bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Detection of Glutathione Biosynthesis, Conjugation, Depletion and Recovery in Intact Hepatoma Cells
Authors: Jeffries Rex E. , Gomez Shawn M. , Macdonald Jeffrey M. , Gamcsik Michael P.
Published: April 2022

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to monitor glutathione metabolism in alginate-encapsulated JM-1 hepatoma cells perfused with growth media containing [3,3′-13C2]-cystine. After 20 h of perfusion with labeled medium, the 13C NMR spectrum is dominated by the signal from the 13C-labeled glutathione. Once 13C-labeled, the high intensity of the glutathione resonance allows the acquisition of subsequent spectra in 1.2 min intervals. At this temporal resolution, the detailed kinetics of glutathione metabolism can be monitored as the thiol alkylating agent monobromobimane (mBBr) is added to the perfusate. The addition of a bolus dose of mBBr results in rapid diminution of the resonance for 13C-labeled glutathione due to a loss of this metabolite through alkylation by mBBr. As the glutathione resonance decreases, a new resonance due to the production of intracellular glutathione-bimane conjugate is detectable. After clearance of the mBBr dose from the cells, intracellular glutathione repletion is then observed by a restoration of the 13C-glutathione signal along with wash-out of the conjugate. These data demonstrate that standard NMR techniques can directly monitor intracellular processes such as glutathione depletion with a time resolution of approximately < 2 min.
The Final Frontier of Sustainable Materials: Current Developments in Self-Healing Elastomers
Authors: Utrera-Barrios Saul , Verdejo Raquel , López-Manchado Miguel Ángel , Santana Marianella Hernández
Published: April 2022

It is impossible to describe the recent progress of our society without considering the role of polymers; however, for a broad audience, “polymer” is usually related to environmental pollution. The poor disposal and management of polymeric waste has led to an important environmental crisis, and, within polymers, plastics have attracted bad press despite being easily reprocessable. Nonetheless, there is a group of polymeric materials that is particularly more complex to reprocess, rubbers. These macromolecules are formed by irreversible crosslinked networks that give them their characteristic elastic behavior, but at the same time avoid their reprocessing. Conferring them a self-healing capacity stands out as a decisive approach for overcoming this limitation. By this mean, rubbers would be able to repair or restore their damage automatically, autonomously, or by applying an external stimulus, increasing their lifetime, and making them compatible with the circular economy model. Spain is a reference country in the implementation of this strategy in rubbery materials, achieving successful self-healable elastomers with high healing efficiency and outstanding mechanical performance. This article presents an exhaustive summary of the developments reported in the previous 10 years, which demonstrates that this property is the last frontier in search of truly sustainable materials.
Insight into the Role of Psychological Factors in Oral Mucosa Diseases
Authors: Guo Yuexin , Wang Boya , Gao Han , He Chengwei , Hua Rongxuan , Gao Lei , Du Yixuan , Xu Jingdong
Published: April 2022

With the development of psychology and medicine, more and more diseases have found their psychological origins and associations, especially ulceration and other mucosal injuries, within the digestive system. However, the association of psychological factors with lesions of the oral mucosa, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), burning mouth syndrome (BMS), and recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), have not been fully characterized. In this review, after introducing the association between psychological and nervous factors and diseases, we provide detailed descriptions of the psychology and nerve fibers involved in the pathology of OSCC, BMS, and RAS, pointing out the underlying mechanisms and suggesting the clinical indications.
Quantification and Improvement of the Dynamics of Human Serum Albumin and Glycated Human Serum Albumin with Astaxanthin/Astaxanthin-Metal Ion Complexes: Physico-Chemical and Computational Approaches
Authors: Wibowo Syahputra , Costa Jessica , Baratto Maria Camilla , Pogni Rebecca , Widyarti Sri , Sabarudin Akhmad , Matsuo Koichi , Sumitro Sutiman Bambang
Published: April 2022

Glycated human serum albumin (gHSA) undergoes conformational changes and unfolding events caused by free radicals. The glycation process results in a reduced ability of albumin to act as an endogenous scavenger and transporter protein in diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) patients. Astaxanthin (ASX) in native form and complexed with metal ions (Cu2+ and Zn2+) has been shown to prevent gHSA from experiencing unfolding events. Furthermore, it improves protein stability of gHSA and human serum albumin (HSA) as it is shown through molecular dynamics studies. In this study, the ASX/ASX-metal ion complexes were reacted with both HSA/gHSA and analyzed with electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, rheology and zeta sizer (particle size and zeta potential) analysis, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometer measurements, as well as molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and molecular docking calculations. The addition of metal ions to ASX improves its ability to act as an antioxidant and both ASX or ASX-metal ion complexes maintain HSA and gHSA stability while performing their functions.
Pancreatic Ductal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Are Effective Drug Carriers to Enhance Paclitaxel’s Efficacy in Pancreatic Cancer Cells through Clathrin-Mediated Endocytosis
Authors: Sun Haoyao , Bhandari Kritisha , Burrola Stephanie , Wu Jinchang , Ding Wei-Qun
Published: April 2022

Chemo-resistance challenges the clinical management of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A limited admittance of chemotherapeutics to PDAC tissues is a key obstacle in chemotherapy of the malignancy. An enhanced uptake of drugs into PDAC cells is required for a more effective treatment. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially small EVs (sEVs), have emerged as drug carriers for delivering chemotherapeutics due to their low immunogenicity and propensity for homing toward tumor cells. The present study evaluated sEVs derived from six different human cell lines as carriers for paclitaxel (PTX). The encapsulation of the chemotherapeutics was achieved using incubation, sonication and electroporation. The cytotoxicity of the EV drugs was evaluated by MTS assay. While sonication led to a higher efficiency of drug loading than incubation and electroporation, PTX loaded through incubation with HPNE-derived sEVs (HI-PTX) was the most efficacious in killing PDAC cells. Furthermore, HI-PTX was taken up by PDAC cells more efficiently than other EV drugs, implying that the efficacy of HI-PTX is associated with its efficient uptake. This was supported by the observation that the cytotoxicity and uptake of HI-PTX is mediated via the clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Our results indicate that the hTERT-HPNE cell-derived EVs are effective drug carriers to enhance paclitaxel’s efficacy in PDAC cells.
Integrative Analysis of Metabolomics and Transcriptomics Reveals Molecular Mechanisms of Anthocyanin Metabolism in the Zikui Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis cv. Zikui)
Authors: Cai Ju , Lv Litang , Zeng Xiaofang , Zhang Fen , Chen Yulu , Tian Weili , Li Jianrong , Li Xiangyang , Li Yan
Published: April 2022

In this study, we performed an association analysis of metabolomics and transcriptomics to reveal the anthocyanin biosynthesis mechanism in a new purple-leaf tea cultivar Zikui (Camellia sinensis cv. Zikui) (ZK). Three glycosylated anthocyanins were identified, including petunidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, and their contents were the highest in ZK leaves at 15 days. This is the first report on petunidin 3-O-glucoside in purple-leaf tea. Integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome identified eleven dependent transcription factors, among which CsMYB90 had strong correlations with petunidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, and cyanidin 3-O-glucoside (PCC > 0.8). Furthermore, we also identified key correlated structural genes, including two positively correlated F3’H (flavonoid-3′-hydroxylase) genes, two positively correlated ANS (anthocyanin synthase) genes, and three negatively correlated PPO (polyphenol oxidase) genes. Overexpression of CsMYB90 in tobacco resulted in dark-purple transgenic calluses. These results showed that the increased accumulation of three anthocyanins in ZK may promote purple-leaf coloration because of changes in the expression levels of genes, including CsMYB90, F3’Hs, ANSs, and PPOs. These findings reveal new insight into the molecular mechanism of anthocyanin biosynthesis in purple-leaf tea plants and provide a series of candidate genes for the breeding of anthocyanin-rich cultivars.
Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Game Technologies in Ophthalmology Training
Authors: Muñoz Eduardo Gross , Fabregat Ramon , Bacca-Acosta Jorge , Duque-Méndez Néstor , Avila-Garzon Cecilia
Published: April 2022

Ophthalmology is a medical profession with a tradition in teaching that has developed throughout history. Although ophthalmologists are generally considered to only prescribe contact lenses, and they handle more than half of eye-related enhancements, diagnoses, and treatments. The training of qualified ophthalmologists is generally carried out under the traditional settings, where there is a supervisor and a student, and training is based on the use of animal eyes or artificial eye models. These models have significant disadvantages, as they are not immersive and are extremely expensive and difficult to acquire. Therefore, technologies related to Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are rapidly and prominently positioning themselves in the medical sector, and the field of ophthalmology is growing exponentially both in terms of the training of professionals and in the assistance and recovery of patients. At the same time, it is necessary to highlight and analyze the developments that have made use of game technologies for the teaching of ophthalmology and the results that have been obtained. This systematic review aims to investigate software and hardware applications developed exclusively for educational environments related to ophthalmology and provide an analysis of other related tools. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages, limitations, and challenges involved in the use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and game technologies in this field are also presented.
Cryptic Species Exist in Vietnamella sinensis Hsu, 1936 (Insecta: Ephemeroptera) from Studies of Complete Mitochondrial Genomes
Authors: Tong Yao , Wu Lian , Ayivi Sam Pedro Galilee , Storey Kenneth B. , Ma Yue , Yu Dan-Na , Zhang Jia-Yong
Published: April 2022

Ephemeroptera (Insecta: Pterygota) are widely distributed all over the world with more than 3500 species. During the last decade, the phylogenetic relationships within Ephemeroptera have been a hot topic of research, especially regarding the phylogenetic relationships among Vietnamellidae. In this study, three mitochondrial genomes from three populations of Vienamella sinensis collected from Tonglu (V. sinensis TL), Chun’an (V. sinensis CN), and Qingyuan (V. sinensis QY) in Zhejiang Province, China were compared to discuss the potential existence of cryptic species. We also established their phylogenetic relationship by combining the mt genomes of 69 Ephemeroptera downloaded from NCBI. The mt genomes of V. sinensis TL, V. sinensis CN, and V. sinensis QY showed the same gene arrangement with lengths of 15,674 bp, 15,674 bp, and 15,610 bp, respectively. Comprehensive analyses of these three mt genomes revealed significant differences in mt genome organization, genetic distance, and divergence time. Our results showed that the specimens collected from Chun’an and Tonglu in Zhejiang Province, China belonged to V. sinensis, and the specimens collected from Qingyuan, Zhejiang Province, China were a cryptic species of V. sinensis. In maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic trees, the monophyly of the family Vietnamellidae was supported and Vietnamellidae has a close relationship with Ephemerellidae.
Tissue Plasminogen Activator as a Possible Indicator of Breast Cancer Relapse: A Preliminary, Prospective Study
Authors: Wrzeszcz Katarzyna , Słomka Artur , Zarychta Elżbieta , Rhone Piotr , Ruszkowska-Ciastek Barbara
Published: April 2022

(1) Background: The fundamental causes of breast cancer mortality are the cancer spread and hypercoagulability state. The study aimed to evaluate the prognostic efficacy of the fibrinolytic profile concerning 5-year follow-up. (2) Methods: We investigated the predictive potential of the plasma activity of urokinase plasminogen activator (u-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) as well as antigen of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), u-PA, PAI-1, and PAI-1/t-PA and PAI-1/u-PA complexes in 41 breast cancer patients. The median follow-up was 66 months, with full evidence of the first event. (3) Results: A significantly lower level of PAI-1 antigen was noted in IBrC patients with lymph node involvement (N1) than in patients with free lymph node metastases (N0). According to ROC curve analysis, a t-PA antigen was the strongest predictor of disease relapse (the area under the curve, AUC = 0.799; p < 0.0006). Patients with PAI-1 activity < 3.04 U/mL had significantly better disease-free survival (DFS) compared to those with PAI-1 activity > 3.04 U/mL. Patients with both t-PA antigen lower than 1.41 ng/mL (cut-off according to median value) and lower than 1.37 ng/mL (cut-off according to ROC curve) had significantly shorter DFS (p = 0.0086; p = 0.0029). (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that a higher plasma t-PA antigen level or lower PAI-1 activity are linked to better outcomes in breast cancer patients.
Predictive Performance of the FRAX Tool Calibrated for Spain vs. an Age and Sex Model: Prospective Cohort Study with 9082 Women and Men Followed for up to 8 Years
Authors: García-Sempere Aníbal , Hurtado Isabel , Peiró Salvador , Sánchez-Sáez Francisco , Santaana Yared , Rodríguez-Bernal Clara , Sanfélix-Gimeno Gabriel , Sanfélix-Genovés José
Published: April 2022

In Spain, the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) was adapted using studies with a small number of patients, and there are only a few external validation studies that present limitations. In this prospective cohort study, we compared the performance of FRAX and a simple age and sex model. We used data from the ESOSVAL cohort, a cohort composed of a Mediterranean population of 11,035 women and men aged 50 years and over, followed for up to 8 years, to compare the discrimination, calibration, and reclassification of FRAX calibrated for Spain and a logistic model including only age and sex as variables. We found virtually identical AUC, 83.55% for FRAX (CI 95%: 80.46, 86.63) and 84.10% for the age and sex model (CI 95%: 80.91, 87.29), and there were similar observed-to-predicted ratios. In the reclassification analyses, patients with a hip fracture that were reclassified correctly as high risk by FRAX, compared to the age and sex model, were −2.86%, using either the 3% threshold or the observed incidence, 1.54% (95%CI: −8.44, 2.72 for the 3% threshold; 95%CI: −7.68, 1.97 for the incidence threshold). Remarkably simple and inexpensive tools that are easily transferable into electronic medical record environments may offer a comparable predictive ability to that of FRAX.
Evaluation of Women’s Age and Ultrasonographic Features to Choose Surgical Treatment for Endometriosis Associated with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Hernández Alicia , Sanz Angela , Spagnolo Emanuela , Carbonell María , Rodríguez Elena , López Ana , Raganato Riccardo , Del Forno Simona , Ramiro-Cortijo David
Published: April 2022

Adequate surgical management of malignant endometriosis remains a clinical challenge in gynecology. Age, sonography variables, and tumor biomarkers have been reported as candidates in the clinical decision. This study aims were to analyze the factors of women’s age, body mass index, ultrasound features, and tumor biomarkers to predict endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer in a large series of endometriomas and to study the surgical treatment performed in this cohort. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian cyst classified as endometrioma (benign as well as with risk of malignancy), surgically treated in the endometriosis unit of Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid, Spain) between January 2019 and July 2021. According to the final histology examination, the women were clustered as non-endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (OE, benign endometriomas, n = 59) and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer (EAOC) (n = 17). Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected from these women. International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) criteria were assessed for the ultrasound examination. The age of the women in the EAOC group was 50.0 [43.0; 63.0] years, which was significantly higher than OE (39.0 [34.0; 46.0] years; p-value < 0.001). In addition, the body mass index for the OE group (24.9 ± 5.3 kg/m2) was significantly higher than for the EAOC group (23.3 ± 4.6 kg/m2; p-value < 0.001). However, the tumor biomarker levels (CA 125, CA 19.9 and He4) were not significantly different among the groups. We performed 51.4% cystectomies and 48.6% adnexectomies, with an association between the adnexectomy and EAOC group (p-value < 0.001). In addition, a significant association was found between ultrasound features suspicious for malignancy and the EAOC group. Conclusively, women’s age and ultrasound features, such as papillary projections, septa, and positive echo-Doppler, were the main factors to consider when evaluating the malignancy risk associated with endometriosis.
Changes in TSH, T4, T3 and Thyroglobulin Levels throughout Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Senese Nora , Lechien Jérôme R. , Poppe Kris , Rodriguez Alexandra , Dequanter Didier
Published: April 2022

Introduction: To assess the impact of total thyroidectomy on thyroid function. Methods: Monocentric observational prospective study. Patients who benefited from a total thyroidectomy in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery between September 2017 and July 2019 were included. Three blood samples were taken from each patient during the perioperative period: preoperatively (T0), intraoperatively (T1), and postoperatively (T2). Changes in TSH, T4, T3, and thyroglobulin levels were evaluated from T0 to T2. Epidemiological data were retrieved from the medical charts. Statistical analyses were performed for the entire cohort and subgroups regarding preoperative treatment and type of disease. Results: Seventy-seven patients were included in the study. T4 and thyroglobulin levels increased significantly from T0 to T1. TSH, T4, T3, and thyroglobulin levels decreased significantly from T1 to T2. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the hypothesis of variable kinetics of thyroid hormone levels associated with the manipulation of the thyroid gland during surgery, but none of these changes resulted in clinical effects, including thyrotoxicosis.
Treatment in Latent Tuberculosis Uveitis—Is Immunosuppression Effective or Is Conventional 3- or 4-Drug Antituberculosis Therapy Mandatory?
Authors: Bigdon Eileen , Steinhorst Nils Alexander , Weissleder Stephanie , Durchkiv Vasyl , Stübiger Nicole
Published: April 2022

Background/Aims: Controversy exists regarding 3- or 4 drug antituberculosis therapy (conventional ATT) in uveitis patients having latent tuberculosis (LTB), especially while initiating therapy with corticosteroids and/or other immunosuppressants. Methods: We performed a monocentral retrospective analysis of posterior uveitis patients with latent TB. Latent TB was diagnosed, in case of a positive QuantiFERON®-TB-Gold test and normal chest imaging, after ruling out other causes of infectious and noninfectious uveitis. Patients with active TB were excluded. From 2016 to 2020 we included 17 patients. Ophthalmological evaluation consisted of Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit lamp examination, fundoscopy, OCT, and fluorescein- and indocyaningreen- angiography before and at months 3, 6, 12, 24, and the last follow-up after treatment. Results: Initially, all patients had active posterior uveitis with occlusive (n = 5 patients) and nonocclusive retinal vasculitis (n = 12 patients). Mean follow up was 28 ± 15 months. Therapy was started with systemic corticosteroids (mean prednisolone equivalent 71.3 mg/d) and already after 3 months it could be tapered to a mean maintenance dosage of 8.63 mg/d. Additional immunosuppressive treatment with cs- or bDMARDs was initiated in 14 patients (82%) due to recurrences of uveitis while tapering the corticosteroids <10 mg per/day or because of severe inflammation at the initial visit. While being on immunosuppression, best corrected visual acuity increased from 0.56 logMAR to 0.32 logMAR during follow-up and only three patients had one uveitis relapse, which was followed by switch of immunosuppressive treatment. As recommended, TB prophylaxis with 300 mg/d isoniazid was administered in 11 patients for at least 9 months while being on TNF-alpha-blocking agents. No patient developed active tuberculosis during immunosuppressive therapy. Conclusion: Mainly conventional ATT is strongly recommended—as monotherapy or in combination with immunosuppressives—for effective treatment in patients with uveitis due to latent TB. Although in our patient group no conventional ATT was initiated, immunosuppression alone occurred as an efficient treatment. Nevertheless, due to possible activation of TB, isoniazid prophylaxis is mandatory in latent TB patients while being on TNF-alpha blocking agents.
Hemostatic Efficacy of Absorbable Gelatin Sponges for Surgical Nail Matrixectomy after Phenolization—A Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Córdoba-Fernández Antonio , Lobo-Martín Adrián
Published: April 2022

Background: Some studies have recommended combining germinal matrix excision with phenol ablation in the treatment of onychocryptosis. Matrixectomy after phenolization has been shown to be an effective modification to reduce the drawbacks associated with phenolization alone, although it increases the risk of minor postoperative bleeding. The present study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of gelatin sponges as hemostatic agents in partial matrixectomy after phenolization. Methods: A comparative clinical trial in parallel groups was designed in 74 halluces (44 patients) with stage I, II, and III onychocryptosis. All participants were randomly assigned to 3 groups: Group A (control group), Group B (conventional gelatin sponge), and Group C (high porosity gelatin sponge). Results: The quantified mean blood loss in the first 48 h after surgery in patients in both experimental groups was significantly lower compared to the control group. The lowest mean blood loss was recorded in Group C (p < 0.001) and followed by Group B (p = 0.005). No adverse effects were recorded in any of the patients included in the experimental groups. Conclusions: Hemostatic gelatin sponges were demonstrated to be effective and safe devices for the control of minor postoperative bleeding associated with matrixectomy after segmental phenolization.
Prediction of SARS-CoV-2-Related Lung Inflammation Spreading by V:ERITAS (Vanvitelli Early Recognition of Inflamed Thoracic Areas Spreading)
Authors: Romano Ciro , Cozzolino Domenico , Cuomo Giovanna , Abitabile Marianna , Carusone Caterina , Cinone Francesca , Nappo Francesco , Nevola Riccardo , Sellitto Ausilia , Auricchio Annamaria , Cardella Francesca , Del Sorbo Giovanni , Lieto Eva , Galizia Gennaro , Adinolfi Luigi Elio , Marrone Aldo , Rinaldi Luca
Published: April 2022

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be complicated by interstitial pneumonia, possibly leading to severe acute respiratory failure and death. Because of variable evolution ranging from asymptomatic cases to the need for invasive ventilation, COVID-19 outcomes cannot be precisely predicted on admission. The aim of this study was to provide a simple tool able to predict the outcome of COVID-19 pneumonia on admission to a low-intensity ward in order to better plan management strategies for these patients. Methods The clinical records of 123 eligible patients were reviewed. The following variables were analyzed on admission: chest computed tomography severity score (CTSS), PaO2/FiO2 ratio, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, D-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and albumin. The main outcome was the intensity of respiratory support (RS). To simplify the statistical analysis, patients were split into two main groups: those requiring no or low/moderate oxygen support (group 1); and those needing subintensive/intensive RS up to mechanical ventilation (group 2). Results The RS intensity was significantly associated with higher CTSS and NLR scores; lower PaO2/FiO2 ratios; and higher serum levels of LDH, CRP, D-dimer, and AST. After multivariate logistic regression and ROC curve analysis, CTSS and LDH were shown to be the best predictors of respiratory function worsening. Conclusions Two easy-to-obtain parameters (CTSS and LDH) were able to reliably predict a worse evolution of COVID-19 pneumonia with values of >7 and >328 U/L, respectively.
Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors for Severity and Pharmacotherapy in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Almarashda Amna , Rabbani Syed , Kurian Martin , Cherian Ajith
Published: April 2022

Data on the clinical characteristics, severity and management of COVID-19 from the Middle East region, especially the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is very limited. We studied the clinical characteristics, laboratory biomarkers, risk factors for severity and pharmacotherapy of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in this single-center, analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a secondary care hospital of the UAE. A total of 585 patients were included in the study (median age, 49 years (IQR, 39–59); 66% male). Age > 45 years (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.04–4.14, p = 0.040), male gender (OR = 3.15, 95% CI: 1.52–6.51, p = 0.002), presentation symptoms such as fever (OR = 3.68, 95% CI:1.34–10.11, p = 0.011) and shortness of breath/dyspnea (OR = 5.36, 95% CI: 2.69–10.67, p < 0.001), Hb < 13 g/dL (OR = 3.17, 95% CI: 1.51–6.65, p = 0.002), neutrophils > 7 × 103/mcL (OR = 4.89, 95% CI: 1.66–14.37, p=0.004), lymphocytes < 1 × 103/mcL (OR = 7.78, 95% CI: 1.01–60.19, p = 0.049), sodium < 135 mmol/L (OR = 5.42, 95% CI: 1.05–27.95, p = 0.044), potassium < 3.6 mmol/L (OR = 3.36, 95% CI: 1.03–11.01, p = 0.045), urea > 6.5 mmol/L (OR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.69–6.73, p = 0.001) and LDH > 227 IU/L (OR = 6.26, 95% CI: 1.61–24.32, p = 0.008) were independent predictors of the severity of COVID-19. Antivirals (524, 89.6%) and corticosteroids (358, 61.2%) were prescribed for the management of COVID-19. In conclusion, older age, male gender, presentation symptoms such as fever and dyspnea, low hemoglobin, neutrophilia, lymphopenia, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, elevated levels of urea and lactate dehydrogenase were found to be independent risk factors for severe COVID-19. The pharmacotherapy of COVID-19 patients in our study was diverse, and the medications were prescribed based on the clinical condition of the patients.
Association between Metabolically Healthy Obesity and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in the Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Etiology Research Center (CMERC) Cohort
Authors: Seo Da Hea , Cho Yongin , Seo Seongha , Ahn Seong Hee , Hong Seongbin , Ha Kyung Hwa , Shim Jee-Seon , Kim Hyeon Chang , Kim Dae Jung , Kim So Hun
Published: April 2022

We aimed to investigate the association between a new definition of metabolic health (MH) and subclinical atherosclerosis in a cohort of patients without previous cardiovascular disease (CVD). In total, 7824 community-dwelling adults were categorized as normal weight, overweight, or obese. Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) was defined as obesity accompanied by all of the following criteria: systolic blood pressure (BP) < 130 mmHg, no use of BP-lowering medication, waist-hip ratio <0.832 (women) and <0.887 (men), and no prevalent diabetes. Carotid atherosclerosis was defined as carotid plaque or mean carotid intima-media thickness ≥ 1.1 mm. The prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis was 8.3% and 1113 (14.2%) patients were classified as having MHO. All individuals classified as metabolically unhealthy were at an increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis independent of body mass index categories. Conversely, the risk of carotid atherosclerosis in individuals with MHO was not significantly increased compared to that in metabolically healthy normal weight participants (hazard ratio 1.20, 95% confidence interval 0.87–1.67). This new definition of MH was able to identify people with MHO without an increased risk of CVD in an Asian community cohort.
Human Intervention–Induced Changes in the Characteristics of the Turbidity Maximum Zone and Associated Mouth Bars in the Yangtze Estuary
Authors: Li Weihua , Jiang Chenjuan , Zuo Shuhua , Li Jiufa
Published: April 2022

In the past two decades, the dynamic sedimentation process of the Yangtze Estuary has been seriously disturbed by coupled human interventions from the river basin to the estuary, especially the impoundment of the Three Gorges Dam in 2003 and the large-scale Deep-water Navigational Channel (DNC) regulation project in 1998–2010. This study investigated the changes in sedimentary dynamic and geomorphological processes in the turbidity maximum zone (TMZ) by analyzing the historical and present data for current, salinity, suspended sediment, and bathymetry. The results show that the decreased riverine sediment input caused a lagging decrease in suspended sediment concentration in the TMZ during the flood seasons. The DNC caused changes in the flow structure, sediment transport, and geometry of the TMZ in the North Passage (NP) and the South Passage (SP). In the NP, decreased ebb transport in the upper reaches led to landward migration of the TMZ during low discharges, while increased ebb transport in the middle and lower reaches caused the seaward migration of the TMZ during high discharges. As the associated topography of the TMZ, the mouth bar in the NP was mostly removed by channel dredging. However, rapid deposition at the location of the previous mouth bar indicates the formation of an incipient bar. In the SP, increased ebb transport after the DNC-induced disappearance of the TMZ and the mouth bar in the upper reaches and the seaward migration of the TMZ in the middle and lower reaches. Therefore, we found that the construction of dams and large-scale estuarine projects changed the sediment dynamics and geomorphological processes of the TMZ and even affected the long-term evolution of the estuary. Construction regulation projects in the TMZ, intended to narrow the cross-section and enhance seaward sediment transport, may produce the opposite effect. Before and after engineering projects, their impacts on estuarine processes need to be carefully estimated.
Fungal Priming: Prepare or Perish
Authors: Harish Ety , Osherov Nir
Published: April 2022

Priming (also referred to as acclimation, acquired stress resistance, adaptive response, or cross-protection) is defined as an exposure of an organism to mild stress that leads to the development of a subsequent stronger and more protective response. This memory of a previously encountered stress likely provides a strong survival advantage in a rapidly shifting environment. Priming has been identified in animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria. Examples include innate immune priming and transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in animals and biotic and abiotic stress priming in plants, fungi, and bacteria. Priming mechanisms are diverse and include alterations in the levels of specific mRNAs, proteins, metabolites, and epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation and histone acetylation of target genes.
Anorexia Nervosa: Reduction in Depression during Inpatient Treatment Is Closely Related to Reduction in Eating Disorder Psychopathology
Authors: Sjögren Magnus , Støving Rene Klinkby
Published: April 2022

Objective: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe mental disorder frequently associated with high scores of depressiveness. We examined the short-term effects of inpatient treatment on depressiveness and eating disorder (ED) psychopathology using the self-rating Major Depression Inventory (MDI) and Eating Disorder Examination questionnaire (EDEq) for patients with AN. Material: Forty-nine patients with AN, all part of the PROspective Longitudinal all-comer inclusion study on EDs (PROLED), were observed over eight weeks with baseline psychometric measures, EDE-q at baseline and endpoint, and weekly MDI self-scoring. Methods: Apart from the weekly Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements, patients were assessed at baseline using the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI) and the Symptom Check List 92 (SCL-92). Results: Inpatient treatment reduced MDI consistently over 8 weeks (Wilks Lambda = 0.59, F = 4.1, p < 0.01) and this reduction in MDI was positively correlated with a reduction in EDEq (r = 0.44; p < 0.01) during inpatient treatment. Baseline medication did not predict changes in MDI during the inpatient treatment. BMI increased from 14.9 (week 1) to 17.2 (week 8). Conclusions: Inpatient treatment of AN is associated with a reduction in depressiveness. This improvement in depressiveness scores correlates with an improvement in ED psychopathology but not with weight gain.
The Rise of Population Genomic Screening: Characteristics of Current Programs and the Need for Evidence Regarding Optimal Implementation
Authors: Foss Kimberly , O’Daniel Julianne , Berg Jonathan , Powell Sabrina , Cadigan Rosemary , Kuczynski Kristine , Milko Laura , Saylor Katherine , Roberts Megan , Weck Karen , Henderson Gail
Published: April 2022

Purpose: Advances in clinical genomic sequencing capabilities, including reduced costs and knowledge gains, have bolstered the consideration of genomic screening in healthy adult populations. Yet, little is known about the existing landscape of genomic screening programs in the United States. It can be difficult to find information on current implementation efforts and best practices, particularly in light of critical questions about equity, cost, and benefit. Methods: In 2020, we searched publicly available information on the Internet and the scientific literature to identify programs and collect information, including: setting, program funding, targeted population, test offered, and patient cost. Program representatives were contacted throughout 2020 and 2021 to clarify, update, and supplement the publicly available information. Results: Twelve programs were identified. Information was available on key program features, such as setting, genes tested, and target populations. Data on costs, outcomes, or long-term sustainability plans were not always available. Most programs offered testing at no or significantly reduced cost due to generous pilot funding, although the sustainability of these programs remains unknown. Gene testing lists were diverse, ranging from 11 genes (CDC tier 1 genes) to 59 genes (ACMG secondary findings list v.2) to broad exome and genome sequencing. This diversity presents challenges for harmonized data collection and assessment of program outcomes. Conclusions: Early programs are exploring the logistics and utility of population genomic screening in various settings. Coordinated efforts are needed to take advantage of data collected about uptake, infrastructure, and intervention outcomes to inform future research, evaluation, and program development.
Predicting the Treatment Outcomes of Antidepressants Using a Deep Neural Network of Deep Learning in Drug-Naïve Major Depressive Patients
Authors: Tsai Ping-Lin , Chang Hui Hua , Chen Po See
Published: April 2022

Predicting the treatment response to antidepressants by pretreatment features would be useful, as up to 70–90% of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) do not respond to treatment as expected. Therefore, we aim to establish a deep neural network (DNN) model of deep learning to predict the treatment outcomes of antidepressants in drug-naïve and first-diagnosis MDD patients during severe depressive stage using different domains of signature profiles of clinical features, peripheral biochemistry, psychosocial factors, and genetic polymorphisms. The multilayer feedforward neural network containing two hidden layers was applied to build models with tenfold cross-validation. The areas under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the performance of the models. The results demonstrated that the AUCs of the model ranged between 0.7 and 0.8 using a combination of different domains of categorical variables. Moreover, models using the extracted variables demonstrated better performance, and the best performing model was characterized by an AUC of 0.825, using the levels of cortisol and oxytocin, scales of social support and quality of life, and polymorphisms of the OXTR gene. A complex interactions model developed through DNN could be useful at the clinical level for predicting the individualized outcomes of antidepressants.
Competitive Price-Quality Strategy of Platforms under User Privacy Concerns
Authors: Lin Xudong , Huang Xiaoli , Liu Shuilin , Li Yulin , Luo Hanyang , Yu Sumin
Published: April 2022

The behavior-based discrimination price model (BBPD) needs to collect a large amount of user information, which would spark user privacy concerns. However, the literature on BBPD typically overlooks consumer privacy concerns. Additionally, most of the existing research provides some insights from the perspective of traditional privacy protection measures, but seldom discusses the role of quality discrimination in alleviating users’ privacy concerns. By establishing a Hotelling duopoly model of two-period price-quality competition, this paper explores the impact of quality discrimination on industry profits, user surplus, and social welfare under user privacy concerns. The results show that, with the increase of user privacy cost, given weak market competition intensity, quality discrimination can increase users’ surplus and social welfare, thereby alleviating users’ privacy concerns. We then discuss the managerial implications for alleviating consumer privacy concerns. In addition, we take Airbnb as an example to provide practical implications.
Identification and Analysis of Financial Technology Risk Factors Based on Textual Risk Disclosures
Authors: Wei Lu , Deng Yuqi , Huang Jie , Han Chen , Jing Zhongbo
Published: April 2022

With the development of financial technology (referred to as fintech), the risks faced by fintech companies have received increasing attention. This paper uses the Sentence Latent Dirichlet Allocation (Sent-LDA) topic model to comprehensively identify risk factors in the fintech industry based on textual risk factors disclosed in Form 10-K. Furthermore, this paper analyzes the importance of risk factors and the similarities of the risk factors for the whole fintech industry and different fintech sub-sectors from the perspectives of risk factor types and risk factor contents. In the empirical analysis, 53,452 risk factor headings of 34 fintech companies included in the KBW Nasdaq Financial Technology Index (KFTX) over the period 2015–2019 are collected. The empirical results show that 20 risk factors of the fintech industry are identified. However, the important risk factors vary differently among different fintech sub-sectors. For the analysis of risk factor similarity, mean values of similarity of risk factor types and the similarity of risk factor contents both increased from 2015 to 2019, which indicates that the risks faced by fintech companies are becoming increasingly similar. The mean value of similarity of risk factor contents is 42.13%, while the mean value of similarity of risk factor types is 80.93%. Thus, although the types of risk factors faced by different fintech companies are similar, the contents of risk factors disclosed by different companies are still quite different. The comprehensive identification of fintech risk factors lays an important foundation for the further measurement and management of risks in the fintech industry. In the feature, we will further make effective risk estimations of the fintech industry based on the identified fintech risk factors.
Which Factors Influence the Regional Difference of Urban–Rural Residential CO2 Emissions? A Case Study by Cross-Regional Panel Analysis in China
Authors: Wang Zheng , Wang Shaojian , Lu Chuanhao , Hu Lei
Published: April 2022

Residential CO2 emissions (RCE) are an important component of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. In order to formulate reasonable reduction policies and measures, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of RCE production and the factors that influence it. This paper explores the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of RCE from the perspectives of eastern, central, and western China, as well as urban–rural areas, and analyzes the factors driving RCE based on the STIRPAT model. The results indicated that between 2010 and 2019 the eastern region contributed the greatest proportion of overall RCE and the central region saw the largest increase. Per capita RCE in urban areas was greater than in rural areas, except in eastern China. The factors affecting RCE showed regional and urban–rural differences. Population size and income per capita were two dominant factors affecting RCE for all regions. The per capita income plays a more important role in developed regions such as eastern regions and eastern urban areas. Urbanization contributed to RCE reduction in the eastern region but promoted RCE in the central and western regions. Energy structure shows a negative effect on RCE, particularly in central urban and western rural areas. Appropriate policies and measures need to be put forward to local conditions. Reduction policies and measures of each region and urban–rural area need to be based on the dominant factors driving CO2 emissions.
Assessment of Surrogate Markers for Cardiovascular Disease in Familial Mediterranean Fever-Related Amyloidosis Patients Homozygous for M694V Mutation in MEFV Gene
Authors: Sahin Sezgin , Romano Micol , Guzel Ferhat , Piskin David , Poddighe Dimitri , Sezer Siren , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Appleton C. , Yilmaz Ilker , Demirkaya Erkan
Published: April 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains underestimated in familial Mediterranean fever-associated AA amyloidosis (FMF-AA). We aimed to compare early markers of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in FMF-AA with a homozygous M694V mutation (Group 1 = 76 patients) in the Mediterranean fever (MEFV) gene and in patients with other genotypes (Group 2 = 93 patients). Measures of increased risk for future CVD events and endothelial dysfunction, including flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), pentraxin-3 (PTX3), and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) as a marker of atherosclerotic vascular disease were compared between groups. The frequency of clinical FMF manifestations did not differ between the two groups apart from arthritis (76.3% in Group 1 and 59.1% in Group 2, p < 0.05). FMD was significantly lower in Group 1 when compared with Group 2 (MD [95% CI]: −0.6 [(−0.89)–(−0.31)]). cIMT, FGF23, and PTX3 levels were higher in Group 1 (cIMT MD [95% CI]: 0.12 [0.08–0.16]; FGF23 MD [95% CI]: 12.8 [5.9–19.6]; PTX3 MD [95% CI]: 13.3 [8.9–17.5]). In patients with FMF-AA, M694V homozygosity is associated with lower FMD values and higher cIMT, FGF23, and PTX3 levels, suggesting increased CVD risk profiles. These data suggest that a genotype–phenotype association exists in terms of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in patients with FMF-AA.
Electrochemical and In Vitro Biological Evaluation of Bio-Active Coatings Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering onto Biocompatible Mg-0.8Ca Alloy
Authors: Bița Ana-Iulia , Antoniac Iulian , Miculescu Marian , Stan George E. , Leonat Lucia , Antoniac Aurora , Constantin Bujor , Forna Norin
Published: April 2022

The use of resorbable magnesium alloys in the design of implants represents a new direction in the healthcare domain. Two main research avenues are currently explored for developing or improving metallic biomaterials: (i) increase of their corrosion resistance by designed compositional and structural modifications, and (ii) functionalization of their surfaces by coating with ceramic or polymeric layers. The main objective of this work was to comparatively assess bio-functional coatings (i.e., highly-crystallized hydroxyapatite and silica-rich glass) deposited by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering (RF-MS) on a biodegradable Mg-0.8Ca alloy (0.8 wt.% of Ca). After probing their morphology (by scanning electron microscopy) and structure (by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and grazing incidence X-ray diffraction), the corrosion resistance of the RF-MS coated Mg-0.8Ca substrates was electrochemically tested (in synthetic biological media with different degrees of biomimicry), and their cytocompatibility was assessed in osteoblast and fibroblast cell cultures. By collective assessment, the most promising performances, in terms of mass loss (~7% after 12 days), hydrogen release rate (~6 mL/cm2 after 12 days), electrochemical corrosion parameters and cytocompatibility, were obtained for the crystalline HA coating.
Chemical Composition, Microstructure, Tensile and Creep Behavior of Ti60 Alloy Fabricated via Electron Beam Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Zhang Guodong , Liu Wei , Zhang Peng , Xiong Huaping , Gao Jianshi , Yu Huai , Yuan Hong
Published: April 2022

Electron beam directed energy deposition (EB-DED) is a promising manufacturing process for the fabrication of large-scale, fully dense and near net shape metallic components. However, limited knowledge is available on the EB-DED process of titanium alloys. In this study, a near-α high-temperature titanium alloy Ti60 (Ti-5.8Al-4Sn-4Zr-0.7Nb-1.5Ta-0.4Si) was fabricated via EB-DED. The chemical composition, microstructure, tensile property (at room temperature and 600 °C), and creep behavior of the fabricated alloy were investigated and compared with those of the conventional wrought lamellar and bimodal counterparts. Results indicated that the average evaporation loss of Al and Sn was 10.28% and 5.01%, respectively. The microstructure of the as-built alloy was characterized by coarse columnar grains, lamellar α, and the precipitated elliptical silicides at the α/β interfaces. In terms of tensile properties, the vertical specimens exhibited lower strength but higher ductility than the horizontal specimens at both room temperature and 600 °C. Furthermore, the tensile creep strain of the EB-DED Ti60 alloy measured at 600 °C and 150 MPa for 100 h under as-built and post-deposition STA conditions was less than 0.15%, which meets the standard requirements for the wrought Ti60 alloy. The creep resistance of the EB-DED Ti60 alloy was superior to that of its wrought bimodal counterpart.