bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Freeze–thaw condition limits the fermentation process and accelerates the aerobic deterioration of oat (Avena sativa) silage in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Haiping , Guan Hao , Jia Zhifeng , Liu Wenhui , Ma Xiang , Liu Yong , Wang Hui , Zhou Qingping
Published: July 2022

The objective of this study is to determine the effect of freeze–thaw condition on the fermentation characteristics, microbial community, and aerobic stability of oat (Avena sativa) silage in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Oat forage was harvested at milk ripening stage, ensiled in vacuum-sealed bags, and then stored at (1) a constant temperature of 20°C, as a control (20 group) or (2) subjected to freeze–thaw condition (alternating 20 and −5°C every 12 h; S group). The quality and microbial community in the silage were measured after 1, 3, 7, 14, and 60 days of ensiling, and the aerobic stability was measured after 60 days of ensiling at room temperature or at the two treatment temperatures. The results showed that the higher the pH, the lower the concentration of lactic acid and the ratio of lactic acid/acetic acid of the samples under freeze–thaw condition, as compared to those stored at 20°C. The dry matter content of 20 groups was significantly higher than S group (p < 0.05). While ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) had no significant difference between two groups. Lactobacillus spp., Leuconostoc spp., and Weissella spp. were the most prevalent bacterial genera in all groups. The abundance of Lactobacillus spp. in the 20 group was the highest on day 3 of ensiling (p < 0.05), and it reached the peak on day 14 in the S group, but the abundance in the S group did not exceed 50% during whole fermentation process. The abundance of Enterobacterales and the count of Escherichia coli in the S group was significantly higher than 20 group (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the lactic acid concentration was significant correlated with Lactobacillus spp. in 20 group, while correlated with Leuconostoc spp. in S group. The aerobic stability of the S group was lower than that of the 20 group (p < 0.05). The present study indicates that the freeze–thaw condition led to insufficient fermentation degree of silage by limiting the fermentation of Lactobacillus spp. and severely reduced the aerobic stability of oat silage.
Transcriptional and reverse transcriptional regulation of host genes by human endogenous retroviruses in cancers
Authors: Zhang Mengwen , Zheng Shu , Liang Jessie Qiaoyi
Published: July 2022

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) originated from ancient retroviral infections of germline cells millions of years ago and have evolved as part of the host genome. HERVs not only retain the capacity as retroelements but also regulate host genes. The expansion of HERVs involves transcription by RNA polymerase II, reverse transcription, and re-integration into the host genome. Fast progress in deep sequencing and functional analysis has revealed the importance of domesticated copies of HERVs, including their regulatory sequences, transcripts, and proteins in normal cells. However, evidence also suggests the involvement of HERVs in the development and progression of many types of cancer. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge about the expression of HERVs, transcriptional regulation of host genes by HERVs, and the functions of HERVs in reverse transcription and gene editing with their reverse transcriptase.
Healthy Gut Microbiome Composition Enhances Disease Resistance and Fat Deposition in Tibetan Pigs
Authors: Shang Peng , Wei Mingbang , Duan Mengqi , Yan Feifei , Chamba Yangzom
Published: July 2022

The gut microbiota is involved in a range of physiological processes in animals, and modulating the microbiome composition is considered a novel target for identifying animal traits. Tibetan pigs show better fat deposition and disease resistance compared to Yorkshire pigs. However, studies investigating the correlation between favorable characteristics in Tibetan pigs and the gut microbial community remain scarce. In the current study, 1,249,822 high-quality sequences were obtained by amplicon sequencing of the colon contents of Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs. We found that at the boundary level, the abundance and relative abundance of colon bacterial community in Tibetan pigs were higher than that in Yorkshire pigs (P > 0.05). Phylum level, Firmicutes were the dominant colonic microflora of Tibetan and Yorkshire pigs, and the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides in Tibetan pigs was slightly higher than in Yorkshire pigs. Actinobacteria and Spirobacteria were significantly higher in Tibetan pigs than in Yorkshire pigs (P < 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteriologist, which are related to disease resistance, was significantly higher than that in Yorkshire pigs in Yorkshire pigs. In conclusion, the composition and abundance of colonic intestinal microflora in Tibetan pigs were closely related to their superior traits. Bifidobacteria, Ruminococcaceae, and Family-XIII-AD3011-Group are conducive to improving disease resistance in Tibetan pigs. Lactobacillus and Solobacterium were observed to be the main bacterial communities involved in fat deposition in Tibetan pigs. This study will provide a new reference for the development and utilization of Tibetan pigs in future.
Identification of COVID-19-Specific Immune Markers Using a Machine Learning Method
Authors: Li Hao , Huang Feiming , Liao Huiping , Li Zhandong , Feng Kaiyan , Huang Tao , Cai Yu-Dong
Published: July 2022

Notably, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has a tight relationship with the immune system. Human resistance to COVID-19 infection comprises two stages. The first stage is immune defense, while the second stage is extensive inflammation. This process is further divided into innate and adaptive immunity during the immune defense phase. These two stages involve various immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, monocytes, dendritic cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. Various immune cells are involved and make up the complex and unique immune system response to COVID-19, providing characteristics that set it apart from other respiratory infectious diseases. In the present study, we identified cell markers for differentiating COVID-19 from common inflammatory responses, non-COVID-19 severe respiratory diseases, and healthy populations based on single-cell profiling of the gene expression of six immune cell types by using Boruta and mRMR feature selection methods. Some features such as IFI44L in B cells, S100A8 in monocytes, and NCR2 in natural killer cells are involved in the innate immune response of COVID-19. Other features such as ZFP36L2 in CD4+ T cells can regulate the inflammatory process of COVID-19. Subsequently, the IFS method was used to determine the best feature subsets and classifiers in the six immune cell types for two classification algorithms. Furthermore, we established the quantitative rules used to distinguish the disease status. The results of this study can provide theoretical support for a more in-depth investigation of COVID-19 pathogenesis and intervention strategies.
The role of neurologists in the era of cancer immunotherapy: Focus on CAR T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Pensato Umberto , Guarino Maria , Muccioli Lorenzo
Published: July 2022

Cancer immunotherapy represents a novel anticancer strategy that acts directly on the immune system, promoting its activation toward cancer cells to enhance its natural ability to fight cancer. Among various treatments currently used or investigated, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) T-cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have consistently proven their efficacy. These innovations are progressively improving the standard of care in cancer treatment, yet they are hampered by novel neurological adverse events, attributing to neurologists a key role in the multidisciplinary oncological team. Indeed, neurotoxicity may develop in up to 77% of patients who received CAR T-cell therapy and usually presents with encephalopathy characterized by a predominant frontal lobe dysfunction. This neurotoxicity is related to cytokine release syndrome, a systemic hyperinflammatory condition triggered by CAR T-cells. On the other hand, following treatment with ICIs, unrestrained T-cells may lead to central and peripheral neurological disorders by antigen-directed autoimmunity. Notably, biological and clinical similarities have been underlined between neurotoxicity related to CAR T-cell therapy and neurological manifestations of cytokine storms (e.g. COVID-19-related encephalopathy), as well as between a subgroup of ICI-related neurological adverse events and paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. Therefore, these cancer immunotherapy-related neurological syndromes may provide an unprecedented, perhaps transitory, opportunity to shed light on the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of a wide spectrum of neurological syndromes and to push forward our knowledge in neuroimmunology.
Time perception changes in stroke patients: A systematic literature review
Authors: Coelho Pedro , Rodrigues Joana Amado , Nascimento Alves Pedro , Fonseca Ana Catarina
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Time perception comprises the subjective experience of passing of time and of the duration of an event. Although already described in some neurological and psychiatric conditions, there is a paucity of details regarding this neurocognitive change in stroke patients. We aimed to describe time perception dysfunction in stroke patient.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of the literature in Pubmed, PsycInfo and EMBASE including manuscripts from their inception until December 2020. We collected data regarding the type of time perception that was detected, type of stroke, most common location of lesions, evaluation tests that were used and time of evaluation after stroke onset.

Results

A total of 27 manuscripts were selected, concerning a total of 418 patients (n= 253 male; 60.5%). Most manuscripts (n= 21) evaluated patients with ischaemic lesions (n= 407; 97.4%). The majority referred to evaluations between 2 months and seven years after stroke. Underestimation in temporal evaluation in sub- and supra-second was the most common dysfunction (n= 165; 41.7%). Overestimation of time (n= 116; 27.8%) and impaired time interval comparison (n= 88; 22.2%) were also found. Most patients had right hemisphere lesions (n= 219 patients; 52.4%). Common reported lesion locations included the thalamus, insula, basal ganglia, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, parietal cortex including supramarginal, angular gyrus and right inferior parietal cortex and cerebellum.

Conclusion

There are multiple stroke locations associated with time perception dysfunction, which highlights the complex system involved in time perception. There is still scarce knowledge about specific time perception deficits after stroke. Most studies rely in psychometric analysis without clear clinical and functional translation, namely regarding impact on daily activities.
Verification of autoclaving-cooling treatment to increase the resistant starch contents in food starches based on meta-analysis result
Authors: Faridah Didah Nur , Silitonga Rhoito Frista , Indrasti Dias , Afandi Frendy Ahmad , Jayanegara Anuraga , Anugerah Maria Putri
Published: July 2022

Autoclaving-cooling is a common starch modification method to increase the resistant starch (RS) content. The effect of this method varies depending on the type of crop and treatment condition used. The objectives of this study were to verify the autoclaving-cooling treatment based on a meta-analysis result and to evaluate the physicochemical properties of modified starches. The meta-analysis study used 10 articles from a total of 1,293 that were retrieved using the PRISMA approach. Meta-analysis showed that the optimal treatments of autoclaving-cooling process that increase the RS content significantly, was in starch samples from the cereal group (corn, oats, rice) (SMD: 19.60; 95% CI: 9.56–29.64; p < 0.001), with water ratio 1:4 (SMD: 13.69; 95% CI: 5.50–21.87; p < 0.001), using two cycles of autoclaving-cooling (SMD: 16.33; 95% CI: 6.98–25.67; p < 0.001) and 30 min of autoclaving heating (SMD: 12.97; 95% CI: 1.97–23.97; p < 0.001) at 121°C (SMD: 12.18; 95% CI: 1.88–22.47; p < 0.001). Verification using corn flour and corn starch showed a significant increase in RS contents from 15.84 to 27.78% and from 15.27 to 32.53%, respectively, and a significant decrease in starch digestibility from 67.02 to 35.74% and from 76.15 to 28.09%, respectively. Treated sample also showed the pasting profile that was stable under heating and stirring.
Association Between Fat Mass to Lean Body Mass Ratio and All-Cause Mortality Among Middle-Aged and Elderly Cancer Patients Without Obesity: A Multi-Center Observational Study in China
Authors: Xue Hongmei , Du Hongzhen , Xie Ying , Zhai Yijing , Song Shiming , Luo Bin , Qiu Hong , Wang Kunhua , Cui Jiuwei , Song Chunhua , Xu Hongxia , Li Wei , Shi Hanping , Li Zengning ,   The Investigation on Nutrition Status and Its Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers (INSCOC) Group
Published: July 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate the association between fat mass to lean body mass ratio (RFL), percentage of body fat (PBF), and fat mass (FM) with mortality among middle-aged and elderly cancer patients without obesity.

Methods

This prospective hospital-based cohort study comprised 3,201 patients with stage I to IV cancer aged 40 years or above (mean age: 58 years for female patients and 61 years for male patients; mean length of follow-up was 1.67 years; the maximal follow-up length was 6.42 years). FM and PBF were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Cox proportional hazard models were used, and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated.

Results

We revealed a significant association between RFL and all-cause mortality among men aged ≥60 years after adjusting for confounders. Compared with those in the lowest tertile of RFL, elderly men in the medium and highest tertile had a 35 and 34% lower hazard of death from any cause, respectively. After additionally adjusted for C-reaction protein (CRP), HRs of medium and high tertile of RFL became short of statistical significance [medium tertile: adjusted HRs (95% CI) = 0.74 (0.46, 1.20); highest tertile: adjusted HRs (95% CI) = 0.84 (0.53, 1.33)]. Among elderly women, RFL was significantly related to all-cause mortality only when the additional adjustment for CRP [medium tertile: adjusted HRs (95% CI) = 2.08 (1.08, 4.01); highest tertile: adjusted HRs (95% CI) = 0.90 (0.45, 1.81)]. No significant association between RFL and all-cause mortality was observed among female participants or male participants aged less than 60 years.

Conclusion

Our findings showed a significant non-linear association between RFL and all-cause mortality, which was observed only in elderly men, and might be attenuated by their inflammation state.
Formation mechanism of binary complex based on β-lactoglobulin and propylene glycol alginate with different molecular weights: Structural characterization and delivery of curcumin
Authors: Lin Dongdong , Su Jiaqi , Chen Shuai , Wei Jiao , Zhang Liang , Li Xiude , Yuan Fang
Published: July 2022

The complexation of protein and polysaccharide has shown considerable potential for the encapsulation of functional food components. In this work, propylene glycol alginate (PGA) molecules with different molecular weights (100, 500, and 2,000 kDa) were prepared through H2O2 oxidation, which were further combined with β-lactoglobulin nanoparticles (β-lgNPs) to form PGA-β-lgNPs complexes for the delivery of curcumin (Cur). Results showed that the depolymerization of PGA molecule was resulted from the breakage of glycosidic bonds in the main chain, and the depolymerization rate of PGA molecule depended on the reaction time, temperature, solution pH and H2O2 concentration. As the increasing molecular weight of PGA, the particle size, zeta-potential and turbidity of the complexes were obviously increased. The formation of PGA/β-lgNPs complexes was mainly driven by non-covalent interaction, including electrostatic gravitational interaction, hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effect. Interestingly, the difference in the molecular weight of PGA also led to significantly differences in the micro-morphology of the complexes, as PGA with a high molecular weight (2,000 kDa) generated the formation of a “fruit-tree” shaped structure, whereas PGA with relatively low molecular weight (100 and 500 kDa) led to spherical particles with a “core-shell” structure. In addition, the incorporation of PGA molecules into β-lgNPs dispersion also contributed to the improvement in the encapsulation efficiency of Cur as well as physicochemical stability of β-lgNPs, and PGA with a higher molecular weight was confirmed with a better effect. Findings in the current work may help to further understand the effect of molecular weight of polysaccharide on the physical and structural properties as well as effectiveness as delivery systems of polysaccharide-protein complexes, providing for the possibility for the design and development of more efficient carriers for bioactive compounds in food system.
Laparoscopic Surgery for Focal-Form Congenital Hyperinsulinism Located in Pancreatic Head
Authors: Wen Zhe , Wang Jieqin , Liang Qifeng , Chang Xiaopan , Zhang Wen , Niu Huilin , He Qiao
Published: July 2022

Background and Aims

Congenital hyperinsulinism of infancy (CHI) is a rare condition that may cause irreversible severe neurological damage in infants. For children in whom medical management fails, partial or near-total pancreatectomy is then required according to the type of lesion. Currently, open surgery of near-total pancreatic head resection is a mature technique for the treatment of focal-form CHI located in the head of the pancreas, but a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure has not been reported yet. The aim of this study was to verify the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of laparoscopic pancreatic head resection and Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy for focal-form CHI.

Methods

Two infants with persistent hypoglycemia and increased insulin levels were diagnosed with CHI and underwent laparoscopic near-total pancreatic head resection due to a suboptimal response to medical therapy and the likelihood of focal disease amenable to surgery. Clinical records, operative findings, and postoperative follow-up were collected and analyzed.

Results

The operative duration was 300–330 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was minimal. The duration of postoperative abdominal drainage was 4–5 days. Neither intra- nor postoperative abdominal complications occurred. Oral feeding was resumed 3–4 days after the operation, and the blood glucose level was gradually stabilized to within the normal range. Normal blood glucose was observed in both patients over a follow-up period of 3–6 months.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic pancreatic head resection and Roux-en-Y pancreaticojejunostomy can be considered a safe and effective procedure with minimal morbidity and excellent outcomes for the treatment of focal CHI in the head of the pancreas.
Call for Decision Support for High-Alert Medication Administration Among Pediatric Nurses: Findings From a Large, Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Survey in China
Authors: He Mengxue , Huang Qin , Lu Hong , Gu Ying , Hu Yan , Zhang Xiaobo
Published: July 2022

Background: Children have a higher risk of medication errors (MEs) than adults. The Institute for Safe Medication Practice (ISMP) defined high-alert medications (HAMs) as a group of medications that could cause significant patient harm or even death when they are used in error. Nurses are actively involved in and responsible for patient care, especially in medication administration. This study aimed to estimate the knowledge, decision-making basis and confidence and decision support needs related to HAMs among pediatric nurses in China.

Methods: A web-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted among pediatric nurses who were recruited from 14 member hospitals of the Pediatric Nursing Alliance of National Children’s Medical Center in China using a convenient sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered instrument composed of four parts: the demographic characteristics of participants, participants’ knowledge about HAMs, participants’ self-evaluation of the basis of and confidence in decision-making, and decision support needs regarding HAMs. Among the participants, the maximum score for HAM knowledge was 100. All data were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20.0.

Results: A total of 966 nurses participated in this study. Nurses were found to have insufficient knowledge about HAMs, with a median (IQR) of 75.0 (70.0, 80.0), out of a maximum score of 100. Knowledge about HAM administration was significantly higher than that about HAM regulation, with a p value < 0.001. The three lowest-scoring items concerned HAM regulation, and the “Treat fentanyl skin patches as a regulated narcotic” item obtained the lowest score, with only 1/5 of respondents answering it correctly. Most participants reported that their basis for decision-making about HAMs was drug instructions (90.0%) or drug handbooks (81.9%) and evaluated their confidence in decision-making about HAMs as high or relatively high (84.6%). The decision-making difficulties when encountering HAMs focused on most stages of HAM administration, especially the appropriateness of prescriptions, checks, preparation and administration. The vast majority of participants assessed decision support as necessary or very necessary (92.0%), and the most popular options for decision support were computerized clinical decision support systems (46.4%) and real-time online communication with pharmacists (23.9%).

Conclusion: Our study demonstrated the inadequacies in HAM knowledge, the basis and difficulty of decision-making, and decision support needs regarding HAMs in Chinese pediatric nurses. Nurses need greater support in HAM administration, including not only training but also adequate technology, mutually beneficial interprofessional collaboration, and a positive institutional culture.
Studies on Chemical Characterization of Ginkgo Amillaria Oral Solution and Its Drug–Drug Interaction With Piceatannol 3′-O-β-D-Glucopyranoside for Injection
Authors: Yu Zhenyan , Hu Xiaohan , Zhou Lin , Chen Huliang , Xing Yanchao , Han Chunyue , Ding Hui , Han Lifeng , Pan Guixiang , Fu Zhifei
Published: July 2022

Ginkgo Amillaria oral solution (GAO) is commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. Piceatannol-3′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside for injection (PGI) is mainly used for the prevention and treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular diseases. With the spread of cerebrovascular disease, the possibility of combining the two drugs has increased; however, there is no research on the drug–drug interaction (DDI) between these two medicines. In this paper, an ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole–orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC/Q-Orbitrap MS) method was established to characterize the chemical constituents of GAO first; 62 compounds were identified or tentatively identified based on their retention time (RT), MS, and MS/MS data. Nine main compounds were determined by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ-MS). Furthermore, incubation with liver microsomes in vitro was fulfilled; the results showed that GAO had a significant inhibitory effect on UGT1A9 and UGT2B7 (p < 0.05), and PGI was mainly metabolized by UGT1A9. The identification results of in vivo metabolites of PGI showed that PGI mainly undergoes a phase II binding reaction mediated by UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) and sulfotransferase (SULT) in vivo. Therefore, pharmacokinetic studies were performed to investigate the DDI between GAO and PGI. The results showed that the AUC (p < 0.05) and T1/2 (p < 0.05) of PGI in vivo were significantly increased when administered together with GAO, whereas the CL was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The exploration of in vitro and in vivo experiments showed that there was a DDI between GAO and PGI.
Evaluation of Herb–Drug Interaction Between Danshen and Rivaroxaban in Rat and Human Liver Microsomes
Authors: Wang Xu , Fa Jingjing , Zhang Yuanjin , Huang Shengbo , Liu Jie , Gao Junqing , Xing Lina , Liu Zongjun , Wang Xin
Published: July 2022

The combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) and rivaroxaban is a promising treatment option in clinical practice in China, but the herb–drug interaction between Danshen and rivaroxaban remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the interaction between Danshen and rivaroxaban. We not only investigated the inhibitory properties of Danshen tablet on rivaroxaban metabolism in rat and human liver microsomes but also evaluated the inhibitory effects of Danshen tablet and its eight active components (dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone I, tanshinone IIA, cryptotanshinone, danshensu, salvianolic acid A, salvianolic acid B, and salvianolic acid C) on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. The results showed that Danshen tablet potently inhibited the metabolism of rivaroxaban in rat and human liver microsomes. In the CYP inhibition study, we found that dihydrotanshinone I, the active component of Danshen tablet, potently inhibited the activities of rat CYP3A and CYP2J, with IC50 values at 13.85 and 6.39 μM, respectively. In further inhibition kinetic study, we found that Danshen tablet is a mixed inhibitor in rivaroxaban metabolism in rat and human liver microsomes, with the Ki value at 0.72 and 0.25 mg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, there is a potential interaction between Danshen tablet and rivaroxaban. Danshen tablet inhibits the metabolism of rivaroxaban, which may be because its lipid-soluble components such as dihydrotanshinone I strongly inhibit the activities of CYP enzymes, especially CYP3A and CYP2J. Therefore, when Danshen tablet and rivaroxaban are used simultaneously in the clinic, it is necessary to strengthen the drug monitoring of rivaroxaban and adjust the dosage.
Fintech, Bank Risk-Taking, and Risk-Warning for Commercial Banks in the Era of Digital Technology
Authors: Li Gang , Elahi Ehsan , Zhao Liangliang
Published: July 2022

Fintech risks commercial banks in three ways, particularly operational efficiency, financial innovation, and risk management. Based on the data of 37 Chinese-listed commercial banks from 2011 to 2020, the study empirically analyzes the impact of fintech on bank risk-taking, and the intermediary effects of the three channels, such as operational efficiency, financial innovation, and risk management. The results show that fintech can effectively reduce the risk of banks. The results of heterogeneity analysis revealed that fintech strongly affects the risk-taking of state-owned banks but not obviously for rural commercial banks. Financial efficiency, financial innovation, and risk management indirectly affect the risk-taking of banks that contributed 8.51, 7.18, and 5.77%, respectively. We also constructed the commercial bank risk-warning index. Based on the quarterly data of banks from 2011 to 2020, we empirically tested the early warning effect of the bank risk-warning index. The results showed that when the signal month is set to 12 months, the bank risk-warning index can have a warning effect in this period.
Early Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined With Sertraline in Adolescents With First-Episode Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Chen Haisi , Hu Xiwen , Gao Jingfang , Han Huan , Wang Xiaole , Xue Chuang
Published: July 2022

Background

Adolescence is a period of high incidence for depression. However, there is a limited treatment option for the adolescent depression. For treatment-resistant major depressive disorder, HF-rTMS of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) appears therapeutically effective. The aim of the study is to explore the early effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in combination with sertraline in adolescents with first-episode major depressive disorder.

Methods

A total of 100 teenage patients with first-episode depression were randomly divided into the study groups. Both groups were treated with sertraline. In addition, the study group was treated with ten sessions of add-on rTMS. The control group was given sertraline only. The depressive symptom and cognitive function were assessed by the Hamilton depression rating scale 17 version (HAMD-17), Children’s Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R), Integrated visual and auditory continuous performance test (IVA-CPT), and THINC-it.

Results

The number of early improvers after 2 weeks of treatment in the study group was statistically significant higher compared to the control group (95.83% vs 73.47%, χ2 = 9.277, P = 0.002). There was significant difference observed in responder rates (62.50% vs. 28.57%, χ2 = 11.262, P = 0.001) or in remission rates (31.25% vs. 6.12%, χ2 = 10.130, P = 0.001) between the two groups at 4 weeks. The score of HAMD-17 and CDRS-R in the study group were significantly lower than the control group (Fgroup = 12.91 vs 10.21, P < 0.05). Attention Quotient (listening, visual and full-scale) attention quotient of IVA-CPT in the study group were higher than those in the control group after treatment, and the differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05). The study group showed higher score in Spotter than the control group after treatment (P < 0.05).

Discussion

This is the most extensive blinded, randomized clinical study to date examining the efficacy of 10-Hz add-on rTMS for first-onset adolescent depression. Our results support that add-on rTMS accelerates the efficacy of the antidepressants, improving the depressive symptoms and cold cognitive function in first-episode adolescent depression.

Clinical Trial Registration

[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [ChiCTR2100048534].
Nurses experience of caring for patients with COVID-19: A phenomenological study
Authors: Al-amer Rasmieh , Darwish Maram , Malak Malakeh , Ali Amira Mohammed , Al weldat Kadejeh , Alkhamees Abdulmajeed , Alshammari Khaled S. , Abuzied Yacoub , Randall Sue
Published: July 2022

Introduction

COVID-19 has impacted all dimensions of life and imposed serious threat on humankind.

Background

In Jordan, understanding how nurses experienced providing care for patients with COVID-19 offers a framework of knowledge about similar situations within the context of Arabic culture.

Aim

To explore nurses' experience with providing hands-on care to patients with active COVID-19 infection in an Arabic society.

Methods

A descriptive phenomenological study interviewed 10 nurses through a purposive sampling approach until data saturation was reached. The research site was hospital designated to receive patients with active COVID-19 infection. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data.

Findings

Three themes were generated from the data: the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on nurses' health; unfamiliar work and social environments; and conforming to professional standards.

Discussion

There are specific risks to the physical and mental wellbeing of nurses who provide hands-on care to patients with COVID-19 in an Arabic society.

Implication for nursing and health policy

Health care institutions should consider establishing programs that promote nurses' wellbeing and support their productivity in a crisis. A danger pay allowance should be considered for nurses during extraordinary circumstances, such as pandemics.
Prevalence of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Status Among Healthcare Workers and Its Impact on Their Mental Health During the Crisis of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yang Yue , Liu Di , Liu Bingshuo , Ou Weiyan , Wang Licheng , Ma Yuanshuo , Fan Lihua , Shi Yu , Shi Lei
Published: July 2022

Objective

After the unprecedented coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, the health status of the general population has suffered a huge threat, and the mental health of front-line healthcare providers has also encountered great challenges. Therefore, this study aims to: (1) investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among healthcare providers, and (2) verify the moderating role of self-efficacy in the influence of PTSD on mental health.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey of 1993 participants. The presence of depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and PTSD was evaluated using screening tests from March 1. Sociodemographic and COVID-19-related data were also collected. A data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression.

Results

The prevalence of PTSD among healthcare providers was 9.3%. PTSD was negatively correlated with self-efficacy (r = −0.265, P < 0.01), anxiety (r = −0.453, P < 0.01), and depression (r = 0.708, P < 0.01). Profession, daily working hours, maximum continuous working days, and daily sleep time were influencing factors of PTSD. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that physicians (OR = 2.254, 95% CI = 1.298, 3.914) and nurses (OR = 2.176, 95% CI = 1.337, 3.541) were more likely to experience PTSD than other healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Self-efficacy has a moderating effect on the influence of PTSD on anxiety and depression. This suggests that health managers need to respond to the current psychological crisis of healthcare providers, implement appropriate psychological interventions, and minimize the psychological harm caused by COVID-19.
Global Experiences of Community Responses to COVID-19: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Wu Yijin , Zhang Quan , Li Meiyu , Mao Qingduo , Li Linzi
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review of the global experiences of community responses to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Method

Five electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) were searched for peer-reviewed articles published in English, from inception to October 10, 2021. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles, abstracts, and full texts. A systematic review (with a scientific strategy for literature search and selection in the electronic databases applied to data collection) was used to investigate the experiences of community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

This review reported that community responses to COVID-19 consisted mainly of five ways. On the one hand, community-based screening and testing for Coronavirus was performed; on the other hand, the possible sources of transmission in communities were identified and cut off. In addition, communities provided medical aid for patients with mild cases of COVID-19. Moreover, social support for community residents, including material and psychosocial support, was provided to balance epidemic control and prevention and its impact on residents' lives. Last and most importantly, special care was provided to vulnerable residents during the epidemic.

Conclusion

This study systematically reviewed how communities to respond to COVID-19. The findings presented some practical and useful tips for communities still overwhelmed by COVID-19 to deal with the epidemic. Also, some community-based practices reported in this review could provide valuable experiences for community responses to future epidemics.
Learning State-Variable Relationships in POMCP: A Framework for Mobile Robots
Authors: Zuccotto Maddalena , Piccinelli Marco , Castellini Alberto , Marchesini Enrico , Farinelli Alessandro
Published: July 2022

We address the problem of learning relationships on state variables in Partially Observable Markov Decision Processes (POMDPs) to improve planning performance. Specifically, we focus on Partially Observable Monte Carlo Planning (POMCP) and represent the acquired knowledge with a Markov Random Field (MRF). We propose, in particular, a method for learning these relationships on a robot as POMCP is used to plan future actions. Then, we present an algorithm that deals with cases in which the MRF is used on episodes having unlikely states with respect to the equality relationships represented by the MRF. Our approach acquires information from the agent’s action outcomes to adapt online the MRF if a mismatch is detected between the MRF and the true state. We test this technique on two domains, rocksample, a standard rover exploration task, and a problem of velocity regulation in industrial mobile robotic platforms, showing that the MRF adaptation algorithm improves the planning performance with respect to the standard approach, which does not adapt the MRF online. Finally, a ROS-based architecture is proposed, which allows running the MRF learning, the MRF adaptation, and MRF usage in POMCP on real robotic platforms. In this case, we successfully tested the architecture on a Gazebo simulator of rocksample. A video of the experiments is available in the Supplementary Material, and the code of the ROS-based architecture is available online.
Modulation of viscoelasticity and interfacial potential of polyelectrolyte brush by Ion-specific interactions
Authors: Yamamoto Akihisa , Hayashi Kentaro , Sumiya Ai , Weissenfeld Felix , Hinatsu Satoko , Abuillan Wasim , Nakahata Masaki , Tanaka Motomu
Published: July 2022

Polyelectrolyte brushes have drawn increasing attention because their physicochemical properties can be modulated by adjustment of the pH and ion concentration. Here, we report the controlled grafting of poly acrylic acid containing cysteine side chains onto supported lipid membranes to allow for the modulation of viscoelasticity as well as interfacial potential by ion-specific interactions, that is, with cadmium ions. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation indicated that the resonance frequency increased and the dissipation decreased as the cadmium concentration increased, attributed to the dehydration of brushes. Systematic variation of the molecular structure demonstrated that the coexistence of thiol and carboxyl moieties is necessary for the viscoelastic response, suggesting that these structural features, common with naturally occurring proteins, form complexes with cadmium ions. Analysis of the height fluctuation of colloidal particles by reflection interference contrast microscopy indicated that the change in the viscoelasticity of the polymer brush layer alters the curvature of the effective interfacial potential. Intriguingly, we found that modulation of the viscoelasticity and interfacial potential caused by calcium ions is weak, suggesting that the interaction is ion-specific. Polymer brushes that can alter the interfacial potential through changes in the degree of hydration opens new avenues for the design of smart, adaptable surfaces.
Affective Image Sequence Viewing in Virtual Reality Theater Environment: Frontal Alpha Asymmetry Responses From Mobile EEG
Authors: Krogmeier Claudia , Coventry Brandon S , Mousas Christos
Published: July 2022

Background: Numerous studies have investigated emotion in virtual reality (VR) experiences using self-reported data in order to understand valence and arousal dimensions of emotion. Objective physiological data concerning valence and arousal has been less explored. Electroencephalography (EEG) can be used to examine correlates of emotional responses such as valence and arousal in virtual reality environments. Used across varying fields of research, images are able to elicit a range of affective responses from viewers. In this study, we display image sequences with annotated valence and arousal values on a screen within a virtual reality theater environment. Understanding how brain activity responses are related to affective stimuli with known valence and arousal ratings may contribute to a better understanding of affective processing in virtual reality.

Methods: We investigated frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) responses to image sequences previously annotated with valence and arousal ratings. Twenty-four participants viewed image sequences in VR with known valence and arousal values while their brain activity was recorded. Participants wore the Oculus Quest VR headset and viewed image sequences while immersed in a virtual reality theater environment.

Results: Image sequences with higher valence ratings elicited greater FAA scores than image sequences with lower valence ratings (F [1, 23] = 4.631, p = 0.042), while image sequences with higher arousal scores elicited lower FAA scores than image sequences with low arousal (F [1, 23] = 7.143, p = 0.014). The effect of valence on alpha power did not reach statistical significance (F [1, 23] = 4.170, p = 0.053). We determined that only the high valence, low arousal image sequence elicited FAA which was significantly higher than FAA recorded during baseline (t [23] = −3.166, p = 0.002), suggesting that this image sequence was the most salient for participants.

Conclusion: Image sequences with higher valence, and lower arousal may lead to greater FAA responses in VR experiences. While findings suggest that FAA data may be useful in understanding associations between valence and arousal self-reported data and brain activity responses elicited from affective experiences in VR environments, additional research concerning individual differences in affective processing may be informative for the development of affective VR scenarios.
Barriers to Accessing Video-Based Telehealth Appointments at a Community Veterinary Clinic During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Naimark Alena M. , Elwood Stella E. , McCobb Emily , Kragen Benjamin , King Erin K. , Wolfus Greg
Published: July 2022

Objective

To assess veterinary needs of clients with low socioeconomic status during the COVID-19 pandemic, to explore the impact of the pandemic on marginalized communities, and to understand perceptions regarding barriers and incentives of telehealth appointments as a method to increase care access.

Sample

205 active Community Veterinary Medicine Clinic clients at Tufts at Tech Community Veterinary Clinic in Worcester, MA.

Procedures

This cross-sectional study used a survey-based method to assess veterinary needs of clients with low socioeconomic status during the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey measured client perceptions regarding potential barriers and incentives of telehealth appointments. Participants were randomly sampled from a list of active clients and completed the survey either by email or over the phone. The survey was available in both English and Spanish. Clients who completed the questionnaire received credit for a free examination.

Results

A total of 205 clients submitted survey responses. Factors affecting access to veterinary care were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to reliable internet in the home was reported by 87% (n = 177) of participants. Digital access was correlated with education when controlling for race, income, age, and gender. Education was predictive of comfort with using video-chat (χ2 = 65, df = 24, p ≤ 0.01) and of whether or not clients reported need for assistance for using video-chat (χ2 = 52, df = 18, p ≤ 0.01). Patient education level was significantly predictive of wanting to use telehealth for at least one type of appointment (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

The findings indicate that implementing telehealth services at this Community Medicine Clinic is feasible for much of the active clientele and offers a new avenue to provide veterinary care during times of social distancing restrictions and beyond.
Clinicopathological Significance, Related Molecular Changes and Tumor Immune Response Analysis of the Abnormal SWI/SNF Complex Subunit PBRM1 in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhou Zhiyi , Huang Dandan , Yang Shudong , Liang Jiabei , Wang Xuan , Rao Qiu
Published: July 2022

Background: PBRM1 gene abnormalities were recently found to play a role in tumor development and tumor immune activity. This article will explore the clinicopathological and molecular changes and tumor immune activity of the abnormal SWI/SNF complex subunit PBRM1 in gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) and its significance.

Methods: The cBioPortal, LinkedOmics and TISIDB datasets were used to analyze the abnormality of the PBRM1 gene in GAC and its relationship with prognosis, related molecular changes and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). In addition, 198 GAC cases were collected to further study the relationship between the loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression and clinicopathology, prognosis, microsatellite stability, PD-L1 expression and TIL in GAC. DNA whole-exome sequencing was performed on 7 cases of gastric cancer with loss of PBRM1 expression.

Results: The cBioPortal data showed that PBRM1 deletion/mutation accounted for 7.32% of GAC and was significantly associated with several molecular changes, such as molecular subtypes of GAC. The LinkedOmics dataset showed that PBRM1 mutation and its promoter DNA methylation showed lower PBRM1 mRNA expression, and PBRM1 mutation cases showed significantly higher mRNA expression of PD-L1 (CD274). TISIDB data showed that PBRM1 abnormalities were significantly positively associated with multiple TILs. In our group of 198 cases, the loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression was significantly positively correlated with intra-tumoral tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (iTILs) and deficient MMR and PD-L1 expression. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that the overall survival of GAC patients with loss/attenuation of PBRM1 expression was significantly better (p = 0.023). iTIL was an independent prognostic factor of GAC. Loss of PBRM1 expression often co-occurs with mutations in other SWI/SNF complex subunit genes, and there are some repetitive KEGG signaling changes.

Conclusion: Abnormality of the PBRM1 gene may be related to the occurrence of some GACs and can affect tumor immune activity, thereby affecting clinicopathology and prognosis. It may be a potentially effective predictive marker for immunotherapy and a novel therapeutic approach associated with synthetic lethality.
Continued Fractions and Probability Estimations in Shor’s Algorithm: A Detailed and Self-Contained Treatise
Authors: Barzen Johanna , Leymann Frank
Published: July 2022

Shor’s algorithm for prime factorization is a hybrid algorithm consisting of a quantum part and a classical part. The main focus of the classical part is a continued fraction analysis. The presentation of this is often short, pointing to text books on number theory. In this contribution, we present the relevant results and proofs from the theory of continued fractions in detail (even in more detail than in text books), filling the gap to allow a complete comprehension of Shor’s algorithm. Similarly, we provide a detailed computation of the estimation of the probability that convergents will provide the period required for determining a prime factor.