bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homelessness and health-related outcomes: an umbrella review of observational studies and randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fornaro Michele , Dragioti Elena , De Prisco Michele , Billeci Martina , Mondin Anna Maria , Calati Raffaella , Smith Lee , Hatcher Simon , Kaluzienski Mark , Fiedorowicz Jess G. , Solmi Marco , de Bartolomeis Andrea , Carvalho André F.
Published: July 2022

Background

Homelessness has been associated with multiple detrimental health outcomes across observational studies. However, relatively few randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted on people who experience homelessness (PEH). Thus, this umbrella review ranked the credibility of evidence derived from systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) of observational studies investigating the associations between homelessness and any health outcome as well as RCTs targeting health needs in this population.

Methods

Several databases were systematically searched from inception through April 28, 2021. Any SR and/or MA reporting quantitative data and providing a control group were eligible for inclusion. The credibility of the evidence derived from observational studies was appraised by considering the significance level of the association and the largest study, the degree of heterogeneity, the presence of small-study effects as well as excess significance bias. The credibility of evidence was then ranked in five classes. For SRs and/or MAs of RCTs, we considered the level of significance and whether the prediction interval crossed the null. The AMSTAR-2 and AMSTAR-plus instruments were adopted to further assess the methodological quality of SRs and/or MAs. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to further appraise the methodological quality of prospective cohort studies only; a sensitivity analysis limited to higher quality studies was conducted.

Results

Out of 1549 references, 8 MAs and 2 SRs were included. Among those considering observational studies, 23 unique associations were appraised. Twelve of them were statistically significant at thep≤0.005 level. Included cases had worst health-related outcomes than controls, but only two associations reached a priori-defined criteria for convincing (class I) evidence namely hospitalization due to any cause among PEH diagnosed with HIV infection, and the occurrence of falls within the past year among PEH. According to the AMSTAR-2 instrument, the methodological quality of all included SRs and/or MAs was “critically low.” Interventional studies were scant.

Conclusion

While homelessness has been repeatedly associated with detrimental health outcomes, only two associations met the criteria for convincing evidence. Furthermore, few RCTs were appraised by SRs and/or MAs. Our umbrella review also highlights the need to standardize definitions of homelessness to be incorporated by forthcoming studies to improve the external validity of the findings in this vulnerable population.
The effects of greenness exposure on hypertension incidence among Chinese oldest-old: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wensu Zhou , Wenjuan Wang , Fenfen Zhou , Wen Chen , Li Ling
Published: July 2022

Background

Although the oldest-old (those aged over 80 years) are vulnerable to environmental factors and have the highest prevalence of hypertension, studies focusing on greenness exposure and the development of hypertension among them are insufficient. The aim of this study was to explore the association between residential greenness and hypertension in the oldest-old population.

Methods

This cohort study included data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The oldest-old were free of hypertension at baseline (2008), and hypertension events were assessed by follow-up surveys in 2011, 2014, and 2018. The one-year averages of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) at 500-m buffer before the interview year of incident hypertension or last censoring interview were collected at the level of 652 residential units (district or county). The linear or nonlinear association between greenness and hypertension incidence was analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model with penalized splines. The linear links between greenness and hypertension incidence were determined using the Cox proportional hazards model included a random effect term.

Results

Among 5253 participants, the incidence rate of hypertension was 7.25 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.83–7.67) per 100 person-years. We found a nonlinear association between greenness exposure and hypertension risk, and the exposure-response curve showed that 1 change point existed. We examined the linear effect of greenness on hypertension by categorizing the NDVI/EVI into low and high-level exposure areas according to the change point. We found more notable protective effects of each 0.1-unit increase in greenness on hypertension incidence for participants living in the high-level greenness areas (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.60; 95% CI: 0.53–0.70 for NDVI; HR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.37–0.57 for EVI). In contrast, no significant influence of greenness exposure on hypertension risk was found for participants living in the low-level greenness areas (HR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.38–1.55 for NDVI; HR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.33–1.63 for EVI).

Conclusions

Greenness exposure is nonlinearly associated with hypertension risk among the oldest-old, presenting its relationship in an inverse “U-shaped” curve. Greenness is a protective factor that decreases the risk of hypertension.
A process for creating data report-back tools to improve equity in environmental health
Authors: Tomsho Kathryn S. , Polka Erin , Chacker Stacey , Queeley David , Alvarez Marty , Scammell Madeleine K. , Emmons Karen M. , Rudd Rima E. , Adamkiewicz Gary
Published: July 2022

Background

Although there is increasing interest in reporting results of environmental research efforts back to participants, evidence-based tools have not yet been applied to developed materials to ensure their accessibility in terms of literacy, numeracy, and data visualization demand. Additionally, there is not yet guidance as to how to formally assess the created materials to assure a match with the intended audience.

Methods

Relying on formative qualitative research with participants of an indoor air quality study in Dorchester, Massachusetts, we identified means of enhancing accessibility of indoor air quality data report-back materials for participants. Participants (n = 20) engaged in semi-structured interviews in which they described challenges they encountered with scientific and medical materials and outlined written and verbal communication techniques that would help facilitate engagement with and accessibility of environmental health report-back materials. We coupled these insights from participants with best practice guidelines for written materials by operationalizing health literacy tools to produce accessible audience-informed data report-back materials.

Results

The resulting data report-back materials had a 7th -grade reading level, and between a 4th -8th grade level of overall document complexity. The numeracy skills required to engage with the material were of the lowest demand, and we incorporated best practices for risk communication and facilitating understanding and actionability of the materials. Use of a rigorous assessment tool provides evidence of accessibility and appropriateness of the material for the audience.

Conclusions

We outline a process for developing and evaluating environmental health data reports that are tailored to inspire risk-reduction actions, and are demonstrably accessible in terms of their literacy, numeracy, and data visualization demand. Adapting health literacy tools to create and evaluate environmental data report-back materials is a novel and evidence-based means of ensuring their accessibility.
Alternative splicing patterns reveal prognostic indicator in muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: AZhaTi BaiHeTiYa , Wu Gaoliang , Zhan Hailun , Liang Wei , Song Zhijian , Lu Leilei , Xie Qichao
Published: July 2022

Background

Bladder cancer is one of the most lethal malignancy in urological system, and 20–25% of bladder cancer patients are muscle invasive with unfavorable prognosis. However, the role of alternative splicing (AS) in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) remains to be elucidated.

Methods

Percent spliced in (PSI) data obtained from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) SpliceSeq database (n = 394) were utilized to evaluate the AS events in MIBC. Prognosis-associated AS events were screened out by univariate Cox regression. LASSO Cox regression was used to identify reliable prognostic patterns in a training set and further validated in a test set. Splicing regulatory networks were constructed by correlations between PSI of AS events and RNA expression of splicing factors.

Results

As a result, a total of 2589 prognosis-related AS events in MIBC were identified. Pathways of spliceosomal complex (FDR = 0.017), DNA-directed RNA polymerase II, core complex (FDR = 0.032), and base excision repair (FDR = 0.038) were observed to be significantly enriched. Additionally, we noticed that most of the prognosis-related AS events were favorable factors. According to the LASSO and multivariate Cox regression analyses, 15-AS-based signature was established with the area under curve (AUC) of 0.709, 0.823, and 0.857 at 1-, 3-, and 5- years, respectively. The MIBC patients were further divided into high- and low-risk groups based on median risk sores. Interestingly, we observed that the prevalence of FGFR3 with mutations and focal amplification was significantly higher in low-risk group. Functional and immune infiltration analysis suggested potential signaling pathways and distinct immune states between these two groups. Moreover, splicing correlation network displayed a regulatory mode of prognostic splicing factors (SF) in MIBC patients.

Conclusions

This study not only provided novel insights into deciphering the possible mechanism of tumorgenesis and pathogenesis but also help refine risk stratification systems and potential treatment of decision-making for MIBC.
MST4 negatively regulates type I interferons production via targeting MAVS-mediated pathway
Authors: Liu Wei , Ma Zhenling , Wu Yaru , Yuan Cui , Zhang Yanyan , Liang Zeyang , Yang Yu , Zhang Wenwen , Jiao Pengtao
Published: July 2022

Background

Cytosolic RNA sensing can elicit immune responses against viral pathogens. However, antiviral responses must be tightly regulated to avoid the uncontrolled production of type I interferons (IFN) that might have deleterious effects on the host. Upon bacterial infection, the germinal center kinase MST4 can directly phosphorylate the adaptor TRAF6 to limit the inflammatory responses, thereby avoiding the damage caused by excessive immune activation. However, the molecular mechanism of how MST4 regulates virus-mediated type I IFN production remains unknown.

Methods

The expression levels of IFN-β, IFIT1, and IFIT2 mRNA were determined by RT-PCR. The expression levels of p-IRF3, IRF3, RIG-I, MAVS, and MST4 proteins were determined by Western blot. The effect of secreted level of IFN-β was measured by ELISA. The relationship between MST4 and MAVS was investigated by immunofluorescence staining and coimmunoprecipitation.

Results

In this study, we reported that MST4 can act as a negative regulator of type I IFN production. Ectopic expression of MST4 suppressed the Poly (I:C) (polyino-sinic-polycytidylic acid)- and Sendai virus (SeV)-triggered production of type I IFN, while the knockdown of MST4 enhanced the production of type I IFN. Mechanistically, upon SeV infection, the MST4 competed with TRAF3 to bind to the 360–540 domain of MAVS, thereby inhibiting the TRAF3/MAVS association. Additionally, MST4 facilitated the interaction between the E3 ubiquitin ligase Smurf1 and MAVS. This promoted the K48-linked ubiquitination of MAVS, thereby accelerating the ubiquitin-mediated proteasome degradation of MAVS.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that MST4 acted as a crucial negative regulator of RLR-mediated type I IFN production.
Predominantly epithelial-type synovial sarcoma with overwhelming neuroendocrine differentiation: a potential diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhou Ning , Guo Deyu , Wang Xiaodong , He Xin , Xu Yujuan
Published: July 2022

Background

Synovial sarcoma is an uncommon soft tissue tumor of soft tissue, characterized by a specific SS18 rearrangement. It generally manifests as a lesion composed of monomorphic spindle cells and sometimes shows variable epithelial differentiation. Epithelial-type synovial sarcoma is rare, and synovial sarcoma with overwhelming neuroendocrine differentiation has not been reported previously.

Case presentation

Here, we present a case of a young man with an epithelial-type synovial sarcoma of the right leg that showed an overwhelming neuroendocrine differentiation. The diagnosis was confirmed by the detection of targeted fusion re-arrangement associated with synovial sarcoma.

Conclusions

This study emphasizes the importance of molecular approaches in modern soft tissue pathology. Detecting the expression of neuroendocrine antigens in synovial sarcoma is a pre-requisite to avoid misdiagnosis of metastatic neuroendocrine tumor, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with glandular differentiation, and carcinosarcoma.
Bu Shen Huo Xue decoction promotes functional recovery in spinal cord injury mice by improving the microenvironment to promote axonal regeneration
Authors: Hou Yonghui , Luo Dan , Hou Yu , Luan Jiyao , Zhan Jiheng , Chen Zepeng , E Shunmei , Xu Liangliang , Lin Dingkun
Published: July 2022

Background

Bu-Shen-Huo-Xue (BSHX) decoction has been used in the postoperative rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injury in China. In the present study, we aim to reveal the bioactive compounds in BSHX decoction and comprehensively explore the effects of BSHX decoction and the underlying mechanism in spinal cord injury recovery.

Methods

The main chemical constituents in BSHX decoction were determined by UPLC–MS/MS. SCI mice were induced by a pneumatic impact device at T9–T10 level of the vertebra, and treated with BSHX decoction. Basso–Beattie–Bresnahan (BBB) score, footprint analysis, hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) staining, Nissl staining and a series of immunofluorescence staining were performed to investigate the functional recovery, glial scar formation and axon regeneration after BSHX treatment. Immunofluorescent staining of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU), neuronal nuclei (NeuN) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was performed to evaluate the effect of BSHX decoction on neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation and differentiation.

Results

We found that the main compounds in BSHX decoction were Gallic acid, 3,4-Dihydroxybenzaldehyde, (+)-Catechin, Paeoniflorin, Rosmarinic acid, and Diosmetin. BSHX decoction improved the pathological findings in SCI mice through invigorating blood circulation and cleaning blood stasis in the lesion site. In addition, it reduced tissue damage and neuron loss by inhibiting astrocytes activation, and promoting the polarization of microglia towards M2 phenotype. The functional recovery test revealed that BSHX treatment improved the motor function recovery post SCI.

Conclusions

Our study provided evidence that BSHX treatment could improve the microenvironment of the injured spinal cord to promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery in SCI mice.
Conceptualization, detection, and management of psychological distress and mental health conditions among people with tuberculosis in Zambia: a qualitative study with stakeholders’ and TB health workers
Authors: Mainga T. , Gondwe M. , Stewart R. C. , Mactaggart I. , Shanaube K. , Ayles H. , Bond V.
Published: July 2022

Background

In recent years, there has been increased recognition of the need to integrate mental health services into routine tuberculosis (TB) care. For successful integration, policymakers need to first understand the practices of TB health workers in the management of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and psychological distress, and use this to decide how best mental health services could be delivered in tandem with TB services. In this qualitative study we aimed to understand how TB health workers and other stakeholders viewed mental health conditions linked to TB and how they screened and treated these in their patients.

Methods

The study draws on qualitative data collected in 2018 as part of the Tuberculosis Reduction through Expanded Antiretroviral Treatment and Screening for active TB trial (TREATS), conducted in eight urban communities in Zambia. Data were collected through 17 focus group discussions with local health committee members (n = 96) and TB stakeholders (n = 57) present in the communities. Further in-depth interviews were held with key TB health workers (n = 9). Thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

TB stakeholders and health workers had an inadequate understanding of mental health and commonly described mental health conditions among TB patients by using stigmatizing terminology and overtones, for example “madness”, which often implied a characterological flaw rather an actual illness. Psychological distress was also described as “overthinking”, which participants attributed to psychosocial stressors, and was not perceived as a condition that would benefit from mental health intervention. There were no standard screening and treatment options for mental health conditions in TB patients and most TB health workers had no mental health training. TB Stakeholders and health workers understood the negative implications of mental health conditions on TB treatment adherence and overall wellbeing for TB patients.

Conclusions

TB stakeholders and health workers in Zambia have a complex conceptualisation of mental health and illness, that does not support the mental health needs of TB patients. The integration of mental health training in TB services could be beneficial and shift negative attitudes about mental health. Further, TB patients should be screened for mental health conditions and offered treatment.

Trial registration number NCT03739736-Registered on the 14th of November 2018- Retrospectively registered-

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT03739736&cntry=&state=&city=&dist
High AUF1 level in stromal fibroblasts promotes carcinogenesis and chemoresistance and predicts unfavorable prognosis among locally advanced breast cancer patients
Authors: Al-Tweigeri Taher , AlRaouji Noura N. , Tulbah Asma , Arafah Maria , Aboussekhra Mouad , Al-Mohanna Falah , Gad Ahmed Mostafa , Eldali Abdelmonneim M. , Elhassan Tusneem A. , Aboussekhra Abdelilah
Published: July 2022

Background

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), the most aggressive form of the disease, is a serious threat for women's health worldwide. The AU-rich RNA-binding factor 1 (AUF1) promotes the formation of chemo-resistant breast cancer stem cells. Thereby, we investigated the power of AUF1 expression, in both cancer cells and their stromal fibroblasts, as predictive biomarker for LABC patients’ clinical outcome following neoadjuvant treatment.

Methods

We have used immunohistochemistry to assess the level of AUF1 on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Immunoblotting was utilized to show the effect of AUF1 ectopic expression in breast stromal fibroblasts on the expression of various genes both in vitro and in orthotopic tumor xenografts. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the WST1 assay, while a label-free real-time setting using the xCELLigence RTCA technology was utilized to assess the proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of cells.

Results

We have shown that high AUF1 immunostaining (≥ 10%) in both cancer cells and their adjacent cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) was significantly associated with higher tumor grade. Kaplan–Meier univariate analysis revealed a strong correlation between high AUF1 level in CAFs and poor patient’s survival. This correlation was highly significant in patients with triple negative breast cancer, who showed poor disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). High expression of AUF1 in CAFs was also associated with poor OS of ER+/Her2− patients. Similarly, AUF1-positive malignant cells tended to be associated with shorter DFS and OS of ER+/Her2+ patients. Interestingly, neoadjuvant therapy downregulated AUF1 to a level lower than 10% in malignant cells in a significant number of patients, which improved both DFS and OS. In addition, ectopic expression of AUF1 in breast fibroblasts activated these cells and enhanced their capacity to promote, in an IL-6-dependent manner, the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stemness processes. Furthermore, these AUF1-expressing cells enhanced the chemoresistance of breast cancer cells and their growth in orthotopic tumor xenografts.

Conclusions

The present findings show that the CAF-activating factor AUF1 has prognostic/predictive value for breast cancer patients and could represent a great therapeutic target in order to improve the precision of cancer treatment.
An ORFeome of rice E3 ubiquitin ligases for global analysis of the ubiquitination interactome
Authors: Wang Ruyi , You Xiaoman , Zhang Chongyang , Fang Hong , Wang Min , Zhang Fan , Kang Houxiang , Xu Xiao , Liu Zheng , Wang Jiyang , Zhao Qingzhen , Wang Xuli , Hao Zeyun , He Feng , Tao Hui , Wang Debao , Wang Jisong , Fang Liang , Qin Mengchao , Zhao Tianxiao , Zhang Pingping , Xing Hefei , Xiao Yunping , Liu Wende , Xie Qi , Wang Guo-Liang , Ning Yuese
Published: July 2022

Background

Ubiquitination is essential for many cellular processes in eukaryotes, including 26S proteasome-dependent protein degradation, cell cycle progression, transcriptional regulation, and signal transduction. Although numerous ubiquitinated proteins have been empirically identified, their cognate ubiquitin E3 ligases remain largely unknown.

Results

Here, we generate a complete ubiquitin E3 ligase-encoding open reading frames (UbE3-ORFeome) library containing 98.94% of the 1515 E3 ligase genes in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) genome. In the test screens with four known ubiquitinated proteins, we identify both known and new E3s. The interaction and degradation between several E3s and their substrates are confirmed in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we identify the F-box E3 ligase OsFBK16 as a hub-interacting protein of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase family OsPAL1–OsPAL7. We demonstrate that OsFBK16 promotes the degradation of OsPAL1, OsPAL5, and OsPAL6. Remarkably, we find that overexpression of OsPAL1 or OsPAL6 as well as loss-of-function of OsFBK16 in rice displayed enhanced blast resistance, indicating that OsFBK16 degrades OsPALs to negatively regulate rice immunity.

Conclusions

The rice UbE3-ORFeome is the first complete E3 ligase library in plants and represents a powerful proteomic resource for rapid identification of the cognate E3 ligases of ubiquitinated proteins and establishment of functional E3–substrate interactome in plants.
Emergence of the invasive Asian bush mosquito Aedes (Hulecoeteomyia) japonicus (Theobald, 1901) in the Czech Republic
Authors: Vojtíšek Jakub , Janssen Nele , Šikutová Silvie , Šebesta Oldřich , Kampen Helge , Rudolf Ivo
Published: July 2022

Background

Aedes japonicus is a mosquito species native to North-East Asia that was first found established outside its original geographic distribution range in 1998 and has since spread massively through North America and Europe. In the Czech Republic, the species was not reported before 2021.

Methods

Aedes invasive mosquitoes (AIM) are routinely surveyed in the Czech Republic by ovitrapping at potential entry ports. This surveillance is supported by appeals to the population to report uncommon mosquitoes. The submission of an Ae. japonicus specimen by a citizen in 2021 was followed by local search for aquatic mosquito stages in the submitter’s garden and short-term adult monitoring with encephalitis virus surveillance (EVS) traps in its surroundings. Collected Ae. japonicus specimens were subjected to nad4 haplotype and microsatellite analyses.

Results

Aedes japonicus was detected for the first time in the Czech Republic in 2021. Aquatic stages and adults were collected in Prachatice, close to the Czech-German border, and eggs in Mikulov, on the Czech-Austrian border. Morphological identification was confirmed by molecular taxonomy. Genetic analysis of specimens and comparison of genetic data with those of other European populations, particularly from Germany, showed the Prachatice specimens to be most closely related to a German population. The Mikulov specimens were more distantly related to those, with no close relatives identifiable.

Conclusions

Aedes japonicus is already widely distributed in Germany and Austria, two countries neighbouring the Czech Republic, and continues to spread rapidly in Central Europe. It must therefore be assumed that the species is already present at more than the two described localities in the Czech Republic and will further spread in this country. These findings highlight the need for more comprehensive AIM surveillance in the Czech Republic.

Graphical Abstract
Gregarine parasites are adapted to mosquito winter diapause
Authors: Martin Edwige , Vallon Laurent , Da Silva Carvalho Camille , Girard Maxime , Minard Guillaume
Published: July 2022

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is one of the most invasive species of mosquito. The prevalence of its apicomplexan gregarine parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis is high in natural populations across both temperate and tropical regions. However, the parasite’s oocysts cannot colonize the insect host during winter, when the mosquito lays diapausing eggs. It is therefore unclear if the parasite can survive outside of its insect host during the cold season in temperate regions. Oocysts stored for 1 month at a low temperature (representative of the temperatures that occur during periods of mosquito diapause) were as infectious as fresh oocysts, but those stored for the same period of time at a higher temperature (representative of the temperatures that occur during periods of mosquito activity) were uninfectious. We therefore suggest that the parasite has evolved traits that maximize its maintenance during periods of mosquito dormancy, while traits that would enable its  long term survival during periods of mosquito activity have not been selected for.
Emergence dynamics of adult Culicoides biting midges at two farms in south-east England
Authors: Stokes Jessica Eleanor , Carpenter Simon , Sanders Christopher , Gubbins Simon
Published: July 2022

Background

Culicoidesbiting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are biological vectors of livestock arboviruses that cause diseases with significant economic, social and welfare impacts. Within temperate regions, livestock movement during arbovirus outbreaks can be facilitated by declaring a ‘seasonal vector-free period’ (SVFP) during winter when adultCulicoidesare not active. In this study we carry out long-term monitoring ofCulicoidesadult emergence from larval development habitats at two farms in the UK to validate current definitions of the SVFP and to provide novel bionomic data for known vector species.

Methods

Standard emergence traps were used to collect emerging adultCulicoidesfrom dung heaps at two cattle farms in the south-east of England from June to November 2016 and March 2017 to May 2018.Culicoideswere morphologically identified to species or complex level and count data were analysed using a simple population dynamic model for pre-adultCulicoidesthat included meteorological components.

Results

More than 96,000Culicoideswere identified from 267 emergence trapping events across 2 years, revealing clear evidence of bivoltinism from peaks of male populations ofCulicoidesobsoletusemerging from dung heaps. This pattern was also reflected in the emergence of adult female Obsoletus complex populations, which dominated the collections (64.4% of total catch) and emerged throughout the adult active period. Adult maleC. obsoletuswere observed emerging earlier than females (protandry) and emergence of both sexes occurred throughout the year.Culicoides chiopterusandCulicoides scoticuswere also identified in spring emergence collections, providing the first evidence for the overwintering of larvae in dung heaps for these species.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates continual and highly variable rates of emergence ofCulicoidesthroughout the year. A lack of evidence for mass emergence in spring along with the ability to observe male generations highlights the need for complementary surveillance techniques in addition to light-trap data when investigating seasonality and phenology. Evidence was found of other vector species,C. chiopterusandC. scoticus, utilising cattle dung heaps as an overwintering habitat, further highlighting the importance of these habitats on farms.

Graphical Abstract
A new pachypleurosaur from the Early Ladinian Prosanto Formation in the Eastern Alps of Switzerland
Authors: Klein Nicole , Furrer Heinz , Ehrbar Iris , Torres Ladeira Marta , Richter Henning , Scheyer Torsten M.
Published: July 2022

The Alpine Prosanto Formation (Middle Triassic) cropping out in the Ducan region in eastern Switzerland has yielded a rich fish and reptile fauna. Here, we present new pachypleurosaur remains from the upper part of the formation (Early Ladinian), similar to the previously known pachypleurosaurs from the Middle Triassic UNESCO World Heritage Site of Monte San Giorgio in southern Switzerland/northern Italy. From these remains, a new pachypleurosaur species, Prosantosaurus scheffoldi nov. gen. et spec., is described on the basis of six fairly complete skeletons, one disarticulated specimen and an isolated skull. As is typical for pachypleurosaurs and most other Triassic marine reptiles, the new taxon is based to a large degree on a combination of characters (e.g., nasals articulating broadly with the anterior margins of the prefrontals and lacking posterior processes; postorbitals with rounded anterior processes that articulate with the postfrontals anterolaterally) rather than on many unambiguous autapomorphies, although a few of the latter were found including (1) a premaxilla which is excluded from entering both the external and internal nares and (2) a parietal, which is distinctly longer than wide and carrying distinct anterolaterally angled processes. Phylogenetic relationships of the new taxon are tested within European Pachypleurosauria, revealing that the new species is the sister taxon to a clade including Serpianosaurus, Proneusticosaurus, and the monophyletic Neusticosaurus spp. Mapping of palaeogeographic and stratigraphical distribution of valid European pachypleurosaurs shows that a formerly proposed scenario of migration of pachypleurosaurs from the eastern Palaeotethys during the Olenekian into the Germanic Basin and a subsequent diversification and invasion during the Anisian into the intraplatform basins of the South Alpine realm must be re-assessed. The exceptional preservation and preparation of the Ducan fossils further allow the description of tooth replacement patterns for the first time in a European pachypleurosaur species. The “alveolarization” of replacement teeth, the horizontal replacement pattern, and the subsequent remodelling of the functional alveoli during tooth replacement supports the monophyly of Sauropterygia as discussed before.
Hyaluronic acid production and characterization by novel Bacillus subtilis harboring truncated Hyaluronan Synthase
Authors: Amjad Zanjani Fatemeh Sadat , Afrasiabi Shadi , Norouzian Dariush , Ahmadian Gholamreza , Hosseinzadeh Sara Ali , Fayazi Barjin Alireza , Cohan Reza Ahangari , Keramati Malihe
Published: July 2022

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a natural biopolymer that has important physiological and industrial applications due to its viscoelastic and hydrophilic characteristics. The responsible enzyme for HA production is Hyaluronan synthase (HAS). Although in vitro structure–function of intact HAS enzyme has been partly identified, there is no data on in vivo function of truncated HAS forms. In the current study, novel recombinant Bacillus subtilis strains harboring full length (RBSFA) and truncated forms of SeHAS (RBSTr4 and RBSTr3) were developed and HA production was studied in terms of titer, production rate and molecular weight (Mw). The maximum HA titer for RBSFA, RBSTr4 and RBSTr3 was 602 ± 16.6, 503 ± 19.4 and 728 ± 22.9 mg/L, respectively. Also, the HA production rate was 20.02, 15.90 and 24.42 mg/L.h−1, respectively. The findings revealed that RBSTr3 produced 121% and 137% more HA rather than RBSFA and RBSTr4, respectively. More interestingly, the HA Mw was about 60 kDa for all strains which is much smaller than those obtained in prior studies.
Estimates for p-adic fractional integral operator and its commutators on p-adic Morrey–Herz spaces
Authors: Sarfraz Naqash , Aslam Muhammad , Zaman Mir , Jarad Fahd
Published: July 2022

This research investigates the boundedness of ap-adic fractional integral operator onp-adic Morrey–Herz spaces. In particular,p-adic central bounded mean oscillations$(C\dot{M}O)$(CM˙O)and Lipschitz estimate for commutators of thep-adic fractional integral operator are provided as well.
BMSC-derived exosomes protect against kidney injury through regulating klotho in 5/6 nephrectomy rats
Authors: Wan Feng , Yang Ru-chun , Tang Yue-wen , Tang Xuan-li , Ye Tian , Zheng Jie , Zhang Hua-qin , Lin Yi
Published: July 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective effects of exosomes derived from rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) in a rat model of 5/6 nephrectomy (Nx)-induced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

A rat model of 5/6 Nx-induced CKD was established using conventional method. rBMSC-derived exosomes were isolated using ultracentrifugation and characterized. The exosomes were injected into 5/6 Nx rats through the caudal vein. After 12 weeks, 24 h proteinuria, serum creatinine (SCr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were evaluated, and renal pathology was analyzed by H&E and Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of klotho was analyzed and the activity of the klotho promoter was evaluated using a luciferase reporter assay.

Results

The isolated exosomes showed typical morphological features. Exosomes transplantation reduced 24 h urinary protein excretion, and SCr and BUN levels in 5/6 Nx-induced CKD rats. Furthermore, renal pathology was improved in the exosome-treated 5/6 Nx rats. Mechanistically, the exosomes significantly upregulated the activity of klotho promoter and its expression.

Conclusions

Transplantation of rBMSC-derived exosomes may protect against kidney injury, probably by regulating klotho activity and expression. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the application of rBMSC-derived exosomes in CKD therapy.
Resveratrol’s neural protective effects for the injured embryoid body and cerebral organoid
Authors: Wang Yanli , Wei Tingting , Wang Qiang , Zhang Chaonan , Li Keyan , Deng Jinbo
Published: July 2022

Objective

Resveratrol (RSV) is a polyphenol compound found in grapes, veratrum and other plants. It has been reported that RSV has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and other pharmacological effects. However, the impacts of RSV on development of nervous system are not understood well. The study aims to investigate RSV’s neuroprotective effect during development and to provide a health care for pregnant women and their fetuses with RSV supplementation.

Methods

In this study, we induced human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to form the embryoid bodies (EBs) and cerebral organoids (COs) with 3 dimensional (3D) culture. In the meantime, D-galactose (D-gal, 5 mg/ml) was used to make nervous injury model, and on the other hand, RSV with various doses, such as 2 μm/L, 10 μm/L, 50 μm/L, were applied to understand its neuroprotection. Therefore, the cultures were divided into control group, D-gal nervous injury group and RSV intervention groups. After that, the diameters of EBs and COs were measured regularly under a reverted microscope. In the meantime, the neural proliferation, cell apoptosis and the differentiation of germ layers were detected via immunofluorescence.

Results

(1) D-gal could delay the development of EBs and COs; (2) RSV could rescue the atrophy of EBs and COs caused by D-gal; (3) RSV showed its neuroprotection, through promoting the neural cell proliferation, inhibiting apoptosis and accelerating the differentiation of germ layers.

Conclusion

RSV has a neuroprotective effect on the development of the nervous system, suggesting RSV supplementation may be necessary during the health care of pregnancy and childhood.
Diagnostic tests for titanium hypersensitivity in implant dentistry: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Müller-Heupt Lena Katharina , Schiegnitz Eik , Kaya Sebahat , Jacobi-Gresser Elisabeth , Kämmerer Peer Wolfgang , Al-Nawas Bilal
Published: July 2022

Purpose

There are rising concerns about titanium hypersensitivity reaction regarding dental endosseous implants. This review aims to summarize and compare the validity and reliability of the available dermatological and laboratory diagnostic tests regarding titanium hypersensitivity. The following PICO design was used: In Patients with titanium dental implants (P) does epicutaneous testing (ECT) (I), compared to lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) or Memory Lymphocyte Immunostimulation Assay (MELISA) (C) detect hypersensitivity reactions (O)? A literature search was performed including all studies dealing with this topic. Studies regarding orthopedic implants were excluded.

Methods

Three databases (MEDLINE PubMed, Cochrane Library, SciELO) were screened for suitable studies and an additional manual search was also performed. Literature regarding hypersensitivity reactions in orthopedic implants, hypersensitivity reactions regarding implants not related to dental or maxillofacial surgery, animal studies and in vitro studies were excluded. A quality assessment of all selected full-text articles was performed. Randomized, controlled trials were evaluated with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool I. Cohort studies were assessed according to the New Castle–Ottawa Scale and case series according to Moga et al. (Development of a quality appraisal tool for case series studies using a modified Delphi technique. 2012).

Results

10 studies were included in the quantitative synthesis and available for the endpoint diagnostics of intolerance reactions to titanium dental implants: 2 clinical studies, 7 cohort studies and 1 case series. The potential for bias (internal validity) for these studies was overall rated as high.

Conclusions

The study of the available literature regarding ECT and MELISA or LTT in patients with suspected titanium hypersensitivity showed inconsistent results in terms of reliability and validity and thus, those tests should be regarded cautiously. There is strong evidence that titanium hypersensitivity in dental implants is associated with innate immunity: unspecific pro-inflammatory responses due to particle induced hyperreactivity of macrophages or toxicological responses especially towards nanoparticles rather than activation of the adaptive immune system. Therefore, tests detecting allergies do not seem expedient and inflammatory clinical signs should be regarded as leading parameters.

Graphical Abstract
Measuring the model risk-adjusted performance of machine learning algorithms in credit default prediction
Authors: Alonso Robisco Andrés , Carbó Martínez José Manuel
Published: July 2022

Implementing new machine learning (ML) algorithms for credit default prediction is associated with better predictive performance; however, it also generates new model risks, particularly concerning the supervisory validation process. Recent industry surveys often mention that uncertainty about how supervisors might assess these risks could be a barrier to innovation. In this study, we propose a new framework to quantify model risk-adjustments to compare the performance of several ML methods. To address this challenge, we first harness the internal ratings-based approach to identify up to 13 risk components that we classify into 3 main categories—statistics, technology, and market conduct. Second, to evaluate the importance of each risk category, we collect a series of regulatory documents related to three potential use cases—regulatory capital, credit scoring, or provisioning—and we compute the weight of each category according to the intensity of their mentions, using natural language processing and a risk terminology based on expert knowledge. Finally, we test our framework using popular ML models in credit risk, and a publicly available database, to quantify some proxies of a subset of risk factors that we deem representative. We measure the statistical risk according to the number of hyperparameters and the stability of the predictions. The technological risk is assessed through the transparency of the algorithm and the latency of the ML training method, while the market conduct risk is quantified by the time it takes to run a post hoc technique (SHapley Additive exPlanations) to interpret the output.
New corporate social responsibility brand evaluation in a developing country: Uzbekistan
Authors: Ataniyazova Zamira , Friedman Barry A. , Kiran Prabha
Published: July 2022

Organizations strive to satisfy salient and unmet consumer needs by providing value through their products and services. If environmentally sustainable “green” brands successfully exist by addressing environmental issues in developed countries where environmental consciousness is high, there may be a potential for the existence of newly created CSR brands that aim to deliver socio-economic benefits in developing countries. We empirically tested the potential of a brand that offers socio-economic corporate social responsibility benefits in a developing country- Uzbekistan.

As Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in developing countries is a relatively new concept with little empirical research, this research examined the impact that brands with socio-economic CSR initiatives have on consumers’ purchase intentions. In addition, brands with socio-economic CSR initiatives were compared with brands with no CSR initiatives. Drawing on both marketing and psychological theories, we hypothesized that brands with socio-economic benefits would be received more favorably by consumers in developing countries where economic needs are more salient.

To empirically test the hypotheses, 397 Uzbekistan consumers responded to an online survey. The Brand Potential Index indicators were regressed on consumers’ purchase intentions to a brand with CSR socio-economic benefits and to a brand with no CSR benefits. Regarding the brand with socio-economic benefits, consumers’ perception of brand uniqueness, potential popularity, trust, empathy, and recommendation significantly predicted buying intentions. In contrast, only trust and recommendation significantly predicted buying intention for the brand that lacked socio-economic benefits. While both were significant, the relationship between the BPI indicators was stronger for the brand with socio-economic benefits (R2 = .63 versus .49, p < .001). Consumers were more willing to pay a price premium for the brand with socio-economic benefits even though they perceived such brands were of lower quality.

The results supported the potential of CSR brands in developing countries that focus on socio-economic benefits. This research adds value to our understanding of CSR in developing countries, and predictors of consumer purchase intentions using theory from both the marketing and psychological literature. Implications for brand management and future research are provided, including the need to target CSR initiatives that are salient to consumers.
The role of myocarditis in the acute phase of Kawasaki as a predictor of the future coronary aneurysm: a case–control study
Authors: Mousavi Torshizi Mahdieh , Raeeskarami Seyed-Reza , Tahghighi Fatemeh , Malakan-Rad Elaheh , Moradinejad Mohammad-Hassan , Aghighi Yahya , Ziaee Vahid
Published: July 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between cardiac troponin I and T (cTnI, cTnT) and creatine kinase (CK)-MB during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease (KD) and the development of coronary artery involvement (CAI).

Results

Ninety children diagnosed with KD and 38 attending ambulatory clinics as controls were enrolled in this study. Serum levels of cardiac enzymes were measured in all case and control groups. Serial echocardiograms were performed in KD patients during the acute, subacute and convalescence phases. Thirty-six percent of patients had CAI during the acute phase of KD; this rate was 21% and 18% in the echocardiography in the sub-acute and convalescent-phase, respectively. Elevated serum cTnI and cTnT levels were seen in 15.5% and 10% of KD patients, respectively, but not in the controls (P < 0.01). Patients with abnormal echocardiography had significantly higher levels of CK-MB but cTnI and cTnT. Cardiac troponins have high specificity, and CK-MB had a high sensitivity for predicting CAI in KD.

Conclusion

Subclinical myocarditis occurs during KD, and serum cardiac troponin levels are significantly elevated, but cardiac biomarkers cannot predict CAI in the future.
Occurrence of problematic Internet use and its correlates among Egyptian adolescent students in international schools in Cairo
Authors: El Fiky Reem , Mansour Mona , Fekry Mohamed , ElHabiby Mahmoud , Elkholy Hussien , Morsy Mahmoud
Published: July 2022

Background

Internet addiction is a global phenomenon that has been a topic of great interest to researchers, clinicians, teachers, parents, and community groups. The study aims in determination of the rate of problematic Internet use among a sample of Egyptian adolescent students, relations of problematic Internet use with socio-demographic data, risk factors, and comorbid psychiatric disorders. A sample of 248 Egyptian adolescent school students aged 11 to 18 years old were assessed using the Young’s Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) Scale, Social Media Disorder (SMD) Scale, Youth Self-Report (YSR), and The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for children and adolescents (Mini KID).

Results

Among the study sample, 42.3% of the students suffered from mild Internet addiction, 35.1% suffered from moderate Internet addiction, and 3.6% suffered from severe addiction. 31.5% were risky gamers and 10.5% were disordered gamers; 34.3% had problematic social media disorder and the highest observed psychiatric disorders were major depressive episodes 9.3%, generalized anxiety disorder 7.7%, alcohol dependence 4.4%, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder 4.4%, social phobia 4%, and a higher percentage of psychiatric disorders among severe Internet addiction 88.9% and among moderate addiction 70.6%, disordered gamers 92.3%, problematic social media users 60%, and a higher mean of hours spent online per day of 6.8 h per day.

Conclusions

Problematic Internet use has a negative impact on Egyptian adolescent students in international schools in study sample and adds to the existing literature regarding the magnitude of Internet addiction and its relationship with different psychiatric disorders.