bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Just breathe: a review of sex and gender in chronic lung disease
Authors: Somayaji Ranjani , Chalmers James D.
Published: January 2022

Chronic lung diseases are the third leading cause of death worldwide and are increasing in prevalence over time. Although much of our traditional understanding of health and disease is derived from study of the male of the species – be it animal or human – there is increasing evidence that sex and gender contribute to differences in disease risk, prevalence, presentation, severity, treatment approach, response and outcomes. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and bronchiectasis represent the most prevalent and studied chronic lung diseases and have key sex- and gender-based differences which are critical to consider and incorporate into clinical and research approaches. Mechanistic differences present opportunities for therapeutic development whereas behavioural and clinical differences on the part of patients and providers present opportunities for greater education and understanding at multiple levels. In this review, we seek to summarise the sex- and gender-based differences in key chronic lung diseases and outline the clinical and research implications for stakeholders.
Correction to: Light-Activated Multilevel Resistive Switching Storage in Pt/Cs2AgBiBr6/ITO/Glass Devices
Authors: Zhong Tingting , Qin Yongfu , Lv Fengzhen , Qin Haijun , Tian Xuedong
Published: January 2022

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Identification of cardiomyopathy-related core genes through human metabolic networks and expression data
Authors: Rong Zherou , Chen Hongwei , Zhang Zihan , Zhang Yue , Ge Luanfeng , Lv Zhengyu , Zou Yuqing , Lv Junjie , He Yuehan , Li Wan , Chen Lina
Published: January 2022

Background

Cardiomyopathy is a complex type of myocardial disease, and its incidence has increased significantly in recent years. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) are two common and indistinguishable types of cardiomyopathy.

Results

Here, a systematic multi-omics integration approach was proposed to identify cardiomyopathy-related core genes that could distinguish normal, DCM and ICM samples using cardiomyopathy expression profile data based on a human metabolic network. First, according to the differentially expressed genes between different states (DCM/ICM and normal, or DCM and ICM) of samples, three sets of initial modules were obtained from the human metabolic network. Two permutation tests were used to evaluate the significance of the Pearson correlation coefficient difference score of the initial modules, and three candidate modules were screened out. Then, a cardiomyopathy risk module that was significantly related to DCM and ICM was determined according to the significance of the module score based on Markov random field. Finally, based on the shortest path between cardiomyopathy known genes, 13 core genes related to cardiomyopathy were identified. These core genes were enriched in pathways and functions significantly related to cardiomyopathy and could distinguish between samples of different states.

Conclusion

The identified core genes might serve as potential biomarkers of cardiomyopathy. This research will contribute to identifying potential biomarkers of cardiomyopathy and to distinguishing different types of cardiomyopathy.
The global regulators ArcA and CytR collaboratively modulate Vibrio cholerae motility
Authors: Li Yuehua , Yan Junxiang , Guo Xueqian , Wang Xiaochen , Liu Fenxia , Cao Boyang
Published: January 2022

Background

Vibrio cholerae, a Gram-negative bacterium, is highly motile owing to the presence of a single polar flagellum. The global anaerobiosis response regulator, ArcA regulates the expression of virulence factors and enhance biofilm formation in V. cholerae. However, the function of ArcA for the motility of V. cholerae is yet to be elucidated. CytR, which represses nucleoside uptake and catabolism, is known to play a chief role in V. cholerae pathogenesis and flagellar synthesis but the mechanism that CytR influences motility is unclear.

Results

In this study, we found that the ΔarcA mutant strain exhibited higher motility than the WT strain due to ArcA directly repressed flrA expression. We further discovered that CytR directly enhanced fliK expression, which explained why the ΔcytR mutant strain was retarded in motility. On the other hand, cytR was a direct ArcA target and cytR expression was directly repressed by ArcA. As expected, cytR expression was down-regulated.

Conclusions

Overall, ArcA plays a critical role in V. cholerae motility by regulating flrA expression directly and fliK indirectly in the manner of cytR.
Association between the cardiometabolic index and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: insights from a general population
Authors: Zou Jiawang , Xiong Hailan , Zhang Huimin , Hu Chong , Lu Song , Zou Yang
Published: January 2022

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that cardiometabolic index (CMI) is closely related to diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease, which implies that CMI has the value as an indicator of metabolic diseases. However, data on the relationships between CMI and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) risks have not been reported. This study is designed to examine the association between CMI and NAFLD in the general population.

Methods

The current study included 14,251 subjects whose CMI was the product of triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and waist-to-height ratio. Linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between baseline information and CMI, logistic regression was used to study the relationship between CMI and NAFLD, and subgroup analysis was used to explore potential high-risk groups.

Results

After adjusted for potential confounding factors, higher CMI was independently associated with NAFLD, in which every additional standard deviation (SD) of CMI increased the risk of NAFLD by 28% (OR 1.28 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.19–1.37, P for trend < 0.0001). There were also significant differences in CMI-related NAFLD risk among different ages and genders, in which the CMI-related NAFLD risk in young people was significantly higher than that in other age groups (OR = 2.63 per SD increase for young people, OR = 1.38 per SD increase for young and middle-aged people, OR = 1.18 per SD increase for middle-aged and elderly people; OR = 1.14 per SD increase for elderly people, P for interaction = 0.0010), and the CMI-related NAFLD risk in women was significantly higher than that in men (OR = 1.58 per SD increase for women, OR = 1.26 per SD increase for men, P for interaction = 0.0045).

Conclusions

Current studies have found that after excluding potential confounding factors, higher CMI in the general population is independently associated with NAFLD risk.
Self-management processes, sedentary behavior, physical activity and dietary self-management behaviors: impact on muscle outcomes in continuing care retirement community residents
Authors: Taani Murad H. , Strath Scott J. , Schiffman Rachel , Fendrich Michael , Harley Amy , Cho Chi C. , Yamada Yosuke , Kovach Christine R.
Published: January 2022

Background

Despite the known benefits of non-sedentary behavior, physical activity, and protein and caloric intake to health and muscle mass, strength, and function, many older adults do not meet physical activity and dietary recommendations. A better understanding of the factors associated with sedentary behavior, physical activity and dietary self-management behaviors, and muscle outcomes (muscle mass, strength, and function) is needed, particularly among continuing care retirement community residents. The objective of this study was to examine the factors associated with sedentary behavior, physical activity and dietary self-management behaviors, and muscle outcomes among continuing care retirement community residents. It also aimed to determine whether sedentary behavior and physical activity and dietary self-management behaviors mediate the relationships between self-efficacy, goal congruence, aging expectations, social support, and muscle outcomes.

Methods

A sample of 105 continuing care retirement community residents (age > 70 years) participated in this correlational, cross-sectional study. Questionnaires on pain, self-efficacy, goal congruence, aging expectation, social support, and daily protein and caloric intake were administered. Physical activity and sedentary behavior (ActiGraph wGT3X-BT), muscle mass (ImpediMed SFB7), muscle strength (Jamar Smart Digital Hand Dynamometer), and muscle function (Short Physical Performance Battery) were measured. Multiple regression, logistic regression, and mediation analyses were performed.

Results

Low goal congruence predicted engagement in sedentary behavior and light physical activity. Higher levels of self-efficacy and social support were associated with increased likelihoods of achieving greater moderate physical activity and meeting daily recommendations for caloric intake, respectively. Self-efficacy and goal congruence predicted muscle function and strength. Moreover, sedentary behavior and achieving greater moderate physical activity were found to partially but significantly mediate the relationship between self-efficacy and muscle function.

Conclusion

Future research should evaluate whether attempts to reduce sedentary behavior and promote physical activity and dietary self-management behaviors and muscle outcomes are more successful when modifications to the self-management process factors are also targeted.
Improving screening and management of latent tuberculosis infection: development and evaluation of latent tuberculosis infection primary care model
Authors: Kunin Marina , Timlin Mark , Lemoh Chris , Sheffield David A. , Russo Alana , Hazara Shegofa , McBride Jacqueline
Published: January 2022

Background

In Australia, demand for specialist infectious diseases services exceeds capacity to provide timely management of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in areas of high refugee and asylum seeker settlement. A model for treating LTBI patients in primary care has been developed and piloted in a refugee-focused primary health service (Monash Health Refugee Health and Wellbeing [MHRHW]) and a universal primary care clinic. This study reports on the development and evaluation of the model, focusing on the model feasibility, and barriers and enablers to its success.

Methods

A convergent mix-methods design was used to evaluate the model for treating LTBI patients in primary care, where a prospective cohort study of patients commencing treatment either at MHRHW or the universal primary care clinic determined the model feasibility, while focus groups with clinicians directly involved in treating these patients explored barriers and enablers to sustainability and success of the model.

Results

From January 2017 to April 2018, 65 patients with confirmed LTBI presented at participating clinics. Treatment was accepted by 31 (48%) patients, of whom 15(48%) were treated at MHRHW and 16 (52%) at the universal primary care clinic. The 6-months’ treatment completion rate was higher at MHRHW compared to the universal primary care clinic (14 (93%) compared to 9 (56%) respectively, p = 0.0373). Reasons for non-completion included adverse reaction, opting out and relocation. At the completion of the pilot, 15 clinicians participated in two focus groups. Clinicians identified barriers and enablers for successful LTBI management at patient, provider, organisational and clinical levels. While barriers for treatment completion and adherence were consistent across the two pilot sites, enablers, such as resources to facilitate patient education and follow-up, were available only at MHRHW.

Conclusion

Screening and management of LTBI patients can be achieved within the primary care setting, considerate of barriers and enablers at patient, provider, organisational and clinical levels. Upscaling of a primary care response to the management of LTBI will require supporting primary care clinics with resources to employ dedicated clinical staff for patient education, follow-up communication and monitoring medication adherence.
Graft function and pregnancy outcomes after kidney transplantation
Authors: Schwarz Anke , Schmitt Roland , Einecke Gunilla , Keller Frieder , Bode Ulrike , Haller Hermann , Guenter Hans Heinrich
Published: January 2022

Background

After kidney transplantation, pregnancy and graft function may have a reciprocal interaction. We evaluated the influence of graft function on the course of pregnancy and vice versa.

Methods

We performed a retrospective observational study of 92 pregnancies beyond the first trimester in 67 women after renal transplantation from 1972 to 2019. Pre-pregnancy eGFR was correlated with outcome parameters; graft function was evaluated by Kaplan Meier analysis. The course of graft function in 28 women who became pregnant after kidney transplantation with an eGFR of < 50 mL/min/1.73m2 was compared to a control group of 79 non-pregnant women after kidney transplantation during a comparable time period and with a matched basal graft function.

Results

Live births were 90.5% (fetal death n = 9). Maternal complications of pregnancy were preeclampsia 24% (graft loss 1, fetal death 3), graft rejection 5.4% (graft loss 1), hemolytic uremic syndrome 2% (graft loss 1, fetal death 1), maternal hemorrhage 2% (fetal death 1), urinary obstruction 10%, and cesarian section. (76%). Fetal complications were low gestational age (34.44 ± 5.02 weeks) and low birth weight (2322.26 ± 781.98 g). Mean pre-pregnancy eGFR was 59.39 ± 17.62 mL/min/1.73m2 (15% of cases < 40 mL/min/1.73m2). Pre-pregnancy eGFR correlated with gestation week at delivery (R = 0.393, p = 0.01) and with percent eGFR decline during pregnancy (R = 0.243, p = 0.04). Pregnancy-related eGFR decline was inversely correlated with the time from end of pregnancy to chronic graft failure or maternal death (R = -0.47, p = 0.001). Kaplan Meier curves comparing women with pre-pregnancy eGFR of ≥ 50 to < 50 mL/min showed a significantly longer post-pregnancy graft survival in the higher eGFR group (p = 0.04). Women after kidney transplantation who became pregnant with a low eGFR of > 25 to < 50 mL/min/1.73m2 had a marked decline of renal function compared to a matched non-pregnant control group (eGFR decline in percent of basal eGFR 19.34 ± 22.10%, n = 28, versus 2.61 ± 10.95%, n = 79, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

After renal transplantation, pre-pregnancy graft function has a key role for pregnancy outcomes and graft function. In women with a low pre-pregnancy eGFR, pregnancy per se has a deleterious influence on graft function.

Trial registration

Since this was a retrospective observational case series and written consent of the patients was obtained for publication, according to our ethics’ board the analysis was exempt from IRB approval. Clinical Trial Registration was not done. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hannover Medical School, Chairman Prof. Dr. H. D. Troeger, Hannover, December 12, 2015 (IRB No. 2995–2015).
Neuroimmunological investigations of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with recent onset depression – a study protocol
Authors: Sørensen Nina Vindegaard , Orlovska-Waast Sonja , Jeppesen Rose , Christensen Rune Haubo , Benros Michael Eriksen
Published: January 2022

Background

A proinflammatory response has been suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of depression in a subgroup of patients. However, comprehensive largescale studies on neuroimmunological investigations of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are lacking and no largescale longitudinal CSF studies comparing patients with depression to healthy controls currently exist.

Methods

A longitudinal case-control study including at least 100 patients with first time depression (ICD-10: F32) within the past year with ongoing symptoms and at least 100 sex and age matched healthy controls with collection of CSF, blood, and fecal samples. All individuals will be evaluated by neurological examination including neurological soft signs, interviewed for psychopathology assessment and have symptomatology evaluated by relevant rating scales. Level of functioning and quality of life will be evaluated by a panel of interview questions and rating scales, and cognitive function assessed by a relevant test battery. In addition, a large number of potential confounders will be registered (BMI, smoking status, current medication etc.).Primary outcomes:CSF white cell count, CSF/serum albumin ratio, CSF total protein levels, IgG index, CSF levels of IL-6 and IL-8, and the prevalence of any CNS-reactive autoantibody in CSF and/or blood.Secondary outcomes:exploratory analyses of a wide range of neuroimmunological markers and specific autoantibodies. Power calculations are computed for all primary outcomes based on previous CSF studies including patients with depression and healthy controls.

Discussion

This study will represent the hitherto largest investigation of CSF in patients with recent onset depression compared to healthy controls. We expect to elucidate neuroimmunological alterations in individuals with depression and characterize an immunological profile paving the way for the development of effective treatments based on biomarkers.

Trial registration

The study is approved by The Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics (Capital Region, j.no: H-16030985) and The Danish Data Protection Agency (j.no: RHP-2016-020, I-Suite no.: 04945).
Publisher Correction To: Disclosure of same-sex practices and experiences of healthcare stigma among cisgender men who have sex with men in five sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Wiginton John Mark , Murray Sarah M. , Poku Ohemaa , Augustinavicius Jura , Jackman Kevon-Mark Phillip , Kane Jeremy , Billong Serge C. , Diouf Daouda , Ba Ibrahima , Mothopeng Tampose , Njindam Iliassou Mfochive , Turpin Gnilane , Tamoufe Ubald , Sithole Bhekie , Zlotorzynska Maria , Sanchez Travis H. , Baral Stefan D.
Published: January 2022

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Comparison of different feature extraction methods for applicable automated ICD coding
Authors: Shuai Zhao , Xiaolin Diao , Jing Yuan , Yanni Huo , Meng Cui , Yuxin Wang , Wei Zhao
Published: January 2022

Background

Automated ICD coding on medical texts via machine learning has been a hot topic. Related studies from medical field heavily relies on conventional bag-of-words (BoW) as the feature extraction method, and do not commonly use more complicated methods, such as word2vec (W2V) and large pretrained models likeBERT. This study aimed at uncovering the most effective feature extraction methods for coding models by comparingBoW,W2VandBERTvariants.

Methods

We experimented with a Chinese dataset from Fuwai Hospital, which contains 6947 records and 1532 unique ICD codes, and a public Spanish dataset, which contains 1000 records and 2557 unique ICD codes. We designed coding tasks with different code frequency thresholds (denoted as$$f_s$$fs), with a lower threshold indicating a more complex task. Using traditional classifiers, we comparedBoW,W2VandBERTvariants on accomplishing these coding tasks.

Results

When$$f_s$$fswas equal to or greater than 140 for Fuwai dataset, and 60 for the Spanish dataset, theBERTvariants with the whole network fine-tuned was the best method, leading to aMicro-F1 of 93.9% for Fuwai data when$$f_s=200$$fs=200, and aMicro-F1 of 85.41% for the Spanish dataset when$$f_s=180$$fs=180. When$$f_s$$fsfell below 140 for Fuwai dataset, and 60 for the Spanish dataset,BoWturned out to be the best, leading to aMicro-F1 of 83% for Fuwai dataset when$$f_s=20$$fs=20, and aMicro-F1 of 39.1% for the Spanish dataset when$$f_s=20$$fs=20. Our experiments also showed that both theBERTvariants andBoWpossessed good interpretability, which is important for medical applications of coding models.

Conclusions

This study shed light on building promising machine learning models for automated ICD coding by revealing the most effective feature extraction methods. Concretely, our results indicated that fine-tuning the whole network of theBERTvariants was the optimal method for tasks covering only frequent codes, especially codes that represented unspecified diseases, whileBoWwas the best for tasks involving both frequent and infrequent codes. The frequency threshold where the best-performing method varied differed between different datasets due to factors like language and codeset.
Evaluating the association of TRPA1 gene polymorphisms with pain sensitivity: a protocol for an adaptive recall by genotype study
Authors: Nickerson Aidan P. , Corbin Laura J. , Timpson Nicholas J. , Phillips Keith , Pickering Anthony E. , Dunham James P.
Published: January 2022

Background

Pain is a complex polygenic trait whose common genetic underpinnings are relatively ill-defined due in part to challenges in measuring pain as a phenotype. Pain sensitivity can be quantified, but this is difficult to perform at the scale required for genome wide association studies (GWAS). Existing GWAS of pain have identified surprisingly few loci involved in nociceptor function which contrasts strongly with rare monogenic pain states. This suggests a lack of resolution with current techniques. We propose an adaptive methodology within a recall-by-genotype (RbG) framework using detailed phenotyping to screen minor alleles in a candidate ‘nociceptor’ gene in an attempt to estimate their genetic contribution to pain.

Methods/design

Participants of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children will be recalled on the basis of genotype at five common non-synonomous SNPs in the ‘nociceptor’ gene transient receptor potential ankylin 1 (TRPA1). Those homozygous for the common alleles at each of the five SNPs will represent a control group. Individuals homozygous for the minor alleles will then be recruited in a series of three sequential test groups. The outcome of a pre-planned early assessment (interim) of the current test group will determine whether to continue recruitment or switch to the next test group. Pain sensitivity will be assessed using quantitative sensory testing (QST) before and after topical application of 10% cinnamaldehyde (a TRPA1 agonist).

Discussion

The design of this adaptive RbG study offers efficiency in the assessment of associations between genetic variation atTRPA1and detailed pain phenotypes. The possibility to change the test group in response to preliminary data increases the likelihood to observe smaller effect sizes relative to a conventional multi-armed design, as well as reducing futile testing of participants where an effect is unlikely to be observed. This specific adaptive RbG design aims to uncover the influence of commonTRPA1variants on pain sensation but can be applied to any hypothesis-led genotype study where costly and time intensive investigation is required and / or where there is large uncertainty around the expected effect size.

Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN16294731. Retrospectively registered 25th November 2021.
Practical guide to cardiopulmonary exercise testing in adults
Authors: Glaab Thomas , Taube Christian
Published: January 2022

Unexplained exertional dyspnoea or fatigue can arise from a number of underlying disorders and shows only a weak correlation with resting functional or imaging tests. Noninvasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) offers a unique, but still under-utilised and unrecognised, opportunity to study cardiopulmonary and metabolic changes simultaneously. CPET can distinguish between a normal and an abnormal exercise response and usually identifies which of multiple pathophysiological conditions alone or in combination is the leading cause of exercise intolerance. Therefore, it improves diagnostic accuracy and patient health care by directing more targeted diagnostics and facilitating treatment decisions. Consequently, CPET should be one of the early tests used to assess exercise intolerance. However, this test requires specific knowledge and there is still a major information gap for those physicians primarily interested in learning how to systematically analyse and interpret CPET findings. This article describes the underlying principles of exercise physiology and provides a practical guide to performing CPET and interpreting the results in adults.
Effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on self-management skills and psychological resilience of young and middle-aged patients underwent percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention for primary myocardial infarction: a pilot study
Authors: Cao Jiaoyu , Sun Panpan , Zhang Lixiang , Chen Xia , Gui Wenjuan , Ou Anping , Chen Kaibing , Ma Likun
Published: January 2022

Background

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an intervention focusing on altering how patients relate to their thoughts. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ACT on self-management ability and psychological resilience of young and middle-aged patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary intervention (PCI) for primary myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

This pilot study included 98 young and middle-aged patients who underwent PCI for primary MI using a convenient sampling method. The patients were divided into a control group and an ACT group using the random number table method. The patients in the control group received routine nursing, while those in the ACT group received routine nursing combined with ACT.

Results

The psychological resilience and self-management ability scores were significantly higher in the ACT group than in the control group 3 months after the intervention (P < 0.001 and < 0.05, respectively). In addition, compared to the baseline scores of psychological resilience and self-management ability, these scores were significantly higher in the ACT group at 3 months post-intervention (P < 0.001 and < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion

ACT could enhance the psychological resilience and self-efficacy and improve the self-management ability of young and middle-aged patients who underwent PCI for primary MI.

Trial registration

China Clinical Trial Center ChiCTR2000029775. Registered on 13 February 2020. Registration title:Study on the popularization and application of rotational atherectomy for the treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions.
Mechanism of differential expression of β-glucosidase genes in functional microbial communities in response to carbon catabolite repression
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Chen Xiehui , Li Shanshan , Bello Ayodeji , Liu Jiawen , Gao Liyuan , Fan Zhihua , Wang Shouzhi , Liu Libo , Ma Bo , Li Hongtao
Published: January 2022

Background

β-Glucosidase is the rate-limiting enzyme of cellulose degradation. It has been stipulated and established that β-glucosidase-producing microbial communities differentially regulate the expression of glucose/non-glucose tolerant β-glucosidase genes. However, it is still unknown if this differential expression of functional microbial community happens accidentally or as a general regulatory mechanism, and of what biological significance it has. To investigate the composition and function of microbial communities and how they respond to different carbon metabolism pressures and the transcriptional regulation of functional genes, the different carbon metabolism pressure was constructed by setting up the static chamber during composting.

Results

The composition and function of functional microbial communities demonstrated different behaviors under the carbon metabolism pressure. Functional microbial community up-regulated glucose tolerant β-glucosidase genes expression to maintain the carbon metabolism rate by enhancing the transglycosylation activity of β-glucosidase to compensate for the decrease of hydrolysis activity under carbon catabolite repression (CCR). Micrococcales play a vital role in the resistance of functional microbial community under CCR. The transcription regulation of GH1 family β-glucosidase genes from Proteobacteria showed more obvious inhibition than other phyla under CCR.

Conclusion

Microbial functional communities differentially regulate the expression of glucose/non-glucose tolerant β-glucosidase genes under CCR, which is a general regulatory mechanism, not accidental. Furthermore, the differentially expressed β-glucosidase gene exhibited species characteristics at the phylogenetic level.
First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy
Authors: Lombardo Andrea , Brocherel Giuseppina , Donnini Carla , Fichi Gianluca , Mariacher Alessia , Diaconu Elena Lavinia , Carfora Virginia , Battisti Antonio , Cappai Nadia , Mattioli Luca , De Liberato Claudio
Published: January 2022

Baylisascaris procyonis is a nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), and it can be responsible for a severe form of larva migrans in humans. This parasite has been reported from many countries all over the world, after translocation of its natural host outside its native geographic range, North America. In the period between January and August 2021, 21 raccoons were cage-trapped and euthanized in Tuscany (Central Italy), in the context of a plan aimed at eradicating a reproductive population of this non-native species. All the animals were submitted for necroscopic examination. Adult ascariids were found in the small intestine of seven raccoons (prevalence 33.3%). Parasites have been identified as B. procyonis based on both morphometric and molecular approaches. The aim of the present article is to report the first finding of this zoonotic parasite from Italy, highlighting the sanitary risks linked to the introduction of alien vertebrate species in new areas.

Graphical Abstract
Hyaluronic acid injections for chronic tennis elbow
Authors: Zinger Gershon , Bregman Alexander , Safran Ori , Beyth Shaul , Peyser Amos
Published: January 2022

Background

For most patients, tennis elbow (TE) resolves within 6 months of onset. For those with persistent and painful TE, nonsurgical treatment options are limited. Thousands of studies have tried to find effective treatments for TE but have usually failed. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that injections with hyaluronic acid (HA) would be effective at reducing pain from chronic TE.

Methods

Patients with a minimum of six months of pain from TE and with a pain level of 50 or greater (out of 100) were included in the study. They were randomized equally into one of two treatment groups: injection with HA or injection with saline control. Follow-up was conducted at 3, 6 and 12 months from the initial injection. Both the patient and the examiner at the follow-up visits were blinded to the treatment arm. The primary outcome measure was the visual analog scale (VAS pain) score at one year. Additional outcome measures included the shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH) and Patient Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) scores.

Results

Eighteen patients were randomized into the HA injection treatment arm, and 17 (94%) completed the study. The average age was 51.9 years, and 10 of the subjects were male. Patients had an average of 28.1 months of pain before entering the study. The VAS score in the HA group decreased from a baseline of 76.4–14.3 at 12 months. All 17 patients in the HA group showed VAS score reductions above the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of at least 18. The PRTEE score improved from 67 to 28.1. The QuickDASH score improved from 53.7 to 22.5. Follow-up in the saline group was less than 50% and was therefore not used as a comparator.

Conclusions

HA injections yielded significant success in pain relief by three months. Patients continued to improve for the 12-month duration of the study. This study indicates that patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis may benefit from receiving injections of hyaluronic acid rather than having to undergo surgery.
Supplementation of oligosaccharide-based polymer enhanced growth and disease resistance of weaned pigs by modulating intestinal integrity and systemic immunity
Authors: Kim Kwangwook , He Yijie , Jinno Cynthia , Kovanda Lauren , Li Xunde , Bravo David , Cox Eric , Liu Yanhong
Published: January 2022

Background

There is a great demand for antibiotic alternatives to maintain animal health and productivity. The objective of this experiment was to determine the efficacy of dietary supplementation of a blood group A6 type 1 antigen oligosaccharides-based polymer (Coligo) on growth performance, diarrhea severity, intestinal health, and systemic immunity of weaned pigs experimentally infected with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), when compared with antibiotics.

Results

Pigs in antibiotic carbadox or Coligo treatment groups had greater (P < 0.05) body weight on d 5 or d 11 post-inoculation (PI) than pigs in the control group, respectively. Supplementation of antibiotics or Coligo enhanced (P < 0.05) feed efficiency from d 0 to 5 PI and reduced (P < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea throughout the experiment, compared with pigs in the control group. Supplementation of antibiotics reduced (P < 0.05) fecal β-hemolytic coliforms on d 2, 5, and 8 PI. Pigs in antibiotics or Coligo groups had reduced (P < 0.05) neutrophil counts and serum haptoglobin concentration compared to pigs in the control group on d 2 and 5 PI. Pigs in Coligo had reduced (P < 0.05) total coliforms in mesenteric lymph nodes on d 5 and 11 PI, whereas pigs in antibiotics or Coligo groups had reduced (P < 0.05) total coliforms in spleen on d 11 PI compared with pigs in the control group. On d 5 PI, pigs in the Coligo group had greater (P < 0.05) gene expression of ZO1 in jejunal mucosa, but less (P < 0.05) mRNA expression of IL1B, IL6, and TNF in ileal mucosa, in comparison with pigs in the control group. Supplementation of antibiotics enhanced (P < 0.05) the gene expression of OCLN in jejunal mucosa but decreased (P < 0.05) IL1B and IL6 gene expression in ileal mucosa, compared with the control. On d 11 PI, supplementation of antibiotics or Coligo up-regulated (P < 0.05) gene expression of CLDN1 in jejunal mucosa, but Coligo reduced (P < 0.05) IL6 gene expression in ileal mucosa compared to pigs in the control group.

Conclusions

Supplementation of Coligo improved growth performance, alleviated diarrhea severity, and enhanced gut health in weaned pigs infected with ETEC F18 in a manner similar to in-feed antibiotics.
Effect of a bradykinin potentiating factor separated from honey bee venom on thyroid gland and testis in hypothyroid white rats
Authors: Amra Elsabry Abu , El Rehim Sohir Ali Abd , Lashein Fakhr Mostafa , Shoaeb Heba Seleem
Published: January 2022

Background

Animal venoms have been known as a source of drugs beneficial to human health. Accordingly, this study was designed to determine the effect of bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) separated from honey bee venom, Apis mellifera on histological structure, thyroid and male sex hormones of the thyroid gland and testis in a model of hypothyroid male white rats induced by carbimazole.

Results

This study includes male rats divided into 6 main and sub-groups (10 rats in each group). Control group, carbimazole group, levothyroxine group, BPF group, carbimazole group treated with levothyroxine and carbimazole group treated with BPF. At the end of experiments (60 days) rats were sacrificed and dissected; the blood was collected for determination of thyroid and male sex hormones. Also, the thyroid gland and testis were taken to histological study. The results indicated that, carbimazole group showed a highly significant decrease in thyroid hormones (T4, T3, Ft4 and Ft3) and male sex hormones (LH, FSH and testosterone), but a significant increase in TSH compared to control group. The results revealed that, treated groups with levothyroxine or BPF have significant increase in thyroid and male sex hormones and significant decreasein TSH. A significant improvement was detected in co-treated groups (hypothyroid groups) with levothyroxine or (BPF). Also, the present study showed a histopathological change in thyroid gland and testis of hypothyroid male rats.

Conclusion

Treated hypothyroid rats with levothyroxine as a drug and BPF as a natural product showed an improvement of these complications induced by carbimazole in thyroid gland and testis. Therefore, BPF may be benefical in treatment of hypothyroidism.
Role of eNOS and TGFβ1 gene polymorphisms in the development of diabetic nephropathy in type 2 diabetic patients in South Indian population
Authors: Varghese Sindhu , Kumar Subbaraj Gowtham
Published: January 2022

Background

Diabetic nephropathy is known to be a leading complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by diverse aspects such as high urinary albumin level, elevated blood pressure, and genetic susceptibility leading to end-stage renal disease. The current study was carried out to investigate the association of eNOS and TGFβ1 gene polymorphisms in the progression of diabetic nephropathy among type 2 diabetic patients in the South Indian population. The eNOS and TGFβ1 genetic variants were genotyped in 280 T2DM patients, 140 with DN, 140 without DN, and 140 controls. Genotyping was performed using ARMS PCR and the genomic variants were confirmed by the Sanger sequencing method.

Results

A significant (p < 0.05) association was observed in the genotypic frequencies of eNOS (G > T) polymorphism in the T2DM patients with diabetic nephropathy when compared to controls. The frequency of TT (heterozygous) genotype was observed to increase in patients with type 2 diabetes and DN when compared to the diabetic patients without DN and controls. This indicates that diabetic patients with TT genotype are at an increased risk to develop DN. However, TGFβ1 (G > C) polymorphism did not show any association in the allele and genotypic frequencies with DN when compared with T2DM and controls.

Conclusion

The results of the study propose a strong influence of TT genotype of eNOS gene be significantly linked with diabetic nephropathy in T2DM patients. Whereas no association was examined concerning TGFβ1 gene polymorphism and DN. Nevertheless, large sample size studies are required to confirm the part of these genetic variants in the development of DN.
Blossom-end rot: a century-old problem in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and other vegetables
Authors: Topcu Yasin , Nambeesan Savithri U. , van der Knaap Esther
Published: January 2022

Blossom-end rot (BER) is a devastating physiological disorder affecting vegetable production worldwide. Extensive research into the physiological aspects of the disorder has demonstrated that the underlying causes of BER are associated with perturbed calcium (Ca2+) homeostasis and irregular watering conditions in predominantly cultivated accessions. Further, Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are critical players in BER development which, combined with unbalanced Ca2+concentrations, greatly affect the severity of the disorder. The availability of a high-quality reference tomato genome as well as the whole genome resequencing of many accessions has recently permitted the genetic dissection of BER in segregating populations derived from crosses between cultivated tomato accessions. This has led to the identification of five loci contributing to BER from several studies. The eventual cloning of the genes contributing to BER would result in a deeper understanding of the molecular bases of the disorder. This will undoubtedly create crop improvement strategies for tomato as well as many other vegetables that suffer from BER.
On the modeling and simulation of coupled adsorption and thermosolutal convection in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Smahi Housseyn , Ameur Djilali , Dib Joanna , Raspo Isabelle
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present a numerical study along with an exhaustive adsorption investigation in a binary dilute mixture model nearby the solvent’s critical point in a configuration relevant for soil remediation. By means of this model, mass and heat transfer efficiency were qualitatively and quantitatively discussed through this work. The convergence of the solution was evaluated on the values of the Nusselt and Sherwood numbers. The results reveal intense convection expanding into the cavity close to the critical point, thus enabling homogeneous adsorption of the solute. Moreover, the mass fraction perturbation isolines exhibit the existence, along the adsorbent plate, of a thin boundary layer which becomes thinner when approaching the critical point.
Adjuvant Capecitabine for Early Breast Cancer: 15-Year Overall Survival Results From a Randomized Trial
Authors: Joensuu Heikki , Kellokumpu-Lehtinen Pirkko-Liisa , Huovinen Riikka , Jukkola Arja , Tanner Minna , Ahlgren Johan , Auvinen Päivi , Lahdenperä Outi , Villman Kenneth , Nyandoto Paul , Nilsson Greger , Poikonen-Saksela Paula , Kataja Vesa , Bono Petri , Junnila Jouni , Lindman Henrik
Published: January 2022

PURPOSE

Few data are available regarding the influence of adjuvant capecitabine on long-term survival of patients with early breast cancer.

METHODS

The Finland Capecitabine Trial (FinXX) is a randomized, open-label, multicenter trial that evaluates integration of capecitabine to an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen containing a taxane and an anthracycline for the treatment of early breast cancer. Between January 27, 2004, and May 29, 2007, 1,500 patients with axillary node-positive or high-risk node-negative early breast cancer were accrued. The patients were randomly allocated to either TX-CEX, consisting of three cycles of docetaxel (T) plus capecitabine (X) followed by three cycles of cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and capecitabine (CEX, 753 patients), or to T-CEF, consisting of three cycles of docetaxel followed by three cycles of cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and fluorouracil (CEF, 747 patients). We performed a protocol-scheduled analysis of overall survival on the basis of approximately 15-year follow-up of the patients.

RESULTS

The data collection was locked on December 31, 2020. By this date, the median follow-up time of the patients alive was 15.3 years (interquartile range, 14.5-16.1 years) in the TX-CEX group and 15.4 years (interquartile range, 14.8-16.0 years) in the T-CEF group. Patients assigned to TX-CEX survived longer than those assigned to T-CEF (hazard ratio 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.99; P = .037). The 15-year survival rate was 77.6% in the TX-CEX group and 73.3% in the T-CEF group. In exploratory subgroup analyses, patients with estrogen receptor–negative cancer and those with triple-negative cancer treated with TX-CEX tended to live longer than those treated with T-CEF.

CONCLUSION

Addition of capecitabine to a chemotherapy regimen that contained docetaxel, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide prolonged the survival of patients with early breast cancer.
Molecular Field Analysis Using Computational-Screening Data in Asymmetric N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Copper Catalysis toward Data-Driven In Silico Catalyst Optimization
Authors: Mukai Masakiyo , Nagao Kazunori , Yamaguchi Shigeru , Ohmiya Hirohisa
Published: January 2022

A molecular-field-based regression analysis using computational screening data for N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-Cu-catalyzed asymmetric carbonyl additions of a silylboronate to aldehydes is reported. A computational screening was performed to collect enantioselectivity data (ΔΔG‡: energy differences between the transition states leading to each enantiomer) via transition-state (TS) calculations using density functional theory (DFT) methods. A molecular field analysis (MFA) was carried out using the obtained calculated ΔΔG‡ values and TS structures (30 samples in total). Important structural information for enantioselectivity extracted by the MFA was visualized on the TS structures, which provided insight into an asymmetric induction mechanism. Based on the obtained information, chiral NHC ligands were designed, which showed improved enantioselectivity in these carbonyl additions (designed ligands: up to 96% ee, initial training samples: up to 73% ee).
2-Methylimidazole-Induced Synthesis of 2D Amorphous FeCoNi Ternary Hydroxides Nanosheets by Mechanochemical Approach for Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Ma Junchao , He Wenxiu , Meng Fanbao , Fu Yu
Published: January 2022

Designing a highly active electrocatalyst is crucial for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Multi-metallic materials with two-dimensional (2D) morphology and amorphous structure may be very prospective electrocatalysts, which deserve to be highly explored. In this work, we propose a solid-phase grinding method to skillfully synthesize amorphous FeCoNi ternary hydroxides nanosheets using 2-methylimidazole as inducer to provide hydroxyl (OH−). This reaction is simple and rapid without additional solvents or large mechanical forces. The prepared FeCoNi nanosheet (called FeCoNi-NS) loaded on Ni foam exhibits superior OER activity with a low overpotential of 262 mV at the current density of 10 mA·cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 39.4 mV·dec−1. This work puts forward an interesting and environmentally friendly synthetic strategy of multi-metallic hydroxides, which opens up a green way for the commercial application of OER catalysts.
Crystallization-Induced Uniform Nanodot Formation of Titanium Dioxide Films
Authors: Hara Mitsuo , Oguri Ryota , Sarkar Shingo , Nagano Shusaku , Seki Takahiro
Published: January 2022

We propose a simple technique to fabricate a uniform nanodot array of titanium dioxide via two-dimensional shrinkage in the amorphous-to-crystalline (anatase) transformation during calcination of a precursor film. Increasing the calcination temperature from 400 °C to 600 °C enhances the crystal size diameter from ca. 10 to 20 nm, while mixing the precursor film with a thermotropic liquid crystalline amphiphilic block copolymer results in dot arrays with more uniform particle size.
Computational Study of the Rh/phanephos-Catalyzed Enantioselective [2+2+2] Cyclization of Enediyne, Affording Lactone-Fused Cyclohexadiene Bearing a Quaternary Bridgehead Carbon
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshihiko
Published: January 2022

The mechanism of the Rh/phanephos-catalyzed enantioselective [2+2+2] cyclization of an ester-tethered enediyne, which produces a lactone-fused cyclohexadiene bearing an all-carbon quaternary bridgehead carbon, was computationally analyzed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This study suggests that the initial oxidative coupling occurs with the 1,6-diyne moiety rather than the 1,6-enyne moiety of the enediyne substrate, and the subsequent insertion of the pendant alkene into the resultant rhodacyclopentadiene intermediate is the enantioselectivity determining step. Further, it is suggested that the experimentally favored enantiomer should be produced through endo-mode alkene insertion followed by two-step reductive elimination. Moreover, DFT calculations show that the Rh/2,2′-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl (BINAP) catalyst enables the [2+2+2] cyclization of an enediyne bearing a methyl substituent at the propiolate terminus, which is not feasible using the Rh/phanephos catalyst.
C(sp3)–H Bond Functionalization Mediated by Hydride a Shift/Cyclization System
Authors: Mori Keiji
Published: January 2022

An efficient catalytic internal redox reaction (hydride shift mediated C(sp3)–H bond functionalization) has been developed, which has the following salient features: (1) C(sp3)–H bond functionalization, (2) Lewis and/or Brønsted acid catalyzed reaction (transition metals employed in conventional C–H bond functionalization are not required), and (3) construction of complex polycycles that are otherwise difficult to synthesize by conventional methods. Our recent efforts on the development of novel types of C(sp3)–H bond functionalization mediated by the hydride shift/cyclization system are described.