bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hashimoto Tanılı Hastalarda Non-Alkolik Yağlı Karaciğer Hastalığı Sıklığı ve Hematolojik Parametreler ile İlişkisi
Authors: GÖKÇE Ali , DİKEÇ GÖKÇE Burcu , EREN Mehmet Ali , ÇİNDOĞLU Çiğdem , KARAASLAN Hüseyin
Published: August 2022

Giriş: Non-alkolik yağlı karaciğer hastalığı (NAYKH), en yaygın karaciğer hastalığı olup küresel prevalansının şu anda %25 olduğu tahmin edilmektedir. Hipotiroidizm ile NAYKH arasında potansiyel bir ilişki olduğunu gösteren çalışmalar mevcut olsa da, toplum taramalarından çelişkili sonuçlar elde edilmiştir. Platelet/lenfosit oranı (PLO) kardiyovasküler olayların belirleyicisi ve nötrofil/lenfosit oranı (NLO) ise sistemik inflamasyonun bir göstergesidir. Biz de Hashimoto tiroiditi tanısı olanlarda NAYKH sıklığı ve bunun PLO, NLO ile ilişkisini araştırmayı amaçladık.
Gereç ve Yöntem: En az 6 ay süredir Hashimoto tanısı olan, 18-65 yaş arası, beden kütle indeksi 30 kg/m2’den küçük olan, bilinen başka bir hastalığı olmayan ve TSH düzeyi 10 uIU/mL’nin altında olan toplam 97 birey çalışmaya alındı ve ultrasonografi ile NAYKH varlığı ve derecesi ölçüldü.
Bulgular: Hashimoto tanısı olanlarda NAYKH sıklığı %42,3 olarak belirlendi. Grade 2-3 yağlanması olanlar hem grade 1 yağlanması olanlardan (p<0.001) hem de yağlanması olmayanlardan (p=0.023) anlamlı olarak daha yaşlıydı. Yine grade 1 yağlanması olanlarda olmayanlara göre anlamlı olarak daha yaşlıydı. Glukoz düzeyi grade 2-3 yağlanma olanlarda hem yağlanma olmayanlara (p=0.006) hem de grade 1 yağlanma olanlara göre (p=0.028) anlamlı yüksekti. ALT düzeyi grade 2-3 yağlanma olanlarda olmayanlara göre anlamlı yüksek bulundu (p= 0.013). NLO ve PLO oranları ise 3 grup arasında da benzerdi.
Sonuç: Hashimoto tiroiditi olanlarda NAYKH sıklığı daha önce yapılan çalışmalar ile benzer sıklıkta bulundu. Yağlanma derecesi yaş ile artmaktadır. Ayrıca yağlanma ile metabolik parametreler bozulmakta ve ALT düzeyi artmaktadır. Ancak yağlanmanın kan sayımından elde edilen inflamatuar parametrelere etkisi yoktur.
El kavrama kuvveti ile periferik kas kuvveti arasındaki ilişki; Kesitsel çalışma
Authors: EVYAPAN Seda , KARAHAN Ali Yavuz
Published: August 2022

AMAÇ; Bu çalışmanın amacı genç erişkin yaş grubunda el kavrama kuvveti (EKK) ile omuz (deltoid), sırt (trapez), kalça ekstansör (gluteus maksimus) ve fleksör (psoas majör) kasları ve diz ekstansör (kuadriseps) kas kuvvetleri arasındaki ilişkiyi ortaya koymaktır.

GEREÇ VE YÖNTEM; Kesitsel araştırma niteliğinde yapılan ve 18-25 yaş aralığında 50 katılımcı ile tamamlanan bu çalışmada, el kavrama, pinch, omuz, sırt, kalça ve diz kas kuvveti ölçümleri dinamometre ile yapılmıştır. Her kas grubu için ölçüm 10 saniye arayla 3 kez uygulanmış ve ortalama değer “kg” birimi ile çalışmada kullanılmıştır.

BULGULAR; Erkek katılımcıların kas kuvveti ölçümleri, kadın katılımcılara göre istatistiksel olarak daha fazlaydı (p
Investigation of the Effects of Endothelial Protection Solution on Oxidative Stress in Saphenous Vein Endothelium in Diabetic Patients undergoing Coronary Bypass
Authors: HAFIZ Erhan , ALTINBAŞ Özgür
Published: August 2022

Objective: Saphenous vein grafts used for bypasses of diabetic coronary artery patients are occluded earlier than the normal patient population. In this study, the effects of endothelial protection solution on the protection of saphenous vein grafts taken during the operation against oxidative damage in diabetic patients were investigated.
Materials & Methods: The remaining parts of the saphenous vein grafts removed during the operation of 50 diabetic patients who underwent coronary bypass operation in our hospital between 2021 and 2022 were divided into three pieces. Each piece was placed into a different solution as saline (group 1), heparinized autologous blood (group 2), and endothelial protection solution (group 3). They were kept in solutions for 4 hours and then cellular and DNA oxidative stress markers were investigated.
Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p>0.05). Total oxidative status (TOS) levels in groups 1 and 2 without endothelial solution (1.57±0.46 vs. 1.55±0.19) were significantly higher than those in group 3 (1.31±0.11) (p<0.05). Moreover, the oxidative stress index (OSI) was significantly lower in group 3 (p<0.05). On the other hand, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels, which indicate nuclear oxidative stress, were also found to be low in group 3 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Our results support that the use of endothelial solution on saphenous vein grafts used in diabetic patients prevents oxidative damage.
Flipped Learning Model - Learning Style Interaction: Supporting Pre-service Teachers on Science Teaching Methods and Personal Epistemologies
Authors:   Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Education Faculty, Mugla, Türkiye, Cam Aylin , Arslan Harika Ozge ,   Department of Mathematics and Science Education, Duzce University, Education Faculty, Duzce, Türkiye, Cigdemoglu Ceyhan ,   School of Business, Atilim University, Ankara, Türkiye
Published: August 2022

This study revealed how the flipped learning model interacted with the learning styles of primary pre-service teachers. In addition, the impact of the flipped model on participants’ science teaching course achievement and personal epistemologies was investigated. A mixed-method research design was conducted with 27 primary pre-service teachers enrolled in a Science Teaching Course. The flipped classroom model was applied for 15 weeks. The Kolb Learning Style Inventory was distributed to categorize participants under learning styles. Midterm and final exam scores were used as an indicator of course achievement and compared with 30 primary pre-service teachers’ achievement from the previous semester. Lesson plans of the participants were analyzed qualitatively to investigate the personal epistemologies of the participants. Analysis indicated that flip learning environment supported “divergers” more than the others on course achievement. The level of sophistication on personal epistemologies changed across learning styles and the method of teaching differed across learning styles. Further studies need to be conducted to reveal how teacher education programs help pre-service teachers improve personal epistemologies and transfer them to their instruction.
A remineralizing orthodontic etchant that utilizes calcium phosphate ion clusters
Authors: Kim Hyeryeong , Yoo Kyung-Hyeon , Yoon Seog-Young , Choi Youn-Kyung , Kim Yong-Il
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to investigate whether a phosphoric acid (H3PO4) solution containing calcium phosphate ion clusters (CPICs) could minimize enamel damage during long-term bracket bonding by dissolving the enamel surface and promoting enamel remineralization. The experimental design is as follows: first, three experimental etchants (H3PO4, CPICs-incorporated H3PO4 solution-I, and CPICs-incorporated H3PO4 solution-II) and two bonding resins (conventional orthodontic resin and self-adhesive orthodontic resin) were used in combination to create six groups, respectively. Each of these six groups was then divided into two sub-groups based on the presence or absence of thermocycling (TC). Twenty samples were assigned to each of the 12 groups (independent variables), and thus a total of 240 metal bracket-attached human premolars were used in this experiment. Bracket debonding was performed on each of 20 premolars in 12 groups, and shear bond strength (SBS) and adhesive remnant index (ARI) values were measured as dependent variables. Next, the three experimental etchants were applied (independent variables) to each of the three enamel samples, and the remineralization of the enamel surface was investigated as a dependent variable. The enamel surface was observed using electron scanning and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) spectrum X-ray spectroscopy, and elemental mapping were performed, and the Knoop microhardness scale was measured. Therefore, the experiment was performed in two steps: SBS and ARI measurements for 12 groups, followed by observation of the enamel surface and microhardness measurements, according to the three types of etchants. As a result of the experiment, first, when the bracket was debonded, SBS did not decrease, and residual adhesive was hardly observed in the C2A group (before TC), C2A, and C1C groups (after TC) (p < 0.001). Second, the experimental etchant containing CPICs achieved remineralization while demineralizing the enamel. This was verified through SEM/EDX, element mapping, XRD, and AFM. Also, the roughness and microhardness of the enamel surface were better in the remineralized surface by the experimental etchant containing CPICs (p < 0.017). The CPICs-incorporated H3PO4 solution reduced ARI while maintaining SBS during bracket debonding, regardless of whether TC was performed or the type of resin. The etchant containing CPICs was also shown to remineralize the enamel and increase its microhardness.
Dielectric dispersion characteristics of the phospholipid bilayer with subnanometer resolution from terahertz to mid-infrared
Authors: Zhang Ziyi , Li Yangmei , Xiang Zuoxian , Huang Yindong , Wang Ruixing , Chang Chao
Published: August 2022

There is growing interest in whether the myelinated nerve fiber acts as a dielectric waveguide to propagate terahertz to mid-infrared electromagnetic waves, which are presumed stable signal carrier for neurotransmission. The myelin sheath is formed as a multilamellar biomembrane structure, hence insights into the dielectric properties of the phospholipid bilayer is essential for a complete understanding of the myelinated fiber functioning. In this work, by means of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations of the dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) bilayer in water and numerical calculations of carefully layered molecules along with calibration of optical dielectric constants, we for the first time demonstrate the spatially resolved (in sub-nm) dielectric spectrum of the phospholipid bilayer in a remarkably wide range from terahertz to mid-infrared. More specifically, the membrane head regions exhibit both larger real and imaginary permittivities than that of the tail counterparts in the majority of the 1–100 THz band. In addition, the spatial variation of dielectric properties suggests advantageous propagation characteristics of the phospholipid bilayer in a relatively wide band of 55–85 THz, where the electromagnetic waves are well confined within the head regions.
Assessing the public attitude toward low-income housing; (case study: Small- and medium-density cities of Iran)
Authors: Ramzanpour Mehrnaz , Sharghi Ali , Nourtaghani Abdolmajid
Published: August 2022

Low-income housing (LIH) is subject to stigma. This study aims to measure the public attitude toward it with respect to three main attitude components. The survey was carried out using an online questionnaire and non-resident sample. Using exploratory factor analysis, 11 factors were derived, including 7 cognitive factors (security, unit characteristics, spatial reputation, individual and environmental characteristics, physical attractiveness, and social interaction), 2 affective factors (feeling toward physical dimension and feeling toward residents), and 2 behavioral factors (social distance and situational behavior). Descriptive analysis may show that the attitude toward LIH is negative in Iran. Among them, physical factors related to the environment and building have the lowest scores. Thus, it is necessary to pay more attention to the reduction of LIH stigma with more interventions in the physical aspect. The regression test showed the highest correlation between the “social distance” and “feeling toward physical aspects,” whereas the highest correlation was observed between the “situational behavior” and “feeling toward residents”. It means outsiders are further influenced by physical factors when making distance-related decisions. When they are in a situation with exposure to these housings, their feelings toward the residents are more important and are reflected.
State of the practice and engineering framework for using emergent vegetation in coastal infrastructure
Authors: Ostrow Kayla , Guannel Greg , Biondi Esteban L. , Cox Daniel T. , Tomiczek Tori
Published: August 2022

Natural and Nature-Based Features (NNBF) are promoted as alternatives to structural flood protection measures. Progress has been made in understanding the physics and engineering of these systems; however, engineering, ecological, and social barriers to implementation remain. This paper identifies these barriers using the results of a literature review and summary of expert opinion; contrasts the state of the practice of NNBF with traditional structures; and details the main engineering challenges to NNBF implementation, including the uncertainty in current calculation techniques and lack of engineering design guidelines. We suggest that emergent vegetation systems can be designed with the current body of information, and an example framework is proposed for assessing these systems for their wave attenuation performance. The framework is discussed in the context of risk, and future research priorities are presented.
Modifying geopolymer wettability by plasma treatment and high-carbon fly ash
Authors: Růžek Vojtěch , Louda Petr , Buczkowska Katarzyna , Just Paweł , Prałat Karol , Ciemnicka Justyna , Przemysław Plaskota
Published: August 2022

This paper deals with investigation of changes in geopolymer wettability with increasing mass fraction of high-carbon fly ash and surface treatment by cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) to determine the influence of fly ash on wettability and whether it is a viable method to increase surface wettability for further surface treatment. In this study, multiple samples of geopolymers were prepared, including those with 16% and 32% of high-carbon fly ash from coal-fired power station. Wettability of samples was then measured before and after plasma treatment, both on surface and cut surface by using static sessile drop method to measure the differences in contact angle. While addition of fly ash only had low effect on the wettability, as in most cases, it only lowered the initial contact angle without speeding up the speed of soaking for compact geopolymer and actually slowed the soaking for foamed geopolymer, plasma treatment had significant impact and made the geopolymer completely hydrophobic, making plasma treatment a viable method to increase geopolymer wettability.
Transformed extracellular vesicles with high angiogenic ability as therapeutics of distal ischemic tissues
Authors: Ngo Nhat-Hoang , Chang Yun-Hsuan , Vuong Cat-Khanh , Yamashita Toshiharu , Obata-Yasuoka Mana , Hamada Hiromi , Osaka Motoo , Hiramatsu Yuji , Ohneda Osamu
Published: August 2022

Introduction: The therapeutic effects of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in neovascularization have been suggested; however, to date, few studies have been conducted on the ability of EPC-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) to rescue the ischemic tissues. In order to examine the functional sources of EV for cell-free therapy of ischemic diseases, we compared the functions of EPC-EV and those of Wharton’s Jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cell (WJ-EV) in the flap mouse model.

Results and conclusion: Our results demonstrated that in the intravenous injection, EPC-EV, but not WJ-EV, were uptaken by the ischemic tissues. However, EPC-EV showed poor abilities to induce neovascularization and the recovery of ischemic tissues. In addition, compared to EPC-EV, WJ-EV showed a higher ability to rescue the ischemic injury when being locally injected into the mice. In order to induce the secretion of high-functional EPC-EV, EPC were internalized with hypoxic pre-treated WJ-EV, which resulted in a transformed hwEPC. In comparison to EPC, hwEPC showed induced proliferation and upregulation of angiogenic genes and miRNAs and promoted angiogenic ability. Interestingly, hwEPC produced a modified EV (hwEPC-EV) that highly expressed miRNAs related to angiogenesis, such as miR-155, miR-183, and miR-296. Moreover, hwEPC-EV significantly induced the neovascularization of the ischemic tissues which were involved in promoting the proliferation, the expression of VEGF and miR-183, and the angiogenic functions of endothelial cells. Of note, hwEPC-EV were highly uptaken by the ischemic tissues and showed a greater effect with regard to inducing recovery from ischemic injury in the intravenous administration, compared to EPC-EV. Therefore, hwEPC-EV can be considered a functional candidate for cell-free therapy to treat the distal ischemic tissues.
Effects of mutant lamins on nucleo-cytoskeletal coupling in Drosophila models of LMNA muscular dystrophy
Authors: Shaw Nicholas M. , Rios-Monterrosa Jose L. , Fedorchak Gregory R. , Ketterer Margaret R. , Coombs Gary S. , Lammerding Jan , Wallrath Lori L.
Published: August 2022

The nuclei of multinucleated skeletal muscles experience substantial external force during development and muscle contraction. Protection from such forces is partly provided by lamins, intermediate filaments that form a scaffold lining the inner nuclear membrane. Lamins play a myriad of roles, including maintenance of nuclear shape and stability, mediation of nuclear mechanoresponses, and nucleo-cytoskeletal coupling. Herein, we investigate how disease-causing mutant lamins alter myonuclear properties in response to mechanical force. This was accomplished via a novel application of a micropipette harpooning assay applied to larval body wall muscles of Drosophila models of lamin-associated muscular dystrophy. The assay enables the measurement of both nuclear deformability and intracellular force transmission between the cytoskeleton and nuclear interior in intact muscle fibers. Our studies revealed that specific mutant lamins increase nuclear deformability while other mutant lamins cause nucleo-cytoskeletal coupling defects, which were associated with loss of microtubular nuclear caging. We found that microtubule caging of the nucleus depended on Msp300, a KASH domain protein that is a component of the linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton (LINC) complex. Taken together, these findings identified residues in lamins required for connecting the nucleus to the cytoskeleton and suggest that not all muscle disease-causing mutant lamins produce similar defects in subcellular mechanics.
Pan-cancer analysis identifies YTHDF2 as an immunotherapeutic and prognostic biomarker
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Liu Chaoqun , You Jia , Chen Zilin , Qian Cheng , Lin Wandie , Yu Lina , Ye Lele , Zhao Liang , Zhou Rui
Published: August 2022

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification is a dynamic and reversible post-transcriptional RNA modification prevalent in eukaryotic cells. YT521-B homology domain family 2 (YTHDF2) has been identified as a member of m6A reader protein involving in many vital biological processes, whereas its role and functional mechanisms in cancers remain unclear.

Methods: Bioinformatics analyses were performed on multiple databases including GTEx, TCGA, GEO and Cbioportal to explore the connection between YTHDF2 expression and its genomic changes including tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability and mismatch repair in 33 different cancer types. We also investigated the association of YTHDF2 expression with prognosis, immune infiltration, tumor microenvironment, immune checkpoints and chemokines. Besides, the correlation of YTHDF2 expression with copy number variation and promoter methylation was also studied in tumors compared with normal tissues. At last, we analyzed the protein-protein interacting network and related genes of YTHDF2 to enrich its potential functional mechanism in tumor development and progression. Real-time qPCR was used to verify the expression of YTHDF2-related genes in colorectal cancer cells, and immunohistochemical staining was adopted to verify immune infiltration in tissue sections from 51 hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Results: YTHDF2 was overexpressed in a majority of tumor types and associated with their poor overall survival, progression-free interval, and disease-specific survival. The correlation of YTHDF2 expression with tumor mutation burden, microsatellite instability and mismatch repair was also detected in most of the tumor types. Moreover, YTHDF2 might participate in the immune regulation through influencing the expression of immune checkpoint genes and the infiltration of immunocytes in tumor microenvironment. Notably, we demonstrated a positive correlation between YTHDF2 expression and the infiltration of CD8+ T cells and macrophages in many tumors, and it was verified in 51 clinic hepatocellular carcinoma tissues. In addition, the involvement of YTHDF2 in “Spliceosome” and “RNA degradation” were two potential functional mechanisms underlying its influence on tumor progression. The regulation of YTHDF2 on predicted genes has been verified in CRC cells.

Conclusion: YTHDF2 might be a new therapeutic target and a potential biomarker of cancer immune evasion and poor prognosis.
Searching guidelines for scalable and controllable design of multifunctional materials and hybrid interfaces: Status and perspective
Authors: Echeverrigaray Fernando G. , Alvarez Fernando
Published: August 2022

The urgent need to address the global sustainability issues that modern society is currently facing requires the development of micro and nanotechnologies, which rely largely on functional materials. Beyond studies focused solely on low-dimensional materials, broader research related to multifunctionality has shown that the major efforts to meet these criteria for new electronic, photonic, and optoelectronic concepts, particularly to achieve high-performance devices, are still challenging. By exploiting their unique properties, a comprehensive understanding of the implications of research for the synthesis and discovery of novel materials is obtained. The present article encompasses innovation research as an alternative optimization and design for sustainable energy development, bridging the scaling gap in atomically controlled growth in terms of surface heterogeneity and interfacial engineering. In addition, the corresponding research topics are widely regarded as a scientometric analysis and visualization for the evaluation of scientific contributions into the early 20 years of the 21st century. In this perspective, a brief overview of the global trends and current challenges toward high-throughput fabrication followed by a scenario-based future for hybrid integration and emerging structural standards of scalable control design and growth profiles are emphasized. Finally, these opportunities are unprecedented to overcome current limitations, creating numerous combinations and triggering new functionalities and unparalleled properties for disruptive innovations of Frontier technologies.
Modelling the effect of CO2 loading of aqueous potassium glycinate on CO2 absorption in a membrane contactor
Authors: Nieminen Harri , Maksimov Pavel , Laari Arto , Koiranen Tuomas
Published: August 2022

CO2absorption into aqueous potassium glycinate in a polypropylene membrane contactor was modelled using two alternative models: a 1D model and a 1D-2D model considering axial diffusion in the liquid phase. Models were fitted to experimental data using various fitting parameters, which were compared. Experiments were carried out under industrially relevant conditions characterized by CO2-loaded absorbent entering the contactor and high degree of reactant conversion over the contactor. The experiments and models were developed to specifically investigate the effect of changes in solution CO2loading at contactor inlet. This is a key issue rarely reported in the literature, especially for amino acid salt solutions. Unexpectedly, the 1D model was found to explain the experimental results more accurately compared to the more complex 1D-2D model. This was the case for the base models, using only the membrane mass transfer coefficient as a fitting parameter, and the final models introducing secondary fitting parameters. The 1D model was found to show the best experimental fit following fitting of the equilibrium constant used in prediction of the enhancement factor. The 1D-2D model showed the best fit following correction of potassium glycinate diffusivity as a function of solution CO2loading. The 1D approach was found to result in a computationally effective model with good fit to the present experimental data. This model provides a good basis for further development and could be considered for use in contactor design and optimization studies. It is suggested that various model simplifications led to inability of the 1D-2D model to accurately predict the experimental results.
A combined spectroscopic and molecular modeling Study on structure-function-dynamics under chemical modification: Alpha-chymotrypsin with formalin preservative
Authors: Biswas Pritam , Adhikari Aniruddha , Pal Uttam , Mondal Susmita , Mukherjee Dipanjan , Ghosh Ria , Obaid Rami J. , Moussa Ziad , Choudhury Sudeshna Shyam , Ahmed Saleh A. , Das Ranjan , Pal Samir Kumar
Published: August 2022

Enzyme function can be altered via modification of its amino acid residues, side chains and large-scale domain modifications. Herein, we have addressed the role of residue modification in catalytic activity and molecular recognition of an enzyme alpha-chymotrypsin (CHT) in presence of a covalent cross-linker formalin. Enzyme assay reveals reduced catalytic activity upon increased formalin concentration. Polarization gated anisotropy studies of a fluorophore 8-Anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid (ANS) in CHT show a dip rise pattern in presence of formalin which is consistent with the generation of multiple ANS binding sites in the enzyme owing to modifications of its local amino acid residues. Molecular docking study on amino acid residue modifications in CHT also indicate towards the formation of multiple ANS binding site. The docking model also predicted no change in binding behavior for the substrate Ala-Ala-Phe-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin (AMC) at the active site upon formalin induced amino acid cross-linking.
mbtD and celA1 association with ethambutol resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A multiomics analysis
Authors: Wu Zhuhua , Tan Qiuchan , Zhang Chenchen , Zhao Yuchuan , Liao Qinghua , Yu Meiling , Xu Liuyue , Wang Jiawen , Liang Hongdi , Li Haicheng , Chen Liang , Chen Xunxun , Wei Wenjing
Published: August 2022

Ethambutol (EMB) is a first-line antituberculosis drug currently being used clinically to treat tuberculosis. Mutations in the embCAB operon are responsible for EMB resistance. However, the discrepancies between genotypic and phenotypic EMB resistance have attracted much attention. We induced EMB resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro and used an integrated genome–methylome–transcriptome–proteome approach to study the microevolutionary mechanism of EMB resistance. We identified 509 aberrantly methylated genes (313 hypermethylated genes and 196 hypomethylated genes). Moreover, some hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes were identified using RNA-seq profiling. Correlation analysis revealed that the differential methylation of genes was negatively correlated with transcription levels in EMB-resistant strains. Additionally, two hypermethylated candidate genes (mbtD and celA1) were screened by iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics analysis, verified by qPCR, and corresponded with DNA methylation differences. This is the first report that identifies EMB resistance-related genes in laboratory-induced mono-EMB-resistant M. tuberculosis using multi-omics profiling. Understanding the epigenetic features associated with EMB resistance may provide new insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for identifying pathogens in patients with rheumatic diseases and diffuse pulmonary lesions: A retrospective diagnostic study
Authors: Jiang Juan , Yang Wei , Wu Yanhao , Peng Wenzhong , Zhang Wenjuan , Pan Pinhua , Hu Chengping , Li Yisha , Li Yuanyuan
Published: August 2022

Objective

Lung involvement is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with rheumatic diseases. This study aimed to assess the application value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for identifying pathogens in patients with rheumatic diseases and diffuse pulmonary lesions.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients who were diagnosed with rheumatic diseases and presenting diffuse pulmonary lesions on chest radiography in Xiangya Hospital from July 2018 to May 2022. Clinical characteristics were summarized, including demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, radiological and laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes. Pulmonary infection features of these patients were analyzed. Furthermore, diagnostic performance of mNGS and conventional methods (including smear microscopy, culture, polymerase chain reaction assay, and serum immunological test) in identifying pulmonary infections and causative pathogens were compared.

Results

A total of 98 patients were included, with a median age of 58.0 years old and a female proportion of 59.2%. Of these patients, 71.4% showed the evidence of pulmonary infections. Combining the results of mNGS and conventional methods, 129 infection events were detected, including 45 bacterial, 40 fungal and 44 viral infection events. Pulmonary mixed infections were observed in 38.8% of patients. The detection rates of mNGS for any pathogen (71.4% vs 40.8%, P < 0.001) and mixed pathogens (40.8% vs 12.2%, P < 0.001) were higher than that of conventional methods. Moreover, mNGS had a significantly higher sensitivity (97.1% vs. 57.1%, P < 0.001) than conventional methods in identifying pulmonary infections, while its specificity (92.9% vs. 96.4%, P = 0.553) were comparable to conventional methods. Antimicrobial and antirheumatic treatments were markedly modified based on mNGS results in patients with rheumatic diseases and diffuse pulmonary lesions.

Conclusions

For patients diagnosed with rheumatic diseases and presenting diffuse pulmonary lesions, mNGS is a powerful complement to conventional methods in pathogen identification due to its high efficiency and broad spectrum. Early application of mNGS can provide guidance for precision treatment, and may reduce mortality and avoid antibiotic abuse.
The regulatory function of Blastocystis spp. on the immune inflammatory response in the gut microbiome
Authors: Rojas-Velázquez Liliana , Morán Patricia , Serrano-Vázquez Angélica , Portillo-Bobadilla Tobías , González Enrique , Pérez-Juárez Horacio , Hernández Eric , Partida-Rodríguez Oswaldo , Nieves-Ramírez Miriam , Padilla Angeles , Zaragoza Martha , Ximénez Cecilia
Published: August 2022

Blastocystis spp. is a unicellular organism that resides in digestive tract of various vertebrates, with a worldwide distribution and a variable prevalence. For many years, Blastocystis spp. was considered a cyst of a flagellate, a fungus, or a saprophyte yeast of the digestive tract; in 1996, it is placed in the group of stramenopiles (heterokonts). Since its new classification, many questions have arisen around this protist about its role as a pathogen or non-pathogen organism. Recent evidence indicates that Blastocystis spp. participates in the immune inflammatory response in the intestinal microbiome generating an anti-inflammatory response, showing a lower concentration of fecal inflammatory markers in infected human hosts. Here, we review recent findings on the regulatory function of Blastocystis spp. in the immune inflammatory response to comprehend the purpose of Blastocystis spp. in health and disease, defining if Blastocystis spp. is really a pathogen, a commensal or even a mutualist in the human gut microbiome.
High mannose level in bladder cancer enhances type 1 fimbria–mediated attachment of uropathogenic E. coli
Authors: Maalouf Naseem , Gur Chamutal , Yutkin Vladimir , Scaiewicz Viviana , Mandelboim Ofer , Bachrach Gilad
Published: August 2022

Bladder cancer is the 4th leading cancer in men. Tumor resection followed by bladder instillation of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the primary treatment for high-risk patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) to prevent recurrence and progression to muscle-invasive disease. This treatment, however, lacks efficiency and causes severe adverse effects. Mannose residues are expressed on bladder surfaces and their levels were indicated to be higher in bladder cancer. Intravesical instillations of a recombinant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) overexpressing the mannose-sensitive hemagglutination fimbriae (PA-MSHA), and of a mannose-specific lectin-drug conjugate showed efficiency against NMIBC in murine models of bladder cancer. Urothelial mannosylation facilitates bladder colonization by Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) via the interaction with the FimH mannose lectin, positioned at the tip of type 1 fimbria. A recombinant BCG strain overexpressing FimH on its outer surface, exhibited higher attachment and internalization to bladder cancer cells and increased effectivity in treating bladder cancer in mice. Investigating the pattern of mannose expression in NMIBC is important for improving treatment. Here, using tissue microarrays containing multiple normal and cancerous bladder samples, and lectins, we confirm that human bladder cancer cells express high mannose levels. Using UPEC mutants lacking or overexpressing type 1 fimbria, we also demonstrate that tumor-induced hypermannosylation increases type 1 fimbria mediated UPEC attachment to human and mouse bladder cancer. Our results provide an explanation for the effectiveness of PA-MSHA and the FimH-overexpressing BCG and support the hypothesis that mannose-targeted therapy holds potential for improving bladder cancer treatment.
Social robots as eating companions
Authors: Niewiadomski Radoslaw , Bruijnes Merijn , Huisman Gijs , Gallagher Conor Patrick , Mancini Maurizio
Published: August 2022

Previous research shows that eating together (i.e., commensality) impacts food choice, time spent eating, and enjoyment. Conversely, eating alone is considered a possible cause of unhappiness. In this paper, we conceptually explore how interactive technology might allow for the creation of artificial commensal companions: embodied agents providing company to humans during meals (e.g., a person living in isolation due to health reasons). We operationalize this with the design of our commensal companion: a system based on the MyKeepon robot, paired with a Kinect sensor, able to track the human commensal's activity (i.e., food picking and intake) and able to perform predefined nonverbal behavior in response. In this preliminary study with 10 participants, we investigate whether this autonomous social robot-based system can positively establish an interaction that humans perceive and whether it can influence their food choices. In this study, the participants are asked to taste some chocolates with and without the presence of an artificial commensal companion. The participants are made to believe that the study targets the food experience, whilst the presence of a robot is accidental. Next, we analyze their food choices and feedback regarding the role and social presence of the artificial commensal during the task performance. We conclude the paper by discussing the lessons we learned about the first interactions we observed between a human and a social robot in a commensality setting and by proposing future steps and more complex applications for this novel kind of technology.
Real-world experience with the cusp-overlap deployment technique in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Maier Oliver , Piayda Kerstin , Binnebößel Stephan , Berisha Nora , Afzal Shazia , Polzin Amin , Klein Kathrin , Westenfeld Ralf , Horn Patrick , Jung Christian , Kelm Malte , Veulemans Verena , Zeus Tobias
Published: August 2022

Background

The implantation depth (ID) is a critical condition for optimal hemodynamic and clinical outcomes in transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). The recently recommended cusp-overlap technique (COT) offers optimized fluoroscopic projections facilitating a precise ID. This single-center observational study aimed to investigate short-term clinical performance, safety, and efficacy outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR with self-expandable prostheses and application of COT in a real-world setting.

Materials and methods

From September 2020 to April 2021, a total of 170 patients underwent TAVR with self-expandable devices and the application of COT, while 589 patients were treated from January 2016 to August 2020 with a conventional three-cusp coplanar view approach. The final ID and 30-day outcomes were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching, resulting in 150 patients in both cohorts.

Results

The mean ID was significantly reduced in the COT cohort (−4.2 ± 2.7 vs. −4.9 ± 2.3 mm; p = 0.007) with an improvement of ID symmetry of less than 2 mm difference below the annular plane (47.3 vs. 57.3%; p = 0.083). The rate of new permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) following TAVR was effectively reduced (8.0 vs. 16.8%; p = 0.028). While the fluoroscopy time decreased (18.4 ± 7.6 vs. 19.8 ± 7.6 min; p = 0.023), the dose area product increased in the COT group (4951 ± 3662 vs. 3875 ± 2775 Gy × cm2; p = 0.005). Patients implanted with COT had a shorter length of in-hospital stay (8.4 ± 4.0 vs. 10.3 ± 6.7 days; p = 0.007).

Conclusion

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement using the cusp-overlap deployment technique is associated with an optimized implantation depth, leading to fewer permanent conduction disturbances. However, our in-depth analysis showed for the first time an increase of radiation dose due to extreme angulations of the gantry to obtain the cusp-overlap view.
Hybrid metaheuristic machine learning approach for water level prediction: A case study in Dongting Lake
Authors: Deng Bin , Liu Pan , Chin Ren Jie , Kumar Pavitra , Jiang Changbo , Xiang Yifei , Liu Yizhuang , Lai Sai Hin , Luo Hongmei
Published: August 2022

A reliable water level prediction in a lake system is crucial for water resources management, flood control, etc. The objective of this study is to propose a machine learning model which is able to achieve a considerably high level of accuracy in terms of water level prediction. Dongting Lake, which is the second-largest freshwater lake system in China, was selected as the study area. The hourly water level, flow rate, rainfall and temperature of the upstream water stations and rainfall of the downstream water stations were used as the input features, to predict the water level at the downstream stations. Multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP-NN), Elman neural network (ENN), and integration of particle swarm optimisation algorithm to Elman neural network (PSO-ENN) were selected as the model development techniques. The PSO-ENN model appears as the best performed model, as it records NSE of 0.929–0.988, RMSE of 0.129–0.322 and MAE of 0.151–0.359 at the downstream stations in Dongting Lake. The PSO-ENN model also shows its ability to provide better performance for the water level prediction of 36 h in advance. In terms of input variables sensitivity, the developed model is most sensitive to flow rate, followed by rainfall.
Creep properties of siltstone-like materials with different unloading confining pressures under seepage
Authors: Zhang Xiangdong , Zhou Zhongchao , Yang Jianjun , Pang Shuai , Geng Jie , Li Wenliang , Zhang Xuefeng
Published: August 2022

Deep enclosing rocks exhibit non-homogeneous characteristics of dense joints and fissure development. Soft rocks subjected to multiple factors, such as high stress and hydrostatic pressure, are prone to damage and significant deformation, which can lead to instability of the surrounding rocks, failure of the supporting structure, and other accidents. In this study, we investigated the creep behaviour of deep soft rocks and siltstone-like materials subjected to different unloading confining pressures coupled with a high stress field and seepage. Subsequently, the laws and behaviours of parameters, such as the transient strain, creep deformation, and creep rate were derived and analysed under various conditions. The results indicate that the radial creep curve exhibits a variation pattern similar to that of the axial creep. However, the extent of radial creep exceeds that of axial creep in soft siltstone-like rocks under unloading confining pressure conditions. We derived expressions for the constitutive relation of siltstone-like specimens under various unloading confining pressure conditions in the presence of seepage using an improved viscoelasticmodel that considered the coupling effect of fissure and seepage flow. The correlation coefficients of the calculated model values with the experimental values, as obtained by the non-linear least-squares fitting, were all above 0.9178, indicating that the proposed model can accurately characterise the creep process in fissured siltstone.
Effect of saline sedimentary environment on pore throats of shale
Authors: Zhao Z. X. , Wu S. B. , He M. W. , Fan Y. J.
Published: August 2022

Shale pore throat is one of the key factors affecting shale oil and gas exploitation. In order to study the effect of saline on shale pore throat in the continental lacustrine basin, the paleo-salinity of the lacustrine basin was analyzed using the Couth and Sr/Ba methods, and the pore throat characteristics of shale were observed by thin section and scanning electron microscope. The saline stage is divided into five stages: freshwater (0.5‰–1‰), brackish water (1‰–5‰), brackish water (5‰–15‰), brackish water (15‰–30‰), and high saltwater (>30‰). Shale is mainly reserved in micropores (organic, intercrystalline, and intergranular pores) and microcracks (along-layer, high pressure, structural, and mineral shrinkage cracks). Paleosalinity affects the pore throat characteristics of shale by controlling the mineral composition, rock combination type, and texture. Carbonate minerals tend to dissolve and form dissolution pores, resulting in pore throat enlargement and better physical properties. When salinity is low, the content of carbonate minerals increases with the increase in salinity. However, in the case of high salinity, the content of carbonate minerals gradually decreases, but that of sulfate and gypsum increases with the increase in salinity. The texture is conducive to the development of microcracks. With the increase in salinity, the number of textures first increases and then decreases. When the content is 15 ‰–30‰, there are most abundant textures, making it most likely to form microcracks. The results of this study play an important role in promoting the study of shale in the continental lacustrine basin.
Students’ perspectives on wheelchair basketball in mainstream and special schools
Authors: Greve Steffen , Süßenbach Jessica
Published: August 2022

Very little research has been done on students’ perspectives on sports courses in special schools. The state of knowledge about students’ perspectives on concrete teaching concepts in inclusive physical education (PE) at mainstream schools is almost as incomplete. The present study was designed to address these two desiderata. For this purpose, a teaching concept was developed that was implemented in the PE lesson of one class in a mainstream school and in two sports courses in two special schools. Following this, guided interviews were conducted with 19 students: four boys and four girls from the mainstream school and 10 boys and one girl from the special school. The interviews were analyzed using grounded theory coding techniques. The students’ views differed strongly between the different school types. The students in the mainstream school expressed themselves very positively about the content of wheelchair basketball, but they saw sitting in a wheelchair as a very deficient activity. The students at the special school did not express the same opinion. However, it became clear that the special school was a microcosm that provided a sanctuary for the students. Leaving this comfort zone, for example, to join a wheelchair basketball club, could be very difficult for them. Mainstream school students, however, found learning opportunities in this context: They discovered a new perspective, namely, that of a person with disabilities, even if only for a very short time.
Characterization and assessment of lung and bone marrow derived endothelial cells and their bone regenerative potential
Authors: Moraes de Lima Perini Mariana , Valuch Conner R. , Dadwal Ushashi C. , Awosanya Olatundun D. , Mostardo Sarah L. , Blosser Rachel J. , Knox Adam M. , McGuire Anthony C. , Battina Hanisha L. , Nazzal Murad , Kacena Melissa A. , Li Jiliang
Published: August 2022

Angiogenesis is important for successful fracture repair. Aging negatively affects the number and activity of endothelial cells (ECs) and subsequently leads to impaired bone healing. We previously showed that implantation of lung-derived endothelial cells (LECs) improved fracture healing in rats. In this study, we characterized and compared neonatal lung and bone marrow-derived endothelial cells (neonatal LECs and neonatal BMECs) and further asses3sed if implantation of neonatal BMECs could enhance bone healing in both young and aged mice. We assessed neonatal EC tube formation, proliferation, and wound migration ability in vitro in ECs isolated from the bone marrow and lungs of neonatal mice. The in vitro studies demonstrated that both neonatal LECs and neonatal BMECs exhibited EC traits. To test the function of neonatal ECs in vivo, we created a femoral fracture in young and aged mice and implanted a collagen sponge to deliver neonatal BMECs at the fracture site. In the mouse fracture model, endochondral ossification was delayed in aged control mice compared to young controls. Neonatal BMECs significantly improved endochondral bone formation only in aged mice. These data suggest BMECs have potential to enhance aged bone healing. Compared to LECs, BMECs are more feasible for translational cell therapy and clinical applications in bone repair. Future studies are needed to examine the fate and function of BMECs implanted into the fracture sites.
Learning curve for robotic thyroidectomy using BABA: CUSUM analysis of a single surgeon’s experience
Authors: Ouyang Hui , Xue Wenbo , Zhang Zeyu , Cong Rong , Sun Botao , Xia Fada , Li Xinying
Published: August 2022

Background

This study assessed the safety and oncologic outcomes of robotic thyroidectomy via the bilateral axillary breast approach (BABA RT) for conventional open procedures. The learning curves of BABA RT were further evaluated.

Methods

An exact 1:1 matching analysis was performed to compare the technical safety and oncologic outcomes between robotic thyroidectomy and conventional open surgery. Learning curves were assessed using cumulative summation analysis.

Results

There was no significant difference in general characteristics, short time outcomes (including transient hypoparathyroidism, transient postoperative hoarseness, hematoma/seroma, mean postoperative hospital stay, and other complications), the number of retrieved central lymph nodes, and recurrence rates between robotic BABA and conventional groups. The mean number of retrieved lateral LNs in the robotic group was significantly less than those in the conventional group. The learning curve for working space making, robotic lobectomy, and total thyroidectomy are approximately 15, 30, and 20 cases, respectively. No differences except for operation time were found between the learning group and the proficient group.

Conclusions

Robotic thyroidectomy and neck dissection via BABA are feasible in terms of surgical completeness, surgical safety, and oncological safety. Our results provide a criterion for judging whether the surgeon has entered the stable stage of robotic thyroidectomy via BABA in terms of the operative time.