bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local perception of ecosystem services and their conservation in Sudanian savannas of Burkina Faso (West Africa)
Authors: Nabaloum Assétou , Goetze Dethardt , Ouédraogo Amadé , Porembski Stefan , Thiombiano Adjima
Published: February 2022

Context

In Burkina Faso, Sudanian savannas are important ecosystems for conservation of plant diversity. Due to desertification and insecurity, population migration from the North has increased human density and anthropogenic pressure on southern savannas. This study aims to investigate knowledge of local populations on ecosystem services (ES) and perception of their conservation.

Method

Individual semi-structured interviews about knowledge on ES and ecosystem conservation issues were conducted. Informants were selected according to sociocultural groups and sex in three areas of different land use intensity: the communal area of Dano (CAD), the Total Wildlife Reserve of Bontioli (TWRB) and the Game Ranch of Nazinga (GRN). The use value and vulnerability index of each plant species were determined. A cluster analysis and a principal component analysis were carried out to identify the particular knowledge of different ethnic groups.

Results

Overall, 163 plant species were cited for fifteen ES. Provisioning services were most frequently cited (100%), regulating services second most frequently (92.47%). Entire plants were exclusively used for ES with non-material benefits (protection against wind, for shading, soil fertility, erosion prevention, tourism and religion). The ten species contributing most to ES provision were Vitellaria paradoxa, Parkia biglobosa, Diospyros mespiliformis, Adansonia digitata, Lannea microcarpa, Faidherbia albida, Khaya senegalensis, Afzelia africana, Ficus sycomorus, Pterocarpus erinaceus. Seven of them were identified as highly vulnerable. Around GRN, migrants and natives shared the same knowledge, while migrants in TWRB used the ES only to a small extent due to restricted contact with the native population. Migrants and natives of GRN had more knowledge on tourism and crafts services while the natives of CAD and TWRB made use of the services that sustain the quality of the agricultural land and meet their primary needs. To reduce further degradation, different communities suggested unanimously raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem conservation. The most quoted motivations to preserve ecosystems were vegetation sustainability and village development.

Conclusion

This study documented important local knowledge-based information to guide cultivation of local multipurpose species and initiation of communities to practice best management strategies for sustainable conservation of biodiversity.
Preoperative spirometry and BMI in deep inspiration breath-hold radiotherapy: the early detection of cardiac and lung dose predictors without radiation exposure
Authors: Koide Yutaro , Shimizu Hidetoshi , Aoyama Takahiro , Kitagawa Tomoki , Miyauchi Risei , Watanabe Yui , Tachibana Hiroyuki , Kodaira Takeshi
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to investigate preoperative spirometry and BMI as early predictors of the mean heart and lung dose (MHD, MLD) in deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) radiotherapy.

Methods

Left-sided breast cancer patients underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by DIBH radiotherapy enrolled. Patients who were not available for preoperative spirometry were excluded. One hundred eligible patients were performed free-breathing (FB-) CT and DIBH-CT for plan comparison. We completed the correlative and multivariate analysis to develop the linear regression models for dose prediction. The residuals were calculated to explore the unpreferable subgroups and compare the prediction accuracy.

Results

Among the parameters, vital capacity (VC) and BMI showed the strongest negative correlation with MHD (r = − 0.33) and MLD (r = − 0.34), respectively. They were also significant in multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). Elderly and less VC were independent predictors of increasing absolute residuals (AR). The VC model showed no significant difference in AR compared to the model using the CT parameter of lung volume in FB (LV-FB): median AR of the LV-FB model vs. the VC model was 0.12 vs. 0.11 Gy (P = 0.79). On the other hand, the median AR of the MLD model was 0.38 Gy, showing no specific subgroups of larger AR.

Conclusion

Preoperative spirometry and BMI are significant predictors of MHD and MLD, respectively. Although elderly and low-VC patients may have larger predictive variations, spirometry might be a substitute for LV-FB as a predictor of MHD.
Radiotherapy interruption due to holidays adversely affects the survival of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a joint analysis based on large-scale retrospective data and clinical trials
Authors: Xu Cheng , Yang Kai-Bin , Feng Rui-Jia , Chen Lei , Du Xiao-Jing , Mao Yan-Ping , Li Wen-Fei , Liu Qing , Sun Ying , Ma Jun
Published: February 2022

Background

The impact of radiotherapy interruption due to the Spring Festival holidays in China on the survival of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is unclear.

Methods

Nontrial patients with locoregionally advanced NPC receiving radiotherapy plus induction chemotherapy (IC) and/or concurrent chemotherapy (CC) were included (N = 5035) and divided into two groups based on the Spring Festival-induced radiotherapy interruption. Kaplan–Meier curves for overall survival (OS) and failure-free survival (FFS) were compared between rival groups. Impact of the timing of radiotherapy interruption (during or outside the Spring Festival) on survival was investigated in a propensity score-matched dataset. We adopted ordination correspondence analysis to determine the cut-off of radiotherapy prolongation for prognostic prediction, and accordingly performed subgroup analysis based on delayed days and chemotherapy details. Individual patient data of three phase III NPC trials (NCT00677118, NCT01245959, NCT01872962) were used for validation (N = 1465).

Results

Radiotherapy interruption was most frequently observed between December to January of the following year. Significantly lower OS and FFS were associated with the Spring Festival-induced interruption of radiotherapy (P = 0.009 and 0.033, respectively), but not that interruption of IC. In two matched comparison groups, the timing of radiotherapy interruption during the Spring Festival was more likely to lead to a decrease in FFS than outside the Spring Festival (P = 0.046), which was not observed in the validation using clinical trial data or in the subgroup analysis based on the 5-day delayed time. The absence of CC and the accumulated dose of cisplatin < 200 mg were related to the negative influences of the Spring Festival-induced radiotherapy interruption on FFS (P = 0.002) and OS (P = 0.010), respectively.

Conclusions

The poor survival of patients with NPC is associated with the Spring Festival-induced interruption of radiotherapy. We recommend that these patients receive adequate doses of cisplatin concurrently with radiotherapy.
Knockdown of PDX1 enhances the osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs partly via activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Fan , Chen Guang-Dong , Fan Long-Kun
Published: February 2022

Background

Osteoporosis (OP) is a systemic bone disease manifested as low bone mass, destruction of bone microstructure, increased bone fragility and fracture risk. The purpose of this study was to explore the role and mechanism of PDX1 for osteogenic differentiation of adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs).

Methods

GSE37329 dataset was retrieved from NCBI Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and performed bioinformatic analyses. ADSCs were incubated with normal medium, osteogenic induction medium (OIM) and OIM+si-PDX1. Then, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin Red Staining (ARS) were performed to assess the role of PDX1 for osteogenesis of ADSCs. PI3K inhibitor, LY294002 was then added to further explore the mechanism of PDX1 for osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs. Western blot assay was used to assess the osteogenic-related markers. Graphpad software was used to perform statistically analysis.

Results

A total of 285 DEGs were obtained from analysis of the dataset GSE37329, of which 145 were upregulated and 140 were downregulated genes. These differentially expressed genes mainly enriched in cell differentiation and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Moreover, PDX1 was decreased in osteogenic induced ADSCs. Knockdown of PDX1 significantly increased osteogenic differentiation capacity and p-PI3K and p-Akt protein levels. Administration with LY294002 could partially reversed the promotion effects of si-PDX1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knockdown of PDX1 promotes osteogenic differentiation of ADSCs through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Epidemiological characterization of tibial plateau fractures
Authors: Reátiga Aguilar Juan , Rios Ximena , González Edery Eduardo , De La Rosa Alfredo , Arzuza Ortega Laura
Published: February 2022

Background

Tibial plateau fractures are traumatic injuries with severities ranging from nondisplaced to complicated fractures. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of patients with tibial plateau fractures treated in five trauma clinics.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 1165 patients with tibial plateau fractures treated between December 2015 and May 2017. Subjects were selected from the medical records of five institutions based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Age, sex, laterality, fracture type, trauma mechanism, vehicle type, classification, and associated injuries were assessed via univariate and bivariate analyses.

Results

In total, 23.3% of patients with tibial fractures treated during the study period had tibial plateau fractures. Of those affected, 73% were men and 50% were younger than 40 years. Furthermore, 95.7% of fractures were caused by traffic accidents, 82.6% of which involved motorcycles. Fractures were closed in 93.1% of cases, and 78% of subjects had associated injuries. The most common fractures, according to Schatzker classification, were type VI (23%) and V (19.1%) fractures.

Conclusions

Tibial plateau fractures are frequent injuries in our setting and mostly occur in men in their 30 s and 40 s. These fractures are typically caused by motorcycle traffic accidents.

Level of Evidence.

IV.
Cucurbitacin B inhibits TGF-β1-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in NSCLC through regulating ROS and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways
Authors: Yuan Renyikun , Fan Qiumei , Liang Xiaowei , Han Shan , He Jia , Wang Qin-Qin , Gao Hongwei , Feng Yulin , Yang Shilin
Published: February 2022

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, and most of the patients after treatment with EGF-TKIs develop drug resistance, which is closely correlated with EMT. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a natural product of the Chinese herb Cucurbitaceae plant, which has a favorable role in anti-inflammation and anti-cancer activities. However, the effect of CuB on EMT is still far from fully explored. In this study, the inhibition effect of CuB on EMT was investigated.

Methods

In this study, TGF-β1 was used to induce EMT in A549 cells. MTS assay was used to detect the cell viability of CuB co-treated with TGF-β1. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were used to determine the migration and invasion capacity of cells. Flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope were used to detect the ROS level in cells. Western blotting assay and immunofluorescence assay were used to detect the proteins expression. Gefitinib was used to establish EGF-TKI resistant NSCLC cells. B16-F10 intravenous injection mice model was used to evaluate the effect of CuB on lung cancer metastasis in vivo. Caliper IVIS Lumina and HE staining were used to detect the lung cancer metastasis of mice.

Results

In this study, the results indicated that CuB inhibited TGF-β1-induced EMT in A549 cells through reversing the cell morphology changes of EMT, increasing the protein expression of E-cadherin, decreasing the proteins expression of N-cadherin and Vimentin, suppressing the migration and invasion ability. CuB also decreased the ROS production and p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-mTOR expression in TGF-β1-induced EMT in A549 cells. Furthermore, Gefitinib resistant A549 cells (A549-GR) were well established, which has the EMT characteristics, and CuB could inhibit the EMT in A549-GR cells through ROS and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways. In vivo study showed that CuB inhibited the lung cancer metastasis effectively through intratracheal administration.

Conclusion

CuB inhibits EMT in TGF-β1-induced A549 cells and Gefitinib resistant A549 cells through decreasing ROS production and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo study validated that CuB inhibits lung cancer metastasis in mice. The study may be supporting CuB as a promising therapeutic agent for NSCLC and Gefitinib resistant NSCLC.
Diagnostic yield of next-generation sequencing in 87 families with neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Álvarez-Mora María Isabel , Sánchez Aurora , Rodríguez-Revenga Laia , Corominas Jordi , Rabionet Raquel , Puig Susana , Madrigal Irene
Published: February 2022

Background

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of heterogeneous conditions, which include mainly intellectual disability, developmental delay (DD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), among others. These diseases are highly heterogeneous and both genetic and environmental factors play an important role in many of them. The introduction of next generation sequencing (NGS) has lead to the detection of genetic variants in several genetic diseases. The main aim of this report is to discuss the impact and advantages of the implementation of NGS in the diagnosis of NDDs. Herein, we report diagnostic yields of applying whole exome sequencing in 87 families affected by NDDs and additional data of whole genome sequencing (WGS) from 12 of these families.

Results

The use of NGS technologies allowed identifying the causative gene alteration in approximately 36% (31/87) of the families. Among them, de novo mutation represented the most common cause of genetic alteration found in 48% (15/31) of the patients with diagnostic mutations. The majority of variants were located in known neurodevelopmental disorders genes. Nevertheless, some of the diagnoses were made after the use of GeneMatcher tools which allow the identification of additional patients carrying mutations in THOC2, SETD1B and CHD9 genes. Finally the use of WGS only allowed the identification of disease causing variants in 8% (1/12) of the patients in which previous WES failed to identify a genetic aetiology.

Conclusion

NGS is more powerful in identifying causative pathogenic variant than conventional algorithms based on chromosomal microarray as first-tier test. Our results reinforce the implementation of NGS as a first-test in genetic diagnosis of NDDs.
Congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy and childhood: challenges, unmet needs and the perspective of patients and families
Authors: Banerjee Indraneel , Raskin Julie , Arnoux Jean-Baptiste , De Leon Diva D. , Weinzimer Stuart A. , Hammer Mette , Kendall David M. , Thornton Paul S.
Published: February 2022

Background

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the most common cause of persistent hypoglycemia in infants and children, and carries a considerable risk of neurological damage and developmental delays if diagnosis and treatment are delayed. Despite rapid advances in diagnosis and management, long-term developmental outcomes have not significantly improved in the past years. CHI remains a disease that is associated with significant morbidity, and psychosocial and financial burden for affected families, especially concerning the need for constant blood glucose monitoring throughout patients’ lives.

Results

In this review, we discuss the key clinical challenges and unmet needs, and present insights on patients’ and families’ perspective on their daily life with CHI. Prevention of neurocognitive impairment and successful management of patients with CHI largely depend on early diagnosis and effective treatment by a multidisciplinary team of specialists with experience in the disease.

Conclusions

To ensure the best outcomes for patients and their families, improvements in effective screening and treatment, and accelerated referral to specialized centers need to be implemented. There is a need to develop a wider range of centers of excellence and networks of specialized care to optimize the best outcomes both for patients and for clinicians. Awareness of the presentation and the risks of CHI has to be raised across all professions involved in the care of newborns and infants. For many patients, the limited treatment options currently available are insufficient to manage the disease effectively, and they are associated with a range of adverse events. New therapies would benefit all patients, even those that are relatively stable on current treatments, by reducing the need for constant blood glucose monitoring and facilitating a personalized approach to treatment.
The adaptor protein PICK1 targets the sorting receptor SorLA
Authors: Binkle Lars , Klein Marcel , Borgmeyer Uwe , Kuhl Dietmar , Hermey Guido
Published: February 2022

SorLA is a member of the Vps10p-domain (Vps10p-D) receptor family of type-I transmembrane proteins conveying neuronal endosomal sorting. The extracellular/luminal moiety of SorLA has a unique mosaic domain composition and interacts with a large number of different and partially unrelated ligands, including the amyloid precursor protein as well as amyloid-β. Several studies support a strong association of SorLA with sporadic and familial forms of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Although SorLA seems to be an important factor in AD, the large number of different ligands suggests a role as a neuronal multifunctional receptor with additional intracellular sorting capacities. Therefore, understanding the determinants of SorLA’s subcellular targeting might be pertinent for understanding neuronal endosomal sorting mechanisms in general. A number of cytosolic adaptor proteins have already been demonstrated to determine intracellular trafficking of SorLA. Most of these adaptors and several ligands of the extracellular/luminal moiety are shared with the Vps10p-D receptor Sortilin. Although SorLA and Sortilin show both a predominant intracellular and endosomal localization, they are targeted to different endosomal compartments. Thus, independent adaptor proteins may convey their differential endosomal targeting. Here, we hypothesized that Sortilin and SorLA interact with the cytosolic adaptors PSD95 and PICK1 which have been shown to bind the Vps10p-D receptor SorCS3. We observed only an interaction for SorLA and PICK1 in mammalian-two-hybrid, pull-down and cellular recruitment experiments. We demonstrate by mutational analysis that the C-terminal minimal PDZ domain binding motif VIA of SorLA mediates the interaction. Moreover, we show co-localization of SorLA and PICK1 at vesicular structures in primary neurons. Although the physiological role of the interaction between PICK1 and SorLA remains unsolved, our study suggests that PICK1 partakes in regulating SorLA’s intracellular itinerary.
Decreased in vivo glutamate/GABA ratio correlates with the social behavior deficit in a mouse model of autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Park Gaeun , Jeon Se Jin , Ko In Ok , Park Ji Hwan , Lee Kyo Chul , Kim Min-Sik , Shin Chan Young , Kim Hyeonjin , Lee Yong-Seok
Published: February 2022

To diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD), researchers have sought biomarkers whose alterations correlate with the susceptibility to ASD. However, biomarkers closely related to the pathophysiology of ASD are lacking. Even though excitation/inhibition (E/I) imbalance has been suggested as an underlying mechanism of ASD, few studies have investigated the actual ratio of glutamate (Glu) to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration in vivo. Moreover, there are controversies in the directions of E/I ratio alterations even in extensively studied ASD animal models. Here, using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at 9.4T, we found significant differences in the levels of different metabolites or their ratios in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of Cntnap2−/− mice compared to their wild-type littermates. The Glu/GABA ratio, N-acetylaspartate (NAA)/total creatine (tCr) ratio, and tCr level in the prefrontal cortex were significantly different in Cntnap2−/− mice compared to those in wild-type mice, and they significantly correlated with the sociability of mice. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses indicated high specificity and selectivity of these metabolites in discriminating genotypes. These results suggest that the lowered Glu/GABA ratio in the prefrontal cortex along with the changes in the other metabolites might contribute to the social behavior deficit in Cntnap2−/− mice. Our results also demonstrate the utility of 1H-MRS in investigating the underlying mechanisms or the diagnosis of ASD.
FOXQ1-mediated SIRT1 upregulation enhances stemness and radio-resistance of colorectal cancer cells and restores intestinal microbiota function by promoting β-catenin nuclear translocation
Authors: Yang Mei , Liu Qian , Dai Maolin , Peng Renqun , Li Xinghui , Zuo Wei , Gou Juhua , Zhou Feixue , Yu Shuangjiang , Liu Hao , Huang Min
Published: February 2022

Background

Resistance of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells to radiotherapy considerably contributes to poor clinical outcomes of CRC patients. Microarray profiling in this study revealed the differentially expressed forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) in CRC, and thus we aimed to illustrate the role of FOXQ1 in CRC by modulating stemness and radio-resistance of CRC cells.

Methods

CRC and adjacent normal tissues were collected from CRC patients, and the correlation between FOXQ1 expression and CRC prognosis was analyzed. Subsequently, we determined the expression of FOXQ1, sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and β-catenin in CRC tissues and cell lines. The binding affinity between FOXQ1 and SIRT1 and that between SIRT1 and β-catenin were validated with luciferase reporter gene, Co-IP and ChIP assays. Following a metagenomics analysis of CRC intestinal microbiota, the effects of the FOXQ1/SIRT1/β-catenin axis on CRC stem cell phenotypes and radio-resistance was evaluated in vitro and in vivo through manipulation of gene expression. Besides, mouse feces were collected to examine changes in intestinal microbiota.

Results

FOXQ1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues and cells and positively correlated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. FOXQ1 overexpression contributed to resistance of CRC cells to radiation. Knockdown of FOXQ1 inhibited the stemness of CRC cells and reversed their radio-resistance. FOXQ1 enhanced the transcriptional expression of SIRT1, and SIRT1 enhanced the expression and nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Knockdown of FOXQ1 repressed SIRT1 expression, thus reducing the stemness and radio-resistance of CRC cells. Moreover, FOXQ1 knockdown suppressed CRC xenograft formation in xenograft-bearing nude mice through inhibiting SIRT1 and β-catenin to reduce the content of pathological bacteria that were up-regulated in CRC.

Conclusion

FOXQ1-mediated SIRT1 upregulation augments expression and nuclear translocation of β-catenin and benefits CRC-related intestinal pathological bacterial, thereby enhancing the stemness and radio-resistance of CRC cells.
A reciprocal feedback between N6-methyladenosine reader YTHDF3 and lncRNA DICER1-AS1 promotes glycolysis of pancreatic cancer through inhibiting maturation of miR-5586-5p
Authors: Hu Yuhang , Tang Jiang , Xu Fengyu , Chen Jinhuang , Zeng Zhu , Han Shengbo , Wang Fan , Wang Decai , Huang Mengqi , Zhao Yong , Huang Yan , Zhuo Wenfeng , Zhao Gang
Published: February 2022

Background

Glycolysis is a pivotal process in metabolic reprogramming of tumorigenesis. Previous research has indicated that lncRNAs might play crucial roles in glycolysis of various tumors. However, the function of lncRNAs in glycolysis of pancreatic cancer has not been fully elucidated.

Methods

Bio-information analyses were applied to reveal the potential glycolysis-associated lncRNA. RT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assays were applied to detect the expression of antisense RNA1 of DICER1 (DICER1-AS1) in pancreatic cancer tissues and cell lines. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments were performed to evaluate the roles of DICER1-AS1 in glycolysis and tumorigenesis of PC. Mechanistic experiments including luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) were employed to uncover the downstream targets and regulatory mechanism of DICER1-AS1 in glycolysis of PC.

Results

Bio-information analysis indicated that DICER1-AS1 was downregulated in PC and negatively correlated with glycolytic genes expression. Meanwhile, overexpression of DICER1-AS1 inhibited glycolysis, proliferation, and metastasis of PC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DICER1-AS1 promoted transcription of its sense gene DICER1 by recruiting transcriptional factor YY1 to the DICER1 promoter. Meanwhile, DICER1 promoted maturation of miR-5586-5p which consequently inhibited glycolytic gene expression including LDHA, HK2, PGK1, and SLC2A1. Notably, enhanced interaction between N6-methyladenosine (m6A) reader YTHDF3 and DICER1-AS1 led to degradation of DICER1-AS1 in response to glucose depletion. Moreover, our data revealed that YTHDF3 was a critical target for miR-5586-5p, by which forming a negative feedback with DICER1-AS1 to regulate glycolysis of PC.

Conclusion

Our results implicate a negative feedback of m6A reader YTHDF3 and glycolytic lncRNA DICER1-AS1 is involved in glycolysis and tumorigenesis of PC.
Detection of plasma exosomal miRNA-205 as a biomarker for early diagnosis and an adjuvant indicator of ovarian cancer staging
Authors: Zhu Zehua , Chen Zhaojun , Wang Mingxing , Zhang Min , Chen Yiwen , Yang Xiao , Zhou Changjun , Liu Yuhua , Hong Liquan , Zhang Lahong
Published: February 2022

Background

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the serious threats to the health of women worldwide, and accurate biomarkers are urgently demanded for early diagnosis of OC. We have previously confirmed that miR-205 promotes the invasion and metastasis of OC cells by inhibiting the expression of the tumor suppressor gene TCF21. In this study, we used liquid biopsy technology to detect the expression levels of the four genes, miR-205, CA125, HE4 and TCF21, in the exosomes of plasma of OC patients. Combined with analysis of clinicopathological parameters of OC patients, we aimed to provide efficient and non-invasive laboratory biomarkers for early diagnosis of OC.

Methods

36 OC patients who were diagnosed in local hospitals from September 2020 to July 2021 were selected as OC group, 31 cases of surgically diagnosed with ovarian benign lesions were selected as benign group, and 32 healthy people who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as a control group. We employed transmission electron microscope (TEM), Western blotting (WB), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) to identify biomarkers in the exosomes extracted from plasma of the three groups. The RNA levels of miR-205, CA125, HE4 and TCF21 genes in plasma exosomes were detected by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) method. We used clinical pathological parameters and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy for the genes detected in plasma exosomes.

Results

We found that the expression level of miR-205 in plasma exosomes of the OC group was significantly higher than that of the benign and control groups (P <  0.05), and the level of miR-205 was elevated during the III-IV periods of OC and lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

The level of miR-205 in plasma exosomes is a valuable tumor biomarker to improve OC diagnosis.
Patients’ perspectives on point-of-care diagnostics and treatment by emergency medical technicians in acute COPD exacerbations: A qualitative study
Authors: Christensen H. M. , Pietersen P. I. , Laursen C. B. , Wittrock D. , Nadim G. , Jørgensen G. , Nielsen L. B. , Sørensen M. K. , Titlestad I. L. , Lassen A. T. , Mikkelsen S.
Published: February 2022

Background

In Denmark emergency medical technicians transport patients with acute COPD exacerbations to the nearest emergency department. From a clinical and economic perspective, this transport and assessment at the hospital may be inconvenient if the patient is immediately discharged from the emergency department. We established an emergency technical technicians point-of-care diagnostics and treatment program of patients with COPD with use of ultrasound and blood analysis. Patients' perspectives on treatment at home and sense of security are important to qualify clinical practice at home with patients with acute exacerbation.

Aim and objectives

To explore patient's and relatives' experience of treatment at home during emergency calls due to COPD in exacerbation and to investigate their attitude to avoid hospitalization as well as experience of stress during point-of-care diagnostics in their own home.

Method

A qualitative study comprising semi-structured interviews with 16 patients carried out from April 1st, 2019 to March 31st, 2020 in Denmark. Data was analysed inspired by Malteruds’ text condensation and informed by Critical Psychology with first person perspective focusing on the patient's views on point-of-care diagnostics and treatment of their COPD in acute exacerbation.

Results

The interviews revealed that in order to ensure an experience of quality in the assessment and treatment of patients in their own homes, it was important that the ambulance staff showed great safety and experience in the use of the technical equipment and treatment of dyspnea. It was also of importance that the patients felt confident that their general practitioner followed up on the home treatment initiated.

Conclusion

Patients’ perspectives showed that point-of-care diagnostics and treatment of acute COPD in exacerbation was considered a qualitative offer by the patients and their relatives. At the same time, it was crucial that the emergency medical technicians showed experience and safety in handling shortness of breath as well as the technical equipment.

Trial registration: Approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency Project-ID: 20/24845.
Animated, video entertainment-education to improve vaccine confidence globally during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online randomized controlled experiment with 24,000 participants
Authors: Chen Simiao , Forster Sebastian , Yang Juntao , Yu Fengyun , Jiao Lirui , Gates Jennifer , Wang Zhuoran , Liu Haitao , Chen Qiushi , Geldsetzer Pascal , Wu Peixin , Wang Chen , McMahon Shannon , Bärnighausen Till , Adam Maya
Published: February 2022

Background

Science-driven storytelling and entertainment-education (E-E) media demonstrate potential for promoting improved attitudes and behavioral intent towards health-related practices. Months after the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), emerging research highlights the essential role of interventions to improve public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. To improve vaccine confidence, we designed three short, animated videos employing three research-informed pedagogical strategies. These can be distributed globally through social media platforms, because of their wordless and culturally accessible design. However, the effectiveness of short, animated storytelling videos, deploying various pedagogic strategies, needs to be explored across different global regions.

Methods/design

The present study is a multi-site, parallel group, randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing the effectiveness of (i) a storytelling-instructional-humor approach, (ii) a storytelling-analogy approach, (iii) a storytelling-emotion-focused approach, and (iv) no video. For our primary outcomes, we will measure vaccine hesitancy, and for secondary outcomes, we will measure behavioral intent to seek vaccination and hope. Using online platforms, we will recruit 12,000 participants (aged 18–59 years) from the USA and China, respectively, yielding a total sample size of 24,000.

Discussion

This trial uses innovative online technology, reliable randomization algorithms, validated survey instruments, and list experiments to establish the effectiveness of three short, animated videos employing various research-informed pedagogical strategies. Results will be used to scientifically support the broader distribution of these short, animated video as well as informing the design of future videos for rapid, global public health communication.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS #00023650. Date of registration: 2021/02/09.
Modelling of autogenerative high-pressure anaerobic digestion in a batch reactor for the production of pressurised biogas
Authors: De Crescenzo Carmen , Marzocchella Antonia , Karatza Despina , Molino Antonio , Ceron-Chafla Pamela , Lindeboom Ralph E. F. , van Lier Jules B. , Chianese Simeone , Musmarra Dino
Published: February 2022

Background

Pressurised anaerobic digestion allows the production of biogas with a high content of methane and, at the same time, avoid the energy costs for the biogas upgrading and injection into the distribution grid. The technology carries potential, but the research faces practical constraints by a.o. the capital investment needed in high-pressure reactors and sensors and associated sampling limitations. In this work, the kinetic model of an autogenerative high-pressure anaerobic digestion of acetate, as the representative compound of the aceticlastic methanogenesis route, in batch configuration, is proposed to predict the dynamic performance of pressurised digesters and support future experimental work. The modelling of autogenerative high-pressure anaerobic digestion in batch configuration, which is not extensively studied and simulated in the present literature, was developed, calibrated, and validated by using experimental results available from the literature.

Results

Under high-pressure conditions, the assessment of the Monod maximum specific uptake rate, the half-saturation constant and the first-order decay rate was carried out, and the values of 5.9 kg COD kg COD−1 d−1, 0.05 kg COD m−3 and 0.02 d−1 were determined, respectively. By using the predicted values, excellent fittings of the final pressure, the CH4 molar fraction and the specific methanogenic yield calculation were obtained. Likewise, the variation in the gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient by several orders of magnitude showed negligible effects on the model predictive values in terms of methane molar fraction of the produced biogas, while the final pressure seemed to be slightly influenced.

Conclusions

The proposed model allowed to estimate the Monod maximum specific uptake rate for acetate, the half-saturation rate for acetate and the first-order decay rate constant, which were comparable with literature values reported for well-studied methanogens under anaerobic digestion at atmospheric pressure. The methane molar fraction and the final pressure predicted by the model showed different responses towards the variation of the gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient since the former seemed not to be affected by the variation of the gas–liquid mass transfer coefficient; in contrast, the final pressure seemed to be slightly influenced. The proposed approach may also allow to potentially identify the methanogens species able to be predominant at high pressure.
Tick-borne pathogens in neotropical animals in Trinidad, West Indies
Authors: Sant Candice , Seunarine Devon , Holder Nadine , Maharaj Krystal , Vaughan Melanie , Harrus Shimon , Gutierrez Ricardo , Nachum-Biala Yaarit , Baneth Gad , Charles Roxanne , Pow-Brown Patricia , Suepaul Rod , Georges Karla
Published: February 2022

Background

Ticks are important vectors of many pathogens that have contributed to the morbidity and mortality of humans and domestic animals worldwide. Wildlife species have also been implicated as reservoir hosts of a variety of tick-borne pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine which tick-transmitted pathogens were present in the animals harvested from the forest in Trinidad for human consumption.

Methods

Thin blood smears from 43 neotropical animals were examined microscopically for tick-borne pathogens. Additionally, DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene were used for amplification of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia while the gltA gene was used for Bartonella, and Rickettsia spp. and the 18S rRNA gene for Babesia, Hepatozoon and Theileria species.

Results

Pathogen DNA was amplified from four samples (a deer, collared peccary and two agoutis). Sequencing of the amplified products from the deer and collared peccary revealed 99.8% homology to Anaplasma bovis and 98.8% homology to Ehrlichia canis, respectively. Sequences from two agoutis revealed 90.4% homology to Theileria spp. DNA of Hepatozoon spp., Bartonella spp. Babesia spp. and Rickettsia spp. was not detected in any of the screened samples. An incidental finding in this study was the presence of bacteria in the blood of animals.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the DNA of tick-transmitted pathogens is present at a frequency of about 10% in the study population and suggests that neotropical mammals may serve as a source for the potential transmission of tick-borne pathogens to domestic animals and humans. In addition, physicians and hunters should be aware of the symptoms associated with zoonotic tick-borne pathogens so that these infections can be recognised, diagnosed and treated promptly. Bacteria present in carcasses can pose a food safety hazard and hunters should be trained in proper harvesting and handling of carcasses.

Graphical Abstract
Treatment of gouty arthritis is associated with restoring the gut microbiota and promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Park Han-Ki , Lee Sang Jin
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Although factors initiating the inflammatory response to monosodium urate crystals have been identified, the role of the gut microbiota and their metabolites on gout remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the changes in both gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) according to inflammatory states of gout in the same patients.

Methods

This study enrolled 20 patients with gout in the acute state who had active joints and were followed up until the recovery state with no active joints. Blood and fecal samples were simultaneously collected within 3 days for each disease state. The stool microbiome was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing, and serum SCFAs were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Differences in the gut microbiome and serum SCFAs were compared between the acute and recovery states.

Results

Beta diversity of the microbiome was significantly different between the acute and recovery states in terms of weighted UniFrac distance. In the recovery state, Prevotellaceae (p = 0.006) and the genus Prevotella (p = 0.009) were significantly enriched, whereas Enterobacteriaceae (p = 0.019) and its derivative genus Shigella (p = 0.023) were significantly decreased compared to the acute state. Similarly, the levels of acetate were dramatically increased in the recovery state compared to the acute state (p < 0.010). The levels of propionate and butyrate tended to increase but without statistical significance.

Conclusion

Substantial alterations of bacterial composition with the promotion of SCFA formation (especially acetate) were found after treatment in patients with gouty arthritis.
The prevalence of chronic ankle instability in basketball athletes: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lin Chiao-I , Mayer Frank , Wippert Pia-Maria
Published: February 2022

Background

Ankle sprain is the most common injury in basketball. Chronic ankle instability develops from an acute ankle sprain may cause negative effects on quality of life, ankle functionality or on increasing risk for recurrent ankle sprains and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. To facilitate a preventative strategy of chronic ankle instability (CAI) in the basketball population, gathering epidemiological data is essential. However, the epidemiological data of CAI in basketball is limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the prevalence of CAI in basketball athletes and to determine whether gender, competitive level, and basketball playing position influence this prevalence.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study, in total 391 Taiwanese basketball athletes from universities and sports clubs participated. Besides non-standardized questions about demographics and their history of ankle sprains, participants further filled out the standard Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool applied to determine the presence of ankle instability. Questionnaires from 255 collegiate and 133 semi-professional basketball athletes (male = 243, female = 145, 22.3 ± 3.8 years, 23.3 ± 2.2 kg/m2) were analyzed. Differences in prevalence between gender, competitive level and playing position were determined using the Chi-square test.

Results

In the surveyed cohort, 26% had unilateral CAI while 50% of them had bilateral CAI. Women had a higher prevalence than men in the whole surveyed cohort (X2(1) = 0.515, p = 0.003). This gender disparity also showed from sub-analyses, that the collegiate female athletes had a higher prevalence than collegiate men athletes (X2(1) = 0.203, p = 0.001). Prevalence showed no difference between competitive levels (p > 0.05) and among playing positions (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

CAI is highly prevalent in the basketball population. Gender affects the prevalence of CAI. Regardless of the competitive level and playing position the prevalence of CAI is similar. The characteristic of basketball contributes to the high prevalence. Prevention of CAI should be a focus in basketball. When applying the CAI prevention measures, gender should be taken into consideration.
Nuclear matrix associated RNAs in posterior silk glands show developmental dynamics in Bombyx mori in 5th instar larvae
Authors: Chunduri Alekhya Rani , Lima Anugata , Rajan Resma , Mamillapalli Anitha
Published: February 2022

Objectives

The nuclear matrix maintains and regulates chromatin structure. RNA is an integral component of the nuclear matrix and is essential to its structural maintenance. Bombyx mori is a major economic contributor in the sericulture industry and produces fibroin—the most important silk protein in its posterior silk glands during 5th instar larval stage. The present study investigates the composition of nuclear matrix RNA prepared from the posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori during fifth instar larval stage where maximum silk production occurs. The datasets from which the analysis is carried out are part of data note titled “Nuclear matrix associated RNA datasets of posterior silk glands of Bombyx mori during 5th instar larval development”.

Results

The results showed significant enrichment of nuclear matrix RNA from day 1, to day 5 and day 7. Nuclear RNA showed increased abundance from day 1 to day 5 and day 7. Nuclear matrix RNA exhibited repetitive RNA sequences, of which UGUCC and GCUGGU were the most abundant. Genes involved in metabolic pathways showed significant enrichment correlating with silk production. These results emphasize the role of dynamic, repetitive DNA transcripts in chromatin architecture and further reveal the close association between the nuclear matrix and gene expression.
Data set and methodology involving pedagogical approaches to teach mental health and substance use in dental education
Authors: Brondani Mario , Alan Rana , Donnelly Leeann
Published: February 2022

Objective

In this Data note, we provide a raw data set in the form of brief self-guided reflections. We also present the methodological approach to generate these reflections including an educational vignette so that other dental schools can plan for their teaching activities involving mental health and substance use topics.

Data description

Between 2015/16 and 2018/19, the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) undergraduate dental and dental hygiene students submitted optional written guided reflections to address ‘how can an educational vignette, depicting a patient with a history of substance use and mental health disorders accessing dental care, promote an open dialogue about stigma?’ From a total of 323 undergraduate students, 148 anonymous reflections between 200 and 400 characters each were received. The main ideas that may emerge from the reflections include ‘exploring power relations’ and ‘patient-centered care approach to counteract stigma’.
Improvement of peripheral neuropathy in a patient with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-negative eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis by additional mepolizumab
Authors: Kai Yoshiro , Yoshikawa Masanori , Matsuda Masayuki , Suzuki Kentaro , Ohara Hiroya , Iguchi Naohiko , Kasamatsu Takehito , Uno Kenji , Fujioka Nobuhiro , Fujita Yukio , Muro Shigeo
Published: February 2022

Background

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a vasculitis characterized by abnormally high eosinophils and frequent peripheral neuropathy. Mepolizumab is an approved therapy for EGPA, but its efficacy against peripheral neuropathy remains unknown.

Case presentation

A 41-year-old woman was admitted in the hospital with dyspnea and neuropathy. Ground glass opacity and infiltrative shadow in the bilateral lungs were evident on chest computed tomography images. Eosinophils were increased in serum, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and in transbronchial lung biopsy, and bacteria were not detected in BALF. EGPA resulting in severe eosinophilic asthma, sinusitis, pulmonary infiltrates, and peripheral neuropathy was diagnosed. Prednisolone (50 mg/day) caused remission of eosinophilic pneumonia and sinusitis, but not peripheral neuropathy. During prednisolone tapering (7 mg/day, 10 months after treatment), eosinophils were increased, and peripheral neuropathy relapsed. The humanized anti-IL-5 antibody mepolizumab (300 mg) was initially administered, followed by prednisolone. Mepolizumab caused sustained peripheral neuropathy remission and effective prednisolone tapering.

Conclusions

Introduction of mepolizumab combined with prednisolone may improve peripheral neuropathy.
Stellate ganglion block as an intervention in refractory eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis: a case report
Authors: Ma Danxu , Xue Yuting , Shi Rong , Yang Yinan , Li Huili , Shi Xuhua , Wang Li , Wang Yun
Published: February 2022

Background

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare vasculitis. Although glucocorticoid therapy with or without immunosuppressants leads to remission in the majority of cases, most EGPA patients remain dependent on glucocorticoid therapy and experience frequent relapses. Here, we report a case of refractory EGPA which responded to stellate ganglion blocks (SGBs).

Case presentation

A 32-year-old woman with aggravated wheezing, purpura, numbness of multiple fingers, and epigastric and abdominal pain was referred to our clinic. Laboratory and radiographic studies led to the diagnosis of EGPA. After an initial favorable response to glucocorticoid and immunosuppressant therapy, she experienced a relapse during a glucocorticoid taper. We found that SGB brought symptomatic relief and impeded disease progression. The mechanism of action of SGB on EGPA is undetermined, but may be related to vasodilation, immune modulation, and central nervous system regulation.

Conclusions

This report not only proposes a novel treatment modality for EGPA, but also provides a clinical reference point for further in-depth studies of SGB in multiple immune-linked disorders.