bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barnacle Epibiosis on Sea Turtles in Korea: A West Pacific Region With Low Occurrence and Intensity of Chelonibia testudinaria (Cirripedia: Chelonibiidae)
Authors: Kim Hyun Kyong , Chan Benny K. K. , Yi Changho , Kim Il-Hun , Choi Yu Na
Published: February 2022

Loggerhead and green turtles inhabit all oceans except the polar regions. External surfaces of sea turtles are often colonized by epibiotic chelonibiid barnacles. Barnacle taxonomy studies in Korea began in 1985, but until present, no turtle barnacles were recorded. This suggests that either the diversity and frequency of occurrence of turtle barnacles in Korean waters are low or the turtle barnacles have been understudied. This study complies with data collected over 6 years of sea turtle stranding events in Korea (2015–2020). We examined the diversity, frequency, and intensity of turtle barnacle occurrence. Of the 55 recorded strandings, loggerhead turtles were the most common (58%), followed by green turtles (33%). Only one species of barnacle, Chelonibia testudinaria, was found on both loggerhead and green turtles. The frequency of barnacle occurrence on loggerhead turtles was 28%, with an intensity of 2.4 ± 2.7 barnacles per turtle. Notably, 11% of green turtles had barnacles, with an average of one individual per turtle. The frequency and intensity of barnacle occurrence on green turtles analyzed in this study were five times lower than that on green turtle populations in Okinawan, Bornean, and Australian waters in the Indo-Pacific. Based on these new data and the available literature, we speculated that the barnacle larval pools in cold, high-latitude Korean waters are smaller than those occurring in other locations in the Indo-Pacific. The frequency and intensity of occurrence of barnacles on loggerhead turtles in Korea fall within the range recorded in other Indo-Pacific locations. The longer migratory routes of loggerhead turtles allow them to pass through different larval pools in the Indo-Pacific water, exposing them to higher barnacle abundances.
Identification of Important Genes Involved in the Sex-Differentiation Mechanism of Oriental River Prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, During the Gonad Differentiation and Development Period
Authors: Jin Shubo , Zhang Wenyi , Xiong Yiwei , Jiang Sufei , Qiao Hui , Gong Yongsheng , Wu Yan , Fu Hongtuo
Published: February 2022

Identification of important genes, involved in the gonad differentiation and development, plays essential roles in the establishment of the artificial technique to regulate the process of testis development in M. nipponense. In this study, we aimed to determine the sensitive period of gonad differentiation and development through hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. The important genes involved in the gonad differentiation and development of M. nipponense were then identified through transcriptome profiling analysis during the sensitive period of gonad differentiation and development. HE staining analysis revealed that the sensitive period of gonad differentiation and development was from the post–larval developmental stages 5 (PL5) to PL25, which was dramatically faster than was for the other identified aquatic animals. The transcriptome profiling analysis predicted that phagosome, lysosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis play essential roles in the mechanism of gonad differentiation and development in M. nipponense. A total of 29 genes were further identified as the candidate genes, involved in the process of gonad differentiation and development in M. nipponense, based on the gene annotation and gene expression pattern. The qPCR analysis of Mn-JHEH, Mn-DHP, Mn-ALY, and Mn-SMA6 during the whole developmental process revealed that all of these four genes showed high expression levels during the sensitive period of gonad differentiation and development in M. nipponense. Mn-JHEH, Mn-DHP, and Mn-ALY showed higher expressions at PL25F than at PL25M, while Mn-SMA6 showed a higher expression at PL25M. The RNA interference (RNAi) analysis was further used to investigate the potential functions of SMA6 in male sexual development of M. nipponense. The RNAi analysis revealed that SMA6 positively regulated the testis development in M. nipponense by affecting the expression of Mn-IAG. This study provided valuable evidences for the establishment of the technique to regulate the process of gonad development in M. nipponense.
Study on the Mechanism of Failure in the LiF–NaF–KF Molten-Salt-Purifying Processing System
Authors: Liu Huajian , Chen Shuangjian , Fu Jie , Yang Xinmei , Tang Rui , Ge Min , Wang Jianqiang , Zhou Xingtai , Xie Leidong
Published: February 2022

The failure of LiF–NaF–KF molten salt processing engineering was investigated. The results indicate that the failure is related to the blockage of pipes. The mechanism of blockage was studied systemically. The results reveal that the blockage of pipes was attributed to corrosion. UNS 022N01 alloy vessel was corroded in molten salt to form KNiF3 and K2NiF4. The corrosion products were reduced by H2 to form metallic Ni, which is the precipitant in salt. The transfer of precipitant in terminal salt was stopped by incomplete root penetration, which results in one pipe blocked at the welded joint. The corrosion products were reduced by H2 to form metallic Ni and deposited on the inner surface of H2 gas outlet, which resulted in another blocked pipe.
Academic and Social Impact of Menstrual Disturbances in Female Medical Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maity Sabyasachi , Wray Jadzia , Coffin Tamara , Nath Reetuparna , Nauhria Shreya , Sah Ramsagar , Waechter Randall , Ramdass Prakash , Nauhria Samal
Published: February 2022

Background

The stressful academic schedule of medical students poses an obvious challenge to their daily lifestyle. Psychosomatic discomfort poses a significant risk for inaccurate self-medication for ameliorating menstrual complications and feeling better, thus directly impacting personal and academic wellbeing.

Objective

The impact of menstrual disturbances on academic life is not extensively explored. Therefore, the primary objective of this research was to probe the prevalence of menstrual disturbances and assess the academic and social impact. Finally, the authors provide an overview of pharmacological and other interventions students adopt to reduce clinical symptoms.

Methods

A database search was conducted from the year 2016 till September 2021 for the studies reporting the prevalence of menstrual disorders in all geographic locations of the world. Keywords used for searching databases included “menstrual disturbances” and “medical students,” “prevalence” OR “symptoms” of “Premenstrual syndrome” OR “Premenstrual dysphoric disorder” OR “Dysmenorrhea” in medical students. Prospero Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) protocols were followed. The protocol was registered in the International prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO), the Center for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York (CRD42021277962). The quality of the methodologies used in selected studies was evaluated by a modified version of Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

Initially, 1527 articles were available. After a review, 26 papers were selected for analysis. A total of 25 citations were identified for quantitative analyses, out of which 16 studies reported Pre-menstrual syndrome, 7 reported Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, and 13 articles reported dysmenorrhea. The pooled prevalence of Pre-menstrual syndrome was 51.30%, Pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder was 17.7%, and dysmenorrhea was 72.70%. Most common associated lifestyle factors were stress, excessive caffeine intake and lack of exercise. Painkillers, hot packs and hot beverages were amongst the common measures taken by the students to relieve their symptoms.

Conclusions

The current situation calls for action to accommodate students' needs and bridge the social gap regarding menstrual health. Proactive measures by medical educators and stakeholders are required for an inclusive, accommodating educational environment which will minimize the gender discrepancy in academic satisfaction and professional life.
SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibody (Ab) Levels and the Kinetic of Ab Decline Determine Ab Persistence Over 1 Year
Authors: Garner-Spitzer Erika , Wagner Angelika , Kundi Michael , Stockinger Hannes , Ohradanova-Repic Anna , Gebetsberger Laura , Schoetta Anna-Margarita , Gudipati Venugopal , Huppa Johannes B. , Kunert Renate , Mayrhofer Patrick , Kreil Thomas R. , Farcet Maria R. , Hoeltl Eva , Wiedermann Ursula
Published: February 2022

In a SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence study conducted with 1,655 working adults in spring of 2020, 12 of the subjects presented with positive neutralization test (NT) titers (>1:10). They were here followed up for 1 year to assess their Ab persistence. We report that 7/12 individuals (58%) had NT_50 titers ≥1:50 and S1-specific IgG ≥50 BAU/ml 1 year after mild COVID-19 infection. S1-specific IgG were retained until a year when these levels were at least >60 BAU/ml at 3 months post-infection. For both the initial fast and subsequent slow decline phase of Abs, we observed a significant correlation between NT_50 titers and S1-specific IgG and thus propose S1-IgG of 60 BAU/ml 3 months post-infection as a potential threshold to predict neutralizing Ab persistence for 1 year. NT_50 titers and S1-specific IgG also correlated with circulating S1-specific memory B-cells. SARS-CoV-2-specific Ab levels after primary mRNA vaccination in healthy controls were higher (Geometric Mean Concentration [GMC] 3158 BAU/ml [CI 2592 to 3848]) than after mild COVID-19 infection (GMC 82 BAU/ml [CI 48 to 139]), but showed a stronger fold-decline within 5–6 months (0.20–fold, to GMC 619 BAU/ml [CI 479 to 801] vs. 0.56–fold, to GMC 46 BAU/ml [CI 26 to 82]). Of particular interest, the decline of both infection- and vaccine-induced Abs correlated with body mass index. Our data contribute to describe decline and persistence of SARS-CoV-2-specific Abs after infection and vaccination, yet the relevance of the maintained Ab levels for protection against infection and/or disease depends on the so far undefined correlate of protection.
Contrasting Patterns of Climatic Niche Divergence in Trebouxia—A Clade of Lichen-Forming Algae
Authors: Nelsen Matthew P. , Leavitt Steven D. , Heller Kathleen , Muggia Lucia , Lumbsch H. Thorsten
Published: February 2022

Lichen associations are overwhelmingly supported by carbon produced by photosynthetic algal symbionts. These algae have diversified to occupy nearly all climates and continents; however, we have a limited understanding of how their climatic niches have evolved through time. Here we extend previous work and ask whether phylogenetic signal in, and the evolution of, climatic niche, varies across climatic variables, phylogenetic scales, and among algal lineages in Trebouxia—the most common genus of lichen-forming algae. Our analyses reveal heterogeneous levels of phylogenetic signal across variables, and that contrasting models of evolution underlie the evolution of climatic niche divergence. Together these analyses demonstrate the variable processes responsible for shaping climatic tolerance in Trebouxia, and provide a framework within which to better understand potential responses to climate change-associated perturbations. Such predictions reveal a disturbing trend in which the pace at which modern climate change is proceeding will vastly exceed the rate at which Trebouxia climatic niches have previously evolved.
Improved Feature Point Pair Purification Algorithm Based on SIFT During Endoscope Image Stitching
Authors: Liu Yan , Tian Jiawei , Hu Rongrong , Yang Bo , Liu Shan , Yin Lirong , Zheng Wenfeng
Published: February 2022

Endoscopic imaging plays a very important role in the diagnosis and treatment of lesions. However, the imaging range of endoscopes is small, which may affect the doctors' judgment on the scope and details of lesions. Image mosaic technology can solve the problem well. In this paper, an improved feature-point pair purification algorithm based on SIFT (Scale invariant feature transform) is proposed. Firstly, the K-nearest neighbor-based feature point matching algorithm is used for rough matching. Then RANSAC (Random Sample Consensus) method is used for robustness tests to eliminate mismatched point pairs. The mismatching rate is greatly reduced by combining the two methods. Then, the image transformation matrix is estimated, and the image is determined. The seamless mosaic of endoscopic images is completed by matching the relationship. Finally, the proposed algorithm is verified by real endoscopic image and has a good effect.
Cadaveric White Matter Dissection Study of the Telencephalic Flexure: Surgical Implications
Authors: González-López Pablo , Cossu Giulia , Thomas Cynthia M. , Marston Jeffery S. , Gómez Cristina , Pralong Etienne , Messerer Mahmoud , Daniel Roy T.
Published: February 2022

Neurosurgery has traditionally been overtly focused on the study of anatomy and functions of cortical areas with microsurgical techniques aimed at preserving eloquent cortices. In the last two decades, there has been ever-increasing data emerging from advances in neuroimaging (principally diffusion tensor imaging) and clinical studies (principally from awake surgeries) that point to the important contribution of white matter tracts (WMT) that influence neurological function as part of a brain network. Major scientific consortiums worldwide, currently working on this human brain connectome, are providing evidence that is dramatically altering the manner in which we view neurosurgical procedures. The development of the telencephalic flexure, a major landmark during the human embryogenesis of the central nervous system (CNS), severely affects the cortical/subcortical anatomy in and around the sylvian fissure and thus the different interacting brain networks. Indeed, the telencephalic flexure modifies the anatomy of the human brain with the more posterior areas becoming ventral and lateral and associative fibers connecting the anterior areas with the previous posterior ones follow the flexure, thus becoming semicircular. In these areas, the projection, association, and commissural fibers intermingle with some WMT remaining curved and others longitudinal. Essentially the ultimate shape and location of these tracts are determined by the development of the telencephalic flexure. Five adult human brains were dissected (medial to lateral and lateral to medial) with a view to describing this intricate anatomy. To better understand the 3D orientation of the WMT of the region we have correlated the cadaveric data with the anatomy presented in the literature of the flexure during human neuro-embryogenesis in addition to cross-species comparisons of the flexure. The precise definition of the connectome of the telencephalic flexure is primordial during glioma surgery and for disconnective epilepsy surgery in this region.
Voice in Parkinson's Disease: A Machine Learning Study
Authors: Suppa Antonio , Costantini Giovanni , Asci Francesco , Di Leo Pietro , Al-Wardat Mohammad Sami , Di Lazzaro Giulia , Scalise Simona , Pisani Antonio , Saggio Giovanni
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by specific voice disorders collectively termed hypokinetic dysarthria. We here investigated voice changes by using machine learning algorithms, in a large cohort of patients with PD in different stages of the disease, OFF and ON therapy.

Methods

We investigated 115 patients affected by PD (mean age: 68.2 ± 9.2 years) and 108 age-matched healthy subjects (mean age: 60.2 ± 11.0 years). The PD cohort included 57 early-stage patients (Hoehn &Yahr ≤ 2) who never took L-Dopa for their disease at the time of the study, and 58 mid-advanced-stage patients (Hoehn &Yahr >2) who were chronically-treated with L-Dopa. We clinically evaluated voices using specific subitems of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale and the Voice Handicap Index. Voice samples recorded through a high-definition audio recorder underwent machine learning analysis based on the support vector machine classifier. We also calculated the receiver operating characteristic curves to examine the diagnostic accuracy of the analysis and assessed possible clinical-instrumental correlations.

Results

Voice is abnormal in early-stage PD and as the disease progresses, voice increasingly degradres as demonstrated by high accuracy in the discrimination between healthy subjects and PD patients in the early-stage and mid-advanced-stage. Also, L-dopa therapy improves but not restore voice in PD as shown by high accuracy in the comparison between patients OFF and ON therapy. Finally, for the first time we achieved significant clinical-instrumental correlations by using a new score (LR value) calculated by machine learning.

Conclusion

Voice is abnormal in early-stage PD, progressively degrades in mid-advanced-stage and can be improved but not restored by L-Dopa. Lastly, machine learning allows tracking disease severity and quantifying the symptomatic effect of L-Dopa on voice parameters with previously unreported high accuracy, thus representing a potential new biomarker of PD.
Identification of Region-Specific Cytoskeletal and Molecular Alterations in Astrocytes of Mecp2 Deficient Animals
Authors: Albizzati Elena , Florio Elena , Miramondi Federica , Sormonta Irene , Landsberger Nicoletta , Frasca Angelisa
Published: February 2022

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that represents the most common genetic cause of severe intellectual disability in females. Most patients carry mutations in the X-linked MECP2 gene, coding for the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), originally isolated as an epigenetic transcriptional factor able to bind methylated DNA and repress transcription. Recent data implicated a role for glia in RTT, showing that astrocytes express Mecp2 and that its deficiency affects their ability to support neuronal maturation by non-cell autonomous mechanisms. To date, some molecular, structural and functional alterations have been attributed to Mecp2 null astrocytes, but how they evolve over time and whether they follow a spatial heterogeneity are two aspects which deserve further investigations. In this study, we assessed cytoskeletal features of astrocytes in Mecp2 deficient brains by analyzing their arbor complexity and processes in reconstructed GFAP+ cells at different ages, corresponding to peculiar stages of the disorder, and in different cerebral regions (motor and somatosensory cortices and CA1 layer of hippocampus). Our findings demonstrate the presence of defects in Mecp2 null astrocytes that worsen along disease progression and strictly depend on the brain area, highlighting motor and somatosensory cortices as the most affected regions. Of relevance, astrocyte cytoskeleton is impaired also in the somatosensory cortex of symptomatic heterozygous animals, with Mecp2+ astrocytes showing slightly more pronounced defects with respect to the Mecp2 null cells, emphasizing the importance of non-cell autonomous effects. We reported a temporal correlation between the progressive thinning of layer I and the atrophy of astrocytes, suggesting that their cytoskeletal dysfunctions might contribute to cortical defects. Considering the reciprocal link between morphology and function in astrocytes, we analyzed the effect of Mecp2 deficiency on the expression of selected astrocyte-enriched genes, which describe typical astrocytic features. qRT-PCR data corroborated our results, reporting an overall decrement of gene expression, which is area and age-dependent. In conclusion, our data show that Mecp2 deficiency causes structural and molecular alterations in astrocytes, which progress along with the severity of symptoms and diversely occur in the different cerebral regions, highlighting the importance of considering heterogeneity when studying astrocytes in RTT.
BAIAP2L2 Inactivation Does Not Affect Stereocilia Development or Maintenance in Vestibular Hair Cells
Authors: Yan Keji , Qu Chengli , Wang Yanfei , Zong Wen , Xu Zhigang
Published: February 2022

Hair cells are mechanosensitive cells in the inner ear, characterized by dozens to hundreds of actin-based stereocilia and one tubulin-based kinocilium on the apical surface of each cell. Two types of hair cells, namely cochlear hair cells and vestibular hair cells (VHCs), are responsible for the sensation of sound and balancing information, respectively. In each hair cell, the stereocilia are organized into rows of increasing heights with the mechano-electrical transduction (MET) channels localized at the tips of shorter-row stereocilia. A so-called “row 2 protein complex” also localizes at the tips of shorter-row mechanotransducing stereocilia, which plays important roles in the maintenance of mechanotransducing stereocilia. Recently, we and others identified BAIAP2L2 as a new component of row 2 complex. Baiap2l2 inactivation causes degeneration of the mechanotransducing stereocilia in cochlear hair cells, and leads to profound hearing loss in mice. In the present work, we examined the role of BAIAP2L2 in the VHC stereocilia. Confocal microscopy reveals that BAIAP2L2 immunoreactivity is localized at the tips of shorter-row stereocilia in VHCs. However, stereocilia development and maintenance are unaffected in Baiap2l2–/– VHCs. Meanwhile, MET function of VHCs as well as vestibular functions are also unaffected in Baiap2l2–/– mice. Further investigations show that the stereociliary tip localization of CAPZB2, another known row 2 complex component, is not affected in Baiap2l2–/– VHCs, consistent with the unaltered stereocilia morphology. Taken together, our present data show that BAIAP2L2 inactivation does not affect vestibular hair cell stereocilia.
Structural and Functional Hippocampal Correlations in Environmental Enrichment During the Adolescent to Adulthood Transition in Mice
Authors: Manno Francis A. M. , Kumar Rachit , An Ziqi , Khan Muhammad Shehzad , Su Junfeng , Liu Jiaming , Wu Ed X. , He Jufang , Feng Yanqiu , Lau Condon
Published: February 2022

Environmental enrichment is known to induce neuronal changes; however, the underlying structural and functional factors involved are not fully known and remain an active area of study. To investigate these factors, we assessed enriched environment (EE) and standard environment (SE) control mice over 30 days using structural and functional MRI methods. Naïve adult male mice (n = 30, ≈20 g, C57BL/B6J, postnatal day 60 initial scan) were divided into SE and EE groups and scanned before and after 30 days. Structural analyses included volumetry based on manual segmentation as well as diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Functional analyses included seed-based analysis (SBA), independent component analysis (ICA), the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), and fractional ALFF (fALFF). Structural results indicated that environmental enrichment led to an increase in the volumes of cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus. Structural results indicated changes in radial diffusivity and mean diffusivity in the visual cortex and secondary somatosensory cortex after EE. Furthermore, SBA and ICA indicated an increase in resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) functional connectivity in the hippocampus. Using parallel structural and functional analyses, we have demonstrated coexistent structural and functional changes in the hippocampal subdivision CA1. Future research should map alterations temporally during environmental enrichment to investigate the initiation of these structural and functional changes.
Gut Dysbiosis in Pancreatic Diseases: A Causative Factor and a Novel Therapeutic Target
Authors: Zhang Tao , Gao Guangqi , Sakandar Hafiz Arbab , Kwok Lai-Yu , Sun Zhihong
Published: February 2022

Pancreatic-related disorders such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) impose a substantial challenge to human health and wellbeing. Even though our understanding of the initiation and progression of pancreatic diseases has broadened over time, no effective therapeutics is yet available for these disorders. Mounting evidence suggests that gut dysbiosis is closely related to human health and disease, and pancreatic diseases are no exception. Now much effort is under way to explore the correlation and eventually potential causation between the gut microbiome and the course of pancreatic diseases, as well as to develop novel preventive and/or therapeutic strategies of targeted microbiome modulation by probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for these multifactorial disorders. Attempts to dissect the intestinal microbial landscape and its metabolic profile might enable deep insight into a holistic picture of these complex conditions. This article aims to review the subtle yet intimate nexus loop between the gut microbiome and pancreatic diseases, with a particular focus on current evidence supporting the feasibility of preventing and controlling pancreatic diseases via microbiome-based therapeutics and therapies.
Endothelial Progenitor Cell Levels and Extent of Post-prandial Lipemic Response
Authors: Akcan Buket , Örem Asim , Altinkaynak Yahya , Kural Birgül , Örem Cihan , Sönmez Mehmet , Serafini Mauro
Published: February 2022

Background and Objective

Due to the frequency of meal ingestion, individuals spend the majority of the day, ~18 h, in a status of post-prandial (PP) stress. Remnant-like lipoprotein particles (RLPs) are predominant in PP phase playing an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been suggested to play a role in vessel wall homeostasis and in reducing atherosclerosis. However, there is no information about peripheral blood EPCs number following PP stress. We investigated the association between circulating EPCs levels and extent of PP lipemia in healthy subjects following a high-fat meal.

Materials and Methods

A total of 84 healthy subjects (42 men, 42 women) aged 17–55 years were included in the study. PP lipemic response of subjects was determined by Oral Fat-Loading Test (OFLT). All the subjects were classified on the basis of their plasma TG levels after PP lipemic stressors in categories 1 (low), 2 (moderate), and 3 (high). Circulating EPCs numbers were measured by the flow cytometry method.

Results

There was a significant difference in terms of lipid parameters between men and women: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly lower in men than in women (p < 0.001). Total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.004), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p < 0.001), triglyceride (TG) (p < 0.001), and TG-AUC (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in men than in women. There was no significant difference between the genders in terms of CD34+KDR+ and CD34+KDR+CD133+cell number and MMP-9 levels. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were significantly higher in men than women (p = 0.004). TC, LDL-C, and TG were significantly higher in the 3rd category than 1st and 2nd categories (p < 0.001) in women. Age, body mass index (BMI), fat rate, TG, TC, and LDL-C were significantly higher in the 3rd category than 1st category (p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.002, p = 0.01, p = 0.007, p = 0.004; respectively), in men. Circulating numbers of EPCs in men were significantly higher in the PP hyperlipidemia group than in the low TG levels category, independently from age (p < 0.05). Circulating EPC levels showed a positive correlation with OFLT response in men (r = 0.414, p < 0.05). Also, OFLT response showed a strong positive correlation with fasting TG levels (r = 0.930, p < 0.001). EPC levels in categories of women were not different.

Conclusion

Increased EPCs levels in subjects with different PP hyperlipidemia may be associated with a response to endothelial injury, related to increased atherogenic remnant particles at the PP phase.
Degradation of Muscle Quality in Hybrid Grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Epinephelus lanceolatu) Due to Oxidative Damage Caused by Ingestion of Oxidized Fish Oil
Authors: Yan Xiaobo , Li Zhihao , Dong Xiaohui , Tan Beiping , Pan Simiao , Li Tao , Long Shuisheng , Huang Weibin , Suo Xiangxiang , Yang Yuanzhi
Published: February 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of fresh fish oil (FFO) and oxidized fish oil (OFO) diets on the muscle quality of hybrid grouper (♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ E. lanceolatu). Hybrid grouper were fed with diets containing 9% FFO or OFO for 60 days. Muscle sample were collected at 0, 30, and 60 days and the selected indexes of muscle were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in grouper muscle accumulated gradually with prolonged ingestion time, especially OFO group. Total saturated fatty acids (ΣSAFA) was significantly reduced and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (ΣPUFA) was significantly increased of muscle in FFO group; meanwhile, the muscle ΣSAFA and monounsaturated fatty acids (ΣMUFA) contents in the OFO group were significantly higher than those in the FFO group and the ΣPUFA (especially C22:5n3, C22:6n3) contents was significantly lower than that in the FFO group at 60 days. Consumption of OFO diet for 60 days reduced the diversity of volatile compounds, significantly reduced the content of total esters and increased the content of total aldehydes and total aromatics in grouper muscle. Furthermore, ingestion of OFO diet significantly reduced the mRNA expression of fraction growth factors and antioxidant genes in the muscle of grouper. In conclusion, the increasing MDA content in FO and the oxidative rancidity of PUFA can cause the deterioration of grouper quality and flavor due to oxidative muscle damage.
Recent Advances in Nanoplatforms for the Treatment of Osteosarcoma
Authors: Wu Kunzhe , Yu Beibei , Li Di , Tian Yangyang , Liu Yan , Jiang Jinlan
Published: February 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone tumor in children and young people. Traditional surgical excision combined with chemotherapy presents many limitations, such as resistance and systemic side effects of chemotherapy drugs, postoperative recurrence, and bone defects. Given these limitations, novel therapeutic modalities for OS treatment using nanometer-sized platform-based chemotherapeutic delivery have emerged as a promising alternative therapy. This form of therapy offers multiple advantages, such as accurate delivery of the drug to the tumor site and repair of limited bone defects after tumor resection. In this review, we briefly summarize nanoplatforms, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, nanomicelles, dendrimers, nanocapsules, and exosomes. The essential shortcomings involved in these nanoplatforms, such as poor stability, immunogenicity, insufficient circulation, and drug leakage are also discussed, and related solutions are briefly proposed. Finally, the application prospects of nanoplatforms in the treatment of OS are discussed.
Health-Related Quality of Life, Psychosocial Distress and Unmet Needs in Older Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: McDowell Lachlan , Rischin Danny , Gough Karla , Henson Christina
Published: February 2022

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common cancer involving the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck and is associated with a number of etiological factors, including cigarette smoking, alcohol and betel nut consumption and exposure to high-risk human papillomavirus. The risk of HNSCC increases with age, peaking in the seventh and eighth decade, but this varies by anatomical and histological subtype. While several advancements have been made in the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC) in recent decades, undertaking curative treatment still subjects the majority of HNSCC patients to substantial treatment-related toxicity requiring patients to tolerate a gamut of physical, psychological, and emotional demands on their reserves. In conjunction with other patient-related factors, clinicians involved in treating patients with HNSCC may incorporate advancing chronological age into their decision-making process when determining treatment recommendations. While advancing chronological age may be associated with increased concerns regarding physical treatment tolerability, clinicians may also be concerned about heightened vulnerability in various health and wellbeing outcomes. The available literature, however, does not provide evidence of this vulnerability in patients with advancing age, and, in many instances, older patients self-report greater resilience compared to their younger counterparts. While this data is reassuring it is limited by selection bias and heterogeneity in trial and study design and the absence of a consistent definition of the elderly patient with HNSCC. This narrative review article also includes a review of the measures used to assess HRQL, psychosocial outcomes and unmet needs in elderly or older patients with HNSCC.
Bayesian Modeling Immune Reconstitution Apply to CD34+ Selected Stem Cell Transplantation for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Authors: Diana Jean-Sebastien , Bouazza Naïm , Couzin Chloe , Castelle Martin , Magnani Alessandra , Magrin Elisa , Rosain Jeremie , Treluyer Jean-Marc , Picard Capucine , Moshous Despina , Blanche Stéphane , Neven Bénédicte , Cavazzana Marina
Published: February 2022

Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) correspond to the most severe form of primary immunodeficiency. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and gene therapy are curative treatments, depending on the donor's availability and molecular diagnostics. A partially human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-compatible donor used has been developed for this specific HSCT indication in the absence of a matched donor. However, the CD34+ selected process induces prolonged post-transplant T-cell immunodeficiency. The aim here was to investigate a modeling approach to predict the time course and the extent of CD4+ T-cell immune reconstitution after CD34+ selected transplantation. We performed a Bayesian approach based on the age-related changes in thymic output and the cell proliferation/loss model. For that purpose, we defined specific individual covariates from the data collected from 10 years of clinical practice and then evaluated the model's predicted performances and accuracy. We have shown that this Bayesian modeling approach predicted the time course and extent of CD4+ T-cell immune reconstitution after SCID transplantation.
Direct and Indirect Treatment of Organic Dye (Acid Blue 25) Solutions by Using Cold Atmospheric Plasma Jet
Authors: Kumar Amit , Škoro Nikola , Gernjak Wolfgang , Povrenović Dragan , Puač Nevena
Published: February 2022

In this work, the direct and indirect removal of Acid Blue 25 (AB25) from water by using cold atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) has been demonstrated. APPJ with a pin electrode type configuration operating with argon as a working gas was used as a plasma source for treatments. In this configuration, argon plasma was formed in the contact with surrounding air over the liquid surface. The plasma was driven by using a high voltage radio frequency (RF) power supply. The system was characterized by the measurement of electrical characteristics and by employing optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The electrical characterization gave information about the voltages and currents, i.e., working points of the discharge, as well as power deposition to the sample. OES recorded the emission spectra and confirmed several existing reactive species in the gas phase of the plasma system. During the direct treatment, AB25-containing solution was directly exposed to APPJ. The direct treatment was performed by modifying various experimental parameters, such as initial AB25 concentrations, treatment times, and input powers. In the indirect treatment, AB25 was treated by using plasma activated water (PAW). The characterization of PAW was performed and various plasma-induced long-lived species, such as nitrate (NO3−), nitrite (NO2−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) have been quantified using colorimetric techniques. Besides, blank experiments have been conducted with main constituents in PAW, where AB25 was treated individually by NO3−, NO2−, and H2O2 and with a mixture of these three species. As expected, with the direct treatment almost complete removal of AB25 was achieved. The measurements also provided an insight into the kinetics of the degradation of AB25. In the indirect treatment, PAW removed a significant amount of AB25 within 17 days. In the blank experiments, H2O2 containing solutions created a favourable influence on removal of AB25 from liquid.
VviRafS5 Is a Raffinose Synthase Involved in Cold Acclimation in Grapevine Woody Tissues
Authors: Noronha Henrique , Silva Angélica , Silva Tiago , Frusciante Sarah , Diretto Gianfranco , Gerós Hernâni
Published: February 2022

The accumulation of raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) is a hallmark of plant response to different abiotic stresses, including cold. The synthesis of galactinol, by galactinol synthases (GolS), and raffinose, by raffinose synthases (RafS), are fundamental for stress-induced accumulation of RFOs, but the role of these enzymes in the cold response of grapevine (Vitis viniferaL.) woody tissues is still unclear. To address this gap in the literature, 1-year-lignified grapevine canes were incubated at 4°C for 7 and 14 days and tissues were analyzed for sugar content and gene expression. Results showed that, in parallel to starch breakdown, there was an increase in soluble sugars, including sucrose, glucose, fructose, raffinose, and stachyose. Remarkably, abscisic acid (ABA) levels increased during cold acclimation, which correlated with the increased expression of the key ABA-synthesis genesVviNCED2andVviNCED3. Expression analysis of theVviGolSandVviRafSfamily allowed the identification ofVviRafS5as a key player in grapevine cold response. The overexpression ofVviRafS5inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeallowed the biochemical characterization of the encoded protein as a raffinose synthase with a size of ~87 kDa. In grapevine cultured cells,VviRafS5was upregulated by cold and ABA but not by heat and salt stresses. Our results suggest that ABA accumulation in woody tissues during cold acclimation upregulatesVivRafS5leading to raffinose synthesis.
Exploring Senior High School Students’ English Learning Demotivation in Mainland China
Authors: Gao Lixiang , Liu Honggang , Liu Xiaoxi
Published: February 2022

In the last 20 years, much attention has been paid to learners’ demotivation. Researchers have conducted many studies on second/foreign language learning demotivation from the perspectives of social culture, social psychology, and so forth. In China, related studies have mainly focused on college students’ demotivation; scant attention has been paid to senior high school students. Regarding scale development, although much progress has been made, there remains a need for a scale with high reliability and validity that is suitable for students in the basic education stage. Therefore, based on previous studies and choosing Chinese senior high school students as participants, this research study developed a scale with 55 items, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to develop a 28-item scale with six dimensions. The six-dimensional construct encompasses teacher knowledge, important others, teacher responsibility, learner-related factors, learning contents, and critical incidents, which are the key factors leading to English learners’ demotivation. Among them, the factor of critical incidents is new and has been overlooked by other researchers. Moreover, the descriptive analysis demonstrated the degree to which the demotivators influence learners, and the independent samplest-test found a significant difference in the impact of critical incidents in terms of the students’ language proficiency. Ultimately, four suggestions are put forward to remotivate and sustain learners’ motivation.
A Case Report of Excessive Use of Clozapine Combined With Clonazepam
Authors: Li Wei , Liu Yan , Jiang Haifeng , Du Jiang , Zhao Yan , Du Zheyi , Li Shuo , Wang Haihong
Published: February 2022

Introduction

For patients with schizophrenia, clozapine (CLZ) in combination with clonazepam (CLNAZ) is one of the viable therapeutic options. We successfully reduced the doses of CLZ and CLNAZ to the safe range of a polydrug abuse patient. As far as we know, this is the first case of this problem. As there are no relevant guidelines to reduce CLZ or CLNAZ, we hope to share this case to provide a reference for the prevention and treatment of similar patients with multidrug abuse.

Case Presentation

This case report describes a 46-year-old male with a 24-year history of schizophrenia. His main clinical manifestations are auditory hallucinations, persecutory delusion, and emotional instability. In 2012, the patient started taking rifampicin due to tuberculosis and gradually overused CLZ and CLNAZ. Before admission, he took 1,275 mg of CLZ every day and 26 mg of CLNAZ every night. With the help of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) and pharmacogenetic testing, we gradually reduced his daily dose of CLZ and CLNAZ and formulated a more reasonable dosing schedule for him. At the time of discharge, the patient took CLZ 450 mg per day and CLNAZ 2 mg per night, with no obvious symptoms of psychosis.

Conclusion

In the process of drug maintenance treatment of schizophrenia, it is necessary to adopt TDM strategy to reduce and treat the abuse of multiple prescription drugs.
Biannual Administrations of Azithromycin and the Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Malawian Children: A Nested Cohort Study Within a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chaima David , Pickering Harry , Hart John D. , Burr Sarah E. , Houghton Joanna , Maleta Kenneth , Kalua Khumbo , Bailey Robin L. , Holland Martin J.
Published: February 2022

Community-level mass treatment with azithromycin has been associated with a mortality benefit in children. However, antibiotic exposures result in disruption of the gut microbiota and repeated exposures may reduce recovery of the gut flora. We conducted a nested cohort study within the framework of a randomized controlled trial to examine associations between mass drug administration (MDA) with azithromycin and the gut microbiota of rural Malawian children aged between 1 and 59 months. Fecal samples were collected from the children at baseline and 6 months after two or four biannual rounds of azithromycin treatment. DNA was extracted from fecal samples and V4-16S rRNA sequencing used to characterize the gut microbiota. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant phyla while Faecalibacterium and Bifidobacterium were the most prevalent genera. There were no associations between azithromycin treatment and changes in alpha diversity, however, four biannual rounds of treatment were associated with increased abundance of Prevotella. The lack of significant changes in gut microbiota after four biannual treatments supports the use of mass azithromycin treatment to reduce mortality in children living in low- and middle-income settings.
Relationship Between Hand Kinematics, Hand Hydrodynamic Pressure Distribution and Hand Propulsive Force in Sprint Front Crawl Swimming
Authors: Koga Daiki , Tsunokawa Takaaki , Sengoku Yasuo , Homoto Kenta , Nakazono Yusaku , Takagi Hideki
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study investigated the relationship between hand kinematics, hand hydrodynamic pressure distribution and hand propulsive force when swimming the front crawl with maximum effort.

Methods

Twenty-four male swimmers participated in the study, and the competition levels ranged from regional to national finals. The trials consisted of three 20 m front crawl swims with apnea and maximal effort, one of which was selected for analysis. Six small pressure sensors were attached to each hand to measure the hydrodynamic pressure distribution in the hands, 15 motion capture cameras were placed in the water to obtain the actual coordinates of the hands.

Results

Mean swimming velocity was positively correlated with hand speed (r = 0.881), propulsive force (r = 0.751) and pressure force (r = 0.687). Pressure on the dorsum of the hand showed very high and high negative correlations with hand speed (r = −0.720), propulsive force (r = −0.656) and mean swimming velocity (r = −0.676). On the contrary, palm pressure did not correlate with hand speed and mean swimming velocity. Still, it showed positive correlations with propulsive force (r = 0.512), pressure force (r = 0.736) and angle of attack (r = 0.471). Comparing the absolute values of the mean pressure on the palm and the dorsum of the hand, the mean pressure on the dorsum was significantly higher and had a larger effect size (d = 3.71).

Conclusion

It is suggested that higher hand speed resulted in a more significant decrease in dorsum pressure (absolute value greater than palm pressure), increasing the hand propulsive force and improving mean swimming velocity.
The Impact of Concussion, Sport, and Time in Season on Saliva Telomere Length in Healthy Athletes
Authors: Machan Matthew , Tabor Jason B. , Wang Meng , Sutter Bonnie , Wiley J. Preston , Mychasiuk Richelle , Debert Chantel T.
Published: February 2022

To date, sport-related concussion diagnosis and management is primarily based on subjective clinical tests in the absence of validated biomarkers. A major obstacle to clinical validation and application is a lack of studies exploring potential biomarkers in non-injured populations. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between saliva telomere length (TL) and multiple confounding variables in a healthy university athlete population. One hundred eighty-three (108 male and 75 female) uninjured varsity athletes were recruited to the study and provided saliva samples at either pre- or mid-season, for TL analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the associations between saliva TL and history of concussion, sport contact type, time in season (pre vs. mid-season collection), age, and sex. Results showed no significant associations between TL and history of concussion, age, or sport contact type. However, TL from samples collected mid-season were longer than those collected pre-season [β = 231.4, 95% CI (61.9, 401.0), p = 0.008], and males had longer TL than females [β = 284.8, 95% CI (111.5, 458.2), p = 0.001] when adjusting for all other variables in the model. These findings population suggest that multiple variables may influence TL. Future studies should consider these confounders when evaluating saliva TL as a plausible fluid biomarker for SRC.