bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Licochalcone A in Potential Pharmacological Therapy: A Review
Authors: Li Meng-Ting , Xie Long , Jiang Hai-Mei , Huang Qun , Tong Rong-Sheng , Li Xiang , Xie Xin , Liu Hong-Mei
Published: May 2022

Licochalcone A (LA), a useful and valuable flavonoid, is isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. ex DC. and widely used clinically in traditional Chinese medicine. We systematically updated the latest information on the pharmacology of LA over the past decade from several authoritative internet databases, including Web of Science, Elsevier, Europe PMC, Wiley Online Library, and PubMed. A combination of keywords containing “Licochalcone A,” “Flavonoid,” and “Pharmacological Therapy” was used to help ensure a comprehensive review. Collected information demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological properties for LA, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-parasitic, bone protection, blood glucose and lipid regulation, neuroprotection, and skin protection. LA activity is mediated through several signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR, P53, NF-κB, and P38. Caspase-3 apoptosis, MAPK inflammatory, and Nrf2 oxidative stress signaling pathways are also involved with multiple therapeutic targets, such as TNF-α, VEGF, Fas, FasL, PI3K, AKT, and caspases. Recent studies mainly focus on the anticancer properties of LA, which suggests that the pharmacology of other aspects of LA will need additional study. At the end of this review, current challenges and future research directions on LA are discussed. This review is divided into three parts based on the pharmacological effects of LA for the convenience of readers. We anticipate that this review will inspire further research.
Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Betulinic Acid: A Review
Authors: Oliveira-Costa José Fernando , Meira Cássio Santana , Neves Maria Vitória Gomes das , Dos Reis Bruna Padilha Zurita Claro , Soares Milena Botelho Pereira
Published: May 2022

Inflammatory diseases have a high prevalence and has become of great interest due to the increase in life expectancy and the costs to the health care system worldwide. Chronic diseases require long-term treatment frequently using corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are associated with diverse side effects and risk of toxicity. Betulinic acid, a lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene, is a potential lead compound for the development of new anti-inflammatory treatments, and a large number of derivatives have been produced and tested. The potential of betulinic acid and its derivatives has been shown in a number of pre-clinical studies using different experimental models. Moreover, several molecular mechanisms of action have also been described. Here we reviewed the potential use of betulinic acid as a promissory lead compound with anti-inflammatory activity and the perspectives for its use in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.
Characteristics and Predictors of Venous Thromboembolism Among Lymphoma Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Cohort Study in China
Authors: Chen Yue , Lei Haike , Wang Wei , Zhu Jie , Zeng Chensi , Lu Zhuo , Li Luchun , Li Dairong , Long Bo , Liu Haixia
Published: May 2022

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a potential complication among lymphoma patients. We evaluated the incidence rate and predictors of VTE in lymphoma patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Methods: The present study retrospectively studied 1,069 patients with lymphoma who were treated with chemotherapy from 2018 to 2020. We investigated clinical predictors of VTE among all patients. The follow-up results were obtained via telephone communication and from inpatient and outpatient records.

Results: A total of 1,069 patients underwent chemotherapy for lymphoma. During a mean follow-up of 23.1 months, 52 (4.9%) patients developed VTE. According to a multivariate analysis, the five variables found to be independently associated with VTE were male sex (HR 2.273, 95% CI 1.197–4.316, p = 0.012), age >64-years-old (HR 2.256, 95% CI 1.017–5.005, p = 0.045), the number of cycles of chemotherapy (HR 4.579, 95% CI 1.173–17.883, p = 0.029), platelet count ≥350 × 109/L (HR 2.533, 95% CI 1.187–5.406, p = 0.016), and D-dimer >0.5 mg/L (HR 4.367, 95% CI 2.124–8.981, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This population-based study confirms the risk factors for VTE among patients with lymphoma who underwent chemotherapy and confirms that targeted thromboprophylaxis may reduce the burden of VTE in this population.
Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 and Male Infertility: Could Connexin and Pannexin Play a Role?
Authors: Omolaoye Temidayo S. , Jalaleddine Nour , Cardona Maya Walter D. , du Plessis Stefan S.
Published: May 2022

The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on male infertility has lately received significant attention. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in humans, has been shown to impose adverse effects on both the structural components and function of the testis, which potentially impact spermatogenesis. These adverse effects are partially explained by fever, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increased immune response leading to impaired blood-testis barrier. It has been well established that efficient cellular communication via gap junctions or functional channels is required for tissue homeostasis. Connexins and pannexins are two protein families that mediate autocrine and paracrine signaling between the cells and the extracellular environment. These channel-forming proteins have been shown to play a role in coordinating cellular communication in the testis and epididymis. Despite their role in maintaining a proper male reproductive milieu, their function is disrupted under pathological conditions. The involvement of these channels has been well documented in several physiological and pathological conditions and their designated function in infectious diseases. However, their role in COVID-19 and their meaningful contribution to male infertility remains to be elucidated. Therefore, this review highlights the multivariate pathophysiological mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 involvement in male reproduction. It also aims to shed light on the role of connexin and pannexin channels in disease progression, emphasizing their unexplored role and regulation of SARS-CoV-2 pathophysiology. Finally, we hypothesize the possible involvement of connexins and pannexins in SARS-CoV-2 inducing male infertility to assist future research ideas targeting therapeutic approaches.
Temperature and Growth Selection Effects on Proliferation, Differentiation, and Adipogenic Potential of Turkey Myogenic Satellite Cells Through Frizzled-7-Mediated Wnt Planar Cell Polarity Pathway
Authors: Xu Jiahui , Strasburg Gale M. , Reed Kent M. , Velleman Sandra G.
Published: May 2022

Satellite cells (SCs) are a heterogeneous population of multipotential stem cells. During the first week after hatch, satellite cell function and fate are sensitive to temperature. Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family/planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling pathway is significantly affected by thermal stress in turkey pectoralis major (p. major) muscle SCs. This pathway regulates the activity of SCs through a frizzled-7 (Fzd7) cell surface receptor and two intracellular effectors, rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) and c-Jun. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of thermal stress, growth selection, and the Fzd7-mediated Wnt/PCP pathway on proliferation, myogenic differentiation, lipid accumulation, and expression of myogenic and adipogenic regulatory genes. These effects were evaluated in SCs isolated from the p. major muscle of 1-week faster-growing modern commercial (NC) line of turkeys as compared to SCs of a slower-growing historic Randombred Control Line 2 (RBC2) turkey line. Heat stress (43°C) increased phosphorylation of both ROCK and c-Jun with greater increases observed in the RBC2 line. Cold stress (33°C) had an inhibitory effect on both ROCK and c-Jun phosphorylation with the NC line showing greater reductions. Knockdown of the expression of Fzd7 decreased proliferation, differentiation, and expression of myogenic regulatory genes: myoblast determination factor-1 and myogenin in both lines. Both lipid accumulation and expression of adipogenic regulatory genes: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β, and neuropeptide-Y were suppressed with the Fzd7 knockdown. The RBC2 line was more dependent on the Fzd7-mediated Wnt/PCP pathway for proliferation, differentiation, and lipid accumulation compared to the NC line. Thus, thermal stress may affect poultry breast muscle growth potential and protein to fat ratio by altering function and fate of SCs through the Fzd7-mediated Wnt/PCP pathway in a growth-dependent manner.
Chicken Incubation Conditions: Role in Embryo Development, Physiology and Adaptation to the Post-Hatch Environment
Authors: Tona K. , Voemesse K. , N’nanlé O. , Oke O. E. , Kouame Y. A. E. , Bilalissi A. , Meteyake H. , Oso O. M.
Published: May 2022

The chicken hatching egg is a self-contained life-supporting system for the developing embryo. However, the post-hatch performance of birds depends on several factors, including the breeder management and age, egg storage conditions and duration before incubation, and the incubation conditions. Studies have determined the effect of incubation factors on chick post-hatch growth potential. Therefore, chick physical quality at hatch is receiving increasing attention. Indeed, although incubation temperature, humidity, turning and ventilation are widely investigated, the effects of several variables such as exposure of the embryo to high or low levels, time of exposure, the amplitude of variations and stage exposures on embryo development and post-hatch performance remain poorly understood. This review paper focuses on chick quality and post-hatch performance as affected by incubation conditions. Also, chick physical quality parameters are discussed in the context of the parameters for determining chick quality and the factors that may affect it. These include incubation factors such as relative humidity, temperature, turning requirements, ventilation,in ovofeeding and delay in feed access. All these factors affect chick embryo physiology and development trajectory and consequently the quality of the hatched chicks and post-hatch performance. The potential application of adapted incubation conditions for improvement of post-hatch performance up to slaughter age is also discussed. It is concluded that incubation conditions affect embryo parameters and consequently post-hatch growth differentially according to exposure time and stage of exposure. Therefore, classical physical conditions are required to improve hatchability, chick quality and post-hatch growth.
Response Mechanism of Endogenous Hormones of Potential Storage Root to Phosphorus and Its Relationship With Yield and Appearance Quality of Sweetpotato
Authors: Si Cheng-cheng , Liang Qing-gan , Liu Hong-Juan , Wang Ning , Kumar Sunjeet , Chen Yan-li , Zhu Guo-peng
Published: May 2022

Field and pot experiments were conducted to explore the response mechanism of endogenous hormones of potential storage root to phosphorus and its relationship with yield and appearance quality of sweetpotato using five different rates of phosphorus addition. Application of adequate amounts of phosphorus (P2 treatment, 112 kg of P2O5 ha–1 in field experiment or 0.04 g of P2O5 kg–1 in pot experiment) improved the yield and the appearance quality of sweetpotato when compared to the control treatment. This observation can be attributed to the fact that P2 treatment significantly increased the expression of Ibkn1 and APRT genes and the concentration of ZR from 20 to 40 days after planting, but the results were the opposite at 10 days after planting. In addition, an increase in the expression of SRD1, NIT4, IbMADS1, and OPR3 and the concentrations of IAA and JA from day 10 to day 40 after planting were observed. Furthermore, the expression of GA3oX4 and the concentration of GA3 decreased significantly from 20 to 30 days of planting and significantly increased after 40 days of planting. Moreover, a significant decrease in the expression of AAO and concentration of ABA was observed from 10 to 30 days after planting, and a significant increase was observed after 40 days of planting. The results show that P2 treatment promoted root development, particularly significantly increased the number of roots and potential storage roots. P2 treatment significantly increased the diameter, weight, and number of storage roots at 40 days after planting. Finally, proper phosphorus application (112 kg of P2O5 ha–1) increased the yield (enhanced from 18.99 to 25.93%) by increasing the number of storage roots per plant and improving the appearance quality by increasing the length/diameter ratio and uniformity of storage root weight.
Transcriptome-Wide Characterization of Alkaloids and Chlorophyll Biosynthesis in Lotus Plumule
Authors: Sun Heng , Song Heyun , Deng Xianbao , Liu Juan , Yang Dong , Zhang Minghua , Wang Yuxin , Xin Jia , Chen Lin , Liu Yanling , Yang Mei
Published: May 2022

Lotus plumule is a green tissue in the middle of seeds that predominantly accumulates bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (bis-BIAs) and chlorophyll (Chl). However, the biosynthetic mechanisms of these two metabolites remain largely unknown in lotus. This study used physiological and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) approaches to characterize the development and molecular mechanisms of bis-BIAs and Chl biosynthesis in lotus plumule. Physiological analysis revealed that exponential plumule growth occurred between 9 and 15 days after pollination (DAP), which coincided with the onset of bis-BIAs biosynthesis and its subsequent rapid accumulation. Transcriptome analysis of lotus plumule identified a total of 8,725 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), representing ~27.7% of all transcripts in the lotus genome. Sixteen structural DEGs, potentially associated with bis-BIAs biosynthesis, were identified. Of these, 12 encoded O-methyltransferases (OMTs) are likely involved in the methylation and bis-BIAs diversity in lotus. In addition, functionally divergent paralogous and redundant homologous gene members of the BIAs biosynthesis pathway, as well as transcription factors co-expressed with bis-BIAs and Chl biosynthesis genes, were identified. Twenty-two genes encoding 16 conserved enzymes of the Chl biosynthesis pathway were identified, with the majority being significantly upregulated by Chl biosynthesis. Photosynthesis and Chl biosynthesis pathways were simultaneously activated during lotus plumule development. Moreover, our results showed that light-driven Pchlide reduction is essential for Chl biosynthesis in the lotus plumule. These results will be useful for enhancing our understanding of alkaloids and Chl biosynthesis in plants.
Preferred Sources of Information, Knowledge, and Acceptance of Automated Vehicle Systems: Effects of Gender and Age
Authors: Greenwood Pamela M. , Baldwin Carryl L.
Published: May 2022

Automobile crashes are a leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Driver automation systems and active safety systems have the potential to improve the safety and mobility of all road users and may particularly benefit older adults who have been slow to accept and adopt such systems. Age-related sensory-cognitive changes contribute to higher crash rates and increased physical frailty makes severe injury or death more likely when a crash occurs. Vehicle automation can decrease the sensory-cognitive load of the driving task and many advanced automated safety features can decrease crash severity. Acceptance and adoption of driver automation systems is necessary for their benefit to be realized yet little is known about drivers’ preferred sources of information and knowledge about such systems. In a sample of 404 active drivers, we examined the impact of age and gender on understanding and acceptance of vehicle automation, acceptance of new technologies more generally, and preferred sources of information to learn about vehicle automation. Results revealed that older respondents and females felt less technically sophisticated than their younger and male counterparts. Males subjectively reported greater understanding of vehicle automation. However, assessment of objective knowledge of automation operation showed males had no greater knowledge than females. Males also reported a greater willingness to accept higher levels of vehicle automation than females across all age groups. When asked how they would prefer to learn about new vehicle automation, older adults reported wanting information from more objective sources than their younger counterparts and were significantly less likely to rely on friends and family, or social media. The present results provide support for the idea that people are not willing to accept technology that they do not feel they understand well and conversely, if people feel that they understand vehicle automation they will be more likely to adopt it. The results provide insights into assisting drivers to gain more accurate knowledge and hence acceptance of vehicle automation systems.
Psychedelics and Psychotherapy: Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches as Default
Authors: Yaden David B. , Earp Dylan , Graziosi Marianna , Friedman-Wheeler Dara , Luoma Jason B. , Johnson Matthew W.
Published: May 2022

The acute subjective effects of psychedelics are responsive to users’ expectations and surroundings (i.e., “set and setting”). Accordingly, a great deal of thought has gone into designing the psychosocial context of psychedelic administration in clinical settings. But what theoretical paradigms inform these considerations about set and setting? Here, we describe several historical, sociological influences on current psychedelic administration in mainstream European and American clinical research settings, including: indigenous practices, new age spirituality from the 1960s, psychodynamic/psychoanalytic approaches, and cognitive-behavioral approaches. We consider each of these paradigms and determine that cognitive-behavioral therapies, including newer branches such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), have the strongest rationale for psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy going forward. Our primary reasons for advocating for cognitive-behavioral approaches include, (1) they avoid issues of cultural insensitivity, (2) they make minimal speculative assumptions about the nature of the mind and reality, (3) they have the largest base of empirical support for their safety and effectiveness outside of psychedelic therapy. We then propose several concepts from cognitive-behavioral therapies such as CBT, DBT, and ACT that can usefully inform the preparation, session, and integration phases of psychedelic psychotherapy. Overall, while there are many sources from which psychedelic psychotherapy could draw, we argue that current gold-standard, evidence-based psychotherapeutic paradigms provide the best starting point in terms of safety and efficacy.
Longitudinal Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Academic Self-Efficacy Among College Students in China: Evidence From a Cross-Lagged Model
Authors: Luo Yunfeng , Gao Wenjuan , Liu Xinqiao
Published: May 2022

The present study aimed to investigate the associations between self-esteem and academic self-efficacy among Chinese college students. Descriptive statistics showed that on average, students’ academic self-efficacy experienced a downward trend in the first 3 years before rising slightly in the graduation year, and that male students had higher academic self-efficacy than females in the first 2 years, whereas female students’ academic self-efficacy surpassed their male counterparts in the latter years. There were significant, positive associations between the two variables. With cross-lagged analysis, we found that students’ self-esteem significantly predicted their subsequent academic self-efficacy from the freshman to the junior years, and the effects among male students endured longer and stronger. Implications of the findings were discussed.
English as a Foreign Language Learners’ Well-Being and Their Academic Engagement: The Mediating Role of English as a Foreign Language Learners’ Self-Efficacy
Authors: Jia Hui
Published: May 2022

Well-being is a crucial necessity within the educational setting that is also taken into account as a central aspect of people’s inclination in the subject of positive psychology (PP) study which is vital for the learners’ affective equilibrium and proper development and improvement. Likewise, learners’ engagement has been demonstrated to have a fundamental function in education. A great amount of attention has been given to this concept and its possible indicators because of its role at the core of learners’ educational achievement. Alternatively, it is commonly maintained that self-efficacy has turned into a significant mental concept enhancing the educational cycle and educational presentation that influences learners’ decisions regarding their educational assignment and manners and their way of thinking and feeling when it comes to education. This review attempts to survey the role of learners’ self-efficacy as a mediator on their well-being and academic engagement. In conclusion, some suggestions and commendations have been proposed for language-teaching participants in scholastic situations.
Toward a Digital Future in Bipolar Disorder Assessment: A Systematic Review of Disruptions in the Rest-Activity Cycle as Measured by Actigraphy
Authors: Panchal Priyanka , de Queiroz Campos Gabriela , Goldman Danielle A. , Auerbach Randy P. , Merikangas Kathleen R. , Swartz Holly A. , Sankar Anjali , Blumberg Hilary P.
Published: May 2022

Background

Disruptions in rest and activity patterns are core features of bipolar disorder (BD). However, previous methods have been limited in fully characterizing the patterns. There is still a need to capture dysfunction in daily activity as well as rest patterns in order to more holistically understand the nature of 24-h rhythms in BD. Recent developments in the standardization, processing, and analyses of wearable digital actigraphy devices are advancing longitudinal investigation of rest-activity patterns in real time. The current systematic review aimed to summarize the literature on actigraphy measures of rest-activity patterns in BD to inform the future use of this technology.

Methods

A comprehensive systematic review using PRISMA guidelines was conducted through PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and EMBASE databases, for papers published up to February 2021. Relevant articles utilizing actigraphy measures were extracted and summarized. These papers contributed to three research areas addressed, pertaining to the nature of rest-activity patterns in BD, and the effects of therapeutic interventions on these patterns.

Results

Seventy articles were included. BD was associated with longer sleep onset latency and duration, particularly during depressive episodes and with predictive value for worsening of future manic symptoms. Lower overall daily activity was also associated with BD, especially during depressive episodes, while more variable activity patterns within a day were seen in mania. A small number of studies linked these disruptions with differential patterns of brain functioning and cognitive impairments, as well as more adverse outcomes including increased suicide risk. The stabilizing effect of therapeutic options, including pharmacotherapies and chronotherapies, on activity patterns was supported.

Conclusion

The use of actigraphy provides valuable information about rest-activity patterns in BD. Although results suggest that variability in rhythms over time may be a specific feature of BD, definitive conclusions are limited by the small number of studies assessing longitudinal changes over days. Thus, there is an urgent need to extend this work to examine patterns of rhythmicity and regularity in BD. Actigraphy research holds great promise to identify a much-needed specific phenotypic marker for BD that will aid in the development of improved detection, treatment, and prevention options.
Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes Based Telementoring of Physicians for Dementia–Effectiveness in India
Authors: Nair Shruti , Sinha Preeti , Chand Prabhat , Sahu Prashant , Gorthi Naga VSS , Varghese Mathew , Sivakumar P. T.
Published: May 2022

Objective

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a program based on the telementoring model [Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO)] for primary care physicians in diagnosing and treating patients with dementia.

Method

The ECHO model was adapted through 12 live sessions of 2 h every 2 weeks consisting of a didactic presentation by the expert, peer-led new case discussions, and follow-up discussions. In addition, there were 10 h of self-paced e-learning and interim assignments. The impact was examined by noting participation, session ratings, monthly clinical reports, and comparing knowledge and competency scores before and after the course.

Results

Among the 63 participants, 39.7% attended at least 80% of the sessions; completing the program successfully. The ratings for all sessions ranged from “good” to “excellent.” The paired samplet-test revealed a statistically significant improvement (p< 0.001) in self-rated skills and confidence in diagnosing and treating dementia with an effect size of 1.25 and 1.37, respectively. No change in the knowledge score was observed throughout the course. A considerable increase in dementia-related clinical practice was observed during four monthly summary of clinical cases. Due to the limited data of monthly reports during the COVID pandemic, no statistical analysis was attempted.

Conclusion

The ECHO model appears to have a positive immediate impact on the clinical ability of primary care physicians to diagnose and treat dementia. Its direct impact on patient health and at the community level should be aimed at in future studies.
Healthcare Professionals' Views on the Management of Medication Complexities in the Elderly With Mental Health Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Aguiar João Pedro , Gama Marques João , Leufkens Hubert G. M. , Alves da Costa Filipa
Published: May 2022

Background

Many challenges in elderly pharmacotherapy are identified, including the use of Potentially Inappropriate Medications (PIMs) which may increase the odds of adverse events, especially in elderly patients with mental health disorders (e. g., behavioral, and psychological symptoms of dementia–BPSD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder). However, information on the knowledge and practice of healthcare professionals (HCPs) about this topic is still scarce.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken from July-October 2019. An online questionnaire was specifically designed and validated for this study. We sought HCPs (physicians, pharmacists, and nurses) worldwide, using (a) social media, via Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn; and (b) email contacts of the research team (convenience sample). Either way participants were asked to share on their social media or via e-mail the questionnaires with other HCPs (snowballing sample). The survey assessed two main domains: knowledge and practice. Knowledge was evaluated by self-report (perceived knowledge by a 5-item Likert confidence scale) and using three clinical cases, scored between 0 and 30 points (each one rated from 0 to 10 points; real knowledge). Barriers in clinical practice were evaluated using a 5-item Likert scale judging practitioners' opinion.

Results

A total of 165 questionnaires were collected. HCPs were mainly female (n = 114; 69.1%), with a mean age of 35.3 ± 11.3 years old. Seventy-two percent (n = 118) were pharmacists, 21.1% (n = 35) were physicians, and 7.3% (n = 12) nurses. There was a weak correlation, albeit significant, between perceived and real knowledge (r = 0.199; p = 0.001). The mean score of the clinical vignettes regarding elderly patients with dementia and bipolar disorder were 4.59 ± 4.08 and 4.86 ± 2.97 points, respectively. Most HCPs were classified as having an intermediate knowledge (n = 100; 60.6%) about medication complexities in the elderly with mental disorders. Most HCPs agreed that lack of time (81.6%; n = 138), lack of education and training on elderly pharmacotherapy (72.2%; n = 122), and lack of tools adapted to daily practice (61.8%; n = 105) were the main barriers.

Conclusions

Most of the HCPs felt confident to manage medication complexities in elder patients with mental disorders, but only a minority obtained a good score in the knowledge assessment test. The main barriers identified included structural barriers (tools unfit for practice) and process barriers (time).
Development and Validation of a Risk Stratification Model of Pulmonary Ground-Glass Nodules Based on Complementary Lung-RADS 1.1 and Deep Learning Scores
Authors: Meng Qingcheng , Li Bing , Gao Pengrui , Liu Wentao , Zhou Peijin , Ding Jia , Zhang Jiaqi , Ge Hong
Published: May 2022

Purpose

To assess the value of novel deep learning (DL) scores combined with complementary lung imaging reporting and data system 1.1 (cLung-RADS 1.1) in managing the risk stratification of ground-glass nodules (GGNs) and therefore improving the efficiency of lung cancer (LC) screening in China.

Materials and Methods

Overall, 506 patients with 561 GGNs on routine computed tomography images, obtained between January 2017 and March 2021, were enrolled in this single-center, retrospective Chinese study. Moreover, the cLung-RADS 1.1 was previously validated, and the DL algorithms were based on a multi-stage, three-dimensional DL-based convolutional neural network. Therefore, the DL-based cLung-RADS 1.1 model was created using a combination of the risk scores of DL and category of cLung-RADS 1.1. The recall rate, precision, accuracy, per-class F1 score, weighted average F1 score (F1weighted), Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC), and area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the performance of DL-based cLung-RADS 1.1.

Results

The percentage of neoplastic lesions appeared as GGNs in our study was 95.72% (537/561) after long-period follow-up.Compared to cLung-RADS 1.1 model or DL model, The DL-based cLung-RADS 1.1 model achieved the excellent performance with F1 scores of 95.96% and 95.58%, F1weighted values of 97.49 and 96.62%, accuracies of 92.38 and 91.77%, and MCCs of 32.43 and 37.15% in the training and validation tests, respectively. The combined model achieved the best AUCs of 0.753 (0.526–0.980) and 0.734 (0.585–0.884) for the training and validation tests, respectively.

Conclusion

The DL-based cLung-RADS 1.1 model shows the best performance in risk stratification management of GGNs, which demonstrates substantial promise for developing a more effective personalized lung neoplasm management paradigm for LC screening in China.
Systematic Review on COVID-19 Readmission and Risk Factors: Future of Machine Learning in COVID-19 Readmission Studies
Authors: Loo Wei Kit , Hasikin Khairunnisa , Suhaimi Anwar , Yee Por Lip , Teo Kareen , Xia Kaijian , Qian Pengjiang , Jiang Yizhang , Zhang Yuanpeng , Dhanalakshmi Samiappan , Azizan Muhammad Mokhzaini , Lai Khin Wee
Published: May 2022

In this review, current studies on hospital readmission due to infection of COVID-19 were discussed, compared, and further evaluated in order to understand the current trends and progress in mitigation of hospital readmissions due to COVID-19. Boolean expression of (“COVID-19” OR “covid19” OR “covid” OR “coronavirus” OR “Sars-CoV-2”) AND (“readmission” OR “re-admission” OR “rehospitalization” OR “rehospitalization”) were used in five databases, namely Web of Science, Medline, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Scopus. From the search, a total of 253 articles were screened down to 26 articles. In overall, most of the research focus on readmission rates than mortality rate. On the readmission rate, the lowest is 4.2% by Ramos-Martínez et al. from Spain, and the highest is 19.9% by Donnelly et al. from the United States. Most of the research (n = 13) uses an inferential statistical approach in their studies, while only one uses a machine learning approach. The data size ranges from 79 to 126,137. However, there is no specific guide to set the most suitable data size for one research, and all results cannot be compared in terms of accuracy, as all research is regional studies and do not involve data from the multi region. The logistic regression is prevalent in the research on risk factors of readmission post-COVID-19 admission, despite each of the research coming out with different outcomes. From the word cloud, age is the most dominant risk factor of readmission, followed by diabetes, high length of stay, COPD, CKD, liver disease, metastatic disease, and CAD. A few future research directions has been proposed, including the utilization of machine learning in statistical analysis, investigation on dominant risk factors, experimental design on interventions to curb dominant risk factors and increase the scale of data collection from single centered to multi centered.
18F-SynVesT-1 PET/MR Imaging of the Effect of Gut Microbiota on Synaptic Density and Neurite Microstructure: A Preclinical Pilot Study
Authors: Yi Sue Y. , Pirasteh Ali , Wang James , Bradshaw Tyler , Jeffery Justin J. , Barnett Brian R. , Stowe Nicholas A. , McMillan Alan B. , Vivas Eugenio I. , Rey Federico E. , Yu John-Paul J.
Published: May 2022

The gut microbiome profoundly influences brain structure and function. The gut microbiome is hypothesized to play a key role in the etiopathogenesis of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative illness; however, the contribution of an intact gut microbiome to quantitative neuroimaging parameters of brain microstructure and function remains unknown. Herein, we report the broad and significant influence of a functional gut microbiome on commonly employed neuroimaging measures of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), neurite orientation dispersion and density (NODDI) imaging, and SV2A 18F-SynVesT-1 synaptic density PET imaging when compared to germ-free animals. In this pilot study, we demonstrate that mice, in the presence of a functional gut microbiome, possess higher neurite density and orientation dispersion and decreased synaptic density when compared to age- and sex-matched germ-free mice. Our results reveal the region-specific structural influences and synaptic changes in the brain arising from the presence of intestinal microbiota. Further, our study highlights important considerations for the development of quantitative neuroimaging biomarkers for precision imaging in neurologic and psychiatric illness.
Does Oral Endotoxin Contribute to Systemic Inflammation?
Authors: Zenobia Camille , Darveau Richard P.
Published: May 2022

The oral microbiome, with a unique emphasis on Porphyromonas gingivalis has been associated with a constellation of inflammatory diseases such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, type II diabetes, and non-alcoholic associated fatty liver disease. Periodontal disease has also been shown to induce “leaky gut” leading to metabolic endotoxemia. Several recent studies investigating the habitants of the blood microbiome have found the majority of species appear to be derived from oral and skin bacterial communities in otherwise healthy individuals. Many of the same pathologies associated with perturbations of oral health, such as cardiovascular disease, show alterations to the composition of the blood microbiome as well as circulating neutrophil phenotypes. Gingival inflammation is associated with activated blood neutrophil phenotypes that can exacerbate a distal inflammatory insult which may explain the connection between oral and systemic inflammatory conditions. While in the oral cavity, neutrophils encounter oral microbes that are adept in manipulating neutrophil activity which can re-enter the vasculature thereafter. Endotoxin from oral microbes can differ significantly depending on bacterial community and state of oral health to alter cellular LPS tolerance mechanisms which may contribute to the primed neutrophil phenotype seen in periodontitis and provide a mechanism by which the oral-microbes can affect systemic health outcomes. This review synthesizes the studies between inflammatory diseases and oral health with emphasis on microbiome and corresponding lipopolysaccharides in immune tolerance and activation.
Spatial Regression in the Presence of a Hierarchical Transportation Network: Application to Land Price Analysis
Authors: Murakami Daisuke , Seya Hajime
Published: May 2022

Transportation networks have a hierarchical structure, and the spatial scale of their impact on urban growth differs depending on the hierarchy. However, in empirical analyses of the impacts that transportation has on land use and prices, such hierarchy is often examined using dummy variables, and the network dependence and heterogeneity of impacts are often ignored. Thus, this study develops a spatial regression method that considers not only spatial dependence, but also network dependence within a hierarchical transportation network. This method was developed by extending the random effects eigenvector spatial filtering approach. Subsequently, it was applied to a pre-existing analysis that focused on the impacts that high-speed rail (HSR) had on residential land prices in Japan over the last 30 years. The results of the analysis suggested that HSR lines had hierarchical effects on residential land prices. The results also provide interesting insight into the ongoing problem of Japanese urban hierarchy; that is, the excessive concentration of population and industry in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Weathering of Chlorite Illite Deposits in the Hyperarid Qaidam Basin: Implications to Post-Depositional Alteration on Martian Clay Minerals
Authors: Sun Yu , Li Yiliang , Zhang Chaoqun , Qin Xiaorong , Shen Jianxun , He Hongping , Pan Yongxin
Published: May 2022

Chlorite is the second-most common class of clay minerals on the Martian surface and has been found to coexist with illite in some regions. Although previous studies have paid much attention to the formation of this assemblage, the post-depositional evolution cannot be neglected because the aqueous activities may alter the mineral assemblage and distribution. Here, we report on the post-depositional weathering of lacustrine-fluvial deposits collected from yardangs and dune-covering lake beds in the western Qaidam Basin, one of the largest and highest terrestrial Mars analogs. Mineralogical analysis shows that Fe-clinochlore and illite are the main clay components deposited as detrital particles. Electron microscopic observations of small rusty concretions from yardang deposits revealed that iron was released from clinochlore and formed ferrihydrite in fractures. We suggest that the activities of ephemeral waters after the deposition provide the major source of water that influences the migration of Fe in a long-lasting hyperarid climate. A similar iron-releasing mechanism could have occurred in Nili Fossae on Mars because multiple aqueous activities have shaped the terrains where chlorite illite deposits were identified by orbital near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Thus, reconstruction of the aqueous history of ancient Mars from surface minerals requires consideration of post-depositional processes, since groundwater/meteoric water may continuously interact with clay mineral-bearing deposits on Mars after their formation.
Subarcsecond Imaging of a Solar Active Region Filament With ALMA and IRIS
Authors: da Silva Santos J. M. , White S. M. , Reardon K. , Cauzzi G. , Gunár S. , Heinzel P. , Leenaarts J.
Published: May 2022

Quiescent filaments appear as absorption features on the solar disk when observed in chromospheric lines and at continuum wavelengths in the millimeter (mm) range. Active region (AR) filaments are their small-scale, low-altitude analogues, but they could not be resolved in previous mm observations. This spectral diagnostic can provide insight into the details of the formation and physical properties of their fine threads, which are still not fully understood. Here, we shed light on the thermal structure of an AR filament using high-resolution brightness temperature (Tb) maps taken with ALMA Band 6 complemented by simultaneous IRIS near-UV spectra, Hinode/SOT photospheric magnetograms, and SDO/AIA extreme-UV images. Some of the dark threads visible in the AIA 304 Å passband and in the core of Mg ii resonance lines have dark (Tb < 5,000 K) counterparts in the 1.25 mm maps, but their visibility significantly varies across the filament spine and in time. These opacity changes are possibly related to variations in temperature and electron density in filament fine structures. The coolest Tb values (< 5,000 K) coincide with regions of low integrated intensity in the Mg ii h and k lines. ALMA Band 3 maps taken after the Band 6 ones do not clearly show the filament structure, contrary to the expectation that the contrast should increase at longer wavelengths based on previous observations of quiescent filaments. The ALMA maps are not consistent with isothermal conditions, but the temporal evolution of the filament may partly account for this.
Efficacy and Safety of Simultaneous Integrated Boost Intensity-Modulation Radiation Therapy Combined with Systematic and Standardized Management for Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Deng Wenzhao , Zhang Xueyuan , Su Jingwei , Song Chunyang , Xu Jinrui , Zhao Xiaohan , Shen Wenbin
Published: May 2022

Objective

To analyze and compare the efficacy and safety of simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulation radiation therapy (SIB-IMRT) combined with systematic and standardized management for esophageal cancer.

Methods

From January 2012 to January 2019, 200 patients with esophageal cancer who received radical chemoradiotherapy in our hospital were treated with lymphatic drainage area radiation prevention combined with systematic and standardized management. According to difference in radiotherapy methods, the patients were divided into local lesion 92 patients treated with simultaneous integrated boost intensity-modulation radiation therapy (SIB-IMRT) combined with systematic standardized management (SIB-IMRT group), and late course boost intensity-modulation radiation therapy (LCB-IMRT) combined with systematic standardized management 108 patients (LCB-IMRT group). The short-term eficacy of the two groups were compared. The dose volume parameters of the organ in danger are evaluated based on the dose volume histogram. The related adverse reactions during chemoradiotherapy were compared between two groups. The local control rate and survival rate were compared between the two groups.

Results

The recent total effective rates of rats in the SIB-IMRT group and LCB-IMRT group were 95.65% and 90.74%, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean doses to left and right lung, heart and spinal cord in the SIB-IMRT group were significantly lower than that in the LCB-IMRT group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions such as radiation esophagitis, radiation pneumonitis, radiation tracheitis, gastrointestinal reaction and bone marrow suppression between the SIB-IMRT group and LCB-IMRT groups (p > 0.05). The one-year and three-year overall survival rates in the SIB-IMRT group and LCB-IMRT groups were 82.61%, 42.39% and 77.78%, 34.26%, respectively, and the median survival times were 38 and 29 months, respectively. The local control rates in the SIB-IMRT group and LCB-IMRT group in one and three years were 84.78%, 56.52% and 75.93%, 41.67%, respectively. The 3-year local control rate in the SIB-IMRT group was higher than that in the LCB-IMRT group (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference in the 1-and 3-year overall survival rates between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

SIB-IMRT combined with systematic and standardized management in the treatment of esophageal cancer can reduce the amount of some organs at risk and improve the local control rate of the lesion.
Adaptive Fixed-Time Neural Networks Control for Pure-Feedback Non-Affine Nonlinear Systems with State Constraints
Authors: Li Yang , Zhu Quanmin , Zhang Jianhua , Deng Zhaopeng
Published: May 2022

A new fixed-time adaptive neural network control strategy is designed for pure-feedback non-affine nonlinear systems with state constraints according to the feedback signal of the error system. Based on the adaptive backstepping technology, the Lyapunov function is designed for each subsystem. The neural network is used to identify the unknown parameters of the system in a fixed-time, and the designed control strategy makes the output signal of the system track the expected signal in a fixed-time. Through the stability analysis, it is proved that the tracking error converges in a fixed-time, and the design of the upper bound of the setting time of the error system only needs to modify the parameters and adaptive law of the controlled system controller, which does not depend on the initial conditions.
Construction of Landscape Ecological Security Pattern in the Zhundong Region, Xinjiang, NW China
Authors: Jiang Jiao , Abulizi Abudukeyimu , Abliz Abdugheni , Zayiti Abudoukeremujiang , Akbar Adila , Ou Bin
Published: May 2022

The Xinjiang Zhundong Economic and Technological Development Zone, which contains the largest coalfield in China, is a mega energy base for west–east gas transmission and outbound electricity transmission in China; however, resource exploitation and the region’s arid climate have led to the region’s ecological environment being increasingly vulnerable. The morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) method and landscape connectivity were used in this study to identify the ecological sources and extract the ecological corridors and ecological nodes based on the minimum cumulative resistance (MCR) model, used to construct the landscape ecological security pattern in the Zhundong region from 2016 to 2021. The results show that (a) from 2016 to 2021, the area of ecological sources increased by 117.86 ha and the distribution density of which decreased from the southern-central region to the northern and northwestern regions. (b) From 2016 to 2021, the number of ecological corridors and ecological nodes decreased, and the ecological corridors with dense distributions in the south gradually moved to the north and west. The length of the ecological corridors in the south gradually became longer, and the number of ecological corridors connecting the east and west in the north increased. (c) The landscape ecological security pattern of the Zhundong region was constructed by “a network and multiple points” using the model of ecological sources–ecological corridors–ecological nodes. The findings of this study provide a scientific foundation for the construction of an ecological security development plan and the ecologically protective development of coal resources in Zhundong.
Longitudinal Relation between Comprehensive Job Resources and Three Basic Psychological Needs at Work
Authors: Baka Łukasz , Szulawski Michał , Prusik Monika , Kapica Łukasz , Najmiec Andrzej
Published: May 2022

This study aims to understand the long-term relation between comprehensive job resources and the three basic psychological needs at work (autonomy, relatedness and competence). The study was conducted in a progressive design on a sample of 1025 Polish human service professionals. Based on a typology of job resources, the three aggregated job resources index related to the task, leadership and interpersonal relations were created and the effects of each of them on the satisfaction and frustration of the three basic psychological needs, measured after 8 months, were tested. The analysis conducted by using of structural equation modelling showed that task resources are associated with the three basic psychological needs more strongly than two other kinds of resources and that that both leadership and interpersonal resources were related to the satisfaction and frustration of all the needs to the same extent. The results are discussed in the paradigm of the Conservative of Resources and the Self Determination theories.