bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hippocampal Oxidative Stress Induced by Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation and the Neuroprotective Effects of Aerobic Exercise in Rats: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Rasouli Mojez Mina , Ali Gaeini Abbas , Choobineh Siroos , Sheykhlouvand Mohsen
Published: October 2021

Background: The present study determined whether 4 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise improves antioxidant capacity on the brain of rats against oxidative stress caused by radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from cell phones. Methods: Responses of malondialdehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, as well as the number of hippocampal dead cells, were examined. Male Wistar rats (10–12 wk old) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups (N = 8): (1) moderate aerobic exercise (EXE) (2 × 15–30 min at 1215 m/min speed with 5 min of active recovery between sets), (2) exposure to 900/1800 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic waves 3 hours per day (RAD), (3) EXE + RAD, and (4) exposure to an experimental phone without battery. Results: Following the exposure, the number of the hippocampal dead cells was significantly higher in group RAD compared with groups EXE, EXE + RAD, and control group. Malondialdehyde concentration in group RAD was significantly higher than that of groups EXE, EXE + RAD, and control group. Also, the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase in groups EXE, EXE + RAD, and control group was significantly higher compared with those of the exposure group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that moderate aerobic exercise enhances hippocampal antioxidant capacity against oxidative challenge in the form of radiofrequency electromagnetic waves.
Parent Preferences for Physical Activity in Before and After School Programs in Rural and Suburban Communities: A Discrete Choice Experiment
Authors: Pfledderer Christopher D. , Burns Ryan D. , Byun Wonwoo , Carson Russell L. , Welk Gregory J. , Brusseau Timothy A.
Published: October 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine and compare parent preferences of before and after school physical activity program components in rural and suburban elementary schools. Methods: A discrete choice experiment was conducted to measure parent preferences for components of before/after school programs. A total of 183 parents (age = 37.2 [8.2] y, 155 females) sampled from 15 elementary schools (K–6 grades) in the Western United States took part in the study, half of which were from a rural community (n = 93, 50.8%). Results from the discrete choice experiment were analyzed using hierarchic Bayesian methodology, which estimated utility scores and was used to calculate important scores for program components. Results: The specific goal of the before/after school program was the strongest determinant of parents’ stated choice overall, followed by leaders, time of day, length, and main focus. Learning sports as the physical activity goal was the top-rated attribute. Subgroup analyses revealed discrepancies between suburban and rural parents and parents of boys and girls. Conclusion: This study extends the application of discrete choice experiments to school-based programming, providing a unique way to design empirically based, stakeholder informed school programs, specifically within before and after school settings.
Identification of Leptospiral Protein Antigens Recognized by WC1
+
γδ T Cell Subsets as Target for Development of Recombinant Vaccines
Authors: Teixeira Aline F. , Gillespie Alexandria , Yirsaw Alehegne , Britton Emily , Telfer Janice C. , Nascimento Ana Lucia Tabet Oller , Baldwin Cynthia L.
Published: October 2021

Pathogenic
Leptospira
species cause leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease recognized as a global public health problem. It is also the cause of the most common cattle infection that results in major economic losses due to reproductive problems. γδ T cells play a role in the protective immune response in livestock species against
Leptospira
, while human γδ T cells also respond to
Leptospira
.
Structure of the Streptococcus pyogenes NAD
+
Glycohydrolase Translocation Domain and Its Essential Role in Toxin Binding to Oropharyngeal Keratinocytes
Authors: Velarde Jorge J. , Piai Alessandro , Lichtenstein Ian J. , Lynskey Nicola N. , Chou James J. , Wessels Michael R.
Published: October 2021

NADase and streptolysin O (SLO) are secreted toxins important for pathogenesis of group A
Streptococcus
, the agent of strep throat and severe invasive infections. The two toxins interact in solution and mutually enhance cytotoxic activity.
Listeria monocytogenes Requires the RsbX Protein To Prevent SigB Activation under Nonstressed Conditions
Authors: Oliveira Ana H. , Tiensuu Teresa , Guerreiro Duarte N. , Tükenmez Hasan , Dessaux Charlotte , García-del Portillo Francisco , O’Byrne Conor , Johansson Jörgen
Published: October 2021

Pathogenic bacteria need to sense and respond to stresses to survive harsh environments and also be able to turn off the response when no longer facing stress. Activity of the stress sigma factor SigB in the human pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
is controlled by a hierarchic system having a large stress-sensing multiprotein complex known as the stressosome at the top.
New Bursting Patterns in the Lü System Driven by Orthogonal Parametric Excitation and External Excitation
Authors: Ma Minglin , Xiong Lianwen , Shu Zhenyang , Fang Yingjun , Li Zhijun , Wang Mengjiao
Published: October 2021

Compared with the general nonlinear system, multi-timescale system has complex dynamical characteristics of bursting oscillations, which has received extensive attention. This paper aims to show and study the bursting oscillations and bifurcation phenomena in the Lü systems driven by orthogonal parametric excitation and external excitation. By using the fast–slow analysis, we were able to get two different fast subsystems corresponding to different bifurcation diagrams when the slow variable increased and decreased. Several novel bursting modes have been discovered, namely, delayed supHopf/cascaded with PD and IPD/Fold/cascaded with PD and IPD/supHopf-Fold bursting, delayed supHopf/supHopf/Fold-Fold bursting and delayed supHopf/cascaded with PD and IPD/supHopf-Fold bursting. Finally, a simulation circuit of the multi-timescale system is established in Multisim, and a real physical circuit is also built. The experimental results effectively verify the research results.
On a new functional for extremal metrics of the conformal Laplacian in high dimensions
Authors: Sire Yannick , Xu Hang
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we introduce a new functional for the conformal spectrum of the conformal Laplacian on a closed manifold [Formula: see text] of dimension at least 3. For this new functional we provide a Korevaar type result. The main body of the paper deals with the case of the sphere but a section is devoted to more general closed manifolds. The functional introduced here has been investigated in the recent work [S. Perez-Ayala, Extremal eigenvalues of the conformal Laplacian under Sire–Xu normalization, preprint (2019); arXiv:2011.06018].
Scale Effects on Thermoelastic Coupling Wave Propagation of Micro-Beam Resonator Using Nonlocal Stain Gradient and Generalized Thermoelasticity
Authors: Gu Bingdong , He Tianhu , Ma Yongbin
Published: October 2021

Coupled thermoelastic analysis in the study of microscale solid mechanics has attracted considerable attention along with the miniaturization and functionalization of devices. Higher-order continuum mechanics theories have considered scale effects; however, the theories to predict thermoelastic performances of structures in micro-scale are still incomplete. The purpose of this paper is to study scale and thermal-induced effects by considering stress nonlocality and strain gradient elasticity in micro-structure resonators. The thermoelastic constitutive relations are established based on the nonlocal strain gradient (NSG) theory. The wave propagation problem of a Timoshenko micro-beam in conjunction with Green and Naghdi’s generalized thermoelastic (G–N) theory is investigated. The governing equations are derived and analytically solved by the eigenvalue method. Finally, the dispersion relation of a frequency spectrum is determined and the influences of scale parameters and coupled thermoelastic effect are discussed; in addition, the analysis results are compared with those under different size-dependent theories accordingly.
Analysis of Thick-Walled Spherical Shells Subjected to Various Temperature Gradients: Thermo-Elasto-Plastic and Residual Stress Studies
Authors: Kholdi Mohsen , Rahimi Golshan , Loghman Abbas , Ashrafi Hossein , Arefi Mohammad
Published: October 2021

In this paper, the elastic, elastoplastic, and thermal residual stresses due to autofrettage in a thick-walled spherical structure have been investigated. A steady-state radial temperature gradient has been applied throughout the thickness of the shell structure made of elastic-perfect-plastic constitutive material. This temperature gradient is assumed to be in both directions from inward to outward and vice versa. To calculate the equivalent stress and initial yield point, the Von Mises yield criterion (failure criterion) is used, and all relations are derived analytically. Then, the differences between the elastic–plastic behavior and the residual stresses in the thick-walled structure, caused by loading in two states of the temperature gradient, are investigated. Finally, the conditions for the occurrence of reverse yielding and its relation with the thickness and temperature gradient are carefully studied.
There is no AI without data
Authors: Gröger Christoph
Published: October 2021

Industry experiences on the data challenges of AI and the call for a data ecosystem for industrial enterprises.
Programming Abstractions for Managing Workflows on Tiered Storage Systems
Authors: Ghoshal Devarshi , Ramakrishnan Lavanya
Published: October 2021

Scientific workflows in
High Performance Computing
(
HPC
) environments are processing large amounts of data. The storage hierarchy on HPC systems is getting deeper, driven by new technologies (NVRAMs, SSDs, etc.) There is a need for new programming abstractions that allow users to seamlessly manage data at the workflow level on multi-tiered storage systems, and provide optimal workflow performance and use of storage resources. In previous work, we introduced a software architecture
Managing Data on Tiered Storage for Scientific Workflows
(MaDaTS
) that used a
Virtual Data Space
(
VDS
) abstraction to hide the complexities of the underlying storage system while allowing users to control data management strategies. In this article, we detail the data-centric programming abstractions that allow users to manage a workflow around its data on the storage layer. The programming abstractions simplify data management for scientific workflows on multi-tiered storage systems, without affecting workflow performance or storage capacity. We measure the overheads and effectiveness introduced by the programming abstractions of MaDaTS. Our results show that these abstractions can optimally use the storage capacity in lesser capacity storage tiers, and simplify data management without adding any performance overheads.
Community and Capital: Experiences of Women Game Streamers in Southeast Asia
Authors: Alvarez Katrina Paola B. , Chen Vivian Hsueh Hua
Published: October 2021

This study explores how women game live streamers in Southeast Asia make sense of their experiences as performers and gamers on streaming platforms dominated by Western products and performers. We conducted 13 in-depth interviews guided by an interpretive phenomenological approach to understand their experiences. Women streamers strive to develop audience communities and gain acceptance in the larger gaming community, in part by successfully displaying their own gaming capital. However, they face challenges regarding audience connection and maintenance, presenting their own femininity amid stereotypes and misogyny, and the influence of their respective cultures on their success as performers. We discuss directions of study that further explore gaming and streaming as a form of cultural labor in Asia and the world.
Effect of Hydrate on Gas/Water Relative Permeability of Hydrate-Bearing Sediments: Pore-Scale Microsimulation by the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Xin Xin , Yang Bo , Xu Tianfu , Xia Yingli , Li Si
Published: October 2021

As a clean energy source with ample reserves, natural gas hydrate is studied extensively. However, the existing hydrate production from hydrate deposits faces many challenges, especially the uncertain mechanism of complex multiphase seepage in the sediments. The relative permeability of hydrate-bearing sediments is key to evaluating gas and water production. To study such permeability, a set of pore-scale microsimulations were carried out using the Lattice Boltzmann Method. To account for the differences between hydrate saturation and hydrate pore habit, we performed a gas-water multiphase flow simulation that combines the fluids’ fundamental properties (density ratio, viscosity ratio, and wettability). Results show that the Lattice Boltzmann Method simulation is valid compared to the pore network simulation and analysis models. In gas and water multiphase flow systems, the viscous coupling effect permits water molecules to block gas flow severely due to viscosity differences. In hydrate-bearing sediments, as hydrate saturation increases, the water saturation

S

w

between the continuous and discontinuous gas phase decreases from 0.45 to 0.30 while hydrate saturation increases from 0.2 to 0.6. Besides, the residual water and gas increased, and the capillary pressure increased. Moreover, the seepage of gas and water became more tedious, resulting in decreased relative permeability. Compared with different hydrate pore habits, pore-filling thins the pores, restricting the gas flow than the grain-coating. However, hydrate pore habit barely affects water relative permeability.
Clinical Pregnancy and Incidence of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome in High Ovarian Responders Receiving Different Doses of hCG Supplementation in a GnRH-Agonist Trigger Protocol
Authors: Shen Xiuzhen , Yang Qinjie , Li Lanfang , Lu Wenhao
Published: October 2021

Objective. Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a side effect of the exogenous human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormones used to trigger oocyte maturation. High ovarian responders represent a population with a higher risk of OHSS and are characterized by an exaggerated response to gonadotropin administration. In this study, we compared clinical pregnancy and incidence of OHSS in high ovarian responders receiving different doses of hCG supplementation in a GnRH-agonist trigger protocol. Methods. A total of 205 high ovarian responders who were to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles were recruited and randomly assigned to receive different doses of hCG supplementation in a GnRH-agonist trigger protocol: GnRH-a (n = 42), GnRH-a + 1000 IU hCG (n = 49), GnRH-a + 2000 IU hCG (n = 54), and GnRH-a + 3000 IU hCG (n = 60) groups. Results. The GnRH-a + 1000 IU hCG, GnRH-a + 2000 IU hCG, and GnRH-a + 3000 IU hCG groups had more oocytes retrieved, embryos, high-quality embryos, and a higher rate of high-quality embryos than the GnRH-a group (

p
<
0.05

). The GnRH-a + 1000 IU hCG group demonstrated more oocytes retrieved, embryos, high-quality embryos, and a higher rate of high-quality embryos than the GnRH-a + 2000 IU hCG and GnRH-a + 3000 IU hCG groups (

p
<
0.05

). No moderate and severe OHSS cases occurred in the GnRH-a and GnRH-a + 1000 IU hCG groups. The incidence rate of moderate and severe OHSS was remarkably lower in the GnRH-a group and GnRH-a + 1000 IU hCG groups than in the GnRH-a + 2000 IU hCG and GnRH-a + 3000 IU hCG groups (

p
<
0.05

). The GnRH-a + 1000 IU hCG, GnRH-a + 2000 IU hCG, and GnRH-a + 3000 IU hCG groups had a higher clinical pregnancy rate than the GnRH-a group, showing no significant difference (

p
>
0.05

). The GnRH-a + 1000 IU hCG, GnRH-a + 2000 IU hCG, and GnRH-a + 3000 IU hCG groups had a lower abortion rate than the GnRH-a group (

p
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Based on the data obtained from this prospective study, we recommend 1000 IU hCG supplementation in a GnRH-agonist trigger protocol for high ovarian responders during IVF/ICSI cycles considering a higher rate of high-quality embryos, a lower incidence rate of moderate and severe OHSS, and a lower abortion rate.
Complex Electrical Stimulation Systems in Motor Function Rehabilitation after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Kou Jiange , Cai Maolin , Xie Fei , Wang Yixuan , Wang Na , Xu Meng
Published: October 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is an existing incurable disease that brings great pain and life obstacles to patients. Spinal cord electrical stimulation is an effective means to alleviate spinal cord injury. However, its complicated mechanism of action is still unclear. This article aims to summarize several different spinal cord electrical stimulation methods, analyze the stimulation effect, and briefly describe the current understanding of its origin and mechanism of action. In recent years, several application cases of the electrical stimulation system of stimulation methods have confirmed its positive effects in spinal cord injury diseases and provided new perspectives for the improvement of spinal cord injury. Finally, the possible development direction and corresponding challenges of spinal cord electrical stimulation in the future are proposed.
Singing and Nervous System Regulation Based on Wireless Sensor Network Perception
Authors: Yu Feng
Published: October 2021

In order to build an intelligent platform that can be applied to singing and nervous system adjustment, this paper optimizes the positioning and information processing algorithms for wireless sensor network perception. Moreover, this article combines binocular vision to realize the singer’s real‐time positioning, combines the singer’s emotion recognition with the intelligent sensor system, and combines the emotion recognition with the adjustment of the nervous system, so that the singer can better control the intelligent platform. In addition, in order to solve the problem of multisensor information fusion, this paper improves the sensor fusion algorithm to make it suitable for the information fusion of vision sensors and information sensors. Finally, this paper designs the functional structure of the system, transmits data through wireless sensor networks, simulates human emotion models, and studies the process of singing and the adjustment of the nervous system. It can be seen from the experimental research results that the method proposed in this paper has a certain effect.
Joint Optimization of Multiprocess Routes and Layout for Low Entropy Flexible Facility
Authors: Tang Hongtao , Ren Senli , Jiang Weiguang , Liang Jiajiong , Chen Qingfeng
Published: October 2021

Facility layout is not only the premise of production, but also a breakthrough for manufacturing industry to realize energy saving, environmental protection, and low entropy development. On the one hand, considering the interaction between product process routes and facility layout, a joint optimization model is proposed. The model aims to minimize the total logistics cost and consider the global optimization of facility layout and process route planning. On the other hand, considering the application of low entropy concept in facility layout, the analytic network process (ANP) is used to evaluate the low entropy layout. In the choice of the final facility layout, the algorithm results and expert knowledge are considered comprehensively to make up for the shortcomings of the model in the design of qualitative indicators. The algorithm innovation of this paper is to use genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to search the solution of product process routes and facility layout simultaneously, to ensure the overall optimal solution of the two decision variables. Finally, an example is given to compare the joint optimization results with the independent optimization results, and the effectiveness of the joint optimization method is verified.
Emerging Pathological Engagement of Ferroptosis in Gut Diseases
Authors: Gao Weihua , Zhang Ting , Wu Hao
Published: October 2021

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, is mainly characterized by chronic and progressive inflammation that damages the gastrointestinal mucosa. Increasing studies have enlightened that dysregulated cell death occurs in the inflamed sites, leading to the disruption of the intestinal barrier and aggravating inflammatory response. Ferroptosis, a newly characterized form of regulated cell death, is driven by the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxides catalyzed by cellular free iron. It has been widely documented that the fundamental features of ferroptosis, including iron deposition, GSH exhaustion, GPX4 inactivation, and lipid peroxidation, are manifested in the injured gastrointestinal tract in IBD patients. Furthermore, manipulation of the critical ferroptotic genes could alter the progression, severity, or even morbidity of the experimental colitis. Herein, we critically summarize the recent advances in the field of ferroptosis, focusing on interpreting the potential engagement of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of IBD. Moreover, we are attempting to shed light on a perspective insight into the possibility of targeting ferroptosis as novel therapeutic designs for the clinical intervention of these gastrointestinal diseases.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of 3D Hydrofoil Using Nonuniform Rational B-Spline and Boundary Element Method
Authors: ArianMaram Moloud , Ghiasi Mahmoud , Ghassemi Hassan , Ghafari Hamid Reza
Published: October 2021

In this paper, two different 3D hydrofoils with profiles NACA0012 are simulated in the potential flow. Boundary element method (BEM) and nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS) are coupled to reduce error and increase accuracy. The computer code is developed in different submergence depths (d), flow velocities (U), and various angles of attack (AoA), and the pressure is obtained by NURBS formulation. The pressure on a 3D hydrofoil with NACA412 profile iscompared with other existing methods. The validity of result is revealed. The accuracy of the results is acceptable. The competition of the two models’ results indicates that the increasing chord length leads to increase in

C

p

min

, and the decrease in depth and angle of attack leads to the growing value of

C

p

min

. Moreover, when the flow velocity is changed, the changes of potential and pressure coefficient distribution do not follow the specific trend. NURBS is a basic equation in different CAD packages because it is able to mesh surfaces. This study demonstrates that this algorithm does mesh surface of high quality, so it can be developed to generate mesh on the submerged three-dimensional bodies .
Ordered Convex Metric Spaces
Authors: Beg Ismat
Published: October 2021

The aim of this article is to introduce a new notion of ordered convex metric spaces and study some basic properties of these spaces. Several characterizations of these spaces are proven that allow making geometric interpretations of the new concepts.
The Effects of Chinese Herbal Decoction Combined with Recombinant Human Interferon α2b on MRI Imaging, Tumor Markers, and Immune Function in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Song Siliang , Li Wen , Liang Wenjuan , Tian Xiu
Published: October 2021

Background. To explore the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine decoction combined with recombinant human interferon α2b in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods. 68 RCC patients were divided into the control group and treatment group (n = 34). The control group was treated with recombinant human interferon α2b, and the treatment group was treated with traditional Chinese medicine decoction on the basis of the control group. The clinical efficacy and life quality were observed. At the same time, the changes of immune function before and after treatment were compared. Results. After one course of treatment, the effective rate and clinical benefit rate of the treatment group were higher than those of the control group. The Karnofsky score in the treatment group was better than that in the control group. In improving the immune function, the treatment group was better than the control group in increasing CD3+ and CD4+ and reducing CD8+. Conclusion. Traditional Chinese medicine decoction combined with recombinant human interferon α2b has a good effect on the treatment of RCC. It can not only improve the common clinical symptoms of patients but also improve the quality of life and cellular immune function of patients.
Comparison of the Incidence of Postoperative Hypothyroidism in Patients Undergoing Conventional Thyroid Lobectomy and Pyramid- and Isthmus-Preserving Lobectomy
Authors: Cho Min Jeong , Yu Hyeong Won , Kim Woochul , Kim Yeo Koon , Choi Sang Il , Kim Su-jin , Chai Young Jun , Lee Doohee , Park Sang Joon , Choi June Young , Lee Kyu Eun
Published: October 2021

Hypothyroidism is a recognized sequela of conventional thyroid lobectomy. However, there have been no studies on the incidence of hypothyroidism following the preservation of the isthmus and pyramid during lobectomy. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the incidence of hypothyroidism following conventional lobectomy and lobectomy during which the isthmus and pyramidal lobe were preserved. Data for a total of 65 patients collected between September 2018 and April 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration was measured before and after surgery in a group who underwent conventional thyroid lobectomy (n = 29) and in a group in which the isthmus and pyramid were preserved (n = 36). We found no significant difference in TSH concentration between the two groups before surgery, or 3 months or 1 year after surgery. Thus, there might be no difference in the incidence of postoperative hypothyroidism between patients who undergo conventional thyroid lobectomy and those in which the isthmus and pyramid are preserved.
Work-Related Stress Was Not Associated with Increased Cancer Risk in a Population-Based Cohort Setting
Authors: Hadrévi Jenny , Myte Robin , Olsson Tommy , Palmqvist Richard , Slunga Järvholm Lisbeth , Van Guelpen Bethany
Published: October 2021

Background:

Stress is a commonly perceived cause of cancer, but the evidence to date is limited and inconclusive. We examined work-related stress in relation to cancer incidence in a population-based cohort, with outcome data from Swedish national registries.

Methods:

The study population included 113,057 participants in the Västerbotten Intervention Programme. HRs were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression, for cancer overall and for types with ≥500 cases, and adjusting for several potential confounders. The primary exposure was prediagnostic work-related stress, using the well established Karasek job demand/control model. Demand and control variables were dichotomized at the median, and participants were classified according to combinations of these categories. We also considered social network and aspects of quality of life.

Results:

“High-strain” work (high demand/low control) was not associated with cancer risk compared with “low-strain” work (low demand/high control): multivariable HR 1.01 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.94–1.08] for men and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.92–1.07) for women. Results were also null for most cancer types assessed: prostate, breast, colorectal, lung, and gastrointestinal (GI). The risk of GI cancer was lower for “passive” (low demand/low control) versus “low-strain” work, particularly for colorectal cancer in women: multivariable HR 0.71 (95% CI, 0.55–0.91), but statistical significance was lost after adjustment for multiple testing.

Conclusions:

The findings of this population-based, cohort study do not support a role for work-related stress in determining cancer risk.

Impact:

This study helps fill an important knowledge gap given the common concern about stress as a risk factor for cancer.
An Atypical Presentation of Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency in Response to Colchicine Treatment
Authors: Koç Yekedüz Merve , Doğulu Neslihan , Öncül Ümmühan , Köse Engin , Ceylaner Serdar , Eminoğlu Fatma Tuba
Published: October 2021

Mevalonate kinase deficiency (MKD) is a periodic fever syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and anakinra are the most common treatments. However, colchicine is considered insufficient in disease control. In this case report, we present an 8-month-old infant with an atypical presentation of MKD. She had recurrent fever episodes, diarrhea, and lethargy. Elevated mevalonic acid was not detected in the urine. However, the genetic investigation showed a novel pathogenic heterozygous c.925G>C (p.Gly309Arg) variant and a heterozygous c.1129G>A (p.Val377Ile) mutation in the MVK gene. The patient was treated with colchicine for 8 months. During treatment, no further fever episode had been observed. It should be kept in mind that mevalonic acid excretion may not be present in the urine with mild MKD. Colchicine may be a reasonable option in mild MKD patients for a longer duration of treatment due to favorable adverse event profiles.
MAMLD1 and Differences/Disorders of Sex Development: An Update
Authors: Miyado Mami , Fukami Maki , Ogata Tsutomu
Published: October 2021

MAMLD1 (alias CXorf6) was first documented in 2006 as a causative gene of 46,XY differences/disorders of sex development (DSD). MAMLD1/Mamld1 is expressed in the fetal testis and is predicted to enhance the expression of several Leydig cell-specific genes. To date, hemizygous MAMLD1 variants have been identified in multiple 46,XY individuals with hypomasculinized external genitalia. Pathogenic MAMLD1 variants are likely to cause genital abnormalities at birth and are possibly associated with age-dependent deterioration of testicular function. In addition, some MAMLD1 variants have been identified in 46,XX individuals with ovarian dysfunction. However, recent studies have raised the possibility that MAMLD1 variants cause 46,XY DSD and ovarian dysfunction as oligogenic disorders. Unsolved issues regarding MAMLD1 include the association between MAMLD1 variants and 46,XX testicular DSD, gene-gene interactions in the development of MAMLD1-mediated DSD, and intracellular functions of MAMLD1.
Meilensteine der personalisierten Medizin bei Pemphigus und Pemphigoid
Authors: Bieber Katja , Kridin Khalaf , Emtenani Shirin , Boch Katharina , Schmidt Enno , Ludwig Ralf J.
Published: October 2021

Pemphigus und Pemphigoid sind bullöse Autoimmunerkrankungen, deren Kennzeichen und Ursache Autoantikörper gegen Adhäsionsmoleküle in der Haut und/oder den Schleimhäuten sind. Das neue medizinische Modell der personalisierten Medizin, bei dem die Patienten in unterschiedliche Gruppen eingeteilt werden, zielt darauf ab, medizinische Entscheidungen, Vorgehensweisen und Interventionen an der voraussichtlichen Reaktion oder den Risikofaktoren des einzelnen Patienten auszurichten. Wichtige Meilensteine in der personalisierten Medizin bei Pemphigus und Pemphigoid waren der Nachweis der diesen Krankheiten zugrunde liegenden Autoimmunpathogenese sowie die Identifizierung und Klonung verschiedener Pemphigus/Pemphigoid-Autoantigene. Letztere bildet die Grundlage der aktuellen molekularen Diagnostik, die die Differenzierung von etwa einem Dutzend Pemphigus- und Pemphigoid-Entitäten ermöglicht. Die Bedeutung der Autoantigen-Identifizierung bei Pemphigus/Pemphigoid wird durch die Entwicklung autoantigenspezifischer Strategien zur B-Zell-Depletion zusätzlich unterstrichen. Um dieses Ziel zu erreichen, wurde die Technologie der chimären Antigenrezeptor (CAR)-T-Zellen, die bei der Behandlung von bestimmten malignen hämatologischen Erkrankungen zur Anwendung kommt, adaptiert, indem chimäre Autoantigenrezeptor (CAAR)-T-Zellen generiert wurden. Neben diesen eher grundlagenwissenschaftlichen Meilensteinen der personalisierten Medizin bei Pemphigus und Pemphigoid spielen bei der personalisierten Medizin auch eine sorgfältige klinische Beobachtung sowie die Epidemiologie eine Rolle. Für Letzteres ist die Identifizierung klar abgegrenzter klinischer Phänotypen bei Pemphigoid, wie das nicht-entzündliche und das Gliptin-assoziierte bullöse Pemphigoid, ein wichtiges Beispiel. Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt einen Überblick über die spannenden Entwicklungen in der Grundlagenforschung sowie in der translationalen, klinischen und epidemiologischen Forschung zu Pemphigus und Pemphigoid. Auf diese Weise möchten wir mehr Forscher und Kliniker für dieses faszinierende und dynamische Forschungsgebiet begeistern.
Multisystemisches Entzündungssyndrom bei Kindern im Zusammenhang mit COVID-19: Eine Übersichtsarbeit mit besonderem Augenmerk auf mukokutanen und Kawasaki-Syndrom-ähnlichen Befunden
Authors: Marzano Angelo Valerio , Cassano Nicoletta , Moltrasio Chiara , Verdoni Lucio , Genovese Giovanni , Vena Gino Antonio
Published: October 2021

Hintergrund: Die Symptome der Coronavirus-Infektion 2019 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019, COVID-19) fallen bei Kindern weniger schwer aus als bei Erwachsenen. Allerdings liegen zunehmend Berichte über schwere pädiatrische COVID-19-Fälle vor, darunter Patienten mit Kawasaki-Syndrom (KS) oder einem multisystemischen Entzündungssyndrom (multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, MIS-C), das KS-ähnliche Merkmale aufweisen kann. Zusammenfassung: MIS-C ist ein neuartiges schweres pädiatrisches Syndrom, das mit COVID-19 in Zusammenhang steht, und bei dem Überschneidungen mit KS, KS-Schocksyndrom und toxischem Schocksyndrom bestehen können. Möglicherweise handelt es sich bei MIS-C um eine entzündliche Erkrankung, die sich vom KS unterscheidet und Folge einer überschießenden Immunreaktion ist. Neben einer gastrointestinalen und kardiovaskulären Beteiligung wurde bei MIS-C auch eine hohe Prävalenz von mukokutanen Manifestationen beobachtet. Die häufigsten mukokutanen Befunde waren Konjunktivitis und Exanthem, das oft als makulös und/oder papulös oder polymorph beschrieben wurde. In der vorliegenden Arbeit geben wir einen kurzen Überblick über MIS-C mit besonderem Augenmerk auf mukokutanen Befunden und dem Zusammenhang mit KS.
Psoriasis: Anti-IL-17-Antikörper vorbehaltlos auch beim älteren Menschen einsetzbar
Authors: Braun-Falco Markus
Published: October 2021

Anti-interleukin-17 agents have recently been developed for the treatment of psoriasis. This study evaluated the tolerance and effectiveness of anti-interleukin-17 agents for psoriasis in elderly patients in daily practice. A multicentre, retrospective study was performed, involving psoriatic patients aged ≥65 years who had received an anti-interleukin-17 agent, including secukinumab, ixekizumab or brodalumab. A total of 114 patients were included: 72 received secukinumab, 35 ixekizumab, and 7 brodalumab. Treatment was stopped in 32 patients (28.9%), because of relapses in 14 patients (41.2%), primary failures in 11 patients (32.4%), or adverse events in 7 patients (20.6%). The 3 most frequently reported adverse events were injection site reactions (n = 4), oral candidiasis (n = 3), and influenza-like illness (n = 3). Regarding effectiveness, 80 patients (70%) reached a Physician Global Assessment score of 0/1, 6 months after treatment initiation. In conclusion, anti-interleukin-17 therapy appears to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for psoriasis treatment in patients aged ≥ 65 years.
Molecular Detection of Parvovirus in Manchurian Chipmunks (Tamias sibiricus asiaticus) Captured in Korea
Authors: Kim Jin Il , Park Kwangsook , Shin Hyunho , Choi Soo Min , Song Ki-Joon
Published: October 2021

Cross-species transmission of viral diseases alarms our global community for its potential of novel pandemic events. Of various viral pathogens noted recently, parvoviruses have posed public health threats not only to humans but also to wild animals. To investigate the prevalence of parvoviruses in wild Manchurian chipmunks, here we detected genetic fragments of the nonstructural protein of parvovirus by polymerase chain reaction in wild Manchurian chipmunk specimens captured in the central and southern regions of South Korea and compared their sequence homology with references. Of a total of 348 specimens examined, chipmunk parvovirus (ChpPV)-specific gene fragments were detected with a 31.32% rate (109 chipmunks of 348) in their kidney, liver, lung, and spleen samples, and the chipmunks captured in Gangwon Province exhibited the highest positive rate (45.37%), followed by Gyeongsang (35.29%), Gyeonggi (31.03%), Chungcheong (20.00%), and Jeolla (19.70%). When compared with the reference sequences, a partial ChpPV sequence showed 97.70% identity to the previously reported Korean strain at the nucleic acid level. In the phylogenetic analysis, ChpPV exhibited closer relationship to primate parvoviruses, erythroviruses, and bovine parvovirus than to adeno-associated viruses. Despite limited sample size and genetic sequences examined in this study, our results underline the prevalence of ChpPV in Korea and emphasize the need of close surveillance of parvoviruses in wild animals.
O papel da legislação urbanística nas transformações da paisagem nas bordas urbanas da cidade de Campos dos Goytacazes/RJ
Authors: Godoy Antonio Leandro Crespo de , Tângari Vera Regina
Published: October 2021

Campos dos Goytacazes, localizada na região Norte Fluminense, vivenciou nas duas últimas décadas significativas transformações na paisagem urbana, alavancadas pela dinâmica de distribuição de royalties e participações especiais da produção petrolífera e pela intensificação das atividades e investimentos do mercado imobiliário. A expansão da mancha urbana ocorre junto às mudanças no ordenamento de uso e ocupação do solo que contribuem para o processo de espraiamento e fragmentação urbana. O objetivo desta  pesquisa é analisar, por meio da elaboração de mapas temáticos, o papel da legislação urbanística nas transformações da paisagem nas bordas urbanas da cidade, relacionando a estrutura fundiária historicamente marcada por raízes coloniais, a legislação de uso e ocupação do solo e as transformações na paisagem ocorridas nas décadas de 2000 e 2010.
Quantifying brain state transition cost via Schrödinger Bridge
Authors: Kawakita Genji , Kamiya Shunsuke , Sasai Shuntaro , Kitazono Jun , Oizumi Masafumi
Published: October 2021

Quantifying brain state transition cost is a fundamental problem in systems neuroscience. Previous studies utilized network control theory to measure the cost by considering a neural system as a deterministic dynamical system. However, this approach does not capture the stochasticity of neural systems, which is important for accurately quantifying brain state transition cost. Here, we propose a novel framework based on optimal control in stochastic systems. In our framework, we quantify the transition cost as the Kullback-Leibler divergence from an uncontrolled transition path to the optimally controlled path, which is known as Schrödinger Bridge. To test its utility, we applied this framework to functional magnetic resonance imaging data from the Human Connectome Project and computed the brain state transition cost in cognitive tasks. We demonstrate correspondence between brain state transition cost and the difficulty of tasks. The results suggest that our framework provides a general theoretical tool for investigating cognitive functions from the viewpoint of transition cost.
Zetorchestes krisperi sp. nov. (Acari: Oribatida: Zetorchestidae) from Vietnam, with juvenile morphology and identification key to known species of the genus
Authors: KOLESNIKOV VASILIY B. , LEONOV VLADISLAV D.
Published: October 2021

The description of a new species of oribatid mites (Oribatida) of the family Zetorchestidae—Zetorchestes krisperi sp. nov.—is proposed based on adult and tritonymph specimens collected from rainforest soil of Bi Dup-Nui Ba National Park (southern Vietnam). We also review the distinguishing characteristics for Zetorchestes species and present an identification key to Zetorchestes species of the world. Diagnostic features of Zetorchestes nymphs are discussed.
Preparation of Polylactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer Nanoparticles and Its Effect in the Treatment of Diabetes
Authors: Liu Wentian , He Yumei , Wei Li , Zhang Jin , Wu Feng
Published: October 2021

Insulin (INS) is easily degraded when administered orally and loading it into polylactic acid/glycolic acid (PLGA) polymer nanoparticles can enhance the efficacy of the drug. The W/O/W double emulsion solvent volatilization method was adopted to prepare INS-loaded PLGA nanoparticles.
The preparation formula of nanoparticles was determined according to the type, concentration, and PLGA concentration of the emulsifier. Then, the morphology, particle size, and drug encapsulation efficiency of nanoparticles were characterized. Phosphate buffered solution (PBS) with pH = 7.4
was utilized as the release medium, and the prepared nanoparticles were analyzed for in vitro release performance. In addition, the rat diabetes model was constructed, and subcutaneous injection of nanoparticle in vitro release solution was performed to observe its hypoglycemic
effect, which was used for the treatment of diabetic patients. Patients were rolled into experimental group and control group. The changes of the patients’ HbA1c, blood lipids (total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol (LDL-C)), C peptide, and aminopeptidase N (APN) were observed before and after treatment. Through the test, the appearance of the prepared nanoparticles was round, the average particle size was 416.7 nm, and the INS encapsulation efficiency was (36.82±2.26)%. After 36 h,
the cumulative release of INS reached (60.58 ±1.45)%, and then the release rate gradually slowed down. The drug release tended to be balanced after 72 h, and the best hypoglycemic effect was achieved after subcutaneous administration 3 h (P < 0.01). The blood glucose level
of the rat diabetes model was greatly decreased after 3 h injection of 36.8 IU/kg PLGA polymer nanoparticles (P < 0.05), and the blood glucose dropped to the lowest at 8 h (P < 0.01), which was only (38.8 ± 3.72)% of the initial blood glucose. HbA1C of diabetic patients
increased remarkably after treatment (P < 0.05), TG, TC, and LDL-C in blood lipids decreased, and HDL-C increased, without statistically considerable differences (P > 0.05). The serum APN level increased greatly (P < 0.01). In short, the prepared PLGA polymer
nanoparticles can effectively reduce blood glucose, help diabetic patients to relieve the toxicity of high glucose in the body, and improve the secretion function of INS.
3D Printed Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite Biomaterials in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery
Authors: Wu Tianwang , Ye Jian , Zeng Kabin
Published: October 2021

With the continuous development of technology, using biological three-dimensional (3D) printing technology to prepare hydrogel stent for cartilage construction has great potential in soft tissue repair. In this study, the cartilage stent was prepared by cell-controlled assembly technology,
the gelatin sodium alginate (GSA) was selected as the basic material and the nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HAP) was undertaken as the reinforcing material of the basic hydrogel, and the cell-controlled technology was used to assemble the n-HAP hydrogel stent with different composite ratios. While
the performance of the stent material was characterized, the hydrogel material prepared for traumatic thoracolumbar fracture (TTF) was adopted for filling treatment during the percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP). The results showed that compared with the GSA stent, addition of n-HAP can optimize
accuracy of 3D printing, increase stability and mechanical strength of stent, and tested average elastic modulus of the composite hydrogel material is 24.58 ± 1.05 MPa. It suggested that addition of n-HAP can improve biodegradability of stent while adjusting the surface roughness of
the stent. The biocompatibility test of n-HAP hydrogel stent indicated that the stent material was non-toxic and could support the adhesion and growth of mouse chondrocytes. After culture for 1 week after the 3D printing, the proportion of living cells reached more than 90%. Under the action
of the composite hydrogel stent material, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score of patient decreased dramatically (from 8.9 to 1.8), the Oswestry disability index (ODI) decreased from 83.65 before surgery to 36.89 after surgery (P < 0.05), and the anterior vertebral height (AVH)
of patient increased from 2.46 cm to 2.96 cm, which was 2.76 cm in the last follow-up test (P < 0.05). In summary, the composite hydrogel stent prepared in this study could meet the needs of cartilage tissue factories and showed good clinical effects in the treatment of TTF.
Silk Fibroin-Silver Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Traumatic Osteomyelitis of Extremities
Authors: Rong Guowei , Yin Gang , Wang Lei
Published: October 2021

Treating traumatic osteomyelitis of extremities (TOE) clinically is difficult because of the increase of multi-drug resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Finding new materials that are degradable, antibacterial, and biocompatible has become
an effective treatment of TOE. In this study, the silver ions were directly reduced at the reduction site to generate the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the double reduction characteristics of silk fibroin (SF) and formic acid, and different concentrations (0, 0.05%, 0.3%, and 1%) of AgNPs-SF
stent was generated. The physical characterization of the AgNPs-SF stent was performed. The osteoblasts (mouse bone cells, MC-3T3 cells, and MC-3T3) were selected to detect cell growth on AgNPs-SF stent at different concentrations. The Kirby-Bauer inhibition zone method was adopted to detect
the antibacterial properties of AgNPs-SF stent at different concentrations against MRSA. The AgNPs-SF stent loaded with gentamicin (effective microorganism (EM) were applied in the treatment of patients with TOE. It was found that the SF stent containing different concentrations of AgNPs had
a uniform structure with multiple-space interconnection. Infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that AgNPs had no effect on the amide bond of the SF stent, and the antibacterial effect of the AgNPs-SF stent on MRSA was positively correlated to the concentration and dosage of AgNPs. The combination
of EM helped patients to resolve inflammation and abscess, and contributed to the generation of fibrosis and neovascularization. In short, the AgNPs-SF stent could be used as a potential filling material and drug-loading platform for the treatment of TOE.