bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD4+ conventional T cells-related genes signature is a prognostic indicator for ovarian cancer
Authors: Hua Tian , Liu Deng-xiang , Zhang Xiao-chong , Li Shao-teng , Yan Peng , Zhao Qun , Chen Shu-bo
Published: March 2023

Introduction

It is believed that ovarian cancer (OC) is the most deadly form of gynecological cancer despite its infrequent occurrence, which makes it one of the most salient public health concerns. Clinical and preclinical studies have revealed that intratumoral CD4+ T cells possess cytotoxic capabilities and were capable of directly killing cancer cells. This study aimed to identify the CD4+ conventional T cells-related genes (CD4TGs) with respect to the prognosis in OC.

Methods

We obtained the transcriptome and clinical data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. CD4TGs were first identified from single-cell datasets, then univariate Cox regression was used to screen prognosis-related genes, LASSO was conducted to remove genes with coefficient zero, and multivariate Cox regression was used to calculate riskscore and to construct the CD4TGs risk signature. Kaplan-Meier analysis, univariate Cox regression, multivariate Cox regression, time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC), decision curve analysis (DCA), nomogram, and calibration were made to verify and evaluate the risk signature. Gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA) in risk groups were conducted to explore the tightly correlated pathways with the risk group. The role of riskscore has been further explored in the tumor microenvironment (TME), immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. A risk signature with 11 CD4TGs in OC was finally established in the TCGA database and furtherly validated in several GEO cohorts.

Results

High riskscore was significantly associated with a poorer prognosis and proven to be an independent prognostic biomarker by multivariate Cox regression. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC values, DCA curve, nomogram, and calibration results confirmed the excellent prediction power of this model. Compared with the reported risk models, our model showed better performance. The patients were grouped into high-risk and low-risk subgroups according to the riskscore by the median value. The low-risk group patients tended to exhibit a higher immune infiltration, immune-related gene expression and were more sensitive to immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Discussion

Collectively, our findings of the prognostic value of CD4TGs in prognosis and immune response, provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms and clinical management of OC.
Seabed fluid flow in the China Seas
Authors: Zhu Chaoqi , Li Qingping , Li Zhenghui , Duan Minliang , Li Sanzhong , Zhou Qingjie , Geng Minghui , Chen Jiangxin , Jia Yonggang
Published: March 2023

Seabed fluid flow is a widespread and important natural phenomenon in marine environments, which involves complex multi-physics, multi-process and multi-scale processes. The developments in offshore geophysical technology have facilitated the discovery of the widespread emissions of seabed fluids. For an overview on the state-of-the-art seabed fluid flow research and for obtaining a perspective on future research in the China Seas, we reviewed the data, reports, and publications particularly that associated with cold seeps such as pockmarks, seeps, domes, mud volcanoes, and gas hydrates in the Bohai Sea, the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea, and the South China Sea. This study presents the first report for seabed fluid flow on all China Seas with the basic information required to undertake additional analytical studies of these features. Furthermore, we explore processes responsible for them and their implications. Although the seabed fluid flow is widespread, dynamic, and influential, it is still poorly examined and understood. To understand seabed fluid flow in both time and space, it is important to investigate how and why these seabed fluids form and migrate.
Large-scale genetic characterization of the model sulfate-reducing bacterium, Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough
Authors: Trotter Valentine V. , Shatsky Maxim , Price Morgan N. , Juba Thomas R. , Zane Grant M. , De León Kara B. , Majumder Erica L.-W. , Gui Qin , Ali Rida , Wetmore Kelly M. , Kuehl Jennifer V. , Arkin Adam P. , Wall Judy D. , Deutschbauer Adam M. , Chandonia John-Marc , Butland Gareth P.
Published: March 2023

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are obligate anaerobes that can couple their growth to the reduction of sulfate. Despite the importance of SRB to global nutrient cycles and their damage to the petroleum industry, our molecular understanding of their physiology remains limited. To systematically provide new insights into SRB biology, we generated a randomly barcoded transposon mutant library in the model SRB Desulfovibrio vulgaris Hildenborough (DvH) and used this genome-wide resource to assay the importance of its genes under a range of metabolic and stress conditions. In addition to defining the essential gene set of DvH, we identified a conditional phenotype for 1,137 non-essential genes. Through examination of these conditional phenotypes, we were able to make a number of novel insights into our molecular understanding of DvH, including how this bacterium synthesizes vitamins. For example, we identified DVU0867 as an atypical L-aspartate decarboxylase required for the synthesis of pantothenic acid, provided the first experimental evidence that biotin synthesis in DvH occurs via a specialized acyl carrier protein and without methyl esters, and demonstrated that the uncharacterized dehydrogenase DVU0826:DVU0827 is necessary for the synthesis of pyridoxal phosphate. In addition, we used the mutant fitness data to identify genes involved in the assimilation of diverse nitrogen sources and gained insights into the mechanism of inhibition of chlorate and molybdate. Our large-scale fitness dataset and RB-TnSeq mutant library are community-wide resources that can be used to generate further testable hypotheses into the gene functions of this environmentally and industrially important group of bacteria.
Improving the genetic system for Halorubrum lacusprofundi to allow in-frame deletions
Authors: Gebhard L. Johanna , Duggin Iain G. , Erdmann Susanne
Published: March 2023

Halorubrum lacusprofundi is a cold-adapted halophilic archaeon isolated from Deep Lake, Antarctica. Hrr. lacusprofundi is commonly used to study adaptation to cold environments and thereby a potential source for biotechnological products. Additionally, in contrast to other haloarchaeal model organisms, Hrr. lacusprofundi is also susceptible to a range of different viruses and virus-like elements, making it a great model to study virus-host interactions in a cold-adapted organism. A genetic system has previously been reported for Hrr. lacusprofundi; however, it does not allow in-frame deletions and multiple gene knockouts. Here, we report the successful generation of uracil auxotrophic (pyrE2) mutants of two strains of Hrr. lacusprofundi. Subsequently, we attempted to generate knockout mutants using the auxotrophic marker for selection. However, surprisingly, only the combination of the auxotrophic marker and antibiotic selection allowed the timely and clean in-frame deletion of a target gene. Finally, we show that vectors established for the model organism Haloferax volcanii are deployable for genetic manipulation of Hrr. lacusprofundi, allowing the use of the portfolio of genetic tools available for H. volcanii in Hrr. lacusprofundi.
The essential roles of small non-coding RNAs and RNA modifications in normal and malignant hematopoiesis
Authors: Cai Xinyi , Wang Hui , Han Yingli , Huang He , Qian Pengxu
Published: March 2023

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) developing from mesoderm during embryogenesis are important for the blood circulatory system and immune system. Many factors such as genetic factors, chemical exposure, physical radiation, and viral infection, can lead to the dysfunction of HSCs. Hematological malignancies (involving leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma) were diagnosed in more than 1.3 million people globally in 2021, taking up 7% of total newly-diagnosed cancer patients. Although many treatments like chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation, and stem cell transplantation have been applied in clinical therapeutics, the average 5-year survival rate for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma is about 65%, 72%, and 54% respectively. Small non-coding RNAs play key roles in a variety of biological processes, including cell division and proliferation, immunological response and cell death. With the development of technologies in high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatic analysis, there is emerging research about modifications on small non-coding RNAs, as well as their functions in hematopoiesis and related diseases. In this study, we summarize the updated information of small non-coding RNAs and RNA modifications in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, which sheds lights into the future application of HSCs into the treatment of blood diseases.
From pupil to the brain: New insights for studying cortical plasticity through pupillometry
Authors: Viglione Aurelia , Mazziotti Raffaele , Pizzorusso Tommaso
Published: March 2023

Pupil size variations have been associated with changes in brain activity patterns related with specific cognitive factors, such as arousal, attention, and mental effort. The locus coeruleus (LC), a key hub in the noradrenergic system of the brain, is considered to be a key regulator of cognitive control on pupil size, with changes in pupil diameter corresponding to the release of norepinephrine (NE). Advances in eye-tracking technology and open-source software have facilitated accurate pupil size measurement in various experimental settings, leading to increased interest in using pupillometry to track the nervous system activation state and as a potential biomarker for brain disorders. This review explores pupillometry as a non-invasive and fully translational tool for studying cortical plasticity starting from recent literature suggesting that pupillometry could be a promising technique for estimating the degree of residual plasticity in human subjects. Given that NE is known to be a critical mediator of cortical plasticity and arousal, the review includes data revealing the importance of the LC-NE system in modulating brain plasticity and pupil size. Finally, we will review data suggesting that pupillometry could provide a quantitative and complementary measure of cortical plasticity also in pre-clinical studies.
DTI-ALPS: An MR biomarker for motor dysfunction in patients with subacute ischemic stroke
Authors: Qin Yue , Li Xin , Qiao Yanqiang , Zou Huili , Qian Yifan , Li Xiaoshi , Zhu Yinhu , Huo Wenli , Wang Lei , Zhang Ming
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Brain glymphatic dysfunction is involved in the pathologic process of acute ischemic stroke (IS). The relationship between brain glymphatic activity and dysfunction in subacute IS has not been fully elucidated. Diffusion tensor image analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index was used in this study to explore whether glymphatic activity was related to motor dysfunction in subacute IS patients.

Methods

Twenty-six subacute IS patients with a single lesion in the left subcortical region and 32 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited in this study. The DTI-ALPS index and DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy, FA, and mean diffusivity, MD) were compared within and between groups. Spearman's and Pearson's partial correlation analyses were performed to analyze the relationships of the DTI-ALPS index with Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scores and with corticospinal tract (CST) integrity in the IS group, respectively.

Results

Six IS patients and two HCs were excluded. The left DTI-ALPS index of the IS group was significantly lower than that of the HC group (t = −3.02, p = 0.004). In the IS group, a positive correlation between the left DTI-ALPS index and the simple Fugl-Meyer motor function score (ρ = 0.52, p = 0.019) and a significant negative correlation between the left DTI-ALPS index and the FA (R = −0.55, p = 0.023) and MD (R = −0.48, p = 0.032) values of the right CST were found.

Conclusions

Glymphatic dysfunction is involved in subacute IS. DTI-ALPS could be a potential magnetic resonance (MR) biomarker of motor dysfunction in subacute IS patients. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of IS and provide a new target for alternative treatments for IS.
Attenuating lipid metabolism in atherosclerosis: The potential role of Anti-oxidative effects on low-density lipoprotein of herbal medicines
Authors: Duan Huxinyue , Song Pan , Li Ruolan , Su Hong , He Lisha
Published: March 2023

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a multifactorial chronic disease with great harm to the health of human being, which is a basic pathogenesis of many cardiovascular diseases and ultimately threatens human life. Abnormal blood lipid level is one of the most common diagnostic indicators of AS in clinic, and lipid metabolism disorder is often observed in patients with AS. Cholesterol is an important lipid in the human body, which is of great significance for maintaining normal life activities. Generally, cholesterol is transported to peripheral tissues by low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and then transported to the liver by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) via its cholesterol reverse transport function, and finally discharged. Under oxidative stress condition, LDL is commonly oxidized to the form ox-LDL, which is ingested by macrophages in large quantities and further forms foam cells, disrupting the normal metabolic process of cholesterol. Importantly, the foam cells are involved in forming atherosclerotic plaques, whose rupture may lead to ischemic heart disease or stroke. Furthermore, ox-LDL could also promote the development of AS by damaging vascular endothelium, promoting the migration and proliferation of smooth muscle cells, and activating platelets. Therefore, inhibiting LDL oxidation may be an effective way to improve lipid metabolism and prevent AS. In recent years, increasing studies have shown that herbal medicines have great potentiality in inhibiting LDL oxidation and reducing ox-LDL induced foam cell formation. Accordingly, this paper summarized current research on the inhibitory effects of herbal medicines against LDL oxidation and foam cell formation, and made a brief description of the role of cholesterol and LDL in lipid metabolism disorder and AS pathogenesis. Importantly, it is suggested that herbal medicines could inhibit LDL oxidation and regulate cholesterol homeostasis via downregulation of CD36 and SR-A, whereas upregulation of ABCA1 and ABCG1.
A convolutional neural network for face mask detection in IoT-based smart healthcare systems
Authors: S. Bose , G. Logeswari , Vaiyapuri Thavavel , Ahanger Tariq Ahamed , Dahan Fadl , Hajjej Fahima , Keshta Ismail , Alsafyani Majed , Alroobaea Roobaea , Raahemifar Kaamran
Published: March 2023

The new coronavirus that produced the pandemic known as COVID-19 has been going across the world for a while. Nearly every area of development has been impacted by COVID-19. There is an urgent need for improvement in the healthcare system. However, this contagious illness can be controlled by appropriately donning a facial mask. If people keep a strong social distance and wear face masks, COVID-19 can be controlled. A method for detecting these violations is proposed in this paper. These infractions include failing to wear a facemask and failing to maintain social distancing. To train a deep learning architecture, a dataset compiled from several sources is used. To compute the distance between two people in a particular area and also predicts the people wearing and not wearing the mask, The proposed system makes use of YOLOv3 architecture and computer vision. The goal of this research is to provide valuable tool for reducing the transmission of this contagious disease in various environments, including streets and supermarkets. The proposed system is evaluated using the COCO dataset. It is evident from the experimental analysis that the proposed system performs well in predicting the people wearing the mask because it has acquired an accuracy of 99.2% and an F1-score of 0.99.
The chromosome-level genome of Eucommia ulmoides provides insights into sex differentiation and α-linolenic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Du Qingxin , Wu Zixian , Liu Panfeng , Qing Jun , He Feng , Du Lanying , Sun Zhiqiang , Zhu Lili , Zheng Hongchu , Sun Zongyi , Yang Long , Wang Lu , Du Hongyan
Published: March 2023

Eucommia ulmoides Oliver is a typical dioecious plant endemic to China that has great medicinal and economic value. Here, we report a high-quality chromosome-level female genome of E. ulmoides obtained by PacBio and Hi-C technologies. The size of the female genome assembly was 1.01 Gb with 17 pseudochromosomes and 31,665 protein coding genes. In addition, Hi-C technology was used to reassemble the male genome released in 2018. The reassembled male genome was 1.24 Gb with the superscaffold N50 (48.30 Mb), which was increased 25.69 times, and the number of predicted genes increased by 11,266. Genome evolution analysis indicated that E. ulmoides has undergone two whole-genome duplication events before the divergence of female and male, including core eudicot γ whole-genome triplication event (γ-WGT) and a recent whole genome duplication (WGD) at approximately 27.3 million years ago (Mya). Based on transcriptome analysis, EuAP3 and EuAG may be the key genes involved in regulating the sex differentiation of E. ulmoides. Pathway analysis showed that the high expression of ω-3 fatty acid desaturase coding gene EU0103017 was an important reason for the high α-linolenic acid content in E. ulmoides. The genome of female and male E. ulmoides presented here is a valuable resource for the molecular biological study of sex differentiation of E. ulmoides and also will provide assistance for the breeding of superior varieties.
Peptide chain release factor DIG8 regulates plant growth by affecting ROS-mediated sugar transportation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Xiangxiang , Han Yuliang , Han Xiao , Zhang Siqi , Xiong Liming , Chen Tao
Published: March 2023

Chloroplasts have important roles in photosynthesis, stress sensing and retrograde signaling. However, the relationship between chloroplast peptide chain release factor and ROS-mediated plant growth is still unclear. In the present study, we obtained a loss-of-function mutant dig8 by EMS mutation. The dig8 mutant has few lateral roots and a pale green leaf phenotype. By map-based cloning, the DIG8 gene was located on AT3G62910, with a point mutation leading to amino acid substitution in functional release factor domain. Using yeast-two-hybrid and BiFC, we confirmed DIG8 protein was characterized locating in chloroplast by co-localization with plastid marker and interacting with ribosome-related proteins. Through observing by transmission electron microscopy, quantifying ROS content and measuring the transport efficiency of plasmodesmata in dig8 mutant, we found that abnormal thylakoid stack formation and chloroplast dysfunction in the dig8 mutant caused increased ROS activity leading to callose deposition and lower PD permeability. A local sugar supplement partially alleviated the growth retardation phenotype of the mutant. These findings shed light on chloroplast peptide chain release factor-affected plant growth by ROS stress.
A general modeling framework for quantitative tracking, accurate prediction of ICU, and assessing vaccination for COVID-19 in Chile
Authors: Cumsille Patricio , Rojas-Díaz Oscar , Conca Carlos
Published: March 2023

Background

One of the main lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic is that we must prepare to face another pandemic like it. Consequently, this article aims to develop a general framework consisting of epidemiological modeling and a practical identifiability approach to assess combined vaccination and non-pharmaceutical intervention (NPI) strategies for the dynamics of any transmissible disease.

Materials and methods

Epidemiological modeling of the present work relies on delay differential equations describing time variation and transitions between suitable compartments. The practical identifiability approach relies on parameter optimization, a parametric bootstrap technique, and data processing. We implemented a careful parameter optimization algorithm by searching for suitable initialization according to each processed dataset. In addition, we implemented a parametric bootstrap technique to accurately predict the ICU curve trend in the medium term and assess vaccination.

Results

We show the framework's calibration capabilities for several processed COVID-19 datasets of different regions of Chile. We found a unique range of parameters that works well for every dataset and provides overall numerical stability and convergence for parameter optimization. Consequently, the framework produces outstanding results concerning quantitative tracking of COVID-19 dynamics. In addition, it allows us to accurately predict the ICU curve trend in the medium term and assess vaccination. Finally, it is reproducible since we provide open-source codes that consider parameter initialization standardized for every dataset.

Conclusion

This work attempts to implement a holistic and general modeling framework for quantitative tracking of the dynamics of any transmissible disease, focusing on accurately predicting the ICU curve trend in the medium term and assessing vaccination. The scientific community could adapt it to evaluate the impact of combined vaccination and NPIs strategies for COVID-19 or any transmissible disease in any country and help visualize the potential effects of implemented plans by policymakers. In future work, we want to improve the computational cost of the parametric bootstrap technique or use another more efficient technique. The aim would be to reconstruct epidemiological curves to predict the combined NPIs and vaccination policies' impact on the ICU curve trend in real-time, providing scientific evidence to help anticipate policymakers' decisions.
The elderly's satisfaction with physical activity programs in senior welfare centers
Authors: Jung Yang-Hun , Park Jeong-Beom , Kang Austin , Cho Kuy-Chung
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Healthcare for the aging population has become a crucial issue in South Korea to maintain the elderly's quality of life, and physical activity is of primary importance for older adults. This study evaluated the exercise characteristics and satisfaction of the elderly who participated in physical activity programs provided by senior welfare centers in South Korea.

Methods

We surveyed 266 participants to learn the characteristics of the elderly's exercise participation and their satisfaction with instructors, exercise programs, and facilities provided by senior welfare centers. A total of 263 copies were analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 statistical software.

Results and discussion

The top three physical activity programs that the elderly participated in senior welfare centers were dancing (25.3%), gymnastics (24.8%), and table tennis/badminton (13.2%). There were significant differences in respondents' satisfaction according to sex, education level, spouse, family type, and monthly income per household (p < 0.05). The elderly were satisfied with programs (4.183 ± 0.483), facilities (3.881 ± 0.483), and instructors (3.604 ± 0.483) in order. Also, this study shows that user satisfaction differs depending on the demographic characteristics (gender, education, marital status, family type, economic status) and the characteristics of the exercise participation of the elderly (exercise duration, participation period).

Conclusions

In conclusion, we presented the elderly's satisfaction with physical activity programs in senior welfare centers, suggesting that the elderly need physical activity programs according to their demographic and exercise characteristics.
Prevalence and characteristics of foodborne pathogens from slaughtered pig carcasses in Korea
Authors: Hong Serim , Kang Hye Jeong , Lee Hye-Young , Jung Hye-Ri , Moon Jin-San , Yoon Soon-Seek , Kim Ha-Young , Lee Young Ju
Published: March 2023

The introduction of bacteria into slaughterhouses can lead to microbial contamination in carcasses during slaughter, and the initial level of bacteria in carcasses is important because it directly affects spoilage and the shelf life. This study was conducted to investigate the microbiological quality, and the prevalence of foodborne pathogens in 200 carcasses from 20 pig slaughterhouses across Korea. Distribution of microbial counts were significantly higher for aerobic bacteria at 3.01–4.00 log10 CFU/cm2 (42.0%) and 2.01–3.00 log10 CFU/cm2 (28.5%), whereas most of Escherichia coli showed the counts under 1.00 log10 CFU/cm2 (87.0%) (P < 0.05). The most common pathogen isolated from 200 carcasses was Staphylococcus aureus (11.5%), followed by Yersinia enterocolitica (7.0%). In total, 17 S. aureus isolates from four slaughterhouses were divided into six pulsotypes and seven spa types, and showed the same or different types depending on the slaughterhouses. Interestingly, isolates from two slaughterhouses carried only LukED associated with the promotion of bacterial virulence, whereas, isolates from two other slaughterhouses carried one or more toxin genes associated with enterotoxins including sen. In total, 14 Y. enterocolitica isolates from six slaughterhouses were divided into nine pulsotypes, 13 isolates belonging to biotype 1A or 2 carried only ystB, whereas one isolate belonging to bio-serotype 4/O:3 carried both ail and ystA. This is the first study to investigate microbial quality and the prevalence of foodborne pathogens in carcasses from slaughterhouses nationally, and the findings support the need for ongoing slaughterhouse monitoring to improve the microbiological safety of pig carcasses.
Design of a Lightweight Cryptographic Scheme for Resource-Constrained Internet of Things Devices
Authors: Ibrahim Nahla , Agbinya Johnson
Published: March 2023

We propose an ultra-lightweight cryptographic scheme called “Small Lightweight Cryptographic Algorithm (SLA)”. The SLA relies on substitution–permutation network (SPN). It utilizes 64-bit plaintext and supports a key length of 80/128-bits. The SLA cipher includes nonlinear layers, XOR operations, and round permutation layers. The S-box serves to introduce nonlinearity in the entire scheme design. It plays a vital role in increasing the complexity and robustness of the design. The S-box can thwart attacks such as linear and differential attacks. The scheme makes it possible to breed many active S-boxes in a short number of rounds, hindering analytical attacks on the cipher. When compared to other currently used ciphers, SLA has a higher throughput. Additionally, we demonstrate the SLA’s performance as an ultra-lightweight compact cipher, and its security analysis. The SLA cipher’s design is well suited for applications where small-scale embedded system dissipation is critical. The SLA algorithm is implemented using Python.
Chemo-Mechanical Coupling Measurement of LiMn2O4 Composite Electrode during Electrochemical Cycling
Authors: Yu Huijie , Li Jiangtao , Jiang Hainan , Li Wei , Li Guorui , Li Dawei
Published: March 2023

Real-time monitoring of the mechanical behavior of cathode materials during the electrochemical cycle can help obtain an in-depth understanding of the working mechanism of lithium-ion batteries. The LiMn2O4 composite electrode is employed as the working electrode in this artificial cell, which is conceived and produced along with a chemo-mechanical coupling measurement system. The multi-layer beam composite electrode made of LiMn2O4 is monitored in real time using a CCD camera to track its curvature deformation. Experiments show that the curvature of the LiMn2O4 electrode decreases with the extraction of lithium ions and increases during the lithiation process. In the meantime, a theoretical framework was developed to examine the connection between curvature change and mechanical characteristics. Thus, the elastic modulus, strain, and stress of the LiMn2O4 composite electrode were extracted by combining the bending deformation and theoretical model. The results show that the elastic modulus of the LiMn2O4 composite electrode decreases from 59.61 MPa to 12.01 MPa with the extraction of lithium ions during the third cycle. Meanwhile, the stress decreases from 0.46 MPa to 0.001 MPa, and the strain reduces from 0.43 to 0. Its changes reverse during the lithiation process. Those findings could have made a further understanding of the mechanical properties in lithium-ion batteries.
Intra-Articular Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritis and Tendinopathies: Molecular and Clinical Approaches
Authors: Costa Fabio Ramos , Costa Marques Mariana Ramos , Costa Vinicius Calumby , Santos Gabriel Silva , Martins Rubens Andrade , Santos Marcia da Silva , Santana Maria Helena Andrade , Nallakumarasamy Arulkumar , Jeyaraman Madhan , Lana João Vitor Bizinotto , Lana José Fábio Santos Duarte
Published: March 2023

Musculoskeletal diseases continue to rise on a global scale, causing significant socioeconomic impact and decreased quality of life. The most common disorders affecting musculoskeletal structures are osteoarthritis and tendinopathies, complicated orthopedic conditions responsible for major pain and debilitation. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) has been a safe, effective, and minimally invasive therapeutic tool for treating these diseases. Several studies from bedside to clinical practice reveal the multiple benefits of HA such as lubrication, anti-inflammation, and stimulation of cellular activity associated with proliferation, differentiation, migration, and secretion of additional molecules. Collectively, these effects have demonstrated positive outcomes that assist in the regeneration of chondral and tendinous tissues which are otherwise destroyed by the predominant catabolic and inflammatory conditions seen in tissue injury. The literature describes the physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of HA, their commercial product types, and clinical applications individually, while their interfaces are seldom reported. Our review addresses the frontiers of basic sciences, products, and clinical approaches. It provides physicians with a better understanding of the boundaries between the processes that lead to diseases, the molecular mechanisms that contribute to tissue repair, and the benefits of the HA types for a conscientious choice. In addition, it points out the current needs for the treatments.
Special Issue “Pediatric Eye Disease: Screening, Causes and Treatment”
Authors: Chen Guy L. J. , Yam Jason C. S. , Pang Calvin C. P.
Published: March 2023

Clinical manifestations and courses of eye diseases in children are profoundly variable, from minor irritations, pain, infections, inflammations, ocular misalignment, refractive errors and visual impairment, to permanent blindness [...]
Mentalization in Typically and Atypically Developing Iranian Children and Its Associations with Age, Sex, and Externalizing/Internalizing Symptoms
Authors: Zandpour Masoumeh , Hasani Jafar , Russo Lyric , Sharp Carla , Lind Majse , Borelli Jessica
Published: March 2023

Mentalization refers to the ability to understand the mental states of oneself and those of others that motivate action and behavior. Mentalization has generally been linked to adaptive development and healthy functioning whereas diminished mentalization has been associated with maladaptive development and psychopathology. The vast majority of research on mentalization and developmental trajectories, however, is based on Western countries. The overall aim of this study was therefore to examine mentalizing abilities in a novel sample of 153 typically developing and atypically developing Iranian children (Mage = 9.41, SDage = 1.10, Range = 8–11, 54.2% females) recruited from a primary school and health clinic in Tehran. The children completed semi-structured interviews that were later transcribed and coded for mentalization. The parents provided reports on internalizing and externalizing symptoms, demographic information, and all formal diagnoses of the children. The results pointed at general age and sex differences across the two groups. Older children showed more adaptive mentalization compared to the younger children; boys and girls used different mentalizing strategies when facing difficult situations. The typically developing children were better at mentalizing than the atypically developing children. Finally, more adaptive mentalization was associated with lower externalizing and internalizing symptoms among all children. The findings of this study contributes with expanding mentalization research to also encompass non-Western populations and the results hold crucial educational and therapeutic implications.
Effectiveness of a Telecare Physical Therapy Program in Improving Functionality in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: A Cases Study
Authors: Rodríguez-Costa Isabel , Abuín-Porras Vanesa , Terán-García Paula , Férez-Sopeña Andrea , Calvo-Fuente Victoria , Soto-Vidal Concepción , Pacheco-da-Costa Soraya
Published: March 2023

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common physical disability in childhood and results in motor impairment that is often associated with other disorders. The aim of this study was to assess whether a telecare intervention consisting of Action Observation Therapy with a family-center approach produces improvements in functionality in children and adolescents with CP. Seven girls with CP ages between 6 and 17 participated in this case series study that lasted 12 weeks: 6 weeks of telecare program with a total of six sessions; and a follow-up period of 6 weeks. The outcome variables were Gross Motor Function (Spanish version of the Gross Motor Function Measure), balance (Spanish version of the Pediatric Balance Scale), walking endurance (6-min walk test) and walking speed (10-m walk test). The variables were measured before starting the study, after 6 weeks of intervention and after the 6-week follow-up period. Results showed statistically significant improvements in gross motor function (p = 0.02) after the intervention. After the follow-up period, gross motor function remained statistically significant (p = 0.02), as well as balance (p = 0.04) and walking endurance (p = 0.02). These results show that a telecare program has been beneficial in improving functionality with enhancements in gross motor function, balance and endurance in children and adolescents with CP that will facilitate participation.
Postoperative Pain of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Dental Treatment under General Anesthesia Visiting a General Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kakti Ateet , Abumelha Reema Khalid , Alajmi Asmaa Mansour , Dagriri Lamis Khalid , Alkodari Lamia Abdullah , Fares Mohammed. J. , Cicciù Marco , Minervini Giuseppe
Published: March 2023

Dental general anesthesia (GA) is a day-stay procedure and is a suitable choice for complicated cases. It is undertaken in a controlled hospital setting that ensures the quality, safety, efficacy, and efficiency of dental treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence, severity, duration, and factors related to the occurrence of postoperative discomfort in young children following GA in a general hospital. This study includes a minimum sample size of 23 children that were undergoing GA over a 1-month period. Informed consent was obtained from the parent prior to the treatment. A preoperative questionnaire via the Survey Monkey program was used for the purposes of recording the responses of the survey population. All data related to the immediate postoperative period while the child was in the post-anesthetic recovery room (PAR) was collected and assessed by one of the investigators using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) pain assessment scale. Postoperative data was gathered using the Dental Discomfort Questionnaire (DDQ-8) and was performed by phone 3 days after the GA procedure. The participating 23 children ranged from 4 to 9 years old (mean 5.43 ± 1.53). A total of 65.2% were girls and 34.8% were boys, with 30.4% experiencing a recent history of pain.
Challenges in Communicating a Genetic Diagnosis
Authors: Cammarata-Scalisi Francisco , Willoughby Colin Eric , Romano Vito , Callea Michele
Published: March 2023

Communicating the diagnosis of a genetic entity/rare disease to a patient or their parents is a complex process; it requires the doctor, pediatrician, or geneticist to display good communication skills and knowledge in a moment of uncertainty and disorientation for the family group, and sometimes in an inappropriate environment or under time constraints [...]
Antimicrobial Activity of Identified Ubiquitin-40S Ribosomal Protein S27a (RPS27A), Ubiquitin-like Protein Fubi, and Ribosomal Protein (S30FAU) in the Starry Flounder (Platichthys stellatus)
Authors: Son Ha-Jeong , Kang Gyoungsik , Woo Won-Sik , Kim Kyung-Ho , Sohn Min-Young , Park Jong-Won , Lee Dain , Park Chan-Il
Published: March 2023

Ubiquitin-40S ribosomal protein S27a (RPS27A), ubiquitin-like protein Fubi, and ribosomal protein (S30FAU) are ubiquitin-related proteins that are involved in the regulation of immune-related functions such as cell cycle, protein expression, and apoptosis. This study aimed to confirm the molecular characteristics, gene expression analysis, and antibacterial activity of RPS27A and S30FAU identified from the starry flounder (15 starry flounders of 128.7 ± 18.2 g). An expression analysis using a normal fish showed that RPS27A was highly expressed in the head kidney, heart, and stomach. In contrast, S30FAU exhibited high expression in the stomach, heart, and head kidney. Upon simulating an artificial pathogen infection, RPS27A was highly expressed in the heart at 1 h and 3 days post-viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHSV) infection, and had a high expression in the kidney, liver, and heart at 7 days post-Streptococcus parauberis (S. parauberis) infection. S30FAU was highly expressed in the spleen and gills at 1 day and 12 h post-VHSV infection, respectively, and exhibited a high expression in the kidney at 7 days post-S. parauberis infection. In an MIC analysis, RPS27A and S30FAU showed antimicrobial activity against all bacteria used in this study. In the biofilm assay, S30FAU was removed from S. parauberis in a concentration-dependent manner, and the cytotoxicity test showed no hemolytic activity in both RPS27A and S30FAU. Therefore, RPS27A and S30FAU of the starry flounder were confirmed to possess antimicrobial peptide abilities without limitations of cytotoxicity. This study provides valuable information on the antibacterial ability and molecular biology of the ubiquitin family isolated from the starry flounder.
Effects of Chinese Yam Polysaccharide on Intramuscular Fat and Fatty Acid Composition in Breast and Thigh Muscles of Broilers
Authors: Guo Liping , Chang Yadi , Sun Zhe , Deng Jiahua , Jin Yan , Shi Mingyan , Zhang Jinzhou , Miao Zhiguo
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influences of Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) dietary supplementation on the composition of intramuscular fat (IMF) and fatty acids (FA) in thigh and breast muscles of broilers. Three hundred and sixty healthy one-day-old broilers (the breed of Crossbred chicken is named 817) with gender-balanced and similar body weight (39 ± 1 g) were randomly allocated into four groups (control, CYP1, CYP2, and CYP3 groups). Broilers in the control group were only fed a basal diet, and broilers in CYP1 group were fed the same diets further supplemented with 250 mg/kg CYP, the CYP2 group was fed the same diets further supplemented with 500 mg/kg CYP, and the CYP3 group was fed the same diets further supplemented with 1000 mg/kg CYP, respectively. Each group consisted of three replicates and each replicate consisted of 30 birds. The feeding days were 48 days. The results observed that the CYP2 group (500 mg/kg) can up-regulate the mRNA expression levels of β-catenin in thigh muscle compared to the control group. At the same time, all CYP groups (CYP1, CYP2, and CYP3 groups) can up-regulate mRNA expression of Wnt1 and β-catenin in breast muscle, while mRNA expression of PPARγ and C/EBPα in breast and thigh muscles could be down-regulated (p < 0.05). In summary, 500 mg/kg of CYP dietary supplementation can reduce IMF content and improve the FAs composition, enhancing the nutritional value of chicken meat.
SnO2-Based Porous Nanomaterials: Sol-Gel Formation and Gas-Sensing Application
Authors: Kononova Irina , Moshnikov Vyacheslav , Kononov Pavel
Published: March 2023

Porous nanocomposites using two (tin dioxide–silica dioxide) and three (tin dioxide–indium oxide-silica dioxide)-component systems for gas sensors were created with the sol–gel method. To understand some of the physical–chemical processes that occurred during the adsorption of gas molecules on the surface of the produced nanostructures, two models—the Langmuir model and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller theory—were used to carry out calculations. The results of the phase analysis concerning the interaction between the components during the formation of the nanostructures were obtained through the use of X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller technique (to determine the surface areas), the method of partial pressure diagrams in a wide range of temperatures and pressures and the results of the measurement of the nanocomposites’ sensitivity. The analysis allowed us to find the optimal temperature for annealing nanocomposites. The introduction of a semiconductor additive into a two-component system based on tin and silica dioxides significantly increased the sensitivity of the nanostructured layers to reductional reagent gases.
Preconception-Health-Related Attitudes of Bulgarian Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Hristova-Atanasova Eleonora , Iskrov Georgi , Raycheva Ralitsa , Mandova Viktoriya , Stefanov Rumen
Published: March 2023

Preconception care (PC) is relatively new area of practice. While the volume and quality of PC activities depend on local settings, the awareness of women is critical for the successful promotion of PC services. The aim of this study was to examine the preconception-health-related attitudes and experiences of Bulgarian women of reproductive age. A qualitative study conducted among 20 women aged 18 to 49 years was performed between May and July 2022. Two focus groups were used with mixed samples of nulligravida, pregnant, and postpartum women. The participants thought that the Internet and their obstetrician-gynecologist were the only places where they could learn about getting pregnant. Only two of them discussed their PC plans with their physicians. Women pointed out that general practitioners (GPs) need to be more proactive in promoting PC. All respondents outlined the need for a web-based educational platform that could serve as a primary source of health information for future families. The role and functions of GPs in the continuum of PC should be reconsidered. We recommend targeted educational measures for all stakeholders, including women and GPs. In this regard, an easily accessible, knowledge-based web platform could enhance Bulgarian women’s awareness and perceptions of PC.
Substantiating the Therapeutic Effects of Simultaneous Heat Massage Combined with Conventional Physical Therapy for Treatment of Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Kim Tae-Hwan , Park Soon-Kwon , Cho Il-Young , Lee Jong-Hoo , Jang Hong-Young , Yoon Yong-Soon
Published: March 2023

Background: There are various therapeutic options for the conservative management of lower back pain (LBP). A combination of two or more treatment options may be more effective in the clinical management of non-specific LBP. In this study, we compared the effects of simultaneous heat massage with conventional physical therapy in patients with subacute LBP. Methods: A single-center randomized controlled trial in which 40 participants with LBP were allocated to one of two groups: a heat massage group (HMG) and physical therapy group (PTG). The HMG received simultaneous heat massage therapy using a mechanical device (CGM MB-1401, Ceragem, Republic of Korea). The PTG received conventional physical therapy. Both groups received 40 min of therapy once daily, five times a week, for a total of four weeks. Changes in serum cortisol, epinephrine (EP), and norepinephrine (NE) were assessed. The outcomes were measured using the pain numeric rating scale (PNRS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), the Roland–Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), the short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ), the multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI-20), the Beck depression inventory (BDI), surface EMG (sEMG), and sympathetic skin response (SSR) at baseline (PRE), at 2 (2 W) and 4 weeks (4 W) following the intervention. Results: The serum EP and NE levels in the HMG decreased after treatment. The PNRS, ODI, RMDQ, and SF-MPQ scores improved without significance in both groups. The BDI score showed improvement in the HMG before the PTG. The MFI-20 score improved in both groups, but the results were better in the HMG than in the PTG at 4 W. All the activities of sEMG were significantly decreased in both groups. However, the improvement of the %MVIC in the HMG was better than that in the PTG at 4 W. The SSR latency on sEMG decreased while the amplitude increased in the HMG at 2 W and 4 W, respectively. Conclusions: Following 4 weeks of combined therapies, heat massage was not superior to conventional physical therapy alone. Both treatments were shown to be effective in improving LBP and pain-related disability. However, heat massage was shown to have a better effect on the control of autonomic nerve function and underlying moods.