bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence of Anti-Sars-CoV-2 Antibodies in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Martin-Arranz M. D. , García-Ramírez L. , Hernandez-Perez M. , Vega D. Montero , Martín-Arranz E. , Sánchez-Azofra M. , Cordon J. Poza , Garcia J. L. Rueda , Belda J. Noci , Martínez-Meco T. Verges , Miguel P. Blanco San , Ferrer C. Suarez
Published: January 2023

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) treated with biologic and/or immunosuppressant drugs are at increased risk for opportunistic infections. Seroprevalence studies can confirm the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections as well as the associated risk factors.
This is a descriptive study which primary endpoints were to highlight the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a cohort of IBD patients, and to analyze seroconversion in patients with known COVID-19 infection and its relationship with IBD treatments.
Patients filled in a questionnaire about symptoms of COVID-19 infection and clinical information about their IBD. All included patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
392 patients were included. Among patients with clinical infection, 69 patients (17,65%) were IgG-positive, 286 (73,15%) IgG-negative and 36 (9,21%) indeterminate.
In relation to seroconversion among patients under biologic treatment, 13 patients of the 23 with a previous positive CRP developed antibodies (56.5%). However, when the influence of immunosuppressive treatment on the probability of developing antibodies was analyzed, no significant differences were seen between those patients with or without treatment (77.8% vs. 77.1%, p=0.96).
In our cohort of IBD patients, after one year of pandemic, there were 18.64% IgG positive patients, a higher prevalence than the general population (15.7%).
Effectiveness of Family Support Health Education Intervention to Improve Health-Related Quality of Life Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Melaka, Malaysia.
Authors: Saidi Syafiq Sidqi , Manaf Rosliza Abdul
Published: January 2023

Background

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is an important public health problem in Malaysia. In this country, limited research has been carried out on the impact of the disease on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Family support interventions had been shown to be effective in improving the PTB treatment outcomes.

Objectives

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a newly developed Family Support Health Education (FASTEN) intervention in improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among PTB patients in Melaka, as compared to the current conventional disease management.

Materials and Methods

A single-blinded, randomized controlled field trial study design was conducted in Melaka from September 2019 until August 2021, involving newly diagnosed PTB patients. The participants were randomized either into the intervention group (FASTEN intervention) or into the control group (conventional management). They were interviewed by using a validated questionnaire that includes the Short Form 36 Health Survey version 2 (SF-36v2), at three time points: at diagnosis, two months and six months after diagnosis. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 24. The Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention, in terms of the HRQoL score difference between the groups, adjusted for baseline covariates.

Results

The HRQoL among PTB patients was lower than the HRQoL of general Malaysian population. Among the total 88 respondents, the three lowest HRQoL domains scores at baseline were Social Functioning (SF), Role limitation due to Physical condition (RP) and Vitality (VT) with the median (IQR) scores of 27.26 (10.03), 30.21 (11.23) and 34.77 (8.92) respectively. The median (IQR) for Physical Component Score (PCS) was 43.58 (7.44) and for Mental Component Score (MCS) was 40.71 (8.77). There were significant difference in the HRQoL median scores between the intervention group compared to the control group, as the Physical Functioning (PF) (p = 0.018), RP (p < 0.001), General Health (GH) (p < 0.001), VT (p < 0.001), SF (p < 0.001), Role limitation due to Emotional condition (RE) (p < 0.001), General Mental Health (MH) (p < 0.001), and the MCS (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The FASTEN intervention is effective to improve the overall HRQoL among PTB patients compared with the conventional management. It was recommended that the TB program should incorporate the involvement of family members in the patient’s management.
The protocol was registered with RCT registered body (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry – Registration Number: ACTRN12619001720101).
Myopia Prevention and Control in Children: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Guanghong , Jiang Jun , Qu Chao
Published: January 2023

Objectives To analyze and compare the efficacy of different interventions for myopia prevention and control in children. Methods We searched CNKI, VIP, Wan-Fang, CBM, Chinese Clinical Registry, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to July 2022. We selected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included interventions to slow myopia progression in children with a treatment duration of at least 1 year for analysis. Both inconsistency test and node splitting method were used to analyze inconsistency. The main outcomes included mean annual change in axial length (AL) (millimeters/year) and in refraction (R) (diopters/year). RESULTS A total of 81 RCTs (27227 eyes) were included. In comparison with control, orthokeratology (AL, -0.36 [-0.53, -0.20], P < 0.05; R, 0.55 [0.31, 0.80], P < 0.05), 1%Atropine (AL, -0.39 [-0.65, -0.14], P < 0.05; R, 0.53 [0.28, 0.79], P < 0.05), 1%Atropine + bifocal spectacle lenses (AL, -0.60 [-1.1, -0.13], P < 0.05; R, 1.1 [0.55, 1.6], P < 0.05), 0.01%Atropine + orthokeratology (AL, -0.47 [-0.79, -0.14], P < 0.05; R, 0.81 [0.38, 1.2], P < 0.05) could significantly slow the progression of myopia; in addition, progressive multi-focal spectacle lenses (0.42, [0.00, 0.85], P < 0.05), progressive multi-focal soft contact lenses (0.78, [0.20, 1.4], P < 0.05), 0.5%Atropine (0.69 [0.24, 1.1], P < 0.05), 0.1%Atropine (0.43 [0.11, 0.75], P < 0.05), 0.05%Atropine (0.56 [0.24, 0.89], P < 0.05), 0.01%Atropine (0.34 [0.13, 0.54], P < 0.05), 1%Atropine + progressive multi-focal spectacle lenses (0.66 [0.17, 1.1], P < 0.05), 0.01%Atropine + single vision spectacle lenses (0.70 [0.18, 1.2], P < 0.05), bifocal spectacle lenses + Massage (0.85 [0.16, 1.5], P < 0.05) showed significant slowing effect on the increase in refraction. Conclusions This network meta-analysis suggests that the combined measures were most effective, followed by Atropine.
The whole fish on the table: maximizing nutrient utilization from global capture fisheries
Authors: Cardinaals Renee , Simon Wolfram , Ziegler Friederike , Wiegertjes Geert , Meer Jaap van der , Zanten Hannah Van
Published: January 2023

The global food system is facing the challenge of producing sufficient nutrients to accommodate future demands within planetary boundaries, while reducing malnutrition. Although nutrient-rich seafood can play a prominent role in resolving this challenge, seafood from capture fisheries is currently partly wasted. The aim of this study was to quantify the nutrient contribution from capture fisheries under the assumption that all captured seafood and byproducts from seafood processing would be used for human consumption. Our results show that available seafood per capita can be doubled without increasing harvest when all reported, illegal, and discarded capture as food, complemented with processing byproducts are used. Moreover, seafood contributes significantly to daily nutrient requirements – e.g., omega-3 can be fully met. These results indicate that putting the whole fish on the table can increase nutrient availability from capture fisheries substantially and sustainably.
WITHDRAWN: The enhancement of energetic and exergetic performance of embedded twisted rib turbulator over absorber plate of solar air heater
Authors: Kumar Anup , Sen Amit Prakash , Kumar Amit , Kumar Rajiv Ranjan
Published: January 2023

Owing to present investigation, a stochastic analysis is conducted to numerically optimize the energetic and exergetic efficiencies of embedded twisted rib turbulator over absorber plate of solar air heaters (SAHs). These efficiencies are assessed taking into account temperature rise and design characteristics. The criterion in context to energy efficiency do not take into consideration the pumping force which is needed to blow the air from the duct. Therefore, estimating the energy distribution of solar air heaters becomes a difficult task when evaluating their exergetic or effective efficiency. The experimental work determined the Nu and fr correlations in the term of geometrical configurations which are considered for evaluating the thermal behavior and compared to prior findings with smooth plate. The Optimal turbulator parameters were defined by the exergetic efficiency criterion in terms of the Reynolds and insolation.
Maximum improvements in energetic and exergetic efficiencies were reported as ηth=1.81; ηeff=1.79 and ηII=1.82 times over smooth plate for a geometric arrangement with P/e = 8, α = 60°, y/e = 3 and Re = 5000. The maximum differences between simulated and experimental results, when taken into account, resulted ± 6%. The current methodology also tackles the methods to research novel artificial turbulator to increase the energetic and exergetic performance of a SAHs, making it feasible to develop a design plot for the turbulator parameter without having to spend a lot of money on actual trials.
Influence of posterior staphyloma in myopic maculopathy and visual prognosis
Authors: Flores-Moreno Ignacio , Puertas Mariluz , Ruiz-Medrano Jorge , Almazán-Alonso Elena , García-Zamora María , Ruiz-Moreno Jose M.
Published: January 2023

Background/Objectives: Posterior staphyloma is a hallmark of high myopia and its presence associate higher degrees of myopic maculopathy, nevertheless it is still unclear its development, repercussion on visual function and relationship with maculopathy components.
The objective was to analyze the impact of posterior staphyloma on the incidence and severity of myopic maculopathy and its repercussion on visual prognosis.
Subjects/Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in 473 consecutive eyes of 259 highly myopic patients examined at Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda University Hospital (Madrid, Spain).
All patients underwent complete ophthalmologic examination including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), ATN grading and multimodal imaging. Presence of posterior staphyloma, pathologic myopia (PM) and severe PM were determined.
Results: Posterior staphyloma was present in 69.4% of eyes, 73.5% were categorized as primary according to Curtin’s classification. Eyes with posterior staphyloma compared to non-staphyloma were older (p<0.05), had greater AL (p<0.01), worse BCVA (p<0.01) and higher stage in ATN components (p<0.01). Moreover, compound subgroup showed worse BCVA (p<0.01) and greater stage in each of the ATN components (p<0.01). Staphylomas with macular involvement presented worse BCVA (p<0.01), higher AL (p<0.01), and greater ATN (p<0.05). The risk of posterior staphyloma presence in eyes with PM and severe PM eyes was 89.8% and 96.7%, respectively. Posterior staphyloma was the best predictor for BCVA in myopic patients (p<0.01).
Conclusions: Posterior staphyloma presence determines high risk of myopic maculopathy and therefore worse visual prognosis, especially those with macular involvement. Posterior staphyloma represented the best predictor for BCVA in highly myopic patients.
Is particulate organic carbon transported to the deep-ocean increasing with the growing ocean carbon sink
Authors: Tian Detong , Li Xuegang , Song Jinming , Zhong Guorong , Ma Jun , Wang Yanjun , Yuan Huamao , Duan Liqin , Li Ning , Wang Qidong , Xing Jianwei , Qu Baoxiao
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the ocean carbon sink has been increasing due to the rising atmospheric CO2 concentration, and the oceanic oxygen minimum zone (OMZ, 0-200m) is expanding due to ocean warming and strengthened ocean stratification. So, will the strengthening of ocean carbon sink and the expansion of the OMZ lead to more POC being transported to the deep ocean? On the basis of 16208 POC data in 547 stations obtained from sediment traps since the 1970s worldwide, the POC fluxes in the OMZ increase, however, that in the deep ocean tended to decrease over recent decades, which means that the growing ocean carbon sink and the OMZ expansion didn’t lead to more POC being transported to the deep ocean. In addition, the remineralization of POC in the OMZ consumes large amounts of dissolved oxygen (DO), in turn contributing to the expansion of the OMZ.
The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on Rejection Sensitivity and Resilience in Patients with Thalassemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Southeastern Iran
Authors: Ghonchehpour Asma , Forouzi Mansooreh Azizzadeh , Dehghan Mahlagha , Ahmadi Atefeh , Okou Gloria , Tirgari Batool
Published: January 2023

Background
Thalassemia is a genetic and chronic congenital disorder composed of physical problems that severely impair patients’ cognitive, psychological and social processes. The rehabilitation of patients is particularly important because they have a high rejection sensitivity and low resilience. The present study aimed to determine the effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling on rejection sensitivity and resilience in patients with thalassemia referring to a dedicated disease center in southeastern Iran.
Materials and methods
We conducted this randomized controlled trial study on 66 patients with thalassemia referring to the Kerman Thalassemia Center in southeastern Iran in 2022. Using convenience sampling and the stratified block randomization method, we divided the samples into two intervention (N = 33) and control (N = 33) groups. Patients in the intervention group received eight 60-minute online mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling sessions (one session per week) and completed the Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Adult Version (A-RSQ) and the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale before and after the intervention. We collected data using the SPSS 25 trial and descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation), Chi-Square test, Independent-samples t-test, Fisher's exact test, Paired t-test, the Wilcoxon U test and Mann Whitney. A significance level of 0.05 was considered.
Results
We found no significant difference in the mean scores of rejection sensitivity and resilience between the intervention (8.75 ± 4.86) and control (9.87 ± 5.16) groups before the intervention. Mean scores for rejection sensitivity and resilience were 10.23 ± 4.94 in the control group and 7.11 ± 4.13 in the intervention group after the intervention, showing a 1.56-point reduction in the rejection sensitivity score of the intervention group and a 0.37-point increase in the rejection sensitivity score of the control group, but the scores were not significantly different (p = 0.08). The mean resilience score in the control group was 63.69 ± 19.43, while it was 67.72 ± 17.98 in the intervention group before the intervention, but the mean resilience scores in the control and intervention groups were 58.06 ± 22.81 and 74.18 ± 17.46 after the intervention, respectively. The resilience score had a 6.64-point increase in the intervention group, while it had a 5.48-point reduction in the control group, so a significant difference was available between the two groups (p = 0.01).
Conclusion
Our results showed that in addition to other physical treatments, mindfulness-based stress reduction counseling was effective in increasing the resilience of patients with thalassemia.
Perception Versus Reality: Analysis of Time Spent on Bedside Rounds in an Academic ICU (Intensive Care Unit)
Authors: Ahmed Haroon , King Austin B. , Mohamed Nada , Mokaya Erica , Chapman Kyle , Leonard Rachel
Published: January 2023

Background: Despite its importance, teaching at the bedside is declining over time. This purported decline has not been quantified. Quantifying bedside teaching is challenging, and we found only one study quantifying bedside teaching on a hospitalist service.
Objective: We conducted a study to understand the prevalence of bedside teaching in our medical intensive care unit.
Methods: We conducted a single-center single-unit study in the medical intensive care unit of an academic tertiary care institution. We useda survey tool to assess perceived time spent on bedside teaching, quality of teaching, and total rounding time. In parallel, independent observers objectively measured time spent on rounds and on bedside teaching. Residents were asked to complete the survey once a week. Independent observers collected data daily and weekly averages were obtained.
Results: 43 responses were collected over a 4-month period. Most respondents (73%) reported a total rounding time of either 90-120 min or greater than 120 min. Median reported bedside teaching time was 16-20 min with 16 respondents (37%) reporting less than 15 min and 27 respondents (63%) reporting 16 min or more. The amount of time spent on bedside teaching was reported as adequate or more than adequate by 77% (33) of respondents with 58% (25) reporting that bedside teaching was very or extremely effective in helping them learn.
Mean census reported by the independent observers was 12.75 patients per team. Bedside teaching represented an average of 12% of total rounding time, 16.85 minutes per day. While total rounding time increased with increasing census, there was no decline in bedside teaching time.
Conclusion: It is reported that bedside teaching has decreased over time. Our study has demonstrated that bedside teaching occurs in our Medical ICU, and though it represents a minority of the time spent on rounds, residents still reported teaching in the ICU to be adequate.
Exploring discrimination and dental academic career progression in the UK and Ireland: “How many minority ethnic deans are there?” - free text comments from a survey of dental academics
Authors: Penlington Chris , Freeman Zoe , Fathi Hawa , Shazada Khaleel , Waterhouse Paula
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Diversity is known to be important but diversity of dental school academics in the UK and Ireland is low in comparison with the dental profession and the overall population. The aims were to explore whether UK and Ireland dental school academics are satisfied with their career progression, whether they believe that there are barriers to career progression in dental schools based on protected characteristics, and experience of discrimination at work.
Methods: An online survey, including four free-text questions related to the study aims, was circulated by Dental Schools Council to dental academics at all UK and Ireland dental schools. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse free-text comments.
Results and discussion: There were 192 responses from 20 dental schools. Five data categories were constructed which highlight the impact of discrimination in dental academia, the importance of opportunities and support, different perspectives of diversity and discrimination, and academic and institutional culture.
Conclusion: Staff perceived and experienced barriers to career progression. Many were satisfied with their career progression, but a proportion of staff expressed dissatisfaction and attributed this to discrimination based upon protected characteristics. The culture in dental schools is beginning to change to address factors contributing to inequality in dental academia.
The clinical utility of genetic technologies in prenatally diagnosed cleft lip and or palate – a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yan , Wang Degang , Lu Jian , Yin Aihua , Tan Haowen , Lu Jiaqi , Ji Xueqi , Ding Hongke , Liu Qian , Tang Hui , Wang Limin , Huang Yanlin , Zhang Victor Wei , Wang Chunli , Liu Fenghua
Published: January 2023

Background
When a fetus was found has cleft lip palate (CL/P) by prenatal anatomical ultrasound assessment, it is difficult to determine the CL/P is isolated or companied with other animalities such as intellectual disability. We preformed comprehensive genetic test to support prenatal genetic counselling for CL/P fetus which is detected by ultrasound screening.
Methods
105 unrelated fetuses with CL/P were enrolled. After excluding aneuploidy cases, SNP array and clinical exome sequencing (CES) were preformed simultaneously. All the fetuses were followed-up.
Results
Fetuses with CL/P were divided into two groups, cleft lip (CL)and cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP/CLP). The detection rate was 12.4% (13/105) of the cases, in which SNP array contributed 3.8% (4/105) while CES added 8.6% yields. The positive rate of the CL group was lower than that of the CP/CLP group (0% (0/23) versus 15.9% (13/82), P = 0.067). CP/CLP with additional anomalies has higher positive rate than that of the apparently isolated CP/CLP (53.3% (8/15) versus 7.5% (5/67), P < 0.001). Furthermore, midline or bilateral CP/CLP had different yields in subgroups of CP/CLP. The rate of termination of pregnancy in positive group is much higher than that of the negative group (84.6% (11/13) versus 36.9% (31/84)).
Conclusion
Prenatal diagnosis with SNP array companied with CES was helpful for etiology analysis of fetuses with CL/P. Genetic etiology analysis was more valuable for CP/CLP than for CL. Moreover, SNP array companied with CES could change the clinical outcome for prenatal CL/P fetuses and reduce the residual risk for negative cases.
Synthetic cell-penetrating RAS-binding peptide for the treatment of KRAS-mutated cancer
Authors: Park Yoon Jeong , Yoon Gookjin , Suh Jinsook , Jo Beom Soo , Lee Dong Woo , Kim Deogil , Choi Moonsil , Jeong Eui Kyun , Lee Hoo Cheol , Lee Jue-Yeon , Chung Chong Pyung , Park Yoon Shin
Published: January 2023

The RAS-RAF-ERK1/2 pathway is a crucial target for anticancer drug development because of the high prevalence of ERK activation in human cancers. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are pivotal intracellular cascade molecules critical in all eukaryotic cells for the recognition of and response to external stimuli. RAS plays an important role with respect to cell proliferation. MDA-MB-231 is a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line carrying a G13D KRAS mutant; hence, it is resistant to drugs. Herein, the authors evaluated a synthetic cell-penetrating peptide that binds to RAS with high affinity (termed RAS-binding peptide, RBP) for the treatment of MDA-MB-231 cancer. In this study, MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited reduced proliferation since RBP inhibited the interaction between RAS and RAF. Moreover, a decrease in RBP-treated MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasion were observed. The expression of phosphorylatedERK1/2 and RAF-bound RAS was reduced by RBP treatment. In chicken egg xenografts, RBP inhibited tumor growth and metastatic invasion. Infiltration of immune cells was evaluated via histopathological analysis, and reduction in the level of Ki-67, a proliferation marker in human tumor cells, was evident through immunohistochemical (IHC). Taken together, the peptide RBP was suggested to be a new therapeutic target in RAS-mutated cancer.
Transient Absorption of Warm Dense Matter Created by an X-Ray Free-Electron Laser
Authors: Mercadier Laurent , Benediktovitch Andrei , Krusic Spela , Schlappa J. , Agåker Marcus , Carley Robert , Fazio Giuseppe , Gerasimova Natalia , Kim Young Yong , Guyader Loïc Le , Mercurio Giuseppe , Parchenko Sergii , Rubensson Jan-Erik , Serkez Svitozar , Stransky Michal , Teichmann Martin , Yin Zhong , Žitnik Matjaz , Scherz Andreas , Ziaja-Motyka Beata , Rohringer Nina
Published: January 2023

Warm dense matter (WDM) is a ubiquitous state of matter encountered in various high energy density environments, at the frontier between a plasma and a condensed phase. It is key to astrophysics, planetary science and inertial confinement fusion research, but its electronic and ionic structure and dynamics remain poorly understood. Here, an intense and ultrafast X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) pulse is used to simultaneously create and characterize warm dense copper via L-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The rich electron dynamics occurring within the 15-femtosecond pulse duration are revealed over a large irradiation intensity range. Below 1015 W cm-2, an absorption peak below the L-edge appears, originating from the depletion of the 3d band, and shows a distinct energy redshift with increasing intensity. This shift is a possible signature of ionization potential depression and electronic bond hardening. At higher intensities, massive ionization and collisions lead to the transition from reverse saturable absorption (opening absorption channels) to saturable absorption (material bleaching) of the XFEL pulse, an effect that holds promise for X-ray pulse shaping. The presented method is applicable to a wide range of materials and constitutes a robust benchmark for non-equilibrium models of electron dynamics in WDM.
Vascular dysfunction caused by loss of Brn-3b/POU4F2 transcription factor in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells is linked to deregulation of calcium signaling pathways.
Authors: Yogendran Vaishaali , Mele Laura , Prysyazhna Oleksandra , Ponticos Markella , Budhram-Mahadeo Vishwanie
Published: January 2023

Phenotypic and functional changes in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) contribute significantly to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) but factors driving early adverse vascular changes are poorly understood. We report on novel and important roles for the Brn-3b/POU4F2 (Brn-3b) transcription factor (TF) in controlling VSMC integrity and function. Brn-3b protein is expressed in mouse aorta with localisation to VSMCs. Male Brn-3b KO aortas displayed extensive remodelling with increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, elastin fiber disruption and aortic coarctation. RNA sequencing analysis showed that these effects were linked to deregulation of genes required for calcium (Ca2+) signaling, vascular contractility, sarco-endoplasmic reticulum (S/ER) stress responses and immune function in Brn-3b KO aortas and validation studies confirmed changes in Ca2+ signalling genes linked to increased intracellular Ca2+ and S/ER Ca2+ depletion [e.g. increased, Cacna1d Ca2+ channels; ryanodine receptor 2, (RyR2) and phospholamban (PLN) but reduced ATP2a1, encoding SERCA1 pump and chaperone proteins, Hspb1, HspA8, DnaJa1 linked to increased S/ER stress, which also contributes to contractile dysfunction. Accordingly, vascular rings from Brn-3b KO aortas displayed attenuated contractility in response to KCl or phenylephrine (PE) while Brn-3b KO-derived VSMC displayed abnormal Ca2+ signalling following ATP stimulation. This data suggests that Brn-3b target genes are necessary to maintain vascular integrity and contractile function and deregulation upon loss of Brn-3b will contribute to contractile dysfunction and CVD.
Plastid genome data provide new insights into the phylogeny and evolution of the Subtribe Swertiinae
Authors: Yang Lucun , Deng Shengxue , Zhu Yongqing , Da Qiling
Published: January 2023

Background
Subtribe Swertiinae, belonging to Gentianaceae, is one of the most taxonomically difficult representatives. The intergeneric and infrageneric classification and phylogenetic relationships within Subtribe Swertiinae are controversial and unresolved.
Methods
With the aim of clarifying the circumscription of taxa within the Subtribe Swertiinae, comparative and phylogenetic analyses were conducted using 34 Subtribe Swertiinae chloroplast genomes (4 newly sequenced) representing 9 genera.
Results
The results showed that 34 chloroplast genomes of Subtribe Swertiinae were smaller and ranged in size from 149,036 to 154,365 bp, each comprising two inverted repeat regions (size range 25,069 − 26,126 bp) that separated large single-copy (80,432 − 84,153 bp) and small single-copy (17,887 − 18,47 bp) regions, and all chloroplast genomes showed similar gene order, content, and structure. These chloroplast genomes contained 129–134 genes each, including 84–89 protein-coding genes, 30 tRNAs, and 4 rRNAs. The chloroplast genomes of Subtribe Swertiinae appeared to lose some genes, such as the rpl33, rpl2 and ycf15 genes. Nineteen hypervariable regions, including trnC-GCA-petN, trnS-GCU-trnR-UCU, ndhC-trnV-UAC, trnC-GCA-petN, psbM-trnD-GUC, trnG-GCC-trnfM-CAU, trnS-GGA-rps4, ndhC-trnV-UAC, accD-psaI, psbH-petB, rpl36-infA, rps15-ycf1, ycf3, petD, ndhF, petL, rpl20, rpl15 and ycf1, were screened, and 36–63 SSRs were identified as potential molecular markers. Positive selection analyses showed that two genes (ccsA and psbB) were proven to have high Ka/Ks ratios, indicating that chloroplast genes may have undergone positive selection in evolutionary history. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 34 Subtribe Swertiinae species formed a monophyletic clade including two evident subbranches, and Swertia was paraphyly with other related genera, which were distributed in different clades.
Conclusion
These results provide valuable information to elucidate the phylogeny, divergence time and evolution process of Subtribe Swertiinae.
Conjunctive use of Drone-mounted Sonar and Water Penetrating Radar for Reservoir Water Resource and Vulnerability
Authors: Ruffell Alastair , O’Keefe Amy
Published: January 2023

Mathematical calculation and direct measurement comprise two groups of overlapping methods used in estimating water volume. This work proposes and tests (in four contrasting lakes) a blend of these, using a dual proxy approach of Sonar and Water Penetrating Radar (WPR), both of which can be mounted on, or lowered from a drone (or unmanned aerial vehicle). The two methods can be used to validate each other: used from a drone they provide access to hazardous locations. Data may be further analysed for spatial patterns in GIS and downloaded, then digitised for volume calculation. Commercial fishing Sonar devices and basic drones are now of moderate price, making this method attractive to private landowners and low-income governments and organisations. Radar, whilst more expensive has the advantages of imaging water depths through weed and gas bubbles and assessing sediment thickness/geometry. Sonar has the advantage of cost-effective and easy drone deployment.
Early presence of Homo sapiens by 86-68 kyrs in Southeast Asia at Tam Pà Ling cave, Northern Laos.
Authors: Freidline Sarah , Westaway Kira , Joannes-Boyau Renaud , Duringer Philippe , Ponche Jean-Luc , Morley Mike , Hernandez Vito Paolo , McAllister-Hayward Meghan , McColl Hugh , Zanolli Clément , Gunz Philipp , Bergmann Inga , Sichanthongtip Phonephanh , Sihanam Daovee , Boualaphane Souliphane , Luangkhoth Thonglith , Souksavatdy Viengkeo , Dosseto Anthony , Boesch Quentin , Patole-Edoumba Elise , Aubaile Françoise , Crozier Françoise , Suzzoni Eric , Frangeul Sébastien , Bourgon Nicolas , Zachwieja Alexandra , Dunn Tyler , Bacon Anne-Marie , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Shackelford Laura , Demeter Fabrice
Published: January 2023

The timing of the first arrival ofHomo sapiensin East Asia from Africa and the degree to which they interbred with or replaced local archaic populations is controversial. Previous discoveries from Tam Pà Ling cave (Laos) identifiedH. sapiensin Southeast Asia by 46 kyr. We report on a new frontal bone (TPL 6) and slightly older tibial fragment (TPL 7) discovered in the deepest layers of TPL. Bayesian modeling of luminescence dating of sediments and U-series and combined U-series-ESR dating of mammalian teeth reveals a depositional sequence spanning ~ 86 kyr. TPL 6 confirms the presence ofH. sapiensby 70 ± 3 kyr, and TPL 7 extends this range to 77 ± 9 kyr, supporting an early dispersal ofH. sapiensinto Southeast Asia. Geometric morphometric analyses of TPL 6 suggest descent from a gracile immigrant population rather than evolution from or admixture with local archaic populations.
The genetic landscape of copy number variation in a Vietnamese cohort of 5008 fetuses with clinical anomalies during pregnancy
Authors: Tran Danh-Cuong , Dao Hong-Thuy Thi , Nguyen Hong-Dang Luu , Nguyen Duy-Anh , Le Quang Thanh , Hoang Diem-Tuyet Thi , Tran Nhat Thang , Ha Thi Minh Thi , Dinh Thuy Linh , Nguyen Canh Chuong , Doan Kim Phuong Thi , Luong Lan Anh Thi , Vo Ta Son , Trinh Thu Huong Nhat , Nguyen Van Thong , Vo Phuong-Anh Ngoc , Nguyen Yen-Nhi , Dinh My-An , Phan Minh Ngoc , Doan Phuoc-Loc , Do Thanh-Thuy Thi , Nguyen Quynh-Tho Thi , Truong Dinh-Kiet , Nguyen Hoai-Nghia , Phan Minh-Duy , Tang Hung-Sang , Giang Hoa
Published: January 2023

Copy number variation (CNV) analysis is a powerful tool for discovering structural genomic variation. Still, no program uses this tool to analyze chromosomal aneuploidies in the Vietnamese population. Pregnant women attending routine prenatal checkups in Vietnam from October 2018 to May 2021 were included in this study and contributed fetal tissue to test the utility of CNV analysis for prenatal screening. Among 5,008 women screened, 958 (19.13%) harbored at least one CNV, comprising segmental aneuploidy (8.49%), trisomy (6.91%), multiple anomalies (2.10%), and sex chromosome abnormality (1.64%). The rate of segmental aneuploidy detection increased with gestational age, but trisomy and sex chromosomal abnormalities detection decreased as the pregnancy continued. This study also found an association between abnormal CNVs and several phenotypic markers. For ultrasound soft markers, an increased nuchal fold thickness correlated with a higher risk of abnormal CNVs. In addition, many soft indicators or structural abnormalities were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of abnormal CNVs. This work highlights the importance of CNV analysis for the early detection of prenatal congenital abnormalities, especially in the first trimester. This study’s findings will meaningfully aid policymakers in developing cost-effective genetic prenatal screening programs.
Cross-species neuroimaging intermediate phenotypes deepen our understanding of depression
Authors: Guo Huiling , Dong Shuai , Xiao Yao , Yang Jingyu , Zhao Pengfei , Zhao Tongtong , Cai Aoling , Wang Hui , Hua Ruifang , Liu Rongxun , Wei Yange , Sun Dandan , Liu Zhongchun , Xia Mingrui , He Yong , Wu Yankun , Si Tianmei , Womer Fay Y , Xu Fuqiang , Wang Jie , Zhang Weixiong , Zhang Xizhe , Wang Fei
Published: January 2023

Multiple genetic variants and their interplay with environmental factors have hindered the progress of mental disease research and the development of effective markers of neuropsychiatric disorders. Intermediate phenotypes like neuroimaging brain patterns offer unique opportunities to understand multifaceted etiologies of neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression. Neuroimaging intermediate phenotypes bridging etiologic differences and disease behavioral features may facilitate translational applications of animal models to humans with depression. We identified cross-species neuroimaging patterns of the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) that correlated with anhedonia in rodent genetic and stress models of depression and depressed individuals. Compared to controls, converse ALFF patterns in subcortical and sensorimotor regions were found between P11 knockout mice and chronic unpredictable mild stress rats. Similarly, two ALFF subtypes with converse patterns in frontal, subcortical, and sensorimotor regions were identified and validated in two independent human cohorts for depression. Importantly, anhedonia was significantly increased across all rodent models and human subtypes when compared to controls, despite differences in ALFF patterns. Further, anhedonia correlated with subcortical-sensorimotor ALFF in rodent models and human cohorts. Thus, subcortical-sensorimotor ALFF may serve as an intermediate phenotype that bridges etiologic differences and anhedonia in depression. These results deepened our knowledge of disease mechanisms underlying depression which can be explored in translational research and clinical applications treating depression and other psychiatric disorders.
Novel strategy to enhance the biological treatment of coal chemical wastewater by nano-zero valent iron loaded fly ash-based activated carbon assisted activated sludge process
Authors: Ma Weiwei , Zhang Xiaoqi , Han Hongjun , Shi Xueqing , Kong Qiaoping , Yu Tong , Zhao Fei
Published: January 2023

The study was to explore the performance of nanoscale zero valent iron loaded fly ash-based activated carbon (nZVI@FABAC) enhanced activated sludge (AS) process for the removal of toxic organic compounds in coal chemical wastewater (CCW). The results demonstrated that the removal efficiencies of COD and TPh in nZVI@FABAC/AS process reached about 83.96% and 85.17%, respectively, which were significantly increased compared with the single AS process. And the acute toxic units value of CCW was effectively reduced by 88.24% after nZVI@FBAC/AS process treatment. Microbial community analysis revealed that nZVI@FBAC might stimulate the AS system to enrich the various functional bacteria including phenol degrading bacteria (Comamonas and Acinetobacter), electroactive bacteria (Geobacter) and iron reduction bacteria (Geothrix), which provided various electron transfer pathways and facilitated the interspecies cooperation of different bacteria for improving degradation of toxic organic compounds in CCW. From the engineering, economic, environmental perspective, the nZVI@FBAC/AS process has a promising application for industrial wastewater treatment.
Left parathyroid carcinoma with secondary hyperparathyroidism: a case report
Authors: Yokoyama Ko , Suganuma Nobuyasu , Rino Yasushi
Published: January 2023

Background: Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease with a frequency of 0.005% of all malignancies [1,2]. Furthermore, cases with secondary hyperparathyroidism are fewer. In this case report, we describe a case of left parathyroid carcinoma with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Case presentation: The patient was a 54-year-old woman that had been on hemodialysis since the age of 40 years. At 53 years of age, her calcium levels were high, and she was diagnosed with drug-resistant secondary hyperparathyroidism and was referred to our hospital for surgical treatment. Blood tests revealed calcium levels of 11.4 mg/dL and intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels of 1007 pg/mL. Neck ultrasonography revealed a 22-mm large round hypoechoic mass, partially indistinct margins, and D/W ratio > 1 at the left thyroid lobe. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed a 20-mm nodule at the left thyroid lobe. No enlarged lymph nodes or distant metastasis were noted. 99mTc-hexakis-2-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy revealed an accumulation at the superior pole of the left thyroid lobe. Laryngeal endoscope revealed paralysis of the left vocal cord, signifying recurrent nerve palsy due to parathyroid carcinoma. Based on these results, a diagnosis of secondary hyperparathyroidism and suspected left parathyroid carcinoma was made, and the patient underwent surgery. Pathology results revealed hyperplasia in the right upper and lower parathyroid glands in addition to capsular and venous invasion in the left upper parathyroid gland. The diagnosis was left parathyroid carcinoma. At 5 months post-surgery, calcium levels improved to 10.3 mg/dL and intact PTH levels to 9 pg/mL, with no signs of recurrence.
Conclusions: we report a case of left parathyroid carcinoma associated with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Concomitant secondary hyperparathyroidism may cause mild hypercalcemia compared to parathyroid carcinoma alone due to the added modification of dialysis. Although our patient also presented with mild hypercalcemia, a D/W ratio > 1 on preoperative echocardiography and presence of recurrent nerve palsy on laryngoscopy led to the suspicion and treatment of parathyroid carcinoma preoperatively.
Synthesis, Solvatochromism and Fluorescence Quenching Studies of Naphthalene Diimide Dye by Nanographene Oxide
Authors: Mahdiani Mojgan , Rouhani Shohre , Zahedi Payam
Published: January 2023

A naphthalene diimide dye with two side amine arm was prepared. Uv-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic techniques studied its photophysical and solvatochromic characteristics in different solvents. Its fluorescence quenching mechanism has been carried out as a fluorescence probe model with graphene oxide as an efficient quencher. The results indicated that graphene plays an effective quencher against the naphthalene diimide molecule. The Stern-Volmer analysis results show a combination of two static and dynamic quenching mechanisms via an energy transfer process.
Light and heavy chain deposition disease with focal amyloid deposition diagnosed with mass spectrometry: A case report
Authors: Shimamoto Yuki , Takahashi Naoki , Katoh Nagaaki , Matsui Yuki , Mochizuki Yusuke , Ito Masanori , Yazaki Masahide , Kametani Fuyuki , Kasuno Kenji , Sekijima Yoshiki , Naiki Hironobu , Iwano Masayuki
Published: January 2023

Background

Light and heavy chain deposition disease (LHCDD) is a rare condition characterised by deposition of immunoglobulin components in the kidneys. Amyloidosis is also caused by the deposition of immunoglobulins, which are folded into amyloid fibrils characterised by Congophilic deposits that exhibit apple-green birefringence under polarised light. Reports of LHCDD with amyloid fibril deposition have been published, but details, such as the components of the deposits, have not been described.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 79-year-old Japanese woman who presented with nephrotic syndrome. Bone marrow examination revealed monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance. Renal biopsy revealed amyloid-like deposits in the glomerulus that were positive for IgA and kappa on immunofluorescence. Congo red staining of the deposits was faintly positive, and only slight birefringence was detected. Electron microscopy revealed fine fibrillar structures and non-amyloid deposits. Mass spectrometry revealed abundant amounts of light chains with small amounts of heavy chains. Hence, the patient was diagnosed with LHCDD and focal amyloid deposition. Chemotherapy was initiated, which resulted in mild response. Under polarised light, faint birefringence with Congo red staining and periodic acid-methenamine silver positivity indicated that the deposits were mostly non-amyloid fibrils with amyloid fibrils. Heavy- and light-chain amyloidosis is diagnosed in cases wherein heavy chain deposition is greater than light chain deposition. However, in the present case, light-chain deposition was greater than heavy-chain deposition, which is not consistent with the definition of heavy- and light-chain amyloidosis.

Conclusion

This is the first case of LHCDD with focal amyloid deposition that was diagnosed by analysis of glomerular deposits using mass spectrometry.
Sex chromosome complement and organizational hormonal effects on the vasopressinergic sexual dimorphic pressor and antidiuretic responses
Authors: Lihue Gonzalez , Dadam Florencia María , Vivas Laura , Godino Andrea , Caeiro Ximena Elizabeth
Published: January 2023

The present study aimed to analyze the role of the sex chromosomes (SCC:XX/XY) and the interaction with the organizational effects of gonadal steroids on the vasopressinergic sexually dimorphic antidiuretic and pressor responses. For this purpose, we used transgenic mice of the "four core genotypes" model, in which the effect of gonadal sex and SCC are dissociated. To study vasopressin dimorphism in the antidiuretic response, mice were gonadectomized at 60 days old, and six weeks later were subcutaneously injected with desmopressin (V2R agonist, 1 mg/kg) and vehicle solution (isotonic saline solution). Four hour later urine samples were obtained for urinary osmolality determination. In a different group of animals, kidneys were excised for Avpr2 mRNA evaluation by qPCR. We also evaluated changes in blood pressure and heart rate in anesthetized mice in response to a 30-minute vasopressin (0.2 UI/ml, infusion volume 100µl) continuous infusion. As expected, desmopressin administration induced a significant effect of treatment {F(1,37) = 439,63}, however no SCC nor organizational hormonal effects were observed in absence of the activational hormonal effects. Furthermore, no differences in Avpr2 mRNA levels were found. However, the statistical analysis of the percentage changes in mean arterial pressure due to continuous acute vasopressin infusion demonstrated an interaction between the organizational hormonal effect and SCC {F(6,144) = 3,891, p = 0,0012}. Male mice with XX-SCC background showed a greater pressor response than the other genotypes. Our data may contribute to the understanding in hydromineral and blood pressure regulation of the complex interplay between vasopressin and SCC/organizational hormonal backgrounds.
Comparison of Outcomes of Subsequent Delivery Among Previous Vacuum and Previous Second Stage Cesarean Section Delivery Mothers at Kawempe National Referral Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kamwesigye Assen , Kayiga Herbert , Beyeza-Kashesya Jolly , Nolens Barbara , Muriuki Moses
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The increasing trends in cesarean section (CS) with a decrease in operative vaginal deliveries is a major concern in health care system all over the world, particularly in low-resource settings. Studies show that a first delivery by CS is associated with an increased risk of repeat CS in the subsequent deliveries. In addition, CS compared to operative vaginal delivery (OVD), attracts higher health service costs yet resource-constrained countries have low rates of OVD compared to high-income countries. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of the subsequent delivery among previous vacuum and previous second stage cesarean section delivery mothers at Kawempe National Referral Hospital.
Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study that involved physical or phone interviews of 81 mothers who had an operative delivery in their index pregnancy at Mulago hospital between November 2014 to July 2015. Maternal and neonatal outcomes in the subsequent delivery were compared among participants who had a previous vacuum extraction with those that previouslyhad a second stage cesarean section using Chi-2 square test and a Fisher’s exact test with a 0.05 level of statistical significance. A multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine association between mode of index delivery and maternal and neonatal outcomes in the subsequent delivery.
Results: Higher rates of vaginal delivery were achieved among women who had a vacuum extraction (78.4%) compared to those that had a second stage cesarean section in their index delivery (38.6%), p-value =< 0.001. The risk of neonatal injuries was higher in the group of women with a previous second stage cesarean delivery compared to those with a previous vacuum extraction (11.4% compared to 0%, p value of 0.034).
Conclusions and recommendations: Vacuum extraction does not only provide a safe and effective way to prevent the increasing rates of primary cesarean section, but also reduces the risk of repeat cesarean section and the complications associated with it. Health workers need to continue to offer choice of vacuum extraction in the second stage of labor among prime gravidas that fulfill its indication. This will help curb the up-surging rates in cesarean section.