bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Succession of the Gut Microbiome in the Tibetan Population of the Minjiang River Basin
Authors: Mo Chunfen , Li Jun , Sun Lin , Chen Baijun , Liu Jing , Li Xuemei , Song Lingmeng , Yang Wen , Zuo Luo , Zhou Yan , Sun Jingping , Qin Ling , He Feng , Deng Li , Tang Yuanqin , Yang Lin , Kang Lesiji , He Yonghua , Wang Songbo , Chen Junru , Wang Xianyue , Qin Xiaofeng , Li Xiaoan
Published: May 2021

Background: Tibetans are one of the oldest ethnic groups in China and South Asia. Tibetans have a unique lifestyle and a long history, which leads to the particularity of the composition and function of their gut microflora. Tibetans in the Minjiang River basin have gradually increased their migration to the Chengdu Plain in recent years. Based on the analysis of 1059 Tibetans in the Minjiang River basin at an altitude of 500-4001 m, we analyzed the characteristics of the gut microbiome and further elaborated the main factors affecting the succession of the gut microbiome in the Tibetan population.Results: Our study found that the dominant phyla of the Tibetan population were Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, and the main genera were Prevotella and Bacteroides. To further study the factors affecting the gut microbial composition of the Tibetan population, 115 total parameters of 7 categories were evaluated. The results showed that altitude was the most important factor affecting the variation in the microbial community in the Tibetan population, and the change in altitude promoted the succession of the gut microbial community. In the process of migration from high altitudes to the plain, the gut microbial composition of late immigrants was similar to that of plateau aborigines, while that of early immigrants was similar to that of plain aborigines. Migration to Tibet is related to the loss of indigenous gut microbial community species. In addition, from low altitude to high altitude, the similarity of the microbial community with the high-altitude population increased with the reproduction of offspring after marriage. Changes in these microbials will affect the metabolism, disease incidence and cell function of the Tibetan population. The other two sets (AGP and Z208) of altitude data also showed the impact of altitude on the microbial community.Conclusions: This is the first large-scale study on the factors influencing the gut microflora in a Tibetan population. Our study confirmed that altitude change is the most important factor affecting the distribution of the microflora in the Tibetan population and provided abundant and unique data to explore the interaction of impact parameter-gut microbiome-host function and disease.
Leaf Surface Characteristics Affect the Deposition and Distribution of Droplets in Rice (Oryza Sativa L.)
Authors: Ji Guangmei , Chen Huizhe , Zhang Yuping , Xiang Jing , Wang Yaliang , Wang Zhigang , Zhang Yikai , Zhu Defeng
Published: May 2021

We studied the effects of leaf surface characteristics on canopy droplet behaviour using two rice cultivars with similar leaf shapes but significantly different leaf surface characteristics: Jia58 (glabrous rice; smooth leaf surface and no burrs) and Yongyou12 (hairy-leaved rice; rough leaf surface covered with burrs). The plants were subjected to spray tests with different spray pressures and nozzle apertures. The results show that the deposition amount per unit leaf area was significantly higher in the Yongyou12 canopy than in the Jia58 canopy. The diameter, volume median diameter, number median diameter, and coverage of droplets were significantly higher in Yongyou12 than in Jia58, while the coverage density of droplets was significantly lower. The proportion of small droplets of Jia58 is higher than that of Yongyou12. Thus, a larger amount of large-sized droplets could retain on the leaf surface of hairy-leaved rice, and a larger number of small-sized droplets were retained on the leaf surface of glabrous rice. Smaller pressure and larger flow nozzle were conducive to the retention of the Jia58, while Yongyou12 required larger pressure and larger flow nozzles. Ultrastructural analyses revealed that the leaf surface of glabrous rice had no trichomes and more wax than hairy-leaved rice, and the critical surface tension was lower, resulting in the retention of mainly small droplets on its leaf surface and a lower deposition amount. Therefore, in order to increase the deposition of pesticide droplets on the leaf surface in production, glabrous rice should choose nozzles with smaller spray pressure and large flow rate.
Evaluation of Cardiovascular Safety of COVID19 Vaccines in VAERS
Authors: Clark Matthew
Published: May 2021

While COVID19 vaccines have been administered to over 100 million patients, a small minority (40,000) have reported adverse events, and an even smaller fraction have reported cardiovascular issues (~500). There have been reporting of a few unusual cardiovascular events associated with some varieties of COVID19 vaccines resulting in pauses of use. Here we analyze the reports of adverse events associated with the COVID19 vaccines in the FDA Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) database to apply standard methods of detecting safety signals.
In this work we apply this methodology to reports in the FDA VAERS database and have identified concerning signals for pulmonary embolism and myocardial infarction associated with COVID19 vaccines. These signals are compared with cardiovascular events reported in connection with influenza (FLU3) vaccines that are administered to a similar population. While signals of these events are higher for COVID19 than other vaccines, the incidence rates are comparable to the normally expected rate for non-vaccinated individuals.
Hypertension as a Manifestation of COVID-19 Pneumonia
Authors: Bekbossynova Makhabbat , Ainur Tauekelova
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 has become a serious problem in the world due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate. Since the pandemic, various manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia have been described, ranging from classic acute respiratory viral infections to thromboembolic manifestations as the first signs of the disease. However, the relationship between hypertension and its effect on the severity of COVID-19 is not studied well. Here we show the link between hypertension as one of the various manifestations of COVID-19 pneumonia. There is the hypothesis that the initial stage of infection is the penetration of SARS-CoV-2 into target cells with ACE2 receptors. However, some experimental studies have shown that ACE2 protects against lung damage. In this regard, it is logical to assume the presence in the pathogenesis of COVID - 19 conditions for an increase in blood pressure, which occurs in the early stages of the disease. Our result shows that hypertension can become the initial manifestation of the COVID-19 and it is very important to differentiate the disease patterns. Thus, this case clearly shows that any course of coronavirus infection could have a diverse nature of clinical forms and should have a personalized approach, taking into account risk factors and predictors, with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team to prevent long and post COVID-19 syndromes.
How the design and complexity of concept maps influence cognitive and motivational learning processes
Authors: Krieglstein Felix , Schneider Sascha , Beege Maik , Rey Günter Daniel
Published: May 2021

Concept Maps are assumed to enhance learning as their inherent structure makes relations between information more salient. Nevertheless, research on how to design concept maps as conducive to learning as possible is still rare. In particular, the salience of spatial arrangement of thematically related concepts within the map as well as the complexity of the map were found to be central design elements that influence learning. This study aimed to examine how the structure (i.e., the salience of the spatial relationship between individual concepts) and the complexity (number of nodes per sub concept) influence learning. Accordingly, a 2 (low vs. high salience of map structure) x 2 (few vs. many nodes) between-subject design was used (N = 122) to measure cognitive and motivational processes. No significant learning and motivation group differences were found. Concepts maps with a low salience of map structure increased perceptions of disorientation. A serial mediation with the learning performance as a dependent variable revealed that the salience of the map structure is significantly associated with disorientation and extraneous cognitive load perceptions. By this, current attempts to measure extraneous cognitive load are questioned.
NADPH-dependent Secondary Amine Organocatalysis hosted by a Nucleotide-binding Domain
Authors: Williams Thomas , Tsai Yu-Hsuan , Luk Louis
Published: May 2021

The concept of organocatalysis has been applied to facilitate “new-to-nature” reaction modes via artificial enzyme design. However, it remains challenging to recruit structurally complex natural molecules as synthetic reagents. Here, we have reported a generic design strategy that allows generation of a NADPH-dependent hybrid catalyst whose action is orchestrated by a secondary amine; this system recruits a reaction mode not commonly seen among enzymes, whilst involving an intricate cofactor that cannot be used by existing organocatalysts. A secondary amine organocatalytic motif was incorporated into protein scaffolds as an unnatural amino acid by expansion of the genetic code. When introduced into the multidrug binding protein LmrR, a hybrid catalyst accepting α,β-unsaturated carbonyl substrates for transfer hydrogenation was established but was confined to the much-simplified biomimetic benzyl dihydronicotinamide (BNAH). Conversely, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) contains a nucleotide binding domain and can be converted into a hybrid catalyst that favourably uses NADPH for reaction, thus highlighting the importance of choosing an appropriate scaffold. The DHFR-hosted system tolerates a range of aldehyde substrates and can be coupled with an enzymatic NADPH regeneration scheme. The presented engineering approach can be readily extended to other protein scaffolds for use of different natural molecules in non-natural reaction modes.
Video-Based Interviewing in Medicine: A Scoping Review
Authors: Selvam Rajajee , Hu Richard , Musselman Reilly , Raiche Isabelle , McIsaac Daniel I , Moloo Husein
Published: May 2021

Background: The Coronavirus 2019 pandemic necessitated a rapid uptake of video-based interviewing within the personnel selection process in healthcare. While video-based interviews have been evaluated previously, we identified a gap in the literature on the implementation of video-based interviews, and how they compare to their face-to-face counterparts. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to consolidate the available literature on the benefits and limitations of video-based interviews, and to understand the perceived barriers associated with transitioning away from face-to-face interviews. A search strategy, developed in concert with an academic health sciences librarian, was run on Ovid Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, and Cochrane Central. The search was performed on March 31, 2020, and updated on February 21, 2021. Studies that implemented and evaluated the impact of video-based interviewing in healthcare were included in our study. Review articles, and editorials were excluded. Results: Forty-three studies were included in our scoping review, of which 17 were conference abstracts and 26 were peer-reviewed manuscripts. The risk of bias was moderate or high in most studies, with only four studies having a low risk of bias. Both financial costs and opportunity costs associated with the selection process were reported to be improved with video-based interviewing, while the impact on environmental costs was not well explored. Technical limitations, which were not prevalent, were easily managed during the interview process. Overall, video-based interviews were well received by both applicants and interviewers, although most participants still reported a preference for face-to-face interviews. Conclusions: While video-based interviewing has become necessary during the Coronavirus 2019 era, there are benefits from a financial, opportunistic, and environmental point of view that argue for its continued use even after the pandemic. Despite its successful implementation with minimal technical issues, a preference still remains for face-to-face interviews. Reasons for this preference are not clear from the available literature. Future studies on the role of non-verbal communication during the video-based interview process are important to better understand how video-based interviewing can be optimized. Registration: This scoping review was registered with Open Science Framework.
Intramuscular hematoma of the vastus lateralis following percutaneous skeletal muscle micro-biopsy: a case report
Authors: Drouin Patrick Jonathan , Islam Hashim , Simpson Craig , Gurd Brendon
Published: May 2021

Background. Recently, percutaneous micro-biopsy needles have been used as a less invasive alternative to the Bergstrom needle for obtaining human skeletal muscle biopsy. Unlike the Bergstrom muscle biopsy procedure, potential complications associated with micro-biopsies of human skeletal muscle have not been documented. Therefore, the present case report follows a young male’s recovery from a muscle biopsy induced hemorrhage/hematoma of the right vastus lateralis with the specific aims of 1) informing future participants, researchers and clinicians on expected time course of recovery and 2) informing methods to minimize future participant adverse event risk during and after the percutaneous micro-biopsy procedure.Case Presentation. A 23-year-old male had a muscle biopsy completed on the right vastus lateralis. One day following the micro-biopsy procedure, the participant experienced severe sharp, shooting and throbbing pain. Rest, ice, compression and elevation was immediately advised. Five days later, the participant re-experienced severe sharp, shooting and throbbing pain. The participant could not walk and was driven to have an ultrasound completed of the anterolateral aspect of the right thigh. The ultrasound revealed a pulsatile mass in the deeper aspect of the right vastus lateralis, below the site of incision. We interpreted the ultrasonography images to suggest that the participant suffered from a muscle biopsy-induced hemorrhage of an artery in the right vastus lateralis leading to an intramuscular hematoma. Pain remained elevated until day 8 when pulsatile flow ceased. Thereafter, pain slowly began to fade away. 29 days after the micro-biopsy procedure, the participant was able to recommence participation in all athletic activities. A one-year follow-up confirmed no chronic consequences of the acute hemorrhage/hematoma.Conclusions. The present case report demonstrates that the inadvertent hemorrhaging of a neighboring vessel by percutaneous micro-biopsy procedure can be debilitating. When feasible, to minimize the risk of muscle biopsy-induced hemorrhage/hematoma, we advise ultrasound to identify a biopsy location with minimal risk for arterial bleeding. Post biopsy compression is recommended for up to 15 minutes and post-biopsy follow-up should be completed for up to 72 hours. When there is indication of hematoma development, compression should be applied, and the participant should avoid exercise and physical activity.
Effect of Preoperative CT Angiography Examination on the Clinical Outcome of Patients With BMI≥25.0kg/m2 Undergoing Laparoscopic Gastrectomy: Study Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Meng Cheng , Cao Shougen , Liu Xiaodong , Li Leping , He Qingsi , Xia Lijian , Jiang Lixin , Chu Xianqun , Wang XinJian , Wang Hao , Hui Xizeng , Sun Zuocheng , Huang Shusheng , Duan Quanhong , Yang Daogui , Zhang Huanhu , Tian Yulong , Li Zequn , Zhou Yanbing
Published: May 2021

Background

Gastric cancer, which ranks the fifth most common malignant and causes the third oncological death, especially in east Asian countries, such as China, Japan and Korea, is still a serious global healthy issue that caused heavy financial burden for the government and family. To our knowledge, there is seldom reports of multicenter randomized control trial on the utilization of CT angiography (CTA)for the patients who are diagnosed histological gastric cancer before surgery. Therefore, we conduct this RCT to verify whether the utilization of CTA can possibly change the short- and long-term clinical outcome or not.
Method:

The GISSG 20 − 01 study is a multicenter, prospective, open-lable clinical study that emphasis on the application of the CTA for the patients who will undergo the laparoscopic gastrectomy to prove the clinical outcome of it. 382 patients that meet the inclusion criteria and not in accordance with exclusion criteria will be recruited in the study and randomly divided into two groups with a 1:1 ratio: CTA group(n = 191) and Non-CTA group (n = 191). Apart from both of the two groups receive the examination of upper abdomen enhanced CT, the CTA group receive the examination of CT angiography. The primary endpoint of this trial is the volume of blood loss, the second primary endpoints are retrieved number of lymph nodes, postoperative recovery course, hospitalization costs, length of hospitalization days, postoperative complications, 3 years OS and 3 years DFS.
Discussion

It is anticipated that the result of this trial can provide high-level evidence and have clinical value on the application of CTA in laparoscopic gastrectomy.
Trial registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04636099, Registered November 19, 2020
6,6'-Dimethyl-1,1',5,5'-tetraaza-6,6'-bi(bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane): synthesis and investigation of molecular structure by quantum-chemical calculations, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis
Authors: Kolesnikova Inna Nikolaevna , Kuznetsov Vladimir Vladimirovich , Goloveshkin Alexander Sergeevich , Chegodaev Nikolai Andreevich , Makhova Nina Nickolaevna , Shishkov Igor Fedorovich
Published: May 2021

A new diaziridine derivative with two bicyclic diaziridine-containing moieties in one molecule, 6,6'dimethyl-1,1',5,5'-tetraaza-6,6'-bi(bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) (BiDiMDAH), has been synthesized for the first time. Its molecular structure has been investigated in the gas phase by means of quantum-chemical (QC) calculations, in CDCl3 solution by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. It was found by QC calculations that BiDiMDAH molecule in a free state presents a single conformer of C2 symmetry with trans orientation of the of the methyl groups about two carbons connecting diaziridine cycles. The 5-memebered rings in BiDiMDAH molecule has been found to be essentially planar. In order to explain conformational preferences of BiDiMDAH Natural Bond Orbitals (NBO) and Atoms in Molecules (AIM) analyses have been performed. According to the XRD data BiDiMDAH crystallizes in space group P21/c with molecular structure similar to that obtained by the means of QC calculations. The data of NMR spectroscopy has revealed that only one conformer is present in CDCl3 solution in agreement with the data of QC and XRD studies. The gaseous standard enthalpy of formation of BiDiMDAH has been estimated to be 443.8 ± 5.0 kJ/mol by means of G4 theory.
Using Geospatial Intelligence to Promote Precautionary Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Development and Validation of a Customized Messaging Campaign in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alrige Mayda , Bitar Hind , Meccawy Maram , Mullachery Balakrishnan
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDesigning a health promotion campaign is never an easy task, especially during a pandemic of a highly infectious disease such as COVID-19. In Saudi Arabia, many attempts have been made to raise public awareness about COVID-19 infection and precautionary health measures. However, most of the health information delivered through the national dashboard and the COVID-19 awareness campaigns are generic and do not necessarily make the impact needed to be seen on individuals’ behavior. ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to build and validate a customized messaging campaign to promote precautionary health behavior in individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Customization is realized by utilizing a geospatial artificial intelligence technique called the space-time cube (STC) technique. MethodsThis research was conducted in two sequential phases. In phase 1, an initial library of 32 messages was developed and validated based on Fogg behavior model for behavior change. In phase 2, we applied STC as a geospatial artificial intelligence technique to create a local map for one city with three different profiles representing the city districts. The model was built using COVID-19 real clinical data. The messages created in phase 1 is to be customized for residents in each city profile separately. Resultsn phase 1, 32 messages were developed based on resources from the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health in Saudi Arabia. The enumerated content validity of the messages was established through the utilization of the content validity index (CVI). Thirteen professional health care workers (n=13) evaluated the content of the message libraries in Arabic and English. Thirty-two messages were found to have acceptable content validity (I-CVI=0.87). In phase 2, the geospatial intelligence technique we applied showed three zones for the districts of Jeddah city: one for high infection, another for moderate infection, and the third for low infection. Combining the results from the first and second phases, a customized awareness campaign was shaped for the city of Jeddah. ConclusionsThis awareness campaign can be utilized by health authorities to raise individuals' awareness about the precautionary measures that should be taken based on the infection level of their district, and hence help in reducing the number of positive cases in the city of Jeddah.
Multivariable Models for Advanced Colorectal Neoplasms in Screen-Eligible Individuals at Low-to-Moderate Risk of Colorectal Cancer: Towards Improving Colonoscopy Prioritization
Authors: Murthy Sanjay K. , Antonova Lilia , Dube Catherine , Benchimol Eric I. , Gal Gregoire Le , Hae Richard , Burke Stephen , Ramsay Tim , Rostom Alaa
Published: May 2021

Background

Advanced colorectal neoplasms (ACNs), including colorectal cancers (CRC) and high-risk adenomas (HRA), are detected in less than 20% of persons aged 50 years or older who undergo colonoscopy. We sought to derive predictive models that identify persons at high risk of harbouring ACNs to improve the rational allocation of colonoscopy resources.
Methods

We characterized neoplastic findings through chart review for consecutive individuals aged 50 years or older who underwent outpatient colonoscopy at The Ottawa Hospital (Ottawa, Canada) between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2012 for low-to-moderate risk indications. We collected candidate predictors from chart review and population-level health administrative datasets to derive multivariable logistic regression models for risk of harboring ACNs at colonoscopy. We assessed model discriminatory capacity and calibration and ability of the models to improve colonoscopy specificity while maintaining excellent sensitivity for ACN capture.
Results

We modelled 17 candidate predictors in 11,724 individuals. The final CRC model comprised 8 variables and had a c-statistic value of 0.957 and a goodness-of-fit p-value of 0.527. Application of the models to our cohort permitted 100% sensitivity for identifying persons with CRC and > 90% sensitivity for identifying persons with HRA, while improving colonoscopy specificity for ACNs by 23.8%.
Conclusions

Our multivariable models show excellent discriminatory capacity for persons with ACNs and can significantly increase colonoscopy specificity. If validated, these models could allow more efficient allocation of colonoscopy resources, potentially reducing wait times for those at higher risk while deferring unnecessary colonoscopies in low-risk individuals.
Neural Sources Underlying Visual Word Form Processing as Revealed by Steady State Visual Evoked Potentials (SSVEP)
Authors: Wang Fang , Kaneshiro Blair , Strauber C. Benjamin , Hasak Lindsey , Nguyen Quynh Trang H. , Yakovleva Alexandra , Vildavski Vladimir Y. , Norcia Anthony M. , McCandliss Bruce D.
Published: May 2021

EEG has been central to investigations of the time course of various neural functions underpinning visual word recognition. Recently the steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP) paradigm has been increasingly adopted for word recognition studies due to its high signal-to-noise ratio. Such studies, however, have been typically framed around a single source in the left ventral occipitotemporal cortex (vOT). Here, we combine SSVEP recorded from 16 adult native English speakers with a data-driven spatial filtering approach - Reliable Components Analysis (RCA) - to elucidate distinct functional sources with overlapping yet separable time courses and topographies that emerge when contrasting words with pseudofont visual controls. The first component topography was maximal over left vOT regions with an shorter latency (approximately 180 msec). A second component was maximal over more dorsal parietal regions with a longer latency (approximately 260 msec). Both components consistently emerged across a range of parameter manipulations including changes in the spatial overlap between successive stimuli, and changes in both base and deviation frequency. We then contrasted word-in-nonword and word-in-pseudoword to test the hierarchical processing mechanisms underlying visual word recognition. Results suggest that these hierarchical contrasts fail to evoke a unitary component that might be reasonably associated with lexical access.
Proactive Detection of People In Need Of Mental Healthcare: Accuracy Of The Community Case Detection Tool Among Children, Adolescents And Families In Sri Lanka
Authors: Broek Myrthe van den , Ponniah Puvaneswary , Jeyakumar Judy , Koppenol-Gonzalez Gabriela V. , Kommu John Vijay Sagar , Kohrt Brandon A. , Jordans Mark J. D.
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMost children and adolescents in need of mental healthcare remain untreated even when services are available. This study evaluates the accuracy of a new tool, the Community Case Detection Tool (CCDT), which uses illustrated vignettes, two questions and simple decision algorithm to support proactive community-level detection of children, adolescents and families in need of mental healthcare in order to improve help-seeking. MethodsTrusted and respected community members in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka used the CCDT in their daily routine. Children and families detected as potentially in need of mental healthcare based on utilizing the CCDT (N=157, aged 6-18 years) were invited for a clinical interview by a mental health counsellor using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents. The CCDT results were compared against the outcomes of the clinical interview. The concurrent validity and performance of the CCDT were also evaluated by comparing the CCDT outcomes against the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results7 out of 10 children and families detected by community members using the CCDT were confirmed to be in need for treatment (positive predictive value = 0.69; 0.75 when compared to the SDQ). Detections based on the family problem vignette were most accurate (PPV=0.76), followed by the internalising problem vignette (PPV=0.71) and the externalising problem vignette (PPV=0.62).ConclusionsThe CCDT is a promising low-cost solution to overcome under-detection of children and families in need of mental healthcare. Future research should focus on evaluating the efficacy, as well as additional strategies to improve help-seeking.
Unraveling Differences in Fecal Microbiota Stability in Mammals: From High Variable Carnivores and Consistently Stable Herbivores
Authors: Zoelzer Franziska , Burger Anna Lena , Dierkes Paul Wilhelm
Published: May 2021

Background

Through the rapid development in third generation sequencing methods and tools, microbiome studies on a various number of species were performed during the last decade. This advance makes it possible to analyze hundreds of samples from different species or animal groups at the same time in order to obtain a general overview of the microbiota. However, there is still uncertainty on the variability of the microbiota of different animal groups and on whether certain bacteria within a species are subject to greater fluctuations than others. This is largely due to the fact that the analysis in most extensive comparative studies is based on only a few samples per species or per study site. In our study, we aim to close this knowledge gap by analyzing multiple individual samples per species from four representative mammalian groups: Ruminantia, Perissodactyla, Canoidea and Feloidea held in different zoos. To assess microbial diversity, 621 fecal samples from 31 species were characterized by sequencing the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene using Illumina MiSeq.
Results

We found significant differences in the consistency of microbiota composition and in fecal microbial diversity between carnivore and herbivore species. Whereas the microbiota of carnivores is highly variable and inconsistent within and between species, herbivores show less differences across species boundaries. Furthermore, low-abundant bacterial families show higher fluctuations in the fecal microbiota than high-abundant ones.
Conclusions

Our data suggest that microbial diversity is significantly higher in herbivores than in carnivores, whereas the microbiota in carnivores, unlike in herbivores, varies widely even within species. This high variability has methodological implications and underlines the need to analyze a minimum amount of samples per species. In our study, we found considerable differences in the occurrence of different bacterial families when looking at just three and six samples. However, from a sample number of 10 onwards, these variations greatly decreased in most cases and led to constant and more reliable results.
Synthesis, X-ray Characterisation, Hirshfeld Surface and Theoretical Studies of A Novel Cd(II) Coordination Compound Bearing 2,3-Pyridinedicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Soudani Sarra , Kaabi Kamel , Jelsch Christian , Mi Jin Xiao , Lefebvre Frédéric , Nasr Cherif Ben
Published: May 2021

A new compound of cadmium (II), [(Cd(2,3-pdcH)3) (Cd(H2O)6)], has been synthesized by reaction of 2,3-pyridine dicarboxylic anhydride with cadmium dichloride. The title compound has been characterized by X-ray crystallography and theoretical chemistry calculations. The new coordinated compound crystallizes in the trigonal space group P3. Its crystal structure consists of two homoleptic cadmium species which are showing a distorted octahedral geometry, one with six water molecules and the other one with three organic ligands coordinated to cadmium by the nitrogen atom of the pyridine ring and one oxygen atom from the deprotonated dicarboxylic acid group. The different intermolecular interactions were defined by Hirshfeld surface analyses and described in terms of electrostatic energy. O-H…O hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and the carboxylate groups are formed and stabilized the crystal packing. Also, hydrophobic contacts consist between the pyridine cycle and the carboxylic/carboxylate functions. The HOMO and LUMO orbitals and the Molecular Electrostatic Potential maps were performed by the use of DFT theoretical calculations.
Difference in anisotropic vortex pinning in pristine and proton-irradiated (Ca0.85La0.15)10(Pt3As8)(Fe2As2)5 single crystals
Authors: Choi W. J. , Seo Y. I. , Park K. , Kwon Yong Seung
Published: May 2021

To study the difference in the vortex pinning mechanism between in-plane and out-of-plane and the change of these pinning mechanisms due to defects induced by proton irradiation, the in-plane electrical resistivity for pristine and proton irradiated (Ca0.85La0.15)10(Pt3As8)(Fe2As2)5 single crystals in B//c and B//ab up to B = 13 T. Both samples showed a monoclinic crystal structure, which was different from previously known, through crystal structure analysis using the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) method. The protons irradiation incident along the c-axis caused expansion of the lattice constants a and b. The electronic structure changed by the expansion of this lattice constant affected the change of the coherence length ξc significantly shorter than the distance between the superconducting Fe2As2 layers. The vortex in B//ab was mainly pinned by the newly formed normal component with zero Cooper pair due to the short ξc, and ξc increased by proton irradiation reduced the pinning energy. On the other hand, the vortex in B//c was mainly pinned by point defects, and the point defects increased by proton irradiation increased the pinning energy.
Evaluating the Feasibility of a Socio-Spiritual Intervention To Improve Quality of Life of Adults Living With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
Authors: Gabriel Israel , Creedy Debra , Coyne Elisabeth
Published: May 2021

Background: Despite high psychosocial needs that negatively affect the quality of life of adults living with cancer and their family caregivers, few interventions are culturally sensitive for people in low-income countries. This protocol describes a randomised controlled trial that aims to test the feasibility and efficacy of a socio-spiritual intervention to improve spiritual, family/social and information needs; health literacy; and quality of life of adult Nigerians living with cancer and their family caregivers.Methods: This two-arm randomised controlled trial will recruit 152 adults living with cancer and their family caregivers (76 dyads). Participants will be recruited from a publicly funded hospital outpatient clinic in Nigeria. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group at a 1:1 ratio. The intervention consists of four weekly face-to-face sessions with a focus on psychosocial needs, communication and building trusting relationships, and understanding strengths and resources of the family to build spiritual support. Control participants will receive usual care. The primary outcome is feasibility (rates of eligibility, acceptance, retention, assessment process, and fidelity) of the intervention. Secondary outcomes are quality of life (measured by the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spirituality [FACIT-Sp]), spiritual needs (Spiritual Needs Assessment for Patients [SNAP]), social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support [MSPSS]), and information needs (Subscale of the Comprehensive Needs Assessment Tool for Cancer).Discussion: Nigeria has the highest rate of extreme poverty globally, with increasing rates of cancer mortality. Testing the feasibility of social-spiritual interventions in resource-poor settings is essential to establish efficacy, sustainability, and support coping strategies of individuals with cancer and their caregivers. Demonstrated feasibility will enhance implementation of such interventions in clinical practice and communities in other low and middle-income countries.Trial registration: The trial was registered with the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (www.pactr.org, identifier: PACTR202007829295775) on 15th June 2020.
The Elk1/MMP-9 Axis Regulates E-Cadherin and Occludin in Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Tao Zhao , Jie Yan , Mingru Zhang , Changping Gu , Fan Yang , Haifeng Wu , Yuelan Wang
Published: May 2021

Background: Ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) is a common complication in the treatment of respiratory diseases with high morbidity and mortality. Matrix metalloprotein (MMP) 9 and Elk1 are involved in VILI, but the roles have not been fully elucidated. This study examined the mechanisms of the activation of MMP-9 and Elk1 regulating barrier function in VILI in vitro and in vivo.Methods: For the in vitro study, MLE-12 cells were pre-treated with Elk1 siRNA or MMP-9 siRNA for 48 h prior to cyclic stretch at 20% for 4 h. For the in vivo study, C57BL/6 mice were pre-treated with Elk1 siRNA or MMP-9 siRNA for 72 h prior to 4h of mechanical ventilation. The expressions of Elk1, MMP-9, E-cadherin, and occludin were measured by Western blotting. The intracellular distribution of E-cadherin and occluding was shown by immunofluorescence. The degree of pulmonary edema and lung injury were evaluated by HE staining, lung injury scores, W/D weight ratio, total cell counts, and Evans blue dye.Results: 20% cyclic stretch and high tidal volume could increase the expressions of Elk1 and MMP-9, decrease the E-cadherin and occludin level. Elk1 siRNA or MMP-9 siRNA could reverse the degradations of E-cadherin and occludin caused by cyclic stretch. Elk1 siRNA could decrease the MMP-9 level with or not 20% cyclic stretch and high tidal volume. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that mechanical stretch could lead to the transcriptional activation of Elk1, enhance the expression of MMP-9 and mediate the loss of E-cadherin and occludin in VILI, thus indicating the therapeutic potential of Elk1 to treat VILI.
Polymorphisms in Gene UGT1A1 Modify the Association of Prenatal Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons With Congenital Heart Diseases Risk
Authors: Tao Jing , Li Nana , Liu Zhen , Deng Ying , Li Xiaohong , Luo Fangfang , Zou Yanna , Yu Ping , Zhu Jun
Published: May 2021

Background: Previous studies have focused on the effect of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) exposure on the risk of congenital heart diseases (CHDs), but generated inconsistent conclusions. Genetic susceptibility to PAHs metabolism may modify the exposure-risk relationship. Methods: Maternal urinary biomarker of PAHs exposure was determined in 357 pregnant women with CHDs fetuses and 270 pregnant women with controls. Maternal genotyping was conducted in UGT1A1 (rs3755319, rs887829, rs4148323, rs6742078, rs6717546). Unconditional logistic regression was performed to determine the impacts of UGT1A1 polymorphisms on the risks of CHDs and its subtypes. Generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) was used to analyze the gene-gene and gene-PAHs exposure interactions. Results: None of the selected UGT1A1 polymorphisms were independently associated with the risk of CHDs. The interaction between rs4148323 and PAHs exposure was observed to be associated with CHDs (p<0.05). Pregnant women with high-levels PAHs exposure and carrying rs4148323 increased the risk of CHDs (GA-AA: aOR =2.00, 95% CI = 1.06-3.79). Moreover, the joint effect of rs4148323 and PAHs exposure was found to be significantly associated with risks of septal defects, conotruncal heart defects and right-sided obstructive malformations. Conclusions: Maternal genetic variation of UGT1A1 rs4148323 may modify the impact of prenatal PAHs exposure on CHDs risk. This finding needs to be further confirmed in a larger scale study.
Subclinical Hypothyroidism in Families Due to the Chronic Consumption of Nitrate-contaminated Water in Rural Areas of Durango, Mexico.
Authors: García-Torres Edgar , Pérez-Morales Rebeca , González-Zamora Alberto , Rincón Esperanza Yasmín Calleros
Published: May 2021

Background: Nitrate is a water pollutant widely disseminated and has been linked to health disorders, including thyroid disorders as subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: A familial, observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted on individuals in rural areas of Durango, Mexico. The sample comprised 102 subjects forming part of 26 families’ resident in the abovementioned areas. All those fulfilling the inclusion criteria were tested for exposure biomarkers (plasma and urinary nitrite), an effect biomarker (percentage of methemoglobin), and thyroid function (thyroid profile). The genotypes corresponding to the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs965513 and rs1867277 of the FOXE1 gene were also determined. The presence of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) was determined in those subjects who were found to have subclinical hypothyroidism. The variables of interest comprised the subject’s age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and thyroid profile, as well as the exposure and effect biomarkers, and the levels of nitrate exposure via drinking water. Pearson's correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), heatmap and cluster analysis as well as post hoc Kruskal-Wallis and chi-squared were performed. Results: 102 individuals were analyzed, 45% presented subclinical hypothyroidism, a negative correlation was observed between methemoglobin and total T3 (r= -0.43, r2=18.49, p=0.001) and free T3 levels (r= -0.34, r2=11.56, p=0.001); also between plasma nitrite and free T4 (r= -0.20, r2= 4, p=0.045) and total T3 (r= 0.23, r2= 5.29, p=0.022). Only 15.7% had positive antithyroid ab-TPO, while the polymorphic genotype (AA) represent only 3% (rs965513) and 4% (rs1867277) among subclinical hypothyroidism. Conclusions: The subclinical hypothyroidism in the population studied is mainly due to nitrate contamination in drinking water.
Novel culture media enhances mononuclear cells from patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia to increase vasculogenesis and anti-inflammatory effect
Authors: Chruewkamlow Nuttapol , Pruekprasert Kanin , Phutthakunphithak Phakawan , Acharayothin Onchira , Prapassaro Tossapol , Hongku Kiattisak , Hahtapornsawan Suteekhanit , Puangpunngam Nattawut , Chinsakchai Khamin , Wongwanit Chumpol , Ruangsetakit Chanean , Sermsathanasawadi Nuttawut
Published: May 2021

Background

Quality and Quantity culture media (QQ culture media) was reported to enhance vasculogenesis and angiogenesis function of mononuclear cells (MNCs) from healthy volunteers. In this study, MNCs from chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients were cultured in QQ culture media, and then investigated for angiogenesis-related phenotype and function.
Methods

Patients aged ≥ 18 years with CLTI caused by atherosclerosis of the lower extremities were prospectively recruited at Siriraj Hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) during July 2017 to December 2018. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) were isolated from peripheral blood. PBMNCs were cultured in either QQ culture media or standard culture media. The number of CD34 + CD133 + cells, CD206 + cells, CD4 + CD25 + CD127 + cells, colony formation assay and Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cell (HUVEC) tube formation assay in MNCs were compared between those cultured in QQ culture media and those cultured in standard culture media.
Results

Thirty-nine patients were included with a mean age of 69 ± 11 years. Diabetes mellitus was found in 25 (64%) patients. The percentage of CD34 + CD133 + progenitor cells in MNCs cultured in QQ culture media and in MNCs cultured in standard culture media was 4.91 ± 5.30% and 0.40 ± 0.46%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The percentage of CD206 + cells in MNCs cultured in QQ culture media and in MNCs cultured in standard culture media was 19.31 ± 11.42% and 4.40 ± 2.54%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The percentage of inactive population of T regulatory cells (CD4 + CD25 + CD127 + cells) in MNCs cultured in standard culture media and in MNCs cultured in QQ culture media was 14.5 ± 10.68% and 84 ± 1.37%, respectively (p < 0.0001). The total number of colony-forming units from MNCs cultured in QQ culture media and in MNCs cultured in standard culture media was 8.86 ± 8.35 of 2×105 cells/dish, and 0.58 ± 1.05 of 2×105 cells/dish, respectively (p < 0.0001). The mean intensity of Dil-Ac-LDL uptake that incorporated into the HUVEC forming tube was 1.37 ± 0.88 in MNCs cultured in QQ culture media, and 0.78 ± 0.41 in MNCs cultured in standard culture media. (p < 0.0003).
Conclusions

MNCs from CLTI patients that were cultured in QQ culture media had a significantly higher number of CD34 + CD133 + cells and anti-inflammatory cells, and higher angiogenesis-related function compared to MNCs cultured in standard culture media.
Do Energy Consumption and Environmental Quality Enhance Subjective Wellbeing in G20 Countries?
Authors: Kumari Neha , Kumar Pushp , Sahu Naresh Chandra
Published: May 2021

G20 countries are responsible for more than 80% of global energy consumption and the largest emitter of CO2 in the world. Literature related to the energy consumption-environmental quality-subjective wellbeing nexus is limited and lacks consensus. This paper analyses the impact of energy consumption and environmental quality on subjective wellbeing in G20 countries from 2006 to 2019 using a panel corrected standard error (PCSE) panel model. Cantril life ladder data is used as a proxy of subjective wellbeing. For robustness, the Newey-West standard error model is used. The findings reveal that renewable energy consumption and improved environmental quality, i.e. lesser carbon emissions enhance subjective wellbeing in G20 countries. In contrast, non-renewable energy consumption degrades subjective wellbeing. Moreover, the study also finds a bidirectional causality between renewable energy consumption, non-renewable energy consumption, and economic growth. The policymakers of these countries should encourage renewable energy production and its consumption to reduce carbon emissions for conserving the environment and enhancing their people's subjective wellbeing.
More Than Meets the Eye: a Case of Synchronous Ipsilateral Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma and Urothelial Carcinoma of the Pelvicalyceal System
Authors: Symeonidis Asterios , Tsikopoulos Ioannis , Symeonidis Evangelos N. , Tsifountoudis Ioannis , Michailidis Antonios , Tsantila Ioanna , Gkekas Chrysovalantis , Georgiadis Christos , Malioris Apostolos , Papathanasiou Michail
Published: May 2021

Background: The synchronous occurrence of renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis in the same kidney is extremely rare, although previously reported. To our knowledge, we present the youngest patient recorded in the literature, with this histology combination presenting synchronously in the same kidney, and the first report in active duty military personnel.Case presentation: An otherwise healthy 43-year-old military male with the chief complaint of left plank pain was seen in the office. Imaging revealed the presence of a 3.5 cm left renal mass. Left laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed for presumed renal malignancy. Pathology confirmed the presence of a clear cell RCC and revealed an area of low-grade UC arising from the ipsilateral renal pelvis, not visible in the preoperative imaging. Conclusions: Although uncommon, the final pathology report may reveal neoplasms of dissimilar histology that may involve the renal pelvis. It is crucial for urologists and pathologists to be vigilant of such cases during a solid renal mass workup. Additional therapeutic adjustments may be necessitated, derailing the initial treatment plan. Novel biomarkers of cancer stem-like cells may play a role in the management of these patients.