bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rosa laevigata Attenuates Allergic Asthma Exacerbated by Water-Soluble PM by Downregulating the MAPK Pathway
Authors: Ko Hyun Min , Choi Seung-Han , Jee Wona , Lee Seung-Hyeon , Park Doil , Jung Ji Hoon , Lee Beom-Joon , Kim Kwan-Il , Jung Hee-Jae , Jang Hyeung-Jin
Published: June 2022

Exposure to water-soluble particulate matter (WPM) containing heavy metals can cause severe inflammatory responses and trigger and exacerbate the onset of asthma. As a follow-up study ofRosa laevigata(RL), this study analyzed the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of oral and intratracheal administration of RL and demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in asthma models. Worse T-helper cell type 2 (Th2)-related inflammatory and pro-inflammatory responses were observed after simultaneous challenge with ovalbumin (OVA) and WPM. To establish a model of asthma exacerbated by WPM, BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA + aluminum hydroxide and challenged with OVA + WPM. To confirm the therapeutic efficacy of RL, it was administered both orally and intratracheally. Histopathological analysis of H&E staining confirmed that oral and intratracheal administration of RL alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration in the airways aggravated by OVA + WPM. RL effectively reduced the number of inflammatory cells obtained from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and multiplex analysis of serum samples confirmed that the administration of RL reduced the levels of immuno-globulin E (IgE), Th2-related cytokines, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis of lung tissue samples confirmed that the release of MUC5AC (Mucin 5AC, Oligomeric Mucus/Gel-Forming) and pro-inflammatory cytokines was reduced by RL, and western blotting confirmed that the administration of RL reduced the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 in the MAPK pathway. In conclusion, oral and intratracheal administration of RL appears to have an anti-asthmatic effect by reducing the secretion of Th2-related cytokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and IgE by downregulating the MAPK pathway. Thus, RL has further demonstrated potential for development as an oral and inhaled therapeutic for asthma symptoms exacerbated by WPM exposure.
Comprehensive Analysis of Cuproptosis-Related Genes in Immune Infiltration and Prognosis in Melanoma
Authors: Lv Haozhen , Liu Xiao , Zeng Xuanhao , Liu Yating , Zhang Canjing , Zhang Qi , Xu Jinhua
Published: June 2022

Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM, hereafter referred to as melanoma) is the most lethal skin cancer with increasing incidence. Regulated cell death plays an important role in tumorigenesis and serves as an important target for almost all treatment strategies. Cuproptosis is the most recently identified copper-dependent regulated cell death form that relies on mitochondria respiration. However, its role in tumorigenesis remains unknown. The correlation of cuproptosis-related genes with tumor prognosis is far to be understood, either. In the present study, we explored the correlation between cuproptosis-related genes with the prognosis of melanoma by accessing and analyzing a public database and found 11 out 12 genes were upregulated in melanoma tissues and three genes (LIPT1, PDHA1, and SLC31A1) have predictive value for the prognosis. The subgroup of melanoma patients with higher cuproptosis-related gene expression showed longer overall survival than those with lower gene expression. We chose LIPT1 for further exploration. LIPT1 expression was increased in melanoma biopsies and was an independent favorable prognostic indicator for melanoma patients. Moreover, LIPT1 expression was positively correlated with PD-L1 expression and negatively associated with Treg cell infiltration. The melanoma patients with higher LIPT1 expression showed longer overall survival than those with lower LIPT1 expression after receiving immunotherapy, indicating the prognostic predictive value of LIPT1. Finally, a pan-cancer analysis indicated that LIPT1 was differentially expressed in diverse cancers as compared to normal tissues and correlated with the expression of multiple immune checkpoints, especially PD-L1. It could serve as a favorable prognosis indicator in some cancer types. In conclusion, our study demonstrated the prognostic value of cuproptosis-related genes, especially LIPT1, in melanoma, and revealed the correlation between LIPT1 expression and immune infiltration in melanoma, thus providing new clues on the prognostic assessment of melanoma patients and providing a new target for the immunotherapy of melanoma.
Parameter Identification for Memristive Chaotic System Using Modified Sparrow Search Algorithm
Authors: Xiong Qi , Shen Jun , Tong Bing , Xiong Ying
Published: June 2022

A memristor is a non-linear element. The chaotic system constructed by it can improve its unpredictability and complexity. Parameter identification of a memristive chaotic system is the primary task to implement chaos control and synchronization. To identify the unknown parameters accurately and quickly, we introduce the Sine Pareto Sparrow Search Algorithm (SPSSA), a modified sparrow search algorithm (SSA). in this research. Firstly, we introduce the Pareto distribution to alter the scroungers’ location in the SSA. Secondly, we use a sine-cosine strategy to improve the producers’ position update. These measures can effectively accelerate the convergence speed and avoid local optimization. Thirdly, the SPSSA is used to identify the parameters of a memristive chaotic system. The proposed SPSSA exceeds the classic SSA, particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO), and artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC) in simulations based on the five benchmark functions. The simulation results of parameter identification of a memristive chaotic system show that the method is feasible, and the algorithm has a fast convergence speed and high estimation accuracy.
Rotational Doppler Effect With Vortex Beams: Fundamental Mechanism and Technical Progress
Authors: Qiu Song , Liu Tong , Ding You , Liu Zhengliang , Chen Lixiang , Ren Yuan
Published: June 2022

Structured light beams such as optical vortices can carry the orbital angular momentum (OAM) with an unbounded quantum number. Recent years have witnessed a growing interest in the rotational Doppler effect with vortex light. Here we present an overview on the technical progress in measuring the rotational Doppler effect associated with OAM. This includes how a high-order OAM light beam is crucial for realizing high-sensitivity remote sensing of rotating objects. The basic physical mechanism of rotational Doppler effect is manifested from both perspectives of the wave property and the conservation law of energy. Besides, we summarize the extension of the rotational Doppler effect from linear optics to nonlinear optics, and to quantum realms. Also, we discuss the main challenges and opportunities of angular remote sensing in a realistic scenario for future applications.
RETRACTED: Abnormal Plasma Levels of Steroids and Their Ratios in Patients With Prurigo Nodularis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Chu Liuxi , Shu Xin , Wu Yan , Yang Haoran , Lu Qin , Deng Huihua
Published: June 2022

Background: It has been suggested that cortisol levels are abnormal in chronic urticaria and atopic dermatitis, but other steroids, such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone, are still unknown, and whether these hormones affect the maintenance of skin homeostasis or the pathogenesis of skin diseases is not fully understood. Limited data are available on steroid levels in prurigo nodularis (PN)-related research, and no study has examined the association between pruritus severity and steroid levels in PN patients.

Aims: This pilot study aimed to investigate the differences in the levels of five steroids combined with their ratios in plasma between PN patients and controls and to examine the associations between the biomarkers and pruritus severity.

Methods: Plasma concentrations of five steroids, including cortisol, cortisone, testosterone, progesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in 36 patients with PN were compared with concentrations in thirty-six and matched healthy controls. The concentrations of steroids were quantitated using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The PN symptoms, including pruritus severity, pain, and life quality, were assessed with the use of the visual analog scale, prurigo score index, numerical rating scale, and verbal rating scale and dermatology life quality index scores.

Results: In comparison with controls, PN patients had lower levels of plasma cortisol and cortisone, which negatively correlated with PN symptoms. PN patients had higher levels of cortisone and testosterone to cortisol, which positively correlated with pruritus severity. Additionally, there were no significant differences in plasma concentrations of DHEA and testosterone between the two groups. We found no correlation between plasma concentrations of DHEA and testosterone and pruritus severity.

Conclusion: This pilot study suggests that there may be abnormalities in peripheral blood levels of cortisol, and cortisone and the ratios of cortisone and testosterone to cortisol in patients with PN, and they are related to pruritus severity. The plasma concentrations of testosterone and DHEA may be not abnormal in PN patients and may not be associated with pruritus severity.
Cooperative Binding of Substrate and Ions Drives Forward Cycling of the Human Creatine Transporter-1
Authors: Farr Clemens V. , El-Kasaby Ali , Erdem Fatma A. , Sucic Sonja , Freissmuth Michael , Sandtner Walter
Published: June 2022

Creatine serves as an ATP buffer and is thus an integral component of cellular energy metabolism. Most cells maintain their creatine levels via uptake by the creatine transporter (CRT-1, SLC6A8). The activity of CRT-1, therefore, is a major determinant of cytosolic creatine concentrations. We determined the kinetics of CRT-1 in real time by relying on electrophysiological recordings of transport-associated currents. Our analysis revealed that CRT-1 harvested the concentration gradient of NaCl and the membrane potential but not the potassium gradient to achieve a very high concentrative power. We investigated the mechanistic basis for the ability of CRT-1 to maintain the forward cycling mode in spite of high intracellular concentrations of creatine: this is achieved by cooperative binding of substrate and co-substrate ions, which, under physiological ion conditions, results in a very pronounced (i.e. about 500-fold) drop in the affinity of creatine to the inward-facing state of CRT-1. Kinetic estimates were integrated into a mathematical model of the transport cycle of CRT-1, which faithfully reproduced all experimental data. We interrogated the kinetic model to examine the most plausible mechanistic basis of cooperativity: based on this systematic exploration, we conclude that destabilization of binary rather than ternary complexes is necessary for CRT-1 to maintain the observed cytosolic creatine concentrations. Our model also provides a plausible explanation why neurons, heart and skeletal muscle cells must express a creatine releasing transporter to achieve rapid equilibration of the intracellular creatine pool.
Loss of Unconventional Myosin VI Affects cAMP/PKA Signaling in Hindlimb Skeletal Muscle in an Age-Dependent Manner
Authors: Lehka Lilya , Wojton Dominika , Topolewska Małgorzata , Chumak Vira , Majewski Łukasz , Rędowicz Maria Jolanta
Published: June 2022

Myosin VI (MVI) is a unique unconventional myosin ubiquitously expressed in metazoans. Its diverse cellular functions are mediated by interactions with a number of binding partners present in multi-protein complexes. MVI is proposed to play important roles in muscle function and myogenesis. Previously, we showed that MVI is present in striated muscles and myogenic cells, and MVI interacts with A-kinase anchoring protein 9 (AKAP9), a scaffold for PKA and its regulatory proteins. Since PKA directly phosphorylates the MVI cargo binding domain, we hypothesized that the cellular effects of MVI are mediated by the cAMP/PKA signaling pathway, known to play important roles in skeletal muscle metabolism and myogenesis. To elucidate the potential role of MVI in PKA signaling in hindlimb muscle function, we used mice lacking MVI (Snell’s waltzer, SV), considered as natural MVI knockouts, and heterozygous littermates. We used muscles isolated from newborn (P0) as well as 3- and 12-month-old adult mice. We observed a significant increase in the muscle to body mass ratio, which was most evident for the soleus muscle, as well as changes in fiber size, indicating alterations in muscle metabolism. These observations were accompanied by age-dependent changes in the activity of PKA and cAMP/PKA-dependent transcriptional factor (CREB). Additionally, the levels of adenylate cyclase isoforms and phosphodiesterase (PDE4) were age-dependent. Also, cAMP levels were decreased in the muscle of P0 mice. Together, these observations indicate that lack of MVI impairs PKA signaling and results in the observed alterations in the SV muscle metabolism, in particular in newborn mice.
Combining NDVI and Bacterial Blight Score to Predict Grain Yield in Field Pea
Authors: Zhao Huanhuan , Pandey Babu R. , Khansefid Majid , Khahrood Hossein V. , Sudheesh Shimna , Joshi Sameer , Kant Surya , Kaur Sukhjiwan , Rosewarne Garry M.
Published: June 2022

Field pea is the most commonly grown temperate pulse crop, with close to 15 million tons produced globally in 2020. Varieties improved through breeding are important to ensure ongoing improvements in yield and disease resistance. Genomic selection (GS) is a modern breeding approach that could substantially improve the rate of genetic gain for grain yield, and its deployment depends on the prediction accuracy (PA) that can be achieved. In our study, four yield trials representing breeding lines' advancement stages of the breeding program (S0, S1, S2, and S3) were assessed with grain yield, aerial high-throughput phenotyping (normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI), and bacterial blight disease scores (BBSC). Low-to-moderate broad-sense heritability (0.31–0.71) and narrow-sense heritability (0.13–0.71) were observed, as the estimated additive and non-additive genetic components for the three traits varied with the different models fitted. The genetic correlations among the three traits were high, particularly in the S0–S2 stages. NDVI and BBSC were combined to investigate the PA for grain yield by univariate and multivariate GS models, and multivariate models showed higher PA than univariate models in both cross-validation and forward prediction methods. A 6–50% improvement in PA was achieved when multivariate models were deployed. The highest PA was indicated in the forward prediction scenario when the training population consisted of early generation breeding stages with the multivariate models. Both NDVI and BBSC are commonly used traits that could be measured in the early growth stage; however, our study suggested that NDVI is a more useful trait to predict grain yield with high accuracy in the field pea breeding program, especially in diseased trials, through its incorporation into multivariate models.
An Update on the Key Factors Required for Plant Golgi Structure Maintenance
Authors: Rui Qingchen , Tan Xiaoyun , Liu Feng , Bao Yiqun
Published: June 2022

Plant Golgi apparatus serves as the central station of the secretory pathway and is the site where protein modification and cell wall matrix polysaccharides synthesis occur. The polarized and stacked cisternal structure is a prerequisite for Golgi function. Our understanding of Golgi structure maintenance and trafficking are largely obtained from mammals and yeast, yet, plant Golgi has many different aspects. In this review, we summarize the key players in Golgi maintenance demonstrated by genetic studies in plants, which function in ER-Golgi, intra-Golgi and post-Golgi transport pathways. Among these, we emphasize on players in intra-Golgi trafficking.
Can the Internet of Things Persuade Me? An Investigation Into Power Dynamics in Human-Internet of Things Interaction
Authors: Kang Hyunjin , Kim Ki Joon , Wang Sai
Published: June 2022

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized user experience with objects. Things can perform social roles and convey persuasive messages to users, posing an important research question for communication and human-computer interaction researchers: What are the factors and underlying mechanisms that shape persuasive effects of IoT? Bridging the reactance theory and the computers are social actors paradigm, this study focuses on how power dynamics are shaped in human-IoT interactions and its implications on persuasion. Specifically, the study examines the effects of the social role assigned to the IoT mobile app agent and the scope of IoT controlled by the app on users’ perceived power and subsequent persuasive outcomes. The results reveal that when the mobile IoT app is for controlling a smart home, the servant (vs. companion) agent elicits greater perceived power over IoT for users, leading to less threat-to-freedom and better persuasive outcomes, including attitude, intention, and actual behavior. However, such a difference is not observed when the mobile app is for controlling a single smart device (i.e., smart fridge). The study findings offer valuable implications for communication practitioners interested in using IoT as a persuasive tool.
Anxiety and Its Influencing Factors in Patients With Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Liu Yi-Hui , Guo Yan , Xu Hong , Feng Hui , Chen Dong-Ya
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate anxiety and its influencing factors in patients with drug-induced liver injury (DILI).

Materials and Methods

Ninety-four patients with DILI were enrolled and evaluated with a self-rating anxiety scale (SAS). According to the anxiety score, they were divided into four groups: the non-anxiety, mild anxiety, moderate anxiety, or severe anxiety groups, and the scores were analyzed based on demographic and biochemical indicators.

Results

Of the 94 patients with DILI, 63 did not have anxiety and 31 had anxiety (32.9%), of which 27 had mild, 3 had moderate, and 1 had severe anxiety. There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, occupation, and level of education between the groups (F= 1.42,H= 2.361,H= 6.751,H= 1.796, andP> 0.05); anxiety score and degree of anxiety between the types of drugs that led to the liver injury (H= 0.812,H= 1.712, andP> 0.05); anxiety score between the different degrees of liver injury (H= 2.836,H= 4.957,P> 0.05); or length of hospital stay or prognosis between the degrees of anxiety (F= 1.487,H= 0.761,P> 0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences in the degree of anxiety between different degree and types of liver injury (H= 7.981,H= 8.208,P< 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with DILI may have anxiety, especially mild anxiety. The occurrence of anxiety in patients with DILI is not related to gender, age, occupation, or level of education but may be related to the degree and type of liver injury. Anxiety has no impact on the length of stay in hospital or the prognosis of the DILI. These findings may contribute to the development of management strategies for patients with DILI.
“Wow! It’s Cool”: How Brand Coolness Affects the Customer Psychological Well-Being Through Brand Love and Brand Engagement
Authors: Attiq Saman , Abdul Hamid Abu Bakar , Khokhar Munnawar Naz , Shah Hassan Jalil , Shahzad Amna
Published: June 2022

In this era of razor-edge competition, marketers strive to outperform their rivals by improving their brands. Increasing brand coolness may be the best way to do it. This study used a stimulus organism response (SOR) model by integration with brand attribution theory to conduct a cross sectional study using purposive sampling technique and surveying young consumers of smart gadgets in Pakistan. A total of 1,178 responses were received and analyzed by structural equation modeling. The results found a positive impact of brand coolness (stimulus) on brand love and brand engagement (both modeled as organism). Brand experience moderated these links. Brand love and brand engagement also mediated the relationship between brand coolness and consumer well-being and delight (both modeled as response). The findings suggest a very important contribution to theory and practice by testing unexploited outcomes of brand coolness. Especially, this study contributes to the consumer well-being literature, again an unexploited aspect of marketing literature. Despite the uniqueness of the findings, the cross sectional design of this study remains a major limitation. Future research may supplement the findings with the help of longitudinal studies. Marketers and practitioners may benefit from this study by improving the coolness of their brands so they may not only increase consumer engagement with the brand but they will also make consumers happy with their brands.
Professional Development of Teacher Trainers: The Role of Teaching Skills and Knowledge
Authors: Su Hang , Wang Jialin
Published: June 2022

Since the 1990s, the essential function of teacher trainers in academic courses has gradually attained more attention from scholars. Also, the teacher trainers’ professional development has acquired worldwide attraction following the concept that teacher trainers are deeply liable for educator education quality. The present mini-review of literature indicates that while teacher trainers have several complicated functions, they obtain the least preparation or opportunities for professional development to perform such functions. Consequently, they require getting the related knowledge and skills after accepting the role of teacher trainers. Besides numerous aspects affecting teacher trainers’ professional development, teaching skills, and knowledge have important functions that are at the center of attention in this mini-review of literature. In brief, several implications are presented for the instructional addressees.
System Dynamics Analysis of Upper Echelons’ Psychological Capital Structures in Chinese Mixed-Ownership Reform Enterprises During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jiao Yilei , Ge Yuhui , Liu Huijuan
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major changes in the psychological capital structure of individuals and groups, especially among members of the upper echelons of Chinese mixed-ownership reform enterprises, who are more sensitive to the environment. Based on prospect theory. In order to further study the changes in the psychological capital structure of upper echelons of the mixed ownership reform of state-owned enterprises under the influence of the COVID-19, and what impact it has on the decision-making behavior of the upper echelons and the development performance of the mixed ownership reform enterprises, this paper introduces the system dynamics research method into the research field of the upper echelons for the first time, and studies the psychological capital structure of the upper echelons through simulation. This paper puts forward new research ideas for the research on the psychological capital structure of upper echelons. Using the system dynamics method, this study investigates the changes induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, on the psychological capital structure of the upper echelons of Chinese mixed-ownership reform enterprises; and assesses the concept model of behavioral psychological capital adjustment. The impact of COVID-19 on communication strategies among upper echelons, directly affects the evolution results of the decision-making system. The psychological capital structure in the upper echelons has evolutionary stability strategies in three cases. In some cases, the system evolution presents periodic characteristics. The higher the probability of group communication, the more stable the psychological capital structure, and the greater the fluctuation of behavioral integration. There is a significant correlation between the level of efficacy and resilience of upper echelons psychological capital structure and upper echelons decision-making behavior. Under the condition of improving the communication probability among upper echelon members, there is a positive correlation between the level of hope and optimism of upper echelon and the power structure of upper echelon and the development performance of mixed reform enterprises. Develop the psychological capital structure of upper echelon of mixed reform enterprises, improve the level of financing development decision-making ability and improve decision-making performance.
Synopsis and Qualitative Evaluation of a Treatment Protocol to Guide Systemic Group-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Misophonia
Authors: Jager Inge , Vulink Nienke , van Loon Arnoud , van der Pol Marthe , Schröder Arjan , Slaghekke Simone , Denys Damiaan
Published: June 2022

Misophonia is a disorder in which patients suffer from anger or disgust when confronted with specific sounds such as those associated with eating or breathing, causing avoidance of cue related situations resulting in significant functional impairment. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies suggest misophonia is associated with increased activity in the auditory cortex and salience network, which might reflect increased vigilance toward specific misophonia triggers. New treatments have been developed and investigated in the last years in which this vigilance plays an important role. This is a synopsis of the first group protocol for systemic Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (G-CBT) for misophonia. We discuss the model of CBT for misophonia, provide a detailed guide to the treatment illustrated with a case study, discuss advantages, limitations, and possible pitfalls by a qualitative evaluation of the protocol, and review evidence for the protocol.
Where Sex Meets Gender: How Sex and Gender Come Together to Cause Sex Differences in Mental Illness
Authors: Christiansen Dorte M. , McCarthy Margaret M. , Seeman Mary V.
Published: June 2022

Sex differences are prevalent in multiple mental disorders. Internalizing disorders are more commonly diagnosed in women, whereas externalizing and neurodevelopmental disorders are more often diagnosed in men. Significant sex/gender differences are reported in prevalence, symptom profile, age of onset, comorbidities, functional impairment, prognosis, as well as in responses to various treatments. In this conceptual article, we discuss theories and empirical studies of sex- and gender-related influences in mental health, by focusing on three examples: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), acknowledged as a disorder whose roots are mainly biological; eating disorders, whose origins are considered to be mainly psychosocial, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an environmentally caused disorder with both psychosocial and biological underpinnings. We examine the ways in which sex differences emerge, from conception through adulthood. We also examine how gender dichotomies in exposures, expectations, role assumptions, and cultural traditions impact the expression of our three selected mental illnesses. We are especially interested in how sex-based influences and gender-based influences interact with one another to affect mental illness. We suggest that sex and gender are multi-faceted and complex phenomena that result in variations, not only between men and women, but also within each sex and gender through alterations in genes, hormone levels, self-perceptions, trauma experiences, and interpersonal relationships. Finally, we propose a conceptual diatheses-stress model, depicting how sex and gender come together to result in multiple sex/gender differences across mental disorders. In our model, we categorize diatheses into several categories: biological, intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental. These diatheses interact with exposure to stressors, ranging from relatively minor to traumatic, which allows for the sometimes bidirectional influences of acute and long-term stress responses. Sex and gender are discussed at every level of the model, thereby providing a framework for understanding and predicting sex/gender differences in expression, prevalence and treatment response of mental disorders. We encourage more research into this important field of study.
Stress-Related Mental Health Disorders and Inflammation in Pregnancy: The Current Landscape and the Need for Further Investigation
Authors: Ravi Meghna , Bernabe Brandy , Michopoulos Vasiliki
Published: June 2022

Many studies have focused on psychoimmunological mechanisms of risk for stress-related mental health disorders. However, significantly fewer studies have focused on understanding mechanisms of risk for stress-related disorders during pregnancy, a period characterized by dramatic changes in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. The current review summarizes and synthesizes the extant literature on the immune system during pregnancy, as well as the sparse existing evidence highlighting the associations between inflammation and mood, anxiety, and fear-related disorders in pregnancy. In general, pregnant persons demonstrate lower baseline levels of systemic inflammation, but respond strongly when presented with an immune challenge. Stress and trauma exposure may therefore result in strong inflammatory responses in pregnant persons that increases risk for adverse behavioral health outcomes. Overall, the existing literature suggests that stress, trauma exposure, and stress-related psychopathology are associated with higher levels of systemic inflammation in pregnant persons, but highlight the need for further investigation as the existing data are equivocal and vary based on which specific immune markers are impacted. Better understanding of the psychoimmunology of pregnancy is necessary to reduce burden of prenatal mental illness, increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy, and reduce the intergenerational impacts of prenatal stress-related mental health disorders.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Domestic Tourism by Older People in Taiwan
Authors: Chan Ching-Tang
Published: June 2022

Taiwan's older population (those over the age of 65) reached ~3.95 million at the end of January 2022, accounting for around 16.9% of the country's total population. It is already an “aged society.” With the gradual increase in the older population, the older people tourism market is also getting more and more attention. This article explores how older people tourism was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (present in Tawian from early 2020), which was a major international public health event. This study adopts quantitative and PCA methods to statistically analyze the changes before and after the pandemic. The study results found that the frequency of tourism decreased after the pandemic: the number was 5.32, a decrease of 0.77, and instances of at least 1 tourist trip decreased by 3.87% after the pandemic. Regarding the reasons for not participating in tourism, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the COVID-19 accounted for a factor of 19.9%. Total travel expenses were NT$2,590, an increase of NT$229.67, and were not affected by the pandemic. We carried out a PCA analysis on tourism spending. The first component was food, accommodation, shopping, and other expenses. The factor loadings were 0.989, 0.931, 0.641 and −0.948, respectively. The second component was entertainment and transportation expenses. The factor loadings were 0.997 and 0.902, respectively. In conclusion, we put forward relevant discussions and suggestions to make tourism for older people healthier and more sustainable.
Crocetin Protected Human Hepatocyte LO2 Cell From TGF-β-Induced Oxygen Stress and Apoptosis but Promoted Proliferation and Autophagy via AMPK/m-TOR Pathway
Authors: Guo Hongxing , Ruan Chenyu , Zhan Xiuhong , Pan Hao , Luo Yumei , Gao Ke
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the protective effects of crocetin against transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)—induced injury in LO2 cells.

Methods

Human hepatocyte LO2 cells were pre-treated with crocetin (10 μM) for 6, 12, and 24 h, and then induced by TGF-β. Proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and related proteins were assessed.

Results

Crocetin pre-treating promoted proliferation but suppressed apoptosis in TGF-β-induced LO2 cells. Crocetin protected LO2 cells from TGF-β-induced inflammation and oxygen stress by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) but enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Autophagy was suppressed in TGF-β but crocetin promoted autophagy in LO2 cells by mediating Adenosine 5'-monophosphate—activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (m-TOR) signaling pathway via upregulating p-AMPK and p-Beclin-1 but downregulating p-mTOR.

Conclusions

Crocetin protected LO2 cells from TGF-β-induced damage by promoting proliferation and autophagy, and suppressing apoptosis and anti-inflammation via regulation of AMPK/m-TOR signaling pathway.
Ischemic Heart Disease and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Hospitalizations in Japan Before and After the Introduction of a Heated Tobacco Product
Authors: van der Plas Angela , Antunes Meagan , Romero-Kauss Alba , Hankins Matthew , Heremans Annie
Published: June 2022

To substantiate the beneficial effects of switching from cigarette smoking to heated tobacco products (HTP), this study conducted a time-trend analysis using data from the Japanese Medical Data Center (JMDC) database. Specifically, we assessed hospitalization numbers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations and acute ischemic heart disease (IHD) before and after the introduction of HTPs in the Japanese market. This study replicated a previous study using a different Japanese real-world data source (Medical Data Vision). We retrieved the number of hospitalizations associated with the International Classification of Diseases-10 codes for COPD and IHD from 2010 to 2019−5 years before to 4 years after introducing HTPs in the Japanese market—from the JMDC database. Then, we used interrupted time-series analyses to test the hypothesis that the introduction of HTPs is associated with a reduction in hospitalizations for COPD (all codes), COPD exacerbation, COPD exacerbation plus lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), and IHD, adjusting for age, sex, seasonality, and flu vaccination rates. Analysis of all available data from the JMDC database revealed a significant reduction in the number of hospitalizations for COPD (all codes; P = 0.0001) and IHD using Diagnosis Procedure Combination data on causative disease flags (P < 0.00001). We also observed a non-significant reduction in hospitalizations for COPD plus LRTI as well as IHD after HTP introduction in Japan. This study confirmed the findings of our previous study where a decrease in hospitalizations due to COPD exacerbation after the introduction of HTPs in Japan was also shown. Nevertheless, these findings warrant further research to evaluate the impact of HTPs on the health of populations in other countries where these products have been introduced.
Analysis of the Dose-Response Relationship Between the International Normalized Ratio and Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis Using Restricted Cubic Spline Functions
Authors: Tan Juntao , He Yuxin , Li Zhanbiao , Zhang Qinghua , Yang Yanzhi , Xu Qian , Xu Xiaomei
Published: June 2022

Background

The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is significantly associated with Hepatic Encephalopathy (HE) in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, the dose-response relationship between continuous INR changes and HE risk has not been clearly defined. Thus, our goal was to explore the continuous relationship between HE and INR among patients hospitalized with liver cirrhosis and to evaluate the role of the INR as a risk factor for HE in these patients.

Methods

A total of 6,266 people were extracted from the Big Data Platform of the Medical Data Research Institute of Chongqing Medical University. In this study, unconditional logistic regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) model were used to analyze the dose-response association of INR with HE. Alcoholic liver disease, smoking status, and drinking status were classified for subgroup analysis.

Results

The prevalence of HE in the study population was 8.36%. The median INR was 1.4. After adjusting for alcoholic liver disease, age, smoking status, drinking status, total bilirubin, neutrophil percentage, total hemoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, serum sodium, albumin, lymphocyte percentage, serum creatinine, red blood cell, and white blood cell, multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that INR ≥ 1.5 (OR = 2.606, 95% CI: 2.072–3.278) was significantly related to HE risk. The RCS model showed a non-linear relationship between the INR and HE (non-linear test, χ2 = 30.940, P < 0.001), and an increased INR was an independent and adjusted dose-dependent risk factor for HE among patients with liver cirrhosis.

Conclusion

This finding could guide clinicians to develop individualized counseling programs and treatments for patients with HE based on the INR risk stratification.
Mechanism of Negative Emotions of the Elderly in Normalization Period of COVID-19: A Mediated Mediation Model
Authors: Xu Kai
Published: June 2022

To explore the mechanism of negative emotions of the elderly in normalization period of COVID-19. The self-rating Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, epidemic attention scale, subjective economic status scale and physical health perception scale were used to investigate 318 elderly people in 2021. There were significant differences in negative emotions among the elderly in Henan in China with different gender, education background, medical insurance and whether they contacted suspected cases (all P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference on religious belief (P > 0.05); Attention to epidemic information was positively correlated with negative emotion (r = 0.492, P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with subjective economic status (r = −0.138, P < 0.05); Negative emotions were negatively correlated with subjective economic status (r = −0.455, P < 0.01) and health perception (r = −0.277, P < 0.01); health perception was no significant correlation with epidemic attention(r = −0.047, P > 0.05) and subjective economic status (r = −0.033, P > 0.05). Bootstrap test found that epidemic attention can significantly predict negative emotion of the elderly (β = 0.492, P < 0.001), subjective economic status played a partial mediating role between epidemic attention and negative emotions (β = 0.438, −0.395, P < 0.001), and health perception moderated the first half of the mediating path (β = 0.403, P < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.286~0.521]). Epidemic attention has a significant positive impact on the negative emotions of the elderly in Henan during normalization period of COVID-19, and it has effect indirectly through subjective economic status; health perception plays a moderator role in the impact of epidemic attention on subjective economic status.
Leveraging Open Electronic Health Record Data and Environmental Exposures Data to Derive Insights Into Rare Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Fecho Karamarie , Ahalt Stanley C. , Knowles Michael , Krishnamurthy Ashok , Leigh Margaret , Morton Kenneth , Pfaff Emily , Wang Max , Yi Hong
Published: June 2022

Research on rare diseases has received increasing attention, in part due to the realized profitability of orphan drugs. Biomedical informatics holds promise in accelerating translational research on rare disease, yet challenges remain, including the lack of diagnostic codes for rare diseases and privacy concerns that prevent research access to electronic health records when few patients exist. The Integrated Clinical and Environmental Exposures Service (ICEES) provides regulatory-compliant open access to electronic health record data that have been integrated with environmental exposures data, as well as analytic tools to explore the integrated data. We describe a proof-of-concept application of ICEES to examine demographics, clinical characteristics, environmental exposures, and health outcomes among a cohort of patients enriched for phenotypes associated with cystic fibrosis (CF), idiopathic bronchiectasis (IB), and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). We then focus on a subset of patients with CF, leveraging the availability of a diagnostic code for CF and serving as a benchmark for our development work. We use ICEES to examine select demographics, co-diagnoses, and environmental exposures that may contribute to poor health outcomes among patients with CF, defined as emergency department or inpatient visits for respiratory issues. We replicate current understanding of the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CF by identifying co-diagnoses of asthma, chronic nasal congestion, cough, middle ear disease, and pneumonia as factors that differentiate patients with poor health outcomes from those with better health outcomes. We conclude by discussing our preliminary findings in relation to other published work, the strengths and limitations of our approach, and our future directions.
Identifying the Current State and Improvement Opportunities in the Information Flows Necessary to Manage Professional Athletes: A Case Study in Rugby Union
Authors: Ranaweera Jayamini , Weaving Dan , Zanin Marco , Roe Gregory
Published: June 2022

In sporting environments, the knowledge necessary to manage athletes is built on information flows associated with player management processes. In current literature, there are limited case studies available to illustrate how such information flows are optimized. Hence, as the first step of an optimization project, this study aimed to evaluate the current state and the improvement opportunities in the player management information flow executed within the High-Performance Unit (HPU) at a professional rugby union club in England. Guided by a Business Process Management framework, elicitation of the current process architecture illustrated the existence of 18 process units and two core process value chains relating to player management. From the identified processes, the HPU management team prioritized 7 processes for optimization. In-depth details on the current state (As-Is) of the selected processes were extracted from semi-structured, interview-based process discovery and were modeled using Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN) and Decision Model and Notation (DMN) standards. Results were presented for current issues in the information flow of the daily training load management process, identified through a thematic analysis conducted on the data obtained mainly from focus group discussions with the main stakeholders (physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches, and HPU management team) of the process. Specifically, the current state player management information flow in the HPU had issues relating to knowledge creation and process flexibility. Therefore, the results illustrate that requirements for information flow optimization within the considered environment exist in the transition from data to knowledge during the execution of player management decision-making processes.
Toward Exempting from Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in T1 Breast Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Guozheng , Zhao Jiyun , Zhang Xingda , Ma Xin , Li Hui , Chen Yihai , Zhang Lei , Zhang Xin , Wu Jiale , Wang Xinheng , Zhang Yan , Xu Shouping
Published: June 2022

Background and Objective

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used to assess the status of axillary lymph node (ALN), but it causes many adverse reactions. Considering the low rate of sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis in T1 breast cancer, this study aims to identify the characteristics of T1 breast cancer without SLN metastasis and to select T1 breast cancer patients who avoid SLNB through constructing a nomogram.

Methods

A total of 1,619 T1 breast cancer patients with SLNB in our hospital were enrolled in this study. Through univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, we analyzed the tumor anatomical and clinicopathological factors and constructed the Heilongjiang Medical University (HMU) nomogram. We selected the patients exempt from SLNB by using the nomogram.

Results

In the training cohort of 1,000 cases, the SLN metastasis rate was 23.8%. Tumor volume, swollen axillary lymph nodes, pathological types, and molecular subtypes were found to be independent predictors for SLN metastasis in multivariate regression analysis. Distance from nipple or surface and position of tumor have no effect on SLN metastasis. A regression model based on the results of the multivariate analysis was developed to predict the risk of SLN metastasis, indicating an AUC of 0.798. It showed excellent diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.773) in the validation cohort.

Conclusion

The HMU nomogram for predicting SLN metastasis incorporates four variables, including tumor volume, swollen axillary lymph nodes, pathological types, and molecular subtypes. The SLN metastasis rates of intraductal carcinoma and HER2 enriched are 2.05% and 6.67%. These patients could be included in trials investigating the SLNB exemption.
SOX30 Overexpression Reflects Tumor Invasive Degree, Lymph Node Metastasis and Predicts Better Survival in Colorectal Cancer Patients: A Long-Term Follow-Up Cohort Study
Authors: Li Chao , Li Pengfei , Yu Lulu , Sun Qingsen , Gu Bin , Sun Yanhua , Sun Liansheng
Published: June 2022

Aims

Sex-determining region Y-box containing gene 30 (SOX30) takes part in the progression of several cancers, while its clinical engagement in colorectal cancer (CRC) is obscure. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the association of SOX30 with clinicopathological features and prognosis in CRC patients.

Methods

Tumor and adjacent noncancerous specimens of 195 CRC patients who received resection were acquired. Furthermore, an immunohistochemistry assay was performed to detect SOX30 protein expression in these specimens; meanwhile, SOX30 mRNA expression was determined by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay in 95 out of 195 specimens. Moreover, clinical characteristics and survival data (follow-up duration median (range): 71.0 (7.0-95.0) months) of CRC patients were gathered.

Results

SOX30 protein and mRNA expressions were both decreased in CRC tumor tissue compared to adjacent tissue (both P < 0.001). Furthermore, a negative correlation was found in tumor SOX30 protein expression with tumor size (P = 0.049), lymph node (LYN) metastasis (P = 0.018), T stage (P = 0.001), N stage (P = 0.034), and TNM stage (P = 0.001); tumor SOX30 mRNA expression was also negatively correlated with LYN metastasis (P = 0.001), T stage (P = 0.019), N stage (P = 0.004), and TNM stage (P < 0.001). Furthermore, tumor SOX30 protein expression was positively correlated with overall survival (OS) (P = 0.017), while tumor SOX30 mRNA expression was not correlated with OS (P = 0.070). Multivariate Cox’s regression analysis illustrated that tumor SOX30 protein high expression was an independent factor for favorable OS (hazard ratio: 0.525, P = 0.034).

Conclusions

SOX30 has potential as a biomarker for the progression and prognostication of CRC, which might improve the management of CRC.