bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Double-layer Application of a Universal Adhesive Affect Its Bonding to Different Tooth Substrates?
Authors: USLU TEKCE Aybüke , ATALAY Cansu , DURSUN Meltem Nermin , ERTAN A. Atila , YAZICI A. Rüya
Published: November 2021

Objective: evaluate the influence of single- or double-layer application of a universal adhesive on the bond strength to different tooth substrates.
Methods: To Seventy-two extracted sound human teeth were used for the study. The teeth were divided into three groups according to tooth substrates; enamel, coronal and radicular dentin (n=24). The roots of the teeth were separated from the crowns and then abraded to obtain flat surfaces. The specimens were randomly allocated into 2 groups in accordance with application layers of universal adhesive (n=12). The universal adhesive, Adhese Universal was applied in self-etch mode as single- or double-layer (without light-curing of the first layer) to different substrates. Following the adhesive application, enamel, coronal- and radicular dentin substrates were restored with a resin composite (Tetric N-Ceram). The specimens were subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) test after storage in distilled water (37℃,24 h). Representative fractured and interface samples from each group were examined by a scanning electron microscope. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA(α = 0.05).
Results: There was no statistically difference in SBS values between single- and double-layer applications of the tested universal adhesive on different dental substrates (p>0.05). Whilst no difference was occurred between the different dental substrates in the single-layer application (p>0.05), double-layer application on coronal dentin presented significantly higher bond strength than enamel (p
Pediatricians’ Knowledges, Attitudes and Practices on Parafunctional Oral Habits and Orthodontic Problems in Children
Authors: ARAT MADEN Eda , EKER İbrahim
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT

Objective: Treatment of dentofacial deformities via orthodontics can improve the health of the teeth and the gums and also numerous malpositioned teeth and jaws and increase the quality of life in children affected with malocclusion. The purpose of this research was to examine whether pediatricians refer their patients to pediatric dentists, whether they have sufficient knowledge and awareness in parafunctional habits and basic orthodontic principles and whether they examine their patients for parafunctional habits and malocclusions.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was sent to a sample of pediatricians in Turkey. The questionnaire, consisted of 42 questions in five domains. A total of 166 pediatricians participated in the survey.

Results: In the assessment of the examination of the oral cavity, a low frequency of examination for the malocclusion (28,9%) and oral functional habits (43,4%) was found. Reasons pediatricians referred patients to specialists varied from over-bite 24% to crowding 87%. In the chi-square test for the effect of work sector, years of experience, training about parafunctional oral habits and orthodontic problems, patients per day in the knowledge, attitude and practices of pediatricians regarding orthodontic problems and parafunctional oral habits in children, we could identify significant predictors (p
The Evaluation of Knowledge and Behavior of Medical Doctors about Toothbrush Disinfection
Authors: BAŞMAN Adil , PEKER İlkay , ALTUNKAYNAK Bülent
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACT
Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and behavior of medical doctors about toothbrush disinfection.
Methods: This study included 170 medical doctors (63 females, 107 males). Participants filled out the standard questionnaires which contained 18 items into three parts: demographic data, personal oral hygiene practices-patient recommendations about toothbrush disinfection, and toothbrush disinfection. Data analyses were performed with t-tests, chi-squared tests, and Fisher’s exact tests, where appropriate.
Results: Regarding personal oral hygiene practices; most medical doctors reported that they brushed their teeth at least twice a day and changed their toothbrushes once every three months. Statistically significant differences were found between females and males for these questions (p < 0.05). Most participants stored their toothbrushes in an open-topped toothbrush holder shared with other individuals and shared their toothpaste with other individuals. The doctors mostly did not any advice their patients about toothbrush usage.
Conclusion: Regarding toothbrush disinfection; most medical doctors reported a lack of knowledge about toothbrush disinfection and did not disinfect their own toothbrushes. On the other hand, the participants mostly thought that toothbrush disinfection was necessary for everyone. The results of this study showed that majority of the participants were unaware about the subject.
Hubungan Hygiene Perorangan Anak Usia Sekolah dengan Kejadian Penyakit Diare di Kecamatan Bonobogu Kabupaten Buol
Authors: Syam Dedi Mahyudin , Andi Bungawati  , Tjitrowati Dja'afar  , Maryam Maryam , Ros Arianty  , Saharudin Saharudin
Published: November 2021

Asupan gizi  yang tidak dapat diserap akan  menimbulkan tekanan osmotik dalam rongga usus bertambah, sehingga menyebabkan perpindahan air serta elektrolit kedalam rongga usus, isi rongga usus yang berlebihan sehingga menyebabkan diare. World Health Organization (WHO) diare merupakan pemicu kematian nomor 2 pada anak di dunia, nomor 3 pada balita, serta nomor 5 untuk seluruh usia, ±1, 5 juta anak meninggal dunia setiap tahunnya di sebabkan diare. Observasi pendahuluan lewat wawancara dengan 5 orang anak sekolah kala habis bermain cuci tangan kadangkala dilaksanakan dan kadangkala tidak dilaksanakan. Tujuan studi ini adalah diketahuinya hubungan hygiene perorangan anak umur sekolah dengan penyakit diare di Kecamatan Bonobogu Kabupaten Buol Kategori riset ini ialah studi analitik dengan pendekatan case control. Populasi dalam studi ini yaitu anak umur sekolah yang alami diare berjumlah 20 orang dan 20 orang tidak alami diare. Prosedur pengambilan sampel memakai purposive sampling. Analisis yang digunakan analisa univariat dan bivariat. Hasil analisis statistik Terdapat hubungan hygiene perorangan anak umur sekolah dengan  penyakit diare di Kecamatan Bonobogu Kabupaten Buol dengan p-value 0, 001. Nilai OR 1, 286, maksudnya anak yang hygiene perorangan yang kurang baik berpeluang mengidap diare 1, 286 kali dibandingkan dengan hygiene perorangan baik. Dianjurkan warga Kecamatan Bonobogu Kabupaten Buol menerapkan hygiene perorangan untuk menghindari kejadian diare. Jenis penelitian  ini adalah penelitian analitik dengan pendekatan case control. Populasi dalam penelitian ini anak usia sekolah menderita diare berjumlah 20 orang dan 20 orang bukan penderita diare. Teknik pengambilan sampel dengan purposive sampling. Analisis yang digunakan analisa univariat dan bivariat. Ada hubungan hygiene perorangan anak usia sekolah dengan kejadian penyakit diare di Kecamatan Bonobogu Kabupaten Buol dengan p value 0,001. Nilai OR 1,286, artinya anak yang hygiene perorangan yang kurang baik berpeluang menderita diare 1,286 kali dibanding dengan  hygiene perorangan baik. Disarankan masyarakat Kecamatan Bonobogu Kabupaten Buol menerapkan  hygiene perorangan untuk mencegah kejadian diare.
Posisi Kerja dan Kelelahan pada Pekerja Rotan di CV. Fajar Baru Kelurahan Kayumalue Ngapa Kecamatan Palu Utara
Authors: Sunuh Herlina Susanto , Saharudin Saharudin , Herdi Herdi
Published: November 2021

Posisi kerja merupakan titik penentu dalam melakukan pekerjaan, jika posisi kerja yang dilakukan oleh pekerja tidak ergonomis, akan menyebabkan kelelahan kerja dan berakibat kecelakaan. Kelelahan adalah merupakan proses menurunnya efesiensi pelaksanaan  kerja dan berkurangnya kekuatan atau ketahanan fisik tubuh manusia untuk melanjutkan kegiatan yang seharusnya di kerjakan. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui posisi kerja dan kelelahan pada pekerja rotan Di CV Fajar Baru Kelurahan Kayumalue Ngapa Kecamatan Palu Utara. Jenis penelitian adalah deskriptif dengan pendekatan observasional, populasi dan sampel yaitu seluruh pekerja dibagian produksi CV Fajar Baru Kelurahan Kayumalue Ngapa Kecamatan Palu Utara sebanyak 60 orang. Hasil penelitian, posisi kerja sesuai (0%), tidak sesuai sebanyak 60 pekerja (100%), kelelahan  Normal sebanyak 5 perkerja (8,3%), Ringan sebanyak 47 pekerja (76.7%), Sedang sebanyak 8 orang pekerja (15,0%) dan Berat (0%). Sebagai saran agar perusahaan dapat memperhatikan posisi kerja pekerja yang benar seperti lama berdiri 2 jam harus diselingi waktu istirahat, posisi mengangkat tulang belakang lurus, tidak terlalu membungkuk dan posisi saat memindahkan beban harus dekat dengan tubuh, sebaiknya gerakan harus dinamis, serta membuat kelengkapan sarana yang sesuai antropometri tenaga kerja.
Canine Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Mediated Bone Regeneration is Enhanced in the Presence of Sub-Therapeutic Concentrations of BMP-2 in a Murine Calvarial Defect Model
Authors: Dobson Lauren K. , Zeitouni Suzanne , McNeill Eoin P. , Bearden Robert N. , Gregory Carl A. , Saunders W. Brian
Published: November 2021

Novel bone regeneration strategies often show promise in rodent models yet are unable to successfully translate to clinical therapy. Sheep, goats, and dogs are used as translational models in preparation for human clinical trials. While human MSCs (hMSCs) undergo osteogenesis in response to well-defined protocols, canine MSCs (cMSCs) are more incompletely characterized. Prior work suggests that cMSCs require additional agonists such as IGF-1, NELL-1, or BMP-2 to undergo robust osteogenic differentiation in vitro. When compared directly to hMSCs, cMSCs perform poorly in vivo. Thus, from both mechanistic and clinical perspectives, cMSC and hMSC-mediated bone regeneration may differ. The objectives of this study were twofold. The first was to determine if previous in vitro findings regarding cMSC osteogenesis were substantiated in vivo using an established murine calvarial defect model. The second was to assess in vitro ALP activity and endogenous BMP-2 gene expression in both canine and human MSCs. Calvarial defects (4 mm) were treated with cMSCs, sub-therapeutic BMP-2, or the combination of cMSCs and sub-therapeutic BMP-2. At 28 days, while there was increased healing in defects treated with cMSCs, defects treated with cMSCs and BMP-2 exhibited the greatest degree of bone healing as determined by quantitative μCT and histology. Using species-specific qPCR, cMSCs were not detected in relevant numbers 10 days after implantation, suggesting that bone healing was mediated by anabolic cMSC or ECM-driven cues and not via engraftment of cMSCs. In support of this finding, defects treated with cMSC + BMP-2 exhibited robust deposition of Collagens I, III, and VI using immunofluorescence. Importantly, cMSCs exhibited minimal ALP activity unless cultured in the presence of BMP-2 and did not express endogenous canine BMP-2 under any condition. In contrast, human MSCs exhibited robust ALP activity in all conditions and expressed human BMP-2 when cultured in control and osteoinduction media. This is the first in vivo study in support of previous in vitro findings regarding cMSC osteogenesis, namely that cMSCs require additional agonists to initiate robust osteogenesis. These findings are highly relevant to translational cell-based bone healing studies and represent an important finding for the field of canine MSC-mediated bone regeneration.
Ferroptosis-mediated Crosstalk in the Tumor Microenvironment Implicated in Cancer Progression and Therapy
Authors: Liu Yini , Duan Chunyan , Dai Rongyang , Zeng Yi
Published: November 2021

Ferroptosis is a recently recognized form of non-apoptotic regulated cell death and usually driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation and has arisen to play a significant role in cancer biology. Distinct from other types of cell death in morphology, genetics, and biochemistry, ferroptosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides and lethal reactive oxygen species controlled by integrated oxidant and antioxidant systems. Increasing evidence indicates that a variety of biological processes, including amino acid, iron, lactate, and lipid metabolism, as well as glutathione, phospholipids, NADPH, and coenzyme Q10 biosynthesis, are closely related to ferroptosis sensitivity. Abnormal ferroptotic response may modulate cancer progression by reprogramming the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is widely associated with tumor occurrence because it is the carrier of tumor cells, which interacts with surrounding cells through the circulatory and the lymphatic system, thus influencing the development and progression of cancer. Furthermore, the metabolism processes play roles in maintaining the homeostasis and evolution of the TME. Here, this review focuses on the ferroptosis-mediated crosstalk in the TME, as well as discussing the novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
Molecular Characterization Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Children Living in Southwest China During 2017-2019
Authors: Yan Ziyi , Cui Yali , Huang Xiaocui , Lei Shikun , Zhou Wei , Tong Wen , Chen Wen , Shen Meijing , Wu Kaifeng , Jiang Yongmei
Published: November 2021

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen causing high morbidity and high mortality in children and undergoes frequent recombination for capsule switching to neutralize the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, and molecular characteristics including serotypes and antibiotic susceptibility of S. pneumoniae isolated from children living in Southwest China from 2017 to 2019 to facilitate the selection of effective vaccine formulations and appropriate antibiotic treatment regimens.

Methods

This study was conducted at West China Second University Hospital (Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China), Zunyi Medical University Third Affiliated Hospital/First People’s Hospital of Zunyi (Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China) and Chengdu Jinjiang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital (Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China). Demographic and clinical characteristics of children infected with S. pneumoniae were collected and analysed. Next-generation sequencing and sequence analysis were used to determine the serotypes, sequence types, antibiotic resistance and potential protein vaccine target genes of the pneumococcal isolates. The coverage rate provided by PCV13 was estimated by calculating the percentage of the specific serotypes that were specifically the PCV13-included serotypes. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the microdilution broth method.

Results

The most prevalent pneumococcal serotypes were 19F (25.8%), 19A (14.1%), 6B (12.5%), 6A (9.4%) and 14 (7.8%). The predominant STs were ST271 (23.3%), ST320 (15.5%) and ST90 (8.6%), dominated by the clonal complex Taiwan19F-14 (39.1%). The coverage rate of PCV13 was 77.3% in all the isolates, with relatively higher values in invasive isolates (86.4%). Over the decade, the rates of resistance to penicillin, amoxicillin and cefotaxime were 5.6%, 5.3% and 5.1%, respectively, with significantly higher values in invasive isolates (22.4%, 14.9% and 11.9%). Almost all the isolates were resistant to erythromycin (99.1%) and clindamycin (95.9%). All isolates carried virulence-related genes, including ply, psaA, piaA, piuA, phtE, nanA, pepO, danJ, pvaA, clpP, pcsB, stkP, potD, and strH. The carriage of virulence and resistance genes varied among serotypes and clades, with serotype 19F/ST271 showing higher resistance to antibiotics and being more likely to carry pilus genes and other virulence genes.

Conclusion

These data provide valuable information for the understanding of pneumococcal pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance and the development of protein-based vaccines against pneumococcal infection.
Effect of Aquatic Exercise Training on Aortic Hemodynamics in Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults
Authors: Fukuie Marina , Yamabe Takayuki , Hoshi Daisuke , Hashitomi Tatsuya , Nomura Yosuke , Sugawara Jun
Published: November 2021

Aquatic exercise is an attractive form of exercise that utilizes the various properties of water to improve physical health, including arterial stiffness. However, it is unclear whether regular head-out aquatic exercise affects aortic hemodynamics, the emerging risk factors for future cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether head-out aquatic exercise training improves aortic hemodynamics in middle-aged and elderly people. In addition, to shed light on the underlying mechanisms, we determined the contribution of change in arterial stiffness to the hypothesized changes in aortic hemodynamics. Twenty-three middle-aged and elderly subjects (62 ± 9 years) underwent a weekly aquatic exercise course for 15 weeks. Aortic hemodynamics were evaluated by pulse wave analysis via the general transfer function method. Using a polar coordinate description, companion metrics of aortic pulse pressure (PPC = √{(systolic blood pressure)2 + (diastolic blood pressure)2}) and augmentation index (AIxC = √{(augmentation pressure)2 + (pulse pressure)2}) were calculated as measures of arterial load. Brachial-ankle (baPWV, reflecting stiffness of the abdominal aorta and leg artery) and heart-ankle (haPWV, reflecting stiffness of the whole aortic and leg artery) pulse wave velocities were also measured. The rate of participation in the aquatic training program was 83.5 ± 13.0%. Aortic systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, PPC, AIxC, baPWV, and haPWV decreased after the training (P < 0.05 for all), whereas augmentation index remained unchanged. Changes in aortic SBP were correlated with changes in haPWV (r = 0.613, P = 0.002) but not baPWV (r = 0.296, P = 0.170). These findings suggest that head-out aquatic exercise training may improve aortic hemodynamics in middle-aged and elderly people, with the particular benefits for reducing aortic SBP which is associated with proximal aortic stiffness.
Vaccine Development in the Time of COVID-19: The Relevance of the Risklick AI to Assist in Risk Assessment and Optimize Performance
Authors: Haas Quentin , Borisov Nikolay , Alvarez David Vicente , Ferdowsi Sohrab , von Meyenn Leonhard , Teodoro Douglas , Amini Poorya
Published: November 2021

The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic revealed the urgent need for the acceleration of vaccine development worldwide. Rapid vaccine development poses numerous risks for each category of vaccine technology. By using the Risklick artificial intelligence (AI), we estimated the risks associated with all types of COVID-19 vaccine during the early phase of vaccine development. We then performed a postmortem analysis of the probability and the impact matrix calculations by comparing the 2020 prognosis to the contemporary situation. We used the Risklick AI to evaluate the risks and their incidence associated with vaccine development in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our analysis revealed the diversity of risks among vaccine technologies currently used by pharmaceutical companies providing vaccines. This analysis highlighted the current and future potential pitfalls connected to vaccine production during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the Risklick AI appears as an essential tool in vaccine development for the treatment of COVID-19 in order to formally anticipate the risks, and increases the overall performance from the production to the distribution of the vaccines. The Risklick AI could, therefore, be extended to other fields of research and development and represent a novel opportunity in the calculation of production-associated risks.
Pore Structure and Fractal Characteristics of Organic-Rich Lacustrine Shales of the Kongdian Formation, Cangdong Sag, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: Pan Shouxu , Zha Ming , Gao Changhai , Qu Jiangxiu , Ding Xiujian
Published: November 2021

In order to examine the pore structure and reveal the fractal geometric nature of shales, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted on lacustrine shale samples cored from the Kongdian Formation. Based on the low temperature nitrogen adsorption, fluorescent thin section and field emission scanning electronic microscope, a comprehensive pore structure classification and evaluation were conducted on shale samples. Fractal dimensions D1 and D2 (with relative pressure of 0–0.45 and 0.45–1.00, respectively) were obtained from the nitrogen adsorption data using the fractal Frenkel-Halsey-Hill (FHH) method. With additional means of X-ray diffraction analysis, total organic carbon content analysis and thermal maturity analysis, the relationships between pore structure parameters, fractal dimensions, TOC content and mineral composition are presented and discussed in this paper. The results show that interparticle pores and microfractures are predominant, whereas organic matter pores are rarely found. The pore morphology is primarily featured with wide-open ends and slit-shaped structures. In terms of pore scale, mesopores and macropores are predominant. The value of fractal dimension D1 representing small pores ranges from 2.0173 to 2.4642 with an average of 2.1735. The value of D2 which represents large pores ranges from 2.3616 to 2.5981 with an average of 2.4960. These low numbers are an indication of few pore types and relatively low heterogeneity. In addition, smaller D1 values reveal that large pores have more complicated spatial structures than smaller ones. The results of correlation analysis show that: 1) D2 is correlated positively with specific surface area but negatively with average pore diameter; 2) D1 and D2 literally show no obvious relationship with mineral composition, TOC content or vitrinite reflectance (Ro); 3) both total Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) volume and specific surface area show a positive relationship with dolomite content and a negative relationship with felsic minerals content. These results demonstrate that the pore types are relatively few and dominated by mesopores, and the content of brittle minerals such as dolomite and felsic minerals control the pore structure development whilst organic matter and clay minerals have less influence due to low thermal maturity and abundance of clay minerals.
Researching Pre-school Teachers’ Knowledge of Oral Language Pedagogy Using Video
Authors: Mathers Sandra , Siraj Iram
Published: November 2021

The Observing Language Pedagogy (OLP) tool uses videos of authentic classroom interactions to elicit the procedural knowledge which pre-school teachers can access, activate and use to support classroom decision-making. Three facets are captured: perceiving (the ability to identify salient language-supporting strategies); naming (the use of specific professional vocabulary to describe interactions); and interpreting (the ability to interpret the interactions observed). Prior research has shown that the OLP predicts classroom quality; with naming and interpreting proving the strongest predictors. This study examines OLP responses from 104 teachers to consider the nature of their pedagogical knowledge (perceiving, naming, interpreting), and describe differences between expert teachers (those leading language-supporting classrooms) and non-expert teachers (those leading lower quality classrooms). It offers insight into the nature of language-related expertise and to guide design of teacher professional development, suggesting a tri-fold focus on knowledge of linguistic input, relational pedagogy and cognitive challenging interactions.
Socioeconomic Status, Parental Involvement and Implications for Subjective Well-Being During the Global Pandemic of Covid-19
Authors: Treviño Ernesto , Miranda Catalina , Hernández Macarena , Villalobos Cristóbal
Published: November 2021

School closures prompted by the global outbreak of COVID-19 have impacted children’s subjective well-being. In this context, a growing number of studies has pointed out that the experience of learning at home is an essential factor influencing their subjective well-being, raising the importance of parental involvement in the educational process of their children. This article explores the formal and informal parental practices of home learning during school closures period in 19 countries and their explanatory factors, with the further aim of discussing their implications for children’s subjective well-being. The study uses the International COVID-19 Impact on Parental Engagement Study (ICIPES) database and develops a regression analysis of family, child, and school factors predicting parental involvement in homeschooling. The main findings show that parents’ socioeconomic status is a critical predictor of both formal and informal parental practices. In addition, the results denote the impact of other factors, such as the level of parental confidence with the use of technology and children’s age and gender (in the case of informal activities). Based on these findings, the article discusses policy implications to promote parental involvement and children’s subjective well-being.
Incipient Chiller Fault Diagnosis Using an Optimized Least Squares Support Vector Machine With Gravitational Search Algorithm
Authors: Xia Yudong , Zhao Ju , Ding Qiang , Jiang Aipeng
Published: November 2021

Operational faults in centrifugal chillers will lead to high energy consumption, poor indoor thermal comfort, and low operational safety, and thus it is of significance to detect and diagnose the anomalies timely and effectively, especially for those at their incipient stages. The least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) has been regarded as an effective algorithm for multiclass classification. One of the most difficult issues in LSSVM is parameter tuning. Therefore, this paper reports a development of a gravitational search algorithm (GSA) optimized LSSVM method for incipient fault diagnosis in centrifugal chillers. Considering the inadequacies of conventional principle component analysis (PCA) algorithm for nonlinear data transformation, kernel principle component analysis (KPCA) was firstly employed to reduce the dimensionality of the original input data. Secondly, an optimized “one against one” multi-class LSSVM classifier was developed and its penalty constant and kernel bandwidth were tuned by GSA. Based on the fault samples of seven typical faults at their incipient stages in chillers from ASHRAE RP 1043, the proposed GSA optimized LSSVM fault diagnostic model was trained and validated. For the purpose of demonstrating the priority of the proposed fault diagnosis method, the obtained results were compared to that of using the LSSVM classifier optimized by another two algorithms, namely, the conventional cross-validation method and particle swarm optimizer. Results showed that the best fault diagnosis performance could be achieved using the proposed GSA-LSSVM classifier. The overall average fault diagnosis accuracy for the least severity faults was reported over 95%.
A Bayesian Decision Model for Optimum Investment and Design of Low-Impact Development in Urban Stormwater Infrastructure and Management
Authors: Wang Mo , Zhang Yu , Zhang Dongqing , Zheng Yingsheng , Zhou Shiqi , Tan Soon K.
Published: November 2021

Uncertainties concerning low-impact development (LID) practices over its service life are challenges in the adoption of LID. One strategy to deal with uncertainty is to provide an adaptive framework which could be used to support decision-makers in the latter decision on investments and designs dynamically. The authors propose a Bayesian-based decision-making framework and procedure for investing in LID practices as part of an urban stormwater management strategy. In this framework, the investment could be made at various stages of the service life of the LID, and performed with deliberate decision to invest more or suspend the investment, pending the needs and observed performance, resources available, anticipated climate changes, technological advancement, and users’ needs and expectations. Variance learning (VL) and mean-variance learning (MVL) models were included in this decision tool to support handling of uncertainty and adjusting investment plans to maximize the returns while minimizing the undesirable outcomes. The authors found that a risk-neutral investor tends to harbor greater expectations while bearing a higher level of risks than risk-averse investor in the VL model. Constructed wetlands which have a higher prior mean performance are more favorable during the initial stage of LID practices. Risk-averse decision-makers, however, could choose porous pavement with stable performance in the VL model and leverage on potential technological advancement in the MVL model.
SEAGLE: A Scalable Exact Algorithm for Large-Scale Set-Based Gene-Environment Interaction Tests in Biobank Data
Authors: Chi Jocelyn T. , Ipsen Ilse C. F. , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Lin Ching-Heng , Wang Li-San , Lee Wan-Ping , Lu Tzu-Pin , Tzeng Jung-Ying
Published: November 2021

The explosion of biobank data offers unprecedented opportunities for gene-environment interaction (GxE) studies of complex diseases because of the large sample sizes and the rich collection in genetic and non-genetic information. However, the extremely large sample size also introduces new computational challenges in G×E assessment, especially for set-based G×E variance component (VC) tests, which are a widely used strategy to boost overall G×E signals and to evaluate the joint G×E effect of multiple variants from a biologically meaningful unit (e.g., gene). In this work, we focus on continuous traits and present SEAGLE, aScalableExactAlGorithm forLarge-scale set-based G×Etests, to permit G×E VC tests for biobank-scale data. SEAGLE employs modern matrix computations to calculate the test statistic andp-value of the GxE VC test in a computationally efficient fashion, without imposing additional assumptions or relying on approximations. SEAGLE can easily accommodate sample sizes in the order of 105, is implementable on standard laptops, and does not require specialized computing equipment. We demonstrate the performance of SEAGLE using extensive simulations. We illustrate its utility by conducting genome-wide gene-based G×E analysis on the Taiwan Biobank data to explore the interaction of gene and physical activity status on body mass index.
Integrative Omics Analysis Unravels Microvascular Inflammation-Related Pathways in Kidney Allograft Biopsies
Authors: Tinel Claire , Lamarthée Baptiste , Callemeyn Jasper , Van Loon Elisabet , Sauvaget Virginia , Morin Lise , Aouni Laïla , Rabant Marion , Gwinner Wilfried , Marquet Pierre , Naesens Maarten , Anglicheau Dany
Published: November 2021

In solid-organ transplantation, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key players in the regulation of allograft cells function in response to injury. To gain insight into the role of miRNAs in antibody-mediated rejection, a rejection phenotype histologically defined by microvascular inflammation, kidney allograft biopsies were subjected to miRNA but also messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling. Using a unique multistep selection process specific to the BIOMARGIN study (discovery cohort, N=86; selection cohort, N=99; validation cohort, N=298), six differentially expressed miRNAs were consistently identified: miR-139-5p (down) and miR-142-3p/150-5p/155-5p/222-3p/223-3p (up). Their expression level gradually correlated with microvascular inflammation intensity. The cell specificity of miRNAs target genes was investigated by integrating their in vivo mRNA targets with single-cell RNA sequencing from an independent allograft biopsy cohort. Endothelial-derived miR-139-5p expression correlated negatively with MHC-related genes expression. Conversely, epithelial-derived miR-222-3p overexpression was strongly associated with degraded renal electrolyte homeostasis and repressed immune-related pathways. In immune cells, miR-150-5p regulated NF-κB activation in T lymphocytes whereas miR-155-5p regulated mRNA splicing in antigen-presenting cells. Altogether, integrated omics enabled us to unravel new pathways involved in microvascular inflammation and suggests that metabolism modifications in tubular epithelial cells occur as a consequence of antibody-mediated rejection, beyond the nearby endothelial compartment.
Epidemiology of Ocular Manifestations in Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Glover Katie , Mishra Deepakkumar , Singh Thakur Raghu Raj
Published: November 2021

The global prevalence of autoimmune diseases is increasing. As a result, ocular complications, ranging from minor symptoms to sight-threatening scenarios, associated with autoimmune diseases have also risen. These ocular manifestations can result from the disease itself or treatments used to combat the primary autoimmune disease. This review provides detailed insights into the epidemiological factors affecting the increasing prevalence of ocular complications associated with several autoimmune disorders.
Longitudinal Follow Up of Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Health Care Workers in Sweden With Several Different Commercial IgG-Assays, Measurement of Neutralizing Antibodies and CD4+ T-Cell Responses
Authors: Marklund Emelie , Leach Susannah , Nyström Kristina , Lundgren Anna , Liljeqvist Jan-Åke , Nilsson Staffan , Yilmaz Aylin , Andersson Lars-Magnus , Bemark Mats , Gisslén Magnus
Published: November 2021

Background

The risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among health care workers (HCWs) is a concern, but studies that conclusively determine whether HCWs are over-represented remain limited. Furthermore, methods used to confirm past infection vary and the immunological response after mild COVID-19 is still not well defined.

Method

314 HCWs were recruited from a Swedish Infectious Diseases clinic caring for COVID-19 patients. IgG antibodies were measured using two commercial assays (Abbot Architect nucleocapsid (N)-assay and YHLO iFlash-1800 N and spike (S)-assays) at five time-points, from March 2020 to January 2021, covering two pandemic waves. Seroprevalence was assessed in matched blood donors at three time-points. More extensive analyses were performed in 190 HCWs in September/October 2020, including two additional IgG-assays (DiaSorin LiaisonXL S1/S2 and Abbot Architect receptor-binding domain (RBD)-assays), neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), and CD4+ T-cell reactivity using an in-house developed in vitro whole-blood assay based on flow cytometric detection of activated cells after stimulation with Spike S1-subunit or Spike, Membrane and Nucleocapsid (SMN) overlapping peptide pools.

Findings

Seroprevalence was higher among HCWs compared to sex and age-matched blood donors at all time-points. Seropositivity increased from 6.4% to 16.3% among HCWs between May 2020 and January 2021, compared to 3.6% to 11.9% among blood donors. We found significant correlations and high levels of agreement between NAbs and all four commercial IgG-assays. At 200-300 days post PCR-verified infection, there was a wide variation in sensitivity between the commercial IgG-assays, ranging from <30% in the N-assay to >90% in the RBD-assay. There was only moderate agreement between NAbs and CD4+ T-cell reactivity to S1 or SMN. Pre-existing CD4+ T-cell reactivity was present in similar proportions among HCW who subsequently became infected and those that did not.

Conclusions

HCWs in COVID-19 patient care in Sweden have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 at a higher rate compared to blood donors. We demonstrate substantial variation between different IgG-assays and propose that multiple serological targets should be used to verify past infection. Our data suggest that CD4+ T-cell reactivity is not a suitable measure of past infection and does not reliably indicate protection from infection in naive individuals.
Influence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Systemic Inflammation in Pregnancy
Authors: Alonso-Fernández Alberto , Ribot Quetglas Caterina , Herranz Mochales Andrea , Álvarez Ruiz De Larrinaga Ainhoa , Sánchez Barón Andrés , Rodríguez Rodríguez Paula , Gil Gómez Ana Victoria , Pía Martínez Carla , Cubero Marín José Pablo , Barceló Nicolau Maria , Cerdà Moncadas María , Codina Marcet Mercedes , De La Peña Bravo Mónica , Barceló Bennasar Antònia , Iglesias Coma Amanda , Morell-Garcia Daniel , Peña Zarza José Antonio , Giménez Carrero María Paloma , Durán Cantolla Joaquín , Marín Trigo José María , Piñas Cebrian María Concepción , Soriano Joan B. , García-Río Francisco
Published: November 2021

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is prevalent in pregnancy and it is associated with adverse pregnancy-related outcomes such as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and low birth weight. Maternal systemic inflammation is proposed to be one of the main intermediate mechanisms. However, the effects of OSA on systemic inflammation are unknown in normal pregnancy.

Methods: Women in the 3rd trimester underwent hospital polysomnography to evaluate whether OSA increases systemic inflammation in normal pregnancy and its potential association with adverse fetal outcomes. OSA was defined as an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) of ≥ 5 h−1. Plasma cytokines levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) were determined by multiple immunoassays.

Results: We included 11 patients with OSA and 22 women with AHI < 5 h−1, who were homogeneous in age, and body mass index (BMI). Women with OSA had significant higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10. We found significant correlations between AHI during REM and TNF-α (r = 0.40), IL-1β (r = 0.36), IL-6 (r = 0.52), IL-8 (r = 0.43), between obstructive apnea index and TNF-α (r = 0.46) and between AHI and IL-1β (r = 0.43). We also found that CT90% was related to IL-8 (r = 0.37). There were no significant differences in neonatal characteristics; however, we found inverse correlations between TNF-α and IL-8 with birth weight (both r = −0.48), while IL-8 showed a significant inverse relationship with neonatal gestational age (r = −0.48).

Conclusions: OSA in our normal pregnancy population was associated with higher systemic inflammation, which was related to obstructive events, especially during REM sleep. Moreover, systemic inflammation was inversely correlated with neonatal birth weight and age.
Challenges During Review of COVID-19 Research Proposals: Experience of Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University Research Ethics Committee, Egypt
Authors: Marzouk Diaa , Sharawy Iman , Nakhla Isabelle , El Hodhod Mostafa , Gadallah Hoda , El-Shalakany Amr , Elwakil Reda , Moussa Mohammed M. , Ismail Alaa , Tash Fathy M.
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an overwhelming increase in research studies submitted to research ethics committees (RECs) presenting many ethical challenges. This article aims to report the challenges encountered during review of COVID-19 research and the experience of the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University Research Ethics Committee (FMASU REC). From April 10, 2020, until October 13, 2020, the FMASU REC reviewed 98 COVID-19 research protocols. This article addressed the question of how to face an overwhelming amount of research submitted to the REC while applying the required ethical principles. Ethical challenges included a new accelerated mode of review, online meetings, balance of risks vs. benefits, measures to mitigate risks, co-enrolment in different studies, protection of a vulnerable COVID-19 population, accelerated decisions, online research, how to handle informed consent during the pandemic, and justification of placebo arm.
Effect of Hepatitis B Virus Infection on Sperm Quality and Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Techniques in Infertile Males
Authors: Wang Zichun , Liu Wanpeng , Zhang Mingming , Wang Minglei , Wu Huaying , Lu Meisong
Published: November 2021

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the health problems and has adverse effects on public health. However, the consequences of male HBV carriers for assisted reproductive techniques (ART) remain unclear.

Objective: To examine whether men with HBV would impact sperm quality and the intrauterine insemination (IUI)/ in vitro fertilization (IVF)/ intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 681 infertile couples for IUI/IVF/ICSI fresh cycle outcomes. Case group was 176 infertile couples with male HBV infection undergoing embryo transfer in our center (99 for IVF and 77 for ICSI) and 51 infertile couples for IUI. Negative control was 454 non-infected infertility couples, matched for female age, BMI and infertility duration (102 for IUI and 198 for IVF and 154 for ICSI).

Results: Sperm viability among infertile men with HBV infection was significantly lower than control group (74.1 ± 13.7 vs. 77.0 ± 12.8, P < 0.01). Sperm motility was significantly decreased in HBV positive men in comparison to the control group (32.5 ± 14.6 vs. 35.5 ± 12.9, P < 0.05). In IVF/ICSI cycles, two groups had similar results in two pronuclear (2PN) fertilization rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnant rate and abortion rate (P > 0.05). There was also no difference in the clinical pregnant rate and abortion rate in IUI cycles (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Men with HBV infection will affect their sperm quality, but not affect the outcomes of ART.
Analysis of the Status and Trends of Chinese Clinical Practice Guideline Development Between 2010 and 2020: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Rong , Yan Si-yu , Wang Yun-yun , Huang Qiao , Ren Xiang-ying , Tan Ran , Deng Yu-qing , Su Lin-xia , Wang Yong-bo , Zhao Zheng-rong , Jin Ying-hui
Published: November 2021

Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the status and trends of Chinese clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) during the time period 2010–2020 and explore their methodological characteristics. Then, based on the strengths and weaknesses in development, offer several recommendations for the quality improvement which will serve as a reference for the users and developers of CPG.

Introduction: With the development of evidence-based medicine (EBM), the CPGs play an increasingly important role in healthcare decision-making both in China and worldwide.

Inclusion criteria: The CPGs that have been used to help the health professionals in the healthcare decision-making were included.

Methodology: The China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang databases were searched from 2010 to 2020 for the studies describing the general and methodological characteristics of Chinese CPGs. Comparisons of the methodological characteristics between the groups were conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. The M-K test was adopted to identify the monotonically increasing or decreasing trends of methodological characteristics over the timespan.

Results: A total of 2,654 CPGs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The quantity and quality of the guidelines developed in China have improved over the time span. From 2010 to 2020,the guidelines had differing characteristics and covered a wide range of subjects. In total, 2,318(87.34%) guidelines focused on Western Medicine. Eight (0.30%) had been developed for patient versions of guidelines, 10(0.38%) were tentative guidelines, and 16(0.60%) were rapid advice guidelines. Medical specialty societies (including their branches) (71.1%) were the main guideline makers. The most addressed diseases were neoplasms (14.43%). The target population is mainly adults (84.97%). The methodological quality of consensus-based (CB)-CPGs was obviously lower than evidence-based (EB)-CPGs. Except for the item, “recommendations were based on evidence of systematic reviews,” there were statistical differences in all other methodological items between the EB-CPGS and CB-CPGS (P < 0.01). Higher methodological quality has been observed in EB-CPGs. All the data relating to the methodological characteristics indicated that higher methodological quality was present in the guidelines using GRADE (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: The quantity and quality of the guidelines developed in China have improved between 2010 and 2020. CB-CPGs have also paid attention to the methodology quality, but obviously, this is lower than that in the EB-CPGs.
The Cytoplasmic Domains of Streptococcus mutans Membrane Protein Insertases YidC1 and YidC2 Confer Unique Structural and Functional Attributes to Each Paralog
Authors: Mishra Surabhi , Brady L. Jeannine
Published: November 2021

Integral and membrane-anchored proteins are pivotal to survival and virulence of the dental pathogen, Streptococcus mutans. The bacterial chaperone/insertase, YidC, contributes to membrane protein translocation. Unlike Escherichia coli, most Gram-positive bacteria contain two YidC paralogs. Herein, we evaluated structural features that functionally delineate S. mutans YidC1 and YidC2. Bacterial YidCs contain five transmembrane domains (TMD), two cytoplasmic loops, and a cytoplasmic tail. Because S. mutans YidC1 (SmYidC1) and YidC2 (SmYidC2) cytoplasmic domains (CD) are less well conserved than are TMD, we engineered ectopic expression of the 14 possible YidC1-YidC2 CD domain swap combinations. Growth and stress tolerance of each was compared to control strains ectopically expressing unmodified yidC1 or yidC2. Acid and osmotic stress sensitivity are associated with yidC2 deletion. Sensitivity to excess zinc was further identified as a ΔyidC1 phenotype. Overall, YidC1 tolerated CD substitutions better than YidC2. Preferences toward particular CD combinations suggested potential intramolecular interactions. In silico analysis predicted salt-bridges between C1 and C2 loops of YidC1, and C1 loop and C-terminal tail of YidC2, respectively. Mutation of contributing residues recapitulated ΔyidC1- and ΔyidC2-associated phenotypes. Taken together, this work revealed the importance of cytoplasmic domains in distinct functional attributes of YidC1 and YidC2, and identified key residues involved in interdomain interactions.