bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Technology in the Study of Team-Interaction and Performance
Authors: Sjøvold Endre , Olsen Trond Rikard , Heldal Frode
Published: January 2022

Direct observation of groups is labor-intensive. As a result, current research on small groups often relies on retrospective ratings. Recent developments in sensor-technology have eased data gathering, leading to a renewed interest in direct observation of groups. Sensor technology has potential, but also limitations; research has been technology- and data-driven with less recognition of the large body, and long history, of research and theory building. We review the literature on technology in small group research, argue for more interdisciplinary research and propose combining sensor technology with methods of interaction analysis, and the theories that underlie them, developed prior to 1980.
Effects of BEST in CLASS–Web on Teacher Outcomes: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Conroy Maureen A. , Sutherland Kevin S. , Granger Kristen L. , Marcoulides Katerina M. , Feil Edward , Wright Jessica , Ramos Mayra , Montesion Alexandra
Published: January 2022

This study examined the effects of the BEST in CLASS intervention professional development component when delivered online in comparison with in person and a control group. A total of 29 early childhood teachers serving young children demonstrating challenging behaviors were included as participants. Data were collected on teachers’ classroom quality, self-efficacy, implementation of the BEST in CLASS practices, acceptability of the intervention, and costs of delivery. Positive outcomes on several dimensions of classroom quality were found for the BEST in CLASS–Web condition when compared with the BEST in CLASS and control conditions. Alternatively, teachers’ sense of self-efficacy was greater when BEST in CLASS was delivered in person when compared with teachers who received online delivery or those in the control condition. Finally, teachers in both treatment conditions increased their use of the practices in comparison with control teachers. Teachers in both treatment conditions rated BEST in CLASS with high levels of acceptability. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
A Biomechanical Analysis of Peroneus Brevis Split Lesions, Repair, and Partial Resection
Authors: Trache Tudor , Camenzind Roland S. , Bachmann Elias , Viehöfer Arnd , Jud Lukas , Wirth Stephan , Imhoff Florian B.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Peroneus brevis tendon tears are associated with chronic ankle pain and instability following sprain injuries. The aim of this study is to elucidate the biomechanical changes induced by a peroneus brevis split and surgical treatment by tubularizing suture or partial resection.

Methods:

Nine human lower leg specimens were biomechanically tested. Preexisting tendon pathology was ruled out by magnetic resonance imaging and histology. Specimens were subjected to sequential testing of 4 conditions of the peroneus brevis tendon: (1) native, (2) longitudinal lesion, (3) tubularizing suture, and (4) 50% resection. The outcome parameters were the tendon stiffness (N/mm) and the length variation of the split portion at 5 N load.

Results:

The median specimen age at death was 55.8 years (range 50-64 years). The longitudinal tendon split led to an elongation by 1.21 ± 1.15 mm, which was significantly reduced by tubularizing suture to 0.24 ± 0.97 mm ( P = .021). Furthermore, 50% resection of the tendon elongated it by a mean 2.45 ± 1.9 mm ( P = .01) and significantly reduced its stiffness compared to the intact condition (4.7 ± 1.17 N/mm, P = .024) and sutured condition (4.76 ± 1.04 N/mm, P = .011).

Conclusion:

Longitudinal split and 50% resection of the peroneus brevis tendon led to elongation and loss of tendon stiffness. These properties were improved by tubularizing suture. The significance of these changes in the clinical setting needs further investigation.

Clinical Relevance:

Tubularizing suture of a peroneus brevis split can restore biomechanical properties to almost native condition, potentially aiding ankle stability in symptomatic cases. A split lesion and partial resection of the tendon showed reduced stiffness and increased elongation.
The Association of Alanine Aminotransferase Levels With Myocardial Perfusion Imaging and Cardiovascular Morbidity
Authors: Yardeni David , Toledano Ronen , Novack Victor , Shalev Aryeh , Wolak Arik , Rotman Yaron , Etzion Ohad
Published: January 2022

Introduction:

Studies suggest that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an independent risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We utilized a large cohort of patients undergoing myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to determine the association between alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as a surrogate marker for presumed NAFLD, and the presence of myocardial ischemia and mortality.

Methods:

We retrospectively assessed SPECT-MPI results and medical records of individuals evaluated between 1997 and 2008. We excluded patients with known non-NAFLD liver diseases, ALT values <17 or >340 U/L and absent liver tests. Elevated ALT cases were classified as presumed NAFLD. The primary endpoint was abnormal SPECT-MPI. Secondary endpoints included cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction and all-cause mortality.

Results:

Of 26,034 patients who underwent SPECT-MPI, 11,324 met inclusion criteria. 1635 (14.4%) patients had elevated ALT. SPECT-MPI results did not differ significantly between subjects with elevated ALT and controls. Elevated ALT was associated with increased risk for the composite endpoint of cardiac death or acute myocardial infarction at 5-year follow-up (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.67) and in all-cause mortality (HR 1.27, CI 1.02-1.58) but only in patients with normal SPECT-MPI.

Conclusions:

The long-term mortality of patients with abnormal SPECT-MPI is not modulated by ALT, likely reflecting an already high risk and established CVD. However, patients with normal SPECT-MPI are at increased risk for a future cardiac event if they have an elevated ALT level, suggesting an important role for NAFLD in earlier stages of CVD.
Building the Science News Agenda: The Permeability of Science Journalism to Public Relations
Authors: Comfort Suzannah Evans , Gruszczynski Mike , Browning Nicholas
Published: January 2022

The current study examines the influence of press releases about scientific studies in terms of their impact on news coverage. Using an innovative approach that allowed for analysis of a large corpus of text and calculation of similarity scores, we were able to trace the uptake of press release materials into news media articles. In some cases, up to 65% of sentences in science news articles reflected high similarity to press release material—a potent indication of how powerful information subsidies can be. While our results contain some good news for public relations practitioners, they also carry a warning for consumers of journalism and for the public science agenda, which may be left vulnerable to bad actors undermining the trust that the public, and journalists, have in science. News organizations that had a history of producing award-winning science journalism were much less likely to draw on press release materials, indicating the importance of topic area expertise in producing independent science journalism.
Rape Myth Acceptance and General Self-Efficacy: Gender, Race, and Ethnic Differences of Knowing a Sexual Assault Victim among University Students
Authors: Navarro John Charles , Ratajczak Kathleen
Published: January 2022

Knowing a sexual assault victim and general self-efficacy (GSE) were examined as predictors of rape myth acceptance (RMA) among university students. Where knowing a sexual assault victim was associated with greater rejection of rape myths among female students, most notably White females, a null effect occurred on male students, except for Black males whose RMA increased. Higher self-efficacy predicted the overall rejection of rape myths differently among identity intersections, most prominently with victim blaming. Knowing a sexual assault victim moderated GSE and RMA for male students and Latinos. These findings offer practical and critical implications as universities grow in diversity.
Epidemiological investigation of multiple sclerosis and related medical utilisation in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Chun-Ming , Kuo Wei-Yin , Kung Pei-Tseng , Chuan Chuang-Hui , Tsai Wen-Chen
Published: January 2022

Background

The increasing trend in the prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) cannot be neglected. Long-term epidemiological investigations of MS patients who have been registered in Taiwan are very scarce.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of MS and medical utilisation among MS patients in Taiwan.

Methods

The National Health Insurance Research Database was used as the source of the research population; the time period investigated was 2001–2015. A descriptive statistical analysis of the number of MS patients was conducted. For newly diagnosed MS patients, the frequencies of emergency visits and hospitalisations and changes in their temporal distributions were calculated.

Results

The standardised incidence of MS peaked at 0.50/100,000 in 2003, and the highest standardised prevalence was 7.14/100,000 in 2015. The highest standardised mortality was 0.11/100,000 in 2015, with an overall mortality rate of 13.34/1000 person-years. The number of annual emergency visits for MS patients peaked at 0.9 ± 3.5 in 2011, and the longest annual length of hospital stays was 19.2 ± 40.1 days in 2001, which decreased to 5.6 ± 23.5 days in 2015.

Conclusion

The standardised prevalence of MS steadily increased, and its incidence slightly decreased from 2001 to 2015.
Making virtual health care accessible to the deaf community: Findings from the telehealth survey
Authors: Mussallem Ashley , Panko Tiffany L , Contreras Jessica M , Plegue Melissa A , Dannels Wendy A , Roman Gretchen , Hauser Peter C , McKee Michael M
Published: January 2022

Introduction

To reduce COVID-19 exposure risk, virtual visits became widely adopted as a common form of healthcare delivery for the general population. It is unknown how this affected the deaf population, a sociolinguistic minority group that continues to face communication and healthcare barriers. The survey's objective was to describe the deaf participants’ experiences with telehealth visits.

Methods

A 28-item online survey, available in American Sign Language and English, was developed and disseminated between November 2020 and January 2021. Ninety-nine deaf participants responded. Descriptive statistics were performed to assess the participant's virtual health care use, experiences, and communication approaches.

Results

Seventy-five percent of respondents used telehealth at least once in the past 12 months (n = 74; age = 37.6 ± 14.5 years). Of those who used telehealth, nearly two-thirds experienced communication challenges (65.3%; n = 49). Half of the participants reported having to connect via a video relay service that employs interpreters who maintain general certification instead of a remote interpreter with specialized health care interpreting certifications for video visits with their health care providers (n = 37) and a third of participants reported needing to use their residual hearing to communicate with their providers (n = 25).

Conclusion

Standard protocols for health care systems and providers are needed to minimize the burden of access on deaf patients and ensure virtual visits are equitable. It is recommended these visits be offered on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant platforms and include multi-way video to allow for the inclusion of remote medical interpreters and/or real-time captionists to ensure effective communication between the provider and the deaf patient occurs.
Preventing Recurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Curative Hepatectomy With Active Hexose-correlated Compound Derived From Lentinula edodes Mycelia
Authors: Kamiyama Toshiya , Orimo Tatsuya , Wakayama Kenji , Kakisaka Tatsuhiko , Shimada Shingo , Nagatsu Akihisa , Asahi Yoh , Aiyama Takeshi , Kamachi Hirofumi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

Active hexose-correlated compound (AHCC), a standardized extract of cultured Lentinula edodes mycelia, exerts antitumor effects through anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory functions. Adjuvant therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have undergone curative hepatectomy has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AHCC as adjuvant therapy in patients with advanced HCC after curative hepatectomy.

Patients and methods:

The study design was single-armed, non-randomized, open (no one was blinded), and uncontrolled. Patients with HCC who underwent curative hepatectomy were treated with AHCC (1 g) 3 times daily orally for 2 years. The inclusion criteria were HCC diagnosed preoperatively as stages A and B of the Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) classification and alpha-fetoprotein × protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) ≥ 105 for stage A.

Results:

A total of 29 patients were treated with AHCC, of which 25 (4 patients discontinued) were followed up. The 2-year recurrence-free survival rate after resection was 48% for those without discontinuations and 55.2% for all patients with a history of treatment. Serum albumin levels decreased to a minimum in the first postoperative month and gradually recovered to the preoperative level at 6 months. Almost no change in lymphocyte percentage was observed during follow-up. Inflammation-based prognostic scores were maintained at favorable levels after hepatectomy. Toxicity and adverse events were not observed in any patient.

Conclusion:

AHCC may be safe and effective in preventing HCC recurrence after curative hepatectomy, and further randomized trials of AHCC for its use in this setting are warranted. This clinical trial was registered in UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (ID UMIN000024396).
Attack and protection schemes on fabric isomorphic crosschain systems
Authors: Lv Zhuo , Wu Di , Yang Wen , Duan Li
Published: January 2022

Crosschain solves the problem of value transfer and asset interaction between different blockchains with different consensus mechanisms, or different infrastructures. It not only realizes the mutual communication of multiple independent blockchains, but also ensures the data consistency. However, existing crosschain technologies like notary mechanism, hash locking, distributed private key control, and sidechain/relaychain have potential vulnerabilities, resulting in different kinds of attacks. For example, some vulnerabilities that only exist in a blockchain like DDOS, overflow, double-spending, and so on, may have an impact on another secure blockchain due to the openness of the crosschain system. Even if all blockchains are safe enough, the security of the crosschain system cannot be guaranteed, and there are still many loopholes in the process of crosschain, which affect all blockchains. The security of crosschain has emerged as an important issue. In this work, based on BitXHub, an open-source project of crosschain, we are motivated to study the security of Fabric isomorphic crosschain system. First, we analyze the vulnerabilities in different layers of Fabric isomorphic crosschain systems, and discuss the principles of different kinds of attacks. Based on the principles, we discover and define five new crosschain attacks, including crosschain integer overflow attack, crosschain transaction forgery attack, crosschain transaction replay attack, crosschain transaction sequence attack, and crosschain routing attack. Second, we implement all the five attacks, and indicate the applicable scenarios and the boundary conditions in which each attack may occur. Third, we propose five schemes to prevent the corresponding attacks and evaluate the effectiveness of the protection schemes. We comprehensively discuss and analyze the schemes of attacks and their corresponding prevention toward Fabric isomorphic crosschain systems.
“Be careful what you recall”: Retrieval-induced forgetting of genuine real-life autobiographical memories
Authors: Somos Eszter , Mazzoni Giuliana , Gatti Daniele , Jellema Tjeerd
Published: January 2022

Which episodes from our lives will be remembered and which will be forgotten, and why? This question has still not been answered satisfactorily by research into autobiographical memory. Previous work has shown that retrieval-induced forgetting (RIF) might be a factor responsible for forgetting parts of the autobiographical memory content. However, none of the previous studies assessed RIF in memories for recent, controlled, personal events. We report here the results of an experiment in which autobiographical memories of real-life events were induced in a controlled, but fully naturalistic, manner under the disguise of team-building exercises, while an adapted RIF paradigm was applied to these memories. Results clearly showed the influence of RIF on autobiographical memory retrieval. These findings demonstrate conclusively that RIF occurs in everyday life when remembering personal events.
Types, management and complications in paediatric distal radial fractures sustained during COVID-19 lockdown
Authors: Walker Lucy C. , Hamad Farouk , Wilson Christopher , O’Connor David , Richards Simon W , Southgate Jeremy J
Published: January 2022

In response to the coronavirus pandemic the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOAST) guidelines advised treating distal radial fractures non-operatively where possible. A cohort was studied retrospectively to assess whether the COVID pandemic lockdown within the UK altered types, the management and complications of paediatric distal radial fractures. The cohort studied comprised of 194 paediatric distal radial fractures in the pre-COVID cohort and 101 fractures in the COVID cohort. There was no significant differences in the type of fractures in the two cohorts. Significantly more high energy injuries were sustained among the COVID cohort than the pre-COVID ( p < 0.001). The COVID cohort had significantly more patients managed in cast ( p < 0.001) and significantly more managed with K-wire fixation ( p = 0.049). The COVID cohort had significantly more complications ( p = 0.016) at minimum 10-month follow-up. The results suggest that treatment of paediatric distal radial fractures during lockdown was too conservative and subsequent complications may put additional strain on orthopaedic services.

Level of evidence: IV
Major Antioxidant Compound of Polyporus Parvovarius Culture Filtrate
Authors: Kim Minkyeong , Ahn Chorong , Kim Changmu
Published: January 2022

During the screening of natural antioxidants from the culture broths of fungi of mushroom origin, the culture broth of Polyporus parvovarius was found to exhibit potent antioxidant activity. An antioxidative substance, compound 1, was isolated by solvent partitioning and column chromatography, and its chemical structure determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods to be 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. Compound 1 exhibited potent free radical scavenging activity with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 101.4 µg/mL against the 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical. These results indicate that the culture filtrate of P. parvovarius has antioxidant properties, with the major antioxidant compound confirmed as a protocatechuic aldehyde; these findings provide novel insights regarding mushroom-induced antioxidant resources.
Effect of Suppression of Rotational Joint Instability on Cartilage and Meniscus Degeneration in Mouse Osteoarthritis Model
Authors: Arakawa Kohei , Takahata Kei , Enomoto Saaya , Oka Yuichiro , Ozone Kaichi , Morosawa Kzuma , Murata Kenji , Kanemura Naohiko , Kokubun Takanori
Published: January 2022

Objective

Joint instability and meniscal dysfunction contribute to the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA). In the destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) model, secondary OA occurs due to the rotational instability and increases compressive stress resulting from the meniscal dysfunction. We created a new controlled abnormal tibial rotation (CATR) model that reduces the rotational instability that occurs in the DMM model. So, we aimed to investigate whether rotational instability affects articular cartilage degeneration using the DMM and CATR models, as confirmed using histology and immunohistochemistry.

Design

Twelve-week-old male mice were randomized into 3 groups: DMM group, CATR group, and INTACT group (right knee of the DMM group). After 8 and 12 weeks, we performed the tibial rotational test, safranin-O/fast green staining, and immunohistochemical staining for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and metalloproteinase (MMP)-13.

Results

The rotational instability in the DMM group was significantly higher than that of the other groups. And articular cartilage degeneration was higher in the DMM group than in the other groups. However, meniscal degeneration was observed in both DMM and CATR groups. The TNF-α and MMP-13 positive cell rates in the articular cartilage of the CATR group were lower than those in the DMM group.

Conclusions

We found that the articular cartilage degeneration was delayed by controlling the rotational instability caused by meniscal dysfunction. These findings suggest that suppression of rotational instability in the knee joint may be an effective therapeutic measure for preventing OA progression.
A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis of the K-12 Education Policy Making in Sudan and the Need for Reforms
Authors: Alamin Alnuaman , Muthanna Abdulghani , Alduais Ahmed
Published: January 2022

By following the qualitative evidence synthesis, this article reports on how education policy is made in Sudan by considering the contextual, socio-economical background of Sudanese education in the pre –post colonial era. Out of 39 published and unpublished documents, 33 documents were synthesized to answer these research questions: (1) who is responsible for education policymaking, and (2) how is the education policy made in Sudan? The analyses report that the promulgations of marco education policy in Sudan have been developed based on the contributions of different entities/bodies with a lack of transparency and consistency. The findings call for the presence of a transparent, consistent, integrated framework for education policymaking in the nation, which in effect facilitates the processes of effective implementations.
Carotid Plaque Characterization Using Quantitative Shear Wave Elastography: A Pilot Study
Authors: Carter Michelle , Hall Todd , Baun Jim
Published: January 2022

Objective:

To assess the feasibility and reliability of incorporating quantitative shear wave elastography (SWE) data as an additional means of characterizing focal atheromata during routine carotid sonographic examinations when compared with conventional gray-scale Gray-Weale (GW) methods.

Methods:

Inpatients and outpatients undergoing routine carotid examinations at a medical center were included in the pilot study. Patients with prior history of endarterectomy, interventional therapeutic procedures, or absence of plaque formation were excluded. All examinations were performed by registered vascular technologist using a Mindray Resona 7 ultrasound equipment system with an L9-3U transducer in a carotid examination mode. The images were later reviewed by two independent, blinded observers and correlated to GW characterization.

Results:

There were 41 atheromatous lesions evaluated during the pilot study. The range of absolute (low to high) average and median Young’s modulus (YM) kPa values vary widely across each plaque type; they nonetheless still exhibit evidence of increasing stiffness as the gray-scale sonographic appearance becomes denser. The same observation is true of the average kPa and median kPa values as increasing YM values indicate increasing stiffness of interrogated tissues.

Conclusion:

This pilot study affirms the feasibility and reliability of incorporating quantitative SWE data as an additional means of characterizing focal atheromata during routine carotid sonographic examinations; further large-scale studies are needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of individual kPa values associated with specific plaque types.
Significant Detectivity Enhancement of Broad Spectral Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Photodiodes by C60 Film as Hole-Blocking Layer
Authors: Zhou Zhuoli , Liao Guangmeng , Song Xinyu , Dai Qinyong , Sun Lei , Peng Yingquan , Wang Peng
Published: January 2022

As an important classification of photodetectors, broad spectral photodiodes are ubiquitous in the fields of industry and scientific research. Here, we reported a type of broad spectral organic–inorganic hybrid photodiodes (OIHPDs) based on planar-bulk heterojunction, which composed of 3,4,9,10-perylenetertracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA), copper phthalocyanine (CuPc) and fullerene (C60). In our research, the dark current of the OIHPD with 10 nm C60 film (10 nm-C60 OIHPD) was as low as 25.6 μA, which is about 63 times smaller than the dark current of the OIHPD without C60 film (C60-free OIHPD). It is considered that the significantly enhanced performance of 10 nm-C60 OIHPD is attributed to the introduction of the C60 film, which act as hole-blocking layer to reduce the dark current. And through the schematic energy level model combined with experimental measurements, the reason for the dark current change was well explained. Furthermore, the specific detectivity of 10 nm-C60 OIHPD was almost one order of magnitude larger than it of C60-free OIHPD, and a notable enhancement of over 1011 cm Hz1/2/W was obtained due to the fiercely reduced dark current. These results provide insights on how to improve the performance of organic photodiodes.
Parahippocampal deactivation and hyperactivation of central executive, saliency and social cognition networks in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Mouga Susana , Duarte Isabel Catarina , Café Cátia , Sousa Daniela , Duque Frederico , Oliveira Guiomar , Castelo-Branco Miguel
Published: January 2022

Background

The concomitant role of the Central Executive, the Saliency and the Social Cognition networks in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in demanding ecological tasks remains unanswered. We addressed this question using a novel task-based fMRI virtual-reality task mimicking a challenging daily-life chore that may present some difficulties to individuals with ASD: the EcoSupermarketX.

Methods

Participants included 29 adolescents: 15 with ASD and 15 with typical neurodevelopment (TD). They performed the EcoSupermarketX (a shopping simulation with three goal-oriented sub-tasks including “no cue”, “non-social” or “social” cues), during neuroimaging and eye-tracking.

Results

ASD differed from TD only in total time and distance to complete the “social cue” sub-task with matched eye-tracking measures. Neuroimaging revealed simultaneous hyperactivation across social, executive, and saliency circuits in ASD. In contrast, ASD showed reduced activation in the parahippocampal gyrus, involved in scene recognition.

Conclusions

When performing a virtual shopping task matching the performance of controls, ASD adolescents hyperactivate three core networks: executive, saliency and social cognition. Parahippocampal hypoactivation is consistent with effortless eidetic scene processing, in line with the notion of peaks and valleys of neural recruitment in individuals with ASD. These hyperactivation/hypoactivation patterns in daily life tasks provide a circuit-level signature of neural diversity in ASD, a possible intervention target.
Detection and identification of cis-regulatory elements using change-point and classification algorithms
Authors: Maderazo Dominic , Flegg Jennifer A. , Algama Manjula , Ramialison Mirana , Keith Jonathan
Published: January 2022

Background

Transcriptional regulation is primarily mediated by the binding of factors to non-coding regions in DNA. Identification of these binding regions enhances understanding of tissue formation and potentially facilitates the development of gene therapies. However, successful identification of binding regions is made difficult by the lack of a universal biological code for their characterisation.

Results

We extend an alignment-based method, , and identify clusters of biological significance, through ontology and de novo motif analysis. Further, we apply a Bayesian method to estimate and combine binary classifiers on the clusters we identify to produce a better performing composite.

Conclusions

The analysis we describe provides a computational method for identification of conserved binding sites in the human genome and facilitates an alternative interrogation of combinations of existing data sets with alignment data.
AMPlify: attentive deep learning model for discovery of novel antimicrobial peptides effective against WHO priority pathogens
Authors: Li Chenkai , Sutherland Darcy , Hammond S. Austin , Yang Chen , Taho Figali , Bergman Lauren , Houston Simon , Warren René L. , Wong Titus , Hoang Linda M. N. , Cameron Caroline E. , Helbing Caren C. , Birol Inanc
Published: January 2022

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern prompting researchers to seek alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are attracting attention again as therapeutic agents with promising utility in this domain, and using in silico methods to discover novel AMPs is a strategy that is gaining interest. Such methods can sift through large volumes of candidate sequences and reduce lab screening costs.

Results

Here we introduce AMPlify, an attentive deep learning model for AMP prediction, and demonstrate its utility in prioritizing peptide sequences derived from the Rana [Lithobates] catesbeiana (bullfrog) genome. We tested the bioactivity of our predicted peptides against a panel of bacterial species, including representatives from the World Health Organization’s priority pathogens list. Four of our novel AMPs were active against multiple species of bacteria, including a multi-drug resistant isolate of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli.

Conclusions

We demonstrate the utility of deep learning based tools like AMPlify in our fight against antibiotic resistance. We expect such tools to play a significant role in discovering novel candidates of peptide-based alternatives to classical antibiotics.
Transcriptome and methylome changes in two contrasting mungbean genotypes in response to drought stress
Authors: Zhao Peilei , Ma Bao , Cai Chunmei , Xu Jihua
Published: January 2022

Background

Due to drought stress, the growth, distribution, and production of mungbean is severely restricted. Previous study combining physiological and transcriptomic data indicated different genotypes of mungbean exhibited variable responses when exposed to drought stress. Aside from the genetic variation, the modifications of environmentally induced epigenetics alterations on mungbean drought-stress responses were still elusive.

Results

In this study, firstly, we compared the drought tolerance capacity at seedling stage by detecting physiological parameters in two contrasting genotypes wild mungbean 61 and cultivar 70 in response to drought stress. We found that wild mungbean 61 showed lower level of MDA and higher levels of POD and CAT, suggesting wild mungbean 61 exhibited stronger drought resistance. Transcriptomic analysis indicated totally 2859 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected when 70 compared with 61 (C70 vs C61), and the number increased to 3121 in the comparison of drought-treated 70 compared with drought-treated 61 (D70 vs D61). In addition, when drought-treated 61 and 70 were compared with their controls, the DEGs were 1117 and 185 respectively, with more down-regulated DEGs than up-regulated in D61 vs C61, which was opposite in D70 vs C70. Interestingly, corresponding to this, after drought stress, more hypermethylated differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in 61 were detected and more hypomethylated DMRs in 70 were detected. Further analysis suggested that the main variations between 61 and 70 existed in CHH methylation in promoter. Moreover, the preference of methylation status alterations in D61 vs C61 and D70 vs C70 also fell in CHH sequence context. Further analysis of the correlation between DMRs and DEGs indicated in both D61 vs C61 and D70 vs C70, the DMRs in gene body was significantly negatively correlated with DEGs.

Conclusions

The physiological parameters in this research suggested that wild mungbean 61 was more resistant to drought stress, with more hypermethylated DMRs and less hypomethylated DMRs after drought stress, corresponding to more down-regulated DEGs than up-regulated DEGs. Among the three DNA methylation contexts CG, CHG, and CHH, asymmetric CHH contexts were more dynamic and prone to be altered by drought stress and genotypic variations.
Systemic lupus erythematosus simultaneously presenting with visceral muscle dysmotility syndrome and mechanical intestinal obstruction clinically relieved by surgery: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wen Junxian , Chen Weijie , Gao Lu , Qiu Xiaoyuan , Lin Guole
Published: January 2022

Background

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction (IPO) accompanied by hepatobiliary dilatation and ureterohydronephrosis is extremely rare in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This triad is also called visceral muscle dysmotility syndrome (VMDS). Only 9 cases have been reported in the literature. Here, we report a rare case of VMDS with mechanical intestinal obstruction that was clinically relieved by surgery.

Case presentation

This report refers to a 31-year-old woman with SLE and gastrointestinal symptoms presented as abdominal pain, nausea and stoppage of the passage of flatus or stool without obvious reasons. The patient suffered from severe abdominal distension because of massive flatulence. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen performed in our hospital showed localized stenosis of the bowel, ureterohydronephrosis, and biliary tract dilatation. Endoscopy showed a stenotic segment located in the sigmoid colon. The colon biopsy samples suggested that the stenosis was caused by inflammatory tissues. Biochemical investigations showed hypoalbuminemia, electrolyte disturbance and decreased C3. Antinuclear antibody was positive. After careful assessment, transverse colostomy was performed for this patient. Gastrointestinal symptoms were clinically relieved after the surgery.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, no VMDS patients have presented with mechanical ileus before. This case is the first documented occurrence of SLE with VMDS and mechanical intestinal obstruction symptoms relieved by surgery. Due to the low incidence of this condition, no standard treatment regimen has been established. However, surgical treatment offers significant benefit in specific situations.
Hepatitis C positive organ transplantation to negative recipients at a multiorgan Canadian transplant centre: ready for prime time
Authors: Alghamdi Waleed , Lotfy Khaled , Weernink Corinne , Alsolami Enad , Jevnikar Anthony , Luke Patrick , Skaro Anton , Qumosani Karim , Brahmania Mayur , Marotta Paul , Hosseini-Moghaddam Syed M. , Teriaky Anouar
Published: January 2022

Background

Transplantation offers the best survival for patients with end stage organ disease. Transplant of hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleic acid test (NAT) positive organs into negative recipients is a novel strategy that can expand the donor pool. We aim to evaluate our centre’s experience.

Methods

We preformed a retrospective review of anti-HCV NAT positive and negative organs into negative recipients transplanted over 27 months. Primary outcome was the success rate of eradication of HCV post-transplant. Secondary outcomes were rate of transmission of HCV, treatment adverse events, and graft failure.

Results

33 anti-HCV positive organs were transplanted into negative recipients. 22 (66.7%) were NAT positive. Median recipients age was 49 years (interquartile range [IQR] 44.5–62.0) with the majority being males (57.6%). NAT positive organ transplantations included 16 kidneys, 3 livers, 1 kidney-pancreas, 1 liver-kidney, and 1 heart. The most common HCV genotype was 1a (59.1%). The median time to initiating therapy was 41.5 days. SVR12 was 100% in patients who finished therapy. There were no adverse events with therapy and no graft failure.

Conclusions

Anti-HCV NAT positive organ transplantation into negative recipients is safe with excellent eradication rates and no significant adverse events or graft failure. This would expand donor pool to close the gap between supply and demand.
Cumulative experience improves the procedures of mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Liu Chengfang , Liu Yukai , Li Zhongyuan , Gong Pengyu , Xu Zhaohan , Zhou Junshan , Zhang Weidong
Published: January 2022

Background

Mechanical thrombectomy has been widely performed for large vessel occlusion stroke. The present study aimed to determine whether cumulative experience could improve thrombectomy outcomes.

Methods

In this retrospective single-center analysis, patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy with the Solitaire stent in 3 years from 25 April 2015 were enrolled in the current study. Patients’ characteristics, durations of admission and treatment, recanalization rates, clinical outcomes, and hemorrhage transformation rates were compared among the 3 years. Logistic analysis was used to analyze the independent correlation of the years and procedural outcomes.

Results

A total of 222 patients underwent mechanical thrombectomy in the 3 years: 50 in the first year, 68 in the second year, and 104 in the third year. Door-to-puncture time (P < 0.001) and puncture-to-recanalization time (P = 0.033) decreased significantly among the 3 years, while successful recanalization rates increased (P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed an independent increase in the successful recanalization rates in the second year and third year (P = 0.020, P = 0.001) as compared to that in the first year.

Conclusions

Cumulative experience might improve the procedures of mechanical thrombectomy. The current findings suggested a potential benefit for centralization in the treatment of large vessel occlusion stroke.
The accuracy of contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans to detect postpartum haemorrhage: an observational study
Authors: Mitsuyama Yumi , Katayama Yusuke , Oi Kazuya , Shimazaki Junya , Mimura Kazuya , Endo Masayuki , Shimazu Takeshi
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal mortality. Although contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) is useful to reveal arterial bleeding, its accuracy in postpartum haemorrhage is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of CE-CT scanning in detecting postpartum haemorrhage.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study. We included patients with postpartum haemorrhage treated by emergency physicians in collaboration with obstetricians. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for CE-CT scanning to detect arterial bleeding.

Results

CE-CT scanning was performed in 52 patients, and 31 patients had extravasation. The sensitivity of CE-CT scanning to detect arterial extravasation was 100% (15/15), specificity was 28.6% (2/7), positive predictive value was 75% (15/20), and negative predictive value was 100% (2/2).

Conclusion

We showed the sensitivity of CE-CT scanning to detect arterial extravasation in patients with postpartum haemorrhage to be 100%.
The mixed blessing of AMPK signaling in Cancer treatments
Authors: Sadria Mehrshad , Seo Deokhwa , Layton Anita T.
Published: January 2022

Background

Nutrient acquisition and metabolism pathways are altered in cancer cells to meet bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands. A major regulator of cellular metabolism and energy homeostasis, in normal and cancer cells, is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). AMPK influences cell growth via its modulation of the mechanistic target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, specifically, by inhibiting mTOR complex mTORC1, which facilitates cell proliferation, and by activating mTORC2 and cell survival. Given its conflicting roles, the effects of AMPK activation in cancer can be counter intuitive. Prior to the establishment of cancer, AMPK acts as a tumor suppressor. However, following the onset of cancer, AMPK has been shown to either suppress or promote cancer, depending on cell type or state.

Methods

To unravel the controversial roles of AMPK in cancer, we developed a computational model to simulate the effects of pharmacological maneuvers that target key metabolic signalling nodes, with a specific focus on AMPK, mTORC, and their modulators. Specifically, we constructed an ordinary differential equation-based mechanistic model of AMPK-mTORC signaling, and parametrized the model based on existing experimental data.

Results

Model simulations were conducted to yield the following predictions: (i) increasing AMPK activity has opposite effects on mTORC depending on the nutrient availability; (ii) indirect inhibition of AMPK activity through inhibition of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) only has an effect on mTORC activity under conditions of low nutrient availability; (iii) the balance between cell proliferation and survival exhibits an intricate dependence on DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR) abundance and AMPK activity; (iv) simultaneous direct inhibition of mTORC2 and activation of AMPK is a potential strategy for suppressing both cell survival and proliferation.

Conclusions

Taken together, model simulations clarify the competing effects and the roles of key metabolic signalling pathways in tumorigenesis, which may yield insights on innovative therapeutic strategies.
Thoracic lymphadenopathies in diffuse systemic sclerosis: an observational study on 48 patients using computed tomography
Authors: Renaud Arthur , Pautre Raphael , Morla Olivier , Achille Aurélie , Durant Cécile , Espitia Olivier , Frampas Eric , Agard Christian
Published: January 2022

Background

Thoracic multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is essential for the detection of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Thoracic MDCT assessment can reveal the presence of thoracic lymphadenopathies (LAP) whose signification remains uncertain. The purpose of the study was to describe the characteristics and to assess the significance of thoracic LAP in patients with diffuse SSc.

Methods

We conducted a monocentric observational study on adult patients with diffuse SSc, and collected general patient and first thoracic MDCT characteristics, PET-CT and outcome data. Comparisons were made between patients with and without thoracic LAP.

Results

Forty-eight patients were included. There were 30 patients (62.5%) with an ILD and 23 (48%) with at least one thoracic LAP on the first MDCT assessment. Median number per patient of thoracic LAP was 3 [1–8], with a mean size of 11.7 ± 1.7 mm, mainly located in right para-tracheal area (22.8% of the total number of LAP), right hilar area (20.3%), left hilar area (6.5%), and sub-carinal area (15.2%). PET-CT showed lymph node hypermetabolism in 11/15 patients (73.3%) with mean SUVmax at 4 ± 1.3. There were significantly more males (p = 0.002) and more patients exposed to silica (p = 0.001) in patients with thoracic LAP. ILD was significantly more extended according to Goh score (p = 0.03), and using semi-quantitative score for mixed ground-glass reticulation (p = 0.01) and global abnormalities (p = 0.03) in patients with thoracic LAP and ILD. Thirteen patients (27.1%) died during follow-up without significant difference according to the presence or not of thoracic LAP (p = 0.15). There was also no significant difference concerning immunosuppressive treatment initiation (p = 0.17).

Conclusions

Thoracic LAP are common in diffuse SSc and are generally multiple, not bulky, moderately hypermetabolic, and located at the base of the mediastinum lymph node chains. Their presence correlates with the extent of ILD. In absence of ILD, thoracic LAP presence seems to be often explained by silica exposure.

Trial Registration: NA.
Leaf extract of Osbeckia octandra induces apoptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Kim Jue Young , Kim Jin , Bandara B. M. Ratnayake , Tilakaratne Wanninayake M. , Kim Dokyeong
Published: January 2022

Background

Osbeckia octandra is a plant endemic to Sri Lanka and is used in ethnomedicine for treating various diseases. However, the anti-cancer properties of O. octandra are yet to be fully investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-cancer effects of O. octandra on oral cancer cells.

Methods

Human oral cancer cell lines (HSC2, YD10B, YD38, YD9, and YD32) were used in this study. BrdU incorporation, cell cycle and annexin-V/PI staining were all evaluated using flow cytometry to determine the extent to which O. octandra leaf extract inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis. Cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also measured in order to investigate the anti-cancer effects of O. octandra extracts. Western blotting was performed to detect cell cycle related protein such as cyclin d1 and cdk4, and to detect apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Bax, Caspase-9, Cleaved caspase-3, Fas, Caspase-8, and Bid.

Results

Leaf extract of O. octandra reduced oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Leaf extract of O. octandra has non-toxic in normal keratinocytes. Also, O. octandra extract interrupted the DNA replication via G1 phase arrests, and this effect was independent of ROS generation. In the apoptosis-related experiments, the population of annexin V-positive cells increased upon treatment with O. octandra extract. Furthermore, the expression of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) was decreased, whereas the expression of cleaved caspase-3 protein was increased in O. octandra-treated OSCC cells.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a leaf extract of O. octandra inhibited the proliferation of OSCC cells through G1 phase arrest and interrupting DNA replication. The leaf extract of O. octandra could trigger the apoptotic response via caspase 3 activation in OSCC cells. These results suggest that O. octandra has the potential to be developed as an alternative medicine for treating OSCC.