bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural and Cognitive Underpinnings of Counterintuitive Science and Math Reasoning in Adolescence
Authors: Dumontheil Iroise , Brookman-Byrne Annie , Tolmie Andrew K. , Mareschal Denis
Published: April 2022

Reasoning about counterintuitive concepts in science and math is thought to require suppressing naive theories, prior knowledge, or misleading perceptual cues through inhibitory control. Neuroimaging research has shown recruitment of pFC regions during counterintuitive reasoning, which has been interpreted as evidence of inhibitory control processes. However, the results are inconsistent across studies and have not been directly compared with behavior or brain activity during inhibitory control tasks. In this fMRI study, 34 adolescents (aged 11–15 years) answered science and math problems and completed response inhibition tasks (simple and complex go/no-go) and an interference control task (numerical Stroop). Increased BOLD signal was observed in parietal (Brodmann's area 40) and prefrontal (Brodmann's area 8, 45/47) cortex regions in counterintuitive problems compared with control problems, where no counterintuitive reasoning was required, and in two parietal clusters when comparing correct counterintuitive reasoning to giving the incorrect intuitive response. There was partial overlap between increases in BOLD signal in the complex response inhibition and interference control tasks and the science and math contrasts. However, multivariate analyses suggested overlapping neural substrates in the parietal cortex only, in regions typically associated with working memory and visuospatial attentional demands rather than specific to inhibitory control. These results highlight the importance of using localizer tasks and a range of analytic approach to investigate to what extent common neural networks underlie performance of different cognitive tasks and suggests visuospatial attentional skills may support counterintuitive reasoning in science and math.
Limited Pairings of Electrical Micro-stimulation of the Ventral Tegmental Area and a Visual Stimulus Enhance Visual Cortical Responses
Authors: Herpers Jerome , Vanduffel Wim , Vogels Rufin
Published: April 2022

Previous studies demonstrated that pairing a visual stimulus and electrical micro-stimulation of the ventral tegmental area (VTA-EM) for multiple days is sufficient to induce visual cortical plasticity and changes perception. However, a brief epoch of VTA-EM–stimulus pairing within a single day has been shown to result in a behavioral preference for the paired stimulus. Here, we investigated whether a brief single-day session of VTA-EM–stimulus pairings is sufficient to induce changes in visual cortical responses. We examined macaque posterior inferior temporal (PIT) cortex because previous studies demonstrated response changes after VTA-EM stimulus pairing in that area. Multi-unit recordings in PIT were interleaved with VTA-EM–stimulus pairing epochs. During the short VTA-EM–stimulus pairing epochs (60 pairings), one image (fractal) was paired with VTA-EM (STIM) whereas another, unpaired fractal was presented as control. Two other fractals (dummies) were presented only during the recordings. The difference in response between the STIM and control fractals already increased after the first VTA-EM–stimulus pairing epoch, reflecting a relative increase of the response to the STIM fractal. However, the response to the STIM fractal did not increase further with more VTA-EM–stimulus pairing epochs. The relative increase in firing rate for the paired fractal was present early in the response, in line with a local/ bottom–up origin. These effects were absent when comparing the responses to the dummies pre- and post-VTA-EM. This study shows that pairing a visual image and VTA-EM in a brief single-day session is sufficient to increase the response for the paired image in macaque PIT.
West Meets East: Balancing an Unbalanced World and View of the World
Authors: Wei C.X. George
Published: April 2022

This article argues that misunderstanding between nations, especially between West and East, is often the source of conflicts. The current study of the Chinese/Asian approach to international relations has been dominated by Western perspectives that have often misrepresented, misinterpreted, or denied the existence and uniqueness of Chinese/Asian values and ways of dealing with international relations. The Western monotheist belief is very much West-centric, characterized by the nature of dualism, perceiving things in terms of a fundamental concept of dichotomy between right and wrong, angels and demons, white and black, leaving little room for competition, compromise, or integration. This approach will lead, and has led, to conflicts and even wars between nations. Yet, most Asian nations, though each has its own culture, tradition, and approach to international relations, share certain norms that are very much non-Western. Eastern wisdom conceives of international relations from a melioristic and genuinely universal perspective and is distinct from the parochial stand of the Westphalian system. For instance, the concept of harmony and the belief in moral force in a close association with unity of the Chinese nation and the world, which has been missed in Western political conceptualizations, has been deeply rooted in the mind of Chinese elites, which could be a supplement or alternative to the Western idea of power politics. Thus, this article advocates for a post-Orientalism approach to the East and an in-depth and thorough study and understanding of Asian culture and its way of handling international affairs to promote East–West communication, collaboration, and harmony.
Chinese Prisoners in the Nineteenth-Century Philippines
Authors: Galang Jely A.
Published: April 2022

This paper examines the lives of “undesirable” Chinese—vagrants, the undocumented, idlers, beggars, drunkards, and pickpockets—who were incarcerated in Philippine prisons during the nineteenth century. Using criminal records at the National Archives of the Philippines, it interrogates the actors, institutions, and processes involved in confining these Chinese offenders and sheds light on how they lived within the confines of various penal institutions. It demonstrates that their lives were primarily shaped by the policies imposed by the Spanish colonial state and prison administrators. There were instances, however, when some of these prisoners articulated their personal and collective concerns toward prison authorities. Their verbal and physical responses illustrate how they utilized the resources available to them inside the prisons to their advantage. On some occasions, the leaders of the Chinese community were also instrumental in representing the concerns of these prisoners to the colonial authorities.
Assimilating Near-Surface Wind Retrievals from High-Frequency Radars
Authors: Blaylock Brian K. , Tyndall Daniel P. , Muscarella Philip A. , Brunner Kelsey
Published: April 2022

High-frequency radars (HFR) are traditionally used in coastal environments to observe ocean current and wave characteristics. With an HFR forward model, HFR adjoint model, and the Simulating Waves Nearshore model, HFR Doppler spectra observations were used to estimate near-surface winds in the Southern California Bight in October 2017. The HFR 10-m wind retrievals were assimilated into the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) with the COAMPS four-dimensional variational (4DVar) assimilation system to integrate the HFR wind retrievals into the initial conditions. Impact of the HFR-derived winds on the forecast are evaluated in terms of adjoint-derived forecast sensitivity observation impact (FSOI), and by an observing system experiment that compared forecasts from simulations that assimilated the HFR wind retrievals to a control simulation that excluded HFR winds. The addition of the HFR-estimated wind observations reduced the error in the forecasted dry energy norm in the lowest model level and also contributed to small improvements in the 10-m wind field over a 25-day experiment. The potential benefit of this new method to estimate near-surface ocean winds near the coast for data assimilation and improved numerical weather prediction is an exciting advancement in remote sensing of coastal winds and expands the benefit of existing HFR networks beyond their intended use. More importantly, wind fields retrieved from HFR have the potential to fill an observation gap near the shoreline where ship and buoy observations are sparse and scatterometer observations are unavailable due to land contamination.
Effect of weave structure and yarn fineness on the coolness and thermal-wet comfort properties of woven fabric
Authors: Qian Juan , Li Yi , Xiang Zhonglin , Cai Hongmei , Zhang Peihua
Published: April 2022

It is difficult to meet the needs of multi-functional comfortable fabric through the single functional fibers on the market. The aim of this work was to develop a kind of summer comfortable woven fabric with coolness through the combination of different functional fibers. Blended yarn of bamboo and polyester with grooves was chosen as the warp yarn, which was responsible for moisture absorption and transportation. Nylon filament with a cross-section and fine-denier polyester filament was chosen to twist reversely as a composite weft yarn to provide the coolness function and moisture conduction for fabric. As a comparative weft yarn, polyethylene was chosen as another type of weft yarn. Twelve samples were prepared containing three structures. The effects of fabric structure, weft yarn composition and fineness on the coolness and thermal-wet comfort were evaluated and investigated, including thermal-physiological comfort properties, moisture management properties, the wicking effect and the drying performance. The result showed that the weave structure, weft yarn composition and fineness had a significant influence on the coolness and thermal-wet comfort properties. Fabric woven with plain weave structure contributed to heat dissipation and dynamic coolness. The float yarn in the 2/1 twill and mesh structure was beneficial to promote water transportation vertically. The results also suggested that polyethylene yarn was preferred for coolness fabric, but the liquid moisture management and drying performance of polyethylene fabric should be further improved.
Effect of polyethylenimine on properties of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber/butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Siaw Chuying , Baharulrazi Norfhairna , Che Man Siti Hajjar , Othman Norhayani
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of polyethylenimine (PEI) on the properties of emulsion styrene butadiene rubber (ESBR)/butadiene rubber (BR) blends. PEI with molecular weight (Mw) of 800, 2,000, 25,000, and 270,000 g/mol with various ratios was successfully incorporated into ESBR/BR blends via rubber compounding method. Study showed almost 100% decrease in scorch time, ts2 in lower Mw PEI (800 and 2000 g/mol), compared to higher Mw PEI (25,000 and 270,000 g/mol) in ESBR/BR blends. PEI incorporated ESBR/BR blends showed an overall improvement in terms of tensile strength. Lower Mw PEI induced better tensile strength with an optimum value at 1.22 MPa, while higher Mw PEI induced better tear strength and self-healing ability. Incorporation of 5 phr PEI 270,000 g/mol in the blend successfully achieved the optimum self-healing efficiency of 71.5% at 160°C for 1 h. Phase separation occurred between higher Mw viscous PEI with rubber matrix at crack region to promote thermal self-healing. PEI molecules were found to be accumulated and assembled on the interface of the rubber chain from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. It was suggested weak physical bond interaction such as Van der Waals holding both rubber chains and PEI together, without any changes in the rubber chain backbone.
The lateral entorhinal cortex is a hub for local and global dysfunction in early Alzheimer’s disease states
Authors: Mandino Francesca , Yeow Ling Yun , Bi Renzhe , Sejin Lee , Bae Han Gyu , Baek Seung Hyun , Lee Chun-Yao , Mohammad Hasan , Horien Corey , Teoh Chai Lean , Lee Jasinda H , Lai Mitchell KP , Jung Sangyong , Fu Yu , Olivo Malini , Gigg John , Grandjean Joanes
Published: April 2022

Functional network activity alterations are one of the earliest hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), detected prior to amyloidosis and tauopathy. Better understanding the neuronal underpinnings of such network alterations could offer mechanistic insight into AD progression. Here, we examined a mouse model (3xTgAD mice) recapitulating this early AD stage. We found resting functional connectivity loss within ventral networks, including the entorhinal cortex, aligning with the spatial distribution of tauopathy reported in humans. Unexpectedly, in contrast to decreased connectivity at rest, 3xTgAD mice show enhanced fMRI signal within several projection areas following optogenetic activation of the entorhinal cortex. We corroborate this finding by demonstrating neuronal facilitation within ventral networks and synaptic hyperexcitability in projection targets. 3xTgAD mice, thus, reveal a dichotomic hypo-connected:resting versus hyper-responsive:active phenotype. This strong homotopy between the areas affected supports the translatability of this pathophysiological model to tau-related, early-AD deficits in humans.
Field testing and performance optimization of a weld reinforcement device in heavy haul railways
Authors: Liu Guangpeng , Xiao Hong , Shi Guangming , Zhang Moyan , Nadakatti Mahantesh M , Gu Mu
Published: April 2022

The Bowed plates weld device (BPWD) is a new type of rail weld reinforcement device, which has been widely applied in heavy haul railway lines in China. It changes the service state and vibration characteristics of a weld. In order to explore the BPWD vibration influence on the track, static, and dynamic on-site tests were carried out on a heavy haul line. The vibration influence and spectrum characteristics of the track between BPWD and unplated weld (UW) was compared. At the same time, a 3D coupling model of heavy haul train-rail weld was established and optimization of service performance of the BPWD was carried out. The results showed that the average acceleration of rail, sleeper and ballast at the BPWDwere 52.7%, 43.5%, and 50.2% lower than that of UW. In comparison with UW, peak value of the periodic frequency spectrum and dominant frequency distribution in the BPWD track structure could be effectively reduced from rails to ballast. Length of 0.8 m for plate was found to be optimum in order to reduce the rail stress effectively. The material of the insulating interlayer should preferably be nylon.
Relationality and online interpersonal research: Ethical, methodological and pragmatic extensions
Authors: Marlowe Jay , Allen Jemma
Published: April 2022

The availability, affordability and usability of communication technologies have created new ways to conduct interpersonal qualitative research. Access to digital communications remains uneven, but the online environment provides an alternative, and at times a potentially preferable, research space. As Covid-19 has interrupted and disrupted the dominant assumption that qualitative research must be conducted in person, this paper outlines possibilities and reservations of online interpersonal methods. Though the standard ethical considerations of qualitative research hold true, we argue that these are necessary, but often inadequate, in the contexts of conducting online synchronous interpersonal research. Through centring relational and reflexive practice, we consider the associated pragmatic, methodological and ethical domains from feminist and virtual–material positional perspectives. Unpacking the complexities and possibilities of researching digital environments, we present six guiding principles to inform ethically responsive, methodologically robust and pragmatically feasible approaches to conducting online interpersonal qualitative research.
Bioprinting and plastic compression of large pigmented and vascularized human dermo-epidermal skin substitutes by means of a new robotic platform
Authors: Pontiggia Luca , Van Hengel Ingmar AJ , Klar Agnes , Rütsche Dominic , Nanni Monica , Scheidegger Andreas , Figi Sandro , Reichmann Ernst , Moehrlen Ueli , Biedermann Thomas
Published: April 2022

Extensive availability of engineered autologous dermo-epidermal skin substitutes (DESS) with functional and structural properties of normal human skin represents a goal for the treatment of large skin defects such as severe burns. Recently, a clinical phase I trial with this type of DESS was successfully completed, which included patients own keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Yet, two important features of natural skin were missing: pigmentation and vascularization. The first has important physiological and psychological implications for the patient, the second impacts survival and quality of the graft. Additionally, accurate reproduction of large amounts of patient’s skin in an automated way is essential for upscaling DESS production. Therefore, in the present study, we implemented a new robotic unit (called SkinFactory) for 3D bioprinting of pigmented and pre-vascularized DESS using normal human skin derived fibroblasts, blood- and lymphatic endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and melanocytes. We show the feasibility of our approach by demonstrating the viability of all the cells after printing in vitro, the integrity of the reconstituted capillary network in vivo after transplantation to immunodeficient rats and the anastomosis to the vascular plexus of the host. Our work has to be considered as a proof of concept in view of the implementation of an extended platform, which fully automatize the process of skin substitution: this would be a considerable improvement of the treatment of burn victims and patients with severe skin lesions based on patients own skin derived cells.
Development of a framework to promote rural health workforce capability through digital solutions: A qualitative study of user perspectives
Authors: Ramsden Robyn , Pit Sabrina , Colbran Richard , Payne Kristy , Tan Aaron JH , Edwards Michael
Published: April 2022

A high-quality, sustained, health workforce contributes to a healthy population. However, a global reality is that rural health services, and the workforces that provide those services, are under unprecedented pressure. It is posited that improving a rural health practitioners’ capability could help to retain them working rurally for longer. Capability refers to skills and experience and the extent to which individuals can adapt to change, generate new knowledge and continue to improve their performance. With rapidly increasing access to, and use of, digital technology worldwide, there are new opportunities to build capability and leverage personal and professional support for those who are working rurally. In 2021, semi-structured interviews were conducted in rural Australia with thirteen General Practitioners and allied health professionals. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the data and map it to the Health Information Technology Acceptance Model. Whilst it could be assumed that low technology literacy would act as a barrier to the use of digital tools, the study demonstrated that this was not a significant impediment to participants’ willingness to adopt digital tools when social and professional networks weren't available face to face to address their capability challenges. The findings provide insight into the concept of health workforce capability and important considerations when designing capability support. This includes key features of health apps or digital tools to support the capability of the rural health workforce. Understanding the factors that make up a health professionals’ capability and the motivations or cues to act to build or maintain their capability may have a positive effect on their retention in a rural location.
NfκB signaling dynamics and their target genes differ between mouse blood cell types and induce distinct cell behavior
Authors: Kull Tobias , Wehling Arne , Etzrodt Martin , Auler Markus , Dettinger Philip , Aceto Nicola , Schroeder Timm
Published: April 2022

Cells can use signaling pathway activity over time (ie, dynamics) to control cell fates. However, little is known about the potential existence and function of signaling dynamics in primary hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Here, we use time-lapse imaging and tracking of single murine HSPCs from green fluorescent protein-p65/H2BmCherry reporter mice to quantify their nuclear factor κB (NfκB) activity dynamics in response to tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β. We find response dynamics to be heterogeneous between individual cells, with cell type–specific dynamics distributions. Transcriptome sequencing of single cells physically isolated after live dynamics quantification shows activation of different target gene programs in cells with different dynamics. Finally, artificial induction of oscillatory NfκB activity causes changes in granulocyte/monocyte progenitor behavior. Thus, HSPC behavior can be influenced by signaling dynamics, which are tightly regulated during hematopoietic differentiation and enable cell type–specific responses to the same signaling inputs.
Interactions between red and processed meat consumption and APOA5 gene variants associated with the incidence of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults
Authors: Choi Woo Jeong , Shin Dayeon
Published: April 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by the coexistence of disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity and is affected by genetic factors. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) suggested that APOA5 gene variants were significantly associated with MetS and its components. Dietary factors such as red and processed meat consumption can cause chronic diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and vascular depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the modulation of the incidence of MetS by the interaction between APOA5 rs662799 polymorphism and red and processed meat consumption.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, 3266 participants were collected from the Korea Association REsource (KARE) cohort of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) from 2001 to 2016. APOA5 rs662799 polymorphism was extracted by GWAS using the Korean Chip. Red and processed meat consumption data were assessed using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire.

Results

The incidence of MetS in carriers of the minor G allele of rs662799 (AG + GG) and the third tertile of red and processed meat consumption (serving/day) was higher than those with the major allele of rs662799 (AA) and the first tertile of red and processed meat consumption (HR 1.70, 95% CI 1.30–2.22, p interaction = 0.002).

Conclusions

An association between the presence of the minor alleles of rs662799 and high red and processed meat consumption and the incidence of MetS was observed in Korean adults.
Microbiability and microbiome-wide association analyses of feed efficiency and performance traits in pigs
Authors: Aliakbari Amir , Zemb Olivier , Cauquil Laurent , Barilly Céline , Billon Yvon , Gilbert Hélène
Published: April 2022

Background

The objective of the present study was to investigate how variation in the faecal microbial composition is associated with variation in average daily gain (ADG), backfat thickness (BFT), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and residual feed intake (RFI), using data from two experimental pig lines that were divergent for feed efficiency. Estimates of microbiability were obtained by a Bayesian approach using animal mixed models. Microbiome-wide association analyses (MWAS) were conducted by single-operational taxonomic units (OTU) regression and by back-solving solutions of best linear unbiased prediction using a microbiome covariance matrix. In addition, accuracy of microbiome predictions of phenotypes using the microbiome covariance matrix was evaluated.

Results

Estimates of heritability ranged from 0.31 ± 0.13 for FCR to 0.51 ± 0.10 for BFT. Estimates of microbiability were lower than those of heritability for all traits and were 0.11 ± 0.09 for RFI, 0.20 ± 0.11 for FCR, 0.04 ± 0.03 for DFI, 0.03 ± 0.03 for ADG, and 0.02 ± 0.03 for BFT. Bivariate analyses showed a high microbial correlation of 0.70 ± 0.34 between RFI and FCR. The two approaches used for MWAS showed similar results. Overall, eight OTU with significant or suggestive effects on the five traits were identified. They belonged to the genera and families that are mainly involved in producing short-chain fatty acids and digestive enzymes. Prediction accuracy of phenotypes using a full model including the genetic and microbiota components ranged from 0.60 ± 0.19 to 0.78 ± 0.05. Similar accuracies of predictions of the microbial component were observed using models that did or did not include an additive animal effect, suggesting no interaction with the genetic effect.

Conclusions

Our results showed substantial associations of the faecal microbiome with feed efficiency related traits but negligible effects with growth traits. Microbiome data incorporated as a covariance matrix can be used to predict phenotypes of animals that do not (yet) have phenotypic information. Connecting breeding environment between training sets and predicted populations could be necessary to obtain reliable microbiome predictions.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the SWEET gene family in daylily (Hemerocallis fulva) and functional analysis of HfSWEET17 in response to cold stress
Authors: Huang Dong-Mei , Chen Ying , Liu Xiang , Ni Di-An , Bai Lu , Qin Qiao-Ping
Published: April 2022

Background

The Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs) are a newly discovered family of sugar transporters whose members exist in a variety of organisms and are highly conserved. SWEETs have been reported to be involved in the growth and development of many plants, but little is known about SWEETs in daylily (Hemerocallis fulva), an important perennial ornamental flower.

Results

In this study, 19 daylily SWEETs were identified and named based on their homologous genes in Arabidopsis and rice. Phylogenetic analysis classified these HfSWEETs into four clades (Clades I to IV). The conserved motifs and gene structures showed that the HfSWEETs were very conservative during evolution. Chromosomal localization and synteny analysis found that HfSWEETs were unevenly distributed on 11 chromosomes, and there were five pairs of segmentally duplicated events and one pair of tandem duplication events. The expression patterns of the 19 HfSWEETs showed that the expression patterns of most HfSWEETs in different tissues were related to corresponding clades, and most HfSWEETs were up-regulated under low temperatures. Furthermore, HfSWEET17 was overexpressed in tobacco, and the cold resistance of transgenic plants was much higher than that of wild-type tobacco.

Conclusion

This study identified the SWEET gene family in daylily at the genome-wide level. Most of the 19 HfSWEETs were expressed differently in different tissues and under low temperatures. Overexpression further suggests that HfSWEET17 participates in daylily low-temperature response. The results of this study provide a basis for further functional analysis of the SWEET family in daylily.
GLUT4 gene rs5418 polymorphism is associated with increased coronary heart disease risk in a Uygur Chinese population
Authors: Yu Fei , Liu Fen , Li Xiao-Mei , Zhao Qian , Luo Jun-Yi , Zhang Jin-Yu , Yang Yi-Ning
Published: April 2022

Background

To explore possible associations between glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) genetic polymorphisms in the patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Han and Uygur Chinese populations in Xinjiang, China.

Methods

Two GLUT4 polymorphisms (rs5418 and rs5435) were genotyped in 1262 Han (628 CHD patients and 634 healthy controls) and 896 Uyghur (397 CHD patients and 499 healthy controls) Chinese populations.

Results

In the Han Chinese population, there were no significant differences in allelic or genotypic distribution of rs5418 and rs5435 between the CHD and control groups (all P > 0.05). However, in the Uygur population, there were significant differences in genotype and allele distributions for rs5418 between CHD and the control group (all P < 0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that carriers with the rs5418 A allele had a higher risk of CHD compared to carriers of the rs5418 G allele (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.069–1.649, P = 0.01), after adjustment for gender, age, drinking and smoking behavior, hypertension and diabetes. Furthermore, haploid association analysis of the two SNP loci of the GLUT4 gene showed that the AC haplotype was associated with CHD in the Uygur population (P = 0.001598; OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.1228–1.6406).

Conclusions

rs5418 GLUT4 gene variants are associated with CHD in the Uygur Chinese population.
Prognostic value of neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels for geriatric patients with COVID-19
Authors: Önal Uğur , Gülhan Muhammet , Demirci Neşe , Özden Ahmet , Erol Nazlı , Işık Sema , Gülten Sedat , Atalay Fatma , Çöplü Nilay
Published: April 2022

Aim

In this study it was aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors for the geriatric patients with confirmed COVID-19 in a tertiary-care hospital at Kastamonu region of Turkey.

Method

Patients (≥65-year-old) who had PCR positivity for COVID-19 between March 2020 and April 2020 in our center were recorded retrospectively. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Ethical committee approval was given from the Bolu University with decision number 2020/176.

Results

There were a total of 100 patients (44% female). In-hospital mortality was recorded as 7%. In univariate analysis for 1 month mortality, diabetes mellitus (p = 0.038), leucocyte count (p = 0.005), neutrophile count (p = 0.02), neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p < 0.001), thrombocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (TLR) (p = 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) (p = 0.002), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p = 0.001), sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (p = 0.001) and qSOFA score (p = 0.002) were found as independent risk factors. On admission, one point increase of NLR (p = 0.014, odds ratio (OR) = 1.371, 95% CI = 1.067–1.761) and one point increase of LDH (p = 0.047, OR = 1.011, 95% CI = 1.001–1.023) were associated with mortality on day 30 according to logistic regression analysis. The cut-off values were found as > 7.8 for NLR (83.33% sensitivity, 97.7% specificity) and > 300 U/L for LDH (100% sensitivity, 79.31% specificity) regarding the prediction of 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

In order to improve clinical management and identify the geriatric patients with COVID-19 who have high risk for mortality, NLR and LDH levels on admission might be useful prognostic tools.
SARS-CoV-2-specific immune responses in elderly and immunosuppressed participants and patients with hematologic disease or checkpoint inhibition in solid tumors: study protocol of the prospective, observational CoCo immune study
Authors: Dopfer-Jablonka Alexandra , Steffens Sandra , Müller Frank , Mikuteit Marie , Niewolik Jacqueline , Cossmann Anne , Stankov Metodi V. , Behrens Georg M. N. , Hummers Eva , Heesen Gloria , Schröder Dominik , Roder Sascha , Klawonn Frank , Vahldiek Kai , Hasenkamp Justin , Kallusky Jonathan , Falk Christine S. , Overbeck Tobias R. , Heinemann Stephanie
Published: April 2022

Background

Immunocompromised people (ICP) and elderly individuals (older than 80 years) are at increased risk for severe coronavirus infections. To protect against serious infection with SARS-CoV-2, ICP are taking precautions that may include a reduction of social contacts and participation in activities which they normally enjoy. Furthermore, for these people, there is an uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of the vaccination. The COVID-19 Contact (CoCo) Immune study strives to characterize the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination in immunocompromised, elderly people, and patients with hematological or oncological diseases. The study uses blood-based screenings to monitor the humoral and cellular immune response in these groups after vaccination. Questionnaires and qualitative interviews are used to describe the level of social participation.

Methods

The CoCo Immune Study is a mixed methods prospective, longitudinal, observational study at two large university hospitals in Northern Germany. Starting in March 2021, it monitors anti-SARS-CoV-2 immune responses and collects information on social participation in more than 600 participants, at least 18 years old. Inclusion criteria and subcohorts: Participants with (1) regularly intake of immunosuppressive medication (ICP-cohort) or (2) age ≥ 80 years (80 + -cohort). Additionally, patients with current or former (3) myeloid, (4) lymphatic disease or (5) solid tumor under checkpoint inhibition (3–5: HO-cohort). Exclusion criteria: (1) refusal to give informed consent, (2) contraindication to blood testing, (3) inability to declare consent. Participants complete a questionnaire at four different time points: prior to full vaccination, and 1, 6 and 12 months after completed vaccination. In addition, participants draw blood samples themselves or through a local health care provider and send them with their questionnaires per post at the respective time points after vaccination. Patients of the HO cohort dispense additional blood samples at week 3 to 12 and at month 6 to 9 after 2nd vaccination to gain additional knowledge in B and T cell responses. Selected participants are invited to qualitative interviews about social participation.

Discussion

This observational study is designed to gain insight into the immune response of people with weakened immune systems and to find out how social participation is affected after COVID-19 vaccination.

Trial registration: This study was registered with German Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: DRKS00023972) on 30th December 2020.
Involuntary crying episodes with Susac’s syndrome—a rare presentation of a rare disease: a case report
Authors: Alshaqi O. , Moodie T. , Alchaki A.
Published: April 2022

Background

In this case, we reported the pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in a patient with Susac’s syndrome—a rare condition that was caused by a rare syndrome. Previous case reports of Susac syndrome described psychiatric symptoms such as emotional disturbances or personality changes. Only a few case reports have reported psychiatric disorders in patients with Susac’s syndrome. There were no reported cases of Susac syndrome with PBA as an initial presentation.

Case presentation

Our patient was 56 years old and presented with involuntary crying, left-sided headache, left-sided hearing loss, and tinnitus. Brain MRI showed numerous areas of restricted diffusion and enhancement involving the corpus callosum, bilateral hemispheres, and brainstem. Ophthalmological evaluation showed bilateral branch retinal artery occlusion. She was diagnosed with Susac’s syndrome and PBA. She was treated with cyclophosphamide and dextromethorphan hydrobromide/quinidine sulfate with excellent recovery. This is a 2-year clinical course.

Discussion and conclusions

Recognition of the clinical presentation of Susac’s syndrome and PBA with early diagnosis and treatment are the keys to preventing further disability and impact on patients and their families.
Assessment of Perinatal Depression Risk among internally displaced Yazidi Women in Iraq: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Seidi Pegah AM , Abas Nazdar Qudrat , Jaff Dilshad , Dunstan Raven , Soltan Lein , Brumwell Amanda , Wilson Michael , Nicholson Thomas , Palmquist Aunchalee E. L.
Published: April 2022

Background

Yazidi survivors of a 2014 genocidal attack by the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have complex medical and mental health needs in the perinatal and postpartum period. Few studies have assessed perinatal mental health needs for this population of women who are living in camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).

Methods

The specific aim of this formative cross-sectional study was to assess the prevalence of perinatal depressive symptoms, specifically the risk of perinatal depression symptoms, among a purposive sample of Yazidi women living in camps for internally displaced persons in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. One hundred twenty-two pregnant and recently postpartum (<1 year) Yazidi women completed a Kurdish-language version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) questionnaire. Pregnant and postpartum participants’ responses were analyzed together, in order to assess an overall combined risk of perinatal mental health issues for the study population. Logistic regression analyses were used to measure the association of participant characteristics with an elevated risk of perinatal depressive symptoms.

Results

Participants were 17-45 years of age (mean 32 years, SD 7.63) Among the 122 women, 67.2% (n=82) were pregnant and 32.8% (n=40) were <1 year postpartum. Overall, 78% (n=95) of participants were at an elevated risk of depression (EPDS >10), and 53% (n=65) of all participants were at risk of moderate to severe depression (EPDS >12). Thoughts of self-harm (EPDS item 10) were reported among 97% (n=118) of participants. Logistic regression analysis indicated that increased risk of perinatal depressive symptoms was significantly associated with reports of health problems during pregnancy (OR=3.22, 95% [CI]:1.08-9.61) and marital status (OR=16.00; 95% [CI]: 0.42-0.50). Age (OR= 0.84; 95% [CI]: 0.75–0.94) and level of education (OR=0.15; 95% [CI]: 0.42-0.50) had protective effects.

Conclusions

Rates of perinatal depressive symptoms risk among internally displaced Yazid pregnant and postpartum women are higher than the general Kurdish-speaking population in Iraq (28.4%). Culturally responsive trauma informed perinatal and postpartum care services, which include both community-based and clinical strategies for perinatal depressive symptoms and suicide prevention for this population, are critically needed.
Innovative mouse models for the tumor suppressor activity of Protocadherin-10 isoforms
Authors: Kleinberger Irene , Sanders Ellen , Staes Katrien , Van Troys Marleen , Hirano Shinji , Hochepied Tino , Lemeire Kelly , Martens Liesbet , Ampe Christophe , van Roy Frans
Published: April 2022

Background

Nonclustered mouse protocadherin genes (Pcdh) encode proteins with a typical single ectodomain and a cytoplasmic domain with conserved motifs completely different from those of classic cadherins. Alternative splice isoforms differ in the size of these cytoplasmic domains. In view of the compelling evidence for gene silencing of protocadherins in human tumors, we started investigations on Pcdh functions in mouse cancer models.

Methods

For Pcdh10, we generated two mouse lines: one with floxed exon 1, leading to complete Pcdh10 ablation upon Cre action, and one with floxed exons 2 and 3, leading to ablation of only the long isoforms of Pcdh10. In a mouse medulloblastoma model, we used GFAP-Cre action to locally ablate Pcdh10 in combination with Trp53 and Rb1 ablation. From auricular tumors, that also arose, we obtained tumor-derived cell lines, which were analyzed for malignancy in vitro and in vivo. By lentiviral transduction, we re-expressed Pcdh10 cDNAs. RNA-Seq analyses were performed on these cell families.

Results

Surprisingly, not only medulloblastomas were generated in our model but also tumors of tagged auricles (pinnae). For both tumor types, ablation of either all or only long isoforms of Pcdh10 aggravated the disease. We argued that the perichondrial stem cell compartment is at the origin of the pinnal tumors. Immunohistochemical analysis of these tumors revealed different subtypes. We obtained several pinnal-tumor derived (PTD) cell lines and analyzed these for anchorage-independent growth, invasion into collagen matrices, tumorigenicity in athymic mice. Re-expression of either the short or a long isoform of Pcdh10 in two PTD lines counteracted malignancy in all assays. RNA-Seq analyses of these two PTD lines and their respective Pcdh10-rescued cell lines allowed to identify many interesting differentially expressed genes, which were largely different in the two cell families.

Conclusions

A new mouse model was generated allowing for the first time to examine the remarkable tumor suppression activity of protocadherin-10 in vivo. Despite lacking several conserved motifs, the short isoform of Pcdh10 was fully active as tumor suppressor. Our model contributes to scrutinizing the complex molecular mechanisms of tumor initiation and progression upon PCDH10 silencing in many human cancers.
Femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis with topography-guided or asphericity-adjusted derived data: a comparative contralateral eye study
Authors: Alves Ermano M. , Lyra Adriana F. , Tenório Manuela , Mesquita Natália , Bacelar Carolina , Montenegro Afra , Alves Lucas , Alves Márcio
Published: April 2022

Background

Wavefront-optimized laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ablation is the most commonly performed procedure in refractive surgery, but new technologies have become available. Our goal was to compare topography-guided (Contoura) and asphericity-guided (Custom-Q) customized ablation treatments for the correction of myopia with or without astigmatism.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, contralateral eye study included 60 eyes of 30 patients with myopia or myopic astigmatism requiring femtosecond LASIK (FemtoLASIK) treatment. For each patient, one eye was randomized to undergo Contoura treatment, and the other underwent Custom-Q abaltion. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), sphere (SPH), cylinder (CYL), 6.0-mm total corneal aberration root mean square (RMS), coma (COMA), trefoil (TREF), and spherical aberration (SA) were measured and analysed after a 1-year follow-up.

Results

The UDVA was − 0.08 ± 0.06 logMAR in Contoura eyes and − 0.08 ± 0.05 logMAR in Custom-Q eyes (p = 0.309) after 12 months. Twenty-five eyes (83%) in the Contoura group and twenty-six eyes (87%) in the Custom-Q group had a UDVA of 20/16 at the end of 12 months, and 100% of eyes in both groups reached a UDVA of 20/25 or better. Ninety and 100% of eyes in the Contoura and Custom-Q groups, respectively, achieved a residual CYL ≤0.50 D (p = 0.237). No statistically significant difference was observed between the surgical techniques in the preoperative to 1-year postoperative changes for any of the parameters evaluated (MRSE, CYL, RMS, DEF, COMA, TREF, and SA).

Conclusions

The Contoura and Custom-Q techniques yielded excellent visual and refractive results, but the evidence did not reveal any clear differences between these two methods after 1 year of follow-up.

Trial registration

ReBEC - Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos [Internet]: Rio de Janeiro (RJ): Instituto de Informação Científica e Tecnológica em Saúde (Brazil); 2010 -. Identifier RBR-8rs5kt Myopia and Astigmatism Topography-guided Refractive Surgery by Contoura Method Versus Customized by Asphericity in Contralateral Eyes: A prospective Double blind Randomized Study. Available from https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-8rs5kt

Date of registration: 02/03/2020 (dd/mm/yyyy).

CAAE:96778718.9.0000.5192.

Issuing authority: Plataforma Brasil.

CEP:2.979.279.

Issuing authority: HUOC.
“Association of MTHFR and MS/MTR gene polymorphisms with congenital heart defects in North Indian population (Jammu and Kashmir): a case–control study encompassing meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis”
Authors: Raina Jyotdeep Kour , Panjaliya Rakesh Kumar , Dogra Vikas , Sharma Sushil , Anupriya  , Kumar Parvinder
Published: April 2022

Background

The risk of Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) is greatly influenced by variants within the genes involved in folate-homocysteine metabolism. Polymorphism in MTHFR (C677T and G1793A) and MS/MTR (A2756G) genes increases the risk of developing CHD risk, but results are controversial. Therefore, we conducted a case–control association pilot study followed by an up-dated meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) to obtain more precise estimate of the associations of these two gene variants with the CHD risk.

Methods

For case–control study, we enrolled 50 CHD patients and 100 unrelated healthy controls. Genotyping was done by PCR–RFLP method and meta-analysis was performed by MetaGenyo online Statistical Analysis System software. For meta-analysis total number of individuals was as follows: forMTHFRC677T 3450 CHD patients and 4447 controls whereas forMSA2756G 697 CHD patients and 777 controls.

Results

Results of the original pilot study suggested lack of association forMTHFRC677T andMSA2756G polymorphism with risk of CHD whereasMTHFRG1793A was significantly associated with the disease. On performing meta-analysis, a significant association was observed withMTHFRC677T polymorphism but not withMSA2756G. Trial sequential Analysis also confirmed the sufficient sample size requirement for findings of meta-analysis.

Conclusions

The results of the meta-analysis suggested a significant role ofMTHFRin increased risk of CHD.
Everyday disease diplomacy: an ethnographic study of diabetes self-care in Vietnam
Authors: Gammeltoft Tine M. , Bùi Thị Huyền Diệu , Vũ Thị Kim Dung , Vũ Đức Anh , Nguyễn Thị Ái , Lê Minh Hiếu
Published: April 2022

Background

Understanding people’s subjective experiences of everyday lives with chronic health conditions such as diabetes is important for appropriate healthcare provisioning and successful self-care. This study explored how individuals with type 2 diabetes in northern Vietnam handle the everyday life work that their disease entails.

Methods

Detailed ethnographic data from 27 extended case studies conducted in northern Vietnam’s Thái Bình province in 2018–2020 were analyzed.

Results

The research showed that living with type 2 diabetes in this rural area of Vietnam involves comprehensive everyday life work. This work often includes efforts to downplay the significance of the disease in the attempt to stay mentally balanced and ensure social integration in family and community. Individuals with diabetes balance between disease attentiveness, keeping the disease in focus, and disease discretion, keeping the disease out of focus, mentally and socially. To capture this socio-emotional balancing act, we propose the term “everyday disease diplomacy.” We show how people’s efforts to exercise careful everyday disease diplomacy poses challenges to disease management.

Conclusions

In northern Vietnam, type 2 diabetes demands daily labour, as people strive to enact appropriate self-care while also seeking to maintain stable social connections to family and community. Health care interventions aiming to enhance diabetes care should therefore combine efforts to improve people’s technical diabetes self-care skills with attention to the lived significance of stable family and community belonging.