bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of sex-based differences in clinical and molecular responses to ischemia reperfusion after lung transplantation
Authors: Chacon-Alberty Lourdes , Ye Shengbin , Daoud Daoud , Frankel William C. , Virk Hassan , Mase Jonathan , Hochman-Mendez Camila , Li Meng , Sampaio Luiz C. , Taylor Doris A. , Loor Gabriel
Published: December 2021

Background

Sex and hormones influence immune responses to ischemia reperfusion (IR) and could, therefore, cause sex-related differences in lung transplantation (LTx) outcomes. We compared men’s and women’s clinical and molecular responses to post-LTx IR.

Methods

In 203 LTx patients, we used the 2016 International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation guidelines to score primary graft dysfunction (PGD). In a subgroup of 40 patients with blood samples collected before LTx (T0) and 6, 24, 48 (T48), and 72 h (T72) after lung reperfusion, molecular response to IR was examined through serial analysis of circulating cytokine expression.

Results

After adjustment, women had less grade 3 PGD than men at T48, but not at T72. PGD grade decreased from T0 to T72 more often in women than men. The evolution of PGD (the difference in mean PGD between T72 and T0) was greater in men. However, the evolution of IL-2, IL-7, IL-17a, and basic fibroblast growth factor levels was more often sustained throughout the 72 h in women. In the full cohort, we noted no sex differences in secondary clinical outcomes, but women had significantly lower peak lactate levels than men across the 72 h.

Conclusions

Men and women differ in the evolution of PGD and cytokine secretion after LTx: Women have a more sustained proinflammatory response than men despite a greater reduction in PGD over time. This interaction between cytokine and PGD responses warrants investigation. Additionally, there may be important sex-related differences that could be used to tailor treatment during or after transplantation.
Diet-induced weight loss in obese/diabetic mice normalizes glucose metabolism and promotes functional recovery after stroke
Authors: Karampatsi Dimitra , Zabala Alexander , Wilhelmsson Ulrika , Dekens Doortje , Vercalsteren Ellen , Larsson Martin , Nyström Thomas , Pekny Milos , Patrone Cesare , Darsalia Vladimer
Published: December 2021

Background

Post-stroke functional recovery is severely impaired by type 2 diabetes (T2D). This is an important clinical problem since T2D is one of the most common diseases. Because weight loss-based strategies have been shown to decrease stroke risk in people with T2D, we aimed to investigate whether diet-induced weight loss can also improve post-stroke functional recovery and identify some of the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

T2D/obesity was induced by 6 months of high-fat diet (HFD). Weight loss was achieved by a short- or long-term dietary change, replacing HFD with standard diet for 2 or 4 months, respectively. Stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion and post-stroke recovery was assessed by sensorimotor tests. Mechanisms involved in neurovascular damage in the post-stroke recovery phase, i.e. neuroinflammation, impaired angiogenesis and cellular atrophy of GABAergic parvalbumin (PV)+ interneurons were assessed by immunohistochemistry/quantitative microscopy.

Results

Both short- and long-term dietary change led to similar weight loss. However, only the latter enhanced functional recovery after stroke. This effect was associated with pre-stroke normalization of fasting glucose and insulin resistance, and with the reduction of T2D-induced cellular atrophy of PV+ interneurons. Moreover, stroke recovery was associated with decreased T2D-induced neuroinflammation and reduced astrocyte reactivity in the contralateral striatum.

Conclusion

The global diabetes epidemic will dramatically increase the number of people in need of post-stroke treatment and care. Our results suggest that diet-induced weight loss leading to pre-stroke normalization of glucose metabolism has great potential to reduce the sequelae of stroke in the diabetic population.
Coexistence of antithrombin deficiency and suspected inferior vena cava atresia in an adolescent and his mother – case report and clinical implications
Authors: Müller-Knapp M. , Classen C. F. , Knöfler R. , Spang C. , Hauenstein C. , Heinrich T. , Gabriel F. L. P. , Däbritz J. , Reuter D. A. , Ehler J.
Published: December 2021

Background

Antithrombin deficiency (ATD) is an autosomal dominant thrombophilia presenting with varying phenotypes. In pediatric patients with ATD, thrombosis typically develops during the neonatal period or adolescence. However, to date there are no consistent recommendations on the therapeutic management of children with ATD. Inferior vena cava atresia (IVCA) belongs to a range of congenital or acquired vena cava malformations and is described as an independent risk factor for thrombosis.

The present case report explores two cases of combined ATD and IVCA in an adolescent and his mother.

Case presentation

A 14-year-old male presented with extensive deep venous thromboses (DVTs) of both lower extremities as well as an IVCA. The patient had previously been diagnosed with an asymptomatic ATD without therapeutic consequences at that time. His mother was suffering from an ATD and had herself just been diagnosed with IVCA, too.

The DVTs in the adolescent were treated by systemic anticoagulation and catheter-directed local thrombolysis causing favourable results. Yet, despite adequate oral anticoagulation the DVTs in both lower extremities reoccurred within 1 week after the patient was discharged from hospital. This time, thrombolysis could not be fully achieved. Surprisingly, probing and stenting of the IVCA was achieved, indicating an acquired IVCA which could have occurred after undetected thrombosis in early childhood.

Genetic analyses showed the same mutation causing ATD in both son and mother: heterozygote missense mutation c.248 T > C, p.(Leu83Pro), within the heparin binding domain of antithrombin. This mutation was never reported in mutation databases before.

Conclusions

To our knowledge this is the first case report discussing combined ATD and IVCA in two family members. Since ATDs present with clinical heterogeneity, taking a thorough family history is crucial for the anticipation of possible complications in affected children and decisions on targeted diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Affected families must be educated on risk factors and clinical signs of thrombosis and need an immediate diagnostic workup in case of clinical symptoms. IVCA in patients with ATD could occur due to thrombotic occlusion at a very early age. Therefore, in case of family members with IVCA and ATD ultrasound screening in newborns should be considered.
Mitophagy in neurological disorders
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Dai Lei , Li Deyuan
Published: December 2021

Selective autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that removes excess protein aggregates and damaged intracellular components. Most eukaryotic cells, including neurons, rely on proficient mitophagy responses to fine-tune the mitochondrial number and preserve energy metabolism. In some circumstances (such as the presence of pathogenic protein oligopolymers and protein mutations), dysfunctional mitophagy leads to nerve degeneration, with age-dependent intracellular accumulation of protein aggregates and dysfunctional organelles, leading to neurodegenerative disease. However, when pathogenic protein oligopolymers, protein mutations, stress, or injury are present, mitophagy prevents the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. Accordingly, mitophagy mediates neuroprotective effects in some forms of neurodegenerative disease (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington's disease, and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and acute brain damage (e.g., stroke, hypoxic–ischemic brain injury, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injury). The complex interplay between mitophagy and neurological disorders suggests that targeting mitophagy might be applicable for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and acute brain injury. However, due to the complexity of the mitophagy mechanism, mitophagy can be both harmful and beneficial, and future efforts should focus on maximizing its benefits. Here, we discuss the impact of mitophagy on neurological disorders, emphasizing the contrast between the positive and negative effects of mitophagy.
Bilateral stress fracture of the femoral neck in association with simultaneously developing osteonecrosis of the femoral head: a case report
Authors: Nishino Tomofumi , Sugaya Hisashi , Kikuchi Naoya , Watanabe Yu , Mishima Hajime , Yamazaki Masashi
Published: December 2021

Background

Femoral neck stress fractures are rare and often recognized as overuse injuries that occur in young athletes or military personnel. A case following osteonecrosis of the femoral head is quite rare; even more uncommon is its occurrence in the bilateral hips. Magnetic resonance imaging has been established as the preferred tool for diagnosing nondisplaced femoral neck stress fracture due to overuse injury. Magnetic resonance imaging was also useful to detect the initial lesion even in this case, although the etiology was different between overuse injury and insufficiency fracture.

Case presentation

A 41-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with bilateral early stage idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head was observed non-weight-bearing as much as possible using a stick. However, her pain and difficulty in walking progressed. Bilateral femoral neck stress fractures were subsequently detected by magnetic resonance imaging. The fracture initially appeared as a spot of bone marrow edema at the medial site of the femoral neck, and then developed into a fracture line. The patient underwent internal fixation of both hips with sliding hip screws to stabilize the stress fractures. In addition, the preparatory reaming served as core decompression of the femoral heads, as well as being treatment for osteonecrosis. Her bone mineral density and 25-hydroxy vitamin D values were low for her age. We administered eldecalcitol and teriparatide acetate. Her symptoms mostly improved, and the fracture lines and necrotic lesions on magnetic resonance imaging reduced at 5 months after the surgery.

Conclusions

Bilateral femoral neck stress fractures are a very rare condition and are often missed. It is important to listen to the patient’s complaints and perform an appropriate examination. We encountered a case of bilateral femoral neck stress fracture that occurred in a patient with early stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head, and were able to observe progression of stress fracture since before fracture occurred. This is considered to be the first report to capture imaging changes before and after the onset.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide-induced THP-1 cells of coumarins from the bark of Hesperethusa crenulata R.
Authors: Lee Seung-Su , Kim Hyoung-Geun , Park Eun-Ha , Kim Kwang Joong , Bang Myun-Ho , Kim Gayoung , Jeon Hyeong-Ju , Lee Chung-Gi , Shin Min-Chul , Kim Dae-Ok , Baek Nam-In
Published: December 2021

All parts of Thanakha (Hesperethusa crenulataR.) have been used as traditional skin care herbal material in Myanmar. In this study, coumarins fromH. crenulataR. bark were isolated through solvent extraction, systematic solvent fractionation, and repeated column chromatography. Spectroscopic analyses using ESI–MS, 1D NMR (1H and 13C), 2D NMR (gHSQC and gHMBC), specific rotation, circular dichroism, and IR spectrometry revealed three coumarins 2R-7-hydroxy-8-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-coumarin (compound1), peucedanol (compound2), and methylpeucedanol (compound3), which were first isolated from Thanakha tree. Antioxidant capacities of three coumarins decreased as follows: compound2 > compound3 > compound1. Treatments of lipopolysaccharide-induced THP-1 human monocytic cells with compounds2and3at 378.8 μM and 359.7 μM inhibited tumor necrosis factor-α production by approximately 32.7% and 13.3%, respectively, compared with the negative control. In summary, these results suggest that Thanakha bark extracts can be used as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory source for cosmetic ingredients.
Safety and immunogenicity of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in high-risk occupational population: a randomized, parallel, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Feng Yongliang , Chen Jing , Yao Tian , Chang Yue , Li Xiaoqing , Xing Rongqin , Li Hong , Xie Ruixue , Zhang Xiaohong , Wei Zhiyun , Mu Shengcai , Liu Ling , Feng Lizhong , Wang Suping
Published: December 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have a substantial burden on health-care systems around the world. This is a randomized parallel controlled trial for assessment of the immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, aiming to determine an appropriate vaccination interval of the vaccine for high-risk occupational population.

Methods

In an ongoing randomized, parallel, controlled phase IV trial between January and May 2021 in Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province, China, we randomly assigned the airport ground staff and public security officers aged 18 to 59 years to receive two doses of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine at 14 days, 21 days, or 28 days. The serum neutralizing antibody to live SARS-CoV-2 was performed at baseline and 28 days after immunization. Long-term data are being collected. The primary immunogenicity endpoints were neutralization antibody seroconversion and geometric mean titer (GMT) at 28 days after the second dose. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square, and logistic regression analysis were used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 809 participants underwent randomization and received two doses of injections: 270, 270, 269 in the 0–14, 0–21, and 0–28 vaccination group, respectively. By day 28 after the second injection, SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody of GMT was 98.4 (95% CI: 88.4–108.4) in the 0–14 group, which was significantly lower compared with 134.4 (95% CI: 123.1–145.7) in the 0–21 group (P < 0.001 vs 0–14 group) and 145.5 (95% CI: 131.3–159.6) in the 0–28 group (P < 0.001 vs 0–14 group), resulting in the seroconversion rates to neutralizing antibodies (GMT ≥ 16) of 100.0% for all three groups, respectively. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis yielded similar results. All reported adverse reactions were mild.

Conclusions

Both a two-dose of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine at 0–21 days and 0–28 days regimens significantly improved SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody level compared to the 0–14 days regimen in high-risk occupational population, with seroconversion rates of 100.0%.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100041705, ChiCTR2100041706. Registered 1 January 2021, www.chictr.org.cn.

Graphical Abstract
Association of lifestyle and disease characteristics with self-rated wellness/health score in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Tabaraii Reihane , Masoumi Maryam , Bagherzadeh-Fard Mahsa , Yazdanifar Mohammad Amin , Balasi Javad , Smiley Abbas
Published: December 2021

Objective

To study the relationship of self-rated wellness/health and lifestyle in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Self-rated wellness/health, demographics, smoking, mood, sleep, physical activity, diet, symptoms/signs, body mass index and laboratory findings in 142 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were collected in the current cross-sectional study. Multivariable generalized additive model (GAM) was employed to study the association of self-rated wellness/health score and lifestyle factors.

Results

Female/male ratio was 116/26 and the mean (SD) age of sample was 52 (13) years. Mean (SD) self-rated wellness/health score out of 10 was 7.2 (1.63). Mean (SD) number of tender joints and swollen joints were 4.42 (4.55) and 4.00 (4.26), respectively. The mean sleep score was 29.5 out of 70. Patients went to bed more than one hour earlier during the weekdays compared to weekends (22:45 vs. 23:52 PM, respectively, p < 0.0001). They also woke up more than one hour earlier during the weekdays compared to the weekends (6:08 vs. 7:20 AM, respectively, p < 0.0001). Their nap duration during weekdays was about half an hour shorter than the nap duration on weekends (19.75 vs. 48.02 minutes, respectively, p < 0.0001). The mean mood and diet scores were 18.5/35 and 22.5/42, respectively. By backward elimination in multivariable regression model (GAM), disease duration, mood, sleep quality, weekdays sleep characteristics (sleep duration, time to go to bed, wake-up time, time to fall asleep and nap duration), and sleep duration on weekends remained in the final model (R2 = 0.225, p = 0.01). Sleep quality, nap duration on weekdays, night sleep duration on weekends and mood status were the significant variables associated with self-rated wellness/health score.

Conclusion

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the low self-rated wellness/health score was associated with the low sleep quality, long sleep duration on weekends, and long nap duration on weekdays.
Optimal overlays for preservation of concrete in cold climate: decision-making by the method of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation combined with AHP
Authors: Li Zhipeng , Dang Yudong , Tang Zhen , Xie Ning , Lu Shuang , Shi Xianming
Published: December 2021

Overlays have been extensively employed as an effective preservation or rehabilitation tool to extend the service life of concrete bridges and pavements, especially concrete slabs suffering from salt scaling and abrasion. However, limited attention has been paid to the durability and performance of these overlays which can be jeopardized when they are exposed to freeze/thaw and wet/dry cycles, deicer applications, studded tires, and their coupled effects. Various overlays feature different engineering properties, and they might be only effective in specific service environments but not in others, and research is lacking to examine their ability to adapt to different environments. This study subjected five overlay products on concrete slabs to the combined action of freeze/thaw (F/T) and wet/dry (W/D) cycles with periodical exposure to either 15 wt.% NaCl solution or 15 wt.% MgCl2 solution, to simulate the typical field scenarios in an accelerated manner. The bond strength, splitting tensile strength, and abrasion resistance of the overlaid concrete slabs were tested to evaluate the effectiveness of various overlays against the deicer scaling and the abrasion by studded tires. Based on the experimental data, this study demonstrated a multi-criteria decision-making method, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) combined with analytic hierarchy process (AHP), for the selection of optimal overlays in three different service scenarios (e.g., states of Washington and Oregon [USA] and British Columbia [Canada]). The analysis results indicate that one epoxy overlay exhibited the comprehensively best performance and could be a promising candidate in all three given scenarios, another polymer overlay took second place, while the adaptability of the three cement-based overlays varied in different environments.

Graphical Abstract
Effect of functional electrical stimulation on postural control in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: El-Shamy Shamekh Mohamed , El Kafy Ehab Mohamed Abd
Published: December 2021

Background

Children with cerebral palsy have impairments of postural control during static and dynamic activities. Improving postural control is one of the primary objectives of rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to study the effect of functional electric stimulation on postural control in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A randomized controlled study was conducted on 30 children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (18 boys and 12 girls) between the ages of 8 and 12 years. The children were distributed in two equal groups. The experimental group received functional electrical stimulation (pulse width 300 μs, frequency 33 Hz, 2 h/day, 3 days/week, / 3 consecutive months) in addition to the traditional physical therapy program. While the control group received the traditional physiotherapy program only for the same duration. The outcomes included postural stability indices that were measured at baseline and following 3 months of intervention using the Biodex balance system.

Results

A significant improvement was found in the postural stability indices of children in both groups, comparing their mean values before and after treatment. Furthermore, the results revealed a greater improvement in the postural stability of the experimental group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Functional electrical stimulation may be a useful tool to enhance the postural stability of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy.

Clinical trial registration

This study was registered in the ClinicalTrial.gov PRS (NCT04269798). https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0009LHP&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0003GAI&ts=4&cx=74k74l
The Hardest Weeks of My Life: A Qualitative Study of Experiences, Practice Changes, and Emotional Burden of New York City Oncology Physicians During the COVID-19 Surge in 2020
Authors: Lynch Kathleen A. , Green Angela , Saltz Leonard , Epstein Andrew S. , Romano Danielle R. , Vera Jacqueline , Nelson Judith E.
Published: December 2021

PURPOSE:

The COVID-19 pandemic surge in New York City in Spring 2020 resulted in an unprecedented constraint on health care resources. This study aimed to explore the experiences of doctors providing care to oncology patients during this time.

METHODS:

Hospitalists and medical oncologists from two large inpatient services at a dedicated cancer center participated in virtual in-depth interviews exploring how the pandemic affected their practice and to what extent it may have affected decisions for urgent evaluation or hospital admission, interventions, or goals-of-care discussions. Interviews also explored how the pandemic affected each individual physician's psychologic well-being. Transcripts were analyzed by three independent coders in Atlas.ti v. 7.5, using a thematic analysis approach.

RESULTS:

Eighteen physicians were interviewed (n = 6 GI medical oncologists, n = 6 gynecologic medical oncologists, and n = 6 hospitalists). Analysis identified five major themes related to fear and distress: (1) perceived patient fears of the hospital during COVID-19, leading to avoidance and delay of acute care needs before admission, (2) physicians' fear and distress delivering oncology care during COVID-19, (3) physician distress resulting from ambiguity in decision making, (4) distress and anxiety balancing the need for patient contact with the need to minimize infection risk, and (5) distress regarding impact of uncertainty and acuity of COVID-19 on goals-of-care discussions.

CONCLUSION:

Insight into the experiences of physicians providing cancer care during a COVID-19 surge underscores the need for strategies mitigate short-term distress and long-term psychologic impacts. Findings can also inform practitioner training and preparedness for future pandemics in the oncology setting.
The influence of a cylindrical cathode on the electro-vortex flow of liquid metal: Numerical simulations and laboratory experiments
Authors: Eltishchev V. , Mandrykin S. , Kolesnichenko I.
Published: December 2021

The electro-vortex flow of a liquid metal in a cylindrical cell, placed into an external vertical magnetic field, in the case of an axial electric current application is studied numerically and experimentally. The results are compared to those previously obtained in the case of a localized electric current application. In the absence of the external magnetic field, the comparison shows no qualitative change in the flow structure. In the presence of the external magnetic field, a poloidal motion is suppressed. A critical magnetic field of poloidal suppression is shown to be approximately

higher in the case of axial electric current application.
Effects of Simulated High Altitude on Blood Glucose Levels During Exercise in Individuals With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Dugan Cory W , Maloney Shane K , Abramoff Kristina J , Panag Sohan S , Davis Elizabeth A , Jones Timothy W , Fournier Paul A
Published: December 2021

Context

Current exercise guidelines for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) do not consider the impact that high altitude may have on blood glucose levels (BGL) during exercise.

Objective

To investigate the effect of acute hypoxia (simulated high altitude) on BGL and carbohydrate oxidation rates during moderate intensity exercise in individuals with T1D.

Methods

Using a counterbalanced, repeated measures study design, 7 individuals with T1D completed 2 exercise sessions; normoxia and hypoxia (~4200 m simulated altitude). Participants cycled for 60 min on an ergometer at 45% of their sea-level V̇O2peak, and then recovered for 60 min. Before, during, and after exercise, blood samples were taken to measure glucose, lactate, and insulin levels. Respiratory gases were collected to measure carbohydrate oxidation rates.

Results

Early during exercise (<30 min), there was no fall in BGL in either condition. After 1 h of exercise and during recovery, BGL were significantly lower under the hypoxic condition compared to both pre-exercise levels (P = 0.008) and the normoxic condition (P = 0.027). Exercise in both conditions resulted in a significant rise in carbohydrate oxidation rates, which returned to baseline levels postexercise. Before, during, and after exercise, carbohydrate oxidation rates were higher under the hypoxic compared with the normoxic condition (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The greater decline in BGL during and after exercise performed under acute hypoxia suggests that exercise during acute exposure to high altitude may increase the risk of hypoglycemia in individuals with T1D. Future guidelines may have to consider the impact altitude has on exercise-mediated hypoglycemia.
Estrogen and Progesterone Therapy and Meningiomas
Authors: Hage Mirella , Plesa Oana , Lemaire Isabelle , Raffin Sanson Marie Laure
Published: December 2021

Meningiomas are common intracranial tumors with a female predominance. Their etiology is still poorly documented. The role of sexual hormones has long been evoked, and data have been conflicting across studies. However, a dose-dependent relationship between the incidence and growth of meningiomas and hormonal treatment with the progestin cyproterone acetate (CPA) has recently been established. CPA-associated meningiomas seem to be mainly located in the anterior and middle skull base, are more likely to be multiple, may harbor P1K3CA mutations in up to one-third of cases, and are more common with a longer duration of treatment. A similar but lower risk of meningiomas has been recently reported with the use of chlormadinone acetate and nomegestrol acetate as progestin treatments. Concerning hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal patients, evidence from epidemiological studies seem to favor an increased risk of meningiomas in treated patients although a recent study failed to show an increased growth of meningiomas in HRT treated vs nontreated patients. Until larger studies are available, it seems wise to recommend avoiding HRT in patients with meningiomas. Evidence from published data does not seem to support an increased risk of meningiomas with oral contraceptive oral contraceptive (OR) use. Data are too scarce to conclude on fertility treatments. Based on studies demonstrating the expression of hormonal receptors in meningiomas, therapies targeting these receptors have been tried but have failed to show an overall favorable clinical outcome in meningioma treatment.
Is There a Role for Biomarkers in Surveillance of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in Von Hippel-Lindau Disease?
Authors: Naber Myrthe R , Ahmad Saya , Verrijn Stuart Annemarie A , Giles Rachel H , Valk Gerlof D , van Leeuwaarde Rachel S
Published: December 2021

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by the development of multi-organ neoplasms. Among the manifestations of VHL are pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (panNENs). In order to detect these lesions in a timely manner, patients are enrolled in a surveillance program, in accordance with the several existing VHL guidelines. However, these guidelines remain unclear about the role of biomarkers in diagnosing panNENs, despite the benefits a biomarker may offer regarding early detection of new lesions, thereby possibly limiting radiation exposure, and improving quality of life. The aim is to determine which biomarkers might be available in VHL patients and to assess their clinical relevance in diagnosing panNENs in VHL patients.

We searched the databases of PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science to identify relevant articles. Seven studies assessing the diagnostic or prognostic value of biomarkers were included. The results from these studies were conflicting. Since no evident association between VHL-related panNENs and biomarkers was established in studies with larger study populations, currently biomarkers do not play a significant role in early detection or follow-up for panNENs in VHL patients. The absence of evidence underscores the need for specific research to address this unmet need.
Real-Time MRI–Guided Stereotactic Aspiration of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hematoma: A Preclinical Feasibility Study
Authors: Patra Devi P. , Welz Matthew E. , Turcotte Evelyn L. , Pandey Rajesh , Vij Kamal , Daly Max , Rabon Matthew , Korszen Stephanie , Zhou Yuxiang , Halpin Brooke , Marchese Marco L. , Syal Arjun , Krishna Chandan , Bendok Bernard R.
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND:

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have reinvigorated the role of surgical options for spontaneous intracranial hematomas; however, they are limited by the lack of real-time feedback on the extent of hematoma evacuation.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the development of a MRI-guided catheter-based aspiration system, the ClearPoint Pursuit Neuroaspiration Device (ClearPoint Neuro) and validation in phantom models.

METHODS:

In this preclinical experimental trial, 8 phantom brains with skull models were created to simulate an intracranial hematoma with 2 clot sizes, 30 cc (small clot) and 60 cc (large clot). After registration, the aspiration catheter (Pursuit device) was aligned to the desired planned trajectory. The aspiration of the clot was performed under real-time MRI scan in 3 orthogonal views. The primary end point was reduction of the clot volume to less than 15 cc or 70% of the original clot volume.

RESULTS:

Successful completion of clot evacuation was achieved in all models. The average postaspiration clot volume was 9.5 cc (8.7 cc for small clots and 10.2 cc for large clots). The average percentage reduction of clot volume was 76.3% (range 58.7%-85.2%). The average total procedure time (from frame registration to final postaspiration clot assessment) was 50 min. The average aspiration time was 6.9 min.

CONCLUSION:

This preclinical trial confirms the feasibility and efficacy of MRI-guided aspiration under real-time image guidance in simulation models for intracranial hematoma. Clinical use of the system in patients would further validate its efficacy and safety.
Endoscopic Endonasal Excision of a Ventral Exophytic Brainstem Glioma: A Technical Case Report
Authors: Patel Biren Khimji , Sreenath P. R. , George Tobin , Shah Shreykumar P. , Easwer H. V. , Nair Prakash
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Ventral midbrain glioma is an extremely rare lesion in adults. The endoscopic endonasal approach is potentially a better alternative to transcranial approach for this challenging lesion and has not been described in the literature.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A 22-yr-old woman previously operated through an interhemispheric approach for ventral midbrain glioma with extension in the suprasellar cistern presented with severe headache and diplopia. Imaging revealed an increase in size of the residual lesion. The tumor was resected by using an extended endonasal approach. The patient had improvement in her diplopia with no endocrine complication.

CONCLUSION:

This case demonstrates the surgical technique of endoscopic endonasal resection of a ventral midbrain glioma.
A single-cell resolved cell-cell communication model explains lineage commitment in hematopoiesis
Authors: Rommelfanger Megan K. , MacLean Adam L.
Published: December 2021

Cells do not make fate decisions independently. Arguably, every cell-fate decision occurs in response to environmental signals. In many cases, cell-cell communication alters the dynamics of the internal gene regulatory network of a cell to initiate cell-fate transitions, yet models rarely take this into account. Here, we have developed a multiscale perspective to study the granulocyte-monocyte versus megakaryocyte-erythrocyte fate decisions. This transition is dictated by the GATA1-PU.1 network: a classical example of a bistable cell-fate system. We show that, for a wide range of cell communication topologies, even subtle changes in signaling can have pronounced effects on cell-fate decisions. We go on to show how cell-cell coupling through signaling can spontaneously break the symmetry of a homogenous cell population. Noise, both intrinsic and extrinsic, shapes the decision landscape profoundly, and affects the transcriptional dynamics underlying this important hematopoietic cell-fate decision-making system.

This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
Boehmite-derived Aluminum Oxide Catalyst for a Continuous Intramolecular Aldol Condensation of 2,5-Hexanedione to 3-Methyl-2-cyclopentenone in a Liquid-flow Reactor System
Authors: Nishimura Shun , Le Son Dinh , Asai Yusaku , Takahashi Natsuki , Endo Maho , Ohmatsu Shintaro
Published: December 2021

After thermal treatment of boehmite at higher than 600 °C and 1100 °C, the crystal phase transformation from AlOOH to γ-Al2O3 and/or δ-Al2O3 and the further transformations to the mixed phases of θ-Al2O3 and α-Al2O3, are respectively observed. Genesis of γ-Al2O3 (and/or δ-Al2O3) emphasizes the reactivity on an intramolecular aldol condensation of 2,5-hexanedione to 3-methyl-2-cyclopentenone (MCP) and its recyclability: approx. 70% yield with more than 80% selectivity for MCP generation are achieved in a liquid-flow reactor system for 9 h.
Regular Aerobic Exercise Attenuates Pain and Anxiety in Mice by Restoring Serotonin-Modulated Synaptic Plasticity in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Authors: Zhou Yong-Sheng , Meng Fan-Cheng , Cui Yue , Xiong Yan-Lu , Li Xu-Yang , Meng Fan-Bo , Niu Zi-Xuan , Zheng Jia-Xin , Quan Ya-Qi , Wu Sheng-Xi , Han Yong , Xu Hui
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Clinical studies found that regular aerobic exercise has analgesic and antianxiety effects; however, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Multiple studies have suggested that regular aerobic exercise may exert brain-protective effects by promoting the release of serotonin, which may be a pain modulator. Anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is a key brain area for pain information processing, receiving dense serotonergic innervation. As a result, we hypothesized that exercise may increase the release of serotonin in the ACC, thus improving pain and anxiety behaviors.

Methods

Integrative methods were used, including behavioral, electrophysiological, pharmacological, biochemical, and genetic approaches, to explore the effects of regular aerobic exercise and the underlying neural mechanisms.

Results

Regular aerobic exercise in the form of voluntary wheel running for 30 min daily for 15 d showed significant effectiveness in relieving pain and concomitant anxiety in complete Freund’s adjuvant–induced chronic inflammation pain models. c-Fos staining and multielectrode array recordings revealed alterations in neuronal activities and synaptic plasticity in the ACC. Moreover, systemic pharmacological treatment with 4-chloro-dl-phenylalanine (PCPA) to deplete endogenous serotonin and local delivery of serotonin to the ACC revealed that exercise-related serotonin release in the ACC bidirectionally modulates pain sensitization and anxiety behaviors by modulating synaptic plasticity in the ACC. Furthermore, we found that 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors mediated the serotonin modulation effects under conditions of regular aerobic exercise through local infusion of a selective antagonist and shRNA in the ACC.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that regular aerobic exercise can increase serotonin release and modulate synaptic plasticity in the ACC, ultimately improving pain and concomitant anxiety behaviors through the functions of the 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors.
An Analysis of Interactions in Intercultural Marriages: A Field Study of Alanya
Authors: Sala Bedir , Ersoy Çelik Hatice
Published: December 2021

This study aims to examine the dimensions of the conflicts arising from the interactions of two different cultures in intercultural marriages and to examine under which conditions and the level to which cultural adaptation is provided. This study was conducted with 35 participants who have an intercultural marriage and live in Antalya Province’s Alanya District, where people from many cultures and nationalities can be encountered due to Alanya being a tourist region. This study obtained the data using the semi-structured interview method to investigate the conflict and adaptation that may occur as a result of intercultural marriages. The snowball technique has been used to access the participants. At the end of the interviews conducted with these individuals, foreign spouses’ process of adapting to the Turkish family structure and culture, what they’ve acquired from experiencing cultural conflict, and what conflict and adaptation processes they experienced were examined within the scope of family and social environments. The findings from the study have been compiled within the framework of conflict and adaptation as a result of cultural interaction.
Analysis and Criticism of the Comparative Historical Method
Authors: Erdoğdu Teyfur
Published: December 2021

Comparative history which intellectually emerged at the end of the 18th century, is a method of explaining, analyzing and interpreting the similarities or the differences which are put forth as a result of comparing the various historical units. The purposes of the method are; to reveal the subjects which can not be performed without comparison, to make generalizations with obtained data from comparison of individual events, to give broader perspective to historians. While reaching the aim the temporal/spatial/social etc. features should be considered. This article reveals general features to be considered in the comparative history and then discusses the mistakes in using this method and critics about these mistakes.
The Age of Fear: Terrorism, Pandemic, and Refugees
Authors: Sağıroğlu Ali Zafer
Published: December 2021

Social scientists have defined modern times by different names and fear is one of them. As the driver for the historical flow in global range besides many other phenomena terror, epidemic and refugee issues direct the individual and social life of the age as a source of fear. This study aims to read how fear affects the social life of the time through the fear of terrorists, epidemics, and refugees. Secondly, it is to clarify what kind of fear is being constructed by these phenomenons and what is the interaction between them. Seeking control is constructed by a peculiar language produced by various actors, fear sources, which turn into an important device for the management and administration of people, become a perfect tool not only for those in power but also for power pretenders. Consequently, realistic or unrealistic sources of fear mutually feed the pursuit of control and the politics of fear.
A spatiotemporal atlas of hydropower in Africa for energy modelling purposes
Authors: Sterl Sebastian , Devillers Albertine , Chawanda Celray James , van Griensven Ann , Thiery Wim , Russo Daniel
Published: December 2021

The modelling of electricity systems with substantial shares of renewable resources, such as solar power, wind power and hydropower, requires datasets on renewable resource profiles with high spatiotemporal resolution to be made available to the energy modelling community. Whereas such resources exist for solar power and wind power profiles on diurnal and seasonal scales across all continents, this is not yet the case for hydropower. Here, we present a newly developed open-access African hydropower atlas, containing seasonal hydropower generation profiles for nearly all existing and several hundred future hydropower plants on the African continent. The atlas builds on continental-scale hydrological modelling in combination with detailed technical databases of hydropower plant characteristics and can facilitate modelling of power systems across Africa.
A comprehensive high cost drugs dataset from the NHS in England - An OpenSAFELY-TPP Short Data Report
Authors: Rowan Anna , Bates Chris , Hulme Will J. , Evans David , Davy Simon , A Kennedy Nicholas , Galloway James , E Mansfield Kathryn , Bechman Katie , Matthewman Julian , Yates Mark , Brown Jeremy , Schultze Anna , Norton Sam , J. Walker Alex , E. Morton Caroline , Bhaskaran Krishnan , T. Rentsch Christopher , Williamson Elizabeth , Croker Richard , Bacon Seb , Hickman George , Ward Tom , Green Amelia , Fisher Louis , J Curtis Helen , Tazare John , M. Eggo Rosalind , Inglesby Peter , Cockburn Jonathan , I. McDonald Helen , Mathur Rohini , YS Wong Angel , Forbes Harriet , Parry John , Hester Frank , Harper Sam , J Douglas Ian , Smeeth Liam , A Tomlinson Laurie , W Lees Charlie , Evans Stephen J W , Smith Catherine , M. Langan Sinéad , Mehkar Amir , MacKenna Brian , Goldacre Ben
Published: December 2021

Background: At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no routine comprehensive hospital medicines data from the UK available to researchers. These records can be important for many analyses including the effect of certain medicines on the risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. With the approval of NHS England, we set out to obtain data on one specific group of medicines, “high-cost drugs” (HCD) which are typically specialist medicines for the management of long-term conditions, prescribed by hospitals to patients. Additionally, we aimed to make these data available to all approved researchers in OpenSAFELY-TPP. This report is intended to support all studies carried out in OpenSAFELY-TPP, and those elsewhere, working with this dataset or similar data.

Methods: Working with the North East Commissioning Support Unit and NHS Digital, we arranged for collation of a single national HCD dataset to help inform responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. The dataset was developed from payment submissions from hospitals to commissioners.

Results: In the financial year (FY) 2018/19 there were 2.8 million submissions for 1.1 million unique patient IDs recorded in the HCD. The average number of submissions per patient over the year was 2.6. In FY 2019/20 there were 4.0 million submissions for 1.3 million unique patient IDs. The average number of submissions per patient over the year was 3.1. Of the 21 variables in the dataset, three are now available for analysis in OpenSafely-TPP: Financial year and month of drug being dispensed; drug name; and a description of the drug dispensed.

Conclusions: We have described the process for sourcing a national HCD dataset, making these data available for COVID-19-related analysis through OpenSAFELY-TPP and provided information on the variables included in the dataset, data coverage and an initial descriptive analysis.
Progeny testing of Pinus sylvestris L. of seed orchard in different environmental conditions
Authors: Mazhula Olga , Fuchylo Yaroslav , Hayda Yuriy , Kharytonov Mykola , Matkovcka Svitlana
Published: December 2021

Evaluation of the   progeny test of plus trees of Scots pine - a necessary condition for determining the prospects the use of improved seeds in different environmental conditions. The paper presents the results of the study of the progeny test of groups of clones of plus trees of Scots pine selected according to certain characteristics in Northern Steppe and South Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Analysis of results showed: a significant improvement in the growth rates of the all testing progenies of seed orchard in the better climatic and soil conditions of South Forest-Steppe between the ages of 3 and 10 years. At the same time 4 out of 5 studied progenies worsened their growth indicators relative to local control at the age of 3 to 26 years in less optimal climatic and soil conditions of Northern Steppe. The leader in the steppe conditions was the progeny of a fraction of three clones, which had the highest seed productivity. The selection of the fastest growing clones and the rejection of the slowest growing ones had a positive effect on the growth of progenies of seed orchards at both test points.
Biofortification of Oryza sativa L. with agri-food waste to improve the dietary value of crops
Authors: Ziarati Paris , Moradi Donya , Rodriguez Luis Cruz , Hochwimmer Bernhard , Vambol Viola , Vambol Sergij
Published: December 2021

Due to the low dietary value of crops, Zn-deficient soils and insufficient intake of other minerals, soil fortification is often necessary. Fortification is defined as the addition of one or more crucial nutrients to a food to reduce poverty in a population or specific population groups. Currently available technologies for rice fortification with vitamins and minerals are high-energy and time-consuming methods. Therefore, mineral enrichment of crops has received much attention from scientists. The originality of the current study consists in determining the optimal use of hard hazelnut shells, orange peel and rice husks for enrichment of paddy soil and simultaneous immobilization of heavy metals. The combination of the identified wastes, namely hazelnut shells, orange peel and rice husks, showed good potential for immobilization/elimination or reduction of heavy metals to less than permissible limits. Therefore, the use of this combination could be an effective strategy to both introduce new micronutrients into rice grain and remove heavy metals.
The (un)presence of emotions in teacher education. A critical analysis of the academic curriculum discourse in Poland
Authors: Góralska Renata , Kosiorek Małgorzata
Published: December 2021

Emotions are an important aspect of teachers’ professional work, and therefore, developing their emotional competences is an important element of teacher training. The aim of the article is to answer the question whether, in the process of preparing teachers to perform their professional role, attention is paid to issues related to the emotions. The theoretical perspective of our research is provided by the socio-constructivist concepts of emotions and emotional competences. We refer primarily to the theories of Steven Gordon and Carolyn Saarni. The research problem focuses on the question: how are the emotional competences of teachers constructed/presented in the academic education curriculum in Poland? We searched for an answer to the problem by means of critical discourse analysis (CDA), which is one of the most useful research perspectives for studying the relationship between socio-cultural and discursive changes. The source of discursive data is the document that constitutes the legal basis regulating the teacher education process in Poland, i.e. Regulation of the Minister of Science and Higher Education. Our research revealed that in Polish academic education there is a technical-instrumental discourse in force, which is related to the traditional model of teacher training. This has a decisive impact on both the structure of the teacher training curriculum in Poland and the marginal importance of the role of emotions in teachers’ work. The performed analysis may contribute to the improvement of educational practice and, consequently, to the improvement of the quality of academic education.