bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular RNAs in Acute Kidney Injury: Roles in Pathophysiology and Implications for Clinical Management
Authors: So Benjamin Y. F. , Yap Desmond Y. H. , Chan Tak Mao
Published: August 2022

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical condition, results in patient morbidity and mortality, and incurs considerable health care costs. Sepsis, ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and drug nephrotoxicity are the leading causes. Mounting evidence suggests that perturbations in circular RNAs (circRNAs) are observed in AKI of various aetiologies, and have pathogenic significance. Aberrant circRNA expressions can cause altered intracellular signalling, exaggerated oxidative stress, increased cellular apoptosis, excess inflammation, and tissue injury in AKI due to sepsis or IRI. While circRNAs are dysregulated in drug-induced AKI, their roles in pathogenesis are less well-characterised. CircRNAs also show potential for clinical application in diagnosis, prognostication, monitoring, and treatment. Prospective observational studies are needed to investigate the role of circRNAs in the clinical management of AKI, with special focus on the safety of therapeutic interventions targeting circRNAs and the avoidance of untoward off-target effects.
Examination of Intracellular GPCR-Mediated Signaling with High Temporal Resolution
Authors: Gruteser Nadine , Baumann Arnd
Published: August 2022

The GTP-binding protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play important roles in physiology and neuronal signaling. More than a thousand genes, excluding the olfactory receptors, have been identified that encode these integral membrane proteins. Their pharmacological and functional properties make them fascinating targets for drug development, since various disease states can be treated and overcome by pharmacologically addressing these receptors and/or their downstream interacting partners. The activation of the GPCRs typically causes transient changes in the intracellular second messenger concentrations as well as in membrane conductance. In contrast to ion channel-mediated electrical signaling which results in spontaneous cellular responses, the GPCR-mediated metabotropic signals operate at a different time scale. Here we have studied the kinetics of two common GPCR-induced signaling pathways: (a) Ca2+ release from intracellular stores and (b) cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. The latter was monitored via the activation of cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channels causing Ca2+ influx into the cell. Genetically modified and stably transfected cell lines were established and used in stopped-flow experiments to uncover the individual steps of the reaction cascades. Using two homologous biogenic amine receptors, either coupling to Go/q or Gs proteins, allowed us to determine the time between receptor activation and signal output. With ~350 ms, the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores was much faster than cAMP-mediated Ca2+ entry through CNG channels (~6 s). The measurements with caged compounds suggest that this difference is due to turnover numbers of the GPCR downstream effectors rather than the different reaction cascades, per se.
Validated Growth Rate-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Metabolism in Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Poorinmohammad Naghmeh , Fu Jing , Wabeke Bob , Kerkhoven Eduard J.
Published: August 2022

Given the strong potential of Yarrowia lipolytica to produce lipids for use as renewable fuels and oleochemicals, it is important to gain in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying its lipid accumulation. As cellular growth rate affects biomass lipid content, we performed a comparative proteomic analysis of Y. lipolytica grown in nitrogen-limited chemostat cultures at different dilution rates. After confirming the correlation between growth rate and lipid accumulation, we were able to identify various cellular functions and biological mechanisms involved in oleaginousness. Inspection of significantly up- and downregulated proteins revealed nonintuitive processes associated with lipid accumulation in this yeast. This included proteins related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, ER–plasma membrane tether proteins, and arginase. Genetic engineering of selected targets validated that some genes indeed affected lipid accumulation. They were able to increase lipid content and were complementary to other genetic engineering strategies to optimize lipid yield.
LRRC46 Accumulates at the Midpiece of Sperm Flagella and Is Essential for Spermiogenesis and Male Fertility in Mouse
Authors: Yin Yingying , Mu Wenyu , Yu Xiaochen , Wang Ziqi , Xu Ke , Wu Xinyue , Cai Yuling , Zhang Mingyu , Lu Gang , Chan Wai-Yee , Ma Jinlong , Huang Tao , Liu Hongbin
Published: August 2022

The sperm flagellum is essential for male fertility. Multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF) is a severe form of asthenoteratozoospermia. MMAF phenotypes are understood to result from pathogenic variants of genes from multiple families including AKAP, DANI, DNAH, RSPH, CCDC, CFAP, TTC, and LRRC, among others. The Leucine-rich repeat protein (LRRC) family includes two members reported to cause MMAF phenotypes: Lrrc6 and Lrrc50. Despite vigorous research towards understanding the pathogenesis of MMAF-related diseases, many genes remain unknown underlying the flagellum biogenesis. Here, we found that Leucine-rich repeat containing 46 (LRRC46) is specifically expressed in the testes of adult mice, and show that LRRC46 is essential for sperm flagellum biogenesis. Both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Papanicolaou staining (PS) presents that the knockout of Lrrc46 in mice resulted in typical MMAF phenotypes, including sperm with short, coiled, and irregular flagella. The male KO mice had reduced total sperm counts, impaired sperm motility, and were completely infertile. No reproductive phenotypes were detected in Lrrc46−/− female mice. Immunofluorescence (IF) assays showed that LRRC46 was present throughout the entire flagella of control sperm, albeit with evident concentration at the mid-piece. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated striking flagellar defects with axonemal and mitochondrial sheath malformations. About the important part of the Materials and Methods, SEM and PS were used to observe the typical MMAF-related irregular flagella morphological phenotypes, TEM was used to further inspect the sperm flagellum defects in ultrastructure, and IF was chosen to confirm the location of protein. Our study suggests that LRRC46 is an essential protein for sperm flagellum biogenesis, and its mutations might be associated with MMAF that causes male infertility. Thus, our study provides insights for understanding developmental processes underlying sperm flagellum formation and contribute to further observe the pathogenic genes that cause male infertility.
Polyploidy as an Adaptation against Loss of Heterozygosity in Cancer
Authors: Archetti Marco
Published: August 2022

Polyploidy is common in cancer cells and has implications for tumor progression and resistance to therapies, but it is unclear whether it is an adaptation of the tumor or the non-adaptive effect of genomic instability. I discuss the possibility that polyploidy reduces the deleterious effects of loss of heterozygosity, which arises as a consequence of mitotic recombination, and which in diploid cells leads instead to the rapid loss of complementation of recessive deleterious mutations. I use computational predictions of loss of heterozygosity to show that a population of diploid cells dividing by mitosis with recombination can be easily invaded by mutant polyploid cells or cells that divide by endomitosis, which reduces loss of complementation, or by mutant cells that occasionally fuse, which restores heterozygosity. A similar selective advantage of polyploidy has been shown for the evolution of different types of asexual reproduction in nature. This provides an adaptive explanation for cyclical ploidy, mitotic slippage and cell fusion in cancer cells.
New Phosphonite Ligands with High Steric Demand and Low Basicity: Synthesis, Structural Properties and Cyclometalated Complexes of Pt(II)
Authors: Alcaide María M. , Pugliesi Matteo , Álvarez Eleuterio , López-Serrano Joaquín , Peloso Riccardo
Published: August 2022

Two phosphonite ligands bearing the highly sterically demanding 2,6-bis (2,6-dimethylphenyl)phenyl group (ArXyl2), PArXyl2(OPhNO2)2 and PArXyl2(OPhNO2,Me)2, were prepared from the parent dihalophosphines PArXyl2X2 (X = Cl, Br) and the corresponding phenols, 4-nitrophenol and 4-nitro-2,6-dimethylphenol, respectively. DFT methods were used to examine their structural features and to determine three steric descriptors, namely the Tolman cone angle, the percentage of buried volume, and the percentage of the coordination sphere protected by the ligand. A comparison with the related terphenyl phosphines is also provided. Reactions of PArXyl2(OPhNO2)2 and PArXyl2(OPhNO2,Me)2 with several Pt(II) precursors were investigated, revealing a high tendency of both phosphonites to undergo C-H activation processes and generate five- or six-membered cyclometalated structures. The coordination chemistry of the new ligands was explored with isolation, among others, of three carbonyl complexes, 1-3∙CO, and the triphenylphosphine adduct 3∙PPh3. X-ray diffraction methods permitted the determination of the solid-state structures of the mononuclear methyl carbonyl complex 1∙CO, the dinuclear chloride-bridged complex 2 and the doubly cyclometalated complex 3∙SMe2, including the conformations adopted by the ligands upon coordination. All of the new compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution.
Feasibility Study of the CO2 Regenerator Parameters for Oxy-Fuel Combustion Power Cycle
Authors: Kindra Vladimir , Komarov Ivan , Osipov Sergey , Zlyvko Olga , Maksimov Igor
Published: August 2022

The atmosphere carbon dioxide content grows subsequently due to anthropogenic factors. It may be considerably mitigated by the development of thermal power plants with near zero emissions. A promising way is the transition to the semi-closed oxy-fuel combustion power cycles with carbon dioxide and water vapor mixture as a working fluid. However, their wide implementation requires reduction of the metal consumption for the highly efficient regeneration system. This paper discloses the results of feasibility study for the regeneration system of the prospective oxy-fuel combustion power plant. The effect of operating parameters on the cycle energy efficiency, overall dimensions, and the cost of the regenerator was determined. Underheating increase in the regenerator by 1 °C leads to the net efficiency factor drop of the oxy-fuel combustion power cycle by 0.13% at average and increases fuel costs by 0.28%. Increase of pressure drop in the hot channel by 1% leads to efficiency drop by 0.14%. The optimum set of design and operating parameters of the feed heating system has been determined, which ensures the best technical and economic indicators of electrical power generation: the minimum cumulative costs are achieved when underheating in the regenerator is 20 °C and pressure drop in the hot channel is 4%, under the use of S-shaped fins channels.
Effects of Surgical Treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Renal and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Taiwanese Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Hwang Juen-Haur , Yu Ben-Hui , Chen Yi-Chun
Published: August 2022

The association between surgical treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and survival outcomes is not established, and this study aimed to evaluate this association. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted from 2001 to 2015, including 32,220 eligible CKD patients with incident OSA. By 1:3 propensity score matching, 1078 CKD patients with incident OSA who received surgery (treated cohort) and 3234 untreated cohort who never received surgery were analyzed. The risk of ESRD in the competing mortality was significantly lower in the treated cohort than in the untreated cohort, with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 0.38 (95% confidence interval (CI0, 0.15–0.97; p = 0.043). In addition, the adjusted HRs of overall, cardiovascular, and non-cardiovascular mortality in the treated and untreated cohorts were 2.54 (95% CI, 1.79–3.59; p < 0.0001), 1.46 (95% CI, 0.29–7.22; p = 0.64), and 2.62 (95% CI, 1.83–3.75; p < 0.0001), respectively. Furthermore, the risks of overall and non-cardiovascular mortality for the treated cohort primarily occurred during a 3-month follow-up. In conclusion, surgical treatment for incident OSA in CKD patients was associated with decreased ESRD risk, but with increased non-cardiovascular mortality risk, especially within 3 months after surgical treatment.
Clinical Outcome of Day-3 Cleavage Slow-Growing Embryos at Different Cleavage Rates after Overnight Culture: A Cohort Retrospective Study
Authors: Geng Lan , Lin Xinran , Liu Rang , Wu Jiahui , Luo Yongsheng , Sun Hongmei , Hou Zhenhui , Zhang Qiuju , Xu Chang , Li Xiao , Cao Canhui , Wang Tianren , Xia Xi
Published: August 2022

Introduction: We explored the association between clinical outcomes and the cleavage rate of day-3 cleavage slow-growing embryos after overnight culture. Methods: The data collected from 303 frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles with 606 4-cell or 5-cell embryos cultured overnight (18–22 h) after thawing were analyzed. Based on the growth rate after the overnight culture, the embryos were divided into three groups: no embryo reaching eight cells (Group I), either one of the two embryos reaching eight cells (Group II), and both two embryos reaching eight cells or more (Group III). A statistical analysis of the different clinical outcomes from the three groups was performed. Results: Biochemical pregnancy rate (OR 3.22; p = 0.001), implantation rate (OR 2.44; p = 0.002), clinical pregnancy rate (OR 3.04; p = 0.001), ongoing pregnancy rate (OR 3.14; p = 0.001), and live birth rate (OR 2.78; p = 0.004) were significantly higher in Group III as compared to Group I. Group II had a significantly higher biochemical pregnancy rate (OR 2.02; p = 0.013) and implantation rate (OR 1.77; p = 0.019) than Group I. Conclusions: The capability of day-3 cleavage slow-growing embryos to reach eight cells, especially that of two embryos reaching eight cells by overnight culture, appear to result in a better pregnancy outcome.
Cardiac Computed Tomography: State of the Art and Future Horizons
Authors: Feuchtner Gudrun M. , Plank Fabian , Beyer Christoph , Barbieri Fabian , Widmann Gerlig , Spitaler Philipp , Dichtl Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

Cardiac computed tomography (CT) has evolved over the past 20 years from an alternative, promising noninvasive imaging modality to a Class I indication for the non-invasive evaluation of patients with low-to-intermediate, pre-test probability of coronary artery disease (CAD), as per the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines published in 2019 [...]
Association of Superficial and Deep Macular Microvasculature with Central Visual Field Sensitivity in Glaucomatous Eyes with High Myopia
Authors: Lee Anna , Shin Joong Won , Lee Jin Yeong , Baek Min Su , Kook Michael S.
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between two distinct layers of macular vessel density (superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP)) and central visual field sensitivity (cVFS) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) eyes with high myopia. Method: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 148 OAG eyes (64 highly myopic (HMG) and 84 non-highly myopic glaucomas (NMG)) as well as 54 healthy eyes. High myopia was defined as a spherical equivalent of less than −6.0 diopters or an axial length of ≥26.0 mm. The global and sectoral SVP–cVFS and DVP–cVFS relationships were compared in each group. Macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness (mGCIPLT)–cVFS relationships were also investigated as reference standards. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify the clinical factors associated with cVFS. Results: DVP–cVFS correlations were as strong as those for SVP–cVFS and mGCIPLT–cVFS in HMG eyes. In contrast, DVP–cVFS correlations were significantly lower than SVP–cVFS and mGCILT–cVFS correlations in NMG eyes. In linear regression analysis, both SVP and DVP were significantly associated with cVFS in HMG eyes, but only SVP showed a significant correlation with cVFS in NMG eyes. Conclusion: DVP assessment using OCT-A may be a useful tool for detecting and monitoring OAG eyes with high myopia.
Pachychoroid Spectrum Diseases in Patients with Cushing’s Syndrome: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses
Authors: Holtz Jeppe , Larsson Janni , Hansen Michael , van Dijk Elon , Subhi Yousif
Published: August 2022

Cushing’s syndrome is a rare disease with an endogenous cause of excess cortisol secretion. More evidence substantially links cortisol levels to the pachychoroid spectrum diseases. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we summarize available evidence on pachychoroid spectrum diseases in patients with Cushing’s syndrome. We performed a systematic literature search in 11 databases on 21 May 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they performed retinal examination of a consecutive group of patients with Cushing’s syndrome using optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans. We extracted data on subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with Cushing’s syndrome compared to matched controls. We also extracted data on the prevalence of pachychoroid pigment epitheliopathy (PPE), central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC), and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). We identified six eligible studies with a total of 159 patients with Cushing’s syndrome. On average, patients with Cushing’s syndrome have 49.5 µm thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness compared to matched healthy individuals. Pachychoroid spectrum diseases were relatively common in these patients: PPE in 20.8%, CSC in 7.7%, and PCV in 2.8%. We conclude that there should be low threshold to recommend ophthalmic examination to patients with Cushing’s syndrome, and that a macular OCT is recommended during this examination.
Thyroid Hormones and Health-Related Quality of Life in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus Patients before and after the Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Urbonas Mindaugas , Raskauskiene Nijole , Deltuva Vytenis Pranas , Bunevicius Adomas
Published: August 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3), and to correlate the hormone levels among iNPH patients with their self-reported quality of life before and three months after the surgery. Methods: Twenty-five patients (52% women), mean age 63.5 (SD 9.5) years, were operated on by inserting a VP shunt. Patients with FT3 level ≤3.34 pmol/L were diagnosed as having low T3 syndrome. Results: The changes in thyroid hormones resulted in a U-shaped curve throughout the follow-up period. The significant changes occurred the next day after the surgery, including a decrease in TSH, FT3, and an increase in FT4. Additionally, the decrease occurred in mean FT3 for six patients with preoperative low T3 syndrome. Three months after the surgery, thyroid hormones were restored to their baseline and/or normal values. All six patients with preoperative low T3 syndrome had significant improvement in all SF-36 subscales (except for the role emotional and physical). Patients with preoperative normal high FT3 and low FT4 had increased FT3/FT4 ratio which was associated with deterioration in all SF-36 subscales 3 months after the surgery. Conclusion: Routine assessment of the FT3/FT4 ratio might be a simple and effective tool for the risk stratification of iNPH patients before VP shunt surgery.
Seven Days of Bismuth-Based Quadruple Therapy Is as Effective for the First-Line Treatment of Clarithromycin-Resistant Confirmed Helicobacter pylori Infection as 14 Days of Bismuth-Based Quadruple Therapy
Authors: Moon Sang-Gon , Lim Chul-Hyun , Kang Hee-Jun , Choi Arum , Kim Sukil , Oh Jung-Hwan
Published: August 2022

Background/Aims: Point mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA gene have been associated with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) clarithromycin resistance and bismuth-based quadruple therapy (BQT) is one of the options for the treatment of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori. Current H. pylori treatment guidelines recommend BQT for 10–14 days. This study aims to compare the eradication extents according to 7-day and 14-day BQT treatment for treatment-naïve clarithromycin-resistant confirmed H. pylori infection. Methods: We retrospectively investigated treatment-naïve H. pylori infection cases from March 2019 to December 2020, where patients were treated with BQT. Clarithromycin resistance was identified with a dual-priming oligonucleotide-based multiplex polymerase chain reaction method. We reviewed a total of 126 cases. Fifty-three subjects were treated with a 7-day BQT regimen (7-day group), and 73 subjects were treated with a 14-day BQT regimen (14-day group). We evaluated the total eradication extent of the BQT and compared the eradication extents of the two study groups. Results: Total eradication extent of H. pylori was 83.3% (105/126). The eradication extents of the two groups were as follows: 7-day group (81.1% (43/53)), 14-day group (84.9% (62/73), p = 0.572) by intention-to-treat analysis; 7-day group (95.6% (43/45)), 14-day group (92.5% (62/67), p = 0.518) by per-protocol analysis. The moderate or severe adverse event extents during the eradication were 30.2% (16/53) in the 7-day group and 19.2% (14/73) in the 14-day group (p = 0.152). Conclusions: The 7-day BQT regimen was as effective as the 14-day BQT regimen in the eradication of treatment-naïve clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori infection.
Assessment of the Patient’s Emotional Response with the RobHand Rehabilitation Platform: A Case Series Study
Authors: Cisnal Ana , Moreno-SanJuan Victor , Fraile Juan Carlos , Turiel Javier P. , de-la-Fuente Eusebio , Sánchez-Brizuela Guillermo
Published: August 2022

Cerebrovascular accidents have physical, cognitive and emotional effects. During rehabilitation, the main focus is placed on motor recovery, yet the patient’s emotional state should also be considered. For this reason, validating robotic rehabilitation systems should not only focus on their effectiveness related to the physical recovery but also on the patient’s emotional response. A case series study has been conducted with five stroke patients to assess their emotional response towards therapies using RobHand, a robotic hand rehabilitation platform. Emotional state was evaluated in three dimensions (arousal, valence and dominance) using a computer-based Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) test. It was verified that the emotions induced by the RobHand platform were successfully distributed in the three-dimensional emotional space. The increase in dominance and the decrease in arousal during sessions reflects that patients had become familiar with the rehabilitation platform, resulting in an increased feeling of control and finding the platform less attractive. The results also reflect that patients found a therapy based on a virtual environment with a realistic scenario more pleasant and attractive.
Utilizing Computed Tomography to Analyze the Morphomic Change between Patients with Localized and Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Body Composition Varies According to Cancer Stage
Authors: Tan Chin-Chieh , Sheng Ting-Wen , Chang Ying-Hsu , Wang Li-Jen , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Wu Chun-Te , Pang See-Tong , Shao I-Hung
Published: August 2022

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the change of body composition in different clinical stages of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by analyzing computed tomography (CT) images. Methods: We enrolled patients diagnosed with RCC in a tertiary medical center who did not mention body weight loss or symptoms of cachexia. We grouped patients into those with localized RCC and those with metastatic RCC. Analyses of the volume of skeletal muscles tissue (SMT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) calculated based on CT images were performed and included subgroup analyses by sex and age. The correlation between tumor size and body composition in localized RCC was also examined. Results: A total of 188 patients were enrolled in this study. There was significantly lower VAT (p = 0.015) in the metastatic group than in the localized group. SAT, body weight, and body mass index (BMI) were not significantly different between these two groups. In the subgroup analysis, a significant difference in SMT and VAT was noted in the male and younger subgroups but not in the female and older subgroups. Regarding primary tumor size in localized RCC, VAT was significantly higher in patients with larger tumors (p = 0.003). Conclusions: In localized RCC, VAT volume was significantly larger in those with large primary tumor size. However, the VAT was significantly lower in those with metastatic status comparing to those with localized disease. The clinical course of cancers closely correlates with body composition.
Anatomical and Functional Effects of Oral Administration of Curcuma Longa and Boswellia Serrata Combination in Patients with Treatment-Naïve Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Guarino Olimpia , Iovino Claudio , Di Iorio Valentina , Rosolia Andrea , Schiavetti Irene , Lanza Michele , Simonelli Francesca
Published: August 2022

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor nowdays represents the standard of care for diabetic macular edema (DME). Nevertheless, the burden of injections worldwide has created tremendous stress on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the oral administration of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata (Retimix®) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) and treatment-naïve DME < 400 μm, managed during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this retrospective study, patients were enrolled and divided into two groups, one undergoing observation (Group A, n 12) and one receiving one sachet a day of Retimix® (Group B, n 49). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed at baseline, then at one and six months. A mixed-design ANOVA was calculated to determine whether the change in CMT and BCVA over time differed according to the consumption of Retimix®. The interaction between time and treatment was significant, with F (1.032, 102.168) = 14.416; η2 = 0.127; p < 0.001, indicating that the change in terms of CMT and BCVA over time among groups was significantly different. In conclusion, our results show the efficacy of Curcuma longa and Boswellia serrata in patients with non-proliferative DR and treatment-naïve DME in maintaining baseline CMT and BCVA values over time.
Factors Modulating COVID-19: A Mechanistic Understanding Based on the Adverse Outcome Pathway Framework
Authors: Clerbaux Laure-Alix , Albertini Maria Cristina , Amigó Núria , Beronius Anna , Bezemer Gillina F. G. , Coecke Sandra , Daskalopoulos Evangelos P. , del Giudice Giusy , Greco Dario , Grenga Lucia , Mantovani Alberto , Muñoz Amalia , Omeragic Elma , Parissis Nikolaos , Petrillo Mauro , Saarimäki Laura A. , Soares Helena , Sullivan Kristie , Landesmann Brigitte
Published: August 2022

Addressing factors modulating COVID-19 is crucial since abundant clinical evidence shows that outcomes are markedly heterogeneous between patients. This requires identifying the factors and understanding how they mechanistically influence COVID-19. Here, we describe how eleven selected factors (age, sex, genetic factors, lipid disorders, heart failure, gut dysbiosis, diet, vitamin D deficiency, air pollution and exposure to chemicals) influence COVID-19 by applying the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP), which is well-established in regulatory toxicology. This framework aims to model the sequence of events leading to an adverse health outcome. Several linear AOPs depicting pathways from the binding of the virus to ACE2 up to clinical outcomes observed in COVID-19 have been developed and integrated into a network offering a unique overview of the mechanisms underlying the disease. As SARS-CoV-2 infectibility and ACE2 activity are the major starting points and inflammatory response is central in the development of COVID-19, we evaluated how those eleven intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulate those processes impacting clinical outcomes. Applying this AOP-aligned approach enables the identification of current knowledge gaps orientating for further research and allows to propose biomarkers to identify of high-risk patients. This approach also facilitates expertise synergy from different disciplines to address public health issues.
Objective Skin Quality Assessment after Reconstructive Procedures for Facial Skin Defects
Authors: Martinovic Dinko , Lupi-Ferandin Slaven , Tokic Daria , Usljebrka Mislav , Rados Andrija , Pojatina Ante , Kadic Sanja , Puizina Ema , Mihovilovic Ante , Kumric Marko , Vilovic Marino , Leskur Dario , Bozic Josko
Published: August 2022

Local random skin flaps and skin grafts are everyday surgical techniques used to reconstruct skin defects. Although their clinical advantages and disadvantages are well known, there are still uncertainties with respect to their long-term results. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes more than one-year post operatively using objective measurement devices. The study included 31 facial defects reconstructed with local random flap, 30 facial defects reconstructed with split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) and 30 facial defects reconstructed with full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs). Skin quality was objectively evaluated using MP6 noninvasive probes (Courage + Khazaka GmbH, Cologne, Germany), which measure melanin count, erythema, hydration, sebum, friction and transepidermal water loss. The results showed that there were no significant differences in melanin count, erythema, hydration, sebum level, friction value and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) between the site reconstructed with random local flaps and the same site on the healthy contralateral side of the face. However, both FTSGs and STSGs showed significantly higher levels in terms of TEWL and erythema, whereas the levels of hydration, sebum and friction were significantly lower compared to the healthy contralateral side. Moreover, STSGs resulted in a significant difference in melanin count. These findings imply that the complex pathophysiology of the wound-healing process possibly results in better skin-quality outcomes for random local flaps than skin autografts. Consequently, this suggests that random local flaps should be implemented whenever possible for the reconstruction of facial region defects.
Radial vs. Dorsal Approach for Elastic Stable Internal Nailing in Pediatric Radius Fractures—A 10 Year Review
Authors: Cintean Raffael , Eickhoff Alexander , Pankratz Carlos , Strauss Beatrice , Gebhard Florian , Schütze Konrad
Published: August 2022

Background: Forearm fractures are one of the most common fractures in children. Over the last years, a tendency towards surgical treatment was seen, especially closed reduction and internal fixation with elastic stable internal nailing (ESIN). Despite an overall low complication rate being described, a risk of intraoperative complications remains. Material and Methods: A total of 237 patients (mean age 8.3 ± 3.4 (1–16) years) with forearm or radius fractures treated with ESIN between 2010 and 2020 were included in the study. The retrospective review of 245 focused on fracture pattern, pre- and postoperative fracture angulation, intra- and postoperative complications, and surgical approach for nail implant. The fracture pattern and pre- and postoperative angulation were measured radiographically. Complications such as ruptures of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon and sensibility disorders of the superficial radial nerve were further analyzed. Results: In 201 cases (82%), we performed a dorsal approach; 44 fractures (17.9%) were treated with a radial approach. In total, we found 25 (10%) surgery-related complications, of which 21 (8.6%) needed further surgical treatment. In total, we had 14 EPL ruptures (5.7%), 4 sensibility disorders of the superficial radial nerve (1.6%), 2 refractures after implant removal (0.8%), 2 superficial wound infections (0.8%), and 1 child with limited range of motion after surgery (0.4%). No statistical significance between pre- and postoperative angulation correlated to fracture patterns or diameter of the elastic nail was seen. As expected, there was a significant improvement of postoperative angulation. Using radial approach in distal radial fractures showed a lower rate of surgical related complications, 2.3% of which need further surgical treatment as well as better postoperative angulations compared to the dorsal approach (8.5%). Conclusion: Especially due to the low risk of damaging the EPL tendon, the radial approach showed a lower complication rate which needed further surgical treatment. The risk of lesions of the superficial radial nerve remains.
Right Cortical Infarction and a Reduction in Putamen Volume May Be Correlated with Empathy in Patients after Subacute Ischemic Stroke—A Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Qu Jian-Feng , Zhou Yue-Qiong , Liu Jian-Fei , Hu Hui-Hong , Cheng Wei-Yang , Lu Zhi-Hao , Shi Lin , Luo Yi-Shan , Zhao Lei , Chen Yang-Kun
Published: August 2022

Empathy has not been well studied in patients following ischemic stroke. We aimed to evaluate the relationships of multimodal neuroimaging parameters with the impairment of empathy in patients who had experienced subacute ischemic stroke. Patients who had experienced a first-event acute ischemic stroke were recruited, and we assessed their empathy using the Chinese version of the Empathy Quotient (EQ) 3 months after the index stroke. Multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was conducted in all the participants to identify acute infarction and assess brain volumes, white matter integrity, and other preexisting abnormalities. We quantified the brain volumes of various subcortical structures, the ventricles, and cortical lobar atrophy. The microstructural integrity of the white matter was reflected in the mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD), and the regional mean values of FA and MD were quantified after mapping using the ICBM_DTI_81 Atlas. Twenty-three (56.1%) men and 18 (43.9%) women (mean age: 61.73 years, range: 41–77 years) were included. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at discharge was 1 (range: 0–4). On univariate analysis, the EQ was correlated with right cortical infarction (r = −0.39, p = 0.012), putamen volume (r = 0.382, p = 0.014), right putamen volume (r = 0.338, p = 0.031), and the FA value of the right sagittal stratum. EQ did not correlated with the MD value in any region of interest or pre-existing brain abnormalities. Multiple stepwise linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with EQ. After adjusting for age and the NIHSS score on admission, the frequency of right cortical infarcts negatively correlated with EQ (standardized β = −0.358, 95% confidence interval =−0.708 to −0.076, p = 0.016), and the putamen volume positively correlated with EQ (standardized β = 0.328, 95% confidence interval =0.044 to 0.676, p = 0.027). In conclusion, in patients who have experienced subacute ischemic stroke, right cortical infarction and a smaller putamen volume are associated with the impairment of empathy.
Regression Analysis between the Different Breast Dose Quantities Reported in Digital Mammography and Patient Age, Breast Thickness, and Acquisition Parameters
Authors: Dhou Salam , Dalah Entesar , AlGhafeer Reda , Hamidu Aisha , Obaideen Abdulmunhem
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Screening mammography is considered the primary imaging modality for the early detection of breast cancer. The radiation dose from mammography increases the patients’ risk of radiation-induced cancer. The mean glandular dose (MGD), or the average glandular dose (AGD), provides an estimate of the absorbed dose of radiation by the glandular tissues of a breast. In this paper, MGD is estimated for the craniocaudal (CC) and mediolateral–oblique (MLO) views using entrance skin dose (ESD), X-ray spectrum information, patient age, breast glandularity, and breast thickness. Moreover, a regression analysis is performed to evaluate the impact of mammography acquisition parameters, age, and breast thickness on the estimated MGD and other machine-produced dose quantities, namely, ESD and organ dose (OD). Furthermore, a correlation study is conducted to evaluate the correlation between the ESD and OD, and the estimated MGD per image view. This retrospective study was applied to a dataset of 2035 mammograms corresponding to a cohort of 486 subjects with an age range of 28–86 years who underwent screening mammography examinations. Linear regression metrics were calculated to evaluate the strength of the correlations. The mean (and range) MGD for the CC view was 0.832 (0.110–3.491) mGy and for the MLO view was 0.995 (0.256–2.949) mGy. All the mammography dose quantities strongly correlated with tube exposure (mAs): ESD (R2 = 0.938 for the CC view and R2 = 0.945 for the MLO view), OD (R2 = 0.969 for the CC view and R2 = 0.983 for the MLO view), and MGD (R2 = 0.980 for the CC view and R2 = 0.972 for the MLO view). Breast thickness showed a better correlation with all the mammography dose quantities than patient age, which showed a poor correlation. Moreover, a strong correlation was found between the calculated MGD and both the ESD (R2 = 0.929 for the CC view and R2 = 0.914 for the MLO view) and OD (R2 = 0.971 for the CC view and R2 = 0.972 for the MLO view). Furthermore, it was found that the MLO scan views yield a slightly higher dose compared to CC scan views. It was also found that the glandular absorbed dose is more dependent on glandularity than size. Despite being more reflective of the dose absorbed by the glandular tissue than OD and ESD, MGD is considered labor-intensive and time-consuming to estimate.
Multi-Attribute Decision-Making Ship Structural Design
Authors: Pereira Tiago , Garbatov Yordan
Published: August 2022

This study develops a procedure for performing multi-attribute decision-making ship structural design of a multi-purpose ship. The already designed ship is further structurally designed to comply with the requirements of the Classification Societies. The ship hull and structural components are verified against yielding, buckling, and ultimate strength. Based on the ultimate limit state (ULS), the first order reliability method (FORM) is employed to analyse the structural risk in reducing the probability of failure. The costs associated with materials, manufacturing, and labour are estimated. The structural risk analysis is performed, accounting for different hazard issues related to loss of ship, loss of cargo, loss of human life, and accidental spill of fuel and oil. The risk-based analysis is used to identify an optimum level of ship structural safety, i.e., the optimum reliability index, controlling the risk associated with the ship hull design. The study uses a multiple attribute decision-making ship design approach, simultaneously considering several objectives for different scenarios employing the Technique of Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The identified ship design solution is associated with the minimum expected total cost leading to lower construction and operational costs and risk with maximum cargo capacity and energy efficiency. The developed procedure is flexible enough to accommodate different design criteria and possible hazards during the ship’s service life.
Occupancy Grid-Based AUV SLAM Method with Forward-Looking Sonar
Authors: Mu Xiaokai , Yue Guan , Zhou Nan , Chen Congcong
Published: August 2022

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) is an active localization method for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), and it can mainly be used in unknown and complex areas such as coastal water, harbors, and wharfs. This paper presents a practical occupancy grid-based method based on forward-looking sonar for AUV. The algorithm uses an extended Kalman filter (EKF) to estimate the AUV motion states. First, the SLAM method fuses the data coming from the navigation sensors to predict the motion states. Subsequently, a novel particle swarm optimization genetic algorithm (PSO-GA) scan matching method is employed for matching the sonar scan data and grid map, and the matching pose would be used to correct the prediction states. Lastly, the estimated motion states and sonar scan data would be used to update the grid map. The experimental results based on the field data have validated that the proposed SLAM algorithm is adaptable to underwater conditions, and accurate enough to use for ocean engineering practical applications.
Stability Analysis of a TLP with Inclined Tension Legs under Different Marine Survival Conditions
Authors: Wei Naying , Zhang Zhen , Xu Xu , Yao Wenjuan
Published: August 2022

To verify that inclined tension legs can improve the stability of the tension leg platform, this paper established the dynamic equation of a tension leg platform (TLP) under marine environmental loads by using the modified Morrison equation considering the influence of ocean currents on wave forces. Additionally, the velocity and acceleration of random wave water particles were simulated via the JONSWAP spectrum. In addition, a three-dimensional model of a tension leg platform with inclined tension legs was established by AQWA, and its dynamic responses under variable survival conditions were compared and analyzed. The results showed that the surge and heave were more sensitive to the sea current, while the pitch was more sensitive to the wind. There is a significant difference in tendon tensions between the atypical TLP with inclined tension legs established in this study and the typical International Ship and Offshore Structures Committee (ISSC) TLP.
Genetic Diversity Analysis based on the Virulence, Physiology and Regional Variability in Different Isolates of Powdery Mildew in Pea
Authors: Seethapathy Parthasarathy , Sankaralingam Subbiah , Pandita Deepu , Pandita Anu , Loganathan Kousalya , Wani Shabir Hussain , El-Ansary Diaa O. , Sharma Hanoor , Casini Ryan , Mahmoud Eman A. , Elansary Hosam O.
Published: August 2022

Powdery mildew is an omnipresent disease that reduces the yield and quality of pea crops (Pisum sativum L.). To examine the powdery mildew pathogen’s morphological, molecular, and genetic diversity, we collected samples of powdery mildew-affected pea crops from ten distinct locations in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu, India. The pathogen Erysiphe pisi was identified morphologically based on anamorphic characters. Molecular identification of E. pisi isolates was befitted by targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA and specific primers of powdery mildew fungi. The genetic variation between ten different E. pisi isolates collected from topographically distinct mountainous areas was studied using random amplified polymorphic (RAPD). Based on its morphological characteristics, the powdery mildew fungus presented high similarities to E. pisi. Molecular characterization of the ITS rDNA of E. pisi produced 650 bp nucleotides, PMITS (powdery mildew-internal transcribed region) primers produced 700 bp nucleotides, and an Erysiphe specific ITS primer pair amplified and synthesized 560 bp nucleotides. According to the findings, the collected E. pisi strains exhibited a low level of genetic diversity and only a slight differential in virulence on the host. In the study, E. pisi isolates from Anumapuram, Emerald Valley, Indira Nagar, and Thuneri showed a greater disease incidence in the natural field conditions and shared the same genetic lineage with other isolates in UPGMA hierarchical cluster analysis based on RAPD markers. There was no evidence of a link between the occurrence of the disease and these grouped populations.
Symbiotic Fungi Alter the Acquisition of Phosphorus in Camellia oleifera through Regulating Root Architecture, Plant Phosphate Transporter Gene Expressions and Soil Phosphatase Activities
Authors: Cao Ming-Ao , Liu Rui-Cheng , Xiao Zhi-Yan , Hashem Abeer , Abd_Allah Elsayed Fathi , Alsayed Mashail Fahad , Harsonowati Wiwiek , Wu Qiang-Sheng
Published: August 2022

Plant roots can be colonized by many symbiotic fungi, whereas it is unclear whether and how symbiotic fungi including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and endophytic fungi promote phosphorus (P) uptake in Camellia oleifera plants. The objective of the present study was to analyze the effect of inoculation with a culturable endophytic fungus (Piriformospora indica), three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (Funneliformis mosseae, Diversispora versiformis, and Rhizophagus intraradices), and mixture of F. mosseae, D. versiformis and R. intraradices on plant growth, root architecture, soil Olsen-P, soil phosphatase activities, leaf and root P concentrations, and phosphate transporter gene expressions, in order to explore the potential and mechanism of these symbiotic fungi on P acquisition. All the symbiotic fungi colonized roots of C. oleifera after 16 weeks, with P. indica showing the best effect on fungal colonization. All the symbiotic fungi significantly increased acid, neutral, and total phosphatase activities in the soil, accompanied with an elevation of soil Olsen-P, of which P. indica presented the best effect. All symbiotic fungal treatments, except D. versiformis, significantly promoted plant growth, coupled with an increase in root total length, area, and volume. Symbiotic fungi almost up-regulated root CoPHO1-3 expressions as well as leaf CoPHO1-1, CoPHO1-3, and CoPHT1;4 expressions. Correlation analysis showed that P concentrations in leaves and roots were significantly positively correlated with root morphological variables (length, volume, and surface area) and soil acid, neutral and total phosphatase activities. It is concluded that symbiotic fungi, especially P. indica, played an important role in P uptake of C. oleifera plants through regulating root architecture, part plant phosphate transporter gene expressions and soil phosphatase activities.
Correction: Astvad et al. Increasing Terbinafine Resistance in Danish Trichophyton Isolates 2019–2020. J. Fungi 2022, 8, 150
Authors: Astvad Karen Marie Thyssen , Hare Rasmus Krøger , Jørgensen Karin Meinike , Saunte Ditte Marie Lindhardt , Thomsen Philip Kjettinge , Arendrup Maiken Cavling
Published: August 2022

In paragraph four of the discussion in the original article [...]