bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fear-of-intimacy-mediated zinc transport is required for Drosophila fat body endoreplication
Authors: Ji Xiaowen , Gao Jiajia , Wei Tian , Jin Li , Xiao Guiran
Published: April 2023

Background

Endoreplication is involved in the development and function of many organs, the pathologic process of several diseases. However, the metabolic underpinnings and regulation of endoreplication have yet to be well clarified.

Results

Here, we showed that a zinc transporter fear-of-intimacy (foi) is necessary for Drosophila fat body endoreplication. foi knockdown in the fat body led to fat body cell nuclei failure to attain standard size, decreased fat body size and pupal lethality. These phenotypes could be modulated by either altered expression of genes involved in zinc metabolism or intervention of dietary zinc levels. Further studies indicated that the intracellular depletion of zinc caused by foi knockdown results in oxidative stress, which activates the ROS-JNK signaling pathway, and then inhibits the expression of Myc, which is required for tissue endoreplication and larval growth in Drosophila.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that FOI is critical in coordinating fat body endoreplication and larval growth in Drosophila. Our study provides a novel insight into the relationship between zinc and endoreplication in insects and may provide a reference for relevant mammalian studies.
A TMVP1-modified near-infrared nanoprobe: molecular imaging for tumor metastasis in sentinel lymph node and targeted enhanced photothermal therapy
Authors: Wang Xueqian , Dai Geyang , Jiang Guiying , Zhang Danya , Wang Ling , Zhang Wen , Chen Huang , Cheng Teng , Zhou Ying , Wei Xiao , Li Fei , Ma Ding , Tan Songwei , Wei Rui , Xi Ling
Published: April 2023

Background

TMVP1 is a novel tumor targeting polypeptide screened by our laboratory with a core sequence of five amino acids LARGR. It specially binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3), which is mainly expressed on neo-lymphatic vessels in sentinel lymph node (SLN) with tumor metastasis in adults. Here, we prepared a targeted nanoprobe using TMVP1-modified nanomaterials for tumor metastasis SLN imaging.

Results

In this study, TMVP1-modified polymer nanomaterials were loaded with the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent dye, indocyanine green (ICG), to prepare a molecular imaging TMVP1-ICG nanoparticles (NPs) to identify tumor metastasis in SLN at molecular level. TMVP1-ICG-NPs were successfully prepared using the nano-precipitation method. The particle diameter, morphology, drug encapsulation efficiency, UV absorption spectrum, cytotoxicity, safety, and pharmacokinetic properties were determined. The TMVP1-ICG-NPs had a diameter of approximately 130 nm and an ICG loading rate of 70%. In vitro cell experiments and in vivo mouse experiments confirmed that TMVP1-ICG-NPs have good targeting ability to tumors in situ and to SLN with tumor metastasis by binding to VEGFR-3. Effective photothermal therapy (PTT) with TMVP1-ICG-NPs was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. As expected, TMVP1-ICG-NPs improved ICG blood stability, targeted tumor metastasis to SLN, and enhanced PTT/photodynamic (PDT) therapy, without obvious cytotoxicity, making it a promising theranostic nanomedicine.

Conclusion

TMVP1-ICG-NPs identified SLN with tumor metastasis and were used to perform imaging-guided PTT, which makes it a promising strategy for providing real-time NIR fluorescence imaging and intraoperative PTT for patients with SLN metastasis.
Maternal exposure to ultrafine particles enhances influenza infection during pregnancy
Authors: Drury Nicholas L. , Mustapha Toriq , Shore Ross A. , Zhao Jiayun , Wright Gus A. , Hoffmann Aline Rodrigues , Talcott Susanne U. , Regan Annette , Tighe Robert M. , Zhang Renyi , Johnson Natalie M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Interactions between air pollution and infectious agents are increasingly recognized and critical to identify, especially to protect vulnerable populations. Pregnancy represents a vulnerable period for influenza infection and air pollution exposure, yet interactions during pregnancy remain unclear. Maternal exposure to ultrafine particles (UFPs, $$\le$$
≤
100 nm diameter), a class of particulate matter ubiquitous in urban environments, elicits unique pulmonary immune responses. We hypothesized that UFP exposure during pregnancy would lead to aberrant immune responses to influenza enhancing infection severity.

Results

Building from our well-characterized C57Bl/6N mouse model employing daily gestational UFP exposure from gestational day (GD) 0.5–13.5, we carried out a pilot study wherein pregnant dams were subsequently infected with Influenza A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 (PR8) on GD14.5. Findings indicate that PR8 infection caused decreased weight gain in filtered air (FA) and UFP-exposed groups. Co-exposure to UFPs and viral infection led to pronounced elevation in PR8 viral titer and reduced pulmonary inflammation, signifying potential suppression of innate and adaptive immune defenses. Pulmonary expression of the pro-viral factor sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) and pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1$$\beta$$
β
) was significantly increased in pregnant mice exposed to UFPs and infected with PR8; expression correlated with higher viral titer.

Conclusions

Results from our model provide initial insight into how maternal UFP exposure during pregnancy enhances respiratory viral infection risk. This model is an important first step in establishing future regulatory and clinical strategies for protecting pregnant women exposed to UFPs.
A study on the anti-osteoporosis mechanism of isopsoralen based on network pharmacology and molecular experiments
Authors: Wang Jian , Chen Tianyu , Li Xiang , Zhang Yu , Fu Shuang , Huo Ruikun , Duan Yan
Published: April 2023

Objective

Osteoporosis (OP) is a disease caused by multiple factors. Studies have pointed out that isopsoralen (IPRN) is one of the most effective drugs for the treatment of OP. Based on network pharmacological and molecular experimental analysis, the molecular mechanism of IPRN in osteoporosis is clarified.

Methods

IPRN target genes and OP-related genes were predicted from the databases. Intersections were obtained and visualized. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on target genes, which was confirmed by experiments internal and external experiments. Molecular docking was used to verify the binding between IPRN and target proteins. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulates the binding affinity of protein targets and active compounds.

Results

87 IPRN target genes and 242 disease-related targets were predicted. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network identified 18 IPRN target proteins for the treatment of OP. GO analysis indicated that target genes were involved in biological processes. KEGG analysis showed that pathways such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR were associated with OP. Cell experiments (qPCR and WB) found that the expressions of PI3K, AKT, and mTOR in MC3T3-E1 cells at 10 μM, 20 μM, and 50 μM IPRN concentrations, especially at 20 μM IPRN treatment, were higher than those in the control group at 48 h. Animal experiments also showed that compared with the control group, 40 mg/kg/time IPRN could promote the expression of the PI3K gene in chondrocytes of SD rats.

Conclusions

This study predicted the target genes of IPRN in the treatment of OP and preliminarily verified that IPRN plays an anti-OP role through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which provides a new drug for the treatment of OP.
Association between inflammatory markers and bone mineral density: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2007–2010
Authors: Chen Shuai , Sun Xiaohe , Jin Jie , Zhou Guowei , Li Zhiwei
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are acknowledged as novel inflammatory markers. However, studies investigating the correlation between inflammatory markers and osteoporosis (OP) remain scarce. We aimed to investigate the relationship between NLR, MLR, PLR and bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

A total of 9054 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in the study. MLR, NLR and PLR were calculated for each patient based on routine blood tests. Given the complex study design and sample weights, the relationship between inflammatory markers and BMD was evaluated through weighted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression and smooth curve fittings. In addition, several subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the outcomes.

Results

This study observed no significant relationship between MLR and lumbar spine BMD (P = 0.604). However, NLR was positively correlated with lumbar spine BMD (β = 0.004, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.006, P = 0.001) and PLR was negatively linked to lumbar spine BMD (β = − 0.001, 95% CI: − 0.001 to − 0.000, P = 0.002) after accounting for covariates. When bone density measurements were changed to the total femur and femoral neck, PLR was still significantly positively correlated with total femur (β = − 0.001, 95% CI: − 0.001, − 0.000, P = 0.001) and femoral neck BMD (β = − 0.001, 95% CI: − 0.002, − 0.001, P < 0.001). After converting PLR to a categorical variable (quartiles), participants in the highest PLR quartile had a 0.011/cm2 lower BMD than those in the lowest PLR quartile (β = − 0.011, 95% CI: − 0.019, − 0.004, P = 0.005). According to subgroup analyses stratified by gender and age, the negative correlation with PLR and lumbar spine BMD remained in males and age < 18 groups, but not in female and other age groups.

Conclusions

NLR and PLR were positively and negatively correlated with lumbar BMD, respectively. And PLR might serve as a potential inflammatory predictor of osteoporosis outperforming MLR and NLR. The complex correlation between the inflammation markers and bone metabolism requires further evaluation in large prospective studies.
Consensus clinical management guidelines for acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (Niemann–Pick disease types A, B and A/B)
Authors: Geberhiwot Tarekegn , Wasserstein Melissa , Wanninayake Subadra , Bolton Shaun Christopher , Dardis Andrea , Lehman Anna , Lidove Olivier , Dawson Charlotte , Giugliani Roberto , Imrie Jackie , Hopkin Justin , Green James , de Vicente Corbeira Daniel , Madathil Shyam , Mengel Eugen , Ezgü Fatih , Pettazzoni Magali , Sjouke Barbara , Hollak Carla , Vanier Marie T. , McGovern Margaret , Schuchman Edward
Published: April 2023

Background

Acid Sphingomyelinase Deficiency (ASMD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the SMPD1 gene. This rarity contributes to misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis and barriers to good care. There are no published national or international consensus guidelines for the diagnosis and management of patients with ASMD. For these reasons, we have developed clinical guidelines that defines standard of care for ASMD patients.

Methods

The information contained in these guidelines was obtained through a systematic literature review and the experiences of the authors in their care of patients with ASMD. We adopted the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) system as method of choice for the guideline development process.

Results

The clinical spectrum of ASMD, although a continuum, varies substantially with subtypes ranging from a fatal infantile neurovisceral disorder to an adult-onset chronic visceral disease. We produced 39 conclusive statements and scored them according to level of evidence, strengths of recommendations and expert opinions. In addition, these guidelines have identified knowledge gaps that must be filled by future research.

Conclusion

These guidelines can inform care providers, care funders, patients and their carers about best clinical practice and leads to a step change in the quality of care for patients with ASMD with or without enzyme replacement therapy (ERT).
NF-κB is a critical mediator of post-mitotic senescence in oligodendrocytes and subsequent white matter loss
Authors: Schlett Judith Stefanie , Mettang Melanie , Skaf Aladdin , Schweizer Pavel , Errerd Alina , Mulugeta Ephraim Alemayehu , Hein Tabea Melissa , Tsesmelis Konstantinos , Tsesmelis Miltiadis , Büttner Ulrike F. G. , Wendt Heinrich , Abaei Alireza , Rasche Volker , Prex Vivien , Nespoli Ester , Alami Najwa Ouali , Tews Daniel , Walther Paul , Yilmazer-Hanke Deniz , Oswald Franz , Dimou Leda , Wirth Thomas , Baumann Bernd
Published: April 2023

Background

Inflammaging represents an accepted concept where the immune system shifts to a low-grade chronic pro-inflammatory state without overt infection upon aging. In the CNS, inflammaging is mainly driven by glia cells and associated with neurodegenerative processes. White matter degeneration (WMD), a well-known process in the aging brain, manifests in myelin loss finally resulting in motor, sensory and cognitive impairments. Oligodendrocytes (OL) are responsible for homeostasis and maintenance of the myelin sheaths, which is a complex and highly energy demanding process sensitizing these cells to metabolic, oxidative and other forms of stress. Yet, the immediate impact of chronic inflammatory stress like inflammaging on OL homeostasis, myelin maintenance and WMD remains open.

Methods

To functionally analyze the role of IKK/NF-κB signaling in the regulation of myelin homeostasis and maintenance in the adult CNS, we established a conditional mouse model allowing NF-κB activation in mature myelinating oligodendrocytes. IKK2-CAPLP−CreERT2 mice were characterized by biochemical, immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and behavioral analyses. Transcriptome data from isolated, primary OLs and microglia cells were explored by in silico pathway analysis and validated by complementary molecular approaches.

Results

Chronic NF-κB activation in mature OLs leads to aggravated neuroinflammatory conditions phenocopying brain inflammaging. As a consequence, IKK2-CAPLP−CreERT2 mice showed specific neurological deficits and impaired motoric learning. Upon aging, persistent NF-κB signaling promotes WMD in these mice as ultrastructural analysis revealed myelination deficits in the corpus callosum accompanied by impaired myelin protein expression. RNA-Seq analysis of primary oligodendrocytes and microglia cells uncovers gene expression signatures associated with activated stress responses and increased post mitotic cellular senescence (PoMiCS) which was confirmed by elevated senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and SASP gene expression profile. We identified an elevated integrated stress response (ISR) characterized by phosphorylation of eIF2α as a relevant molecular mechanism which is able to affect translation of myelin proteins.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate an essential role of IKK/NF-κB signaling in mature, post-mitotic OLs in regulating stress-induced senescence in these cells. Moreover, our study identifies PoMICS as an important driving force of age-dependent WMD as well as of traumatic brain injury induced myelin defects.

Graphical Abstract
Emerging evidence and treatment paradigm of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Liu Si-Yang Maggie , Zheng Mei-Mei , Pan Yi , Liu Si-Yang , Li Yangqiu , Wu Yi-Long
Published: April 2023

Research on biomarker-driven therapy and immune check-point blockade in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is rapidly evolving. The width and depth of clinical trials have also dramatically improved in an unprecedented speed. The personalized treatment paradigm evolved every year. In this review, we summarize the promising agents that have shifted the treatment paradigm for NSCLC patients across all stages, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors. Based on recent evidence, we propose treatment algorithms for NSCLC and propose several unsolved clinical issues, which are being explored in ongoing clinical trials. The results of these trials are likely to impact future clinical practice.
DeepEdit: single-molecule detection and phasing of A-to-I RNA editing events using nanopore direct RNA sequencing
Authors: Chen Longxian , Ou Liang , Jing Xinyun , Kong Yimeng , Xie Bingran , Zhang Niubing , Shi Han , Qin Hang , Li Xuan , Hao Pei
Published: April 2023

Single-molecule detection and phasing of A-to-I RNA editing events remain an unresolved problem. Long-read and PCR-free nanopore native RNA sequencing offers a great opportunity for direct RNA editing detection. Here, we develop a neural network model, DeepEdit, that not only recognizes A-to-I editing events in single reads of Oxford Nanopore direct RNA sequencing, but also resolves the phasing of RNA editing events on transcripts. We illustrate the robustness of DeepEdit by applying it toSchizosaccharomyces pombeandHomo sapienstranscriptome data. We anticipate DeepEdit to be a powerful tool for the study of RNA editing from a new perspective.
Postoperative awake prone position in geriatric patients with hip fractures: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of postoperative prone position in reducing pulmonary complications and improving oxygenation
Authors: Gao Yu-cheng , Shi Liu , Zhang Yuan-wei , Gao Wang , Tian Xie , Cao Mu-min , Li Ying-juan , Chen Hui , Rui Yun-feng
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are prevalent in geriatric patients with hip fractures. Low oxygen level is one of the most important risk factors for PPCs. Prone position has been proven efficacy in improving oxygenation and delaying the progress of pulmonary diseases, especially in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by multiple etiologies. The application of awake prone position (APP) has also attracted widespread attention in recent years. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be carried out to measure the effect of postoperative APP in a population of geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

This is an RCT. Patients older than 65 years old admitted through the emergency department and diagnosed with an intertrochanteric or femoral neck fracture will be eligible for enrollment and assigned randomly to the control group with routine postoperative management of orthopedics or APP group with an additional prone position for the first three consecutive postoperative days (PODs). Patients receiving conservative treatment will not be eligible for enrollment. We will record the difference in the patient’s room-air-breathing arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) values between the 4thPOD (POD 4) and emergency visits, the morbidity of PPCs and other postoperative complications, and length of stay. The incidence of PPCs, readmission rates, and mortality rates will be followed up for 90 PODs.

Discussion

We describe the protocol for a single-center RCT that will evaluate the efficacy of postoperative APP treatment in reducing pulmonary complications and improving oxygenation in geriatric patients with hip fractures.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the independent ethics committee (IEC) for Clinical Research of Zhongda Hospital, Affiliated to Southeast University, and is registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals.

Ethics approval number

2021ZDSYLL203-P01

Trial registration

ChiCTRChiCTR2100049311. Registered on 29 July 2021.

Trial status

Recruiting. Recruitment is expected to be completed in December 2024.
Associated factors of prosthetic rehabilitation in specialized dental care in Brazil: a cross-sectional study
Authors: da Cunha Inara Pereira , de Lacerda Valéria Rodrigues , Silva Manoelito Ferreira , Bomfim Rafael Aiello
Published: April 2023

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the individual and contextual factors associated with prosthetic rehabilitation in Dental Specialty Centers (DSC) in Brazil. A cross-sectional study, with secondary data from modules II and III of the External Assessment of the 2nd Cycle of the National Program for the Improvement of Access and Quality (PMAQ) of DSCs, was conducted in 2018. Individual variables considered were socioeconomic conditions and perceptions about the structure and service of the DSC. Contextual variables were related to DSC. We considered the region of the country (capital or countryside), geographic location and work process of the DSC for prosthetic rehabilitation. The association between individual and contextual variables and prosthetic rehabilitation in the DSC was analyzed by multilevel logistic regression.

Results

Ten thousand three hundred ninety-one users from 1,042 DSC participated. Of these, 24.4% used dental prosthesis and 26.0% performed at the DSC. In the final analysis, performed dental prostheses in the DSC individuals with less education (OR = 1.23; CI95%:1.01–1.50) and residents of the same city as the DSC (OR = 1.69; CI95%:1.07–2.66), at a contextual level, DSCs of the countryside (OR = 1.41; CI95%:1.01–1.97) were associated with the outcome. Individual and contextual factors were associated with prosthetic rehabilitation in the DSC.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound promotes mesenchymal stem cell transplantation-based articular cartilage regeneration via inhibiting the TNF signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yiming , Yang Huiyi , Wang Zhaojie , Zhu Rongrong , Cheng Liming , Cheng Qian
Published: April 2023

Background

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation therapy is highly investigated for the regenerative repair of cartilage defects. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has the potential to promote chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated the promoting effects and mechanisms underlying LIPUS stimulation on the chondrogenic differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) and further evaluated its regenerative application value in articular cartilage defects in rats.

Methods

LIPUS was applied to stimulate cultured hUC-MSCs and C28/I2 cells in vitro. Immunofluorescence staining, qPCR analysis, and transcriptome sequencing were used to detect mature cartilage-related markers of gene and protein expression for a comprehensive evaluation of differentiation. Injured articular cartilage rat models were established for further hUC-MSC transplantation and LIPUS stimulation in vivo. Histopathology and H&E staining were used to evaluate the repair effects of the injured articular cartilage with LIPUS stimulation.

Results

The results showed that LIPUS stimulation with specific parameters effectively promoted the expression of mature cartilage-related genes and proteins, inhibited TNF-α gene expression in hUC-MSCs, and exhibited anti-inflammation in C28/I2 cells. In addition, the articular cartilage defects of rats were significantly repaired after hUC-MSC transplantation and LIPUS stimulation.

Conclusions

Taken together, LIPUS stimulation could realize articular cartilage regeneration based on hUC-MSC transplantation due to the inhibition of the TNF signaling pathway, which is of clinical value for the relief of osteoarthritis.
Epitope mapping of the monoclonal antibody IP5B11 used for detection of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus facilitated by genome sequencing of carpione novirhabdovirus
Authors: Ito Takafumi , Mekata Tohru , Olesen Niels Jørgen , Lorenzen Niels
Published: April 2023

The monoclonal antibody (mAb) IP5B11, which is used worldwide for the diagnosis of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) in fish, reacts with all genotypes of VHS virus (VHSV). The mAb exceptionally also reacts with the carpione rhabdovirus (CarRV). Following next generation genome sequencing of CarRV and N protein sequence alignment including five kinds of fish novirhabdoviruses, the epitope recognized by mAb IP5B11 was identified. Dot blot analysis confirmed the epitope of mAb IP5B11 to be associated with the region N219 to N233 of the N protein of VHSV. Phylogenetic analysis identified CarRV as a new member of the fish novirhabdoviruses.
Epidemiology of pediatric schistosomiasis in hard-to-reach areas and populations: a scoping review
Authors: Isaiah Phyllis Munyiva , Sólveig Palmeirim Marta , Steinmann Peter
Published: April 2023

Background

Schistosomiasis affects over 250 million people worldwide. Despite children and the poor being key risk groups, limited research and control activities target pre-school aged children (PSAC) and hard-to-reach populations. As endemic countries shift the goals of their schistosomiasis programs from morbidity control to disease elimination, there is a need for inclusive planning to cover all affected age groups from all geographical areas and populations to achieve sustainable impact and health equity.

Methods

We conducted searches in MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase (Ovid), and LILACS per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses—Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Quality assessment of identified articles was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool. Relevant study data were extracted from the articles and entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 for descriptive analysis.

Results

From the 17,179 screened articles, we identified 13 eligible studies on schistosomiasis in PSAC living in hard-to-reach areas and populations. All identified studies were from sub-Saharan Africa. The mean sample size of the retained studies was 572, with a balanced sex distribution among the young children sampled in each study. Ten studies investigated Schistosoma mansoni, one investigated Schistosoma haematobium, while two covered both S. mansoni and S. haematobium in the target population. The prevalence of S. mansoni among PSAC in the included studies was estimated at 12.9% in Ghana, 80.3–90.5% in Kenya, 35.0% in Madagascar, 9.6–78.0% in Senegal, 11.2–35.4% in Sierra Leone, 44.4–54.9% in Tanzania and 39.3–74.9% in Uganda. Out of the three studies that investigated S. haematobium, the presence of the infection was reported in only one study carried out in Nigeria. Schistosome infections reported in nearly all studies included in this review were of light intensity. Only one study conducted in Nigeria documented visible hematuria in 17.7% of the PSAC studied.

Conclusions

The findings document the high prevalence of schistosomiasis among PSAC in hard-to-reach populations and underscore the need to consider this population subgroup when designing the expansion of preventive chemotherapy and schistosomiasis control activities.

Graphical Abstract
“Scanxiety” and a sense of control: the perspective of lung cancer survivors and their caregivers on follow-up - a qualitative study
Authors: Seibel Katharina , Sauer Barbara , Wagner Bernd , Becker Gerhild
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Lung cancer survivors often suffer from physical, emotional and social long-term effects of disease and treatment. Caregivers are also affected by the cancer diagnosis throughout the course of the disease and are frequently burdened by high levels of psychosocial stress. However, little is known about how follow-up care after the completed treatment phase can help to improve long-term quality of life. In the context of patient-centred cancer care, considering the survivors’ and caregivers’ perspectives is an important step toward improving care structures. We therefore explored how lung cancer survivors and their caregivers experience follow-up examinations and their possible psychosocial effects on everyday life in order to shed light on what support is helpful for improving their quality of life.

Material and Methods

25 survivors after curative lung cancer treatment and 17 caregivers underwent a face-to-face semi-structured, audio-recorded interview that was analysed using qualitative content analysis.

Results

Especially burdened cancer survivors and caregivers described recurring anxiety before a follow-up appointment influencing their everyday life. At the same time, follow-up care also provided reassurance of still being healthy and helped regain a sense of security and control until the following scan. Despite possible long-term consequences in everyday life, the interviewees reported that the survivors´ psychosocial needs were not explicitly assessed or discussed. Nevertheless, the interviewees indicated that conversations with the physician were important for the success of “good” follow-up care.

Conclusion

Anxiety surrounding follow-up scans, also known as “scanxiety”, is a common problem. In this study, we expanded on previous findings and found a positive aspect of scans, namely regaining a sense of security and control, which can strengthen the psychological well-being of the survivors and their families. To optimize follow-up care and improve the quality of life of lung cancer survivors and caregivers, strategies to integrate psychosocial care, like the introduction of survivorship care plans or increased use of patient-reported outcomes, should be explored in the future.
The moderating effect of emotion regulation in the association between social support and religiosity and psychological distress in adults
Authors: Karam Joya-Maria , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Fawaz Mirna , Malaeb Diana , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil
Published: April 2023

Background

Lebanese adults face daily obstacles due to their numerous responsibilities and non-ending external pressures to the extent that Lebanon has been ranked second among highest negative experiences countries worldwide. A sparse number of international studies showed that positive social support, religiosity and cognitive reappraisal would decrease psychological distress, but none in Lebanon. This study aimed to evaluate the association between social support, religiosity and psychological distress among Lebanese adults, taking into consideration the moderating role of emotion regulation.

Methods

387 adult participants enrolled in this cross-sectional study between May and July 2022. Participants were chosen from five different governorates in Lebanon, using the snowball sampling technique, and were asked to complete a structured questionnaire, which included the following scales: the Mature Religiosity Scale, the Emotional Regulation Scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support.

Results

The interaction social support by cognitive reappraisal was significantly associated with psychological distress; at high levels of cognitive reappraisal and low levels of expressive suppression, higher social support (Beta = − 0.07; p = .007) was significantly associated with lower psychological distress. The same was found at high levels of cognitive reappraisal and moderate levels of expressive suppression (Beta = − 0.08; p = .021). Social support alone was not significantly associated with psychological distress in the model (Beta = 0.15; t = 1.04; p = .300; 95% CI − 0.14; 0.44).

Conclusion

This cross-sectional study has provided evidence that the adequate use of emotional regulation skills such as high level of cognitive reappraisal and low level of expressive suppression with presence of social support would remarkably decrease psychological distress. This result casts a new light on clinical approaches to tackle this association between the emotional regulation of a patient in interpersonal psychotherapy.
Exploring the role of an IBT-based Informal teaching practice at an edutainment centre on pre-service English language teachers
Authors: Karacan Cemil Gökhan , Kesen Mutlu Aynur
Published: April 2023

The field experience in teacher education programs is limited to the formal teaching at assigned schools. However, there is a need for opportunities for pre-service teachers to practice teaching in other learning contexts. This multiple instrumental case study explored the role of an Inquiry-based Teaching-based informal teaching practice at an edutainment center on a group of 23 pre-service English language teachers. The data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews, retrospective reflection papers and focus group interview. Findings showed that pre-service English language teachers gained valuable insights into different ways of managing the classroom and sustaining interaction with children. Furthermore, they increased their teacher awareness and became more autonomous teachers. The findings of this study have implications for teacher education program designers and teacher educators seeking to enhance the field experience of pre-service teachers.
Extracellular vesicles from immortalized mesenchymal stromal cells protect against neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury
Authors: Labusek Nicole , Mouloud Yanis , Köster Christian , Diesterbeck Eva , Tertel Tobias , Wiek Constanze , Hanenberg Helmut , Horn Peter A. , Felderhoff-Müser Ursula , Bendix Ivo , Giebel Bernd , Herz Josephine
Published: April 2023

Background

Human mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) revealed neuroprotective potentials in various brain injury models, including neonatal encephalopathy caused by hypoxia–ischemia (HI). However, for clinical translation of an MSC-EV therapy, scaled manufacturing strategies are required, which is challenging with primary MSCs due to inter- and intra-donor heterogeneities. Therefore, we established a clonally expanded and immortalized human MSC line (ciMSC) and compared the neuroprotective potential of their EVs with EVs from primary MSCs in a murine model of HI-induced brain injury. In vivo activities of ciMSC-EVs were comprehensively characterized according to their proposed multimodal mechanisms of action.

Methods

Nine-day-old C57BL/6 mice were exposed to HI followed by repetitive intranasal delivery of primary MSC-EVs or ciMSC-EVs 1, 3, and 5 days after HI. Sham-operated animals served as healthy controls. To compare neuroprotective effects of both EV preparations, total and regional brain atrophy was assessed by cresyl-violet-staining 7 days after HI. Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and real-time PCR were performed to investigate neuroinflammatory and regenerative processes. The amount of peripheral inflammatory mediators was evaluated by multiplex analyses in serum samples.

Results

Intranasal delivery of ciMSC-EVs and primary MSC-EVs comparably protected neonatal mice from HI-induced brain tissue atrophy. Mechanistically, ciMSC-EV application reduced microglia activation and astrogliosis, endothelial activation, and leukocyte infiltration. These effects were associated with a downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta and an elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and TGF-beta in the brain, while concentrations of cytokines in the peripheral blood were not affected. ciMSC-EV-mediated anti-inflammatory effects in the brain were accompanied by an increased neural progenitor and endothelial cell proliferation, oligodendrocyte maturation, and neurotrophic growth factor expression.

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that ciMSC-EVs conserve neuroprotective effects of primary MSC-EVs via inhibition of neuroinflammation and promotion of neuroregeneration. Since ciMSCs can overcome challenges associated with MSC heterogeneity, they appear as an ideal cell source for the scaled manufacturing of EV-based therapeutics to treat neonatal and possibly also adult brain injury.
Severe form of Ebstein’s anomaly associated with ventricular septal defect
Authors: Fuchigami Yuji , Hoashi Takaya , Yoshiba Shigeki , Hotoda Kentaro , Nagase Haruhiro , Iijima Yukino , Suzuki Takaaki
Published: April 2023

Although the ventricular septal defect (VSD) that coexists with the severe form of Ebstein’s anomaly was thought to be beneficial for hemodynamics, it is unclear whether biventricular repair is always possible. Ebstein’s anomaly with VSD was diagnosed at 4 days of age based on a heart murmur and mild cyanosis. The cardiothoracic ratio was 78% and the Celermajer index was 1.6 (grade 4), but the hemodynamics were stable and tricuspid valve regurgitation was less than mild. Pulmonary overcirculation developed, and therefore, biventricular repair was attempted at 4 months of age, consisting of VSD patch closure, atrial septal defect partial closure, and the cone reconstruction of the tricuspid valve. Due to persistent cyanosis, however, nitric oxide inhalation and high flow nasal oxygen inhalation could not be discontinued. Catheter examination showed a cardiac index of 2.1 L/min/m2, moderate tricuspid regurgitation, and a pulmonary-to-systemic blood flow ratio of 0.64, and thus, takedown to one and one-half ventricular circulation using bidirectional superior cavopulmonary anastomosis, atrial communication closure, and right pulmonary artery banding was performed. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 25. Four months after discharge, the patient is doing well with home oxygen therapy.
Identifying prognostic indicators for cognitive stimulation therapy for dementia: protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis
Authors: Crawley Dominic , Saunders Rob , Buckman Joshua E. J. , Hui Esther , Walker Richard , Dotchin Catherine , Spector Aimee
Published: April 2023

Background

Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) is the only non-pharmacological, treatment for dementia recommended by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, following multiple international trials demonstrating beneficial cognitive outcomes in people with mild-to-moderate dementia. However, there is limited understanding of whether treatment prognosis is influenced by sociodemographic and clinical variables (such as dementia subtype and gender), information which could inform clinical decision-making.

Aim

We describe the protocol for a systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis assessing the prognostic factors related to CST. In publishing this protocol, we hope to increase the transparency of our work, and keep healthcare professionals aware of the latest evidence for effective CST.

Method

A systematic review will be conducted with searches of the bibliographic databases Medline, EMBASE and PsycINFO, from inception to 7 February 2023. Studies will be included if they are clinical trials of CST, use the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale – Cognitive Subscale (gold-standard measure of cognition in dementia in clinical trials) and include participants with mild-to-moderate dementia. Following harmonisation of the data-set, mixed-effect models will be constructed to explore the relationship between the prognostic indicators and change scores post-treatment.

Conclusions

This is the first individual patient data meta-analyses on CST, and has the potential to significantly optimise patient care. Previous analyses suggest people with advanced dementia could benefit more from CST treatment. Given that CST is currently used post-diagnosis in people with mild-to-moderate dementia, the implications of confirming this finding, among identifying other prognostic indicators, are profound.
Experimental reduction in blood oxygen-carrying capacity alters foraging behaviour in a colonial waterbird
Authors: Minias Piotr , Kamiński Maciej , Janiszewski Tomasz , Indykiewicz Piotr , Kowalski Jarosław , Jakubas Dariusz
Published: April 2023

Oxidative metabolism is a key component of organismal physiology and it is primarily determined by aerobic capacity, which depends on the capacity of blood to carry oxygen. However, experimental manipulations of blood oxygen-carrying capacity are rarely implemented to test ecophysiological hypotheses in vertebrate populations. Here, we combined an experimental manipulation of blood oxygen-carrying capacity with GPS tracking to test whether suboptimal (reduced) haematological performance affects foraging behaviour in a colonial waterbird, the black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus. First, a validation of phenylhydrazine (PHZ) treatment in gulls revealed a 9–18% reduction in haematocrit and blood haemoglobin concentration (via oxidative denaturation and haemolysis of erythrocytes). Then, GPS tracking of experimental (PHZ-treated) and control (saline-treated) gulls during the incubation period provided no support for reduced or suspended engagement in energetically costly activities (long-distance foraging trips) by experimental birds. Instead, we found evidence for fine-scale alterations in foraging behaviour of PHZ-treated individuals, which resulted in fewer foraging trips per unit time, but trips that were longer in duration and distance compared with those of control birds. This suggests reduced foraging performance of experimental birds (e.g. lower capacity to find and collect food during trips) or evasion of social competition, although no differences in the total investment in foraging may also suggest compensatory physiological responses to haemolytic anaemia. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the physio-ecological nexus in non-diving colonial avian species. Whether behavioural effects of reduced aerobic capacity have any implications for gull condition and reproductive performance should be the subject of further investigation.
Depressive symptoms and their sociodemographic determinants among people living with HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rabeya Rokshana , Alam Nur , Sonia Zannatul Ferdous , Mohajon Dipa Rani , Arafat Yasin , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain
Published: April 2023

Background: HIV is a chronic disease with a profound social impact due to its strong ties with sexual and societal stigmatized behavior, such as illegal drug use and sexual promiscuity. Depression is one of the major disabling factors in chronic illnesses. Depression and anxiety disorders are more common among people living with HIV than the non-infected individuals. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, which took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from July to December 2020, included 338 HIV-positive people. The method used was a simple random sampling technique. The Beck Depression Inventory assessed depression in HIV-positive people (BDI).

Results: More than 62 percent of the 338 people surveyed had severe depression, 30.5 percent had moderate depression, 5.6 percent had mild depression, and 1.8 percent had no depression. Age, being a male, being married, and having a low monthly income were all significant predictors of depression.

Conclusions: This study found that depressive symptoms are highly prevalent among HIV-positive patients in Bangladesh. The authors recommend that health care providers address depressive disorders for people with HIV/ AIDS comprehensively.
A blended model of interior design studio practice due to COVID-19
Authors: Assali Imad
Published: April 2023

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic upended the educational system around the globe. During this challenging period, universities and colleges looked for other effective alternative methods of learning, such as Virtual Learning Environments (VL). Besides, Ahlia University has implemented E-learning in response to COVID-19. There needs to be more attention given to the challenges associated with technology adoption facing interior design and architecture programs, where over 60% of courses are practical, especially design studios, which form the core of the curriculum. According to a review of the relevant literature, there needs to be more research on blended learning in interior design and architecture. In order to enhance the teaching and learning of interior design and architecture, further research is required to combine cutting-edge techniques and technology. The aim of this study was to review the classroom materials for Ahlia University's interior design studio.

Methods: After completing the INTD 212, INTD 216, INTD 311, and INTD 404 studios in mid-March 2022, a short Qualtrics poll was done to assess the difficulties of e-learning and offer potential consequences.

Results: Though students were conveniently attending courses online, there was not much discussion and interaction like in the face-to-face model. Blended teaching in design studio courses offered many benefits. The results showed that blended design studios achieved pedagogical results as students developed their knowledge.  

Conclusions: Based on the findings, this research concludes that teaching and learning should be shifted from face-to-face and online learning to the best practice of a blended format.
Neuromuscular assessment of force development, postural, and gait performance under cognitive-motor dual-tasking in healthy older adults and early Parkinson's disease patients: Study protocol for a cross-sectional Mobile Brain/Body Imaging (MoBI) study
Authors: Marusic Uros , Peskar Manca , Šömen Maja Maša , Kalc Miloš , Holobar Ales , Gramann Klaus , Wollesen Bettina , Wunderlich Anna , Michel Christoph , Miladinović Aleksandar , Catalan Mauro , Buoite Stella Alex , Ajcevic Milos , Manganotti Paolo
Published: April 2023

Background: Neuromuscular dysfunction is common in older adults and more pronounced in neurodegenerative diseases. In Parkinson's disease (PD), a complex set of factors often prevents the effective performance of activities of daily living that require intact and simultaneous performance of the motor and cognitive tasks.

Methods: The cross-sectional study includes a multifactorial mixed-measure design. Between-subject factor grouping the sample will be Parkinson’s Disease (early PD vs. healthy). The within-subject factors will be the task complexity (single- vs. dual-task) in each motor activity, i.e., overground walking, semi-tandem stance, and isometric knee extension, and a walking condition (wide vs. narrow lane) will be implemented for the overground walking activity only. To study dual-task (DT) effects, in each motor activity participants will be given a secondary cognitive task, i.e., a visual discrimination task for the overground walking, an attention task for the semi-tandem, and mental arithmetic for the isometric extension. Analyses of DT effects and underlying neuronal correlates will focus on both gait and cognitive performance where applicable. Based on an a priori sample size calculation, a total N = 42 older adults (55-75 years) will be recruited. Disease-specific changes such as laterality in motor unit behavior and cortical control of movement will be studied with high-density surface electromyography and electroencephalography during static and dynamic motor activities, together with whole-body kinematics.

Discussion: This study will be one of the first to holistically address early PD neurophysiological and neuromuscular patterns in an ecologically valid environment under cognitive-motor DT conditions of different complexities. The outcomes of the study aim to identify the biomarker for early PD either at the electrophysiological, muscular or kinematic level or in the communication between these systems. 

Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov, NCT05477654. This study was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee (106/2021).
Competition and Reputation in an Online Marketplace: Evidence from Airbnb
Authors: Rossi Michelangelo
Published: April 2023

This paper studies how competition affects the role of reputation in encouraging sellers to exert effort. More competition disciplines sellers, but at the same time, it erodes reputational premia. This paper identifies whether one effect dominates the other using data from Airbnb. I exploit the introduction of a short-term rental regulation effective in San Francisco in 2017 that halved the number of short-term listings on the platform. I focus on hosts who are present on the platform before and after the regulation, and I identify a negative causal effect of the number of competitors on ratings about hosts’ effort. I extend this result with two other measures of effort: hosts’ response rate and response time. I confirm that hosts exert less effort when the number of competitors increases. The rate of responses within 24 hours decreases, and response time increases.

This paper was accepted by Matthew Shum, marketing.

Funding: This work was supported by the Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (Spain) [Grant ECO2016-78632-P].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4758 .