bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internet of Things Based Korean Cross-Cultural Communication Interactive Talent Training Model under Curriculum, Ideology, and Politics
Authors: Lin Fengjiao
Published: September 2022

With the development of society, the exchanges between various countries have become increasingly close, and this open communication mode also affects and changes the communication culture of each country. In the context of globalization, cross-cultural communication is increasing day by day, and cross-cultural communication ability has become a necessary quality for modern talents, so it is imperative to cultivate cross-cultural communication talents. However, the development level of informatization is insufficient, especially since the development of Internet of Things technology is lagging behind, the application level is low, and there are fracture characteristics in the application of each link. Information exchange cannot be effectively realized, information is incomplete, and asymmetry is obvious, and there is no effective information exchange platform. Following the trend of internationalization, scholars are paying more and more attention to the combination of cross-cultural communication and IoT technology. The combination of the two is to realize the real-time monitoring of personnel training. The acquisition and transmission of personnel training information is the primary problem to be solved in the realization of Korean cross-cultural communication. The wireless sensor network (WSN) has the characteristics of wide distribution of nodes, strong self-organization ability of routing, and good adaptability to dynamic changes in topology structure. WSN is used to solve this problem and is a good choice. Therefore, this paper used random forest algorithm and GBDT algorithm to apply WSN technology to the process of interactive talent training and established a network information service (NIS) system for interactive talent training. The experimental results have shown that the random forest algorithm and the GBDT algorithm can further simplify the input feature quantity and both can achieve good prediction results, while the GBDT model of the two models has relatively better prediction performance. The models obtained by the two methods meet the needs of detection parameter optimization, which realizes the real-time development of interactive talent training and realizes the intelligence and high efficiency of interactive talent training.
SPOP Mutations as a Predictive Biomarker for Androgen Receptor Axis–Targeted Therapy in De Novo Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Swami Umang , Graf Ryon P. , Nussenzveig Roberto H. , Fisher Virginia , Tukachinsky Hanna , Schrock Alexa B. , Li Gerald , Ross Jeffrey S. , Sayegh Nicolas , Tripathi Nishita , Mathew Thomas Vinay , Oxnard Geoffrey R. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Agarwal Neeraj
Published: September 2022

Purpose:

Intensification of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with either docetaxel or androgen receptor axis–targeted therapies (ARAT) are the current standard of care for patients with metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC). However, biomarkers guiding treatment selection are lacking. We hypothesized that ADT intensification with ARAT, but not with docetaxel, would be associated with improved outcomes in patients with de novo (dn)-mCSPC harboring SPOP mutations.

Experimental Design:

Patient-level data from a deidentified nationwide (U.S.-based) prostate cancer clinico-genomic database between January 2011 and December 2021 were extracted. Eligibility criteria: diagnosis of metastatic disease within 30 days of original prostate cancer diagnosis, genomic profiling of a tissue biopsy collected within 90 days of original diagnosis, and initiation of ARAT or docetaxel within 120 days of initial diagnosis. The log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare time to castration-resistant prostate cancer (TTCRPC) and overall survival (OS) for patients with and without SPOP mutations undergoing ADT intensification with ARAT or docetaxel.

Results:

In the ARAT cohort, presence of SPOP mutation compared with wild-type was associated with more favorable TTCRPC [not reached (NR) vs. 16.7 months; adjusted HR (aHR), 0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.06–0.63; P = 0.006] and OS (NR vs. 27.2 months; aHR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05–0.79; P = 0.022). In contrast, SPOP mutation status was not associated with TTCRPC or OS in docetaxel-treated cohort.

Conclusions:

In real-world settings, SPOP mutations were associated with improved outcomes to ADT plus ARAT (but not ADT plus docetaxel) in patients with dn-mCSPC. This may serve as a predictive biomarker to guide treatment selection for patients with mCSPC.
Abstract IA015: ASPSCR1-TFE3 reprograms transcription by organizing enhancer loops
Authors: Jones Kevin B.
Published: September 2022

Aberrant transcription in alveolar soft part sarcoma and some Xp11-rearranged renal cell carcinomas is orchestrated by the fusion oncoprotein, ASPSCR1-TFE3, expressed from a t(X;17) chromosomal translocation-mediated fusion gene. Here, proteomic analysis of proteins co-immunoprecipitated with ASPSCR1-TFE3 from human cell lines and mouse genetically-induced tumors revealed strong enrichment of a AAA+ ATPase with known segregase function. Native gel and electron microscopy found that ASPSCR1-TFE3 associates multi-valently with segregase hexamers. Forward and reverse genetic experiments with ASPSCR1-TFE3 and the segregase demonstrated that they function co-dependently for cancer cell proliferation. The presence, hexamer assembly, and enzymatic function of the segregase enabled the transcriptional impact of ASPSCR1-TFE3. The two proteins co-distributed across chromatin genome-wide, associated with enhancers, indicated by flanking H3K27ac enrichment in human cell lines, human tumors, and genetically engineered mouse tumors. These assembled into higher-order chromatin conformation structures demonstrated by HiChIP and downregulated by loss of ASPSCR1-TFE3 or the segregase. Thus, a segregase was found to assemble chromatin into three-dimensional structures as a co-factor of oncogenic transcriptional regulation.

Citation Format: Kevin B. Jones. ASPSCR1-TFE3 reprograms transcription by organizing enhancer loops [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Sarcomas; 2022 May 9-12; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2022;28(18_Suppl):Abstract nr IA015.
Aphids, sex, chromosomes and molecular biology (Hemiptera: Aphidoidea)
Authors: HALES DINAH
Published: September 2022

In this paper, I summarise work at Macquarie University on aphid diversity in Australia, chromosome numbers, and chromosome behaviour during spermatogenesis and during sex determination in the aphid embryo. Much of this was inspired by Dr Roger Blackman, and some was done in direct collaboration with him. During the 1990s, the Macquarie group developed molecular techniques to investigate aphid population genetics and major questions such as the evolution of sex. These experiments built on the earlier work on aphid karyotypic races and the cytology of egg maturation and spermatogenesis. "From little things, big things grow".1

 

1 Title of song by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody, first recorded in 1991.
Aphidomorpha (Insecta: Hemiptera) in the entomological collection of the Zoology Research Group, University of Silesia in Katowice (DZUS), Poland
Authors: WIECZOREK KARINA , JUNKIERT ŁUKASZ , TRELA JOANNA , DEPA ŁUKASZ , KANTURSKI MARIUSZ , BUGAJ-NAWROCKA AGNIESZKA
Published: September 2022

The digitisation of the entomology resources of the Department of Zoology, University of Silesia DZUS (presently the Zoology Research Group, Katowice, Poland) allow presenting a substantial collection of aphids, adelgids and phylloxerids (Hemiptera: Aphidomorpha). The collection preserves more than 12 500 curated specimens stored as over 9 500 slides representing 683 taxa (645 identified to the species level and 38 identified only to the genus level), 160 genera, three families and 15 subfamilies. Thirty species represent type material. The geographical analysis of the Aphidomorpha collected shows mainly Eurasian areas, with particularly good representation from Central Europe (especially Poland). The highest diversity is represented by species of Aphididae (98.6%), with the richest in samples subfamily Aphidinae (65.2%). Four hundred twelve genera (972 taxa) of host plants from 99 families were identified among the slide-mounted specimens. A new name—Aphis (Aphis) jaroslavholmani nom. nov. is proposed for Aphis (Aphis) holmani Kanturski & Bezděk, 2019.
Description of a new species of Hamamelistes forming galls on Fothergilla spp. (Hamamelidaceae) and the generic limits of Hormaphidini (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae: Hormaphidinae)
Authors: DEDERICH ASHLEY E. , HALBERT SUSAN E. , VON DOHLEN CAROL D.
Published: September 2022

Hamamelistes and Hormaphis aphids of the tribe Hormaphidini are distributed disjunctly in eastern North America and Eurasia. Host-alternating species have life cycles encompassing generations in a gall on witch-hazel (Hamamelis spp.) and generations on leaves of birch (Betula spp.). In Hamamelistes, generations on witch-hazel induce globular pouch galls on flower or leaf buds. Herbarium specimens of a related Hamamelidaceae genus, Fothergilla, contain large galls in place of the seed head. We obtained a fresh sample of these elongate pouch galls collected from F. milleri in Alabama, USA. The galls were formed in place of fruiting structures and contained numerous aphids. Examination of morphology and the cytochrome oxidase subunit I “barcode” DNA sequence confirmed that the aphids are an undescribed species of Hamamelistes. Here, we describe the new species, Hamamelistes blackmani Dederich & von Dohlen sp. n., from the morphology of foundresses, immatures, and winged forms in the gall. The life cycle is presumed monoecious. In addition, we review the evidence for including other genera in Hormaphidini and recommend that this tribe be restricted to Hamamelistes and Hormaphis.
Two new cryptic species within Periphyllus koelreuteriae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding on Koelreuteria (Sapindaceae) in China
Authors: LI QIANG , WU LIYING , CHENG ZHENTAO , LIU ZHIXIANG , HUANG XIAOLEI
Published: September 2022

Based on integrative taxonomic practices by incorporating morphological, genetic, and ecological data, two new aphid species, Periphyllus blackmani Li & Huang sp. nov. and Periphyllus guangxuei Li & Huang sp. nov., are proposed from the known species P. koelreuteriae. Apterous and alate viviparous females of the new species are described and differences with their most similar species P. koelreuteriae are presented. These aphids of P. koelreuteriae species complex feed exclusively on Koelreuteria (Sapindaceae), a native tree group and commonly cultivated as ornamental plants in China. A key to the Chinese species of P. koelreuteriae species complex is provided.
Incorporation of Turkish Hyalopterus spp. into recent species reassessment based on their molecular and morphometric features
Authors: SENOL ÖZHAN , GÖRÜR GAZI
Published: September 2022

The Hyalopterus group is a Mediterranean originated genus and Turkey is one of the important distribution pathways of the species belonging to this genus. Up to date, Hyalopterus amygdali (from host plant Prunus dulcis), Hyalopterus pruni (from Prunus domestica) and Hyalopterus arundiniformis (from Prunus armeniaca and Prunus persica) are species distinctively defined in Turkey. Samples of Hyalopterus were collected on P. dulcis, P. domestica, P. armeniaca, and P. persica from Afyonkarahisar, Kütahya, Niðde and Uþak provinces from May 2012 to October 2013. To detect morphological variations related with the preferred host plant and locality, 755 individuals’ morphological features were measured. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of COI (658 bp.) sequences of Hyalopterus spp were applied to evaluate phylogenetic relationships of the genus members. A median joining haplotype network was evaluated to determine the relationships among haplotypes. The molecular and morphometric analyses indicated that the host plant utilization affects the speciation of Hyalopterus spp. There are no comprehensive molecular studies about Hyalopterus in Turkey although previous studies conducted on this genus emphasized the importance of studying the Turkish populations to understand host plant relations, distribution route and speciation of this economically important aphid group. Therefore this study aimed to give information about phylogenetic and morphological variability of Hyalopterus spp. and criticize how these findings are incorporated into the recent species reassesment.
A new chestnut-feeding species of Stomaphis Walker (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae) from Korea
Authors: LEE MINHO , KANTURSKI MARIUSZ , LEE SEUNGHWAN
Published: September 2022

A new aphid species, Stomaphis (Stomaphis) blackmani sp. nov., is described on the basis of specimens collected on the chestnut tree, Castanea crenata Siebold & Zucc. (Fagaceae) from Korea. The apterous and alate viviparous female of the new species are described with biometric measurements and illustrations. Being the first report of Stomaphis on chestnut worldwide, a brief note on the biology of the new species, and a key to Stomaphis species in the Korea Peninsula is provided.
Revision of the aphid subgenus Ramitrichophorus Hille Ris Lambers of genus Macrosiphoniella (Hemiptera, Homoptera: Aphididae, Macrosiphini), with redescriptions of all known species and identification keys
Authors: STEKOLSHCHIKOV ANDREY V. , BUGA SERGEY V.
Published: September 2022

Revision of the aphid subgenus Ramitrichophorus of genus Macrosiphoniella with redescriptions of all known species has been made. Geographical points of species registrations are listed. All known data on the biology of the studied species have been specified and analyzed. It was established that Macrosiphoniella (Ramitrichophorus) paradoxa (Bozhko, 1957) (syn. n.) is a synonym of Macrosiphoniella (Ramitrichophorus) hillerislambersi Ossiannilsson, 1954. It was confirmed that Macrosiphoniella nikolajevi Kadyrbekov, 1999 does not belong to the subgenus Ramitrichophorus. The first descriptions of males and oviparous females of M. (R.) hillerislambersi and M. (R.) medvedevi (Bozhko, 1950), and also alate viviparous females and oviparous females of M. (R.) janckei Börner, 1939 are given. Identification keys to the species of the subgenus is proposed. A possible way of the formation of the subgenus and the speciation that took place in it are discussed.
Hitherto unknown sexual morphs of Brachysiphoniella montana (van der Goot, 1917) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: KANTURSKI MARIUSZ , LEE YERIM
Published: September 2022

Here, we describe the hitherto unknown sexual morphs (oviparous females and males) of Brachysiphoniella montana (van der Goot, 1917) (Aphididae: Aphidinae: Macrosiphini). Oviparous females and males from the Republic of Korea are described and illustrated in details. Descriptions of sexual morphs of this species confirm the holocyclic life cycle of Brachysiphoniella in areas with cooler months. Notes about distribution and host plants of the species are also given.
Maculolachnus blackmani (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae)—a new aphid species from India and Pakistan with key to species of the genus
Authors: KANTURSKI MARIUSZ , CHAKRABARTI SAMIRAN
Published: September 2022

Apterous viviparous females of a new species of the Lachninae genus Maculolachnus Gaumont, 1920 from India and Pakistan are described here. The new species, Maculolachnus blackmani sp. nov. can be recognized among other representatives of this genus by stiff body setae with expanded or slightly flabellate apices in contrast to hair-like, fine and pointed setae in all other species. The similarities and differences from two other most common species of Maculolachnus—M. sijpkensi Hille Ris Lambers and M. submacula (Walker) have been compared. A key to apterous viviparous females of Maculolachnus is also presented.
A new species of the aphid genus Uroleucon Mordvilko, 1914 (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) on Launaea acanthodes from Iran
Authors: MEHRPARVAR MOHSEN , RAKHSHANI EHSAN , ROKNI MOEIN , KANTURSKI MARIUSZ
Published: September 2022

A new aphid species, Uroleucon (Lambersius) loxdalei sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Aphidinae: Macrosiphini) living on Launaea acanthodes (Asteraceae) and collected from the highlands in the Kerman province of Iran, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically most similar to U. (Lambersius) bielawskii (Szelegiewicz). This holocyclic aphid is monoecious, and not attended by ants. Biometric data are given and the key to the aphids associated with Launaea species is provided.
A new species of Eulachnus Del Guercio from China (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Lachninae)
Authors: KANTURSKI MARIUSZ , QIAO GE-XIA , FAVRET COLIN
Published: September 2022

We describe apterous and alate viviparous females of a new species of the Lachninae genus Eulachnus (Eulachnini) from China. The new species, Eulachnus blackmani sp. nov., can be easily separated from other Asian representatives of this genus: the ultimate rostral segments are without accessory setae; the spinal scleroites are larger than the pleural and marginal ones; there are a few very long setae on the distal part of the tibiae and on the hind tarsus. The new species is morphologically most similar to the European E. nigricola (Pašek), and hence unusual within the Asian Eulachnus fauna.
A contribution to the aphid fauna (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea) of Republic of Mali
Authors: STEKOLSHCHIKOV ANDREY V.
Published: September 2022

The first study of the aphid fauna from the Republic of Mali has been made. Ten species are reported and keyed from this territory. The diagnostic key and the list of host plants of the species found are given. In total, only 69 colonies of aphids were found during the research, which indicates a very low population density of aphids in the territory of Mali. There is a significant difference between the number of aphid colonies found in the dry and rainy seasons. Aphids in Mali, both in the dry and in the rainy season, were found more often in biotopes along rivers, on artificially irrigated areas. About 70% of all colonies in both the dry and rainy seasons were very small or small. It is very likely that originally aphids were absent in the territory of West Africa to the south of the Sahara. They probably penetrated the Sahel zone and the surrounding territories from the Mediterranean coast along the Red Sea coast and from the Arabian Peninsula through Ethiopia and then later they moved further to the west. The progress of crop production could lead to the introduction of a small number of species into this territory only in a relatively recent time.
The genus Aphis (Hemiptera, Aphididae) living on Asteraceae species in southern South America: Argentina and Chile, with five new species
Authors: NAFRÍA JUAN M. NIETO , ORTEGO JAIME , MORENO-GONZÁLEZ VÍCTOR , DURANTE M. PILAR MIER
Published: September 2022

In the whole of Argentina and Chile, southern South America in this paper, 20 species of the genus Aphis hosted in species of Asteraceae were known; eleven of them are native South American, and those introduced are mostly polyphagous and widespread. The Chilean regions and the Argentine provinces in which each one of them is known, as well as the host plants on which it has been recorded, are listed. New data of 15 of them are presented, with several first records in different Argentine provinces or hosted on diverse plants: The knowledge of A. conspicua and A. fuentesi, which were recently described living on species of Baccharis, is improved from specimens respectively collected on Senecio and Gutierrezia. A. rogerblackmani Nieto Nafría, Ortego & Mier Durante sp. n. is described from apterous and alate viviparous females, oviparous females and males collected on Baccharis in Argentina. Other four species are described from apterous and alate viviparae: A. gutierreziae Ortego, Mier Durante & Nieto Nafría sp. n., collected on species of Gutierrezia in Argentina, A. hyalis Mier Durante, Nieto Nafría & Ortego sp. n., collected on Hyalis argentea in Argentina, A. pulverea Nieto Nafría, Moreno-González & Ortego sp. n., collected on species of Senecio in Chile and Argentina, and A. sanrafaelina Ortego, Mier Durante & Nieto Nafría sp. n., collected on Tagetes mendocina, Thymophylla pentachaeta and Pectis odorata in Argentina. The intraspecific diversity of Aphis pulverea has been analysed by a principal component analysis followed by hierarchical clustering of principal components. An identification key to viviparous females of the species of Aphis hosted in Asteraceae and known in southern South America is presented.
A new species of Acaudinum Börner (Hemiptera; Aphididae; Aphidinae) from Kazakhstan
Authors: KADYRBEKOV RUSTEM KH.
Published: September 2022

The new species Acaudinum (Acaudinum) rogeri sp.n. is described from Kazakhstan from Serratula coronata L. The new species is close to A. (Acaudinum) longisetosum Holman, 1970 and A. (Acaudinum) roumanicum Holman, 1991. It differs from both species in the proportion of the length of the last rostral segment to the length of the second segment of the hind tarsus (1.47–1.71 versus 1.22–1.55), the number of accessory setae on the last segment of the rostrum (4–6 versus 2–5). Fewer setae on the anterior margin of the genital plate (8–10 and 10–24). It also differs from A. longisetosum in the ratio of siphunculi length to body length (0.13–0.20 versus 0.20–0.30), in having fewer setae on the cauda (10–12 and 13–17), and 8th abdominal tergite (4–6 in comparison with 5–9). From A. roumanicum with a longer second segment of the hind tarsus (0.14–0.19 mm and 0.12–0.15 mm). From A. centaureae (Koch, 1854) it is distinguished by setae on trochanters, femora, and ventral side of the body which is long and thin, and a fodder plant belonging to another genus of Asteraceae family. A comprehensive key to distinguish apterous viviparous females based on existing keys is provided.
A new species of Macrosiphum (Hemiptera: Aphididae) living on Silene (Caryophyllaceae)
Authors: JENSEN ANDREW S.
Published: September 2022

A new species of Macrosiphum Passerini is described based on all life cycle morphs: fundatrix, apterous and alate viviparae, oviparae, and males. Macrosiphum ginajo lives throughout the growing season on glandular–sticky species of Silene (Caryophyllaceae) in dry forest habitats of western North America. The new species is compared to other Macrosiphum known to feed on Silene. A very similar species, Macrosiphum aetheocornum, which feeds on native Geranium species in similar habitats, is also discussed including measurements, illustrations, and detailed comparison to the new species.
Immigration of Medical Workers and Variable Labour Supply
Authors: Okawa Masayuki
Published: September 2022

This paper studies the effects of immigration policy on the immigration of foreign medical workers on the welfare and income distribution of home medical workers and labourers. We set up a simple small open economy with two traded goods and non-traded medical care services. In the economy, there exists a constant rate of labourers who get ill health and must leave their jobs and thereby lose part of their income. But they can reduce the loss of working time and income by consuming medical services. There are two channels that consumption of the medical service affects the welfare of consumers: (i) consumption of medical service raises the state of health and increases utility, and (ii) consumption of medical service reduces the leave period of labourers and raises their wage income (labour supply-enhancing effect). We see that the above second effect makes the effective price of the medical service for the consumer lower than its market price and causes consumption bias towards the consumption of medical services. To introduce the above properties of consumption of medical service, we define the effective expenditure function of the labourers and examine its properties and conduct comparative static analyses.

JEL codes: F13, F22
The elephant in the room – Becoming a Sikh dramatherapist: An a/r/tographic journey of utilising an intersectional feminist approach with Landy’s role method to challenge power and privilege in dramatherapy
Authors: Kaur Eshmit
Published: September 2022

This critique is an arts-based, a/r/tographic research inquiry, focusing on my experiences of racism and oppression through my identity as a Brown, Amritdhari (initiated) Sikh woman. This piece will offer insights into how, over an 8-month period, my 20-minute performance was devised, a process intensified through two characters concerning embodied role-play. To aid my research I considered an Intersectional Feminist Approach, which recognises how a person can experience oppression through complex intersects of identity. The conflicts I experienced were contained through roles and enhanced by Landy’s Role Method to provide dramatic distance from the subject. This also offered an objective stance through the nature of relational inquiry, a concept intrinsic to the a/r/tographic process. Through this, I was able to consider and validate the suppressed parts of myself and bring my shadow to consciousness. In addition, Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed techniques were utilised to deepen the revelatory journey. Consequently, I recognise how power and privilege can be acknowledged and challenged in the therapeutic relationship through the use of embodied role-play. They can offer containment for shame and internalised oppression, helping to shift the self’s narrative. As a result of this exploration, I feel more equipped to work from an anti-oppressive and de-colonised stance in clinical practice.
Temporal changes in the Swiss flora: implications for flower-visiting insects
Authors: Abrahamczyk Stefan , Kessler Michael , Roth Tobias , Heer Nico
Published: September 2022

Background

Local floristic diversity has massively decreased during the twentieth century in Central Europe even though in the 1990s diversity began increasing again in several regions. However, little is known whether this increase is equally distributed among plant groups with different reproductive traits.

Methods

Our study is based on data of the Swiss Biodiversity Monitoring Program. In this program, plant species occurrence is recorded since 2001 in 450 regularly distributed 1 km2 study sites. For all 1774 plant species registered in the study, we researched data on flower/pseudanthium type and colour, reproductive system, and groups of flower visitors. We then tested whether temporal changes in species frequency were equally distributed among species with different trait states.

Results

Species richness and functional richness significantly increased in the study sites while functional evenness decreased. The frequency of wind-pollinated species increased more strongly than that of insect-pollinated species. Further, the frequency of species with simple, open insect-pollinated flowers and pseudanthia visited by generalist groups of insects increased slightly more strongly than the frequency of species with complex flowers visited by more specialized groups of flower visitors. Additionally, the frequency of self-compatible species increased significantly more than that of self-incompatible species. Thus, the overall increase in local plant species richness in Switzerland is mostly driven by wind- and generalist insect-pollinated, self-compatible species. In contrast, species with complex flowers, which are essential for specialized groups of flower visitors and species with self-incompatible reproductive systems profited less.

Conclusions

Our study thus emphasizes the need to consider functional traits in the planning and monitoring of conservation activities, and calls for a special focus on plant species with specialized reproductive traits.
Post-operative uric acid: a predictor for 30-days mortality of acute type A aortic dissection repair
Authors: Ma Shulun , Xu Qian , Hu Qinghua , Huang Lingjin , Wu Dongkai , Lin Guoqiang , Chen Xuliang , Luo Wanjun
Published: September 2022

Background

Hyperuricemia is associated with aortic dissection and cardiovascular diseases. The implication of high serum uric acid (UA) level after acute aortic dissection repair remains unknown. The aim of this study is to explore the role of peri-operative serum UA level in predicting 30-days mortality with acute type A aortic dissection (AAAD) patients, who underwent surgery.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 209 consecutive patients with AAAD, who underwent surgery in Xiangya Hospital from 2017 to 2020. Post-operative laboratory examinations were measured within 24 h after surgery. Univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis were used for predictor finding.

Results

209 consecutive AAAD patients were included, 14.3% (n = 30) were dead within 30 days after surgery. By univariate analysis, we found AAAD repair patients with 30-days mortality had a higher prevalence of cerebral malperfusion, lower pre-operative fibrinogen, longer cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamp time, and higher post-operative day 1 (POD1) creatinine and urea levels. Both pre-operative (433.80 ± 152.59 vs. 373.46 ± 108.31 mmol/L, p = 0.038) and POD1 (559.78 ± 162.23 vs. 391.29 ± 145.19 mmol/L, p < 0.001) UA level were higher in mortality group than in survival group. In regression model, only cerebral malperfusion (OR, 7.938, 95% CI 1.252–50.323; p = 0.028) and POD1 UA level (OR, 2.562; 95% CI 1.635–4.014; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients. According to the ROC curve, the POD1 UA level provided positive value for 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients with 0.799 areas under the curve. The optimum cutoff value selected by ROC curve was 500.15 mmol/L, with a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 86%.

Conclusion

Pre- and post-operative hyperuricemia are potentially associated with worsened outcomes in AAAD surgery patients. The POD1 UA level has a predictive role in 30-days mortality in AAAD repair patients.
Dynamic regulation of HIF-1 signaling in the rhesus monkey heart after ischemic injury
Authors: Wang Tao , Xiao Ying , Zhang Jingyao , Jing Fujia , Zeng Guodan
Published: September 2022

Background

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a key role in modulating post-infarct healing after myocardial ischemic injury through transcriptional regulation of hundreds of genes involved in diverse cardiac remodeling processes. However, the dynamic changes in HIF-1 target gene expression in the ischemic heart after myocardial infarction (MI) have not been well characterized.

Methods

We employed a rhesus monkey model of MI induced by left anterior descending artery ligation and examined the expression pattern of HIF-1 target genes in the ischemic heart at 1, 7, and 28 days after injury by bulk RNA-sequencing analysis.

Results

Myocardial transcriptomic analysis demonstrated a temporal-specific regulation of genes associated with the inflammatory response, cell proliferation, fibrosis and mitochondrial metabolism during the pathological progression of MI. HIF-1 target genes involved in processes related to glycolysis, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling also exhibited distinct expression patterns during MI progression. Copper concentrations were gradually decreased in the heart after ischemic injury, which was positively correlated with the expression of HIF-1-mediated angiogenic and glycolytic genes but negatively correlated with the expression of HIF-1-mediated ECM remodeling genes. Moreover, genes related to intracellular copper trafficking and storage were suppressed along with the loss of myocardial copper in the ischemic heart.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a dynamic, functional-specific regulation of HIF-1 target gene expression during the progression of MI. The fine-tuning of HIF-1 signaling in the ischemic heart may be relate to the alteration in myocardial copper homeostasis. These findings provide transcriptomic insights into the distinct roles of HIF-1 signaling in the heart after ischemic injury, which will help determine the beneficial cutoff point for HIF-1 targeted therapy in ischemic heart diseases.
Clinical characteristic and pathogenesis of tumor-induced acute pancreatitis: a predictive model
Authors: Zheng Linlin , Zhao Ping , Peng Xiaoqian , Zhou Yunhui , Bao Yichen , Sun Yuling , Zhou Lin
Published: September 2022

Background

The aim of our study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and pathogenesis of tumor-induced acute pancreatitis (AP), and to develop a reliable prediction model of the clinical features to guide the diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Patients with AP between January 2013 and December 2021 were enrolled in the study and were subdivided into the tumor group and the non-tumor group. The tumor group was subdivided into three groups based on the primary sites. Characteristic parameters, laboratory and imaging results were compared between groups. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model, XGBoost and random forest model were used to select the predictors associated with tumor-induced AP. Logistic regression analysis was used to validate the performance of the selected predictors and a nomogram was established to provide individualized probability of a tumor origin for AP.

Results

A total amount of 8970 patients were admitted for AP during the study period, and 8637 AP patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 100 cases (1.16%) were tumor-induced AP. The tumor group was significantly older than the non-tumor group (t = 6.050, p = 0.000). Mild AP was observed in 90 cases, moderate AP in 9 cases and severe AP in one case. Tumors respectively originated from distal bile duct (14 cases), ampulla (13 cases) and pancreas (73 cases). The median time from initial AP to tumor diagnosis was 8.57 weeks and the median number of episode was 2 in the tumor group, which significantly surpassed the non-tumor group (p = 0.000). Age, white blood cell count, percentage of neutrophils, pancreatic or bile duct dilation and recurrent attacks were selected independent predictors for tumor origin. A nomogram model based on these factors was established.

Conclusion

For patients with agnogenic AP, elderly man, recurrent attacks, pancreatic or bile duct dilatation and continuous no significant increase of inflammatory markers prompt to further screening of pancreatic biliary and ampulla.
The psychosocial health, experiences and needs of older adults and care partners during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Marziliano Allison , Burns Edith , Pampanini Taline , Tom Jennifer , Ardito Suzanne , Ilyas Anum , Carney Maria T. , Diefenbach Michael A. , Makhnevich Alex , Sinvani Liron
Published: September 2022

Background

Minimal research has leveraged qualitative data methods to gain a better understanding of the experiences and needs of older adults (OAs) and care partners of OAs with and without Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD) during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we: 1) quantitatively evaluated the psychosocial health of community-dwelling OAs; 2) quantitatively evaluated the perceived stress of care partners for OAs; 3) qualitatively characterized the experiences and needs of community-dwelling OAs and their care partners; and 4) explored differences in the experiences of care partners of OAs with and without AD/ADRD during the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic in the New York metropolitan area.

Methods

In this mixed-methods study, telephone interviews were conducted with 26 OAs and 29 care partners (16 of whom cared for OAs with AD/ADRD) from April to July 2020. Quantitative data included: demographics; clinical characteristics (Katz Index of independence in activities of daily living (Katz ADL) and the Lawton-Brody instrumental activities of daily living scale (Lawton-Brody)); and psychosocial health: stress was assessed via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), social isolation via the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS), loneliness via the DeJong Loneliness Scale (DeJong), and depression and anxiety via the Patient Health Questionnaire-Anxiety and Depression (PHQ). Qualitative questions focused on uncovering the experiences and needs of OAs and their care partners.

Results

OAs (N = 26) were mostly female (57.7%), and White (76.9%), average age of 81.42 years. While OAs were independent (M = 5.60, Katz ADL) and highly functional (M = 6.92, Lawton-Brody), and expressed low levels of loneliness, stress, depression and anxiety (M = 1.95 on DeJong; M = 12.67 on PSS; M = 1.05 on PHQ depression; and M = 1.09 on PHQ anxiety), open-ended questions elicited themes of fear and worry. Care partners (N = 29) were mostly female (75.9%), White (72.4%), and married (72.4%), and reported moderate stress (M = 16.52 on the PSS), as well as a psychological impact of the pandemic.

Conclusions

Early in the pandemic, OAs reported minimal stress and loneliness; this may have been related to their reports of frequent interaction with family, even if only virtually. By contrast, care partners were moderately stressed and worried, potentially more than usual due to the additional challenges they face when trying to meet their loved ones’ needs during a pandemic.
Effects of communication style, anthropomorphic setting and individual differences on older adults using voice assistants in a health context
Authors: Zhong Runting , Ma Mengyao
Published: September 2022

Background

Voice assistants enable older adults to communicate regarding their health as well as facilitate ageing in place. This study investigated the effects of communication style, anthropomorphic setting, and individual differences on the trust, acceptance, and mental workload of older adults using a voice assistant when communicating health issues.

Methods

This is a mixed-methods study utilising both quantitative and qualitative methods. One hundred and six older adults (M = 71.8 years, SD = 4.6 years) participated in a 2 (communication style: social- vs. task-oriented; between-subject)$$\times$$
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2 (anthropomorphic setting: ordinary profession vs. medical background; within-subject) mixed design experiment. The study used multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to examine the effects of communication style, anthropomorphic setting of the voice assistant, and participants’ use frequency of digital devices on the trust, technology acceptance, and mental workload of older adults using a voice assistant in a health context. End-of-study interviews regarding voice assistant use were conducted with participants. Qualitative content analyses were used to assess the interview findings about the communication content, the more trustworthy anthropomorphic setting, and suggestions for the voice assistant.

Results

Communication style, anthropomorphic setting, and individual differences all had statistically significant effects on older adults’ evaluations of the voice assistant. Compared with a task-oriented voice assistant, older adults preferred a social-oriented voice assistant in terms of trust in ability, integrity, and technology acceptance. Older adults also had better evaluations for a voice assistant with a medical background in terms of trust in ability, integrity, technology acceptance, and mental workload. In addition, older adults with more experience using digital products provided more positive evaluations in terms of trust in ability, integrity, and technology acceptance.

Conclusions

This study suggests that when designing a voice assistant for older adults in the health context, using a social-oriented communication style and providing an anthropomorphic setting in which the voice assistant has a medical background are effective ways to improve the trust and acceptance of older adults of voice assistants in an internet-of-things environment.
Napping and cognitive decline: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Álvarez-Bueno Celia , Mesas Arthur Eumann , Reina-Gutierrez Sara , Saz-Lara Alicia , Jimenez-Lopez Estela , Martinez-Vizcaino Vicente
Published: September 2022

Background

No clear evidence is available for the influence of napping on cognitive function in older adults. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to elucidate the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between napping and cognitive function (global cognition and memory) and to explore whether some individual characteristics and sleep characteristics can modify this relationship.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline (via PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus. DerSimonian and Lair and Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman random effects methods were used to compute pooled estimates of odds ratios (ORs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association of global cognition and memory with napping. The mean age, the night sleep time (hours), and the percentage of women, no nappers, and people in the less night-time sleep duration category were used for meta-regressions.

Results

Twenty-five studies were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis, 18 cross-sectional and seven longitudinal studies, including 95,719 participants older than 60 years. The pooled ORs from the cross-sectional analyses were 1.03 (95% CI: 1.01 to 1.06) for global cognition and 1.06 (95%: 0.90 to 1.26) for memory. The pooled ORs from the longitudinal analyses were 1.00 (95% 0.85 to 1.18) for global cognition and 1.08 (95% 0.98 to 1.19) for memory. These associations were not modified by individual or sleep characteristics.

Conclusion

Our data confirm the absence of association between napping and global cognition and memory regardless of the characteristics of the population. This information might be considered when providing lifestyle recommendations to adults with and without cognitive complaints.
BMP and activin membrane-bound inhibitor regulate connective tissue growth factor controlling mesothelioma cell proliferation
Authors: Hoang Nguyen Truong Duc , Hassan Ghmkin , Suehiro Tomoya , Mine Yuichi , Matsuki Tohru , Fujii Makiko
Published: September 2022

Background

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive mesothelial cell cancer type linked mainly to asbestos inhalation. MM characterizes by rapid progression and resistance to standard therapeutic modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Our previous studies have suggested that tumor cell-derived connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) regulates the proliferation of MM cells as well as the tumor growth in mouse xenograft models.

Methods

In this study, we knock downed the bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane-bound inhibitor (BAMBI) and CTGF in MM cells and investigated the relationship between both and their impact on the cell cycle and cell proliferation.

Results

The knockdown of CTGF or BAMBI reduced MM cell proliferation. In contrast to CTGF knockdown which decreased BAMBI, knockdown of BAMBI increased CTGF levels. Knockdown of either BAMBI or CTGF reduced expression of the cell cycle regulators; cyclin D3, cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)2, and CDK4. Further, in silico analysis revealed that higher BAMBI expression was associated with shorter overall survival rates among MM patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that BAMBI is regulated by CTGF promoting mesothelioma growth by driving cell cycle progression. Therefore, the crosstalk between BAMBI and CTGF may be an effective therapeutic target for MM treatment.
Severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia secondary to combined RhC hemolytic disease, congenital hypothyroidism and large adrenal hematoma: a case report
Authors: Dai Chengiun , Chen Chun , Jiang Liqiong , Zhu Yilin , Wang Chunlin
Published: September 2022

Background

ABO blood group incompatibility, neonatal sepsis, G-6-PD deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and hereditary spherocytosis are all probable causes of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. However, the etiology of some hyperbilirubinemia is extremely complicated, which may be caused by multiple factors, resulting in severe jaundice. We report a case of severe jaundice due to three causes, showing the significance for the investigation of the etiology of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Case presentation

At 96 h of life, a full-term and vaginal delivery male infant with yellowish discoloration of body was transferred to our hospital. When he entered neonatal intensive care unit on the fourth day after birth, he developed jaundice and the transcutaneous bilirubin was 28 mg/dl. Total bilirubin was 540.2 μmol/L, while the indirect bilirubin was 516.7 μmol/L. Both parents and the baby’s blood types were O Rh(D +), and direct coomb’s test was negative. But mother’s indirect coomb’s test was positive. Investigating for minor blood group revealed that the father’s blood type of Rh was CCDee, the mather’s was ccDEE, and CcDEe for the baby. After intensive phototherapy and double volume exchange transfusion, the total bilirubin remained at 303 μmol/L. At day 10, the bilirubin level was 303.5 μmol/L, intensive phototherapy was continued, and intravenous immunoglobulin was used again. The test for thyroid hormones at day 10, the TSH was 13.334mIU/L. And the screening for congenital hypothyroidism showed the TSH was 33mIU/L. Because of the palpable abdominal mass, ultrasound and MRI was done, showed a huge mass in the right adrenal gland. Brainstem auditory evoked potential was performed at day 7, which indicated hearing impairment (65db for left ear and 70db for the right). Euthyrox and intermittent phototherapy were given as following treatment. The jaundice did not subside until the 12th day.

Conclusion

Even if their parents' ABO blood group and Rh (d) are consistent, a Coomb test is required for newborns with hyperbilirubinemia since they may have minor blood group incompatibilities. When bilirubin rises rapidly or the clinical treatment effect is inadequate, additional causes should be aggressively screened. Adrenal ultrasound should be performed on newborns with palpable abdominal mass, anemia and jaundice to determine whether there is adrenal hemorrhage.
The potential value of fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) in the assessment of inflammation in spondyloarthritis
Authors: Ding Yimei , Xue Luan
Published: September 2022

Background

Fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) is a newly investigated indicator for inflammation. The study aimed to explore the potential ability of FAR in assessing the severity of inflammation in spondyloarthritis.

Methods

The clinical data of 196 spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients, 66 osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and 81 healthy controls (HC) were collected in this retrospective study. The SpA group included 69 psoriatic arthritis patients, 47 reactive arthritis patients and 80 ankylosing spondylitis patients. Chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test, Spearman’s correlation test, regression analysis, and ROC analyses were used for the analysis of FAR.

Results

FAR level in group SpA was higher than in OA or HC. In the SpA group, the reactive arthritis group was characterized by the highest FAR level. After matching the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a significant difference occurred between groups SpA and OA, but not in SpA subgroups. The FAR level was significantly related to erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. After regression and receiver operating characteristics analysis, FAR was considered the most potential pointer to evaluate inflammation in SpA with the area under curve of 0.95. The recommended cut-off value of FAR was 9.44 for serious inflammation and 8.34 for mild conditions.

Conclusion

FAR is closely related to inflammatory biomarkers and can be a potential indicator in the assessment of inflammation in spondyloarthritis.