bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified cardiovascular SOFA score in sepsis: development and internal and external validation
Authors: Lee Hui Jai , Ko Byuk Sung , Ryoo Seung Mok , Han Eunah , Suh Gil Joon , Choi Sung-Hyuk , Chung Sung Phil , Lim Tae Ho , Kim Won Young , Kwon Woon Yong , Hwang Sung Yeon , Jo You Hwan , Shin Jonghwan , Shin Tae Gun , Kim Kyuseok ,   On behalf of Korean Shock Society, Choi Sangchun , Chung Tae Nyoung , Lee Jae Hyuk , Kim Kyung Su , Park Yoo Seok , Yoon Young-Hoon , Choi Han Sung , Han Kap Su , Kang GuHyun , Kim Youn-Jung , Cho Hanjin
Published: August 2022

Background

The Sepsis-3 criteria introduced the system that uses the Sequential Organ-Failure Assessment (SOFA) score to define sepsis. The cardiovascular SOFA (CV SOFA) scoring system needs modification due to the change in guideline-recommended vasopressors. In this study, we aimed to develop and to validate the modified CV SOFA score.

Methods

We developed, internally validated, and externally validated the modified CV SOFA score using the suspected infection cohort, sepsis cohort, and septic shock cohort. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality. The modified CV SOFA score system was constructed with consideration of the recently recommended use of the vasopressor norepinephrine with or without lactate level. The predictive validity of the modified SOFA score was evaluated by the discrimination for the primary outcome. Discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC). Calibration was assessed using the calibration curve. We compared the prognostic performance of the original CV/total SOFA score and the modified CV/total SOFA score to detect mortality in patients with suspected infection, sepsis, or septic shock.

Results

We identified 7,393 patients in the suspected cohort, 4038 patients in the sepsis cohort, and 3,107 patients in the septic shock cohort in seven Korean emergency departments (EDs). The 28-day mortality rates were 7.9%, 21.4%, and 20.5%, respectively, in the suspected infection, sepsis, and septic shock cohorts. The model performance is higher when vasopressor and lactate were used in combination than the vasopressor only used model. The modified CV/total SOFA score was well-developed and internally and externally validated in terms of discrimination and calibration. Predictive validity of the modified CV SOFA was significantly higher than that of the original CV SOFA in the development set (0.682 vs 0.624, p < 0.001), test set (0.716 vs 0.638), and all other cohorts (0.648 vs 0.557, 0.674 vs 0.589). Calibration was modest. In the suspected infection cohort, the modified model classified more patients to sepsis (66.0 vs 62.5%) and identified more patients at risk of septic mortality than the SOFA score (92.6 vs 89.5%).

Conclusions

Among ED patients with suspected infection, sepsis, and septic shock, the newly-developed modified CV/total SOFA score had higher predictive validity and identified more patients at risk of septic mortality.
A survey of bluetongue infection in one-humped camels (Camelus Dromedarius); seroprevalence and risk factors analysis
Authors: Selim Abdelfattah , Alsubki Roua A. , Albohairy Fatima M. , Attia Kotb A. , Kimiko Itoh
Published: August 2022

Bluetongue (BT) is an insect-borne, non-contagious viral disease which affects domestic ruminants including camels and is transmitted by Culicoides spp. Clinical symptoms of BT are typically seen in sheep, although subclinical BT infections are mostly seen in cattle, goats, and camelids. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence of Bluetongue virus (BTV) in camels from some governorates in Egypt’s southern and northern regions, as well as the infection’s potential risk factors. During 2020–2021, a cross sectional study was conducted to screen presence of anti-BTV antibodies in 400 serum samples, which were collected randomly from camels, examined using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). The sera of 102 out of 400 camels tested positive for BTV, representing a frequency of 25.5%. Moreover, the odds of sero-positivity were higher among camels living in Aswan (OR = 5.33, 95%CI: 2.35–12.11), especially in females (OR = 2.63, 95%CI = 1.44–4.09) during summer season (OR = 2.40, 95%CI = 1.20–4.81). Furthermore, the probability of getting BTV infection increased when camels were exposed to the insect vectors (OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 0.87–3.09). The high prevalence of BTV in camels in several Egyptian regions highlights the need for more epidemiological investigations of BTV infection in other ruminant species in order to better control BT disease in these regions.
A novel signature to predict thyroid cancer prognosis and immune landscape using immune-related LncRNA pairs
Authors: Song Bo , Tian Lijun , Zhang Fan , Lin Zheyu , Gong Boshen , Liu Tingting , Teng Weiping
Published: August 2022

Background

Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy worldwide. The incidence of TC is high and increasing worldwide due to continuous improvements in diagnostic technology. Therefore, identifying accurate prognostic predictions to stratify TC patients is important.

Methods

Raw data were downloaded from the TCGA database, and pairwise comparisons were applied to identify differentially expressed immune-related lncRNA (DEirlncRNA) pairs. Then, we used univariate Cox regression analysis and a modified Lasso algorithm on these pairs to construct a risk assessment model for TC. We further used qRT‒PCR analysis to validate the expression levels of irlncRNAs in the model. Next, TC patients were assigned to high- and low-risk groups based on the optimal cutoff score of the model for the 1-year ROC curve. We evaluated the signature in terms of prognostic independence, predictive value, immune cell infiltration, immune status, ICI-related molecules, and small-molecule inhibitor efficacy.

Results

We identified 14 DEirlncRNA pairs as the novel predictive signature. In addition, the qRT‒PCR results were consistent with the bioinformatics results obtained from the TCGA dataset. The high-risk group had a significantly poorer prognosis than the low-risk group. Cox regression analysis revealed that this immune-related signature could predict prognosis independently and reliably for TC. With the CIBERSORT algorithm, we found an association between the signature and immune cell infiltration. Additionally, immune status was significantly higher in low-risk groups. Several immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related molecules, such as PD-1 and PD-L1, showed a negative correlation with the high-risk group. We further discovered that our new signature was correlated with the clinical response to small-molecule inhibitors, such as sunitinib.

Conclusions

We have constructed a prognostic immune-related lncRNA signature that can predict TC patient survival without considering the technical bias of different platforms, and this signature also sheds light on TC’s overall prognosis and novel clinical treatments, such as ICB therapy and small molecular inhibitors.
Managing thrombotic risk in patients with diabetes
Authors: Camm A. John , Sabbour Hani , Schnell Oliver , Summaria Francesco , Verma Atul
Published: August 2022

It is well known that diabetes is a prominent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events. The level of CV risk depends on the type and duration of diabetes, age and additional co-morbidities. Diabetes is an independent risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and is frequently observed in patients with AF, which further increases their risk of stroke associated with this cardiac arrhythmia. Nearly one third of patients with diabetes globally have CV disease (CVD). Additionally, co-morbid AF and coronary artery disease are more frequently observed in patients with diabetes than the general population, further increasing the already high CV risk of these patients. To protect against thromboembolic events in patients with diabetes and AF or established CVD, guidelines recommend optimal CV risk factor control, including oral anticoagulation treatment. However, patients with diabetes exist in a prothrombotic and inflammatory state. Greater clinical benefit may therefore be seen with the use of stronger antithrombotic agents or innovative drug combinations in high-risk patients with diabetes, such as those who have concomitant AF or established CVD. In this review, we discuss CV risk management strategies in patients with diabetes and concomitant vascular disease, stroke prevention regimens in patients with diabetes and AF and how worsening renal function in these patients may complicate these approaches. Accumulating evidence from clinical trials and real-world evidence show a benefit to the administration of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants for stroke prevention in patients with diabetes and AF.
A novel kidney disease index reflecting both the albumin-to-creatinine ratio and estimated glomerular filtration rate, predicted cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Gerstein Hertzel C. , Ramasundarahettige Chinthanie , Avezum Alvero , Basile Jan , Conget Ignacio , Cushman William C. , Dagenais Gilles R. , Franek Edward , Lakshmanan Mark , Lanas Fernando , Leiter Lawrence A. , Pogosova Nana , Probstfield Jeffrey , Raubenheimer Peter J. , Riddle Matthew , Shaw Jonathan , Sheu Wayne H.-H. , Temelkova-Kurktschiev Theodora , Turfanda Ibrahim , Xavier Denis
Published: August 2022

Background

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) are risk factors for diabetes-related outcomes. A composite that captures information from both may provide a simpler way of assessing risk.

Methods

9115 of 9901 Researching Cardiovascular Events with a Weekly Incretin in Diabetes (REWIND) participants with both an ACR and eGFR at baseline were included in this post hoc epidemiologic analysis. The hazard of higher baseline levels of 1/eGFR and natural log transformed ACR (calculated as ln [ACR × 100] to eliminate negative values) and their interaction for incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), kidney outcomes, and deaths was estimated. The hazard of the geometric mean of these two baseline measures (the kidney disease index or KDI) was also assessed.

Results

A non-linear relationship was observed between 1/eGFR and all three outcomes, and between ln [ACR × 100] and the kidney outcome. There was also a negative interaction between these two risk factors with respect to MACE and death. Conversely, a linear relationship was noted between the KDI and all three outcomes. People in the highest KDI fifth experienced the highest incidence of MACE, death, and the kidney outcome (4.43, 4.56, and 5.55/100 person-years respectively). C statistics for the KDI were similar to those for eGFR and albuminuria.

Conclusions

The KDI combines the baseline eGFR and ACR into a novel composite risk factor that has a simple linear relationship with incident serious outcomes in people with diabetes and additional CV risk factors.

Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov NCT01394952.
Evolution of intra-tumoral heterogeneity across different pathological stages in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Affinito Ornella , Orlandella Francesca Maria , Luciano Neila , Salvatore Marco , Salvatore Giuliana , Franzese Monica
Published: August 2022

Background

Intra-tumor heterogeneity (ITH) results from the continuous accumulation of mutations during disease progression, thus impacting patients’ clinical outcome. How the ITH evolves across papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) different tumor stages is lacking.

Methods

We used the whole-exome sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas Thyroid Cancer (TCGA-THCA) cohort to track the ITH and assessed its relationship with clinical features through different stages of the PTC progression. We further assayed the expression levels of the specific genes in papillary thyroid cancer cell lines compared to an immortalized normal thyroid epithelial cell line by qRT-PCR.

Results

We revealed the timing of mutational processes and the dynamics of the temporal acquisition of somatic events during the lifetime of the PTC. ITH significantly influences the PTC patient’s survival rate and, as genetic heterogeneity increases, the prognosis gets worse in advanced tumor stages. ITH also affects the mutational architecture of each clinical stage which is subject to periodic fluctuations. Different mutational processes may cooperate to shape a stage-specific mutational spectrum during the progression from early to advanced tumor stages. Moreover, different evolutionary paths characterize PTC progression across pathological stages due to both mutations recurrently occurring in all stages in hotspot positions and distinct codon changes dominating in different stages. A different expression level of specific genes also exists in different thyroid cancer cell lines.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest ITH as a potential unfavorable prognostic factor in PTC and highlight the dynamic changes in different clinical stages of PTC, providing some clues for the precision medicine and suggesting different diagnostic decisions depending on the clinical stages of patients. Finally, complete clear guidelines to define risk stratification of PTC patients are lacking; thus, this work could contribute to defining patients who need more aggressive treatments and, in turn, could reduce the social burden of this cancer.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation improves endometrial receptivity resulting in improved IVF-ET pregnancy outcomes in older women: a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Feng Xiaojun , Zhu Na , Yang Shuo , Wang Li , Sun Wei , Li Rong , Gong Fei , Han Songping , Zhang Rong , Han Jisheng
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine the effects and mechanisms of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF)-embryo transfer (ET).

Design, setting, and participants

This efficacy study was a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial (RCT) in women receiving IVF-ET. The mechanistic study was a single-center RCT.

Interventions

The participants received TEAS vs. no TEAS treatment.

Main outcome measures

In the efficacy study, the primary outcomes were the rates of clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation, and live birth. In the mechanistic study, sex hormones and endometrial protein expression were examined.

Results

Ultimately, 739 participants were enrolled (367 and 372 in the TEAS and control groups, respectively). The clinical pregnancy rate was higher in the TEAS group than in the controls (55.1% vs. 46.7%, P = 0.03). There were no significant differences in embryo implantation, biochemical pregnancy, and live birth rates between the two groups (all P > 0.05) in the study population. In women > 35 years, the clinical pregnancy rates, embryo implantation rates and live birth rates in the TEAS and control groups were 48.9% vs. 23.7% (P = 0.004),30.8 vs. 13.9% (P = 0.001) and 34.0% vs. 19.7% (P = 0.06) respectively. In the mechanistic study with 120 participants, on the theoretical embryo implantation day, better developed endometrial pinopodes, elevated endometrial integrin α1β1/αVβ3, leukemia inhibitory factor, and elevated serum progesterone levels were found in the TEAS group compared with controls.

Conclusion

TEAS significantly improved the clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF-ET, especially in women of older age. It might be due to improved endometrial receptivity.

Trial registration

ChiCTR-TRC-13003950.
Association between early-pregnancy serum C-peptide and risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a nested case–control study among Chinese women
Authors: Yang Xue , Ye Yi , Wang Yi , Wu Ping , Lu Qi , Liu Yan , Yuan Jiaying , Song Xingyue , Yan Shijiao , Qi Xiaorong , Wang Yi-Xin , Wen Ying , Liu Gang , Lv Chuanzhu , Yang Chun-Xia , Pan An , Zhang Jianli , Pan Xiong-Fei
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine the association of early-pregnancy serum C-peptide with incident gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the predictive ability of maternal C-peptide for GDM.

Methods

A nested case–control study of 332 GDM cases and 664 controls was established based on the Tongji-Shuangliu Birth Cohort. The GDM cases and controls were matched at 1:2 on maternal age (± 3 years) and gestational age (± 4 weeks). Multivariable conditional logistic regression was applied to assess the association of C-peptide with risk of GDM. Partial Spearman’s correlation coefficients were estimated for the correlations between C-peptide and multiple metabolic biomarkers. C-statistics were calculated to assess the predictive ability of early-pregnancy C-peptide for GDM.

Results

Of 996 pregnant women, median maternal age was 28.0 years old and median gestational age was 11.0 weeks. After adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratio of GDM comparing the extreme quartiles of C-peptide was 2.28 (95% confidence interval, 1.43, 3.62; P for trend < 0.001). Partial correlation coefficients ranged between 0.07 and 0.77 for the correlations of C-peptide with fasting insulin, homeostatic model of insulin resistance, leptin, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, glycosylated hemoglobin, waist–hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P ≤ 0.025), and were − 0.11 and − 0.17 for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin (P < 0.001). Serum C-peptide slightly improved the predictive performance of the model with conventional predictive factors (0.66 vs. 0.63; P = 0.008).

Conclusion

While the predictive value for subsequent GDM should be validated, early-pregnancy serum C-peptide may be positively associated with risk of GDM.
A tailored bioactive 3D porous poly(lactic-acid)-exosome scaffold with osteo-immunomodulatory and osteogenic differentiation properties
Authors: Zhang Yi , Huo Mengjie , Wang Yi , Xiao Lan , Wu Jianmei , Ma Yaping , Zhang Dingmei , Lang Xuemei , Wang Xin
Published: August 2022

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a versatile and biodegradable scaffold widely used in biomedical fields to repair tissue defects. Exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are nano-sized extracellular vesicles, which play an important role in tissue engineering in recent years. The primary focus of this study was to develop a bioactive 3D PLA scaffold using exosome-based strategy to improve its osteogenic and immunoregulatory potential. We firstly successfully isolated MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo). Morphological analysis revealed that MSC-Exo exhibits a typical cup-shaped morphology with high expression of exosomal marker CD63. MSC-Exo internalization into recipient cells were also investigated using flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Porous 3D PLA scaffold coated MSC-Exo were used for immunoregulatory and osteogenic testing. Exosomes released from 3D PLA scaffold were validated in RAW264.7 and hBMSCs. The cell proliferation and live/dead assay indicated high biocompatibility for PLA-Exo scaffold. Additionally, PLA-Exo scaffold could reduce the pro-inflammatory marker expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, indicating potential immunoregulatory potential. It is also confirmed that PLA-Exo scaffold could potentiate osteogenic differentiation in the osteogenesis assay. In conclusion, our results demonstrate this bioactive 3D-printed PLA scaffolds with MSC-Exo modification holds immunoregulatory potential and favor osteogenic differentiation, thus having potential applications in bone tissue regeneration.
Effect of invasive mechanical ventilation on the diversity of the pulmonary microbiota
Authors: Liu Chang , Wu Kang , Sun Tianyu , Chen Bin , Yi Yaxing , Ren Ruotong , Xie Lixin , Xiao Kun
Published: August 2022

Pulmonary microbial diversity may be influenced by biotic or abiotic conditions (e.g., disease, smoking, invasive mechanical ventilation (MV), etc.). Specially, invasive MV may trigger structural and physiological changes in both tissue and microbiota of lung, due to gastric and oral microaspiration, altered body posture, high O2 inhalation-induced O2 toxicity in hypoxemic patients, impaired airway clearance and ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), which in turn reduce the diversity of the pulmonary microbiota and may ultimately lead to poor prognosis. Furthermore, changes in (local) O2 concentration can reduce the diversity of the pulmonary microbiota by affecting the local immune microenvironment of lung. In conclusion, systematic literature studies have found that invasive MV reduces pulmonary microbiota diversity, and future rational regulation of pulmonary microbiota diversity by existing or novel clinical tools (e.g., lung probiotics, drugs) may improve the prognosis of invasive MV treatment and lead to more effective treatment of lung diseases with precision.
Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization Minimizes Burdensome Recurrence Rates After Newly Diagnosed Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation (MEMBRANE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hoenning Alexander , Lemcke Johannes , Rot Sergej , Stengel Dirk , Hoppe Berthold , Zappel Kristina , Schuss Patrick , Mutze Sven , Goelz Leonie
Published: August 2022

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is the most common complication of mild traumatic brain injury demanding neurosurgery in high-income countries. If undetected and untreated, cSDH may increase intracranial pressure and cause neurological deficiencies. The first-line intervention of choice is burr hole trepanation and hematoma evacuation. However, any third patient may experience rebleeding, demanding craniotomy with excess morbidity. Adjunct endovascular embolization of the frontal and parietal branches of the middle meningeal artery (MMA) is a promising approach to avoid relapse and revision but was hitherto not studied in a randomized trial.

Methods

MEMBRANE is an investigator-initiated, single-center, randomized controlled trial. Male, female, and diverse patients older than 18 years scheduled for surgical evacuation of a first cSDH will be assigned in a 1:1 fashion by block randomization to the intervention (surgery plus endovascular MMA embolization) or the control group (surgery alone). The primary trial endpoint is cSDH recurrence within 3 months of follow-up after surgery. Secondary endpoints comprise neurological deficits assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and recurrence- or intervention-associated complications during 3 months of follow-up. Assuming a risk difference of 20% of rebleeding and surgical revision, a power of 80%, and a drop-out rate of 10%, 154 patients will be enrolled onto this trial, employing an adaptive O’Brien-Fleming approach with a planned interim analysis halfway.

Discussion

The MEMBRANE trial will provide first clinical experimental evidence on the effectiveness of endovascular embolization of the MMA as an adjunct to surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence after the evacuation of cSDH.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Registry (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien [DRKS]) DRKS00020465. Registered on 18 Nov 2021. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05327933. Registered on 13 Apr 2022.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for direct production of vitamin C from D-glucose
Authors: Tian Yong-Sheng , Deng Yong-Dong , Zhang Wen-Hui , Yu-Wang  , Xu Jing , Gao Jian-Jie , Bo-Wang  , Fu Xiao-Yan , Han Hong-Juan , Li Zhen-Jun , Wang Li-Juan , Peng Ri-He , Yao Quan-Hong
Published: August 2022

Background

Production of vitamin C has been traditionally based on the Reichstein process and the two-step process. However, the two processes share a common disadvantage: vitamin C cannot be directly synthesized from D-glucose. Therefore, significant effort has been made to develop a one-step vitamin C fermentation process. While, 2-KLG, not vitamin C, is synthesized from nearly all current one-step fermentation processes. Vitamin C is naturally synthesized from glucose in Arabidopsis thaliana via a ten-step reaction pathway that is encoded by ten genes. The main objective of this study was to directly produce vitamin C from D-glucose in Escherichia coli by expression of the genes from the A. thaliana vitamin C biosynthetic pathway.

Results

Therefore, the ten genes of whole vitamin C synthesis pathway of A. thaliana were chemically synthesized, and an engineered strain harboring these genes was constructed in this study. The direct production of vitamin C from D-glucose based on one-step fermentation was achieved using this engineered strain and at least 1.53 mg/L vitamin C was produced in shaking flasks.

Conclusions

The study demonstrates the feasibility of one-step fermentation for the production of vitamin C from D-glucose. Importantly, the one-step process has significant advantages compared with the currently used fermentation process: it can save multiple physical and chemical steps needed to convert D-glucose to D-sorbitol; it also does not involve the associated down-streaming steps required to convert 2-KLG into vitamin C.
Comparing cardiovascular risk of patients with rheumatoid arthritis within the Social Security Disability Insurance with those commercially insured
Authors: Navarro-Millán Iris , Xie Fenglong , Crowson Cynthia S. , Safford Monika M. , Rajan Mangala , Sattui Sebastian E. , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To compare cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) beneficiaries of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with commercially insured RA patients.

Method

We created three cohorts of RA patients aged < 65 years for SSDI and three for Marketscan using claims data from 2006 to 2016. The cohort definitions were as follows: (1) cohort 1: ≥ 2 diagnosis codes for RA occurring 7–365 days apart with ≥ 1 diagnosis code from a rheumatologist; (2) cohort 2: ≥ 1 diagnosis code for RA from a rheumatologist and a disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS); and (3) cohort 3: cohort 2, plus initiation of a new biologic/tofacitinib. We used Cox regression to determine the CVD risk comparing SSDI vs. Marketscan. Models were sequentially adjusted for age and sex (model 1); model 1 + diabetes, smoking, and high CVD risk (model 2); and model 2 + dual eligible (Medicare and Medicaid), subsidy, and state buy in (model 3).

Results

There were 380,336 RA patients, mean age 53.3 (SD 8.1) years, 21–24% male. Prevalence of comorbidities was higher in SSDI vs. Marketscan. SSDI RA patients in cohort 2 (model 3) had higher CVD risk (HR 1.23 (1.14–1.33). In cohort 3 (model 3), CVD risk was not statistically significantly different between SSDI and Marketscan (HR 0.89 (0.69–1.15).

Conclusion

RA patient beneficiaries of the SSDI had higher risk for CVD events than those employed. The differences in CVD events between SSDI and Marketscan were partially attributable to differences in CVD risk factors.
Distal sacral nerve roots severed by a fragility fracture of the sacrum: a case report
Authors: Igarashi Shun , Kobayashi Takashi , Kijima Hiroaki , Miyakoshi Naohisa
Published: August 2022

Background

Owing to the aging population, fragility fractures of the pelvis are occurring more frequently. Fixation of the fracture and stabilization of the pelvic ring usually provide good clinical results. A case of distal sacral nerve roots severed by a fragility fracture of the sacrum is presented.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old Japanese woman with schizophrenia with low back pain, gait disorder, dysuria, and fecal incontinence presented to an emergency department, and plain X-rays showed no findings. She also complained of dysuria, and neurogenic bladder and cystitis were diagnosed. One month later, she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital for exacerbation of schizophrenia. In hospital, she had a urethral catheter inserted and spent 3 months in bed. She was referred to our orthopedic department because a gait disorder was discovered after her mental condition improved and she was permitted to walk. On examination, she could not walk and had decreased sensation from the buttocks to both posterior thighs and around the anus and perineum. Manual muscle testing of her lower limbs showed mild weakness of about 4 in bilateral flexor hallucis longus and gastrocnemius, and bilateral Achilles tendon reflexes were lost. Her anal sphincter did not contract, and urinary retention continued after urethral catheter removal. Imaging examinations showed an H-shaped sacral fracture consisting of a transverse fracture with displacement of the third sacral vertebra and vertical fractures of the bilateral sacral wings, with severe stenosis of the spinal canal at the site of the transverse fracture. The patient was diagnosed as having bladder and rectal dysfunction due to a displaced, unstable sacral fracture. First to third sacral laminectomy and alar–iliac fixation using percutaneous pedicle screws and sacral alar–iliac screws were then performed. The bilateral distal sacral nerve roots (S3, S4, S5) were completely severed at the second to third sacral levels, but bilateral second sacral nerve roots were not compressed from the bifurcation to the sacral foramen. Postoperatively, bladder and rectal dysfunction remained, but the low back pain was alleviated. Two weeks postoperatively, she could walk with a walker and was discharged. Three months after the operation, bone fusion of the fracture was observed.

Conclusions

In cases of bladder–rectal dysfunction with low back pain, the possibility of sacral fracture should be considered, and computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-ray examinations should be performed. Even sacral fractures without displacement require attention because they can cause serious injury in the event of a nerve root being severed if not diagnosed early and given appropriate treatment.
Improved iron use efficiency in tomato using organically coated iron oxide nanoparticles as efficient bioavailable Fe sources
Authors: Raiesi-Ardali Tahereh , Maˈmani Leila , Chorom Mostafa , Moezzi Abdolamir
Published: August 2022

Background

Iron [Fe] deficiency is one of the nutritional issues of plants, especially in calcareous soils in which iron-fertilizers are used to solve this obstacle. Due to the pivotal role of iron, the introduction of efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly strategies is necessary to prevent its deficiency in plants. The nanoparticle-based formulations may provide efficient bioavailability, subsequently, reduce the amount of the required dosage of nutrients for extended periods, and decrease the environmental risks.

Results

In this study, the effects of different iron nanoparticles (NPs) including Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4), citric acid coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@CA), humic acid coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@HA), and EDTA coated nanoparticles (Fe3O4@EDTA) were investigated as iron [Fe] sources on the vegetative growth and physiological parameters of tomato as a model plant in a soil system. The experimental results showed that the organically coated Fe3O4 NPs significantly increased the amount of [Fe] in the shoot and enhanced its growth. The highest and lowest amount of [Fe] was observed in the Fe3O4@HA NPs and control treatments, respectively. In addition, using organically coated Fe3O4 NPs, especially Fe3O4@HA increased plant growth and yield.

Conclusions

This study showed that using organically coated Fe3O4 NPs is promising for plant nutritional supplementation. In particular, the humic acid-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@HA) were determined to be the most promising, due to more benefits for plant growth and yield compared to Fe3O4 NPs. Therefore, Fe3O4@HA nanofertilizer can be introduced as an inexpensive, effective, bioavailable, and biocompatible option to address [Fe] deficiency in the soil.

Graphical Abstract
A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Improves Outcomes in Mentored Research
Authors: Fendos Justin , Cai Liang , Yang Xianmei , Ren Guodong , Li Lin , Yan Zhiqiang , Lu Boxun , Pi Yan , Ma Jinbiao , Guo Bin , Wu Xiaohui , Lu Pingli , Zhang Ruilin , Yang Ji
Published: August 2022

This study employed a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) to improve mentored research (MR) outcomes. Both CURE and MR outcomes are reported, with the former used to help explain the latter. A comprehensive implementation process is described, offering a model for the design of programs with similar research enhancement goals.
Biology Students’ Math and Computer Science Task Values Are Closely Linked
Authors: Caughman Alicia M. , Weigel Emily G.
Published: August 2022

Biology students are interested in and find utility in using math and computer science (CS) in biology courses, but also report costs. Previous course experience best predicts student attitudes. Overall, math and CS should be incorporated early and throughout the undergraduate biology curriculum to help students learn these vital skills.
Understanding percolation phase transition behaviors in complex networks from the macro and meso-micro perspectives
Authors: Dong Gaogao , Sun Zhipeng , Sun Nannan , Wang Fan
Published: August 2022

Over the most recent twenty years, network science has bloomed and impacted different fields such as statistical physics, computer science, sociology, and so on. Studying the percolation behavior of a network system has a very important role in vital nodes identification, ranking, network resilience, and propagation behavior of networks. When a network system undergoes failures, network connectivity is broken. In this perspective, the percolation behavior of the giant connected component and finite-size connected components is explored in depth from the macroscopic and meso-microscopic views, respectively. From a macro perspective, a single network system always shows second-order phase transitions, but for a coupled network system, it shows rich percolation behaviors for various coupling strength, coupling patterns and coupling mechanisms. Although the giant component accounts for a large proportion in the real system, it cannot be neglected that when the network scale is large enough, the scale of finite-size connected components has an important influence on network connectivity. We here systematically analyze the phase transition behaviors of finite-size connected components that are different from the giant component from a meso-microscopic perspective. Studying percolation behaviors from the macro and meso-micro perspectives is helpful for a comprehensive understanding of many fields of network science, such as time-series networks, adaptive networks, and higher-order networks. The intention of this paper is to provide a frontier research progress and promising research direction of network percolation from the two perspectives, as well as the essential theory of percolation transitions on a network system.
or, on being the other woman
Authors: White Simone
Published: August 2022

In or, on being the other woman, Simone White considers the dynamics of contemporary black feminist life. Throughout this book-length poem, White writes through a hybrid of poetry, essay, personal narrative, and critical theory, attesting to the narrative complexities of writing and living as a black woman and artist. She considers black social life—from art and motherhood to trap music and love—as unspeakably troubling and reflects on the degree to which it strands and punishes black women. She also explores what constitutes sexual freedom and the rewards and dangers that come with it. White meditates on trap music and the ways artists such as Future and Meek Mill and the sonic waves of the drum machine convey desire and the black experience. Charting the pressures of ordinary black womanhood, White pushes the limits of language, showing how those limits can be the basis for new modes of expression.
A pendulum of induction between the epiblast and extra-embryonic endoderm supports post-implantation progression
Authors: Vrij Erik J. , Scholte op Reimer Yvonne S. , Fuentes Laury Roa , Guerreiro Isabel Misteli , Holzmann Viktoria , Aldeguer Javier Frias , Sestini Giovanni , Koo Bon-Kyoung , Kind Jop , van Blitterswijk Clemens A. , Rivron Nicolas C.
Published: August 2022

Embryogenesis is supported by dynamic loops of cellular interactions. Here, we create a partial mouse embryo model to elucidate the principles of epiblast (Epi) and extra-embryonic endoderm co-development (XEn). We trigger naive mouse embryonic stem cells to form a blastocyst-stage niche of Epi-like cells and XEn-like cells (3D, hydrogel free and serum free). Once established, these two lineages autonomously progress in minimal medium to form an inner pro-amniotic-like cavity surrounded by polarized Epi-like cells covered with visceral endoderm (VE)-like cells. The progression occurs through reciprocal inductions by which the Epi supports the primitive endoderm (PrE) to produce a basal lamina that subsequently regulates Epi polarization and/or cavitation, which, in return, channels the transcriptomic progression to VE. This VE then contributes to Epi bifurcation into anterior- and posterior-like states. Similarly, boosting the formation of PrE-like cells within blastoids supports developmental progression. We argue that self-organization can arise from lineage bifurcation followed by a pendulum of induction that propagates over time.
Laminin 511 and WNT signalling sustain prolonged expansion of hiPSC-derived hippocampal progenitors
Authors: Dunville Keagan , Tonelli Fabrizio , Novelli Elena , Codino Azzurra , Massa Verediana , Frontino Anna Maria , Galfrè Silvia , Biondi Francesca , Gustincich Stefano , Caleo Matteo , Pandolfini Luca , Alia Claudia , Cremisi Federico
Published: August 2022

Using the timely re-activation of WNT signalling in neuralizing human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), we have produced neural progenitor cells with a gene expression profile typical of human embryonic dentate gyrus (DG) cells. Notably, in addition to continuous WNT signalling, a specific laminin isoform is crucial to prolonging the neural stem state and to extending progenitor cell proliferation for over 200 days in vitro. Laminin 511 is indeed specifically required to support proliferation and to inhibit differentiation of hippocampal progenitor cells for extended time periods when compared with a number of different laminin isoforms assayed. Global gene expression profiles of these cells suggest that a niche of laminin 511 and WNT signalling is sufficient to maintain their capability to undergo typical hippocampal neurogenesis. Moreover, laminin 511 signalling sustains the expression of a set of genes responsible for the maintenance of a hippocampal neurogenic niche. Finally, xenograft of human DG progenitors into the DG of adult immunosuppressed host mice produces efficient integration of neurons that innervate CA3 layer cells spanning the same area of endogenous hippocampal neuron synapses.
mBeRFP: a versatile fluorescent tool to enhance multichannel live imaging and its applications
Authors: Martin Emmanuel , Suzanne Magali
Published: August 2022

Cell and developmental biology increasingly require live imaging of protein dynamics in cells, tissues or living organisms. Thanks to the discovery and development of a panel of fluorescent proteins over the last decades, live imaging has become a powerful and commonly used approach. However, multicolor live imaging remains challenging. The generation of long Stokes shift red fluorescent proteins offers interesting new perspectives to bypass this limitation. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of mBeRFP for in vivo live imaging and its applications in Drosophila. Briefly, we show that a single illumination source is sufficient to stimulate mBeRFP and GFP simultaneously. We demonstrate that mBeRFP can be easily combined with classical green and red fluorescent proteins without any crosstalk. We also show that the low photobleaching of mBeRFP is suitable for live imaging, and that this protein can be used for quantitative applications, such as FRAP or laser ablation. Finally, we believe that this fluorescent protein, with the set of new possibilities it offers, constitutes an important tool for cell, developmental and mechano-biologists in their current research.
Major transcriptomic, epigenetic and metabolic changes underlie the pluripotency continuum in rabbit preimplantation embryos
Authors: Bouchereau Wilhelm , Jouneau Luc , Archilla Catherine , Aksoy Irène , Moulin Anais , Daniel Nathalie , Peynot Nathalie , Calderari Sophie , Joly Thierry , Godet Murielle , Jaszczyszyn Yan , Pratlong Marine , Severac Dany , Savatier Pierre , Duranthon Véronique , Afanassieff Marielle , Beaujean Nathalie
Published: August 2022

Despite the growing interest in the rabbit model for developmental and stem cell biology, the characterization of embryos at the molecular level is still poorly documented. We conducted a transcriptome analysis of rabbit preimplantation embryos from E2.7 (morula stage) to E6.6 (early primitive streak stage) using bulk and single-cell RNA-sequencing. In parallel, we studied oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, and analysed active and repressive epigenetic modifications during blastocyst formation and expansion. We generated a transcriptomic, epigenetic and metabolic map of the pluripotency continuum in rabbit preimplantation embryos, and identified novel markers of naive pluripotency that might be instrumental for deriving naive pluripotent stem cell lines. Although the rabbit is evolutionarily closer to mice than to primates, we found that the transcriptome of rabbit epiblast cells shares common features with those of humans and non-human primates.
A scalable phenotyping approach for female floral organ development and senescence in the absence of pollination in wheat
Authors: Millan-Blanquez Marina , Hartley Matthew , Bird Nicholas , Manes Yann , Uauy Cristobal , Boden Scott A.
Published: August 2022

In the absence of pollination, female reproductive organs senesce, leading to an irrevocable loss in the reproductive potential of the flower, which directly affects seed set. In self-pollinating crops like wheat (Triticum aestivum), the post-anthesis viability of unpollinated carpels has been overlooked, despite its importance for hybrid seed production systems. To advance our knowledge of carpel development in the absence of pollination, we created a high-throughput phenotyping approach to quantify stigma and ovary morphology. We demonstrate the suitability of the approach, which uses light-microscopy imaging and machine learning, for the analysis of floral organ traits in field-grown plants using fresh and fixed samples. We show that the unpollinated carpel undergoes a well-defined initial growth phase, followed by a peak phase in which stigma area reaches its maximum and the radial expansion of the ovary slows, and a final deterioration phase. These developmental dynamics were consistent across years and could be used to classify male-sterile cultivars. This phenotyping approach provides a new tool for examining carpel development, which we hope will advance research into female fertility of wheat.
Assessing Strength and Power in Youth Populations
Authors: Oliver Jon L. , Lloyd Rhodri S. , Mathews Thomas A. , Moeskops Sylvia , Morris Stephanie J. , Pedley Jason S. , Radnor John M.
Published: August 2022

Apply it!

After reading this article, exercise professionals will be able to:

• Understand why it is useful to assess strength and power in youth.

• Appreciate why it is important to consider maturity and size when assessing the strength and power of youth.

• Identify different tests that can be used to assess strength and power in youth, depending on available resources.

• Report results to different audiences, including children and their parent(s)/guardian(s), coaches, and exercise professionals.
Assessment of Fitness, Health, and Well-Being in the Occupational Setting: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Fang Kelly , Pronk Nico
Published: August 2022

Apply It!

After reading this article, worksite health promotion and health and fitness professionals will:

• Understand the purpose of conducting assessments and the health and safety implications when a worker is not able to perform his or her job optimally physically or mentally.

• Appreciate how to recognize and manage the risks involved in conducting the assessments.

• Know how to apply the practical guidance on which assessments to use and how to implement them on-site or remotely.
Conducting Adult Client Field-Based Assessments Most Anywhere
Authors: Gibson Ann L. , Smith Jessica , Gibson Donald L.
Published: August 2022

Apply It!

After completing this article, the readers should have learned:

• How to limit liability exposure

• More about administering field-based assessments by category for adults aged 18 to 60 or older

• How to select assessments based on a client's goal(s)

• Tips for improving assessment outcomes
Improving image quality and lung nodule detection for low-dose chest CT by using generative adversarial network reconstruction
Authors: Cao Qiqi , Mao Yifu , Qin Le , Quan Guotao , Yan Fuhua , Yang Wenjie
Published: August 2022

Objectives:

To investigate the improvement of two denoising models with different learning targets (Dir and Res) of generative adversarial network (GAN) on image quality and lung nodule detectability in chest low-dose CT (LDCT).

Methods:

In training phase, by using LDCT images simulated from standard dose CT (SDCT) of 200 participants, Dir model was trained targeting SDCT images, while Res model targeting the residual between SDCT and LDCT images. In testing phase, a phantom and 95 chest LDCT, exclusively with training data, were included for evaluation of imaging quality and pulmonary nodules detectability.

Results:

For phantom images, structural similarity, peak signal-to-noise ratio of both Res and Dir models were higher than that of LDCT. Standard deviation of Res model was the lowest. For patient images, image noise and quality of both two models, were better than that of LDCT. Artifacts of Res model was less than that of LDCT. The diagnostic sensitivity of lung nodule by two readers for LDCT, Res and Dir model, were 72/77%, 79/83% and 72/79% respectively.

Conclusion:

Two GAN denoising models, including Res and Dir trained with different targets, could effectively reduce image noise of chest LDCT. The image quality evaluation scoring and nodule detectability of Res denoising model was better than that of Dir denoising model and that of hybrid IR images.

Advances in knowledge:

The GAN-trained model, which learned the residual between SDCT and LDCT images, reduced image noise and increased the lung nodule detectability by radiologists on chest LDCT. This demonstrates the potential for clinical benefit.
Estatais com poder de polícia à luz da razão pública: a realidade e o pragmatismo como diretrizes
Authors: Araújo Valter Shuenquener de , Lemos Fernanda Rayza de Queiroz
Published: August 2022

Este artigo tem como objetivo verificar se o dogma da indelegabilidade do poder de polícia a pessoas de direito privado submete-se ao crivo da razão pública. Para tanto, são utilizados conceitos como os de realidade e pragmatismo. A realidade se ocupará da análise empírica dos argumentos fáticos e jurídicos apresentados pela teoria da indelegabilidade. Da perspectiva do pragmatismo, se efetuará uma abordagem antifundacionalista, contextual e atenta às consequências. A metodologia utilizada será a bibliográfica e o objetivo da pesquisa será o de contribuir para o debate do tema mediante a abordagem crítica de um dogma.
Introducing a new approach to debridement and wound bed preparation
Authors: Atkin Leanne
Published: August 2022

Debridement of devitalised tissue and wound biofilm is vital to promote healing. This article introduces an innovative debridement product, ChloraSolv Wound Debridement Gel, which is as effective as a blade but also selective, atraumatic and fast-acting and does not require specialist training. Its ease of use makes it suitable for all settings and staff.