bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Rapid Review of Infection Correlates and Impacts on Mental Health and Behaviors
Authors: Yang Haoyue , Rigsby Matilin , Zhu Xuemei , Lee Chanam , Ory Marcia
Published: April 2022

Background:

Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) with compact, group-living arrangements have become COVID-19 hot spots during the pandemic. Systematic research is needed to understand factors associated with COVID-19 infections in LTCFs and the inadvertent effects of preventive measures adopted by LTCFs.

Objectives:

This rapid review identifies factors associated with LTCF residents’ COVID-19 infections and the impacts of the pandemic and the corresponding preventive measures on residents’ mental health and behavioral problems.

Methods:

Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines, we identified and reviewed relevant literature in Medline, PsycINFO, and AgeLine.

Results:

Thirty-seven articles were identified and reviewed, including 30 reporting factors associated with COVID-19 infections in LTCFs and seven reporting the impact of the pandemic and corresponding prevention measures on LTCF residents. Results revealed four domains of factors associated with COVID-19 infections: facility physical environments, resident characteristics, facility management and testing, and community factors. The pandemic and infection control measures increased residents’ depression, anxiety, loneliness, and behavioral problems (e.g., agitation, hallucinations). Residents without cognitive impairments were more vulnerable to these adverse effects.

Conclusion and implications:

LTCF managers/policymakers and healthcare designers can help mitigate COVID-19 infections by (1) providing additional resources to vulnerable LTCFs; (2) enhancing the training of personal protective equipment use and guideline compliance; and (3) investing in amenities, such as sinks, quarantine rooms, and outdoor spaces. Digital activities and accessible green spaces can mitigate mental health and behavior issues. Future LTCF design can benefit from flexible spaces, natural ventilation, and reducing crowding.
Ethical issues of collecting, storing, and analyzing geo-referenced tweets for mental health research
Authors: Fadda Marta , Sykora Martin , Elayan Suzanne , Puhan Milo A , Naslund John A , Mooney Stephen J , Albanese Emiliano , Morese Rosalba , Gruebner Oliver
Published: April 2022

Spatial approaches to epidemiological research with big social media data provide tremendous opportunities to study the relationship between the socio-ecological context where these data are generated and health indicators of interest. Such research poses a number of ethical challenges, particularly in relation to issues such as privacy, informed consent, data security, and storage. While these issues have received considerable attention by researchers in relation to research for physical health purposes in the past 10 years, there have been few efforts to consider the ethical challenges of conducting mental health research, particularly with geo-referenced social media data. The aim of this article is to identify strengths and limitations of current recommendations to address the specific ethical issues of geo-referenced tweets for mental health research. We contribute to the ongoing debate on the ethical implications of big data research and also provide recommendations to researchers and stakeholders alike on how to tackle them, with a specific focus on the use of geo-referenced data for mental health research purposes. With increasing awareness of data privacy and confidentiality issues (even for non-spatial social media data) it becomes crucial to establish professional standards of conduct so that compliance with ethical standards of conducting research with health-related social media data can be prioritized and easily assessed.
The game of popularity: The earnings system and labor control in the live streaming industry
Authors: Xu Linfeng , Zhang Hengyu
Published: April 2022

The case study in this paper concerns a street performance band in Wuhan, each of whose members is under contract as a live streamer. Borrowing from Michael Burawoy's concept of “the game of making out”, this study describes the labor control mechanism in the live streaming industry as a “game of popularity”. Popularity is a pivotal indicator of labor price, determining the compensation of contracted live streamers. However, this seemingly objective popularity indicator can in fact be manipulated. Both live streamers and platform providers can benefit from purchasing “fake popularity”. In the game of popularity manipulation, the interests of capital and labor are conjoined, and consensus reached. In collaboration, live streamers become co-conspirators of capital and thus lose control over their own labor output, and the relation between labor input and compensation is distorted. By participating in this manipulation, live streamers help affirm the ideological dominance of the platform economy. The neoliberal work ethic that emphasizes individual responsibility conceals the power relationship behind unstable employment modes like live streaming. Despite being horrendously exploited, live streamers still think of themselves as someone with an “independent destiny”. The online platform economy has transformed the labor–capital relationship. The earnings distribution system, in combination with other social factors, often plays a vital role in labor control. Therefore, understanding this system and its influence on labor processes and ideology is the correct way to start for any exploration of concepts such as the “industry regime” or “sector regime”.
Assessing Governments’ Emergency Responses to the COVID-19 Outbreak Using a Social Network Analysis (SNA)
Authors: Adiyoso Wignyo
Published: April 2022

One of the effective ways of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak is dependent on non-pharmaceutical interventions due to the absence of a vaccine against the virus. This study aims to assess organizational emergency responses to COVID-19 using a social network analysis (SNA) method via Gephi. The data were obtained from a weekly Indonesian magazine, TEMPO, which reported on the Indonesian government’s response to COVID-19 from early March to early April 2020. One hundred and fifty actors represent the nodes and 180 connections denoted as edges are explored and analyzed using the SNA tool. The study found that the emergency response to the pandemic consisted of less solid, non-traditional structural interactions, and that the head of the task force played a lesser role in the response to this outbreak. The content analysis revealed that the team members’ issues of concern included coordination, hoaxes and fake issues, instruction/consultation, social distancing, and the lack of testing equipment. The results of the study are expected to contribute to the literature on research on emergency responses to pandemics. The findings also contribute to the development of the design of organizational emergency policies in the contexts of large-scale pandemics.
Tension in Interpretations of the Social Impact of the Social Sciences: Walking a Tightrope Between Divergent Conceptualizations of Research Utilization
Authors: Lauronen Juha-Pekka
Published: April 2022

In Finland, the discussion surrounding the impact of research on society has continued for two decades without a consensus on how impact should be part of research evaluation. In this paper, I examine the conceptions of social impact in the field of social sciences from the perspectives of policy authors and academics by reviewing policy documents and conducting semi-structured interviews with 14 policy advisors, evaluation experts, and faculty professors. The policy data sets are from 2003 to 2018, the period in which the Finnish discussion on research impact has been the most active. Interpretivist notions on the social impact of the social sciences argue that representations of social impact derive from juxtapositional conceptions of how social science knowledge is part of society. Grounded theory techniques were used to analyze policy artifacts and stakeholder interviews. I identified five interpretative frames. These are impact governance, operationalization of impact, politicization of research utilization, guiding arrangements, and social impact of the social sciences. A key finding is that policy advisors and academic experts tend to integrate divergent vocabularies of research utilization and its evaluation, resulting in uncertainty about the conceptualization and operationalization of impact. Integrity of research utilization in research policy and research evaluation could increase the social capacity of the social sciences by helping to understand the conceptual contribution of these fields to public policies and public discussion.
Professional Commitment Levels of Officer Class Y Generation Seafarers
Authors: Muslu Aziz
Published: April 2022

The employees’ level of commitment to their profession has been decreaseed due to the challenging conditions in seafarers’ profession. Many factors exist affecting professional commitment. The most important factors are age, hometown, and personality characteristics. Regarding the literature, Generation Y employees lack such emotions as commitment, a sense of belonging, and team spirit. Therefore, this research focuses on seafarers who recently started the profession of seafarers as a member of Generation Y. The relationship between personality characteristics and professional commitment was measured through several variables. The professional commitment scale developed in the health sector was applied to seafarers from Generation Y who are employed in the maritime sector after reliability and validity studies were performed. The relationship between personality characteristics and professional commitment was measured through several variables. As a result of the research, it has been suggested that Generation Y has highly committed to the profession.
Training Interprofessional Staff in Whole Health Clinical Care at the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Ametrano Rebecca M. , McGillicuddy Morgan L. , Sanyal Shefali , Topor David R.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) initiated a system-wide redesign in 2011 toward a patient-centered approach called the Whole Health System (WHS) of care. Education of VHA clinical staff in WHS-informed care, Whole Health Clinical Care (WHCC), is one critical element of this redesign effort. At a minimum, WHCC education should address core competencies for clinicians and be considered satisfactory for learners. This is the first study to evaluate learner satisfaction and perceived achievement of course objectives in WHCC that incorporated active learning strategies.

Method

A large VA Healthcare System developed an in-person workshop focused on WHCC that used multiple active learning activities. These activities included case presentations, role playing, experiential learning, and group discussion.

Results

Sixty-two interprofessional staff attended the workshop in November 2019. Forty (64.50%) participants completed post-workshop surveys within 30 days. Data suggest participants were highly satisfied with the workshop and that they successfully met stated learning objectives.

Conclusions

We call on VHA and private-sector hospitals to train clinical staff in WHCC that incorporates use of active learning strategies.
Perceptions of Retired Nurses on Factors Preventing Younger Professional Nurses from Applying the Ethos of Ubuntu in Professional Care
Authors: Mulaudzi Fhumulani M. , Anokwuru Rafiat Ajoke , Mogale Ramadimetja , Moloko-Phiri Seepaneng Salaminah , DuPlessis Moselene AR
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Younger professional nurses are the future of the nursing profession and they receive the baton from older and retired nurses to continue the profession in good light. Ubuntu is an African philosophy that is embedded in caring ethics and it is viewed as a core value of the nursing profession and is highly valued by older nurses.

Objective

We explored the perceptions of retired nurses on factors that prevent younger professional nurses from applying the ethos of Ubuntu in professional care.

Methods

In this study, we explored the factors that prevent younger professional nurses from applying the ethos of Ubuntu in professional care. In this qualitative explorative study, data were collected during focus group discussions in a workshop held with 40 retired nurses in a province in South Africa. The transcripts were analyzed following the six steps outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006).

Results

Based on the perceptions of the retired nurses two main themes emerged as factors that prevent the younger professional nurses from applying the ethos of Ubuntu in their professional practice; 1) Motivation to practice Ubuntu in nursing, 2) Lack of political will to recognize nursing.

Conclusion

Retired nurses felt that Ubuntu could be applied in nursing care if these factors are addressed by both nurses and stakeholders.
Redesigning Gen Y and Z Career Growth through Developmental Cycles
Authors: Dabak Soniya , Piplani Tanushree , Chakrabarti Suchismita
Published: April 2022

Meaningful growth opportunities are key drivers of engagement, especially in the early career. Research shows that it is essential to support career transitions for early career employees. While formal leadership development programs focus on providing opportunities to nominated employees, there is a need to systematically apply the elements of these programs to the broader employee population. We identify common principles of successful early career leadership development programs and use them to create a career growth framework as a series of experiences rather than a series of roles. We have developed specific recommendations to fuel growth cycles, exploration, establishment and maintenance within and across functions at the early career (0–6 years).
The Iliofemoral Bounce Test: Identifying Hip Capsular Insufficiency
Authors: Bucci Gabriella , McGovern Ryan P. , Singleton Steven B. , Christoforetti John J.
Published: April 2022

Background:

Insufficiency of hip capsular structures has recently gained recognition as a cause of pre-arthritic hip pain, leading to hip joint instability and progressive chondrolabral injury. An accurate evaluation of capsular integrity can help orthopedic surgeons plan capsular management prior to hip arthroscopy.

Indications:

The proposed iliofemoral bounce test is meant to be applied preoperatively for identification of hip capsular integrity when microinstability is suspected or in the setting of revision hip arthroscopy.

Technique Description:

After induction of general anesthesia and complete muscle relaxation, the patient is placed in a supine figure-four position by placing the foot of the pathologic hip on the contralateral knee. Two examination techniques are performed: (1) The examiner places one hand on the patient’s contralateral anterior superior iliac spine and applies consecutive downward pressure in a “rocking” manner to the pelvis; (2) the examiner applies a preload and release force to the flexed knee (examined hip), with the contralateral pelvis stabilized, and observes the response of the knee to this loads.

Results:

Technique 1: The expected physiologic response in a preserved joint is a “bounce” of the contralateral hip (examined hip), evidenced by an up-and-down movement of the knee in response to the rocking movement applied. This movement reflects the integrity and functionality of the hip capsule ligaments’ elastic recoil forces, allowing the hip to remain in a stable state in response to destabilizing forces. In contrast, when capsular insufficiency is present, a lack of bouncing will be observed due to unrestricted external rotation of the hip to constrain the hip joint. Technique 2: In a preserved joint capsule, the knee will return to its preload position, while in capsular insufficiency, no bouncing of the knee will be observed.

Discussion/Conclusion:

The iliofemoral bounce test is a novel, dynamic, and reproducible examination technique for clinicians to evaluate patient’s true hip capsular integrity and for preoperative identification of the proper capsular management, either with a less invasive capsulotomy or performing a capsular closure, plication or even reconstruction, when necessary.
Mount Mather Creek, British Columbia – a new sodalite-bearing carbohydrothermal breccia deposit including a new Canadian occurrence for the rare minerals edingtonite and quintinite
Authors: Piilonen Paula C. , Poirier Glenn , Rowe Ralph , Mitchell Roger , Robak Chris
Published: April 2022

The Mount Mather Creek sodalite-bearing carbohydrothermal breccia dyke is located ~35 km northwest of Golden, British Columbia, Canada, within the Foreland Belt on the eastern side of the Mississippian-to-Devonian British Columbia Alkaline Province. The dyke occurs in situ on the western side of the Mount Mather Creek gully, cropping out over a distance of ~80 m with a thickness of up to 10 m, intruding a syncline of Middle and Upper Cambrian Chancellor Group carbonate rocks. To date, no parental alkaline complex has been found adjacent or proximal to the dyke. The breccia dyke is flow-banded and matrix-supported and consists of host rock clasts, medium- to coarse-grained, anhedral-to-poikilitic carbonate-rich syenite segregations that occur as veins and pods, and fine-grained banded sodalite plus carbonate fragments in a carbonate-rich matrix. The sodalite-carbonate segregations consist dominantly of sodalite, ferroan dolomite, calcite and microcline, with an extensive suite of trace minerals enriched in rare earth elements (REE), Na, Ba and Sr, including albite, analcime, ancylite-(Ce), chabazite-Na, fluorapatite, baryte, barytocalcite, cancrinite, galena, goethite, gonnardite, harmotome, edingtonite, a potentially new Mg-bearing edingtonite-like mineral, natrolite, nordstrandite, pyrite, quintinite and sphalerite. Alteration of the primary silicate–carbonate assemblage has resulted in a secondary assemblage of hydrothermal or carbohydrothermal REE–Ba–Sr–Na phases including albite, analcime, cancrinite, gonnardite and nordstrandite after sodalite, together with complex intergrowths of ancylite-(Ce), barytocalcite, edingtonite, and a potentially-new Mg-bearing edingtonite-like mineral. Remobilisation of Ba and Sr from barytocalcite resulted in crystallisation of late-stage baryte and Sr-rich calcite. Mount Mather Creek is only the fifth Canadian occurrence of the Ba-zeolite, edingtonite, and the second Canadian occurrence of the rare layered double hydroxide quintinite. The Mount Mather Creek breccia is a carbohydrothermal deposit, the product of a low temperature (<450°C), highly evolved, alkaline, SiO2-undersaturated, Na–Ba–REE–Cl-rich, residual carbonated silicate melt whose parental origins remain unknown.
HGDTI: predicting drug–target interaction by using information aggregation based on heterogeneous graph neural network
Authors: Yu Liyi , Qiu Wangren , Lin Weizhong , Cheng Xiang , Xiao Xuan , Dai Jiexia
Published: April 2022

Background

In research on new drug discovery, the traditional wet experiment has a long period. Predicting drug–target interaction (DTI) in silico can greatly narrow the scope of search of candidate medications. Excellent algorithm model may be more effective in revealing the potential connection between drug and target in the bioinformatics network composed of drugs, proteins and other related data.

Results

In this work, we have developed a heterogeneous graph neural network model, named as HGDTI, which includes a learning phase of network node embedding and a training phase of DTI classification. This method first obtains the molecular fingerprint information of drugs and the pseudo amino acid composition information of proteins, then extracts the initial features of nodes through Bi-LSTM, and uses the attention mechanism to aggregate heterogeneous neighbors. In several comparative experiments, the overall performance of HGDTI significantly outperforms other state-of-the-art DTI prediction models, and the negative sampling technology is employed to further optimize the prediction power of model. In addition, we have proved the robustness of HGDTI through heterogeneous network content reduction tests, and proved the rationality of HGDTI through other comparative experiments. These results indicate that HGDTI can utilize heterogeneous information to capture the embedding of drugs and targets, and provide assistance for drug development.

Conclusions

The HGDTI based on heterogeneous graph neural network model, can utilize heterogeneous information to capture the embedding of drugs and targets, and provide assistance for drug development. For the convenience of related researchers, a user-friendly web-server has been established at http://bioinfo.jcu.edu.cn/hgdti.
GenomicDistributions: fast analysis of genomic intervals with Bioconductor
Authors: Kupkova Kristyna , Mosquera Jose Verdezoto , Smith Jason P. , Stolarczyk Michał , Danehy Tessa L. , Lawson John T. , Xue Bingjie , Stubbs John T. , LeRoy Nathan , Sheffield Nathan C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Epigenome analysis relies on defined sets of genomic regions output by widely used assays such as ChIP-seq and ATAC-seq. Statistical analysis and visualization of genomic region sets is essential to answer biological questions in gene regulation. As the epigenomics community continues generating data, there will be an increasing need for software tools that can efficiently deal with more abundant and larger genomic region sets. Here, we introduce GenomicDistributions, an R package for fast and easy summarization and visualization of genomic region data.

Results

GenomicDistributions offers a broad selection of functions to calculate properties of genomic region sets, such as feature distances, genomic partition overlaps, and more. GenomicDistributions functions are meticulously optimized for best-in-class speed and generally outperform comparable functions in existing R packages. GenomicDistributions also offers plotting functions that produce editable ggplot objects. All GenomicDistributions functions follow a uniform naming scheme and can handle either single or multiple region set inputs.

Conclusions

GenomicDistributions offers a fast and scalable tool for exploratory genomic region set analysis and visualization. GenomicDistributions excels in user-friendliness, flexibility of outputs, breadth of functions, and computational performance. GenomicDistributions is available from Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/release/bioc/html/GenomicDistributions.html).
Neural network modeling of differential binding between wild-type and mutant CTCF reveals putative binding preferences for zinc fingers 1–2
Authors: Kaplow Irene M. , Banerjee Abhimanyu , Foo Chuan Sheng
Published: April 2022

Background

Many transcription factors (TFs), such as multi zinc-finger (ZF) TFs, have multiple DNA binding domains (DBDs), and deciphering the DNA binding motifs of individual DBDs is a major challenge. One example of such a TF is CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF), a TF with eleven ZFs that plays a variety of roles in transcriptional regulation, most notably anchoring DNA loops. Previous studies found that CTCF ZFs 3–7 bind CTCF’s core motif and ZFs 9–11 bind a specific upstream motif, but the motifs of ZFs 1–2 have yet to be identified.

Results

We developed a new approach to identifying the binding motifs of individual DBDs of a TF through analyzing chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) experiments in which a single DBD is mutated: we train a deep convolutional neural network to predict whether wild-type TF binding sites are preserved in the mutant TF dataset and interpret the model. We applied this approach to mouse CTCF ChIP-seq data and identified the known binding preferences of CTCF ZFs 3–11 as well as a putative GAG binding motif for ZF 1. We analyzed other CTCF datasets to provide additional evidence that ZF 1 is associated with binding at the motif we identified, and we found that the presence of the motif for ZF 1 is associated with CTCF ChIP-seq peak strength.

Conclusions

Our approach can be applied to any TF for which in vivo binding data from both the wild-type and mutated versions of the TF are available, and our findings provide new potential insights binding preferences of CTCF’s DBDs.
Whole blood transcriptome profiling identifies candidate genes associated with alopecia in male giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Shen Haibo , Li Caiwu , He Ming , Huang Yan , Wang Jing , Luo Jing , Wang Minglei , Yue Bisong , Zhang Xiuyue
Published: April 2022

Background

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a threatened species endemic to China. Alopecia, characterized by thinning and broken hair, mostly occurs in breeding males. Alopecia significantly affects the health and public image of the giant panda and the cause of alopecia is unclear.

Results

Here, we researched gene expression profiles of four alopecia giant pandas and seven healthy giant pandas. All pandas were approximately ten years old and their blood samples collected during the breeding season. A total of 458 up-regulated DEGs and 211 down-regulated DEGs were identified. KEGG pathway enrichment identified that upregulated genes were enriched in the Notch signaling pathway and downregulated genes were enriched in ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, and thermogenesis pathways. We obtained 28 hair growth-related DEGs, and identified three hub genesNOTCH1,SMAD3, andTGFB1in PPI analysis. Five hair growth-related signaling pathways were identified with abnormal expression, these were Notch, Wnt, TGF-β, Mapk, and PI3K-Akt. The overexpression ofNOTCH1delays inner root sheath differentiation and results in hair shaft abnormalities. The delayed hair regression was associated with a significant decrease in the expression levels ofTGFB1.

Conclusions

Our data confirmed the abnormal expression of several hair-related genes and pathways and identified alopecia candidate genes in the giant panda. Results of this study provide theoretical basis for the establishment of prevention and treatment strategies for giant pandas with alopecia.
Repair-related molecular changes during recovery phase of ischemic stroke in female rats
Authors: Mostajeran Maryam , Edvinsson Lars , Ahnstedt Hilda , Arkelius Kajsa , Ansar Saema
Published: April 2022

Background

Some degree of spontaneous recovery is usually observed after stroke. Experimental studies have provided information about molecular mechanisms underlying this recovery. However, the majority of pre-clinical stroke studies are performed in male rodents, and females are not well studied. This is a clear discrepancy when considering the clinical situation. Thus, it is important to include females in the evaluation of recovery mechanisms for future therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to evaluate spontaneous recovery and molecular mechanisms involved in the recovery phase two weeks after stroke in female rats.

Methods

Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in female Wistar rats using a filament model. Neurological functions were assessed up to day 14 after stroke. Protein expression of interleukin 10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, neuronal specific nuclei protein (NeuN), nestin, tyrosine-protein kinase receptor Tie-2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, and Akt were evaluated in the peri-infarct and ischemic core compared to contralateral side of the brain at day 14 by western blot. Expression of TGF-β in middle cerebral arteries was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Spontaneous recovery after stroke was observed from day 2 to day 14 and was accompanied by a significantly higher expression of nestin, p-Akt, p-ERK1/2 and TGF-β in ischemic regions compared to contralateral side at day 14. In addition, a significantly higher expression of TGF-β was observed in occluded versus non-occluded middle cerebral arteries. The expression of Tie-2 and IL-10 did not differ between the ischemic and contralateral sides.

Conclusion

Spontaneous recovery after ischemic stroke in female rats was coincided by a difference observed in the expression of molecular markers. The alteration of these markers might be of importance to address future therapeutic strategies.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of two Cucumis melo var. saccharinus germplasms differing in fruit physical and chemical characteristics
Authors: Liang Renfan , Su Yicheng , Qin Xiaojuan , Gao Zhongkui , Fu Zhixin , Qiu Huijun , Lin Xu , Zhu Jinlian
Published: April 2022

Background

Hami melon (Cucumis melo var. saccharinus) is a popular fruit in China because of its excellent taste, which is largely determined by its physicochemical characteristics, including flesh texture, sugar content, aroma, and nutrient composition. However, the mechanisms by which these characteristics are regulated have not yet been determined. In this study, we monitored changes in the fruits of two germplasms that differed in physicochemical characteristics throughout the fruit development period.

Results

Ripe fruit of the bred variety ‘Guimi’ had significantly higher soluble sugar contents than the fruit of the common variety ‘Yaolong.’ Additionally, differences in fruit shape and color between these two germplasms were observed during development. Comparative transcriptome analysis, conducted to identify regulators and pathways underlying the observed differences at corresponding stages of development, revealed a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Guimi than in Yaolong. Moreover, most DEGs detected during early fruit development in Guimi were associated with cell wall biogenesis. Temporal analysis of the identified DEGs revealed similar trends in the enrichment of downregulated genes in both germplasms, although there were differences in the enrichment trends of upregulated genes. Further analyses revealed trends in differential changes in multiple genes involved in cell wall biogenesis and sugar metabolism during fruit ripening.

Conclusions

We identified several genes associated with the ripening of Hami melons, which will provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of fruit characteristics in these melons.
Genome-wide expression analysis of carboxylesterase (CXE) gene family implies GBCXE49 functional responding to alkaline stress in cotton
Authors: Rui Cun , Peng Fanjia , Fan Yapeng , Zhang Yuexin , Zhang Zhigang , Xu Nan , Zhang Hong , Wang Jing , Li Shengmei , Yang Tao , Malik Waqar Afzal , Lu Xuke , Chen Xiugui , Wang Delong , Chen Chao , Gao Wenwei , Ye Wuwei
Published: April 2022

Background

Carboxylesterase (CXE) is a type of hydrolase with α/β sheet hydrolase activity widely found in animals, plants and microorganisms, which plays an important role in plant growth, development and resistance to stress.

Results

A total of 72, 74, 39, 38 CXE genes were identified in Gossypium barbadense, Gossypium hirsutum, Gossypium raimondii and Gossypium arboreum, respectively. The gene structure and expression pattern were analyzed. The GBCXE genes were divided into 6 subgroups, and the chromosome distribution of members of the family were mapped. Analysis of promoter cis-acting elements showed that most GBCXE genes contain cis-elements related to plant hormones (GA, IAA) or abiotic stress. These 6 genes we screened out were expressed in the root, stem and leaf tissues. Combined with the heat map, GBCXE49 gene was selected for subcellular locate and confirmed that the protein was expressed in the cytoplasm.

Conclusions

The collinearity analysis of the CXE genes of the four cotton species in this family indicated that tandem replication played an indispensable role in the evolution of the CXE gene family. The expression patterns of GBCXE gene under different stress treatments indicated that GBCXE gene may significantly participate in the response to salt and alkaline stress through different mechanisms. Through the virus-induced gene silencing technology (VIGS), it was speculated that GBCXE49 gene was involved in the response to alkaline stress in G. barbadense.
Prevalence and predictors of non-alcoholic liver disease on MRI among patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Hong Qijin , Shen Jun , Feng Qi , Zheng Qing , Qiao Yuqi
Published: April 2022

Background

It has been documented that Crohn’s disease (CD) patients were prone to develop non-alcoholic liver fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with less metabolic factors. Our purpose is to investigate the prevalence, clinical characteristics and possible indicators for NAFLD in a cohort of Chinese patients with CD.

Methods

Established CD patients who underwent magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) at the gastroenterology unit of our hospital were consecutively enrolled between June 2018 and May 2020. The diagnosis of NAFLD was made by magnetic resonance proton density fat fraction (MR-PDFF) maps. Medical records during hospitalization were collected and examined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Then a predictive model was constructed based on logistic regression analysis to evaluate the risk of developing NAFLD.

Results

A total of 340 CD subjects were enrolled in this study, 83 (24.4%) suffered from NAFLD. Compared with those without NAFLD, patients with NAFLD showed longer disease duration, higher body mass index (BMI), more frequent use of corticosteroid and pronouncedly elevated liver function tests. The comparison showed no difference in terms of prolonged anti tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) use (> 54w). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that BMI, serum transaminase, pre-albumin and disease duration could independently predict hepatic steatosis.

Conclusion

NAFLD is frequent in chronic CD patients, while long term use of anti TNF-α seems to have no impact on the development of NAFLD in this population. The model incorporating duration, serum transaminase and body mass index presented as a clinical nomogram could well predict the risk of NAFLD in patient with CD.
Plasma and fecal zonulin are not altered by a high green leafy vegetable dietary intervention: secondary analysis of a randomized control crossover trial
Authors: Riviere Aaron J. , Smith Kristen S. , Schaberg Megan N. , Greene Michael W. , Frugé Andrew D.
Published: April 2022

Background

Zonulin is observed in animal models to regulate intestinal permeability and influenced by dietary intake, gut microbiota, and inflammation. We conducted a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled crossover trial (NCT03582306) in individuals with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m2 and high habitual red meat intake and low habitual green leafy vegetable (GLV) intake.

Methods

Participants were provided with frozen GLV during the first or last four weeks (immediate or delayed intervention) of the twelve-week trial. Biological and anthropometric measures were taken at the beginning and at each four-week interval. A subset of 20 participants was selected for this secondary analysis of the intestinal permeability and inflammation-related biomarkers: serum and fecal zonulin; serum lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP), Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM-1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein; 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) and plasma Vitamin K1 as a marker of protocol adherence. Nutrient and food group intake from two-24-h dietary recalls collected at each time point were assessed. Fecal microbiota was measured by 16 s rRNA PCR sequencing. Changes in biological markers, dietary factors, and microbial taxa were assessed with Wilcoxon Sign Ranks Tests. Exploratory analyses of the relationship between changes in outcome variables were conducted with Spearman correlations.

Results

No changes in serum and fecal zonulin and serum LBP were observed. Plasma Vitamin K (p = 0.005) increased, while plasma 8OHdG (p = 0.023) decreased during the intervention compared to the control. The only dietary factors that changed significantly were increases during intervention in Vitamin K and Dark GLV (p < 0.001 for both) compared to control. Fecal microbiota did not change significantly across all times points; however, change in serum zonulin was associated with change in Proteobacteria (ρ = − 0.867, p = 0.001) in females and Bifidobacterium (ρ = − 0.838, p = 0.009) and Bacteroidaceae (ρ = 0.871, p = 0.005) in men.

Conclusions

A high GLV dietary intervention increased serum zonulin levels and had no effect on fecal zonulin. Lack of concordance between several inflammation-associated biomarkers and zonulin corroborate recent reports of limited utility of zonulin in obese adults free of lower gastrointestinal disease.

Trial Registration information: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03582306 (NCT03582306) registered on 07/11/2018.
Humanized CD19 CAR-T cells in relapsed/refractory B-ALL patients who relapsed after or failed murine CD19 CAR-T therapy
Authors: An Lihong , Lin Yuehui , Deng Biping , Yin Zhichao , Zhao Defeng , Ling Zhuojun , Wu Tong , Zhao Yongqiang , Chang Alex H. , Tong Chunrong , Liu Shuangyou
Published: April 2022

Background

For CD19-positive relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (r/r B-ALL) after treatment with murine CD19 (mCD19) CAR-T, the reinfusion of mCD19 CAR-T cells may be ineffective due to anti-mouse single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody caused by mCD19 CAR. To overcome this immunogenicity, we applied humanized CD19 (hCD19) CAR-T cells to treat r/r B-ALL patients with prior mCD19 CAR-T therapy.

Methods

Nineteen pediatric and adult patients were included, 16 relapsed after and 3 were primarily resistant to mCD19 CAR-T. All patients presented with more than 5% blasts in bone marrow and/or extramedullary disease, and still showed CD19 antigen expression. Humanized CD19-CARs were lentiviral vectors carrying a second generation CAR with 4–1-BB co-stimulatory and CD3ζ signaling domains. Patient-derived cells were collected for producing CAR-T cells, the median dose of infused hCD19 CAR-T cells was 2.4 × 105/kg (range, 1.0–18.0 × 105/kg).

Results

hCD19 CAR-T resulted in a complete remission (CR) rate of 68% (13/19). Among 13 remission patients, 11 underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) (3 were second HCT) and 10 remained in CR; the event-free survival rates at 12–18 months were 91% in 11 patients received following allo-HCT and 69% in all CR patients. Six cases had no response to hCD19 CAR-T, 3 died of disease progression; another 3 received salvage second transplantation, of them, 2 relapsed again (one died). Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 95% (18/19) of patients, most CRS events were grade 1 and grade 2 (n = 17), there was only one grade 4 CRS. Two cases experienced grade 1 neurotoxicity.

Conclusions

Humanized CD19 CAR-T cell therapy could be a treatment option for CD19-positive B-ALL patients who relapsed after or resisted prior murine CD19 CAR-T, hCD19 CAR-T followed by allo-HCT provided a longer remission in CR patients. Nevertheless, the prognosis of non-responders to hCD19 CAR-T remained dismal.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry/WHO International Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900024456, URL: www.chictr.org.cn); registered on July 12, 2019.
Prevalence and characteristics of somatic symptom disorder in the elderly in a community-based population: a large-scale cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Wu Yani , Tao Zhengyu , Qiao Yongxia , Chai Yezi , Liu Qiming , Lu Qifan , Zhou Hongmei , Li Shiguang , Mao Jialiang , Jiang Meng , Pu Jun
Published: April 2022

Introduction and objectives

The aging population is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, but the impact of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) on the elderly has been insufficiently addressed. We aimed to clarify the prevalence of SSD in China and to identify physical and psychological differences between the elderly and non-elderly.

Methods

In this prospective multi-center study, 9020 participants aged (2206 non-elderly adults and 6814 elderly adults) from 105 communities of Shanghai were included (Assessment of Somatic Symptom in Chinese Community-Dwelling People, clinical trial number NCT04815863, registered on 06/12/2020). The Somatic Symptom Scale-China (SSS-CN) questionnaire was used to measure SSD. Depressive and anxiety disorders were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively.

Results

The prevalence of SSD in the elderly was higher than that in the non-elderly (63.2% vs. 45.3%). The elderly suffered more severe SSD (20.4% moderate and severe in elderly vs. 12.0% in non-elderly) and are 1.560 times more likely to have the disorder (95%CI: 1.399–1.739; p < .001) than the non-elderly. Comorbidity of depressive or anxiety disorders was 3.7 times higher than would be expected in the general population. Additionally, the results of adjusted multivariate analyses identified older age, female sex, and comorbid physical diseases as predictive risk factors of SSD in the elderly group.

Conclusions

With higher prevalence of common physical problems (including hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cardio/cerebrovascular disease), the elderly in Shanghai are more vulnerable to have SSD and are more likely to suffer from comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders. SSD screening should be given more attention in the elderly, especially among older females with several comorbid physical diseases.
What causes loneliness among household heads: a study based in primary setting in Mumbai, India
Authors: Yadav Vidya , Chauhan Shekhar , Patel Ratna
Published: April 2022

Background

With the pace of urbanization, symptoms of loneliness emerge as one of the most devastating mental illnesses among city dwellers in the modern age. The present study has tried to identify the potential factors and correlates which affect loneliness vulnerability.

Methods

The data for this study were collected from three different areas of Mumbai (i.e., Dadar, Bandra, and Chembur).This study was conducted through a cross-sectional household survey of household heads in the five different housing typologies/ localities between January and June 2016.A total of 450 household data were collected using the quota sampling method. Loneliness was the main dependent variable. The bivariate analysis was used to see the percentage of loneliness among respondents. Bivariate analysis for categorical data was carried out using the chi-square (χ2) test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the correlates of loneliness among household heads. The probability of significance was set at 5%.

Results

It was found that around 7 percent of respondents often feel lonely, and 21 percent of respondents sometimes feel lonely in the last seven days preceding the survey date. Household heads with two or more chronic diseases had higher odds (OR = 4.87, CI = 1.52–15.57) of loneliness than household heads without any chronic disease. The odds of loneliness were almost 3 times higher (OR = 3.05; CI = 1.11–8.38) among females as compared to males. Household heads living alone (single) had higher odds (OR = 19.99; CI = 4.14–96.59) to suffer from loneliness than those living in a joint family.

Conclusion

Finding reveals that level of loneliness symptomatology in urban dwellers may be attributed significantly by individual (i.e., morbidity status and sex of respondent), social (i.e., personal relation) and residing locality characteristics. Community psychological intervention along with enhanced civic engagement can reduce level of loneliness in existing slum rehabilitees.
A cross-sectional study of alcohol consumption and alcoholic liver disease in Beijing: based on 74,998 community residents
Authors: Wang Huai , Gao Pei , Chen Weixin , Yuan Qianli , Lv Min , Bai Shuang , Wu Jiang
Published: April 2022

Background

The alcohol consumption pattern, alcoholic liver disease (ALD) prevalence and related risk factors among alcohol drinkers in Beijing haven’t been fully elucidated. Hence, a cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate potential link among these factors.

Methods

A two-stage stratified cluster sampling was carried out in Beijing. All participants were 25 years of age or older, possessed with medical insurance, and lived in Beijing for over 6 months. As part for this investigation, participants were asked to answer a questionnaire and undergo physical examination. The questionnaire included demographic information, alcohol intake, and medical history. The physical examination included physical and Fibrotouch tests. Moreover, 10 ml blood sample was collected from each subject to examine liver functions, perform routine blood, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).

Results

Overall, 74,988 residents participated in our study. The proportion of current drinkers among all participants was 46.10%. The differences in gender, region, age group, education, annual household income, and occupation among lifetime abstainers, former drinkers, non-weekly and weekly drinkers were significantly different (P<0.05). The ethanol intake between men and women, people living in urban and rural regions were significantly different (P<0.05). Strong spirits were commonly consumed by men, whereas, beers were commonly consumed by women. Drinking strong spirits generally lead to liver steatosis. In addition, ALD prevalence was 1.30% in participants over 25 years old. The differences in ALD prevalence between men and women, and among different age groups, were significant (P<0.05). Based on our analysis, ALD risk factors in Beijing included: gender (male), age (older than 35 years), high waist circumference, high blood pressure, high BMI, high blood sugar level, and being heavy drinkers.

Conclusion

Compared with other cities or regions in China, the level of alcohol consumption in Beijing is at an upper middle level. But the ALD prevalence is low likely because ethanol intake is relatively low. Our analysis revealed that heavy drinking is a major risk factor for ALD development. Hence, if alcohol consumption is unavoidable, we caution against heavy drinking.