bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delayed neutrophil apoptosis may enhance NET formation in ARDS
Authors: Song Chao , Li Haitao , Mao Zhi , Peng Ling , Liu Ben , Lin Fengyu , Li Yi , Dai Minhui , Cui Yanhui , Zhao Yuhao , Han Duoduo , Chen Lingli , Huang Xun , Pan Pinhua
Published: June 2022

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a neutrophil-associated disease. Delayed neutrophil apoptosis and increased levels of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) have been described in ARDS. We aimed to investigate the relationship between these phenomena and their potential as inflammation drivers. We hypothesized that delayed neutrophil apoptosis might enhance NET formation in ARDS.

Method

Our research was carried out in three aspects: clinical research, animal experiments, and in vitro experiments. First, we compared the difference between neutrophil apoptosis and NET levels in healthy controls and patients with ARDS and analyzed the correlation between neutrophil apoptosis and NET levels in ARDS. Then, we conducted animal experiments to verify the effect of neutrophil apoptosis on NET formation in Lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury (LPS-ALI) mice. Furthermore, this study explored the relationship between neutrophil apoptosis and NETs at the cellular level. Apoptosis was assessed using morphological analysis, flow cytometry, and western blotting. NET formation was determined using immunofluorescence, PicoGreen assay, SYTOX Green staining, and western blotting.

Results

ARDS neutrophils lived longer because of delayed apoptosis, and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, AT7519, reversed this phenomenon both in ARDS neutrophils and neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of LPS-ALI mice. Neutrophils in a medium containing pro-survival factors (LPS or GM-CSF) form more NETs, which can also be reversed by AT7519. Tissue damage can be reduced by promoting neutrophil apoptosis.

Conclusions

Neutrophils with extended lifespan in ARDS usually enhance NET formation, which aggravates inflammation. Enhancing neutrophil apoptosis in ARDS can reduce the formation of NETs, inhibit inflammation, and consequently alleviate ARDS.
Detecting bone lesions in the emergency room with medical infrared thermography
Authors: der Strasse Wally auf , Campos Daniel Prado , Mendonça Celso Júnio Aguiar , Soni Jamil Faissal , Mendes Joaquim , Nohama Percy
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Low- to high-energy impact trauma may cause from small fissures up to extended bone losses, which can be classified as closed or opened injuries (when they are visible at a naked eye).

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of clinical diagnosis of bone trauma through medical infrared thermography, in a hospital emergency room.

Methods

Forty-five patients with suspected diagnosis of bone fracture were evaluated by means of medical infrared images, and the data correlated with the gold standard radiographic images, in the anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique views, at the orthopedic emergency department. The control group consisted of thermal images of the contralateral reference limb of the volunteers themselves. Data were acquired with a medical grade infrared camera in the regions of interest (ROIs) of leg, hand, forearm, clavicle, foot, and ankle.

Results

In all patients evaluated with a diagnosis of bone fracture, the mean temperature of the affected limb showed a positive difference greater than 0.9 °C (towards the contralateral), indicating the exact location of the bone trauma according, while the areas diagnosed with reduced blood supply, showed a mean temperature with a negative variation.

Conclusion

Clinical evaluation using infrared imaging indicates a high applicability potential as a tool to support quick diagnosis of bone fractures in patients with acute orthopedic trauma in an emergency medical setting. The thermal results showed important physiological data related to vascularization of the bone fracture and areas adjacent to the trauma well correlated to radiographic examinations.
Metabolic syndrome and its components are associated with hypoxemia after surgery for acute type A aortic dissection: an observational study
Authors: Zhang Like , Zhang Lei , Zhao Zengren , Liu Yun , Wang Juzeng , Niu Mengye , Sun Xiansheng , Zhao Xiansheng
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to explore whether or to what extent metabolic syndrome (METs) and its components were associated with hypoxemia in acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD) patients after surgery.

Methods

This study involved 271 inpatients who underwent surgery. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Subgroup analysis, mixed model regression analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed, and a scoring system was evaluated.

Results

The 271 inpatients were assigned to the hypoxemia group (n = 48) or no hypoxemia group (n = 223) regardless of METs status. Compared to the no hypoxemia group, the hypoxemia group had a higher incidence of METs. Hypoxemia was present in 0%, 3.7%, 19.8%, 51.5%, 90.0% and 100% in the groups of individuals who met the diagnostic criteria of MetS 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 times, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, BMI quartile was still a risk factor for hypoxemia after adjustment for other risk factors. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, METs was an independent risk factor for hypoxemia in several models. After assigning a score for each METs component present, the AUCs were 0.852 (95% CI 0.789–0.914) in all patients, 0.728 (95% CI 0.573–0.882) in patients with METs and 0.744 (95% CI 0.636–0.853) in patients without METs according to receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Conclusions

METs, especially body mass index, confers a greater risk of hypoxemia in ATAAD after surgery.
Literature review and expert opinion on the impact of achondroplasia on medical complications and health-related quality of life and expectations for long-term impact of vosoritide: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Savarirayan Ravi , Baratela Wagner , Butt Thomas , Cormier-Daire Valérie , Irving Melita , Miller Bradley S. , Mohnike Klaus , Ozono Keiichi , Rosenfeld Ron , Selicorni Angelo , Thompson Dominic , White Klane K. , Wright Michael , Fredwall Svein O.
Published: June 2022

Background

Achondroplasia is associated with disproportionate short stature and significant and potentially severe medical complications. Vosoritide is the first medicine to treat the underlying cause of achondroplasia and data from phase 3 and phase 2 extension studies showed effects on growth and body proportions. However, there are currently no long-term data available on the direct impact on endpoints such as medical complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study explored the perceived impact of achondroplasia on medical complications, HRQoL, healthcare resource use and mortality, and potential modifying effects of vosoritide, based on published evidence and expert opinion. Structured expert opinion was obtained by an international modified Delphi study among 14 experts in managing achondroplasia performed on a virtual platform and consisting of an explorative phase followed by an anonymous individual rating round.

Results

Overall, the panelists expect that in individuals starting long-term treatment between 2 years of age and puberty, growth velocity increases observed in the clinical trials will be maintained until final height is reached (92% agreement) and will likely result in clinically meaningful improvements in upper-to-lower body segment ratio (85%). Earlier treatment initiation will likely result in a greater final height (100%) and more likely improve proportionality (92%) than later treatment. Although current data are limited, ≥ 75% of panelists find it conceivable that the earlier long-term treatment is started, the greater the probability of a positive effect on the lifetime incidence of symptomatic spinal stenosis, kyphosis, obstructive sleep apnea, and foramen magnum stenosis. These are among the most clinically important complications of achondroplasia because of their high impact on comorbidity, mortality, and/or HRQoL. A positive effect of vosoritide on the incidence of surgeries through lifetime was considered more likely with earlier long-term treatment (90%).

Conclusions

This explorative study, based on international expert opinion, provides further insight into the medical and functional impacts of achondroplasia and how these might be modified through long-term use of vosoritide. The results can be used to guide the direction and design of future research to validate the assumptions and to discuss potential treatment outcomes with disease modifying therapies with families and clinicians.
Chilblain-like lesions onset during SARS-CoV-2 infection in a COVID-19-vaccinated adolescent: case report and review of literature
Authors: Paparella Roberto , Tarani Luigi , Properzi Enrico , Costantino Francesco , Saburri Chiara , Lucibello Roberta , Richetta Antonio , Spalice Alberto , Leonardi Lucia
Published: June 2022

Background

COVID toes or chilblain-like skin lesions have been widely reported during COVID-19 pandemic. Most cases were described in patients with negative microbiological tests for SARS-CoV-2, therefore the possible relationship with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as with the nowadays broadly available mRNA-based vaccination, has not been fully elucidated. 

Case presentation

We here describe the case of a 14-year-old male who developed chilblain-like skin eruptions during SARS-CoV-2 infection despite two mRNA-based vaccine doses and review the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of chilblain-like lesions as a cutaneous presentation of COVID-19 in children.

Conclusions

Most children and adolescent with COVID toes have a mild or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our report aims to highlight the possible onset of these skin lesions in vaccinated children, if infection has occurred, and the potential use of systemic corticosteroids as a first line treatment. Additional evidence is required to better understand SARS-CoV-2 infection and cutaneous manifestations in children and determine the relationship between chilblain-like lesions and COVID-19 vaccination.
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2b in global parasite populations
Authors: Zhang Xuexing , Wei Haichao , Zhang Yangminghui , Zhao Yan , Wang Lin , Hu Yubing , Nguitragool Wang , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Adams John , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming , Wang Qinghui
Published: June 2022

Background

Plasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2b (PvRBP2b) plays a critical role in parasite invasion of reticulocytes by binding the transferrin receptor 1. PvRBP2b is a vaccine candidate based on the negative correlation between antibody titers against PvRBP2b recombinant proteins and parasitemia and risk of vivax malaria. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of the PvRBP2b gene in the global P. vivax populations.

Methods

Near full-length PvRBP2b nucleotide sequences (190–8349 bp) were obtained from 88 P. vivax isolates collected from the China–Myanmar border (n = 44) and Thailand (n = 44). An additional 224 PvRBP2b sequences were retrieved from genome sequences from parasite populations worldwide. The genetic diversity, neutral selection, haplotype distribution and genetic differentiation of PvRBP2b were examined.

Results

The genetic diversity of PvRBP2b was distributed unevenly, with peak diversity found in the reticulocyte binding region in the N-terminus. Neutrality analysis suggested that this region is subjected to balancing selection or population bottlenecks. Several amino acid variants were found in all or nearly all P. vivax endemic regions. However, the critical residues responsible for reticulocyte binding were highly conserved. There was substantial population differentiation according to the geographical separation. The distribution of haplotypes in the reticulocyte binding region varied among regions; even the two major haplotypes Hap_6 and Hap_8 were found in only five populations.

Conclusions

Our data show considerable genetic variations of PvRBPb in global parasite populations. The geographic divergence may pose a challenge to PvRBP2b-based vaccine development.

Graphical Abstract
From a long-distance threat to the invasion front: a review of the invasive Aedes mosquito species in Belgium between 2007 and 2020
Authors: Deblauwe Isra , De Wolf Katrien , De Witte Jacobus , Schneider Anna , Verlé Ingrid , Vanslembrouck Adwine , Smitz Nathalie , Demeulemeester Julie , Van Loo Thomas , Dekoninck Wouter , Krit Meryam , Madder Maxime , Müller Ruth , Van Bortel Wim
Published: June 2022

Invasive mosquito species (IMS) and their associated mosquito-borne diseases are emerging in Europe. In Belgium, the first detection of Aedes albopictus (Skuse 1894) occurred in 2000 and of Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald 1901) in 2002. Early detection and control of these IMS at points of entry (PoEs) are of paramount importance to slow down any possible establishment. This article reviews the introductions and establishments recorded of three IMS in Belgium based on published (2007–2014) and unpublished (2015–2020) data collected during several surveillance projects. In total, 52 PoEs were monitored at least once for the presence of IMS between 2007 and 2020. These included used tyre and lucky bamboo import companies, airports, ports, parking lots along highways, shelters for imported cutting plants, wholesale markets, industrial areas, recycling areas, cemeteries and an allotment garden at the country border with colonised areas. In general, monitoring was performed between April and November. Mosquitoes were captured with adult and oviposition traps as well as by larval sampling. Aedes albopictus was detected at ten PoEs, Ae. japonicus at three PoEs and Aedes koreicus (Edwards 1917) at two PoEs. The latter two species have established overwintering populations. The percentage of PoEs positive for Ae. albopictus increased significantly over years. Aedes albopictus is currently entering Belgium through lucky bamboo and used tyre trade and passive ground transport, while Ae. japonicus through used tyre trade and probably passive ground transport. In Belgium, the import through passive ground transport was first recorded in 2018 and its importance seems to be growing. Belgium is currently at the invasion front of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus. The surveillance and control management actions at well-known PoEs associated to long-distance introductions are more straightforward than at less-defined PoEs associated with short-distance introductions from colonised areas. These latter PoEs represent a new challenge for IMS management in Belgium in the coming years. Aedes albopictus is expected to become established in Belgium in the coming years, hence increasing the likelihood of local arbovirus transmission. The implementation of a sustainable, structured and long-term IMS management programme, integrating active and passive entomological surveillance, vector control and Public Health surveillance is therefore pivotal.

Graphical Abstract
Diversity of larval habitats of Anopheles mosquitoes in urban areas of Benin and influence of their physicochemical and bacteriological characteristics on larval density
Authors: Hessou-Djossou Donald , Djègbè Innocent , Ahadji-Dabla Koffi Mensah , Nonfodji Odilon M. , Tchigossou Geneviève , Djouaka Rousseau , Cornelie Sylvie , Djogbenou Luc , Akogbeto Martin , Chandre Fabrice
Published: June 2022

Background

The implementation of anti-larval strategies in the fight against malaria vectors requires fundamental knowledge of their oviposition sites. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of Anopheles breeding sites as well as the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on the proliferation of larvae in urban and non-urban areas of Benin.

Methods

Sampling of Anopheles larvae was carried out during the rainy and dry seasons in urbanized and non-urbanized areas of the cities of Cotonou, Bohicon, Parakou, and Natitingou in Benin. The Anopheles larval breeding sites were georeferenced and characterized by their nature, type, physicochemical (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, turbidity, salinity) and biological attributes (larval density and coliform density).

Results

A total of 198 positive breeding sites for Anopheles larvae were identified, comprising 163 (82.3%) in the rainy season and 35 (17.7%) in the dry season. Out of these larval habitats, 61.9% were located in urbanized areas, and were predominantly puddles. Principal component analysis revealed a high positive correlation of larval density with temperature and dissolved oxygen, and with salinity in the coastal zone. In addition, cross-sectional analysis of the microbiological results with larval density showed a significant negative correlation between larval productivity and faecal coliform load.

Conclusions

This study indicated the presence of multiple larval habitats of Anopheles in the urban areas which were created through human activities, and associations between larval density and intrinsic factors of the habitats such as temperature, dissolved oxygen and faecal coliform load. This type of information may be useful for the implementation of appropriate control strategies in urban areas, including regulation of the human activities that lead to the creation of breeding sites, proper environmental management and targeted larvicidal use.

Graphical abstract
Qualitative analysis of very weak solutions to Dirac-harmonic equations
Authors: Shi Guannan , Zhang Ye
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we introduce a definition of very weak solutions to the homogenous Dirac-harmonic equations for differential forms. In this setting, applying the Gehring lemma and interpolation theorems, we establish a higher integrability of the Dirac operator based on the very weak solutions and explore the relation between weak solutions and very weak solutions.
Lignocellulose degradation in Protaetia brevitarsis larvae digestive tract: refining on a tightly designed microbial fermentation production line
Authors: Wang Kui , Gao Peiwen , Geng Lili , Liu Chunqin , Zhang Jie , Shu Changlong
Published: June 2022

Background

The Scarabaeidae insect Protaetia brevitarsis (PB) has recently gained increasing research interest as a resource insect because its larvae can effectively convert decaying organic matter to plant growth-promoting frass with a high humic acid content and produce healthy, nutritional insect protein sources. Lignocellulose is the main component of PB larvae (PBL) feed, but PB genome annotation shows that PBL carbohydrate-active enzymes are not able to complete the lignocellulose degradation process. Thus, the mechanism by which PBL efficiently degrade lignocellulose is worthy of further study.

Results

Herein, we used combined host genomic and gut metagenomic datasets to investigate the lignocellulose degradation activity of PBL, and a comprehensive reference catalog of gut microbial genes and host gut transcriptomic genes was first established. We characterized a gene repertoire comprising highly abundant and diversified lignocellulose-degrading enzymes and demonstrated that there was unique teamwork between PBL and their gut bacterial microbiota for efficient lignocellulose degradation. PBL selectively enriched lignocellulose-degrading microbial species, mainly from Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, which are capable of producing a broad array of cellulases and hemicellulases, thus playing a major role in lignocellulosic biomass degradation. In addition, most of the lignocellulose degradation-related module sequences in the PBL microbiome were novel. PBL provide organic functional complementarity for lignocellulose degradation via their evolved strong mouthparts, alkaline midgut, and mild stable hindgut microenvironment to facilitate lignocellulosic biomass grinding, dissolving, and symbiotic microbial fermentation, respectively.

Conclusions

This work shows that PBL are a promising model to study lignocellulose degradation, which can provide highly abundant novel enzymes and relevant lignocellulose-degrading bacterial strains for biotechnological biomass conversion industries. The unique teamwork between PBL and their gut symbiotic bacterial microbiota for efficient lignocellulose degradation will expand the knowledge of holobionts and open a new beginning in the theory of holobionts.
Effectiveness and mechanism of a 4-week online self-help mindfulness intervention among individuals with emotional distress during COVID-19 in China
Authors: Ju Ruilin , Chiu Wingsze , Zang Yinyin , Hofmann Stefan G. , Liu Xinghua
Published: June 2022

Background

Many people suffered from emotional distress especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to alleviate emotional distress, more accessible psychological intervention programs, such as online intervention programs, are needed. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy and the potential mechanism of a 4-week, online, self-help mindfulness-based intervention to manage emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic between February 3 and May 20, 2020.

Methods

A total of 302 individuals with high emotional distress completed a self-help mindfulness course, which lasted 30–60 min per day for 28 consecutive days. Participants who registered in the program later were included in the analyses as the control group (n = 315). Levels of mindfulness, perceived stress, emotional distress, anxiety and depression were assessed at baseline(T1), week 1(T2), week 2(T3), week 3(T4) and week 4(T5).

Results

Significant Group by Time interaction effects were found on mindfulness, perceived stress, emotional distress, anxiety and depression (p < 0.001). Compared to the control group, the intervention group had a greater increase in changes of all outcome variables (p < 0.001). Random intercept cross-lagged analyses showed that compared with control group, mindfulness at T2 and T4 negatively predicted stress at T3 and T5, and mindfulness at T2 and T4 negatively predicted depression at T3 and T5 while depression at T3 predicted mindfulness at T4 in the mindfulness group.

Conclusions

The results suggest that a 4-week self-help online mindfulness intervention improved mindfulness and reduced stress, emotional distress, anxiety and depression symptoms. Compared to the control group, changes in mindfulness preceded changes in stress, and mindfulness and depression reciprocally influenced each other during the intervention.

Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000034539. Registered 9 July 2020—Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=55721&htm=4.
Neural network-based classification of X-ray fluorescence spectra of artists’ pigments: an approach leveraging a synthetic dataset created using the fundamental parameters method
Authors: Jones Cerys , Daly Nathan S. , Higgitt Catherine , Rodrigues Miguel R. D.
Published: June 2022

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to identify chemical elements that has found widespread use in the cultural heritage sector to characterise artists' materials including the pigments in paintings. It generates a spectrum with characteristic emission lines relating to the elements present, which is interpreted by an expert to understand the materials therein. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are an effective method for automating such classification tasks—an increasingly important feature as XRF datasets continue to grow in size—but they require large libraries that capture the natural variation of each class for training. As an alternative to having to acquire such a large library of XRF spectra of artists' materials a physical model, the Fundamental Parameters (FP) method, was used to generate a synthetic dataset of XRF spectra representative of pigments typically encountered in Renaissance paintings that could then be used to train a neural network. The synthetic spectra generated—modelled as single layers of individual pigments—had characteristic element lines closely matching those found in real XRF spectra. However, as the method did not incorporate effects from the X-ray source, the synthetic spectra lacked the continuum and Rayleigh and Compton scatter peaks. Nevertheless, the network trained on the synthetic dataset achieved 100% accuracy when tested on synthetic XRF data. Whilst this initial network only attained 55% accuracy when tested on real XRF spectra obtained from reference samples, applying transfer learning using a small quantity of such real XRF spectra increased the accuracy to 96%. Due to these promising results, the network was also tested on select data acquired during macro XRF (MA-XRF) scanning of a painting to challenge the model with noisier spectra Although only tested on spectra from relatively simple paint passages, the results obtained suggest that the FP method can be used to create accurate synthetic XRF spectra of individual artists' pigments, free from X-ray tube effects, on which a classification model could be trained for application to real XRF data and that the method has potential to be extended to deal with more complex paint mixtures and stratigraphies.
High-resolution micro-CT with 3D image analysis for porosity characterization of historic bricks
Authors: Reedy Chandra L. , Reedy Cara L.
Published: June 2022

The study of pores in historic bricks is important for characterizing and comparing brick materials, evaluating the degree of deterioration, predicting behavior in future weathering conditions, studying the effectiveness of protective measures, and analyzing the potential effects of cleaning treatments. High-resolution micro-CT coupled with 3D image analysis is a promising new approach for studying porosity and pore systems in bricks. In this technique, hundreds or even thousands of X-ray projection images are acquired at 360 degrees around a sample. The X-radiation passing through the sample is absorbed, with radiation attenuated to varying degrees depending on the varying densities of phases within the object. The 3D volume is reconstructed by a computer algorithm, producing images where each voxel has a grayscale intensity value associated with the component it represents. Recent new instrument designs allow fast scanning with good spatial resolution. In this research, we present a set of protocols for creating optimal images of brick pores in micro-CT scans and for conducting 3D image analysis to extract both qualitative and quantitative data from those scans. Small samples give better spatial resolution for imaging of pores, so given the typical heterogeneity of bricks, scanning multiple samples from each brick ensures that the results are more likely to be representative. Machine learning and deep learning with convolutional neural networks were found to be important tools for better distinguishing pores from the surrounding matrix in the segmentation process, especially at the very limits of spatial resolution. Statistical analyses revealed which of the many parameters that can be measured are potentially most significant for characterizing the pore systems of bricks. These significant pore variables came from a multi-staged image analysis approach and include the total volume percent occupied by pores, the percentage of those pores accessible to the surface versus isolated interior ones, a variety of statistical properties of individual pores related to their size and shape, the average number of connections that pores have to other pores, and the length, diameter, and directness of those connections.

Graphical Abstract
Plasmonic sensors based on graphene and graphene hybrid materials
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Lee Yeageun , Haque Md Farhadul , Leem Juyoung , Hsieh Ezekiel Y. , Nam SungWoo
Published: June 2022

The past decade has witnessed a rapid growth of graphene plasmonics and their applications in different fields. Compared with conventional plasmonic materials, graphene enables highly confined plasmons with much longer lifetimes. Moreover, graphene plasmons work in an extended wavelength range, i.e., mid-infrared and terahertz regime, overlapping with the fingerprints of most organic and biomolecules, and have broadened their applications towards plasmonic biological and chemical sensors. In this review, we discuss intrinsic plasmonic properties of graphene and strategies both for tuning graphene plasmons as well as achieving higher performance by integrating graphene with plasmonic nanostructures. Next, we survey applications of graphene and graphene-hybrid materials in biosensors, chemical sensors, optical sensors, and sensors in other fields. Lastly, we conclude this review by providing a brief outlook and challenges of the field. Through this review, we aim to provide an overall picture of graphene plasmonic sensing and to suggest future trends of development of graphene plasmonics.
Mitigation of carbon steel biocorrosion using a green biocide enhanced by a nature-mimicking anti-biofilm peptide in a flow loop
Authors: Wang Di , Unsal Tuba , Kumseranee Sith , Punpruk Suchada , Saleh Mazen A. , Alotaibi Mohammed D. , Xu Dake , Gu Tingyue
Published: June 2022

Biocorrosion, also called microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), is a common operational threat to many industrial processes. It threatens carbon steel, stainless steel and many other metals. In the bioprocessing industry, reactor vessels in biomass processing and bioleaching are prone to MIC. MIC is caused by biofilms. The formation and morphology of biofilms can be impacted by fluid flow. Fluid velocity affects biocide distribution and MIC. Thus, assessing the efficacy of a biocide for the mitigation of MIC under flow condition is desired before a field trial. In this work, a benchtop closed flow loop bioreactor design was used to investigate the biocide mitigation of MIC of C1018 carbon steel at 25 °C for 7 days using enriched artificial seawater. An oilfield biofilm consortium was analyzed using metagenomics. The biofilm consortium was grown anaerobically in the flow loop which had a holding vessel for the culture medium and a chamber to hold C1018 carbon steel coupons. Peptide A (codename) was a chemically synthesized cyclic 14-mer (cys-ser-val-pro-tyr-asp-tyr-asn-trp-tyr-ser-asn-trp-cys) with its core 12-mer sequence originated from a biofilm dispersing protein secreted by a sea anemone which possesses a biofilm-free exterior. It was used as a biocide enhancer. The combination of 50 ppm (w/w) THPS (tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate) biocide + 100 nM (180 ppb by mass) Peptide A resulted in extra 1-log reduction in the sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) sessile cell count and the acid producing bacteria (APB) sessile cell count compared to 50 ppm THPS alone treatment. Furthermore, with the enhancement of 100 nM Peptide A, extra 44% reduction in weight loss and 36% abatement in corrosion pit depth were achieved compared to 50 ppm THPS alone treatment.

Graphical Abstract
Ultra high speed SPECT bone imaging enabled by a deep learning enhancement method: a proof of concept
Authors: Pan Boyang , Qi Na , Meng Qingyuan , Wang Jiachen , Peng Siyue , Qi Chengxiao , Gong Nan-Jie , Zhao Jun
Published: June 2022

Background

To generate high-quality bone scan SPECT images from only 1/7 scan time SPECT images using deep learning-based enhancement method.

Materials and methods

Normal-dose (925–1110 MBq) clinical technetium 99 m-methyl diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) SPECT/CT images and corresponding SPECT/CT images with 1/7 scan time from 20 adult patients with bone disease and a phantom were collected to develop a lesion-attention weighted U2-Net (Qin et al. in Pattern Recognit 106:107404, 2020), which produces high-quality SPECT images from fast SPECT/CT images. The quality of synthesized SPECT images from different deep learning models was compared using PSNR and SSIM. Clinic evaluation on 5-point Likert scale (5 = excellent) was performed by two experienced nuclear physicians. Average score and Wilcoxon test were constructed to assess the image quality of 1/7 SPECT, DL-enhanced SPECT and the standard SPECT. SUVmax, SUVmean, SSIM and PSNR from each detectable sphere filled with imaging agent were measured and compared for different images.

Results

U2-Net-based model reached the best PSNR (40.8) and SSIM (0.788) performance compared with other advanced deep learning methods. The clinic evaluation showed the quality of the synthesized SPECT images is much higher than that of fast SPECT images (P < 0.05). Compared to the standard SPECT images, enhanced images exhibited the same general image quality (P > 0.999), similar detail of 99mTc-MDP (P = 0.125) and the same diagnostic confidence (P = 0.1875). 4, 5 and 6 spheres could be distinguished on 1/7 SPECT, DL-enhanced SPECT and the standard SPECT, respectively. The DL-enhanced phantom image outperformed 1/7 SPECT in SUVmax, SUVmean, SSIM and PSNR in quantitative assessment.

Conclusions

Our proposed method can yield significant image quality improvement in the noise level, details of anatomical structure and SUV accuracy, which enabled applications of ultra fast SPECT bone imaging in real clinic settings.
Synthesis of a 2-nitroimidazole derivative N-(4-[18F]fluorobenzyl)-2-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)-acetamide ([18 F]FBNA) as PET radiotracer for imaging tumor hypoxia
Authors: Nario Arian Pérez , Woodfield Jenilee , dos Santos Sofia Nascimento , Bergman Cody , Wuest Melinda , Araújo Yasniel Babí , Lapolli André Luis , West Frederick G. , Wuest Frank , Bernardes Emerson Soares
Published: June 2022

Background

Tissue hypoxia is a pathological condition characterized by reducing oxygen supply. Hypoxia is a hallmark of tumor environment and is commonly observed in many solid tumors. Non-invasive imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET) are at the forefront of detecting and monitoring tissue hypoxia changes in vivo.

Results

We have developed a novel 18F-labeled radiotracer for hypoxia PET imaging based on cytotoxic agent benznidazole. Radiotracer N-(4-[18F]fluorobenzyl)-2-(2-nitro-1H-imidazol-1-yl)acetamide ([18F]FBNA) was synthesized through acylation chemistry with readily available 4-[18F]fluorobenzyl amine. Radiotracer [18F]FBNA was obtained in good radiochemical yields (47.4 ± 5.3%) and high radiochemical purity (> 95%). The total synthesis time was 100 min, including HPLC purification and the molar activity was greater than 40 GBq/µmol. Radiotracer [18F]FBNA was stable in saline and mouse serum for 6 h. [18F]FBNA partition coefficient (logP = 1.05) was found to be more lipophilic than [18F]EF-5 (logP = 0.75), [18F]FMISO (logP = 0.4) and [18F]FAZA (logP =  − 0.4). In vitro studies showed that [18F]FBNA accumulates in gastric cancer cell lines AGS and MKN45 under hypoxic conditions.

Conclusions

Hence, [18F]FBNA represents a novel and easy-to-prepare PET radioligand for imaging hypoxia.
Current status on cyclotron facilities and related infrastructure supporting PET applications in Latin America and the Caribbean
Authors: Avila-Rodriguez Miguel A. , Jalilian Amir R. , Korde Aruna , Schlyer David , Haji-Saeid Mohammad , Paez Jose , Perez-Pijuan Saul
Published: June 2022

This review presents the results of a survey conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency on cyclotrons and related infrastructure used for radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical production which are supporting PET imaging applications in Latin America and the Caribbean region.
Added value of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after an acute stroke and early predictors of 90 days PROMs
Authors: Sanchez-Gavilan Ester , Montiel Estefania , Baladas Maria , Lallanas Sofia , Aurin Eva , Watson Carolina , Gutierrez Maria , Cossio Yolima , Ribo Marc , Molina Carlos A. , Rubiera Marta
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Value-based health care represents a patient-centered approach by valuing Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). Our aim was to describe the additional value of PROMs after an acute stroke over conventional outcome measures and to identify early predictors of poor PROMs.

Methods

Acute stroke patients discharged from a tertiary care hospital followed by a web/phone-based PROMs collection program in the post hospitalization phase. Main PROMs involve anxiety and depression (HADS) (each defined by HADS ≥ 10) and global physical (PHY-) and mental (M-) health (PROMIS-10). PROMIS cut-off raw values of normality were: PHY-PROMIS ≥ 13 and M-PROMIS ≥ 11. An overall health status (OHS) from 0 to 100 was also determined. PROMs related to the different modified Rankin Scale (mRS) grades were defined. Early predictors of PROMs were evaluated.

Results

We included 1321 stroke patients, mean age 75 (± 8.6) and 55.7% male; 77.7% returned home. Despite a favorable mRS at 3 months (< 3), a relevant rate of patients considered without symptoms or with mild disability showed unfavorable results in the measured PROMs (8% unfavorable OHS, 15% HAD-depression, 12.1% HAD-anxiety, 28.7% unfavorable M-PROMIS and 33.1% unfavorable PHY-PROMIS results). Along follow-up, only PHY-PROMIS and OHS showed significant improvement (p < 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). The multivariate analysis including discharge variables showed that female sex, higher discharge mRS and discharge to socio-rehabilitation-center (SRC) were independent predictors of unfavorable results in PROMs (p < 0.01). When adding 7 days PROMs results, they emerged as the strongest predictors of 3 months PROMs.

Conclusions

A high proportion of stroke patients show unfavorable results in PROMs at 3 months, even those with favorable mRS, and most results obtained by PROMs during follow-up continued to indicate alterations. Female sex, mRS and discharge to SRC predicted unfavorable results in PROMs, but the strongest predictors of 3 months PROMs were the results of the 7 days PROMs.
Balanced cytokine upregulation by diluted ethanolic extract of Bryonia alba in Delta SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein RBD-induced pathogenesis in Gallus gallus embryo
Authors: Goswami Pritam , Chatterjee Debasmita , Ghosh Sayak , Paira Krishnendu , Das Satadal
Published: June 2022

Background

Bryonia alba extract is a well-known drug which is being utilized as phytomedicines and homoeopathic preparations since more than two centuries. This medicine is frequently used in clinical practice for flu-like conditions, respiratory tract infections, and gastrointestinal diseases, as evidenced by old literature and historical records. The plant contains Bryonicin, Bryonolic acid, Bryodin, Cucurbitacin, etc. The alkaloids in Bryonia alba have been discovered to be a powerful heme-oxygenase-1 inhibitor, which could help reduce oxidative stress during SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis. During three waves of SARS-CoV-2, extracts of Bryonia alba were used; however, the actual scientific explanation for its mechanism of action is still unknown. In this experiment, we studied cytokine changes by diluted Bryonia alba extract in Delta SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD-induced pathogenesis, in fertilized chick (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos.

Results

The recombinant Delta SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD protein was inoculated in 14-day-old chick (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos along with control, pre-, and post-treatment sets with diluted Bryonia extract. After 48 h, allantoic fluids were collected and stored at – 20 °C for study of different cytokines. Histological changes of the liver were also studied in each animal. Diluted Bryonia extract upregulated IFN-α and IL-10 markedly. In pre-treatment set, IFN-α, IL-8, IL-10, and IL-1β were markedly decreased, while in the post-treatment set IL-6, IL-10, IL-8, and TGFβ1 were significantly decreased, with a tendency of more anti-inflammatory surge than pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions

This experiment indicated an immunomodulatory role of diluted ethanolic extract of Bryonia particularly in the post-treatment set, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines with beneficial effect.
Egyptian evidence-based consensus on clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treat-to-target management of macrophage activation syndrome in children
Authors: Lotfy H. , Abu-Zaid M. H. , Salah S. , El Gaafary M. , Abdulhady H. , Salah H. , El-Latif E. Abd , Farag Y. , Eissa M. , Maher S. Esam , Radwan A. , El-Shanawany Amira T. , Medhat B. M. , El Mikkawy D. , Mosa D. M. , El Deriny G. , Mortada M. , Osman N. S. , Fouad N. A. , Elkaraly N. E. , Mohamed S. S. , Tabra S. A. , Hassan W. A. , Shady H. Abu , Amer Y. , Nasef S. I. , Galal Salwa , El Miedany Y.
Published: June 2022

Background

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a severe life-threatening hyperinflammatory state with uncontrolled activation and proliferation of macrophages and T-lymphocytes. MAS has variable causes and risk factors. Early diagnosis and optimum management could be lifesaving.

Our aim was to develop a consensus, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treat-to-target management of pediatric MAS.

This study was carried out to achieve an Egyptian expert consensus on a treat-to-target management strategy for MAS using the Delphi technique. The multistep process strategy was used in developing a consensus, evidence-based treatment guidelines for MAS, started by developing 7 key clinical questions by a scientific committee according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) approach. The core leadership team identified pediatric rheumatology clinicians and researchers throughout Egypt. To generate evidence for MAS management, an evidence-based, systematic literature review was done. To obtain a consensus, the Delphi procedure (3 rounds) was used.

Results

Twenty-three expert panel participated in the 3 rounds with a response rate of 100%. A total of 19 recommendations, categorized into 2 sections (11 in the diagnosis section and 8 in management), were obtained. The agreement with the recommendations (ranks 7–9) ranged from 86.9 to 95.7%. The consensus was reached (i.e., ≥75% of respondents strongly agreed or agreed) on all the clinical standards. Algorithms for management have been also developed.

Conclusion

This was an expert, consensus recommendation for the diagnosis and treat to target of MAS, based on the best available evidence and expert opinion. The guidelines fill a gap in the literature as it presents a T2T approach for MAS.
Association Between Postdischarge Medical Oncology Follow-Up Appointments and Downstream Health Care Use: A Single-Institution Experience
Authors: Xiang Jenny , Chow Ronald , Reynoso Alexandra , Carafeno Tracy , Deshpande Hari , Strait Michael , Prsic Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE:

There is limited understanding of the role of postdischarge medical oncology follow-up during care transition periods. Our study describes the care transition patterns and the association between postdischarge medical oncology appointments and downstream health care use at a tertiary academic center.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 25,135 medical oncology admissions between 2018 and 2020 at Yale New Haven Hospital. We examined the association between postdischarge medical oncology appointment timing with 30-day all-cause readmissions and emergency department (ED) visits using multivariable logistic regression models and propensity score–matched analyses.

RESULTS:

Compared with admissions without appointment within 30 days, admissions with postdischarge medical oncology appointment within 30 days were associated with lower rates of all-cause 30-day readmission (odds ratio [OR] = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.59; P < .001) and ED visit (OR = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.59; P < .001). Admissions with appointment ≤ 14 days were associated with lower rates of 30-day readmission (OR = 0.28, 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.32; P < .001) and ED visit (OR = 0.56, 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.63; P < .001) compared with those with appointment within 15-30 days. Similar patterns in health care use were seen with propensity score matching. Subgroup analyses of cancer types with the most admissions observed similar trends between 30-day readmission and ED visits with appointment timing.

CONCLUSION:

Timely postdischarge medical oncology appointments were associated with significantly lower likelihood of 30-day readmission and ED visits, suggesting a potential role for postdischarge follow-up as an intervention to decrease health care use.
Perspectives of Low-Income and Minority Populations With Lung Cancer: A Qualitative Evaluation of Unmet Needs
Authors: Patel Manali I. , Agrawal Madhuri , Duron Ysabel , O'Brien Dale , Koontz Zachary
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE:

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Persistent disparities remain in the incidence, mortality, and quality of lung cancer care received among minorities and populations with low income. This study aims to evaluate perspectives of low-income and minority patients with lung cancer on health system–level barriers and facilitators to high-quality lung cancer care delivery.

METHODS:

Informed by community-based participatory research, we conducted semistructured interviews with 48 patients with lung cancer in the San Francisco Peninsula and Central Coast regions of California. We recorded, transcribed, and analyzed interviews using thematic analysis.

RESULTS:

Participants described four major structural and process barriers in current lung cancer care: unmet psychosocial support needs, lack of understanding of precision medicine, undertreated symptoms, and financial concerns about cancer, which exacerbate concerns regarding families' well-being. Participants described that trusting relationship with their cancer care team members was a facilitator for high-quality care and suggested that proactive integration of proactive psychosocial and community-based peer support could overcome some of the identified barriers.

CONCLUSION:

This study identified modifiable health system lung cancer care delivery barriers that contribute to persistent disparities. Opportunities to improve care include integration of community-based peer support.
The Honey Pond and the Flapjack Tree
Authors: Petty Adrienne Monteith
Published: June 2022

This article analyzes and compares the vision for the future of agriculture presented at two Depression-era world fairs—the 1933 Chicago World's Fair and the 1940 American Negro Exposition—to highlight double standards in agricultural policy. An examination of correspondence, federal records, promotional materials, photographs, and news articles related to the two fairs reveals that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) envisioned a subordinate and ancillary role for African Americans in its vision of industrial agriculture. The exhibits at both fairs embodied the perspective that informed the USDA's unequal approach to lending and administering federal farm programs, an approach that endures in similar ways today.
Australia's Entanglement in Global Cotton
Authors: Cook Margaret
Published: June 2022

Cotton in Australia has always been entwined with America and England. From the initial stimulus of the American War of Independence to the boost created by the boll weevil outbreak in the 1920s, the fortunes of Australian cotton producers have been shaped by American history as much as their own nation's political and economic imperatives. Scientists and farmers relied on American experience, importing seed, knowledge, personnel, and technology. The global market reflected fluctuations in the US cotton industry and the demands of English cotton mills. Australia relied on the imports of the English cotton mills and an injection of funds by the British Cotton Growing Association (BCGA) in the 1920s to boost industry. While Australian politicians promoted cotton as a domestic economic and demographic stimulant, fulfilment of these nation-state objectives was deeply entangled with, and dependent on, those of America and England.