bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COMPARISON OF THERAPIES WITH TORASEMIDE OR FUROSEMIDE IN PATIENTS WITH CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE FROM A PHARMACOECONOMIC VIEWPOINT
Authors: Spannheimer A , Goertz A , Dreckmann‐Behrendt B
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY This observational study compared patients suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF) who were treated with loop diuretics torasemide or furosemide. Data documenting the course of the disease and its associated costs over a period of one year were collected retrospectively. A total of 400 CHF patients, 200 in each treatment group, were included in the analysis. Concomitant ACE inhibitor therapy was received by 46% of patients in both groups. More torasemide‐treated patients (38.0%) than furosemide‐treated patients (24.5%) achieved an improvement in NYHA class in the one‐year period. The main difference between the two groups was the number of CHF‐related hospitalisations: 62 vs 324 hospital days due to CHF were necessary among torasemide‐ and furosemide‐treated patients, respectively. Thus torasemide treatment was associated with an 80% reduction in hospital days compared with furosemide. Furthermore, about 30% fewer working days were lost in the torasemide group than in the furosemide group (441 days vs 617 days, respectively). Direct and indirect costs were evaluated, resulting in overall annual costs of DEM 1502 per torasemide‐treated patient and DEM 1863 per furosemide‐treated patient. A cost‐effectiveness analysis showed a difference between the therapies of DEM 3651 in favour of torasemide. In conclusion, treatment with torasemide improved clinical outcome and was more cost‐effective than with furosemide.
DOES FAMOTIDINE HAVE SIMILAR EFFICACY TO MISOPROSTOL IN THE TREATMENT OF NON‐STEROIDAL ANTI‐INFLAMMATORY DRUG‐INDUCED GASTROPATHY?
Authors: Wu C‐S , Wang S‐H , Chen P‐C , Wu VC‐C
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of famotidine, an H2 receptor blocker, and misoprostol, a prostaglandin E analogue, in the treatment of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐induced (NSAID) gastropathy in arthritic patients. A total of 128 patients receiving piroxicam, sulindac, indomethacin, naproxen, tolmetin and aspirin were enrolled in the study. Gastroscopic examination was performed at the beginning and after eight weeks of randomised famotidine or misoprostol treatment. A standard scoring method for gastroscopic finding was applied. Forty‐four patients with scores 1‐3 were classified as group A; while the other 84 with score 4 (ulcer) were placed in group B. In group A, 26 received famotidine and 18 misoprostol. In group B, 36 received famotidine and 48 misoprostol. Biopsy specimens taken from the rim of the ulcer with adjacent normal mucosa were coded and tested for Helicobacter pylori. In group A, all but two patients taking famotidine recovered from NSAID gastropathy, and there was no statistical significance between the two drugs. In group B, all but four patients receiving famotidine improved and there was no statistical significance between the two subgroups for complete healing rate. The prevalence of H. pylori was 36.9%, lower than that in the general population. It was concluded that famotidine and misoprostol have similar efficacy in the treatment of NSAID gastropathy.
LONG‐ACTING INHALED β2‐AGONISTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA: RECENT ADVANCES AND CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Authors: Redington AE , Rees PJ
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY Salmeterol and formoterol belong to a new class of inhaled β2‐agonists with a prolonged duration of action. At the time these agents were introduced, there was uncertainty regarding the safety of β2‐agonist therapy in asthma and concern that they might lead to a deterioration in asthma control. Recent studies, in contrast, have demonstrated both their safety and therapeutic efficacy. The aims of this review are to highlight these new developments and to consider the place of these long‐acting β2‐agonists in asthma management strategies.
INCORRECT DIAGNOSIS OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN A PATIENT WITH PERSISTENCE OF FETAL HAEMOGLOBIN
Authors: Leonard MB , Leong KS , Neithercut WD , Galvani D , Feltham J , Bowen‐Jones D
Published: April 2023

SUMMARY A 65‐year‐old woman, referred to the endocrine clinic for investigation of tiredness and arthritis, was diagnosed as having diabetes on the basis of a positive family history and a raised glycated haemoglobin (HbA1) measurement. Subsequently, she was shown not to have diabetes but to have a persistently raised haemoglobin F (HbF) level. Initial assessment of HbF level by electroendosmosis demonstrated a normal HbF level but high values were confirmed using HPLC. Thalassaemia was excluded following DNA analysis. This case illustrates the importance of a glucose tolerance test following WHO criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes and emphasises that HbA1 is not a diagnostic test for diabetes.
Degree of autonomy in making independent choices by frail older people with intellectual disabilities in a care home: A descriptive ethnographic study
Authors: Noorlandt Hanna W. , Korfage Ida J. , van der Sar Lisa J. , Felet Freek M. A. J. , Tuffrey‐Wijne Irene , van der Heide Agnes , Echteld Michael A.
Published: April 2023

Background

We aimed to gain more insight into autonomy of older people with intellectual disabilities in a residential care facility in making choices.

Methods

We performed a descriptive ethnographic study in a residential facility in the Netherlands for 22 persons, aged 54–89 years, with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities (IQ <70) and low social–emotional development levels. We combined participant observations and qualitative interviews.

Results

Based on the observations, the main themes for the interviews were established. Residents indicated to be free to make independent choices, and experienced less autonomy with regard to health issues and finances. Support staff stated that residents' level of autonomy depends on residents' characteristics, needs, preferences, the attitude of support staff and the rules of the care institution.

Conclusion

Residents had a clear view on their autonomy in making independent choices. Support staff is mindful of preserving residents' autonomy, which in practice is limited.
Clinical efficacy of soft‐tissue augmentation on tissue preservation at immediate implant sites: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Chun‐Teh , Tran Duong , Tsukiboshi Yosuke , Min Seiko , Kim Sung K. , Ayilavarapu Srinivas , Weltman Robin
Published: April 2023

Aim

This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the efficacy of soft‐tissue augmentation (STA) with a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) or an acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on reducing tissue alterations at an immediate implant site.

Materials and Methods

This trial had three groups: (i) immediate implant with SCTG (ICT group); (ii) immediate implant with ADM (IAD group); (iii) immediate implant without STA (control group). Forty‐six patients were randomly assigned to each group. Implants were placed at the maxillary anterior or premolar areas and restored after the 6‐month visit. Clinical outcomes, including buccal soft‐tissue contour, peri‐implant mucosal level, soft‐tissue thickness and keratinized tissue width, were measured at baseline and at 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up visits. Radiographic bone levels were measured at baseline and at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up visits. Patient‐reported outcomes were also collected.

Results

STA procedures increased peri‐implant mucosal thickness and maintained buccal soft‐tissue contours. Compared to the control group, STA groups did not prevent peri‐implant mucosal recession or interproximal bone resorption. Generally, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were detected between the ICT and IAD groups. Most patients were highly satisfied with the immediate implant procedure and outcomes without significant differences between groups.

Conclusions

STA at immediate implant sites enhanced soft‐tissue thickness and maintained soft‐tissue contours but did not prevent peri‐implant mucosal recession or interproximal bone resorption. Long‐term follow‐up should be performed since these results were reported for only up to 1 year.
Photodynamic inactivation of different pathogenic bacteria on human skin using a novel photosensitizer hydrogel
Authors: Eckl Daniel Bernhard , Hoffmann Anja Karen , Landgraf Nicole , Kalb Larissa , Bäßler Pauline , Wallner Susanne , Eichner Anja , Huber Harald , Hackbarth Steffen , Bäumler Wolfgang
Published: April 2023

Background

The colonization of skin with pathogenic, partially antibiotic‐resistant bacteria is frequently a severe problem in dermatological therapies. For instance, skin colonization with Staphylococcus aureus is even a disease‐promoting factor in atopic dermatitis. The photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of bacteria could be a new antibacterial procedure. Upon irradiation with visible light, a special photosensitizer exclusively generates singlet oxygen. This reactive oxygen species kills bacteria via oxidation independent of species or strain and their antibiotic resistance profile causing no bacterial resistance on its part.

Objective

To investigate the antibacterial potential of a photosensitizer, formulated in a new hydrogel, on human skin ex vivo.

Methods

The photochemical stability of the photosensitizer and its ability to generate singlet oxygen in the hydrogel was studied. Antimicrobial efficacy of this hydrogel was tested step by step, firstly on inanimate surfaces and then on human skin ex vivo against S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa using standard colony counting. NBTC staining and TUNEL assays were performed on skin biopsies to investigate potential necrosis and apoptosis effects in skin cells possibly caused by PDI.

Results

None of the hydrogel components affected the photochemical stability and the life time of singlet oxygen. On inanimate surfaces as well as on the human skin, the number of viable bacteria was reduced by up to 4.8 log10 being more effective than most other antibacterial topical agents. Histology and assays showed that PDI against bacteria on the skin surface caused no harmful effects on the underlying skin cells.

Conclusion

Photodynamic inactivation hydrogel proved to be effective for decolonization of human skin including the potential to act against superficial skin infections. Being a water‐based formulation, the hydrogel should be also suitable for the mucosa. The results of the present ex vivo study form a good basis for conducting clinical studies in vivo.
Vegetative cell fusion and a new stage in the life cycle of the Aphelida (Opisthosporidia)
Authors: Tcvetkova Victoria S. , Pozdnyakov Igor R. , Seliuk Alexei O. , Zorina Natalia A. , Karpov Sergey A.
Published: April 2023

The aphelids, intracellular parasitoids of algae, represent a large cluster of species sister to Fungi in molecular phylogenetic trees. Sharing a common ancestor with Fungi, they are very important in terms of evolution of these groups of Holomycota. Aphelid life cycle being superficially similar to that of Chytridiomycetes is understudied. We have found in the aphelids a new stage—big multiflagellar and amoeboid cells, formed from a plasmodium that has two sorts of nuclei after trophic stage fusion. The families of protein‐coding genes involved in the vegetative cell fusion in Opisthokonta were also discussed.
On Decolonizing Curriculums: The Unethicality and Implications of Western Knowledge on Arab Subjectivity
Authors: Alatrash Ghada
Published: April 2023

In this essay (originally delivered as a lecture at Alberta University of the Arts), my thoughts are centered around the question of the ethics of knowledge as an Arab racialized pedagogue and researcher in Western academia. Today, as I grapple with the notion of decolonization, I wish to think about the ways in which knowledge, or what is deemed as knowledge, is read and inscribed, interpreted, distorted, and even silenced in our epistemologies, and of its implications on my subjectivity as an Arab. I wish to think about how this knowledge also constitutes the ethics on which we knowingly, or unknowingly, participate in the everydayness of our lived realities; I suggest that we engage in “epistemic resistance” and “epistemic activism” as “practices of interrogation and resistance that unmask, disrupt, uproot biases and insensitivity.”
Effects of 2 modes of positive pressure ventilation on respiratory mechanics and gas exchange in foals
Authors: Raidal Sharanne L. , Catanchin Mel , Sacks Muriel , Carstens Ann , Quinn Chris , Mosing Martina
Published: April 2023

Background

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and pressure support ventilation (PSV) can improve respiratory mechanics and gas exchange, but different airway pressures have not been compared in foals.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Assess the effect of different airway pressures during CPAP and PSV have on respiratory function in healthy foals with pharmacologically induced respiratory insufficiency. We hypothesized that increased airway pressures would improve respiratory mechanics and increased positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) would be associated with hypercapnia.

Animals

Six healthy foals from a university teaching herd.

Methods

A prospective, 2‐phase, 2‐treatment, randomized cross‐over study design was used to evaluate sequential interventions in sedated foals using 2 protocols (CPAP and PSV). Outcome measures included arterial blood gases, spirometry, volumetric capnography, lung volume and aeration assessed using computed tomography (CT).

Results

Sedation and dorsal recumbency were associated with significant reductions in arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2), respiratory rate, and tidal volume. Continuous positive airway pressure was associated with improved PaO2, without concurrent hypercapnia. Volumetric capnography identified improved ventilation:perfusion (V/Q) matching and increased carbon dioxide elimination during ventilation, and spirometry identified decreased respiratory rate and increased tidal volume. Peak inspiratory pressure was moderately associated with PaO2 and lung volume. Improved pulmonary aeration was evident in CT images, and lung volume was increased, particularly during CPAP.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Both CPAP and PSV improved lung mechanics and gas exchange in healthy foals with induced respiratory insufficiency.
Divergence of alternative sugar preferences through modulation of the expression and activity of the Gal3 sensor in yeast
Authors: Fita‐Torró Josep , Swamy Krishna B. S. , Pascual‐Ahuir Amparo , Proft Markus
Published: April 2023

Optimized nutrient utilization is crucial for the progression of microorganisms in competing communities. Here we investigate how different budding yeast species and ecological isolates have established divergent preferences for two alternative sugar substrates: Glucose, which is fermented preferentially by yeast, and galactose, which is alternatively used upon induction of the relevant GAL metabolic genes. We quantified the dose‐dependent induction of the GAL1 gene encoding the central galactokinase enzyme and found that a very large diversification exists between different yeast ecotypes and species. The sensitivity of GAL1 induction correlates with the growth performance of the respective yeasts with the alternative sugar. We further define some of the mechanisms, which have established different glucose/galactose consumption strategies in representative yeast strains by modulating the activity of the Gal3 inducer. (1) Optimal galactose consumers, such as Saccharomyces uvarum, contain a hyperactive GAL3 promoter, sustaining highly sensitive GAL1 expression, which is not further improved upon repetitive galactose encounters. (2) Desensitized galactose consumers, such as S. cerevisiae Y12, contain a less sensitive Gal3 sensor, causing a shift of the galactose response towards higher sugar concentrations even in galactose experienced cells. (3) Galactose insensitive sugar consumers, such as S. cerevisiae DBVPG6044, contain an interrupted GAL3 gene, causing extremely reluctant galactose consumption, which is, however, improved upon repeated galactose availability. In summary, different yeast strains and natural isolates have evolved galactose utilization strategies, which cover the whole range of possible sensitivities by modulating the expression and/or activity of the inducible galactose sensor Gal3.
Pixel‐level thin crack detection on road surface using convolutional neural network for severely imbalanced data
Authors: Siriborvornratanakul Thitirat
Published: April 2023

Because roads are the major backbone of the transportation network, research about crack detection on road surfaces has been popular in computer and infrastructure engineering. When training a convolutional neural network (CNN) for pixel‐level road crack detection, three common challenges include (1) the data are severely imbalanced, (2) crack pixels can be easily confused with normal road texture and other visual noises, and (3) there are many unexplainable characteristics regarding the CNN itself. When it comes to very fine and thin cracks, these challenges are exaggerated and a new challenge is introduced, as there can be a discrepancy between the actual width and the annotated width of a crack. To tackle all these challenges of thin crack detection, this paper proposes a new variant of CNN named ThinCrack U‐Net, designed to provide thin results upon pixel‐level crack detection on road surfaces. The main contribution is to demystify how pixel‐level thin crack detection results are affected by different loss functions as well as various combinations of the U‐Net components. The experimental results show that ThinCrack U‐Net yields a significant performance boost in CrackTree260, from 65.71% to 94.48% F‐measure, compared to the existing variant of U‐Net previously proposed in the context of pixel‐level thin crack detection. Finally, this paper locates the source of undesirable result thickness and solves it with the balanced usage of downsampling/upsampling layers and atrous convolution. Unlike suggested by previous works, different loss functions show no significant impact on ThinCrack U‐Net, whereas normalization layers are proved crucial in pixel‐level thin crack detection.
Zinc methionine or zinc sulphate supplementation modulate the development of the hypopharyngeal gland and expression of major royal jelly protein genes in Apis mellifera L. bees
Authors: do Prado Ribeiro Giovanna , Kadri Samir Moura , Justulin Luis Antônio , Ribolla Paulo Eduardo Martins , Orsi Ricardo de Oliveira
Published: April 2023

We analysed whether the source of zinc (inorganic and organic) influences the morphology of the hypopharyngeal gland (HPG) and the relative expression of major royal jelly protein (MRJP) genes in nursing bees at 6 days of age. For this, 15 colonies of Apis mellifera bees were subjected to the following treatments: Zn0 (control), zinc methionine (50 ppm) and zinc sulphate monohydrate (50 ppm) during the off‐season (characterized by food reduction). MRJP1 and MRJP5 gene expression was analysed using real‐time PCR and HPG sections under a microscope. Bee mortality and population development were also evaluated for 30 days. It was observed that the honeybees consumed all sugar syrup containing zinc both in its organic and inorganic forms, which did not promote mortality or affect population development. Regarding HPG morphometry, it was observed that zinc, regardless of the source, promoted the acini area significantly greater than that of the control. Zn methionine promoted a significant increase in HPG area compared with that of an inorganic source. The relative expression of MRJP1 and MRJP5 was not significantly affected compared with the control. We conclude that the mineral Zn promotes an increase in the HPG area and does not alter the pattern of expression of the MRJP1 and MRJP5 genes, and that the organic source of the mineral presents the best results.
Oxidative response of sheep to transcervical applications
Authors: Önder Nail Tekin , Batı Yusuf Umut , Gökdemir Taygun , Kılıç Muhammet Can , Şahin Oğuzhan , Öğün Metin , Akyüz Enes , Kuru Mushap , Kırmızıgül Ali Haydar , Yıldız Savaş , Öztürkler Yavuz
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to investigate the stress‐related changes that may occur in sheep following non‐surgical cervical line passage. A total of 20 sheep underwent transcervical transition, and their heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood samples were collected at specific time points: 1 h prior to the procedure, immediately after the procedure, and at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h post‐procedure. The study found that there was a statistically significant decrease in body temperature immediately after the procedure (p < .05); however, there were no significant differences in body temperature at other time points (p > .05). Respiratory rate remained similar throughout the study, and no significant differences were observed (p > .05). On the other hand, there was a significant increase in heart rate at the 1‐h mark after the procedure (p < .05), which subsequently decreased to a similar level as the control group at the 4‐h mark after the procedure (p > .05). The cortisol levels increased significantly after the application (p < .05) but decreased to a level similar to the control after 1 h (p > .05). The level of nitric oxide increased significantly in the first hour (p < .05) and decreased by the 5th hour (p < .05). There was a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant capacity (TOC) levels 2 h after the application (p < .05), but this increase ceased at the 4th and 5th hours for MDA (p > .05) and at the 3rd, 4th and 5th hours for TOC (p > .05). The total antioxidant capacity decreased after the 2nd hour of application (p < .05) but remained similar at the fourth and 5th hours (p > .05). In conclusion, based on the cortisol data, transcervical manipulations create short‐term stress. Therefore, it may be necessary to use various antioxidants before such procedures to reduce the effects of oxidative stress.
Ten principles for restoring campo rupestre, a threatened tropical, megadiverse, nutrient‐impoverished montane grassland
Authors: Arruda André J. , Medeiros Natália F. , Fiorini Cecilia F. , Ordóñez‐Parra Carlos A. , Dayrell Roberta L. C. , Messeder João V. S. , Zanetti Marcílio , Wardil Mariana V. , Paiva Dario C. , Kozovits Alessandra R. , Buisson Elise , Le Stradic Soizig , Silveira Fernando A. O.
Published: April 2023

To achieve the ambitious goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, restoration frameworks should embrace the diversity of ecosystems found on Earth, including open‐canopy ecosystems, which have been largely overlooked. Considering the paucity of scientific foundations promoting restoration science, policy, and practice for open tropical ecosystems, we provide overarching guidelines to restore the campo rupestre, a Neotropical, open megadiverse grassland that has been increasingly threatened by multiple human activities, especially mining. Restoration techniques for tropical grasslands are still at its infancy, and attempts to restore campo rupestre have had, so far, low to moderate success, highlighting the need for a tailored restoration framework. In a scenario of increasing degradation and scarcity of on‐site restoration experiments, we propose 10 principles to improve our ability to plan, implement, and monitor restoration in campo rupestre: (1) include socioeconomic dimensions, (2) implement active restoration, (3) keep low soil fertility, (4) restore disturbance regimes, (5) address genetic structure and adaptation potential, (6) restore geographically restricted and specialized ecological interactions, (7) incorporate functional approaches, (8) use seed‐based restoration strategies to enhance biodiversity, (9) translocation is inevitable, and (10) long‐term monitoring is mandatory. Our principles represent the best available evidence to support better science and practice for the restoration of campo rupestre and, to some extent, can be useful for other megadiverse, fire‐prone, and nutrient‐poor ecosystems.
Equity perspectives of school stakeholders regarding the representation and access of black male students in an academy of engineering
Authors: Fletcher Edward C. , Hines Erik M. , Moore James L. , Ford Donna Y.
Published: April 2023

In this study, we utilized a case study approach to examine the perspectives of 20 school stakeholders regarding equitable ways they promote and broaden the participation of Black male students in a high school academy of engineering (AOE). Madison River Academy (pseudonym) is a comprehensive high school with an AOE embedded in it. The ethnic and racial backgrounds of students at Madison River Academy are 68.8% Black, 14.4% Latinx, 8.7% White, 4.3% Asian, and 3.4% Multiracial. Three themes emerged from our data analyses of the school stakeholder interviews, including the following: (a) a cultural mismatch: denoting the cultural disconnect between teachers and Black male students; (b) math as a gatekeeper: symbolizing mathematics as a barrier Black male participation in the AOE; and (c) promoting equitable access: representing strategies the school stakeholders discussed that could address the equity issues within the AOE. More specifically, within the promoting equitable access theme, two subthemes emerged: building vertical pathways from middle to high school and applying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways. We provide recommendations for addressing the equity issues within our case study and promoting higher levels of participation of Black male students in the AOE.
Evolutionary history of Euteliidae (Lepidoptera, Noctuoidea)
Authors: Zahiri Reza , Holloway Jeremy D. , Rota Jadranka , Schmidt B. Christian , Pellinen Markku J. , Kitching Ian J. , Miller Scott E. , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: April 2023

We performed a molecular phylogenetic analysis on the family Euteliidae to clarify deep divergences and elucidate evolutionary relationships at the level of the subfamily, tribe, and genus. Our dataset consists of 6.3 kbp of one mitochondrial and seven nuclear DNA loci and was analysed using model‐based phylogenetic methods, that is, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference. Based on the recovered topology, we recognize two subfamilies, Euteliinae and Stictopterinae, and the tribes Stictopterini and Odontini. We identify apomorphic morphological character states for Euteliidae and its component subfamilies and tribes. Several genera (e.g., Targalla, Paectes, Marathyssa, Eutelia) were found polyphyletic and require taxonomic revision. Two new genera (Niklastelia Zahiri & Holloway gen.nov. and Pellinentelia Holloway & Zahiri gen.nov.) are described and a number of taxonomic changes (new combinations and new synonymies) are established. The Neotropical genus Thyriodes, currently included in Euteliidae, is found to be associated with Erebinae (Erebidae). The divergence time estimate for the split between the Euteliidae and Noctuidae is at 53 Ma, and the Euteliidae subfamilies Euteliinae and Stictopterinae are estimated to have diverged at 42 Ma. In Stictopterinae, the tribes Stictopterini and Odontodini split at 31 Ma, while Euteliinae began diversifying at 34 Ma. Malpighiales are inferred to have been the ancestral larval hostplant order for Euteliidae. The ancestors of Stictopterinae also appear to have been Malpighiales feeders, but then diverged to Malvales specialists (Odontodini) and Malpighiales specialists (Stictopterini) hostplants. Larvae of Stictopterini appear to be restricted primarily to Clusiaceae, apart from a few records from Dipterocarpaceae. In Euteliinae, Anacardiaceae are predominant as larval hosts. Thus, all hosts in the family are lactiferous, possibly providing some degree of pre‐adaptation for exploiting Dipterocarpaceae.
POSSIBILITIES OF USING MEDICINES AND BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SUBSTANCES AS CORRECTIVES FOR THE FORMATION OF PULMONARY FIBROSIS DURING SARS-COV-2 INFECTION AND IN THE POST-COVID PERIOD
Authors: Shulgau Z.T. , Kamyshanskiy Y.K. , Gulyayev A.Y.
Published: April 2023

A systematic review of the literature on the pathophysiology of fibrosis in interstitial lung diseases was carried out. The results of clinical studies of the effectiveness of antifibrotic drugs are summarized. Particular attention is paid to the development of fibrosis associated with Covid-19 infection. The results of the study of the most promising drugs that prevent the development of fibrosis in this pathology are described. The prospect of developing drug therapy based on plant polyphenols is emphasized.
WHOLE EXOME SEQUENCING OF A PATIENT WITH MORBID OBESITY: TRIO ANALYSIS, PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Sikhayeva N. , Nakysh A. , Utupov T. , Zholdybayeva E.
Published: April 2023

Morbid obesity is a severe form of obesity that leads to numerous cardiovascular, metabolic diseases and cancers, as well as increased mortality. Whole-exome sequencing is the effective tool for studying more extreme forms of disease, such as morbid obesity. The aim of the study is to identify candidate genes involved in the development of morbid obesity using whole exome sequencing.
Here in this study, a family from Kazakh cohort having two siblings, one unaffected and one affected with morbid obesity was enrolled. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) of trio with one affected and unaffected parents was done.
The trio analysis revealed a number of potential candidate genes predisposing to morbid obesity. Three genetic models were used: recessive, de novo and compound heterozygote models. In the recessive model, one variant (rs116253946) in the KIAA1671 was identified as a candidate. In the de novo model, 15 polymorphisms located in 10 different genes were identified. In the compound heterozygote model, 6 polymorphisms, located in FRG1 and MST1L genes, were identified.
This work presents the preliminary results of the study. Twelve genes identified by WES may be involved in the development of morbid obesity, and are grouped into three main pathophysiological pathways (immune response: MST1L, HLA-DRB5, PRRC2A, KIR2DS4; cell division and structure: CEP170, TEKT4; neuronal response: OR2T34, ANKMY2) or their function remains unknown to date (KIAA1671, TMEM191C, PPP6R2, FRG1).
OPTIMIZATION OF CULTIVATION CONDITIONS FOR RECOMBINANT INFLUENZA VIRUSES EXPRESSING IMMUNODOMINANT M. BOVIS PROTEINS
Authors: Voronina E. , Abay Zh. , Nurpeisova A. , Abdrakhmanova B. , Jekebekov K. , Sadikalieva S. , Bulatov Ye. , Kozhabergenov N. , Zakarya K. , Shorayeva K.
Published: April 2023

The use of recombinant viral vectors is one of the promising approaches to the creation of a new generation of vaccines against bovine tuberculosis. For the prevention of tuberculosis in cattle, two reassortant recombinant strains of influenza A virus expressing mycobacterial proteins ESAT-6 and TB-10.4 were constructed based on the method of reverse genetics. As a result of optimization of virus cultivation conditions, the cytopathic effect of the virus was recorded on the Vero cell culture. It has been established that the maximum accumulation of viruses is noted when cultivating in a Vero cell culture using a serum-free DMEM medium at a temperature of (37 ± 0.5) ºС, with access to 5% carbon dioxide. The peak of the biological activity of the recombinant strains for both samples reached at 72 hours of the study and lasted for 96 hours. The biological activity of FLU NS_ESAT 6 was 7.50 ± 0.08 lg TCD50/cm3 , and for FLU NS_TB10.4 was 7,75 ± 0,08 lg TCD50/cm3. The results obtained are the basis for the development of viral biomass for work on the creation of an experimental series of vaccines against bovine tuberculosis.
Design of a Sliding Mode-Adaptive Proportional-Integral-Derivative Control for Aerial Systems With a Suspended Load Exposed to Wind Gusts
Authors: Di Paola Vincenzo , Goldsztejn Alexandre , Zoppi Matteo , Caro Stéphane
Published: April 2023

Wind gusts are among the well-known disturbances that afflict aerial systems. A tracking task for a load suspended by massless rigid bars and quadrotors is considered in this paper. The complexity of the tracking task lies in the presence of wind gusts. Therefore, a self-tuning gain technique for a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control is introduced to accomplish tracking tasks when wind gusts appear. To automatically tune the PID gains, a sliding mode condition is exploited. The stability of this approach, considering bounded disturbances, is guaranteed by introducing a supervisory control designed through the Lyapunov method. The proposed solution and its performances were tested through simulation and compared with both PD and PID controls.
Estimating cochlear impulse responses using frequency sweeps
Authors: Charaziak Karolina K. , Altoè Alessandro
Published: April 2023

Cochlear mechanics tends to be studied using single-location measurements of intracochlear vibrations in response to acoustical stimuli. Such measurements, due to their invasiveness and often the instability of the animal preparation, are difficult to accomplish and, thus, ideally require stimulus paradigms that are time efficient, flexible, and result in high resolution transfer functions. Here, a swept-sine method is adapted for recordings of basilar membrane impulse responses in mice. The frequency of the stimulus was exponentially swept from low to high (upward) or high to low (downward) at varying rates (from slow to fast) and intensities. The cochlear response to the swept-sine was then convolved with the time-reversed stimulus waveform to obtain first and higher order impulse responses. Slow sweeps of either direction produce cochlear first to third order transfer functions equivalent to those measured with pure tones. Fast upward sweeps, on the other hand, generate impulse responses that typically ring longer, as observed in responses obtained using clicks. The ringing of impulse response in mice was of relatively small amplitude and did not affect the magnitude spectra. It is concluded that swept-sine methods offer flexible and time-efficient alternatives to other approaches for recording cochlear impulse responses.
A global transition to flash droughts under climate change
Authors: Yuan Xing , Wang Yumiao , Ji Peng , Wu Peili , Sheffield Justin , Otkin Jason A.
Published: April 2023

Flash droughts have occurred frequently worldwide, with a rapid onset that challenges drought monitoring and forecasting capabilities. However, there is no consensus on whether flash droughts have become the new normal because slow droughts may also increase. In this study, we show that drought intensification rates have sped up over subseasonal time scales and that there has been a transition toward more flash droughts over 74% of the global regions identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on Extreme Events during the past 64 years. The transition is associated with amplified anomalies of evapotranspiration and precipitation deficit caused by anthropogenic climate change. In the future, the transition is projected to expand to most land areas, with larger increases under higher-emission scenarios. These findings underscore the urgency for adapting to faster-onset droughts in a warmer future.
Immobility-associated thromboprotection is conserved across mammalian species from bear to human
Authors: Thienel Manuela , Müller-Reif Johannes B. , Zhang Zhe , Ehreiser Vincent , Huth Judith , Shchurovska Khrystyna , Kilani Badr , Schweizer Lisa , Geyer Philipp E. , Zwiebel Maximilian , Novotny Julia , Lüsebrink Enzo , Little Gemma , Orban Martin , Nicolai Leo , El Nemr Shaza , Titova Anna , Spannagl Michael , Kindberg Jonas , Evans Alina L. , Mach Orpheus , Vogel Matthias , Tiedt Steffen , Ormanns Steffen , Kessler Barbara , Dueck Anne , Friebe Andrea , Jørgensen Peter Godsk , Majzoub-Altweck Monir , Blutke Andreas , Polzin Amin , Stark Konstantin , Kääb Stefan , Maier Doris , Gibbins Jonathan M. , Limper Ulrich , Frobert Ole , Mann Matthias , Massberg Steffen , Petzold Tobias
Published: April 2023

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprising deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Short-term immobility-related conditions are a major risk factor for the development of VTE. Paradoxically, long-term immobilized free-ranging hibernating brown bears and paralyzed spinal cord injury (SCI) patients are protected from VTE. We aimed to identify mechanisms of immobility-associated VTE protection in a cross-species approach. Mass spectrometry–based proteomics revealed an antithrombotic signature in platelets of hibernating brown bears with heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) as the most substantially reduced protein. HSP47 down-regulation or ablation attenuated immune cell activation and neutrophil extracellular trap formation, contributing to thromboprotection in bears, SCI patients, and mice. This cross-species conserved platelet signature may give rise to antithrombotic therapeutics and prognostic markers beyond immobility-associated VTE.
The evolution of hominoid locomotor versatility: Evidence from Moroto, a 21 Ma site in Uganda
Authors: MacLatchy Laura M. , Cote Susanne M. , Deino Alan L. , Kityo Robert M. , Mugume Amon A. T. , Rossie James B. , Sanders William J. , Cosman Miranda N. , Driese Steven G. , Fox David L. , Freeman April J. , Jansma Rutger J. W. , Jenkins Kirsten E. H. , Kinyanjui Rahab N. , Lukens William E. , McNulty Kieran P. , Novello Alice , Peppe Daniel J. , Strömberg Caroline A. E. , Uno Kevin T. , Winkler Alisa J. , Kingston John D.
Published: April 2023

Living hominoids are distinguished by upright torsos and versatile locomotion. It is hypothesized that these features evolved for feeding on fruit from terminal branches in forests. To investigate the evolutionary context of hominoid adaptive origins, we analyzed multiple paleoenvironmental proxies in conjunction with hominoid fossils from the Moroto II site in Uganda. The data indicate seasonally dry woodlands with the earliest evidence of abundant C
4
grasses in Africa based on a confirmed age of 21 million years ago (Ma). We demonstrate that the leaf-eating hominoid
Morotopithecus
consumed water-stressed vegetation, and postcrania from the site indicate ape-like locomotor adaptations. These findings suggest that the origin of hominoid locomotor versatility is associated with foraging on leaves in heterogeneous, open woodlands rather than forests.
Barriers to progress in pregnancy research: How can we break through?
Authors: Stock Sarah J. , Aiken Catherine E.
Published: April 2023

Healthy pregnancies are fundamental to healthy populations, but very few therapies to improve pregnancy outcomes are available. Fundamental concepts—for example, placentation or the mechanisms that control the onset of labor—remain understudied and incompletely understood. A key issue is that research efforts must capture the complexity of the tripartite maternal-placental-fetal system, the dynamics of which change throughout gestation. Studying pregnancy disorders is complicated by the difficulty of creating maternal-placental-fetal interfaces in vitro and the uncertain relevance of animal models to human pregnancy. However, newer approaches include trophoblast organoids to model the developing placenta and integrated data-science approaches to study longer-term outcomes. These approaches provide insights into the physiology of healthy pregnancy, which is the first step to identifying therapeutic targets in pregnancy disorders.
Understanding the menstrual cycle
Period: The Real Story of Menstruation
Kate Clancy
Princeton University Press, 2023. 264 pp.
Authors: Freidenfelds Lara
Published: April 2023

A polemical history shines a scientific spotlight on a remarkable and long-overlooked process
In Science Journals
Authors: Lopez Bianca , Vignieri Sacha , Aldenderfer Mark , Ferrarelli Leslie K. , Kelly Priscilla N. , Scanlon Seth Thomas , Smith Keith T. , Smith H. Jesse , Lavine Marc S. , Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Fogg Christiana N. , Xia Fengnian
Published: April 2023

Highlights from the
Science
family of journals
Dwindling sea ice may speed melting of Antarctic glaciers
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: April 2023

Expanded Ross Gyre would unleash warm water and disrupt ocean “conveyor belt”
CAPRIN1 Is Required for Control of Viral Replication Complexes by Interferon Gamma
Authors: Kurhade Chaitanya , Kang Soowon , Biering Scott B. , Hwang Seungmin , Randall Glenn
Published: April 2023

Replication complexes provide a microenvironment important for (+) RNA virus replication and shield it from host immune response. Previously we have shown that interferon gamma (IFNG) disrupts the RC of MNV via evolutionarily conserved autophagy proteins and IFN-inducible GTPases.
Decontamination and Annotation of the Draft Genome Sequence of the Oomycete Lagenidium giganteum ARSEF 373
Authors: Morgan William R. , Tartar Aurélien
Published: April 2023

Scaffolds of a previously published
Lagenidium giganteum
ARSEF 373 genome assembly found at GenBank were filtered to remove contaminating sequences. Genome annotation of the 437 scaffolds (total length, 56.2 MB; GC content, 58.8%) with confirmed
L. giganteum
sequences identified 13,069 potential protein-coding genes, encoding at least 737 predicted secreted proteins and >100 putative translocated effectors.
The origin of platinum group minerals in oceanic crust
Authors: Evans Katy , Reddy Steven M. , Merle Renaud , Fougerouse Denis , Rickard William D.A. , Saxey David W. , Park Jung-Woo , Doucet Luc , Jourdan Fred
Published: April 2023

Highly siderophile elements (HSEs), including Re and Os, are used extensively as geochemical tracers and geochronometers to investigate the formation and evolution of Earth’s crust and mantle. Mantle rocks are commonly serpentinized, but the effect of serpentinization on the distribution of HSEs is controversial because HSEs are commonly hosted by rare, micrometer- to sub-micrometer-scale grains of platinum group minerals (PGMs) of ambiguous origin that are challenging to identify, characterize, and interpret. In this study, atom probe tomography (APT) is used to characterize two spatially close PGM grains hosted by a partially serpentinized harzburgite from Macquarie Island, Australia. The APT data reveal an extraordinary level of detail that provides insights into the origin of a complex Cu–Pt alloy grain (average composition ~Cu4Pt). The grain hosts Fe-, Ni-, and Pt-rich sub-grains associated with Rh, variably overlapping networks of Pd- and Cd-enrichment, and OH-rich volumes identified as fluid inclusions. Osmium and Ru are hosted by an idioblastic laurite (RuS2) grain. Compositional, textural, and phase-diagram constraints are consistent with a modified pre-serpentinization origin for the PGMs, and a comparison between observed and calculated grain distributions indicate that while Os isotope ratios were probably unaffected by serpentinization, whole-rock and grain-scale HSE and isotopic ratios may have been decoupled during serpentinization.
Experience of sudden sensorineural hearing loss following a mild COVID-19 infection
Authors: Gibson Kim , Ling John C C , Peters Micah
Published: April 2023

A woman in her 30s was referred to an otolaryngologist with an acute onset of aural fullness, noise sensitivity, unilateral sudden onset hearing loss, vertigo and tinnitus. She had a confirmed COVID-19 infection 5 weeks prior. A pure tone audiogram confirmed sensorineural hearing loss. MRI identified an empty sella of the pituitary gland and without an obvious cause for hearing loss. Oral prednisolone and betahistine were prescribed, and her audiovestibular symptoms slowly improved over the subsequent months. The patient continues to experience intermittent tinnitus.
Papillary vitreous detachment as a possible accomplice in non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Li Dong , Sun Shuo , Liang Jingli , Yue Yi , Yang Jihong , Zhi Yuntao , Zhang Xiaomin , Yu Rongguo , Li Xiaorong
Published: April 2023

Aim

To evaluate the role of papillary vitreous detachment in the pathogenesis of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) by comparing the features of vitreopapillary interface between NAION patients and normal individuals.

Methods

This study included 22 acute NAION patients (25 eyes), 21 non-acute NAION patients (23 eyes) and 23 normal individuals (34 eyes). All study participants underwent swept-source optical coherence tomography to assess the vitreopapillary interface, peripapillary wrinkles and peripapillary superficial vessel protrusion. The statistical correlations between peripapillary superficial vessel protrusion measurements and NAION were analysed. Two NAION patients underwent standard pars plana vitrectomy.

Results

Incomplete papillary vitreous detachment was noted in all acute NAION patients. The prevalence of peripapillary wrinkles was 68% (17/25), 30% (7/23) and 0% (0/34), and the prevalence of peripapillary superficial vessel protrusion was 44% (11/25), 91% (21/23) and 0% (0/34) in the acute, non-acute NAION and control groups, respectively. The prevalence of peripapillary superficial vessel protrusion was 88.9% in the eyes without retinal nerve fibre layer thinning. Furthermore, the number of peripapillary superficial vessel protrusions in the superior quadrant was significantly higher than that in the other quadrants in eyes with NAION, consistent with the more damaged visual field defect regions. Peripapillary wrinkles and visual field defects in two patients with NAION were significantly attenuated within 1 week and 1 month after the release of vitreous connections, respectively.

Conclusion

Peripapillary wrinkles and superficial vessel protrusion may be signs of papillary vitreous detachment-related traction in NAION. Papillary vitreous detachment may play an important role in NAION pathogenesis.
Association of theCDKAL1gene polymorphism with gestational diabetes mellitus in Chinese women
Authors: Huang Chengjing , Guo Yan , Li Wei , Xiang Bing , Zeng Jing , Zhou Feng , She Lu , Zhang Pei , Wang Shiwei , Liu Bei , Dai Qiong , Yang Mei
Published: April 2023

Introduction

To identify the association of the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 regulatory subunit associated protein 1-like 1 (CDKAL1) gene polymorphism with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in the Chinese population.

Research design and methods

This case-control study enrolled 835 pregnant women with GDM and 870 pregnant women without diabetes who underwent antenatal examination during 24 to 28 gestational weeks at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province from January 15, 2018 to March 31, 2019. Trained nurses collected their clinical information and blood samples.CDKAL1gene rs10440833, rs10946398, rs4712523, rs4712524, rs7754840, rs7756992 and rs9465871 loci were genotyped by Agena MassARRAY system. SPSS V.26.0 software and online SHesis were used to analyze the relationship betweenCDKAL1gene polymorphism and GDM susceptibility.

Results

After being adjusted for maternal age, prepregnancy body mass index (BMI), parity and family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM),CDKAL1gene rs10440833 (AA vs TT, OR=1.631, 95% CI 1.192 to 2.232), rs10946398 (CC vs AA, OR=1.400, 95% CI 1.028 to 1.905), rs4712523(GG vs AA, OR=1.409, 95% CI 1.038 to 1.913), rs4712524 (GG vs AA, OR=1.418, 95% CI 1.043 to 1.929) and rs7754840 (CC vs GG, OR=1.407, 95% CI 1.036 to 1.911) polymorphisms were all associated with the increased risk of GDM. In addition, there was a powerful linkage disequilibrium (LD) among rs10946398, rs4712523, rs4712524 and rs7754840 (D′>0.900, r2>0.900). And there were significant differences in haplotype CGGC (OR=1.207, 95% CI 1.050 to 1.387) and AAAG (OR=0.829, 95% CI 0.721 o 0.952, p=0.008) between the GDM group and the control group.

Conclusions

rs10440833, rs10946398, rs4712523, rs4712524 and rs7754840 ofCDKAL1gene are associated with GDM susceptibility in central Chinese population.