bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Fluvial Response to Tectonic Uplift From Grain-Size Distribution in Riverbed Gravels at the Northeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Dong Zijuan , Pan Baotian , Hu Zhenbo , Mo Qinhong , Bridgland David , Li Menghao , Li Xiaohua , Yang Yanan , Chen Dianbao
Published: March 2022

Downstream fining of riverbed gravels is generally linked with the processes of hydraulic sorting and abrasion. Hydraulic sorting is when larger gravel clasts stop moving in response to decreasing flow energy, whereas, finer grains will continue to be carried downstream. Furthermore, transportation of gravel clasts causes abrasion, bringing about a gradual decrease in grain size. Hydraulic sorting and abrasion have different dominant effects on the downstream fining of clasts in rivers with different climatic and tectonic backgrounds. At present, most studies focus on humid areas, and relatively few studies have explored this issue for the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau in arid and semi-arid areas. Detailed investigations of the grain size, lithology, and roundness of riverbed gravels have been performed here along the Taolai, Hongshuiba, and Fengle Rivers, which flow across the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and debouch into the arid inland of North China. The obtained data were subsequently employed in a hydraulic pattern of grain-size distribution of riverbed gravels in this area, which is characterized by the combined influences of tectonic activity and climatic aridity. Analysis reveals that there is no new rock type appearing in the lithological compositions of riverbed gravels along these rivers, only showing fluctuations in proportions of lithology even though they are adjacent to uplifting mountains. Fresh gravel material from these mountains does indeed mix into the fluvial bedload, inducing a notable decrease in roundness in the Taolai and Hongshuiba bedloads downstream from here. The downstream fining of gravel along the three rivers, with median grain sizes above 128 mm and falling into the range from 20 to 128 mm, can probably be attributed to hydraulic sorting and abrasion. Further analysis suggests that the former presents a high correlation with channel gradient, which may be sustained by fault activity at the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. The grain-size distribution in these riverbed gravels thus provides insights into the evaluation of fluvial responses to active tectonic uplift.
Effects of Topography and Latent Heat on the Evolution of a Mesoscale Dual-Core Southwest Vortex Over Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Wu Zhenzhen , Liu Haiwen , Chan Kelvin T. F. , Wu Kaijun , Zhang Wenlong , Wang Donghai
Published: March 2022

The southwest vortex (SWV), a low-pressure system bringing severe rainfall in southwest China, is one of the most important synoptic systems in China. Using both the National Centers for Environmental Prediction Final (NCEP-FNL) operational global analysis dataset and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model simulation, a sophisticated SWV with dual-core structure (DCSWV) over the Sichuan Basin in 2010 was studied. The DCSWV system consisted of two cores, one near Leshan City (named “C1”) and another near Langzhong City (named “C2”). The high-resolution WRF model reproduced the life cycle of the DCSWV well. The diagnostic analysis of the vorticity budget indicated that the stretching and tilting terms played important roles in the development stage of “C1”, while the stretching and vertical advection of vorticity were the major contributors to the formation and development stage of “C2”, which implied the importance of moisture convergence and ascending motion. Sensitivity experiments showed that the DCSWV was closely associated with the release in latent heat as well as the effect of topography. The great release in latent heat provided significantly positive feedback to the DCSWV system, which was decisive to the formation and development stages of “C2”. The topography of the Tibetan Plateau and the Yun-Gui Plateau affected the location and duration of the DCSWV.
The Geochemical Study of Oil-Oil and Oil-Source Rock Correlations in the Wushi Sag of the Beibu Gulf Basin, South China Sea
Authors: Wang Yao-Ping , Zhan Xin , Zhou Xun , Gao Yuan , Wang Sibo , Xia Jia , Song Zhiguang
Published: March 2022

Chemometrics has been widely used to cope with the problems of oil-oil and oil-source correlations because of its unique advantages in the comprehensive consideration of multiple parameters and the classification of samples or variables. In this paper, three chemometric methods, especially multidimensional scaling, were used to revisit the genetic oil family and the relationship between the crude oil and the source rock, because the oil source in the Wushi Sag, a significant petroliferous sag in the Beibu Gulf Basin of South China Sea, is still controversial. Two genetic families of crude oils, namely group A and group B, have been identified based on chemometric results. Group A oils are characterized by relatively higher Pr/Ph ratios and a high abundance of C27 ααα 20R steranes and C30-methylsteranes than those of group B oils, suggesting that this group of oils was deposited under a more oxic condition with more contribution of algae organic matter. Group A oils have been interpreted to be a mixture derived from the member 2 and member 3 of the Liushagang Formation (LS-2 and LS-3), whereas group B oils can be ascribed to the LS-2 member. The contribution of LS-3 mudstone member to the Wushi oils in previous studies may have been underestimated to some extent, which was inferred from the chemometric oil-source correlation results. The results of oil-source rock correlation may be used to guide future petroleum exploration activities with the incorporation of geological evidence. The spatial distribution of oil and gas reservoirs varies with burial depth. Taking into consideration other geological evidence, we may infer that the reservoir in eastern Wushi Sag was mainly distributed in the deep of Liushagang Formation, whereas the reservoir in southeast Wushi Sag was likely located in the shallow Liushagang Formation.
Emotional Design in Concept Maps – No Support but Also No Burden
Authors: Lenski Sina , Großschedl Jörg
Published: March 2022

A concept map is a powerful method that promotes meaningful learning and is highly recommended for use in biology classes. According to multimedia research, the effectiveness of concept maps could be improved by incorporating pictorial elements. Apart from using realistic images, a new field of research claims that specific design manipulations, including human-like features with appealing colors (emotional design), influence learners’ affective state and improve learning. A positive affective state is assumed to evoke emotions and provoke deeper cognitive processing, which increases the cognitive resources available for a task. We conducted two experiments with a total of N = 249 junior high school students, comparing the effect of concept maps with emotional design illustrations (emotional design), with non-emotional design illustrations (neutral design), and without illustrations (control design). Experiment 1 examined the influence of these designs on students’ perceived affective state, perceived cognitive load (extraneous, intrinsic, and germane load), perceived task difficulty, and learning performance (n = 202), experiment 2 focused on the perceived affective state of the students (n = 47). We found that emotional design led to a significant decrease in perceived task difficulty, but we neither found an effect on learning performance nor the positive affective state. Learning with pictorial concept maps (in emotional or neutral design) reduced the negative affect compared to learning with control concept maps. Other than expected, the neutral design led to reduced perceived extraneous and intrinsic cognitive load. Consequently, in terms of learning, emotional design in concept maps did not hamper learning but did not foster it either.
Hot Hydride Superconductivity Above 550 K
Authors: Grockowiak A. D. , Ahart M. , Helm T. , Coniglio W. A. , Kumar R. , Glazyrin K. , Garbarino G. , Meng Y. , Oliff M. , Williams V. , Ashcroft N. W. , Hemley R. J. , Somayazulu M. , Tozer S. W.
Published: March 2022

The search for room temperature superconductivity has accelerated in the last few years driven by experimentally accessible theoretical predictions that indicated alloying dense hydrogen with other elements could produce conventional superconductivity at high temperatures and pressures. These predictions helped inform the synthesis of simple binary hydrides that culminated in the discovery of the superhydride LaH10with a superconducting transition temperatureTcof 260 K at 180 GPa. We have now successfully synthesized a metallic La-based superhydride with an initialTcof 294 K. When subjected to subsequent thermal excursions that promoted a chemical reaction to a higher order system, theTconset was driven irreversibly to 556 K. X-ray characterization confirmed the formation of a distorted LaH10based backbone that suggests the formation of ternary or quaternary compounds with substitution at the La and/or H sites. The results provide evidence for hot superconductivity, aligning with recent predictions for higher order hydrides under pressure.
Translation of the Pasieka’s Parathyroid Assessment of Symptoms Questionnaire (PAS-Q) for Use in the Greek Population
Authors: Tzikos Georgios , Manani Christina , Adamidou Fotini , Menni Alexandra , Moysidis Moysis , Tsalkatidou Despoina , Chorti Angeliki , Kotsa Kalliopi , Toulis Konstantinos , Anagnostis Panagiotis , Michalopoulos Antonios , Papavramidis Theodosios
Published: March 2022

Introduction

In Europe, primary hyperparathyroidism is mainly considered an asymptomatic disorder, although there is evidence that patients’ health-related quality of life is impaired. This aspect is mostly evaluated using Pasieka’s Questionnaire: a disease-specific diagnostic tool. The purpose of this study was to translate the Pasieka’s Questionnaire into the Greek language and adapt it to the Greek population.

Materials and Methods

Pasieka’s Questionnaire consists of 13 questions. Two bilingual, native Greek experts were selected for step one, each of whom offered a blinded Greek version of the questionnaire. In the second step, these two versions were merged into one which was retranslated back into the English language (step three) by two bilingual translators (English native speakers). In the fourth step, a committee was formed to draft the pre-final version of the questionnaire which was then submitted to the co-authors for final approval. Finally, after the approval of the final version, 50 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism were recruited for the pilot study of the questionnaire.

Results

All 13 questions of the Pasieka’s Questionnaire were translated without any major discrepancy. A high level of internal consistency was achieved (Cronbach’s alpha was 0.904) and agreement between test-retest was excellent for every question.

Conclusion

The Greek version of Pasieka’s Questionnaire was validated and can be applied to evaluate the health-related quality of life of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism in Greek-speaking populations.
Spatiotemporal Distributions of PM2.5 Concentrations in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei Region From 2013 to 2020
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Xiao Dengpan , Bai Huizi , Tang Jianzhao , Wang Wei
Published: March 2022

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) seriously affects the environment, climate, and human health. Over the past decades, the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region (BTH) has been severely affected by pollutant gas and PM2.5 emissions caused by heavy industrial production, topography, and other factors and has been one of the most polluted areas in China. Currently, the long-term, large-scale, and high spatial resolution monitoring PM2.5 concentrations ([PM2.5]) using satellite remote sensing technology is an important task for the prevention and control of air pollution. The aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieved by satellites combined with a variety of auxiliary information was widely used to estimate [PM2.5]. In this study, a two-stage statistical regression [linear mixed effects (LME) + geographically weighted regression (GWR)] model, combined with the latest high spatial resolution (1 km) AOD product and meteorological and land use parameters, was constructed to estimate [PM2.5] in BTH from 2013 to 2020. The model was fitted annually, and the ranges of coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square prediction errors (RMSPE), and relative prediction error (RPE) for the model cross-validation were 0.85–0.95, 7.87–29.90 μg/m3, and 19.19%–32.71%, respectively. Overall, the model obtained relatively good performance and could effectively estimate [PM2.5] in BTH. The [PM2.5] showed obvious temporal characteristic within a year (high in winter and low in summer) and spatial characteristic (high in the southern plain and low in the northern mountain). During the investigated period of 2013–2020, the high pollutant areas ([PM2.5] > 75 μg/m3) in 2020 significantly narrowed compared to 2013, and the annual average [PM2.5] in BTH fell below 55 μg/m3, with a drop of 54.04%. In particular, the [PM2.5] in winter season dropped sharply from 2015 to 2017 and declined steadily after 2017. Our results suggested that significant achievements have been made in air pollution control over the past 8 years, and they still need to be maintained. The research can provide scientific basis and support for the prevention and control of air pollution in BTH and beyond.
Chaotic Modeling of Stream Nitrate Concentration and Transportation via IFPA-ESN and Turning Point Analyses
Authors: Tang Yandong , Deng Jiahao , Zang Cuiping , Wu Qihong
Published: March 2022

Increased concentrations of nitrogenous compounds in stream networks are detrimental to the health of both humans and ecosystems. Monitoring, modeling, and forecasting nitrate concentration in the temporal domain are essential for an in-depth understanding of nitrate dynamics and transformation within stream networks. In this study, an advanced chaotic modeling and forecasting approach integrated with turning point analysis is proposed. First, the time-series daily nitrate concentrations in the form of nitrate-nitrite were reconstructed based on the chaotic characteristics and then input into the forecasting models. Second, an echo state network (ESN) was developed for one-day-ahead nitrate concentration forecasting, and the hyperparameters were optimized through an improved flower pollination algorithm (IFPA) to achieve a high efficiency. Furthermore, turning point analysis was performed to quantify the relationship between discharge and peak nitrate concentration. The Ricker function was fitted, and the parameters were estimated for turning points using the forecasted nitrate concentration and measured discharge. Field data, including daily stream nitrate concentration and information on discharge collected from eight different monitoring sites in the southern Sichuan Basin, China, were utilized for case studies. A comparative analysis was performed under three modeling scenarios, viz. conventional time-series modeling, temporal signal decomposition, and data reconstruction and embedding with chaotic characteristics. Four benchmark time-series forecasting algorithms were compared against the proposed IFPA-ESN in the above-mentioned scenarios. For each site, parameters of the Ricker functions were estimated, and turning points were computed based on the forecasted nitrate concentration and discharge. Computational results validated the superiority of the proposed approach in improving the accuracy of stream nitrate concentration prediction. The limitations to the supply and transportation of nitrogenous compounds were quantified, which would be valuable for pollution mitigation in the future.
Spatio-Temporal Variation of Soil Phosphorus and Its Implications for Future Pomelo Orcharding System Management: A Model Prediction From Southeast China From 1985–2100
Authors: Yan Xiaojun , Li Guohua , Zhang Weiqiang , Muneer Muhammad Atif , Yu Wenjia , Ma Changcheng , Wu Liangquan
Published: March 2022

Phosphorus (P) is a non-renewable source, requires in large amount for maintaining better crop growth and development. The excessive P fertilizer contributes to the accumulation of P in the soil and results in increased soil total P and Olsen P. However, the spatio-temporal variation of soil P remains unclear in pomelo orchard systems. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the temporal and spatial variation of soil P in pomelo orchards and future to predict P pool from 1985 to 2100, based on the dynamic P pool simulator (DPPS) model. We found that an average of 282.23 kg P ha−1 yr−1 accumulated in pomelo orchard soil, resulting in increased concentration of Olsen P (i.e., 5–212 mg kg−1) and total P (i.e., 80–1883 mg kg−1) in the topsoil. It showed that Olsen P and total P pools increased in topsoil about 42 and 25 folds, respectively from 1985 to 2015. Soil P accumulation occurred not only in topsoil but also found in deeper soil horizon of pomelo orchard. Compared with the natural forest, the concentration of Olsen P and fractions (Al-P and Fe-P) in 20-year-old pomelo orchard increased significantly in soil depth of 0–120 cm, while Sol-P increased significantly in 0–60 cm soil depth. Scenario analyses from 1985 to 2100 indicated that the P application rate at 31 kg P ha−1 could maintain pomelo yield at its optimum level. These findings could provide the synthesized novel insight for understanding the soil P status and its sustainable management in the pomelo orchard systems.
ECO: An Integrated Gene Expression Omnibus for Mouse Endothelial Cells In Vivo
Authors: Deng Xiangyi , Yang Fan , Zhang Lei , Wang Jianhao , Liu Boxuan , Liang Wei , Tang Jiefu , Xie Yuan , He Liqun
Published: March 2022

Endothelial cell (EC) plays critical roles in vascular physiological and pathological processes. With the development of high-throughput technologies, transcriptomics analysis of EC has increased dramatically and a large amount of informative data have been generated. The dynamic patterns of gene expression in ECs under various conditions were revealed. Unfortunately, due to the lack of bioinformatics infrastructures, reuse of these large-scale datasets is challenging for many scientists. Here, by systematic re-analyzing, integrating, and standardizing of 203 RNA sequencing samples from freshly isolated mouse ECs under 71 conditions, we constructed an integrated mouse EC gene expression omnibus (ECO). The ECO database enables one-click retrieval of endothelial expression profiles from different organs under different conditions including disease models, genetic modifications, and clinically relevant treatments in vivo. The EC expression profiles are visualized with user-friendly bar-plots. It also provides a convenient search tool for co-expressed genes. ECO facilitates endothelial research with an integrated tool and resource for transcriptome analysis. The ECO database is freely available at https://heomics.shinyapps.io/ecodb/.
On the Coevolution Between Social Network Structure and Diffusion of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Spatial Compartmental Epidemic Models
Authors: Fagiolo Giorgio
Published: March 2022

In this article, the author studies epidemic diffusion in a spatial compartmental model, where individuals are initially connected in a social or geographical network. As the virus spreads in the network, the structure of interactions between people may endogenously change over time, due to quarantining measures and/or spatial-distancing (SD) policies. The author explores via simulations the dynamic properties of the coevolutionary process linking disease diffusion and network properties. Results suggest that, in order to predict how epidemic phenomena evolve in networked populations, it is not enough to focus on the properties of initial interaction structures. Indeed, the coevolution of network structures and compartment shares strongly shape the process of epidemic diffusion, especially in terms of its speed. Furthermore, the author shows that the timing and features of SD policies may dramatically influence their effectiveness.
Emerging Roles of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Rheumatology
Authors: Li Yanmei , Du Jun , Wei Wei
Published: March 2022

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an unconventional T cell subset expressing a semi-invariant TCR and recognize microbial riboflavin metabolites presented by major histocompatibility complex class 1-related molecule (MR1). MAIT cells serve as innate-like T cells bridging innate and adaptive immunity, which have attracted increasing attention in recent years. The involvement of MAIT cells has been described in various infections, autoimmune diseases and malignancies. In this review, we first briefly introduce the biology of MAIT cells, and then summarize their roles in rheumatic diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, primary Sjögren’s syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, systemic sclerosis, vasculitis and dermatomyositis. An increased knowledge of MAIT cells will inform the development of novel biomarkers and therapeutic approaches in rheumatology.
Comparative Analysis of Extracellular Vesicles in Patients with Severe and Mild Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Bonilla Hector , Hampton Dylan , Marques de Menezes Erika G. , Deng Xutao , Montoya José G. , Anderson Jill , Norris Philip J.
Published: March 2022

Myalgic encephalomyelitis, or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious disease whose cause has yet to be identified. Objective markers of the disease are also not well understood and would serve as important tools in diagnosis and management. One potential biomarker or transmitter of immune signals in ME/CFS is the extracellular vesicle (EV) compartment. These small, membrane bound particles have been shown to play a key role in intercellular signaling. Our laboratory has focused on methods of detection of EVS in clinical samples. In this study we explored whether the prevalence of EVs in the plasma of participants with mild or severe ME/CFS differed from the plasma of healthy control participants. By staining for multiple cell surface molecules, plasma EVs could be fingerprinted as to their cell of origin. Our study revealed a significant correlation between severe ME/CSF and levels of EVs bearing the B cell marker CD19 and the platelet marker CD41a, though these changes were not significant after correction for multiple comparisons. These findings point to potential dysregulation of B cell and platelet activation or homeostasis in ME/CFS, which warrants validation in a replication cohort and further exploration of potential mechanisms underlying the association.
Malassezia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Accomplice of Evoking Tumorigenesis
Authors: Yang Qiyu , Ouyang Jing , Pi Damao , Feng Li , Yang Jiadan
Published: March 2022

Accumulating evidence indicates that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a significantly higher risk of developing different cancers, while the exact mechanism involved is not yet fully understood. Malassezia is a lipid-dependent opportunistic yeast, which colonizes on mammalian skin and internal organs. Also, dysbiosis in fungal communities accompanied by high level of Malassezia are fairly common in inflammatory diseases such as IBD and various cancers. In cancer patients, higher levels of Malassezia are associated with worse prognosis. Once it is ablated in tumor-bearing mice, their prognostic conditions will be improved. Moreover, Malassezia manifests multiple proinflammatory biological properties, such as destruction of epithelial barrier, enrichment of inflammatory factors, and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), all of which have been reported to contribute to tumor initiation and malignant progression. Based on these facts, we hypothesize that high levels of Malassezia together with mycobiome dysbiosis in patients with IBD, would aggravate the microecological imbalance, worsen the inflammatory response, and further promote tumorigenesis and deterioration. Herein, we will discuss the detrimental properties of Malassezia and explore the key role of this fungus in the correlation between IBD and cancer, in order to take early surveillance and intervention to minimize the cancer risk in individuals with IBD.
Horizontal and Vertical Migration of Anglerfish Lophius piscatorius in Relation to Hydrography in Faroese Waters
Authors: Ofstad Lise Helen , Hátún Hjálmar , Pedersen Torstein , Steingrund Petur , Mikkelsen Bjarni
Published: March 2022

Adult anglerfish conduct annual migrations between spawning areas and feeding areas; for Faroese waters this migration has so far not been described. Therefore, anglerfish migration and distribution in Faroese waters was investigated by mark-recapture studies, including data storage tags, as well as data from scientific trawl surveys, commercial trawlers and gillnetters. The fish distribution was compared to hydrographical conditions such as sea surface- and bottom temperature. A clear seasonal offshore-onshore migration was observed. Anglerfish occupied shallower waters (<200 m) during summer and deeper waters, especially on the western side of the Faroe shelf, during winter. This seasonal movement was most evident for sexually mature fish longer than 70 cm indicating spawning in deep waters during winter. Further, during winter anglerfish experienced cold water, which indicated that they were distributed close to the main interface of cold water masses surrounding the shelf. The fish were mostly located in warm water (6.5–11°C) and seldom occurred in colder waters than 4°C. Anglerfish appeared generally inactive, only around 5% of the total data storage tag recordings showed more than 5 m vertical movement between two subsequent hourly recordings. This vertical activity varied seasonally by being higher during winter than summer and diurnally by being higher during night time than day time, indicating that sunrise and day length played an important role in vertical movements.
Light Spectrum Impacts on Growth, Molting, and Oxidative Stress Response of the Mud Crab Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Chen Shujian , Shi Ce , Migaud Herve , Song Changbin , Mu Changkao , Ye Yangfang , Wang Chunlin , Ren Zhiming
Published: March 2022

An 8 weeks trial was performed to test the effects of light spectra [full-spectrum, violet (405 nm), blue (470 nm), cyan (500 nm), green (525 nm), yellow (570 nm), and red (625 nm)] on growth performance, molting, antioxidant capacity, stress response and expression of molting, and apoptosis-related genes in Scylla paramamosain. Results showed that spectrum had a significant effect on S. paramamosain physiology. Compared to blue light, crabs exposed to violet light had a significantly lower survival rate (79.5 ± 3.6% vs. 94.9 ± 3.6%), weight gain (49.2 ± 5.4 vs. 67.6 ± 6.7), molt frequency (4.2 ± 0.2 vs. 4.5 ± 0.1), and extended intermolt intervals between instar 1 and 2 stages (C1–C2) (6.3 ± 0.3 vs. 5.0 ± 0.1 days). Expression of the molt-inhibiting hormone (mih) gene was upregulated in crabs reared under violet light. According to the regression analysis, maximum SGR would be at 449.97 nm. Crabs exposed to blue light also had lower melatonin levels than under full-spectrum and lower cortisol levels than violet and yellow groups. Regarding oxidative stress, crabs in full-spectrum had lower H2O2 and MDA contents, however, no significant difference was found in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in hepatopancreas from crabs under different spectra. Gene expression of hsp40, hsp70, hsp90 were down-regulated in crabs exposed to the full-spectrum light group. Regarding apoptosis-related genes, bcl-2 gene expression in crabs under cyan and the cox IV and caspase 3 in green were upregulated, suggesting cyan light may inhibit, while green light may promote apoptosis. Taken together, these results suggest that blue or cyan light would promote growth performance, while full-spectrum light could reduce stress response in S. paramamosain.
Clinical Outcomes of Negative Balloon-Assisted Enteroscopy for Obscure Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shao Xiao Dong , Shao Hao Tian , Wang Le , Zhang Yong Guo , Tian Ye
Published: March 2022

Background

For patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), finding the bleeding site is challenging. Balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) has become the preferred diagnostic modality for OGIB. The long-term outcome of patients with negative BAE remains undefined. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with negative BAE results for OGIB and to clarify the effect of further investigations at the time of rebleeding with a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available cohort studies.

Methods

Studies were searched through the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane library databases. The following indexes were analyzed: rebleeding rate after negative BAE, rebleeding rate after different follow-up periods, the proportion of patients who underwent further evaluation after rebleeding, the percentage of patients with identified rebleeding sources, and the percentage of patients with rebleeding sources in the small intestine. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test.

Results

Twelve studies that involved a total of 407 patients were included in the analysis. The pooled rebleeding rate after negative BAE for OGIB was 29.1% (95% CI: 17.2–42.6%). Heterogeneity was significant among the studies (I2 = 88%; p < 0.0001). The Chi-squared test did not show a difference in rebleeding rates between the short and long follow-up period groups (p = 0.142). The pooled proportion of patients who underwent further evaluation after rebleeding was 86.1%. Among the patients who underwent further evaluation, rebleeding sources were identified in 73.6% of patients, and 68.8% of the identified rebleeding lesions were in the small intestine.

Conclusion

A negative result of BAE in patients with OGIB indicates a subsequently low risk of rebleeding. Further evaluation should be considered after rebleeding.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Cluster of Immunocompromised Children in Indonesia
Authors: Putri Nina Dwi , Johar Edison , Dewi Yora Permata , Indrasari Nuri Dyah , Wulandari Dewi , br Pasaribu Merci Monica , Sari Teny Tjitra , Cakti Fitri Prima , Jasin Madeline Ramdhani , Tartila Tartila , Yudhaputri Frilasita Aisyah , Malik Safarina G. , Myint Khin Saw Aye
Published: March 2022

Background

Thus far, Indonesia has recorded over 4,000,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 144,000 fatalities; 12.8% of cases have been in children under 18 years. Whole-genome viral sequencing (WGS) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been demonstrated to help differentiate hospital-acquired infection from community-acquired coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Our study highlighted the use of WGS to investigate the origin of infection among pediatric oncology patients in Jakarta. The aim of our study was to evaluate clinical and laboratory characteristics and also the efficacy of using WGS to confirm hospital-acquired COVID-19 infection in a cluster of immunocompromised children within a single ward of a tertiary hospital in metropolitan Jakarta based on quasispecies, viral load, and admission dates.

Method

Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs was used to diagnose the patients and also guardians and healthcare workers (HCWs) in the ward, followed by WGS of RT-PCR positive cases to establish their phylogenetic relationships.

Result

Using WGS, we showed that SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a cluster of children with underlying malignancy was characterized by high similarity of whole virus genome, which suggests nosocomial transmission.
Short-Term Prognostic Factors in Hospitalized Herpes Zoster Patients and Its Associated Cerebro-Cardiovascular Events: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort in Japan
Authors: Ishikawa Yuichi , Nakano Kazuhisa , Tokutsu Kei , Nakayamada Shingo , Matsuda Shinya , Fushimi Kiyohide , Tanaka Yoshiya
Published: March 2022

Background

Short-term mortality and incidence of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events (C-CVE) during hospitalization of patients with severe herpes zoster (HZ) have not been sufficiently investigated. We aimed to investigate short-term prognosis and incidence of C-CVE associated with HZ in hospitalized patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study from April 2016 to March 2018 included HZ inpatient cases selected from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database—a Japanese nationwide inpatient database. HZ and C-CVE were diagnosed based on the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Injuries codes. The definition of primary exposure was that treatments were initiated within 7 days of admission, and antivirals were administered for ≥7 days. Main Outcomes were in-hospital deaths and C-CVE onset after hospitalization.

Results

Among 16,811,501 in-hospital cases registered from 1,208 hospitals, 29,054 cases with HZ were enrolled. The median age was 71.0 years, 15,202 cases (52.3%) were female, and the HZ types were the central nervous system (n=9,034), disseminated (n=3,051), and ophthalmicus (n=1,069) types. There were 301 (1.0%) in-hospital deaths and 385 (1.3%) post-hospitalization onset of C-CVE. The 30-day in-hospital survival rates with or without underlying disease were 96.8% and 98.5%, respectively. Age ≥75 years (hazard ratio [HR], 2.18; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.55–3.05), liver cirrhosis or hepatic failure (HR, 5.93; 95% CI, 2.16–16.27), chronic kidney disease (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.24–2.68), heart failure (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.22–2.24), and old cerebrovascular events (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.10–3.34) were associated with poor short-term prognosis. Age ≥75 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.70; 95% CI, 1.29–2.24), diabetes (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.19–1.89), dyslipidemia (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.51–2.51), hyperuricemia (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.18–2.27), hypertension (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.40–2.20), heart failure (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.32–2.55), and glucocorticoid administration (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.25–2.01) were associated with increased risks for in-hospital C-CVE onset.

Conclusions

The underlying diseases that could influence the short-term mortality of severe HZ were identified. Glucocorticoid is a possible risk factor for the in-hospital onset of C-CVE after severe HZ development.
Laparoscopic High Uterosacral Ligament Suspension vs. Laparoscopic Sacral Colpopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Campagna Giuseppe , Vacca Lorenzo , Panico Giovanni , Vizzielli Giuseppe , Caramazza Daniela , Zaccoletti Riccardo , Marturano Monia , Granese Roberta , Arcieri Martina , Cianci Stefano , Scambia Giovanni , Ercoli Alfredo
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy is the gold standard technique for apical prolapse correction but it is a technically challenging procedure with rare but severe morbidity. Laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension could be a valid technically easier alternative using native tissue.

Material and Methods

In the period from 2015 to 2018, 600 women were submitted to laparoscopic sacral colpopexy while 150 to laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension in three Italian urogynecology referral centers. We enrolled women with apical prolapse stage ≥2 alone or multicompartment descensus. To reduce allocation bias, we performed a propensity matched analysis. Women undergoing laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension surgery were matched 1:2 to women undergoing laparoscopic sacral colpopexy. The cumulative proportion of relapse-free women in time was analyzed by the Kaplan–Meier method. The primary objective of this multicenter case-control retrospective study was to compare the recurrence rate while the secondary objectives were to compare feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic sacral colpopexy and laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension in surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse.

Results

Three hundred and nine women were enrolled (103 laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension; 206 laparoscopic sacral colpopexy). Median operatory time was significantly shorter in the laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension group (P = 0.0001). No statistically significative difference was found in terms of estimated blood loss, admission time, intraoperative, and major early postoperative complications, postoperative pelvic pain, dyspareunia and de novo stress urinary incontinence. Surgical approach was the only independent risk factor for prolapse recurrence (RR = 6.013 [2.965–12.193], P = 0.0001). The objective cure rate was higher in the laparoscopic sacral colpopexy group (93.7 vs. 68%, 193/206 vs. 70/103, P = 0.0001) with a highly reduced risk of recurrence (RR = 5.430 [1.660–17.765]). Median follow up was 22 months.

Conclusion

Both techniques are safe, feasible, and effective. Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy remains the best choice in treatment of multicompartment and advanced pelvic organ prolapse while laparoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension could be appropriate for moderate and isolated apical prolapse when laparoscopic sacral colpopexy is not suitable for the patient or to prevent prolapse in women at high risk at the time of the hysterectomy.
Ethnic Specificity of Species and Strain Composition of Lactobacillus Populations From Mother–Infant Pairs, Uncovered by Multilocus Sequence Typing
Authors: Yuan Lixia , Zhang Xueling , Luo Baolong , Li Xu , Tian Fengwei , Yan Wenli , Ni Yongqing
Published: March 2022

The maternal gut is thought to be the principal source of potential probiotic bacteria in the infant gut during the lactation stage. It is not clear whether facultative symbiont lactobacilli strictly follow vertical transmission from mother to infant and display the ethnic specificity in terms of species and strain composition in mother–infant cohorts. In the present study, a total of 16 former Lactobacillus species (365 strains) and 11 species (280 strains) were retrieved from 31 healthy mother–infant pairs of two ethnic groups, which have never intermarried, respectively. The result showed that the composition and number of Lactobacillus species between the two ethnic groups varied. Among 106 Lacticaseibacillus paracasei strains isolated, 64 representative strains were classified into 27 sequence types (ST) by means of multilocus sequence typing (MLST), of which 20 STs derived from 33 Uighur strains and 7 STs from 31 Li strains, and no homologous recombination event of genes was detected between strains of different ethnic groups. A go-EBURST analysis revealed that except for a few mother–infant pairs in which more than one STs were detected, L. paracasei isolates from the same mother–infant pair were found to be monophyletic in most cases, confirming vertical transfer of Lactobacillus at the strain level. More notably, L. paracasei isolates from the same ethnic group were more likely than strains from another to be incorporated into a specific phylogenetic clade or clonal complex (CC) with similar metabolic profile of glycan, supporting the hypothesis of ethnic specificity to a large degree. Our study provides evidence for the development of personalized probiotic tailored to very homogenous localized populations from the perspective of maternal and child health.
Monogenetic Forms of Parkinson’s Disease – Bridging the Gap Between Genetics and Biomarkers
Authors: Tönges Lars , Kwon Eun Hae , Klebe Stephan
Published: March 2022

The therapy of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) is still limited to the treatment of symptoms and primarily aimed at compensating for dopaminergic hypofunction. Numerous disease-modifying therapies currently in the pipeline attempt to modify the underlying pathomechanisms. In recent decades, the results of molecular genetics and biomarker research have raised hopes of earlier diagnosis and new neuroprotective therapeutic approaches. As the disease-causing processes in monogenetic forms of PD are better understood than in sporadic PD, these disease subsets are likely to benefit first from disease-modifying therapies. Recent studies have suggested that disease-relevant changes found in genetically linked forms of PD (i.e., PARK-LRRK2, PARK-GBA) can also be reproduced in patients in whom no genetic cause can be found, i.e., those with sporadic PD. It can, therefore, be assumed that as soon as the first causal therapy for genetic forms of PD is approved, more patients with PD will undergo genetic testing and counseling. Regarding future neuroprotective trials in neurodegenerative diseases and objective parameters such as biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis and course of the disease are needed. These biomarkers will also serve to monitor treatment success in clinical trials. Promising examples in PD, such as alpha-synuclein species, lysosomal enzymes, markers of amyloid and tau pathology, and neurofilament light chain, are under investigation in blood and CSF. This paper provides an overview of the opportunities and current limitations of monogenetic diagnostic and biomarker research in PD and aims to build a bridge between current knowledge and association with PD genetics and biomarkers.
Activation of Glutamate Transport Increases Arteriole Diameter in vivo: Implications for Neurovascular Coupling
Authors: Jackson Joshua G. , Krizman Elizabeth , Takano Hajime , Lee Meredith , Choi Grace H. , Putt Mary E. , Robinson Michael B.
Published: March 2022

In order to meet the energetic demands of cell-to-cell signaling, increases in local neuronal signaling are matched by a coordinated increase in local blood flow, termed neurovascular coupling. Multiple different signals from neurons, astrocytes, and pericytes contribute to this control of blood flow. Previously, several groups demonstrated that inhibition/ablation of glutamate transporters attenuates the neurovascular response. However, it was not determined if glutamate transporter activation was sufficient to increase blood flow. Here, we used multiphoton imaging to monitor the diameter of fluorescently labeled cortical arterioles in anesthetized C57/B6J mice. We delivered vehicle, glutamate transporter substrates, or a combination of a glutamate transporter substrate with various pharmacologic agents via a glass micropipette while simultaneously visualizing changes in arteriole diameter. We developed a novel image analysis method to automate the measurement of arteriole diameter in these time-lapse analyses. Using this workflow, we first conducted pilot experiments in which we focally applied L-glutamate, D-aspartate, or L-threo-hydroxyaspartate (L-THA) and measured arteriole responses as proof of concept. We subsequently applied the selective glutamate transport substrate L-THA (applied at concentrations that do not activate glutamate receptors). We found that L-THA evoked a significantly larger dilation than that observed with focal saline application. This response was blocked by co-application of the potent glutamate transport inhibitor, L-(2S,3S)-3-[3-[4-(trifluoromethyl)-benzoylamino]benzyloxy]-aspartate (TFB-TBOA). Conversely, we were unable to demonstrate a reduction of this effect through co-application of a cocktail of glutamate and GABA receptor antagonists. These studies provide the first direct evidence that activation of glutamate transport is sufficient to increase arteriole diameter. We explored potential downstream mechanisms mediating this transporter-mediated dilation by using a Ca2+chelator or inhibitors of reversed-mode Na+/Ca2+exchange, nitric oxide synthetase, or cyclo-oxygenase. The estimated effects and confidence intervals suggested some form of inhibition for a number of these inhibitors. Limitations to our study design prevented definitive conclusions with respect to these downstream inhibitors; these limitations are discussed along with possible next steps. Understanding the mechanisms that control blood flow are important because changes in blood flow/energy supply are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders and are used as a surrogate measure of neuronal activity in widely used techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).
Neuroprotective Effect of Physical Activity in Ischemic Stroke: Focus on the Neurovascular Unit
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xie Qi , Hu Juan
Published: March 2022

Cerebral ischemia is one of the major diseases associated with death or disability among patients. To date, there is a lack of effective treatments, with the exception of thrombolytic therapy that can be administered during the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Cerebral ischemia can cause a variety of pathological changes, including microvascular basal membrane matrix, endothelial cell activation, and astrocyte adhesion, which may affect signal transduction between the microvessels and neurons. Therefore, researchers put forward the concept of neurovascular unit, including neurons, axons, astrocytes, microvasculature (including endothelial cells, basal membrane matrix, and pericyte), and oligodendrocytes. Numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise can produce protective effects in cerebral ischemia, and that exercise may protect the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, promote neovascularization, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and eventually lead to an improvement in neurological function after cerebral ischemia. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms on the effect of exercise on cerebral ischemia, by mainly focusing on the neurovascular unit, with the aim of providing a novel therapeutic strategy for future treatment of cerebral ischemia.
Effects of Diabetes on Inflammatory Status and Prognosis in Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Xiangliang , Zheng Kaiwen , Ji Wei , Zhang Wenxin , Li Yuguang , Liu Mingyang , Cui Jiuwei , Li Wei
Published: March 2022

Background

Cancer and diabetes mellitus (DM) are prevalent, but there still a lack of convinced evidence clearly explaining the extent of the effect of diabetes in cancer.

Data and Methods

Clinical data of 2,929 cancer patients were collected. Diabetes were diagnosed according to the Diabetes Diagnosis and Treatment Criteria. BMI was classified by the BMI standards for Chinese adults published by the Working Group on Obesity. All involved patients were classified into the non-DM group and DM group. The Kaplan–Meier curve, log-rank test and Cox regression analyses were used to perform survival analysis.

Results

Compared with non-DM patients, OS in DM patients was significant shorter in lung cancer (HR = 2.076, P = 0.001 in early stage; HR = 2.118, P < 0.001 in advanced stage), digestive tract cancer (HR = 1.768, P = 0.020 in early stage; HR = 2.454, P = 0.005 in advanced stage), leukemia (HR = 2.636, P < 0.001), breast cancer (HR = 2.495, P = 0.047 in early stage; HR = 2.929, P = 0.019 in advanced stage) and liver cancer (HR = 3.086, P < 0.001 in early stage; HR = 2.219, P = 0.049 in advanced stage). DM negatively influenced OS when the BMI was within the normal range in overall cancer (HR = 2.468, P < 0.001), lung cancer (HR = 2.297, P < 0.001), digestive tract cancer (HR = 2.354, P < 0.001), liver cancer (HR = 2.406, P = 0.001), leukemia (HR = 4.039, P < 0.001) and breast cancer (HR = 4.222, P = 0.008). Among those with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2, DM played a role only in lung cancer (HR = 1.597, P = 0.037).

Conclusions

Patients with diabetes tend to combine worse body composition and inflammation status, and that glycemic control can ameliorate the impairment of diabetes to some extent.