bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatosensory evoked potentials and their relation to microstructural damage in patients with multiple sclerosis—A whole brain DTI study
Authors: Hamann Jan , Ettrich Barbara , Hoffman Karl Titus , Then Bergh Florian , Lobsien Donald
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) play a pivotal role in the diagnosis and disease monitoring of multiple sclerosis (MS). Delayed latencies are a surrogate for demyelination along the sensory afference. This study aimed to evaluate if SSEP latencies are representative of demyelination of the brain overall, by correlating with cerebral microstructural integrity as measured by Magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Analysis was performed in a hypothesis-free whole brain approach using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS).

Material and methods

A total of 46 patients with MS or clinically isolated syndrome were included in the study. Bilateral SSEPs of the median nerve measuring mean N20 latencies (mN20) and Central Conduction Time (CCT), were acquired. MRI scans were performed at 3T. DTI acquisition was done with a single-shot echoplanar imaging technique with 80 diffusion directions. The FSL software package was used to process the DTI datasets and to calculate maps of fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD). These maps were then further analyzed using the TBSS module. The mean N20 and CCT and the right- and left-sided N20 and CCT were separately correlated to FA, AD, and RD, controlled for age, gender, and EDSS as variables of non-interest.

Results

Widespread negative correlations of SSEP latencies with FA (p = 0.0005) and positive correlations with RD (p = 0.0003) were measured in distinct white matter tracts, especially the optic tracts, corpus callosum, and posterior corona radiata. No correlation with AD was found in any white matter tract.

Conclusion

Highly significant correlations of FA and RD to SSEPs suggest that their latency is representative of widespread microstructural change, and especially demyelination in patients suffering from MS, reaching beyond the classic somatosensory regions. This points to the usefulness of SSEPs as a non-invasive tool in the evaluation of microstructural damage to the brain.
EEG background frequency is associated with discharge outcomes in non-ICU hospitalized patients with COVID-19
Authors: Seibert Kaitlin M. , Lee Wonhee , Eid Alexandra , Espinal Amy E. , Klein Sara A. , Abumurad Sumayyah K. , Tao James X. , Issa Naoum P.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To assess risk factors for encephalopathy in non-ICU hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and the effect of encephalopathy on short-term outcomes.

Methods

We collected clinical and electrophysiological characteristics of fifty patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to a ward service and who had an electroencephalogram (EEG) performed. Associations with short-term outcomes including hospital length of stay and discharge disposition were determined from univariate and multivariate statistical analysis.

Results

Clinical delirium was associated with encephalopathy on EEG, cefepime use was associated with increased length of stay, and of all factors analyzed, background frequency on EEG alone was correlated with discharge disposition.

Conclusion

Encephalopathy is one of the major determinants of short-term outcomes in hospitalized non-ICU patients with COVID-19.
Anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptor encephalitis with refractory seizures and cognitive impairment in a young woman: A case report
Authors: Yang Xue , Deng Bo , Wang Shengjun , Wang Xiaotang , Cao Lili , Chen Xiangjun , Zhao Xiuhe
Published: August 2022

Anti-γ-aminobutyric acid-A receptor (GABAAR) encephalitis is an underappreciated cause of autoimmune encephalitis and remains refractory to antiepileptic therapies unless autoimmune responses are addressed. Herein, we reported a case of anti-GABAAR encephalitis in a young woman. A 29-year-old woman was admitted because of seizures for 10 months, memory decline for 7 months, and paroxysmal limbs jerking for 5 months. At admission, the patient showed mild cognitive impairment. Cell-based assays found no antibodies associated with common autoimmune encephalitis in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and no antibodies in the plasma and CSF against central nervous system demyelination-associated proteins. MRI revealed multiple cortical-subcortical abnormalities and electroencephalography demonstrated periodic epileptiform discharges during paroxysmal clonus. A second test 1 month after admission detected antibodies against GABAAR α1/β3/γ2 in the plasma and CSF, leading to a diagnosis of anti-GABAAR encephalitis. The patient received intravenous immunoglobulin, prednisone, azathioprine, and levetiracetam and recovered from limb jerks and was no longer amnesic. A second episode occurred after an apparent cold and was managed by intravenous immunoglobulin, cyclophosphamide, and methylprednisolone with subsequent prednisone and levetiracetam. The patient was able to speak and ambulate after 15 days of treatment. Her MMSE, MoCA, and MRS scores improved. Physicians should harbor a high index of suspicion of anti-GABAAR encephalitis in refractory encephalitis patients with the manifestation of seizures or psychiatric disorders. Tests for a comprehensive panel of antibodies associated with anti-GABAAR encephalitis should be carried out in suspected cases and immunotherapy should be promptly initiated upon diagnosis to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
Evaluation and comparison of most prevalent artifact reduction methods for EEG acquired simultaneously with fMRI
Authors: Kraljič Aleksij , Matkovič Andraž , Purg Nina , Demšar Jure , Repovš Grega
Published: August 2022

Multimodal neuroimaging using EEG and fMRI provides deeper insights into brain function by improving the spatial and temporal resolution of the acquired data. However, simultaneous EEG-fMRI inevitably compromises the quality of the EEG and fMRI signals due to the high degree of interaction between the two systems. Fluctuations in the magnetic flux flowing through the participant and the EEG system, whether due to movement within the magnetic field of the scanner or to changes in magnetic field strength, induce electrical potentials in the EEG recordings that mask the much weaker electrical activity of the neuronal populations. A number of different methods have been proposed to reduce MR artifacts. We present an overview of the most commonly used methods and an evaluation of the methods using three sets of diverse EEG data. We limited the evaluation to open-access and easy-to-use methods and a reference signal regression method using a set of six carbon-wire loops (CWL), which allowed evaluation of their added value. The evaluation was performed by comparing EEG signals recorded outside the MRI scanner with artifact-corrected EEG signals recorded simultaneously with fMRI. To quantify and evaluate the quality of artifact reduction methods in terms of the spectral content of the signal, we analyzed changes in oscillatory activity during a resting-state and a finger tapping motor task. The quality of artifact reduction in the time domain was assessed using data collected during a visual stimulation task. In the study we utilized hierarchical Bayesian probabilistic modeling for statistical inference and observed significant differences between the evaluated methods in the success of artifact reduction and associated signal quality in both the frequency and time domains. In particular, the CWL system proved superior to the other methods evaluated in improving spectral contrast in the alpha and beta bands and in recovering visual evoked responses. Based on the results of the evaluation study, we proposed guidelines for selecting the optimal method for MR artifact reduction.
A modified standard American diet induces physiological parameters associated with metabolic syndrome in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Chehade Sophie B. , Green George B. H. , Graham Christopher D. , Chakraborti Ayanabha , Vashai Bijal , Moon Amber , Williams Michael B. , Vickers Benjamin , Berryhill Taylor , Van Der Pol William , Wilson Landon , Powell Mickie L. , Smith Daniel L. , Barnes Stephen , Morrow Casey , Mukhtar M. Shahid , Kennedy Gregory D. , Bibb James A. , Watts Stephen A.
Published: August 2022

Investigations into the causative role that western dietary patterns have on obesity and disease pathogenesis have speculated that quality and quantity of dietary fats and/or carbohydrates have a predictive role in the development of these disorders. Standard reference diets such as the AIN-93 rodent diet have historically been used to promote animal health and reduce variation of results across experiments, rather than model modern human dietary habits or nutrition-related pathologies. In rodents high-fat diets (HFDs) became a classic tool to investigate diet-induced obesity (DIO). These murine diets often relied on a single fat source with the most DIO consistent HFDs containing levels of fat up to 45-60% (kcal), higher than the reported human intake of 33–35% (kcal). More recently, researchers are formulating experimental animal (pre-clinical) diets that reflect mean human macro- and micronutrient consumption levels described by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). These diets attempt to integrate relevant ingredient sources and levels of nutrients; however, they most often fail to include high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) as a source of dietary carbohydrate. We have formulated a modified Standard American Diet (mSAD) that incorporates relevant levels and sources of nutrient classes, including dietary HFCS, to assess the basal physiologies associated with mSAD consumption. Mice proffered the mSAD for 15 weeks displayed a phenotype consistent with metabolic syndrome, exhibiting increased adiposity, fasting hyperglycemia with impaired glucose and insulin tolerance. Metabolic alterations were evidenced at the tissue level as crown-like structures (CLS) in adipose tissue and fatty acid deposition in the liver, and targeted 16S rRNA metagenomics revealed microbial compositional shifts between dietary groups. This study suggests diet quality significantly affects metabolic homeostasis, emphasizing the importance of developing relevant pre-clinical diets to investigate chronic diseases highly impacted by western dietary consumption patterns.
Modulating the gut microbiota ameliorates spontaneous seizures and cognitive deficits in rats with kainic acid-induced status epilepticus by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Wang Xue , Yang Chunyu , Yang Liu , Zhang Yongbo
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Epilepsy is a highly prevalent neurological disease whose treatment has always been challenging. Hence, it is crucial to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying epilepsy inhibition. Inflammation and oxidative stress are important pathophysiological changes in epilepsy that contribute to the development of spontaneous seizures and cognitive deficits. In recent years, altered gut microbiota composition was found to be involved in epilepsy, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Modulation of the gut microbiota showed a positive impact on the brain by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation. Hence, this study evaluated the effect of modulating gut dysbiosis by treating epileptic rats with prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics and investigated the underlying molecular mechanism.

Materials and methods

Epileptic rat models were established by injecting 1 μl of kainic acid (KA, 0.4 μg/μl) into the right amygdalae. The rats were divided into Sham, KA, KA+prebiotic [inulin:1 g/kg body weight (bw)/day], KA+probiotics (10 × 109cfu of each bacteria/kg, bw/day), and KA+synbiotic groups (1:1 mixture of prebiotics and probiotics). Seizures were monitored, and cognitive function was assessed in all rats. Biochemical indicators, namely, oxidative stress, DNA damage, glutamate levels, and inflammation markers, were also determined.

Results

The KA-induced status epilepticus (SE) rats exhibited spontaneous seizures and cognitive deficits. This was accompanied by the activation of glial cells, the inflammatory response (IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF-α), lipid peroxidation (MDA), DNA damage (8-OHdG), the release of glutamate, and a decline in total antioxidant ability (GSH). These changes were alleviated by partial treatment with prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics.

Conclusion

Modulating gut dysbiosis ameliorates spontaneous seizures and cognitive deficits in rats with KA-induced status epilepticus. The underlying mechanism may potentially involve the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.
A new selenium source from Se-enriched Cardamine violifolia improves growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity and meat quality in broilers
Authors: Xu Xiao , Wei Yu , Zhang Yue , Jing Xiaoqing , Cong Xin , Gao Qingyu , Cheng Shuiyuan , Zhu Zhenzhou , Zhu Huiling , Zhao Jiangchao , Liu Yulan
Published: August 2022

Background

Cardamine violifolia (Cv) is a kind of selenium-enriched plant which contains high levels of organic selenium (Se) such as selenocysteine and methylselenocysteine. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of this new source of Se on the growth performance, anti-oxidative capacity and meat quality in broilers compared with other frequently-used Se sources.

Methods

A total of 240 broilers were allotted into 4 treatments: (1) Control group (Se free diets, CON); (2) Sodium selenite group (0.3 mg/kg Se sourced from Na2SeO3 diets, SeNa); (3) Selenium yeast group (0.3 mg/kg Se sourced from Se-Yeast diets, SeY); (4) Plant Se group (0.3 mg/kg Se sourced from Cv diets, SeCv). The whole study lasted 42 days and was divided into 2 stages (1–21 d as earlier stage and 22–42 d as later stage).

Results

The results showed that the broilers fed SeCv diets had improved average daily gain and the ratio of feed to gain compared to the broilers fed SeNa and SeY diets during the earlier stage. However, there was no significant difference in growth performance of broilers fed these 3 sources of Se diets during the whole period. The broilers fed SeCv diets had improved intestinal mucosal morphology on d 21 and 42. Enhanced liver total anti-oxidative capacity was observed from the broilers fed SeCv diets compared with the other 2 Se sources diets on d 21. Furthermore, lower liver malondialdehyde contents were determined from the broilers fed SeCv and SeY diets compared with SeNa diets. At last, the broilers fed SeCv had increased redness in thigh muscle and decreased cooking loss in both breast and thigh muscle compared with the boilers fed SeNa diets. However, the broilers had similar meat quality between SeCv group and SeY group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these results demonstrated that SeCv was a well-organic Se source for broilers.
GCLDNet: Gastric cancer lesion detection network combining level feature aggregation and attention feature fusion
Authors: Shi Xu , Wang Long , Li Yu , Wu Jian , Huang Hong
Published: August 2022

Background

Analysis of histopathological slices of gastric cancer is the gold standard for diagnosing gastric cancer, while manual identification is time-consuming and highly relies on the experience of pathologists. Artificial intelligence methods, particularly deep learning, can assist pathologists in finding cancerous tissues and realizing automated detection. However, due to the variety of shapes and sizes of gastric cancer lesions, as well as many interfering factors, GCHIs have a high level of complexity and difficulty in accurately finding the lesion region. Traditional deep learning methods cannot effectively extract discriminative features because of their simple decoding method so they cannot detect lesions accurately, and there is less research dedicated to detecting gastric cancer lesions.

Methods

We propose a gastric cancer lesion detection network (GCLDNet). At first, GCLDNet designs a level feature aggregation structure in decoder, which can effectively fuse deep and shallow features of GCHIs. Second, an attention feature fusion module is introduced to accurately locate the lesion area, which merges attention features of different scales and obtains rich discriminative information focusing on lesion. Finally, focal Tversky loss (FTL) is employed as a loss function to depress false-negative predictions and mine difficult samples.

Results

Experimental results on two GCHI datasets of SEED and BOT show that DSCs of the GCLDNet are 0.8265 and 0.8991, ACCs are 0.8827 and 0.8949, JIs are 0.7092 and 0.8182, and PREs are 0.7820 and 0.8763, respectively.

Conclusions

Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of GCLDNet in the detection of gastric cancer lesions. Compared with other state-of-the-art (SOTA) detection methods, the GCLDNet obtains a more satisfactory performance. This research can provide good auxiliary support for pathologists in clinical diagnosis.
Integration of healthy volunteers in early phase clinical trials with immuno-oncological compounds
Authors: Radanovic Igor , Klarenbeek Naomi , Rissmann Robert , Groeneveld Geert Jan , van Brummelen Emilie M. J. , Moerland Matthijs , Bosch Jacobus J.
Published: August 2022

Aim

Traditionally, early phase clinical trials in oncology have been performed in patients based on safety risk-benefit assessment. Therapeutic transition to immuno-oncology may open new opportunities for studies in healthy volunteers, which are conducted faster and are less susceptible to confounders. Aim of this study was to investigate to what extent this approach is utilized and whether pharmacodynamic endpoints are evaluated in these early phase trials. We conducted a comprehensive review of clinical trials with healthy volunteers using immunotherapies potentially relevant for oncology.

Methods

Literature searches according to PRISMA guidelines and after registration in PROSPERO were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane databases with the cut-off date 20 October 2020, using search terms of relevant targets in immuno-oncology. Articles describing clinical trials with immunotherapeutics in healthy volunteers with a mechanism relevant for oncology were included. “Immunotherapeutic” was defined as compounds exhibiting effects through immunological targets. Data including study design and endpoints were extracted, with specific attention to pharmacodynamic endpoints and safety.

Results

In total, we found 38 relevant immunotherapeutic compounds tested in HVs, with 86% of studies investigating safety, 82% investigating the pharmacokinetics (PK) and 57% including at least one pharmacodynamic (PD) endpoint. Most of the observed adverse events (AEs) were Grade 1 and 2, consisting mostly of gastrointestinal, cutaneous and flu-like symptoms. Severe AEs were leukopenia, asthenia, syncope, headache, flu-like reaction and liver enzymes increase. PD endpoints investigated comprised of cytokines, immune and inflammatory biomarkers, cell counts, phenotyping circulating immune cells and ex vivo challenge assays.

Discussion

Healthy volunteer studies with immuno-oncology compounds have been performed, although not to a large extent. The integration of healthy volunteers in well-designed proof-of-mechanism oriented drug development programs has advantages and could be pursued more in the future, since integrative clinical trial protocols may facilitate early dose selection and prevent cancer patients to be exposed to non-therapeutic dosing regimens.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=210861, identifier CRD42020210861
Endoscopic transorbital extradural anterior clinoidectomy: A stepwise surgical technique and case series study [SevEN-013]
Authors: Lim Jaejoon , Sung Kyoung Su , Yoo Jihwan , Oh Jiwoong , Moon Ju Hyung
Published: August 2022

Background

Anterior clinoidectomy is an important procedure for approaching the central skull base lesions. However, anterior clinoidectomy through the endoscopic transorbital approach (ETOA) still has limitations due to technical difficulties and the structural complexity of the anterior clinoid process (ACP). Therefore, the authors designed a stepwise surgical technique of extradural anterior clinoidectomy through the ETOA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this technique.

Methods

Anatomical dissections were performed in 6 cadaveric specimens using a neuroendoscope and neuro-navigation system. The extradural anterior clinoidectomy through the ETOA was performed stepwise, and based on the results, this surgical technique was performed in the 7 clinical cases to evaluate its safety and efficiency.

Results

Endoscopic extradural anterior clinoidectomy was successfully performed in all cadaveric specimens and patients using the proposed technique. This 5-step technique enabled detachment of the lesser wing of sphenoid bone from the ACP, safe unroofing of the optic canal, and resection of the optic strut without injuring the optic nerve and internal carotid artery. Since the sequential resection of the 3 supporting roots of the ACP was accomplished safely, anterior clinoidectomy was then successfully performed in all clinical cases. Furthermore, no complications related to the anterior clinoidectomy occurred in any clinical case.

Conclusion

We designed a stepwise surgical technique that allows safe and efficient anterior clinoidectomy through the ETOA. Using this technique, extradural anterior clinoidectomy can be accomplished under direct endoscopic visualization with low morbidity. Since this technique is applicable to the central skull base surgery where anterior clinoidectomy is necessary, it expands the application of the ETOA.
The effect of dietary fiber supplement on prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus in women with pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Dong-Yao , Cheng De-Cui , Cao Yan-Nan , Su Yao , Chen Li , Liu Wen-Yu , Yu Yue-Xin , Xu Xian-Ming
Published: August 2022

Objective: To investigate the effect of dietary fiber intake during pregnancy on the prevention of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women who are overweight/obese prior to pregnancy.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in Shanghai General Hospital from June 2021 to March 2022. A total of 98 women who reported BMI≥24 kg/m2 prior to pregnancy were recruited before their 20th gestational week, and randomly (simple random allocation) assigned to the fiber supplement group (12 g of dietary fiber power twice daily) and the control group (standard prenatal care) from 20 to 24+6 gestational weeks. Both groups received nutrition education and dietary advice during the study. GDM diagnosis was performed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 25–28 weeks’ gestation. Data are presented as means with SD, as medians with IQR, or as counts with percentages as appropriate. Comparisons were conducted using a t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ2 test, respectively.

Results: The incidence of GDM was significantly reduced in the fiber supplement group compared with the control group: 8.3 vs. 24.0% (χ2 = 4.40, p = 0.036). At OGTT, the mean fasting plasma glucose in the fiber supplement group was significantly lower than before the intervention (4.57 ± 0.38 mmol/L vs. 4.41 ± 0.29 mmol/L, p < 0.01) but not in the control group (4.48 ± 0.42 mmol/L vs. 4.37 ± 0.58 mmol/L, p = 0.150). Compared with the control group, the TG and TG/HDL-C ratio levels in the intervention group were significantly higher than those in the control group (2.19 ± 0.54 mmol/L vs. 2.70 ± 0.82 mmol/L and 1.19 ± 0.49 vs.1.63 ± 0.63, respectively, all P＜0.05). The body weight gain was significantly lower in the fiber supplement group than the control group (1.99 ± 1.09 kg vs. 2.53 ± 1.20kg, p = 0.022). None of the women randomized to the fiber supplement group experienced preterm birth (<37 weeks gestation) compared with 12.0% in the control group (p = 0.040). Excessive weight gain (total weight gain >11.5 kg for overweight, and >9.0 kg for obesity) occurred in 46.7% of women in the fiber supplement group compared with 68.0% in the control group (p = 0.035). There were no differences in other maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion: Increased dietary fiber intake in pregnant women who were overweight/obese prior to pregnancy may reduce the risk of GDM, excessive weight gain, and preterm birth, but it did not improve blood lipids.
Effect of theaflavin-3,3′-digallate on leptin-deficient induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease might be related to lipid metabolism regulated by the Fads1/PPARδ/Fabp4 axis and gut microbiota
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Zhang Wenji , Lin Hui , Zhang Luyun , Wu Fan , Wang Yan , Yu Susu , Peng Xinyue , Cheng Wenli , Li Min , Pan Xiaoying , Huang Zhenrui , Zhang Wenjuan
Published: August 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), one of the risk factors for hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even hepatic carcinoma, has been a global public health problem. The polyphenol compound theaflavin-3,3′-digallate (TF3), mainly extracted from black tea, has been reported to produce an effect on hypoglycemic and antilipid deposition in vitro. In our study, we further investigated the function and novel mechanisms of TF3 in protecting NAFLD in vivo. By using leptin-deficient obese (ob/ob) mice with NAFLD symptoms, TF3 treatment prevented body weight and waistline gain, reduced lipid accumulation, and alleviated liver function injury, as well as decreased serum lipid levels and TG levels in livers in ob/ob mice, observing no side effects. Furthermore, the transcriptome sequencing of liver tissue showed that TF3 treatment corrected the expression profiles of livers in ob/ob mice compared with that of the model group. It is interesting to note that TF3 might regulate lipid metabolism via the Fads1/PPARδ/Fabp4 axis. In addition, 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that TF3 increased the abundance of Prevotellaceae_UCG-001, norank_f_Ruminococcaceae, and GCA-900066575 and significantly decreased that of Parvibacter. Taken together, the effect of TF3 on NAFLD might be related to lipid metabolism regulated by the Fads1/PPARδ/Fabp4 axis and gut microbiota. TF3 might be a promising candidate for NAFLD therapy.
The efficacy of traditional chinese medicine combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for malignant ascites: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Zhixian , Chen Jiangfeng , Liu Yunxia
Published: August 2022

Objective: Malignant ascites (MA) is a common complication of terminal cancer, which seriously affects the life quality and prognosis of patients. Both hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have achieved significant efficacy in the treatment of MA. The treatment strategy of TCM combined with HIPEC has been gradually promoted and applied in China. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of TCM combined with HIPEC in the treatment of MA.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM combined with HIPEC for MA were searched from seven electronic databases. Two researchers used the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool to assess the risk of bias. Excel 2019 was used to establish a database for information extraction, RevMan 5.4 software was used to analyze the included test data, and STATA v16.0 was used to conduct Egger’s test to further detect publication bias.

Results: A total of 19 studies involving 1,504 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results showed that compared with the single use of HIPEC, TCM combined with HIPEC could significantly improve the clinical efficacy (RR = 1.51, 95% CI [1.40, 1.63], p < 0.00001) and karnofsky performance status (KPS) score (MD = 8.16, 95% CI [6.46, 9.85], p < 0.00001), reduce the ascites volume (MD = −156.98, 95% CI [−213.71, −100.25], p < 0.00001). However, there was no statistical significance in reducing abdominal circumference between TCM combined with HIPEC and HIPEC alone (MD = −1.8, 95% CI [−4.57, −0.97], p = 0.2).

Conclusion: This study found that TCM combined with HIPEC had a beneficial therapeutic effect on MA. However, more standard, double-blind, multicenter RCTs are needed to further confirm the efficacy of TCM combined with HIPEC in the treatment of MA.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, identifier CRD42022319993.
Luteolin induces pyroptosis in HT-29 cells by activating the Caspase1/Gasdermin D signalling pathway
Authors: Chen Yiliu , Ma Shengsuo , Pi Dajin , Wu Yingchao , Zuo Qian , Li Chongan , Ouyang Mingzi
Published: August 2022

Luteolin, which is a natural flavonoid, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Numerous studies have proven that luteolin inhibits the growth of many types of cancer cells by promoting apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle arrest in tumour cells. However, in vivo research on this topic has been limited. In addition, other studies have shown that luteolin exerts a good inhibitory effect on apoptosis-resistant cancer cells. While existing studies have not completely elucidated the mechanism underlying this phenomenon, we assume that luteolin, which is a natural compound that exerts its effects through various mechanisms, may have the potential to inhibit tumour growth. In our study, we proved that luteolin exerted a good inhibitory effect on the proliferation of colon cancer cells according to CCK8 and EdU fluorescence assays, and the same conclusion was drawn in animal experiments. In addition, we found that luteolin, which is an antioxidant, unexpectedly promoted oxidative stress as shown by measuring the levels of oxidative balance-related indicators, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), SOD, H2O2 and GSH. However, the decreased oxidation of luteolin-treated HT-29 cells after treatment with the active oxygen scavenger NAC did not reverse the inhibition of cell growth. However, the Caspase1 inhibitor VX765 did reverse the inhibition of cell growth. Western blotting analysis showed that luteolin treatment increased the expression of Caspase1, Gasdermin D and IL-1β, which are members of the pyroptosis signalling pathway, in colon cancer cells. We further intuitively observed NLRP3/Gasdermin D colocalization in luteolin-treated HT-29 cells and mouse tumour tissues by immunofluorescence. These results suggest that luteolin inhibits the proliferation of colon cancer cells through a novel pathway called pyroptosis. This study provides a new direction for the development of natural products that inhibit tumour growth by inducing pyroptosis.
Protective effect of Monarda didymaL. essential oil and its main component thymol on learning and memory impairment in aging mice
Authors: Guo Yingxue , Qu Yan , Li Wenpeng , Shen Hongkuan , Cui Jiwen , Liu Jiguang , Li Jinlian , Wu Dongmei
Published: August 2022

The aging process of human beings is accompanied by the decline of learning and memory ability and progressive decline of brain function, which induces Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in serious cases and seriously affects the quality of patient’s life. In recent years, more and more studies have found that natural plant antioxidants can help to improve the learning and memory impairment, reduce oxidative stress injury and aging lesions in tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Monarda didymaL. essential oil and its main component thymol on learning and memory impairment in D-galactose-induced aging mice and its molecular mechanism. The composition of Monarda didymaL. essential oil was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). A mouse aging model was established by the subcutaneous injection of D-galactose in mice. The behavior changes of the mice were observed by feeding the model mice with essential oil, thymol and donepezil, and the histopathological changes of the hippocampus were observed by HE staining. And the changes of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in hippocampal tissues were detected by corresponding kits. The expression of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways related proteins were detected by western blot. Animal experimental results showed that compared with model group, the above indexes in Monarda didymaL. essential oil and thymol groups improved significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Monarda didymaL. essential oil and its main active component thymol can improve the learning and memory impairment of aging mice to some extent, and Nrf2 and MAPK pathways may be involved in its action process.
700 W single-frequency all-fiber amplifier at 1064 nm with kHz-level spectral linewidth
Authors: Shi Chaodu , Deng Xun , Fu Shijie , Sheng Quan , Jiang Peiheng , Shi Zheng , Li Yanyan , Shi Wei , Yao Jianquan
Published: August 2022

In this work, a single-frequency fiber amplifier with output power of 703 W was demonstrated at 1,064.4 nm in an all-fiber configuration. Cascaded Yb3+-doped fiber structure with different dopant concentration and hybrid 915/976 nm pump scheme were employed in power scaling stage to improve the gain saturation for higher transverse mode instability threshold. An overall optical efficiency of 67.5% was achieved at the maximum output power and the M2 was measured to be ∼1.4. A spectral linewidth of 2 kHz was obtained from the 703-W single-frequency laser. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a single-frequency all-fiber amplifier with kHz-level spectral linewidth is achieved at such high output power.
Hypoxia and risk preferences: Mild hypoxia impacts choices for low-probability high-payoff bets
Authors: Pighin Stefania , Bonini Nicolao , Hadjichristidis Constantinos , Schena Federico , Modena Roberto , Savadori Lucia
Published: August 2022

Mild degrees of hypoxia are known to exert a detrimental effect on cognitive functions. In a lab study, we assessed the effect of mild hypoxia on risk-taking behavior. Participants (N= 25) were presented with pairs of bets of equal expected monetary value, one having a higher probability of winning/losing a lower payoff (safer bet) and one having a lower probability of winning/losing a higher payoff (riskier bet). We systematically varied the ratio of the probabilities (and corresponding payoffs) of the two bets and examined how this affected participants’ choice between them. Following a familiarization session, participants performed the task twice: once in a normoxic environment (20.9% oxygen concentration) and once in a mildly hypoxic environment (14.1% oxygen concentration). Participants were not told and could not guess which environment they were in. We found a higher preference for the riskier bet in the mild hypoxic than normoxic environment but only in the loss domain. Furthermore, as the probability ratio increased, mild hypoxia increased the preference for the riskier bet in the domain of losses but decreased it for gains. The present findings support that mild hypoxia promotes riskier choices in the loss domain and provide new insights into the impact of mild hypoxia in moderating the effect of probability ratio on risky choices.
Musical instrumental reading affects middle cerebral blood flow and cognitive function
Authors: Kawasaki Ai , Hayashi Naoyuki
Published: August 2022

Playing a musical instrument includes reading music scores, playing, and listening in parallel. It is unclear which of these activities are responsible for an increase in cerebral blood flow. We investigated the factors increasing middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv) during musical performance, and examined whether playing and reading music affects cognitive function. Seventeen musicians played an instrument with reading music, played music from memory, and read music scores in a randomized order, for 10 min each. The MCAv was continuously recorded from 5 min before to 10 min after the performance. A Stroop test was performed before and after performance. The MCAv increased significantly with reading music, playing from memory, and reading music. Stroop test scores increased significantly after music reading. These findings suggest that both music reading and playing an instrument are involved in the increase in MCAv during music performance. Cognitive function was transiently improved by playing musical instruments.
CRISPR/Cas9 targeted inactivation of the kauniolide synthase in chicory results in accumulation of costunolide and its conjugates in taproots
Authors: Cankar Katarina , Hakkert Johanna Christina , Sevenier Robert , Campo Eva , Schipper Bert , Papastolopoulou Christina , Vahabi Khabat , Tissier Alain , Bundock Paul , Bosch Dirk
Published: August 2022

Chicory taproots accumulate sesquiterpene lactones lactucin, lactucopicrin, and 8-deoxylactucin, predominantly in their oxalated forms. The biosynthetic pathway for chicory sesquiterpene lactones has only partly been elucidated; the enzymes that convert farnesyl pyrophosphate to costunolide have been described. The next biosynthetic step of the conversion of costunolide to the tricyclic structure, guaianolide kauniolide, has so far not been elucidated in chicory. In this work three putative kauniolide synthase genes were identified in chicory named CiKLS1, CiKLS2, and CiKLS3. Their activity to convert costunolide to kauniolide was demonstrated in vitro using yeast microsome assays. Next, introduction of CRISPR/Cas9 reagents into chicory protoplasts was used to inactivate multiple chicory KLS genes and several chicory lines were successfully regenerated. The inactivation of the kauniolide synthase genes in chicory by the CRISPR/Cas9 approach resulted in interruption of the sesquiterpene lactone biosynthesis in chicory leaves and taproots. In chicory taproots, but not in leaves, accumulation of costunolide and its conjugates was observed to high levels, namely 1.5 mg/g FW. These results confirmed that all three genes contribute to STL accumulation, albeit to different extent. These observations demonstrate that three genes oriented in tandem on the chicory genome encode kauniolide synthases that initiate the conversion of costunolide toward the sesquiterpene lactones in chicory.
Origins of the seed: The “golden-trio hypothesis”
Authors: Bai Shu-Nong , Rao Guang-Yuan , Yang Ji
Published: August 2022

The seed is an evolutionary innovation in the plant kingdom. While human civilization depends heavily on seed production, how the seed trait emerged remains elusive. In this opinion article, a “golden-trio hypothesis” is proposed based on our investigations of LEC1 gene functions in Adiantum capillus-veneris. This hypothesis posits that a “seed program” arose from spatiotemporal integration of three key components: assimilate flow, ABA-mediated stress responses, and stress-induced LEC1 expression. Thus, the evolutionary innovation of seeds should be considered not a simple event resulting from new genes; rather, it represents the outcome of a series of physiological and morphological innovations that emerged prior to and regardless of the origin of the seed program. This new perspective could help us tackle some long-standing questions around the puzzling origin of seeds.
Effect of social media overload on college students’ academic performance under the COVID-19 quarantine
Authors: Xu Yan , Li Yilan , Zhang Qingfang , Yue Xianghua , Ye Yan
Published: August 2022

Features and relevant services of online social media have been attracting users during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies have shown that college students tend to use social media more frequently than other groups. However, in being affected by social media overload, the social media use behaviors of many college students have been out of their control in terms of their capabilities or cognition. Based on the stressor–strain–outcome (SSO) model and the theory of compensatory internet use (TCIU), we developed a research model to study the causes of social media overload and its impact on college students’ academic performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 441 valid responses from college students through questionnaires in China are collectedviapurposive sampling and used in the data analysis. This study conducts PLS-SEM to analyze collected data, finding that boredom proneness is associated with overload (stress), which has a bearing on social media overload (strain) and the reduction in final performance (outcome). Through illustrating the psychological and behavioral conditions that hinder the academic performance of students, this study provides deeper insights into students’ uncontrollable use of social media. Moreover, with respect to the identified antecedents, this study aims to find solutions to mitigate the impact of social media overload resulting from boredom proneness on the academic performance of college students.
Evaluating the impact of experience value promotes user voice toward social media: Value co-creation perspective
Authors: Zhu Wanying , Huangfu Zhounan , Xu Di , Wang Xiuping , Yang Ziang
Published: August 2022

Experience value is positively associated with user voice toward social media, but existing research lacks an examination of its mechanisms of action. Based on value co-creation theory, this paper explores the relationship between experience value (i.e., social value, entertainment value, information value) and customer voice, and explains the specific influence mechanism through the mediating role of user loyalty. The results of the empirical tests show that social value, entertainment value and information value have significant effects on user loyalty; user loyalty has a significant effect on promotive voice but not on prohibitive voice; user loyalty mediates the relationship between body social value, entertainment value, information value and promotive voice. The findings of this research reveal the important role of experience value on customer voice, which is an important guide for social media to achieve sustainable development.
Effect of medical innovation policies on the prevention and control of the COVID-19 and the impact of the “Belt and Road” economy
Authors: Chen Yirun , Zhao Zichao , Dai Wensheng
Published: August 2022

With the spread of the COVID-19, it is urgent for everyone to protect themselves. The introduction of the medical innovation policy has also brought certain effects to the prevention and control of the COVID-19. The specific effect will be reflected in the following research. This paper firstly analyzed research results related to medical innovation policy, COVID-19 prevention and control, and the “One Belt, One Road” economy, finding out the content that fits this research, and innovates the research work on this basis. Then, this paper provided a detailed explanation of medical innovation policies, the prevention and control of the COVID-19, and the “One Belt, One Road” economy. Among them, this paper focuses on the “One Belt and One Road,” uses the α-convergence model to analyze the economic changes of the “One Belt and One Road,” and conducts experimental tests in the medical field. The results have shown that from 2017 to 2019, the average hospitalization expenses paid by the pooled funds were 4986.19, 4997.34, and 4888.60 yuan, respectively.
Frontline Health Care Workers' (HCWs) perception of barriers to managing COVID-19 in Fiji
Authors: Deo Anjana , Mohammadnezhad Masoud
Published: August 2022

Background

Health Care Workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of COVID-19 infection with their efforts while protecting the greater community and also exposed to hazards, such as psychological distress, fatigue, and stigma. This study aimed to explore the perception of frontline HCWs on barriers of managing COVID-19 in Fiji.

Methods

A qualitative study method was approached to conduct this study among the HCWs who worked on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic based at ten purposively selected health facilities in the Suva subdivision in the Central Division of Fiji. The Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH), the Fiji Centre for Communicable Diseases (Fiji CDC), Twomey hospital laboratory, and CWMH laboratory did the main control and most of the operations of other divisions were monitored from these settings. A semi-structured open-ended questionnaire was used to collect data using in-depth interviews. The participants' responses were audio-recorded and were later transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

A total of twenty-nine HCWs took part in the in-depth interview and the responses were grouped into four themes, which include: workload, poor communication, lack of resources, and hindrance to education. It was also found through this study that some of the HCWs felt tired, frustrated, got rude to patients, and found it difficult to handle situations, which affected them mentally and physically stressed.

Conclusion

Managing the COVID-19 cases has been attributed to the presence of many barriers, such as workload, tiredness, frustration, and sometimes difficult-to-handle situations, and the HCWs were indeed affected mentally and physically. Regular training for HCWs and more awareness programs would help the general public to follow the preventive measures, which reduces the cases and would help the HCWs manage COVID-19 well.
Youth's (Un)willingness to work in agriculture sector
Authors: Girdziute Laura , Besuspariene Erika , Nausediene Ausra , Novikova Anastasija , Leppala Jarkko , Jakob Martina
Published: August 2022

Work in agriculture is a significant area of research that highlights the problem of the integration of young people in the former, in particular, in the recent period. Work in agriculture is hard and not prestigious, and young people tend to leave rural areas in the search for alternative activities in urban areas. The study addresses the problem of how the youth should be integrated into agricultural workforce by focusing on identification of the reasons behind the (un)willingness to work in agriculture. The aim of the study is to assess the reasons behind the youth's (un)willingness of work in agriculture, using Lithuania as the case study. The data were collected by means of a questionnaire designed to investigate the perception and opinions toward work in agriculture. The Binary Logistic Regression was used to identify the factors affecting the youth's opinion about (un)willingness to work in agriculture. The study analyzed 430 young people 's responses to the questionnaires survey. The BLR has revealed that youth's unwillingness to work in agriculture is mostly affected by gender, area of residence and youths' beliefs that work in agriculture does not provide any opportunities for self-realization. In summary, this paper argues that the major motivation to work in agriculture is associated with having parents who are engaged in agricultural activities, love of animals and natural environment, and the availability of specialized training. The findings have confirmed the need to attract young people to work in agriculture. Its results are necessary for the scientific community, policy makers, farmers, and practitioners exploring the possibilities for integration of the youth into the agricultural workforce.