bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative proteome analysis of the tegument of male and female adult Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Winkelmann Franziska , Salazar Manuela Gesell , Hentschker Christian , Michalik Stephan , Macháček Tomáš , Scharf Christian , Reisinger Emil C. , Völker Uwe , Sombetzki Martina
Published: February 2022

The tegument, as the surface layer of adult male and female Schistosoma spp. represents the protective barrier of the worms to the hostile environment of the host bloodstream. Here we present the first comparative analysis of sex-specific tegument proteins of paired or virgin Schistosoma mansoni. We applied a new and highly sensitive workflow, allowing detection of even low abundance proteins. Therefore, a streptavidin-biotin affinity purification technique in combination with single pot solid-phase enhanced sample preparation was established for subsequent LC-MS/MS analysis. We were able to identify 1519 tegument proteins for male and female virgin and paired worms and categorized them by sex. Bioinformatic analysis revealed an involvement of female-specific tegument proteins in signaling pathways of cellular processes and antioxidant mechanisms. Male-specific proteins were found to be enriched in processes linked to phosphorylation and signal transduction. This suggests a task sharing between the sexes that might be necessary for survival in the host. Our datasets provide a basis for further studies to understand and ultimately decipher the strategies of the two worm sexes to evade the immune system.
Cardiac Iron Overload Detection Using Longitudinal Strain in Asymptomatic Children with Beta Thalassemia Major
Authors: CHAMTOURI IKRAM , khalifa Roueida , besbes habib , jomaa walid , abdallah wajih , hamda khaldoun ben , Chouchene Chokri , maatouk faouzi
Published: February 2022

Background.Cardiomyopathy mediated by iron disposition in cardiomyocytes is a dreadful cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with beta thalassemia major (BTM). Conventional transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) parameters are preserved at late stages of cardiomyopathy induced by iron overload. Therefore, cardiac imaging modalities based on myocardial deformation such as strain imaging are used for early detection of cardiac iron overload.Aim.To demonstrate the contribution of longitudinal strain (LS) in early detection of cardiac iron overload in children with BTM.Methods.Sixty children (30 children with BTM and 30 healthy controls) were enrolled in this study. Conventional TTE study was performed in both patient and control groups. LV regional longitudinal strain (RLS) were determined and compared between the two study groups.Results.Mean age was 10.4 ± 5years in BTM group compared to 10.2 ± 5 years in control group (p=0.876). Compared to control group, there was no significant difference in conventional TTE parameters except for indexed left atrium (LA) area and volume. LA was significantly larger in BTM children (27.59 ±13.1ml/m² vs. 18.23 ± 4.33 ml/m², p=0.001). RLS was lower in anterior, septal and inferior walls in basal and middle segments of LV in BTM group while there was no significant difference in RLS in apical segment between the two groups (-27.30 ± 5.1 vs. -28.83 ± 4.33, p=0.22).Conclusion.In asymptomatic BMT children with normal conventional TTE parameters, LS could be used for the detection of subclinical myocardial dysfunction.
Free-electron-driven X-ray caustics from strained van der Waals materials
Authors: Shi Xihang , Shentcis Michael , Kurman Yaniv , Wong Liang Jie , de Abajo F. Javier Garcia , Kaminer Ido
Published: February 2022

Tunable nanoscale shaping of X-ray waves remains as an open challenge of critical importance for applications in high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy and imaging. In contrast to this high photon energy regime, shaping of light waves in the visible and infrared regimes is routinely undertaken in a vast range of applications by means of abundantly available optical components. However, analogous optical elements are scarcer for X-rays. Here, we propose a new paradigm based on van der Waals (vdW) materials for shaping X-ray waves directly at the source. By inducing strain and bending on vdW materials, we control their interaction with free electrons in a manner that tunes the emission of X-rays and forms caustic X-ray beams. The geometry of the vdW material alters the caustic beam properties, including its focal length, spot size, and diffraction-free length. The ability to integrate X-ray shaping into the electron-driven emission process bypasses the efficiency limits of current optical techniques in this spectral regime. Looking forward, by shaping X-ray wave interference at the atomic scale we open new horizons in high-resolution X-ray science.
Nursing risks and preventive strategies of the elderly: an interview-based study with staff at long-term care facilities
Authors: Liu Chang-qing , Ren Hong-fei , Li Jia-ling , Cheng Li-nan , Xie Xiao-feng , Zhang Feng-ying
Published: February 2022

Background: The prevention and control of nursing risks play a critically important role in ensuring safety and maintaining the health of the elderly in long-term care facilities. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted on participants in 16 long-term care facilities using a semi-structured interview. The transcribed interviews and field notes written during the visits were analyzed inductively following a constant comparative method as described in Grounded Theory. Data were analyzed using framework analysis and domains, and the NVivo 10 software was used to refine themes and build relationships among themes. The authors followed the COREQ guidelines to ensure rigour in the study.Results: A total of 28 participants (18 managers, 5 head nurses, 2 qualified nurses, and 3 healthcare assistants) were interviewed. In the risk warning model, nursing risks (factors that affect risks, consequences), risk early warning intervention measures (risk assessment, training, and education, comprehensive preventive measures), challenges and solutions as potential and observation variables affecting nursing risks, were aimed to reduce nursing risks in long-term care facilities.Conclusions: There are many nursing risk factors in long-term care facilities, among which nursing risk assessment plays an important intermediate role in risk prevention. Comprehensive measures can be formulated and implemented according to relevant nursing risk factors, referred to as the early warning model, to reduce the incidence of nursing risks and promote the safety of the elderly in long-term care facilities.
Coexistence in spatiotemporally fluctuating environments
Authors: Johnson Evan , Hastings Alan
Published: February 2022

Ecologists have put forward many explanations for coexistence, but these are only partial explanations; nature is complex, so it is reasonable to assume that in any given ecological community, multiple mechanisms of coexistence are operating at the same time. Here, we present a methodology for quantifying the relative importance of different explanations for coexistence, based on an extension of Modern Coexistence Theory. Current versions of Modern Coexistence Theory only allow for the analysis of communities that are affected by spatial or temporal environmental variation, but not both. We show how to analyze communities with spatiotemporal fluctuations, how to parse the importance of spatial variation and temporal variation, and how to measure everything with either mathematical expressions or simulation experiments. Our extension of Modern Coexistence Theory shows that many more species can coexist than originally thought. More importantly, it allows empiricists to use realistic models and more data to better infer the mechanisms of coexistence in real communities.
SCARB2 Drives Hepatic Carcinoma Initiation by Supporting Cancer Stem Cell Traits and Enhancing MYC Transcriptional Activity
Authors: Wang Feng , Gao Yang , Xue Situ , Zhao Luyao , Zhang Tingting , Li Yun-Xuan , Zhao Chenxi , Wu Fan , Liu Ying , Wu Jie , Yan Yechao , JIANG JIAN-DONG , Li Ke
Published: February 2022

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) with distinct metabolic features are considered to cause hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) initiation, metastasis and therapeutic resistance. Here, we performed a metabolic gene CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen in tumorspheres derived from HCC cells and found that deletion of the scavenger receptor SCARB2 suppressed the CSC traits of HCC cells. Using lineage tracing of the Scarb2 locus in mice, we demonstrated that Scarb2 positive HCC cells showed tumor-initiating activity. Specifically, Cre-mediated recombination with oncogenic MYC expression in Scarb2 positive cells drove HCC tumor formation, as determined by lineage tracing in Scarb2 mice. Knockout of Scarb2 in hepatocytes attenuated HCC initiation and progression by inhibiting CSC self-renewal. Mechanistically, binding of SCARB2 with MYC promoted MYC acetylation by interfering with HDCA3-mediated MYC deacetylation and subsequently enhanced MYC activity. Screening of a database of FDA-approved drugs showed Polymyxin B displayed high binding affinity for SCARB2 protein, disrupted the SCARB2-MYC interaction, decreased MYC activity, and reduced the tumor burden. Our study identifies SCARB2 as a marker and functional driver of HCC CSCs and suggests a targeted therapeutic option for HCC.
Modulation of Inflammatory Cytokines Secretion Response from Stimulated Human PBMCs Following Application of Recombinant Human Cytokines IL-37b and IL-38 Produced in Plants.
Authors: Kolotilin Igor
Published: February 2022

Affordable therapeutics are vitally needed for humans worldwide. Plant-based production of recombinant proteins can potentially enhance, back-up, or even substitute for the manufacturing capacity of the conventional, fermenter-based technologies. We plastome-engineered a tobacco cultivar to express high levels of two “plantakines” - recombinant human cytokines, interleukins IL-37b and IL-38, and confirmed their native conformation and folding. Assessment of their biological functionality was performed ex vivo by analyzing the effects exerted by the plantakines on levels of 11 cytokines secreted from human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) challenged with an inflammatory agent. Application of the plant-produced IL-37b and IL-38 in PBMCs stimulated with Lipopolysaccharide or Phytohaemagglutinin resulted in significant, dose-dependent modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines secretion and attenuation of levels of several cytokines involved in inflammatory response. Our results demonstrate feasibility of manufacturing functional recombinant human proteins using scalable, cost-effective and eco-friendly plant-based bioreactors.
"Ethical and Regulatory Issues in Genetic Research Collaboration between Global Pharmaceutical Industry and Low- and Middle-income Countries"
Authors: Sharawy Iman
Published: February 2022

Background:The global pharmaceutical industry (big pharma) is responsible for production, and distribution of drugs. Big pharma revenues have been growing markedly totaling about 1.27 trillion U.S. dollars in 2020. Low- and middle-income countries spend only 1.46% of their Gross Domestic Products (GDP) on research and development necessitating collaboration with big pharma. Genetic research require access to sophisticated laboratories, large-scale genotyping facilities, bioinformatics and statistical expertise which cannot be afforded by low or middle-income countries. Consequently, most of the genetic research is conducted in high-income countries and big pharma. Main body: This paper has three aims: the first aim is to identify ethical and regulatory issues related to genetic research collaboration of big Pharma with low and middle-income countries. The second aim is to explain the impact of non-collaboration of big pharma with low and middle-income countries. The third aim is to propose a future ethical and regulatory framework for genetic research of big pharma with low- and middle-income countries. To accomplish these aims the big pharma revenue and spending was outlined, the necessity of genetic collaboration was highlighted and the resultant ethical and regulatory gaps were elaborated. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccine was mentioned as an illustration for non-collaboration. Then a future ethical and regulatory framework for genetic research of big pharma with low- and middle-income countries at the international, national and research ethics committee levels was proposed.Conclusion:This paper identified several ethical and regulatory issues related to genetic research collaboration and non-collaboration of big Pharma with low and middle-income countries followed by proposing a future ethical and regulatory framework for collaboration at the international, national and research ethics committee levels.
Soil chemical properties, microbial biomass and soil enzyme dynamics on transplanted rice with organic amendments
Authors: Singh Nika Beth , Hamimed Selma
Published: February 2022

A field experiment was conducted at the farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, India, during the Kharif season to study soil chemical properties, microbial biomass and soil enzyme dynamics on transplanted rice with organic amendments. Rice CO(R) 48 was used as a test variety. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications and nine treatments, which are: T1 –100% N through dhaincha + balance P and K through inorganic fertilizers, T2 – 50% N through dhaincha + balance N, P and K through inorganic fertilizers, T3 –100% N through vermicompost + balance P and K through inorganic fertilizers, T4 –50% N through vermicompost + balance N, P and K through inorganic fertilizers, T5 –100% NPK (150: 50: 50 kg ha-1) through inorganic fertilizers, T6 –100% NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 12.5 t farmyard manure, T7 – 100% NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 6.25 t dhaincha, T8 – 100% NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 5 t vermicompost, and T9 – Control. The results revealed that maximum microbial population (bacteria, fungal, and actinomycetes), soil enzyme dynamics (urease, dehydrogenase, and soil phosphatase activity), soil available macronutrients (N, P, K) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu) were significantly influenced with the application of 100% of N through dhaincha + balance P and K through inorganic fertilizers followed by application of 100% NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 6.25 t dhaincha. Most minor enzyme activity, microbial population & soil available nutrients of rice were registered in absolute control.
Moraines in the Austrian Alps Record Repeated Phases of Glacier Stabilization through the Late Glacial and the Early Holocene
Authors: Braumann Sandra M. , Schaefer Joerg M. , Neuhuber Stephanie , Fiebig Markus
Published: February 2022

Climate is currently warming due to anthropogenic impact on the Earth’s atmosphere. To better understand the processes and feedbacks within the climate system that underlie this accelerating warming trend, it is useful to examine past periods of abrupt climate change that were driven by natural forcings. Glaciers provide an excellent natural laboratory for reconstructing the climate of the past as they respond sensitively to climate oscillations. Therefore, we study glacier systems and their behavior during the transition from colder to warmer climate episodes, focusing on the period between 15 and 10 ka. Using a combination of geomorphological mapping and beryllium-10 surface exposure dating, we reconstruct ice extents in two glaciated valleys of the Silvretta Massif in the Austrian Alps and find that the general ice retreat during the deglaciation after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was interrupted by glacier stabilization during the Oldest Dryas to Bølling transition (moraine age: 14.4 ± 1.0 ka), during the Younger Dryas (YD; 12.9-11.7 ka), and during the Early Holocene (EH; 12–10 ka). The first moraine age group indicates a lateral stable ice margin that postdates the ‘Gschnitz’ stadial (ca. 17–16 ka) and predates the YD. It shows that local inner-alpine glaciers were larger than during the subsequent YD until the onset of the Bølling warm phase (ca. 14.6 ka), or possibly even into the Bølling. The second age group ca. 80 m below the (pre-)Bølling moraine indicates ice extents during the YD cold phase and captures the spatial and temporal fine structure of glacier retreat during this period. The ice surface lowered by 50–60 m through the YD, which is indicative of milder climate conditions at the end of the YD compared to its beginning. Finally, the third age group falls into a period of more substantial warming, the YD–EH transition, and shows discontinuous warming during the glacial to interglacial transition. The new geochronologies synthesized with pre-existing moraine records from the Silvretta Massif evidence three cold phases that punctuated the general post-LGM warming trend, and illustrate the sensitive response of Silvretta glaciers to abrupt climate oscillations in the past.
Using A Convolutional Neural Network Model To Derive Imaging Landmarks For Lumbar Spine Numbering On Axial MR Images
Authors: Cho Yongwon , Ahn Kyung-Sik , Kang Chang Ho , Park Beom Jin
Published: February 2022

Background: Understanding the axial lumbar spine anatomy, including knowledge of the relationship between the lumbar spine level and other paraspinal structures, is important in diagnosing and treating disease. The purpose of this study was to validate the accuracy of a convolutional neural network (CNN) model in lumbar spine level numbering on axial MR images and to find the appropriate anatomic landmarks for numbering using a class activation map (CAM).Methods: A total of 6055 axial MR images of the lumbar spine from L1–2 to L5–S1 disc levels were obtained to train and validate the CNN model. The MR images were acquired using three 3-Tesla machines. The algorithm was developed with three models, and the best-performing model was selected. The external validation set (n = 493) was obtained from other institutions using various machines. The accuracy of the numbering was analyzed using a confusion matrix and receiver operating characteristic curves. The CAMs were reviewed, and the identified anatomic structures were investigated. A reader study was performed by three radiologists, and their accuracy was compared with that of the model.Results: The overall accuracy of the best-performing model for lumbar spine numbering was 0.98 on internal validation and 0.95 on external validation. For the CAM review, mappings concentrated on both paraspinal areas, including the kidney, back muscles, and ilium according to the level. Top-1 and top-2 accuracies of the reviewers ranged between 0.56–0.75, and 0.84–0.93, respectively. After reviewing the CAMs, the accuracy increased to 0.75–0.78 and 0.93–0.98, respectively.Conclusion: A CNN model can accurately determine the level of the lumbar spine on axial MR images, and the configuration of muscles can be used to determine the lumbar level.
Bacterial Skin Assemblages of Sympatric Salamanders are Primarily Shaped by Host Genus
Authors: Hill Aubree , Grisnik Matthew , Walker Donald M.
Published: February 2022

Bacterial assemblages on the skins of amphibians are known to affect pathogen resistance and other important physiological functions in the host. Host-specific factors and the environment play significant roles in structuring skin assemblages. This study used high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing and multivariate analyses to examine differences in skin-bacterial assemblages from 246 salamanders belonging to three genera in the lungless family Plethodontidae along multiple spatial and temporal gradients. Composition and α- and β-diversity of bacterial assemblages were defined, and the relative influences of host- versus environment-specific ecological factors were evaluated. At the broadest spatial scale, host genus and sampling site were both predictive of skin assemblage structure, but host-specific variation was more influential after controlling for the marginal effects of site, as well as nestedness of site. Furthermore, assemblage similarity within each host genus did not change with increasing geographic distance. At the smallest spatial scale, site-specific climate analyses revealed different relationships to climatic variables for each of the three genera, and these relationships were determined by host ecomode. Variation in bacterial assemblages of terrestrial hosts correlated with terrestrial climatic variability, and this pattern decayed with increasing water dependence. Results from this study highlight host-specific considerations for researchers studying wildlife diseases in co-occurring, yet ecologically divergent, species.
Diagnostic accuracy and feasibility of a rapid SARS-CoV-2 antigen test in general practice – a prospective multicenter validation and implementation study
Authors: Rohde Jörn , Himmel Wolfgang , Hofinger Clemens , Lâm Thiên-Trí , Schrader Hanna , Wallstabe Julia , Kurzai Oliver , Gágyor Ildikó
Published: February 2022

Background
PCR testing is considered the gold standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis but its results are earliest available hours to days after testing. Rapid antigen tests represent a diagnostic tool enabling testing at the point of care. To date, most rapid antigen tests were validated by the manufacturer or in controlled laboratory settings only. External validation at the point of care, particularly in general practice where the test is frequently used, is needed. Furthermore, it is unclear how well point of care tests are accepted by the practice staff.
Methods
In this prospective multicenter validation study in primary care, general practitioners included adult individuals presenting with symptoms suggesting COVID-19. Each patient was tested first with a nasopharyngeal swab for the point of care test and then with a second swab for PCR testing. Using the RT-PCR result as a reference, we calculated specificity, sensitivity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value, with their 95% confidence intervals. General practitioners and medical assistants completed a survey to assess feasibility and usefulness of the point of care tests.
Results
In 40 practices in Würzburg, Germany, 1518 patients were recruited between 12/2020 and 06/2021. The point of care test achieved a sensitivity of 78.3% and a specificity of 99.5% compared to RT-PCR. With a prevalence of 9.5%, the positive predictive value was 93.9% and the negative predictive value was 97.8%. General practitioners rated the point of care test as a helpful tool to support diagnostics in patients with signs and symptoms suggestive for infection, particularly in situations where decision on further care is needed at short notice.
Conclusion
The point of care test used in this study showed a sensitivity below the manufacturer's specification (Sensitivity 96.25%) in the practice but high values for specificity and high positive predictive value and negative predictive value. Although widely accepted in the practice, measures for further patient management require a sensitive interpretation of the point of care test results.
Quality Of Life And Its Influencing Factors In Adult Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis In China
Authors: Guo Mengna , Jia Zhandong , Meng Fanli , Guo Qing , Hong Yanyan , Ma Yan
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the health status and quality of life of patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis(MHD) in coastal areas of Zhejiang Province and explore the influencing factors of quality of life.Methods: This study selected MHD patients from four hospitals in the coastal area of Zhejiang province as the research objects and collected the sociodemographic characteristics, objective physiological condition, self-feelings of health status and quality of life through questionnaire surveys. One-way analysis of variance and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the factors affecting the quality of life of MHD patients.Results: A total of 140 MHD patients were included in this study. The results showed that the average score of general physical health was 42.89±9.86, general psychological health was 46.71±7.42, kidney disease-related symptoms was 77.95±10.82, kidney disease impact was 64.98±12.03 and kidney disease-related burden was 32.01±19.35. There were significant differences in subscale scores and total scores according to different gender, age, education level, employment status, marital status, self-feelings of physical health, self-feelings of appetite status and self-feelings of sleep quality status groups(P<0.05). The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that patients with poor self-feelings of physical health status, poor self-feelings of appetite status and poor self-feelings of sleep quality had worse quality of life(P<0.05).Conclusion: Self-feelings of physical health status, self-feelings of appetite status and self-feelings of sleep quality are the main factors affecting the quality of life of MHD patients. Medical staff need to pay more attention to the self-feelings of health status of MHD patients, so as to improve the quality of life of MHD patients.
Development and Validation of A Prediction Model for Tuberculous Pleural Effusion: A Large Cohort Study and External Validation
Authors: Liu Yanqing , Liang Zhigang , Yuan Songbo , Wang Shanshan , Guo Fei , Peng Weidong , Yang Jing , Wu Aihua
Published: February 2022

Background: Distinguishing tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) from non-tuberculosis (TB) benign pleural effusion (BPE) remains to be a challenge in clinical practice. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate a novel nomogram for diagnosing TPE.Methods: In this retrospective analysis, a total of 744 consecutive patients with TPE and non-TB BPE from Ningbo First Hospital were divided into the training set and the internal validation set at a ratio of 7:3, respectively. The clinical and laboratory features were collected and analyzed by logistic regression analysis. A diagnostic model incorporating selected variables was developed and was externally validated in a cohort of 110 patients from another hospital.Results: Six variables including age, effusion lymphocyte, effusion adenosine deaminase (ADA), effusion lactatedehy drogenase (LDH), effusion LDH/effusion ADA, and serum white blood cell (WBC) were identified as valuable parameters used for developing a nomogram. The nomogram showed a good diagnostic performance in the training set. A novel scoring system was then established based on the nomogram to distinguish TPE from non-TB BPE. The scoring system showed good diagnostic performance in the training set (area under the curve (AUC), 0.932, sensitivity, 93.7%, and specificity, 85.4%), the internal validation set (AUC, 0.934, sensitivity, 93.5%, and specificity, 82.9%), and the external validation set (AUC, 0.938, sensitivity, 93.0%, and specificity, 83.1%), respectively.Conclusions: The study developed and validated a novel scoring system based on a nomogram originated from six clinical parameters. The novel scoring system showed a good diagnostic performance in distinguishing TPE from non-TB BPE and can be conveniently used in clinical settings.
LncRNA HOTAIR Promotes Tumorigenicity in Glioblastoma
Authors: Li Zhi-Qiang , Lan Tian , Sun Xiangyu , Yu Donghu , Wu Die , Wang Guohua
Published: February 2022

Background Recently, the 2021 WHO Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System (fifth edition) was published. WHO CNS5 incorporates numerous molecular changes to the accurate classification of CNS neoplasms. GBM, as a special type of glioma, is confined to IDH-wildtype in WHO CNS5, which has a short medical history and poor prognosis. LncRNA HOTAIR has been found to be responsible for the poor prognosis of several human cancers in previous studies. The clinical significance, the prognostic and treatment value of HOTAIR for GBM in the new WHO CNS5 classification remain unclear.Methods We created a Random Forest-based prediction model to assess the IDH1 mutational status of patients in REMBRANDT cohorts. Then we analyzed the role and the potential mechanism of HOTAIR in TCGA, CGGA, and REMBRANDT cohorts. GSVA and GSEA analysis were used to detect the potential biological functions and signaling pathways. The infiltration of immune cells was quantified by Cibersort. The effectiveness of targeted therapy in the clinical application was sought through drug response analysis. Furthermore, we verified that HOTAIR affected the proliferative activity of that glioma cells.Results We found that HOTAIR is highly expressed in all cohorts. The patients’ samples with high HOTAIR expression have poorer overall survival. The results of the functional analysis indicated that the cell cycle and proliferation-related processes were enriched in the high HOTAIR expression group. The infiltration of immunocytes is different in the two groups. In multiple immune checkpoints, the risk score showed a strong correlation. The analysis of drug treatment response present that the high HOTAIR expression group has a better treatment response and better curative effect on the treatment of temozolomide, sorafenib, lenalidomide, bexarotene, and axitinib.ConclusionIn conclusion, We found that HOTAIR could lead to poor prognosis of GBM mainly through regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. And HOTAIR could be used as a marker to guide chemotherapy in GBM patients rather than immunocheckpoint inhibitor therapy.
Living With Parents, Healthy Living Practices And Common Mental Disorders in Adolescents: a School-Based Study in Brazil
Authors: Gratão Lucia Helena Almeida , Pessoa Milene Cristine , Rocha Luana Lara , Silva Thales Philipe Rodrigues da , Freitas Eloar dos Santos , de Oliveira Tatiana Resende Prado Rangel , Cunha Cristiane de Freitas , Mendes Larissa Loures
Published: February 2022

Background: Mental health conditions represent 16% of the global burden of disease and injury in adolescents. Promotion, protection, and restoring the mental health must be considered indispensable, especially in adolescence. This study aims to verify the association of living practices, living with parents and the presence of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in Adolescents.Methods: Cross-sectional study that analyzed data from 71,553 Brazilian adolescents aged 12-17 years, from the Study on Cardiovascular Risks in Adolescents (ERICA), between 2013-2014. Principal Component Analysis was performed to identify Living Practices Patterns, and Logistic Regression Models were performed to identify the associations between Living Practices Patterns, living with parents, and presence of CMD.Results: 71,553 adolescents were evaluated. To construct the Common Mental Disorders (CMD) variable, the Goldberg General Health Questionnaire was used. A pattern of Healthy Living Practices Standard (HLPS) was found. Adolescents belonging to the second (OR: 0.74; 95% CI 0.66–0.83) and third (OR: 0.45; 95% CI 0.39–0.51) terciles of the HLPS, that is, those who had higher rates of belonging to the pattern had lower chances of having CMD. Adolescents who lived with only the father or only the mother (OR: 1.25; 95% CI 1.09-1.43) or with no parent (OR: 1.59; 95% CI 1.27-1.99) were associated with a higher chance to present CMD.Conclusions: An inverse association between HLPS and the presence of CMD and a direct association between not living with both parents or living only with the mother or only with the father and the presence of CMD was identified.
Dietary Oregano Essential Oil Supplementation Combined with Cinnamaldehyde Improves Production Performance and Alters Gut Microbiota in Late-Phase Laying Hens
Authors: Gao Fei , Zhang Lianhua , Li Hui , Xia Fei , Bai Hongtong , Sun Zhiying , Cui Hongxia , Shi Lei
Published: February 2022

Background : Essential oils (EO) have the characteristics of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and are called natural antibiotics. This study was aimed to investigate the potential effects of EO on production performance, egg quality, fatty acid composition in yolk and cecum microbiota of hens in the late phase of production. A total of 350 58-week-old Jing Tint 6 laying hens were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) a basal diet (control); 2) a basal diet + 5 mg/kg flavomycin (AGP); 3) a basal diet + 100 mg/kg oregano essential oil (OEO) + 20 mg/kg cinnamaldehyde (EO1); 4) a basal diet + 200 mg/kg oregano essential oil + 20 mg/kg cinnamaldehyde (EO2); 5) a basal diet + 300 mg/kg oregano essential oil + 20 mg/kg cinnamaldehyde (EO3). Results: Compared to the control group, EO2 group resulted in a higher (P < 0.05) egg production during weeks 5-8 and 1-8. EO2 group had a lower feed conversion ratio than control group during weeks 1-8. The content of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) in EO2 group is higher (P < 0.05) than that of control and AGP groups. EO2 group increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Actinobacteriota and decreased the abundance of Desulfovibri in cecum. The abundances of Anaerofilum, Fournierella, Fusobacterium and Sutterella were positively correlated with egg production, feed conversion ratio, and average daily feed intake, while the abundances of Bacteroides, Desulfovibrio, Lactobacillus, Methanobrevibacter, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were negative correlated with egg production, feed conversion ratio, and average daily feed intake.Conclusions: Dietary OEO at 200 mg/kg and cinnamaldehyde at 20 mg/kg addition could improve the egg production performance, decrease feed conversion ratio and alter the egg fatty acid and microbial composition of late-phase laying hens.
PD-L1 and JAK2 mRNA level in essential thrombocythaemia depends on the driver mutational status and the bone marrow fibrosis grade
Authors: Lewandowski Krzysztof , Kanduła Zuzanna , Gniot Michał , Paczkowska Edyta , Nawrocka Paulina Maria , Wojtaszewska Marzena , Janowski Michał , Mariak Magdalena , Handschuh Luiza , Kozlowski Piotr
Published: February 2022

Background: JAK-STAT pathway activation leads to an enhanced activity of the promoter of CD274 (PDL1) coding programmed death-1 receptor ligand (PD-L1), increased PD-L1 level and the immune escape of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) cells. It has been postulated that the bone marrow failure, bone marrow myeloid metaplasia, and changes in the molecular characteristics of the malignant clone(s) during MPN outcome may influence the JAK2 and PDL1 gene expression. Aim: to evaluate the PDL1 mRNA and JAK2 mRNA level in molecularly defined essential thrombocythaemia (ET) patients (pts) during disease progression to post-ET- myelofibrosis (post-ET-MF). Methods: the study group consisted of 162 ET pts, including 30 diagnosed with post-ET-MF. Results: the JAK2V617F, CALR, and MPL mutations were found in 59.3%, 19.1%, and 1.2% of pts, respectively. The total JAK2 mRNA level (V617F+WT) did not differ according to the JAK2 haplotypeGGCC_46/1 or the type of driver defect. No copy-number alternations of the JAK2, PDL1, and PDCDL1G2 (PDL2) genes were found. The level of PD-L1 was significantly higher in the JAK2V617F than in the JAK2WT, CALR mutation-positive, and triple-negative pts. The PD-L1 mRNA level was weakly correlated with both the JAK2V617F variant allele frequency (VAF), and with the JAK2V617F allele mRNA level. The total JAK2 level in post-ET-MF pts was lower than in ET pts despite the lack of differences in the JAK2V617F VAF. In addition, the PD-L1 level was lower in post-ET-MF. The detailed analysis has shown that the decrease in JAK2 and PD-L1 mRNA levels depended on the bone marrow fibrosis grade. The PDL1 expression showed no difference in relation to the genotype of 46/1 haplotype, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit value, leukocyte, and platelet counts. Conclusion: the study confirmed the correlation between the PD-L1 and JAK2 mRNA level in ET pts. The observed drop of the total JAK2 and PD-L1 levels during the ET progression to the post-ET-MF may reflect the changes in the JAK2V617F positive clone proliferative potential and the PD-L1 level related immunosuppressive effect. This decrease could explain the lack of efficacy of the pembrolizumab in patients with advanced post-ET-MF and post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis which was recently reported.
Immune Response To SARS-Cov-2 In Severe And Long COVID-19
Authors: Sumi Tomonari , Harada Kouji
Published: February 2022

COVID-19 is mild to moderate in otherwise healthy individuals but may nonetheless cause life-threatening disease and/or a wide range of persistent symptoms. The general determinant of disease severity is age mainly because the immune response declines in aging patients. Here, we developed a mathematical model of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and revealed that typical age-related risk factors such as only a several 10 % decrease in innate immune cell activity and inhibition of type-I interferon signaling by autoantibodies drastically increased the viral load. It was reported that the numbers of certain dendritic cell subsets remained less than half those in healthy donors even seven months after infection. Hence, the inflammatory response was ongoing. Our model predicted the persistent DC reduction and showed that certain patients with severe and even mild symptoms could not effectively eliminate the virus and could potentially develop long COVID.
Underestimated Aetiology Of Tracheobronchomalacia In Adults In China
Authors: Cao Zu , Liang Shuo , Lu Haiwen , Gu Ye , Xu Jinfu , Bai Jiuwu
Published: February 2022

Background: Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is an infrequent airway disease, but frequently unrecognized or misdiagnosed with other respiratory diseases, and its etiology remains unclear in China. Methods: Anthropometric information, smoking history, medical history, symptoms, signs, etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ten patients were retrospectively analyzed. Etiologies were summarized from previous reports of Western countries. Results: The median onset age of the ten patients was 55 years. Patients presented productive cough, chest distress, and inspiratory wheezing. Etiologies of TBM included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tracheobronchial tuberculosis, relapsing polychondritis, and chronic bronchitis, the first two of which were dominated, accounting for 40%. Obstructive ventilation disturbance was found in the lung function test, and the flow-volume curve displayed main airway obstruction. Seven patients were worried about the side-effect of stenting, so they refused stenting. During follow-up (3-120 months), all patients survived. Conclusions: In China, main etiologies of TBM may be COPD and tracheobronchial tuberculosis, which are different from those of Western countries and seriously underestimated.
Effect of bilateral paravertebral nerve block on cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Shang Yanhong , Qi Fuwei , Zheng Zhong , Yang Guangyu , Fei Fan , Guo Qiang , Zhu Kangle
Published: February 2022

Objective To investigate the effect of bilateral paravertebral nerve block on cognitive function in elderly patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer(GC). Methods One sixty elderly patients, which were 40 males and 20 females, aged 65-80 years old, undergoing radical GC surgery under general anesthesia in The First People’s Hospital of Taicang from January 2019 to December 2021 were included and randomly divided into control group (group C) and paravertebral nerve block group (group PVB).Group PVB received ultrasound-guided bilateral paravertebral nerve blocks in T8 with 0.375% ropivacaine 20 ml, and group C did not receive special treatment. Patients in both groups received total intravenous anesthesia. propofol and remifentanil dosages and intraoperative information were recorded. Results There were no statistically significant differences in general information and basic intraoperative conditions between the two groups (P > 0.05). The awareness time in group PVB was shorter than that in the C group, and the propofol and remifentanil dosage was less than that in the C group (P < 0.05). At T1 and T2, the MMSE score in group PVB was higher than that in group C, and the NSE concentration was lower than that in the C group(P < 0.05). Conclusion Preoperative application of ultrasound-guided bilateral paravertebral nerve blocks can reduce intraoperative propofol and remifentanil dosage, postoperative awareness time, and have a protective effect on postoperative cognitive function in elderly GC surgery patients.
Posterior Tibial Slope and Medial Tibial Depth Measured by MRI in Patients with Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Yin Baoshan , Zhao Pei , Chen Jiaxing , Yan Wenlong , Zhang Hua , Zhang Jian , Zhou Aiguo
Published: February 2022

Objectives To 1) figure out the difference in tibial morphologies between patients with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and those without, 2) identify any tibial anatomical variations contributing to PCL rupture.Design Retrospective case-control study, level of evidence III.Methods 45 patients with PCL rupture from 2015 to 2020 in our hospital, and 45 patients matched by age and sex with intact PCL were enrolled in our study. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the reliability of each parameter. The independent t-test was conducted to identify the differences in tibial morphometric characteristics between the PCL-injured and PCL-intact individuals, including the posterior tibial slope (PTS), meniscal slope (MS), medial tibial depth (MTD). A binary logistic regression model was established to evaluate the roles of those anatomic parameters of interest play in PCL injuries. Results The interobserver reliability of each parameter showed excellent agreement. Significant differences in the medial (P= .023) and lateral (P= .009) PTS were found between the PCL-injured group (3.68 ± 2.70 and 4.55 ± 3.19, respectively) and the controls (5.00 ± 2.73 and 6.39 ± 3.29, respectively). And the MTD was 1.98 ± 0.64 mm in the PCL-injured group and 2.37 ± 0.55 mm in the control group (P=0.007). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that smaller lateral PTS and MTD were directly associated with PCL injury, with an OR of 1.17 and OR of 3.14, respectively. The medial PTS was independent to PCL injures.Conclusion In patients with PCL injury, lateral PTS, medial PTS, and MTD were found smaller compared to PCL intact controls. Decreased lateral PTS and MTD were underlying anatomic risk factors for PCL injury, with each unit reduction, the risks of PCL injury were 1.2 and 3.1-fold higher, respectively.
Revealing the Charge Density Wave Proximity Effect in Graphene on 1T-TaS2
Authors:   Altvater Michael A. Altvater1, Hung Sheng-Hsiung , tilak nikhil , li Guohong , won Choong-Jae , Cheong Sang-Wook , Chung Chung-Hou , Jeng Horng-Tay , Andrei Eva
Published: February 2022

The proximity-effect, a phenomenon whereby materials in contact appropriate each other’s electronic-properties, is widely used in nano-scale devices to induce electron-correlations at heterostructure interfaces. Commonly observed proximity-induced correlation effects include superconductivity, magnetism, and spin-orbit interactions. Thus far however proximity-induced charge density wave (CDW) correlated states have remained elusive. This is primarily because they are obscured by screening in 3D metals and by defect scattering at interfaces. Here we report the first observation of a proximity-induced CDW, made possible by employing 2D-materials with pristine and atomically smooth surfaces. Using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and spectroscopy (STS) together with theoretical modeling to probe the interface between graphene and a 1T-TaS2 crystal, we show that interactions induce a CDW within graphene and modify the band structure of 1T-TaS2. We further show that the mechanism underlying the proximity-induced CDW is driven by short-range exchange interactions that are distinctly different from previously observed proximity-effects.
Willingness to join and pay social health insurance and associated factors among public sectors workers in Didu Woreda, South West Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Regassa Zelalem , Negera Ebissa , Silashi Tesfaye , Kaba Zalalem
Published: February 2022

Background: Social health insurance is a form of healthcare financing mechanism for raising and pooling funds to finance and manage health services to attain universal health coverage. Cost-sharing between beneficiaries and governments is critical to achieving universal health care coverage. To address this, Ethiopia is currently introducing social health insurance.Objective: To assess the willingness and associated factors to join and pay social health insurance among public sectors workers in Didu woreda, southwest Ethiopia,2018Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 15-30, 2018 on 280 public sector workers of Didu Woreda. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used, and data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to compute crude odd ratio with its 95% confidence interval to test the associations between dependent and independent variables and a P-value of 0.05 with a confidence interval of 95% was used to declare the level of statistical significance.Results: 280 public sectors workers participated, with a response rate of 98.2%. About 33.6% of the public servants had never heard of any type of health insurance scheme. However, 47.5% of them were willing to join for the suggested insurance scheme from these about 58% of those who were willing to join are willing to pay 3%of their monthly salary that was proposed. Willingness to join was significantly associated with the age of respondents, marital status, job description, how much paid, the satisfaction of the respondents, and previous history of borrowing money for the medical service fees.Conclusion: willingness to join and pay in this study was found to be 47.5% and 58% respectively. Therefore, adequate awareness creation and discussion should be made with all employees.
Genome report of three novel bacteriophages targeting different multidrug resistant clinical isolates (Escherichia, Klebsiella and Salmonella) from Enterobacteriaceae family
Authors: Nepal Roshan , Houtak Ghais , Karki Sumeena , Dhungana Gunaraj , Vreugde Sarah , Malla Rajani
Published: February 2022

Application of bacteriophages (phages) to treat complex multidrug resistant bacterial infection is gaining traction because of its efficacy and universal availability. However, as phages are specific to their host, a diverse collection of locally isolated phage from various geographical locations is required to formulate a wide host range phage cocktail. Here, we report morphological and genomic features of three newly isolated phages from river water of the urban region in Kathmandu, Nepal, targeting three different bacteria ( Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella spp. ) from the Enterobacteriaceae family. Morphological identification and genome analysis indicated that two phages (Escherichia phage vB_EcoM_TU01 and Klebsiella phage vB_KpnP_TU02) were strictly lytic and free from integrases, virulence factors, toxins and known antimicrobial resistance genes whereas Salmonella phage vB_SalS_TU03 was possibly a temperate phage. The genomic features of these phages indicate that natural phages are capable of lysing pathogenic bacteria and have potential to be used therapeutically.