bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Murine Norovirus Infection Results in Anti-inflammatory Response Downstream of Amino Acid Depletion in Macrophages
Authors: Brocard Michèle , Lu Jia , Hall Belinda , Borah Khushboo , Moller-Levet Carla , Georgana Iliana , Sorgeloos Frederic , Beste Dany J. V. , Goodfellow Ian G. , Locker Nicolas
Published: August 2021

During viral infection, host defenses are typically characterized by the secretion of proinflammatory autocrine and paracrine cytokines, potentiation of the interferon (IFN) response, and induction of the antiviral response via activation of JAK and Stat signaling. To avoid these and propagate, viruses have evolved strategies to evade or counteract host sensing.
Posttranslational Regulation of Botulinum Neurotoxin Production in Clostridium botulinum Hall A-
hyper
Authors: Inzalaco Heather N’te , Tepp William H. , Fredrick Chase , Bradshaw Marite , Johnson Eric A. , Pellett Sabine
Published: August 2021

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) is a public health and bioterrorism concern as well as an important and widely used pharmaceutical, yet the regulation of its synthesis by BoNT-producing clostridia is not well understood. This paper highlights the role of environmentally controlled posttranslational regulatory mechanisms influencing processing and stability of biologically active BoNTs produced by
C. botulinum
.
Seasonal Dietary Shifts Alter the Gut Microbiota of Avivorous Bats: Implication for Adaptation to Energy Harvest and Nutritional Utilization
Authors: Gong Lixin , Liu Boyu , Wu Hui , Feng Jiang , Jiang Tinglei
Published: August 2021

The coevolution between the host and its gut microbes can promote an animal’s adaptation to its specific ecological niche and changes in energy and nutritional requirements. This study focused on an avivorous bat, the great evening bat (
Ia io
), to investigate how seasonal dietary shifts affect the gut microbial composition and function, thereby facilitating adaptation to an avian diet.
Evaluation of Winter Ticks (Dermacentor albipictus) Collected from North American Elk (Cervus canadensis) in an Area of Chronic Wasting Disease Endemicity for Evidence of PrP
CWD
Amplification Using Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion Assay
Authors: Haley N. J. , Henderson D. M. , Senior K. , Miller M. , Donner R.
Published: August 2021

This study reports the first finding of detectable levels of prions linked to chronic wasting disease in a tick collected from a clinically infected elk. Using the real-time quaking-induced conversion assay (RT-QuIC), “suspect” samples were also identified; these suspect ticks were more likely to have been collected from CWD-positive elk, though suspect amplification was also observed in ticks collected from CWD-negative elk.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis PE_PGRS20 and PE_PGRS47 Proteins Inhibit Autophagy by Interaction with Rab1A
Authors: Strong Emily J. , Ng Tony W. , Porcelli Steven A. , Lee Sunhee
Published: August 2021

Tuberculosis is a significant global infectious disease caused by infection of the lungs with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, which then resides and replicates mainly within host phagocytic cells. Autophagy is a complex host cellular process that helps control intracellular infections and enhance innate and adaptive immune responses.
Identification of a Family of
Vibrio
Type III Secretion System Effectors That Contain a Conserved Serine/Threonine Kinase Domain
Authors: Plaza N. , Urrutia I. M. , Garcia K. , Waldor M. K. , Blondel C. J.
Published: August 2021

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is the leading bacterial cause of seafood-borne gastroenteritis worldwide. The pathogen relies on a type III secretion system to deliver a variety of effector proteins into the cytosol of infected cells to subvert cellular function.
Deletion of the
MBP1
Gene, Involved in the Cell Cycle, Affects Respiration and Pseudohyphal Differentiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Chen Xiaoling , Lu Zhilong , Chen Ying , Wu Renzhi , Luo Zhenzhen , Lu Qi , Guan Ni , Chen Dong
Published: August 2021

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
is an especially favorable organism used for ethanol production. However, inhibitors and high osmolarity conferred by fermentation broth, and high concentrations of ethanol as fermentation runs to completion, affect cell growth and ethanol production.
Analysis of Cryptococcal Extracellular Vesicles: Experimental Approaches for Studying Their Diversity Among Multiple Isolates, Kinetics of Production, Methods of Separation, and Detection in Cultures of Titan Cells
Authors: Reis Flavia C. G. , Gimenez Bianca , Jozefowicz Luísa J. , Castelli Rafael F. , Martins Sharon T. , Alves Lysangela R. , de Oliveira Haroldo C. , Rodrigues Marcio L.
Published: August 2021

Fungal extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered to be important players in the biology of fungal pathogens. However, the limitations in the methodological approaches to studying fungal EVs impair the expansion of knowledge in this field. In the present study, we used the
Cryptococcus
genus as a model for the study of EVs. We explored the simplification of protocols for EV analysis, which helped us to address some important, but still unanswered, questions about fungal EVs.
Inhibition of Aspergillus oryzae Mycelium Growth and Conidium Production by Irradiation with Light at Different Wavelengths and Intensities
Authors: Lin Shangfei , Qin Haokuan , Zhang Xiaolin , Li Wenqi , Liu Muqing
Published: August 2021

Aspergillus oryzae
is a safe filamentous fungus widely used in the food, medicine, and feed industries, but there is currently not enough research on the light response of
A. oryzae
. In this study, 12 different light conditions were set and
A. oryzae
GDMCC 3.31 was continuously irradiated for 72 h to investigate the effect of light on mycelial growth and conidium production. Specifically, each light condition was the combination of one light wavelength (475, 520, or 630 nm) and one light intensity (20, 40, 60, or 80 μmol photon m
−2
s
−1
).
The Role of Common Solvents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Induced Pathogenicity in a Murine Burn Site Infection Model
Authors: Singh Vijay K. , Almpani Marianna , Rahme Laurence G.
Published: August 2021

Our study demonstrates the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of the combination of DMSO and PEG400 against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in vitro
and
in vivo
in a murine infection model of heightened intestinal permeability. The aim of this study is to draw attention to the appropriate selection of solvents for difficult-to-solubilize anti-infective compounds, to avoid interference with the assay or system tested.
Can We Estimate Functionality of Soil Microbial Communities from Structure-Derived Predictions? A Reality Test in Agricultural Soils
Authors: Breitkreuz Claudia , Heintz-Buschart Anna , Buscot François , Wahdan Sara Fareed Mohamed , Tarkka Mika , Reitz Thomas
Published: August 2021

Linking soil microbial community structure to its functionality, which is important for maintaining health and services of an ecosystem, is still challenging. Besides great advances in structural community analysis, functional equivalents, such as metagenomics and metatranscriptomics, are still time and cost intensive.
Medical encounters at community-based physical activity events (parkrun) in the UK
Authors: Pedlar Charles R , Myrissa Kyriaki , Barry Megan , Khwaja Iman G , Simpkin Andrew J , Newell John , Scarrott Carl , Whyte Greg P , Kipps Courtney , Baggish Aaron L
Published: August 2021

Objective

To determine the incidence, clinical correlates and exposure risk of medical encounters during community-based physical activity events in the UK.

Methods

An analysis of medical data from weekly, community-based physical activity events (parkrun) at 702 UK locations over a 6-year period (29 476 294 participations between 2014 and 2019) was conducted in order to define the incidence and clinical correlates of serious life-threatening, non-life-threatening and fatal medical encounters.

Results

84 serious life-threatening encounters (overall incidence rate=0.26/100 000 participations) occurred including 18 fatalities (0.056/100 000 participations). Statistical modelling revealed that the probabilities of serious life-threatening encounters were exceptionally low, however, male sex, increasing age, slower personal best parkrun time and less prior running engagement/experience (average number of runs per year and number of years as a parkrun participant) were associated with increased probability of serious life-threatening encounters. These were largely accounted for by cardiac arrest (48/84, 57%) and acute coronary syndromes (20/84, 24%). Non-life-threatening medical encounters were mainly attributed to tripping or falling, with a reported incidence of 39.2/100 000 participations.

Conclusions

Serious life-threatening and fatal medical encounters associated with parkrun participation are extremely rare. In the context of a global public health crisis due to inactivity, this finding underscores the safety and corollary public health value of community running/walking events as a strategy to promote physical activity.
RUNX1 can mediate the glucose and O-GlcNAc-driven proliferation and migration of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Xing Xindan , Wang Hanying , Niu Tian , Jiang Yan , Shi Xin , Liu Kun
Published: August 2021

Introduction

This study aims to determine whether high glucose condition and dynamic O-linked N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) modification can promote the proliferation and migration of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) and whether Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) could mediate the glucose and O-GlcNAc-driven proliferation and migration of HRMECs.

Research design and methods

Western blot analysis was used to detect the O-GlcNAc modification level and RUNX1 level in cells and retina tissues, cell growth was studied by cell counting kit-8 assay, cell proliferation was detected by immunofluorescence staining. Then, cell migration and tube formation were investigated by scratch-wound assay, Transwell assay, and tube-forming assay. The changes of retinal structure were detected by H&E staining. The O-GlcNAc modification of RUNX1 was detected by immunoprecipitation.

Results

High glucose increases pan-cellular O-GlcNAc modification and the proliferation and migration of HRMECs. Hence, O-GlcNAc modification is critical for the proliferation and migration of HRMECs. RUNX1 mediates the glucose and O-GlcNAc-driven proliferation and migration in HRMECs. RUNX1 can be modified by O-GlcNAc, and that the modification is enhanced in a high glucose environment.

Conclusions

The present study reveals that high glucose condition directly affects retinal endothelial cells (EC) function, and O-GlcNAc modification is critical for the proliferation and migration of HRMECs, RUNX1 may take part in this mechanism, and maybe the function of RUNX1 is related to its O-GlcNAc modification level, which provides a new perspective for studying the mechanism of RUNX1 in diabetic retinopathy.
Early pregnancy plasma fatty acid profiles of women later diagnosed with gestational diabetes
Authors: Tryggvadottir Ellen Alma , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg , Birgisdottir Bryndis Eva , Hrolfsdottir Laufey , Landberg Rikard , Hreidarsdottir Ingibjorg Th , Hardardottir Hildur , Halldorsson Thorhallur Ingi
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Fatty acid (FA) concentrations have previously been associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, few studies on GDM have examined FA profiles in early pregnancy or before diagnosis. This study aimed to compare early pregnancy plasma FA profiles of women with and without GDM diagnoses as well as their reported dietary consumption.

Research design and methods

The subjects comprised 853 women from the prospective study: Pregnant Women in Iceland II (PREWICE II), attending their 11–14 weeks ultrasound appointment in 2017–2018. During the visit, blood samples were collected for plasma FA analysis, and dietary habits were assessed using a short food frequency questionnaire. Information on GDM diagnoses was then later extracted from medical records. Differences in FA profile between GDM cases and non-cases were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

GDM was diagnosed in 127 women (14.9%). Concentrations of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) n-6, PUFA n-3 and total FA were higher in the women who later developed GDM compared with those who did not (p≤0.05). The medians for total FA were 2898 μg/mL for the women with GDM and 2681 μg/mL for those without GDM. Mean adjusted difference for total FA between the groups was 133 μg/mL (95% CI 33 to 233). Similar results were observed in prepregnancy normal-weight women and overweight women/women with obesity. Overall diet quality in early pregnancy appeared to be lower among the women later diagnosed with GDM.

Conclusion

We found that plasma FA profiles in early pregnancy were different for women later diagnosed with GDM compared with those who were not, independent of the women’s body mass index.
Under-five malnutrition among Palestine refugee children living in camps in Jordan: a mixed-methods study
Authors: AbuKishk Nada , Gilbert Hannah , Seita Akihiro , Mukherjee Joia , Rohloff Peter J
Published: August 2021

Background

Jordan hosts the largest Palestine refugee population in the world. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is the primary healthcare provider for Palestine refugees. To better inform UNRWA’s health programme, we conducted this study to assess the prevalence and determinants of malnutrition among Palestine refugee children in Jordan and to analyse caregiver perceptions of food insecurity and structural barriers to accessing food.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a randomly selected sample of 405 households, for children under 5 years old in two refugee camps in Jordan, Jerash and Souf. Sociodemographic, food insecurity, diet quality and child anthropometric data were collected. Also, twenty in-depth interviews were conducted with children’s caregivers, along with two focus group discussions with UNRWA staff.

Results

Out of the 367 participants, the prevalence of stunting was 23.8% in Jerash and 20.4% in Souf (p=0.46), and overweight was 18.2% versus 7.1%, respectively (p=0.008). However, high food insecurity in Jerash was 45.7% and 26.5% in Souf (p=0.001), with no significant difference after multivariable adjustment. Qualitative perspectives saw food insecurity and low-quality children’s diets as largely mediated by job and income insecurity, especially marked in Jerash due to the lack of Jordanian citizenship.

Conclusion

We found a moderate-to-high prevalence of stunting and overweight levels among Palestine refugee children, which are three times higher than the 2012 Demographic and Health Survey data for Jordanian non-refugee children. High rates of household food insecurity were closely tied to households’ lack of essential civil and economic rights. We call for international collective efforts to expand economic livelihoods for Palestine refugees and to support UNRWA’s ongoing operations.
Specialist pneumonia intervention nurse service improves pneumonia care and outcome
Authors: Free Robert C , Richardson Matthew , Pillay Camilla , Hawkes Kayleigh , Skeemer Julie , Broughton Rebecca , Haldar Pranabashis , Woltmann Gerrit
Published: August 2021

Background

A specialist pneumonia intervention nursing (SPIN) service was set up across a single National Health Service Trust in an effort to improve clinical outcomes. A quality improvement evaluation was performed to assess the outcomes associated with implementing the service before (2011–2013) and after (2014–2016) service implementation.

Results

The SPIN service reviewed 38% of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) admissions in 2014–2016. 82% of these admissions received antibiotic treatment in <4 hours (68.5% in the national audit). Compared with the pre-SPIN period, there was a significant reduction in both 30-day (OR=0.77 (0.70–0.85), p<0.0001) and in-hospital (OR=0.66 (0.60–0.73), p<0.0001) mortality after service implementation, with a review by the service showing the largest independent 30-day mortality benefit (HR=0.60 (0.53–0.67), p<0.0001). There was no change in length of stay (median 6 days).

Conclusion

Implementation of a SPIN service improved adherence to BTS guidelines and achieved significant reductions in CAP-associated mortality. This enhanced model of care is low cost, highly effective and readily adoptable in secondary care.
Relationship between emergency department and inpatient occupancy and the likelihood of an emergency admission: a retrospective hospital database study
Authors: Wyatt Steven , Joshi Ruchi , Mortimore Janet M , Mohammed Mohammed A
Published: August 2021

Background

We investigate whether admission from a consultant-led ED is associated with ED occupancy or crowding and inpatient (bed) occupancy.

Methods

We used general additive logistic regression to explore the relationship between the probability of an ED patient being admitted, ED crowding and inpatient occupancy levels. We adjust for patient, temporal and attendance characteristics using data from 13 English NHS Hospital Trusts in 2019. We define quintiles of occupancy in ED and for four types of inpatients: emergency, overnight elective, day case and maternity.

Results

Compared with periods of average occupancy in ED, a patient attending during a period of very high (upper quintile) occupancy was 3.3% less likely (relative risk (RR) 0.967, 95% CI 0.958 to 0.977) to be admitted, whereas a patient arriving at a time of low ED occupancy was 3.9% more likely (RR 1.039 95% CI 1.028 to 1.050) to be admitted. When the number of overnight elective, day-case and maternity inpatients reaches the upper quintile then the probability of admission from ED rises by 1.1% (RR 1.011 95% CI 1.001 to 1.021), 3.8% (RR 1.038 95% CI 1.025 to 1.051) and 1.0% (RR 1.010 95% CI 1.001 to 1.020), respectively. Compared with periods of average emergency inpatient occupancy, a patient attending during a period of very high emergency inpatient occupancy was 1.0% less likely (RR 0.990 95% CI 0.980 to 0.999) to be admitted and a patient arriving at a time of very low emergency inpatient occupancy was 0.8% less likely (RR 0.992 95% CI 0.958 to 0.977) to be admitted.

Conclusions

Admission thresholds are modestly associated with ED and inpatient occupancy when these reach extreme levels. Admission thresholds are higher when the number of emergency inpatients is particularly high. This may indicate that riskier discharge decisions are taken when beds are full. Admission thresholds are also high when pressures within the hospital are particularly low, suggesting the potential to safely reduce avoidable admissions.
Ventricular and atrial function and deformation is largely preserved after arterial switch operation
Authors: Schuwerk Roman , Freitag-Wolf Sandra , Krupickova Sylvia , Gabbert Dominik Daniel , Uebing Anselm , Langguth Patrick , Voges Inga
Published: August 2021

Objective

To test the hypothesis that ventricular and atrial function are different between patients with transposition of the great arteries (TGA) after arterial switch operation (ASO) and healthy controls.

Methods

103 consecutive patients with TGA (median age: 16.7 years, 4.3–39.6 years, 71.8% male) were compared with 77 controls (median age: 15.4 years, 6.3–43.2 years, 66.2% male). Biventricular and biatrial function were assessed using standard cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) techniques and feature tracking. Group comparison was performed with conventional non-parametrical statistics and machine learning methods to find the variables most discriminative between patients and controls. These variables were used to build a multivariable logistic regression model to assess the case–control status.

Results

Markers of left and right ventricular function (LV; RV) (ejection fraction, MAPSE, TAPSE, LV long-axis strain) as well as LV global longitudinal (−20.7 (−24.1; −17.9) vs −23.7 (−26.1; −21.6), p<0.001), circumferential (−29.4 (−32.2; −26.5) vs −30.5 (−33.6; 29), p=0.001) and atrial longitudinal strain (left atrium (LA): 23.3 (18.6; 28.8) vs 36.7 (30.7; 44), p<0001; right atrium: 21.7 (18.2; 27.8) vs 34.9 (26.9; 40.3), p<0.001) were reduced in patients compared with controls using non-parametrical testing. The logistic regression model including the most discriminative variables from univariate and machine learning analysis demonstrated significant differences between patients and controls only for TAPSE and LA global longitudinal strain.

Conclusions

Biventricular and biatrial function are largely preserved after ASO for TGA. Using a comprehensive CMR protocol along with statistical machine learning methods and a regression approach, only RV longitudinal function and LA function are significantly impaired.
Revisiting the UK Genetic Severity Score for NF2: a proposal for the addition of a functional genetic component
Authors: Catasús Núria , Garcia Belen , Galván-Femenía Iván , Plana Adrià , Negro Alejandro , Rosas Inma , Ros Andrea , Amilibia Emilio , Becerra Juan Luis , Hostalot Cristina , Rocaribas Francesc , Bielsa Isabel , Lazaro Garcia Conxi , de Cid Rafael , Serra Eduard , Blanco Ignacio , Castellanos Elisabeth
Published: August 2021

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by the development of multiple schwannomas, especially on vestibular nerves, and meningiomas. The UK NF2 Genetic Severity Score (GSS) is useful to predict the progression of the disease from germline NF2 pathogenic variants, which allows the clinical follow-up and the genetic counselling offered to affected families to be optimised.

Methods

52 Spanish patients were classified using the GSS, and patients’ clinical severity was measured and compared between GSS groups. The GSS was reviewed with the addition of phenotype quantification, genetic variant classification and functional assays of Merlin and its downstream pathways. Principal component analysis and regression models were used to evaluate the differences between severity and the effect of NF2 germline variants.

Results

The GSS was validated in the Spanish NF2 cohort. However, for 25% of mosaic patients and patients harbouring variants associated with mild and moderate phenotypes, it did not perform as well for predicting clinical outcomes as it did for pathogenic variants associated with severe phenotypes. We studied the possibility of modifying the mutation classification in the GSS by adding the impact of pathogenic variants on the function of Merlin in 27 cases. This revision helped to reduce variability within NF2 mutation classes and moderately enhanced the correlation between patient phenotype and the different prognosis parameters analysed (R2=0.38 vs R2=0.32, p>0001).

Conclusions

We validated the UK NF2 GSS in a Spanish NF2 cohort, despite the significant phenotypic variability identified within it. The revision of the GSS, named Functional Genetic Severity Score, could add value for the classification of mosaic patients and patients showing mild and moderate phenotypes once it has been validated in other cohorts.
Homozygous mutations in CCDC34 cause male infertility with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice
Authors: Cong Jiangshan , Wang Xiong , Amiri-Yekta Amir , Wang Lingbo , Kherraf Zine-Eddine , Liu Chunyu , Cazin Caroline , Tang Shuyan , Hosseini Seyedeh Hanieh , Tian Shixiong , Daneshipour Abbas , Wang Jiaxiong , Zhou Yiling , Zeng Yuyan , Yang Shenmin , He Xiaojin , Li Jinsong , Cao Yunxia , Jin Li , Ray Pierre F , Zhang Feng
Published: August 2021

Background

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is a typical feature of sperm malformations leading to male infertility. Only a few genes have been clearly identified as pathogenic genes of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia.

Methods and results

Here, we identified a homozygous frameshift variant (c.731dup, p.Asn244Lysfs*3) in CCDC34, which is preferentially expressed in the human testis, using whole-exome sequencing in a cohort of 100 Chinese men with multiple morphological abnormalities of the sperm flagella (MMAF). In an additional cohort of 167 MMAF-affected men from North Africa, Iran and France, we identified a second subject harbouring a homozygous CCDC34 frameshift variant (c.799_817del, p.Glu267Lysfs*72). Both affected men presented a typical MMAF phenotype with an abnormally low sperm concentration (ie, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia). Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the sperm flagella affected by CCDC34 deficiency further revealed dramatic disorganisation of the axoneme. Immunofluorescence assays of the spermatozoa showed that CCDC34 deficiency resulted in almost absent staining of CCDC34 and intraflagellar transport-B complex-associated proteins (such as IFT20 and IFT52). Furthermore, we generated a mouse Ccdc34 frameshift mutant using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Ccdc34-mutated (Ccdc34mut/mut) male mice were sterile and presented oligoasthenoteratozoospermia with typical MMAF anomalies. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection has good pregnancy outcomes in both humans and mice.

Conclusions

Our findings support that CCDC34 is crucial to the formation of sperm flagella and that biallelic deleterious mutations in CCDC34/Ccdc34 cause male infertility with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia in humans and mice.
Comparison of aspiration versus combined technique as first-line approach in terminal internal carotid artery occlusion: a multicenter experience
Authors: Diana Francesco , Vinci Sergio Lucio , Ruggiero Maria , Semeraro Vittorio , Bracco Sandra , Frauenfelder Giulia , Paolucci Aldo , Cirillo Luigi , Pesce Alessandro , Tessitore Agostino , Commodaro Christian , Ganimede Maria Porzia , Zanoni Matteo , Saponiero Renato , Zini Andrea , Velo Mariano , Modello Beatrice , Burdi Nicola , Cioni Samuele , Simonetti Luigi , Romano Daniele Giuseppe
Published: August 2021

Background

There is no consensus on the most effective endovascular technique to use in patients with acute ischemic stroke due to terminal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. The aim of this study was to compare safety and efficacy of the aspiration technique (AT) and combined technique (CT) as first-line approach in terminal ICA occlusions.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected databases from seven Italian stroke centers. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to the first-line approach: AT group or CT group. We followed the STROBE guidelines for cohort studies. We used Chi-square test, one-way and multivariate ANOVA analysis, together with contrast analysis and post hoc tests, logistic regression and Pearson’s bivariate correlation for the statistical analyses.

Results

Between January 2018 and August 2020, 353 patients were treated for a terminal ICA occlusion, with either AT or CT. CT was associated with a higher Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2B-3 after the first pass (51.0% vs 26.9%) and at the end of the procedure (84% vs 73.3%) and with an improved clinical outcome at discharge (modified Rankin Scale (mRs) 0–2 of 47.8% vs 34.0%) and at 3 months’ follow-up (mRs 0–2 of 56.5% vs 38.9%) compared with AT.

Conclusion

Thrombectomy of terminal ICA occlusions obtained using CT as first-line approach demonstrated better technical and functional outcomes in comparison with AT.
Safety and efficacy of balloon-mounted stent in the treatment of symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease: a multicenter experience
Authors: Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Nogueira Raul G , Tekle Wondwossen , Ortega-Gutierrez Santiago , Farooqui Mudassir , Zevallos Cynthia B. , Hanel Ricardo A , Cortez Gustavo M , Aghaebrahim Amin , Starke Robert M , Aref Hany , Elbassiouny Ahmed , Gamea Ayman , Alaraj Ali , Sadeh Morteza , Grigoryan Mikayel , Kuybu Okkes , Haussen Diogo C , Sheth Sunil A , Maud Alberto , Cordina Steve M , Tanweer Omar , Kan Peter , Burkhardt Jan-Karl , Grandhi Ramesh , Siddiq Farhan , Hassan Ameer E
Published: August 2021

Background

Randomized clinical trials have failed to prove that the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment for symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) is better than that of medical management. A recent study using a self-expandable stent showed acceptable lower rates of periprocedural complications.

Objective

To study the safety and efficacy of a balloon-mounted stent (BMS) in the treatment of symptomatic ICAD.

Methods

Prospectively maintained databases from 15 neuroendovascular centers between 2010 and 2020 were reviewed. Patients were included if they had severe symptomatic intracranial stenosis in the target artery, medical management had failed, and they underwent intracranial stenting with BMS after 24 hours of the qualifying event. The primary outcome was the occurrence of stroke and mortality within 72 hours after the procedure. Secondary outcomes were the occurrence of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), and mortality on long-term follow-up.

Results

A total of 232 patients were eligible for the analysis (mean age 62.8 years, 34.1% female). The intracranial stenotic lesions were located in the anterior circulation in 135 (58.2%) cases. Recurrent stroke was the qualifying event in 165 (71.1%) while recurrent TIA was identified in 67 (28.9%) cases. The median (IQR) time from the qualifying event to stenting was 5 (2–20.75) days. Strokes were reported in 13 (5.6%) patients within 72 hours of the procedure; 9 (3.9%) ischemic and 4 (1.7%) hemorrhagic, and mortality in 2 (0.9%) cases. Among 189 patients with median follow-up time 6 (3–14.5) months, 12 (6.3%) had TIA and 7 (3.7%) had strokes. Three patients (1.6%) died from causes not related to stroke.

Conclusion

Our study has shown that BMS may be a safe and effective treatment for medically refractory symptomatic ICAD. Additional prospective randomized clinical trials are warranted.
Direct endovascular treatment versus bridging therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for intravenous thrombolysis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Jian , Chen Shijian , Shi Shengliang , Zhang Yueling , Kong Deyan , Xie Yiju , Deng Xuhui , Tang Jian , Luo Jinglian , Liang Zhijian
Published: August 2021

Objective

In this review and meta-analysis we sought to compare the efficacy and safety of direct endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and bridging therapy for intravenous thrombolysis (IVT)-eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large vessel occlusions (AIS-LVO).

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for published randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and observational studies providing outcomes of patients with IVT-eligible AIS-LVO who have undergone EVT with or without IVT. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients achieving a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0–2 at 90 days. The secondary outcomes included the rates of (1) an excellent outcome defined as an mRS score of 0 or 1 at 90 days, (2) mortality at 90 days, (3) symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), (4) any type of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), (5) successful recanalization, and (6) clot migration.

Results

We included three RCTs and six observational studies (4 of which were propensity score-adjusted studies) with a total of 3133 patients. In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, no differences in the rates of mRS scores 0–2, mRS scores 0–1, mortality at 90 days, sICH or successful recanalization were detected between patients with AIS-LVO who underwent direct EVT or bridging therapy. The patients treated with direct EVT had a lower risk ratio for any type of ICH and clot migration than did the patients treated with bridging therapy.

Conclusion

Compared with bridging therapy, direct EVT may be equally effective and yield a lower rate of ICH and clot migration in patients with AIS.

Trail registration number

PROSPERO: CRD42021236691.
Internationally validated score to predict the outcome of non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation ablation: the ‘FLAME score’
Authors: Boyalla Vennela , Jarman Julian W E , Markides Vias , Hussain Wajid , Wong Tom , Mead R Hardwin , Engel Gregory , Kong Melissa H , Patrawala Rob A , Winkle Roger A
Published: August 2021

Background

The clinical effectiveness of ablating non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (non-PAF) relies on proper patient selection. We developed and validated a scoring system to predict non-PAF ablation outcomes.

Methods

Data on 416 non-PAF ablations were analysed using binary logistic regression at a London centre. Identified preprocedural variables, which independently predicted freedom from atrial tachyarrhythmia. Twenty-one possible predictive variables and a model with c-statistic 0.751—explained outcome variation in London at mean follow-up 12±3 months. An additive point score (range 0–9) was developed—the FLAME score: female=1; long-lasting persistent atrial fibrillation=1; left atrial diameter in mm: 40 to <45 = 1, 45 to <50 = 2, 50 to <55=3, ≥55 =4; mitral regurgitation (MR) mild to moderate=1; extreme comorbidity=2. Extreme comorbidities include severe MR, moderate mitral stenosis, mitral replacement, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or congenital heart disease.

Results

The FLAME score was applied to data (882 non-PAF ablations) at a Californian centre, and predicted the outcome of both single (p<0.0001) and multiple (p<0.0001) procedures. For first ablation (follow-up 2.1 years (median, IQR 1.0–4.1)), FLAME score: 0–1 predicts 62% success, 2–4 44% and ≥5 29% (Ptrend<0.0001). After the final ablation (mean procedures: 1.4±0.6, follow-up 1.8 years (median, IQR 0.8–3.6)), FLAME score: 0–1 predicts 81% success, 2–4 65% and ≥5 44% (Ptrend<0.0001).

Conclusions

FLAME score is easily calculated, derived in London, and predicted single and multiple procedural outcomes for non-PAF ablations in California. In patients with a high score, even multiple procedures are usually ineffective.
Eastern white pine and eastern hemlock growth: possible tradeoffs in response of canopy trees to climate
Authors: Stern Rebecca L. , Schaberg Paul G. , Rayback Shelly A. , Murakami Paula F. , Hansen Christopher F. , Hawley Gary J.
Published: August 2021

A warming climate and extended growing season may confer competitive advantages to temperate conifers that can photosynthesize across seasons. Whether this potential translates into increased growth is unclear, as is whether pollution could constrain growth. We examined two temperate conifers — eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carrière) — and analyzed associations between growth (476 trees in 23 plots) and numerous factors, including climate and pollutant deposition variables. Both species exhibited increasing growth over time and eastern white pine showed greater maximum growth. Higher spring temperatures were associated with greater growth for both species, as were higher autumnal temperatures for eastern hemlock. Negative correlations were observed with previous year (eastern hemlock) and current year (eastern white pine) summer temperatures. Spring and summer moisture availability were positively correlated with growth for eastern white pine throughout its chronology, whereas for hemlock, correlations with moisture shifted from being significant with current year’s growth to previous year’s growth over time. The growth of these temperate conifers might benefit from higher spring (both species) and fall (eastern hemlock) temperatures, though this could be offset by reductions in growth associated with hotter, drier summers.
A microscopic study of spin-polarized neutron matter
Authors: Al-Sugheir M.K. , Mqbel F.F.
Published: August 2021

In this work, the static fluctuation approximation (SFA) is used to investigate the thermodynamic properties of spin-polarized neutron matter. The energy per particle, pressure, entropy per particle, specific heat capacity, and effective magnetic field are studied as functions of density, temperature, and polarization fraction. The Argonne v18 nucleon–nucleon potential is used here. It is found that the energy per particle, pressure, entropy per particle, and effective magnetic field increase as the density or temperature increases. Also, the energy per particle and pressure are linearly dependent on the quadratic spin polarization δ2. The system becomes more ordered as δ increases. Our calculations are found to be in good agreement with previously published results obtained with different many-body techniques, such as the lowest order constrained variational (LOCV) method, the Brueckner–Hartree–Fock (BHF) approach, and the Dirac–Brueckner–Hartree–Fock (DBHF) technique.
Oxidized phosphatidylcholines induce multiple functional defects in airway epithelial cells
Authors: Pascoe Christopher D. , Roy Neilloy , Turner-Brannen Emily , Schultz Alexander , Vaghasiya Jignesh , Ravandi Amir , Halayko Andrew J. , West Adrian R.
Published: August 2021

Oxidative stress is a hallmark of numerous airway diseases, contributing to extensive cell and tissue damage. Cell membranes and the airway mucosal lining are rich in phospholipids that are particularly susceptible to oxidative attack, producing bioactive molecules including oxidized phosphatidylcholines (OxPCs). With the recent discovery of elevated OxPCs in patients with asthma after allergen challenge, we hypothesized that OxPCs directly contribute to disease by inducing airway epithelial cell dysfunction. We found that OxPCs induced concentration-dependent cell stress and loss of viability in BEAS-2B and Calu-3 cell lines and primary human epithelial cells. These responses corresponded with significant epithelial barrier dysfunction, which was further compounded when combining OxPCs with an epithelial wound. OxPCs inhibited DNA synthesis and migration required to reestablish barrier function, but cells recovered if OxPCs were washed off soon after treatment. OxPCs induced generation of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, raising the possibility that OxPCs cause pathological lipid metabolism in a self-propagating cycle. The oxidative stress induced by OxPCs could not be abrogated by putative OxPC receptor blockers, but partial recovery of barrier function, proliferation, and lipid peroxidation could be achieved with the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine. In summary, we have identified OxPCs as a group of bioactive molecules that significantly impair multiple facets of epithelial cell function, consistent with pathological features of asthma. Further characterization of the mechanisms by which OxPCs affect epithelial cells could yield new insights into how oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of airway disease.
Does proprioceptive acuity influence the extent of implicit sensorimotor adaptation in young and older adults?
Authors: Vandevoorde Koenraad , Orban de Xivry Jean-Jacques
Published: August 2021

Is proprioceptive acuity linked to amount of implicit motor adaptation across ages? The latter is larger in old compared with younger people? In light of reliability-based sensory integration, we hypothesized that this larger implicit adaptation was linked to an age-related lower reliability of proprioception. Over 2 experiments and 130 participants, we failed to find any evidence for this. We discussed alternative explanations for the increase in implicit adaptation with age and the validity of our proprioceptive assessment.
Perineural Invasion Should Be Regarded as an Intermediate-Risk Factor for Recurrence in Surgically Treated Cervical Cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Study
Authors: Wan Ting , Tu Hua , Liu Lili , Huang He , Feng Yanling , Liu Jihong
Published: August 2021

Background. Perineural invasion (PNI) is considered as a poor prognostic factor in cervical cancer, but there has been no postoperative adjuvant therapy for it, because whether it belongs to high- or intermediate-risk factors has not been determined, this study intends to provide evidences to solve this problem. Methods. We conducted a retrospective analysis of cervical cancer patients who underwent radical surgery and be reported PNI from January 2012 to June 2017 at the Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center. After 1 : 1 propensity score matching (PSM), a group of patients without PNI was matched according to the clinical pathological features. Postoperative pathological parameters and prognosis were evaluated between the PNI and the matched groups. Results. 1836 patients were screened, of which 162 (8.8%) diagnosed as stages IB1 to IIB reported PNI. Comparing to the matched group, more PNI (+) patients had deep outer cervix stromal invasion, cervical tunica adventitia invasion, positive lymph nodes, and positive margins. Among patients without high-risk factors, PNI (+) patients had worse 3-year overall survival (90.8% vs. 98.1%,

P
=
0.02

), PNI (+) patients with single intermediate-risk factor and PNI (-) patients who meet with SEDLIS criteria had similar progress free survival (

P
=
0.63

) and overall survival (

P
=
0.63

), even similar survival curves. Conclusion. PNI is related to a worse overall survival among cervical cancer patients without high-risk factors and play the role as an intermediate-risk factor.
Methylation of CALCA and CALCB in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gao Feng , Liu Guozhong , Wang Jingwen , Huang Shirong , Ding Fadian , Lian Wei , Lv Xiaoting , Guo Yujia , Fan Xiangqun , Zhang Sheng , Liu Qicai
Published: August 2021

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) plays a diverse and intricate role in chronic low‐grade inflammation and is closely related to specific cancers. It includes two subtypes, CALCA (αCGRP) and CALCB (βCGRP), of which αCGRP expression accounts for more than 90%. Here, we show that methylation of CALCA and CALCB in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma was significantly higher than that in paracancer. Western blot and immunohistochemistry showed that CGRP, p‐AKT, and p‐CREB in the tumor tissues were lower than those in the paracarcinoma tissues. In vivo, the expressions of p‐AKT and p‐CREB in the pancreatic tissues of CALCA‐KO rats were also lower than those of wild type. Methylation of CALCA and CALCB is increased in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and under that condition, p‐AKT and p‐CREB levels were decreased.
Research on Real-Time Detection of Sprint Error Based on Visual Features and Internet of Things
Authors: Chen Hengming , Li Junyong
Published: August 2021

The current sprint error detection methods do not consider the analysis of the visual characteristics of sprint error, which leads to low detection accuracy, long detection time, and poor detection stability. To overcome this defect, inspired by Internet of Things technology, a real-time sprint error detection method based on visual characteristics is proposed. Based on the basic principle of RFID action perception, the original phase data is preprocessed, the channel parameters are selected, and the tag layout is optimized to form the action-oriented feature. Based on the three-dimensional visual features, the three-dimensional coordinate points of the sports field are determined, and the movement features of the sprint are extracted and formally described. Based on the analysis of the visual characteristics of sprint errors, the block pheromones of single frame sprint motion edge contour are obtained for clustering, and the sprint errors’ feature information is obtained and filtered. Sift technology is used to obtain the boundary contour line and implement the corner characteristics. The Hessian matrix of contour wave domain edge detection is used to calculate the contour wave domain matrix of the image and draw the contour curve of the image of sprint error action to realize the detection of sprint error action. The experimental results show that the proposed method has good stability and can effectively improve the detection accuracy and shorten the detection time.
A Predictive Analysis of the Business Environment of Economies along the Belt and Road Using the Fractional-Order Grey Model
Authors: Pei Lingling , Liu Jun
Published: August 2021

This paper determined the optimal order of FGM (1, 1) model through particle swarm optimization algorithm and combined with the World Bank business environment data to predict and analyze the business environment of economies along the Belt and Road. The empirical results show that the FGM (1, 1) model has a good predicting effect on the business environment. In terms of prediction accuracy, the FGM (1, 1) model based on particle swarm optimization algorithm to determine the optimal order is significantly better than the traditional GM (1, 1) model. The predict results show that the business environment level of economies along the Belt and Road will increase year by year from 2021 to 2022, but the overall level is still relatively low. The main innovation of this paper lies in the introduction of the fractional-order grey model into the predictive analysis of the business environment, which is of great significance to the extension and application of fractional-order models in management and economic systems.
Vulvar Pyogenic Granuloma in Adult Female Population: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Mahmoudnejad Nastaran , Zadmehr Alireza , Madani Mohammad Hamidi
Published: August 2021

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is an uncommon lesion of unknown etiology. It may be formed following a minor injury. They result from a reactive or inflammatory process consisting of proliferating vascular channels, immature fibroblastic connective tissue, and scattered inflammatory cells rather than neoplastic process. Bleeding is the most common symptom of the lesion. They may be seen in all age groups, and there is no clear predominance of a gender. Vulvar PGs can be confused with other polypoid or sessile lesions of the genital site. There are only a few cases of female genital PGs reported in the literature. Herein, we describe the first case of vulvar (clitoral) PG in an Iranian patient and a brief review of the literature in this regard.
The Problem of Abnormal Body Weight and Dyslipidemia as Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Noras Katarzyna , Rusak Ewa , Jarosz-Chobot Przemysława
Published: August 2021

Diabetes is a disease that affects many people around the world. Its complications are the cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and increased mortality. That is why the search for predictive biomarkers is so important. The aim of the study was to show the prevalence of the problem and risk factors in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. These patients are often overweight and obese, and the percentage of lipid disorders is particularly high. The discussed markers of CVD risk in type 1 diabetes include apolipoproteins (apo-B and apo-C3), modified forms of LDL, and the role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Recently, a new look at the vasoprotective effect of HDL has appeared, which due to its dysfunctional form in type 1 diabetes may not protect against cardiovascular risk. The HDL proteome in type 1 diabetes has an altered protein composition compared to the healthy population. Another direction of research is determining the importance of trace elements (mainly Mg) in the development of diabetes complications.