bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition in plant–plant facilitation in response to soil water and phosphorus availability in a legume-cereal intercropping system
Authors: Zhu Shuang-Guo , Cheng Zheng-Guo , Yin Hai-Hong , Zhou Rui , Yang Yu-Miao , Wang Jing , Zhu Hao , Wang Wei , Wang Bao-Zhong , Li Wen-Bo , Tao Hong-Yan , Xiong You-Cai
Published: June 2022

Background

The tradeoff between negative and positive interactions of facilitated species and facilitators may depend on the degree of resource availability in agroecosystems. However, the rhizospheric mechanisms driving trade-offs that occur along phosphorus (P) and water availability gradients have not yet been systematically clarified. We established three types of root isolation conditions (no barrier, nylon barrier and solid barrier) at different P and water addition levels to address the above issue in a maize-grass pea intercropping system.

Results

The total yield and biomass net effect (NE) and the relative interaction index (RII) were significantly higher than 0 under all environmental conditions, demonstrating that plant-plant interactions generated positive effects in the intercropping system. The maize yield and biomass RII were 0.029–0.095 and 0.018–0.066, respectively, which indicated that maize growth was constantly facilitated. However, the RII for grass pea yield and biomass exhibited a different trend in comparison with maize. It was higher than 0 (as the facilitated species) under low soil P and moisture conditions and transitioned to values lower than 0 (facilitator species) under high P and moisture conditions, which showed that the type and intensity of plant-plant interactions steadily shifted with the applied stressors. Direct interactions decreased the maize rhizospheric soil pH by 1.5% and 1.9% under Low-P conditions. Notably, the rhizospheric soil acid and alkaline phosphatase secretions of maize and grass pea increased by 17.4–27.4% and 15.3–27.7%, respectively, in P-deficient soils. These results show that plant-plant interactions can effectively relieve P stress by mineralizing organophosphorus in P-deficient soils. Furthermore, the above tendency became more pronounced under drought-stressed conditions. The nylon barrier partially restricted the exchange and utilization of available nutrients and decreased the total yield and biomass by 1.8–7.8% and 1.1–7.8%, respectively. The presence of a solid barrier completely restricted interspecific rhizospheric interactions and decreased the total yield and biomass by 2.1–13.8% and 1.6–15.7%, respectively. Phytate and KH2PO4 addition intensified asymmetric interspecific competition, and grass pea was consistently subjected to competitive pressures.

Conclusion

Briefly, the tradeoff between facilitation and competition was driven by rhizospheric interactions, and the transition in the intensity and type of interaction was highly dependent on resource availability in a biologically diverse system.
Attitudes toward medicalization in childbirth and their relationship with locus of control and coping in a Spanish population
Authors: Espinosa Maite , Artieta-Pinedo Isabel , Paz-Pascual Carmen , Bully-Garay Paola , García-Álvarez Arturo ,   ema-Q. Group, Estalella Itziar , Trincado Mª José , Cabeza Inés , Gagnon Mari Pierre , Fernández Ana , Lozano Gorane , Villanueva Gemma , Sánchez Jesús , Maquibar Amaia , Moreno David , Legarra Catalina , Mulas Maria Jesús , Blas Mónica , Amorrortu Pilar , Alva Sonia
Published: June 2022

The dominant model of childbirth in most Western countries is medicalized childbirth. Women's beliefs about whether childbirth should be a medicalized process to a greater or lesser degree may be related, in addition to contextual factors, to internal factors. The objective of the study is to find out if women’s locus of control (LC) and stress coping strategies (CS) are related to having a more favourable or less favourable attitude towards medicalization (ATMC). A cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of 248 women recruited in primary care centres by their midwives. All the women filled in answers on a mobile phone app with various different measurement instruments: the questionnaire created by Benyamini to evaluate their ATMC; the Spanish version of the Wallston MLC to evaluate their LC; and the Spanish adaptation of the “Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI)” scale for the assessment of their CS. The women presented a favourable attitude towards medicalization, with a mean ATMC score of 3.42. Both the LC and the CS of women during pregnancy are related to this attitude. Specifically, having an internal LC and using preparative CS both lower the probability of presenting a favourable attitude towards medicalization, while the lack of a paid job raises the probability. For each point in internal locus and preparatory coping, the ATMC score decreased by 0.02 and 0.23 points, respectively, while it increased by 0.18 for not having a paid job. The influence of these psychological factors must be taken into account in the development of content and interventions that promote a more natural birth.
Women´s experiences of preeclampsia as a condition of uncertainty: a qualitative study
Authors: Hansson Therése , Andersson Maria E. , Ahlström Gerd , Hansson Stefan R.
Published: June 2022

Background

Preeclampsia is a severe condition that annually affects about 3–8% of pregnancies worldwide. Preeclampsia is thereby one of the most common pregnancy complications for both mother and child. Despite that, there is limited research exploring the women´s perspective of experiencing preeclampsia.

Aim

The aim of this study was to describe women´s experiences of preeclampsia to improve the support and care given during and after pregnancy.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive interview study was undertaken. Nine women, diagnosed with preeclampsia, were recruited from a maternity unit in southern Sweden. The descriptive phenomenological method according to Amadeo Giorgi was used to analyse the data.

Results

The women´s experiences of PE were expressed as A condition of uncertainty, meaning that it was an unexpected and unknown situation. This main result consisted of 1) incomprehensible diagnosis message, 2) ambivalent feeling when the unexpected happens, 3) confusing contradictory messages, 4) appreciated support from the midwife, 5) need for continuous information. The nature of preeclampsia can sometimes deteriorate rapidly both for the mother and/or the child, often resulting in conversion from a planned vaginal spontaneous delivery to an emergency Caesarean section. The women narrated diffuse symptoms, and they experienced that they got contradictory information from different health care professionals regarding the severity of their disease. Detailed and continuous information is requested throughout the course of the disease, and the postpartum period.

Conclusion

This qualitative study reveal a need for improved clinical management. Health care professionals must be aware that women and their partners need detailed, consistent and repeated information about severity and prognosis to diminish the condition of uncertainty, confusion and fearful experience. The clinical implication would be a standardized preeclampsia education for pregnant women early on in the pregnancy, to raise awareness of preeclamptic symptoms. Furthermore, there is a need for harmonized guidelines and individualized support to the woman and her partner both at the antenatal care and the maternity ward and inpatient care at the hospital.
Adult height in pubertal boys with short stature treated with GH/letrozole: a hospital record-based retrospective study
Authors: Ma Yaping , Jia Ruofan , Xia Bingyang , Tang Bin , Xu Zhuangjian
Published: June 2022

Background

The growth potential in pubertal boys with short stature is limited by the effect of estrogen on epiphyseal fusion. This study aims to identify the efficacy and safety of the combination of growth hormone (GH) and letrozole on adult height (AH) in pubertal boys with short stature.

Methods

This is a retrospective record based study. Pubertal boys with short stature who were treated with GH and letrozole were followed up at outpatient clinics in our hospital. Twenty subjects who reached AH are reported here.

Results

Baseline chronological age was 12.12 ± 1.14 yr and bone age was 13.00 ± 0.93 yr. The period of GH/letrozole treatment was 1.94 ± 0.67 yr. Height standard deviation score for bone age was increased from -1.46 ± 0.51 before treatment to -0.12 ± 0.57 after treatment (P < 0.001). The predicted AH before treatment, predicted AH after treatment, AH, and genetic target height were 161.02 ± 4.12 cm, 172.11 ± 4.20 cm, 172.67 ± 2.72 cm, and 167.67 ± 3.56 cm, respectively. There was a significant predicted AH difference before and after treatment (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between predicted AH before treatment and genetic target height (P < 0.001). Predicted AH after therapy was higher than that of gene target height (P < 0.001), as well as AH and genetic target height (P < 0.001). There was no significant side effect.

Conclusions

GH and letrozole combination can enhance AH in pubertal boys with short stature.
Development of a natural language processing algorithm to detect chronic cough in electronic health records
Authors: Bali Vishal , Weaver Jessica , Turzhitsky Vladimir , Schelfhout Jonathan , Paudel Misti L. , Hulbert Erin , Peterson-Brandt Jesse , Currie Anne-Marie Guerra , Bakka Dylan
Published: June 2022

Background

Chronic cough (CC) is difficult to identify in electronic health records (EHRs) due to the lack of specific diagnostic codes. We developed a natural language processing (NLP) model to identify cough in free-text provider notes in EHRs from multiple health care providers with the objective of using the model in a rules-based CC algorithm to identify individuals with CC from EHRs and to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of individuals with CC.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of enrollees in Optum’s Integrated Clinical + Claims Database. Participants were 18–85 years of age with medical and pharmacy health insurance coverage between January 2016 and March 2017. A labeled reference standard data set was constructed by manually annotating 1000 randomly selected provider notes from the EHRs of enrollees with ≥ 1 cough mention. An NLP model was developed to extract positive or negated cough contexts. NLP, cough diagnosis and medications identified cough encounters. Patients with ≥ 3 encounters spanning at least 56 days within 120 days were defined as having CC.

Results

The positive predictive value and sensitivity of the NLP algorithm were 0.96 and 0.68, respectively, for positive cough contexts, and 0.96 and 0.84, respectively, for negated cough contexts. Among the 4818 individuals identified as having CC, 37% were identified using NLP-identified cough mentions in provider notes alone, 16% by diagnosis codes and/or written medication orders, and 47% through a combination of provider notes and diagnosis codes/medications. Chronic cough patients were, on average, 61.0 years and 67.0% were female. The most prevalent comorbidities were respiratory infections (75%) and other lower respiratory disease (82%).

Conclusions

Our EHR-based algorithm integrating NLP methodology with structured fields was able to identify a CC population. Machine learning based approaches can therefore aid in patient selection for future CC research studies.
Profiles of facial soft tissue changes during and after orthodontic treatment in female adults
Authors: Gao Jie , Wang Xian , Qin Zaixiu , Zhang Hao , Guo Donghui , Xu Yuerong , Jin Zuolin
Published: June 2022

Background

Some female adults who received orthodontic treatment often complain about thinner faces, protruding cheekbones and sunken temples, even at the beginning of treatment. The present research aimed to explore facial soft tissue changes during and after orthodontic treatment, as well as the related factors affecting facial soft tissue changes.

Methods

This study used 3dMD stereo photography technology to compare facial soft tissue changes among adult females who received orthodontics. A total of 52 adult females (24 teeth extraction, 28 non-teeth extraction cases) were included and potential correlations between related factors (facial morphology features, the change of occlusal height and dental arch width) were evaluated during different treatment periods.

Results

Overall, 3D-negative soft tissue changes of the buccal region moderately correlated with distances of nasion-menton and subnasale-menton (both rs = 0.30, P < 0.05) as well as the ratio of subnasale-menton/right gonion-left gonion (rs = 0.33, P < 0.05) and nasion-menton/right zygomatic point-left zygomatic point (rs = 0.30, P < 0.05). Among the 3D angle measurements, the right chelion-median upper lip point-left chelion angle was found to have a moderate correlation with 3D negative changes of the upper cheilion region (rs = 0.31, P < 0.01). Analysis of occlusal height changes revealed that an increase in the posterior facial height (nasion-gonial distance) may be a risk factor for negative changes in the zygomatic arch area. In addition, a moderate positive correlation between the maxillary first molar width changes and 3D-negative changes of the lower cheek region was found (rs = 0.41, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

After orthodontic treatment, adult females with wide and short faces may be prone to negative soft tissue changes. Changes of posterior facial height and arch width between the first molars were also risk factors for negative changes of facial soft tissues. Extraction is not a major factor producing facial soft tissue changes.
Use of algorithms for identifying patients in a German claims database: learnings from a lung cancer case
Authors: Neugebauer Sina , Griesinger Frank , Dippel Sabine , Heidenreich Stephanie , Gruber Nina , Chruscz Detlef , Lempfert Sebastian , Kaskel Peter
Published: June 2022

Background

The analysis of statutory health insurance (SHI) data is a little-used approach for understanding treatment and care as well as resource use of lung cancer (LC) patients in Germany. The aims of this observational, retrospective, longitudinal analysis of structured data were to analyze the healthcare situation of LC patients in Germany based on routine data from SHI funds, to develop an algorithm that sheds light on LC types (non-small cell / NSCLC vs. small cell / SCLC), and to gain new knowledge to improve needs-based care.

Methods

Anonymized billing data of approximately four million people with SHI were analyzed regarding ICD-10 (German modification), documented medical interventions based on the outpatient SHI Uniform Assessment Standard Tariff (EBM) or the inpatient Operations and Procedure Code (OPS), and the dispensing of prescription drugs to outpatients (ATC classification). The study included patients who were members of 64 SHI funds between Jan-1st, 2015 and Dec-31st, 2016 and who received the initial diagnosis of LC in 2015 and 2016.

Results

The analysis shows that neither the cancer type nor the cancer stage can be unambiguously described by the ICD-10 coding. Furthermore, an assignment based on the prescribed medication provides only limited information: many of the drugs are either approved for both LC types or are used off-label, making it difficult to assign them to a specific LC type. Overall, 25% of the LC patients were unambiguously identifiable as NSCLC vs SCLC based on the ICD-10 code, the drug therapy, and the billing data.

Conclusions

The current coding system appears to be of limited suitability for drawing conclusions about LC and therefore the SHI patient population. This makes it difficult to analyze the healthcare data with the aim of gathering new knowledge to improve needs-based care. The approach chosen for this study did not allow for development of a LC differentiation algorithm based on the available healthcare data. However, a better overview of patient specific needs could make it possible to modify the range of services provided by the SHI funds. From this perspective, it makes sense, in a first step, to refine the ICD-10 system to facilitate NSCLC vs. SCLC classification.
Transcriptomic evidence for visual adaptation during the aquatic to terrestrial metamorphosis in leopard frogs
Authors: Schott Ryan K. , Bell Rayna C. , Loew Ellis R. , Thomas Kate N. , Gower David J. , Streicher Jeffrey W. , Fujita Matthew K.
Published: June 2022

Background

Differences in morphology, ecology, and behavior through ontogeny can result in opposing selective pressures at different life stages. Most animals, however, transition through two or more distinct phenotypic phases, which is hypothesized to allow each life stage to adapt more freely to its ecological niche. How this applies to sensory systems, and in particular how sensory systems adapt across life stages at the molecular level, is not well understood. Here, we used whole-eye transcriptomes to investigate differences in gene expression between tadpole and juvenile southern leopard frogs (Lithobates sphenocephalus), which rely on vision in aquatic and terrestrial light environments, respectively. Because visual physiology changes with light levels, we also tested the effect of light and dark exposure.

Results

We found 42% of genes were differentially expressed in the eyes of tadpoles versus juveniles and 5% for light/dark exposure. Analyses targeting a curated subset of visual genes revealed significant differential expression of genes that control aspects of visual function and development, including spectral sensitivity and lens composition. Finally, microspectrophotometry of photoreceptors confirmed shifts in spectral sensitivity predicted by the expression results, consistent with adaptation to distinct light environments.

Conclusions

Overall, we identified extensive expression-level differences in the eyes of tadpoles and juveniles related to observed morphological and physiological changes through metamorphosis and corresponding adaptive shifts to improve vision in the distinct aquatic and terrestrial light environments these frogs inhabit during their life cycle. More broadly, these results suggest that decoupling of gene expression can mediate the opposing selection pressures experienced by organisms with complex life cycles that inhabit different environmental conditions throughout ontogeny.
Effects and associated transcriptomic landscape changes of methamphetamine on immune cells
Authors: Kong Deshenyue , Mao Jun-Hong , Li Hong , Wang Jian-Yu , Li Yu-Yang , Wu Xiao-Cong , Re Guo-Fen , Luo Hua-You , Kuang Yi-Qun , Wang Kun-Hua
Published: June 2022

Background

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse causes serious health problems, including injury to the immune system, leading to increased incidence of infections and even making withdrawal more difficult. Of course, immune cells, an important part of the immune system, are also injured in methamphetamine abuse. However, due to different research models and the lack of bioinformatics, the mechanism of METH injury to immune cells has not been clarified.

Methods

We examined the response of three common immune cell lines, namely Jurkat, NK-92 and THP-1 cell lines, to methamphetamine by cell viability and apoptosis assay in vitro, and examined their response patterns at the mRNA level by RNA-sequencing. Differential expression analysis of two conditions (control and METH treatment) in three types of immune cells was performed using the DESeq2 R package (1.20.0). And some of the differentially expressed genes were verified by qPCR. We performed Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of differentially expressed genes by the clusterProfiler R package (3.14.3). And gene enrichment analysis was also performed using MetaScape (www.metascape.org).

Results

The viability of the three immune cells was differentially affected by methamphetamine, and the rate of NK-cell apoptosis was significantly increased. At the mRNA level, we found disorders of cholesterol metabolism in Jurkat cells, activation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascade in NK-92 cells, and disruption of calcium transport channels in THP-1 cells. In addition, all three cells showed changes in the phospholipid metabolic process.

Conclusions

The results suggest that both innate and adaptive immune cells are affected by METH abuse, and there may be commonalities between different immune cells at the transcriptome level. These results provide new insights into the potential effects by which METH injures the immune cells.
HrpA anchors meningococci to the dynein motor and affects the balance between apoptosis and pyroptosis
Authors: Talà Adelfia , Guerra Flora , Calcagnile Matteo , Romano Roberta , Resta Silvia Caterina , Paiano Aurora , Chiariello Mario , Pizzolante Graziano , Bucci Cecilia , Alifano Pietro
Published: June 2022

Background

In Neisseria meningitidis the HrpA/HrpB two-partner secretion system (TPS) was implicated in diverse functions including meningococcal competition, biofilm formation, adherence to epithelial cells, intracellular survival and vacuolar escape. These diverse functions could be attributed to distinct domains of secreted HrpA.

Methods

A yeast two-hybrid screening, in vitro pull-down assay and immunofluorescence microscopy experiments were used to investigate the interaction between HrpA and the dynein light-chain, Tctex-type 1 (DYNLT1). In silico modeling was used to analyze HrpA structure. Western blot analysis was used to investigate apoptotic and pyroptotic markers.

Results

The HrpA carboxy-terminal region acts as a manganese-dependent cell lysin, while the results of a yeast two-hybrid screening demonstrated that the HrpA middle region has the ability to bind the dynein light-chain, Tctex-type 1 (DYNLT1). This interaction was confirmed by in vitro pull-down assay and immunofluorescence microscopy experiments showing co-localization of N. meningitidis with DYNLT1 in infected epithelial cells. In silico modeling revealed that the HrpA-M interface interacting with the DYNLT1 has similarity with capsid proteins of neurotropic viruses that interact with the DYNLT1. Indeed, we found that HrpA plays a key role in infection of and meningococcal trafficking within neuronal cells, and is implicated in the modulation of the balance between apoptosis and pyroptosis.

Conclusions

Our findings revealed that N. meningitidis is able to effectively infect and survive in neuronal cells, and that this ability is dependent on HrpA, which establishes a direct protein–protein interaction with DYNLTI in these cells, suggesting that the HrpA interaction with dynein could be fundamental for N. meningitidis spreading inside the neurons. Moreover, we found that the balance between apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways is heavily affected by HrpA.
Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis of pvmdr-1 in Plasmodium vivax isolated from military personnel of Republic of Korea in 2016 and 2017
Authors: Bong Jin-Jong , Lee Wonsig , Lee Chan Hee , Park Quehn , Noh Kyung Tae
Published: June 2022

Background

Malaria chemoprophylaxis using chloroquine (CQ) and primaquine (PQ) has been administered to resident soldiers in the 3rd Army of Republic of Korea (ROK) to prevent malaria infection since the year 1997. Due to mass chemoprophylaxis against malaria, concern exists about the occurrence of chloroquine resistance (CQR). This study aimed to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Plasmodium vivax multi-drug resistance protein-1 (pvmdr-1) gene to monitor the risk of CQR.

Methods

SNPs of the pvmdr-1 gene were analysed in 73 soldiers of the 3rd Army of ROK diagnosed with infection by P. vivax.

Results

Quintuple mutations (G698S, L845F, M908L, T958M, and F1076L) were detected in 73 soldiers. A newly identified non-synonymous mutation in the Y541C position had been introduced into P. vivax malaria-endemic areas in ROK, at a frequency of 1.3% (1/73). In addition, synonymous mutations were detected at positions K44 (38.4%, 28/73), L493 (26%, 19/73), T529 (61.6%, 45/73), and E1233 (52.1%, 38/73). Based on these SNPs, pvmdr-1 sequences of ROK were classified into 6 haplotypes. The phylogenetic analysis closed to the type of North Korean showed that P. vivax malaria of ROK could be a reason of influx from North Korea.

Conclusions

This study showed that synonymous and non-synonymous mutations of pvmdr-1 were observed in the malaria chemoprophylaxis-executed regions of ROK from 2016 to 2017. Based on the rapid transition of pvmdr-1 SNPs, continuous surveillance for SNPs of pvmdr-1 related to CQR in the malaria-endemic regions of ROK is essential.
Global prevalence of falls in the older adults: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Salari Nader , Darvishi Niloofar , Ahmadipanah Melika , Shohaimi Shamarina , Mohammadi Masoud
Published: June 2022

Background

With increasing life expectancy, declining mortality, and birth rates, the world's geriatric population is increasing. Falls in the older people are one of the most common and serious problems. Injuries from falls can be fatal or non-fatal and physical or psychological, leading to a reduction in the ability to perform activities of daily living. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of falls in the older people through systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the data from studies on the prevalence of falls in the older people in the world were extracted in the databases of Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), PubMed and Science Direct, and Google Scholar, Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID) without any time limit until August 2020. To analyze the eligible studies, the stochastic effects model was used, and the heterogeneity of the studies with the I2index was investigated. Data analysis was conducted with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (Version 2).

Results

In the review of 104 studies with a total sample size of 36,740,590, the prevalence of falls in the older people of the world was 26.5% (95% CI 23.4–29.8%). The highest rate of prevalence of falls in the older people was related to Oceania with 34.4% (95% CI 29.2–40%) and America with 27.9% (95% CI 22.4–34.2%). The results of meta-regression indicated a decreasing trend in the prevalence of falls in the older people of the world by increasing the sample size and increasing the research year (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The problem of falls, as a common problem with harmful consequences, needs to be seriously considered by policymakers and health care providers to make appropriate plans for preventive interventions to reduce the rate of falls in the older people.
Co-infections with multiple pathogens in natural populations of Ixodes persulcatus ticks in Mongolia
Authors: Lagunova Ekaterina K. , Liapunova Natalia A. , Tuul Davaakhu , Otgonsuren Gerechuluun , Nomin Davaadorj , Erdenebat Nyamdorj , Abmed Davaajav , Danchinova Galina A. , Sato Kozue , Kawabata Hiroki , Khasnatinov Maxim A.
Published: June 2022

Background

In Mongolia, the taiga tick Ixodes persulcatus is the major vector of tick-borne pathogens. Knowledge about co-infections of these pathogens in ticks is necessary both for understanding their persistence in nature and for diagnosing and treating tick-borne diseases.

Methods

The prevalence of seven tick-borne infections in 346 I. persulcatus collected from the Selenge and Bulgan provinces of Mongolia was evaluated using real-time PCR. Quantification of Borrelia spp. was performed using multiplex quantitative PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Genetic analysis of Borrelia spp. in 11 ticks infected with Borrelia miyamotoi, including six ticks co-infected with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), was performed by high-throughput sequencing of the flaB gene fragment.

Results

Six ticks (1.7%) were infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV); 171 (49.4%), with B. burgdorferi sensu lato; 17 (4.9%), with B. miyamotoi; 47 (13.6%), with Anaplasma phagocytophilum; and 56 (16.2%), with Ehrlichia sp. Neither Rickettsia sibirica nor R. heilongjiangensis were detected. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. occurred as co-infection in 55 (32.2%) of all infected ticks. The other pathogens co-infected ticks in 58.8–70.2% of cases. No pairwise associations between co-infecting pathogens were observed, with the exception of a positive association between A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp. infections. The spirochete loads of B. miyamotoi were significantly higher than those of B. burgdorferi s.l. (mean: 5.2 vs 4.0 log10 genome copies/tick, respectively). Ten isolates of B. miyamotoi belonged to the Siberian lineage. Borrelia burgdorferi s.l was represented by nine isolates of B. afzelii, B. bavariensis and B. garinii.

Conclusions

In populations of I. persulcatus inhabiting the Selenge and Bulgan provinces of Mongolia, five vector-borne pathogens, i.e. TBEV, B. burgdorferi s.l., B. miyamotoi, A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp., persist independently from each other, with the exception of A. phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia sp. which seem to share the circulation mode. The discrepancies in B. burgdorferi s.l. and B. miyamotoi prevalence and spirochete load per tick suggest that different ecological niches are occupied by Lyme disease and relapsing fever agents. High-throughput sequencing allows genetic identification of borreliae species in co-infected ticks.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of cryotherapy on pain scores and satisfaction levels of patients in cataract surgery under topical anesthesia: a prospective randomized double-blind trial
Authors: Khezri Marzieh Beigom , Akrami Abbas , Majdi Matina , Gahandideh Bijan , mohammadi Navid
Published: June 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effects of cryotherapy on pain scores and satisfaction levels of patients during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. Eighty patients aged between 55 and 75 years scheduled for cataract surgery were randomly allocated to two study groups to receive topical anesthesia with cryotherapy (TC) or topical anesthesia alone (T) groups. Visual analog pain scores, patient satisfaction level, hemodynamic parameters, and quality of operating conditions were recorded.

Results

Cryotherapy significantly reduced VAS pain scores during surgery (P = 0.014). Although no significant difference in postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure was seen in the postoperative period. The surgeon reported better quality of operating conditions in the TC group (P = 0.018). Cryotherapy as a complementary method with topical anesthesia reduced pain scores of patients during surgery. It also produced a better quality of operating conditions for surgeons. There was no significant difference in either postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption.

Trial registration This trial was registered at Iranian clinical trial registering: IRCT registration number: IRCT2017052734091N2
Endoplasmic reticulum stress modulates the fate of lung resident mesenchymal stem cell to myofibroblast via C/EBP homologous protein during pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , Sun Wei , Jing Xiaoyan , Zhang Qian , Huang Hui , Xu Zuojun
Published: June 2022

Background

As a fatal interstitial lung disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was characterized by the insidious proliferation of extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing mesenchymal cells. Recent studies have demonstrated that lung resident mesenchymal/stromal cells (LR-MSC) are the source of myofibroblasts. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is prominent in IPF lung. This study sought to investigate the effects of ER stress on the behavior of LR-MSC during pulmonary fibrosis.

Methods

ER stress and myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSC in patients with IPF were evaluated. Primary mouse LR-MSC was harvested and used in vitro for testing the effects of ER stress and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) on LR-MSC. Adoptive transplantation of LR-MSC to bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis was done to test the in vivo behavior of LR-MSC and its influence on pulmonary fibrosis.

Results

We found that myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSC is associated with ER stress in IPF and bleomycin-induced mouse fibrotic lung. Tunicamycin-induced ER stress impairs the paracrine, migration, and reparative function of mouse LR-MSC to injured type 2 alveolar epithelial cells MLE-12. Overexpression of the ER stress responder C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) facilitates the TGFβ1-induced myofibroblast transformation of LR-MSC via boosting the TGFβ/SMAD signaling pathway. CHOP knockdown facilitates engraftment and inhibits the myofibroblast transformation of LR-MSC during bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, thus promoting the efficacy of adopted LR-MSC in alleviating pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion

Our work revealed a novel role that ER stress involved in pulmonary fibrosis by influencing the fate of LR-MSC and transformed to “crime factor” myofibroblast, during which CHOP acts as the key modulator. These results indicate that pharmacies targeting CHOP or therapies based on CHOP knockdown LR-MSC may be promising ways to treat pulmonary fibrosis.
Piperine increases striatal levels of DA and TH and decreases α-syn and Aβ42 deposition in PDD mice by regulting autophagy: downexpression Beclin-1 and LC3B and upexpression p62
Authors: Huang Liping , Zhong Xiaoqin , Zhou Zhongliu , Cai Yuanliang , Deng Minzhen
Published: June 2022

Piperine, the major pharmacological ingredient of pepper, can delay the procession of neuropharmacological effects, but its effects and mechanisms on Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) mice is still unclear, we investigated whether piperine could help treating PDD mice. Here, PDD mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 12/group): a normal control group, a PDD model group, a madopar group, an autophagy inhibitor group, an autophagy activator group, and groups receiving low, medium or high doses of piperine respectively. The normal control and PDD model mice were injected with saline. Treatments were administered to the mice once per day continuously for 30 days. The behavioral tests were assessed. Dopamine (DA), Monoamine Oxidase-B (MAO-B), DOPA decarboxylase (DDC), β-secretase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), amyloid β42 (Aβ42), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected. α-synuclein (α-syn), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), HSP90, Beclin-1, LC3B, p62 mRNA levels and miRNA-99a-5p expression were determined. Neuronal histology was observed. The behavior of PDD mice improved significantly after peperine treatment compared with the PDD model mice. In addition, our results also showed that peperine treatment increased DA, TH, DDC and p62 levels, decreased MAOB, β-secretase, AChE, Aβ42, TNF-α, IL-6, Beclin-1 and LC3B levels, and down-regulated α-syn, HSP90, Beclin-1, LC3B mRNA levels and miR-99a-5p expression. These findings suggest that piperine may reduce the expression of mmu-miR-99a-5p and autophagy-related factors (HSP90, Beclin-1, LC3B and p62) to alleviate the neurological impairment of PDD mice, which is shown to slow down the process of DA metabolism and Aβ production and resist neuroinflammation.
Comparison of surface roughness of root cementum and orthodontically induced root resorption craters from high- and low-fluoridation areas: a 3D confocal microscopy study
Authors: Mann Chelsea , Cheng Lam L. , Ranjitkar Sarbin , Elekdag-Turk Selma T. , Turk Tamer , Darendeliler M. Ali
Published: June 2022

Background

Fluoride has a major role in strengthening the structure of enamel against acids. Despite differences between caries and root resorption processes, both events inherently involve acidic dissolution of dental tissues. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of water fluoridation levels on the surface roughness of root cementum and resorption craters. The findings provided more insight into the influence of fluoride on the surfaces of intact cementum surface and resorption craters.

Methods

Twenty-eight orthodontic patients were recruited from two cities in Turkey, with high (≥ 2 ppm) and low (≤ 0.05 ppm) water fluoridation. These patients needed bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction as part of their orthodontic treatment and were allocated into two study groups (n = 14 in each group) based on water fluoridation exposure level: the high-fluoride group (HF) and low-fluoride group (LF). 150 g of buccal tipping forces was applied to all maxillary first premolar teeth for 12 weeks with a beta-titanium spring which was reactivated every 4 weeks. All maxillary premolars were removed at the end of the experiment for surface roughness assessment using three-dimensional confocal microscopy and the associated software. The buccal root surface and the largest buccal resorption crater were investigated.

Results

Resorption craters were significantly rougher in LF group compared to HF group (p = 0.002). Craters were rougher than the intact root surfaces (p = 0.000). Cervical and apical regions were significantly rougher than the middle region (p = 0.000 and p = 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions

Higher water fluoridation level of ≥ 2 ppm resulted in significantly smoother root resorption craters than low water fluoridation level of ≤ 0.05 ppm when the teeth were subjected to 150 g of buccal tipping force. Fluoride seems to have a protective role at the interface of root resorption, and further mineral or histological studies may shed light on the exact protective process against root resorption.
Inhaled nitric oxide: role in the pathophysiology of cardio-cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases
Authors: Signori Davide , Magliocca Aurora , Hayashida Kei , Graw Jan A. , Malhotra Rajeev , Bellani Giacomo , Berra Lorenzo , Rezoagli Emanuele
Published: June 2022

Nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule in the biology of human life. NO is involved in the physiology of organ viability and in the pathophysiology of organ dysfunction, respectively. In this narrative review, we aimed at elucidating the mechanisms behind the role of NO in the respiratory and cardio-cerebrovascular systems, in the presence of a healthy or dysfunctional endothelium. NO is a key player in maintaining multiorgan viability with adequate organ blood perfusion. We report on its physiological endogenous production and effects in the circulation and within the lungs, as well as the pathophysiological implication of its disturbances related to NO depletion and excess. The review covers from preclinical information about endogenous NO produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to the potential therapeutic role of exogenous NO (inhaled nitric oxide, iNO). Moreover, the importance of NO in several clinical conditions in critically ill patients such as hypoxemia, pulmonary hypertension, hemolysis, cerebrovascular events and ischemia–reperfusion syndrome is evaluated in preclinical and clinical settings. Accordingly, the mechanism behind the beneficial iNO treatment in hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension is investigated. Furthermore, investigating the pathophysiology of brain injury, cardiopulmonary bypass, and red blood cell and artificial hemoglobin transfusion provides a focus on the potential role of NO as a protective molecule in multiorgan dysfunction. Finally, the preclinical toxicology of iNO and the antimicrobial role of NO—including its recent investigation on its role against the Sars-CoV2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic—are described.
Efficacy of neural prolotherapy in treatment of meralgia paresthetica: a case series
Authors: Saba Emmanuel Kamal Aziz
Published: June 2022

Background

Meralgia paresthetica is an entrapment neuropathy. Neuropathic pain was reported to be improved by using neural prolotherapy. Aim of the research was to assess and evaluate the short-term efficacy of neural prolotherapy on relieving pain, paresthesia and improving function and quality of life of patients with meralgia paresthetica. The study included 19 lower limbs with idiopathic meralgia paresthetica obtained from 15 patients. Subcutaneous perineural injection of dextrose (5%) in sterile water was given once. All patients were evaluated for outcome measures twice, at baseline visit and at follow-up visit four weeks after the injection which included: patient assessment of overall symptoms of meralgia paresthetica, patient assessment of meralgia paresthetica pain, patient assessment of meralgia paresthetica paresthesia and patient assessment of meralgia paresthetica effect on function and quality of life using visual analogue scale.

Results

There was a statistically significant improvement in the visual analogue scale of patient assessment of overall meralgia paresthetica symptoms, patient assessment of meralgia paresthetica pain, patient assessment of meralgia paresthetica paresthesia and patient assessment of meralgia paresthetica effect on function and quality of life when the findings at the postinjection visit were compared to the preinjection assessment among all patients. All the patients tolerated the injection procedure-induced pain. All the patients experienced immediate postinjection relieve of the meralgia paresthetica pain. At the postinjection assessment visit, all patients were satisfied with the procedure. There were 12 lower limbs (63.2%) from 10 patients (66.6%) that showed improvement and recovery. Two patients of them had bilateral meralgia paresthetica. There was no patient withdrawal, and no patients were lost to follow-up. There was one lower limb (5.3%) from one patient (6.7%) who had bruises at the injection sites that resolved within few days after the procedure.

Conclusions

Neural prolotherapy is easy, safe, tolerable, effective and successful in treatment of meralgia paresthetica. It is effective in relieving pain, paresthesia and improving function and quality of life of patients with meralgia paresthetica. Neural prolotherapy injection should be included in the conservative treatment armamentarium of meralgia paresthetica.

Trial registration : NCT04499911. Registered 5 August 2020—retrospectively registered.
General practitioner experiences using a low back pain management booklet aiming to decrease non-indicated imaging for low back pain
Authors: Jenkins Hazel J. , Moloney Niamh A. , French Simon D. , Maher Chris G. , Dear Blake F. , Magnussen John S. , Hancock Mark J.
Published: June 2022

Background

Imaging is overused in the management of low back pain, resulting in overdiagnosis, increased healthcare utilisation, and increased costs. Few effective interventions to decrease inappropriate use have been developed and have typically not been developed using behaviour change theory. An intervention to reduce non-indicated imaging for low back pain was developed using behavioural change theory, incorporating a novel low back pain management booklet to facilitate patient education and reassurance. The aim of this study was to assess the adoption and feasibility of use of the developed intervention within clinical practice and to determine appropriate implementation strategies to address identified barriers to use.

Methods

Fourteen general medical practitioners were recruited and trained to use the booklet with low back pain patients over a minimum 5-month period. Quantitative data on use of the booklet were collected and analysed descriptively. Qualitative data on use of the booklet and training session were collected in general medical practitioner interviews and thematically analysed. Barriers to use were identified and mapped to suitable implementation strategies using the Behaviour Change Wheel.

Results

Practitioners used the booklet with 73 patients. The booklet was used with 63% of patients presenting with low back pain. Facilitators for using the booklet included patient’s requesting imaging and lower practitioner confidence in managing low back pain. Barriers included accessible storage and remembering to use the booklet. Implementation strategies were identified to increase adoption and feasibility of use, including development of a digital version of the booklet.

Conclusions

General medical practitioners reported that the low back pain management booklet and training were useful for clinical practice, particularly with patients requesting imaging. Barriers to use were identified and implementation strategies to address these barriers will be incorporated into future effectiveness studies. This study forms one of a series of studies to thoroughly develop and test an intervention to reduce non-indicated imaging for low back pain; a successful intervention would decrease healthcare costs and improve patient management.
Wear-resistant surface coloring by ultrathin optical coatings
Authors: Geng Jiao , Shi Liping , Ni Junhuan , Jia Qiannan , Yan Wei , Qiu Min
Published: June 2022

We design, fabricate, optically and mechanically characterize wearable ultrathin coatings on various substrates, including sapphire, glass and silicon wafer. Extremely hard ceramic materials titanium nitride (TiN), aluminium nitride (AlN), and titanium aluminium nitride (TiAlN) are employed as reflective, isolated and absorptive coating layer, respectively. Two types of coatings have been demonstrated. First, we deposit TiAlN after TiN on various substrates (TiAlN-TiN, total thicknesses <100 nm), achieving vivid and viewing-angle independent surface colors. The colors can be tuned by varying the thickness of TiAlN layer. The wear resistance of the colorful ultrathin optical coatings is verified by scratch tests. The Mohs hardness of commonly used surface coloring made of Si-/Ge-metals on substrates is <2.5, as soft as fingernail. However, the Mohs hardness of our TiAlN-TiN on substrates is evaulated to be 7-9, harder than quartz. Second, Fano-resonant optical coating (FROC), which can transmit and reflect the same color as a beam split filter is also obtained by successively coating TiAlN-TiN-AlN-TiN (four-layer film with a total thickness of 130 nm) on transparent substrates. The FROC coating is as hard as glass. Such wearable and color-tunable thin-film structural colors and filters may be attractive for many practical applications such as sunglasses.
Immune Modulation of Adipocyte Mitochondrial Metabolism
Authors: Hertzel Ann V , Yong Jeongsik , Chen Xiaoli , Bernlohr David A
Published: June 2022

Immune cells infiltrate adipose tissue as a function of age, sex, and diet, leading to a variety of regulatory processes linked to metabolic disease and dysfunction. Cytokines and chemokines produced by resident macrophages, B cells, T cells and eosinophils play major role(s) in fat cell mitochondrial functions modulating pyruvate oxidation, electron transport and oxidative stress, branched chain amino acid metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, and apoptosis. Indeed, cytokine-dependent downregulation of numerous genes affecting mitochondrial metabolism is strongly linked to the development of the metabolic syndrome, whereas the potentiation of mitochondrial metabolism represents a counterregulatory process improving metabolic outcomes. In contrast, inflammatory cytokines activate mitochondrially linked cell death pathways such as apoptosis, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. As such, the adipocyte mitochondrion represents a major intersection point for immunometabolic regulation of central metabolism.