bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Ab externo subretinal bands removal during pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Elbaha Samir , Ghoneem Mohammed , abousamra Amir , Abouhussein Mahmoud
Published: May 2022

Background

To compare the safety and efficacy of Ab-externo subretinal bands removal in comparison with the classical Ab-interno approach during pars plana vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Methods

Subjects aged 28–62 years with primary RRD complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) with subretinal bands interfering with retinal flattening were treated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and silicone oil injection. Subretinal bands were removed using the classical AB interno approach through one or more retinotomies in ten patients (group A) and using AB externo approach in twenty cases (group B). Post-operative follow-up visits occurred at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, after surgery. The main outcomes were assessment of subretinal bands removal efficacy, documentation of complications, anatomical reattachment rate, and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding patients’ age, gender, lens status, and the onset of retinal detachment. Seventy percent of both groups presented with inferior retinal detachment while ten percent presented with temporal detachments and twenty percent had a total retinal detachment. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in postoperative visual acuity in comparison with preoperative visual acuity (P = 0.005 for group A and P =  < 0.001 for group B). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding preoperative (P = 0.928) and postoperative (P = 0.185) visual acuity. A higher incidence of complications was reported in group A (40%) in comparison with group B (30%) but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.69). More Epimacular membranes were seen postoperatively in group A (30%) in comparison with group B (20%) but again this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.657). Subretinal hemorrhage was seen in ten percent of cases in both groups. Intraocular pressure was measured in every follow-up of all patients in both groups, no statistically significant difference was found between both groups.

Conclusions

Both techniques are effective and safe to remove subretinal bands with similar outcomes.
Association between sedentary behavior and depression among Japanese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Tashiro Tsubasa , Maeda Noriaki , Tsutsumi Shogo , Komiya Makoto , Arima Satoshi , Mizuta Rami , Fukui Kazuki , Nishikawa Yuichi , Urabe Yukio
Published: May 2022

Background

Sedentary behavior, particularly prevalent during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), has been shown to lead to depression. In medical students, this could negatively affect the provision of healthcare. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the association between sedentary behavior and depression in Japanese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from July 30 to August 30, 2021, using anonymous questionnaire system to assess respondents’ sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, sedentary behavior among 1000 Japanese university students. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2). The data of 484 respondents (48.4%) were included in a stepwise analysis, where we set the difference between medical and non-medical students as Model 1 and that between medical students with and without depression as Model 2. For group comparisons of both models, the chi-square test was used for sociodemographic characteristics, and the Mann–Whitney U-test was used for physical activity and sedentary behavior. In Model 2, factors associated with depression among medical students were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

In Model 1, medical students were less physically active (p < 0.001), had longer sedentary time (p < 0.001), and had higher PHQ-2 scores (p = 0.048) than non-medical students. In Model 2, medical students with depression had longer sedentary time (p = 0.004) and longer leisure screen time than those without depression (p = 0.007). Moreover, logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders showed that sedentary time (OR = 1.001, p = 0.048) and leisure screen time (OR = 1.003, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with depression among medical students.

Conclusions

Based on these results, it is evident that reducing Japanese medical students’ sedentary time and leisure screen time can help combat depression during the COVID-19 pandemic; thus, these results can guide the development of appropriate interventions to prevent and treat depression.
Quality-assured training in the evaluation of cochlear implant electrode position: a prospective experimental study
Authors: Mewes Alexander , Burg Sebastian , Brademann Goetz , Dambon Jan Andreas , Hey Matthias
Published: May 2022

Background

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the utility of an approach in training predoctoral medical students, to enable them to measure electrode-to-modiolus distances (EMDs) and insertion-depth angles (aDOIs) in cochlear implant (CI) imaging at the performance level of a single senior rater.

Methods

This prospective experimental study was conducted on a clinical training dataset comprising patients undergoing cochlear implantation with a Nucleus® CI532 Slim Modiolar electrode (N = 20) or a CI512 Contour Advance electrode (N = 10). To assess the learning curves of a single medical student in measuring EMD and aDOI, interrater differences (senior–student) were compared with the intrarater differences of a single senior rater (test–retest). The interrater and intrarater range were both calculated as the distance between the 0.1th and 99.9th percentiles. A “deliberate practice” training approach was used to teach knowledge and skills, while correctives were applied to minimize faulty data-gathering and data synthesis.

Results

Intrarater differences of the senior rater ranged from − 0.5 to 0.5 mm for EMD and − 14° to 16° for aDOI (respective medians: 0 mm and 0°). Use of the training approach led to interrater differences that matched this after the 4th (EMD) and 3rd (aDOI) feedback/measurement series had been provided to the student.

Conclusions

The training approach enabled the student to evaluate the CI electrode position at the performance level of a senior rater. This finding may offer a basis for ongoing clinical quality assurance for the assessment of CI electrode position.
Effects of a novel, 3D printed bilateral arytenoid abductor on canine laryngeal airway resistance ex vivo
Authors: MacGillivray Katelyn E. , Bellefeuille Sean D. , Hoffmann Daniel E. , St. Germaine Lindsay L.
Published: May 2022

Background

Laryngeal paralysis is a disease process most commonly seen in older, large breed dogs. When both arytenoid cartilages are affected dogs can develop life-threatening respiratory compromise, therefore surgical intervention is recommended. While there are multiple surgical procedures that have been described to treat laryngeal paralysis, there remains a considerable risk for postoperative complications, most commonly aspiration pneumonia. The objective of this ex vivo experimental study was to evaluate the effects of a novel, 3D printed bilateral arytenoid abductor on laryngeal airway resistance in canine cadaver larynges. Laryngeal airway resistance was calculated for each specimen before (control) and after placement of a 3D printed, bilateral arytenoid abductor. The airway resistance was measured at an airflow of 10 L/min with the epiglottis closed and at airflows ranging from 15 L/min to 60 L/min with the epiglottis open. The effects of the bilateral arytenoid abductor on laryngeal airway resistance were evaluated statistically.

Results

With the epiglottis open, median laryngeal airway resistance in all larynges with a bilateral arytenoid abductor were significantly decreased at airflows of 15 L/min (0.0cmH2O/L/sec), 30 L/min (0.2cmH2O/L/sec), and 45 L/min (0.2cmH2O/L/sec) compared to the controls 15 L/min (0.4cmH2O/L/sec;P = 0.04), 30 L/min (0.9cmH2O/L/sec;P = 0.04), and 45 L/min (1.2cmH2O/L/sec;P = 0.04). When the epiglottis was closed, there was no significant difference in laryngeal resistance between the control (18.8cmH2O/L/sec) and the abducted larynges (18.1cmH2O/L/sec;P = 0.83).

Conclusions

Placement of a bilateral arytenoid abductor reduced laryngeal resistance in canine cadaver larynges compared to the controls when the epiglottis was open. With the epiglottis closed, there was no loss of laryngeal resistance while the device abducted the arytenoid cartilages. The results of this ex vivo study is encouraging for consideration of further evaluation of the bilateral arytenoid abductor to determine an appropriate material and tolerance of this device in vivo.
Compound Kushen injection inhibits EMT of gastric cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Li Luo , Wang Keshan , Liu Zhenguo , Lü Yajuan , Wang Congcong , Yi Xuefei , Guo Jianping
Published: May 2022

Background

The effective components contained in compound Kushen injection (CKI) and the genes and signalling pathways related to gastric cancer (GC) were analyzed through the network pharmacology method of traditional Chinese medicine, and various possible mechanisms by which CKI affects the proliferation, differentiation, survival, and metastasis of GC cells were discussed. The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway is considered to be one of the most important pathways targeted by CKI in the regulation of GC cells. The implementation of related cell experiments also confirmed the information we revealed.

Methods

Effective drug components of Kushen and Baituling in CKI were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP). Genes related to GC were identified using the GENECARD and OMIM databases. The common target genes related to the effective components of the drug and GC were identified using the intersection method and visualized using software. A protein–protein interaction network (PPI) was established using STRING online software to confirm the key genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to predict the key pathways of CKI in GC treatment. BGC-803 and MKN-28 GC cells were used to verify the signalling pathway. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration ability, and invasion ability were assessed using CCK8, flow cytometry, scratch, and transwell assays. Immunofluorescence assays and western blotting were used to detect the expression of related proteins.

Results

CKI regulated GC cells through 35 effective drug components of GC-related target genes. In total, 194 genes were common targets of CKI and GC. The most significant function of the enriched genes was DNA-binding transcription activator activity as demonstrated by GO enrichment analysis. The metabolic pathway with the highest enrichment was the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway as demonstrated by KEGG enrichment analysis. Our cell experimental evidence also shows that CKI inhibits GC cell growth and migration and induce GC cell apoptosis. In addition, CKI inhibits the EMT process in GC cells through the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.

Conclusion

AKT1 is a key gene for CKI treatment of GC. CKI inhibited GC cell growth and migration and induced GC cell apoptosis. In addition, CKI regulated the EMT process in GC cells through the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.
Oxidative stress facilitates infection of the unicellular alga Haematococcus pluvialis by the fungus Paraphysoderma sedebokerense
Authors: Yan Hailong , Ma Haiyan , Li Yanhua , Zhao Liang , Lin Juan , Jia Qikun , Hu Qiang , Han Danxiang
Published: May 2022

Background

The green microalgaHaematococcus pluvialisis used as a cell factory for producing astaxanthin, the high-value carotenoid with multiple biological functions. However,H. pluvialisis prone to the infection by a parasitic fungusParaphysoderma sedebokerense, which is the most devastating threat to the mass culture ofH. pluvialisall over the world. Through dissecting the mechanisms underlying the infection process, effective measures could be developed to mitigate the pathogen threatening for the natural astaxanthin industry. By far, understanding about the interaction between the algal host and fungal pathogen remains very limited.

Results

We observed that there were heat-stable substances with small molecular weight produced during the infection process and enhanced the susceptibility ofH. pluvialiscells to the pathogen. The infection ratio increased from 10.2% (for the algal cells treated with the BG11 medium as the control) to 52.9% (for the algal cells treated with supernatant contained such substances) on the second day post-infection, indicating the yet unknown substances in the supernatant stimulated the parasitism process. Systematic approaches including multi-omics, biochemical and imaging analysis were deployed to uncover the identity of the metabolites and the underlying mechanisms. Two metabolites, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and hordenine were identified and proved to stimulate the infection via driving oxidative stress to the algal cells. These metabolites generated hydroxyl radicals to disrupt the subcellular components of the algal cells and to make the algal cells more susceptible to the infection. Based on these findings, a biosafe and environment-friendly antioxidant butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) was selected to inhibit the fungal infection, which completely abolished the infection at 12 ppm. By applying 7 ppm BHA every 2 days to the algal cell culture infected withP. sedebokerensein the 100 L open raceway ponds, the biomass ofH. pluvialisreached 0.448 g/L, which was comparable to that of the control (0.473 g/L).

Conclusions

This study provides for the first time, a framework to dissect the functions of secondary metabolites in the interaction between the unicellular alga H. pluvialisand its fungal parasite, indicating that oxidative degradation is a strategy used for the fungal infest. Eliminating the oxidative burst through adding antioxidant BHA could be an effective measure to reduce parasitic infection inH. pluvialismass culture.

Graphical Abstract
Physiological and comparative transcriptome analyses reveal the mechanisms underlying waterlogging tolerance in a rapeseed anthocyanin-more mutant
Authors: Ding Li-Na , Liu Rui , Li Teng , Li Ming , Liu Xiao-Yan , Wang Wei-Jie , Yu Yan-Kun , Cao Jun , Tan Xiao-Li
Published: May 2022

Background

Rapeseed (Brassica napus) is the second largest oil crop worldwide. It is widely used in food, energy production and the chemical industry, as well as being an ornamental. Consequently, it has a large economic value and developmental potential. Waterlogging is an important abiotic stress that restricts plant growth and development. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying waterlogging tolerance in B. napus.

Results

In the present study, the physiological changes and transcriptomes of germination-stage rapeseed in response to waterlogging stress were investigated in the B. napus cultivar ‘Zhongshuang 11’ (ZS11) and its anthocyanin-more (am) mutant, which was identified in our previous study. The mutant showed stronger waterlogging tolerance compared with ZS11, and waterlogging stress significantly increased anthocyanin, soluble sugar and malondialdehyde contents and decreased chlorophyll contents in the mutant after 12 days of waterlogging. An RNA-seq analysis identified 1370 and 2336 differently expressed genes (DEGs) responding to waterlogging stress in ZS11 and am, respectively. An enrichment analysis revealed that the DEGs in ZS11 were predominately involved in carbohydrate metabolism, whereas those in the am mutant were particularly enriched in plant hormone signal transduction and response to endogenous stimulation. In total, 299 DEGs were identified as anthocyanin biosynthesis-related structural genes (24) and regulatory genes encoding transcription factors (275), which may explain the increased anthocyanin content in the am mutant. A total of 110 genes clustered in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway were also identified as DEGs, including 70 involved in auxin and ethylene signal transduction that were significantly changed in the mutant. Furthermore, the expression levels of 16 DEGs with putative roles in anthocyanin accumulation and biotic/abiotic stress responses were validated by quantitative real-time PCR as being consistent with the transcriptome profiles.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of increased anthocyanin contents in rapeseed in response to waterlogging stress, which should be useful for reducing the damage caused by waterlogging stress and for further breeding new rapeseed varieties with high waterlogging tolerance.
Impact of body fat, body water content, and skeletal muscle mass index on peak salivary lactate levels after squat jump exercise in healthy non-athlete adult males
Authors: Okano Satomi , Nishizawa Hitomi , Yui Joya , Nakamura Akinori
Published: May 2022

Background

In the rehabilitation and sports science fields, comprehensive assessment of the response to exercise is important for accurately prescribing exercise programs. Lactate is an important energy substrate that is frequently measured in clinical practice because it provides information on aerobic capacity. Salivary lactate, which can be measured non-invasively, has recently been focused on as an alternative to blood lactate. This study aimed to determine the combined effects of body fat, body water content, and skeletal muscle mass index on peak salivary lactate levels.

Methods

Thirty-seven non-athletic males performed a squat jump exercise. Their salivary lactate levels were measured before, immediately after, and every 5 min after the exercise using a simplified device. We also assessed body composition. A linear multiple regression analysis was performed with peak salivary lactate levels as the dependent variable and body fat ratio, body water content, and the skeletal muscle mass index as independent variables.

Results

The participants’ body fat ratio (positive effect; p = 0.001) and body water content (negative effect; p = 0.035) significantly affected peak salivary lactate levels. Skeletal muscle mass index tended to positively influence salivary lactate levels (p = 0.099), albeit not significantly. The adjusted R-squared value of the model was 0.312 (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The combined effect of body fat, body water content, and skeletal muscle mass index on peak salivary lactate levels was 31.2%. Better nutritional guidance may be effective in promoting weight loss and increasing body water content to improve aerobic capacity in the rehabilitation setting.
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infection in cattle – a review in the context of seasonal pasture-based dairy herds
Authors: Field Niamh L. , McAloon Conor G. , Gavey Lawrence , Mee John F.
Published: May 2022

Johne’s disease is an infectious disease affecting cattle, other ruminants and non-ruminant wildlife worldwide, caused byMycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosis(MAP). This review provides an up-to-date concise overview of the pathogenesis of MAP, the significance of Johne’s disease in cattle and the use of diagnostic testing at both animal and herd level in the context of seasonal pasture-based herds. While MAP can only replicate intracellularly, the bacterium is sufficiently robust to survive for months in the environment. Transmission of MAP is mostly via the faecal-oral route, however in-utero transmission in also possible. The bacteria evade the immune system by persisting in macrophages in the small intestine submucosa, with this latent stage of infection lasting, in most cases, for at least two years before bacterial shedding and clinical signs begin. The slowly progressive nature of MAP infection, poor performance of diagnostic tests and management systems that expose susceptible calves to infection make control of Johne’s disease challenging, particularly in seasonal calving herds. Testing of individual animals provides little assurance for farmers and vets due to the poor sensitivity and, in the case of ELISA, imperfect specificity of the available tests. Repeated herd-level testing is utilised by the IJCP to detect infected herds, identify high risk animals, and provide increasing confidence that test-negative herds are free of infection. The IJCP aims to control the spread of Johne’s disease in cattle in Ireland, in order to protect non-infected herds, limit the economic and animal health impact of the disease, improve calf health and reassure markets of Johne’s disease control in Ireland.
Talking control sessions in people with advanced cancer: a qualitative analysis of sessions
Authors: Lamirel Daphne , Davis Sarah , Low Joe , Serfaty Marc , Armstrong Megan
Published: May 2022

Background

Talking control (TC) was developed to control for the common factors in therapy so that the specific effects of therapy can be tested. A TC was recently used in a pilot study of Acceptance and Commitment therapy for dysfunction in people with advanced cancer. This work explores the audio recording of the sessions in a TC to explore how they were utilised by people with advanced cancer.

Methods

This is a qualitative study nested in larger feasibility randomised control trial. The trial participants were recruited from three London hospices. The study examined data for 5 participants who received weekly sessions of a TC. Fifteen sessions, three per participant, were transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach.

Results

Individuals with advanced cancer used TC sessions as a safe place in which they could express their feelings—from smaller daily concerns to deeper-rooted difficulties. Many participants also engaged in emotional and cognitive avoidance regarding some topics, particularly those pertaining to their cancer. The TC sessions were also used as an opportunity to focus on the more positive aspects of their lives. Lastly, they served to reflect on ways to overcome difficulties.

Conclusions

This study suggests the TC can have beneficial, albeit varying uses for people with advanced cancer, that may even be considered therapeutic.
Bilateral exudative retinal detachments and associated choroidal detachments in a patient on dapsone: a case report
Authors: Dugan Sarah P. , Demirci Hakan
Published: May 2022

Background

Dapsone is a synthetic sulfonamide used to treat numerous dermatologic conditions. Ocular side effects have been rarely reported and include retinal necrosis, optic atrophy, and macular infarction. We report the first known case of bilateral choroidal effusions and exudative retinal detachments associated with dapsone use.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old male with a past medical history of testicular seminoma presented with bilateral blurry vision for 2 months. His exam revealed bilateral choroidal effusions with bilateral exudative retinal detachments without evidence of intraocular tumor. The patient had recently been prescribed dapsone for urticarial vasculitis. The patient was instructed to discontinue dapsone and follow-up closely. Interval follow-up of 8 months demonstrated almost complete resolution of the choroidal effusions and retinal detachments with residual pigment epithelium changes after cessation of dapsone. The patient recovered his pre-detachment visual function.

Conclusions

Patients on dapsone who present with new visual complaints should undergo a thorough ophthalmic evaluation given the multiple mechanisms by which dapsone can affect the eye.
Identifying predictors of digital competence of educators and their impact on online guidance
Authors: Guillén-Gámez Francisco D. , Linde-Valenzuela Teresa , Ramos Marta , Mayorga-Fernandez María J.
Published: May 2022

In the current socio-health situation, new educational challenges have emerged, such as the need to implement a virtual tutorial action. Therefore, this study has three objectives: (1) to investigate the level of digital competence that early childhood and primary school teachers possess to carry out quality online tutorial actions; (2) to analyse whether there are differences in use at both education stages; and (3) to identify which variables significantly affect the development of this competence at each educational stage. For this purpose, an ex post facto design was used, based on the survey technique, by means of non-probabilistic purposive sampling. The final sample consisted of a total of 1,069 educators working at the early childhood and primary education stages, from all over Spain. The results showed acceptable digital competence, with higher scores in the primary education stage, which may be due to characteristics of the students and the education stage itself, rather than to teachers’ digital competences. On the other hand, it was found that the virtual tutorial action tasks are significantly influenced in the early childhood education stage by blogs, WhatsApp, Facebook, and number of tutoring hours per month with families, while for the primary stage they are influenced by blogs, WhatsApp, Twitter, ClassDojo, Moodle, tutoring hours, number of tutoring hours per month with families, and sex. Based on these results, there is an obvious need for educational institutions to continue to develop teacher training in relation to the use of resources to carry out adequate tutoring actions and thus increase the diversification in the use of resources.
Evaluation of outcome of different neurosurgical modalities in management of cervical dystonia
Authors: Alkarras Mazen , Nabeeh Adel , El Molla Shafik , El Gayar Abdelrahman , Fayed Zeiad Y. , Ghany Walid Abdel , Raslan Ahmed M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Cervical dystonia is the most common form of focal dystonia and is managed by multiple modalities including repeated botulinum toxin injections, in addition to medical treatment with anticholinergics, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy. However, surgical interventions could be beneficial in otherwise refractory patients. This study aims to report our experience in the neurosurgical management of cervical dystonia and evaluate patient outcomes using reliable outcome scores for the assessment of patients with cervical dystonia and possible complications. This case series study was conducted on 19 patients with cervical dystonia of different etiologies who underwent surgical management [ten patients underwent selective peripheral denervation, five patients underwent pallidotomy, and four patients underwent bilateral globus pallidus internus (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS)] in the period between July 2018 and June 2021 at Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. With the assessment of surgical outcomes using the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) and the Tsui scale 6 months postoperatively.

Results

Surgical management of patients with cervical dystonia of either primary or secondary etiology was associated with significant improvement in head and neck postures after 6 months without major complications associated with the different surgical procedures. The mean improvement in total TWSTRS and Tsui scores were 51.2% and 64.8%, respectively, compared with preoperative scores, while the mean improvement in the TWSTRS subscales (severity, disability, and pain) were 40.2%, 66.9%, and 58.3%, respectively.

Conclusion

Cervical dystonia patients in whom non-surgical options have failed to alleviate their symptoms can be managed surgically leading to significant improvements with minimal adverse effects. However, surgical treatment should be tailored according to several factors including but not limited to the etiology, pattern of dystonic activity, and comorbidities. Therefore, management should be tailored to achieve long-term improvement with minimal risk of complications.
Nerve block using local anesthetic and dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Mostafa Tarek Abdel hay , Tommom Mohammed Osama , Khalil Naglaa Khalil
Published: May 2022

Background

The main anesthetic goal in the postoperative period of functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is early and pain-free recovery, with return of protective airway reflex. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to regional blocks in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery.

Results

Group bupivacaine + dexmedetomidine (BD) showed statistically significantly lower postoperative pain measurements than group bupivacaine (B), longer time to the first request of rescue analgesia, less patients needing rescue analgesia, and less rescue morphine analgesic requirements. Other measurements were insignificantly different between both groups.

Conclusions

Dexmedetomidine can be used as an adjuvant to regional nerve block in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery. It effectively prolonged postoperative analgesia, decreased postoperative opioid analgesic requirements, and reduced the number of patients needing rescue analgesia.
Gold-based nanoplatform for a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic test assay for gluten detection
Authors: Momeni Arefe , Rostami-Nejad Mohammad , Salarian Reza , Rabiee Mohammad , Aghamohammadi Elham , Zali Mohammad Reza , Rabiee Navid , Tay Franklin R. , Makvandi Pooyan
Published: May 2022

Background

Gluten, a food allergen, is available in foods derived from wheat, rye and barley. It damages the small intestine and causes celiac disease. Herein, we designed a rapid immunochromatographic lateral flow test assay for detecting the gluten contents of raw materials. In this rapid test, the presence of gluten was screened through the capturing of gliadin (a toxic component of gluten) by two identical gliadin monoclonal antibodies. One of the antibodies was immobilized on the membrane in the test zone as a capture reagent. The other antibody was labeled with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as a detector reagent.

Results

Gold nanoparticles with a size of about 20 nm were synthesized and conjugated to the gliadin monoclonal antibodies. The detection limit of the experimental assay was 20 ppm and positive results were visualized after 15 min using only 40 μL of the extracted sample for each test. Analysis of different flour samples identified the best sensitivity and specificity of the lateral flow test strip (LFTS).

Conclusion

The experimental LFTS is an easy-to-use and rapid method for the screening of gluten level in raw materials. The LFTS may be employed to ensure the safety of foods.
Human Identical Sequences, hyaluronan, and hymecromone ─ the new mechanism and management of COVID-19
Authors: Yang Shuai , Tong Ying , Chen Lu , Yu Wenqiang
Published: May 2022

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has created formidable damage to public health and market economy. Currently, SARS-CoV-2 variants has exacerbated the transmission from person-to-person. Even after a great deal of investigation on COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 is still rampaging globally, emphasizing the urgent need to reformulate effective prevention and treatment strategies. Here, we review the latest research progress of COVID-19 and provide distinct perspectives on the mechanism and management of COVID-19. Specially, we highlight the significance of Human Identical Sequences (HIS), hyaluronan, and hymecromone (“Three-H”) for the understanding and intervention of COVID-19. Firstly, HIS activate inflammation-related genes to influence COVID-19 progress through NamiRNA-Enhancer network. Accumulation of hyaluronan induced by HIS-mediatedHAS2upregulation is a substantial basis for clinical manifestations of COVID-19, especially in lymphocytopenia and pulmonary ground-glass opacity. Secondly, detection of plasma hyaluronan can be effective for evaluating the progression and severity of COVID-19. Thirdly, spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 may bind to hyaluronan and further serve as an allergen to stimulate allergic reaction, causing sudden adverse effects after vaccination or the aggravation of COVID-19. Finally, antisense oligonucleotides of HIS or inhibitors of hyaluronan synthesis (hymecromone) or antiallergic agents could be promising therapeutic agents for COVID-19. Collectively, Three-H could hold the key to understand the pathogenic mechanism and create effective therapeutic strategies for COVID-19.
Long-Term Health-Related Quality of Life of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Patients and Nontransplant Patients With Aggressive Lymphoma: A Prospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Strouse Christopher S. , Larson Melissa C. , Ehlers Shawna L. , Yost Kathleen J. , Maurer Matthew J. , Ansell Stephen M. , Inwards David J. , Johnston Patrick B. , Micallef Ivana N. , Link Brian K. , Farooq Umar , Cerhan James R. , Thompson Carrie A.
Published: May 2022

PURPOSE:

This study assessed the long-term quality of life (QOL) of patients with aggressive lymphoma subtypes treated with autologous hematopoietic cell transplant (autoHCT) compared with those without history of transplant.

METHODS:

Patient-reported QOL measures were prospectively gathered from patients enrolled in the Iowa/Mayo Specialized Program of Research Excellence Molecular Epidemiology Resource cohort with aggressive lymphoma subtypes. QOL was measured using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Profile of Mood States instruments and with a numeric rating scale for overall QOL and spiritual QOL. The autoHCT group and no HCT groups were compared at 3 years (FU3) and 6 years (FU6) after lymphoma diagnosis.

RESULTS:

In total, 980 patients with lymphoma (106 autoHCT and 874 no HCT) diagnosed between 2002 and 2013 were included for analysis. The mean FACT-G total score was similar in the autoHCT and no HCT groups at FU3 (89.9 v 90.1, P = .64) and also at FU6 (91.5 v 89.6, P = .44). No differences between the autoHCT and no HCT groups were identified in the FACT subscales. The STAI identified lower anxiety in the autoHCT group by mean STAI1 (state) at FU3 (30.1 v 33.4, P < .01) and by mean STAI2 (trait) at FU6 (30.1 v 33.5, P = .02). No other clinically meaningful differences were identified between the two groups using the other QOL instruments.

CONCLUSION:

Patients remaining in remission at 3 and 6 years after diagnosis had a high level of QOL with no significant differences associated with history of treatment with autoHCT.
Ecology in the Wake: Black Studies, Literary Method, and the Nonhuman
Authors: Ivry Henry
Published: May 2022

As the Anthropocene has migrated from the life and physical sciences into the humanities as both a theoretical and material condition, there have been a growing number of critics who have critiqued the Anthropos of the Anthropocene, arguing that the monolithic humanity imagined whitewashes the asymmetric inequities of the humans of humanity. While much of this work has advocated for a dismissal of the Anthropocene concept, this article traces an alternate trajectory that has begun to emerge at the juncture of Black studies and literary theory. In this article, the author considers how a number of Black studies theorists have begun to argue for the centrality of blackness in our engagement with the nonhuman world. Bringing together three recent works, including Zakiyyah Iman Jackson’s Becoming Human, Joshua Bennett’s Being Property Once Myself, and Jayna Brown’s Black Utopia, this article argues for an alternative conception of the Anthropocene that originates in and through Blackness. Moreover, this article looks at the centrality of literary studies (and its attending methodologies) in building and envisaging the nascent field of Black ecology.
Single-cell RNA-sequencing of mammalian brain development: insights and future directions
Authors: Vinsland Elin , Linnarsson Sten
Published: May 2022

Understanding human brain development is of fundamental interest but is also very challenging. Single-cell RNA-sequencing studies in mammals have revealed that brain development is a highly dynamic process with tremendous, previously concealed, cellular heterogeneity. This Spotlight discusses key insights from these studies and their implications for experimental models. We survey published single-cell RNA-sequencing studies of mouse and human brain development, organized by anatomical regions and developmental time points. We highlight remaining gaps in the field, predominantly concerning human brain development. We propose future directions to fill the remaining gaps, and necessary complementary techniques to create an atlas integrated in space and time of human brain development.
A unique form of collective epithelial migration is crucial for tissue fusion in the secondary palate and can overcome loss of epithelial apoptosis
Authors: Teng Teng , Teng Camilla S. , Kaartinen Vesa , Bush Jeffrey O.
Published: May 2022

Tissue fusion frequently requires the removal of an epithelium that intervenes distinct primordia to form one continuous structure. In the mammalian secondary palate, a midline epithelial seam (MES) forms between two palatal shelves and must be removed to allow mesenchymal confluence. Abundant apoptosis and cell extrusion support their importance in MES removal. However, genetically disrupting the intrinsic apoptotic regulators BAX and BAK within the MES results in complete loss of cell death and cell extrusion, but successful removal of the MES. Novel static- and live-imaging approaches reveal that the MES is removed through streaming migration of epithelial trails and islands to reach the oral and nasal epithelial surfaces. Epithelial trail cells that express the basal epithelial marker ΔNp63 begin to express periderm markers, suggesting that migration is concomitant with differentiation. Live imaging reveals anisotropic actomyosin contractility within epithelial trails, and genetic ablation of actomyosin contractility results in dispersion of epithelial collectives and failure of normal MES migration. These findings demonstrate redundancy between cellular mechanisms of morphogenesis, and reveal a crucial and unique form of collective epithelial migration during tissue fusion.
Accelerating animal energetics: high dive costs in a small seabird disrupt the dynamic body acceleration–energy expenditure relationship
Authors: Ste-Marie Eric , Grémillet David , Fort Jérôme , Patterson Allison , Brisson-Curadeau Émile , Clairbaux Manon , Perret Samuel , Speakman John R. , Elliott Kyle H.
Published: May 2022

Accelerometry has been widely used to estimate energy expenditure in a broad array of terrestrial and aquatic species. However, a recent reappraisal of the method showed that relationships between dynamic body acceleration (DBA) and energy expenditure weaken as the proportion of non-mechanical costs increases. Aquatic air breathing species often exemplify this pattern, as buoyancy, thermoregulation and other physiological mechanisms disproportionately affect oxygen consumption during dives. Combining biologging with the doubly labelled water method, we simultaneously recorded daily energy expenditure (DEE) and triaxial acceleration in one of the world's smallest wing-propelled breath-hold divers, the dovekie (Alle alle). These data were used to estimate the activity-specific costs of flying and diving and to test whether overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA) is a reliable predictor of DEE in this abundant seabird. Average DEE for chick-rearing dovekies was 604±119 kJ day−1 across both sampling years. Despite recording lower stroke frequencies for diving than for flying (in line with allometric predictions for auks), dive costs were estimated to surpass flight costs in our sample of birds (flying: 7.24× basal metabolic rate, BMR; diving: 9.37× BMR). As expected, ODBA was not an effective predictor of DEE in this species. However, accelerometer-derived time budgets did accurately estimate DEE in dovekies. This work represents an empirical example of how the apparent energetic costs of buoyancy and thermoregulation limit the effectiveness of ODBA as the sole predictor of overall energy expenditure in small shallow-diving endotherms.
Facile Synthesis of Highly Uniform ZnMn2O4 Hollow Nanospheres with Excellent Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Qi Shuai , Li Yan , Liu Zhiyuan , Zhang Rui , Wang Qing , Hou Yongzhao , Qiu Yao , Zhang Lijuan , Wen Guangwu , Wang Dong
Published: May 2022

Hollow nano/micron-structured transition metal oxides (TMOs) hold great potential as electrodes for rechargeable batteries, due to abundant electrochemically active sites, shortened ion diffusion length, and robust architecture. Herein, a facile solvothermal approach combined with post annealing is reported for synthesizing highly uniform ZnMn2O4 hollow nanospheres. The one-pot solvothermal reaction is the key step to form a hollow interior. With solvothermal reaction processing, the precursor solid nanospheres are formed firstly, which gradually evolve into core-shelled structures and finally hollow structures via a self-templated process. Then, the ZnMn2O4 nanospheres with well-inherited hollow interior are obtained by the thermal decomposition of precursors. When evaluated as an electrode, the ZnMn2O4 hollow nanospheres show lithium storage properties superior to solid counterparts, in view of high reversible capacity (735.0 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g−1), and ultralong cyclic stability (up to 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1). A dominant pseudocapacitive contribution of 60.0% is identified for the ZnMn2O4 hollow electrode, leading to excellent rate performance. This work provides a new path for preparing TMOs with hierarchically hollow structure.
Scalable data-driven enrichment analysis of short RNAs
Authors: Ζαγγανάς Κωνσταντίνος
Published: May 2022

Τα microRNA (ή miRNA) είναι μόρια RNA μικρού μήκους που παίζουν έναν πολύ σημαντικό ρόλο στη ρύθμιση της γονιδιακής έκφρασης, δηλαδή την παραγωγή πρωτεϊνών, οι οποίες αποτελούν σημαντικά δομικά και λειτουργικά τμήματα ενός κυττάρου. Τα miRNA "αποσιωπούν" τα γονίδια μέσω της πρόσδεσής τους με αυτά, σταματώντας την παραγωγή της αντίστοιχης πρωτεΐνης. Παρόλα αυτά, οι μηχανισμοί που διέπουν τη λειτουργία των miRNA είναι συνήθως αρκετά περίπλοκοι και σε συνδυασμό με το γεγονός ότι ο αριθμός των miRNA σε κάποιον οργανισμό μπορεί να φτάσει τις αρκετές χιλιάδες, γίνεται αντιληπτό ότι τα πειράματα σε ένα εργαστήριο μπορεί να είναι μια μακρά, δύσκολη και συχνά ακριβή διαδικασία. Επιπρόσθετα, κάποιοι επιστήμονες ενδιαφέρονται να συγκρίνουν τη γονιδιακή έκφραση ανάμεσα σε υγιή άτομα και άτομα που νοσούν από κάποια ασθένεια και χρειάζεται να ποσοτικοποιήσουν αυτή τη διαφορά μέσω στατιστικών μεθόδων. Για αυτό το λόγο, ερευνητές Βιοπληροφορικής έχουν αναπτύξει μεθόδους προσομοίωσης και αλγορίθμους σε υπολογιστή όπως η \emph{Ανάλυση εμπλουτισμού miRNA}, η οποία αποτελεί μια στατιστική τεχνική πρόβλεψης του κατά πόσο ένα σύνολο από miRNA μπορεί να επηρεάζει μια βιολογική λειτουργία. Μία από τις πρόσφατες προσεγγίσεις τέτοιων αναλύσεων αποτελεί ο αμερόληπτος λειτουργικός εμπλουτισμός για miRNA, που βασίζεται σε έναν σημαντικά μεγάλο αριθμό πράξεων μεταξύ συνόλων και με αυτόν τον τρόπο, οδηγεί σε χρόνους εκτέλεσης που έχουν τάξη μεγέθους ώρες ή ακόμα και μέρες.Στη διατριβή αυτή επιδιώκουμε να δώσουμε στον αμερόληπτο εμπλουτισμό miRNA, που αποτελεί μια υπολογιστικά εντατική δεδομενοκεντρική ανάλυση, μια πιο κλιμακώσιμη μορφή, χρησιμοποιώντας τεχνικές διαχείρισης δεδομένων και άλλες μεθόδους της επιστήμης υπολογιστών. Αρχικά εξετάζουμε την απόδοση μια δομής δεδομένων, που ονομάζεται διανύσμα από bit, σε σύγκριση με την απόδοση των πινάκων κατακερματισμού για αναπαράσταση συνόλων και προτείνουμε μία νέα, υβριδική προσέγγιση για τη μείωση του χρόνου εκτέλεσης. Παράλληλα, βελτιστοποιούμε την ανάλυση εισάγοντας δύο νέα ευρετήρια που χρησιμοποιούνται για την εξάλειψη πράξεων συνόλων που εκτελούνται περισσότερες από μία φορές καθώς και για να φιλτράρουν πιθανά στατιστικά ασήμαντες συσχετίσεις ανάμεσα σε miRNA και βιολογικές λειτουργίες. Επιπρόσθετα, δείχνουμε ότι η τεχνολογία αιχμής παρουσιάζει μειωμένη ευαισθησία στα ψευδώς αρνητικά αποτελέσματα και επίσης προτείνουμε μία τροποποίηση στον στατιστικό πυρήνα της ανάλυσης προκειμένου να αυξήσουμε την ποιότητά της. Επιπλέον, προτείνουμε μία προσέγγιση πρόβλεψης p-values σε πραγματικό χρόνο αντί του πλήρους αναλυτικού υπολογισμού μέσω της χρήσης εποπτευόμενων τεχνικών μηχανικής μάθησης. Τέλος, εισάγουμε τεχνικές διαχείρισης και ανάλυσης δεδομένων κατά τη σχεδίαση διαδικτυακών εργαλείων, προκειμένου να επιτύχουμε αναλύσεις πραγματικού χρόνου. Tαυτόχρονα προσπαθούμε να καλύψουμε την ανάγκη για μια πλατφόρμα που διευκολύνει την αναπαραγωγή και την κλιμακώσιμη εκτέλεση κιβωτιοποιημένου λογισμικού σε περιβάλλον Νέφους που αποτελείται από μηχανές με ετερογενή χαρακτηριστικά.
Promoting access of hydroxyurea to sickle cell disease individuals: Time to make it an essential medicine
Authors: Kilonzi Manase , Mlyuka Hamu , Jonathan Agnes , Tutuba Hilda , Chirande Lulu , Rugajo Paschal , Kida Irene , Balandya Emmanuel , Makani Julie , Sirili Nathanael
Published: May 2022

Hydroxyurea (HU) alone has the potential to prevent one out of every three deaths due to sickle cell disease (SCD) and almost all forms of disabilities caused by SCD. However, in Tanzania, only one out of every six registered SCD patients in the SPARCO-Tanzania Sickle Cell Cohort use HU. We conducted studies to understand factors influencing utilization of HU in Tanzania and discovered that among the reason for low utilization of HU include HU is classified as anticancer medication, only hematologists are supposed to prescribe HU, limited HU prescription to only National and Specialized hospitals, a special permit is required to access HU using National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme and limited importation and absence of local manufacturing of HU limit availability of this important drug in Tanzania. Therefore, with this brief, the government should allow prescription of HU to the district hospitals level, should allow all clinicians with a minimum of a Bachelor of Medicine to prescribe HU, and accessibility of HU through NHIF should be friendly.
PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT DALAM UPAYA PENINGKATAN PENGETAHUAN BAHAYA PEMBAKARAN SAMPAH DI DUSUN JERUK LEGI KATONGAN NGLIPAR GUNUNGKIDUL
Authors: Maulana Muchsin , Desian Dina , Oktafia Rina , Dintasari Violita Apriliyani , Rahayuningsih Jihan Nur , Rahayu Mustika , Ifdahlia Ifdahlia , Khairani Ilza , Rofa Jefri Oktaviano
Published: May 2022

Masih rendahnya pengetahuan masyarakat terhadap pengelolaan sampah dapat mengakibatkan pencemaran lingkungan akibat pengelolaan sampah yang salah. Oleh karena itu kegiatan yang berkaitan dengan peningkatan pengetahuan terhadap pengelolaan sampah sangatlah penting agar masyarakat memiliki pengetahuan terhadap pengelolaan sampah. Setiap jenis sampah memiliki cara pengelolaan yang berbeda-beda yang disebabkan bedanya unsur yang terdapat pada sampah tersebut. Permasalahan di dusun Jeruk Legi Katongan Nglipar Gunung Kidul masih banyaknya masyarakat melakukan pengelolaan terhadap sampah dengan cara dibakar. Program ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan masyarakat dalam pengelolaan sampah yang baik dan benar agar tidak mencemari lingkungan. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengabdian ini dengan pengisian kuesioner untuk mengetahui permasalahan di dusun Jeruk Legi Katongan Nglipar Gunung Kidul setelahnya dilakukan diskusi bersama masyrakat setempat untuk menyampaikan permasalahan yang didapat. Setelah diskusi disetujui bahwa masalah terkait pengelolaan sampah yang menjadi masalah utama setelahnya dilakukan penyuluhuan terkait bahaya pembakaran sampah yang dilanjutkan dengan tanya jawab dengan masyarakat terkait masalah yang ada.