bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECT OF SIMULATOR USAGE ON ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT AND LABOR HELP QUALIFICATIONS, AND SELF-EFFICACY OF PARAMEDIC STUDENTS
Authors: GÜRBÜZ Perihan , DERYA Serdar , YETİŞ KOCA Gülsüm , KOLAÇ Turgay , ÇIRAK Zehra Deniz
Published: April 2022

Professional self-competence and self-efficacy of paramedics who first interfere to emergency events are important. An important ratio of deaths in emergency intervention are due to emergencies that require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and also emergency labor is frequently seen in rural areas. In this research, CPR and labor simulation training’s effect on professional self-competence and relevance of self-efficacy in paramedic students has been investigated. The pre-test and post-test experimental research was carried out with 68 pregraduate paramedic students. Following the pre-questionnaire, all students were given simulation training about CPR and labor, and students were evaluated two times with a weak interval by making one-to-one simulation applications. Afterwards a post-questionnaire was applied, Sherer’s General Self-Efficacy Scale (SGSES) was used to determine self-efficacy levels. Professional self-competence perception level and evaluation scores of the students increased significantly in pre and post-questionnaire comparison. The statistically significant difference between professional self-competence perception and graduated high-school in pre-questionnaire was not obtained in post-questionnaire. While SGSES scores were higher in the students who felt more professional self-competence, SGSES scores and professional self-competence scores did not statistically differ among pre and post-questionnaires. Simulation trainings in the education process of paramedic students has significant impact on professional self-competence.
Atención odontológica en tiempo de pandemia
Authors: Meneses Rivadeneira Leopoldo
Published: April 2022

Desde el primer caso reportado en Wuhan - China en diciembre del 2019, la infección por el COVID-19 causó un impredecible impacto de la salud mundial que condujo aquella Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) la declarara “pandemia” en marzo de 2020. A la fecha se han reportado alrededor de 350 millones de infectados y 5.6 millones de muertes debido a esta infección respiratoria, por lo que las estrategias para el control de la infección, así como las medidas de salud pública son claves para frenar la propagación de la enfermedad.
Soporte nutricional en la enfermedad renal crónica
Authors: Flores-Esteves Luis
Published: April 2022

El propósito de este trabajo es revisar las evidencias actuales bibliográficas médicas y científicas disponibles, con respecto a la adecuada nutrición energética y calórica proteica en el enfermo afecto de Insuficiencia Renal Crónica y enfatizando en los efectos deletéreos de la ingesta de proteínas de origen animal, tanto en la función renal y con especial énfasis en la enfermedad renal. La revisión considera las investigaciones tanto históricas como las más recientes sobre el papel de la adecuada nutrición proteínica y calórica de la dieta tanto en la enfermedad renal crónica y en la prevención y protección de la función renal normal. Se concluye por las evidencias actuales cómo debe ser la adecuada e idónea prescripción nutricional tanto para la prevención como para el tratamiento dietético de la insuficiencia renal.
Dr. Fernando Alberto Cazorla Tálleri
Authors: Gonzales Gustavo F.
Published: April 2022

Fernando Alberto Cazorla Tálleri nace en Lima el 6 de septiembre de 1925, y un 3 de marzo de 2022 nos ha dejado para descansar en la paz del Señor. En vida fue una persona prodigiosa, de gran sensibilidad humana, de porte caballeroso, siempre risueño y muy ocurrente.
Manual de PSIQUIATRÍA “Humberto Rotondo”
Authors: Morales-Soto Nelson Raúl
Published: April 2022

Menciona en su contracarátula: “La tercera edición del Manual de PSIQUIATRÍA 'Humberto Rotondo' desarrolla, a través de sus 39 capítulos, una visión del quehacer psiquiátrico que se aproxima a la salud y a la enfermedad mental desde una perspectiva humanista, signada por las mejoras evidencias científicas alcanzadas hasta hoy, en el marco del más profundo respeto de los derechos fundamentales de la persona y los principios de la bioética. Este libro mantiene las ideas rectoras y el propósito fundamental del inspirador del manual, el profesor Humberto Rotondo, quien desde su ejercicio docente anhelaba la elaboración de un texto básico de consulta que orientara a estudiantes y médicos generales y de familia en el abordaje integral de los problemas de la salud mental, además de los principales trastornos de la psiquiatría clínica”.
Rol del corazón en la etiología de la demencia
Authors: Calderón-Velasco Rolando
Published: April 2022

La demencia es la causa principal de la incapacidad y muerte en más de cincuenta millones de gente que siguen con la enfermedad en el mundo.
Antplot: Visualising Long Binary Strings Using a Variation of Langton's Ant
Authors: Agate Mark
Published: April 2022

Langton’s ant is an interesting example of cellular automata, displaying both chaotic and emergent behaviour. This paper presents a simple integer-based numeric expression which generates the trajectory of Langton’s ant on an infinite plane, and extends the technique so that binary strings of arbitrary length can be represented graphically. Patterns created by applying this technique to the mathematical constants e and pi are presented, together with those for a selection of long factorial and reciprocal values.
Downregulation of miR-760 Causes Human Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Targeting the MyD88/Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Signaling Pathway
Authors: Cui Xueliang , Li Yanan , Bao Junping , Wang Kun , Wu Xiaotao
Published: April 2022

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) plays a critical role in the development of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). In this study, we present evidence from in vitro and in vivo research to elucidate the mechanism underlying the role of miR-760 in IDD. miRNA microarray and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were used to determine the miRNA profiles in patients with IDD. Functional analysis was performed to evaluate the role of miR-760 in the pathogenesis of IDD. Luciferase reporter and western blotting assays were used to confirm the miRNA targets. The expression of miR-760 was significantly decreased in degenerative nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and negatively correlated with disc degeneration grade. Functional assays demonstrated that miR-760 delivery significantly increased NP cell proliferation and promoted the expression of collagen II and aggrecan. Moreover, MyD88 was identified as a target gene of miR-760. miR-760 effectively suppressed MyD88 expression by interacting with the 3′-untranslated region, which was abolished by miR-760 binding site mutations. An in vivo experiment using an IDD mouse model showed that the upregulation of miR-760 could effectively suspend IDD. Therefore, miR-760 was found to play an important role in IDD and can be used as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with IDD.
Bioconversion of Terephthalic Acid and Ethylene Glycol Into Bacterial Cellulose by Komagataeibacter xylinus DSM 2004 and DSM 46604
Authors: Esmail Asiyah , Rebocho Ana T. , Marques Ana C. , Silvestre Sara , Gonçalves Alexandra , Fortunato Elvira , Torres Cristiana A. V. , Reis Maria A. M. , Freitas Filomena
Published: April 2022

Komagataeibacter xylinus strains DSM 2004 and DSM 46604 were evaluated for their ability to grow and produce bacterial cellulose (BC) upon cultivation on terephthalic acid (TA) and ethylene glycol (EG), which are monomers of the petrochemical-derived plastic polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Both strains were able to utilize TA, EG, and their mixtures for BC synthesis, with different performances. K. xylinus DSM 2004 achieved higher BC production from TA (0.81 ± 0.01 g/L), EG (0.64 ± 0.02 g/L), and TA + EG mixtures (0.6 ± 0.1 g/L) than strain DSM 46604. The latter was unable to utilize EG as the sole carbon source and reached a BC production of 0.16 ± 0.01 g/L and 0.23 ± 0.1 g/L from TA alone or TA + EG mixtures, respectively. Further supplementing the media with glucose enhanced BC production by both strains. During cultivation on media containing TA and EG, rapid pH drop due to metabolization of EG into acidic compounds led to some precipitation of TA that was impregnated into the BC pellicles. An adaptation of the downstream procedure involving BC dissolution in NaOH was used for the recovery of pure BC. The different medium composition tested, as well as the downstream procedure, impacted the BC pellicles’ physical properties. Although no variation in terms of the chemical structure were observed, differences in crystallinity degree and microstructure of the produced BC were observed. The BC produced by K. xylinus DSM 2004 had a higher crystallinity (19–64%) than that of the strain DSM 46604 (17–53%). Moreover, the scanning electron microscopy analysis showed a higher fiber diameter for K. xylinus DSM 2004 BC (46–56 nm) than for K. xylinus DSM 46604 (37–49 nm). Dissolution of BC in NaOH did not influence the chemical structure; however, it led to BC conversion from type I to type II, as well as a decrease in crystallinity. These results demonstrate that PET monomers, TA and EG, can be upcycled into a value-added product, BC, presenting an approach that will contribute to lessening the environmental burden caused by plastic disposal in the environment.
Effects of Laser In Situ Keratomileusis and Small-Incision Lenticule Extraction on Corneal Biomechanical Behavior: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Wang Chenyan , Li Xiaona , Guo Yuan , He Rui , Guo Hongmei , Chen Weiyi
Published: April 2022

Myopia, which is the result of the uncoordinated development of the eyeball, has become a major public health focus worldwide. Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) have been successfully used in modern corneal refractive surgery. However, there are still controversies about postoperative results of LASIK and SMILE. In this study, a three-dimensional finite element model of the cornea was constructed based on the elevation and pachymetry data of a female volunteer. Surgical parameters, magnitudes of myopic correction, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were varied. Furthermore, an iterative algorithm was applied to retrieve the free-stress state of the intact corneal model, LASIK model, and SMILE model. To better evaluate the differences between LASIK and SMILE procedures, the displacement and Von Mises stress on the anterior and posterior corneal surface along the x- and y-axes were analyzed. Results for the zero-pressure model showed larger displacement compared to the image-based corneal model, suggesting that the initial corneal pre-stress stiffens the response of the cornea, both in the intact cornea and under refractive surgery. In addition, the displacement on the corneal surface in LASIK (both zero-pressure and image-based model) was obviously higher than that of the SMILE model. In contrast, SMILE increased Von Mises stress in the corneal cap and reduced Von Mises stress in the residual stromal bed compared with the LASIK model. However, the maximum Von Mises stress in the SMILE model was still smaller than that of the LASIK model. Moreover, the displacement and Von Mises stress on the residual stromal bed increased linearly with IOP. Overall, LASIK and SMILE refractive surgery could change biomechanical behaviors of the cornea. Compared to LASIK refractive surgery, SMILE may present a lower risk of ectasia. Creating a corneal cap rather than a corneal flap may have an advantage in improving corneal biomechanical stability.
Industrial Biotechnology Based on Enzymes From Extreme Environments
Authors: Mesbah Noha M.
Published: April 2022

Biocatalysis is crucial for a green, sustainable, biobased economy, and this has driven major advances in biotechnology and biocatalysis over the past 2 decades. There are numerous benefits to biocatalysis, including increased selectivity and specificity, reduced operating costs and lower toxicity, all of which result in lower environmental impact of industrial processes. Most enzymes available commercially are active and stable under a narrow range of conditions, and quickly lose activity at extremes of ion concentration, temperature, pH, pressure, and solvent concentrations. Extremophilic microorganisms thrive under extreme conditions and produce robust enzymes with higher activity and stability under unconventional circumstances. The number of extremophilic enzymes, or extremozymes, currently available are insufficient to meet growing industrial demand. This is in part due to difficulty in cultivation of extremophiles in a laboratory setting. This review will present an overview of extremozymes and their biotechnological applications. Culture-independent and genomic-based methods for study of extremozymes will be presented.
Expression, Purification, and Preliminary Protection Study of Dehydrin PicW1 From the Biomass of Picea wilsonii
Authors: Liu Junhua , Dai Mei , Li Jiangtao , Zhang Yitong , Ren Yangjie , Xu Jichen , Gao Wei , Guo Sujuan
Published: April 2022

Dehydrins (DHNs) belong to group II of late embryogenesis-abundant (LEA) proteins, which are up-regulated in most plants during cold, drought, heat, or salinity stress. Despite the importance of dehydrins for the plants to resist abiotic stresses, it is necessary to obtain plant-derived dehydrins from different biomass. Generally, dehydrin PicW1 from Picea wilsonii is involved in Kn-type dehydrin with five K-segments, which has a variety of biological activities. In this work, Picea wilsonii dehydrin PicW1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by chitin-affinity chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography, which showed as a single band by SDS-PAGE. A cold-sensitive enzyme of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is used to explore the protective activities of other proteins. Temperature stress assays showed that PicW1 had an effective protective effect on LDH activity, which was better than that of bovine serum albumin (BSA). This study provides insights into the purification and protective activity of K5 DHNs for the advancement of dehydrin structure and function from biomass.
Antibacterial Activity of an Anodized TiNbSn Alloy Prepared in Sodium Tartrate Electrolyte
Authors: Kurishima Hiroaki , Mori Yu , Ishii Keiko , Inoue Hiroyuki , Mokudai Takayuki , Fujimori Satoko , Itoi Eiji , Hanada Shuji , Masahashi Naoya , Aizawa Toshimi
Published: April 2022

In this study, we anodized a TiNbSn alloy with low Young’s modulus in an electrolyte of sodium tartrate with and without hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The photo-induced characteristics of the anodized alloy were analyzed for crystallinity and electrochemical conditions with comparisons to the effect with the addition of H2O2. The antibacterial activity was evaluated using methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other pathogenic bacteria according to ISO 27447, and time decay antibacterial tests were also conducted. The anodized oxide had a porous microstructure with anatase- and rutile-structured titanium dioxide (TiO2). In contrast, the peaks of rutile-structured TiO2 were accelerated in the anodized TiNbSn alloy with H2O2. The formation of hydroxyl radicals and methylene blue breaching performance under ultraviolet irradiation was confirmed in the anodic oxide on TiNbSn alloy with and without H2O2. The anodic oxide on TiNbSn alloy had a robust antibacterial activity, and no significant difference was detected with or without H2O2. We conclude that anodized TiNbSn alloy with sodium tartrate electrolyte may be a functional biomaterial with a low Young’s modulus and an antibacterial function.
LMNA Determines Nuclear Morphology During Syncytialization of Human Trophoblast Stem Cells
Authors: Wang Yiming , Wu Hao , Jiang Xiangxiang , Jia Lei , Wang Meijiao , Rong Yin , Chen Shuo , Wang Yue , Xiao Zhenyu , Liang Xiaoyan , Wang Hongmei
Published: April 2022

Upon implantation, the trophectoderm differentiates into the multi-nucleated primitive syncytiotrophoblast (pSTB) through a process called primary syncytialization to facilitate maternal-fetal interactions and to establish a pregnancy. However, ethical issues and limited access to human embryos around the time of embryo implantation hinder the investigation of the detailed molecular mechanisms underpinning this event in humans. Here we established human trophoblast stem cells (hTSCs) from human blastocysts. We characterized nuclear enlargement in STB differentiated from hTSCs, which recapitulate morphological nuclear features of pSTB in human embryos. Specifically, we revealed that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated LMNA disruption perturbated nuclear volume during hTSCs syncytialization. Overall, our results not only provide an interesting insight into mechanisms underlying nuclear enlargement during primary syncytialization but highlight the hTSCs as an indispensable model in understanding human trophoblast differentiation during implantation.
β-Catenin Signaling Evokes Hair Follicle Senescence by Accelerating the Differentiation of Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Progenitors
Authors: Han Jimin , Lin Kaijun , Choo Huiqin , He Jia , Wang Xusheng , Wu Yaojiong , Chen Xiaodong
Published: April 2022

Rationale: β-catenin signaling controls multiple fibroblast subsets, with its overactivity promoting the differentiation of hair follicle dermal stem cells (hfDSCs) and the hyperactivation of interfollicular fibroblasts. Understanding the concept of hfDSC activation and modulation offers hope towards the therapeutic armamentarium in dermatology and related comorbidities, as well as their potential applications in gerontology (the study of physiological aging). Having a comprehensive understanding in this stochastic process could also further yield important, novel insights into the molecular basis of skin aging to improve lifespan and preventing aging-related diseases.

Methods: A new CD34CrePGR mouse line was generated. Through fate-tracing models and a series of β-catenin genetic experiments, our study depicts how the wound environment increases phosphorylated β-catenin in hfDSCs and facilitates their differentiation into dermal papilla (DP) and dermal sheath (DS). In mice carrying hfDSC-specific activated allele of β-catenin, hfDSCs accelerated their differentiation into DP cells.

Results: Notably, with β-catenin stabilization in CD34-expressing cells and potential activation of canonical Wnt signaling, the mutant mice showed a brief increase of hair density in the short term, but over time leads to a senescence phenotype developing premature canities and thinning [hair follicle (HF) miniaturization].

Conclusion: β-catenin signaling drove HF senescence by accelerating differentiation of CD34+ hfDSCs, resulting in phenotypes attributable to the differentiation of the hfDSCs into DP cells and the loss of their stem cell potential. Therefore, our study reveals that the regulation of β-catenin signaling in hfDSCs may potentially become an important subject for future exploration in development of clinically effective therapies for hair loss treatment and an excellent model for revealing new therapeutic approaches to reverse aging or retarding the development of alopecia.
Neutrophils: Amoeboid Migration and Swarming Dynamics in Tissues
Authors: Mihlan Michael , Glaser Katharina M. , Epple Maximilian W. , Lämmermann Tim
Published: April 2022

Neutrophils are key cells of our innate immune response with essential roles for eliminating bacteria and fungi from tissues. They are also the prototype of an amoeboid migrating leukocyte. As one of the first blood-recruited immune cell types during inflammation and infection, these cells can invade almost any tissue compartment. Once in the tissue, neutrophils undergo rapid shape changes and migrate at speeds higher than most other immune cells. They move in a substrate-independent manner in interstitial spaces and do not follow predetermined tissue paths. Instead, neutrophil navigation is largely shaped by the chemokine and chemoattractant milieu around them. This highlights the decisive role of attractant-sensing G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and downstream molecular pathways for controlling amoeboid neutrophil movement in tissues. A diverse repertoire of cell-surface expressed GPCRs makes neutrophils the perfect sentinel cell type to sense and detect danger-associated signals released from wounds, inflamed interstitium, dying cells, complement factors or directly from tissue-invading microbes. Moreover, neutrophils release attractants themselves, which allows communication and coordination between individual cells of a neutrophil population. GPCR-mediated positive feedback mechanisms were shown to underlie neutrophil swarming, a population response that amplifies the recruitment of amoeboid migrating neutrophils to sites of tissue injury and infection. Here we discuss recent findings and current concepts that counteract excessive neutrophil accumulation and swarm formation. In particular, we will focus on negative feedback control mechanisms that terminate neutrophil swarming to maintain the delicate balance between tissue surveillance, host protection and tissue destruction.
Green Solvents for the Liquid Phase Exfoliation Production of Graphene: The Promising Case of Cyrene
Authors: Fernandes João , Nemala Siva Sankar , De Bellis Giovanni , Capasso Andrea
Published: April 2022

The liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) of graphite has allowed to produce graphene materials on a large scale and at a reasonable cost. By this method, stable dispersions, inks and liquid suspensions containing atomic-thick graphene flakes with tailored concentrations can be produced, opening up applications in a wide range of cutting-edge technologies such as functional coatings, printed and flexible electronics, and composites. However, currently established LPE techniques raise several health and environmental risks, since unsafe and toxic solvents (such as NMP, DMF, and DMSO) are often regarded as the most effective liquid media for the process. Therefore, it appears necessary to unlock eco-friendly and sustainable methods for the production of graphene at an industrial scale. This review focuses on the latest developments in terms of green solvents for LPE production of graphene. We highlight the use of a new green solvent, Cyrene, and its performance when compared to conventional solvents.
Preparation of Templated Materials and Their Application to Typical Pollutants in Wastewater: A Review
Authors: Li Hanbing , Wang Li , Wei Yifei , Yan Wei , Feng Jiangtao
Published: April 2022

As the pollution and destruction of global water resources become more and more severe, the treatment of wastewater has attracted significant attention. The template method is a synthetic method in which the template is the main configuration to control, influence, and modify the morphology as well as control the dimensions of the material, thus achieving the properties that determine the material. It is simple, highly reproducible, and predictable, and more importantly, it can effectively control the pore structure, size, and morphology of the material, providing a novel platform for the preparation of adsorbent materials with excellent adsorption properties. This review focuses on the classification of the templates according to their properties and spatial domain-limiting capabilities, reviews the types of hard and soft template materials and their synthetic routes, and further discusses the modulation of the morphological structure of the materials by the introduction of templates. In addition, the application and adsorption mechanisms of heavy metal ions and dyes are reviewed based on the regulatory behavior of the template method.
Large Scale SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Testing and Genomic Surveillance Reveal Prolonged Infections, Protracted RNA shedding, and Viral Reinfections
Authors: Morris C. Paul , Luo Chun Huai , Sachithanandham Jaiprasath , Li Maggie , Schwartz Matthew , Gaston David C. , Gniazdowski Victoria , Giraldo-Castillo Nicolas , Amadi Adannaya , Norton Julie M. , Wright William F. , Klein Eili Y. , Pekosz Andrew , Mostafa Heba H.
Published: April 2022

Large-scale SARS-CoV-2 molecular testing coupled with whole genome sequencing in the diagnostic laboratories is instrumental for real-time genomic surveillance. The extensive genomic, laboratory, and clinical data provide a valuable resource for understanding cases of reinfection versus prolonged RNA shedding and protracted infections. In this study, data from a total of 22,292 clinical specimens, positive by SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis at Johns Hopkins clinical virology laboratory between March 11th 2020 to September 23rd 2021, were used to identify patients with two or more positive results. A total of 3,650 samples collected from 1,529 patients who had between 2 and 20 positive results were identified in a time frame that extended up to 403 days from the first positive. Cycle threshold values (Ct) were available for 1,622 samples, the median of which was over 30 by 11 days after the first positive. Extended recovery of infectious virus on cell culture was notable for up to 70 days after the first positive in immunocompromised patients. Whole genome sequencing data generated as a part of our SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance was available for 1,027 samples from patients that had multiple positive tests. Positive samples collected more than 10 days after initial positive with high quality sequences (coverage >90% and mean depth >100), were more likely to be from unvaccinated, or immunosuppressed patients. Reinfections with viral variants of concern were found in 3 patients more than 130 days from prior infections with a different viral clade. In 75 patients that had 2 or more high quality sequences, the acquisition of more substitutions or deletions was associated with lack of vaccination and longer time between the recovered viruses. Our study highlights the value of integrating genomic, laboratory, and clinical data for understanding the biology of SARS-CoV-2 as well as for setting a precedent for future epidemics and pandemics.
Utility of Multi-target Nested PCR and ELISPOT Assays for the Detection of Paucibacillary Leprosy: A Possible Conclusion of Clinical Laboratory Misdiagnosis
Authors: Jiang Haiqin , Shi Ying , Chokkakula Santosh , Zhang Wenyue , Long Siyu , Wang Zhenzhen , Kong Wenming , Long Heng , Wu Limei , Hu Lihua , Yao Qiang , Wang Hongsheng
Published: April 2022

The diagnosis of paucibacillary (PB) leprosy often possesses a diagnostic challenge, especially for pure neuritic and lesser skin lesions with the zero bacillary load, requiring a sensitive and accurate diagnostic tool. We have included 300 clinically diagnosed new leprosy cases (comprising 98 PB cases) and analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of PB leprosy cases by nested PCR with folP, gyrA, rpoB, RLEP, and 16SrRNA and Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay test (ELISPOT) with MMPII, NDO-BSA, and LID-1 antigens by detecting interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release. The overall positivity rates of genes tested in 300 clinical specimens were identified as 55% of 16SrRNA, 59% of RLEP, 59.3% of folP, 57.3% of rpoB, 61% of gyrA while 90% of nested folP, 92.6% of nested rpoB, and 95% of nested gyrA, and 285 (95%) of at least one gene positive cases. For PB specimens, 95% PCR positivity was achieved by three tested genes in nested PCR. The data obtained from ELISPOT for three antigens were analyzed for IFN-γ expression with 600 subjects. Among 98 PB leprosy cases, the sensitivity of MMP II, LID-1, and NDO-BSA was 90%, 87%, and 83%, respectively, and the specificity was 90%, 91%, and 86%, respectively. The total number of cases positive for at least one antigen was 90 (91.8%) in PB, which is significantly higher than that in multibacillary (MB) leprosy (56.7%). The combination of multi-targets nested PCR and ELISPOT assay provides a specific tool to early clinical laboratory diagnosis of PB leprosy cases. The two assays are complementary to each other and beneficial for screening PB patients.
Chronic Total Occlusion Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Prior Coronary Artery Bypass Graft: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives
Authors: Guo Lei , Lv Haichen , Yin Xiaomeng
Published: April 2022

Coronary chronic total occlusion (CTO), which occurs in 18. 4–52% of all patients referred for coronary angiography, represents one of the last barriers in coronary intervention. Approximately half of all patients with prior coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), who undergo coronary angiography, are diagnosed with coronary CTO. In fact, these patients often develop recurrent symptoms and events, necessitating revascularization. Currently, there is neither a consensus nor developed guidelines for the treatment of CTO patients with prior CABG, and the prognosis of these patients remains unknown. In this review, we discuss current evidence and future perspectives on CTO revascularization in patients with prior CABG, with special emphasis on clinical and lesion characteristics, procedural success rates, periprocedural complications, and long-term outcomes.
Profilin 2 and Endothelial Exosomal Profilin 2 Promote Angiogenesis and Myocardial Infarction Repair in Mice
Authors: Li Zhenkun , Huo Xueyun , Chen Keyan , Yang Fenghua , Tan Weijiang , Zhang Qi , Yu Haixu , Li Changlong , Zhou Deshan , Chen Hao , Zhao Baoquan , Wang Yuan , Chen Zhenwen , Du Xiaoyan
Published: April 2022

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, wherein myocardial infarction (MI) is the most dangerous one. Promoting angiogenesis is a prospective strategy to alleviate MI. Our previous study indicated that profilin 2 (PFN2) may be a novel target associated with angiogenesis. Further results showed higher levels of serum PFN2 and exosomal PFN2 in patients, mice, and pigs with MI. In this study, we explored whether PFN2 and endothelial cell (EC)-derived exosomal PFN2 could increase angiogenesis and be beneficial for the treatment of MI. Serum PFN2, exosomes, and exosomal PFN2 were elevated in rats with MI. PFN2 and exosomes from PFN2-overexpressing ECs (OE-exo) enhanced EC proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability. OE-exo also significantly increased the vessel number in zebrafish and protected the ECs from inflammatory injury. Moreover, OE-exo-treated mice with MI showed improvement in motor ability, ejection fraction, left ventricular shortening fraction, and left ventricular mass, as well as increased vessel numbers in the MI location, and decreased infarction volume. Mechanistically, PI3K might be the upstream regulator of PFN2, while ERK might be the downstream regulator in the PI3K-PFN2-ERK axis. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that PFN2 and exosomal PFN2 promote EC proliferation, migration, and tube formation through the PI3K-PFN2-ERK axis. Exosomal PFN2 may be a valuable target in the repair of MI injury via angiogenesis.
Antibodies Against Phosphorylcholine Among 60-Year-Olds: Clinical Role and Simulated Interactions
Authors: Samal Shailesh Kumar , Panda Pritam Kumar , Vikström Max , Leander Karin , de Faire Ulf , Ahuja Rajeev , Frostegård Johan
Published: April 2022

Aims

Antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) are implicated as protection markers in atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other chronic inflammatory conditions. Mostly, these studies have been focused on IgM. In this study, we determined IgG, IgG1, and IgG2 anti-PC among 60-year-olds.

Methods

Based on a 7-year follow-up of 60-year-olds (2,039 men and 2,193 women) from Stockholm County, we performed a nested case-control study of 209 incident CVD cases with 620 age- and sex-matched controls. Anti-PC was determined using ELISA. We predicted the binding affinity of PC with our fully human, in-house-produced IgG1 anti-PC clones (i.e., A01, D05, and E01) using the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation approach, to retrieve information regarding binding properties to PC.

Results

After adjustment for confounders, IgG and IgG2 anti-PC showed some significant associations, but IgG1 anti-PC was much stronger as a protection marker. IgG1 anti-PC was associated with an increased risk of CVD below 33rd, 25th, and 10th percentile and of stroke below 33rd and 25th, and of myocardial infarction (MI) below 10th percentile. Among men, a strong association with stroke was determined below the 33rd percentile [HR 9.20, CI (2.22–38.12); p = 0.0022]. D05 clone has higher binding affinity followed by E01 and A01 using molecular docking and further have been confirmed during the course of 100 ns simulation. The stability of the D05 clone with PC was substantially higher.

Conclusion

IgG1 anti-PC was a stronger protection marker than IgG anti-PC and IgG2 anti-PC and also separately for men. The molecular modeling approach helps in identifying the intrinsic properties of anti-PC clones and atomistic interactions with PC.
A Novel Electrocardiography Model for the Diagnosis of Acute Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Su Xiao-Feng , Fan Na , Yang Xue-Mei , Song Jun-Mei , Peng Qiong-Hui , Liu Xin
Published: April 2022

Acute pulmonary embolism (acPE) is a severe disease that is often misdiagnosed as it is difficult to detect quickly and accurately. In this study, a novel electrocardiogram (ECG) model was used to estimate the probability of acPE rapidly via analysis of ECG characteristics. A total of 327 patients with acPE who were diagnosed at the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (SPPH) between 2018 and 2021 were retrospectively studied. A total of 331 patients were randomly selected as the control group, which included patients hospitalized during the same time period. The control group included patients who presented with characteristic symptoms of acPE, but this diagnosis was ruled out following further diagnostic testing. This study compared the diagnostic value of the ECG model with those of another ECG scoring model (Daniel-ECG score) and the most common prediction models (Wells score and Geneva score). This study established an ECG-predictive model using analysis of the ECG abnormalities in patients with acPE. The final ECG model included certain novel ECG signs that had not been incorporated in the previous ECG score of the patients, and thus, compared to the previous ECG score, exhibited a more favorable area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) value (0.8741). The model developed in this study was named the SPPH-ECG model. Furthermore, this study compared the SPPH-ECG model with Daniel-ECG score, Wells score, and Geneva score, and the SPPH-ECG model was demonstrated to exhibit a superior AUC value (0.8741), sensitivity (79.08%), negative predictive value (79.52%), and test accuracy (79.42%), while the Geneva score presented superior specificity (100%) and positive predictive value (100%) compared with the SPPH-ECG model. In conclusion, the SPPH-ECG model may play a role in ruling out acPE in patients during diagnostic testing and diagnose acPE rapidly and accurately in combination with the Geneva scoring system.
DeepStrain Evidence of Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Diastolic and Systolic Dysfunction in Young Adults With Cardiac Risk Factors
Authors: Morales Manuel A. , Snel Gert J. H. , van den Boomen Maaike , Borra Ronald J. H. , van Deursen Vincent M. , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Izquierdo-Garcia David , Prakken Niek H. J. , Catana Ciprian
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To evaluate if a fully-automatic deep learning method for myocardial strain analysis based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) cine images can detect asymptomatic dysfunction in young adults with cardiac risk factors.

Methods

An automated workflow termed DeepStrain was implemented using two U-Net models for segmentation and motion tracking. DeepStrain was trained and tested using short-axis cine-MRI images from healthy subjects and patients with cardiac disease. Subsequently, subjects aged 18–45 years were prospectively recruited and classified among age- and gender-matched groups: risk factor group (RFG) 1 including overweight without hypertension or type 2 diabetes; RFG2 including hypertension without type 2 diabetes, regardless of overweight; RFG3 including type 2 diabetes, regardless of overweight or hypertension. Subjects underwent cardiac short-axis cine-MRI image acquisition. Differences in DeepStrain-based left ventricular global circumferential and radial strain and strain rate among groups were evaluated.

Results

The cohort consisted of 119 participants: 30 controls, 39 in RFG1, 30 in RFG2, and 20 in RFG3. Despite comparable (>0.05) left-ventricular mass, volumes, and ejection fraction, all groups (RFG1, RFG2, RFG3) showed signs of asymptomatic left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction, evidenced by lower circumferential early-diastolic strain rate (<0.05, <0.001, <0.01), and lower septal circumferential end-systolic strain (<0.001, <0.05, <0.001) compared with controls. Multivariate linear regression showed that body surface area correlated negatively with all strain measures (<0.01), and mean arterial pressure correlated negatively with early-diastolic strain rate (<0.01).

Conclusion

DeepStrain fully-automatically provided evidence of asymptomatic left ventricular diastolic and systolic dysfunction in asymptomatic young adults with overweight, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes risk factors.
Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training, Moderate Continuous Training, or Guideline-Based Physical Activity on Peak Oxygen Uptake and Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Myocardial Infarction: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shi Xiaohe , Chen Xianyuan , Qiu Xinfan , Luo Wei , Luo Xinyi , Liu Hui , Geng Qingshan , Ma Huan , Xue Ling , Guo Lan
Published: April 2022

Introduction

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is an emerging method of cardiac rehabilitation, which is more and more popular in recent years. Research into the effect of HIIT on peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak) and myocardial fibrosis among patients with myocardial infarction (MI) is lacking. Here, we describe the rationale along with the protocol for a clinical trial to test the following hypotheses: (1) compared with the control group, VO2 peak will be increased in both the moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and HIIT groups and (2) compared with the control group, myocardial fibrosis due to MI will be improved by HIIT and MICT.

Methods and Analysis

This is a single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial. In total, 180 patients with MI are to be recruited for this study. VO2 peak will be tested by cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and myocardial fibrosis will be evaluated by cardiac MR. A variety of blood and psychometric tests and also the peripheral arterial tonometry, reactive hyperemia index for microvascular endothelial function, and microvascular blockage or digital vasomotor response are included.

Ethics and Dissemination

The ethics committee of the Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital has authorized this mechanistic clinical research. Peer-reviewed articles and conference presentations will be used to disseminate the findings.

Trial Registration Number

NCT04863677.
Clinical Use of Hydrogen Sulfide to Protect Against Intimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Macabrey Diane , Longchamp Alban , Déglise Sébastien , Allagnat Florent
Published: April 2022

Arterial occlusive disease is the narrowing of the arteries via atherosclerotic plaque buildup. The major risk factors for arterial occlusive disease are age, high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, diabetes, high blood pressure, and smoking. Arterial occlusive disease is the leading cause of death in Western countries. Patients who suffer from arterial occlusive disease develop peripheral arterial disease (PAD) when the narrowing affects limbs, stroke when the narrowing affects carotid arteries, and heart disease when the narrowing affects coronary arteries. When lifestyle interventions (exercise, diet…) fail, the only solution remains surgical endovascular and open revascularization. Unfortunately, these surgeries still suffer from high failure rates due to re-occlusive vascular wall adaptations, which is largely due to intimal hyperplasia (IH). IH develops in response to vessel injury, leading to inflammation, vascular smooth muscle cells dedifferentiation, migration, proliferation and secretion of extra-cellular matrix into the vessel’s innermost layer or intima. Re-occlusive IH lesions result in costly and complex recurrent end-organ ischemia, and often lead to loss of limb, brain function, or life. Despite decades of IH research, limited therapies are currently available. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter derived from cysteine metabolism. Although environmental exposure to exogenous high H2S is toxic, endogenous H2S has important vasorelaxant, cytoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Its vasculo-protective properties have attracted a remarkable amount of attention, especially its ability to inhibit IH. This review summarizes IH pathophysiology and treatment, and provides an overview of the potential clinical role of H2S to prevent IH and restenosis.
Deficiency of Mineralization-Regulating Transcription Factor Trps1 Compromises Quality of Dental Tissues and Increases Susceptibility to Dental Caries
Authors: Socorro Mairobys , Hoskere Priyanka , Roberts Catherine , Lukashova Lyudmila , Verdelis Kostas , Beniash Elia , Napierala Dobrawa
Published: April 2022

Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in children and adults worldwide. The complex etiology of dental caries includes environmental factors as well as host genetics, which together contribute to inter-individual variation in susceptibility. The goal of this study was to provide insights into the molecular pathology underlying increased predisposition to dental caries in trichorhinophalangeal syndrome (TRPS). This rare inherited skeletal dysplasia is caused by mutations in the TRPS1 gene coding for the TRPS1 transcription factor. Considering Trps1 expression in odontoblasts, where Trps1 supports expression of multiple mineralization-related genes, we focused on determining the consequences of odontoblast-specific Trps1 deficiency on the quality of dental tissues. We generated a conditional Trps1Col1a1 knockout mouse, in which Trps1 is deleted in differentiated odontoblasts using 2.3kbCol1a1-CreERT2 driver. Mandibular first molars of 4wk old male and female mice were analyzed by micro-computed tomography (μCT) and histology. Mechanical properties of dentin and enamel were analyzed by Vickers microhardness test. The susceptibility to acid demineralization was compared between WT and Trps1Col1a1cKO molars using an ex vivo artificial caries procedure. μCT analyses demonstrated that odontoblast-specific deletion of Trps1 results in decreased dentin volume in male and female mice, while no significant differences were detected in dentin mineral density. However, histology revealed a wider predentin layer and the presence of globular dentin, which are indicative of disturbed mineralization. The secondary effect on enamel was also detected, with both dentin and enamel of Trps1Col1a1cKO mice being more susceptible to demineralization than WT tissues. The quality of dental tissues was particularly impaired in molar pits, which are sites highly susceptible to dental caries in human teeth. Interestingly, Trps1Col1a1cKO males demonstrated a stronger phenotype than females, which calls for attention to genetically-driven sex differences in predisposition to dental caries. In conclusion, the analyses of Trps1Col1a1cKO mice suggest that compromised quality of dental tissues contributes to the high prevalence of dental caries in TRPS patients. Furthermore, our results suggest that TRPS patients will benefit particularly from improved dental caries prevention strategies tailored for individuals genetically predisposed due to developmental defects in tooth mineralization.
An Assessment of Glacier Inventories for the Third Pole Region
Authors: He Xia , Zhou Shiqiao
Published: April 2022

A glacier inventory contains data that are important for understanding the hydrology, water resources, and impacts of climate change in glaciated regions. Ten glacier inventories have been created for the Third Pole Region (TPR) or high-mountain Asia, but they vary largely in spatial coverage area and data quality. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the data quality to help potential users choose the right glacier inventories for their research. Using the analytical hierarchy process, this study selects eight assessment factors and quantifies the quality of eight glacier inventories of the TPR. The eight glacier inventories that we assessed are the Randolph Glacier Inventory (RGI), the Glacier Area Mapping for Discharge in Asian Mountains (GGI18), the Second Chinese Glacier Inventory (CGI-2), the Glacier Inventory of the Hindu Kush–Himalayan Region (HKHGI), the Glacier Inventory for the Western Himalayas (WHGI), the Glacier Inventory for the Karakoram and Pamir Region (KPGI), the Second Glacier Inventory of Pakistan (PGI-2) and the Glacier Inventory for the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau (SETPGI). The assessment results indicate that the overall quality of the small-scale glacier inventories of WHGI, KPGI, PGI-2, and SETPGI is higher than that of the large-scale inventories of RGI, GGI18, CGI-2, and HKHGI. For the large-scale inventories, the quality-ranking order from high to low is CGI-2, GGI18, RGI, and HKHGI. However, the comprehensive quality of CGI-2 and GGI18 is comparable over the area covered by CGI-2. The comprehensive quality of CGI-2, GGI18, and RGI exhibits clear spatial differences. Overall, the data quality is higher for the inner TPR than for the surrounding areas. By merging the products of the eight glacier inventories, a new glacier inventory product of the best comprehensive quality was derived for the entire TPR. This new product resembles the spatial distribution of the best-quality glacier inventories of the regions where the different products overlap. In terms of specific regions, the CGI-2 and GGI18 are the best products for most parts of the TPR in China, except for an area of southeastern Tibet where the highest-quality data are from the SETPGI. The other main distributions of the best products are the WHGI for the western Himalayas, the GGI18 and HKHGI for the Hindu Kush and the middle and eastern Himalayas, the PGI-2 for Pakistan, the KPGI for the Karakorum–Pamir area, and the GGI18 and CGI-2 for the Tianshan Mountains. The new data product greatly promotes the quality of a single glacier inventory for the entire TPR. This database will meet the needs of a variety of potential researchers, including those who prefer to get information for a particular parameter from a single glacier inventory (http://data.tpdc.ac.cn/en/data).