bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between oral and gut microbiota in male patients with alcohol dependence
Authors: Hu Lingming , Ni Zhaojun , Zhao Kangqing , Li Xiangxue , Gao Xuejiao , Kang Yulin , Yu Zhoulong , Qin Ying , Zhao Jingwen , Peng Wenjuan , Lu Lin , Sun Hongqiang
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The relationship between oral and gut microbiota in alcohol dependence (AD) is not well understood, particularly the effects of oral microbiota on the intestinal microbiota. The current study aimed to explore the association between oral and gut microbiota in AD to clarify whether oral microbiota could ectopically colonize into the gut.

Methods

16S rRNA sequence libraries were used to compare oral and gut microbial profiles in persons with AD and healthy controls (HC). Source Tracker and NetShift were used to identify bacteria responsible for ectopic colonization and indicate the driver function of ectopic colonization bacteria.

Results

The α-diversity of oral microbiota and intestinal microbiota was significantly decreased in persons with AD (all p < 0.05). Principal coordinate analysis indicated greater similarity between oral and gut microbiota in persons with AD than that in HC, and oral-gut overlaps in microbiota were found for 9 genera in persons with AD relative to only 3 genera in HC. The contribution ratio of oral microbiota to intestinal microbiota composition in AD is 5.26% based on Source Tracker，and the AD with ectopic colonization showed the daily maximum standard drinks, red blood cell counts, hemoglobin content, and PACS scores decreasing (all p < 0.05).

Discussion

Results highlight the connection between oral-gut microbiota in AD and suggest novel potential mechanistic possibilities.
Interplay between Nrf2 and αB-crystallin in the lens and heart of zebrafish under proteostatic stress
Authors: Park Jinhee , MacGavin Samantha , Niederbrach Laurie , Mchaourab Hassane S.
Published: July 2023

A coordinated oxidative stress response, partly triggered by the transcription factor Nrf2, protects cells from the continual production of reactive oxygen species. Left unbuffered, reactive oxygen species can lead to protein aggregation that has been implicated in a spectrum of diseases such as cataract of the ocular lens and myopathy of the heart. While proteostasis is maintained by diverse families of heat shock proteins, the interplay between the oxidative and proteostatic stress responses in the lens and heart has not been investigated. Capitalizing on multiple zebrafish lines that have compromised function of Nrf2 and/or the two zebrafish small heat shock proteins αBa- and αBb-crystallin, we uncovered a transcriptional relationship that leads to a substantial increase in αBb-crystallin transcripts in the heart in response to compromised function of Nrf2. In the lens, the concomitant loss of function of Nrf2 and αBa-crystallin leads to upregulation of the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, thus mitigating the phenotypic consequences of the αBa-crystallin knockout. By contrast, abrogation of Nrf2 function accentuates the penetrance of a heart edema phenotype characteristic of embryos of αB-crystallin knockout lines. Multiple molecular pathways, such as genes involved in extracellular interactions and implicated in cardiomyopathy, are revealed from transcriptome profiling, thus identifying novel targets for further investigation. Together, our transcriptome/phenotypic analysis establishes an intersection between oxidative stress and chaperone responses in the lens and heart.
Calculated plasma volume status is associated with poor outcomes in acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular treatment
Authors: Zhang Dixia , Li Qiuru , Liu Jun , Ma Lijuan , Ye Jing , Hu Guifen , Li Guangzong
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

The impact of calculated plasma volume status (PVS) on the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke treated with endovascular treatment (EVT) remains undetermined. This study aimed to investigate the association between PVS and 90 days functional outcomes after EVT.

Methods

We enrolled patients treated with EVT in the anterior circulation from a prospective registry. The endpoint was a modified Rankin scale score of ≥3 points at 90 days after EVT. We used multivariable logistic regression models to investigate the association between PVS and poor outcomes. We used the restricted cubic spline to present the linearity between PVS and poor outcomes.

Results

Among the 187 enrolled patients (median age, 65 years; 35.8% women), a total of 81 patients (43.3%) experienced poor outcomes at 90 days. In multivariable analyses, PVS was associated with poor outcomes despite increasing confounding factors (odds ratio, 3.157; 95% confidence interval, 1.942–5.534; P < 0.001). The restricted cubic spline revealed a positive correlation between PVS and the risk of poor outcomes after EVT (P for nonlinearity = 0.021).

Conclusion

Our study found that an elevated PVS value was associated with poor outcomes after EVT. Further prospective cohorts were warranted to evaluate the utility of PVS in AIS treated with EVT.
Beyond the Visual Word Form Area – a cognitive characterization of the left ventral occipitotemporal cortex
Authors: Dȩbska Agnieszka , Wójcik Marta , Chyl Katarzyna , Dziȩgiel-Fivet Gabriela , Jednoróg Katarzyna
Published: July 2023

The left ventral occipitotemporal cortex has been traditionally viewed as a pathway for visual object recognition including written letters and words. Its crucial role in reading was strengthened by the studies on the functionally localized “Visual Word Form Area” responsible for processing word-like information. However, in the past 20 years, empirical studies have challenged the assumptions of this brain region as processing exclusively visual or even orthographic stimuli. In this review, we aimed to present the development of understanding of the left ventral occipitotemporal cortex from the visually based letter area to the modality-independent symbolic language related region. We discuss theoretical and empirical research that includes orthographic, phonological, and semantic properties of language. Existing results showed that involvement of the left ventral occipitotemporal cortex is not limited to unimodal activity but also includes multimodal processes. The idea of the integrative nature of this region is supported by the broad functional and structural connectivity with language-related and attentional brain networks. We conclude that although the function of the area is not yet fully understood in human cognition, its role goes beyond visual word form processing. The left ventral occipitotemporal cortex seems to be crucial for combining higher-level language information with abstract forms that convey meaning independently of modality.
Presenilins and mitochondria—an intriguing link: mini-review
Authors: Makarov Mark , Kushnireva Liliia , Papa Michele , Korkotian Eduard
Published: July 2023

This review uncovers the intricate relationship between presenilins, calcium, and mitochondria in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), with a particular focus on the involvement of presenilin mutations in mitochondrial dysfunction. So far, it is unclear whether the impairment of mitochondrial function arises primarily from damage inflicted by β-amyloid upon mitochondria or from the disruption of calcium homeostasis due to presenilins dysfunctions. The roles of presenilins in mitophagy, autophagy, mitochondrial dynamics, and many other functions, non-γ-secretase related, also require close attention in future research. Resolution of contradictions in understanding of presenilins cellular functions are needed for new effective therapeutic strategies for AD.
cdh23 affects congenital hearing loss through regulating purine metabolism
Authors: Yang Shu , Xie Bing-Lin , Dong Xiao-ping , Wang Ling-xiang , Zhu Gang-hua , Wang Tian , Wu Wei-jing , Lai Ruo-sha , Tao Rong , Guan Min-xin , Chen Fang-yi , Tan Dong-hui , Deng Zhong , Xie Hua-ping , Zeng Yong , Xiao Zi-an , Xie Ding-hua
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The pathogenic gene CDH23 plays a pivotal role in tip links, which is indispensable for mechanoelectrical transduction in the hair cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism and signal regulatory networks that influence deafness is still largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, a congenital deafness family, whole exome sequencing revealed a new mutation in the pathogenic gene CDH23, subsequently; the mutation has been validated using Sanger sequencing method. Then CRISPR/Cas9 technology was employed to knockout zebrafish cdh23 gene. Startle response experiment was used to compare with wide-type, the response to sound stimulation between wide-type and cdh23−/−. To further illustrate the molecular mechanisms underlying congenital deafness, comparative transcriptomic profiling and multiple bioinformatics analyses were performed.

Results

The YO-PRO-1 assay result showed that in cdh23 deficient embryos, the YO-PRO-1 signal in inner ear and lateral line neuromast hair cells were completely lost. Startle response experiment showed that compared with wide-type, the response to sound stimulation decreased significantly in cdh23 mutant larvae. Comparative transcriptomic showed that the candidate genes such as atp1b2b and myof could affect hearing by regulating ATP production and purine metabolism in a synergetic way with cdh23. RT-qPCR results further confirmed the transcriptomics results. Further compensatory experiment showed that ATP treated cdh23−/− embryos can partially recover the mutant phenotype.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study may shed light on deciphering the principal mechanism and provide a potential therapeutic method for congenital hearing loss under the condition of CDH23 mutation.
A systematic evaluation of five different image-derived input functions for the clinical implementation of 18F-NaF bone PET/CT in patients with chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder
Authors: Theil Jørn , Vrist Marie Houmaa , Bech Jesper Nørgaard , Fynbo Claire Anne
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the use of varying input parameters on resulting bone plasma clearance (Ki) and other kinetic modelling parameters in a group of patients with chronic kidney disease–mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD).

Methods

Raw PET/CT data and blood data were systematically analyzed using five different VOIs for the input functions in the left ventricle and in the thoracic aorta. Standardized VOIs were placed in four thoracic vertebrae and the results pooled and averaged. The basic image-derived input functions (IDIFs) were corrected for partial volume effect and spill-over and modified by substitution of the terminal image exponential with the corresponding plasma-exponentials derived from blood samples. Ki was then calculated using both a non-linear regression (NLR) analysis and a graphical Patlak analysis and compared.

Results

Our original results were reproducible with an inter-observer difference of approximately 6%. The correction factors varied with the VOI volumes from 0.73 ± 0.17 for the largest LV-VOI (48.7 ± 25.3 cm3) to 0.99 ± 0.10 for the AO-VOI (3.4 ± 1.2 cm3). The mean NLR-Ki results varied between 0.0378 ± 0.0112 and 0.0432 ± 0.0095 ml/min ml−1 with a fixed vB and 0.0408 ± 0.0111 and 0.045 ± 0.0102 ml/min ml−1 with a free-fitted vB. The corresponding Patl-Ki-results varied between 0.0302 ± 0.0071 and 0.0325 ± 0.0070 ml/min ml−1, having lesser differences and variances. The input functions with least variance and mean differences compared with NLR results were derived from the left ventricle with a VOI volume of 19.2 ± 11.3 cm3 corrected for PVE and Bg with a mean Ki-difference: 0.0097 ± 0.0370 ml/min ml−1 and 95% confidence limits (−0.023 to 0.004).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that a VOI with a volume of approximately 20 cm3 with a correction factor of 0.83 ± 0.13 results in Patlak results with the least variance and difference compared with the NLR results. The use of free-fitted vB in the NLR analysis showed the most robust results in all input series. The Patlak results were in comparison generally lower than the NLR results (−17.3% to −23.4%) but very robust across the various input series and with results comparable to previously published data and are therefore recommended for future analysis.
I2N: image to nutrients, a sensor guided semi-automated tool for annotation of images for nutrition analysis of eating episodes
Authors: Ghosh Tonmoy , McCrory Megan A. , Marden Tyson , Higgins Janine , Anderson Alex Kojo , Domfe Christabel Ampong , Jia Wenyan , Lo Benny , Frost Gary , Steiner-Asiedu Matilda , Baranowski Tom , Sun Mingui , Sazonov Edward
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Dietary assessment is important for understanding nutritional status. Traditional methods of monitoring food intake through self-report such as diet diaries, 24-hour dietary recall, and food frequency questionnaires may be subject to errors and can be time-consuming for the user.

Methods

This paper presents a semi-automatic dietary assessment tool we developed - a desktop application called Image to Nutrients (I2N) - to process sensor-detected eating events and images captured during these eating events by a wearable sensor. I2N has the capacity to offer multiple food and nutrient databases (e.g., USDA-SR, FNDDS, USDA Global Branded Food Products Database) for annotating eating episodes and food items. I2N estimates energy intake, nutritional content, and the amount consumed. The components of I2N are three-fold: 1) sensor-guided image review, 2) annotation of food images for nutritional analysis, and 3) access to multiple food databases. Two studies were used to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of I2N: 1) a US-based study with 30 participants and a total of 60 days of data and 2) a Ghana-based study with 41 participants and a total of 41 days of data).

Results

In both studies, a total of 314 eating episodes were annotated using at least three food databases. Using I2N’s sensor-guided image review, the number of images that needed to be reviewed was reduced by 93% and 85% for the two studies, respectively, compared to reviewing all the images.

Discussion

I2N is a unique tool that allows for simultaneous viewing of food images, sensor-guided image review, and access to multiple databases in one tool, making nutritional analysis of food images efficient. The tool is flexible, allowing for nutritional analysis of images if sensor signals aren’t available.
Identification of prognostic nutritional index as a reliable prognostic indicator for advanced lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Yan Xuebing , Wang Jiaxin , Mao Jingxian , Wang Ying , Wang Xiangjun , Yang Mengxue , Qiao Hong
Published: July 2023

Background

Prognostic nutritional index (PNI) has been identified as a reliable prognostic factor for cancer adjuvant therapy. However, its prognostic value in lung cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remains inconclusive.

Method

A systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed based on online databases before March 1th 2023. The correlation of PNI with overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) was determined using the hazard ratios (HRs) coupled with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Then, a retrospective cohort enrolling 123 ICI-treated lung cancer patients from two hospitals was utilized for validation and further investigation.

Results

A total of 14 studies enrolling 1,260 lung cancer patients were included in the meta-analysis. The high PNI level was significantly correlated with better OS (HR = 2.56, 95% CI = 1.86–3.54) and PFS (HR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.53–2.40) of the lung cancer patients. The subgroup analysis confirmed the results except for the PFS in patients receiving anti-PD-1 therapy (HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 0.86–2.65). In the retrospective study, the high PNI level was identified as a favorable factor for OS and PFS not only in the whole cohort but also in the subgroups stratified by non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer. The high PNI was also correlated with better anti-cancer therapy response and performed better than body mass index and serum albumin level in OS prediction. Finally, we established a novel prognostic nomogram based on PNI and other clinical parameters. The nomogram was found to perform well in predicting the 1-year OS of ICI-treated lung cancer patients.

Conclusion

Both the meta-analysis and retrospective work demonstrate the PNI is a reliable prognostic factor for advanced lung cancer patients receiving ICI-based therapies. Our study further highlights the crucial role of nutrition assessment and intervention in cancer immunotherapy.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42023424146.
Pseudoprogression of thoracic tumor after radiotherapy in the era of immunotherapy: a case series
Authors: Xiang Yongbo , Tang Wei , Wang Jianyang , Wang Zhijie , Bi Nan
Published: July 2023

Pseudoprogression is rarely mentioned after radiotherapy except for central nervous system tumors. With the widespread of immunotherapy, the incidence of pseudoprogression of thoracic tumor after radiotherapy is increasing. This study summarized the clinical features of pseudoprogression in 4 patients who had underwent thoracic radiotherapy after and/or followed by immunotherapy. All of them had received chemotherapy and immunotherapy before thoracic radiotherapy. After radiotherapy, pseudoprogression occurred within 3 months after initiation of immune consolidation/rechallenge therapy. At least a 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter of target lesions were measured on their chest image. During this period, patients’ ECOG PS scores remained stable, specific serum tumor markers did not increase significantly. Treatment strategies did not change after pseudoprogression. The causes of radiographic pseudoprogression in this case series may be attributed to disturbances such as pneumonitis, atelectasis, mucus blockages and infection. In the era of immunotherapy, pseudoprogression of thoracic tumors after chest radiotherapy might become a common phenomenon. It is important for us to identify pseudoprogression based on patient’s general status, radiological changes, and laboratory tests.
Case Report: Analysis of four cases of metastatic bladder masses after radical prostatectomy
Authors: Wang Hao , Xie Dawei , Lu Jun , Chu Yifan , Wang Siqi , Qiao Peng , Wu Liyang , Wang Jianwen
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical characteristics and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of bladder metastasis after radical prostatectomy and to improve its diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

The clinical data of four patients with bladder metastasis after radical prostatectomy were retrospectively analyzed from January 2011 to December 2021. Three cases suffered from intermittent gross hematuria, and only one case was found to have an elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed in four cases, in which one case also underwent resection of urethral mass. Three cases received endocrine therapy, one of which added intravesical instillation and radiation therapy. Another case received chemotherapy based on comprehensive treatment.

Results

According to the pathological and immunohistochemical results, three cases were acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate with Gleason score of 9, and all cases were PSA positive and negative for cytokeratin 7 (CK7) and GATA binding protein 3 (GATA-3). One case was small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the prostate and was positive for chromogranin A (CGA), synaptophysin (SYN), and cluster of differentiation 56 (CD56). During the follow-up period of 4 to 13 months, one case was lost to follow-up and three cases were alive.

Conclusion

Bladder metastasis after radical prostatectomy is rare, and pathology combined with immunohistochemistry is the gold standard for its diagnosis. Pathological type determines its treatment. Systemic treatment is essential, and local treatment is the most palliative means. Early diagnosis and treatment is significant for better prognosis.
Single-cell analysis reveals cellular reprogramming in advanced colon cancer following FOLFOX-bevacizumab treatment
Authors: Yang Meiling , Yang Ciqiu , Ma Dong , Li Zijun , Zhao Wei , Yang Dongyang
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The combination of FOLFOX and bevacizumab (FOLFOX-Bev) is a promising treatment for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the response of the tumor microenvironment to FOLFOX-Bev is still largely unexplored.

Methods

We conducted single-cell transcriptomic analysis of CRC samples derived from a patient before and after treatment to gain insights into the cellular changes associated with FOLFOX-Bev treatment.

Results

We found that cancer cells with high proliferative, metastatic, and pro-angiogenic properties respond better to FOLFOX-Bev treatment. Moreover, FOLFOX-Bev enhances CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity, thereby boosting the anti-tumor immune response. Conversely, FOLFOX-Bev impairs the functionality of tumor-associated macrophages, plasma cells, and cancer-associated fibroblasts, leading to a decrease in VEGFB-mediated angiogenesis. Furthermore, FOLFOX-Bev treatment reset intercellular communication, which could potentially affect the function of non-cancer cells.

Discussion

Our findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the response of advanced CRC to FOLFOX-Bev treatment and highlight potential targets for improving the efficacy of this treatment strategy.
Influence of EGF and pro-NGF on EGFR/SORTILIN interaction and clinical impact in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Morisse Martin , Bourhis Thomas , Lévêque Romain , Guilbert Mathieu , Cicero Julien , Palma Martine , Chevalier Dominique , le Bourhis Xuefen , Toillon Robert-Alain , Mouawad Francois
Published: July 2023

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) remains a cancer with a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50%. Although epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is almost always overexpressed, targeted anti-EGFR therapies have modest efficacy and are mainly used in palliative care. Growth factors such as Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and its precursor proNGF have been shown in our laboratory to play a role in tumor growth and aggressiveness. Interestingly, an interaction between Sortilin, a proNGF receptor, and EGFR has been observed. This interaction appears to interfere with the pro-oncogenic signaling of EGF and modulate the membrane expression of EGFR. The aim of this study was to characterize this interaction biologically, to assess its impact on clinical prognosis and to analyze its role in the cellular trafficking of EGFR. Using immunohistochemical staining on tumor sections from patients treated at our university center and PLA (Proximity Ligation Assay) labeling, we showed that Sortilin expression is significantly associated with reduced 5-year survival. However, when Sortilin was associated with EGFR, this association was not found. Using the Cal-27 and Cal-33 cancer cell lines, we observed that proNGF reduces the effects of EGF on cell growth by inducing the internalization of its receptor. These results therefore suggest a regulatory role for Sortilin in the degradation or renewal of EGFR on the membrane. It would be interesting in future work to show the intracellular fate of EGFR and the role of (pro)neurotrophins in these mechanisms.
Optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography: essential tools for detecting glaucoma and disease progression
Authors: Shiga Yukihiro , Nishida Takashi , Jeoung Jin Wook , Di Polo Adriana , Fortune Brad
Published: July 2023

Early diagnosis and detection of disease progression are critical to successful therapeutic intervention in glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows objective quantification in vivo of key glaucomatous structural changes in the retina and the optic nerve head (ONH). Advances in OCT technology have increased the scan speed and enhanced image quality, contributing to early glaucoma diagnosis and monitoring, as well as the visualization of critically important structures deep within the ONH, such as the lamina cribrosa. OCT angiography (OCTA) is a dye-free technique for noninvasively assessing ocular microvasculature, including capillaries within each plexus serving the macula, peripapillary retina and ONH regions, as well as the deeper vessels of the choroid. This layer-specific assessment of the microvasculature has provided evidence that retinal and choroidal vascular impairments can occur during early stages of glaucoma, suggesting that OCTA-derived measurements could be used as biomarkers for enhancing detection of glaucoma and its progression, as well as to reveal novel insights about pathophysiology. Moreover, these innovations have demonstrated that damage to the macula, a critical region for the vision-related quality of life, can be observed in the early stages of glaucomatous eyes, leading to a paradigm shift in glaucoma monitoring. Other advances in software and hardware, such as artificial intelligence-based algorithms, adaptive optics, and visible-light OCT, may further benefit clinical management of glaucoma in the future. This article reviews the utility of OCT and OCTA for glaucoma diagnosis and disease progression detection, emphasizes the importance of detecting macula damage in glaucoma, and highlights the future perspective of OCT and OCTA. We conclude that the OCT and OCTA are essential glaucoma detection and monitoring tools, leading to clinical and economic benefits for patients and society.
A qualitative exploration of parental perspectives on quality of care for children with serious illnesses
Authors: Ang Felicia Jia Ler , Chow Cristelle Chu-Tian , Chong Poh Heng , Tan Teresa Shu Zhen , Amin Zubair , Buang Siti Nur Hanim , Finkelstein Eric A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Being responsive to end-users is essential to good care. Limited in-depth exploration of parental perspectives on care received by children over the course of serious illness has hindered the development of process measures to evaluate quality of care. Our objective was to identify the key process indicators prioritized by parents in the care of seriously ill young children and develop a framework to guide assessment of quality of care.

Methods

This qualitative study followed Charmaz's Constructivist Grounded Theory. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of young children with serious illness in Singapore. Participants were sampled across various healthcare settings, children's ages, and illness categories. Theoretical sampling and constant comparative analysis were used to generate initial, focused, and theoretical codes, which informed construction of a conceptual framework.

Results

31 parents participated from July 2021 to February 2022. Initial and focused coding generated 64 quality of care indicators describing key care practices, interactions, and procedures. Indicators were categorized under four themes: (1) efficient healthcare structures and standards, (2) professional qualities of healthcare workers, 3. supporting parent-caregivers, and 4. collaborative and holistic care. Theoretical coding led to the development of the “PaRental perspectives on qualIty of care for Children with sErious iLlnESSes (PRICELESS)” framework which summarizes elements contributing to the parental perception of quality of care.

Discussion

The identified process indicators will facilitate the development of standardised parent-reported measures for assessing service quality and benchmarking among providers. The framework provides overall guidance for conceiving quality improvement initiatives.
Prognostic factors for employment outcomes in patients with a history of childhood-onset drug-resistant epilepsy
Authors: Arai Yuto , Okanishi Tohru , Noma Hisashi , Kanai Sotaro , Kawaguchi Tatsuya , Sunada Hiroshi , Fujimoto Ayataka , Maegaki Yoshihiro
Published: July 2023

Objective

The employment outcomes of childhood-onset drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) has not been studied enough. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to investigate the employment outcomes of childhood-onset DRE in June 2022 and identify the risk factors associated with non-employment.

Materials and methods

The sample consisted of 65 participants ≥18 years of age with a history of childhood-onset DRE. Fifty participants (77%) were salaried employees and 15 participants (23%) were non-employed. Clinical and psychosocial information were evaluated for calculating the relative risk (RR) of non-employment.

Results

Regarding medical factors, lower IQ [RR, 0.645; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.443–0.938; p = 0.022] was positively associated with employment. In contrast, age at follow-up (RR, 1.046; 95% CI, 1.009–1.085; p = 0.014); number of ASMs at follow-up (RR, 1.517; 95% CI, 1.081–2.129; p = 0.016); use of medications such as phenobarbital (RR, 3.111; 95% CI, 1.383–6.997; p = 0.006), levetiracetam (RR, 2.471; 95% CI, 1.056–5.782; p = 0.037), and topiramate (RR, 3.576; 95% CI, 1.644–7.780; p = 0.001) were negatively associated with employment. Regarding psychosocial factor, initial workplace at employment support facilities (RR, 0.241; 95% CI, 0.113–0.513; p < 0.001) was positively associated with employment. In contrast, complication of psychiatric disorder symptoms (RR, 6.833; 95% CI, 2.141–21.810; p = 0.001) was negatively associated with employment. Regarding educational factor, graduating schools of special needs education (RR, 0.148; 95% CI, 0.061–0.360; p < 0.001) was positively associated with employment.

Conclusions

Specific medical, psychosocial, and educational factors may influence the employment outcomes of childhood-onset DRE. Paying attention to ASMs’ side effects, adequately preventing the complications of psychiatric disorder symptoms, and providing an environment suitable for each patient condition would promote a fine working status for people with childhood-onset DRE.
Characterization of an airborne organic contaminant sensor based on microfibers with sol–gel film
Authors: Miao Xinxiang , Zhou Guorui , Chen Jiaxuan , Zhu Qihua , Li Yuhai , Jiang Xiaodong , Lv Haibing , Yao Caizhen , Jiang Yilan , Niu Longfei , Xiang Siheng
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Based on microfibers with sol–gel film, this study focuses on developing an organic contaminant sensing device to monitor airborne organic contamination in high-power laser facilities.

Methods: The device heightened the sensitivity to the external environment with the nano-structure of sol–gel on the microfiber surface. The relationship between the additional laser transmission power loss caused by contaminants and the filling rate of the porosity of the film was discussed. In addition, we obtained the relationship between the additional loss and the refractive index of the microstructure.

Results: The experimental results indicated that employing microfibers with microstructure coating could significantly improve sensing sensitivity to airborne organic contaminants. The precision of sensing surface contaminants can reach ng/cm2. When the concentration of organic contaminants is lower than 7.5%, the adsorption process of the microstructure coating is dominated by single-molecule adsorption, and the additional loss increases exponentially with increasing concentration, while the sensing limit is 70 ppm. When the concentration of organic contaminants exceeds 7.5%, the adsorption process of the surface microstructure coating is dominated by multimolecular adsorption. Therefore, the additional loss is exponentially related to the concentration of airborne organic contaminants, while the sensing limit is 10 ppm.

Discussion: The study explored the adsorption mechanism of the sol–gel film to airborne organic contaminants at different concentrations. The Langmuir monolayer adsorption isotherm model and the Freundlich multi-molecular layer adsorption isotherm model was adopted to analyze and verify the experimental results, which suggested that the experimental results agree well with the simulation results. This work can be considered for in situ monitoring of airborne concentration contaminants and the transmittance of optics with the sol–gel film, and it also provides a new research method for in situ monitoring of airborne organic contaminants in the vacuum environment.
Long non-coding RNA-mediated competing endogenous RNA regulatory network during flower development and color formation in Melastoma candidum
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Wei , Liu Rui , Tong Botong , Dai Xinren , Lu Yan , Yu Yixun , Dai Seping , Ruan Lin
Published: July 2023

M. candidum, an evergreen shrubby flower known for its superior adaptation ability in South China, has gained increased attention in garden applications. However, scant attention has been paid to its flower development and color formation process at the non-coding RNA level. To fill this gap, we conducted a comprehensive analysis based on long non-coding RNA sequencing (lncRNA-seq), RNA-seq, small RNA sequencing (sRNA-seq), and widely targeted metabolome detection of three different flower developmental stages of M. candidum. After differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs), differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs), and differentially synthesized metabolites (DSmets) analyses between the different flower developmental stages, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were conducted to identify some key genes and metabolites in flavonoid, flavone, anthocyanin, carotenoid, and alkaloid-related GO terms and biosynthetic pathways. Three direct-acting models, including antisense-acting, cis-acting, and trans-acting between lncRNAs and mRNAs, were detected to illustrate the direct function of lncRNAs on target genes during flower development and color formation. Based on the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory theory, we constructed a lncRNA-mediated regulatory network composed of DElncRNAs, DEmiRNAs, DEmRNAs, and DSmets to elucidate the indirect role of lncRNAs in the flower development and color formation of M. candidum. By utilizing correlation analyses between DERNAs and DSmets within the ceRNA regulatory network, alongside verification trials of the ceRNA regulatory mechanism, the study successfully illustrated the significance of lncRNAs in flower development and color formation process. This research provides a foundation for improving and regulating flower color at the lncRNA level in M. candidum, and sheds light on the potential applications of non-coding RNA in studies of flower development.
Lost in the bloom: DNA-PKcs in green plants
Authors: Kumar Koppolu Raja Rajesh
Published: July 2023

The DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) is a protein encoded by the PRKDC gene in humans and plays a crucial role in repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Recent studies have revealed that DNA-PKcs has additional functions in the cell beyond DSB repair, including transcriptional regulation, telomere protection and capping, preserving chromosomal integrity, and regulating senescence, apoptosis, and autophagy. Moreover, DNA-PKcs has also been implicated in regulating the innate immune response, and dysregulation of DNA-PKcs has been commonly observed in various types of cancers. Until recently it was believed that DNA-PKcs is not present in plants in general. However, DNA-PKcs is conserved in green plants ranging from microscopic green algae such as Ostreococcus of the chlorophytes to the tallest living trees on earth, Sequoia of the gymnosperms. Interestingly, DNA-PKcs has not been detected in angiosperms, or in basal angiosperms which are considered sister groups to all other flowering plants. The long polypeptide and gene length of DNA-PKcs coupled with errors in genome assembly, annotation, and gene prediction, have contributed to the challenges in detecting and extracting DNA-PKcs sequences in plant lineages. Sequence alignment showed that several amino acids throughout the length of DNA-PKcs are conserved between plants and human, and all the typical domains identified in human DNA-PKcs are also found in DNA-PKcs from green plants suggesting possible structural and functional conservation. Given the highly conserved nature of DNA repair pathways between mammals and plants further highlights the potential significance of DNA-PKcs in plant biology.
How congruent are parent reports on 3–4-year-old children’s language skills with other sources of data?
Authors: Tulviste Tiia , Schults Astra
Published: July 2023

Background

Parental report measures such as the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories (CDIs) are frequently used to study communicative skills of children under 3 years of age. Less is known about the usability of such reports for assessing communication skills in older children due to their advanced language skills, and a higher variety of communicative partners and communication contexts.

Aims

To assess the concurrent and predictive validity of the Estonian (E) CDI-III at ages 3;0 and 4;0 years. The first research goal was to examine its concurrent variability—associations with teacher reports and directly measured language skills. The second goal of the study was to investigate the predictive validity of parent reports—the degree to which parent-and teacher-reported language scores for children at age 3;0 are useful for predicting examiner-administered language comprehension and production scores 1 year later.

Methods

Estonian monolingual children were investigated longitudinally at ages 3;0 (n = 104; M age = 35.77 months, SD = 0.84; 42% males) and 4;0 (n = 87; M age = 48.18 months, SD = 1.16; 42% males) years. Children were assessed with the parent-reported ECDI-III, with teacher-reported assessments on children’s talkativeness, vocabulary size and grammatical skills, and the examiner-administered New Reynell Developmental Language Scales IV (NRDLS).

Results

Results indicated significant positive relationships between the ECDI-III total scores, teacher reports, and directly measured language comprehension and production scores, demonstrating concurrent validity of parental reports of children language skills at both ages. When controlling for mothers’ education, children’s gender, and reported language difficulties, parental and teacher reports were predictive of language production scores, whereas only parental reports predicted comprehension scores 1 year later. None of the controls was predictive of later language comprehension and production scores.

Conclusion

In sum, good concurrent and predictive validity of the ECDI-III shows that the instrument is a valid tool for assessing communicative skills in Estonian children. Results suggest that parent reports can offer useable information also about communicative skills of children older than three years.
The relevance of words and the language/communication divide
Authors: Carston Robyn
Published: July 2023

First, the wide applicability of the relevance-theoretic pragmatic account of how new (ad hoc) senses of words and new (ad hoc) words arise spontaneously in communication/comprehension is demonstrated. The lexical pragmatic processes of meaning modulation and metonymy are shown to apply equally to simple words, noun to verb ‘conversions’, and morphologically complex cases with non-compositional (atomic) meanings. Second, this pragmatic account is situated within a specific view of the cognitive architecture of language and communication, with the formal side of language, its recursive combinatorial system, argued to have different developmental, evolutionary and cognitive characteristics from the meaning side of language, which is essentially pragmatic/communicative. Words straddle the form/meaning (syntax/pragmatics) divide: on the one hand, they are phrasal structures, consisting of a root and variable numbers of functors, with no privileged status in the syntax; on the other hand, they are salient to language users as basic units of communication and are stored as such, in a communication lexicon, together with their families of related senses, which originated as cases of pragmatically derived (ad hoc) senses but have become established, due to their communicative efficacy and frequency of use. Third, in an attempt to find empirical evidence for the proposed linguistic form-meaning divide, two very different cases of atypical linguistic and communicative development are considered: autistic children and deaf children who develop Homesign. The morpho-syntax (the formal side of language) appears to unfold in much the same way in both cases and is often not much different from that of typically developing children, but they diverge markedly from each other in their communication/pragmatics and their development of a system (a lexicon) of meaningful words/signs.
Impacts of residential environment on residents’ place attachment, satisfaction, WOM, and pro-environmental behavior: evidence from the Korean housing industry
Authors: Son Jung Young , Yang Jae-Jang , Choi Sanghyuk , Lee Yong-Ki
Published: July 2023

This study considers seven residential environment elements and examines their effect on residents’ place attachment (place dependence and place identity), satisfaction, word-of-mouth behavior, and pro-environmental behavior. The study also examines whether gender moderates the proposed relationships. The data were collected from 603 respondents who owned a condominium in Seoul, South Korea. We analyzed the data using structural equation modeling with SmartPLS 4. The finding shows that all seven elements of the residential environment have a significant impact on either dimension of place attachment, except for the insignificant effect of social environment on place dependence. Both dimensions of place attachment have a significant effect on satisfaction, WOM, and pro-environmental behavior except for the insignificant effect of place dependence on pro-environmental behavior. The interaction effect test of gender shows that males consider eco-friendly materials and green/recreational areas more than females. On the other hand, females are found to weigh and social environments more heavily than males. The finding shows that pro-environmental behavior is influenced by place identity (not by place dependence) and satisfaction, indicating a key role of affective response.
The REtirement in ACTion exercise programme and its effects on elements of long term functionality in older adults
Authors: Ladlow Peter , Western Max J. , Greaves Colin J. , Thompson Janice L. , Withall Janet , Koning Jolanthe de , Bollen Jessica C. , Moorlock Sarah J. , Guralnik Jack M. , Fox Kenneth R. , Stathi Afroditi
Published: July 2023

Background

The prevention of mobility-related disability amongst adults is a global healthcare priority. Cost-effective community-based strategies to improve physical function and independence in older adults with mobility limitations are needed. This study investigated the effectiveness of the REtirement in ACTion (REACT) exercise intervention on individual markers of physical function at 6-and 12-months.

Methods

The REACT multicentre randomised controlled trial assigned 777 older adults (female, 514; male 263) (mean age 77·6 [SD 6·8] years) with reduced lower limb physical functioning (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB] score 4–9) to receive brief healthy ageing advice or a 12-month, group-based, multimodal exercise programme delivered in local communities. Estimated differences in the three individual component scores of the SPPB (strength, balance, gait speed) and physical functional outcomes recorded at 6- and 12-months were assessed.

Results

The intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in strength (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.36–2.59, p < 0.001) and balance (OR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.39–2.67, p < 0.001) at 12-months, but not in gait speed (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.91–1.90, p = 0.139). In comparison to the control group, at six-and 12-months, the intervention group reported statistically significant improvements in Mobility Assessment Tool-Short Form (MAT-SF), physical component score from SF-36 questionnaire, and strength and endurance items of subjectively reported physical activity (PASE 10-item). Greater than 75% adherence (attending ≥48 of the 64 exercise sessions delivered in 12-months) was associated with superior functional outcomes.

Conclusion

The REACT exercise programme provides local, regional and national service providers with an effective solution to increase muscle strength and balance in older adults at risk of mobility disability.
Extreme temperature exposure increases the risk of preterm birth in women with abnormal pre-pregnancy body mass index: a cohort study in a southern province of China
Authors: Qiu Jialing , Liang Zhijiang , Yi Jing , Xie Lulu , Xiang Qianqian , Luo Xianqiong , Zhao Qingguo
Published: July 2023

Background

Prior literature has found that extreme temperature exposure is associated with preterm birth (PTB). However, current evidence provides heterogeneous conclusions, and data on extreme cold and across different pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) statuses are limited.

Methods

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort of 251,257 women between 2014 and 2017 in Guangdong, China, to evaluate whether the association between extreme temperature exposure and PTB varied in pre-pregnancy BMI status. Participants were divided into three categories based on pre-pregnancy BMI: underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–23.9 kg/m2), overweight or obesity (≥ 24.0 kg/m2). We fitted Cox proportional hazards models to assess the association between daily mean temperature and PTB at each trimester for each BMI category separately. The hazard ratios (HRs) at the 5th and 95th percentiles of temperature (defined as low and high temperatures respectively) were provided using the median temperature at each trimester as a reference.

Results

58,220 (23.2%) were underweight, and 27,865 (11.1%) were overweight or obese. Of the 251,257 women, 18,612 (7.41%) had PTB delivery. Both low-and high-temperature exposure increased the risk of PTB in the third trimester, while cold exposure mostly mitigated the risk for the first and second trimesters. The association with low temperature was the strongest in the third trimester, especially for underweight women (HR: 1.825; 95%CI: 1.529 ~ 2.179), while the association with high temperature was the strongest also in the third trimester, especially for obese or overweight women (HR:1.825; 95%CI:1.502 ~ 2.218). Furthermore, the attributable fractions of PTB risk in the third trimester were estimated as 5.59% (95% CI: 3.58, 7.98%) for cold exposure among underweight women and 3.31% (95% CI: 2.01, 4.88%) for hot exposure among overweight or obese women.

Conclusion

Exposure to either low temperature in the third trimester or high temperature during pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of PTB. Moreover, pre-pregnancy BMI status might affect the susceptibility of pregnant women. Such findings would be useful to develop targeted measures for vulnerable populations.