bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative hematoma heterogeneity associated with hematoma growth in patients with early intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zhao Mingpei , Huang Wei , Huang Shuna , Lin Fuxin , He Qiu , Zheng Yan , Gao Zhuyu , Cai Lveming , Ye Gengzhao , Chen Renlong , Wu Siying , Fang Wenhua , Wang Dengliang , Lin Yuanxiang , Kang Dezhi , Yu Lianghong
Published: October 2022

Background

Early hematoma growth is associated with poor functional outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We aimed to explore whether quantitative hematoma heterogeneity in non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) can predict early hematoma growth.

Methods

We used data from the Risk Stratification and Minimally Invasive Surgery in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage (Risa-MIS-ICH) trial. Our study included patients with ICH with a time to baseline NCCT <12 h and a follow-up CT duration <72 h. To get a Hounsfield unit histogram and the coefficient of variation (CV) of Hounsfield units (HUs), the hematoma was segmented by software using the auto-segmentation function. Quantitative hematoma heterogeneity is represented by the CV of hematoma HUs. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to determine hematoma growth parameters. The discriminant score predictive value was assessed using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The best cutoff was determined using ROC curves. Hematoma growth was defined as a follow-up CT hematoma volume increase of >6 mL or a hematoma volume increase of 33% compared with the baseline NCCT.

Results

A total of 158 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 31 (19.6%) had hematoma growth. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that time to initial baseline CT (P = 0.040, odds ratio [OR]: 0.824, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.686–0.991), “heterogeneous” in the density category (P = 0.027, odds ratio [OR]: 5.950, 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.228–28.828), and CV of hematoma HUs (P = 0.018, OR: 1.301, 95 % CI: 1.047–1.617) were independent predictors of hematoma growth. By evaluating the receiver operating characteristic curve, the CV of hematoma HUs (AUC = 0.750) has a superior predictive value for hematoma growth than for heterogeneous density (AUC = 0.638). The CV of hematoma HUs had an 18% cutoff, with a specificity of 81.9 % and a sensitivity of 58.1 %.

Conclusion

The CV of hematoma HUs can serve as a quantitative hematoma heterogeneity index that predicts hematoma growth in patients with early ICH independently.
Relationship between telomere length and the prognosis of breast cancer based on estrogen receptor status: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Yilun , Ma Li
Published: October 2022

Objective

To identify the relationship between telomere length and the prognosis of breast cancer with different status of estrogen receptor (ER).

Methods

We collected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with telomere length and breast cancer prognosis from the MRCIEU GWAS database and the dataset of a large meta-analysis conducted by the Breast Cancer Association Consortium (BCAC), respectively. The relationship was identified using inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, penalized weighted median, and maximum likelihood methods. IVW, MR-Egger, and MR-PRESSO methods were used to perform sensitivity analysis to assess the accuracy of the results.

Results

Telomere length was negatively associated with the prognosis of total breast cancer (odds ratio [OR]=1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.08-3.14, IVW method), especially with ER- breast cancer (OR=1.89, 95% CI=1.11-3.22, IVW method). No similar relationship was found between telomere length and the prognosis of ER+ breast cancer (OR=0.99, 95% CI=0.62-1.58, IVW method). The findings from other methods were consistent with the results shown by the IVW method. The Mendelian randomization assumptions did not appear to be violated. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the result was robust, and no bias was observed in the study.

Conclusion

Telomere length is associated with the prognosis of total breast cancer, especially with ER- breast cancer. There is no significant correlation between telomere length and the prognosis of ER+ breast cancer. These findings add to the evidence that long telomere could predict a poor prognosis of ER- breast cancer.
TCR mimic compounds for pHLA targeting with high potency modalities in oncology
Authors: Gerber Hans-Peter , Presta Leonard G.
Published: October 2022

pHLA complexes represent the largest class of cell surface markers on cancer cells, making them attractive for targeted cancer therapies. Adoptive cell therapies expressing TCRs that recognize tumor specific pHLAs take advantage of the unique selectivity and avidity of TCR: pHLA interactions. More recently, additional protein binding domains binding to pHLAs, known as TCR mimics (TCRm), were developed for tumor targeting of high potency therapeutic modalities, including bispecifics, ADCs, CAR T and -NK cells. TCRm compounds take advantage of the exquisite tumor specificity of certain pHLA targets, including cell lineage commitment markers and cancer testis antigens (CTAs). To achieve meaningful anti-tumor responses, it is critical that TCRm compounds integrate both, high target binding affinities and a high degree of target specificity. In this review, we describe the most advanced approaches to achieve both criteria, including affinity- and specificity engineering of TCRs, antibodies and alternative protein scaffolds. We also discuss the status of current TCRm based therapeutics developed in the clinic, key challenges, and emerging trends to improve treatment options for cancer patients treated with TCRm based therapeutics in Oncology.
The current role of secondary cytoreductive surgery for recurrent ovarian cancer
Authors: de Bree Eelco , Michelakis Dimosthenis , Anagnostopoulou Elisavet
Published: October 2022

Ovarian cancer represents worldwide the second most frequent and the most fatal gynecological malignancy, with approximately two thirds of the patients presenting with advanced disease. Cytoreductive surgery, primary or after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard of care for these patients. Despite the improvement in quality of cytoreductive surgery as well as development of novel drugs and chemotherapy regimens, still most women with ovarian cancer will ultimately develop recurrent disease and die of their disease. In contrast to the management of primary disease, the standard treatment of patients with recurrent ovarian cancer remains a topic of debate. While platinum-based or second line systemic chemotherapy, depending on the time after last platinum treatment, is standard of care, the role of secondary cytoreductive surgery has been a controversial issue for the last decades. Potential outcome benefit must be also weighed against the risk of severe surgical morbidity, impairment of quality of life and costs. In platinum-resistant recurrent disease, i.e., relapse after less than 6 months from the last platinum-based chemotherapy for primary disease, secondary cytoreduction seems generally not to be indicated due to its aggressive biological behavior and the absence of effective systemic treatment. In this comprehensive review, the current role of cytoreductive surgery in platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer is discussed thoroughly in view of the results of most recent randomized trials and a meta-analysis. There seems to be definitely a role for secondary cytoreductive surgery in selected patients with ovarian cancer recurrence in whom complete resection of macroscopic disease is feasible. However, its role should be continuously reviewed due to the changing systemic treatment of patients with ovarian cancer recurrence over time.
LncRNA HOTAIR regulates cell invasion and migration in endometriosis through miR-519b-3p/PRRG4 pathway
Authors: Bao Qiufang , Zheng Qiaomei , Wang Shaoyu , Tang Wenlu , Zhang Bin
Published: October 2022

Endometriosis is a common benign disease in gynecology and has malignant biological behaviors, such as hyperplasia, invasion, metastasis, and recurrence. However, the pathogenesis of endometriosis remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate whether LncRNA HOTAIR regulates cell invasion and migration in endometriosis by regulating the miR-519b-3p/PRRG4 pathway. The qRT-PCR results showed that the average relative expression of LncRNA HOTAIR was much higher in ectopic endometrial tissues than in eutopic endometrial tissues. Scratch and transwell assays showed that the cell migration and invasion ability of LncRNA HOTAIR overexpression group was significantly higher than those in the control group. Conversely, the LncRNA HOTAIR knockdown group showed the opposite results. Bioinformatics analysis suggested that the downstream target genes of LncRNA HOTAIR were miR-519b-3p and Prrg4. Knockdown of LncRNA HOTAIR can reduce the up-regulation of Prrg4 by miR-519b-3p and then inhibit the invasion and migration ability of endometrial stromal cells. In Conclusion, LncRNA HOTAIR can regulate the ability of invasion and migration of endometrial stromal cells, and its mechanism is proved by regulating the miR-519b-3p/PRRG4 pathway.
The outcome of Kasai portoenterostomy after day 70 of life
Authors: Liu Fangran , Yeung Fanny , Chung Patrick Ho Yu
Published: October 2022

Background

The age at Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE) was reported to correlate with the prognosis of patients with biliary atresia (BA) and that a late KPE is bounded to be failure. Herewith, we reported the outcome of patients receiving KPE after day 70 of life. In addition, the prognostic indicators were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

This was a retrospective analysis and all BA patients receiving KPE after day 70 of life in a tertiary centre between 1980 and 2018 were evaluated.

Results

A total of 164 KPE procedures were performed during the study period and 62 cases were done after day 70 of life which were included in this study. The median follow up period of these patients was 10.6 years (range: 4.5 to 41.5 years). Thirty-nine patients (62.9%) patients were able to achieve jaundice clearance at 6 months after KPE. The NLS rate was 53.2% (n = 33) as recorded at the time of writing. There was no statistical difference in the age at KPE between native liver survivors and patients requiring liver transplant. For complications among the native liver survivors (n = 33), portal hypertension and recurrent cholangitis were found in 63.6% and 30.3% of these patients. There was also no significant difference in the age at KPE between those who developed portal hypertension and recurrent cholangitis (p = 0.451 and p = 0.173 respectively). Regarding the prognostic indicators in predicting NLS, pre-KPE bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were significantly higher among patients requiring liver transplant (p = 0.012, =0.011 and =0.017 respectively). The bilirubin level at 6 months after KPE was also higher among patients who required liver transplant (p = 0.016).

Conclusion

More than half of the BA patients can survive for 10 years with their native liver despite KPE was performed after day 70 of life. However, they have a higher chance to develop BA-related complications. The level of pre-KPE bilirubin and ductal enzymes as well as post-KPE bilirubin are prognostic indicators to predict NLS.
Blood pressure response to dynamic exercise testing in adolescent elite athletes, what is normal?
Authors: Wuestenfeld J.C. , Baersch F. , Ruedrich P. , Paech C. , Wolfarth B.
Published: October 2022

Background

In general, only few studies are dedicated to blood pressure behavior under physical stress in children and adolescents. Even less is published about the blood pressure behavior of young high-performance athletes on the ergometer. For this reason, we evaluated the blood pressure behavior under stress compared to non-athletes in a large collective (n = 739) of young high-performance athletes (age 10–20 years, mean 15.8 years, male 442, female 297) of different sports. A complete echocardiographic examination was available in all athletes.

Result

Regardless of gender, the young competitive athletes achieved significantly higher maximum blood pressure values than investastigated populations from previous studies. Based on the data obtained, blood pressure percentiles are now defined explicitly for junior athletes across sports as well as age- and gender-dependent, which did not exist in this form of normal values for the special clientele of young competitive athletes. The echocardiographic examinations demonstrated stress-induced cardiac adaptation adaptations in the majority of athletes, which thus correlate with the comparatively higher stress blood pressures compared to non-athletes.

Conclusion

For the first time, blood pressure percentiles for exercise tests on the ergometer for age groups and gender in high performance athletes are defined based on a comparatively large collective of young competitive athletes. Upper limits were determined, in particular for systolic blood pressure under stress, and categorized according to gender and age. Performance diagnosticians and physicians are now enabled to make a more accurate assessment of the corresponding blood pressure regulation of young athletes under exercise conditions.
Huoxiang Zhengqi alleviates azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis-associated cancer by regulating Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling
Authors: Dong Mingyuan , Liu Honghan , Cao Tianjiao , Li Lanzhou , Sun Zhen , Qiu Ye , Wang Di
Published: October 2022

Colitis-associated cancer (CAC) is a subtype of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-associated colorectal cancer. Huoxiang Zhengqi (HXZQ) is a classical Chinese herbal medicine and has been used to treat intestinal disorders, however, anti-CAC effects and underlying mechanisms of HXZQ have not been reported. An azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-induced CAC mice model was used to investigate the anti-CAC effect of HXZQ. HXZQ significantly reduced colonic inflammation, suppressed the size and number of tumors, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-21, IL-23, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-α) and oxidative stress markers (reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde), and increased the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-27) in CAC mice. Intestinal microbiota and serum metabolomics analyses indicated that HXZQ altered the gut microbial composition and the abundance of 29 serum metabolites in CAC mice. Additionally, HXZQ activated the nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway and increased the levels of antioxidants such as catalase (CAT), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductases-1 (NQO-1), and superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD-1). HXZQ inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and decreased the expression of NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) by inhibiting the phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B (IκB), inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase (IKK), and NF-κB. In conclusion, HXZQ alleviated CAC in mice by modulating the intestinal microbiota and metabolism, activating Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response, and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation against inflammation. The present data provide a reference for the use of HXZQ as a therapeutic or combination agent for clinical CAC treatment.
Polyphenolic promiscuity, inflammation-coupled selectivity: Whether PAINs filters mask an antiviral asset
Authors: Sheridan Rick , Spelman Kevin
Published: October 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has elicited much laboratory and clinical research attention on vaccines, mAbs, and certain small-molecule antivirals against SARS-CoV-2 infection. By contrast, there has been comparatively little attention on plant-derived compounds, especially those that are understood to be safely ingested at common doses and are frequently consumed in the diet in herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables. Examining plant secondary metabolites, we review recent elucidations into the pharmacological activity of flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds and also survey their putative frequent-hitter behavior. Polyphenols, like many drugs, are glucuronidated post-ingestion. In an inflammatory milieu such as infection, a reversion back to the active aglycone by the release of β-glucuronidase from neutrophils and macrophages allows cellular entry of the aglycone. In the context of viral infection, virions and intracellular virus particles may be exposed to promiscuous binding by the polyphenol aglycones resulting in viral inhibition. As the mechanism’s scope would apply to the diverse range of virus species that elicit inflammation in infected hosts, we highlight pre-clinical studies of polyphenol aglycones, such as luteolin, isoginkgetin, quercetin, quercetagetin, baicalein, curcumin, fisetin and hesperetin that reduce virion replication spanning multiple distinct virus genera. It is hoped that greater awareness of the potential spatial selectivity of polyphenolic activation to sites of pathogenic infection will spur renewed research and clinical attention for natural products antiviral assaying and trialing over a wide array of infectious viral diseases.
Wave propagation and power deposition in blue-core helicon plasma
Authors: Chang L. , Caneses J. F. , Thakur S. C.
Published: October 2022

The wave propagation and power deposition inside and outside the blue-core helicon plasma are computed, together with their transitional behaviours prior to and after the blue-core formation. Computations refer to the experiments on the CSDX (controlled shear decorrelation experiment) (Thakur et al., Plasma Sources Science and Technology 23: 044,006, 2014 and Thakur et al., IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science 43: 2754–2759, 2015). It is found that the radial profile of wave electric field peaks off-axis during the blue-core formation, and the location of this peak is very close to that of particle transport barrier observed in experiment; the radial profile of wave magnetic field shows multiple radial modes inside the blue-core column, which is consistent with the experimental observation of coherent high m modes through Bessel function. The axial profiles of wave field indicate that the decay length shortens for increased external field strength, especially when the blue-core mode has been achieved, and this length is relatively longer inside the core than that outside. The wave energy density is overall lower in two orders after blue-core formation than that prior to, and the energy distribution shows a periodic boundary layer near the edge of blue-core column. The dispersion relation inside the blue-core column suggests the presence of two radial modes, while outside the blue-core column it shows no variation, i.e. constant wave number with changed frequency. The power deposition appears to be off-axis in the radial direction, forming a hollow profile, and when the blue-core mode has been formed it shows periodic structure in the axial direction. Analyses based on the step-like function theory and introduced blue-core constant provide consistent results and more physics understanding. These details of wave propagation and power deposition during the blue-core formation are presented for the first time, and helpful for understanding the mechanism of blue-core phenomenon. The equivalence of blue-core plasma column to optical fiber for electromagnetic communication is also explored, and preliminary calculation shows that total reflection can indeed occur if the incident angle is larger than a threshold value. This may inspire a novel application of helicon plasma, and is one of the most interesting findings of present work.
Indole pyruvate decarboxylase gene regulates the auxin synthesis pathway in rice by interacting with the indole-3-acetic acid–amido synthetase gene, promoting root hair development under cadmium stress
Authors: Shah Gulmeena , Fiaz Sajid , Attia Kotb A. , Khan Naeem , Jamil Muhammad , Abbas Adeel , Yang Seung Hwan , Jumin Tu
Published: October 2022

This research focused on cadmium (Cd), which negatively affects plant growth and auxin hemostasis. In plants, many processes are indirectly controlled through the expression of certain genes due to the secretion of bacterial auxin, as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) acts as a reciprocal signaling molecule in plant–microbe interaction. The aim of current studies was to investigate responsible genes in rice for plant–microbe interaction and lateral root development due to the involvement of several metabolic pathways. Studies revealed that GH3-2 interacts with endogenous IAA in a homeostasis manner without directly providing IAA. In rice, indole-3-pyruvate decarboxylase (IPDC) transgenic lines showed a 40% increase in lateral roots. Auxin levels and YUCCA (auxin biosynthesis gene) expression were monitored in osaux1 mutant lines inoculated with Bacillus cereus exposed to Cd. The results showed an increase in root hairs (RHs) and lateral root density, changes in auxin levels, and expression of the YUCCA gene. B. cereus normalizes the oxidative stress caused by Cd due to the accumulation of O2− and H2O2 in osaux1 mutant lines. Furthermore, the inoculation of B. cereus increases DR5:GUS expression, indicating that bacterial species have a positive role in auxin regulation. Thus, the current study suggests that B. cereus and IPDC transgenic lines increase the RH development in rice by interacting with IAA synthetase genes in the host plant, alleviating Cd toxicity and enhancing plant defense mechanisms.
Pollinator sharing between reproductively isolated genetic lineages of Silene nutans
Authors: Cornet Camille , Noret Nausicaa , Van Rossum Fabienne
Published: October 2022

High reciprocal pollination specialization leading to pollinator isolation can prevent interspecific pollen transfer and competition for pollinators. Sharing pollinators may induce mating costs, but it may also increase pollination services and pollen dispersal and offer more resources to pollinators, which may be important in case of habitat fragmentation leading to pollination disruption. We estimated pollen dispersal and pollinator isolation or sharing between two reproductively isolated genetic lineages of Silene nutans (Caryophyllaceae), which are rare and occur in parapatry in southern Belgium, forming two edaphic ecotypes. As inter-ecotypic crosses may lead to pollen wastage and inviable progeny, pollinator isolation might have evolved between ecotypes. Silene nutans is mainly pollinated by nocturnal moths, including nursery pollinators, which pollinate and lay their eggs in flowers, and whose caterpillars feed on flowers and seeds. Pollinator assemblages of the two ecotypes are largely unknown and inter-ecotypic pollen flows have never been investigated. Fluorescent powdered dyes were used as pollen analogues to quantify intra- and inter-ecotypic pollen transfers and seeds were germinated to detect chlorotic seedlings resulting from inter-ecotypic pollination. Nocturnal pollinators were observed using infrared cameras on the field, and seed-eating caterpillars were collected and reared to identify nursery pollinator species. No pollinator isolation was found: we detected long-distance (up to 5 km) inter-ecotypic dye transfers and chlorotic seedlings, indicating inter-ecotypic fertilization events. The rare moth Hadena albimacula, a nursery pollinator specialized on S. nutans, was found on both ecotypes, as well as adults visiting flowers (cameras recordings) as seed-eating caterpillars. However, S. nutans populations harbor different abundance and diversity of seed predator communities, including other rare nursery pollinators, suggesting a need for distinct conservation strategies. Our findings demonstrate the efficiency of moths, especially of nursery pollinators, to disperse pollen over long distances in natural landscapes, so to ensure gene flow and population sustainability of the host plant. Seed-predator specificities between the two reproductively isolated genetic lineages of S. nutans, and pollinator sharing instead of pollinator isolation when plants occur in parapatry, suggest that conservation of the host plant is also essential for sustaining (rare) pollinator and seed predator communities.
Role of biostimulants in mitigating the effects of climate change on crop performance
Authors: Bhupenchandra Ingudam , Chongtham Sunil Kumar , Devi Elangbam Lamalakshmi , R. Ramesh , Choudhary Anil Kumar , Salam Menaka Devi , Sahoo Manas Ranjan , Bhutia Tshering Lhamu , Devi Soibam Helena , Thounaojam Amarjit Singh , Behera Chandana , M. N. Harish. , Kumar Adarsh , Dasgupta Madhumita , Devi Yumnam Prabhabati , Singh Deepak , Bhagowati Seema , Devi Chingakham Premabati , Singh Hemam Ramananda , Khaba Chingakham Inao
Published: October 2022

Climate change is a critical yield–limiting factor that has threatened the entire global crop production system in the present scenario. The use of biostimulants in agriculture has shown tremendous potential in combating climate change–induced stresses such as drought, salinity, temperature stress, etc. Biostimulants are organic compounds, microbes, or amalgamation of both that could regulate plant growth behavior through molecular alteration and physiological, biochemical, and anatomical modulations. Their nature is diverse due to the varying composition of bioactive compounds, and they function through various modes of action. To generate a successful biostimulatory action on crops under different parameters, a multi–omics approach would be beneficial to identify or predict its outcome comprehensively. The ‘omics’ approach has greatly helped us to understand the mode of action of biostimulants on plants at cellular levels. Biostimulants acting as a messenger in signal transduction resembling phytohormones and other chemical compounds and their cross–talk in various abiotic stresses help us design future crop management under changing climate, thus, sustaining food security with finite natural resources. This review article elucidates the strategic potential and prospects of biostimulants in mitigating the adverse impacts of harsh environmental conditions on plants.
Browsing or buying: A serial mediation analysis of consumer’s online purchase intentions in times of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bhatti Hina Yaqub , Bint E. Riaz Madiha , Nauman Shazia , Ashfaq Muhammad
Published: October 2022

The role of digitization and globalization have changed consumers’ online buying behaviors, specifically in the times of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. This seriously influences the online retail industry in developing countries that are already struggling to move toward digital trading through e-business. Pakistan being a developing country is no exception, and it is, therefore, pertinent to examine factors that contribute to digital trading. Employing theories of reasoned action and the technology acceptance model, this study aims to investigate how personal innovativeness and perceived usefulness impact consumers’ online purchase intentions through a serial mediational model. The data were collected through an online survey from 410 respondents. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to test the proposed model. This study showed significant results for the direct effect of personal innovativeness and perceived usefulness on online purchase intentions as well as the indirect serial effect via internet browsing and attitude toward online purchasing. The study results have some important practical implications for selling firms, especially in the times of COVID-19. The study suggests that online retailers should be more responsive to the aforementioned factors to facilitate consumers to spend more time browsing, which influences consumers’ interest and intention to make online purchases. As the social distancing and lockdown approaches were implemented in Pakistan and other parts of the world, the trend toward online purchases has increased. Due to this shift in the overall purchasing behavior of consumers and the potential for strong growth in e-commerce, organizations need to consider the post-COVID situation to expand their business in an online platform for addressing the future pandemic crisis.
Synchronizing with the rhythm: Infant neural entrainment to complex musical and speech stimuli
Authors: Cantiani Chiara , Dondena Chiara , Molteni Massimo , Riva Valentina , Piazza Caterina
Published: October 2022

Neural entrainment is defined as the process whereby brain activity, and more specifically neuronal oscillations measured by EEG, synchronize with exogenous stimulus rhythms. Despite the importance that neural oscillations have assumed in recent years in the field of auditory neuroscience and speech perception, in human infants the oscillatory brain rhythms and their synchronization with complex auditory exogenous rhythms are still relatively unexplored. In the present study, we investigate infant neural entrainment to complex non-speech (musical) and speech rhythmic stimuli; we provide a developmental analysis to explore potential similarities and differences between infants’ and adults’ ability to entrain to the stimuli; and we analyze the associations between infants’ neural entrainment measures and the concurrent level of development. 25 8-month-old infants were included in the study. Their EEG signals were recorded while they passively listened to non-speech and speech rhythmic stimuli modulated at different rates. In addition, Bayley Scales were administered to all infants to assess their cognitive, language, and social-emotional development. Neural entrainment to the incoming rhythms was measured in the form of peaks emerging from the EEG spectrum at frequencies corresponding to the rhythm envelope. Analyses of the EEG spectrum revealed clear responses above the noise floor at frequencies corresponding to the rhythm envelope, suggesting that – similarly to adults – infants at 8 months of age were capable of entraining to the incoming complex auditory rhythms. Infants’ measures of neural entrainment were associated with concurrent measures of cognitive and social-emotional development.
Humanoid robot intervention vs. treatment as usual for loneliness in long-term care homes: Study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lavin Paola , Lesage Myriam , Monroe Edward , Kanevsky Michael , Gruber Johanna , Cinalioglu Karin , Rej Soham , Sekhon Harmehr
Published: October 2022

Background

Loneliness affects up to 42% of long-term care residents and is associated with poor health outcomes. Humanoid robot interventions hold promise for reducing loneliness and decreasing barriers to social interaction in long-term care settings, such as the current COVID-19 safety measures in many countries, limited mobility, and poor health. We present a protocol describing an assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of a humanoid robot intervention to treatment as usual, on loneliness and mental health outcomes in long-term care residents.

Methods

Seventy-four (n = 74) older adults experiencing loneliness in 3 long-term care homes will be randomized 1:1 to an 8-week, twice a week social intervention with the Grace humanoid robot vs. a treatment as usual active control. We will assess change (baseline to week 8) in (1) loneliness (primary outcome), (2) depression severity, and (3) stress (secondary outcomes), as well as (4) other exploratory outcomes: anxiety, quality of life and reduction in acute healthcare utilization. We will also assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention using qualitative methods.

Discussion

The proposed study will assess the effects of a social robot on loneliness and other mental health outcomes, as well as the feasibility of the intervention in older adults living in long-term care settings.

Trial registration

NCT05423899.
Factors associated with the improvement of body image dissatisfaction of female patients with overweight and obesity during cognitive behavioral therapy
Authors: Yokoyama Hiroaki , Nozaki Takehiro , Nishihara Tomoe , Sawamoto Ryoko , Komaki Gen , Sudo Nobuyuki
Published: October 2022

Background

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has become one of the most commonly used psychotherapeutic treatments for obesity. It stems from CBT for bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder, which focuses on amelioration of the eating behavior and body image dissatisfaction (BID), but usually does not focus on weight loss. In contrast, CBT for obesity focuses on weight loss, as well as eating behavior and BID. It is at present unclear whether the improvement of BID during CBT for obesity is associated with improvement of factors other than weight loss.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine whether improvement of BID during CBT for obesity was associated with improvement of factors other than weight loss.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-five women (BMI 31.8 ± 5.2 kg/m2, age 49.3 ± 10.5 years) with overweight or obesity completed a 7-month CBT-based weight loss intervention. BID, depression, anxiety, binge eating, and perfectionism were assessed at both baseline and the end of the intervention through the use of psychological questionnaires.

Results

Percent total weight loss, baseline BID, baseline binge eating disorder (BED), change in depression (Δdepression), Δstate anxiety, Δtrait anxiety, Δbinge eating, and Δperfectionism were significantly correlated with ΔBID. Multiple regression analysis showed that baseline BID, baseline BED, percent total weight loss, Δbinge eating, and Δdepression were independently associated with ΔBID.

Conclusion

Improvement of binge eating, and improvement of depression, as well as weight loss, were independently associated with amelioration of BID.

Clinical trial registration

[https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000008052], identifier [UMIN000006803] and [https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R0000 55850], identifier [UMIN000049041].
“It always gets pushed aside:” Qualitative perspectives on puberty and menstruation education in U.S.A. schools
Authors: Schmitt Margaret L. , Gruer Caitlin , Hagstrom Christine , Ekua Adenu-Mensah Nana , Nowara Azure , Keeley Katie , Sommer Marni
Published: October 2022

Adolescent girls in the U.S.A. often lack sufficient education on pubertal and menstrual health topics. This educational gap may be growing given the current decline in American elementary and middle schools' delivery of sexual health education. Furthermore, little is known about the actual scope and quality of existing menstruation and puberty education in U.S.A. schools. This paper provides insights into some of the challenges with the delivery of menstruation and puberty education in schools. Qualitative and participatory research methodologies were utilized with Black and Latina girls ages 15–19 and adults working with youth in three U.S.A. cities (Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City), exploring experiences of menstruation within school and family contexts. Findings revealed tension between school responsibility and family authority in providing menstruation and puberty education in schools, school- and teacher-related delivery challenges, and inadequate and disengaging menstruation and puberty content. Further research is needed on the effectiveness and best practices for providing this education in schools, including improved understanding on student and parent preferences, delivery mediums and the scope of content.
A novel evaluation method for in situ space debris detection based on conductive traces
Authors: Fexer Sebastian
Published: October 2022

To enable the detection of micrometeoroids and small-sized space debris (MMSD) in the sub-mm range, in situ detectors aboard a spacecraft are the tool of choice. Unfortunately, only a few projects have been sent to space until today. However, knowledge of the MMSD population is important to keep the reference models up-to-date and gain more insights into factors like the amount of debris and its distribution along certain orbits. This will be crucial for the safety of current and future spaceflight missions. Present-day in situ detection systems mostly rely on impact recognition and characterization using different methods. One of them is the perforation of a special detection area during such an event. These areas consist of one or more layers provided with conductive traces. Any interruption of one of these lines can be recognized using some kind of electrical continuity testing method or the determination of the resistance. This goes along with some drawbacks, like the difficult or even impossible multi-event recognition along one line. The proposed concept relies on a reflectometric approach. In doing so, for example, pulses are being sent along a well-defined transmission line, which is a part of the detection area. Any alteration in the characteristic line impedance, for instance, due to an impact, will generate reflections back into the generator. Their evaluation can provide the location as well as the complex impedance of the perturbation.
Plant Litter Can Be Important Food for Stream Bugs
Authors: Colón-Gaud Checo , Rosas Keysa G. , Sánchez-Ruiz José , Gutiérrez-Fonseca Pablo E. , Ramírez Alonso
Published: October 2022

Plant parts from the land can be important energy sources and habitats for small plant-eating animals that live in water. Animals in forested streams depend on energy from plant parts because the shade limits the amount of light needed for photosynthesis. One group of animals that benefits from these resources are water critters called macroinvertebrates. Macroinvertebrates are small, but most of them are visible to the naked eye. Examples include insects and worms. Macroinvertebrates can influence the amounts of materials floating in streams by helping to break down plant litter that falls into the water. These tiny water critters play an important role in making energy available to stream animals like fish and shrimp.
Rapid improvement in soil health following the conversion of abandoned farm fields to annual or perennial agroecosystems
Authors: Chamberlain Lucas A. , Aguayo Teresa , Zerega Nyree J. C. , Dybzinski Ray , Egerton-Warburton Louise M.
Published: October 2022

Incorporating perennial crops into agroecosystems has been shown to mitigate soil degradation and improve soil health by enhancing soil aggregation and soil organic carbon (SOC) accrual. However, our understanding of the ability and timeframe for perennial crop systems to build soil health within the context of conversion from abandoned crop land remains limited. Here, we examined changes in soil health in the first year following the conversion of an abandoned crop field into an agroecosystem planted with various treatments, including: novel perennial grain (intermediate wheatgrass, IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium), IWG/ alfalfa biculture, forage grass, tallgrass prairie, or annual wheat. We analyzed factors considered central to the concept of mitigating soil degradation to improve soil health (soil aggregation, aggregate organic carbon (OC), bulk SOC) and their soil biological and physicochemical correlates throughout the first growing season. Comparisons between treatments showed that both annual and perennial treatments rapidly and significantly improved soil health metrics including aggregation, aggregate stability, and OC levels compared to pre-conversion conditions. Such increases were positively correlated with the abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF hyphae, root colonization), labile SOC and microbial activity. Notably, IWG/ alfalfa biculture resulted in significantly higher levels of macroaggregate OC in comparison to other treatments, including tallgrass prairie, supporting the potential of perennial grasses to contribute to soil carbon gains. Overall, the conversion of this abandoned land to an agroecosystem produced rapid and substantial increases in soil health in the first year after planting.
A modified tracheal transection approach for cervical esophageal lesion treatment: A report of 13 cases
Authors: Liu Yang , Huang Nan , Xu Wei , Liu Jie , An Changming , Zhu Yiming , Liu Shaoyan , Zhang Zongmin
Published: October 2022

Background

Surgical interventions for tumors in the cervical esophageal region are complicated and laryngeal function is frequently sacrificed. Therefore, we attempted the tracheal transection approach to resect the tumor while preserving laryngeal function.

Methods

Three patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), six with cervical esophageal cancer (CEC), and four with CEC mixed with thoracic esophageal cancer (TEC) were enrolled. The esophagus was exposed after the trachea was transected between the second and third tracheal rings. CEC/TEC: Resection of the esophagus or/and a portion of the hypopharynx with acceptable safety margins and repair with free jejunum or tubular stomach. PTC: Suture the small esophageal incision immediately after removing the tumor. The tracheal dissection was repaired with interrupted sutures throughout the entire layer after the esophageal lesion was resected. The status of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) determined whether a tracheotomy was necessary.

Results

All 13 patients had effective esophageal lesion excision, with six of them requiring intraoperative tracheotomy. Postoperative complications included a tracheoesophageal fistula (one case, 7.7%), postoperative RLN paralysis (two cases, 15.4%), and aspiration (three cases, 23.1%). Except for two patients with distant metastases, there was no recurrence in the remaining patients after 5–92 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

The tracheal transection approach, as a new surgical technique, can retain laryngeal function while ensuring appropriate exposure and satisfactory surgical resection. Before surgery, the feasibility of this approach must be carefully assessed. The RLN should be protected during the procedure. The operation is both safe and effective, with a wide range of applications.
Clinicopathologic factors linked to oncologic outcomes for renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shan Lisong , Shao Xue , Gu Liangyou , Wu Minhong , Lin Pengxiu , Yu Zhiling , Chen Qingsheng , Zhu Daqing
Published: October 2022

Background

There are still differences in the prognostic factors of renal cell carcinoma with sarcomatoid dedifferentiation (sRCC). The aim of this study was to evaluate important predictors of survival in patients with sRCC.

Patients and methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify eligible studies. The endpoints embraced overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Hazard ratios (HRs) and related 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted.

Results

A total of 13 studies were included for analyses. The pooled results showed that high European Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.32–4.30; P = 0.004), high T stage (HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.66–2.86; P < 0.001), positive lymph node (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.40–1.69; P < 0.001), distant metastasis (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.99–3.21; P < 0.001), lung metastases (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.16–1.80; P < 0.001), liver metastases (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.30–2.25; P < 0.001), tumor necrosis (HR 1.78, 95% CI 1.14–2.80; P = 0.010), and percentage sarcomatoid ≥50% (HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.57–3.52; P < 0.001) were associated with unfavorable OS. Positive lymph node (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.33–1.85; P < 0.001) and high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04–1.29; P = 0.008) were associated with unfavorable CSS. High T stage (HR 1.93 95% CI 1.44–2.58; P < 0.001) was associated with unfavorable progression-free survival.

Conclusions

A meta-analysis of available data identified important prognostic factors for CSS, OS, and PFS of sRCC, which should be systematically evaluated for patient counseling, risk stratification, and treatment selection.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=249449.
Sternal lymphadenopathy in dogs with malignancy in different localizations: A CT retrospective study of 60 cases
Authors: Cordella Alessia , Saunders Jimmy , Stock Emmelie
Published: October 2022

Sternal lymph nodes (SLNs) drain a multitude of regions in dogs, including the pectoral and shoulder region, the thoracic wall and mammary glands, the mediastinum, thymus, diaphragm, and the ventral abdominal wall and peritoneal cavity. Neoplastic conditions of these regions can lead to sternal lymphadenopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the most frequent localizations of the primary neoplasia and the most frequent tumor types in dogs with sternal lymphadenopathy. Computed tomographic (CT) characteristics of SLNs in dogs with confirmed neoplasia were also described. For this single-center retrospective descriptive study, dogs with sternal lymphadenopathy and cytological or histological diagnosis of neoplasia were included. Sixty dogs fulfilled the inclusion criteria: 30 (50%) with thoracic neoplasia, 19 (32%) with abdominal neoplasia, 6 (10%) with neoplasia of the front limbs and 5 (8%) with generalized neoplasia. Based on the cytological/histological diagnosis of the primary neoplasia, 31/60 (52%) dogs presented with a sarcoma, 15/60 (25%) with carcinoma, and 14/60 (23%) with round cell tumor. The presence of heterogeneous contrast enhancement was more frequent in dogs with sarcoma, while the concomitant presence of other abnormal lymph nodes was more frequent in dogs with round cell neoplasia. Tumors of different types and in different location can result in sternal lymphadenopathy in dogs. The most frequent in this study were thoracic and abdominal neoplasia, followed by neoplasia of the shoulder region. Sarcoma was the most common tumor type detected in this study, and the main CT characteristic of the SLNs in case of sarcoma was heterogeneous contrast enhancement.