bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of berberine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in adults: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Authors: Zamani Mohammad , Zarei Mahtab , Nikbaf-Shandiz Mahlagha , Hosseini Shabnam , Shiraseb Farideh , Asbaghi Omid
Published: October 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major concern today. Herbal medicine is one helping way to control CVD risks. One conclusive of herbal medicine is Berberine (BBR) and converse about it still exists, to clarify this issue, this meta-analysis was performed. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for RCTs in adults on the effect of BBR supplementation on CVD risk factors up to July 2022. The pooled results showed BBR significantly reduced triglyceride (WMD = −23.70 mg/dl; 95%CI −30.16, −17.25; P < 0.001), total cholesterol (WMD = −20.64 mg/dl; 95%CI −23.65, −17.63; P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein WMD = −9.63 mg/dl; 95%CI, −13.87, −5.39; P < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD = −7.74 mg/dl; 95%CI −10.79, −4.70; P < 0.001), insulin (WMD = −3.27 mg/dl; 95%CI −4.46,−2.07; P < 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = −0.45%; 95%CI −0.68, −0.23; P < 0.001), HOMA-IR (WMD = −1.04; 95%CI −1.55, −0.52; P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (WMD = −5.46 mmHg; 95%CI −8.17, −2.76; P < 0.001), weight (WMD = −0.84; 95%CI −1.34,−0.34; P < 0.001), body mass index (WMD = −0.25 kg/m2; 95%CI −0.46, −0.04; P = 0.020), while increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (WMD = 1.37 mg/dl; 95%CI 0.41,2.23; P = 0.005). The optimal dose of BBR was 1 g/day for TG, TC, and weight, 1.8 g/day for insulin and HOMA-IR, and 5 g/day for HDL. FBG's most efficient time frame was 40 weeks from the beginning of supplementation, whereas DBP and waist circumference was 50 weeks. In conclusion, the lipid profile, FBG balance, obesity parameters, and SBP were improved with BBR supplementation.

Systematic review registration

CRD42022347004.
Anthropometric indices, body function, and physical fitness reference values for Tibetan ethnic children aged 6–17 residing at 3,650 meters above sea level
Authors: Ma Xiaowei , Mao Yong , Wang Jian , Zewangzhandui  , Wang Xiaomei
Published: October 2022

Objectives

It is known that high altitude influences the growth metrics of high-altitude residents. Using a WHO-recommended standard, the research aimed to establish growth and development reference values for children of Tibetan ethnicity between the ages of 6 and 17 years old.

Methods

The measurements took place in Jomda County, Tibet with an average altitude of 3,650 m above sea level. A total of 3,955 observations (1,932 boys and 2,023 girls) were utilized to model the centile estimations. Included in the measurements are height, weight, body mass index, heart rate, blood pressure, forced lung capacity, sit and reach, and standing long jump. The measurements were modeled using the generalized additive models for location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS). Models were fitted with suitable distributions and locally smoothed using the P-spline for each GAMLSS hyper-parameter. Using the smallest Schwarz Bayesian criterion, the optimal model for each measurement was selected. After model adjustment, centile estimations were calculated for each model.

Results

Compared to the height reference values at the 50th percentile for multi-ethnic Chinese children residing at low altitudes, Tibetan ethnic children exhibit apparent stunted growth. In terms of forced vital capacity, it is remarkable that Tibetan ethnic children lag behind multi-ethnic Chinese children residing at low altitudes. Heart rate and blood pressure regulation are generally normal. Centile estimations are provided in this article and tabulated centiles (1p, 3p, 5p, 15p, 25p, 50p, 75p, 85p, 95p, 97p, 99p) in Chinese, Tibetic, and English are openly available in FigShare (doi: 10.6084/m9.figshare.20898196.v1).

Conclusion

This study established the first GAMLSS based growth and development reference values for Tibetan ethnic children aged 6–17. These reference values have numerous clinical and scientific applications. We offer Chinese policymakers with practical initiatives to further enhance the health of Tibetan ethnic children.
The association between dietary branched-chain amino acids and the risk of cardiovascular diseases in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: A hospital-based case–control study
Authors: Zheng Lu , Cai Jun , Feng Yong-hui , Su Xin , Chen Shi-yun , Liu Jia-zi , Li Wan-lin , Ouyang Rui-qing , Ma Jun-rong , Cheng Chen , Mu Ying-jun , Zhang Shi-wen , He Kai-yin , Zeng Fang-fang , Ye Yan-bin
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies showed conflicting evidence on the association between the intake of dietary branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, this relationship has not been studied in patients with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of total and individual dietary BCAA (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) intake on CVD risk among individuals with type 2 diabetes in China.

Materials and methods

A total of 419 patients with type 2 diabetes who have been diagnosed with CVD (within 2 weeks) were recruited between March 2013 and September 2015 in China. Cases with CVD were 1:1 matched to controls with type 2 diabetes but without CVD by age (±5 years) and sex. A validated 79-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was administered to assess the participants' dietary data. Total dietary BCAA per individual was the summation of the daily intake of isoleucine, leucine, and valine. OR and corresponding CIs were computed by conditional logistic regression models adjusted for potential confounders.

Results

Median values of the daily intake of total BCAA were 11.87 g, with an interquartile range of 10.46–13.15 g for cases, and 12.47 g, with an interquartile range of 11.08–13.79 g for controls (P = 0.001). Dietary BCAA was inversely related to CVD risk after multivariable adjustment (OR Q4−Q1 = 0.23, 95%CI = 0.10, 0.51, P trend <0.001 for total BCAA; OR Q4−Q1 = 0.20, 95%CI = 0.07, 0.53, P trend = 0.001 for leucine). For each 1-S.D. increase in total dietary BCAA, leucine or valine intake was associated with 54% (95%CI = 29%, 70%, P = 0.001), 64% (95%CI = 29%, 82%, P = 0.003), or 54% (95%CI = 1%, 79%, P = 0.049) decrease in the risk of CVD, respectively. Whole grains, starchy vegetables, mushrooms, fruit, eggs, and dairy and dairy product-derived BCAA were found to attenuate CVD risk (P ranged: = 0.002–0.027).

Conclusion

Higher BCAA intake, in particular leucine and valine, might be associated with a lower risk of CVD.
Overcoming therapeutic resistance to platinum-based drugs by targeting Epithelial–Mesenchymal transition
Authors: Duan Xirui , Luo Maochao , Li Jian , Shen Zhisen , Xie Ke
Published: October 2022

Platinum-based drugs (PBDs), including cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin, have been widely used in clinical practice as mainstay treatments for various types of cancer. Although there is firm evidence of notable achievements with PBDs in the management of cancers, the acquisition of resistance to these agents is still a major challenge to efforts at cure. The introduction of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) concept, a critical process during embryonic morphogenesis and carcinoma progression, has offered a mechanistic explanation for the phenotypic switch of cancer cells upon PBD exposure. Accumulating evidence has suggested that carcinoma cells can enter a resistant state via induction of the EMT. In this review, we discussed the underlying mechanism of PBD-induced EMT and the current understanding of its role in cancer drug resistance, with emphasis on how this novel knowledge can be exploited to overcome PBD resistance via EMT-targeted compounds, especially those under clinical trials.
Prognostic role of HPV integration status and molecular profile in advanced anal carcinoma: An ancillary study to the epitopes-HPV02 trial
Authors: Debernardi Alice , Meurisse Aurélia , Prétet Jean-Luc , Guenat David , Monnien Franck , Spehner Laurie , Vienot Angélique , Roncarati Patrick , André Thierry , Abramowitz Laurent , Molimard Chloé , Mougin Christiane , Herfs Michael , Kim Stefano , Borg Christophe
Published: October 2022

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Anal canal (SCCA) is a rare disease associated with a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection in most cases, predominantly the HPV16 genotype. About 15% of SCCA are diagnosed in metastatic stage and some will relapse after initial chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Treatment of patients by Docetaxel, Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) has been recently shown to improve their complete remission and progression-free survival. The aim of this retrospective study was to explore the impact of HPV infection, HPV DNA integration, TERT promoter mutational status and somatic mutations of oncogenes on both progression-free (PFS) and overall survivals (OS) of patients treated by DCF. Samples obtained from 49 patients included in the Epitopes-HPV02 clinical trial, diagnosed with metastatic or non-resectable local recurrent SCCA treated by DCF, were used for analyses. Median PFS and OS were not associated with HPV status. Patients with episomal HPV had an improved PFS compared with SCCA patients with integrated HPV genome (p=0.07). TERT promoter mutations were rarely observed and did not specifically distribute in a subset of SCCA and did not impact DCF efficacy. Among the 42 genes investigated, few gene alterations were observed, and were in majority amplifications (68.4%), but none were significantly correlated to PFS. As no biomarker is significantly associated with patients’ survival, it prompts us to include every patient failing CRT or with metastatic disease in DCF strategy.
Predictive value of DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI in osteosarcoma patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Xia Xibin , Wen Lu , Zhou Feng , Li Junjun , Lu Qiang , Liu Jun , Yu Xiaoping
Published: October 2022

Objective

To investigate the predictive value of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) and intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) for clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

The present prospective single-arm cohort study enrolled 163 patients of osteosarcoma during July 2017 to July 2022. All patients received the same treatment strategy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Both DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI were conducted for the patients before the chemotherapy, as well as after one or two chemotherapy treatment cycles. The imaging parameters of contrast agent transfer rate between blood and tissue (Ktrans), contrast agent back-flux rate constant (Kep), extravascular extracellular fractional volume (Ve), as well as pure diffusion coefficient (D value), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D* value), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and the perfusion fraction (f value) were recorded. RECIST standard [complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), progressive disease (PD)] was used as the main clinical outcome.

Results

After two treatment cycles, 112 (68.71%) cases were with CR and PR, 31 (19.02%) cases were with SD and 20 cases (12.27%) were with PD. After 1~2 treatment cycles, patients with CR/PR showed significantly markedly lower Ktrans, Kep, Ve values, while higher D, ADC and f values compared with SD or PD patients. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were positively correlated with values of Ktrans, Kep, and Ve, while negative correlation was observed between ALP and values of D, ADC and f, as well as between LDH and D and ADC after the whole treatment. D and Kep values after two treatment cycles showed the best predictive value for diagnosis of PD. The values of Ktran, Kep, ADC as well as ALP and LDH were all risk factors for PD after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusion

DCE-MRI and IVIM-DWI have the potential to predict clinical outcomes of osteosarcoma patients with neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Application of single-point prostate biopsy in elderly patients with highly suspected prostate cancer
Authors: Luan Yang , Xiao Qin , Ding Xue-fei , Zhu Liang-yong , Han Yue-xing , Chen Hao-peng , Huang Tian-bao , Lu Sheng-ming
Published: October 2022

Objective

To explore the feasibility of single-point prostate biopsy in elderly patients with highly suspected prostate cancer.

Methods

Forty-three patients with a prostate imaging reporting and data system score (PI-RADS) of 5, age ≥ 80 years and/or PSA ≥ 100 ng/ml and/or Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≥ 2 were enrolled in our hospital from March 2020 to June 2022. Targeted surgery of these patients was performed using only precise local anesthesia in the biopsy area. The biopsy tissues were examined by intraoperative frozen section examination (IFSE). If the result of IFSE was negative, traditional systematic biopsy and further routine pathological examination were performed. The positive rate of biopsy, operation time, complications and pain score were recorded.

Results

The positive rate of prostate biopsy was 94.7%. The results of IFSE in two patients were negative, and the routine pathological results of further systematic biopsy of those patients were also negative. The visual analog scale and visual numeric scale were 2 (2-4) and 3 (2-3), respectively, during the biopsy procedure. The mean time of operation was 8.5 ± 2.1 min from the beginning of anesthesia to the end of biopsy. It took 35.3 ± 18.7 minutes to obtain the pathological report of IFSE. The incidences of complication hematuria and urinary retention were 10.5% and 2.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

For elderly patients with highly suspected prostate cancer, single-point prostate biopsy can be used to quickly and safely obtain pathological results.
Simultaneous care in oncology: Assessment of benefit in relation to symptoms, sex, and age in 753 patients
Authors: Galiano Antonella , Schiavon Stefania , Nardi Mariateresa , Guglieri Irene , Pambuku Ardi , Martino Rosalba , Bolshinsky Maital , Murgioni Sabina , Intini Rossana , Soldà Caterina , Marino Dario , Daniel Francesca , De Toni Chiara , Pittarello Chiara , Chiusole Benedetta , Prete Alessandra Anna , Bimbatti Davide , Nappo Floriana , Caccese Mario , Bergamo Francesca , Brunello Antonella , Lonardi Sara , Zagonel Vittorina
Published: October 2022

Background

Early activation of palliative care for patients with advanced cancer is central in the treatment trajectory. At the Veneto Institute of Oncology, a simultaneous-care outpatient clinic (SCOC) has been active since 2014, where patients are evaluated by an oncologist together with a palliative care team. Recently, we reported on consecutive patients admitted at SCOC from 2018 to 2021 in terms of appropriateness, process, and outcome indicators. Here, we report further analysis in the same group of 753 patients, evaluating other parameters and the correlation between symptom intensity, gender, age, and survival.

Methods

SCOC data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database.

Results

Among the patients, 42.2% were women, and the median age was 68 years, with 46.7% of patients aged ≥70 years. The most prevalent disease type was gastrointestinal cancer (75.2%), and 90.9% of the patients had metastatic disease. The median score for the distress thermometer was 4; the vast majority of the patients (98.6%) reported physical problems, and 69.4% presented emotional issues. Younger women demonstrated a significantly greater median distress than other patients (p=0.0018). Almost all symptoms had a higher prevalence on the 0–3 Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) score, except for fatigue. About 43.8% of the patients received systemic anticancer treatment (SAT) in the last 60 days of life, 15.0% of whom received SAT in the last month and 3.1% in the last 2 weeks. For some symptoms, women frequently had more ESAS >3. Pain and nausea were significantly less reported by older patients compared with younger adults. Men had a lower risk of having MUST score ≥ 2 (p=0.0311). Men and older patients showed a lower prognosis awareness (p=0.0011 and p=0.0049, respectively). Older patients received less SAT within the last 30 days of life (p=0.0006) and had death risk decreased by 20.0%.

Conclusion

Our study identified two subgroups of patients with advanced cancer who require special attention and support due to important symptoms’ burden detected by Patient Reported Outcome Measures tests: women and younger adults. These categories of patients require special attention and should be provided early access at SCOC. The role of an oncologist remains crucial to intercept all patients in need of early palliative care and balancing trade-offs of anticancer treatment in advanced metastatic disease.
The use of virtual tools in narrowing the impact of health disparities in neurology
Authors: Le Pichon Jean-Baptiste , Horton Stephanie , Abdelmoity Omar , Hoffman Mark A. , Cramer Emily , Kishk Nirmeen , Hamada Salah , Abdelmoity Ahmed
Published: October 2022

The concept of Epilepsy Treatment Gap (ETG) refers to the proportion of people with epilepsy who are not being appropriately treated. The ETG in the USA approaches 10%, with historically underserved populations and rural populations disproportionately affected. The ETG in Low-and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC) is reported to be 5–10 times higher than in high-income countries. The growing availability of reliable internet access offers a unique opportunity to provide better care to children and adults with epilepsy. In this paper we explore various telehealth (TH) initiatives that have leveraged the availability of easy and free access to an internet connection in reducing the ETG in underserved regions of the world. We describe several interventions targeted to reach patients and providers in rural areas of the United States and in LMIC. First, we examine initiatives that were developed to improve patient access to coordinated care and education regarding epilepsy and seizures. Next, we describe an intervention designed to improve knowledge of epilepsy diagnosis and treatment for providers in LMIC. We conclude with a brief overview of the use of virtual tools in diminishing the ETG.
Chlorpyrifos residue level and ADHD among children aged 1–6 years in rural China: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhou Wenjuan , Deng Yuanying , Zhang Chen , Dai Hongmei , Guan Lan , Luo Xiangwen , He Wei , Tian Jing , Zhao Lingling
Published: October 2022

Background

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. As genetic factors are nonmodifiable, environmental factors have attracted increasing attention.

Objective

To investigate the relationships between urinary chlorpyrifos (CPF) levels, blood micronutrient levels, and ADHD prevalence in children living in rural areas of China.

Methods

This cross-sectional study collected data on CPF exposure (according to urinary levels), blood micronutrient levels, and ADHD prevalence in children aged 1–6 years in rural China. The CPF levels were determined by mass spectrometry. Blood levels of micronutrients, including zinc, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, and vitamin D, were measured by professional detection kits. ADHD was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition. Descriptive statistics and univariate analysis were conducted using SPSS 21.0, and path analysis was conducted using Mplus 8.0.

Results

Of the 738 children who met the eligibility criteria, 673 children (673/738, 91.2%) were included in the final analysis. Baseline questionnaires and urine samples were collected from all 673 subjects. A total of 672 children provided blood samples for micronutrient testing, and 651 completed the ADHD assessment. Approximately one-fifth of children (144/673, 21.4%) had detectable levels of CPF in their urine, and 6.9% (45/651) were diagnosed with ADHD. Path analysis showed that the total effect of CPF exposure on ADHD risk was 0.166 (P < 0.05), with a direct effect of 0.197 (P < 0.05) and an indirect effect of −0.031 (P < 0.05) via vitamin D. The mediating effect of urinary CPF levels on ADHD risk via vitamin D was 18.67%.

Conclusion

Higher levels of CPF exposure are associated with higher risk of ADHD. Additionally, increasing vitamin D levels may have a beneficial effect on the relationship between CPF exposure and ADHD risk. Our findings highlight the importance of modifying environmental factors to reduce ADHD risk and provide insight into future ADHD interventions.
Case report: The cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome due to a novel germline mutation in MAP2K1: A multifaceted disease with immunodeficiency and short stature
Authors: Szczawińska-Popłonyk Aleksandra , Popłonyk Natalia , Niedziela Marek , Sowińska-Seidler Anna , Sztromwasser Paweł , Jamsheer Aleksander , Obara-Moszyńska Monika
Published: October 2022

Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (CFCS) belongs to the group of RASopathies, clinical disorders defined by disruptions in the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway. It is caused by heterozygous gain-of-function germline mutations in genes encoding protein kinases: BRAF, MAP2K1 (MEK1), MAP2K2 (MEK2), and in the GTPase-encoding gene KRAS. CFCS is characterized by craniofacial dysmorphic features, congenital heart defects, severe malnutrition, proportionate short stature, anomalies within the structure of skin and hair, and psychomotor disability. The pathophysiology of growth impairment is multifactorial with feeding difficulties, growth hormone deficiency, and insensitivity. Immunodeficiency has not been hitherto reported as an integral part of CFCS yet an increased activation of the RAS/MAPK signaling pathway may contribute to explaining the causal relationship between RASopathy and the dysfunctions within the B and T lymph cell compartments resulting in a deficiency in T cell costimulation and B cell maturation with impaired class switch recombination, somatic hypermutation, and high-affinity antibody production. We report on a boy born prematurely at 32 WGA, with the perinatal period complicated by pneumonia, respiratory distress syndrome, and valvular pulmonary stenosis. The boy suffered from recurrent pneumonia, obstructive bronchitis, sepsis, urinary tract infection, and recurrent fevers. He presented with severe hypotrophy, psychomotor disability, short stature, craniofacial dysmorphism, dental hypoplasia, sparse hair, and cryptorchidism. Whole genome sequencing showed a novel heterozygous pathogenic germline missense variant: c.364A > G; p.Asn122Asp in the MAP2K1 gene, supporting the diagnosis of CFCS. The immunological workup revealed hypogammaglobulinemia, IgG subclass, and specific antibody deficiency accompanied by decreased numbers of T helper cells and naive and memory B cells. Replacement immunoglobulin therapy with timely antibiotic prophylaxis were instituted. At the age of six years, growth hormone deficiency was diagnosed and the rGH therapy was started. The ever-increasing progress in genetic studies contributes to establishing the definitive CFCS diagnosis and sheds the light on the interrelated genotype-phenotype heterogeneity of RASopathies. Herein, we add new phenotypic features of predominating humoral immunodeficiency to the symptomatology of CFCS with a novel mutation in MAP2K1. While CFCS is a multifaceted disease, increased pediatricians’ awareness is needed to prevent the delay in diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.
Study on the anti-biofilm mechanism of 1,8-cineole against Fusarium solani species complex
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wang Yiming , Zhao Xinghong , Liu Lu , Xing Rui , Song Xu , Zou Yuanfeng , Li Lixia , Wan Hongping , Jia Renyong , Yin Lizi , Liang Xiaoxia , He Changliang , Wei Qin , Yin Zhongqiong
Published: October 2022

Fungal-infections are mostly due to fungi in an adhering, biofilm-mode of growth and not due to planktonically growing, suspended-fungi. 1, 8-cineole is a natural product, which has been shown to possess antifungal effect. However, the anti-biofilm effect and mechanism of 1,8-cineole against Fusarium solani species complex has not reported previously. In this study, we found that 1,8-cineole has a good antifungal activity against F. solani with an MIC value of 46.1 μg/ml. Notably, 1,8-cineole showed good anti-biofilm formation activity against F. solani via inhibiting cell adhesion, hypha formation and decreasing the secretion of extracellular matrix at the concentration of ≥5.76 μg/ml. In addition, transcriptome sequencing analysis results showed that F. solani species complex genes related to ECM, protein synthesis and energy metabolism were down-expressed in the biofilms formation process treated with 1,8-cineole. In conclusion, these results show that 1,8-cineole has good anti-biofilm formation activity against F. solani species complex, and it exerts its anti-biofilm formation activity by downregulating of ergosterol biosynthetic genes, inhibiting adhesion, hindering the synthesis of ECM and interfering mitochondrial activity. This study suggests that 1,8-cineole is a promising anti-biofilm agent against F. solani species complex.
Thermal proteome profiling reveals Haemonchus orphan protein HCO_011565 as a target of the nematocidal small molecule UMW-868
Authors: Taki Aya C. , Wang Tao , Nguyen Nghi N. , Ang Ching-Seng , Leeming Michael G. , Nie Shuai , Byrne Joseph J. , Young Neil D. , Zheng Yuanting , Ma Guangxu , Korhonen Pasi K. , Koehler Anson V. , Williamson Nicholas A. , Hofmann Andreas , Chang Bill C. H. , Häberli Cécile , Keiser Jennifer , Jabbar Abdul , Sleebs Brad E. , Gasser Robin B.
Published: October 2022

Parasitic roundworms (nematodes) cause destructive diseases, and immense suffering in humans and other animals around the world. The control of these parasites relies heavily on anthelmintic therapy, but treatment failures and resistance to these drugs are widespread. As efforts to develop vaccines against parasitic nematodes have been largely unsuccessful, there is an increased focus on discovering new anthelmintic entities to combat drug resistant worms. Here, we employed thermal proteome profiling (TPP) to explore hit pharmacology and to support optimisation of a hit compound (UMW-868), identified in a high-throughput whole-worm, phenotypic screen. Using advanced structural prediction and docking tools, we inferred an entirely novel, parasite-specific target (HCO_011565) of this anthelmintic small molecule in the highly pathogenic, blood-feeding barber’s pole worm, and in other socioeconomically important parasitic nematodes. The “hit-to-target” workflow constructed here provides a unique prospect of accelerating the simultaneous discovery of novel anthelmintics and associated parasite-specific targets.
Predictive value of myocardial strain on myocardial infarction size by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Wang Qiang , Wang Jian , Ma Yingjie , Wang Peng , Li Yang , Tian Jing , Yue Xiuzheng , Su Guohai , Li Bin
Published: October 2022

Background: The correlation between myocardial strain and infraction size by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is not clear.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between myocardial strain and myocardial infarction size in patients of acute STEMI with preserved LVEF.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to assess 31 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who received cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging during hospitalization at the Central Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from 2019 to 2022 and whose echocardiography indicated preserved LVEF (LVEF≥50%). The control group consisted of 21 healthy adults who underwent CMR during the same period. We compared the CMR characteristics, global and segmental strain between the two groups. Furthermore, the correlation between the global strain and the segmental strain of the left ventricle and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were evaluated.

Results: Compared with healthy controls, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of STEMI patients with preserved LVEF was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, the global radial strain (GRS) (24.09% [IQR:17.88–29.60%] vs. 39.56% [IQR:29.19–42.20%], p < 0.05), global circumferential strain (GCS) [−14.66% (IQR: 17.91–11.56%) vs. −19.26% (IQR: 21.03–17.73%), p < 0.05], and global longitudinal strains (GLS) (−8.88 ± 2.25% vs. −13.46 ± 2.63%, p < 0.05) were damaged in patients. Furthermore, GCS and GLS were associated with LGE size (%left ventricle) (GCS: r = 0.58, p < 0.05; GLS: r = 0.37, p < 0.05). In the multivariate model, we found that LGE size was significantly associated with GCS (β coefficient = 2.110, p = 0.016) but was not associated with GLS (β coefficient = −0.102, p = 0.900) and LVEF (β coefficient = 0.227, p = 0.354). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) results showed that GCS emerged as the strongest LGE size (LGE >25%) prognosticator among strain parameters (AUC: 0.836 [95% CI, 0.692—0.981], sensitivity: 91%, specificity: 80%) and was significantly better (p = 0.001) than GLS [AUC: 0.761 (95% CI, 0.583—0.939), sensitivity: 64%, specificity: 85%] and LVEF [AUC: 0.673 (95% CI, 0.469—0.877), sensitivity: 73%, specificity: 70%].

Conclusion: Among STEMI patients with preserved LVEF after PCI, CMR-FT-derived GCS had superior diagnostic accuracy than GLS and LVEF in predicting myocardial infarction size.
Short-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase: A novel vital oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in cancers
Authors: Fang He , Li Hanyang , Zhang Hang , Wang Shu , Xu Shuang , Chang Li , Yang Yongsheng , Cui Ranji
Published: October 2022

The reprogramming of cellular metabolism is frequently linked to tumorigenesis. Glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids are the specific substrates involved in how an organism maintains metabolic equilibrium. The HADH gene codes for the short-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HADH), a crucial enzyme in fatty acid oxidation that catalyzes the third phase of fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. Increasing data suggest that HADH is differentially expressed in various types of malignancies and is linked to cancer development and progression. The significance of HADH expression in tumors and its potential mechanisms of action in the onset and progression of certain cancers are summarized in this article. The possible roles of HADH as a target and/or biomarker for the detection and treatment of various malignancies is also described here.
Prognostic value of antitumor drug targets prediction using integrated bioinformatic analysis for immunogenic cell death-related lncRNA model based on stomach adenocarcinoma characteristics and tumor immune microenvironment
Authors: Ding Dayong , Zhao Yan , Su Yanzhuo , Yang Huaixi , Wang Xuefeng , Chen Lin
Published: October 2022

Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) ranks as the fourth prevalent cause of mortality worldwide due to cancer. The prognosis for those suffering from STAD was bleak. Immunogenic cell death (ICD), a form of induced cellular death that causes an adaptive immune response and has increasing in anticancer treatment. However, it has not been ascertained how ICD-related lncRNAs affect STAD. Using univariate Cox regression and the TCGA database, lncRNAs with prognostic value were identified. Thereafter, we created a prognostic lncRNA-based model using LASSO. Kaplan-Meier assessment, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyzation, independent prognostic investigation, and nomogram were used to assess model correctness. Additional research included evaluations of the immunological microenvironment, gene set enrichment analyses (GSEA), tumor mutation burdens (TMBs), tumor immune dysfunctions and exclusions (TIDEs), and antitumor compounds IC50 predictions. We found 24 ICD-related lncRNAs with prognostic value via univariate Cox analysis (p < 0.05). Subsequently, a risk model was proposed using five lncRNAs relevant to ICD. The risk signature, correlated with immune cell infiltration, had strong predictive performance. Individuals at low-risk group outlived those at high risk (p < 0.001). An evaluation of the 5-lncRNA risk mode including ROC curves, nomograms, and correction curves confirmed its predictive capability. The findings of functional tests revealed a substantial alteration in immunological conditions and the IC50 sensitivity for the two groups. Using five ICD-related lncRNAs, the authors developed a new risk model for STAD patients that could predict their cumulative overall survival rate and guide their individual treatment.
Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of Eugenia brejoensis essential oil in mice wounds infected by Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Diniz Roseana Muniz , Fernandes Tatiany Gomes Ferreira , Mendonça Juliana Silva Pereira , Silva Lucas dos Santos , Saminez Warlison Felipe de Silva , Oliveira Patrícia Vieira de , Amorim Erika Alves Da Fonseca , Figueiredo Cristiane Santos Silva e Silva , Bezerra Filho Clovis Macêdo , Correia Maria Tereza dos Santos , Silva Márcia Vanusa da , Sá Sousa Joicy Cortez de , Zagmignan Adrielle , Nascimento da Silva Luís Cláudio
Published: October 2022

Eugenia brejoensis Mazine (Myrtaceae) is source of an essential oil (EbEO) with anti-infective activities against Staphylococcus aureus. This study evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory potentials of EbEO in S. aureus-infected skin wounds. The excisional lesions (64 mm2) were induced on Swiss mice back (6 to 8-week-old) that were allocated into 3 groups (n = 12): 1) non-infected wounds (CON); 2) wounds infected with S. aureus ATCC 6538 (Sa); 3) S. aureus-infected wounds and treated with EbEO (Sa + EbEO). The infected groups received approximately 104 CFU/wound. The animals were treated with EbEO (10 µg/wound/day) or vehicle from the 1-day post-infection (dpi) until the 10th dpi. The clinical parameters (wound area, presence of exudate, edema intensity, etc.) were daily analyzed. The levels of inflammatory mediators (cytokines, nitric oxide, VEGF) and bacterial load were measured at the cutaneous tissue at 4th dpi and 10th dpi. Topical application of EbEO accelerated wound contraction with an average contraction of 83.48 ± 11.27 % of the lesion area until 6th dpi. In this period, the rates of lesion contraction were 54.28 ± 5.57% and 34.5 ± 2.67% for CON and Sa groups, respectively. The positive effects of EbEO on wound contraction were associated with significantly (p < 0.05) reduction on bacterial load and the release of inflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, NO and VEGF). Taken together, these data confirm the antimicrobial potential of EbEO and provide insights into its anti-inflammatory effects, making this essential oil an interesting candidate for the development of new therapeutic alternatives for infected cutaneous wounds.
Review of intraluminal optical coherence tomography imaging for cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Ku Jerry C. , Pasarikovski Christopher R. , Dobashi Yuta , Ramjist Joel , Priola Stefano M. , Yang Victor X. D.
Published: October 2022

Cerebral aneurysms are an abnormal ballooning of blood vessels which have the potential to rupture and cause hemorrhagic stroke. The diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cerebral aneurysms is highly dependant on high resolution imaging. As an imaging modality capable of cross-sectional resolution down to 10 μm, intraluminal optical coherence tomography (OCT) has great potential in improving care for cerebral aneurysms. The ability to assess the blood vessel microanatomy in vivo may be able to predict aneurysm growth and rupture. During treatment, intraluminal OCT may aid in assessment of treatment efficacy and complication avoidance, such as via visualization of in-stent thrombosis, stent wall apposition, and the fate of covered branch vessels. This technology can also be used in post-treatment monitoring, to assess for aneurysmal remnants or for endothelialisation and healing over the diseased segments. The goal of this clinically focused narrative review is to provide an overview of the previous applications of intraluminal OCT in cerebral aneurysms and future prospects of applying this technology to improve care in patients with cerebral aneurysms, including a specific neurovascular OCT catheter, doppler OCT for high resolution blood flow assessment, and further research endeavors.
Reliability of transcranial magnetic stimulation and H-reflex measurement during balance perturbation tasks
Authors: Hu Nijia , Avela Janne , Kidgell Dawson J. , Nevanperä Samuli , Walker Simon , Piirainen Jarmo M.
Published: October 2022

Following ankle movement, posterior balance perturbation evokes short- (SLR ∼30–50 ms), medium- (MLR ∼50–60 ms), and long-latency responses (LLR ∼70–90 ms) in soleus muscle before voluntary muscle contraction. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and Hoffmann-reflex (H-reflex) measurements can provide insight into the contributions of corticospinal and spinal mechanisms to each response. Motor evoked potential (MEP) and H-reflex responses have shown good reliability in some dynamic muscle contraction tasks. However, it is still unclear how reliable these methods are in dynamic balance perturbation and corticospinal modulation during long amplitude balance perturbation tasks. 14 subjects completed two test sessions in this study to evaluate the reliability of MEPs, H-reflex, and corticospinal modulation during balance perturbation. In each session, the balance perturbation system operated at 0.25 m/s, accelerating at 2.5 m/s2 over 0.3 m displacement. MEPs and H-reflexes were elicited in the right leg soleus muscle at four delays after ankle movement (10 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 140 ms), respectively. Test-retest reliability of MEP and H-reflex amplitudes were assessed via intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) both between- and within-session. Between-session test-retest reliability for MEPs was excellent (ICC = 0.928–0.947), while H-reflex demonstrated moderate-to-good reliability (ICC = 0.626–0.887). Within-session reliability for both MEPs and H-reflex was excellent (ICC = 0.927–0.983). TMS and H-reflex measurements were reliable at different delays after perturbation between- and within-sessions, which indicated that these methods can be used to measure corticospinal excitability during balance perturbation.
Development of machine learning models integrating PET/CT radiomic and immunohistochemical pathomic features for treatment strategy choice of cervical cancer with negative pelvic lymph node by mediating COX-2 expression
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Li Xiaoran , Sun Hongzan
Published: October 2022

Objectives: We aimed to establish machine learning models based on texture analysis predicting pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM) and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in cervical cancer with PET/CT negative pelvic lymph node (PLN).

Methods: Eight hundred and thirty-seven texture features were extracted from PET/CT images of 148 early-stage cervical cancer patients with negative PLN. The machine learning models were established by logistic regression from selected features and evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC). The correlation of selected PET/CT texture features predicting PLNM or COX-2 expression and the corresponding immunohistochemical (IHC) texture features was analyzed by the Spearman test.

Results: Fourteen texture features were reserved to calculate the Rad-score for PLNM and COX-2. The PLNM model predicting PLNM showed good prediction accuracy in the training and testing dataset (AUC = 0.817, p < 0.001; AUC = 0.786, p < 0.001, respectively). The COX-2 model also behaved well for predicting COX-2 expression levels in the training and testing dataset (AUC = 0.814, p < 0.001; AUC = 0.748, p = 0.001). The wavelet-LHH-GLCM ClusterShade of the PET image selected to predict PLNM was slightly correlated with the corresponding feature of the IHC image (r = −0.165, p < 0.05). There was a weak correlation of wavelet-LLL-GLRLM LongRunEmphasis of the PET image selected to predict COX-2 correlated with the corresponding feature of the IHC image (r = 0.238, p < 0.05). The correlation between PET image selected to predict COX-2 and the corresponding feature of the IHC image based on wavelet-LLL-GLRLM LongRunEmphasis is considered weak positive (r = 0.238, p=<0.05).

Conclusion: This study underlined the significant application of the machine learning models based on PET/CT texture analysis for predicting PLNM and COX-2 expression, which could be a novel tool to assist the clinical management of cervical cancer with negative PLN on PET/CT images.
Trade contestation and regional politics: The case of Belgium and Germany
Authors: Egan Michelle , Guimarães Maria Helena
Published: October 2022

In developing an extensive network of trade agreements, the European Union has pushed for liberalization commitments that impinge on the competencies of subnational jurisdictions. This raises new challenges in federal systems as the emerging multilevel character of trade politics means subnational authorities could increasingly demand a say in the negotiation or ratification of these trade agreements. To address the tension between subnational regulatory autonomy and collective problem-solving in trade negotiations, Europe needs to avoid suboptimal trade outcomes where actions of contestation by subnational jurisdictions on the grounds of regulatory encroachment can undermine or veto collective agreement. Using the cases of Belgium and Germany, this article illustrates how the growing subnational contestation around trade agreements requires greater coordination and consensus to avoid domestic gridlock in their ratification. The article suggests normative ideas for the EU to address the overlapping authority challenges across multilevel governance. As the values of trade have changed, these normative measures should include the framing of trade narratives, addressing asymmetries of influence, enhancing subnational engagement, and mitigating the distributive costs of liberalization. These avenues for trade policymaking are to be ultimately advantageous for the EU's pursuit of greater integration.
Emotional intelligence as a predictor of identified regulation, introjected regulation, and external regulation in athletes
Authors: Mercader-Rubio Isabel , Ángel Nieves Gutiérrez , Ruiz Nieves Fátima Oropesa , Carrión-Martínez José Juan
Published: October 2022

Self-determination theory (SDT) considers motivation as a multidimensional phenomenon, with different levels of intensity, purposes, intentions, wills and autonomies. It distinguishes between intrinsic motivation (IM), extrinsic motivation (EM) and amotivation (AM). In this paper, we are going to focus on extrinsic motivation, which is related to those tasks that the subject performs without having a purpose in themselves, and which is composed of identified regulation, introjected regulation and external regulation. The aim of this research is to analyse the relationship between them and emotional intelligence in 165 students with university degrees related to Physical Activity and Sport Sciences. The main findings of this work lie mainly in the demonstration of the fact that emotional intelligence is a predictor of identified regulation, introjected regulation and external regulation.
Bilingual Mandarin-English preschoolers’ spoken narrative skills and contributing factors: A remote online story-retell study
Authors: Yang Jingdan , Kim Jae-Hyun , Tuomainen Outi , Xu Rattanasone Nan
Published: October 2022

This study examined the spoken narrative skills of a group of bilingual Mandarin–English speaking 3–6-year-olds (N = 25) in Australia, using a remote online story-retell task. Bilingual preschoolers are an understudied population, especially those who are speaking typologically distinct languages such as Mandarin and English which have fewer structural overlaps compared to language pairs that are typologically closer, reducing cross-linguistic positive transfer. We examined these preschoolers’ spoken narrative skills as measured by macrostructures (the global organization of a story) and microstructures (linguistic structures, e.g., total number of utterances, nouns, verbs, phrases, and modifiers) across and within each language, and how various factors such as age and language experiences contribute to individual variability. The results indicate that our bilingual preschoolers acquired spoken narrative skills similarly across their two languages, i.e., showing similar patterns of productivity for macrostructure and microstructure elements in both of their two languages. While chronological age was positively correlated with macrostructures in both languages (showing developmental effects), there were no significant correlations between measures of language experiences and the measures of spoken narrative skills (no effects for language input/output). The findings suggest that although these preschoolers acquire two typologically diverse languages in different learning environments, Mandarin at home with highly educated parents, and English at preschool, they displayed similar levels of oral narrative skills as far as these macro−/micro-structure measures are concerned. This study provides further evidence for the feasibility of remote online assessment of preschoolers’ narrative skills.
The intended and unintended consequences of remote working: Narratives from a sample of female public service managers in South Africa
Authors: Chinyamurindi Willie Tafadzwa
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world of work. Stemming from this, new forms of work arrangements are proposed. One such arrangement concerns the use of remote working. Scholars appeal for more empirical inquiry into such work arrangements as an unintended consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study narrows its focus to investigating remote working experiences from the lens of female middle managers operating within the South African public service. A qualitative research approach utilizing narrative inquiry of 23 female middle managers was used. Based on the analyzed data, remote working is illustrated from the participant experience as having intended and unintended consequences. In illustrating these dual consequences is a nexus between opportunities and challenges. Based on the identified intended and unintended consequences as findings, interventions have been proposed that impact not just the experience of being a middle manager in the public service but also strategies in dealing with remote working. At the core are strategies for individuals and organizations. These strategies potentially allow for middle manager contributions to be enhanced while also enhancing organizational outputs while working from home.