bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotion Regulation Versus Mood Regulation
Authors: Meyers Samuel , Tamir Maya
Published: June 2024

Emotions and moods have been distinguished in the literature. If they are distinct, we may expect emotion regulation and mood regulation to be distinct too. We show that although emotion regulation and mood regulation are considered theoretically distinct, they are often confounded empirically. We review characteristics proposed to distinguish emotions from moods by different theoretical approaches to emotion. We also review challenges to these propositions, suggesting that one valid distinction involves intentionality. Building on the above, we discuss possible differences between emotion regulation and mood regulation. Finally, we encourage the use of accurate terminology, argue for the importance of empirically testing hypotheses regarding distinctions between emotion regulation and mood regulation, and discuss possible implications.
Distribution of Aspergillus species and risk factors for aspergillosis in mainland China: a systematic review
Authors: Khan Sabir , Bilal Hazrat , Shafiq Muhammad , Zhang Dongxing , Awais Muhammad , Chen Canhua , Khan Muhammad Nadeem , Wang Qian , Cai Lin , Islam Rehmat , Zeng Yuebin
Published: June 2024

Background:

Aspergillus, a widespread fungus in the natural environment, poses a significant threat to human health by entering the human body via the airways and causing a disease called aspergillosis. This study comprehensively analyzed data on aspergillosis in published articles from mainland China to investigate the prevalence of Aspergillus, and risk factors, mortality rate, and underlying condition associated with aspergillosis.

Methods:

Published articles were retrieved from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct online search engines. In the 101 analyzed studies, 3558 Aspergillus isolates were meticulously collected and classified. GraphPad Prism 8 was used to statistically examine the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of aspergillosis.

Results:

Aspergillus fumigatus was prominently reported ( n = 2679, 75.14%), followed by A. flavus ( n = 437, 12.25%), A. niger ( n = 219, 6.14%), and A. terreus ( n = 119, 3.33%). Of a total of 9810 patients, 7513 probable cases accounted for the highest number, followed by confirmed cases ( n = 1956) and possible cases ( n = 341). In patients, cough emerged as the most common complaint ( n = 1819, 18.54%), followed by asthma ( n = 1029, 10.48%) and fever (1024, 10.44%). Of total studies, invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) was reported in 47 (45.53%) studies, exhibiting an increased prevalence in Beijing ( n = 12, 25.53%), Guangdong ( n = 7, 14.89%), and Shanghai ( n = 6, 12.76%). Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) was reported in 14 (13.86%) studies. Among the total of 14 studies, the occurrence of CPA was 5 (35.71%) in Beijing and 3 (21.42%) in Shanghai. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), was reported at a lower frequency ( n = 8, 7.92%), Guangdong recorded a relatively high number ( n = 3, 37.5%), followed by Beijing ( n = 2, 25.0%), and Shanghai ( n = 1, 12.5%). Percentage of death reported: IPA had the highest rate ( n = 447, 68.87%), followed by CPA ( n = 181, 27.88%) and ABPA ( n = 14, 2.15%). Among the aspergillosis patients, 6220 had underlying conditions, including chronic lung disease ( n = 3765, 60.53%), previous tuberculosis ( n = 416, 6.68%), and organ transplant or organ failure ( n = 648, 10.41%). Aspergillosis was also found in patients using corticosteroid therapy ( n = 622, 10.0%).

Conclusion:

This review sheds light on the prevalence patterns of Aspergillus species, risk factors of aspergillosis, and gaps in surveillance that could be helpful for the control and treatment of aspergillosis and guide the researchers in future studies.

Registration:

This systematic review was prospectively registered on PROSPERO: Registration ID CRD42023476870.
Clinical Outcomes of a Novel Hybrid Transtibial Technique for Femoral Tunnel Drilling in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Large Single-Center Case Series With a Minimum 2-Year Follow-up
Authors: Hong Ian S. , Ifarraguerri Anna M. , Berk Alexander N. , Trofa David P. , Piasecki Dana P. , Saltzman Bryan M.
Published: June 2024

Background:

A novel hybrid transtibial (HTT) approach to femoral tunnel drilling in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) has been developed that circumvents the need for knee hyperflexion and orients the graft in the most anatomic position without sacrificing the tunnel length or aperture.

Hypothesis:

Patients who underwent ACLR utilizing the HTT technique would achieve excellent patient-reported outcome scores and experience low rates of graft failure and reoperations.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Patients who underwent primary ACLR at a single institution between 2005 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients treated with the HTT, anteromedial portal (AMP), and transtibial (TT) approaches were matched based on age, sex, and body mass index ±3 kg/m2. Demographic and surgical data as well as femoral tunnel angle measurements on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were collected for the 3 groups. However, clinical outcomes were only reported for the HTT group because of concerns of graft heterogeneity.

Results:

A total of 170 patients (median age, 26.5 years [interquartile range (IQR), 18.0-35.0 years]) who underwent ACLR using the HTT approach were included. The median coronal- and sagittal-plane femoral tunnel angles were 47° (IQR, 42°-53°) and 40° (IQR, 34°-46°), respectively. The sagittal-plane femoral tunnel angles in the HTT group were significantly more horizontal compared with those in the TT group ( P < .0001), whereas the coronal-plane femoral tunnel angles in the HTT group were found to be significantly more vertical compared with those in the AMP group ( P = .001) and more horizontal compared with those in the TT group ( P < .0001). The graft failure and reoperation rates in the HTT group at a minimum 2-year follow-up were 1.8% (3/170) and 4.7% (8/170), respectively. The complication rate was 6.5% (11/170), with the most common complication being subjective stiffness in 7 patients. The median Lysholm score was 89.5 (IQR, 79.0-98.0); the median International Knee Documentation Committee score was 83.9 (IQR, 65.5-90.8); and the median Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey physical and mental component summary scores were 55.0 (IQR, 52.6-55.9) and 56.2 (IQR, 49.1-59.3), respectively.

Conclusion:

ACLR using the HTT technique was associated with low graft retear and revision surgery rates and good patient-reported outcome scores at medium-term follow-up and demonstrated femoral tunnel obliquity on postoperative radiographs that correlated with optimal parameters previously reported in cadaveric and biomechanical studies.
Learning to Be “Me,” “the Team,” and “the Company” Through Entrepreneurial Extracurricular Activities: An Ethnographic Approach
Authors: Wraae Birgitte , Nybye Nicolai
Published: June 2024

A missing research focus in entrepreneurship education is the question of how student entrepreneurs learn through becoming part of the educational extracurricular incubator environment. In particular, how students can continue to develop their identities during their transition to and time in the new learning environment that the incubator represents. Through an ethnographic approach and a unique single case study consisting of an entrepreneurial student team, this paper aims to establish a link between learning and identity development that besides being individual also carries collective identity elements. The findings relate to how students find meaning and make decisions in a business context and how this develops them as individuals, a team, and their company. The development of related identities is a new contribution to research on extracurricular activities. The extracurricular incubator environment not only presents another opportunity for and typology of learning but also becomes an arena for continuous identity development in various forms.
Genome-wide identification and investigation of monosaccharide transporter gene family based on their evolution and expression analysis under abiotic stress and hormone treatments in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Zhu Jialun , Li Tianfeng , Ma Jing , Li Wenyu , Zhang Hanyu , Nadezhda Tsyganova , Zhu Yanshu , Dong Xiaomei , Li Cong , Fan Jinjuan
Published: June 2024

Background

Monosaccharide transporter (MST) family, as a carrier for monosaccharide transport, plays an important role in carbon partitioning and widely involves in plant growth and development, stress response, and signaling transduction. However, little information on the MST family genes is reported in maize (Zea mays), especially in response to abiotic stresses. In this study, the genome-wide identification of MST family genes was performed in maize.

Result

A total of sixty-six putative members of MST gene family were identified and divided into seven subfamilies (including SPT, PMT, VGT, INT, pGlcT, TMT, and ERD) using bioinformatics approaches, and gene information, phylogenetic tree, chromosomal location, gene structure, motif composition, and cis-acting elements were investigated. Eight tandem and twelve segmental duplication events were identified, which played an important role in the expansion of the ZmMST family. Synteny analysis revealed the evolutionary features of MST genes in three gramineous crop species. The expression analysis indicated that most of the PMT, VGT, and ERD subfamilies members responded to osmotic and cadmium stresses, and some of them were regulated by ABA signaling, while only a few members of other subfamilies responded to stresses. In addition, only five genes were induced by NaCl stress in MST family.

Conclusion

These results serve to understand the evolutionary relationships of the ZmMST family genes and supply some insight into the processes of monosaccharide transport and carbon partitioning on the balance between plant growth and development and stress response in maize.
Comparison of hypotension incidence between remimazolam and propofol in patients with hypertension undergoing neurosurgery: prospective, randomized, single-blind trial
Authors: Choi Seung Ho , Min Kyeong Tae , Park Eun Kyung , Park Sujung
Published: June 2024

Background

Remimazolam, a newer benzodiazepine that targets the GABAA receptor, is thought to allow more stable blood pressure management during anesthesia induction. In contrast, propofol is associated with vasodilatory effects and an increased risk of hypotension, particularly in patients with comorbidities. This study aimed to identify medications that can maintain stable vital signs throughout the induction phase.

Methods

We conducted a single-center, two-group, randomized controlled trial to investigate and compare the incidence of hypotension between remimazolam- and propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). We selected patients aged between 19 and 75 years scheduled for neurosurgery under general anesthesia, who were classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status I–III and had a history of hypertension.

Results

We included 94 patients in the final analysis. The incidence of hypotension was higher in the propofol group (91.3%) than in the remimazolam group (85.4%; P = 0.057). There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypotension among the various antihypertensive medications despite the majority of patients being on multiple medications. In comparison with the propofol group, the remimazolam group demonstrated a higher heart rate immediately after intubation.

Conclusions

Our study indicated that the hypotension incidence of remimazolam-based TIVA was comparable to that of propofol-based TIVA throughout the induction phase of EEG-guided anesthesia. Both remimazolam and propofol may be equally suitable for general anesthesia in patients undergoing neurosurgery.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT05164146).
The estimated 10-year risk of first-onset cardiovascular disease in Swedish-born and non-Swedish-born primary healthcare patients
Authors: Saleh Mustafa , Salminen Helena , Taloyan Marina
Published: June 2024

Background

SCORE2 has been introduced as an updated risk assessment tool for calculating the 10-year risk of first-onset cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, it does not account for ethnicity or socioeconomic status, known to affect CVD risk. This study investigated and compared SCORE2 estimates in Swedish-born and non-Swedish-born primary healthcare patients. The second aim was to examine if several risk factors could explain differences in CVD risk between the groups.

Methods

This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from the 4D Diabetes Project study, providing a total of 444 participants aged between 40 and 69 years. All participants had complete risk variable data necessary for the SCORE2 tool and no history of previous CVD. Descriptive analysis was conducted to compare distributions of risk factors between Swedes and immigrants and odds ratios of risk factors amongst these two groups in correlation to elevated CVD risk were calculated using logistic regression.

Results

Swedish-born patients showed a significantly higher risk of elevated CVD risk estimates (≥ 2.5% CVD risk increase for individuals < 50 years, respectively, ≥ 5% for individuals aged 51–69) than the non-Swedish-born population, even after adjustment for educational level (OR = 1.61, 95% CI 1.08–2.39). Weekly alcohol consumption implicated a risk of being classified as high risk of CVD risk, regardless of country of birth (OR = 1.93 CI 1.25-3.00). However, Swedes accounted for most of the alcohol consumption (62.6% vs. 19.6%). No other explanatory variable showed significance in association with elevated CVD risk.

Conclusions

Swedish-born patients were found to be at higher risk of an increased 10-year CVD risk. The association of alcohol consumption with elevated CVD risk needs to be further studied in longitudinal studies in representative populations, notably among Sweden’s diverse ethnic groups.
Necessity for higher teicoplanin doses in older adults: a multicenter prospective observational study in China
Authors: Liu Tingting , Wu Jionghe , Na Peng , Wu Xia , Yuan Yaping , Wang Chao , Ma Xuewei , Qi Lin , Chen Xiaomin , Rao Weiqiao , Duan Zhimei , Fang Xiangqun , Xie Lixin , Li Hongxia
Published: June 2024

Background

Many older adult patients receive low-dose teicoplanin with varied regimens, leading to a lack of clarity on its optimal regimens and toxicity profiles in China. This study aimed to clarify these aspects by analyzing teicoplanin treatment concentrations and toxicities.

Methods

We included older adult patients administered teicoplanin at four tertiary hospitals in Beijing from June 2021 to July 2023, targeting a trough concentration (Cmin) ≥ 10 mg/L. Teicoplanin concentrations and toxicities were monitored dynamically.

Results

From 204 patients, we obtained 632 teicoplanin concentrations. Most patients (83.3%) received low-dose regimens. Suboptimal concentrations were found in 66.4% of patients within 7 days of treatment and 17.0% after 15 days. Cmin gradually increased with treatment duration and was influenced initially by creatinine and by both body weight and creatinine from days 8 to 14. The target concentration was achieved in 53.1%, 33.9%, 15.6%, and 5.5% of patients at 3, ≤ 7, 8–14, and ≥ 15 days after withdrawal, respectively. Slow elimination was associated with average Cmin and eGFR. Nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and thrombocytopenia occurred in 12.5%, 4.1%, and 31.5% of patients, respectively, without significant differences between concentrations.

Conclusions

Most older adult patients were underdosed, indicating a need for dose adjustment. Given the varied risk factors for suboptimal concentrations in different treatment stages, a one-size-fits-all regimen was ineffective. We recommend an initial dose of 400 mg at 12-h intervals for the first three days, with subsequent doses from days 4 to 14 adjusted based on creatinine and body weight; after day 14, a maintenance dose of 200 mg daily is advised.

Trial registration

ChiCTR2100046811; 28/05/2021.
The effect of non-pharmacological prenatal interventions on fear of childbirth: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analysis
Authors: Alizadeh-Dibazari Zohreh , Maghalain Mahsa , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: June 2024

Background

During pregnancy and childbirth, alongside positive feelings, women undergo feelings such as fear of childbirth (FoC) and worry about its consequences, which could leave negative effects on the mother and her child during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. The study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of prenatal non-pharmacological interventions on reducing the FoC.

Methods

The protocol of the study was registered in PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023468547). PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, SID (Scientific Information Database) and Google Scholar search engine databases were systematically searched until July 27, 2023 with no limitation of time and limited to Persian and English studies in order to perform this overview. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE, methodological quality using AMSTAR 2 and reporting quality using PRISMA score. Meta-analysis was performed on the data extracted from the original trials to evaluate the effect of different interventions on reducing the FoC. Sub-group analysis and meta-regression models were used to examine high heterogeneity, and sensitivity analysis was used to eliminate the effect of high risk of bias studies on the study findings.

Results

Overall, 15 systematic reviews (SRs) were included in the overview, among which meta-analysis was performed in 9 studies. Considering methodological quality, these SRs were in low to critically low status and had relatively complete reports regarding reporting quality. Meta-analysis findings indicated that psychological interventions (SMD -2.02, 95% CI -2.69 to -1.36, 16 trials, 1057 participants, I2 = 95%) and prenatal educations (SMD -0.88, 95% CI -1.16 to -0.61, 4 trials, 432 participants, I2 = 72.8%) cause a significant reduction in FoC relative to prenatal usual cares with low certainty of evidence. Distraction techniques lead to a significant reduction in FoC relative to prenatal usual care with high certainty of evidence (SMD -0.75, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.33, 4 trials, 329 participants, I2 = 69%), but enhanced cares do not result in a significant decrease FoC relative to prenatal usual care with very low certainty of evidence (SMD -1.14, 95% CI -2.85 to 0.58, 3 trials, 232 participants, I2 = 97%).

Conclusions

Distraction techniques are effective in reducing FoC. Regarding the effect of psychological interventions and prenatal educations on the reduction of FoC, the findings indicated that the interventions may result in the reduction of FoC. Very uncertain evidence showed that enhanced cares are not effective in reducing the FoC.
Cross-border healthcare-seeking and utilization behaviours among ethnic minorities: exploring the nexus of the perceived better option and public health concerns
Authors: Leung Sik Yee , Ku Hok Bun
Published: June 2024

Background

Many ethnic minorities in Hong Kong seek medical tourism after encountering inequalities in access to local healthcare because of language barriers and cultural-religious differences. The present study explored the ethnic minorities’ lived experiences of medical tourism and issues arising from cross-border health-seeking relevant to this specific population.

Methods

Qualitative in-depth interviews with 25 ethnic minority informants from five South Asian countries in 2019.

Results

The 19 informants out of the 25 have sought assistance from their international networks for home remedies, medical advice and treatments of traditional/Western medicines, for they are more costly or unavailable in Hong Kong and for issues related to racial discrimination, language barriers, transnationalism engagement, cultural insensitivity, and dissatisfaction with healthcare services in Hong Kong.

Discussion

Medical tourism can relieve the host country’s caring responsibilities from healthcare services, so the government might no longer be hard-pressed to fix the failing healthcare system. Consequently, it could cause public health concerns, such as having patients bear the risks of exposure to new pathogens, the extra cost from postoperative complications, gaps in medical documentation and continuum of care, etc. It also triggers global inequities in health care, exacerbating unequal distribution of resources among the affordable and non-affordable groups.

Conclusion

Ethnic minorities in Hong Kong sought cross-border healthcare because of structural and cultural-religious issues. The surge of medical tourism from rich and developed countries to poor and developing countries may infringe upon the rights of residents in destination countries. To mitigate such negative impacts, policymakers of host countries should improve hospital infrastructure, as well as train and recruit more culturally sensitive healthcare workers to promote universal health coverage. Healthcare professionals should also strive to enhance their cultural competence to foster effective intercultural communication for ethnic minority groups.
Prevalence and risk factors associated with precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions among HIV-infected women in University of Gondar specialized comprehensive referral hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: cross-sectional study design
Authors: Worku Elfalet , Yigizaw Getachew , Admassu Robel , Mekonnen Dawit , Gessessa Winta , Tessema Zemenu , Walle Tarkie
Published: June 2024

Background

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women worldwide. The majority of the cases are found in developing countries. The increasing risk of cervical cancer prevalence and growing danger of death from cervical cancer and the high occurrence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in women who are HIV positive give us the ground to study the prevalence and associated risk factors.

Objective

The study aims to assess the prevalence of cervical cancer screening and associated risk factors among HIV-positive women attending the Adult ART clinic at the University of Gondar Hospital.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2021, on adult HIV-positive women attending the Adult ART clinic at Gondar University Referral Hospital by phone calling patients per week for six months to complete a total of 2744 HIV-positive patients who were not screened for cervical cancer before. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the presence and the degree of association between dependent and independent variables. In the multivariable logistic analysis, a P-value of < 0.05 and odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were considered to determine independent predictors for the prevalence of premalignant or malignant cervical lesions among HIV-positive patients.

Result

This study assessed 915 HIV Positive women who were screened for cervical cancer via visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) as the primary screening tool and found that 24.48% had positive VIA results. Those with VIA-positive cases pathology examination showed 72.4% had abnormal pathology reports (CIN 1/2/3–51.25%, 17.23% cancer & 3.9% CIS), strengthening the finding in many studies that suggest HIV-positive women have a high rate of premalignant lesions.
Association between watching eating shows and unhealthy food consumption in Korean adolescents
Authors: Joo Min Jeong , Kim Dan Bi , Ko Jisu , Lim Jae Hyeok , Park Eun-Cheol , Shin Jaeyong
Published: June 2024

Background

Eating habits formed during adolescence greatly influence the maintenance of health in adulthood. With the recent development of social media and easy access to the Internet, adolescents watch plenty of food videos, particularly Mukbang and Cookbnag(eating show)content. This media genre’s impact on food choices has been covered in several studies; however, studies on unhealthy eating habits directly related to adolescents’ exposure to eating shows are insufficient.

Methods

For this study, we used data from the 18th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted in 2022 and finalized 50,451 participants. The extent of exposure to eating show media over the course of a week, as well as the consumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and high caffeinated beverages within that week were measured through self-reporting questionnaires. We classified the participants into two groups based on their frequency of watching eating shows. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between eating show and unhealthy food consumption.

Results

For both males and females, eating show exposure was strongly associated with the consumption of fast food (male: OR:1.37, 95% CI:1.26–1.49; female: OR:1.46, 95% CI:1.36–1.57), SSB (male: OR:1.42, 95% CI:1.26–1.60; female: OR:1.51, 95% CI:1.35–1.70), and high caffeinated beverage (male: OR:1.30, 95% CI:1.23–1.37; female: OR:1.24, 95% CI:1.18–1.31). It was observed that both sexes were more likely to frequently eat unhealthy food than students who did not watch eating shows.

Conclusion

Among Korean adolescents, students exposed to eating shows, which primarily aim to entertain, were more likely to consume fast food, SSBs, and high caffeinated beverages. Therefore, this study's findings suggest that eating show could influence adolescents' food choices, highlighting the need for interest in emerging cultures and corresponding health policies.
The spectrum of factor XI deficiency in Southeast China: four recurrent variants can explain most of the deficiencies
Authors: Zhang Ke , Qin Langyi , Xu Fei , Ye Longying , Wen Mengzhen , Pan Jingye , Yang Lihong , Wang Mingshan , Xie Haixiao
Published: June 2024

Background

Factor XI (FXI) deficiency is an autosomal hemorrhagic disorder characterized by reduced plasma FXI levels. Multiple ancestral variants in the F11 gene have been identified in Ashkenazi Jews and other selected European populations. However, there are few reports of predominant variants in Chinese and/or East Asian populations. The aim of this study is to characterize the genotypes and phenotypes of FXI deficiency and identify the predominant variants.

Results

Of the 41 FXI-deficient patients, 39 exhibited severe FXI defects, considerably more than those with partial defects. The APTT levels showed a negative correlation with FXI activity levels (coefficient=-0.584, P < .001). Only nine patients experienced mild bleeding, including one partially defective patient and eight severely defective patients. The majority of patients were referred for preoperative screenings (n = 22) and checkups (n = 14). Genetic analysis revealed that 90% of the patients had genetic defects, with 2, 16, and 19 cases of heterozygous, homozygous, and compound heterozygous patients, respectively. Seventeen variants were detected in the F11 gene (6 novel), including eleven missense variants, four nonsense variants, and two small deletions scattered throughout the F11. Of the 11 missense variants, six have not yet been studied for in vitro expression. Protein modeling analyses indicated that all of these variants disrupted local structural stability by altering side-chain orientation and hydrogen bonds. Nine variants, consisting of three missense and six null variants, were detected with a frequency of two or more. The highest allele frequency was observed in p.Q281* (21.25%), p.W246* (17.50%), p.Y369* (12.50%), and p.L442Cfs*8 (12.50%). The former two were variants specific to East Asia, while the remaining two were southeast China-specific variants.

Conclusion

Our population-based cohort demonstrated that no correlation between the level of FXI activity and the bleeding severity in FXI deficiency. Additionally, the prevalence of FXI deficiency may have been underestimated. The nonsense p.Q281* was the most common variant in southeast China, suggesting a possible founder effect.
Therapeutic potential of the topical recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Li Haibing , Di Chanjuan , Xie Yanbing , Bai Yuexia , Liu Yongxue
Published: June 2024

Background

Recombinant human Interleukin receptor antagonist (rhIL-Ra) can bind to the IL-1 receptor on the cell membrane and reversibly blocks the proinflammatory signaling pathway. However, its effect on allergic rhinitis (AR) and the underlying mechanism remains unknown. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of recombinant human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1Ra) on AR guinea pigs.

Methods

Guinea pigs were systemically sensitized by intraperitoneal injection and topical intranasal instillation with ovalbumin within 21 days. Animals administrated with saline served as the normal control. The AR animals were randomly divided into the model group and distinct concentrations of rhIL-1Ra and budesonide treatment groups. IL-1β and ovalbumin specific IgE levels were detected by ELISA kits. Nasal mucosa tissues were stained with hematoxylin & eosin (HE) for histological examination.

Results

It was found that the numbers of sneezing and nose rubbing were remarkably reduced in rhIL-1Ra and budesonide-treated guinea pigs. Besides, rhIL-1Ra distinctly alleviated IgE levels in serum and IL-1β levels in nasal mucus, together with decreased exfoliation of epithelial cells, eosinophilic infiltration, tissue edema and vascular dilatation.

Conclusions

rhIL-1Ra is effective in AR guinea pigs and may provide a novel potential choice for AR treatments.
Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 regulates mouse enteroendocrine cell development and homeostasis
Authors: Peng Zhaoyi , Bao Lingyu , Iben James , Wang Shouhong , Shi Bingyin , Shi Yun-Bo
Published: June 2024

Background

The adult intestinal epithelium is a complex, self-renewing tissue composed of specialized cell types with diverse functions. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) located at the bottom of crypts, where they divide to either self-renew, or move to the transit amplifying zone to divide and differentiate into absorptive and secretory cells as they move along the crypt-villus axis. Enteroendocrine cells (EECs), one type of secretory cells, are the most abundant hormone-producing cells in mammals and involved in the control of energy homeostasis. However, regulation of EEC development and homeostasis is still unclear or controversial. We have previously shown that protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) 1, a histone methyltransferase and transcription co-activator, is important for adult intestinal epithelial homeostasis.

Results

To investigate how PRMT1 affects adult intestinal epithelial homeostasis, we performed RNA-Seq on small intestinal crypts of tamoxifen-induced intestinal epithelium-specific PRMT1 knockout and PRMT1fl/fl adult mice. We found that PRMT1fl/fl and PRMT1-deficient small intestinal crypts exhibited markedly different mRNA profiles. Surprisingly, GO terms and KEGG pathway analyses showed that the topmost significantly enriched pathways among the genes upregulated in PRMT1 knockout crypts were associated with EECs. In particular, genes encoding enteroendocrine-specific hormones and transcription factors were upregulated in PRMT1-deficient small intestine. Moreover, a marked increase in the number of EECs was found in the PRMT1 knockout small intestine. Concomitantly, Neurogenin 3-positive enteroendocrine progenitor cells was also increased in the small intestinal crypts of the knockout mice, accompanied by the upregulation of the expression levels of downstream targets of Neurogenin 3, including Neuod1, Pax4, Insm1, in PRMT1-deficient crypts.

Conclusions

Our finding for the first time revealed that the epigenetic enzyme PRMT1 controls mouse enteroendocrine cell development, most likely via inhibition of Neurogenin 3-mediated commitment to EEC lineage. It further suggests a potential role of PRMT1 as a critical transcriptional cofactor in EECs specification and homeostasis to affect metabolism and metabolic diseases.
Nitrogen addition has divergent effects on phosphorus fractions in four types of soils
Authors: Zeng Ping , Zhao Qiong , Hu Jia-yu , Zhang Xiang , Mao Bing , Sun Qing-ye , Wu Wen-ge
Published: June 2024

Background

Globally increasing atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has altered soil phosphorus (P) transformations and availability, and thereby influenced structure and function of terrestrial ecosystems. Edaphic characteristics and chemical form of deposited N could be important factors determining impacts of N deposition on soil P transformations, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Objectives of this study were to examine how mineral-N and amino N differently affect P fractions, and identify key soil properties determining N addition impacts on soil P transformations. Considering that amino N is an important component of deposited N and forest soils vary greatly in different regions, the results of present study can guide the management of forests across different soils under ongoing N deposition scenarios.

Methods

We conducted a 60-day laboratory experiment to investigate the effects of N addition (NH4NO3 and glycine) on soil P fractions and related biochemical properties in four representative forest soils (brown, yellow brown, aeolian sandy, and red soils) in China. Glycine and NH4NO3 were separately added at three rates (5, 10 and 20 g N m–2 yr–1).

Results

Firstly, the percent changes in organic P fractions with N addition were significantly greater than changes in inorganic P fractions across all soils. Secondly, the percent changes in P fractions with glycine and NH4NO3 additions were significantly correlated across all soils and treatments. However, glycine addition had significantly greater impacts on organic P fractions than NH4NO3 addition in the aeolian sandy and red soils with low organic carbon content. Thirdly, P fractions responded differently to N addition among the four soils. N-induced changes in microbial biomass and phosphatase activities, pH, exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+ contributed differently to the changes in P fractions with N addition in the four soils.

Conclusions

The different responses of P fractions to N addition in the four soils were mainly generated by the differences in extent of microbial N limitation, acid buffering capacity, and cation exchange capacity among the soils. The different impacts of mineral and amino N on soil P fractions can be ascribed to their divergent effects on soil pH, microbial biomass and activities.
A literature review on the drivers and barriers of organic food consumption in China
Authors: Castro Campos Bente , Qi Xue
Published: June 2024

Research interest in organic food consumption has increased significantly worldwide, but a systematic analysis of this phenomenon in China is still lacking. The existing studies in this area are wide-ranging and fragmented, and there is a lack of comprehensive research into the drivers and barriers specific to the Chinese context. Based on a literature review of 26 articles spanning from 2011 to 2021, this article employs the consumption values theory and the innovation resistance theory to discern patterns on the drivers and barriers of organic food consumption in China. The findings show that the most explored drivers include the functional values of healthiness and safety. Within the social value realm, environmental concern and symbolic value emerge as important influences on Chinese consumers. Conditional values shed light on factors such as perceived healthiness and certification/organic labeling. Regarding barriers, an aspect of research less analyzed, the article finds key obstacles being price sensitivity, perceived uncertainty, lack of knowledge or information, lack of reliability, and lack of availability or visibility.
Torpor induces reversible tau hyperphosphorylation and accumulation in mice expressing human tau
Authors: de Veij Mestdagh C. F. , Witte M. E. , Scheper W. , Smit A. B. , Henning R. H. , van Kesteren R. E.
Published: June 2024

Tau protein hyperphosphorylation and aggregation are key pathological events in neurodegenerative tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease. Interestingly, seasonal hibernators show extensive tau hyperphosphorylation during torpor, i.e., the hypothermic and hypometabolic state of hibernation, which is completely reversed during arousal. Torpor-associated mechanisms that reverse tau hyperphosphorylation may be of therapeutic relevance, however, it is currently not known to what extent they apply to human tau. Here we addressed this issue using daily torpor in wildtype mice that express mouse tau (mtau) and in mice that lack mtau expression and instead express human tau (htau). AT8, AT100 and Ser396 immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were used to assess tau (hyper)phosphorylation at clinically relevant phosphorylation sites. We found that torpor robustly and reversibly increases the levels of phosphorylated tau in both mtau and htau mice. Immunohistochemistry revealed four brain areas that show prominent tau phosphorylation: the hippocampus, posterior parietal cortex, piriform cortex and cortical amygdala. Whereas wildtype mice primarily showed increased levels of diffusely organized hyperphosphorylated tau during torpor, htau mice contained clear somato-dendritic accumulations of AT8 reactivity resembling tau pre-tangles as observed in the Alzheimer brain. Interestingly, AT8-positive accumulations disappeared upon arousal, and tau phosphorylation levels at 24 h after arousal were lower than observed at baseline, suggesting a beneficial effect of torpor-arousal cycles on preexisting hyperphosphorylated tau. In conclusion, daily torpor in mice offers a quick and standardized method to study tau phosphorylation, accumulation and clearance in mouse models relevant for neurodegeneration, as well as opportunities to discover new targets for the treatment of human tauopathies.
Design of enlarged phononic bandgap 2.5D acoustic resonator via active learning and non-gradient optimization
Authors: Ibrahim Syed Muhammad Anas , Park Jungyul
Published: June 2024

Identifying the phononic crystal (PnC) with bandgap is a problematic process because all phononic crystals don’t have bandgap. Predicting the Phononic bandgaps (PnBGs) is a computationally expensive task. Here we explore the potential of machine learning (ML) tools to expedite the prediction and maximize the resonator based PnBG. The Gaussian process regression (GPR) model is trained to learn the relationship between complicated shape and band structure of cavity. Bayesian optimization (BO) derives a new shape by leveraging the fast inference of the trained model, which is updated with the augmentation of newly explored structures to escalate the prediction power over performance expansion through active learning. Artificial intelligence (AI) assisted optimization requires a small number of generations to achieve convergence. The obtained results are validated via experimental measurements.
Raman spectroscopic comparison of zearalenone and its derivatives for non-destructive rapid detection
Authors: Kang Won-Seok , Choi Sung-Wook , Kim Hyo-Sop , Kim Jae-Ho , Lee Jae-Hyeok
Published: June 2024

Raman spectroscopy is used to investigate the absorption and dispersion of zearalenone (ZEN) and its derivatives. The C=C stretching vibration modes of ZEN and zearalenol (ZENOL) were appeared at 975–990 cm−1. The C=O vibration mode was present at 1680–1690 cm−1 for ZEN and zearalanone (ZAN), but it was absent for ZENOL and zearalanol (ZANOL) which have –OH group instead of –C=O group in ZEN and ZAN molecular structures. On the basis of this characterization, Raman spectra of specific chemical groups and linkages corresponding to the structural difference of ZEN and its derivatives were identified. These results indicated that Raman spectroscopy can apply for the identification of ZEN and its derivatives and has a potential for the non-destructive rapid detection of these compounds in food.
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: current development, challenges, and clinical perspectives
Authors: Zhang Xian-Bin , Fan Yi-Bao , Jing Rui , Getu Mikiyas Amare , Chen Wan-Ying , Zhang Wei , Dong Hong-Xia , Dakal Tikam Chand , Hayat Akhtar , Cai Hua-Jun , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Abd El-Aty A. M. , Hacimuftuoglu Ahmet , Liu Peng , Li Tian-Feng , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok , Ertas Yavuz Nuri , Chen Min-Jiang , Ji Jian-Song , Ma Li , Gong Peng
Published: June 2024

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) are highly heterogeneous and potentially malignant tumors arising from secretory cells of the neuroendocrine system. Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are the most common subtype of NENs. Historically, GEP-NENs have been regarded as infrequent and slow-growing malignancies; however, recent data have demonstrated that the worldwide prevalence and incidence of GEP-NENs have increased exponentially over the last three decades. In addition, an increasing number of studies have proven that GEP-NENs result in a limited life expectancy. These findings suggested that the natural biology of GEP-NENs is more aggressive than commonly assumed. Therefore, there is an urgent need for advanced researches focusing on the diagnosis and management of patients with GEP-NENs. In this review, we have summarized the limitations and recent advancements in our comprehension of the epidemiology, clinical presentations, pathology, molecular biology, diagnosis, and treatment of GEP-NETs to identify factors contributing to delays in diagnosis and timely treatment of these patients.
Native bacterial bioagents for management of potato soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum
Authors: Almasoudi Najeeb M. , Al-Qurashi Adel D. , Elsayed Mohamed I. , Abo-Elyousr Kamal A. M.
Published: June 2024

Background

The reduced rate of potato production may occur under different conditions such as field, transit, storage, and marketing. Potato cultivation is frequently affected by various pathogens, among which Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum is a notorious bacterial pathogen responsible for causing bacterial soft rot disease. This pathogen poses a significant threat to potato production worldwide, resulting in substantial economic losses and food security concerns. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of three bacterial bioagents, namely Brevundimonas bullata, Bacillus siamensis, and Bacillus velezensis, against P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum, a notorious bacterium responsible for causing potato tuber soft rot disease.

Results

Fifteen isolates were isolated from rhizosphere of potato plants. Out of 15 isolates, 3 isolates, No. 1, 11, and 12, showed highly antagonistic property to control the growth of P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum in vitro. They were identified as B. bullata, B. velezensis, and B. siamensis, by using 16S rRNA nucleotide sequence analysis. Results from these experiments revealed that three bioagents exhibited notable inhibitory effects on the growth of the pathogenic bacterium. However, B. velezensis stood out as the most effective inhibitor among the tested bioagents, showcasing the highest level of bacteriostatic activity (2.6 cm). The findings from the in vitro experiments provided promising insights into the potential of these bacterial bioagents as natural antagonists against potato tuber soft rot disease. Building upon these promising results, the study recommended the utilization of all tested bioagents for controlling soft rot disease in potato tubers, especially during storage conditions where the risk of bacterial proliferation is heightened. Treatment with B. bullata, B. siamensis, and B. velezensis demonstrates varying degrees of efficacy in controlling the progression of soft rot disease. Notably, B. velezensis shows promising results with relatively low disease severity scores across all time points compared to the other treatments. B. velezensis demonstrates the lowest disease severity percentage at 7.00% compared to the other treatments.

Conclusions

The study underscores the significant potential of B. bullata, B. siamensis, and B. velezensis as effective biological control agents against potato tuber soft rot disease. By targeting the causative agent directly, these bioagents offer a promising avenue for mitigating the detrimental impact of soft rot disease on potato production, thereby contributing to improved crop yield and quality.
Assessment of different materials used for fabrication of fixed free fixed dental prostheses: finite element analysis
Authors: Galal Rami M. , ElHotieby Menatallah M. , Hamza Ghada E. , Eldemery Yosra M.
Published: June 2024

Background

This research assessed three materials to be used in the fabrication of fixed free fixed dental prosthesis using finite element analysis. Total deformation, Von Mises stress maximum amounts and sites on both the bone, and the fixed dental prosthesis body were compared.

Methods

3D finite element model was made for the tested fixed dental prosthesis and a contact scanner was used. A fixed free dental prosthesis was made restoring the maxillary first premolar, where second premolar with first molar were the supporting abutments that were scanned. Porcelain fused to metal, CEREC Tessera (Dentsply Sirona) and Poly-Ether-Ketone-Ketone were assessed as fixed free dental prosthesis materials. Cement thickness was adjusted to 40 microns. 100 N vertical load was applied to the central fossa of the pontic in the model.

Results

The deformations in this study were within the acceptable range except with the PEKK fixed free prosthesis. Tessera showed better results than the porcelain fused to metal as the more elastic modulus allows for absorption of energy from loading.

Conclusions

Purely used PEKK is not recommended for fixed free dental prosthesis. Low stiffness fixed dental prosthesis material helps in transferring low amount of load to the underneath tissues.
Effectiveness of low-viscosity resin infiltration (Icon) on color change of enamel white spot lesions: 1-year follow-up clinical study
Authors: Zaazou Mohamed. H. , Saleh Reham S. , Hassan Shahinaz N. , Abdelnabi Ali , Zaki Zeinab M. , Hamdy Tamer M. , Zaki Dalia Y. , Moharam Lamiaa M.
Published: June 2024

Background

To evaluate the effect of the low-viscosity Icon resin infiltrate application on the color change of white spot enamel lesions (WSLs) over 3-, 6-, and 12-m follow-up periods.

Methods

Ninety-six teeth diagnosis with WSLs using the ICDAS scoring system in 49 participants were assessed for their color change using the Icon resin infiltration technique. The Icon kit was applied to WSLs as instructed by the manufacturer. Icon-Etch (15% hydrofluoric acid) was applied to the lesions for 2 min, and then, it was rinsed off with copious amount of water for 30 s. Then, Icon-Dry (99% ethanol) was applied to the etched lesions for 30-s followed by the application of the Icon resin infiltrate that was light cured for 40 s. Color change assessment was performed using Vita Easyshade V spectrophotometer at baseline and immediately after Icon resin infiltration, then at 3-, 6-, and 12-m follow-up periods. Analysis of the data was performed using the test of repeated measure ANOVA and the paired sample t test.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in ∆E between the different follow-up periods at immediate, 3-m, 6-m, and 12-m. The highest mean value was found in the immediate follow-up period, while the lowest mean value was found in 12-m follow-up period.

Conclusions

Low-viscosity Icon resin infiltration has the ability for immediate diffusion into the WSLs giving an immediate improvement in the esthetic outcome of the WSLs. However, its long-term outcomes might not be consistent for the color change of the WSLs.