bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Results of the SepsEast Registry to define the Characteristics in Coronavirus Disease in Central-Eastern Europe between March 2020-February 2021: an international, multicentre retrospective study of the SEARCH-COVID-19 Study Group
Authors: Benes Jan , Jankowski Miłosz , Szułdrzynski Konstanty , Zahorec Roman , Lainscak Mitja , Ruszkai Zoltán , Podbregar Matej , Zatloukal Jan , Kletecka Jakub , Kusza Krzysztof , Szrama Jakub , Ramic Estera , Galkova Katarina , Krbila Stefan , Valky Josef , Ivanic Jaka , Kurnik Marko , Mikó Angéla , Kiss Tamás , Hetényi Barbara , Hegyi Peter , Sustic Alan , Molnar Zsolt
Published: March 2022

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused unprecedented research activity all around the world but publications from Central-Eastern European countries remain scarce. Therefore, our aim was to characterise the features of the pandemic in the intensive care units (ICUs) among members of the SepsEast (Central-Eastern European Sepsis Forum) initiative.Methods: We conducted a retrospective, international, multicentre study between March 2020-February 2021. All adult patients admitted to the ICU with pneumonia caused by COVID-19 were enrolled. Data on baseline and treatment characteristics, organ support and mortality were collected. Results: Eleven centres from six countries provided data from 2139 patients. Patient characteristics were; median 68, [IQR 60-75] years of age; males: 67%; body mass index: 30.1 [27.0-34.7]; and 88% comorbidities. Overall mortality was 55%, which increased from 2020 to 2021 (p=0.004). The major causes of death were respiratory (37%), cardiovascular (26%) and sepsis with multiorgan failure (21%). 1061 patients received invasive mechanical ventilation (mortality: 66%) without extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n=54). The rest of the patients received non-invasive ventilation (n=129), high flow nasal oxygen (n=317), conventional oxygen therapy (n=122), as the highest level of ventilatory support, with mortality of 50%, 39% and 22%, respectively. Conclusions: This is the largest COVID-19 dataset from Central-Eastern European ICUs to date. The high mortality observed especially in those receiving invasive mechanical ventilation renders the need of establishing national-international ICU registries and audits in the region that could provide high quality, transparent data, not only during the pandemic, but also on a regular basis.
Molecular signatures of organic particulates as tracers of emission sources
Authors: Cecinato Angelo , Bacaloni Alessandfro , Romagnoli Paola , Perilli Mattia , Balducci Catia
Published: March 2022

As tool for identifying the pollution sources and their impact on human health, chemical signature of airborne particulates and deposition dusts is a subject of study since decades. Usually, three complementary ways are adopted for this purpose; they are: specific source markers, concentration ratios of pairs of congeners, and percent distributions of homologues within groups. After presenting the state-of-the-art about non-polar aliphatic (i.e., alkanes and alkenes), aromatic (PAHs, Nitro-PAHs) and polar (fatty acids, organic halides, polysaccharides) compounds associated with emissions, some unusual molecular signatures of non-polar organics are discussed, as possible tracers of emission sources. Non-polar organic fraction of particulates comprises short/medium-chain alkenes and alkanes (with carbon numbers ranging from 12 to 23), which display distinct relative abundances in petrol-derived spills and exhausts, release by microorganisms and high vegetation leaf debris. Long-chain alkanes associated with tobacco smoke show a peculiar iso/anteiso/normal homologue fingerprint and n-hentriacontane percentages higher than other emissions. Several concentration ratios of PAHs were analyzed in scientific literature as diagnostic of nature of emissions; meanwhile, the possible sources of uncertainty were elucidated. Due to its intrinsic limits (e.g., diagnostic ratios variability caused by decomposition and gas/particle exchange), the identification of sources exploiting molecular signature is overall restricted to qualitative purposes. Nevertheless, parameterizing molecular signatures through numerical indexes can aid in apportioning the pollution sources providing preliminary information for modeling. Future investigations would allow understanding the sources of uncommon molecular fingerprints (e.g., alkane/alkene distributions) and elucidating the role of humans as actual emitters of chemicals affecting internal environments.
The Development and Implementation of a Physical Therapy Service to treat Urinary Incontinence: Results of a RE-AIM Evaluation
Authors: de Leon Elisa Brosina , Cardoso Maria Natalia , de Souza Magda Rocha , de Brito Elorides , Marques Maira Mendes dos Santos , Almeida Fabio
Published: March 2022

Background: A conservative physiotherapy service implementation addressed to treat urinary incontinence for older women was studied using the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. Design: We conducted a multimethod analysis structured based on RE-AIM. Settings/participants: Included women ≥ 60 years of age, with self-reported UI symptoms. Results: A total of 34 older women were enrolled in the service with a mean age of 61.53 years. There was a significant improvement in the strength of the pelvic floor muscles, power, endurance, and fast contraction capacity after the intervention.Program implementation was supported by Physical Therapy teams who engaged in care coordination. The program has been maintained for over 4 years.Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that UI patients would benefit from physiotherapy treatment and that this intervention is feasible. This RE-AIM evaluation provides lessons learned and strategies for future adoption, implementation, and maintenance of a Physical Therapy pelvic service.
Measurement of radon concentration in water within Ojo axis of Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Mostafa Mostafa , Olaoye M A , Ademola A K , Jegede O A , Saka A A , Khalaf Hyam
Published: March 2022

Background
Radon (Radon-222) in water is one of the daily health hazard problems. Therefore, continue check of radon contamination in different types of water is essential.in the present work, sixteen groundwater and surface-water samples (wells, boreholes, and sachets) were collected from six different locations within Ojo Local Government area in Nigeria. The water samples collected were stored in 75 cl bottles which were already sterilized with distilled water to avoid contamination. Water samples were then taken to the laboratory for analysis of radon using RAD-7, an active electronic device produced by the Durridge Company in the USA.
Results
The radon level in water is higher than the safer limits of 11 Bq/l as per EPA regulations except one site of the six under study. The total annual effective doses from ingestion and inhalation for drinking and ground water is upper than the safe limit of 0.1mSv y− 1 recommended by WHO and EU council.
Conclusions
The obtained results promote the development and/or the update of databases of radon levels in drinking and ground water in Ojo Local Government area in Nigeria.
Conversion of Cud and Paper Waste to Biochar Using Slow Pyrolysis Process and Effects of Parameters
Authors: Takele Tayachew Nega , Tesfaye Ashenafi , Awoke Kirubel , Getu Endale
Published: March 2022

In this study, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of slow pyrolysis parameters of temperature, air mass flow rate, heating rate, and residence time on cud and waste paper char yields. Cud and waste paper were heated with a slow pyrolysis temperature (167 0 C) to produce the biochar. The degree of decomposition depends on the feedstock used and process conditions. As the results revealed that the biochar yield, depends mainly on the applied controlled temperature and airflow rate. During the experiment, the primary airflow rate makes the process more slowly pyrolysis. Both primary and secondary air inlet opening at the same time provides high temperature and less biochar yield. The experiment was conducted under a slow pyrolysis temperature of 167 0 C, moisture 15%, and air mass flow rate of (0.35 - 1.5kg/s). At this temperature; 30kg of feedstock, cup, and paper in the reactor produces 10kg- 23kg and 10-20kg respectively of biochar yield at the same airflow rate of 0.35m/s. Temperature gradient appears and tends to increase as the airflow rate increases within the limited values. But the biochar yield reduces as the pyrolysis temperature and airflow rate increase.
Genetic analysis of a child with 18q Deletion Syndrome and Developmental Dysplasia of Hip
Authors: Yu Shufeng , Wang Caixia , Lei Ke , Leng Xuefei , Zhang Lijuan , Tian Fei , Chen Zhihong
Published: March 2022

Objective To analyze genotypes and phenotypes of a child with Developmental Dysplasia of Hip (DDH), developmental delays, recurrent fever, hypothyroidism and cleft palate. Methods G-banding karyotypeing analysis and Next-generation Sequencing(NGS) were performed on the child. The parents of the child were verified by copy number variations (CNV) and Sanger sequencing to determine the source of variations. Results The karyotype of the child was 46, XX. A 10.44Mb deletion(chr18:67562936-78005270del) at 18q22.2q23 was found by NGS, as well as HSPG2 variation (chr1: 22206699, c.2244c > A, exon 17, p.h748q; chr1: 22157321–22157321, c.11671 + 154insA, Intron) originated from father and mother, respectively. Conclusion This is the first 18q deletion syndrome case which accompanied by DDH. Most phenotypes of the child ,such as developmental delays, cleft palate, may be related to 18q22 2q23 deletion, while no variant genes related to DDH were found in this deletion region. DDH may be related to mutation of HSPG2.
Red perovskite light-emitting diodes with efficiency exceeding 25% realized by cospacer cations
Authors: Jiang Ji , Chu Zema , Yin Zhigang , Li Jingzhen , Yang Yingguo , Chen Jingren , Wu Jinliang , You Jingbi , Zhang Xingwang
Published: March 2022

Perovskite light-emitting diodes (PeLEDs) own great attention in recent years, due to their narrow emission bandwidth and tunable emission spectrum. Efficient red emission is one of most important part for lighting and display. Quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskite could deliver high emission efficiency due to the strong carrier confinement, while the external quantum efficiencies (EQE) of red quasi-2D PeLEDs are inefficient at present, which is due to the complex distribution of different n-value phases in quasi-2D perovskite films. Here, we finely control the phase distribution of the quasi-2D perovskite by mixing two different large organic cations, which effectively reduce the amount of smaller n index phases, meanwhile the passivation of lead and halide defects in perovskite films is realized. Accordingly, the PeLEDs showed 25.8% EQE and 1300 cd∙m-2 maximum brightness at 680 nm, which exhibit the highest performance for red PeLEDs up to now.
Oxygen-containing groups in cellulose- and lignin-biochar: their roles in U(VI) adsorption
Authors: Liang Jianjun , Feng Yongzhong , Qiu Xiaoyi , Tao Zhuolin , E Zhengyang , Song Jiayu , Dong Yaqiong , Li Ping , Fan Qiaohui
Published: March 2022

The adsorption behaviors of cellulose- and lignin-biochar depend on their oxygen-containing groups to some extent. In this study, a series of cellulose- and lignin-rich biochar was prepared from pakchoi and corncob, respectively named PBC and CBC, to evaluate their adsorption properties for U(VI). The maximal adsorption capacity of PBC 300 (obtained at 300 oC) was 46.62 mg g− 1 for U(VI), which was ⁓ 1.3 times higher than that of CBC 300 (35.60 mg g− 1). U(VI) adsorption on PBC and CBC were ascribed to the coordination interaction between oxygen-containing groups and U(VI). Interestingly, the main complexation groups were different in the both biochar due to the inherent evolution of cellulose and lignin. Volatile d-glucose chains in cellulose were apt to degrade rapidly, and the formed carboxyls acted as the main adsorption sites in PBC. However, the stable aromatic network in lignin led to a slow degradation, and more hydroxyls thus remained in CBC, which controlled U(VI) adsorption. This study obtained effective adsorbents of U(VI) and provided some essential insights into understanding this evolution and structure-function relationship of biochar.
The highest-elevation frog provides insights into mechanisms and evolution of defenses against high ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Fu Ting-Ting , Sun Yan-Bo , Gao Wei , Long Chengbo , Yang Chun-Hua , Yang Xinwang , Zhang Yi , Lan Xin-Qiang , Huang Song , Jin Jieqiong , Murphy Robert , Zhang Yun , Lai Ren , Hillis David , Zhang Ya-Ping , Che Jing
Published: March 2022

Defense against increasing ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure is essential for survival, especially in high-elevation species. Although some specific genes involved in UV response have been reported, the full view of UV-defense mechanisms remains largely unexplored. Herein, we analyzed UV responses in the highest-elevation frog, Nanorana parkeri, using integrated approaches. We show less damage and more efficient antioxidant activity in skin of this frog than those of its lower-elevation relatives after UV exposure. Our study revealed new UV-defense systems. Genomic and metabolomic analysis along with large-scale transcriptomic and microRNA profiling revealed a time-dependent coordinated defense mechanism in N. parkeri. Both gene mutations and expression shifts contribute to such UV adaptation. We found that microRNAs play important regulatory roles, especially in decreasing the expression levels of cell-cycle genes. Moreover, multiple defense genes (i.e., TYR for melanogenesis) exhibit positive selection with function-enhancing substitutions. Our work demonstrates a genetic framework for evolution of UV-defense in a natural environment.
Spectrum of stable and unstable rearrangements in lymphocytic chromosomes investigated in Bhopal population thirty year post MIC-disaster
Authors: Ganguly Bani Bandana , Mandal Shouvik , Kadam Nitin N
Published: March 2022

Immediate assessment of genetic damage in methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas exposed population in small and heterogeneous samples using diversified study designs and solid-stained metaphases could not depict the actual genetic impact of MIC on accidentally exposed individuals. The outcome of the then large multi-center genetic screening program was not available to the public and scientific community. Also the routine of the regular epidemiological health-survey does not capture the genetic and long-term effect of MIC. Therefore, genetic screening was carried out 30-years post disaster during 2015–2017 with a view to screen the present status of chromosomal consequences in lymphocytic cells. Participants were recruited from moderate (34) and severely (78) exposed, and unexposed (35) cohorts with their informed consent. Analysis of ~ 100 mitotic cells and karyotyping of at least 10–15 and all abnormal metaphases detected structural and numerical alterations, including stable and replicable ones. Clonal abnormalities were detected with monosomal and complex karyotype, trisomy 8, del5q/20q, loss of Y, etc. Among all, X-chromosome was frequently involved in numerical alterations. Structural aberrations appeared higher in the then exposed populations, though abnormalities cannot be linked directly to MIC-exposure 30-year post disaster. Collectively, all rearrangements were markedly higher in the severely exposed population. Altogether, the detected abnormalities appeared random and indicated genomic instability, suggesting follow-up at shorter intervals for the individuals detected with clonal aberrations. G-banding has facilitated recognition of chromosomal involvement and their breakpoints, and classification of structural rearrangements. The present data has been derived from the 30-years post-disaster genetic screening.
Yeast RNAi Machinery Maintains rRNA Homeostasis for Ribosomal Function by Generating sirRNAs to Suppress the Antisense Transcripts
Authors: Li Chenxi , Zhang Ping , Huo Liang , Ma Xiaoyu , Hao Xiaoran , Ma Lan , Liu Yanjie , Zhou Mengkai , Zhu Xudong
Published: March 2022

The biological function of RNAi machinery in fungi appears puzzling. In yeast Cryptococcus neoformans, we observed that RNAi-deficient mutants displayed diminished ribosome function. We conducted deep sequencing and bioinformatics analysis for siRNAs derived from rRNAs (sirRNAs), and discovered a novel class of sirRNAs with unique structure, e.g. a nucleotide C at 5’end, and a size of 19 or 20 nt. Two sirRNAs, 001 and 006, had the largest reads of all sRNAs and were located on 25S rRNA close to each other with a 4-nt spacer. Sequencing data and Northern blotting manifested sirRNAs were generated by RNAi machinery, rather by random degradation. Multiple RNAi pathways could produce sirRNAs, a long pathway consisting of Dcrs, Agos and Rdp and a short pathway through Dcrs and Agos solely. We found a 120-nt 25S rRNA fragment was the common precursor of sirRNAs 001/006 which were split into two pri-sirRNAs, 55-nt and 60-nt, respectively. The pri-sirRNAs were further processed merely by RNAi machinery to form pre-sirRNAs, subsequently the final products sirRNAs 001 and 006. Silencing assays suggested that sirRNAs-guided RNAi suppressed the expression of the reporters, URA5 and CLC1. On the other hand, we found loss of RNAi caused a significant decrease of 25S rRNA, but a dramatically increase of the natural antisense transcripts of rRNAs (NAT-rRNAs), suggesting RNAi machinery played a positive role in maintaining 25S rRNA level, while an antagonistic suppression on NAT-rRNAs which was demonstrated by sequencing and blotting. Considering the presence of sirRNAs, we speculate the yeast has evolved a protective mechanism for rRNA homeostasis through sirRNAs-guided RNAi against NAT-rRNAs. When RNAi machinery was absent, NAT-rRNAs were accumulated to form with rRNAs double-stranded RNA molecules and caused rRNAs to be degraded, which impaired ribosomal function. This work reveals that RNAi machinery maintains rRNA homeostasis and ribosome function.
Establishment of a DNA-free genome editing and protoplast regeneration method in cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)
Authors: Liu Ying , Andersson Mariette , Granell Antonio , Cardi Teodoro , Hofvander Per , Nicolia Alessandro
Published: March 2022

The application of genome editing as a research- and breeding method has provided many possibilities to improve traits in many crops in recent years. In cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), so far only stable Agrobacterium-mediated transformation carrying CRISPR/Cas9 reagents has been established. The shoot regeneration from transfected protoplasts is the major bottleneck in the application of DNA-free genome editing via Ribonucleoprotein based CRISPR/Cas9 method in cultivated tomato. In this study, we report the implementation of a transgene-free breeding method for cultivated tomato by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, including the optimization of protoplast isolation and overcoming the obstacle in shoot regeneration from transfected protoplasts. We have identified that the shoot regeneration medium containing 0.1 mg/l IAA and 0.75 mg/l zeatin was the best hormone combination with a regeneration rate of up to 21.3%. We have successfully obtained regenerated plants with a high mutation rate four months after protoplasts isolation and transfection. Out of 110 regenerated M0 plants obtained, 35 (31.8%) were mutated targeting both SP and SP5G genes simultaneously and the editing efficiency on single genes was up to 50.9%.
A Systematic Review of the International Evolution of Online Mental Health Strategies and Recommendations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Almeda Nerea , Díaz-Milanés Diego , Guiterrez-Colosia Mencia R. , García-Alonso Carlos R.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which started at the beginning of 2020, has had a negative impact on mental health (MH). As a response to the pandemic, international agencies and governmental institutions providedan initial response to the population’s needs. As the pandemic evolved, the population circumstances changed, and some of these international agencies, such as the UN or WHO, updated their strategies, recommendations, and guidelines for the populations. However, there is currently a lack of information on the attention given to response strategies by the different countries throughout the beginning of the pandemic. Objectives: To evaluate the evolution of MH online strategies and recommendations developed by governments and related institutions to cope with the impact ofCOVID-19 on MH from the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic to the vaccination period and to assess their current status. Methodology: An adaptation of the PRISMA guidelines to review online documents was used together with a questionnaire for MH strategies and recommendation assessment. Basic statistics and Student’s t test were used to assess the evolution of the documents, while a two-step cluster analysis was performed to assess the organisation and characteristics of the most recent documents. Results: Statistically significant differences were found both in the number of symptoms and mental disorders and MH strategies and recommendations included in the initial documents and the updated versions generated after vaccines became available. The most recent versionsare more complete in all cases. Regarding the forty-six total documents included in the review, the cluster analysis showed a broaddistribution from wide-spectrum documents to documentsfocusing on a specific topic. Conclusions: Governments and institutions have worked actively but unevenly on updating the MH guidelines, paying attention to actions related to bereavement, telehealth and domestic violence. Significant improvements have been made regarding Mexico’s guideline and the availability of comprehensive resources from England, Australia and the United States of America. The study supports the use of the PRISMA protocol adaptation and questionnaire for MH strategy and recommendation assessments as a standard by which to conduct longitudinal assessments of dynamic documents.
Primary Malignant Brain Tumor Trends in Southern Iran, 2001- 2017: an alarming increase in glioblastoma
Authors: Soltani Ahmad , Ahrari Iman , Eqbal Meisam , Owji Seyed Hossein , Amin Amir Mousaie , Khosravizadegan Zahra , Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Shahraki Hadi Raeisi
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Primary Brain tumors which include a 1.7 percent of all cancers among which glioblastomas are the most lethal and the most frequent malignant types. Ionizing radiation and some genetic factors have been reported as the etiology of such cancers. We are reporting the trends in the Brain tumors with a focus on malignant types and its outcome in the South of the Iran for the first time.Methods: We selected all the patients with primary brain tumors who undergone brain surgery at teaching hospitals the Shiraz Medical School between 2001 and 2017. Data was obtained from Fars Population-based Cancer Registry. ICD-O-3 morphology coding system according to WHO 2007 classification of CNS tumors was used for grouping the tumors. Using SPSS, Total Growth Rate (TGR) and Incidence Rate (IR) were calculated to assess the changes overtime.Results: A total number of 2130 (male: 890, 41.8% and female: 1240, 58.2%) brain tumor cases from 2001 to 2017 were included in this study. The highest Incidence Rate (IR) was found in ‘unspecified tumors of the brain’ (2.74 per 100000) between 2011 and 2015 followed by ‘Astrocytoma’ (1.34 per 100000) between 2006 and 2010) and ‘Glioblastoma’ (1.25 per 100000) between years 2011 and 2016. Additionally, the Glioblastoma showed the highest IR in those aged between 30 and 59 of years (0.42 per 100000). Conclusion: An upward trend in the rate of malignant brain tumors in the Fars province could be an alarm sign for more studies to be done especially from the etiology point of view.
Exploring the Degree of Relative Crystalline and Amorphous Properties of Cellulose Nanofibers by Correlated Graphene-Quenching Raman Spectroscopy with Electrostatic Force Microscopy Technique
Authors: Park Won-Hwa
Published: March 2022

Utilizing cellulose nanofibers (CNF) attracts tremendous attention in terms of developing a non-breakable film with high toughness and optically transparent properties. Here, the author introduces a new characterization method in order to compare the relative degree of the crystalline and amorphous characters of CNF by correlating Graphene-Quenching Raman Scattering (GQRS) with Electrostatic Force Microscope (EFM) results. This nano-metrology may pave the new way in quantitatively unraveling the degree of lignin and hemicellulose.
Economic evaluation of home-based counselling to promote exclusive breastfeeding in Egypt
Authors: Mohamed Bassam Y. , Kissimova-Skarbek Katarzyna
Published: March 2022

BackgroundHome-based counselling interventions to scale up exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates have been shown to be effective in many countries. However, there is limited data regarding its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in the Egyptian context. This study calculates the economic burden of not breastfeeding in Egypt, followed by an economic evaluation of a modelled intervention targeting new mothers to promote exclusive breastfeeding rates for 6 months. MethodsBoth monetary and non-monetary units of measurement were used to estimate the burden attributed to non-EBF due to diarrheal diseases, lower respiratory tract infections, and acute otitis media. Morbidity and mortality indicators: incidence, prevalence, and deaths were calculated then time lost measures. In addition, both the cost of illness and the value of statistical life approaches were used to reflect the burden of the diseases attributed to non-EBF in monetary terms. A modelled home-based breastfeeding counselling intervention is adopted from the literature. The effectiveness of this intervention was based on 4 scenarios of decreasing the DALYs lost due to the 3 diseases attributed to non-EBF by 40%, 20%, 10%, and 5%. This is followed by conducting different economic evaluation analyses: cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis, and cost-benefit analysis to determine the cost-effectiveness of this intervention. ResultsThe cost of illness approach was calculated to be about 1.8 billion EGP in 2019. However, the value of statistical life approach revealed that the society’s willingness to pay to avoid the DALYs lost due to 3 diseases attributed to non-EBF ranged from 10 to 32 billion EGP. All the economic evaluation analyses showed that this home-based counselling intervention is cost-effective to scale up breastfeeding rates in Egypt with an incremental cos-utility ratio (ICUR) ranges from 5,520 to 44,158 EGP per each DALY averted. In addition, it will lead to annual benefits up to 12.4 billion EGP and a return on investment up to 28.8 EGP for each 1 EGP invested in this intervention. ConclusionHome-based counselling intervention is a very cost-effective intervention in promoting exclusive breastfeeding rates in Egypt. It is also a good investment for the government with a significant return on investment and huge cost savings.
Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells Reverse Insulin Resistance Through Inhibition of M1 Expression in a Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Mouse Model
Authors: Chen Lee-Wei , Chen Pei-Hsuan , Yen Jui-Hung
Published: March 2022

Background
Adipose tissue inflammation is considered as one of the major mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and complications in diabetes. Here, we aimed to study the effects of adipose-derived stromal cells on diabetes-induced insulin resistance and M1 cytokine expression.
Methods
Stromal vascular fractions (SVFs) purified from the inguinal adipose tissue of diabetic mice were treated with plasma from either non-diabetic (Lepr+/+) or diabetic (Leprdb/db) mice and injected into the inguinal white adipose tissue of Leprdb/db mice.
Results
We found that diabetic plasma treatment induced, whereas non-diabetic plasma suppressed, TNF-α, IL-1β, and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) mRNA expression in SVFs in vitro. Importantly, the injection of non-diabetic plasma-treated SVFs significantly decreased TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, CCL2 and IL-33, and induced IL-10 mRNA expression in adipose tissue of Leprdb/db mice in vivo. Furthermore, we observed that non-diabetic plasma-treated SVFs increased mRNA expression of Foxp3 in adipose tissue macrophages, and suppressed mRNA expression of ICAM-1, FMO3, IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, TNF-α and DPP4 as well as protein expression of DPP4 and phosphorylated JNK and NF-κB in the liver of Leprdb/db mice. Moreover, we found that non-diabetic plasma-treated SVFs increased Akt activation following insulin administration and attenuated glucose intolerance in Leprdb/db mice.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that non-diabetic plasma inhibits M1 but increases M2 cytokine expression in adipose tissue of diabetic mice. Most importantly, our findings reveal that non-diabetic plasma-treated SVFs are capable of mitigating diabetes-induced plasma DPP4 activity, liver inflammation, and insulin resistance, and that may be mediated through suppressing M1 cytokines but increasing IL-10 and Foxp3 expression in adipose tissue. Altogether, our findings suggest that adipose stromal cell-based therapy could potentially be developed as an efficient therapeutic strategy for the treatment of diabetes.
Late-acting self-incompatibility (LSI) in Schima superba: pollen-ovary interactions and signaling to trigger PCD in incompatible pollen
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Hanbo , Zhou Zhichun
Published: March 2022

Background
In angiosperm, Self-incompatibility (SI) is a common and widespread mechanism for plant preventing inbreeding risk and late-acting self-incompatibility (LSI) is even more ancestral conserved. In this work, we worked on Schima superba, one species in Theaceae, commercially important timer and fire-resistant tree species and revealed its LSI mechanism.
Results
The self-pollen tubes grew to the bottom of the stylus and enter ovary until 48h, but failed to penetrate the ovule. Meanwhile, the hormone and peroxidase levels were dramatically changed. Transcriptome and proteome analysis explored the molecular mechanisms of LSI and candidate genes related to LSI in S.superba. Overall 586.71 million reads were obtained and 79,642 (39.08%) unigenes were annotated. KEGG and GO showed that 4531 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 82 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were at 48h in self- (SP) vs outcross-pollination (OP). Among these, 160 DEGs and 33 DEPs involved in pollen-pistil interaction. The “pollen-pistil interaction”, “signal recognition” and “component of membrane” were downregulated in SP whereas the “cell wall and membrane biosynthetic process”, “oxidoreductase activity” were upregulated. The DEGs involved with S-RNases and SCF during SP suggested that the LSI was happened at 48h ovary, and the LSI in S.superba was under gametophyte control. The calcium ion increase-releasement and F-actin depolymerization initiated metacaspases-1 activity and lead to PCD progress. Also, mitochondrial function loss and ROS disruption further aggravated the PCD progress and cell death. Cell wall biosynthetic progress upregulated and cellulose synthase downregulated could lead to ovary xylification and withering.
Conclusions
The LSI of S.superba which happened at 48h after pollination was key time point. The incompatibility PT ceased growth in ovary because of the S-RNase recognition and PCD happened in this organ. This study highlight the LSI molecular mechanism in S.superba and also gave a reference to other species in Theaceae.
Identification of the WRKY Group I Genes and the Functional Analysis of GhWRKY138 in Cotton Pigment Gland Development
Authors: Qu Da , Dai Yuanli , Liu Shang , Peng Fanjia , Lv Limin , Zhang Youping , Wang Qiaolian , Zuo Dongyun , Song Guoli , Cheng Hailiang
Published: March 2022

Background
WRKY transcription factors have various functions in leaf senescence, plant maturation, adaptation to stress and regulation of secondary metabolism. However, the relationship between WRKY family and cotton pigment gland development remains unclear.
Result
In this study, 36 WRKY group I genes were identified in G. hirsutum L. Expression pattern analysis showed that GhWRKY138 of WRKY group I had a large difference in expression between glanded and glandless plants. Virus-induced gene silencing experiments showed that the number of glands decreased significantly with gene silencing. At the same time, we found that the expression of GhMYC2-like, a key gene regulating pigment gland development, also decreased with the decrease of GhWRKY138.
Conclusion
GhWRKY138 may involved in the formation and development of cotton glands. This study explored the possible relationship between the WRKY transcription factor family and gland development, which further enriched the connotation of the biological function of WRKY genes. These studies provide new insights into the mechanism of gland development.
Temporizing cast immobilization is a safe alternative to external fixation in ankle fracture- dislocation while posterior malleolar fragment size predicts loss of reduction: A Case Control Study
Authors: Gerlach Rene , Toepfer Andreas , Jacxsens Matthijs , Zdravkovic Viliam , Potocnik Primoz
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUNDTo determine whether and for whom temporizing cast immobilization is a safe alternative to external fixator (ex-fix) in ankle fracture-dislocations with delayed surgery or moderate soft-tissue injury, we analysed the early complications and re-dislocation rates of cast immobilization in relation to ex-fix in patients sustaining these injuries.METHODSAll skeletally mature patients with a closed ankle fracture-dislocation and a minimum 6-months follow-up treated between 2007 and 2017 were included. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, injury description, treatment history and complications were assessed. RESULTSIn 160 patients (94 female; mean age 50 years) with 162 ankle fracture-dislocations, 35 underwent primary ex-fix and 127 temporizing cast immobilizations. Loss of reduction (LOR) was observed in 25 cases (19.7%) and 19 (15.0%) were converted to ex-fix. The rate of surgical site infections (ex-fix: 11.1% vs cast: 4.6%) and skin necrosis (ex-fix: 7.4% vs cast: 6.5%) did not differ between groups (p = 0.122 and p = 0.825). Temporizing cast immobilization led to an on average 2.7 days earlier definite surgery and 5.0 days shorter hospitalization when compared to ex-fix (p < 0.001). Posterior malleolus fragment (PMF) size predicted LOR with ≥ 22.5% being the threshold for critical PMF-size (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONTemporizing cast immobilization was a safe option for those ankle fracture-dislocations in which immediate definite treatment was not possible. Those temporized in a cast underwent definite fixation earlier than those with a fix-ex and had a complication rate no worse than the ex-fix patients. PMF-size was an important predictor for LOR. Primary ex-fix seems appropriate for those with ≥ 22.5% PMF-size. Trial registrationThe study doesn’t meet criteria of a prospective, clinical trial. There was no registration.
Invasions of European Tribes During Severe Cold Winters of the Past Three Millennia
Authors: Shen Chuan-Chou , Hu Hsun-Ming , Chen Wei , Milovský Rastislav , Orvošová Monika , Mareková Ľubica , Attila Demény , Asami Ryuji , Mii Horng-Sheng , Chien Yu-Tang , Takayanagi Hideko , Iryu Yasufumi , Spötl Christoph
Published: March 2022

Times of turmoil in Europe during past millennia have been linked to hydroclimate variability. The invasion of foreign peoples that hastened the collapse of the Roman Empire, for example, was suggested to have been triggered by precipitation minima. However, the climate evolution of central-east Europe, the cradle of these tribes, remains elusive, thus limiting our understanding of how ancient civilizations responded to climate change. In this study, we present a 3000-year-long winter temperature and precipitation record inferred from a stalagmite in central Slovakia with dating uncertainties as small as ±6 yr. The data reveal that this region experienced seven 100-200 year-long cold intervals during the past three millennia. Three of these intervals with wet winters centered at 350 BC, and 400 and 900 AD coincided with historic invasion events in eastern Europe. These cold intervals were likely triggered by a weakened North Atlantic circulation and concomitant atmospheric blockings over western Europe.
Practice Pattern and Prognostic Effect of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy for Left Main Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Cho Sungsoo , Kang Do-Yoon , Kim Jung-Sun , Park Duk-Woo , Kim In-Soo , Kang Tae Soo , Ahn Jung-Min , Lee Pil Hyung , Kang Soo-Jin , Lee Seung-Whan , Kim Young-Hak , Lee Cheol Whan , Park Seong-Wook , Lee Seung-Jun , Hong Sung-Jin , Ahn Chul-Min , Kim Byeong-Keuk , Ko Young-Guk , Choi Donghoon , Jang Yangsoo , Hong Myeong-Ki , Park Seung-Jung
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the practice pattern and long-term prognostic effect of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) duration in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with second-generation drug-eluting stent (DES) for left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease. Using individual patient-level data from the IRIS-MAIN and KOMATE registries, 1,827 patients undergoing PCI with second-generation DES for LMCA disease with valid information on the DAPT duration were included. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE, a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stent thrombosis) and the safety outcome was major bleeding. The DAPT duration was < 6 months (n = 273), 6–12 months (n = 477), 12–24 months (n = 637), and ≥ 24 months (n = 440). The median follow-up duration was 3.9 years (interquartile range, 3.01–5.00 years). The prolonged DAPT duration was associated with lower incidences of MACE. In multi-group propensity score analysis, adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for MACE were significantly higher for DAPT < 6 months and DAPT 6–12 months than for DAPT 12–24 months (HR, 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.96–6.88 and HR 1.92; 95% CI, 1.23–3.00)]. There was no difference in the HRs for major bleeding among the assessed groups. In real world registries data, DAPT duration following PCI for LMCA disease varies depending on the characteristics of the patient. Overall, the prolonged DAPT duration was associated with lower incidence of MACE without increased major bleeding.
Priorities for Improvement Across Cancer and Non-cancer Related Preventive Services Among Rural and Non-rural Clinicians
Authors: Brtnikova Michaela , Studts Jamie L. , Robertson Elise , Dickinson L. Miriam , Carroll Jennifer K. , Krist Alex H. , Cronin John T. , Glasgow Russell E.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: A multitude of preventive services is recommended for primary care to conduct – too many for most clinicians to realistically perform. This is especially true in low resource and rural settings, creating challenges to delivering high-quality care. This study collected stakeholder input from clinicians on which services they most need to improve. Methods: We conducted a survey of primary care physicians 9-12/2021, with an emphasis on rural practices, to assess areas in which clinicians felt the greatest needs for improvement. The survey focused on primary prevention (behavior change counseling) and cancer screening, and contrasted needs for improvement for these services vs. other types of screening, and between clinicians in rural vs. non-rural practices.Results: We had 326 respondents from 4 different practice-based research networks, a wide range of practice types, 49 states and included 177 clinicians in rural settings. Respondents rated the need to improve delivery of primary prevention counseling services highest, with needs for nutrition and dietary assessment and counseling rated highest followed by physical activity and with almost no differences between rural and nonrural. Needs for improvement in cancer screenings were rated higher than non-cancer screenings, except for blood pressure screening. Conclusions: Both rural and nonrural primary care clinicians feel a need for improvement, especially with primary prevention activities. Although future research is needed to replicate these findings with different populations and other types of preventive service activities, greater priority should be given to development of practical, stakeholder informed assistance and resources for primary care to conduct primary prevention.
Risk factors and postnatal biomarkers for acute placental inflammatory lesions and intrauterine infections in preterm infants
Authors: Liu Die , Liu Jing , Ye Fang , Su Yunchao , Cheng Jiaoying , Zhang Qi
Published: March 2022

Purpose: To explore risk factors of acute placental inflammatory lesions and the potential postnatal serum biomarkers for predicting the severity of intrauterine infection in preterm infants.Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of premature infants with or without acute placental inflammatory lesions and their mothers by chart review for clinical data and placental histopathology. Results: The preterm infants with acute placental inflammatory lesions had a higher rate of premature rupture of membranes (PROM), a longer duration of PROM, and a higher level of serum sialic acid (SIA) than that of the non-inflammation group (all p<0.001). According to the different inflammatory histological structures, preterm infants with funisitis had a dominant longer duration of PROM than that of others (p<0.05), and their gestational age was youngest among all the infants (p<0.05). Furthermore, they had the highest content of serum SIA above other groups. The preterm infants in the acute histological chorioamnionitis group showed a similar trend of clinical manifestation and laboratory parameters with the funisitis group. Moreover, the closer the placental lesions were to the fetus, the lower the gestational age of preterm infants was, and the higher the serum SIA content was.Conclusion: We utilized a simple and precise anatomically category method of placental inflammatory histopathology for pediatricians to distinguish the extent of fetal inflammatory response for representing early-onset infectious diseases of preterm infants. SIA might be one of the potential early-stage serum biomarkers to reflect the severe intrauterine infections and could guide the postnatal anti-infection treatment.
Corrective Role of Argyreia Nervosa in Histological Architecture of Testis Against STZ Induced Experimental Diabetic Male Wister Rats.
Authors: Arunagiri Saranya , Srinivasan  , Maheshwari
Published: March 2022

Objective: The present study to findout the role of primary phytochemical constituents present in ethanol extracts of Argyreia nervosa resulting on a hyperglycemic males induced infertility. The objective of the study to evaluate the protective role ehanol extract against STZ induced histopathological changes testis. Methods: Primilinary phytochemical analysis was done to findout the primary and secondary phytoconstituents persent in ethanol extracts of argyreia nervosa. In this study the diabetic model was created by given 40 mg/kg/bw of stz to animals. After the induction the animals blood glucose levels were monitored and noted the hyperglycemic level in blood. After confirmation of blood glucose level the ethanol extracts of argyeria nervosa and was given orally. The dosage of drug was (200 ,400 mg/kg/bw) Daily for 60 days. Total experimental period was 60 days. After the experimental period the tissues were collected and done histopathology study for testis.Results: Ethanol extracts contains more phytochemical constituents such as tannins, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, beta carotene, etc. The constituents contain more antioxidant property when compare with methanol and petroleum ether extract. End of the experiment, the blood glucose level was decreased in argyreia nervosa treated groups, when compare with untreated stz group. The serum testosterone levels were increased when compared with stz induced group. The histopathological study reveals that the argyreia nervosa (200&400 mg/kg/bw) treated groups shows significant changes in testis when compare with the stz induced diabetic groups. Conclusion: From the present study, it was observed that the ethanol extract of argyreia nervosa lower the blood glucose level in hyperglycemic patients and the herbal have the beneficial effects against hyperglycemic induced infertility in male patients. Due to its aphrodisiac properties is well agreed with activites like adaptogenic, aphrodisiac and it might be contributed. The argyreia nervosa extracts contains potent antioxidants which is addition to enhancing the sperm density and sperm quality and minimize the damage to sperm cells reactive oxygen species by scavenging free radicals resulting from excessive oxidative damage.
Time correlation function and average energy of molecules in presence of Deng-Fan potential in a moving boundary
Authors: Nath Debraj , Roy Amlan K.
Published: March 2022

For the Deng-Fan potential within a moving boundary condition, the time-dependent Schrödinger equation is considered analytically. The eigenvalue equation is solved by using a combination of Pekeris and Greene-Aldrich approximations. Various time-dependent quantities including density distribution function, auto-correlation function, disequilibrium, average energy, quantum similarity, quantum similarity index are obtained for selected eight diatomic molecules. The motion of the peak of soliton with moving boundary condition is investigated for ground states of some diatomic molecules along with the corresponding peak values.
Fluorophore-conjugated 4-1BB antibody enables early detection of T-cell responses in inflammatory arthritis via NIRF imaging
Authors: Duan Shao , Han Chaozhe , Xia Yifei , Jing Chengwei , Dong Bohan , Zhang Xin , Zhang WeiWei , Wang Yu , Zhang Maomao , Li Ping , Chen Weiyu , Xiao Zunyu , Li Chao
Published: March 2022

Purpose

We first developed 4-1BB targeting optical probe---IRDye-680RD-4-1BB mAb and evaluated its capacity for the detection of activated T cells (4-1BB positive) in vivo , as well as the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) mouse model.

Methods

4-1BB expression pattern was validated and analyzed by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. 4-1BB monoclonal antibody (mAb) was conjugated with IRDye-680RD NHS ester, and characterized via the fluorescent spectrum. Cell binding assay was also performed between activated and naïve murine T cells. Longitudinal NIRF(Near-Infrared fluorescence) imaging of probe was acquired at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours post probe administration.

Results

4-1BB expression was highly upregulated during RA pathogenesis. Good co-localization was also observed between CD3 and 4-1BB immunofluorescence staining and tSNE analysis, which indicates that 4-1BB was mainly expressed on T cells. Compared to the control group, a significantly higher signal could be detected in the right hind paw from mice with AIA at all time points. Ex vivo biodistribution study was in line with in vivo NIRF imaging, which validated the accuracy of ROI measurements. The sensitivity against 100% specificity observed in receiver operator curves (ROC) analysis could distinguish AIA models from the control group at all time points, indicating the capacity of IRDye680RD-4-1BB mAb in RA diagnosis.

Conclusion

We successfully developed a novel optical imaging probe IRDye-680RD-4-1BB mAb for capturing 4-1BB + activated T cells in vivo , and 4-1BB NIRF imaging is a promising strategy for noninvasively detecting RA pathogenesis.