bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA Sequencing of Whole Blood Defines the Signature of High Intensity Exercise at Altitude in Elite Speed Skaters
Authors: Glotov Andrey S. , Zelenkova Irina E. , Vashukova Elena S. , Shuvalova Anna R. , Zolotareva Alexandra D. , Polev Dmitrii E. , Barbitoff Yury A. , Glotov Oleg S. , Sarana Andrey M. , Shcherbak Sergey G. , Rozina Mariya A. , Gogotova Victoria L. , Predeus Alexander V.
Published: March 2022

Although high altitude training has been increasingly popular among endurance athletes, the molecular and cellular bases of this adaptation remain poorly understood. We aimed to define the underlying physiological changes and screen for potential biomarkers of adaptation using transcriptional profiling of whole blood. Seven elite female speed skaters were profiled on the 18th day of high-altitude adaptation. Whole blood RNA-seq before and after an intense 1 h skating bout was used to measure gene expression changes associated with exercise. In order to identify the genes specifically regulated at high altitudes, we have leveraged the data from eight previously published microarray datasets studying blood expression changes after exercise at sea level. Using cell type-specific signatures, we were able to deconvolute changes of cell type abundance from individual gene expression changes. Among these were PHOSPHO1, with a known role in erythropoiesis, and MARC1 with a role in endogenic NO metabolism. We find that platelet and erythrocyte counts uniquely respond to altitude exercise, while changes in neutrophils represent a more generic marker of intense exercise. Publicly available data from both single cell atlases and exercise-related blood profiling dramatically increases the value of whole blood RNA-seq for the dynamic evaluation of physiological changes in an athlete’s body.
miR-152-3p Represses the Proliferation of the Thymic Epithelial Cells by Targeting Smad2
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Xintong , Wu Qingru , Liu Fenfen , Yang Lin , Gong Bishuang , Zhang Kaizhao , Ma Yongjiang , Li Yugu
Published: March 2022

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) control the proliferation of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) for thymic involution. Previous studies have shown that expression levels of miR-152-3p were significantly increased in the thymus and TECs during the involution of the mouse thymus. However, the possible function and potential molecular mechanism of miR-152-3p remains unclear. This study identified that the overexpression of miR-152-3p can inhibit, while the inhibition of miR-152-3p can promote, the proliferation of murine medullary thymic epithelial cell line 1 (MTEC1) cells. Moreover, miR-152-3p expression was quantitatively analyzed to negatively regulate Smad2, and the Smad2 gene was found to be a direct target of miR-152-3p, using the luciferase reporter assay. Importantly, silencing Smad2 was found to block the G1 phase of cells and inhibit the cell cycle, which was consistent with the overexpression of miR-152-3p. Furthermore, co-transfection studies of siRNA–Smad2 (siSmad2) and the miR-152-3p mimic further established that miR-152-3p inhibited the proliferation of MTEC1 cells by targeting Smad2 and reducing the expression of Smad2. Taken together, this study proved miR-152-3p to be an important molecule that regulates the proliferation of TECs and therefore provides a new reference for delaying thymus involution and thymus regeneration.
Mixed-Etiology Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (Desminopathy and Hemochromatosis) with Complex Liver Lesions
Authors: Lutokhina Yulia , Blagova Olga , Panferov Alexander , Sedov Vsevolod , Kogan Evgeniya , Nekrasova Tatiana , Nedostup Alexander , Zaklyazminskaya Elena
Published: March 2022

A 28 year-old male with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) and endocardium thickening, conduction disorders, heart failure, and depressive disorder treated with paroxetine was admitted to the clinic. Blood tests revealed an increase in serum iron level, transferrin saturation percentage, and slightly elevated liver function tests. Sarcoidosis, storage diseases and Loeffler endocarditis were ruled out. Mutations in desmin (DES) and hemochromatosis gene (HFE1) were identified. Liver biopsy was obtained to verify the hemochromatosis, assess its possible contribution to the RCM progression and determine indications for treatment. Biopsy revealed signs of drug-induced injury, subcompensated heart failure, and hemosiderin accumulation. Thus, even if one obvious cause (desmin mutation) of RCM has been identified, other less likely causes should be taken into consideration.
MicroRNA Expression in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome with the Use of Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Tomczyk-Socha Martyna , Kręcicka Julia , Misiuk-Hojło Marta , Turno-Kręcicka Anna
Published: March 2022

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) is a clinically important and biologically intriguing systemic disorder of the extracellular matrix. PEX etiopathogenesis was proved to be connected to multiple genes and other factors. However, the exact etiopathogenesis remains unknown. The aim of this study was to analyze miR expression in PEX using next-generation sequencing. An attempt was made to find the most commonly occurring miR in PEX, to evaluate miR that may have an essential role in the etiology of PEX syndrome. In addition, the correlation between the selected miRs’ expressions and age was investigated. Anterior lens capsules were obtained during cataract surgery. Next-generation sequencing was conducted on Illumina MiSeq. The average age was 68.2 years (with standard deviation +/− 6.92 years). Ten miRs with the highest level of expression represent approx. 95% of all readings. Four miRs with statistically significant differences in expression between groups have been distinguished: miR-671-3p, miR374a-5p, miR-1307-5p and miR-708-5p. The relationship between the most frequent miRs’ expressions and age has been evaluated and no correlation has been detected. In view of the above, it seems reasonable to examine the influence of miR on the biogenesis of PEX. Further studies on miR-671-3p, miR-374a-5p, miR-1307-5p and miR-708-5p expression in PEX are needed.
Understanding Regulatory Mechanisms of Brain Function and Disease through 3D Genome Organization
Authors: Liu Weifang , Zhong Wujuan , Chen Jiawen , Huang Bo , Hu Ming , Li Yun
Published: March 2022

The human genome has a complex and dynamic three-dimensional (3D) organization, which plays a critical role for gene regulation and genome function. The importance of 3D genome organization in brain development and function has been well characterized in a region- and cell-type-specific fashion. Recent technological advances in chromosome conformation capture (3C)-based techniques, imaging approaches, and ligation-free methods, along with computational methods to analyze the data generated, have revealed 3D genome features at different scales in the brain that contribute to our understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric diseases and other brain-related traits. In this review, we discuss how these advances aid in the genetic dissection of brain-related traits.
Deconstructing Immune Cell Infiltration in Human Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Spatiotemporal Evaluation
Authors: Ágoston Emese Irma , Acs Balazs , Herold Zoltan , Fekete Krisztina , Kulka Janina , Nagy Akos , Mühl Dorottya , Mohacsi Reka , Dank Magdolna , Garay Tamas , Harsanyi Laszlo , Győrffy Balazs , Szasz Attila Marcell
Published: March 2022

Cancer-related immunity has been identified as playing a key role in the outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, the exact mechanisms are only partially understood. In this study, we evaluated a total of 242 surgical specimen of CRC patients using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry to evaluate tumor infiltrating immune cells (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD23, CD45 and CD56) and immune checkpoint markers (CTLA-4, PD-L1, PD-1) in systematically selected tumor regions and their corresponding lymph nodes, as well as in liver metastases. Additionally, an immune panel gene expression assay was performed on 12 primary tumors and 12 consecutive liver metastases. A higher number of natural killer cells and more mature B cells along with PD-1+ expressing cells were observed in the main tumor area as compared to metastases. A higher number of metastatic lymph nodes were associated with significantly lower B cell counts. With more advanced lymph node metastatic status, higher leukocyte—particularly T cell numbers—were observed. Eleven differentially expressed immune-related genes were found between primary tumors and liver metastases. Also, alterations of the innate immune response and the tumor necrosis factor superfamily pathways had been identified.
Utility of Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Assessing Microsatellite Instability and Loss of Heterozygosity in Breast Cancer Using Human Identification Approach
Authors: Al Sharhan Norah A. , Messaoudi Safia A. , Babu Saranya R. , Chaudhary AbdulRauf B. , Alsharm Abdullah A. , Alrefaei Abdulmajeed F. , Kadasah Sultan , Abu-Elmagd Muhammad , Assidi Mourad , Buhmeida Abdelbaset , Carracedo Ángel , Almawi Wassim Y.
Published: March 2022

The diagnostic and prognostic utility of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in breast cancer (BC) patients was recently reported. Here, we investigated the use of cfDNA to examine microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) for early BC diagnosis. cfDNA and genomic DNA from 41 female BC patients and 40 healthy controls were quantified using NanoDrop spectrophotometry and real-time PCR. The stability of genomic and cfDNA was assessed using a high-resolution AmpFlSTR MiniFiler human identification kit. Significant increases in cfDNA plasma concentrations were observed in BC patients compared to controls. The genotype distribution of the eight autosomal short tandem repeat (STR) loci D7S820, D13S317, D21S11, D2S1338, D18S51, D16S539, FGA, and CSF1PO were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Significant differences in the allele frequencies of D7S820 allele-8, D21S11 allele-29, allele-30.2, allele-32.2, and CSF1PO allele-11 were seen between BC patients and controls. LOH and MSI were detected in 36.6% of the cfDNA of patients compared to genomic DNA. This study highlights the utility of plasma-derived cfDNA for earlier, less invasive, and cost-effective cancer diagnosis and molecular stratification. It also highlights the potential value of cfDNA in molecular profiling and biomarkers discovery in precision and forensic medicine.
An Introduction to the Geometrical Stability Index: A Fabric Quantity
Authors: Momeni Ali , Clarke Barry , Sheng Yong
Published: March 2022

Natural soils are often modelled as a continuum characterized by the composition of the soil, a particulate material. Yet, in situ, the fabric and structure of soil may govern its behavior. Discrete element modelling is used to simulate the composition of soil as a particulate material and develop fabric quantities. These quantities are presented as average quantities for a volume of particles. It is possible to use DEM to study the evolution of fabric at the particle level. This paper describes a state-of-the-art fabric term, referred to as geometrical stability index, ʎ, which can measure the contacts deviation of each particle from the most stable contacts arrangement during loading. The parameters required to define this new fabric term were attained from a designed algorithm. 2D discrete element method (DEM) biaxial test simulations were performed to validate the effectiveness of the geometrical stability index in defining the local instability. As the sample is loaded, a shear band is formed. The geometric stability index in that band increases relative to the surrounding relatively intact soil. Thus, a brittle failure is associated with an increase in the variation of inter-particle contacts from a stable configuration. The geometric stability index is able to model the development of discontinuities in a particulate material at the particle level. The DEM modelling results demonstrate the correlations between the new fabric term and the progressive of localized failure in densified particulate systems such as over consolidated clay, where the failure is a function of progressive development of local fissure spacing.
Lipid-Targeted Atherosclerotic Risk Reduction in Older Adults: A Review
Authors: Hassen Lauren J. , Scarfone Steven R. , Milks Michael Wesley
Published: March 2022

Aggressive lipid-lowering lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapies are the cornerstones of the primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events. While statins are highly effective, inexpensive, and generally well-tolerated medications, many clinicians and patients express uncertainty regarding the necessity of statin treatment in older adults. Citing concerns such as polypharmacy, muscle symptoms, and even potential cognitive changes with statins, many patients and health care providers elect to de-intensify or discontinue statin therapy during the process of aging. A lack of clear representation of older individuals in many clinical trials and practice guidelines may contribute to the ambiguity. However, the recently prevailing data and practice patterns supporting the benefits, safety, and tolerability of a variety of lipid-lowering therapeutics in older adults are discussed here, with particular mention of a potential protective effect from incident dementia among a statin-treated geriatric population and an admonishment of the historical concept of “too-low” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
Utilization of Artificial Intelligence in Disease Prevention: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Implications for the Healthcare Workforce
Authors: Wani Shahid Ud Din , Khan Nisar Ahmad , Thakur Gaurav , Gautam Surya Prakash , Ali Mohammad , Alam Prawez , Alshehri Sultan , Ghoneim Mohammed M. , Shakeel Faiyaz
Published: March 2022

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been described as one of the extremely effective and promising scientific tools available to mankind. AI and its associated innovations are becoming more popular in industry and culture, and they are starting to show up in healthcare. Numerous facets of healthcare, as well as regulatory procedures within providers, payers, and pharmaceutical companies, may be transformed by these innovations. As a result, the purpose of this review is to identify the potential machine learning applications in the field of infectious diseases and the general healthcare system. The literature on this topic was extracted from various databases, such as Google, Google Scholar, Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The articles having important information were selected for this review. The most challenging task for AI in such healthcare sectors is to sustain its adoption in daily clinical practice, regardless of whether the programs are scalable enough to be useful. Based on the summarized data, it has been concluded that AI can assist healthcare staff in expanding their knowledge, allowing them to spend more time providing direct patient care and reducing weariness. Overall, we might conclude that the future of “conventional medicine” is closer than we realize, with patients seeing a computer first and subsequently a doctor.
Diversity in the Adult and Pediatric Heart Transplant Surgeon Workforce between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Walkowiak Olivia Agata , Hardy William A. , Huckaby Lauren V. , Kavarana Minoo N. , Mokashi Suyog A. , Rajab Taufiek Konrad
Published: March 2022

There is a paucity of literature evaluating trends in the demographic composition of the cardiothoracic surgery workforce. Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, we retrospectively analyzed the changes in sex, race, and ethnicity of surgeons performing heart transplantations between 2000–2020. Surgeons performing heart transplantations for adult (≥18 years) and pediatric (<18 years) patients between 2000–2020 were identified and stratified by sex (male, female) and by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic Asian, Hispanic of any race). Between 2000–2020, the proportion of non-White and female cardiothoracic surgeons performing adult and pediatric heart transplantations increased. Nevertheless, there remains a lack of diversity in the workforce, particularly when compared to the general United States population.
Nurse-Filled versus Pharmacy-Filled Medication Organization Devices—Survey on Current Practices and Views of Home Care Nursing Services
Authors: Schmid Thomas , Hoffmann Falk , Dörks Michael , Jobski Kathrin
Published: March 2022

Medication organization devices (MODs) are widely used among home care nursing services. However, current practices such as the responsibility for filling MODs, different MOD types used and requirements of home care nursing services are largely unknown. The study aimed at analyzing home care nursing services’ current practices regarding MOD use, investigating their requirements and determining whether different practices met these requirements. A survey was administered online to German home care nursing services in February 2021. The importance of requirements and the extent of satisfaction were measured using a five-point scale. Attitudes towards disposable, pharmacy-filled MODs were recorded as free text. In total, 690 nursing services responded (67.5% privately owned and 34.5% based in large cities), 92.2% filled MODs themselves and used predominantly reusable, rigid MODs. Pharmacies filling MODs used primarily disposable MODs. Satisfaction with current practices was generally high. Respondents filling MODs themselves were more satisfied with nurses’ medication knowledge, but less satisfied with cost effectiveness than those who had pharmacies fill MODs. Of all respondents filling MODs themselves who expressed an opinion on disposable, pharmacy-filled MODs, 50.9% were skeptical, primarily due to fear of losing flexibility. However, no difference in satisfaction with flexibility was found between respondents filling MODs themselves and those using pharmacy-filled MODs. In conclusion, employment of MODs in the professional care setting is a complex task with nursing services as key constituents. There is potential for improvement in the inter-professional collaboration between pharmacies and home care nursing services on the use of MODs. Measures for improvement have to address home care nursing services’ requirements with respect to flexibility and medication knowledge.
Assessing the (In)Stability of Urban Art Paints: From Real Case Studies to Laboratory Investigations of Degradation Processes and Preservation Possibilities
Authors: Cimino Dafne , Lamuraglia Raffaella , Saccani Ilaria , Berzioli Michela , Izzo Francesca Caterina
Published: March 2022

Urban art as a shared expression of street art between artists, citizenship and municipalities has always had an important role in the social life and appearance of modern cities. However, the durability of urban and street artworks is susceptible to the degradation processes that the employed commercial paint formulations undergo once outdoors. These are complex mixtures of compounds, differently sensitive to environmental agents according to their chemical nature. Starting from the colorimetric analysis of murals created in 2010, 2011 and 2018 in Reggio Emilia, Italy, documenting their degradation already after a few months, this study aimed at understanding the stability of the most unstable paints used by the artists in these artworks. A multi-analytical approach evaluated the commercial products under the chemical point of view, after natural and accelerated ageing. Additionally, two manufactured anti-UV varnishes were evaluated for their possible use as coatings. The results pinpointed the weaknesses of the selected paints and highlighted how the application of an anti-UV coating might slightly affect the visual aspect of the artwork, though ensuring a greater resistance to the outdoor conditions due to their minor chemical sensitivity to environmental agents.
Sex Differences in Physical Attractiveness Investments: Overlooked Side of Masculinity
Authors: Kowal Marta , Sorokowski Piotr
Published: March 2022

Background: Public opinion on who performs more beauty-enhancing behaviors (men or women) seems unanimous. Women are often depicted as primarily interested in how they look, opposed to men, who are presumably less focused on their appearance. However, previous studies might have overlooked how masculinity relates to self-modification among men. Methods: We explored this issue in depth by conducting a qualitative Study 1 aimed to establish how men and women enhance their attractiveness (N = 121) and a quantitative Study 2 aimed to test time spent on activities that increase one’s attractiveness in a longitudinal design (with seven repeated measures from 62 participants; N(total) = 367). Results: We observed no sex differences in beauty investments. Although women spent more time on make-up and cosmetics usage, men caught up with women in exercising and bodybuilding. Conclusion: Our study provides evidence that there may not be such wide sex differences in the intensity of enhancing one’s appearance as has been previously thought. We hypothesize that this might partly stem from changes in gender roles regarding masculinity.
Risk Behaviors, Family Support, and Emotional Health among Adolescents during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Israel
Authors: Shapiro Orit , Gannot Rachel Nissanholtz , Green Gizell , Zigdon Avi , Zwilling Moti , Giladi Ariela , Ben-Meir Lilach , Adilson Marques , Barak Sharon , Harel-Fisch Yossi , Tesler Riki
Published: March 2022

We investigated the prevalence of risk behaviors among Israeli adolescents (tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Associations between different risk behaviors were examined and so was whether specific characteristics could predict risk behaviors in adolescents. The study consisted of 1020 Israeli adolescents aged 15–18. Study subjects completed an online survey between the first and second lockdowns in Israel (April 2020 to September 2020). Participants reported the frequency at which they engaged in four different risky behaviors: general risky behavior, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption (binge drinking), and cannabis use. The most prevalent risky behavior in the sample was binge drinking (33.8%). The four measured risky behaviors were significantly correlated. Among participants who had previously engaged in a risky behavior assessed, most did not change the behavior frequency during the pandemic. All independent variables (sociodemographic characteristics, family support, and emotional, health excluding friends’ support, physical activity volume, and coronavirus restrictions) were significantly different between participants engaging vs. not engaging in risky behaviors. Our findings suggest that family support is one of the most influential factors in preventing risky behavior during the pandemic, and they emphasize the importance of family-based interventions with children and adolescents from elementary to high school.
The Perception of Urban Forests in Post-Mining Areas: A Case Study of Sosnowiec-Poland
Authors: Krzysztofik Robert , Rahmonov Oimahmad , Kantor-Pietraga Iwona , Dragan Weronika
Published: March 2022

Sustainable development policy emphasizes, among other things, the role of green areas in urban space. This remark applies in particular to post-industrial and post-mining cities. One of the elements of shaping the sustainable development of post-mining cities is that forests are often anthropogenic forest ecosystems growing in previously mining areas, one of the most characteristic elements of their spatial development. This article examines the role of urban forests in the post-mining area in Sosnowiec, located in the core of the Katowice conurbation in southern Poland. This article aimed to show the social perception of forests in post-mining areas among the local community and the features of urban forests. The social dimension of the interaction between humans and the environment is related to the issue of urban planning. Research was implemented based on quantitative, qualitative (CATI survey), and cartographic methods. The results indicate the significant role of forests in post-mining areas depending on their location in the settlement areas in a post-industrial city. The research emphasizes that residents perceive forests in post-mining areas of cities as an essential and expected recreational space. Notably, half of them do not see any threats therein. It is also expected that these areas will be better developed for recreational purposes in the future.
The Epidemiology of Injuries in Spanish Rugby Union División de Honor
Authors: Murias-Lozano Roberto , Mendía Luis , Sebastián-Obregón Francisco Javier San , Solís-Mencia Cristian , Hervás-Pérez Juan Pablo , Garnacho-Castaño Manuel Vicente , Maté-Muñoz José Luis , García-Fernández Pablo
Published: March 2022

Background: We describe and analyze injury incidence, severity, cause of injury, anatomical location, damaged tissue, injury recurrence, and the time and place at which injuries occur over the course of a season. Methods: An observational, descriptive, prospective, nomothetic, and multidimensional study was conducted during the 2018–2019 season with 258 players of the top semiprofessional rugby league in Spain (División de Honor de Rugby). Data were reported by the clubs’ medical services. Reported time-loss injuries were collected. Results: Overall exposure was 4100 h (137 matches), over 35 weeks of competition. A total of 288 injuries were reported, with three of these leading to withdrawal from the sport. A total average of 35.63 days was lost to injury. Overall time-loss injury incidence was 3.41 injuries/1000 h of exposure. Backs suffered 119 injuries corresponding to 3.80 injuries/1000 h of exposure, whilst forwards suffered 169 injuries with 4.27 injuries/1000 h of exposure. Severe injuries were the most frequent injury type. Conclusions: Outcomes confirm that more injuries take place during competition, with these also being more severe in nature. Contact injuries were most frequently suffered, above all, due to tackling or being tackled.
Knowledge of and Barriers to Palliative Care Perceived by Healthcare Providers before and after Promotion of the Patient Autonomy Act: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chen I-Hui , Kuo Shu-Fen , Lin Yen-Kuang , Huang Tsai-Wei
Published: March 2022

This study was designed to investigate healthcare providers’ knowledge of palliative care and perceptions of palliative care barriers before and after promoting the Patient Autonomy Act (PAA). A convenience sample was recruited, including 277 healthcare providers in 2013 and 222 healthcare providers in 2018. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to identify predictors of knowledge of and perceived barriers to palliative care. A principal component analysis was carried out to identify the most appropriate factorial structure for the contents of knowledge and perceived barriers to palliative care. Three factors related to knowledge of palliative care were identified in both 2013 and 2018 data: ‘policy, regulation, and promotion’, ‘philosophy and treatments’, and ‘myths and misunderstandings’. Study findings for the two periods were similar. As for barriers to providing palliative care, three factors were identified for 2013: ‘quality care’, ‘difficulties’ and ‘communication’, and for 2018, ‘information’, ‘attitudes’ and ‘quality care’ were identified. Study findings differed between the two periods. Policies can better reinforce mitigating strategies—including opportunities for education, shared decision making, and changes in institutions and care systems. Additionally, assessing barriers creates important opportunities for further research to address the most critical aspects in improving end-of-life care for patients and their families.
A Survey of Awareness of Parents and Caretakers on Diagnostic Radiological Examination Related Radiation Exposure in a Tertiary Hospital in Malaysia
Authors: Ng Chee Guan , Manan Hanani Abdul , Zaki Faizah Mohd , Zakaria Rozman
Published: March 2022

Background: With the advancement in medical imaging, radiological application in the paediatric population has also increased. Children, generally more radiosensitive, have a higher risk of developing certain malignancies. Therefore, this may result in uneasiness among parents and caretakers when their children need to undergo medical imaging examination. Hence, this study aims to assess the awareness of parents’ and caretakers’ awareness of medical imaging-related radiation exposure in our institution and their opinion of a medical radiation exposure-tracking programme for the paediatric population. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted for 6 months duration among parents and caretakers, who brought their children (under 12 years old) for imaging. The questionnaire booklet had eleven knowledge-based questions to assess respondents on ionising radiation-associated medical imaging, the radiation-related risk and radiation safety precaution. Results: Two hundred and fifteen respondents participated in this survey. More than 40% of the respondents failed to identify various dose-saving and ionising radiation-related imaging methods. Only 87 participants (40.5%) could correctly answer at least six out of eleven knowledge-based questions. Moreover, 88.4% of the respondents support a medical radiation exposure-tracking programme for their children. Conclusion: Parents and caretakers who visited our institution had inadequate awareness of medical radiation exposure. Appropriate measures need to be taken to address this promptly. Implementation of a medical radiation exposure-tracking programme for the paediatric population is considered timely as most respondents agree with this programme.
How Media Exposure, Media Trust, and Media Bias Perception Influence Public Evaluation of COVID-19 Pandemic in International Metropolises
Authors: Han Ruixia , Xu Jian , Pan David
Published: March 2022

International metropolises are key sites of outbreaks of COVID-19 cases. Global public evaluation of the pandemic in international cities is affected by many factors. This study examines how media exposure affects this evaluation and how media trust and media bias perception moderate the relationship between them. Based on an online survey of the evaluation of 13 international cities’ pandemic performances by 1171 citizens from 11 countries, this study conducted a multi-level stepwise regression analysis and discovered that: (1) different forms of media affect global citizens’ perceptions of international metropolis COVID-19 pandemic performance differently; and the role of traditional paper media, including newspapers and magazines, is of little significance in comparison to electronic media. (2) Among electronic media, TV and broadcasting have the greatest impact, followed by social media and the Internet. (3) Media trust and media bias perception affect people’s evaluations of international urban pandemics, but our survey reveals that they only function with regard to social media.
Diabetes Mellitus and Its Risk Factors among Migrant Workers in Kuwait
Authors: Ali Anwar , Alfajjam Shaikhah , Gasana Janvier
Published: March 2022

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is growing enormously worldwide, and actions need to be taken in order to minimize the burden of diabetes mellitus and reduce its complications. Since two-thirds of Kuwait’s population are expatriates, the prevalence of and factors associated with diabetes among migrant workers was assessed as it has a significant impact on migrant workers’ quality of life, health, and productivity. The data used in this study was for all migrant workers who attended Shuaiba Industrial Medical Center (SIMC) for physical examination in the year 2018. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to assess the relationship between diabetes mellitus and the other independent factors where odds ratios with confidence intervals were delineated. Information for a total of 3477 participants was recorded in the dataset for 2018. Of the total participants, 10.1% had diabetes mellitus. About 49% of the participants were overweight. The largest age group of participants was between 31 and 40 years of age. A small percentage of the participants were diagnosed with hypertension at 11.8%. Additionally, 76.1% of the participants reported themselves as non-smokers. Diabetes was positively associated with age, hypertension, and nationalities. However, no association was found between BMI and smoking tobacco. This is the first study in SIMC to assess DM and its associated risk factor among migrants, since migrant workers are neglected subpopulations that need our focus and attention to achieve justice and fairness. The findings revealed that the prevalence of DM among our study population was considerably lower. However, a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and being physically active, need to be introduced to prevent any further damage.
Biomimetic and Biological Nanoarchitectonics
Authors: Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: March 2022

A post-nanotechnology concept has been assigned to an emerging concept, nanoarchitectonics. Nanoarchitectonics aims to establish a discipline in which functional materials are fabricated from nano-scale components such as atoms, molecules, and nanomaterials using various techniques. Nanoarchitectonics opens ways to form a more unified paradigm by integrating nanotechnology with organic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, material chemistry, microfabrication technology, and biotechnology. On the other hand, biological systems consist of rational organization of constituent molecules. Their structures have highly asymmetric and hierarchical features that allow for chained functional coordination, signal amplification, and vector-like energy and signal flow. The process of nanoarchitectonics is based on the premise of combining several different processes, which makes it easier to obtain a hierarchical structure. Therefore, nanoarchitectonics is a more suitable methodology for creating highly functional systems based on structural asymmetry and hierarchy like biosystems. The creation of functional materials by nanoarchitectonics is somewhat similar to the creation of functional systems in biological systems. It can be said that the goal of nanoarchitectonics is to create highly functional systems similar to those found in biological systems. This review article summarizes the synthesis of biomimetic and biological molecules and their functional structure formation from various viewpoints, from the molecular level to the cellular level. Several recent examples are arranged and categorized to illustrate such a trend with sections of (i) synthetic nanoarchitectonics for bio-related units, (ii) self-assembly nanoarchitectonics with bio-related units, (iii) nanoarchitectonics with nucleic acids, (iv) nanoarchitectonics with peptides, (v) nanoarchitectonics with proteins, and (vi) bio-related nanoarchitectonics in conjugation with materials.
Understanding the Role of LFA-1 in Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency Type I (LAD I): Moving towards Inflammation?
Authors: Fekadu Julia , Modlich Ute , Bader Peter , Bakhtiar Shahrzad
Published: March 2022

LFA-1 (Lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1) is a heterodimeric integrin (CD11a/CD18) present on the surface of all leukocytes; it is essential for leukocyte recruitment to the site of tissue inflammation, but also for other immunological processes such as T cell activation and formation of the immunological synapse. Absent or dysfunctional expression of LFA-1, caused by mutations in the ITGB2 (integrin subunit beta 2) gene, results in a rare immunodeficiency syndrome known as Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I (LAD I). Patients suffering from severe LAD I present with recurrent infections of the skin and mucosa, as well as inflammatory symptoms complicating the clinical course of the disease before and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT); alloHSCT is currently the only established curative treatment option. With this review, we aim to provide an overview of the intrinsic role of inflammation in LAD I.
Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 Provides Novel Insights and Perspectives in Rhabdomyosarcoma Treatment
Authors: Marchesi Irene , Fais Milena , Fiorentino Francesco Paolo , Bordoni Valentina , Sanna Luca , Zoroddu Stefano , Bagella Luigi
Published: March 2022

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common type of pediatric soft tissue sarcoma. It is classified into two main subtypes: embryonal (eRMS) and alveolar (aRMS). MYC family proteins are frequently highly expressed in RMS tumors, with the highest levels correlated with poor prognosis. A pharmacological approach to inhibit MYC in cancer cells is represented by Bromodomain and Extra-Terminal motif (BET) protein inhibitors. In this paper, we evaluated the effects of BET inhibitor (+)-JQ1 (JQ1) on the viability of aRMS and eRMS cells. Interestingly, we found that the drug sensitivity of RMS cell lines to JQ1 was directly proportional to the expression of MYC. JQ1 induces G1 arrest in cells with the highest steady-state levels of MYC, whereas apoptosis is associated with MYC downregulation. These findings suggest BET inhibition as an effective strategy for the treatment of RMS alone or in combination with other drugs.
Melissa officinalis: Composition, Pharmacological Effects and Derived Release Systems—A Review
Authors: Petrisor Gabriela , Motelica Ludmila , Craciun Luminita Narcisa , Oprea Ovidiu Cristian , Ficai Denisa , Ficai Anton
Published: March 2022

Melissa officinalis is a medicinal plant rich in biologically active compounds which is used worldwide for its therapeutic effects. Chemical studies on its composition have shown that it contains mainly flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and essential oil. The main active constituents of Melissa officinalis are volatile compounds (geranial, neral, citronellal and geraniol), triterpenes (ursolic acid and oleanolic acid), phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid), and flavonoids (quercetin, rhamnocitrin, and luteolin). According to the biological studies, the essential oil and extracts of Melissa officinalis have active compounds that determine many pharmacological effects with potential medical uses. A new field of research has led to the development of controlled release systems with active substances from plants. Therefore, the essential oil or extract of Melissa officinalis has become a major target to be incorporated into various controlled release systems which allow a sustained delivery.
Lymphopenia and Early Variation of Lymphocytes to Predict In-Hospital Mortality and Severity in ED Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Simon Maxence , Le Borgne Pierrick , Lefevbre François , Chabrier Sylvie , Cipolat Lauriane , Remillon Aline , Baicry Florent , Bilbault Pascal , Lavoignet Charles-Eric , Abensur Vuillaume Laure
Published: March 2022

(1) Introduction: Multiple studies have demonstrated that lymphocyte count monitoring is a valuable prognostic tool for clinicians during inflammation. The aim of our study was to determine the prognostic value of delta lymphocyte H24 from admission from the emergency department for mortality and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. (2) Methods: We have made a retrospective and multicentric study in six major hospitals of northeastern France. The patients were hospitalized and had a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. (3): Results: A total of 1035 patients were included in this study. Factors associated with infection severity were CRP > 100 mg/L (OR: 2.51, CI 95%: (1.40–3.71), p < 0.001) and lymphopenia < 800/mm3 (OR: 2.15, CI 95%: (1.42–3.27), p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, delta lymphocytes H24 (i.e., the difference between lymphocytes values at H24 and upon admission to the ED) < 135 was one of the most significant biochemical factors associated with mortality (OR: 2.23, CI 95%: (1.23–4.05), p = 0.009). The most accurate threshold for delta lymphocytes H24 was 75 to predict severity and 135 for mortality. (4) Conclusion: Delta lymphocytes H24 could be a helpful early screening prognostic biomarker to predict severity and mortality associated with COVID-19.
Subclinical Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction in HIV Patients: Prevalence and Associations with Carotid Atherosclerosis and Increased Adiposity
Authors: Athanasiadi Eleni , Bonou Maria , Basoulis Dimitrios , Kapelios Chris J. , Masoura Constantina , Skouloudi Marina , Mavrogeni Sophie , Aggeli Constantina , Psichogiou Mina , Barbetseas John
Published: March 2022

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is mainly detected in young, otherwise healthy, individuals. Cardiomyopathy and peripheral artery disease affecting these patients appears to be multifactorial. Prompt and potentially more effective implementation of therapeutic measures could be enabled by pre-symptomatic diagnosis of myocardial dysfunction and peripheral artery damage. However, limited data is available to date on this specific topic. Μethods: We investigated the association between global longitudinal strain (GLS), an established index of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) assessed by two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography, and: (a) patient history; (b) demographic and clinical baseline characteristics; (c) carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque(s), measured by ultrasonography; (d) temperature difference (ΔT) along each carotid artery, measured by microwave radiometry; and (e) basic blood panel measurements, including high-sensitivity troponin-T (hsTnT) and NT-proBNP in people living with HIV (PLWH) and no history of cardiovascular disease. Results: We prospectively enrolled 103 consecutive PLWH (95% male, age 47 ± 11 years, anti-retroviral therapy 100%) and 52 age- and sex-matched controls. PLWH had a significantly higher relative wall thickness (0.38 ± 0.08 vs. 0.36 ± 0.04, p = 0.048), and higher rate of LVSD (34% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.015), and carotid artery atherosclerosis (28% vs. 6%, p = 0.001) compared with controls. Among PLWH, LVSD was independently associated with the presence of carotid atherosclerosis (adj. OR:3.09; 95%CI:1.10–8.67, p = 0.032) and BMI (1.15; 1.03–1.29, p = 0.017), while a trend for association between LVSD and left ventricular hypertrophy was also noted (3.12; 0.73–13.33, p = 0.124). No differences were seen in microwave radiometry parameters, NT-proBNP, hs-TnT and c-reactive protein between PLWH with and without LVSD. Conclusions: Subclinical LVSD and carotid atherosclerosis were significantly more frequent in PLWH compared to a group of healthy individuals, implying a possible link between HIV infection and these two pathological processes. Carotid atherosclerosis and increased adiposity were independently associated with impaired GLS in HIV-infected individuals.
Prenatal Diagnosis and Postnatal Outcomes of Left Brachiocephalic Vein Abnormalities: Systematic Review
Authors: Gaeta Gerarda , Fesslova Vlasta , Villanacci Roberta , Morano Danila , Candiani Massimo , Pozzoni Mirko , Papale Margherita , Spinillo Silvia Lina , Chiarello Carmelina , Cavoretto Paolo Ivo
Published: March 2022

Abnormalities of the left brachiocephalic vein (LBCVA) are rare and poorly studied prenatally. An association with congenital heart defects (CHD), extracardiac and genetic abnormalities was described. The aim of our study was to estimate the rate and summarize the available evidence concerning prenatal diagnosis, associated anomalies, and outcomes of these anomalies. A systematic literature review was carried out selecting studies reporting on prenatal diagnosis of LBCVA, including unpublished cases from our experience. Frequencies were pooled from cohort studies to calculate prenatal incidence. Pooled proportions were obtained from all the studies including rates of associated CHD, extracardiac or genetic abnormalities and neonatal outcomes. The search resulted in the selection of 16 studies with 311 cases of LBCVA, with an incidence of 0.4% from six cohort studies. CHD occurred in 235/311 (75.6%) fetuses: 23 (7.4%) were major in cases of double, retroesophageal or subaortic course and 212 (68.2%) were minor in cases of absence (always associated with a persistent left superior vena cava) or intrathymic course. Data on other associated outcomes were scarce showing rare extracardiac anomalies (3.5%), rare genetic abnormalities (RASopathies and microdeletions associated with the retroesophageal course), and neonatal outcomes favorable in most cases, particularly in intrathymic forms.
YOLOv4-Based CNN Model versus Nested Contours Algorithm in the Suspicious Lesion Detection on the Mammography Image: A Direct Comparison in the Real Clinical Settings
Authors: Kolchev Alexey , Pasynkov Dmitry , Egoshin Ivan , Kliouchkin Ivan , Pasynkova Olga , Tumakov Dmitrii
Published: March 2022

Background: We directly compared the mammography image processing results obtained with the help of the YOLOv4 convolutional neural network (CNN) model versus those obtained with the help of the NCA-based nested contours algorithm model. Method: We used 1080 images to train the YOLOv4, plus 100 images with proven breast cancer (BC) and 100 images with proven absence of BC to test both models. Results: the rates of true-positive, false-positive and false-negative outcomes were 60, 10 and 40, respectively, for YOLOv4, and 93, 63 and 7, respectively, for NCA. The sensitivities for the YOLOv4 and the NCA were comparable to each other for star-like lesions, masses with unclear borders, round- or oval-shaped masses with clear borders and partly visualized masses. On the contrary, the NCA was superior to the YOLOv4 in the case of asymmetric density and of changes invisible on the dense parenchyma background. Radiologists changed their earlier decisions in six cases per 100 for NCA. YOLOv4 outputs did not influence the radiologists’ decisions. Conclusions: in our set, NCA clinically significantly surpasses YOLOv4.
Union-Retire for Connected Components Analysis on FPGA
Authors: Bailey Donald G. , Klaiber Michael J.
Published: March 2022

The Union-Retire CCA (UR-CCA) algorithm started a new paradigm for connected components analysis. Instead of using directed tree structures, UR-CCA focuses on connectivity. This algorithmic change leads to a reduction in required memory, with no end-of-row processing overhead. In this paper we describe a hardware architecture based on UR-CCA and its realisation on an FPGA. The memory bandwidth and pipelining challenges of hardware UR-CCA are analysed and resolved. It is shown that up to 36% of memory resources can be saved using the proposed architecture. This translates directly to a smaller device for an FPGA implementation.
Towards the Prediction of Favourable Conditions for the Harmful Algal Bloom Onset of Ostreopsis ovata in the Ligurian Sea Based on Satellite and Model Data
Authors: Lapucci Chiara , Maselli Fabio , Chini Zittelli Graziella , Betti Giulio , Vannucchi Valentina , Perna Massimo , Taddei Stefano , Gozzini Bernardo , Ortolani Alberto , Brandini Carlo
Published: March 2022

In recent years, the occurrence of Ostreopsis ovata (O. ovata) Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) has increased in the coasts of the Ligurian Sea, causing problems to the marine environment and human health. Favourable conditions for O. ovata bloom are triggered by many drivers, many of which are still under investigation, but we hypothesize that this phenomenon can be simulated using a reduced number of major meteo-marine factors, namely water temperature and remixing. Satellite and model data obtained and derived from Copernicus service, namely Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and Significant Wave Height (SWH), were therefore investigated as possible proxies of these local factors. A simplified conceptual model, built on such proxies, was developed and applied to yield a synthetic indicator informative on O. ovata abundance. The model was tested in two study areas in the Ligurian Sea, Marina di Pisa and Marina di Massa in Tuscany, Italy. The results obtained show that the synthetic indicator is able to account for about 35% of the temporal variability of O. ovata bloom occurrence in the two study areas.