bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Household Structure and Contraceptive Use in Nigeria
Authors: Fadeyibi Opeyemi , Alade Mayowa , Adebayo Samuel , Erinfolami Temitope , Mustapha Fatimah , Yaradua Saudatu
Published: May 2022

Background

Contraceptive use in Nigeria has been consistently low despite its many benefits and several efforts by government and development partners to increase its uptake. According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the use of any modern method staggeringly increased from 4 to 12% over 28 years (1990–2018). Studies have identified factors at the individual, household, and societal levels that affect contraceptive use. While studies have also shown that decisions such as contraceptive behavior and acquisition of family skills may vary according to the individual or societal factors, there is a dearth of knowledge on how household structure and composition influence contraceptive use in Nigeria. This article seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge by exploring contraceptive use within the household context.

Method

We used data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to examine the relationship between household structure and contraceptive use. We excluded pregnant and non-married women at the time of the survey from the sample and used multinomial regression analysis to examine the likelihood of using traditional or modern methods of contraception.

Results

Results show that having a large household size, and the presence of multiple wives in the household significantly reduces the likelihood of using any method of contraceptive. The result further shows a significant association between household wealth index and contraceptive use as the use of any method increases with household wealth index, with those from richest households being twice as likely as their counterparts in the poorest households to use traditional methods (OR:2.02, p < 0.05). Also, women living in households headed by older men (25 and above), households with under 5 children, and those living in rural areas have significantly reduced likelihood of using any method.

Conclusion

This study highlights the dynamics of contraceptive use among married women considering household composition. While our study serves as a primer to understanding contraceptive use in households where a woman and her spouse are usual household members, improved family planning interventions to increase uptake through demand creation will require deeper and more comprehensive work to understand the dynamics among women in more complex household settings.
Transcriptome-Wide Association Studies and Integration Analysis of mRNA Expression Profiles Identify Candidate Genes and Pathways Associated With Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Feng Ruoyang , Lu Mengnan , Liu Lin , Xu Ke , Xu Peng
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to identify susceptibility genes and pathways associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) by integrating whole transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) analysis and mRNA expression profiling data. AS genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary data from the large GWAS database were used. This included data of 1265 AS patients and 452264 controls. A TWAS of AS was conducted using these data. The analysis software used was FUSION, and Epstein-Barr virus–transformed lymphocytes, transformed fibroblasts, peripheral blood, and whole blood were used as gene expression references. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed for the important genes identified via TWAS. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis based on the STRING database was also performed to detect genes shared by TWAS and mRNA expression profiles in AS. TWAS identified 920 genes (P <0.05) and analyzed mRNA expression profiles to obtain 1183 differential genes. Following comparison of the TWAS results and mRNA expression characteristics, we obtained 70 overlapping genes and performed GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of these genes to obtain 16 pathways. Via PPI network analysis, we obtained the protein interaction network and performed MCODE analysis to acquire the HUB genes. Similarly, we performed GO and KEGG analyses on the genes identified by TWAS, obtained 98 pathways after screening, and analyzed protein interactions via the PPI network. Through the integration of TWAS and mRNA expression analysis, genes related to AS and GO and KEGG terms were determined, providing new evidence and revealing the pathogenesis of AS. Our AS TWAS work identified novel genes associated with AS, as well as suggested potential tissues and pathways of action for these TWAS AS genes, providing a new direction for research into the pathogenesis of AS.
The Effect of Peripheral Immune Cell Counts on the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: He Di , Liu Liyang , Shen Dongchao , Zou Peng , Cui Liying
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating disease, the etiology of which involves the interplay between genetic and environmental factors. We aimed to determine whether genetically predicted peripheral immune cell counts may have a causal effect on MS.

Methods

We used genetic variants strongly associated with cell counts of circulating leukocyte, lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, and basophil, in addition to some subpopulations of T and B lymphocyte, as instrumental variables (IVs) to perform Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. The effect of immune cell counts on MS risk was measured using the summary statistics from the International Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Consortium (IMSGC) genome-wide association studies (GWAS).

Results

Our findings indicated that higher leucocyte count [odds ratio (OR), 1.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07 - 1.43; p = 0.0039] and lymphocyte count (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01 – 1.35; p = 0.0317) were causally associated with MS susceptibility. In addition, we also found that increase of genetically predicted natural killer T (NKT) cell count is also associated with an increase MS risk (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06 - 1.45; p = 0.0082).

Conclusions

These findings show that the genetic predisposition to higher peripheral immune cell counts can exert a causal effect on MS risk, which confirms the crucial role played by peripheral immunity in MS. Particularly, the causal association between NKT cell count and MS underscores the relevance of exploring the functional roles of NKT cells in disease pathogenesis in future.
Clinical Significance of a CD3/CD8-Based Immunoscore in Neuroblastoma Patients Using Digital Pathology
Authors: Zeng Liang , Li Shu-Hua , Xu Shuo-Yu , Chen Kai , Qin Liang-Jun , Liu Xiao-Yun , Wang Fang , Fu Sha , Deng Ling , Wang Feng-Hua , Miao Lei , Li Le , Liu Na , Wang Ran , Wang Hai-Yun
Published: May 2022

Background

Infiltrating immune cells have been reported as prognostic markers in many cancer types. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic role of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, namely CD3+ T cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and memory T cells (CD45RO+), in neuroblastoma.

Patients and Methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of CD3, CD8 and CD45RO in the tumor samples of 244 neuroblastoma patients. We then used digital pathology to calculate the densities of these markers and derived an immunoscore based on such densities.

Results

Densities of CD3+ and CD8+ T cells in tumor were positively associated with the overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS), whereas density of CD45RO+ T cells in tumor was negatively associated with OS but not EFS. An immunoscore with low density of CD3 and CD8 (CD3-CD8-) was indictive of a greater risk of death (hazard ratio 6.39, 95% confidence interval 3.09-13.20) and any event (i.e., relapse at any site, progressive disease, second malignancy, or death) (hazard ratio 4.65, 95% confidence interval 2.73-7.93). Multivariable analysis revealed that the CD3-CD8- immunoscore was an independent prognostic indicator for OS, even after adjusting for other known prognostic indicators.

Conclusions

The new immunoscore based on digital pathology evaluated densities of tumor-infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ T cells contributes to the prediction of prognosis in neuroblastoma patients.
Insights Into Immunothrombotic Mechanisms in Acute Stroke due to Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia
Authors: de Buhr Nicole , Baumann Tristan , Werlein Christopher , Fingerhut Leonie , Imker Rabea , Meurer Marita , Götz Friedrich , Bronzlik Paul , Kühnel Mark P. , Jonigk Danny D. , Ernst Johanna , Leotescu Andrei , Gabriel Maria M. , Worthmann Hans , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Tiede Andreas , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , Falk Christine S. , Weissenborn Karin , Schuppner Ramona , Grosse Gerrit M.
Published: May 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination is the most important countermeasure. Pharmacovigilance concerns however emerged with very rare, but potentially disastrous thrombotic complications following vaccination with ChAdOx1. Platelet factor-4 antibody mediated vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) was described as an underlying mechanism of these thrombotic events. Recent work moreover suggests that mechanisms of immunothrombosis including neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation might be critical for thrombogenesis during VITT. In this study, we investigated blood and thrombus specimens of a female patient who suffered severe stroke due to VITT after vaccination with ChAdOx1 in comparison to 13 control stroke patients with similar clinical characteristics. We analyzed cerebral thrombi using histological examination, staining of complement factors, NET-markers, DNase and LL-37. In blood samples at the hyper-acute phase of stroke and 7 days later, we determined cell-free DNA, myeloperoxidase-histone complexes, DNase activity, myeloperoxidase activity, LL-37 and inflammatory cytokines. NET markers were identified in thrombi of all patients. Interestingly, the thrombus of the VITT-patient exclusively revealed complement factors and high amounts of DNase and LL-37. High DNase activity was also measured in blood, implying a disturbed NET-regulation. Furthermore, serum of the VITT-patient inhibited reactive oxygen species-dependent NET-release by phorbol-myristate-acetate to a lesser degree compared to controls, indicating either less efficient NET-inhibition or enhanced NET-induction in the blood of the VITT-patient. Additionally, the changes in specific cytokines over time were emphasized in the VITT-patient as well. In conclusion, insufficient resolution of NETs, e.g. by endogenous DNases or protection of NETs against degradation by embedded factors like the antimicrobial peptide LL-37 might thus be an important factor in the pathology of VITT besides increased NET-formation. On the basis of these findings, we discuss the potential implications of the mechanisms of disturbed NETs-degradation for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in VITT-related thrombogenesis, other auto-immune disorders and beyond.
Inhibition of Heme Oxygenase-1 by Zinc Protoporphyrin IX Improves Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Malaria During Early Gestation
Authors: Cariaco Yusmaris , Almeida Marcos Paulo Oliveira , Araujo Ester Cristina Borges , Briceño Marisol Patricia Pallete , Durán-Rodriguez Andrea Tatiana , Franco Rodrigo Rodrigues , Espindola Foued Salmen , Silva Neide Maria
Published: May 2022

The enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has cytoprotective effects by catalyzing the degradation of heme to produce carbon monoxide, iron and biliverdin. Furthermore, HO-1 activity has been associated with successful pregnancy. On the other hand, in the context of certain inflammatory conditions, HO-1 can induce iron overload and cell death. To investigate the role of HO-1 in gestational malaria, pregnant BALB/c mice were infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA in early, mid and late gestation. We found that malaria affected the pregnancy outcome in the three periods evaluated. However, only poor pregnancy outcomes in early pregnancy were related to HO-1 upregulation, iron overload, lipid peroxidation and necrosis of the decidua, which were prevented by HO-1 inhibition. In conclusion, HO-1 expression must be finely tuned in gestational malaria to avoid the deleterious effect of increased enzyme activity.
Bromodomain Inhibitors Modulate FcγR-Mediated Mononuclear Phagocyte Activation and Chemotaxis
Authors: Banham Gemma D. , Lee Colin Y. C. , Ferdinand John R. , Matthews Rebeccah J. , Jing Chenzhi , Smithers Nicholas , Prinjha Rab K. , Clatworthy Menna R.
Published: May 2022

IgG antibodies form immune complexes (IC) that propagate inflammation and tissue damage in autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus. IgG IC engage Fcγ receptors (FcγR) on mononuclear phagocytes (MNP), leading to widespread changes in gene expression that mediate antibody effector function. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins are involved in governing gene transcription. We investigated the capacity of BET protein inhibitors (iBET) to alter IgG FcγR-mediated MNP activation. We found that iBET dampened IgG IC-induced pro-inflammatory gene expression and decreased activating FcγR expression on MNPs, reducing their ability to respond to IgG IC. Despite FcγR downregulation, iBET-treated macrophages demonstrated increased phagocytosis of protein antigen, IgG IC, and apoptotic cells. iBET also altered cell morphology, generating more amoeboid MNPs with reduced adhesion. iBET treatment impaired chemotaxis towards a CCL19 gradient in IC-stimulated dendritic cells (DC) in vitro, and inhibited IC-induced DC migration to draining lymph nodes in vivo, in a DC-intrinsic manner. Altogether, our data show that iBET modulates FcγR-mediated MNP activation and migration, revealing the therapeutic potential of BET protein inhibition in antibody-mediated diseases.
Advances in Human Dendritic Cell-Based Immunotherapy Against Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Ni Ling
Published: May 2022

Dendritic cells (DCs), the strongest antigen-presenting cells, are a focus for orchestrating the immune system in the fight against cancer. Basic scientific investigations elucidating the cellular biology of the DCs have resulted in new strategies in this fight, including cancer vaccinology, combination therapy, and adoptive cellular therapy. Although immunotherapy is currently becoming an unprecedented bench-to-bedside success, the overall response rate to the current immunotherapy in patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers is pretty low. Here, we have carried out a literature search of the studies of DCs in the treatment of GI cancer patients. We provide the advances in DC-based immunotherapy and highlight the clinical trials that indicate the therapeutic efficacies and toxicities related with each vaccine. Moreover, we also offer the yet-to-be-addressed questions about DC-based immunotherapy. This study focuses predominantly on the data derived from human studies to help understand the involvement of DCs in patients with GI cancers.
Plasticity of NK cells in Cancer
Authors: Corvino Dillon , Kumar Ananthi , Bald Tobias
Published: May 2022

Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial to various facets of human immunity and function through direct cytotoxicity or via orchestration of the broader immune response. NK cells exist across a wide range of functional and phenotypic identities. Murine and human studies have revealed that NK cells possess substantial plasticity and can alter their function and phenotype in response to external signals. NK cells also play a critical role in tumor immunity and form the basis for many emerging immunotherapeutic approaches. NK cells can directly target and lyse malignant cells with their inherent cytotoxic capabilities. In addition to direct targeting of malignant cells, certain subsets of NK cells can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) which is integral to some forms of immune checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy. Another important feature of various NK cell subsets is to co-ordinate anti-tumor immune responses by recruiting adaptive and innate leukocytes. However, given the diverse range of NK cell identities it is unsurprising that both pro-tumoral and anti-tumoral NK cell subsets have been described. Here, NK cell subsets have been shown to promote angiogenesis, drive inflammation and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment. To date, the signals that drive tumor-infiltrating NK cells towards the acquisition of a pro- or anti-tumoral function are poorly understood. The notion of tumor microenvironment-driven NK cell plasticity has substantial implications for the development of NK-based immunotherapeutics. This review will highlight the current knowledge of NK cell plasticity pertaining to the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, this review will pose critical and relevant questions that need to be addressed by the field in coming years.
Landscape of Immune Cells Heterogeneity in Liver Transplantation by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Li Xinqiang , Li Shipeng , Wu Bin , Xu Qingguo , Teng Dahong , Yang Tongwang , Sun Yandong , Zhao Yang , Li Tianxiang , Liu Dan , Yang Shuang , Gong Weihua , Cai Jinzhen
Published: May 2022

Rejection is still a critical barrier to the long-term survival of graft after liver transplantation, requiring clinicians to unveil the underlying mechanism of liver transplant rejection. The cellular diversity and the interplay between immune cells in the liver graft microenvironment remain unclear. Herein, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing analysis to delineate the landscape of immune cells heterogeneity in liver transplantation. T cells, NK cells, B cells, and myeloid cell subsets in human liver and blood were enriched to characterize their tissue distribution, gene expression, and functional modules. The proportion of CCR6+CD4+ T cells increased within an allograft, suggesting that there are more memory CD4+ T cells after transplantation, in parallel with exhausted CTLA4+CD8+ T and actively proliferating MKI67+CD8+ T cells increased significantly, where they manifested heterogeneity, distinct function, and homeostatic proliferation. Remarkably, the changes of CD1c+ DC, CADM+ DC, MDSC, and FOLR3+ Kupffer cells increase significantly, but the proportion of CD163+ Kupffer, APOE+ Kupffer, and GZMA+ Kupffer decreased. Furthermore, we identified LDLR as a novel marker of activated MDSC to prevent liver transplant rejection. Intriguingly, a subset of CD4+CD8+FOXP3+ T cells included in CTLA4+CD8+ T cells was first detected in human liver transplantation. Furthermore, intercellular communication and gene regulatory analysis implicated the LDLR+ MDSC and CTLA4+CD8+ T cells interact through TIGIT-NECTIN2 signaling pathway. Taken together, these findings have gained novel mechanistic insights for understanding the immune landscape in liver transplantation, and it outlines the characteristics of immune cells and provides potential therapeutic targets in liver transplant rejection.
The Involvement of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Glioma: From Early Detection to Immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Xiaoben , Yang Lei , Wang Jing , Hao Yingying , Wang Changyin , Lu Zhiming
Published: May 2022

Glioma is a brain tumor that arises in the central nervous system and is categorized according to histology and molecular genetic characteristics. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNAs longer than 200 nucleotides in length. They have been reported to influence significant events such as carcinogenesis, progression, and increased treatment resistance on glioma cells. Long non-coding RNAs promote cell proliferation, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and invasion in glioma cells. Various significant advancements in transcriptomic profiling studies have enabled the identification of immune-related long non-coding RNAs as immune cell-specific gene expression regulators that mediates both stimulatory and suppressive immune responses, implying lncRNAs as potential candidates for improving immunotherapy efficacy against tumors and due to the lack of different diagnostic and treatments for glioma, lncRNAs are potential candidates to be used as future diagnostic, prognostic biomarker and treatment tools for glioma. This review’s primary purpose is to concentrate on the role of long non-coding RNAs in early glioma identification, treatment, and immunotherapy.
Dynamic Habitat Models Reflect Interannual Movement of Cetaceans Within the California Current Ecosystem
Authors: Becker Elizabeth A. , Forney Karin A. , Miller David L. , Barlow Jay , Rojas-Bracho Lorenzo , Urbán R Jorge , Moore Jeff E.
Published: May 2022

The distribution of wide-ranging cetacean species often cross national or jurisdictional boundaries, which creates challenges for monitoring populations and managing anthropogenic impacts, especially if data are only available for a portion of the species’ range. Many species found off the U.S. West Coast are known to have continuous distributions into Mexican waters, with highly variable abundance within the U.S. portion of their range. This has contributed to annual variability in design-based abundance estimates from systematic shipboard surveys off the U.S. West Coast, particularly for the abundance of warm temperate species such as striped dolphin,Stenella coeruleoalba, which increases off California during warm-water conditions and decreases during cool-water conditions. Species distribution models (SDMs) can accurately describe shifts in cetacean distribution caused by changing environmental conditions, and are increasingly used for marine species management. However, until recently, data from waters off the Baja California peninsula, México, have not been available for modeling species ranges that span from Baja California to the U.S. West Coast. In this study, we combined data from 1992–2018 shipboard surveys to develop SDMs off the Pacific Coast of Baja California for ten taxonomically diverse cetaceans. We used a Generalized Additive Modeling framework to develop SDMs based on line-transect surveys and dynamic habitat variables from the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). Models were developed for ten species: long- and short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis delphis and D. d. bairdii), Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus), Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens), striped dolphin, common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whale (B. physalus), and humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). The SDMs provide the first fine-scale (approximately 9 x 9 km grid) estimates of average species density and abundance, including spatially-explicit measures of uncertainty, for waters off the Baja California peninsula. Results provide novel insights into cetacean ecology in this region as well as quantitative spatial data for the assessment and mitigation of anthropogenic impacts.
Characterization of the Myostracum Layers in Molluscs Reveals a Conservative Shell Structure
Authors: Dong Wentao , Huang Jingliang , Liu Chuang , Wang Hongzhong , Zhang Guiyou , Xie Liping , Zhang Rongqing
Published: May 2022

Molluscs produce rigid shells to protect their soft bodies from predators and physiochemical violations. The soft tissues attach to shells via the myostracum layer (also called adductor muscle scar, AMS) which bears tremendous contract force and is of vital importance to the survival of the molluscs. Considering the prevalence of tissue-shell attachment in molluscs, we speculate that certain homology may be shared among varied species. To test this speculation, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectrum were applied to analyze the microstructure and calcium carbonate polymorphs of the myostracum in most of the molluscan classes. It was found that all the tested molluscan classes and genera contain similar columnar prisms which aligned vertically and were composed of aragonite. Moreover, this structure was found in ammonoid fossils dating back to the Permian period. Such peculiar mineral structure may contribute to the loading contract force, thus being evolutionally conservative among varied species and for hundreds of millions of years. Our study underscores the vital impact of physiological functions on the evolution of the shell structure.
Investigation on Low-Frequency Micro-Vibration Model of Air Spring With Auxiliary Chamber for Steel Plate Concrete Composite Structures
Authors: Longji Zhu , Taiki Saito , Heisha Wenliuhan , Zilin Zhong
Published: May 2022

Steel plate concrete composite (SPCC) structure plays an essential role in modular construction, which has been widely applied in the floating foundation vibration reduction system. This study proposed a basis for designing an SPCC floating foundation vibration reduction system with an air spring as the main vibration isolation element. Based on the engineering thermodynamics and aerodynamics theories, the non-linear state equations and dynamic equations of each component of the air spring with auxiliary chamber were established, respectively. According to the operational characteristics of the air spring, the equations were linearized by using the small deviation linearization method under the condition of small amplitude, and the linearized model of the dynamic stiffness of the air spring with an auxiliary chamber was therefore proposed. The reliability of the proposed method was proved by a floating foundation vibration test, which was performed in a solid-state quantum laboratory. The constitutive equations of an air spring model and an SPCC floating foundation model were incorporated into the STERA_3D software. The simulation results showed good agreement with the low-frequency micro-vibration region test data.
Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Weakness in Patients With Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support: Frequency and Clinical Characteristics
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Lei Xiong , Xu Xin , Zhou Yu , Huang Man
Published: May 2022

Background

Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) is common in critical illness patients and is well described. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is used as a life-saving method and patients with ECMO support often suffer more risk factors of ICU-AW. However, information on the frequency and clinical characteristics of ICU-AW in patients with ECMO support is lacking. Our study aims to clarify the frequency and characteristics of ICU-AW in ECMO patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study, ICU-AW was diagnosed when patients were discharged with a Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score <48. Clinical information was collected from the case report forms. Univariable analysis, LASSO regression analysis, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the clinical data of individuals.

Results

In ECMO population, 40 (80%) patients diagnosed with ICU-AW. On univariable analysis, the ICU-AW group had higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) [13.9 (6.5–21.3) versus 21.1 (14.3–27.9), p = 0.005], longer deep sedation time [2 (0–7) versus 6.5 (3–11), p = 0.005], longer mechanical ventilation time [6.8 (2.6–9.3) versus 14.3 (6.6–19.3), p = 0.008], lower lowest albumin [26.7 (23.8–29.5) versus 22.1 (18.5–25.7), p < 0.001]. The LASSO analysis showed mechanical ventilation time, deep sedation time, deep sedation time during ECMO operation, APACHE II, and lowest albumin level were independent predictors of ICU-AW. To investigate whether ICU-AW occurs more frequently in the ECMO population, we performed a 1:1 matching with patients without ECMO and found there was no difference in the incidence of ICU-AW between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis of combined cohorts showed lowest albumin odds ratio (OR: 1.9, p = 0.024), deep sedation time (OR: 1.9, p = 0.022), mechanical ventilation time (OR: 2.0, p = 0.034), and APACHE II (OR: 2.3, p = 0.034) were independent risk factors of ICU-AW, but not ECMO.

Conclusion

The ICU-AW was common with a prevalence of 80% in the ECMO population. Mechanical ventilation time, deep sedation time, deep sedation time during ECMO operation, APACHE II, and lowest albumin level were risk factors of ICU-AW in ECMO population. The ECMO wasn’t an independent risk factor of ICU-AW.
Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Disease Spectrum of Pediatric Intensive Care Units
Authors: Li Wen Jing , Xue Chun Ling , Li Zhuo
Published: May 2022

Purpose

We aimed to analyze the changes in the disease spectrum data of a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in Nanjing, China, during the COVID-19 outbreak and explore a feasible plan for the treatment of critically ill children.

Methods

This retrospective study used data from our PICU from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. Patient demographics, distribution of disease spectrum, results of etiological examinations, and the PICU length of stay (LOS) were compared during the COVID-19 period (2020) and the previous years (2018 and 2019).

Results

In 2020, the number of PICU admissions was 46.8 and 47.8% lower than that in 2018 and 2019, respectively. There were significant differences in the number of patients in PICU among different age groups, and these differences were mainly found in children aged <4 years and older than 14 years. The percentage of the number of patients in PICU with respiratory diseases decreased significantly, while those with hematological diseases, poisoning, and rare diseases increased significantly. Moreover, the number of patients with rare diseases increased significantly, while the number of patients with mitochondrial diseases exceeded that of those with autoimmune encephalitis. The PICU LOS in 2020 was higher than that observed in 2018 and 2019, indicating that the changes in the PICU disease spectrum did not directly affect the PICU LOS. Etiological examinations revealed that during the COVID-19 period, the number of patients in PICU with bacterial infections increased, and those with viral infections decreased, although not statistically significant.

Conclusions

A striking decrease in the number of PICU admissions was observed during the COVID-19 outbreak, which caused a significant change in the PICU disease spectrum. Changes in the number and characteristics of patients admitted to PICUs should be considered for facilitating the effective working of PICUs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Impact of Active Screening and Management on COVID-19 in Plateau Region of Sichuan, China
Authors: Lu Jia-jie , Jiang Guo-guo , He Xiang , Xu Kai-ju , Yang Hong , Shi Rui , Chen Ying , Tan Yu-yao , Bai Lang , Tang Hong , Li Guo-ping
Published: May 2022

Background

In December 2019, the cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology emerged in Wuhan, China, and rapidly spread throughout the country. The disease was later designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). Few studies have assessed the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 and control strategies used to mitigate disease spread in high-altitude plateau regions of China.

Study Objective

To assess the impact of real-world strategies to control COVID-19 spread in remote plateau regions.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed to assess the epidemiology of COVID-19 and strategies used to control disease spread in the high-altitude plateau of Sichuan, China from 24 January 2020 to 19 March 2020.

Results

COVID-19 spread and outbreaks in Sichuan were attributed to mass gatherings. A total of 70 patients and 20 asymptomatic individuals were found in the hypoxic plateau region of Sichuan. Twelve patients were admitted after the onset of symptoms, while 58 patients and 20 asymptomatic individuals were found by active screening. The symptomatic patients included those with uncomplicated illness (16/70, 22.9%), mild pneumonia (44/70, 62.9%), and severe pneumonia (10/70, 14.3%). Most patients in the study area showed relatively mild and atypical symptoms such as low or no fever and dyspnea. The incidence of severe pneumonia, fever, dyspnea, and interstitial abnormalities identified by chest CT were all significantly lower in screened patients than those admitted after symptom onset (P < 0.05). Severe pneumonia was noted in patients with chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes etc. as compared to less severe pneumonia in healthy subjects (P <0.05). No patients died and all were eventually discharged.

Conclusion

Mass gatherings increased risk of spread of SARS-CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19. Active screening and early management have collectively contributed to reduced incidence of severe pneumonia and satisfactory prognoses of infections with COVID-19 in this hypoxic plateau region.
Design Principles of the Rotary Type 9 Secretion System
Authors: Trivedi Abhishek , Gosai Jitendrapuri , Nakane Daisuke , Shrivastava Abhishek
Published: May 2022

The Fo ATP synthase, the bacterial flagellar motor, and the bacterial type 9 secretion system (T9SS) are the three known proton motive force driven biological rotary motors. In this review, we summarize the current information on the nuts and bolts of T9SS. Torque generation by T9SS, its role in gliding motility of bacteria, and the mechanism via which a T9SS-driven swarm shapes the microbiota are discussed. The knowledge gaps in our current understanding of the T9SS machinery are outlined.
Biodegradation and Detoxification of Azo Dyes by Halophilic/Halotolerant Microflora Isolated From the Salt Fields of Tibet Autonomous Region China
Authors: Qiu Hulin , Shen Fengfei , Yin Aiguo , Liu Jiaxian , Wu Biyu , Li Ying , Xiao Yunyi , Hai Jinping , Xu Bo
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to decolorize azo dyes in high-salt industrial wastewater under high-salt and low oxygen conditions using extreme halophilic/halotolerant bacteria screened from the salt fields of Tibet, which consisted of Enterococcus, unclassified Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, and Kosakonia. Under the optimal conditions, 600 mg/l Congo red, Direct Black G (DBG), Amaranth, methyl red, and methyl orange could be completely decolorized in 24, 8, 8, 12, and 12 h, respectively. When the DBG concentration was 600 mg/l, NADH–DCIP, laccase, and azo reductase were confirmed to be the primary reductase and oxidase during the degradation process, and the degradation pathways were verified. The microflora could not only tolerate changes in salt concentrations of 0–80 g/l, but also displayed strong degradative ability. Under high-salt concentrations (≥ 60 g/l NaCl), NADH–DCIP reductase was primarily used to decolorize the azo dye. However, under low salt concentrations (≤ 40 g/l NaCl), azo reductase began to function, and manganese peroxidase and lignin peroxidase could cooperate to participate in DBG degradation. Additionally, the halophilic/halophilic microflora was shown to convert the toxic DBG dye to metabolites of low toxicity based on phytotoxicity analysis, and a new mechanism for the microflora to degrade DBG was proposed based on intermediates identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). This study revealed that the halophilic/halophilic microflora has effective ecological and industrial value for treating wastewater from the textile industry.
Electron Flow From the Inner Membrane Towards the Cell Exterior in Geobacter sulfurreducens: Biochemical Characterization of Cytochrome CbcL
Authors: Antunes Jorge M. A. , Silva Marta A. , Salgueiro Carlos A. , Morgado Leonor
Published: May 2022

Exoelectrogenic microorganisms are in the spotlight due to their unique respiratory mechanisms and potential applications in distinct biotechnological fields, including bioremediation, bioenergy production and microbial electrosynthesis. These applications rely on the capability of these microorganisms to perform extracellular electron transfer, a mechanism that allows the bacteria to transfer electrons to the cell’s exterior by establishing functional interfaces between different multiheme cytochromes at the inner membrane, periplasmic space, and outer membrane. The multiheme cytochrome CbcL from Geobacter sulfurreducens is associated to the inner membrane and plays an essential role in the transfer of electrons to final electron acceptors with a low redox potential, as Fe(III) oxides and electrodes poised at −100 mV. CbcL has a transmembranar di-heme b-type cytochrome domain with six helices, linked to a periplasmic cytochrome domain with nine c-type heme groups. The complementary usage of ultraviolet-visible, circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance permitted the structural and functional characterization of CbcL’s periplasmic domain. The protein was found to have a high percentage of disordered regions and its nine hemes are low-spin and all coordinated by two histidine residues. The apparent midpoint reduction potential of the CbcL periplasmic domain was determined, suggesting a thermodynamically favorable transfer of electrons to the putative redox partner in the periplasm − the triheme cytochrome PpcA. The establishment of a redox complex between the two proteins was confirmed by probing the electron transfer reaction and the molecular interactions between CbcL and PpcA. The results obtained show for the first time how electrons are injected into the periplasm of Geobacter sulfurreducens for subsequent transfer to the cell’s exterior.
Evaluating the Different Stages of Parkinson’s Disease Using Electroencephalography With Holo-Hilbert Spectral Analysis
Authors: Chang Kuo-Hsuan , French Isobel Timothea , Liang Wei-Kuang , Lo Yen-Shi , Wang Yi-Ru , Cheng Mei-Ling , Huang Norden E. , Wu Hsiu-Chuan , Lim Siew-Na , Chen Chiung-Mei , Juan Chi-Hung
Published: May 2022

Electroencephalography (EEG) can reveal the abnormalities of dopaminergic subcortico-cortical circuits in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, conventional time-frequency analysis of EEG signals cannot fully reveal the non-linear processes of neural activities and interactions. A novel Holo-Hilbert Spectral Analysis (HHSA) was applied to reveal non-linear features of resting state EEG in 99 PD patients and 59 healthy controls (HCs). PD patients demonstrated a reduction of β bands in frontal and central regions, and reduction of γ bands in central, parietal, and temporal regions. Compared with early-stage PD patients, late-stage PD patients demonstrated reduction of β bands in the posterior central region, and increased θ and δ2 bands in the left parietal region. θ and β bands in all brain regions were positively correlated with Hamilton depression rating scale scores. Machine learning algorithms using three prioritized HHSA features demonstrated “Bag” with the best accuracy of 0.90, followed by “LogitBoost” with an accuracy of 0.89. Our findings strengthen the application of HHSA to reveal high-dimensional frequency features in EEG signals of PD patients. The EEG characteristics extracted by HHSA are important markers for the identification of depression severity and diagnosis of PD.
Predictors and Outcomes of Salvaging the Corticospinal Tract After Thrombectomy in Basilar Artery Occlusion Stroke
Authors: Gwak Dong-Seok , Choi WooChan , Kim Yong-Won , Kang Dong-Hun , Son Wonsoo , Hwang Yang-Ha
Published: May 2022

Background

Regional eloquence of brainstem structures may contribute to neurological status in basilar artery occlusion (BAO) stroke. The corticospinal tract (CST) which is vulnerable to BAO is important for motor activity. This study investigated the impact of CST salvage on outcomes and its associated factors in patients with BAO treated with thrombectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively investigated 88 patients with BAO admitted ≤24 h after onset and presented with motor deficits and who underwent thrombectomy. Patients with a pre-stroke modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 4–5 who did not undergo baseline brain computed tomography angiography were excluded. CST salvage was evaluated using follow-up imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] or computed tomography when MRI was not available) after thrombectomy. A good outcome was defined as a 3-month mRS score of ≤2 or 3 if a patient's pre-stroke mRS score was 3. The associations between CST salvage and outcomes and clinical parameters were analyzed using logistic regression analyses.

Results

Thirty-nine (44.3%) patients had CST salvage and the same number of patients had good outcomes. CST salvage was independently associated with a good outcome [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 18.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.31–79.67, p < 0.001]. After adjusting for confounders, atrial fibrillation (aOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.18–13.00, p = 0.026), location of occlusion (mid-BAO; aOR: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.06–0.72, p = 0.013), length of occlusion (involved segment of BAO <2; aOR: 4.77, 95% CI: 1.30–17.59, p = 0.019), and onset-to-puncture-time ≤180 min (aOR: 4.84, 95% CI: 1.13–20.75, p = 0.034) were significantly associated with CST salvage.

Conclusion

CST salvage was associated with good functional outcomes in patients with BAO treated with thrombectomy. The presence of atrial fibrillation, location and length of BAO may predict CST salvage after thrombectomy, and rapid treatment with thrombectomy may protect this eloquent tract in these patients.
Subjective Well-Being and Bilateral Anterior Insula Functional Connectivity After Exercise Intervention in Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Won Junyeon , Nielson Kristy A. , Smith J. Carson
Published: May 2022

While it is well known that exercise training is associated with improvement in subjective well-being among older adults, it is unclear if individuals with cognitive impairment experience the same effects elicited by exercise on subjective well-being. We further explored whether the bilateral anterior insula network may be an underlying neural mechanism for the exercise training-related improvements in subjective well-being. We investigated the effects of exercise training on subjective well-being in older adults (78.4 ± 7.1 years) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI; n = 14) and a cognitively normal (CN; n = 14) control group. We specifically assessed the relationship between changes in subjective well-being and changes in functional connectivity (FC) with the bilateral anterior insula from before to after exercise training. Cardiorespiratory fitness, subjective well-being, and resting-state fMRI were measured before and after a 12-week moderate-intensity walking intervention. A seed-based correlation analysis was conducted using the bilateral anterior insula as a priori seed regions of interest. The associations between bilateral anterior insula FC with other brain regions and subjective well-being were computed before and after exercise training, respectively, and the statistical difference between the correlations (before vs after exercise training) was evaluated. There was a significant Group (MCI vs CN) × Time (before vs after exercise training) interaction for subjective well-being, such that while those with MCI demonstrated significantly increased subjective well-being after exercise training, no changes in subjective well-being were observed in CN. Participants with MCI also showed an exercise training-related increase in the bilateral anterior insula FC. While there was no significant correlation between subjective well-being and bilateral anterior insula FC before exercise training, a positive association between subjective well-being and bilateral anterior insula FC was found in the MCI group after exercise training. Our findings indicate that 12 weeks of exercise training may enhance subjective well-being in older adults diagnosed with MCI and, further, suggest that increased bilateral anterior insula FC with other cortical regions may reflect neural network plasticity associated with exercise training-related improvements in subjective well-being.
Unexpected Consequences of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Impaired Hippocampal Neurogenesis, Memory, and Stress
Authors: Manohar Senthilvelan , Chen Guang-Di , Ding Dalian , Liu Lijie , Wang Jian , Chen Yu-Chen , Chen Lin , Salvi Richard
Published: May 2022

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), caused by direct damage to the cochlea, reduces the flow of auditory information to the central nervous system, depriving higher order structures, such as the hippocampus with vital sensory information needed to carry out complex, higher order functions. Although the hippocampus lies outside the classical auditory pathway, it nevertheless receives acoustic information that influence its activity. Here we review recent results that illustrate how NIHL and other types of cochlear hearing loss disrupt hippocampal function. The hippocampus, which continues to generate new neurons (neurogenesis) in adulthood, plays an important role in spatial navigation, memory, and emotion. The hippocampus, which contains place cells that respond when a subject enters a specific location in the environment, integrates information from multiple sensory systems, including the auditory system, to develop cognitive spatial maps to aid in navigation. Acute exposure to intense noise disrupts the place-specific firing patterns of hippocampal neurons, “spatially disorienting” the cells for days. More traumatic sound exposures that result in permanent NIHL chronically suppresses cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the hippocampus; these structural changes are associated with long-term spatial memory deficits. Hippocampal neurons, which contain numerous glucocorticoid hormone receptors, are part of a complex feedback network connected to the hypothalamic-pituitary (HPA) axis. Chronic exposure to intense intermittent noise results in prolonged stress which can cause a persistent increase in corticosterone, a rodent stress hormone known to suppress neurogenesis. In contrast, a single intense noise exposure sufficient to cause permanent hearing loss produces only a transient increase in corticosterone hormone. Although basal corticosterone levels return to normal after the noise exposure, glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus remain chronically elevated. Thus, NIHL disrupts negative feedback from the hippocampus to the HPA axis which regulates the release of corticosterone. Preclinical studies suggest that the noise-induced changes in hippocampal place cells, neurogenesis, spatial memory, and glucocorticoid receptors may be ameliorated by therapeutic interventions that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. These experimental results may provide new insights on why hearing loss is a risk factor for cognitive decline and suggest methods for preventing this decline.
Association of Glycemic Control With Different Diets Followed by Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Findings From Qatar Biobank Data
Authors: Tayyem Reema , Hamdan Aya , Alhmmadi Karmen , Eissa Yasmin , Al-Adwi Maryam , Al-Haswsa Zinab , Bawadi Hiba , Shi Zumin
Published: May 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Unhealthy dietary habits may lead to T2DM, which is also influenced by the extent of education and knowledge of appropriate diets for this disease.

Aim

This study aims to highlight the possible association between following different types of diet (low-fat diet, low-calorie diet, low-salt diet, and more than one diet) and glycemic control among Qatari and long-term resident patients with T2DM.

Methods

This study is secondary data analysis. Qatar Biobank (QBB) data on 2448 T2DM patients aged 18–60 years were obtained. The first group included participants with HbA1C <7%, while the second included those with HbA1c ≥ 7%.

Results

The results of the association of glycemic control with different diets followed by patients with type 2 diabetes were adjusted in four models. In the 4th model (adjusted for gender, age, sociodemographic, anthropometric, dietary habits, comorbidities, and medications), results showed that poor patients with poor glycemic control have higher odds [OR 1.90; CI (1–3.63)] of following a low-salt diet. The same observation was found in the low-fat diet [OR 1.73; CI (1.06-3.07)]. However, patients following more than one diet showed lower odds of having poor glycemic control for about 32% [OR.69; CI (0.48–0.98)].

Conclusion

Diet and lifestyle are vital factors that can affect HbA1C levels. The findings of this secondary analysis showed that better glycemic control of the patients was observed in patients following more than diet from the studied diets.