bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadening vestibular migraine diagnostic criteria: A prospective cohort study on vestibular migraine subtypes
Authors: Chae Ricky , Krauter Roseanne , Pasquesi Lauren L. , Sharon Jeffrey D.
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Current Bárány Society criteria for vestibular migraine (VM) include only episodic symptoms. Anecdotal observations suggest that some patients have episodic forms and others have chronic forms of VM, with interplay and evolution of both subtypes over time. OBJECTIVE: To better understand VM subtypes and evaluate a more inclusive diagnostic schema. METHODS: Four VM groups were studied: definite episodic (dVM), probable episodic (pVM), definite chronic (dCVM), and probable chronic (pCVM). Chronic VM was defined as having more than 15 dizzy days per month. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed, along with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Vestibular Migraine Patient Assessment Tool and Handicap Inventory (VM-PATHI) scores. RESULTS: 54 adults with a mean age of 47.0 years (SD 13.7) were enrolled. 10 met criteria for dVM, 11 pVM, 22 dCVM, and 11 pCVM. Overall, there were strong similarities in clinical characteristics between dVM, pVM, dCVM, and pCVM. Compared to subjects with episodic VM, those with chronic VM had a higher average number of VM triggers (8.7 vs. 6.4, P = 0.019), including motion (93.9% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.009), scrolling on a screen (78.8% vs. 47.6%, P = 0.018), skipped meal (57.6% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.015), and air travel (57.6% vs. 23.8%, P = 0.015). They also had higher symptom severity (DHI = 53.3, P = 0.194) and burden of disease (VM-PATHI = 48.2, P = 0.030) scores. CONCLUSIONS: Many patients do not meet current Bárány Society criteria for VM based on their duration of vestibular symptoms. Yet, these patients with chronic VM endorse several indistinguishable symptoms from those who do meet criteria. A more inclusive diagnostic schema should be adopted where patients with vestibular symptoms shorter than 5 minutes or longer than 72 hours are also recognized as having VM.
Linguistic Linguistic Mediation of Perceptual Adjustment in University Students
Authors: Carpio Claudio Antonio , Barrios Diana Valeria , Montes María Guadalupe , Aguilar Francisco , García-Gallardo Daniel , Pacheco Virginia
Published: February 2022

Students from different areas of academic training (Psychology vs. Optometry) completed a task in which they had to locate a "lost moving target" in a simulated forest on a computer screen. The effects of three independent variables were assessed: a) the type of trajectory of the moving target (regular and irregular), b) the time elapsed since the loss of visual contact with the moving target (delays of 1, 4 and 6 seconds), and c) administration / non administration of verbal consequences for localization responses. Results indicated that accuracy in localization responses was higher on 1) regular trajectories, 2) shortest delays, 3) verbal consequences condition, and 4) Optometry students. Findings are discussed in terms of the parameters of the task. Contributions of the academic training of the participants are discussed as a linguistic scenario in which differential modes of the contact with the environment’s mediation are learned.
Estudios normativos argentinos sobre pruebas cognitivas para adultos: Una revisión sistemática (2000-2020)
Authors: Martino Pablo Luis , Cervigni Mauricio Alejandro , Gallegos Miguel , Politis Daniel Gustavo
Published: February 2022

This paper provides a survey of argentine normative studies on cognitive tests for adults. A systematic review (period 2000-2020) was carried out from the search in the databases Dialnet, Scielo, LILACS, electronic library MINCyT of Argentina, Google academic and Pubmed. 42 academic papers were included in the review. These studies standardize a total of 26 tests of different cognitive domains, mainly attentional processes, memory, language, and executive functions. The studies were based mainly on populations of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the Province of Buenos Aires with upper-secondary education. It is recommended that future normative studies contribute to a broader national geographic coverage, specify the exact place of residence of the population analyzed, and include a representative percentage of subjects with low education. Likewise, it is suggested that psychologists and neurologists take this review into consideration when preparing their own neurocognitive assessment, always attentive to future regulatory updates.
Sintomatología depresiva y consumo riesgoso de alcohol en población de Buenos Aires durante el aislamiento preventivo obligatorio
Authors: Herrera Micaela Julieta , Vizioli Nicolás Alejandro
Published: February 2022

Due to the pandemic due to the outbreak of the new COVID-19 in Argentina, as in different countries of the world, social distancing measures were chosen. In this context, an increase in different psychological problems such as depression or risky alcohol consumption has been reported. The aim of the present study was to know the behavior of depressive symptoms and risky alcohol consumption. A sample of 386 adults from Buenos Aires was selected. It was found that 3% obtained high scores in relation to alcohol consumption, and that 35% presented moderate values of depression. A significant association was found between both variables. Depression was a significant predictor of risky alcohol consumption. Lastly, young people presented greater depressive symptoms than young adults and adults. The implications of these results are discussed.
El papel de la inteligencia emocional y el apoyo social percibido en la satisfacción vital de estudiantes universitarios ecuatorianos
Authors: Hidalgo-Fuentes Sergio , Tijeras-Iborra Amparo , Martínez-Álvarez Isabel , Sospedra-Baeza Mª Josefa
Published: February 2022

Within the field of Psychology, the vital well-being of the individual is an essential aspect due to its great relevance and impact throughout all stages and areas. The objectives of this study are to examine the degree achieved by university students in emotional intelligence, perceived social support and life satisfaction, assess the differences based on sex, and analyze the predictive level of the first two variables over the third. 381 college students completed the Trait Meta Mood Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale. The results shows that both emotional intelligence and social support are related and predict life satisfaction and that there are differences between the sexes. In conclusion, both emotional intelligence and social support are key aspects when intervening with students to promote their life satisfaction.
Estimation of Vehicles Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emission
Authors: Ismail Yunita , Nurwidyawati Anggy D , Rahayu Atika D
Published: February 2022

Transportation is a sector that has a dependency on fossil fuel production and will produce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a pollutant produced by vehicles which causes air pollution. The increase in vehicle demand causes an increase in CO2 emissions, which is the cause of global warming. But vehicles with fossil fuels are still a necessity for community mobilization. Because most vehicles used today are fossil fuel vehicles, the measurement of the efficiency of fossil fuel use is very important. The measure used to see the efficiency of fuel use by vehicles is Vehicle Kilometer Traveled (VKT). By using mobilev software, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuel vehicles can be predicted. CO2 emissions that occur in an industrial area are caused by several types of motor vehicles, namely motorcycles, LDV and HDV cars. From the analysis of the correlation between CO2 emissions with each type of vehicle obtained that the motor and LDV have a strong correlation with CO2 emissions, but the correlation with HDV is weak. This shows that CO2 emissions from each vehicle will contribute to CO2 emissions, the number of motorcycles correlates very closely with CO2 emissions (r = 0.9), the number of LDV correlates closely with CO2 emissions (r = 0.7) and the number of HDV correlates weakly with CO2 emissions (r = 0.1).
Study of Rainwater Harvesting Implementation
Authors: Gunawan Michelle N Gunawan , Ismail Yunita Ismail
Published: February 2022

In recent years, because of the changes in the environment and an increase in the global population, there is an increase in the threat of water scarcity. Therefore, there a need for developing water supply systems that is sustainable and resilient. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems are a decentralized sustainable water supply system that has the potential to be implemented. Industries, as one of the sectors that will be affected, could potentially gain many benefits through the implementation of RWH systems. This paper is a literature review that has the objective of explaining the general concept of RWH systems and understanding several aspects that go into planning a rainwater harvesting system. RWH system is an old concept that has benefits and disadvantages. In planning an RWH system, there are many considerations and calculations. The catchment area, water storage, treatment train needs to be carefully chosen. In some cases of implementation, it has been observed that RWH systems have resulted in water and financial savings. There is much potential for further study of the implementation of RWH systems in industrial settings.
Manajemen Asuhan Kebidanan Intranatal pada Ny. E dengan Preekalmpsia Berat
Authors: Alviana Alviana , Nurhayati Nurhayati , Rahmawati Rahmawati
Published: February 2022

Data yang di dapatkan menurut sebuah studi World Health Organization (WHO) bahwa sekitar 810 wanita meninggal karena sebab yang dapat dicegah terkait dengan persalinan dan kehamilan. Komplikasi utama yang menyebabkan hampir 75% dari semua kematian ibu adalah tekanan darah tinggi selama kehamilan (Preeklampsia dan eklampsia, hipertensi gestasional) sekitar 14% yang menduduki posisi kedua setelah perdarahan dan disusul oleh komplikasi dari persalinan aborsi yang tidak aman.Di Indonesia preeklampsia berat dan eklampsia merupakan penyebab kematian ibu berkisar 1,5% sampai 25 %, preeklampsia yang termasuk dalam hipertensi dalam kehamilan menempati posisi kedua terbanyak setelah perdarahan yang menyebabkan kematian ibu. Tujuan disusunnya Laporan Tugas Akhir (LTA) ini adalah agar dapat melaksanakan Asuhan Kebidanan Intranatal Pada Ny”E” Dengan Preeklampsia Berat di RSUD Labuang Baji makassar dengan penerapan manajemen asuhan kebidanan sesuai wewenang bidan.

Preeklampsia merupakan komplikasi kehamilan dan persalinan yang ditandai dengan timbulnya hipertensi 160/110 mmHg atau lebih disertai proteinuria dan atau di sertai oedema pada kehamilan 20 minggu atau lebih. Gejala dari preeklampsia seperti hipertensi, oedema dan proteinuria sering tidak diperhatikan, sehingga tanpa disadari dalam waktu singkat dapat timbul menjadi preeklampsi berat, bahkan eklampsia.

Hasil Tinjauan kasus dengan tinjauan teori telah diuraikan dan  ditemukan adanya kesenjangan antara tinjauan kasus dengan tinjauan teori serta upaya yang dilakukan berdasarkan lingkup tugas, wewenang, dan tanggung jawab bidan.

Setelah mengevaluasi hasil yang telah dilakukan pada Ny”E” dapat disimpulkan bahwa ibu preeklampsia berat.
Low-Cost Portable ECG Monitoring Device for Inaccessible Areas in Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Adil , Aroos Samia , Mumtaz Laraib , Jafri Irum , Khaliq Arjmand
Published: February 2022

The need for a constant health monitoring system is essential especially for cardiovascular disease (CVD) that may cause sudden stroke or even death. In this paper, we present the design and development of a low-cost, efficient, and user-friendly portable Electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring device. Most of the existing heart rate measurement devices and tools available in underdeveloped countries like Pakistan are quite expensive, far to reach and inaccessible in most of the rural areas especially for the female population to reach the healthcare centers. Our proposed device monitors the patient’s body information using three lead-silver chloride ECG disposable electrodes and detects the pulse signal. The detected heart pulse signal is first filtered and then amplified. The device can display the heart signal on an external PC/laptop Graphical User Interface (GUI) and the digitized pulse rate on a Liquid Crystal Display or (LCD) to detect any signs of abnormality. We have evaluated the device on several trial subjects. Finally, the results were compared with the standard ECG signal. Our device measures the pulse signal with good accuracy like commercial devices with higher costs.
Factores de riesgo de la caries de la infancia temprana relacionados a hábitos de crianza en Latinoamérica
Authors: Ballesteros Ramírez Sofía , Manzano Saldarriaga Salomé , Emilsen Pabón Gloria
Published: February 2022

Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo causantes de la caries de la infancia temprana (CIT) en niños, entre el nacimiento y los 5 años de edad, de Latinoamérica, en los últimos 10 años. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo descriptivo tipo scoping, donde se llevó a cabo una búsqueda en Science Direct, PubMed, SciELO, Google Scholar, Proquest, desde el 2011 hasta el 2021, incluyendo artículos en inglés, portugués y español. Resultados: En 20 artículos se evaluaron los conocimientos y prácticas de los padres y/o cuidadores, donde se analizó si tenían o no buenos hábitos de higiene bucal, siendo este uno de los factores de riesgo más predominante. Conclusión: Se evidencia que entre los principales riesgos de la CIT se tiene una dieta rica en carbohidratos, permisividad con el lactante del consumo de bebidas azucaradas por las noches, utilizar el biberón después de un año de vida, presentar una mala higiene oral y el factor socioeconómico, que resultó el más predisponente. Finalmente, se pudo determinar que existe una relación entre los hábitos de crianza y la CIT.
Management of Hepatitis C in Psychiatric Settings: Review of The Literature and Review of Experiences Over 4 Years in A Psychiatric Hospital.
Authors: Remy André-Jean , Bouquie Régis , Hervet Jérémy
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Hepatitis C is a more common infection in the psychiatric population and psychiatric comorbidities are more common in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C. No prospective studies on hepatitis C management in a psychiatric setting in France had not been yet published. Objectives: 1/ to make a short review of the literature 2/ To determine the prevalence of HCV in the psychiatric inpatient population, to assess the feasibility of the simplified care pathway recommended by HAS and to improve the screening and management of hepatitis C in closed psychiatric settings. Methods: Collecting prospective and retrospective data on the management of hepatitis C from 2017 to 2020 among the psychiatric hospital’s incoming population. Results: Current data on the prevalence and management of hepatitis C in psychiatric settings are insufficient. In our study, the number of serologies performed among entrants increased from 2016 to 2020 with coverage of screening from 24% to 100%. In 2020, a C viral load was achieved in all patients with positive C serology. All patients with a positive viral load were assessed for fibrosis with FIBROSCAN on-site and treated with direct antivirals except 2. Conclusion: our original approach to HCV has been efficient. This cooperation between organized caregivers (hepatology mobile team and medical biology laboratory) has increased rate of screening and management of HCV in psychiatric hospitals. Hospitalization and/or psychiatric follow-up is a risk factor for hepatitis C and should lead to hepatitis screening. Larger prospective studies are needed.
Targeting the Endocannabinoid System in the Treatment of ADHD
Authors: Dawson David A , Persad Clare P
Published: February 2022

Dysfunction of the dopamine system has been proposed to explain clinical manifestations of ADHD. ADHD patients have been demonstrated to lack appropriate dopamine levels. The neurotransmitter dopamine is commonly associated with the brain’s pleasure system, providing a feeling of enjoyment and motivation to perform specific tasks. The endocannabinoid system has been implicated in various dopamine-deficiency-related disorders, including ADHD. A complex interaction between the endocannabinoid system and dopamine production has been experimentally demonstrated. The endocannabinoid primarily responsible for the release of dopamine is anandamide and increasing the concentrations of this molecule has demonstrated therapeutic value in treating ADHD. In this review article, synthetic and natural exogenous and endogenous methods for increasing anandamide concentrations are described.
Effectiveness of Enzyme Replacement and Enhancement Therapies on the Management of Tay-Sachs
Authors: Okpala Peterchris , Okpala Sandra
Published: February 2022

Tay-Sachs is a hereditary syndrome that damages the spinal cord and brain nerve cells. This rare type of disease is mainly manifested in infants at the ages of three to six months. Affected infants lose all their motor skills, such as sitting and crawling. As the disease evolves, kids infected will experience seizures, blindness, deafness, and eventually paralysis. Solovyeva et al., 2018). Currently, there is no treatment for TSD, and different therapies are joined to improve symptoms in patients with the late-onset form. Infant TSD patients do not survive beyond five years. These therapies can also defer the progression of TSD in late-onset form patients. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and enzyme enhancement therapies (EET) are encouraging therapies that could finally cure the disease. Smith (2021) demonstrated the efficiency of ERT and EET therapies using α and β subunits of Hex A using rats and a rare form of sheep known as Jacob sheep. This evaluation discourses the effectiveness of Enzyme replacement and Enhancement therapies in preventing neuroinflammation and non-neurologic symptoms of the TSD.
Herbal Compounds in the Treatment of Pulmonary Silicosis
Authors: ADAMCAKOVA J , MOKRA D
Published: February 2022

Herbal compounds including those already well-established in traditional Chinese medicine have been increasingly tested in the treatment of various diseases. Recent studies have shown that herbal compounds can be of benefit also for pulmonary silicosis as they can diminish changes associated with silica-induced inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress. Due to a lack of effective therapeutic strategies, development of novel approaches which may be introduced particularly in the early stage of the disease, is urgently needed. This review summarizes positive effects of several alternative plant-based drugs in the models of experimental silicosis with a potential for subsequent clinical investigation and use in future.
Gait Changes Following Robot-Assisted Gait Training in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: ŽARKOVIĆ D , ŠORFOVÁ M , TUFANO J , KUTÍLEK P , VÍTEČKOVÁ S , RAVNIK D , GROLEGER-SRŠEN K , CIKAJLO I , OTÁHAL J
Published: February 2022

This study investigated changes of gait pattern induced by a 4-week robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in twelve ambulatory spastic diparesis children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged 10.4±3.2 years old by using computerized gait analysis (CGA). Pre-post intervention CGA data of children with CP was contrasted to the normative data of typically developing children by using cross-correlation and statistically evaluated by a Wilcoxon test. Significant pre-post intervention changes (p<0.01) include: decreased muscle activity of biceps femoris, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior; a decrease in range of internal hip joint rotation, higher cadence, step length, and increased stride time. This study suggests that RAGT can be used in muscle reeducation and improved hip joint motion range in ambulatory children with CP.
The Antiepileptic and Antidepressant-Like Effects of Dexpanthenol in Female Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: İNAN Salim , AÇIKGÖZ Yağmur
Published: February 2022

Objective: Oxidative stress is one of the main mechanisms of epilepsy and depression. Based on our information, behavioral effects of dexpanthenol in animals have not yet been demonstrated. Dexpanthenol itself is a topical medicine to restore skin barrier against infections caused by microorganisms which also stimulates the peristaltic movements in the gut when administered parenterally; however since it is cheap and easy to use with minor side effects, the main idea of the current research was to evaluate whether dexpanthenol has an antiepileptic and/or antidepressant-like effects.
Methods: A group of female Swiss albino mice (25-30 g) were injected with dexpanthenol (ip, N = 8) or saline (ip, N = 8), and 30 min later pentylenetetrazole (65 mg/kg, ip)-induced convulsions were determined for 30 min. In addition, another group of mice were again injected with dexpanthenol (500 mg/kg, ip, N = 8) or saline (ip, N = 8) and immobility time were evaluated in the forced swim test. Finally, mouse righting reflex test was used to assess the possible changes in motor coordination.
Results: Our data showed that dexpanthenol, at the dose of 500 mg/kg displayed significant antiepileptic and antidepressant-like effects without affecting motor behavior.
Conclusions: A common low-cost topical drug for various skin disorders that can also be given parenterally for motility regulation has an antiepileptic and antidepressant-like activity in mice.
The Road Toward Transformative Treatments for Food Allergy
Authors: Phelps Allyssa , Bruton Kelly , Grydziuszko Emily , Koenig Joshua F. E. , Jordana Manel
Published: February 2022

A series of landmark studies have provided conclusive evidence that the early administration of food allergens dramatically prevents the emergence of food allergy. One of the greatest remaining challenges is whether patients with established food allergy can return to health. This challenge is particularly pressing in the case of allergies against peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish which are lifelong in most patients and may elicit severe reactions. The standard of care for food allergy is allergen avoidance and the timely administration of epinephrine upon accidental exposure. Epinephrine, and other therapeutic options like antihistamines provide acute symptom relief but do not target the underlying pathology of the disease. In principle, any transformative treatment for established food allergy would require the restoration of a homeostatic immunological state. This may be attained through either an active, non-harmful immune response (immunological tolerance) or a lack of a harmful immune response (e.g., anergy), such that subsequent exposures to the allergen do not elicit a clinical reaction. Importantly, such a state must persist beyond the course of the treatment and exert its protective effects permanently. In this review, we will discuss the immunological mechanisms that maintain lifelong food allergies and are, consequently, those which must be dismantled or reprogrammed to instate a clinically non-reactive state. Arguably, the restoration of such a state in the context of an established food allergy would require a reprogramming of the immune response against a given food allergen. We will discuss existing and experimental therapeutic strategies to eliminate IgE reactivity and, lastly, will propose outstanding questions to pave the road to the development of novel, transformative therapeutics in food allergy.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Creatine Utilization Genes of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 14067 by AmtR, a Central Nitrogen Regulator
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ouyang Zhilin , Zhao Nannan , Han Shuangyan , Zheng Suiping
Published: February 2022

In the genus Corynebacterium, AmtR is a key component of the nitrogen regulatory system, and it belongs to the TetR family of transcription regulators. There has been much research on AmtR structure, functions, and regulons in the type strain C. glutamicum ATCC 13032, but little research in other C. glutamicum strains. In this study, chromatin immunoprecipitation and massively parallel DNA sequencing (ChIP-seq) was performed to identify the AmtR regulon in C. glutamicum ATCC 14067. Ten peaks were obtained in the C. glutamicum ATCC 14067 genome including two new peaks related to three operons (RS_01910-RS_01915, RS_15995, and RS_16000). The interactions between AmtR and the promoter regions of the three operons were confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). The RS_01910, RS_01915, RS_15995, and RS_16000 are not present in the type strain C. glutamicum ATCC 13032. Sequence analysis indicates that RS_01910, RS_01915, RS_15995, and RS_16000, are related to the degradation of creatine and creatinine; RS_01910 may encode a protein related to creatine transport. The genes RS_01910, RS_01915, RS_15995, and RS_16000 were given the names crnA, creT, cshA, and hyuB, respectively. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis and sfGFP (superfolder green fluorescent protein) analysis reveal that AmtR directly and negatively regulates the transcription and expression of crnA, creT, cshA, and hyuB. A growth test shows that C. glutamicum ATCC 14067 can use creatine or creatinine as a sole nitrogen source. In comparison, a creT deletion mutant strain is able to grow on creatinine but loses the ability to grow on creatine. This study provides the first genome-wide captures of the dynamics of in vivo AmtR binding events and the regulatory network they define. These elements provide more options for synthetic biology by extending the scope of the AmtR regulon.
Prevalence of Cardiometabolic Syndrome and its Association With Body Shape Index and A Body Roundness Index Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study in a Ghanaian Population
Authors: Anto Enoch Odame , Frimpong Joseph , Boadu Wina Ivy Ofori , Tamakloe Valentine Christian Kodzo Tsatsu , Hughes Charity , Acquah Benjamin , Acheampong Emmanuel , Asamoah Evans Adu , Opoku Stephen , Appiah Michael , Tawiah Augustine , Annani-Akollor Max Efui , Wiafe Yaw Amo , Addai-Mensah Otchere , Obirikorang Christian
Published: February 2022

Cardiometabolic syndrome (MetS) is closely linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and is the leading cause of diabetes complications. Anthropometric indices could be used as a cheap approach to identify MetS among T2DM patients. We determined the prevalence of MetS and its association with sociodemographic and anthropometric indices among T2DM patients in a tertiary hospital in the Ashanti region of Ghana. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 241 T2DM outpatients attending the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) and the Kumasi South Hospital for routine check-up. Sociodemographic characteristics, clinicobiochemical markers, namely, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) were measured. Anthropometric indices, namely, body mass index (BMI), Conicity index (CI), body adiposity index (BAI), A body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) were computed based on either the Height, Weight, Waist circumference (WC) or Hip circumference (HC) of the patients. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was classified using the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Data entry and analysis were done using Excel 2016 and SPSS version 25.0 respectively. Of the 241 T2DM patients, 99 (41.1%) were males whereas 144 (58.9%) were females. The prevalence of cardiometabolic syndrome (MetS) was 42.7% with dyslipidemia and hypertension recording a prevalence of 6.6 and 36.1%, respectively. Being a female T2DM patient [aOR = 3.02, 95%CI (1.59–5.76), p = 0.001] and divorced [aOR = 4.05, 95%CI (1.22–13.43), p = 0.022] were the independent sociodemographic predictors of MetS among T2DM patients. The 4th quartile for ABSI and 2nd to 4th quartiles for BSI were associated with MetS on univariate logistic regression (p <0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified the 3rd quartile (aOR = 25.15 (2.02–313.81), p = 0.012) and 4th quartile (aOR = 39.00, 95%CI (2.68–568.49), p = 0.007) for BRI as the independent predictors of MetS among T2DM. The prevalence of cardiometabolic syndrome is high among T2DM patients and this was influenced by female gender, being divorced, and increased BRI. Integration of BRI as part of routine assessment could be used as early indicator of cardiometabolic syndrome among T2DM patients.
Multi-Omics Characterization of Tumor Microenvironment Heterogeneity and Immunotherapy Resistance Through Cell States–Based Subtyping in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hu Rixin , Tao Tao , Yu Lu , Ding Qiuxia , Zhu Guanghui , Peng Guoyu , Zheng Shiwen , Yang Leyun , Wu Song
Published: February 2022

Due to the strong heterogeneity of bladder cancer (BC), there is often substantial variation in the prognosis and efficiency of immunotherapy among BC patients. For the precision treatment and assessment of prognosis, the subtyping of BC plays a critical role. Despite various subtyping methods proposed previously, most of them are based on a limited number of molecules, and none of them is developed on the basis of cell states. In this study, we construct a single-cell atlas by integrating single cell RNA-seq, RNA microarray, and bulk RNA-seq data to identify the absolute proportion of 22 different cell states in BC, including immune and nonimmune cell states derived from tumor tissues. To explore the heterogeneity of BC, BC was identified into four different subtypes in multiple cohorts using an improved consensus clustering algorithm based on cell states. Among the four subtypes, C1 had median prognosis and best overall response rate (ORR), which characterized an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. C2 was enriched in epithelial-mesenchymal transition/invasion, angiogenesis, immunosuppression, and immune exhaustion. Surely, C2 performed the worst in prognosis and ORR. C3 with worse ORR than C2 was enriched in angiogenesis and almost nonimmune exhaustion. Displaying an immune effective environment, C4 performed the best in prognosis and ORR. We found that patients with just an immunosuppressive environment are suitable for immunotherapy, but patients with an immunosuppressive environment accompanied by immune exhaustion or angiogenesis may resist immunotherapy. Furthermore, we conducted exploration into the heterogeneity of the transcriptome, mutational profiles, and somatic copy-number alterations in four subtypes, which could explain the significant differences related to cell states in prognosis and ORR. We also found that PD-1 in immune and tumor cells could both influence ORR in BC. The level of TGFβ in a cell state can be opposite to the overall level in the tissues, and the level in a specific cell state could predict ORR more accurately. Thus, our work furthers the understanding of heterogeneity and immunotherapy resistance in BC, which is expected to assist clinical practice and serve as a supplement to the current subtyping method from a novel perspective of cell states.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Expression and Prognosis for ITGBs: Identification of ITGB5 as a Biomarker of Poor Prognosis and Correlated with Immune Infiltrates in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Liu Dongliang , Liu Shaojun , Fang Yu , Liu Liu , Hu Kongwang
Published: February 2022

Background: Integrin β superfamily members (ITGBs) are documented to play important roles in various biological processes, and accumulating evidence suggests that ITGBs are associated with carcinogenic effects in several malignancies. Gastric cancer (GC) is a complicated and highly heterogeneous disease; however, the expression and prognostic values of eight ITGBs and potential mechanism in GC remain largely unclear.

Methods: The expression and prognostic significance of ITGBs in GC were systematically analyzed through Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, Human Protein Atlas, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, and cBioPortal databases. Then, the mRNA transcription data and corresponding clinical data of GC were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database as a testing cohort, and differentially expressed and prognostic genes were identified. The correlation between ITGB5 expression and overall survival and various clinical parameters were found by using univariate/multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Additionally, differential analysis of gene expression profiles in low- and high-ITGB5 expression groups and pathway enrichment analysis was performed. Finally, the correlation of ITGB5 expression with immune infiltrates in GC was clarified.

Results: Compared with adjacent normal tissue, the results reveal that the mRNA levels of ITGB1-2 and ITGB4-8 are significantly higher in GC, and immunohistochemistry results show the consistency between RNA and protein expression levels. Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis indicate that high ITGB5 expression contributes to a poor prognosis and could be an independent prognostic factor in GC patients. Besides this, gene functional enrichment analysis indicates that ITGB5 expression is significantly associated with extracellular matrix organization, cell-substrate adhesion, and ossification. The KEGG pathway analysis of ITGB5 shows a close association between ITGB5 and focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction, phagosome, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Last, the infiltrating level of CD4+ T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells are positively related to the expression of ITGB5, especially macrophages, and lower levels of macrophages predict a better prognosis in GC in our study.

Conclusion: Our findings investigate that ITGB5 may function as a valid biomarker of prognosis, and high expression of ITGB5 predicts poor prognosis for patients with GC. Besides this, it might be a potential target of precision therapy against GC.
Synergistic Effects of Toll-Like Receptor 1/2 and Toll-Like Receptor 3 Signaling Triggering Interleukin 27 Gene Expression in Chikungunya Virus-Infected Macrophages
Authors: Valdés-López Juan Felipe , Fernandez Geysson J. , Urcuqui-Inchima Silvio
Published: February 2022

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is the etiological agent of chikungunya fever (CHIKF), a self-limiting disease characterized by myalgia and severe acute or chronic arthralgia. CHIKF is associated with immunopathology and high levels of pro-inflammatory factors. CHIKV is known to have a wide range of tropism in human cell types, including keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, monocytes, and macrophages. Previously, we reported that CHIKV-infected monocytes-derived macrophages (MDMs) express high levels of interleukin 27 (IL27), a heterodimeric cytokine consisting of IL27p28 and EBI3 subunits, that triggers JAK-STAT signaling and promotes pro-inflammatory and antiviral response, in interferon (IFN)-independent manner. Based on the transcriptomic analysis, we now report that induction of IL27-dependent pro-inflammatory and antiviral response in CHIKV-infected MDMs relies on two signaling pathways: an early signal dependent on recognition of CHIKV-PAMPs by TLR1/2-MyD88 to activate NF-κB-complex that induces the expression of EBI3 mRNA; and second signaling dependent on the recognition of intermediates of CHIKV replication (such as dsRNA) by TLR3-TRIF, to activate IRF1 and the induction of IL27p28 mRNA expression. Both signaling pathways were required to produce a functional IL27 protein involved in the induction of ISGs, including antiviral proteins, cytokines, CC- and CXC- chemokines in an IFN-independent manner in MDMs. Furthermore, we reported that activation of TLR4 by LPS, both in human MDMs and murine BMDM, results in the induction of both subunits of IL27 that trigger strong IL27-dependent pro-inflammatory and antiviral response independent of IFNs signaling. Our findings are a significant contribution to the understanding of molecular and cellular mechanisms of CHIKV infection.
The Roles of Blood Lipid-Metabolism Genes in Immune Infiltration Could Promote the Development of IDD
Authors: Li Weihang , Ding Ziyi , Zhang Huan , Shi Quan , Wang Dong , Zhang Shilei , Xu Songjie , Gao Bo , Yan Ming
Published: February 2022

Objectives: Intervertebral disc degeneration is a progressive and chronic disease, usually manifesting as low back pain. This study aimed to screen effective biomarkers for medical practice as well as figuring out immune infiltration situations between circulation and intervertebral discs.

Methods: Gene expression profiles of GSE124272 was included for differentially analysis, WGCNA and immune infiltration analysis from GEO database, and other GSE series were used as validation datasets. A series of validation methods were conducted to verify the robustness of hub genes, such as principal component analysis, machine learning models, and expression verification. Lastly, nomogram was established for medical practice.

Results: 10 genes were commonly screened via combination of DEGs, WGCNA analysis and lipid metabolism related genes. Furthermore, 3 hub gens CYP27A1, FAR2, CYP1B1 were chosen for subsequent analysis based on validation of different methods. GSEA analysis discovered that neutrophil extracellular traps formation and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway was activated during IDD. Immune infiltration analysis demonstrated that the imbalance of neutrophils and γδT cells were significantly correlated with IDD progression. Nomogram was established based on CYP27A1, FAR2, CYP1B1 and age, the calibration plot confirmed the stability of our model.

Conclusion: CYP27A1, FAR2, CYP1B1 were considered as hub lipid metabolism related genes (LMRGs) in the development of IDD, which were regarded as candidate diagnostic biomarkers especially in circulation. The effects are worth expected in the early diagnosis of IDD through detecting these genes in blood.
Natural History and Ecology of Interactions Between Bordetella Species and Amoeba
Authors: Ma Longhuan , Linz Bodo , Caulfield Amanda D. , Dewan Kalyan K. , Rivera Israel , Harvill Eric T.
Published: February 2022

A variety of bacteria have evolved the ability to interact with environmental phagocytic predators such as amoebae, which may have facilitated their subsequent interactions with phagocytes in animal hosts. Our recent study found that the animal pathogen Bordetella bronchiseptica can evade predation by the common soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum, survive within, and hijack its complex life cycle as a propagation and dissemination vector. However, it is uncertain whether the mechanisms allowing interactions with predatory amoebae are conserved among Bordetella species, because divergence, evolution, and adaptation to different hosts and ecological niches was accompanied by acquisition and loss of many genes. Here we tested 9 diverse Bordetella species in three assays representing distinct aspects of their interactions with D. discoideum. Several human and animal pathogens retained the abilities to survive within single-celled amoeba, to inhibit amoebic plaque expansion, and to translocate with amoebae to the fruiting body and disseminate along with the fruiting body. In contrast, these abilities were partly degraded for the bird pathogen B. avium, and for the human-restricted species B. pertussis and B. parapertussis. Interestingly, a different lineage of B. parapertussis only known to infect sheep retained the ability to interact with D. discoideum, demonstrating that these abilities were lost in multiple lineages independently, correlating with niche specialization and recent rapid genome decay apparently mediated by insertion sequences. B. petrii has been isolated sporadically from diverse human and environmental sources, has acquired insertion sequences, undergone genome decay and has also lost the ability to interact with amoebae, suggesting some specialization to some unknown niche. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified a set of genes that are potentially associated with the ability to interact with D. discoideum. These results suggest that massive gene loss associated with specialization of some Bordetella species to a closed life cycle in a particular host was repeatedly and independently accompanied by loss of the ability to interact with amoebae in an environmental niche.
The Multilingual Pragmatics of New Englishes: An Analysis of Question Tags in Nigerian English
Authors: Westphal Michael
Published: February 2022

This paper presents a variational pragmatic analysis of multilingual question tags in Nigerian English, combining a corpus-pragmatic analysis of the Nigerian component of the International Corpus of English with a survey study on the preferences and attitudes of Nigerian students toward different question tag forms. The corpus study highlights multilingual pragmatic variation in terms of form and function of variant as well as English and non-English (i.e., derived from indigenous Nigerian languages) invariant question tags in six text types: conversations, phonecalls, classroom lessons, broadcast discussions, broadcast interviews, and legal cross-examinations. Nigerian speakers combine a wide range of English and non-English invariant forms, whereas variant question tags only play a marginal role and are not characteristic of Nigerian English. Text type influences the overall frequency of question tags and – together with the pragmatic function – constrains the use of individual forms. The survey study shows diverging results as the participants generally prefer variant over invariant question tags and show a strong dispreference for indigenous Nigerian forms when speaking English. Nevertheless, their preferences for specific forms over others are guided by the communicative setting and requirements of a given situation. The students also hold most positive attitudes toward variant question tags, while non-English tags are rated less positively on items reflecting decency. However, all question tag forms are valued in terms expressiveness. Hence, Nigerian students’ dispositions toward multilingual question tag use are guided by a prescriptive ideology that is biased toward canonized English forms. While indigenous Nigerian forms are well integrated into question tag use, indicating a high degree of nativization of Nigerian English at a pragmatic level, acceptance for these local forms is lagging behind. In general methodological terms, the paper shows that question tags – or discourse-pragmatic-features in general – have high potential for studying multilingual variation in New Englishes. However, studies on the multilingual pragmatics of New Englishes need to consider the full range of multilingual forms, take into account variety-internal variation via text type, and should ideally also study the users’ perspectives.
Case Report: Hypergranular Platelets in Vaccine-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia After ChAdOx1 nCov-19 Vaccination
Authors: Comer Shane P. , Le Chevillier Ana , Szklanna Paulina B. , Kelliher Sarah , Saeed Khalid , Cullen Steven , Edebiri Osasere , O'Neill Tiina , Stephens Niamh , Weiss Luisa , Murphy Claire A. , Rajakumar Saraswathi , Tierney Alexandra , Hughes Conor , Lennon Áine , Moran Niamh , Maguire Patricia B. , Ní Áinle Fionnuala , Kevane Barry
Published: February 2022

Background

Vaccine-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) post SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is characterized by thrombocytopenia and severe thrombosis. Platelet function during patient recovery in the medium-/long-term has not been investigated fully. Here, we undertook a 3-month study, assessing the recovery of a VITT patient and assessing platelet morphology, granule content and dense-granule release at two distinct time points during recovery.

Case Presentation

A 61 year-old female was admitted to hospital 15 days post ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccination. Hematological parameters and peripheral blood smears were monitored over 3 months. Platelet morphology and granule populations were assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at two distinct time points during recovery, as was agonist-induced platelet dense-granule release. Upon admission, the patient had reduced platelet counts, increased D-dimer and high anti-PF4 antibodies with multiple sites of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). Peripheral blood smears revealed the presence of large, hypergranular platelets. Following treatment, hematological parameters returned to normal ranges over the study period. Anti-PF4 antibodies remained persistently high up to 90 days post-admission. Two days after admission, VITT platelets contained more granules per-platelet when compared to day 72 and healthy platelets. Additionally, maximal ATP release (marker of dense-granule release) was increased on day 2 compared to day 72 and healthy control platelets.

Conclusion

This study highlights a previously unreported observation of platelet hypergranularity in VITT which may contribute to the thrombotic risk associated with VITT. Optimal approaches to monitoring recovery from VITT over time remains to be determined but our findings may help inform therapeutic decisions relating to anticoagulation treatment in this novel pathology.
Early Permian Syn-Subduction Extension in the South Tianshan (NW China): Insights From A-Type Granitoids in the Southern Altaids
Authors: Abuduxun Nijiati , Xiao Wenjiao , Windley Brian F. , Huang Peng , Yang He , Gan Jingmin , Sang Miao , Liu Xijun
Published: February 2022

A-type granite is an important geodynamic indicator because it requires a high melting temperature that is commonly driven by extensional events. Here we report geochronology, whole-rock geochemistry, and zircon Lu-Hf isotopes of newly identified A-type granitic rocks from the South Tianshan in the southern Altaids. Zircon LA-ICP-MS ages indicate that the granitoids were emplaced at ca. 298–272 Ma. Geochemically, they are metaluminous to slightly peraluminous (A/CNK = 0.95–1.10), and belong to the high-K calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series. They are characterized by relatively high zircon saturation temperatures (824–875°C), K2O + Na2O contents (7.31–9.36%), high field strength elements (HFSE; Zr + Nb + Ce + Y = 365–802 ppm), and Ga/Al ratios (2.8–4.2), which all point to an A-type affinity. In addition, they have slightly enriched Hf isotope compositions (εHf(t) = −10.9 to + 0.6), and corresponding Mesoproterozoic (1,272–1759 Ma) crustal model ages, suggesting they were probably generated by partial melting of mature crust that contained minor mantle-derived magmatic material. The granitoids have distinctive subduction-related trace element signatures, with deep Nb and Ta troughs, elevated large ion lithosphere elements (LILEs), and flat HFSEs patterns, very similar to arc-derived granites in the Lachlan accretionary orogen. Integration of these new sedimentological, structural and geochronological results with relevant published information provides a new data-archive, which indicates that neither the Tarim mantle plume nor post-collisional extension can explain the genesis of these A-type granitoids. Instead, we propose a new more pertinent and robust model according to which they formed due to high temperature gradient in a subduction-related extensional setting probably triggered by southward rollback of the South Tianshan oceanic lithosphere, which caused upwelling of asthenospheric mantle combined with an increased temperature that led to large-scale crustal melting. This process gave rise to a broad magmatic arc in the southern active margin of the Yili-Central Tianshan. Our new data shed light on the retreating accretionary orogenesis of the southern Altaids in the Permian.