bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Interhemispheric Functional Connectivity Associated With Early Verbal Fluency Decline After Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Luo Bei , Dong Wenwen , Chang Lei , Qiu Chang , Lu Yue , Liu Dongming , Xue Chen , Zhang Li , Liu Weiguo , Zhang Wenbin , Yan Jun
Published: April 2022

Background

Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) experience a decline in verbal fluency (VF) immediately after undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN). This phenomenon is thought to be related to surgical microlesions.

Purpose

We investigated the alterations in interhemispheric functional connectivity after STN-DBS in PD patients. We also evaluated the correlation between these changes and decreased VF scores.

Method

Overall, 30 patients with PD were enrolled in the study. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed twice, once before and once after DBS, in PD patients. Voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) was applied in order to evaluate the synchronicity of functional connectivity between the hemispheres.

Result

After undergoing STN-DBS, PD patients demonstrated reduced VMHC value in the posterior cerebellum lobe, angular gyrus, precuneus/posterior cingulate gyrus (PCC), supramarginal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus (SFG) (medial and dorsolateral) and middle frontal gyrus (MFG). In addition, we observed a significant positive correlation between the altered VMHC value in the SFG and MFG and the change of phonemic VF scores.

Conclusion

PD patients demonstrated an interhemispheric coordination disorder in the prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, supramarginal gyrus and DMN after undergoing STN-DBS. The positive correlation between reduced VMHC value in the SFG and MFG and the changes of VF scores provides a novel understanding with regard to the decline of VF after DBS.
An Anisotropic 4D Filtering Approach to Recover Brain Activation From Paradigm-Free Functional MRI Data
Authors: Costantini Isa , Deriche Rachid , Deslauriers-Gauthier Samuel
Published: April 2022

Context

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a non-invasive imaging technique that provides an indirect view into brain activity via the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response. In particular, resting-state fMRI poses challenges to the recovery of brain activity without prior knowledge on the experimental paradigm, as it is the case for task fMRI. Conventional methods to infer brain activity from the fMRI signals, for example, the general linear model (GLM), require the knowledge of the experimental paradigm to define regressors and estimate the contribution of each voxel's time course to the task. To overcome this limitation, approaches to deconvolve the BOLD response and recover the underlying neural activations without a priori information on the task have been proposed. State-of-the-art techniques, and in particular the total activation (TA), formulate the deconvolution as an optimization problem with decoupled spatial and temporal regularization and an optimization strategy that alternates between the constraints.

Approach

In this work, we propose a paradigm-free regularization algorithm named Anisotropic 4D-fMRI (A4D-fMRI) that is applied on the 4D fMRI image, acting simultaneously in the 3D space and 1D time dimensions. Based on the idea that large image variations should be preserved as they occur during brain activations, whereas small variations considered as noise should be removed, the A4D-fMRI applies an anisotropic regularization, thus recovering the location and the duration of brain activations.

Results

Using the experimental paradigm as ground truth, the A4D-fMRI is validated on synthetic and real task-fMRI data from 51 subjects, and its performance is compared to the TA. Results show higher correlations of the recovered time courses with the ground truth compared to the TA and lower computational times. In addition, we show that the A4D-fMRI recovers activity that agrees with the GLM, without requiring or using any knowledge of the experimental paradigm.
Sensorineural Hearing Loss Affects Functional Connectivity of the Auditory Cortex, Parahippocampal Gyrus and Inferior Prefrontal Gyrus in Tinnitus Patients
Authors: Chen Junming , Zhao Yuanxin , Zou Tuanming , Wen Xiaoling , Zhou Xiaowei , Yu Youjun , Liu Zhen , Li Meige
Published: April 2022

Background

Tinnitus can interfere with a patient’s speech discrimination, but whether tinnitus itself or the accompanying sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) causes this interference is still unclear. We analyzed event-related electroencephalograms (EEGs) to observe auditory-related brain function and explore the possible effects of SNHL on auditory processing in tinnitus patients.

Methods

Speech discrimination scores (SDSs) were recorded in 21 healthy control subjects, 24 tinnitus patients, 24 SNHL patients, and 27 patients with both SNHL and tinnitus. EEGs were collected under an oddball paradigm. Then, the mismatch negativity (MMN) amplitude and latency, the clustering coefficient and average path length of the whole network in the tinnitus and SNHL groups were compared with those in the control group. Additionally, we analyzed the intergroup differences in functional connectivity among the primary auditory cortex (AC), parahippocampal gyrus (PHG), and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG).

Results

SNHL patients with or without tinnitus had lower SDSs than the control subjects. Compared with control subjects, tinnitus patients with or without SNHL had decreased MMN amplitudes, and SNHL patients had longer MMN latencies. Tinnitus patients without SNHL had a smaller clustering coefficient and a longer whole-brain average path length than the control subjects. SNHL patients with or without tinnitus had a smaller clustering coefficient and a longer average path length than patients with tinnitus alone. The connectivity strength from the AC to the PHG and IFG was lower on the affected side in tinnitus patients than that in control subjects; the connectivity strength from the PHG to the IFG was also lower on the affected side in tinnitus patients than that in control subjects. However, the connectivity strength from the IFG to the AC was stronger in tinnitus patients than that in the control subjects. In SNHL patients with or without tinnitus, these changes were magnified.

Conclusion

Changes in auditory processing in tinnitus patients do not influence SDSs. Instead, SNHL might cause the activity of the AC, PHG and IFG to change, resulting in impaired speech recognition in tinnitus patients with SNHL.
Habitual- and Meal-Specific Carbohydrate Quality Index and Their Relation to Metabolic Syndrome in a Sample of Iranian Adults
Authors: Majdi Maryam , Imani Hossein , Bazshahi Elham , Hosseini Fatemeh , Djafarian Kurosh , Lesani Azadeh , Akbarzade Zahra , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: April 2022

Aim

Most studies on diet quality have focused on the habitual and overall intake of foods without considering intakes at specific eating occasions. This study aimed to assess the association between habitual- and meal-specific carbohydrate quality index (CQI) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Iranian adults.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data from 850 participants were analyzed. Dietary information was obtained from a 3-day nonconsecutive 24 h recall. CQI was calculated from three criteria: dietary fiber, glycemic index, and solid carbohydrate/total carbohydrate ratio. The association between CQI and MetS was assessed by logistic regression.

Results

The prevalences of MetS in the lowest and highest tertile of CQI were 30.1 and 33.7, respectively (P = 0.6). In habitual diet and all the three meals, we failed to find any significant association between tertiles of CQI and MetS either before or after adjustment for covariates. However, in the habitual meals [odds ratio (OR): 0.69, 95% CI: 0.47–0.96] and lunch meals (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.47–0.94), the highest CQI in comparison to the lowest one, significantly decreased the low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, the trend of low-HDL with CQI in habitual meal and lunch meal was statistically significant.

Conclusion

The results of this study showed that CQI was not associated with MetS and its components. Further investigations into the mechanisms underlying the role of carbohydrate quality in developing metabolic disorders are warranted.
Correlation Among Body Composition Parameters and Long-Term Outcomes in Crohn's Disease After Anti-TNF Therapy
Authors: Ando Katsuyoshi , Uehara Kyoko , Sugiyama Yuya , Kobayashi Yu , Murakami Yuki , Sato Hiroki , Kunogi Takehito , Sasaki Takahiro , Takahashi Keitaro , Ueno Nobuhiro , Kashima Shin , Moriichi Kentaro , Tanabe Hiroki , Okumura Toshikatsu , Fujiya Mikihiro
Published: April 2022

Background

The impact of the body composition on the pathophysiology and clinical course of Crohn's disease (CD) has not been fully elucidated.

Aims

To reveal the correlations among body composition and long-term outcomes in CD after anti-TNF therapy.

Methods

Ninety-one patients who received anti-TNF therapy as their first biologic treatment were enrolled. The skeletal muscle index (SMI), visceral and subcutaneous fat area (VFA, SFA), and the ratio of the VFA to SFA (mesenteric fat index; MFI) at the 3rd lumbar level were measured using computed tomography (CT) imaging before the induction. The correlation among the body composition and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

The 5-year cumulative secondary failure- and resection-free rates in patients with a low SMI (39.1% and 64.8%) were significantly lower than those with a high SMI (67.5% and 92.7%; p = 0.0071 and 0.0022, respectively). The 5-year cumulative secondary failure-free rate in the patients with low VF (45.0%) was significantly lower than that in those with high VF (77.6%; p = 0.016), and the 5-year cumulative resection-free rate in patients with a high MFI (68.9%) was significantly lower than that in those with a low MFI (83.0%; p = 0.031). Additionally, patients with low age and BMI had significantly lower cumulative secondary failure- and resection-free rates than those with high age and BMI (low age: 37.4% and 71.2%; high age: 70.7% and 88.9%; p = 0.0083 and 0.027, respectively) (low BMI: 27.2% and 64.8%; high BMI: 68.3% and 87.9%; p = 0.014 and 0.030, respectively), respectively. In the multivariate analyses, a low SMI was the only independent risk factor for secondary failure (hazard ratio [HR] 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–4.44), while low age (HR 4.06, 95% CI 1.07–15.4), a low SMI (HR 4.19, 95% CI 1.01–17.3) and high MFI were risk factors for bowel resection (HR 4.31, 95% CI 1.36–13.7).

Conclusion

The skeletal muscle mass and ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat were suggested to reflect the long-term clinical outcome and may be helpful as prognostic markers after anti-TNF therapy in CD.
Case Report: Mucopolysaccharidosis Type I Treatment With α-L-Iduronidase Replacement Therapy
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Deyun , Yu Yue
Published: April 2022

Mucopolysaccharidosis is a rare disease and can be divided into seven different subtypes, according to the affected enzyme. Mucopolysaccharidosis type I, the first subtype discovered and reported, mainly affects the in vivo storage of degraded sugar. The current treatment methods are symptomatic therapy, enzyme replacement therapy, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In China, the enzyme for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis type I was approved in June 2020. We report a case of an 18-month-old Chinese boy with mucopolysaccharidosis type I who received enzyme replacement therapy with concentrated laronidase solution. This is the second case of the disease in China, and the first case of a child under 2 years of age. Following the therapy, urine mucopolysaccharide particle levels were significantly lower, and the patient's symptoms improved. The medical records of Chinese patients who have been treated with enzyme replacement therapy for mucopolysaccharidosis type I also showed similar results. This case demonstrated that enzyme replacement therapy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type I.
Histopathological Features of Vanishing Testes in 332 Boys: What Is Its Significance? A Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Gao Lei , Tang Daxing , Gu Weizhong
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the histopathological features of resected testicular remnant specimens, ascertain the incidence of the presence of either germ cells (GCs) or seminiferous tubules (SNTs), and assess whether surgical excision of the remnant is necessary. A total of 332 boys with vanishing testis underwent surgical removal of unilateral testicular remnants, with age 7–164 months (median age 25 months). Among the total 332 cases, 212 (63.8%) were younger than 36 months and 143 (66.5%) were found to have hypertrophied contralateral testes larger than 1.6 cm in longitudinal diameter under sonography. SNTs were only present in 21 (6.3%) cases and GCs were present in 7 (2.1%) cases. Compared to the review studies, the very low incidence of SNTs and GCs in which implies extremely low chances of potential malignancy. We propose that surgical removal of vanishing testis remnants in an inguinal or scrotal position may not be necessary.
Real-World Use of Carvedilol in Children With Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Long-Term Effect on Survival and Ventricular Function
Authors: Adorisio Rachele , Cantarutti Nicoletta , Ciabattini Marco , Amodeo Antonio , Drago Fabrizio
Published: April 2022

Background

Carvedilol is recommended for chronic heart failure (HF) treatment in children. However, the ideal dosage and administration are not standardized, and data on its long-term effects are lacking. This study aimed to assess the effect of a high dosage regimen of carvedilol on cardiac outcomes in children with HF.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including all children with HF and dilated cardiomyopathy. We analyzed medical records before starting treatment, at 1 and 3 years after reaching the maximum therapeutic dosage. All data were compared with a historical control group. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression have been used to evaluate the effect of high dosage carvedilol therapy. The main outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality and heart transplant.

Results

One hundred thirty-five were included in the study and 65 treated with a high dosage of carvedilol regimen (up to 1 mg/kg/day). Heart rate reduction (mean reduction 30%, p < 0.0001) and ejection fraction improvement (32 ± 9.4 vs. 45. ± 10.1%, p < 0.0001) were statistically significant in those. Long-term survival and freedom from heart transplant were significantly improved in those treated with high dosage carvedilol therapy (p = 0.00001).

Conclusions

Treatment with the high dosage of carvedilol, in addition to standard HF therapy, significantly improves ventricular function and survival in children with dilated cardiomyopathy and chronic HF.
Analyzing the Spatiotemporal Distribution and Characteristics of Liver Cirrhosis in Hospitalized Patients in Wuwei, Gansu Province During 1995–2016: A Long-Term Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhang Yang , Fu Ting , Yuan Xiao-Jie , Ye Yan-Cheng , Guo Zhi-Wen , Liu Kun , Ji Zhao-Hua , Shao Zhong-Jun
Published: March 2022

Objectives: This was a long-term retrospective study, aiming to understand the temporal and spatial trend of cirrhosis in Wuwei from 1995 to 2016, explore its spatio-temporal aggregation, and find out the high incidence areas. To provide theoretical basis for the formulation of comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy of cirrhosis in Wuwei.

Methods: Herein, we extracted data of cirrhosis patients who were treated in 12 sentinel hospitals in Wuwei from their medical records. We used SAS and Joinpoint Regression Program for data analysis, SaTScan 9.4 software for clustering area detection, and ArcGIS 10.2 software for geographical distribution mapping.

Results: Among 3308 patients with liver cirrhosis (average age, 55.34 years) included in this study, 15.9% were aged 50–54 years. The majority were men (2716, 65.8%), with a sex ratio of 1.92:1 and peasants by occupation (1369, 60.3%). The basic social medical insurance system covered the healthcare costs of 1271 patients (63%). A Joinpoint regression analysis done for 1995–2016 revealed an increase in the standardized cirrhosis rate [average annual percent change (AAPC) = 16.7% (95% CI, 10.2–23.5%)] with three joinpoints in 2010, 2013, and 2016. The annual percent change (APC) from 1995 to 2010 was 11.13% (95% CI: 6.5–16.0), and APC from 2010 to 2013 was 66.48% (95% CI:16.0–138.9); conversely, from 2013 to 2016, APC was 4.4% (95% CI, −7.5–17.8%). Hongshagang Town showed the highest average incidence. Each township showed a gradual increase in the incidence after 2010. The results revealed that in each township, liver cirrhosis incidence had some spatial aggregation and was nonrandom. Four liver cirrhosis clusters were noted in 75 townships in Wuwei. Data were gathered from 2011 to 2016.

Conclusions: From 1995 to 2016, the incidence of cirrhosis in Wuwei still showed an increasing trend, but the growth rate slowed down since 2013. In Wuwei, the rate of standardization of cirrhosis in female patients increased steadily and faster than in male patients. It is necessary to strengthen the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control measures of cirrhosis-related diseases. The results of spatial scanning, basic spatial distribution, aggregation time, and time trend analysis were consistent.
Invariance of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Construct Across Clinical Populations and Sociodemographic Variables
Authors: Pérez-Díaz Pablo Alejandro , Manrique-Millones Denisse , García-Gómez María , Vásquez-Suyo Maria Isabel , Millones-Rivalles Rosa , Fernández-Ríos Nataly , Pérez-González Juan-Carlos , Petrides K. V.
Published: April 2022

Recent research has shown that cultural, linguistic, and sociodemographic peculiarities influence the measurement of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI). Assessing trait EI in different populations fosters cross-cultural research and expands the construct’s nomological network. In mental health, the trait EI of clinical populations has been scarcely researched. Accordingly, the present study examined the relationship between trait EI and key sociodemographic variables on Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue-SF) datasets with mental healthcare patients from three different Spanish-speaking countries. Collectively, these datasets comprised 528 participants, 23% from Chile (120), 28% from Peru (150), and 49% from Spain (258). The sociodemographic variables we used for trait EI comparisons were gender, age, educational level, civil status, and occupational status. Analyses involved Multigroup Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling (to test measurement invariance) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Our results revealed significant between-country differences in trait EI across the studied sociodemographic variables and interactions between these variables. Measurement invariance across the datasets was attained up to the scalar level regarding gender and education (i.e., strong invariance), although analyses on age, civil status, and occupation displayed non-invariance. The resultant psychometric evidence supports the suitability of the TEIQue-SF for the accurate cross-cultural assessment of trait EI in mental health settings. It also highlights the importance of incorporating trait EI into extant psychotherapeutic frameworks to enhance non-pharmacological treatment efficacy.
The Predicative Power of Learner and Teacher Variables on Flow in a Chinese Blended English as a Foreign Language Learning Context
Authors: Wang Xin
Published: March 2022

The “dynamic turn” in the field of second language acquisition catalyzed scholarly devotion to the complex dynamic relationships between learner and teacher variables and various academic emotions. As such, the present study examined the varying effects of the aforementioned variables on the constructs of positive and negative flow, and determined their strongest predictors, respectively. This study used a mixed-method approach to collect data from 607 Chinese English-as-a-Foreign-Language learners. In stage one of the research, the researcher first assessed the participants’ levels of positive flow and negative flow in a blended learning context, then performed Pearson correlation analysis to confirm a significant, but weak positive relationship between positive flow and negative flow. Then, significant difference tests were run to determine the varied effects of those variables on flow. Finally, two multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify five predictors of positive flow, with the biggest contribution coming from learners’ attitudes toward the foreign language, and three predictors of negative flow, with the learners’ major accounting for the majority of variance. In the second stage of the research, a qualitative corpus was constructed, based on accounts of classroom experiences from 71 participants of the total sample, and further illustrated the quantitative findings. Pedagogical implications for educational psychologists and teachers of second and/or foreign languages are addressed.
Validation of the French Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms in a Sample of Stable French Individuals With Schizophrenia
Authors: Laraki Yasmine , Lebrun Cindy , Merenciano Marine , Eisenblaetter Margot , Attal Jerôme , Macgregor Alexandra , Decombe Amandine , Capdevielle Delphine , Raffard Stéphane
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The Clinical Assessment Interview for Negative Symptoms (CAINS) is an interview-based instrument evaluating the existence and severity of negative symptoms in people diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. The aim of this study is to translate and validate a French version of the CAINS in a French sample of outpatients diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.

Methods

In this study, we included 84 outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia from the University Department of Adult Psychiatry in Montpellier, France. All participants were assessed for the severity of negative symptoms as well as level of depression. Psychometric properties of the French CAINS were investigated including its factor structure, internal consistency, and interrater and test–retest reliabilities. We also determined the discriminant and convergent validity.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis reproduced the two-factor model, and explained 43.55% of the total score variation with good internal consistency (Cronbach α of 0.87). Both interrater and test–retest reliabilities were high for the CAINS and its subscales (intraclass correlation coefficient range, 0.89–0.99). The standard errors of measurement and minimal detectable change were also investigated. Convergent validity of the CAINS was underpinned by correlations obtained with various measures of negative symptoms. Adequate discriminant validity was established by showing that the CAINS did not correlate with positive symptoms.

Conclusion

Overall, our results obtained were similar to those found in the original study of the CAINS. Structural analyses also replicated the two-factor model of the CAINS. Our results indicate that the French CAINS has robust psychometric properties and is a valid tool for evaluating negative symptoms in French-speaking individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Prevalence of Smoking and Beliefs and Attitude Toward Smoking Habit and Smoking Cessation Methods Among Pharmacy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alwhaibi Abdulrahman , Wajid Syed , Alenezi Ahmad , Salami Yazeed , Alhaydan Ibrahim , Samreen Sana , Alhossan Abdulaziz , Al-Arifi Mohamed N.
Published: April 2022

Objective

The impact of pharmaceutical services on public health especially in regards to smoking cessation counseling can influence the rate of smoking cessation. The present study aims to evaluate prevalence, beliefs, and attitude of pharmacy students toward smoking habit and SC methods.

Methods

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacy students at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia over 4-month period from May to August 2021. The survey consisted of 22-items focused on evaluating the prevalence, belief, and attitude toward smoking habits and smoking cessation methods. Data was descriptively analyzed using a statistical package for social science version 26 (SPSS).

Results

A total of 675 students completed the survey, among which 78.7 % were non-smokers and only 31.7% received education on the dangers of smoking. The most common methods of smoking cessation they heard of were consultation (58.6%), followed by use of electronic cigarettes (41.92 %) and Nicotine patch (40.7%). One-third of the surveyed students (36.8 %) agreed that specialized smoking cessation clinics enhance the efficacy of smoking cessation methods. The majority of students (80.6%) agreed to ban smoking in public places and 92.2% believed that tobacco sales to adolescents should be forbidden. Health professionals should actively participate and advise their patients to quit smoking as 89.8 % students agreed on that. Age and gender of students had significantly influenced the prevalence of smoking, history of smoking, frequency of smoking, efforts to quit smoking among smokers (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of non-smokers among pharmacy students is encouraging, yet level of awareness about and usefulness of smoking cessation methods is unsatisfactory. Therefore, the study clearly highlights a great need for integrating smoking cessation programs in their academic curricula to prepare them for real-world practice.
Rhodoliths: Our “Rock-and-Rolling” Underwater Friends
Authors: Costa Dimítri de Araújo , Massei Karina , Moura Ana , Christoffersen Martin Lindsey , Dolbeth Marina
Published: April 2022

If you walk on the beach, you may observe many kinds of stones of diverse colors. Surprisingly, some of these “stones” may be algae! A certain type of red algae creates structures called redstones, also known as rhodoliths. Rhodoliths are important builders and can create extensive banks at the bottom of the oceans. These bioengineers create an oasis for marine life. Marine worms, crabs, and sea stars, for example, can live in and on rhodoliths. However, human activities, including pollution and removal of rhodoliths for aquarium decoration, may harm rhodolith banks. Rhodoliths are sensitive to disturbances and should be protected. In this article, we explain the main attributes of rhodoliths, including their formation, distribution, and importance, as well as conservation measures, we can take. We hope that what you learn about rhodoliths will inspire you to defend these fascinating “rock-and-rolling” ocean creatures.
Can the Right Composition and Diversity of Farmed Species Improve Food Security Among Smallholder Farmers?
Authors: MacLaren Chloe , Aliyu Kamaluddin Tijjani , Waswa Wycliffe , Storkey Jonathan , Claessens Lieven , Vanlauwe Bernard , Mead Andrew
Published: April 2022

Food security and livelihoods among smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are often constrained by limited farm resource endowment. It can be difficult to improve resource endowment given barriers such as low land availability and the unaffordability of agricultural inputs, so here we ask whether farmers can gain a better return on their resources through optimizing their farm strategy in terms of the composition and/or diversity of crop and livestock species raised. Our survey of 1,133 smallholder farmers in western Kenya and northern Nigeria, using a modified version of RHoMIS, indicated that different farm strategies were related to differences in food security and farm incomes. In particular, we found that it was possible for farms with a high species richness but low resource endowment to achieve similar or better food security and income outcomes than farms with low species richness and high resource endowment. This indicates strong potential for diversification to improve food security and livelihoods among smallholder farmers. However, further research will be required to prove a causal relationship. We also noted some exceptions to this trend that require investigation: increasing species richness was not beneficial for low-resourced, livestock-focused farmers in western Kenya, and increasing species richness was associated with a decline in dietary diversity in northern Nigeria (due to declines in purchased dietary diversity that outweighed increases in on-farm and other sources of dietary diversity). Similar analyses could be applied to a wider RHoMIS dataset covering a greater diversity of countries and agro-ecological zones to help identify where, and why, different farm strategies result in better or worse outcomes for smallholder farmers.
Efficacy of Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients After Laparoscopic Radical Cervical Cancer Surgery
Authors: Ma Xiaoyu , Gao Yi , Wang Jing , Wu Zhen , Shen Huasu , Wang Ping
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of transversus abdominis plane block (TAPB) in patients after laparoscopic radical cervical cancer surgery.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with cervical cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical resection in the hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were selected and concurrently assigned to either patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) (Control group) or PCIA plus TAPB (Observation group) according to different methods. The visual analogscale (VAS), Bruggemann comfort scale (BCS), immune function indicators, hemodynamics, analgesia indicators, and postoperative recovery time were recorded and compared.

Results

The Observation group had a lower VAS score and a higher BCS postoperatively compared with the Control group, and the difference was statistically significant. After the operation, immune function indexes of patients in the two groups were declined, and the difference was statistically significant. At 76 h after operation, the immune function indexes of the Control group were lower than the Observation group, and the difference was statistically significant. After the operation, the Control group obtained a higher mean arterial pressure (MAP) at extubation, and the difference was statistically significant. The Observation group outperformed the Control group in terms of analgesia indicators and postoperative recovery time, and the difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion

TAPB can enhance the analgesic effect of patients after laparoscopic radical resection of cervical cancer, stabilize their physical signs, has little effect on the patient's immune function, with a high safety profile.
Using Local Anesthesia for Burr Hole Surgery of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Reduces Postoperative Complications, Length of Stay, and Hospitalization Cost: A Retrospective Cohort Study From a Single Center
Authors: Zhuang Zerui , Chen Zelin , Chen Hui , Chen Bin , Zhou Jianzhi , Liu Anmin , Luo Jianming
Published: April 2022

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to compare the effects of local anesthesia (LA) and general anesthesia (GA) on the surgical process and postoperative recovery of patients with unilateral chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH).

Patients and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients with unilateral CSDH who underwent burr hole surgery between the years 2013 and 2018. Patients who received local anesthesia were allocated to the LA group, and the patients who received general anesthesia were allocated to the GA group. The clinical data, postoperative complication, length of stay, and hospitalization cost of these two groups were compared and analyzed.

Results

Data from 105 patients was collected for this study. Fifty one patients were assigned to the LA group and 54 to GA group. The duration of anesthesia and operation of the LA group was 37.71 (10.55) min; while for the GA group the duration was 56.04 (8.37) min (p < 0.001). The time from operation to discharge in GA group was greatly longer than that in LA group [(8.51 (1.49) days vs. 10.46 (2.34) days, respectively; p < 0.001]. Hospitalization cost for LA group was 2,721.54 (504.66) USD, which was significantly lesser than that for GA patients [3,314.82 (493.52) USD; p < 0.001]. The total number of complications in LA patients was less than that in GA patients [6 vs. 29 cases, respectively; p < 0.001]. The number of patients with residual hematoma in the LA group was <that in the GA group (p = 0.014).

Conclusion

As compared to GA, LA might be a simpler, safer, and more effective method for burr hole surgery of CSDH to promote patients' recovery. However, further research is still required to confirm this conclusion.
Comparison of the Curative Efficacy of Hemivertebra Resection via the Posterior Approach Assisted With Unilateral and Bilateral Internal Fixation in the Treatment of Congenital Scoliosis
Authors: He Jun-Ting , Liu Fu-Yun , Hu Wei-Ming , Liu Jing-Jing , Xia Bing , Niu Xue-Qiang , Li Xin-Wei , Zhao Yu-Feng
Published: April 2022

Objective

This study aimed to compare the curative efficacy of hemivertebra resection via the posterior approach assisted with unilateral and bilateral internal fixation in the treatment of congenital scoliosis (CS).

Methods

In this study, 29 children (15 males and 14 females), who underwent hemivertebra resection via the posterior approach and received internal fixation from November 2005 to September 2018, were analyzed retrospectively. The age of these patients ranged from 0.9 to 15 years, with an average of 3.8 years. The follow-up duration ranged from 2 to 12.3 years, with an average of 5.7 years. The patients in group A received unilateral internal fixation, and those in group B received bilateral internal fixation. The operation duration, bleeding volume, and complications during the operation, as well as the Cobb angles of scoliosis and kyphosis before and after the operation and at the last follow-up, were compared between the two groups.

Results

In group A, the operation duration was 207.4 ± 54.5 min, and the bleeding volume was 215.3 ± 75.4 ml; in group B, the operation duration was 249.5 ± 51.0 min, and the bleeding volume was 291.3 ± 115.6 ml (P < 0.05). The Cobb angles of segmental scoliosis, segmental kyphosis, cephalic compensatory curve, and caudal compensatory curve were significantly improved in the two groups after operation and at the last follow-up (P < 0.05). The post-operative correction rate of the scoliosis Cobb angle was 67.2% in group A and 79.5% in group B; and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the last follow-up, the correction rate of the scoliosis Cobb angle was 72.7% in group A and 76.2% in group B (P > 0.05). After the operation and at the last follow-up, the correction rates of kyphosis were 83.1 and 79.6% in group A and 71.8 and 65.5% in group B (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Hemivertebra resection via posterior approach with unilateral internal fixation can also achieve the effect of bilateral internal fixation in the treatment of CS. It is able to preserve a certain degree of contralateral spinal growth potential and is a feasible method.
Deuterated Arachidonic Acid Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lung Damage in Mice
Authors: Molchanova Alla Y. , Rjabceva Svetlana N. , Melik-Kasumov Tigran B. , Pestov Nikolay B. , Angelova Plamena R. , Shmanai Vadim V. , Sharko Olga L. , Bekish Andrei V. , James Genevieve , Park Hui Gyu , Udalova Irina A. , Brenna J. Thomas , Shchepinov Mikhail S.
Published: April 2022

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is a major component of lipid bilayers as well as the key substrate for the eicosanoid cascades. ARA is readily oxidized, and its non-enzymatic and enzymatic oxidation products induce inflammatory responses in nearly all tissues, including lung tissues. Deuteration at bis-allylic positions substantially decreases the overall rate of ARA oxidation when hydrogen abstraction is an initiating event. To compare the effects of dosing of arachidonic acid (H-ARA) and its bis-allylic hexadeuterated form (D-ARA) on lungs in conventionally healthy mice and in an acute lung injury model, mice were dosed with H-ARA or D-ARA for six weeks through dietary supplementation and then challenged with intranasal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for subsequent analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissue. Dosing on D-ARA resulted in successful incorporation of D-ARA into various tissues. D-ARA significantly reduced LPS-induced adverse effects on alveolar septal thickness and the bronchoalveolar area. Oral deuterated ARA is taken up efficiently and protects against adverse LPS-induced pathology. This suggests novel therapeutic avenues for reducing lung damage during severe infections and other pathological conditions with inflammation in the pulmonary system and other inflammatory diseases.
The BCAT1 CXXC Motif Provides Protection against ROS in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Cells
Authors: Hillier James , Allcott Gemma J. , Guest Laura A. , Heaselgrave Wayne , Tonks Alex , Conway Myra E. , Cherry Amy L. , Coles Steven J.
Published: April 2022

The cytosolic branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT1) has received attention for its role in myeloid leukaemia development, where studies indicate metabolic adaptations due to BCAT1 up-regulation. BCAT1, like the mitochondria isoform (BCAT2), shares a conserved CXXC motif ~10 Å from the active site. This CXXC motif has been shown to act as a ‘redox-switch’ in the enzymatic regulation of the BCAT proteins, however the response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) differs between BCAT isoforms. Studies indicate that the BCAT1 CXXC motif is several orders of magnitude less sensitive to the effects of ROS compared with BCAT2. Moreover, estimation of the reduction mid-point potential of BCAT1, indicates that BCAT1 is more reductive in nature and may possess antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to further characterise the BCAT1 CXXC motif and evaluate its role in acute myeloid leukaemia. Our biochemical analyses show that purified wild-type (WT) BCAT1 protein could metabolise H2O2 in vitro, whereas CXXC motif mutant or WT BCAT2 could not, demonstrating for the first time a novel antioxidant role for the BCAT1 CXXC motif. Transformed U937 AML cells over-expressing WT BCAT1, showed lower levels of intracellular ROS compared with cells over-expressing the CXXC motif mutant (CXXS) or Vector Controls, indicating that the BCAT1 CXXC motif may buffer intracellular ROS, impacting on cell proliferation. U937 AML cells over-expressing WT BCAT1 displayed less cellular differentiation, as observed by a reduction of the myeloid markers; CD11b, CD14, CD68, and CD36. This finding suggests a role for the BCAT1 CXXC motif in cell development, which is an important pathological feature of myeloid leukaemia, a disease characterised by a block in myeloid differentiation. Furthermore, WT BCAT1 cells were more resistant to apoptosis compared with CXXS BCAT1 cells, an important observation given the role of ROS in apoptotic signalling and myeloid leukaemia development. Since CD36 has been shown to be Nrf2 regulated, we investigated the expression of the Nrf2 regulated gene, TrxRD1. Our data show that the expression of TrxRD1 was downregulated in transformed U937 AML cells overexpressing WT BCAT1, which taken with the reduction in CD36 implicates less Nrf2 activation. Therefore, this finding may implicate the BCAT1 CXXC motif in wider cellular redox-mediated processes. Altogether, this study provides the first evidence to suggest that the BCAT1 CXXC motif may contribute to the buffering of ROS levels inside AML cells, which may impact ROS-mediated processes in the development of myeloid leukaemia.
Sunflower-Assisted Bio-Derived ZnO-NPs as an Efficient Nanocatalyst for the Synthesis of Novel Quinazolines with Highly Antioxidant Activities
Authors: S. Mahesh , Narasaiah Boya Palajonnala , B. Himabindu , G. L. Balaji , Pradeepkiran Jangampalli Adi , Padhy Harihara
Published: April 2022

The present report presents a green method for the rapid biogenic synthesis of nanoparticles that offers several advantages over the current chemical and physical procedures. It is easy and fast, eco-friendly, and does not involve any precious elements, hazardous chemicals, or harmful solvents. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were characterized using different techniques, such as UV-Visible spectroscopy. The surface plasmon resonance confirmed the formation of ZnO nanoparticles at 344 nm, using UV-Visible spectroscopy. The leaf extract acts as a source of phytochemicals and is primarily used for the reduction and then the formation of stable ZnO nanoparticles by the characteristic functional groups of the extract; the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were identified using FTIR spectroscopy. The crystalline nature of ZnO-NPs was confirmed via powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). Size and morphology were measured via high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) analysis. The stability of the nanoparticles is established using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles have been found to be a good and efficient catalyst for the synthesis of novel 1,2-dihydro quinazoline derivatives under the green method via a one-pot reaction of 2-amino benzophenone, 1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazole carbaldehydes, and ammonium acetate. The synthesized compounds (4a–o) were characterized by the 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS spectra and were further validated for free-radical scavenging activity. The synthesized ZnO nanoparticles exhibited good antioxidant activity.
Lycopus maackianus Makino MeOH Extract Exhibits Antioxidant and Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects in Neuronal Cells and Zebrafish Model
Authors: Lee Hwan , Liu Zhiming , Dong Linsha , Cheong Sun Hee , Lee Dong-Sung
Published: April 2022

Lycopus maackianus Makino belongs to the Labiatae family and is used in traditional medicine to manage postpartum edema and boils. However, few studies on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects have been conducted. Here, the compounds in L. maackianus methanol (MeOH) extract were profiled using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis. The antioxidant activity of L. maackianus MeOH extract was shown to increase in a concentration-dependent manner by investigating the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activity. Next, in lipopolysaccharide-treated BV2 cells, L. maackianus extract inactivated the nuclear factor-kappa B pathway, inhibiting nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α production and inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression. Furthermore, L. maackianus extract protected against oxidative stress-induced cellular damage in glutamate-stimulated HT22 cells. L. maackianus MeOH extract induced heme oxygenase-1 expression and increased the translocation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 in the nucleus, thus exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, the in vivo antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were demonstrated in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model treated with hydrogen peroxide and lipopolysaccharide. MeOH L. maackianus extract showed antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory effects by increasing the expression of heme oxygenase-1, establishing its therapeutic potential for neuroinflammatory diseases.
Iron Dysregulation in Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Onukwufor John O. , Dirksen Robert T. , Wojtovich Andrew P.
Published: April 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by neuronal dysfunction, and decreased memory and cognitive function. Iron is critical for neuronal activity, neurotransmitter biosynthesis, and energy homeostasis. Iron accumulation occurs in AD and results in neuronal dysfunction through activation of multifactorial mechanisms. Mitochondria generate energy and iron is a key co-factor required for: (1) ATP production by the electron transport chain, (2) heme protein biosynthesis and (3) iron-sulfur cluster formation. Disruptions in iron homeostasis result in mitochondrial dysfunction and energetic failure. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic iron-dependent form of cell death mediated by uncontrolled accumulation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, is associated with AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. AD pathogenesis is complex with multiple diverse interacting players including Aβ-plaque formation, phosphorylated tau, and redox stress. Unfortunately, clinical trials in AD based on targeting these canonical hallmarks have been largely unsuccessful. Here, we review evidence linking iron dysregulation to AD and the potential for targeting ferroptosis as a therapeutic intervention for AD.
Bacteroides fragilis Toxin Induces Intestinal Epithelial Cell Secretion of Interleukin-8 by the E-Cadherin/β-Catenin/NF-κB Dependent Pathway
Authors: Lee Chang-Gun , Hwang Soonjae , Gwon Sun-Yeong , Park Chanoh , Jo Minjeong , Hong Ju-Eun , Rhee Ki-Jong
Published: April 2022

Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) has emerged as a gut microbiome pathogen that can promote colitis associated cancer in humans. ETBF secretes the metalloprotease, B. fragilis toxin (BFT), which can induce ectodomain cleavage of E-cadherin and IL-8 secretion through the β-catenin, NF-κB, and MAPK pathways in intestinal epithelial cells. However, it is still unclear whether E-cadherin cleavage is required for BFT induced IL-8 secretion and the relative contribution of these signaling pathways to IL-8 secretion. Using siRNA knockdown and CRISPR knockout studies, we found that E-cadherin cleavage is required for BFT mediated IL-8 secretion. In addition, genetic ablation of β-catenin indicates that β-catenin is required for the BFT induced increase in transcriptional activity of NF-κB, p65 nuclear localization and early IL-8 secretion. These results suggest that BFT induced β-catenin signaling is upstream of NF-κB activation. However, despite β-catenin gene disruption, BFT still activated the MAPK pathway, suggesting that the BFT induced activation of the MAPK signaling pathway is independent from the E-cadherin/β-catenin/NF-κB pathway. These findings show that E-cadherin and β-catenin play a critical role in acute inflammation following ETBF infection through the inflammatory response to BFT in intestinal epithelial cells.