bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of Ecologically Similar Fungi in a Restricted Floral Niche
Authors: Mukwevho Vuledzani O. , Dreyer Léanne L. , Roets Francois
Published: January 2022

Fungi in the genera Knoxdaviesia and Sporothrix dominate fungal communities within Protea flowerheads and seed cones (infructescences). Despite similar ecologies, they show strong host recurrence and often occupy the same individual infructescence. Differences in host chemistry explain their host consistency, but the factors that allow co-occupancy of multiple species within individual infructescences are unknown. Sporothrix splendens and K. proteae often grow on different senescent tissue types within infructescences of their P. repens host, indicating that substrate-related differences aid their co-occupancy. Sporothrix phasma and K. capensis grow on the same tissues of P. neriifolia suggesting neutral competitive abilities. Here we test the hypothesis that differences in host-tissues dictate competitive abilities of these fungi and explain their co-occupancy of this spatially restricted niche. Media were prepared from infructescence bases, bracts, seeds, or pollen presenters of P. neriifolia and P. repens. As expected, K. capensis was unable to grow on seeds whilst S. phasma could. As hypothesised, K. capensis and S. phasma had equal competitive abilities on pollen presenters, explaining their co-occupancy of this resource. Growth of K. proteae was significantly enhanced on pollen presenters while that of S. splendens was the same as the control. Knoxdavesia proteae grew significantly faster than S. splendens on all tissue types. Despite this, S. splendens was a superior competitor on all tissue types. For K. proteae to co-occupy infructescences with S. splendens for extended periods, it likely needs to colonize pollen presenters before the arrival of S. splendens and may consequently depend on different spore vectors.
Identification of Genetic Markers and Immune Infiltration Characteristics of Alzheimer’s Disease Through Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Duan KeFei , Miao YuYang , Tan Jin
Published: January 2022

Background: Alzheimer disease (AD) is a long-term progressive neurodegeneration disease. Studies have shown that accumulation of epigenetic changes promotes the formation of gene mutations thereby inducing the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. Currently, the molecular mechanisms of alzheimer disease are not well defined. This calls for identification of genetic markers of alzheimer disease which can be leveraged to design effective drugs. Method: In this study, we aimed to determine the modules and hub genes that contribute to the development of alzheimer disease through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The genes in the module were enriched and analyzed by GO / KEGG, and the protein-protein interaction（PPI） network was constructed. In addition, WGCNA topology analysis was carried out to construct a gene network, from which five hub genes were identified. Logistic regression analysis and Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) was performed to explore the clinical value of genes in diagnosis of Alzheimer. The genes in the core module are intersected with the hub genes, and four intersecting genes were selected, which were ATP2A2, ATP6V1D, CAP2 and SYNJ1. The four genes were enriched by GSEA. Finally, immune infiltration analysis was performed.Results: The GO/KEGG analysis shows that the genes in the core module play a role in the differentiation and growth of nerve cells and neurotransmitter transmission.Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) about core genes demonstrated that the four genes were mainly enriched in immune infection pathways such as cholera infection and Helicobacter pylori infection and other metabolic pathways. In addition, immune infiltration characteristics were investigated and found that T cells regulatory (Tregs), neutrophils, plasma cells, mast cells activated, T cells cellular helper, T cells CD8, T cells CD4 memory resetting and macrophases M1 are core immune cells contributing to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Conclusion: The results of enrichment analysis and immunoosmotic analysis showed that immune pathways and immune cells played an important role in the occurrence and development of alzheimer disease. The selected key genes are used as biomarkers related to the pathogenesis of alzheimer disease to further explore the pathways and cells.
The Assembly of Mammalian SWI/SNF Chromatin Remodeling Complexes
is Regulated by Lysine-Methylation Dependent Proteolysis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Guo Pengfei , Hoang Nam , Sanchez Joseph , Zhang Elaine , Rajawasam Keshari , Trinidad Kristiana , Sun Hong
Published: January 2022

The assembly of SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes is developmentally programed, and loss/mutations of SWI/SNF subunits alter the levels of other components through proteolysis, causing cancers. We found that mouse Lsd1/Kdm1a deletion causes dramatic dissolution of SWI/SNF complexes and that LSD1 demethylates the methylated lysine residues in SMARCC1 and SMARCC2 to preserve the structural integrity of SWI/SNF complexes. The methylated SMARCC1/SMARCC2 are targeted for proteolysis by L3MBTL3 and the CRL4DCAF5 ubiquitin ligase complex. We identify SMARCC1 as the critical target of LSD1 and L3MBTL3 to maintain the pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. L3MBTL3 also regulates SMARCC1/SMARCC2 proteolysis induced by the loss of SWI/SNF subunits. Consistently, mouse L3mbtl3 deletion causes striking accumulation of SWI/SNF components, associated with embryonic lethality. Our studies reveal that the assembly/disassembly of SWI/SNF complexes is dynamically controlled by a novel lysine-methylation dependent proteolytic mechanism to maintain the integrity of the SWI/SNF complexes.
Preserving lives or livelihoods?
Examining the COVID-19 pandemic policy responses in Africa
Authors: Ndung'u Njuguna , Shimeles Abebe , Thorbecke Erik
Published: January 2022

Initial policy responses implemented by African governments, following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, are assessed, including lockdowns, restrictions of international travel, and other stringency measures (such as social distancing and contact tracing) to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 to November 2020. Policy lessons on potential trade-offs between the economic and social consequences and the effort to save lives are drawn. We used novel data to establish causal relationships between infection rates of SARS-CoV-2 and stringency measures implemented by governments, as well as their economic and social consequences. The Instrumental Variable (IV) Method was used to identify the direction of causation. Our estimates showed that compliance with mobility restrictions led to a significant decline in infection rates, with the impact amplified in situations in which complementary measures were strong. The economic and social consequences were also very substantial, including contractions in real gross domestic product (GDP) and deterioration of household welfare. There were also a high incidence of lockdown-related violence and criminal activities. The lockdowns to fight COVID-19 could be most effective in the contexts of a strong health care system, efficient infectious disease control infrastructure, and community understanding. In other contexts, the trade-off between saving lives and preserving livelihoods could be very costly, and in extreme cases, lead to unintended consequences, such as severe hunger, violence, and permanent loss of jobs.
Effects of fertilization methods in wheat on gases emission and environmental benefit in Mollisols of Northeast China
Authors: Liu Chunzhu , Yingxue Zhu , Wang Qi , Xu Lianzhou , Ma Xianfa
Published: January 2022

Aims Many previous studies have focused on crop yields, but there is a knowledge gap regarding the environmental benefits of phased fertilization and organic substitution. To study the effects of phased fertilization and organic substitution on soil gas emissions and spring wheat yields, a field experiment was conducted using Mollisols. Methods Five treatments were set up: conventional nitrogen application (CF); no nitrogen application (N0); one-time (N1), two-stage (N2) and three-stage (N3) application of chemical nitrogen based on 25% of chemical nitrogen being replaced by organic fertilizer. The changes in NH3 volatilization, N2O and CO2 emissions, soil-related carbon and nitrogen invertase activities and soil carbon and nitrogen contents under different treatments were analyzed and compared. Result The results showed that N1 had the best emission reduction and yield increase effects. Compared with CF, N1 reduced NH3 volatilization, N2O and CO2 emissions accumulation by 28.94%, 10.29% and 17.21%, respectively, and increased spring wheat yield by 21.33%. Compared with N2 and N3, N1 could better reduce soil urease, nitrate reductase, catalase and β-glucosidase activities, reduce the conversion rate of urea and organic carbon, increase the content of NH4+-N in soil, and reduce the NH3 volatilization rate and N2O and CO2 emissions rates. Conclusions Comprehensive analysis showed that the N1 treatment had the best effect on reducing the soil gas emission rate, emission reduction rate and environmental cost as well as on increasing yield.
A Network Pharmacology Study to Explore the Underlying Mechanism of Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius L.) in the Treatment of Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Liu Qibing , Meng Qingwen , Liu Huajiang , Wu Haolin , Ding shun , Tang Chaoling , Fu Xinyin , Fang Xingyue , Xu Yiqian , Chen Bocen , Xie Yiqiang
Published: January 2022

Background: Safflower has long been used to treat coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The goal of this study was to predict the therapeutic effect of safflower against CHD using a network pharmacology, and to explore the underlying pharmacological mechanisms in vitro.Methods: Firstly, we obtained relative compounds of safflower based on the TCMSP database. The TCMSP and PubChem databases were used to predict targets of these active compounds. Then we built CHD target database by DisGeNET database. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network graph of overlapping genes was obtained after supplying the common targets of safflower and CHD into the STRING database. The PPI network was then used to determine the top ten most significant hub genes. Furthermore, DAVID database was utilized for the enrichment analysis on Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). To validate these results, a cell model of CHD was established in EAhy926 cells using oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). Results: Safflower was determined to have 189 active compounds. The TCMSP and PubChem databases were used to predict 573 targets of these active compounds. The DisGeNET database was used to identify 1576 genes involved in the progression of CHD. The top ten hub genes were ALB, IL6, IL1B, VEGFA, STAT3, MMP9, TLR4, CCL2, CXCL8, and IL10. GO functional enrichment analysis yielded 92 entries for biological process (BP), 47 entries for cellular component (CC), 31 entries for molecular function (MF), and 20 signaling pathways were obtained from KEGG pathway enrichment screening. Based on these findings, the FoxO signaling pathway is critical in the treatment of CHD by safflower. The vitro Results showed that safflower had an ameliorating effect on ox-LDL induced apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blotting results showed that compared to the model group, safflower decreased Bax expression and acetylation of FoxO1 proteins while increasing the expression of Bcl-2 and SIRT1 proteins. Conclusions: Safflower targets multiple pathways during CHD treatment, and can exert anti-apoptotic effects by regulating the expression of BAX, BCL-2, and SIRT1/FoxO1 signaling pathway-related proteins.
WHIM Syndrome-linked CXCR4 mutations drive osteoporosis by mitigating the osteogenic specification of skeletal stromal cells
Authors: Anginot Adrienne , Nguyen Julie , Abou-Nader Zeina , Rondeau Vincent , Bonaud Amélie , Boutin Antoine , Lemos Julia , Bisio Valeria , Koenen Joyce , Sakr Léa , Marty Caroline , Coudert Amélie , Provot Sylvain , Dulphy Nicolas , Aurrand-Lions Michel , Mancini Stéphane , lazennec Gwendal , McDermott David , Guidez Fabien , Blin-Wakkach Claudine , Murphy Philip , Cohen-Solal Martine , Espeli Marion , Rouleau Matthieu , Balabanian Karl
Published: January 2022

WHIM Syndrome (WS) is a rare immunodeficiency caused by gain-of-function CXCR4 mutations. Here we report for the first time a substantial decrease in bone mineral density in 25% of WS patients and bone defects leading to osteoporosis in a WS mouse model. Reduction in bone content involved impaired CXCR4 desensitization that disrupts cell cycle progression and osteogenic specification of mouse bone marrow (BM)-residing skeletal stromal/stem cells (SSCs). This was also evidenced in BM stromal cells from WS patients. Consistent with this, chronic treatment with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 normalized in vitro osteogenic fate of mutant SSCs and reversed in vivo loss in skeletal cells, thus demonstrating that proper CXCR4 desensitization is required for the osteogenic specification of BM SSCs. Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into how CXCR4 signaling regulates the osteogenic fate of BM SSCs.
Sustainable approach for biodiesel production and wastewater treatment by cultivating Pleusrastrum insigne in wastewater
Authors: Chhandama Michael Van Lal , Satyan Kumudini Belur
Published: January 2022

The globalized modern world has been confronted with some of the most challenging problems, most of which arises from human activities. Overexploitation of fossil fuels which leads energy and environmental crisis, loss of aquatic ecosystem due to improper disposal of household and industrial waste into water bodies constitute some of the biggest emerging global problems. In this study, an unconventional and sustainable approach to produce biodiesel was analyzed by growing Pleurastrum insigne in wastewater. The growth of P.insigne in wastewater in turn significantly reduce the amount of biological oxygen demand, total phosphorus content and total nitrogen content in the wastewater. Production of biodiesel conforming to international standards was predicted from P. insigne cultivated in wastewater confirming the effectiveness of combining wastewater treatment and biodiesel production.
Impact of obstructive sleep apnea on health-related quality of life in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer
Authors: Chen Min , Shi Fang , Wu Haitao , Cheng Lei , He Peijie , Jin Qian , Huang Jing jing
Published: January 2022

Purpose
To evaluate the possible risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer.
Methods
Patients who underwent partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer completed overnight polysomnography (PSG) home sleep tests and quality of life questionnaires. The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire was used to investigate factors influencing HRQoL.
Results
Fifty-nine patients completed PSG tests and quality of life questionnaires, with 74.6% demonstrating evidence of OSA (Apnea-hyponea Index (AHI) ranging 5.2-49.8 per hour, median 12.8 per hour). There were significant differences in tumor area and neck dissection between OSA group and non-OSA groups. Patients with OSA had significant lower scores of body pain, general health, and health transition in SF-36 domains. Independent factors associated with general health were identified as tobacco use (OR=4.716, 95% CI: 0.207-2.894), alcohol use (OR=3.193, 95% CI: 0.042-2.28), and OSA (OR=11.336, 95% CI: 0.994-3.862).
Conclusion
Larger tumor area and neck dissection might be associated with an increased risk for developing OSA in patients with partial laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. OSA partially mediated the effect on physical health, including body pain, general health, and health transition. It is important to be aware of the potential impact of OSA on diminished HRQoL of these patients.
Predictors for Effectiveness of Naldemedine in Patients with Cancer Pain: A Retrospective, Single-Institution Analysis
Authors: KANBAYASHI YUKO , Shimizu Mayumi , Ishizuka Yuichi , Sawa Shohei , Yabe Katsushige , Uchida Mayako
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To identify predictors for the effectiveness of naldemedine.
Methods

Participants comprised 106 advanced cancer patients receiving pain treatment with opioids who were prescribed naldemedine for OIC at Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital in Japan between November 2016 and June 2021.For the regression analysis of factors associated with OIC, variables were extracted manually from medical charts. The effectiveness of naldemedine was evaluated 3 days after administration, based on whether patients showed OIC. Presence of OIC was defined based on Rome IV diagnostic criteria. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors for naldemedine effectiveness. Values of P < 0.05 (two-tailed) were considered significant.
Results

Significant factors identified included chemotherapy with taxanes within 1 month of evaluation of naldemedine effectiveness (odds ratio [OR] = 0.063, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.007–0.568; P = 0.014), and addition of or switching to naldemedine due to insufficient prior laxatives (OR = 0.352, 95%CI = 0.129–0.966; P = 0.043).
Conclusion

No chemotherapy that included taxanes within 1 month of evaluation of naldemedine effectiveness and no addition of or switching to naldemedine due to insufficient prior laxatives were identified as predictors for effectiveness of naldemedine in patients with cancer pain.
Limbal Epithelial Stem Cell Sheets From Young Donors Have Better Regenerative Potential For Clinical Applications
Authors: Yang Soonwon , Lee Hyun Jung , Shin Soojung , Park In Yang , Chung So-Hyang
Published: January 2022

Purpose: To investigate the stemness of limbal epithelial stem cell sheets in relation to donor’s age.Methods: Human limbal explants from cadaveric donors were set on human amniotic membranes with xenofree medium. We evaluated limbal epithelial sheet size, expression of stem/progenitor cell markers, and colony formation efficiency from donors of different age groups (age ≤ 45, age 45-65, and age > 65). Expression of the proliferation marker Ki67, stem/progenitor cell markers p63α and ABCG2, cornea specific marker PANCK, and differentiation marker CK12 were evaluated. To determine the effect of donor age on the storage period of limbal explant sheets, the limbal explant outgrowth sheets were stored in 4℃ for 2 days and analyzed for JC-1, p63a, and PANCK with FACS on each day.Results: From days 6 to 12, the outgrowth area of the limbal epithelial stem cell sheet was significantly larger in the age ≤ 45 group compared to the other two age groups. In terms of stemness, outgrowth cells from aged donors (age > 65) showed lower expression of stem/progenitor cell markers p63α and ABCG2 and decreased CFE compared to the other two groups. Conclusion: Our results imply that donors younger than 65 years of age are a better source of limbal epithelial stem cell sheet generation with high regeneration potential.
Association of Serum Adipokines and Resting Energy Expenditure in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Abi Nanzha , Xu Xiao , Yang Zhikai , Ma Tiantian , Dong Jie
Published: January 2022

Background and aim: Metabolic disorders are prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may lead to protein energy wasting. Adipokines play a vital role in energy metabolism. We aimed to determine the relationship between adipokine levels and resting energy expenditure (REE) in patients with CKD.Methods: A total of 208 patients in non-dialyzed CKD stages 3–5 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patient's REE was measured using indirect calorimetry. Fat mass (FM) and lean tissue mass (LTM) were measured using multiple-frequency bioimpedance analysis. Spearman correlation analyses and multivariate linear regression models were used to assess the association between serum adipokines and REE.Results: The mean age was 52.7 ± 14.6 years, and 26.9%, 26.4%, and 46.7% of our participants had CKD stages 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The median values of serum adiponectin, leptin, and IL-6 were 470.4 (range, 291.1–802.2), 238.1 (range, 187.9–418.4), and 4.0 (range, 2.4–9.5) pg/mL, respectively. The male participants had significantly lower FM% (P = 0.001) and lower leptin levels (P < 0.001) than the female participants. After adjusting for age, diabetes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, intact parathyroid hormone, LTM, and FM, multiple linear regression analysis revealed that serum leptin levels were significantly positively associated with REE in men rather than in women (P < 0.05). Serum adiponectin levels were inversely associated with REE in men, but this association disappeared while FM was additionally adjusted. Adiponectin levels in women were not correlated with REE (P > 0.05). IL-6 was not significantly associated with REE in either men or women.Conclusions: A sex-specific relationship between serum adipokines (leptin and adiponectin) and REE was observed in patients with CKD stages 3–5, which was partly confounded by FM.Trial registration: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03377413).
The Era of E-learning from the Perspectives of Jordanian Medical Students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Barakat Muna , Farha Rana Abu , Muflih Suhaib , Al-Tammemi Ala’a B. , Othman Bayan , Allozi Yasmin , Fino Leen
Published: January 2022

Background: Online learning is becoming a crucial part of the educational process worldwide, especially after the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study was designed to assess medical students' perception toward online learning and their perceived preparedness and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: An electronic-based cross-sectional survey was used to recruit eligible participants, including Bachelor of Pharmacy, Pharm.D., medicine, Nurse, dentist, veterinary medicine at different Jordanian universities (public and private). Descriptive and linear regression analysis were conducted using S.P.S.S. software. The perception score was calculated based on a 5-point Likert scaleResults: A total of 939 students agreed to participate in this study. The prominent category was females (n=691, 73.6%), the median age of 22.0 years (IQR= 2.0), and around 56% of the study in private universities (n= 520, 55.6%). More than half of the students reported that their experiences were unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory (n= 510, 54.3%). The majority of students preferred face-to-face communication with their professors and colleagues and considered it more effective (n= 682, 72.6%). The median of the mean perception score was 2.4 (IQR= 1.1). Regarding challenges and barriers, more than 70% reported weak internet connection, E-learning boredom, and lack of motivation (n= 723, 77.0%).Conclusion: This study reported inadequate satisfaction and perception towards the current experience in E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discussed the barriers and challenges hindering this transition, such as weak internet connection and the lack of motivation, indicating a need for implementing new pedagogies to enhance students' experiences regarding online education.
Genetic Mapping of Tolerance to Iron Deficiency Chlorosis in Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea L.)
Authors: Tayade Ankur D. , Motagi Babu N. , Jadhav Mangesh P. , Nadaf Anjum S. , Koti Rajshekar V. , Gangurde Sunil S. , Sharma Vinay , Varshney Rajeev K. , Pandey Manish K. , Bhat Ramesh S.
Published: January 2022

Iron deficiency chlorosis (IDC) under calcareous and alkaline soils is a significant abiotic stress affecting the growth and yield of peanut. In this study, the genomic regions governing IDC tolerance were mapped using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from TMV 2 (susceptible to IDC) and TMV 2-NLM (tolerant to IDC), which was phenotyped during the rainy seasons of 2019 and 2020 in the iron-deficient calcareous plots. The best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values for IDC tolerance traits like visual chlorotic rating (VCR), and SPAD chlorophyll meter reading (SCMR) were used for QTL analysis along with a genetic map carrying 700 GBS-derived SNP, AhTE and SSR markers. In total, 11 and 12 main-effect QTLs were identified for VCR and SCMR, respectively. Among them three QTLs were major with the phenotypic variance explained (PVE) of 10.3-34.4% for VCR, and two QTL were major for SCMR with PVE of 11.5-11.7%. A region (159.3-178.3 cM) on chromosome Ah13 carrying two QTLs (one each for VCR and SCMR) was consistent with the previous report. A SNP marker, Ah14_138037990 identified from single marker analysis for VCR was located in the intronic region of the gene Arahy.QA0C1, which is important for protein-binding. Overall, this study identified new QTLs and also validated QTL for IDC tolerance. These genomic resources could be useful for genomics-assisted breeding of peanut for IDC tolerance.
Does hypoxia and stress erythropoiesis compromise cardiac function in healthy adults? A randomized trial
Authors: Arrebola Antonio L , Casuso Rafael A , Bejder Jacob , Bonne Thomas Christian , Andersen Andreas B. , Aragón-Vela Jerónimo , Nordsborg Nikolai B. , Huertas Jesus R.
Published: January 2022

Objectives
To investigate whether recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) injections during an altitude training camp impact heart function.
Methods
Thirty-nine (16 women) moderately trained subjects stayed at 2,320 m altitude for 4 weeks while training. Subjects were randomized to placebo (isotonic saline) or rHuEPO (20 IU/kg body weight) i.v. injections. Transthoracic echocardiography imaging was acquired 3 days after arrival to altitude and prior to the first placebo or rHuEPO injection as well as one day after the last rHuEPO injection three weeks later.
Results
rHuEPO did not alter cardiovascular morphology parameters, systolic or diastolic function. In the placebo group, altitude exposure improved left ventricle (LV) systolic function due to an increased twist angle but rHuEPO had no additional effects. Pulmonary arterial systolic pressure was unaffected in either group. Notably, rHuEPO hampered LV untwist rate without affecting LV early filling.
Conclusion
rHuEPO alters LV twist rate during a high altitude training camp in a mechanism likely mediated by impaired restorative forces and/or by the haematological and metabolic effects induced rHuEPO outside the cardiovascular system. However, this alteration in heart mechanics is unlikely to have a meaningful clinical effect.
C2 Fracture Operative and Non-Operative Management Outcomes in Large Database Review
Authors: Foote Christopher Wayne , Doan Xuan-Lan , Vanier Cheryl , Betancourt Alejandro J , Palacio Carlos H
Published: January 2022

Background: Odontoid fractures are common and projected to increase. Comorbidities compound risk of surgery and balancing the risk of non-operative management is controversial. Stable fractures are managed based on patient comorbidity with suspected clinical prognosis. Type I and III fractures are typically managed safely with cervical orthoses. Management decisions of type II fractures however, come under frequent debate. This paper evaluates overall morbidity and mortality, and outcomes of operative and non-operative management.
Methods: We performed national database review of C2 fractures from January 2014 to December 2019. Patients were divided into categories based on Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Injury Severity Score (ISS). Outcomes data considered hospital admission, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU LOS, and mortality. Logistic regression was used for mortality, hospital admission, and ICU admission. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated from the logistic regression models. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the hospital and ICU LOS based on surgery overall, and by GCS and ISS.
Results: 42,003 patients were identified, 9,187 had surgery with overall mortality rate of 0.7%. There was a younger operative median age (67) and interquartile range (IQR: 47, 78) than non-operative group (73, IQR: 56, 83). Both had the same median ISS score (10). Surgery was associated with lower rates of mortality, from 0.1% to 0.9% mortality for non-operative. Mild or moderate GCS mortality improved operative (0.07%) to non-operative (0.23%). Severe GCS patients with surgery had significantly improved mortality rates patients without (0.29% vs 7.69%, respectively). Surgery increased ICU admissions for every ISS category. Severe GCS had higher chances of ICU admission, but no interaction with surgery. Operative patients had longer hospital and ICU stays. For all GCS and ISS categories, hospital and ICU LOS was longer for operative patients.
Conclusions: This review demonstrates significant improvement in mortality with operative management. Standard non-operative management of type I and III C2 fractures is appropriate. Surgeons should consider operating on type II odontoid fractures unless patient cannot undertake the surgical risks of induction with general anesthesia.
Level of evidence: Level IV
Bathing Newborns within 36 Hours after Birth Temporarily Alters the Skin Barrier Function and May Increase the Risk of Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Xiong Ying , Zhou He , Chen Lijie , Zhu Shening , Chen Ting , Yang Xiaohong , Sun Wenwen , Li Sujun , Wu Bo
Published: January 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate whether bathing newborns within 36 hours after birth has a temporary negative impact on skin barrier metrics and relates to atopic dermatitis (AD) development.Methods: 55 newborns were bathed with water at 24-36 hours after birth, while 102 newborns did not have bath. Skin barrier metrics, including facial and underarm transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), and skin humidity, were evaluated 1 hour before and after bath (T0 and T1, respectively), as well as on the next day (T2). A follow-up questionnaire via telephone was conducted 12-month later (T3). AD screening was determined based on the questionnaire.Results: In the non-bathed newborns, no significant alteration in skin barrier function was observed. In the bathed newborns, the underarm SCH significantly deteriorated from 16.60±21.74 at T0 to 8.16±12.27 at T2 (51% deterioration, p=0.009). Deteriorations were also observed for the facial and underarm humidity right after bath (-5%, p=0.017 and -4%, p=0.012) as well as on the next day (-6%, p=0.003 and -5%, p=0.001). At T3, 5% non-bathed newborns were determined to have developed AD during the past 12-month, while this number increased by 4-fold (21%) in the bathed newborns (p=0.010).Conclusion: This study demonstrated a temporary negative impact on newborn’s skin barrier function caused by bathing within 36 hours after birth. Deteriorated skin barrier function in the temporary window may still leave the newborn susceptible to infection and allergy, increasing the risk of triggering AD onset.
Which trap is best? Alternatives to human landing catches for malaria vector surveillance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Eckert Jordan , Oladipupo Seun , Wang Yifan , Jiang Shanshan , Patil Vivek , McKenzie Ben , Lobo Neil , Zohdy Sarah
Published: January 2022

Background: Human landing catches (HLC) are an entomological collection technique in which humans are used as attractants to capture medically relevant host-seeking mosquitoes. The use of this method has been a topic of extensive debate for decades mainly due to ethical concerns. Many alternatives to HLC have been proposed; however, no quantitative review comparing HLC to alternative trapping methods has been conducted. Here, we present a meta-analysis of published literature on HLC and alternative trapping methods for outdoor Anopheles spp. collections.
Methods: A total of 58 comparisons across 12 countries were identified. We conducted a meta-analysis comparing treatment effects of HLC against alternative traps. To explain heterogeneity, three moderators were chosen for analysis: trap type, location of study, and species captured.
Results : According to our model, tent-based traps captured significantly more Anopheles than HLC (95% CI: [-.9065, -.0544]). Alternative traps in Africa captured more mosquitoes than outdoor HLC ([-2.8750, -.0294]) and alternative traps overall captured significantly more Anopheles gambiae s.l. than HLC ([-4.4613, -.2473]). A meta-regression showed that up to 55.77% of the total heterogeneity found can be explained by a linear combination of the three moderators included in our model and the interaction between trap type and species . Subset analysis on An. gambiae s.l. showed that light traps specifically captured more of this species than HLC ([-18.3751, -1.0629]).
Discussion: Alternative traps captured more An. gambiae than HLC, however, we found no differences for capture of An. funestus s.l. Publication bias was found with an overrepresentation in the literature of results indicating that alternative traps are superior to HLC. Trap comparisons in the literature most commonly use total Anopheles collected/night as a metric for comparison, which may not be the optimal. These results identify trends in the literature which can be used to identify Anopheles collection alternatives to HLC. However, significant heterogeneity suggests a broader challenge with the literature. Further standardization and specific question-driven trap evaluations that consider target vector species and the vector control landscape are needed toallow for robust meta-analyses with less heterogeneity and to develop data-driven decision-making tools for malaria vector surveillance and control.
PIKAChU: a Python-based Informatics Kit for Analysing Chemical Units
Authors: Terlouw Barbara , Vromans Sophie , Medema Marnix
Published: January 2022

As efforts to computationally describe and simulate the biochemical world become more commonplace, computer programs that are capable of in silico chemistry play an increasingly important role in biochemical research. While such programs exist, they are often dependency-heavy, difficult to navigate, or not written in Python, the programming language of choice for bioinformaticians. Here, we introduce PIKAChU (Python-based Informatics Kit for Analysis CHemical Units): a light-weight cheminformatics toolbox implemented in Python. PIKAChU builds comprehensive molecular graphs from SMILES strings, which allow for easy downstream analysis and visualisation of molecules. While the molecular graphs PIKAChU generates are extensive, storing and inferring information on aromaticity, chirality, charge, hybridisation and electron orbitals, PIKAChU limits itself to applications that will be sufficient for most casual users and downstream Python-based tools and databases, such as Morgan fingerprinting, similarity scoring, substructure matching and customisable visualisation. In addition, it comes with a set of functions that assists in the easy implementation of reaction mechanisms. Its minimalistic design makes PIKAChU straightforward to use and install, in stark contrast to many existing toolkits, which are more difficult to navigate and come with a plethora of dependencies that may cause compatibility issues with downstream tools. As such, PIKAChU provides a perfect alternative for researchers for whom basic cheminformatic processing suffices, and can be easily integrated into downstream bioinformatics and cheminformatics tools. PIKAChU is available at https://github.com/BTheDragonMaster/pikachu.
The Anti-Angiogenesis Mechanism of Geniposide on Rheumatoid Arthrits is Related to the Regulation of PTEN
Authors: Bu Yanhong , Wu Hong , Deng Ran , Wang Yan
Published: January 2022

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune disease characterized by joint inflammation and pannus. The nascent pannus contributes to synovial hyperplasia, cartilage and tissue damage in RA. Based on the previous study on the anti-inflammatory effect of Geniposide (GE) on arthritis rats, this study aims to explore the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of GE on RA angiogenesis, involving the participation of phosphate and tension homology deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and downstream pathways. Clinical manifestations, synovial pathomorphology, microvessel density and the level of angiogenesis-related factors were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect of GE on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA) rats. The proliferation, migration, tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) indicate the degree of angiogenesis in vitro. Lentivirus overexpression of PTEN was employed to elucidate the potential mechanism. The results showed that GE improved the degree of arthritis and angiogenesis in AA rats. PTEN was decreased significantly in vivo and in vitro, and over-expression of PTEN improved the biological function of HUVECs to inhibit angiogenesis. GE inhibited the proliferation, migration and tubule formation of HUVECs and plays an anti-angiogenesis role in vitro. Mechanism study showed that PTEN expression was increased and p-PI3K and p-Akt expression was decreased with GE treatment. It suggests that GE up-regulated the expression of PTEN and inhibited the activation of PI3K-Akt signal, which plays a role in inhibiting angiogenesis in RA in vivo and in vitro.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of artificial intelligence for grading of ophthalmology imaging modalities
Authors: Cao Jessica , Katsnelson Glen , Chang-Kit Brittany , Far Parsa Merhraban , Uleryk Elizabeth , Ogunbameru Adeteju , Miranda Rafael Neves , Felfeli Tina
Published: January 2022

BackgroundWith the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in ophthalmology, the need to define its diagnostic accuracy is increasingly important. The review aims to elucidate the diagnostic accuracy of AI algorithms in screening for all ophthalmic conditions in patient care settings that involve digital imaging modalities, using the reference standard of human graders.MethodsThis is a systematic review and meta-analysis. A literature search will be conducted on Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, and Wiley Cochrane CENTRAL from January 1, 2000 to December 20, 2021. Studies will be selected via screening titles and abstracts, followed by full-text screening. Articles that compare the results of AI-graded ophthalmic images with results from human graders as a reference standard will be included. Systematic review software DistillerSR will be used to automate part of the screening process as an adjunct to human reviewers. After full text screening, data will be extracted from each study via the categories of study characteristics, patient information, AI methods, intervention, and outcomes. Risk of bias will be scored using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) by two trained independent reviewers. Disagreements at any step will be addressed by a third adjudicator. Study results will include summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve plots as well as pooled sensitivity and specificity of artificial intelligence for detection of any ophthalmic conditions based on imaging modalities compared to the reference standard. Statistics will be calculated in R statistical software.DiscussionThis study will provide novel insights on diagnostic accuracy of AI in new domains of ophthalmology that have not been previously studied. The protocol also outlines the use of an AI-based software to assist article screening, which may serve as a reference for improving efficiency and accuracy of future large systematic reviews.Systematic Review Registration: This study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021274441).
Stability of Clockwise Rotation of The Maxillary Occlusal Plane By Two-Jaw Surgery In Patients With Skeletal Class III Malocclusion
Authors: Kang Soon-young , Kim Young Ho , Baek Seung-Hak , Kim Dong Woo , Shin Jeong Won , Chae Hwa Sung
Published: January 2022

Introduction: To investigate the post-surgical stability of clockwise rotation of the maxillary occlusal plane (MXOP) after Le Fort I osteotomy for posterior impaction and advancement in skeletal Class III patients who had undergone two-jaw orthognathic surgery (2J-OGS).Materials and methods: Sample set consisted of 46 patients [18 males and 28 females]. Using lateral cephalograms taken at the initial (T0), before 2J-OGS (T1), after (T2), and at debonding (T3), The amount of MXOP change (criterion: 2° in ΔMXOP between T2-T3) was used to assign patients to Group1[G1, high relapse, 3.09°] or Group2 [G2, low relapse, -0.99°]. Statistical analyses were then performed.Results: Compared to G2, G1 exhibited more severe skeletal Class III relationships and a flatter MXOP at T0, a greater increase in ΔANB, and more clockwise rotation of ΔMXOP and ΔFMA during T1-T2, as well as a greater decrease in ΔANB, higher counterclockwise rotation of ΔMXOP, and upward movement of U1 during T2-T3. Regression analysis resulted in formulation of the following equation: MXOP(ΔT2-T3) = -0.37 X MXOP(ΔT1-T2) -0.43. Conclusions: The higher the clockwise rotation of the MXOP during 2J-OGS in skeletal Class III patients, the greater the relapse (counterclockwise rotation) in the MXOP.
The effect of COVID certificates on vaccine uptake, health outcomes, and the economy
Authors: Oliu-Barton Miquel , Pradel Bary SR , Woloszko Nicolas , Guetta-Jeanrenaud Lionel , Aghion Philippe , Artus Patrick , Fontanet Arnaud , Martin Philippe , Wolff Guntram B
Published: January 2022

In the COVID-19 pandemic, governments have, among other measures,1,2 mandated the use of COVID certificates to prove vaccination, recovery, or a recent negative test, and have required them to access shops, restaurants, schools, universities, or workplaces.3 While arguments for and against COVID certificates have focused on reducing transmission and ethical concerns,4,5 the incentive effect of COVID certificates on vaccine uptake, health outcomes, and the economy has not yet been investigated. To estimate this effect, we construct counterfactuals based on innovation diffusion theory6 for France, Germany, and Italy. We estimate that the announcement of COVID certificates during summer 2021 led to increased vaccine uptake in France of 13.0 (95% CI 9.7–14.9) percentage points (p.p.) of the total population up to the end of the year, in Germany 6.2 (2.6–6.9) p.p., and in Italy 9.7 (5.4–12.3) p.p. Further, this averted an additional 3,979 (3,453–4,298) deaths in France, 1,133 (-312–1,358) in Germany, and 1,331 (502–1,794) in Italy; and prevented gross domestic product (GDP) losses of €6.0 (5.9–6.1) billion in France, €1.4 (1.3–1.5) billion in Germany, and €2.1 (2.0–2.2) billion in Italy. Notably, the application of COVID certificates substantially reduced the pressure on intensive care units (ICUs) and, in France, averted occupancy levels being exceeded where prior lockdowns were instated. Varying government communication efforts and restrictions associated with COVID certificates may explain country differences, such as the smaller effect in Germany. Overall, our findings are more sizeable than predicted.7 This analysis may help inform decisions about when and how to employ COVID certificates to increase vaccine uptake and thus avoid stringent interventions, such as closures, curfews, and lockdowns, with major social and economic consequences.
Circulating Non-coding RNAs as Potential Biomarkers for Ischemic Stroke:A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhao Jingjing , Wang Qianwen , Zhu Rui-xia , Yang Jun
Published: January 2022

BackgroundRecent studies have demonstrated that dysregulated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke (IS) including neuroinflammation, apoptosis, atherosclerosis and angiogenesis. However, discrepant results make it difficult to apply ncRNAs into clinical practice. Therefore,we performed this meta-analysis to evaluate and elucidate the diagnostic value of ncRNAs in IS.MethodsWe searched the literature in four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library up to December 31, 2020 to identify the relationship between differently expressed ncRNAs and IS. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratios (PLR), negative likelihood ratios (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated to access diagnostic performance of ncRNAs.Results15 studies for miRNAs containing 1687 IS patients and 8 studies for lncRNAs, including 741 IS patients were included in our study. Estimates of the identification efficiency of miRNAs from the 15 studies were: 0.76 (95%CI:0.67-0.84) for SEN, 0.83 (95%CI:0.77-0.88) for SPE, 4.5 (95%CI:3.4-6.1) for PLR, 0.29 (95%CI:0.20-0.40) for NLR, 16 (95%CI:10-26) for DOR. The AUC of the SROC curve showed diagnostic accuracy was 0.87 (95%CI:0.84-0.90), thus the diagnostic value of all the miRNAs was moderate. In addition, the results of lncRNAs were: 0.73 (95%CI: 0.69-0.77) for SEN, 0.75 (95%CI: 0.70-0.79) for SPE, 2.9 (95%CI: 2.4-3.4) for PLR, 0.36 (95%CI: 0.31-0.42) for NLR, 8 (95%CI: 6-11) for DOR, 0.80 (95%CI: 0.76-0.83) for AUC, also a moderate diagnostic value.ConclusionOur study revealed that blood circulating ncRNAs could be a moderately effective candidate biomarker for the diagnosis of IS. Furthermore, combined lncRNAs showed more accurate diagnostic properties than single lncRNAs and some single miRNAs (e.g. miR-107) showed better diagnostic performance, which may contribute to IS clinical practice.
Inhibition of Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase Suppressed Cartilage Degradation and Synovial Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Experimental Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wu Xiaoxin , Sun Antonia Rujia , Crawford Ross , Xiao Yin , Wang Yanping , Prasadam Indira , mao xinzhan
Published: January 2022

Chronic inflammation plays an important role in the osteoarthritis (OA) pathology but how this influence OA disease progression is unclear. Leukotrienes (LT) are biologically active lipids that are implicated in various pathological process. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent proinflammatory lipid mediator generated from arachidonic acid through the sequential activities of 5-lipoxygenase, 5-lipoxygenase–activating protein, Leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) and its downstream product leukotriene B4 (LTB4 or BLT1). The aim of this study is to investigate the involvement of the LTB4 pathway in OA disease progression. Both clinical human samples and mice experimental OA models were used to determine whether LTA4H could serve as a potential therapeutic target for OA. We also determined whether the LTA4H pathway was associated with cartilage degeneration and synovitis inflammation in OA mice models and human articular chondrocytes. We found that both LTA4H and LTB4 receptor BLT1 were highly expressed in human and mice OA cartilage. Inhibition of LTA4H suppressed cartilage degeneration and synovitis in OA mice model. Furthermore, inhibition of LTA4H promoted cartilage regeneration by upregulating chondrogenic genes expression such as aggrecan (ACAN), collagen 2A1 (COL2A1) and SRY-Box transcription factor 9 (SOX9). Our results indicate that the LTA4H pathway is a crucial regulator of OA pathogenesis and suggest that LTA4H could be a therapeutic target in combat OA.