bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nascent Glycoproteome Reveals That N-Linked Glycosylation Inhibitor-1 Suppresses Expression of Glycosylated Lysosome-Associated Membrane Protein-2
Authors: Cao Xinyi , Meng Peiyi , Shao Yuyin , Yan Guoquan , Yao Jun , Zhou Xinwen , Liu Chao , Zhang Lei , Shu Hong , Lu Haojie
Published: April 2022

Glycosylation inhibition has great potential in cancer treatment. However, the corresponding cellular response, protein expression and glycosylation changes remain unclear. As a cell-permeable small-molecule inhibitor with reduced cellular toxicity, N-linked glycosylation inhibitor-1 (NGI-1) has become a great approach to regulate glycosylation in mammalian cells. Here for the first time, we applied a nascent proteomic method to investigate the effect of NGI-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line. Besides, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) was adopted for the enrichment of glycosylated peptides. Glycoproteomic analysis revealed the abundance of glycopeptides from LAMP2, NICA, and CEIP2 was significantly changed during NGI-1 treatment. Moreover, the alterations of LAMP2 site-specific intact N-glycopeptides were comprehensively assessed. NGI-1 treatment also led to the inhibition of Cathepsin D maturation and the induction of autophagy. In summary, we provided evidence that NGI-1 repressed the expression of glycosylated LAMP2 accompanied with the occurrence of lysosomal defects and autophagy.
Dynamics and Information Import in Recurrent Neural Networks
Authors: Metzner Claus , Krauss Patrick
Published: April 2022

Recurrent neural networks (RNNs) are complex dynamical systems, capable of ongoing activity without any driving input. The long-term behavior of free-running RNNs, described by periodic, chaotic and fixed point attractors, is controlled by the statistics of the neural connection weights, such as the density d of non-zero connections, or the balance b between excitatory and inhibitory connections. However, for information processing purposes, RNNs need to receive external input signals, and it is not clear which of the dynamical regimes is optimal for this information import. We use both the average correlations C and the mutual information I between the momentary input vector and the next system state vector as quantitative measures of information import and analyze their dependence on the balance and density of the network. Remarkably, both resulting phase diagrams C(b, d) and I(b, d) are highly consistent, pointing to a link between the dynamical systems and the information-processing approach to complex systems. Information import is maximal not at the “edge of chaos,” which is optimally suited for computation, but surprisingly in the low-density chaotic regime and at the border between the chaotic and fixed point regime. Moreover, we find a completely new type of resonance phenomenon, which we call “Import Resonance” (IR), where the information import shows a maximum, i.e., a peak-like dependence on the coupling strength between the RNN and its external input. IR complements previously found Recurrence Resonance (RR), where correlation and mutual information of successive system states peak for a certain amplitude of noise added to the system. Both IR and RR can be exploited to optimize information processing in artificial neural networks and might also play a crucial role in biological neural systems.
Experience of Using a New Brain Surgery Head Frame and Location Sticker for Treating Spontaneous Intracranial Hematoma
Authors: Wang Hongyu , Xin Wenqiang , Cui Jianzhong
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Various stereotactic aspirations have been accepted; however, no standard stereotactic aspiration has been established for the treatment of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The authors explored an easy, fast, and effective procedure by using a new brain surgery head frame and location sticker for the removal of spontaneous hematoma.

Patients and Methods

A retrospective database review was performed from January 2018 to March 2020 to identify patients with ICH who were treated with puncture and drainage for hematoma by using a new brain surgery head frame and location sticker for positioning and guidance.

Results

A total of 45 patients with spontaneous ICH were enrolled in our study. The mean (± SD) surgical time was 29.3 ± 4.1 min. The average hematoma evacuation rate was 72.2%. The mean (± SD) preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 9.58 ± 2.92; the mean GCS score increased to 11.55 ± 2.59 (p = 0.006) and 12.86 ± 2.04 (p < 0.001) at 1 week after surgery and at the time of discharge, respectively. The mean (± SD) preoperative muscle force score was 1.25 ± 1.51; the mean muscle force score had improved to 2.20 ± 1.64 (p = 0.009) and 2.88 ± 1.64 (p < 0.001) at 1 week after the operation and the time of discharge, respectively. Out of these, one patient experienced postoperative rebleeding, however, no further hematoma expansion was found after the second aspiration and thrombolysis.

Conclusion

Using this brain surgery, head frame and location sticker combined with urokinase infusion appears simple, safe, and effective for the removal of hematoma for patients with spontaneous ICH. However, randomized controlled trials are necessary to provide more concrete evidence-based results.
The Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Carotid Web
Authors: Zhou Qingqing , Li Rui , Feng Shuo , Qu Fengling , Tao Chunrong , Hu Wei , Zhu Yuyou , Liu Xinfeng
Published: April 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is more advantageous than conventional ultrasound in the diagnosis of carotid web (CaW) and to compare the clinical characteristics of patients in different age groups.

Methods

Seventeen patients admitted to the hospital from October 2019 to December 2021 were included in our study. Patients were initially diagnosed with CaW using digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and conventional ultrasound and CEUS were completed. Baseline patient data were analyzed and compared between the <60 years old CaW group and the ≥60 years old CaW group to explore the differences between the two groups. Then, comparing the accuracy of conventional ultrasound and CEUS.

Results

A total of 17 CaW patients participated in this study, including 4 female patients (23.5%) and 13 male patients (76.5%), with an average age of 59.41 (±10.86) years. There were 9 patients (52.9%) with left CaW and 8 patients (47.1%) with right CaW. Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) occurred in 14 patients (82.4%). Thrombosis occurred in five of 17 patients (29.4%). There was a significant statistical difference about the thrombosis between the <60 years old CaW group and the ≥60 years old CaW group [<60 years group: 0 (0%), ≥60 years group: 5 (62.5%), P = 0.005]. Seven patients (41.2%) received medical management, nine patients (52.9%) had carotid artery stenting (CAS), and one patient (5.9%) had carotid endarterectomy (CEA). None of the patients had recurrent stroke during the follow-up period. The diagnostic rate of CaW and thrombus by CEUS was higher than that by conventional ultrasound, and there was a significant statistical difference in the diagnosis of thrombus between CEUS and conventional ultrasound (χ2 = 4.286, P = 0.038).

Conclusions

CEUS may have a higher diagnostic accuracy for CaW with thrombosis, and it has a higher clinical application prospect.
Integrative Brain Dynamics in Childhood Bullying Victimization: Cognitive and Emotional Convergence Associated With Stress Psychopathology
Authors: Palamarchuk Iryna S. , Vaillancourt Tracy
Published: April 2022

Bullying victimization is a form of psychological stress that is associated with poor outcomes in the areas of mental health and learning. Although the emotional maladjustment and memory impairment following interpersonal stress are well documented, the mechanisms of complex cerebral dysfunctions have neither been outlined nor studied in depth in the context of childhood bullying victimization. As a contribution to the cross-disciplinary field of developmental psychology and neuroscience, we review the neuropathophysiology of early life stress, as well as general psychological stress to synthesize the data and clarify the versatile dynamics within neuronal networks linked to bullying victimization. The stress-induced neuropsychological cascade and associated cerebral networks with a focus on cognitive and emotional convergence are described. The main findings are that stress-evoked neuroendocrine reactivity relates to neuromodulation and limbic dysregulation that hinder emotion processing and executive functioning such as semantic cognition, cognitive flexibility, and learning. Developmental aspects and interacting neural mechanisms linked to distressed cognitive and emotional processing are pinpointed and potential theory-of-mind nuances in targets of bullying are presented. The results show that childhood stress psychopathology is associated with a complex interplay where the major role belongs to, but is not limited to, the amygdala, fusiform gyrus, insula, striatum, and prefrontal cortex. This interplay contributes to the sensitivity toward facial expressions, poor cognitive reasoning, and distress that affect behavioral modulation and emotion regulation. We integrate the data on major brain dynamics in stress neuroactivity that can be associated with childhood psychopathology to help inform future studies that are focused on the treatment and prevention of psychiatric disorders and learning problems in bullied children and adolescents.
Association of Serum 25(OH)D, Cadmium, CRP With All-Cause, Cause-Specific Mortality: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Yan , Yang Donghui , Shi Fang , Wang Fang , Liu Xiaoxue , Wen Haoyu , Mubarik Sumaira , Yu Chuanhua
Published: April 2022

Introduction

To explore the relationship between serum 25(OH)D, cadmium, and CRP with all-cause mortality among people in diabetic and non-diabetic.

Methods

This study used data from the NHANES (2001–2010). Cox regression was used to analyze the relationship between Serum 25(OH)D, cadmium, CRP, and all-cause, cause-specific mortality. We used restricted cubic splines to explore the dose-response relationship between serum 25(OH)D, cadmium, CRP, and all-cause mortality.

Results

During a mean follow-up of 9.1 years, the study included 20,221 participants, 2,945 people with diabetes, and 17,276 people without diabetes. Compared with serum 25(OH)D deficiency group in diabetic patients, the sufficient serum 25(OH)D group was associated with lower all-cause mortality (HR = 0.41, 95%CI 0.28-0.60, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.46, 95%CI 0.22–0.95, P = 0.04). Compared with the low cadmium group, the high cadmium group was associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.06–2.09, P = 0.02). Compared with the low CRP group, the high CRP group was associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR = 1.65, 95%CI 1.24–2.19, P = 0.001) and cancer mortality (HR = 3.25, 95%CI 1.82–5.80, P < 0.001). Restricted cubic splines analysis showed a significant nonlinear association between serum 25(OH)D (P-nonlinearity P < 0.001), cadmium (P-nonlinearity = 0.002), CRP (P-nonlinearity = 0.003), and HR for all-cause mortality risk in diabetic patients. The results were similar among non-diabetic patients, but with different levels of risk. Sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis presented the results of population studies with different follow-up times, different genders and ages.

Conclusions

In diabetic patients, serum 25(OH)D, cadmium, and CRP were related to all-cause mortality; serum 25(OH)D was related to cardiovascular mortality; CRP was related to cancer mortality. The results were similar among non-diabetic patients, but with different levels of risk.
Cell Adhesion Molecules in Neuroblastoma: Complex Roles, Therapeutic Potential
Authors: Heinly Briana E. , Grant Christa N.
Published: April 2022

Neuroblastoma, a biologically heterogeneous tumor derived from neural crest cells, accounts for approximately 15% of childhood deaths from cancer. Recently, scientific literature has explored the role of cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) in cancer metastasis through cell detachment, migration, and invasion. Through a review of the current literature, it is evident that expression of different CAMs on neuroblastoma tumors is associated with favorable or unfavorable clinical prognosis. In patients diagnosed with neuroblastoma, treatment strategies include chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, stem cell transplant, and more recently, immunotherapy and other targeted therapies. Long term survival remains poor despite multimodality treatment, especially for children with high-risk neuroblastoma, making it more necessary to explore innovative targeted therapies. CAMs have immense potential as therapeutic targets, but there is a need for growth and scientific exploration before CAM therapies become clinically useful.
Exosomal lncRNA LINC01356 Derived From Brain Metastatic Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer Cells Remodels the Blood–Brain Barrier
Authors: Geng Sumin , Tu Shaohua , Bai Zhenwei , Geng Yixiong
Published: April 2022

Brain metastasis is a severe complication that affects the survival of lung cancer patients. However, the mechanism of brain metastasis in lung cancer remains unclear. In this study, we constructed an in vitro BBB model and found that cells from the high-metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line H1299 showed a higher capacity to pass through the blood–brain barrier (BBB), as verified by Transwell assays, than cells from the low-metastatic NSCLC cell line A549. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) could internalize H1299-derived exosomes, which remarkably promoted A549 cells across the BBB. The BBB-associated exosomal long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) was selected from the RNA-Seq dataset (GSE126548) and verified by real-time PCR and Transwell assays. LncRNA LINC01356 was significantly upregulated in H1299 cells and exosomes derived from these cells compared to that of A549 cells. Moreover, LINC01356 was also upregulated in serum exosomes of patients with NSCLC with brain metastasis compared with those without metastasis. In addition, BMECs treated with LINC01356-deprived exosomes expressed higher junction proteins than those treated with the control exosomes, and silencing LINC01356 in exosomes derived from H1299 cells could inhibit A549 cells from crossing the BBB. These data might indicate that the exosomal lncRNA LINC01356 derived from brain metastatic NSCLC cells plays a key role in remodeling the BBB system, thereby participating in brain metastasis in lung cancer.
Extra-Neural Metastases From Primary Intracranial Ependymomas: A Systematic Review
Authors: Palmisciano Paolo , Ferini Gianluca , Barone Fabio , Chavda Vishal , Romano Fabrizio , Amico Paolo , Emmanuele Donatella , Nicoletti Giovanni F. , Pompili Gianluca , Giammalva Giuseppe Roberto , Maugeri Rosario , Iacopino Domenico Gerardo , Strigari Lidia , Yeo Tseng T. , Cicero Salvatore , Scalia Gianluca , Umana Giuseppe Emmanuele
Published: April 2022

Background

Primary intracranial ependymomas (IE) are rare brain tumors rarely metastasizing outside the central nervous system. We systematically reviewed the literature on extra-neural metastases from primary IEs.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web-of-Science, and Cochrane were searched following the PRISMA guidelines to include studies of extra-neural metastases from primary IEs. Clinical features, management strategies, and survival were analyzed.

Results

We collected 48 patients from 43 studies. Median age was 13 years (range, 2-65). Primary IEs were frequently located in the parietal (22.9%) and frontal (16.7%) lobes, and mostly treated with resection (95.8%) and/or radiotherapy (62.5%). Most IEs were of grade-III (79.1%), and few of grade-I (6.3%) or grade-II (14.6%). 45 patients experienced intracranial recurrences, mostly treated with resection (86.7%), radiotherapy (60%), and/or chemotherapy (24.4%). Median time-interval from primary IEs was 28 months (range, 0-140). Most extra-neural metastases were diagnosed at imaging (37.5%) or autopsy (35.4%). Extra-neural metastases were multifocal in 38 patients (79.1%), mostly involving cervical or hilar lymph-nodes (66.7%), lung/pleura (47.9%), and/or scalp (29.1%). Surgical resection (31.3%), chemotherapy (31.3%) and locoregional radiotherapy (18.8%) were the most common treatments for extra-neural metastases, but 28 (58.3%) patients were not treated. At last follow-up, 37 patients died with median overall-survivals from primary IEs of 36 months (range, 1-239), and from extra-neural metastases of 3 months (range, 0.1-36). Overall-survival was significantly longer in patients with grade-I and II IEs (P=0.040).

Conclusion

Extra-neural metastases from primary IEs are rare, but mostly occur at later disease stages. Multidisciplinary management strategies should be intended mostly for palliation.
The Regulation of Lymph Node Pre-Metastatic Niche Formation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Hu Chen , Huang Qiang , Sun Qing
Published: April 2022

In many distinct forms of malignancies, there is a close relationship between lymph node (LN) metastases and further dissemination to distant organs, and this is a critical prognostic factor. At the beginning of the process, the original tumor secretes soluble substances or releases extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are carried through lymphatic channels to draining (sentinel) LN. The tumor-derived factors then drive LN remodeling. These significant alterations occur prior to the emergence of the first metastatic cell, bringing about the development of a pre-metastatic niche that allows metastatic cells to survive and thrive. In this review, we discuss current information available about the regulation of lymph node pre-metastatic niche in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and the role of EVs in forming the pre-metastatic niche.
Anlotinib for the Treatment of Multiple Recurrent Lumbar and Sacral Cord Hemangioblastomas: A Case Report
Authors: Jin Nan , Sun Chunxiao , Hua Yijia , Wu Xinyu , Li Wei , Yin Yongmei
Published: April 2022

Background

Hemangioblastoma (HB) is a rare and highly vascularized tumor that originates from the central nervous system as well as other part of the body. They can appear sporadically or as part of von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) disease, a rare hereditary cancer syndrome. Although surgery can cure the majority of HBs, the disease shows a treatment-refractory challenge upon recurrence. HBs express a high amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) which is responsible for angiogenesis and subsequently tumor progression. Anti-angiogenic treatment like bevacizumab has showed effect on HB, so we hypothesized that anlotinib could trigger HB regression via its inhibitory effect on VEGF.

Case Presentation

We will share our experience in treating a 62-year-old woman with multiple recurrent lumbar and sacral cord HBs. She was treated with anlotinib (8mg qd d1-14, q3w) for three months and her follow up radiological examination demonstrated marked tumor regression which was evaluated as having partial response pursuant to RECIST 1.1 system. She is currently still receiving treatment of anlotinib orally and the lesions continuously reduced.

Conclusion

We have reported that anlotinib can cause significant radiographic response in a patient with multiple recurrent lumbar and sacral cord HBs for the first time. This might enable a novel therapeutic approach for patients with multiple recurrent HB or those with multiple lesions such as in VHL disease which are difficult to resect surgically.
Spherical Convolutional Neural Networks for Survival Rate Prediction in Cancer Patients
Authors: Sinzinger Fabian , Astaraki Mehdi , Smedby Örjan , Moreno Rodrigo
Published: April 2022

Objective

Survival Rate Prediction (SRP) is a valuable tool to assist in the clinical diagnosis and treatment planning of lung cancer patients. In recent years, deep learning (DL) based methods have shown great potential in medical image processing in general and SRP in particular. This study proposes a fully-automated method for SRP from computed tomography (CT) images, which combines an automatic segmentation of the tumor and a DL-based method for extracting rotational-invariant features.

Methods

In the first stage, the tumor is segmented from the CT image of the lungs. Here, we use a deep-learning-based method that entails a variational autoencoder to provide more information to a U-Net segmentation model. Next, the 3D volumetric image of the tumor is projected onto 2D spherical maps. These spherical maps serve as inputs for a spherical convolutional neural network that approximates the log risk for a generalized Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

The proposed method is compared with 17 baseline methods that combine different feature sets and prediction models using three publicly-available datasets: Lung1 (n=422), Lung3 (n=89), and H&N1 (n=136). We observed comparable C-index scores compared to the best-performing baseline methods in a 5-fold cross-validation on Lung1 (0.59 ± 0.03 vs. 0.62 ± 0.04). In comparison, it slightly outperforms all methods in inter-data set evaluation (0.64 vs. 0.63). The best-performing method from the first experiment reduced its performance to 0.61 and 0.62 for Lung3 and H&N1, respectively.

Discussion

The experiments suggest that the performance of spherical features is comparable with previous approaches, but they generalize better when applied to unseen datasets. That might imply that orientation-independent shape features are relevant for SRP. The performance of the proposed method was very similar, using manual and automatic segmentation methods. This makes the proposed model useful in cases where expert annotations are not available or difficult to obtain.
Integrated Analysis of Transcriptome Data Revealed AURKA and KIF20A as Critical Genes in Medulloblastoma Progression
Authors: Liang Bo , Zhou Yan , Jiao Jiji , Xu Lixia , Yan Yan , Wu Qiaoli , Tong Xiaoguang , Yan Hua
Published: April 2022

Medulloblastoma is the neuroepithelial tumor with the highest degree of malignancy in the central nervous system, accounting for about 8% to 10% of children’s brain tumors. It has a high degree of malignancy and is easily transmitted through cerebrospinal fluid, with a relatively poor prognosis. Although medulloblastoma has been widely studied and treated, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. To determine which gene plays a crucial role in medulloblastoma development and progression, we analyzed three microarray datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were used to detect and evaluate differentially expressed genes. Protein interaction network was established, and the hub genes were determined in cytoHubba through various assessment methods, while the target genes were screened out using survival analysis. Ultimately, human medulloblastoma samples were utilized to confirm target gene expression. In conclusion, This study found that aurora kinase A (AURKA) and kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) may be involved in the initiation and development of medulloblastoma, have a close association with prognosis, and may become a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker of MED.
Loss of ‘Epidermal Melanin Unit’ Integrity in Human Skin During Melanoma-Genesis
Authors: Casalou Cristina , Moreiras Hugo , Mayatra Jay M. , Fabre Aurelie , Tobin Desmond J.
Published: April 2022

Cutaneous melanoma can be a most challenging neoplasm of high lethality, in part due to its extreme heterogeneity and characteristic aggressive and invasive nature. Indeed, its moniker ‘the great masquerader’ reflects that not all melanomas are created equal in terms of their originating cellular contexts, but also that melanoma cells in the malignant tumor can adopt a wide range of different cell states and variable organotropism. In this review, we focus on the early phases of melanomagenesis by discussing how the originating pigment cell of the melanocyte lineage can be influenced to embark on a wide range of tumor fates with distinctive microanatomical pathways. In particular, we assess how cells of the melanocyte lineage can differ by maturation status (stem cell; melanoblast; transiently amplifying cell; differentiated; post-mitotic; terminally-differentiated) as well as by micro-environmental niche (in the stratum basale of the epidermis; within skin appendages like hair follicle, eccrine gland, etc). We discuss how the above variable contexts may influence the susceptibility of the epidermal-melanin unit (EMU) to become unstable, which may presage cutaneous melanoma development. We also assess how unique features of follicular-melanin unit(s) (FMUs) can, by contrast, protect melanocytes from melanomagenesis. Lastly, we postulate how variable melanocyte fates in vitiligo, albinism, psoriasis, and alopecia areata may provide new insights into immune-/non immune-mediated outcomes for melanocytes in cutaneous melanin units.
Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Among Very Preterm Infants Never Intubated During the First Neonatal Admission: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Avila-Alvarez Alejandro , García-Muñoz Rodrigo Fermín , Solís-García Gonzalo , Pertega-Diaz Sonia , Sánchez Luna Manuel , Iriondo-Sanz Martin , Elorza Fernandez Dolores , Zozaya Carlos
Published: April 2022

Introduction

While non-invasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is increasingly used as a mode of respiratory support for preterm infants, it remains unclear whether this technique translates into improved respiratory outcomes. We assessed the association between NIPPV use and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)-free survival in never intubated very preterm infants.

Methods

This multicenter cohort study analyzed data from the Spanish Neonatal Network SEN1500 corresponding to preterm infants born at <32 weeks gestational age and <1,500 g and not intubated during first admission. The exposure of interest was use of NIPPV at any time and the main study outcome was survival without moderate-to-severe BPD. Analyses were performed both by patients and by units. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared using multilevel logistic-regression models. The standardized observed-to-expected (O/E) ratio was calculated to classify units by NIPPV utilization and outcome rates were compared among groups.

Results

Of the 6,735 infants included, 1,776 (26.4%) received NIPPV during admission and 6,441 (95.6%) survived without moderate-to-severe BPD. After adjusting for confounding variables, NIPPV was not associated with survival without moderate-to-severe BPD (OR 0.84; 95%CI 0.62–1.14). A higher incidence of moderate-to-severe BPD-free survival was observed in high- vs. very low-utilization units, but no consistent association was observed between O/E ratio and either primary or secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

NIPPV use did not appear to decisively influence the incidence of survival without moderate-to-severe BPD in patients managed exclusively with non-invasive ventilation.
Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and meta-Analysis of Current Evidence in Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Jiang Jiabao , Xing Fei , Luo Rong , Liu Ming
Published: April 2022

Background: Recently, there was a series of clinical studies focusing on local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for treatment of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, the safety and efficacy of PRP in these CTS patients remains controversial. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to compare PRP with other conservative treatments in treatment of CTS patients.

Methods: We systematically searched from electronic databases (Cochrane, PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE) up to 10 December 2021. The data of clinical results were extracted and analyzed by RevMan Manager 5.4.

Results: Finally, eight randomized controlled studies, involving 220 CTS patients undergoing local injection of PRP were enrolled in this systematic review. All enrolled trials were considered to be of high quality. In the short-term efficacy, the PRP group was significantly lower in symptom severity scale (SSS) compared with the control group (MD = −2.00; 95% CI, −3.15 to −0.85; p = 0.0007; I2 = 0%). In the mid-term efficacy, the PRP group was significantly effective than the control group in the visual analogue scale (MD = −0.63; 95% CI, −1.22 to −0.04; p = 0.04; I2 = 61%), SSS (MD = −3.56; 95% CI, −4.93 to −2.18; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%), functional status scale (MD = −2.29; 95% CI, −3.03 to −1.56; p < 0.00001; I2 = 45%), sensory peak latency (MD = −0.39; 95% CI, −0.58 to −0.19; p = 0.0001; I2 = 0%) and cross-sectional area of median nerve (MD = -0.20; 95% CI, −0.31 to −0.10; p = 0.0002; I2 = 0%). In the mid-long-term efficacy, the PRP group was only significantly lower in SSS compared with the control group (MD = −2.71; 95% CI, −4.33 to −1.10; p = 0.001; I2 = 38%).

Conclusion: Local PRP injection is more effective than other conservative treatments in terms of mid-term efficacy in relieving pain, improving wrist function and symptoms, reducing MN swelling, and partially improving electrophysiological indicators. However, the long-term adverse side and consensus on standardization of PRP in CTS patients still need further large-scale trials.
Suppression of NLRP3 Inflammasome by Dihydroarteannuin via the HIF‐1α and JAK3/STAT3 Signaling Pathway Contributes to Attenuation of Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice
Authors: Zhang Mingying , Wu Danbin , Xu Jia , Liu Lijuan , Jiao Wei , Yu Jiahui , Chen Guangxing
Published: April 2022

Dihydroarteannuin (DHA), the primary element of artemisinin extracted from the traditional Chinese herb Artemisia annua L., has been used in malaria treatment for a long time. Recently, many studies have indicated that DHA also exhibits potent anti-rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity. In this study, collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in DBA/1J mice and inflammatory model in THP-1 cells were established to evaluate the modulatory effects of DHA on joint destruction and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that DHA decreased the serum levels of IL-1β and IL-6, alleviated paw oedema, and reduced bone destruction in DBA/1J mice with CIA. Further exploration with the inflammatory model in THP-1 cells indicated that DHA reduced the protein expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α and the phosphorylation in Janus kinase (JAK) 3 and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 protein, which resulted in a decrease in NOD-like receptor protein (NLRP) 3 expression and interleukin (IL)-1β release. Consequentially, the inflammatory activation in THP-1 cells was inhibited. Therefore, we concluded that DHA efficiently alleviated the inflammation and arthritic symptoms in CIA mice and downregulated inflammation in part by inhibiting NLRP3 expression via the HIF‐1α and JAK3/STAT3 signaling pathway. Thus, DHA may be considered as a potential therapeutic agent in RA treatment.
A Simple Elastoplastic Damage Constitutive Model of Porous Rock Materials
Authors: Chao Chen , Yajun Cao , Yanli Jin , Xuelei Duan , Shifan Liu , Kuan Zhang
Published: April 2022

Traditional macroscopic phenomenon constitutive model is not easy to describe in the non-linear mechanical properties of porous rock materials, since the effect of porosity does not incorporate into the strength criterion. This paper presents a simple elastoplastic damage constitutive model of porous rock material based on micromechanical theory. To consider the heterogeneities of the studied porous rock, a simplified representative volume element is introduced, and it is assumed that it is made up of randomly distributed spherical pores embedded in a solid matrix obeying Drucker-Prager yield function. Thus, a homogenized plastic criterion considering the effect of porosity is introduced to describe the macroscopic plastic mechanical properties of porous rock materials. In this model, the non-associated flow rule and isotropic strain hardening law are used, and then the degradation of elastic and plastic properties is employed by adopting a damage criterion. This criterion is related to the evolution of equivalent plastic strain. In order to verify the accuracy of the model, the corresponding numerical program was used to realize the micro-macro constitutive model, and the results were compared with the triaxial compression test results of sandstone under different confining pressures. It is observed that the numerical simulation results are in great agreement with the experimental data, indicating that the proposed model is able to predict the main mechanical behavior of porous sandstone.
High Stability Industrial-Grade Nd: YVO4 Picosecond Laser Amplifier With High Average Output Power
Authors: Bai Zhenao , Zhang Yakai , Lin Weiran , Yan Xiaochao , Fan Zhongwei
Published: April 2022

We demonstrate a high-power Nd: YVO4 picosecond laser amplifier that is capable of generating 51.5 W of average output power at a wavelength of 1,064 nm, with a repetition rate of 70 MHz and a pulse duration of 8.5 ps. This system encompasses three stages of laser diode end-pumped Nd: YVO4 amplification including two double-pass amplifiers and a single-pass amplifier. Laser output with near-diffraction-limited beam quality (M2 < 1.1) was maintained throughout the entire power scaling range of the laser. The system exhibited very high output power stability with a root-mean-square amplitude fluctuation of less than 0.2% over a period of 15 h of continuous operation.
Dynamics of Ring-Cleavage Reactions in Temozolomide Induced by Low-Energy Electron Attachment
Authors: Arthur-Baidoo Eugene , Izadi Farhad , Guerra Carlos , Garcia Gustavo , Ončák Milan , Denifl Stephan
Published: April 2022

We have used a crossed electron molecular beam setup to investigate the behavior of the anticancer drug temozolomide (TMZ) upon the attachment of low-energy electrons (0–14 eV) in the gas phase. Upon a single electron attachment, eight anionic fragments are observed, the most intense being an anion with mass of 109 u at a resonance energy of 0 eV. Quantum chemical calculations suggest that this ion is generated after the tetrazine ring opens along a N–N bond and its fragments leave the molecule, forming an imidazole-carboxamide species. This ion represents the most abundant fragment, with further fragments following from its dissociation. The tetrazine ring cleavage reaction forming N2 is thus the driving force of TMZ reactivity upon electron attachment.
Tunable Single-Photon Scattering of a Giant Λ-type Atom in a SQUID-Chain Waveguide
Authors: Zou Jian-Ping , Gong Rui-Yang , Xiang Ze-Liang
Published: April 2022

We study single-photon scattering of an artificial giant Λ-type atom coupled to a superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) chains waveguide at two points. In this circuit, the single-photon scattering rates are dependent on the atom-waveguide coupling strengths and the phase accumulated between two coupling points. By modulating the flux-dependent phase velocity in the SQUID-chain waveguide, the photon’s traveling time is changed, and the accumulating phase is adjusted simultaneously. We investigate the relationship between the scattering effect and the flux bias, which allows us to explore novel phenomena with the tunable traveling time in both Markovian and non-Markovian regimes, and to design novel quantum technologies such as quantum storage.
Functional Characterization of Odorant Binding Protein PyasOBP2 From the Jujube Bud Weevil, Pachyrhinus yasumatsui (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Hong Bo , Chang Qing , Zhai Yingyan , Ren Bowen , Zhang Feng
Published: April 2022

Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) play an important role in insect olfaction. The jujube bud weevil Pachyrhinus yasumatsui (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a major pest of Zizyphus jujuba in northern China. In the present study, based on the antennal transcriptome, an OBP gene of P. yasumatsui (PyasOBP2) was cloned by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). Expression profile analyses by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed that PyasOBP2 was highly expressed in the antennae of both male and female P. yasumatsui adults, while its expression was negligible in other tissues. PyasOBP2 was prokaryotically expressed, and purified by Ni-NTA resin. The fluorescence competitive binding assays with 38 plant volatiles from Z. jujuba showed that PyasOBP2 could bind with a broad range of plant volatiles, and had strongest binding capacities to host-plant volatiles like ethyl butyrate (Ki = 3.02 μM), 2-methyl-1-phenylpropene (Ki = 4.61 μM) and dipentene (Ki = 5.99 μM). The three dimensional structure of PyasOBP2 was predicted by homology modeling, and the crystal structure of AgamOBP1 (PDB ID: 2erb) was used as a template. The molecular docking results indicated that the amino acid residue Phe114 of PyasOBP2 could form hydrogen bonds or hydrophobic interactions with some specific ligands, so this residue might play a key role in perception of host plant volatiles. Our results provide a basis for further investigation of potential functions of PyasOBP2, and development of efficient monitoring and integrated pest management strategies of P. yasumatsui.
Which Nationalism for the Anthropocene? A Comparative Study of Exemplary Green Nation-States
Authors: Conversi Daniele , Posocco Lorenzo
Published: April 2022

This article poses, and attempts to answer, two correlated questions: (1) Is nationalism, the dominant ideology in our world of nation-states, compatible with the struggle to halt or minimize climate change and related environmental catastrophes? and (2) Which form(s) of government, whether or not informed by nationalist ideology, could better address the most serious threat to human life that currently appears on the horizon? This article puts forward the claim that while the former question has only recently begun to be explored in a few essays and articles devoted to analyzing the linkages between nationalism and climate change, the latter remains unexplored. Attempting to fill this gap, we investigate case studies of exemplary nation-states that periodically scored the highest in the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) and the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI): Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark), Switzerland, and Germany. Their cities received environmental awards (i.e., the European Green Capital Award) and registered the highest levels in terms of citizen satisfaction. The goal is to identify factors and (pre)conditions that make forms of “green nationalism” possible.
Eye Contact in Video Communication: Experiences of Co-creating Relationships
Authors: Kaiser Niclas , Henry Kimberly , Eyjólfsdóttir Hanna
Published: April 2022

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased number of persons have been forced to limit their interactions with friends and families to contact via video, which excludes eye-contact. The aim of this study was to examine individuals’ experiences of the difference between forced skewed visuality and the ability for eye-contact in conversations. Two custom-made units allowed 15 participants interacting in dyads to alternate between being able to make eye contact and having that ability removed through skewed visuality. Participants reported their experiences in semi-structured interviews. Data analyzed with qualitative content analysis resulted in three themes: Shared eye contact allows us to create our relationship together; With eye contact, we adjust to each other to feel more connected and less intimidated; and We get more self-conscious when the visuality is skewed or shifting. The results imply that skewed visuality as forced lack of eye-contact in video conversations effects embodied non-verbal processes related to sense of connectedness and participatory sensemaking, creating a sense of both emotional and physical distance, as well as heightening self-awareness about the need of actively regulating the other. We argue that this is one of the ways to understand the impact of moving interactions to online communication.
Characterizing Brand Knowledge and Identification as Predictors of Consumer-Based Brand Equity: Mediating Role of Employee-Based Brand Equity
Authors: He Zijing
Published: April 2022

Branding has been a key factor for the software houses, mainly customers’ expectations for a predicted product and real-time experience. The identity and knowledge of brands set a certain set of expectations in the mind of the consumers and the organization’s employees. This study mainly investigates the effects of brand identity and brand knowledge on the employee-based brand equity (EBBE) and consumer-based brand equity (CBBE). Further, it examined the mediating role of EBBE among these variables. To complete this empirical study, a quantitative survey was conducted using a 30-item survey method to collect data from 243 respondents from China’s software houses. The participants were selected based on purposive sampling. Results show that brand identity and brand knowledge are the main constituents of EBBE, which significantly predicts the CBBE. The study highlights the importance of employees in building overall brand equity. Training and brand promotion activities would help the organizations build a brand identity that positively contributes to the EBBE. Further, brand identity and brand knowledge are needed to improve the human capital, engagement of employees, and their emotional affiliations with the organizations, ultimately making the brand equity of employees stronger.
Status and Influencing Factors of Social Media Addiction in Chinese Medical Care Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Luo Aijing , Kong Weitao , He Haiyan , Li Yuanyuan , Xie Wenzhao
Published: April 2022

Background

In modern society, social media addiction (SMA) has become a serious problem in many countries, including China. Almost every medical care professional has their own social media account. They are also at risk for SMA, but no SMA studies in Chinese medical care professionals have been published. This study aims to investigate the status and influencing factors of SMA among Chinese medical care professionals.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 519 physicians and nurses from two randomly selected hospitals using a questionnaire that included the Social Networking Service Addiction Scale (SNSAS), Maslach’s Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), the General Self-efficacy Scale (GSES), and eight demographic datasets.

Results

This study’s findings showed that most of the participants’ (357,68.79%) scores reached 2.5 points (half of the highest possible score), indicating that SMA scores of Chinese medical care professionals were relatively high. Significant differences in SMA scores by age (p < 0.01), marital status (p < 0.01), professional title (p < 0.01), and working years (p < 0.01) were found. Income satisfaction (p < 0.01) and sleep quality (p < 0.05) were negatively correlated with SMA. The GSES score was not correlated with SMA (p = 0.377). Burnout significantly positively affected SMA (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Our study found that the SMA scores of Chinese medical care professionals were relatively high. To reduce the SMA level of the medical care population, we should first start with reducing burnout, enabling medical care professionals to achieve sufficient sleep, increasing medical staff income, and providing more opportunities for promotion.
Ethnic Disparity in the Incidence of Scoliosis Among Adolescents in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, China
Authors: Guo Haibin , Chen Nan , Yang Yuqi , Zhou Xuan , Li Xin , Jiang Yan , Huang Jiaoling , Du Qing
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine the influence of ethnic disparities, socioeconomic status (SES) and hukou on the incidence of scoliosis.

Methods

We enrolled 2,445 junior high school students (Han: 1,153; ethnic minorities: 1,292) aged 12–16 years from two schools in Tianzhu Tibetan Autonomous County, Gansu Province from November 2020 to February 2021. We measured the angle of trunk rotation (ATR) using a scoliometer. Two-factor analysis of variance was used to comparatively analyze differences in the ATR according to ethnicity, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and SES between the groups. Associations between risk factors and scoliosis were estimated using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals with an unconditional multivariate logistic regression model for the two groups.

Results

Adolescents with Han ethnicity were more likely to have scoliosis than their ethnic minority counterparts (10.8% vs. 7.1%, P < 0.05). The ATR value in the Han group decreased with age whereas the minority group showed an upward trend (P < 0.05). The difference between ethnic groups was not significant, only at level 3. In particular, the ATR values among Han girls were significantly higher than those of ethnic minority girls (P < 0.05). Compared with Han adolescents, the BMI of ethnic minorities had a greater impact on the ATR. A statistically significant difference in SES was found between the two ethnic groups (P < 0.05). Hukou and parents' occupation had an important influence on the onset of scoliosis.

Conclusions

Han adolescents had higher ATR values and were more likely to have scoliosis than ethnic minority adolescents in our study. Growth and development indicators (height and BMI) and differences in SES between the two groups played an important role.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Toward Prevention of COVID-19 Among Jimma Town Residents: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bukata Iyasu Tadesse , Dadi Lelisa Sena , Ayana Andualem Mossie , Mengistu Demelash , Yewal Delnesa , Gizaw Tariku Sime , Woldesenbet Yohannes Markos
Published: April 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was first reported by the World Health Organization on 31 December 2019, and later, it was declared a global pandemic on 12 March 2020. To date, it is a great challenge to the world including Ethiopia. Therefore, to attain effective prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, improving the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community is necessary.

Objective

To assess, knowledge, attitudes, and practice, and associated factors of COVID-19 among Jimma Town residents.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,500 Jimma town residents from May through June 2020. Adults aged ≥18 years were included in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that was adopted from different literature. A face-to-face interview was implemented to collect data. Analysis was done by using SPSS version 22. p < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Result

A total of 1,500 participants were enrolled in the study. The majority of the respondents were female (59.3%). About 841 (56.1%) of the participants had knowledge about COVID-19. Educational status, household wealth index, and employment showed association with knowledge of COVID-19. Government-owned television (37.3%) was the primary source of information about COVID-19 in the Jimma population. Only 46.6% of respondents had good attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and about 638 (42.5%) of the study participants had good practice toward COVID-19. The mean practice score was 1.98 (± 0.319). Study participants who were residing in the outskirts of the town were 0.37 less likely to apply good practice regarding COVID-19 prevention measures than those around the center of the town. Whereas, households with a family size of four to five individuals were 1.4 times more likely to show good practice against COVID-19 compared to households with ≤3 individuals (AOR: 1.41; CI: 1.05, 1.91).

Conclusion

Jimma town community has low knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding COVID-19. Knowledge, attitude, and practice scores regarding COVID-19 are significantly related to educational status, being self-employed, occupation, marital status, residence, family size, and household relative wealth index. Preventive health advisories to upraise knowledge, attitude, and practice are crucial to prevent and control COVID-19.