bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinación de los índices BMWP/COL, (QBR), (IHF) E ICO en Valledupar, Colombia
Authors: Torres-Cervera Karina Paola , Herrera-Martínez Jesús Ramón , Navarro-Sining Breiner Andrés , Martínez-García Nicolás , Royero-Ibarra Adriana , Cahuana-Mojica Aleana
Published: May 2022

Se determinó la calidad ambiental del curso hídrico del río Guatapurí sobre el balneario Hurtado en los meses de diciembre de 2018 a junio de 2019, para ello, se utilizaron los índices QBR, IHF, BMWP/COL e índice de contaminación ICO evaluados en 3 tramos (aguas arriba – balneario – aguas abajo) en un trayecto de 1.387km durante las temporadas de lluvia y sequía. Los resultados obtenidos fueron correlacionados utilizando la metodología de Spearman. Los índices biológicos mostraron los siguientes resultados en el área de estudio; el BMWP/COL presentó calidad de agua muy limpias, en QBR presentó riberas con degradación extrema, IHF presentó hábitat acuático medianamente diverso y los parámetros físico químicos evaluados cumplieron parcialmente con la normatividad vigente para uso de agua. Los índices ICO evaluados mostraron relación entre fuerte y moderada con IHF, mientras que la relación con QBR fue moderada y BMWP/COL no fue aceptable.

The environmental quality of the water course of the Guatapurí river on the Hurtado health resort was determined in the months of December 2018 to June 2019, for this, the QBR, IHF, BMWP / COL and ICO contamination index evaluated in 3 sections were used (upstream – health resort - downstream) on a 1.387km path during the rainy and dry seasons. The results obtained were correlated using Spearman's methodology. The biological indexes showed the following results in the study area; The BMWP / COL presented very clean water quality, in QBR it presented riverside with extreme degradation, IHF presented a moderately diverse aquatic habitat and the physical chemical parameters evaluated partially complied with current regulations for water use. The ICO indices evaluated showed a relationship between strong and moderate with IHF, while the relationship with QBR was moderate and BMWP / COL was not acceptable.
Procesos cognitivos implicados en conductas de protección ante COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
Authors: Ávila-Toscano José Hernando , Hernández-Chang Emilio Ariel , Marenco-Escuderos Ailed , Herrera-Bravo Maura , Rambal-Rivaldo Laura
Published: May 2022

Las conductas de riesgo o protección ante enfermedades virales pueden verse influenciadas por la forma como la población construye cogniciones sobre esta realidad, tales cogniciones resultan clave para comprender cómo actúan las personas respecto a situaciones que representan riesgos para su salud. Este estudio evalúa el papel de procesos cognitivos como los sesgos o falsas creencias, la intención conductual y las creencias de eficacia, en relación con la enfermedad COVID-19, procurando determinar su influencia en los comportamientos de protección incluida la probabilidad de vacunarse. A través de un estudio transversal predictivo se evaluó a 794 personas en Colombia durante el primer pico pandémico de 2020, empleando cuestionarios en línea y se construyeron modelos de regresión para pronosticar las conductas de protección recomendadas por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (lavado de manos, aislamiento social, uso de mascarillas). Los hallazgos señalan alta frecuencia en el sesgo de control y el optimismo ilusorio, al igual que altas expectativas de efectividad del cuidado, los cuales pronostican las conductas de protección y la intención de vacunarse. A partir de los resultados se discute que los sesgos relativos al optimismo no necesariamente implican asumir conductas de exposición a la enfermedad, de hecho, parecen tener un papel funcional en el cuidado.
Dificultades en la regulación emocional de pacientes con trastorno límite de personalidad atendidos en un centro de terapia dialéctico conductual de Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Gómez Valero Maria Alejandra , Zapata Ospina Juan Pablo , Andrade Carrillo Rommel , Estrada Jaramillo Santiago
Published: May 2022

La desregulación emocional puede expresarse de distinta manera en el trastorno límite de personalidad (TLP), posiblemente por la influencia del contexto cultural. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar las dificultades en la regulación emocional en pacientes con TLP que consultan a un centro especializado en Terapia Dialéctico Conductual (DBT) en la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal con 54 pacientes, principalmente mujeres jóvenes, solteras y de estrato socioeconómico alto con TLP que ingresaron a tratamiento y se les aplicó la “Escala de Dificultades en la Regulación Emocional” (DERS). Se calcularon la mediana (M) y rango intercuartílico (RIQ) y valor de p con la U de Mann-Whitney y el tamaño del efecto (valor r). El puntaje total en la DERS fue alto (M=134; RIQ=117-142). Se encontraron diferencias entre hombres y mujeres, con un tamaño de efecto intermedio (Mmujer=135,5 versus Mhombre=119; p=0,047; r=-0,26). No se encontraron diferencias entre grupos etarios, pero las dificultades en la regulación emocional sí fueron diferentes en los pacientes que cursaban además con TDAH, ansiedad, depresión y ansiedad combinados, y trastorno bipolar. Esto indicaría que en pacientes de una ciudad de Colombia en tratamiento con DBT, las dificultades en la regulación emocional son altas y parecen ser mayores en las mujeres. La presencia de ansiedad, depresión, TDAH y trastorno bipolar podría influir en la intensidad de la desregulación emocional y en las facetas en la que se manifiesta, lo que sugiere alta variabilidad dentro del diagnóstico.
Incidencia de la formación profesional de docentes hacia la inclusión educativa
Authors: Poveda Zúñiga Jorge Antonio , Tigrero Vaca Jorge , Sornoza Zavala Gioryi Augusto
Published: May 2022

El presente artículo tiene como propósito describir las percepciones de docentes universitarios, en relación a la inclusión y atención a la diversidad. El método utilizado es cuantitativo de tipo no experimental, transeccional de campo. La muestra estuvo conformada por 166 docentes y como instrumento se utilizó la Escala PIAD. Los resultados demostraron que la percepción de los docentes acerca de la inclusión y atención a la diversidad es favorable a partir de determinadas variables tales como: género, etnia, edad, formación académica y asignatura que imparte. En cambio, los años de experiencia docente, la capacitación en pedagogía o métodos educativos, y tener algún tipo de contacto con personas con discapacidad son variables que inciden de manera negativa en dicha percepción.
Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation: An Overview With an Example of Translation From Lab to Market
Authors: Sen Rakesh , Das Supriya , Nath Aritra , Maharana Priyanka , Kar Pradipta , Verpoort Francis , Liang Pei , Roy Soumyajit
Published: May 2022

Water oxidation has become very popular due to its prime role in water splitting and metal–air batteries. Thus, the development of efficient, abundant, and economical catalysts, as well as electrode design, is very demanding today. In this review, we have discussed the principles of electrocatalytic water oxidation reaction (WOR), the electrocatalyst and electrode design strategies for the most efficient results, and recent advancement in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalyst design. Finally, we have discussed the use of OER in the Oxygen Maker (OM) design with the example of OM REDOX by Solaire Initiative Private Ltd. The review clearly summarizes the future directions and applications for sustainable energy utilization with the help of water splitting and the way forward to develop better cell designs with electrodes and catalysts for practical applications. We hope this review will offer a basic understanding of the OER process and WOR in general along with the standard parameters to evaluate the performance and encourage more WOR-based profound innovations to make their way from the lab to the market following the example of OM REDOX.
Effects of X-Rays, Electron Beam, and Gamma Irradiation on Chemical and Physical Properties of EVA Multilayer Films
Authors: Girard-Perier Nina , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Dupuy Nathalie , Claeys-Bruno Magalie , Gaston Fanny , Dorey Samuel , Fifield Leonard S. , Ni Yelin , Li Donghui , Fuchs Witold K. , Murphy Mark K. , Pillai Suresh D. , Pharr Matt , Nichols Larry
Published: May 2022

Gamma-ray irradiation, using the cobalt-60 isotope, is the most common radiation modality used for medical device and biopharmaceutical products sterilization. Although X-ray and electron-beam (e-beam) sterilization technologies are mature and have been in use for decades, impediments remain to switching to these sterilization modalities because of lack of data on the resulting radiation effects for the associated polymers, as well as a lack of education for manufacturers and regulators on the viability of these sterilization alternatives. For this study, the compatibility of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) multilayer films with different ionizing radiation sterilization (X-ray, e-beam, and gamma irradiation) is determined by measuring chemical and physical film properties using high performance liquid chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FTIR), surface energy measurement, and electron spin resonance techniques. The results indicate that the three irradiation modalities induce no differences in thermal properties in the investigated dose range. Gamma and X-Ray irradiations generate the same level of reactive species in the EVA multilayer film, whereas e-beam generates a reduced quantity of reactive species.
Effect of Angiogenesis and Lymphangiogenesis in Diesel Exhaust Particles Inhalation in Mouse Model of LPS Induced Acute Otitis Media
Authors: Kim Byeong-Gon , Choi Da Yeon , Kim Min-Gyoung , Jang An-Soo , Suh Myung-Whan , Lee Jun Ho , Oh Seung Ha , Park Moo Kyun
Published: May 2022

Lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis might have significant involvement in the pathogenesis of otitis media with effusion. This study investigated the effect of diesel exhaust particles (DEP) on inflammation and lymphangiogenesis in a mouse model of acute otitis media (AOM). BALB/c mice were injected with LPS and exposed to 100 µg/m3 DEP. The mice were divided into four groups: control (no stimulation), AOM, AOM + DEP, and DEP + AOM.

The effects of DEP inhalation pre- and post-DEP induction were estimated based on measurements of the auditory brainstem response, mRNA levels of lymphangiogenesis-related genes and cytokines, and histology of the middle ear. Cell viability of human middle ear epithelial cells decreased in a dose-response manner at 24 and 48 hours post-DEP exposure. DEP alone did not induce AOM. AOM-induced mice with pre- or post-DEP exposure showed thickened middle ear mucosa and increased expression of TNF-α and IL1-β mRNA levels compared to the control group, but increased serum IL-1β levels were not found in the AOM + Post DEP. The mRNA expression of TLR4, VEGFA, VEGFAC, and VEGFR3 was increased by pre-AOM DEP exposure.

The expression of VEFGA protein was stronger in the AOM + Post DEP group than in any other group. The expression of CD31 and CD45 markers in the mouse middle ear tissue was higher in the Pre DEP + AOM group than in the AOM group. This result implies that pre-exposure to DEP more strongly increases inflammation and lymphangiogenesis in a mouse model of acute otitis media.
Development and Clinical Application of a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification-Lateral Flow Strip Assay for Detection of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Wang Lei , Sun Dunpo , Chen Li , Zhou Ping , Wang Kun , Wang Fang , Lei Xingqi , Wang Yan , Lu Yingzhi , Huang Guanhong , Gao Xuzhu
Published: May 2022

Acinetobacter baumannii is a worldwide, primary cause of respiratory tract infections, septicemia, urinary apparatus infections, and secondary meningitis. It can be fatal. Rapid and accurate detection methods are needed to control the spread of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB). Current molecular diagnostic methods are limited and not suitable for on-site detection. In this study, an isothermal detection method using recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) combined with a lateral flow strip (LFS) was developed to target the blaOXA-51 and blaOXA-23 genes of A. baumannii. The reaction was completed in about 40 min at 37°C. This method can also effectively distinguish A. baumannii and CRAB. The limit of detection of 100-101 CFU/reaction was equal to that of other detection methods. The detection accuracy was equal to that of the qPCR method with the use of clinical samples. The RPA-LFS assay is portable, rapid, and accurate and could replace existing detection methods for on-site detection of A. baumannii and CRAB.
Tuning of Elasticsearch Configuration: Parameter Optimization Through Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation
Authors: Haugerud Hårek , Sobhie Mohamad , Yazidi Anis
Published: May 2022

Elasticsearch is currently the most popular search engine for full-text database management systems. By default, its configuration does not change while it receives data. However, when Elasticsearch stores a large amount of data over time, the default configuration becomes an obstacle to improving performance. In addition, the servers that host Elasticsearch may have limited resources, such as internal memory and CPU. A general solution to these problems is to dynamically tune the configuration parameters of Elasticsearch in order to improve its performance. The sheer number of parameters involved in this configuration makes it a complex task. In this work, we apply the Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation method for optimizing Elasticsearch with multiple unknown parameters. Using this algorithm, our implementation optimizes the Elasticsearch configuration parameters by observing the performance and automatically changing the configuration to improve performance. The proposed solution makes it possible to change the configuration parameters of Elasticsearch automatically without having to restart the currently running instance of Elasticsearch. The results show a higher than 40% improvement in the combined data insertion capacity and the system's response time.
Serum Cystatin C Trajectory Is a Marker Associated With Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wang Nana , Lu Zhenyu , Zhang Wei , Bai Yu , Pei Dongmei , Li Ling
Published: May 2022

Objective

To explore the association of the trajectory of serum Cystatin C (Cysc) with diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a retrospective cohort study of Chinese subjects was carried out.

Method

A review of 2,928 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients admitted to the clinic and ward of the Endocrinology Department, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2014 was performed. Subsequent visits to the hospital were followed until December 31, 2020. The primary endpoint was the incidence of DKD as diagnosed by urinary albumin/creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g and/or estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Healthy control subjects were identified from a health checkup database in Shengjing Hospital from 2016 to 2019. The latent class growth mixed modeling (LCGMM) method was used to analyze latent classes of serum Cysc in healthy and DM subjects. Finally, the hazard ratios (HRs) of latent classes of Cysc in DM subjects were analyzed by Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 805 type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 349 healthy subjects were included in the trial. The HRs of quartiles of baseline Cysc in T2DM subjects were 7.15 [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.79 to 25.57], 2.30 (95% CI, 1.25 to 4.24), and 2.05 (95% CI, 1.14 to 3.70), respectively, for quartile 4 (Q4), Q3, and Q2 when compared with Q1. Through LCGMM, a 1-class linear model was selected for the Cysc latent class in healthy subjects. In contrast, a 3-class linear model was selected for that in DM subjects. The slopes of the three latent classes in T2DM subjects were larger than the slope in healthy subjects. The HRs of incident DKD were 3.43 (95% CI, 1.93 to 6.11) for the high-increasing class and 1.80 (95% CI, 1.17 to 2.77) for the middle-increasing class after adjusting for confounding variables.

Conclusions

Patients with T2DM had a higher velocity of increase in Cysc than healthy subjects. Patients with high baseline Cysc values and high latent increasing velocity of Cysc had a higher risk of developing DKD in later life. More attention should be paid to patients with these high-risk factors.
Time-Lapse Electrical Resistivity Tomography Imaging of Buried Human Remains in Simulated Mass and Individual Graves
Authors: Doro Kennedy O. , Emmanuel Efemena D. , Adebayo Moses B. , Bank Carl-Georg , Wescott Daniel J. , Mickleburgh Hayley L.
Published: May 2022

Electrical resistivity has been used as a noninvasive geophysical technique for locating clandestine graves and monitoring human decay within the subsurface. Detailed studies assessing resistivity anomalies due to soil disturbances and decay products associated with graves have relied on the use of proxies, such as pigs, with limited studies using real human cadavers and simulating a mass grave setting and none assessing the anomalies in 3D. In this study, we used time-lapse 2D and quasi-3D electrical resistivity distribution measured over an experimental mass grave and individual graves containing human cadavers to assess resistivity anomalies resulting from graves and the presence of decaying human remains in them. This study is part of a novel multidisciplinary mass grave experimental study with six graves consisting of a mass grave with six human cadavers, a controlled mass grave with none, three individual graves with one human cadaver each, and a control individual grave with none. Nine parallel resistivity transects which allow us to image these graves in their 3D context were acquired prior to excavation and 2 days, 1, 2, and 6 months after burial using a dipole–dipole electrode array, a unit electrode spacing of 0.5 m, and an interprofile spacing of 1m. The value of different electrode arrays and spacings in identifying the contrast between the graves was also assessed using forward models and field data. Soil sensors were installed at different locations in the graves to monitor soil electrical conductivity, moisture content, and temperature. The results of this study show an increase in electrical resistivity 2 days after burial in all graves with human remains and the control graves, which we attribute to increased soil aeration where disturbed pores are filled with air. The resistivity decreases thereafter in graves with human remains which we attribute to the formation of conductive leachates. This study validates the potential of electrical resistivity as a forensic search tool for locating both clandestine mass and individual graves and as a noninvasive monitoring technique to support human decomposition research.
Human Conventional and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells Differ in Their Ability to Respond to Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sabatini Andrea , Guerrera Gisella , Corsetti Marta , Ruocco Gabriella , De Bardi Marco , Renzi Sonia , Cavalieri Duccio , Battistini Luca , Angelini Daniela Francesca , Volpe Elisabetta
Published: May 2022

Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a commensal yeast colonizer of mucosal surfaces and an emerging opportunistic pathogen in the mucosa and bloodstream. The role of S. cerevisiae has been largely characterized in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocyte-derived dendritic cells, where yeast cells induce the production of inflammatory cytokines through the interaction with mannose receptors, chitin receptors, DC SIGN, and dectin1. However, the response of blood-circulating dendritic cells (DCs) to S. cerevisiae has never been investigated. Among blood DCs, conventional DCs (cDCs) are producers of inflammatory cytokines, while plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) are a specialized population producing a large amount of interferon (IFN)-α, which is involved in the antiviral immune response. Here we report that both human DC subsets are able to sense S. cerevisiae. In particular, cDCs produce interleukin (IL)-6, express activation markers, and promotes T helper 17 cell polarization in response to yeasts, behaving similarly to monocyte-derived DCs as previously described. Interestingly, pDCs, not cDCs, sense fungal nucleic acids, leading to the generation of P1-pDCs (PD-L1+CD80–), a pDC subset characterized by the production of IFN-α and the induction of a Th profile producing IL-10. These results highlight a novel role of pDCs in response to S. cerevisiae that could be important for the regulation of the host microbiota–immune system balance and of anti-fungal immune response.
Genome Replication Is Associated With Release of Immunogenic DNA Waste
Authors: Schubert Nadja , Schumann Tina , Daum Elena , Flade Karolin , Ge Yan , Hagedorn Lara , Edelmann Winfried , Müller Luise , Schmitz Marc , Kuut Gunnar , Hornung Veit , Behrendt Rayk , Roers Axel
Published: May 2022

Innate DNA sensors detect foreign and endogenous DNA to induce responses to infection and cellular stress or damage. Inappropriate activation by self-DNA triggers severe autoinflammatory conditions, including Aicardi-Goutières syndrome (AGS) that can be caused by defects of the cytosolic DNase 3’repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1). TREX1 loss-of-function alleles are also associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Chronic activation of innate antiviral immunity in TREX1-deficient cells depends on the DNA sensor cGAS, implying that accumulating TREX1 DNA substrates cause the inflammatory pathology. Retrotransposon-derived cDNAs were shown to activate cGAS in TREX1-deficient neuronal cells. We addressed other endogenous sources of cGAS ligands in cells lacking TREX1. We find that induced loss of TREX1 in primary cells induces a rapid IFN response that requires ongoing proliferation. The inflammatory phenotype of Trex1-/- mice was partially rescued by additional knock out of exonuclease 1, a multifunctional enzyme providing 5’ flap endonuclease activity for Okazaki fragment processing and postreplicative ribonucleotide excision repair. Our data imply genome replication as a source of DNA waste with pathogenic potential that is efficiently degraded by TREX1.
Neutralizing Antibodies Against Factor VIII Can Occur Through a Non-Germinal Center Pathway
Authors: Patel Seema R. , Lundgren Taran S. , Baldwin Wallace Hunter , Cox Courtney , Parker Ernest T. , Healey John F. , Jajosky Ryan P. , Zerra Patricia E. , Josephson Cassandra D. , Doering Christopher B. , Stowell Sean R. , Meeks Shannon L.
Published: May 2022

Humoral immunity to factor VIII (FVIII) represents a significant challenge for the treatment of patients with hemophilia A. Current paradigms indicate that neutralizing antibodies against FVIII (inhibitors) occur through a classical CD4 T cell, germinal center (GC) dependent process. However, clinical observations suggest that the nature of the immune response to FVIII may differ between patients. While some patients produce persistent low or high inhibitor titers, others generate a transient response. Moreover, FVIII reactive memory B cells are only detectable in some patients with sustained inhibitor titers. The determinants regulating the type of immune response a patient develops, let alone how the immune response differs in these patients remains incompletely understood. One hypothesis is that polymorphisms within immunoregulatory genes alter the underlying immune response to FVIII, and thereby the inhibitor response. Consistent with this, studies report that inhibitor titers to FVIII differ in animals with the sameF8pathogenic variant but completely distinct backgrounds; though, how these genetic disparities affect the immune response to FVIII remains to be investigated. Given this, we sought to mechanistically dissect how genetics impact the underlying immune response to FVIII. In particular, as the risk of producing inhibitors is weakly associated with differences in HLA, we hypothesized that genetic factors other than HLA influence the immune response to FVIII and downstream inhibitor formation. Our data demonstrate that FVIII deficient mice encoding the same MHC andF8variant produce disparate inhibitor titers, and that the type of inhibitor response formed associates with the ability to generate GCs. Interestingly, the formation of antibodies through a GC or non-GC pathway does not appear to be due to differences in CD4 T cell immunity, as the CD4 T cell response to an immunodominant epitope in FVIII was similar in these mice. These results indicate that genetics can impact the process by which inhibitors develop and may in part explain the apparent propensity of patients to form distinct inhibitor responses. Moreover, these data highlight an underappreciated immunological pathway of humoral immunity to FVIII and lay the groundwork for identification of biomarkers for the development of approaches to tolerize against FVIII.
Integrative Analysis of Small RNA and mRNA Expression Profiles Identifies Signatures Associated With Chronic Epididymitis
Authors: Gong Jialei , Wang Peng , Liu Jin-Chuan , Li Jianlin , Zeng Qun-Xiong , Yang Chen , Li Yanfeng , Yu Di , Cao Dandan , Duan Yong-Gang
Published: May 2022

Chronic epididymitis (CE) refers to a long-lasting inflammatory condition of the epididymis, which is considered the most common site of intrascrotal inflammation and an important aetiological factor of male infertility. Recent studies demonstrate that small RNAs secreted from epididymal epithelium modulate embryo development and offspring phenotypes via sperm transmission, and the resulting modifications may lead to transgenerational inheritance. However, to date, the genome-wide analysis of small RNA together with the transcriptomic expression profiles of human epididymis and CE is still lacking. In this study, we facilitated next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics to comprehensively analyze the small RNA and mRNA in an integrative way and identified signatures associated with CE. Both of the small RNA and mRNA expression data demonstrated relatively larger molecular differences among the segmental region of the epididymides, including caput, corpus, and cauda, than that of the inflammatory conditions. By comparing the inflamed caputs to the controls, a total of 1727 genes (1220 upregulated and 507 downregulated; 42 most significant genes, adjusted P <0.05) and 34 miRNAs (23 upregulated and 11 downregulated) were identified as differentially expressed. In silico functional enrichment analysis showed their roles in regulating different biological activities, including leukocyte chemotaxis, extracellular milieu reconstruction, ion channel and transporter-related processes, and nervous system development. Integrative analysis of miRNA and mRNA identified a regulatory network consisting of 22 miRNAs and 31 genes (miRNA-mRNA) which are strong candidates for CE. In addition, analysis about other species of small RNA, including (miRNA), piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), tRNA-derived small RNA (tsRNA), Y RNA, and rsRNA identified the distinct expression pattern of tsRNA in CE. In summary, our study performed small RNA and miRNA profiling and integrative analysis in human CE. The findings will help to understand the role of miRNA-mRNA in the pathogenesis of CE and provide molecular candidates for the development of potential biomarkers for human CE.
Using Ecopath Models to Explore Differences in Ecosystem Characteristics Between an Artificial Reef and a Nearby Natural Reef on the Coast of the North Yellow Sea, China
Authors: Zhang Rongliang , Zhang Qianqian , Zhao Jianmin , Wu Zhongxin , Liu Hui , Shou Lu , Liao Yibo , Liu Qinghe , Tang Yanbin , Zeng Jiangning
Published: May 2022

The comparison of trophic structure and energy flow between natural and artificial reefs is imperative to evaluate whether these man-made structures work similarly to comparable natural reefs. Here, to characterize the potential difference in functioning between two types of reef ecosystems, two trophic models (Ecopath) at an artificial reef and an adjacent natural reef on the coast of the north Yellow Sea, China, were established. Both Ecopath models were divided into 18 functional groups from primary producers (algae and phytoplankton) and detritus to predatory species (e.g., Sebastes schlegelii). Model outputs showed that the ecosystem scale was smaller in the artificial reef (total system throughput (TPP) = 6,455.47 t·km−2·year−1) relative to its natural counterpart (TPP = 9,490.48 t·km−2·year−1). At both reef types, a large proportion of energy occurred at trophic levels I and II, and most of the primary production was utilized through a detritus pathway. This result implies a bottom-up energy flow control for both cases. However, two types of reef systems were behaving in a reasonable manner, as mean transfer efficiencies were similar to the Lindeman efficiency (10%). The ecosystem maturity of the artificial reef is not comparable to that of the natural reef for its inferior value of total primary production/total respiration (TPP/TR). Moreover, both the connectance index (CI) and system omnivory index (SOI) were slightly higher at the artificial reef relative to the natural reef as well as other coastal systems with parallel latitudes, suggesting that the current artificial system has formed complicated interspecies relations and high-level stability. This work updates our knowledge about the functioning evolvement of established artificial reefs and provides a baseline for the efficient management of coastal zones and further investigations.
Microstructure and Corrosion Properties of Electrodeposited CoCrFeMnNi High Entropy Alloy Coatings
Authors: Yoosefan Fateme , Ashrafi Ali , Monir Vaghefi Seyed Mahmoud
Published: May 2022

This study investigated the effect of potential change on the microstructure and corrosion properties of CoCrFeMnNi HEA coatings synthesized by the electrochemical deposition method. The films were precipitated in an electrolyte based on a DMF-CH3CN organic system comprising Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni cations. GIXRD pattern in all samples showed a single face-centered-cubic structure. SEM-EDS results show that the coating morphology and the elements value in alloy composition vary at different coating potentials. Coatings were uniform and crack-free surfaces. The results of the wettability test showed all coatings were super-hydrophilic. All the alloys exhibited similar passivation and negative hysteresis processes in the CPP test. However, the 5 V sample exhibited a lower Epit value than the 6 V, and none of the samples were sensitive to pitting corrosion. The CPP test result showed that the corrosion current density of the 5 V sample was 0.0525 μA/cm2, the minimum corrosion rate for the coated samples, and has improved the corrosion resistance of the substrate by about 44 times. The EIS test results showed the excellent performance of the coatings in enhancing the corrosion resistance compared to Cu substrate and similar alloy samples in a 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, as the protection efficiency was about 90%. These High entropy alloy coatings are suitable for engineering applications in which higher corrosion protection is needed.
Glucocorticoids Improve the Pregnancy Rate and Outcome in Women With Unexplained Positive Autoantibodies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Ting , Yuan Yilin , Liu Huixin , Lu Qun , Mu Rong
Published: May 2022

The effect of glucocorticoid therapy on women with unexplained positive autoantibodies is under debate. This systemic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate whether glucocorticoid administration can improve the pregnancy outcome of this population. Relevant publications were searched from databases, and a total of seven prospective and retrospective cohort studies that investigated the effects of glucocorticoid administration on women with unexplained positive autoantibodies, were included. The outcomes of our systematic review and meta-analysis were measured in terms of risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using fixed or random effect models. We found that glucocorticoid treatment improved the clinical pregnancy rate (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.64–2.92) and live birth rate (RR 1.92, 95% CI 1.17–3.16), especially when glucocorticoid administration was started before pregnancy (clinical pregnancy rate: RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.58–3.34; live birth rate: RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.58–3.34). However, no effect of glucocorticoids on the miscarriage rate was found (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.55–1.02) regardless of the time of drug administration. Our systematic review and meta-analysis support the rational use of glucocorticoids in women with unexplained positive autoantibodies.

Systematic Review Registration

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [CRD42019124442].
Case Report: “Area of Focus” Atypical Trichinellosis and Fascioliasis Coinfection
Authors: Wang Meng , Liu Wei , Xiong Ziman , Li Zhen , Li Jiansha , Xu Xin , Zhang Meng , Xing Mingyou , Ning Qin , Wu Di , Qi Junying
Published: May 2022

Parasitic co-infection is commonly observed in natural populations, yet rare in the laboratory. Multiparasitism can have negative effects on the host, ranging from the atypical manifestations to increased mortality, consequently, it may be misdiagnosed and treated with unsuitable anthelmintic medicines. Therefore, reliable diagnosis is critical for appropriate treatment of parasitic co-infection. Herein, we report a case of a 31-year-old woman with persistent eosinophilia and hypoechoic liver lesion on ultrasound. The microscopic examination of multiple stool specimens did not find any pathogens. The patient had serum specific anti-Trichinella IgG antibody by Dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA). After treatment with albendazole, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed more lesions in the liver. Subsequently, liver biopsy was performed in this patient and Fasciola hepatica was identified using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) as well as polymerase chain reaction. After treatment with triclabendazole, which is the only anthelmintic drug specifically available against this fluke, her eosinophil count returned normal, and the liver lesions were significantly regressed. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge posed by parasitic co-infection, which merits more in-depth evaluation to confirm the diagnosis.
Investigating the Association Between Polygenic Risk Scores for Alzheimer’s Disease With Cognitive Performance and Intrinsic Functional Connectivity in Healthy Adults
Authors: Ibnidris Aliaa , Fußer Fabian , Kranz Thorsten M. , Prvulovic David , Reif Andreas , Pantel Johannes , Albanese Emiliano , Karakaya Tarik , Matura Silke
Published: May 2022

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology is present many years before the onset of clinical symptoms. AD dementia cannot be treated. Timely and early detection of people at risk of developing AD is key for primary and secondary prevention. Moreover, understanding the underlying pathology that is present in the earliest stages of AD, and the genetic predisposition to that might contribute to the development of targeted disease-modifying treatments.

Objectives

In this study, we aimed to explore whether genetic disposition to AD in asymptomatic individuals is associated with altered intrinsic functional connectivity as well as cognitive performance on neuropsychological tests.

Methods

We examined 136 cognitively healthy adults (old group: mean age = 69.32, SD = 4.23; young group: mean age = 31.34, SD = 13.12). All participants had undergone resting-state functional magnetic resonance imagining (fMRI), DNA genotyping to ascertain polygenic risk scores (PRS), and neuropsychological testing for global cognition, working memory, verbal fluency, and executive functions.

Results

Two-step hierarchical regression analysis revealed that higher PRS was significantly associated with lower scores in working memory tasks [Letter Number Span: ΔR2= 0.077 (p< 0.05); Spatial Span: ΔR2= 0.072 (p< 0.05)] in older adults (>60 years). PRS did not show significant modulations of the intrinsic functional connectivity of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) with other regions of interest in the brain that are affected in AD.

Conclusion

Allele polymorphisms may modify the effect of other AD risk factors. This potential modulation warrants further investigations, particularly in cognitively healthy adults.
Racial Differences in Associations of Cognitive Health Status With Happiness, Helplessness, and Hopelessness Among Older Adults: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Umucu Emre , Lee Beatrice , Wyman Mary , Gooding Diane Carol , Van Hulle Carol Ann , Johnson Adrienne , Ferrer Simo Carola A. , Carter Fabu , Salazar Hector , James Taryn T. , Bouges Shenikqua , Lambrou Nicholas H. , Johnson Sterling C. , Asthana Sanjay , Gleason Carey E.
Published: May 2022

Background

The relationship between healthy and positive aging and dementia and cognitive impairment has received limited attention in the field of aging. Affect impacts cognitive changes and processes, and cognitive impairment is associated with affective comorbidities. The purpose of the study was to examine (a) whether happiness, helplessness, and hopelessness are linked to cognitive health status, and (b) whether these associations differ by race.

Methods

Participants were enrollees in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s Clinical Core (ADRC). Average age at baseline was 60.85 (SD = 8.65), 73.70 (SD = 8.02), and 73.80 (SD = 9.59) years for cognitively normal individuals, individuals with MCI, and individuals with dementia, respectively.

Results

In the full sample, chi-square test results revealed associations between Cognitive Health Status (CHS) and (a) happiness, χ2(2) = 6.06, p < 0.05, (b) helplessness, χ2(2) = 6.44, p < 0.05, and (c) hopelessness, χ2(2) = 14.11, p < 0.01.

Conclusion

This study provides support for the association of both positive and negative affect with cognitive health status in middle- to older-aged adults.
Sensitivity and Resilience to Predator Stress-Enhanced Ethanol Drinking Is Associated With Sex-Dependent Differences in Stress-Regulating Systems
Authors: Alavi Mehrdad , Ryabinin Andrey E. , Helms Melinda L. , Nipper Michelle A. , Devaud Leslie L. , Finn Deborah A.
Published: May 2022

Stress can increase ethanol drinking, and evidence confirms an association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the development of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Exposure to predator odor is considered a traumatic stressor, and predator stress (PS) has been used extensively as an animal model of PTSD. Our prior work determined that repeated exposure to intermittent PS significantly increased anxiety-related behavior, corticosterone levels, and neuronal activation in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in naïve male and female C57BL/6J mice. Intermittent PS exposure also increased subsequent ethanol drinking in a subgroup of animals, with heterogeneity of responses as seen with comorbid PTSD and AUD. The present studies built upon this prior work and began to characterize “sensitivity” and “resilience” to PS-enhanced drinking. Ethanol drinking was measured during baseline, intermittent PS exposure, and post-stress; mice were euthanized after 24-h abstinence. Calculation of median and interquartile ranges identified “sensitive” (>20% increase in drinking over baseline) and “resilient” (no change or decrease in drinking from baseline) subgroups. Intermittent PS significantly increased subsequent ethanol intake in 24% of male (↑60%) and in 20% of female (↑71%) C57BL/6J mice in the “sensitive” subgroup. Plasma corticosterone levels were increased significantly after PS in both sexes, but levels were lower in the “sensitive” vs. “resilient” subgroups. In representative mice from “sensitive” and “resilient” subgroups, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were analyzed by Western Blotting for levels of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) receptor 1, CRF receptor 2, CRF binding protein, and glucocorticoid receptor, vs. separate naïve age-matched mice. In prefrontal cortex, CRF receptor 1, CRF receptor 2, CRF binding protein, and glucocorticoid receptor levels were significantly higher in “sensitive” vs. naïve and “resilient” mice only in females. In hippocampus, CRF receptor 1, CRF receptor 2 and glucocorticoid receptor levels were significantly lower in “resilient” vs. naïve and “sensitive” mice across both sexes. These results indicate that sex strongly influences the effects of ethanol drinking and stress on proteins regulating stress and anxiety responses. They further suggest that targeting the CRF system and glucocorticoid receptors in AUD needs to consider the comorbidity of PTSD with AUD and sex of treated individuals.
Arterial Calcification and Its Association With Stroke: Implication of Risk, Prognosis, Treatment Response, and Prevention
Authors: Wang Xiang , Chen Xinghang , Chen Zhuohui , Zhang Mengqi
Published: May 2022

Stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide. Vascular calcification (VC), defined as deposition of calcium-phosphate complexes in the vessels, is considered as the characteristic of vascular aging. Calcifications at different vessel layers have different implications. Intimal calcification is closely related to atherosclerosis and affects plaque stability, while medial calcification can cause arterial stiffening and reduce compliance. Accumulating evidence suggested that arterial calcifications, including calcifications in the intracranial artery, coronary artery, and carotid artery, are associated with the risk, prognosis, and treatment response of stroke. VC can not only serve as a marker of atherosclerosis, but cause cerebral hemodynamic impairment. In addition, calcifications in large arteries are associated with cerebral small vessel disease. In this review, we summarize the findings of recently published studies focusing on the relationship between large artery calcification and the risk, prognosis, treatment response, and prevention of stroke and also discuss possible mechanisms behind those associations.
Post-surgery Rehabilitative Intervention Based on Imitation Therapy and Mouth-Hand Motor Synergies Provides Better Outcomes in Smile Production in Children and Adults With Long Term Facial Paralysis
Authors: De Stefani Elisa , Barbot Anna , Zannoni Cecilia , Belluardo Mauro , Bertolini Chiara , Cosoli Rita , Bianchi Bernardo , Ferri Andrea , Zito Francesca , Bergonzani Michela , Schiano Lomoriello Arianna , Sessa Paola , Ferrari Pier Francesco
Published: May 2022

Rehabilitation after free gracilis muscle transfer (smile surgery, SS) is crucial for a functional recovery of the smiling skill, mitigating social and psychological problems resulting from facial paralysis. We compared two post-SS rehabilitation treatments: the traditional based on teeth clenching exercises and the FIT-SAT (facial imitation and synergistic activity treatment). FIT-SAT, based on observation/imitation therapy and on hand-mouth motor synergies would facilitate neuronal activity in the facial motor cortex avoiding unwanted contractions of the jaw, implementing muscle control. We measured the smile symmetry on 30 patients, half of whom after SS underwent traditional treatment (control group, CG meanage = 20 ± 9) while the other half FIT-SAT (experimental group, EG meanage= 21 ± 14). We compared pictures of participants while holding two postures: maximum and gentle smile. The former corresponds to the maximal muscle contraction, whereas the latter is strongly linked to the control of muscle strength during voluntary movements. No differences were observed between the two groups in the maximum smile, whereas in the gentle smile the EG obtained a better symmetry than the CG. These results support the efficacy of FIT-SAT in modulating the smile allowing patients to adapt their smile to the various social contexts, aspect which is crucial during reciprocal interactions.
Early Influence of Emotional Scenes on the Encoding of Fearful Expressions With Different Intensities: An Event-Related Potential Study
Authors: Song Sutao , Wu Meiyun , Feng Chunliang
Published: May 2022

Contextual affective information influences the processing of facial expressions at the relatively early stages of face processing, but the effect of the context on the processing of facial expressions with varying intensities remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of emotional scenes (fearful, happy, and neutral) on the processing of fear expressions at different levels of intensity (high, medium, and low) during the early stages of facial recognition using event-related potential (ERP) technology. EEG data were collected while participants performed a fearful facial expression recognition task. The results showed that (1) the recognition of high-intensity fear expression was higher than that of medium- and low-intensity fear expressions. Facial expression recognition was the highest when faces appeared in fearful scenes. (2) Emotional scenes modulated the amplitudes of N170 for fear expressions with different intensities. Specifically, the N170 amplitude, induced by high-intensity fear expressions, was significantly higher than that induced by low-intensity fear expressions when faces appeared in both neutral and fearful scenes. No significant differences were found between the N170 amplitudes induced by high-, medium-, and low-intensity fear expressions when faces appeared in happy scenes. These results suggest that individuals may tend to allocate their attention resources to the processing of face information when the valence between emotional context and expression conflicts i.e., when the conflict is absent (fear scene and fearful faces) or is low (neutral scene and fearful faces).
Effects of Intestinal Flora on Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Therapeutic Significance of Polysaccharides
Authors: Ye Yang , Liu Yanan , Cheng Kejun , Wu Zufang , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xin
Published: May 2022

In recent years, the relevant research on intestinal flora has been in full swing, and it has become an extremely important research direction in clinical medicine and life science. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disease characterized by changes in intestinal function and accompanied by comorbid anxiety. At present, the pathogenic mechanism of IBS is not yet clear. The gut-brain axis (GBA), as a two-way information exchange system between the gut and the brain, has an important influence on the prevention of IBS. Present studies have shown that polysaccharides are important for maintaining the steady status of intestinal micro-environment. This review summarized the relationship between intestinal flora, GBA and immune activation, and provided a new idea for the preventive treatment of IBS from the perspective of polysaccharides.
Age, an Important Sociodemographic Determinant of Factors Influencing Consumers' Food Choices and Purchasing Habits: An English University Setting
Authors: Ogundijo Daniel A. , Tas Ayten A. , Onarinde Bukola A.
Published: May 2022

The purchasing behaviors of university staff (n = 188) and their use of nutrition labels in making food choices were investigated by an online survey. The age of the participants significantly impacted their purchasing behaviors. This effect was not observed with other sociodemographic characteristics studied (level of education, gender, employment status and ethnicity). The impact of age on the extrinsic factors affecting food choice (personal preference, previous knowledge, convenience, religion/beliefs) and intrinsic factors (quantity, country of origin, method of preparation/serving, fat, salt, protein and added sugar contents) were further explored. The use of nutrition labels among different age groups when buying for the first time was significant for breakfast cereals and fruit juices.