bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composite Using Papaya Slice Biochar and Areca Nut Chopped Fibre
Authors: Lakshmana Kishore T. , Erko Kuma Gowwomsa
Published: September 2022

In this work, the effects of amino silane-grafted areca fibre and papaya slice biochar particle on the mechanical, thermal conductivity, and dielectric properties of epoxy resin biocomposite were shown. The goal of the study was to find out how the way fibres are treated affects their properties and how those properties affect the composite as a whole. The acid hydrolysis process is used to treat the raw chopped fibre and slice-dried particles with amino silane and then air-dry them in an oven. The oven-dried areca nut fibre and charcoal particles are then used with a hand-layup method to make composites that meet ASTM standards. According to the results, the tensile and flexural strengths got better by 64% and 50%, respectively, and the impact resistance got better by 93%. The use of reinforcing materials gradually improved the dielectric properties and the way heat moved through the material.
Regulation of Atherosclerosis by Toll‐Like Receptor 4 Induced by Serum Amyloid 1: A Systematic In Vitro Study
Authors: Chen Jinhui , Liu Gang , Hong Yan , Han Jing , Yang Zhe , Yang Yanping , Li Hong , Wang Shumin , Jue Lili , Wang Qi
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of serum amyloid 1 (SAA1) on activation of endothelial cells, formation of foam cells, platelet aggregation, and monocyte/platelet adhesion to endothelial cells. The effect of SAA1 on the inflammatory activation of endothelial cells was investigated by detecting the expression of inflammatory factors and adhesion molecules. The role of SAA1 in formation of foam cells was verified by detecting lipid deposition and expression of molecules related to the formation of foam cells. After platelets were stimulated by SAA1, the aggregation rate was evaluated to determine the effect of SAA1 on platelet aggregation. Monocytes/platelets were cocultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) pretreated with or without SAA1 to determine whether SAA1 affected monocyte/platelet adhesion to endothelial cells. By inhibiting toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) function, we further identified the role of TLR4 signaling in SAA1‐mediated endothelial inflammatory activation, foam‐cell formation, and monocyte/platelet adhesion to HUVECs. SAA1 significantly increased the expression of adhesion molecules and inflammatory factors in HUVECs. Moreover, SAA1 also promoted lipid deposition and the expression of inflammatory factors and low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐1 (LOX‐1) in THP‐1‐derived macrophages. In addition, SAA1 induced platelet aggregation and enhanced monocyte/platelet adhesion to HUVECs. However, the TLR4 antagonist significantly inhibited SAA1‐induced endothelial cell activation, foam‐cell formation, and monocyte/platelet adhesion to HUVECs and downregulated the expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), phosphor‐inhibitor of nuclear factor κB kinase subunit α/β (P‐IKKα/β), phospho‐inhibitor of nuclear factor κB subunit α (P‐IKBα), and phosphorylation of nuclear transcription factor‐κB p65 (P‐p65) in SAA1‐induced HUVECs and THP‐1 cells. Conclusively, it is speculated that SAA1 promotes atherosclerosis through enhancing endothelial cell activation, platelet aggregation, foam‐cell formation, and monocyte/platelet adhesion to endothelial cells. These biological functions of SAA1 may depend on the activation of TLR4‐related nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway.
Plasmacytoid Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder That Manifests Disseminated Carcinomatosis of the Bone Marrow: A Case Report of Extremely Rapid Progression
Authors: Shimizu Nobuhiko , Moritoki Yoshinobu , Katsumi Nao , Yanase Takahiro , Sugino Teruaki , Kanemoto Kazuhiro , Akita Hidetoshi , Yasui Takahiro
Published: September 2022

Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma (PUC) of the bladder is a rare variant of invasive urothelial carcinoma (UC) with aggressive behavior. Despite its prognosis being poorer than that of conventional UC, a median overall survival of approximately 2 years is ensured when it is treated with radical cystectomy (RC), and few patients die within a few months of RC. In this paper, we report the case of a patient with PUC who developed widespread bone metastasis only 6 weeks after RC, which resulted in death within 2 months postoperatively.
Pulse Signal Analysis Based on Deep Learning Network
Authors: E Quanyu
Published: September 2022

Pulse signal is one of the most important physiological features of human body, which is caused by the cyclical contraction and diastole. It has great research value and broad application prospect in the detection of physiological parameters, the development of medical equipment, and the study of cardiovascular diseases and pulse diagnosis objective. In recent years, with the development of the sensor, measuring and saving of pulse signal has become very convenient. Now the pulse signal feature analysis is a hotspot and difficulty in the signal processing field. Therefore, to realize pulse signal automatic analysis and recognition is vital significance in the aspects of the noninvasive diagnosis and remote monitoring, etc. In this article, we combined the pulse signal feature extraction in time and frequency domain and convolution neural network to analyze the pulse signal. Firstly, a theory of wavelet transform and the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) which is gradually developed in recent years have been used to remove the noises in the pulse signal. Moreover, a method of feature point detection based on differential threshold method is proposed which realized the accurate positioning and extraction time‐domain values. Finally, a deep learning method based on one‐dimensional CNN has been utilized to make the classification of multiple pulse signals in the article. In conclusion, a deep learning method is proposed for the pulse signal classification combined with the feature extraction in time and frequency domain in this article.
Minimized Computations of Deep Learning Technique for Early Diagnosis of Diabetic Retinopathy Using IoT-Based Medical Devices
Authors: Ayoub Shahnawaz , Khan Mohiuddin Ali , Jadhav Vaishali Prashant , Anandaram Harishchander , Anil Kumar T. Ch. , Reegu Faheem Ahmad , Motwani Deepak , Shrivastava Ashok Kumar , Berhane Roviel
Published: September 2022

Diabetes mellitus is the main cause of diabetic retinopathy, the most common cause of blindness worldwide. In order to slow down or prevent vision loss and degeneration, early detection and treatment are essential. For the purpose of detecting and classifying diabetic retinopathy on fundus retina images, numerous artificial intelligence-based algorithms have been put forth by the scientific community. Due to its real-time relevance to everyone’s lives, smart healthcare is attracting a lot of interest. With the convergence of IoT, this attention has increased. The leading cause of blindness among persons in their working years is diabetic eye disease. Millions of people live in the most populous Asian nations, including China and India, and the number of diabetics among them is on the rise. To provide medical screening and diagnosis for this rising population of diabetes patients, skilled clinicians faced significant challenges. Our objective is to use deep learning techniques to automatically detect blind spots in eyes and determine how serious they may be. We suggest an enhanced convolutional neural network (ECNN) utilizing a genetic algorithm in this paper. The ECNN technique’s accuracy results are compared to those of existing approaches like the K-nearest neighbor approach, convolutional neural network, and support vector machine with the genetic algorithm.
Identification of Prognostic Factors in Cholangiocarcinoma Based on Integrated ceRNA Network Analysis
Authors: Jin Haili , Liu Wei , Xu Weiming , Zhou Liping , Luo Huarong , Xu Cheng , Chen Xi , Chen Wenbin
Published: September 2022

This study is aimed at screening prognostic biomarkers in cholangiocarcinoma (CHOL) based on competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network analysis. Microarray data for lncRNAs, mRNA, and miRNAs were downloaded from the GEO and TCGA databases. Differentially expressed RNAs (DERs) were identified in CHOL and normal liver tissue samples. WGCNA was used to identify disease-related gene modules. By integrating the information from the starBase and DIANA-LncBasev2 databases, we constructed a ceRNA network. Survival analysis was performed, and a prognostic gene-based prognostic score (PS) model was generated. The correlation between gene expression and immune cell infiltration or immune-related feature genes was analyzed using TIMER. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to verify the expression of the 10 DERs with independent prognosis. A large cohort of DERs was identified in the CHOL and control samples. The ceRNA network consisted of 6 lncRNAs, 2 miRNAs, 90 mRNAs, and 98 nodes. Ten genes were identified as prognosis-related genes, and a ten-gene signature PS model was constructed, which exhibited a good prognosis predictive ability for risk assessment of CHOL patients (

AUC
 
value
=
0.975

). Four genes, ELF4, AGXT, ABCG2, and LDHD, were associated with immune cell infiltration and closely correlated with immune-related feature genes (CD14, CD163, CD33, etc.) in CHOL. Additionally, the consistency rate of the RT-qPCR results and bioinformatics analysis was 80%, implying a relatively high reliability of the bioinformatic analysis results. Our findings suggest that the ten-signature gene PS model has significant prognostic predictive value for patients with CHOL. These four immune-related DERs are involved in the progression of CHOL and may be useful prognostic biomarkers for CHOLs.
Intelligent Online Partial Discharge Detection and Sensor
Authors: Zhu Rong , Chen Zhaohui , Liu Jingshuai , Zhu Tao , Du Xuan
Published: September 2022

In order to realize the online monitoring of partial discharge in solid switch cabinet, obtain the real partial discharge power and evaluate the insulation status of the switch cabinet, an online detection device based on partial discharge in solid switch cabinet was proposed. The ultrasonic sensor and resonant circuit used by the device to collect the high frequency signal generated when partial discharge occurs and the high frequency signal was converted into the voltage signal. The voltage signal was sent to the STM32 main control chip after data preprocessing and analog-to-digital conversion. Through the conversion of the collected electrical data, the local discharge quantity was obtained and displayed on LCD screen in real time. If the detected discharge power was greater than a set value, an alarm would be automatically issued to remind the on-site power personnel to pay attention to it and prevent major power accidents caused by insulation damage. From the experimental results, it was found that the value of intermittent partial discharge collected by the developed device was 63pC, which was basically consistent with the DMS data. The experimental results showed that the device had the characteristics of simple operation and signal processing speed, high testing data real-time, and low cost, which was suitable for the real-time monitoring of the high voltage equipment in internal partial discharge. It was convenient for operators to maintain the equipment and ensure the normal operation of the equipment, which was of great significance to improve the reliability of power supply.
An Identity Authentication Scheme Based on SM2 Algorithm in UAV Communication Network
Authors: Xia Tao , He Jun
Published: September 2022

With the advancement of technology, the collaborative networking of multiple UAVs has become a mainstream trend. Due to the characteristics of UAV communication networks, there are many security issues with their communication networks. At present, the UAV communication network needs a secure and efficient authentication scheme. In this paper, we optimise an UAV authentication scheme based on the SM2 algorithm, design a two-way authentication mechanism to improve the security of the authentication scheme, and adopt the method of preshared secret information instead of digital signatures to improve the efficiency of authentication. Subsequently, the safety proof was based on the Dolev-Yao model. Finally, simulation experiments demonstrate that the scheme is more efficient in authentication compared to other similar authentication schemes and meets expectations.
Maintenance Methodologies Embraced for Railroad Systems: A Review
Authors: Prabhakaran Priyanka , Subbaiyan Anandakumar , Gopalakrishnan Dineshkumar , Balaji.M Harsha Vardhana , Ramkumar S. , Veluswamy Suresh , Murugesan Dinesh Kumar , Seerangagounder Satheeshkumar , Arunachalam Sivakumar , Velusamy Prabhu , Bhaskaran Priyanka
Published: September 2022

Congestion on land, hike in fuel costs, and critical need to cut down environmental emissions have generated the urge to shift from conventional rail transit systems to metro rail and high-speed rail for a mass mode of transportation. The conventional railway network especially in India stages an effective space in the means of mass transit systems. Subsequently, periodic inspection of the state of railway tracks is vital for ensuring rail safety, as tracks are critical components of train transportation networks. Tracks are designed to withstand zero critical incidents, and with the advent of new high-speed train services, there is a greater need to focus on track performance. Track maintenance methods are customized to suit local conditions for enhancing safety and reducing disruptions while guaranteeing the resilience and sustainability of any rail system. In recent years, various aspects of the TMSs (track maintenance systems) have been introduced within the railway industry for both ballasted and ballastless track systems. This study reviewed various approaches to track maintenance measures using traditional methods, statistical methods, and geometry-based methods based on track deterioration. Among all the reviewed methods, track maintenance based on the geometry is said to cater to the needs of the maintainers. The outcomes of this study are expected to support and assist in track maintenance decisions in the railway industry.
Combined-Acupoint Electroacupuncture Induces Better Analgesia via Activating the Endocannabinoid System in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Jiang Zhenhua , Li Yuheng , Wang Qun , Fang Zongping , Deng Jiao , Zhang Xinxin , Shen Bowen , Wu Zhixin , Yang Qianzi , Xiong Lize
Published: September 2022

Electroacupuncture (EA) therapy has been widely reported to alleviate neuropathic pain with few side effects in both clinical practice and animal studies worldwide. However, little is known about the comparison of the therapeutic efficacy among the diverse EA schemes used for neuropathic pain. The present study is aimed at investigating the therapeutic efficacy discrepancy between the single and combined-acupoint EA and to reveal the difference of mechanisms behind them. Electroacupuncture was given at both Zusanli (ST36) and Huantiao (GB30) in the combined group or ST36 alone in the single group. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) was measured to determine the pain level. Electrophysiology was performed to detect the effects of EA on synaptic transmission in the spinal dorsal horn of the vGlut2-tdTomato mice. Spinal contents of endogenous opioids, endocannabinoids, and their receptors were examined. Inhibitors of CBR (cannabinoid receptor) and opioid receptors were used to study the roles of opioid and endocannabinoid system (ECS) in EA analgesia. We found that combined-acupoint acupuncture provide stronger analgesia than the single group did, and the former inhibited the synaptic transmission at the spinal level to a greater extent than later. Besides, the high-intensity stimulation at ST36 or normal stimulation at two sham acupoints did not mimic the similar efficacy of analgesia in the combined group. Acupuncture stimulation in single and combined groups both activated the endogenous opioid system. The ECS was only activated in the combined group. Naloxone totally blocked the analgesic effect of single-acupoint EA; however, it did not attenuate that of combined-acupoint EA unless coadministered with CBR antagonists. Hence, in the CCI-induced neuropathic pain model, combined-acupoint EA at ST36 and GB30 is more effective in analgesia than the single-acupoint EA at ST36. EA stimulation at GB30 alone neither provided a superior analgesic effect to EA treatment at ST36 nor altered the content of AEA, 2-AG, CB1 receptor, or CB2 receptor compared with the CCI group. Activation of the ECS is the main contributor of the better analgesia by the combined acupoint stimulation than that induced by single acupoint stimulation.
[Retracted] Study on the Evaluation of Lung Cancer Patients from the Three Aspects of Emotion
Authors: Li Panpan , Yu Jiangli , Wang Xiaohui , Pang Xiaonan , Yu Chengjing , Xu Yingqiong
Published: September 2022

In recent years, epidemiological survey data have shown that lung cancer is the tumor with the fastest increase in cancer incidence and mortality in China. The incidence and mortality of lung cancer in China rank first among tumors, and 80% of patients die within one year of diagnosis. This paper aims to study the evaluation of lung cancer patients from three aspects of emotion, coping style, and Quality of Life (QoL), expounding on the changes in emotion, coping style, and QoL in lung cancer patients after chemotherapy. We assess the negative emotions and survival of lung cancer patients after chemotherapy quality satisfaction survey research. We investigate the general data, QoL, and coping styles of 219 lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy before, during, and after chemotherapy based on the artificial intelligence processor. All survey data are input into SPSS 19 for descriptive and relevant statistical analysis. The experimental results show that under a survey of 219 lung cancer chemotherapy patients with negative emotions and QoL satisfaction after chemotherapy, at a significance level of =  0.05, there is a linear regression relationship between mental resilience and anxiety and depression.
Design and Optimization of a Wind Turbine for Rural Household Electrification in Machakos, Kenya
Authors: Muchiri Kennedy , Kamau Joseph Ngugi , Wekesa David Wafula , Saoke Churchill Otieno , Mutuku Joseph Ndisya , Gathua Joseph Kimiri
Published: September 2022

Machakos is an area characterized by low wind speeds in the range of 0.5 m/s to 5 m/s with an annual average wind speed of 3.5 m/s. Maximum power generation from wind requires the appropriate design of the conversion system. In this study, two HAWT rotor blades were fabricated using Styrofoam and aluminium with a pitching mechanism to maximize power. The system was tested in a wind tunnel environment at a wind speed range of 0 m/s−20 m/s. RPMs and torque were measured and then used to calculate the TSR and power coefficients at different pitching angles. Energy optimization was performed by varying the pitch angles from 0 to 40 degree and rotational speeds, blade shape, and also a variation of blade materials. The analysis of tip speed ratios showed positive skewness implying high potential for significant energy generation at low wind speeds. At the rated wind speed of 5 m/s, Styrofoam blades performed optimally at a pitch angle of 20 degree with a tip speed ratio (TSR) of 2.1 corresponding to a Cp of 0.465. This translates to 238 W of power. Aluminium type performed optimally at a pitch angle of 15 degree with a TSR of 1.9 corresponding to a CP of 0.431, a power estimate of 220 W. These findings showed that Styrofoam blades were more effective and thus suitable for application in wind systems. The understanding gained from this study could be useful to the HAWT research community and can be extended to the turbine designs for small-scale microgrids and utility applications.
Optimal Modeling and Simulation of the Relationship between Athletes’ High-Intensity Training and Sports Injuries
Authors: Zhang Youcheng , Chang Yuanyuan
Published: September 2022

In order to take into account the physical health of athletes and the quality of sports training, an optimization modeling and simulation method for the relationship between high-intensity training and sports injuries of athletes is proposed. The research of the specific content of the method is based on the two-dimensional and three-dimensional registration principles. In the research process, the program is written strictly according to the registration principle, and the correctness of the method is effectively tested by means of experimental methods. Digital image reconstruction measures based on 3D models may be based on ray tracing methods. The experimental results show that the number of accurate cases of this method is 77, and the accuracy rate is 96.3%. The proposed method can formulate a scientific and effective injury prevention strategy for athletes during high-intensity training.
An Evaluation of Replacing Fishmeal with Chlorella Sorokiniana in the Diet of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus Vannamei): Growth, Body Color, and Flesh Quality
Authors: Li Menglu , Li Xiaoqin , Yao Wenxiang , Wang Yuanyuan , Zhang Xin , Leng XiangJun
Published: September 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal (FM) with Chlorella sorokiniana on growth and flesh quality of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. A control diet was formulated to contain 560 g/kg FM, and then chlorella meal was used to replace 0% (C-0), 20% (C-20), 40% (C-40), 60% (C-60), 80% (C-80), and 100% (C-100) of dietary FM, respectively. The six isoproteic and isolipidic diets were fed to shrimp (

1.37
±
0.02

 g) for 8 weeks. The results showed that weight gain (WG) and protein retention (PR) of C-20 group were significantly higher than those of C-0 group (

P
<
0.05

), while no significant differences were observed in WG and PR between C-0 and C-40 groups (

P
>
0.05

). When the replaced level of FM by chlorella meal reached 60%, the WG of shrimp decreased and feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased significantly (

P
<
0.05

). The quadratic regression analysis indicated that substituted fishmeal levels with chlorella meal were 20.50% and 28.25%, respectively, to obtain the highest WG and lowest FCR. In C-40 and C-60 groups, the body surface presented higher redness than the control (

P
<
0.05

). No significant differences in the whole body and muscle composition, SOD, T-AOC, GSH-PX activities, MDA contents, total collagen content, steaming loss, texture property, free delicious amino acids contents, PUFAs, and n-3/n-6 PUFAs in flesh were observed among the three groups of C-0, C-20, and C-40 (

P
>
0.05

). Compared to the control group, C-60, C-80, and C-100 groups showed lower flesh hardness, chewiness, shear force, and higher steaming loss and resilience (

P
<
0.05

). There were no significant differences in serum TP, TG, GLU, and ALB contents, boiling loss, freezing loss, total free amino acids, SAFs and MUFAs among all the groups (P >0.05). Conclusively, in a diet containing 560 g/kg FM, chlorella meal could replace 40% dietary FM without negative effects on the growth and flesh quality, while increase the body redness of white shrimp.
Integrating Industrial Appliances for Security Enhancement in Data Point Using SCADA Networks with Learning Algorithm
Authors: Khadidos Alaa O. , Khadidos Adil O. , Manoharan Hariprasath , Alyoubi Khaled H. , Alshareef Abdulrhman M. , Selvarajan Shitharth
Published: September 2022

The process of ensuring automatic operation for industrial appliances using both supervision and control techniques is a challenging task. Therefore, this article focuses on implementing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) for controlling all industrial appliances. The design process of implementation case is performed using an analytical framework by examining the primary energy sources at the initial state; thus, a smart network is supported. The designed mathematical model is integrated with a learning technique that allocates resources at proper quantities. Further, the complex manual tuning of individual appliances is avoided in the projected method as the input variables are driven in a direct way at reduced loss state. In addition, the data processing state of individual appliances is carried out using central data controller where all parametric values are stored. In case any errors are observed, then SCADA network fixes the error in an automated way, reducing end-to-end delays in all appliances. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, five scenarios are examined and simulated where outcomes prove that SCADA network using learning models provides optimal results on an average of 84 percent as compared to the existing models without learning algorithm.
Association between Serum Copper, Selenium, Zinc, and Serum Estradiol in Women
Authors: Liang Qianqian
Published: September 2022

Objectives. The objective is to examine the associations between serum copper, selenium, zinc, and serum estradiol (E2) among 2388 female participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods. To estimate the association between serum copper, selenium, zinc, and serum E2, multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Fitted smoothing curves and generalized additive models were also performed. Results. After adjusting for confounding factors, it was found that female serum copper was positively correlated with serum E2. The relationship between serum copper and E2 showed an inverted U-shaped curve (inflection point: 28.57 μmol/L). Serum selenium in women was negatively correlated with serum E2, and in the subgroup of women aged 25-55, the relationship between serum selenium and E2 showed an inverted U-shaped curve (inflection point: 1.39 μmol/L). There was no correlation between serum zinc and serum E2 in women. Conclusions. Our study revealed a correlation between serum copper and selenium and serum E2 in women and identified an inflection point for each.
Deep Hash with Optimal Transport-Based Domain Adaptation for Multisite MRI Retrieval
Authors: Yang Jingcheng , Wang Qianqian , Tao Tiwei , Niu Sijie , Liu Mingxia
Published: September 2022

The Internet of Things has a wide range of applications in the medical field. Due to the heterogeneity of medical data generated by different hospitals, it is very important to analyze and integrate data from different institutions. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is widely used in clinical medicine and cognitive neuroscience, while resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI) can help reveal functional biomarkers of neurological disorders for computer-assisted clinical diagnosis and prognosis. Recently, how to retrieve similar images or case histories from large-scale medical image repositories acquired from multiple sites has attracted widespread attention in the field of intelligent diagnosis of diseases. Although using multisite data effectively helps increase the sample size, it also inevitably introduces the problem of data heterogeneity across sites. To address this problem, we propose a multisite fMRI retrieval (MSFR) method that uses a deep hashing approach and an optimal transport-based domain adaptation strategy to mitigate multisite data heterogeneity for accurate fMRI search. Specifically, for a given target domain site and multiple source domain sites, our approach uses a deep neural network to map the source and target domain data into the latent feature space and minimize their Wasserstein distance to reduce their distribution differences. We then use the source domain data to learn high-quality hash code through a global similarity metric, thereby improving the performance of cross-site fMRI retrieval. We evaluated our method on the publicly available Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) dataset. Experimental results show the effectiveness of our method in resting-state fMRI retrieval.
A Minireview Exploring the Interplay of the Muscle-Gut-Brain (MGB) Axis to Improve Knowledge on Mental Disorders: Implications for Clinical Neuroscience Research and Therapeutics
Authors: Cammisuli Davide Maria , Fusi Jonathan , Scarfò Giorgia , Daniele Simona , Castelnuovo Gianluca , Franzoni Ferdinando
Published: September 2022

What benefit might emerge from connecting clinical neuroscience with microbiology and exercise science? What about the influence of the muscle-gut-brain (MGB) axis on mental health? The gut microbiota colonizes the intestinal tract and plays a pivotal role in digestion, production of vitamins and immune system development, but it is also able to exert a particular effect on psychological well-being and appears to play a critical role in regulating several muscle metabolic pathways. Endogenous and exogenous factors may cause dysbiosis, with relevant consequences on the composition and function of the gut microbiota that may also modulate muscle responses to exercise. The capacity of specific psychobiotics in ameliorating mental health as complementary strategies has been recently suggested as a novel treatment for some neuropsychiatric diseases. Moreover, physical exercise can modify qualitative and quantitative composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate certain psychopathological symptoms. In this minireview, we documented evidence about the impact of the MGB axis on mental health, which currently appears to be a possible target in the context of a multidimensional intervention mainly including pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatments, especially for depressive mood.
Anti‐Helicobacter pylori, anti‐Inflammatory, and Antioxidant Activities of Trunk Bark of Alstonia boonei (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Fagni Njoya Zenab Linda , Mbiantcha Marius , Djuichou Nguemnang Stephanie Flore , Matah Marthe Vanessa Mba , Yousseu Nana William , Madjo Kouam Yacine Karelle , Ngoufack Azanze Elvira , Tsafack Eric Gonzal , Ateufack Gilbert
Published: September 2022

An ulcer is an erosion of the gastric mucosa that occurs following an imbalance between the aggression and protective factors and/or an infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). About 90‐100% of duodenal ulcers and 70‐80% of gastric ulcers are caused by H. pylori. The objective of this work was to evaluate in vitro the anti‐H. pylori activity and then the anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties of aqueous and methanol extracts of Alstonia boonei. The anti‐H. pylori tests (CMI and antiureasic activity) were determined using the agar well diffusion method, the microbroth dilution method, and the measurement of ammonia production by the indophenol method; the anti‐inflammatory properties were evaluated by inhibition of proteinases, denaturation of albumin, production of NO by macrophages, cell viability, and hemolysis of red blood cells by heat; then, the antioxidant properties were evaluated by the FRAP method (ferric reducing antioxidant power) and the DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) test. The results show that the best trapping of the DPPH radical was obtained with the methanol extract (EC50 = 8.91 μg/mL) compared to the aqueous extract (EC50 = 19.86 μg/mL). The methanol extract also showed greater iron‐reducing activity than the aqueous extract and vitamin C. Furthermore, at the concentration of 200 μg/mL, the methanol extract showed a percentage (96.34%) strains of H. pylori higher than that of the aqueous extract (88.52%). The MIC90 of the methanol extract was lower than that of the aqueous extract. The methanol extract showed a higher percentage inhibition (85%) of urease than the aqueous extract (73%). The methanol extract at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL showed the greatest ability to inhibit proteinase activity, albumin denaturation, and red blood cell hemolysis; on the other hand, maximum cell viability and greater production of nitrite oxide by macrophages were obtained with the aqueous extract. Aqueous and methanol extracts of Alstonia boonei possess anti‐H. pylori which would probably be linked to their antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties.
Cortisol Awakening Response and Stress in Female Nurses on Monthly Shift Rotations: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Lin Yu-Huei , Jen Hsiu-Ju , Lin Yen-Kuang , Seo Jang-Dong , Chang Wen-Pei
Published: September 2022

The majority of shift nurses are female, there is still an expectation that they fulfil the traditional role of women in the family in Asia, often conflicting with shift work, increases stress, and affects cortisol secretion patterns. This study was to understand the changes in the cortisol awakening response (CAR) and work stress in nursing personnel working in different shifts. We recruited 41 female shift nurses. We administered the Taiwan Nurse Stress Checklist (NSC), and the nurses themselves collected saliva samples upon waking and 30 minutes after waking for three consecutive days at home. The saliva samples enabled us to analyze the increase in cortisol levels following waking (CARi) of nurses working different shifts (day, evening, and night). We then analyzed the data obtained using a hierarchical linear model (HLM). The results indicated that in terms of stress from the inability to complete personal tasks, the regression coefficients of night‐shift nurses vs. day‐shift nurses (B = 4.39, p < .001) and night‐shift nurses vs. evening‐shift nurses (B = 3.95, p < .001) were positive, which means that night‐shift nurses were under significantly greater stress than day‐shift and evening‐shift nurses. With regard to CARi, the regression coefficients of night‐shift nurses vs. day‐shift nurses (B = −3.41, p < .001) and night‐shift nurses vs. evening‐shift nurses (B = −2.92, p < .01) were negative, which means that night‐shift nurses have significantly lower CARi values than day‐shift and evening‐shift nurses. With regard to cortisol levels 30 minutes after waking, the regression coefficients of night‐shift nurses vs. day‐shift nurses (B = −3.88, p < .01) and night‐shift nurses vs. evening‐shift nurses (B = −3.31, p < .01) were negative, which means that night‐shift nurses have significantly lower cortisol levels 30 minutes after waking than day‐shift and evening‐shift nurses. These results indicate that female night‐shift nurses display the lowest CARi and cortisol levels 30 minutes after waking and are more negatively affected by being unable to complete personal tasks.
The Influence of Traditional Culture Integration into Chinese Language and Literature Teaching on the Improvement of Mental Health of College Students
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan
Published: September 2022

Contemporary college students not only face the pressure brought by their studies but also bear the pressure brought by society and their families. Helping college students correctly understand their mental health and effectively solve their’ mental health diseases has become an important issue in education research. The cultivation of healthy psychological quality is inseparable from the cultivation of a humanistic spirit. Therefore, integrating excellent traditional culture into Chinese language and literature teaching and research and giving full play to and inheriting the educational role of excellent traditional culture can not only improve the literary quality of college students and benefit the construction of healthy mental of college students. The main purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of Chinese excellent traditional culture on the cultivation of college students’ mental health, analyze the impact of traditional culture integration into Chinese language and literature teaching research on improving college students’ mental health, and propose the valuable suggestion for integration of excellent traditional culture into Chinese language and literature teaching research. Firstly, we analyze the benefits of integrating traditional culture in literature to the construction of college students’ healthy psychology; then, the current deficiencies of literature education are analyzed; next, through literature analysis and summary, the main factors affecting the mental health of college students were found and the importance of these factors was evaluated by questionnaire survey and mathematical statistics methods; finally, targeted opinions and suggestions are put forward. This research provides guidance and reference for inheriting excellent national culture through literature education and constructing university health psychology in the future.
Extracellular Vesicle Secretion by Leukemia Cells In Vivo Promotes CLL Progression by Hampering Antitumor T-cell Responses
Authors: Gargiulo Ernesto , Viry Elodie , Morande Pablo Elías , Largeot Anne , Gonder Susanne , Xian Feng , Ioannou Nikolaos , Benzarti Mohaned , Kleine Borgmann Felix Bruno , Mittelbronn Michel , Dittmar Gunnar , Nazarov Petr V. , Meiser Johannes , Stamatopoulos Basile , Ramsay Alan G. , Moussay Etienne , Paggetti Jérôme
Published: September 2022

Small extracellular vesicle (sEV, or exosome) communication among cells in the tumor microenvironment has been modeled mainly in cell culture, whereas their relevance in cancer pathogenesis and progression in vivo is less characterized. Here we investigated cancer–microenvironment interactions in vivo using mouse models of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). sEVs isolated directly from CLL tissue were enriched in specific miRNA and immune-checkpoint ligands. Distinct molecular components of tumor-derived sEVs altered CD8+ T-cell transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, leading to decreased functions and cell exhaustion ex vivo and in vivo. Using antagomiRs and blocking antibodies, we defined specific cargo-mediated alterations on CD8+ T cells. Abrogating sEV biogenesis by Rab27a/b knockout dramatically delayed CLL pathogenesis. This phenotype was rescued by exogenous leukemic sEV or CD8+ T-cell depletion. Finally, high expression of sEV-related genes correlated with poor outcomes in CLL patients, suggesting sEV profiling as a prognostic tool. In conclusion, sEVs shape the immune microenvironment during CLL progression.

Significance:

sEVs produced in the leukemia microenvironment impair CD8+ T-cell mediated antitumor immune response and are indispensable for leukemia progression in vivo in murine preclinical models. In addition, high expression of sEV-related genes correlated with poor survival and unfavorable clinical parameters in CLL patients.

See related commentary by Zhong and Guo, p. 5.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Diverse Parental Perspectives of the Social and Educational Needs for Expanding Newborn Screening through Genomic Sequencing
Authors: Timmins George Thomas , Wynn Julia , Saami Akilan Murugesan , Espinal Aileen , Chung Wendy K.
Published: September 2022

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the parental views, attitudes, and preferences of expanded newborn screening (NBS) through genomic sequencing. Study Design: We conducted a semi-structured interview study with English and Spanish speaking mothers who had given birth within the USA in the past 5 years. The interviews explored opinions of expanding NBS, ethical and privacy concerns, and educational and social needs. Results: All participants were interested in some degree of NBS expansion. However, there were differing opinions about the characteristics of conditions that should be included with less consensus for conditions with low penetrance, those without approved treatment, or onset outside of early childhood. All parents endorsed potential medical utility but also nonmedical utility as a motivating factor including being able to prepare and not being surprised by health issues as they occurred. Most felt that it was important to have some choice about the conditions screened, and many expressed the importance of proper education to make an informed choice and a desire to receive this education in the prenatal period. Responses to the type of education and information needed to make an informed decision varied. Conclusions: Parents anticipate value in expanded NBS through genomic sequencing both for medical and nonmedical/personal utility. In order to successfully implement expanded NBS, prospective parents need more and earlier education about the process. These needs may differ by language and culture. Information needs to be easily accessible and to be curated by appropriate experts and stakeholders, including parents representative of the diversity of the USA.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Intragenic HNF1B Variant-Associated Renal Disease by Exome Sequencing
Authors: Yu Qiu-Xia , Jing Xiang-Yi , Li Dong-Zhi
Published: September 2022

Introduction: HNF1B-associated diseases are a group of genetic conditions that affect the kidney as well as other organ systems. Kidney anomalies are the most common symptoms. Other defects may include early-onset diabetes, genital abnormalities, and abnormalities of pancreas and liver function. Renal involvement has emerged as the earliest finding in HNF1B disease, even in prenatal life, with the most common feature being hyperechogenic kidneys. Case Presentation: In this study, we present 3 fetuses with bilateral renal hyperechogenicity identified by ultrasound in the second trimester. No pathogenic copy number variations were revealed by amniocentesis with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA). Heterozygous variants in HNF1B were detected in all 3 fetuses by further investigation with exome sequencing (ES). Two pregnancies were terminated, and one was continued to term. Discussion and Conclusion: Because of the known high frequency of HNF1B aberrations in fetal hyperechogenic kidneys, HNF1B screening should be an integral part of prenatal diagnosis for such fetuses. ES should be recommended following or concurrently with CMA for rapid prenatal detection. The ES results would improve the diagnostic yield and are beneficial in guiding counseling and management.
CSF Aβ40 and P-Tau181 Might Differentiate Atypical from Typical AD Phenotypes: Preliminary Evidence
Authors: Verde Federico , Aiello Edoardo Nicolò , Giacopuzzi Grigoli Eleonora , Milone Ilaria , Dubini Antonella , Ratti Antonia , Poletti Barbara , Ticozzi Nicola , Silani Vincenzo
Published: September 2022

Objectives: This study aimed at testing whether CSF levels of amyloid β42 (Aβ42), Aβ40, total tau, and phosphorylated tau (P-tau181) individually contribute to the identification of atypical phenotypes among a retrospective cohort of probable Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients diagnosed by means of the ratio between Aβ42 and Aβ40 (Aβ42/40). Methods: The retrospective study cohort comprised 50 probable AD patients diagnosed by means of the ratio between Aβ42 and Aβ40 (Aβ42/40) and for whom total tau and P-tau181 values were also available. Patients were clinically classified as typical, amnestic-predominant AD (N = 39; 16 males; mean age: 73.4 ± 7.6 years; mean disease duration: 27.4 ± 24.7 months), or atypical phenotypes (N = 11; 6 males; mean age: 70.2 ± 6.5 years; mean disease duration: 35.5 ± 24.9 months) – i.e., posterior cortical atrophy (N = 4), logopenic-variant primary progressive aphasia (N = 4), and behavioural variant AD (N = 3). A logistic regression allowed predicting the occurrence of atypical versus typical phenotypes based on age, sex, and Aβ42, Aβ40, total tau, and P-tau181 levels. Results: Atypical and typical AD patients were comparable for Aβ42/40 values. Only Aβ40 and P-tau181 levels positively (p = 0.015) and negatively (p = 0.019) predicted the occurrence of atypical AD phenotypes, respectively. Classification precision was of 86%, yielding excellent specificity (94.9%) but poor sensitivity (54.5%). Conclusions: The present study delivers promising, albeit preliminary, evidence on the utility of Aβ40 and P-tau181 CSF biomarkers in differentiating atypical from typical Aβ42/40-confirmed AD phenotypes, prompting further research and confirmation on larger cohorts.
Concomitant Immunosuppressive Therapy and Eculizumab Use in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: An International PNH Registry Analysis
Authors: Hill Anita , de Latour Régis Peffault , Kulasekararaj Austin G. , Griffin Morag , Brodsky Robert A. , Maciejewski Jaroslaw P. , Marantz Jing L. , Gustovic Philippe , Schrezenmeier Hubert
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Complement C5 inhibitor eculizumab is the first approved treatment for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), a rare hematologic disorder caused by uncontrolled terminal complement activation. Approximately 50% of patients with aplastic anemia (AA) have PNH cells. Limited data are available for patients with AA-PNH taking concomitant immunosuppressive therapy (IST) and eculizumab. Methods: Data from the International PNH Registry (NCT01374360) were used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of eculizumab and IST in patients taking IST followed by concomitant eculizumab (IST + c-Ecu) or eculizumab followed by concomitant IST (Ecu + c-IST). Results: As of January 1, 2018, 181 Registry-enrolled patients were included in the eculizumab effectiveness analyses (n = 138, IST + c-Ecu; n = 43, Ecu + c-IST); 87 additional patients received IST alone. Reductions from baseline with eculizumab were observed in the least squares mean lactate dehydrogenase ratio (IST + c-Ecu, −3.4; Ecu + c-IST, −3.5); thrombotic event incidence rates were similar between groups (IST + c-Ecu, 1.3; Ecu + c-IST, 0.7). Red blood cell transfusion rate ratios decreased from baseline for IST + c-Ecu (0.7) and increased for Ecu + c-IST (1.2); there were none for IST alone. Hematological parameters generally improved for IST + c-Ecu and IST alone, and changed minimally or worsened for Ecu + c-IST. Safety signals were generally consistent with those previously described for the respective therapies. Discussion/conclusion: Although some intergroup differences were seen, concomitant eculizumab and IST were safe and effective regardless of treatment sequence.
Chronic Pain and Psychiatric Conditions
Authors: Johnston Keira J.A. , Huckins Laura M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Chronic pain is a common condition with high socioeconomic and public health burden. A wide range of psychiatric conditions are often comorbid with chronic pain and chronic pain conditions, negatively impacting successful treatment of either condition. The psychiatric condition receiving most attention in the past with regard to chronic pain comorbidity has been major depressive disorder, despite the fact that many other psychiatric conditions also demonstrate epidemiological and genetic overlap with chronic pain. Further understanding potential mechanisms involved in psychiatric and chronic pain comorbidity could lead to new treatment strategies both for each type of disorder in isolation and in scenarios of comorbidity. Methods: This article provides an overview of relationships between DSM-5 psychiatric diagnoses and chronic pain, with particular focus on PTSD, ADHD, and BPD, disorders which are less commonly studied in conjunction with chronic pain. We also discuss potential mechanisms that may drive comorbidity, and present new findings on the genetic overlap of chronic pain and ADHD, and chronic pain and BPD using linkage disequilibrium score regression analyses. Results: Almost all psychiatric conditions listed in the DSM-5 are associated with increased rates of chronic pain. ADHD and BPD are significantly genetically correlated with chronic pain. Psychiatric conditions aside from major depression are often under-researched with respect to their relationship with chronic pain. Conclusion: Further understanding relationships between psychiatric conditions other than major depression (such as ADHD, BPD, and PTSD as exemplified here) and chronic pain can positively impact understanding of these disorders, and treatment of both psychiatric conditions and chronic pain.