bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical and Clinical Study of Rod Curvature in Single-Segment Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Han Lin , Li Yongheng , Li Zhiyong , Ma Hongdao , Wang Chenfeng , Chen Qiang , Lu Xuhua
Published: March 2022

Objective: Pedicle screw fixation is a common technique used in posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery for lumbar disorders. During operation, rod contouring is often subjective and not satisfactory, but only few studies focused on the rod-contouring issue previously. The aim of the study was to explore the effect of the rod contouring on the single-segment PLIF by the finite element (FE) method and retrospective study.

Methods: A FE model of the lumbosacral vertebrae was first reconstructed, and subsequently single-segmental (L4/5) PLIF surgeries with four rod curvatures (RCs) were simulated. Herein, three RCs were designed by referring to centroid, Cobb, and posterior tangent methods applied in the lumbar lordosis measurement, and zero RC indicating straight rods was included as well. Clinical data of patients subjected to L4/5 segmental PLIF were also analyzed to verify the correlation between RCs and clinical outcome.

Results: No difference was observed among the four RC models in the range of motion (ROM), intersegmental rotation angle (IRA), and intradiscal pressure (IDP) under four actions. The posterior tangent model had less maximum stress in fixation (MSF) in flexion, extension, and axial rotation than the other RC models. Patients with favorable prognosis had larger RC and positive RC minus posterior tangent angle (RC-PTA) of fused segments with respect to those who had poor prognosis and received revision surgery.

Conclusion: All RC models had similar biomechanical behaviors under four actions. The posterior tangent-based RC model was superior in fixation stress distribution compared to centroid, Cobb, and straight models. The retrospective study demonstrated that moderate RC and positive RC-PTA were associated with better postoperative results.
SMART-ly Managing Type 1 Diabetes - Modifying Glucose Metabolism With an Online Mind-Body Intervention: A Feasibility and Pilot Study
Authors: Stahl James E. , Ammana Hima R. , Kwak Leigh , Comi Richard J.
Published: March 2022

Objective

Managing type 1 diabetes is stressful. Stress physiology influences glucose metabolism. Continuous glucose monitors allow us to track glucose variability in the real-world environment. Managing stress and cultivating resiliency should improve diabetes management and reduce glucose variability.

Research Design and Methods

The study was designed as a randomized prospective cohort pre-post study with wait time control. Participants were adult type 1 diabetes patients who used a continuous glucose monitor and recruited from an academic endocrinology practice. The intervention was the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program conducted over 8 sessions over web-based video conference software. The main outcome measures were Glucose variability, the Diabetes Self-Management questionnaire (DSMQ),Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D), and the Connor-Davidson Resiliency (CD-RSIC) instrument.

Results

There was statistically significant improvement in participants DSMQ and CD RISC scores though the SF-6D did not change. Participants under age 50 years-old showed a statistically significant reduction in average glucose (p = .03) and Glucose Management Index (GMI) (p = .02). Participants also had reduced percentage of time high and increased time in range though this did not reach statistical significance. The participants found doing the intervention online acceptable if not always ideal.

Conclusions

An 8-session stress management and resiliency training program reduced diabetes related stress and improved resiliency and reduced average blood glucose and GMI in those under 50 years-old.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT04944264.
Biochemical Characterization of a Human Septin Octamer
Authors: Fischer Martin , Frank Dominik , Rösler Reinhild , Johnsson Nils , Gronemeyer Thomas
Published: March 2022

Septins are part of the cytoskeleton and polymerize into non-polar filaments of heteromeric hexamers or octamers. They belong to the class of P-loop GTPases but the roles of GTP binding and hydrolysis on filament formation and dynamics are not well understood. The basic human septin building block is the septin rod, a hetero-octamer composed of SEPT2, SEPT6, SEPT7, and SEPT9 with a stoichiometry of 2:2:2:2 (2-6-7-9-9-7-6-2). Septin rods polymerize by end-to-end and lateral joining into linear filaments and higher ordered structures such as rings, sheets, and gauzes. We purified a recombinant human septin octamer from E. coli for in vitro experimentation that is able to polymerize into filaments. We could show that the C-terminal region of the central SEPT9 subunit contributes to filament formation and that the human septin rod decreases the rate of in vitro actin polymerization. We provide further first kinetic data on the nucleotide uptake- and exchange properties of human hexameric and octameric septin rods. We could show that nucleotide uptake prior to hydrolysis is a dynamic process and that a bound nucleotide is exchangeable. However, the hydrolyzed γ-phosphate is not released from the native protein complex. We consequently propose that GTP hydrolysis in human septins does not follow the typical mechanism known from other small GTPases.
Deficiency of Integrin β4 Results in Increased Lung Tissue Stiffness and Responds to Substrate Stiffness via Modulating RhoA Activity
Authors: Chi Yinxiu , Chen Yu , Jiang Wang , Huang Wenjie , Ouyang Mingxing , Liu Lei , Pan Yan , Li Jingjing , Qu Xiangping , Liu Huijun , Liu Chi , Deng Linhong , Qin Xiaoqun , Xiang Yang
Published: March 2022

The interaction between extracellular matrix (ECM) and epithelial cells plays a key role in lung development. Our studies found that mice with conditional integrin β4 (ITGB4) knockout presented lung dysplasia and increased stiffness of lung tissues. In accordance with our previous studies regarding the functions of ITGB4 in bronchial epithelial cells (BECs), we hypothesize that the decreased ITGB4 expression during embryonic stage leads to abnormal ECM remodeling and increased tissue stiffness, thus impairing BECs motility and compromising lung development. In this study, we examined lung tissue stiffness in normal and ITGB4 deficiency mice using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and demonstrated that ITGB4 deficiency resulted in increased lung tissue stiffness. The examination of ECM components collagen, elastin, and lysyl oxidase (LOX) family showed that the expression of type VI collagen, elastin and LOXL4 were significantly elevated in the ITGB4-deficiency mice, compared with those in normal groups. Airway epithelial cell migration and proliferation capacities on normal and stiff substrates were evaluated through video-microscopy and flow cytometry. The morphology of the cytoskeleton was detected by laser confocal microscopy, and RhoA activities were determined by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) microscopy. The results showed that migration and proliferation of ITGB4 deficiency cells were noticeably inhibited, along decreased cytoskeleton stabilization, and hampered RhoA activity, especially for cells cultured on the stiff substrate. These results suggest that decreased ITGB4 expression results in increased lung tissue stiffness and impairs the adaptation of bronchial epithelial cells to substrate stiffness, which may be related to the occurrence of broncho pulmonary dysplasia.
Potential Therapeutic Applications of N-Cadherin Antagonists and Agonists
Authors: Blaschuk Orest W.
Published: March 2022

This review focuses on the cell adhesion molecule (CAM), known as neural (N)-cadherin (CDH2). The molecular basis of N-cadherin-mediated intercellular adhesion is discussed, as well as the intracellular signaling pathways regulated by this CAM. N-cadherin antagonists and agonists are then described, and several potential therapeutic applications of these intercellular adhesion modulators are considered. The usefulness of N-cadherin antagonists in treating fibrotic diseases and cancer, as well as manipulating vascular function are emphasized. Biomaterials incorporating N-cadherin modulators for tissue regeneration are also presented. N-cadherin antagonists and agonists have potential for broad utility in the treatment of numerous maladies.
From Shallow to Deep: Exploiting Feature-Based Classifiers for Domain Adaptation in Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Matskevych Alex , Wolny Adrian , Pape Constantin , Kreshuk Anna
Published: March 2022

The remarkable performance of Convolutional Neural Networks on image segmentation tasks comes at the cost of a large amount of pixelwise annotated images that have to be segmented for training. In contrast, feature-based learning methods, such as the Random Forest, require little training data, but rarely reach the segmentation accuracy of CNNs. This work bridges the two approaches in a transfer learning setting. We show that a CNN can be trained to correct the errors of the Random Forest in the source domain and then be applied to correct such errors in the target domain without retraining, as the domain shift between the Random Forest predictions is much smaller than between the raw data. By leveraging a few brushstrokes as annotations in the target domain, the method can deliver segmentations that are sufficiently accurate to act as pseudo-labels for target-domain CNN training. We demonstrate the performance of the method on several datasets with the challenging tasks of mitochondria, membrane and nuclear segmentation. It yields excellent performance compared to microscopy domain adaptation baselines, especially when a significant domain shift is involved.
Vena Cava Filters: Toward Optimal Strategies for Filter Retrieval and Patients' Follow-Up
Authors: Rezaei-Kalantari Kiara , Rotzinger David C. , Qanadli Salah D.
Published: March 2022

Mortality rates associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) are high. Inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) have been frequently placed for these patients as part of their treatment, albeit the paucity of data showing their ultimate efficacy and potential risk of complications. Issues regarding long-term filter dwell time are accounted for in society guidelines. This topic has led to an FDA mandate for filter retrieved as soon as protection from pulmonary embolism is no longer needed. However, even though most are retrievable, some were inadvertently left as permanent, which carries an incremental lifetime risk to the patient. In the past decade, attempts have aimed to determine the optimal time interval during which filter needs to be removed. In addition, distinct strategies have been implemented to boost retrieval rates. This review discusses current conflicts in indications, the not uncommon complications, the rationale and need for timely retrieval, and different quality improvement strategies to fulfill this aim.
Cardiac MR: From Theory to Practice
Authors: Ismail Tevfik F. , Strugnell Wendy , Coletti Chiara , Božić-Iven Maša , Weingärtner Sebastian , Hammernik Kerstin , Correia Teresa , Küstner Thomas
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading single cause of morbidity and mortality, causing over 17. 9 million deaths worldwide per year with associated costs of over $800 billion. Improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CVD is therefore a global priority. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) has emerged as a clinically important technique for the assessment of cardiovascular anatomy, function, perfusion, and viability. However, diversity and complexity of imaging, reconstruction and analysis methods pose some limitations to the widespread use of CMR. Especially in view of recent developments in the field of machine learning that provide novel solutions to address existing problems, it is necessary to bridge the gap between the clinical and scientific communities. This review covers five essential aspects of CMR to provide a comprehensive overview ranging from CVDs to CMR pulse sequence design, acquisition protocols, motion handling, image reconstruction and quantitative analysis of the obtained data. (1) The basic MR physics of CMR is introduced. Basic pulse sequence building blocks that are commonly used in CMR imaging are presented. Sequences containing these building blocks are formed for parametric mapping and functional imaging techniques. Commonly perceived artifacts and potential countermeasures are discussed for these methods. (2) CMR methods for identifying CVDs are illustrated. Basic anatomy and functional processes are described to understand the cardiac pathologies and how they can be captured by CMR imaging. (3) The planning and conduct of a complete CMR exam which is targeted for the respective pathology is shown. Building blocks are illustrated to create an efficient and patient-centered workflow. Further strategies to cope with challenging patients are discussed. (4) Imaging acceleration and reconstruction techniques are presented that enable acquisition of spatial, temporal, and parametric dynamics of the cardiac cycle. The handling of respiratory and cardiac motion strategies as well as their integration into the reconstruction processes is showcased. (5) Recent advances on deep learning-based reconstructions for this purpose are summarized. Furthermore, an overview of novel deep learning image segmentation and analysis methods is provided with a focus on automatic, fast and reliable extraction of biomarkers and parameters of clinical relevance.
A Machine-Learning Based Tool for Diagnosing Inland Tropical Cyclone Maintenance or Intensification Events
Authors: Thomas Andrew Michael , Shepherd James Marshall
Published: March 2022

Tropical Cyclone Maintenance and Intensification (TCMI) is a generalized definition of tropical cyclones that strengthen or maintain intensity inland while maintaining tropical characteristics. Herein, a novel methodology, using a machine learning method was created to examine the tropical cyclone record to improve climatological representation of such cases. Using the International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship (IBTrACS) dataset, individual times of inland tropical cyclones were classified into TCMI and non-TCMI (weakening) events. The MERRA-2 dataset was applied to develop a prototypical machine-learning model to help diagnose future TCMI events. A list of possible TCMI storms for case studies in future analyses is provided. Two of these storms were examined for attributes characteristic of the Brown Ocean Effect, a hypothesized mechanism for TCMI centered on warm, moist soils. It was revealed that variables that were important at the time of storm arrival were important the prior day, which indicates that a TCMI event is a reaction to the environment. Moreover, the variables that were finally selected show a heavy emphasis on land-surface processes. This supports the idea that the accurate representation of the land surface state is critical to the accurate diagnosis of TCMI.
An Analysis of the Impact and Efficacy of Online Emotional Intelligence Coaching as a Support Mechanism for University Students
Authors: Carthy Aiden , Chalmers Wyndham , Guiry Eoghan , Owende Philip
Published: March 2022

As a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, many college courses have pivoted to complete online delivery and colleges are also tasked with providing student supports online. It is likely this transition will last beyond any COVID-19 specific restrictions, therefore this small-scale, exploratory study examined the efficacy and impact of the provision of a 5 week online emotional intelligence (EI) coaching programme to a cohort of Irish university students (n = 19) studying at Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin). Results revealed that the average overall level of EI increased for participants following the coaching programme. Students reported that they believed the programme provided emotional support and that it also enabled them to manage academic stress more effectively and ultimately that engagement with the programme had a positive impact on their academic engagement. Taken collectively, the results of this study suggest that whilst EI coaching can be successfully delivered online, where possible, a blended approach may be optimal. However, as this is a novel and exploratory study, further confirmatory research is recommended.
Economic Analysis of Transactions in the Energy Storage Power Market: A Life-Cycle Cost Approach
Authors: Dai Shuangfeng , Ye Ze , Wei Wen , Wang Yali , Jiang Fei
Published: March 2022

Aiming at the impact of energy storage investment on production cost, market transaction and charge and discharge efficiency of energy storage, a research model of energy storage market transaction economic boundary taking into account the whole life cycle cost was proposed. Firstly, a peak-valley filling time division method based on equal capacity is proposed, which effectively improves the peak-valley time division and the accuracy of ES should scene switch. On this basis, a control strategy of “off-time reuse” is proposed to give full play to the function of “one standby multi-purpose” of energy storage, which improves the energy storage utilization rate and economic benefits. Secondly, an economic boundary model based on the life-cycle cost of energy storage and the evolution function of energy storage cost is constructed and solved by improved genetic algorithm. Finally, the simulation results show that compared with mono-peak control, the UTILIZATION rate of ES is increased by 16.25% and the investment recovery life is shortened by 1.17 years with “off-time reuse” strategy. Compared with the fixed division method, the investment recovery life of “peak clipping and valley filling” period division method is shortened by 1.75 years. In 2022, compared with the critical value of 0.76 yuan/kWh for fixed charge-discharge efficiency and cost, the critical value of the life-cycle cost model is 0.8 yuan/kWh, with an error of up to 5.26%.
Contributions to Satellite-Based Land Cover Classification, Vegetation Quantification and Grassland Monitoring in Central Asian Highlands Using Sentinel-2 and MODIS Data
Authors: Zandler Harald , Faryabi Sorosh Poya , Ostrowski Stephane
Published: March 2022

The peripheral setting of cold drylands in Asian mountains makes remote sensing tools essential for respective monitoring. However, low vegetation cover and a lack of meteorological stations lead to uncertainties in vegetation modeling, and obstruct uncovering of driving degradation factors. We therefore analyzed the importance of promising variables, including soil-adjusted indices and high-resolution snow metrics, for vegetation quantification and classification in Afghanistan’s Wakhan region using Sentinel-2 and field data with a random forest algorithm. To increase insights on remotely derived climate proxies, we incorporated a temporal correlation analysis of MODIS snow data (NDSI) compared to field measured vegetation and MODIS-NDVI anomalies. Repeated spatial cross-validation showed good performance of the classification (80–81% overall accuracy) and foliar vegetation model (R20.77–0.8, RMSE 11.23–12.85). Omitting the spatial cross-validation approach led to a positive evaluation bias of 0.1 in the overall accuracy of the classification and 25% in RMSE of the cover models, demonstrating that studies not considering the spatial structure of environmental data must be treated with caution. The 500-repeated Boruta-algorithm highlighted MSACRI, MSAVI, NDVI and the short-wave infrared Band-12 as the most important variables. This indicates that, complementary to traditional indices, soil-adjusted variables and the short-wave infrared region are essential for vegetation modeling in cold grasslands. Snow variables also showed high importance but they did not improve the overall performance of the models. Single-variable models, which were restricted to areas with very low vegetation cover (<20%), resulted in poor performance of NDVI for cover prediction and better performance of snow variables. Our temporal analysis provides evidence that snow variables are important climate proxies by showing highly significant correlations of spring snow data with MODIS-NDVI during 2001–2020 (Pearson’s r 0.68) and field measured vegetation during 2006, 2007, 2016 and 2018 (R 0.3). Strong spatial differences were visible with higher correlations in alpine grasslands (MODIS NDVI: 0.72, field data: 0.74) compared to other regions and lowest correlations in riparian grasslands. We thereby show new monitoring approaches to grassland dynamics that enable the development of sustainable management strategies, and the mitigation of threats affecting cold grasslands of Central Asia.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Alleviates Cisplatin Resistance of Gastric Cancer Cells Through Inhibiting SOX2 and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Axis by Up-Regulating miR-429
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , He Rui , Geng Li , Yuan Jing , Fan Huijie
Published: March 2022

Platinum-based cytotoxic chemotherapy is considered the standard treatment for advanced gastric cancer (GC). However, cisplatin chemoresistance often occurs with the mechanisms being not well clarified, which results in the cancer recurrence and poor survival. Ginsenoside Rg3, isolated from the Chinese Herb Panax Ginseng, is recognized as an anti-cancer agent. Herein, we aimed to reveal whether Ginsenoside Rg3 alleviates cisplatin resistance and sensitizes GC cells to cisplatin-induced apoptosis, and draw out the underlying molecular mechanism in cisplatin-resistant GC cells. The lower expression of miR-429 was found in AGSR-CDDP cells; it was also in association with cisplatin-resistance in GC cells and expression of which was restored following Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment. We also demonstrated that miR-429 made a contribution toward chemosensitivity in GC cells partly through SOX2 regulation. SOX2 was found to contribute to developing platinum resistance and was an authentic target for miR-429 in AGSR-CDDP cells. Importantly, enforced expression of SOX2 with a pcDNA3-SOX2 construct lacking the 3′-UTR miRNA binding site diminished the cytotoxic effects of miR-429 in AGSR-CDDP cells. We demonstrated that Ginsenoside Rg3 enhanced chemosensitivity in AGSR-CDDP GC cells, at least in part, through up-regulating miR-429, thereby targeting SOX2 and modulating downstream PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling. Ginsenoside Rg3 was also found to regulate apoptosis-related genes via miR-429 in cisplatin-resistant GC cells. Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment significantly suppressed the migration rate of AGSR-CDDP GC cells, while following transfection with anti-miR-429, the anti-migratory effects of Ginsenoside Rg3 was partially abolished. This data suggested that Ginsenoside Rg3 may impede the chemoresistance and migration of GC cells mainly mediated through miR-429. We concluded that miR-429-regulated SOX2 expression was one of the main mechanisms by which Ginsenoside Rg3 dramatically promoted its anticancer effects on cisplatin-resistant GC cells. We also underscored a supporting model in which miR-429 adjusted PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling by regulating SOX2 in cisplatin-resistant GC cells.
Long Non-Coding RNAs H19 and HOTAIR Implicated in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Wang Zhun , Zhang Jingwei , Zheng Wei , He Yongjin
Published: March 2022

Objective: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the major cause of low back pain. We aimed to identify the key genes for IDD pathogenesis.

Methods: An integrated analysis of microarray datasets of IDD archived in public Gene Expression Omnibus was performed. Bioinformatics analyses including identification of differentially expressed mRNAs/microRNAs/long non-coding RNAs (DEMs/DEMis/DELs), pathway enrichment, and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network construction were performed to give insights into the potential functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs, including DEMs, DEMis, and DELs). The diagnostic value of DEMis in distinguishing IDD from normal controls was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results: DEGs were identified in IDD, including H19 and HOTAIR. In the DEMis–DEMs network of IDD, miR-1291, miR-4270, and miR-320b had high connectivity with targeted DEMs. Cell death biological processes and the JAK–STAT pathway were significantly enriched from targeted DEMs. The area under the curve (AUC) of 10 DEMs including miR-1273e, miR-623, miR-518b, and miR-1291 in ROC analysis was more than 0.8, which indicated that those 10 DEMs had diagnostic value in distinguishing IDD from normal individuals.

Conclusions: DELs H19 and HOTAIR were related to IDD pathogenesis. Cell death biological processes and the JAK–STAT pathway might play key roles in IDD development.
Population Structure, Genetic Diversity and Differentiation of Triplophysa tenuis in Xinjiang Tarim River
Authors: Huo Bin , Liu Xuan , Chen Shengao , Liu Jieya , Zhou Qiong , Shen Jianzhong , Li Dapeng , Tang Rong , Chen Jing , Zhou Xiaoyun
Published: March 2022

Triplophysa tenuis is an important indigenous fish in the Xinjiang Tarim River. In this study, we collected 120 T. tenuis individuals from 8 T. tenuis populations in the Tarim River. Through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), a total of 582,678,756 clean reads were generated for all the genotypes, and after quality filtering, 595,379 SNPs were obtained for the population genetic analyses. Multiple genetic parameters showed that the 8 T. tenuis populations had high genetic diversity. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that all T. tenuis individuals were divided into five branches, the individuals from the north of Tarim River were grouped into cluster 1 (SF and WS) and cluster 3 (DWQ, TKX, and KZE), while the AETS, WLWT and LF individuals from the south of Tarim River were clustered into cluster 2. The result was consistent with the admixture analysis, which supported that the 8 T. tenuis populations were clustered into three subgroups. Furthermore, the pairwise FST values and genetic distance indicated that there was a large genetic differentiation between WS and other T. tenuis populations. Collectively, this study provides valuable genome-wide data for the conservation of natural T. tenuis populations in the Tarim River.
Beyond Immunosuppression: The Multifaceted Functions of Tumor-Promoting Myeloid Cells in Breast Cancers
Authors: Blaye Céline , Boyer Thomas , Peyraud Florent , Domblides Charlotte , Larmonier Nicolas
Published: March 2022

Breast cancers are commonly associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment responsible for tumor escape from anti-cancer immunity. Cells of the myeloid lineage account for a major part of this tumor-promoting landscape. These myeloid cells are composed of heterogeneous subsets at different stages of differentiation and have traditionally been described by their cardinal ability to suppress innate and adaptive anticancer immunity. However, evidence has accumulated that, beyond their immunosuppressive properties, breast cancer-induced myeloid cells are also equipped with a broad array of “non-immunological” tumor-promoting functions. They therefore represent major impediments for anticancer therapies, particularly for immune-based interventions. We herein analyze and discuss current literature related to the versatile properties of the different myeloid cell subsets engaged in breast cancer development. We critically assess persisting difficulties and challenges in unequivocally discriminate dedicated subsets, which has so far prevented both the selective targeting of these immunosuppressive cells and their use as potential biomarkers. In this context, we propose the concept of IMCGL, “pro-tumoral immunosuppressive myeloid cells of the granulocytic lineage”, to more accurately reflect the contentious nature and origin of granulocytic cells in the breast tumor microenvironment. Future research prospects related to the role of this myeloid landscape in breast cancer are further considered.
Anti-Microbiota Vaccine Reduces Avian Malaria Infection Within Mosquito Vectors
Authors: Aželytė Justė , Wu-Chuang Alejandra , Žiegytė Rita , Platonova Elena , Mateos-Hernandez Lourdes , Maye Jennifer , Obregon Dasiel , Palinauskas Vaidas , Cabezas-Cruz Alejandro
Published: March 2022

Animal and human pathogens that are transmitted by arthropods are a global concern, particularly those vectored by mosquitoes (e.g., Plasmodium spp. and dengue virus). Vector microbiota may hold the key to vector-borne pathogen control, as mounting evidence suggests that the contributions of the vector microbiota to vector physiology and pathogen life cycle are so relevant that vectorial capacity cannot be understood without considering microbial communities within the vectors. Anti-tick microbiota vaccines targeting commensal bacteria of the vector microbiota alter vector feeding and modulate the taxonomic and functional profiles of vector microbiome, but their impact on vector-borne pathogen development within the vector has not been tested. In this study, we tested whether anti-microbiota vaccination in birds targeting Enterobacteriaceae within mosquito midguts modulates the mosquito microbiota and disrupt Plasmodium relictum development in its natural vector Culex quinquefasciatus. Domestic canaries (Serinus canaria domestica) were experimentally infected with P. relictum and/or immunized with live vaccines containing different strains of Escherichia coli. Immunization of birds induced E. coli-specific antibodies. The midgut microbial communities of mosquitoes fed on Plasmodium-infected and/or E. coli-immunized birds were different from those of mosquitoes fed on control birds. Notably, mosquito midgut microbiota modulation was associated with a significant decrease in the occurrence of P. relictum oocysts and sporozoites in the midguts and salivary glands of C. quinquefasciatus, respectively. A significant reduction in the number of oocysts was also observed. These findings suggest that anti-microbiota vaccines can be used as a novel tool to control malaria transmission and potentially other vector-borne pathogens.
Effect of Twin Boundary Density on Mechanical Behavior of Al0.1CoCrFeNi High-Entropy Alloy by Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Zhang Luming , Xin Hao , Zhao Dan , Li Zhiqiang , Ma Shengguo
Published: March 2022

Molecular dynamics simulation method was used to study the influence of co-lattice twin boundary (TB) spacing on the deformation behavior of Al0.1CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy single crystal under uniaxial tension. Studies have shown that there is a “critical distance” between the twin boundaries, and the sensitivity of the two sides to the change of the twin spacing is different, and the influence of the evolution of the deformation mechanism of the different twin spacing is analyzed from the number of defects and the evolution of the dislocation density. The results show that as the distance between twins decreases, the deformation mechanism gradually transforms from dislocation slip accompanied by defects, such as stacking faults and secondary twins, to a deformation mode of amorphous phase transition. The research aims to provide guidance and reference for the design of high-performance high-entropy alloys.
Combination Image Analysis of Tongue Color and Sublingual Vein Improves the Diagnostic Accuracy of Oketsu (Blood Stasis) in Kampo Medicine
Authors: Morita Akira , Murakami Aya , Noguchi Keigo , Watanabe Yuki , Nakaguchi Toshiya , Ochi Sadayuki , Okudaira Kazuho , Hirasaki Yoshiro , Namiki Takao
Published: March 2022

Aim

In tongue diagnosis, a dark purple tongue and enlarged sublingual vein are important findings of Oketsu (blood stasis). However, the association between the tongue color and the sublingual vein has not been reported. This study investigated the association between the tongue color values and the sublingual vein width using tongue image analyzing system (TIAS) for the objective assessment of blood stasis.

Methods

A total of 38 patients (age 68.7 ± 11.3 years, 14 men and 24 women) who visited the Department of Kampo Medicine at Chiba University Hospital were included. Physical findings, blood test results, blood stasis score from medical records, and tongue images obtained with TIAS were analyzed. The patients were classified into two groups: patients with a sublingual vein width of ≤2.5 mm (20 patients) and those with a width of >2.5 mm (18 patients). The physical findings and the blood test results of the two groups were analyzed by Wilcoxon's rank-sum test or χ2-test, whereas logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between the tongue color values and sublingual vein width. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to differentiate blood stasis.

Results

The color values significantly related to the sublingual vein width (mm) were the P1-L* and P4-L* (darkness of the tongue edge and tongue apex) and the P1-b* and P2-b* (blueness of the tongue edge and tongue posterior). The area under the curve was greater for the combination of the tongue color values and the sublingual vein width than that for either of them.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated an objective evaluation of blood stasis in the tongue of patients with dark-blue discoloration and an enlarged sublingual vein. In addition, the combination of the tongue color and the sublingual vein is expected to facilitate a more reliable diagnosis of blood stasis.
Development of a Core Outcome Set in the Clinical Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Stroke: A Study Protocol
Authors: Zhang Ting , Li Xuechao , Zhao Liang , Zhang Jiaoyan , Tian Jinhui , Zhang Junhua
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Stroke, an acute cerebrovascular disease, is mainly caused by the sudden rupture or occlusion of blood vessels, and is subdivided into ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. It has become the second leading cause of death worldwide. In Chinese clinical practice, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)/Integrative Medicine has been widely used for the treatment of stroke. Numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM/Integrative Medicine for stroke have been conducted to improve the efficacy and safety outcomes. However, their conclusions should be treated with caution because of the methodological quality defects in the clinical research. Pervasive inconsistencies are present in the outcomes collected and reported across these studies, which may lead to the pooling of discrepant data and preclude meta-analysis. The issue could be addressed by developing a core outcome set (COS).

Aim

The aim of this study is to develop a COS in the clinical trials of TCM/Integrative Medicine in the treatment of stroke.

Method and Analysis

A steering group will be set up to organize and guide the development of the COS. The study contains three phases: (I) development of an initial outcome list covering all relevant outcomes, via two steps: (i) systematic reviews of outcomes for clinical trials of TCM/ Integrative Medicine for stroke; (ii) semi-structured interviews with patients suffering from stroke; (II) conduction of three round of Delphi surveys with different stakeholder groups to prioritize important outcomes; (III) integration of outcomes into a core outcome set by a consensus meeting.

Ethics and Dissemination

This study has been granted by the Ethics Committee of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TJUTCM-EC20210003). When the COS is completed, we will publish it in an appropriate journal to promote further widespread use.

Registration

This study has been registered at the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials initiative, COMET database (Registration #1678).
Ultrasound-Guided Transvaginal Aspiration and Sclerotherapy for Uterine Cystic Adenomyosis: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Yang Ye
Published: March 2022

Background

Uterine cystic adenomyosis is a very rare type of adenomyosis which can be easily misdiagnosed in clinical practice. In the past, cases have been mostly treated with surgical resection of the uterine lesion.

Case Presentation

We report the case of a 25-year-old woman who presented with severe dysmenorrhea for more than 1 year. Physical examination showed that the uterus was enlarged. The transvaginal ultrasound showed a cystic mass of about 5.0 × 3.6 × 3.6 cm in the posterior myometrium, with dense echo spots and no blood flow signal in the cystic part. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated hemorrhages within the cystic mass, suggesting the possibility of uterine cystic adenomyosis. The lower abdominal pain and severe dysmenorrhea were not alleviated after a 6-month trial of oral contraceptives. Subsequently, she underwent ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration and sclerotherapy for uterine cystic adenomyosis. Approximately 90 mL of chocolate-colored fluid was aspirated from the mass and 20 mL of lauromacrogol was injected in the cyst. The reduction rates of the mass 3 and 12 months after the procedure were 92.01 and 99.10%, respectively. Her dysmenorrhea completely resolved. One and half year after the operation, she had a successful pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy baby through vagina.

Conclusion

The rare entity of uterine cystic adenomyosis can be treated safely and effectively by ultrasound-guided transvaginal aspiration and sclerotherapy.
Epidemic Trends in High Tuberculosis Burden Countries During the Last Three Decades and Feasibility of Achieving the Global Targets at the Country Level
Authors: Ding Cheng , Hu Ming , Shangguan Yanwan , Guo Wanru , Wang Shuting , Feng Xuewen , Zhang Zunjing , Zhang Ying , Xu Kaijin
Published: March 2022

Objective

To estimate the epidemic trends of tuberculosis (TB) in 30 high burden countries (HBCs) over the past 30 years, which is crucial for tracking the status of disease control, especially at the country level.

Methods

Annual data on incidence and mortality of TB in these 30 HBCs were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease database. The average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to evaluate the trends of incidence and mortality. The trajectory analysis was used to identify different trends among the subgroup countries. The predicted incidence and mortality rates in 2025, 2030, and 2035 were also calculated.

Results

The incidence and mortality decreased in most of the HBCs. The AAPCs of incidence ranged between −4.0 (Indonesia) and −0.2% (DR Congo) (all p < 0.05). The incidence trends in Lesotho (AAPC: 0%, 95% CI: −0.4, 0.3, p = 0.8) and South Africa (AAPC: −0.2%, 95% CI: −0.5, 0, p = 0.1) were stable, and increased in Kenya with AAPC of 0.1% (95% CI: 0.1, 0.2, p < 0.05). The AAPCs for mortality ranged between −5.8 (Ethiopia) and −0.6% (Central African Republic) (all p < 0.05). The mortality trends in DPR Korea (AAPC: 0.1%, 95% CI: −0.3, 0.4, p = 0.6) and Russian Federation (AAPC: −0.5%, 95% CI: −1.9, 0.9, p = 0.5) were stable, and increased in Lesotho and Zimbabwe with AAPC of 1.3% (95% CI: 1.1, 1.4, p < 0.05) and 1.6% (95% CI: 1.0, 2.2, p < 0.05), respectively. Trajectory analysis showed that the Central African Republic, Lesotho, Cambodia, Namibia, and South Africa had higher incidences, and the Central African Republic had higher mortality. Brazil and China had relatively lower rates of incidence and mortality. Predictions showed that reduction rates of incidence and mortality could hardly be reached compared with those set for the global targets for the majority HBCs.

Conclusions

The disease burden of TB has been reduced among the majority HBCs over the last three decades. According to the current control levels, achieving the ambitious global targets at the country level for these 30 HBCs is challenging.
Tracheal Extubation Under Deep Anesthesia Using Transnasal Humidified Rapid Insufflation Ventilatory Exchange vs. Awake Extubation: An Open-Labeled Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Qiu Jin , Xie Mian , Chen Jie , Chen Bing , Chen Yuanjing , Zhu Xiwen , Lin Hui , Zhu Tao , Duan Guangyou , Huang He
Published: March 2022

Background

Tracheal extubation can be associated with several complications, including desaturation, agitation, hypertension, and tachycardia. We hypothesize that the use of transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilator exchange (THRIVE) immediately after extubation under deep anesthesia reduces the incidence of these adverse events.

Methods

One hundred patients who underwent elective abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to undergo tracheal extubation under deep anesthesia employing THRIVE (THRIVE group) or awake extubation (CONTROL group). The primary outcome was the incidence of experiencing desaturation (SpO2 < 90%) at any time during emergence from anesthesia. Secondary outcomes included variations in heart rate and blood pressure, comfort level, bucking, and agitation.

Results

The THRIVE group showed a lower incidence of desaturation than the CONTROL group (12 vs. 54%, OR = 0.22 [95% CI, 0.10–0.49], P < 0.001). Less patients in the THRIVE group experienced a 20% (or more) increase in mean arterial pressure (4 vs. 26%, OR = 0.15 [95% CI, 0.04–0.65], P = 0.002). THRIVE patients did not suffer from agitation or bucking, while in the CONTROL group agitation and bucking occurred in 22 and 58% of the patients, respectively. Additionally, the THRIVE group showed a lower incidence of uncomfortable experience than the CONTROL group (8 vs. 36%, OR = 0.22 [95% CI, 0.08–0.61], P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Tracheal extubation under deep anesthesia using THRIVE decreases the incidence of desaturation and adverse haemodynamic events and increases patient satisfaction. Extubation under deep anesthesia using THRIVE might be an alternative strategy in selected patient populations.
Vitamin D Supplementation and Genetic Polymorphisms Impact on Weight Loss Diet Outcomes in Caucasians: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Xenos Konstantinos , Papasavva Maria , Raptis Athanasios , Katsarou Martha-Spyridoula , Drakoulis Nikolaos
Published: March 2022

Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is common in obese people, with some studies suggesting that low vitamin D level might be an independent predictor of obesity. Thus, the purpose of the present randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effect of oral spray vitamin D3 3000 IU supplementation along with personalized weight-loss diet on obesity markers in overweight and obese Caucasians with vitamin d deficiency or insufficiency. The impact of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and adrenergic receptors (ADRs) genetic variants on vitamin D levels and weight loss diet outcomes was also investigated. After signing informed consent, a total of 125 eligible volunteers were randomly assigned into vitamin D (vitamin D3 3000 IU/d oral spray supplementation, n = 76) or placebo (xylitol, water, mint, n = 49) group following a weight loss program (600 calories less than the total energy expenditure of each volunteer) for 3 months. Fat mass, BMI, REE and 25(OH)D serum level were monitored on baseline and each month. DNA samples were extracted from buccal swabs and genotyped for the rs2228570 (VDR), rs1544410 (VDR), rs731236 (VDR), rs1800544 (ADRA2A), rs1801252 (ADRB1), rs1042713 (ADRB2), and rs4994 (ADRB3) polymorphisms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS package (v.23). Between group comparisons revealed significant improvement in serum 25(OH)D level and greater reduction in weight, BMI and fat percentage in the vitamin D group compared to placebo group (p < 0.05). In the vitamin D group, carriers of the rs2228570 T allele tended to have greater vitamin D level improvement compared with the homozygous C allele (p = 0.067). Furthermore, heterozygous (CT) for the rs731236 tended to have lesser weight loss (p = 0.068) and for the rs1042713, a lower decline in fat percentage was observed for homozygous AA carriers compared to the heterozygous (p = 0.051). In the control group, differences in weight loss (p = 0.055) and BMI (p = 0.045) were observed between rs1544410 AA and GG homozygous. In conclusion, vitamin D oral spray supplementation seems to improve vitamin D status and decrease obesity markers during a weight-loss intervention in overweight/obese Caucasians with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Also, the results of the present study indicate that VDR and ADRs genetic polymorphisms seem to influence vitamin D supplementation response and obesity markers.
Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Urinary Bladder: An 11-Year Retrospective Study From a Single Center
Authors: Chen Can , Huang Mengjun , He Haiqing , Wu Shuiqing , Liu Mingke , He Jun , Zang Hongjing , Xu Ran
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To share our experience in the diagnosis and treatment of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the urinary bladder (IMTUB).

Materials and Methods

A database searches in the pathology archives by using the term “inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor” and” bladder” in our hospital department of pathology from 2010 to 2021. Patient characteristics, clinical features, histopathological results, immunohistochemical staining results, and treatment outcomes were reviewed.

Results

Fourteen cases of IMTUB were retrieved. The mean age was 44.7 ± 18.9 years (range 12–74). Nine (64.3%) of the patients presented with hematuria, followed by seven (50%) with odynuria, five (35.7%) with urgent urination, and one (7.1%) with dysuria. Ten (71.4%) of the patients were treated with partial cystectomy (PC), three (21.4%) with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), and one (7.1%) with radical cystectomy (RC). Histopathologically, eight (57.1%) had a compact spindle cell pattern. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) staining was positive in six (75%) of 8 cases. During a mean follow-up period of 43.9 ± 38 months (range 3–117), a patient had recurrence within half a month. Then, the patient was treated with further TURBT surgery and had no recurrence within 6 months. Thirteen of the patients had no local recurrence or distant metastasis.

Conclusion

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the urinary bladder (IMTUB) is clinically rare and has a good prognosis. The disease is mainly treated with surgery to remove the tumor completely. It can easily be misdiagnosed as bladder urothelial carcinoma, leiomyosarcoma, or rhabdomyosarcoma, which may result in overtreatment and poor quality of life of patients.
The Role of Gut Bacteria and Fungi in Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Authors: Chen Liuying , Zhu Yixin , Hou Xiaohua , Yang Ling , Chu Huikuan
Published: March 2022

Cirrhosis and liver cancer caused by alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are serious threats to people's health. In addition to hepatic cell apoptosis and liver inflammation caused by oxidative stress during alcohol metabolism, intestinal microbiota disorders are also involved in the onset and development of ALD. Ethanol and its' oxidative and non-oxidative metabolites, together with dysbiosis-caused-inflammation, destroys the intestinal barrier. Changes of several microbial metabolites, such as bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and amino acid, are closely associated with gut dysbiosis in ALD. The alcohol-caused dysbiosis can further influence intestinal barrier-related proteins, such as mucin2, bile acid-related receptors, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and these abnormal changes also participate in the injury of the intestinal barrier and hepatic steatosis. Gut-derived bacteria, fungi, and their toxins, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and β-glucan translocate into the liver through the damaged intestinal barrier and promote the progression of inflammation and fibrosis of ALD. Thus, the prevention of alcohol-induced disruption of intestinal permeability has a beneficial effect on ALD. Currently, multiple therapeutic treatments have been applied to restore the gut microbiota of patients with ALD. Fecal microbial transplantation, probiotics, antibiotics, and many other elements has already shown their ability of restoring the gut microbiota. Targeted approaches, such as using bacteriophages to remove cytolytic Enterococcus faecalis, and supplement with Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, or boulardii are also powerful therapeutic options for ALD.