bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Impact of Left Upper Lobectomy on the Left Atrial Hemodynamics
Authors: Otani Tomohiro , Yoshida Takuya , Yi Wentao , Endo Shunsuke , Wada Shigeo
Published: February 2022

The left atrium (LA) functions to transport oxygenated blood from the pulmonary veins (PVs) to the left ventricle (LV). LA hemodynamics has received much attention because thrombosis in the LA in pathological states, such as atrial fibrillation, is a major factor leading to thromboembolic stroke. In the last 5 years, multiple cohort studies have revealed that left upper lobectomy (LUL) with PV resection risks thrombus formation in the PV stump even in the normal LA without a history of cardiac disease; the causal mechanism is, however, an open question. The present study investigated the potential effect of an LUL on LA hemodynamics associated with thrombus formation through computational simulation using four-dimensional computed tomography (4D-CT) images. Time series of patient-specific LA geometries before and after LUL were extracted from the 4D-CT images and these motions were estimated through non-rigid registration. Adopting the LA geometries and prescribed moving wall boundary conditions, the LA blood flow was determined using a Cartesian-grid computational fluid dynamics solver. The obtained results show that the LUL resulted in blood flow impingement from the left and right PV inflows into the LA upper region throughout most of the cardiac cycle. This characteristic alteration of the LA hemodynamics generated fine-scale vortices with viscous energy dissipations, enhancing the flow stasis associated with thrombus formation in the PV stump. These findings show that an LUL affects the hemodynamics not only in the PV stump but also throughout the LA region. They also highlight the importance of computational analysis of LA hemodynamics in understanding the underlying mechanism of LUL-induced thrombus formation.
Hair Graying Regulators Beyond Hair Follicle
Authors: Chen Jing , Zheng Yixin , Hu Chen , Jin Xuexiao , Chen Xiaoping , Xiao Ying , Wang Chaochen
Published: February 2022

Hair graying is an interesting physiological alteration associated with aging and certain diseases. The occurrence is due to depigmentation of the hair caused by depletion and dysfunction of melanocyte stem cells (MeSCs). However, what causes the depletion and dysfunction of MeSCs remains unclear. MeSCs reside in the hair follicle bulge which provides the appropriate niche for the homeostasis of various stem cells within hair follicle including MeSCs. In addition to local signaling from the cells composed of hair follicle, emerging evidences have shown that nerves, adipocytes and immune cells outside of hair follicle per se also play important roles in the regulation of MeSCs. Here, we review the recent studies on different cells in the MeSCs microenvironment beyond the hair follicle per se, discuss their function in regulating hair graying and potentially novel treatments of hair graying.
Chinese Character Processing in Visual Masking
Authors: Chen Juan , Zhang Ye
Published: February 2022

It has not been clarified if attention influences perception of targets in visual masking. Three forms of common masks (random pattern, para-/metacontrast, and four dots) were thus chosen in the present study and presented with character targets in three temporal sequences (forward, backward, and sandwiched mask or forward-backward mask combination). In order to pinpoint the level of processing where masking arises, character targets were varied in depth of processing from random arrangements of strokes up to real Chinese characters. The attentional influence was examined under perceptual discrimination and lexical decision tasks, respectively. The results revealed significant interactions among four factors (mask form, temporal sequence, depth of processing, and task). Identification of character targets in each form of mask sequence varied with task demand, with greater suppression in the perceptual discrimination task. These findings suggested that attentional demand can bias processing in favor of task-related information in visual masking. Variations in masking effects may be contributed by both attentional demand and spatio-temporal interaction.
A Dynamical, Radically Embodied, and Ecological Theory of Rhythm Development
Authors: Tichko Parker , Kim Ji Chul , Large Edward W.
Published: February 2022

Musical rhythm abilities—the perception of and coordinated action to the rhythmic structure of music—undergo remarkable change over human development. In the current paper, we introduce a theoretical framework for modeling the development of musical rhythm. The framework, based on Neural Resonance Theory (NRT), explains rhythm development in terms of resonance and attunement, which are formalized using a general theory that includes non-linear resonance and Hebbian plasticity. First, we review the developmental literature on musical rhythm, highlighting several developmental processes related to rhythm perception and action. Next, we offer an exposition of Neural Resonance Theory and argue that elements of the theory are consistent with dynamical, radically embodied (i.e., non-representational) and ecological approaches to cognition and development. We then discuss how dynamical models, implemented as self-organizing networks of neural oscillations with Hebbian plasticity, predict key features of music development. We conclude by illustrating how the notions of dynamical embodiment, resonance, and attunement provide a conceptual language for characterizing musical rhythm development, and, when formalized in physiologically informed dynamical models, provide a theoretical framework for generating testable empirical predictions about musical rhythm development, such as the kinds of native and non-native rhythmic structures infants and children can learn, steady-state evoked potentials to native and non-native musical rhythms, and the effects of short-term (e.g., infant bouncing, infant music classes), long-term (e.g., perceptual narrowing to musical rhythm), and very-long term (e.g., music enculturation, musical training) learning on music perception-action.
Parental Cancer: Acceptance and Usability of an Information Booklet for Affected Parents
Authors: Melchiors Leslie , Geertz Wiebke , Inhestern Laura
Published: February 2022

Background

Parents affected by cancer are confronted with challenges such as communicating with their children about the disease and dealing with changes in their parental role. Providing appropriate information could support affected parents and their children. Still, high-quality and information booklets are rare. Therefore, we developed an information booklet for affected families. The study aims are: (1) investigating the acceptability and usability of the information booklet, (2) determining parental information needs, and (3) collating suggestions for implementation. Finally, we adapted the booklet according to the findings.

Methods

We interviewed five experts in psychosocial care of parental cancer and nine affected parents using a semi-structured interview guideline. Participants received the developed booklet after giving the consent to participate. Interviews on acceptability and usability of the booklet and information needs were conducted about 1 week after receiving the booklet. The interviews were analyzed using structuring content analysis.

Results

(1) Experts and parents reported that the information booklet addresses the experiences of affected families and that the content combination makes it useful in an unprecedented way indicating both acceptance and usability. (2) Following dimensions were identified as information needs: (a) communication, (b) support offers, (c) children’s disease understanding and needs, (d) organization of family life, (e) competence in parenting, and (f) sources of additional information material. (3) The booklet should be handed out personally by, e.g., healthcare professionals and might be accompanied by a personal counseling. Minor adaptations on language and content were conducted based on the findings.

Conclusion

Indicated acceptance and usability of the developed information booklet for parents with cancer suggest a low-threshold, basic support for affected families and health professionals. The diverse parental information needs are covered. The long-term effects of the booklet, e.g., on the use of psychosocial support offers, parental self-efficacy and psychological distress will be quantitatively investigated.
A Qualitative Content Analysis of Online Public Mental Health Resources for COVID-19
Authors: Martin Faith , Oliver Thomas
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has far reaching potential public mental health impacts and is linked to higher levels of depression and anxiety. To address these in part, online information resources acted as mass interventions. It is vital to explore the content of these interventions, to consider the framing of the pandemic and to examine the extent to which their content is relevant. In March 2020, a qualitative content analysis was undertaken of 39 easily accessible online resources that offered advice, tips or guidance relating to mental health or mental wellbeing and COVID-19. Their content was compared to subsequent reports of the mental health impact of the pandemic. Resources frequently focused on anxiety. The content of intervention was typically of a cognitive-behavioral nature, with a significant focus on maintaining social contact. Typically, distress related to the situation was normalized and stigmatizing language was not seen. Data revealed a significant impact of the pandemic on depression as well as anxiety measures in the general UK population. A key recommendation is to ensure both depression and anxiety are addressed in these public mental health resources.
Increasing Native Research Leadership Through an Early Career Development Program
Authors: Ivanich Jerreed D. , Sarche Michelle , White Evan J. , Marshall Sarah Momilani , Russette Helen , Ullrich Jessica Saniguq , Whitesell Nancy Rumbaugh
Published: February 2022

Inequities impact American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian populations across various health conditions; in particular, many Native communities bear a disproportionate burden of substance use disorder. Such inequities persist despite concerted efforts of communities and significant research directed toward prevention and intervention. One factor hampering these efforts is the underrepresentation of researchers who are themselves Native and uniquely equipped to respond to the needs of their communities. This paper describes the innovative Native Children's Research Exchange (NCRE) Scholars program, now entering its ninth year of successful career development support for emerging Native scholars. We summarize the history of NCRE Scholars, outline the mentoring and training approaches taken to meet the unique needs of early-career Native scholars, and present key progress of program alumni. The current cohort of Scholars provide first-person perspectives on how four key program elements have supported their career development to date. NCRE Scholars has been an effective approach for supporting the next generation of Native research leaders and for helping to build an essential mass of Native researchers prepared to respond to Native community health priority needs.
Increasing Parental Knowledge About Child Feeding: Evaluation of the Effect of Public Health Policy Communication Media in France
Authors: De Rosso Sofia , Ducrot Pauline , Chabanet Claire , Nicklaus Sophie , Schwartz Camille
Published: February 2022

Background

Unhealthy eating behaviors are risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Parents largely influence the development of eating behaviors during childhood through their feeding practices. Parental feeding practices in line with recommendations are more likely to turn into healthier outcomes in children. From a public health perspective, it should be first ascertained whether providing parents with recommendations about child feeding is a useful approach for increase parental knowledge. Recently, the French health authorities developed a brochure covering updated child feeding recommendations. The present study aims to evaluate the short-term effects of reading this brochure on parental knowledge about child feeding, distinguishing knowledge accuracy and certainty.

Methods

A brochure containing updated child feeding recommendations for 0–3 years old was developed by the French public health agency. A representative sample of French parents (n = 400) was targeted to complete an online questionnaire (T0) comprising 30 statements regarding child feeding. For each statement, parents indicated whether it was true/false and how certain they were of their answer (4-point scale). After receiving and reading the brochure, the same parents completed the same questionnaire 3 weeks later (T1). Accuracy (number of correct answers) and certainty (number of mastered answers: correct answers given with the maximal degree of certainty) were compared at T1 vs. T0 using paired t-tests. Knowledge evolution based on parental age, parity and education level was tested with linear models.

Results

A total of 452 parents responded at T0 and T1 and were considered for analysis. Between T0 and T1, the number of correct answers [median 22–25, t(451) = 17.2, p ≤ 0.001] and mastered answers [median 11–17, t(451) = 18.8, p ≤ 0.001] significantly increased. The median of the difference between T1 and T0 was larger for mastered than for correct answers. The observed evolution in knowledge was independent of parental age, parity or education level.

Conclusions

A brochure containing child feeding recommendations has the potential to increase the accuracy and, to an even greater degree, the certainty of parental knowledge. This increase was observed even for younger or less educated parents.
(Re-)orienting the Concept of Water Risk to Better Understand Inequities in Water Security
Authors: Grasham Catherine Fallon , Charles Katrina Jane , Abdi Tilahun Geneti
Published: February 2022

As populations grow and climate patterns change, difficult trade-offs in water security must be made. Re-allocation of water resources and re-distribution of water security outcomes will inevitably raise questions of equity. Equity is a central component of water security but often underemphasised, hence we still lack nuanced insights to how equity is understood and operationalised by water managers and users. The concept of risk is increasingly used in water security policy and practise but has been weakly integrated with equity considerations. We offer a contextual study that explicitly unpacks risk and inequity in water security across multiple scales; we have analysed lived water experiences and their hydrosocial drivers in a major river basin in Ethiopia. This is based on 61 interviews from seven rural kebeles, government organisations at woreda, zonal, regional and federal level and local and international NGOs as well as 17 industrial water user surveys. With our findings, and drawing on existing studies, we offer a theoretical framework for embedding water risk in equitable water security considerations. We find that when water risk is (re-)oriented from a biophysical framing, towards one centred on water-related values, it can be suitably embedded within hydrosocial framings of water security. This approach offers unique insights into how inequities are understood, within uneven power and political dynamics, which is critical for interventions that seek to deliver more equitable water security and meet social development targets.
Impact of 30° Reserve Trendelenburg Position on Lung Function in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
Authors: Gao Dengyu , Sun Lu , Wang Ning , Shi Yubo , Song Jianli , Liu Xiaoying , Yang Qiyao , Su Zhenbo
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of patients' positioning before and after intubation with mechanical ventilation, and after extubation on the lung function and blood oxygenation of patients with morbid obesity, who had a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Methods

Patients with morbid obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, ASA I – II grade) who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy at our hospital from June 2018 to January 2019 were enrolled in this prospective study. Before intubation, after intubation with mechanical ventilation, and after extubation, arterial blood was collected for blood oxygenation and gas analysis after posturing the patients at supine position or 30° reverse Trendelenburg position (30°-RTP).

Results

A total of 15 patients with morbid obesity were enrolled in this self-compared study. Pulmonary shunt (Qs/Qt) after extubation was significantly lower at 30°-RTP (18.82 ± 3.60%) compared to that at supine position (17.13 ± 3.10%, p < 0.01). Patients' static lung compliance (Cstat), during mechanical ventilation, was significantly improved at 30°-RTP (36.8 ± 6.7) compared to that of those in a supine position (33.8 ± 7.3, p < 0.05). The PaO2 and oxygen index (OI) before and after intubation with mechanical ventilation were significantly higher at 30°-RTP compared to that at supine position, and in contrast, the PA−aO2 before and after intubation with mechanical ventilation was significantly reduced at 30°-RTP compared to that at supine position.

Conclusion

During and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, patients with morbid obesity had improved lung function, reduced pulmonary shunt, reduced PA−aO2 difference, and increased PaO2 and oxygen index at 30°-RTP compared to that supine position.
The Remission Effects of First Injection of Sclerotherapy for Pediatric Rectal Prolapse: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhou Weimo , Shi Yingzuo , Zhang Ming , Li Li
Published: February 2022

Background

Pediatric rectal prolapse is a common issue in clinical practice. Among various managements, sclerotherapy is an important method to successfully treat pediatric rectal prolapse, especially for the first injection. The knowledge of the first injection of sclerotherapy can be revealed by a systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Methods

We performed a systematic search and a meta-analysis for the retrospective clinical studies of sclerotherapy in pediatric rectal prolapse. The comparison between remission and recurrence after the first injection of sclerotherapy was performed to find if the first injection of sclerotherapy can treat rectal prolapse completely. After a restricted selection, 17 studies involving 1,091 pediatric rectal prolapse subjects with sclerotherapy were enrolled in a variety of classifications of injection agents. The focused outcome was to check whether the first injection of sclerotherapy can achieve a remission status. The meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.4.

Results

Among the subjects receiving sclerotherapy, the meta-analysis favors the remission status after receiving the first injection of sclerotherapy. The meta-analysis results showed significant remission tests for the overall effect and significant heterogeneities in odds ratio and the fixed-effects model. The significant therapeutic effects remained, however, even after testing in the relative risk and the random-effects model.

Conclusions

Despite significant heterogeneity and relatively low quality of evidence, the first injection of sclerotherapy may conceivably demonstrate therapeutic effects to help the patients of pediatric rectal prolapse achieve a remission status.
Cellular and Humoral Immunogenicity Investigation of Single and Repeated Allogeneic Tenogenic Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatments in Horses Suffering From Tendon Injuries
Authors: Depuydt Eva , Broeckx Sarah Y. , Chiers Koen , Patruno Marco , Da Dalt Laura , Duchateau Luc , Saunders Jimmy , Pille Frederik , Martens Ann , Van Hecke Lore , Spaas Jan H.
Published: February 2022

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for the treatment of equine tendon disease is widely investigated because of their regenerative and immunomodulatory potential. However, questions have been raised concerning the immunogenic properties of allogeneic MSCs. Therefore, two studies were conducted to assess the safety of equine allogeneic peripheral blood-derived tenogenic primed MSCs (tpMSCs). The objective was to evaluate if a single and repeated tpMSC administration induced a cellular and humoral immune response in horses suffering from tendon injuries. Horses enrolled in the first study (n = 8) had a surgically induced superficial digital flexor tendon core lesion and were treated intralesionally with tpMSCs. Before and after treatment the cellular immunogenicity was assessed by modified mixed lymphocyte reactions. The humoral immune response was investigated using a crossmatch assay. Presence of anti-bovine serum albumin (BSA) antibodies was detected via ELISA. Horses enrolled in the second study (n = 6) suffered from a naturally occurring tendon injury and were treated twice with tpMSCs. Blood was collected after the second treatment for the same immunological assays. No cellular immune response was found in any of the horses. One out of eight horses in the first study and none of the horses in the second study had anti-tpMSC antibodies. This particular horse had an equine sarcoid and further investigation revealed presence of antibodies against sarcoid cells and epithelial-like stem cells before treatment, which increased after treatment. Additionally, formation of antibodies against BSA was observed. These findings might indicate a non-specific immune response generated after treatment. Serum from the other horses revealed no such antibody formation. These two studies showed that the administration of tpMSCs did not induce a cellular or humoral immune response following an intralesional single or repeated (two consecutive) allogeneic tpMSC treatment in horses with tendon injury, except for one horse. Therefore, a larger field study should confirm these findings and support the safe use of tpMSCs as a therapeutic for horses suffering from tendon injuries.
Evaluation of Horn Bud Wound Healing Following Cautery Disbudding of Dairy Calves With and Without the Use of Oxytetracycline Aerosol Spray
Authors: Ridgway Rachel , Neary Joseph , Turner Andrea , Barrett David C. , Gillespie Amy
Published: February 2022

Oxytetracycline is commonly applied as a topical agent to burn lesions post cautery disbudding of calves. Judicial use of antibiotics dictates that they should only be used where necessary to reduce the development of resistance in target bacteria. The objective of this study, therefore, was to evaluate the efficacy of topical oxytetracycline spray on wound healing post cautery disbudding of dairy calves over a 6-week period. Dairy calves were disbudded by veterinarians, technicians, or veterinary surgeons, using a standard cautery disbudding protocol. Oxytetracycline spray was randomly applied to the right or left horn bud of each animal (OXY), while the other horn bud received no antibiotic spray (NA). The outcomes measured were wound diameter (WD) and lesion score (LS), either normal healing (NH) or abnormal healing (AH). These assessments were conducted every 14 days following disbudding, until 42 days. A total of 360 animals completed the study. There was a difference in wound diameter and lesion score on day 14 post disbudding between the two groups. Cautery lesions sprayed with oxytetracycline (OXY) were 0.5 ± 0.15 mm smaller than NA lesions (P = 0.001), and there were fewer abnormal healing lesions for OXY compared to the NA (2.5 vs. 11%, respectively; P ≤ 0.001). There were no differences at day 28 and day 42 post disbudding, and on day 42, 34% of wounds had healed in both groups.

In summary, the authors were unable to demonstrate a difference in healing between the groups using the described methods.
Characterization and Comparison of the Rumen Luminal and Epithelial Microbiome Profiles Using Metagenomic Sequencing Technique
Authors: Stockler Ricardo M. , Hallowell Haley , Higgins Keah V. , Groover Erin S. , Hiltbold Elizabeth M. , Newcomer Benjamin , Walz Paul H.
Published: February 2022

Bacterial dysbiosis as a result of nutritional, bacterial, viral, and parasitic gastrointestinal infections can adversely affect the metabolism, productivity, and overall health of cattle. The purpose of this project was to characterize the commensal microbiota present in two locations of the rumen concomitantly in vivo with the animals undergoing habitual husbandry, as it was hypothesized that there are major differences in the commensal microbiota present in the two locations of the adult bovine major forestomach. A surgically fitted rumen cannula was used to allow ruminal lumen contents and mucosal biopsies to be collected from six crossbred yearling steers. In order to assess as much environmental and individual steer microbiota variation as possible, each animal was randomly sampled three times over a 3 week period. 16S rRNA sequencing was performed to provide a detailed descriptive analysis from phylum to genus taxonomic level. Significant differences were observed between luminal and epimural bacterial populations in the bovine rumen. As expected, a core microbiome composed by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes represented over 90% of the microbiome, however, further analysis showed distinct diversity and distribution of the microbiome between the two locations. Characterizing the gastrointestinal microbiome in vivo is imperative. The novelty and the contribution of this study to the literature is the use of live cattle which allowed real-time sample collections and analysis of the rumen microbiome providing an understanding of what is normal in the live animal.
Mandibular Thickness Measurements as Predictive Tool for Specific Dental Disorders in Alpacas (Vicugna Pacos)
Authors: Proost Kirsten , Pardon Bart , Vlaminck Lieven
Published: February 2022

Background

Oral health in alpacas is often neglected until severe dental disease becomes evident under the form of a pronounced mandibular swelling with or without fistulation. Mandibular thickness measurements might serve as an easy tool to screen for early increases in thickness thereby identifying alpacas which could benefit from an oral examination.

Objective

To study specific risk factors, including age, gender, level of performed measurements and dental disorders, associated with mandibular thickness in alpacas. To determine suitable cutoff values for mandibular thickness at specific locations for the development of a diagnostic test to identify animals with dental disorders.

Study design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Mandibular thickness was measured at standardized locations in 216 alpacas using a Vernier caliper. Risk factors for an increased mandibular thickness were collected through oral examination in sedated animals and by interview of the respective owner. A multivariable linear mixed model was built to identify factors associated with mandibular thickness. Cutoff values for specific dental disorders were obtained after receiver operating characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis.

Results

Mandibular thickness was 0.43 ± Standard Error 0.21 mm [95% Confidence interval (CI) = 0.02-0.84 mm] higher at locations where interproximal gum recession was present (P = 0.039). Severe dental disease caused an increase in thickness of 1.90 mm (95% CI= 1.29-2.51 mm) (P < 0.001). Mandibular thickness with a cutoff of 19.4 mm showed a high accuracy for predicting severe dental disease (Se = 0.41; Sp = 0.92). Specifically, thickness at a level perpendicular to the medial canthus of the eye proved a more precise predictor for severe dental disease (AUC, 0.85; 95% CI 0.74-0.96; P < 0.001) with a lower cutoff of 18.5 mm and Sn and Sp of 0.52 and 0.82, respectively.

Main limitations

No radiographic or computed tomographic studies were available to support the diagnosis of dental and/or apical disease.

Conclusion

Mandibular thickness measurements in alpacas can aid early detection of animals in need of specialized dental care. Most animals with an increased mandibular thickness suffer from advanced dental disease. However, routine dental examinations remain necessary to allow the early detection of dental disorders in alpacas.
Genetic and Environmental Determinants of Beef Quality—A Review
Authors: Sakowski Tomasz , Grodkowski Grzegorz , Gołebiewski Marcin , Slósarz Jan , Kostusiak Piotr , Solarczyk Paweł , Puppel Kamila
Published: February 2022

The flavor, quality, and composition of beef changes with the cattle diet regimen. The quality of meat varies, and that variability is determined by both individual and environmental factors: age, breed, live weight, fatness degree, plane of nutrition, and concentrate/roughage ratio. The strategy for the rearing and feeding of cattle for slaughter should therefore aim at reducing the saturated fatty acid content and increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid and monounsaturated fatty acid levels. Many diseases in humans, like atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases, are associated with dietary fat, and their development process could take a year, the results of which can be a shorter life and its lower quality. The objective of this review was to describe the factors affecting the meat quality and fatty acid profile of the intramuscular fat of European cattle fed various diets.
Intelligent Combined Neural Network and Kernel Principal Component Analysis Tool for Engine Health Monitoring Purposes
Authors: De Giorgi Maria Grazia , Strafella Luciano , Menga Nicola , Ficarella Antonio
Published: February 2022

An efficient maintenance plan is an important aspect for aeronautical companies to increase flight safety and decrease costs. Modern technologies are widely used in the Engine Health Monitoring (EHM) discipline to develop intelligent tools capable of monitoring the health status of engines. In this work, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) and in-detail Feed-Forward Neural Networks (FFNNs) were exploited in addition to a Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA) to design an intelligent diagnostic tool capable of predicting the Performance Parameters (PPs) of the main components used as their health index. For this purpose, appropriate datasets containing information about degraded engines were generated using the Gas Turbine Simulation Program (GSP). Finally, the original datasets and the reduced datasets obtained after the application of KPCA to the original datasets were both used in the training and testing process of neural networks, and results were compared. The goal was to obtain a reliable intelligent tool useful for diagnostic purposes. The study showed that the degraded component detection and estimation of its performance achieved by using the hybrid KPCA–FFNNs were predicted with accurate and reliable performance, as demonstrated through detailed quantitative confusion matrix analysis.
Diosmetin Exerts Synergistic Effects in Combination with 5-Fluorouracil in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Kamran Sareh , Sinniah Ajantha , Chik Zamri , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah
Published: February 2022

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic medication commonly used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the drug-associated adverse effects and toxicity have greatly affected its clinical use. Exploring another therapeutic strategy that lowers the toxicity of 5-FU while having a synergistic effect against CRC is thus a viable option. Diosmetin, a natural flavonoid, has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of many cancer cells, including CRC cells. This study aims to investigate the synergistic effect of diosmetin and 5-FU on HCT116 and HT29 colorectal cancer cells and to explore the apoptotic activity of this combination. The MTT assay was used to assess the viability of cells treated with monotherapy and combination therapy. The combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) were calculated using the CompuSyn software (version 1.0). The SynergyFinder 2.0 software was used to calculate the synergy score, while the Combenefit software was employed to perform isobologram analysis and synergism determination. The AO/PI double staining technique was used to detect the apoptotic characteristics of cells, whereas the flow cytometry technique was used to investigate the apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest in cells. The combination of 5-FU and diosmetin showed a synergistic effect in HCT116 cells with a mean CI value of 0.66 ± 0.4, and an additive effect in HT29 cells with a CI value of 1.0 ± 0.2. The DRI of 5-FU in HCT116 cells was three times lower in the combination therapy compared to monotherapy of 5-FU. AO/PI microscopic examination and Annexin V analysis revealed that the combination-treated cells had more apoptotic cells than the monotherapy-treated cells, which was activated mainly through intrinsic apoptosis pathway. HCT116 cell death was confirmed by mitotic arrest in the G2/M phase. Our findings suggest that 5-FU/diosmetin combination exhibits synergistic effect against HCT116 cancer cells, and potentially reduces the unfavorable adverse effect of 5-FU while enhancing the anticancer efficacy by inducing apoptosis and interrupting mitosis. Further research studies are needed to validate the combination’s anti-tumorigenic activities in a xenograft animal model.
A Spotlight on T Lymphocytes in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy—Not Just a Muscle Defect
Authors: Coles Chantal A. , Woodcock Ian , Pellicci Daniel G. , Houweling Peter J.
Published: February 2022

The lack of dystrophin in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) results in membrane fragility resulting in contraction-induced muscle damage and subsequent inflammation. The impact of inflammation is profound, resulting in fibrosis of skeletal muscle, the diaphragm and heart, which contributes to muscle weakness, reduced quality of life and premature death. To date, the innate immune system has been the major focus in individuals with DMD, and our understanding of the adaptive immune system, specifically T cells, is limited. Targeting the immune system has been the focus of multiple clinical trials for DMD and is considered a vital step in the development of better treatments. However, we must first have a complete picture of the involvement of the immune systems in dystrophic muscle disease to better understand how inflammation influences disease progression and severity. This review focuses on the role of T cells in DMD, highlighting the importance of looking beyond skeletal muscle when considering how the loss of dystrophin impacts disease progression. Finally, we propose that targeting T cells is a potential novel therapeutic in the treatment of DMD.
Stroke Genomics: Current Knowledge, Clinical Applications and Future Possibilities
Authors: Appunni Sandeep , Rubens Muni , Ramamoorthy Venkataraghavan , Saxena Anshul , McGranaghan Peter , Veledar Emir
Published: February 2022

The pathophysiology of stoke involves many complex pathways and risk factors. Though there are several ongoing studies on stroke, treatment options are limited, and the prevalence of stroke is continuing to increase. Understanding the genomic variants and biological pathways associated with stroke could offer novel therapeutic alternatives in terms of drug targets and receptor modulations for newer treatment methods. It is challenging to identify individual causative mutations in a single gene because many alleles are responsible for minor effects. Therefore, multiple factorial analyses using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be used to gain new insight by identifying potential genetic risk factors. There are many studies, such as Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and Phenome-Wide Association Studies (PheWAS) which have identified numerous independent loci associated with stroke, which could be instrumental in developing newer drug targets and novel therapies. Additionally, using analytical techniques, such as meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization could help in evaluating stroke risk factors and determining treatment priorities. Combining SNPs into polygenic risk scores and lifestyle risk factors could detect stroke risk at a very young age and help in administering preventive interventions.
Preliminary Study on the Sequencing of Whole Genomic Methylation and Transcriptome-Related Genes in Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Asad , Li Mingyang , Lin Jiang , Zhang Guoliang , Chen Miao , Moazzam Nida Fatima , Qian Wei
Published: February 2022

Thyroid carcinoma is the most prevalent endocrine cancer globally and the primary cause of cancer-related mortality. Epigenetic modifications are progressively being linked to metastasis. This study aimed to examine whole-genome DNA methylation patterns and the gene expression profiles in thyroid cancer tissue samples using a MethylationEPIC BeadChip (850K), RNA sequencing, and a targeted bisulfite sequencing assay. The results of the Illumina Infinium human methylation kit (850K) analyses identified differentially methylated CpG locations (DMPs) and differentially methylated CpG regions (DMRs) encompassing nearly the entire genome with high resolution and depth. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that the genes associated with DMRs belonged to various domain-specific ontologies, including cell adhesion, molecule binding, and proliferation. The RNA-Seq study found 1627 differentially expressed genes, 1174 of which that were up-regulated and 453 of which that were down-regulated. The targeted bisulfite sequencing assay revealed that CHST2, DPP4, DUSP6, ITGA2, SLC1A5, TIAM1, TNIK, and ABTB2 methylation levels were dramatically lowered in thyroid cancer patients when compared to the controls, but GALNTL6, HTR7, SPOCD1, and GRM5 methylation levels were significantly raised. Our study revealed that the whole-genome DNA methylation patterns and gene expression profiles in thyroid cancer shed new light on the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer.
Pre-Sleep Cognitive Arousal Is Negatively Associated with Sleep Misperception in Healthy Sleepers during Habitual Environmental Noise Exposure: An Actigraphy Study
Authors: Sharman Rachel L. , Perlis Michael L. , Bastien Célyne H. , Barclay Nicola L. , Ellis Jason G. , Elder Greg J.
Published: February 2022

Specific noises (e.g., traffic or wind turbines) can disrupt sleep and potentially cause a mismatch between subjective sleep and objective sleep (i.e., “sleep misperception”). Some individuals are likely to be more vulnerable than others to noise-related sleep disturbances, potentially as a result of increased pre-sleep cognitive arousal. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between pre-sleep cognitive arousal and sleep misperception. Sixteen healthy sleepers participated in this naturalistic, observational study. Three nights of sleep were measured using actigraphy, and each 15-s epoch was classified as sleep or wake. Bedside noise was recorded, and each 15-s segment was classified as containing noise or no noise and matched to actigraphy. Participants completed measures of habitual pre-sleep cognitive and somatic arousal and noise sensitivity. Pre-sleep cognitive and somatic arousal levels were negatively associated with subjective–objective total sleep time discrepancy (p < 0.01). There was an association between sleep/wake and noise presence/absence in the first and last 90 min of sleep (p < 0.001). These results indicate that higher levels of habitual pre-sleep arousal are associated with a greater degree of sleep misperception, and even in healthy sleepers, objective sleep is vulnerable to habitual bedside noise.
First Report of the Parasitic Nematode Pseudoterranova spp. Found in Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus) in Greece: Conservation Implications
Authors: Koitsanou Efstathia , Sarantopoulou Joanne , Komnenou Anastasia , Exadactylos Athanasios , Dendrinos Panagiotis , Papadopoulos Elias , Gkafas Georgios A.
Published: February 2022

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is classified as an endangered species by the IUCN, with a global population that does not exceed 800 individuals. There is limited understanding around the biology and health status of the species, rendering possible parasitic infections grave for its conservation efforts. The aim of the current study was the molecular identification of a parasitic nematode found in the digestive system of a sub-adult Mediterranean monk seal individual, that was found stranded in the area of Pagasitikos Gulf, Greece in 2019. Analysis of the stomach contents revealed the presence of two intact female nematode individuals. Standard protocols were followed as DNA extraction of the parasites was conducted and PCR amplification of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial gene was implemented. Sequencing analysis of a 585 bp-amplified product displayed a 96% similarity of the screened nematodes to the Pseudoterranova bulbosa species. Bayesian inference was implemented for the subsequent tree reconstruction. The phylogenetic tree revealed a clear genetic similarity between our parasitic nematode individuals named as Pseudoterranova spp. and Pseudoterranova bulbosa (bootstrap value: 82%), which is indicated for the first and only time as such, to be found in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and also in the stomach of a Mediterranean monk seal.
New Distributional Records of Phidippus (Araneae: Salticidae) for Baja California and Mexico: An Integrative Approach
Authors: Hernández Salgado Luis C. , Guerrero Fuentes Dariana R. , Garduño Villaseñor Luz A. , Castañeda Betancur Lita , López Reyes Eulogio , Ceccarelli Fadia Sara
Published: February 2022

Because of its heterogeneity in ecoregions and its varied topography, the Mexican peninsula of Baja California (BCP) is an area of high diversity for many taxa, including spiders. However, a paucity of studies means that the diversity of BCP’s spiders is generally poorly known. The North American jumping spider genus Phidippus comprises over 60 species, of which approximately 45% are found in Mexico. Among those, 6 have been recorded to date from the BCP but adding up the species recorded in nearby states, up to 20 more can be expected. As part of a larger study on the evolution and biogeography of the North American genus Phidippus, the aim here was to explore the diversity of the genus in the BCP using an integrative taxonomic approach and to present new distributional records. Until now, at least ten species have been collected from the BCP, one of which is a new record for Mexico, three new records for the BCP, and at least one undescribed species.
The NILS Study Protocol: A Retrospective Validation Study of an Artificial Neural Network Based Preoperative Decision-Making Tool for Noninvasive Lymph Node Staging in Women with Primary Breast Cancer (ISRCTN14341750)
Authors: Skarping Ida , Dihge Looket , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Huss Linnea , Ellbrant Julia , Ohlsson Mattias , Rydén Lisa
Published: February 2022

Newly diagnosed breast cancer (BC) patients with clinical T1–T2 N0 disease undergo sentinel-lymph-node (SLN) biopsy, although most of them have a benign SLN. The pilot noninvasive lymph node staging (NILS) artificial neural network (ANN) model to predict nodal status was published in 2019, showing the potential to identify patients with a low risk of SLN metastasis. The aim of this study is to assess the performance measures of the model after a web-based implementation for the prediction of a healthy SLN in clinically N0 BC patients. This retrospective study was designed to validate the NILS prediction model for SLN status using preoperatively available clinicopathological and radiological data. The model results in an estimated probability of a healthy SLN for each study participant. Our primary endpoint is to report on the performance of the NILS prediction model to distinguish between healthy and metastatic SLNs (N0 vs. N+) and compare the observed and predicted event rates of benign SLNs. After validation, the prediction model may assist medical professionals and BC patients in shared decision making on omitting SLN biopsies in patients predicted to be node-negative by the NILS model. This study was prospectively registered in the ISRCTN registry (identification number: 14341750).
Biplane Trajectory Tracking Using Hybrid Controller Based on Backstepping and Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Control
Authors: Dalwadi Nihal , Deb Dipankar , Rath Jagat Jyoti
Published: February 2022

A biplane quadrotor is a hybrid type of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) that has advantages of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing UAVs. In this study, we design controllers using (i) Backstepping Control (BSC), (ii) Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Control (ITSMC), and (iii) Hybrid control (ITSMC + BSC), where the ITSMC controls attitude and BSC controls the altitude subsystems as per the mathematical model of biplane quadrotor. The performance of these controllers is evaluated based on the autonomous trajectory tracking containing all possible maneuvers and operation modes that the biplane quadrotor can perform. Performance analysis reveals that the BSC-based controller is susceptible to a steady-state error in altitude tracking when mass is changed. In contrast, the ITSMC and the “hybrid” controllers achieve smooth tracking in a finite time. Furthermore, the “hybrid” controller outperforms the other designs, reducing tracking error and faster convergence time.
Examples and Results of Aerial Photogrammetry in Archeology with UAV: Geometric Documentation, High Resolution Multispectral Analysis, Models and 3D Printing
Authors: Fiz José Ignacio , Martín Pere Manel , Cuesta Rosa , Subías Eva , Codina Dolors , Cartes Antoni
Published: February 2022

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs, also known as drones or RPA) in archaeology has expanded significantly over the last twenty years. Improvements in terms of the reliability, size, and manageability of these aircraft have been largely complemented by the high resolution and spectral bands provided by the sensors of the different cameras that can be incorporated into their structure. If we add to this the functionalities and improvements that photogrammetry programs have been experiencing in recent years, we can conclude that there has been a qualitative leap in the possibilities, not only of geometric documentation and in the presentation of the archaeological data, but in the incorporation of non-intrusive high-resolution analytics. The work that we present here gives a sample of the possibilities of both geometric documentation, creation of 3D models, their subsequent printing with different materials, and techniques to finally show a series of analytics from images with NGB (Nir + Green + Blue), Red Edge, and Thermographic cameras applied to various archaeological sites in which our team has been working since 2013, such as Clunia (Peñalba de Castro, Burgos), Puig Rom (Roses), Vilanera (L’Escala, Girona), and Cosa (Ansedonia, Italy). All of them correspond to different chronological periods as well as to varied geographical and morphological environments, which will lead us to propose the search for adequate solutions for each of the environments. In the discussions, we will propose the lines of research to be followed in a project of these characteristics, as well as some results that can already be viewed.