bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualia and Phenomenal Consciousness Arise From the Information Structure of an Electromagnetic Field in the Brain
Authors: Ward Lawrence M. , Guevara Ramón
Published: July 2022

In this paper we address the following problems and provide realistic answers to them: (1) What could be the physical substrate for subjective, phenomenal, consciousness (P-consciousness)? Our answer: the electromagnetic (EM) field generated by the movement and changes of electrical charges in the brain. (2) Is this substrate generated in some particular part of the brains of conscious entities or does it comprise the entirety of the brain/body? Our answer: a part of the thalamus in mammals, and homologous parts of other brains generates the critical EM field. (3) From whence arise the qualia experienced in P-consciousness? Our answer, the relevant EM field is “structured” by emulating in the brain the information in EM fields arising from both external (the environment) and internal (the body) sources. (4) What differentiates the P-conscious EM field from other EM fields, e.g., the flux of photons scattered from object surfaces, the EM field of an electro-magnet, or the EM fields generated in the brain that do not enter P-consciousness, such as those generated in the retina or occipital cortex, or those generated in brain areas that guide behavior through visual information in persons exhibiting “blindsight”? Our answer: living systems express a boundary between themselves and the environment, requiring them to model (coarsely emulate) information from their environment in order to control through actions, to the extent possible, the vast sea of variety in which they are immersed. This model, expressed in an EM field, is P-consciousness. The model is the best possible representation of the moment-to-moment niche-relevant (action-relevant: affordance) information an organism can generate (a Gestalt). Information that is at a lower level than niche-relevant, such as the unanalyzed retinal vector-field, is not represented in P-consciousness because it is not niche-relevant. Living organisms have sensory and other systems that have evolved to supply such information, albeit in a coarse form.
Fast Simulation of a Multi-Area Spiking Network Model of Macaque Cortex on an MPI-GPU Cluster
Authors: Tiddia Gianmarco , Golosio Bruno , Albers Jasper , Senk Johanna , Simula Francesco , Pronold Jari , Fanti Viviana , Pastorelli Elena , Paolucci Pier Stanislao , van Albada Sacha J.
Published: July 2022

Spiking neural network models are increasingly establishing themselves as an effective tool for simulating the dynamics of neuronal populations and for understanding the relationship between these dynamics and brain function. Furthermore, the continuous development of parallel computing technologies and the growing availability of computational resources are leading to an era of large-scale simulations capable of describing regions of the brain of ever larger dimensions at increasing detail. Recently, the possibility to use MPI-based parallel codes on GPU-equipped clusters to run such complex simulations has emerged, opening up novel paths to further speed-ups. NEST GPU is a GPU library written in CUDA-C/C++ for large-scale simulations of spiking neural networks, which was recently extended with a novel algorithm for remote spike communication through MPI on a GPU cluster. In this work we evaluate its performance on the simulation of a multi-area model of macaque vision-related cortex, made up of about 4 million neurons and 24 billion synapses and representing 32 mm2 surface area of the macaque cortex. The outcome of the simulations is compared against that obtained using the well-known CPU-based spiking neural network simulator NEST on a high-performance computing cluster. The results show not only an optimal match with the NEST statistical measures of the neural activity in terms of three informative distributions, but also remarkable achievements in terms of simulation time per second of biological activity. Indeed, NEST GPU was able to simulate a second of biological time of the full-scale macaque cortex model in its metastable state 3.1× faster than NEST using 32 compute nodes equipped with an NVIDIA V100 GPU each. Using the same configuration, the ground state of the full-scale macaque cortex model was simulated 2.4× faster than NEST.
Exogenous Short Chain Fatty Acid Effects in APP/PS1 Mice
Authors: Zajac Diana J. , Shaw Benjamin C. , Braun David J. , Green Stefan J. , Morganti Joshua M. , Estus Steven
Published: July 2022

Elucidating the impact of the gut microbiome on Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is an area of intense interest. Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are major microbiota metabolites that have been implicated as a mediator of gut microbiome effects in the brain. Here, we tested the effects of SCFA-treated water vs. saline-treated water on APPswe/PSEN1dE9 mice maintained under standard laboratory conditions. Mice were treated with SCFAs from five months of age until ten months of age, when they were evaluated for microbiome profile, impaired spatial memory as evaluated with the radial arm water maze, astrocyte activation as measured by Gfap expression and amyloid burden as assessed by histochemistry and MSD ELISA. We report that SCFA treatment increased alpha-diversity and impacted the gut microbiome profile by increasing, in part, the relative abundance of several bacteria that typically produce SCFAs. However, SCFA treatment did not significantly affect behavior. Similarly, SCFAs did not affect cortical or hippocampal astrocyte activation observed in the APP/PS1 mice. Lastly, although robust levels of soluble and insoluble amyloid were present in the APP/PS1 mice, SCFA treatment had no effect on these indices. Overall, our findings are that SCFA treatment modifies the microbiome in a fashion that may increase further SCFA production. However, SCFA treatment did not alter behavior, astrocyte activation, nor amyloid neuropathology in APP/PS1 mice maintained with a conventional microbiome.
Ceftriaxone Suppresses Group II Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Expression Contributing to Reversal of Recognition Memory Deficits of Amyloid Precursor Protein/Presenilin 1 AD Mice
Authors: Fan ShuJuan , Li Li , Liu LiRong , Li He , Xian XiaoHui , Li WenBin
Published: July 2022

Group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (Group II mGluRs) are the peri-synaptic receptor of glutamatergic neurons and negatively regulate glutamate release from presynaptic neurons. Glutamate in the synaptic cleft is mainly taken into astrocytes by glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), which is primarily expressed in astrocytes. Increasing evidence showed that inhibiting or suppressing the activation of Group II mGluRs would contribute to the improvement of learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) animal models. Ceftriaxone (Cef) has been reported to alleviate the spatial memory deficits in AD model mice by improving GLT-1-related clearance and metabolism of glutamate. Therefore, the present study further investigates the improving effect of Cef on recognition memory deficits and the involvement of Group II mGluRs in the process using the APP/PS1 AD mouse model. Novel object recognition tests showed that the Cef treatment significantly improved the recognition memory deficits of the AD mice. The Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that the Cef treatment significantly suppressed the upregulation of Group II mGluRs expression in APP/PS1 AD mice. The above suppression effect of Cef was blocked by dihydrokainic acid, an inhibitor of GLT-1 uptake activity. Furthermore, the Cef treatment significantly restored the downregulation in the downstream molecules of Group II mGluRs activation, including the expression of PKA and phosphorylated SNAP-25 in the APP/PS1 AD mice. The Cef treatment had no effect on the content of Aβ40 and Aβ42 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 AD mice. The above results suggested that the suppression of Group II mGluRs contributed to the Cef-induced reversal of the recognition memory deficits in APP/PS1 AD mice.
Structure–Function Decoupling: A Novel Perspective for Understanding the Radiation-Induced Brain Injury in Patients With Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Kang Ya-fei , Chen Rui-ting , Ding Hao , Li Li , Gao Jian-ming , Liu Li-zhi , Zhang You-ming
Published: July 2022

Radiation-induced functional and structural brain alterations are well documented in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), followed by radiotherapy (RT); however, alterations in structure–function coupling remain largely unknown. Herein, we aimed to assess radiation-induced structure–function decoupling and its importance in predicting radiation encephalopathy (RE). We included 62 patients with NPC (22 patients in the pre-RT cohort, 18 patients in the post-RT-RE+ve cohort, and 22 patients in the post-RT-RE–ve cohort). A metric of regional homogeneity (ReHo)/voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to detect radiation-induced structure–function decoupling, which was then used as a feature to construct a predictive model for RE. Compared with the pre-RT group, patients in the post-RT group (which included post-RT-RE+ve and post-RT-RE–ve) showed higher ReHo/VBM coupling values in the substantia nigra (SN), the putamen, and the bilateral thalamus and lower values in the brain stem, the cerebellum, the bilateral medial temporal lobes (MTLs), the bilateral insula, the right precentral and postcentral gyri, the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), and the left inferior parietal lobule (IPL). In the post-RT group, negative correlations were observed between maximum dosage of RT (MDRT) to the ipsilateral temporal lobe and ReHo/VBM values in the ipsilateral middle temporal gyrus (MTG). Moreover, structure–function decoupling in the bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG), the bilateral precentral and postcentral gyri, the paracentral lobules, the right precuneus and IPL, and the right MPFC exhibited excellent predictive performance (accuracy = 88.0%) in identifying patients likely to develop RE. These findings show that ReHo/VBM may be a novel effective imaging metric that reflects the neural mechanism underlying RE in patients with NPC.
The Underlying Pathogenesis of Neurovascular Compression Syndromes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Szmyd Bartosz , Sołek Julia , Błaszczyk Maciej , Jankowski Jakub , Liberski Paweł P. , Jaskólski Dariusz J. , Wysiadecki Grzegorz , Karuga Filip F. , Gabryelska Agata , Sochal Marcin , Tubbs R. Shane , Radek Maciej
Published: July 2022

Neurovascular compression syndromes (NVC) are challenging disorders resulting from the compression of cranial nerves at the root entry/exit zone. Clinically, we can distinguish the following NVC conditions: trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Also, rare cases of geniculate neuralgia and superior laryngeal neuralgia are reported. Other syndromes, e.g., disabling positional vertigo, arterial hypertension in the course of NVC at the CN IX-X REZ and torticollis, have insufficient clinical evidence for microvascular decompression. The exact pathomechanism leading to characteristic NVC-related symptoms remains unclear. Proposed etiologies have limited explanatory scope. Therefore, we have examined the underlying pathomechanisms stated in the medical literature. To achieve our goal, we systematically reviewed original English language papers available in Pubmed and Web of Science databases before 2 October 2021. We obtained 1694 papers after eliminating duplicates. Only 357 original papers potentially pertaining to the pathogenesis of NVC were enrolled in full-text assessment for eligibility. Of these, 63 were included in the final analysis. The systematic review suggests that the anatomical and/or hemodynamical changes described are insufficient to account for NVC-related symptoms by themselves. They must coexist with additional changes such as factors associated with the affected nerve (e.g., demyelination, REZ modeling, vasculature pathology), nucleus hyperexcitability, white and/or gray matter changes in the brain, or disturbances in ion channels. Moreover, the effects of inflammatory background, altered proteome, and biochemical parameters on symptomatic NVC cannot be ignored. Further studies are needed to gain better insight into NVC pathophysiology.
Oncogenic KPNA2 Serves as a Biomarker and Immune Infiltration in Patients With HPV Positive Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Gao Li , Li Ying , Yu Cheng , Liu Dong-Xu , Wu Ke-Han , Wei Zhi-Li , Liu Ming-Yue , Yu Lei
Published: July 2022

Human tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC), the most prevalent type of oral cancer, is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Our previous work showed Karyopherin α2 (KPNA2), as an oncogene of TSCC, by relegating the p53/autophagy signaling pathway. Nevertheless, the significance of KPNA2 in TSCC pathogenesis has not been established. KPNA2 levels were evaluated via the TCGA database, and its effects on survival outcomes were assessed by LASSO, Kaplan‐Meier, and COX regression analyses. CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE investigated the relationships between KPNA2 and immune infiltration. At the same time, KPNA2 and HPV infection was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. In addition, the association between downstream molecular regulation pathways and KPNA2 levels was determined by GO, GSEA, and WGCNA. In TSCC, KPNA2 levels were associated with clinical prognosis and tumor grade. Moreover, KPNA2 may be involved in cancer cell differentiation and facilitates tumor-related genes and signaling pathways, such as Cell Cycle, Mitotic G1 phase, G1/S transition, DNA Repair, and Transcriptional Regulation TP53 signaling pathways. Nevertheless, regulatory B cells, follicular helper B cells, and immune and stromal scores between low- and high-KPNA2 expression groups were insignificant. These results imply that KPNA2 is highly involved in tumor grade and prognosis of TSCC. KPNA2 levels correct with HPV 16 markedly regulated cell differentiation, several oncogenes, and cancer‐related pathways.
Nanozyme Hydrogels for Self-Augmented Sonodynamic/Photothermal Combination Therapy
Authors: Wang Shuntao , Zeng Ning , Zhang Qi , Chen Mingzhu , Huang Qinqin
Published: July 2022

Sonosensitizer-mediated sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising anti-tumor strategy. However, this strategy of continuous oxygen consumption further exacerbates the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, which limits its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we designed a multifunctional hydrogel (PB+Ce6@Hy) that simultaneously co-delivers nanozyme prussian blue (PB) and sonosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) for the realization of photothermal therapy (PTT) and enhanced SDT. When the hydrogel reaches the tumor tissue through local injection, the 808 nm laser can induce the hydrogel to warm up and soften, thereby triggering the release of PB and Ce6. PB can interact with endogenous H2O2in situ and generate sufficient oxygen to promote the Ce6-mediated SDT effect. Besides, due to the good encapsulation ability of the hydrogel, the nanomaterials can be released in a controlled manner by changing laser parameter, irradiation time, etc. The experimental results show that the PB+Ce6@Hy system we developed can generate a large amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be combined with the photothermal effect to kill tumor cells, as a result, tumor proliferation has been adequately inhibited. This combined PTT/SDT dynamic strategy provides a new perspective for Ce6-induced cancer therapy, showing great potential for clinical application.
Effects of Tumor-Derived DNA on CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL21-CCR7 Axes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells and the Regulation of Sinomenine Hydrochloride
Authors: Shen Conghuan , Li Jianhua , Li Ruidong , Ma Zhenyu , Tao Yifeng , Zhang Quanbao , Wang Zhengxin
Published: July 2022

Currently, chemokines and their receptors, CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL21-CCR7 axes, are deemed vital factors in the modulation of angiogenesis and are crucial for the growth and development of liver cancer. Tumor-derived DNA can be recognized by immune cells to induce an autoimmune response. In this study, we demonstrated the mechanism of tumor-derived DNA on the CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL21-CCR7 axes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and the regulatory effect of sinomenine hydrochloride. Tumor-derived DNA was separated from HCCLM cell lines. Tumor-derived DNA was transfected into SK-Hep1 cells by Lipofectamine 2000. We found that sinomenine hydrochloride reduced the expression of CXCR4, CXCR12, CCR7, and CCL21 in HCC cells, suppressed the growth and invasion of HCC cells, and increased apoptosis. In contrast to the controls, the protein expressions of CXCR4, CXCL12, CCR7, CCL21, P-ERK1/2, MMP-9, and MMP-2 in SK-Hep1 cells were significantly increased after transfection of tumor-derived DNA, while the increase was reversed by sinobine hydrochloride. Acid sinomenine interferes with tumor-derived DNA and affects ERK/MMP signaling via the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis in HCC cells. CXCR4 siRNA and CCR7 siRNA attenuated tumor-derived DNA activation of ERK1/2/MMP2/9 signaling pathways in HCC cells. CXCR4-oe and CCR7-OE enhance the stimulation of erK1/2/MMP2/9 signaling pathway by tumor-derived DNA in HCC cells. Tumor-derived DNA reduced apoptosis and increased invasion of SK-Hep1 cells by CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CCL21-CCR7 axis, and sinobine hydrochloride reversed this regulation. These results strongly suggest that tumor-derived DNA can increase the growth and invasion of oncocytes via the upregulation of the expression of CXCL12-CXCR4 and CCL21-CCR7 axis and through ERK1/2/MMP2/9 signaling pathway in HCC cells, and sinobine hydrochloride can inhibit this signaling pathway, thus inhibiting HCC cells. These results provide new potential therapeutic targets for blocking the progression of HCC induced by CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CCL21-CCR7.
Meningioma Related Epilepsy- Pathophysiology, Pre/postoperative Seizures Predicators and Treatment
Authors: Elbadry Ahmed Rasha , Tang Hailiang , Asemota Anthony , Huang Lei , Boling Warren , Bannout Firas
Published: July 2022

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors accounting for about 30% of all brain tumors. The vast majority of meningiomas are slow-growing and of benign histopathology rendering them curable by surgery alone. Symptomatic lesions depend on the location with signs of mass effect or neurological deficits. Seizures are the presenting symptoms in approximately 30% of cases, which negatively affect quality of life, limit independence, impair cognitive functioning, as well as increase the risk for psychiatric comorbidities including depression. Although surgical resection may offer seizure freedom in 60-90% of meningiomas, seizures persist after surgical resection in approximately 12-19% of patients. Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are employed in management, however, are limited by adverse neurocognitive side-effects and inefficacy in some patients. The potential predictors of pre- and post-operative seizures in meningioma patients have been identified in the literature. Understanding various factors associated with seizure likelihood in meningioma patients can help guide more effective seizure control and allow for better determination of risk before and after surgery.
New Diagnostic Model for Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Biopsy-Naïve Men With PIRADS 3
Authors: Huang Chen , Qiu Feng , Jin Di , Wei Xuedong , Chen Zongxin , Wang Ximing , Zhao Xiaojun , Guo Linchuan , Pu Jinxian , Hou Jianquan , Huang Yuhua
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore a new model of clinical decision-making to predict the occurrence of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).

Patients and Methods

The demographic and clinical characteristics of 152 patients were recorded. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), adjusted PSAD of peripheral zone (aPSADPZ), and peripheral zone volume ratio (PZ ratio) were calculated and subjected to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The calibration and discrimination abilities of new nomograms were verified with calibration curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). The clinical benefits of these models were evaluated by decision curve analysis and clinical impact curves.

Results

The AUCs of PSA, PSAD, aPSADPZ, and PZ ratio were 0.521, 0.645, 0.745, and 0.717 for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis, while the corresponding values were 0.590, 0.678, 0.780, and 0.731 for csPCa diagnosis, respectively. All nomograms displayed higher net benefit and better overall calibration than the scenarios for predicting the occurrence of csPCa. The new model significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of csPCa (0.865 vs. 0.741, p = 0.0284) compared with the base model. In addition, the new model was better than the base model for predicting csPCa in the low or medium probability while the number of patients with csPCa predicted by the new model was in good agreement with the actual number of patients with csPCa in the high-risk threshold.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that aPSADPZ has a higher predictive accuracy for csPCa diagnosis than the conventional indicators. Including aPSADPZ, PZ ratio, and age can improve csPCa diagnosis and avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Extracellular Vesicle Derived From Mesenchymal Stem Cells Have Bidirectional Effects on the Development of Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Jiayu , Ma Yiming , Long Yingjiao , Chen Yan
Published: July 2022

Mesenchymal stem cell is a kind of pluripotent cells with the ability of self-renewal and multi-directional differentiation, which exist in bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue, placenta tissue, adipose tissue and so on. Extracellular vesicles are membranous lipid vesicles secreted by a variety of cells and widely present in body fluids, which contain proteins, mRNA, microRNA and other substances, and are an important medium of intercellular communication. At present, more and more evidence shows that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles play an important role in the development of lung cancer. Regulating the levels of proteins, RNAs and other substances in MSC-EVs and then transplanting them into patients may be a new way to alleviate the development of lung cancer. We mainly introduce the role of extracellular vesicles derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and adipose mesenchymal stem cells in lung cancer, to provide new alternatives for the treatment of lung cancer.
Application of Convolution Neural Network Algorithm Based on Multicenter ABUS Images in Breast Lesion Detection
Authors: Zhang Jianxing , Tao Xing , Jiang Yanhui , Wu Xiaoxi , Yan Dan , Xue Wen , Zhuang Shulian , Chen Ling , Luo Liangping , Ni Dong
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate a convolution neural network algorithm for breast lesion detection with multi-center ABUS image data developed based on ABUS image and Yolo v5.

Methods

A total of 741 cases with 2,538 volume data of ABUS examinations were analyzed, which were recruited from 7 hospitals between October 2016 and December 2020. A total of 452 volume data of 413 cases were used as internal validation data, and 2,086 volume data from 328 cases were used as external validation data. There were 1,178 breast lesions in 413 patients (161 malignant and 1,017 benign) and 1,936 lesions in 328 patients (57 malignant and 1,879 benign). The efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm were analyzed in detecting lesions with different allowable false positive values and lesion sizes, and the differences were compared and analyzed, which included the various indicators in internal validation and external validation data.

Results

The study found that the algorithm had high sensitivity for all categories of lesions, even when using internal or external validation data. The overall detection rate of the algorithm was as high as 78.1 and 71.2% in the internal and external validation sets, respectively. The algorithm could detect more lesions with increasing nodule size (87.4% in ≥10 mm lesions but less than 50% in <10 mm). The detection rate of BI-RADS 4/5 lesions was higher than that of BI-RADS 3 or 2 (96.5% vs 79.7% vs 74.7% internal, 95.8% vs 74.7% vs 88.4% external). Furthermore, the detection performance was better for malignant nodules than benign (98.1% vs 74.9% internal, 98.2% vs 70.4% external).

Conclusions

This algorithm showed good detection efficiency in the internal and external validation sets, especially for category 4/5 lesions and malignant lesions. However, there are still some deficiencies in detecting category 2 and 3 lesions and lesions smaller than 10 mm.
Heat Shock Transcription Factor 2 Promotes Mitophagy of Intestinal Epithelial Cells Through PARL/PINK1/Parkin Pathway in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Liang Hao , Zhang Fengrui , Wang Wen , Zhao Wei , Zhou Jiao , Feng Yuran , Wu Jing , Li Maojuan , Bai Xinyu , Zeng Zhong , Niu Junkun , Miao Yinglei
Published: July 2022

The overactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) is among the important reasons for severe inflammation in ulcerative colitis (UC). We found that heat shock transcription factor 2 (HSF2), which is highly expressed in UC, could inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and reduce IL-1β in IECs, but the mechanisms were still not clear. It has been reported that HSP72 regulated by HSF2 can enhance the mitophagy mediated by Parkin. The number of damaged mitochondria and the mitochondrial derived ROS (mtROS) can be reduced by mitophagy, which means the activity of NLRP3 inflammasome is inhibited. Therefore, we speculate that HSF2 might regulate the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome of IECs in UC through the mitophagy mediated by Parkin. This study proves that the number of damaged mitochondria in IECs, the level of mitophagy, and the level of ROS in intestinal mucosa are positively correlated with the severity of UC. In mice and cells, mitophagy was promoted by HSF2 through the PARL/PINK1/Parkin pathway. This study reveals the potential mechanisms of HSF2 decreasing mtROS of IECs in UC.
Green Tea Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Regulates Autophagy in Male and Female Reproductive Cancer
Authors: Hung Sze Wan , Li Yiran , Chen Xiaoyan , Chu Kai On , Zhao Yiwei , Liu Yingyu , Guo Xi , Man Gene Chi-Wai , Wang Chi Chiu
Published: July 2022

With a rich abundance of natural polyphenols, green tea has become one of the most popular and healthiest nonalcoholic beverages being consumed worldwide. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the predominant catechin found in green tea, which has been shown to promote numerous health benefits, including metabolic regulation, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Clinical studies have also shown the inhibitory effects of EGCG on cancers of the male and female reproductive system, including ovarian, cervical, endometrial, breast, testicular, and prostate cancers. Autophagy is a natural, self-degradation process that serves important functions in both tumor suppression and tumor cell survival. Naturally derived products have the potential to be an effective and safe alternative in balancing autophagy and maintaining homeostasis during tumor development. Although EGCG has been shown to play a critical role in the suppression of multiple cancers, its role as autophagy modulator in cancers of the male and female reproductive system remains to be fully discussed. Herein, we aim to provide an overview of the current knowledge of EGCG in targeting autophagy and its related signaling mechanism in reproductive cancers. Effects of EGCG on regulating autophagy toward reproductive cancers as a single therapy or cotreatment with other chemotherapies will be reviewed and compared. Additionally, the underlying mechanisms and crosstalk of EGCG between autophagy and other cellular processes, such as reactive oxidative stress, ER stress, angiogenesis, and apoptosis, will be summarized. The present review will help to shed light on the significance of green tea as a potential therapeutic treatment for reproductive cancers through regulating autophagy.
Nanoparticle-Induced Augmentation of Neutrophils’ Phagocytosis of Bacteria
Authors: Rubey Kathryn M. , Mukhitov Alexander R. , Nong Jia , Wu Jichuan , Krymskaya Vera P. , Myerson Jacob W. , Worthen G. Scott , Brenner Jacob S.
Published: July 2022

Despite the power of antibiotics, bacterial infections remain a major killer, due to antibiotic resistance and hosts with dysregulated immune systems. We and others have been developing drug-loaded nanoparticles that home to the sites of infection and inflammation via engineered tropism for neutrophils, the first-responder leukocytes in bacterial infections. Here, we examined how a member of a broad class of neutrophil-tropic nanoparticles affects neutrophil behavior, specifically questioning whether the nanoparticles attenuate an important function, bacterial phagocytosis. We found these nanoparticles actually augment phagocytosis of non-opsonized bacteria, increasing it by ∼50%. We showed this augmentation of phagocytosis is likely co-opting an evolved response, as opsonized bacteria also augment phagocytosis of non-opsonized bacteria. Enhancing phagocytosis of non-opsonized bacteria may prove particularly beneficial in two clinical situations: in hypocomplementemic patients (meaning low levels of the main bacterial opsonins, complement proteins, seen in conditions such as neonatal sepsis and liver failure) or for bacteria that are largely resistant to complement opsonization (e.g., Neisseria). Additionally, we observe that; 1) prior treatment with bacteria augments neutrophil uptake of neutrophil-tropic nanoparticles; 2) neutrophil-tropic nanoparticles colocalize with bacteria inside of neutrophils. The observation that neutrophil-tropic nanoparticles enhance neutrophil phagocytosis and localize with bacteria inside neutrophils suggests that these nanoparticles will serve as useful carriers for drugs to ameliorate bacterial diseases.
Topological Charge Measurement of the Mid-Infrared Vortex Beam via Spatially Dependent Four-Wave Mixing in an Asymmetric Semiconductor Double Quantum Well
Authors: Song Yi , Li Ling , Shui Tao , Hu Die , Yang Wen-Xing
Published: July 2022

We theoretically propose a scheme to measure the topological charge (TC) of a mid-infrared vortex beam via observing the intensity distribution of the four-wave mixing (FWM) field in an asymmetric semiconductor double quantum well. Due to the existence of Fano-type interferences, the special inherent interference takes place, and thus generates the interference-type phase and intensity patterns for the FWM field. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the intensity and visibility of the interference-type intensity pattern can be drastically manipulated by adjusting the intensity and detuning the control field. Subsequently, we perform the TC measurement of the vortex driving field via directly monitoring the number of light spots of the FWM field. By choosing the suitable control parameters, the detectable value of the TC can reach to 120 with the visibility exceeding 0.97. Our scheme may provide the possibility for the realization of a mid-infrared OAM detector in a compact solid-state system.
Uncovering the Dynamics of Confined Water Using Neutron Scattering: Perspectives
Authors: Bordallo Heloisa N. , Kneller Gerald R.
Published: July 2022

The main characteristic of liquid water is the formation of dynamic hydrogen bond networks that occur over a broad range of time scales from tens of femtoseconds to picoseconds and are responsible for water’s unique properties. However, in many important processes water does not exist in its bulk form, but in confined nanometer scale environments. The investigation of this confined water dynamics is challenging since the intermediate strength of the hydrogen bonds makes it possible to alter the structure and dynamics of this constrained water. Even if no single experimental technique can give a full picture of such intricate dynamics, it is well established that quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) is a powerful tool to study the modification of hydrogen bonds in confinement in various materials. This is possible because neutrons tell us where the atoms are and what they are doing, can detect hydrogen, are penetrative and non-destructive. Furthermore, QENS is the only spectroscopic technique that provides information on the dynamics and atomic-motion amplitudes over a predetermined length scale. However scientific value of these data is hardly exploited and never to its full potential. This perspective highlights how new developments on instrumentation and data analysis will lead to appreciable progress in our understanding of the dynamics of complex systems, ranging from biological organisms to cloud formation.
Connexin 43 in Mitochondria: What Do We Really Know About Its Function?
Authors: Boengler Kerstin , Leybaert Luc , Ruiz-Meana Marisol , Schulz Rainer
Published: July 2022

Connexins are known for their ability to mediate cell-cell communication via gap junctions and also form hemichannels that pass ions and molecules over the plasma membrane when open. Connexins have also been detected within mitochondria, with mitochondrial connexin 43 (Cx43) being the best studied to date. In this review, we discuss evidence for Cx43 presence in mitochondria of cell lines, primary cells and organs and summarize data on its localization, import and phosphorylation status. We further highlight the influence of Cx43 on mitochondrial function in terms of respiration, opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and formation of reactive oxygen species, and also address the presence of a truncated form of Cx43 termed Gja1-20k. Finally, the role of mitochondrial Cx43 in pathological conditions, particularly in the heart, is discussed.
Emerging Role of Hepatic Ketogenesis in Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Mooli Raja Gopal Reddy , Ramakrishnan Sadeesh K.
Published: July 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver diseases, arise from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) characterized by excessive fat accumulation as triglycerides. Although NAFL is benign, it could progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) manifested with inflammation, hepatocyte damage and fibrosis. A subset of NASH patients develops end-stage liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is highly complex and strongly associated with perturbations in lipid and glucose metabolism. Lipid disposal pathways, in particular, impairment in condensation of acetyl-CoA derived from β-oxidation into ketogenic pathway strongly influence the hepatic lipid loads and glucose metabolism. Current evidence suggests that ketogenesis dispose up to two-thirds of the lipids entering the liver, and its dysregulation significantly contribute to the NAFLD pathogenesis. Moreover, ketone body administration in mice and humans shows a significant improvement in NAFLD. This review focuses on hepatic ketogenesis and its role in NAFLD pathogenesis. We review the possible mechanisms through which impaired hepatic ketogenesis may promote NAFLD progression. Finally, the review sheds light on the therapeutic implications of a ketogenic diet in NAFLD.
DNA Methylome and LncRNAome Analysis Provide Insights Into Mechanisms of Genome-Dosage Effects in Autotetraploid Cassava
Authors: Xiao Liang , Lu Liuying , Zeng Wendan , Shang Xiaohong , Cao Sheng , Yan Huabing
Published: July 2022

Whole genome duplication (WGD) increases the dosage of all coding and non-coding genes, yet the molecular implications of genome-dosage effects remain elusive. In this study, we generated integrated maps of the methylomes and lncRNAomes for diploid and artificially generated autotetraploid cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). We found that transposable elements (TEs) suppressed adjacent protein coding gene (PCG)-expression levels, while TEs activated the expression of nearby long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the cassava genome. The hypermethylation of DNA transposons in mCG and mCHH sites may be an effective way to suppress the expression of nearby PCGs in autotetraploid cassava, resulting in similar expression levels for most of PCGs between autotetraploid and diploid cassava. In the autotetraploid, decreased methylation levels of retrotransposons at mCHG and mCHH sites contributed to reduced methylation of Gypsy-neighboring long intergenic non-coding RNAs, potentially preserving diploid-like expression patterns in the major of lncRNAs. Collectively, our study highlighted that WGD-induced DNA methylation variation in DNA transposons and retrotransposons may be as direct adaptive responses to dosage of all coding-genes and lncRNAs, respectively.
Hostile, Benevolent, Implicit: How Different Shades of Sexism Impact Gendered Policy Attitudes
Authors: Gothreau Claire , Arceneaux Kevin , Friesen Amanda
Published: July 2022

Advances in gender equality and progressive policies are often stymied by cultural sexist systems and individual-level sexist attitudes. These attitudes are pervasive but vary in type—from benevolent to hostile and implicit to explicit. Understanding the types of sexism and their foundations are important for identifying connections to specific social and political attitudes and behaviors. The current study examines the impact of various manifestations of sexism on attitudes regarding policies and public opinion issues that involve gender equality or have gendered implications. More specifically, we look at attitudes on reproductive rights, support for the #MeToo Movement, equal pay, and paid leave policies. In Study 1 we use data from a high-quality web panel (n = 1,400) to look at the relationship between hostile, benevolent, and implicit sexism, and reproductive rights attitudes, as well as support for the #MeToo Movement. In Study 2 we use data from the American National Election Study (n = 4,270) to examine the relationship between hostile and modern sexism and attitudes on abortion, equal pay, and paid family leave. Overall, these results reveal a complicated relationship between different conceptualizations of sexism and gendered attitudes, underscoring the need to consider how different forms of sexism shape broader social and political views, from both a normative perspective for societal change and a measurement approach for research precision.
Discussing the Effect of Students' Crisis Awareness on Emotion During the COVID-19 Pandemic From the Perspective of Trust
Authors: Yang Cheng , Miao Yinghua
Published: July 2022

The effects of crises vary among individuals, societies, and nations. Governments' crisis management is quite different from that of non-governmental organizations, especially in terms of “publicity,” since it involves bureaucracy to address people's accountability concerns. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between students' crisis awareness, trust, and emotions in the event of a major public health emergency. A questionnaire survey was conducted for this study. A total of 500 copies of questionnaires were distributed to the college students in Jiangxi. Among those, 437 valid copies were retrieved, with a retrieval rate of 87%. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to conduct the statistical analyses. The research results were summarized as follows: (1) At the stage of epidemic spread, people can easily fall into the negative emotion. (2) The society with a good trust relationship considers schools less responsible for critical incidents and more helpful for crisis communication. (3) Reducing the negative emotions of the public after the occurrence of critical incidents can effectively reduce the damage of critical incidents to the organization. Avoiding a loss of student confidence and increasing anger, protecting the school's reputation, having a good communication effect, and minimizing the impact of the crisis can help the students develop better trust toward the school. When a crisis occurs on campus, this can reduce the possibility of students' showing negative emotions and spreading rumors. It is considered that the findings provide guidance on how to optimize the management of public health crisis situations and improve students' mental health.
Efficacy of New Mindfulness-Based Swinging Technique Intervention: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial Among Women With Breast Cancer
Authors: Bahcivan Ozan , Estapé Tania , Gutierrez-Maldonado Jose
Published: July 2022

Objective

Combining 3rd-wave-therapies with Cognitive-Behavioural-Therapy (CBT) has increased in recent years. Usually these therapies require longer sessions which therefore increases the psychotherapy drop-out rate for cancer patients for multiple medical reasons. This inspired intervention of a shorter 20 min-long mindfulness-therapy (MBST) to be developed for Breast-Cancer-patients (BC).

Method

This pilot randomised controlled trial was to assess the immediate-outcome of the MBST-intervention for its efficacy for BC-patients by using the Pearson Chi-square test, Fisher–Freeman–Halton exact test, and McNemar test for categorical variables; Mann–Whitney U and Wilcoxon test for the continuous variables. The Emotion Thermometer, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease, and Beck’s Hopelessness Scale were used for measuring the intervention outcomes. One hundred seventy-three BC patients were randomly assigned in two-groups (equal-mean-age, p = 0.417). Control-Group (CG, n = 82) received cognitive-disputation-technique a form-of-CBT, and Intervention-Group (IG, n = 74) received MBST. The directives are given to IG: psychoeducation about Mindfulness, and to imagine themselves swinging-in a peaceful environment. When the patients imagine their swing going up, they physically take a deep-breath, and when going down they physically release their breath, and this process is repeated.

Result

Outcomes post-treatment showed significant higher-improvement in IG in all the assessed-measurements, with large-effect-size: anxiety (p < 0,05, r = 0,67) and depression-levels (p < 0,05, r = 0,71); anxiety-trait (p < 0,05; r = 0,79) reduced, it increases self-efficacy for managing-disease (p < 0,05, r = 0,82) as-well-as hopefulness (p < 0,05, r = 0,61) and saturation-level measured by pulse-meter/oximeter (p < 0,05, r = 0,51).

Conclusion

MBST is an efficacious intervention to reduce psychotherapy session time for immediate relief from clinical anxiety and hopelessness as well as increase self-efficacy and improve tranquillity for BC-women. It may have a particular clinical significance for supporting patient’s adherence to treatment. Although in this pilot sample MBST was found to be effective for short-term-outcome, its efficacy for longer-term-outcome should be examined in future trials. Additionally, breathing laps can be increased possibly for a greater result on rise of saturation levels of patients.
The Bar-On Model and Multifactor Measure of Human Performance: Validation and Application
Authors: Bar-On Reuven , Fiedeldey-Van Dijk Carina
Published: July 2022

In this article, we describe the ongoing validation and application of the Bar-On model of human performance that is assessed with the Multifactor Measure of Performance (MMP). (The Bar-On Multifactor Measure of Performance (MMP) is the intellectual property of Into Performance ULC.) The MMP is a psychometric instrument designed to study, evaluate and enhance performance. We discuss the meaning and importance of performance, and explain the need for creating and applying a comprehensive model and measure of this construct. To address this need, the MMP is structurally organized to assess and strengthen 18 Core Factors that contribute to performance. Five Ring Factors were added to facilitate a deeper understanding of leadership, industriousness, productiveness, risk for burnout, and coachability. Together, they represent a multifactor approach that focuses on current behavior of the “whole person” by evaluatingphysical,cognitive,personal,social, andinspirationalfactors combined. We discuss the properties of the MMP’s normative population, as the baseline for accurate reporting, tailored to different workplace activities and needs. Possible limitations of the research are indicated, together with the need for additional studies to address them. We reflect on the MMP within the Unified Validity Framework and conclude with recommendations for researchers and practitioners to apply this model and measure.
A Theoretical Analysis of Approaches to Enhance Students’ Grit and Academic Engagement
Authors: Qiao Rui
Published: July 2022

The role of teachers in developing positive traits in EFL students has been widely endorsed in the literature. Two such traits that have pivotal roles in language teaching and learning are grit and academic engagement. Despite the proliferation of correlational studies on these constructs, theoretical and systematic review studies on the role of EFL teachers’ approaches in strengthening and enhancing these variables are scant. To fill this wide gap, the present study aimed to review the theoretical and empirical underpinnings of students’ grit and engagement and their teachability. In so doing, the definitions, conceptualizations, and dimensions of the two variables were presented. Moreover, a number of practical teaching approaches were suggested to EFL teachers in various contexts. Finally, implications, research gaps, and future directions of this research strand are provided to enhance EFL stakeholders’ knowledge of teachability of grit, engagement, and many other positive psychological traits.
Investigating the Obsessive and Compulsive Features of Cyberchondria: A Holistic Review
Authors: Yang Yi , Ta Na , Li Zhanghao
Published: July 2022

Background

Cyberchondria has been brought into sharp focus during the COVID-19 health emergency; it refers to individuals who obsessively and compulsively search for health information online, resulting in excessive health concerns. Recent scholarship focuses on its obsessive and compulsive aspect, following a biopsychosocial approach as opposed to a pathology of health anxiety. It lacks interpretation of the socio-psychological dynamics between the dimensions.

Objective

This review aims to propose a holistic view toward understanding cyberchondria as an obsessive–compulsive syndrome and considers possible interventions. It specifically seeks to explain cyberchondria from diversified mediator variables and to pinpoint connections between each perspective.

Methodology

Comprehensive searches of databases such as PubMed and Springer were conducted to identify English articles relating to cyberchondria from 2001 to 2022. Based on a systematic filtering process, 27 articles were finally reviewed.

Findings

The authors compare and confirm three forecasts to predict cyberchondria, associating it with individual metacognition, uncertainty of unverified information, and algorithm-driven, biased information environments.

Value

Theoretically, a holistic framework is proposed to explain the obsessive and compulsive features of cyberchondria. Clinically, the research calls for more professional psychoeducation and chain screening of cyberchondria and other psychological disorders. Socially, it promotes support for risk-sensitive, information-deficient groups during pandemics like COVID-19. It also stresses more careful use of algorithm-driven search engine technology for platforms delivering medical information. Future research may explore areas such as the association between cyberchondria and other social-related disorders, as well as correlations among cyberchondria, obsessive and compulsive disorders, medical trust, and algorithm-driven search results.