bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Modulatory Effects of Gut Microbiota in Anti-Cancer Therapy
Authors: Li Wenyu , Deng Xiaorong , Chen Tingtao
Published: April 2021

In the recent decade, gut microbiota has received growing interest due to its role in human health and disease. On the one hand, by utilizing the signaling pathways of the host and interacting with the immune system, the gut microbiota is able to maintain the homeostasis in human body. This important role is mainly modulated by the composition of microbiota, as a normal microbiota composition is responsible for maintaining the homeostasis of human body, while an altered microbiota profile could contribute to several pathogenic conditions and may further lead to oncogenesis and tumor progression. Moreover, recent insights have especially focused on the important role of gut microbiota in current anticancer therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery. Research findings have indicated a bidirectional interplay between gut microbiota and these therapeutic methods, in which the implementation of different therapeutic methods could lead to different alterations in gut microbiota, and the presence of gut microbiota could in turn contribute to different therapeutic responses. As a result, manipulating the gut microbiota to reduce the therapy-induced toxicity may provide an adjuvant therapy to achieve a better therapeutic outcome. Given the complex role of gut microbiota in cancer treatment, this review summarizes the interactions between gut microbiota and anticancer therapies, and demonstrates the current strategies for reshaping gut microbiota community, aiming to provide possibilities for finding an alternative approach to lower the damage and improve the efficacy of cancer therapy.
Unique Profile of Driver Gene Mutations in Patients With Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Qujing City, Yunnan Province, Southwest China
Authors: Zhou Yongchun , Ge Feng , Du Yaxi , Li Quan , Cai Jingjing , Liu Xin , Guo Yinjin , Shen Zhenghai , Duan Lincan , Huang Zhan , Yao Fei , Zhu Changbin , Shi Hutao , Huang Yunchao
Published: April 2021

Objective

Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China, has a high incidence of lung cancer and related mortality. The etiology of NSCLC in Qujing area and distribution of associated molecular aberrations has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to reveal the profile of driver gene mutations in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Qujing and explore their relationships with clinicopathological characteristics.

Methods

In this study, the mutation profiles of NSCLC driver genes, including EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, BRAF, RET, MET, HER2, NRAS, and PIK3CA, were investigated in patients with NSCLC from Qujing and compared with those from other regions in Yunnan Province. The associations between molecular mutations and clinicopathological characteristics were further analyzed.

Results

A distinct profile of driver gene mutations was discovered in patients with NSCLC from Qujing. Interestingly, a higher proportion of EGFR compound mutations, including G719X + S768I (19.65% vs 3.38%, P < 0.0001) and G719X + L861Q (21.10% vs 2.82%, P < 0.0001), was observed in patients with NSCLC in Qujing compared with patients in non-Qujing area, besides significantly different distributions of EGFR (46.01% vs. 51.07%, P = 0.0125), ALK (3.17% vs. 6.97%, P = 0.0012), ROS1 (0.5% vs. 2.02%, P = 0.0113), and KRAS (23.02% vs. 7.85%, P < 0.0001). Further, EGFR compound mutations were more likely associated with the occupation of patients (living/working in rural areas, e.g., farmers). Moreover, KRAS G12C was the dominant subtype (51.11% vs 25.00%, P = 0.0275) among patients with NSCLC having KRAS mutations in Qujing.

Conclusions

Patients with NSCLC in Qujing displayed a unique profile of driver gene mutations, especially a higher prevalence of EGFR compound mutations and dominant KRAS G12C subtype, in this study, indicating a peculiar etiology of NSCLC in Qujing. Therefore, a different paradigm of therapeutic strategy might need to be considered for patients with NSCLC in Qujing.
Population-Based Comparison of Different Risk Stratification Systems Among Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Xie Mu , Gao Xian-Shu , Ma Ming-Wei , Gu Xiao-Bin , Li Hong-Zhen , Lyu Feng , Bai Yun , Chen Jia-Yan , Ren Xue-Ying , Liu Ming-Zhu
Published: April 2021

Background

It is not known which risk stratification system has the best discrimination ability for predicting prostate cancer death.

Methods

We identified patients with non-metastatic primary prostate adenocarcinoma diagnosis between 2004 and 2015 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Patients were categorized in different risk groups using the three frequently used risk stratification systems of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline (NCCN-g), American Urological Association guideline (AUA-g), and European Association of Urology guideline (EAU-g), respectively. Associations between risk classification and prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) were determined using Kaplan–Meier analyses and multivariable regression with Cox proportional hazards model. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) analyses were used to test the discrimination ability of the three risk grouping systems.

Results

We analyzed 310,062 patients with a median follow-up of 61 months. A total of 36,368 deaths occurred, including 6,033 prostate cancer deaths. For all the three risk stratification systems, the risk groups were significantly associated with PCSM. The AUC of the model relying on NCCN-g, AUA-g, and EAU-g risk stratification systems for PCSM at specifically 8 years were 0.818, 0.793, and 0.689 in the entire population; 0.819, 0.795, and 0.691 in Whites; 0.802, 0.777, and 0.681 in Blacks; 0.862, 0.818, and 0.714 in Asians; 0.845, 0.806, and 0.728 in Chinese patients. Regardless of the age, marital status, socioeconomic status, and treatment modality, AUC of the model relying on NCCN-g and AUA-g for PCSM was greater than that relying on EAU-g; AUC of the model relying on NCCN-g system was greater than that of the AUA-g system.

Conclusions

The NCCN-g and AUA-g risk stratification systems perform better in discriminating PCSM compared to the EAU-g system. The discrimination ability of the NCCN-g system was better than that of the AUA-g system. It is recommended to use NCCN-g to evaluate risk groups for prostate cancer patients and then provide more appropriate corresponding treatment recommendations.
Paeoniflorin and Hydroxysafflor Yellow A in Xuebijing Injection Attenuate Sepsis-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction and Inhibit Proinflammatory Cytokine Production
Authors: Wang Xin-Tong , Peng Zhen , An Ying-Ying , Shang Ting , Xiao Guangxu , He Shuang , Chen Xi , Zhang Han , Wang Yuefei , Wang Tao , Zhang Jun-Hua , Gao Xiumei , Zhu Yan , Feng Yuxin
Published: April 2021

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction is a major contributor to the poor outcomes of septic shock. As an add-on with conventional sepsis management for over 15 years, the effect of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) on the sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction was not well understood. The material basis of Xuebijing injection (XBJ) in managing infections and infection-related complications remains to be defined. A murine cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model and cardiomyocytes in vitro culture were adopted to study the influence of XBJ on infection-induced cardiac dysfunction. XBJ significantly improved the survival of septic-mice and rescued cardiac dysfunction in vivo. RNA-seq revealed XBJ attenuated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and related signalings in the heart which was further confirmed on the mRNA and protein levels. Xuebijing also protected cardiomyocytes from LPS-induced mitochondrial calcium ion overload and reduced the LPS-induced ROS production in cardiomyocytes. The therapeutic effect of XBJ was mediated by the combination of paeoniflorin and hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) (C0127-2). C0127-2 improved the survival of septic mice, protected their cardiac function and cardiomyocytes while balancing gene expression in cytokine-storm-related signalings, such as TNF-α and NF-κB. In summary, Paeoniflorin and HSYA are key active compounds in XBJ for managing sepsis, protecting cardiac function, and controlling inflammation in the cardiac tissue partially by limiting the production of IL-6, IL-1β, and CXCL2.
Danhong Injection Attenuates Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats Through the Suppression of the Neuroinflammation
Authors: Du Haixia , He Yu , Pan Yuanjiang , Zhao Mengdi , Li Zhiwei , Wang Yu , Yang Jiehong , Wan Haitong
Published: April 2021

Neuroinflammation is one of the major causes of damage of the central nervous system (CNS) and plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia, which can result in long-term disability and neuronal death. Danhong injection (DHI), a traditional Chinese medicine injection, has been applied to the clinical treatment of cerebral stoke for many years. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of DHI on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in rats and explored its potential anti-neuroinflammatory properties. CIRI in adult male SD rats was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1 h and reperfusion for 24 h. Results showed that DHI (0.5, 1, and 2 ml/kg) dose-dependently improved the neurological deficits and alleviated cerebral infarct volume and histopathological damage of the cerebral cortex caused by CIRI. Moreover, DHI (0.5, 1, and 2 ml/kg) inhibited the mRNA expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in ischemic brains, downregulated TNF-α, IL-1β, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in serum, and reduced the neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase, MPO) in ischemic brains, in a dose-dependent manner. Immunohistochemical staining results also revealed that DHI dose-dependently diminished the protein expressions of ICAM-1 and COX-2, and suppressed the activation of microglia (ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1, Iba-1) and astrocyte (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP) in the cerebral cortex. Western blot analysis showed that DHI significantly downregulated the phosphorylation levels of the proteins in nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinas (MAPK) signaling pathways in ischemic brains. These results indicate that DHI exerts anti-neuroinflammatory effects against CIRI, which contribute to the amelioration of CNS damage.
Medication-Related Hospital Readmissions Within 30 Days of Discharge: Prevalence, Preventability, Type of Medication Errors and Risk Factors
Authors: Uitvlugt Elien B. , Janssen Marjo J. A. , Siegert Carl E. H. , Kneepkens Eva L. , van den Bemt Bart J. F. , van den Bemt Patricia M. L. A. , Karapinar-Çarkit Fatma
Published: April 2021

Background: Hospital readmission rates are increasingly used as a measure of healthcare quality. Medicines are the most common therapeutic intervention but estimating the contribution of adverse drug events as a cause of readmissions is difficult.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence and preventability of medication-related readmissions within 30 days after hospital discharge and to describe the risk factors, type of medication errors and types of medication involved in these preventable readmissions.

Design: A cross-sectional observational study.

Setting: The study took place across the cardiology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, neurology, psychiatry, pulmonology and general surgery departments in the OLVG teaching hospital, Netherlands.

Participants: Patients with an unplanned readmission within 30 days after discharge from an earlier hospitalization (index hospitalization: IH) were reviewed.

Measurements: The prevalence and preventability of medication-related readmissions were assessed by residents in multidisciplinary meetings. A senior internist and hospital pharmacist reassessed the prevalence and preventability of identified cases. Generalized estimating equation with logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors of potentially preventable medication-related readmissions.

Results: Of 1,111 included readmissions, 181 (16%) were medication-related, of which 72 (40%) were potentially preventable. The number of medication changes at IH (Adjusted odds ratio [ORadj]: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.05–1.24) and having ≥3 hospitalizations 6 months before IH (ORadj: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.12–3.98) were risk factors of a preventable medication-related readmission. Of these preventable readmissions, 35% were due to prescribing errors, 35% by non-adherence and 30% by transition errors. Medications most frequently involved were diuretics and antidiabetics.

Conclusion: This study shows that 16% of readmissions are medication-related, of which 40% are potentially preventable. If the results are confirmed in larger multicentre studies, this may indicate that more attention should be paid to medication-related harm in order to lower the overall readmission rates.
Effects of Dipsacus asperoides Extract on Monosodium Iodoacetate–Induced Osteoarthritis in Rats Based on Gene Expression Profiling
Authors: Chun Jin Mi , Lee A Yeong , Nam Jae Yong , Lim Kyung Seob , Choe Mu Seog , Lee Min Young , Kim Chul , Kim Joong-Sun
Published: April 2021

The root of Dipsacus asperoides C. Y. Cheng et T. M. Ai is traditionally used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent to treat pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone fractures. However, neither its effects on osteoarthritis (OA) nor its effects on the arthritic cartilage tissue transcriptome have not been fully investigated. In this study, we used a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate- (MIA-) induced OA to investigate the therapeutic effects of a Dipsacus asperoides ethanolic extract (DAE, 200 mg/kg for 21 days). The study first assessed joint diameter, micro-CT scans, and histopathological analysis and then conducted gene expression profiling using RNA sequencing in articular cartilage tissue. We found that DAE treatment ameliorates OA disease phenotypes; it reduced the knee joint diameter and prevented changes in the structural and histological features of the joint, thereby showing that DAE has a protective effect against OA. Based on the results of gene expression profiling and subsequent pathway analysis, we found that several canonical pathways were linked to DAE treatment, including WNT/β-catenin signaling. Taken together, the present results suggest molecular mechanism, involving gene expression changes, by which DAE has a protective effect in a rat model of MIA-induced OA.
Mingmu Xiaomeng Tablets Restore Autophagy and Alleviate Diabetic Retinopathy by Inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling
Authors: Fang Yuwei , Shi Kangpei , Lu Haining , Lu Lin , Qiu Bo
Published: April 2021

Objective:To investigate the effect of Mingmu Xiaomeng tablets (MMXM) on the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-related proteins in a diabetic rat model.

Methods:Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control (NC), diabetic model (DM) control, MMXM, and calcium dobesilate (CD) Rats injected with streptozotocin (STZ) were used as an experimental diabetes model. After 14 weeks, autophagy and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway proteins were detected by western blot. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in Müller cells was examined by immunohistochemistry. Retinal function was evaluated with electroretinography, and retinal ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy. Serum cytokine levels were detected with protein chip technology.

Results:MMXM restored autophagy by decreasing the protein expression of LC3-II and p62 and reducing the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR, thus promoting autophagy. MMXM decreased GFAP expression in retinal Müller cells; restored electrophysiology indexes and retinal ultrastructures; and reduced serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor.

Conclusion:MMXM may protect the diabetic retina by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling and enhancing autophagy.
Toxic Mechanisms of Five Heavy Metals: Mercury, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, and Arsenic
Authors: Balali-Mood Mahdi , Naseri Kobra , Tahergorabi Zoya , Khazdair Mohammad Reza , Sadeghi Mahmood
Published: April 2021

The industrial activities of the last century have caused massive increases in human exposure to heavy metals. Mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic have been the most common heavy metals that induced human poisonings. Here, we reviewed the mechanistic action of these heavy metals according to the available animal and human studies. Acute or chronic poisonings may occur following exposure through water, air, and food. Bioaccumulation of these heavy metals leads to a diversity of toxic effects on a variety of body tissues and organs. Heavy metals disrupt cellular events including growth, proliferation, differentiation, damage-repairing processes, and apoptosis. Comparison of the mechanisms of action reveals similar pathways for these metals to induce toxicity including ROS generation, weakening of the antioxidant defense, enzyme inactivation, and oxidative stress. On the other hand, some of them have selective binding to specific macromolecules. The interaction of lead with aminolevulinic acid dehydratase and ferrochelatase is within this context. Reactions of other heavy metals with certain proteins were discussed as well. Some toxic metals including chromium, cadmium, and arsenic cause genomic instability. Defects in DNA repair following the induction of oxidative stress and DNA damage by the three metals have been considered as the cause of their carcinogenicity. Even with the current knowledge of hazards of heavy metals, the incidence of poisoning remains considerable and requires preventive and effective treatment. The application of chelation therapy for the management of metal poisoning could be another aspect of heavy metals to be reviewed in the future.
Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon): A Review of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Ekiert Halina , Świątkowska Joanna , Knut Ewa , Klin Paweł , Rzepiela Agnieszka , Tomczyk Michał , Szopa Agnieszka
Published: April 2021

Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon), Asteraceae, is a species that has long been used in traditional Asian medicine, mainly in Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and India. It is known as a spice species in Asia, Europe and the Americas. The raw materials obtained from this species are herb and leaf. The presence of essential oil with a highly variable composition, as well as flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins and alkamides, determines the medicinal and/or spice properties of the plant. In traditional Asian medicine, this species is used, for example, in the treatment of digestive system diseases, as an analgesic, hypnotic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agent, and as an effective remedy in the treatment of helminthiasis. Nowadays, A. dracunculus is the subject of professional phytochemical and pharmacological researches. Pharmacological studies have confirmed its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects known from traditional uses; they have also proved very important new findings regarding its biological activity, such as antioxidant, immunomodulating and anti-tumour activities, as well as hepatoprotective and hypoglycaemic effects. A. dracunculus has long-held an established position in the food industry as a spice. And its use is growing in the cosmetics industry. Moreover, it is the subject of biotechnological research focused mainly on the development of micro-propagation protocols.
Directional Coherent Wave Group From an Assimilated Non-linear Wavefield
Authors: Waseda Takuji , Watanabe Shogo , Fujimoto Wataru , Nose Takehiko , Kodaira Tsubasa , Chabchoub Amin
Published: April 2021

The presence of coherent wave groups in the ocean has been so far postulated but still lacks evidence other than the indication from the radar images. Here, we attempt to reconstruct a wave field to monitor the evolution of a directional wave group based on a phase resolving two-dimensional non-linear wave model constrained by the stereo images of the ocean surface. The reconstructed wave field of around 20 wavelength squared revealed a coherent wave group compact in both propagating and transverse directions. The envelope of the wave group seems to be oriented obliquely to the propagation direction, somewhat resembling the directional soliton that was theoretically predicted and experimentally and numerically reproduced recently. A comparison with a constrained linear wave model demonstrated the coherence of the non-linear wave group that propagates for tens of wavelengths. The study elaborates a possibility of a spatially coherent short crested wave group in the directional sea.
Protective Effect of SIRT1 Activator on the Knee With Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhou Zhenquan , Deng Zhenhan , Liu Yuwei , Zheng Yizi , Yang Shiwei , Lu Wei , Xiao Deming , Zhu Weimin
Published: April 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA), one of the most common chronic musculoskeletal disorders, is deemed to be correlated with aging. The SIRT1 activator, resveratrol, acts as a crucial regulator of aging and may have a potential therapeutic effect on OA. Rabbit OA models were established through destabilized medial meniscus surgery. A total of 40 healthy male New Zealand rabbits were divided into five groups: control group (sham operation), OA group, as well as low dose (LD), middle dose (MD), and high dose (HD) resveratrol-treated OA groups. 6 weeks after operation, 0.8 ml of normal saline was injected into the knee joints every other day in the control and OA groups, and 0.8 ml of 5, 10, and 15 μmol/L resveratrol was injected into the knee joints every other day in the LD, MD, and HD group, respectively. The rabbits were sacrificed 2 weeks after medication, and the articular cartilage of the knee joint was collected for Micro-CT, histology and Western blot analysis. Obvious articular cartilage lesion and joint space narrowing were detected in the OA group. Compared with the OA group, less osteoarthritic changes were observed in the MD and HD groups. The MD and HD groups had significantly lower bone volume fraction, trabecular number and Mankin scores than the LD and OA groups (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between the OA and LD groups (p > 0.05). The expressions of SIRT1 and p53 detected by western blot were consistent with the aforementioned findings. Therefore, resveratrol can activate the SIRT1 gene to play a protective role in the OA process by inhibiting chondrocyte apoptosis, trabecular bone number increasing of the subchondral bone, as well as elevation of bone density. It demonstrated the importance of SIRT1 in maintaining articular cartilage health and provided a promising therapeutic intervention in the treatment of OA.
Similar Pain Intensity Reductions and Trunk Strength Improvements Following Whole-Body Electromyostimulation vs. Whole-Body Vibration vs. Conventional Back-Strengthening Training in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain Patients: A Three-Armed Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Micke Florian , Weissenfels Anja , Wirtz Nicolas , von Stengel Simon , Dörmann Ulrike , Kohl Matthias , Kleinöder Heinz , Donath Lars , Kemmler Wolfgang
Published: April 2021

The aim of this multicenter trial was to compare the effects of whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) and whole-body vibration (WBV) with conventional back-strengthening training (CT) on changes in mean back pain intensity (MPI) and trunk strength in patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). Two-hundred and forty CNLBP patients (40–70 years; 62% female) were randomly assigned to three intervention arms (WB-EMS: n = 80 vs. WBV: n = 80 vs. CT: n = 80). All training intervention programs were performed for 12 weeks in their usual commercial training setting. Before and during the last 4 weeks of the intervention, MPI was recorded using a 4-week pain diary. Additionally, maximal isometric trunk extension and -flexion strength was assessed on the BackCheck® machine. A moderate but significant decrease of MPI was observed in all groups (WB-EMS: 29.7 ± 39.1% (SMD 0.50) vs. WBV: 30.3 ± 39.3% (SMD 0.57) vs. CT: 30.5 ± 39.6% (SMD 0.59); p < 0.001). Similar findings were observed for maximal isometric strength parameters with a significant increase in all groups (extension: WB-EMS: 17.1 ± 25.5% vs. WBV: 16.2 ± 23.6% vs. CT: 21.6 ± 27.5%; p < 0.001; flexion: WB-EMS: 13.3 ± 25.6% vs. WBV: 13.9 ± 24.0% vs. CT: 13.9 ± 25.4%; p < 0.001). No significant interaction effects for MPI (p = 0.920) and strength parameters (extension: p = 0.436; flexion: p = 0.937) were observed. WB-EMS, WBV, and CT are comparably effective in improving MPI and trunk strength. However, training volume of WB-EMS was 43 or 62% lower, compared with CT and WBV.
Shedding Light on the Dynamic Role of the “Target of Rapamycin” Kinase in the Fast-Growing C4 Species Setaria viridis, a Suitable Model for Biomass Crops
Authors: da Silva Viviane Cristina Heinzen , Martins Marina C. M. , Calderan-Rodrigues Maria Juliana , Artins Anthony , Monte Bello Carolina Cassano , Gupta Saurabh , Sobreira Tiago J. P. , Riaño-Pachón Diego Mauricio , Mafra Valéria , Caldana Camila
Published: April 2021

The Target of Rapamycin (TOR) kinase pathway integrates energy and nutrient availability into metabolism promoting growth in eukaryotes. The overall higher efficiency on nutrient use translated into faster growth rates in C4grass plants led to the investigation of differential transcriptional and metabolic responses to short-term chemical TOR complex (TORC) suppression in the modelSetaria viridis. In addition to previously described responses to TORC inhibition (i.e., general growth arrest, translational repression, and primary metabolism reprogramming) inArabidopsis thaliana(C3), the magnitude of changes was smaller inS. viridis, particularly regarding nutrient use efficiency and C allocation and partitioning that promote biosynthetic growth. Besides photosynthetic differences,S. viridisandA. thalianapresent several specificities that classify them into distinct lineages, which also contribute to the observed alterations mediated by TOR. Indeed, cell wall metabolism seems to be distinctly regulated according to each cell wall type, as synthesis of non-pectic polysaccharides were affected inS. viridis, whilst assembly and structure inA. thaliana.Our results indicate that the metabolic network needed to achieve faster growth seems to be less stringently controlled by TORC inS. viridis.
Changes of Aboveground and Belowground Biomass Allocation in Four Dominant Grassland Species Across a Precipitation Gradient
Authors: Liu Yongjie , Xu Mingjie , Li Guoe , Wang Mingxia , Li Zhenqing , De Boeck Hans J.
Published: April 2021

Climate change is predicted to affect plant growth, but also the allocation of biomass to aboveground and belowground plant parts. To date, studies have mostly focused on aboveground biomass, while belowground biomass and allocation patterns have received less attention. We investigated changes in biomass allocation along a controlled gradient of precipitation in an experiment with four plant species (Leymus chinensis, Stipa grandis, Artemisia frigida, and Potentilla acaulis) dominant in Inner Mongolia steppe. Results showed that aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and total biomass all increased with increasing growing season precipitation, as expected in this water-limited ecosystem. Biomass allocation patterns also changed along the precipitation gradient, but significant variation between species was apparent. Specifically, the belowground biomass: aboveground biomass ratio (i.e., B:A ratio) of S. grandis was not impacted by precipitation amount, while B:A ratios of the other three species changed in different ways along the gradient. Some of these differences in allocation strategies may be related to morphological differences, specifically, the presence of rhizomes or stolons, though no consistent patterns emerged. Isometric partitioning, i.e., constant allocation of biomass aboveground and belowground, seemed to occur for one species (S. grandis), but not for the three rhizome or stolon-forming ones. Indeed, for these species, the slope of the allometric regression between log-transformed belowground biomass and log-transformed aboveground biomass significantly differed from 1.0 and B:A ratios changed along the precipitation gradient. As changes in biomass allocation can affect ecosystem functioning and services, our results can be used as a basis for further studies into allocation patterns, especially in a context of environmental change.
Preschoolers' Helping Motivations: Altruistic, Egoistic or Diverse?
Authors: Hao Jian , Du Xu
Published: April 2021

Based on Eisenberg et al.'s model of prosocial motivations, the present study examined what motivates preschoolers to display instrumental helping and how various motivations develop during the preschool years. The participants were 477 preschoolers aged 3–5 years assigned to one of five groups. In each experimental group, the experimenter emphasized an altruistic or egoistic helping motivation, namely, empathic concern, moral rules, praise or rewards. In the control group, no helping motivations were emphasized. Their instrumental helping was then measured by sorting cards for a sick child to play a game. The results show that each helping motivation had a positive effect on instrumental helping. Most of the motivational effects were similar across age, but the motivational effect of empathic concern increased obviously at the age of 5 years. Therefore, the present study reveals that both altruistic and egoistic motivations motivate preschoolers to help others. Most of the motivations develop steadily during the preschool years, but empathic concern as an altruistic motivation increases greatly at the end of the preschool years. The present study thus confirms the diversity of preschoolers' helping motivations with Eisenberg et al.'s model of prosocial motivations.
Addressing the COVID-19 Mental Health Crisis: A Perspective on Using Interdisciplinary Universal Interventions
Authors: Przybylko Geraldine , Morton Darren Peter , Renfrew Melanie Elise
Published: April 2021

Mental health is reaching a crisis point due to the ramifications of COVID-19. In an attempt to curb the spread of the virus and circumvent health systems from being overwhelmed, governments have imposed regulations such as lockdown restrictions and home confinement. These restrictions, while effective for infection control, have contributed to poorer lifestyle behaviors. Currently, Positive Psychology and Lifestyle Medicine are two distinct but complimentary disciplines that offer an array of evidence-based approaches for promoting mental health and well-being across a universal population. However, these strategies for improving mental health are typically used in isolation. This perspective calls for a new paradigm shift to create and rollout well-designed interdisciplinary universal multicomponent mental health interventions that integrates the benefits of both disciplines, and uses innovative digital mental health solutions to achieve scalability and accessibility within the limitations and beyond the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions.
Evaluating the Clinical Impact of National Dementia Behaviour Support Programs on Neuropsychiatric Outcomes in Australia
Authors: Macfarlane Stephen , Atee Mustafa , Morris Thomas , Whiting Daniel , Healy Madeleine , Alford Marie , Cunningham Colm
Published: April 2021

Background/Objective: People living with dementia (PLWD) in residential aged care homes (RACHs) are frequently prescribed psychotropic medications due to the high prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms, also known as behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). However, the gold standard to support BPSD is using psychosocial/non-pharmacological therapies. This study aims to describe and evaluate services and neuropsychiatric outcomes associated with the provision of psychosocial person-centred care interventions delivered by national multidisciplinary dementia-specific behaviour support programs.

Methods: A 2-year retrospective pre-post study with a single-arm analysis was conducted on BPSD referrals received from Australian RACHs to the two Dementia Support Australia (DSA) programs, the Dementia Behaviour Management Advisory Service (DBMAS) and the Severe Behaviour Response Teams (SBRT). Neuropsychiatric outcomes were measured using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) total scores and total distress scores. The questionnaire version “NPI-Q” was administered for DBMAS referrals whereas the nursing home version “NPI-NH” was administered for SBRT referrals. Linear mixed effects models were used for analysis, with time, baseline score, age, sex, and case length as predictors. Clinical significance was measured using Cohen's effect size (d; ≥0.3), the mean change score (MCS; 3 points for the NPI-Q and 4 points for the NPI-NH) and the mean percent change (MPC; ≥30%) in NPI parameters.

Results: A total of 5,914 referrals (55.9% female, age 82.3 ± 8.6 y) from 1,996 RACHs were eligible for analysis. The most common types of dementia were Alzheimer's disease (37.4%) and vascular dementia (11.7%). The average case length in DSA programs was 57.2 ± 26.3 days. The NPI scores were significantly reduced as a result of DSA programs, independent of covariates. There were significant reductions in total NPI scores as a result of the DBMAS (61.4%) and SBRT (74.3%) programs. For NPI distress scores, there were 66.5% and 69.1% reductions from baseline for the DBMAS and SBRT programs, respectively. All metrics (d, MCS, MPC) were above the threshold set for determining a clinically significant effect.

Conclusions: Multimodal psychosocial interventions delivered by DSA programs are clinically effective as demonstrated by positive referral outcomes, such as improved BPSD and related caregiver distress.
Medical Students' Voluntary Service During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland
Authors: Domaradzki Jan , Walkowiak Dariusz
Published: April 2021

From the very first moment coronavirus struck, medical students volunteered to support healthcare professionals' fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. To learn more about future healthcare professionals' volunteering during such an outbreak, we conducted a survey among 417 students of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Our findings suggest that although numerous studies demonstrate that traditional, value-based volunteering is decreasing, and especially higher education students are more oriented toward their own career, in the times of the current health crisis, young peoples' involvement in volunteering has been mainly driven by altruism and the ethical imperative to serve their community, their fellow healthcare professionals and their patients. Thus, while the prime role of the volunteering was to relieve the healthcare system, it also reinforced such important medical values as altruism, public service and professional solidarity. Moreover, it proved that whilst risk is inherent to medicine, the students' volunteering is truly a moral enterprise.
“Mombrain and Sticky DNA”: The Impacts of Neurobiological and Epigenetic Framings of Motherhood on Women's Subjectivities
Authors: Norrmén-Smith Ingrid Olivia , Gómez-Carrillo Ana , Choudhury Suparna
Published: April 2021

The fields of epigenetics and neuroscience have come to occupy a significant place in individual and public life in biomedicalized societies. Social scientists have argued that the primacy and popularization of the “neuro” has begun to shape how patients and other lay people experience themselves and their lifeworlds in increasingly neurological and genetic terms. Pregnant women and new mothers have become an important new target for cutting edge neuroscientific and epigenetic research, with the Internet constituting a highly active space for engagement with knowledge translations. In this paper, we analyze the reception by women in North America of translations of nascent epigenetic and neuroscientific research. We conducted three focus groups with pregnant women and new mothers. The study was informed by a prior scoping investigation of online content. Our focus group findings record how engagement with translations of epigenetic and neuroscientific research impact women's perinatal experience, wellbeing, and self-construal. Three themes emerged in our analysis: (1) A kind of brain; (2) The looping effects of biomedical narratives; (3) Imprints of past experience and the management of the future. This data reveals how mothers engage with the neurobiological style-of-thought increasingly characteristic of public health and popular science messaging around pregnancy and motherhood. Through the molecularization of pregnancy and child development, a typical passage of life becomes saturated with “susceptibility,” “risk,” and the imperative to preemptively make “healthy' choices.” This, in turn, redefines and shapes the experience of what it is to be a “good,” “healthy,” or “responsible” mother/to-be.
High-Resolution Infrared Spectroscopy of DC3N in the Stretching Region
Authors: Jiang Ningjing , Melosso Mattia , Tamassia Filippo , Bizzocchi Luca , Dore Luca , Canè Elisabetta , Fedele Davide , Guillemin Jean-Claude , Puzzarini Cristina
Published: April 2021

The perspectives opened by modern ground-based infrared facilities and the forthcoming James Webb Telescope mission have brought a great attention to the ro-vibrational spectra of simple interstellar molecules. In this view, and because of the lack of accurate spectroscopic data, we have investigated the infrared spectrum of deuterated cyanoacetylene (DC3N), a relevant astrochemical species. The ν1, ν2, and ν3 fundamentals as well as their hot-bands were observed in the stretching region (1,500–3,500 cm−1) by means of a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. Supplementary measurements were performed at millimeter-wavelengths (243–295 GHz) with a frequency-modulation spectrometer equipped with a furnace, that allowed to probe pure rotational transitions in the investigated stretching states. Furthermore, since HC3N is observed as by-product in our spectra and suffers from the same deficiency of accurate infrared data, its ro-vibrational features have been analyzed as well. The combined analysis of both rotational and ro-vibrational data allowed us to determine precise spectroscopic constants that can be used to model the infrared spectra of DC3N and HC3N. The importance of accurate molecular data for the correct modeling of proto-planetary disks and exoplanetary atmospheres is then discussed.
Studying Force Patterns in an Alpine Ski Boot and Their Relation to Riding Styles and Falling Mechanisms
Authors: Nimmervoll Florian , Çakmak Umut , Reiter Martin
Published: April 2021

In skiing, performance and safety can depend on small details. Consequently, the measurement of forces within the ski boots, which represent the essential form-fitting and force transmitting interface during skiing, will lead to enhanced performance and more importantly safety. This study presents a methodology to measure force patterns (continuous data acquisition) under laboratory as well as realistic slope conditions. The force measurements will be analyzed to gain insights of the skiing style, skiing technique, specific falling mechanisms (i.e., boot induced anterior drawer, phantom foot, hyperextension of the knee joint, and valgus-external rotation). Furthermore, the locations of force sensors in a overlap designed ski boot are discussed in terms of practicability and applicability. These insights are of particular interest to derive release conditions for predictive binding systems and furthermore provide data to improve the style of skiing (e.g., turn release action or center of gravity behavior). For that purpose, a ski boot was instrumented with seven force (piezoresistive) sensors while the basic structure of the boot and the binding remained unchanged. Three sensors were placed on the insole to measure ground reaction forces as well as the contact forces between the skier's foot and the boot. The other four sensors were positioned at spoiler/shaft and toecap (front sole) regions of the ski boot. The locations of the force sensors within the ski-boot are defined with regard to the main body movement while skiing (body-related planes). In addition, a commercially available ski and body mount measuring system were utilized to correlate speed, inclination and body position with the force patterns occurring during skiing on the slope as well as simulating specific body positions on an inclined ramp under laboratory conditions. The measured force revealed that the toecap (upper) sensors provide insufficient even non-conclusive data to deduce significant patterns. However, the insole sensors (heel and front sole area) as well as the spoiler/shaft (back) sensors are more reliable and show characteristic patterns indicating forward or backward lean. These results will have an important impact to the development of predictiveelectro-mechanical bindings to prevent knee-related injuries, which, from a statistical point of view, concerns largely women and young athletes.
Different Trends in Excess Mortality in a Central European Country Compared to Main European Regions in the Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): a Hungarian Analysis
Authors: Bogos Krisztina , Kiss Zoltan , Kerpel Fronius Anna , Temesi Gabriella , Elek Jenő , Madurka Ildikó , Cselkó Zsuzsanna , Csányi Péter , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Rokszin György , Barcza Zsófia , Moldvay Judit
Published: April 2021

Objective:This study examined cumulative excess mortality in European countries in the year of the Covid-19 pandemic and characterized the dynamics of the pandemic in different countries, focusing on Hungary and the Central and Eastern European region.

Methods:Age-standardized cumulative excess mortality was calculated based on weekly mortality data from the EUROSTAT database, and was compared between 2020 and the 2016–2019 reference period in European countries.

Results:Cumulate weekly excess mortality in Hungary was in the negative range until week 44. By week 52, it reached 9,998 excess deaths, corresponding to 7.73% cumulative excess mortality vs. 2016–2019 (p-value = 0.030 vs. 2016–2019). In Q1, only Spain and Italy reported excess mortality compared to the reference period. Significant increases in excess mortality were detected between weeks 13 and 26 in Spain, United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherland and Sweden. Romania and Portugal showed the largest increases in age-standardized cumulative excess mortality in the Q3. The majority of Central and Eastern European countries experienced an outstandingly high impact of the pandemic in Q4 in terms of excess deaths. Hungary ranked 11th in cumulative excess mortality based on the latest available data of from the EUROSTAT database.

Conclusion:Hungary experienced a mortality deficit in the first half of 2020 compared to previous years, which was followed by an increase in mortality during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, reaching 7.7% cumulative excess mortality by the end of 2020. The excess was lower than in neighboring countries with similar dynamics of the pandemic.
How Much Reliable Is the Current Belief on Grade Group 1 Prostate Cancer?
Authors: Chung Mun Su , Choi Yeong Jin , Lee Young Sub , Yoon Byung Il , Ha U-Syn
Published: April 2021

Objective: To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of grade group 1 (GG1) prostate cancer in Korean populations.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 492 consecutive radical prostatectomy specimens from our institution, which included those from 322 men with clinical GG1 and 170 with clinical GG2 tumors between years 2009 and 2018. The incidence of Gleason score (GS) upgrading, extraprostatic extension (EPE), and seminal vesicle invasion (SVI) were evaluated in patients with clinical GG1. In pathological GG1 cases, the distribution of adverse pathological features including EPE, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI), and biochemical recurrence (BCR) was analyzed.

Results: Altogether, 78 (24.2%) out of 322 men in the clinical GG1 group demonstrated upgrading of GS, including 19 men with pathological Gleason score 4 + 3 = 7 and 6 with ≥ pathological Gleason score 4 + 4 = 8 cases. EPE was found in 37 (11.5%) and 22 (8.9%) men in clinical GG1 and pathological GG1 group, respectively. The incidence of LVI and PNI in the pathological GG1 cases was 2.8% (n = 7) and 28.6% (n = 71), respectively. BCR was observed in 4 men in pathological GG1 T2 (n = 226) and 2 men in GG1 T3 (n = 22) group. When we compared the pathological features between pathological GG1 T3 vs. GG2 T2, there was no statistical differences in the incidence of LVI and PNI between the two groups.

Conclusions: Contrary to the current concept that GG1 is almost always clinically insignificant, it seems that GG1 still possess its respectable position as a group of cancer with aggressiveness. These findings should be kept in mind when deciding on treatment options for prostate cancer patients in the Asian populations.
Biostimulants Managed Fungal Phytopathogens and Enhanced Activity of Beneficial Microorganisms in Rhizosphere of Scorzonera (Scorzonera hispanica L.)
Authors: Patkowska Elżbieta
Published: April 2021

The principles of good agricultural and horticultural practice, considering both environmental protection and high yielding of plants, require modern cultivation methods. In modern agriculture, it is possible to use biostimulants that protect the soil against degradation and plants against phytopathogens and stress. The purpose of 3-year field and laboratory studies was to determine the effect of Trichoderma harzianum T-22 and other biostimulants on the health status of scorzonera (Scorzonera hispanica L.) plants and microorganism populations in the rhizosphere of this plant. For this purpose, Biosept Active (a.s.—grapefruit extract), Timorex Gold 24 EC (based on tea tree oil), Trianum P (spores of Trichoderma harzianum Rifai T-22) and Zaprawa Nasienna T 75 DS/WS fungicide (a.s.—tiuram) were applied for the pre-sowing seed dressing of scorzonera cv. “Duplex”. The number of seedlings and the health status of scorzonera plants were determined during three growing seasons. In each year of the study, mycological analysis of seedling roots and roots after scorzonera harvest was conducted to establish the quantitative and qualitative composition of fungi colonizing these parts. Moreover, microbiological analyses of scorzonera rhzisphere soil were conducted and served as the basis to determine the total population of fungi and bacteria (including Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp.). Antagonistic activity of rhizosphere bacteria Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and fungi was determined based on laboratory tests on selected scorzonera soil-borne fungal pathogens (Alternaria scorzonerae, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani). The experiments showed that Trianum P most effectively protected the roots of scorzonera against infection by Alternaria alternata, A. scorzonerae, Neocosmospora solani, Fusarium spp., Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Botrytis cinerea. The rhizosphere population of Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. in the treatments with Trianum P or Zaprawa Nasienna T 75 DS/WS was larger than in the other experimental treatments. A reverse relationship was observed in the population of rhizosphere fungi. The application of grapefruit extract, tea tree oil and Trichoderma harzianum T-22 increased antagonistic activity of Pseudomonas sp., Bacillus sp. and selected saprotrophic fungi against soil-borne fungal pathogens, especially Alternaria sp., Rhizoctonia sp., and Fusarium sp. In summary, Biosept Active, Timorex Gold 24 EC and Trianum P can be recommended as plant biostimulants in Scorzonera hispanica cultivation.