bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS HOLOTHUROIDEA DI PERAIRAN DESA SOMBU KABUPATEN WAKATOBI
Authors: Hasnia Wa Ode , Ramli Muhammad , Rahmadani .
Published: March 2022

Holothuridae atau Teripang merupakan salah satu komponen utama dalam rantai makanan pada ekosistem perairan. Banyak spesies Holothuridae memiliki nilai ekonomis tinggi dan bermanfaat untuk kesehatan.  Perairan pantai Desa Sombu di Kecamatan Wangi-wangi Kabupaten Wakatobi merupakan perairan yang memiliki potensi sumberdaya hayati laut yang  besar untuk dikelola secara optimal. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui keanekaragaman jenis, kepadatan jenis dan struktur komunitas Holothuroidea di Perairan  Desa Sombu Kecamatan Wangi-wangi Kabupaten Wakatobi. Pengambilan data dilakukan pada bulan September - November 2020. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode belt transek dengan bentang garis transek sepanjang 70 m sejajar garis pantai.   Pengambilan data pada tiga stasiun dilakukan dengan 3 kali pengulangan di setiap stasiun.  Hasil penelitian menemukan ada enam jenis Holothuroidea yaitu jenis H. leucospilota, H. atra, E. godeffroyi, O. spectabilis,  H. fuscopunctata dan  H. Whitmaei.  Jenis Holothuroidea yang paling banyak ditemukan adalah  jenis H. Leucospilotaya. Kepadatan jenis Holothuroidea sebesar 0,366 individu/m2. Struktur komunitas pada penelitian ini dengan nilai indeks keanekaragaman tergolong kategori sedang, indeks keseragaman masuk dalam kategori tinggi, dan indeks dominansi masuk dalam kategori rendah.Kata kunci: Holothuroidea, Desa Sombu, Keanekaragaman, Kepadatan, Struktur Komunitas
How Strongly Do American Voters React to Anti-Democratic Behavior by Politicians? Natural Experimental Evidence from the January 6 Insurrection
Authors: van Noort Sam
Published: March 2022

Do American politicians that clearly violate democratic norms lose significant public support, or do contemporary American voters form little effective constrain on democratic backsliding? The existing literature has studied this fundamental question using hypothetical survey experiments which, while useful, suffer from potential weak treatment bias and external validity limitations. I alleviate these concerns by studying a novel natural experiment that occurred because Donald Trump's incitement of the January 6 insurrection unexpectedly occurred while Gallup was conducting a nationally representative survey using random digit dialing. Comparing party identification among respondents that were interviewed just before, and just after, January 6, 2021 suggests that the Republican Party retained 78% of its pre-insurrection support base during the first 1.5 weeks. Even this modest loss was short-lived---in February 2021 the Republican Party stood at 93% of its pre-insurrection support level. While not zero, the electoral constrain on democratic backsliding is remarkably limited.
Violência obstétrica: precisamos falar sobre o assunto
Authors: Bellasalma e Silva Tatiana Manna Manna , Santos Roberta Simões dos
Published: March 2022

O momento do parto na vida de toda mulher, tem características mágicas, transição de fases de vida, em que o novo e o desconhecido lhes são apresentados. Mas como todo novo, vem recheado de medo, dúvidas e inseguranças, envolto por um turbilhão de emoções das mais distintas possíveis. A evolução dos direitos das mulheres trouxe inúmeras garantias previstas em Lei, mas a realidade muitas vezes apresenta um quadro em que estas previsões não fazem parte, nem se quer são lembradas. A violência obstétrica é uma realidade que muitas mulheres já vivenciaram nas mais diversas tipicidades e tantas outras sofrem por medo de na hora do parto se deparar com este desconhecido que irá marca-las para o resto da vida. O presente estudo justifica-se ante a necessidade de esclarecer os direitos de todas as mulheres e a busca por fazer valê-los, nas maternidades públicas e privadas, assegurando a todas as gestantes, um momento de expectativa cheio de boas memórias. Procedimentos desrespeitosos e violentos, advindos de médicos e suas equipes, trazem à tona constantemente a histórica submissão feminina e o quanto estas se calam diante de uma realidade cruel. Através dos princípios da Bioética e da autonomia, apresentando a dignidade da pessoa humana como pressuposto para qualquer garantia de direito adquirido, fazendo-os presentes na realidade, possibilitando a todos uma visão mais ampla sobre toda a problematização que envolve a violência obstétrica. Empregou-se o método teórico bibliográfico, consistente na análise de obras e artigos científicos que versam sobre o tema.
Un análisis de aprendizaje con tecnologías: el caso de Valentina y su vínculo com los videojuegos
Authors: Osses Jorge Palma , Puente Anibal , Martinez Cristina
Published: March 2022

El análisis que se ofrece a continuación, intenta situar conceptos, ideas y referencias de una propuesta teórica del aprendizaje con uso de nuevas tecnologías (NT), en la observación de una instancia de aprendizaje no formal mediada por videojuegos, con el objetivo de indagar en sus implicancias cognitivas. La situación que se expone en este relato, describe un momento de vinculación entre Valentina, una niña chilena de 6 años, y un videojuego que lleva por nombre Sound Shapes, disponible en la plataforma PlayStation 3. El diseño de investigación es de carácter cualitativo, coherente con el objetivo de describir y analizar una situación de aprendizaje en contexto, recuperando sus especificidades como insumo para interpretar la relación entre el sujeto y su entorno. Se busca interpretar la realidad del sujeto en cuestión, desde los marcos teóricos de James Paul Gee, que han sido seleccionados para esta investigación.
ASPM May be Related to the Malignant Progression of Hepatitis B and is Associated With a Poor Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Tan Siyou , Chen Wenyan , Kong Gaoyin , Wei Lai
Published: March 2022

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a causative agent of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Until now, the mechanism behind the progress of hepatitis B fibrosis to HCC remains largely unknown. This study aims to examine the candidate biomarkers and pathways involved in HBV-associated HCC.

Methods: Gene expression profiles were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the GEO2R tool after which functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, genetic alteration analysis, prognostic analysis, immune infiltration analysis, co-expression genes prediction, and miRNA-gene network construction, and pathway correlation analysis were performed.

Results: 22 hub genes were identified, which were all highly expressed in HCC, and overexpression of these genes was all associated with significantly worse survival in HCC patients. More significantly, ASPM also showed increased expression levels in non-tumor tissues with advanced liver fibrosis. With the progression of liver fibrosis and the closer tumor center of HCC, the higher expression of ASPM was identified. ASPM was considered to be the most promising biomarker because it also showed the highest genetic alteration frequency among the hub genes and the expression level of ASPM in HBV (+) HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in HBV (-) HCC tissues. Also, the infiltration levels of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells were all positively correlated with the expression of ASPM.

Conclusion: These findings may help in the development of strategies and candidate drugs for the treatment of HBV-related HCC and improve the effectiveness of personalized treatment in the future. ASPM was upregulated in both hepatitis B cirrhosis and HCC and could be a potential predicting biomarker.
Egg Shell Membrane as an Alternative Vascular Patch for Arterial Angioplasty
Authors: Sun Peng , Yan Shujie , Zhang Liwei , Zhang Cong , Wu Haoliang , Wei Shunbo , Xie Boao , Wang Xiaofeng , Bai Hualong
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The egg shell membrane (ESM) is always considered as waste, but recent studies have shown that it has the potential to yield rapid re-endothelialization in vitro. We hypothesized that ESM and heparin-conjugated ESM (HESM) can be used as arterial patch in a rat aortic angioplasty model.

Method: Sprague-Dawley rat (200 g) abdominal aortic patch angioplasty model was used. Decellularized rat thoracic aorta (TA) patch was used as the control; ESM patch was made of raw chicken egg; heparin-coated ESM (HESM) patch was made by using dopamine; anticoagulation properties were verified using platelet adhesion tests; the TA, ESM, and HESM patches were implanted to the rat aorta and harvested at day 14; and the samples were examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.

Result: The ESM patch showed a similar healing process to the TA patch; the cells could migrate and infiltrate into both patches; there was a neointima with von Willebrand factor-positive endothelial cells; the endothelial cells acquired arterial identity with Ephrin-B2- and dll-4-positive cells; there were proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells, and PCNA and alpha smooth muscle actin dual-positive cells in the neointima in both groups. Heparin was conjugated to the patch successfully and showed a strong anticoagulation property in vitro. HESM could decrease mural thrombus formation after rat aortic patch angioplasty.

Conclusion: The ESM is a natural scaffold that can be used as a vascular patch; it showed a similar healing process to decellularized TA patch; HESM showed anticoagulation property both in vitro and in vivo; and the ESM may be a promising vascular graft in the clinic.
Changes in Gut Microbiota by the Lactobacillus casei Anchoring the K88 Fimbrial Protein Prevented Newborn Piglets From Clinical Diarrhea
Authors: Qin Da , Bai Yongfei , Li Yan , Huang Yanmei , Li Liyang , Wang Guihua , Qu Yi , Wang Jiabin , Yu Li-Yun , Hou Xilin
Published: March 2022

In the last 20 years, accumulating evidence indicates that the gut microbiota contribute to the development, maturation, and regulation of the host immune system and mediate host anti-pathogen defenses. Lactobacillus casei (L.casei) is a normal flora of the gastrointestinal tract in mammals and, as a great mucosal delivery vehicle, has wide use in bioengineering. However, the diarrhea prevention role of commensal intestinal microbiota interfered by the recombinant L.casei (rL.casei) in newborn piglets is not well understood. In our study, newborn piglets orally fed with the rL.casei surface displayed the fimbrial protein K88 of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and their feces were collected for a period of time after feeding. The next-generation sequencing of these fecal samples showed that the relative abundance of L.casei was significantly increased. The oral administration of rL.casei altered the intestinal microbial community as evidenced by altered microbial diversity and microbial taxonomic composition. Remarkably, the functional enhancing of the intestinal bacterial community by rL.casei was positively correlated with membrane transport, replication, and repair (p < 0.05). The specific antibody detection indicates that high levels of anti-K88 secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) were induced in fecal samples and systemic immunoglobulin G was produced in serum. The diarrhea rate in piglets caused by ETEC K88 was decreased by about 24%. Thus, the oral administration of rL.casei not only activated the mucosal and humoral immune responses in vivo but also contributed to shape the intestinal probiotics in newborn piglets and to significantly reduce the diarrhea rates of newborn piglets.
Phylogeny, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Point Mutations of SQLE Gene in Major Pathogenic Dermatophytes Isolated From Clinical Dermatophytosis
Authors: Pashootan Nasrin , Shams-Ghahfarokhi Masoomeh , Chaichi Nusrati Arash , Salehi Zahra , Asmar Mehdi , Razzaghi-Abyaneh Mehdi
Published: March 2022

Drug resistance is one of the major challenges to skin fungal infections, especially in tropical and subtropical infections caused by dermatophytes. This study aimed to determine the antifungal susceptibility of clinically dermatophytes and evaluate point mutations in terbinafine-resistant isolates. A total number of 123 clinical dermatophyte isolates in eight species were evaluated in terms of sensitivity to seven major antifungals. Furthermore, the point mutation in squalene epoxidase (SQLE) gene responsible for terbinafine resistance was studied. The dermatophytes species were identified by morphological characteristics and confirmed by the ITS sequencing. Also, the phylogenetic tree was drawn using the RAxML analyses for 123 dermatophytes isolates. A new XXIX genotype was also found in 4 Trichophyton mentagrophytes isolates. Based on the results obtained, terbinafine was the most effective antifungal drug followed by itraconazole and voriconazole. Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton tonsurans were the most susceptible species (MIC50 = 0.01, 0.09 μg/ml), and T. mentagrophytes was the most resistant species (MIC50 = 0.125 μg/ml) to terbinafine. Of the 123 dermatophytes isolates, six isolates showed reduced susceptibility to terbinafine, and only Trichophyton indotineae had a mutation in SQLE gene as a Phe397Leu substitution. Overall, the antifungal susceptibility test is necessary for managing dermatophytosis. These results help physicians to control the course of the disease and provide further insights to select effective drugs for patients with dermatophytosis, especially in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, where dermatophytosis is still a public health problem.
Numerical Study on the Use of Alternating Injection Hydraulic Fracturing Technology to Optimize the Interaction Between Hydraulic Fracture and Natural Fracture
Authors: Yang Yang , Xie Lingzhi , He Bo , Zhao Peng
Published: March 2022

Hydraulic fracturing is a key technology for shale gas production. Activating the natural fracture (NF) system in shale reservoirs and forming a complex fracture network can greatly improve the effect of fracturing. The effect of fracturing is mainly influenced by geological factors and operational parameters of a reservoir. Effectively reforming a reservoir under unfavourable geological conditions and maximizing the activation of NFs in the reservoir can substantially increase its reformed volume and the production of shale gas. Alternating fluid injection (AFI) fracturing technologies using multiple fracturing fluids with different viscosities can activate closed NFs while retaining the high conductivity of the principal fracture to achieve a larger stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). In this paper, a hydraulic-mechanical coupling finite element method (FEM) of a reservoir is established, and AFI fracturing technology is numerically simulated using the continuum method. In addition, the fracture propagation stage and path propagation for AFI technology are discussed. The results show that AFI fracturing technology can form principal fractures with high conductivity and activate NFs in a reservoir to form comparatively complex fracture propagation paths.
Stem Cell Transplantation in the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: From Insulin Replacement to Beta-Cell Replacement
Authors: Wan Xin-Xing , Zhang Dan-Yi , Khan Md. Asaduzzaman , Zheng Sheng-Yuan , Hu Xi-Min , Zhang Qi , Yang Rong-Hua , Xiong Kun
Published: March 2022

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease that attacks pancreatic β-cells, leading to the destruction of insulitis-related islet β-cells. Islet β-cell transplantation has been proven as a curative measure in T1DM. However, a logarithmic increase in the global population with diabetes, limited donor supply, and the need for lifelong immunosuppression restrict the widespread use of β-cell transplantation. Numerous therapeutic approaches have been taken to search for substitutes of β-cells, among which stem cell transplantation is one of the most promising alternatives. Stem cells have demonstrated the potential efficacy to treat T1DM by reconstitution of immunotolerance and preservation of islet β-cell function in recent research. cGMP-grade stem cell products have been used in human clinical trials, showing that stem cell transplantation has beneficial effects on T1DM, with no obvious adverse reactions. To better achieve remission of T1DM by stem cell transplantation, in this work, we explain the progression of stem cell transplantation such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), and bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells (BM-HSCs) to restore the immunotolerance and preserve the islet β-cell function of T1DM in recent years. This review article provides evidence of the clinical applications of stem cell therapy in the treatment of T1DM.
Transcriptional Regulation of Pine Male and Female Cone Initiation and Development: Key Players Identified Through Comparative Transcriptomics
Authors: Fritsche Steffi , Rippel Salgado Leonardo , Boron Agnieszka K. , Hanning Kyrin R. , Donaldson Lloyd A. , Thorlby Glenn
Published: March 2022

With long reproductive timescales, large complex genomes, and a lack of reliable reference genomes, understanding gene function in conifers is extremely challenging. Consequently, our understanding of which genetic factors influence the development of reproductive structures (cones) in monoecious conifers remains limited. Genes with inferred roles in conifer reproduction have mostly been identified through homology and phylogenetic reconstruction with their angiosperm counterparts. We used RNA-sequencing to generate transcriptomes of the early morphological stages of cone development in the conifer species Pinus densiflora and used these to gain a deeper insight into the transcriptional changes during male and female cone development. Paired-end Illumina sequencing was used to generate transcriptomes from non-reproductive tissue and male and female cones at four time points with a total of 382.82 Gbp of data generated. After assembly and stringent filtering, a total of 37,164 transcripts were retrieved, of which a third were functionally annotated using the Mercator plant pipeline. Differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis resulted in the identification of 172,092 DEGs in the nine tissue types. This, alongside GO gene enrichment analyses, pinpointed transcripts putatively involved in conifer reproductive structure development, including co-orthologs of several angiosperm flowering genes and several that have not been previously reported in conifers. This study provides a comprehensive transcriptome resource for male and early female cone development in the gymnosperm species Pinus densiflora. Characterisation of this resource has allowed the identification of potential key players and thus provides valuable insights into the molecular regulation of reproductive structure development in monoecious conifers.
Training in Ultrasound to Determine Gestational Age in Low- and Middle- Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Viner Alexandra C. , Okolo Isioma D. , Norman Jane E. , Stock Sarah J. , Reynolds Rebecca M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Establishing an accurate gestational age is essential for the optimum management of pregnancy, delivery and neonatal care, with improved estimates of gestational age considered a public health priority by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although ultrasound is considered the most precise method to achieve this, it is unavailable to many women in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs), where the lack of trained practitioners is considered a major barrier. This systematic review explores what initiatives have previously been undertaken to train staff to date pregnancies using ultrasound, which were successful and what barriers and facilitators influenced training.

Methods

The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and the protocol registered (PROSPERO CRD42019154619). Searches were last performed in July 2021. Studies were screened independently by two assessors, with data extracted by one and verified by the other. Both reviewers graded the methodological quality using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool. Results were collated within prespecified domains, generating a narrative synthesis.

Results

25/1,262 studies were eligible for inclusion, all of which were programme evaluations. Eighteen were undertaken in Africa, three in South-East Asia, one in South America, and three across multiple sites, including those in Africa, Asia, and South America. Five programs specified criteria to pass, and within these 96% of trainees did so. Trainee follow up was undertaken in 18 studies. Ten met recommendations for training outlined by the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) but only 1 met the current standards set by the WHO.

Discussion

This systematic review is the first to evaluate this topic and has uncovered major inconsistencies in the delivery and reporting of basic obstetric ultrasound training in LMICs, with the majority of programs not meeting minimum recommendations. By identifying these issues, we have highlighted key areas for improvement and made recommendations for reporting according to the RE-AIM framework. With an increasing focus on the importance of improving estimates of gestational age in LMICs, we believe these findings will be of significance to those seeking to develop and expand the provision of sustainable obstetric ultrasound in LMICs.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019154619, PROSPERO CRD42019154619.
Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Prospects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy
Authors: Wang Yifei , Huang Bin , Jin Tao , Ocansey Dickson Kofi Wiredu , Jiang Jiajia , Mao Fei
Published: March 2022

Intestinal fibrosis is an important complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the course of the development of fibrosis, certain parts of the intestine become narrowed, significantly destroying the structure and function of the intestine and affecting the quality of life of patients. Chronic inflammation is an important initiating factor of fibrosis. Unfortunately, the existing anti-inflammatory drugs cannot effectively prevent and alleviate fibrosis, and there is no effective anti-fibrotic drug, which makes surgical treatment the mainstream treatment for intestinal fibrosis and stenosis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are capable of tissue regeneration and repair through their self-differentiation, secretion of cytokines, and secretion of extracellular vesicles. MSCs have been shown to play an important therapeutic role in the fibrosis of many organs. However, the role of MSC in intestinal fibrosis largely remained unexplored. This review summarizes the mechanism of intestinal fibrosis, including the role of immune cells, TGF-β, and the gut microbiome and metabolites. Available treatment options for fibrosis, particularly, MSCs are also discussed.
Definition of the Immune Parameters Related to COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Birindelli Sarah , Tarkowski Maciej S. , Gallucci Marcello , Schiuma Marco , Covizzi Alice , Lewkowicz Przemysław , Aloisio Elena , Falvella Felicia Stefania , Dolci Alberto , Riva Agostino , Galli Massimo , Panteghini Mauro
Published: March 2022

A relevant portion of patients with disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) experience negative outcome, and several laboratory tests have been proposed to predict disease severity. Among others, dramatic changes in peripheral blood cells have been described. We developed and validated a laboratory score solely based on blood cell parameters to predict survival in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We retrospectively analyzed 1,619 blood cell count from 226 consecutively hospitalized COVID-19 patients to select parameters for inclusion in a laboratory score predicting severity of disease and survival. The score was derived from lymphocyte- and granulocyte-associated parameters and validated on a separate cohort of 140 consecutive COVID-19 patients. Using ROC curve analysis, a best cutoff for score of 30.6 was derived, which was associated to an overall 82.0% sensitivity (95% CI: 78–84) and 82.5% specificity (95% CI: 80–84) for detecting outcome. The scoring trend effectively separated survivor and non-survivor groups, starting 2 weeks before the end of the hospitalization period. Patients’ score time points were also classified into mild, moderate, severe, and critical according to the symptomatic oxygen therapy administered. Fluctuations of the score should be recorded to highlight a favorable or unfortunate trend of the disease. The predictive score was found to reflect and anticipate the disease gravity, defined by the type of the oxygen support used, giving a proof of its clinical relevance. It offers a fast and reliable tool for supporting clinical decisions and, most important, triage in terms of not only prioritization but also allocation of limited medical resources, especially in the period when therapies are still symptomatic and many are under development. In fact, a prolonged and progressive increase of the score can suggest impaired chances of survival and/or an urgent need for intensive care unit admission.
Intraperitoneally Delivered Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Experimental Colitis Through THBS1-Mediated Induction of IL-10-Competent Regulatory B Cells
Authors: Liu Jialing , Lai Xingqiang , Bao Yingying , Xie Wenfeng , Li Zhishan , Chen Jieying , Li Gang , Wang Tao , Huang Weijun , Ma Yuanchen , Shi Jiahao , Zhao Erming , Xiang Andy Peng , Liu Qiuli , Chen Xiaoyong
Published: March 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promising therapeutic potential in treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and intraperitoneal delivery of MSCs have become a more effective route for IBD treatment. However, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we found that intraperitoneally delivered MSCs significantly alleviated experimental colitis. Depletion of peritoneal B cells, but not macrophages, clearly impaired the therapeutic effects of MSCs. Intraperitoneally delivered MSCs improved IBD likely by boosting the IL-10-producing B cells in the peritoneal cavity, and a single intraperitoneal injection of MSCs could significantly prevent disease severity in a recurrent mouse colitis model, with lower proinflammation cytokines and high level of IL-10. The gene expression profile revealed that thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) was dramatically upregulated in MSCs after coculture with peritoneal lavage fluid from colitis mice. Knockout of THBS1 expression in MSCs abolished their therapeutic effects in colitis and the induction of IL-10-producing B cells. Mechanistically, THBS1 modulates the activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), which combines with TGF-β receptors on B cells and contributes to IL-10 production. Blocking the interaction between THBS1 and latent TGF-β or inhibiting TGF-β receptors (TGF-βR) significantly reversed the THBS1-mediated induction of IL-10-producing B cells and the therapeutic effects on colitis. Collectively, our study revealed that intraperitoneally delivered MSCs secreted THBS1 to boost IL-10+Bregs and control the progression and recurrence of colitis, providing new insight for the prevention and treatment of IBD.
Mapping Spatial Variation and Impact of the National MDA Program on Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination in Ghana: An Initial Study
Authors: Kwarteng Efiba Vidda Senkyire , Osei Frank Badu , Andam-Akorful Samuel Ato , Kwarteng Alexander , Asare Da-Costa Boakye Mensah , Quaye-Ballard Jonathan Arthur , Duker Alfred Allan
Published: March 2022

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a public health menace, especially in developing countries. A periodic review of mass drug administration (MDA) performance is critical to monitoring elimination progress. However, investigating the spatial pattern of LF with respect to MDA intervention is yet to be documented. This is essential to appreciating the transmission dynamics across LF-endemic communities and how it is spatially impacted by MDA programs. The aim of this study was to map and explore the spatial variation and hotspots of LF infection among endemic communities and evaluate the impact of the MDA intervention program on its spatial pattern in Ghana. Relative risks, clustering and clusters, prevalence odds ratios, and their confidence intervals were studied with community-level LF data prior to intervention and post intervention periods. The overall risk of LF infection was 0.12% and 0.02% before and after MDA, respectively, suggesting reduced transmission. Using empirical Bayesian smoothing to map the relative risk, a substantial variation in the spatial distribution of the relative risk of LF among endemic communities was observed. Most of the excess prevalence communities were unexpectedly visible even after years of MDA. The Empirical Bayesian Moran’s Index for global clustering showed a reduction in clustering of LF prevalence after MDA with IM = 0.455 and 0.119 for before and after MDA, respectively. Furthermore, examining risks associated with ecological zones, it was observed that the Guinea Savannah and the Transition Zone were the most vulnerable zones for LF infection with prevalence odds ratios 18.70- and 13.20-fold higher than in the reference Moist evergreen zone, respectively. We observed a drastic reduction in risk in the Wet evergreen zone after MDA, while the Guinea Savannah sustained high levels of risk even after MDA. These findings should prompt public health officials to adopt stratified cluster sampling in LF-endemic regions to monitor the rate and density of microfilaria.
Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Crack Propagation Based on Fiber Random Distribution Model
Authors: Yu Ziruo , Liang Weizhi , An Mingzhe , Wang Yue
Published: March 2022

The tensile strength, crack behavior, and strain-hardening properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) are mainly affected by the steel fibers distributed in the matrix. In this study, a mesoscopic model of UHPC was established using a numerical simulation method to study the effects of steel fibers on the crack propagation and tensile properties of UHPC. First, the exponential cohesive model was used to simulate the pull-out of a fiber embedded in a UHPC matrix. Then, the distribution and variation of the interfacial shear stress during the fiber pull-out process were obtained, and the UHPC fiber-pull-out load–displacement curve was obtained. Using the Monte Carlo method, a meso-scale finite element model of UHPC was established by modeling randomly distributed steel fibers in the UHPC matrix. After verification, the model was used to study the effects of fiber characteristics, interface strength, and matrix strength on the crack propagation path and tensile properties of UHPC. The results showed that the exponential cohesive constitutive model with a softening coefficient of –1 can effectively characterize the mechanical behavior of the interface between the steel fibers and matrix in UHPC. Affected by the random distribution of fibers, the main propagation mode of cracks in UHPC was that the cracks bypassed the fiber-dense area and extended to the fiber-sparse area, and the crack propagation path was mainly affected by the fiber distribution. The distribution of fibers significantly affected the tensile strength and peak strain of UHPC. When the fiber inclination angle was in the range of 15°–30°, the comprehensive tensile properties of UHPC were the best. With increasing fiber volume fraction and fiber length, UHPC gradually began to exhibit multi-cracking and strain hardening (when the fiber volume fraction was more than 2.5% or fiber length was more than 15.5 mm). The interface strength and matrix strength had little effect on the crack propagation path, but had significant effects on the tensile strength and toughness of the UHPC. The higher the strength of the UHPC matrix, the more fully the anti-cracking effect of the steel fiber that can be achieved.
Case Report: Double Visualization Intubation Strategy for Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Chen Wei-can , Lin Shu , He He-fan
Published: March 2022

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease involving the axial bone. Because it leads to rigidity of the spine and joints, especially when involving the cervical spine, it will cause a difficult airway, creating a major challenge for airway management. Herein, we report presents a double visual intubation strategy for severe ankylosing spondylitis patients who are difficult to intubate with a video laryngoscope.

Case Presentation

A 31-year-old patient with severe ankylosing spondylitis has a seriously restricted neck movement that makes it hard to insert a tracheal tube using only a video laryngoscope. With the aid of video laryngoscope, we then guided the endotracheal intubation using a lighted stylet. Eventually, the oropharynx was opened sufficiently so that the tracheal tube could be rapidly introduced below the epiglottis and entered the glottis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the video laryngoscope is a viable operation to assist lighted stylet guided endotracheal intubation in severe ankylosing spondylitis patients after video laryngoscope intubation failure.
Correlation Analysis of the Microbiome and Immune Function in the Lung-Gut Axis of Critically Ill Patients in the ICU
Authors: Liu Bin , Yu Ying , Zhao Min , Xiao Kun , Yan Peng , Duan Zhimei , Wang Kaifei , Zhao Na , Cao Jiabao , Wang Jun , Xie Lixin
Published: March 2022

Objective

Critical illnesses in the intensive care unit (ICU) have been a global burden. We aimed to determine the correlation between the lung and gut in critically ill patients to find novel evidence of the lung-gut axis, which may be a new treatment for patients with critical illness in the ICU.

Methods

We collected bronchoalveolar lavage specimens and fecal samples of 31 patients with critical illness within 24 h after admission. Metagenomics was used to detect lung and intestinal samples. Immune cells were detected by flow cytometry.

Results

There are 86 common species in both lung and gut. The abundance of Enterococcus faecium is high in both the lung and gut of patients with critical illness in the respiratory intensive care unit (RICU). Corynebacterium striatum in the lung and gut is correlated with different immune cells. In addition, C. striatum in the lung and gut might share the same source, supporting the concept of a gut-lung axis in humans.

Conclusions

The microbiome in the lung and gut showed a correlation to some extent, and C. striatum in the lung and gut might share the same source. In addition, the microbiome showed a correlation with immunity, indicating a potential therapeutic target in patients with critical illness. The lung-gut axis might play an important role in patients with critical illness in the RICU.
Machine Learning Reveals Ets2 as a Novel Target for Membranous Nephropathy Treatment and Its Role in Immune Infiltration
Authors: Wan Peng-Zhi , Xu Tian-Hua , Tian Bin-Yao , Guo Guang-Ying , Li Xiao-Li , Yao Li
Published: March 2022

Background

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a common pathological phenotype for adult nephrotic syndrome (NS). The occurrence of MN is increasing across China, but diagnostic methods for MN still rely on kidney biopsy and PLA2R and THSD7A detection in plasma and kidney tissue, and there has been no new biomarker for MN discovered since 2014. Immune infiltration status in MN patients suffers from the dearth of associated studies. In the present study, we aimed to find new bio-markers for MN and evaluate the role of immune cells infiltration in MN pathology.

Methods

We downloaded MN expression profile from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and used R-project to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and performed functional correlation analysis. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression and Radom Forest algorithms were used to screen and verify the bio-markers of MN. Finally, CIBERSORT was used to evaluate the infiltration of immune cells in MN tissues.

Results

A total of 463 DEGs were screened from the MN tissue in this study. ETS2 was identified as bio-marker for MN. The CIBERSORT results showed that there were statistical differences in monocytes, plasma cells, regulatory T cells, and memory B cells. In addition, ETS2 was positively related to monocytes, M1 phase macrophages, and neutrophils and negatively correlated to plasma cells, CD4+ T memory cells, M2 macrophages, CD8+ T cells, memory B cells, and resting mast cells.

Conclusion

(1) Machine learning algorithms reveals Ets2 as a novel target for membranous nephropathy patients. (2) Immune infiltration plays an important part in membranous nephropathy. (3) Ets2 expression is related to immune cells infiltration.
Patients With Suspected Severe Adverse Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccination Admitted to Intensive Care Unit: A Case Report
Authors: Battaglini Denise , Ball Lorenzo , Robba Chiara , Maiani Simona , Brunetti Iole , Benedetti Luana , Castellan Lucio , Zona Gianluigi , Pesce Giampaola , Rocco Patricia R. M. , Pelosi Paolo
Published: March 2022

Background

Several cases of adverse reactions following vaccination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with adenoviral vector vaccines or mRNA-based vaccines have been reported to date. The underlying syndrome has been named “vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia” (VITT) or “thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS)” with different clinical manifestations.

Methods

We report the clinical course of five patients who had severe adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccines, either with VITT/TTS, abdominal or pulmonary thrombosis after adenoviral vaccines, or Stevens' Johnson syndrome because of mRNA vaccination, all of whom required admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Conclusions

All patients with severe or life-threatening suspected reaction to different types of COVID-19 vaccination required ICU admission. A prompt evaluation of early symptoms and individualized clinical management is needed to improve outcomes.
Grapevine Wood-Degrading Activity of Fomitiporia mediterranea M. Fisch.: A Focus on the Enzymatic Pathway Regulation
Authors: Pacetti Andrea , Moretti Samuele , Perrin Célia , Gelhaye Eric , Bieler Evi , Kassemeyer Hanns-Heinz , Mugnai Laura , Farine Sibylle , Bertsch Christophe
Published: March 2022

Fomitiporia mediterraneais aBasidiomycetesfungus associated with some of the Esca complex diseases and responsible for decay in grapevine wood. Its role in the onset of foliar symptoms has recently been reconsidered, mainly after evidence showing a reduction in foliar symptom expression after removal of rotten wood. The study of its degradation pathways has already been approached by other authors, and with this study much information is consolidated. A microscopic observation of degraded wood provides a first approach to the characterization ofF. mediterraneamodalities of wood cellular structure degradation. The decay of grapevine wood was reproducedin vitro, and the measurement of each wood-forming polymer loss highlighted characteristics ofF. mediterraneacommon to selective white rot and showed how fungal strain and vine variety are factors determining the wood degradation. All these observations were supported by the analysis of the laccase and manganese peroxidase enzyme activity, as well as by the expression of the genes coding 6 putative laccase isoforms and 3 manganese peroxidase isoforms, thereby highlighting substantial intraspecific variability.
Discovering Microcircuit Secrets With Multi-Spot Imaging and Electrophysiological Recordings: The Example of Cerebellar Network Dynamics
Authors: Tognolina Marialuisa , Monteverdi Anita , D’Angelo Egidio
Published: March 2022

The cerebellar cortex microcircuit is characterized by a highly ordered neuronal architecture having a relatively simple and stereotyped connectivity pattern. For a long time, this structural simplicity has incorrectly led to the idea that anatomical considerations would be sufficient to understand the dynamics of the underlying circuitry. However, recent experimental evidence indicates that cerebellar operations are much more complex than solely predicted by anatomy, due to the crucial role played by neuronal and synaptic properties. To be able to explore neuronal and microcircuit dynamics, advanced imaging, electrophysiological techniques and computational models have been combined, allowing us to investigate neuronal ensembles activity and to connect microscale to mesoscale phenomena. Here, we review what is known about cerebellar network organization, neural dynamics and synaptic plasticity and point out what is still missing and would require experimental assessments. We consider the available experimental techniques that allow a comprehensive assessment of circuit dynamics, including voltage and calcium imaging and extracellular electrophysiological recordings with multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). These techniques are proving essential to investigate the spatiotemporal pattern of activity and plasticity in the cerebellar network, providing new clues on how circuit dynamics contribute to motor control and higher cognitive functions.
Eye and Head Movement Recordings Using Smartphones for Telemedicine Applications: Measurements of Accuracy and Precision
Authors: Parker T. Maxwell , Badihian Shervin , Hassoon Ahmed , Saber Tehrani Ali S. , Farrell Nathan , Newman-Toker David E. , Otero-Millan Jorge
Published: March 2022

Objective

Smartphones have shown promise in the assessment of neuro-ophthalmologic and vestibular disorders. We have shown that the head impulse test results recorded using our application are comparable with measurements from clinical video-oculography (VOG) goggles. The smartphone uses ARKit's capability to acquire eye and head movement positions without the need of performing a calibration as in most eye-tracking devices. Here, we measure the accuracy and precision of the eye and head position recorded using our application.

Methods

We enrolled healthy volunteers and asked them to direct their eyes, their heads, or both to targets on a wall at known eccentricities while recording their head and eye movements with our smartphone application. We measured the accuracy as the error between the eye or head movement measurement and the location of each target and the precision as the standard deviation of the eye or head position for each of the target positions.

Results

The accuracy of head recordings (15% error) was overall better than the accuracy of eye recordings (23% error). We also found that the accuracy for horizontal eye movements (17% error) was better than for vertical (27% error). Precision was also better for head movement (0.8 degrees) recordings than eye movement recordings (1.3 degrees) and variability tended to increase with eccentricity.

Conclusion

Our results provide basic metrics evaluating the utility of smartphone applications in the quantitative assessment of head and eye movements. While the new method may not replace the more accurate dedicated VOG devices, they provide a more accessible quantitative option. It may be advisable to include a calibration recording together with any planned clinical test to improve the accuracy.
Quantitative MR Perfusion for the Differentiation of Recurrence and Radionecrosis in Hypoperfusion and Hyperperfusion Brain Metastases After Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Authors: Yunqi Yang , Aihua Niu , Zhiming Zheng , Yingchao Liu , Qiang Wang , Yang Ming , Yi Zhang
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion weighted imaging (DSC-PWI) plays an important role in the differential diagnosis between radionecrosis and recurrence of brain metastases (BMs) after gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS). While the perfusion condition of preliminary hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion BMs when recur has not been studied, as well the separating performance of quantitative DSC-PWI in both kinds of BMs.

Methods

From February 2017 to October 2019, quantitative DSC-PWI was performed in patients with untreated BMs in this observational study. Patients were assigned to hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion group according the quantitative cerebral blood volume (qCBV). During follow-up after GKRS, patients with a diagnostic pitfall of radionecrosis and recurrence accepted second quantitative DSC-PWI. Final diagnosis was based on the histological results or follow-up results. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to explore the performance of qCBV.

Results

Twenty-nine patients (mean age: 61.3 ± 9.4 years old; male/female: 13/16) were assigned to the group of hypoperfusion group, and 26 patients (mean age: 58 ± 10.4 years old; male/female: 14/12) to hyperperfusion group. The mean qCBV values between hypoperfusion and hyperperfusion groups when recurred were not significantly different (3.17 ± 0.53 ml/100 g vs. 3.27 ± 0.47 ml/100 g, p = 0.63). qCBV was feasible to separate radionecrosis and recurrence in both groups (AUC=0.94 and AUC=0.93, separately).

Conclusion

Both premilitary hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion BMs would transform to a high microvascular density when recurs. qCBV is feasible to distinguish radionecrosis and recurrence among both kinds of BMs after GKRS.
Vestibular Cochlear Manifestations in COVID-19 Cases
Authors: Kaliyappan Kathiravan , Chen Yu-Chen , Krishnan Muthaiah Vijaya Prakash
Published: March 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a high transmissible infectious disease that primarily impacts the respiratory system and leads to death as it worsens. Ever since the World Health Organization declared the disease as a global pandemic, the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and disease prognosis has been discussed in various literature. In addition to impaired respiratory health, the symptoms also indicated the involvement of the cardiovascular and neurological system after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Despite the pulmonary, cardiovascular, and neurological complications, many reports also revealed the prevalence of vestibulocochlear symptoms like dizziness, vertigo, vestibular neuritis, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, and tinnitus. Though many clinical reports and scientific reviews reported the vestibular and cochlear impairments associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, the underlying pathological mechanisms are still unclear and unexplored. In this review, we discussed the published clinical reports, research articles, and literature reviews related to vestibulocochlear manifestations following SARS-CoV-2 infections. We also summarized the current knowledge about the prevalence, epidemiological and clinical features, and potential pathological mechanisms related to vestibular and cochlear manifestations resulting from COVID-19 infections.