bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uso de Cannabis para tratamento da dor crônica: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Matias Gabriel Ferreira Setton , Lima Maria Adriely Cunha , Costa Tiago Almeida , Faria Mariana Soares , Nascimento Isabella Bittencourt Oliveira , Debbo Alejandra
Published: February 2022

Este estudo visa avaliar o uso de Cannabis medicinal para tratamento da dor, analisando tópicos como melhora da dor e efeitos colaterais. Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática realizada através das bases SciELO, LILACS e Medline/PubMed com estudos observacionais publicados nos últimos 5 anos. No total, foram encontrados 13.910 artigos. Após aplicar os critérios de inclusão e de exclusão restaram 18 estudos para compor a base de dados. Foram analisados 7.389 pacientes, com predomínio do sexo feminino (n=3.623). A dor crônica foi a mais mencionada nos estudos (n=1.492 casos), seguida pela dor neuropática (n=870 casos) e pela dor pós lesão/trauma (n=794 casos). Em 10 estudos, com uma amostra de 4.611 pacientes, 3.579 (77,62%) relataram melhora do nível de dor após iniciar uso de Cannabis. Outros benefícios desse tratamento foram a melhora do sono, redução do consumo de opioides e melhora da qualidade de vida. Para dores crônicas refratárias ou de baixa resposta ao tratamento convencional, o uso da Cannabis é uma boa opção, visto que é capaz de aliviar a dor, assim como seus sintomas associados, o que traz melhora na qualidade de vida do paciente e também reduz o uso de opioides.
Histopathological survey for parasite groups in Gammarus varsoviensis (Amphipoda)
Authors: Warren DA , Burgess AL , Karemera F , Bacela-Spychalska K , Stentiford GD , Bojko J
Published: February 2022

Invasive non-native amphipods (Crustacea) are becoming a model system in which to explore the impact and diversity of invasive parasites—parasites that are carried along an invasion route with their hosts. Gammarus varsoviensis is a freshwater amphipod species that has a recently explored invasion history. We provide a histopathological survey for a putatively invasive non-native population of this amphipod, identifying 8 symbiotic groups: Acanthocephala, Rotifera, Digenea, ciliated protozoa, Haplosporidia, Microsporidia, ‘Candidatus Aquirickettsiella’, and a putative nudivirus, at various prevalence. Our survey indicates that the parasites have no sex bias and that each has the potential to be carried in either sex along an invasion route. We discuss the pathology and prevalence of the above symbiotic groups and whether those that are parasitic may pose a risk if G. varsoviensis were to carry them to novel locations.
Healthcare professionals’ opinions regarding health coaching for patients with diabetes: A pilot exploration in Indonesia
Authors: Kusumaningrum Niken Safitri Dyan , Asmara Fatikhu Yatuni , Nurmalia Devi
Published: February 2022

Background: Diabetes management is applied for the entire patients’ lives, so it requires lifelong sustainable self-management actions to have a positive impact. Integrated care as coaching intervention is considered a program that facilitates and supports patients in managing diabetes more effectively and optimally. However, there are limited studies regarding this program in Indonesia.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the opinions of healthcare professionals concerning the importance of health coaching for patients with diabetes in Indonesia.
Methods: An invitation letter via email was distributed individually to participants from the three provinces of Java, Indonesia, between June and August 2020. The open-ended questions that consist of two sections were developed to explore the matter related to health coaching for patients with diabetes. A descriptive analysis of the participants’ answers was used to explain the data comprehensively and accurately reveal the complete information.
Results: A total of seven healthcare professionals from four professions participated in the study. Based on healthcare professionals’ opinions, this study revealed that the most common reason health coaching needs to be implemented is related to self-management in dealing with diabetes. Health coaching as a tailored-intervention strategy in diabetes self-management requires a multidisciplinary approach and considers the local wisdom to achieve the expected goals in all aspects of patients’ lives. Thus, health coaching as an integral part of diabetes self-management is considered an appropriate program to cope with this problem.
Conclusion: Health coaching for patients with diabetes is useful and reasonable to implement among patients with appropriate strategies, especially in Indonesia and beyond.
PECULIARITIES OF COMPLEX FORMATION IN THE SULFOBUTYL ETHER-β-CYCLODEXTRIN - IONIC LIQUID SYSTEM
Authors: Kobrina Larisa , Boyko Valentina , Hliieva Halyna , Riabov Sergii , Rogalsky Sergiy , Yanova Karolina
Published: February 2022

The inclusion complexation of sulfobutyl ether-β-cyclodextrin sodium salt (SBECD) - ionic liquid (IL) has been investigated by a series of appropriate methods. The stability constant of the complex of SBECD-IL (K = 72.4 m-1) was determined by the method of Higuchi and Connors. An increase in the surface tension of solutions with different SBECD’s content was recorded by using the method of Wilhelm's plate, which could serve as an additional evidence of the formation of inclusion complex between SBECD and IL. Analysis of the TGA results provided for the initial IL and SBECD, their mechanical mixture and the complex elaborated allows us to conclude that the "guest-host" type complexation is emerged. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) data also confirmed the formation of inclusion complex between SBECD and IL. While the guest molecule is incorporated into cyclodextrin cavity, its thermal properties are changed. So, the loss of physically bonded water in the complex is equal to 5% by weight, indicating the IL’s molecule being located in the SBECD’s hydrophobic cavity. The thermogram of inclusion complex demonstrates just one endothermic peak at 74 oC. The complex is formed by entering the long alkyl chain of ionic liquid into the hydrophobic cavity of SBECD. Since the bonds of sulfo groups and β-СD’s glucopyran cycles become weaker, this may testify an additional interactions between SBECD and IL. With  thermograviometric analysis (TGA) of the original IR and SB-β-CD, their mechanical mixture and the test compound fixed the formation of not a classical complex, but an associated complex of inclusion type "guest-host", which is formed by entering a long alkyl chain IR in the hydrophobic cavity SB-β-CD.
CATALYSIS OF HYDRODEHALOGENATION RE­ACTION OF HALOARENES BY CARBENE PEPPSI-PALLADIUM COMPLEXES
Authors: Saberov Vagiz , Avksentiev Alexander , Rayenko Gennady , Ryabitsky Alexey , Yenya Vasil , Nechitaylov Maxim , Korotkikh Nikolai
Published: February 2022

The synthesis of a number of carbene PEPPSI-complexes of palladium with various pyridine and carbene ligands was carried out by reactions of 1,3-bis-(2,6-dibenzhydryl-4-methyl­phenyl)imidazolium chloride IPr*.HCl [compounds 7a-c IPr*PdCl2L’, L’ = pyridine (а), 3-chloropyridine (b), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (с)], 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)­imida­zo­li­um perchlorate IPr.HClO4 [compounds 8a,b IPr.PdCl2L’, L’ = 3-chloropyridine (а), о-phenanthroline (b)], 1,3-diphenyl-4-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1,2,4-triazolium perchlorate L.HClO4 (complex 9 LPdCl2L’, L’ = 3-chloropyridine) and 1,3-dicetyl­imidazolium bromide L.HBr (complex 11 LPdCl2L’, L’ = pyridine) with palladium chloride in pyridines (pyridine, 3-chloropyridine), or acetonitrile in the presence of potassium carbonate. Yields of compounds – from high (56–100%) to moderate (36 %). The structure of the compounds was confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Chemical shifts of carbene atoms in the 13C NMR spectra of complexes 7a-c. 8a, b 11 are in the region  151.0-156.2 ppm, for complex 9 - at  174.4 ppm A high catalytic effect of sterically shielded complexes 7a, b, 8a, b in the hydrodehalogenation reaction of p-dichlorobenzene and hexachlorobenzene under the action of potassium tert-butoxide in isopropanol was established. 1,3-Bis-(2,6-dibenzhydryl-4-methylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene complexes 7a, b (quantitative conversions with p-dichlorobenzene are achieved with 0.013 mol% of catalyst) show the highest efficiency, but the compound with 4-dimethylaminopyridine ligand 7c has significantly lower efficiency (22% conversion under these conditions). Complexes with 1,3-bis-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-imidazol-2-ylidene ligand 8a, b are close in efficiency to compounds 7a, b (for 7a quantitative conversion is achieved with 0.026 mol% of catalyst). Phenanthroline-containing complex 8b is less effective than complex 8a (87% conversion with 0.052 mol% of catalyst). Complex 9 is much less effective (even with 0.13 mol% of catalyst 13% conversion is achieved). Compound 11 catalyzes the reaction well only when the amount of catalyst is up to 1.3 mol% (98% conversion). Thus, compounds 7a, b, 8a are the best PEPPSI-catalysts for hydrodehalogenation of haloarenes promising for industrial decontamination of persistent orga­nic pollutants (hexachlorobenzene, DDT, di­oxins and polychlorinated biphenyls, etc.).
Aftershock: Earthquake In New York Filmi Üzerine Bir Afet Sosyolojisi İncelemesi
Authors: ALKIN Ruhi Can
Published: February 2022

Bu çalışmada, bir Hollywood yapımı olan Aftershock: Earthquake in New York adlı filmdeki sahne, kurgu ve diyaloglar, afet sosyolojisi alt disiplininin bazı teorik yönelimleri göz önünde bulundurularak analiz edilmiştir. Afet ve toplum konusunun kapsamına girebilecek “afet öncesi toplumsal düzene yeniden dönme”, “afet müdahalesi ve iyileştirme aşamaları”, “afet, toplumsal dayanışma ve kolektif bilinç” ve benzeri temalar, filmin bir metin olarak ele alındığı incelemede betimsel analiz ve yapısökümcü yaklaşım ışığında tartışmaya sunulmuştur. Makale, iletişimbilim ve medya çalışmaları kapsamındaki teorik ve metodolojik çıktılardan ziyade, afet sosyolojisinin teorik çıktılarına ağırlık vermiştir. Çalışma, Türkçe literatürde bir sinema filmi üzerine yapılmış ilk afet sosyolojisi incelemesi olma iddiasını taşımaktadır.
THE INVESTIGATION OF THE PATIENTS WHO APPLY WITH THE CAUSE OF CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN TO THE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC
Authors: ARSLAN Mesut , SARAL İlknur , DONAT Ali
Published: February 2022

In this cross-sectional study, it was planned to examine the relationship between age, gender, daily life activity habits, clinical examination findings and treatment sessions number of the patients with chronic low back pain who applied for chiropractic treatment. After examination of the patient files, who were treated at Private Clinic between January 2010 and December 2017, 408 patients’ data were accepted into study. Patients; demographic characteristics, physical examination findings and imaging results were examined. Age, gender, sedentary time (sitting), activity level, stress level, pain duration, spinal dysfunction segments and treatment number were included. Patients’ mean age was 43.1 ± 12.6 years, 205 were male (50.2%) and 203 (49.8%) were female. When the total number of received treatment sessions were examined, the average for all patients was 3.5±2.9. The number of treatments were significantly higher in the groups with pain duration of 6-10 years and 11 years and above, compared to the group with 0-5 years of pain (p = 0.009). There was a significant difference between the patients' pain duration and number of treatment sessions. However, there was no significant difference in age, gender, daily life activity habits, clinical examination findings and number of treatment sessions in our study.
Risk Assessment in Drug Hypersensitivity: Detecting Small Molecules Which Outsmart the Immune System
Authors: Pichler Werner J. , Watkins Stephen , Yerly Daniel
Published: February 2022

Drug hypersensitivity (DH) reactions are clinically unusual because the underlying immune stimulations are not antigen-driven, but due to non-covalent drug-protein binding. The drugs may bind to immune receptors like HLA or TCR which elicits a strong T cell reaction (p-i concept), the binding may enhance the affinity of antibodies (enhanced affinity model), or drug binding may occur on soluble proteins which imitate a true antigen (fake antigen model). These novel models of DH could have a major impact on how to perform risk assessments in drug development. Herein, we discuss the difficulties of detecting such non-covalent, labile and reversible, but immunologically relevant drug-protein interactions early on in drug development. The enormous diversity of the immune system, varying interactions, and heterogeneous functional consequences make it to a challenging task. We propose that a realistic approach to detect clinically relevant non-covalent drug interactions for a new drug could be based on a combination ofin vitrocell culture assays (using a panel of HLA typed donor cells) and functional analyses, supplemented by structural analysis (computational data) of the reactive cells/molecules. When drug-reactive cells/molecules with functional impact are detected in these risk assessments, a close clinical monitoring of the drug may reveal the true incidence of DH, as suppressing but also enhancing factors occurringin vivocan influence the clinical manifestation of a DH.
Dawoud–Kibria Estimator for Beta Regression Model: Simulation and Application
Authors: Abonazel Mohamed R. , Dawoud Issam , Awwad Fuad A. , Lukman Adewale F.
Published: February 2022

The linear regression model becomes unsuitable when the response variable is expressed as percentages, proportions, and rates. The beta regression (BR) model is more appropriate for the variable of this form. The BR model uses the conventional maximum likelihood estimator (BML), and this estimator may not be efficient when the regressors are linearly dependent. The beta ridge estimator was suggested as an alternative to BML in the literature. In this study, we developed the Dawoud–Kibria estimator to handle multicollinearity in the BR model. The properties of the new estimator are derived. We compared the performance of the estimator with the existing estimators theoretically using the mean squared error criterion. A Monte Carlo simulation and a real-life application were carried out to show the benefits of the proposed estimator. The theoretical comparison, simulation, and real-life application results revealed the superiority of the proposed estimator.
Spatially Annotated Single Cell Sequencing for Unraveling Intratumor Heterogeneity
Authors: Smit Myrthe M. , Feller Kate J. , You Li , Storteboom Jelle , Begce Yasin , Beerens Cecile , Chien Miao-Ping
Published: February 2022

Intratumor heterogeneity is a major obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Current methods to study intratumor heterogeneity using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) lack information on the spatial organization of cells. While state-of-the art spatial transcriptomics methods capture the spatial distribution, they either lack single cell resolution or have relatively low transcript counts. Here, we introduce spatially annotated single cell sequencing, based on the previously developed functional single cell sequencing (FUNseq) technique, to spatially profile tumor cells with deep scRNA-seq and single cell resolution. Using our approach, we profiled cells located at different distances from the center of a 2D epithelial cell mass. By profiling the cell patch in concentric bands of varying width, we showed that cells at the outermost edge of the patch responded strongest to their local microenvironment, behaved most invasively, and activated the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to migrate to low-confluence areas. We inferred cell-cell communication networks and demonstrated that cells in the outermost ∼10 cell wide band, which we termed the invasive edge, induced similar phenotypic plasticity in neighboring regions. Applying FUNseq to spatially annotate and profile tumor cells enables deep characterization of tumor subpopulations, thereby unraveling the mechanistic basis for intratumor heterogeneity.
Mechanically Optimize T Cells Activation by Spiky Nanomotors
Authors: Fu Dongmei , Xie Dazhi , Wang Fei , Chen Bin , Wang Zhen , Peng Fei
Published: February 2022

T cell activation is vital for immune response initiation and modulation. Except for the strength of the interaction between T cell receptors (TCR) and peptides on major histocompatibility complex molecules (MHC), mechanical force, mediated by professional mechanosensitive ion channels, contributes to activating T cells. The intrinsic characteristic of synthetic micro/nanomotors that convert diverse energy sources into physical movement and force, opening up new possibilities for T cell regulation. In this work, Pd/Au nanomotors with spiky morphology were fabricated, and in the presence of low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide fuel, the motors exhibited continuous locomotion in the cellular biological environment. Physical cues (force and pressure) generated by the dynamic performance are sensed by mechanosensitive ion channels of T cells and trigger Ca2+ influx and subsequent activation. The successful demonstration that mechanical signals generated in the bio microenvironment can potentiate T cells activation, represents a potential approach for cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
Efficacy of Flash Glucose Monitoring in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Liang Bonnie , Koye Digsu N. , Hachem Mariam , Zafari Neda , Braat Sabine , Ekinci Elif I.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Flash glucose monitoring (FlashGM) is a sensor-based technology that displays glucose readings and trends to people with diabetes. In this meta-analysis, we assessed the effect of FlashGM on glycaemic outcomes including HbA1c, time in range, frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes and time in hypo/hyperglycaemia compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose, using data from randomised controlled trials.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL for articles published between 2014 and 2021. We selected randomised controlled trials comparing flash glucose monitoring to self-monitoring of blood glucose that reported change in HbA1c and at least one other glycaemic outcome in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Two independent reviewers extracted data from each study using a piloted form. Meta-analyses using a random-effects model was conducted to obtain a pooled estimate of the treatment effect. Heterogeneity was assessed using forest plots and the I2 statistic.

Results

We identified 5 randomised controlled trials lasting 10 – 24 weeks and involving 719 participants. Flash glucose monitoring did not lead to a significant reduction in HbA1c. However, it resulted in increased time in range (mean difference 1.16 hr, 95% CI 0.13 to 2.19, I2 = 71.7%) and decreased frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes (mean difference -0.28 episodes per 24 hours, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.04, I2 = 71.4%).

Conclusions

Flash glucose monitoring did not lead to a significant reduction in HbA1c compared to self-monitoring of blood glucose, however, it improved glycaemic management through increased time in range and decreased frequency of hypoglycaemic episodes.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42020165688).
The Ribosomal Protein L5 Functions During Xenopus Anterior Development Through Apoptotic Pathways
Authors: Schreiner Corinna , Kernl Bianka , Dietmann Petra , Riegger Ricarda J. , Kühl Michael , Kühl Susanne J.
Published: February 2022

Ribosomal biogenesis is a fundamental process necessary for cell growth and division. Ribosomal protein L5 (Rpl5) is part of the large ribosomal subunit. Mutations in this protein have been associated with the congenital disease Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA), a so called ribosomopathy. Despite of the ubiquitous need of ribosomes, clinical manifestations of DBA include tissue-specific symptoms, e.g., craniofacial malformations, eye abnormalities, skin pigmentation failure, cardiac defects or liver cirrhosis. Here, we made use of the vertebrate model organism Xenopus laevis and showed a specific expression of rpl5 in the developing anterior tissue correlating with tissues affected in ribosomopathies. Upon Rpl5 knockdown using an antisense-based morpholino oligonucleotide approach, we showed different phenotypes affecting anterior tissue, i.e., defective cranial cartilage, malformed eyes, and microcephaly. Hence, the observed phenotypes in Xenopus laevis resemble the clinical manifestations of DBA. Analyses of the underlying molecular basis revealed that the expression of several marker genes of neural crest, eye, and brain are decreased during induction and differentiation of the respective tissue. Furthermore, Rpl5 knockdown led to decreased cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis during early embryogenesis. Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying Rpl5 function revealed a more than additive effect between either loss of function of Rpl5 and loss of function of c-Myc or loss of function of Rpl5 and gain of function of Tp53, suggesting a common signaling pathway of these proteins. The co-injection of the apoptosis blocking molecule Bcl2 resulted in a partial rescue of the eye phenotype, supporting the hypothesis that apoptosis is one main reason for the phenotypes occurring upon Rpl5 knockdown. With this study, we are able to shed more light on the still poorly understood molecular background of ribosomopathies.
FoxK1 is Required for Ectodermal Cell Differentiation During Planarian Regeneration
Authors: Coronel-Córdoba Pablo , Molina M. Dolores , Cardona Gemma , Fraguas Susanna , Pascual-Carreras Eudald , Saló Emili , Cebrià Francesc , Adell Teresa
Published: February 2022

Forkhead box (Fox) genes belong to the “winged helix” transcription factor superfamily. The function of some Fox genes is well known, such as the role of foxO in controlling metabolism and longevity and foxA in controlling differentiation of endodermal tissues. However, the role of some Fox factors is not yet well characterized. Such is the case of FoxK genes, which are mainly studied in mammals and have been implicated in diverse processes including cell proliferation, tissue differentiation and carcinogenesis. Planarians are free-living flatworms, whose importance in biomedical research lies in their regeneration capacity. Planarians possess a wide population of pluripotent adult stem cells, called neoblasts, which allow them to regenerate any body part after injury. In a recent study, we identified three foxK paralogs in the genome of Schmidtea mediterranea. In this study, we demonstrate that foxK1 inhibition prevents regeneration of the ectodermal tissues, including the nervous system and the epidermis. These results correlate with foxK1 expression in neoblasts and in neural progenitors. Although the triggering of wound genes expression, polarity reestablishment and proliferation was not affected after foxK1 silencing, the apoptotic response was decreased. Altogether, these results suggest that foxK1 would be required for differentiation and maintenance of ectodermal tissues.
Qualitative Analysis of Drug-Containing Plasma and its Application to Quantitative Analysis and Pharmacokinetic Study of Zexie Decoction Using UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Wu Jiashuo , Zheng Shunliang , Zhang Fangqing , Ruan Haonan , Xue Haotian , Wang Jingxun , Li Zhuangzhuang , Jin Weiyi , Wang Weihua , Xia Jing , Shi Yue
Published: February 2022

ZeXie Decoction (ZXD) is one of the traditional Chinese medicine formulas (TCMFs) comprising Alisma orientalis (Sam.) Juzep. (ZX) and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (BZ) in 5:2 ratios and is widely employed in clinical applications since ancient times. In this study, UHPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS was used for qualitative analysis of ZXD in rats’ plasma after a single oral dose of 750 mg/kg body weight. Afterward, UHPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS was used for simultaneous analysis of three bioactive chemical compounds including alisol A, alisol B, and alisol A 24-acetate in ZXD’s ethanol extract. Subsequently, the pharmacokinetic profiles of the three analytes were investigated in rat plasma utilizing UHPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS. The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode for the three analytes were at m/z 508.4→383.2 for alisol A, m/z 490.4→365.2 for alisol B, and m/z 550.4→515.5 for alisol A 24-acetate. The analysis method was validated in terms of its accuracy, stability, repeatability, linearity, spiked recovery and matrix effect. As a result, twenty-five chemical constituents of ZXD were putatively identified in plasma, and rapid, sensitive, and accurate methods were established for the quantitative analysis and pharmacokinetic study of ZXD. The findings of this study can provide a scientific base for further study of in vivo pharmacokinetics of TCMFs.
Dual Effect of Acetic Acid Efficiently Enhances Sludge-Based Biochar to Recover Uranium From Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yu Shoufu , Wu Xiaoyan , Ye Jian , Li Mi , Zhang Qiucai , Zhang Xiaowen , Lv Chunxue , Xie Wenjie , Shi Keyou , Liu Yong
Published: February 2022

Excess sludge (ES) treatment and that related to the uranium recovery from uranium-containing wastewater (UCW) are two hot topics in the field of environmental engineering. Sludge-based biochar (SBB) prepared from ES was used to recover uranium from UCW. Excellent effects were achieved when SBB was modified by acetic acid. Compared with SBB, acetic acid-modified SBB (ASBB) has shown three characteristics deserving interest: 1) high sorption efficiency, in which the sorption ratio of U(VI) was increased by as high as 35.0%; 2) fast sorption rate, as the equilibrium could be achieved within 5.0 min; 3) satisfied sorption/desorption behavior; as a matter of fact, the sorption rate of U(VI) could still be maintained at 93.0% during the test cycles. In addition, based on the test conditions and various characterization results, it emerged as a dual effect of acetic acid on the surface of SBB, i.e., to increase the porosity and add (−COOH) groups. It was revealed that U(VI) and −COO− combined in the surface aperture of ASBB via single-dentate coordination. Altogether, a new utilization mode for SBB is here proposed, as a means of efficient uranium sorption from UCW.
Type-II Band Alignment and Tunable Optical Absorption in MoSSe/InS van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Yuan X. B. , Guo Y. H. , Wang J. L. , Hu G. C. , Ren J. F. , Zhao X. W.
Published: February 2022

In this work, we study the electronic structure, the effective mass, and the optical properties of the MoSSe/InS van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) by first-principles calculations. The results indicate that the MoSSe/InS vdWH is an indirect band gap semiconductor and has type-Ⅱ band alignment in which the electrons and holes located at the InS and the MoSSe side, respectively. The band edge position, the band gap and the optical absorption of the MoSSe/InS vdWH can be tuned when biaxial strains are applied. In addition, compared with MoSSe and InS monolayers, the optical absorption of the MoSSe/InS vdWH is improved both in the visible and the ultraviolet regions. These findings indicate that the MoSSe/InS vdWHs have potential applications in optoelectronic devices.
A Mouse Periodontitis Model With Humanized Oral Bacterial Community
Authors: Bai Lan , Chen Bo-Yan , Liu Yan , Zhang Wu-Chang , Duan Sheng-Zhong
Published: February 2022

Increasing evidence suggests that periodontitis, characterized by oral dysbiosis, is a critical player in the progression of multiple systemic diseases in humans. However, there is still a lack of a proper mouse model of periodontitis with the colonization of human periodontitis-associated bacteria. We here established a new mouse periodontitis model by combining ligation of the second molars with application of subgingival plaques from periodontitis patients. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Taxonomic classification, we found that human periodontitis-associated bacteria efficiently colonized in the mouse model and were enriched in both ligature silk and mouse saliva. Furthermore, the well-recognized periodontal pathogens including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, and Tannerella forsythia were enriched in the new model, but not in ligature-induced periodontitis model or Sham mice. The human periodontitis-associated bacteria potently aggravated mouse periodontitis, as demonstrated by more severe bone resorption and higher expression of inflammatory and osteoclastogenesis genes. In summary, the new mouse periodontitis model paves the way for studying human periodontitis-associated bacteria in oral diseases and systemic diseases.
The Prescription Characteristics, Efficacy and Safety of Spironolactone in Real-World Patients With Acute Heart Failure Syndrome: A Prospective Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Na Soo Jin , Youn Jong-Chan , Lee Hye Sun , Jeon Soyoung , Lee Hae-Young , Cho Hyun-Jai , Choi Jin-Oh , Jeon Eun-Seok , Lee Sang Eun , Kim Min-Seok , Kim Jae-Joong , Hwang Kyung-Kuk , Cho Myeong-Chan , Chae Shung Chull , Kang Seok-Min , Choi Dong-Ju , Yoo Byung-Su , Kim Kye Hun , Oh Byung-Hee , Baek Sang Hong
Published: February 2022

Background

Randomized clinical trials of spironolactone showed significant mortality reduction in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. However, its role in acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS) is largely unknown.

Aim

To investigate the prescription characteristics, efficacy and safety of spironolactone in real-world patients with AHFS.

Methods

5,136 AHFS patients who survived to hospital discharge using a nationwide prospective registry in Korea were analyzed. The primary efficacy outcome was 3-year all-cause mortality.

Results

Spironolactone was prescribed in 2,402 (46.8%) at discharge: <25 mg in 890 patients (37.1%), ≥25 mg, and <50 mg in 1,154 patients (48.0%), and ≥50 mg in 358 patients (14.9%). Patients treated with spironolactone had a lower proportion of chronic renal failure and renal replacement therapy during hospitalization and had lower serum creatinine level than those who did not. In overall patients, 3-year mortality was not different in both groups (35.9 vs. 34.5%, P = 0.279). The incidence of renal injury and hyperkalemia was 2.2% and 4.3%, respectively, at the first follow-up visit. The treatment effect of spironolactone on mortality was different across subpopulations according to LVEF. The use of spironolactone was associated with a significant reduction in 3-year morality in patients with LVEF ≤ 26% (33.8 vs. 44.3%, P < 0.001; adjusted HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.97, P = 0.023), but not in patients with LVEF > 26%.

Conclusions

Although spironolactone was frequently used at lower doses in real-world practice, use of spironolactone significantly reduced 3-year mortality in patients with severely reduced LVEF with acceptable safety profile. However, our findings remain prone to various biases and further prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Using a Spatial Analysis Method to Study the Seismo-Ionospheric Disturbances of Electron Density Observed by China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite
Authors: Liu Jing , Qiao Xiaoling , Zhang Xuemin , Wang Zhuangkai , Zhou Chen , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2022

Due to the complex processes of earthquake preparation, the observations and studies associated with earthquakes have attracted the attention of geophysicists for many years. The CSES was successfully launched on 2 February 2018. This satellite can provide global data of the electromagnetic field, plasma, and energetic particles in the ionosphere to monitor and study the ionospheric perturbations associated with earthquakes. Focusing on the characteristics of CSES, a spatial analysis method was proposed to extract the disturbances of electron density prior to earthquakes. Taking Indonesia Mw6.9 earthquake that occurred on 5 August 2018 as an example, the spatial method was illustrated and verified by another analysis method also using the data of electron density and GPS TEC data with the same analysis method. Based on the electron density of CSES for more than 2 years, this method was applied to carry out the statistical study prior to Mw ≥ 6.0 global earthquakes using the superposed epoch and space approach (SESA) method. It was found that 1) relative to the epicenters, seismo-ionospheric disturbances are more obvious in the equator direction than those in the polar direction; 2) the anomalies within 300 km distance from the epicenter are significant 11, 3, and 2 days prior to Mw ≥ 6.0 earthquakes; 3) the influence region of perturbances associated with earthquakes enlarges with the magnitude increase, and the stronger magnitude is the earlier disturbance appears. These statistical characteristics were not detected for the random earthquakes. Comparing the statistical result with the simulation output, the electric field pathway could be considered as the main channel of lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling.
“A Common Obsession”: Children’s and Young People’s Perceptions of Learning in an Intensive Summer Choral Program
Authors: Barrett Margaret S. , Zhukov Katie
Published: February 2022

This article reports the findings of an investigation of children’s and young people’s perceptions of learning and life outcomes, environmental supports and teaching and learning strategies encountered in an intensive summer choral program. Whilst the recognition of children’s and young people’s right to voice their perspectives was enshrined in the UN Convention on the rights of the child (1989), the music education profession has taken some time to foreground children’s and young people’s voice as a research focus. Initial investigations of music “student voice” have focused largely on school environments with fewer studies addressing youth music settings. The study addressed this gap through investigating children’s and young people’s perspectives of an intensive summer multi-level choral program (participants aged 11–24 years). Data were generated through semi-structured interviews with 11 choristers during the second and final week of the program. Stage One analysis identified 8 emerging themes and 28 sub-categories describing the experience of choral engagement. This was further refined through a Stage Two analysis against the five themes of a framework for understanding the meaning and value of music participation for children and young people in these settings, comprised of: (1) love of performance; (2) unity of purpose; (3) challenge and professionalism; (4) relationships and community; and (5) individual growth and wellbeing. Participants’ love of choral performance was supported across a virtuous cycle of choral engagement developed through being part of a motived cohort of like-minded “choir nerds” sharing a love of music and unity of purpose. Their appreciation of musical challenge and professionalism was evidenced in descriptions of intensive and demanding rehearsals focused on music detail and refining singing and general music skills. Key to their participation was a sense of being a member of an inclusive community with shared values for high standards of musicianship and performance, and connection with leading conductors and accompanists. Choristers reported individual growth and wellbeing citing increased singing and general music skills, increased confidence and independence, improved motivation, persistence and leadership skills, and, improved social skills including team-work and time-management skills.
Elevated TyG Index Predicts Incidence of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Retrospective Cohort Study in NSTE-ACS Patients Implanted With DESs
Authors: Li Mingkang , Li Linqing , Qin Yuhan , Luo Erfei , Wang Dong , Qiao Yong , Tang Chengchun , Yan Gaoliang
Published: February 2022

Background

Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a reliable and specific biomarker for insulin resistance and is associated with renal dysfunction. The present study sought to explore the relationship between TyG index and the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) patients implanted with drug-eluting stents (DESs).

Methods

A total of 1108 participants were recruited to the study and assigned to two groups based on occurrence of CIN. TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting blood glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Baseline characteristics and incidence of CIN were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between TyG index and CIN.

Results

The results showed that 167 participants (15.1%) developed CIN. Subjects in the CIN group had a significantly higher TyG index compared with subjects in the non-CIN group (8.9 ± 0.7 vs. 9.3 ± 0.7, P<0.001). TyG index was significantly correlated with increased risk of CIN after adjusting for confounding factors irrespective of diabetes mellitus status and exhibited a J-shaped non-linear association. Subgroup analysis showed a significant gender difference in the relationship between TyG index and CIN. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that the risk assessment performance of TyG index was superior compared with other single metabolic indexes. Addition of TyG index to the baseline model increased the area under the curve from 0.713 (0.672-0.754) to 0.742 (0.702-0.782) and caused a reclassification improvement of 0.120 (0.092-0.149).

Conclusion

The findings from the present study show that a high TyG index is significantly and independently associated with incidence of CIN in NSTE-ACS patients firstly implanted with DESs. Routine preoperative assessment of TyG index can alleviate CIN and TyG index provides a potential target for intervention in prevention of CIN.
Intraoperative Neuromonitoring: Evaluating the Role of Continuous IONM and IONM Techniques for Emerging Surgical and Percutaneous Procedures
Authors: Pace-Asciak Pia , Russell Jonathon O. , Dhillon Vaninder K.
Published: February 2022

Continuous and intermittent intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) has become an important asset for endocrine surgeons over the past few decades. The ability to determine neurophysiologic integrity of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) on top of identification and meticulous dissection of the nerve in the surgical field, has allowed for advances in technology and improved outcomes when it comes to prevention of vocal fold immobility. This article aims to compare in review continuous and intermittent nerve monitoring (CIONM, IIONM), as well as review the current paradigms of their use. This article will also discuss the future of intraoperative nerve monitoring technologies in scarless thyroid surgery and percutaneous approaches to thyroid pathology in form of radiofrequency ablation (RFA).
Influence of the Triglyceride-Glucose Index on Adverse Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Events in Prediabetic Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Guo Qianyun , Feng Xunxun , Zhang Bin , Zhai Guangyao , Yang Jiaqi , Liu Yang , Liu Yuyang , Shi Dongmei , Zhou Yujie
Published: February 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance are closely related. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is frequently used as an indicator of insulin resistance. However, there is scant information on the TyG index in the prediabetic population, nor is the prognostic significance of the index known for prediabetes and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients.

Methods

The clinical endpoint was a major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCEs), including cardiac-related death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, ischemia-driven revascularization, and stroke. The TyG index was calculated as = ln [(triglyceride level, mg/dL) × (glucose level, mg/dL)÷2] under fasting conditions.

Results

The study included 2,030 prediabetic patients with ACS. Patients were followed up for 2.5 years, during which the total incidence of MACCEs was 12%. After adjustment for covariates, the TyG index was found to be predictive of prediabetes with ACS (HR 4.942, 95%CI: 3.432-6.115, P<0.001). Using propensity score matching, 574 pairs were successfully matched, and the two groups were analyzed in terms of survival. This showed that there was a significantly greater incidence of MACCEs in patients with high TyG indices (HR 3.526, 95%CI: 2.618-4.749, P<0.001), mainly due to ischemia-driven revascularization and stroke.

Conclusions

The TyG index independently predicts future MACCEs and may be an important prognostic indicator for patients with prediabetes and ACS.
IL-11 Is Elevated and Drives the Profibrotic Phenotype Transition of Orbital Fibroblasts in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Wu Pengsen , Lin Bingying , Huang Siyu , Meng Jie , Zhang Fan , Zhou Min , Hei Xiangqing , Ke Yu , Yang Huasheng , Huang Danping
Published: February 2022

Orbital fibrosis is a hallmark of tissue remodeling in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Previous studies have shown that interleukin (IL)-11 plays a pivotal profibrotic role in various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. However, the expression pattern of IL-11 in patients with TAO and whether IL-11 is mechanistically linked with pathological fibrosis remains unknown. In this study, we investigated IL-11 levels in the serum and orbital connective tissue of patients with TAO, and evaluated the correlation of these levels with the patient’s clinical activity score. We also evaluated the expression pattern of IL-11Rα in orbital connective tissue. Furthermore, we elucidated the regulatory factors, profibrotic function, and downstream signaling pathways for IL-11 in TAO using in vitro studies. IL-11 levels in serum and orbital connective tissues were increased in patients with TAO, as compared with healthy controls. In addition, both levels were positively correlated with disease activity. Single-cell RNA sequencing of orbital connective tissue indicated that IL-11Rα was dominantly expressed in orbital fibroblasts (OFs). RNA sequencing of paired unstimulated and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-stimulated samples demonstrated that upregulation of IL-11 expression defined the dominant transcriptional response. IL-11 signaling was also confirmed to be downstream of TGF-β1 and IL-1β. Therefore, we deduced that IL-11 protein is secreted in an autocrine loop in TAO. We also indicated that IL-11 mediated the profibrotic phenotype switch by inducing the expression of myofibroblast differentiation markers, including α-smooth muscle actin and collagen type I α1, which could be abrogated by an anti-IL-11 neutralizing antibody. Furthermore, we revealed that extracellular regulated protein kinase may be a crucial factor in the pro-fibrotic, translationally specific signaling activity of IL-11. These data demonstrate that IL-11 plays a crucial role in orbital fibroblast phenotype switching and may be a potential therapeutic target candidate for the treatment of TAO.
NHX-Type Na+/H+ Antiporter Gene Expression Under Different Salt Levels and Allelic Diversity of HvNHX in Wild and Cultivated Barleys
Authors: Jabeen Zahra , Irshad Faiza , Hussain Nazim , Han Yong , Zhang Guoping
Published: February 2022

Salinity tolerance is a multifaceted trait attributed to various mechanisms. Wild barley is highly specialized to grow under severe environmental conditions of Tibet and is well-known for its diverse germplasm with high tolerance to abiotic stresses. The present study focused on determining the profile of the expression of isoforms of the HvNHX gene in 36 wild and two cultivated barley under salt stress. Our findings revealed that in leaves and roots, expression of HvNHX1 and HvNHX3 in XZ16 and CM72 was upregulated at all times as compared with sensitive ones. The HvNHX2 and HvNHX4 isoforms were also induced by salt stress, although not to the same extent as HvNHX1 and HvNHX3. Gene expression analysis revealed that HvNHX1 and HvNHX3 are the candidate genes that could have the function of regulators of ions by sequestration of Na+ in the vacuole. HvNHX1 and HvNHX3 showed a wide range of sequence variations in an amplicon, identified via single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Evaluation of the sequencing data of 38 barley genotypes, including Tibetan wild and cultivated varieties, showed polymorphisms, including SNPs, and small insertion and deletion (INDEL) sites in the targeted genes HvNHX1 and HvNHX3. Comprehensive analysis of the results revealed that Tibetan wild barley has distinctive alleles of HvNHX1 and HvNHX3 which confer tolerance to salinity. Furthermore, less sodium accumulation was observed in the root of XZ16 than the other genotypes as visualized by CoroNa-Green, a sodium-specific fluorophore. XZ16 is the tolerant genotype, showing least reduction of root and leaf dry weight under moderate (150 mM) and severe (300 mM) NaCl stress. Evaluation of genetic variation and identification of salt tolerance mechanism in wild barley could be promoting approaches to unravel the novel alleles involved in salinity tolerance.
Case Report: Two New Cases of Autosomal-Recessive Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Associated With TRIM63-Compound Heterozygous Variant
Authors: Andreeva Sofiya , Chumakova Olga , Karelkina Elena , Lebedeva Viktoriya , Lubimtseva Tamara , Semenov Andrey , Nikitin Alexey , Speshilov Gleb , Kozyreva Alexandra , Sokolnikova Polina , Zhuk Sergey , Fomicheva Yuliya , Moiseeva Olga , Kostareva Anna
Published: February 2022

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is one of the most common hereditary diseases, and it is associated with fatal complications. The clinical heterogeneity of HCM requires risk prediction models to identify patients at a high risk of adverse events. Most HCM cases are caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomere proteins. However, HCM is associated with rare genetic variants with limited data about its clinical course and prognosis, and existing risk prediction models are not validated for such patients’ cohorts. TRIM63 is one of the rare genes recently described as a cause of HCM with autosomal-recessive inheritance. Herein, we present two cases of HCM associated with TRIM63-compound heterozygous variants in young male sportsmen. They demonstrated progressively marked hypertrophy, advanced diastolic dysfunction, a significant degree of fibrosis detected by magnetic resonance imaging, and clear indications for implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. One of the cases includes the first description of TRIM63-HCM with extreme hypertrophy. The presented cases are discussed in light of molecular consequences that might underlie cardiac and muscle phenotype in patients with mutations of TRIM63, the master regulator of striated muscle mass.
Amelioration of Lupus Serum-Induced Skin Inflammation in CD64-Deficient Mice
Authors: Jiang Lijuan , Han Xiaoxiao , Qiu Wenlin , Yu Tong , Feng Ruizhi , Wang Xuefei , Duan Xiaoru , Deng Guo-Min
Published: February 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder characterized by high autoantibodies levels and multiorgan tissue damage. The current study investigated the role of CD64 in SLE patients and animal models. According to a flow cytometry study, SLE patients showed an increase in CD64 expression in circulating monocytes. There was a correlation between CD64 and SLEDAI, blood urea nitrogen levels, and anti-Sm antibodies. In skin lesions of lupus MRL/lpr mice, there was high IgG deposition and CD64 expression. In vitro, cytokines IL-10 and IFN-γ upregulated CD64 expression in monocytes/macrophages that was inhibited by glucocorticoids. In CD64-deficient mice, skin inflammation induced by lupus serum was reduced. Furthermore, activation of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), Akt, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) was inhibited in CD64-deficient monocytes. The results suggest that CD64 could be a biomarker for observing SLE progression, as well as a mechanistic checkpoint in lupus pathogenesis.