bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on serum zinc and copper levels in pulmonary tuberculosis patients before starting Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course
Authors: Biswas Prithwy Shankar , Al Amin Abu Md Mayeenuddin , Haque Syed Didarul
Published: October 2021

Background: Tuberculosis is a major public health concern throughout the world including Bangladesh. The prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) is increasing day by day. Around one-third of world population is infected with M. tuberculosis. Still pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains one of the important causes of mortality throughout the world with economic burden.
Objective: To evaluate levels of the serum zinc and serum copper in smear positive PTB patients before starting Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTs) therapy.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional type of observational study. A total of 100 subjects were included in this study. Among them 50 were smear positive PTB patients denoted as case group and 50 were apparently healthy individuals denoted as control group. Biochemical tests were carried out in the department of biochemistry of Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh. All the statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS version 21. Results were evaluated by using Student’s t-test.
Results: After careful evaluation there was significant decrease in serum zinc level along with significant increase in serum copper level among the case group when compared with the control group. The mean values of serum zinc level were 93.96±10.04 μg/dl and 72.84±7.73 μg/dl in control and case group respectively. Serum zinc level decreased significantly (p <0.001) in PTB patients. The mean values of serum copper were 111.81±21.26 μg/dl and 125.99±27.93 μg/dl in control and case group respectively. There was significant (p <0.001) rise of serum copper level in PTB patients.
Mediscope 2021;8(2): 122-127
Arachnoid cyst at upper lumbar region - A case report
Authors: Ali Farazi Md Mohsin , Khalil Ibrahim , Rashid Mamunur , Kabir SM Ikbal , Moonmoon Farhana Boby
Published: October 2021

A young male patient of 22 years was presented with the complaints of low back pain, hypoesthesia and inability to walk. MRI of lumbosacral spine reveals intradural mass lesion extending from L2-L3 with no enhancement of gadolinium. Hence an extensive laminectomy and total removal of the mass was done. Peroperative impression confirms arachnoid cyst. After operation there was dramatic improvement of signs and symptoms; patient was able to walk without support during discharge from the hospital after one week.
Mediscope 2021;8(2): 128-130
Patrimonio colectivo. Comunidades, participación y sostenibilidad
Authors: Santamarina Campos Beatriz
Published: October 2021

El patrimonio cultural se nos presenta como un campo de intervención y gobierno en constante mutación. Lejos de ser sustantivo, sea este calificado como material, natural e inmaterial, es una realidad sociohistórica mediada por las condiciones sociales de producción. Desde una perspectiva crítica, en este artículo, hacemos una aproximación al patrimonio colectivo poniendo atención a las transformaciones experimentadas en las últimas décadas. La entrada de la democratización patrimonial y el giro participativo a raíz de la Convención para la Salvaguardia del Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial (París, 2003) parece no haber tenido el calado esperado. El papel activo otorgado a las llamadas "comunidades portadoras" en las activaciones y gestión patrimonial se ha reducido a lo retórico, produciéndose una contradicción entre las proclamas y las prácticas lanzados por los discursos patrimoniales autorizados. Y esto no es extraño, en juego está la posesión, propiedad y titularidad, de los bienes. De ahí, que los conflictos por la disputa de lo patrimonial sean cada vez más numerosos, imponiéndose regímenes patrimoniales que responden a las lógicas imperantes del mercado. Hoy, más que nunca, la degradación ecosistémica nos obliga a replantear el patrimonio colectivo como una herramienta para lograr la sostenibilidad, siguiendo los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible formulados globalmente para la Agenda 2030. Desde nuestra perspectiva, el reto para alcanzar un patrimonio colectivo democrático, colaborativo y sostenible pasa por un cambio radical en los regímenes patrimoniales actuales.
AIR KELAPA HIJAU MENURUNKAN DISMENORE PADA REMAJA PUTRI
Authors: Dolang Mariene Wiwin
Published: October 2021

Menstrual pain or commonly known as dysmenorrhea is muscle cramps felt in the lower abdomen that appear before or during menstruation (menstruation). Menstrual pain is caused by the muscles of the uterine wall contracting, compressing the surrounding blood vessels, as a result, the oxygen supply to the uterus is blocked and triggers pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving green coconut water in reducing dysmenorrhoea pain in adolescent girls in the Stikes Dormitory of Pasapua Ambon. This study uses a pre-design experimental design with static group comparison: randomized control group only. The results showed that there was an effect of giving green coconut water to dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls in the Stikes Dormitory of Pasapua Ambon with p = 0.000 (p <0.05). The conclusion is that there is an effect of giving green coconut water on dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls in the STIKES Pasapua Ambon dormitory
Рersonnel management of construction enterprises
Authors:   National Transport University, Grechan Alla , Yatsenko Bogdan ,   State University of Infrastructure and Technologies, Petrovich Volodymyr ,   National Transport University, Usychenko Olena ,   National Transport University
Published: October 2021

In the thesis features of personnel management in the construction industry. The conceptual framework of the system of personnel management of the building, which is based on enhancing the role of staff, compared with traditional methods of management in the domestic construction companies. Easy to assess the quality of staff building company from a position of the enterprise, based on the factorial-target approach, which is to allocate the defining problems of structural units that must be solved to achieve this goal, identification and evaluation of relevant key features of staff. The quantitative relationship between the components of quality of construction personnel and construction of net income. Assessment of quality of staff positions offered to investors by the criterion of «cost of personnel», which is defined as net sales of construction works, reduced by the amount of material costs and depreciation of fixed assets of the organisation. The mechanism of stimulation of the construction workers, depending on the achieved level of quality of works. The complex of measures aimed at improving the «qualifying component» as staff of the construction industry.
CORRELATION RESULTS OF THE PROTEROZOIC-PHANEROZOIC SECTIONS OF THE ALDAN-MAYA OIL AND GAS BEARING REGION ON DEEP DRILLING DATA
Authors: Konstantinova Larisa N. , Gubin Igor A. , Moiseev Sergey A. , Fomin Andrey M. , Kuznetsova Elena N.
Published: October 2021

The article discusses the controversial issues of well log correlation of the Riphean, Vendian, Cambrian and Mesozoic sequences, which is prospects for oil and gas within the Aldan-Maya petroleum region. The author's version of the stratigraphic correlation is based on the interpretation of logging data, seismic surveys, core description, archival and published materials. The results obtained can be used for stratigraphic picks correction and structural maps plotting.
FIRST DATA ON THE LATE ORDOVICIAN CONODONTS SCYPHIODUS STAUFFER ON GORNY ALTAI
Authors: Pecherichenko Dmitry A. , Obut Olga T. , Sennikov Nikolay V.
Published: October 2021

New data on conodonts from previously unstudied Upper Ordovician “Chechenek” Section on Gorny Altai are presented. Representatives of the conodont genus Scyphiodus Stauffer were discovered for the first time from this section.
HYDROGEOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BOROK QUARRY (NOVOSIBIRSK)
Authors: Sukhorukova Anna F. , Novikov Dmitry A. , Cherkasov Alexander A. , Derkachev Anton S.
Published: October 2021

The hydrogeological features of the development of the Borok granite quarry, the oldest in Siberia, are considered in the article. It was found that the hydrogeological conditions of the quarry are quite difficult. Two aquifers: alluvial deposits of the Quaternary age and Paleozoic granites were identified according to the geological structure of the quarry, assessing the main hydrogeochemical indicators of the drainage waters of the quarry. The volume of water inflows for the last 70 years has been analyzed. The role of fissure-vein waters of Paleozoic granites, Quaternary aquifer and atmospheric precipitation during the year is substantiated.
RELATIONSHIP OF THE FORMATION OF OROGENS AND SEDIMENTARY BASINS OF ASIA IN THE MESOZOIC-CENOZOIC
Authors: Buslov Mikhail M. , Kulikova Anna V.
Published: October 2021

The stages of the formation of mountain systems (orogens) and sedimentary basins of Asia are highlighted and an analogy is given. The stages are manifested in the Jurassic, Cretaceous, and Cenozoic as a result of collisions to the southern active margin of the Asian continent, respectively, of the Quingtang, North China, and Indian continental blocks, which led to the formation of large intracontinental orogenic belts that are the source of sedimentary basin demolition.
OIL AND GAS COMPLEXES OF THE ALDANO-MAY OIL AND GAS REGION
Authors: Fomin Andrei M. , Gubin Igor A. , Moiseev Sergey A.
Published: October 2021

The article discusses the history of the geological study of the Aldan-Maya oil and gas region, during which numerous signs of oil and gas potential were identified. The description of oil and gas bearing complexes of sedimentary strata is given. It is shown that the prospects for the discovery of new oil and gas fields in the Aldan-Maya oil and gas bearing area were assessed quite high.
PREDICTION OF THE LITHOLOGICAL COMPOSITION OF THE BAZHENOV FORMATION BASED ON INTEGRATED INTERPRETATION OF GEOLOGICAL AND GEOPHYSICAL MATERIALS (ON THE EXAMPLE OF CROSS-SECTIONS IN THE NORTHERN REGIONS OF KHANTY-MANSI AUTONOMOUS AREA)
Authors: Fomin Mikhail A. , Saitov Rashid M. , Kostyreva Elena A. , Rizhkova Svetlana V. , Sotnich Inga S. , Eder Vika G.
Published: October 2021

The article presents a methodology developed by the authors for calculating the lithological composition of the Bazhenov Formation in Western Siberia. It is based on the identified relationships between the mineral-component composition and physical properties of rocks. The physical meaning of the identified connections has been substantiated. Satisfactory convergence of the calculated values and core data is shown. Possibilities of using the developed technique in wells not characterized by core material and limitations for its application are described.
FIRST RESULTS OF STUDY OF ISOTOPE COMPOSITION OF URANIUM IN WATER SAMPLES OF THE “CRYSTAL” SITE
Authors: Artamonova Svetlana Yu. , Troitskii Dmitrii Yu. , Ushnitskii Vladislav E.
Published: October 2021

The first results of isotope composition of uranium of surface water of the peaceful underground nuclear explosion “Crystal” site are discussed. The isotope ratio is determined by the mass-spectrometry on the inductively coupled plasma.
OIL AND GAS POTENTIAL PROSPECTS OF SEDIMENTERY COMPLEX OF THE SOUTH KARA PETROLEUM REGION
Authors: Guseva Sofya M.
Published: October 2021

This work is devoted to a comprehensive scientific analysis of geological and geophysical materials on the southern part of the Kara Sea shelf, the prospects for oil and gas potential of which are extremely high, and the adjacent territories of the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous District.
ANALYSIS OF TABLE TENNIS INNOVATIONS RESULTING FROM THE COVID-2019 PANDEMIC
Authors: Pichugina Nadezda U.
Published: October 2021

The COVID-2019 pandemic forced many people to take a different look at the world around them, to reconsider their attitude to their social circle, to optimize costs, to make adjustments to the foundations of life, to discover new activities. All areas of activity suffered losses both in the field of economy and in the field of resources. While the business was looking for new solutions to survive, the sport survived clinical death. The losses of athletes and organizations were estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The number of children in sports sections has decreased. Table tennis is one of the most popular sports around the world, both in terms of the number of people involved and the number of countries where it develops. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has more than 200 countries and is one of the three leading world federations in this indicator. This article will describe the problems and solutions that have arisen in table tennis as a result of the emergence of a new virus.
THE BATTLE LOSSES OF THE 194th ROOM DIVISION DURING THE LIBERATION OF BELARUS
Authors: Кationova Anna О. , Volkov Roman E.
Published: October 2021

The article actualizes the resource memory and the practice of perpetuating the events and people of the great patriotic war as a source of experience of a civil act. The aim of the study was to characterize the combat path of the 194th infantry red banner rechitsa division during the great patriotic war, supplemented by new sources of information. The chronological method makes it possible to show the combat path of the division during the war years, as well as to determine the time of its reorganization, to identify the main combat operations in which the division participated, to establish the routes of its movement. The descriptive method provides an opportunity to supplement the existing information with new materials that were not previously available to the researcher. The statistical method allows you to establish the number of servicemen related to the division, the number of awarded and determine the number of those killed in the division. All these data appeared relatively recently on the site memory of the people, it is only required to conduct a detailed count of the dead on the basis of viewing the documents. The comparative method allows one to assess the role and skill of the division command in planning combat operations, in preparing reinforcements, in the ability to manage divisions of a division in comparison with divisions of a similar profile. In the context of the policy of perpetuating the memory of exploits and sacrifices on the example of 194 sd. Presents the results of search archival work on local events of the great patriotic war and the significance of combat losses during the liberation of belarus.
SIBERIAN SEPARATISM IN THE GEOPOLITICAL SPACE OF RUSSIA
Authors: Kolotkin Mikhail N. , Sotnikova Elena V.
Published: October 2021

The article examines some of the problems associated with the spread of separatist sentiments among the population of the Siberian region in different historical periods. The chronological framework of the article covers the time from the second half of the 19th century and ends with the post-Soviet period. Siberian separatism, despite the extremely scarce nutrient soil, has its own history and poses a great danger to the unity of the country. Even if we hypothetically imagine the loss of Siberia, it will immediately become the end of Russia as an independent geopolitical entity. This is where the importance of the topic discussed in the work stems from.
Some Aspects of Prescribing Treatment for Children with Myopia and Excessive Tension of Accomodation in the Practice of the Ophthalmologist of the Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Brzheskiy V. V. , Zaitsev N. A.
Published: October 2021

Purpose. To study the preferences of ophthalmologists in the implementation of therapeutic and diagnostic measures in children with myopia and habitually excessive tension of accommodation (HETA) as part of a routine clinical practice. Material and methods. The study was conducted based on outpatient ophthalmologists’ offices. The analysis involved 64 medical questionnaires received from 32 doctors from 23 cities of Russia (2 questionnaires of the same type were filled in, each for 20 patients) and information about 1280 clinical cases of myopia or habitually excessive tension of accommodation, documented in the medical records of children aged 5 to 17 years, diagnosed with myopia (863 children, 67.4% of the surveyed) or habitually excessive tension of accommodation (417 children, 32.6%). Data was sourced from medical treatment records and a survey of doctors’ opinions. Results. In the structure of juvenile myopia, the most commonly observed degrees are mild (49.36%) and moderate (37.31%). The recentness of myopia is proportional to its degree. Most often, for treating juvenile myopia and HETA, doctors combine a drug therapy aimed at improving accommodation (96.5%) with functional methods of treatment. Phenylephrine hydrochloride preparations such as Irifrin® and Irifrin® BK (28.44 and 33.13%, respectively), as well as the combined preparation Midrimax® (36.41%) were most often used as drug therapy. To improve accommodation, ophthalmologists of outpatient clinics more often prescribe a one-month course of drug instillations, and 50% of the respondents undergo it twice a year. However, the number of patients who rated the degree of satisfaction and adherence to therapy as high and very high turned out to be higher in cases when such courses were underwent 4 times a year, compared with the group of patients who underwent them 2 times a year. Conclusion. Convenience of use of Irifrin®, Irifrin® BK and Midrimax® drugs, combined with their availability, make it possible to recommend them for a wide clinical use – treatment of patients with myopia and habitually excessive tension of accommodation.
Features of the Clinical Course and Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome in the Setting of Chronic Conjunctivitis in the South Aral Sea Region
Authors: Bakhritdinova F. A. , Matkarimov A. K. , Mirrakhimova S. Sh. , Maksudova Z. R.
Published: October 2021

Background. Currently, the health status of the population in the Aral Sea region should be considered with reference to long-term effects of environmental pollution – air, soil and drinking water containing toxic salts. As per results of the analysis of primary eye diseases in the Southern Aral Sea region, it was revealed that the main cause of conjunctivitis were chemical and physical exogenous irritation factors, such as dust, smoke and exposure to salt and sand storms that create a favorable environment for infection and development of secondary Dry Eye Syndrome. Purpose. To optimize treatment of secondary Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) in patients with chronic conjunctivitis in the South Aral Sea region. Materials and Methods. The research included 62 patients (120 eyes) with chronic conjunctivitis, aged 35–62 years, who had been observed in an outpatient clinic for the last 3 years, with signs of DES. All studied patients were divided into 2 groups by random sampling after preliminary adequate antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy. The control group (20 patients, 40 eyes) was instilled with Tsinosol antiseptic (composition: zinc sulphate, boric acid, Aseptic) – 2 drops 3 times a day, during 30 days. Patients of the main group (42 patients, 80 eyes) were instilled with Tsinosol antiseptic (2 drops 3 times a day) and Keratrop artificial tear (AT) eye drops (composition: sodium carmellose, glycerin, levocarnitine, erythrol, firma Aseptica) – 2 drops 3 times a day, during a month. All patients underwent standard ophthalmological tests, and special tests were carried out to verify DES, including Schirmer, Norn and Jones tests. Lower lacrimal meniscus height and the severity of the conjunctival fold were also determined. Results. Studies have shown that in the main group, both subjective and objective signs of the disease significantly decreased compared with the baseline and with the respective parameters of the control group, and a significant improvement in the stability of the tear film was noted. Conclusion. To optimize the therapy of secondary DES, it is necessary to include artificial tear eye drops in the treatment regimen in general, and consider using Keratrop eye drops in particular.
The Hard Facts on GP Contact Lens Care
Authors: Conway M.
Published: October 2021

The article is designed to explain the various steps needed to be undertaken daily to keep gas permeable (GP) contact  lenses clean, wettable, and free from pathogens that could cause ocular disease. It explains why the steps need to be performed and what the adverse consequences of failing to perform them might be.

Translation of the article: Ruslan Tahaveev (Academy of Medical Optics and Optometry
Когнитивные нарушения при РАС. Проблемы маппинга и распознавания лиц
Authors: Д. Абугова Т.
Published: October 2021

Редакция продолжает публикацию книги основателя метода цветокоррекции Иана Джордана  (Ian Jordan) «Руководство для родителей по проблемам зрения при заболеваниях аутистического спектра».
Itch in Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Lambert Julien
Published: October 2021

Contact dermatitis is a continuous growing environmental and occupational health problem. It results in high costs for health care systems and the economy due to productivity loss. Moreover, it has a huge impact on the quality of life of patients. The immune response to contact allergy is very complex and not totally elucidated. Recently unique pathways preferentially activated by different allergens were identified. As for a lot of chronic itch disorders, antihistamines are ineffective for allergic contact dermatitis, suggesting a non-histaminergic itch. The precise mechanisms that underlie the development of itch in ACD remain poorly defined. This short review addresses the most recent insights in pruritus in ACD, opening perspectives for future therapies.
Three-Dimensional In Vitro Lymphangiogenesis Model in Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Cho Youngkyu , Na Kyuhwan , Jun Yesl , Won Jihee , Yang Ji Hun , Chung Seok
Published: October 2021

Lymphangiogenesis is a stage of new lymphatic vessel formation in development and pathology, such as inflammation and tumor metastasis. Physiologically relevant models of lymphatic vessels have been in demand because studies on lymphatic vessels are required for understanding the mechanism of tumor metastasis. In this study, a new three-dimensional lymphangiogenesis model in a tumor microenvironment is proposed, using a newly designed macrofluidic platform. It is verified that controllable biochemical and biomechanical cues, which contribute to lymphangiogenesis, can be applied in this platform. In particular, this model demonstrates that a reconstituted lymphatic vessel has an in vivo–like lymphatic vessel in both physical and biochemical aspects. Since biomechanical stress with a biochemical factor influences robust directional lymphatic sprouting, whether our model closely approximates in vivo, the initial lymphatics in terms of the morphological and genetic signatures is investigated. Furthermore, attempting an incorporation with a tumor spheroid, this study successfully develops a complex tumor microenvironment model for use in lymphangiogenesis and reveals the microenvironment factors that contribute to tumor metastasis. As a first attempt at a coculture model, this reconstituted model is a novel system with a fully three-dimensional structure and can be a powerful tool for pathological drug screening or disease model.
Systematic Construction and Validation of a Prognostic Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Immune-Related Genes
Authors: Yu Jiahao , Ma Shuoyi , Tian Siyuan , Zhang Miao , Ding Xiaopeng , Liu Yansheng , Yang Fangfang , Hu Yinan , Xuan Guoyun , Zhou Xinmin , Wang Jingbo , Han Ying
Published: October 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a highly aggressive tumor, has high incidence and mortality rates. Recently, immunotherapies have been shown to be a promising treatment in HCC. The results of either the CheckMate-040 or IMbrave 150 trials demonstrate the importance of immunotherapy in the systemic treatment of liver cancer. Thus, in this study, we tried to establish a reliable prognostic model for liver cancer based on immune-related genes (IRGs) and to provide a new insight for immunotherapy of HCC. In this study, we used four datasets that incorporated 851 HCC samples, including 340 samples with complete clinical information from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database, to establish an effective model for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients based on the differential expression of IRGs and validated the prognostic model using the data from International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). The top 6 characteristic IRGs identified by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, MMP9, FOS, CAT, ESR1, ANGPTL3, and KLKB1, were selected for further study. In addition, we assessed the correlations of the six characteristic IRGs with the tumor immune microenvironment, clinical stage, and sensitivity to anti-cancer drugs. We also explored whether the differential expression of the characteristic IRGs was specific to HCC or present in pan-cancer. The expression levels of the six characteristic IRGs were significantly different between most tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues. In addition, these characteristic IRGs showed a strong association with immune cell infiltration in HCC patients. We found that MMP9 and ESR1 were independent prognostic factors for HCC, while CAT, ESR1, and KLKB1 were associated with the clinical stage. We collected HCC paraffin sections from 24 patients from Xijing hospital to identify the differential expression of the five genes (MMP9, ESR1, CAT, FOS, and KLKB1). Finally, the results of decision curve analysis (DCA) and nomogram revealed that our models provided a prognostic benefit for most HCC patients and the predicted overall survival (OS) was consistent with the actual OS. In conclusion, we systemically constructed a novel prognostic model that provides new insights into HCC.
A Review on the Role of Small Nucleolar RNA Host Gene 6 Long Non-coding RNAs in the Carcinogenic Processes
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Khoshbakht Tayyebeh , Taheri Mohammad , Shojaei Seyedpouzhia
Published: October 2021

Being located on 17q25.1, small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 (SNHG16) is a member of SNHG family of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) with 4 exons and 13 splice variants. This lncRNA serves as a sponge for a variety of miRNAs, namely miR-520a-3p, miR-4500, miR-146a miR-16–5p, miR-98, let-7a-5p, hsa-miR-93, miR-17-5p, miR-186, miR-302a-3p, miR-605-3p, miR-140-5p, miR-195, let-7b-5p, miR-16, miR-340, miR-1301, miR-205, miR-488, miR-1285-3p, miR-146a-5p, and miR-124-3p. This lncRNA can affect activity of TGF-β1/SMAD5, mTOR, NF-κB, Wnt, RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK and PI3K/AKT pathways. Almost all studies have reported oncogenic effect of SNHG16 in diverse cell types. Here, we explain the results of studies about the oncogenic role of SNHG16 according to three distinct sets of evidence, i.e., in vitro, animal, and clinical evidence.
Toll-Like Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in the Era of Immunotherapies
Authors: Farooq Mariya , Batool Maria , Kim Moon Suk , Choi Sangdun
Published: October 2021

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are the pattern recognition receptors, which are activated by foreign and host molecules in order to initiate the immune response. They play a crucial role in the regulation of innate immunity, and several studies have shown their importance in bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. The consensus view from an immunological perspective is that TLR agonists can serve either as a possible therapeutic agent or as a vaccine adjuvant toward cancers or infectious diseases and that TLR inhibitors may be a promising approach to the treatment of autoimmune diseases, some cancers, bacterial, and viral infections. These notions are based on the fact that TLR agonists stimulate the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and in general, the development of proinflammatory responses. Some of the TLR-based inhibitory agents have shown to be efficacious in preclinical models and have now entered clinical trials. Therefore, TLRs seem to hold the potential to serve as a perfect target in the era of immunotherapies. We offer a perspective on TLR-based therapeutics that sheds light on their usefulness and on combination therapies. We also highlight various therapeutics that are in the discovery phase or in clinical trials.
Point-of-Care Testing for Multiple Cardiac Markers Based on a Snail-Shaped Microfluidic Chip
Authors: Yin Binfeng , Wan Xinhua , Qian Changcheng , Sohan A. S. M. Muhtasim Fuad , Wang Songbai , Zhou Teng
Published: October 2021

Existing methods for detecting cardiac markers are difficult to be applied in point-of-care testing (POCT) due to complex operation, long time consumption, and low sensitivity. Here, we report a snail-shaped microfluidic chip (SMC) for the multiplex detection of cTnI, CK-MB, and Myo with high sensitivity and a short detection time. The SMC consists of a sandwich structure: a channel layer with a mixer and reaction zone, a reaction layer coated with capture antibodies, and a base layer. The opening or closing of the microchannels is realized by controlling the downward movement of the press-type mechanical valve. The chemiluminescence method was used as a signal readout, and the experimental conditions were optimized. SMC could detect cTnI, CK-MB, and Myo at concentrations as low as 1.02, 1.37, and 4.15. The SMC will be a promising platform for a simultaneous determination of multianalytes and shows a potential application in POCT.
A Microbial World: Could Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Be Involved in Acute Respiratory Failure?
Authors: Huang Chunrong , Chen Hong , Ding Yongjie , Ma Xiaolong , Zhu Haixing , Zhang Shengxiong , Du Wei , Summah Hanssa Dwarka , Shi Guochao , Feng Yun
Published: October 2021

Background

The usefulness of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in identifying pathogens is being investigated. We aimed to compare the power of microbial identification between mNGS and various methods in patients with acute respiratory failure.

Methods

We reviewed 130 patients with respiratory failure, and 184 specimens including blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), sputum, pleural effusion, ascitic fluid, and urine were tested by mNGS and conventional methods (culture, PCR). We also enrolled 13 patients to evaluate the power of mNGS and pathogen targets NGS (ptNGS) in microbial identifications. Clinical features and microbes detected were analyzed.

Results

mNGS outperformed the conventional method in the positive detection rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) (OR, ∞; 95% CI, 1–∞; P < 0.05), bacteria (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 2.4–5.8; P < 0.0001), fungi (OR, 4.37; 95% CI, 2.7–7.2; P < 0.0001), mycoplasma (OR, 10.5; 95% CI, 31.8–115; P = 0.005), and virus (OR, ∞; 95% CI, 180.7–∞; P < 0.0001). We showed that 20 patients (28 samples) were detected with Pneumocystis jirovecii (P. jirovecii) by mNGS, but not by the conventional method, and most of those patients were immunocompromised. Read numbers of Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), P. jirovecii, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) in BALF were higher than those in other sample types, and the read number of Candida albicans (C. albicans) in blood was higher than that in BALF. We found that orotracheal intubation and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were associated with a higher detection rate of bacteria and virus by mNGS, immunosuppression was associated with a higher detection rate of fungi and virus by mNGS, and inflammatory markers were associated with mNGS-positive detection rate of bacteria. In addition, we observed preliminary results of ptNGS.

Conclusion

mNGS outperformed the conventional method in the detection of MTB, bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, and virus. Orotracheal intubation, T2DM, immunosuppression, and inflammatory markers were associated with a higher detection rate of bacteria, fungi, and virus by mNGS. In addition, ptNGS results were consistent with the detection of abundant bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma in our specimens.
Complex Vulnerabilities of the Water and Aquatic Carbon Cycles to Permafrost Thaw
Authors: Walvoord Michelle A. , Striegl Robert G.
Published: October 2021

The spatial distribution and depth of permafrost are changing in response to warming and landscape disturbance across northern Arctic and boreal regions. This alters the infiltration, flow, surface and subsurface distribution, and hydrologic connectivity of inland waters. Such changes in the water cycle consequently alter the source, transport, and biogeochemical cycling of aquatic carbon (C), its role in the production and emission of greenhouse gases, and C delivery to inland waters and the Arctic Ocean. Responses to permafrost thaw across heterogeneous boreal landscapes will be neither spatially uniform nor synchronous, thus giving rise to expressions of low to medium confidence in predicting hydrologic and aquatic C response despite very high confidence in projections of widespread near-surface permafrost disappearance as described in the 2019 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate: Polar Regions. Here, we describe the state of the science regarding mechanisms and factors that influence aquatic C and hydrologic responses to permafrost thaw. Through synthesis of recent topical field and modeling studies and evaluation of influential landscape characteristics, we present a framework for assessing vulnerabilities of northern permafrost landscapes to specific modes of thaw affecting local to regional hydrology and aquatic C biogeochemistry and transport. Lastly, we discuss scaling challenges relevant to model prediction of these impacts in heterogeneous permafrost landscapes.
Working Together for Grizzly Bears: A Collaborative Approach to Estimate Population Abundance in Northwest Alberta, Canada
Authors: Hughes Courtney , Steenweg Rolanda J. , Vander Vennen Lucas M. , Melnycky Natalka A. , Fullerton Lyle , Witiw James T. , Morehouse Andrea
Published: October 2021

Grizzly bears are a threatened species in Alberta, Canada, and their conservation and management is guided by a provincial recovery plan. While empirical abundance and densities estimates have been completed for much of the province, empirical data are lacking for the northwest region of Alberta, a 2.8 million hectare area called Bear Management Area 1 (BMA 1). In part, this is due to limited staff capacity and funding to cover a vast geographic area, and a boreal landscape that is difficult to navigate. Using a collaborative approach, a multi-stakeholder working group called the Northwest Grizzly Bear Team (NGBT) was established to represent land use and grizzly bear interests across BMA 1. Collectively, we identified our project objectives using a Theory of Change approach, to articulate our interests and needs, and develop common ground to ultimately leverage human, social, financial and policy resources to implement the project. This included establishing 254 non-invasive genetic hair corral sampling sites across BMA 1, and using spatially explicit capture-recapture models to estimate grizzly bear density. Our results are two-fold: first we describe the process of developing and then operating within a collaborative, multi-stakeholder governance arrangement, and demonstrate how our approach was key to both improving relationships across stakeholders but also delivering on our grizzly bear project objectives; and, secondly we present the first-ever grizzly bear population estimate for BMA 1, including identifying 16 individual bears and estimating density at 0.70 grizzly bears/1,000 km2-the lowest recorded density of an established grizzly bear population in Alberta. Our results are not only necessary for taking action on one of Alberta's iconic species at risk, but also demonstrate the value and power of collaboration to achieve a conservation goal.
Latest Advances in Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Translation to the Clinic
Authors: Salybekov Amankeldi A. , Kunikeyev Aidyn D. , Kobayashi Shuzo , Asahara Takayuki
Published: October 2021

Almost all nucleated cells secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are heterogeneous spheroid patterned or round shape particles ranging from 30 to 200 nm in size. Recent preclinical and clinical studies have shown that endothelial progenitor cell-derived EVs (EPC-EVs) have a beneficial therapeutic effect in various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and kidney, and lung disorders. Moreover, some animal studies have shown that EPC-EVs selectively accumulate at the injury site with a specific mechanism of binding along with angiogenic and restorative effects that are superior to those of their ancestors. This review article highlights current advances in the biogenesis, delivery route, and long-term storage methods of EPC-EVs and their favorable effects such as anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and tissue protection in various diseases. Finally, we review the possibility of therapeutic application of EPC-EVs in the clinic.
Faulting and Folding of the Transgressive Surface Offshore Ventura Records Deformational Events in the Holocene
Authors: Perea Hector , Ucarkus Gülsen , Driscoll Neal , Kent Graham , Levy Yuval , Rockwell Thomas
Published: October 2021

Identifying the offshore thrust faults of the Western Transverse Ranges that could produce large earthquakes and seafloor uplift is essential to assess potential geohazards for the region. The Western Transverse Ranges in southern California are an E-W trending fold-and-thrust system that extends offshore west of Ventura. Using a high-resolution seismic CHIRP dataset, we have identified the Last Glacial Transgressive Surface (LGTS) and two Holocene seismostratigraphic units. Deformation of the LGTS, together with onlapping packages that exhibit divergence and rotation across the active structures, provide evidence for three to four deformational events with vertical uplifts ranging from 1 to 10 m. Based on the depth of the LGTS and the Holocene sediment thickness, age estimates for the deformational events reveal a good correlation with the onshore paleoseismological results for the Ventura-Pitas Point fault and the Ventura-Avenue anticline. The observed deformation along the offshore segments of the Ventura-Pitas Point fault and Ventura-Avenue anticline trend diminishes toward the west. Farther north, the deformation along the offshore Red Mountain anticline also diminishes to the west with the shortening stepping north onto the Mesa-Rincon Creek fault system. These observations suggest that offshore deformation along the fault-fold structures moving westward is systematically stepping to the north toward the hinterland. The decrease in the amount of deformation along the frontal structures towards the west corresponds to an increase in deformation along the hinterland fold systems, which could result from a connection of the fault strands at depth. A connection at depth of the northward dipping thrusts to a regional master detachment may explain the apparent jump of the deformation moving west, from the Ventura-Pitas Point fault and the Ventura-Avenue anticline to the Red Mountain anticline, and then, from the Red Mountain anticline to the Mesa-Rincon Creek fold system. Finally, considering the maximum vertical uplift estimated for events on these structures (max ∼10 m), along with the potential of a common master detachment that may rupture in concert, this system could generate a large magnitude earthquake (>Mw 7.0) and a consequent tsunami.
Characteristics of Precipitation During Meiyu and Huang-Huai Rainy Seasons in Anhui Province of China
Authors: Zhou Yuliang , Zhou Ping , Zhang Yuliang , Wu Chengguo , Jin Juliang , Cui Yi , Ning Shaowei
Published: October 2021

Based on the spatial distribution characteristics of the summer monsoon rain belt, Anhui Province of China is divided into three regions, namely, the south of the Yangtze River region (SYA), the Yangtze-Huai region (YHA), and the north of the Huaihe region (NHA). The western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH) ridge and the number of regional rainy days are adopted to identify the onset and ending dates of Meiyu and Huang-Huai rainy seasons during 1957–2020, using China’s national standard on “Meiyu monitoring indices.” Then precipitation characteristics of these three regions during Meiyu and Huang-Huai rainy seasons are investigated. Finally, the return periods of the precipitation during the northward movement of summer monsoon over Anhui Province are calculated. The results show that there are 7 years without the occurrence of Huang-Huai rainy season, but 8 years with the occurrence of two Meiyu periods and 5 years with two Huang-Huai rainy periods. Thus, there is only one Meiyu period and one Huang-Huai rainy period in the rest 49 years. For the first Meiyu period during 1957–2020, the average onset and ending dates are 14th June and 10th July, respectively, while the corresponding precipitation presents a decreasing tendency from south to north regions in Anhui Province. For the first Huang-Huai rainy period during 1957–2020, the average onset and ending dates are 10th July and 23rd July, respectively, and the corresponding precipitation shows an increasing tendency from south to north regions. For the northward movement of summer monsoon over Anhui Province, the average onset and ending dates are 14th June and 25th July, respectively, and the corresponding precipitation in NHA is close to that in YHA, but less than that in SYA. Annual precipitation in SYA, YHA, and NHA are 999.5, 1010.6, and 618.7 mm, respectively, during the northward movement of summer monsoon over Anhui Province in 2020, and the corresponding return periods are 56.0, 161.6, and 29.2 years, respectively.
Using Design of Location-Based Augmented Reality Experiences to Engage Art-Oriented Girls in Technology and Science
Authors: Davis Cathlyn Merritt , Kamarainen Amy , Storksdieck Martin , Gagnon David , Kermish-Allen Ruth , Riedinger Kelly
Published: October 2021

Taking part in creating location-based augmented reality (LBAR) experiences that focus on communication, art and design could serve as an entry point for art-oriented girls and young women towards career pathways in computer science and information communication technology. This conceptual paper presents our theory-based approach and subsequent application, as well as lessons learned informed by team discussions and reflections. We built an LBAR program entitled AR Girls on four foundational principles: stealth science (embedding science in familiar appealing experiences), place-based education (situating learning in one’s own community), non-hierarchical design (collaborations where both adults and youth generate content), and learning through design (engaging in design, not just play). To translate these principles into practice, we centered the program around the theme of art by forming partnerships with small community art organizations and positioning LBAR as an art-based communication medium. We found that LBAR lends itself to an interdisciplinary approach that blends technology, art, science and communication. We believe our approach helped girls make connections to their existing interests and build soft skills such as leadership and interpersonal communication as they designed local environmentally-focused LBAR walking tours. Our “use-modify-create” approach provided first-hand experiences with the AR software early on, and thus supported the girls and their art educators in designing and showcasing their walking tours. Unfortunately, the four foundational principles introduced considerable complexity to AR Girls, which impacted recruitment and retention, and at times overwhelmed the art educators who co-led the program. To position AR Girls for long-term success, we simplified the program approach and implementation, including switching to a more user-friendly AR software; reducing logistical challenges of location-based design and play; narrowing the topic addressed by the girls design; and making the involvement of community partners optional. Overall, our initial work was instrumental in understanding how to translate theoretical considerations for learning in out-of-school settings into an LBAR program aimed at achieving multiple complementary outcomes for participating girls. Ultimately, we achieved better scalability by simplifying AR Girls both conceptually and practically. The lessons learned from AR Girls can inform others using LBAR for education and youth development programming.
Association Between Age at Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Nationwide, Population-Based, Cohort Study
Authors: Hu Chunyan , Lin Lin , Zhu Yujing , Zhang Yi , Wang Shuangyuan , Zhang Jie , Qi Hongyan , Li Mian , Zhu Yuanyue , Huo Yanan , Wan Qin , Qin Yingfen , Hu Ruying , Shi Lixin , Su Qing , Yu Xuefeng , Yan Li , Qin Guijun , Tang Xulei , Chen Gang , Xu Min , Xu Yu , Wang Tiange , Zhao Zhiyun , Gao Zhengnan , Wang Guixia , Shen Feixia , Luo Zuojie , Chen Li , Li Qiang , Ye Zhen , Zhang Yinfei , Liu Chao , Wang Youmin , Yang Tao , Deng Huacong , Chen Lulu , Zeng Tianshu , Li Donghui , Zhao Jiajun , Mu Yiming , Bi Yufang , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Wu Shengli , Chen Yuhong , Lu Jieli
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Nationwide studies focusing on the impact of early-onset type 2 diabetes and obesity on the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are limited in China. We aimed to investigate the association between age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and the risk of CVD, and to further examine the modifying effect of obesity on this association among Chinese adults.

Methods

This study included 23,961 participants with previously diagnosed diabetes from a large nationwide population-based cohort study across mainland China. With an interviewer-assisted questionnaire, we collected detailed information on CVDs. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of CVDs associated with age at diagnosis of diabetes.

Results

Compared with patients with late-onset diabetes (≥60 years), those with earlier-onset diabetes had increased risks for CVD, with adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of 1.72 (1.36-2.17), 1.52 (1.31-1.75) and 1.33 (1.19-1.48) for patients diagnosed aged <40, 40-49 and 50-59 years, respectively. Each 5-year earlier age at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes was significantly associated with 14% increased risk of CVD (OR, 1.14; 95%CI, 1.11-1.18). This association was more prominent for patients with obesity than those with normal body mass index (BMI). Significant interaction was detected between age at diagnosis and BMI categories on CVD risk (P for interaction=0.0457).

Conclusion

Early-onset type 2 diabetes was significantly associated with higher risk of CVD, and this association was more prominent among patients with obesity.
Pleiotropic Effects of Secretin: A Potential Drug Candidate in the Treatment of Obesity?
Authors: Laurila Sanna , Rebelos Eleni , Honka Miikka-Juhani , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: October 2021

Secretin is the first hormone that has been discovered, inaugurating the era and the field of endocrinology. Despite the initial focus, the interest in its actions faded away over the decades. However, there is mounting evidence regarding the pleiotropic beneficial effects of secretin on whole-body homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the evidence from preclinical and clinical studies based on which secretin may have a role in the treatment of obesity.