bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water and Air Pollution as an Emerging Problem for Pakistan: A Review
Authors: Ullah Munzer , Sarfraz Maliha , Ullah Hayat , Rahman Zia Ur , Gul Zarif , Khan Misbah Ullah , Iqbal Rashid , Kanwal Maheen , Gulzar Aasma , Sadiq Tehmina , Rabnawaz Aisha
Published: August 2022

Currently, the development of human societies is greatly affected because of global environmental problems. Pakistan is also on the list of the most affected countries facing a number of environmental issues that affect not only people health but also the economy. The present work examines with focus on secondary data and information gathered from various literature on water and air pollution. Both water and air pollution are very complex issues and their connection to measuring the exact level of pollution is an extremely difficult one. Therefore, in this review, the main sources influencing pollution risks in Pakistan are human urbanization, surface water pollution, industrial sewage pollution, air pollution, and soil pollution. This study will help to develop suitable strategies and rules for Pakistan environmental protection in the near future. Finally, the aim of this article is to raise awareness of environmental pollution, including water pollution, air pollution, and their effect on human health, animals, and agricultural activities.
Maize Growth, Fodder Yield and Nutrient Uptake in relation to Phosphorus and Sulphur Nutrition
Authors: Khanzada Inzamam-ul-Haque , Talpur Naheed Akhter , Shah Zia-ul-Hassan , Jamro Ghulam Murtaza , Shah Javaid Ahmed , Talpur Khalid Hussain , Shah Ahmed Naqi
Published: August 2022

Phosphorus (P) and Sulphur (S) are the most important plant nutrients which play significant roles in enhancing the early growth and development and increasing the fodder yield of maize. This important field study was planned to evaluate the P-S interaction effects on maize growth, fodder yield and nutrient (P and S) uptake. The soil used for study was clay loam, medium-alkaline (pH: 7.9), non-saline (EC: 0.85 dS m-1), strongly calcareous (CaCO3: 24 %), adequate in organic matter (1.6 %), low in ABDTPA-P (3.5 mg kg-1), while medium in SO4-S (21.5 mg kg-1). Eight P and S treatments were involved in this study, i.e. single application of each 90 kg P2O5 (T1) and 20 kg S ha-1 (T2); integration of 90 kg P2O5 with S @ 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 (T3, T4 and T5, respectively), and integration of 120 kg P2O5 with S @ 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 (T6, T7 and T8, respectively). The experiment followed an RCBD arrangement that was replicated thrice. Recommended seed rate of maize (95 kg ha-1) was used for sowing. The results revealed that shoot biomass production was maximum when maize plants received higher doses of P and S in an integrated manner (120-60 kg P2O5-S ha-1). At 30 DAS, shoot fresh biomass was found maximum, and statistically alike, when 90 or 120 kg P2O5 was integrated with S @ 60 kg ha-1. Shoot fresh biomass was maximum, at 40 DAS when 120-60 kg P2O5-S ha-1 was applied to maize. Shoot dry biomass after 30 days of sowing was highest when 90 kg P2O5 was applied with S @ 60 kg ha-1 or when, 120 kg P2O5 was used with S @ 40 and 60 kg ha-1. Shoot length was maximum, both at 30 and 40 DAS, in case of using 120-60 kg P2O5-S ha-1. Chlorophyll content of maize was maximum, both at 30 and 40 DAS, when 90 kg P2O5 was applied with S @ 60 kg ha-1. Maximum fodder yield of maize was noted when 120 kg P2O5 was applied with 60 kg S ha-1. Highest P-uptake, both at 30 and 40 DAS was noted when 120 kg P2O5 was applied with S @ 60 kg ha-1. At the first stage of growth, S-uptake was highest when 60 kg S was integrated with 90 kg P2O5 ha-1. The study advocated integrated application of 120-60 kg P2O5-S ha-1 for obtaining economically maximum fodder yield of maize.
Equipartition and Geometry of Generative Representations
Authors: Dolgikh Serge
Published: August 2022

A growing number of results in artificial and biologic learning systems point at a possibility of spontaneous emergence of higher-level structures in representations of models of unsupervised generative self-learning. In this work we attempted to establish connections between principles of exchange of information in learning processes with origins in statistical thermodynamics of near-equilibrium ensembles and geometrical characteristics of distributions of data in the representations of generative learning models. It was demonstrated that under a set of identified common assumptions, the dynamics of information processes in the learning systems near equilibrium can lead to statistical preference for configurations with decoupled or categorized representations of common patterns or concepts in the sensory data. Observations of emergence of such structures were reported in the systems in different disciplines, from artificial learning systems to social networks and other artificial and natural learning systems.
Mellan kontroll och ansvarsgörande
Authors: Lunneblad Johannes
Published: August 2022

Ungdomar som växer upp i områden med hög arbetslöshet och låga skolresultat har i allt större utsträckning kommit att framställas, inte endast som att de befinner sig i en situation som är en risk för dem själva, utan även som att de utgör en potentiell risk för samhället. Det övergripande syftet i artikeln är att undersöka hur professionella som arbetar inom skola, socialtjänst och polis talar om risker för unga som växer upp i områden som av polisen definieras som utsatta områden. Denna fråga rymmer både intresset för hur ungdomar blir subjekt i de professionellas tal, men också ett intresse för hur problem och risker definieras genom de insatser som riktas mot ungdomar. Det empiriska materialet för studien utgörs av fjorton kvalitativa intervjuer med professionella som arbetar inom polis, socialtjänst och skola. Utgångspunkten för studien är en högstadieskola som är lokaliserad i en stadsdel som av polisen klassificerats som särskilt utsatt. Resultatet visar att ett genomgående dilemma i de professionellas berättelser är spänningen mellan kontroll och ansvarsgörande. De ungas riskbeteende framstår som en komplex och mångbottnad problematik. Analysen visar att ungdomarna genom de insatser som genomförs riskerar att själva ansvarsgöras för sina svårigheter och att när frågan om skuld och straff ställs så blir också polisära åtgärder ett alternativ till sociala insatser och samverkan med vårdnadshavare.
Government-Led Fund-Raising Practices and Approaches to Accounting for Extrabudgetary Funds in the Research and Development Sector
Authors: Lapochkina Viktoria , Emelyanova Elena , Vyunov Sergey , Shkilyov Ilya
Published: August 2022

Introduction. Analysis of indicators reflecting the research and development sector financing and their performance assessment demonstrated the need to improve the extrabudgetary fund-raising mechanisms for the domestic research and development sector, due to a significant gap between Russia and the leading countries of the world in this area. Methods. The assessment was carried out using the algorithm developed by the authors on the basis of a variety of regulatory legal acts of the Government of the Russian Federation. The regulatory elaboration coefficients calculation of extrabudgetary fund-raising mechanisms based on an integral scoring assessment provided for identifying the most effective and ineffective tools. The study was carried out using comparative analysis, economic and mathematical methods in the comparative analysis of countries and indicators, deductive and inductive analysis of the scientific literature on the topic under study, as well as using the generally accepted principles of statistical analysis and a systematic approach to the analysis of the issues involved, using analogy and aggregation of the obtained results. Results and Discussion. High dependence of R&D financing on budget allocations and scarcity of applicable mechanisms was revealed, inter alia, due to the insufficient development of the range of tools in a number of cases. The key risks and impediments to extrabudgetary fund-raising for the research and development sector: the mismatch of the mechanisms with the R&D life cycle and the low demand for scientific results by the real sector of the economy. We worded eight specific proposals to improve the extrabudgetary fund-raising and accounting mechanisms that make it possible to expand the range of tools used. Conclusion. The results of the study can be taken into account for when laying out approaches to developing the accounting mechanisms of extrabudgetary fund-raising sources in the R&D sector within the ongoing activities in government programs and projects aimed at the scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation, as well as for new extrabudgetary fund-raising mechanisms for the research and development sector.
Review of the Monograph by I. N. Vasilyeva, V. V. Lapochkina, E. A. Plekhanova et al. "Implementation of Science and Technology Policy in the Russian Federation: Current Status and Prospects for Development"
Authors: Kamchatova Ekaterina
Published: August 2022

Scientific review of a monograph written by the RIEPL team.
Review of the RIEPL Annual Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation "Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation" (May 25—26, 2022)
Authors: Bitkina Inna
Published: August 2022

From May 25 to May 26, 2022, the RIEPP Annual Scientific and Practical Conference was held with international participation, dedicated to the main issues of scientific and technological development of the Russian Federation and its regions. The conference was held in a hybrid format, the organizers provided for the possibility of in-person and remote participation. The speakers comprised representatives of federal and regional authorities, scientific and educational organizations, professional communities, business structures, etc. On the basis of the planned discussions, a resolution was prepared.
A deep learning mixed-data type approach for the classification of FHR signals
Authors: Spairani Edoardo , Daniele Beniamino , Signorini Maria Gabriella , Magenes Giovanni
Published: August 2022

The Cardiotocography (CTG) is a widely diffused monitoring practice, used in Ob-Gyn Clinic to assess the fetal well-being through the analysis of the Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) and the Uterine contraction signals. Due to the complex dynamics regulating the Fetal Heart Rate, a reliable visual interpretation of the signal is almost impossible and results in significant subjective inter and intra-observer variability. Also, the introduction of few parameters obtained from computer analysis did not solve the problem of a robust antenatal diagnosis. Hence, during the last decade, computer aided diagnosis systems, based on artificial intelligence (AI) machine learning techniques have been developed to assist medical decisions. The present work proposes a hybrid approach based on a neural architecture that receives heterogeneous data in input (a set of quantitative parameters and images) for classifying healthy and pathological fetuses. The quantitative regressors, which are known to represent different aspects of the correct development of the fetus, and thus are related to the fetal healthy status, are combined with features implicitly extracted from various representations of the FHR signal (images), in order to improve the classification performance. This is achieved by setting a neural model with two connected branches, consisting respectively of a Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) and a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The neural architecture was trained on a huge and balanced set of clinical data (14.000 CTG tracings, 7000 healthy and 7000 pathological) recorded during ambulatory non stress tests at the University Hospital Federico II, Napoli, Italy. After hyperparameters tuning and training, the neural network proposed has reached an overall accuracy of 80.1%, which is a promising result, as it has been obtained on a huge dataset.
Development and Evaluation of Enzyme-Linked Viral Immune Capture Assay for Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Alharbi Naif Khalaf , Samman Nosaibah , Alhayli Sadeem , Alghoribi Majed F. , Almasoud Abdulrahman , Nehdi Atef
Published: August 2022

The pandemic of COVID-19 was caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 and it has prompted unprecedented research activities for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics. The real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is the gold standard method of diagnosis; however, immune-based assays offer cost-effective, deployable, easy-to-read solutions for diagnosis and surveillance. Here, we present the development, optimization, and testing of an enzyme-linked viral immune capture assay (ELVICA). It utilizes the spike antigen as the detected target of the virus and antibody-coated beads to capture the virus and enrich the detection. This method can be readout by luminescent and colorimetric equipment. It can also be visualized by the imaging system, offering a variety of detection approaches. ELVICA showed specificity to SARS-CoV-2-pseudotyped viruses as compared to MERS-CoV-pseudotyped viruses. As compared to RT-PCR, ELVICA showed high compatibility in detecting the virus in patient respiratory samples, especially for samples that are below a Ct value of 32 in RT-PCR. This assay is readily adaptable for detecting other pathogens and serves as a quick and affordable diagnostic tool.
A field test of a federated learning/federated analytic blockchain network implementation in an HPC environment
Authors: Short James E , Miyachi Ken , Toouli Christian , Todd Steve
Published: August 2022

The rapid upswing in interest in federated learning (FL) and federated analytics (FA) architectures has corresponded with the rapid increase in commercial AI software products, ranging from face detection and language translation to connected IOT devices, smartphones, and autonomous vehicles equipped with high-resolution sensors. However, the traditional client-server model does not readily address questions of data ownership, privacy, and data location in the context of the multiple datasets required for machine learning. In this paper, we report on a pilot distributed ledger and smart contract network model, designed to track analytic jobs in an HPC supercomputing environment. The test system design integrates the FL/FA model into a blockchain-based network architecture, wherein the test system records interactions with the global server and blockchain network. The design goal is to create a secure audit trail of supercomputer analytic operations and the ability to securely federate those operations across multiple supercomputer deployments. As there are still relatively few real-world applications of FL/FA models and blockchain networks in use, our system design, test deployment, and sample code are intended to provide interested researchers with exploratory tools for future research.
Emerging cellular themes in leukodystrophies
Authors: Nowacki Joseph C. , Fields Ashley M. , Fu Meng Meng
Published: August 2022

Leukodystrophies are a broad spectrum of neurological disorders that are characterized primarily by deficiencies in myelin formation. Clinical manifestations of leukodystrophies usually appear during childhood and common symptoms include lack of motor coordination, difficulty with or loss of ambulation, issues with vision and/or hearing, cognitive decline, regression in speech skills, and even seizures. Many cases of leukodystrophy can be attributed to genetic mutations, but they have diverse inheritance patterns (e.g., autosomal recessive, autosomal dominant, or X-linked) and some arise fromde novomutations. In this review, we provide an updated overview of 35 types of leukodystrophies and focus on cellular mechanisms that may underlie these disorders. We find common themes in specialized functions in oligodendrocytes, which are specialized producers of membranes and myelin lipids. These mechanisms include myelin protein defects, lipid processing and peroxisome dysfunction, transcriptional and translational dysregulation, disruptions in cytoskeletal organization, and cell junction defects. In addition, non-cell-autonomous factors in astrocytes and microglia, such as autoimmune reactivity, and intercellular communication, may also play a role in leukodystrophy onset. We hope that highlighting these themes in cellular dysfunction in leukodystrophies may yield conceptual insights on future therapeutic approaches.
A versatile enhanced freeze-substitution protocol for volume electron microscopy
Authors: Bélanger Sébastien , Berensmann Heather , Baena Valentina , Duncan Keith , Meyers Blake C. , Narayan Kedar , Czymmek Kirk J.
Published: August 2022

Volume electron microscopy, a powerful approach to generate large three-dimensional cell and tissue volumes at electron microscopy resolutions, is rapidly becoming a routine tool for understanding fundamental and applied biological questions. One of the enabling factors for its adoption has been the development of conventional fixation protocols with improved heavy metal staining. However, freeze-substitution with organic solvent-based fixation and staining has not realized the same level of benefit. Here, we report a straightforward approach including osmium tetroxide, acetone and up to 3% water substitution fluid (compatible with traditional or fast freeze-substitution protocols), warm-up and transition from organic solvent to aqueous 2% osmium tetroxide. Once fully hydrated, samples were processed in aqueous based potassium ferrocyanide, thiocarbohydrazide, osmium tetroxide, uranyl acetate and lead acetate before resin infiltration and polymerization. We observed a consistent and substantial increase in heavy metal staining across diverse and difficult-to-fix test organisms and tissue types, including plant tissues (Hordeum vulgare), nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Our approach opens new possibilities to combine the benefits of cryo-preservation with enhanced contrast for volume electron microscopy in diverse organisms.
Fatty Acids/Tetraphenylethylene Conjugates: Hybrid AIEgens for the Preparation of Peptide-Based Supramolecular Gels
Authors: Impresari Elisa , Bossi Alberto , Lumina Edoardo Mario , Ortenzi Marco Aldo , Kothuis Josine Marie , Cappelletti Graziella , Maggioni Daniela , Christodoulou Michael S. , Bucci Raffaella , Pellegrino Sara
Published: August 2022

Aggregation-induced emissive materials are gaining particular attention in the last decades due to their wide application in different fields, from optical devices to biomedicine. In this work, compounds having these kinds of properties, composed of tetraphenylethylene scaffold combined with fatty acids of different lengths, were synthesized and characterized. These molecules were found able to self-assemble into different supramolecular emissive structures depending on the chemical composition and water content. Furthermore, they were used as N-terminus capping agents in the development of peptide-based materials. The functionalization of a 5-mer laminin-derived peptide led to the obtainment of luminescent fibrillary materials that were not cytotoxic and were able to form supramolecular gels in aqueous environment.
Molecular and clinical characterization of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from individuals with urinary tract infections
Authors: Li Jun , Tang Mengli , Liu Zhaojun , Xia Fengjun , Min Changhang , Hu Yongmei , Wang Haichen , Zou Mingxiang
Published: August 2022

Despite being a significant public health concern, hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) has rarely been investigated in urinary tract infections (UTIs). To investigate the molecular and clinical characterization of hvKP in UTIs, we collected K. pneumoniae strains and clinical data from patients with UTIs. HvKP was confirmed by virulence-related genes and the Galleria mellonella model and sequenced by next-generation sequencing. Our data showed that 30/121 isolates were hvKP [17 carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent K. pneumoniae (CR-hvKP), 12 hvKP, and 1 extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing hvKP]; these had higher resistance to most antimicrobials and were more likely to cause complicated UTIs (cUTIs). Notably, the mucoid phenotype-regulating genes prmpA and prmpA2 were truncated in 3 and 19 hvKP, respectively. Eight serotypes were detected and divided into three groups: K64 (n = 17), K1/K2 (n = 6), and others (n = 7). Furthermore, 16/17 K64 hvKP isolates were CR-hvKP but with a lower mortality rate of G. mellonella as the truncated prmpA/prmpA2 incurred high fitness cost to the isolates. In addition, all K64 isolates belonged to ST11 with the same cluster, and in two of these strains (KP88 and KP92) blaKPC-2 gene was successfully transferred to EC600. Genetic environment analysis showed that IS26–tnpR–ISKpn27–blaKPC−2–ISKpn6 may be the core structure in the horizontal transfer of blaKPC-2. The highest mortality rate among the infected G. mellonella was observed in the K1/K2 group. In conclusion, hvKP had a higher resistance rate and was more likely to lead to cUTIs. Convergence of hypervirulence and carbapenem resistance in a transmissible ST11 clone of K64 K. pneumoniae was mediated by a plasmid in UTIs. Therefore, surveillance of hvKP in UTIs should be strengthened.
Phylogenetic analysis of the viral proteins VP4/VP7 of circulating human rotavirus strains in China from 2016 to 2019 and comparison of their antigenic epitopes with those of vaccine strains
Authors: Mao Tongyao , Wang Mengxuan , Wang Jindong , Ma Yalin , Liu Xiafei , Wang Mingwen , Sun Xiaoman , Li Lili , Li Huiying , Zhang Qing , Li Dandi , Duan Zhaojun
Published: August 2022

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are the most common etiological agents of severe acute diarrhea among children under 5 years old worldwide. At present, two live-attenuated RVA vaccines, LLR (G10P[15]) and RotaTeq (G1–G4, G6 P[8], P[5]), have been introduced to mainland China. Although RVA vaccines can provide homotypic and partially heterotypic protection against several strains, it is necessary to explore the genetic and antigenic variations between circulating RVAs and vaccine strains. In this study, we sequenced viral protein VP7 and VP4 outer capsid proteins of 50 RVA strains circulating in China from 2016 to 2019. The VP7 and VP4 sequences of almost all strains showed high homology to those of previously reported human strains and vaccine strains of the same genotype. However, in the presumed antigenic epitopes of the VP7 and VP4, multiple amino acid variations were found, regardless of the G and P genotypes of these strains. Moreover, all circulating G3 RVA strains in China potentially possess an extra N-linked glycosylation site compared with the G3 strain of RotaTeq. The potential N-linked glycosylation site at residues 69–71 was found in all G9 strains in China but not in the G9 strain of the Rotavac or Rotasill vaccine. These variations in antigenic sites might result in the selection of strains that escape the RVA neutralizing-antibody pressure imposed by vaccines. Furthermore, the G4 and P[6] genotypes in this study showed high homology to those of porcine strains, indicating the transmission of G4 and P[6] genotypes from pigs to humans in China. More genetic surveillance with antigenic evaluation in prevalent RVAs is necessary for developing and implementing rotavirus vaccines in China.
Emergence of a Salmonella Rissen ST469 clinical isolate carrying blaNDM-13 in China
Authors: Huang Yulan , Ma Xiaobo , Zeng Shihan , Fu Liang , Xu Heping , Li Xiaoyan
Published: August 2022

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-13 (NDM-13) is an NDM variant that was first identified in 2015 and has not been detected in Salmonella species prior to this study. Here we describe the first identification of a Salmonella Rissen strain SR33 carrying blaNDM-13. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize SR33’s antimicrobial resistance and virulence features as well as investigate the genetic environment of blaNDM-13. The Salmonella Rissen SR33 strain was isolated from a patient with fever and diarrhea. SR33 belonged to ST469, and it was found to be multidrug-resistant (MDR) and to carry many virulence genes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that SR33 shared a close relationship with most of the Chinese S. Rissen ST469 strains. blaNDM-13 was located in a transmissible IncI1 plasmid pNDM13-SR33. Sequence analysis of blaNDM-13-positive genomes downloaded from GenBank revealed that a genetic context (ΔISAba125-blaNDM-13-bleMBL-trpF) and a hybrid promoter (consisting of −35 sequences provided by ISAba125 and −10 sequences) were conserved. ISAba125 was truncated by IS1294 in three plasmids carrying blaNDM-13, including pNDM13-SR33. To our knowledge, this is the first report of blaNDM-13 carried by Salmonella. The emergence of blaNDM-13 in a clinical MDR S. Rissen ST469 strain highlights the critical need for monitoring and controlling the dissemination of blaNDM-13. blaNDM-13 carried by a transmissible IncI1 plasmid may result in an increased risk of blaNDM-13 transmission. IS1294 may be involved in the movement of blaNDM-13.
Functional Portrait of Irf1 (Orf19.217), a Regulator of Morphogenesis and Iron Homeostasis in Candida albicans
Authors: Wijlick Lasse van , Znaidi Sadri , Hernández-Cervantes Arturo , Basso Virginia , Bachellier-Bassi Sophie , d’Enfert Christophe
Published: August 2022

The alternate growth of Candida albicans between a unicellular yeast form and a multicellular hyphal form is crucial for its ability to cause disease. Interestingly, both morphological forms support distinct functions during proliferation in the human host. We previously identified ORF19.217 (C2_08890W_A), encoding a zinc-finger transcription factor of the C2H2 family, in a systematic screen of genes whose overexpression contributes to C. albicans’ morphological changes. Conditional overexpression of ORF19.217 with the strong tetracycline-inducible promoter (PTET) resulted in a hyperfilamentous phenotype. We examined growth of the orf19.217 knockout-mutant in different hypha-inducing conditions and found that the mutant still formed hyphae under standard hypha-inducing conditions. To further investigate the function of Orf19.217 in C. albicans, we combined genome-wide expression (RNA-Seq) and location (ChIP-Seq) analyses. We found that Orf19.217 is involved in regulatory processes comprising hyphal morphogenesis and iron acquisition. Comparative analysis with existing C. albicans hyphal transcriptomes indicates that Orf19.217-mediated filamentation is distinct from a true hyphal program. Further, the orf19.217 knockout-mutant did not show increased sensitivity to iron deprivation, but ORF19.217 overexpression was able to rescue the growth of a hap5-mutant, defective in a subunit of the CCAAT-complex, which is essential for iron acquisition. This suggested that Orf19.217 is involved in regulation of iron acquisition genes during iron deprivation and acts in a parallel pathway to the established CCAAT-complex. Interestingly, the orf19.217-mutant turned out to be defective in its ability to form filaments under iron-deficiency. Taken together our findings propose that the transcription factor Orf19.217 stimulates expression of the hyphal regulators EFG1 and BRG1 to promote filamentous growth under iron deprivation conditions, allowing the fungus to escape these iron-depleted conditions. The transcription factor therefore appears to be particularly important for adaptation of C. albicans to diverse environmental conditions in the human host. In regard to the newly identified functions, we have given the regulator the name Irf1, Iron-dependent Regulator of Filamentation.
Intestinal mucus-derived metabolites modulate virulence of a clade 8 enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Garimano Nicolás , Scalise María Luján , Gómez Fernando , Amaral María Marta , Ibarra Cristina
Published: August 2022

The human colonic mucus is mainly composed of mucins, which are highly glycosylated proteins. The normal commensal colonic microbiota has mucolytic activity and is capable of releasing the monosaccharides contained in mucins, which can then be used as carbon sources by pathogens such as Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC). EHEC can regulate the expression of some of its virulence factors through environmental sensing of mucus-derived sugars, but its implications regarding its main virulence factor, Shiga toxin type 2 (Stx2), among others, remain unknown. In the present work, we have studied the effects of five of the most abundant mucolytic activity-derived sugars, Fucose (L-Fucose), Galactose (D-Galactose), N-Gal (N-acetyl-galactosamine), NANA (N-Acetyl-Neuraminic Acid) and NAG (N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine) on EHEC growth, adhesion to epithelial colonic cells (HCT-8), and Stx2 production and translocation across a polarized HCT-8 monolayer. We found that bacterial growth was maximum when using NAG and NANA compared to Galactose, Fucose or N-Gal, and that EHEC adhesion was inhibited regardless of the metabolite used. On the other hand, Stx2 production was enhanced when using NAG and inhibited with the rest of the metabolites, whilst Stx2 translocation was only enhanced when using NANA, and this increase occurred only through the transcellular route. Overall, this study provides insights on the influence of the commensal microbiota on the pathogenicity of E. coli O157:H7, helping to identify favorable intestinal environments for the development of severe disease.
Reproductive lifespan in association with risk of hypertension among Chinese postmenopausal women: Results from a large representative nationwide population
Authors: Hu Zhen , Chen Lu , Wang Xin , Zhang Linfeng , Chen Zuo , Zheng Congyi , Cao Xue , Song Yuxin , Zhou Haoqi , Tian Yixin , Cai Jiayin , Huang Yilin , Gu Runqing , Tian Ye , Shao Lan , Wang Zengwu
Published: August 2022

Background

The association between reproductive lifespan and risk of hypertension among postmenopausal women is unclear.

Methods

A total of 94,141 postmenopausal women with a mean age of 64.8 years from the China Hypertension Survey were enrolled at baseline from 2012 to 2015. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect relevant information by well-trained interviewers. Blood pressure and physical examination of the participants were performed by trained medical staff. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios for hypertension by years of reproductive lifespan.

Results

The average years of reproductive lifespan in Chinese women was 34.0 years. Women who were longer in reproductive lifespan were more likely to have older age at recruitment, higher body mass index, larger waist circumference, lower mean systolic blood pressure, and higher mean diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05). After adjustments, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for hypertension were 1.035 (0.988–1.085), 1.007 (0.966–1.048), 1.000 (reference), 0.932 (0.899–0.967), and 0.953 (0.909–0.997) for those with reproductive lifespan at ≤ 28, 29–31, 32–34 (reference), 35–37, and ≥ 38 years, respectively, with a significantly inverse association was seen in those with reproductive lifespan at 35–37 and ≥ 38 years. The overall risk of hypertension declined with the increase in reproductive lifespan, and the risk of hypertension was reduced by 1.1% for every 1-year increase in the reproductive lifespan (odds ratio, 0.989; 95% confidence interval, 0985–0.994) per year. The negative association between reproductive lifespan and hypertension was evident among age at recruitment groups, body mass index categories, and education levels, with the strongest association among women aged ≥ 70 years. Positive associations between reproductive lifespan and risk of hypertension were evident among women aged < 60 years, and this association was stronger among current alcohol drinkers.

Conclusion

Based on the large nationally representative sample, Chinese postmenopausal women with a shorter reproductive lifespan have a higher risk of hypertension.
Comprehensive metabolomic characterization of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lu Chengcan , Liu Chunyan , Mei Di , Yu Mengjie , Bai Jian , Bao Xue , Wang Min , Fu Kejia , Yi Xin , Ge Weihong , Shen Jizhong , Peng Yuzhu , Xu Wei
Published: August 2022

Background

Using human humoral metabolomic profiling, we can discover the diagnostic biomarkers and pathogenesis of disease. The specific characterization of atrial fibrillation (AF) subtypes with metabolomics may facilitate effective and targeted treatment, especially in early stages.

Objectives

By investigating disturbed metabolic pathways, we could evaluate the diagnostic value of biomarkers based on metabolomics for different types of AF.

Methods

A cohort of 363 patients was enrolled and divided into a discovery and validation set. Patients underwent an electrocardiogram (ECG) for suspected AF. Groups were divided as follows: healthy individuals (Control), suspected AF (Sus-AF), first diagnosed AF (Fir-AF), paroxysmal AF (Par-AF), persistent AF (Per-AF), and AF causing a cardiogenic ischemic stroke (Car-AF). Serum metabolomic profiles were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). Metabolomic variables were analyzed with clinical information to identify relevant diagnostic biomarkers.

Results

The metabolic disorders were characterized by 16 cross-comparisons. We focused on comparing all of the types of AF (All-AFs) plus Car-AF vs. Control, All-AFs vs. Car-AF, Par-AF vs. Control, and Par-AF vs. Per-AF. Then, 117 and 94 metabolites were identified by GC/MS and LC-QTOF-MS, respectively. The essential altered metabolic pathways during AF progression included D-glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, etc. For differential diagnosis, the area under the curve (AUC) of specific metabolomic biomarkers ranged from 0.8237 to 0.9890 during the discovery phase, and the predictive values in the validation cohort were 78.8–90.2%.

Conclusions

Serum metabolomics is a powerful way to identify metabolic disturbances. Differences in small–molecule metabolites may serve as biomarkers for AF onset, progression, and differential diagnosis.
Antiarrhythmic effects and mechanisms of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: A mini review
Authors: Wu Jinchun , Liu Yanmin , Wei Xiaojuan , Zhang Xiaofei , Ye Yi , Li Wei , Su Xiaoling
Published: August 2022

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a new type of oral hypoglycaemic agent with good cardiovascular protective effects. There are several lines of clinical evidence suggest that SGLT2i can significantly reduce the risks of heart failure, cardiovascular death, and delay the progression of chronic kidney disease. In addition, recent basic and clinical studies have also reported that SGLT2i also has good anti-arrhythmic effects. However, the exact mechanism is poorly understood. The aim of this review is to summarize recent clinical findings, studies of laboratory animals, and related study about this aspect of the antiarrhythmic effects of SGLT2i, to further explore its underlying mechanisms, safety, and prospects for clinical applications of it.
Characteristics, outcomes, and predictors of de novo malignancy after heart transplantation
Authors: Youn Jong-Chan , Kim Darae , Kim In-Cheol , Lee Hye Sun , Choi Jin-Oh , Jeon Eun-Seok , Nishihara Keith , Kransdorf Evan P. , Chang David H. , Kittleson Michelle M. , Patel Jignesh K. , Ramzy Danny , Esmailian Fardad , Kobashigawa Jon A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Post-transplant malignancy (PTM) causes long-term morbidity and mortality in heart transplant (HTx) recipients. However, the detailed characteristics or predictors of PTM are not well-known. We evaluated the incidence, characteristics, long-term outcomes, and predictors of de novo PTM using a single center large-volume database.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the types and characteristics of de novo PTM in 989 patients who underwent HTx. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used for the PTM prediction model.

Results

Two hundred and six patients (20.8%) had de novo PTMs (241 cancers) during a median follow-up of 11.5 years. PTM patients were older than non-PTM patients, received immunosuppressive therapy for a longer period, and were more likely to be male and white. Skin cancers were the most frequent types of malignancy (60.6%) followed by prostate (9.5%), lung (7.1%), and breast (4.1%) cancers. Although most cancers (88.8%) were surgically resected at initial presentation, about half (47.3%) recurred or progressed. Patients with skin cancer and non-skin cancer had significantly lower overall survival (P < 0.001) than patients without cancer. Older age (P < 0.001), white race (P = 0.001), and longer time receiving immunosuppressive therapy (P < 0.001) were independent predictors for PTM.

Conclusion

Older age, white race, and longer administration of immunosuppressive therapies were independent risk factors for PTM, which was associated with increased mortality. Further research is necessary for the prevention and early detection of PTM in HTx recipients.
Case report: Unusual coexistence between familial hypercholesterolemia and familial hypobetalipoproteinemia
Authors: Sasaki Kei , Tada Hayato , Kawashiri Masa-aki , Ito Toshimitsu
Published: August 2022

Type 1 familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL1), characterized by low levels of apolipoprotein B (ApoB)-containing lipoproteins, elevation of transaminases, and hepatic steatosis, is a rare disease the prevalence of which is 1 in 3,000 among general population. Here we report an extremely rare family where phenotypes of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) are canceled by coexistence of FHBL1 caused by an truncating mutation in apolipoprotein B (APOB).
Molecular mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction in Kawasaki-disease-associated vasculitis
Authors: Qiu Yu , Zhang Yulin , Li Yifei , Hua Yimin , Zhang Yue
Published: August 2022

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, inflammation mediated vasculitis, mainly affecting in children under five, which is consider as the most common coronary artery disease in children. The injuries of coronary arteries would result in dilation or thrombus formation, bringing great threaten to patients. Endothelium, located in the inner surface of coronary artery, serves as the interface between the circulating inflammatory cells and vascular media or adventitia, which is the first target of inflammatory attacks during early stage of KD. A series of studies have determined vascular endothelial cells damages and dysfunction in KD patients. However, current therapeutic strategy is still challenging. So that it is critical to underline the mechanisms of endothelium injuries. In this review, the role of endothelial cells in the pathogenesis of KD and the therapeutic methods for endothelial cells were systematically described.
Development of a non-contact sleep monitoring system for children
Authors: Kamon Masamitsu , Okada Shima , Furuta Masafumi , Yoshida Koki
Published: August 2022

Daily monitoring is important, even for healthy children, because sleep plays a critical role in their development and growth. Polysomnography is necessary for sleep monitoring. However, measuring sleep requires specialized equipment and knowledge and is difficult to do at home. In recent years, smartwatches and other devices have been developed to easily measure sleep. However, they cannot measure children's sleep, and contact devices may disturb their sleep.

A non-contact method of measuring sleep is the use of video during sleep. This is most suitable for the daily monitoring of children’s sleep, as it is simple and inexpensive. However, the algorithms have been developed only based on adult sleep, whereas children’s sleep is known to differ considerably from that of adults.

For this reason, we conducted a non-contact estimation of sleep stages for children using video. The participants were children between the ages of 0–6 years old. We estimated the four stages of sleep using the body movement information calculated from the videos recorded. Six parameters were calculated from body movement information. As children’s sleep is known to change significantly as they grow, estimation was divided into two groups (0–2 and 3–6 years).

The results show average estimation accuracies of 46.7 ± 6.6 and 49.0 ± 4.8% and kappa coefficients of 0.24 ± 0.11 and 0.28 ± 0.06 in the age groups of 0–2 and 3–6 years, respectively. This performance is comparable to or better than that reported in previous adult studies.
Gas detection with the influence of a coal layer using a variational mode decomposition–Based highlight volumes extraction method in a tight sandstone reservoir
Authors: Wang Xing-Jian , Xue Ya-Juan
Published: August 2022

The low-frequency strong reflection of coal seams always makes the gas detection of the adjacent gas reservoir difficult in a tight sandstone reservoir. An adaptive decomposition processing approach is introduced in this study to inspect the ability to target the weak seismic response of the gas reservoirs interfered by the adjacent coal seams. The variational mode decomposition (VMD)–based highlight volumes extraction approach is used to better detect the weak seismic response of the gas reservoirs concealed by the adjacent strong reflection of coal seams in a tight sandstone reservoir. The amplitudes above the average and peak frequency volumes are extracted from each intrinsic mode functions after VMD for gas detection. Field data examples show that the VMD highlights the weak seismic responses of the geological and stratigraphic information and hydrocarbon-related contents. The results obtained from the VMD-based highlight volumes extraction approach are in close agreement with previous logging interpretations and the drilling information of wells, and the lateral extent of hydrate-bearing strata is estimated with increased accuracy. When the influence of the strong reflection amplitudes caused by the coal seams is not suppressed, the characterization of the weak seismic responses in the reservoirs would prevent the detection of gas or overestimate the lateral distribution of the gas strata. The adaptive decomposition processing methodology has the ability to detect the weak seismic responses in reservoirs interfered or concealed by adjacent coal seams and yields a better hydrocarbon-related interpretation.
A comprehensive review of methods based on deep learning for diabetes-related foot ulcers
Authors: Zhang Jianglin , Qiu Yue , Peng Li , Zhou Qiuhong , Wang Zheng , Qi Min
Published: August 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with hyperglycemia. If not treated in time, it may lead to lower limb amputation. At the initial stage, the detection of diabetes-related foot ulcer (DFU) is very difficult. Deep learning has demonstrated state-of-the-art performance in various fields and has been used to analyze images of DFUs.

Objective

This article reviewed current applications of deep learning to the early detection of DFU to avoid limb amputation or infection.

Methods

Relevant literature on deep learning models, including in the classification, object detection, and semantic segmentation for images of DFU, published during the past 10 years, were analyzed.

Results

Currently, the primary uses of deep learning in early DFU detection are related to different algorithms. For classification tasks, improved classification models were all based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The model with parallel convolutional layers based on GoogLeNet and the ensemble model outperformed the other models in classification accuracy. For object detection tasks, the models were based on architectures such as faster R-CNN, You-Only-Look-Once (YOLO) v3, YOLO v5, or EfficientDet. The refinements on YOLO v3 models achieved an accuracy of 91.95% and the model with an adaptive faster R-CNN architecture achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 91.4%, which outperformed the other models. For semantic segmentation tasks, the models were based on architectures such as fully convolutional networks (FCNs), U-Net, V-Net, or SegNet. The model with U-Net outperformed the other models with an accuracy of 94.96%. Taking segmentation tasks as an example, the models were based on architectures such as mask R-CNN. The model with mask R-CNN obtained a precision value of 0.8632 and a mAP of 0.5084.

Conclusion

Although current research is promising in the ability of deep learning to improve a patient’s quality of life, further research is required to better understand the mechanisms of deep learning for DFUs.
A rare case report of multifocal para-aortic and para-vesical paragangliomas
Authors: Xiong San-Chao , Di Xing-Peng , Zhang Meng-Ni , Wu Kan , Li Xiang
Published: August 2022

Background

Paragangliomas (PGLs) are uncommon tumors of uncertain malignant potential. Multifocal paragangliomas are scarcely reported in the literature.

Case summary

A 25-year-old male patient was reported for the first time with multifocal para-aortic and para-vesical PGLs. The diagnosis was identified by blood catecholamine tests and enhanced CT scan and MIBG scintigraphy. A resection surgery was performed for treatment and the immunochemistry test of the tumors presented the features of PGL.

Conclusion

A case of multifocal para-aortic and para-vesical PGLs confirmed by the catecholamine test, enhanced CT, and MIBG scintigraphy is presented. The cooperation of experienced surgeons, anesthesiologists, and endocrinologists was critical in treatment.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity among saudi children: A comparison of two widely used international standards and the national growth references
Authors: Al-Hazzaa Hazzaa M. , Alrasheedi Amani A. , Alsulaimani Rayan A. , Jabri Laura , Alhowikan Abdulrahman M. , Alhussain Maha H. , Bawaked Rowaedh A. , Alqahtani Saleh A.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To compare three body mass index (BMI) classifications that are used to assess the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Saudi children aged 6–13 years: the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) age and gender cutoffs, the World Health Organization (WHO) growth references for school-aged children, and the Saudi (KSA) national growth references.

Methods

The sample comprised 2,169 children (52.5% girls) derived from two cross-sectional studies conducted in Riyadh and Jeddah during the 2017 and 2019 school years, respectively. Body weight and height were measured, and BMI was calculated.

Results

The proportions (%) of the participants who were classified as underweight, overweight, and obese varied according to the reference used: IOTF reference (13.8, 18.4, and 12.7), WHO reference (17.2, 19.1, and 18.9), and KSA reference (7.0, 22.4, and 9.3), respectively, indicating higher values for overweight and obesity prevalence when the WHO references were used. Kappa agreement measures between the three references were found to be high, with the coefficients ranging from 0.936 (between the IOTF and KSA references) to 0.849 (between the IOTF and WHO references). In all three classifications, girls exhibited lower overweight or obesity prevalence than boys. Family income, but not paternal or maternal education, was significantly (p = 0.015) associated with overweight/obesity when using the IOTF standards. In addition, having a small family in the house was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with obesity, irrespective of the classification system.

Conclusion

Inconsistency was observed when estimating the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity among Saudi children. However, when defining the overall prevalence of overweight plus obesity among Saudi children, the IOTF classification system performed in a similar way to the KSA references (31.1% versus 31.7%) compared to the WHO references (38.0%).