bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhein Inhibits Proliferation, Extracellular Matrix Deposition, and Inflammation in Mesangial Cells via ROS/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xiong Rongbing , Hu Xiaodi , Hu Shuangyan , Yao Minqi , Fu Xiaojun
Published: October 2022

It has been reported that rhein, a Chinese herbal compound, has a potent anti-inflammatory effect on various diseases. However, it remains elusive whether rhein has a protective effect on chronic kidney disease (CKD) and what its underlying mechanism may be. In the present study, we evaluated whether rhein could prevent lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proliferation, expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, and inflammation in rat mesangial cells (MCs), and whether these effects were mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Akt signaling. We also investigated the protective effect of rhein on renal function in a rat CKD model. Results showed that rhein significantly suppressed LPS-initiated proliferation in MCs in a cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) assay. Meanwhile, rhein significantly inhibited LPS-induced expression of ECM proteins and inflammation, as indicated by the decreased expression of fibronectin, α smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and interferon γ (IFN-γ). Of note, rhein significantly enhanced LPS-induced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited LPS-induced Akt phosphorylation. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of rhein on Akt phosphorylation was inhibited by H2O2 scavenger catalase. Importantly, the protective effect of rhein was almost totally lost in the presence of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) protagonist insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Finally, rhein significantly decreased 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine (SCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in CKD rats. Collectively, these results suggested that rhein improved CKD through inhibition of proliferation, ECM synthesis, and inflammation via ROS/Akt signaling in MCs.
Chelerythrine Ameliorates Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis via Suppression of Inflammation and Oxidation
Authors: Wu Jun-Song , Liu He-Jing , Han Si-Jie , Mao Ning-Feng , Liu Xue-Feng
Published: October 2022

The incidence of ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is drastically increasing globally, leading to greater economic hardship and patient morbidity. This study evaluated the effects of chelerythrine on acetic acid (AA)-induced UC in a mouse model. Mice received chelerythrine (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.g.) and sulfasalazine (SASP) (500 mg/kg, i.g.) for 7 consecutive days following the induction of colitis via the intrarectal administration of AA (5% v/v). Disease activity index (DAI), tissue morphology, tissue damage, oxidative stress (OS), and inflammatory markers were then evaluated. The results revealed that the colonic levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) had decreased, while colonic myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxide (LPO) activity, colonic and serum interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) had all increased significantly in the colitis untreated group compared to that of the normal control. Treatment with chelerythrine considerably improved most of these parameters, and a dose of 100 mg/kg, was found to be comparable to that of 500 mg/kg SASP. This alkaloid also markedly reversed body weight (BW), clinical activity score, gross lesion score, mucosal edema, and colon weight/length in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the protective effect of chelerythrine could be attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.
What if the purpose of social law was to ensure that workers’ needs are met? Some lessons from the regulation of zero-hour contracts in three European countries
Authors: Lamine Auriane
Published: October 2022

This article concludes the recent special issue of the ELLJ devoted to zero-hours contracts (ZHC), edited by E. Dermine and A. Mechelynck. It draws some cross-cutting conclusions based on the analysis of the four national contributions. Two major issues are examined in turn. First, the author looks back at the contrasting attitude that different national authorities have taken towards the use of ZHCs. She describes how these practices have been differently defined and legally framed and identifies the main debated issues. After acknowledging that no legal system has completely banned ZHCs, the article asks whether specific mechanisms adopted to mitigate the negative consequences of ZHCs are effective. This second inquiry is framed within a normative framework inspired by the work of Maslow. It invites us to refocus the legal debate on the fundamental objective of meeting the most basic needs of ZHC workers.
Seasonal variations and risk factors of Streptococcus pyogenes infection: a multicenter research network study
Authors: Kennis Matthew , Tagawa Alex , Kung Vanessa M. , Montalbano Gabrielle , Narvaez Isabella , Franco-Paredes Carlos , Vargas Barahona Lilian , Madinger Nancy , Shapiro Leland , Chastain Daniel B. , Henao-Martínez Andrés F.
Published: October 2022

Background:

Streptococcus pyogenes, or Group A Streptococcus (GAS), causes acute pharyngitis and necrotizing fasciitis. Seasonal variations in GAS infections are not robustly characterized. We assessed seasonal variations and risk factors of GAS pharyngitis and ICD-10-diagnosed necrotizing fasciitis.

Methods:

From the period 2010–2019, we conducted a case–control study using laboratory-confirmed cases of GAS pharyngitis and a descriptive observational study of necrotizing fasciitis using ICD-10 codes. Data were collected from TriNetX, a federated research network. We extracted seasonal (quarterly) incidence rates. We used an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to assess seasonal variations. Demographic characteristics and 1-month outcomes were compared among adults with or without GAS pharyngitis.

Results:

We identified 224,471 adults with GAS pharyngitis (test-positive) and 546,142 adults without it (test-negative). GAS pharyngitis adults were younger (25.3 versus 30.2 years of age, p < 0.0001), more likely to be Hispanic individuals (10% versus 8%, p < 0.0001) and slightly more likely to be Black or African American individuals (14% versus 13%, p < 0.0001). Propensity score matching found that adults with test-positive cases of GAS pharyngitis had a higher risk of acute rheumatic fever while having no significant differences in risk of intensive care unit admission and mortality compared with test-negative cases. GAS pharyngitis average incidence peaked in the winter while dipping in the summer (0.32 versus 0.18 and 4.07 versus 1.78 per 1000 adults and pediatric patients, respectively). Necrotizing fasciitis diagnoses were highest during summer (0.032 per 1000 adults). There was a significant ARIMA seasonal variation in the time series analysis for adult and pediatric GAS pharyngitis ( p < 0.0001 and p = 0.014, respectively). Necrotizing fasciitis diagnosis was not associated with seasonal variation ( p = 0.861).

Conclusion:

Peaks in GAS pharyngitis occur in the winter months. ICD code–based necrotizing fasciitis did not show a quarterly seasonal variation.
Exploring the trend of Schizophrenia at Hiwot Fana specialized university referral hospital, Eastern, Ethiopia (2016–2020): A 5-year retrospective analysis
Authors: Mohammed Fethia , Geda Biftu , Assebe Yadeta Tesfaye , Dessie Yadeta
Published: October 2022

Schizophrenia is one of the most troublesome psychiatric problems requiring long-term antipsychotic treatments. There is a scarcity of data regarding its overtime trend in Ethiopia.

Objective:

To explore the 5-year trend of schizophrenia at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Referral Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

A hospital-based retrospective record review was conducted at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Referral Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia. Data were obtained from medical records of all registered psychiatric patients in the psychiatric follow-up clinic over 5 years from 2016 to 2020. An Extended Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test for the linear trend was used to examine the trend over the 5-year period.

Results:

Over the 5-year period stated (2016–2020), a total of 29,184 psychiatric patients were registered at the Hospital from which 18,598 (63.73 % (95% confidence interval: 0.63–0.64) were schizophrenia confirmed cases. Of the 18,598 patients, 15,362 (82.60%) were males and 7,625 (41%) were in 25–34 years of age category. It was revealed that the trend of newly diagnosed patients with schizophrenia increased from (0.44 (95% CI (0.39–0.47) in 2016 to 0.47(95% confidence interval: (0.44–0.49) in 2020 (χ2 = 3.87; p = 0.049). Those chewing Khat were disproportionately affected accounting for about half of the schizophrenia total cases reported.

Conclusion:

The magnitude of patients with schizophrenia being treated at the hospital increased over the 5 years studied. Tailored preventive and treatment interventions are needed to mitigate the problem. Community and institution-based customized interventions can be designed using the existing health system platforms.
Acceptance of information communication technology-based health information services: Exploring the culture in primary-level health care of South Ethiopia, using Utaut Model, Ethnographic Study
Authors: Bramo Senait Samuel , Desta Amare , Syedda Munavvar
Published: October 2022

Introduction

In sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia, the acceptance of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in health is at the proof-of-concept level with a few unsustainable piecemeal of pilot projects. Thus, a desirable willingness of acceptance among healthcare providers is a paramount.

Material and Methods

Eight months elapsed ethnographic study design was conducted using participant observation and key informant interviews. The data were entered on Qualitative Data Analysis mine software version 1.4. The quotes and field notes were thematized. The Unified Technology Acceptance and Use Theory (UTAUT) is validated and used to generate new meanings.

Results

This study highlighted the different instances of technology acceptance. Although the primary-level healthcare (PLHC) providers displayed tendencies to accept ICTs-based health information services consistent with the UTAUT dimensions such as the degree of simplicity associated with performance expectancy, use/effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social issue, individual variation, and organization culture there are instances that disputed acceptance. For instance, the gains in data quality and reporting secondary to the use of District Health Information System Two (DHIS-II) are not influenced by acceptance. Rather PLHC providers are burnt-out of additional clerical duties of filling data on the DHIS-2. Furthermore, ICT acceptance is influenced by individual variations and the unique culture of primary level facilities such as leadership commitment.

Conclusions

On this basis, we conclude that the willingness to accept ICT-based health information services at the primary level is not limited to those factors discussed in the UTAUT model.
Interpretable modeling and discovery of key predictors for pneumonia diagnosis in children based on electronic medical records
Authors: Li Jing , Wang Yingshuo , Sheng Qiuyang , Liu Xiaoqing , Xing Zijian , Sun Fenglei , Wang Yuqi , Li Shuxian , Li Yiming , Yu Yizhou , Yu Gang
Published: October 2022

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the most common infectious diseases in children and is a leading cause of death among children under 5 years of age, resulting in high rates of antibiotic usage and hospitalization. It is of extremely practical significance to make full use of the existing electronic medical records to study pneumonia and to establish automatic diagnosis models for pneumonia.

Methods

We established pneumonia diagnosis models of Bayesian network using a total of 13,448 electronic medical records. We investigated learning network structure and parameter estimation and evaluated different structure learning strategies and various modeling methods. By identifying the key predictors of model, the pneumonia status was analyzed.

Results

The performance of the proposed Bayesian network was evaluated using a set of 3361 cases with a precision of 0.7861, a recall of 0.9889, and an F1-score of 0.8759. On an independent external validation set containing 4925 cases, Bayesian network achieved a precision of 0.7382, a recall of 0.9947, and an F1-score of 0.8475. Our proposed Bayesian network outperformed all other methods, including CatBoost, XGBoost, LightGBM, logistic regression, and ridge classification.

Conclusion

The appropriate feature selection improved the performance of Bayesian networks. The proposed Bayesian network had good generalizability and could be directly applied to clinical research centers. And the key predictors identified by the network demonstrated good clinical interpretability, allowing for a better understanding of pneumonia status and complications. This study had important clinical value and practical significance for the research and diagnosis of pediatric pneumonia.
The Islamic State (IS): Threat of terrorism and policy issues in relation to sectarianism
Authors: Khan Muhammad Fahim , Ibrar Muhammad , Gul Azeem
Published: October 2022

Following years of unrest in Iraq and Syria, the rise of the Islamic State (IS) posed a grave threat to international security. Syria and Iraq are still home to the group's primary leadership and affiliates. IS’s apocalyptic philosophy and its extremist goal are nevertheless a concern. Based on current terrorism and security issues, this article investigates IS’s roots and how it has spread Islamic extremism in order to develop and expand its territory. A descriptive research design based on secondary and primary data sources was used to conduct a qualitative study. Sectarianism may have been prevented with a coherent post-Iraq war peacebuilding policy. Aside from military action, IS’s activities must be curtailed through the closure of financial and economic channels.
Chinese Intellectual Traditions as Global Resources
Authors: Yang (杨锐) Rui
Published: October 2022

Highlights

There has been little real progress in finding feasible approaches to addressing global knowledge asymmetries, especially in the social sciences and humanities. With China's new global role, how Chinese experiences could contribute to global theoretical construction in the human and social sciences becomes the order of the day? As the most valued resources for human, social, and cultural theorization, Chinese thought and experiences also serve as an effective catalytic agent for global intellectual pluralism. The great value of China's intellectual traditions in global theoretical construction fuels Chinese scholarship in the humanities and social sciences to win a reputation on the world stage.
Protein-corona formation on aluminum doped zinc oxide and gallium nitride nanoparticles
Authors: Ciobanu Vladimir , Roncari Francesco , Ceccone Giacomo , Braniste Tudor , Ponti Jessica , Bogni Alessia , Guerrini Giuditta , Cassano Domenico , Colpo Pascal , Tiginyanu Ion
Published: October 2022

The interaction of semiconductor nanoparticles with bio-molecules attracts increasing interest of researchers, considering the reactivity of nanoparticles and the possibility to control their properties remotely giving mechanical, thermal, or electrical stimulus to the surrounding bio-environment. This work reports on a systematic comparative study of the protein-corona formation on aluminum doped zinc oxide and gallium nitride nanoparticles. Bovine serum albumin was chosen as a protein model. Dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques have been used to demonstrate the formation of protein-corona as well as the stability of the colloidal suspension given by BSA, which also works as a surfactant. The protein adsorption on the NPs surface studied by Bradford Assay showed the dependence on the quantity of proteins adsorbed to the available sites on the NPs surface, thus the saturation was observed at ratio higher than 5:1 (NPs:Proteins) in case of ZnO, these correlating with DLS results. Moreover, the kinetics of the proteins showed a relatively fast adsorption on the NPs surface with a saturation curve after about 25 min. GaN NPs, however, showed a very small amount of proteins adsorbed on the surface, a change in the hydrodynamic size being not observable with DLS technique or differential centrifugal sedimentation. The Circular Dichroism analysis suggests a drastic structural change in the secondary structure of the BSA after attaching on the NPs surface. The ZnO nanoparticles adsorb a protein-corona, which does not protect them against dissolution, and in consequence, the material proved to be highly toxic for Human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) at concentration above 25 µg/mL. In contrast, the GaN nanoparticles which do not adsorb a protein-corona, show no toxicity signs for HaCaT cells at concentration as high as 50 µg/mL, exhibiting much lower concentration of ions leakage in the culture medium as compared to ZnO nanoparticles.
Human Resource Management Practices of Foreign Manufacturing Companies in Bangladesh: A Comparative Study
Authors: Miah Mohammad Khasro , Sarah Mashita Khasro , Takahashi Yoshi
Published: October 2022

This study aims to investigate and compare human resource management (HRM) practices among the foreign manufacturing subsidiaries operating in Bangladesh. We interviewed 36 managerial employees from three types of companies based on their country of origin: two Japanese, two British and two American. The findings reveal that a blend of HRM practices has been adopted by the foreign subsidiaries, executed by imitating home and host country practices. Results found that Japanese subsidiaries are heavily influenced by their parent company, which affects the core HRM practices of their companies in Bangladesh. On the other hand, the subsidiaries of the United Kingdom and the United States in Bangladesh have taken a different route. They have adapted and adjusted the HRM practices from the host country and implemented them with their internationalisation stages. This study further suggests that the home and host country debate through the framework of national culture may need to be re-examined. This research fills the knowledge gap in the literature on cross-cultural HRM practices, convergence–divergence debate among MNC firms’ HRM practices and foreign subsidiaries’ relationships by analysing the socio-cultural and institutional influences of the host countries.
Cognitive Component Structure of a Neuropsychological Battery Administered to Cognitively-Normal Adults in the SIU Longitudinal Cognitive Aging Study
Authors: Hollinshead Madison G. , Botchway Albert , Schmidt Kathleen E. , Weybright Gabriella L. , Zec Ronald F. , Ala Thomas A. , Kohlrus Stephanie R. , Hoffman M. Rebecca , Fifer Amber S. , Hascup Erin R. , Trivedi Mehul A.
Published: October 2022

We used principal component analysis (PCA) to examine the component structure of a neuropsychological test battery administered to 943 cognitively-normal adults enrolled in the Southern Illinois University (SIU) Longitudinal Cognitive Aging Study (LCAS). Four components explaining the most variance (63.9%) in the dataset were identified: speed/cognitive flexibility, visuospatial skills, word-list learning/memory, and story memory. Regression analyses confirmed that increased age was associated with decreased component scores after controlling for gender and education. Our identified components differ slightly from previous studies using PCA on similar test batteries. Factors such as the demographic characteristics of the study sample, the inclusion of mixed patient and control samples, the inclusion of different test measures in previous studies, and the fact that many neuropsychological test measures assess multiple cognitive processes simultaneously, may help to explain these inconsistencies.
Allow Me to Explain: A Project Designed to Teach Management Students to Evaluate and Create Explainer Videos
Authors: Batiste Heidi , Barajas Jennifer , Saldivar Briana
Published: October 2022

The Explainer Video Project was developed to familiarize management students with evaluating explainer videos for credibility and quality. In addition, it provides students with unique options for creating video content. Today’s workplace needs college graduates with entrepreneurial skills applicable to the gig economy enabled by online platforms. The demand for the perpetual creation of new video content generates a need for creators to develop explainer videos. Accordingly, consumers of such content require the necessary skills to evaluate them for credibility and quality. Through the phases of this project, students learn to evaluate explainer videos for quality and credibility and create credible, high-quality explainer videos using a visual communication platform.
Altered pathways of keratinization, extracellular matrix generation, angiogenesis, and stromal stem cells proliferation in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Spinella Amelia , Lo Tartaro Domenico , Gibellini Lara , de Pinto Marco , Pinto Valentina , Bonetti Elisa , Lolli Francesca , Lattanzi Melba , Lumetti Federica , Amati Gabriele , De Santis Giorgio , Cossarizza Andrea , Salvarani Carlo , Giuggioli Dilia
Published: October 2022

Objective:

Systemic sclerosis is characterized by endothelial dysfunction, autoimmunity abnormalities, and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying systemic sclerosis vasculopathy are still not clarified. A complex cellular and extracellular network of interactions has been studied, but it is currently unclear what drives the activation of fibroblasts/myofibroblasts and the extracellular matrix deposition.

Methods:

Using RNA sequencing, the aim of the work was to identify potential functional pathways implied in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis and markers of endothelial dysfunction and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis patients. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed on RNA obtained from biopsies from three systemic sclerosis patients and three healthy controls enrolled in our University Hospital. RNA was used to generate sequencing libraries that were sequenced according to proper transcriptomic analyses. Subsequently, we performed gene set enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes on the entire list of genes that compose the RNA-sequencing expression matrix.

Results:

Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that healthy controls were characterized by gene signatures related to stromal stem cells proliferation, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, macrophage-enriched metabolic network, whereas systemic sclerosis tissues were enriched in signatures associated with keratinization, cornification, retinoblastoma 1 and tumor suppressor 53 signaling.

Conclusion:

According to our data, RNA-sequencing and pathway analysis revealed that systemic sclerosis subjects display a discrete pattern of gene expression associated with keratinization, extracellular matrix generation, and negative regulation of angiogenesis and stromal stem cells proliferation. Further analysis on larger numbers of patients is needed; however, our findings provide an interesting framework for the development of biomarkers useful to explore potential future therapeutic approaches.
The material politics of living in close proximity to our wastewaters: A case of decentralisation in the Netherlands
Authors: Ibáñez Martín Rebeca , Smits Fenna
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates how decentralised wastewater treatment initiatives experiment with ways to live in close proximity to wastewater and their potentiality for a future with less polluting wastewater. In the Netherlands, there is a contested political debate about whether centralised or decentralised technologies are better. Rather than engaging in this deliberative political debate, we articulate a less visible and more material politics by tracing different ways of ordering wastewater treatment in practice. Drawing on fieldwork with inhabitants, scientists, and engineers who have brought wastewater treatment ‘close to home’, we examine the turn to decentralisation as a material object of enquiry which, in turn, shapes our engagement with pollutants, technologies, and a range of non-human actors. We ask: What kinds of living together in close proximity to our waste do such decentralised experiments allow for?
History, materiality and social practice: Spatial discourse analysis of a contemporary art museum in China
Authors: Ravelli Louise , Wu Xiaoqin
Published: October 2022

This article explores the challenge of incorporating longer historical time frames into a social semiotic understanding of meaning-making. We focus on museums as complex, multimodal assemblages, and trace the distinct trajectory of museums and their development in China. We illustrate the key differentiating stages of museums in China, and focus on the contemporary Chengdu Tianfu Art Museum (hereby TAM), as a case study exemplifying the intertwined nature of history in aspects of contemporary museum practice. We argue that history is inherently intersected in the making of materiality and meaning, and demonstrate through illustrative Spatial Discourse Analysis how this intersection is materialized in the design and use of TAM. Our analysis shows that TAM is both continuous with, and different from, prior museum practices. In doing so, we reveal connections between semiotic change and social change, and demonstrate that history and materiality cannot be divorced from the politics of representation.
Study on the prognosis, immune and drug resistance of m6A-related genes in lung cancer
Authors: Yang Yang , Qian Zhouyao , Feng Mingyang , Liao Weiting , Wu Qiuji , Wen Feng , Li Qiu
Published: October 2022

Background

Few studies have demonstrated that the relationship between m6A-related genes and the prognosis, tumor microenvironment and drug resistance of LC.

Methods

The main results were analyzed with bioinformatics methods.

Results

Hence, we found 10 m6A-related genes expressed less in tumor samples in comparison with normal ones. Using consensus clustering, all LC patients were grouped into 2 subgroups according to the overall expression of 10 differential expressed m6A-related genes. In two clusters, the OS and immune characteristics were different. We analyzed the predictive potential of 10 m6A-related genes in the prognosis of LC, and obtained a risk prognosis model on the strength of ZC3H13, CBLL1, ELAVL1 and YTHDF1 as the hub candidate genes through LASSO cox. The expression of 4 hub m6A-related genes was validated by IHC in the HPA database. The infiltration level of dendritic cell, CD4+ T cell and neutrophil that were affected by CNV level of m6A-related genes in LUAD and LUSC patients. Moreover, based on GSCALite database, we found that LUSC patients with hypermethylation tended to have a better overall survival. In terms of drug sensitivity, etoposide correlated negatively with ELAVL1, HNRNPC, RBM15B, YTHDF2 and CBLL1. ZC3H13 had positively association with afatinib, while HNRNPC was positively associated with dasatinib, erlotinib, lapatinib and TGX221. Crizotinib had a negative correlation with ELAVL1, CBLL1, HNRNPC and RBM15B.

Conclusion

In conclusion, m6A-related genes are important participants in LC and the expression levels of ZC3H13, CBLL1, ELAVL1 and YTHDF1 are significant for prediction and treatment of LC. Researches of drug resistance based on m6A-related genes need to pay more attention for producing new therapeutic strategies of LC and CBLL1 may contribute to target treatment for further research.
Reconstructing the neuromuscular ground pattern of phylactolaemate bryozoans: new data from the Lophopodidae
Authors: Bibermair J. , Wood T. S. , Chaichana R. , Schwaha T.
Published: October 2022

Background

The solely freshwater inhabiting Phylactolaemata is a sister taxon to all other bryozoans. Among phylactolaemates, Lophopodidae represents an early branching clade that is therefore crucial for ground pattern reconstruction. While more recent morphological data of most phylactolaemate families are present, data of lophopodids are scarce. The genus Asajirella especially, which was previously assigned to the family Pectinatellidae, lacks any detailed analysis with more recent morphological methods.

Results

This study provides the first morphological analyses of three lophopodid species using serial-sectioning histology and 3D reconstruction, but also immunocytochemical stainings and confocal laserscanning microscopy. There are several lophopodid-specific traits in the nervous system such as the large ganglion with extensive lumen and two prominent protrusions referred to as epistomial horns. The epistome in all lophopodids is rather small and dome-shaped. Contrary to previous reports, we can confirm that duplicature bands insert at the tentacle sheath rather than the diaphragmatic sphincter in all phylactolaemates. The morphology of the digestive tract of lophopodids is identical to other phylactolaemates and possesses exclusively circular muscles.

Conclusions

Altogether, this study fills significant gaps in our knowledge on phylactolaemate neuromuscular systems and general morphology. It shows that the insertion of the duplicature bands at the tentacle sheath and the circular musculature of the digestive tract to be the ground pattern in phylactolaemates. In addition, we found apomorphic characters for lophopodids such as the dome-shaped epistome with its musculature and the voluminous ganglion with its epistomial horns, which aid in defining and delineating the family.
Complete genome sequencing and comparison of two nitrogen-metabolizing bacteria isolated from Antarctic deep-sea sediment
Authors: Liu Wenqi , Cong Bailin , Lin Jing , Zhao Linlin , Liu Shenghao
Published: October 2022

Background

Bacteria are an essential component of the earth`s biota and affect circulation of matters through their metabolic activity. They also play an important role in the carbon and nitrogen cycle in the deep-sea environment. In this paper, two strains from deep-sea sediments were investigated in order to understand nitrogen cycling involved in the deep-sea environment.

Results

In this paper, the basic genomic information of two strains was obtained by whole genome sequencing. The Cobetia amphilecti N-80 and Halomonas profundus 13 genome sizes are 4,160,095 bp with a GC content of 62.5% and 5,251,450 bp with a GC content of 54.84%. Through a comparison of functional analyses, we predicted the possible C and N metabolic pathways of the two strains and determined that Halomonas profundus 13 could use more carbon sources than Cobetia amphilecti N-80. The main genes associated with N metabolism in Halomonas profundus 13 are narG, narY, narI, nirS, norB, norC, nosZ, and nirD. On the contrast, nirD, using NH4+ for energy, plays a main role in Cobetia amphilecti N-80. Both of them have the same genes for fixing inorganic carbon: icd, ppc, fdhA, accC, accB, accD, and accA.

Conclusion

In this study, the whole genomes of two strains were sequenced to clarify the basic characteristics of their genomes, laying the foundation for further studying nitrogen-metabolizing bacteria. Halomonas profundus 13 can utilize more carbon sources than Cobetia amphilecti N-80, as indicated by API as well as COG and KEGG prediction results. Finally, through the analysis of the nitrification and denitrification abilities as well as the inorganic carbon fixation ability of the two strains, the related genes were identified, and the possible metabolic pathways were predicted. Together, these results provide molecular markers and theoretical support for the mechanisms of inorganic carbon fixation by deep-sea microorganisms.
Modulation of immunological responses by aqueous extract of Datura stramonium L. seeds on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in Wistar rats
Authors: Joshua Parker Elijah , Yahaya Junaidu , Ekpo Daniel Emmanuel , Ogidigo Joyce Oloaigbe , Odiba Arome Solomon , Asomadu Rita Onyekachukwu , Oka Samson Ayodeji , Adeniyi Olasupo Stephen
Published: October 2022

Background

Datura stramonium L.(Solanaceae) is used traditionally in west Africa to treat asthma, epilepsy, rheumatoid arthritis, filariasis microbial infections and conjunctivitis. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of aqueous seed extract ofD. stramonium L.(ASEDS) on Wistar rats.

Methods

Thirty Wistar albino rats (180–200 g) were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5). Group 1 received distilled water only. Rats in groups 2–6 were pretreated with 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) Cyclophosphamide orally for 27-days to induce immunosuppression. Thereafter, they received treatment orally for 28 days as follows: Group 2 (distilled water), group 3 (5 mg/kg b.w. Levamisole), groups 4–6 (60, 90 and 120 mg/kg b.w. ASEDS, respectively). HPLC was used to determine major compounds in ASEDS. The effects of ASEDS on immune cells, immunoglobulins A, G and M levels, lipoproteins, and antioxidant status of rats were evaluated.

Results

ASEDS indicated high content of Acutumine, Quinine, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Gallic acid, Quercetin, Vanillic acid, Luteolin, Formosanin C, Saponin, Cyanidin, Tannic acid, 3-Carene, Limonene and α-terpineol. Cyclophosphamide triggered significant (p < 0.05) reduction in total leucocyte count and differentials, IgA, IgG, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamins A, C and E levels of untreated rats. Administration of ASEDS led to significant (p < 0.05) improvement in immune cell counts, immunoglobulin synthesis, high-density lipoprotein concentration, and antioxidant status of rats in the treated groups.

Conclusions

The results obtained from the study showed the immunomodulatory activity of ASEDS, thereby indicating its potential in immunostimulatory drug discovery.
High smoking and low cessation rates among patients in treatment for opioid and other substance use disorders
Authors: Bjørnestad Endre Dahlen , Vederhus John-Kåre , Clausen Thomas
Published: October 2022

Background:

Smoking is a well-documented cause of health problems among individuals with substance use disorders. For patients in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT), the risk for somatic health problems, including preventable diseases associated with tobacco smoking, increases with age. Our aim was to describe smoking among patients entering substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, investigate changes in smoking from the start of treatment to 1-year follow-up, and explore factors related to smoking cessation.

Methods:

We employed data from the Norwegian Cohort of Patient in Opioid Maintenance Treatment and Other Drug Treatment Study (NorComt). Participants were 335 patients entering SUD treatment at 21 participating facilities across Norway. They were interviewed at the start of treatment and at 1-year follow-up. The main outcomes were smoking and smoking cessation by treatment modality. A logistic regression identified factors associated with smoking cessation.

Results:

High levels of smoking were reported at the start of treatment in both OMT (94%) and other SUD inpatient treatment patients (93%). At 1-year follow-up most patients in OMT were still smoking (87%), and the majority of the inpatients were still smoking (69%). Treatment as an inpatient was positively associated and higher age was negatively associated with smoking cessation. Most patients who quit smoking transitioned to smokeless tobacco or kept their existing smokeless habit.

Conclusion:

As illustrated by the high smoking prevalence and relatively low cessation levels in our sample, an increased focus on smoking cessation for patients currently in OMT and other SUD treatment is warranted. Harm-reduction oriented smoking interventions may be relevant.
A hybrid of long short-term memory neural network and autoregressive integrated moving average model in forecasting HIV incidence and morality of post-neonatal population in East Asia: global burden of diseases 2000–2019
Authors: Chen Ying , He Jiawen , Wang Meihua
Published: October 2022

Background

To forecast the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) incidence and mortality of post-neonatal population in East Asia including North Korea, South Korea, Mongolia, Japan and China Mainland and Taiwan province.

Methods

The data on the incidence and mortality of HIV in post-neonatal population from East Asia were obtained from the Global Burden of Diseases (GBD). The morbidity and mortality of post-neonatal HIV population from GBD 2000 to GBD 2013 were applied as the training set and the morbidity and mortality from GBD 2014 to GBD 2019 were used as the testing set. The hybrid of ARIMA and LSTM model was used to construct the model for assessing the morbidity and mortality in the countries and territories of East Asia, and predicting the morbidity and mortality in the next 5 years.

Results

In North Korea, the incidence and mortality of HIV showed a rapid increase during 2000–2010 and a gradual decrease during 2010–2019. The incidence of HIV was predicted to be increased and the mortality was decreased. In South Korea, the incidence was increased during 2000–2010 and decreased during 2010–2019, while the mortality showed fluctuant trend. As predicted, the incidence of HIV in South Korea might be increased and the mortality might be decreased during 2020–2025. In Mongolia, the incidence and mortality were slowly decreased during 2000–2005, increased during 2005–2015, and rapidly decreased till 2019. The predicted incidence and mortality of HIV showed a decreased trend. As for Japan, the incidence of HIV was rapidly increased till 2010 and then decreased till 2015. The predicted incidence of HIV in Japan was gradually increased. The mortality of HIV in Japan was fluctuant during 2000–2019 and was slowly decreased as predicted. The incidence and mortality of HIV in Taiwan during 2000–2019 was increased on the whole. The predicted incidence of HIV during was stationary and the mortality was decreased. In terms of China Mainland, the incidence and mortality of HIV was fluctuant during 2000–2019. The predicted incidence of HIV in China Mainland was stationary while the mortality was rapidly decreased.

Conclusion

On the whole, the incidence of HIV combined with other diseases in post-neonatal population was increased before 2010 and then decreased during 2010–2019 while the mortality of those patients was decreased in East Asia.
What is the prevalence of peri-implantitis? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Diaz Pedro , Gonzalo Esther , Villagra Luis J. Gil , Miegimolle Barbara , Suarez Maria J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Peri-implantitis is a usual finding but estimates of its prevalence fluctuate very much. This may be due to the wide variety of disease definitions. This systematic review aims to estimate the overall prevalence of peri-implantitis and the effect of different study designs, function times and use of probing depth on prevalence rate.

Methods

Following electronic and manual searches of the literature published from January 2005 to December 2021, data were extracted from the studies fitting the study criteria. Fifty-seven articles were included in this study.

Results

Prevalence of peri-implantitis was 19.53% (95% CI 12.87–26.19) at the patient-level, and 12.53% (95% CI 11.67–13.39) at the implant-level and it remains highly variable even following restriction to the clinical case definition. The use of probing depth like diagnostic criteria affected the prevalence data.

Conclusion

The results indicate that it remains essential the identification of the diagnostic markers for more accurate disease classification.
Network pharmacology and molecular docking-based prediction of active compounds and mechanisms of action of Cnidii Fructus in treating atopic dermatitis
Authors: Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Wu Ying , Li Amy Sze-Man , Fu Xiu-Qiong , Yu Zhi-Ling
Published: October 2022

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease that compromises the skin's barrier function and capacity to retain moisture. Cnidii Fructus (CF), the dried fruits ofCnidium monnieri, has long been used to treat atopic dermatitis (AD) in China. However, the anti-AD compounds and mechanisms of CF are not fully understood. In this study, we evaluated the active compounds and molecular targets of CF in treating AD.

Methods

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database was used to acquire information regarding the compounds that occur in the herb. Targets of these compounds were predicted using the SwissTargetPrediction website tool. AD-related genes were collected from the GeneCards database. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis of proteins that are targeted by active compounds of CF and encoded by AD-related genes were performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery Bioinformatics Resources. A “compound-target” network was constructed and analyzed using Cytoscape Software. Molecular docking was performed using BIOVIA Discovery Studio Visualizer and AutoDock Vina.

Results

We identified 19 active compounds in CF, 532 potential targets for these compounds, and 1540 genes related to AD. Results of GO enrichment indicated that CF affects biological processes and molecular functions, such as inflammatory response and steroid hormone receptor activity, which may be associated with its anti-AD effects. KEGG pathway analyses showed that PI3K-Akt signaling, calcium signaling, Rap1 signaling, and cAMP signaling pathways are the main pathways involved in the anti-AD effects of CF. Molecular docking analyses revealed that the key active compounds in CF, such as (E)-2,3-bis(2-keto-7-methoxy-chromen-8-yl)acrolein, ar-curcumene, and diosmetin, can bind the main therapeutic targets AKT1, SRC, MAPK3, EGFR, CASP3, and PTGS2.

Conclusions

Results of the present study establish a foundation for further investigation of the anti-AD compounds and mechanisms of CF and provide a basis for developing modern anti-AD agents based on compounds that occur in CF.
A named GP increases self-reported access to health care services
Authors: Lautamatti Emmi , Mattila Kari , Suominen Sakari , Sillanmäki Lauri , Sumanen Markku
Published: October 2022

Background

Continuity of care strengthens health promotion and decreases mortality, although the mechanisms of these effects are still unclear. In recent decades, continuity of care and accessibility of health care services have both decreased in Finland.

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate whether a named and assigned GP representing continuity of care is associated with the use of primary and hospital health care services and to create knowledge on the state of continuity of care in a changing health care system in Finland.

Methods

The data are part of the Health and Social Support (HeSSup) mail survey based on a random Finnish working age population sample of 64,797 individuals drawn in 1998 and follow-up surveys in 2003 and 2012. The response rate in 1998 was 40% (n = 25,898). Continuity of care was derived from the 2003 and 2012 data sets, other variables from the 2012 survey (n = 11,924). The principal outcome variables were primary health care and hospital service use reported by participants. The association of the explanatory variables (gender, age, education, reported chronic diseases, health status, smoking, obesity, NYHA class of any functional limitation, depressive mood and continuity of care) with the outcome variables was analysed by binomial logistic regression analysis.

Results

A named and assigned GP was independently and significantly associated with more frequent use of primary and hospital care in the adjusted logistic regression analysis (ORs 1.53 (95% CI 1.35–1.72) and 1.19 (95% CI 1.08–1.32), p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A named GPs is associated with an increased use of primary care and hospital services. A named GP assures access to health care services especially to the chronically ill population. The results depict the state of continuity of care in Finland. All benefits of continuity of care are not enabled although it still assures treatment of population in the most vulnerable position.
Dietary protein and the glycemic index handle insulin resistance within a nutritional program for avoiding weight regain after energy-restricted induced weight loss
Authors: Vidal-Ostos Fernando , Ramos-Lopez Omar , Jebb Susan A. , Papadaki Angeliki , Pfeiffer Andreas F. H. , Handjieva-Darlenska Teodora , Kunešová Marie , Blaak Ellen E. , Astrup Arne , Martinez J. Alfredo ,   Diet, Obesity, and Genes (Diogenes) Project
Published: October 2022

Background and aim

The role of dietary protein and glycemic index on insulin resistance (based on TyG index) within a nutritional program for weight loss and weight maintenance was examined.

Methods

This study analyzed 744 adults with overweight/obesity within the DIOGenes project. Patients who lost at least 8% of their initial weight (0–8 weeks) after a low-calorie diet (LCD) were randomly assigned to one of five ad libitum diets designed for weight maintenance (8–34 weeks): high/low protein (HP/LP) and high/low glycemic index (HGI/LGI), plus a control. The complete nutritional program (0–34 weeks) included both LCD plus the randomized diets intervention. The TyG index was tested as marker of body mass composition and insulin resistance.

Results

In comparison with the LP/HGI diet, the HP/LGI diet induced a greater BMI loss (p < 0.05). ∆TyG was positively associated with resistance to BMI loss (β = 0.343,p = 0.042) during the weight maintenance stage. In patients who followed the HP/LGI diet, TyG (after LCD) correlated with greater BMI loss in the 8–34 weeks period (r = −0.256;p < 0.05) and during the 0–34 weeks intervention (r = −0.222,p < 0.05) periods. ΔTyG1value was associated with ΔBMI2(β = 0.932;p = 0.045) concerning the HP/LGI diet.

Conclusions

A HP/LGI diet is beneficial not only for weight maintenance after a LCD, but is also related to IR amelioration as assessed by TyG index changes. Registration Clinical Trials NCT00390637.
Structural analysis of PpSP15 and PsSP9 sand fly salivary proteins designed with a self-cleavable linker as a live vaccine candidate against cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Lajevardi Mahya Sadat , Taheri Tahereh , Gholami Elham , Seyed Negar , Rafati Sima
Published: October 2022

Background

Leishmania parasites are deposited in the host through sand fly bites along with sand fly saliva. Therefore, salivary proteins are promising vaccine candidates for controlling leishmaniasis. Herein, two immunogenic salivary proteins, PpSP15 from Phlebotomus papatasi and PsSP9 from Phlebotomus sergenti, were selected as vaccine candidates to be delivered by live Leishmania tarentolae as vector. The stepwise in silico protocol advantaged in this study for multi-protein design in L. tarentolae is then described in detail.

Methods

All possible combinations of two salivary proteins, PpSP15 and PsSP9, with or without T2A peptide were designed at the mRNA and protein levels. Then, the best combination for the vaccine candidate was selected based on mRNA and protein stability along with peptide analysis.

Results

At the mRNA level, the most favored secondary structure was PpSP15-T2A-PsSP9. At the protein level, the refined three-dimensional models of all combinations were structurally valid; however, local quality estimation showed that the PpSp15-T2A-PsSP9 fusion had higher stability for each amino acid position, with low root-mean-square deviation (RMSD), compared with the original proteins. In silico evaluation confirmed the PpSP15-T2A-PsSP9 combination as a good Th1-polarizing candidate in terms of high IFN-γ production and low IL-10/TGF-β ratio in response to three consecutive immunizations. Potential protein expression was then confirmed by Western blotting.

Conclusions

The approach presented herein is among the first studies to have privileged protein homology modeling along with mRNA analysis for logical live vaccine design-coding multi-proteins.