bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Care leaders’ experiences of collaboration between healthcare professions in primary care: an explorative qualitative study
Authors: Hemberg Jessica , Nyberg Jasmina
Published: February 2022

Background: The need for interprofessional collaboration in increasing, because a single professional group can no longer meet patients’ increasingly complex and multifaceted health-related problems and needs. Researchers have found that effective interprofessional collaboration is needed, especially in primary care. The aim of the study was to explore care leaders’ experiences of collaboration between different healthcare professions in primary care.Methods: An explorative qualitative design and qualitative content analysis were used. Data were collected in February and March 2021. The data material consists of texts from interviews with care leaders working in outpatient care in a primary care setting. The method was inspired by content analysis. Results: Six main themes emerged: Physically close interaction, inclusion of clients and understanding clients’ individual needs; Quick flow of communication, participation and common approach; Inclusion of other professions and sectors, and non-hierarchical work; Capacity for interaction and cooperation, respect for others’ knowledge, commitment to change and utilization of potential; Purposeful action, enablement of developmental work and boundary-crossing work; Commitment of management, prioritization, structured action, justification and clear division of work.Conclusions: Care leaders experience the development and implementation of effective collaboration between different healthcare professions to be important and necessary in primary care. Factors considered to promote interprofessional collaboration are physically close interaction, inclusion of clients, understanding clients’ individual needs, quick flow of communication, participation and common approach, inclusion of other professions and sectors, and non-hierarchical work. Factors important to the development of collaboration are capacity for interaction and cooperation, understanding and respect for others’ knowledge, commitment to change, utilization of potential, purposeful action, enablement of developmental work, boundary-crossing work, commitment of management and the organization, prioritization, structured action, justification and clear division of work and responsibility. A focus on collaboration between different professions in other healthcare sectors could be included in future research.Trial registration: Registration for the study made by an ethical committé 1st January 2021.
Performance and Reproducibility of 13C and 15N Hyperpolarization Using A Cryogen-Free DNP Polarizer.
Authors: Ferrari Arianna , Peters Josh , Anikeeva Mariia , Pravdivtsev Andrey , Ellermann Frowin , Them Kolja , Will Olga , Peschke Eva , Yoshihara Hikari , Jansen Olav , Hövener Jan-Bernd
Published: February 2022

The setup, operational procedures and performance of a cryogen-free device for producing hyperpolarized contrast agents using dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP) in a preclinical imaging center is described. The polarization was optimized using the solid-state, DNP-enhanced NMR signal to calibrate the sample position, microwave and NMR frequency and power and flip angle. The polarization of a standard formulation to yield ~ 4 mL, 60 mM 1-13C-pyruvic acid in an aqueous solution was quantified in five experiments to 13C-P = (38 ± 6) % (19 ± 1) s after dissolution. The mono-exponential time constant of the build-up of the solid-state polarization was quantified to (1032 ± 22) s. We achieved a duty cycle of 1.5 h that includes sample loading, monitoring the polarization build-up, dissolution and preparation for the next run. After injection of the contrast agent in vivo, pyruvate, pyruvate hydrate, lactate, and alanine were observed, by measuring metabolite maps. Based on this work sequence, hyperpolarized 15N urea was obtained (15N-P = (5.6 ± 0.8) % (30 ± 3) s after dissolution).
Fresh frozen plasma transfusion is a potential predictor of mortality in patients undergoing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Luo Zhenglian , Qing Li , Xu Shilan , Yang Xinxin , Peng Zhuoyue , Zhang Kaijiong , Huang Chunyan
Published: February 2022

Background The patients of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) supported were usually developed bleeding complications and required substantial transfusions, but the risks and predictors of transfusion requirements during ECMO support remain uncertain. This study aims to interpret the risk factors of ECMO patients' in-hospital mortality and investigate the predictors of blood transfusion in ECMO patients.Methods 113 ECMO patients’ clinical parameters were collected in the cohorts. The logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) binomial regression analysis were employed to identify the risk factors of ECMO patients' in-hospital mortality. Machine learning approaches were performed to confirm the variable importance. The backward stepwise multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the predictive values of candidate importance variables. Results Eleven variables including age, coronary heart disease (CHD), multiple organ failure, bleeding complications, anemia, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusion, platelet (PLT) transfusion, direct bilirubin (DBIL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and ECMO duration were identified could as independent predictors for patients’ mortality. Age, FFP transfusion and ECMO duration were the top three important indexes among eleven variables in the selection of feature importance, and with the risk contribution values were 1.03 (95% CI, 1.01-1.06; p = 0.014), 1.07 (95% CI, 1.01-1.14; p = 0.026) and 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.09; p = 0.043), respectively. FFP transfusion over 2.5 mL/kg/d, age over 48 years old more likely dead in ECMO patients. Furthermore, APTT (R=0. 32, p<0.001), PLT counts (R=-0.40, p<0.001) and uric acid (UA) (R=0.39, p<0.001) were associated with the FFP transfusion, which could as an independent factor for predicting FFP transfusion, with the estimate values were 0.06 (95% CI, 0.02-0.11; p = 0.009), -0.03 (95% CI, -0.05--0.01; p = 0.007) and 0.01 (95% CI, 0.00-0.02; p = 0.003), respectively.Conclusion FFP transfusion was markedly associated with in-hospital mortality among patients receiving ECMO, and APTT, PLT counts and UA were the influence factors for FFP transfusion. It is suggesting that better monitoring of the above three indicators may reduce utilization of FFP, thus improving ECMO patients’ outcomes.
Robustness of Superconductivity to External Pressure in High-Entropy-Alloy-Type Metal Telluride AgInSnPbBiTe5
Authors: Mizuguchi Yoshikazu , Kasem Riad , Nakahira Yuki , Yamaoka Hitoshi , Matsumoto Ryo , Yamashita Aichi , Ishii Hirofumi , Hiraoka Nozomu , Takano Yoshihiko , Goto Yosuke
Published: February 2022

High-entropy-alloy (HEA) superconductors are a new class of disordered superconductors. However, commonality of superconducting characteristics of HEA materials is unclear. Here, we have investigated the crystal and electronic structure, and the robustness of superconducting states in a HEA-type metal telluride (MTe; M = Ag, In, Sn, Pb, Bi) under high pressure, and the results were compared with the pressure effects for a middle-entropy system (AgPbBiTe3) and a reference system of PbTe. When the crystal structure is CsCl-type, all phases show superconductivity under high pressure but exhibit different pressure dependences of the transition temperature (Tc). For PbTe, its Tc decreases with pressure. In contrast, the Tc of HEA-type AgInSnPbBiTe5 is almost independent of pressure, for pressures ranging from 13.0 to 35.1 GPa. Those results suggest that the robustness of superconductivity to external pressure is linked to the configurational entropy of mixing at the M site in MTe. Since the trend is quite similar to previous work on a HEA (Ti-Zr-Hf-Nb-Ta), where the robustness of superconductivity was observed up to ~ 200 GPa, we propose that the robustness of superconductivity under high pressure would be a universal feature in HEA-type superconductors.
ISSR and IRAP marker polymorphism association to its localization features in reference genomes of mammals and reptiles
Authors: Apashkin Pavel , Blokhin Ivan , Glazko Valery , Glazko Tatyana
Published: February 2022

A well-known problem of population genetic studies is the selection of the most polymorphic genomic elements for genotyping to obtain the high resolution "portrait" of the population genetic structures. Such elements include microsatellite loci, regions of endogenous retroviruses in genomes of various taxa. The use these primers in polymerase chain reaction can allow the highly polymorphic polyloci spectra obtaining for detection of individual and population differences between animals. At the same time, the polymorphism of such spectra is dependent on the sequence chosen as a primer. A comparative analysis of the polymorphism of amplification product spectra in different taxa such as domestic dog Canis familiaris (Linnaeus, 1758) and sand lizard Lacerta agilis (Linnaeus, 1758) and primer co-localization near transposons, G4 quadruplexes, miRNA in reference genomes was carried out. The study was carried out at the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Professional Education of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences named after K.A. Timiryazev in 2020-2021. Microsatellites (ACC6T, THC6C, GAG6C) and endogenous retrovirus long terminal repeats (SIRE 1, Sabrina) were used as primers for genotyping. Further their co-localization in reference genomes with nucleotide sequences associated with increased variability (G4 quadruplexes, microRNA) was evaluated. The studied species have a tendency to reduced polymorphism of genomic DNA fragments flanked by inverted microsatellite repeats and increased density of G4 quadruplexes localization in these fragments. This trend is realised in both species, despite the observed interspecific differences.
27-Hydroxycholesterol induces expression of zonula occludens-1 in monocytic cells via multiple kinases pathways
Authors: Cho Hyok-rae , Kim Bo-Young , Kim Koanhoi , Lee Dongjun , Eo Seong-Kug , Son Yonghae
Published: February 2022

Zonula occludens (ZO)-1, a tight-junction protein (TJP), is expressed in dendritic cells (DCs) but not in monocytes, and 27-hydroxycholesterol (27OHChol) drives the differentiation of monocytes into DCs. Because the effects of 27OHChol on ZO-1 are not yet clearly defined, we investigated whether 27OHChol induces expression of the TJP. The treatment of human THP-1 monocytic cells with 27OHChol resulted in the elevated transcript levels of ZO-1 but not of ZO-2 or -3. 27OHChol increased the total amount of ZO-1 protein in the cells as well as its level on the cells surface. Cholesterol, however, did not influence expression of ZO-1. And, the expression of ZO-1 protein was mediated by endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-to-Golgi body transport system. Pharmacological kinase inhibition with LY294002 (a PI3K inhibitor), U0126 (a MEK/ERK inhibitor), or PP2 (a Src family kinase inhibitor) resulted in impaired ZO-1 expression at both transcript and protein levels. Drugs that are reported to suppress DC differentiation also inhibited 27OHChol-mediated expression and the localization of ZO-1, indicating the coincidence of ZO-1 upregulation and DC differentiation. These results suggest that ZO-1 is differentially expressed while monocytes differentiate into DCs in the presence of 27OHChol via pathways in which distinct signaling molecules are involved.
The southward movement preference of large-scale persistent extreme precipitation events over the Yangtze River Valley during Mei-yu period
Authors: Ma Jiao , Wei Ke , Chen Wen
Published: February 2022

Among all rainfall events, heavy rainfall that affects large areas and persists for days can cause serious flooding, severe casualties, and substantial economic losses. In this study, we identify the extreme precipitation events that affect a large area and have persistence of more than three days (LPEPEs) in China during 1961-2013. Most LPEPEs prefer to occur in summer and over southern China, coinciding well with the rainy season in China. The movement of LPEPEs is dominated by the tendency to extend southward, especially for the LPEPEs during the Mei-yu period. The dynamical composite analysis shows that the southward extension is generated by the combined effect of circulation configuration and the diabatic heating caused by large-scale condensation. The mid-level latent heating is associated with a cyclonic anomaly and potential vorticity (PV) maximum. Therefore, westerly and easterly anomalies are produced to the south and north of the heating center, respectively. This kind of circulation anomaly configuration helps create a pattern with positive and negative PV tendency to the south and north of the heating center, leading to LPEPE system development to the south of the precipitation center. Therefore, the LPEPE rainband has a preference to move southward over the Yangtze River Valley during the Mei-yu period. We also test the dynamical mechanism with a numerical sensitivity experiment using the WRF model. In the experiment without latent heating feedback, the Mei-yu rainband moves northward and extends to central and North China. While in the experiment with the latent heating feedback, the rainband intensifies and extends southward. The southward extension preferences of the LPEPE can provide an internal dynamical of the stagnation of East Asian summer evolution.
Strategies of diagnosis and treatment for patients with diabetic foot ulcer during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Zhang Jinying , Lin Jiayu
Published: February 2022

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic is breaking out and rapidly spread across the country, which is also a severe ordeal for medical workers, and the traditional treatment strategy of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is also facing challenges.
Methods
We herein report four patients with diabetic foot ulcers during the COVID-19 pandemic who achieved individual diagnosis and treatment plan, made patients get timely and reasonable treatment on the premise of prevention and control. After treatment, the wound healed, and the foot function recovered.
Results
After treatment, the wound healed, and the foot function recovered.
Conclusions
According to the guidelines of relevant domestic experts, this paper recommends reasonable recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, optimizing the diagnosis and treatment process, and reducing cross-infection in the hospital.
Does sex of the jockey influence racehorse physiology and performance.
Authors: Schrurs Charlotte B , -Westergren Emmanuelle van Erck , Gardner David S , Dubois Guillaume
Published: February 2022

Background
Studies assessing the effect of the rider’s sex on racehorse performance and physiology during training have not been reported, mostly due to the paucity of available data for female participants within the sport. Here, using a validated system (the ‘Equimetre’™) that records all parameters simultaneously, we objectively report the effect of rider’s sex on racehorse cardiovascular (heart rate, heart rate recovery) and biomechanical parameters (stride length and frequency) at various exercise intensities (slow canter to hard gallop).
Methods
530 Thoroughbreds, varying in age (2-7 years old) and sex (including geldings), from one racing yard in Australia, completed a total of 3,568 exercise sessions, monitored by a single trainer, on varying track surfaces (sand, turf, or fibre). 103 different work riders (male, n=66; female, n=37) of which n=43 were current or past registered professional jockeys, were used. Data were analysed using analysis of variation (ANOVA) or mixed-effect models, as appropriate.
Results
Sex of the rider did not influence racehorse speed (P=0.06) nor stride length (P=0.42) at any training intensity. Heart rate and peak heart rate increased with training intensity (P<.001), with no difference according to sex of rider (P=0.73). Heart rate recovery after exercise appeared influenced by rider sex, but only when the usual training intensity on each surface was reversed, suggesting an interaction between racehorse anticipation of exercise and rider sex. Male jockeys had slightly higher strike rate in races in Australia, but not the UK.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates no overt effect of rider sex on racehorse performance and physiology.
The Optimized Jugular Vein Catheterization Reinforced Self-Administration Model for Drug Addiction in Adult Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Li Yang , Qu Liang , Li Nan , Wang Xin , Wang Ping , Ge Shun-nan , Wang Xue-lian
Published: February 2022

Background The self-administration (SA) model represents one of the most important and classic methods for drug addiction, and jugular vein catheterization is one of the most critical techniques in this animal model. We aimed to explore an optimized scheme to improve the success rate of rat jugular vein catheterization and SA model. New method Our experiment provided an optimized scheme which including numerous details, materials, approaches, updated techniques and protocols, etc. Our experimental group consisted of 120 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into the Traditional Operation group (TO group) and the Optimized Operation group (OO group) by the random number table method and then further individually divided into the Saline Training group and the Cocaine Training group for the following SA training. Results Our results showed that the success rate of the jugular vein catheterization in the OO group was significantly greater than that in the TO group (93.33% vs 46.67%, χ2=31.11, P<0.001). The optimized jugular vein catheterization could make the SA model more stable, reliable and efficient than the traditional operation. Comparison with existing methods Compared with traditional methods, our optimized scheme made numerous improvements in materials and techniques including uniformity, individualized variability of the S-type positioning nail, the length and connection matching, the shape of the end and low cost, etc. Conclusions Our optimized scheme could provide a more stable and efficient tool for basic research on drug addiction. Several subtle improvements under our personal experience are usually important for augmenting operational efficiency.
How to advise women with a medical history of surgically corrected anorectal malformation on vaginal delivery: a systematic review
Authors: WAAL Ayla C. , AMSTEL Tim , DEKKER Judith J.M.L. , KET Johannes C.F. , KUIJPER Caroline F. , SALVATORE Conchetta M. , JONG Justin R. , GORTER Ramon R.
Published: February 2022

Objective: Discussion remains on how to advise women with a past medical history of surgically corrected anorectal malformations (ARMs) regarding vaginal delivery. The aim of this review is to evaluate and review the reported obstetrical complications and outcomes after vaginal delivery for these women.Data sources: A systematic search was performed from inception up to 8 December 2020 in PubMed, Embase.com and Clarivate Analytics/Web of Science Core Collection, with backward citation tracking. Study eligibility criteria / appraisal: All articles reported on the outcomes of interest in women with a past medical history of surgically corrected anorectal malformation and had a vaginal delivery were included with the exception of editorial comments or invitational commentaries. Screening and data extraction was done by two authors independently with a third and fourth reviewer in case of disagreement. Tool for Quality assessment depended on the type of article. As low quality evidence was expected no meta-analysis was performed. Results: Only four of the 2125 articles screened were eligible for inclusion with a total of 12 vaginal deliveries attempts in 7 women. In two patients complications were reported: failed vaginal delivery requiring urgent cesarean section (n=1), vaginal tears (n=1). Conclusion: high quality evidence regarding outcomes and complications after vaginal delivery in women with a history of surgically corrected anorectal malformation is lacking. Therefore, based upon this systematic review no formal recommendation can be formulated regarding its safety. Future studies are essential to address this problem. Prospero registration: CRD42020201390. Date: 28-07-2020s
Oak Bark (Quercus sp. cortex) Protects Plants Through the Inhibition of Quorum Sensing Mediated Virulence of Pectobacterium carotovorum
Authors: Vasilchenko Alexey S , Poshvina Darya , Sidorov Roman , Iashnikov Aleksandr , Rogozhin Eugene A , Vasilchenko Anastasia
Published: February 2022

Bacterial intercellular communication mediated by small diffusible molecules, known as quorum sensing (QS), is a common mechanism for regulating bacterial colonisation strategies and survival. Influence on QS by plant-derived molecules is proposed as a strategy for combating phytopathogens by modulating their virulence. This work builds upon other studies that have revealed plant-derived QS inhibitors extracted from oak bark (Quercus sp.). It was found that co-incubation of Pectobacterium carotovorum VKM-B-1247 with oak bark extract (OBE) reduced the production of acyl-HSL. This was accompanied by a dose-dependent decrease in the bacterial cellulolytic and protease activity. The effect of OBE treatment at the transcriptomic level is the suppression of the main QS-related genes expR / expI. Potato tubers pre-treated with OBE showed resistance to a manifestation of soft-rot symptoms. Analysis of the component composition of the OBE identified several biologically active molecules, such as n-hexadecanoic acid, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), gamma-sitosterol, lupeol, and others. Molecular docking of the binding energy of the identified molecules with homology models of LuxR-LuxI type proteins showed high potential binding of a few plant-derived molecules to these proteins.
Overexpression of CHAF1A correlates with poor prognosis and tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and resistance to treatment in cancer
Authors: Qu Sifeng , Sun Xia , Ma Qiushuang , Cheng Yahong , Huang Huangwei , Qin Jing
Published: February 2022

Background: As distinct marker of proliferating cells, chromatin assembly factor-1 (CAF-1) was critical in DNA replication. CHAF1A, the major subunit in CAF-1 complex, has been shown to be highly expressed in some cancer types. However, there is paucity information about the clinical significance, molecule functions and co-expressed gene network of CHAF1A in breast cancer. Methods: Bioinformatic analysis of CHAF1A and its co-expression gene network were performed using various public databases. Results: Abnormally high expression of CHAF1A was found in 20 types of cancer tissues. Elevated expression of CHAF1A was positively correlated with breast cancer progression and poor patient outcome. Co-expression gene network analysis indicated that CHAF1A was associated with not only cell proliferation, DNA repair, apoptosis, but also cancer metabolism, immune system, drug resistance and so on. More importantly, higher expression of CHAF1A was positively correlated with immunosuppressive microenvironment and resistance to endocrine therapy and chemotherapy. Conclusions: The current study indicates that elevated expression of CHAF1A can be used as diagnosis and poor prognosis biomarker of breast cancer. Although higher expression of CHAF1A induced fast resistance to endocrine therapy and chemotherapy, it may be a potential therapeutic target and biomarker to predict the sensitivity of immunotherapy in breast cancer patients.
Health gender gap in Uganda: Do weather effects and water play a role?
Authors: Amondo Emily Injete , Mirzabaev Alisher
Published: February 2022

BackgroundVulnerability of men and women to adverse health effects of weather variability and climate change is not equal. Mainly because of differences in access to opportunities and resources, risk exposures and sensitivity. This article analyses the effect of weather variability on illness, and the extent to which water collection ‘time burden’ mediates the relationship between weather anomalies and illness among men and women of the working age. Moreover, gender differential factors explaining the health gender gap are investigated, and health inequalities to be eliminated if resources are equalized quantified.MethodsSocioeconomic, health and time use data for individuals was obtained from the World Bank Living Standards Measurement Studies - Integrated Surveys on Agriculture (LSMS –ISA), combined with objective weather data. Two-parts and non-linear decomposition regression analysis were used on a national representative dataset from 2009 to 2014, comprising a total of 22,469 men and women aged between 15-64 years. ResultsThe prevalence of illness, days of illness and work days lost was higher in women than in men. Empirical results show that low rainfall below the long-term mean increased the likelihood of illness and work days lost significantly by at least 8 and 6 percentage points in women and men respectively. The indirect effect of low rainfall and increased temperature on illness through water access pathway was significant and estimated at 0.12-0.15 percentage points in women, implying full mediation. Domestic rain water harvesting significantly reduced water time burdens and illness. Moreover, decomposition results reveal that health inequalities among women and men would have been narrowed by 27%-57%, if endowments were equalized. Determinants of health accounting for a substantial proportion of the gap include differences in temperature exposure, age, education, wealth, marital status and health-seeking behaviors.ConclusionsStrategies that promote women empowerment, health adaptation and time poverty reduction would enhance better health amidst the changing climatic conditions.
Increased levels of the synaptic proteins PSD-95, SNAP-25, and Neurogranin in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kivisäkk Pia , Carlyle Becky C , Sweeney Thadryan , Quinn James P , Ramirez Christopher E , Trombetta Bianca A , Mendes Muriel , Brock Mary , Rubel Carrie , Czerkowicz Julie , Graham Danielle , Arnold Steven E
Published: February 2022

Background: There is currently a lack of reliable and easily accessible biomarkers predicting cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Synaptic dysfunction and loss occur early in AD and synaptic loss measured in brain tissue and by PET are closely linked to cognitive decline, rendering synaptic proteins a promising target for biomarker development.Methods: We used novel Simoa assays to measure cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of two synaptic biomarker candidates, postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95/DLG4) and the presynaptically localized synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25), as well as neurogranin (Ng), an established postsynaptic biomarker. CSF samples from two well-characterized cohorts (n=178 and n=156) were selected from banked samples obtained from diagnostic lumbar punctures containing subjects with amyloid-ß (Aß) positive AD, subjects with non-AD neurodegenerative diseases, subjects with other neurological conditions, and healthy controls (HC). Results: All subjects had detectable CSF levels of PSD-95, SNAP-25, and Ng. CSF levels of PSD-95, SNAP-25, and Ng were all correlated, with the strongest correlation between the presynaptic SNAP-25 and the postsynaptic neurogranin. AD subjects had on average higher concentrations of all three synaptic markers compared to those with non-AD neurodegenerative diseases, other neurological disorders, and HCs. Increased CSF levels of PSD-95, SNAP-25, and Ng were, however, not specific for AD and were present in sporadic cases with inflammatory or vascular disorders as well. High CSF levels of PSD-95 were also observed in a few subjects with other neurodegenerative disorders. Conclusion: The data establishes PSD-95 as a promising CSF marker for neurodegenerative disease synaptic pathology, while SNAP-25 and Ng appear to be somewhat more specific for AD. Together these synaptic markers hold promise to identify early AD pathology, to correlate with cognitive decline, and to monitor responses to disease-modifying drugs reducing synaptic degeneration.
Divergent Assembly and Co-Occurrence Patterns Between Bacterial and Fungal Communities on the Surface of Two Debris-Covered Glaciers from Mountain Gongga
Authors: Hu Yang , Jiang Hongmao , Liao Haijun , Zhong Yan , Wang Ziwei , Liu Qiao , Duan Baoli , Lu Xuyang
Published: February 2022

Background
Microbial communities in supraglacial habitats are essential in driving the biogeochemical cycling in mountain glacial ecosystems. However, the microbial assemblage and co-occurrence pattern on the surface of the debris-covered glaciers (DCGs) remain unknown. Herein, the bacterial and fungal communities on supraglacial debris of Dagongba and Hailuogou glacier (Mountain Gongga, southeast Tibetan Plateau, China) were investigated by high-throughput sequencing. The ecological determinants driving their distribution and diversity were also investigated.
Results
The bacterial richness showed a succession sequence on the supraglacial debris transect and positively correlated with basic nutrients content included carbon and nitrogen, but fungal richness no clear pattern and positively correlated with calcium (Ca) content (p < 0.05). The distribution of bacterial communities was explained more by environmental factors compared with fungal communities. The beta diversity distances of fungal communities separated better than bacterial communities, indicated that fungal communities show more variations across glaciers and sites. Interestingly, the glacier surface velocity and potassium (K) content were important in shaping microbial beta diversity. Furthermore, the bacterial co-occurrence networks were comprised of highly connected Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) with low modularity, particularly in Hailuogou glacier. But fungal co-occurrence networks were less connected and tend to distribute more random.
Conclusions
The assembly processes of bacterial communities were more deterministic, but fungi communities were more stochastic in supraglacial debris. Both the co-occurrence network of bacterial and fungal communities in supraglacial debris from Dagongba glacier (higher microbial diversity) are relatively simple and more stable. This study provides insights into mechanisms that drive the establishment and early assembly of microbial communities, which provided microbial ecological basis for the biodiversity protection of glacier system.
Do Chinese older adults with epithelial ovarian cancer survive a poorer prognosis?
Authors: Huang Wu , Bao Yiting , Luo Xukai , Yao Liangqing , Yuan Lei
Published: February 2022

Background: The risk of suffering epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) for women increasing with age evidently, while the prognosis of older EOC patients remain unclear. Against the backdrop of the accelerate aging process in China, this paper investigates whether the older EOC patients have a lower overall survival probability than the younger patients based on the sample of ethnic Chinese population.Methods: A total of 323 ethnic Chinese patients diagnosed as epithelial ovarian cancer were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We compared the overall survival probability between the younger group (<65 years) and the older patients group (≥65years). Survival curves were drawn using the Kaplan-Meier method, comparisons among different subgroups were evaluated using log-rank tests, and independent prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.Results: 61 patients were (18.9 %) in the older patients group and 262 (81.1%) in the younger group. The distribution patterns between two groups were significantly different with regard to marital status, histologic type and FIGO stage. The median overall survival (OS) was significantly longer in the younger group than the older patients group (not reached vs median 50 months, p<0.05). Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, as well as primary tumor laterality, tumor histological grading, histology, FIGO stage, surgical range and the number of lymph nodes dissected were significantly associated with OS. However, the multivariate analysis demonstrated that the age no longer had an independent impact on overall survival once other confounding variables were controlled (HR: 1.334, P=0.226). Only primary tumor laterality, histology, and FIGO stage, were independent risk factors (HR: 1.885, P=0.008; HR: 2.003, P=0.035; HR: 4.006, P=0.008 and HR: 5.272, P<0.001; HR: 1.885, P=0.008). Moreover, the number of lymph nodes dissected more than 10 was a protective factor (HR: 0.397, P=0.008).Conclusion: Older EOC patients have a worse prognosis than the younger patients largely, but not directly and independently. FIGO stage still stands as the most potent risk factor for older patients’ survival.
Establishment of A Novel Assessment of the Quality of Human Spermatozoa measuring Mitochondrial Oxygen Metabolism
Authors: Taniguchi Hisanori , Matsuo Yoshiyuki , Shimoi Kayo , Yoshimura Masahiro , Hirota Kiichi , Kinoshita Hidefumi
Published: February 2022

Objective: We aimed to establish a novel sperm quality evaluation technology by measuring mitochondrial oxygen metabolism in human spermatozoa.Results: Normozoospermic human sperm samples were used. After establishing the optimal parameters for measuring the oxygen metabolism of human sperm cells using the extracellular flux analyzer, we measured the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) of human spermatozoa exposed to different storage temperatures. Although sperm motility was significantly lower at 4 °C when compared with sperm motility at 37 °C, there were no significant differences in sperm vitality and the OCR under both conditions. The present study established a methodology for human sperm quality evaluation using extracellular flux analysis technology. The OCR evaluation could be a reliable measurement tool for assessing human sperm quality.
Identification and validation of mutator-derived lncRNA signatures of genome instability for predicting prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer patients
Authors: Xu Aman , Zhou Baichuan , Zhu Xiaodong , Zhang Lixiang , Luo Panquan , Wei Zhijian , Han Wenxiu
Published: February 2022

Background: Currently, the long-term prognosis of pancreatic cancer (PC) is difficult to accurately predict. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify lncRNA associated with genome instability, and establish genome instability-derived lncRNA signature (GILncSig).Method: Clinical information, RNA-seq expression data and somatic mutation data were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The GO and KEEG analysis was applied to built lncRNAs–mRNA co-expression network was associated with the genome instability.Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression were used to single out the independently prognostic lncRNA in PC patients. Finally, 9 lncrnas were discovered and incorporated into the construction of GILncSig. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on the median risk score, and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to compare the overall survival between the two groups.Results: KEEG analysis are mainly enriched in a variety of cell signal transduction and metabolism. The risk score of GILncSig was built by 9 lncRNA (SOCS2-AS1, AC127024.6, TRPC7-AS1, AL359504.1, AL117382.2, LYPLAL1-AS1, LINC02014, CASC8, KRT7-AS), and the Kaplan–Meier curve showed that the prognosis of low risk patient were better than high risk patients in the testing group(p=0.003) and the whole TCGA patients(p<0.001). According to the assessment of genome instability, KRAS wide-type patients was divided into two groups, with the genome stable group showing significantly improved outcome and the genome unstable group showing no significant difference compared with those with KRAS mutation.Conclusion: This study provides a prognostic model for predicting the prognosis of PC patients, and introduces reference and evidence of the role of lncRNA in genome instability in the further study.
Study on cutting force and surface roughness during slot milling plain woven CFRP
Authors: Xu Ziyang , Wang Yongguo
Published: February 2022

Due to the anisotropy and poor heat dissipation of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP), it is easy to produce high cutting force in the machining process, which makes the machined surface quality worse. This paper studies the effects of spindle speed, feed rate and cutting depth on milling force and surface roughness during slot milling plain-woven CFRP by Taguchi orthogonal experimental design. Convert the instantaneous chip thickness into equivalent cutting area, and the cutting force and surface roughness increase with the increase of equivalent cutting area and decrease with the decrease of equivalent cutting area. The surface material removal mechanism of PCD tool under different equivalent cutting areas is analyzed. The variance analysis of cutting force and surface roughness produced by PCD tool and CVD diamond coated end mill is carried out. It is found that the spindle speed has the most significant effect on cutting force and surface roughness. In addition, it is also found that burrs will occur when the tool rotation angle φ is between 60°-90°and delamination defects occur in the range of 150°-180°.
Magnetic cryogels as a shape-selective and customizable platform for hyperthermia-mediated drug delivery
Authors: Perera Ayomi S. , Jackson Richard J. , Bristow Reece M. D. , White Chinyere A.
Published: February 2022

Cryogels consisting of polyvinyl alcohol and iron (II, III) oxide magnetic nanoparticles coated with a model drug – acetaminophen, were developed as a tunable platform for thermally triggered drug release, based on shape-selective heat transfer. Two different shapes of cryogels; discs and spherical caps, were formed via adding polymer-nanoparticle-drug mixtures into 3D printed molds, followed by freeze-thawing five times. No additional chemical crosslinking agents were used for gel formation and the iron oxide nanoparticles were coated with acetaminophen using only citric acid as a hydrogen-bonding linker. The two gel shapes displayed varying levels of acetaminophen release within 42–50 ºC, which are ideal temperatures for hyperthermia induced drug delivery. The amount and time of drug-release were shown to be tunable by changing the temperature of the medium and the shape of the gels, while keeping all other factors (Ex. gel volume, surface area, polymer/nanoparticle concentrations and drug-loading) constant. The discs displayed higher drug release at all temperatures while being particularly effective at lower temperatures (42–46 ºC), in contrast to the spherical caps, which were more effective at higher temperatures (48–50 ºC). Magnetic hyperthermia-mediated thermal imaging and temperature profiling studies revealed starkly different heat transfer behavior from the two shapes of gels. The disc gels retained their structural integrity up to 51 ºC, while the spherical caps were stable up to 59 ºC, demonstrating shape-dependent robustness. The highly customizable physicochemical features, facile synthesis, biocompatibility and tunable drug release ability of these cryogels offer potential for their application as a low cost, safe and effective platform for hyperthermia-mediated drug delivery, for external applications such as wound care/muscle repair or internal applications such as melanoma treatment.
A Validation Study for the Utility of Serum microRNA as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in High-Grade Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: Araki Yoshihiro , Asano Naofumi , Yamamoto Norio , Hayashi Katsuhiro , Takeuchi Akihiko , Miwa Shinji , Igarashi Kentaro , Higuchi Takashi , Abe Kensaku , Taniguchi Yuta , Yonezawa Hirotaka , Morinaga Sei , Asano Yohei , Yoshida Takeshi , Hanayama Rikinari , Matsuzaki Juntaro , Ochiya Takahiro , Kawai Akira , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

In our previous study, high-grade osteosarcoma advanced locally and promoted metastasis by suppressing osteoclastogenesis via the upregulation of miR-146a-5p. Another 14 miRNAs in small extracellular vesicles were also detected 5 or more times as frequently in high-grade malignancy as in low-grade malignancy. However, the utility of these 15 miRNAs for determining the prognosis or diagnosis of osteosarcoma has not been validated in the clinical setting. We therefore aimed to assess the utility of these serum miRNAs as prognostic and diagnostic markers. Thirty osteosarcoma patients were retrospectively reviewed, excluding those with metastasis at presentation. The survival was compared according to the serum miRNA values. In addition, to confirm diagnostic competency for osteosarcoma, the serum miRNA values were compared with those in other bone tumor patients (n = 112) and healthy controls (n = 275). Osteosarcoma patients with high serum miRNA values paradoxically showed a better survival than those with low values. These patients also had higher values of serum miR-1261 than those with benign or intermediate-grade bone tumor. Serum miR-146a-5p may not be useful marker for determining the prognosis, and a larger investigation will be required to clarify its actual utility. In contrast, serum miR-1261 may be useful for differentiating benign or intermediate-grade bone tumor.
Physical Activity and Memory Performance: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Li Chunyu , Lin Junyu , Jiang Qirui , Yang Tianmi , Xiao Yi , Shang Huifang
Published: February 2022

Background
Physical activity has been associated with better memory performance by epidemiological studies. However, the conclusion was still controversial, and whether the association was causal is elusive.
Methods
To evaluate the role of physical activity in memory performance from a genetic perspective, we first estimated their genetic correlation, and then conducted two-sample and multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses.
Results
Significant positive genetic correlation was identified between moderate to vigorous physical activity and prospective memory (PM) and episodic memory (EM). Genetically determined higher physical activity was significantly associated with better performance of both PM and EM after the Bonferroni correction. Such association was further verified using summary statistics from another study on overall physical activity. The results were robust under all sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions
Current results suggested physical activity could improve memory performance. These findings help better understand the role of physical activity in memory, and provide some lifestyle recommendations.
Use of Rivaroxaban in Obese Patient With Pulmonary Thromboembolism.
Authors: Ciresa Roberto , Ciavaglia Edoardo , Fiore Armando , Stefani Francesca , Cominacini Mattia , De Marchi Sergio , Girelli Domenico , Carbonare Luca Dalle
Published: February 2022

Background. There are few clinical data about efficacy and safety of Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in obese patients, especially those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40 kg/m2 or a weight more than 120 kg. Case presentation. We discuss the case of a 41-years-old caucasic male affected by class III obesity, treated with Rivaroxaban at the dosage advised by the most recent guidelines for Pulmonary Embolism. Among DOACs, Rivaroxaban plasma concentration is not significantly influenced by elevated body weight. During follow-up, we noticed a greater control of symptoms and a progressive improvement in radiological and biochemical parameters and a good therapy compliance. Conclusions. Despite the need for more data in this specific field, our experience suggests the possibility to use DOACs as an alternative to heparin, optimizing the adherence and the quality of life of these patients.
Safety and Effectiveness of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Anorexia Nervosa and Depression – a Case Report
Authors: Smallenburg L.C.S. , Heijden C.L.L. van der , Schaapherder J.M. , Wagemaker F. , Mihaescu R. , Bogers J.P.A.M.
Published: February 2022

Background: Anorexia nervosa (AN), a disorder that mainly affects adolescents and young adults, often presents with psychiatric symptoms such as depression, which makes treatment complex. Medication options are limited because selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are less effective in underweight individuals. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an important treatment option for depression, but is rarely considered in patients with AN, because it is unclear whether it is safe and effective in these patients. Is this caution justified?Case presentation: We describe a 21-year-old woman with restrictive AN and depression, with suicidality. Trials of psychotherapy for depression and various antidepressants were unsuccessful and her condition deteriorated. She was admitted to hospital several times because of the precarious state of her health due to the eating disorder and serious suicide attempts. ECT was started because of the severe suicidality and her restrictive eating pattern. There were no complications, and the eating disorder and depression improved relatively soon after the start of treatment. ECT provided a breakthrough in the treatment of an unresponsive, life-threatening situation, such that follow-up therapy could be started. The eating disorder regressed several months after ECT. Conclusions: Case reports have their limitations and there is no unequivocal evidence that ECT is effective for AN with comorbid depression. Yet the literature suggests that ECT should be considered in a life-threatening situation or when treatment possibilities are exhausted. AN and underweight are not contraindications for ECT, although medical screening before treatment is recommended. The long-term effectiveness of ECT has yet to be established.
Neuronal desertification after a direct lightning strike: a case report
Authors: Roman-Pognuz Erik , Moro Edoardo , Macchini Elisabetta , Paolo Edoardo Di , Pesenti Kenneth , Berlot Giorgio , Lucangelo Umberto , Bussani Rossana , Baratella Elisa , Pellis Tommaso , Ristagno Giuseppe
Published: February 2022

Background: Lightning strike is a rare but dramatic cause of injury to patients admitted to Intensive Care units (ICU). High mortality and significant long-term morbidity are frequently related to a direct brain injury or an induced cardiac arrest (CA). Case presentation: We describe the case of a 50 years old man struck by lightning resulting in immediate CA. After the initial restoration of spontaneous circulation and admission to ICU, the patient died in hospital due to neurological injury. The computer tomography scan (CT scan) revealed a massive loss of grey-white matter differentiation at the fronto-temporal lobes bilaterally. Somatosensory evoked potentials demonstrated bilateral absence of the cortical somatosensory N20-potential and the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded minimal cerebral electrical activity. The patient died on day 10 and a post-mortem study revealed a widespread loss of neurons. Conclusion: This study report a severe brain injury by a direct lighting strike presenting with an impressive microscopic pattern of neuronal desertification.
A Novel WNK1-PDGFRB Fusion Gene in Myeloid Neoplasm With Eosinophilia: A Case Report With a Literature Review
Authors: Wang Tiantian , Cao Junjie , Lin Qingqing , Liu Xuhui , Wang Man , Pei Renzhi , Lu Ying
Published: February 2022

Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB) rearrangements play an important role in the pathogenesis of eosinophilia-associated myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms. Here, a novel WNK1-PDGFRB fusion gene has been identified in myeloid neoplasm with eosinophilia by RNA-sequencing. This is the first study that reported on the WNK1-PDGFRB fusion gene expression in myeloid neoplasm with eosinophilia. In addition, the WNK1-PDGFRB fusion retained the entire kinase domain of PDGFRB and response to imatinib at low concentration.