bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Adjuvant Treatment for Fracture Nonunion/Delayed Union: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Xiangmin , Liang Wangbo , Chen Guo , Ma Yanbo , Zhou Yonghua , Fen Rong , Jiang Kaichang
Published: February 2022

BackgroundFracture nonunion/delayed union seriously affects physical and mental health and quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative efficacy of different adjuvant treatments for nonunion/delayed union by network meta-analysis.MethodsA comprehensive search was performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating adjuvant treatment in the management of nonunion/delayed union. A network meta-analysis reporting on healing rate, healing time, and adverse effect (AE) outcomes was conducted to assess and compare different interventions.ResultsThirty studies were included in analysis. For healing rate outcome, bone marrow aspirate (BMA) + autologous cancellous bone (ACB) was found to be significantly better than ACB alone (Odds ratio: 0.12; 95% confidence interval: 0.03, 0.59). In the ranking results, BMA+ platelet-rich plasma (PRP) (96%), BMA+ACB (90%), and BMA alone (82%) showed relative advantages in healing rate. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasonography (LIUS) intervention significantly shortened the healing time compared with ACB (Standardized mean difference: -8.93; 95% confidence interval: -14.37, -3.48). LIUS (99%), BMA+PRP (74%), and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) (69%) have relative advantages.ConclusionsAmong the current intervention strategies, BMA and combination with PRP and ACB can improve the healing rate of nonunion/delayed union. LIUS can significantly shorten the healing time. However, large-scale, well-designed studies are still needed to confirm the results.Trial registration: retrospectively registered
Highly spatially resolved chemical metrology on latent resist images
Authors: Es Maarten van , Tamer Mehmet , Bloem Robbert , Fillinger Laurent , Zeijl Elfi van , Maturová Klára , Donck Jacques van der , Willekers Rob , Maas Diederik
Published: February 2022

Patterning photoresist with extreme control over dose and placement is the first crucial step in semiconductor manufacturing. However, how can the activation of modern complex resist components be accurately measured at sufficient spatial resolution? No exposed nanometre-scale resist pattern is sufficiently sturdy to unaltered withstand inspection by intense photon or electron beams, not even after processing and development. This paper presents experimental proof that infrared atomic force microscopy (IR-AFM) is sufficiently sensitive and gentle to chemically record vulnerable yet valuable lithographic patterns in a chemically amplified resist after exposure prior to development. Accordingly, IR-AFM metrology provides long-sought insights into changes in the chemical and spatial distribution per component in a latent resist image, both directly after exposure and during processing. With these to-be-gained understandings, a disruptive acceleration of resist design and processing is expected.
Evaluating Potential of Traditional and Newer Periphytic Diatom Metrices for Deciphering The Impact of Organic Pollution on Residing Aquatic Biofilms
Authors: Pandey Lalit Kumar , Gupta Harshita , Bergey Elizabeth A. , Shameem Aafiya , Maurya Sanjeev Kumar , Kumar Virendra , Chaubey Jyoti , Negi Sudeeksha , Gupta Divyanshi , Gupta Mahima , Kumar Abhisekh , Singh Shivangi , Sangeeta Sangeeta
Published: February 2022

The present study examined impacts of organic contamination on periphytic biofilms at different sites near rivers using various traditional and newer diatom-based metrics, which is rarely tested under organic contamination. All examined sites were dominated by diatoms rather than green algae, which often dominate nutrient-rich sites. Biodiversity indices were higher at riverine and mass bathing sites than the kitchen waste site. Newer diatom metrics showed more promising results in terms identifying possible differences among sites. The three examined waste sites showed the dominance of motile forms, high percentages of unhealthy cells and enlarged lipid bodies in the community, indicating the contamination of nutrients and organic matter. A remarkable higher percentage of tube-dwelling forms at kitchen waste sites likely indicates the presence of organic contamination in the water. The percentage of deformed diatom frustules was low at all sites, indicating that organic contamination did not affect the morphology of diatom cells, but the occurrence of both cell shape and striae deformations at the RWS site might indicate slight metal contamination. Finally, we conclude that the combination of both traditional and newer diatom metrics in biomonitoring improves our understanding on the effects organic contamination in aquatic ecosystems.
Community Health Workers Increase the Rate of HIV Disclosure Among HIV Affected Heterosexual Partners in Rural Uganda; A Cluster Non-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lukyamuzi Zubair , Ssuna Bashir , Mirembe Ruth Nabisere , Nakalega Rita , Atuhaire Patience , Musoke Philippa , Butler Lisa M
Published: February 2022

Background: HIV disclosure is a critical component of HIV prevention and treatment programs. Community Health Workers (CHW) play an important role in HIV disclosure counseling among HIV-affected heterosexual partners. However, time to disclosure attributed to the use of CHW in the disclosure process remains undocumented. This study assessed the effect of CHW-facilitated counseling on time to partner disclosure among Adults living with HIV (ALHIV) in the greater Luwero region, Uganda Methods: We conducted a two-arm cluster, non-randomized controlled trial. HIV care facilities in the greater Luwero region were allocated to either the intervention or control arm. Eligible participants were ALHIV in heterosexual partnerships who had never disclosed to their current partners. In the control arm, participants received routine regular facility-based counseling. In the intervention arm, alongside usual care, participants received CHW-facilitated disclosure counseling. Data were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months with the primary outcome of disclosure. Survival analysis with proportional hazard ratios was used to determine the time to disclosure in both arms. Results: A total of 245 participants were enrolled, of whom complete data were available for 230 (93.9%). Of these, 112 (48.7%) were in the intervention arm and 118 (51.3%) were in the control arm. Mean ± SD age was 31±8 years with a range of 18 to 55 years. More participants were females 176 (76.5%). The cumulative incidence of disclosure was higher in the intervention arm 8.76 [95% CI: 7.20-10.67] per 1,000 person-time versus 5.15 [95%CI: 4.85-6.48] per 1,000 person-time in the control arm, log-rank test, X 2 = 12.93, P<0.001. Male gender, aHR =1.82 [95% CI: 1.26-2.65], tertiary education, aHR = 1.51 [95% CI: 1.43-1.60] and relationship duration of >6 months, aHR = 1.19 [95% CI: 1.16-1.22] predicted disclosure. Prior disclosure to a relative, aHR = 0.55 [95% CI: 0.39-0.78] and having >1 sexual partner in the past 3 months, aHR = 0.74 [95% CI: 0.60-0.92] predicted non-disclosure Conclusion: CHW-led counseling increased the rate of partner HIV disclosure among ALHIV in heterosexual partnerships. Therefore, CHW-facilitated counseling may be used to quicken disclosure, reduce stigma and improve HIV treatment outcomes among ALHIV with disclosure difficulties.
Knowledge on Neonatal Danger Signs and Associated Factors Among Post Natal Mothers in Public Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019. A Cross– Sectional Study Design
Authors: Ayele Wudie Eneyew , Bantie Agegnehu , Wubie Azene Bantie , Murugan Rajalakshmi , Tesfaye Tewodros , Tesema Getaye Worku
Published: February 2022

Background: Neonatal danger signs are now a public health problem and contributing factors for neonatal death. Early detection of neonatal danger signs is an important step towards improving newborn survival. This study aimed to assess knowledge on neonatal danger signs and associated factors among post natal mothers in public hospitals of Addis Ababa Ethiopia.Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 363 postnatal mothers at public hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from March 15th to May 15th, 2019. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants and semi-structure interviewer administer questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were entered by using Epi- data version 4.4.3.1 and analyzed by using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model with SPSS version 25.0. Then statistical significance was declared at P- value < 0.05. Finally, the data was presented by using text, figures and tables.Result: All mothers expected to participate in the study were interviewed. Overall, 33.1% of mothers had good knowledge about neonatal danger signs. Factors like maternal education college and above (AOR=2.11, 95% Cl: 1.51-2.99), caesarean section mode of delivery (AOR=3.72, 95% Cl: 1.71-8.12), parity (AOR=5.34, 95% Cl: 1.64-2.64) , education during PNC follow up (AOR=2.77, 95% Cl: 1.49-5.15) and identification of skilled birth attendant (AOR= 2.25,95% Cl:1.13-4.40) were significantly associated with level of maternal knowledge. Similarly, information from health professionals (AOR=4.54, 95%Cl: 2.16-9.70) and access to television were also a statistical significant factor for maternal knowledge (AOR=2.15, 95% Cl: 1.11-4.15). Conclusion: Maternal knowledge on neonatal danger signs was poor. Therefore educational intervention during ante natal care, institution delivery and post natal care visit, advocating the use of media and increase maternal birth preparedness like identification of skilled birth attendant are highly recommended.
SGK1 Affects the Phosphorylation of FOXO1/FOXO3 Promoting Bovine Fat Deposition via the PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lei Zhaoxiong , Wei Dawei , Tang Lin , Wang Shuzhe , Pan Cuili , Ma Yanfen , Ma Yun
Published: February 2022

Background: Improving the intramuscular fat content of beef not only could improve our living standard, but decrease the the risk of the disease from the aspect of human nutrition and diet. Serum/glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) is a critical kinase involved in regulating multiple metabolic processes. Results: In the present study we reveal the molecular mechanism by which SGK1 affects the phosphorylation of FOXO1 and FOXO3 thus regulating bovine fat deposition via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. SGK1 was characterized primarily in the bovine kidney, where it peaked at day 6 of preadipocyte differentiation. Overexpression of SGK1 in bovine preadipocytes promoted mRNA expression of adipose-specific genes, while cell cycle-related genes were repressed. Adipocyte differentiation-related proteins were not significantly changed, but proliferation-related proteins were markedly inhibited. Moreover, mRNA expression of adipose-specific genes were down-regulated while cell cycle-related genes were up-regulated in response to loss-of-function SGK1. The expression of adipose differentiation-related proteins were significantly inhibited but proliferation-related proteins were not significantly changed. Overexpression of SGK1 in bovine adipocytes significantly changed the gene expression enriched in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathways through RNA-seq. Subsequently, we found that overexpression of SGK1 increased phosphorylation of FOXO1/FOXO3 and reduced protein expression, whereas SGK1 deletion had opposite effects. Overall, we show that overexpression of SGK1 promotes adipogenesis mainly via inhibiting preadipocyte proliferation, whereas the loss-of-function of SGK1 represses adipogenesis mainly through inhibition of adipocyte differentiation. Mechanistically, SGK1 changes the phosphorylation of two key genes located downstream in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, FOXO1/FOXO3, thus promoting fat deposition in cattle. Conclusion: These data reveal that SGK1 is a positively regulatory during intramuscular adipogenesis of cattle, which expands the candidates regulating bovine adipogenesis and provides the security for human healthy from the aspect of high-quality beef.
Synthesis and processing technique to reduce the particle size of ZnO pellet by hybrid vibrational annealing and dry quenching set up
Authors: Kar Nirlipta Kar , Kamilla Sushanta
Published: February 2022

The reduction in particle size of ZnO pellet in the nanoscale range was achieved using a hybrid thermo-vibrational annealing and dry-quenching set-up, which was designed and fabricated in-house and is simple and low-cost to operate. Initially, ZnO pellets were synthesized through pyrophoric method and then annealed at 8000C in this processing device. To confine grain growth during the recrystallization stage of annealing, vibrational energy was applied during annealing and dry-quenching to cool. This step-by-step post-synthesis technique involves the simultaneous application of thermal and mechanical vibrational energy to the ZnO pellet for 4 hours, followed by vibrational-dry quenching. Both annealed pellets, i.e., ZnO annealed without vibration and ZnO annealed with vibration, were studied using XRD, SEM, HRTEM, FTIR, UV-Visible, and Raman spectroscopy to conduct a comparative investigation of various structural, microstructural, and optical properties. Although both ZnO pellets had polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structures without any secondary phases, the average crystallite sizes of ZnO pellets with vibration were smaller than those without vibration, which were 36.566nm and 25.308nm, respectively, according to the XRD data. Analysis using SEM and HRTEM yielded similar confirmatory results. FTIR and Raman examinations revealed the presence of various functional groups and vibrational modes, which were confirmed by experimental results. The greater optical bandgap of 3.36 eV seen in the UV-Visible spectra of the ZnO with vibration sample indicates that it is a promising material for the creation of enhanced electrical, optoelectronic, and sensor devices based on ZnO nanoparticles, among other applications.
Mixture Density Networks for the Indirect Estimation of Reference Intervals
Authors: Hepp Tobias , Zierk Jakob , Rauh Manfred , Metzler Markus , Seitz Sarem
Published: February 2022

Background: Reference intervals represent the expected range of physiological test results in a healthy population and are essential to support medical decision making. Particularly in the context of pediatric reference intervals, where recruitment regulations make prospective studies challenging to conduct, indirect estimation strategies are becoming increasingly important. Established indirect methods enable robust identification of the distribution of ”healthy” samples from laboratory databases, which include unlabeled pathologic cases, but are currently severely limited when adjusting for essential patient characteristics such as age. Here, we propose the use of mixture density networks (MDN) to overcome this problem and model all parameters of the mixture distribution in a single step. Results: Estimated reference intervals from varying settings with simulated data demonstrate the ability to accurately estimate latent distributions from unlabeled data using different implementations of MDNs. Comparing the performance with alternative estimation approaches further highlights the importance of modeling the mixture component weights as a function of the input in order to avoid biased estimates for all other parameters and the resulting reference intervals. We also provide a strategy to generate partially customized starting weights to improve proper identification of the latent components. Finally, the application on real-world hemoglobin samples provides results in line with current gold standard approaches, but also suggests further investigations with respect to adequate regularization strategies in order to prevent overfitting the data. Conclusions: Mixture density networks provide a promising approach capable of extracting the distribution of healthy samples from unlabeled laboratory databases while simultaneously and explicitly estimating all parameters and component weights as non-linear functions of the covariate(s), thereby allowing the estimation of age-dependent reference intervals in a single step. Further studies on model regularization and asymmetric component distributions are warranted to consolidate our findings and expand the scope of applications.
Up-Regulation of Mir-105-5p Promotes The Development of Breast Cancer By Targeting AKT1 / GRB2 Genes In Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Rezaei Fatemeh , Forouzesh Flora , Abbasvandi Fereshteh
Published: February 2022

Objective: miR-105-5p either acts as an oncomiR or tumor suppressor that has been shown to have various expression levels in a wide range of diseases and targets RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1) and Growth Factor Receptor-bound protein 2 (GRB2) genes. GRB2 is a signaling protein that takes part in various signaling pathways. Due to the fact that miRNAs by acting on target genes, and regulates the expression of them, so the aim of this study is to evaluate the expressions of miR-105-5P, AKT1, and GRB2 genes and the correlation between them in breast cancer (BC) tissue compared to normal-adjacent tissues (NATs) in women with breast cancer.Materials and methods: We utilized bioinformatics analysis to searching for target genes of miR-105-5p. Then, 35 BC and NATs tissues were taken. In this experimental study, quantitative Real-Time PCR was performed to evaluate miR-105-5P, AKT1 and GRB2 genes expression, and the correlation between them was evaluated. The relation between expression and features of clinicopathological was explored.Results: The miR-105-5p expression was increased significantly in BC tissues in comparison to NATs (P 0.05). The expression levels of AKT1 and GRB2 genes were decreased significantly in BC tissue in comparison to NATs (P 0.05). An inverse correlation was observed between miR-105-5p, AKT1 and GRB2 expression which was not significant (P>0.05). Also, a direct correlation was observed between GRB2 and AKT1 gene expression (P 0.05). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that increased expression levels of miR-105-5p in patients with breast cancer caused a decrease in the expression level of its target genes, AKT1 and GRB2, and subsequently lead to tumor progression and invasion of the tumor. miR-105-5p may serve as a promising target for BC therapy.
Study on Mechanism of Tripterygium Wilfordii in Treatment of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Nephritis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Technology
Authors: Zhang Meng-Meng , Ni Jin-Yu , Li Bing , Li Guang , He Gai-Li , Li Peng-Fei , Zhai Sheng Wen
Published: February 2022

Objective. Predict the main active ingredients, potential targets, and critical pathways of Tripterygium wilfordii treatment in Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis, and explore possible mechanisms by network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.Methods.The active ingredients and their corresponding targets of Tripterygium Wilfordii were screened based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systematic Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. Access to Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis targets by searching the GeneCards database, the online human Mendelian genetic database, and the DisGeNET database. The intersection targets of Tripterygium Wilfordii and Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis were obtained by Venn software. Construction of dynamic ingredient-target networks and protein-protein interaction networks using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software. PPI network analysis using the STRING database. Gene ontology enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis of intersecting genes using the R cluster Profiler. Select key targets and core active ingredients, and use AutoDock software for molecular docking.Result.Network pharmacology predictions show 42 active ingredients in Tripterygium Wilfordii for the treatment of Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis, with the core active ingredients being triptolide, kaempferol, Isoxanthohumol. The key targets are tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 8 and matrix metalloproteinase-9, vascular endothelial growth factor A, etc. The biological processes in GO analysis are mainly concerned with response to lipopolysaccharide, response to molecule of bacterial origin, extrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway, positive regulation of peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation. The molecular function includes cytokine activity, cytokine receptor binding, receptor ligand activity, and signal receptor activator activity. The cell composition provides membrane rafts, membrane microdomain, external side of plasma membrane, and collagen-containing extracellular matrix. KEGG analysis obtains relevant signaling pathways as a nuclear transcription factor NF-κB, tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway, interleukin 17 signaling pathway. The molecular docking results showed that triptolide, kaempferol, and Isoxanthohumol had suitable binding activities with TGFB1, MMP9, and TNF.Conclusion.The mechanism of action of Tripterygium wilfordii in the treatment of Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis lies in applying active ingredients such as triptolide, kaempferol, and Isoxanthohumol, with TNF, CXCL8, MMP-9, and VEGFA as crucial targets, through NF-κB, TNF, and IL-17 signaling pathways inhibit the inflammatory response, thus play a role in the treatment of Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis.
Assessment of health hazards and risk perceptions of market garden producers towards the effects of pesticides in Western Region Cameroon
Authors: Mbeh Bernard christian Kaldjob , Ngome Precillia Tata , Douya Emmanuel , Ngang Andre Nso , Lydie Bamou Tankoua , Simo Brice Hermann
Published: February 2022

Objective and MethodsThe spraying of chemicals pesticides is a key factor for the improved quality and productivity of agricultural products. Nevertheless, the increased health issues among the agrarian population in Africa, and particularly in Cameroon, involves to lay an emphasis on how producers’ risk perception toward pesticides can contribute to mitigate their effects. The risk assessment of pesticides on the literature focuses mainly on the pesticide itself, but the studies on producers’ risk perception and the drivers of this perception on their behavior are insufficiently known. Therefore, this article assess the health risks and risk perceptions of 560 producers towards the effects of pesticides in 7 subdivisions of Western region Cameroon. A cross-sectional dataset was use during the period of July 2020 to May 2021 for our interviews and an ordered Logit model was use to perform our analyses.ResultsThe results showed 74.62% and 63.93% of producers attested that herbicides and insecticides are among the extremely hazardous products. Otherwise, excessive sweating (61.07%), general tiredness (61.96%), nausea and vomiting (54.46%) and headaches (53.04%), were among the main symptoms of health issues reported. In addition, some socioeconomic characteristics including health, age, education, training and awareness of producer were the main significant drivers of risk perception.Conclusion and recommendationsOur observations led to fundamental implications for policymakers, as the overuse of pesticides and their negative effects on the health of Farmers may be aggravated, if there is no support by the integration of social norms. Furthermore, more training program from agricultural extension services should place emphasis on imparting basic precautionary knowledge for limited producers.
Does the Tendency to Thrombosis Increase in Autoimmune Thyroid Dysfunction? Rotational Thromboelastometric Analysis
Authors: Cansu Güven Barış , Cansu Döndü Üsküdar , Taşkıran Bengür , Teke Hava Üsküdar
Published: February 2022

The tendency for thrombosis is a well-known issue in hyperthyroidism, and the tendency for both bleeding and thrombosis has been shown in hypothyroidism. In the study, we aimed to establish the tendency to thrombosis by evaluating the coagulation system in thyroid diseases using thromboelastography (TEG). Thirty patients with new-onset autoimmune-based hypothyroidism, 30 with hyperthyroidism and 30 healthy volunteer subjects were enrolled in this study. Complete blood count, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen levels and rotational thromboelastography (ROTEM) were studied. In the ROTEM/TEG analysis, coagulation time (CT), coagulation formation time (CFT) and maximum clot firmness (MCF) were measured. Short CT and/or CFT and/or long MCF were presumed as the tendency to hypercoagulability. The mean age of subjects with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism was 46±15.9 years and 44.8±13 years, respectively. The thrombocyte count in the hypothyroid group and both thrombocyte counts and fibrinogen levels in the hyperthyroid group was significantly higher than in the healthy group (p=0.004, p=0.001, p<0.001, respectively). According to ROTEM/TEG results, higher mean MCF figures were noted in both the hypo- and hyperthyroid groups compared with the healthy group (p=0.014 (hypothyroid vs. healthy groups), p=0.020 (hyperthyroid vs. healthy groups)). We showed a tendency for thrombosis using ROTEM in patients with both hyper- and hypothyroidism without thrombosis. The correlation between ROTEM/TEG parameters and the main components of thrombosis formation (thrombocyte count and fibrinogen level) indicate that the main factor might be inflammation (autoimmunity), apart from thyroid hormone levels.
Using Faecal Immmunochemical Cartridges for Gut Microbiome Analysis within a Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Brezina Stefanie , Borkovec Martin , Baierl Andreas , Bastian Fabienne , Futschik Andreas , Gabriel Paul , Gasche Nikolaus , Gruenberger Thomas , Hallas Michael , Jansen Christian , Leeb Gernot , Lutz Rebecca , Sladek Barbara , Gsur Andrea
Published: February 2022

Background: The colorectal cancer (CRC) screening program B-PREDICT is an invited two stage screening project using a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for initial screening followed by a colonoscopy for those with a positive FIT. Since the gut microbiome likely plays a role in the etiology of CRC, microbiome-based biomarkers in combination with FIT could be a promising tool for optimizing CRC screening. Therefore, we evaluated the usability of FIT cartridges for microbiome analysis and compared it to Stool Collection and Preservation Tubes.Methods: Samples were collected from participants of the B-PREDICT screening program using FIT cartridges as well as Stool Collection and Preservation Tubes and 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) based on centre log ratio transformed abundances and used ALDEx2 to test for significantly differential abundant taxa between the two sample types. Additionally, FIT and Stool Collection and Preservation Tube triplicate samples were obtained from volunteers to estimate variance components of microbial abundances.Results: FIT and Preservation Tube samples produce highly similar microbiome profiles which cluster according to subject. Significant differences between the two sample types can be found for abundances of some bacterial taxa (e.g. 33 genera) but are minor compared to the differences between the subjects. Analysis of triplicate samples revealed slightly worse repeatability of results for FIT than for Preservation Tube samples.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that FIT cartridges are appropriate for gut microbiome analysis nested within CRC screening programs.
Learning takes time: Biotic resistance by native herbivores increases through the invasion process.
Authors: Santamaría Jorge , Golo Raül , Verdura Jana , Tomas Fiona , Ballesteros Enric , Alcoverro Teresa , Arthur Rohan , Cebrián Emma
Published: February 2022

As invasive species spread, the ability of local communities to resist invasion depends on the strength of biotic interactions. Evolutionarily unused to the invader, native predators or herbivores may be initially unskilled or wary of consuming newcomers, allowing them to proliferate. However, these relationships may be highly dynamic, and novel consumer-resource interactions could form as familiarity grows. Here, we explore the development of effective biotic resistance towards a highly invasive alga in the Mediterranean using multiple space-for-time approaches. We show that the principal native Mediterranean herbivore learns to consume the invader species within less than a decade. At recently invaded sites, the herbivore actively avoided the alga, shifting to distinct preference and high consumptions at older sites, even when invader abundance was low. This rapid strengthening of the interaction contributed to the eventual collapse of the alga after an initial dominance. Therefore, our results stress the importance of conserving key native populations to allow communities to develop effective resistance mechanisms against invaders with time.
Genetics in inborn errors of immunity: pediatric autoinflammatory phenotypes and the underlying genetic causes in 125 families
Authors: Poker Yvonne , von Hardenberg Sandra , Hofmann Winfried , Tang Ming , Baumann Ulrich , Schwerk Nicolaus , Wetzke Martin , Lindenthal Viola , Auber Bernd , Schlegelberger Brigitte , Ott Hagen , von Bismarck Philipp , Viemann Dorothee , Dressler Frank , Klemann Christian , Bergmann Anke Katharina
Published: February 2022

Monogenic autoinflammatory diseases (AID) encompass a growing group of inborn errors in the innate immune system causing unprovoked or exaggerated systemic inflammation. Diagnosis of monogenic AID requires an accurate description of the patients´ phenotype and the identification of highly penetrant genetic variants in single genes is pivotal. In a routine genetic diagnostic setting, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) of 125 pediatric patients with suspected monogenic AID. Datasets were analyzed in a step-wise approach to identify the most feasible diagnostic strategy: First, we analyzed a virtual gene panel including 13 genes associated with known AID and, if no genetic diagnosis could be established, followed by the analysis of a virtual panel including 420 genes published by the International Union of Immunological Societies associated with all known inborn error of immunity (IEI). Subsequently WES data were analyzed without pre-filtering for known AID/IEI genes. Analyzing 13 genes yielded a definite diagnosis in 16.0% (n=20). The diagnostic yield was increased by analyzing 420 genes to 21.8% (n=26). Importantly, expanding the analysis to WES data did not increase the diagnostic yield in our cohort, neither in single WES analysis nor in trio-WES analysis. The study highlights that analyzing virtual gene panels based on WES that include the majority of known genes causing AID or differential diagnosis can rapidly confirm the diagnosis for a large number of pediatric patients. WES data or trio-WES data analysis as a first-tier diagnostic analysis in patients with suspected monogenic AID is of minor use.
Evaluation of Synthesized Magnetic Nanoparticles and Salicylic Acid Effects on Improvement of Antioxidant Properties and Essential Oils of Calotropis Procera Hairy Roots and Seedlings
Authors: Adabavazeh Fatemeh , Pourseyedi Shahram , Nadernejad Nazi , Razavizadeh Roya , Mozafari Hossein
Published: February 2022

Calotropis procera presents high levels of medicinally important terpenes and phenolics with antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to develop a suitable platform for mass production of pharmacological metabolites and improvement of antioxidant activity of C. procera. Motivated by such aim, potential effects of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and salicylic acid (SA) on antioxidant defense response and essential oils in seedlings and hairy roots were investigated. 21-day-old seedlings were treated by five levels of MNPs (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg L−1) and three SA concentrations (0.0, 0.05, 0.1 mM). Moreover, the hairy roots about 2 cm were transferred into MS liquid medium supplemented with the above-mentioned concentrations of MNPs and 0 and 0.01 mM SA. After treatment, total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonol, anthocyanin, activity of polyphenol oxidase and L-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2‑diphenyl‑1‑picrylhydrazyl and production of essential oils were analyzed. Our results demonstrated that hairy root culture is a powerful alternative for improving and inducing secondary metabolites of C. procera as compared to seedlings. Moreover, it was found that MNPs combined with SA have the more ability than all other treatments to improve antioxidant activity and essential oil in both seedlings and hairy roots. Here, 100 and 200 mg L−1 MNPs combined with 0.01 mM SA had more pronounced impact on induction of pharmacological constituents and antioxidant activity. Results suggest that MNPs and SA in hairy root culture can bring great insights into development in vitro biosynthesis of valuable secondary metabolites.
Highly Sensitive, Ultra-Thin Dynamic Lateral Pressure Sensor Using Blue Laser Exposed Porous CNTs
Authors: Jang Jin , Park Chanju , Choi Munsu , Lee Suhui , Kim Hyunho , Lee Taeheon , Billah M.M. , Jung Byunglib
Published: February 2022

Piezoresistive sensor is an essential component of wearable electronics that can detect resistance changes when pressure is applied. An effective approach to enhance its performance is to make micro-structured device. In this paper, porous carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are formed by blue laser (BL) exposure on CNTs layer, which increases its thickness ~4 times compared to the as-deposited layer. Then, the pressure sensor is fabricated by spin coating of styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) elastomer on the porous CNTs layer. A 1.32 µm thick pressure sensor exhibits a high sensitivity of 6.54 x 106 kPa-1, a wide sensing range of 278 Pa ~ 40 kPa, and fast response/recovery times of 900/760 µs, respectively. The stability of the pressure sensor is demonstrated by repeated loading and unloading of 20 kPa for 3600 cycles. The stretchable pressure sensor was also demonstrated using lateral CNT electrodes on SEBS surface, exhibiting stable pressure performance up to 20% stretching. Finally, a 32 x 32 active-matrix pressure sensor array is demonstrated consisting of amorphous InGaZnO4 thin-film transistor (TFT) backplane for pressure mapping and real-time monitoring. The sensor array demonstrates dynamic area touch by pen writing with ~1 cm/s speed.
Cultural Consensus in Ethnotaxonomy - Lessons From a Fishing Community in Northeast Brazil
Authors: Renck Vítor , Apgaua Deborah M. G. , Tng David Y. P. , Bollettin Paride , Ludwig David , El-Hani Charbel N.
Published: February 2022

Background - Traditional fishing communities are strongholds of ethnobiological knowledge but establishing to what degree they harbor cultural consensus about different aspects of this knowledge has been a challenge in many ethnobiological studies. Methods - We conducted an ethnobiological study in an artisanal fishing community in northeast Brazil, where we interviewed 91 community members of different genders and dedicated to distinct activities, in order to obtain free lists and salience indices of the fish they know. To establish whether there is cultural consensus in their traditional knowledge on fish, we engaged a smaller subset of 45 participants in triad tasks where they chose the most different fish out of 30 triads. We used the similarity matrices generated from the task results to detect if there is cultural consensus in the way fish were classified by them. We also modelled the effect of gender, age and type of activity on the agreement rate of participants with modal responses in the triad tasks (i.e., that pair of fish in which most participants considered the most similar within each triad).Results - The findings show how large is the community’s knowledge of fish, with 197 ethnospecies registered, of which 33 species were detected as salient or important to the community. In general, men cited more fish than women. We also found that there was no cultural consensus in the ways fish were classified, but younger participants tended to use similar criteria for classifying fish. Conclusions - Both free-listing and triad task methods revealed little cultural consensus in the way knowledge is structured and how fish were classified by community members. Our results suggest that it is prudent not to make assumptions that a given traditional community has a single cultural consensus model in classifying the organisms in their environment.
Feasibility of Postoperative Spine Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy in Proximity of Carbon and Titanium Hybrid Implants Using a Robotic Radiotherapy Device
Authors: Henzen Dominik , Schmidhalter Daniel , Guyer Gian , Stenger-Weisser Anna , Ermiş Ekin , Poel Robert , Deml Moritz Caspar , Fix Michael Karl , Manser Peter , Aebersold Daniel Matthias , Hemmatazad Hossein
Published: February 2022

Background and purposeTo assess the feasibility of postoperative stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for patients with hybrid implants consisting of carbon fiber reinforced polyetheretherketone and titanium (CFP-T) using CyberKnife.Materials and methods All essential steps within a radiation therapy (RT) workflow were evaluated. First, the contouring process of target volumes and organs at risk (OAR) was done for patients with CFP-T implants. Second, after RT-planning, the accuracy of the calculated dose distributions was tested in an academic, anthropomorphic phantom using film dosimetry. As a third step, the accuracy of the mandatory image guided radiation therapy (IGRT) including automatic matching was assessed using the anthropomorphic phantom. For this goal, a standard quality assurance (QA) test was modified to carry out its IGRT part in presence of CFP-T implants.ResultsUsing CFP-T implants, target volumes could precisely delineated. There was no need for compromising the contours to overcome artifact obstacles. Differences between measured and calculated dose values were below 11% for the academic phantom, and at least 95% of the voxels were within 5% dose difference. The comparisons for the anthropomorphic phantom showed a gamma-passing rate (5%, 1mm) of at least 97%. Additionally the test results with and without CFP-T implants were comparable. No issues concerning the IGRT were detected. The modified machine QA test resulted in a targeting error of 0.71 mm, which corresponds to the results of the unmodified standard tests.Conclusion Dose calculation and delivery of postoperative spine SBRT is feasible in proximity of CFP-T implants using a CyberKnife system.
Study on SPECT/CT Imaging Features and Related Pathology of Cystic Generation of the Talus
Authors: Song Qitao , Zeng Xiantie , Huang Haijing , Long Lei , Xu Jin , Cui Shuangshuang , Li Zhonghai , Ma Xinlong
Published: February 2022

Objective: To explore the imaging features of three-phase bone and SPECT/CT images of cystic lesions on the talus. Methods: A total of 189 patients with suspected chronic pain in the ankle joint of the talus cystic degeneration were enrolled in this retrospective study, who underwent 99mTc-MDP three-phase bone imaging and delayed SPECT/CT scans in our hospital. The location, range of involvement, classification, CT value, and radioactivity uptake of the sclerosis of cystic lesions on the talus, and the continuity of articular surface were observed. Comparisons were analyzed with the pathological results. Results: Totally, 83% (157/189) of the talar cysts were located to the medial fornix, most of which involved the anterior middle part (43.27%), and the larger cysts involved the posterior part (9.6%). 63% (119/189) of the patients were type I, and 37% (70/189) of the patients were type II. The articular surface of the medial dome of the talus of all of the patients was intact, and the subchondral bony articular surface of 88% (166/189) patients was rough. The coincidence rate of the location, type, range of involvement of cystic lesions with pathological results was 87.83% (166/189). The CT value of cystic lesions was 45 15Hu (30-60Hu). The percentage of pathological chondrogenesis in the high CT value ≥ 50Hu (19/70) group and the low CT value < 50Hu (51/70) group were 89.47% (17/19) and 29.14% (15/51) (c2=20.12, P＜0.001), respectively. The T/B ratio of the radioactivity uptake area of the talus vault was 2.0±0.5(1.5-2.5). The percentage of pathological new trabecular bones in T/B ratio≥2.0 (157/189) group and T/B ratio＜2.0 (32/189) group (c2=45.08，P＜0.001) were 82.80% (130/157) and 25.00% (8/32), respectively. Conclusions: Three-phase bone imaging could identify the damage of the talus caused by cystic degeneration, and delayed SPECT/CT images have certain advantages in display the location, range of involvement, classification, and repair of cystic lesions of the talus.
Disparities in critical care resources across Pakistan – findings from a national survey
Authors: Khan Mustafa Ali , Shahbaz Hamna , Noorali Ali Aahil , Ehsan Anam Noor , Zaki Mareeha , Asghar Fahham , Hassan Mohammed Moizul , Arshad Haroon Muhammad , Sohaib Muhammad , Asghar Ali , Khan Muhammad Faisal , Sabeen Amber , Aqeel Masooma , Khan Muhammad Haroon , Munir Tahir , Amin Syed Kashif , Atiq Huba , Haider Adil Hussain , Samad Zainab , Latif Asad
Published: February 2022

Background: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, concerted efforts were made by provincial and federal governments to invest in critical care infrastructure and medical equipment to bridge the gap of resource-limitation in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) across Pakistan. An initial step in creating a plan towards strengthening Pakistan’s baseline critical care capacity was to carry out a needs-assessment within the country to assess gaps and devise strategies for improving the quality of critical care facilities. Methods: To assess the baseline critical care capacity of Pakistan, we conducted a series of cross-sectional surveys of hospitals providing COVID-19 care across the country. These hospitals were pre-identified by the Health Services Academy (HSA), Pakistan. Surveys were administered via telephonic and on-site interviews and based on a unique checklist for assessing critical care units which was adapted from the Partners in Health 4S Framework, which is: Space, Staff, Stuff, and Systems. These components were scored, weighted equally, and then ranked into quartiles. Results: A total of 106 hospitals were surveyed, with the majority being in the public sector (71.7%) and in the metropolitan setting (56.6%). We found infrastructure, staffing, and systems lacking as only 19.8% of hospitals had negative pressure rooms and 44.4% had quarantine facilities for staff. Merely 36.8% of hospitals employed accredited intensivists and 54.8% of hospitals maintained an ideal nurse-to-patient ratio. 31.1% of hospitals did not have a staffing model while 37.7% of hospitals did not have surge policies. On chi-square analysis, statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were noted between public and private sectors along with metropolitan versus rural settings in various elements. Almost all ranks showed significant disparity between public-private and metropolitan-rural settings, with private and metropolitan hospitals having a greater proportion in the 1st rank, while public and rural hospitals had a greater proportion in the lower ranks. Conclusion: Pakistan has an underdeveloped critical care network with significant inequity between public-private and metropolitan-rural strata. We hope for future resource allocation and capacity development projects for critical care in order to reduce these disparities.
Omicron SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern: A Review on its Transmissibility, Immune Evasion, Reinfection, and Severity
Authors: Mohsin Md , Mahmud Sultan
Published: February 2022

Background: Omicron, the new Covid-19 variant, has already become dominant in many countries and is spreading at an unprecedented speed. The objective of this study was to review the existing literature on Omicron’s transmissibility, immune evasion, reinfection, and severity.Method: A literature search was performed in “PubMed”, “Web of Science”, “Scopus”, "ScienceDirect", “Google Scholar”, “medRxiv”, and “bioRxiv”. Data were extracted from articles that reported at least one of transmissibility, immune evasion, reinfection, and severity related to Omicron.Findings: We found that Omicron spreads faster than any other previous variants. This higher transmissibility can be ascribed to its more extraordinary ability to evade immunity developed by both vaccinations and previous infections. However, we found that infections by Omicron are significantly less severe compared to infections by Delta and other previous variants. We observed a significantly lower incidence of hospitalization, intensive care unit, and mechanical ventilator use, a shorter median hospital stay, and lower fatality rates in Omicron infections than Delta and other variants.Conclusion: Omicron might be less severe than other VOCs. However, its immune evasiveness and faster spread pose an enormous threat to the global healthcare system.
Diversity and Composition of Tropical Metropolitan ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae): An Indicator to Urban Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health
Authors: Muhammad Amira Aqilah , Abdullah Nurul Ashikin , Ya´cob Zubaidah , Mansor Mohammad Saiful
Published: February 2022

Ant communities are highly sensitive to niche changes; therefore, they are useful indicators of ecosystem health. Little to nothing is known about ant communities inhabiting Kuala Lumpur’s metropolitan parks. Therefore, we aimed to survey ant species diversity and composition in 12 parks within the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Forty-nine species from 29 genera and six subfamilies were identified from 9,677 individuals in 1,008 field collections, made using a combination of hand-collection and pitfall and yellow pan methods, from February to July 2019. The species accumulation curve reached a plateau after approximately 80 samplings. The difference in ant diversity between parks was nonsignificant. The dominant ant species was Oecophylla smaragdina, followed by Carebara diversa and Anoplolepis gracilipes. This study provides the first ant checklist, comprising information on eight functional groups, seven invasive and several forest-associated species, and one new locality record, for highly urbanized areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Our results provide a basis for future studies to better understand the potential consequences of urbanization on ant communities and their ecology in urban settings.