bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure Injury Prevention in COVID-19 Patients With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Team Victoria , Team Lydia , Jones Angela , Teede Helena , Weller Carolina D.
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was identified in China in December 2019 and became a pandemic in a short period of time. While most infected people might have mild symptoms, older people and people with chronic illnesses may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Patients with ARDS with worsening hypoxemia require prone positioning to improve the respiratory mechanics and oxygenation. Intubated patients may stay in a prone position up to 12–16 h, increasing the risk of pressure injury (PI). Frequent skin inspections and PI risk assessment in COVID-19 patients will be challenging due to hospital infection control measures aimed to reduce the risk for health professionals. In this perspective article, we summarize the best practice recommendations for prevention of PI in SARS-CoV-2-infected ARDS patients in prone positioning. Prior to positioning patients in prone position, the main recommendations are to (1) conduct a skin assessment, (2) use pressure redistribution devices, (3) select an appropriate mattress or an overlay, (4) ensure that the endotracheal tube securing device is removed and the endotracheal tube is secured with tapes, (5) use a liquid film-forming protective dressing, and (6) lubricate the eyes and tape them closed. Once a patient is in prone position, it is recommended to (1) use the swimmer's position, (2) reposition the patient every 2 h, and (3) keep the skin clean. When the patient is repositioned to supine position, healthcare professionals are advised to (1) assess the pressure points and (2) promote early mobilization.
Promoter Methylation Leads to Decreased ZFP36 Expression and Deregulated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in Psoriatic Fibroblasts
Authors: Bertesi Matteo , Fantini Sebastian , Alecci Claudia , Lotti Roberta , Martello Andrea , Parenti Sandra , Carretta Chiara , Marconi Alessandra , Grande Alexis , Pincelli Carlo , Zanocco-Marani Tommaso
Published: January 2021

The mRNA-destabilizing protein tristetraprolin (TTP), encoded by the ZFP36 gene, is known to be able to end inflammatory responses by directly targeting and destabilizing mRNAs encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines. We analyzed its role in psoriasis, a disease characterized by chronic inflammation. We observed that TTP is downregulated in fibroblasts deriving from psoriasis patients compared to those deriving from healthy individuals and that psoriatic fibroblasts exhibit abnormal inflammasome activity compared to their physiological counterpart. This phenomenon depends on TTP downregulation. In fact, following restoration, TTP is capable of directly targeting for degradation NLRP3 mRNA, thereby drastically decreasing inflammasome activation. Moreover, we provide evidence that ZFP36 undergoes methylation in psoriasis, by virtue of the presence of long stretches of CpG dinucleotides both in the promoter and the coding region. Besides confirming that a perturbation of TTP expression might underlie the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we suggest that deregulated inflammasome activity might play a role in the disease alongside deregulated cytokine expression.
Plasticity of Carbohydrate Transport at the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: McMullen Ellen , Weiler Astrid , Becker Holger M. , Schirmeier Stefanie
Published: January 2021

Neuronal function is highly energy demanding, requiring efficient transport of nutrients into the central nervous system (CNS). Simultaneously the brain must be protected from the influx of unwanted solutes. Most of the energy is supplied from dietary sugars, delivered from circulation via the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Therefore, selective transporters are required to shuttle metabolites into the nervous system where they can be utilized. The Drosophila BBB is formed by perineural and subperineurial glial cells, which effectively separate the brain from the surrounding hemolymph, maintaining a constant microenvironment. We identified two previously unknown BBB transporters, MFS3 (Major Facilitator Superfamily Transporter 3), located in the perineurial glial cells, and Pippin, found in both the perineurial and subperineurial glial cells. Both transporters facilitate uptake of circulating trehalose and glucose into the BBB-forming glial cells. RNA interference-mediated knockdown of these transporters leads to pupal lethality. However, null mutants reach adulthood, although they do show reduced lifespan and activity. Here, we report that both carbohydrate transport efficiency and resulting lethality found upon loss of MFS3 or Pippin are rescued via compensatory upregulation of Tret1-1, another BBB carbohydrate transporter, in Mfs3 and pippin null mutants, while RNAi-mediated knockdown is not compensated for. This means that the compensatory mechanisms in place upon mRNA degradation following RNA interference can be vastly different from those resulting from a null mutation.
The Next Step in the Treatment of Stroke
Authors: Matei Nathanael , Camara Justin , Zhang John H.
Published: January 2021

Although many patients do not receive reperfusion therapy because of delayed presentation and/or severity and location of infarct, new reperfusion approaches are expanding the window of intervention. Novel application of neuroprotective agents in combination with the latest methods of reperfusion provide a path to improved stroke intervention outcomes. We examine why neuroprotective agents have failed to translate to the clinic and provide suggestions for new approaches. New developments in recanalization therapy in combination with therapeutics evaluated in parallel animal models of disease will allow for novel, intra-arterial deployment of therapeutic agents over a vastly expanded therapeutic time window and with greater likelihood success. Although the field of neuronal, endothelial, and glial protective therapies has seen numerous large trials, the application of therapies in the context of newly developed reperfusion strategies is still in its infancy. Given modern imaging developments, evaluation of the penumbra will likely play a larger role in the evolving management of stroke. Increasingly more patients will be screened with neuroimaging to identify patients with adequate collateral blood supply allowing for delayed rescue of the penumbra. These patients will be ideal candidates for therapies such as reperfusion dependent therapeutic agents that pair optimally with cutting-edge reperfusion techniques.
Genomic and Epigenetic Advances in Focal Cortical Dysplasia Types I and II: A Scoping Review
Authors: Jesus-Ribeiro Joana , Pires Luís Miguel , Melo João Daniel , Ribeiro Ilda Patrícia , Rebelo Olinda , Sales Francisco , Freire António , Melo Joana Barbosa
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs) are a group of malformations of cortical development that constitute a common cause of drug-resistant epilepsy, often subjected to neurosurgery, with a suboptimal long-term outcome. The past few years have witnessed a dramatic leap in our understanding of the molecular basis of FCD. This study aimed to provide an updated review on the genomic and epigenetic advances underlying FCD etiology, to understand a genotype–phenotype correlation and identify priorities to lead future translational research.

Methods: A scoping review of the literature was conducted, according to previously described methods. A comprehensive search strategy was applied in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to 07 May 2020. References were screened based on title and abstract, and posteriorly full-text articles were assessed for inclusion according to eligibility criteria. Studies with novel gene variants or epigenetic regulatory mechanisms in patients that underwent epilepsy surgery, with histopathological diagnosis of FCD type I or II according to Palmini's or the ILAE classification system, were included. Data were extracted and summarized for an overview of evidence.

Results: Of 1,156 candidate papers, 39 met the study criteria and were included in this review. The advent of next-generation sequencing enabled the detection in resected FCD tissue of low-level brain somatic mutations that occurred during embryonic corticogenesis. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, involved in neuronal growth and migration, is the key player in the pathogenesis of FCD II. Somatic gain-of-function variants in MTOR and its activators as well as germline, somatic, and second-hit mosaic loss-of-function variants in its related repressors have been reported. However, the genetic background of FCD type I remains elusive, with a pleomorphic repertoire of genes affected. DNA methylation and microRNAs were the two epigenetic mechanisms that proved to have a functional role in FCD and may represent molecular biomarkers.

Conclusion: Further research into the possible pathogenic causes of both FCD subtypes is required, incorporating single-cell DNA/RNA sequencing as well as methylome and proteomic analysis. The collected data call for an integrated clinicopathologic and molecular genetic diagnosis in current practice not only to improve diagnostic accuracy but also to guide the development of future targeted treatments.
A Nomogram Model Involving Immunohistochemical Markers for Predicting the Recurrence of Stage I-II Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Jiang Peng , Jia Mingzhu , Hu Jing , Huang Zhen , Deng Ying , Hu Zhuoying
Published: January 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to establish a nomogram combining classical parameters and immunohistochemical markers to predict the recurrence of patients with stage I-II endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

419 patients with stage I-II endometrial cancer who received primary surgical treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were involved in this study as a training cohort. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis of screening prognostic factors were performed in the training cohort to develop a nomogram model, which was further validated in 248 patients (validation cohort) from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The calibration curve was used for internal and external verification of the model, and the C-index was used for comparison among different models.

Results

There were 51 recurrent cases in the training cohort while 31 cases in the validation cohort. Univariate analysis showed that age, histological type, histological grade, myometrial invasion, cervical stromal invasion, postoperative adjuvant treatment, and four immunohistochemical makers (Ki67, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, P53) were the related factors for recurrence of EC. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that histological type (P = 0.029), myometrial invasion (P = 0.003), cervical stromal invasion (P = 0.001), Ki67 (P < 0.001), ER (P = 0.009) and P53 expression (P = 0.041) were statistically correlated with recurrence of EC. Recurrence-free survival was better predicted by the proposed nomogram with a C-index of 0.832 (95% CI, 0.752–0.912) in the training cohort, and the validation set confirmed the finding with a C-index of 0.861 (95% CI, 0.755–0.967).

Conclusion

The nomogram model combining classical parameters and immunohistochemical markers can better predict the recurrence in patients with FIGO stage I-II EC.
Vaccination and the Risk of Childhood Cancer—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marron Manuela , Brackmann Lara Kim , Kuhse Pia , Christianson Lara , Langner Ingo , Haug Ulrike , Ahrens Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Infections may play a role in the etiology of childhood cancer and immunizations may be protective because vaccinations stimulate the immune system. Observational studies reported inconsistent associations between vaccination and risk of childhood cancer. Since a synthesis of the evidence is lacking, we conducted a meta-analysis stratified by histological and site-specific cancer.

Methods

We performed a systematic review (CRD42020148579) following PRISMA guidelines and searched for literature in MEDLINE, Embase, and the Science Citation Index databases. We identified in three literature databases 7,594 different articles of which 35 met the inclusion criteria allowing for 27 analyses of 11 cancer outcomes after exposure to nine different types of vaccinations. We calculated summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using random effects models.

Results

We observed four inverse associations between childhood leukemia and certain vaccines as well as the number of vaccinations: OR 0.49 (95% CI = 0.32 to 0.74) for leukemia death after bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination; OR 0.76 (95% CI = 0.65 to 0.90) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia after Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination; OR 0.57 (95% CI = 0.36 to 0.88) for leukemia; and OR 0.62 (95% CI = 0.46 to 0.85) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia after three or more vaccinations of any type. All other conducted analyses did not show any associations.

Discussion

The results are consistent with the hypothesis that vaccinations reduce the risk of childhood leukemia. However, the robustness and validity of these results is limited due to the small number, substantial heterogeneity, and methodological limitations of available studies.
CEO Tenure, CEO Compensation, Corporate Social and Environmental Performance in China: The Moderating Role of Coastal and Non-coastal Areas
Authors: Khan Talat Mehmood , Bai Gang , Fareed Zeeshan , Quresh Shakir , Khalid Zameer , Khan Waheed Ahmed
Published: January 2021

This study uncovers a new finding on the impact of CEO tenure on corporate social and environmental performance (CS&EP) in coastal and non-coastal areas of China using fixed-effect panel data regression models. The Two-Stage Least Squares instrumental panel regression is used to validate the veracity of the empirical results. To this end, we extract data from all non-financial Chinese listed firms for the period of 2009 to 2015. By applying the multivariant framework, the findings of the study exhibit a negative and significant effect of CEO tenure on CS&EP. Moreover, this study shows that firms with head offices in coastal areas of China tend to weaken the negative impact of CEO tenure on CS&EP, indicating that CS&EP is more focused in coastal areas of China than non-coastal ones. The findings suggest that the increase in CEOs’ CS&EP in the early years of their service tenure tends to increase their compensation packages. This study is useful for policymakers to link CS&EP with firm economic practices to attain sustainable development objectives.
The “Labeled” Side of COVID-19 in India: Psychosocial Perspectives on Islamophobia During the Pandemic
Authors: Ahuja Kanika K. , Banerjee Debanjan
Published: January 2021

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global public health threat over the last few months. Historically, infectious disease outbreaks like the plague, Influenza, cholera, HIV, etc. have generated stigma, prejudice, “othering” and xenophobia, against certain communities. One such prevalent form of xenophobia, is Islamophobia or “fear and discrimination against the Muslims.” Though debated over its various facets and definitions, it is on the rise worldwide. India, being a socio-politically diverse and populous nation, has been facing unique challenges during COVID-19. Considering Hinduism and Islam are the two major religious communities, the subcontinent has witnessed complex dynamics in their relationship throughout history. The pandemic has further instigated Islamophobia, and consequent discrimination, as well as unrest. This can have significant effect of public behavior and health. In the recent past, few legislations in India were interpreted to be Islamophobic and generated nation-wide protest, which provided a fertile backdrop against the discriminative effects of the pandemic. Keeping this in background, this commentary highlights the social contexts of increase in Islamophobia in India during the pandemic, discusses the possible psychological explanations and public health impact, as well as outlines some ways to mitigate it focusing on collectivism.
Exploding Head Syndrome Accompanied by Repeating Panic Attacks: A Case Report
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiyuki , Kawae Akiomi , Saitoh Kaori , Gon Yasuhiro , Uchiyama Makoto , Suzuki Masahiro
Published: January 2021

To the best of our knowledge, we report here for the first time a case of exploding head syndrome (EHS) that caused repeating panic attacks. A 62-year-old woman experienced a sudden sensation of a loud noise just before going to sleep. The frequency of these episodes rapidly increased to multiple times per night, and she soon began to fear sleep, which led to the occurrence of nighttime panic attacks. She was diagnosed with EHS at our sleep clinic, and clonazepam was prescribed accompanied by reassurance about the benign nature of this syndrome. The intensity of the loud noise gradually reduced, and her fear of sleep and panic attacks disappeared at around the same time. In this report, we argue the importance of gaining further knowledge about EHS, including that about complicating psychiatric symptoms and that about its treatment.
Campylobacter Colonization, Environmental Enteric Dysfunction, Stunting, and Associated Risk Factors Among Young Children in Rural Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study From the Campylobacter Genomics and Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (CAGED) Project
Authors: Chen Dehao , McKune Sarah L. , Singh Nitya , Yousuf Hassen Jemal , Gebreyes Wondwossen , Manary Mark J. , Bardosh Kevin , Yang Yang , Diaz Nicholas , Mohammed Abdulmuen , Terefe Yitagele , Roba Kedir Teji , Ketema Mengistu , Ameha Negassi , Assefa Nega , Rajashekara Gireesh , Deblais Loïc , Ghanem Mostafa , Yimer Getnet , Havelaar Arie H.
Published: January 2021

Livestock farming provides a possible mechanism by which smallholder farmers can meet their household need for animal source foods (ASF), which may reduce the risk of stunting. However, direct/indirect contacts with domestic animals may increase colonization by Campylobacter spp., which has been associated with Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED) and stunting. A cross-sectional study involving 102 randomly selected children between 12 and 16 months of age was conducted in rural eastern Ethiopia to establish prevalence rates of Campylobacter colonization, EED, and stunting, and evaluate potential risk factors. Data were collected between September and December 2018. The prevalence of EED and stunting was 50% (95% CI: 40–60%) and 41% (95% CI: 32–51%), respectively. Among enrolled children, 56% had consumed some ASF in the previous 24 h; 47% had diarrhea and 50% had fever in the past 15 days. 54, 63, 71 or 43% of households owned at least one chicken, cow/bull, goat, or sheep; 54 (53%) households kept chickens indoors overnight and only half of these confined the animals. Sanitation was poor, with high levels of unimproved latrines and open defecation. Most households had access to an improved source of drinking water. The prevalence of Campylobacter colonization was 50% (95% CI: 41–60%) by PCR. In addition to the thermotolerant species Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter upsaliensis, non-thermotolerant species related to Campylobacter hyointestinalis and Campylobacter fetus were frequently detected by Meta-total RNA sequencing (MeTRS). Current breastfeeding and ASF consumption increased the odds of Campylobacter detection by PCR, while improved drinking water supply decreased the odds of EED. No risk factors were significantly associated with stunting. Further studies are necessary to better understand reservoirs and transmission pathways of Campylobacter spp. and their potential impact on child health.
Application of DenTeach in Remote Dentistry Teaching and Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study
Authors: Cheng Lingbo , Kalvandi Maryam , McKinstry Sheri , Maddahi Ali , Chaudhary Ambika , Maddahi Yaser , Tavakoli Mahdi
Published: January 2021

In December 2019, an outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia occurred, and subsequently attracted worldwide attention when it bloomed into the COVID-19 pandemic. To limit the spread and transmission of the novel coronavirus, governments, regulatory bodies, and health authorities across the globe strongly enforced shut down of educational institutions including medical and dental schools. The adverse effects of COVID-19 on dental education have been tremendous, including difficulties in the delivery of practical courses such as restorative dentistry. As a solution to help dental schools adapt to the pandemic, we have developed a compact and portable teaching-learning platform called DenTeach. This platform is intended for remote teaching and learning pertaining to dental schools at these unprecedented times. This device can facilitate fully remote and physical-distancing-aware teaching and learning in dentistry. DenTeach platform consists of an instructor workstation (DT-Performer), a student workstation (DT-Student), advanced wireless networking technology, and cloud-based data storage and retrieval. The platform procedurally synchronizes the instructor and the student with real-time video, audio, feel, and posture (VAFP). To provide quantitative feedback to instructors and students, the DT-Student workstation quantifies key performance indices (KPIs) related to a given task to assess and improve various aspects of the dental skills of the students. DenTeach has been developed for use in teaching, shadowing, and practice modes. In the teaching mode, the device provides each student with tactile feedback by processing the data measured and/or obtained from the instructor's workstation, which helps the student enhance their dental skills while inherently learning from the instructor. In the shadowing mode, the student can download the augmented videos and start watching, feeling, and repeating the tasks before entering the practice mode. In the practice mode, students use the system to perform dental tasks and have their dental performance skills automatically evaluated in terms of KPIs such that both the student and the instructor are able to monitor student’s work. Most importantly, as DenTeach is packaged in a small portable suitcase, it can be used anywhere by connecting to the cloud-based data storage network to retrieve procedures and performance metrics. This paper also discusses the feasibility of the DenTeach device in the form of a case study. It is demonstrated that a combination of the KPIs, video views, and graphical reports in both teaching and shadowing modes effectively help the student understand which aspects of their work needs further improvement. Moreover, the results of the practice mode over 10 trials have shown significant improvement in terms of tool handling, smoothness of motion, and steadiness of the operation.
Climate Variability and Change in Central America: What Does It Mean for Water Managers?
Authors: Hidalgo Hugo G.
Published: January 2021

Central America is a unique climate region in the world, due to its location and shape, as well as the many large and local scale climate processes that influence its variability and change at a large range of spatial and time scales. Observed temperature trends have been increasing significantly and they are expected to increase even more in the future, potentially increasing aridity. Managers should make an informed decision on whether a sophisticated modeling approach is best for your region, or simpler approaches are available for determining shorter term planning. Always ask and question the uncertainty of information that is presented. Use this modeling information as a dynamic and constantly changing effort, as future evolves new analysis would need to be performed as models and data become more accurate.
Social Preference Tests in Zebrafish: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ogi Asahi , Licitra Rosario , Naef Valentina , Marchese Maria , Fronte Baldassare , Gazzano Angelo , Santorelli Filippo M.
Published: January 2021

The use of animal models in biology research continues to be necessary for the development of new technologies and medicines, and therefore crucial for enhancing human and animal health. In this context, the need to ensure the compliance of research with the principles Replacement, Reduction and Refinement (the 3 Rs), which underpin the ethical and human approach to husbandry and experimental design, has become a central issue. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is becoming a widely used model in the field of behavioral neuroscience. In particular, studying zebrafish social preference, by observing how an individual fish interacts with conspecifics, may offer insights into several neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. The main aim of this review is to summarize principal factors affecting zebrafish behavior during social preference tests. We identified three categories of social research using zebrafish: studies carried out in untreated wild-type zebrafish, in pharmacologically treated wild-type zebrafish, and in genetically engineered fish. We suggest guidelines for standardizing social preference testing in the zebrafish model. The main advances gleaned from zebrafish social behavior testing are discussed, together with the relevance of this method to scientific research, including the study of behavioral disorders in humans. The authors stress the importance of adopting an ethical approach that considers the welfare of animals involved in experimental procedures. Ensuring a high standard of animal welfare is not only good for the animals, but also enhances the quality of our science.
Propagation of Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia Genotypes and Determination of Their Ornamental Traits Combined with a Genetic Analysis Using ISSR Markers
Authors: Kostas Stefanos , Hatzilazarou Stefanos , Pipinis Elias , Vasileiadis Anastasios , Magklaras Panagiotis , Smyrnioudis Ilias , Vasilakis Tilemachos , Chazakis Michalis , Anastasiadi Vasiliki , Ziogou Fotios-Theocharis , Kotoula Aikaterini , Afendra Amalia-Sofia , Hatziloukas Efstathios , Economou Athanasios
Published: January 2021

Pistacia lentiscus L. is a dioecious shrub or small tree with high drought resistance, native in the entire Mediterranean basin. The variety ‘Chia’ (mastic tree) is cultivated for the production of mastic gum (a resin produced after wounding of the trunks and thick branches) in the Island of Chios (Greece), but it also has a significant ornamental value. In the present study, ten male and ten female genotypes of P. lentiscus var. Chia from the natural habitats of Chios were selected and examined with respect to the rooting efficiency of their shoot cuttings. The germination ability of the seeds was also tested. The 20 plants were morphologically described, mainly with respect to traits related to their ornamental value. Furthermore, leaves were collected from the 20 genotypes, from which genomic DNA (gDNA) was isolated, followed by amplification of gDNA fragments using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers. This was done aiming both at the determination of their genetic distance and the establishment of possible correlations between the amplified bands and certain morphological traits. The results of the study showed that there were differences among the genotypes for both methods of propagation. Regarding the rooting of the shoot cuttings, the best genotype was 8M (cv. ‘Psilophyllos’), achieving a rooting rate of 62.5% in winter with the application of indolebutyric acid (potassium salt of IBA), while regarding the seed germination capacity the genotype 2F exhibited the highest germination rate (57%). Genetic analysis using ISSRs separated the plants into four groups, one group consisting of male genotypes, one of the female genotypes, one consisting of members from both genders and a fourth containing a single male genotype. The genetic analysis of the male genotypes only produced a dendrogram showing the cultivars clustering in three different groups. Regardless of the genetic analysis, it seems that there were correlations between the ISSR markers and the leaf traits and also the gender and the asexual propagation. These correlations can assist future breeding programs of P. lentiscus var. Chia.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of Agronomy in 2020
Authors:   Agronomy Editorial Office
Published: January 2021

Peer review is the driving force of journal development, and reviewers are gatekeepers who ensure that Agronomy maintains its standards for the high quality of its published papers [...]
Does Vancomycin Resistance Increase Mortality? Clinical Outcomes and Predictive Factors for Mortality in Patients with Enterococcus faecium Infections
Authors: Hemapanpairoa Jatapat , Changpradub Dhitiwat , Thunyaharn Sudaluck , Santimaleeworagun Wichai
Published: January 2021

The prevalence of enterococcal infection, especially E. faecium, is increasing, and the issue of the impact of vancomycin resistance on clinical outcomes is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of infection caused by E. faecium and determine the risk factors associated with mortality. This retrospective study was performed at the Phramongkutklao Hospital during the period from 2014 to 2018. One hundred and forty-five patients with E. faecium infections were enrolled. The 30-day and 90-day mortality rates of patients infected with vancomycin resistant (VR)-E. faecium vs. vancomycin susceptible (VS)-E. faecium were 57.7% vs. 38.7% and 69.2% vs. 47.1%, respectively. The median length of hospitalization was significantly longer in patients with VR-E. faecium infection. In logistic regression analysis, VR-E. faecium, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, and bone and joint infections were significant risk factors associated with both 30-day and 90-day mortality. Moreover, Cox proportional hazards model showed that VR-E. faecium infection (HR 1.91; 95%CI 1.09–3.37), SOFA scores of 6–9 points (HR 2.69; 95%CI 1.15–6.29), SOFA scores ≥ 10 points (HR 3.71; 95%CI 1.70–8.13), and bone and joint infections (HR 0.08; 95%CI 0.01–0.62) were significant risk factors for mortality. In conclusion, the present study confirmed the impact of VR-E. faecium infection on mortality and hospitalization duration. Thus, the appropriate antibiotic regimen for VR-E. faecium infection, especially for severely ill patients, is an effective strategy for improving treatment outcomes.
Betulinic Acid Alleviates Spleen Oxidative Damage Induced by Acute Intraperitoneal Exposure to T-2 Toxin by Activating Nrf2 and Inhibiting MAPK Signaling Pathways
Authors: Kong Li , Zhu Lijuan , Yi Xianglian , Huang You , Zhao Haoqiang , Chen Yazhi , Yuan Zhihang , Wen Lixin , Wu Jing , Yi Jine
Published: January 2021

T-2 toxin, which is mainly produced by specific strains of Fusarium in nature, can induce immunotoxicity and oxidative stress, resulting in immune organ dysfunction and apoptosis. Betulinic acid (BA), a pentacyclic triterpenoids from nature plants, has been demonstrated to possess immunomodulating and antioxidative bioactivities. The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of BA on T-2 toxin-challenged spleen oxidative damage and further elucidate the underlying mechanism. We found that BA not only ameliorated the contents of serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) but also restored the number of lymphocytes in T-2 toxin-induced mice. BA dose-dependently reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content, as well as increased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the spleen of T-2-toxin-exposed mice. Moreover, BA reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the spleen, improved the morphology of mitochondria and enriched the number of organelles in splenocytes, and dramatically attenuated T-2 toxin-triggered splenocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, administration of BA alleviated the protein phosphorylation of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK); decreased the protein expression of kelch-like erythroid cell-derived protein with CNC homology [ECH]-associated protein1 (Keap1); and increased the protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 [NF-E2]-related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the spleen. These findings demonstrate that BA defends against spleen oxidative damage associated with T-2 toxin injection by decreasing ROS accumulation and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, as well as inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.
Positive Associations of Dietary Intake and Plasma Concentrations of Vitamin E with Skeletal Muscle Mass, Heel Bone Ultrasound Attenuation and Fracture Risk in the EPIC-Norfolk Cohort
Authors: Mulligan Angela A. , Hayhoe Richard P. G. , Luben Robert N. , Welch Ailsa A.
Published: January 2021

The prevalence of sarcopenia, frailty and fractures is increasing. Prevention options are limited, but dietary factors including vitamin E have the potential to confer some protection. This study investigated cross-sectional associations between dietary and plasma concentrations of vitamin E with indices of skeletal muscle mass (SMM) (n = 14,179 and 4283, respectively) and bone density (n = 14,694 and 4457, respectively) and longitudinal fracture risk (n = 25,223 and 7291, respectively) in European Prospective Investigation Into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC)-Norfolk participants, aged 39–79 years at baseline. Participants completed a health and lifestyle questionnaire, a 7-day diet diary (7dDD) and had anthropometric measurements taken. Fat-free mass (as a SMM proxy) was measured using bioimpedance and bone density was measured using calcaneal broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and incident fractures over 18.5 years of follow-up. Associations between indices of SMM, BUA and fracture risk were investigated by quintiles of dietary vitamin E intake or plasma concentrations. Positive trends in SMM indices and BUA were apparent across dietary quintiles for both sexes, with interquintile differences of 0.88–1.91% (p < 0.001), and protective trends for total and hip fracture risk. Circulating plasma α- and γ-tocopherol results matched the overall dietary findings. Dietary vitamin E may be important for musculoskeletal health but further investigation is required to fully understand the relationships of plasma tocopherols.
Microstructural, Electrochemical and In Vitro Analysis of Mg-0.5Ca-xGd Biodegradable Alloys
Authors: Istrate Bogdan , Munteanu Corneliu , Cimpoesu Ramona , Cimpoesu Nicanor , Popescu Oana Diana , Vlad Maria Daniela
Published: January 2021

The subject of Mg-based biodegradable materials, used for medical applications, has been extensively studied throughout the years. It is a known fact that alloying Mg with biocompatible and non-toxic elements improves the biodegradability of the alloys that are being used in the field of surgical applications. The aim of this research is to investigate the aspects concerning the microstructure, electrochemical response (corrosion resistance) and in vitro cytocompatibility of a new experimental Mg-based biodegradable alloy—Mg–0.5%Ca with controlled addition of Gd as follows: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0 wt.%—in order to establish improved biocompatibility with the human hard and soft tissues at a stable biodegradable rate. For this purpose, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), light microscopy (LM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for determining the microstructure and chemical composition of the studied alloy and the linear polarization resistance (LPR) method was used to calculate the corrosion rate for the biodegradability rate assessment. The cellular response was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethyltiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test followed by fluorescence microscopy observation. The research led to the discovery of a dendritic α-Mg solid solution, as well as a lamellar Mg2Ca and a Mg5Gd intermetallic compound. The in vivo tests revealed 73–80% viability of the cells registered at 3 days and between 77 and 100% for 5 days, a fact that leads us to believe that the experimental studied alloys do not have a cytotoxic character and are suitable for medical applications.
Gastrocnemius Activation throughout the Competitive Season in Athletes of Different Experience Levels
Authors: Amaro Catarina M. , Castro Maria António , Roseiro Luis , Mendes Rui , Amaro Ana M.
Published: January 2021

Basketball is a team sport in which the players undergo rapid reactions, and running efforts are usually carried out in all directions. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the muscle activity response in different basketball movements, considering two types of athletes with different levels of experience. Using a group of nine volunteers, female athletes from a senior basketball team, a data acquisition protocol was defined to identify the changes that occurred throughout the sports season. In this study, to assess the gastrocnemius muscle activity, intensity peak (%MC) and time to peak (TP) were evaluated for five typical basketball skills and movements involving running and jumping with and without the ball. Seven repetitions were executed for each movement, performed at two different time-points of the sports season: at the beginning of the teams’ competition, in November (T1), and at the season peak, in March (T2). TP presents greater values for T2 of the season when compared with T1. The results show that the level of experience of the athletes has a significant effect on the results of TP and %MC, particularly when comparing the two seasons.
Using a Preoperative Scan Digital Impression and a Digital Index to Build Immediate Interim Full-Arch Implant-Supported Prosthesis. A Case Report and Proof of Concept
Authors: Lorenzetti Massimo , Lorenzetti Virginia , Carossa Massimo , Cavagnetto Davide , Mussano Federico
Published: January 2021

The transfer of information such esthetics and occlusion from the preoperative to the postoperative digital impression could reduce the time needed to build an immediately loaded full-arch not-guided rehabilitation and improve the quality of the immediate interim restoration. Based on the digital technology advances of the last years, the purpose of the present clinical report is to describe a novel digital workflow based on computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing aimed at fabricating an interim fixed full-arch restoration. The protocol entails recording preoperative information such as esthetics, the occlusal plane and the intermaxillary relationship in implant-supported complete rehabilitations before the surgical insertion of the fixtures. Then, the information is transferred to the postoperative impression using a digital index in the lower jaw and the palatal rugae in the upper jaw. Within the inherent limitations of a case report, the workflow was accurate, predictable, without errors from conventional protocols and was apparently characterized by low biological costs.
Design of Geometrical Parameters and Kinematical Characteristics of a Non-circular Gear Transmission for Given Parameters
Authors: Maláková Silvia , Urbanský Matej , Fedorko Gabriel , Molnár Vieroslav , Sivak Samuel
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the authors present the design of a suitable gear transmission with the continuously changing gear ratio in the range from 0.5 through 1.0 to 2.0 and back during one revolution of intermeshing gears, according to demands specified for a practical application. The gear train was designed as a pair of identical elliptical gears and the design procedure of the suitable pitch curve (ellipse) is described. The center of rotation of each of the gears is coincident with one of the pitch ellipse foci, so the gears are placed eccentrically. The gear teeth have involute profiles, but the involutes for the active and for the passive tooth sides are different. These are gears with an asymmetrical tooth profile. In the final part, the paper deals with kinematical characteristics of the designed non-circular gear transmission, which differ from the kinematical characteristics of standard circular gear transmissions with a constant gear ratio.
Advanced Label-Free Laser Scanning Microscopy and Its Biological Imaging Application
Authors: Wang Xue , Lu Xinchao , Huang Chengjun
Published: January 2021

By eliminating the photodamage and photobleaching induced by high intensity laser and fluorescent molecular, the label-free laser scanning microscopy shows powerful capability for imaging and dynamic tracing to biological tissues and cells. In this review, three types of label-free laser scanning microscopies: laser scanning coherent Raman scattering microscopy, second harmonic generation microscopy and scanning localized surface plasmon microscopy are discussed with their fundamentals, features and recent progress. The applications of label-free biological imaging of these laser scanning microscopies are also introduced. Finally, the performance of the microscopies is compared and the limitation and perspectives are summarized.
Modeling Low Intensity Fires: Lessons Learned from 2012 RxCADRE
Authors: Linn Rodman R. , Winterkamp Judith L. , Furman James H. , Williams Brett , Hiers J. Kevin , Jonko Alexandra , O’Brien Joseph J. , Yedinak Kara M. , Goodrick Scott
Published: January 2021

Coupled fire-atmosphere models are increasingly being used to study low-intensity fires, such as those that are used in prescribed fire applications. Thus, the need arises to evaluate these models for their ability to accurately represent fire spread in marginal burning conditions. In this study, wind and fuel data collected during the Prescribed Fire Combustion and Atmospheric Dynamics Research Experiments (RxCADRE) fire campaign were used to generate initial and boundary conditions for coupled fire-atmosphere simulations. We present a novel method to obtain fuels representation at the model grid scale using a combination of imagery, machine learning, and field sampling. Several methods to generate wind input conditions for the model from eight different anemometer measurements are explored. We find a strong sensitivity of fire outcomes to wind inputs. This result highlights the critical need to include variable wind fields as inputs in modeling marginal fire conditions. This work highlights the complexities of comparing physics-based model results against observations, which are more acute in marginal burning conditions, where stronger sensitivities to local variability in wind and fuels drive fire outcomes.
Towards an In Vitro Retinal Model to Study and Develop New Therapies for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Belgio Beatrice , Boschetti Federica , Mantero Sara
Published: January 2021

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in the elderly worldwide. So far, the etiology and the progression of AMD are not well known. Animal models have been developed to study the mechanisms involved in AMD; however, according to the “Three Rs” principle, alternative methods have been investigated. Here we present a strategy to develop a “Three Rs” compliant retinal three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model, including a Bruch’s membrane model and retina pigment epithelium (RPE) layer. First, tensile testing was performed on porcine retina to set a reference for the in vitro model. The results of tensile testing showed a short linear region followed by a plastic region with peaks. Then, Bruch’s membrane (BrM) was fabricated via electrospinning by using Bombyx mori silk fibroin (BMSF) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The BrM properties and ARPE-19 cell responses to BrM substrates were investigated. The BrM model displayed a thickness of 44 µm, with a high porosity and an average fiber diameter of 1217 ± 101 nm. ARPE-19 cells adhered and spread on the BMSF/PCL electrospun membranes. In conclusion, we are developing a novel 3D in vitro retinal model towards the replacement of animal models in AMD studies.
Transgenerational Effects of Hexavalent Chromium on Marine Medaka (Oryzias melastigma) Reveal Complex Transgenerational Adaptation in Offspring
Authors: Ni Xiaomin , Shen Yingjia
Published: January 2021

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] pollution is one of most serious heavy metal pollutants in the coastal area and posed serious threats to marine organisms and human beings. Many studies have been conducted on its toxicological effects on living organisms from morphological to physiological aspects. However, there are few studies about the transgenerational toxicological of Cr(VI). In this study, we exposed adult marine medaka fishes with Cr(VI) and their offspring with Cr(VI) to examine transgenerational effects of Cr(VI). We found that there were mechanisms such as changing reproduction modes in males to compensate for impacts on the reproduction. There were differences and similarities between the parental effect and the environmental effect, with the former one causing more serious adverse effects on the offspring of Cr(VI)-exposed fish. It was noteworthy that there was an interaction between the parental and offspring treatment which leads to the attenuation of the parental effects on offspring when the offspring also underwent the same treatment. In addition, physiological adaptation has also been observed in fish to improve their fitness. Overall, effects of Cr(VI) on fish and their offspring were studied to pave a way to study the of mechanisms of adaptation.
DNA Methylation Profiles of Tph1A and BDNF in Gut and Brain of L. Rhamnosus-Treated Zebrafish
Authors: Cuomo Mariella , Borrelli Luca , Della Monica Rosa , Coretti Lorena , De Riso Giulia , D’Angelo Lancellotti di Durazzo Luna , Fioretti Alessandro , Lembo Francesca , Dinan Timothy G. , Cryan John F. , Cocozza Sergio , Chiariotti Lorenzo
Published: January 2021

The bidirectional microbiota–gut–brain axis has raised increasing interest over the past years in the context of health and disease, but there is a lack of information on molecular mechanisms underlying this connection. We hypothesized that change in microbiota composition may affect brain epigenetics leading to long-lasting effects on specific brain gene regulation. To test this hypothesis, we used Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) as a model system. As previously shown, treatment with high doses of probiotics can modulate behavior in Zebrafish, causing significant changes in the expression of some brain-relevant genes, such as BDNF and Tph1A. Using an ultra-deep targeted analysis, we investigated the methylation state of the BDNF and Tph1A promoter region in the brain and gut of probiotic-treated and untreated Zebrafishes. Thanks to the high resolution power of our analysis, we evaluated cell-to-cell methylation differences. At this resolution level, we found slight DNA methylation changes in probiotic-treated samples, likely related to a subgroup of brain and gut cells, and that specific DNA methylation signatures significantly correlated with specific behavioral scores.
11C- and 18F-Radiotracers for In Vivo Imaging of the Dopamine System: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Kilbourn Michael R.
Published: January 2021

The applications of positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to study brain biochemistry, and in particular the aspects of dopamine neurotransmission, have grown significantly over the 40 years since the first successful in vivo imaging studies in humans. In vivo PET imaging of dopaminergic functions of the central nervous system (CNS) including dopamine synthesis, vesicular storage, synaptic release and receptor binding, and reuptake processes, are now routinely used for studies in neurology, psychiatry, drug abuse and addiction, and drug development. Underlying these advances in PET imaging has been the development of the unique radiotracers labeled with positron-emitting radionuclides such as carbon-11 and fluorine-18. This review focuses on a selection of the more accepted and utilized PET radiotracers currently available, with a look at their past, present and future.