bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KOMPLEKSITAS HUBUNGAN KEPENDUDUKAN DAN LINGKUNGAN
Authors: Wargadinata Ella Lesmanawaty
Published: December 2021

Interaksi antara manusia dan lingkungan selalu menjadi pusat perhatian ketika jumlah penduduk melesat tinggi sementara bola dunia tidak bertambah sejengkalpun Faktor pertambahan penduduk selalu menjadi biang masalah ketika terjadi degradasi lingkungan. Relasi keduanya seringkali dipandang sebagai hubungan yang linier dan sederhana, namun kenyataan memperlihatkan hal yang sebaliknya. Hubungan menjadi semakin non linier dan kompleks  ketika menyentuh konsep-konsep yang berhubungan dengan dinamika kependudukan, seperti pertambahan, laju pertumbuhan, komposisi atau kepadatan penduduk serta migrasi penduduk, analisis  relasi membutuhkan penjelasan dari variable di luar kependudukan. Paper disusun berdasarkan kajian literatur dengan melakukan elaborasi atas  konsep-konsep yang berseberangan untuk memperoleh analisis komprehensif megenai hubungan kompleks antara kependudukan dan lingkungan. Paper ini membahas perkembangan teori dan konsep kependudukan, mulai dari kelompok pesismistis seperti Teori Malthus, Neo Malthusian, maupun kelompok optimis seperti konsep Boserupian dan Cornucopian. Paper kemudian membahas relasi kependudukan dan lingkungan dengan mengidetifikasi kehadiran factor perantara diantara keduanya. Beberapa kajian menyebutkan mediating factors meliputi faktor: teknologi, kelembagaan, kebijakan, sosial, ekonomi, politik maupun budaya. Kerusakan lingkungan bukan hanya terjadi karena tekanan penduduk, akan tetapi ketika mediating factors gagal menjadi buffer untuk menjaga kualitas lingkungan.
Volume of woody detritus in fresh maple-linden dibrova in Slobozhanskyi National Nature Park
Authors: Chornobrov O. , Tymochko I. , Bezrodnova O.
Published: December 2021

The article examines the volume of coarse woody detritus in fresh maple-linden-dibrova in Slobozhanskyi National Nature Park. The study was carried out in 115-year-old forest with a predominance of common oak (Quercus robur L.) of natural origin on a sample plot (0.24 ha) by identifying and measuring of standing and lying dead wood components. The volume of dead wood in the forest ecosystem is 32.4 m3·ha–1 and consists of fallen (84.3%) and standing (15.7%). The main part of the dead wood volume is formed by one tree species — common oak (91.3%). In general, woody detritus is characterized by I–IV stages of decomposition, at the same time detritus of III (52.5%) and II (41.7%) stages prevails, detritus of other decomposition stages has insignificant shares (not exceeding 5.0%). No detritus of the last (V) stage of decomposition was detected. The volume of standing dead wood was 5.1 m3·ha–1 and is formed by whole and broken dead trees. In terms of species composition, common oak predominates (80.4%), other species have much smaller shares: small-leaved linden (Tilia cordata Mill.) (13.7%) and Norway maple (Acer platanoides L.) (5.9%). The volume of standing dead wood is dominated by detritus of decomposition stage II (4.8 m3·ha–1, 94.1%), compared with stage I (0.3 m3·ha–1, 5.9%). The volume of lying dead wood is 27.3 m3·ha–1 and is formed by whole fallen trees, fragments of fallen trees (trunks) and thick branches. In terms of species composition dead wood volume is dominated by common oak detritus (25.6 m3·ha–1, 93.7%), and the shares of other species are insignificant. Fallen dead wood is represented by four stages of decomposition (I–IV). In terms of volume, decomposition stage III has an absolute advantage (16.9 m3·ha–1, 61.9%), much less detritus of stage II (8.7 m3·ha–1, 31.9%). Relatively low volume of woody detritus and the absence of dead wood of decomposition stage V may be associated with forestry activities, including selective sanitary cutting and fallen woody debris removal, in the past in modern NNP areas.
How 3D Printing Is Reshaping Translational Research
Authors: Sigston Elizabeth A. W.
Published: December 2021

“Translational Research” has traditionally been defined as taking basic scientific findings and developing new diagnostic tools, drugs, devices and treatment options for patients, that are translated into practice, reach the people and populations for whom they are intended and are implemented correctly. The implication is of a unidirectional flow from “the bench to bedside”. The rapidly emergent field of additive manufacturing (3D printing) is contributing to a major shift in translational medical research. This includes the concept of bidirectional or reverse translation, early collaboration between clinicians, bio-engineers and basic scientists, and an increasingly entrepreneurial mindset. This coincides with, and is strongly complemented by, the rise of systems biology. The rapid pace at which this type of translational research can occur brings a variety of potential pitfalls and ethical concerns. Regulation surrounding implantable medical devices is struggling to keep up. 3D printing has opened the way for personalization which can make clinical outcomes hard to assess and risks putting the individual before the community. In some instances, novelty and hype has led to loss of transparency of outcomes with dire consequence. Collaboration with commercial partners has potential for conflict of interest. Nevertheless, 3D printing has dramatically changed the landscape of translational research. With early recognition and management of the potential risks, the benefits of reshaping the approach to translational research are enormous. This impact will extend into many other areas of biomedical research, re-establishing that science is more than a body of research. It is a way of thinking.
Meniscus Injury and its Surgical Treatment Does not Increase Initial Whole Knee Joint Friction
Authors: de Roy Luisa , Warnecke Daniela , Hacker Steffen Paul , Simon Ulrich , Dürselen Lutz , Ignatius Anita , Seitz Andreas Martin
Published: December 2021

While it is generally accepted that traumatic meniscus pathologies lead to degenerative articular cartilage changes in the mid-to long-term and consecutively to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA), very little is known about how such injuries initiate tribological changes within the knee and their possible impact on PTOA acceleration. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of three different medial meniscus states (intact, posterior root tear, total meniscectomy) on the initial whole knee joint friction. Six ovine knee joints were tested in a passive pendulum friction testing device under an axial load of 250 N and an initial deflection of 12°, representing swing phase conditions, and under an axial load of 1000 N and an initial deflection of 5°, simulating stance phase conditions. To additionally consider the influence of the time-dependent viscoelastic nature of the knee joint soft tissues on whole joint friction, the tests were performed twice, directly following load application and after 20 min creep loading of either 250 N or 1000 N axial load. On the basis of a three-dimensional joint kinematic analysis, the energy loss during the passive joint motion was analyzed, which allowed considerations on frictional and damping processes within the joint. The so-called “whole knee joint” friction was evaluated using the boundary friction model from Stanton and a viscous friction model from Crisco et al., both analyzing the passive joint flexion-extension motion in the sagittal plane. Significantly lower friction coefficients were observed in the simulated swing phase after meniscectomy (p < 0.05) compared to the intact state. No initial whole joint friction differences between the three meniscus states (p > 0.05) were found under stance phase conditions. Soft tissue creeping significantly increased all the determined friction coefficients (p < 0.05) after resting under load for 20 min. The exponential decay function of the viscous friction model provided a better fit (R2∼0.99) to the decaying flexion-extension data than the linear decay function of the boundary friction model (R2∼0.60). In conclusion, this tribological in vitro study on ovine knee joints indicated that neither a simulated posterior medial meniscus root tear nor the removal of the medial meniscus resulted in an initially increased whole joint friction.
Monitoring Spontaneous Quiescence and Asynchronous Proliferation-Quiescence Decisions in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Pulianmackal Ajai J. , Sun Dan , Yumoto Kenji , Li Zhengda , Chen Yu-Chih , Patel Meha V. , Wang Yu , Yoon Euisik , Pearson Alexander , Yang Qiong , Taichman Russell , Cackowski Frank C. , Buttitta Laura A.
Published: December 2021

The proliferation-quiescence decision is a dynamic process that remains incompletely understood. Live-cell imaging with fluorescent cell cycle sensors now allows us to visualize the dynamics of cell cycle transitions and has revealed that proliferation-quiescence decisions can be highly heterogeneous, even among clonal cell lines in culture. Under normal culture conditions, cells often spontaneously enter non-cycling G0 states of varying duration and depth. This also occurs in cancer cells and G0 entry in tumors may underlie tumor dormancy and issues with cancer recurrence. Here we show that a cell cycle indicator previously shown to indicate G0 upon serum starvation, mVenus-p27K-, can also be used to monitor spontaneous quiescence in untransformed and cancer cell lines. We find that the duration of spontaneous quiescence in untransformed and cancer cells is heterogeneous and that a portion of this heterogeneity results from asynchronous proliferation-quiescence decisions in pairs of daughters after mitosis, where one daughter cell enters or remains in temporary quiescence while the other does not. We find that cancer dormancy signals influence both entry into quiescence and asynchronous proliferation-quiescence decisions after mitosis. Finally, we show that spontaneously quiescent prostate cancer cells exhibit altered expression of components of the Hippo pathway and are enriched for the stem cell markers CD133 and CD44. This suggests a hypothesis that dormancy signals could promote cancer recurrence by increasing the proportion of quiescent tumor cells poised for cell cycle re-entry with stem cell characteristics in cancer.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid 5-Hydroxymethylation in Cell-Free Deoxyribonucleic Acid, a Novel Cancer Biomarker in the Era of Precision Medicine
Authors: Xu Ling , Zhou Yixin , Chen Lijie , Bissessur Abdul Saad , Chen Jida , Mao Misha , Ju Siwei , Chen Lini , Chen Cong , Li Zhaoqin , Zhang Xun , Chen Fei , Cao Feilin , Wang Linbo , Wang Qinchuan
Published: December 2021

Aberrant methylation has been regarded as a hallmark of cancer. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is recently identified as the ten-eleven translocase (ten-eleven translocase)-mediated oxidized form of 5-methylcytosine, which plays a substantial role in DNA demethylation. Cell-free DNA has been introduced as a promising tool in the liquid biopsy of cancer. There are increasing evidence indicating that 5hmC in cell-free DNA play an active role during carcinogenesis. However, it remains unclear whether 5hmC could surpass classical markers in cancer detection, treatment, and prognosis. Here, we systematically reviewed the recent advances in the clinic and basic research of DNA 5-hydroxymethylation in cancer, especially in cell-free DNA. We further discuss the mechanisms underlying aberrant 5hmC patterns and carcinogenesis. Synergistically, 5-hydroxymethylation may act as a promising biomarker, unleashing great potential in early cancer detection, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies in precision oncology.
Adaptation of the Golgi Apparatus in Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis
Authors: Bui Sarah , Mejia Isabel , Díaz Begoña , Wang Yanzhuang
Published: December 2021

The Golgi apparatus plays a central role in normal cell physiology by promoting cell survival, facilitating proliferation, and enabling cell-cell communication and migration. These roles are partially mediated by well-known Golgi functions, including post-translational modifications, lipid biosynthesis, intracellular trafficking, and protein secretion. In addition, accumulating evidence indicates that the Golgi plays a critical role in sensing and integrating external and internal cues to promote cellular homeostasis. Indeed, the unique structure of the mammalian Golgi can be fine-tuned to adapt different Golgi functions to specific cellular needs. This is particularly relevant in the context of cancer, where unrestrained proliferation and aberrant survival and migration increase the demands in Golgi functions, as well as the need for Golgi-dependent sensing and adaptation to intrinsic and extrinsic stressors. Here, we review and discuss current understanding of how the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus is influenced by oncogenic transformation, and how this adaptation may facilitate cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
Design and Evaluation of a Hands-Free Video Game Controller for Individuals With Motor Impairments
Authors: Taheri Atieh , Weissman Ziv , Sra Misha
Published: December 2021

Over the past few decades, video gaming has evolved at a tremendous rate although game input methods have been slower to change. Game input methods continue to rely on two-handed control of the joystick and D-pad or the keyboard and mouse for simultaneously controlling player movement and camera actions. Bi-manual input poses a significant play impediment to those with severe motor impairments. In this work, we propose and evaluate a hands-free game input control method that uses real-time facial expression recognition. Through our novel input method, our goal is to enable and empower individuals with neurological and neuromuscular diseases, who may lack hand muscle control, to be able to independently play video games. To evaluate the usability and acceptance of our system, we conducted a remote user study with eight severely motor-impaired individuals. Our results indicate high user satisfaction and greater preference for our input system with participants rating the input system as easy to learn. With this work, we aim to highlight that facial expression recognition can be a valuable input method.
Integrated Gene Expression Profiling Analysis Reveals Potential Molecular Mechanisms and Candidate Biomarkers for Early Risk Stratification and Prediction of STEMI and Post-STEMI Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Xu Jing , Yang Yuejin
Published: December 2021

Objective: To explore the molecular mechanism and search for the candidate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with the predictive and prognostic potentiality that is detectable in the whole blood of patients with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) and those with post-STEMI HF.

Methods: In this study, we downloaded GSE60993, GSE61144, GSE66360, and GSE59867 datasets from the NCBI-GEO database. DEGs of the datasets were investigated using R. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment were performed via ClueGO, CluePedia, and DAVID database. A protein interaction network was constructed via STRING. Enriched hub genes were analyzed by Cytoscape software. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression algorithm and receiver operating characteristics analyses were performed to build machine learning models for predicting STEMI. Hub genes for further validated in patients with post-STEMI HF from GSE59867.

Results: We identified 90 upregulated DEGs and nine downregulated DEGs convergence in the three datasets (|log2FC| ≥ 0.8 and adjusted p < 0.05). They were mainly enriched in GO terms relating to cytokine secretion, pattern recognition receptors signaling pathway, and immune cells activation. A cluster of eight genes including ITGAM, CLEC4D, SLC2A3, BST1, MCEMP1, PLAUR, GPR97, and MMP25 was found to be significant. A machine learning model built by SLC2A3, CLEC4D, GPR97, PLAUR, and BST1 exerted great value for STEMI prediction. Besides, ITGAM and BST1 might be candidate prognostic DEGs for post-STEMI HF.

Conclusions: We reanalyzed the integrated transcriptomic signature of patients with STEMI showing predictive potentiality and revealed new insights and specific prospective DEGs for STEMI risk stratification and HF development.
Thermokarst Landscape Development Detected by Multiple-Geospatial Data in Churapcha, Eastern Siberia
Authors: Iijima Yoshihiro , Abe Takahiro , Saito Hitoshi , Ulrich Mathias , Fedorov Alexander N. , Basharin Nikolay I. , Gorokhov Alexey N. , Makarov Victor S.
Published: December 2021

Thermokarst is a typical process that indicates widespread permafrost degradation in yedoma landscapes. The Lena-Aldan interfluvial area in Central Yakutia in eastern Siberia is now facing extensive landscape changes with surface subsidence due to thermokarst development during the past few decades. To clarify the spatial extent and rate of subsidence, multiple spatial datasets, including GIS and remote sensing observations, were used to analyze the Churapcha rural locality, which has a typical yedoma landscape in Central Yakutia. Land cover classification maps for 1945 and 2009 provide basic information on anthropogenic disturbance to the natural landscape of boreal forest and dry grassland. Interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) with ALOS-2/PALSAR-2 data revealed activated surface subsidence of 2 cm/yr in the disturbed area, comprising mainly abandoned agricultural fields. Remote sensing with an unmanned aerial system also provided high-resolution information on polygonal relief formed by thermokarst development at a disused airfield where InSAR analysis exhibited extensive subsidence. It is worth noting that some historically deforested areas have likely recovered to the original landscape without further thermokarst development. Spatial information on historical land-use change is helpful because most areas with thermokarst development correspond to locations where land was used by humans in the past. Going forward, the integrated analysis of geospatial information will be essential for assessing permafrost degradation.
Stimulation TcPO2 Testing Improves Diagnosis of Peripheral Arterial Disease in Patients With Diabetic Foot
Authors: Fejfarová Vladimíra , Matuška Jiří , Jude Edward , Piťhová Pavlína , Flekač Milan , Roztočil Karel , Wosková Veronika , Dubský Michal , Jirkovská Alexandra , Bém Robert , Husáková Jitka , Lánská Věra
Published: December 2021

Background

All diagnostic procedures of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in diabetic foot (DF) are complicated due to diabetes mellitus and its late complications.

The aim of our study is to enhance diagnosis of PAD using a novel transcutaneous oximetry (TcPO2) stimulation test.

Methods

The study comprised patients with mild-to-moderate PAD(WIfI–I 1 or 2) and baseline TcPO2 values of 30-50 mmHg.TcPO2 was measured across 107 different angiosomes. Stimulation examination involved a modification of the Ratschow test. All patients underwent PAD assessment (systolic blood pressures (SBP), toe pressures (TP), the ankle-brachial indexes (ABI) and toe-brachial indexes (TBI), duplex ultrasound of circulation). Angiosomes were divided into two groups based on ultrasound findings: group M(n=60) with monophasic flow; group T(n=47) with triphasic flow. Large vessel parameters and TcPO2 at rest and after exercise (minimal TcPO2, changes in TcPO2 from baseline (Δ,%), TcPO2 recovery time) measured during the stimulation test were compared between study groups.

Results

During the TcPO2 stimulation exercise test, group M exhibited significantly lower minimal TcPO2 (26.2 ± 11.1 vs. 31.4 ± 9.4 mmHg; p<0.01), greater Δ and percentage decreases from resting TcPO2 (p=0.014 and p=0.007, respectively) and longer TcPO2 recovery times (446 ± 134 vs. 370 ± 81ms;p=0.0005) compared to group T. SBPs, TPs and indexes were significantly lower in group M compared to group T. Sensitivity and specificity of TcPO2 stimulation parameters during PAD detection increased significantly to the level of SBP, ABI, TP and TBI.

Conclusion

Compared to resting TcPO2, TcPO2 measured during stimulation improves detection of latent forms of PAD and restenosis/obliterations of previously treated arteries in diabetic foot patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov [https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0009V7W&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0005381&ts=2&cx=3j24u2], identifier NCT04404699
GH Resistance Is a Component of Idiopathic Short Stature: Implications for rhGH Therapy
Authors: Savage Martin O. , Storr Helen L.
Published: December 2021

Idiopathic short stature (ISS) is a term used to describe a selection of short children for whom no precise aetiology has been identified. Molecular investigations have made notable discoveries in children with ISS, thus removing them from this category. However, many, if not the majority of children referred with short stature, are designated ISS. Our interest in defects of GH action, i.e. GH resistance, has led to a study of children with mild GH resistance, who we believe can be mis-categorised as ISS leading to potential inappropriate management. Approval of ISS by the FDA for hGH therapy has resulted in many short children receiving this treatment. The results are extremely variable. It is therefore important to correctly assess and investigate all ISS subjects in order to identify those with mild but unequivocal GH resistance, as in cases of PAPP-A2 deficiency. The correct identification of GH resistance defects will direct therapy towards rhIGF-I rather than rhGH. This example illustrates the importance of recognition of GH resistance among the very large number patients referred with short stature who are labelled as ‘ISS’.
Diagnostic Performance of Clinical Laboratory Indicators With Sarcopenia: Results From the West China Health and Aging Trend Study
Authors: Yin Mengting , Zhang He , Liu Qianhui , Ding Fei , Deng Yiping , Hou Lisha , Wang Hui , Yue Jirong , He Yong
Published: December 2021

Background

Sarcopenia is an age-related and skeletal muscle disorder involving the loss of muscle mass or strength, and physiological function. Although the diagnostic indicators used in the different guidelines are for muscle mass, strength and physical performance, there are currently no uniform diagnostic criteria. Therefore, we aimed to explore the relationship between a series of biomarkers with sarcopenia in southwest China.

Methods

We included 4302 patients from West China Health and Aging Trend (WCHAT) study. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia: 2019 Consensus Update on Sarcopenia Diagnosis and Treatment. Thyroxine、albumin、total protein、prealbumin、albumin to globulin ratio (A/G)、25(OH)VD、fasting insulin、adrenal cortisol、triglyceride、high-density lipoprotein、hemoglobin and aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio (AST/ALT) were measured. The receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were established to describe the predictive value for sarcopenia and we also used multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors of the disease.

Results

In terms of protein state, patients with sarcopenia had lower value in total protein, albumin, prealbumin, A/G than the control (P<0.001). Patients had lower value in triglyceride but higher value in high-density lipoprotein compared with the healthy in the indicators of lipid metabolism (P<0.001). In the aspect of hormone state, patients had lower free triiodothyronine, fasting insulin but higher free tetraiodothyronine and adrenal cortisol than the healthy (P<0.001). The fasting insulin level (AUC=0.686) and the AST/ALT ratio (AUC=0.682) were the best predictors of sarcopenia among biomarkers. The diagnostic performance of fasting insulin combined with the AST/ALT ratio (AUC=0.720) is equal to multiple indicators (AUC=0.742).

Conclusion

The fasting insulin combined with the AST/ALT ratio exhibits good diagnostic performance for sarcopenia.
Decadal Variations of Wood Decay Hazard and El Niño Southern Oscillation Phases in Iran
Authors: Helali Jalil , Momenzadeh Hossein , Saeidi Vahideh , Brischke Christian , Ebrahimi Ghanbar , Lotfi Mohammad
Published: December 2021

The intensive use of wood resources is a challenging subject around the world due to urbanization, population growth, and the biodegradability of wooden materials. The study of the climatic conditions and their effects on biotic wood degradation can provide a track of trends of wood decay and decomposition at regional and global scales to predict the upcoming responses. Thus, it yields an overview for decision-makers and managers to create a precise guideline for the protection of wooden structures and prolonged service life of wooden products. This study aimed at investigating the decay hazard in Iran, its decadal changes, and how it is affected by different phases of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Therefore, the risk for fungal decay of wood was estimated based on the Scheffer Climate Index (SCI) at 100 meteorological stations located in Iran, for the period 1987–2019 (separately for first, second, and third decade as decadal analysis). Subsequently, SCI value trends were analyzed using the Mann–Kendall and Sen’s slope method. Finally, the relationship between SCI and climatic parameters (temperature and precipitation) was explored. Generally, the SCI fluctuated between 2 and 75 across the region. The decay risk was ranked as low in most parts, but moderate in the northern part of the country along the Caspian Sea coastlines. Decadal analysis demonstrated that the highest mean SCI values took more place in the third decade (58% of stations) and the lowest mean SCI values in the second decade (71% of stations). Furthermore, the highest and the lowest SCI values occurred at 70 and 66% of stations in El Niño and Neutral phase, respectively. Trend analysis of SCI values showed that large parts of several provinces (i.e., Markazi, Tehran, Alborz, Qazvin, Zanjan, Ardebil, East Azarbayjan, West Azarbayjan, Kurdestan, Kermanshah, and Ilam) exhibited a significantly increasing decay hazard with a mean SCI of 2.9 during the period of 33 years. An analysis of causative factors (climatic parameters) for these changes revealed that all the meteorological stations experienced a significant increase in temperature while the number of days with more than 0.25 mm precipitation increased at some stations but decreased at others. However, in summary, the SCI increased over time. Hence, in this study, the effect of precipitation on SCI was confirmed to be greater than the temperature. Analysis of the results shows that the correlation between the SCI and ENSO was positive in most of the stations. Moreover, the results of spectral coherent analysis of SCI and ENSO in different climates of Iran showed that the maximum values of SCI do not correspond to the maximum values of ENSO and are associated with lag time. Therefore, the extreme values of the SCI values cannot be interpreted solely on the basis of the ENSO.
The Broad Immunomodulatory Effects of IL-7 and Its Application In Vaccines
Authors: Huang Juan , Long Zhiyao , Jia Renyong , Wang Mingshu , Zhu Dekang , Liu Mafeng , Chen Shun , Zhao Xinxin , Yang Qiao , Wu Ying , Zhang Shaqiu , Tian Bin , Mao Sai , Ou Xumin , Sun Di , Gao Qun , Cheng Anchun
Published: December 2021

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is produced by stromal cells, keratinocytes, and epithelial cells in host tissues or tumors and exerts a wide range of immune effects mediated by the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R). IL-7 is primarily involved in regulating the development of B cells, T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cellsviathe JAK-STAT, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK pathways. This cytokine participates in the early generation of lymphocyte subsets and maintain the survival of all lymphocyte subsets; in particular, IL-7 is essential for orchestrating the rearrangement of immunoglobulin genes and T-cell receptor genes in precursor B and T cells, respectively. In addition, IL-7 can aid the activation of immune cells in anti-virus and anti-tumor immunity and plays important roles in the restoration of immune function. These biological functions of IL-7 make it an important molecular adjuvant to improve vaccine efficacy as it can promote and extend systemic immune responses against pathogens by prolonging lymphocyte survival, enhancing effector cell activity, and increasing antigen-specific memory cell production. This review focuses on the biological function and mechanism of IL-7 and summarizes its contribution towards improved vaccine efficacy. We hope to provide a thorough overview of this cytokine and provide strategies for the development of the future vaccines.
Does CD1a Expression Influence T Cell Function in Patients With Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis?
Authors: Mitchell Jenée , Kannourakis George
Published: December 2021

Langerhans cell histiocytosis lesions are characterized by CD1a+ myeloid lineage LCH cells and an inflammatory infiltrate of cytokines and immune cells, including T cells. T cells that recognize CD1a may be implicated in the pathology of many disease states including cancer and autoimmunity but have not been studied in the context of LCH despite the expression of CD1a by LCH cells. In this perspective article, we discuss the expression of CD1a by LCH cells, and we explore the potential for T cells that recognize CD1a to be involved in LCH pathogenesis.
miR-223: An Immune Regulator in Infectious Disorders
Authors: Yuan Shun , Wu Qi , Wang Zhiwei , Che Yanjia , Zheng Sihao , Chen Yuanyang , Zhong Xiaohan , Shi Feng
Published: December 2021

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are diminutive noncoding RNAs that can influence disease development and progression by post-transcriptionally regulating gene expression. The anti-inflammatory miRNA, miR-223, was first identified as a regulator of myelopoietic differentiation in 2003. This miR-223 exhibits multiple regulatory functions in the immune response, and abnormal expression of miR-223 is shown to be associated with multiple infectious diseases, including viral hepatitis, human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and tuberculosis (TB) by influencing neutrophil infiltration, macrophage function, dendritic cell (DC) maturation and inflammasome activation. This review summarizes the current understanding of miR-223 physiopathology and highlights the molecular mechanism by which miR-223 regulates immune responses to infectious diseases and how it may be targeted for diagnosis and treatment.
Estimating Bycatch Mortality for Marine Mammals: Concepts and Best Practices
Authors: Moore Jeffrey E. , Heinemann Dennis , Francis Tessa B. , Hammond Philip S. , Long Kristy J. , Punt André E. , Reeves Randall R. , Sepúlveda Maritza , Sigurðsson Guðjón Már , Siple Margaret C. , Víkingsson Gísli A. , Wade Paul R. , Williams Rob , Zerbini Alexandre N.
Published: December 2021

Fisheries bycatch is the greatest current source of human-caused deaths of marine mammals worldwide, with severe impacts on the health and viability of many populations. Recent regulations enacted in the United States under the Fish and Fish Product Import Provisions of its Marine Mammal Protection Act require nations with fisheries exporting fish and fish products to the United States (hereafter, “export fisheries”) to have or establish marine mammal protection standards that are comparable in effectiveness to the standards for United States commercial fisheries. In many cases, this will require estimating marine mammal bycatch in those fisheries. Bycatch estimation is conceptually straightforward but can be difficult in practice, especially if resources (funding) are limiting or for fisheries consisting of many, small vessels with geographically-dispersed landing sites. This paper describes best practices for estimating bycatch mortality, which is an important ingredient of bycatch assessment and mitigation. We discuss a general bycatch estimator and how to obtain its requisite bycatch-rate and fisheries-effort data. Scientific observer programs provide the most robust bycatch estimates and consequently are discussed at length, including characteristics such as study design, data collection, statistical analysis, and common sources of estimation bias. We also discuss alternative approaches and data types, such as those based on self-reporting and electronic vessel-monitoring systems. This guide is intended to be useful to managers and scientists in countries having or establishing programs aimed at managing marine mammal bycatch, especially those conducting first-time assessments of fisheries impacts on marine mammal populations.
Impact of the Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Nishida Yu , Hosomi Shuhei , Fujimoto Koji , Nakata Rieko , Sugita Naoko , Itani Shigehiro , Nadatani Yuji , Fukunaga Shusei , Otani Koji , Tanaka Fumio , Nagami Yasuaki , Taira Koichi , Kamata Noriko , Watanabe Toshio , Ohfuji Satoko , Fujiwara Yasuhiro
Published: December 2021

Background: The government of Japan declared a state of emergency on April 16, 2020, owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The subsequent lockdown altered lifestyles and worsened mental illnesses. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an intestinal disorder that is affected by environmental factors. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effects of COVID-19 and the state of emergency on the lifestyle and disease activity of patients with IBD.

Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey on patients with IBD from June 16 to August 21, 2020 during their regular follow-up at our hospital, 2 months after the state of emergency was declared.

Results: Overall, 241 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 210 with Crohn's disease (CD) completed the survey, of which 82 (34%) and 97 (46%) patients, respectively, reported disease exacerbation within 2 months after the lockdown. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age at enrollment (odds ratio, OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–0.99; P < 0.05), sleep hours (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57–0.97; P < 0.05), and increased stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic (OR, 6.06; 95% CI, 1.79–20.50; P < 0.01) as independent factors associated with UC exacerbation. Patients with exacerbated CD were younger at CD onset and had higher patient-reported outcome 2 scores before the state of emergency than patients with non-exacerbated CD. On multivariate analysis, age (OR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95–0.99; P < 0.01) and active disease before the state of emergency (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.23–3.95; P < 0.01) were independently associated with CD exacerbation.

Conclusions: Improving sleep quality and preventing psychological stress may be crucial in IBD management during a pandemic, especially in young patients.
The Fate of Foodborne Pathogens in Manure Treated Soil
Authors: Black Zoe , Balta Igori , Black Lisa , Naughton Patrick J. , Dooley James S. G. , Corcionivoschi Nicolae
Published: December 2021

The aim of this review was to provide an update on the complex relationship between manure application, altered pathogen levels and antibiotic resistance. This is necessary to protect health and improve the sustainability of this major farming practice in agricultural systems based on high levels of manure production. It is important to consider soil health in relation to environment and land management practices in the context of the soil microflora and the introduction of pathogens on the health of the soil microbiome. Viable pathogens in manure spread on agricultural land may be distributed by leaching, surface run-off, water source contamination and contaminated crop removal. Thus it is important to understand how multiple pathogens can persist in manures and on soil at farm-scale and how crops produced under these conditions could be a potential transfer route for zoonotic pathogens. The management of pathogen load within livestock manure is a potential mechanism for the reduction and prevention of outbreaks infection with Escherichia coli, Listeria Salmonella, and Campylobacter. The ability of Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella to combat environmental stress coupled with their survival on food crops and vegetables post-harvest emphasizes the need for further study of these pathogens along with the emerging pathogen Providencia given its link to disease in the immunocompromised and its’ high levels of antibiotic resistance. The management of pathogen load within livestock manure has been widely recognized as a potential mechanism for the reduction and prevention of outbreaks infection but any studies undertaken should be considered as region specific due to the variable nature of the factors influencing pathogen content and survival in manures and soil. Mediocre soils that require nutrients could be one template for research on manure inputs and their influence on soil health and on pathogen survival on grassland and in food crops.
Post hoc Correction of Chromatic Aberrations in Large-Scale Volumetric Images in Confocal Microscopy
Authors: Leiwe Marcus N. , Fujimoto Satoshi , Imai Takeshi
Published: December 2021

Over the last decade, tissue-clearing techniques have expanded the scale of volumetric fluorescence imaging of the brain, allowing for the comprehensive analysis of neuronal circuits at a millimeter scale. Multicolor imaging is particularly powerful for circuit tracing with fluorescence microscopy. However, multicolor imaging of large samples often suffers from chromatic aberration, where different excitation wavelengths of light have different focal points. In this study, we evaluated chromatic aberrations for representative objective lenses and a clearing agent with confocal microscopy and found that axial aberration is particularly problematic. Moreover, the axial chromatic aberrations were often depth-dependent. Therefore, we developed a program that is able to align depths for different fluorescence channels based on reference samples with fluorescent beads or data from guide stars within biological samples. We showed that this correction program can successfully correct chromatic aberrations found in confocal images of multicolor-labeled brain tissues. Our simple post hoc correction strategy is useful to obtain large-scale multicolor images of cleared tissues with minimal chromatic aberrations.
Stroke Lateralization in Large Hemisphere Infarctions: Characteristics, Stroke-Related Complications, and Outcomes
Authors: Li Jie , Zhang Ping , Liu Yingying , Chen Wanli , Yi Xingyang , Wang Chun
Published: December 2021

Objectives: To assess the hemispheric differences in characteristics, stroke-related complications, and outcomes of patients with large hemisphere infarctions (LHI).

Methods: We enrolled consecutive patients admitted within 24 h after the diagnosis of LHI (defined as an ischemic stroke involving more than 50% of the territory of the middle cerebral artery in computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging). Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to explore the association between lateralization and stroke-related complications and clinical outcomes.

Results: A total of 314 patients with LHI were enrolled, with 171 (54.5%) having right hemispheric involvement. Right-sided patients with LHI had lower baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (18 vs. 22, p < 0.001), higher frequency of atrial fibrillation (69.0 vs. 52.4%, p = 0.003), and higher proportion of cardio-embolism (73.1 vs. 56.6%, p = 0.013) than the left. Right-sided LHI had higher incidence rates of malignant brain edema (MBE) (48.5 vs. 30.8%, p = 0.001) and a composite of cardiovascular events (29.8 vs. 17.5%, p = 0.011) during hospitalization. The incidence rate of 1-month mortality (34.5 vs. 23.8%, p = 0.036) was higher in right-sided patients with LHI, but there were no hemispheric differences in the incidence rates of 3-month mortality and unfavorable outcome (both p > 0.05). Multivariate analyses suggested right hemisphere involvement was independently associated with increased risk of MBE (adjusted OR 2.37, 95% CI 1.26–4.43, p = 0.007) and composite of cardiovascular events (adjusted OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.12–3.72, p = 0.020). However, it was not independently associated with 1-month death, 3-month mortality, and 3-month unfavorable outcome (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Right-sided patients with LHI had higher frequency of atrial fibrillation and cardio-embolism than the left-sided patients. Right hemisphere involvement was independently associated with increased risk of MBE and composite of cardiovascular events during hospitalization, whereas stroke lateralization was not an independent predictor of mortality and unfavorable outcome in patients with LHI.
Role of Spasticity Severity in the Balance of Post-stroke Patients
Authors: Mahmoudzadeh Ashraf , Nakhostin Ansari Noureddin , Naghdi Soofia , Ghasemi Ehsan , Motamedzadeh Omid , Shaw Brandon S. , Shaw Ina
Published: December 2021

Background: Lower limb spasticity after stroke is common that can affect the balance, increase the risk of falling, and reduces the quality of life.

Objective: First, evaluate the effects of spasticity severity of ankle plantar flexors on balance of patients after stroke. Second, to determine the relationship between the spasticity severity with ankle proprioception, passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (ROM), and balance confidence.

Methods: Twenty-eight patients with stroke based on the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale (MMAS) were divided into two groups: High Spasticity Group (HSG) (MMAS > 2) (n = 14) or a Low Spasticity Group (LSG) (MMAS ≤ 2) (n = 14). The MMAS scores, Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Questionnaire, postural sway of both affected and non-affected limbs under the eyes open and eyes closed conditions, timed up and go (TUG) test, passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM, and ankle joint proprioception were measured.

Results: The ankle joint proprioception was significantly better in the LSG compared to the HSG (p = 0.01). No significant differences were found between the LSG and HSG on all other outcome measures. There were no significant relationships between the spasticity severity and passive ankle dorsiflexion ROM, and balance confidence.

Conclusion: The severity of ankle plantar flexor spasticity had no effects on balance of patients with stroke. However, the ankle joint proprioception was better in patients with low spasticity. Our findings suggest that the balance is affected regardless of the severity of the ankle plantar flexor spasticity in this group of participants with stroke.
Cyst Type Differentiates Rathke Cleft Cysts From Cystic Pituitary Adenomas
Authors: Tavakol Sherwin , Catalino Michael P. , Cote David J. , Boles Xian , Laws Edward R. , Bi Wenya Linda
Published: December 2021

Purpose

A classification system for cystic sellar lesions does not exist. We propose a novel classification scheme for these lesions based on the heterogeneity of the cyst wall/contents and the presence of a solid component on imaging.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 205 patients’ medical records (2008–2020) who underwent primary surgery for a cystic sellar lesion. Cysts were classified a priori into 1 of 4 cyst types based on the heterogeneity of the cyst wall/contents and the presence of a solid component imaging. There was high interrater reliability. Univariable and multivariable models were used to estimate the ability of cyst type to predict the two most common diagnoses: Rathke cleft cyst (RCC) and cystic pituitary adenoma.

Results

The frequencies of RCC and cystic pituitary adenoma in our cohort were 45.4% and 36.4%, respectively. Non-neoplastic lesions (e.g., arachnoid cysts and RCC) were more likely to be Type 1 or 2, whereas cystic neoplasms (e.g., pituitary adenomas and craniopharyngiomas) were more likely to be Type 3 or 4 (p<0.0001). Higher cyst types, compared to Type 1, had higher odds of being cystic pituitary adenomas compared to RCCs (OR: 23.7, p=0.033, and 342.6, p <0.0001, for Types 2 and 4, respectively). Lesions with a fluid-fluid level on preoperative MRI also had higher odds of being pituitary adenomas (OR: 12.7; p=0.023). Cystic pituitary adenomas were more common in patients with obesity (OR: 5.0, p=0.003) or symptomatic hyperprolactinemia (OR: 11.5; p<0.001, respectively). The multivariable model had a positive predictive value of 82.2% and negative predictive value of 86.4%.

Conclusion

When applied to the diagnosis of RCC versus cystic pituitary adenoma, higher cystic lesion types (Type 2 & 4), presence of fluid-fluid level, symptomatic hyperprolactinemia, and obesity were predictors of cystic pituitary adenoma. Further validation is needed, but this classification scheme may prove to be a useful tool for the management of patients with common sellar pathology.
Case Report: Pediatric Malignant Atrophic Papulosis With Small Bowel Perforation and Positivity of Anticardiolipin Antibody
Authors: Wang Hai-Qing , Guan Yu , Gong Xiao-Pan , Chen You-Tao , Ji Chao
Published: December 2021

Malignant atrophic papulosis (MAP) is a life-threatening vasculopathy affecting the skin, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, pleural membrane, and pericardium. MAP carries a poor prognosis primarily because of its systemic involvement. It is extremely rare in children. Herein, we report a pediatric case of MAP with small bowel perforation and anticardiolipin antibody positivity.
Risk Factors for Sudden Infant Death in North Carolina
Authors: Yamada Merick M. , Rosamilia Michael B. , Chiswell Karen E. , D'Ottavio Alfred , Spears Tracy , Osgood Claire , Miranda Marie Lynn , Forestieri Nina , Li Jennifer S. , Landstrom Andrew P.
Published: December 2021

Background: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden, unexplained death of infants <1 year old. SIDS remains a leading cause of death in US infants. We aim to identify associations between SIDS and race/ethnicity, birth weight/gestational age, and socioeconomic/environmental factors in North Carolina (NC) to help identify infants at risk for SIDS.

Methods and Results: In this IRB-approved study, infant mortality 2007–2016 and death certificate-linked natality 2007–2014 were obtained from the NC Department of Health and Human Services. General, NC natality statistics 2007–2016 were obtained from CDC Wonder. Association between SIDS/total infant death and covariates (below) were calculated. Total infant mortality decreased 2007–2016 by an average of 14 deaths/100,000 live births per year, while SIDS incidence remained constant. Risk ratios of SIDS/total infant deaths, standardized to Non-Hispanic White, were 1.76/2.41 for Non-Hispanic Black and 0.49/0.97 for Hispanic infants. Increased SIDS risk was significantly and independently associated with male infant sex, Non-Hispanic Black maternal race/ethnicity, young maternal age, low prenatal care, gestational age <39 weeks, birthweight <2500 g, low maternal education, and maternal tobacco use (p < 0.01). Maternal previous children now deceased also trended toward association with increased SIDS risk.

Conclusions: A thorough SIDS risk assessment should include maternal, socioeconomic, and environmental risk factors as these are associated with SIDS in our population.