bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered immune response in organic acidemia
Authors: Altun Ilayda , Kiykim Ayca , Zubarioglu Tanyel , Burtecene Nihan , Hopurcuoglu Duhan , Topcu Birol , Cansever Mehmet Serif , Kiykim Ertugrul , Cokugras Haluk Cezmi , Aktuglu Zeybek Ayse Cigdem 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundMost patients with organic acidemia suffer from recurrent infections. Although neutropenia has been reported in multiple studies, other components of the immune system have not been evaluated thoroughly. This study was conducted to assess the immune status of patients with organic acidemia (OA).MethodsThirty‐three patients with OA who were followed up in Istanbul University‐Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Nutrition and Metabolism Department and a total of 32 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were enrolled to the study. The demographic and clinical data were recorded retrospectively from patient files. Complete blood counts, immunoglobulins, and lymphocyte immunophenotyping were recorded prospectively in a symptom‐ (infection‐) free period.ResultsOf the 33 patients enrolled to the study, 21 (88%) were diagnosed with methylmalonic acidemia, 10 (33%) with propionic acidemia, and two (6.6%) with isovaleric acidemia. The mean age of the patients with OA and healthy subjects were 5.89 ± 4.11 years and 5.34 ± 4.36, respectively (P = 0.602). Twenty‐nine (88%) of the patients had experienced frequent hospital admission, 13 (39%) were admitted to pediatric intensive care unit, and 18 (55%) suffered from sepsis. Naïve helper T cells and recent thymic emigrants were significantly lower in OAs (P < 0.001). Various defects in humoral immunity have also been documented including memory B cells and immunoglobulins.ConclusionsPatients with OAs may show adaptive immune defects rendering them susceptible to infections. Metabolic reprogramming based on nutritional modifications may be a promising therapeutic option in the future.
Intestinal polyparasitism and levels of mucosal anthelmintic SIgA in children from endemic areas in Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Luciana M. , Oliveira Yvanna L. D. C. , Oliveira Yrna L. M. , Ramos Anne Caroline S. , Andrade Gabriela F. , Sá Vitor L. , Geraldi Ricardo M. , Pinheiro Carina S. , Bueno Lilian L. , Fujiwara Ricardo T. , Dolabella Silvio S. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractInteractions between parasites during co‐infections are often complex and can impact immunization and treatment programmes, as well as disease outcomes and morbidity. However, little is known about these interactions and the mechanisms involved. In this study, a coproparasitological survey was carried out in school‐age children living in endemic areas of parasitic infection in the state of Sergipe, Northeastern Brazil. Anti‐helminth‐specific and total secretory immunoglobulin‐A (SIgA) levels were measured in stool and saliva samples and were compared in children presenting monoparasitism, polyparasitism (helminths and/or intestinal protozoa) and no infections. The survey showed that protozoa were more prevalent than helminths, and that there was a high frequency of polyparasitism in the studied population, mainly from combinations of protozoan species. Although less frequent, combinations between species of protozoa and helminths were also observed. The levels of salivary SIgA in these co‐infected individuals were lower than the average observed in infections with helminths alone. Although the children participating in this survey were asymptomatic, and it was, therefore, not possible to evaluate the impact of salivary SIgA reduction on the diseases, and the study highlights the need for further investigations of co‐infections by intestinal parasites and the effects on immune response induced by the interactions between different parasites.
Reviewing the importance of TLR‐NLRP3‐pyroptosis pathway and mechanism of experimental NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors
Authors: Kinra Manas , Nampoothiri Madhavan , Arora Devinder , Mudgal Jayesh 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCells encounter continuous challenges due to tissue insult caused by endogenous and/or exogenous stimuli. Among the mechanisms set in place to counterbalance the tissue insult, innate immunity is always at the forefront. Cells of innate immunity efficiently recognize the ‘danger signals’ via a specialized set of membrane‐bound receptors known as Toll‐like receptors. Once this interaction is established, toll‐like receptor passes on the responsibility to cytosolic NOD‐like receptors through a cascade of signalling pathways. Subsequently, NOD‐like receptors assemble to a specialized multiprotein intracellular complex, that is inflammasome. Inflammasome activates Caspase‐1 and Gasdermin‐D which initiate pyroptotic cell death in the affected tissue by two simultaneous mechanisms. Being a protease, caspase‐1 cleaves and activates pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18. On the other hand, Gasdermin‐D causes proteolytic cleavage which forms a pore in the cell membrane. This review highlights the molecular events ranging from recognition of stimuli to pyroptosis. The review is also an attempt to discuss the mechanisms of the most specific experimental NLRP3 inhibitors.
Human health and economic impact of neurocysticercosis in Uganda
Authors: Dupont Fabian , Trevisan Chiara , Moriku Kaducu Joyce , Ovuga Emilio , Schmidt Veronika , Winkler Andrea S. , Devleesschauwer Brecht 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveNeurocysticercosis (NCC), caused by the pork tapeworm Taenia solium, is a major cause of acquired epilepsy in endemic regions. The Republic of Uganda, one of the great‐lakes nations in East Africa, has undergone major strives of political instability in the past century, impeding control of T. solium and other foodborne diseases. Building on data on the epidemiology of NCC, we aimed to assess the health and economic impact of NCC‐associated epilepsy and headache in Uganda.MethodsWe used DisMod II to generate an internally consistent, complete and age‐stratified set of epidemiological parameters for NCC epilepsy, and subsequently modelled the NCC headache incidence from the NCC epilepsy incidence. The health impact of both conditions was quantified in terms of Disability‐Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), while the economic impact was quantified as the cost of illness associated with direct healthcare costs, patient costs and productivity losses. For both assessments, we adopted an incidence perspective and used 2010 as reference year. Uncertainty was propagated using 100,000 Monte Carlo simulations.ResultsIn 2010, NCC was estimated to cause more than 9000 (CI: 7685–11,071) new cases of epilepsy and nearly 1500 new cases of headache, eventually leading to nearly 3000 deaths. Overall, it was estimated that NCC led to more than 170,000 DALYs (5.2 per 1000 person years; 16 per incident case) and an economic loss of more than USD 75 million (8000 per incident case). Non‐fatal health outcomes were the largest contributors to the overall health impact, while productivity losses dominated the NCC cost of illness.ConclusionsNCC imposes a substantial burden on public health and the economy in Uganda with poor attention given to this public health problem. Increased awareness among governments, international agencies, and general public, as well as targeted intervention studies using a One Health approach are needed to reduce the significant burden of NCC in Uganda.
E2Fb and E2Fa transcription factors independently regulate the DNA damage response after ultraviolet B exposure in Arabidopsis
Authors: Gómez María Sol , Sheridan María Luján , Casati Paula 
Published: December 2021

SUMMARYUltraviolet (UV)B radiation affects plant growth inhibiting cell proliferation. This inhibition is in part controlled by the activity of transcription factors from the E2F family. In particular, the participation of E2Fc and E2Fe in UV‐B responses in Arabidopsis plants was previously reported. However, the E2Fa and E2Fb contribution to these processes has still not been investigated. Thus, in this work, we provide evidence that, in Arabidopsis, both E2Fa and E2Fb control leaf size under UV‐B conditions without participating in the repair of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers in the DNA. Nevertheless, in UV‐B‐exposed seedlings, E2Fa, but not E2Fb, regulates primary root elongation, cell proliferation, and programmed cell death in the meristematic zone. Using e2fa mutants that overexpress E2Fb, we showed that the role of E2Fa in the roots could not be replaced by E2Fb. Finally, our results show that E2Fa and E2Fb differentially regulate the expression of genes that activate the DNA damage response and cell cycle progression, both under conditions without UV‐B and after exposure. Overall, we showed that both E2Fa and E2Fb have different and non‐redundant roles in developmental and DNA damage responses in Arabidopsis plants exposed to UV‐B.
An uncommon occurrence of bicavitary effusion due to mast cell neoplasia in a 12‐year‐old mixed breed dog
Authors: Ramdass Kris , Lunardon Thainá , Etzioni Athema L. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA case of bicavitary effusion affecting a 12‐year‐old female spayed mixed breed dog that was presented to Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine's Emergency Service for abdominal distension and vomiting. Upon physical exam, the patient exhibited signs of pain and sensitivity to touch and pain on abdominal palpation with a positive fluid wave. The patient also had dull mentation and increased respiratory effort with an abdominal component. On labwork, there was a leukocytosis characterized by a mature neutrophilia, monocytosis, and basophilia. A mild thrombocytopenia with low numbers of poorly granulated mast cells were also noted on peripheral blood smear review. Serum biochemistry revealed a mild azotemia and abnormal SNAP cPL test. The patient received a full abdominal ultrasound, which detected bicavitary effusion, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Cytology of the cavitary effusions was moderately cellular with significant numbers of mast cells. The patient was euthanized following a tentative diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis. The clinical signs, in this case, are consistent with published data for systemic mastocytosis, which include organomegaly, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal signs, and hematologic abnormalities. However, this is the first report of bicavitary effusion due to presumed systemic mastocytosis.
Experimental Investigation of the Dynamics of a Slider-Crank Mechanism With Local Linear Force Input
Authors: Beckers Jarl , Verrelst Bjorn , Contino Francesco , Van Mierlo Joeri 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Conventional implementation of slider-crank mechanisms result in high loads transmitted through the mechanical structure, inhibiting the design of compact and oil-free machines. Therefore, this research proposes to step away from the conventional, i.e., rotative, actuation and to investigate local linear actuation on the slider-component directly, while maintaining the kinematic link of the slider-crank configuration. In this work, the local linear actuating principle is evaluated experimentally where the goal is to obtain a continuous movement of the slider mechanism where Top Dead Center & Bottom Dead Center are reached and to minimize the loads transmitted through the mechanical structure. The non-isochronous transient behavior of a slider-crank mechanism loaded with a spring-damper element is detailed as well as the optimal working conditions at steady-state to achieve a reduced loading of the kinematic structure. By matching the operating frequency and resonance frequency of the system, a reduction of the loads transmitted through the system by 63% of the nominal spring load can be achieved. Further experimental (and multibody mechanical) investigation on the influence of flywheel exposes a clear trade-off between the sensitivity of the system and the transmission of the actuation force through the kinematic link.
Tunable Three-Dimensional Vibrational Structures for Concurrent Determination of Thin Film Modulus and Density
Authors: Wang Hairui , Wei Chen , Zhang Yao , Ma Yinji , Chen Ying , Wang Heling , Feng Xue 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The real-time characterization of thin film properties can provide insights into the behavior of film material during process such as phase-transition, hydration, and chemical reaction. The shift of reasonant frequency in structural vibration serves as the basis of an effective approach to determine film properties, but encounters the difficulty that multiple to-be-determined quantites (e.g., film modulus and density) are often related to the resonant frequency simultaneously and therefore cannot be determined by a structure with fixed shape and vibration mode. Determinsitic mechanical buckling provides an effective route for the vibrational structure to rapidly switch between designed shapes and vibration modes. Here, we adopt a ribbon structure in the flat state and buckled state to yield two distinct vibration modes. Theoretical models of the natural frequencies are established for first-order out-of-plane modes of the ribbon with patterned thin films in these two states, respectively. The model suggests that with optimized film pattern the sensitivity of the natural frequencies to the film modulus and density can be partially decoupled. The results lead to a simple and effective method based on tunable vibration to characterize the thin film modulus and density at small scale.
T-Maps-Based Tolerance Analysis of Composites Assembly Involving Compensation Strategies
Authors: Wang Hua , Lin Yujin , Yan Chen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Clamping force and shimming are two important compensation processes in the composite assembly. Their effects on variation propagation should be investigated in tolerance analysis. The paper presents a tolerance analysis method for composites assembly based on the T-Maps method, mainly concerning the anisotropic variations accumulation and propagation where there is the clamping force modification and the shimming. Variations of the composite parts in different directions are represented by the T-Maps. Since the different axial deviations are represented in the same Euclidean point-space, the T-Maps-based tolerance analysis of the composite parts assembly provides more accurate and reliable results. Compensation processes, the clamping force, and the shimming, on assembly tolerance synthesis of the composite parts, are analyzed clearly in the T-Map. This procedure is found to be effective for the anisotropy-oriented assembly tolerance analysis, especially concerning about effect of the clamping force and the shimming on variations accumulation and propagation. The assembly of an aircraft composite elevator is considered to demonstrate the effectiveness of the T-Maps-based method. The procedures outlined in the paper are quite general and can be used for assembly tolerance analysis of anisotropic parts.
Analysis of the physical and microbiocidal characteristics of an emerging and innovative UV disinfection technology
Authors: Messina Gabriele , Amodeo Davide , Corazza Alessio , Nante Nicola , Cevenini Gabriele 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionSurface disinfection is one of the key points to reduce the risk of transmission both in healthcare and other public spaces. A novel UV-chip disinfection technology is presented. Technological, photonic and microbiocidal characteristics are evaluated taking as reference an ultraviolet-C (UV-C) LED source of equivalent radiant power.MethodsThe UV chip has a circular radiating surface with a diameter of 1.3 cm, emitting UV cold light at about 5 mW and driven current of about 80 µA. Four bacterial strains were used to conduct the microbiological tests at 4°C and 60°C to evaluate the bactericidal performance of the two technologies under the same operating conditions.ResultsSpectral differences were found between the UV-C LED and the chip, with an emission curve strictly around 280 nm and a broader band centred around 264 nm, respectively. Between-technology microbiological inactivation levels were comparable, achieving total abatement (99.999%) in 8 min at 7.5 cm.DiscussionThe UV chip exhibits unique properties that make it applicable in some specific contexts, where UV-C LEDs present the most critical issues. Besides, it is portable and exhibits a broad spectrum of UV wavelengths with a peak where the maximum microbiocidal efficacy occurs. Important issues to be addressed to improve this technology are the high voltage management and the too low energy efficiency.ConclusionThis cold emission technology is virtually unaffected by changes in ambient temperature and is particularly useful in short-distance applications. Recent developments in technology are moving towards a progressive increase in the chip’s radiant power.
Global prevalence of dyslipidaemia in adult populations: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mohamed-Yassin Mohamed-Syarif , Baharudin Noorhida , Abdul-Razak Suraya , Ramli Anis Safura , Lai Nai Ming 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionDyslipidaemia is one of the established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Evidence from large-scale trials showed that effective treatment of dyslipidaemia can reduce all-cause and coronary mortality. To date, there is no published systematic review on the worldwide prevalence of dyslipidaemia in adults. We propose to perform a systematic review on the global prevalence of dyslipidaemia in adults 18 years and older.Methods and analysisWe will identify observational studies through comprehensive literature searches. We will search: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for published studies and trial registries including the WHO International Trial Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov. Two reviewers will independently screen the titles and abstracts, attain full text of eligible articles, extract data, and appraise the quality and bias of the included studies. Disagreement among the authors will be resolved by discussion leading to a consensus. Next, we will perform a narrative synthesis of the study results. Study heterogeneity will be assessed using I2statistics. If I2is high (≥75%), and plausible heterogeneity contributors are found, we will divide the studies into appropriate subgroups for pooling of results or assess the association of plausible covariates and the prevalence estimates using meta-regression. If I2<75%, we will undertake meta-analysis using the random-effects model and transform all prevalence estimates using the Freeman-Tukey transformation for pooling, to obtain a synthesised point estimate of prevalence with its 95% confidence. We will then back-transform the point estimate, and report our results using the back-transformed figures.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not a requirement as this study is based on available published data. Results of this systematic review will be presented at conferences, shared with relevant health authorities, and published in a peer-reviewed journal. These results may help quantify the magnitude of dyslipidaemia globally, and guide preventative and therapeutic interventions.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020200281
Status, reporting completeness and methodological quality of pilot randomised controlled trials in acupuncture: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Yajun , Hu Hantong , Li Xiaoyu , Lou Jiali , He Xiaofen , Jiang Yongliang , Fang Jianqiao 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionTo date, there has been a lack of knowledge about the status, reporting completeness and methodological quality of pilot trials in the acupuncture field. Thus, this systematic review protocol aims to: (1) investigate publication trends and aspects of feasibility evaluated in acupuncture pilot trials; (2) identify the proportion of acupuncture pilot trials that lead to definitive trials and (3) assess the reporting completeness and methodological quality of pilot trials in acupuncture.Methods and analysisStudies of acupuncture pilot randomised controlled trials published from 2011 to 2021 will be retrieved in seven databases in January 2022, including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. The methodological quality and reporting completeness of all included studies will be assessed using the risk of bias 2.0 tool (RoB 2) and the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) extension to randomised pilot and feasibility trials, respectively. For the primary analysis, publication trends, aspects of feasibility and the proportion of pilot trials that lead to definitive trials will be analysed. A quantitative analysis of the methodological quality and reporting completeness of the included trials will be implemented by calculating the percentage of items reported in each domain of RoB 2 and CONSORT. The secondary analysis will adopt a regression analysis to identify factors associated with the reporting completeness.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not required for this study. This study is planned to be submitted to a peer-reviewed academic journal.
Evaluating the delivery of Problem Management Plus in primary care settings in rural Rwanda: a study protocol using a pragmatic randomised hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design
Authors: Smith Stephanie L , Nyirandagijimana Beatha , Hakizimana Janvier , Levy Roger P , Bienvenu Robert , Uwamwezi Anathalie , Hakizimfura Octavien , Uwimana Eugenie , Kundu Priya , Mpanumusingo Egide , Nshimyiryo Alphonse , Rusangwa Christian , Kateera Fredrick , Mukasakindi Hildegarde , Raviola Giuseppe 
Published: December 2021

IntroductionEvidence-based low-intensity psychological interventions such as Problem Management Plus (PM+) have the potential to expand treatment access for depression and anxiety, yet these interventions are not yet effectively implemented in rural, public health systems in resource-limited settings. In 2017, Partners In Health adapted PM+ for delivery by primary care nurses in rural Rwanda and began integrating PM+ into health centres in collaboration with the Rwandan Ministry of Health, using established implementation strategies for mental health integration into primary care (Mentoring and Enhanced Supervision at Health Centers for Mental Health (MESH MH)). A gap in the evidence regarding whether low-intensity psychological interventions can be successfully integrated into real-world primary care settings and improve outcomes for common mental disorders remains. In this study, we will rigorously evaluate the delivery of PM+ by primary care nurses, supported by MESH MH, as it is scaled across one rural district in Rwanda.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation study to test the clinical outcomes of routinely delivered PM+ and to describe the implementation of PM+ at health centres. To study the clinical effectiveness of PM+, we will use a pragmatic, randomised multiple baseline design to determine whether participants experience improvement in depression symptoms (measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and functioning (measured by the WHO-Disability Assessment Scale Brief 2.0) after receiving PM+. We will employ quantitative and qualitative methods to describe and evaluate PM+ implementation outcomes using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance framework, using routinely collected programme data and semistructured interviews.Ethics and disseminationThis evaluation was approved by the Rwanda National Ethics Committee (Protocol #196/RNEC/2019) and deemed exempt by the Harvard University Institutional Review Board. The results from this evaluation will be useful for health systems planners and policy-makers working to translate the evidence base for low-intensity psychological interventions into practice.