bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-based engineering of ligninolytic enzymes in fungi
Authors: Asemoloye Michael Dare , Marchisio Mario Andrea , Gupta Vijai Kumar , Pecoraro Lorenzo
Published: January 2021

Background

Many fungi grow as saprobic organisms and obtain nutrients from a wide range of dead organic materials. Among saprobes, fungal species that grow on wood or in polluted environments have evolved prolific mechanisms for the production of degrading compounds, such as ligninolytic enzymes. These enzymes include arrays of intense redox-potential oxidoreductase, such as laccase, catalase, and peroxidases. The ability to produce ligninolytic enzymes makes a variety of fungal species suitable for application in many industries, including the production of biofuels and antibiotics, bioremediation, and biomedical application as biosensors. However, fungal ligninolytic enzymes are produced naturally in small quantities that may not meet the industrial or market demands. Over the last decade, combined synthetic biology and computational designs have yielded significant results in enhancing the synthesis of natural compounds in fungi.

Main body of the abstract

In this review, we gave insights into different protein engineering methods, including rational, semi-rational, and directed evolution approaches that have been employed to enhance the production of some important ligninolytic enzymes in fungi. We described the role of metabolic pathway engineering to optimize the synthesis of chemical compounds of interest in various fields. We highlighted synthetic biology novel techniques for biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) activationin fungoand heterologous reconstruction of BGC in microbial cells. We also discussed in detail some recombinant ligninolytic enzymes that have been successfully enhanced and expressed in different heterologous hosts. Finally, we described recent advance in CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats)-Cas (CRISPR associated) protein systems as the most promising biotechnology for large-scale production of ligninolytic enzymes.

Short conclusion

Aggregation, expression, and regulation of ligninolytic enzymes in fungi require very complex procedures with many interfering factors. Synthetic and computational biology strategies, as explained in this review, are powerful tools that can be combined to solve these puzzles. These integrated strategies can lead to the production of enzymes with special abilities, such as wide substrate specifications, thermo-stability, tolerance to long time storage, and stability in different substrate conditions, such as pH and nutrients.
Synergism between nonane and emanations from soil as cues in oviposition‐site selection of natural populations of Anopheles gambiae and Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Mwingira Victor S. , Mboera Leonard E. G. , Takken Willem
Published: January 2021

Background

Olfactory cues have been shown to have an important role in guiding gravid mosquito females to selected sites for egg laying. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of emanations from soil from a breeding site and the putative oviposition pheromone nonane on oviposition-site selection of natural populations ofAnopheles gambiae sensu lato(s.l.) andCulex quinquefasciatus.

Methods

This field-based study was conducted in Mvomero District in East-central Tanzania. In a dual-choice experimental set up, clay bowls were dug into the ground and filled with one of the following treatments: (i) distilled water + autoclaved soil (control), (ii) distilled water + soil from a natural mosquito breeding site, (iii) distilled water + nonane and (iv) distilled water + nonane + soil from a natural breeding site. Soil was dried and autoclaved or dried only before use. After five days of incubation, larvae were collected daily for 10 days. The median number of larvae per bowl per day was used as outcome measure.

Results

Autoclaved soil had a significant attractive effect on oviposition behaviour ofCx. quinquefasciatus(median values ± s.e: 8.0 ± 1.1;P < 0.005) but no effect onAn. gambiae(median value ± s.e: 0.0 ± 0.2;P = 0.18). Nonane and emanations from untreated soil significantly and positively influenced the selection of oviposition sites by bothAn. gambiaes.l. (median values ± s.e.: 12.0 ± 2.0 and 4.5 ± 1.5, respectively;P < 0.0001) andCx. quinquefasciatus(median values ± s.e.: 19.0 ± 1.3 and 17.0 ± 2.0, respectively;P < 0.0001). A mixture of nonane and untreated soil caused a synergistic effect on oviposition behaviour inAn. gambiaes.l. (median value ± s.e.: 23.5 ± 2.5;P < 0.0001) compared to either nonane (median values ± s.e.: 12.0 ± 2.0;P < 0.0001) or untreated soil alone (median value ± s.e.: 4.5 ± 1.5;P < 0.0001). A synergistic effect of nonane mixed with untreated soil was also found inCx. quinquefasciatus(median value ± s.e.: 41.0 ± 2.1;P < 0.0001) compared to either nonane (median value ± s.e. 19.0 ± 1.3;P < 0.0001) or untreated soil alone (median value ± s.e.: 17.0 ± 2.0;P < 0.0001). The oviposition activity index forAn. gambiaewas 0.56 (P < 0.001) and forCx. quinquefasciatus0.59 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The larval pheromone nonane and emanations from breeding-site soil both induced oviposition in wildAn. gambiaes.l. andCx. quinquefasciatus, with a synergistic effect when both stimuli were present simultaneously. This is the first study in which nonane is shown to cause oviposition under natural conditions, suggesting that this compound can potentially be exploited for the management of mosquito vectors.
Sustaining weight loss among adults with obesity using a digital meal planning and food purchasing platform for 12, 24, and 36 months: a longitudinal study
Authors: Hu Emily A. , Pasupuleti Mahesh , Nguyen Viet , Langheier Jason , Shurney Dexter
Published: January 2021

Background

Previous studies have shown that lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can lead to weight loss, resulting in dramatic improvements in overall health and chronic disease risk. However, while many traditional dieting, food tracking and weight loss coaching programs result in short-term weight loss, there is less evidence of their effectiveness on sustaining weight loss over time.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1,740 adults with obesity who used Foodsmart, a digital personalized dietary assessment, meal planning and food purchasing platform. Participants reported age, gender, at least three measures of weight, and their diet using a food frequency questionnaire. We defined sustained weight loss as participants who lost 5 % of initial weight between their first and second reported weights and lost weight or maintained weight between second and third reported weights. A healthy eating score, Nutriscore, was calculated to assess overall diet quality. We used multivariate logistic regression models to examine the association between user characteristics and odds of sustained weight loss.

Results

Over a median of 25 months, the mean (standard deviation) change in weight among participants was − 6.2 (19.8) pounds. In total, 39.3 % (684/1,740) of participants lost at least 5 % of their initial weight, and 22.4 % percent (389/1,740) of participants sustained weight loss. In the fully-adjusted logistic regression model, we found that obesity class 2 (odds ratio, OR: 1.69, 95 % confidence interval, CI: 1.27–2.24, P < 0.001), obesity class 3 (OR: 2.23, 95 % CI: 1.68–2.97, P < 0.001), baseline diet quality (OR: 1.06, 95 % CI: 1.02–1.09, P < 0.001), and greater change in diet quality (OR: 1.10, 95 % CI: 1.07–1.14, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with sustained weight loss.

Conclusions

This study characterized and demonstrated the utility of Foodsmart, a digital platform that gives personalized nutrition recommendations and meal planning tools, in sustained weight reduction among users with obesity.
A qualitative study on the experiences of southern European immigrant parents navigating the Norwegian healthcare system
Authors: Herrero-Arias Raquel , Diaz Esperanza
Published: January 2021

Background

Patients’ experiences with health providers and their diagnostic and treatment expectations are shaped by cultural health beliefs and previous experiences with healthcare services in home country. This study explores how Southern European immigrant parents navigate the Norwegian healthcare system, through its focus on how this group manage their expectations on diagnosis and treatment practices when these are unmet.

Methods

The study had a qualitative research design. Fourteen in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions with 20 Southern European immigrant parents were conducted in 2017 in three Norwegian municipalities. With the help of NVivo software, data were transcribed verbatim and coded. Following a thematic analysis approach to identify patterns in immigrants’ experiences with the Norwegian healthcare services, the codes were organized into two themes.

Results

The first theme includes immigrants’ expectations on diagnostic tests and medical treatment. Southern European immigrants expected more diagnostic tests and pharmacological treatment than what was deemed necessary by Norwegian health providers. Experiences with unmet expectations influenced how immigrants addressed their and their children’s healthcare needs. The second theme comprises immigrants’ experiences of seeking healthcare in Norway (attending medical consultations in the private sector, seeking immigrant healthcare providers, and navigating the healthcare through their Norwegian social networks). This category includes also the alternative solutions immigrants undertook when they were dissatisfied with the diagnosis and treatment practices they were offered in Norway (self-medication and seeking healthcare in home countries).

Conclusions

Cultural health beliefs and previous experiences with healthcare services from home country shaped immigrants’ expectations on diagnosis and treatment practices. This had great implications for their navigation through the healthcare system and interactions with health providers in the host country. The study suggests that successful inclusion of immigrants into the Norwegian healthcare system requires an acknowledgement of the cultural factors that influence access and use of healthcare services. Exploring immigrants’ perspectives and experiences offers important information to understand the challenges of cross-cultural healthcare and to improve communication and equitable access.
TAT-modified serum albumin nanoparticles for sustained-release of tetramethylpyrazine and improved targeting to spinal cord injury
Authors: Lin Yan , Wan Yujie , Du Xingjie , Li Jian , Wei Jun , Li Ting , Li Chunhong , Liu Zhongbing , Zhou Meiling , Zhong Zhirong
Published: January 2021

Background

Spinal Cord injury (SCI) is a kind of severe traumatic disease. The inflammatory response is a significant feature after SCI. Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a perennial herb of umbelliferae, is an alkaloid extracted from ligustici. TMP can inhibit the production of nitric oxide and reduce the inflammatory response in peripheral tissues. It can be seen that the therapeutic effect of TMP on SCI is worthy of affirmation. TMP has defects such as short half-life and poor water-solubility. In addition, the commonly used dosage forms of TMP include tablets, dropping pills, injections, etc., and its tissue and organ targeting is still a difficult problem to solve. To improve the solubility and targeting of TMP, here, we developed a nanotechnology-based drug delivery system, TMP-loaded nanoparticles modified with HIV trans-activator of transcription (TAT-TMP-NPs).

Results

The nanoparticles prepared in this study has integrated structure. The hemolysis rate of each group is less than 5%, indicating that the target drug delivery system has good safety. The results of in vivo pharmacokinetic studies show that TAT-TMP-NPs improves the bioavailability of TMP. The quantitative results of drug distribution in vivo show that TAT-TMP-NPs is more distributed in spinal cord tissue and had higher tissue targeting ability compared with other treatment groups.

Conclusions

The target drug delivery system can overcome the defect of low solubility of TMP, achieve the targeting ability, and show the further clinical application prospect.
Translation and cross-cultural adaption of the Chinese version of the Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version 2.0: a tool for oral symptom assessment in head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Jin Min , Sun Li , Meng Rui , Wang Wenjing , Sun Rui , Huang Jing , Qin You , Wu Bian , Ding Qian , Peng Gang , Zhang Tao , Yang Kunyu
Published: January 2021

Background

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) who are receiving radiotherapy commonly face detrimental complications, including oral issues. However, oral symptoms are not well understood given the lack of available specific assessment instruments. The Vanderbilt Head and Neck Symptom Survey version (VHNSS) 2.0 is an instrument specifically developed to identify oral symptoms in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy in the United States.

Objective

To perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original English version of VHNSS 2.0 into a Chinese version (Mainland China).

Methods

The translation and cultural adaptation process involved translation by independent translators, construction of a consensus version, back translation into the original English version, analysis by the expert committee and a pretest. The pretest was administered to 90 patients with HNC to assess the feasibility and practicality of the tool.

Results

The final Chinese version approved by the expert committee was well understood by all participants in the study. The instrument had satisfactory content validity, with indexes of 0.83 for semantic and idiomatic equivalence, 0.90 for cultural equivalence, and 0.91 for conceptual equivalence. Furthermore, this version had good internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.74 to 0.95.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of VHNSS 2.0 was translated and cross-culturally adapted for use in China. This translation is a feasible instrument to assess oral health-related quality of life in HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy and will be useful for symptom management by clinicians and researchers in China.
Clinicopathological features and risk factors analysis of lymph node metastasis and long-term prognosis in patients with synchronous multiple gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Liang , Yue Chao , Li Gang , Ming Xuezhi , Gu Rongmin , Wen Xu , Zhou Bin , Peng Rui , Wei Wei , Chen Huanqiu
Published: January 2021

Background

As a common malignancy, gastric cancer (GC) remains an important threat to human’s health. The incidence of synchronous multiple gastric cancer (SMGC) has increased obviously with technical advances of endoscopic and pathological examinations. Several studies have investigated the relationship between SMGC and solitary gastric cancer (SGC). However, little is known about the relationship between early and advanced SMGCs, and the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis and prognosis in SMGC patients remain unclear.

Methods

We retrospectively collected 57 patients diagnosed as SMGC and underwent radical gastrectomies from December 2011 to September 2019. Epidemiological data and clinicopathological characteristics of all patients were recorded. Postoperative follow-up was performed by telephone or outpatient service. Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test was adopted in analysis of categorical data. Continuous data were analyzed by using unpaired t test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis and tumor recurrence of SMGC.

Results

There were 45 males and 12 females. The average age was 62.1 years old. There were 20 patients with early SMGC and 37 patients with advanced SMGC. Most of patients (91.2%) had two malignant lesions. Tumor recurrence occurred in 8 patients, among which 7 patients died from recurrence. The rates of total gastrectomy, tumor size ≥ 2 cm, poorly differentiated type, lymph node metastasis, ulcer and nerve invasion, and preoperative CEA level were significantly higher in advanced SMGC patients compared to those with early SMGC. Lymphovascular cancer plug and preoperative CA125 were the independent risk factors of lymph node metastasis in patients with SMGC. Lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, and preoperative AFP might be the risk factors of tumor recurrence of SMGC, but need further validation.

Conclusions

In patients with SMGC, the presence of tumor size ≥ 2 cm, poorly differentiated type, lymph node metastasis, ulcer, nerve invasion, and relatively high preoperative CEA level might indicate the advanced SMGC. More attention should be paid to lymph node metastasis in SMGC patients with lymphovascular cancer plug and high preoperative CA125. Lymph node metastasis, nerve invasion, and preoperative AFP might be associated with recurrence of SMGC, needing further validation.
Blood-based extracellular matrix biomarkers as predictors of survival in patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma receiving pegvorhyaluronidase alfa
Authors: Wang Song , Bager Cecilie L. , Karsdal Morten A. , Chondros Dimitrios , Taverna Darin , Willumsen Nicholas
Published: January 2021

Background

Extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is a hallmark of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDA). We investigated fragments of collagen types III (C3M, PRO-C3), VI (PRO-C6), and VIII (C8-C), and versican (VCANM) in plasma as biomarkers for predicting progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with mPDA treated with pegvorhyaluronidase alfa, a biologic that degrades the ECM component hyaluronan (HA), in a randomized phase 2 study (HALO109-202).

Methods

HALO109-202 comprised a discovery cohort (Stage 1, n = 94) and a validation cohort (Stage 2, n = 95). Plasma ECM biomarkers were analyzed by ELISAs. Univariate Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier plots evaluated predictive associations between biomarkers, PFS and OS in patients treated with pegvorhyaluronidase alfa plus nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine (PAG) versus nab-paclitaxel/gemcitabine (AG) alone.

Results

PFS was improved with PAG vs. AG in Stage 1 patients with high C3M/PRO-C3 ratio (median cut-off): median PFS (mPFS) 8.0 vs. 5.3 months, P = 0.031; HR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.17–0.92). High C3M/PRO-C3 ratio was validated in Stage 2 patients by predicting a PFS benefit of PAG vs. AG (mPFS: 8.8 vs. 3.4 months, P = 0.046; HR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.21–0.98). OS was also improved in patients with high C3M/PRO-C3 ratio treated with PAG vs. AG (mOS 13.8 vs 8.5 months, P = 0.009; HR = 0.35; 95% CI 0.16–0.77). Interestingly, high C3M/PRO-C3 ratio predicted for a PFS benefit to PAG vs. AG both in patients with HA-low tumors (HR = 0.36; 95% CI 0.17–0.79) and HA-high tumors (HR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.06–0.69).

Conclusions

The C3M/PRO-C3 ratio measuring type III collagen turnover in plasma has potential as a blood-based predictive biomarker in patients with mPDA and provides additional value to a HA biopsy when applied for patient selection.

Trial registration: NCT01839487. Registered 25 April 2016
Robot enhanced stroke therapy optimizes rehabilitation (RESTORE): a pilot study
Authors: Keeling Alexa B. , Piitz Mark , Semrau Jennifer A. , Hill Michael D. , Scott Stephen H. , Dukelow Sean P.
Published: January 2021

Background

Robotic rehabilitation after stroke provides the potential to increase and carefully control dosage of therapy. Only a small number of studies, however, have examined robotic therapy in the first few weeks post-stroke. In this study we designed robotic upper extremity therapy tasks for the bilateral Kinarm Exoskeleton Lab and piloted them in individuals with subacute stroke. Pilot testing was focused mainly on the feasibility of implementing these new tasks, although we recorded a number of standardized outcome measures before and after training.

Methods

Our team developed 9 robotic therapy tasks to incorporate feedback, intensity, challenge, and subject engagement as well as addressing both unimanual and bimanual arm activities. Subacute stroke participants were assigned to a robotic therapy (N = 9) or control group (N = 10) in a matched-group manner. The robotic therapy group completed 1-h of robotic therapy per day for 10 days in addition to standard therapy. The control group participated only in standard of care therapy. Clinical and robotic assessments were completed prior to and following the intervention. Clinical assessments included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Upper Extremity (FMA UE), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Robotic assessments of upper limb sensorimotor function included a Visually Guided Reaching task and an Arm Position Matching task, among others. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare initial and final robotic therapy scores as well as pre- and post-clinical and robotic assessments.

Results

Participants with subacute stroke (39.8 days post-stroke) completed the pilot study. Minimal adverse events occurred during the intervention and adding 1 h of robotic therapy was feasible. Clinical and robotic scores did not significantly differ between groups at baseline. Scores on the FMA UE, ARAT, FIM, and Visually Guided Reaching improved significantly in the robotic therapy group following completion of the robotic intervention. However, only FIM and Arm Position Match improved over the same time in the control group.

Conclusions

The Kinarm therapy tasks have the potential to improve outcomes in subacute stroke. Future studies are necessary to quantify the benefits of this robot-based therapy in a larger cohort.

Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04201613, Registered 17 December 2019—Retrospectively Registered,https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04201613.
Author’s reply (in reference to letter to editor proposed by Etem Caliskan, Catherine J. Pachuk, Louis P. Perrault, Maximilian Y Emmert and entitled: preservation solutions to improve graft patency: The devil is in the detail)
Authors: Fouquet Olivier , Blossier Jean-David , Dang Van Simon , Robert Pauline , Barbelivien Agnès , Pinaud Frédéric , Binuani Patrice , Eid Maroua , Henrion Daniel , Loufrani Laurent , Baufreton Christophe
Published: January 2021

Not applicable.
Suan-Zao-Ren Decoction ameliorates synaptic plasticity through inhibition of the Aβ deposition and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in AD model of APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Long Qing-Hua , Wu Yong-Gui , He Li-Ling , Ding Li , Tan Ai-Hua , Shi He-Yuan , Wang Ping
Published: January 2021

Background

Suan-Zao-Ren Decoction (SZRD) has been widely used to treat neurological illnesses, including dementia, insomnia and depression. However, the mechanisms underlying SZRD’s improvement in cognitive function remain unclear. In this study, we examined SZRD’s effect on APP/PS1 transgenic mice and mechanisms associated with SZRD’s action in alleviating neuroinflammation and improving synaptic plasticity.

Methods

The APP/PS1 mice were treated with different dosages of SZRD (12.96 and 25.92 g/kg/day, in L-SZRD and H-SZRD groups, respectively) for 4 weeks. Morris water maze was conducted to determine changes in behaviors of the mice after the treatment. Meanwhile, in the samples of the hippocampus, Nissl staining and Golgi-Cox staining were used to detect synaptic plasticity. ELISA was applied to assess the expression levels of Aβ1−40 and Aβ1−42 in the hippocampus of mice. Western blot (WB) was employed to test the protein expression level of Aβ1−42, APP, ADAM10, BACE1, PS1, IDE, IBA1, GFAP, PSD95 and SYN, as well as the expressions of JAK2, STAT3 and their phosphorylation patterns to detect the involvement of JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Besides, we examined the serum and hippocampal contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α through ELISA.

Results

Compared to the APP/PS1 mice without any treatment, SZRD, especially the L-SZRD, significantly ameliorated cognitive impairment of the APP/PS1 mice with decreases in the loss of neurons and Aβ plaque deposition as well as improvement of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus (P < 0.05 or 0.01). Also, SZRD, in particular, the L-SZRD markedly inhibited the serum and hippocampal concentrations of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α, while reducing the expression of p-JAK2-Tyr1007 and p-STAT3-Tyr705 in the hippocampus of the APP/PS1 mice (P < 0.05 or 0.01).

Conclusions

The SZRD, especially the L-SZRD, may improve the cognitive impairment and ameliorate the neural degeneration in APP/PS1 transgenic mice through inhibiting Aβ accumulation and neuroinflammation via the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.
Development of the Screening Tool for Everyday Mobility and Symptoms (STEMS) for skeletal dysplasia
Authors: Ireland Penelope J. , Savarirayan Ravi , Pocovi Tash , Tate Tracy , Coussens Marie , Tofts Louise , Munns Craig , Pacey Verity
Published: January 2021

Background

Skeletal dysplasia are genetic disorders of cartilage and bone, characterized by impairments commonly resulting in short stature, altered movement biomechanics, pain, fatigue and reduced functional performance. While current tools quantify functional mobility performance, they have not been standardly used in this population group and do not capture patient-reported symptoms such as pain or fatigue. This study evaluated a new tool, the Screening Tool for Everyday Mobility and Symptoms (STEMS), designed to accurately and objectively assess functional mobility and associated symptomology for individuals with skeletal dysplasia.

Methods

Individuals aged 5–75 years with a skeletal dysplasia completed the STEMS, the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS) and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT). The correlation among the STEMS, use of mobility aides, FMS and 6MWT normalised for leg length was calculated. One-way analysis of variance compared the STEMS symptomatology to normalised 6MWT distance.

Results

One hundred and fifty individuals with skeletal dysplasia (76 achondroplasia, 42 osteogenesis imperfecta, 32 other; 74 < 18 years, 76 ≥ 18 years) participated. Almost two thirds of the group reported pain and/or fatigue when mobilising at home, at work or school and within the community, but only twenty percent recorded use of a mobility device. The STEMS setting category demonstrated highly significant correlations with the corresponding FMS category (r = − 0.983 to − 0.0994, all p < 0.001), and a low significant correlation with the normalised 6MWT distance (r = − 0.323 to − 0.394, all p < 0.001). A decreased normalised 6MWT distance was recorded for individuals who reported symptoms of pain and/or fatigue when mobilising at home or at work/school (all p ≤ 0.004). Those who reported pain only when mobilising in the community had a normal 6MWT distance (p = 0.43–0.46).

Conclusions

The Screening Tool for Everyday Mobility and Symptoms (STEMS) is a useful new tool to identify and record mobility aide use and associated self-reported symptoms across three environmental settings for adults and children with skeletal dysplasia. The STEMS may assist clinicians to monitor individuals for changes in functional mobility and symptoms over time, identify individuals who are functioning poorly compared to peers and need further assessment, and to measure effectiveness of treatment interventions in both clinical and research settings.
Shared residential placement for child welfare and juvenile justice youth: current treatment needs and risk of adult criminal conviction
Authors: Jäggi Lena , Schmid Marc , Bürgin David , Saladin Nadine , Grob Alexander , Boonmann Cyril
Published: January 2021

Background

Although child welfare youth and juvenile offenders in residential care have different judicial placement reasons, there seems to be overlap in their demographic and psychosocial backgrounds. This could raise the question whether these adolescents should be placed in strictly separated institutions based on their judicial title (civil or criminal law) or together based on their needs. As systematic knowledge on the effects of shared placement of these groups is limited, the aim of the current paper is to examine the demographic, crime-related and psychosocial characteristics of child welfare and juvenile justice youths in shared residential care and subsequently examine its relationship with offending behavior in adulthood.

Methods

The sample was drawn from the Swiss study for clarification and goal-attainment in youth welfare and juvenile justice institutions (MAZ.) and consisted 354 juveniles (252 child welfare, 102 juvenile justice; 223 boys, 131 girls) between 10 and 18 years. Mental health problems were assessed with the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Version 2 (MAYSI-2), official adult criminal conviction data up to 10 years later was obtained from the Swiss Federal Office of Statistics. Three sets of logistic regressions were conducted investigating any, violent and non-violent convictions.

Results

Univariate results showed that that the child welfare sample included more females, more juveniles with the Swiss nationality, and was younger at the time of assessment and at first placement compared to the juvenile justice sample. Furthermore, child welfare youths showed less alcohol/drug use problems and offending behavior than their juvenile justice counterparts. Unadjusted models demonstrated that committing authority predicted adult criminal convictions, but that this distinction disappeared when it was controlled for demographic, crime-related and psychosocial factors. Gender and time at risk were found to be related to adult conviction in all three models. In addition, alcohol/drug use problems were risk factors for general, previous convictions for violent, and traumatic experiences for non-violent convictions in adulthood.

Conclusions

Our results support the approach of placement in residential care institutions based on treatment needs instead of on judicial title. Special attention should be devoted to trauma informed care and substance use coping. However, more research is needed.
The novel multiple sclerosis susceptibility gene ATXN1 regulates B cell receptor signaling in B-1a cells
Authors: Ma Qin , Didonna Alessandro
Published: January 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) caused by complex gene-environment interactions.ATXN1maps to 6p22.3, within the 233 loci associated with an increased risk of developing MS. Toxic gain-of-function mutations inATXN1cause the neurodegenerative disorder spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1). Conversely,ATXN1loss-of-function is involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and tumorigenesis. We have recently shown thatATXN1exerts a protective immunomodulatory activity in the MS model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Specifically, we demonstrated that mice lackingAtxn1experience aggravated EAE due to aberrant B cell functions.Atxn1-null mice exhibit increased B cell proliferation with the concomitant expansion of specific B cell subsets including B-1a cells. This population of B cells is responsible for the production of natural immunoglobulins and has been associated with the etiology of multiple autoimmune diseases. To understand the role played byAtxn1in these cells, we performed comprehensive transcriptomic profiling ofAtxn1-null B-1a cells before and after stimulation with an encephalitogenic antigen. Importantly, we show that in this sub-populationAtxn1regulates immunoglobulin gene transcription and signaling through the B cell receptor (BCR).
The roles of extracellular vesicles in the development, microenvironment, anticancer drug resistance, and therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xueying , Guo Junnan , Yu Pingyang , Guo Lunhua , Mao Xionghui , Wang Junrong , Miao Susheng , Sun Ji
Published: January 2021

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the main malignant tumours affecting human health, mainly due to delayed diagnosis and high invasiveness. Extracellular vehicles (EVs) are membranous vesicles released by cells into the extracellular matrix that carry important signalling molecules and stably and widely exist in various body fluids, such as plasma, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, breast milk, urine, semen, lymphatic fluid, synovial fluid, amniotic fluid, and sputum. EVs transport almost all types of bioactive molecules (DNA, mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), proteins, metabolites, and even pharmacological compounds). These “cargoes” can act on recipient cells, reshaping the surrounding microenvironment and altering distant targets, ultimately affecting their biological behaviour. The extensive exploration of EVs has deepened our comprehensive understanding of HNSCC biology. In this review, we not only summarized the effect of HNSCC-derived EVs on the tumour microenvironment but also described the role of microenvironment-derived EVs in HNSCC and discussed how the “mutual dialogue” between the tumour and microenvironment mediates the growth, metastasis, angiogenesis, immune escape, and drug resistance of tumours. Finally, the clinical application of EVS in HNSCC was assessed.
Aromatic L-amino Acid Decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency: results from an Italian modified Delphi consensus
Authors:   the Delphi panel experts’ group, Fusco Carlo , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Striano Pasquale , Battini Roberta , Burlina Alberto , Spagnoli Carlotta
Published: January 2021

Background

Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare and underdiagnosed neurometabolic disorder resulting in a complex neurological and non-neurological phenotype, posing diagnostic challenges resulting in diagnostic delay. Due to the low number of patients, gathering high-quality scientific evidence on diagnosis and treatment is difficult. Additionally, based on the estimated prevalence, the number of undiagnosed patients is likely to be high.

Methods

Italian experts in AADC deficiency formed a steering committee to engage clinicians in a modified Delphi consensus to promote discussion, and support research, dissemination and awareness on this disorder. Five experts in the field elaborated six main topics, each subdivided into 4 statements and invited 13 clinicians to give their anonymous feedback.

Results

100% of the statements were answered and a consensus was reached at the first round. This enabled the steering committee to acknowledge high rates of agreement between experts on clinical presentation, phenotypes, diagnostic work-up and treatment strategies. A research gap was identified in the lack of standardized cognitive and motor outcome data. The need for setting up an Italian working group and a patients’ association, together with the dissemination of knowledge inside and outside scientific societies in multiple medical disciplines were recognized as critical lines of intervention.

Conclusions

The panel expressed consensus with high rates of agreement on a series of statements paving the way to disseminate clear messages concerning disease presentation, diagnosis and treatment and strategic interventions to disseminate knowledge at different levels. Future lines of research were also identified.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in ovarian cancer patients from Belarus: update
Authors: Savanevich Alena , Ashuryk Olgierd , Cybulski Cezary , Lubiński Jan , Gronwald Jacek
Published: January 2021

Background

Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are well-established risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer. In Central-Eastern European counties, the founder mutations in the BRCA1 are responsible for a significant proportion of ovarian cancer cases, however, regional differences in the frequencies of various mutations may exist. The spectrum and frequency of BRCA1/2 mutations between ovarian cancer patients have not yet been precisely established in Belarus.

Methods

Two hundred fourteen consecutive unselected cases of ovarian cancer patients from the region of West Belarus were examined. We studied 13 founder mutations in BRCA1 (c.5266dupC, c.4035delA, c.5251C > T, c.181 T > G, c.676delT, c.68_69delAG, c.3700_3704delGTAAA, c.1687C > T, c.3756_3759delGTCT) and in BRCA2 (c.658_659delGT, c.7913_7917delTTCCT, c.3847_3848delGT, c.5946delT) characteristic for Central European population.

Results

A BRCA1 or BRCA2 founder mutations were detected in 54 of the 214 (25.2%) ovarian cancer cases. The BRCA1 c.5266dupC mutation was detected in 28 patients, followed by c.4035delA mutation observed in 18 patients. BRCA1 c.3756_3759delGTCT, c.68_69delAG, and c.1687C > T were found in 3, 2, and 1 women, respectively. BRCA2 c.658_659delGT mutation was detected in 2 ovarian cancer patients. The median age of diagnosis of the 54 hereditary ovarian cancers was 57.5 years.

Conclusions

The frequency of 13 causative BRCA1 and BRCA2 founder mutations in West Belarus was higher than in other Slavic countries. Testing of BRCA1 (c.5266dupC, c.4035delA, c.3756_3759delGTCT, c.68_69delAG, c.1687C > T as well as c.181 T > G) and BRCA2 (c.658_659delGT) mutations should be considered an inexpensive and sensitive test panel for this population.
Effectiveness of electroacupuncture for thin endometrium in infertile women: study protocol for a single-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Fangyuan , Lu Hua , Wang Xinxin , Zhang Qi , Liu Qianchen , Wang Tong
Published: January 2021

Background

Thin endometrium negatively impacts the reproductive function. Current treatments for thin endometrium do not always improve endometrial receptivity. Preliminary evidence suggests that electroacupuncture could have potential therapy for thin endometrium in infertile women. Thus, this randomized controlled trial was designed to test whether electroacupuncture can improve endometrial receptivity in infertile women with thin endometrium.

Methods

This study is a randomized, single-blinded, controlled, clinical trial. A total of 142 eligible patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to the electroacupuncture (EA) group or the sham electroacupuncture (SEA) group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants will receive 36 sessions over three menstrual cycles (12 weeks in total), with the same acupoint prescription. The primary outcome of this trial is endometrial thickness in the midluteal phase. The secondary outcomes include endometrial pattern, resistance index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) of bilateral uterine artery and endometrium blood flow, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P), and pregnancy rate. The pregnancy rate will be evaluated during a 6-month follow-up after completion of the trial. All other outcomes will be evaluated before treatment, during the treatment of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd menstrual cycle, and 6 months after treatment.

Discussion

If the outcome confirms the effectiveness of electroacupuncture for thin endometrium in infertile women, this treatment will be proposed for application in clinical practice.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry ChiCTR2000029983. Registered on 18 February 2020
Comparison of physical effect between two training methods for individuals with substance use disorder
Authors: Yan-guang Yang , Jing-yi Chen , Xiao-Wu Pang , Meng-lu Shen , Su-yong Yang , Ding Xu , Ke Xiao , Tian-yuan Wang , Jia-bin Wang , Dong Zhu
Published: January 2021

Background

HIIT has recently been widely used for health promotion in healthy people and patients with chronic diseases. Exercise can help SUD reduce drug cravings, enhance mental health and return to normal life. However, whether HIIT can bring better physical rehabilitation benefits to individuals with SUD than MICT is unclear. The study aimed to compare the effects of HIIT versus MICT on the physical fitness of individuals with SUD.

Methods

One hundred twenty individuals with amphetamine-type stimulant dependence voluntarily participated in this study. They were randomly assigned to the HIIT group and MICT group. Both groups received training three times a week. The intervention lasted from January 2019 to December 2019. Physical fitness was assessed at the baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months, including blood pressure (BP), vital capacity(VC), hand grip, push-up, sit-and-reach, one-leg standing with eyes closed and choice reaction time. The craving level was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale at baseline, 6 months and 12 months to see any change along with the improvement in physical fitness. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied to analyse the differences in change by group (HIIT and MICT) and time (baseline, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months).

Results

The within-group factor displayed significant changes in the HIIT and MICT groups in terms of systolic BP (F (4,336) = 12.799, P < 0.001,η2 = 0.204), diastolic BP (F(4,336) = 9.495, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.16), VC (F(4,336) = 18.121, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.177), hand grip (F(4,336) = 34.815, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.293), sit-and-reach (F(4,336) = 13.871, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.142), push-up (F(4,336) = 28.805, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.255), one-leg standing with eyes closed (F(4,336) = 14.495, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.156) and choice reaction time (F(4,336) = 20.603, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.197). The craving level decreased after 12 months of intervention in both groups (F(2,168) = 11.25, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.118), but no significant differences in physical fitness and craving level were found in between groups and the interactions of group × time.

Conclusions

After 12 months of intervention, physical fitness improved while craving level decreased in the two groups. These findings suggest that both HIIT and MICT have positive effects on individuals with SUD in terms of physical fitness.

Trial registration

ChiCTR1900022158 Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: Registered 27th March, 2019.
A silent public health threat: emergence of Mayaro virus and co-infection with Dengue in Peru
Authors: Aguilar-Luis Miguel Angel , del Valle-Mendoza Juana , Sandoval Isabel , Silva-Caso Wilmer , Mazulis Fernando , Carrillo-Ng Hugo , Tarazona-Castro Yordi , Martins-Luna Johanna , Aquino-Ortega Ronald , Peña-Tuesta Isaac , Cornejo-Tapia Angela , del Valle Luis J.
Published: January 2021

Objective

To describe frequency and clinical characteristics of MAYV infection in Piura, as well as the association of this pathogen with DENV.

Results

A total of 86/496 (17.3%) cases of MAYV were detected, of which 54 were MAYV mono-infection and 32 were co-infection with DENV, accounting for 10.9% and 6.4%, respectively. When evaluating monoinfection by MAYV the main groups were 18–39 and 40–59 years old, with 25.9% and 20.4% respectively. Co-infections were more common in the age group 18–39 and those > 60 years old, with 34.4% and 21.9%, respectively. The most frequent clinical presentation were headaches (94.4%, 51/54) followed by arthralgias (77.8%, 42/54). During the 8-month study period the most cases were identified in the months of May (29.1%) and June (50.0%).
Adult tissue-resident stem cells—fact or fiction?
Authors: Bhartiya Deepa
Published: January 2021

Life-long tissue homeostasis of adult tissues is supposedly maintained by the resident stem cells. These stem cells are quiescent in nature and rarely divide to self-renew and give rise to tissue-specific “progenitors” (lineage-restricted and tissue-committed) which divide rapidly and differentiate into tissue-specific cell types. However, it has proved difficult to isolate these quiescent stem cells as a physical entity. Recent single-cell RNAseq studies on several adult tissues including ovary, prostate, and cardiac tissues have not been able to detect stem cells. Thus, it has been postulated that adult cells dedifferentiate to stem-like state to ensure regeneration and can be defined as cells capable to replace lost cells through mitosis. This idea challenges basic paradigm of development biology regarding plasticity that a cell enters point of no return once it initiates differentiation. The underlying reason for this dilemma is that we are putting stem cells and somatic cells together while processing for various studies. Stem cells and adult mature cell types are distinct entities; stem cells are quiescent, small in size, and with minimal organelles whereas the mature cells are metabolically active and have multiple organelles lying in abundant cytoplasm. As a result, they do not pellet down together when centrifuged at 100–350g. At this speed, mature cells get collected but stem cells remain buoyant and can be pelleted by centrifuging at 1000g. Thus, inability to detect stem cells in recently published single-cell RNAseq studies is because the stem cells were unknowingly discarded while processing and were never subjected to RNAseq. This needs to be kept in mind before proposing to redefine adult stem cells.
On Neumann problem for the degenerate Monge–Ampère type equations
Authors: Shi Juhua , Jiang Feida
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we study the global $C^{1, 1}$

C

1
,
1

regularity for viscosity solution of the degenerate Monge–Ampère type equation $\det [D^{2}u-A(x, Du)]=B(x, u, Du)$
det
[

D
2

u
−
A
(
x
,
D
u
)
]
=
B
(
x
,
u
,
D
u
)
with the Neumann boundary value condition $D_{\nu }u=\varphi (x)$

D
ν

u
=
φ
(
x
)
, where the matrix A is under the regular condition and some structure conditions, and the right-hand term B is nonnegative.
Modeling dynamics of fast food and obesity for evaluating the peer pressure effect and workout impact
Authors: Al-Tuwairqi Salma M. , Matbouli Reem T.
Published: January 2021

In recent years, chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, and cancer, have increased around the world. Obesity is a common factor that makes individuals susceptible to these diseases. One reason for excessive weight gain is the frequent consumption of fast food. This study examined the impact that fast food has on obesity by analyzing the influence of peer pressure on fast food consumption and the role that exercise plays in weight gain. Two mathematical models were proposed to study each factor separately. The models demonstrated the dynamics of individuals transitioning from one weight class to another according to their body mass index (BMI). The models were governed by systems of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. A qualitative approach for analyzing the systems was utilized, and the numerical simulations supported the qualitative results. The results of this study may contribute to the development of strategies for controlling obesity. In particular, the models showed the importance of resisting peer pressure that drives individuals to eat fast food meals, as well as maximizing the role that quitters can play in convincing obese individuals to stop consuming fast food meals. In addition to the two previous strategies, the research revealed that physical activity has a significant role in reducing weight.
Some new exact solutions of $(3+1)$-dimensional Burgers system via Lie symmetry analysis
Authors: Alimirzaluo Elnaz , Nadjafikhah Mehdi , Manafian Jalil
Published: January 2021

In this paper, by using the Lie symmetry analysis, all of the geometric vector fields of the$(3+1)$(3+1)-Burgers system are obtained. We find the 1, 2, and 3-dimensional optimal system of the Burger system and then by applying the 3-dimensional optimal system reduce the order of the system. Also the nonclassical symmetries of the$(3+1)$(3+1)-Burgers system will be found by employing nonclassical methods. Finally, the ansatz solutions ofBSequations with the aid of the tanh method has been presented. The achieved solutions are investigated through two- and three-dimensional plots for different values of parameters. The analytical simulations are presented to ensure the efficiency of the considered technique. The behavior of the obtained results for multiple cases of symmetries is captured in the present framework. The outcomes of the present investigation show that the considered scheme is efficient and powerful to solve nonlinear differential equations that arise in the sciences and technology.