bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical detection of global epigenetic DNA modifications using antibodies to 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine. Impact of antigen retrieval protocols.
Authors: Moshi Jobran M. , Ummelen Monique , Broers Jos L. V. , Ramaekers Frans C.S. , Hopman Anton H N
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to compare three different pretreatment protocols for the detection of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) in nuclear DNA. Several types of human biological samples were analyzed, including formalin fixed, paraffin embedded (FFPE) normal squamous epithelium, ethanol fixed cultured cells and metaphase chromosomes. The antigen retrieval methods included the low pH citrate and high pH Tris/EDTA protocols, as well as a method including a pepsin pretreatment step combined with an HCl DNA denaturation step. We saw a gradual increase in the detection levels of 5-mC and 5-hmC when going from citrate via Tris/EDTA to pepsin/HCl retrieval. While the citrate retrieval protocol was the least efficient for the immunochemical detection of 5-mC and 5-hmC, it did preserve nuclear morphology and enabled the visualization of intra- and internuclear differences in FFPE tissue and cell culture samples. By simultaneous fluorescent detection, we assessed the differences in distribution patterns for both 5-mC and 5-hmC. In addition, (hydroxy)methylation levels in FFPE material were quantified using confocal and non-confocal microscopic imaging. As a result, we observed a significant heterogeneity, as well as differences between the levels for 5-mC and 5-hmC, within and between nuclei in the different compartments of normal squamous epithelium.
Experimental analysis of tensile and flexural strength of chopped water lilies fiber polyester resin composite materials
Authors: SHIFERAW MELESE , Mesfin Solomon
Published: December 2022

Composites are composed of two or more physically distinct phases whose combination produces aggregate properties. Ethiopia is very rich in natural fibers such as palm trees, sisal, water hyacinth, and newly formed water lilies. However, so far little attention has been paid to the study of the mechanical properties of most fiber composites, such as water lily cut fiber composites. Also, like water hyacinths, water lilies adversely affect water surfaces by covering them and reducing water content, as in Lake Tana in Ethiopia. The analysis of the mechanical properties of this reinforced composite is of great importance in the study of structural properties and industrial production. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness properties are important factors and play a key role in determining those properties. In this publication, fiber-reinforced polyester resin composites were prepared by cutting water lilies by varying the weight concentration of fibers (20 F/80 wt%, 40 F/60 wt%, 60 F/ 40P wt%). Physical properties were evaluated according to ASTM standards in both tensile and bend tests. Experimental test results are validated with results obtained by analytical methods. Analytical techniques such as the law of mixtures and the geometric mean method have been used to evaluate the properties of composite materials. Experimental results show that shredded water lily fiber-reinforced polyester composites are suitable for various applications. The results show that the newly formed composites have harder and more brittle properties.
Research on Emergy Evaluation Method of Ecological Water Use Efficiency Based on Comprehensive Benefits
Authors: Lv Cuimei , Xu Wenchao , Ling Minhua , Wu Zening , Yan Denghua
Published: December 2022

Scientifically evaluating ecological water use efficiency (EWUE) is an effective means to regulate the level of ecological water use in a country or a region. It is also a basic work to achieve high-efficiency use of ecological water under the current situation of water shortage. However, there were few researches on EWUE, and existing studies only focus on eco-environmental benefits generated by ecological water, without considering its impact on economy and society. An emergy evaluation method for EWUE based on comprehensive benefits was proposed in this paper innovatively. Considering the impact of ecological water use on society, economy and eco-environment, the concept of EWUE could be defined. Then, comprehensive benefits of ecological water use (CBEW) were quantified by emergy method, and EWUE was evaluated by the comprehensive benefits of unit ecological water use. Taking Zhengzhou City as an example for calculation. From 2011 to 2020, CBEW increased from 5.20×1019sej to 6.72×1020sej, showing an overall upward trend, and EWUE rose from 2.71×1011sej/m3 (1.27￥/m3) to 1.32×1012sej/m3 (8.10￥/m3）with fluctuation. It showed that Zhengzhou City has paid enough attention to the allocation of ecological water, EWUE at a high level. The method proposed in this paper provides a new idea to evaluate EWUE scientifically, and the results can provide guidance to allocate ecological water resources to achieve sustainable development.
Competing oxygen evolution reaction mechanisms revealed by high-speed compressive Raman imaging
Authors: Pandya Raj , Dorchies Florian , Romanin Davide , Gigan Sylvain , Chin Alex , de Aguiar Hilton Barbosa , Grimaud Alexis
Published: December 2022

Transition metal oxides are state-of-the-art materials for catalysing the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), whose slow kinetics currently limit the efficiency of water electrolysis. However, microscale physicochemical heterogeneity between particles, dynamic reactions both in the bulk and at the surface, and an interplay between particle reactivity and electrolyte makes probing the OER challenging. Here, we overcome these limitations by applying state-of-the-art compressive Raman imaging to uncover competing bias-dependent mechanisms for the OER in a solid electrocatalyst, α-Li2IrO3. By spatially and temporally tracking changes in the in- and out-of-plane Ir-O stretching modes – identified by density functional theory calculations – we follow catalytic activation and charge accumulation following ion exchange under a variety of electrolytes, particle compositions and cycling conditions. We extract velocities of phase fronts and demonstrate that at low overpotentials oxygen is evolved by the combination of an electrochemical-chemical mechanism and a classical electrocatalytic adsorbate mechanism, whereas at high overpotentials only the latter occurs. These results provide strategies to promote mechanisms for enhanced OER performances, and highlight the power of compressive Raman imaging for low-cost, chemically specific tracking of microscale reaction dynamics in a broad range of systems where ion and electron exchange can be coupled to structural changes, i.e. catalysts, battery materials, memristors, etc.
Modified meatal advancement and glanuloplasty versus tubularized incised plate urethroplasty for distal hypospadias repair: A prospective randomized study
Authors: Fathi Basem A. , Gammal Ahmed A. El , Ghoneimy Osama M. , Alrefaey Ahmed A.
Published: December 2022

Background:
About one in every 300 male births has hypospadias, and the meatus is located distally in approximately 65% of cases. Hypospadias is defined as a maldevelopment of the urethral fold and ventral foreskin, with or without the penile curvature. Any recent classification must include the urethral meatus site, prepuce (complete or incomplete), urethral plate width, glans (flat, cleft, or incomplete cleft), and other associated anomalies if present.
Methods:
This prospective randomized comparative study was conducted at Al-Azhar University Hospitals from April 2022 to October 2022. Fifty-seven cases with different types of hypospadias were assessed for illegibility. Among them, seven cases were excluded due to the presence of chordee (n = 3), proximal variant (n = 2), and recurrent cases of hypospadias (n = 2). Fifty cases were randomly divided into two groups according to a 1:1 ratio (computer-generated randomization). Twenty-five cases were subjected to modified meatal advancement and glanuloplasty (MAGPI), and the rest were subjected to tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty.
Results:
The mean age of all studied cases was 4.2 years. Approximately 52% had coronal or subcoronal meatus, whereas 48% had glandular meatus. Both groups were matched according to age and meatus location (p > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of time of operation, postoperative pain, and postoperative hospital stay. In addition, late complications (meatal stenosis, meatal retraction, fistula, and breakdown of the repair) did not differ significantly between both groups.
Conclusions:
Modified MAGPI and TIP urethroplasty have comparable short-term outcomes; however, TIP urethroplasty has a lower incidence of postoperative complications. Modified MAGPI is preferred in certain conditions, especially in circumcised child or those with a narrow urethral plate.
Trial registration:
The study protocol was approved by the Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (number for the registry is: PACTR202211757905870) at (29/11/2022). All procedures were performed in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration.
Impact of hospitalization on nutritional status and dysphagia in persons aged 65 years and over (NUTRIFRAG Study): protocol for a prospective observational study
Authors: Carretero-Randez Cristina , Orts-Cortés María Isabel , Rodríguez-Pérez Margarita , González-Chordá Víctor Manuel , Trescastro-López Eva María , Blanco-Blanco Joan , Martínez-Soldevila Jordi , Ruiz-Heras-Hera Aranzazu , Castellano-Santana Pedro Raúl , Márquez-Sixto Amando , Domingo-Pozo Manuela , Zomeño-Ros Antonia Inmaculada , Montero-Marco Jesica , Charlo-Bernardos Marta , Moncho Joaquín , Abad-González Ángel Luís , Castillo-García María Trinidad , Sánchez-García Ana Belén , Medina Ana María De Pascual y , Clement-Santamaría Rosa Ana , Franco-Bernal Ascensión , Camacho-Bejarano Rafaela
Published: December 2022

Background: Malnutrition is a recurrent problem that has acquired its own identity in recent years. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of malnutrition and nutritional status on admission and its evolution until discharge in patients aged 65 and over admitted to medical and surgical hospitalization units in hospitals of the Spanish National Health System.
Methods: Prospective observational study to be carried out in the medical-surgical hospitalization units of 9 public hospitals between 01/09/2022 and 31/12/2024.
Using consecutive sampling, a total of 4077 patients will be included (453 in each hospital). Variables included are related to the care process, functionality, cognition and comorbidity, risk profile, nutritional status and dysphagia; as well as frailty, dietary quality and contextual variables. The incidence of risk of malnutrition, undernutrition and dysphagia during the care process and at discharge will be calculated. The association with risk factors will be studied with logistic regression models and multivariate Cox regression models. In addition, an analysis of participants' satisfaction with food services will be carried out.
Discussion: Some studies address nutritional status or dysphagia in older people in various care settings. However, there is a lack of large sample studies including both processes of the impact of hospitalization. The results of the project will provide information on the incidence and prevalence of both pathologies in the study subjects, their associated factors and their relationship with the average length of stay, mortality and early readmission. These results will serve to improve their health status.
Trial registration: The study was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee on 30/09/2020, approved for funding on 02/12/2021 and with registration number RBR-5jnbyhk in the Brazilian clinical trials database (ReBEC) for observational studies.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of grapevine buds subjected to low temperature and short days revealed contrasting regulation of cell cycle genes in response to both environmental cues
Authors: Rubio Sebastián , Noriega Ximena , Pérez Francisco J.
Published: December 2022

Background: With respect to grapevine buds, short days (SDs) induces endodormancy (ED), while low temperature (LT) induces cold hardiness. However, the relationship between both of these environmental cues has been explored little. In this study, transcriptomic data based on an RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis of grapevine buds exposed to LT and SDs were compared.
Results: A total of 6121 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the comparison between grapevine buds subjected to LT and control buds, while 1336 were identified in the comparison between grapevine buds subjected to SDs and long days (LDs). Cluster analysis showed that most gene differentially expressed in response to SDs were downregulated, while most genes differentially expressed in response to LT were upregulated. A small number of the DEGs were simultaneously upregulated or downregulated in response to LT and the SDs, while conversely, a large number of them were downregulated in response to SDs but upregulated in response to LT. Gen Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the DEGs downregulated in response to SDs and upregulated in response to LT indicated that most of these DEGs were related to the cell cycle. These results were somewhat surprising, since although cell cycle genes are downregulated during ED of grapevine buds as a consequence of SD conditions, their upregulation caused by LT was unexpected, since in other species, these genes are downregulated in response to LT.
Conclusion: Repression of transcriptome and cell cycle genes in grapevine buds in response to SD, and massive upregulation of transcriptome and cell cycle genes in response to LT support the idea that SD induces the ED, and that the LT induces the release of the buds from the ED.
Treatment of Conbercept for macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion in minority areas of Southeast Guizhou
Authors: Zhu Tongle , Wang Fen , Yang Chunman , Xu Xiaoying , Yang Zhumin , Yang Yanan , Mao Yujie , Liu Caiyu
Published: December 2022

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Conbercept on macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion and to explore the relevant influencing factors.
Method: The clinical data of 94 patients (94 eyes) with macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January 2015 to September 2019 were collected. All patients received intravitreal injection of Conbercept. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), ellipsoid zone and external membrane integrity were observed before treatment and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment.
Result: The constituent characteristics of different nationalities in this study are 38.30% (36 / 94) of Han nationality, 34.04% (32 / 94) of Miao nationality and 27.66% (26 / 94) of Dong nationality.
The clinical baseline data (age, gender, preoperative BCVA, and CMT) of ME secondary to BRVO in different nationalities were not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in BCVA and CMT between Han, Miao and Dong nationalities at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation. BCVA in patients of different nationalities at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation was significantly higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05). CMT in patients of different nationalities decreased significantly after 1, 3, 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05). In the multiple regression analysis of this study, baseline CMT was not related to baseline BCVA (P > 0.05). Age, course of disease and ellipsoid band integrity were related to baseline BCVA (P< 0.05). Baseline BCVA and baseline external membrane integrity were related to BCVA (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: In the treatment of ME secondary to BRVO, Conbercept shows time stability and broad-spectrum demographic characteristics, and it can be widely used in ethnic minority areas in Southeast Guizhou.
Common driver mutations and programmed death-ligand 1 expression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer in smokers and never smokers
Authors: LIAM Chong Kin , YEW Chian Yih , PANG Yong Kek , WONG Chee Kuan , POH Mau Ern , TAN Jiunn Liang , SOO Chun Ian , LOH Thian Chee , CHIN Ka Kiat , MUNUSAMY Vijayan , IBRAHIM Nur Husna
Published: December 2022

Introduction: In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there may be a relationship between programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, driver mutations and cigarette smoking.
Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, the relationship between common driver mutations (EGFR mutation and ALK rearrangement) and PD-L1 expression in advanced NSCLC according to the patients’ smoking history was examined. Light, moderate and heavy smokers were patients who had smoked <20, 20-39, and >40 pack-years, respectively. The level of PD-L1 expression, assessed using Ventana SP263 monoclonal antibody assay, was defined by the tumor proportion score (TPS) as follows: high expression (TPS ≥50%), low expression (TPS 1% - 49%) and no expression (TPS <1%).
Results: 101 (52.9%) of 191 patients were never smokers. EGFRmutations were more common in never smokers [65 (64.4%) of 101 patients] than in smokers [16 (17.8%) of 90 patients] (P<0.0001). A higher proportion of smokers had high PD-L1 expression [24 (26.7%) of 90] compared to never smokers [14 (13.9%) of 101] (P=0.042). High PD-L1 expression was seen in 32 of 110 patients (29.1%) with EGFRwild-type tumors but only in 6 of 81 (7.4%) patients with tumors harbouring sensitising EGFR mutations (P<0.0001). Among the 90 smokers, a higher proportion of heavy smokers [19 (35.8%) of 53] than non-heavy smokers [5 (13.5%) of 37] had high PD-L1 expression (P = 0.034).
Conclusions: High PD-L1 expression in NSCLC is more common in smokers than in never smokers, in EGFRwild-type than EGFR-mutant NSCLC and in heavy smokers among smokers.
The rates of adult neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis are linked to cell cycle regulation through p27-dependent gene repression of SOX2
Authors: Domingo-Muelas Ana , Morante-Redolat Jose Manuel , Moncho-Amor Verónica , Jordán-Pla Antonio , Pérez-Villalba Ana , Carrillo-Barberà Pau , Belenguer Germán , Porlan Eva , Kirstein Martina , Bachs Oriol , Ferrón Sacri R. , Lovell-Badge Robin , Fariñas Isabel
Published: December 2022

Cell differentiation involves profound changes in global gene expression that often have to occur in coordination with cell cycle exit. Because cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27 reportedly regulates proliferation of neural progenitor cells in the subependymal neurogenic niche of the adult mouse brain, but can also have effects on gene expression, we decided to molecularly analyze its role in adult neurogenesis and oligodendrogenesis. At the cell level, we show that p27 restricts residual cyclin-dependent kinase activity after mitogen withdrawal to antagonize cycling, but it is not essential for cell cycle exit. By integrating genome-wide gene expression and chromatin accessibility data, we find that p27 is coincidentally necessary to repress many genes involved in the transit from multipotentiality to differentiation, including those coding for neural progenitor transcription factors SOX2, OLIG2, and ASCL1. Our data reveal both a direct association of p27 with regulatory sequences in the three genes and an additional hierarchical relationship where p27 repression of Sox2 leads to reduced levels of its downstream targets Olig2 and Ascl1. In vivo, p27 is also required for the regulation of the proper level of SOX2 necessary for neuroblasts and oligodendroglial progenitor cells to timely exit cell cycle in a lineage-dependent manner.
Odontogenic infections presenting to the Emergency Department: which patients are discharged to dental clinics?
Authors: Sklavos Anton , Lee Kai , Masood Mohd
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Odontogenic infections (OI’s) can present with a variable clinical picture to hospital emergency departments (ED). Some require inpatient surgical management due to the risk of airway compromise or systemic signs of infection. Other OIs are minor and can be managed in the primary care setting. This study aimed to evaluate the differences in OI’s requiring inpatient surgical treatment compared to those who can be discharged to their local dental practitioner.
Methods: This study analysed the in-hospital assessment of patients with OI’s presenting to ED, and factors which lead to surgical admission and inter-hospital transfers.
Results: 228 patients were studied, with 59% admitted for surgery and the remainder discharged to primary care. Smokers, patients treated with antibiotics prior to hospital, mandibular molar teeth, trismus and moderate to severe space involvement were associated with the need for inpatient surgical treatment. Anterior maxillary teeth, vestibular space infections, and low risk infections were likely to be discharged to primary care.
Conclusion: There are key features of OI’s which are associated with the requirement for inpatient surgical management. Minor odontogenic infections are often triaged to community dental clinics, and the dental workforce should be prepared to appropriately evaluate and manage these patients. At present there is a concerning trend of overreliance on antibiotics alone to treat odontogenic infections in the community.
A study on fraud of meat foods in China market: based on 1987 supervision and sampling inspection, import inspection and media reports
Authors: Zang Mingwu , Li Xiaoman , Li Dan , Zhang Kaihua , Zhang Zheqi , Wang Shouwei
Published: December 2022

Economically motivated adulteration and food fraud (EMA / FF) is intentional conduct for economic gain, which have aroused great concern all over the world. Meat adulteration or fraud is one of the problems with the highest proportion in relevant cases, many food fraud problems have been found to occur frequently in meat products in China and abroad in recent ten years. Our research compilated 1,987 pieces of information on meat fraud and adulteration recorded by official circular information and media reports in China since 2012 to 2021, based on which we created a meat food fraud risk information database. The data covered fresh and frozen livestock, poultry, and various processed products. We conducted a summary analysis of EMA adulteration and fraud incidents by researching on fraudulent methods, types of contaminants, adulterated ingredients, involved foods and categories, risk links and sites, etc. The findings can be used not only to analyze meat food safety situations and study the burden of food fraud, but also help to promote the efficiency of detection and rapid screening, along with improving prevention and regulation of adulteration in the meat supply chain markets.
A case of Bilateral anterior thalamic symmetrical infarction
Authors: Wu Tong , LI He , Zhang Qian , Tang Wei , JIa Gehui , Li Lei , Zhang Yong , Wang Jiawei
Published: December 2022

Background: Bilateral anterior thalamic symmetrical infarction is very rare in clinical practice and has not been reported so far. Here, we introduce a patient with symmetrical bilateral anterior thalamic infarction, and discuss his symptoms, treatment process, late follow-up and potential mechanisms.
Case presentation: A 71-year-old male had a sudden cognitive decline 4 days ago. The patient's brain MRI showed symmetrical high signals in the anterior part of bilateral thalamus. The patient's head MRV and immunological tests were normal. We consider this patient as a rare bilateral anterior thalamic infarction. After 10 days of anti-platelet aggregation, lowering blood lipid and improving circulation, the patient's symptoms improved significantly. Two years later, we found through telephone follow-up that the patient's symptoms did not change significantly, he was completely self-care, his reaction was normal, and only a slight recent memory decline was left.
Conclusion: For patients with bilateral anterior thalamic lesions with only acute cognitive impairment, the diagnosis of acute cerebral infarction should be taken into account, and the treatment plan for cerebral infarction should be given as soon as possible.
Supervised home-based exercise prehabilitation in unfit patients scheduled for pancreatic surgery: study protocol of a multicenter feasibility study
Authors: Hildebrand Nicole D. , Wijma Allard G. , Bongers Bart C. , Rensen Sander S. , Dulk Marcel , Klaase Joost M. , Damink Steven W.M. Olde
Published: December 2022

Background: Morbidity rates in pancreatic surgery are high, and especially frail patients with low aerobic capacity are at risk of complications and require specialized prophylactic interventions. Previous studies of small patient cohorts receiving intra-abdominal surgery have shown that an exercise prehabilitation program increases aerobic capacity, leading to better treatment outcomes. In this study we aim to assess the feasibility of a home-based exercise prehabilitation program in unfit patients scheduled for pancreatic surgery on a larger scale.
Methods: In this multicenter study adult patients scheduled for elective pancreatic surgery, with a preoperative oxygen uptake (VO2) at the ventilatory anaerobic threshold ≤13 mL/kg/min and/or a VO2 at peak exercise (VO2peak) ≤18 mL/kg/min will be recruited. The study will be conducted in a pretest-posttest design. A total of 30 patients will be included in the four-week home-based, partly supervised exercise prehabilitation program on an advanced cycle ergometer. The program comprises 30-minute high-intensity interval training three times a week. Training intensity will be based on a steep ramp test (i.e., an abbreviated maximum exercise test on the advanced ergometer) performance, aiming to improve aerobic fitness. Twice a week, patients will perform functional task exercises to improve muscle function and functional mobility. Every week, a steep ramp test will be repeated, and training intensity will be adjusted accordingly. Next to assessing feasibility (participation rate, reasons for non-participation, adherence, dropout rate, reasons for dropout, adverse events, and patient and therapist appreciation) of this exercise prehabilitation program, we will evaluate individual patient’s responses to prehabilitation on aerobic capacity, functional mobility, body composition, perceived fatigue, quality of life, muscle function, and immune system factors.
Discussion: Results of this study will provide important clinical and scientific knowledge on the feasibility of a partly supervised home-based exercise prehabilitation program in a vulnerable patient population. This might ease the path to implementing prehabilitation programs in unfit patients undergoing complex abdominal surgery, such as pancreatic surgery.
Trial registration: This study was approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the Maastricht University Medical Center+ (METC azM/UM), the Netherlands (registration number METC20-090, NL75340.068.20, September 2021) and is registered in the Clinicaltrials.gov register (NCT05496777).
Age-related changes in the haematopoietic stem cell pool revealed via quantifying the balance of symmetric and asymmetric divisions.
Authors: Kawahigashi Teiko , Iwanami Shoya , Takahashi Munetomo , Bhadury Joydeep , Iwami Shigo , Yamazaki Satoshi
Published: December 2022

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are somatic stem cells that continuously generate lifelong supply of blood cells through a balance of symmetric and asymmetric divisions. Recently, it is well established that the HSC pool increases with age. However, not much is known about the underlying cause for these observed changes. Here, using a novel method combining single-cellex vivoHSC expansion with mathematical modeling, we quantify HSC division types (stem cell - stem cell (S-S) division, stem cell - progenitor cell (S-P) division, and progenitor cell - progenitor cell (P-P) division) as a function of the ageing process. Our time-series experiments reveal how changes in these three modes of division can explain the increase in HSC numbers with age. Contrary to the popular notion that HSCs divide predominantly through S-P divisions, we show that S-S divisions are predominant throughout the lifespan of the animal, thereby expanding the HSC pool. We, therefore, provide a novel mathematical model-based experimental validation for reflecting HSC dynamicsin vivo.
Psychological Distress During COVID-19 Confinement in Persons After Bariatric Metabolic Surgery.
Authors: Armenta-Rojas Efrain , González-Sánchez Daniela Lilian , Andade-Soto Victor Hugo
Published: December 2022

Background
People with obesity often suffer from distress and psychopathological symptoms that diminish after undergoing bariatric metabolic surgery; however, the confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the general population in this sense. Considering that the bariatric population has a higher risk for the development of these disorders, it is important that they are identified in order to prevent or treat them opportunely thus avoiding health risks. Therefore, this study aims to determinate the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic related distress and psychopathological symptoms in persons after bariatric metabolic surgery.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted including 102 participants with more than six months of undergoing bariatric metabolic surgery. Sociodemographic information was collected, as well as the COVID-19 related psychological distress and the psychopathological symptoms measured by the SCL-90R. A path analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between the variables.
Results
90.2% of the participants were women, 84% had been under surgery with a Sleeve Gastrectomy technique while the rest underwent Roux-Y Gastric Bypass. The obtained model showed a significant correlation between the SCL 90-R subscales and the COVID-19 related psychological distress and both were negatively correlated to participants age. The model had adequate goodness-of-fit indicators (Chi-square goodness-of-fit (χ2): 78.007, df: 64, p:0.112; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA): 0.047; Goodness of Fit Index (GFI): 0.907; Comparative Fit Index (CFI): 0.991; Parsimony Normed Fit Index (PNFI): 0.670; Akaike Information Criterion (AIC): 160.007).
Conclusions
The psychological distress caused by the pandemic and confinement is evidenced by higher scores on the SCL-90R instrument. However, further studies and psychometric tests with more homogeneous samples with respect to sex and surgical technique are needed.
Integrated Quantum Optical Phase Sensor
Authors: Stokowski Hubert , McKenna Timothy , Park Taewon , Hwang Alexander , Dean Devin , Celik Oguz , Ansari Vahid , Fejer Martin M. , Safavi-Naeini Amir
Published: December 2022

The quantum noise of light fundamentally limits optical phase sensors. A semiclassical picture attributes this noise to the random arrival time of photons from a coherent light source such as a laser. An engineered source of squeezed states suppresses this noise and allows sensitivity beyond the standard quantum limit (SQL) for phase detection. Advanced gravitational wave detectors like LIGO have already incorporated such sources, and nascent efforts in realizing quantum biological measurements have provided glimpses into new capabilities emerging in quantum measurement. We need ways to engineer and use quantum light within deployable quantum sensors that operate outside the confines of a lab environment. Here we present a photonic integrated circuit fabricated in thin-film lithium niobate that provides a path to meet these requirements. We use the second-order nonlinearity to produce a squeezed state at the same frequency as the pump light and realize circuit control and sensing with electro-optics. Using a 26.2 milliwatts of optical power, we measure (2.7 ± 0.2 )% squeezing and apply it to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of phase measurement. We anticipate that on-chip photonic systems like this, which operate with low power and integrate all of the needed functionality on a single die, will open new opportunities for quantum optical sensing.
Sleep quality analysis of Chinese medical civilians in the Subtropics during different stages of deployment
Authors: LI Qin , ZHONG Shan , LIU Yong , WANG Li , HUANG Xia , WANG Wei , TANG Ling , JIANG Ling , MA Rong , YIN Wanshuang , CHU Lingling
Published: December 2022

Background: Inadequate sleep and poor sleep quality have been linked to higher incidences of major industrial and workplace accidents. They also have been associated with poorer health outcomes, such as increased risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, neurogenerative diseases, and poor mental health. Therefore, it is important to ensure adequate sleep and good sleep quality to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the sleep quality of medical civilians participating in a medical emergency rescue exercise, which involved travelling long distances on a train.
Methods: We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to measure the sleep duration and sleep quality during four different phases of the exercise, namely the training phase (T1), travel phase (T2), official task phase (T3), and quarantine phase (T4).
Results: The mean sleep durations during each phase were 6.678 h (T1), 6.64 h (T2), 6.41 h (T3), and 7.06 h (T4), and the mean PSQI score of the sleep quality across all four phases was 4.43. The highest proportion of sleep disturbance occurred during the travel phase (c2=477; p<0.001). The nonmedical team members had a longer sleep duration and a better sleep quality compared to those of the medical team members (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that medical civilians experience a shorter sleep duration and a poorer sleep quality during deployment. Interventions such as lowering acute stress levels and workload, promoting good sleep hygiene and attitudes towards sleep, and improving the sleep environment may help to improve the overall sleep quality of medical team members.
Psychosocial Determinants of Consistent Condom Use among University Students in Sudan: Findings from a study using the Integrated Change Model
Authors: Elshiekh Husameddin Farouk Siddig , Hoving Ciska , de Vries Hein
Published: December 2022

Unprotected sex is common among university students in Sudan, thus increasing risks for STDs and HIV. As little is known about the psychosocial determinants of consistent condom use among this population, this study was designed to identify them. The Integrated Change Model (ICM) was applied in a cross-sectional design to identify in 218 students (aged 18–25 years) from Khartoum which items distinguish condom users from non-condom users. Condom users differed significantly from non-condom users in having more HIV and condom use-related knowledge, higher perception of susceptibility to HIV, reporting more exposure to condom use cues, having a less negative attitude towards condom use (attitude cons), experiencing social support and norms favouring condom use and having higher condom use self-efficacy. Binary logistic regression showed that peer norms favouring condom use in addition to HIV-related knowledge, condom use cues, negative attitude and self-efficacy were the factors uniquely associated with consistent condom use among university students in Sudan. Interventions seeking to promote consistent condom use among sexually active students could benefit from increasing knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention, raising HIV-risk perception, using condom use cues, addressing perceived condom disadvantages and enhancing students` self-efficacy to avoid unprotected sex. Moreover, such interventions should raise students` perceptions of their peers` beliefs and behaviours favouring condom use and seek health care professionals` and religious scholars` support for condom use.
Surgical treatment for intractable cholangitis with left-sided biliary cysts followed by Kasai operation in biliary atresia
Authors: Cho Yu Jeong , Kwon Hyunhee , Kwon Yong Jae , Ha Suhyeon , Kim Seong Chul , Kim Dae Yeon , Namgoong Jung-Man
Published: December 2022

Background: Intrahepatic biliary cysts (IBCs) after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) are associated with intractable recurrent cholangitis. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of its use as well as indication for surgical management of IBCs in pediatric patients.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and imaging studies of patients who underwent KPE for biliary atresia from 2010 to 2020.Results: In 28 of 129 patients, IBCs were identified by an imaging study (21.7%). Among them, five patients were subjected to surgical treatment for intractable cholangitis. The median time from KPE to the development of IBCs was 1.7 years. Four out of five patients had IBCs confined to the left lateral lobe, and in one patient, the IBCs were in the hepatic hilum. All five patients experienced more than one cholangitis. Although they received intravenous antibiotic treatment and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) as treatment, they were intractable. Three patients underwent hepatectomy, and two underwent cystojejunostomy. There was no recurrence of cholangitis during the median follow-up period of 2.9 years.Conclusions: Surgical treatment for IBCs after KPE could be considered a safe and effective surgical procedure for children if appropriate indications are applied.
The Covid Pandemic Affected the Physical Fitness of Primary School Children
Authors: Teich Paula , Fühner Thea , Bähr Florian , Puta Christian , Granacher Urs , Kliegl Reinhold
Published: December 2022

Background: In spring 2020, the Sars-CoV-2 incidence rate increased rapidly in Germany and around the world. Throughout the next two years, schools were temporarily closed and social distancing measures were put in place to slow the spread of Covid-19. Did these restrictions affect children’s physical fitness? The EMOTIKON project annually tests the physical fitness of all third-graders in the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. The tests assess cardiorespiratory endurance (6-minute-run test), coordination (star-run test), speed (20-m sprint test), lower (powerLOW; standing long jump test) and upper (powerUP; ball-push test) limbs muscle power, and static balance (one-legged stance test with eyes closed). Children were tested in the falls from 2016 to 2021. Primary analyses included 83,476 keyage third-graders (i.e., school enrollment according to the legal key date, aged between eight and nine years) from 512 schools. Secondary analyses focused on two other groups of children, namely 22,761 older-than-keyage third-graders (i.e., OTK, delayed school enrollment or repetition of a grade, aged between nine and ten years), and 1,321 younger-than-keyage third-graders (i.e., YTK, early school enrollment or skipping of a grade, aged between seven and eight years). Linear mixed models took into account cubic secular trends, and differences between children and schools.
Results: In keyage children, the Covid pandemic negatively affected a composite fitness score as well as cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, and speed. We found a positive pandemic effect on powerLOW, but no evidence for pandemic effects on powerUP and balance. Cohen’s |ds| for the effects of each pandemic year ranged from 0.05 for cardiorespiratory endurance and powerLOW to 0.15 for coordination. In each pandemic year, keyage children exhibited developmental delays of 3.5 months for cardiorespiratory endurance and coordination, 2.1 months for speed, and a developmental gain of 1.6 months for powerLOW. The pandemic further increased developmental delays of OTK children, who already exhibited physical fitness impairments prior to the pandemic, in cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, powerUP and balance. We found no evidence for differential pandemic effects for YTK children.
Conclusions: The Covid pandemic negatively affected several physical fitness components in primary school children. Health-related interventions should prioritize the negatively affected physical fitness components.
A MYOD-SKP2 axis boosts tumorigenesis in fusion negative rhabdomyosarcoma by preventing differentiation through p57Kip2 targeting
Authors: Pomella Silvia , Cassandri Matteo , Cossetti Cristina , Phelps Doris , Perrone Clara , Pezzella Michele , Cardinale Antonella , Wachtel Marco , Colletti Marta , Walters Zoe , Sreeni Prethish , Angela Di Giannatale , Milano Giuseppe , Marampon Francesco , De Stefanis Cristiano , Alaggio Rita , Rodriguez Sonia , Carlesso Nadia , Vakoc Christopher , Velardi Enrico , Schäfer Beat , Guccione Ernesto , Gatz Susanne , Wasti Ajla , Yohe Marielle , Khan Javed , Ignatius Myron , Quintarelli Concetta , Shipley Janet , Miele Lucio , Houghton Peter , Gryder Berkley , De Angelis Biagio , Locatelli Franco , Rota Rossella
Published: December 2022

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a pediatric mesenchymal-derived malignancy encompassing Fusion Positive (FP)-RMS expressing PAX3/7-FOXO1 and Fusion Negative (FN)-RMS often mutated in the RAS pathway. RMS expresses the master myogenic transcription factor MYOD that, paradoxically, in the tumor context is essential for tumor cell growth and survival. We identify here SKP2, an oncogenic E3-ubiquitin ligase of the SCF/CRL1 complex, as a critical driver of tumorigenesis downstream of MYOD in FN-RMS.
SKP2 is overexpressed in RMS at the highest levels among several adult and pediatric cancers and its expression is maintained by MYOD through an intronic enhancer within the gene, in loop with its promoter. Mechanistically, in FN-RMS cells SKP2 functions by directly targeting p27Kip1 and p57Kip2 promoting their degradation. SKP2 knockdown causes cell cycle arrest by enhancing p27Kip1 and promotes differentiation by increasing p57Kip2, which in turn stabilizes MYOD. This leads to MYOD and MYOG increase and unlocks a myogenic program resulting in de novo expression of terminal muscle differentiation markers and cell fusion. SKP2 depletion strongly affects stemness and anchorage-independence features and prevents tumor growth. The investigational NEDDylation inhibitor MLN4924 (Pevonedistat) hampers SKP2 functions restraining FN-RMS cell survival and tumor growth. Our results uncover a MYOD-SKP2 axis crucial for the crosstalk between transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms that contribute to FN-RMS tumorigenesis and broaden the understanding of MYOD function. Furthermore, they suggest inhibition of NEDDylation as a potential therapeutic approach in this tumor.
Spatial chromatin accessibility sequencing resolves next-generation genome architecture
Authors: Tang Chong , Xie Yeming , Ruan Fengying , Li Yaning , Luo Meng , Zhang Chen , Chen Zhichao , Xie Zhe , Weng Zhe , Chen Weitian , Chen Wenfang , Fang Yitong , Sun Yuxin , Guo Mei , Wang Juan , Wang Hongqi
Published: December 2022

As the genome has a three-dimensional structure in intracellular space, epigenomic information also has a complex spatial arrangement. However, the majority of epigenetic studies describe locations of methylation marks, chromatin accessibility regions, and histone modifications in the linear dimension. Proper spatial epigenomic information has rarely been obtained. In this study, we designed spatial chromatin accessibility sequencing (SCA-seq) to reveal the three-dimensional map of chromatin accessibility and simultaneously capture the genome conformation. Using SCA-seq, we simultaneously disclosed spatial regulation of chromatin accessibility (e.g. enhancer-promoter contacts), CpG island methylation and spatial insulating functions of the CCCTC-binding factor. We demonstrate that SCA-seq paves the way to explore epigenomic information in the three-dimensional space and extends our knowledge in next-generation genome architecture.
Association between admission systolic blood pressure and cardiovascular events in acute myocardial infarction patients with different left ventricular ejection fractions
Authors: Qiu Hui , Xin Yanguo , Li Weiping , Wang Man , Zhang Yue , Chen Hui , Li Hongwei
Published: December 2022

Background It has been reported that among patients with acute heart failure, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is closely related with admission blood pressure. However, it is unclear whether the systolic blood pressure is associated with the LVEF in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Therefore, we evaluated the predictive value of admission SBP in AMI patients with different LVEF status. Methods Patients’ clinical data were extracted from the Cardiovascular Center of Beijing Friendship Hospital Database Bank (CBD BANK). A total of 4114 patients were included in this analysis. The included patients were divided into two groups according to their left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the first echocardiography record after admission. Patients were categorized into four groups (SBP 90- 99mmHg, SBP 100-119mmHg, SBP 120-139mmHg, SBP ≥ 140mmHg) based on SBP level at admission. Results The mean age was 64.9 ± 12.5 years and 28% were female. For patients of LVEF < 50% in the lowest SBP group (SBP 90-99mmHg), the incidence of in-hospital cardiovascular death was significantly higher than other SBP groups (reference: SBP 90–99 mmHg) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.287, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.110–0.748 for SBP 120–139 mmHg, and OR 0.241, 95% CI 0.089–0.651 for SBP ≥ 140 mmHg]. The patients of LVEF ≥ 50% in the highest SBP group (SBP ≥ 140mmHg) were at significantly higher risk of cardiogenic mortality during long-term follow-up (reference: SBP ≥ 140 mmHg) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.753, 95% CI: 0.530–0.871 for SBP 100–119 mmHg, HR 0.765, 95% CI: 0.567–0.933 for SBP 120–139 mmHg, and HR 0.519, 95% CI: 0.236–0.840 for SBP 90–99 mmHg]. Conclusion SBP 90-99mmHg were associated with increased in-hospital cardiovascular death in AMI population with LVEF < 50%, and SBP > 140mmHg were associated with increased long-term cardiovascular death in AMI subjects with LVEF > 50%.
Changing Trajectory of Daily Physical Activity Levels Among At-Risk Adolescents: Influences of Motivational Mechanisms
Authors: Deng Anqi , Zarrett Nicole , Moon Jongho , Sweeney Allison
Published: December 2022

Background
Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the purpose of this study was to determine changes in the 16-week moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) trajectory of underserved adolescents who participated in the Connect through PLAY intervention and the effects of changes in participating adolescents’ intrinsic and autonomous extrinsic motivations on their MVPA trajectory over the 16-week intervention.
Methods
A subsample of 113 adolescents (56.64% female; 61.06% African American; average age = 11.29) provided complete data throughout the 16-week intervention were examined. Adolescents’ objective daily MVPA was measured using 7- day accelerometer data. Change in adolescents’ intrinsic motivation and autonomous extrinsic motivation were assessed using subscales from the Interest and Regulatory Motives Scale (Duda et al., 1992) and the Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire (Ryan & Connell, 1989) respectively. A hierarchical linear model was built and tested to address the research aims.
Results
The results of hierarchical linear models showed that, on average, youth daily MVPA increased 6.36 minutes in each 8-week period. Intrinsic motivation change, but not autonomous extrinsic motivation, was a positive and significant level-2 predictor of daily MVPA changes.
Conclusion
The findings provide significant evidence suggesting a benefit of integrating SDT-based approaches and further suggest that nurturing intrinsic motivation can be an effective approach to supporting youth daily MVPA in under-resources afterschool programs.
Trial registration
Connect Through PLAY: A Staff-based Physical Activity Intervention for Middle School Youth (Connect). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03732144. Registered November 6th, 2018.