bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
lncRNA-AC079061.1/VIPR1 axis may suppress the development of hepatocellular carcinoma: a bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation
Authors: Lin Xia-Hui , Zhang Dan-Ying , Liu Zhi-Yong , Tang Wen-qing , Chen Rong-Xin , Li Dong-ping , Weng Shuqiang , Dong Ling
Published: August 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumors to threaten human life, and the survival rate remains low due to delayed diagnosis. Meanwhile, lncRNAs have great potential for application in tumor prognosis, therefore relevant research in hepatocellular carcinoma is indispensable.

Methods

Based on the EZH2 expression, the differentially expressed lncRNAs DElncRNAs), miRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and mRNAs (DEmRNAs) were identified in hepatocellular carcinoma by using the TCGA database. Bioinformatics technology was utilized to determine the effect of key genes in HCC progression. The methylation and immune infiltration analyses were performed to explore the underlying function of hub genes. Finally, cellular function experiments were performed to investigate the association between identified genes and biological phenotypes in HCC.

Results

lncRNA-AC079061.1, hsa-miR-765, and VIPR1 were identified as independent factors that affect the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma. The immune infiltration analyses revealed that lncRNA-AC079061.1 can alter the immune microenvironment and thus inhibit the development of HCC by regulating the expression of an immune-related gene (VIPR1). Methylation analyses demonstrated that VIPR1 expression is negatively related to the methylation level in HCC. Experimental results suggested that lncRNA-AC079061.1 and VIPR1 were frequently downregulated in HCC cells, while hsa-miR-765 was significantly upregulated. Moreover, the lncRNA-AC079061.1/VIPR1 axis suppressed the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells.

Conclusion

The present study identified the lncRNA-AC079061.1/VIPR1 axis as a novel biomarker that inhibited the proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma, affecting the ultimate disease outcome.
Probiotics ameliorate IgA nephropathy by improving gut dysbiosis and blunting NLRP3 signaling
Authors: Tan Jiaxing , Dong Lingqiu , Jiang Zheng , Tan Li , Luo Xinyao , Pei Gaiqin , Qin Aiya , Zhong Zhengxia , Liu Xiang , Tang Yi , Qin Wei
Published: August 2022

Background

Recently, a few studies have indicated a relationship between the gut microbiota and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Whether the gut microbiota participates in the pathogenesis of IgAN and whether probiotics are effective in treating IgAN are still controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the differences in the structure of the gut microbiota between IgAN and controls and to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of probiotics in the treatment of IgAN.

Methods

To address this question, 35 IgAN patients and 25 healthy volunteers were enrolled, and a mouse IgAN model was also constructed. The stool microbes were analyzed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to identify the differential strains between IgAN and healthy controls. The impact of probiotics on the structure of the intestinal flora and the efficacy of the probiotics in the treatment of IgAN were evaluated.

Results

Although the microflora structure of mice and humans was not the same, both patients and mice with IgAN exhibited gut microbiota dysbiosis, with all subjects presenting an evident decrease in Bifidobacterium levels. The Bifidobacterium proportion was negatively correlated with proteinuria and hematuria levels, indicating that the decreased Bifidobacterium abundance could be related to IgAN severity. Probiotic treatment containing Bifidobacterium in IgAN mice could significantly alleviate gut dysbiosis, specifically by increasing the proportion of beneficial bacteria and reducing the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria. Moreover, both probiotics and their metabolites, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), could attenuate IgAN clinicopathological manifestations by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase 1 signaling pathway.

Conclusions

Supplementation with probiotics mainly containing Bifidobacterium could markedly improve gut dysbiosis in IgAN. Moreover, both probiotics and their SCFA metabolites could attenuate the clinicopathological manifestations of IgAN by inhibiting the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase 1 signaling pathway. Therefore, probiotics have potential as an adjunctive therapy for IgAN.
Membrane transporters control cerebrospinal fluid formation independently of conventional osmosis to modulate intracranial pressure
Authors: Oernbo Eva K. , Steffensen Annette B. , Razzaghi Khamesi Pooya , Toft-Bertelsen Trine L. , Barbuskaite Dagne , Vilhardt Frederik , Gerkau Niklas J. , Tritsaris Katerina , Simonsen Anja H. , Lolansen Sara D. , Andreassen Søren N. , Hasselbalch Steen G. , Zeuthen Thomas , Rose Christine R. , Kurtcuoglu Vartan , MacAulay Nanna
Published: August 2022

Background

Disturbances in the brain fluid balance can lead to life-threatening elevation in the intracranial pressure (ICP), which represents a vast clinical challenge. Nevertheless, the details underlying the molecular mechanisms governing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secretion are largely unresolved, thus preventing targeted and efficient pharmaceutical therapy of cerebral pathologies involving elevated ICP.

Methods

Experimental rats were employed for in vivo determinations of CSF secretion rates, ICP, blood pressure and ex vivo excised choroid plexus for morphological analysis and quantification of expression and activity of various transport proteins. CSF and blood extractions from rats, pigs, and humans were employed for osmolality determinations and a mathematical model employed to determine a contribution from potential local gradients at the surface of choroid plexus.

Results

We demonstrate that CSF secretion can occur independently of conventional osmosis and that local osmotic gradients do not suffice to support CSF secretion. Instead, the CSF secretion across the luminal membrane of choroid plexus relies approximately equally on the Na+/K+/2Cl− cotransporter NKCC1, the Na+/HCO3− cotransporter NBCe2, and the Na+/K+-ATPase, but not on the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE1. We demonstrate that pharmacological modulation of CSF secretion directly affects the ICP.

Conclusions

CSF secretion appears to not rely on conventional osmosis, but rather occur by a concerted effort of different choroidal transporters, possibly via a molecular mode of water transport inherent in the proteins themselves. Therapeutic modulation of the rate of CSF secretion may be employed as a strategy to modulate ICP. These insights identify new promising therapeutic targets against brain pathologies associated with elevated ICP.
Cowpea speed breeding using regulated growth chamber conditions and seeds of oven-dried immature pods potentially accommodates eight generations per year
Authors: Edet Offiong Ukpong , Ishii Takayoshi
Published: August 2022

Background

Cowpea is a dryland crop with potential to improve food security in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is mostly produced and consumed. Contemporary plant improvement technologies, including genome editing, marker-assisted selection, and optimized transformation protocols, are being deployed to improve cowpea characteristics. Integrating speed breeding with these technologies would accelerate genetic gain in cowpea breeding. There are established speed breeding protocols for other important legumes, such as soybean, peanut, and chickpea, but none has been previously reported for cowpea.

Results

With the aid of regulated growth conditions in two different chamber types, as well as the cultivation of new plant generations from seeds of oven-dried immature pods, we developed and validated, for the first time, an efficient speed breeding protocol that accommodates approximately seven to eight breeding generations per year for 3 cowpea genotypes. The 3 cowpea genotypes were evaluated under controlled growth conditions in light-emitting diode and metal halide lamp chambers to determine the effect of CO2 supplementation on flowering and maturation durations, optimum conditions for plant growth, cross pollination, and pod development. Elevated CO2 concentration had no influence on either flowering time or pod development. Adequate temperature, relative humidity and light intensity improved plant development and the rate of successful hand pollination, and  cultivating seeds of 11-day-old immature pods oven-dried at 39 °C for 2 days resulted in at least a 62% reduction in the time between pollination and sowing of the next plant generation. The plants cultivated from seeds of the oven-dried immature pods showed no defect at any stage of development.

Conclusions

Using the speed breeding protocol developed in this study, cowpea breeding cycles can be increased from the traditional one cycle per year in the field to as many as 8 generations per year in regulated growth chamber conditions. This protocol has no special technical requirements; hence, it can be implemented in any standard growth chamber. This would fast-track development, testing, validation, and utilization of improved cowpea cultivars.
A novel knowledge-based prediction model for estimating an initial equivalent uniform dose in semi-auto-planning for cervical cancer
Authors: Tao Cheng , Liu Bo , Li Chengqiang , Zhu Jian , Yin Yong , Lu Jie
Published: August 2022

Background

We developed a novel concept, equivalent uniform length (EUL), to describe the relationship between the generalized equivalent uniform dose (EUD) and the geometric anatomy around a tumor target. By correlating EUL with EUD, we established two EUD–EUL knowledge-based (EEKB) prediction models for the bladder and rectum that predict initial EUD values for generating quality treatment plans.

Methods

EUL metrics for the rectum and bladder were extracted and collected from the intensity-modulated radiotherapy therapy (IMRT) plans of 60 patients with cervical cancer. The two EEKB prediction models were built using linear regression to establish the relationships between EULr and EUDr (EUL and EUD of rectum) and EULb, and EUDb (EUL and EUD of bladder), respectively. The EE plans were optimized by incorporating the predicted initial EUD parameters for the rectum and bladder with the conventional pinnacle auto-planning (PAP) initial dose parameters for other organs. The efficiency of the predicted initial EUD values were then evaluated by comparing the consistency and quality of the EE plans, PAP plans (based on default PAP initial parameters), and manual plans (designed manually by different dosimetrists) for a sample of 20 patients.

Results

Linear regression analyses showed a significant correlation between EUL and EUD (R2 = 0.79 and 0.69 for EUDb and EUDr, respectively). In a sample of 20 patients, the average bladder V40 and V50 derived from the EE plans were significantly lower (V40: 30.00 ± 5.76, V50: 14.36 ± 4.00) than the V40 and V50 values derived from manual plans (V40: 36.03 ± 8.02, V50: 19.02 ± 5.42). Compared with the PAP plans, the EE plans produced significantly lower average V30 and Dmean values for the bladder (V30: 50.55 ± 6.33, Dmean: 31.48 ± 1.97 Gy).

Conclusions

Our EEKB prediction models predicted reasonable initial EUD values for the rectum and bladder based on patient-specific geometric EUL values, thereby improving optimization and planning efficiency.
New progress in diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zhang Zai-qiang , Zhu Sheng-kui , Wang Man , Wang Xin-an , Tong Xiao-hong , Wan Jian-qiao , Ding Jia-wang
Published: August 2022

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disease. Although great progress has been made in its diagnosis and treatment in recent years, its mortality rate is still very significant. The pathophysiology and pathogenesis of PAH are complex and involve endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, smooth muscle cell proliferation, pulmonary arteriole occlusion, antiapoptosis and pulmonary vascular remodeling. These factors will accelerate the progression of the disease, leading to poor prognosis. Therefore, accurate etiological diagnosis, treatment and prognosis judgment are particularly important. Here, we systematically review the pathophysiology, diagnosis, genetics, prognosis and treatment of PAH.
CircRNA-CREIT inhibits stress granule assembly and overcomes doxorubicin resistance in TNBC by destabilizing PKR
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Chen Tong , Li Chen , Li Wenhao , Zhou Xianyong , Li Yaming , Luo Dan , Zhang Ning , Chen Bing , Wang Lijuan , Zhao Wenjing , Fu Shanji , Yang Qifeng
Published: August 2022

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a novel type of regulatory RNA characterized by high evolutionary conservation and stability. CircRNAs are expected to be potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for a variety of malignancies. However, the regulatory functions and underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are largely unknown.

Methods

By using RNA high-throughput sequencing technology, qRT-PCR and in situ hybridization assays, we screened dysregulated circRNAs in breast cancer and TNBC tissues. Then in vitro assays, animal models and patient-derived organoids (PDOs) were utilized to explore the roles of the candidate circRNA in TNBC. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), co immunoprecipitation (co-IP) and Western blotting assays were carried out.

Results

In this study, we demonstrated that circRNA-CREIT was aberrantly downregulated in doxorubicin resistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells and associated with a poor prognosis. The RNA binding protein DHX9 was responsible for the reduction in circRNA-CREIT by interacting with the flanking inverted repeat Alu (IRAlu) sequences and inhibiting back-splicing. By utilizing in vitro assays, animal models and patient-derived organoids, we revealed that circRNA-CREIT overexpression significantly enhanced the doxorubicin sensitivity of TNBC cells. Mechanistically, circRNA-CREIT acted as a scaffold to facilitate the interaction between PKR and the E3 ligase HACE1 and promoted proteasomal degradation of PKR protein via K48-linked polyubiquitylation. A reduced PKR/eIF2α signaling axis was identified as a critical downstream effector of circRNA-CREIT, which attenuated the assembly of stress granules (SGs) to activate the RACK1/MTK1 apoptosis signaling pathway. Further investigations revealed that a combination of the SG inhibitor ISRIB and doxorubicin synergistically inhibited TNBC tumor growth. Besides, circRNA-CREIT could be packaged into exosomes and disseminate doxorubicin sensitivity among TNBC cells.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that targeting circRNA-CREIT and SGs could serve as promising therapeutic strategies against TNBC chemoresistance.
Multiple genome alignment in the telomere-to-telomere assembly era
Authors: Kille Bryce , Balaji Advait , Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Nute Michael , Treangen Todd J.
Published: August 2022

With the arrival of telomere-to-telomere (T2T) assemblies of the human genome comes the computational challenge of efficiently and accurately constructing multiple genome alignments at an unprecedented scale. By identifying nucleotides across genomes which share a common ancestor, multiple genome alignments commonly serve as the bedrock for comparative genomics studies. In this review, we provide an overview of the algorithmic template that most multiple genome alignment methods follow. We also discuss prospective areas of improvement of multiple genome alignment for keeping up with continuously arriving high-quality T2T assembled genomes and for unlocking clinically-relevant insights.
Right-side fixation of the sigmoid colon causing internal herniation with closed-loop obstruction of both small and large bowel: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Bertelli G. , Patauner S. , Gorgatti T. , Frena A.
Published: August 2022

Background

Right-side fixation of the sigmoid colon is a rare anatomical variant associated with intestinal malrotation (Choi et al. in J Korean Surg Soc. 84(4):256–60,
2013). Differently from other forms of malrotation, this variant has not been associated thus far with acute surgical conditions.

Case presentation

In this report, we present a 65-year-old Caucasian patient admitted for bowel obstruction symptoms. Computed tomography scan revealed right-side fixation of the sigmoid colon extended to the subhepatic recess complicated by obstructed internal herniation of the ileum. In this patient, the sigmoid colon occupied a recess posterior to the ascending colon and right Toldt’s fascia. Within this narrow anatomical space, an ileal loop was trapped causing internal herniation with resultant close-bowel obstruction of both ileum and sigmoid colon. The ileal loop was released surgically and the anatomical abnormality corrected.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first case of right-side fixation of the sigmoid colon causing acute obstruction secondary to internal herniation of the small intestine. Early recognition and precise anatomical definition of such anatomical variants are essential to optimize their surgical approach.
Giant desmoid tumour mimicking recurrent uterine myoma in a nulliparous young Nigerian: a case report
Authors: Njoku Obinna Chukwunwike , Umezurike Chisara Cyprian
Published: August 2022

Background

Desmoid tumors are rare lesions. Although they demonstrate tumor characteristics, such as infiltrative growth and tendency towards local recurrence, they lack the ability to metastasize. To date, the cause of desmoid tumors is unknown. They can occur in both sexes, but predominant slightly in women, including nulliparous women, of reproductive age, but mostly during and after pregnancy.

Case presentation

A 36-year-old nulliparous Nigerian woman presented with a large desmoid tumor of the anterior abdominal wall, mimicking recurrent leiomyoma. At presentation, she had a painless abdominal mass for 1 year, which was first noticeable as a small induration that progressively increased in size. The patient had a previous surgical history of open myomectomy for symptomatic fibroids of 3 years duration, prior to presentation. Treatment comprised a complete excision of the tumor with a wide margin and partial omentectomy and the anterior abdominal wall closed in layers, though without prosthesis. The patient subsequently developed incisional hernia.

Conclusions

Large desmoid tumors may be misdiagnosed or mistaken for uterine leiomyoma or other abdominal or pelvic tumors. Attention should therefore be paid to detailed patient history and systematic clinical evaluation. To guard against incisional hernia associated with surgical resection of huge desmoid tumors, mesh reconstruction is recommended.
Detecting inappropriate total duration of antimicrobial therapy using semi-automated surveillance
Authors: van den Broek Annemieke K. , de la Court Jara R. , Groot Thomas , van Hest Reinier M. , Visser Caroline E. , Sigaloff Kim C. E. , Schade Rogier P. , Prins Jan M.
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Evaluation of the appropriateness of the duration of antimicrobial treatment is a cornerstone of antibiotic stewardship programs, but it is time-consuming. Furthermore, it is often restricted to antibiotics prescribed during hospital admission. This study aimed to determine whether mandatory prescription-indication registration at the moment of prescribing antibiotics enables reliable automated assessment of the duration of antibiotic therapy, including post-discharge duration, limiting the need for manual chart review to data validation.

Methods

Antibiotic prescription and admission data, from 1-6-2020 to 31-12-2021, were electronically extracted from the Electronic Medical Record of two hospitals using mandatory indication registration. All consecutively prescribed antibiotics of adult patients who received empiric therapy in the first 24 h of admission were merged to calculate the total length of therapy (LOT) per patient, broken down per registered indication. Endpoints were the accuracy of the data, evaluated by comparing the extracted LOT and registered indication with the clinical notes in 400 randomly selected records, and guideline adherence of treatment duration. Data were analysed using a reproducible syntax, allowing semi-automated surveillance.

Results

A total of 3,466 antibiotic courses were analysed. LOT was accurately retrieved in 96% of the 400 evaluated antibiotic courses. The registered indication did not match chart review in 17% of antibiotic courses, of which only half affected the assessment of guideline adherence. On average, in 44% of patients treatment was continued post-discharge, accounting for 60% (± 19%) of their total LOT. Guideline adherence ranged from 26 to 75% across indications.

Conclusions

Mandatory prescription-indication registration data can be used to reliably assess total treatment course duration, including post-discharge antibiotic duration, allowing semi-automated surveillance.
GM-CSF-mediated inducement of bone marrow MDSCs by TSA and effect on survival of graft in mice
Authors: Zhao Shuguang , Li Shaohua , Yang Jingci , Gao Weinian , Chen Ziying
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study analyzed the effect of HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), in inducing granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-mediated bone marrow (BM) cell differentiation to myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

BM cell differentiation to CD11b + GR-1 + MDSCs was achieved by in vitro culture with TSA and GM-CSF, and the collected cells were analyzed by mixed lymphocyte culture to identify suppressive actions against effector T cells. RT-PCR and ELISA were conducted to analyze the CCL5 mRNA and protein levels in TSA + GM-CSF + BM, GR-1 + MDSCs and GR-1 + MDSC + CCL5 groups. The survival of cardiac grafts was compared between groups.

Results

TSA was beneficial for the GM-CSF-mediated BM differentiation to CD11b + GR-1 + MDSCs. Adoptive transfer of GR-1 + MDSCs was powerful in suppressing CD4 + CD25-T cell proliferation and the effect was mediated by iNOS and HO-1; it also increased CCL5 gradient concentration between grafts and plasma to recruit Treg to grafts and prolong the survival of the grafts. Survival analysis revealed that the survival of grafts after adoptive transfer of GR-1 + MDSCs could be prolonged.

Conclusion

This study helps in further research on the application value of MDSCs in the field of transplant, and may provide a new thought for the cell therapy in inducing immune tolerance in organ transplant.
Plasma volume expansion reveals hidden metabolic acidosis in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Svensson Robert , Hahn Robert G. , Zdolsek Joachim H. , Bahlmann Hans
Published: August 2022

Background

Hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis that develops during the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis is usually attributed to the chloride content of resuscitation fluids. We explored an alternative explanation, namely that fluid-induced plasma volume expansion alters the absolute differences in the concentrations of sodium and chloride (the Na–Cl gap) enough to affect the acid–base balance. We analyzed data from a prospective single-center cohort study of 14 patients treated for diabetic ketoacidosis. All patients received 1 L of 0.9% saline over 30 min on two consecutive days. Blood gases were sampled before and after the infusions.

Results

The initial plasma volume was estimated to be 25 ± 13% (mean ± SD) below normal on admission to the intensive care unit. At that time, most patients had an increased actual Na–Cl gap, which counteracts acidosis. However, the correction of the plasma volume deficit revealed that these patients would have had a decreased Na–Cl gap upon admission if they had been normovolemic at that time; the estimated “virtual Na–Cl gap” of 29 ± 5 mmol/L was significantly lower than the uncorrected value, which was 39 ± 5 mmol/L (P < 0.001). On Day 2, most patients had a decreased actual Na–Cl gap (33 ± 5 mmol/L), approaching the corrected value on Day 1.

Conclusions

The hyperchloremic acidosis commonly seen in diabetic ketoacidosis may not be primarily caused by the chloride content of resuscitation fluids but, rather, by the restoration of plasma volume, which reveals the hidden metabolic acidosis caused by a decreased Na–Cl gap.

Trial registration Clinical Trials Identifier NCT02172092, registered June 24, 2014, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT02172092
Vitamin combination promotes ex vivo expansion of NK-92 cells by reprogramming glucose metabolism
Authors: Fu Yan , Chen Yuying , Xie Zhepei , Huang Huimin , Tan Wen-Song , Cai Haibo
Published: August 2022

Robust ex vivo expansion of NK-92 cells is essential for clinical immunotherapy. The vitamin B group is critical for the expansion and function of immune cells. This study optimized a vitamin combination by response surface methodology based on an in-house designed chemically defined serum-free medium EM. The serum-free medium EM-V4 with an optimal vitamin combination favoured ex vivo expansion of NK-92 cells. The characteristics of glucose metabolism of NK-92 cells in EM-V4 and the relationships between cell expansion and metabolism were investigated. NK-92 cells in EM-V4 underwent metabolic reprogramming. An elevated ratio of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase/phosphofructokinase (G6PDH/PFK) indicated that NK-92 cells shifted towards the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). An increase in the ratio of pyruvate dehydrogenase/lactate dehydrogenase (PDH/LDH) suggested that the cells shifted towards the Krebs (TCA) cycle, i.e., from glycolysis to aerobic metabolism. The enhanced ratio of oxygen consumption rate/extracellular acidification rate (OCR/ECAR) indicated that NK-92 cells were more reliant on mitochondrial respiration than on glycolysis. This shift provided more intermediate metabolites and energy for biosynthesis. Thus, EM-V4 accelerated biomass accumulation and energy production to promote NK-92 cell expansion by regulating the metabolic distribution. Our results provide valuable insight for the large-scale ex vivo expansion of clinically available NK-92 cells.

Graphical Abstract
Occurrence of claw asymmetries in fattening pigs and potential impact on the development of sole ulcerations
Authors: Seufert Sarah , Volkmann Nina , Schmidt-Mosig Johannes , Kemper Nicole
Published: August 2022

Background

Claw abnormalities, particularly claw asymmetries, are associated with lameness in pigs and can be a welfare issue. However, the prevalence and development of claw asymmetries in pigs of different age is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the claw symmetry over the pig lifetime from birth to slaughter as well as the occurrence of sole ulcerations in fattening pigs possibly caused by such asymmetric claws.

Results

From third day of life until slaughtering, asymmetric growth of the claws was detected more frequently and more severely with increasing age as determined by three-step scoring. Sole ulcerations were detected in slaughtered pigs only with a prevalence of 64.2% (197/307 examined animals). The risk for a sole ulceration was 3.6-fold higher for pigs with strongly asymmetric claws (≥ 30% size difference of the claw footing area) compared to slightly asymmetric claws (≥ 5–15% size difference of the claw footing area) (odds ratio (OR) = 3.6). It was even higher for pigs showing intermediately asymmetric claws (≥ 15–30% size difference of the claw footing area) (OR = 2.7).

Conclusions

The study showed a significant increase in the prevalence of claw asymmetries over the pigs’ lifetime, which can lead to serious pathologic findings with increasing age such as sole ulcerations. Most likely, the unbalanced weight load on single claws in combination with hard flooring can result in claw damages. Moreover, a genetic component cannot be excluded because claw asymmetries were already detected in suckling piglets.
Role of endoanal ultrasound in the assessment of perianal fistula in correlation with MRI fistulography
Authors: Sayed Alaa , El-azizi Hatem Mohamed Said , El-barmelgi Mohamed Yehia Ahmed , Azzam Heba
Published: August 2022

Background

Perianal fistula is a considered as chronic recurrent inflammatory condition that requires proper surgical treatment and may require repeated intervention. Therefore, adequate pre-operative radiological diagnosis plays a critical role.

In this study, we aimed at comparing the role of endoanal ultrasonography with MRI fistulography in evaluating the primary fistula's tract, internal opening, secondary extensions, and complications of the perianal fistula.

Results

The study was carried over 108 males (90%) and 12 females (10%) presenting with clinically diagnosed perianal fistula. Ultrasound was found superior to MRI in the localization of the internal opening with estimated K value (0.44), P value (0.001). Regarding the type of fistula, ultrasound was found in agreement with MRI in 112 cases (93.3%) with estimated K value of about (0.7). Ultrasound was found equally effective as MRI in the detection of complication with estimated agreement K value of about 1. Regarding assessment of the secondary extensions, the agreement between the two modalities was about 50% with estimated k value of about 0.65. Conversely, MRI was found superior to ultrasound in the characterization of the fibrotic tracts.

Conclusions

Both EAUS and MRI have a crucial role in the evaluation and detection of perianal fistulas. EAUS was preferable to MRI in the localization of the internal opening; ,conversely, in the evaluation of extra-sphincteric fistulas and fibrotic tracts characterization MRI was preferable to EAUS.
Comparison of Turbo Flash and dual-energy modes of third-generation dual-source CT in pre-transplant renal angiography: a prospective observational study
Authors: Christopher Navya , Periaswamy Gopinath , Arunachalam Venkatesh Kasi , Pilli Vandana , Renganathan Rupa , Rajasekaran Sriman , Mehta Pankaj , Cherian Mathew
Published: August 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the Image Quality, Contrast Medium Volume, and Radiation dose in renal angiography performed using Turbo Flash mode and dual-energy (DE) mode in the third-generation dual-source dual-energy CT.

This prospective observational study was performed on renal donors who underwent CTA imaging as a pre-transplant workup. The study population was divided into two groups. Group A underwent DECT renal angiography. Group B underwent Turbo Flash Mode CT renal angiography. For group A, a contrast volume of 1 ml/kg and for group B at 0.5 ml/kg was administered. Image Quality was evaluated objectively by calculating CNR and SNR and subjectively by a 5-point scale. Radiation Dose analysis was done by noting CTDIvol and DLP on the scanner system and calculating effective radiation dose (ED).

Results

The subjective image quality scores for the Turbo Flash group were comparable with the DE group in qualitative image analysis. Additionally, in the Turbo Flash group, there was a reduction in contrast media and effective radiation dose by 47.5% and 32.7%, respectively. Nevertheless, mean attenuation of the abdominal arteries, CNR, SNR, and Noise (S.D) showed statistical significance between the two groups (p value < 0.01).

Conclusions

To our knowledge, no previous study compared Turboflash mode with DE protocol in CT renal angiography in a donor group of patients. Turbo Flash CT is an excellent modality that is faster and has an added advantage of decreased radiation dose and contrast media volume reduction, which can be recommended for screening of voluntary kidney donors but needs further clinical studies, validation, and standardization with tailored protocols.
Production of low wear friction lining material from agro-industrial wastes
Authors: Mgbemena Chinedum Ogonna , Esigie Richard U. , Mgbemena Chika Edith , Ata Chike M.
Published: August 2022

This research aims at producing and characterizing a low-wear friction lining material using a hybrid mixture of burnt vehicle tyres, pulverized palm kernel shell (PKS), pulverized coconut shell (CS), iron and brass filings obtained from the machine shop floor. The Taguchi method was used to determine the optimum parameter settings to obtain a friction lining with a low wear rate by exploring the signal-to-noise ratios (S/N) of the smaller-the-better. The developed friction lining was subjected to the scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to ascertain the functional groups present in the friction lining, their elemental composition and finally the morphology. The control factors used in the Taguchi analysis are the moulding temperature, cure time and heat treatment. The optimum parameter settings for a low wear rate were obtained as follows: moulding temperature of 175 °C, cure time of 8 min and heat treatment time of 3 h. The XRF spectroscopy indicated that the developed friction lining materials contained the following compounds in large proportions: CaO, SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3. The SEM-EDX results for the two image scans reported show that carbon and oxygen were the predominant elements observed in the micrograph.
Hawking radiation from acoustic black holes in hydrodynamic flow of electrons
Authors: Dave Shreyansh S. , Ganguly Oindrila , Saumia P. S. , Srivastava Ajit M.
Published: August 2022

Acoustic black holes are formed when a fluid flowing with subsonic velocities accelerates and becomes supersonic. When the flow is directed from the subsonic to supersonic region, the surface on which the normal component of fluid velocity equals the local speed of sound acts as an acoustic horizon. This is because no acoustic perturbation from the supersonic region can cross it to reach the subsonic part of the fluid. One can show that if the fluid velocity is locally irrotational, the field equations for acoustic perturbations of the velocity potential are identical to that of a massless scalar field propagating in a black hole background. One, therefore, expects Hawking radiation in the form of a thermal spectrum of phonons. There have been numerous investigations of this possibility, theoretically, as well as experimentally, in systems ranging from cold atom systems to quark-gluon plasma formed in relativistic heavy-ion collisions. Here we investigate this possibility in the hydrodynamic flow of electrons. The resulting Hawking radiation in this case should be observable in terms of current fluctuations. Further, current fluctuations on both sides of the acoustic horizon should show correlations expected for pairs of Hawking particles.
Exploring Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Secretomes in Human Obesity: Implications for Metabolic Disease
Authors: Kahn Darcy , Macias Emily , Zarini Simona , Garfield Amanda , Zemski Berry Karin , MacLean Paul , Gerszten Robert E , Libby Andrew , Solt Claudia , Schoen Jonathan , Bergman Bryan C
Published: August 2022

Adipose tissue secretions are depot-specific and vary based on anatomical location. Considerable attention has been focused on visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue with regard to metabolic disease, yet our knowledge of the secretome from these depots is incomplete. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of VAT and SAT secretomes in the context of metabolic function. Conditioned media generated using SAT and VAT explants from individuals with obesity were analyzed using proteomics, mass spectrometry, and multiplex assays. Conditioned media were administered in vitro to rat hepatocytes and myotubes to assess the functional impact of adipose tissue signaling on insulin responsiveness. VAT secreted more cytokines (IL-12p70, IL-13, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8), adipokines (matrix metalloproteinase-1, PAI-1), and prostanoids (TBX2, PGE2) compared with SAT. Secretome proteomics revealed differences in immune/inflammatory response and extracellular matrix components. In vitro, VAT-conditioned media decreased hepatocyte and myotube insulin sensitivity, hepatocyte glucose handling, and increased basal activation of inflammatory signaling in myotubes compared with SAT. Depot-specific differences in adipose tissue secretome composition alter paracrine and endocrine signaling. The unique secretome of VAT has distinct and negative impact on hepatocyte and muscle insulin action.
Individual variation in heat substitution: is activity in the cold energetically cheaper for some individuals than others?
Authors: Maloney Caroline , Careau Vincent
Published: August 2022

In many endotherms, a potentially important yet often overlooked mechanism to save energy is the use of the heat generated by active skeletal muscles to replace heat that would have been generated by thermogenesis (i.e. ‘activity–thermoregulatory heat substitution’). While substitution has been documented numerous times, the extent of individual variation in substitution has never been quantified. Here, we used a home-cage respirometry system to repeatedly measure substitution through the concomitant monitoring of metabolic rate (MR) and locomotor activity in 46 female white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus). A total of 117 measures of substitution were taken by quantifying the difference in the slope of the relationship between MR and locomotor activity speed at two different ambient temperatures. Consistency repeatability (±s.e.) of substitution was 0.313 (±0.131); hence, about a third of the variation in substitution occurs at the among-individual level. Body length and heart mass were positively correlated with substitution whereas surface area was negatively correlated with substitution. These three sub-organismal traits accounted for the majority of the among-individual variation (i.e. individual differences in substitution were not significant after accounting for these traits). Overall, our results imply that the energetic cost of activity below the thermoneutral zone is consistently cheaper from some individuals than others, and that the energy saved from substitution might be available to invest in fitness-enhancing activities.
Joanna Innes and Mark Philp, eds., Re-imagining Democracy in the Mediterranean, 1780–1860
Authors: Zanou Konstantina
Published: August 2022

Review of Joanna Innes and Mark Philp, eds., Re-imagining Democracy in the Mediterranean, 1780–1860. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2018. xvi + 337 pp.
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Assesment Of Different Aspects Of Hepatitis B Viral Lymphotropism Using Deep Curation
Authors: Sharma Prachie , Rawal Kamal , Kumar Kapila
Published: August 2022

Background: The replicative forms of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is found in several types of white blood cells within the host defense system. To determine the dimensionality of the extrahepatic manifestation of HBV in host white blood cells, it is important to understand the complete biology of its pathogenesis and lymphotropic nature.

Methods: Deep curation of the literature from the PubMed database pertaining to the HBV manifestation in the human host white blood cells was conducted and then manually filtered to determine the behavioral trend of the virus within the human white blood cells.

Results: The curation of 198 research articles identified 28 genes, 92 proteins, and 20 Peripheral Blood Mononuclear cells involved in HBV pathogenesis, while 20 immune cells were found to be permissive for the viral penetration and replication. The presence of the replicative forms of HBV in the host immune cells led to the further elucidation of 28 genes and 92 proteins that interact with one or more viral genes and proteins.

Conclusions: A multi-dimensional analysis using deep curation identified a possible lymphotropic character of HBV. Moreover, there are certain pathways that could aid in the propagation of viral infection by using immune cells to its advantage. Thus, instead of eliminating HBV, the immune system may contribute to the population expansion of the virus.
Clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the COVID-19 Emergency Field Hospital of Bangkalan, Indonesia
Authors: Triyono Erwin Astha , Seipalla Fenska , Djaja Nathania , Akbas Ahmad Maulana Ifan , Ar-Rahmah Kurnia Auliyana , Budiono Perthdyatama Syifaq , Pamungkas Aditya Putra , Fernanda Yussika , Jam'Annuri Alfin , Maheswari Clarissa Azalia
Published: August 2022

Background: Following the surge of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the epicenter of East Java Province, this study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 at one of the emergency field hospitals in Indonesia.

Methods: This was a single-centered, retrospective descriptive study of 763 patients admitted to the COVID-19 Emergency Field Hospital of Bangkalan from July 5 2021 to September 30 2021. The demographic data, clinical signs and symptoms, pre-existing comorbidities, therapy, and clinical outcomes of the patients were analyzed using SPSS.

Results: The clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 at the emergency hospital were varied. A total of 763 patients were included. The most common age was between 40 and 49 years (31.1%), a slight majority were women (51.5%), and most had travelled abroad in the last 14 days (99.1%). Of the 763 patients, 70.9% had no comorbidities. Half of the patients were asymptomatic (49.4%), 46% were mild cases, 4.1% were moderate, and 0.5% severe. The most common symptoms were productive cough (15.7%) and headache (15.3%). Supportive and comorbidity therapy were given which showed excellent clinical outcomes.

Conclusions: This study presents the description of the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 patients during high surge cases of COVID-19 that are mostly dominated by Indonesian migrant workers in a field hospital. majority of COVID-19 patients were asymptomatic and therapy without antibiotics or antivirals showed positive outcomes in COVID-19 patients.
Literary Reading Lesson in the First Grade: What Is Important to Consider in Accordance with the Updated Standard
Authors: Rozhkova M.
Published: August 2022

The author discusses ways to implement the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard for Primary General Education (FSES PGE) when teaching literary reading to first-graders. The changes that, in accordance with the updated version of the standard, have been introduced into the exemplary program for literary reading are analyzed: the goals, planned results and features of the teaching methodology are characterized, taking into account the level of development of reading literacy and interest in reading among first-graders. Particular attention is paid to the problem of students' acceptance of spiritual and moral values reflected in fiction. Specific examples reveal the methodology for the formation of meta-subject learning outcomes in the first grade.
See You in Your Backyard: Multipoint Contact, Firm’s Capacity and Capability, and Technological Expansion
Authors: Chuang You-Ta , Weng David H. , Wu Chia-Hung , Thomson Kelly
Published: August 2022

Past studies of multipoint competition have mainly focused on the effect of multipoint contact in product markets on firm competitive behaviors in those markets only. Our study advances this literature by examining how multipoint contact in product markets affects a firm’s expansion into a rival’s technological areas. We further investigate the factors that moderate the proposed effect. Our analyses suggest that the degree of multipoint contact between a firm and a rival in product markets has an inverted U-shaped relationship with the degree of the firm’s expansion into the rival’s technological areas (patent classes). Furthermore, the firm’s capacity (market share) and capability (status in terms of technological development) relative to the rival’s have different moderating effects on the relationship between multipoint contact in product markets and the firm’s expansion into the rival’s technological areas. Our findings contribute to the literatures on multipoint contact, competitive dynamics, and firm technology strategies.
Recovery in water polo: how much do we have to know? A systematic review
Authors: Barrenetxea-Garcia Josu , Murua-Ruiz Antxon , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Nuell Sergi , Calleja-González Julio , Villarreal Eduardo Sáez de
Published: August 2022

Water polo (WP) is a high-intensity intermittent aquatic sport, with a predominance of swimming skills and nonswimming activities and incomplete recovery periods. Consequently, recovery after exercise is a fundamental part of sports performance. The main purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of different recovery strategies in WP performance. The studies were found by searching in the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines samples. A summary of results including five studies was followed. The results show that supplementation with cherry juice before training does not imply improvements in recovery; the full-body photobiomodulation therapy reduces muscle damage; reducing training load during the season increased the natural logarithm of the root mean square of successive differences and perceived state of recovery, and the heart rate variability stabilizes and could progressively increase at the end of a tournament; and when an increase in internal training load is less than 60%–70% autonomic cardiac disturbances during preseason training do not occur. Recovery in WP is a very limited field of study that needs future research in active recovery, hydrotherapy, massage, rest and sleep to help coaches formulate recommendations.
Efficacy of conservative treatment on exacerbation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Kim Suyeon
Published: August 2022

Scoliosis is defined as a deviation from the normal vertical line of the spine and consists of a lateral curvature in which the spine rotates within the curvature. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis and the cause is unknown. In this study, it was investigated whether conservative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (CONTRAIS) reduced the patient’s Cobb angle, and the effect of CONTRAIS according to the severity of idiopathic scoliosis and the efficacy of CONTRAIS by spinal region were also verified. Idiopathic scoliosis patients with a Cobb angle of 10° or more were recruited and classified into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to the Cobb angle (°). Cobb angle was measured radiographically before and after 10 weeks of treatment. A combination of CONTRAIS, including physical therapy, exercise therapy, manual therapy, and home exercise was prescribed for all patients. The patients visited the hospital 3 times a week for 10 weeks for treatment, and exercised at home for 20 min every day. In this study, the effect of reducing Cobb angle of CONTRAIS did not differ according to the spinal region. Also, the Cobb angle reduction effect of CONTRAIS was more effective in severe group. This study may suggest that early detection and treatment through CONTRAIS enables successful correction of AIS.