cells stained positive, with an IgG4/IgG ratio of more than 40% and more than 30 IgG4+ plasma cells per high-power field. A diagnosis of IgG4-RD involving the testicles was made. Prednisone 30 mg/d was given for three weeks. No scrotum swelling or pain was observed at the follow-up after six months. IgG4-related disease should be considered whenever a mass-like lesion with typical histomorphologic features involving multiple organs/anatomical sites is encountered. The testicles are an important male reproductive organ, especially for young male patients with fertility requirements. For patients with IgG4-RD testicular involvement, surgical or medical treatment requires further study.
CRP Enhances the Innate Killing Mechanisms Phagocytosis and ROS Formation in a Conformation and Complement-Dependent Manner
Authors: Zeller Johannes , Bogner Balázs , Kiefer Jurij , Braig David , Winninger Oscar , Fricke Mark , Karasu Ebru , Peter Karlheinz , Huber-Lang Markus , Eisenhardt Steffen Ulrich
Published: August 2021

Phagocytosis and the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in phagocytic leukocytes are an effective killing mechanism of the innate host defense. These cellular processes of innate immunity function in a complex interplay with humoral factors. C-reactive protein (CRP) in its activated, monomeric isoform (mCRP) has been shown to activate immune cellsviathe classical complement pathway. We investigated the complement-dependent effects of monomeric CRP (mCRP) on neutrophils and monocyte subtypes using complement-specific inhibitors by both flow cytometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy. We demonstrate that CRP-induced ROS generation is a conformation-specific and complement-dependent process in leukocyte subsets with classical monocytes as the primary source of ROS amongst human monocyte subsets. Elucidation of this complex interplay of CRP and complement in inflammation pathophysiology might help to improve anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies.
Small-Scale and Long-Term Variability in Population Dynamics of the Cockle Cerastoderma edule in a Southern North Sea Tidal Flat System
Authors: Meyer Julia , Kröncke Ingrid , Bartholomä Alexander , Heckroth Mathias , Scheiffarth Gregor
Published: August 2021

The cockle Cerastoderma edule is one of the most common macrofauna species in the Wadden Sea areas of the North Sea. Cockle population dynamics are influenced by various abiotic and biotic factors such as temperature, food availability, and inter- and intraspecific competition. Cockles play an important role in the food web of the Wadden Sea, for instance, large shellfish-eating birds, such as oystercatchers and common eiders, use the cockle C. edule and the blue mussel Mytilus edulis as a main diet component. However, the populations of shellfish-eating bird species have been declining dramatically across the Wadden Sea since the beginning of the 21st century. While there are detailed monitoring programs in blue mussels due to commercial interests, little information is known about the stocks and long-term dynamics of cockles in the German Wadden Sea. To fill this gap, in 2005 a local conservation society (“Der Mellumrat e.V.”) initiated a study to sample cockles at one transect per year south of the island of Mellum, which was extended by 5 more transects in 2011. In addition to the spatial analysis, we analyzed the long-term variability in cockle population dynamics. Min/max autocorrelation factor analysis (MAFA) revealed a decline in cockle abundance, while no clear length trends were found. Canonical and spearman correlation analyses exposed significant correlations between cockle abundance and length and chlorophyll a, mussel bank area as well as oystercatcher and common eider populations. This study clearly shows that there is an urgent need for comprehensive time series of cockle data to analyze and explain ecological long-term changes in cockle population dynamics in relation to environmental changes and to point out how parts of the Wadden Sea food web, such as shellfish-eating birds are affected by these changes.
State of the California Current 2019–2020: Back to the Future With Marine Heatwaves?
Authors: Weber Edward D. , Auth Toby D. , Baumann-Pickering Simone , Baumgartner Timothy R. , Bjorkstedt Eric P. , Bograd Steven J. , Burke Brian J. , Cadena-Ramírez José L. , Daly Elizabeth A. , de la Cruz Martin , Dewar Heidi , Field John C. , Fisher Jennifer L. , Giddings Ashlyn , Goericke Ralf , Gomez-Ocampo Eliana , Gomez-Valdes Jose , Hazen Elliott L. , Hildebrand John , Horton Cheryl A. , Jacobson Kym C. , Jacox Michael G. , Jahncke Jaime , Kahru Mati , Kudela Raphe M. , Lavaniegos Bertha E. , Leising Andrew , Melin Sharon R. , Miranda-Bojorquez Luis Erasmo , Morgan Cheryl A. , Nickels Catherine F. , Orben Rachael A. , Porquez Jessica M. , Portner Elan J. , Robertson Roxanne R. , Rudnick Daniel L. , Sakuma Keith M. , Santora Jarrod A. , Schroeder Isaac D. , Snodgrass Owyn E. , Sydeman William J. , Thompson Andrew R. , Thompson Sarah Ann , Trickey Jennifer S. , Villegas-Mendoza Josue , Warzybok Pete , Watson William , Zeman Samantha M.
Published: August 2021

The California Current System (CCS) has experienced large fluctuations in environmental conditions in recent years that have dramatically affected the biological community. Here we synthesize remotely sensed, hydrographic, and biological survey data from throughout the CCS in 2019–2020 to evaluate how recent changes in environmental conditions have affected community dynamics at multiple trophic levels. A marine heatwave formed in the north Pacific in 2019 and reached the second greatest area ever recorded by the end of summer 2020. However, high atmospheric pressure in early 2020 drove relatively strong Ekman-driven coastal upwelling in the northern portion of the CCS and warm temperature anomalies remained far offshore. Upwelling and cooler temperatures in the northern CCS created relatively productive conditions in which the biomass of lipid-rich copepod species increased, adult krill size increased, and several seabird species experienced positive reproductive success. Despite these conditions, the composition of the fish community in the northern CCS remained a mixture of both warm- and cool-water-associated species. In the southern CCS, ocean temperatures remained above average for the seventh consecutive year. Abundances of juvenile fish species associated with productive conditions were relatively low, and the ichthyoplankton community was dominated by a mixture of oceanic warm-water and cosmopolitan species. Seabird species associated with warm water also occurred at greater densities than cool-water species in the southern CCS. The population of northern anchovy, which has been resurgent since 2017, continued to provide an important forage base for piscivorous fishes, offshore colonies of seabirds, and marine mammals throughout the CCS. Coastal upwelling in the north, and a longer-term trend in warming in the south, appeared to be controlling the community to a much greater extent than the marine heatwave itself.
Triage Modeling for Differential Diagnosis Between COVID-19 and Human Influenza A Pneumonia: Classification and Regression Tree Analysis
Authors: Xiao Anling , Zhao Huijuan , Xia Jianbing , Zhang Ling , Zhang Chao , Ruan Zhuoying , Mei Nan , Li Xun , Ma Wuren , Wang Zhuozhu , He Yi , Lee Jimmy , Zhu Weiming , Tian Dajun , Zhang Kunkun , Zheng Weiwei , Yin Bo
Published: August 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has lasted much longer than an influenza season, but the main signs, symptoms, and some imaging findings are similar in COVID-19 and influenza patients. The aim of the current study was to construct an accurate and robust model for initial screening and differential diagnosis of COVID-19 and influenza A.

Methods: All patients in the study were diagnosed at Fuyang No. 2 People's Hospital, and they included 151 with COVID-19 and 155 with influenza A. The patients were randomly assigned to training set or a testing set at a 4:1 ratio. Predictor variables were selected based on importance, assessed by random forest algorithms, and analyzed to develop classification and regression tree models.

Results: In the optimal model A, the best single predictor of COVID-19 patients was a normal or high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, followed by low level of creatine kinase, then the presence of <3 respiratory symptoms, then a highest temperature on the first day of admission <38°C. In the suboptimal model B, the best single predictor of COVID-19 was a low eosinophil count, then a normal monocyte ratio, then a normal hematocrit value, then a highest temperature on the first day of admission of <37°C, then a complete lack of respiratory symptoms.

Conclusions: The two models provide clinicians with a rapid triage tool. The optimal model can be used to developed countries/regions and major hospitals, and the suboptimal model can be used in underdeveloped regions and small hospitals.
Hip Position Acutely Affects Oxygenation and Perfusion of Kidney Grafts as Measured by Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods—The Bent Knee Study
Authors: Mani Laila-Yasmin , Seif Maryam , Nikles Florence , Tshering Vogel Dechen W. , Diserens Gaëlle , Martirosian Petros , Burnier Michel , Vogt Bruno , Vermathen Peter
Published: August 2021

Background: Kidney perfusion and oxygenation are two important determinants of kidney graft function. In kidney transplantation, repeated graft hypoperfusion may occur during hip flexion, for example in the sitting position, due to the progressive development of fibrotic tissue around iliac arteries. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in oxygenation and perfusion of kidney grafts during hip flexion and extension using a new functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) protocol.

Methods: Nineteen kidney graft recipients prospectively underwent MRI on a 3T scanner including diffusion-weighted, blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD), and arterial spin labeling sequences in hip positions 0° and >90° before and after intravenous administration of 20 mg furosemide.

Results: Unexpectedly, graft perfusion values were significantly higher in flexed compared to neutral hip position. Main diffusion-derived parameters were not affected by hip position. BOLD-derived cortico-medullary R2* ratio was significantly modified during hip flexion suggesting an intrarenal redistribution of the oxygenation in favor of the medulla and to the detriment of the cortex. Furthermore, the increase in medullary oxygenation induced by furosemide was significantly blunted during hip flexion (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Hip flexion has an acute impact on perfusion and tissue oxygenation in kidney grafts. Whether these position-dependent changes affect the long-term function and outcome of kidney transplants needs further investigation.
Diagnosis Accuracy of Lung Ultrasound for ARF in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yuan Xueyan , Liu Ling , Chang Wei , Wu Zongsheng , Huang Lili , Chao Yali , Lu Xinxing , Xie Jianfeng , Yang Yi , Qiu Haibo
Published: August 2021

Background: Acute respiratory failure (ARF) is a commonly distressing condition in critically ill patients. Its early recognition and treatment may improve clinical outcomes. Mounting evidence suggests that lung ultrasound (LUS) could be an alternative to chest X-ray (CXR) or computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of ARF in critically ill patients. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether LUS can be an alternative tool used to investigate the cause of ARF or thoracic pathologies associated with the diagnosis of ARF in critically ill patients.

Method: A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was conducted from inception to March 2020. Two researchers independently screened studies investigating the accuracy of LUS with CXR or CT for adult critically ill patients with ARF. Data with baseline, true positives, false positives, false negatives, and true negatives were extracted. The study quality was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were obtained using a bivariate model.

Results: Eleven studies, including 1,232 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Most studies were of low quality. LUS had a pooled sensitivity of 92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85–96) and a pooled specificity of 98% (95% CI: 94–99). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 98% (95% CI: 97–99). The sensitivity and specificity of LUS to identify different pathological types of ARF were investigated. For consolidation (1,040 patients), LUS had a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 97%. For pleural effusion (279 patients), LUS had a pooled sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 99%. For acute interstitial syndrome (174 patients), LUS had a pooled sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 91%.

Conclusions: LUS is an adjuvant tool that has a moderate sensitivity and high specificity for the diagnosis of ARF in critically ill patients.

Systematic Review Registration: The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020211493).
Mobile Health Technology for the Personalized Therapy of Hemophilia
Authors: Dirzu Noemi , Hotea Ionut , Jitaru Ciprian , Brinza Melen , Urian Laura , Peters Mareike-Catrina , Gal Krisztina , Popescu Louis , Blag Cristina , Marian Mirela , Pal Eva , Stanescu Marilena , Cenariu Diana , Tarniceriu Cristina , Serban Margit , Dima Delia , Coriu Daniel , Tomuleasa Ciprian
Published: August 2021

The management of patients with hemophilia has evolved significantly since the first treatment attempts were made in the late 1930s. Since then, each new step in the treatment of patients with hemophilia has brought important advancements, as well as its unique set of challenges. Today, a patient-centered, individualized comprehensive approach is the new paradigm, moving away from the traditional “one size-fits-all” approach, to provide the best possible care for each patient with a bleeding disorder. As part of this complex task, mobile health applications might have the capacity to play an important role in reaching that goal. However, the use of new electronic technologies as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for patients with hemophilia simultaneously presents a new set of challenges that needs consideration. In the first section, currently available treatment of hemophilia patients will be revised, while in the second part the role of IT software in the treatment monitoring of hemophilia patients will be discussed.
High-Temperature Live-Cell Imaging of Cytokinesis, Cell Motility, and Cell-Cell Interactions in the Thermoacidophilic Crenarchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Charles-Orszag Arthur , Lord Samuel J. , Mullins R. Dyche
Published: August 2021

Significant technical challenges have limited the study of extremophile cell biology. Here we describe a system for imaging samples at 75°C using high numerical aperture, oil-immersion lenses. With this system we observed and quantified the dynamics of cell division in the model thermoacidophilic crenarchaeon Sulfolobus acidocaldarius with unprecedented resolution. In addition, we observed previously undescribed dynamic cell shape changes, cell motility, and cell-cell interactions, shedding significant new light on the high-temperature lifestyle of this organism.
Diversity and Versatility in Small RNA-Mediated Regulation in Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Felden Brice , Augagneur Yoann
Published: August 2021

Bacterial gene expression is under the control of a large set of molecules acting at multiple levels. In addition to the transcription factors (TFs) already known to be involved in global regulation of gene expression, small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) are emerging as major players in gene regulatory networks, where they allow environmental adaptation and fitness. Developments in high-throughput screening have enabled their detection in the entire bacterial kingdom. These sRNAs influence a plethora of biological processes, including but not limited to outer membrane synthesis, metabolism, TF regulation, transcription termination, virulence, and antibiotic resistance and persistence. Almost always noncoding, they regulate target genes at the post-transcriptional level, usually through base-pair interactions with mRNAs, alone or with the help of dedicated chaperones. There is growing evidence that sRNA-mediated mechanisms of actions are far more diverse than initially thought, and that they go beyond the so-called cis- and trans-encoded classifications. These molecules can be derived and processed from 5' untranslated regions (UTRs), coding or non-coding sequences, and even from 3' UTRs. They usually act within the bacterial cytoplasm, but recent studies showed sRNAs in extracellular vesicles, where they influence host cell interactions. In this review, we highlight the various functions of sRNAs in bacterial pathogens, and focus on the increasing examples of widely diverse regulatory mechanisms that might compel us to reconsider what constitute the sRNA.
Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Rats Impairs Cognition, Enhances Prefrontal Cortex Neuronal Activity, and Reduces Pre-synaptic Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Feng Yin , Li Keguo , Roth Elizabeth , Chao Dongman , Mecca Christina M. , Hogan Quinn H. , Pawela Christopher , Kwok Wai-Meng , Camara Amadou K. S. , Pan Bin
Published: August 2021

A major hurdle preventing effective interventions for patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is the lack of known mechanisms for the long-term cognitive impairment that follows mTBI. The closed head impact model of repeated engineered rotational acceleration (rCHIMERA), a non-surgical animal model of repeated mTBI (rmTBI), mimics key features of rmTBI in humans. Using the rCHIMERA in rats, this study was designed to characterize rmTBI-induced behavioral disruption, underlying electrophysiological changes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and associated mitochondrial dysfunction. Rats received 6 closed-head impacts over 2 days at 2 Joules of energy. Behavioral testing included automated analysis of behavior in open field and home-cage environments, rotarod test for motor skills, novel object recognition, and fear conditioning. Following rmTBI, rats spent less time grooming and less time in the center of the open field arena. Rats in their home cage had reduced inactivity time 1 week after mTBI and increased exploration time 1 month after injury. Impaired associative fear learning and memory in fear conditioning test, and reduced short-term memory in novel object recognition test were found 4 weeks after rmTBI. Single-unit in vivo recordings showed increased neuronal activity in the mPFC after rmTBI, partially attributable to neuronal disinhibition from reduced inhibitory synaptic transmission, possibly secondary to impaired mitochondrial function. These findings help validate this rat rmTBI model as replicating clinical features, and point to impaired mitochondrial functions after injury as causing imbalanced synaptic transmission and consequent impaired long-term cognitive dysfunction.
The Relationship Between Elevated Serum Uric Acid and Risk of Stroke in Adult: An Updated and Dose–Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qiao Tianci , Wu Hongyun , Peng Wei
Published: August 2021

Background:Uric acid (UA) is proposed as a potential risk factor for stroke in adult, yet the results from published studies are not generally accordant.

Method:We included prospective studies that explored the relationship between serum UA (SUA) and strokes. In this study, strokes include ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, which consists of intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The effect-size estimates were expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the pooled estimation and potential sources of heterogeneity between studies.

Results:We meta-analyzed 19 prospective cohort articles, which involve 37,386 males and 31,163 females. Overall analyses results showed a significant association between a 1 mg/dl increase in high levels of SUA and the risk of total stroke (HR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.09–1.18;P< 0.001), ischemic stroke (HR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10–1.21;P< 0.001), and hemorrhagic stroke (HR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.15;P= 0.046). No significant difference was found between ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. In the subgroup analyses, the association of high SUA levels and the risk of total stroke was statistically significant in females (HR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.12–1.26;P< 0.001) and males (HR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05–1.17;P< 0.001). Coincidentally, the association was also statistically significant for ischemic stroke, both in females (HR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.17–1.36;P< 0.001) and in males (HR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.06–1.19;P< 0.001). However, for hemorrhagic stroke, it was only statistically significant in females (HR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04–1.35;P= 0.01). Our dose–response research indicated the J-shaped trend between the ascending SUA levels and the higher risk of suffering from a stroke.

Conclusions:Our findings indicate that elevated SUA is a significant risk factor for adult stroke, both for ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke, and especially in females.
Passive Properties of the Wrist and Fingers Following Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke: Interlimb Comparisons in Persons With and Without a Clinical Treatment History That Includes Botulinum Neurotoxin
Authors: Binder-Markey Benjamin I. , Murray Wendy M. , Dewald Julius P. A.
Published: August 2021

Background: Neural impairments that follow hemiparetic stroke may negatively affect passive muscle properties, further limiting recovery. However, factors such as hypertonia, spasticity, and botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), a common clinical intervention, confound our understanding of muscle properties in chronic stroke.

Objective: To determine if muscle passive biomechanical properties are different following prolonged, stroke-induced, altered muscle activation and disuse.

Methods: Torques about the metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints were measured in different joint postures in both limbs of participants with hemiparetic stroke. First, we evaluated 27 participants with no history of BoNT; hand impairments ranged from mild to severe. Subsequently, seven participants with a history of BoNT injections were evaluated. To mitigate muscle hypertonia, torques were quantified after an extensive stretching protocol and under conditions that encouraged participants to sleep. EMGs were monitored throughout data collection.

Results: Among participants who never received BoNT, no significant differences in passive torques between limbs were observed. Among participants who previously received BoNT injections, passive flexion torques about their paretic wrist and finger joints were larger than their non-paretic limb (average interlimb differences = +42.0 ± 7.6SEM Ncm, +26.9 ± 3.9SEM Ncm, respectively), and the range of motion for passive finger extension was significantly smaller (average interlimb difference = −36.3° ± 4.5°SEM; degrees).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that neural impairments that follow chronic, hemiparetic stroke do not lead to passive mechanical changes within the wrist and finger muscles. Rather, consistent with animal studies, the data points to potential adverse effects of BoNT on passive muscle properties post-stroke, which warrant further consideration.
Increased Household Income Improves Nutrient Consumption in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shabnam Nadia , Ashraf Muhammad Azeem , Laar Rizwan Ahmed , Ashraf Rizwana
Published: August 2021

The provision of high-quality food is a primary factor in ensuring adequate nourishment and preventing malnourishment-related diseases in Pakistan. This study, therefore, aimed to quantify the impact of income on nutrient consumption in Pakistan, with the hypothesis that income has a primary role in reducing malnourishment in the developing world. To do this, we estimated nutrient–income elasticity—defined as the proportion of change in nutrient consumption in response to a change in income—for total calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients, using the nationally representative Household Integrated Economic Survey data (2010–2011) for Pakistan. Nutrient–income elasticity values were derived using several parametric regression approaches. We also assessed the non-linearity and endogeneity of the relationship. Calorie–income elasticity was found to be significantly different from zero, irrespective of the estimation technique used. Income elasticity for macronutrients and micronutrients was also found to be significantly different from zero, ranging from 0.29 to 0.65. This study, therefore, supports the hypothesis that increased household income likely improves nutrient consumption.