bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of a New Viral Vaccine Vector in Mice and Rhesus Macaques: J Paramyxovirus Expressing Hemagglutinin of Influenza A Virus H5N1
Authors: Abraham Mathew , Beavis Ashley C. , Xiao Peng , Villinger Francois J. , Li Zhuo , Jones Cheryl A. , Tompkins S. Mark , He Biao
Published: September 2021

A highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 outbreak in Southeast Asia destroyed millions of birds. Transmission of H5N1 into humans resulted in deaths in many countries.
Proteolytic Processing, Maturation, and Unique Synteny of the
Streptomyces
Hemagglutinin SHA
Authors: Fujita-Yamaguchi Yoko , Muramatsu Hideyuki , Tapia Alonso , Bagramyan Karine , Desai Moksha , Takehana Yasuhiro , Igarashi Masayuki , Yamaguchi Yoshiki , Kalkum Markus
Published: September 2021

Lectins are extremely useful molecules for the study of glycans and carbohydrates. Here, we show that homologous genes encoding the
l
-rhamnose- and
d
-galactose-binding lectins, SHAs, are present in multiple bacterial strains, genetically related to
Streptomyces lavendulae
.
Geochemical indicators of a biogenic component in source materials of moldavites
Authors: Mizera Jiří , Řanda Zdeněk
Published: September 2021

Formation of the Central European tektites, known as moldavites, has been associated with a large meteorite impact in southern Germany 14.8 m.y. ago. The geochemical link between moldavites and their source materials, and the processes of their possible chemical differentiation still remain uncertain. Some differences in chemical composition between moldavites and sediments of corresponding age from the surroundings of the Ries crater could be explained by a hypothesis according to which biomass covering the pre-impact area contributed to the source materials. In a comparison of the geochemical compositions of a large representative set of moldavites and suitable Ries sediments, enrichment in elements K, Ca, Mg, and Mn and depletion of Na in moldavites, similar to redistribution of these elements during their transfer from soil to plants, could indicate the unconventional biogenic component in moldavite source materials. Simple mixing calculations of the most suitable Ries sediments and a model biogenic component represented by burned biomass residue are presented. The plausibility of the estimated biomass contribution considering reconstructions of the middle Miocene paleoenvironment in the pre-impact Ries area is discussed. No significant vapor fractionation is required to explain the observed variability of moldavite chemical composition.
Intermarriage and COVID-19 mortality among immigrants. A population-based cohort study from Sweden
Authors: Aradhya Siddartha , Brandén Maria , Drefahl Sven , Obućina Ognjen , Andersson Gunnar , Rostila Mikael , Mussino Eleonora , Juárez Sol Pía
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the role of language proficiency and institutional awareness in explaining excess COVID-19 mortality among immigrants.

Design

Cohort study with follow-up between 12 March 2020 and 23 February 2021.

Setting

Swedish register-based study on all residents in Sweden.

Participants

3 963 356 Swedish residents in co-residential unions who were 30 years of age or older and alive on 12 March 2020 and living in Sweden in December 2019.

Outcome measures

Cox regression models were conducted to assess the association between different constellations of immigrant-native couples (proxy for language proficiency and institutional awareness) and COVID-19 mortality and all other causes of deaths (2019 and 2020). Models were adjusted for relevant confounders.

Results

Compared with Swedish-Swedish couples (1.18 deaths per thousand person-years), both immigrants partnered with another immigrant and a native showed excess mortality for COVID-19 (HR 1.43; 95% CI 1.29 to 1.58 and HR 1.24; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.40, respectively), which translates to 1.37 and 1.28 deaths per thousand person-years. Moreover, similar results are found for natives partnered with an immigrant (HR 1.15; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.29), which translates to 1.29 deaths per thousand person-years. Further analysis shows that immigrants from both high-income and low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) experience excess mortality also when partnered with a Swede. However, having a Swedish-born partner is only partially protective against COVID-19 mortality among immigrants from LMIC origins.

Conclusions

Language barriers and/or poor institutional awareness are not major drivers for the excess mortality from COVID-19 among immigrants. Rather, our study provides suggestive evidence that excess mortality among immigrants is explained by differential exposure to the virus.
Fast Algorithms for General Spin Systems on Bipartite Expanders
Authors: Galanis Andreas , Goldberg Leslie Ann , Stewart James
Published: September 2021

A spin system is a framework in which the vertices of a graph are assigned spins from a finite set. The interactions between neighbouring spins give rise to weights, so a spin assignment can also be viewed as a weighted graph homomorphism. The problem of approximating the partition function (the aggregate weight of spin assignments) or of sampling from the resulting probability distribution is typically intractable for general graphs.

In this work, we consider arbitrary spin systems on bipartite expander Δ-regular graphs, including the canonical class of bipartite random Δ-regular graphs. We develop fast approximate sampling and counting algorithms for general spin systems whenever the degree and the spectral gap of the graph are sufficiently large. Roughly, this guarantees that the spin system is in the so-called low-temperature regime. Our approach generalises the techniques of Jenssen et al. and Chen et al. by showing that typical configurations on bipartite expanders correspond to “bicliques” of the spin system; then, using suitable polymer models, we show how to sample such configurations and approximate the partition function in Õ(
n
2
) time, where
n
is the size of the graph.
Comprehensive review of lipocalin 2-mediated effects in lung inflammation
Authors: Guardado Stephanie , Ojeda-Juárez Daniel , Kaul Marcus , Nordgren Tara M.
Published: September 2021

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an inflammatory mediator best known for its role as an innate acute-phase protein. LCN2 mediates the innate immune response to pathogens by sequestering iron, thereby inhibiting pathogen growth. Although LCN2 and its bacteriostatic properties are well studied, other LCN2 functions in the immune response to inflammatory stimuli are less well understood, such as its role as a chemoattractant and involvement in the regulation of cell migration and apoptosis. In the lungs, most studies thus far investigating the role of LCN2 in the immune response have looked at pathogenic inflammatory stimuli. Here, we compile data that explore the role of LCN2 in the immune response to various inflammatory stimuli in an effort to differentiate between protective versus detrimental roles of LCN2.
Lung disease manifestations in Down syndrome
Authors: Danopoulos Soula , Deutsch Gail H. , Dumortier Claire , Mariani Thomas J. , Al Alam Denise
Published: September 2021

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most prevalent chromosomal abnormalities worldwide, affecting 1 in 700 live births. Although multiple organ systems are affected by the chromosomal defects, respiratory failure and lung disease are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality observed in DS. Manifestations of DS in the respiratory system encompass the entire lung starting from the nasopharynx to the trachea/upper airways to the lower airways and alveolar spaces, as well as vascular and lymphatic defects. Most of our knowledge on respiratory illness in persons with DS arises from pediatric studies; however, many of these disorders present early in infancy, supporting developmental mechanisms. In this review, we will focus on the different lung phenotypes in DS, as well as the genetic and molecular pathways that may be contributing to these complications during development.
Causal role of frontal-midline theta in cognitive effort: a pilot study
Authors: McFerren Amber , Riddle Justin , Walker Christopher , Buse John B. , Frohlich Flavio
Published: September 2021

We investigated whether frontal-midline theta (FMT) oscillations tracked with cognitive control or cognitive effort by simultaneous manipulation of cognitive control demands in a working memory task and causal perturbation of cognitive effort using glucose consumption. Facilitation of performance from glucose consumption corresponded with decreased FMT amplitude, which provided preliminary causal evidence for a relationship between FMT amplitude with cognitive effort.
Calcium dysregulation and compensation in cortical pyramidal neurons of the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Oikonomou Katerina D. , Donzis Elissa J. , Bui Minh T. N. , Cepeda Carlos , Levine Michael S.
Published: September 2021

We used two-photon microscopy to examine calcium influx induced by action potentials in cortical pyramidal neurons from a mouse model of Huntington’s disease (HD), the R6/2. The amplitude of somatic calcium transients was reduced in R6/2 mice compared with controls. This reduction was compensated by increased decay times, which could lead to reduced calcium buffering capacity. L-type calcium channel and ryanodine receptor blockers reduced calcium transient area in HD neurons, suggesting new therapeutic avenues.
Visual perturbation of balance suggests impaired motor control but intact visuomotor processing in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Engel David , Student Justus , Schwenk Jakob C. B. , Morris Adam P. , Waldthaler Josefine , Timmermann Lars , Bremmer Frank
Published: September 2021

A better understanding of visuomotor control in Parkinson’s disease (PD) potentially serves as a tool for earlier diagnosis, which is crucial for improving patient’s quality of life. In our study, we assess body sway responses to visual perturbations of the balance control system in patients with early-to-mid stage PD, using motion tracking along with recently established phase-locking techniques. Our findings suggest patients at this stage have an impaired muscular stability but intact visuomotor control.
Optogenetic study of central medial and paraventricular thalamic projections to the basolateral amygdala
Authors: Ahmed Nowrin , Headley Drew B. , Paré Denis
Published: September 2021

Midline thalamic (MTh) nuclei contribute major projections to the basolateral amygdala (BL). Similarities between the responsiveness of MTh and BL neurons suggest that MTh neurons exert a significant influence over BL activity. Using optogenetic techniques, we show that MTh inputs mainly contact principal BL neurons such that when MTh neurons fire, little feedforward inhibition counters their excitatory influence over principal cells. Thus, MTh inputs may be major determinants of BL activity.
Opioids cause dissociated states of consciousness in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: O’Brien Christopher B. , Locklear Clarence E. , Glovak Zachary T. , Zebadúa Unzaga Diana , Baghdoyan Helen A. , Lydic Ralph
Published: September 2021

This study discovered that antinociceptive doses of fentanyl, morphine, and buprenorphine significantly and differentially disrupt EEG-defined states of consciousness in C57BL/6J mice. These data are noteworthy because: 1) buprenorphine is commonly used in medication-assisted therapy for opioid addiction, and 2) there is evidence that disordered sleep can promote addiction relapse. The results contribute to community phenotyping efforts by making publicly available all descriptive and inferential statistics from this study (Supplemental Tables S1–S8).
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice regarding Testicular Cancer and Testicular Self‐Examination among Male Students Pursuing Bachelor’s Degree in Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal Radha , Paudel Samkisha , Paudel Dipesh
Published: September 2021

Background. Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor of the testicles, the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and testosterone. It is one of the most common cancers in young men. This form of cancer can be easily diagnosed by self‐examination of testicles and is curable if detected early. Periodic self‐examination must be performed for early detection. Due to lack of knowledge on testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination techniques, patients can potentially miss early detection. This study is aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination among male college students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree. Methods. A web‐based cross‐sectional analytical study was adopted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination among male college students pursuing a Bachelor’s degree and living in Bharatpur Metropolitan City in the Chitwan District of Nepal. The snowball sampling technique was employed to identify the eligible participants. Collected data were entered in SPSS version 22 and analyzed by using the Chi‐square test, Pearson’s correlation, and binary logistic regression. Results. Out of 402 respondents, majority (56.7%) had poor knowledge regarding testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination and only 11.4% had performed testicular self‐examination. The majority (67.2%) of the respondents had shown an unfavorable attitude towards testicular cancer (TC) and testicular self‐examination (TSE). There was a significant association between the level of knowledge and marital status 4.516 (1.962‐10.397) and ethnicity 2.606 (1.443‐4.709). Likewise, age 0.396 (0.191‐0.821) and marital status 0.347 (0.156‐0.775) have been significantly associated with testicular self‐examination practice. Regarding favorable attitude, age 0.362 (0.186‐0.706) and sources of information from mass media 2.346 (1.328‐4.143) have been associated significantly. Conclusion. The study finding shows that the knowledge on testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination was low. Due to lack of knowledge and trainings, the potential opportunities for early detection of testicular cancer are missed substantially. Periodic testicular self‐examination is vital for early detection of testicular cancer. Hence, it is crucial to implement massive educational campaigns and trainings on testicular cancer and testicular self‐examination techniques among young male groups.
The Novel Sequence Distance Measuring Algorithm Based on Optimal Transport and Cross‐Attention Mechanism
Authors: Yu Yanmin , Lai Yongcai , Yan Ping , Liu Haiying
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose a novel sequence distance measuring algorithm based on optimal transport (OT) and cross‐attention mechanism. Given a source sequence and a target sequence, we first calculate the ground distance between each pair of source and target terms of the two sequences. The ground distance is calculated over the subsequences around the two terms. We firstly pay attention from each the source terms to each target terms with attention weights, so that we have a representative source subsequence vector regarding each term in the target subsequence. Then, we pay attention from each representative vector of the term of the target subsequence to the entire source subsequence. In this way, we construct the cross‐attention weights and use them to calculate the pairwise ground distances. With the ground distances, we derive the OT distance between the two sequences and train the attention parameters and ground distance metric parameters together. The training process is conducted with training triplets of sequences, where each triplet is composed of an anchor sequence, a must‐link sequence, and a cannot‐link sequence. The corresponding hinge loss function of each triplet is minimized, and we develop an iterative algorithm to solve the optimal transport problem and the attention/ground distance metric parameters in an alternate way. The experiments over sequence similarity search benchmark datasets, including text, video, and rice smut protein sequence data, are conducted. The experimental results show the algorithm is effective.
Numerical Analysis of Fractional-Order Parabolic Equations via Elzaki Transform
Authors: Naeem Muhammad , Azhar Omar Fouad , Zidan Ahmed M. , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Shah Rasool
Published: September 2021

This research article is dedicated to solving fractional-order parabolic equations, using an innovative analytical technique. The Adomian decomposition method is well supported by Elzaki transformation to establish closed-form solutions for targeted problems. The procedure is simple, attractive, and preferred over other methods because it provides a closed-form solution for the given problems. The solution graphs are plotted for both integer and fractional-order, which shows that the obtained results are in good contact with problems’ exact solution. It is also observed that the solution of fractional-order problems is convergent to the integer-order problem. Moreover, the validity of the proposed method is analyzed by considering some numerical examples. The theory of the suggested approach is fully supported by the obtained results for the given problems. In conclusion, the present method is a straightforward and accurate analytical technique that can solve other fractional-order partial differential equations.
Age Discrimination of Chinese Baijiu Based on Midinfrared Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Hu Shiqi , Wang Le
Published: September 2021

Baijiu is a traditional and popular Chinese liquor which is affected by the storage time. The longer the storage time of Baijiu is, the better its quality is. In this paper, the raw and mellow Baijiu samples from different storage time are discriminated accurately throughout midinfrared (MIR) spectroscopy and chemometrics. Firstly, changing regularities of the substances in Chinese Baijiu are discussed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) during the aging process. Then, infrared spectrums of Baijiu samples are processed by smoothing, multivariate baseline correction, and the first and second derivative processing, but no significant variation can be observed. Next, the spectral date pretreatment methods are constructively introduced, and principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) are developed for data analyses. The results show that the accuracy rates of samples by the DA method in calibration and validation sets are 91.7% and 100%, respectively. Consequently, an identification model based on support vector machine (SVM) and PCA is established combined with the grid search strategy and cross-validation methods to discriminate the age of Chinese Baijiu validly, where 100% classification accuracy rate is obtained in both training and test sets.
A Case of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Patient Presenting with Libman-Sacks Endocarditis
Authors: Al-Jehani Mariann , Al-Husayni Faisal , Almaqati Ahmed , Shahbaz Jomanah , Albugami Saad , Alameen Wail
Published: September 2021

Background. Libman-Sacks endocarditis (LSE) is a rare cardiovascular manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus/antiphospholipid syndrome that is described as a sterile verrucous nonbacterial vegetative lesion. These lesions can cause progressive damage to the heart valves leading to valve surgery. The most common valves to be affected are the aortic and mitral valves. Libman-Sacks endocarditis is associated with malignancies, other systemic diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS). The majority of LSE patients are usually asymptomatic. Case Summary. We describe a 39-year-old male patient who presented with increasing shortness of breath and pulmonary congestion. He was found to have severe mitral valve regurgitation and mitral stenosis. Transesophageal echocardiogram confirmed the diagnosis of Libman-Sacks endocarditis with thickened mitral valve leaflets with symmetrical mass-like structure causing a restriction in the valve function during both cardiac phases later diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus by immunology. The patient was started on diuretics, anticoagulants, angiotensin inhibitors, beta-blockers, and hydroxychloroquine. He underwent successful mechanical mitral valve replacement with a 27 mm St. Jude valve. The mitral valve was found to be grossly thickened with friable tissue and complete amalgamation of the leaflets with subvalvular apparatus. The patient suffered some warfarin adverse effects a year later but did well otherwise. Conclusion. This case demonstrates that Libman-Sacks endocarditis can be the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus. Early and prompt diagnosis of LSE can prevent and lessen the many side effects associated with thromboembolism. Additionally, addressing the underlying disease is key to successful treatment.
Evodiae fructus Extract Inhibits Interleukin-1β-Induced MMP-1, MMP-3, and Inflammatory Cytokine Expression by Suppressing the Activation of MAPK and STAT-3 in Human Gingival Fibroblasts In Vitro
Authors: Song Hyun-Kyung , Noh Eun-Mi , Kim Jeong-Mi , You Yong-Ouk , Kwon Kang-Beom , Lee Young-Rae
Published: September 2021

Periodontitis is a Gram-negative bacterial infectious disease. Numerous inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), regulate periodontitis pathophysiology and cause periodontal tissue destruction. In human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs), IL-1β stimulates the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proinflammatory cytokines via various mechanisms. Several transcription factors, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3), activator protein 1 (AP-1), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), regulate gene expression. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate these transcription factors. However, the MAPK/STAT-3 activation signal in HGFs is unknown. We investigated the potential inhibitory effects of the extract of Evodiae fructus (EFE), the dried, ripe fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa, on MMP and proinflammatory cytokine expression in IL-1β-stimulated HGFs. EFE inhibited the expression of MMP-1, MMP-3, and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) in IL-1β-stimulated HGFs through the inhibition of IL-1β-induced MAPK/STAT-3 activation. Also, these results suggest that the EFE may be a useful for the bioactive material for oral care.
An Uncommon Presentation of Adrenal Cyst with Subclinical Cushing’s Syndrome: A Diagnosis Dilemma
Authors: Tahri A. , Abdellaoui W. , Benyakhlef S. , Boujtat K. , Mahroug I. , Kamaoui I. , Barki A. , Kettani F. , Rouf S. , Latrech H.
Published: September 2021

Adrenal cysts are a rare entity that is usually nonfunctional and asymptomatic. Their association with adrenal neoplasms was rarely described in the literature. We report a unique case of a 40 -year-old woman who was referred for evaluation of a left adrenal incidentaloma with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome. The tumor was suspicious for malignancy regarding computed tomography scan (CT scan) features. Therefore, a laparoscopic left partial adrenalectomy was performed. Pathology examination showed multilocular spaces lined by endothelial cells which are compatible with endothelial adrenal cyst, associated to an adrenocortical adenoma. We further discuss the management of adrenal cyst with review of the literature.
Gujiansan Ameliorates Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head by Regulating Autophagy via the HIF-1α/BNIP3 Pathway
Authors: Han Jie , Chai Yuan , Zhang Xiao-yun , Chen Feng , Xu Zhi-wei , Feng Zhe , Yan Qian , Wen Shuai-bo , Wu Yu-kun
Published: September 2021

Background. Clinically, the traditional Chinese medicine compound Gujiansan has been widely used in the treatment of steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH). The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of Gujiansan. Methods. A rat model of SANFH was established by the injection of dexamethasone (DEX) at a high dosage of 25 mg/kg/d. Then, Gujiansan was intragastrically administered for 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks, and histological examination of the femoral head was performed. The expression levels of related mRNAs and proteins were analyzed by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, and the levels of bone biochemical markers and cytokines were detected with ELISA kits. Results. Gujiansan administration ameliorated SANFH and induced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), LC3, and Beclin-1 in the rat model in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and Gujiansan promoted osteocalcin secretion at the femoral head. In addition, Gujiansan increased the levels of bone formation- and bone resorption-specific markers (osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b), N-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen (NTX-1), and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-1)) and decreased the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Conclusions. Gujiansan accelerates the formation of a new bone, promotes the absorption of the damaged bone, inhibits the inflammatory response, induces autophagy of the femoral head via the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway, and ultimately ameliorates SANFH.
Improving Communication with Patients Discharged from the Emergency Department with Noncardiac Chest Pain: A Scoping Review with Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Shawahna Ramzi , Ghoul Aya , Zaid Najlaa , Damrah Wassan , Jaber Mohammad
Published: September 2021

Background. This scoping review with narrative synthesis aimed to analyze scholarly peer-reviewed articles reporting on improving communication with patients discharged from the emergency department with noncardiac chest pain and qualitatively narrate on and summarize items that can be used in guiding communication with patients discharged from the emergency department with noncardiac chest pain. Methods. The databases of EMBASE/PubMed, Scopus, COCHRANE, CInAHL/EBESCO, UW libraries, and Google Scholar were searched using relevant MeSH and key terms up to February 06, 2020. The selected articles were analyzed for their contents. Items guiding discharge communication were summarized qualitatively. Results. Twenty-five articles were eligible for full review. These were published in between 1994 and 2020. Of those, 16 (64.0%) originated from the United States and 4 (16%) used some interventional design. A total of 45 different items that could be used in guiding discharge communication with patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain were identified from the studies included in this review. Items were grouped under 6 categories that were related to initial assessment (8 items), information on diagnosis (7 items), information on discharge (9 items), follow-up suggestions (7 items), symptoms that promote return to the emergency department (7 items), and treatment plan (7 items). Conclusion. Communication with patients discharged from the emergency department with noncardiac chest pain can be improved. Results of this investigation might be helpful in guiding quality improvement projects aimed for further improvement of communication with patients discharged from the emergency department with noncardiac chest pain.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Hernández A. E. , García E.
Published: September 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease responsible for 60-70% of the 50 million cases of dementia worldwide. It is characterized by neuronal cell death, shrinkage of brain tissue, and progressive cognitive, motor, and behavioral impairment, which often leads to death. Although current treatment has helped improve the patient’s quality of life, it has not been able to alter the underlying disease pathology of AD. Studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—a group of multipotent stem cells—have the ability to stimulate neuroregeneration and inhibit disease progression. More recently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) from cytokine-preconditioned MSCs have also shown to induce immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects in AD models. This review will aim to compile pertinent preclinical AD research on transgenic mice as well as clinical trials on MSC-based therapy from diverse sources.
Spiral Motion Enhanced Elite Whale Optimizer for Global Tasks
Authors: Wang GuoChun , Gui Wenyong , Liang Guoxi , Zhao Xuehua , Wang Mingjing , Mafarja Majdi , Turabieh Hamza , Xin Junyi , Chen Huiling , Ma Xinsheng
Published: September 2021

The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is a high‐performance metaheuristic algorithm that can effectively solve many practical problems and broad application prospects. However, the original algorithm has a significant improvement in space in solving speed and precision. It is easy to fall into local optimization when facing complex or high‐dimensional problems. To solve these shortcomings, an elite strategy and spiral motion from moth flame optimization are utilized to enhance the original algorithm’s efficiency, called MEWOA. Using these two methods to build a more superior population, MEWOA further balances the exploration and exploitation phases and makes it easier for the algorithm to get rid of the local optimum. To show the proposed method’s performance, MEWOA is contrasted to other superior algorithms on a series of comprehensive benchmark functions and applied to practical engineering problems. The experimental data reveal that the MEWOA is better than the contrast algorithms in convergence speed and solution quality. Hence, it can be concluded that MEWOA has great potential in global optimization.
Investigation on Health Promotion by the Typical Sports for Teenagers with Self-Efficacy and Sports Commitment Questionnaires
Authors: Tan Qiaoyin , Shao Weide
Published: September 2021

This work studied the health promotion by the typical sports using self-efficacy and sports commitment questionnaires for 804 teenagers, who were from different interest-oriented sport classes. Five typical interest-oriented sport classes were selected due to the difference in sport characteristics: basketball, swimming, tennis, taekwondo, and archery. Statistical analyses, ANOVA analysis, and multiple comparisons (with least significant difference, LSD) were applied to the collected data. It has been found that boys and girls have similar self-efficacy of adolescent sports health. Adolescents’ self-efficacy of sports health has significant differences among different sports items, where the basketball group scored the highest. Adolescents in the professional level have the highest self-efficacy of sports health, whereas the skillful level and beginner level have no significant difference. The male students are more enthusiastic and fond of sports than female students. There are significant differences between sports commitment and sports health of adolescents in different sports, where the basketball group scored the highest. Exercise induces higher score of sports commitment; however, no significant difference is observed for the skillful level and the beginner level. The significant positive correlation is found between sports health and self-efficacy and sports commitment, self-efficacy, and sports commitment. Besides, the role of self-efficacy is partial intermediary between sports health and sports commitment.
Construction of Potential Gene Expression and Regulation Networks in Prostate Cancer Using Bioinformatics Tools
Authors: Liu Heyu , Li Lirong , Fan Yuan , Lu Yaping , Zhu Changhong , Xia Wei
Published: September 2021

Objective. To identify the key genes involved in prostate cancer and their regulatory network. Methods. The dataset of mRNA/miRNA transcriptome sequencing was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas/the Gene Expression Omnibus database for analysis. The “edgeR” package in the R environment was used to normalize and analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs). First, the PANTHER online tool was used to analyze the function enrichment of DEGs. Next, a protein‐protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING and Cytoscape tools. Finally, miRNA‐gene regulatory networks were constructed using the miRTarBase. Results. We identified 4339 important DEGs, of which 2145 were upregulated (Up‐DEGs) and 2194 were downregulated (Down‐DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis showed that the Up‐DEGs were related to the immune system and the cell cycle in prostate cancer, whereas the Down‐DEGs were related to the nucleic acid metabolic process and metabolism pathways. Twelve core protein clusters were found in the PPI network. Further, the constructed miRNA‐gene interaction network showed that 11 downregulated miRNAs regulated 16 Up‐DEGs and 22 upregulated miRNAs regulated 22 Down‐DEGs. Conclusion. We identified 4339 genes and 70 miRNAs that may be involved in immune response, cell cycle, and other key pathways of the prostate cancer regulatory network. Genes such as BUB1B, ANX1A1, F5, HTR4, and MUC4 can be used as biomarkers to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of prostate cancer.
A Method of Demarcating Critical Failure Impedance Boundary of Multi-Infeed HVDC Systems Based on Minimum Extinction Angle
Authors: Zhang Song , Li Guoqing , Li Shuguang , Liu Xintong
Published: September 2021

A method of rapidly demarcating the critical commutation failure (CF) region of a multi-infeed high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) system is proposed. Based on the nodal impedance matrix and nodal voltage interaction factor, for different AC fault conditions—both balanced and unbalanced—a method of calculating the extinction angles of converters in multi-infeed HVDC systems is deduced in detail. First, the extinction angles of convertor stations under single-phase, double-phase, and three-phase ground faults and line-to-line faults occurring at any bus in an AC system are calculated. The minimum extinction angle serves as a CF criterion. If the calculated extinction angle for a certain bus is smaller than the minimum extinction angle, then a fault at that bus will cause CF of the HVDC system and put that bus into a failed bus set. The critical failure impedance boundaries of the topology diagram can therefore be demarcated by examining every bus in the AC system. The validity and accuracy of the proposed index and the method were verified by calculation results based on the three-infeed HVDC system model of the IEEE 39-bus system. Finally, the critical failure impedance boundary was demarcated in the IEEE 118-bus system to demonstrate the application in a wider range of systems.
Aberrant Extrafollicular B Cells, Immune Dysfunction, Myeloid Inflammation, and MyD88-Mutant Progenitors Precede Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Kaushal Akhilesh , Nooka Ajay K. , Carr Allison R. , Pendleton Katherine E. , Barwick Benjamin G. , Manalo Julia , McCachren Samuel S. , Gupta Vikas A. , Joseph Nisha S. , Hofmeister Craig C. , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Heffner Leonard T. , Ansell Stephen M. , Boise Lawrence H. , Lonial Sagar , Dhodapkar Kavita M. , Dhodapkar Madhav V.
Published: September 2021

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) and its precursor IgM gammopathy are distinct disorders characterized by clonal mature IgM-expressing B-cell outgrowth in the bone marrow. Here, we show by high-dimensional single-cell immunogenomic profiling of patient samples that these disorders originate in the setting of global B-cell compartment alterations, characterized by expansion of genomically aberrant extrafollicular B cells of the nonmalignant clonotype. Alterations in the immune microenvironment preceding malignant clonal expansion include myeloid inflammation and naïve B- and T-cell depletion. Host response to these early lesions involves clone-specific T-cell immunity that may include MYD88 mutation–specific responses. Hematopoietic progenitors carry the oncogenic MYD88 mutations characteristic of the malignant WM clone. These data support a model for WM pathogenesis wherein oncogenic alterations and signaling in progenitors, myeloid inflammation, and global alterations in extrafollicular B cells create the milieu promoting extranodal pattern of growth in differentiated malignant cells.

Significance:

These data provide evidence that growth of the malignant clone in WM is preceded by expansion of extrafollicular B cells, myeloid inflammation, and immune dysfunction in the preneoplastic phase. These changes may be related in part to MYD88 oncogenic signaling in pre–B progenitor cells and suggest a novel model for WM pathogenesis.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 549
Establishment of a Ciliogenesis-Associated Signaling Model for Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lu Ling , Liu Qiuling , Zhi Lei , Che Xuchun , Xiao Bo , Cui Mingxuan , Yu Mingyu , Yang Bing , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Bo
Published: September 2021

Background: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) represents the most prevalent inherited progressive kidney disorder in humans. Due to complexity of the genetic network behind the disease, the molecular mechanisms of PKD are still poorly understood yet. Objectives: This study aimed to develop a ciliogenesis-associated gene network for PKD patients and comprehensively understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. Method: The potential hub genes were selected based on the differential expression analysis from the GEO database. Meanwhile, the primary hub genes were further elucidated by both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Results: In this study, we established a comprehensive differentially expressed genes profile (including GNAS, PI4KB, UMOD, SLC7A13, and MIOX) for PKD patients compared with the control specimen. At the same time, enrichment analysis was utilized to demonstrate that the G-protein-related signaling and cilia assembling signaling pathways were closely associated with PKD development. The further investigations of the interaction between 2 genes (GNAS and PI4KB) with in vivo and in vitro analyses revealed that PI4KB functioned as a downstream factor for GNAS and spontaneously activated the phosphorylation of Akt into p-Akt for ciliogenesis in PKD formation. The PI4KB depletion mutant zebrafish model displayed a PKD phenotype as well as absence of primary cilia in the kidney. Conclusions: Collectively, our work discovered an innovative potential signaling pathway model for PKD formation, which provided a valuable insight for future study of the mechanism of this disease.
Trichotillomania: What Do We Know So Far?
Authors: Melo Daniel Fernandes , Lima Caren dos Santos , Piraccini Bianca Maria , Tosti Antonella
Published: September 2021

Trichotillomania is defined as an obsessive-compulsive or related disorder in which patients recurrently pull out hair from any region of their body. The disease affects mainly female patients, who often deny the habit, and it usually presents with a bizarre pattern nonscarring patchy alopecia with short hair and a negative pull test. Trichoscopy can reveal the abnormalities resulting from the stretching and fracture of hair shafts, and biopsy can be necessary if the patient or parents have difficulties in accepting the self-inflicted nature of a trichotillomania diagnosis. Trichotillomania requires a comprehensive treatment plan and interdisciplinary approach. Physicians should always have a nonjudgmental, empathic, and inviting attitude toward the patient. Behavioral therapy has been used with success in the treatment of trichotillomania, but not all patients are willing or able to comply with this treatment strategy. Pharmacotherapy can be necessary, especially in adolescents and adult patients. Options include tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and glutamate-modulating agents. Glutamate-modulating agents such as N-acetylcysteine are a good first-line option due to significant benefits and low risk of side effects. Physicians must emphasize that the role of psychiatry-dermatology liaison is extremely necessary with concurrent support services for the patient and parents, in case of pediatric patients. In pediatric cases, parents should be advised and thoroughly educated that negative feedback and punishment for hair pulling are not going to produce positive results. Social support is a significant pillar to successful habit reversal training; therefore, physicians must convey the importance of familial support to achieving remission. This is a review article that aims to discuss the literature on trichotillomania, addressing etiology, historical aspects, clinical and trichoscopic features, main variants, differential diagnosis, diagnostic clues, and psychological and pharmacological management.
Effect of Isometric Tongue Lifting Exercise on Oral Function, Physical Function, and Body Composition in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals: A Pilot Study
Authors: Iyota Kiyomi , Mizutani Shinsuke , Kishimoto Hiro , Oku Saori , Tani Asuka , Yatsugi Harukaze , Chu Tianshu , Liu Xin , Kashiwazaki Haruhiko
Published: September 2021

Introduction: It is known that oral frailty is one of the risk factors for physical frailty. Therefore, early detection, appropriate treatment, and prevention of oral frailty are really important. Tongue lifting exercise has been identified as a well-known method for improving decreased tongue pressure, one of the factors for oral frailty. However, few reports have investigated how tongue-strengthening exercises affect physical function and body composition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of isometric tongue lifting exercises on oral function, physical function, and body composition. Methods: Participants were 49 elderly people aged 68–79 years, who had previously participated in the “Itoshima Frail Study.” Participants performed isometric tongue lift exercises for 3 months. Oral function (tongue pressure and oral diadocokinesis), physical function (grip strength, open-eyed one-leg standing, sit-to-stand motion time, 5-m gait speed, and 3-m Timed up and go [TUG]), and body composition were measured at baseline and post-intervention, and the extent of changes in each item was statistically analyzed. Furthermore, participants were divided into physical frailty/pre-frailty and robust groups based on the Japanese version of the frail scale proposed by [BMC Geriatr. 2015 Apr;15:36] and were compared in terms of the extent of changes in each item baseline and the post-intervention. Results: After the intervention, oral function increased significantly together with a significant improvement in physical function, open-eyed one-leg standing time, sit-to-stand motion, and 3-m TUG. For body composition, visceral fat level and basal metabolic rate decreased significantly. Although no significant change in body composition was observed in the physical frailty/pre-frailty group after the intervention, significant improvements in several items were observed in the robust group. Conclusion: Isometric tongue lifting exercise can effectively improve oral function. Furthermore, it might affect physical function and body composition.
Dental Caries Occurrence in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marruganti Crystal , Discepoli Nicola , Gaeta Carlo , Franciosi Giovanni , Ferrari Marco , Grandini Simone
Published: September 2021

Objective: The present review aimed to systematically evaluate the occurrence of caries in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), either Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), compared to healthy controls. Materials and Methods: MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Google Scholar, LILACS, and Cochrane Library electronic databases were screened. Caries experience was measured through the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index. The weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval was calculated between IBD patients and healthy controls. Results: Six studies were selected for the inclusion in the systematic review, 5 of which were also included in the quantitative synthesis of data. The WMD in the DMFT index between IBD and healthy subjects was 3.04 (1.52, 4.56) (p = 0.10). Subgroup analysis showed no difference (p = 0.31) between CD (2.52 [0.54, 4.49]) and UC (4.01 [1.52, 4.56]) subjects. Conclusions: There is a remarkably higher past and present occurrence of dental caries in subjects with IBD than healthy controls. This result should encourage clinicians to include oral health preventive programs in the overall treatment plan of IBD patients.
Cryoballoon Versus High-Power, Short-Duration Radiofrequency Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients With Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Pak Hui-Nam , Park Je-Wook , Yang Song-Yi , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Yu Hee Tae ,   for the CRAFT Investigators
Published: September 2021

Background:

The efficacy of cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (Cryo-PVI) is equivalent to that of radiofrequency pulmonary vein isolation in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety profile of Cryo-PVI and high-power, short-duration (HPSD) radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) in patients with AF.

Methods:

We prospectively randomized 314 patients with paroxysmal AF (men, 71.3%; 59.9±10.9 years old) to either the Cryo-PVI group (n=156) or HPSD-RFCA group (n=158). Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation and linear ablation from the superior vena cava to the right atrial septum in addition to pulmonary vein isolation were carried out in the majority of patients in the HPSD-RFCA group. The primary end point was AF recurrence after a single procedure; secondary end points were the recurrence pattern, cardioversion rate, follow-up heart rate variability, and response to antiarrhythmic drugs.

Results:

After a mean follow-up of 9.8±5.1 months, the clinical recurrence rate did not significantly differ between the two groups (log-rank
P
=0.840). The rate of recurrence as atrial tachycardia (
P
>0.999), cardioversion (
P
=0.999), and 3-month heart rate variability (high frequency;
P
=0.506) did not significantly differ. During the final follow-up, sinus rhythm was maintained without antiarrhythmic drugs in 70.5% of the Cryo-PVI group and 73.4% of the HPSD-RFCA group (
P
=0.567). No significant difference was found in the major complication rate between the two groups (3.8% versus 0.6%;
P
=0.066), but total procedure time was significantly shorter in the Cryo-PVI group (78.5±20.2 versus 124.5±37.1 minutes;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In patients with paroxysmal AF, the Cryo-PVI is an effective rhythm-control strategy with a shorter procedure time compared with the HPSD-RFCA.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03920917.