bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renshen Baidu powder protects ulcerative colitis via inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Ye Zhen , Li Yuzheng , She Yingqi , Wu Mingquan , Hu Yu , Qin Kaihua , Li Linzhen , Yu Han , Zhao Qian , Jin Zhao , Lu Fating , Ye Qiaobo
Published: August 2022

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory bowel disease without satisfactory therapy available recently. Renshen Baidu powder (RSBDP) is a classic Chinese medicinal formula used since Chinese Song dynasty and has been proven as an effective treatment of ulcerative colitis in clinics. However, the active ingredients and the molecular mechanism have not been fully disclosed. It is imperative to explore the active ingredients and the mechanism of RSBDP. In this study, the potential active components for ulcerative colitis treatment in RSBDP were determined and predicted in silicon, and its molecular mechanisms were also presented, in which the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway was recognized to be vital. Basically, the pharmacodynamics and mechanistic studies of RSBDP for ulcerative colitis were implemented on TNBS-induced experimental rats. The results showed that RSBDP could ameliorate the disease activity index and colon weight, as well as improve colonic shortening and colon histology. In addition, the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), diamine oxidase, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and endotoxin in serum were also reduced. It is worth mentioning that the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway was inhibited after RSBDP administration via inhibiting the phosphorylation of proteins. In conclusion, RSBDP effectively ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis rats by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.
β-elemene Isopropanolamine Derivative LXX-8250 Induces Apoptosis Through Impairing Autophagic Flux via PFKFB4 Repression in Melanoma Cells
Authors: Jalal Sajid , Zhang Ting , Deng Jia , Wang Jie , Xu Ting , Zhang Tianhua , Zhai Chuanxin , Yuan Ruqiang , Teng Hongming , Huang Lin
Published: August 2022

Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer and accounts for most of the skin cancer-related deaths. The efficacy of current therapies for melanoma remains to be improved. The isopropanolamine derivative of β-elemene LXX-8250 was reported to present better water solubility and stronger toxicity to tumor cells than β-elemene. Herein, LXX-8250 treatment showed 4-5-fold more toxicity to melanoma cells than the well-known anti-melanoma drug, Dacarbazine. LXX-8250 treatment induced apoptosis remarkably, which was caused by the impairment of autophagic flux. To clarify the molecular mechanism, microarray analyses were conducted, and PFKFB4 expression was found to be suppressed by LXX-8250 treatment. The cells overexpressed with PFKFB4 exhibited resistance to apoptosis induction and autophagic flux inhibition by LXX-8250 treatment. Moreover, LXX-8250 treatment suppressed glycolysis, to which the cells overexpressed with PFKFB4 were tolerant. LXX-8250 treatment inhibited the growth of melanoma xenografts and suppressed PFKFB4 expression and glycolysis in vivo. Taken together, LXX-8250 treatment induced apoptosis through inhibiting autophagic flux and glycolysis in melanoma cells, which was mediated by suppression of PFKFB4 expression. The study provides a novel strategy to melanoma treatment.
The beneficial roles of apelin-13/APJ system in cerebral ischemia: Pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies
Authors: Li Jiabin , Chen Zhang , Chen Jingyu , Yu Yue
Published: August 2022

The incidence of cerebral ischemia has increased in the past decades, and the high fatality and disability rates seriously affect human health. Apelin is a bioactive peptide and the ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Both are ubiquitously expressed in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and regulate various physiological and pathological process in the cardiovascular, nervous and endocrine systems. Apelin-13 is one of the subtypes of apelin, and the apelin-13/APJ signaling pathway protects against cerebral ischemia by promoting angiogenesis, inhibiting excitotoxicity and stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. In this review, we have discussed the role of apelin-13 in the regulation of cerebral ischemia and the underlying mechanisms, along with the therapeutic potential of the apelin-13/APJ signaling pathway in cerebral ischemia.
Comparison on different traditional Chinese medicine therapies for chronic hepatitis B liver fibrosis
Authors: Dai Yun-kai , Fan Hai-na , Hu Yong-hong , Zhao Zhi-min , Liu Chenghai
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims: Although different kinds of traditional Chinese medicines could reportedly improve the efficacy of antiviral therapy on liver fibrosis caused by HBV, the problem of clinicians on how to choose the appropriate treatment strategies for the patients fails to be solved. This study aims at comparing and ranking different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapies in the treatment of liver fibrosis due to chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched from their establishment to 17 Aug 2021. All included data and pooled odds ratio were used for network meta-analysis (NMA) and statistical analysis. The consistency was evaluated by the node-splitting analysis. The stability of results and source of heterogeneity were tested by sensitivity analysis. Different treatment strategies (regimens) in this network meta-analysis were ranked with the aid of surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) probability value.

Results: A total of 29 articles with 3,106 sufferers were recruited in this NMA. Results of SUCRA value rankings indicated that Fuzheng Huayu therapy or combined with entecavir had preferable effects in improving the clinical efficacy, recovering the level of hyaluronic acid, IV-C, ALT, ALB, and TBil, relieving the TCM symptoms including hypochondriac pain and poor appetite, regaining the width of portal vein and thickness of spleen, and lessening side effects. Apart from these, Ziyin Shugan therapy or combined with ETV could also be suitable to regain the level of laminin, PC-III, and AST, relieve fatigue and HBV-DNA conversion.

Conclusion: This NMA confirmed the efficacy and safety of different treatment therapies for improving CHB liver fibrosis, including the serum biomarkers of live fibrosis and serum parameters for liver function, TCM symptoms, imaging indexes, HBV-DNA conversion rate, which offered the TCM practitioners crucial reference value on clinical medication.
The pyroptosis-related gene signature predicts prognosis and reveals characterization of the tumor immune microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhou Tao , Qian Kai , Li Yun-Yun , Cai Wen-Ke , Yin Sun-Jun , Wang Ping , He Gong-Hao
Published: August 2022

Background: Pyroptosis is a novel inflammatory form of programmed cell death and a prospective target for cancer therapy. Nevertheless, little is known about the association between pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) prognosis. Herein, we systematically investigated the specific functions and clinical prognostic value of multiple PRGs in AML.

Methods: Univariate and LASSO Cox regression analyses based on TCGA and GTEx databases were used to generate the PRG signature, whose predictive efficacy of survival was evaluated using survival analysis, ROC, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses as well as subgroup analysis. The BeatAML cohort was used for data validation. The association between risk score and immune cell infiltration, HLA, immune checkpoints, cancer stem cell (CSC), tumor mutation burden (TMB), and therapeutic drug sensitivity were also analyzed.

Results: Six -PRG signatures, namely, CASP3, ELANE, GSDMA, NOD1, PYCARD, and VDR were generated. The high-risk score represented a poorer prognosis and the PRG risk score was also validated as an independent predictor of prognosis. A nomogram including the cytogenetic risk, age, and risk score was constructed for accurate prediction of 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival probabilities. Meanwhile, this risk score was significantly associated with the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). A high-risk score is characterized by high immune cell infiltration, HLA, and immune checkpoints, as well as low CSC and TMB. In addition, patients with low-risk scores presented significantly lower IC50 values for ATRA, cytarabine, midostaurin, doxorubicin, and etoposide.

Conclusion: Our findings might contribute to further understanding of PRGs in the prognosis and development of AML and provide novel and reliable biomarkers for its precise prevention and treatment.
The role of NPC1L1 in cancer
Authors: Zhang Renshuai , Zeng Jun , Liu Wenjing , Meng Jingsen , Wang Chao , Shi Lingyu , Yang Shanbo , Chang Jing , Xing Dongming
Published: August 2022

Lipid metabolism appears to play significant roles in the development of cancer. Numerous studies have shown that the evolution of malignancies, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers, involves cholesterol in a profound manner. A crucial part in the intestinal absorption of cholesterol is played by Niemann–Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1), a cholesterol transporter protein that is widely expressed in the small intestine and liver. The importance of NPC1L1 in tumor prognosis has been demonstrated in investigations in the interim. NPC1L1 also has the potential to develop into a new therapeutic target and a cancer marker. There is, however, no comprehensive review that summarizes NPC1L1’s function in cancer. To this end, we outlined NPC1L1’s functions in carcinogenesis and treatment, along with resources that can be used to further comprehend the connection between NPC1L1 and tumors.
Role of PKD2 in the endoplasmic reticulum calcium homeostasis
Authors: Liu Xiong , Tang Jingfeng , Chen Xing-Zhen
Published: August 2022

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is caused by mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 gene which encodes membrane receptor PKD1 and cation channel PKD2, respectively. PKD2, also called transient receptor potential polycystin-2 (TRPP2), is a Ca2+-permeable channel located on the membrane of cell surface, primary cilia, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Ca2+ is closely associated with diverse cellular functions. While ER Ca2+ homeostasis depends on different Ca2+ receptors, channels and transporters, the role of PKD2 within the ER remains controversial. Whether and how PKD2-mediated ER Ca2+ leak relates to ADPKD pathogenesis is not well understood. Here, we reviewed current knowledge about the biophysical and physiological properties of PKD2 and how PKD2 contributes to ER Ca2+ homeostasis.
Hydroponics and elicitation, a combined approach to enhance the production of designer secondary medicinal metabolites in Silybum marianum
Authors: Mubeen Bismillah , Hasnain Ammarah , Mehboob Riffat , Rasool Rabia , Riaz Ayesha , Elaskary Shymaa Abdelsattar , Shah Muhammad Muntazir , Faridi Tallat Anwar , Ullah Inam
Published: August 2022

Medicinal plants have been used to cure human diseases since decades.Silybum marianum, a medicinal plant, is regarded as a source of secondary metabolites with therapeutic value against liver diseases and diabetes. The present study was conducted to enrich the production of secondary metabolites in the vegetative parts ofSilybum marianumusing elicitation strategy in hydroponic system with different elicitors. The elicitors of fungusAspergillus niger(0.2 g/L), methyl jasmonate (MeJA) (100 μM) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (1 ppm) were added in hydroponic medium, individually and in combination form to the 15 days old plant. The elicitor-treated plants were harvested at different time points (24–144 h; increment 24 h) and their biochemical parameters like phenolics, flavonoids, nitric oxide (NO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed. The results showed hyper-accumulation of these biochemical contents, especially in response to MeJA (100 μM), followed by AgNPs (1 ppm) and co-treatment of AgNPs (1 ppm) with other elicitors. The results revealed that the treatment with MeJA (100 μM) exhibited the highest flavonoid (304 μg g–1), phenolic (372 μg g–1), and SOD (16.2 U g–1) contents. For NO levels, the maximum value of 198.6 nmole g–1was achieved in response to the treatment with MeJA + Green synthesized AgNPs (100 μM + 1 ppm). Our findings depicted an enhanced production of medicinally important plant secondary metabolites and antioxidants; hence, the method applied in this study can play a significant role to improve therapeutic values of the plants.
The influence of self-pollen deposition on female reproductive success in a self-incompatible plant, Akebia quinata
Authors: Wang Chun-Hui , Zou Ting-Ting , Liu Wei-Qi , Wang Xiao-Fan
Published: August 2022

Geitonogamy is inevitable in hermaphrodite and monecious. Even for self-incompatible species, the negative effects of self-pollen are unavoidable when geitonogamous or self-mating occurs. However, the influence of self-pollen on consecutive development of flowers (e.g., fruiting and seeding) was seldom evaluated. Here, the self-incompatible monecious species, Akebia quinata, was used to estimate the influence of self-pollen deposition. We evaluated the extent of pollen limitation and geitonogamous mating under natural conditions by count of stigmatic pollen load and pollen tracking experiment. Hand pollination with different amount and combinations of self vs. cross pollen grains was applied to detect the response of fruit and seed set. The results showed that geitonogamy and pollen limitation occurred under natural conditions in A. quinata. Carpel numbers, ratio of self- and cross-pollen, and the interactive effect of ratio of self- and cross-pollen and total mixed pollen numbers, and not total pollen grain number, determined the effect of self-pollen on female reproductive success. The effect of self-pollen depended on its intensity. In general, the transfer of self-pollen significantly affected young fruit set. However, a little self-pollen together with cross-pollen did not reduce young fruit production. Although self-incompatible plants have evolved physiological mechanisms that reduce self-fertilization, our results provide new insights into the effects of self-pollen and the adaptive significance of self-incompatible monecious species.
Another level of complex-ity: The role of metabolic channeling and metabolons in plant terpenoid metabolism
Authors: Gutensohn Michael , Hartzell Erin , Dudareva Natalia
Published: August 2022

Terpenoids constitute one of the largest and most diverse classes of plant metabolites. While some terpenoids are involved in essential plant processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, growth, and development, others are specialized metabolites playing roles in the interaction of plants with their biotic and abiotic environment. Due to the distinct functions and properties of specific terpenoid compounds, there is a growing interest to introduce or modify their production in plants by metabolic engineering for agricultural, pharmaceutical, or industrial applications. The MVA and MEP pathways and the prenyltransferases providing the general precursors for terpenoid formation, as well as the enzymes of the various downstream metabolic pathways leading to the formation of different groups of terpenoid compounds have been characterized in detail in plants. In contrast, the molecular mechanisms directing the metabolic flux of precursors specifically toward one of several potentially competing terpenoid biosynthetic pathways are still not well understood. The formation of metabolons, multi-protein complexes composed of enzymes catalyzing sequential reactions of a metabolic pathway, provides a promising concept to explain the metabolic channeling that appears to occur in the complex terpenoid biosynthetic network of plants. Here we provide an overview about examples of potential metabolons involved in plant terpenoid metabolism that have been recently characterized and the first attempts to utilize metabolic channeling in terpenoid metabolic engineering. In addition, we discuss the gaps in our current knowledge and in consequence the need for future basic and applied research.
Multispectral remote sensing for accurate acquisition of rice phenotypes: Impacts of radiometric calibration and unmanned aerial vehicle flying altitudes
Authors: Luo Shanjun , Jiang Xueqin , Yang Kaili , Li Yuanjin , Fang Shenghui
Published: August 2022

As a promising method, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral remote sensing (RS) has been extensively studied in precision agriculture. However, there are numerous problems to be solved in the data acquisition and processing, which limit its application. In this study, the Micro-MCA12 camera was used to obtain images at different altitudes. The piecewise empirical line (PEL) method suitable for predicting the reflectance of different ground objects was proposed to accurately acquire the reflectance of multi-altitude images by comparing the performance of the conventional methods. Several commonly utilized vegetation indices (VIs) were computed to estimate the rice growth parameters and yield. Then the rice growth monitoring and yield prediction were implemented to verify and evaluate the effects of radiometric calibration methods (RCMs) and UAV flying altitudes (UAV-FAs). The results show that the variation trends of reflectance and VIs are significantly different due to the change in component proportion observed at different altitudes. Except for the milking stage, the reflectance and VIs in other periods fluctuated greatly in the first 100 m and remained stable thereafter. This phenomenon was determined by the field of view of the sensor and the characteristic of the ground object. The selection of an appropriate calibration method was essential as a result of the marked differences in the rice phenotypes estimation accuracy based on different RCMs. There were pronounced differences in the accuracy of rice growth monitoring and yield estimation based on the 50 and 100 m-based variables, and the altitudes above 100 m had no notable effect on the results. This study can provide a reference for the application of UAV RS technology in precision agriculture and the accurate acquisition of crop phenotypes.
Exogenous silicon alleviates the adverse effects of cinnamic acid-induced autotoxicity stress on cucumber seedling growth
Authors: Lyu Jian , Jin Ning , Meng Xin , Jin Li , Wang Shuya , Xiao Xuemei , Liu Zeci , Tang Zhongqi , Yu Jihua
Published: August 2022

Autotoxicity is a key factor that leads to obstacles in continuous cropping systems. Although Si is known to improve plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, little is known about its role in regulating leaf water status, mineral nutrients, nitrogen metabolism, and root morphology of cucumber under autotoxicity stress. Here, we used cucumber seeds (Cucumis sativus L. cv. “Xinchun No. 4”) to evaluate how exogenous Si (1 mmol L−1) affected the leaf water status, mineral nutrient uptake, N metabolism-related enzyme activities, root morphology, and shoot growth of cucumber seedlings under 0.8 mmol L−1 CA-induced autotoxicity stress. We found that CA-induced autotoxicity significantly reduced the relative water content and water potential of leaves and increase their cell sap concentration. CA-induced stress also inhibited the absorption of major (N, P, K, Ca, Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Mn, Zn). However, exogenous Si significantly improved the leaf water status (relative water content and water potential) of cucumber leaves under CA-induced stress. Exogenous Si also promoted the absorption of mineral elements by seedlings under CA-induced stress and alleviated the CA-induced inhibition of N metabolism-related enzyme activities (including nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, glutamate dehydrogenase). Moreover, exogenous Si improved N uptake and utilization, promoted root morphogenesis, and increased the growth indexes of cucumber seedlings under CA-induced stress. Our findings have far-reaching implications for overcoming the obstacles to continuous cropping in cucumber cultivation.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the Hsp20, Hsp70 and Hsp90 gene family in Dendrobium officinale
Authors: Wang Hongman , Dong Zuqi , Chen Jianbing , Wang Meng , Ding Yuting , Xue Qingyun , Liu Wei , Niu Zhitao , Ding Xiaoyu
Published: August 2022

Dendrobium officinale, an important orchid plant with great horticultural and medicinal values, frequently suffers from abiotic or biotic stresses in the wild, which may influence its well-growth. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) play essential roles in the abiotic stress response of plants. However, they have not been systematically investigated in D. officinale. Here, we identified 37 Hsp20 genes (DenHsp20s), 43 Hsp70 genes (DenHsp70s) and 4 Hsp90 genes (DenHsp90s) in D. officinale genome. These genes were classified into 8, 4 and 2 subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis and subcellular predication, respectively. Sequence analysis showed that the same subfamily members have relatively conserved gene structures and similar protein motifs. Moreover, we identified 33 pairs of paralogs containing 30 pairs of tandem duplicates and 3 pairs of segmental duplicates among these genes. There were 7 pairs in DenHsp70s under positive selection, which may have important functions in helping cells withstand extreme stress. Numerous gene promoter sequences contained stress and hormone response cis-elements, especially light and MeJA response elements. Under MeJA stress, DenHsp20s, DenHsp70s and DenHsp90s responded to varying degrees, among which DenHsp20-5,6,7,16 extremely up-regulated, which may have a strong stress resistance. Therefore, these findings could provide useful information for evolutional and functional investigations of Hsp20, Hsp70 and Hsp90 genes in D. officinale.
Innovation in physical education: The role of cognitive factors and self-efficacy
Authors: Li Songpu , Xu Ruilin , Zhao Zijian
Published: August 2022

Among the beliefs related to teaching work, self-efficacy stands out and encourage innovation across the global education systems. Specifically, the lack of interest among instructors in introducing innovative techniques in physical education is a concern across China. Therefore, this study intends to investigate the role of cognitive indicators (mental workload, decision-making process, innovation in physical education, and self-efficacy) of innovation in physical education across China. This study opted for quantitative techniques, including using a structured questionnaire to collect data from targeted respondents through the survey techniques. Moreover, 800 questionnaires were circulated, and as a result, 420 usable responses were attained, making the overall response rate stand at 40%. The results indicate that the above-stated cognitive factors, along with self-efficacy, have a positive role in causing innovation across the physical education exchequer of China. Likewise, self-efficacy played the mediating role between cognitive indicators and innovation in physical education in China. The study has notable theoretical and practical implications for the policymakers in terms of introducing policies that could help increase the cognitive state of educationists, which in turn possibly will help make them pursue innovation within the education system of China.
Sustained attention induces altered effective connectivity of the ascending thalamo-cortical relay in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Yacou Mario A. , Chowdury Asadur , Easter Philip , Hanna Gregory L. , Rosenberg David R. , Diwadkar Vaibhav A.
Published: August 2022

Abnormal function of the thalamo-cortical relay is considered a hallmark of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and aberrant network interactions may underpin many of the clinical and cognitive symptoms that characterize the disorder. Several statistical approaches have been applied to in vivo fMRI data to support the general loss of thalamo-cortical connectivity in OCD. However, (a) few studies have assessed the contextual constraints under which abnormal network interactions arise or (b) have used methods of effective connectivity to understand abnormal network interactions. Effective connectivity is a particularly valuable method as it describes the putative causal influences that brain regions exert over each other, as opposed to the largely statistical consistencies captured in functional connectivity techniques. Here, using dynamic causal modeling (DCM), we evaluated how attention demand induced inter-group differences (HC ≠ OCD) in effective connectivity within a motivated thalamo-cortical network. Of interest was whether these effects were observed on the ascending thalamo-cortical relay, essential for the sensory innervation of the cortex. fMRI time series data from sixty-two participants (OCD, 30; HC, 32) collected using an established sustained attention task were submitted to a space of 162 competing models. Across the space, models distinguished between competing hypotheses of thalamo-cortical interactions. Bayesian model selection (BMS) identified marginally differing likely generative model architectures in OCD and HC groups. Bayesian model averaging (BMA), was used to weight connectivity parameter estimates across all models, with each parameter weighted by each model’s posterior probability, thus providing more stable estimates of effective connectivity. Inferential statistical analyses of estimated parameters revealed two principal results: (1) Significantly reduced intrinsic connectivity of the V1 → SPC pathway in OCD, suggested connective weakness in the early constituents of the dorsal visual pathway; (2) More pertinent with the discovery possibilities afforded by DCM, sustained attention in OCD patients induced significantly reduced contextual modulation of the ascending relay from the thalamus to the prefrontal cortex. These results form an important complement to our understanding of the contextual bases of thalamo-cortical network deficits in OCD, emphasizing vulnerability of the ascending relay.
Gender-associated role in patients with schizophrenia. Is there a connection with the resistance?
Authors: Panov Georgi
Published: August 2022

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness observed with equal prevalence in different cultures and ethnic groups. The clinical picture relates to behavior and social adaptation. A significant percentage of patients, despite the implementation of various therapeutic interventions, remain resistant to the ongoing treatment. Occupying a certain gender role depends both on biological belonging and on the way of self-perception characteristic of the given person. Self-perception reflects gender identification, which in social aspect is determined by the choice of social activities performed. Changes in behavior and social adaptation in patients with schizophrenia led us to conduct a study to analyze the perceived gender role in patients with schizophrenia, looking for differences between patients with treatment resistance and those in clinical remission.

Materials and methods

A total of 105 patients with schizophrenia were analyzed. Of them, 45 were with resistant symptoms and 60 in clinical remission. The clinical analysis of the patients was carried out using the PANSS and BPRS scales. The evaluation of the choice of social activity related to a particular gender was done with the Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI).

Results

Out of all 105 patients with schizophrenia, in 80/76.19%/we found a higher identification with the female role, 17/16.19%/made an association with the male role and in 8/7.61%/patients we found the same results, i.e., with both the male and female roles. Among the patients with treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS)–45, 34/75.56%/identified more with the female gender role, 6/13.33/perceived the male gender role as active, and in 5/11.11%/the identification was equal both with the male and with the female roles. Among the patients in clinical remission (CR)–60, 46/76.67%/accepted the female role as active, 11/18.33/identified with the male one, and three/5%/accepted both roles equally. When assessing the relationship between biological sex and perceived gender role, it was found that among men/a total of 39/half identified with the female gender role and half with the male gender role. Among women/a total of 66/, 90% perceived the female gender role, 7%–the male and 3% equally the male and the female gender role. No relationship was found between the choice of a certain gender role and the onset of psychosis and its duration in the observed patients.

Conclusion

We found a higher percentage of schizophrenic patients who showed higher identification with the female gender role. Approximately half of the males identified with the female gender role. Resistance had no influence on the choice of sex-associated social activity. Factors related to the course of the schizophrenia process such as age of onset of psychosis and duration of psychosis was not associated with an influence on identification with sex-associated social activity. Our research suggests that identification with a particular sex associative social activity is most likely established earlier in the prodromal period.
Disaster Resilience Reduces Radiation-Related Anxiety Among Affected People 10 Years After the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Accident
Authors: Kobayashi Tomoyuki , Maeda Masaharu , Nakayama Chihiro , Takebayashi Yui , Sato Hideki , Setou Noriko , Momoi Maho , Horikoshi Naoko , Yasumura Seiji , Ohto Hitoshi
Published: August 2022

This study examined whether disaster resilience affects the recovery of mental health states and mitigates psychosocial anxiety 10 years later the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. The survey was conducted in Fukushima's evacuation-directed and non-evacuation-directed areas in January 2020. The 695 participants responded to a questionnaire including items on radiation-related anxiety regarding the Fukushima Daiichi accident, an action-oriented approach as a resilience factor, psychological distress, and demographic information. The structural equation modeling showed that the action-oriented approach also eased radiation-related anxiety by mediating with improving mental health states. Moreover, a multi-group model analysis was conducted for evacuation-directed and non-directed areas. In the evacuation-directed area, we found stronger associations among resilience, mental health states, and radiation-related anxiety, and a direct effect of resilience factors on radiation risk anxiety. These findings emphasize the importance of resilience in post-disaster contexts, at least for a decade, where mental health deteriorates and various psychosocial issues become more complex.
Mobile phone sleep self-management applications for early start shift workers: A scoping review of the literature
Authors: Bullock Ben , Learmonth Caitlin , Davis Hilary , Al Mahmud Abdullah
Published: August 2022

Poor sleep has significant impacts on both mental and physical well-being. This is especially the case for shift workers who rely on good sleep practices to manage the disruption caused by their working conditions. In recent years there has been a proliferation of sleep-focused mobile phone applications, some of which may be suitable for use by shift workers. There is limited evidence however, on whether these applications are sufficient in managing the sleep needs of the early start shift working population (i.e., those whose work schedules begin pre-dawn). This scoping review aims to identify and discuss peer-reviewed literature on mobile sleep applications used by early start shift workers for sleep-self management. Four databases (Scopus, EBSCOhost, CINAHL and PsycInfo) were searched for relevant literature using a pre-determined search string. The initial search using the term early start shift work returned no papers, however a broadened search on shift work in general found 945 papers for title and abstract screening, of which 21 were deemed eligible for full text screening. Two of these papers met the inclusion criteria for this review. The results highlight, firstly, the paucity of research on the use of mobile phone applications for sleep self-management amongst early start shift workers, and secondly, the need for further research on the effectiveness of mobile applications for sleep self-management amongst shift workers in general. A working definition of early start shift work that can be used to stimulate research in this understudied population of shift workers is also proposed.
Benefit-to-harm ratio and cost-effectiveness of government-recommended gastric cancer screening in China: A modeling study
Authors: Qin Shuxia , Wang Xuehong , Li Sini , Tan Chongqing , Zeng Xiaohui , Wu Meiyu , Peng Ye , Wang Liting , Wan Xiaomin
Published: August 2022

Objective

Current guidelines recommend the gastric cancer risk score scale (GCRSS) for screening in gastric cancer (GC) high-risk populations in China. This study aimed to estimate the clinical benefits, harms, cost, and cost-effectiveness of the GCRSS screening strategy from a Chinese healthcare system perspective.

Materials and methods

Using a microsimulation model, we evaluated 7 screening scenarios of the GCRSS with varying starting ages. We simulated 100,000 individuals from the age of 20 for each screening scenario. The main outcomes included GC incidence reduction, number of cause-specific deaths, costs, quality-adjusted life year (QALY), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), and benefit-to-harm ratio. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were done to explore the robustness of model findings.

Results

Screening with the GCRSS strategy at the age of 40 years (40-GCRSS) provided the greatest reduction of GC incidence by 70.6%, with 7,374 GC deaths averted per 100,000 individuals and the lowest benefit-to-harm ratio of 0.392. Compared with no screening or previous less costly strategy, at a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of $37,655 per QALY, the 40-GCRSS strategy was cost-effective, with ICERs of $12,586 and $29,115 per QALY, respectively. Results were robust across univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. The 40-GCRSS strategy showed a 0.856 probability of being cost-effective at a $37,655 per QALY WTP threshold.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the GCRSS strategy is effective and cost-effective in reducing the GC disease burden in China from a Chinese healthcare system perspective. Screening from the age of 40 would be the optimal strategy.
The impact of network positions in scientific collaboration on pharmaceutical firms' technological innovation performance: Moderating roles of scientific collaboration strength and patent stock
Authors: Wang Xing-Xiu , Jiao Hui-Ying
Published: August 2022

Scientific knowledge is an underlying basis for technological innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. Collaboration is the main way to participate in the creation of scientific knowledge for pharmaceutical firms. Will network positions in scientific collaboration affect their technological innovation performance? Moreover, what factors moderate the firms' scientific collaboration network positions and technological innovation link? Using a dataset based on 194 Chinese publicly traded pharmaceutical companies, this paper constructs the dynamic scientific collaboration networks among 1,826 organizations by analyzing 4,092 papers included in CNKI and Web of Science databases. Then we probe the impact and boundaries of positions in the scientific collaboration network of pharmaceutical firms on their technological innovation performance through the negative binomial modeling approach. Our study confirms that degree centrality has an inverted U-shaped impact on pharmaceutical firms' technological innovation performance, while structural holes benefit it. Moreover, this article identifies that the strength of scientific collaboration positively moderates the U-shaped relationship between degree centrality and technological innovation of pharmaceutical firms, the matching of high patent stock and high structural holes can promote their technological innovation performance. The results deepen the present understanding of scientific collaboration in the pharmaceutical industry and offer new insights into the formulation of pharmaceutical firms' scientific collaboration strategies.
Data-driven vermiculite distribution modelling for UAV-based precision pest management
Authors: Ma Na , Mantri Anil , Bough Graham , Patnaik Ayush , Yadav Siddhesh , Nansen Christian , Kong Zhaodan
Published: August 2022

In recent decades, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have gained considerable popularity in the agricultural sector, in which UAV-based actuation is used to spray pesticides and release biological control agents. A key challenge in such UAV-based actuation is to account for wind speed and UAV flight parameters to maximize precision-delivery of pesticides and biological control agents. This paper describes a data-driven framework to predict density distribution patterns of vermiculite dispensed from a hovering UAV as a function of UAV’s movement state, wind condition, and dispenser setting. The model, derived by our proposed learning algorithm, is able to accurately predict the vermiculite distribution pattern evaluated in terms of both training and test data. Our framework and algorithm can be easily translated to other precision pest management problems with different UAVs and dispensers and for difference pesticides and crops. Moreover, our model, due to its simple analytical form, can be incorporated into the design of a controller that can optimize autonomous UAV delivery of desired amount of predatory mites to multiple target locations.
Ankle joint flexibility affects undulatory underwater swimming speed
Authors: Kuhn Jessica , Legerlotz Kirsten
Published: August 2022

The movement of undulatory underwater swimming (UUS), a swimming technique adapted from whales, is mainly limited by human anatomy. A greater ankle joint flexibility could improve the imitation of the whale's flap of the fin and therefore enhance USS performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ankle joint flexibility on swimming velocity and kick efficiency during UUS by comparing kinematics of swimming trials with reduced, normal, and enhanced maximum angles of plantar flexion. Ten well trained swimmers (5m and 5f; 22 ± 4years; 177 ± 7cm; 74 ± 15kg), performed multiple trials of UUS with normal, restricted, and increased ankle joint flexibility on two separate days in randomized order. Kick frequency was controlled by a metronome. Plantar flexion (PF) was restricted by tape application on both feet and increased by passive-dynamic stretching. All trials were filmed. Kinematics were obtained with two-dimensional motion analysis. Tape application restricted maximum PF by 10.42% while stretching increased PF by 6.87% compared to normal PF. Swimming velocity and kick efficiency significantly decreased during swimming with restricted PF (1.13 ± 0.13m*s−1; 0.69 ± 0.09m) compared to normal (1.20 ± 0.14 m*s−1; 0.72 ± 0.10m) and increased (1.22 ± 0.15m*s−1; 0.73 ± 0.10m) PF. Swimming velocity and kick efficiency did not differ between normal and increased PF. Body height normalized swimming velocity correlated significantly with PF angle (r = 0.538). The results suggest that UUS velocity is affected by impaired PF. Particularly swimmers with low or average maximum PF angles may benefit from a long-term ankle joint flexibility program to improve their UUS performance.
Evaluation of additional causes of hip pain in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
Authors: Gowd Anirudh K. , Beck Edward C. , Trammell Amy P. , Edge Carl , Stubbs Allston J.
Published: August 2022

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) is an increasingly prevalent pathology in young and active patients, that has contributing factors from both abnormal hip morphology as well as abnormal hip motion. Disease progression can be detrimental to patient quality of life in the short term, from limitations on sport and activity, as well as the long term through early onset of hip arthritis. However, several concurrent or contributing pathologies may exist that exacerbate hip pain and are not addressed by arthroscopic intervention of cam and pincer morphologies. Lumbopelvic stiffness, for instance, places increased stress on the hip to achieve necessary flexion. Pathology at the pubic symphysis and sacroiliac joint may exist concurrently to FAIS through aberrant muscle forces. Additionally, both femoral and acetabular retro- or anteversion may contribute to impingement not associated with traditional cam/pincer lesions. Finally, microinstability of the hip from either osseous or capsuloligamentous pathology is increasingly being recognized as a source of hip pain. The present review investigates the pathophysiology and evaluation of alternate causes of hip pain in FAIS that must be evaluated to optimize patient outcomes.
Does the application of expandable cages in TLIF provide improved clinical and radiological results compared to static cages? A meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Guang-Xun , Kim Jin-Sung , Kotheeranurak Vit , Chen Chien-Min , Hu Bao-Shan , Rui Gang
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to provide a direct meta-analysis of the evidence comparing outcomes between expandable cages and static cages in patients with transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).

Methods

A search of relevant materials from databases was performed from inception to March 7, 2022. Clinical and radiological outcomes were included.

Results

Ten studies (1,440 patients) were included. The anterior disc height and foraminal height for expandable cages were substantially higher than those for static cages at the final follow-up (P < 0.0001; P = 0.05). In comparison with static cages, although not statistically significant, expandable cages showed beneficial results, including an increase in posterior disc height and segmental lordosis. There were no statistically significant differences in segmental lordosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic parameters, cage subsidence, or fusion rates (P > 0.05). Oswestry disability index scores for expandable cages were substantially lower than those for static cages at the final follow-up (P = 0.0007). Interestingly, although the preoperative visual analog scores for back and leg pain were significantly higher in the expandable group than in the static group (P < 0.0001; P = 0.008), there was no significant difference between the static and expandable groups during the final follow-up (P = 0.51; P = 0.85).

Conclusions

Expandable cages are associated with improved functional outcomes and restored postoperative disc and foraminal heights in patients with TLIF. In addition, no statistically significant differences were observed in segmental lordosis, lumbar lordosis, pelvic parameters, cage subsidence, or fusion rate.
Asthma Prevalence in Adolescent Students from a Portuguese Primary and Secondary School
Authors: Flores Pedro , Teixeira José E. , Leal Anna K. , Branquinho Luís , Fonseca Rui Brito , Silva-Santos Sandra , Batista Amanda , Encarnação Samuel , Monteiro António M. , Ribeiro Joana , Forte Pedro
Published: August 2022

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases worldwide, with a considerable increase, especially in children. It is considered the main cause of childhood morbidity, school absenteeism, and limitations in sports practice. The causes are multifactorial, and their prevalence varies from region to region, thus verifying a great disparity in the estimates of the prevalence of asthma. In this sense, the objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of asthma, its control, as well as the frequency of associated symptoms, in adolescents who attended the 3rd cycle of basic education and secondary education in schools in the municipalities of Paços de Ferreira, Paredes, and Penafiel. The sample consisted of 1222 (587 males and 635 females) (p = 0.17) aged between 12 and 17 years. The instruments used to diagnose asthma-associated symptoms were the standard questionnaire of the “International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood—ISAAC” and to check whether asthma was controlled, the “Test for Asthma Control” questionnaire was used. The results reveal a high prevalence of adolescents with asthma (8.9%) with a significant percentage that did not have the disease under control (38%). There was also a considerable percentage of adolescents who, despite not having asthma, have many symptoms associated with the disease. These results may be associated with environmental factors.
An Aquatic Product Price Forecast Model Using VMD-IBES-LSTM Hybrid Approach
Authors: Wu Junhao , Hu Yuan , Wu Daqing , Yang Zhengyong
Published: August 2022

Changes in the consumption price of aquatic products will affect demand and fishermen’s income. The accurate prediction of consumer price index provides important information regarding the aquatic product market. Based on the non-linear and non-smooth characteristics of fishery product price series, this paper innovatively proposes a fishery product price forecasting model that is based on Variational Modal Decomposition and Improved bald eagle search algorithm optimized Long Short Term Memory Network (VMD-IBES-LSTM). Empirical analysis was conducted using fish price data from the Department of Marketing and Informatization of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China. The proposed model in this study was subsequently compared with common forecasting models such as VMD-LSTM and SSA-LSTM. The research results show that the VMD-IBES-LSTM model that was constructed in this paper has good fitting results and high prediction accuracy, which can better explain the seasonality and trends of the change of China’s aquatic product consumer price index, provide a scientific and effective method for relevant management departments and units to predict the aquatic product consumer price, and have a certain reference value for reasonably coping with the fluctuation of China’s aquatic product market price.
Effects of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization on Photosynthetic Properties of Leaves and Agronomic Characters of Alfalfa over Three Consecutive Years
Authors: Zhao Jiantao , Huang Rongzheng , Yang Kaixin , Ma Chunhui , Zhang Qianbing
Published: August 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization of continuous addition effects plant biomass, the physiological properties of leaves and the antioxi-dant enzyme activities of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) in the northern Xinjiang region; including the no fertilization (CK), nitrogen fertilization (N, 120 kg·ha−1), phosphorus fertilization (with low amount of N) (P, 100 kg·ha−1 P and 23.5 kg·ha−1 N) and combined nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization (NP, 120 kg·ha−1 N and 100 kg·ha−1 P) on the K well supplied soil. After three consecutive years of the supply of N and P fertilization, samples were taken at the first flowering of alfalfa (four clippings in the total year) to determine its pigment concentration, stomatal aperture, antioxidant enzyme activity and hay yield. The results showed that NP fertilization promoted growth with a higher number of branches and hay yield of alfalfa, while N or P fertilization alone had a positive effect on the growth of alfalfa. However, P fertilization significantly increased the carotenoid (Car) content at the early flowering stage of alfalfa leaves (during four clippings) (p < 0.05), In addition, NP ferti-lization enhanced stomatal aperture, increased the antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased the oxidized substance at the early flowering stage of alfalfa leaves. The results showed that a N and P balance rather than an absolute amount of either enhanced the growth of alfalfa, and N or P fertili-zation affects physiological traits differently. We propose that NP fertilization increases the nutri-tional characteristics and physiological characteristics, enhancing the adaptive capacity of alfalfa and making it better adapted to external environmental changes.