bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluro-Protein C-Phycocyanin Docked Silver Nanocomposite Accelerates Cell Migration through NFĸB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Madhyastha Harishkumar , Madhyastha Radha , Chakraborty Eshika , Banerjee Kaushita , Shah Kamal , Nakajima Yuichi , Chauhan Nagendra Singh , Sudhakaran Sajitha Lulu , Ohe Kaoru , Muthukaliannan Gothandam Kodiveri , Gopalakrishnan Abilash Valsala , Maruyama Masugi , Watanabe Nozomi
Published: February 2023

Currently, there is a great demand for the development of nanomedicine aided wound tissue regeneration via silver doped nanoceuticals. Unfortunately, very little research is being carried out on antioxidants-doped silver nanometals and their interaction on the signaling axis during the bio-interface mechanism. In this study, c-phycocyanin primed silver nano hybrids (AgcPCNP) were prepared and analyzed for properties such as cytotoxicity, metal decay, nanoconjugate stability, size expansion, and antioxidant features. Fluctuations in the expression of marker genes during cell migration phenomena in in vitro wound healing scenarios were also validated. Studies revealed that physiologically relevant ionic solutions did not exhibit any adverse effects on the nanoconjugate stability. However, acidic, alkali, and ethanol solutions completely denatured the AgcPCNP conjugates. Signal transduction RT2PCR array demonstrated that genes associated with NFĸB- and PI3K-pathways were significantly (p < 0.5%) altered between AgcPCNP and AgNP groups. Specific inhibitors of NFĸB (Nfi) and PI3K (LY294002) pathways confirmed the involvement of NFĸB signaling axes. In vitro wound healing assay demonstrated that NFĸB pathway plays a prime role in the fibroblast cell migration. In conclusion, the present investigation revealed that surface functionalized AgcPCNP accelerated the fibroblast cell migration and can be further explored for wound healing biomedical applications.
Age-Related Alterations in the Level and Metabolism of Serotonin in the Brain of Males and Females of Annual Turquoise Killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri)
Authors: Evsiukova Valentina S. , Arefieva Alla B. , Sorokin Ivan E. , Kulikov Alexander V.
Published: February 2023

The annual turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) is a laboratory model organism for neuroscience of aging. In the present study, we investigated for the first time the levels of serotonin and its main metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, as well as the activities of the key enzymes of its synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylases, and degradation, monoamine oxidase, in the brains of 2-, 4- and 7-month-old male and female N. furzeri. The marked effect of age on the body mass and the level of serotonin, as well as the activities of tryptophan hydroxylases and monoamine oxidase in the brain of killifish were revealed. The level of serotonin decreased in the brain of 7-month-old males and females compared with 2-month-old ones. A significant decrease in the tryptophan hydroxylase activity and an increase in the monoamine oxidase activity in the brain of 7-month-old females compared to 2-month-old females was shown. These findings agree with the age-related alterations in expression of the genes encoding tryptophan hydroxylases and monoamine oxidase. N. furzeri is a suitable model with which to study the fundamental problems of age-related changes of the serotonin system in the brain.
Current State of Modeling Human Psychiatric Disorders Using Zebrafish
Authors: Costa Fabiano V. , Kolesnikova Tatiana O. , Galstyan David S. , Ilyin Nikita P. , de Abreu Murilo S. , Petersen Elena V. , Demin Konstantin A. , Yenkoyan Konstantin B. , Kalueff Allan V.
Published: February 2023

Psychiatric disorders are highly prevalent brain pathologies that represent an urgent, unmet biomedical problem. Since reliable clinical diagnoses are essential for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, their animal models with robust, relevant behavioral and physiological endpoints become necessary. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) display well-defined, complex behaviors in major neurobehavioral domains which are evolutionarily conserved and strikingly parallel to those seen in rodents and humans. Although zebrafish are increasingly often used to model psychiatric disorders, there are also multiple challenges with such models as well. The field may therefore benefit from a balanced, disease-oriented discussion that considers the clinical prevalence, the pathological complexity, and societal importance of the disorders in question, and the extent of its detalization in zebrafish central nervous system (CNS) studies. Here, we critically discuss the use of zebrafish for modeling human psychiatric disorders in general, and highlight the topics for further in-depth consideration, in order to foster and (re)focus translational biological neuroscience research utilizing zebrafish. Recent developments in molecular biology research utilizing this model species have also been summarized here, collectively calling for a wider use of zebrafish in translational CNS disease modeling.
Sustainable Biodegradable Biopolymer-Based Nanoparticles for Healthcare Applications
Authors: Kučuk Nika , Primožič Mateja , Knez Željko , Leitgeb Maja
Published: February 2023

Biopolymeric nanoparticles are gaining importance as nanocarriers for various biomedical applications, enabling long-term and controlled release at the target site. Since they are promising delivery systems for various therapeutic agents and offer advantageous properties such as biodegradability, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and stability compared to various toxic metal nanoparticles, we decided to provide an overview on this topic. Therefore, the review focuses on the use of biopolymeric nanoparticles of animal, plant, algal, fungal, and bacterial origin as a sustainable material for potential use as drug delivery systems. A particular focus is on the encapsulation of many different therapeutic agents categorized as bioactive compounds, drugs, antibiotics, and other antimicrobial agents, extracts, and essential oils into protein- and polysaccharide-based nanocarriers. These show promising benefits for human health, especially for successful antimicrobial and anticancer activity. The review article, divided into protein-based and polysaccharide-based biopolymeric nanoparticles and further according to the origin of the biopolymer, enables the reader to select the appropriate biopolymeric nanoparticles more easily for the incorporation of the desired component. The latest research results from the last five years in the field of the successful production of biopolymeric nanoparticles loaded with various therapeutic agents for healthcare applications are included in this review.
Screening of Candidate Effectors from Magnaporthe oryzae by In Vitro Secretomic Analysis
Authors: Li Guanjun , Shi Qingchuan , He Yanqiu , Zhu Jie , Zhong Mingluan , Tong Lingjie , Li Huaping , Nie Yanfang , Li Yunfeng
Published: February 2023

Magnaporthe oryzae is the causal agent of rice blast, one of the most serious diseases of rice worldwide. Secreted proteins play essential roles during a M. oryzae–rice interaction. Although much progress has been made in recent decades, it is still necessary to systematically explore M. oryzae-secreted proteins and to analyze their functions. This study employs a shotgun-based proteomic analysis to investigate the in vitro secretome of M. oryzae by spraying fungus conidia onto the PVDF membrane to mimic the early stages of infection, during which 3315 non-redundant secreted proteins were identified. Among these proteins, 9.6% (319) and 24.7% (818) are classified as classically or non-classically secreted proteins, while the remaining 1988 proteins (60.0%) are secreted through currently unknown secretory pathway. Functional characteristics analysis show that 257 (7.8%) and 90 (2.7%) secreted proteins are annotated as CAZymes and candidate effectors, respectively. Eighteen candidate effectors are selected for further experimental validation. All 18 genes encoding candidate effectors are significantly up- or down-regulated during the early infection process. Sixteen of the eighteen candidate effectors cause the suppression of BAX-mediated cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana by using an Agrobacterium-mediated transient expression assay, suggesting their involvement in pathogenicity related to secretion effectors. Our results provide high-quality experimental secretome data of M. oryzae and will expand our knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of M. oryzae pathogenesis.
Molecular Responses of Vegetable, Ornamental Crops, and Model Plants to Salinity Stress
Authors: Toscano Stefania , Romano Daniela , Ferrante Antonio
Published: February 2023

Vegetable and ornamental plants represent a very wide group of heterogeneous plants, both herbaceous and woody, generally without relevant salinity-tolerant mechanisms. The cultivation conditions—almost all are irrigated crops—and characteristics of the products, which must not present visual damage linked to salt stress, determine the necessity for a deep investigation of the response of these crops to salinity stress. Tolerance mechanisms are linked to the capacity of a plant to compartmentalize ions, produce compatible solutes, synthesize specific proteins and metabolites, and induce transcriptional factors. The present review critically evaluates advantages and disadvantages to study the molecular control of salt tolerance mechanisms in vegetable and ornamental plants, with the aim of distinguishing tools for the rapid and effective screening of salt tolerance levels in different plants. This information can not only help in suitable germplasm selection, which is very useful in consideration of the high biodiversity expressed by vegetable and ornamental plants, but also drive the further breeding activities.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals Influence Hub Genes Associated with Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Alwadi Diaaidden , Felty Quentin , Yoo Changwon , Roy Deodutta , Deoraj Alok
Published: February 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among men in the world. Its prevention has been limited because of an incomplete understanding of how environmental exposures to chemicals contribute to the molecular pathogenesis of aggressive PCa. Environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may mimic hormones involved in PCa development. This research aims to identify EDCs associated with PCa hub genes and/or transcription factors (TF) of these hub genes in addition to their protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. We are expanding upon the scope of our previous work, using six PCa microarray datasets, namely, GSE46602, GSE38241, GSE69223, GSE32571, GSE55945, and GSE26126, from the NCBI/GEO, to select differentially expressed genes based on |log2FC| (fold change) ≥ 1 and an adjusted p-value < 0.05. An integrated bioinformatics analysis was used for enrichment analysis (using DAVID.6.8, GO, KEGG, STRING, MCODE, CytoHubba, and GeneMANIA). Next, we validated the association of these PCa hub genes in RNA-seq PCa cases and controls from TCGA. The influence of environmental chemical exposures, including EDCs, was extrapolated using the chemical toxicogenomic database (CTD). A total of 369 overlapping DEGs were identified associated with biological processes, such as cancer pathways, cell division, response to estradiol, peptide hormone processing, and the p53 signaling pathway. Enrichment analysis revealed five up-regulated (NCAPG, MKI67, TPX2, CCNA2, CCNB1) and seven down-regulated (CDK1, CCNB2, AURKA, UBE2C, BUB1B, CENPF, RRM2) hub gene expressions. Expression levels of these hub genes were significant in PCa tissues with high Gleason scores ≥ 7. These identified hub genes influenced disease-free survival and overall survival of patients 60–80 years of age. The CTD studies showed 17 recognized EDCs that affect TFs (NFY, CETS1P54, OLF1, SRF, COMP1) that are known to bind to our PCa hub genes, namely, NCAPG, MKI67, CCNA2, CDK1, UBE2C, and CENPF. These validated differentially expressed hub genes can be potentially developed as molecular biomarkers with a systems perspective for risk assessment of a wide-ranging list of EDCs that may play overlapping and important role(s) in the prognosis of aggressive PCa.
Dystrophin (DMD) Missense Variant in Cats with Becker-Type Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Hilton Stephanie , Christen Matthias , Bilzer Thomas , Jagannathan Vidhya , Leeb Tosso , Giger Urs
Published: February 2023

Muscular dystrophy due to dystrophin deficiency in humans is phenotypically divided into a severe Duchenne and milder Becker type. Dystrophin deficiency has also been described in a few animal species, and few DMD gene variants have been identified in animals. Here, we characterize the clinical, histopathological, and molecular genetic aspects of a family of Maine Coon crossbred cats with clinically mild and slowly progressive muscular dystrophy. Two young adult male littermate cats exhibited abnormal gait and muscular hypertrophy with macroglossia. Serum creatine kinase activities were highly increased. Histopathologically, dystrophic skeletal muscle exhibited marked structural changes including atrophic, hypertrophic, and necrotic muscle fibers. Immunohistochemistry showed irregularly reduced expression of dystrophin but the staining of other muscle proteins such as β- and γ-sarcoglycans as well as desmin was also diminished. Whole genome sequencing of one affected cat and genotyping of the littermate found both to be hemizygous mutant at a single DMD missense variant (c.4186C>T). No other protein-changing variants in candidate genes for muscular dystrophy were detected. In addition, one clinically healthy male littermate was hemizygous wildtype, while the queen and one female littermate were clinically healthy, but heterozygous. The predicted amino acid exchange (p.His1396Tyr) resides in a conserved central rod spectrin domain of dystrophin. Various protein modeling programs did not predict major disruption of the dystrophin protein by this substitution, but the altered charge of the region may still affect protein function. This study represents the first genotype-to-phenotype correlation of Becker-type dystrophin deficiency in companion animals.
In Silico Examination of Single Nucleotide Missense Mutations in NHLH2, a Gene Linked to Infertility and Obesity
Authors: Madsen Allison T. , Good Deborah J.
Published: February 2023

Continual advances in our understanding of the human genome have led to exponential increases in known single nucleotide variants. The characterization of each of the variants lags behind. For researchers needing to study a single gene, or multiple genes in a pathway, there must be ways to narrow down pathogenic variants from those that are silent or pose less pathogenicity. In this study, we use the NHLH2 gene which encodes the nescient helix-loop-helix 2 (Nhlh2) transcription factor in a systematic analysis of all missense mutations to date in the gene. The NHLH2 gene was first described in 1992. Knockout mice created in 1997 indicated a role for this protein in body weight control, puberty, and fertility, as well as the motivation for sex and exercise. Only recently have human carriers of NHLH2 missense variants been characterized. Over 300 missense variants for the NHLH2 gene are listed in the NCBI single nucleotide polymorphism database (dbSNP). Using in silico tools, predicted pathogenicity of the variants narrowed the missense variants to 37 which were predicted to affect NHLH2 function. These 37 variants cluster around the basic-helix-loop-helix and DNA binding domains of the transcription factor, and further analysis using in silico tools provided 21 SNV resulting in 22 amino acid changes for future wet lab analysis. The tools used, findings, and predictions for the variants are discussed considering the known function of the NHLH2 transcription factor. Overall use of these in silico tools and analysis of these data contribute to our knowledge of a protein which is both involved in the human genetic syndrome, Prader–Willi syndrome, and in controlling genes involved in body weight control, fertility, puberty, and behavior in the general population, and may provide a systematic methodology for others to characterize variants for their gene of interest.
Neonatal Plasma Exosomes Contribute to Endothelial Cell-Mediated Angiogenesis and Cardiac Repair after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Li Xiuya , Lian Yilin , Wu Yukang , Ye Zihui , Feng Jiabao , Zhao Yuan , Guo Xudong , Kang Jiuhong
Published: February 2023

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) accompanied by cardiac remodeling still lacks effective treatment to date. Accumulated evidences suggest that exosomes from various sources play a cardioprotective and regenerative role in heart repair, but their effects and mechanisms remain intricate. Here, we found that intramyocardial delivery of plasma exosomes from neonatal mice (npEXO) could help to repair the adult heart in structure and function after AMI. In-depth proteome and single-cell transcriptome analyses suggested that npEXO ligands were majorly received by cardiac endothelial cells (ECs), and npEXO-mediated angiogenesis might serve as a pivotal reason to ameliorate the infarcted adult heart. We then innovatively constructed systematical communication networks among exosomal ligands and cardiac ECs and the final 48 ligand–receptor pairs contained 28 npEXO ligands (including the angiogenic factors, Clu and Hspg2), which mainly mediated the pro-angiogenic effect of npEXO by recognizing five cardiac EC receptors (Kdr, Scarb1, Cd36, etc.). Together, the proposed ligand–receptor network in our study might provide inspiration for rebuilding the vascular network and cardiac regeneration post-MI.
Heterogeneity of Amino Acid Profiles of Proneural and Mesenchymal Brain-Tumor Initiating Cells
Authors: Seliger Corinna , Rauer Lisa , Wüster Anne-Louise , Moeckel Sylvia , Leidgens Verena , Jachnik Birgit , Ammer Laura-Marie , Heckscher Simon , Dettmer Katja , Riemenschneider Markus , Oefner Peter , Proescholdt Martin , Vollmann-Zwerenz Arabel , Hau Peter
Published: February 2023

Glioblastomas are highly malignant brain tumors that derive from brain-tumor-initiating cells (BTICs) and can be subdivided into several molecular subtypes. Metformin is an antidiabetic drug currently under investigation as a potential antineoplastic agent. The effects of metformin on glucose metabolism have been extensively studied, but there are only few data on amino acid metabolism. We investigated the basic amino acid profiles of proneural and mesenchymal BTICs to explore a potential distinct utilization and biosynthesis in these subgroups. We further measured extracellular amino acid concentrations of different BTICs at baseline and after treatment with metformin. Effects of metformin on apoptosis and autophagy were determined using Western Blot, annexin V/7-AAD FACS-analyses and a vector containing the human LC3B gene fused to green fluorescent protein. The effects of metformin on BTICs were challenged in an orthotopic BTIC model. The investigated proneural BTICs showed increased activity of the serine and glycine pathway, whereas mesenchymal BTICs in our study preferably metabolized aspartate and glutamate. Metformin treatment led to increased autophagy and strong inhibition of carbon flux from glucose to amino acids in all subtypes. However, oral treatment with metformin at tolerable doses did not significantly inhibit tumor growth in vivo. In conclusion, we found distinct amino acid profiles of proneural and mesenchymal BTICs, and inhibitory effects of metformin on BTICs in vitro. However, further studies are warranted to better understand potential resistance mechanisms against metformin in vivo.
Rescue of Rare CFTR Trafficking Mutants Highlights a Structural Location-Dependent Pattern for Correction
Authors: Zacarias Sónia , Batista Marta S. P. , Ramalho Sofia S. , Victor Bruno L. , Farinha Carlos M.
Published: February 2023

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease caused by mutations in the gene encoding the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) channel. Currently, more than 2100 variants have been identified in the gene, with a large number being very rare. The approval of modulators that act on mutant CFTR protein, correcting its molecular defect and thus alleviating the burden of the disease, revolutionized the field of CF. However, these drugs do not apply to all patients with CF, especially those with rare mutations—for which there is a lack of knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of the disease and the response to modulators. In this work, we evaluated the impact of several rare putative class II mutations on the expression, processing, and response of CFTR to modulators. Novel cell models consisting of bronchial epithelial cell lines expressing CFTR with 14 rare variants were created. The variants studied are localized at Transmembrane Domain 1 (TMD1) or very close to the signature motif of Nucleotide Binding Domain 1 (NBD1). Our data show that all mutations analyzed significantly decrease CFTR processing and while TMD1 mutations respond to modulators, those localized in NBD1 do not. Molecular modeling calculations confirm that the mutations in NBD1 induce greater destabilization of CFTR structure than those in TMD1. Furthermore, the structural proximity of TMD1 mutants to the reported binding site of CFTR modulators such as VX-809 and VX-661, make them more efficient in stabilizing the CFTR mutants analyzed. Overall, our data suggest a pattern for mutation location and impact in response to modulators that correlates with the global effect of the mutations on CFTR structure.
An IoT-Fog-Cloud Integrated Framework for Real-Time Remote Cardiovascular Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Pati Abhilash , Parhi Manoranjan , Alnabhan Mohammad , Pattanayak Binod Kumar , Habboush Ahmad Khader , Al Nawayseh Mohammad K.
Published: February 2023

Recently, it has proven difficult to make an immediate remote diagnosis of any coronary illness, including heart disease, diabetes, etc. The drawbacks of cloud computing infrastructures, such as excessive latency, bandwidth, energy consumption, security, and privacy concerns, have lately been addressed by Fog computing with IoT applications. In this study, an IoT-Fog-Cloud integrated system, called a Fog-empowered framework for real-time analysis in heart patients using ENsemble Deep learning (FRIEND), has been introduced that can instantaneously facilitate remote diagnosis of heart patients. The proposed system was trained on the combined dataset of Long-Beach, Cleveland, Switzerland, and Hungarian heart disease datasets. We first tested the model with eight basic ML approaches, including the decision tree, logistic regression, random forest, naive Bayes, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine, AdaBoost, and XGBoost approaches, and then applied ensemble methods including bagging classifiers, weighted averaging, and soft and hard voting to achieve enhanced outcomes and a deep neural network, a deep learning approach, with the ensemble methods. These models were validated using 16 performance and 9 network parameters to justify this work. The accuracy, PPV, TPR, TNR, and F1 scores of the experiments reached 94.27%, 97.59%, 96.09%, 75.44%, and 96.83%, respectively, which were comparatively higher when the deep neural network was assembled with bagging and hard-voting classifiers. The user-friendliness and the inclusion of Fog computing principles, instantaneous remote cardiac patient diagnosis, low latency, and low energy consumption, etc., are advantages confirmed according to the achieved experimental results.
Surface Characterization and Electrical Properties of Low Energy Irradiated PANI/PbS Polymeric Nanocomposite Materials
Authors: Althubiti Numa A. , Al-Harbi Nuha , Sendi Rabab K. , Atta Ali , Henaish Ahmed. M. A.
Published: February 2023

In this work, nanocomposite samples of polyaniline (PANI) and lead sulfide nanoparticles (PbSNPs) were prepared, utilizing the solution preparation method, for implantation in energy storage elements. The PANI/PbS films were irradiated by different fluences of oxygen beam: 5 × 1016, 10 × 1016, and 15 × 1016 ions.cm−2. The composite was investigated by XRD, SEM, DSC, and FTIR. After ion irradiation, the Tg and Tm values decreased by 4.8 °C and 10.1 °C, respectively. The conductivities, electrical impedances, and electrical moduli of untreated and irradiated samples were examined in frequencies ranging from 102 Hz to 5 MHz. Moreover, the ion beam caused a modification in the dielectric characteristics of PANI/PbS. The dielectric constant ε′ was improved from 31 to 611, and the electrical conductivity increased from 1.45 × 10−3 S/cm to 25.9 × 10−3 S/cm by enhancing the fluence to 15 × 1016 ions.cm−2. Additionally, the potential energy barrier, Wm, decreased from 0.43 eV to 0.23 eV. The induced changes in the dielectric properties and structural characteristics of the PANI/PbS samples were determined. These modifications provide an opportunity to use irradiated PANI/PbS samples for several applications, including microelectronics, batteries, and storage of electrical energy.
Organic–Inorganic Manganese (II) Halide Hybrid Combining the Two Isomers Cis/Trans of [MnCl4(H2O)2]: Crystal Structure, Physical Properties, Pharmacokinetics and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Bourwina Mansoura , Walha Sandra , Krayem Najeh , Badraoui Riadh , Brahmi Faten , Alshammari Wejdan M. , Snoussi Mejdi , Turnbull Mark M. , Roisnel Thierry , Naïli Houcine
Published: February 2023

A manganese (II) complex templated by hexahydro-1,4-diazepinediium as a counter ion was grown by slow evaporation from an aqueous solution at room temperature. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the compound (C5H14N2)[MnCl4(H2O)2] crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group P2/c of the monoclinic system. The crystal structure of the Mn(II) complex is characterized by an alternation of 0-dimensional organic and inorganic stacks linked together by N/O-H…Cl and N-H…O hydrogen bonds, which lead to a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. In this structure, the inorganic layer is built up by independent anionic moieties combining the two isomers cis/trans of [MnCl4(H2O)2]2−. The thermal decomposition was studied by TGA-DTA techniques. The optical band gap and Urbach energy were obtained by Tauc’s equation. The direct and indirect band gap values are found to be 4.58 and 4.44 eV, respectively. Weak antiferromagnetic interactions are present in the molecule under study, according to magnetic measurements. An agar well diffusion technique was used to assess the synthetic compound’s biological activity, and the results showed that it has potent antibacterial (Gram-positive and Gram-negative) properties. Interestingly, the synthesized compound also displayed antilipase activity. These biological activities have been confirmed by the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic analyses.
Three New Eriophyid Mite Species from China (Acari: Eriophyidae)
Authors: Hao Ke-Xin , Lotfollahi Parisa , Xue Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2023

Eriophyid mites (Eriophyidae) are strictly phytophagous and are concentrated in Europe, Eastern Asia, Southeast Asia, Western and Eastern North America, Southern India, and New Zealand. South and southwest China are hot spots for eriophyid mite species diversity and endemism. In this study, we describe two new species, Scolotosus ehretussp. nov. on Ehretia acuminata (Boraginaceae) and Neotegonotus ulmchangussp. nov. on Ulmus changii (Ulmaceae), from south and southwest China (the Oriental Region), and one new eriophyid mite, Leipothrix ventricosissp. nov. on Hosta ventricosa (Asparagaceae), from northeast China (the Palearctic Region). All three new eriophyid mite species are distributed in the temperate region of China. We further provided mitochondrial gene (cox1, 12S rRNA) and nuclear gene (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA) sequences for three new species.
A Qualitative Study Exploring Professional Perspectives of a Challenging Rehabilitation Environment for Geriatric Rehabilitation
Authors: Tijsen Lian M. J. , Derksen Els W. C. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Buijck Bianca I.
Published: February 2023

There is a trend towards the formalization of the rehabilitation process for older rehabilitants in a Challenging Rehabilitation Environment (CRE). This concept involves the comprehensive organization of care, support, and environment on rehabilitation wards. So far, literature on the principles of the CRE is scarce. This study aims to explore the perspectives regarding the CRE of healthcare professionals through a qualitative study. Therefore, between 2018 and 2020, six international and 69 Dutch professionals were interviewed in focus groups, and 180 professionals attended workshops on two Dutch congresses. Data were thematically analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Seven themes emerged regarding the rehabilitation processes: (1) rehabilitant (attention for cognitive functioning and resilience); (2) goals (setting personal goals); (3) exercise (increasing exercise intensity); (4) daily schedule (following the daily rhythm); (5) involving the client system (involving informal caregivers); (6) nutrition (influences rehabilitation capability); and (7) technology (makes rehabilitation more safe and challenging). Regarding organizational aspects, four main themes were identified: (1) environmental aspects (encourages exercises); (2) staff aspects (interdisciplinary team); (3) organizational aspects (implementing CRE requires a shared vision); and (4) factors outside the ward (a well-prepared discharge process). To offer effective rehabilitation, all elements of the CRE should be applied. To improve the CRE, specific interventions need to be developed and implemented. Consequently, the effectiveness and efficiency of the CRE need to be measured with validated tools.
Prevalence and Impact of Arrhythmia on Outcomes in Restrictive Cardiomyopathy—A Report from the Beijing Municipal Health Commission Information Center (BMHCIC) Database
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Liu Sitong , Zhang Xilin , Zheng Jianpeng , Lu Feng , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Bai Ying
Published: February 2023

Background: Data on the outcomes of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) are limited, when the condition is complicated with arrhythmia. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and bradycardia (BC) and their impact on adverse outcomes (intra-cardiac thrombus, stroke and systematic embolism [SSE], heart failure and death) of RCM. Methods and Results: The retrospective cohort study used data collected from the Beijing Municipal Health Commission Information Center (BMHCIC) database from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2020. There were 745 (64.9%) patients with AF, 117 (10.2%) patients with VT and 311 (27.1%) patients with bradycardia. The presence of AF was associated with an increased risk of SSE (adjusted HR:1.37, 95%CI:1.02–1.83, p = 0.04) and heart failure (aHR:1.36, 95%CI:1.17–1.58, p < 0.001). VT was associated with an increased risk of intracardiac thrombus (aHR:2.34, 95%CI:1.36–4.01, p = 0.002) and death (aHR:2.07, 95%CI:1.19–3.59, p = 0.01). Bradycardia did not increase the adverse outcomes in RCM. The results remained consistent and steady when AF, VT and bradycardia were adjusted as competing factors. Conclusions: Cardiac arrhythmia are highly prevalent and associated with adverse outcomes in patients with RCM. AF and VT are more likely to be associated with intracardiac thrombosis, and the presence of AF increased the risk of SSE and HF. The presence of VT increased the risk of death.
Stent Thrombosis and Restenosis with Contemporary Drug-Eluting Stents: Predictors and Current Evidence
Authors: Condello Francesco , Spaccarotella Carmen , Sorrentino Sabato , Indolfi Ciro , Stefanini Giulio G. , Polimeni Alberto
Published: February 2023

Iterations in stent technologies, advances in pharmacotherapy, and awareness of the implications of implantation techniques have markedly reduced the risk of stent failure, both in the form of stent thrombosis (ST) and in-stent restenosis (ISR). However, given the number of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed worldwide every year, ST and ISR, albeit occurring at a fairly low rate, represent a public health problem even with contemporary DES platforms. The understanding of mechanisms and risk factors for these two PCI complications has been of fundamental importance for the parallel evolution of stent technologies. Risk factors associated with ST and ISR are usually divided into patient-, lesion-, device- and procedure-related. A number of studies have shown how certain risk factors are related to early (1 month) versus late/very late ST (between 1 month and 1 year and >1 year, respectively). However, more research is required to conclusively show the role of time-dependence of risk factors also in the incidence of ISR (early [1 year] or late [>1 year]). A thorough risk assessment is required due to the complex etiology of ST and ISR. The most effective strategy to treat ST and ISR is still to prevent them; hence, it is crucial to identify patient-, lesion-, device- and procedure-related predictors.
Planned Extracorporeal Life Support Employment during Liver Transplantation: The Potential of ECMO and CRRT as Preventive Therapies—Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Laici Cristiana , Bianchini Amedeo , Miglionico Noemi , Bambagiotti Niccolò , Vitale Giovanni , Fallani Guido , Ravaioli Matteo , Siniscalchi Antonio
Published: February 2023

Liver Transplantation (LT) has become the gold standard treatment for End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD). One of the main strategies to manage life-threatening complications, such as cardio-respiratory failure, is Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in the peri-transplantation period, with different configurations of the technique and in combination with other extracorporeal care devices such as Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT). This retrospective study includes three clinical cases of planned ECMO support strategies in LT and evaluates their application compared with current literature exploring PubMed/Medline. The three LT supported with ECMO and CRRT were performed at IRCCS Polyclinic S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna. All three cases of patients with compromised organ function analysed produced positive outcomes. The planned use of ECMO and CRRT support in peri-transplantation has allowed the patients to overcome contraindications and successfully undergo LT. In recent years, only a few reports have documented successful LT outcomes performed with intraoperative ECMO in critically ESLD patients. However, the management of LT with ECMO and/or CRRT assistance is an emerging challenge, with the need for more published evidence on this topic to guide treatment choices in patients with severe, acute and reversible respiratory and cardiovascular failure after LT.
Relationships between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Severity in Children: An Observational Study
Authors: Locci Cristian , Ruiu Antonella , Saderi Laura , Sotgiu Giovanni , Bassu Stefania , Zaffanello Marco , Antonucci Roberto
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is increasing worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency is supposed to play a role in sleep disturbances, but the complex relationships between hypovitaminosis D and pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) are still incompletely understood. This study was aimed to retrospectively investigate the vitamin D status and significant clinical, laboratory, and instrumental variables in a cohort of pediatric patients with OSAS and to assess the possible relationship between serum vitamin D levels and OSAS severity. We consecutively enrolled all children aged 2–14 years admitted to our Pediatric Clinic from 1 July 2018 to 30 November 2020 for sleep-disordered breathing. Each patient underwent standard overnight in-hospital polygraphic evaluation, measurement of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels, and clinical and laboratory investigation. A total of 127 children with OSAS were included. The 25(OH)D levels and BMI of OSAS patients were compared with those of an age-matched control group: the serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in OSAS patients than in controls (22.4 vs. 25.5 ng/mL; p-value = 0.009), whereas no differences in the BMI percentile were found between the two groups. The mean value of 25(OH)D was not significantly lower (20.9 ng/mL) in the severe OSAS group compared with the mild (23.0 ng/mL) and moderate (23.3 ng/mL) OSAS groups (p-value = 0.28). Our findings indicate a relationship between vitamin D status and OSAS in children and suggest that severe cases of OSAS have lower vitamin D levels. Future, more extensive prospective studies are needed to confirm such preliminary findings.
Effect of Acetazolamide on Postural Control in Patients with COPD Travelling to 3100 m Randomized Trial
Authors: Buergin Aline , Furian Michael , Mayer Laura , Lichtblau Mona , Scheiwiller Philipp , Sheraliev Ulan , Sooronbaev Talant , Ulrich Silvia , Bloch Konrad
Published: February 2023

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be susceptible to impairments in postural control (PC) when exposed to hypoxia at high altitude. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-design trial evaluated the effect of preventive acetazolamide treatment on PC in lowlanders with COPD traveling to 3100 m. 127 lowlanders (85 men, 42 women) with moderate to severe COPD, aged 57 ± 8 y, living below 800 m, were randomized to treatment with acetazolamide 375 mg/d starting 24 h before ascent from 760 m to 3100 m and during a 2-day sojourn in a clinic at 3100 m. PC was evaluated at both altitudes with a balance platform on which patients were standing during five tests of 30 s each. The primary outcome was the center of pressure path length (COPL). In the placebo group, COPL significantly increased from (mean ± SD) 28.8 ± 9.7 cm at 760 m to 30.0 ± 10.0 cm at 3100 m (p = 0.002). In the acetazolamide group, COPL at 760 m and 3100 m were similar with 27.6 ± 9.6 cm and 28.4 ± 9.7 cm (p = 0.069). The mean between-groups difference (acetazolamide-placebo) in altitude-induced change of COPL was −0.54 cm (95%CI −1.66 to 0.58, p = 0.289). Multivariable regression analysis confirmed an increase in COPL of 0.98 cm (0.39 to 1.58, p = 0.001) with ascent from 760 to 3100 m, but no significant effect of acetazolamide (0.66 cm, 95%CI −0.25 to 1.57, p = 0.156) when adjusting for several confounders. In lowlanders with moderate to severe COPD, an ascent to high altitude was associated with impaired postural control and this was not prevented by acetazolamide.
Isolated Atrial Fibrillation, Inflammation and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation: Preliminary Insights Based on a Single-Center Endomyocardial Biopsy Study
Authors: Batalov Roman E. , Khlynin Mikhail S. , Rogovskaya Yulia V. , Sazonova Svetlana I. , Tatarskiy Roman B. , Anfinogenova Nina D. , Popov Sergey V.
Published: February 2023

The aim of the study was to evaluate the inflammatory changes in the myocardium, based on endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) data in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for idiopathic atrial fibrillation (AF). A total of 67 patients with idiopathic AF were enrolled in the study. Patients underwent the intracardiac examination, RFA of AF, and EMB with histological and immunohistochemical studies. The catheter-treatment effectiveness, and occurrence of early and late recurrences of atrial tachyarrhythmias, were assessed depending on the identified histological changes. Nine patients (13.4%) did not have any histological changes in the myocardium according to EMB. Fibrotic changes were detected in 26 cases (38.8%). Inflammatory changes according to the Dallas criteria were observed in 32 patients (47.8%). The follow-up period for patients averaged 19.3 ± 3.7 months. The effectiveness rates of primary RFA were 88.9% in patients with the intact myocardium, 46.2% in patients with fibrotic changes of varying severity, and 34.4% in patients with the presence of criteria for myocarditis. No early recurrence of arrhythmias was observed in patients with unchanged myocardia. The presence of inflammatory and fibrotic changes in the myocardium increased the rates of early and late arrhythmia recurrences and accordingly halved the effectiveness RFA of AF.
Sex Differences in the Feasibility of Aerobic Exercise Training for Improving Cardiometabolic Health Outcomes in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: O’Gorman Sian , Miller Clint , Rawstorn Jonathan , Sabag Angelo , Sultana Rachelle , Lanting Sean , Keating Shelley , Johnson Nathan , Way Kimberley
Published: February 2023

Females with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have a 25–50% greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared with males. While aerobic exercise training is effective for improving cardiometabolic health outcomes, there is limited sex-segregated evidence on the feasibility of aerobic training in adults with T2D. A secondary analysis of a 12-week randomized controlled trial examining aerobic training in inactive adults with T2D was conducted. Feasibility outcomes were recruitment, retention, treatment fidelity, and safety. Sex differences and intervention effects were assessed using two-way analyses of variances. Thirty-five participants (14 females) were recruited. The recruitment rate was significantly lower among females (9% versus 18%; p = 0.022). Females in the intervention were less adherent (50% versus 93%; p = 0.016), and experienced minor adverse events more frequently (0.08% versus 0.03%; p = 0.003). Aerobically trained females experienced clinically meaningful reductions in pulse wave velocity (−1.25 m/s, 95%CI [−2.54, 0.04]; p = 0.648), and significantly greater reductions in brachial systolic pressure (−9 mmHg, 95%CI (3, 15); p = 0.011) and waist circumference (−3.8 cm, 95%CI (1.6, 6.1); p < 0.001) than males. To enhance the feasibility of future trials, targeted strategies to improve female recruitment and adherence are needed. Females with T2D may experience greater cardiometabolic health improvements from aerobic training than males.
Role of Autologous Fat Grafting in the Conservative Treatment of Fecal Incontinence in Children
Authors: Pinto Valentina , Pignatti Marco , Parente Giovanni , Di Salvo Neil , Contu Luca , Lima Mario
Published: February 2023

Treatment of organic fecal incontinence in children, typical of anorectal malformations, is most often conservative; however, when necessary, it can be surgical. Autologous fat grafting, or lipofilling, can be used to improve fecal incontinence. We present our experience with the echo-assisted anal-lipofilling and its effects on fecal incontinence in children and on the quality of life of the entire family. Under general anesthesia, fat tissue was harvested according to the traditional technique, and processed in a closed system Lipogems® set. Injection of the processed adipose tissue was guided by trans-anal ultrasound assistance. Ultrasound and manometry were also used for follow-up. From November 2018, we performed 12 anal-lipofilling procedures in six male patients (mean age 10.7 years). Five children had a stable improvement in bowel function with Krickenbeck’s scale scores going from soiling grade 3 pre-treatment in 100% of children to grade 1 post-treatment in 75% of them. No major post-operative complications developed. An increase in thickness of the sphincteric apparatus was shown at ultrasound during follow-up. The quality of life of the entire family, evaluated with a questionnaire, improved after the surgical treatment of the children. Anal-lipofilling is a safe and effective procedure to reduce organic fecal incontinence thereby benefiting both the patients and their families.
Vitreal Concentrations of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Patients with Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
Authors: Hasanpour Hossein , Kenney Maria Cristina , Kuppermann Baruch D. , Esfahani Mohammad Riazi , Kanavi Mozhgan Rezaei , Singh Mithalesh Kumar , Soheilian Masoud
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the vitreous humor of patients with primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). This is a prospective case control study. Eighteen patients with primary RRD without proliferative vitreoretinopathy C (PVR C) were enrolled as cases, and twenty-two non-diabetic retinopathy patients who were candidates for complete pars plana vitrectomy due to Macular Hole or Epiretinal Membrane were included as the control group. Undiluted vitreal samples were collected during the initiation of Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) prior to any infusion into the posterior cavity. Vitreous samples were also collected from 21 fresh cadaveric globes. The vitreous concentration of VEGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and compared between these two groups. The vitreal concentration of VEGF was 0.643 ± 0.088 ng/mL in the RRD group. Measured concentrations of VEGF in controls were 0.043 ± 0.104 ng/mL, and in cadaveric eyes they were 0.033 ± 0.058 ng/mL. The mean VEGF concentration in the RRD group was statistically higher than in the control group (p < 0.0001) and cadaveric eyes (p < 0.0001). Our study shows that vitreal VEGF concentrations significantly increase in patients with RRD.
Early Maladaptive Schemas and Their Impact on Parenting: Do Dysfunctional Schemas Pass Generationally?—A Systematic Review
Authors: Sójta Klaudia , Strzelecki Dominik
Published: February 2023

There are several factors that play a key role in the development of early maladaptive schemas, i.e., temperament, unmet core emotional needs, and adverse childhood events (e.g., traumatization and victimization, overindulgence, overprotection). Thus, the parental care that a child experiences has a substantial impact on the potential development of early maladaptive schemas. Negative parenting can range from unconscious neglect to overt abuse. Previous research supports the theoretical concept that there is a clear and close relationship between adverse childhood experiences and the development of early maladaptive schemas. Maternal mental health problems have been proven to be a factor that has strengthened the link between a mother’s history of negative childhood experiences and subsequent negative parenting. Consistent with the theoretical background, early maladaptive schemas are associated with a wide variety of mental health problems. Clear links have been found for EMSs and personality disorders, depression, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. In light of these theoretical and clinical connections, we decided to summarize the available literature on the multigenerational transmission of early maladaptive schemas, which is also an introduction to our research project.
Editorial: Surgical Advances in Pancreaticobiliary Diseases
Authors: Sahara Kota
Published: February 2023

Pancreaticobiliary diseases include malignant tumors arising in organs with a complex anatomy, such as the pancreas and bile ducts, often presenting as locally advanced or metastatic lesions, and they frequently have a poor prognosis [...]