bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Stress Selectively Impairs Neuroligin 1-Dependent Neurogenesis by Suppressing Astrocytic FGF2-Neuronal FGFR1 Axis
Authors: Choi Gee Euhn , Chae Chang Woo , Park Mo Ran , Yoon Jee Hyeon , Jung Young Hyun , Lee Hyun Jik , Han Ho Jae
Published: January 2022

Exposure to maternal stress irreversibly impairs neurogenesis of offspring through inducing life-long effects on interaction between neurons and glia under raging differentiation process, culminating in cognitive and neuropsychiatric abnormalities in adulthood. We identified how prenatal exposure to the stress-hormone glucocorticoid impairs synapse formation and subsequent neurogenesis using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neural stem cell (NSC) and ICR mice. Following prenatal glucocorticoid exposure, NSC-derived astrocytes were found to be A1-like neurotoxic astrocytes. Moreover, cortisol-treated astrocyte conditioned media (ACM) then specifically downregulated AMPA receptor-mediated glutamatergic synaptic formation and transmission in differentiating neurons, by inhibiting localization of ionotropic glutamate receptor (GluR) 1/2 into synapses. We revealed that downregulated astrocytic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and nuclear fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) of neurons are key pathogenic factors for reducing glutamatergic synapse formation, according to data from RNA sequencing and antibody array. We further confirmed that cortisol-treated ACM specifically decreased the binding of neuronal FGFR1 to the synaptogenic NLGN1 promoter, but this was reversed by FGFR1 restoration. Upregulation of neuroligin 1, which is important in scaffolding GluR1/2 into the postsynaptic compartment, eventually normalized glutamatergic synaptogenesis and subsequent neurogenesis. Moreover, FGF2 pretreatment of a prenatal corticosterone-exposed mouse elevated neuroligin 1 expression and trafficking of GluR1/2 into the postsynaptic compartment, improving spatial memory and depression/anxiety-like behaviors. In conclusion, we demonstrated that neuroligin 1 restoration by astrocytic FGF2 and its downstream neuronal nuclear FGFR1 as a critical target of prenatal stress-induced glutamatergic synaptogenesis and demonstrated its function in controlling both neurogenesis and hippocampal-related behaviors.
A New Way to Compute the Lyapunov Characteristic Exponents for Non-Smooth and Discontinues Dynamical Systems
Authors: Semenov Mikhail E. , Borzunov Sergei V. , Meleshenko Peter A.
Published: January 2022

One of the most important problems of nonlinear dynamics is related to the development of methods concerning the identification of the dynamical modes of the corresponding systems. The classical method is related to the calculation of the Lyapunov characteristic exponents ( LCEs ). Usually, to implement the classical algorithms for the LCEs calculation the smoothness of the right-hand sides of the corresponding equations is required. In this work, we propose a new algorithm for the LCEs computation in systems with strong nonlinearities (these nonlinearities can not be linearized ) including the hysteresis. This algorithm uses the values of the Jacobi matrix in the vicinity of singularities of the right-hand sides of the corresponding equations. The proposed modification of the algorithm is also can be used for systems containing such design hysteresis nonlinearity as the Preisach operator (thus, this modification can be used for all members of the hysteresis family). Moreover, the proposed algorithm can be successfully applied to the well-known chaotic systems with smooth nonlinearities . Examples of dynamical systems with hysteresis nonlinearities , such as the Lorentz system with hysteresis friction and the van der Pol oscillator with hysteresis block, are considered. These examples illustrate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Vital signs of severe COVID-19 patients during inter-hospital helicopter transfer
Authors: Slagt Cornelis , Spoelder Eduard Johannes , Tacken Marijn Cornelia Theresia , Frijlink Maartje , Servaas Sjoerd , Leijte Guus , Eijk Lucas Theodorus , Geffen Geert Jan
Published: January 2022

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic in The Netherlands, critically ill ventilated COVID-19 patients were transferred not only between hospitals by ambulance but also by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS). To date, little is known about the impact of helicopter transport on critically ill patients and COVID-19 patients in particular. This study was conducted to explore the impact of inter-hospital helicopter transfer on vital signs of mechanically ventilated severe COVID-19 intensive care patients, with special focus on take-off, midflight, and landing.Methods: All ventilated critically ill COVID-19 patients who were transported between April 2020 and June 2021 by the Dutch ‘Lifeliner 5’ HEMS team and who were fully monitored, including noninvasive cardiac output, were included in this study. Three 10-minute timeframes (take-off, midflight and landing) were defined for analysis. Continuous data on the vital parameters heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, arterial blood pressure, end-tidal CO2 and noninvasive cardiac output using electrical cardiometry were collected and stored at 1-minute intervals. Data were analydzed for differences over time within the timeframes using 1-way analysis of variance. Significant differences were checked for clinical relevance.Results: Ninety-eight patients were included in the analysis. During take-off, an increase was noticed in cardiac output (from 6.7 to 8.1 Lmin-1; P<0.0001), which was determined by a decrease in systemic vascular resistance (from 1068 to 750 dyne·s·cm−5, P<0.0001) accompanied by an increase in stroke volume (from 92.0 to 110.2 ml, P<0.0001). Other parameters were unchanged during take-off and mid-flight. During landing, cardiac output and stroke volume slightly decreased (from 7.9 to 7.1 Lmin-1, P<0.0001 and from 108.3 to 100.6 ml, P<0.0001, respectively), and total systemic vascular resistance increased (P<0.0001). Though statistically significant, the found changes were small and not clinically relevant to the medical status of the patients as judged by the attending physicians.Conclusions: Interhospital helicopter transfer of ventilated intensive care patients with COVID-19 can be performed safely and does not result in clinically relevant changes in vital signs.This study was assessed by the medical ethical committee Arnhem-Nijmegen, the Netherlands (identifier 2021-7313). The committee waived the need for informed consent. The study was registered at www.trialregister.nl (identifier NL9307).
Isolation of Unusual N-Thiophenyl Ebselenamines and other Intermediates during the 77Se NMR Mechanistic Study of Azo-Bis-Ebselen: Their Antioxidant Behaviour against Oxidative Stress
Authors: KUMAR MANISH , SINGH VIJAY P.
Published: January 2022

Based on the traditional 77Se NMR spectroscopy investigation, a catalytic cycle for the formation of N-thiophenyl ebselenamine 12 involving diselenide 9, selenenyl sulfide 10 and ebselenamine 7a was reported by the reaction of azo-bis-ebselen 8 with PhSH and H2O2. The signals detected in the 77Se NMR spectrum corresponding to 7a, 10 and 12 were directly isolated from the NMR mixture. Mechanistic investigation for the formation of N-thiophenyl ebselenamine 12 was confirmed from an independent reaction of diselenide 9 and PhSSPh in the presence of H2O2. This was further supported by another diselenide 19 containing p-tolyl group with equimolar amount of H2O2 and PhSH in an independent experiment followed by the 77Se NMR spectroscopy, yielding similar observations. These results, which illustrated diselenide has been observed as the main precursor in the formation of all intermediates. The new novel selenium antioxidants quenched lipidperoxyl radicals much more efficiently than α-tocopherol and were regenerable by the aqueous ascorbic acid in a two-phase (chlorobenzene/water) azo-initiated peroxidation system. The notable benefit of the organoselenium biology, the novel ebselenamine analogues and their corresponding selenenyl sulfides were found to mimic the activity of the glutathione peroxidase enzymes better than ebselen in the coupled reductase assay.
Customized Mobile App for Residents Rotating Through Pediatric Critical Care Unit
Authors: Tseng Yu-shan , Thomas Ronald , Sarnaik Ajit
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Physicians use mobile apps for patient care, but few are dedicated to pediatric critical care medicine (PCCM). We developed an easy-to-use customized mobile app for PCCM residents. Our objectives were to evaluate whether this mobile app will improve residents' confidence in PCCM knowledge and comfort level in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).Methods: We recruited 90 residents from March 2020 to April 2021 for this prospective survey-based, block-randomized, single-center study with a pre-post study design. Participants completed 20-question quizzes at the beginning and end of the rotation. T-test was used to compare the pre-post quiz score difference between the two groups of residents (those with and without the app). At the end of the rotation, subjects also completed a survey with 5-point Likert scale items to compare their comfort level in PICU and confidence in PCCM knowledge pre- and post-rotation.Results: There was a significantly increased improvement in the post-block quiz from the pre-block quiz in the mobile app group compared to the control group (an increase of 0.23 questions vs 1.67, p=0.045). There was a trend of increased improvement in confidence in pediatric critical care knowledge for the App group; however, the difference did not reach statistical significance by Pearson's Chi-square test (p=0.246). Similarly, there was no statistical difference between the two study groups for change in Comfort Level in PICU from the baseline level.Conclusion: Implementation of a service-specific mobile app may enhance residents' clinical experience and improve self-efficacy. Further investigation is warranted.
The Role of the Serum 25-OH Vitamin D Level in Detecting Prostate Cancer in Men with Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels
Authors: Kim Min Hyuk , Yoo Sangjun , Choo Min Soo , Cho Min Chul , Son Hwancheol , Jeong Hyeon
Published: January 2022

We aimed to determine whether vitamin D levels before prostate biopsy have diagnostic value for clinically significant prostate cancer. The study cohort included patients who underwent prostate biopsy. A total of 224 patients were enrolled in our study, and serum vitamin D levels were measured from February 2016 to December 2019 in routine laboratory tests. To determine the relationship between vitamin D levels and the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, we used multivariate analysis. Based on the histopathological results, the serum vitamin D level was marginally lower in the group with higher positive cores and pT3 or higher, and the serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in the large tumor volume group. In the univariate analysis, the prostate cancer diagnosis rate was associated with low vitamin D levels. In clinically significant prostate cancer diagnosis, low vitamin D levels were found in the univariate (odds ratio [OR], 0.955; P<0.001) and multivariate (OR, 0.944; P=0.027) analyses. In conclusion, we found that the incidence of prostate cancer tends to increase as the vitamin D level is lower in the Asian population, and this is particularly helpful in diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer.
Malignancy Risk Stratification of Thyroid Nodules According to Echotexture and Degree of Hypoechogenicity: A Multicenter Validation Study
Authors: Lee Ji Ye , Lee Chang Yoon , Hwang Inpyeong , You Sung-Hye , Park Sun-Won , Lee Boeun , Yim Younghee , Kim Ji-hoon , Na Dong Gyu
Published: January 2022

Purpose Various risk stratification systems show some discrepancies in the ultrasound (US) lexicon of nodule echotexture and hypoechogenicity. This study aimed to determine the malignancy risk of thyroid nodules according to their echotexture and degree of hypoechogenicity in a multicenter dataset.Methods From June to September 2015, 5,601 thyroid nodules (≥ 1.0 cm) in 4,989 consecutive patients who underwent thyroid US and with a final diagnoses from 26 institutions were evaluated. Thyroid nodules were stratified according to the US echotexture (homogeneous vs. heterogeneous) and degree of hypoechogenicity (mild, moderate, or marked). We then calculated malignancy risk and compared four subgroups stratified with nodule composition and presence of suspicious features.Results Heterogeneous hypoechoic nodules showed a significantly higher malignancy risk than heterogeneous isoechoic nodules (P ≤ 0.017) except in partially cystic nodules. There was no significant difference in malignancy risk between homogeneous vs. heterogeneous hypoechoic nodules (P ≥ 0.086) and between homogeneous vs. heterogeneous iso- or hyperechoic nodules (P ≥ 0.05) except in partially cystic nodules without suspicious features. The malignancy risks of both homogeneous and heterogeneous iso- or hyperechoic nodules were low to intermediate, depending on the presence of suspicious features. Regarding the degree of hypoechogenicity, there was no significant difference in malignancy risk between markedly and moderately hypoechoic nodules in all subgroups (P ≥ 0.48). Marked or moderately hypoechoic nodules showed a significantly higher risk than mild hypoechoic (P ≤ 0.016) and iso- or hyperechoic (P < .001) nodules. Conclusions The predominant echogenicity effectively stratifies the malignancy risk of nodules with heterogeneous echotexture. For malignancy risk stratification, the degree of nodules’ hypoechogenicity could be grouped as mild vs. moderate to marked hypoechogenicity.
The Effect of Diabetes and the Diabetogenic TBC1D4 p.Arg684Ter Variant on Kidney Function in Inuit in Greenland
Authors: Overvad Maria , Diaz Lars Jorge , Bjerregaard Peter , Pedersen Michael Lynge , Larsen Christina Viskum Lytken , Grarup Niels , Hansen Torben , Rossing Peter , Jørgensen Marit Eika
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveDiabetes prevalence in Greenland is high and increasing. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of diabetes and the diabetogenic TBC1D4 variant on kidney function in Greenland in a population-based setting.Research Design and MethodsHealth survey data and TBC1D4 genotypes from 5,336 Greenlanders was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) of albuminuria (>30 mg/g creatinine) and chronic kidney disease (CKD, eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73m2), comparing individuals with and without diabetes. Using baseline and follow-up data from individuals who participated in two surveys we examined the effect of diabetes on eGFR and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (UACR) at follow-up, stepwise adjusting for baseline confounders including the TBC1D4 variant.ResultsA total of 9.3% had diabetes of the 3,909 participants with complete data. Albuminuria and CKD was found in 27.6% and 9.5% among those with and without diabetes respectively. Diabetes was associated with increased risk of albuminuria (OR(95% CI) = 2.37 (1.69,3.33) p<0.001) and the TBC1D4 variant protected against albuminuria (OR(95% CI) = 0.44 (0.22,0.90) p=0.02) in a multivariable model. Neither diabetes nor the TBC1D4 variant significantly associated with CKD. Diabetes was not associated with changes in eGFR or UACR over a median of 11.3 years.ConclusionDiabetes conferred increased risk of albuminuria and the TBC1D4 variant was associated with decreased risk of albuminuria, but neither were associated with CKD. The presence/absence of diabetes did not predict changes in eGFR and UACR in longitudinal analyses. The potential renoprotective association of the TBC1D4 variant on albuminuria calls for further studies.
Evaluation of Additive Friction Stir Deposition of AISI 316L For Repairing Surface Material Loss in AISI 4340
Authors: Martin Louis Peter , Luccitti Allen , Walluk Mark
Published: January 2022

Additive technologies provide a means for repair of various failure modes associated with material degradation occurring during use in aggressive environments. Possible repair strategies for AISI 4340 steel using AISI 316L deposited by additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) were evaluated under this research by metallography, microhardness, and wear and mechanical testing. Two repair geometries were investigated: groove-filling and surface cladding. The former represents repair of localized grinding to eliminate cracks, while the latter represents material replacement over a larger area, for example to repair general corrosion or wear. The 316L deposited by AFSD exhibited a refined microstructure with decreased grain size and plastic strain, lower strength, and lower hardness than the as-received feedstock. Wear testing by both two-body abrasion and erosion by particle impingement indicated that the wear resistance of the 316L cladding was as good as, or better than, the substrate 4340 material; however, there was some evidence that the resistance to intergranular corrosion was compromised due to the formation of carbides or sigma phase. In both repair geometries, the microstructure of the substrate beneath the deposited material exhibited heat affected zones that appeared to have austenized during the deposition process, and transformed to martensite or bainite during cooling. This report constitutes an initial evaluation of a novel approach to the repair of structural steel components damaged by microcracking, wear or corrosion.
Protective Role of Nrf2 in Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles-Induced Lung Inflammation in Female Mice and Sexual Dimorphism in Susceptibility
Authors: Sehsah Radwa , Wu Wenting , Ichihara Sahoko , Hashimoto Naozumi , Zong Cai , Yamazaki Kyoka , Sato Harue , Itoh Ken , Yamamoto Masayuki , Elsayed Ahmed Ali , El-Bestar Soheir , Kamel Emily , Ichihara Gaku
Published: January 2022

Background

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) are used in various products such as rubber, paint, and cosmetics. Our group reported recently that Nrf2 protein provides protection against ZnO-NPs-induced pulmonary inflammation in male mice. The present study investigated the effect of Nrf2 deletion on the lung inflammatory response in female mice exposed to ZnO-NPs.
Methods

Twenty-four female Nrf2−/− mice and the same number of female Nrf2+/+ mice were each divided into three equal groups and each exposed to ZnO-NPs at either 0, 10 or 30 µg/mouse by pharyngeal aspiration. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs were collected 14 days later to quantify protein level, number of inflammatory cells, and for scoring inflammation histopathologically. The mRNA levels of Nrf2-depedent antioxidant enzymes and proinflammatory cytokine in lung tissue were measured.
Results

Exposure to ZnO-NPs increased all types of BALF cells and lung inflammation scores in both of female Nrf2−/− and Nrf2+/+ mice, and Nrf2 deletion enhanced ZnO-NPs-induced increase in the number of eosinophils in BALF. Nrf2 deletion enhanced ZnO-NPs-induced downregulation of GR and upregulation of HO-1 and TNFα. Nrf2 deletion decreased mRNA levels of CAT, GcLc and NQO1 and increased that for GcLm and MT-2. ZnO-NPs dose-dependently increased the level of oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines; KC, MIP-2, IL-6, IL-1β and MCP-1 only in wild-type mice, and Nrf2 deletion decreased total glutathione levels and upregulated the above proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines regardless of level of exposure to ZnO-NPs. Taken together with our previous results in male mice, our results showed a lower susceptibility of females to lung inflammation, relative to males, irrespective of Nrf2 deletion, and that enhancement of ZnO-NPs-induced upregulation of HO-1 and TNFα and downregulation of GR by deletion of Nrf2 is specific to female mice.
Conclusion

We conclude that Nrf2 provides protection in female mice against increase in BALF eosinophils, probably through down-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines and upregulation of oxidative stress-related genes. The study also suggests lower susceptibility to lung inflammation in female mice relative to their male counterparts and the synergistic effects of sex and exposure to ZnO-NPs on mRNA expression of GR, HO-1 or TNFα.
Interprofessional Education: Perception of Professors and Students of Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine Courses
Authors: Viscardi Luciana Gonzalez Auad , Sarmento Adriana de Oliveira , Tempski Patrícia Zen
Published: January 2022

Background
The problems for training in interprofessional education (IPE) of health professionals for this new century are systemic: limitation in competencies for teamwork, persistent stratification of gender relations in the status of health workers, a focused emphasis on technical skills, difficulty in analysis and understanding of broader problematic issues of the context, sporadic instead of continuous care, quantitative and qualitative imbalances in the professional labor market, and fragility in leadership skills to improve the performance of the health system. This study evaluated the perception of students and teachers of health area courses at a private university in São Paulo regarding interprofessional education.
Methods
A sociodemographic questionnaire to delineate the participants’ profile and the RIPLS questionnaire that assesses the attitudes and perceptions of students and professionals to determine their readiness for interprofessional learning were applied. RIPLS is proposed to measure the change in attitudes, the effects of different interventions, and the effectiveness of interventions in changing attitudes and perceptions.
Results
The main results were that training in Medicine and Nursing is easier for interprofessional education than that in Physiotherapy. By comparing the perception of the academic community regarding gender, we find that participating women are more available for teamwork and collaborative practices.
Conclusion
To improve the perception of students and teachers in collaborative practice, the need for a teacher training program on IPE principles and an early and more frequent insertion of IPE practices in the curricula of courses is evident.
Toxicity of The Microcystin-Producing Cyanobacterium Microcystis Aeruginosa To Litopenaeus Vannamei
Authors: Xu Yu , Xu Wujie , Hu Xiaojuan , Su Haochang , Wen Guoliang , Yang Keng , Cao Yucheng
Published: January 2022

Microcystis aeruginosa is a common kind of harmful bloom algae, which was also frequently found as a dominant microalgae specie in shrimp breeding ponds. And it was found that blooms always induced massive death of shrimp, but the toxic effects of M. aeruginosa on Litopenaeus vannamei are still not completely understood. In this paper, the toxicity of M. aeruginosa cells to L. vannamei was examined, and the toxic components in the cells were analyzed through high-pressure liquid chromatography (HLPC). In addition, the immune response of shrimp to the microalgal extract was assessed by measuring the activity of immune-related enzymes, as well as the transcription of the relevant genes. Overall, both M. aeruginosa cells and the algal extract resulted in a 100% mortality rate in shrimp, whereas the cell-free culture medium was ineffective. And HPLC analysis results revealed the presence of microcystin-LR (MC-LR) at a concentration of 190.40 mg/kg of cells. In addition, the activity and gene transcription of two immune related enzymes, SOD and LZM, were both significantly reduced in shrimp hepatopancreas (p<0.05) after injection with cell extract. However, reduced glutathione (GSH) content was slightly increased, but the ratio of GSH to GSSG was down, and the transcription of gst gene function as detoxification, was significantly downregulated (p<0.05). The results demonstrated that M. aeruginosa cell extract was highly toxic to L. vannamei, and exerted a negative effect on shrimp immunity including reduction of antioxidant capacity, antibacterial activity and detoxification activity, due to microcystin-LR.
Digital Image Art Style Transfer Algorithm and Simulation Based on Deep Learning Model
Authors: Kumar Nitin
Published: January 2022

In order to solve the problems of poor region delineation and boundary artifacts in Indian style migration of images, an improved Variational Autoencoder (VAE) method for dress style migration is proposed. Firstly, the Yolo v3 model is used to quickly identify the dress localization of the input image, and then the classical semantic segmentation algorithm (FCN) is used to finely delineate the desired dress style migration region twice, and finally the trained VAE model is used to generate the migrated Indian style image using a decision support system. The results show that, compared with the traditional style migration model, the improved VAE style migration model can obtain finer synthetic images for dress style migration, and can adapt to different Indian traditional styles to meet the application requirements of dress style migration scenarios. We evaluated several deep learning based models and achieved BLEU value of 0.6 on average. The transformer-based model outperformed the other models, achieving a BLEU value of up to 0.72.
SAA4 is a Diagnostic Marker to Enhance Detection Forrheumatoid Arthritis Combined with Anti-CCP
Authors: Li Jiahui , Liu Haina , Dai Bingbing , Fan Zhijun , Wang Qiao , Liu Huiyuan , Wei Tingting , Xin fangran , Bai Bingqing , Fu Lingyu
Published: January 2022

Objective Serum amyloid A4 (SAA4) is an apolipoprotein that is associated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in plasma. In this present investigation, we appraised the potential of SAA4 as a novel diagnostic biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) combined with other established RA biomarkers, including anticitrullinated protein antibody (anti-CCP), rheumatoid factor (RF)，and C-reactive protein (CRP). Based on the correlative measures of the biomarkers, we developed a diagnostic model of RA by integrating serum levels of SAA4 with these clinical parameters. Methods A number of 316 patients were recruited in the current research. The serum levels of SAA4 were assessed by quantitative ELISA. The specificity and sensitivity of biomarkers were evaluated by using a receiver-operator curve (ROC) analysis to determine their diagnostic efficiency. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen and construct the diagnostic models for RA , consisting of diagnostic biomarkers and clinical data. A diagnostic nomogram was then generated based on logistic regression analysis results. Results The serum levels of SAA4 were considerably greatest in RA patients in comparison to other control subjects (P<0.001). Compared with anti-CCP, RF and CRP respectively, SAA4 had the highest specificity (88.60%) for diagnosing RA. The combination of SAA4 with anti-CCP could have the highest diagnostic accuracy when paired together, with highest sensitivity (91.14%) in parallel and highest specificity(98.10) in series. We successfully developed two diagnostic models: the combined model of SAA4 and anti-CCP (model A), and the combined model of SAA4, CRP, anti-CCP, RF and history of diabetes (model B). Both models showed a great area under the curve of ROC for either the training cohort or the validation cohort. The data indicated that the novel RA diagnostic models possessed an advantageous discrimination capacity and application potential. Conclusion Serum SAA4 has utility as a biomarker for RA’s diagnosis and can enhance the detection of RA when combined with anti-CCP.
Tissue Doppler Derived Biphasic Velocities During the Pre and Post-Ejection Phases: Patterns, Concordance and Hemodynamic Significance in Health and Disease
Authors: Omar Alaa Mabrouk Salem , Botero Diana Maria Ronderos , Caraballo Javier Arreaza , Kim GaHee , Khachatoorian Yeraz , Kliewer Jaclyn , Rahman Mohamed Ahmed Abdel , Rifaie Osama , Bella Jonathan N , Argulian Edgar , Contreras Johanna
Published: January 2022

Background

Pre-(PRE) and post-ejection (POE) velocities by mitral annular tissue Doppler (TD) are biphasic and may be related to myocardial deformations. We investigated the predominance and concordance of TD-PRE and POE velocities and their effect on myocardial functions in controls and in HF patients.
Methods

Retrospectively, 84 HF patients [57.6 years, 28(33%) females, NYHA: 2.3±0.6, EF: 55±15%, 52(62%) preserved EF, and 32(38%) reduced EF], 42 normal young controls, and 26 asymptomatic age matched controls were included. Echocardiography was done and from mitral annular tissue Doppler recordings, the biphasic PRE and POE velocity signals were identified and compared between groups.
Results

While controls had almost always predominantly positive PRE and negative POE, HF had more negative PRE and positive POE. Moreover, almost all controls exhibited normal concordance (positive PRE and negative POE). HF exhibited more abnormal concordance which was significantly associated with worse NYHA, and parameters of diastolic and systolic functions. Opposite PRE and POE velocities correlated significantly in all groups (PREp vs POEn: young:r=0.52, p<0.001, age controls:r=0.79, p<0.001, HFpEF: r=0.56, p<0.001, HFrEF: r=0.42, p=0.018; PREn vs POEp: young: r=0.25,p=0.1, age controls: r=0.42, p=0.04, HFpEF: r=0.43, p=0.004, HFrEF: r=0.61, p<0.001) and the ratios PRE-P/N and POE-N/P correlated significantly with E/e’ in HF only.
Conclusions

In physiological state, TD signals are predominantly positive during PRE and negative during POE. Opposite PRE and POE velocities corelate, representing the PRE-generation and POE-reversal of shortening-stretch relationships, the attenuation of which in HF may be related to elevated LV filling pressures. In HF, partially or completely reversed concordance of PRE and POE is associated with progressive worsening of clinical and hemodynamic profiles.
Accession-specific Parent-of-origin Dependent and Independent Genome Dosage Effects on Salt Tolerance in Arabidopsis Thaliana
Authors: Hallahan Brendan F. , Brychkova Galina , McKeown Peter , Spillane Charles
Published: January 2022

Improving the salt stress tolerance of crops is an important goal in plant breeding. Changes in the number of chromosome pairs (i.e. ploidy level) cause genome dosage effects which can result in improved traits or emergence of novel traits. The genetic and epigenetic contribution of maternal or paternal chromosomes can differentially affect physiological and metabolic characteristics of F1 offspring. Hence genome dosage effects can be parent-of-origin independent or dependent. The model plant Arabidopsis thaliana displays both genome dosage and parent-of-origin effects on plant growth under normal, non-stress conditions. Using an insogenic ploidy series of diploid, triploid and tetraploid lines we investigate the extent of genome dosage effects and their parent-of-origin dependency on in vitro salt stress tolerance of seedlings across ten different A. thaliana accessions (genetic backgrounds). We demonstrate genome dosage effects on salt stress tolerance in five accessions, and using reciprocal triploid lines demonstrate parent-of-origin dependent genome dosage effects on salt stress tolerance in three accessions. Our results indicate that epigenetic genome dosage and genome dosage balance effects can have significant impacts on abiotic stress tolerance in plants.
Effects of Breccia and Water Contents on the Mechanical Properties of Fault-core-zone Materials: an Experimental Investigation Using Artificial Specimens
Authors: Yun Hyun-Seok , Moon Seong-Woo , Seo Yong-Seok
Published: January 2022

Determining the mechanical properties of fault-core-zone materials is challenging because of the low strength of such materials, which affects field sampling, specimen preparation, and laboratory testing. We overcame this problem by preparing and testing mechanical properties of 132 artificial fault-core-zone specimens consisting of mixtures of breccia, sand, clay, and water. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS), elastic modulus (E), and penetration resistance value (PRV) of these fault-core-zone materials were measured, and the effects of breccia content and water content on mechanical properties were assessed. Results show that UCS is inversely proportional to breccia content and water content, and that E is inversely proportional to water content. Furthermore, the inverse relationship of UCS with water content varies with breccia content. UCS is proportional to both PRV and E, and the relationship for each varies with breccia content. High coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.62–0.88) between the parameters suggest that breccia content, water content, and PRV are potentially useful parameters for estimating the mechanical properties of fault core zones.
Acute Liver Failure in Rats Induced Vasogenic Edema and Nitric Oxide Synthase-Nitric Oxide-cGMP Pathway after Differential Regulation of NMDA Receptors in Cerebral Cortex and Cerebellum
Authors: SINGH SANTOSH , Mukherjee Arghya , Jeswani Deepika
Published: January 2022

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a complication of severe liver dysfunction resulting from a wide range of factors including alcoholism, drug-abuse, improper medication, viral hepatitis etc., and present with high mortality rate among the human population. ALF led hyperammonemia (HA) induced cerebral dysfunction is considered to be the main cause of death in patients, however, the precise molecular mechanism is not completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of brain edema and modulation of N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR)- Nitric oxide synthase (NOS)- Nitric oxide (NO)- cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) axis in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of ALF rats. ALF was induced by intraperitoneal (IP) injection of thioacetamide (TAA). We observed significantly increased brain water content in ALF rats but absence of astrocytes swelling suggested induction of vasogenic edema. Except constant NR2B, down regulation of NR2A, 2C and 2D subunits containing NMDAR genes in cerebral cortex, however, constant NR2A-C but up-regulation of NR2D subunit in cerebellum suggested brain regions specific differential regulation of NMDAR in ALF rats. Significantly increased nNOS gene and protein level were found to be accompanied by the significantly increased level of NO and cGMP in both brain tissues; however, increased eNOS expression in cortex but increased iNOS expression and activity in cerebellum were observed in ALF rats. Together these findings suggested that ALF in rats may trigger differential regulation of NR2A-D subunits containing NMDAR, induction of NOS-NO-cGMP axis and vasogenic edema in cerebral cortex and cerebellum.
Quality of Life of Emirati Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Smail Linda , Jassim Ghufran A. , Khan Sarah , Tirmazy Syed , Ameri Mouza Al
Published: January 2022

Background: This study examined the quality of life of Emirati women with breast cancer (BC).Methods: This study was a population-based study of a random sample of 250 Emirati women with BC. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Cancer-Specific version (EORTC QLQ-C30, v.3.0) and the EORTC QoL Breast Cancer-Specific version (EORTC QLQ-BR23) translated into Arabic.Results: The mean age and median age of the 250 participants were 53.4 (SD ±11.3) and 52 years, respectively.Participants had a mean global health score of 74.73 (SD ±18.25), with a minimum of 16.67, indicating a good level of wellbeing.On the QLQ-C30, the Emirati women seemed to perform well on the functional scales but poorly on the symptom scales. While social functioning scored the highest (82.33 ±28.38) among the functional scales, emotional functioning scored the lowest (68.43 ±30.02). The most worrying symptom was sleep disturbance (47.87±38.46), followed by fatigue (38.18±30.31) and pain (29.13±28.01). Financial impact scored the lowest, indicating that most women did not have financial issues related to their cancer.On the QLQ-BR23, we found that participants performed above average to very good on the functional scales but poorly on the symptom scales. While sexual functioning scored the highest (86.07±22.61) among the functional scales, future perspective scored the lowest (50.80±37.92). The most worrying symptom was upset by hair loss (61.01±37.35), followed by arm symptoms (33.73±28.08).Conclusions: Emirati BC survivors reported good QoL overall. The most bothersome symptoms were sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain, hair loss and arm symptoms. Emirati women scored average on all functional scales, which indicates mediocre functioning, but high on the symptom scales, which indicates worse symptoms. Factors associated with a decline in the domains of QoL included age, income, education, metastases, mastectomy, and lymph node dissection. Recommendations to address these issues are discussed.Trial Registration: NA
Quality Assurance (QA) Assessment for Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test in Ngoma District, Eastern Province of Rwanda: A cross-sectional prospective study.
Authors: Habimana Metuschelah
Published: January 2022

Background

Currently, malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) are increasingly used for the diagnosis of malaria, particularly in communities where microscopy-based diagnosis is not practical. However, the diagnostic accuracy of mRDTs performed by community health workers (CHWs) remains unknown. This study was conducted to determine the accuracy of mRDT results performed by CHWs in Ngoma district, eastern province of Rwanda.
Method

This was a cross sectional prospective study. A total of 420 blood samples of patients self-reported to CHWs for malaria diagnosis were collected and analyzed by CHWs using mRDT, and quality control tests were performed by using microscopy as a reference test. The study was conducted from 22 April to 08 July 2021.
Results

Among the 420 patients, 234 (55.71%) were females, and 186 (44.29%) were males. Malaria test positivity was 2.62% by using mRDT and 1.67% by using microscopic tests. The sensitivity and specificity of mRDT were 85.71% and 98.78%, respectively. The negative predictive value, positive predictive value and accuracy of mRDTs were 99.75%, 54.54% and 98.57%, respectively. The sensitivity of mRDT was below the WHO recommended sensitivity (>95%), although the specificity (98.78%) was within the WHO recommended specificity (>=90). There was substantial agreement between the mRDT and malaria microscopic test results, k=0.642.
Conclusion

mRDTs continue to be an appropriate choice for malaria diagnosis in the absence of microscopy.
SARS CoV-2 Genomic Characteristics and Clinical Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Viral Diversity in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Fourati Slim , Audureau Etienne , Arrestier Romain , Marot Stéphane , Dubois Claire , Voiriot Guillaume , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Urbina Tomas , Mayaux Julien , Roque-Afonso Anne-Marie , Pham Tai , Landraud Luce , Visseaux Benoit , Roux Damien , Bellaiche Raphael , L’honneur Anne-Sophie , Hamou Zakaria Ait , Brichler Ségolène , Gaudry Stéphane , Salmona Maud , Clere-Jehl Raphaël , Azoulay Elie , Joubert Laurence Morand , Marcelin Anne-Geneviève , Chaix Marie-Laure , Descamps Diane , Dessap Armand Mekontso , Rodriguez Christophe , Pawlotsky Jean-Michel , de Prost Nicolas
Published: January 2022

Background: SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) α spread worldwide, including in France, at the beginning of 2021. This variant was suggested to be associated with a higher risk of mortality than other variants. Little information is available in the subset of patients with severe disease admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to characterize the genetic diversity of SARS-CoV-2 variants isolated from patients with severe COVID-19 in order to unravel the relationships between specific viral mutations/mutational patterns and clinical outcomes.Methods: Prospective multicentre observational cohort study. Patients aged ≥18 years admitted in 11 ICUs from Great Paris area hospitals between October 1, 2020, and May 30, 2021 (before the introduction of VOC δ (B.617.2) in France) for acute respiratory failure (SpO2≤90% and need for supplemental oxygen or ventilator support) were included. SARS-CoV-2 infection, determined by RT-PCR testing. The primary clinical endpoint was day-28 mortality. Full-length SARS-CoV-2 genomes were sequenced by means of next-generation sequencing (Illumina COVIDSeq).Results: 413 patients were included, 183 (44.3%) had been infected with pre-existing variants, 197 (47.7%) with variant α (B.1.1.7), and 33 (8.0%) with other variants. Patients infected with pre-existing variants were significantly older (64.9±11.9 vs 60.5±11.8 years; p=0.0005); they had significantly more frequent COPD (11.5% (n=21/183) vs 4.1% (n=8/197); p=0.009), and higher SOFA score (4 [3-8] vs 3 [2-4]; 0.0002). Day-28 mortality was not different between patients infected with pre-existing, α (B.1.1.7) or other variants (31.1% (n=57/183) vs 26.2% (n=51/197) vs 30.3% (n=10/33), respectively; p=0.550). There was no association between day-28 mortality with a specific variant or the presence of specific mutations in SARS CoV-2 genome, including 17 mutations selected in the spike protein and all 1017 non-synonymous mutations detected throughout the entire viral genome.Conclusions: At ICU admission, patients infected with pre-existing variants had a different clinical presentation from those infected with variant α (B.1.1.7) and other variants later in the course of the pandemic, but mortality did not differ between these groups. There was no association between a specific variant or SARS CoV-2 genome mutational pattern and day-28 mortality.
Nuclear magnetic resonance in chemical structures authentication and pyrolysis oil characterization
Authors: Liu Fanxin , Zeng Wujun , Wei Yinglei
Published: January 2022

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) involves the study of nuclei immersed in a static magnetic field and exposed to a second oscillating field. Nuclei have two properties; spin properties and charge properties. Pyrolysis oil is created by dry heating biomass in a reactor without oxygen to around 500 degrees Celsius and then cooling it. Pyrolysis oil is a type of tar that includes too much oxygen to be classified as a pure hydrocarbon. One of the most fundamental methods in synthetic chemistry is using NMR to verify chemical structure. In the literature, little attention has been paid to the application of NMR in the authentication of chemical structures. In this study, we present a use case of NMR to characterize pyrolysis oil and authenticate chemical structures. Results show that the elucidation of chemical compositions of bio-oil is essential for the optimization of its processing technology and exploration of its potential application.
Distribution and phenology of monarch butterfly larvae and their milkweed hosts in the South Central US
Authors: Tracy James L , Kantola Tuula , Baum Kristen A. , Coulson Robert N.
Published: January 2022

South Central US milkweeds (Asclepias) are critical adult nectar and larval food resources for producing the first spring and last summer/fall generations of declining eastern migratory monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus). This study addresses multiple gaps in assessment of monarch conservation priorities for the South Central US through analyses of monarch larval host selectivity, phenology, and spatial density, as well as the phenology, niche modeled distribution, and land cover selectivity of important milkweed hosts. Results are synthesized to estimate seasonal milkweed resource areas. About 70% of monarch larval activity occurred from mid-March to mid-July (early season) and 30% from mid-August to late November (late season). Twenty-six wild milkweed (Apocynaceae) hosts were mapped, including four new records for North America. Important hosts included Asclepias a. ssp. capricornu, A. viridis, and A. oenotheroides, that were utilized more frequently during early season, and Asclepias latifolia, utilized more frequently during late season. Landscape host selectivity was positive for A. viridis and A. a. ssp. capricornu in late and early seasons, respectively, and negative for A. oenotheroides in late season. Milkweed land cover selectivity was positive for Developed-Open Space and Grassland Herbaceous, and negative for Cultivated Crops and Shrub/Scrub. Seasonal milkweed resource areas and larval spatial densities resolved interior and coastal corridors providing functional connectivity for monarch spring and fall migrations. A potential gap in milkweed land cover benefit was identified in South Texas. The novel merging of milkweed niche models with larval phenology, host selectivity, milkweed phenology, and land cover selectivity informs conservation assessment.
Kekerasan Non-fisik Media pada Artis Gisella Anastasia (Analisis Wacana Kritis Sara Mills)
Authors: Bungsu Agung Pangeran
Published: January 2022

Abstract: The increasing violence against women makes the issue of gender will continue to be interesting to study. The forms of violence committed against women are also increasingly diverse, one of which is non-physical violence through the news media. Women are often treated unfairly and even harassed their dignity in news discourse. This paper will describe the styles of two media that are quite popular in Indonesia, namely Detik.com and Media Indonesia in constructing news about the hot video of artist Gisella Anastasia. Then the discourse construction will be analyzed using Sara Mills' critical discourse analysis. Sara Mills' critical discourse analysis will analyze the discourse building holistically which includes the position of the subject-object and also the position of the writer-reader in the news. The results of the study reveal that the position of the subject and the author is dominated by men to convince the public that women are the cause of the hot video case. The tendentious narratives aimed at women by the two media in constructing discourse further exacerbate the framing inherent in women.

Keywords: Gisella Anastasia, Sara Mills Critical Discourse Analysis, Sara Mills Critical Discourse Analysis

Abstrak: Meningkatknya kekerasan pada perempuan membuat isu tentang gender akan terus menarik untuk dikaji. Bentuk kekerasan yang dilakukan pada perempuan juga semakin beragam, salah satunya kekerasan non fisik lewat media pemberitaan. Perempuan kerap diperlakukan tidak adil bahkan dilecehkan martabatnya dalam pewacanaan berita. Tulisan ini akan menguraikan gaya dua media yang cukup populer di Indonesia yaitu Detik.com dan Media Indonesia dalam mengkonstruksikan berita tentang video panas artis Gisella Anastasia. Kemudian konstruksi wacana akan dianalisa dengan menggunakan analisis wacana kritis Sara Mills. Analisis wacana kritis Sara Mills akan menganalisa bangunan wacana secara holistik yang meliputi posisi subjek-objek dan juga posisi penulis-pembaca dalam pemberitaan. Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan posisi subjek maupun penulis dikuasai oleh laki-laki untuk meyakinkan publik bahwa perempuan sebagai penyebab terjadinya kasus video panas. Narasi tendensius yang ditujukan bagi perempuan oleh kedua media dalam mengkonstruksikan wacana semakin memperburuk framing yang melekat pada perempuan.

Kata Kunci: Gisella Anastasia, Analisis Wacana Kritis Sara Mills, Critical Discourse Analysis Sara Mills