bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nuevas reflexiones sobre el turismo oscuro: patrimonio, muerte y atracción
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano E.
Published: November 2021

¿Qué es el turismo oscuro?, ¿cuáles son sus esferas de acción principales?, ¿por qué precisamente lleva ese nombre?, ¿es homologable, es decir, comparable a otros fenómenos?, ¿qué busca el turista que adopta este tipo de prácticas?, y, finalmente, ¿es el turismo oscuro parte de la patrimonialización del dolor?

Maximiliano E. Korstanje se plantea estas preguntas e intenta dales respuesta en su contribución al debate de revista PH.
A EDUCAÇÃO, AS NOVAS TECNOLOGIAS E O TRABALHO NA CIBERCULTURA
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, CARVALHO Isaar Soares de
Published: November 2021

This article examines how human needs for adaptation to the environment, survival and protection led men to develop skills and transmit their knowledge through culture, habits and education. Methodologically, we will carry out a bibliographical review, dealing, in the first place, with the relationship between Education and Culture. Second, we will bring to light the importance of Education for the qualification of future professionals, specifically with regard to new technologies. And, thirdly, we will talk about the importance of new information technologies for teaching today. As a result of the study, it is possible to show how the relationship between training and the insertion of people in the labor market takes place.
Level Of Political Engagement In UK
Authors: Sakib S M Nazmuz
Published: November 2021

If citizens do not recognize, respect, or partake in the democratic process, they are regarded as politically disengaged. In the United Kingdom, political retrenchment takes distinct forms and is more common among some populations than among others. This paper addresses the features of various political disengagement measures: selected policy perceptions; degree of participation in political activities; registration for elections; voting; and elected leaders, candidates and Members of Parliament. Youths, in particular, are less likely to register as voters, vote and get elected, and engage in some political events, whereas elderly people have more negative perceptions toward politics. Councilors, candidates as well as Members of Parliament have an average age of over 50 years. Moreover, it was less likely to register people from minority ethnic groups to vote, have them voted into political positions, and convince them to vote.
Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of Acute Stroke Patients: From a Biopsychosocial Perspective in a Turkey Sample
Authors: ERSÖZ HÜSEYİNSİNOĞLU Burcu , ZİREK Emrah , KAYA AYTUTULDU Guzin , KÜÇÜKOĞLU Hayriye
Published: November 2021

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate caregiver burden among caregivers of acute stroke patients with a biopsychosocial perspective in a Turkey sample.

Methods: 72 stroke patients and 72 their caregivers were included the study. The mean age of the stroke patients included in the study was 65±12.39. The mean age of caregivers was 44.5±14 and 66.7% of them were females. Modified Motor Assessment Scale (MMAS), Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE) and The Barthel Index (BI) were used to assess the patients with stroke. The caregivers were evaluated by using the Bakas Caregiving Outcomes Scale, Family Sense of Coherence Scale-Short Form (FSOC-S), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), WHOQOL-Bref-Short Form and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS).

Results: There were significant positive correlation between the BCOS score and the SMMSE (r=0.36; p=0.002) and BI (r=0.22; p=0.05) scores. A significant positive correlation was found between the BCOS score and MSPSS’s family (r=0.31; p=0.007), friend (r=0.41; p
Nursing Care in Postpartum Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Hafize , ALKANAT Mehmet
Published: November 2021

Pregnancy-associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (P-aHUS) is a systemic disease associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, caused by dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway, leading to uncontrolled complement activation resulting in thrombotic microangiopathy. In this case it’s reported patient care management of a P-aHUS patient which developed in postpartum period with renal failure, anasarca edema, hypertension and important laboratory signs of the syndrome. Patient was effectively treated by hemodialysis and eculizumab therapy, which controls complement activation and discharged without signs of hemolysis. The patient was discharged to home from the hospital after 42 days. At follow-up 2 weeks after discharge, all signs and symptoms of renal failure had resolved. The patient has not had any inpatient readmissions to the hospital to date. There are no case report in P-aHUS nursing care. Discussion of this case contributes the literature describing nursing interventions associated with caring for patients with P-aHUS.
The Effect of the Public Health Nursing Course on Students' Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors
Authors: DOST Ayşe , KAYA Şura , SUNAL Nihal
Published: November 2021

Aim: This study was conducted to examine the effect of the public health nursing course given to nursing students on their healthy lifestyle behaviors.

Method: A one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design type was used in the study, which was carried out with 80 students studying at the nursing department of a foundation university and volunteering to participate in the study. The data were collected twice before and after the course using the Personal Information Form and the The Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP). Descriptive statistics, the paired t-test, and the independent samples t-test were used to evaluate the data.

Results: After the public health nursing course, a significant increase was determined in the students’ HPLP total score and the exercise, nutrition, self-realization, health responsibility, stress management, and interpersonal support subscale scores (p
Breast Cancer in Men: Risk Factors, Treatment Options, Quality of Life: Systematic Review
Authors: AYGİN Dilek , YAMAN Özge
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aim was to systematically examine the risk factors that have a role in the development and prognosis regarding the breast cancer among men and patients’ survival rate, and the studies performed to determine the treatment methods and patients’ quality of life.
Methods: The databases of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, OVID-LWW, Medline Complete, Science Direct, Taylor&Francis, ULAKBIM, Ethos, OpenThesis, Open Dissertation, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, and National Center of Theses were used to screen the literature.
Case-control and cohort studies published between 2000 and 2020 were included. Following the screening activity, 14 studies were included in the systematic review.
Results: This study involved seven cohort and seven case-control studies. Most of the patients were followed with invasive carcinoma diagnosis.
These studies aimed to examine the genetic mutations and impacts of environmental, anthropometric and hormonal factors in regard to the risk factors. The factors such as the molecular classification of cancer, presence of genetic mutation, cancer stage and treatment methods
affected the prognosis and survival rate. Mastectomy was used as the first treatment option, and this process had adverse impacts on patients’ quality of life physically, mentally and emotionally.
Conclusion: This study indicated that many risk factors played a role in the development and prognosis of breast cancer among men and their survival rate, that mastectomy was the primary treatment option, and that patients’ quality of life was adversely affected during/following the disease.
The Identification and Functional Analysis of mRNA Localizing to Centrosomes
Authors: Zein-Sabatto Hala , Lerit Dorothy A.
Published: November 2021

Centrosomes are multifunctional organelles tasked with organizing the microtubule cytoskeleton required for genome stability, intracellular trafficking, and ciliogenesis. Contributing to the diversity of centrosome functions are cell cycle-dependent oscillations in protein localization and post-translational modifications. Less understood is the role of centrosome-localized messenger RNA (mRNA). Since its discovery, the concept of nucleic acids at the centrosome was controversial, and physiological roles for centrosomal mRNAs remained muddled and underexplored. Over the past decades, however, transcripts, RNA-binding proteins, and ribosomes were detected at the centrosome in various organisms and cell types, hinting at a conservation of function. Indeed, recent work defines centrosomes as sites of local protein synthesis, and defined mRNAs were recently implicated in regulating centrosome functions. In this review, we summarize the evidence for the presence of mRNA at the centrosome and the current work that aims to unravel the biological functions of mRNA localized to centrosomes.
Strategies for Developing Transition Metal Phosphides in Electrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Ying Jie , Wang Huan
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical water splitting involving hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a greatly promising technology to generate sustainable and renewable energy resources, which relies on the exploration regarding the design of electrocatalysts with high efficiency, high stability, and low cost. Transition metal phosphides (TMPs), as nonprecious metallic electrocatalysts, have been extensively investigated and proved to be high-efficient electrocatalysts in both HER and OER. In this minireview, a general overview of recent progress in developing high-performance TMP electrocatalysts for electrochemical water splitting has been presented. Design strategies including composition engineering by element doping, hybridization, and tuning the molar ratio, structure engineering by porous structures, nanoarray structures, and amorphous structures, and surface/interface engineering by tuning surface wetting states, facet control, and novel substrate are summarized. Key scientific problems and prospective research directions are also briefly discussed.
Anticipation Mechanism for Cold Wave: Forecast Based Financing a Case Study in the Peruvian Andes
Authors: Bazo Juan , de Perez Coughlan , Jacome Gerardo , Mantilla Kemper , Destrooper Mathieu , Van Aalst Maarten
Published: November 2021

In June 2018, the Peruvian provinces of Arequipa and Puno in the southern Andean region were affected by heavy snowfall, which caused severe damage to people and livelihoods in several communities. Using the Forecast-based Financing approach, the Peruvian Red Cross implemented its pre-defined early action protocol before this event, after receiving an extreme snowfall warning (Level 4) from the Peruvian meteorological service. Here, we provide a case study of the approach and event itself, documenting the decision-making thresholds as well as the actions taken. This warning activated the thresholds established in the protocol, and Peruvian Red Cross prioritized 10 communities for pre-disaster support based on the forecasted severity of the event in combination with vulnerability and exposure information. The activation took place 2 days before the extreme snowfall in the communities, and the Red Cross distributed veterinary kits for 50 heads of cattle per family, tarpaulins, tool kits to install a temporary awning for alpacas to protect them from the cold wind and snow, protection kits for alpaca herders and warm clothing for children under five, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with chronic and infectious diseases in 430 highly vulnerable households. This article presents the results of a household survey following the impact of the extreme snowfall. We document the early actions taken by these communities to protect their livelihoods, health, and assets. The evaluation also presents descriptive statistics of household-level outcomes for households receiving pre-snowfall support and those that did not receive any intervention or only received post-disaster assistance. While most households took action to protect their assets, there were fewer extreme losses of alpaca herds reported in the communities who received the early support, and these communities also reported fewer adults suffering from respiratory illnesses. More in-depth research on this type of early action is necessary on a wider scale, especially to evaluate the utility of different support measures and the necessary quantity of support needed. This case study can inform government, civil society, and humanitarian actors of how early action is happening before disasters occur and provide a direction for further investment in research and practice to make use of hydro-meteorological forecasts for the benefit of the most vulnerable.
Systematic Exploration in Tissue-Pathway Associations of Complex Traits Using Comprehensive eQTLs Catalog
Authors: Wang Boqi , Yang James , Qiu Steven , Bai Yongsheng , Qin Zhaohui S.
Published: November 2021

The collection of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) is an important resource to study complex traits through understanding where and how transcriptional regulations are controlled by genetic variations in the non-coding regions of the genome. Previous studies have focused on associating eQTLs with traits to identify the roles of trait-related eQTLs and their corresponding target genes involved in trait determination. Since most genes function as a part of pathways in a systematic manner, it is crucial to explore the pathways’ involvements in complex traits to test potentially novel hypotheses and to reveal underlying mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. In this study, we expanded and applied loci2path software to perform large-scale eQTLs enrichment [i.e., eQTLs’ target genes (eGenes) enrichment] analysis at pathway level to identify the tissue-specific enriched pathways within trait-related genomic intervals. By utilizing 13,791,909 eQTLs cataloged in the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) V8 data for 49 tissue types, 2,893 pathway sets reported from MSigDB, and query regions derived from the Phenotype-Genotype Integrator (PheGenI) catalog, we identified intriguing biological pathways that are likely to be involved in ten traits [Alzheimer’s disease (AD), body mass index, Parkinson’s disease (PD), schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), stroke, blood pressure, autism spectrum disorder, and myocardial infarction]. Furthermore, we extracted the most significant pathways for AD, such as BioCarta D4-GDI pathway and WikiPathways sulfation biotransformation reaction and viral acute myocarditis pathways, to study specific genes within pathways. Our data presented new hypotheses in AD pathogenesis supported by previous studies, like the increased level of caspase-3 in the amygdala that cleaves GDP dissociation inhibitor and binds to beta-amyloid, leading to increased apoptosis and neuronal loss. Our findings also revealed potential pathogenesis mechanisms for PD, schizophrenia, NSCLC, blood pressure, autism spectrum disorder, and myocardial infarction, which were consistent with past studies. Our results indicated that loci2path′s eQTLs enrichment test was valuable in unveiling novel biological mechanisms of complex traits. The discovered mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and traits require further in-depth analysis and experimental validation.
Synergistic Interaction of LSAMP Alliances to Improve the Graduation and Transfer of Community College Students in New Jersey United States
Authors: San Miguel Cristiane , Gates Alexander E
Published: November 2021

The Garden State-LSAMP (GSLSAMP) alliance works collaboratively with the Northern New Jersey-Bridges to the Baccalaureate (NNJB2B) to greatly improve the graduation of community college students from underrepresented minority (URM) groups in STEM and their transfer rate to 4-years STEM programs. This is accomplished through several areas of enrichment. The two alliances sponsor joint activities to encourage a supportive community of 2-years and 4-years students. Community college students conduct research in the labs of mentoring faculty at 4-years programs where they interact with 4-years college students. A cross-campus near-peer mentoring program pairs recently transferred GSLSAMP mentors with mentees from the mentor’s community college of origin that eases and facilitates the graduation and transfer of mentees. In addition, the NNJB2B has adopted five proven high impact practices from GSLSAMP for their students. The results are that the graduation rate of the NNJB2B increased an average of 24.0% annually over the first 5 years of the program and the transfer rate improved 151.0% over the 2012 baseline. Four GSLSAMP 4-years institutions were especially active in the program and experienced an average increase of 62.9% over the 2012 baseline transfers from NNJB2B community colleges.
Metabolically Abnormal But Normal-Weight Individuals Had a Higher Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Cohort Study of a Chinese Population
Authors: Chen Qiannan , Zhou Yaohan , Dai Chen , Zhao Gang , Zhu Yimin , Zhang Xuhui
Published: November 2021

Aims

Obesity is a heterogeneous disease in terms of body mass index (BMI) and metabolic status. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in subjects with metabolically abnormal but normal weight (MANW) in China.

Materials and Methods

A prospective cohort with a total of 17,238 participants of the Zhejiang metabolic syndrome cohort was recruited. According to the standard of the Working Group on Obesity in China, general obesity is defined. Metabolic abnormality was defined as two or more abnormal components (elevated triglycerides (TG), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) or use of antihypertensive therapy, and elevated fasting plasma glucose or antidiabetic treatment). The hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% CI were calculated using a multiple regression model, adjusted for the potential confounding factors.

Results

Compared with metabolically normal and normal weight (MNNW) subjects, the metabolically abnormal and obesity/overweight (MAO) subjects had the highest risk of T2DM disease, with an HR of 4.67 (95% CI: 3.23–6.76), followed by MANW subjects (HR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.74–3.92) and metabolically normal but obesity/overweight (MNO) subjects (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.29–3.38) after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, drinking, physical activity, and family history of diabetes. Compared with that in the MNNW subjects, the HR in MANW subjects was significantly higher than that in MNO subjects. In normal-weight subjects, the HR of T2DM was significantly positively correlated with the number of components with metabolic abnormalities.

Conclusions

MANW subjects had a higher risk of T2DM. MANW subjects should be given more attention in the prevention and control of common chronic diseases.
Increased Incidence of Tinnitus Following a Hyperthyroidism Diagnosis: A Population-Based Longitudinal Study
Authors: Wang Tang-Chuan , Chiu Chien-Jen , Chen Pei-Chun , Chang Ta-Yuan , Tyler Richard S. , Rojas-Roncancio Eveling , Coelho Claudia Barros , Mancini Patricia C. , Lin Cheng-Li , Lin Chia-Der , Tsai Ming-Hsui
Published: November 2021

Background

An association between thyroid disease and tinnitus has been described previously but further longitudinal, population-based studies are limited.

Objective

To investigate the incidence of tinnitus in patients with hyperthyroidism in a national sample, and to identify risk level and associated factors for tinnitus in hyperthyroidism patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study. Patient data were collected from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database (LHID 2000), which includes national claims data of patient expenditures for admissions or ambulatory care from 1996 to 2011.

Setting

Taiwan hospitals and clinics providing healthcare nationwide.

Participants

Patients aged 20 years and older with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism (ICD-9-CM code 242) between 2000-2010 were selected as the study cohort. Hyperthyroidism patient cohort were identified from the LHID2000. Those with tinnitus history (ICD-9-CM code 388.3) before the index date (first hyperthyroidism diagnosis), younger than 20 years, and with incomplete demographic data were excluded. The non-hyperthyroidism cohort included patients with no history of hyperthyroidism and no documented tinnitus.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incidence of tinnitus was the primary outcome. Baseline demographic factors and comorbidities possibly associated with tinnitus, including age, sex, and comorbidities of hearing loss, vertigo, insomnia and anxiety, were retrieved from the LHID 2000. Patients were followed until end of 2011.

Results

During the study period, 780 (4.9%) hyperthyroidism patients and 2007 (3.2%) non-hyperthyroidism controls developed tinnitus. Incidence rate of tinnitus in the hyperthyroidism cohort was significantly higher in hyperthyroidism cohort (7.86 vs. 5.05 per 1000 person-years) than that in non-hyperthyroidism cohort. A higher proportion of patients with hyperthyroidism had comorbid insomnia (45.1% vs. 30.9%) and anxiety (14.0% vs. 5.73%) than those without hyperthyroidism. After adjusting for age, gender and comorbidities (vertigo, insomnia, anxiety, hearing loss), hyperthyroidism patients had 1.38-fold higher risk of tinnitus (95% CI = 1.27-1.50) than those without hyperthyroidism.

Conclusions

This large population-based study suggests patients with diagnosed hyperthyroidism was more prone to develop tinnitus. Our findings suggest evaluation for comorbid vertigo, insomnia, anxiety and/or hearing loss may identify patients who are at high risk of developing tinnitus in patients with hyperthyroidism.
Extending the Operation of Existing Biogas Plants: Which Follow-Up Concepts and Plants Will Prevail?
Authors: Güsewell Joshua , Scherzinger Katharina , Holstenkamp Lars , Vincent Lynn , Eltrop Ludger
Published: November 2021

For the existing biogas plants (BGP) in Germany, the period of the public support scheme begins to end in 2021. From a technical point of view, essential components have an operational life span of more than 20 years and allow for an extended operation. However, a profitable extension would require suitable follow-up concepts and depends on the underlying plant-specific setup, the regional conditions, as well as the regulatory and economic framework. Based on an expert evaluation, four promising follow-up concepts were identified in a multistage process consisting of expert interviews, workshops, and an online survey. These follow-up concepts are “Basic flexibilization,” “Substrate change,” “Seasonal flexibilization,” and “Biomethane upgrading.” They were assessed with a plant-specific biogas repowering model for a heterogeneous data set of 2,508 BGPs and were compared in three scenario frameworks to derive robust development paths. To capture the heterogeneity of the existing BGPs in Germany, the model was developed further regarding regional parameters such as power output, substrate mix, and emission factors. Across all the scenarios, “Seasonal flexibilization” proves to be the most promising follow-up concept for more than 50% of the BGPs. This is followed by “Substrate change,” which is particularly suitable for larger BGPs with high shares of energy crops and no heat utilization. Biomethane upgrading is usually the second choice compared to participation in extended public support schemes for electricity production. However, it is the only concept that is profitable under current market conditions due to the high CO2-quota prices in the German fuel sector. The development pathways also show a significant potential to increase the net GHG reduction, which on BPG average can be nearly doubled. Our approach shows that the interplay of the heterogeneous BGP structure, the applied economic decision variable, and the nonuniform framework conditions in different energy markets is of crucial importance when assessing similar biogas markets, identifying robust follow-up pathways, or designing framework policies.
A Feeder Protection Scheme for DC Micro-Energy System
Authors: Song Haitao , Yang Li , Chen Shaoyu , Huang Wentao , Tai Nengling
Published: November 2021

DC micro-energy system is an effective pattern to integrate high-penetration distribution generators. It has flexible operation modes and complicated fault characteristics, which requires protection with higher selectivity and sensitivity. This paper proposes a DC feeder protection method using the transient high-frequency currents. The fault direction and fault feeder are identified by comparing the amplitude of high-frequency currents of all ends. The amplitude ratio coefficient of DC voltages is introduced to detect the fault pole. The transient high-frequency components will not be affected by the communication delay and fault impedance. The protection scheme realizes the fast detection and clearance of different faults on feeders before the failure of the inverter-interfaced generators and loads, which ensure the reliable and safe operation of the non-fault zone. The model of a DC micro-energy system is established in MATLAB/Simulink and the efficiency of this method is verified by detailed simulations.
IL-4-Producing Vγ1+/Vδ6+ γδ T Cells Sustain Germinal Center Reactions in Peyer’s Patches of Mice
Authors: Ullrich Leon , Lueder Yvonne , Juergens Anna-Lena , Wilharm Anneke , Barros-Martins Joana , Bubke Anja , Demera Abdi , Ikuta Koichi , Patzer Gwendolyn Elena , Janssen Anika , Sandrock Inga , Prinz Immo , Rampoldi Francesca
Published: November 2021

The mucosal immune system is the first line of defense against pathogens. Germinal centers (GCs) in the Peyer’s patches (PPs) of the small intestine are constantly generated through stimulation of the microbiota. In this study, we investigated the role of γδ T cells in the GC reactions in PPs. Most γδ T cells in PPs localized in the GCs and expressed a TCR composed of Vγ1 and Vδ6 chains. By using mice with partial and total γδ T cell deficiencies, we found that Vγ1+/Vδ6+T cells can produce high amounts of IL-4, which drives the proliferation of GC B cells as well as the switch of GC B cells towards IgA. Therefore, we conclude that γδ T cells play a role in sustaining gut homeostasis and symbiosisviasupporting the GC reactions in PPs.
HLA-DR Expression Level in CD8+ T Cells Correlates With the Severity of Children With Acute Infectious Mononucleosis
Authors: Wang Yun , Luo Ying , Tang Guoxing , Ouyang Renren , Zhang Minxia , Jiang Yuhuan , Wang Ting , Zhang Xiwen , Yin Botao , Huang Jin , Wei Wei , Huang Min , Wang Feng , Wu Shiji , Hou Hongyan
Published: November 2021

Background

This study aimed to assess the host immune signatures associated with EBV infection and its clinical value in indicating the severity of children with acute infectious mononucleosis (IM).

Methods

Twenty-eight pediatric patients with IM aged 3–8 years were enrolled. The immune phenotypes and cytokine secretion capability of T cells were detected.

Results

The percentages and absolute numbers of CD3+and CD8+T cells were significantly increased in IM patients compared with HCs. The percentages of Naïve CD4+and CD8+T cells were decreased but with increased percentages of memory CD4+and CD8+T subsets. Our results showed the upregulation of active marker HLA-DR, TCR-αβ, and inhibitory receptors PD-1, TIGIT in CD8+T cells from IM patients, which suggested that effective cytotoxic T cells were highly against EBV infection. However, EBV exposure impaired the cytokine (IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α) secretion capability of CD4+and CD8+T cells after stimulation with PMA/ionomycinin vitro. Multivariate analysis revealed that the percentage of HLA-DR+CD8+T cells was an independent prognostic marker for IM. The percentage of HLA-DR+CD8+T cells was significantly correlated with high viral load and abnormal liver function results.

Conclusion

Robust expansion and upregulation of HLA-DR in CD8+T cells, accompanied with impaired cytokine secretion, were typical characteristics of children with acute IM. The percentage of HLA-DR+CD8+T cells might be used as a prominent marker not only for the early diagnosis but also for indicating the severity of IM.
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Lactation: Assessment of Adverse Events and Vaccine Related Antibodies in Mother-Infant Dyads
Authors: Golan Yarden , Prahl Mary , Cassidy Arianna G. , Gay Caryl , Wu Alan H. B. , Jigmeddagva Unurzul , Lin Christine Y. , Gonzalez Veronica J. , Basilio Emilia , Chidboy Megan A. , Warrier Lakshmi , Buarpung Sirirak , Li Lin , Murtha Amy P. , Asiodu Ifeyinwa V. , Ahituv Nadav , Flaherman Valerie J. , Gaw Stephanie L.
Published: November 2021

Background

Data regarding symptoms in the lactating mother-infant dyad and their immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination during lactation are needed to inform vaccination guidelines.

Methods

From a prospective cohort of 50 lactating individuals who received mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2), blood and milk samples were collected prior to first vaccination dose, immediately prior to 2nd dose, and 4-10 weeks after 2nd dose. Symptoms in mother and infant were assessed by detailed questionnaires. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in blood and milk were measured by Pylon 3D automated immunoassay and ELISA. In addition, vaccine-related PEGylated proteins in milk were measured by ELISA. Blood samples were collected from a subset of infants whose mothers received the vaccine during lactation (4-15 weeks after mothers’ 2nd dose).

Results

No severe maternal or infant adverse events were reported in this cohort. Two mothers and two infants were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period before achieving full immune response. PEGylated proteins were not found at significant levels in milk after vaccination. After vaccination, levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM significantly increased in maternal plasma and there was significant transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2-Receptor Binding Domain (anti-RBD) IgA and IgG antibodies to milk. Milk IgA levels after the 2nd dose were negatively associated with infant age. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were not detected in the plasma of infants whose mothers were vaccinated during lactation.

Conclusions

COVID-19 mRNA vaccines generate robust immune responses in plasma and milk of lactating individuals without severe adverse events reported.
Drug Resistant Tuberculosis in the Northern Region of Zambia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Monde Ngula , Zulu Mildred , Tembo Mathias , Handema Ray , Munyeme Musso , Malama Sydney
Published: November 2021

Background

Zambia like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa is affected with drug resistant tuberculosis. However, the drug resistant tuberculosis situation over the years has not been described in various regions of the country. Consequently, this study aims to determine the drug resistant tuberculosis burden in northern regions of Zambia over a four-year period based on data generated from a Regional Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory.

Method

Two hundred and thirty two (232) Tuberculosis Drug Susceptibility Testing results over a four-year period (2016-2019) were reviewed. Data was collected from tuberculosis registers and patient request forms and entered into a pre-tested standardized checklist and later entered in Excel Computer software. Double blinded checking was done by two independent data clerks to minimize duplication of cases. Cleaned data was then imported in R programme for analysis. Bivariant and descriptive statistics were performed and reported.

Results

Of 232 Drug Susceptibility Testing results, 90.9% were drug resistant TB while 9% were drug susceptible. Fifty three percent (53%) of these were multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis and 32% were confirmed as Rifampicin Mono-resistance. Only 1.7% of the Multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis patients were Pre-extensively drug-resistant Tuberculosis. Copperbelt province had the largest proportion (46.0%) of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients followed by Luapula (8.1%) and North-Western (4.7%) provinces. In new and previously treated patients, the proportion of Multi-drug resistant tuberculosis was 71.8% and 28.7% respectively. History of previous anti-tuberculosis treatment and treatment failure were associated with multi-drug resistance TB.

Conclusion and Recommendation

This study has shown a small increase in the proportions of drug resistant tuberculosis cases over the four years under review with high rates being recorded on the Copperbelt Province. Previous treatment to first line TB treatment and treatment failure were associated with development of Multi-drug resistance. We therefore recommend strengthened routine laboratory surveillance and improved case management of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis patients in the region.
Intercropping Systems Modify Desert Plant-Associated Microbial Communities and Weaken Host Effects in a Hyper-Arid Desert
Authors: Zhang Zhihao , Chai Xutian , Tariq Akash , Zeng Fanjiang , Li Xiangyi , Graciano Corina
Published: November 2021

Intercropping is an important practice in promoting plant diversity and productivity. Compared to the accumulated understanding of the legume/non-legume crop intercrops, very little is known about the effect of this practice when applied to native species on soil microbial communities in the desert ecosystem. Therefore, in the present study, bulk soil and rhizosphere microbial communities in the 2-year Alhagi sparsifolia (legume)/Karelinia caspica (non-legume) monoculture vs. intercropping systems were characterized under field conditions. Our result revealed that plant species identities caused a significant effect on microbial community composition in monocultures but not in intercropping systems. Monoculture weakened the rhizosphere effect on fungal richness. The composition of bacterial and fungal communities (β-diversity) was significantly modified by intercropping, while bacterial richness (Chao1) was comparable between the two planting patterns. Network analysis revealed that Actinobacteria, α- and γ-proteobacteria dominated bulk soil and rhizosphere microbial co-occurrence networks in each planting pattern. Intercropping systems induced a more complex rhizosphere microbial community and a more modular and stable bulk soil microbial network. Keystone taxa prevailed in intercropping systems and were Actinobacteria-dominated. Overall, planting patterns and soil compartments, not plant identities, differentiated root-associated microbiomes. Intercropping can modify the co-occurrence patterns of bulk soil and rhizosphere microorganisms in desert ecosystems. These findings provided a potential strategy for us to manipulate desert soil microbial communities and optimize desert species allocation in vegetation sustainability.
Effects of Dietary Phaffia rhodozyma Astaxanthin on Growth Performance, Carotenoid Analysis, Biochemical and Immune-Physiological Parameters, Intestinal Microbiota, and Disease Resistance in Penaeus monodon
Authors: Wang Weilong , Liu Mengting , Fawzy Samia , Xue Yucai , Wu Meiqin , Huang Xuxiong , Yi Ganfeng , Lin Qian
Published: November 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary astaxanthin (Ast) fromPhaffia rhodozymaon growth performance, survival, carotenoid content, the activity of antioxidant and immune-related enzymes, intestinal microbiota comparison, and disease resistance againstVibrio parahaemolyticusinPenaeus monodon. Juveniles (average weight 3.15 ± 0.12 g) were fed with six experimental diets supplemented with 0 (Control), 20.5, 41, 61.5, 82, and 102.5 mg/kg of Ast (defined as diet A–D) in triplicate for 56 days. The results indicated that shrimp fed with Ast supplementation significantly (p< 0.05) improved growth performance compared with the control. Furthermore, significantly (p< 0.05) increased survival and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) demonstrated the beneficial effects of dietary Ast on enhancing nutrient utilization and ultimately improving the growth and survival of shrimp. Furthermore, shrimp fed with Ast including diet developed a deeper red color than the control, consistent with the significantly (p< 0.05) increased Ast deposition in the shrimp shell. Hemolymph-immunological parameters [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP)] and hepatopancreatic antioxidant status [total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] were significantly (p< 0.05) affected by dietary Ast supplementation. Dietary increasing Ast levels significantly (p< 0.05) increased shrimp resistance performance toV. parahaemolyticusaccording to the LT50results in the current study, which may be caused by increased total carotenoid contents in shrimp tissues from all the Ast-supplemented treatments. Conversely, intestinal microbiota biodiversity and richness were not affected by dietary Ast. The best performances of growth, antioxidant status, immunological response, and carotenoid deposition were observed in diets E and F among all the Ast-supplemented treatments. Overall, all the data suggested that dietaryP. rhodozymaAst played a critical role in improving growth performance, achieving the desired coloration, increasing carotenoid content, and keeping better health status of shrimp. Based on these positive performances,P. rhodozymaAst could gain the trust of the consumers as a natural source and provide a potential alternative for synthetic Ast using in thePenaeus monodonculture industry.
Impact of Deleterious Mutations on Structure, Function and Stability of Serum/Glucocorticoid Regulated Kinase 1: A Gene to Diseases Correlation
Authors: AlAjmi Mohamed F. , Khan Shama , Choudhury Arunabh , Mohammad Taj , Noor Saba , Hussain Afzal , Lu Wenying , Eapen Mathew Suji , Chimankar Vrushali , Hansbro Philip M , Sohal Sukhwinder Singh , Elasbali Abdelbaset Mohamed , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: November 2021

Serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) is a Ser/Thr protein kinase involved in regulating cell survival, growth, proliferation, and migration. Its elevated expression and dysfunction are reported in breast, prostate, hepatocellular, lung adenoma, and renal carcinomas. We have analyzed the SGK1 mutations to explore their impact at the sequence and structure level by utilizing state-of-the-art computational approaches. Several pathogenic and destabilizing mutations were identified based on their impact on SGK1 and analyzed in detail. Three amino acid substitutions, K127M, T256A, and Y298A, in the kinase domain of SGK1 were identified and incorporated structurally into original coordinates of SGK1 to explore their time evolution impact using all-atom molecular dynamic (MD) simulations for 200 ns. MD results indicate substantial conformational alterations in SGK1, thus its functional loss, particularly upon T256A mutation. This study provides meaningful insights into SGK1 dysfunction upon mutation, leading to disease progression, including cancer, and neurodegeneration.
Multi-Center Randomized Phase II Clinical Trial on Remote Ischemic Conditioning in Acute Ischemic Stroke Within 9 Hours of Onset in Patients Ineligible to Recanalization Therapies (TRICS-9): Study Design and Protocol
Authors: Diamanti Susanna , Beretta Simone , Tettamanti Mauro , Sacco Simona , Sette Giuliano , Ornello Raffaele , Tiseo Cindy , Caponnetto Valeria , Beccia Mario , Alivernini Diletta , Costanzo Rocco , Ferrarese Carlo
Published: November 2021

Aim: To assess the efficacy of remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) in patients with ischemic stroke within 9 h of onset, that are not candidates for recanalization therapies.

Sample Size Estimates: A sample size of 80 patients (40 in each arm) should yield 80% power to detect a 20% difference in early neurological improvement at 72 h at p = 0.05, two sided.

Methods and Design: TRICS-9 is a phase II, multicenter, controlled, block randomized, open-label, interventional clinical trial. Patients recruited in Italian academic hospitals will be randomized 1:1 to either RIC plus standard medical therapy or standard medical therapy alone. After randomization, RIC will be applied manually by four alternating cycles of inflation/deflation 5 min each, using a blood pressure cuff around the non-paretic arm.

Study Outcomes: The primary efficacy outcome is early neurological improvement, defined as the percent change in the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 72 h in each arm. Secondary outcomes include early neurologic improvement at 24 and 48 h, disability at 3 months, rate of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, feasibility (proportion of patients completing RIC), tolerability after RIC and at 72 h, blood levels of HIF-1α, and HSP27 at 24 h and 72 h.

Discussion/Conclusion: RIC in combination with recanalization therapies appears to add no clinical benefit to patients, but whether it is beneficial to those that are not candidates for recanalization therapies is still to be demonstrated. TRICS-9 has been developed to elucidate this issue.

Clinical Trial Registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04400981.
The Brain Tracks Multiple Predictions About the Auditory Scene
Authors: Brace Kelin M. , Sussman Elyse S.
Published: November 2021

The predictable rhythmic structure is important to most ecologically relevant sounds for humans, such as is found in the rhythm of speech or music. This study addressed the question of how rhythmic predictions are maintained in the auditory system when there are multiple perceptual interpretations occurring simultaneously and emanating from the same sound source. We recorded the electroencephalogram (EEG) while presenting participants with a tone sequence that had two different tone feature patterns, one based on the sequential rhythmic variation in tone duration and the other on sequential rhythmic variation in tone intensity. Participants were presented with the same sound sequences and were instructed to listen for the intensity pattern (ignore fluctuations in duration) and press a response key to detected pattern deviants (attend intensity pattern task); to listen to the duration pattern (ignore fluctuations in intensity) and make a button press to duration pattern deviants (attend duration pattern task), and to watch a movie and ignore the sounds presented to their ears (attend visual task). Both intensity and duration patterns occurred predictably 85% of the time, thus the key question involved evaluating how the brain treated the irrelevant feature patterns (standards and deviants) while performing an auditory or visual task. We expected that task-based feature patterns would have a more robust brain response to attended standards and deviants than the unattended feature patterns. Instead, we found that the neural entrainment to the rhythm of the standard attended patterns had similar power to the standard of the unattended feature patterns. In addition, the infrequent pattern deviants elicited the event-related brain potential called the mismatch negativity component (MMN). The MMN elicited by task-based feature pattern deviants had a similar amplitude to MMNs elicited by unattended pattern deviants that were unattended because they were not the target pattern or because the participant ignored the sounds and watched a movie. Thus, these results demonstrate that the brain tracks multiple predictions about the complexities in sound streams and can automatically track and detect deviations with respect to these predictions. This capability would be useful for switching attention rapidly among multiple objects in a busy auditory scene.
Postural Balance in Individuals With Knee Osteoarthritis During Stand-to-Sit Task
Authors: Fu Shengxing , Duan Tingjin , Hou Meijin , Yang Fengjiao , Chai Yatai , Chen Yongkang , Liu Benke , Ma Ye , Liu Anmin , Wang Xiangbin , Chen Lidian
Published: November 2021

Objective: Stand-to-sit task is an important daily function, but there is a lack of research evidence on whether knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) affects the postural balance during the task. This study aimed to compare individuals with knee OA and asymptomatic controls in postural balance and identify kinematic and lower extremity muscle activity characteristics in individuals with knee OA during the stand-to-sit task.

Methods: In total, 30 individuals with knee OA and 30 age-matched asymptomatic controls performed the 30-s Chair Stand Test (30sCST) at self-selected speeds. Motion analysis data and surface electromyography (sEMG) were collected while participants performed the 30sCST. To quantify postural balance, the displacement of the center of mass (CoM) and the peak instantaneous velocity of the CoM were calculated. The kinematic data included forward lean angles of the trunk and pelvic, range of motion (RoM) of the hip, knee, and ankle joints in the sagittal plane. The averaged activation levels of gluteus maximus, vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, rectus femoris, biceps femoris (BF), tibialis anterior (TA), and medial head of gastrocnemius muscles were indicated by the normalized root mean square amplitudes.

Results: Compared with the asymptomatic control group, the knee OA group prolonged the duration of the stand-to-sit task, demonstrated significantly larger CoM displacement and peak instantaneous CoM velocity in the anterior-posterior direction, reduced ankle dorsiflexion RoM, greater anterior pelvic tilt RoM, and lower quadriceps femoris and muscles activation level coupled with higher BF muscle activation level during the stand-to-sit task.

Conclusion: This study indicates that individuals with knee OA adopt greater pelvic forward lean RoM and higher BF muscle activation level during the stand-to-sit task. However, these individuals exist greater CoM excursion in the anterior-posterior direction and take more time to complete the task. This daily functional activity should be added to the rehabilitation goals for individuals with knee OA. The knee OA group performs reduced ankle dorsiflexion RoM, quadriceps femoris, and TA activation deficit. In the future, the rehabilitation programs targeting these impairments could be beneficial for restoring the functional transfer in individuals with knee OA.
Pivotal Role of Iron Homeostasis in the Induction of Mitochondrial Apoptosis by 6-Gingerol Through PTEN Regulated PD-L1 Expression in Embryonic Cancer Cells
Authors: Sp Nipin , Kang Dong Young , Jo Eun Seong , Lee Jin-Moo , Bae Se Won , Jang Kyoung-Jin
Published: November 2021

Embryonic cancer stem cells (CSCs) can differentiate into any cancer type. Targeting CSCs with natural compounds is a promising approach as it suppresses cancer recurrence with fewer adverse effects. 6-Gingerol is an active component of ginger, which exhibits well-known anti-cancer activities. This study determined the mechanistic aspects of cell death induction by 6-gingerol. To analyze cellular processes, we used Western blot and real-time qPCR for molecular signaling studies and conducted flow cytometry. Our results suggested an inhibition of CSC marker expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling by 6-gingerol in NCCIT and NTERA-2 cells. 6-Gingerol induced reactive oxygen species generation, the DNA damage response, cell cycle arrest, and the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis in embryonic CSCs. Furthermore, 6-gingerol inhibited iron metabolism and induced PTEN, which both played vital roles in the induction of cell death. The activation of PTEN resulted in the inhibition of PD-L1 expression through PI3K/AKT/p53 signaling. The induction of PTEN also mediated the downregulation of microRNAs miR-20b, miR-21, and miR-130b to result in PD-L1 suppression by 6-gingerol. Hence, 6-gingerol may be a promising candidate to target CSCs by regulating PTEN-mediated PD-L1 expression.