bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a quality of life measurement scale specific to Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: The QoL-HHT
Authors: LE Thi Thao Truc , MARTINENT Guillaume , DUPUIS-GIROD Sophie , PARROT Antoine , CONTIS Anne , RIVIERE Sophie , CHINET Thierry , GROBOST Vincent , ESPITIA Olivier , DUSSARDIER-GILBERT Brigitte , ALRIC Laurent , ARMENGOL Guillaume , MAILLARD Hélène , LEGUY-SEGUIN Vanessa , LEROY Sylvie , RONDEAU-LUTZ Murielle , LAVIGNE Christian , MOHAMED Shirine , CHAUSSAVOINE Laurent , MAGRO Pascal , SEGUIER Julie , KERJOUAN Mallorie , FOURDRINOY Sylvie
Published: March 2022

- BackgroundHereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) disease is a rare genetic disorder with symptoms and complications that can significantly affect patients’ daily lives. To date, no scale has been validated to assess the specific symptoms of this disease on the quality of life (QOL) of HHT patients. This makes it difficult for clinicians to accurately measure the quality of life of patients with HHT. The present study aims to develop and validate a QOL measurement tool specific to HHT disease: the QOL questionnaire in HHT (QoL-HHT).- MethodsA quantitative, non-interventional, multi-center study involving HHT patients in twenty French HHT expert centers was conducted. A calibration sample of 415 HHT patients and a validation sample of 228 HHT patients voluntarily participated in the study. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) analyses, reliability analyses, and correlational analyses.- ResultsThe EFA, CFA and ESEM results allowed us to provide evidence of the factorial structure of a questionnaire composed of 24 items measuring 6 domains of QOL: Physical limitations, social relationships, concern about bleeding, relationship with the medical profession, experience of symptoms, and concern about the evolution of the disease. Cronbach's alpha coefficients (> 0.70) demonstrated reliable internal consistency of all the QoL-HHT scores (dimensions). The results of the test-retest provided further evidence of the reliability of the QOL-HHT scores over time. Correlational analyses provided evidence for the convergent validity of the QoL-HHT scores.- ConclusionsWe developed a simple and quick self-assessment tool to measure quality of life specific to HHT disease. This study demonstrated reliability and validity of our QoL-HHT scores. It is a very promising tool to evaluate the impact of HHT disease on all aspects of the quality of life of HHT patients in order to offer them individualized medico-psycho-social support.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials, NCT03695874. Registered 04 October 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03695874
Evaluating the diagnostic value of multi-detector brain CT angiography in diagnosing acute cerebral venous thrombosis
Authors: Abbasi Bita , Kahani Nadia , Layegh Parvaneh , Niroumand Shabnam , Akhavan Reza , Hamidi Ehsan
Published: March 2022

Background and PurposeCerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare type of venous thromboembolism mostly affecting young adults. Despite improved imaging studies, the diagnosis is usually delayed by several days. An average diagnostic delay of seven days from the onset of symptoms is still reported for this condition, and it is crucial for radiologists to detect this potentially lethal condition in routine imaging studies. In this study we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of multi-detector brain CTA in diagnosing acute CVT. Materials and MethodsWe searched our Picture Archiving and Communicating System (PACS) of our tertiary-level academic hospital between March 2016 and March 2019, and collected all patients for whom both contrast-enhanced MRV and brain CTA were acquired at the same admission. ResultsA total of 242 patients were found on our PACS database who met our criteria. In the blinded MDCTA evaluation, there was a sensitivity of 96.1%, specificity of 98.6% and accuracy of 98.3% for MDCTA in detecting CVST. ConclusionIn the emergency settings, and in centers in which MRI scanners are not available, MDCTA can be used instead of CE-MRV for diagnosis of CSVT with a good sensitivity and specificity.
Analysis for MBOAT Family Genes in Human Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang MingHan , Han Junyuan , Wang Quanjun
Published: March 2022

Membrane-bound O-acyltransferases (MBOATs), a group of integral transmembrane enzymes that perform divergent functions which are attractive drug targets in cancer. 11 of MBOAT proteins (MBOAT1, MBOAT2, HHATL, GOAT, LPCAT3, MBOAT7, SOAT1, SOAT2, HHAT, DGAT1, PORCN) are located in the progression of various cancer types, especially in Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Although these proteins are important drug targets, the diverse expression patterns and prognostic values have yet to be analyzed. Here we discussed the transcriptional and survival data of 11 of MBOAT proteins in patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma from the cBioPortal databases, Gene Expression Proﬁling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), Oncomine, and Kaplan-Meier Plotter. We found that the expression levels of MBOAT2 and 7 were correlated with advanced tumor stage. Survival analysis using the Kaplan- Meier Plotter database revealed that the high transcription levels of MBOAT1, 7, SOAT1 and PORCN were associated with low relapse-free survival in all of the patients with Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Conversely, high HHATL levels predicted high relapse-free survival in these patients. This study implied that MBOAT1, 7, SOAT1 and PORCN are potential targets of precision therapy for patients with Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma and that HHATL are new biomarkers for the prognosis of Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
M1 macrophage-derived exosomes inhibit myocardial regeneration.
Authors: He Xiaoqing , Chen Jing , Shi Jian , Deng Yichao , Liu Weihua , Liu Shaojun , Liu Shiming
Published: March 2022

M1 macrophages inhibit cardiac repair, but their role in myocardial regeneration remains unclear. In this study, the underlying mechanisms of M1 macrophage-derived exosomes (M1-Exos) in cardiomyocyte proliferation was investigated. Mouse RAW264.7 macrophages were cultured and induced into M1 macrophages. The exosomes from the culture media of M1 macrophages were isolated, and results showed that M1-Exos could inhibit the proliferation of cardiomyocytes. During M1-Exos, miR-155 was highly expressed and delivered to the cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, miR-155 inhibited the proliferation of cardiomyocytes and antagonized the pro-proliferation effect of IL-6 via inhibition of its novel target gene IL-6R. M1-Exos inhibited cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac repair by delivering miR-155, which targeted IL-6R, and inhibiting the IL-6R/Jak/Stat signaling pathway. This study provides new insights and potential treatment strategies for the regulation of myocardial regeneration and cardiac repair by M1-Exos.
Low Profile Asymmetrical Slotted UWB Antenna for WBAN Applications
Authors: JAYAKUMAR S , Mohanbabu G.
Published: March 2022

In this article a low profile asymmetrical slotted Ultra Wide Band (UWB) antenna is proposed for Wireless Body Area Networks (WBANs) applications. The antenna was fabricated using Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). An improved radiation pattern was obtained with an optimized patch shape of the antenna that broadens the bandwidth and lowers the antenna’s profile. In frequency ranges from 2.50 GHz to 10.97 GHz simulation as well as measured results show that the reflection coefficient (S11) of the antenna is below -10 dB and increased impedance bandwidth of 126%. Furthermore, the impact of the proposed antenna has a negligible effect on the human membrane. The low-profile UWB antenna's time-domain behavior is investigated, and the results show that it is capable of transmitting and receiving pulse signals.
Stroke disconnectome decodes reading networks
Authors: Forkel Stephanie , Labache Loic , Nachev Parashkev , de Schotten Michel Thiebaut , Hesling Isabelle
Published: March 2022

Cognitive functional neuroimaging has been around for over 30 years and has shed light on the brain areas relevant for reading. However, new methodological developments enable mapping the interaction between functional imaging and the underlying white matter networks. In this study, we used such a novel method, called the disconnectome, to decode the reading circuitry in the brain. We used the resulting disconnection patterns to predict the typical lesion that would lead to reading deficits after brain damage. Our results suggest that white matter connections critical for reading include fronto-parietal U-shaped fibres and the vertical occipital fasciculus (VOF). The lesion most predictive of a reading deficit would impinge on the left inferior parietal and the three temporal and occipital gyri. This novel framework can systematically be applied to bridge the gap between the neuropathology of language and cognitive neuroscience.
The role of genetic polymorphism in predictive model of ATDH
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Zhou Wei , Wang Zhenyang , Luo Ping , Xiang Wang , Liang Xiao , Yuan Jinyan , Zhou Yi , Deng Fei
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: To develop a predictive model for hepatotoxicity due to antituberculosis drugs using a machine learning approach combining general clinical features of the electronic medical record, laboratory indications and genetic features of key genes in the PXR/ALAS1/FOXO1 axis. METHODS: Using the occurrence of ATDH as the outcome variable, the data were screened for features and model construction based on general clinical features and laboratory test indications, combined with single nucleotide polymorphism characteristics of PXR, FOXO1 and ALAS1 genes, combined with Lasso regression and logistic regression to evaluate the model's goodness of fit, predictive efficacy, discrimination and consistency, and used clinical decision Curve analysis was used to assess the clinical applicability of the models. RESULTS: The best model had a discriminant efficacy C-index of 0.8164, sensitivity of 34.25%, specificity of 97.99%, positive predictive value of 78.13%, negative predictive value of 87.69%, consistency test Sp=0.896, maximum bias Emax=0.147, and mean bias Eave=0.017. In the validation set performance was close. The clinical decision curve shows the clinical applicability of the prediction model when the prediction risk threshold is between 0.1 and 0.8. CONCLUSION: The ATDH prediction model was constructed using a machine learning approach, combining general characteristics of the study population, laboratory indications and SNP features of PXR and FOXO1 genes with good fit and some predictive value, and has potential and value for clinical application.
TidyMass: An Object-oriented Reproducible Analysis Framework for LC-MS Data
Authors: Snyder Michael , Shen Xiaotao , Yan Hong , Wang Chuchu , Gao Peng , Johnson Caroline
Published: March 2022

Reproducibility and transparency have been longstanding but significant problems for the metabolomics field. Here, we present the tidyMass project (https://www.tidymass.org/), a comprehensive computational framework that can achieve the shareable and reproducible workflow needs of data processing and analysis for LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics. TidyMass was designed based on the following strategies to address the limitations of current tools: 1) Cross-platform utility. TidyMass can be installed on all platforms; 2) Uniformity, shareability, traceability, and reproducibility. A uniform data format has been developed, specifically designed to store and manage processed metabolomics data and processing parameters, making it possible to trace the prior analysis steps and parameters; 3) Flexibility and extensibility. The modular architecture makes tidyMass a highly flexible and extensible tool, so other users can improve it and integrate it with their own pipeline easily.
Myotubularin-related phosphatase 3 promotes invasion and metastasis by repressing autophagy of colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Zheng Bo’an , Wu Weiding , Xu Xiaodong , Jing Yuanming , Hu Xinye , Zhou Weike , Zhang Jungang , Jia Xiaoyan , Chen Bingchen , Guo Yang , Chai Rui
Published: March 2022

With the development of modern society, human living standards have improved substantiallythus altering their lifestyles, particularly eating habits. These changes haveresulted in an increased incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in recent years. More than one million new cases of CRC are diagnosed worldwide and more than half a million deaths occur due to CRC, each year, making CRC the main cause of cancer-related mortality. In this study, we explored the role of myosin-related phosphatase 3 (MTMR3) in the invasion and metastasis of CRC by transfecting the human CRC cell line, HCT116 cells, with lentivirus-mediated short interfering RNA. A wound healing assay was performed to evaluate the effect of MTMR3 knockdown on cell migration ability. The effect of MTMR3 knockdown on the endothelial-mesenchymal transition and cell apoptosis was evaluated by western blot analysis. Our results indicate that knockdown MTMR3 significantly reduced the invasion and metastatic ability of HCT116 cells and promoted cell autophagy (p < 0.05).These results demonstrate that silencing of MTMR3 shows potential as an effective treatment for CRC.
Potential role of tea drinking in preventing hyperuricemia in rats: biochemical and molecular evidence
Authors: Li Hui , Sang Siyao , Wang Lufei , Liang Taotao , Su Mingjie
Published: March 2022

Background Lifestyle and diet play a significant role in hyperuricemia. Accumulating evidence indicates that tea consumption is associated with hyperuricemia and the risk of gout. However, diverse compounds in different types of tea make it quite difficult to find out the relevant molecular mechanism. Here, we compared the effects of six types of tea on hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate (PO) and hypoxanthine in rats and investigated possible underlying mechanisms. Methods Rats were randomly assigned into ten groups: control group, hyperuricemia model group, benzbromarone positive control group, traditional Chinese Medicine Simiao San positive control group, green tea, yellow tea, black tea, white tea, red tea, and cyan tea treatment groups. After 21 days, uric acid ( UA ), xanthine oxidase ( XOD ), blood urea nitrogen ( BUN ), and creatinine ( CRE ) were assessed. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, serum levels of interleukin-1β. By hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry, liver and kidney injury were measured. Results The levels of UA, CRE, and BUN in the treatment group were decreased to extent degrees. There was a significant reduction of UA, CRE, BUN levels for yellow tea compared to the positive control drugs. Yellow tea suppressed the XOD activity to lessen hepatic and kidney injury. Network pharmacology and untargeted metabolomics indicated that ten yellow tea bioactive ingredients and 35 targets were responsible for preventing hyperuricemia mediated by 94 signaling pathways, such as IL-1β and TNF. Conclusion These findings indicate that green tea cannot reduce the serum uric acid level of hyperuricemic rats. Yellow tea can significantly improve hyperuricemia by regulating inflammatory response, autophagy, and apoptosis. This study provides a potential candidate for the treatment of hyperuricemia and a basis for selecting tea for patients with hyperuricemia.
Theoretical Investigation and Reconsideration of Intramolecular Proton-Transfer-Induced the Twisted Charge-Transfer for the Fluorescent Sensor to Detect the Aluminum Ion
Authors: Liu Xiumin , Zhang Hengwei , Liu Sen , Wang Yi , Zhang Peng
Published: March 2022

A Schiff base compound 6-amino-5-(((2-hydroxynaphthalen-1-yl)methylene)amino)-2-mercaptopyrimidin-4-ol (AHM) in acetonitrile solvent is found to show “OFF-ON type” mode upon addition of Al3+ ion and successfully applied for selective recognition of Al3+ ion. In this work, the reconsideration of excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) have been explored in detail based on density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) methods. In the absence of Al3+, the lone pair electrons are transferred from –C = N to –OH forming a hydrogen-bonding configuration, and AHM shows weak fluorescence. When AHM is coordinate with metal ion, the TICT state is eliminated, and emission is significantly enhanced. Thus, in this paper, the origination of the non-emissive behavior of AHM has been explained in detail. The frontier molecular orbitals (MOs) and hole-electrons are used to analyze the charge distribution, providing strong evidence for the possibility of ESIPT and TICT processes occurring.
Synchronous isolated gastric metastases from ascending colon carcinoma, a case report
Authors: Yang Bin , Gan Zhonghua , Liu Shulan , Li Mingxia , guangyan Si
Published: March 2022

Background
Gastric metastases (GM) are rare and often accompanied with synchronous metastases of other organs. Synchronous isolated gastric metastases from ascending colon carcinoma are uncommon and rarely studied. Gastric metastases may be confused with primary gastric tumors.
Case presentation:
A rare case of synchronous isolated gastric metastasis from ascending colon carcinoma was confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and pathological diagnosis. A 45-year-old man presented to our hospital with abdominal distension and anal pendant expansion. The abdominal physical examination was negative. The positive fecal occult blood test and the negative tumor marker were obtained. Colonoscopy and gastroduodenoscopy revealed a polypoidal lesion in the ascending colon and a polypoid mass in the gastric body, respectively. CT showed the thickened wall of ascending colon and polypoid mass in the gastric body with homogenous enhancement. Additionally, synchronous gastric metastases from the ascending colon carcinoma were confirmed by pathology after laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and partial gastrectomy. After 13 individual doses of fluorouracil (2.8g/time), calcium leucovorin (0.8g/time), and oxaliplatin (85mg/time), the patient was discharged without any discomfort, without any additional metastases detected during the following 18 months.
Conclusion
GM may appear as a polypoid lesion. Surgery combined with chemotherapy may improve the prognosis in patients with synchronous isolated GM.
Supporting routine cognitive reactivity assessment in the perinatal period: psychometric testing of the Chinese version of the Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity
Authors: Fu Yanqing , Lin Yu-an , Zheng Jiansheng , Hong Huilan , Huang Songqing , Li Jiang , Huang Feifei
Published: March 2022

Background
Finding optimal forms to recognize perinatal depression and its vulnerable factors and making them more applicable to depression screening is critical. This study aims to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of he Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity (LEIDS-RR) among perinatal women in China and determine cut-off values for screening high-risk depression.
Methods
In the third trimester of pregnancy and at six-weeks postpartum, women completed the LEIDS-RR-CV and a diagnostic reference standard online. We assessed the LEIDS-RR-CV using classical test theory and item response theory (IRT). The test performance for cut-off scores to screen for high-risk depression at each time point was assessed using receiver operator characteristic analysis.
Results
In total, 396 (third trimester) and 321 (six-weeks postpartum) women participated. Cronbach’s alpha, two-week test-retest reliability, and marginal reliability for the scale were all greater than 0.8. It showed a five-factor model, and the cut-off values were 58 (third trimester) and 60 (six-weeks postpartum). The areas under the curve were acceptable (≥ 0.7), and the LEIDS-RR-CV was positively correlated with the total Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score (r = 0.52 and 0.56, p = 0.00), indicating its predictive validity. IRT analysis confirmed its discriminative validity.
Conclusions
The LEIDS-RR-CV was shown to be reliable, valid, and can be used to quantify cognitive reactivity in perinatal Chinese women and for screening for high-risk depression during this period.
Parametric study of cold wire tandem submerged arc welding of heavy gauge X70 linepipe steel
Authors: Ren Tailin , Mohammadijoo Mohsen , Wiskel J Barry , Lazor Robert , Willett Eric , Ivey Douglas G. , Henein Hani
Published: March 2022

Cold wire tandem submerged arc welding (CWTSAW) has been developed to improve the productivity (i.e., deposition rate and travel speed), and to control the weld and heat-affected zone (HAZ) geometry and mechanical properties of heavy gauge pipe. A series of CWTSAW trials were conducted on thick-wall American Petroleum Institute (API) X70 steel plates to investigate the effect of cold wire feed speed (CWFS), heat input (HI) and bevel design (BD) on the resulting geometry (e.g., height of reinforcement area (HRA), bead toe angle (BTA) and coarse grain heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) area) and micro-hardness of the weld and HAZ. The phase fraction of martensite-austenite (MA) constituents was measured using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Vickers micro-hardness measurements were taken of the weld metal and across the HAZ. The geometry and hardness measurements were statistically correlated with the weld parameters using Taguchi methodology. The results showed that the weld bevel design (BD) was the dominant factor influencing the HRA, CGHAZ area and BTA. Cold wire feed speed (CWFS) had a strong influence on the micro-hardness and phase fraction of MA constituents in the CGHAZ.
Network motifs shape distinct functioning of Earth’s moisture recycling hubs
Authors: Wunderling Nico , Wolf Frederik , Tuinenburg Obbe , Staal Arie
Published: March 2022

Earth's hydrological cycle critically depends on the atmospheric moisture flows connecting evaporation to precipitation. Here, we convert a decade of reanalysis-based moisture simulations into a high-resolution global directed network of spatial moisture provisions. We reveal global and local network structures that offer a new view of the global hydrological cycle. We identify four terrestrial moisture recycling hubs: the Amazon Basin, the Congo Rainforest, South Asia and the Indonesian Archipelago. Network motifs reveal contrasting functioning of these regions, where the Amazon strongly relies on directed connections (feed-forward loops) for moisture redistribution and the other hubs on reciprocal moisture connections (zero loops and neighboring loops). Earth's moisture recycling hubs are characterized by specific topologies shaping heterogeneous effects of land-use changes and climatic warming on precipitation patterns.
Fetal Echocardiographic Variables Associated with Perinatal Mortality in Truncus Arteriosus – A Pilot Study
Authors: Cox Kelly , Husain Nazia , Geiger Miwa , Jhaveri Simone , Berhane Haben
Published: March 2022

Background: Truncus arteriosus (TA) is a rare congenital heart defect that can be prenatally detected by fetal echocardiography. However, prognostication and prenatal counseling focus primarily on surgical outcomes due to limited fetal and neonatal pre-surgical mortality data. We aimed to describe the incidence and identify predictors of perinatal pre-surgical mortality in prenatally detected TA. Methods: This two-center, retrospective cohort study included fetuses diagnosed with TA between 01/2010 and 04/2020. The primary outcome was perinatal mortality, defined by fetal or neonatal pre-surgical death or transplantation prior to discharge. Univariable regression modeling and Chi-square test assessed for associations between prenatal clinical, demographic, and fetal-echo variables and perinatal mortality. Results: Of 23 pregnancies with prenatal diagnosis of TA, 4(17%) were terminated. Of the remaining 19, perinatal mortality occurred in 4(26%), including 2(11%) fetal deaths and 2(11%) neonatal pre-surgical deaths. No transplantation listings. Of liveborn fetuses(n=17), 15(88%) underwent a neonatal surgery, and 1(6%) required ECMO. As compared to the survivors, the perinatal mortality group had a higher likelihood of having left ventricular dysfunction (0%vs.40%;p=0.01), right ventricular dysfunction (0%vs.60%;p=0.002), cardiovascular profile score(CVP)<7(0%vs.40%;p=0.01), skin edema (0%vs.40%;p=0.01), and abnormal umbilical venous(UV) Doppler (60%vs.0%;p=0.002). Presence of truncal valve regurgitation or stenosis neared significance. Conclusion: In prenatally diagnosed TA, there is significant perinatal mortality, including fetal death and neonatal pre-surgical death. Termination rate is also high. Fetal echocardiographic variables associated with perinatal mortality include ventricular dysfunction, low CVP, skin edema, and abnormal UV Doppler. Knowledge about prenatal risk factors for perinatal mortality may guide parental counseling and guide postnatal planning in prenatally diagnosed TA.
Hearing in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): Audiogram, Sound Localization, and Ear Anatomy
Authors: Heffner Rickye S. , Koay Gimseong , Heffner Henry E. , Mason Matthew J.
Published: March 2022

The behavioral audiogram and sound localization performance, together with the middle and inner ear anatomy, were examined in African pygmy hedgehogs Atelerix albiventris. Their auditory sensitivity at 60 dB SPL extended from 2 kHz-46 kHz, revealing a relatively narrow hearing range of 4.6 octaves, with a best sensitivity of 21 dB at 8 kHz. Their noise-localization acuity around the midline (minimum audible angle) was 14°, matching the mean of terrestrial mammals. The African pygmy hedgehog was not able to localize low-frequency pure tones or a 3-kHz amplitude-modulated tone when forced to rely on the interaural phase-difference cue, a trait shared by at least nine other mammals. The middle ear of Atelerix has a primitive configuration including an unfused ectotympanic, a substantial pars flaccida, a synostosed malleo-tympanic articulation and a ‘microtype’ malleus. A similar malleus morphology, including a stiff articulation with the skull, is a consistent feature of other mammals that do not hear frequencies below 400 Hz. The hearing of A. albiventris is discussed relative to the broad range of hearing and sound localization abilities found in mammals.
Re-exploring the inflammation-related core genes and modules in cerebral ischemia
Authors: Lv Wenjing , Jiang Junqi , Xu Yi , Chen Zhiyuan , Wang Zixuan , Xing Ang , Zheng Xueping , Qu Tingting , Wan Qi
Published: March 2022

The genetic transcription profile of brain ischemic and reperfusion injury remains elusive. To address this, we used an integrative analysis approach including differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis, weighted-gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), and pathway and biological processes analysis to analyze data from the microarray studies of nine mice and five rats after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and six primary cell transcriptional datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We identified reperfusion as the main confounding factor in gene profile changes. Our analyses of pathway and biological processes revealed upregulated functional modules involved in inflammatory disequilibrium and thrombus formation. Astrocytes, microglia, and macrophages were the main contributors of inflammation-related gene changes. Novel core hubs implicated in negative regulation of inflammation (Zfp36, Nfkbiz, and Maff) were identified and validated. Collectively, these results expand our knowledge of the genetic profile involved in brain ischemia and reperfusion, highlighting the crucial role of inflammatory disequilibrium in brain ischemia.
Biodynamic Certification in Brazil
Authors: Vargas Rayan , Dörr Andréa , de Oliveira Jéssica , Franco Fernando
Published: March 2022

Background: The certification process was a legal milestone for Biodynamic agriculture, because through this standardization process, the principles initially proposed by Steiner for agriculture were legitimized. Through this aegis of legality, the associations and institutes of the biodynamic movement managed to establish themselves and grow in the 20th century, especially after the second world war. Due to the importance of this recognition, this article seeks to understand the trajectory of Biodynamic certification in Brazil, as well as the institutions linked to the certification process. Materials and methods: A descriptive study of the certification process was carried out, characterized by a study that focuses on precise and explicit objectives about the observed facts describing the characteristics of a phenomenon or group of individuals, in the research in question, the agents involved in the certification process, as well as the certifying institutions located in Brazil. Bibliographic research was also conducted on the theme and semi-structured interviews with agents of the Biodynamic movement in Brazil. Results: The history of Biodynamics in Brazil is by no means dissociated from the history of the movement started in 1924 by Steiner's agricultural course. The first immigrants to practice Biodynamic agriculture on Brazilian soil were German farmers who left their country of origin in 1939, a time of expansion of the Experimental Circle and full dissemination of Steiner's principles throughout the world, with the creation of associations in several countries. In Brazil, the audited certification process is 29 years old and is currently carried out by the Instituto de Certificação Biodinâmica (IBD). The Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), originating from the organic movement, has as diffusers the Biodynamic Agriculture Association and the Association of Biodynamic Farmers of the South.Conclusion: IBD moves away from the Biodynamic movement, embracing the different labels that meet the new food trends, acquiring a more entrepreneurial character, and abandoning the principles by which it was founded. The GSP is promising when it merges the legitimacy of the standard with more personal relationships allowing the exchange of knowledge among members, this ability to exchange knowledge brings it closer to the roots of the Biodynamic movement.
Long-term Neurologic Outcomes of COVID-19
Authors: Al-Aly Ziyad , Xie Yan , Xu Evan
Published: March 2022

The neurologic manifestations during the acute phase of COVID-19 are well characterized, but a comprehensive evaluation of the risks and burdens of post-acute neurologic disorders at 1-year after the initial infection has not been yet undertaken. Here we use national healthcare databases from the US Department of Veterans Affairs to build a cohort of 154,068 individuals with COVID-19 as well as two sets of control cohorts with 5,638,795 (contemporary controls) and 5,859,621 (historical controls) individuals to estimate risks and burdens of a set of pre-specified incident neurologic disorders at 12 months. Our results show that in the post-acute phase of COVID-19, there was increased risk of an array of neurologic disorders including stroke, cognition and memory disorders, peripheral nervous system disorders, episodic disorders (e.g., migraine and seizure), extrapyramidal and movement disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, sensory disorders, and other disorders including Guillain-Barré, and encephalitis or encephalopathy. The risks and burdens were significantly elevated even in people who did not require hospitalization during the acute phase of COVID-19. Taken together, our results provide evidence of increased risk of broad array of long-term neurologic disorders in people with COVID-19. This evidence will inform the management of the ongoing pandemic and guide post-acute COVID-19 clinical care and health care systems planning.
Fibravasc: a method to assess the vascularization of main white matter fiber tracts
Authors: Smirnov Mykyta , Maldonado Igor Lima , Destrieux Christophe
Published: March 2022

Advances in the techniques for assessing human cerebral white matter have recently contributed to greater attention to structural connectivity. Yet, little is known about the vascularization of most white matter fasciculi and the fascicular composition of the vascular territories. This paper presents an original method to label the arterial supply of macroscopic white matter fasciculi based on a standardized protocol for post-mortem injection of colored material combined with a novel fiber dissection technique. A detailed description of every step, from obtaining the specimen to image acquisition of its dissection, is provided. Injection and dissection results show the reproducibility and feasibility of the protocol. In addition, we discuss the challenges we faced and overcame during the development of the presented method, highlight its originality, and briefly review the white matter's place in modern clinical practice and research.
Girls’ education can be a driving force for the attainment of several sustainable development goals – A case study from Zimbabwe
Authors: G Venkatesh
Published: March 2022

Thanks to the collaboration among, and the dedication and determination of, entities committed to sustainable development in the developing world – Plan USA, an eminent American university and donors - a robust instance of sustainability, which can inspire several similar projects around the world, struck root in rural Zimbabwe during the pandemic. Centred on the education, health and welfare of girls, it shows tremendous promise in kick-starting progress towards a clutch of sustainable development goals. Intuitively, as well as empirically, it is at once clear that education – especially that of girls in the developing world countries – holds the key to ‘sustained and sustainable development’. While this is just a brief communication, actual progress can be measured using suitable metrics and indicators, in the future.
Aminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 1 induces microglial activation and M1 polarization via the MAPK-NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Oh Yebin , Jung Hak-Jun , Hong Seungwon , Cho Yerim , Cho Daeho , Kim Tae Sung
Published: March 2022

BackgroundActivation of microglia, which are the primary immune cell of the central nervous system, plays an important role in neuroinflammation associated with several neuronal diseases. Aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (ARS) complex-interacting multifunctional protein 1 (AIMP1), a structural component of the multienzyme ARS complex, is secreted to trigger a pro-inflammatory function and has been associated with several inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of AIMP1 on microglial activation remains unknown. ResultsAIMP1 elevated the expression levels of activation-related cell surface markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines in primary and BV-2 microglial cells. In addition to the AIMP1-mediated increase in the expression levels of M1 markers (interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-1β), the expression levels of CD68, an M1 cell surface molecule, were also increased in AIMP-1-treated microglial cells, while those of CD206, an M2 cell surface molecule, were decreased, indicating that AIMP1 triggers the polarization of microglial cells into the M1 state but not the M2 state. AIMP1 treatment induced the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), while MAPK inhibitors suppressed the AIMP1-induced microglial cell activation. AIMP1 also induced the phosphorylation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) components and nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65 subunit in microglial cells. Furthermore, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 inhibitors markedly suppressed the AIMP1-induced phosphorylation of NF-κB components as well as the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit, suggesting the involvement of JNK and p38 as upstream regulators of NF-κB in AIMP1-induced microglial cell activation.ConclusionAIMP1 effectively induces M1 microglial activation via the JNK and p38/NF-κB-dependent pathways. These results suggest that AIMP1 secreted under stress conditions may be a pathological factor that induces neuroinflammation.
TGFβ Treated Placenta Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Selectively Promote Anti-Adipogenesis in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Shin Hyun-Ah , Park Mira , Banga Jasvinder Paul , Lew Helen
Published: March 2022

Background
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) includes several ocular manifestations of the systemic autoimmune process, Graves’ disease. The key pathogenic cells are orbital fibroblasts (OFs). The OFs of most TAO patients are differentiated from pre-adipocytes to mature adipocytes, increased lipid and fat expansion are characteristic of ophthalmic disease. Human placental mesenchymal stem cells (hPMSCs) immunomodulate the pathogenesis. We previous showed that hPMSCs were therapeutic. Here, we prepared transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) treated hPMSCs (TGFβ-hPMSCs) to enhance adipogenesis inhibition in vitro and TAO mice.
Methods
To investigate anti-adipogenic effects in vitro, primary OFs were grown in differentiation medium for 2, 4, and 10 days. After co-cultur with hPMSCs and TGFβ-hPMSCs, the OFs were analyzed via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Oil red O staining and western blotting. Human PMSCs and TGFβ-hPMSCs were injected into the left orbits of TAO mice. We explored the anti-adipogenic pathway in play using SB431542, a TGFβ receptor kinase inhibitor.
Results
TGFβ-hPMSCs suppressed trrancription of the adipogenic, lipogenic, and fibrotic genes PPARγ, C/EBPα, LEPTIN, AP2, SREBP2, HMGCR, α-SMA, FIBRONECTIN and IL-17 more so than did hPMSCs when adipogenesis-induced primary TAO OFs. Moreover, in TAO mice injected with TGFβ-hPMSCs, the adipose area was reduced compared to that after injection, of hPMSCs or a steroid, and the expression levels of the Pparγ and C/ebpα were more effectively suppressed. These anti-adipogenic effects were mediated by the SMAD 2 and SMAD3 pathways both in vitro and in vivo. TGFβ-hPMSCs inhibited inflammation as effectively as did a steroid both in vitro and in vivo, and reduced in vitro fibrosis.
Conclusion
TGFβ-hPMSCs reduced adipogenesis and lipogenesis in in vitro and TAO mice with experimental indicating that TGFβ-hPMSCs could serve as cellular therapy for TAO patients. Furthermore, TGFβ-hPMSCs exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic functions and thus, could be used to treat muscle fibrosis in TAO patients.
Phylogeny and taxonomy of Spongipellis (Meripilaceae. Basidiomycota) and its micromorphological similar genera in Cerrenaceae
Authors: Wang Chao-Ge , Dai Yu-Cheng
Published: March 2022

Phylogenetic and morphological analyses on Spongipellis and its micromorphological similar genera, Irpiciporus, Pseudospongipellis and Radulodon, were carried out. Phylogenies on Spongipellis are reconstructed with multiple loci DNA sequences including the internal transcribed spacer regions (ITS), the large subunit (nLSU) and the small subunit (nSSU) of nuclear ribosomal RNA gene and the translation elongation factor 1-α gene (TEF1). The results demonstrate the polyphyly of Spongipellis, including two genera belong to different families, Pseudospongipellis gen. nov. is established including three new combinations. Three new species, Irpiciporus sinuosus, Radulodon yunnanensis and Spongipellis quercicola spp. nov., are described and illustrated.
Factors Influencing Children Under-Five Immunization Coverage and Acceptance among Mothers and Caregivers in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana
Authors: Djissem Patrick Elorm , Dalaba Maxwell Ayindenaba , Klu Desmond , Alhassan Robert Kaba , Immurana Mustapha , Manyeh Alfred Kwesi
Published: March 2022

Background: Immunization is a cost-effective process of improving child survival in developing countries through the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Childhood vaccination has shown to be effective in protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases. Even though Ghana has adopted the World Health Organisation (WHO) initiative of EPI, a considerable portion of childhood morbidity and mortality is due to vaccine-preventable diseases in certain municipalities. This study identified factors influencing immunization coverage and acceptance among children under-five years in the Hohoe municipality of Ghana. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana. A total of 416 mothers of children under-five years old were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires and entered into EpiData. The data was transferred into STATA 15 for cleaning and analysis. We conduct a descriptive statistical analysis to characterize the data and a simple logistic regression at 95% confidence interval was used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables of interest. The findings were presented in tables and charts with summary statistics.Results: A total of 70% of under-five children included in the study were fully immunized. All the basic vaccines recorded immunization coverage above 80%. While maternal age, ethnicity, educational level, and income were statistically significantly associated with under-five vaccination status, maternal age, ethnicity, educational level, employment status and income level were significant predictors of immunization acceptance among mothers and caregivers of children under-five.Conclusion: The immunization coverage of children under-five in the Hohoe municipality of Ghana is below the global recommended coverage of 80%. Maternal educational status, maternal age, ethnicity, employment status and income level were found to be significant predictors of both immunization coverage and acceptance. We recommend an immunisation health education interventions among pregnant women focusing on the significant findings from this study which may hopefully improve childhood immunisation uptake in the Hohoe Municipality of Ghana.
Association of telomere length with cognitive impairments
Authors: Diukov Yevhenii , Bachinskaya Natalia , Dzobak Andrii , Kholin Victor , Kyriachenko Yevheniia , Barsukov Oleksii , Zabuga Oksana , Krasnienkov Dmytro
Published: March 2022

Telomere attrition is attributed to Alzheimer's disease (AD), major depressive disorder, stress levels, physical inactivity, short sleep duration, and reduced educational abilities. In this article, we tried to assess the association between the telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes and level of cognitive impairment and its dependence on age and sex.Healthy subjects and patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and different AD stages were recruited in the study. All patients were assessed by the same standard diagnostic procedure, including neurological examination – Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Blood samples from 66 subjects (18 men and 48 women, mean age 71.2 ± 0.56 years) were collected for DNA extraction from peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMC). Relative telomere length (RTL) was measured by monochrome multiplex polymerase chain reaction.Obtained in the study data indicate that RTL in PBMCs has a statistically significant association with MMSE score (p<0.02). Moreover, the sex-specific difference was observed for the association between telomere length and various parameters of MMSE. Also, it has been found that a decrease in RTL by one unit is associated with an increase in the odds to get AD with the odds ratio of 2.54 (95% CI, 1.25 to 5.17).The results obtained in this research are in coherence with other studies that telomere length may be a valuable biomarker of cognitive decline. However, the potential need for longitudinal studies of telomere length to estimate the influence of hereditary and environmental factors remains.
“We don’t live in a harm reduction world, we live in a prohibition world”: tensions arising in the design of high-risk drug alerts
Authors: Volpe Isabelle , Brien Rita , Grigg Jasmin , Tzanetis Stephanie , Crawford Sione , Lyons Tom , Lee Nicole , McKinnon Ginny , Hughes Caitlin , Eade Alan , Barratt Monica J.
Published: March 2022

Background
Drug alerts designed for health workforces have potential to avert the acute harms associated with unpredictable illicit drug markets, by preparing workers to respond to unusual drug-related events and distribute information to service users. However, the design of such alerts is complicated by the socio-political contexts in which they operate. Here, we discuss the tensions that arose through the process of co-designing drug alert templates with healthcare workers.
Methods
We conducted four in-depth digital co-design workshops with 31 workers employed in alcohol and other drug and urgent care settings. Our approach to analysis was informed by Iterative Categorisation and reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
We identified five key tensions. First, there is a need to provide comprehensive information to meet the information needs of a diverse group of workers with varying knowledge levels, while also designing alerts to be clear, concise and relevant to the work of individuals. Second, it is important that alerts do not create ‘information overload’, however it is also important that information should be available to those who want it. Third, alert design and dissemination must be perceived to be credible, to avoid ‘alert scepticism’, however credibility is challenging to develop in a broader context of criminalisation, stigmatisation, and sensationalism. Fourth, alerts must be carefully designed to achieve ‘intended effects’ and avoid unintended effects, while acknowledging that it is impossible to control all potential effects. Finally, while alerts may be intended for an audience of healthcare workers, people who use drugs are the end-user and must be kept front of mind in the design process.
Conclusions
The co-design process revealed complexities in designing drug alerts, particularly in the context of stigmatised illicit drug use, workforce diversity, and dissemination strategies. This study has highlighted the value of developing these important risk communication tools with their target audiences to ensure that they are relevant, useful, and impactful. The findings have informed the development of our drug alert prototypes and provide local context to complement existing best-practice risk-communications literature.
Study on Thermal Insulation and Seismic Effect for Fault-crossing Tunnel in High Geothermal Area
Authors: Cui Guangyao , Shi Wenhao
Published: March 2022

The fault-crossing tunnel in high geothermal areas can be severely damaged under strong earthquake. In this paper, numerical models were established in Flac3d to investigate the thermal insulation and seismic effects under the strong earthquake when using highly damped composite structure. The results showed that the thermal insulation effect of the plain concrete, the plain concrete highly damped composite structure and the steel fiber concrete highly damped composite structure were almost the same, which the plain concrete highly damped composite structure was slightly better. After applying the highly damped composite structure, the maximum principal stresses on the lining decreased, it showed that highly damped composite structure could enhance the seismic effect of tunnel. The safety factor of steel fiber concrete highly damped composite structure was 2.420, which was a 28.14% increase compared to plain concrete. Based on numerical simulations, the thermal insulation and seismic effect of steel fiber concrete highly damped composite structure was better than other seismic measures. The research can provide a reference for the design of thermal insulation and anti-earthquake for fault-crossing tunnel under strong earthquake in high geothermal area.