bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of heat stroke-induced liver injury
Authors: Wang Fuquan , Zhang Yan , Li Jianhua , Xia Haifa , Zhang Dingyu , Yao Shanglong
Published: December 2022

Heat stroke (HS) is a life-threatening systemic disease characterized by an elevated core body temperature of more than 40 ℃ and subsequent multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. With the growing frequency of global heatwaves, the incidence rate of HS has increased significantly, which has caused a huge burden on people's lives and health. Liver injury is a well-documented complication of HS and usually constitutes the direct cause of patient death. In recent years, a lot of research has been carried out on the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of HS-induced liver injury. In this review, we summarized the important pathogenesis of HS-induced liver injury that has been confirmed so far. In addition to the comprehensive effect of systemic factors such as heat cytotoxicity, coagulopathy, and systemic inflammatory response syndrome, excessive hepatocyte cell pyroptosis, dysfunction of Kupffer cells, abnormal expression of heat shock protein expression, and other factors are also involved in the pathogenesis of HS-induced liver injury. Furthermore, we have also established the current therapeutic strategies for HS-induced liver injury. Our study is of great significance in promoting the understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of HS-induced liver injury.
LINC00858 stabilizes RAN expression and promotes metastasis of gastric cancer
Authors: Lu Yunxin , Meng Qi , Bai Long , Wang Ruobing , Sun Yong , Li Jiaqi , Fan Jun , Tian Tian
Published: December 2022

Metastasis constitutes one of the major causes of tumor-related death in gastric cancer (GC), and understanding key events in the initiation of this phenotypic switch may provide therapeutic opportunities. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as molecules that play vital roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to identify metastasis-related lncRNAs in the context of GC. The lncRNAs overexpressed in tumor tissues and positively associated with overall survival were screened out using the TCGA database. qPCR assays in clinical samples showed that LINC00858 was significantly upregulated in GC tissues compared with normal counterparts. Functional analysis suggested that LINC00858 depletion attenuated the migration, and invasion of cancer cells in vitro and suppressed the metastasis of xenografted tumors in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC00858 could interact with the metastasis-associated RAN and stabilize its protein expression by decreasing posttranslational ubiquitination. The transcription factor YY1 could bind to the promoter of LINC00858 to upregulate its expression in GC cells. Moreover, overexpression of YY1 and RAN was positively associated with upregulation of LINC00858 in GC tissues. Our results suggest that LINC00858 might play a role in GC metastasis, and be a diagnostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target.
Assessing the efficacy of male Wolbachia-infected mosquito deployments to reduce dengue incidence in Singapore: study protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ong Janet , Ho Soon Hoe , Soh Stacy Xin Hui , Wong Yvonne , Ng Youming , Vasquez Kathryn , Lai Yee Ling , Setoh Yin Xiang , Chong Chee-Seng , Lee Vernon , Wong Judith Chui Ching , Tan Cheong Huat , Sim Shuzhen , Ng Lee Ching , Lim Jue Tao
Published: December 2022

Background

Dengue is a severe environmental public health challenge in tropical and subtropical regions. In Singapore, decreasing seroprevalence and herd immunity due to successful vector control has paradoxically led to increased transmission potential of the dengue virus. We have previously demonstrated that incompatible insect technique coupled with sterile insect technique (IIT-SIT), which involves the release of X-ray-irradiated male Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes, reduced the Aedes aegypti population by 98% and dengue incidence by 88%. This novel vector control tool is expected to be able to complement current vector control to mitigate the increasing threat of dengue on a larger scale. We propose a multi-site protocol to study the efficacy of IIT-SIT at reducing dengue incidence.

Methods/design

The study is designed as a parallel, two-arm, non-blinded cluster-randomized (CR) controlled trial to be conducted in high-rise public housing estates in Singapore, an equatorial city-state. The aim is to determine whether large-scale deployment of male Wolbachia-infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes can significantly reduce dengue incidence in intervention clusters. We will use the CR design, with the study area comprising 15 clusters with a total area of 10.9 km2, covering approximately 722,204 residents in 1713 apartment blocks. Eight clusters will be randomly selected to receive the intervention, while the other seven will serve as non-intervention clusters. Intervention efficacy will be estimated through two primary endpoints: (1) odds ratio of Wolbachia exposure distribution (i.e., probability of living in an intervention cluster) among laboratory-confirmed reported dengue cases compared to test-negative controls and (2) laboratory-confirmed reported dengue counts normalized by population size in intervention versus non-intervention clusters.

Discussion

This study will provide evidence from a multi-site, randomized controlled trial for the efficacy of IIT-SIT in reducing dengue incidence. The trial will provide valuable information to estimate intervention efficacy for this novel vector control approach and guide plans for integration into national vector control programs in dengue-endemic settings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT05505682. Registered on 16 August 2022. Retrospectively registered.
Impact of a disability-targeted livelihoods programme in Bangladesh: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial of STAR+
Authors: Banks Lena Morgon , Das Narayan , Davey Calum , Adiba Afsana , Ali M. Mahzuz , Shakespeare Tom , Fleming Coral , Kuper Hannah
Published: December 2022

Introduction

There is little evidence on the impact of livelihood interventions amongst people with disabilities. Effective programmes are critical for reducing the heightened risk of poverty and unemployment facing persons with disabilities. STAR+ is a skills development and job placement programme targeted to out-of-school youth with disabilities (ages 14–35) living in poverty. It is a disability-targeted adaptation to an existing, effective intervention (STAR), which has been designed to address barriers to decent work for people with disabilities. This protocol describes the design of a cluster randomised controlled trial of STAR+ in 39 of the 64 districts of Bangladesh.

Methods

BRAC has identified 1500 youth with disabilities eligible for STAR+ across its 91 branch offices (typically a geographical areas covering about 8 km radius from local BRAC office) catchment areas (clusters). BRAC has limited funding to deliver STAR+ and so 45 of the 91 branches have been randomly allocated to implement STAR+ (intervention arm). The remaining 46 branches will not deliver STAR+ at this time (control arm). Participants in the control-arm will receive usual care, meaning they are free to enrol in any other livelihood programmes run by BRAC or other organisations including standard STAR (being run in 15 control branches). The cRCT will assess the impact of STAR+ after 12 months on employment status and earnings (primary outcomes), as well as poverty, participation and quality of life (secondary outcomes). Analysis will be through intention-to-treat, with a random mixed effect at cluster level to account for the clustered design. Complementary qualitative research with participants will be conducted to triangulate findings of the cRCT, and a process evaluation will assess implementation fidelity, mechanisms of impact and the role of contextual factors in shaping variations in outcomes.

Discussion

This trial will provide evidence on the impact of a large-scale, disability-targeted intervention. Knowledge on the effectiveness of programmes is critical for informing policy and programming to address poverty and marginalisation amongst this group. Currently, there is little robust data on the effectiveness of livelihood programmes amongst people with disabilities, and so this trial will fill an important evidence gap.

Trial registration

This study has been registered with the Registry for International Development Impact Evaluations, (RIDIE Study ID: 6238114b481ad) on February 25, 2022, and the ISRCTN Registry (ID: ISRCTN15742977).
Tailoring the expression of Xyr1 leads to efficient production of lignocellulolytic enzymes in Trichoderma reesei for improved saccharification of corncob residues
Authors: Shen Linjing , Yan Aiqin , Wang Yifan , Wang Yubo , Liu Hong , Zhong Yaohua
Published: December 2022

Background

The filamentous fungus Trichoderma reesei is extensively used for the industrial-scale cellulase production. It has been well known that the transcription factor Xyr1 plays an important role in the regulatory network controlling cellulase gene expression. However, the role of Xyr1 in the regulation of cellulase expression has not been comprehensively elucidated, which hinders further improvement of lignocellulolytic enzyme production.

Results

Here, the expression dosage of xyr1 was tailored in T. reesei by differentially overexpressing the xyr1 gene under the control of three strong promoters (Pegl2, Pcbh1, and Pcdna1), and the transcript abundance of xyr1 was elevated 5.8-, 12.6-, and 47.2-fold, respectively. We found expression of cellulase genes was significantly increased in the Pegl2-driven xyr1 overexpression strain QE2X, whereas relatively low in the Pcbh1- and Pcdna1-driven overexpression strains. We also found that the Pegl2-driven overexpression of xyr1 caused a more significant opening of chromatin in the core promoter region of the prominent cellulase genes. Furthermore, the cellulase activity showed a 3.2-fold increase in the strain QE2X, while insignificant improvement in the Pcbh1- and Pcdna1-driven strains. Finally, the saccharification efficiency toward acid-pretreated corncob residues containing high-content lignin by the crude enzyme from QE2X was increased by 57.2% compared to that from the parental strain. Moreover, LC–MS/MS and RT-qPCR analysis revealed that expression of accessory proteins (Cip1, Cip2, Swo1, and LPMOs) was greatly improved in QE2X, which partly explained the promoting effect of the Pegl2-driven overexpression on enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose biomass.

Conclusions

Our results underpin that the precise tailoring expression of xyr1 is essential for highly efficient cellulase synthesis, which provide new insights into the role of Xyr1 in regulating cellulase expression in T. reesei. Moreover, these results also provides a prospective strategy for strain improvement to enhance the lignocellulolytic enzyme production for use in biorefinery applications.
Genetic variants of the GLP-1R gene affect the susceptibility and glucose metabolism of gestational diabetes mellitus: a two-center nested case‒control study
Authors: Luo Ping , Fan Ying , Xiong Yusha , Feng Hua , Yang Zhiping , Zhang Chunlin , Mei Bing
Published: December 2022

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common complication during pregnancy, occurring under the combined action of environmental and genetic factors. Genetic variants of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) have been reported to affect insulin secretion and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. This study aimed to explore the role of GLP-1R polymorphisms in GDM and glucose metabolism.

Methods

A two-center nested case‒control study was designed, including 200 pregnant women with GDM and 200 pregnant women without GDM genotyped for five tag SNPs of GLP-1R using Sanger sequencing. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between GLP-1R polymorphisms and GDM risk. Glucose and insulin concentrations were measured based upon the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Beta cell function of different genotypes was estimated with the 60 min insulinogenic index (IGI60) and OGTT-derived disposition index (DI).

Results

Mutant genotype AG + GG of tag SNP rs6458093 nominally increased GDM risk (p = 0.049), especially among subjects younger than 35 years (p = 0.024) and with BMI no less than 24 (p = 0.041), after adjusting for confounders. Meanwhile, compared with subjects with wild genotype AA, subjects with genotype AG + GG of rs6458093 also showed nominally significantly lower IGI60 (p = 0.032) and DI (p = 0.029), as well as significantly higher 75 g OGTT-based 1 h glucose load plasma glucose levels (p = 0.045). Moreover, the mutant heterozygous genotype GA of tag SNP rs3765467 nominally decreased GDM risk among subjects older than 35 years (p = 0.037) but showed no association with insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis.

Conclusions

Tag SNP rs6458093 of GLP-1R was nominally associated with increased GDM risk and affected beta cell function and postprandial glucose metabolism, while tag SNP rs3765467 of GLP-1R was nominally associated with decreased GDM risk, providing evidence for molecular markers and etiological study of GDM.
Non-insulin-based insulin resistance indexes in predicting severity for coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Ruiling , Fu Xuelian , Song Haiyan
Published: December 2022

Background

Triglyceride and glucose (TyG) index, triglyceride glucose-body mass (TyG-BMI) index, triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, and metabolic score for insulin resistance (METS-IR) are considered simple and reliable indicators of insulin resistance (IR). Although they have been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD), evidence supporting this is limited. Here, this is the first study to demonstrate the relationship between TyG-BMI index and CAD severity. The performance of the four non-insulin-based IR indexes in predicting CAD severity was explored.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 485 CAD patients between August 2020 and August 2021 in China, who were assigned into single- and multi-vessel CAD groups according to the coronary angiography (CAG) results. All patients were stratified into groups based on the tertiles of the TyG index, TyG-BMI index, TG/HDL-C ratio, and METS-IR.

Results

Patients in the multi-vessel CAD group had significantly higher TyG index, TyG-BMI index, TG/HDL-C ratio and METS-IR than those in the single-vessel CAD group. After adjusting for confounding factors, these four indicators were significantly associated with the risk of multi-vessel CAD. Notably, the highest tertile of TyG index, TyG-BMI index, TG/HDL-C ratio and METS-IR were significantly associated with the risk of multi-vessel CAD compared to participants in the lowest tertile. We also constructed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, to assess CAD severity. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC plots was 0.673 (95% CI 0.620–0.726;P < 0.001) for TyG index, while those for the TyG-BMI index, TG/HDL-C ratio, and METS-IR were 0.704 (95% CI 0.652–0.755;P < 0.001), 0.652 (95% CI 0.597–0.708;P < 0.001), and 0.726 (95% CI 0.677–0.775;P < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

TyG-BMI index is not only significantly associated with CAD severity, but is also an independent risk factor for multi-vessel CAD. The TyG index, TyG-BMI index, TG/HDL-C ratio, and METS-IR could be valuable predictors of CAD severity. Among the four non-insulin-based IR indexes, METS-IR had the highest predictive value, followed by TyG-BMI index.
Clinically relevant benzoxaboroles inhibit mRNA processing in Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Waithaka Albina , Clayton Christine
Published: December 2022

Objective

The cleavage and polyadenylation endonuclease CPSF73 is thought to be the target of the anti-trypanosomal benzoxaboroles AN7973, acoziborole and AN11736. We previously showed that AN7973 inhibits mRNA processing. We here investigated whether the drug candidates acoziborole (for human sleeping sickness) and AN11736 (for nagana in cattle) have the same effect. We also affinity purified tagged CPSF73 from parasites without, or after, AN7973 treatment, and analysed differentially co-purified proteins by mass spectrometry.

Results

AN11736 and acoziborole both inhibited mRNA processing, as demonstrated by decreased levels of spliced mRNAs and accumulation of di- and tri-cistronic mRNAs from the alpha-beta tubulin locus. Treating the cells with AN7973 for 30 min. did not significantly affect the proteins that copurified with CPSF73.
Added value of histogram analysis of ADC in predicting radiation-induced temporal lobe injury of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Bao Dan , Zhao Yanfeng , Wu Wenli , Zhong Hongxia , Yuan Meng , Li Lin , Lin Meng , Zhao Xinming , Luo Dehong
Published: December 2022

Background

This study evaluated the predictive potential of histogram analysis derived from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps in radiation-induced temporal lobe injury (RTLI) of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).

Results

Pretreatment diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the temporal lobes of 214 patients with NPC was retrospectively analyzed to obtain ADC histogram parameters. Of the 18 histogram parameters derived from ADC maps, 7 statistically significant variables in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The final best prediction model selected by backward stepwise elimination with Akaike information criteria as the stopping rule included kurtosis, maximum energy, range, and total energy. A Rad-score was established by combining the four variables, and it provided areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–0.98) and 0.89 (95% CI 0.81–0.97) in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. The combined model, integrating the Rad-score with the T stage (p = 0.02), showed a favorable prediction performance in the training and validation cohorts (AUC = 0.96 and 0.87, respectively). The calibration curves showed a good agreement between the predicted and actual RTLI occurrences.

Conclusions

Pretreatment histogram analysis of ADC maps and their combination with the T stage showed a satisfactory ability to predict RTLI in NPC after IMRT.
Leukemic retinopathy presenting as concurrent bilateral subhyaloid hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage in a patient with acute monocytic leukemia: a case report
Authors: Ghanbarnia MohammadJavad , Sedaghat Sadegh , Rasoulinejad Seyed Ahmad
Published: December 2022

Background

Ophthalmic manifestations are common in patients with leukemia, developing in nearly 50% of cases. Intracranial hemorrhage is another potentially fatal complication of leukemia. In this case report, we aim to present a challenging case that involves both ophthalmic and intracranial manifestations in an individual with acute monocytic leukemia.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old Persian male presented to the emergency room with complaints of fever, headache, and bilateral blurred vision. The patient had been diagnosed with acute monocytic leukemia 3 months prior and had undergone four sessions of induction chemotherapy, the last of which was 10 days prior to admission. The patient was admitted to the internal medicine service, and initial lab studies confirmed pancytopenia, including severe neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Subarachnoid hemorrhage in the left frontal lobe was detected through spiral brain computed tomography scan. Ophthalmic examination revealed visual acuity of light perception in the right eye and 3-m finger count in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed bilateral peripapillary subhyaloid and intraretinal hemorrhages, confirming leukemic retinopathy. The patient showed significant improvement in visual acuity and hemorrhage resolution through conservative treatment and regular follow-ups after 3 months.

Conclusion

Simultaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage and bilateral subhyaloid hemorrhages seemed to have occurred as a result of pancytopenia. Management approach of ophthalmic manifestations of leukemia involves interdisciplinary cooperation and should be individualized on the basis of the patients’ underlying medical condition.
A multicentric prospective observational study of diagnosis and prognosis features in ICU mesenteric ischemia: the DIAGOMI study
Authors: Bourcier Simon , Ulmann Guillaume , Jamme Matthieu , Savary Guillaume , Paul Marine , Benghanem Sarah , Lavillegrand Jean-Rémi , Schmidt Matthieu , Luyt Charles-Edouard , Maury Eric , Combes Alain , Pène Frédéric , Neveux Nathalie , Cariou Alain
Published: December 2022

Background

Non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is a challenging diagnosis and is associated with extremely high mortality in critically ill patients, particularly due to delayed diagnosis and when complicated by intestinal necrosis. Plasma citrulline and intestinal-fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) have been proposed as potential biomarkers, but have never been studied prospectively in this setting. We aimed to investigate diagnostic features, the accuracy of plasma citrulline and I-FABP to diagnose NOMI and intestinal necrosis as well as prognosis.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in 3 tertiary ICU centers in consecutive patients with NOMI suspicion defined by at least two inclusion criteria among: new-onset or worsening circulatory failure, gastrointestinal dysfunction, biological signs and CT-scan signs of mesenteric ischemia. Diagnosis features and outcomes were compared according to NOMI, intestinal necrosis or ruled out diagnosis using stringent classification criteria.

Results

Diagnosis of NOMI was suspected in 61 patients and confirmed for 33 patients, with intestinal necrosis occurring in 27 patients. Clinical digestive signs, routine laboratory results and CT signs of mesenteric ischemia did not discriminate intestinal necrosis from ischemia without necrosis. Plasma I-FABP was significantly increased in presence of intestinal necrosis (AUC 0.83 [0.70–0.96]). A threshold of 3114 pg/mL showed a sensitivity of 70% [50–86], specificity of 85% [55–98], a negative predictive value of 58% [36–93] and a positive predictive value 90% [67–96] for intestinal necrosis diagnosis. When intestinal necrosis was present, surgical resection was significantly associated with ICU survival (38.5%), whereas no patient survived without necrosis resection (HR = 0.31 [0.12–0.75], p = 0.01).

Conclusion

In critically ill patients with NOMI, intestinal necrosis was associated with extremely high mortality, and increased survival when necrosis resection was performed. Elevated plasma I-FABP was associated with the diagnosis of intestinal necrosis. Further studies are needed to investigate plasma I-FABP and citrulline performance in less severe forms of NOMI.
Improved scheme and evaluation method for progressive visual cryptography
Authors: Le Thanh Thai Binh , Tanaka Hidema , Watanabe Kohtaro
Published: December 2022

Visual cryptography (VC) is a powerful technique with high security and requires no PC or device to reconstruct the secret information. Progressive visual cryptography (PVC) is a variation of the VC scheme in which the quality of the reconstructed image is improved by increasing the number of shared images. The previous study focused directly on maximizing the value of the quality in the completely reconstructed image; thus, there is a difference in the quality of the shared images. In this paper, we focus on the aforementioned issue and propose a new approach based on inductive reasoning. Our basic idea is to maximize the quality of the reconstructed images each time the number of shared images increases. We call this method the bottom-up approach. Moreover, hitherto, PVC has been evaluated based on the value of relative difference or by sight. Such evaluation methods are only subjective or difficult to execute without the knowledge of basis matrices. In addition, PVC users cannot easily confirm the effectiveness of their shared images. In this paper, we propose a new information-theoretic evaluation method for PVC, which only uses shared images, to solve the aforementioned problems. Our proposed method can objectively and quantitatively evaluate PVC based on the numerical value, and PVC users can easily confirm the effectiveness of their shared images.
PMHE: a wearable medical sensor assisted framework for health care based on blockchain and privacy computing
Authors: Zhao Jindong , Wang Wenshuo , Wang Dan , Wang Xuan , Mu Chunxiao
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, smart medical cloud platforms have become a new direction in the industry. However, because the medical system involves personal physiological data, user privacy in data transmission and processing is also easy to leak in the smart medical cloud platform. This paper proposed a medical data privacy preserving framework named PMHE based on blockchain and fully homomorphic encryption technology. The framework receives personal physiological data from wearable devices on the client side, and uses blockchain as data storage to ensure that the data cannot be tampered with or forged; Besides, it uses fully homomorphic encryption method to design disease prediction models implemented by smart contracts. In PMHE, data is encoded and encrypted on the client side, and encrypted data is uploaded to the cloud platform via the public Internet, preventing privacy leakage caused by channel eavesdropping; smart contracts run on the blockchain platform for disease prediction, and the operators participating in computing are encrypted user data too. So, privacy and security issues caused by platform data leakage are avoided. The client-to-cloud interaction protocol is also designed to overcome the defect that fully homomorphic encryption only supports addition and multiplication by submitting tuples on the client side, to ensure that the prediction model can perform complex computing. In addition, the design of the smart contract is introduced in detail, and the performance of the system is analyzed. Finally, experiments are conducted to verify the operating effect of the system, ensuring that user privacy is not leaked without affecting the accuracy of the model, and realizing a smart medical cloud platform in which data can be used but cannot be borrowed.
Inhibitory activities of vitamins K2 against clinical isolates of quinolone-resistant and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (QR-MRSA) with different multi-locus sequence types (MLST), SCCmec, and spa types
Authors: Pasandideh Naime Kashefi , Tahmasebi Hamed , Dehbashi Sanaz , zeyni Behrouz , Arabestani Mohammad Reza
Published: December 2022

Background

The inhibitory activities of vitamins K2 against clinical isolates of quinolone-resistant and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (QR-MRSA) are unclear. The main aim is to better understand of inhibitory activities of vitamins K2, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), SCCmec, and spa typing in clinical isolates of QR-MRSA on those mutation and gene expressions.

Materials and methods

After collecting S. aureus clinical isolates and detecting QR-MRSA, the genes encoding norA, grlA, grlB, gyrA, and gyrB were sequenced. After treating isolates by vitamin K2, isolates were prepared to measure norA, grlA, grlB, gyrA, and gyrB gene expression. The quantitative-real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of efflux pump genes.

Results

QR-MRSA, MDR, and XDR strains were reported in 59.4%, 73.9%, and 37.6% of isolates, respectability. SCCmecIV (36.5%) and SCCmecV (26.8%) had the highest frequency. Thirty-nine spa types were identified, t021, t044, and t267 types most prevalent in QR-MRSA isolates. ST22 and ST30 dominated the invasive, drug-resistant isolates and QR-MRSA. In 24 h incubated isolates, the most noticeable change of gene expression with vitamin K2 was that the norA, gyrA, and grlB genes were highly repressed. However, the down-regulation of grlA at 24 h after being treated by vitamin K2 was more than another gene. Further, a significant decrease was observed in QR-MRSA-treated isolates compared to un-treated isolates. In other words, norA, grlA, grlB, gyrA, and gyrB genes were less suppressed by QR-MRSA (p ≤ 0.01, p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

Vitamin K2 has significant inhibitory effects on the genes responsible for resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics. However, a subminimum inhibitory concentration (sub-MIC) level of vitamin K2 was delayed but did not completely inhibit norA, grlA, grlB, gyrA, and gyrB genes in MRSA strains.
Wolfram syndrome 1b mutation suppresses Mauthner-cell axon regeneration via ER stress signal pathway
Authors: Wang Zongyi , Wang Xinliang , Shi Lingyu , Cai Yuan , Hu Bing
Published: December 2022

Wolfram Syndrome (WS) is a fatal human inherited disease with symptoms of diabetes, vision decreasing, and neurodegeneration caused by mutations in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident protein WFS1. WFS1 has been reported to play an important role in glucose metabolism. However, the role of WFS1 in axonal regeneration in the central nervous system has so far remained elusive. Herein, we established a model of the wfs1b globally deficient zebrafish line. wfs1b deficiency severely impeded the Mauthner-cell (M-cell) axon regeneration, which was partly dependent on the ER stress response. The administration of ER stress inhibitor 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) promoted M-cell axon regeneration in wfs1b−/− zebrafish larvae, while the ER stress activator Tunicamycin (TM) inhibited M-cell axon regeneration in wfs1b+/+ zebrafish larvae. Moreover, complementation of wfs1b at the single-cell level stimulated M-cell axon regeneration in the wfs1b−/− zebrafish larvae. Altogether, our results revealed that wfs1b promotes M-cell axon regeneration through the ER stress signal pathway and provide new evidence for a therapeutic target for WS and axon degeneration.
Brain autopsies of critically ill COVID-19 patients demonstrate heterogeneous profile of acute vascular injury, inflammation and age-linked chronic brain diseases
Authors: Agrawal Sonal , Farfel Jose M. , Arfanakis Konstantinos , Al-Harthi Lena , Shull Tanner , Teppen Tara L. , Evia Arnold M. , Patel Mayur B. , Ely E. Wesley , Leurgans Sue. E. , Bennett David A. , Mehta Rupal , Schneider Julie A.
Published: December 2022

Background

This study examined neuropathological findings of patients who died following hospitalization in an intensive care unit with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

Data originate from 20 decedents who underwent brain autopsy followed by ex-vivo imaging and dissection. Systematic neuropathologic examinations were performed to assess histopathologic changes including cerebrovascular disease and tissue injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and inflammatory response. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and fixed tissues were evaluated for the presence of viral RNA and protein.

Results

The mean age-at-death was 66.2 years (range: 26–97 years) and 14 were male. The patient’s medical history included cardiovascular risk factors or diseases (n = 11, 55%) and dementia (n = 5, 25%). Brain examination revealed a range of acute and chronic pathologies. Acute vascular pathologic changes were common in 16 (80%) subjects and included infarctions (n = 11, 55%) followed by acute hypoxic/ischemic injury (n = 9, 45%) and hemorrhages (n = 7, 35%). These acute pathologic changes were identified in both younger and older groups and those with and without vascular risk factors or diseases. Moderate-to-severe microglial activation were noted in 16 (80%) brains, while moderate-to-severe T lymphocyte accumulation was present in 5 (25%) brains. Encephalitis-like changes included lymphocytic cuffing (n = 6, 30%) and neuronophagia or microglial nodule (most prominent in the brainstem, n = 6, 30%) were also observed. A single brain showed vasculitis-like changes and one other exhibited foci of necrosis with ball-ring hemorrhages reminiscent of acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalopathy changes. Chronic pathologies were identified in only older decedents: 7 brains exhibited neurodegenerative diseases and 8 brains showed vascular disease pathologies. CSF and brain samples did not show evidence of viral RNA or protein.

Conclusions

Acute tissue injuries and microglial activation were the most common abnormalities in COVID-19 brains. Focal evidence of encephalitis-like changes was noted despite the lack of detectable virus. The majority of older subjects showed age-related brain pathologies even in the absence of known neurologic disease. Findings of this study suggest that acute brain injury superimposed on common pre-existing brain disease may put older subjects at higher risk of post-COVID neurologic sequelae.
Beliefs and self-reported practice of footcare among persons with type II diabetes mellitus attending selected health centres in east Trinidad
Authors: Vincent-Edinboro Rachel Leah , Onuoha Philip
Published: December 2022

Background

It has been documented that nearly 600 million people worldwide are expected to have diabetes mellitus in 2035 and that approximately 140,000 persons aged 20–69 years living with diabetes mellitus in Trinidad and Tobago. It is also indicated that patients with type II diabetes mellitus face a higher risk of diabetic foot neuropathy and foot ulcers which increase the risk of below the knee amputation in persons living with diabetes.

Purpose

The aim of this research project was to explore the beliefs related to footcare and the self-reported footcare practice of persons with type II diabetes mellitus attending selected health centres in East Trinidad.

Method

A survey was used to explore the footcare beliefs and the self-reported footcare practice of persons with type II diabetes mellitus attending selected health centres in East Trinidad (n = 87).

Results

Participants had strong belief regarding susceptibility to foot injury, strong belief regarding the seriousness of complications of foot injury, reported good footcare practice and excellent practice of overcoming barriers to performing footcare. There is a correlation between the belief regarding susceptibility to a foot injury and age (p ≤ 0.05). Also, there is a significant correlation between belief regarding susceptibility to a foot injury, seriousness of complications and self-reported footcare practices (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

This study explores and describes the beliefs and self-reported practices of footcare among individuals with type II diabetes mellitus at selected health centres in East Trinidad. It supports the Health Belief Model as an effective framework for the promotion of appropriate footcare among persons with type II diabetes mellitus.
Treatment of full-layer skin defects using decellularized pig skin dermal matrix
Authors: Kulianda О. , Kulianda О. , Denefil О.
Published: December 2022

The choice of treatment methods for complex skin defects poses certain technical and medical difficulties related to the choice of material for filling the wound defect and its antigenic compatibility. A promising direction in the treatment of skin defects is the use of decellularized (celluless) pig skin, the composition and structure of which is as close as possible to the patient's dermis.

The aim of the study was to analyze the clinical case of a patient with a basal cell carcinoma in the right wing of the nose, who was treated with full-layer skin defects using a decellularized dermal matrix from pig skin.

Material and methods of investigation. Patient P., 94 years old, with a basal cell carcinoma in the area of the right wing of the nose, underwent treatment. As a material applied directly to the wound, a flap of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) of pig skin with preservation of the native structure was used.

Results. 6 weeks before the visit to the dermatologist, the patient developed a pea-sized papule on the skin in the area of ​​the wing of the nose, which increased in size and became painful on palpation. When examining the skin in the area of ​​the right wing of the nose, a tumor-like formation was observed, 1x1 cm in size, flesh-colored, with peeling on the surface and vascularization, firm consistency, painful. Regional lymph nodes are not enlarged. The formation is clearly separated from healthy skin. The oncologist made a diagnosis: basal cell carcinoma. The tumor was removed, resulting in a full-layer skin defect measuring 1x1.5 cm with connection to the nasal cavity. Acellular dermal matrix was used to close the defect on the 3rd day after surgery. The flap was placed so that it did not cover the skin around the wound. With the help of "Levomykol" ointment, a moist chamber was created over the dermal flap. The dressing was changed every 2-3 days. On the 14th day, the flap peeled off, a granulating wound with signs of marked marginal epithelization formed in its place. The bottom of the wound was located almost at the same level as the intact skin. On the 21st and 26th day, active marginal epithelization of the wound and wound healing under the scab were noted. The bandage was not used during this period. On the 32nd day, the wound closed.

Conclusions. Decellularized dermal matrix of pig skin when closing a full-layer postoperative skin defect creates optimal conditions for reparative wound regeneration. The effectiveness of its use is due to the presence of a collagen matrix in it, from which the nuclear elements of cells have been removed, which does not lead to immune aggression. The clinical case proves the expediency of using the decellularized dermal matrix of pig skin in the treatment of full-layer skin defects of various genesis.
Turning the page to 2023: editorial
Authors: Korotkova Olga
Published: December 2022

Editor-in-Chief Olga Korotkova sends winter holiday greetings to the optics community, celebrates journal achievements from 2022, and introduces the topical editors who recently joined the board.
It's a Puzzle: Engaging Students in Plate Tectonics
Authors: Nelson George , Thornburgh William
Published: December 2022

Plate tectonics is a topic where students are often not actively engaged and it can feel painfully slow as you are working through this unit.  Through more opportunities for active engagement and a redesigned approach, make plate tectonics more engaging in your classroom and help your students build greater conceptual understanding.
From the HASTI Historian
Authors: Hudson Shannon
Published: December 2022

HASTI is collecting artifacts and publications from the associations past, and you can help.
2022 Indiana Envirothon Back in Person!
Authors: Zolman Darci , Ligman Teena
Published: December 2022

After two years of virtual contests, Indiana Envirothon students, coaches, and the Board were thrilled to be back in person in 2022. The Indiana State Envirothon contest was held on April 27th at Conner Prairie, with 15 teams from across Indiana earning a berth by placing as top teams in their respective regional competitions.
Snowflake Science!
Authors: Poindexter Kristen
Published: December 2022

Wintertime is an exciting time for children because they usually get to experience some snow. Using the newly adopted Indiana Science Standards as a guide, a classroom inquiry into snow and snowflakes is shared. This inquiry begins by studying the phenomena of snow and leads into the discovery that most snowflakes have a hexagon at the center and branches at each point. Students inquire into the use of the radar as a weather forecasting tool and how the sun's heat helps to melt the snow.
Adapting to the New Indiana Science Standards: A 3D Lesson Planning Template
Authors: McConnell Tom J.
Published: December 2022

The new Indiana Science and Computer Science Standards (IDOE, 2022) have created a lot of questions among teachers about what “three-dimensional” teaching is, and how to implement the new standards. The 2022 standards are very closely aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States, 2013), with standards presented using the same terminology focusing on phenomena, Practices, Disciplinary Core Ideas and Crosscutting Concepts. While this may feel new, the NGSS was published in 2013, and some features of the national standards were incorporated in the 2016 standards. In this article, the author draws from previous experience writing science learning materials
You Should Teach About Climate Change
Authors: Kern Lisa
Published: December 2022

Teachers from Kindergarten through grade twelve who cover science in the curriculum should find a way to include teaching about climate change. The reasons why this is so important and some suggestions for ways to do so are discussed in this article.
Yes, You CAN Write for THST! Tips and Strategies to Make Submitting Articles Simpler
Authors: McConnell Tom J.
Published: December 2022

Have you thought about writing for The Hoosier Science Teacher, but the thought of writing for a publication makes you break out in a sweat? It turns out that what editors want may actually make the process easier than you think! This article has tips and strategies learned by an experienced teacher, author, reviewer, and editor.
Direktni psihosocialni dejavniki tveganja za zdravje zaposlenih v bolnišnici
Authors: Rus Tanja , Peršolja Melita
Published: December 2022

Uvod: V delovnem okolju na zdravje zaposlenih vplivajo indirektni in direktni psihosocialni dejavniki tveganja, ki določajo storilnost in učinkovitost zaposlenega. Namen  raziskave je bil ugotoviti moč povezanosti direktnih dejavnikov tveganja pri delu na psihofizično zdravje zaposlenih v bolnišnici.Metode: Izvedena je bila presečna raziskava na 112 izmed 994 naključno izbranih zaposlenih v splošni bolnišnici. Kot merski instrument je bil uporabljen vprašalnik Obvladovanje psihosocialnih tveganj in absentizma (Cronbach α = 0,915). S kvantitativno analizo podatkov je bila raziskana povezanost med spremenljivkami in z regresijsko analizo moč neodvisnih spremenljivk na psihofizično zdravje zaposlenih.Rezultati: Anketiranci so izmed težav z zdravjem najpogosteje navedli bolečine v mišicah ramen, vratu in/ ali zgornjih udih (n = 44, 39,3 %), počutijo se preobremenjeni in utrujeni (n = 52, 46,6 %). S psihofizičnimzdravjem zaposlenih se značilno povezujejo štirje od šestih direktnih psihosocialnih dejavnikov tveganja, in sicer so ti delovno okolje, delovna oprema in fizične obremenitve (rs = 0,385, p < 0,01); obremenitve kot posledica sociodemografskih okoliščin (rs = 0,401, p < 0,01); delovna obremenitev in hitrost poteka dela (rs = 0,319, p < 0,01) in; odnos zaposlenega z nadrejenimi (rs = 0,261, p < 0,01). Psihofizično zdravje pojasnjujejo (R2 = 0,18, p < 0,01) delovno okolje, delovna oprema in fizične obremenitve (R2 = 0,15, p < 0,05) ter obremenitve kot posledica sociodemografskih okoliščin (R2 = 0,08, p < 0,05).Diskusija in zaključek: Anektirani potrebujejo več  neposrednega nadzora, boljše upoštevanje njihovega mnenja pri odločanju na nivoju organizacije in večjo prilagoditev časovnih rokov pri delu. Preobremenjenost in utrujenost izhajata predvsem iz nočnega dela, najpogostejša težava z zdravjem – bolečine v vratu, ramenih in rokah – pa je povezana z dvigovanjem bremen in prekratkimi odmori med delom.
Zadovoljstvo pacientov z dostopnostjo zdravstvenih storitev v obdobju epidemije covid-19
Authors: Plahuta Ana , Skrt Sanja , Jazbec Julija , Prosen Mirko , Ličen Sabina
Published: December 2022

Uvod: Hitro širjenje nove vrste koronavirusa (SARS-CoV-2) in visoko število hospitalizacij sta ustavila javno življenje na globalni ravni. Zaradi omejevanja gibanja v času pandemije je prišlo do omejitev obiskovanja zdravstvenih ustanov in izvajanja neposrednega zdravstvenega varstva.  Namen raziskave je bil ugotoviti zadovoljstvo pacientov z dostopnostjo do zdravstvenih storitev v času epidemije covida-19 v Sloveniji.Metode: Uporabljena je bila opisna neeksperimentalna metoda empiričnega raziskovanja. Merski instrument je predstavljal spletni vprašalnik, ki ga je med decembrom 2020 in februarjem 2021 izpolnilo 226 oseb. Uporabljen je bil priložnostni vzorec odraslih oseb. Podatki so bili analizirani z opisno statistiko ter neparametričnim Mann-Whitneyjevim U-testom in Kruskal-Wallisovim testom.Rezultati: Anketiranci najbolj cenijo prijazen in spoštljiv odnos zdravstvenih delavcev ter razpoložljivost za hitro pomoč. Negativno ocenjujejo telefonsko nedosegljivost, čakanje v čakalnicah ter kratek čas obravnave pri  zdravniku. Rezultati nakazujejo manjšo stopnjo zadovoljstva z dostopnostjo zdravstvenih storitev v časuepidemije covida-19 (Me = 86,50). Rezultati kažejo pozitivno stališče moških o dostopnosti zdravstvenih storitev (U = 1297,5, p < 0,05), med ostalimi skupinami ni bilo statistično pomembnih razlik (p < 0,05).           Diskusija in zaključek: Ugotovite kažejo, da se v času od pojava virusa SARS-CoV-2 v Sloveniji zaupanje do zdravstva in zdravstvenih storitev in njuna dostopnost nista izrazito spremenila. Ponekod po svetu se je v tem času še dodatno razvilo področje telemedicine, ki jo je treba tudi v Sloveniji bolj uveljaviti. V prihodnje je smiselno raziskati, kako je epidemija vplivala na psihofizično zdravje ljudi v naši državi.
Izkušnje kronično obolelih pacientov s telemedicinsko obravnavo v ambulantah družinske medicine
Authors: Prevodnik Katja , Hvalič-Touzery Simona , Dolničar Vesna , Zaletel Jelka , Laznik Jerneja , Petrovčič Andraž
Published: December 2022

Uvod: Telemedicinska obravnava stopa v ospredje kot strategija za obvladovanje kroničnih nenalezljivih bolezni,  ki v Sloveniji povzročijo visok delež smrti. Namen raziskave je bil preučiti, kakšne izkušnje imajo pacienti z diagnozo kronične bolezni tako z uporabo telemedicinske opreme kot s telemedicinsko obravnavo v ambulanti družinske medicine.Metode: Julija 2020 so bile v enem od slovenskih  zdravstvenih domov izvedene štiri fokusne skupine z 19 pacienti s sladkorno boleznijo tipa 2 in/ali visokim krvnim tlakom. Prepisi skupinskih pogovorov so bili analizirani po načelih induktivne tematske analize.Rezultati: S pomočjo induktivne tematske analize je bilo  oblikovanih sedem tem: prednosti in slabosti  telemedicinske obravnave, enostavnost uporabe telemedicinske opreme, dvosmerna komunikacija z zdravstvenim osebjem, učinki telemedicinske obravnave na zdravstveno stanje pacientov, želja po uporabi in dostopnosti telemedicinske obravnave, vpliv in opora  okolja ter skrb za lastno zdravje. Teme vsebujejo 10 podtem in 29 dejavnikov.Diskusija in zaključek: Na izvajanje telemedicinskih  meritev najbolj vplivajo zaznana potreba pacientov in navodila zdravstvenega osebja. Kljub pozitivni izkušnji pacientov z uporabo telemedicinske opreme je potrebna strokovna presoja primernosti tovrstne obravnave na individualni ravni, ki ne vključuje le zdravstvenega stanja pacientov, marveč tudi oceno njihovega odnosa do zdravja in digitalnih veščin.
Zahvala članom uredniškega odbora in recenzentom Obzornika zdravstvene nege
Authors: Prosen Mirko
Published: December 2022

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