bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE BRUNEL MOOD SCALE IN TURKISH ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS ATHLETES
Authors: SOYLU Yusuf , ARSLAN Erşan , KİLİT Bülent
Published: June 2022

The aim of the present study is to examine at the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Brunel Mood Scale for adult and adolescent athletes. The study included 602 adolescent athletes ages 14.6 2.7 (female: 377, age=14.7 2.3 and male: 225, age=14.6 3.4) and 24.7 7.0 (female: 215, age= 24.0 6.4 and male: 200, age= 25.3 7.2) and 415 adult athletes (age= 25.3 7.2). The Brunel Mood Scale consists of six sub-dimensions and comprises 24-item assessments in adult (BRUNEL-TY) and adolescent (BRUNEL-TE) forms. According to the findings of the study, the fit index values of the BRUNEL-TY form were 2/sd=3.00; P.01, SRMR=.070, RMESA=.068, CFI=.92, NNFI=.90, while the fit index values of the BRUNEL-TE form were 2/sd=3.01; P.01, SRMR=.047, RMESA=.058, CFI=.94, NNFI. According to the findings, the Turkish version of the Brunel Mood Scale had acceptable psychometric performance and could be utilized as a valid and reliable assessment instrument in the setting of Turkish adult and adolescent athletes.
First Record of Nitzschia navis-varingica in the Sea of Marmara
Authors: DEVELİ Elif Eker , KIDEYŞ Ahmet Erkan
Published: June 2022

We report the first occurrence of a diatom species, Nitzschia navis-varingica in the Sea of Marmara. Previously, this species was observed in the Mediterranean Sea in 2016. Samples were collected from the coast of Darıca, Istanbul, Turkey, on 22 June 2021 during a large-scale mucilage event. The species was isolated, cultured under laboratory conditions, and investigated with scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy.
Tratamiento del Edema, uso racional y fisiológico de diuréticos
Authors: Tapia Hugo R.
Published: June 2022

Los diuréticos son agentes farmacológicos utilizados para tratar pacientes que desarrollan retención de sodio y edema. Los diuréticos actúan en sitios específicos en el nefrón, y cuyo efecto es disminuir la reabsorción de sodio y facilitar su excreción renal. Su uso racional y fisiológico requiere un conocimiento básico de su farmacocinética y farmacodinámica, así como de sus posibles efectos secundarios y complicaciones. Aunque los diuréticos se usan en condiciones no edematosas, el enfoque principal de este artículo es el uso de diuréticos en situaciones clínicas caracterizadas por la expansión del compartimiento extracelular con desarrollo de edema.
Computing Method for Sum of Geometric Series and Binomial Expansions
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: June 2022

This paper present a computing technique for sum of the summation of geometric series in an innovative. The sum of geometric series with exponents of two plays a vital role in the field of combinatorics including binomial coefficients. The multiple summations of series of binomial coefficients or computation of multiple binomial expansions are equal to the exponents of two. This computing method is introduced in this article.
Metascan: METabolic Analysis, SCreening and ANnotation of Metagenomes
Authors: Cremers Geert , Jetten Mike S. M. , Op den Camp Huub J. M. , Lücker Sebastian
Published: June 2022

Large scale next generation metagenomic sequencing of complex environmental samples paves the way for detailed analysis of nutrient cycles in ecosystems. For such an analysis, large scale unequivocal annotation is a prerequisite, which however is increasingly hampered by growing databases and analysis time. Hereto, we created a hidden Markov model (HMM) database by clustering proteins according to their KEGG indexing. HMM profiles for key genes of specific metabolic pathways and nutrient cycles were organized in subsets to be able to analyze each important elemental cycle separately. An important motivation behind the clustered database was to enable a high degree of resolution for annotation, while decreasing database size and analysis time. Here, we present Metascan, a new tool that can fully annotate and analyze deeply sequenced samples with an average analysis time of 11 min per genome for a publicly available dataset containing 2,537 genomes, and 1.1 min per genome for nutrient cycle analysis of the same sample. Metascan easily detected general proteins like cytochromes and ferredoxins, and additional pmoCAB operons were identified that were overlooked in previous analyses. For a mock community, the BEACON (F1) score was 0.72–0.93 compared to the information in NCBI GenBank. In combination with the accompanying database, Metascan provides a fast and useful annotation and analysis tool, as demonstrated by our proof-of-principle analysis of a complex mock community metagenome.
Graphene Substrates Promote the Differentiation of Inner Ear Lgr5+ Progenitor Cells Into Hair Cells
Authors: Ding Xiaoqiong , Hu Yangnan , Cheng Hong , Zhang Xiaoli , Lu Ling , Gao Song , Cheng Cheng , Wang Lifen , Qian Xiaoyun , Zhang Chen , Chai Renjie , Gao Xia , Huang Zhichun
Published: June 2022

The ideal treatment for sensory hearing loss is to regenerate inner ear hair cells (HCs) through stem cell therapy, thereby restoring the function and structure of the cochlea. Previous studies have found that Lgr5+ supporting cells (SCs) in the inner ear can regenerate HCs, thus being considered inner ear progenitor cells. In addition to traditional biochemical factors, physical factors such as electrical conductivity also play a crucial role in the regulation of stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, the graphene substrates were used to culture Lgr5+ progenitor cells and investigated their regulatory effects on cells. It was demonstrated that the graphene substrates displayed great cytocompatibility for Lgr5+ progenitors and promoted their sphere-forming ability. Moreover, more Myosin7a+ cells were found on the graphene substrates compared with tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS). These results suggest that graphene is an efficient interface that can promote the differentiation of Lgr5+ progenitors into HCs, which is great significance for its future application in combination with Lgr5+ cells to regenerate HCs in the inner ear.
Revenue-Sharing Contract Design for Construction Onsite Equipment Sharing
Authors: Liu Zhi , Wang Hongwei , Xie Yong
Published: June 2022

Equipment sharing between contractors can relieve equipment shortages and enhance construction productivity. Previous studies focused on how to allocate cooperative gains of resource sharing among contractors, and yet how to ensure the owner and contractors form a coalition that contributes to maximizing resource-sharing gains still needs to be studied. This article examines the contract design problem of motivating the contractors and owner to willingly cooperate to increase the amount of shared equipment to an optimal level to maximize the project’s overall gain through equipment sharing. First, two trilateral equipment-sharing game models including a critical contractor, a non-critical contractor, and the owner are developed, which represent contractors’ different leadership positions in equipment sharing. Then, a set of revenue-sharing contracts are devised to compensate the contractors’ equipment-sharing cost and the owner’s extra duration reward cost by reassigning the consequently increased operation income. Eventually, a numerical study demonstrates that the proposed contracts can prompt members to make decisions according to an optimal solution to maximize the overall gains of equipment sharing, and each member’s gain and the construction duration compression are improved. This article contributes to onsite resource management by introducing a revenue-sharing contract to fairly compensate construction members’ equipment-sharing costs to achieve optimal cooperative gains.
Intra-Host Diversity of Dengue Virus in Mosquito Vectors
Authors: Bifani Amanda Makha , Siriphanitchakorn Tanamas , Choy Milly M.
Published: June 2022

Dengue virus (DENV) is the most common arbovirus, causing a significant burden on both the economy and global healthcare systems. The virus is transmitted by Aedes species of mosquitoes as a swarm of closely related virus genomes, collectively referred to as a quasispecies. The level of genomic diversity within this quasispecies varies as DENV moves through various ecological niches within its transmission cycle. Here, the factors that influence the level of DENV quasispecies diversity during the course of infection in the mosquito vectors are reviewed.
GW4064 Alters Gut Microbiota Composition and Counteracts Autism-Associated Behaviors in BTBR T+tf/J Mice
Authors: Liu Jiayin , Liu Chuanqi , Gao Zhanyuan , Zhou Lianyu , Gao Junwei , Luo Yi , Liu Tianyao , Fan Xiaotang
Published: June 2022

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is considered a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant social, communication, and behavioral impairments. The gut microbiota is increasingly considered a promising therapeutic target in ASD. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) has recently been shown to modulate the gut microbiota. We hypothesized that FXR agonist GW4064 could ameliorate behavioral deficits in an animal model for autism: BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse. As expected, administration of GW4064 rescued the sociability of BTBR mice in the three-chamber sociability test and male-female social reciprocal interaction test, while no effects were observed in C57BL/6J mice. We also found that GW4064 administration increased fecal microbial abundance and counteracted the common ASD phenotype of a high Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in BTBR mice. In addition, GW4064 administration reversed elevated Lactobacillus and decreased Allobaculum content in the fecal matter of BTBR animals. Our findings show that GW4064 administration alleviates social deficits in BTBR mice and modulates selective aspects of the composition of the gut microbiota, suggesting that GW4064 supplementation might prove a potential strategy for improving ASD symptoms.
Geochemical Negative Emissions Technologies: Part I. Review
Authors: Campbell James S. , Foteinis Spyros , Furey Veronica , Hawrot Olivia , Pike Daniel , Aeschlimann Silvan , Maesano Cara N. , Reginato Paul L. , Goodwin Daniel R. , Looger Loren L. , Boyden Edward S. , Renforth Phil
Published: June 2022

Over the previous two decades, a diverse array of geochemical negative emissions technologies (NETs) have been proposed, which use alkaline minerals for removing and permanently storing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Geochemical NETs include CO2 mineralization (methods which react alkaline minerals with CO2, producing solid carbonate minerals), enhanced weathering (dispersing alkaline minerals in the environment for CO2 drawdown) and ocean alkalinity enhancement (manipulation of ocean chemistry to remove CO2 from air as dissolved inorganic carbon). CO2 mineralization approaches include in situ (CO2 reacts with alkaline minerals in the Earth's subsurface), surficial (high surface area alkaline minerals found at the Earth's surface are reacted with air or CO2-bearing fluids), and ex situ (high surface area alkaline minerals are transported to sites of concentrated CO2 production). Geochemical NETS may also include an approach to direct air capture (DAC) that harnesses surficial mineralization reactions to remove CO2 from air, and produce concentrated CO2. Overall, these technologies are at an early stage of development with just a few subjected to field trials. In Part I of this work we have reviewed the current state of geochemical NETs, highlighting key features (mineral resources; processes; kinetics; storage durability; synergies with other NETs such as DAC, risks; limitations; co-benefits, environmental impacts and life-cycle assessment). The role of organisms and biological mechanisms in enhancing geochemical NETs is also explored. In Part II, a roadmap is presented to help catalyze the research, development, and deployment of geochemical NETs at the gigaton scale over the coming decades.
Move With the Theremin: Body Posture and Gesture Recognition Using the Theremin in Loose-Garment With Embedded Textile Cables as Antennas
Authors: Bello Hymalai , Zhou Bo , Suh Sungho , Sanchez Marin Luis Alfredo , Lukowicz Paul
Published: June 2022

We present a novel intelligent garment design approach for body posture/gesture detection in the form of a loose-fitting blazer prototype, “the MoCaBlazer.” The design is realized by leveraging conductive textile antennas with the capacitive sensing modality, supported by an open-source electronic theremin system (OpenTheremin). The use of soft textile antennas as the sensing element allows flexible garment design and seamless tech-garment integration for the specific structure of different clothes. Our novel approach is evaluated through two experiments involving defined movements (20 arm/torso gestures and eight dance movements). In cross-validation, the classification model yields up to 97.18% average accuracy and 92% f1-score, respectively. We have also explored real-time inference enabled by a radio frequency identification (RFID) synchronization method, yielding an f1-score of 82%. Our approach opens a new paradigm for designing motion-aware smart garments with soft conductive textiles beyond traditional approaches that rely on tight-fitting flexible sensors or rigid motion sensor accessories.
Distinct Contribution of Global and Regional Angiotensin II Type 1a Receptor Inactivation to Amelioration of Aortopathy in Tgfbr1M318R/+ Mice
Authors: Bramel Emily E. , Bagirzadeh Rustam , Saqib Muzna , Creamer Tyler J. , Espinoza Camejo Wendy A. , Roker LaToya Ann , Pardo Habashi Jennifer , Dietz Harry C. , Gallo MacFarlane Elena
Published: June 2022

Angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1R) signaling controls both physiological and pathogenetic responses in the vasculature. In mouse models of Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), a hereditary disorder characterized by aggressive aortic aneurysms, treatment with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) prevents aortic root dilation and associated histological alterations. In this study we use germline and conditional genetic inactivation of Agtr1a (coding for the AT1a receptor) to assess the effect of systemic and localized AT1R signaling attenuation on aortic disease in a mouse model of LDS (Tgfbr1M318R/+). Aortic diameters and histological features were examined in control and Tgfbr1M318R/+ mice with either germline or Mef2CSHF-Cre mediated genetic inactivation of Agtr1a, the latter resulting in deletion in second heart field (SHF)-derived lineages in the aortic root and proximal aorta. Both systemic and regional AT1R signaling attenuation resulted in reduction of diameters and improvement of tissue morphology in the aortic root of LDS mice; these outcomes were associated with reduced levels of Smad2/3 and ERK phosphorylation, signaling events previously linked to aortic disease in LDS. However, regional AT1a inactivation in SHF-derived lineages resulted in a more modest reduction in aortic diameters relative to the more complete effect of germline Agtr1a deletion, which was also associated with lower blood pressure. Our findings suggest that the therapeutic effects of AT1R antagonisms in preclinical models of aortic disease depend on both regional and systemic factors and suggest that combinatorial approaches targeting both processes may prove beneficial for aneurysm mitigation.
Hydrocarbon Generation and Accumulation in the South Junggar Basin, Northwest China: Insights From Basin Modeling
Authors: Liu Yuming , Lu Xuesong , Zhao Mengjun , Zhuo Qingong , Gui Lili
Published: June 2022

The South Junggar foreland basin (SJFB) is characterized by fold-and-thrust deformation caused by the Cenozoic India–Tibet collision and uplift of the Tianshan Mountains. The tectonic deformation and hydrocarbon accumulation in this region show east-west, north-south, and vertical zoning. Four sets of source rocks are present in the basin, which are middle Permian, Middle–Early Jurassic, Early Cretaceous, and Paleogene in age. The various source rocks are vertically stacked and thus form a composite petroleum system. Due to differences in source rock distribution, hydrocarbon generation, and structural trap formation, the accumulation and distribution of oil and gas is spatially variable. In this study, we presented a detailed analysis of hydrocarbon generation and accumulation in the SJFB based on a combined basin modeling work both in 1D, 2D, and 3D single-well 1D modeling with measured temperature, and Ro data provide the suggested parameters, especially heat flow and erosion thickness, and then a simple 3D model was established based on the thickness maps of each formation and previous work on heat flow distribution. After 3D modeling, the results are rechecked with measured data and finally the source rock maturity map is obtained. By using the advanced “Block” function, the 2D modeling of complicated compressional structural sections has been successfully carried out. Four types of burial and thermal evolution history have been classified, which correspond to the different hydrocarbon phase and maturity. The heterogeneous distribution of oil and gas reflects the variable source rock distribution and maturity evolution, relative timing of hydrocarbon generation, and formation of structural traps. The timing of structural trap formation in the second and third row of anticlines was later than the main phase of hydrocarbon generation, which may explain the poor exploration outcomes in the SJFB. The result indicates that Jurassic and Cretaceous formations in the middle segment of the fold-and-thrust belt in the SJFB are the most favorable combination for hydrocarbon accumulations and have high potential for gas exploration.
Policymakers’ Views of Future-Oriented Skills in Science Education
Authors: Ioannidou Olga , Erduran Sibel
Published: June 2022

The rapid changes in science and society during the last decade have demonstrated the need for readiness to address the uncertain future through the development of future-oriented skills. Despite previous attempts, there is still no consensus regarding what is meant by “future-oriented skills” and how these could be integrated into science curricula. Stakeholders’ views about what future-oriented skills are and how they should be taught would provide a clearer understanding of their needs and their perceived characteristics of effective new teaching approaches. Thus, given the pivotal role that policymakers play in education policies, this study investigated the views of 35 policymakers based in the United Kingdom, Italy, Finland, and Lithuania. Participants completed an online survey that elicited their views on future-oriented skills, as well as ways of integrating them into national science curricula. The data analysis included descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis based on the principles of thematic analysis. The qualitative analysis followed a combination of inductive and deductive coding approaches. The findings of this study highlight that among other skills, participants stressed the need for introducing problem-solving and critical thinking in science classrooms in order to better address the uncertainty of future challenges, such as environmental issues. Therefore, policymakers seem to agree that there is a need for moving away from traditional teacher-centred approaches when teaching future-oriented skills. These results provide valuable insights into policymakers’ needs and expectations. In doing so, this study can serve as a starting point for a systematic approach toward integrating future-oriented skills into science curricula.
Hybrid Teaching: Conceptualization Through Practice for the Post COVID19 Pandemic Education
Authors: Ulla Mark Bedoya , Perales William Franco
Published: June 2022

While a number of studies have previously conceptualized hybrid teaching, often used interchangeably with blended learning during the pre-COVID19 pandemic, hybrid teaching has been undertheorized and unexplored during and post-COVID19 pandemic when schools have slowly opened their classrooms for students. This paper explores the concept of hybrid teaching (also referred to as hybrid classroom instruction and hybrid learning) and how such teaching methodology is different from blended learning, fully online, and remote teaching by presenting a teacher’s practice during the COVID19 pandemic. Although our goal is to identify clearly what hybrid teaching is, we do not intend to offer a definite conceptualization and practice of hybrid teaching as teaching is context-dependent. However, we argue that hybrid teaching has the potential to be one of the teaching methodologies in the post COVID19 pandemic education, especially when schools and universities are in the transition back to residential classroom teaching.
Meta-Analysis of Relationship of Sleep Quality and Duration With Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zheng Zhenzhen , Wang Chaoyu , Li Chunhe , Wu Qinglan , Chen Xiaojuan , Chen Huimin , Liao Huizhao , Zhu Jinru , Lin Junyan , Ou Xudong , Zou Zhihong , Liang Jinhua , Chen Riken
Published: June 2022

Objective

A meta-analysis is used to explore the relationship of sleep quality and duration with the risk of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Method

Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and other databases are searched from their establishment to April 2022. Literature on the relationship of sleep quality and duration with DR risk published in various databases is collected, and two researchers independently screen the literature, extract data, and evaluate the quality of the included articles. The meta-analysis is performed with Review Manage 5.4.1 software.

Results

A total of 7 articles are selected, including 4,626 subjects. The results show a strong correlation between sleep quality and DR risk. When comparing the sleep quality scores of “DR” (experimental group) and “NO DR” (control group), the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI) score of the DR group is significantly higher than that of the NO DR group (MD = 2.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.92, 3.78, P<0.001), while the ESS score of the DR group is also significantly higher than that of the NO DR group (MD = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14 to 2.30, P=0.04), so the sleep quality score of the DR group is higher than that of the NO DR group in both the PSQI and ESS scores, which confirms that low sleep quality is a risk factor for DR. Long sleep duration is also associated with the risk of developing DR; the number of adverse events (DR prevalence) is higher for “long sleep duration” than “normal sleep duration” [OR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.36–2.47, P < 0.001], suggesting that long sleep duration can cause increased DR risk. Short sleep duration is also associated with the occurrence of DR [OR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.15–1.94), P = 0.003] and can increase DR risk.

Conclusion

Sleep quality and duration (including long and short sleep duration) are significantly associated with DR. To reduce DR risk, sleep intervention should be actively carried out, lifestyle changes should be made, and attention should be paid to the role of DR management.
Sustainable Environmental Management Through a Municipal Solid Waste Charging Scheme: A Hong Kong Perspective
Authors: Cheng Cuicui , Zhou You , Zhang Lin
Published: June 2022

Municipal solid waste (MSW) charging is a method of waste management that involves charging residents for garbage disposal. Due to the increasing levels of MSW, Hong Kong has planned to implement an MSW charging scheme in 2023. This article evaluates the potential efficacy and challenges of an MSW charging scheme in Hong Kong. We first summarize the experiences from Taipei and Seoul, which are two typical cities that have successfully implemented the charging scheme to handle MSW. Strong enforcement and good supportive resources in the two cities have resulted in highly effective MSW management. We then provide an IPAT analysis of the urgency of Hong Kong’s MSW concerns and a PEST analysis of the readiness of Hong Kong to implement MSW charging. We highlight the challenges with actionable suggestions for sustainable environmental management.
Gene Therapy: The Next-Generation Therapeutics and Their Delivery Approaches for Neurological Disorders
Authors: Paul Abhik , Collins Michael G. , Lee Hye Young
Published: June 2022

Neurological conditions like neurodevelopmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases are quite complex and often exceedingly difficult for patients. Most of these conditions are due to a mutation in a critical gene. There is no cure for the majority of these neurological conditions and the availability of disease-modifying therapeutics is quite rare. The lion’s share of the treatments that are available only provide symptomatic relief, as such, we are in desperate need of an effective therapeutic strategy for these conditions. Considering the current drug development landscape, gene therapy is giving us hope as one such effective therapeutic strategy. Consistent efforts have been made to develop gene therapy strategies using viral and non-viral vectors of gene delivery. Here, we have discussed both of these delivery methods and their properties. We have summarized the relative advantages and drawbacks of viral and non-viral vectors from the perspectives of safety, efficiency, and productivity. Recent developments such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9-mediated gene editing and its use in vivo have been described here as well. Given recent advancements, gene therapy shows great promise to emerge as a next-generation therapeutic for many of the neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions.
The Epigenetic Regulation of Nonhistone Proteins by SETD7: New Targets in Cancer
Authors: Chiang Chengyao , Yang Heng , Zhu Lizhi , Chen Chunlan , Chen Cheng , Zuo You , Zheng Duo
Published: June 2022

Epigenetic modifications are essential mechanism by which to ensure cell homeostasis. One such modification is lysine methylation of nonhistone proteins by SETD7, a mono-methyltransferase containing SET domains. SETD7 methylates over 30 proteins and is thus involved in various classical pathways. As such, SETD7 has been implicated in both the basic functions of normal tissues but also in several pathologies, such as cancers. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of SETD7 substrates, especially transcriptional-related proteins and enzymes, and their putative roles upon SETD7-mediated methylation. We focus on the role of SETD7 in cancers, and speculate on the possible points of intervention and areas for future research.
Adaptive Control of the Meiotic Recombination Landscape by DNA Site-dependent Hotspots With Implications for Evolution
Authors: Protacio Reine U. , Davidson Mari K. , Wahls Wayne P.
Published: June 2022

Meiosis is an essential component of the sexual life cycle in eukaryotes. The independent assortment of chromosomes in meiosis increases genetic diversity at the level of whole chromosomes and meiotic recombination increases genetic diversity within chromosomes. The resulting variability fuels evolution. Interestingly, global mapping of recombination in diverse taxa revealed dramatic changes in its frequency distribution between closely related species, subspecies, and even isolated populations of the same species. New insight into mechanisms for these evolutionarily rapid changes has come from analyses of environmentally induced plasticity of recombination in fission yeast. Many different DNA sites, and where identified their binding/activator proteins, control the positioning of recombination at hotspots. Each different class of hotspots functions as an independently controlled rheostat that modulates rates of recombination over a broad dynamic range in response to changing conditions. Together, this independent modulation can rapidly and dramatically alter the global frequency distribution of recombination. This process likely contributes substantially to (i.e., can largely explain) evolutionarily rapid, Prdm9-independent changes in the recombination landscape. Moreover, the precise control mechanisms allow cells to dynamically favor or disfavor newly arising combinations of linked alleles in response to changing extracellular and intracellular conditions, which has striking implications for the impacts of meiotic recombination on evolution.
BATF3 Protects Against Metabolic Syndrome and Maintains Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis
Authors: Hamade Hussein , Stamps Jasmine T. , Stamps Dalton T. , More Shyam K. , Thomas Lisa S. , Blackwood Anna Y. , Lahcene Nawele L. , Castanon Sofi L. , Salumbides Brenda C. , Shimodaira Yosuke , Goodridge Helen S. , Targan Stephan R. , Michelsen Kathrin S.
Published: June 2022

The intestinal immune system and microbiota are emerging as important contributors to the development of metabolic syndrome, but the role of intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) in this context is incompletely understood. BATF3 is a transcription factor essential in the development of mucosal conventional DCs type 1 (cDC1). We show that Batf3-/- mice developed metabolic syndrome and have altered localization of tight junction proteins in intestinal epithelial cells leading to increased intestinal permeability. Treatment with the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-glucose reduced intestinal inflammation and restored barrier function in obese Batf3-/- mice. High-fat diet further enhanced the metabolic phenotype and susceptibility to dextran sulfate sodium colitis in Batf3-/- mice. Antibiotic treatment of Batf3-/- mice prevented metabolic syndrome and impaired intestinal barrier function. Batf3-/- mice have altered IgA-coating of fecal bacteria and displayed microbial dysbiosis marked by decreased obesity protective Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium. Thus, BATF3 protects against metabolic syndrome and preserves intestinal epithelial barrier by maintaining beneficial microbiota.
A Rapid Molecular Assay for Detecting the Mediterranean Fanworm Sabella spallanzanii Trialed by Non-Scientist Users
Authors: Zirngibl Martin , von Ammon Ulla , Pochon Xavier , Zaiko Anastasija
Published: June 2022

The invasive Mediterranean fanworm Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791) is a notifiable organism under New Zealand’s Biosecurity Act and is recognized as a marine pest of particular concern, that must be reported to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), New Zealand. Since its first detection in 2008, great effort and financial resources are put into surveillance and removal of individuals to contain population growth and spread. Sensitive molecular detection techniques gain great interest and are being increasingly tested for the fanworm detection in marine high-risk sites (i.e., ports and marinas) around New Zealand. However, conventional molecular detection via PCR assays from environmental DNA (eDNA) samples requires specific laboratory resources and technical expertise. This restricts the wider applicability of this approach by biosecurity practitioners or communities willing to be engaged in biosecurity surveillance. To provide end-users with a fast, easy and highly specific way to detect S. spallanzanii directly at the site of interest, a species-specific recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay was designed to be read-out with lateral flow strips (RPA-LF). The RPA generates amplification within 20 minutes at 37-39°C, with a detection limit of 10 pg of the target DNA and was matching the detection limit of digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) when performed on eDNA samples. A simplified visual protocol for non-scientist users of the assay was developed and improved through independent trials with different end-user groups. The assay applicability was verified in a final validation trial with participants without scientific background resulting in 50 percent of the participants successfully detecting S. spallanzanii. Participants rated the ease of use and performance and read-out mostly as easy-to-very easy with overall positive written feedback on its usability for citizen science applications.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Detect Early Neoplasia in Barrett's Esophagus: A Non-comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tan Jin Lin , Chinnaratha Mohamed Asif , Woodman Richard , Martin Rory , Chen Hsiang-Ting , Carneiro Gustavo , Singh Rajvinder
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the performance of AI at detecting early Barrett's neoplasia.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials database from inception to the 28th Jan 2022 to identify studies on the detection of early Barrett's neoplasia using AI. Study quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies – 2 (QUADAS-2). A random-effects model was used to calculate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostics odds ratio (DOR). Forest plots and a summary of the receiving operating characteristics (SROC) curves displayed the outcomes. Heterogeneity was determined by I2, Tau2 statistics and p-value. The funnel plots and Deek's test were used to assess publication bias.

Results

Twelve studies comprising of 1,361 patients (utilizing 532,328 images on which the various AI models were trained) were used. The SROC was 0.94 (95% CI: 0.92–0.96). Pooled sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio were 90.3% (95% CI: 87.1–92.7%), 84.4% (95% CI: 80.2–87.9%) and 48.1 (95% CI: 28.4–81.5), respectively. Subgroup analysis of AI models trained only on white light endoscopy was similar with pooled sensitivity and specificity of 91.2% (95% CI: 85.7–94.7%) and 85.1% (95% CI: 81.6%−88.1%), respectively.

Conclusions

AI is highly accurate at detecting early Barrett's neoplasia and validated for patients with at least high-grade dysplasia and above. Further well-designed prospective randomized controlled studies of all histopathological subtypes of early Barrett's neoplasia are needed to confirm these findings further.
Spleen Transient Elastography and Damping Index Identify a Subgroup of Patients Without an Acute or Chronic Response to Beta-Blockers
Authors: Llop Elba , Perelló Christie , Fontanilla Teresa , de la Revilla Juan , Conde Marta Hernández , López Marta , Minaya Javier , Ferre Carlos , Abad Javier , Carrillo Carlos Fernández , Martínez José Luís , Puga Natalia Fernández , Trapero María , Hajra Ismael El , Santos Elena , Calleja José Luis
Published: June 2022

Background and Aims

Monitoring of acute or chronic response to beta-blockers in patients with liver cirrhosis is based on the measurement of the HVPG. Our aim was to evaluate the response to beta-blockers with non-invasive techniques.

Patients and Methods

This is a prospective observational study. Consecutive patients with an indication of primary or secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding who did not meet exclusion criteria were included. Acute response and chronic response were evaluated. Baseline and after acute and chronic response hepatosplenic measurements of TE and ARFI were obtained. Contrast-enhanced Doppler ultrasound was performed before and after acute and chronic responses.

Results

From June 2015 to May 2018, 55 patients (14 with exclusion criteria) were included. We analyzed 41 patients, mean age 57 (SD: 8), 82.9% men, alcohol 43.9%, children A/B/C 78%/17.1%/4.9%, and 87.8% on primary prophylaxis. In all, the acute response was performed and was positive in 68.3% (CI 95: 55–85%). The chronic response was performed in 30 (73.2%) and was positive in 36.7% (CI 95: 18–55%). Basal measurements significantly related to acute response were spleen TE [responders 58.4 (SD: 23.0) KPa vs. non-responders 75 (SD: 0) KPa; p = 0.02] and damping index [non-responders 0.96 (0.8) vs. responders 0.44 (0.4), p = 0.01], and with chronic response, the spleen TE [responders 58.1 (SD: 21.4) KPa vs. non-responders 73.2 (SD: 5.5) KPa; p = 0.02], and damping index [non-chronic responders 0.8 (0.7) vs. chronic responders 0.4 (0.4), p = 0.04]. A spleen TE ≥ 74 KPa had a high sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 60% and a high NPV100% for predicting poor acute response to beta-blockers. The damping index > 0.6 showed moderate sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 69% with a high NPV of 82% for predicting poor acute response to beta-blockers. The combination of both measurements for predicting poor acute response to beta-blockers had an AUC of 0.8 (CI 95: 0.5–0.9). A spleen TE ≥ 74 KPa had a high sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 71% with a high NPV of 71% for predicting poor chronic response to beta-blockers. A damping index > 0.6 had moderate sensitivity of 60%, specificity of 82%, and NPV of 56% for predicting poor chronic response to beta-blockers. The combination of both measurements for predicting poor chronic response to beta-blockers had an AUC of 0.8 (CI 95: 0.7–0.9).

Conclusion

Spleen TE and damping index can identify a subgroup of patients with poor acute or chronic response to beta-blockers.
Cognitive Frailty as a Predictor of Mortality in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study in Peru
Authors: Vargas-Torres-Young Diego A. , Salazar-Talla Leslie , Cuba-Ruiz Sofia , Urrunaga-Pastor Diego , Runzer-Colmenares Fernando M. , Parodi Jose F.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To evaluate the role of cognitive frailty and its components as risk factors of mortality in older adults of the Centro Médico Naval (CEMENA) in Callao, Peru during 2010-2015.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort that included older adults (60 years and older) treated at the CEMENA Geriatrics service between 2010–2015. Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more criteria of the modified Fried Phenotype. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Peruvian version of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), considering a score <21 as cognitive impairment. Cognitive frailty was defined as the coexistence of both. In addition, we included sociodemographic characteristics, medical and personal history, as well as the functional evaluation of each participant.

Results

We included 1,390 older adults (mean follow-up: 2.2 years), with a mean age of 78.5 ± 8.6 years and 59.6% (n = 828) were male. Cognitive frailty was identified in 11.3% (n = 157) and 9.9% (n = 138) died during follow-up. We found that cognitive frailty in older adults (aHR = 3.57; 95%CI: 2.33–5.49), as well as its components, such as sedentary behavior and cognitive impairment (aHR = 7.05; 95%CI: 4.46–11.13), weakness and cognitive impairment (aHR = 6.99; 95%CI: 4.41–11.06), and exhaustion and cognitive impairment (aHR = 4.51; 95%CI: 3.11–6.54) were associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Conclusion

Cognitive frailty and its components were associated with a higher risk of mortality in older adults. It is necessary to develop longitudinal studies with a longer follow-up and that allow evaluating the effect of interventions in this vulnerable group of patients to limit adverse health outcomes, including increased mortality.
Incidence of COVID-19 Vaccination-Related Uveitis and Effects of Booster Dose in a Tertiary Uveitis Referral Center
Authors: Chew Milton C. , Wiryasaputra Shaan , Wu Meihui , Khor Wei Boon , Chan Anita S. Y.
Published: June 2022

Background

We report vaccine and booster-related uveitis in Singapore, a country with high vaccination and booster rates to highlight the differences and potential role of prophylactic treatment for sight-threatening infectious uveitis.

Methods

Clinical data extracted from the de-identified uveitis database in Singapore National Eye Center. Six patients (eight eyes) developed uveitis within 14 days after undergoing COVID-19 vaccination (primary and/or booster).

Results

All patients received two doses of COVID-19 vaccination, and 1.39% (6/431) developed COVID-19 vaccine-related uveitis. Fifty-percent% (3/6) with non-infectious anterior uveitis (NIAU) presented with a non-granulomatous anterior uveitis (AU). The remaining (3/6) presenting with a granulomatous AU were diagnosed with reactivation of cytomegalovirus, varicella-zoster virus and toxoplasma chorioretinitis, respectively. All the patients responded to definitive treatment specific to their diagnosis. The mean visual acuity at presentation was 0.36 ± 0.20 logMAR and improved to 0.75 ± 0.09 (p = 0.009). Mean time from vaccination to uveitis was 9.7 (range: 3–14) days. All patients developed uveitis after second vaccination dose. 16.67% (1/6) patients had a recurrence after the third booster dose. None of the three patients with infectious uveitis developed recurrence but had received maintenance therapy up to or during the booster.

Conclusion

Uveitis after COVID-19 vaccination is uncommon. In our series, a higher rate of reactivations of latent infections was seen. With definitive treatment, all cases were self-limited without systemic sequelae. Prophylactic treatment during booster vaccine may prevent reactivation of sight-threatening infections and reduce morbidity although risk-benefits should be considered for individual patients given the low rate of occurrence.
Novel Insights Into the Phylogeny and Biotechnological Potential of Weissella Species
Authors: Fanelli Francesca , Montemurro Marco , Chieffi Daniele , Cho Gyu-Sung , Franz Charles M. A. P. , Dell'Aquila Anna , Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Fusco Vincenzina
Published: June 2022

In this study, the genomes of the Weissella (W.) beninensis, W. diestrammenae, W. fabalis, W. fabaria, W. ghanensis, and W. uvarum type strains were sequenced and analyzed. Moreover, the ability of these strains to metabolize 95 carbohydrates was investigated, and the genetic determinants of such capability were searched within the sequenced genomes. 16S rRNA gene and genome-based-phylogeny of all the Weissella species described to date allowed a reassessment of the Weissella genus species groups. As a result, six distinct species groups within the genus, namely, W. beninensis, W. kandleri, W. confusa, W. halotolerans, W. oryzae, and W. paramesenteroides species groups, could be described. Phenotypic analyses provided further knowledge about the ability of the W. beninensis, W. ghanensis, W. fabaria, W. fabalis, W. uvarum, and W. diestrammenae type strains to metabolize certain carbohydrates and confirmed the interspecific diversity of the analyzed strains. Moreover, in many cases, the carbohydrate metabolism pathway and phylogenomic species group clustering overlapped. The novel insights provided in our study significantly improved the knowledge about the Weissella genus and allowed us to identify features that define the role of the analyzed type strains in fermentative processes and their biotechnological potential.
Aberrant Modulations of Neurocognitive Network Dynamics in Migraine Comorbid With Tinnitus
Authors: Lan Liping , Liu Yin , Xu Jin-Jing , Ma Di , Yin Xindao , Wu Yuanqing , Chen Yu-Chen , Cai Yuexin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The possible relationship between migraine and tinnitus still remains elusive although migraine is often accompanied by chronic tinnitus. Several neuroimaging studies have reinforced the cognitive network abnormality in migraine and probably as well as tinnitus. The present work aims to investigate the dynamic neurocognitive network alterations of migraine comorbid with tinnitus.

Materials and Methods

Participants included migraine patients (n = 32), tinnitus patients (n = 20), migraine with tinnitus (n = 27), and healthy controls (n = 47), matched for age and gender. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) with independent component analysis (ICA), sliding window cross-correlation, and clustering state analysis was used to detect the dynamic functional network connectivity (dFNC) of each group. Correlation analyses illustrated the association between clinical symptoms and abnormal dFNC in migraine as well as tinnitus.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, migraine patients exhibited decreased cerebellar network and visual network (CN-VN) connectivity in State 2; migraine with tinnitus patients showed not only decreased CN-VN connectivity in State 2 but also decreased cerebellar network and executive control network (CN-ECN) connectivity in State 2 and increased cerebellar network and somatomotor network (SMN-VN) connectivity in State 1. The abnormal cerebellum dFNC with the executive control network (CN-ECN) was negatively correlated with headache frequency of migraine (rho = −0.776, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Brain network characteristics of migraine with tinnitus patients may indicate different mechanisms for migraine and tinnitus. Our results demonstrated a transient pathologic state with atypical cerebellar-cortical connectivity in migraine with tinnitus patients, which might be used to identify the neuro-pathophysiological mechanisms in migraine accompanied by tinnitus.
Case Report: Novel CSF1R Variant in a Patient With Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia Syndrome With Prodromal Repetitive Scratching Behavior
Authors: Friedberg Adit , Ramos Eliana Marisa , Yang Zhongan , Bonham Luke W. , Yokoyama Jennifer S. , Ljubenkov Peter A. , Younes Kyan , Geschwind Daniel H. , Miller Bruce L.
Published: June 2022

CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease caused by mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R). Several studies have found that hematogenic stem cell transplantation is an effective disease modifying therapy however the literature regarding prodromal and early symptoms CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy is limited. We describe a 63-year-old patient with 4 years of repetitive scratching and skin picking behavior followed by 10 years of progressive behavioral, cognitive, and motor decline in a pattern suggesting behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia. Brain MRI demonstrated prominent frontal and parietal atrophy accompanied by underlying bilateral patchy white matter hyperintensities sparing the U fibers and cavum septum pellucidum. Whole-exome sequencing revealed a novel, predicted deleterious missense variant in a highly conserved amino acid in the tyrosine kinase domain of CSF1R (p.Gly872Arg). Given this evidence and the characteristic clinical and radiological findings this novel variant was classified as likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics standard guidelines. Detailed description of the prodromal scratching and skin picking behavior and possible underlying mechanisms in this case furthers knowledge about early manifestations of CSF1R-related leukoencephalopathy with the hope that early detection and timely administration of disease modifying therapies becomes possible.