bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case report: Successful treatment of non-bullous lichen planus pemphigoides with dupilumab
Authors: Li Si-Zhe , Xie Ying-Han , Wang Si-Hang , Fang Rou-Yu , Jin Hong-Zhong , Zuo Ya-Gang
Published: December 2022

Lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) is a rare autoimmune bullous disease, characterized by the coexistence of lichen planus and subepidermal bullae. However, the minority of LPP patients present with papules rather than vesicles or blisters, which is defined as non-bullous LPP. The diagnosis of LPP relies on manifestations, histopathology, serological assay, and direct immunofluorescence of linear disposition of IgG and/or C3 at the basement membrane zone. Up to now, no standard therapeutic strategies have been proposed for the treatment of LPP. Herein, we describe an uncommon non-bullous LPP patient with widespread papules and erythema, probably induced by vaccination. During hospitalization, he had a poor response to the conventional treatment of topical and systemic corticosteroids, and his condition was finally alleviated by the addition of dupilumab. For LPP patients with a traditional medication failure, or who were not suitable for a higher dose of corticosteroids, a combination with dupilumab could be an alternative option.
Progress in kidney transplantation: The role for systems immunology
Authors: Johnson Aileen C. , Silva Juliete A. F. , Kim Steven C. , Larsen Christian P.
Published: December 2022

The development of systems biology represents an immense breakthrough in our ability to perform translational research and deliver personalized and precision medicine. A multidisciplinary approach in combination with use of novel techniques allows for the extraction and analysis of vast quantities of data even from the volume and source limited samples that can be obtained from human subjects. Continued advances in microfluidics, scalability and affordability of sequencing technologies, and development of data analysis tools have made the application of a multi-omics, or systems, approach more accessible for use outside of specialized centers. The study of alloimmune and protective immune responses after solid organ transplant offers innumerable opportunities for a multi-omics approach, however, transplant immunology labs are only just beginning to adopt the systems methodology. In this review, we focus on advances in biological techniques and how they are improving our understanding of the immune system and its interactions, highlighting potential applications in transplant immunology. First, we describe the techniques that are available, with emphasis on major advances that allow for increased scalability. Then, we review initial applications in the field of transplantation with a focus on topics that are nearing clinical integration. Finally, we examine major barriers to adapting these methods and discuss potential future developments.
Glucogenic and lipogenic diets affect in vitro ruminal microbiota and metabolites differently
Authors: Hua Dengke , Hendriks Wouter H. , Zhao Yiguang , Xue Fuguang , Wang Yue , Jiang Linshu , Xiong Benhai , Pellikaan Wilbert F.
Published: December 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two glucogenic diets (C: ground corn and corn silage; S: steam-flaked corn and corn silage) and a lipogenic diet (L: sugar beet pulp and alfalfa silage) on the ruminal bacterial and archaeal structures, the metabolomic products, and gas production after 48 h in vitro fermentation with rumen fluid of dairy cows. Compared to the C and S diets, the L dietary treatment leaded to a lower dry matter digestibility (DMD), lower propionate production and ammonia-nitrogen concentration. The two glucogenic diets performed worse in controlling methane and lactic acid production compared to the L diet. The S diet produced the greatest cumulative gas volume at any time points during incubation compared to the C and L diet. The metabolomics analysis revealed that the lipid digestion especially the fatty acid metabolism was improved, but the amino acid digestion was weakened in the L treatment than in other treatments. Differences in rumen fermentation characteristics were associated with (or resulting from) changes in the relative abundance of bacterial and archaeal genera. The rumen fluid fermented with L diet had a significantly higher number of cellulolytic bacteria, including the genera of Ruminococcus, Butyrivibrio, Eubacterium, Lachnospira, unclassified Lachnospiraceae, and unclassified Ruminococcaceae. The relative abundances of amylolytic bacteria genera including Selenomonas_1, Ruminobacter, and Succinivibrionaceae_UCG-002 were higher in samples for diets C and S. The results indicated that the two glucogenic diets leaded to a higher relative abundance of bacteria which functions in succinate pathway resulting in a higher propionate production. The steam-flaked corn diet had a higher gas production and lower level of metabolites in fatty acids and amino acids. Most highly abundant bacteria were observed to be not sensitive to dietary alterations of starch and fiber, except for several amylolytic bacteria and cellulolytic bacteria. These finding offered new insights on the digesting preference of ruminal bacteria, which can assist to improve the rumen functioning.
Arrhythmia and other modifiable risk factors in incident dementia and MCI among elderly individuals with low educational levels in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Yen-Chang , Liu Chung-Hsiang , Liao Yu-Chi , Chang Hsin-Te , Chiu Pai-Yi
Published: December 2022

Introduction

There is increasing evidence that arrhythmia is a risk factor for dementia; however, it appears that arrhythmia affects the cognitive function of individuals differentially across age groups, races, and educational levels. Demographic differences including educational level have also been found to moderate the effects of modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline.

Methods

This study recruited 1,361 individuals including a group of cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, a group of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and a group of patients with dementia with low education levels. The participants were evaluated in terms of modifiable risk factors for dementia, including arrhythmia and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Results

Cox proportional hazard regression models revealed that among older MCI patients (>75 years), those with arrhythmia faced an elevated risk of dementia. Among younger MCI patients, those taking anti-hypertensive drugs faced a relatively low risk of dementia. Among younger MCI patients, male sex and higher educational level were associated with an elevated risk of dementia. Among CU individuals, those with coronary heart disease and taking anti-lipid compounds faced an elevated risk of MCI and those with symptoms of depression faced an elevated risk of dementia.

Discussion

The risk and protective factors mentioned above could potentially be used as markers in predicting the onset of dementia in clinical settings, especially for individuals with low educational levels.
Epitaxial ferroelectric memristors integrated with silicon
Authors: Rengifo Miguel , Aguirre Myriam H. , Sirena Martín , Lüders Ulrike , Rubi Diego
Published: December 2022

Neuromorphic computing requires the development of solid-state units able to electrically mimic the behavior of biological neurons and synapses. This can be achieved by developing memristive systems based on ferroelectric oxides. In this work we fabricate and characterize high quality epitaxial BaTiO3-based memristors integrated with silicon. After proving the ferroelectric character of BaTiO3 we tested the memristive response of LaNiO3/BaTiO3/Pt microstructures and found a complex behavior which includes the co-existence of volatile and non-volatile effects, arising from the modulation of the BaTiO3/Pt Schottky interface by the direction of the polarization coupled to oxygen vacancy electromigration to/from the interface. This produces remanent resistance loops with tunable ON/OFF ratio and asymmetric resistance relaxations. These properties might be harnessed for the development of neuromorphic hardware compatible with existing silicon-based technology.
Nuclear imaging for localization and surgical outcome prediction in epilepsy: A review of latest discoveries and future perspectives
Authors: Sukprakun Chanan , Tepmongkol Supatporn
Published: December 2022

Background

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Approximately, one-third of patients with epilepsy have seizures refractory to antiepileptic drugs and further require surgical removal of the epileptogenic region. In the last decade, there have been many recent developments in radiopharmaceuticals, novel image analysis techniques, and new software for an epileptogenic zone (EZ) localization.

Objectives

Recently, we provided the latest discoveries, current challenges, and future perspectives in the field of positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in epilepsy.

Methods

We searched for relevant articles published in MEDLINE and CENTRAL from July 2012 to July 2022. A systematic literature review based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis was conducted using the keywords “Epilepsy” and “PET or SPECT.” We included both prospective and retrospective studies. Studies with preclinical subjects or not focusing on EZ localization or surgical outcome prediction using recently developed PET radiopharmaceuticals, novel image analysis techniques, and new software were excluded from the review. The remaining 162 articles were reviewed.

Results

We first present recent findings and developments in PET radiopharmaceuticals. Second, we present novel image analysis techniques and new software in the last decade for EZ localization. Finally, we summarize the overall findings and discuss future perspectives in the field of PET and SPECT in epilepsy.

Conclusion

Combining new radiopharmaceutical development, new indications, new techniques, and software improves EZ localization and provides a better understanding of epilepsy. These have proven not to only predict prognosis but also to improve the outcome of epilepsy surgery.
A new machine learning model for predicting severity prognosis in patients with pulmonary embolism: Study protocol from Wenzhou, China
Authors: Su Hang , Shou Yeqi , Fu Yujie , Zhao Dong , Heidari Ali Asghar , Han Zhengyuan , Wu Peiliang , Chen Huiling , Chen Yanfan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common thrombotic disease and potentially deadly cardiovascular disorder. The ratio of clinical misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis of PE is very large because patients with PE are asymptomatic or non-specific.

Methods

Using the clinical data from the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (Wenzhou, China), we proposed a swarm intelligence algorithm-based kernel extreme learning machine model (SSACS-KELM) to recognize and discriminate the severity of the PE by patient’s basic information and serum biomarkers. First, an enhanced method (SSACS) is presented by combining the salp swarm algorithm (SSA) with the cuckoo search (CS). Then, the SSACS algorithm is introduced into the KELM classifier to propose the SSACS-KELM model to improve the accuracy and stability of the traditional classifier.

Results

In the experiments, the benchmark optimization performance of SSACS is confirmed by comparing SSACS with five original classical methods and five high-performance improved algorithms through benchmark function experiments. Then, the overall adaptability and accuracy of the SSACS-KELM model are tested using eight public data sets. Further, to highlight the superiority of SSACS-KELM on PE datasets, this paper conducts comparison experiments with other classical classifiers, swarm intelligence algorithms, and feature selection approaches.

Discussion

The experimental results show that high D-dimer concentration, hypoalbuminemia, and other indicators are important for the diagnosis of PE. The classification results showed that the accuracy of the prediction model was 99.33%. It is expected to be a new and accurate method to distinguish the severity of PE.
Extended adjuvant temozolomide in newly diagnosed glioblastoma: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Chen Jie , Wang Tingting , Liu Wanming , Qiu Hui , Zhang Nie , Chen Xueting , Ding Xin , Zhang Longzhen
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate whether extending adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ) improved the prognosis of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) patients with different mutation statuses of O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT), isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), p53 and different expression level of Ki67.

Methods

This study was a retrospective cohort study that postoperative patients with newly diagnosed GBM who did not progress after receiving radiotherapy with concomitant and 6 cycles of adjuvant TMZ were enrolled in control group, and those received more than 6 cycles of adjuvant TMZ were incorporated in extended group. Patients were stratified by MGMT expression, IDH1 mutation, p53 mutation and expression level of Ki67. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Result

A total of 93 postoperative patients with newly diagnosed GBM were included in this study, 40 and 53 cases were included in control group and extended group, respectively. On the whole, extended adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy significantly prolonged OS and PFS of patients with newly diagnosed GBM [median OS (mOS): 29.00 months vs. 16.70 months, P < 0.001; median PFS (mPFS): 13.80 months vs. 9.60 months, P = 0.002]. The results of subgroup analysis showed that patients with methylated MGMT in extended group had significantly longer OS and PFS than those in control group; patients with IDH1 mutation benefited more from extended adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy than those with wild-type IDH1; there was no significant difference in the effect of extended TMZ chemotherapy on OS between GBM patients with wild-type p53 and those with mutant p53; compared with GBM patients with lower expression of Ki67, extended adjuvant TMZ treatment dramatically improved the OS and PFS of those with higher expression of Ki67.

Conclusion

The therapeutic schedule of extended adjuvant TMZ significantly prolonged OS and PFS of patients with newly diagnosed GBM regardless of p53 mutation status, and patients with different MGMT methylation, IDH1 mutation and Ki67 expression level benefited differently from extended adjuvant TMZ chemotherapy.
High-risk subtype: Clinical manifestations and molecular characteristics of submandibular gland adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Mengjiao , Ma Tingyao , Wang Xuelian , Zhang Shujing , Yang Guoliang , Song Ruohui , Chen Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

Objective

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck mainly occurs in the major salivary glands, of which the parotid gland and submandibular gland are the most common. The purpose of this study was to clarify the site-specific differences in prognosis and molecular expression characteristics of the patients and to achieve stratified risk management of the clinical prognosis.

Materials

By performing a single-centre retrospective analysis combined with analyses of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, cBioPortal and GEO databases, the clinical prognostic characteristics and the differences in molecular expression patterns of ACC in the submandibular gland and parotid gland were analysed. Cox regression analysis, the chi-square test, Fisher’s test and the log-rank test were used to compare the significance of differences.

Results

Compared with patients with parotid gland ACC, the submandibular gland ACC is more likely to have metastases in the cervical lymph node (21.7% vs. 3.3%) and shows a higher rate of distant metastasis within 1 year after the primary site diagnosis (47.8% vs. 23.3%), a worse overall prognosis, more frequent mutations of MYB/MYBL1 (50% vs. 25%) and abnormal upregulation of the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) pathway.

Conclusions

Submandibular gland ACC is associated with site-specific early cervical lymph node metastasis and hidden distant metastasis, along with rapid progression and a poor prognosis. A high MYB/MYBL1 mutation rate and abnormal upregulation of the PI3K pathway with MYB involvement were identified.
Photodynamic therapy with light-emitting diode arrays producing different light fields induces apoptosis and necrosis in gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Shi Xiafei , Yin Huijuan , Dong Xiaoxi , Li Hongxiao , Li Yingxin
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have become a new light source for photodynamic therapy (PDT) because of their excellent optical properties, small size, and low cost. LED arrays have so far been designed to meet the need for accurate illumination of irregular lesions. However, LED arrays determine not only the shape of the illuminated spot but also the light field, which has a significant impact on the efficacy of PDT.

Methods

We designed three types of LED arrays producing different light fields, namely an intensive LED array for a uniform light field, a sparse LED array for a non-uniform light field, and a point LED array for a Gaussian-like light field, and investigated the effect and mechanism of these light fields on PDT for gastrointestinal cancer both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We found that intensive LED-PDT induced earlier and more serious cell death, including apoptosis and necrosis, than sparse LED-PDT and point LED-PDT. Among the three LED arrays, the intensive LED array induced cells to produce more differential proteins (DEPs), mainly related to mitochondria, ribosomes, and nucleic acids. DEPs in cells subjected to sparse LED- and point LED-PDT were mainly involved in extracellular activities. For MGC-803 tumor-bearing mice, intensive LED-PDT and point LED-PDT had better tumor ablation effect than sparse LED-PDT. Notably, recurrence was observed on day 7 after sparse LED-PDT. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 were highly expressed in sparse LEDs-PDT treated tumor tissues and were associated tumor angiogenesis, which in turn lead to poor tumor suppression.

Conclusions

Therefore, the type of LED array significantly affected the performance of PDT for gastrointestinal cancer. Uniform light field with low power densities work better than non-uniform and Gaussian-like light fields.
Mitochondrial uncoupler DNP induces coexistence of dual-state hyper-energy metabolism leading to tumor growth advantage in human glioma xenografts
Authors: Rai Yogesh , Singh Saurabh , Pandey Sanjay , Sah Dhananjay , Sah Raj Kumar , Roy B. G. , Dwarakanath Bilikere S. , Bhatt Anant Narayan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cancer bioenergetics is an essential hallmark of neoplastic transformation. Warburg postulated that mitochondrial OXPHOS is impaired in cancer cells, leading to aerobic glycolysis as the primary metabolic pathway. However, mitochondrial function is altered but not entirely compromised in most malignancies, and that mitochondrial uncoupling is known to increase the carcinogenic potential and modifies treatment response by altering metabolic reprogramming. Our earlier study showed that transient DNP exposure increases glycolysis in human glioma cells (BMG-1). The current study investigated the persistent effect of DNP on the energy metabolism of BMG-1 cells and its influence on tumor progression in glioma xenografts.

Methods

BMG-1 cells were treated with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) in-vitro, to establish the OXPHOS-modified (OPM-BMG) cells. Further cellular metabolic characterization was carried out in both in-vitro cellular model and in-vivo tumor xenografts to dissect the role of metabolic adaptation in these cells and compared them with their parental phenotype.

Results and Discussion

Chronic exposure to DNP in BMG-1 cells resulted in dual-state hyper-energy metabolism with elevated glycolysis++ and OXPHOS++ compared to parental BMG-1 cells with low glycolysis+ and OXPHOS+. Tumor xenograft of OPM-BMG cells showed relatively increased tumor-forming potential and accelerated tumor growth in nude mice. Moreover, compared to BMG-1, OPM-BMG tumor-derived cells also showed enhanced migration and invasion potential. Although mitochondrial uncouplers are proposed as a valuable anti-cancer strategy; however, our findings reveal that prolonged exposure to uncouplers provides tumor growth advantage over the existing glioma phenotype that may lead to poor clinical outcomes.
The role of extracellular vesicles and interleukin-8 in regulating and mediating neutrophil-dependent cancer drug resistance
Authors: Zippoli Mara , Ruocco Anna , Novelli Rubina , Rocchio Francesca , Miscione Martina Sara , Allegretti Marcello , Cesta Maria Candida , Amendola Pier Giorgio
Published: December 2022

Tumor drug resistance is a multifactorial and heterogenous condition that poses a serious burden in clinical oncology. Given the increasing incidence of resistant tumors, further understanding of the mechanisms that make tumor cells able to escape anticancer drug effects is pivotal for developing new effective treatments. Neutrophils constitute a considerable proportion of tumor infiltrated immune cells, and studies have linked elevated neutrophil counts with poor prognosis. Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can acquire in fact immunoregulatory capabilities, thus regulating tumor progression and resistance, or response to therapy. In this review, we will describe TANs’ actions in the tumor microenvironment, with emphasis on the analysis of the role of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) as crucial modulators and mediators of TANs biology and function in tumors. We will then discuss the main mechanisms through which TANs can induce drug resistance, finally reporting emerging therapeutic approaches that target these mechanisms and can thus be potentially used to reduce or overcome neutrophil-mediated tumor drug resistance.
National survey of prevention and management of CMV infection in pediatric kidney transplantation in comparison to clinical practice guidelines
Authors: Madden Iona , Baudouin Véronique , Charbit Marina , Ranchin Bruno , Roussey Gwenaëlle , Novo Robert , Garaix Florentine , Decramer Stéphane , Fila Marc , Merieau Elodie , Vrillon Isabelle , Zaloszyc Ariane , Hogan Julien , Harambat Jérôme
Published: December 2022

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the most frequent opportunistic infections in kidney transplant (KT) recipients and is a risk factor for patient and graft survival after KT. Center-to-center variation, optimal prevention and treatment strategies in pediatric KT are currently unknown. This survey aimed to assess current CMV prevention and treatment strategies used among French pediatric KT centers.

Methods

A web-based survey was sent to all 13 French pediatric kidney transplantation centers.

Results

Twelve (92%) centers responded to the survey. All centers used prophylaxis for the donor-positive/recipient-negative (D+/R-) group. For R + patients, 54% used prophylaxis, 37% used a pre-emptive strategy. In the low-risk group, D-/R-, 50% used a pre-emptive approach and 50% had no specific prevention strategy. The antiviral used by all centers for prophylaxis was valganciclovir (VGCV). The duration of prophylaxis varied from 3 to 7 months and the duration of viral load monitoring varied from 6 months to indefinitely. No center used a hybrid/sequential approach. For the treatment of CMV DNAemia, VGCV or intravenous GCV were used. Therapeutic drug monitoring of VGCV was performed in 5 centers (42%). Five centers reported drug resistance. Eight centers (67%) administered VGCV during the treatment of acute graft rejection.

Conclusions

There is uniformity in CMV management in some areas among pediatric KT centers in France but not in others which remain diverse and are not up to date with current guidelines, suggesting unnecessary variation which could be reduced with better evidence to inform practice.
Plants’ bioactive secondary metabolites in the management of sepsis: Recent findings on their mechanism of action
Authors: Mahomoodally Mohamad Fawzi , Aumeeruddy Muhammad Zakariyyah , Legoabe Lesetja Jan , Dall’Acqua Stefano , Zengin Gokhan
Published: December 2022

Sepsis is a severe inflammatory response to systemic infection and is a threatening cause of death in intensive care units. In recent years, a number of studies have been conducted on the protective effect of natural products against sepsis-induced organ injury. However, a comprehensive review of these studies indicating the mechanisms of action of the bioactive compounds is still lacking. In this context, this review aimed to provide an updated analysis of the mechanism of action of plants’ secondary metabolites in the management of sepsis. Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and PubMed were searched from inception to July 2022. A variety of secondary metabolites were found to be effective in sepsis management including allicin, aloin, cepharanthine, chrysin, curcumin, cyanidin, gallic acid, gingerol, ginsenoside, glycyrrhizin, hesperidin, kaempferol, narciclasine, naringenin, naringin, piperine, quercetin, resveratrol, rosmarinic acid, shogaol, silymarin, sulforaphane, thymoquinone, umbelliferone, and zingerone. The protective effects exerted by these compounds can be ascribed to their antioxidant properties as well as induction of endogenous antioxidant mechanisms, and also via the downregulation of inflammatory response and reduction of biochemical and inflammatory markers of sepsis. These findings suggest that these secondary metabolites could be of potential therapeutic value in the management of sepsis, but human studies must be performed to provide strength to their potential clinical relevance in sepsis-related morbidity and mortality reduction.
Prolonged treadmill training is not able to prevent ovariectomy-induced bone loss
Authors: Massing Tim , Will Konstantin , Müller Michael , Aleith Johann , Lindner Tobias , Warkentin Mareike , Müller-Hilke Brigitte , Mittlmeier Thomas
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Exercise is widely recognized as prophylaxis for osteoporosis. However, exactly which type of exercise is best to prevent loss of bone mass remains undefined. To find an appropriate form of treadmill exercise that would ameliorate postmenopausal loss of cortical and trabecular structures, we compared various training regimen in ovariectomized (OVX) C57BL/6J mice.

Methods: Common to all regimen were training durations of 14 weeks including five 30 min-sessions per week. Two groups—one sham operated, one OVX—served as controls that did not perform any training. Three OVX groups ran at constant speed, either without any incline or at 20° in- and 20° decline, respectively. An additional OVX group ran an interval training, an alternation between intensive tempo sections and so-called slower regeneration phases. Femoral and humeral bone structures were assessed via micro-computed tomography (μCT), biomechanical stability of the femora via 3-point bending test, muscle volumes of the posterior extremities via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bone metabolic parameters via ELISA on peripheral blood.

Result: OVX resulted in loss of bone mass and stability and a transient rise in the N-terminal collagen type I pro-peptide (PINP). Training resulted in increased muscle volumes of the heart and the lower extremities as well as increased running velocities. However, none of the exercise programs was able to prevent ovariectomyinduced loss of bone mass.

Discussion: These data therefore suggest that axial loading and tensile strain do not suffice as prophylaxis for postmenopausal osteoporosis yet may need to be complemented by low dose pharmaceutics or dietary supplements.
Complete chloroplast genomes of 11 Sabia samples: Genomic features, comparative analysis, and phylogenetic relationship
Authors: Chen Qiyu , Chen Chunling , Wang Bo , Wang Zehuan , Xu Wenfen , Huang Yuan , Sun Qingwen
Published: December 2022

The genus Sabia is a woody climber belonging to the family Sabiaceae, order Proteales. Several species of this genus have been utilized as medicines for treating diseases, such as rheumatic arthritis, traumatism, hepatitis, etc. However, the lack of molecular data has prevented the accurate identification and refinement of taxonomic relationships in this genus. In this study, chloroplast genomes of 11 samples of the genus Sabia were assembled and analyzed. These chloroplast genomes showed a typical quadripartite structure and ranged in length from 160,956 to 162,209 bp. The structure of the genomes was found to be relatively conserved, with 130 genes annotated, including 85 coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. A total of 78–98 simple sequence repeats and 52–61 interspersed repeats were detected. Sequence alignment revealed 11 highly variable loci in chloroplast genomes. Among these loci, ndhF-ndhD achieved a remarkably higher resolution than the other regions. In addition, phylogenetic analysis indicated that Sect. Pachydiscus and Sect. Sabia of Sabia did not form two separate monophyletic groups. The divergence time calculated based on the Reltime method indicated that the evolutionary branches of Sabia and Meliosma started to form approximately 85.95 million years ago (Mya), and the species within Sabia began to diverge approximately 7.65 Mya. In conclusion, our study provides a basis for comprehensively exploring the phylogenetic relationships of Sabia. It also provides a methodological basis and data support for establishing a standardized and scientific identification system for this genus.
Genome and pan-genome assembly of asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedialis) reveal the genetic basis of cold adaptation
Authors: Liang Le , Zhang Jianwei , Xiao Jiachang , Li Xiaomei , Xie Yongdong , Tan Huaqiang , Song Xueping , Zhu Li , Xue Xinru , Xu Linyu , Zhou Peihan , Ran Jianzhao , Sun Bo , Huang Zhi , Tang Yi , Lin Lijin , Sun Guochao , Lai Yunsun , Li Huanxiu
Published: December 2022

Asparagus bean (Vigna unguiculata ssp. sesquipedialis) is an important cowpea subspecies. We assembled the genomes of Ningjiang 3 (NJ, 550.31 Mb) and Dubai bean (DB, 564.12 Mb) for comparative genomics analysis. The whole-genome duplication events of DB and NJ occurred at 64.55 and 64.81 Mya, respectively, while the divergence between soybean and Vigna occurred in the Paleogene period. NJ genes underwent positive selection and amplification in response to temperature and abiotic stress. In species-specific gene families, NJ is mainly enriched in response to abiotic stress, while DB is primarily enriched in respiration and photosynthesis. We established the pan-genomes of four accessions (NJ, DB, IT97K-499-35 and Xiabao II) and identified 20,336 (70.5%) core genes present in all the accessions, 6,507 (55.56%) variable genes in two individuals, and 2,004 (6.95%) unique genes. The final pan genome is 616.35 Mb, and the core genome is 399.78 Mb. The variable genes are manifested mainly in stress response functions, ABC transporters, seed storage, and dormancy control. In the pan-genome sequence variation analysis, genes affected by presence/absence variants were enriched in biological processes associated with defense responses, immune system processes, signal transduction, and agronomic traits. The results of the present study provide genetic data that could facilitate efficient asparagus bean genetic improvement, especially in producing cold-adapted asparagus bean.
Metabolomics combined with transcriptomics analyses of mechanism regulating testa pigmentation in peanut
Authors: Wang Xin , Liu Yue , Ouyang Lei , Yao Ruonan , He Dongli , Han Zhongkui , Li Weitao , Ding Yingbin , Wang Zhihui , Kang Yanping , Yan Liying , Chen Yuning , Huai Dongxin , Jiang Huifang , Lei Yong , Liao Boshou
Published: December 2022

Peanut testa (seed coat) contains large amounts of flavonoids that significantly influence seed color, taste, and nutritional qualities. There are various colors of peanut testa, however, their precise flavonoid components and regulatory mechanism of pigmentation remain unclear. In this study, a total of 133 flavonoids were identified and absolutely quantified in the seed coat of four peanut cultivars with different testa color using a widely targeted metabolomic approach. Black peanut skin had more types and substantial higher levels of cyanidin-based anthocyanins, which possibly contribute to its testa coloration. Procyanidins and flavan-3-ols were the major co-pigmented flavonoids in the red, spot and black peanuts, while flavanols were the most abundant constitutes in white cultivar. Although the concentrations as well as composition characteristics varied, the content ratios of procyanidins to flavan-3-ols were similar in all samples except for white peanut. Furthermore, MYB-like transcription factors, anthocyanidin reductases (ANR), and UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGT) were found to be candidate genes involved in testa pigmentation via RNA-seq and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. It is proposed that UGTs and ANR compete for the substrate cyanidin and the prevalence of UGTs activities over ANR one will determine the color pattern of peanut testa. Our results provide a comprehensive report examining the absolute abundance of flavonoid profiles in peanut seed coat, and the finding are expected to be useful for further understanding of regulation mechanisms of seed coat pigmentation in peanut and other crops.
Safety at high altitude: the importance of emotional dysregulation on pilots’ risk attitudes during flight
Authors: Luciani Federica , Veneziani Giorgio , Ciacchella Chiara , Rocchi Giulia , Reho Matteo , Gennaro Alessandro , Lai Carlo
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Aviation psychology is very interested in understanding how personological and psychological variables influence flight performances. Indeed, risk attitudes have been considered as a risk factor for aviation accidents. In this context, emotions and coping style are key variables which could influence concentration by affecting cognition and attention. In addition, the specific training backgrounds seemed to be associated with differences in in-flight accident rates. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between age, sex, flight experience, emotional dysregulation, coping styles, flight licenses, and pilots’ risk attitudes.

Methods

Eighty pilots completed an online survey composed of ad hoc questionnaire for sociodemographic and work-related information’s and self-report questionnaires that assessed emotional dysregulation, coping styles, and risk attitudes.

Results

Results showed that older age and emotional dysregulation were associated with higher risk attitudes in pilots. Moreover, emotional dysregulation seemed to promote worse self-confidence. Ultralight pilots appeared to be more risk-oriented and less self-confident than civil pilots, while more flight experience appeared to favorite greater self-confidence.

Discussion

In conclusion, the study suggests the importance of promoting interventions based on sharing pilots’ difficulties and emotions and promoting safe attitudes with special attention to ultralight pilots, age, and sex differences.
Predicting Chinese father involvement: Parental role beliefs, fathering self-efficacy and maternal gatekeeping
Authors: Liu Yang , Haslam Divna M. , Dittman Cassandra K. , Guo Mingchun , Morawska Alina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Despite the well-established importance of positive father involvement for child adjustment, father involvement tends to be much lower compared to mother involvement. Furthermore, there are few empirical studies on Chinese fathers and their involvement in parenting. Given the importance of father involvement, it is necessary to examine the factors that may facilitate or hinder Chinese father involvement in parenting.

Methods

This study used survey methodology to examine the predictors of Chinese father involvement with their preschoolers. The sample consisted of 609 Chinese parent dyads in Mainland China.

Results

Fathering self-efficacy and their beliefs about parental roles directly predicted father involvement in parenting. Maternal gate-opening had both direct and indirect associations with father involvement via fathers’ beliefs and fathering self-efficacy. Maternal gate-closing was not associated with father involvement.

Discussion

The findings suggest that fathers’ beliefs about parental roles, fathering self-efficacy, and maternal gate-opening are likely to play an important role in facilitating father involvement with their children. Family interventions and programs could target these modifiable factors to facilitate father involvement in Mainland China.
Rank, strain, and corruption among Chinese public officials: A general strain theory perspective
Authors: Wang Kangqing , Dai Mengliang , Xia Yiwei
Published: December 2022

The problem of corruption has long been a societal focus in China. Agnew’s general strain theory (GST) offers a good explanation of the drive to engage in corruption; that is, offenders are likely to be driven by various types of strains and engage in corrupt behavior as a coping mechanism. However, whether and how an official’s rank moderates the effect of strain on corrupt behavior has yet to be explored. The current study surveyed 687 inmates from 60 prisons in China who had been convicted of corrupt behaviors. The results show that although different levels of officials experience different types of strain, nearly all types of strains are significantly and positively associated with the frequency of corrupt behavior. As for the conditional effect, officials’ ranks significantly moderate the relationship between work-related strain and the frequency of corrupt behavior; that is, work-related strain is shown to have a more significant effect on officials at the clerk level (a higher rank) than on officials at non-clerk level (a lower rank). This research is believed to further expand on the applicability of GST to corruption in non-Western societies.
Evaluation of pharmacist-led telemedicine medication management for hypertension established patients during COVID-19 pandemic: A pilot study
Authors: Li Xiaoye , Hu Jialu , Yao Yao , Zuo Chengchun , Wang Zi , Li Xiaoyu , Lv Qianzhou
Published: December 2022

Aim

To evaluate the impact of a telemedicine medication management service in patients with hypertension.

Methods

Participants were allocated to either a telemedicine service (N = 173) or usual care (UC) (N = 179). The primary outcome was blood pressure (BP) reduction from baseline to the 6-month follow-up visit, the proportion of the target BP achievement, overall adherence to prescribed medication as well as a composite of non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death.

Results

At 6 months, BP was controlled in 89.6% (n = 155) of intervention patients and 78.8% (n = 141) of UC patients (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.04–1.25, P = 0.006), giving a mean difference of −6.0 (−13.0 to −2.5 mmHg) and −2.0 mmHg (−4.0 to −0.1 mmHg) in SBP and DBP, respectively. 17.9% (n = 31) of the patients in the intervention group were non-adherent with medications, compared with 29.1% (n = 52) in the UC group (P = 0.014). The composite clinical endpoints were reached by 2.9% in the intervention group and 4.5% in the control group with no significant differences (OR = 1.566, 95% CI = 0.528–4.646).

Conclusion

Telemedicine medication management for hypertension management had led to better BP control and medication adherence improvement than UC during COVID-19 epidemic, resulting in a reduction of overall adverse cardiovascular events occurrence.
Handheld or head-mounted? An experimental comparison of the potential of augmented reality for animal phobia treatment using smartphone and HoloLens 2
Authors: De Witte Nele A. J. , Buelens Fien , Debard Glen , Bonroy Bert , Standaert Wout , Tarnogol Fernando , Van Daele Tom
Published: December 2022

Exposure therapy is an effective treatment for specific phobia that could be further enhanced through Augmented Reality, a novel technology that can facilitate implementation of gradual exposure and promote treatment acceptability. Effective exposure interventions require stimuli evoking high levels of anxiety. Therefore, it is important to ascertain whether animals can induce anxiety in distinct Augmented Reality modalities, such as Head-Mounted Displays and smartphones, which can differ in user experience and technological embodiment. This study compared the anxiety inducing potential and experienced realism of a spider within the HoloLens 2 Augmented Reality headset and an Augmented Reality smartphone application. Sixty-five participants were exposed to a virtual spider in a 5-step Behavioral Approach Task through both the HoloLens 2 head-mounted display and the PHOBOS Augmented Reality smartphone application. Participants reported Subjective Units of Distress at each step and physiological arousal was measured using heart rate and Skin Conductance. Results show that both technological modalities induced self-reported anxiety for spiders in a Behavioral Approach Task task in a non-clinical sample. The Hololens 2 modality was also related to an skin conductance (SC) increase. Perceived realism did not differ between modalities but was associated with increased anxiety in the HoloLens 2 modality. Findings demonstrate that both implemented modalities have potential for enabling Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy, although the role of experienced realism merits additional investigation. Future research should assess the effectiveness of Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy in clinical samples and assess whether new extended reality modalities, such as passthrough virtual reality, could accommodate observed limitations and improve Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy experiences and outcomes.
Safeness and efficacy of 2-µm handheld thulium laser during microsurgical resection of supratentorial and infratentorial meningiomas: Experience of a single center
Authors: Andrés Sanz Julio Alberto , Marrone Salvatore , Cacciotti Guglielmo , Carpineta Ettore , Scavo Carlo Giacobbo , Roperto Raffaele , Iacopino Domenico G. , Sufianov Rinat , Safarov Aidar , Sufianov Albert , Mastronardi Luciano
Published: December 2022

Aims

We performed a retrospective nonrandomized study to analyze the results of a microsurgery of intracranial meningiomas using 2-μm thulium flexible handheld laser fiber (Revolix jr).

Methods

From February 2014 to December 2021, 75 nonconsecutive patients suffering from intracranial meningiomas, admitted in our department, have been operated on with microsurgical technique assisted by 2-μm thulium flexible handheld laser. We have reviewed demographic and clinical data to evaluate safety and efficacy of the technique.

Results

There were no complications related to the use of the 2-μm thulium laser. We operated on a high percentage of cranial base and tentorial and posterior fossa meningioma in our series. The neurological outcome and degree of resection did not differ from previous series. The neurosurgical team found the laser easy to use and practical for avoiding bleeding and traction.

Conclusion

The use of 2-μm thulium fiber handheld flexible laser in microsurgery of intracranial meningiomas seems to be safe and to facilitate tumor resection, especially in “difficult” conditions (e.g., deep seated, highly vascularized, and hard tumors). Even if in this limited retrospective trial the good functional outcome following conventional microsurgery had not further improved, nor the surgical time was reduced by laser, focusing its use on “difficult” (large and vascularized) cases may lead to different results in the future.
Are Psychosocial Resources Buffering the Relation Between Physical Work Behaviors and Need for Recovery?
Authors: Ketels Margo , Belligh Thomas , De Bacquer Dirk , Clays Els
Published: December 2022

Objectives: We investigate whether job control and/or social support at work play a buffering role in the relation between various physical work behaviors and Need for Recovery (NFR) among employees with physically demanding jobs.

Methods: Our findings are based on data from 332 workers. The Job Content Questionnaire was used to assess job control, social support and specific physically demanding tasks. General physical work behaviors were measured by two Axivity AX3 accelerometers. The NFR Scale (0–11) was used to assess NFR. We used multiple linear regression models.

Results: Sitting at work turned out to be negatively associated with NFR, whereas physically demanding tasks were associated positively with NFR. Our results show a significant buffering role for job control on the correlation between sitting, physically demanding tasks and NFR, but not for social support.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that higher job control might be beneficial to reduce high NFR and eventually may help to reduce early drop-out and sickness absence. Further research is called for to confirm the buffering role of job control and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
“Algorithms in Multi-Objective Optimization”: Foreword by the Guest Editor
Authors: Caramia Massimiliano
Published: December 2022

Many real-world optimization problems typically involve multiple (conflicting) objectives [...]
Theoretical Model and Numerical Analysis of the Tip Leakage Vortex Variations of a Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: Hong Shuli , Chi Jun , Xiang Xin , Lu Weiyu
Published: December 2022

A centrifugal compressor of a micro turbine generator system is investigated by the theoretical model and numerical analysis to explore the characteristics of the tip leakage vortex as the centrifugal compressor approaches stall. The numerical simulation results show the cross-sectional shape of the tip leakage vortex is elliptical, and its long and short axes are gradually stretched as the compressor approaches stall. Moreover, the vortex trajectory is inclined to the pressure side of the adjacent blade. In addition, the Kirchhoff elliptical vortex model is introduced to analyze the flow passage constriction effect, the passage vortex squeezing effect, and the leakage flow translation effect. Results show that there is no upper limit for the flow passage constriction effect on the tip leakage vortex. Furthermore, relative to the original vortex, the minimum constriction effect depends on the axis ratio of the elliptical tip leakage vortex. The passage vortex has an expansion effect on the tip leakage vortex rather than a squeezing effect, which is limited and also depends on the axis ratio of the ellipse. However, the effect magnitude of the leakage flow depends on the scales both of the long and short axes, which also have no upper limit.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Influence of Rubbing Force on Radial Crack Initiation in Labyrinth Seal Fins
Authors: Yang Yicheng , Chang Jiaqi , Mi Zhaoguo , Yang Weihua
Published: December 2022

Radial cracks appear in the labyrinth seal fins of the shrouded turbine blade of an aero-engine during service. To clarify the influence rule of rubbing force on crack initiation, a high-speed rubbing test bench and a numerical calculation model are established, and the research is carried out through experiment and numerical calculation. It is found that cracks can be initiated when the rubbing force is greater than 20 N with a high rubbing temperature at high speed. It is verified by numerical calculation and shows that pure mechanical load will not cause crack initiation, while the thermal load is the main reason for the radial crack initiation of fins. With the increase of rubbing force, the time of crack initiation increases, and the number and length of cracks decrease. At high rubbing temperatures, rubbing force will lead to radial crack initiation, which mainly affects the position of crack initiation.