bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spicy red in Shrimp Town: Smart farming and settler colonialism in Guizhou province
Authors: Wang Xiaowei R
Published: July 2023

This article explores the chili pepper industry in Guizhou and how it intersects with a push toward high-tech, digital agriculture schemes as part of Guizhou’s economic development driven by a data economy. State bureaus, tech companies, and research institutes around rural development cast digital, data-driven agriculture as a broadly positive development that will provide environmental sustainability and economic benefits to small farmers. In examining Guizhou’s Chili Pepper City, I argue that such initiatives maintain state power through accelerating complexity and implementation of universalizing technologies. In the context of Guizhou, these universalizing technologies are intertwined with a legacy of China’s own settler dynamics, the political uses of poverty alleviation and environmentalism to control land, and socialist legacies of using agricultural modernization toward nationalist ends. I draw on a multitude of news articles, journals, and secondary sources, as well as repeat site visits and interviews that I conducted in Guizhou from 2017 to 2019.
Long-term in situ air quality assessment in closed environments: A gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry applicability study
Authors: Moura Pedro Catalão , Vassilenko Valentina
Published: July 2023

Contemporary life is mostly spent in indoor spaces like private houses, workplaces, vehicles and public facilities. Nonetheless, the air quality in these closed environments is often poor which leads to people being exposed to a vast range of toxic and hazardous compounds. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are among the main factors responsible for the lack of air quality in closed spaces and, in addition, some of them are particularly hazardous to the human organism. Considering this fact, we conducted daily in situ air analyses over 1 year using a gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) device in an indoor location. The obtained results show that 10 VOCs were consistently present in the indoor air throughout the entire year, making them particularly important for controlling air quality. All of these compounds were successfully identified, namely acetic acid, acetone, benzene, butanol, ethanol, isobutanol, propanoic acid, propanol, 2-propanol and tert-butyl methyl ether. The behaviour of the total VOCs (tVOCs) intensity during the period of analysis and the relative variation between consecutive months were studied. It was observed that the overall trend of tVOCs closely mirrored the variation of air temperature throughout the year suggesting their strong correlation. The results obtained from this study demonstrate the high quality and relevance of the data, highlighting the suitability of GC-IMS for in situ long-term air quality assessment in indoor environments and, consequently, for identifying potential health risks for the human organism in both short-term and long-term exposure scenarios.
Continuing Education and Perception of Community Learning Centres: A Case Study of the University of Ghana Community Learning Centres, Ghana
Authors: Agyekum Boadi , Ali Waad , Afutu-Kotey Robert Lawrence
Published: July 2023

Diverse national and local policies represent efforts to guarantee inclusive and equitable quality education and provide lifelong learning for all (SDG4). Their effects have the potential to alter local access to education. There has been a lot of research on the factors that led certain universities to embrace distance learning programs in their local communities, but relatively little has been done to examine how these changes can affect the perceptions of the larger community approach to investigating public opinion. This study investigates community perceptions of distance learning through community learning centres in Ghana’s port city, Tema Metropolis – which supports various educational activities – using semi-structured interviews. Although community members expressed concerns about the possible socio-economic effects of learning centres, we discovered that individual students who used the learning centres were driven to pursue distance learning largely for its educational advantages. Our research demonstrates that the scope and speed of distance learning made possible by community learning centres has influenced local communities such as the Tema Metropolis and beyond. To guarantee that community learning centres encouraged by DE policy are administered effectively and fairly, such implications must be considered in research, policy, and planning.
Improving HIV and HCV Testing in Substance Use Disorder Programs (SUDs) That Provide Medications for Opiate Use Disorder (MOUD): Role of Addressing Barriers and Implementing Universal and Site-Specific Approaches
Authors: Brooks Ralph , Wegener Maximilian , Freeman Bob , Fowles Cathy , Madden Lynn M. , Tetrault Jeanette M. , Nichols Lisa , Altice Frederick L. , Villanueva Merceditas
Published: July 2023

Introduction. National strategies to end the HIV epidemic and eliminate hepatitis c (HCV) through a syndemic approach require improvements in testing for HIV and HCV. Given the intersection of the opioid crisis with HIV and HCV acquisition, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment centers providing medications for opiate use disorder (MOUD) provide a critical opportunity to expand testing. Rates of testing in MOUD clinics have been suboptimal. Method. We employed the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), Ishikawa cause and effect diagrams, and individualized Quality Improvement (QI) efforts at two SUD clinics (SUD A and B) in Connecticut (CT) as part of an HRSA-funded grant focused on improving HCV cure in persons with HIV/HCV coinfection. Baseline and longitudinal data were collected on rates of HIV and HCV testing and positivity as well as linkage to treatment. Results. Between April 1, 2019, and May 31, 2021, for SUD A and B respectively, HIV testing increased from 13% to 90% and 33% to 83%; HCV testing increased from 4% to 90% and 30% to 82%, with few reported cases of HIV/HCV coinfection. HCV testing revealed new and prior diagnoses at both sites, with subsequent referrals for treatment. Qualitative assessments identified best practices which included the institution of formal policies and procedures, streamlining of testing logistics, designation of a site champion, and broadening relevant education to staff and clients. Conclusion. Strategic assessment of barriers and facilitators to HIV and HCV testing at MOUD clinics can lead to improved testing and referral rates that are key to improving the cascade of care for both diseases.
Identification of TUBB4A as a Prognostic Biomarker of Melanoma by Transcriptomic Data and In Vitro Experiments
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Zhang Yu , Liu Jun , Luo Judong , Yun Yifei , Cao Yan
Published: July 2023

Background: Melanoma is one of the most malignant skin carcinomas with high metastatic potential. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that β-tubulin 4A (TUBB4A) plays a key role in the development and progression of several types of human cancer. However, the potential function of TUBB4A in cutaneous melanoma remains to be determined. Methods: We first performed a differential expression analysis based on skin melanoma tissues and normal tissues from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets and then a survival analysis to identify prognostic-related key genes. We further conducted in vitro biochemical experiments to verify the functional roles of the key gene TUBB4A. Two small-molecule inhibitors of TUBB4A, Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) and Nocodazole, were used to validate the effect of TUBB4A on the apoptosis and cell cycle of melanoma cells. Results: We found that TUBB4A expression was positively correlated to the overall survival (OS) of cutaneous melanoma patients. The coexpressed genes with TUBB4A were enriched in melanoma-related pathways and functions. The experimental results showed that knockdown of TUBB4A inhibited the proliferation and migration of A375 and B16-F10 melanoma cells. Moreover, DHA and Nocodazole promoted the apoptosis of melanoma cells and blocked the melanoma tumor cell cycle in the G2/M stage. Conclusion: TUBB4A may be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for melanoma.
Experimental characterization of artificial turf infill mixtures and implementation in smoothed particle hydrodynamics numerical model
Authors: Watson Brock , Bustamante Michael C , Rycman Aleksander , Correia Matheus A , Cronin Duane S
Published: July 2023

Quantifying the response of infill used to construct contemporary artificial turf is critical to the development of computational models and providing insights to reduce sports injury associated with artificial turf. In the current study, confined compression and direct shear tests were performed on typical infill materials (sand, SBR and two mixtures (33%: 67%) by-weight). The experimental tests exhibited a progression from high strength and stiffness (sand) to low strength and stiffness (SBR) with the mixtures having intermediate values. Increasing particle size, particularly sand, tended to increase the resistance of the infill to deformation. The experimental results were implemented into a soil constitutive material model and the experimental tests were simulated using a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method to verify the implementation in a commercial explicit finite element solver. The SPH method successfully captured the initial loading up to yield, material flow and post-yield behavior, enabling large-scale particle flow that will be necessary to simulate artificial turf. The simulation results predicted the test force-displacement response well for SBR and mixture infills. The proposed methodology demonstrated the ability to measure properties of contemporary artificial turf infills in both compression and shear for pure sand, pure SBR and mixtures of the two, and use these properties to accurately represent the infill in a computational environment. The resulting model can be extended to large-scale turf models, to investigate athlete performance and injury risk when interacting with artificial turf.
Testing practices for testing times: Exploring Indigenous-led governance
Authors: Dionisio Rita , Dombroski Kelly , Yates Amanda
Published: July 2023

In this author response, we further reflect on pluriversal and prefigurative approaches to research, centred on Indigenous Māori knowledge, while opening space for cross-cultural perspectives and co-creation methods. We address the responses authored by Meg Parsons, Wendy Steele and Wendy Harcourt, starting by summarising what we took from each contribution. We discuss key questions raised by each of the authors in the context of the evolving research programme and broader developments on wellbeing governance in Aotearoa. Pluriversal and prefigurative experimental approaches are key to testing and iteratively advancing the research agenda in disruptive times.
Lost in the EMI Trend: Language-Related Issues Emerging From EMI Practice
Authors: Jinghui Si
Published: July 2023

The prominent increase in English medium instruction (EMI) in higher education has triggered the need for investigating EMI in practice in various contexts. Studies focusing on linguistic attitudes of EMI practitioners and learners are beginning to emerge but there are few studies exploring language-related issues in EMI practice. In response to this, this study investigates how language-related issues in EMI are conceptualized, approached and navigated. Data are drawn from document analysis, classroom observations and semi-structured interviews. The study finds that EMI courses were established without much presence of linguistic diversity and without an overt policy. Seemingly, EMI is treated as an invaluable commodity in the pursuit of internationalization. This puts the consistence and quality of EMI into question. It also finds that the practitioners have made polarized language decisions despite of an overall “English-only” preference. The polarized decisions lead to two modes of silence, namely “the English-only silence” and “the silence of English.” In addition, nativized Englishes were found to play in a key role in constructing EMI discourses, despite of a deeply-rooted belief in the Standard English ideology. This conflict between practice and perception reinforces the complexity of practitioners’ professional identity. Furthermore, it is also found that EMI, as an important way to pursue internationalization that celebrates heterogeneity, has a potential to circulate homogeneity. The findings are of significance for universities to (re)consider and (re)conceptualize language-related issues in EMI practice, and on the basis of this, design appropriate EMI curricula.
Current Issues and Future Directions in Clinical Psychological Science: An Introduction to the Special Issue Honoring the Life and Legacy of Scott O. Lilienfeld
Authors: O’Donohue William , Cobb Cory , Lynn Steven Jay
Published: July 2023

This special issue is dedicated to the life and works of psychology pioneer Scott O. Lilienfeld. Dr. Lilienfeld tragically passed away in September 2020 and was one of the field’s most brilliant minds and prolific contributors. As a leading authority on psychopathy and the delineation between science and pseudoscience and a prodigious scholar across multiple areas of inquiry, Dr. Lilienfeld’s contributions have transformed psychological science in myriad ways. We bring together eminent scholars from across the world to contribute target articles on cutting-edge advancements and ongoing issues that encompass rhetoric in science, structural models of psychopathology, experimental psychopathology research, sociopolitical values in the multicultural movement, positive illusions about societal change, procedural justice in psychology, the so-called Memory Wars, and lifelong learning.
Mapping U.S.-China technological “decoupling”: Beyond U.S.-China relations
Authors: Zhang Ze
Published: July 2023

As a global phenomenon of political and economic geography, a partial “decoupling” of U.S. and Chinese technology ecosystems is well under way. It should be noted that the biggest manifestation of this decoupling is the U.S. crackdown on Chinese technology companies. The U.S. government has placed over 1000 Chinese firms on the Entity List, Unverified List, Chinese Military firms Sanitations List, and NS-CMIC as a representative action to stifle the Chinese technology industry. The spatial patterns of the technological decoupling between China and the United States can be summed up by looking at the spatial distribution of blacklisted firms. Beyond China, the United States largely works to prevent China from forging indirect business links with U.S. high-tech companies through its allies (for example, the United Kingdom). Core cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen in China, which are also hubs for Chinese high-tech businesses, are the major targets of industrial suppression in the United States. The U.S.-China rivalry will continue to shape the global economic geography in the future.
Ways and means to comfort people at the end of life: how is the nurse a privileged player in this process?
Authors: Pereira Raquel Alexandra Machado , Sousa Valente Ribeiro Patrícia Cruz Pontífice
Published: July 2023

Background:

Comfort is a necessity throughout life, and it is a key element in the practice of nursing care for the patient at the end of life. A particular human need and a state related to the experience and culture of the person at the end of life constitute the target of attention and nursing intervention, being a very relevant indicator of the quality of health care. This article is part of a doctoral study in the field of comfort in a palliative care unit, and these are some of the partial results that emerged.

Objectives:

To understand the ways and means of comfort perceived by the person at the end-of-life hospitalized in a palliative care unit, their family, and health staff as well as the value of the nurse in this process.

Design:

Qualitative study using an ethnographic approach.

Methods:

We conducted semistructured interviews with 18 patients at the end of life and their matched significant family members (18) and 21 health professionals. We also conducted participant observation of care situations.

Results/Discussion:

The ways and means of providing comfort are centered on strategies developed by the entire multidisciplinary team. During this whole process, one of the categories that emerged from the ethnography was the nurse as a privileged player, representing an absolutely essential role in all phases. The results revealed that nurses play a very important role in end-of-life comfort, which is based on a predisposition for end-of-life care (active listening, empathy, congruence, and biographical narrative) and focused attention (global care, attention to detail, family support, and opposition to therapeutic obstinacy).

Conclusions:

The different ways and means of providing comfort aim to increase care, relieve, and invest in potential different forms of comfort and nurses are recognized by all those involved in this process as someone essential to providing comfort care.
Lung volumes differentiate the predominance of emphysemaversusairway disease phenotype in early COPD: an observational study of the COPDGene cohort
Authors: Zeng Siyang , Luo Gang , Lynch David A. , Bowler Russell P. , Arjomandi Mehrdad
Published: July 2023

Rationale

Lung volumes identify the “susceptible smokers” who progress to develop spirometric COPD. However, among susceptible smokers, development of spirometric COPD seems to be heterogeneous, suggesting the presence of different pathological mechanisms during early establishment of spirometric COPD. The objective of the present study was to determine the differential patterns of radiographic pathologies among susceptible smokers.

Methods

We categorised smokers with preserved spirometry (Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 0) in the Genetic Epidemiology of COPD (COPDGene) cohort based on tertiles (low, intermediate and high) of lung volumes (either total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity FRC or FRC/TLC) at baseline visit. We then examined the differential patterns of change in spirometry and the associated prevalence of computed tomography measured pathologies of emphysema and airway disease with those categories of lung volumes.

Results

The pattern of spirometric change differed when participants were categorised by TLCversusFRC/TLC: those in the high TLC tertile showed stable forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), but enlarging forced vital capacity (FVC), while those in the high FRC/TLC tertile showed decline in both FEV1and FVC. When participants from the high TLC and high FRC/TLC tertiles were partitioned into mutually exclusive groups, compared to those with high TLC, those with high FRC/TLC had lesser emphysema, but greater air trapping, more self-reported respiratory symptoms and exacerbation episodes and higher likelihood of progressing to more severe spirometric disease (GOLD stages 2–4versusGOLD stage 1).

Conclusions

Lung volumes identify distinct physiological and radiographic phenotypes in early disease among susceptible smokers and predict the rate of spirometric disease progression and the severity of symptoms in early COPD.
Glycogen availability and pH variation in a medium simulating vaginal fluid influence the growth of vaginal Lactobacillus species and Gardnerella vaginalis
Authors: Navarro Stephany , Abla Habib , Delgado Betsaida , Colmer-Hamood Jane A. , Ventolini Gary , Hamood Abdul N.
Published: July 2023

Background

Glycogen metabolism by Lactobacillus spp. that dominate the healthy vaginal microbiome contributes to a low vaginal pH (3.5–4.5). During bacterial vaginosis (BV), strict and facultative anaerobes including Gardnerella vaginalis become predominant, leading to an increase in the vaginal pH (> 4.5). BV enhances the risk of obstetrical complications, acquisition of sexually transmitted infections, and cervical cancer. Factors critical for the maintenance of the healthy vaginal microbiome or the transition to the BV microbiome are not well defined. Vaginal pH may affect glycogen metabolism by the vaginal microflora, thus influencing the shift in the vaginal microbiome.

Results

The medium simulating vaginal fluid (MSVF) supported growth of L. jensenii 62G, L. gasseri 63 AM, and L. crispatus JV-V01, and G. vaginalis JCP8151A at specific initial pH conditions for 30 d. L. jensenii at all three starting pH levels (pH 4.0, 4.5, and 5.0), G. vaginalis at pH 4.5 and 5.0, and L. gasseri at pH 5.0 exhibited the long-term stationary phase when grown in MSVF. L. gasseri at pH 4.5 and L. crispatus at pH 5.0 displayed an extended lag phase over 30 d suggesting inefficient glycogen metabolism. Glycogen was essential for the growth of L. jensenii, L. crispatus, and G. vaginalis; only L. gasseri was able to survive in MSVF without glycogen, and only at pH 5.0, where it used glucose. All four species were able to survive for 15 d in MSVF with half the glycogen content but only at specific starting pH levels – pH 4.5 and 5.0 for L. jensenii, L. gasseri, and G. vaginalis and pH 5.0 for L. crispatus.

Conclusions

These results suggest that variations in the vaginal pH critically influence the colonization of the vaginal tract by lactobacilli and G. vaginalis JCP8151A by affecting their ability to metabolize glycogen. Further, we found that L. jensenii 62G is capable of glycogen metabolism over a broader pH range (4.0–5.0) while L. crispatus JV-V01 glycogen utilization is pH sensitive (only functional at pH 5.0). Finally, our results showed that G. vaginalis JCP8151A can colonize the vaginal tract for an extended period as long as the pH remains at 4.5 or above.
HER2-low breast cancer: evolution of HER2 expression from primary tumor to distant metastases
Authors: Cai Mengyuan , Li Ming , Lv Hong , Zhou Shuling , Xu Xiaoli , Shui Ruohong , Yang Wentao
Published: July 2023

Background

Breast cancer (BC) with low human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression is attracting much attention due to the breakthrough progress of novel anti-HER2 antibody-drug conjugates. HER2 expression is examined in patients with HER2-low BC and their distant metastases in this study, so as to further clarify the dynamic characteristics of HER2 low status in the process of disease progression.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with HER2 low breast cancer (defined as IHC1+ or IHC2+/ISH-) between 2012 and 2021 were included in this study. We evaluated HER2 expression of primary sites and metastatic sites, compared the impact of different clinicopathological parameters on HER2 status of metastases and compared the overall survival and disease-free survival of patients with different HER2 status in metastases.

Results

Ninety-eight patients were included. All HER2 IHC scores were confirmed and the consistent rate with the original pathological report was 81.1%. 27.6% of the patients showed different HER2 status in metastases. The HER2 discordance rate differed among different metastatic sites (p = 0.040). The higher the T stage of the primary BC, the higher the rate of HER2 discordance was observed (p = 0.042). For the specimen type of metastasis, HER2 discordant rate was higher in surgical specimen than biopsy (p = 0.050). No difference of HER2 discordance rate was found between HER2-1+ and HER2-2+ patients. But comparing HER2 IHC score, HER2-2+ patients were less likely to have consistent metastatic HER2 levels than HER2-1+ patients (p = 0.006). No difference in survival outcomes was observed between patients with different HER2 status in metastases.

Conclusions

There is a possibility of HER2 expression alteration in the metastases of HER2-low breast cancer. And the rate of altered HER2 low expression was different among different metastatic sites, different T stages of primary BC and specimen type of metastasis. No prognostic significance was observed.
Management of metastatic melanoma in Texas: disparities in the utilization of immunotherapy following the regulatory approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Olateju Olajumoke A. , Zeng Zhen , Thornton J. Douglas , Mgbere Osaro , Essien Ekere James
Published: July 2023

Background

The utilization of modern-immunotherapies, notably immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), has increased markedly in patients with metastatic melanoma over the past decade and are recommended as standard treatment. Given their increasing adoption in routine care for melanoma, understanding patient access to immunotherapy and patterns of its use in Texas is crucial as it remains one of the few states without Medicaid expansion and with high rates of the uninsured population. The objectives of this study were to examine the trend in the utilization of immunotherapy and to determine factors associated with immunotherapy utilization among patients with metastatic melanoma in the era of ICIs in Texas.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) database. The cohort comprised of adult (≥ 18 years) patients with metastatic melanoma diagnosed between June 2011 and December 2018. The trend in immunotherapy utilization was assessed by determining the proportion of patients receiving immunotherapy each year. The Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) in immunotherapy utilization was assessed using joinpoint regression, while multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between patient characteristics and immunotherapy receipt.

Results

A total of 1,795 adult patients with metastatic melanoma were identified from the TCR. Immunotherapy utilization was higher among younger patients, those with no comorbidities, and patients with private insurance. Multivariable analysis showed that the likelihood of receipt of immunotherapy decreased with older age [(adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), 0.92; 95% CI, 0.89– 0.93, p = 0.001], living in high poverty neighborhood (aOR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.44 – 0.66, p < 0.0001), having Medicaid (aOR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.44 – 0.73, p = 0.02), being uninsured (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31 – 0.64, p = 0.01), and having comorbidities (CCI score 1: aOR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.34 – 0.71, p = 0.003; CCI score ≥ 2: aOR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.16 – 0.56, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions and relevance

This cohort study identified sociodemographic and socioeconomic disparities in access to immunotherapy in Texas, highlighting the need for policies such as Medicaid expansion that would increase equitable access to this innovative therapy.
Parents’ self-reporting of Child Physical Maltreatment (CPM) in a low-middle-income country
Authors: Abdeen Mai SeifElDin , Hashim Mostafa Ahmad , Ghanem Marwa Mohamed , El-Din Nouran Yousef Salah , Nagar Zeinab Mohamed El
Published: July 2023

Background

Because of COVID-19 pandemic, families across the world are experiencing new stressors that threaten their health, and economic well-being. Such a stress may jeopardize parents-children relationship. We aim to investigate the magnitude of child physical maltreatment (CPM) by parents in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic, to relate it to parents’ stress, and to identify other potential risk factors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study assessed parent-reported CPM and their personal experience of stress, depression, and anxiety among a sample of Egyptian parents using an electronic survey. It included sociodemographic data, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and the Child physical maltreatment scale (CPMS). We also briefly assessed COVID-19 -related data.

Results

Out of 404 respondents, (62.9%) and (32.9%) reported performing minor and severe CPM toward their children during the past 3 months, respectively. The age of youngest child, and anxiety score were significantly correlated with both minor and severe forms of CPM. While number of children, and online education system ratings were only significantly correlated with severe CPM. Parental definition of CPM was significantly correlated to minor CPM, but not to severe CPM.

Conclusions

CPM by parents is not uncommon in Egypt, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings highlight the importance of regular support and intervention that help parents learn parenting skills and the use of non-violent child disciplining methods.
Exergames improves cognitive functions in adolescents with depression: study protocol of a prospective, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang De-Quan , Zhang Jing-Jing , Chen Jian-Ning , Li Ren-Yu , Luo Yi-Xiang , Deng Wei
Published: July 2023

Background

Depression is a condition that imposes a significant disease burden, with cognitive impairment being one of its costly symptoms. While cognitive rehabilitation is crucial, it is also challenging. Although some studies have investigated the impact of exergames on cognitive function improvement, these have primarily focused on the elderly population, with limited attention given to individuals with depression. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the effects of exergames on cognitive functions in adolescents with depression and compare the effectiveness of exergames with traditional exercise.

Method

The present investigation is a single-center randomized controlled trial that employs the ANOVA method to calculate the sample size using G*Power software, assuming a 25% dropout rate. The study enrolls fifty-four eligible patients with depression who are randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: the exergames group, which receives standard treatment and exergames intervention; the exercise group, which receives standard treatment and traditional exercise intervention; and the control group, which receives standard treatment exclusively. The study provides a comprehensive regimen of 22 supervised exercise and exergame sessions over an 8-week period, with a frequency of twice per week for the initial two weeks and three times per week for the subsequent six weeks. The researchers gather cognitive, mood, and sleep metrics at the onset of the first week, as well as at the conclusion of the fourth and eighth weeks. The researchers employ a wearable device to track participants' heart rate during each intervention session and evaluate the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale at the conclusion of each session.

Discussion

The findings from this study make several contributions to the current literature. First, this study comprehensively reports the efficacy of an exergames intervention for multidimensional symptoms in adolescents with depression. Second, this study also compares the efficacy of exergames with that of traditional exercise. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the use of exergames as an adjunctive intervention for depression and lay the groundwork for future research.

Trial registration

This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2100052709; Registration Status: Prospective registration;) 3/11/2021, URL:   http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=135663&htm=4.
Hybridisation has shaped a recent radiation of grass-feeding aphids
Authors: Mathers Thomas C. , Wouters Roland H. M. , Mugford Sam T. , Biello Roberto , van Oosterhout Cock , Hogenhout Saskia A.
Published: July 2023

Background

Aphids are common crop pests. These insects reproduce by facultative parthenogenesis involving several rounds of clonal reproduction interspersed with an occasional sexual cycle. Furthermore, clonal aphids give birth to live young that are already pregnant. These qualities enable rapid population growth and have facilitated the colonisation of crops globally. In several cases, so-called “super clones” have come to dominate agricultural systems. However, the extent to which the sexual stage of the aphid life cycle has shaped global pest populations has remained unclear, as have the origins of successful lineages. Here, we used chromosome-scale genome assemblies to disentangle the evolution of two global pests of cereals—the English (Sitobion avenae) and Indian (Sitobion miscanthi) grain aphids.

Results

Genome-wide divergence between S. avenae and S. miscanthi is low. Moreover, comparison of haplotype-resolved assemblies revealed that the S. miscanthi isolate used for genome sequencing is likely a hybrid, with one of its diploid genome copies closely related to S. avenae (~ 0.5% divergence) and the other substantially more divergent (> 1%). Population genomics analyses of UK and China grain aphids showed that S. avenae and S. miscanthi are part of a cryptic species complex with many highly differentiated lineages that predate the origins of agriculture. The complex consists of hybrid lineages that display a tangled history of hybridisation and genetic introgression.

Conclusions

Our analyses reveal that hybridisation has substantially contributed to grain aphid diversity, and hence, to the evolutionary potential of this important pest species. Furthermore, we propose that aphids are particularly well placed to exploit hybridisation events via the rapid propagation of live-born “frozen hybrids” via asexual reproduction, increasing the likelihood of hybrid lineage formation.
Targeted inhibition of PTPN22 is a novel approach to alleviate osteogenic responses in aortic valve interstitial cells and aortic valve lesions in mice
Authors: Li Shunyi , Luo Zichao , Su Shuwen , Wen Liming , Xian Gaopeng , Zhao Jing , Xu Xingbo , Xu Dingli , Zeng Qingchun
Published: July 2023

Background

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most prevalent valvular disease and has high morbidity and mortality. CAVD is characterized by complex pathophysiological processes, including inflammation-induced osteoblastic differentiation in aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs). Novel anti-CAVD agents are urgently needed. Protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22), an intracellular nonreceptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase, is involved in several chronic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. However, it is unclear whether PTPN22 is involved in the pathogenesis of CAVD.

Methods

We obtained the aortic valve tissue from human and cultured AVICs from aortic valve. We established CAVD mice model by wire injury. Transcriptome sequencing, western bolt, qPCR, and immunofluorescence were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms.

Results

Here, we determined that PTPN22 expression was upregulated in calcific aortic valve tissue, AVICs treated with osteogenic medium, and a mouse model of CAVD. In vitro, overexpression of PTPN22 induced osteogenic responses, whereas siRNA-mediated PTPN22 knockdown abolished osteogenic responses and mitochondrial stress in the presence of osteogenic medium. In vivo, PTPN22 ablation ameliorated aortic valve lesions in a wire injury-induced CAVD mouse model, validating the pathogenic role of PTPN22 in CAVD. Additionally, we discovered a novel compound, 13-hydroxypiericidin A 10-O-α-D-glucose (1 → 6)-β-D-glucoside (S18), in a marine-derived Streptomyces strain that bound to PTPN22 with high affinity and acted as a novel inhibitor. Incubation with S18 suppressed osteogenic responses and mitochondrial stress in human AVICs induced by osteogenic medium. In mice with aortic valve injury, S18 administration markedly alleviated aortic valve lesions.

Conclusion

PTPN22 plays an essential role in the progression of CAVD, and inhibition of PTPN22 with S18 is a novel option for the further development of potent anti-CAVD drugs.

Graphical Abstract

Therapeutic inhibition of PTPN22 retards aortic valve calcification through modulating mitochondrial dysfunction in AVICs.
Left atrioventricular interaction and impaired left atrial phasic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with or without anemia: a cardiac magnetic resonance study
Authors: Qian Wen-Lei , Yang Zhi-Gang , Shi Rui , Guo Ying-Kun , Fang Han , Shen Meng-ting , Li Yuan
Published: July 2023

Objective

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and anemia are related to some cardiovascular diseases and can predict poor outcomes. Both of them can damage the heart in their own ways, but their combined effects have not been well explored. This study aimed to explore the combined effects of T2DM and anemia and the interaction between left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) function by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Materials and methods

A total of 177 T2DM patients without anemia, 68 T2DM patients with anemia and 73 sex-matched controls were retrospectively enrolled in this study from June 2015 to September 2022. Their LA phasic function and LV function parameters were compared to explore the combined effects of T2DM and anemia and the interaction between LA and LV function. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were done to explore the independent factors influencing LA phasic function and LV function.

Results

Compared with controls and T2DM patients without anemia, T2DM patients with anemia were older and had higher heart rate, higher creatinine, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lower hemoglobin (Hb) (all p < 0.05). LV global longitudinal peak strain (GLPS) significantly declined from T2DM patients with anemia to T2DM patients without anemia to controls (p < 0.001). LA volumetric function and strain were significantly impaired in T2DM patients with anemia compared with the other groups (all p < 0.05). In addition to age, eGFR, Hb and HbA1c, the LV GLPS was independently associated with all LA phasic strains (LA reservoir strain, β =0.465; LA conduit strain, β = 0.450; LA pump strain, β = 0.360, all p < 0.05). LA global conduit strain, total LA ejection fraction (LAEF) and active LAEF were independently associated with LV GLPS and LVEF.

Conclusion

Both LA and LV function were severely impaired in T2DM patients with anemia, and T2DM and anemia were independently associated with LA phasic function. Deleterious interaction between LA function and LV function would happen in T2DM patients with or without anemia. Timely and effective monitoring and management of both LA and LV function will benefit T2DM patients.
A three-snoRNA signature: SNORD15A, SNORD35B and SNORD60 as novel biomarker for renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yue , Shang Xiaoling , Yu Miao , Bi Zhao , Wang Kangyu , Zhang Qianru , Xie Li , Song Xianrang , Song Xingguo
Published: July 2023

Background

Accumulating evidence has confirmed the role of snoRNAs in a variety of cancer, but rare in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This study aims to clarify the role of snoRNAs in RCC tumorigenesis and their potential as novel tumor biomarkers.

Materials and methods

The snoRNA expression matrix was obtained from the public TCGA and SNORic databases. SNORD15A, SNORD35B and SNORD60 were selected and validated by qPCR, then analyzed combined with related clinical factors using T-test and ROC curve.

Results

All three snoRNAs: SNORD15A, SNORD35B and SNORD60 were significantly upregulated in cancer tissues compared to adjacent tissues from TCGA or FFPE detection. These three snoRNAs were also increased in urinary sediment (US) of RCC as well as the early-stage RCC patients compared with the healthy controls. In addition, RNase stability experiments confirmed their stable existence in US. Meanwhile, the ROC curve shows that SNORD15A, SNORD35B and SNORD60 could effectively distinguish RCC (AUC = 0.7421) and early-stage RCC (AUC = 0.7465) from healthy individuals.

Conclusion

SNORD15A, SNORD35B and SNORD60 were upregulated in tissues and US of RCC, serving as novel potential biomarkers for RCC diagnosis.
A precise molecular subtyping of ulcerative colitis reveals the immune heterogeneity and predicts clinical drug responses
Authors: Mo Shaocong , Jin Bryan , Tseng Yujen , Lin Lingxi , Lin Lishuang , Shen Xin , Song Huan , Kong Mingjia , Luo Zhongguang , Chu Yiwei , Jiang Chen , Cao Zhiwei , Liu Jie , Luo Feifei
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

We sought to identify novel molecular subtypes of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on large-scale cohorts and establish a clinically applicable subtyping system for the precision treatment of the disease.

Methods

Eight microarray profiles containing colon samples from 357 patients were utilized. Expression heterogeneity was screened out and stable subtypes were identified among UC patients. Immune infiltration pattern and biological agent response were compared among subtypes to assess the value in guiding treatment. The relationship between PRLR and TNFSF13B genes with the highest predictive value was further validated by functional experiments.

Results

Three stable molecular subtypes were successfully identified. Immune cell infiltration analysis defined three subtypes as innate immune activated UC (IIA), whole immune activated UC (WIA), and immune homeostasis like UC (IHL). Notably, the response rate towards biological agents (infliximab/vedolizumab) in WIA patients was the lowest (less than 10%), while the response rate in IHL patients was the highest, ranging from 42 to 60%. Among the featured genes of subtypes, the ratio of PRLR to TNFSF13B could effectively screen for IHL UC subtype suitable for biological agent therapies (Area under curve: 0.961–0.986). Furthermore, we demonstrated that PRLR expressed in epithelial cells could inhibit the expression of TNFSF13B in monocyte-derived macrophages through the CXCL1-NF-κB pathway.

Conclusions

We identified three stable UC subtypes with a heterogeneous immune pattern and different response rates towards biological agents for the first time. We also established a precise molecular subtyping system and classifier to predict clinical drug response and provide individualized treatment strategies for UC patients.
Screening and identification of emodin as an EBV DNase inhibitor to prevent its biological functions
Authors: Wu Chung-Chun , Chen Mei-Shu , Lee Ting-Ying , Cheng Yu-Jhen , Tsou Hsiao-Hui , Huang Tze-Sing , Cho Der-Yang , Chen Jen-Yang
Published: July 2023

Background

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a prevalent oncovirus associated with a variety of human illnesses. BGLF5, an EBV DNase with alkaline nuclease (AN) activity, plays important roles in the viral life cycle and progression of human malignancies and has been suggested as a possible diagnostic marker and target for cancer therapy. Methods used conventionally for the detection of AN activity, radioactivity-based nuclease activity assay and DNA digestion detection by gel electrophoresis, are not suitable for screening AN inhibitors; the former approach is unsafe, and the latter is complicated. In the present study, a fluorescence-based nuclease activity assay was used to screen several natural compounds and identify an EBV DNase inhibitor.

Results

Fluorescence-based nuclease activity assays, in which the DNA substrate is labelled with PicoGreen dye, are cheaper, safer, and easier to perform. Herein, the results of the fluorescence-based nuclease activity assay were consistent with the results of the two conventional methods. In addition, the PicoGreen-labelling method was applied for the biochemical characterisation of viral nucleases. Using this approach, we explored EBV DNase inhibitors. After several rounds of screening, emodin, an anthraquinone derivative, was found to possess significant anti-EBV DNase activity. We verified the efficacy of emodin using the conventional DNA-cleavage assay. Furthermore, using comet assay and micronucleus formation detection, we confirmed that emodin can inhibit DNase-induced DNA damage and genomic instability. Additionally, emodin treatment inhibited EBV production.

Conclusions

Using a PicoGreen-mediated nuclease activity assay, we successfully demonstrated that emodin has the potential to inhibit EBV DNase nuclease activity. Emodin also inhibits EBV DNase-related biological functions, suggesting that it is a potential inhibitor of EBV DNase.
Circulation of multiple hepatitis B virus genotypes in individual pregnant women seeking antenatal care in northern Ghana
Authors: Anabire Nsoh Godwin , Quaye Osbourne , Helegbe Gideon Kofi
Published: July 2023

Background

Identification and monitoring of HBV genotype variations is important, since that can help forecast the likelihood of developing serious liver disease and how well patients respond to antiviral medication. Given that HBV genotyping tests are not widely available in our healthcare system, this study characterized HBV genotypes in pregnant women seeking prenatal treatment in northern Ghana.

Method

By a cross-sectional approach, 2071 pregnant women seeking antenatal care in health facilities in northern Ghana were screened for HBV infection using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid diagnostic test kit. The women were aged between 17 and 41 years, were of varying gravidae (primigravidae and multigravidae) and gestational age (first, second and third trimesters). A confirmatory PCR assay was used to detect HBsAg, and the distribution of HBV genotypes was determined using a nested PCR assay.

Results

Three HBV genotypes (A, D and E) were detected among the pregnant women, of which 175 (91.6%) had genotype E, 9 (4.7%) had mixed genotypes A and E, 5 (2.6%) had mixed genotypes D and E, and 2 (1.1) had mixed genotypes A, D and E. The proportions of women with the different HBV genotypes were independent of age (p = 0.925), gravidity (p = 0.193, χ2 = 4.729) and gestational age (p = 0.227, χ2 = 8.152).

Conclusion

This study for the first-time characterized circulating HBV genotypes in pregnant women in northern Ghana, which reveals genotypes A and D are found in mixed infections with genotype E. The findings have clinical implications on the management of chronic HBV infection among pregnant women in northern Ghana.
Antibody induction and immune response in nasal cavity by third dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination
Authors: Ishizaka Aya , Koga Michiko , Mizutani Taketoshi , Uraki Ryuta , Yamayoshi Seiya , Iwatsuki-Horimoto Kiyoko , Yamamoto Shinya , Imai Masaki , Tsutsumi Takeya , Suzuki Yutaka , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi
Published: July 2023

Background

The mucosa serves as the first defence against pathogens and facilitates the surveillance and elimination of symbiotic bacteria by mucosal immunity. Recently, the mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated to induce secretory antibodies in the oral and nasal cavities in addition to a systemic immune response. However, the mechanism of induced immune stimulation effect on mucosal immunity and commensal bacteria profile remains unclear.

Methods

Here, we longitudinally analysed the changing nasal microbiota and both systemic and nasal immune response upon SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, and evaluated how mRNA vaccination influenced nasal microbiota in 18 healthy participants who had received the third BNT162b.

Results

The nasal S-RBD IgG level correlated significantly with plasma IgG levels until 1 month and the levels were sustained for 3 months post-vaccination. In contrast, nasal S-RBD IgA induction peaked at 1 month, albeit slightly, and correlated only with plasma IgA, but the induction level decreased markedly at 3 months post-vaccination. 16 S rRNA sequencing of the nasal microbiota post-vaccination revealed not an overall change, but a decrease in certain opportunistic bacteria, mainly Fusobacterium. The decrease in these bacteria was more pronounced in those who exhibited nasal S-RBD IgA induction, and those with higher S-RBD IgA induction had lower relative amounts of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas pre-vaccination. In addition, plasma and mucosal S-RBD IgG levels correlated with decreased commensal pathogens such as Finegoldia.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the third dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination induced S-RBD antibodies in the nasal mucosa and may have stimulated mucosal immunity against opportunistic bacterial pathogens. This effect, albeit probably secondary, may be considered one of the benefits of mRNA vaccination. Furthermore, our data suggest that a cooperative function of mucosal and systemic immunity in the reduction of bacteria and provides a better understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the host and bacteria in the nasal mucosa.