bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In touch: Cardiac and respiratory patterns synchronize during ensemble singing with physical contact
Authors: Lange Elke B. , Omigie Diana , Trenado Carlos , Müller Viktor , Wald-Fuhrmann Melanie , Merrill Julia
Published: August 2022

Musical ensemble performances provide an ideal environment to gain knowledge about complex human interactions. Network structures of synchronization can reflect specific roles of individual performers on the one hand and a higher level of organization of all performers as a superordinate system on the other. This study builds on research on joint singing, using hyperscanning of respiration and heart rate variability (HRV) from eight professional singers. Singers performed polyphonic music, distributing their breathing within the same voice and singing without and with physical contact: that is touching each other's shoulder or waist. The idea of singing with touch was motivated by historical depictions of ensemble performances that showed singers touching each other. It raises the question of the potential benefit of touch for group performances. From a psycho-physiological point of view, physical contact should increase the synchronization of singing coordination. The results confirm previous findings on synchronization of respiration and HRV during choir singing and extend those findings to a non-homophonic musical repertoire while also revealing an increase in synchronization in respiration during physical contact. These effects were significant across different frequency ranges. The effect of physical contact was stronger when all singers were singing in comparison to the partial ensemble. Importantly, the synchronization could not be fully explained by the singing action (i.e., singing the same voice, or singing vs. listening) or by the standing position or touch. This finding suggests a higher level of organization of all singers, forming a superordinate system.
Sensorimotor Integration and Pain Perception: Mechanisms Integrating Nociceptive Processing. A Systematic Review and ALE-Meta Analysis
Authors: Gombaut Cindy , Holmes Scott A.
Published: August 2022

Pain treatment services and clinical indicators of pain chronicity focus on afferent nociceptive projections and psychological markers of pain perception with little focus on motor processes. Research supports a strong role for the motor system both in terms of pain related disability and in descending pain modulation. However, there is little understanding of the neurological regions implicated in pain-motor interactions and how the motor and sensory systems interact under conditions of pain. We performed an ALE meta-analysis on two clinical cohorts with atypical sensory and motor processes under conditions of pain and no pain. Persons with sensory altered processing (SAP) and no pain presented with greater activity in the precentral and supplementary motor area relative to persons with self-reported pain. In persons with motor altered processing (MAP), there appeared to be a suppression of activity in key pain regions such as the insula, thalamus, and postcentral gyrus. As such, activation within the motor system may play a critical role in dampening pain symptoms in persons with SAP, and in suppressing activity in key pain regions of the brain in persons with MAP. Future research endeavors should focus on understanding how sensory and motor processes interact both to understand disability and discover new treatment avenues.
Comparison of structural characteristics and bioactivity of Tricholoma mongolicum Imai polysaccharides from five extraction methods
Authors: Zhang Nan , Yang Bing , Mao Kemin , Liu Yuwei , Chitrakar Bimal , Wang Xianghong , Sang Yaxin
Published: August 2022

Tricholoma mongolicum Imai is an edible fungus rich in various health-promoting compounds, such as polysaccharides, polypeptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, etc., and among them, polysaccharides have gotten more attention in recent research trends. This study explored the extraction of polysaccharides from T. mongolicum Imai by five extraction methods, including hot water extraction, ultrasound extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, 0.1 M HCL extraction, and 0.1 M NaOH extraction. The effects of these extraction methods on the yield, chemical structure, apparent morphology, and the antioxidant activities of Tricholoma mongolicum Imai polysaccharides (TMIPs) were investigated in this study. The data showed that 0.1 M NaOH extraction produced the highest extraction yield compared to the other extraction methods. The results of high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that different extraction methods had significant effects on the molecular weight and morphology of TMIPs. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis showed that the extraction methods had no significant difference in functional groups, crystal structure, and thermal stability of TMIPs. The antioxidant activity of TMIPs extracted by ultrasound extraction was more prominent among the five polysaccharides, which might be related to a large number of low-molecular-weight components in molecular weight distribution.
Effects of fulvic acid on growth performance, serum index, gut microbiota, and metabolites of Xianju yellow chicken
Authors: Feng Peishi , Li Qiaoqiao , Sun Hanxue , Gao Jinfeng , Ye Xuan , Tao Yi , Tian Yong , Wang Ping
Published: August 2022

Fulvic acid (FA) is a mixture of polyphenolic acid compounds extracted from humus, peat, lignite, and aquatic environments; it is used in traditional medicine to treat digestive tract diseases. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of FA on growth performance, inflammation, intestinal microbiota, and metabolites in Xianju yellow chicken. The 240 Xianju yellow chickens (age, 524 days) included were randomly categorized into 4 treatments with 6 replicates per treatment and 10 birds per replicate. Birds received a basal diet or a diet supplemented with 500, 1,000, or 1,500 mg/kg of FA, for a period of 42 days. Dietary supplementation of FA improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P> 0.05). Compared with the control group, the serum level of TNF-α in birds supplemented with FA was significantly decreased (P< 0.05), and that of IL-2 was significantly increased after administration of 1,500 mg/kg FA (P< 0.05). Analysis of gut microbiota indicated that FA reduced the relative abundance of genusMucispirillum, Anaerofustis, andCampylobacter, but enriched genusLachnoclostridium, Subdoligranulum, Sphaerochaeta, Oscillibacter, andCatenibacillusamong others. Untargeted metabolomic analyses revealed that FA increased 7-sulfocholic acid, but reduced the levels of Taurochenodeoxycholate-7-sulfate, LysoPC 20:4 (8Z, 11Z, 14Z, 17Z), LysoPC 18:2, Phosphocholine and other 13 metabolites in the cecum. The results demonstrated that FA may potentially have a significant positive effect on the growth performance and immune function of Xianju yellow chicken through the modulation of the gut microbiota.
The Patient’s Perspective on Proton Radiotherapy of Skull Base Meningioma: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Seidensaal Katharina , Sailer Jonas , Harrabi Semi Ben , von Gehlen Johannes , Seidensaal Irina , Weykamp Fabian , Bernhardt Denise , Debus Jürgen , Herfarth Klaus
Published: August 2022

Background

Radiotherapy plays an important role in the management of skull base meningioma. The aim of the study was to investigate patient-reported outcomes.

Methods

A questionnaire of 20 items was sent to 192 patients with meningioma of the skull base who have been treated with proton therapy at a single institution. The survey included dichotomous, scaling, and open questions about symptoms, social distancing, rehabilitation, work, reintegration, limitations in recreational activities, as well as daily life activities and correlating diagnoses. Additionally, symptoms were reported retrospectively by the patients at different time points. In total, 128 patients (66.7%) responded. The median age at the time of RT was 55 years (range: 28-91); the majority were female (79%). The median time between the treatment of meningioma and the survey was 38.5 months (range: 7-100).

Results

The most common initial symptoms were visual impairment (N=54, 42.2%), dizziness (N=38, 29.7%), and double vision (N=32, 25%). The most limiting symptom in daily life at the time of the survey was fatigue (N=31, 24.2%); a significant proportion of patients reported depression as associated with diagnosis (31.3%). Only 53% of patients reported occupational activity before treatment, this number did not increase with time. Only N= 40 (31.3%) and N=35 (27.3%) patients reported no limitations in daily household chores or recreational activities by the disease and treatment. The course of cognitive function after treatment showed a temporary deterioration with subsequent improvement. Except for the improvement in emotional functioning, most domains showed a temporary deterioration during radiotherapy, still, the values reached after 6 months differed weekly or moderately from the initial values.

Conclusion

Besides neurological deficits, patients with skull base meningioma experience a variety of unspecific symptoms, which can be most limiting in daily life. Even successful treatment does not necessarily translate into the alleviation of those symptoms. A greater focus on the characterization of those symptom complexes is necessary. Greater focus on functional structures such as the hippocampus might improve the results. Due to the retrospective character, this study is hypothesis-generating.
Conditional cause-specific survival after chemotherapy and local treatment for primary stage IV breast cancer: A population-based study
Authors: Xiao Min , Zhang Pin
Published: August 2022

Background

Conditional survival (CS) represents the probability of surviving for additional years after the patient has survived for several years, dynamically describing the survival rate of the patient with the varying time of survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the conditional cause-specific survival (CCSS) after chemotherapy and local treatment for metastatic breast cancer, and to identify the prognostic factors affecting the CCSS.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with primary stage IV breast cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015 were included. CS is defined as the probability of additional survival for y years after the patient had survived x years with the calculation formula CCSS (x | y) = CSS (x + y)/CSS (x), where CSS(x) indicates the patient’s cause-specific survival rate at the time of x years. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate predictors of CCSS.

Results

A total of 3,194 patients were included. The 5-year CSS was 39%, whereas the 5-year CCSS increased to 46%, 57%, 71%, and 85% after the diagnosis of 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. For patients with adverse clinical pathological features, CCSS had more pronounced increase with survival time and is more different from the CSS at diagnosis. No matter at the time of diagnosis or 1 year or 3 years after diagnosis, HER2 status, local treatment, and multisite metastasis were independent prognostic factors that affect the long-term survival of patients (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The 5-year CCSS of patients with stage IV breast cancer was extended as the survival years increased. HER2 status, multisite metastasis, and local treatment were independent prognostic factors even 3 years after diagnosis.
Combination of 18F-FDG PET/CT and convex probe endobronchial ultrasound elastography for intrathoracic malignant and benign lymph nodes prediction
Authors: Zhi Xinxin , Sun Xiaoyan , Chen Junxiang , Wang Lei , Ye Lin , Li Ying , Xie Wenhui , Sun Jiayuan
Published: August 2022

Background

Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) and convex probe endobronchial ultrasound (CP-EBUS) elastography are important diagnostic methods in predicting intrathoracic lymph nodes (LNs) metastasis, but a joint analysis of the two examinations is still lacking. This study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficiency of the two methods and explore whether the combination can improve the diagnostic efficiency in differentiating intrathoracic benign LNs from malignant LNs.

Materials and Methods

LNs examined by EBUS-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) and PET/CT from March 2018 to June 2019 in Shanghai Chest Hospital were retrospectively analyzed as the model group. Four PET/CT parameters, namely, maximal standardized uptake value mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean), SUVmean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), and tumor lesion glycolysis (TLG); four quantitative elastography indicators (stiff area ratio, mean hue value, RGB, and mean gray value); and the elastography grading score of targeted LNs were analyzed. A prediction model was constructed subsequently and the dataset from July to November 2019 was used to validate the diagnostic capability of the model.

Results

A total of 154 LNs from 135 patients and 53 LNs from 47 patients were enrolled in the model and validation groups, respectively. Mean hue value and grading score were independent malignancy predictors of elastography, as well as SUVmax and TLG of PET/CT. In model and validation groups, the combination of PET/CT and elastography demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy for malignant LNs diagnosis of 85.87%, 88.71%, 91.86%, 80.88%, and 87.01%, and 94.44%, 76.47%, 89.47%, 86.67%, and 88.68%, respectively. Moreover, elastography had better diagnostic accuracies than PET/CT in both model and validation groups (85.71% vs. 79.22%, 86.79% vs. 75.47%).

Conclusion

EBUS elastography demonstrated better efficiency than PET/CT and the combination of the two methods had the best diagnostic efficacy in differentiating intrathoracic benign from malignant LNs, which may be helpful for clinical application.
Glucose transporters: Important regulators of endometrial cancer therapy sensitivity
Authors: Zhang Xing , Lu Jia-Jing , Abudukeyoumu Ayitila , Hou Ding-Yu , Dong Jing , Wu Jiang-Nan , Liu Li-Bing , Li Ming-Qing , Xie Feng
Published: August 2022

Glucose is of great importance in cancer cellular metabolism. Working together with several glucose transporters (GLUTs), it provides enough energy for biological growth. The main glucose transporters in endometrial cancer (EC) are Class 1 (GLUTs 1–4) and Class 3 (GLUTs 6 and 8), and the overexpression of these GLUTs has been observed. Apart from providing abundant glucose uptake, these highly expressed GLUTs also participate in the activation of many crucial signaling pathways concerning the proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis of EC. In addition, overexpressed GLUTs may also cause endometrial cancer cells (ECCs) to be insensitive to hormone therapy or even resistant to radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, GLUT inhibitors may hopefully become a sensitizer for EC precision-targeted therapies. This review aims to summarize the expression regulation, function, and therapy sensitivity of GLUTs in ECCs, aiming to provide a new clue for better diagnosis and treatment of EC.
Proton pump inhibitors and sensitization of cancer cells to radiation therapy
Authors: Hebert Kassidy A. , Bonnen Mark D. , Ghebre Yohannes T.
Published: August 2022

This review article outlines six molecular pathways that confer resistance of cancer cells to ionizing radiation, and describes how proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be used to overcome radioresistance induced by alteration of one or more of these signaling pathways. The inflammatory, adaptive, hypoxia, DNA damage repair, cell adhesion, and developmental pathways have all been linked to the resistance of cancer cells to ionizing radiation. Here we describe the molecular link between alteration of these pathways in cancer cells and development of resistance to ionizing radiation, and discuss emerging data on the use of PPIs to favorably modify one or more components of these pathways to sensitize cancer cells to ionizing radiation. Understanding the relationship between altered signaling pathways, radioresistance, and biological activity of PPIs may serve as a basis to repurpose PPIs to restore key biological processes that are involved in cancer progression and to sensitize cancer cells to radiation therapy.
Azacitidine and donor lymphocyte infusion for patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A meta-analysis
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Wang Wen , Zhang Xin , Wu Yu
Published: August 2022

Background

For patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), azacitidine with donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is a feasible option to perform a preemptive or salvage treatment. However, its efficacy lacked comprehensive analysis, and this study aimed to fill this gap.

Methods

We searched potential studies in PUBMED, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Thirteen studies involving 811 patients were analyzed. The inverse variance method was used to calculate the pooled proportion and 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was performed to explore the source of heterogeneity.

Results

The rate of pooled complete remission + partial remission (CR + PR), CR, and 2-year overall survival (OS) were 30% (95% CI: 22%–39%), 21% (95% CI: 16%–28%), and 31% (95% CI: 27%–35%), respectively. The pooled acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and chronic GvHD rates were 15% (95% CI: 9%–23%) and 14% (95% CI: 8%–23%), respectively. Adverse cytogenetics and a higher percentage of bone marrow (BM) blasts at relapse were correlated with worse CR + PR and CR (interaction p < 0.05). Higher 2-year OS was found in patients with lower BM blasts at relapse or a longer time from allo-HSCT to relapse (interaction p < 0.05). Furthermore, the preemptive treatment for molecular relapse/minimal residual disease positivity resulted in much better outcomes than that for hematological relapse, both in terms of CR and 2-year OS (interaction p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The regimen of azacitidine and DLI could safely improve the outcomes of relapsed AML/MDS after allo-HSCT, especially in those with signs of early relapse. The administration of targeted medicines in azacitidine-based therapies may further improve the outcomes of relapsed AML/MDS.
Clinical comparative study of glasses-free 3D and 2D thoracoscopic surgery in minimally invasive esophagectomy
Authors: Wei Rongqiang , Ding Xinyu , Chen Zihao , Xin Ning , Liu Chengdong , Fang Yunhao , Xu Zhifei , Huang Kenan , Tang Hua
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate the safety and efficacy of glasses-free three-dimensional (3D) thoracoscopic surgery in minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE).

Methods

The clinical data of 98 patients, including 81 men and 17 women aged 45–77 years, with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who underwent minimally invasive thoracoscopic esophagectomy from January 2017 to December 2019 [3 years, with clinical follow-up time: 1 year~4 years (2017.01–2020.12)] were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods including a glasses-free 3D thoracoscopic group (G-3D group: 38 patients) and a two-dimesional (2D) thoracoscopic group (2D group: 60 patients). The clinical outcome of the two groups were compared.

Results

The operation time of the thoracoscopic part in the G-3D group was significantly shorter than that in the 2D group (P<0.05). The total number of lymph node dissection in the G-3D group was more than that in the 2D group (P<0.05). The thoracic indwelling time, postoperative hospital stay, severe pulmonary infection, arrhythmia, anastomotic leakage, chylothorax, and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). There was also no significant difference between the two groups on the progression-free survival (P>0.05).

Conclusion

Glasses-free 3D thoracoscopic surgery for esophageal cancer is a safe and effective surgical procedure. Compared with 2D thoracoscopic MIE, glasses-free 3D thoracoscopic MIE for esophageal cancer has higher safety, more lymph node dissection, and higher operation efficiency through the optimized surgical operations. We believe that glasses-free 3D thoracoscopy for MIE is worthy of clinical promotion.
Development of 3-dimensional printed simulation surgical training models for endoscopic endonasal and transorbital surgery
Authors: Lee Won-Jae , Kim Yong Hwy , Hong Sang-Duk , Rho Tae-Hoon , Kim Young Hoon , Dho Yun-Sik , Hong Chang-Ki , Kong Doo-Sik
Published: August 2022

Background

Endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS) is complex, requiring methodical and unremitting surgical training. Herein, we describe the development and evaluation of a novel three-dimensional (3D) printed simulation model for ESBS. We further validate the efficacy of this model as educational support in neurosurgical training.

Methods

A patient-specific 3D printed simulation model using living human imaging data was established and evaluated in a task-based hands-on dissection program. Endoscopic endonasal and transorbital procedures were simulated on the model by neurosurgeons and otorhinolaryngology surgeons of varying experience. All procedures were recorded using a high-definition camera coupled with digital video recorder system. The participants were asked to complete a post-procedure questionnaire to validate the efficacy of the model.

Results

Fourteen experts and 22 trainees participated in simulations, and the 32 participants completed the post-procedure survey. The anatomical realism was scored as 4.0/5.0. The participants rated the model as helpful in hand-eye coordination training (4.7/5.0) and improving surgical skills (4.6/5.0) for ESBS. All participants believed that the model was useful as educational support for trainees (4.7 [ ± 0.5]). However, the color (3.6/5.0) and soft tissue feedback parameters (2.8/5) scored low.

Conclusion

This study shows that high-resolution 3D printed skull base models for ESBS can be generated with high anatomical accuracy and acceptable haptic feedback. The simulation program of ESBS using this model may be supplemental or provide an alternative training platform to cadaveric dissection.
Long-term treatment outcome of Castleman’s disease: A real-world experience
Authors: Min Gi-June , Jeon Young-Woo , Kim Tong Yoon , Kwag Dae Hun , Lee Jong Hyuk , Lee Joon Yeop , Park Sung-Soo , Park Silvia , Yoon Jae-Ho , Lee Sung-Eun , Cho Byung-Sik , Eom Ki-Seong , Kim Yoo-Jin , Lee Seok , Kim Hee-Je , Min Chang-Ki , Lee Jong Wook , Cho Seok-Goo
Published: August 2022

Background

Castleman disease (CD), classified as unicentric CD (UCD) or multicentric CD (MCD), is a rare non-neoplastic lymphoproliferative disorder of unknown origin. Owing to its rarity, the clinical characteristics, therapeutic modalities, treatment outcomes, and prognostic factors related to UCD or MCD are not well defined.

Method

We retrospectively analyzed 88 patients with CD, including those with hyaline-vascular, plasma-cell, mixed type, hypervascular, and plasmablastic subtypes, for presenting symptoms, physical, laboratory, and radiologic findings, and treatment response in the Korean population.

Results

The median patient age was 44 years (range: 18–84 years) with slight predominance of women (53.4%). UCD and MCD accounted for 38.6% (n=34) and 61.4% (n=54) of cases, respectively. Histopathologically, UCD patients were classified as 88.2% (n=30) hyaline-vascular and 11.8% (n=4) plasma cell types, whereas MCD patients were classified as 27.8% (n=15) hypervascular, 61.1% (n=33) plasma cell, 7.4% (n=4) mixed, and 3.7% (n=2) plasmablastic types. Twelve (13.6%) patients exhibited a poor performance status with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 2. The most common presenting symptom was sustained fever, followed by fatigue, anorexia, peripheral edema, and weight loss. Furthermore, splenomegaly, pleural effusion, and ascites were observed to be associated with CD. Surgical resection and siltuximab were the preferred treatment modalities for UCD and MCD, respectively, with favorable symptomatic, laboratory, and radiologic outcomes and safety profiles. The overall survival was 90.2%, with no significant difference between the UCD and MCD groups (p=0.073), but progression-free survival was significantly poorer in the MCD group (p=0.001). Age ≥60 years and splenomegaly significantly affected the overall and progression-free survival rates.

Conclusion

Patients with UCD had favorable outcomes with surgical resection of a solitary mass, whereas in patients with MCD, old age and splenomegaly were identified as independent prognostic factors. Further well-designed prospective studies under advancing knowledge of the pathophysiology of MCD are warranted to establish suitable guidelines for the discontinuation or prolonging infusion intervals of siltuximab and treatment modalities for HHV-8 positive MCD patients or patients with siltuximab failure.
Clinical outcome and gut development after insulin-like growth factor-1 supplementation to preterm pigs
Authors: Holgersen Kristine , Rasmussen Martin Bo , Carey Galen , Burrin Douglas G. , Thymann Thomas , Sangild Per Torp
Published: August 2022

Background

Elevation of circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) within normal physiological levels may alleviate several morbidities in preterm infants but safety and efficacy remain unclear. We hypothesized that IGF-1 supplementation during the first 1–2 weeks after preterm birth improves clinical outcomes and gut development, using preterm pigs as a model for infants.

Methods

Preterm pigs were given vehicle or recombinant human IGF-1/binding protein-3 (rhIGF-1, 2.25 mg/kg/d) by subcutaneous injections for 8 days (Experiment 1, n = 34), or by systemic infusion for 4 days (Experiment 2, n = 19), before collection of blood and organs for analyses.

Results

In both experiments, rhIGF-1 treatment increased plasma IGF-1 levels 3-4 fold, reaching the values reported for term suckling piglets. In Experiment 1, rhIGF-1 treatment increased spleen and intestinal weights without affecting clinical outcomes like growth, blood biochemistry (except increased sodium and gamma-glutamyltransferase levels), hematology (e.g., red and white blood cell populations), glucose homeostasis (e.g., basal and glucose-stimulated insulin and glucose levels) or systemic immunity variables (e.g., T cell subsets, neutrophil phagocytosis, LPS stimulation, bacterial translocation to bone marrow). The rhIGF-1 treatment increased gut protein synthesis (+11%, p < 0.05) and reduced the combined incidence of all-cause mortality and severe necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC, p < 0.05), but had limited effects on intestinal morphology, cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, brush-border enzyme activities, permeability and levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8). In Experiment 2, rhIGF-1 treated pigs had reduced blood creatine kinase, creatinine, potassium and aspartate aminotransferase levels, with no effects on organ weights (except increased spleen weight), blood chemistry values, clinical variables or NEC.

Conclusion

Physiological elevation of systemic IGF-1 levels for 8 days after preterm birth increased intestinal weight and protein synthesis, spleen weight and potential overall viability of pigs, without any apparent negative effects on recorded clinical parameters. The results add further preclinical support for safety and efficacy of supplemental IGF-1 to hospitalized very preterm infants.
Case report: Experience of a rare case of rebound of the Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon during sirolimus treatment in kaposiform hemangioendothelioma
Authors: Wang Liang , Li Jing , Wu Changhua , Song Dan , Liu Zhuang , Niu Yanli , Zhou Jie , Guo Lei
Published: August 2022

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a rare vascular neoplasm associated with the Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP), which is a consumptive coagulopathy with associated potentially life-threatening thrombocytopenia. There are no standardized treatment protocols for the management of KHE with KMP. Moreover, there are limited reports regarding the treatment of cases of rebound. Herein, we describe a rare case of rebound of KHE/KMP, during systemic sirolimus treatment, successfully treated with embolization and vincristine infusion combined with microwave ablation.
Baseline lymphocyte and cholinesterase levels may be the predictors of chronic herbal drug–induced liver injury
Authors: Zeng Zhan , Yi Wei , Dong Jian-Ping , Chen Qi-Qi , Sun Fang-Fang , Lu Hui-Hui , Lin Yan-Jie , Bi Xiao-Yue , Yang Liu , Lu Yao , Zhang Lu , Li Ming-Hui , Xie Yao
Published: August 2022

Objective: To investigate the factors influencing the chronicity of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) caused by Chinese herbal medicine.

Methods: Patients with DILI diagnosed by using the RUCAM score were enrolled retrospectively. The subjects were patients with DILI induced by taking Chinese herbal medicine and were followed up for 48 weeks. These patients were divided into a cure group and a chronic group. The biochemical indicators were monitored at baseline and every 3 months. Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of DILI chronicity. The ROC (receiver operator characteristic) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of each factor.

Results: A total of 420 patients with DILI were enrolled; 122 of them were caused by Chinese herbal medicine, 70.5% (86/122) of them were female, chronic group 31.2% (39/122), and cure group 68.0% (83/122); cholinesterase (ChE) in the chronic group was lower than that in the cure group (5467.10 ± 2010.40 U/L vs. 6248.52 ± 1901.78 U/L, p = 0.04, t = 2.078). There was no significant difference in the age between cured patients and chronic patients (p = 0.156, Z = −1.417). There was no significant difference between the prognosis of different genders (p = 0.521, Z = −0.639). The logistic regression analysis showed that baseline lymphocyte (OR = 0.429, 95%CI = 0.205–0.898, p = 0.025) and cholinesterase (OR = 0.088, 95%CI = 0.008–0.994, p = 0.049) were independent risk factors of drug-induced chronicity.

Conclusion: Baseline lymphocyte and cholinesterase may be the predictive factors for the chronicity of Chinese herbal medicine–induced liver injury.
Effects from dayside magnetosphere to distant tail unleashed by a bifurcated, non-reconnecting interplanetary current sheet
Authors: Farrugia C. J. , Lugaz N. , Wing S. , Wilson L. B. , Sibeck D. J. , Cowley S. W. H. , Torbert R. B. , Vasquez B. J. , Berchem J.
Published: August 2022

Global magnetospheric effects resulting from the passage at Earth of large-scale structures have been well studied. The effects of common and short-term features, such as discontinuities and current sheets (CSs), have not been studied in the same depth. Herein we show how a seemingly unremarkable interplanetary feature can cause widespread effects in the magnetosheath-magnetosphere system. The feature was observed by Advanced Composition Explorer inside an interplanetary coronal mass ejection on 10 January 2004. It contained 1) a magnetic field dip bounded by directional discontinuities in field and flows, occurring together with 2) a density peak in what we identify as a bifurcated, non-reconnecting current sheet. Data from an array of spacecraft in key regions of the magnetosheath/magnetosphere (Geotail, Cluster, Polar, and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) provide context for Wind’s observations of flapping of the distant (R ∼ −226 RE) magnetotail. In particular, just before the flapping began, Wind observed a hot and tenuous plasma in a magnetic field structure with enhanced field strength, with the By and Bz components rotating in a fast tailward flow burst. Closer inspection reveals a large flux rope (plasmoid) containing lobe plasma in a tail strongly deflected and twisted by interplanetary non-radial flows and magnetic field By. We try to identify the origin of this ‘precursor to flapping’ by looking at data from the various spacecraft. Working back towards the dayside, we discover a chain of effects which we argue were set in motion by the interplanetary CS and its interaction with the bow shock. These effects include 1) a compression and dilation of the magnetosphere, 2) a local deformation of the postnoon magnetopause, and, 3) at the poleward edge of the oval in an otherwise quiet polar cap flow, a strong (3 km/s) sunward flow burst in a double vortex-like structure flanked by two sets of field-aligned currents. Clearly, an intertwined set of phenomena was occurring at the same time. We learn that multi-spacecraft analysis can give us great insight into the magnetospheric response to transient changes in the solar wind.
Morphological and physiological changes in Artemisia selengensis under drought and after rehydration recovery
Authors: Huang Hui-Xiong , Cao Yun , Xin Kai-Jing , Liang Rong-Hua , Chen Yi-Ting , Qi Jia-Jun
Published: August 2022

Changes in global climate and precipitation patterns have exacerbated the existing uneven distribution of water, causing many plants to face the alternate situation of drought and water flooding. We studied the growth and physiological response of the wetland plant Artemisia selengensis to drought and rehydration. In this study, Artemisia selengensis seedlings were subjected to 32.89% (SD), 47.36 % (MD), 60.97% (MID), and 87.18 % (CK) field water holding capacity for 70 days, followed by 14 days of rehydration. The results showed that drought inhibited the increase of plant height, basal diameter, and biomass accumulation under SD and MD, but the root shoot ratio (R/S) increased. Drought stress also decreased the content of total chlorophyll (Chl), chlorophyll a (Chl-a), chlorophyll b (Chl-b), and carotenoid (Car). Soluble sugar (SS) and proline (Pro) were accumulated rapidly under drought, and the relative water content (RWC) of leaves was kept at a high level of 80%. After rehydration, the plant height, basal diameter, biomass, and R/S ratio could not be recovered under SD and MD, but these indicators were completely recovered under MID. The RWC, Chl, Chl-a, Chl-b, Car, and osmotic substances were partially or completely recovered. In conclusion, Artemisia selengensis not only can improve drought resistance by increasing the R/S ratio and osmotic substances but also adopt the compensatory mechanism during rehydration. It is predictable that A. selengensis may benefit from possible future aridification of wetlands and expand population distribution.
Evaluation of real-time nutrient analysis of fertilized raspberry using petiole sap
Authors: Lu Qianwen , Miles Carol , Tao Haiying , DeVetter Lisa
Published: August 2022

The time delay in receiving conventional tissue nutrient analysis results caused red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) growers to be interested in rapid sap tests to provide real-time results to guide immediate nutrient management practices. However, sap analysis has never been conducted in raspberry. The present work aimed to evaluate the relationship of petiole sap nitrate (NO3–), potassium (K+), and calcium (Ca2+) concentrations measured using compact ion meters and leaf tissue total nitrogen (TN), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca) concentrations measured using conventional tissue nutrient analysis. The relationship of petiole sap NO3– and leaf tissue TN concentrations with plant growth and production variables was also explored. Fertilizer treatments of urea were surface applied to raised beds of established “Meeker” floricane red raspberry plots at control, low, medium, and high rates (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg N ha–1, respectively) in 2019 and 2020. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Whole leaves were collected from representative primocanes in mid- and late- July and August 2019 and 2020 (i.e., four sampling time points per year). At each sampling time point, a subsample of leaves was used for petiole sap analyses of NO3–, K+, and Ca2+ concentrations using compact ion meters, and conventional tissue testing of leaf tissue TN, K, and Ca concentrations, respectively. There were no interactions between N fertilizer rate and year nor between N fertilizer rate and sampling time. No significant differences were found due to N fertilizer rate for petiole sap NO3–, K+, Ca2+ nor leaf tissue TN, K, Ca concentrations. However, significant year and sampling time effects occurred in measured petiole sap and leaf tissue nutrient concentrations. Overall, the correlations between petiole sap NO3– and leaf tissue TN, petiole sap Ca2+ and leaf tissue Ca, petiole sap K+ and leaf tissue K concentrations were non-strong and inconsistent. Future research is warranted as the interpretation of correlations between raspberry petiole sap and leaf tissue nutrient concentrations were inconclusive.
Effects of a Furrow-Bed Seeding System on Stand Establishment, Soil Bacterial Diversity, and the Yield and Quality of Alfalfa Under Saline Condition
Authors: Sun Juanjuan , Zhao Jinmei , Zhang Tengwei , Yu Linqing , Jin Ke
Published: August 2022

Highlights

1. Furrow-bed seeding system increased soil moisture content and alfalfa seedling emergence number in the seedling stage.

2. Seeding pattern derived soil microbial community change in seedling stage in saline soil.

3. Furrow-bed seeding system decreased root zone salinity in spring.

4. Alfalfa shoot Na+ concentration was decreased and yield was enhanced by furrow-bed seeding system.
Comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling reveals the differences between alfalfa sprouts germinated with or without light exposure
Authors: Zhang Kangning , Li He , Zhang Tian , Wang Shixing , Liu Liang , Dong Xuyan , Cong Lili , Song Hui , Wang Aihua , Yang Guofeng , Xie Hongli , Wang Zeng-Yu , Chai Maofeng
Published: August 2022

Alfalfa sprouts are among the most nutritionally rich foods, and light exposure is a critical factor in determining their biomass and quality. However, detailed metabolic and molecular differences between yellow and green alfalfa sprouts remain unclear. In this study, comprehensive metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were integrated to evaluate the nutrient composition of alfalfa sprouts during germination with or without light exposure. Differentially expressed genes and differentially accumulated metabolites in green and yellow alfalfa sprouts were significantly enriched in secondary metabolic pathways, such as the isoflavonoid biosynthesis pathway. Green alfalfa sprouts contained a wide variety of lipids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids, among which the top three upregulated were calycosin, methyl gallate, and epicatechin 3-gallate, whereas yellow alfalfa sprouts contained relatively more isoquercitrin. These results provide new insights into the nutritional value and composition of alfalfa sprouts under different germination regimes.
Brittle Culm 15 mutation alters carbohydrate composition, degradation and methanogenesis of rice straw during in vitro ruminal fermentation
Authors: Yi Siyu , Zhang Xiumin , Zhang Jianjun , Ma Zhiyuan , Wang Rong , Wu Duanqin , Wei Zhongshan , Tan Zhiliang , Zhang Baocai , Wang Min
Published: August 2022

Brittle Culm 15 (BC15) gene encodes a membrane-associated chitinase-like protein that participates in cellulose synthesis, and BC15 gene mutation affects cell wall composition in plant, such as cellulose or hemicellulose. The present study was designed to investigate the changes of carbohydrates composition in bc15 mutant straw, and the resulting consequence on rumen fermentation, methanogenesis, and microbial populations (qPCR) during in vitro ruminal fermentation process. Two substrates, bc15 mutant and wild-type (WT) rice straws, were selected for in vitro rumen batch culture. The first experiment was designed to investigate the kinetics of total gas and CH4 production through 48-h in vitro ruminal fermentation, while the second experiment selected incubation time of 12 and 48 h to represent the early and late stage of in vitro ruminal incubation, respectively, and then investigated changes in biodegradation, fermentation end products, and selected representative microbial populations. The bc15 mutant straw had lower contents of cellulose, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF), and higher contents of water-soluble carbohydrates, neutral detergent solubles (NDS) and monosaccharides. The bc15 mutant straw exhibited a distinct kinetics of 48-h total gas and CH4 production with faster increases in early incubation when compared with WT straw. The bc15 mutant straw had higher DM degradation, NDF degradation and total volatile fatty acid concentration at 12 h of incubation, and lower NDF degradation and CH4 production at 48 h of incubation, together with lower acetate to propionate ratio and ADF degradation and higher butyrate molar percentage and NDS degradation at both incubation times. Furthermore, the bc15 mutant straw resulted in greater 16S gene copies of F. succinogenes, with lower 18S gene copies of fungi at both incubation times. These results indicated that the BC15 gene mutation decreased fibrosis of cell wall of rice straw, enhanced degradation at the early stage of rumen fermentation, and shifts fermentation pattern from acetate to propionate and butyrate production, leading to the decreased volume and fractional rate of CH4 production. However, BC15 gene mutation may enhance hardenability of cell wall structure of rice straw, which is more resistant for microbial colonization with decreased fiber degradation. Thus, this study modified rice straw by manipulating a cell wall biosynthesis gene and provides a potential strategy to alter degradation and CH4 production during in vitro ruminal fermentation process.
Quality improvement of undergraduate courses based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and entropy method
Authors: Peng Aotian
Published: August 2022

Since the curriculum is the core carrier to improve the level of talent cultivation in colleges and universities, strengthening the reform of course teaching and improving the quality of course teaching are fundamental to the survival and development of colleges and universities, and also an important part of higher education reform. In this study, a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and an entropy method were used to determine the weight of the core evaluation indicators of undergraduate course quality improvement, including four first-level indicators of the curriculum concept, curriculum resources, curriculum organization, and curriculum effectiveness, and 12 s-level evaluation indicators and weights. Then, based on a case study of the first-class undergraduate course “Management” of Anyang Normal University, the way to evaluate the course by the AHP and entropy method was explained. Finally, according to the evaluation results, the ideas of course construction were put forward, such as changing the course concept, enriching the course resources, paying attention to the course organization, and ensuring the course effectiveness, so as to improve the quality of undergraduate courses and also to improve the quality of undergraduate talent training with the improvement of course quality as the starting point.
Do preschool teachers in Southwest China need more mental health education? An online cross-sectional survey 1 year after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Yu Yao , Wu Tingting , Gao Jing , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Yang , Zhang Jiajun
Published: August 2022

This study intended to explore the current status of psychological problems of preschool teachers in Southwest China 1 year after the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the association between mental health education and psychological problems and symptoms of psychopathology. A total of 614 preschool teachers from Southwest China were enrolled to complete the questionnaires of the Chinese Symptom Checklist (SCL-90). Notably, 60% of the respondents reported psychological distress with GSI T-scores ≥ 63, especially the high score was reported on obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, and phobic anxiety. Although less than half of the respondents have received mental health education last year, the teachers who received the mental health education reported lower GSI T-scores(β = −1.303, 95% CI: −2.208, −0.397). The results demonstrated the significance of constructing the education of promoting mental health of preschool teachers, and enlightening government or managers of kindergartens to relieve the psychological problems of preschool teachers through mental health education, especially for those with the pressure of overtime. It is recommended that local governments or kindergartens should organize more mental health education for kindergarten teachers to improve their mental health as well as their teaching professionalism.
Role of social media marketing activities in China’s e-commerce industry: A stimulus organism response theory context
Authors: Sohaib Muhammad , Safeer Asif Ali , Majeed Abdul
Published: August 2022

Social media marketing has become one of the most significant growth paths for many businesses in today’s world. However, many companies are still unclear about using social media marketing to get their advantages, particularly in an e-commerce environment. In this background, this study is proposed to examine the effects of social media marketing activities (SMMAs) (interactivity, informativeness, word-of-mouth-WOM, personalization, and trendiness) on relationship quality, such as commitment, trust, and satisfaction in order to predict consumers’ online repurchase intentions in China’s e-commerce environment. This study proposed a theoretical model by using the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) theory. Using a structured questionnaire and purposive sampling, this study examined the responses of 403 consumers through partial least square-structural equation modeling. The findings discovered that SMMAs significantly strengthen the relationship quality factors, such as commitment, trust, and satisfaction, which in turn positively increase consumer online repurchase intentions in China’s e-commerce industry. This is novel research that contributes to the S-O-R theory and provides several managerial guidelines that assist managers in improving their business performance in the e-commerce industry. This research also highlighted some limitations.
The formation of multi-destination image: A study of China’s Greater Bay Area
Authors: Duan Xialei , Lai Ivan Ka Wai
Published: August 2022

Many governments promote the concept of multi-destination tourism to attract foreign visitors to stay longer in a region. This study constructs a higher-order multi-destination image model to examine how the unique cognitive images of Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou collectively constitute the overall cognitive image of China’s Greater Bay Area (GBA). Then, it further examines how this overall cognitive image builds affective, overall, and conative images of the GBA. The results of an online survey of non-Chinese tourists from Guinea, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and United States show that cognitive images of three cities in the GBA take different weighting in constructing the overall cognitive image of the GBA. The overall cognitive destination image significantly influences the formation of the affective, overall, and conative images of the GBA region. For constructing the conative image, the affective image shows the greatest impact, overall cognitive image follows; the impact of the overall image is less. This study proposes theoretical implications for future regional tourism studies. Practical recommendations are also proposed.