bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture at Neiguan suppresses PVCs occurring post-myocardial infarction by alleviating inflammation and fibrosis
Authors: Hong Hao , Cao Xin , Deng Tian , Meng Xiang-Min , Li Yu-Meng , Zhu Li-Juan , Lv Jing , Li Xuan , Yu Shu-Guang , Zhu Bing-Mei
Published: April 2022

Background

Acupuncture at Neiguan (PC6) has long been used for treating cardiovascular diseases, but its antiarrhythmic effect and the underlying mechanisms have not yet been well investigated, especially regarding premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) that occur post-myocardial infarction (MI). The purpose of this study was to study the antiarrhythmic effect of manual acupuncture applied to PC6 for a relatively long period (28 days) and to elucidate the mechanism in mice.

Methods

An MI mouse model was generated by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery in male C57/BL6 mice (n = 31). Manual acupuncture at PC6 was applied seven times weekly for 4 weeks. The state of myocardial injury was characterized by electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography. Inflammation was detected by ELISA and immunohistochemical stanning. Fibrosis was evaluated by Masson’s trichrome staining. RNA sequencing was used to explore the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among the different groups after treatment.

Results

Acupuncture at PC6 lowered the incidence of spontaneous PVCs after MI injury (1/9, 11%) compared to that in mice without acupuncture treatment (6/9, 67%) and improved the ejection fraction from 31.77% in the MI mice to 44.18% in the MI + PC6 mice. Fibrosis was reduced after PC6 treatment. RNA-seq showed many DEGs involved in the immune system and inflammatory response pathway. Further studies confirmed that inflammation at the circulation level and cardiac tissue was inhibited in MI + PC6 mice, accompanied by suppressed sympathetic activation.

Conclusions

In conclusion, 28-day treatment of acupuncture at PC6 reduced spontaneous PVCs and improved systolic function, possibly by suppressing inflammatory response-mediated fibrosis and sympathetic hyperactivity.
Phytochemicals targeting Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4) in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Dai Wenbin , Long Longhai , Wang Xiaoqiang , Li Sen , Xu Houping
Published: April 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a collective term for inflammatory diseases including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is thought to play a key role in the pathogenesis of IBD. Inhibition of TLR4 has been recognized as an effective target for the treatment of IBD. Many phytochemicals have been shown to have potential as new drugs for the treatment of IBD. This review surveyed the available literature and reports which focused on the in vivo effects of phytochemicals targeting TLR4 in different models of IBD, and clarified the significance of TLR4 as a current therapeutic target for IBD. Based on our review, we have concluded that phytochemicals targeting TLR4 are potentially effective candidates for developing new therapeutic drugs against IBD.
Roles of childhood maltreatment, personality traits, and life stress in the prediction of severe premenstrual symptoms
Authors: Morishita Chihiro , Inoue Takeshi , Honyashiki Mina , Ono Miki , Iwata Yoshio , Tanabe Hajime , Kusumi Ichiro , Masuya Jiro
Published: April 2022

Background

About 3% to 8% of women of fertile age are thought to have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is regarded as a serious form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), although the details of this common condition remain unclear. The aim of this study was to analyze the interrelations of childhood maltreatment, personality traits, and life stress in the etiology of PMS/PMDD.

Methods

A total of 240 adult female volunteers from a community in Japan were investigated, using the following 5 questionnaires: Patient Health Quesstionaire-9, Child Abuse and Trauma Scale, Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Life Experiences Survey, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) scale. The questionnaire data were subjected to path analyses to clarify the association between childhood maltreatment and the severity of premenstrual symptoms, mediated by personality traits and life stress.

Results

The 2 path analysis models showed that high harm avoidance (HA) on the TCI and low self-directedness (SD) on the TCI had significant direct effects on the severity of premenstrual symptoms. Moreover, childhood maltreatment was associated with the severity of premenstrual symptoms, both directly and indirectly through personality traits.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that HA on the TCI might be a risk factor for severe premenstrual symptoms among general women and furthermore that SD on the TCI may be a protective factor. In addition, childhood maltreatment is associated with severe premenstrual symptoms both directly and indirectly through personality traits.
Dihydroartemisinin attenuates hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in neonatal rats by inhibiting oxidative stress
Authors: Xiong Qian , Li Xiaohuan , Xia Lei , Yao Zhengyu , Shi Xiuyu , Dong Zhifang
Published: April 2022

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) induced by perinatal asphyxia is a major cause of neurological disability among infants. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), derived from artemisinin, well known as an anti-malarial medicine, was proved to be able to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammation. However, whether those functions of DHA play roles in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD), an animal model of HIE in patient which also been observed to have oxidative stress and inflammation, is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that the DHA treatment on newborn rats significantly relieved the neuron loss and motor and cognitive impairment caused by HIBD. One of the underlying mechanisms is that DHA enhanced the anti-oxidant capacity of HIBD rats by up-regulating the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), gluathione reductase (GR) and catalase (CAT) while down regulating the pro-oxidative substances including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total nitric oxide synthase (T-NOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Thus, our study illustrated that DHA could alleviate the damage of brains and improve the cognitive and motor function of HIBD rats by inhibiting oxidative stress, provided an opportunity to interrogate potential therapeutics for affected HIE patients.
BMC Caller: a webtool to identify and analyze bacterial microcompartment types in sequence data
Authors: Sutter Markus , Kerfeld Cheryl A.
Published: April 2022

Bacterial microcompartments (BMCs) are protein-based organelles found across the bacterial tree of life. They consist of a shell, made of proteins that oligomerize into hexagonally and pentagonally shaped building blocks, that surrounds enzymes constituting a segment of a metabolic pathway. The proteins of the shell are unique to BMCs. They also provide selective permeability; this selectivity is dictated by the requirements of their cargo enzymes. We have recently surveyed the wealth of different BMC types and their occurrence in all available genome sequence data by analyzing and categorizing their components found in chromosomal loci using HMM (Hidden Markov Model) protein profiles. To make this a “do-it yourself” analysis for the public we have devised a webserver, BMC Caller (https://bmc-caller.prl.msu.edu), that compares user input sequences to our HMM profiles, creates a BMC locus visualization, and defines the functional type of BMC, if known. Shell proteins in the input sequence data are also classified according to our function-agnostic naming system and there are links to similar proteins in our database as well as an external link to a structure prediction website to easily generate structural models of the shell proteins, which facilitates understanding permeability properties of the shell. Additionally, the BMC Caller website contains a wealth of information on previously analyzed BMC loci with links to detailed data for each BMC protein and phylogenetic information on the BMC shell proteins. Our tools greatly facilitate BMC type identification to provide the user information about the associated organism’s metabolism and enable discovery of new BMC types by providing a reference database of all currently known examples.
What are gender differences in lower limb muscle activity during jump–landing tasks? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Seyedahmadi Mohammad , Minoonejad Hooman , Karimizadeh Ardakani Mohammad , Heidari Zahra , Bayattork Mohammad , Akbari Hadi
Published: April 2022

Background

Gender differences in muscle activity during landing have been proposed as a possible contributing factor to the greater incidence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in women. Conflicting results among a few studies in this regard makes it impossible to reach correct conclusions.

Objectives

The aim of this study was systematic review and the meta-analysis of previous studies which have compared the electromyographic activity of lower limb muscles in gluteus muscles (maximus and medius), quadriceps (rectus femoris, vastus medialis and lateralis), hamstrings (biceps femoris and semimembranosus), and gastrocnemius in men and women in jump–landing task.

Methods

A systematic search of the PubMed, SCOPUS, Science Direct databases was performed for eligible articles in October 2020. Cross-sectional studies that compared the muscle activity of male and female athletes without a history of previous injury in the jump–landing task were included. Unisex and non-athlete's studies were extracted from the included studies. The data were synthesized using a fixed and random effects model.

Results

Eight studies involving 145 participants were included. All participants were people who participated in regular exercises. The meta-analysis of timing and muscle activity was performed in the feedforward (pre contact) and feedback (post contact) stages. There were no significant differences in the muscle activity of biceps femoris (MD = −12.01; 95% CI − 51.49 to 27.47; p = 0.55; I2 = 87%), vastus medialis (MD = −53.46; 95% CI − 129.73 to 22.81; p = 0.17; I2 = 91%), semimembranosus (MD = 1.81; 95% CI − 6.44 to 10.07; p = 0.67; I2 = 0%), gluteus medius (MD = −3.14; 95% CI − 14.24 to 7.96; p = 0.58; I2 = 48%), and rectus femoris (MD = −5.83; 95% CI − 14.57 to 2.92; p = 0.19; I2 = 87%) in the pre contact phase between two sexes. There was a significant difference between men and women in the activity of vastus lateralis muscle in the post contact phase (MD = −34.90; 95% CI − 48.23 to − 21.57). No significant difference was observed between the men and women in the timing of semimembranosus (MD = 23.53; 95% CI − 14.49 to 61.54; p = 0.23; I2 = 56%) and biceps femoris muscle activity (MD = −46.84; 95% CI − 97.50 to 3.83; p = 0.07; I2 = 82%).

Conclusion

The results showed that in all lower limb muscles except vastus lateralis there were no significant differences between muscle activity and muscle contraction timing in both sexes before and after foot contact. Therefore, it can be concluded that the reason for the greater susceptibility of ACL injuries in women than men is maybe related to other factors such as biomechanical and hormonal. Additional good quality research in this regard is required to strengthen these conclusions.
A prospective clinical study with one year follow up of deep caries management using a novel biomaterial
Authors: Roma M. , Gupta Ravi , Hegde Shreya
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The objectives of this study was to check the outcome of the direct and indirect pulp capping procedure using MTA (Mineral Trioxide Aggregate) by comparing the pre—and post—operative pain by using VAS scale, associating the pre- and post- operative changes in intraoral periapical radiograph and clinical symptoms.

Materials and methods

In this prospective clinical study 10 cases (5 for direct and 5 for indirect) with deep carious lesions (symptomatic) with no periapical changes were selected for the trial. The participants were subjected to deep caries management procedure under rubber dam where MTA is placed as pulp capping material followed by immediate restoration with sandwich technique using composite resin. The participants were followed up at recall visits of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year intervals for clinical and radiographic evaluation.

Results

The results of the study, analyzing the VAS, clinical symptoms and radiographic changes did not show any signs of pain, clinical and radiographic symptoms at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year intervals.

Conclusions

It was concluded that MTA can be used for deep caries management as a pulp capping material which being equivalent to calcium hydroxide.
Epigenome-wide association study of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants: results from the discovery-BPD program
Authors: Wang Xuting , Cho Hye-Youn , Campbell Michelle R. , Panduri Vijayalakshmi , Coviello Silvina , Caballero Mauricio T. , Sambandan Deepa , Kleeberger Steven R. , Polack Fernando P. , Ofman Gaston , Bell Douglas A.
Published: April 2022

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a lung disease in premature infants caused by therapeutic oxygen supplemental and characterized by impaired pulmonary development which persists into later life. While advances in neonatal care have improved survival rates of premature infants, cases of BPD have been increasing with limited therapeutic options for prevention and treatment. This study was designed to explore the relationship between gestational age (GA), birth weight, and estimated blood cell-type composition in premature infants and to elucidate early epigenetic biomarkers associated with BPD.

Methods

Cord blood DNA from preterm neonates that went on to develop BPD (n = 14) or not (non-BPD,n = 93) was applied to Illumina 450 K methylation arrays. Blood cell-type compositions were estimated using DNA methylation profiles. Multivariable robust regression analysis elucidated CpGs associated with BPD risk. cDNA microarray analysis of cord blood RNA identified differentially expressed genes in neonates who later developed BPD.

Results

The development of BPD and the need for oxygen supplementation were strongly associated with GA (BPD,p < 1.0E−04; O2supplementation,p < 1.0E−09) and birth weight (BPD,p < 1.0E−02; O2supplementation,p < 1.0E−07). The estimated nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) percent was negatively associated with birth weight and GA, positively associated with hypomethylation of the tobacco smoke exposure biomarker cg05575921, and high-NRBC blood samples displayed a hypomethylation profile. Epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) identified 38 (Bonferroni) and 275 (false discovery rate 1%) differentially methylated CpGs associated with BPD. BPD-associated CpGs in cord blood were enriched for lung maturation and hematopoiesis pathways. Stochastic epigenetic mutation burden at birth was significantly elevated among those who developed BPD (adjustedp = 0.02). Transcriptome changes in cord blood cells reflected cell cycle, development, and pulmonary disorder events in BPD.

Conclusions

While results must be interpreted with caution because of the small size of this study, NRBC content strongly impacted DNA methylation profiles in preterm cord blood and EWAS analysis revealed potential insights into biological pathways involved in BPD pathogenesis.

Graphical Abstract
Differentiation of hepatocellular adenoma by subtype and hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic liver by fractal analysis of perfusion MRI
Authors: Michallek Florian , Sartoris Riccardo , Beaufrère Aurélie , Dioguardi Burgio Marco , Cauchy François , Cannella Roberto , Paradis Valérie , Ronot Maxime , Dewey Marc , Vilgrain Valérie
Published: April 2022

Background

To investigate whether fractal analysis of perfusion differentiates hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) subtypes and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in non-cirrhotic liver by quantifying perfusion chaos using four-dimensional dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (4D-DCE-MRI).

Results

A retrospective population of 63 patients (47 female) with histopathologically characterized HCA and HCC in non-cirrhotic livers was investigated. Our population consisted of 13 hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1α-inactivated (H-HCAs), 7 β-catenin-exon-3-mutated (bex3-HCAs), 27 inflammatory HCAs (I-HCAs), and 16 HCCs. Four-dimensional fractal analysis was applied to arterial, portal venous, and delayed phases of 4D-DCE-MRI and was performed in lesions as well as remote liver tissue. Diagnostic accuracy of fractal analysis was compared to qualitative MRI features alone and their combination using multi-class diagnostic accuracy testing including kappa-statistics and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Fractal analysis allowed quantification of perfusion chaos, which was significantly different between lesion subtypes (multi-class AUC = 0.90, p < 0.001), except between I-HCA and HCC. Qualitative MRI features alone did not allow reliable differentiation between HCA subtypes and HCC (κ = 0.35). However, combining qualitative MRI features and fractal analysis reliably predicted the histopathological diagnosis (κ = 0.89) and improved differentiation of high-risk lesions (i.e., HCCs, bex3-HCAs) and low-risk lesions (H-HCAs, I-HCAs) from sensitivity and specificity of 43% (95% confidence interval [CI] 23–66%) and 47% (CI 32–64%) for qualitative MRI features to 96% (CI 78–100%) and 68% (CI 51–81%), respectively, when adding fractal analysis.

Conclusions

Combining qualitative MRI features with fractal analysis allows identification of HCA subtypes and HCCs in patients with non-cirrhotic livers and improves differentiation of lesions with high and low risk for malignant transformation.
Lightning evolution and VLF perturbations associated with category 5 TC Yasa in the South Pacific Region
Authors: Redoblado Paolo A. A. L. , Kumar Sarwan , Kumar Abhikesh , Kumar Sushil
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we present the D-region ionospheric response during the lifespan (10–19 December 2020) of a severe category 5 tropical cyclone (TC) Yasa in the South Pacific by using the very low frequency (VLF, 3–30 kHz) signals from NPM, NLK, and JJI transmitters recorded at Suva, Fiji. Results indicate enhanced lightning and convective activity in all three regions (eyewall, inner rainbands, and outer rainbands) during the TC Yasa that are also linked to the wave-sensitive zones of these transmitter–receiver great circle paths. Of the three regions, the outer rainbands showed the maximum lightning occurrence; hence convective activity. Prominent eyewall lightning was observed just before the TC started to weaken following its peak intensity. Analysis of VLF signals amplitude showed both negative and positive perturbations (amplitudes exceeding ± 3σ mark) lasting for more than 2 h with maximum change in the daytime and nighttime signal amplitudes of − 4.9 dB (NPM) and − 19.8 dB (NLK), respectively. The signal perturbations were wave-like, exhibiting periods of oscillations between ~ 2.2 and 5.5 h as revealed by the Morlet wavelet analysis. Additionally, the LWPC modeling of the signal perturbations indicated a 10 km increase in the daytime D-region reference height, H′, and a 12 km decrease in the nighttime D-region H′ during TC Yasa. The D-region density gradients (sharpness), β, showed small perturbations of 0.01–0.14 km−1 from its normal values. We suggest that the observed changes to the D-region parameters are due to the enhanced convection during TC Yasa which excites atmospheric gravity waves producing traveling ionospheric disturbances to the D-region.

Graphical Abstract
Gastric cancer complicated by paraneoplastic neurological syndrome which presented with extremity numbness: a case report
Authors: Yoshida Takuto , Kawamura Hideki , Mino Kazuhiro , Konishi Yuji , Saito Tomoya , Shimizu Yuichi , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: April 2022

Background

Paraneoplastic neurological syndromes refer to a group of neurological disorders, which occur as distant effects of malignant tumors and are not caused by metastasis, nutritional disorders, or side effects of antitumor drugs.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old woman complained of a 1-month history of extremity numbness. Upon presentation to our hospital, she had worsening numbness, and experienced staggering and falling. Physical examination revealed diminished tendon reflexes in both lower limbs, stocking and glove-type abnormal sensation, and left-sided dominant high-steppage gait due to weakness of the bilateral tibialis anterior muscles. Blood tests indicated anemia, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed gastric cancer, leading to laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. A nerve conduction velocity test showed demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. Further blood tests and imaging studies ruled out nutritional disorders, such as vitamin deficiency, diabetes-related diseases, connective tissue diseases, and central nervous system metastasis, leading to the suspicion of paraneoplastic neurological syndrome. After laparoscopic distal gastrectomy, the progression of symptoms stopped, and with intravenous high-dose immunoglobulin and steroid therapy, the symptoms improved to only minor numbness in the peripheral limbs as of the 18-month follow-up. As of the 2-year follow-up, there has been no cancer recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions

When paraneoplastic neurological syndrome is suspected, early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach, including surgical treatment, are important before irreversible neurological damage occurs.
The association of appetite and hormones (leptin, ghrelin, and Insulin) with resting metabolic rate in overweight/ obese women: a case–control study
Authors: Hajishizari Sara , Imani Hossein , Mehranfar Sanaz , Saeed Yekaninejad Mir , Mirzababaei Atieh , Clark Cain C. T. , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: April 2022

Objective

Low resting metabolic rate (RMR), as a risk factor for weight gain and obesity, can be influenced by many factors. Empirical research has confirmed the role of appetite and related hormones in obesity and energy intake. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between appetite and related hormones in overweight or obese Iranian women with normal and hypo RMR.

Methods

This case–control study was conducted on 42 Iranian adult women (21 cases, and 21 controls), aged 18–48 years. An impedance body analyzer was used to obtain the body composition and an indirect calorimeter was used to assess the RMR. The Flint questionnaire was used to assess appetite, dietary intake, and physical activity were assessed by FFQ and IPAQ questionnaires respectively, and ELISA kits were used to assess leptin, ghrelin, and insulin hormones.

Results

The results of the study demonstrated a negative association between ghrelin hormone level (β = -0.34, 95%CI = -61.70,-3.86, P-value = 0.027) and RMR, and a positive association between insulin hormone level (β = 0.48, 95%CI = 9.38–34.35, P-value = 0.001) and RMR. Also, results of the appetite questionnaire showed that, in general, both appetite (β = 0.32, 95%CI = -0.10–2.99 P-value = 0.044) and hunger variable (β = 0.30, 95%CI = 0.04–5.87, P-value = 0.047) have a positive association with RMR. There was no significant association between leptin levels and RMR.

Conclusion

It is evident that appetite and related hormones have a potential role in promoting a normal RMR.
Sex-specific differences in the efficacy of traditional low frequency versus high frequency spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain
Authors: Conic Rosalynn R. Z. , Caylor Jacob , Cui Christina L. , Reyes Zabrina , Nelson Eric , Yin Sopyda , Lerman Imanuel
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS), an FDA-approved therapy for chronic pain, uses paresthesia (low frequency SCS (LF-SCS)) or paresthesia-free (such as high-frequency SCS (HF-SCS)) systems, providing analgesia through partially-elucidated mechanisms, with recent studies indicating a sexual dimorphism in pain pathogenesis (Bretherton et al., Neuromodulation, 2021; Paller et al., Pain Med 10:289–299, 2009; Slyer et al., Neuromodulation, 2019; Van Buyten et al., Neuromodulation 20:642–649, 2017; Mekhail et al., Pain Pract, 2021). We aim to evaluate SCS therapy sex effects based on paradigm, utilizing visual analog scores (VAS), perceived pain reduction (PPR), and opioid use.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of SCS patients implanted between 2004 and 2020 (n = 237) was conducted. Descriptive statistics and linear mixed methods analyses were used.

Results

HF-SCS (10 kHz) was implanted in 94 patients (40 females, 54 males), and LF-SCS in 143 (70 females, 73 males). At 3 months and 6 months, HF-SCS (p < 0.001) and LF-SCS (p < 0.005) had lower VAS scores compared to baseline (p < 0.005), with no differences across groups. PPR improved in both post-implantation (p < 0.006) and at 3 months (p < 0.004 respectively), compared to baseline persisting to 6 (p < 0.003) and 12 months (p < 0.01) for HF-SCS, with significantly better PPR for HF-SCS at 3 (p < 0.008) and 6 (p < 0.001) months compared to LF-SCS. There were no differences in opioid use from baseline for either modality; however LF-SCS patients used more opioids at every time point (p < 0.05) compared to HF-SCS.

VAS was improved for all modalities in both sexes at 3 months (p = 0.001), which persisted to 6 months (p < 0.05) for HF-SCS males and females, and LF-SCS females. Female HF-SCS had improved PPR at 3 (p = 0.016) and 6 (p = 0.022) months compared to baseline, and at 6 (p = 0.004) months compared to LF-SCS. Male HF-SCS and LF-SCS had improved PPR post-implantation (p < 0.05) and at 3 months (p < 0.05), with HF-SCS having greater benefit at 3 (p < 0.05) and 6 (p < 0.05) months. LF-SCS males but not females used less opioids at 6 months (p = 0.017) compared to baseline; however this effect did not persist.

On linear mixed model analyses, including age, sex and stimulator type, VAS decreased with age, at each timepoint, and had a trend towards increasing with female sex, while PPR increased at 3 and 6 months and lastly HF-SCS was associated with decreased opioid use.

Discussion

PPR at 3 and 6 months improved to a greater extent in HF-SCS. HF-SCS females had improved PPR at 3 and 6 months, and only LF-SCS males used less opioids at 6 months, potentially indicating sex-based pathway. Future studies should further elucidate differences in sex-based pathways and identify optimal SCS opioid-sparing paradigms for chronic pain patients.
DHEA on Sexual Function in Sheehan Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial
Authors: Mandal Soumita , Mukhopadhyay Pradip , Ghosh Sujoy
Published: April 2022

Context

The majority of women with Sheehan syndrome (SS) suffer from sexual dysfunction. Severe androgen deficiency is a major contributory factor. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation has been reported to have variable efficacious in improving female sexual dysfunction (FSD) in several trials but studies using DHEA in SS are not available.

Objective

We aimed to study the use of DHEA supplementation in patients with SS.

Methods

In this crossover trial, 28 participants with SS (age 39.7 ± 8.6 years) were divided into 2 groups (using block randomization) who received DHEA supplements (25 mg twice daily) or matched placebo sequentially for 3 months each. Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) score and serum DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) were measured at baseline and after completion of each phase. Glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and liver enzymes were also measured to assess metabolic side effects.

Results

There was significant improvement in FSFI score from baseline to end of the study in the DHEA group compared with the placebo group (P = 0.006). Mean FSFI score and most of the individual domains of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) improved with DHEA significantly in both groups (P = 0.001 for each group with DHEA). In those who received DHEA first followed by placebo, FSFI declined significantly after placebo (P = 0.041) but remained at an acceptable level of sexual functioning. Serum DHEAS increased significantly with DHEA treatment. No significant changes in glycemic index, lipid profile, and liver enzymes were noted with DHEA treatment.

Conclusion

A short duration of DHEA supplementation in women with SS with FSD is efficacious and safe.
Children's Experience and Practice of Belonging: The Realities of Integration among De Facto Stateless Vietnamese Children in Cambodia
Authors: Rumsby Charlie
Published: April 2022

Vietnamese populations currently residing in Cambodia can be broadly divided into two categories: long-term settlers who have lived in Cambodia for generations and more recent economic migrants. This article focuses on the former group, as it is their children and their children's children who are at high risk of statelessness, unlike the latter who are mostly citizens of Vietnam. Without birth certificates, these children live precarious lives in Cambodia, often in the shadows of ethnic discrimination, poverty, and violence. By using various qualitative research methods, and by emphasizing children's perspectives, the author puts forth the argument that theorizations of integration and assimilation developed in the migration literature are useful for understanding the context in which de facto stateless children in Cambodia negotiate “place belonging.”
Elp1 is required for development of visceral sensory peripheral and central circuitry
Authors: Tolman Zariah , Chaverra Marta , George Lynn , Lefcort Frances
Published: April 2022

Cardiovascular instability and a blunted respiratory drive in hypoxic conditions are hallmark features of the genetic sensory and autonomic neuropathy, familial dysautonomia (FD). FD results from a mutation in the gene ELP1, the encoded protein of which is a scaffolding subunit of the six-subunit Elongator complex. In mice, we and others have shown that Elp1 is essential for the normal development of neural crest-derived dorsal root ganglia sensory neurons. Whether Elp1 is also required for development of ectodermal placode-derived visceral sensory receptors, which are required for normal baroreception and chemosensory responses, has not been investigated. Using mouse models for FD, we here show that the entire circuitry underlying baroreception and chemoreception is impaired due to a requirement for Elp1 in the visceral sensory neuron ganglia, as well as for normal peripheral target innervation, and in their central nervous system synaptic partners in the medulla. Thus, Elp1 is required in both placode- and neural crest-derived sensory neurons, and its reduction aborts the normal development of neuronal circuitry essential for autonomic homeostasis and interoception.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Application of an F0-based genetic assay in adult zebrafish to identify modifier genes of an inherited cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ding Yonghe , Wang Mingmin , Bu Haisong , Li Jiarong , Lin Xueying , Xu Xiaolei
Published: April 2022

Modifier genes contribute significantly to our understanding of pathophysiology in human diseases; however, effective approaches to identify modifier genes are still lacking. Here, we aim to develop a rapid F0-based genetic assay in adult zebrafish using the bag3 gene knockout (bag3e2/e2) cardiomyopathy model as a paradigm. First, by utilizing a classic genetic breeding approach, we identified dnajb6b as a deleterious modifier gene for bag3 cardiomyopathy. Next, we established an F0-based genetic assay in adult zebrafish through injection of predicted microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ)-inducing single guide RNA/Cas9 protein complex. We showed that effective gene knockdown is maintained in F0 adult fish, enabling recapitulation of both salutary modifying effects of the mtor haploinsufficiency and deleterious modifying effects of the dnajb6b gene on bag3 cardiomyopathy. We finally deployed the F0-based genetic assay to screen differentially expressed genes in the bag3 cardiomyopathy model. As a result, myh9b was identified as a novel modifier gene for bag3 cardiomyopathy. Together, these data prove the feasibility of an F0 adult zebrafish-based genetic assay that can be effectively used to discover modifier genes for inherited cardiomyopathy.
The mechanics of air breathing in African clawed frog tadpoles, Xenopus laevis (Anura: Pipidae)
Authors: Phillips Jackson R. , Hewes Amanda E. , Womack Molly C. , Schwenk Kurt
Published: April 2022

Frog larvae (tadpoles) undergo many physiological, morphological and behavioral transformations throughout development before metamorphosing into their adult form. The surface tension of water prevents small tadpoles from breaching the surface to breathe air (including those of Xenopus laevis), forcing them to acquire air using a form of breathing called bubble sucking. With growth, tadpoles typically make a behavioral/biomechanical transition from bubble sucking to breaching. Xenopus laevis tadpoles have also been shown to transition physiologically from conforming passively to ambient oxygen levels to actively regulating their blood oxygen. However, it is unknown whether these mechanical and physiological breathing transitions are temporally or functionally linked, or how both transitions relate to lung maturation and gas exchange competency. If these transitions are linked, it could mean that one biomechanical breathing mode (breaching) is more physiologically proficient at acquiring gaseous oxygen than the other. Here, we describe the mechanics and development of air breathing and the ontogeny of lung morphology in X. laevis throughout the larval stage and examine our findings considering previous physiological work. We found that the transitions from bubble sucking to breaching and from oxygen conforming to oxygen regulation co-occur in X. laevis tadpoles at the same larval stage (Nieuwkoop–Faber stages 53–56 and 54–57, respectively), but that the lungs do not increase significantly in vascularization until metamorphosis, suggesting that lung maturation, alone, is not sufficient to account for increased pulmonary capacity earlier in development. Although breach breathing may confer a respiratory advantage, we remain unaware of a mechanistic explanation to account for this possibility. At present, the transition from bubble sucking to breaching appears simply to be a consequence of growth. Finally, we consider our results in the context of comparative air-breathing mechanics across vertebrates.
Ion-Selective Adsorption of Lead by a Two-Dimensional Terbium Oxalate Framework
Authors: Nankawa Takuya , Sekine Yurina , Yamada Teppei
Published: April 2022

Advances in hazardous metal ion removal are essential for wastewater clean-up to tackle the global water shortage crisis. Here, we report a Pb-selective adsorbent using a Tb oxalate framework (TOF) synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method. The TOF has a two-dimensional sheet structure, in which the interlayer space functions as an ion exchangeable site. Sorption tests using a mixed-ion solution containing Pb2+, Cd2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ showed that the TOF has high selectivity for Pb2+ among other metal ions. The saturated adsorption capacity of the TOF for Pb2+ was 276 mg g−1, which is higher than that of conventional adsorbents. Furthermore, the TOF exhibited reversible Pb2+ adsorption/desorption and could be used for at least three cycles. The results showed that TOF has excellent potential as an adsorbent for removing Pb2+, and because of its reusability, it is also a promising material for wastewater clean-up.
Poststroke White Matter Hyperintensities and Physical Activity: A CANVAS Study Exploratory Analysis
Authors: HUNG STANLEY HUGHWA , KHLIF MOHAMED SALAH , KRAMER SHARON , WERDEN EMILIO , BIRD LAURA J. , CAMPBELL BRUCE C. V. , BRODTMANN AMY
Published: April 2022

Purpose

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are associated with poststroke cognitive decline and mortality. Physical activity (PA) may decrease WMH risk by reducing vascular risk factors and promoting cerebral perfusion. However, the association between poststroke PA and WMH progression remains unclear. We examined the association between PA and WMH volume 12 months after stroke, and between PA and change in WMH volume between 3 and 12 months after stroke.

Methods

We included ischemic stroke survivors from the Cognition And Neocortical Volume After Stroke cohort with available brain magnetic resonance imaging and objective PA data. Total, periventricular, and deep WMH volumes (in milliliters) were estimated with manually edited, automated segmentations (Wisconsin White Matter Hyperintensities Segmentation toolbox). Moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) was estimated using the SenseWear® Armband. Participants with MVPA ≥30 min·d−1 were classified as “meeting PA guidelines.” We used quantile regression to estimate the associations between PA (MVPA and meeting PA guidelines) with WMH volume at 12 months and change in WMH volume between 3 and 12 months after stroke.

Results

A total of 100 participants were included (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 2; interquartile range, 1–4). MVPA was not associated with WMH volume. In univariable analysis, meeting PA guidelines was associated with lower total, periventricular, and deep WMH volumes by 3.0 mL (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.5–9.7 mL), 2.8 mL (95% CI, 0.5–7.1 mL), and 0.9 mL (95% CI, 0.1–3.0 mL), respectively. However, in multivariable analysis, meeting PA guidelines was not associated with WMH volume, and older age was associated with greater WMH volume at 12 months. PA was not associated with change in WMH volume.

Conclusions

Meeting PA guidelines was associated with lower WMH volume at 12 months in univariable analysis, but not in multivariable analysis. Age consistently predicted greater WMH volume.
Bargaining over a Divisible Good in the Market for Lemons
Authors: Gerardi Dino , Maestri Lucas , Monzón Ignacio
Published: April 2022

We study bargaining with divisibility and interdependent values. A buyer and a seller trade a divisible good. The seller is privately informed about its quality, which can be high or low. Gains from trade are positive and decreasing in quantity. The buyer makes offers over time. Divisibility introduces a new channel of competition between the buyer’s present and future selves. The buyer’s temptation to split the purchases of the high-quality good is detrimental to him. As bargaining frictions vanish and the good becomes arbitrarily divisible, the high-quality good is traded smoothly over time and the buyer’s payoff shrinks to zero. (JEL C78, D82, L15)
A Study on Digital Color Reproduction for Recording Color Appearance of Cultural Heritage
Authors: Song Hyeong Rok , Jo Young Hoon
Published: April 2022

The color appearance of cultural heritage are essential factors for manufacturing technique interpretation, conservation treatment usage, and condition monitoring. Therefore, this study systematically established color reproduction procedures based on the digital color management system for the portrait of Gwon Eungsu. Moreover, various application strategies for recording and conserving the cultural heritage were proposed. Overall color reproduction processes were conducted in the following order: photography condition setting, standard color measurements, digital photography, color correction, and color space creation. Therefore, compared with the color appearance, the digital image applied to a camera maker profile indicated an average color difference of Δ10.1. However, the digital reproduction result based on the color management system exhibits an average color difference of Δ1.1, which is close to the color appearance. This means that although digital photography conditions are optimized, recording the color appearance is difficult when relying on the correction algorithm developed by the camera maker. Therefore, the digital color reproduction of cultural heritage is required through color correction and color space creation based on the raw digital image, which is a crucial process for documenting the color appearance. Additionally, the recording of color appearance through digital color reproduction is important for condition evaluation, conservation treatment, and restoration of cultural heritage. Furthermore, standard data of imaging analysis are available for discoloration monitoring.
Nurse workload, missed nursing care, and the contributing factors in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a limited resource setting: A case from Indonesia
Authors: Utomo Martono Tri , Sampurna Mahendra Tri Arif , Melisa Melisa , Permana Putu Bagus Dharma , Angelo Albright Ivan , Etika Risa , Angelika Dina , Handayani Kartika Darma , Irzaldy Abyan
Published: April 2022

Background: Nurses who are in charge of the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) have a different workload and work assignments compared to other units. Evidence suggests that higher nurse workloads will increase the risk of missed nursing care. Missed nursing care in the NICU will eventually worsen the neonatal prognosis. This is a major problem in developing countries, which currently still have a high neonatal mortality rate.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study using questionnaires to collect data from 48 nurses who work in Dr. Soetomo Hospital NICU from April 15th 2021 to July 25th 2021. The collected data was then processed with descriptive statistics, meanwhile the correlation between workload with missed nursing care was analyzed with Pearson and Spearman correlation.

Results: The total mean of NICU nurse workload score according to the NASA-TLX (National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index) was 68.36, indicating a moderate overall workload, with effort as the highest component. Overall, 91.67% of the nurses had missed at least 1 out of 21 basic neonatal nursing care components. Labor resource factor was the most frequent missed nursing care factor, in which urgent patient situations were the most frequent problem. There was no significant correlation between the total nurse workload and the frequency of any missed nursing care (P=0.536).

Conclusions: Effort was the biggest component of the NICU nurse total workload. The most frequently missed nursing care was giving emotional support for the patient’s parents and/or family. Labor resource factor was the most frequent problem which caused missed nursing care. However, there is no statistically significant correlation between the total workload with the frequency of missed nursing care.
Preparedness regarding first response to emergencies in the community among graduate students: A cross-sectional study in India
Authors: Ravindra Prithvishree , Bhat Rachana , Wilson William , Balakrishnan Jayaraj Mymbilly , Raj Jeffrey Pradeep , Bhattacharya Avhishek
Published: April 2022

Background: The key to successful outcomes in time-sensitive emergencies involves a pivotal role played by bystanders in identifying and initiating first response. This in turn depends on their awareness and perspective regarding the same.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the existing awareness and attitude regarding first response to emergencies in students pursuing graduation, in an Indian University.

Methods: The students were administered a pilot-tested questionnaire regarding first response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). A total of 1851 students were included in the study from various disciplines- both health care professional training (HCPT) students and non-HCPT students.

Results: Poor knowledge was noticed across several themes including awareness of emergency helpline number (61.48%), recognising cardiac arrest (33.98%), awareness about hands-only CPR (12.26%), knowledge about rate of chest compressions in adults (25.01%) and infants (19.67%), and steps of using an AED (17.45%). Only 29.17% of the participants had undergone previous training in CPR. Only 57% of the participants were willing to initiate CPR in cardiac arrest victims. Some of the major knowledge barriers identified included no prior training (62.4%) and perceived harm to victims (26.9%). The mean knowledge score was low and 69% of the participants scored less than 50%. The significant predictors of low knowledge score were lower age, male gender, non-HCPT students, no previous training in CPR and having not witnessed a cardiac arrest before.

Conclusions: There is low preparedness regarding the first response and low awareness regarding crucial links in the chain of survival of cardiac arrest. However, willingness among the students to learn CPR was an encouraging finding.
Presenteeism and associated factors among railway train drivers
Authors: Awaad Asmaa El-Sayed , El-Bestar Sohair , El-Gilany Abdel-Hady , Al-Wehedy Adel , El-Hadidy Samah Saleh
Published: April 2022

Background: Presenteeism is an emerging work-related health problem among train drivers. It is more serious than absenteeism, as it accounts for higher productivity losses and may increase the risk of occupational accidents. Train drivers have high rates of mental and physical health conditions that may put them at high risk of presenteeism.

Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 train drivers working in Mansoura railway station and 100 administrative employees working in the Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura university as a comparison group to estimate the prevalence of presenteeism and its associated factors among train drivers working in Mansoura railway station, Egypt. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, occupational and medical data. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to measure non-specific psychological distress. The Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6) was used to assess productivity loss related to sickness presenteeism.

Results: The prevalence of presenteeism was significantly higher among train drivers (76%) compared to the comparison group (31%). All participants (100%) with psychological distress reported presenteeism. Being a train driver (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=5.4) and having hypertension (AOR=4.03) are independent predictors for presenteeism.

Conclusions: The prevalence of presenteeism and its associated risk factors were significantly higher among train drivers than the comparison group. There is an urgent need for the railway industry to understand the factors that may contribute to presenteeism.