bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Federal, State, and Local Housing Policies on Disparities in Cardiovascular Disease in Black/African American Men and Women: From Policy to Pathways to Biology
Authors: Sistrunk Christopher , Tolbert Nora , Sanchez-Pino Maria Dulfary , Erhunmwunsee Loretta , Wright Nikita , Jones Veronica , Hyslop Terry , Miranda-Carboni Gustavo , Dietze Eric C. , Martinez Ernest , George Sophia , Ochoa Augusto C. , Winn Robert A. , Seewaldt Victoria L.
Published: April 2022

Racist and discriminatory federal, state, and local housing policies significantly contribute to disparities in cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality for individuals that self-identify as Black or African American. Here we highlight three key housing policies – “redlining,” zoning, and the construction of highways – which have wrought a powerful, sustained, and destructive impact on cardiovascular health in Black/African American communities. Redlining and highway construction policies have restricted access to quality health care, increased exposure to carcinogens such as PM2.5, and increased exposure to extreme heat. At the root of these policy decisions are longstanding, toxic societal factors including racism, segregation, and discrimination, which also serve to perpetuate racial inequities in cardiovascular health. Here, we review these societal and structural factors and then link them with biological processes such as telomere shortening, allostatic load, oxidative stress, and tissue inflammation. Lastly, we focus on the impact of inflammation on the immune system and the molecular mechanisms by which the inflamed immune microenvironment promotes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. We propose that racial residential segregation and discrimination increases tissue inflammation and cytokine production, resulting in dysregulated immune signaling, which promotes plaque formation and cardiovascular disease. This framework has the power to link structural racism not only to cardiovascular disease, but also to cancer.
Engineering Efforts to Refine Compatibility and Duration of Aortic Valve Replacements: An Overview of Previous Expectations and New Promises
Authors: Rizzi Stefano , Ragazzini Sara , Pesce Maurizio
Published: April 2022

The absence of pharmacological treatments to reduce or retard the progression of cardiac valve diseases makes replacement with artificial prostheses (mechanical or bio-prosthetic) essential. Given the increasing incidence of cardiac valve pathologies, there is always a more stringent need for valve replacements that offer enhanced performance and durability. Unfortunately, surgical valve replacement with mechanical or biological substitutes still leads to disadvantages over time. In fact, mechanical valves require a lifetime anticoagulation therapy that leads to a rise in thromboembolic complications, while biological valves are still manufactured with non-living tissue, consisting of aldehyde-treated xenograft material (e.g., bovine pericardium) whose integration into the host fails in the mid- to long-term due to unresolved issues regarding immune-compatibility. While various solutions to these shortcomings are currently under scrutiny, the possibility to implant fully biologically compatible valve replacements remains elusive, at least for large-scale deployment. In this regard, the failure in translation of most of the designed tissue engineered heart valves (TEHVs) to a viable clinical solution has played a major role. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the TEHVs developed until now, and critically analyze their strengths and limitations emerging from basic research and clinical trials. Starting from these aspects, we will also discuss strategies currently under investigation to produce valve replacements endowed with a true ability to self-repair, remodel and regenerate. We will discuss these new developments not only considering the scientific/technical framework inherent to the design of novel valve prostheses, but also economical and regulatory aspects, which may be crucial for the success of these novel designs.
Impact of Chronic Exposure to Two Neonicotinoids on Honey Bee Antennal Responses to Flower Volatiles and Pheromonal Compounds
Authors: Favaro Riccardo , Roved Jacob , Haase Albrecht , Angeli Sergio
Published: April 2022

Volatile compounds provide important olfactory cues for honey bees (Apis mellifera L.), which are essential for their ecology, behavior, and social communication. In the external environment bees locate food sources by the use of floral scents, while inside the hive, pheromones such as the queen mandibular pheromone (QMP) and alarm pheromones serve important functions in regulating colony life and inducing aggressive responses against intruders and parasites. Widely reported alterations of various behaviors in- and outside the hive following exposure to pesticides could therefore be associated with a disturbance of odor sensitivity. In the present study, we tested the effects of neonicotinoid pesticides at field concentrations on the ability of honey bees to perceive volatiles at the very periphery of the olfactory system. Bee colonies were subjected to treatments during the summer with either Imidacloprid or Thiacloprid at sublethal concentrations. Antennal responses to apple (Malus domestica L.) flower volatiles were studied by GC-coupled electro-antennographic detection (GC-EAD), and a range of volatiles, a substitute of the QMP, and the alarm pheromone 2-heptanone were tested by electroantennography (EAG). Short-term and long-term effects of the neonicotinoid treatments were investigated on bees collected in the autumn and again in the following spring. Treatment with Thiacloprid induced changes in antennal responses to specific flower VOCs, with differing short- and long-term effects. In the short term, increased antennal responses were observed for benzyl-alcohol and 1-hexanol, which are common flower volatiles but also constituents of the honey bee sting gland secretions. The treatment with Thiacloprid also affected antennal responses to the QMP and the mandibular alarm pheromone 2-heptanone. In the short term, a faster signal degeneration of the response signal to the positive control citral was recorded in the antennae of bees exposed to Thiacloprid or Imidacloprid. Finally, we observed season-related differences in the antennal responses to multiple VOCs. Altogether, our results suggest that volatile-specific alterations of antennal responses may contribute to explaining several behavioral changes previously observed in neonicotinoid-exposed bees. Treatment effects were generally more prominent in the short term, suggesting that adverse effects of neonicotinoid exposure may not persist across generations.
Bioinformatic Analyzes of the Association Between Upregulated Expression of JUN Gene via APOBEC-Induced FLG Gene Mutation and Prognosis of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chen Huan , Zhao Liyun , Liu Jiaqiang , Zhou Housheng , Wang Xi , Fang Xiaoling , Xia Xiaomeng
Published: April 2022

Globally, cervical cancer (CC) is the most common malignant tumor of the female reproductive system and its incidence is only second after breast cancer. Although screening and advanced treatment strategies have improved the rates of survival, some patients with CC still die due to metastasis and drug resistance. It is considered that cancer is driven by somatic mutations, such as single nucleotide, small insertions/deletions, copy number, and structural variations, as well as epigenetic changes. Previous studies have shown that cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is associated with copy number variants (CNVs) and/or mutations in cancer-related genes. Further, CC is also related to genetic mutations. The present study analyzed the data on somatic mutations of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) in the Cancer Genome Atlas database. It was evident that the Apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme-catalyzed polypeptide-like (APOBEC)-related mutation of the FLG gene can upregulate the expression of the JUN gene and ultimately lead to poor prognosis for patients with CC. Therefore, the findings of the current study provide a new direction for future treatment of CC.
Case Report: Hemangioblastoma- Like Clear Cell Stromal Tumor of the Left Lower Lung
Authors: Zhang Xiaowei , Huang Bifei , Jiang Hongquan , Wei Hangping
Published: April 2022

Background

Hemangioblastoma-like clear cell stromal tumor (HLCCST) is a recently reported neoplasm of the lung. Only 13 cases have been reported in four recent studies. Because HLCCST is very rare, it has not been included in the 2021 WHO classification of lung tumors.

Case Presentation

We report a case of HLCCST of the left lower lung in a 40-year-old female who was admitted to our hospital after pulmonary nodules were discovered. A plain chest CT scan showed a nodular high-density shadow measuring approximately 8 mm in diameter in the left lower lung. The lesion had clear borders, uneven internal density, and a low-density central vacuolar area. The left lower lung was partially resected by video-assisted thoracic surgery. Post-operative histopathologic diagnosis “hemangioblastoma-like clear cell stromal tumor” of the left lower lung.

Conclusion

The HLCCST is an extremely rare tumor and needs long-term follow-up after operation. Clinically, it may be easily confused with other benign and malignant tumors of the lung, and diagnosis is solely determined by histopathologic examination. This case suggests that immunohistochemical CD34 can be a strong positive marker.
Application of 18F-FDG PET-CT Images Based Radiomics in Identifying Vertebral Multiple Myeloma and Bone Metastases
Authors: Jin Zhicheng , Wang Yongqing , Wang Yizhen , Mao Yangting , Zhang Fang , Yu Jing
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore the application of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) image radiomics in the identification of spine multiple myeloma (MM) and bone metastasis (BM), and whether this method could improve the classification diagnosis performance compared with traditional methods.

Methods

This retrospective study collected a total of 184 lesions from 131 patients between January 2017 and January 2021. All images were visually evaluated independently by two physicians with 20 years of experience through the double-blind method, while the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of each lesion was recorded. A total of 279 radiomics features were extracted from the region of interest (ROI) of CT and PET images of each lesion separately by manual method. After the reliability test, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and 10-fold cross-validation were used to perform dimensionality reduction and screening of features. Two classification models of CT and PET were derived from CT images and PET images, respectively and constructed using the multivariate logistic regression algorithm. In addition, the ComModel was constructed by combining the PET model and the conventional parameter SUVmax. The performance of the three classification diagnostic models, as well as the human experts and SUVmax, were evaluated and compared, respectively.

Results

A total of 8 and 10 features were selected from CT and PET images for the construction of radiomics models, respectively. Satisfactory performance of the three radiomics models was achieved in both the training and the validation groups (Training: AUC: CT: 0.909, PET: 0.949, ComModel: 0.973; Validation: AUC: CT: 0.897, PET: 0.929, ComModel: 0.948). Moreover, the PET model and ComModel showed significant improvement in diagnostic performance between the two groups compared to the human expert (Training: P = 0.01 and P = 0.001; Validation: P = 0.018 and P = 0.033), and no statistical difference was observed between the CT model and human experts (P = 0.187 and P = 0.229, respectively).

Conclusion

The radiomics model constructed based on 18F-FDG PET/CT images achieved satisfactory diagnostic performance for the classification of MM and bone metastases. In addition, the radiomics model showed significant improvement in diagnostic performance compared to human experts and PET conventional parameter SUVmax.
Methamphetamine Disturbs Gut Homeostasis and Reshapes Serum Metabolome, Inducing Neurotoxicity and Abnormal Behaviors in Mice
Authors: Zhang Kai-Kai , Chen Li-Jian , Li Jia-Hao , Liu Jia-Li , Wang Li-Bin , Xu Ling-Ling , Yang Jian-Zheng , Li Xiu-Wen , Xie Xiao-Li , Wang Qi
Published: April 2022

As an illicit psychostimulant, repeated methamphetamine (MA) exposure results in addiction and causes severe neurotoxicity. Studies have revealed complex interactions among gut homeostasis, metabolism, and the central nervous system (CNS). To investigate the disturbance of gut homeostasis and metabolism in MA-induced neurotoxicity, 2 mg/kg MA or equal volume saline was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected into C57BL/6 mice. Behavioral tests and western blotting were used to evaluate neurotoxicity. To determine alterations of colonic dysbiosis, 16s rRNA gene sequencing was performed to analyze the status of gut microbiota, while RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and Western Blot analysis were performed to detect colonic damage. Serum metabolome was profiled by LC–MS analysis. We found that MA induced locomotor sensitization, depression-, and anxiety-like behaviors in mice, along with dysfunction of the dopaminergic system and stimulation of autophagy as well as apoptosis in the striatum. Notably, MA significantly decreased microbial diversity and altered the component of microbiota. Moreover, findings from RNA-seq implied stimulation of the inflammation-related pathway after MA treatment. Western blotting confirmed that MA mediated colonic inflammation by activating the TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB pathway and impaired colonic barrier. In addition, serum metabolome was reshaped after MA treatment. Specifically, bacteroides-derived sphingolipids and serotonin were obviously altered, which were closely correlated with locomotor sensitization, depression-, and anxiety-like behaviors. These findings suggest that MA disrupts gut homeostasis by altering its microbiome and arousing inflammation, and reshapes serum metabolome, which provide new insights into understanding the interactions between gut homeostasis and MA-induced neurotoxicity.
Bacterial Spot of Tomato and Pepper in Africa: Diversity, Emergence of T5 Race, and Management
Authors: Jibrin Mustafa Ojonuba , Timilsina Sujan , Minsavage Gerald V. , Vallad Garry E. , Roberts Pamela D. , Goss Erica M. , Jones Jeffrey B.
Published: April 2022

Bacterial spot disease was first reported from South Africa by Ethel M. Doidge in 1920. In the ensuing century after the initial discovery, the pathogen has gained global attention in plant pathology research, providing insights into host–pathogen interactions, pathogen evolution, and effector discovery, such as the first discovery of transcription activation-like effectors, among many others. Four distinct genetic groups, includingXanthomonas euvesicatoria(proposed name:X. euvesicatoriapv.euvesicatoria),Xanthomonas perforans(proposed name:X. euvesicatoriapv.perforans),Xanthomonas gardneri(proposed name:Xanthomonas hortorumpv.gardneri), andXanthomonas vesicatoria, are known to cause bacterial spot disease. Recently, a new race of a bacterial spot pathogen, race T5, which is a product of recombination between at least twoXanthomonasspecies, was reported in Nigeria. In this review, our focus is on the progress made on the African continent,vis-à-visprogress made in the global bacterial spot research community to provide a body of information useful for researchers in understanding the diversity, evolutionary changes, and management of the disease in Africa.
Antibody and T Cell Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Peptides in COVID-19 Convalescent Patients
Authors: Garanina Ekaterina , Hamza Shaimaa , Stott-Marshall Robert J. , Martynova Ekaterina , Markelova Maria , Davidyuk Yuriy , Shakirova Venera , Kaushal Neha , Baranwal Manoj , Khaertynova Ilsiyar M. , Rizvanov Albert , Foster Toshana L. , Khaiboullina Svetlana
Published: April 2022

Identifying immunogenic targets of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is critical to advance diagnostic and disease control strategies. We analyzed humoral (ELISA) and T-cell (ELISpot) immune responses to spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) SARS-CoV-2 proteins as well as to human endemic coronavirus (eCoV) peptides in serum from convalescent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients from Tatarstan, Russia. We identified multiple SARS-CoV-2 peptides that were reactive with serum antibodies and T cells from convalescent COVID-19. In addition, age and gender associated differences in the reactivity to S and N protein peptides were identified. Moreover, several SARS-CoV-2 peptides tested negatively correlated with disease severity and lung damage. Cross-reactivity to eCoV peptides was analyzed and found to be lower in COVID-19 compared to controls. In this study, we demonstrate the changing pattern of immunogenic peptide reactivity in COVID-19 serum based on age, gender and previous exposure to eCoVs. These data highlight how humoral immune responses and cytotoxic T cell responses to some of these peptides could contribute to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.
Diversity in Phenotypes Associated With Host Persistence and Systemic Virulence in Streptococcus sanguinis Strains
Authors: Alves Livia A. , Salvatierra Geovanny C. , Freitas Victor A. , Höfling José F. , Bastos Débora C. , Araujo Thaís L. S. , Mattos-Graner Renata O.
Published: April 2022

Streptococcus sanguinisis a pioneer commensal species of dental biofilms, abundant in different oral sites and commonly associated with opportunist cardiovascular infections. In this study, we addressed intra-species functional diversity to better understand theS. sanguiniscommensal and pathogenic lifestyles. Multiple phenotypes were screened in nine strains isolated from dental biofilms or from the bloodstream to identify conserved and strain-specific functions involved in biofilm formation and/or persistence in oral and cardiovascular tissues. Strain phenotypes of biofilm maturation were independent of biofilm initiation phenotypes, and significantly influenced by human saliva and by aggregation mediated by sucrose-derived exopolysaccharides (EPS). The production of H2O2was conserved in most strains, and consistent with variations in extracellular DNA (eDNA) production observed in few strains. The diversity in complement C3b deposition correlated with the rates of opsonophagocytosis by human PMN and was influenced by culture medium and sucrose-derived EPS in a strain-specific fashion. Differences in C3b deposition correlated with strain binding to recognition proteins of the classical pathway, C1q and serum amyloid protein (SAP). Importantly, differences in strain invasiveness into primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were significantly associated with C3b binding, and in a lesser extent, with binding to host glycoproteins (such as fibrinogen, plasminogen, fibronectin, and collagen). Thus, by identifying conserved and strain-specific phenotypes involved in host persistence and systemic virulence, this study indicates potential new functions involved in systemic virulence and highlights the need of including a wider panel of strains in molecular studies to understandS. sanguinisbiology.
Experimental Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Retinal Pathology in Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses
Authors: Bartsch Udo , Storch Stephan
Published: April 2022

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of childhood-onset neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorders mainly affecting the brain and the retina. In the NCLs, disease-causing mutations in 13 different ceroid lipofuscinoses genes (CLN) have been identified. The clinical symptoms include seizures, progressive neurological decline, deterioration of motor and language skills, and dementia resulting in premature death. In addition, the deterioration and loss of vision caused by progressive retinal degeneration is another major hallmark of NCLs. To date, there is no curative therapy for the treatment of retinal degeneration and vision loss in patients with NCL. In this review, the key findings of different experimental approaches in NCL animal models aimed at attenuating progressive retinal degeneration and the decline in retinal function are discussed. Different approaches, including experimental enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, cell-based therapy, and immunomodulation therapy were evaluated and showed encouraging therapeutic benefits. Recent experimental ocular gene therapies in NCL animal models with soluble lysosomal enzyme deficiencies and transmembrane protein deficiencies have shown the strong potential of gene-based approaches to treat retinal dystrophies in NCLs. In CLN3 and CLN6 mouse models, an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector-mediated delivery of CLN3 and CLN6 to bipolar cells has been shown to attenuate the retinal dysfunction. Therapeutic benefits of ocular enzyme replacement therapies were evaluated in CLN2 and CLN10 animal models. Since brain-targeted gene or enzyme replacement therapies will most likely not attenuate retinal neurodegeneration, there is an unmet need for treatment options additionally targeting the retina in patients with NCL. The long-term benefits of these therapeutic interventions aimed at attenuating retinal degeneration and vision loss in patients with NCL remain to be investigated in future clinical studies.
Heading Direction Is Significantly Biased by Preceding Whole-Body Roll-Orientation While Lying
Authors: Tarnutzer Alexander Andrea , Duarte da Costa Vasco , Baumann Denise , Hemm Simone
Published: April 2022

Background

After a prolonged static whole-body roll-tilt, a significant bias of the internal estimates of the direction of gravity has been observed when assessing the subjective visual vertical.

Objective

We hypothesized that this post-tilt bias represents a more general phenomenon, broadly affecting spatial orientation and navigation. Specifically, we predicted that after the prolonged roll-tilt to either side perceived straight-ahead would also be biased.

Methods

Twenty-five healthy participants were asked to rest in three different lying positions (supine, right-ear-down, and left-ear-down) for 5 min (“adaptation period”) prior to walking straight-ahead blindfolded for 2 min. Walking was recorded with the inertial measurement unit sensors attached to different body locations and with sensor shoe insoles. The raw data was segmented with a gait–event detection method. The Heading direction was determined and linear mixed-effects models were used for statistical analyses.

Results

A significant bias in heading into the direction of the previous roll-tilt position was observed in the post-adaptation trials. This bias was identified in both measurement systems and decreased again over the 2-min walking period.

Conclusions

The bias observed further confirms the influence of prior knowledge on spatial orientation and navigation. Specifically, it underlines the broad impact of a shifting internal estimate of direction of gravity over a range of distinct paradigms, illustrating similar decay time constants. In the broader context, the observed bias in perceived straight-ahead emphasizes that getting up in the morning after a good night's sleep is a vulnerable period, with an increased risk of falls and fall-related injuries due to non-availability of optimally tuned internal estimates of the direction of gravity and the direction of straight-ahead.
Control of Behavioral Arousal and Defense by a Glutamatergic Midbrain-Amygdala Pathway in Mice
Authors: Chen Shang-Yi , Yao Jing , Hu Yu-Duan , Chen Hui-Yun , Liu Pei-Chang , Wang Wen-Feng , Zeng Yu-Hang , Zhuang Cong-Wen , Zeng Shun-Xing , Li Yue-Ping , Yang Liu-Yun , Huang Zi-Xuan , Huang Kai-Qi , Lai Zhen-Ting , Hu Yong-Huai , Cai Ping , Chen Li , Wu Siying
Published: April 2022

In response to external threatening signals, animals evolve a series of defensive behaviors that depend on heightened arousal. It is believed that arousal and defensive behaviors are coordinately regulated by specific neurocircuits in the central nervous system. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) is a key structure located in the ventral midbrain of mice. The activity of VTA glutamatergic neurons has recently been shown to be closely related to sleep–wake behavior. However, the specific role of VTA glutamatergic neurons in sleep–wake regulation, associated physiological functions, and underlying neural circuits remain unclear. In the current study, using an optogenetic approach and synchronous polysomnographic recording, we demonstrated that selective activation of VTA glutamatergic neurons induced immediate transition from sleep to wakefulness and obviously increased the amount of wakefulness in mice. Furthermore, optogenetic activation of VTA glutamatergic neurons induced multiple defensive behaviors, including burrowing, fleeing, avoidance and hiding. Finally, viral-mediated anterograde activation revealed that projections from the VTA to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) mediated the wake- and defense-promoting effects of VTA glutamatergic neurons. Collectively, our results illustrate that the glutamatergic VTA is a key neural substrate regulating wakefulness and defensive behaviors that controls these behaviors through its projection into the CeA. We further discuss the possibility that the glutamatergic VTA-CeA pathway may be involved in psychiatric diseases featuring with excessive defense.
The Effect of the Non-compressed Oxygen Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygenation in Combination With Standardized Drug Therapy on the Blood Acid-Base State Biomarkers in Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome, an Experimental Study
Authors: Kapytau Dzmitry , Kapytau Andrei , Khrushch Inessa , Kudin Ludmila , Waszkiewicz Napoleon
Published: April 2022

In alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), pathophysiological mechanisms cover acid-base disturbances that affect the clinical picture of this state. An earlier study found that oxygen therapy methods in combination with pharmacotherapy improved the cognitive state in persons suffering from AWS. As impairments in the acid-base state influence the general health, timely and effective correction of these acid-base disturbances could result in a potential improvement in the treatment of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of non-compressed oxygen therapy (NOT) and hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) in combination with standard drug therapy (SDT), based on the dynamics of the acid-base state (ABS) in blood during AWS. HBO is the use of oxygen under pressure, whereas NOT uses oxygen without pressure. A comparative assessment of the acid-base state biomarkers was made in 160 patients with a moderate alcohol withdrawal state (3 groups), namely, in patients who underwent SDT only (control group/CG; n = 42) and two comparison groups who underwent SDT in combination with NOT (SG1 group; n = 56) and HBO (SG2 group; n = 62). The use of both oxygen therapy methods (i.e., NOT and HBO) in combination with SDT corrected the ABS in a shorter time and more effectively, which was due to the better restoration of the carbonate buffer system. Although we did not find proof that novel oxygen-related therapeutic procedures such as NOT and HBO in combination with SDT improved the alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it helped with the faster restoration of the acid-base state.
Evaluation of Closed System Transfer Devices in Preventing Chemotherapy Agents Contamination During Compounding Process—A Single and Comparative Study in China
Authors: Tang YiWen , Che XiaoTian , Wang Yao Lei , Ye Xin , Cao Wan Li , Wang Yi
Published: April 2022

Aim

We performed a comparative study to investigate the efficacy of closed system transfer devices (CSTDs) on the safe handling of injectable hazardous drugs (HDs).

Methods

The exposure assessments of cyclophosphamide and cytarabine were performed under traditional or CSTDs. For preparation activity, chemotherapy contamination samples on protective equipment (such as gloves and masks) were collected. The contamination analysis was performed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A 6-item form was distributed monthly (form M1–M6, total 6 months) to assess the pharmacists' experience on ergonomics, encumbrance, and safety impression.

Results

Totally, 96 wiping samples were collected throughout the study. The numbers of contaminated cyclophosphamide samples reduced under CSTD were −37.8, −41.6, −67.7, −47.3, and −22.9% and cytarabine were −12.3, −12.1, −20.6, −69.6, and −56.7% for left countertop, right countertop, medial glass, air-intake vent and door handle, as compared to traditional devices. The reduction was similar to pharmacist devices, i.e., −48.2 and −50.0% for masks and gloves cyclophosphamide contamination, −18.0 and −42.4% for cytarabine. This novel system could improve contamination on dispensing table, transfer container, and dispensing basket by −16.6, −6.0, and −22.3% for cyclophosphamide and −28.5, −22.5, and −46.2% for cytarabine. A high level of satisfaction was consistently associated with ergonomics for CSTD during the compounding process. Meanwhile, a slightly decreased satisfaction on ergonomics, encumbrance, and safety impression was observed for the traditional system between M2 and M3.

Conclusion

Closed system transfer devices are offering progressively more effective alternatives to traditional ones and consequently decrease chemotherapy exposure risk on isolator surfaces.
The Quality of Services of Iran University Hospitals Based on SERVQUAL's Evaluation Model: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gilavand Abdolreza , Torabipour Amin
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Systematic evaluation of the quality of services provided in hospitals and healthcare centers is the first step toward standardization and improving their quality.

Methods

In this systematic review (meta-analysis) study, the information was collected by searching for the articles published in well-known Iranian and international and through searching for the keywords of SERVQUAL, services quality, gap, hospital, patients, Iran, and without language and time restrictions.

Results

A total of 18 articles were reviewed and opinions of 4,714 people who referred to hospitals and healthcare centers affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences during the past 10 years from 2010 to 2019 were examined in this study. The results showed that there was a quality gap in all 5 dimensions between the current status and desirable status of patients and based on a maximum score of 5, responsiveness (1.04), and assurance (0.99), empathy (0.95), reliability (0.91), and physical or tangible factors (0.86) were ranked first to fifth, respectively. According to the random effect model, the mean score of patients' perceptions and expectations and the gap between them was 3.59 (CI 95%: 3.73, 3.46), 4.66 (CI 95%: 4.33 and 4.66), and 0.86 (CI 95%: 1.00, 0.72), respectively.

Conclusion

The patients' expectations in university hospitals were higher than their perceptions. Therefore, it is recommended for Ministry of Health and Medical Education of Iran to monitor periodically the quality of hospitals while focusing on students' and patients' satisfaction and pay attention to dimensions that have the highest quality gap.

Systematic Review Registration

https://ethics.research.ac.ir/ProposalCertificateEn.php?id=167856&Print=true&NoPrintHeader=true&NoPrintFooter=true&NoPrintPageBorder=true&LetterPrint=true, identifier: IR.AJUMS.REC.1399.747.
Can Vitamins Slow Down the Body’s Aging Process?
Authors: Sae-Lee Chanachai , De Biasi Julien , Mathers John C.
Published: April 2022

Some people look younger than their age, others older. Have you ever wondered why? Can we help our bodies age more slowly? Although there seems to be no way to reverse the process of aging, we may be able to slow it down. Improving our diets may help! Humans are born with an internal biological clock within our cells, which reflects the aging state of the body. This is called the epigenetic clock, and it can be changed by what we eat. In this study, we found that women who took supplements of folic acid and vitamin B12 had a slower biological aging. More studies on the effects of our diets on the epigenetic clock will help people to live longer and to stay in good health.
Concurrent Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma in the Abdominal Wall and Pelvic Cavity: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Li Yue , Xu Tongtong , Wang Mingdan , Jiang Lili , Liu Qifang , Liu Kuiran
Published: April 2022

Benign metastatic leiomyoma (BML) is a histologically benign disease with invasive biological behavior. Most patients are women of childbearing age with a history of uterine leiomyoma. The progress of the disease is relatively slow, the prognosis is good, and most patients can survive for a long time. The lung is the common metastatic site, and BML with metastatic lesions outside the lung is very rare. A 37-year-old woman with multiple BML in the abdominal wall and pelvic cavity after uterine leiomyoma surgery was admitted to our hospital. Combined with the clinical data of this case and reviewing the relevant literature, this paper discusses the pathological characteristics, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of BML.
Multiparametric MR Imaging Features of Primary CNS Lymphomas
Authors: Talybov Rustam , Beylerli Ozal , Mochalov Vadim , Prokopenko Alexey , Ilyasova Tatiana , Trofimova Tatiana , Sufianov Albert , Guang Yang
Published: April 2022

Objective

Primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNS) are relatively rare tumors, accounting for about 4% of all brain tumors. On neuroimaging, they are characterized by a low MR signal in T1, isointense in T2, bright uniform contrast enhancement, and diffusion restriction. The aim of this study is to note the lack of effectiveness of the MR/CT perfusion technique in complex multiparametric imaging in the differential diagnosis of primary lymphomas of the central nervous system in comparison with highly malignant gliomas and brain metastases.

Materials and Methods

This prospective study included 80 patients with CNS tumors examined/operated at the Federal Center for Neurosurgery (Tyumen, Russia) from 2018 to 2021. The patients were divided into 4 groups: group 1 consisted of 33 cases with primary CNS lymphomas (10 cases with atypical manifestations according to perfusion parameters and 23 cases of classic CNS lymphomas), group 2 with anaplastic astrocytomas—14 cases, group 3—23 cases with glioblastomas and group 4—10 cases with solitary metastatic lesions. The study was carried out on a General Electric Discovery W750 3T magnetic resonance tomograph, a Canon Aquilion One multispiral X-ray computed tomograph (Gadovist 7.5 ml, Yomeron 400 mg−50 ml). Additionally, immunohistochemical analysis was carried out with the following markers: CD3, CD20, CD34, Ki-67, VEGF.

Results

It has been established that MR/CT perfusion is not a highly sensitive method for visualizing primary CNS lymphomas, as previously thought, but at the same time, the method has a number of undeniable advantages that make it indispensable in the algorithm of a complex multiparametric diagnostic approach for this type of tumor. Nevertheless, PLCNS is characterized by an atypical manifestation, which is an exception to the rule.

Conclusions

The possibilities of neuroimaging of primary lymphomas, even with the use of improved techniques for collecting MR/CT data, are limited and do not always allow reliable differentiation from other neoplasms.
Automatic Balancing for Satellite Simulators with Mixed Mechanical and Magnetic Actuation
Authors: Curatolo Andrea , Bahu Anton , Modenini Dario
Published: April 2022

Dynamic spacecraft simulators are becoming a widespread tool to enable effective on-ground verification of the attitude determination and control subsystem (ADCS). In such facilities, the on-orbit rotational dynamics shall be simulated, thereby requiring minimization of the external torques acting on the satellite mock-up. Gravity torque is often the largest among the disturbances, and an automatic procedure for balancing is usually foreseen in such facilities as it is significantly faster and more accurate than manual methods. In this note, we present an automatic balancing technique which combines mechanical and magnetic actuation by the joint use of sliding masses and magnetorquers. A feedback control is employed for in-plane balancing in which the proportional and integral actions are provided by moving the masses, while the derivative action is provided by the magnetorquers. Compared to an earlier implementation by the authors relying on shifting masses only, the novel approach is shown to reduce the in-plane unbalance by an additional 45% on average.
Assessment of Road Noise Pollution in Urban Residential Areas—A Case Study in Piteşti, Romania
Authors: Titu Aurel Mihail , Boroiu Andrei Alexandru , Mihailescu Sorin , Pop Alina Bianca , Boroiu Alexandru
Published: April 2022

The paper addresses the problem of urban road noise, in the context of the European legislative requirements regarding noise pollution. The second noise mapping in Pitesti city, revealed that despite the proposed action plan after the first noise mapping, the noise pollution increased instead of decreasing. Considering that the proposed measures were insufficient to control road noise in the conditions of the estimated increase in road traffic, the authors developed complex research to identify how the road noise level is determined by the way of regulation of road traffic at intersections of the residential zone. Thus, noise and traffic measurements are made at the main road intersections in the central part of the city, determining the most relevant noise indicators for the specifics of urban traffic and residential areas. The results obtained lead to the conclusion that roundabouts bring a reduction in noise pollution compared to traffic light intersections only if the speed of vehicles in the roundabout is predictable: on preselected lanes and with speed timing.
Numerical and Experimental Research on the Laser-Water Jet Scribing of Silicon
Authors: Li Yuan , Ding Ye , Cheng Bai , Cao Junjie , Yang Lijun
Published: April 2022

Monocrystalline silicon has shown great potential in constructing advanced devices in semiconductor, photoelectric, and photochemistry fields. The fabrication of micro-grooves with large depth-to-width ratio (DTWR) and low taper is in urgent demand as this type of groove can significantly promote the device performance. The grooves with such characterizations can hardly be achieved by conventional machining techniques owing to the high hardness and brittleness of silicon. Laser waterjet (LWJ) machining is a promising solution, which is capable of ablating materials with less or no heat defects, well machining precision, and consistency. Therefore, this paper firstly established a theoretical model describing the interaction between silicon and LWJ. Through the numerical simulation, the evolution of temperature and stress distribution at the machining region was analyzed. Variation experiments were carried out correspondingly. On these bases, scribing experiments were put forward aimed at discovering the influence of machining parameters on groove morphology. Optimized scribing strategy which is capable of realizing the construction of a micro-groove with DTWR of 19.03 and taper of 0.013 was obtained. The results contributed to the understanding of LWJ processing of silicon on a small scale as well as broadening the application prospects of LWJ for treating other semiconductor devices.
Two-Dimensional Quantum Dot-Based Electrochemical Biosensors
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhang Xiaoyue , Bi Sai
Published: April 2022

Two-dimensional quantum dots (2D-QDs) derived from two-dimensional sheets have received increasing interest owing to their unique properties, such as large specific surface areas, abundant active sites, good aqueous dispersibility, excellent electrical property, easy functionalization, and so on. A variety of 2D-QDs have been developed based on different materials including graphene, black phosphorus, nitrides, transition metal dichalcogenides, transition metal oxides, and MXenes. These 2D-QDs share some common features due to the quantum confinement effects and they also possess unique properties owing to their structural differences. In this review, we discuss the categories, properties, and synthetic routes of these 2D-QDs and emphasize their applications in electrochemical biosensors. We deeply hope that this review not only stimulates more interest in 2D-QDs, but also promotes further development and applications of 2D-QDs in various research fields.
Adolescents Facing Transmedia Learning: Reflections on What They Can Do, What They Think and What They Feel
Authors: Runchina Cinzia , Fauth Fernanda , González-Martínez Juan
Published: April 2022

The integration of new media literacies and, consequently, strategies such as transmedia learning in the teaching–learning processes has been a topic of interest among various types of national and international institutions and governments. In this sense, the current article deals with the abilities, thoughts and expectations that Italian students in classical high schools have in order to face these new formative changes. For this purpose, a mixed methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) was designed and applied in the context of a classical high school in Cagliari (Italy): a questionnaire on digital skills (N = 128), a set of semi-structured interviews (N = 17) and two focus groups (N = 14). The results obtained allow us to verify that, from the point of view of skills, adolescents are prepared to take on the challenges of transmedia learning (navigation, information management), although their collaboration skills need to be strengthened. On the other hand, from the cognitive and affective points of view, they are positive and enthusiastic about these new possibilities: greater interaction, flexibility, engagement and variety of resources and learning strategies.
Proposal for the Deployment of an Augmented Reality Tool for Construction Safety Inspection
Authors: Ramos-Hurtado Jorge , Muñoz-La Rivera Felipe , Mora-Serrano Javier , Deraemaeker Arnaud , Valero Ignacio
Published: April 2022

The construction site is a hazardous place. The dynamic, complex interaction between workers, machinery, and the environment leads to dangerous risks. In response to such risks, the goal is to fulfill the zero accidents philosophy, which requires the development of safety skills among workers and the provision of tools for risk prevention. In pursuit of that vision, this work studies collective protective equipment (CPE). Traditional methodologies propose visual inspections using checklists, the effectiveness of which depends on the quality of the inspection by the safety advisor (SA). This paper analyses the traditional process of safety inspections in building projects: the traditional methods, main pain points, and bottlenecks are identified, along with the key performance indicators (KPIs) needed to complete these processes correctly. Because of this, a methodology that digitises the CPE inspection process is proposed. Augmented reality (AR) is used as a 3D viewer with an intuitive interface for the SA, and, accordingly, functional requirements are detailed and different information layers and user interfaces for AR applications are proposed. In addition, the workflow and KPIs are shown. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposal, a proof of concept is developed and evaluated. The relevance of this work lies in providing background for the use of AR in safety inspection processes on construction sites and in offering methodological recommendations for the development and evaluation of these applications.
Psychosocial Determinants of Lifestyle Change after a Cancer Diagnosis: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Hoedjes Meeke , Nijman Inge , Hinnen Chris
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study is to provide a systematic overview of the scientific literature on sociodemographic, psychological and social determinants that may facilitate or hamper lifestyle change after the diagnosis cancer. Four databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Web of Science) were searched for relevant papers up to October 2021. Of the 9586 references yielded by the literature search, 123 papers were included: 71 quantitative and 52 qualitative papers. Findings showed a large variety of determinants influencing lifestyle change after cancer diagnosis, with differences between lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, diet, smoking, alcohol, sun protection, and multiple lifestyle behaviors) and findings from quantitative vs. qualitative studies. Findings demonstrate the important role of oncology healthcare professionals in promoting healthy lifestyle changes in cancer survivors. In addition, findings inform researchers involved in the development of health promotion programs about the methods and strategies they can use to promote healthy lifestyle changes in cancer survivors. Favorable lifestyle changes are expected to have beneficial effects on cancer risk and overall health in cancer survivors.
Circulating Nucleic Acids as Novel Biomarkers for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: McGowan Ryan , Sally Áine , McCabe Anthony , Moran Brian Michael , Finn Karen
Published: April 2022

Despite considerable advancements in the clinical management of PDAC it remains a significant cause of mortality. PDAC is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to vague symptoms associated with early-stage disease and a lack of reliable diagnostic biomarkers. Late diagnosis results in a high proportion of cases being ineligible for surgical resection, the only potentially curative therapy for PDAC. Furthermore, a lack of prognostic biomarkers impedes clinician’s ability to properly assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Advances in our ability to detect circulating nucleic acids allows for the advent of novel biomarkers for PDAC. Tumor derived circulating and exosomal nucleic acids allow for the detection of PDAC-specific mutations through a non-invasive blood sample. Such biomarkers could expand upon the currently limited repertoire of tests available. This review outlines recent developments in the use of molecular techniques for the detection of these nucleic acids and their potential roles, alongside current techniques, in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic governance of PDAC.
Design and Numerical Study of Argon Gas Diversion System Using Orthogonal Experiment to Reduce Impurities in Large-Sized Casting Silicon
Authors: Li Jiulong , Su Wenjia , Zhang Zhen , Guan Zhicheng , Li Jiaqi , Wang Junfeng
Published: April 2022

To reduce oxygen and carbon impurities while casting silicon, an argon gas diversion system is proposed. A series of two-dimensional global transient numerical simulations are carried out using Fluent software according to the orthogonal experimental design, including heat transfer, convection of silicon melt and argon gas, and the fully coupling transport of impurities. The numerical results show that when the distance between the outer tube outlet and the cover is 10 mm, the backflow is inhibited by lateral outflow, thus the generation of CO is suppressed and the penetration of impurities into the silicon melt is decreased. The larger the flow rate, the more obvious the effect is. When the outer tube outlet is far from the cover, the effect of removing impurities is no longer significant. In addition, too large or too small an inner tube flow rate is not conducive to impurity reduction. The optimal parameter combination of outer tube flow rate, inner tube flow rate, and the distance between outer tube outlet and the cover are determined by the orthogonal experiment. Compared with the original furnace, the average concentration of oxygen and carbon in casting silicon ingots could be decreased by 7.4% and 59.9%, respectively, by using the optimized argon gas diversion system.