bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The modification of optical behavior of polystyrene microfibers by the incorporation of Gd doped ZnO nanoparticles
Authors: Radhakrishnan Parvathy , Varkey Vinitha , Mathew Roshan Joseph , Krishna Kumar G , Tomlal Jose E , Pragash R , Sadanandan A K , Sajeev U S
Published: July 2022

The paper reports the synthesis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nano particles in pure and Gadolinium (Gd) doped forms via hydrothermal method. The annealing temperatures for the samples were fixed at 600 °C and 800 °C. The ZnO nano particles in their pure and Gd doped forms were incorporated in the Polystyrene matrix and drawn to microfibers by the method of electrospinning (ES). The structural studies were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), x-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The optical absorption and emission properties were studied using UV-Visible Absorption spectroscopy and Fluorescence Spectroscopy. The SEM-EDS confirmed the presence of Gd in ZnO. In the ZnO structures more crystallinity was observed for samples annealed at 800 °C. The particle size of the prepared nano particles were found to vary from 77 nm to 194 nm. The optical absorption behavior of the samples was explained using Brus effective mass model. The fluorescence emission spectrum of the nano particle samples were analyzed and found that the emission properties depend on their particle size. The XRD, UV-Visible and Fluorescence analysis of fibers confirmed the presence of ZnO and Gd doped ZnO nano particles in the polystyrene fibers. The distinct optical absorption and emission behavior of the microfibers were greatly affected due to the presence of nano particles in the polymer matrix.
Peculiarities of the raw material base of the Lykhmanivka iron ore region in Kryvyi Rih basin
Authors: Yu Hrytsai O , Yurin A O , Evtekhov V D , Filenko V V
Published: July 2022

Lykhmanivka (Inhulets) iron ore district takes the southernmost position in the Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin. In the north, it is bordered by a series of sublatitudinal faults with the Southern Iron Ore District of Kryvbas. The productive strata of the area are Lykhmanivka iron ore pay streak, in the southern part of which the Inhulets deposit of magnetite quartzites is located in the zone of closing of Lykhmanivka syncline. However, in addition to them in the area, there are more than 20 types of other minerals, which are mined by-products and can be successfully used in the national economy. Syngenetic (sedimentation, diagenesis, dynamothermal metamorphism) and epigenetic processes (tectogenesis, metasomatism, hydrothermal processes, hypergenesis), which occurred during the formation of iron ore and host strata area have contributed to the formation of several minerals and rocks, which can be considered as associated complex useful minerals. The relevance of the work is due to the need for detailed research of the localization, formation conditions, directions of use of metallic and nonmetallic minerals of the area, the geological justification for their priority varieties. As a result of these studies, systematization of minerals of the area has been developed, their priority varieties have been identified. Their involvement in mining and processing significantly expands the spectrum of alternative ways of use of minerals and rocks of iron-banded formation, which will contribute to a significant addition to the mineral resource base as in Kryvyi Rih iron ore basin, and in Ukraine as a whole.
Decisions to prevent pollution and restore the environment within the impact of abandoned oil and gas wells
Authors: Yatsyshyn T M , Lyakh M M , Orfanova M M , Glibovytska N I , Yu Gavryliv S , Lyakh V-D M
Published: July 2022

Decommissioned oil and gas wells that pose a danger to the environment due to emissions of methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas and one of the man-made factors that weaken the stability of the planet in the context of global climate change. The prospects of using resistant plants common in natural phytocenoses to the influence of oil contaminants in phytoremediation practice are analyzed. The bioindication suitability of oil-sensitive plant species, which are recommended for use in monitoring studies of the quality of technogenic-transformed environment, is revealed. The choice of equipment for the restoration of abandoned wells has been made.
The wastes of Luhansk region chemical and energy enterprises and their impact on the environment
Authors: Korchuganova O M , Mokhonko V I , Novikova A M , Liubymova-Zinchenko O V , Kuzenna A O
Published: July 2022

The chemical and energy industries are one of the most powerful generators of solid industrial waste. Such enterprises have water treatment plants. The result of the water treatment process is the formation of a water treatment sludge. The sludge composition includes carbonates and hydroxides of calcium, magnesium, iron, aluminum, and coagulated natural organic materials. A significant amount of waste in the form of fly ash and fuel slag is generated in the process of burning coal at power plants. Such wastes are usually classified as “low-risk”. Nevertheless, when wastes are stored in the storage, they create environmental and economic problems. Large areas of land are alienated for storage. Dust emissions and filtration losses are observed in the process of waste storage. The wastes impact of the Luhansk region enterprises on the environment has been studied. Waste storage facilities are located on the left bank of the Seversky Donets River in the zone of Dnieper-Donetsk structure articulation and the Voronezh anteclise. Features of the territory geological environment are explained by the presence of geological disturbances, loamy-sandy and carbonate rocks, manifestations of carbonate karst. The wastes degrade the quality of surface and ground waters used for water supply in the region.
Awareness of antibiotic resistance for the environmental health and sustainable development: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Galaburda M , Yustyniuk V , Kuzminska O , Galat M , Correa M
Published: July 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant threat for global health and has been recognized as a threat to the world’s sustainable development affecting several sustainable development goals (SDG). Uncontrolled and unjustified use of antimicrobial drugs in both agriculture and medicine, leads to the emergence of new strains of microorganisms resistant to antibiotics that can be distributed through the environment and poses both direct and indirect threat to public and environmental health. The systematic literature reviews and cross-sectional study to assess the awareness and attitude to antimicrobial resistance among veterinary and medical students of Ukrainian universities demonstrates the relationship between the antibiotic resistance issue and its influence on environmental health as the important determinant of global health and the Sustainable Development Goals. Both medical and veterinary students acknowledged the antimicrobial resistance to a certain extent. However, differences among the responses of target groups demonstrate that medical students are better trained on antimicrobial prescriptions to humans and more familiar with the protocols of treatment of different diseases of humans. Findings can be used for the development of educational activities aiming to improve knowledge on antimicrobial use, particularly in the framework of One Health approach.
Revitalization of the industrial heritage: guidelines for Kryvyi Rih
Authors: Patsiuk V S , Kazakov V L , Skorupskas R , Ostapchuk I O , Petrova A A
Published: July 2022

The post-industrial stage of development determined a significant reduction of the importance of industrial production, which led to restructuring the economy. An active process of revaluation has begun – reassessing the value of industrial heritage and finding options for its further use. Kryvyi Rih is the most powerful industrial center of Ukraine and despite the fact that the industry is in an active stage of operation, the issue of diversification of the city’s economy and further transformation of industrial facilities is raised in a timely manner. The tasks of this research are theoretical analysis of the concept of revitalization”, the essence of this process, the study of practical experience of revitalization in Ukraine and abroad, the result of which should be an analysis of prospects for the implementation of this process in the industrial heritage of Kryvyi Rih. The analysis of the possibilities of Kryvyi Rih industrial heritage revaluation was carried out through the prism of an interdisciplinary approach based on research in architecture, ecology, economics, geography and culturology. Disclosure of this issue took place at two levels of research: theoretical and empirical. Theoretical research was based on the use of general scientific systems approach, analysis and synthesis, structural-functional analysis, comparative analysis, modeling methods, design, SWOT and PEST-analyzes of the probable effectiveness of revitalization in Kryvyi Rih. Empirical research was expeditionary methods, observations, the method of field visual inspections. The study has structured the concept of “revitalization”, revealed promising areas of industrial facilities revitalization. The world tendencies and the best national examples of transformation of industrial territories into various innovation spaces have been analyzed. An assessment of the potential of the city’s various objects in terms of revitalization opportunities has been given. Conceptual models of creation of the Industrial Culture Park “SHAKHTA” on the place of the preserved mine “Artem-2”, and also industrial and landscape park on the place of Burshchitsky dump have been prepared, futuristic possibilities of their use in the tourist activity have been allocated. Intensification of efforts of specialists in various related fields to ensure the sustainable development of the urban environment of old industrial areas is the key to a qualitative revival of industrial spaces, harmonization and ecological optimisation of the former industrial environment, solving a number of socio-economic problems.
Two-dimensional materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Bi Songshan , Wang Huimin , Wang Rui , Niu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2022

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are considered as a promising energy storage system for large-scale energy storage in terms of their high safety and low cost. In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) materials have been widely applied in designing the electrodes of aqueous ZIBs since they generally possess the characteristics of large surface areas, plentiful ion transport channels and abundant active sites. Thus, they can not only act as the active materials and conductive additives in cathodes, but also be employed as the artificial interface layers or conductive substrates of Zn anodes. In this review, the issues of aqueous ZIBs and the unique properties of 2D materials are discussed briefly. Then we highlight the recent advances of the applications of various 2D materials, mainly including transition metal oxides, transition metal dichalcogenide, graphene and MXenes, in the design of the cathodes and anodes of aqueous ZIBs. Finally, we present the challenges and perspectives of 2D materials in aqueous ZIBs.
Strike or ball? Batters know it better: an fMRI study of action anticipation in baseball players
Authors: Chen Yin-Hua , Chang Chih-Yen , Huang Shih-Kuei
Published: July 2022

To assess whether the brain processes of action anticipation are modulated differently by perceptual and motor experiences, baseball batters, pitchers, and non-players were asked to predict the fate of pitching actions (strike or ball) while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging. Results showed both batters (perceptual experts of pitching action) and pitchers (motor experts) were more accurate than non-players. Furthermore, batters demonstrated higher perceptual sensitivity in discriminating strikes than non-players. All groups engaged the action observation network, putamen, and cerebellum during anticipation, while pitchers showed higher activity than non-players in the left premotor cortex, which has been implicated in the internal simulation of observed action. Only batters exhibited differences in strike versus ball pitches in their left ventral extrastriate cortex, which might be associated with the processing of relevant visual information conveyed by the observed pitcher’s movement kinematics and pitch trajectory. Moreover, all groups showed higher activity selectively in the striatum, thalamus, sensorimotor cortices, and cerebellum during correct predictions than during incorrect ones, with most widespread activation in batters, reinforcing the greater involvement of the sensorimotor system in perceptual experience. Our findings demonstrate that perceptual experience might enhance action anticipation ability to a greater extent than motor experience, with overlapping but specific neural underpinnings.
Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus in Tenofovir-Treated and Untreated Chronically Infected Mothers and Their Immunoprophylaxis Failure Infants
Authors: Hsu Hong-Yuan , Chen Huey-Ling , Chiang Cheng-Lun , Lai Ming-Wei , Mu Shu-Chi , Wen Wan-Hsin , Cheng Shao-Wen , Hu Jen-Jan , Chang Kai-Chi , Lee Chien-Nan , Liu Chun-Jen , Wu Jia-Feng , Ni Yen-Hsuan , Chang Mei-Hwei ,   the Taiwan Study Group for the Prevention of Mother-to-Infant Transmission of HBV (PreMIT study), Shyu MK , Hwa HL , Su YN , Shih JC , Chao KH , Chiu YC , Su TH , Lu-Lu Zhao , Yang CK , Chang YK , Chen KH , Lin HH , Chen SM , Lin CC , Lin PY , Yang WR , Lin YH , Chen HJ , Pan HS , Lau BH , Lee CL , Cheng PJ , Chang YL , Chiueh HY , Wang TH , Hsu JJ , Lo LM , Hsieh CL , Cheng SW , Tsai MS , She BQ , Peng FS , Lin YC , Chen CP , Huang JP , Yeung CY
Published: July 2022

Background

Maternal tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) therapy during late pregnancy can reduce mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). We investigated HBV mutations associated with maternal TDF therapy and their role in infant immunonophylaxis failure (IPF).

Methods

Serum samples from untreated (n = 89) and TDF-treated (n = 68), highly viremic, chronically infected mothers and their infants were analyzed for HBV DNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing.

Results

At delivery, compared with untreated mothers, TDF-treated mothers had a lower HBV DNA titer and a higher frequency of basal core promoter (BCP) gene mutations, but they had similar frequencies in pre-S/S and pre-core/core mutations. The 14 mothers harboring surface “a” determinant mutants did not transmit the mutants to their immunized infants. Such mutants were found in 3 of 13 IPF infants; the 13 mothers had wild-type hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). In univariable analysis, maternal HBV DNA titer (odds ratio [OR]: 1.54; 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.02–2.33; P = .039), genotype C (OR: 4.18; 95% CI: 1.28–13.62; P = .018) and pre-S1 wild-type sequence (OR: 6.33; 95% CI: 1.85–21.68; P = .003) at delivery were associated with infant IPF. Multivariable analyses showed that maternal genotype C (OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.11–12.36; P = .033) and pre-S1 wild-type (OR: 6.34; 95% CI: 1.79–22.44; P = .004) were associated with infant IPF independently of maternal viremia.

Conclusions

Along with high maternal HBV DNA titer at delivery, maternal genotype C and pre-S1 wild-type sequence were potential risk factors for infant IPF, although BCP mutations were not. The offspring of pregnant women harboring “a” determinant mutants as major strains seemed to be protected by immunoprophylaxis.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT01312012.
Lower Risk of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children With the Delta and Omicron Variants of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Cohen Jonathan M , Carter Michael J , Cheung C Ronny , Ladhani Shamez ,   for the Evelina Paediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally related to SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) Study Group
Published: July 2022

Little is known about the risk of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) with different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants. In southeast England, MIS-C rates per confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections in children aged 0–16 years were 56% lower (rate ratio [RR], 0.34 [95% confidence interval {CI}, .23–.50]) during prevaccine Delta, 66% lower (RR, 0.44 [95% CI, .28–.69]) during postvaccine Delta, and 95% lower (RR, 0.05 [95% CI, .02–.10]) during the Omicron period.
Magnetic resonance imaging of cardiac metabolism in heart failure: how far have we come?
Authors: Yurista Salva R , Eder Robert A , Kwon Deborah H , Farrar Christian T , Yen Yi Fen , Tang W H Wilson , Nguyen Christopher T
Published: July 2022

As one of the highest energy consumer organs in the body, the heart requires tremendous amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to maintain its continuous mechanical work. Fatty acids, glucose, and ketone bodies are the primary fuel source of the heart to generate ATP with perturbations in ATP generation possibly leading to contractile dysfunction. Cardiac metabolic imaging with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a crucial role in understanding the dynamic metabolic changes occurring in the failing heart, where the cardiac metabolism is deranged. Also, targeting and quantifying metabolic changes in vivo noninvasively is a promising approach to facilitate diagnosis, determine prognosis, and evaluate therapeutic response. Here, we summarize novel MRI techniques used for detailed investigation of cardiac metabolism in heart failure including magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), hyperpolarized MRS, and chemical exchange saturation transfer based on evidence from preclinical and clinical studies and to discuss the potential clinical application in heart failure.
Chronic rheumatic heart disease with recrudescence of acute rheumatic fever on histology: a case report
Authors: Mutithu Daniel W , Roberts Riyaadh , Manganyi Rodgers , Ntusi Ntobeko A B
Published: July 2022

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa where it is the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality in the young. Rheumatic heart disease results from recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), which are often difficult to diagnose clinically. Acute rheumatic fever may be diagnosed based on the revised Jones Criteria 2015 for the diagnosis of ARF. Histologically, acute rheumatic valvulitis manifests with active inflammation characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, Aschoff bodies, and Anitschkow cells. Chronic rheumatic valvulitis is associated with neovascularization, and/or dystrophic calcification. The combination of histological features of both ARF and chronic RHD is a rare finding.

Case summary

Here we report on a case of a 59-year-old woman with mixed aortic and mitral valve disease of probable rheumatic aetiology (elevated C-reactive protein and prolonged PR interval) and with histological evidence of lymphocytic infiltration, Aschoff bodies, and fibrinoid necrosis admixed with features of chronic RHD.

Discussion

Cases of chronic RHD admixed with ARF are very rare; however, they should be considered in regions with a high prevalence of RHDs.
Intersectoral violence prevention: the potential of public health–criminal justice partnerships
Authors: Gebo Erika
Published: July 2022

Building successful intersectoral partnerships to address health is critical to reaching health promotion goals. With the confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in violence during the pandemic and the heightened demand for racial justice resulting from police killings of people of color, particularly young, black males, intersectoral public health–criminal justice partnerships must be more thoroughly examined. Violence prevention is both a public health and criminal justice issue, with public health systems emphasizing primary prevention and criminal justice systems addressing violence prevention at secondary and tertiary levels. Public health–criminal justice collaborations can provide an opportunity to seize upon unrealized violence reduction goals across the spectrum of prevention. At the same time, issues remain that are at odds across field boundaries as exemplified through community violence prevention. While there have been successful examples of such collaborations, past public health–criminal justice partnerships also demonstrate the challenges of working together. These challenges have yet to be systematically described and rooted in the larger literature on partnerships. In this paper, collaborative challenges are enumerated and evidence-informed strategies to overcome those barriers to achieve violence reduction goals are identified as a way to ground further intersectoral partnership work between public health and criminal justice.
Culturally appropriate health solutions: Aboriginal men ‘thriving’ through activities in Men’s Sheds/groups
Authors: Cavanagh Jillian , Pariona-Cabrera Patricia , Bartram Timothy
Published: July 2022

This study examines social determinants impacting the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men in Australia. Social determinants prevent many men from thriving in community environments which also impacts on their social, work and family lives. We examine the impact on men’s health and identify how men who participate in Men’s Sheds/groups engage in learning about health interventions. Our study extends the work of Percival et al. and their Indigenous health promotion model. A qualitative case study approach conducted ‘gatherings’ and ‘yarning circles’ (focus groups) with men from urban, regional and remote areas of the country. We argue that men’s groups can serve as a central intervention to support men to build their confidence to learn about health and wellbeing and how to thrive through activities in community life. Findings support health interventions delivered through training and mentoring around various health and other services, healthy eating, sport and fathering programmes (to name a few) to enhance awareness and men’s vitality for learning. There are implications for our healthcare system to better understand the conditions of Aboriginal men’s health and support these vulnerable groups. Our study proposes men’s groups as culturally safe environments to promote and deliver central health promotion interventions that support men to thrive in all facets of their lives.
Is US grand strategy dead? The political foundations of deep engagement after Donald Trump
Authors: Friedman Jeffrey A
Published: July 2022

International Relations scholars frequently warn that the American political system has become too fractured to sustain a coherent grand strategy. This perception generally rests on two premises: that President Donald Trump led an unprecedented assault on established principles of US foreign policy, and that Democrats and Republicans have become so polarized that they can no longer agree on a common vision for global leadership. By contrast, this article argues that the grand strategy of deep engagement retains robust bipartisan support. Even though President Trump rejected more expansive conceptions of liberal internationalism, his behaviour was largely consistent with deep engagement's principles. Moreover, when Trump departed from deep engagement—as with questioning the US commitment to NATO—his actions did not reflect voters' policy preferences. In fact, polling data indicate that public support for deep engagement is at least as strong today as it has been at any other point since the end of the Cold War. Altogether, the article thus demonstrates that the grand strategy of deep engagement is less embattled, and more politically viable, than the conventional wisdom suggests.
Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Pediatric Burn Patients Without Inhalation Injury: A Unique Population?
Authors: Patterson Kelli N , Beyene Tariku J , Gil Lindsay A , Fabia Renata , Minneci Peter C , Thakkar Rajan K
Published: July 2022

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) before the initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is associated with decreased survival. Pediatric burn patients without inhalational injury are a unique population as they may be intubated for longer durations due to frequent interventions such as dressing changes and burn excisions. This study utilized the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry and evaluated patients 0 to 18 years old placed on ECMO and with a burn injury from January 2010 to December 2020. Inhalation injury was excluded. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were performed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between mortality and precannulation MV duration before ECMO cannulation, and odds ratios and predicted probabilities of mortality were estimated. Our cohort of 47 patients had a median age of 2.7 years old. Mortality occurred in 48.9% of the cohort. The overall median number of days on ECMO was 6.3 days, with no difference between survivors and non-survivors (6.8 days vs 6.3 days; P = .67). Survivors were ventilated for 4.1 days and non-survivors for 4.8 days before cannulation (P = .25). Regression modeling demonstrated that with each additional day on MV before ECMO cannulation, the odds of mortality increases by 12% (P = .03). Our study suggests that, similar to pediatric patients without thermal injury, increasing precannulation MV duration is associated with an increasing risk of mortality in pediatric burn patients without inhalational injury. Though the pediatric burn population is unique, evaluation of burn patients with respiratory failure for ECMO should be similar to the general population.
A weak allele of OsNRAMP5 confers moderate cadmium uptake while avoiding manganese deficiency in rice
Authors: Kuramata Masato , Abe Tadashi , Tanikawa Hachidai , Sugimoto Kazuhiko , Ishikawa Satoru
Published: July 2022

Decreasing cadmium (Cd) concentrations in rice grains can effectively reduce potential risks to human health because rice is the major contributor to Cd intake in many diets. Among several genes involved in rice Cd accumulation, the loss of function of OsNRAMP5 is known to be effective in reducing grain concentration by inhibiting root uptake. However, disruption of this gene simultaneously decreases manganese (Mn) uptake because OsNRAMP5 is a major Mn transporter. With the aim of improving Mn uptake in OsNRAMP5 mutants while still restricting the grain Cd concentration below the upper limit of international standards, we identified a novel OsNRAMP5 allele encoding a protein in which glutamine (Q) at position 337 was replaced by lysine (K). The mutant carrying the OsNRAMP5-Q337K allele showed intermediate Cd and Mn accumulation between that of the wild-type and OsNRAMP5-knockout lines, and exhibited more resistance to Mn deficiency than the knockout lines. Different amino acid substitutions at position Q337 significantly affected the Cd and Mn transport activity in yeast cells, indicating that it is one of the crucial sites for OsNRAMP5 function. Our results suggest that the OsNRAMP5-Q337K allele might be useful for reducing grain Cd concentrations without causing severe Mn deficiency in rice cultivars through DNA marker-assisted breeding.
Consequences of Substitution Model Selection on Protein Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction
Authors: Del Amparo Roberto , Arenas Miguel
Published: July 2022

The selection of the best-fitting substitution model of molecular evolution is a traditional step for phylogenetic inferences, including ancestral sequence reconstruction (ASR). However, a few recent studies suggested that applying this procedure does not affect the accuracy of phylogenetic tree reconstruction. Here, we revisited this debate topic by analyzing the influence of selection among substitution models of protein evolution, with focus on exchangeability matrices, on the accuracy of ASR using simulated and real data. We found that the selected best-fitting substitution model produces the most accurate ancestral sequences, especially if the data present large genetic diversity. Indeed, ancestral sequences reconstructed under substitution models with similar exchangeability matrices were similar, suggesting that if the selected best-fitting model cannot be used for the reconstruction, applying a model similar to the selected one is preferred. We conclude that selecting among substitution models of protein evolution is recommended for reconstructing accurate ancestral sequences.
Role of genomic DNA methylation in PCOS pathogenesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis involving case-controlled clinical studies
Authors: Rawat Kajal , Sandhu Arushi , Gautam Vipasha , Saha Pradip Kumar , Saha Lekha
Published: July 2022

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with aberrant DNA methylation. Despite the advances in diagnostics and treatment of PCOS, the pathophysiological mechanism remains unknown. Several genes are epigenetically dysregulated in PCOS and associated with pathological consequences of PCOS and metabolic comorbidities; however, the methylation status of specific genes and to what extent the genes are deregulated in terms of methylation pattern are unknown. This review aimed to analyse the existing data for specific genes and find conclusive evidence of their involvement in PCOS and associated risks. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in five electronic databases. The case-controlled clinical studies using both PCOS and healthy women and evaluating the methylation pattern without any treatment or intervention were included in the study. A random-effect model was used to extract the data for meta-analysis, and outcomes were expressed as standardized mean difference with a 95% CI. From 541 screened records, 41 studies were included in the review and 21 of them were used for meta-analysis of 20 genes. Meta-analysis revealed a significant global DNA hypomethylation in different tissues and peripheral blood of patients with PCOS compared to healthy controls. Specific gene methylation assessment revealed that genes associated with several functions were significantly hypomethylated and hypermethylated in patients with PCOS. This review provides conclusive evidence of epigenetic deregulation of specific genes in PCOS. These genes can potentially be used to develop diagnostic biomarkers or as targets for personalized therapy.
Extension contracture stiff knee in haemophilia: Surgical timing and procedure for total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Ono Kumiko , Hirose Jun , Noguchi Megumi , Asano Kayoko , Yasuda Masaaki , Takedani Hideyuki
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for a stiff knee of patients with haemophilia (PWH) represents a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons for the difficulties of exposing the knee and high complication rate compared to a flexible knee.

Aim

To optimize the surgical exposure in primary TKA for PWH and to propose a threshold angle of extension contracture in treating haemophilic knee joints, retrospectively.

Methods

Sixty-seven primary TKAs for PWH (mean age, 48 years) were performed, and incisional approaches to joint were standard (58 cases) and V-Y quadricepsplasty (V-Y) (9 cases). The decision of surgical approach was decided intraoperatively by two surgeons. Pre- and post-knee angles were evaluated in each group. Variables in the V-Y group were evaluated using univariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

Results

Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the preoperative range of motion (ROM) and flexion were significantly associated with V-Y. Threshold values of preoperative flexion and ROM resulting in V-Y using receiver operating characteristic analysis were 45° and 35°, respectively.

Conclusions

Primary TKA for PWH using a standard approach may be performed before the stage preoperative flexion <45° and ROM <35°.
A mechanistic framework for social–ecological mismatches
Authors: Cumming Graeme S
Published: July 2022

A minimal social-ecological model, based on the robustness framework, suggests a typology of six different kinds of social-ecological mismatch and a set of general hypotheses about how they might arise.
Missed Opportunities? A Retrospective Study Into Adults Hospitalized With Invasive Infection From Airway Pathogens
Authors: Smith Emma L , Tan Bryan , Bastas Alysia , Kotsanas Despina , Dendle Claire , Ojaimi Samar
Published: July 2022

Background

Invasive disease caused by airway pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Moraxella catarrhalis, has high morbidity and mortality worldwide, with immunodeficiency being a known association with recurrent disease. The study aimed to describe the frequency of known immunodeficiency and predisposing factors in adult patients presenting with invasive infections and determine the frequency of screening for and detection of immunodeficiency.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted at a large tertiary Australian health service, comprising multiple centers. Patients aged 18 years or older, in whom the above pathogens were isolated from sterile sites, were included as identified through a microbiology database, between 2015 and 2020. Using electronic medical records, patient demographics, medical history, outcomes of admission, and pathology results were captured and reviewed to address the aims.

Results

In 252 patients, S pneumoniae was the most common culprit, isolated in 73% (185/252), compared to 14.3% (36/252) and 11.5% (29/252) of infections caused by H influenzae and N meningitidis, respectively. Known diagnoses of secondary immunodeficiency were common (31% of patients). Of those presenting with invasive pneumococcal disease, 78% had at least 1 predisposing condition, though only 9 patients (6%) had previously received pneumococcal vaccination. Despite poor screening for immunodeficiency, 12 new diagnoses were made. While the commonest immunodeficiency was secondary, due to hematological and solid organ malignancies, 3 new primary immunodeficiency diagnoses were made.

Conclusions

Immunodeficiency is common in this patient population. Screening should be undertaken to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition to avoid future morbidity and mortality.
GGDB: A Grameneae genome alignment database of homologous genes hierarchically related to evolutionary events
Authors: Yang Qihang , Liu Tao , Wu Tong , Lei Tianyu , Li Yuxian , Wang Xiyin
Published: July 2022

The genomes of Gramineae plants have been preferentially sequenced owing to their economic value. These genomes are often quite complex, for example harboring many duplicated genes, and are the main source of genetic innovation and often the result of recurrent polyploidization. Deciphering these complex genome structures and linking duplicated genes to specific polyploidization events are important for understanding the biology and evolution of plants. However, efforts have been hampered by the complexity of analyzing these genomes. Here, we analyzed 29 well-assembled and up-to-date Gramineae genome sequences by hierarchically relating duplicated genes in collinear regions to specific polyploidization or speciation events. We separated duplicated genes produced by each event, established lists of paralogous and orthologous genes, and ultimately constructed an online database, GGDB (http://www.grassgenome.com/). Homologous gene lists from each plant and between plants can be displayed, searched, and downloaded from the database. Interactive comparison tools are deployed to demonstrate homology among user-selected plants and to draw genome-scale or local alignment figures and gene-based phylogenetic trees corrected by exploiting gene collinearity. Using these tools and figures, users can easily detect structural changes in genomes and explore the effects of paleo-polyploidy on crop genome structure and function. The GGDB will provide a useful platform for improving our understanding of genome changes and functional innovation in Gramineae plants.
Effect of bimekizumab on symptoms and impact of disease in patients with psoriatic arthritis over 3 years: results from BE ACTIVE
Authors: Mease Philip J , Asahina Akihiko , Gladman Dafna D , Tanaka Yoshiya , Tillett William , Ink Barbara , Assudani Deepak , de la Loge Christine , Coarse Jason , Eells Jason , Gossec Laure
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Evaluate effects of long-term bimekizumab treatment on patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures, symptoms and the impact of PsA on patients.

Methods

Patients with active PsA were enrolled into BE ACTIVE, a 48-week randomised controlled trial (NCT02969525). After Week 48, patients could enter a 104-week open-label extension (NCT03347110), receiving bimekizumab 160 mg every four weeks. PRO measures assessed included arthritis pain visual analogue scale (VAS), PsA Impact of Disease (PsAID)-9, 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and HAQ-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). Results were analysed as mean (S.E.M.) changes from baseline (CfB) from Week 0 to the end of the open-label extension (3 years) and as percentage of patients reaching patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) for global impact (PsAID-9 total score ≤4) and normal function (HAQ-DI total score <0.5). Non-responder imputation was applied to missing binary outcomes.

Results

In 206 patients (mean age 49.3 years, 51.0% male), completion rate was high; 161 (78.2%) patients completed Week 152. Bimekizumab treatment was associated with long-term sustained improvements in pain [arthritis pain VAS CfB; Week 48: −29.9 (1.9); Week 152: −32.0 (1.9)] and fatigue [PsAID-9 fatigue CfB; −2.4 (0.2); −2.7 (0.2)]. High percentages of patients achieved acceptable symptom state (PsAID-9 PASS: 75.2%; 65.0%) and normalised function (HAQ-DI <0.5: 49.0%; 46.1%). Improvements in patient global assessment and SF-36 Physical Component Summary were also sustained.

Conclusions

Bimekizumab treatment was associated with long-term sustained improvements in pain and fatigue, reducing overall impact of PsA on patients. Physical function and quality of life improved up to 3 years.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02969525, NCT03347110.
The genomics of COVID
Authors: Seibert Diane , Wysocki Kenneth
Published: July 2022

Coronaviruses, named for their crown-like appearance, are relative newcomers to the human viral encyclopedia, but they are anything but new to the viral landscape. Initially thought to cause relatively mild disease in humans, it is now clear that coronaviruses can cause significant morbidity and mortality. COVID-19 provided a ringside seat from which to watch scientists use genomics in hundreds of ways to learn about, protect against, and ultimately control the effects of this novel virus. This article provides an overview of how genomics was used from the very first reported case in Wuhan, China to the development of at-home test kits, vaccines, and understanding the genetic association with increased risk for severe illness.
“Soft Tissue Reconstruction in Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy: Current Evidence and Future Directions”
Authors: Abi-Rafeh Jad , Jaberi Mehrad , Cattelan Leila , Aljerian Albaraa , Gilardino Mirko
Published: July 2022

Background:

Progressive Hemifacial Atrophy (PHA) is a rare disorder characterized by gradual unilateral soft tissue atrophy in the face, which may also include clinically significant degeneration of underlying muscle and bone. In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence regarding different soft-tissue reconstructive strategies in PHA, and the impact of intervention timing on disease progression. This article provides a comprehensive synthesis of the latest evidence in order to guide optimal management.

Methods:

A comprehensive multi-database search was performed through April 2020 using relevant search terms to identify clinical studies. Outcomes, complications, disease- and patient-related indications pertaining to different soft-tissue reconstructive strategies in PHA were collected and critically appraised.

Results:

35 articles reporting on a total of 824 PHA patients were evaluated; 503 (61%) were managed by microvascular free flaps, 302 patients (37%) were managed by autologous fat grafts, and 19 (2%) by pedicled flaps. A detailed synthesis of outcomes is presented herein, as well as a comparative evaluation of different microvascular free-flap options.

Conclusion:

Soft-tissue reconstruction in PHA remains an evolving field. Operative decision-making is often multifaceted, and guided by specific volumetric, aesthetic and functional deficiencies. Serial fat grafting is the primary modality utilized for patients with mild soft-tissue atrophy, while microvascular free flaps widely remain the treatment of choice for reconstruction of large volume defects. There exists a growing role of graft supplementation to improve fat graft survival, while recent evidence demonstrates that early intervention may help curb disease progression.
The recent surge of functional movement disorders: social distress or greater awareness?
Authors: Nilles Christelle , Pringsheim Tamara M. , Martino Davide
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

To analyze the interrelated factors that have led to the striking increase in functional movement disorders in recent years, with a focus on functional tic-like behaviours (FTLB).

Recent findings

The sudden onset of FTLB has been widely observed in several countries since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, whereas it was previously very rarely reported. Pandemic-related FTLB typically occur in young females, share complex, disabling and tic-lookalike patterns, and are usually triggered by the exposure to videos portraying tic-like behaviours on social media. Both pandemic-related FTLB and prepandemic FTLB are associated with high levels of depression and anxiety. FTLB related to the pandemic highlight the role of social media in the psychopathological behaviours of our time.

We suggest FTLB are due to a combination of predisposing factors (high genetic and epigenetic risk for anxiety and depression, negative past experiences) and precipitating factors (pandemic and its impact on mental health, exposure to certain social media content). These factors of vulnerability may increase the risk of developing behavioural and emotional problems in youth, such as FTLB. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of psychiatric comorbidities seem to be predictors of positive prognosis.
Rapid Regulation of Local Temperature and TRPV1 Ion Channels with Wide-Field Plasmonic Thermal Microscopy
Authors: Wang Rui , Jiang Jiapei , Zhou Xinyu , Wan Zijian , Zhang Pengfei , Wang Shaopeng
Published: July 2022

Plasmonic absorption of light can create significant local heat and has become a promising tool for rapid temperature regulation in diverse fields, from biomedical technology to optoelectronics. Current plasmonic heating usually relies on specially designed nanomaterials randomly distributed in the space and hardly provides uniform temperature regulation in a wide field. Herein we report a rapid temperature regulation strategy on a plain gold-coated glass slip using the plasmonic scattering microscopy, which can be referred to as wide-field plasmonic thermal microscopy (W-PTM). We calibrated the W-PTM by monitoring the phase transition of the temperature-sensitive polymer solutions, showing that it can provide a temperature regulation range of 33-80 °C. Moreover, the W-PTM provides imaging capability, thus allowing the statistical analysis of the phase-transitioned polymeric nanoparticles. Finally, we demonstrated that W-PTM can be used for noninvasive and local regulation of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion channels in the living cells, which can be monitored by simultaneous fluorescence imaging of calcium influx. With the nondestructive local temperature-regulating and concurrent fluorescence imaging capability, we anticipate that W-PTM can be a powerful tool to study cellular activities associated with cellular membrane temperature changes.
Genetic stock identification reveals greater use of an oceanic feeding ground around the Faroe Islands by multi-sea winter Atlantic salmon
Authors: O’Sullivan Ronan James , Ozerov Mikhail , Bolstad Geir H. , Gilbey John , Jacobsen Jan Arge , Erkinaro Jaakko , Rikardsen Audun H. , Hindar Kjetil , Aykanat Tutku
Published: July 2022

There is a general paucity of knowledge regards spatial variation in marine resource use for many taxa, even those of high socio-economic importance such as Atlantic salmon. While it is known that the oceans around the Faroe Islands support a salmon feeding ground, the relative use of this feeding ground by different age classes across different stocks remains largely unexplored. Using a combination of genetic stock assignment and run-reconstruction models, we observed a consistent pattern whereby the proportion of multi-sea winter (MSW) salmon for a given reporting group was substantially greater around the Faroes than the MSW proportion for that reporting groups among the prefisheries abundance. Surprisingly, MSW fish from Ireland and UK were as likely to occur around the Faroes as were MSW fish from more north-eastern regions such as the Teno river and the Barents and White Seas. MSW fish from Southern Norway were the most likely to be caught at the Faroes. While 1SW salmon from Ireland and UK as well as from Southern Norway occurred at similar rates around the Faroes, 1SW fish from more north-eastern reporting groups were nearly entirely absent from the same feeding ground. In combination with previous studies that examine the marine distribution of Atlantic salmon, our results strongly indicate that the oceans around the Faroes play host to a predominantly MSW salmon feeding ground and that use of this resource varies both within the age classes of a given stock as well as between different stocks. Furthermore, these results suggest that MSW fish from certain stocks might preferentially undertake migrations to the Faroes. Variation in spatial resource use may help to buffer salmon stocks against localised negative changes in marine conditions.
Human skin specific long noncoding RNA HOXC13-AS regulates epidermal differentiation by interfering with Golgi-ER retrograde transport
Authors: Zhang Letian , Piipponen Minna , Liu Zhuang , Li Dongqing , Bian Xiaowei , Toma Maria A. , Sommar Pehr , Xu Landén Ning
Published: July 2022

After a skin injury, keratinocytes switch from a state of homeostasis to one of regeneration leading to the reconstruction of the epidermal barrier. The regulatory mechanism of gene expression underpinning this key switch during human skin wound healing is enigmatic. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute a new horizon in the understanding of the regulatory programmes encoded in the mammalian genome. By comparing the transcriptome of an acute human wound and skin from the same donor as well as keratinocytes isolated from these paired tissue samples, we generated a list of lncRNAs showing changed expression in keratinocytes during wound repair. Our study focused on HOXC13-AS, a recently evolved human lncRNA specifically expressed in epidermal keratinocytes, and we found that its expression was temporally downregulated during wound healing. In line with its enrichment in suprabasal keratinocytes, HOXC13-AS was found to be increasingly expressed during keratinocyte differentiation, but its expression was reduced by EGFR signalling. After HOXC13-AS knockdown or overexpression in human primary keratinocytes undergoing differentiation induced by cell suspension or calcium treatment and in organotypic epidermis, we found that keratinocyte differentiation was promoted, while the cell inflammatory response was suppressed. Moreover, RNA pull-down assays followed by mass spectrometry and RNA immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that mechanistically HOXC13-AS sequestered the coat complex subunit alpha (COPA) protein and interfered with Golgi-to-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) molecular transport, resulting in ER stress and enhanced keratinocyte differentiation. In summary, we identified HOXC13-AS as a crucial regulator of human epidermal differentiation.