bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decomposition and nutrient release patterns of municipal solid waste compost in two agro-ecological zones of Uganda
Authors: Kabasiita Juliet Kiiza , Opolot Emmanuel , Sande Eric , Malinga Geoffrey Maxwell
Published: November 2022

Background

Deteriorating soil fertility is a major constraint to agricultural production and food security among smallholder farmers in Uganda and throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where the majority of the population relies on subsistence farming for its livelihoods.

Unfortunately, inorganic fertiliser used as a significant soil nutrient replenishment is unsustainable, causing adverse environmental effects, including soil acidification and pollution of water bodies. Therefore, finding alternative, more sustainable, low-cost nutrient management systems is vital. This study assessed the decomposition and nutrient release patterns of municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) in a 36 weeks litter bag experiment under field conditions in two agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Uganda.

Results

We found a higher rate of decomposition in the South-western Grass Farmlands (SGF) agro-ecological zone (0.041 week−1, with 20% of initial compost mass remaining after 36 weeks of decay) compared to Southern and Eastern Lake Kyoga Basin (SEKB) (0.043 week−1, 32% of initial litter mass remaining). The half-life values were 16 and 17 weeks for SGF and SEKB AEZs, respectively. The nutrient release rates differed between the two study sites. The macronutrient release pattern in both sites followed the order K > P > N. The secondary macronutrients release followed the order Ca > Mg in the SGF, while in SEKB, the order was reversed. The micronutrients followed the order Cu > Mn > Fe > Zn and Cu > Mn > Zn > Fe in SGF and SEKB AEZs, respectively. The MSWC mass loss during decomposition was negatively correlated with rainfall in both AEZs and with temperature in SGF AEZ, while it was positively correlated with temperature in SEKB AEZ. However, the relationship with nutrient release rates was inconsistent in both AEZs.

Conclusions

Our results showed consistent release of nutrients in all AEZs throughout the study period, which coincides with the two cropping seasons in Uganda, suggesting that smallholder farmers can use MSWC as a soil amendment to address soil fertility decline and improve crop productivity. However, because most nutrients were released almost right away in both AEZs, planting should be done at the beginning of high rainfall months when soil moisture is high to synchronise nutrient release from MSWC with crop demand and maximise nutrient uptake by crops while minimising losses to the environment. Furthermore, the inconsistent relationships between the climatic variables and nutrient release suggest that other factors, such as site-specific microbial composition, influenced MSWC nutrient release. Therefore, long-term research is needed to examine other factors affecting nutrient release in these AEZs.
Drivers of fish choice: an exploratory analysis in Mediterranean countries
Authors: Saidi A. , Sacchi G. , Cavallo C. , Cicia G. , Di Monaco R. , Puleo S. , Del Giudice T.
Published: November 2022

Fish is an important source of healthy proteins and an important economic sector in Mediterranean countries. Despite the wealth of knowledge acquired in Western countries, a gap has been found in studies in developing countries, as in the Mediterranean southern shore. Therefore, we aimed to investigate consumers’ perceptions of finfish attributes, with qualitative tools as focus groups, given the exploratory nature of the research. The focus groups have been held in Italy, Lebanon, Spain, and Tunisia; in each country, one was held in seaside areas and one in inland areas, in order to control for the availability of fish that shapes consumers’ evaluations and expectations. The focus groups have been analysed through content and semantic analyses. Results of the study yielded main themes recurring in the discussions that have been categorized along such dimensions: (1) definition of fish products; (2) context; (3) search attributes; (4) experience attributes; and (5) credence attributes. Among attributes, the ones mostly guiding consumers’ choices seem to be freshness and fish species, which are used as proxies for quality and sensory attributes. Most of the respondents preferred delicate white fish, while some exceptions were found in Tunisian respondents preferring blue fish and they also were the only ones who were not looking for convenient and already cleaned products. Trust also represented a critical element in guiding the decisions of consumers: with a lack of trust, consumers deviate from preferring local products, as noticeable especially in Lebanese respondents’ opinions. Credence attributes such as animal welfare and sustainability received a minor attention from all the respondents.
Gut fungi enhances immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells by activating PKM2-dependent glycolysis to promote colorectal tumorigenesis
Authors: Zhang Zhiyong , Zheng Yaojun , Chen Ying , Yin Yuxin , Chen Yuxi , Chen Qianyu , Hou Yayi , Shen Sunan , Lv Mingming , Wang Tingting
Published: November 2022

Background

Accumulating evidence implicates that gut fungi are associated with the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Our previous study has revealed that Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis) promotes colorectal tumorigenesis by enhancing immunosuppressive function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and increasing accumulation of MDSCs, but the underlying mechanisms remain unestablished.

Methods

Bone marrow–derived MDSCs were stimulated with C. tropicalis. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed to screen the differentially expressed genes. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot were used to measure the expression of related proteins. Co-culture assay of MDSCs and CD8+ T cells was used to determine the immunosuppressive ability of MDSCs. Metabolomic analysis was conducted to detect metabolic reprogramming of MDSCs. Aerobic glycolysis of MDSCs was assessed by extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), glucose consumption and lactate production. A CAC mouse model was induced by AOM and DSS to determine the therapeutic action of TEPP-46. IHC and immunofluorescence were performed to examine the expression of PKM2, PKM2 (p-Y105) and iNOS in human CRC-infiltrated MDSCs.

Results

C. tropicalis facilitates immunosuppressive function of MDSCs by increasing the expression of iNOS, COX2 and NOX2, production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistically, C. tropicalis facilitates the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs through the C-type lectin receptors Dectin-3 and Syk. C. tropicalis-enhanced immunosuppressive function of MDSCs is further dependent on aerobic glycolysis. On the one hand, NO produced by MDSCs enhanced aerobic glycolysis in a positive feedback manner. On the other hand, C. tropicalis promotes p-Syk binding to PKM2, which results in PKM2 Tyr105 phosphorylation and PKM2 nuclear translocation in MDSCs. Nuclear PKM2 interacts with HIF-1α and subsequently upregulates the expression of HIF-1α target genes encoding glycolytic enzymes, GLUT1, HK2, PKM2, LDHA and PDK1, which are required for the C. tropicalis-induced aerobic glycolysis of MDSCs. Blockade of PKM2 nuclear translocation attenuates C. tropicalis-mediated colorectal tumorigenesis. The high expression of PKM2, PKM2 (p-Y105) and iNOS in CRC-infiltrated MDSCs correlates with the development of human CRC.

Conclusion

C. tropicalis enhances immunosuppressive function of MDSCs via Syk-PKM2-HIF-1α-glycolysis signaling axis, which drives CRC. Therefore, we identify the Syk-PKM2-HIF-1α-glycolysis signaling axis as a potential therapeutic target for CRC.
Pan-cancer landscape of aberrant DNA Methylation across childhood Cancers: Molecular Characteristics and Clinical relevance
Authors: Dong Zheng , Zhou Hongyu
Published: November 2022

Aberrant DNA methylation (DNAm) is an important epigenetic regulator in various cancers. Pan-cancer DNAm analyses have investigated the potential common mechanisms of DNAm in tumorigenesis. However, these pan-cancer studies focused on adult cancers rather than pediatric cancers, which may have distinct pathology and treatment responses. Here, we performed a pan-cancer analysis of genome-wide DNAm in over 2,000 samples from nine pediatric cancers to elucidate the DNAm landscape of pediatric cancers. We identified 217,586 differentially methylated CpG sites (DMCs) in pediatric cancers, with a tendency toward hypermethylation as opposed to hypomethylation (P = 0.02). Amongst them, 75.65% also presented DNAm alterations in adult cancers. In nine pediatric cancers, we defined 54 shared DMCs (SDMCs), which were also observed in at least one adult cancer type. Furthermore, methylation patterns in SDMCs influenced the transcription of several genes (MEIS1, MIA3, PCDHAC2, SH3BP4, and ATP8B1) involved in well-known cancer-related pathways and cancer hallmarks (FDR < 0.05). Moreover, SDMCs were significantly associated with patient survival, and this association was independent of sex, age, and tumor stage (P < 0.05). Interestingly, SDMCs could affect patient survival not only in the nine pediatric cancers that were used to identify SDMCs but also in other untested pediatric cancers (P < 0.05). Collectively, our data depicts a comprehensive landscape of aberrant DNA methylation in pediatric cancers, which is partly similar to that of adult cancers. We also suggest a potential clinical application of SDMCs as biomarkers for the prognosis of pediatric cancer.
circRanGAP1/miR-27b-3p/NRAS Axis may promote the progression of hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Lin Xia-Hui , Liu Zhi-Yong , Zhang Dan-Ying , Zhang Si , Tang Wen-Qing , Li Dong-Ping , Zhang Feng , Chen Rong-Xin , Weng Shu-Qiang , Xue Ru-Yi , Dong Ling
Published: November 2022

Background

Though circular RNAs (circRNAs) are the key regulators in tumor carcinogenesis, they remain largely unexplored in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

The expression of RanGAP1-derived circRNAs (circ_0063531, circ_0063534, circ_0063513, circ_0063518, circ_0063507, circ_0063723) were evaluated in eight paired HCC and normal tissues, and the correlation between circRanGAP1 (circ_0063531) expression and clinicopathological characteristics in 40 HCC patients was determined. The association between miR-27b-3p and circRanGAP1 or NRAS was predicted using bioinformatics analysis. The expression of circRanGAP1, miR-27b-3p, and NRAS were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The potential oncogenic role of circ-RanGAP1 was assessed using CCK-8, colony formation, transwell assays in vitro, subcutaneous tumor mouse model, vein tail metastatic model, and orthotopically implanted intrahepatic HCC model in vivo. Luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were used to explore the binding site between miR-27b-3p and circ-RanGAP1 or NRAS. Protein expression was detected using western blotting. The localization of miR-27b-3p and circ-RanGAP1 was investigated using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The level of immune infiltration was assessed by bioinformatics analysis, flow cytometry, and orthotopically implanted intrahepatic HCC models.

Results

Here, we found elevated circRanGAP1 in the cells and clinical tissues of patients with HCC. Increased circRanGAP1 levels are associated with enlarged tumors and the advanced stage of TNM. CircRanGAP1 promotes the growth, migration, and HCC cell invasion, concurrently with the growth and metastasis of tumors in-vivo. Moreover, circRanGAP1 is mainly located inside the cytoplasm. Mechanistically, circRanGAP1 as an oncogene promotes HCC progression by miR-27b-3p/NRAS/ERK axis, furthermore, affects the infiltration level of tumor-associated macrophages probably by sponging miR-27b-3p. Immune infiltration analysis shows that NRAS is positively correlated with the levels of CD68+ tumor-associated macrophages in HCC samples and that NRAS and CD68 are related to the poor outcome of HCC.

Conclusion

These results reveal that circRanGAP1 is a HCC oncogene that function by the miR-27b-3p/NRAS/ERK axis and regulates the infiltration levels of tumor-associated macrophages by sponging miR-27b-3p. Therefore, circRANGAP1/ NRAS axis may be an important potential treatment target against HCC.
Learn from antibody–drug conjugates: consideration in the future construction of peptide-drug conjugates for cancer therapy
Authors: Wu Mo , Huang Wei , Yang Nan , Liu Yanyong
Published: November 2022

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide due to high heterogeneity. Although chemotherapy remains the mainstay of cancer therapy, non-selective toxicity and drug resistance of mono-chemotherapy incur broad criticisms. Subsequently, various combination strategies have been developed to improve clinical efficacy, also known as cocktail therapy. However, conventional “cocktail administration” is just passable, due to the potential toxicities to normal tissues and unsatisfactory synergistic effects, especially for the combined drugs with different pharmacokinetic properties. The drug conjugates through coupling the conventional chemotherapeutics to a carrier (such as antibody and peptide) provide an alternative strategy to improve therapeutic efficacy and simultaneously reduce the unspecific toxicities, by virtue of the advantages of highly specific targeting ability and potent killing effect. Although 14 antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) have been approved worldwide and more are being investigated in clinical trials so far, several limitations have been disclosed during clinical application. Compared with ADCs, peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) possess several advantages, including easy industrial synthesis, low cost, high tissue penetration and fast clearance. So far, only a handful of PDCs have been approved, highlighting tremendous development potential. Herein, we discuss the progress and pitfalls in the development of ADCs and underline what can learn from ADCs for the better construction of PDCs in the future.
Acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology among children around the world
Authors: Wang Chao , Gao Zhi-Yong , Walsh Nick , Hadler Stephen , Lu Qing-Bin , Cui Fuqiang
Published: November 2022

By 26 August 2022, the number of cases of acute hepatitis of unknown etiology (AHUA) has drastically increased to 1115 distributed in 35 countries that fulfill the World Health Organization definition. Several hypotheses on the cause of AHUA have been proposed and are being investigated around the world. In the recent United Kingdom (UK) report, human adenovirus (HAdV) with adeno-associated virus (AAV) co-infection is the leading hypothesis. However, there is still limited evidence in establishing the causal relationship between AHUA and any potential aetiology. The leading aetiology continues to be HAdV infection. It is reported that HAdV genomics is not unusual among the population in the UK, especially among AUHA cases. Expanding the surveillance of HAdV and AAV in the population and the environment in the countries with AUHA cases is suggested to be the primary action. Metagenomics should be used in detecting other infectious pathogens on a larger scale, to supplement the detection of viruses in the blood, stool, and liver specimens from AUHA cases. It is useful to develop a consensus-specific case definition of AHUA to better understand the characteristics of these cases globally based on all the collected cases.
A case of primary optic pathway demyelination caused by oncocytic oligodendrogliopathy of unknown origin
Authors: Hametner Simon , Silvaieh Sara , Thurnher Majda , Dal-Bianco Assunta , Cetin Hakan , Ponleitner Markus , Zebenholzer Karin , Pemp Berthold , Trattnig Siegfried , Rössler Karl , Berger Thomas , Lassmann Hans , Hainfellner Johannes A. , Bsteh Gabriel
Published: November 2022

We report the case of a 22-year-old woman presenting with an acute onset of dizziness, gait dysbalance and blurred vision. Magnetic resonance imaging included 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla imaging and revealed a T2-hyperintense, T1-hypointense, non-contrast-enhancing lesion strictly confined to the white matter affecting the right optic radiation. An extensive ophthalmologic examination yielded mild quadrantanopia but no signs of optic neuropathy. The lesion was biopsied. The neuropathological evaluation revealed a demyelinating lesion with marked tissue vacuolization and granular myelin disintegration accompanied by mild T cell infiltration and a notable absence of myelin uptake by macrophages. Oligodendrocytes were strikingly enlarged, displaying oncocytic characteristics and showed cytoplasmic accumulation of mitochondria, which had mildly abnormal morphology on electron microscopy. The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was excluded. Harding's disease, a variant of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, was then suspected. However, neither PCR for relevant mutations nor whole exome sequencing yielded known pathogenetic mutations in the patient's genome. We present a pattern of demyelinating tissue injury of unknown etiology with an oncocytic change of oligodendrocytes and a lack of adequate phagocytic response by macrophages, which to the best of our knowledge, has not been described before.
Sr isotopic ratios of hydrothermal fluids from the Okinawa Trough and the implications of variation in fluid–sediment interactions
Authors: Toki Tomohiro , Nohara Tasuku , Urata Yoshiaki , Shinjo Ryuichi , Hokakubo-Watanabe Shuko , Ishibashi Jun-ichiro , Kawagucci Shinsuke
Published: November 2022

Sr isotope ratios of hydrothermal fluids were observed at five sediment-associated sites in the Okinawa Trough to investigate the diversity of subseafloor fluid–rock–sediment interactions. The estimated 87Sr/86Sr ratios of the hydrothermal endmember fluids at the five sites were all higher than those at the sediment-starved sites. The endmember Sr isotopic ratios of hydrothermal fluids were diverse within the Okinawa Trough, ranging from 0.7077 at the Iheya North Knoll site to 0.712 at the Yonaguni Knoll IV site. To our knowledge, 0.712 is the highest value reported to date for seafloor hydrothermal fluids. This variation is likely attributable to the relative contributions of multiple subseafloor Sr reservoirs, which are 87Sr-poor volcanic rock and 87Sr-rich hemipelagic sediments containing clay minerals of terrestrial origin. These data support a model based on the carbon isotope ratio of CH4, which indicates whether volcanic rocks or terrestrial sediments are distributed in the high-temperature reaction zone of the hydrothermal system.
Structural racism and the impact on incarcerated midlife women
Authors: Hutchinson-Colas Juana , Earnhardt Mary Cathryn , Mannan Afsara , McGreevy James , Bachmann Gloria A
Published: November 2022

High recidivism rates indicate that current forms of imprisonment may be an ineffective response to problems that mainly burden those ensconced in poverty and marginalization. Homelessness, unemployment, racial disparities, drug use, and mental illness, disappear from public view when the afflicted individuals are relegated to a life behind bars. Women are the fastest growing prison population and most incarcerated women are from Black and Latinx groups. Structural racism encompasses the many ways in which society fosters racial discrimination through mutually reinforcing unfair systems of housing, education, employment, earnings, benefits, credit, media, health care, and criminal justice. In turn, this behavior reinforces discriminatory beliefs, values, and distribution of resources. Structural racism pervades every aspect of society, including the carceral system, from policing to prosecutorial decisions, pretrial release processes, sentencing, correctional discipline, and even reentry. Women constitute a minority within the carceral system, and as a result, their unique health care needs, especially during the midlife period, are inadequately addressed and often overlooked. There is also a general lack of gender sensitivity and special considerations in existing jail and prison policies and practices. This commentary highlights the impact of structural racism on the arrests and incarceration of women, and discusses their special health and wellness needs, with emphasis on midlife women. It also illuminates the need to address structural racism and its ripple effects within the carceral system.
Newborn resuscitation simulation training and changes in clinical performance and perinatal outcomes: a clinical observational study of 10,481 births
Authors: Vadla May Sissel , Moshiro Robert , Mdoe Paschal , Eilevstjønn Joar , Kvaløy Jan Terje , Hhoki Barikiel Hhando , Ersdal Hege
Published: November 2022

Background

Annually, 1.5 million intrapartum-related deaths occur; fresh stillbirths and early newborn deaths. Most of these deaths are preventable with skilled ventilation starting within the first minute of life. Helping Babies Breathe is an educational program shown to improve simulated skills in newborn resuscitation. However, translation into clinical practice remains a challenge. The aim was to describe changes in clinical resuscitation and perinatal outcomes (i.e., fresh stillbirths and 24-h newborn deaths) after introducing a novel simulator (phase 1) and then local champions (phase 2) to facilitate ongoing Helping Babies Breathe skill and scenario simulation training.

Methods

This is a 3-year prospective before/after (2 phases) clinical observational study in Tanzania. Research assistants observed all deliveries from September 2015 through August 2018 and recorded labor/newborn information and perinatal outcomes. A novel simulator with automatic feedback to stimulate self-guided skill training was introduced in September 2016. Local champions were introduced in October 2017 to motivate midwives for weekly training, also team simulations.

Results

The study included 10,481 births. Midwives had practiced self-guided skill training during the last week prior to a real newborn resuscitation in 34% of cases during baseline, 30% in phase 1, and 71% in phase 2. Most real resuscitations were provided by midwives, increasing from 66% in the baseline, to 77% in phase 1, and further to 83% in phase 2. The median time from birth to first ventilation decreased between baseline and phase 2 from 118 (85–165) to 101 (72–150) s, and time pauses during ventilation decreased from 28 to 16%. Ventilations initiated within the first minute did not change significantly (13–16%). The proportion of high-risk deliveries increased during the study period, while perinatal mortality remained unchanged.

Conclusions

This study reports a gradual improvement in real newborn resuscitation skills after introducing a novel simulator and then local champions. The frequency of trainings increased first after the introduction of motivating champions. Time from birth to first ventilation decreased; still, merely 16% of newborns received ventilation within the first minute as recommended. This is a remaining challenge that may require more targeted team-scenario training and quality improvement efforts to improve.
Relationship between resistance index and recirculation rate in vascular access
Authors: Umei Katsuyuki , Toda Naohiro , Izumi Juri , Umeda Yuriko , Iwata Mari , Nakanishi Kazuhide , Komiya Toshiyuki
Published: November 2022

Background

The state of vascular access affects the efficiency of hemodialysis. Poor blood flow of vascular access causes recirculation, which reduces treatment efficiency. In the clinical setting, the resistance index (RI) is a commonly used parameter to evaluate the state of vascular access. However, there are few reports investigating the direct relationship between RI and the recirculation rate. In this study, the relationship between RI and the recirculation rate was investigated using computational fluid dynamics analysis.

Methods

We created a three-dimensional model that mimics vascular access in hemodialysis patients. Next, we input various blood flow waveforms (RI 0.00, 0.50, 0.60, 0.80, and 0.94) into the vascular model. Then, two needles were punctured into the blood vessel model. Blood was removed from the vessel by one needle at a rate of 200 ml/min and returned by the other needle at the same speed. The recirculation rate was calculated using the backflow from the blood return needle.

Results

The recirculation rates for the blood flow waveforms of RI 0.00, 0.50, 0.60, 0.80, and 0.94 were 0.00%, 0.29%, 0.44%, 11.6%, and 28.1%, respectively. The recirculation rate was higher for blood flow with higher RI. In addition, more recirculation occurred during the diastolic phase, when blood flow was slow.

Conclusions

When the minimum blood flow was slower than the hemodialysis blood removal speed, both backflow and the recirculation rate increased. Sufficient diastolic blood flow needs to be maintained to suppress recirculation.
DNA barcoding reveals the natural occurrence of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin in two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch in Bhendi [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] ecosystem in Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Abarna V. P. , Vishnupriya R.
Published: November 2022

Background

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) incidence is a major constraint in vegetable cultivation. The indiscriminate use of acaricides is causing environmental threat and also residual effect in vegetables. To develop an eco-friendly management strategy, an investigation was made to access the natural occurrence of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) infecting mites in bhendi, India ecosystem.

Results

Natural incidence of EPF was high during the month of December. Twelve EPF isolates were isolated from the mycosed T. urticae cadavers using Potato Dextrose Agar Medium. Morphological studies confirmed that the isolated fungi were Beauveria bassiana. PCR amplification of ITS region was carried out and the results showed, amplification at 560 bp. In NCBI database, the sequence of the virulent isolates had shown 99.2, 98.7, 99.1, 97.7 and 96.8% homology with other B. bassiana isolates, confirming the occurrence of B. bassiana mycosed mites in vegetable ecosystem.

Conclusion

The isolate MZ749636 (B.b-7) was found to be virulent against T. urticae causing 86% mortality of T. urticae at the conidial load of 1 × 108 conidia/ml at laboratory conditions and so it could be utilized for the eco-friendly management of T. urticae.
Peripartum neurological complications and labor epidural: an anesthesiologist predicament
Authors: Sarkar Mita Eunice , Inbaraj Alfred , Rao Pooja
Published: November 2022

Background

Dismissing the process of labor, postpartum neurological complications tend to implicate anesthetic interventions as the cause, a predicament to the anesthesiologist mandating utmost periprocedural vigilance.

Case presentation

Two obstetric patients with no comorbidities received uneventful labor epidurals. They presented with rare peripartum neurological complications.

Conclusions

Unrecognized dural puncture is often a retrospective diagnosis made with the onset of symptoms in a presumed uneventful epidural. Negative aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during epidural insertion does not completely rule out the dural puncture. Th dural puncture can be obscured by initial dural tenting and tear without loss of CSF, followed by a breach in the weakened arachnoid during maternal efforts (Reynolds and Speedy, Anaesthesia 45:120-3, 1990). Obstruction of the TUOHY l umen with clot or ligamentum flavum, preventing CSF flow into the needle and subarachnoid migration of a subdurally placed catheter, is another cause.

Delay in management of neurological complications resulting from unrecognized dural punctures can occur.
Sorting of exclusive mitochondrial proteins from the Mitoproteome database
Authors: Yadav Deepak , Thakur Bharti , Kumar Deepak , Chowdhary Sheemona , Bhattacharyya Rajasri , Banerjee Dibyajyoti
Published: November 2022

World Wide Web and scientific literature record information regarding several organelles and mitochondria is not an exception. However, currently mitochondrial databases also provide information about non-mitochondrial proteins. As on date, there is no way to know the exclusive mitochondrial proteins. It is crucial to know the exclusively mitochondrial proteins, present in mitochondria but absent elsewhere. In this work, by analysis of available databases, we have provided a list of exclusively mitochondrial proteins known as on date.
Mutational analysis of phospholipase C epsilon 1 gene in Egyptian children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Abdou Mohammed , Ramadan Abeer , El-Agamy Basma E. , EL-Farsy Mohamed S. , Saleh Eman M.
Published: November 2022

Background

Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is characterized by unresponsiveness of nephrotic range proteinuria to standard steroid therapy, and is the main cause of childhood renal failure. The identification of more than 53 monogenic causes of SRNS has led researchers to focus on the genetic mutations related to the molecular mechanisms of the disease. Mutations in thePLCE1gene, which encodes phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCε1), have been described in patients with early-onset SRNS characterized by progressive renal failure. In this study we screened forPLCE1mutations in Egyptian children with SRNS. This is a descriptive case series study aiming to screen forPLCE1gene mutations by direct sequencing of five exons—9, 12, 15, 19, 27—in 20 Egyptian children with SRNS who entered the Nephrology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Ain-Shams University from November 2015 to December 2017. The variants detected were submitted to in silico analysis.

Results

We screened for mutations in five selected exons ofPLCE1gene. We identified seven variants in the five selected exons with homozygous and heterozygous inheritance pattern, two are intronic variants, two are silent variants, and three are missense variants. We identified four novel variants two are silent with no clinical significance and two are missense with uncertain clinical significance and pathogenic in-silico predictions; one p.Arg1230His in exon 12, the other is p.Glu1393Lys in exon 15.

Conclusions

We identified four novel mutations, findings which added to the registered SNP spectrum of thePLCE1gene. These results widen the spectrum ofPLCE1gene mutations and support the importance of genetic testing in different populations of SRNS patients, therefore, to assess the vulnerability of Egyptian children to SRNS candidate genes, further studies needed on a larger number of cases which undoubtedly provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of SRNS and might help in control of the patient. Additionally, the use of computational scoring and modeling tools may assist in the evaluation of the way in which the SNPs affect protein functionality.
A new insight into the diverse facets of microRNA-31 in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kavitha M. , Jayachandran D. , Aishwarya S. Y. , Md. Younus P. , Venugopal A. , Suresh Babu H. W. , Ajay E. , Sanjana M. , Arul N. , Balachandar V.
Published: November 2022

Background

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as an emerging biomarker in many cancer types. They are used as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and could be considered therapeutic targets in treating the same.

Main body

Studies have proven that miRNAs play an essential role in molecular cancer pathophysiology, including oral squamous cell carcinoma. Distinct expression profiles of different miRNAs have been demonstrated in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Among the miRNAs, the miR-31 has strong potential as a unique biomarker in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and the increased expression was correlated to a poor clinical outcome with a likely contribution to oral carcinogenesis.

Short conclusion

The recent research on different aspects of miR-31 as a biomarker and also its potential application in the development of therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma has been focused in this review.

Graphical abstract
Impact and predictors of outcome of COVID-19 in pulmonary hypertension patients
Authors: Soliman Y. M. A. , Elkorashy R. I. M. , Aziz Ahmed Abdel , Abdelnaby Asmaa , Magdy Sally
Published: November 2022

Background

The pandemic had a significant impact on those with underlying chronic health conditions being at risk of developing a more severe disease with rapid progression, significant complications, and with increased risk of mortality.

This was also expected in the pulmonary vascular community owing to the vulnerable nature of this population, who are characterized by an increase in the pulmonary vascular resistance leading to right heart failure.

This study is aiming to identify the incidence of COVID-19 infection among pulmonary hypertension patients receiving specific therapy as well as the predictors of the COVID-19 disease severity and outcome in those patients.

Results

Data analysis of 197 PAH and CTEPH patients, showed that the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection is 10.66% (n= 21). Seven patients (33.3%) required hospitalization. Mortality rate is 14.3% (3/21).

Severity of COVID19 disease in those patients has statistically significant moderate to strong correlation with higher values of d-dimer (r= 0.821,P= 0.000), ferritin (r= 0.718,p= 0.000), CRP (r= 0.613,p= 0.04), acute renal failure (r= 0.557,p= 0.009), and hypoxemia (r= 0.825,p= 0.000).

Mortality from COVID-19 show moderate to strong statistically significant correlations with acute renal failure (r= 0.795,p= 0.000), hypoxemia (r= 0.645,p= 0.002), higher values of ferritin (r= 0.689,p= 0.001) and d-dimer (r= 0.603,P= 0.004).

Conclusions

COVID-19 in PAH and CTEPH patients is challenging, higher COVID-19 infection rate is present in those patients and is associated with increased disease severity and higher mortality.
VEViD: Vision Enhancement via Virtual diffraction and coherent Detection
Authors: Jalali Bahram , MacPhee Callen
Published: November 2022

The history of computing started with analog computers consisting of physical devices performing specialized functions such as predicting the position of astronomical bodies and the trajectory of cannon balls. In modern times, this idea has been extended, for example, to ultrafast nonlinear optics serving as a surrogate analog computer to probe the behavior of complex phenomena such as rogue waves. Here we discuss a new paradigm where physical phenomena coded as an algorithm perform computational imaging tasks. Specifically, diffraction followed by coherent detection becomes an image enhancement tool. Vision Enhancement via Virtual diffraction and coherent Detection (VEViD) reimagines a digital image as a spatially varying metaphoric “lightfield” and then subjects the field to the physical processes akin to diffraction and coherent detection. The term “Virtual” captures the deviation from the physical world. The light field is pixelated and the propagation imparts a phase with dependence on frequency which is different from the monotonically-increasing behavior of physical diffraction. Temporal frequencies exist in three bands corresponding to the RGB color channels of a digital image. The phase of the output, not the intensity, represents the output image. VEViD is a high-performance low-light-level and color enhancement tool that emerges from this paradigm. The algorithm is extremely fast, interpretable, and reduces to a compact and intuitively-appealing mathematical expression. We demonstrate image enhancement of 4k video at over 200 frames per second and show the utility of this physical algorithm in improving the accuracy of object detection in low-light conditions by neural networks. The application of VEViD to color enhancement is also demonstrated.
Implication of MR Activity in Posttreatment Arterial Stiffness Reversal in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism
Authors: Chen Zheng-Wei , Pan Chien-Ting , Liao Che-Wei , Tsai Cheng-Hsuan , Chang Yi-Yao , Chang Chin-Chen , Lee Bo-Ching , Chiu Yu-Wei , Huang Wei-Chieh , Wang Shuo-Meng , Lu Ching-Chu , Chueh Jeff S , Wu Vin-Cent , Hung Chi-Sheng , Lin Yen-Hung
Published: November 2022

Context

Primary aldosteronism (PA) patients have a higher degree of arterial stiffness, which can be reversed after adrenalectomy.

Objective

We aimed to compare the reversal of arterial stiffness between surgically and medically treated PA patients and to identify the predictors of effective medical treatment.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 445 PA patients and collected data on baseline clinical characteristics, biochemistry, blood pressure, and pulse wave velocity (PWV) before treatment and 12 months after treatment. In the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA)-treated patients, the relationship between the change in PWV after 1 year (ΔPWV) and posttreatment renin activity was explored using the restricted cubic spline (RCS) method.

Results

Of the 445 enrolled PA patients, 255 received adrenalectomy (group 1) and 190 received MRAs. In the RCS model, posttreatment plasma renin activity (PRA) 1.5 ng/mL/h was the best cutoff value. Therefore, we divided the MRA-treated patients into 2 groups: those with suppressed PRA (< 1.5 ng/mL/h, group 2), and those with unsuppressed PRA (≥ 1.5 ng/mL/h, group 3). Only group 1 and group 3 patients had a statistically significant improvement in PWV after treatment (both P < .001), whereas no significant improvement was noted in group 2 after treatment (P = .151). In analysis of variance and post hoc analysis, group 2 had a significantly lower ΔPWV than group 1 (P = .007) and group 3 (P = .031). Multivariable regression analysis of the MRA-treated PA patients identified log-transformed posttreatment PRA, age, and baseline PWV as independent factors correlated with ΔPWV.

Conclusion

The reversal of arterial stiffness was found in PA patients receiving adrenalectomy and in medically treated PA patients with unsuppressed PRA.
Hyperparathyroidism in a Large Cohort of Chinese Patients With Tumor-induced Osteomalacia
Authors: Ni Xiaolin , Liu Wei , Zhang Dingding , Li Xiang , Chi Yue , Feng Juan , Jin Chenxi , Pang Qianqian , Gong Yiyi , Cui Lijia , Jiajue Ruizhi , Yu Wei , Wu Huanwen , Huo Li , Liu Yong , Jin Jin , Zhou Xi , Lv Wei , Zhou Lian , Xia Yu , Wang Ou , Li Mei , Xing Xiaoping , Jiang Yan , Xia Weibo
Published: November 2022

Context

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by excessive production of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) by a tumor. Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) including secondary HPT (SHPT) and tertiary HPT (THPT) in TIO patients, which is believed to be associated with phosphate supplementation, has not been well documented.

Objectives

To clarify the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for HPT in a large cohort of Chinese patients with TIO in our hospital.

Design, setting, and participants

This retrospective study enrolled 202 patients with TIO.

Main outcome measurements

Occurrence of HPT in patients with TIO.

Results

HPT was observed in 91 patients (91/202, 45.1%): 84 patients (41.6%) with SHPT and 7 patients (3.5%) with THPT. All patients with THPT underwent parathyroidectomy and only 1 patient experienced recurrence. Compared with patients without HPT, patients with SHPT had longer disease duration, higher rate of phosphate and calcitriol supplementation, lower serum calcium, lower urine calcium excretion, and higher urine phosphate excretion. Compared with patients with SHPT, patients with THPT had even longer disease duration and a higher rate of phosphate and calcitriol supplementation. PTH levels showed positive correlation with intact FGF23 and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, but not 25-hydroxy vitamin D level in patients with TIO. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that long disease duration and phosphate supplementation were independently associated with occurrence of HPT in patients with TIO. Further logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic spline model revealed dose-response relationship between cumulative dose of phosphate supplementation and PTH levels.

Conclusions

HPT is common in patients with TIO. To avoid the occurrence of HPT in patients with TIO, timely diagnosis and tumor resection is necessary and an excessive dose of phosphate supplementation is not suggested before surgery.
Steps Towards Legalization of Euthanasia in Portugal
Authors: Alves Anne-Sophie
Published: November 2022

In a world where everyone has their own beliefs and opinions, sometimes being extremely polarized, the subject of Euthanasia raises a lot of uncertainties and questions. It is way more than just a medical ethical problem, legal, religious, political, and philosophical arguments are brought into the discussion. As societies evolve, the way this topic is viewed changes, for this reason the number of countries which have legalized euthanasia or assisted suicide is growing. Despite of the different perspectives, either side of this debate has the same concern: the respect for the principle of human dignity.

       Portuguese society has been considering this topic for a long time, the prospect of having a law that allows patients in a situation of permanent and unbearable suffering to end their lives was brought to parliament being approved for the first time in January 2021 and then declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court and vetoed by the President of The Republic in March 2021. Subsequently, after a change in the decree that clarified the initial doubts that led to its rejection, the document was again vetoed by President Marcelo in November 2021. More recently, in June 2022 a new version of the decriminalization of euthanasia was approved, the opinions are divided, and the country is awaiting a response from its President, who has already affirmed that everything is open.

       Therefore, it is relevant to understand the legal aspects related to this subject. For the purpose of this research, it is necessary to comprehend the Portuguese legal order and Portuguese thoughts and views leading to a possible future decriminalization.
Peruvian children toothbrushing during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Garcés-Elías María Claudia , Beltrán Jorge A. , Del Castillo-López César Eduardo , Agudelo-Suárez Andrés A. , León-Manco Roberto A.
Published: November 2022

Background: Toothbrushing is a convenient, inexpensive, widespread and culturally accepted method, resulting in an ideal public health outcome. This study aimed to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on toothbrushing in Peruvian children.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted using a database of children aged 0 to 11 years, with a final sample of 39,124 participants, 15,974 in 2019 (62.03%) and 7088 in 2020 (55.54%). General toothbrushing, daily toothbrushing and minimum frequency of two times a day were dependent variables; the year was considered as the independent variable. In addition, other covariates such as geographical landscape, area of residence, place of residence, altitude, wealth index, health insurance cover, sex and age. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses were applied.

Results: General toothbrushing was 96.19% (n=51 013), daily toothbrushing was 87.47% (n=42 246) and minimum toothbrushing two times a day was 84.53% (n=33 957). In multivariate form, the year presented a negative association with daily toothbrushing (RPa: 0.97; CI95%: 0.96-0.98; p<0.001) and minimum toothbrushing two times a day (RPa: 0.97; CI95%: 0.95-0.98; p<0.001), adjusted for the previously associated co-variables.

Conclusions: The year 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted daily toothbrushing and minimum twice-daily toothbrushing of Peruvian children.
Targeting Acanthamoeba proteins interaction with flavonoids of Propolis extract by in vitro and in silico studies for promising therapeutic effects
Authors: Sama-ae Imran , Sangkanu Suthinee , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Norouzi Roghayeh , Chuprom Julalak , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Surinkaew Sirirat , Boonhok Rachasak , Paul Alok K. , Mahboob Tooba , Abtahi Najme Sadat , Jimoh Tajudeen O. , Oliveira Sónia M.R. , Gupta Madhu , Sin Chea , de Lourdes Pereira Maria , Wilairatana Polrat , Wiart Christophe , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Dolma Karma G. , Nissapatorn Veeranoot
Published: November 2022

Background: Propolis is a natural resinous mixture produced by bees. It provides beneficial effects on human health in the treatment/management of many diseases. The present study was performed to demonstrate the anti-Acanthamoeba activity of ethanolic extracts of Propolis samples from Iran. The interactions of the compounds and essential proteins of Acanthamoeba were also visualized through docking simulation.

Methods: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Propolis extract against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts was determined in vitro. In addition, two-fold dilutions of each of the agents were tested for encystment, excystment and adhesion inhibitions. Three major compounds of Propolis extract such as chrysin, tectochrysin and pinocembrin have been selected in molecular docking approach to predict the compounds that might be responsible for encystment, excystment and adhesion inhibitions of A. castellanii. Furthermore, to confirm the docking results, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also carried out for the most promising two ligand-pocket complexes from docking studies.

Results: The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) 62.5 and 125 µg/mL of the most active Propolis extract were assessed in trophozoites stage of Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC30010 and ATCC50739, respectively. At concentrations lower than their MICs values (1/16 MIC), Propolis extract revealed inhibition of encystation. However, at 1/2 MIC, it showed a potential inhibition of excystation and anti-adhesion. The molecular docking and dynamic simulation revealed the potential capability of Pinocembrin to form hydrogen bonds with A. castellanii Sir2 family protein (AcSir2), an encystation protein of high relevance for this process in Acanthamoeba.

Conclusions: The results obtained provided a candidate for the development of therapeutic drugs against Acanthamoeba infection. In vivo experiments and clinical trials are necessary to support this claim.