bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HALP score and GNRI: Simple and easily accessible indexes for predicting prognosis in advanced stage NSCLC patients. The İzmir oncology group (IZOG) study
Authors: Güç Zeynep Gülsüm , Alacacıoğlu Ahmet , Kalender Mehmet Eren , Oflazoğlu Utku , Ünal Sinan , Yıldız Yaşar , Salman Tarık , Küçükzeybek Yüksel , Tarhan Mustafa Oktay
Published: August 2022

Objective

The Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) Score and the Geriatric Nutrition Risk Index (GNRI) are used as prognostic factors in different types of cancers. In this study we analyzed the prognostic value of the HALP Score and the GNRI calculated prior to first-line treatment in patients diagnosed with de novo metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC).

Materials and methods

De novo mNSCLC patients were retrospectively evaluated from January 2016 to December 2019. Patients with Driver’s mutation, severe comorbidities, active infection, or insufficient organ function, and those receiving anti-inflammatory treatment were excluded from the study. Optimal cut-off points for the HALP score and the GNRI were calculated with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Predictive factors for overall survival (OS) were assessed with univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses, and OS was studied with the Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

The study included 401 patients in total. In the ROC curve analysis, the cut-off points were found 23.24 (AUC = 0.928; 95% CI: 0.901–0.955, p < 0.001) for HALP, and 53.60 (AUC = 0.932; 95% CI: 0.908–0.955, p < 0.001) for GNRI. Groups with lower HALP scores and lower GNRI had significantly shorter OS compared to those with higher HALP scores and GNRIs. Univariate analysis showed that male gender, smoking, high ECOG score, low HALP score and low GNRI were associated with worse survival rates. Multivariate analysis showed that low HALP score (HR = 2.988, 95% CI: 2.065–4.324, p < 0.001); low GNRI score (HR = 2.901, 95% CI: 2.045–4.114, p < 0.001) and smoking history (HR = 1.447, 95% CI: 1.046–2.001, p = 0.025) were independent factors associated with worse OS rates.

Conclusion

Our study showed the HALP score and the GNRI to be of prognostic value as simple, cost-effective, and useful markers that predict OS in de novo mNSCLC patients.
Comprehensive analysis of m6A circRNAs identified in colorectal cancer by MeRIP sequencing
Authors: He Feng , Guo Qin , Jiang Guo-xiu , Zhou Yan
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To characterize the entire profile of m6A modifications and differential expression patterns for circRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods

First, High-throughput MeRIP-sequencing and RNA-sequencing was used to determine the difference in m6A methylome and expression of circRNA between CRC tissues and tumor-adjacent normal control (NC) tissues. Then, GO and KEGG analysis detected pathways involved in differentially methylated and differentially expressed circRNAs (DEGs). The correlations between m6A status and expression level were calculated using a Pearson correlation analysis. Next, the networks of circRNA-miRNA-mRNA were visualized using the Target Scan and miRanda software. Finally, We describe the relationship of distance between the m6A peak and internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and protein coding potential of circRNAs.

Results

A total of 4340 m6A peaks of circRNAs in CRC tissue and 3216 m6A peaks of circRNAs in NC tissues were detected. A total of 2561 m6A circRNAs in CRC tissues and 2129 m6A circRNAs in NC tissues were detected. Pathway analysis detected that differentially methylated and expressed circRNAs were closely related to cancer. The conjoint analysis of MeRIP-seq and RNA-seq data discovered 30 circRNAs with differentially m6A methylated and synchronously differential expression. RT-qPCR showned circRNAs (has_circ_0032821, has_circ_0019079, has_circ_0093688) were upregulated and circRNAs (hsa_circ_0026782, hsa_circ_0108457) were downregulated in CRC. In the ceRNA network, the 10 hyper-up circRNAs were shown to be associated with 19 miRNAs and regulate 16 mRNAs, 14 hypo-down circRNAs were associated with 30 miRNAs and regulated 27 mRNAs. There was no significant correlation between the level of m6A and the expression of circRNAs. The distance between the m6A peak and IRES was not significantly related to the protein coding potential of circRNAs.

Conclusion

Our study found that there were significant differences in the m6A methylation patterns of circRNAs between CRC and NC tissues. M6A methylation may affect circRNA-miRNA-mRNA co-expression in CRC and further affect the regulation of cancer-related target genes.
Rapid response to monotherapy with MEK inhibitor trametinib for a lung adenocarcinoma patient harboring primary SDN1-BRAF fusion: A case report and literature review
Authors: Yu Yang , Yu Min , Li Yanying , Zhou Xiaojuan , Tian Tian , Du Yijia , Tu Zegui , Huang Meijuan
Published: August 2022

BRAF gene has been identified as an oncogenic driver and a potential target in various malignancies. BRAF fusions are one subtype of BRAF alterations with a rare frequency. Here, we first report a previously treated advanced lung adenocarcinoma patient with de novo SND1-BRAF fusion who achieves partial response to the MAK inhibitor trametinib. We also provide a literature review on targeted therapies for BRAF fusions.
The Texas collaborative center for hepatocellular cancer: Reducing liver cancer mortality in Texas through coordination, collaboration and advocacy
Authors: Harrison Ariel C. , Kanwal Fasiha , Asrani Sumeet K. , Thrift Aaron P. , Amos Chris I. , Jibaja-Weiss Maria L. , Montealegre Jane R. , Hwang Jessica P. , Singal Amit G. , El-Serag Hashem B.
Published: August 2022

Texas has the highest age-adjusted incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the United States. To address cancer prevention and early detection through research, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) has funded the Texas Collaborative Center for Hepatocellular Cancer (TeCH) to facilitate liver cancer research, education and advocacy activities. This paper describes the organizational structure, program measures, the actions completed and future plans of TeCH. This center is comprised of several cores and committees including the Administrative Core, Steering Committee, Data and Biospecimen Core, Scientific Committee, Clinical Network Committee, and the Community Outreach Committee. Each core and committee provide its own level of connectivity and necessary research support. We have developed and published a TeCH Framework, a conceptual model designed for improving primary and secondary prevention of HCC. TeCH and its committees facilitate connections and collaborations among HCC researchers and clinicians, healthcare leaders, biotechnology companies and the public to reduce liver cancer mortality in Texas by 2030.
Promoting successful participation of people living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in pain-related neuroimaging research studies
Authors: Iversen Wm. Larkin , Monroe Todd B. , Atalla Sebastian , Anderson Alison R. , Cowan Ronald L. , Wright Kathy D. , Failla Michelle D. , Moss Karen O.
Published: August 2022

Recruitment and retention of participants for pain-related neuroimaging research is challenging and becomes increasingly so when research participants have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). This article shares the authors' recommendations from several years of successful recruitment and completion of pain-related neuroimaging studies of people living with ADRD and includes supportive literature. While not an exhaustive list, this review covers several topics related to recruitment and retention of participants living with ADRD, including community engagement, capacity to consent, dementia diagnostic criteria, pain medication and other study exclusion criteria, participant and caregiver burden, communication concerns, and relationships with neuroimaging facilities. Threaded throughout the paper are important cultural considerations. Additionally, we discuss implications of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic for recruitment. Once tailored to specific research study protocols, these proven strategies may assist researchers with successfully recruiting and retaining participants living with ADRD for pain-related neuroimaging research studies toward improving overall health outcomes.
The etiology and clinical features of non-CAH primary adrenal insufficiency in children
Authors: Liu Ziqin , Liu Yi , Gao Kang , Chen Xiaobo
Published: August 2022

Background

The most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) in children is congenital adrenal hyperplasia; however, other genetic causes occur. There is limited epidemiological and clinical information regarding non-CAH PAI.

Methods

Data for patients diagnosed from January 2015 to December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in northern China were retrospectively analyzed. We excluded those with CAH, which is the most common pathogenic disease among PAI patients. Next-generation sequencing was used for genetic analysis.

Results

This retrospective study included 16 children (14 males and 2 females) with PAI. A genetic diagnosis was obtained for 14/16 (87.5%) individuals. Pathogenic variants occurred in 6 genes, including ABCD1 (6/16, 37.5%), NR0B1 (4/16, 25.0%), NR5A1/steroidogenic factor-1 (2/16; 12.5%), AAAS (1/16, 6.25%), and NNT (1/16, 6.25%). No genetic cause of PAI diagnosis was found in 2 girls (2/16, 12.5%).

Conclusions

Causes of PAI in children are diverse and predominantly affect males. Most PAI in children is congenital, and ABCD1 gene defects account for the largest proportion of PAI cases. Whole-exome sequencing is a tool for diagnosis. However, diagnoses are unclear in some cases.
Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha agent therapy, compared with conventional therapy, reduces the relapse of uveitis in patients with behçet’s disease: A systematic review of controlled trials
Authors: Zhou Xinwei , Shi Xianghui , Ren Yanxia , Yan Tingting , Ye Qiao
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Anti-tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents are often used for Behçet’s disease (BD) in clinical practice, but they have not been validated by a high level of evidence. We systematically reviewed published controlled trials to investigate the efficacy and safety of anti-TNF-α therapy and summarize the efficacy of anti-TNF-α therapy relative to the available therapeutic options.

Methods: A systematic database search was conducted (PubMed, Embase and Cochrane) using specific search terms. All controlled studies of anti-TNF-α treatment of BD patients prior to December 2021 were included. Single-arm studies were excluded. The decision of whether to incorporate data into the meta-analysis or summarize the data by qualitative synthesis was based on the results of the literature screening.

Results: Of 4389 screened studies, 13 (total 778 patients) were included in accordance with our retrieval strategy, comprising 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 prospective study, 10 retrospective studies, and 1 multicentre open-label study. Ten studies (76.9%) involved Behçet’s uveitis (BU), 1 involved intestinal BD, and the other studies had undefined subtypes. Subgroup reviews were conducted according to the control drug. Four studies involving 167 participants reported relapse rates. Meta-analysis of three of these studies demonstrated that, compared with traditional immunosuppressant (TIS) therapy, anti-TNF-α therapy reduced the relapse rates in patients with BU. In targeted drug comparison studies, the efficacy appeared to be similar between the anti-TNF-α agent and interferon in BU patients. The rates of adverse events were comparable between a variety of different therapeutic controls. Serious adverse events were not observed in 53.8% (7/13) of the studies.

Conclusions: Compared with TIS therapy, anti-TNF-a therapy reduces the relapse of uveitis in patients with BD. However, the evidence regarding anti-TNF-α therapy is very limited for the full spectrum of BD subtypes, which calls for caution.
Astragaloside IV attenuates ferroptosis after subarachnoid hemorrhage via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Zhuanghua , Zhou Zhaopeng , Ai Pu , Zhang Chunlei , Chen Junhui , Wang Yuhai
Published: August 2022

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe type of stroke featuring exceptionally high rate of morbidity and mortality due to the lack of effective management. Ferroptosis can be defined as a novel iron-dependent programmed cell death in contrast to classical apoptosis and necrosis. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is an active ingredient extracted from Astragalus membranaceus with established therapeutic effect on CNS diseases. However, the exact role of ferroptosis in Astragaloside IV-mediated neuroprotection after SAH is yet to be demonstrated. In the present study, the SAH model of SD male rats with endovascular perforation was used to gauge the neuroprotective effect of AS-IV on SAH-induced early brain injury (EBI) and to clarify the potential molecular mechanism. We found that the induction of SAH reduced the levels of SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in the brain, exacerbated iron accumulation, enhanced lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and stimulated neuronal ferroptosis. However, the administration of AS-IV and the ferroptosis inhibitor Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) enhanced the antioxidant capacity after SAH and suppressed the accumulation of lipid peroxides. Meanwhile, AS-IV triggered Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and alleviated ferroptosis due to the induction of SAH. The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 blocked the beneficial effects of neuroprotection. These results consistently suggest that ferroptosis is profoundly implicated in facilitating EBI in SAH, and that AS-IV thwarts the process of ferroptosis in SAH by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Acacia sieberiana (Fabaceae) attenuates paracetamol and Bile Duct Ligation-Induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers
Authors: Watafua Miriam , Ejiofor Jane I. , Musa Aminu , Ahmad Mubarak Hussaini
Published: August 2022

Background: The plant Acacia sieberiana (Fabaceae) is traditionally used to manage hepatitis. This research work aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effectiveness of root bark extract of Acacia sieberiana (ASE) against paracetamol (PCM) and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced hepatotoxicity. The phytochemical and median lethal dose (LD50) investigations were conducted. The rats were pre-treated with the ASE (250, 750, and 1,500 mg/kg) once daily via oral route for 7 consecutive days. On the 8th day, liver injury was initiated by PCM administration (2 g/kg). Similarly, in the BDL-induced liver injury, the animals were administered ASE (125, 250, and 380 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 7 consecutive days. After 24 h, blood samples and hepatic tissues were obtained for biochemical and histopathological investigations.

Results: Phytocomponents determination revealed glycosides, triterpenes, glycosides, saponins, tannins, flavonoids and alkaloids. The oral and intraperitoneal LD50 values of the ASE were >5,000 and 1,300 mg/kg, respectively. The ASE efficiently (p < 0.05) decreased the alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels and elevated the albumin and total protein (TP) levels. The direct bilirubin effectively (p < 0.05) decreased at 750 mg/kg. Besides, the extract efficiently elevated the glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in relation to the PCM hepatotoxic group. Also, the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was reduced by the ASE. Meanwhile, in the BDL–induced liver injury, the ASE remarkably (p < 0.05) declined the AST, ALP, bilirubin,and MDA. Besides, there was effective (p < 0.05) elevation in SOD, GPx and CAT in the ASE-treated groups. The morphology of liver tissue was preserved at 125 and 250 mg/kg ASE groups from BDL-induced necrosis and vascular congestion.

Conclusion: The study shows that the ASE has hepatoprotective actions against liver damage by possible modulation of biochemical and oxidative stress biomarkers.
Apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptides (ApoAI MP) improve oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in Parkinson’s disease mice
Authors: Jiang Hongfang , Bai Xue
Published: August 2022

Purpose: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is closely associated with oxidative stress and inflammatory situation. Apolipoprotein A-I mimetic peptides (ApoAI MP) have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to study the therapeutic effect of ApoAI MP on PD mice, and to explore the related mechanisms.

Methods: PD mice were induced by using 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrathydropyridine (MPTP). The model mice were treated with different concentrations of ApoAI MP. The open-field behavioral test assesses the total distance moved, the rest time, and the number of crossings and Rota-rod was used to evaluate motor coordination. Oxidative stress was identified by measuring the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathionperoxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde, ROS and H2O2. Inflammatory situation was analyzed by measuring the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Meanwhile, the scavenging activities of ApoAI MP for ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion, and the effects of the peptide on neurotransmitters were evaluated.

Results: PD model establishment increased oxidative stress and inflammatory status by increasing the concentrations of ROS and H2O2 production, and the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (p < 0.05). ApoAI MP intervention improved PD symptoms by reducing the total moved distance and the number of passes (p < 0.01), and the falling times from Rota-rod, and increasing rest time (p < 0.05). ApoAI MP increased antioxidant properties by increasing the activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px, and reducing MDA concentration (p < 0.05). ApoAI MP addition reduced oxidative stress by scavenging ABTS, DPPH, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anion and reducing the concentrations of ROS and H2O2 production (p < 0.05). ApoAI MP treatment increased anti-inflammatory capacities by reducing the concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 (p < 0.05). HPLC analysis showed that the peptide treatment improved neurotransmitters.

Conclusion: ApoAI MP can improve the behavioral performance of PD mice by improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities.
Drug-loaded PEG-PLGA nanoparticles for cancer treatment
Authors: Zhang Dan , Liu Lin , Wang Jian , Zhang Hong , Zhang Zhuo , Xing Gang , Wang Xuan , Liu Minghua
Published: August 2022

Nanoparticles based on single-component synthetic polymers, such as poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), have been extensively studied for antitumor drug delivery and adjuvant therapy due to their ability to encapsulate and release drugs, as well as passively target tumors. Amphiphilic block co-polymers, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)-PLGA, have also been used to prepare multifunctional nanodrug delivery systems with prolonged circulation time and greater bioavailability that can encapsulate a wider variety of drugs, including small molecules, gene-targeting drugs, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and multi-target enzyme inhibitors, enhancing their antitumor effect and safety. In addition, the surface of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles has been modified with various ligands to achieve active targeting and selective accumulation of antitumor drugs in tumor cells. Modification with two ligands has also been applied with good antitumor effects, while the use of imaging agents and pH-responsive or magnetic materials has paved the way for the application of such nanoparticles in clinical diagnosis. In this work, we provide an overview of the synthesis and application of PEG-PLGA nanoparticles in cancer treatment and we discuss the recent advances in ligand modification for active tumor targeting.
Generation of counterpropagating and spectrally uncorrelated photon-pair states by spontaneous four-wave mixing in photonic crystal waveguides
Authors: Saravi Sina , Zhang Yu , Chen Xiao , Afsharnia Mina , Setzpfandt Frank , Pertsch Thomas
Published: August 2022

In this work, we propose and theoretically analyze a new scheme for generation of counterpropagating photon pairs in photonic crystal waveguides through the process of spontaneous four-wave mixing. Using the fundamental properties of periodic Bloch modes in a standard photonic crystal waveguide, we demonstrate how modal phase-matching can be reached between forward-propagating pump modes and counterpropagating signal and idler modes, for generation of degenerate and non-degenerate photon pairs. We then show how this scheme can be used for generation of photon pairs that are nearly uncorrelated in the spectral degree of freedom. Such a source will be highly interesting as a heralded source of single photons, especially as the spectrally separable signal and idler photons are also spatially separated directly at the source. We conduct our investigation based on a design in silicon, yet our design concept is general and can in principle be applied to any nanostructured material platform.
Integrative physiological study of adaptations induced by aerobic physical training in hypertensive hearts
Authors: Vieira Suenimeire , Aguilar Bruno A. , Veiga Ana Catarine , Philbois Stella V. , Freitas Ana Caroline S. , Rodrigues Karine P. , Tank Jens , Souza Hugo C. D.
Published: August 2022

Aerobic physical training reduces arterial pressure in patients with hypertension owing to integrative systemic adaptations. One of the key factors is the decrease in cardiac sympathetic influence. Thus, we hypothesized that among other causes, cardiac sympathetic influence reduction might be associated with intrinsic cardiac adaptations that provide greater efficiency. Therefore, 14 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR group) and 14 normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY group) were used in this study. Half of the rats in each group were trained to swim for 12 weeks. All animals underwent the following experimental protocols: double blockade of cardiac autonomic receptors with atropine and propranolol; echocardiography; and analysis of coronary bed reactivity and left ventricle contractility using the Langendorff technique. The untrained SHR group had a higher sympathetic tone, cardiac hypertrophy, and reduced ejection fraction compared with the untrained WKY group. In addition, reduced coronary bed reactivity due to increased flow, and less ventricular contractile response to dobutamine and salbutamol administration were observed. The trained SHR group showed fewer differences in echocardiographic parameters as the untrained SHR group. However, the trained SHR group showed a reduction in the cardiac sympathetic influence, greater coronary bed reactivity, and increased left intraventricular pressure. In conclusion, aerobic physical training seems to reduce cardiac sympathetic influence and increase contractile strength in SHR rats, besides the minimal effects on cardiac morphology. This reduction suggests intrinsic cardiac adaptations resulting in beneficial adjustments of coronary bed reactivity associated with greater left ventricular contraction.
Human CSF movement influenced by vascular low frequency oscillations and respiration
Authors: Vijayakrishnan Nair Vidhya , Kish Brianna R. , Inglis Ben , Yang Ho-Ching (Shawn) , Wright Adam M. , Wu Yu-Chien , Zhou Xiaopeng , Schwichtenberg Amy J. , Tong Yunjie
Published: August 2022

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) movement through the pathways within the central nervous system is of high significance for maintaining normal brain health and function. Low frequency hemodynamics and respiration have been shown to drive CSF in humans independently. Here, we hypothesize that CSF movement may be driven simultaneously (and in synchrony) by both mechanisms and study their independent and coupled effects on CSF movement using novel neck fMRI scans. Caudad CSF movement at the fourth ventricle and hemodynamics of the major neck blood vessels (internal carotid arteries and internal jugular veins) was measured from 11 young, healthy volunteers using novel neck fMRI scans with simultaneous measurement of respiration. Two distinct models of CSF movement (1. Low-frequency hemodynamics and 2. Respiration) and possible coupling between them were investigated. We show that the dynamics of brain fluids can be assessed from the neck by studying the interrelationships between major neck blood vessels and the CSF movement in the fourth ventricle. We also demonstrate that there exists a cross-frequency coupling between these two separable mechanisms. The human CSF system can respond to multiple coupled physiological forces at the same time. This information may help inform the pathological mechanisms behind CSF movement-related disorders.
Perceived exertion, postural control, and muscle recruitment in three different quadruped exercises performed by healthy women
Authors: Clemente Patrícia Cardoso , de Almeida Luane Landim , Vicente Eduardo José Danza , Fonseca Diogo Simões , Souza Victor Hugo , Felício Diogo Carvalho , Garcia Marco Antonio Cavalcanti
Published: August 2022

Although quadruped exercises (QE) have been a part of rehabilitation and sports programs, there is no clarity on how these exercises challenge the musculoskeletal system. Therefore, this cross-sectional study investigated the perceived exertion, postural demands, and muscle recruitment profiles imposed by three QE postures. Surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals were recorded from transverse abdominis, longissimus dorsi, multifidus, and iliocostalis lumborum from 30 sedentary healthy women, bilaterally. They performed the classic quadruped exercise (CQ), a variation with shoulder flexion (FQ), and the homolateral quadruped (HQ). Borg scores (BS) and the center of pressure (CoP) from the palmar statokinesiogram were also recorded. Surface EMG signals were normalized using the myoelectric activity recorded from two other postures while performing isometric voluntary contractions (IVC). Results were analyzed using one- (CoP) and three-way (sEMG data) ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05). The Borg scale was analyzed using the Friedman test. The CQ provided lower BS and CoP than HQ (p < 0.05), followed by a higher sEMG activity (∼51% of IVC) than FQ (∼47% of IVC; p = 0.53) and HQ (∼44% of IVC; p = 0.01). In turn, HQ provided greater BS (p > 0.05) than CQ and FQ. The results suggested that the HQ was the most challenging exercise regarding CoP and BS, although CQ presented a higher symmetrical sEMG activity. Since QE are often prescribed in exercise programs, specific knowledge of the characteristics of each QE makes prescribing safer and more efficient.
Oxidative stress and inflammation regulation of sirtuins: New insights into common oral diseases
Authors: Pan Zijian , Dong Hao , Huang Ning , Fang Jie
Published: August 2022

Sirtuins are a family of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+-dependent histone deacetylases, comprising seven members SIRT1-SIRT7. Sirtuins have been extensively studied in regulating ageing and age-related diseases. Sirtuins are also pivotal modulators in oxidative stress and inflammation, as they can regulate the expression and activation of downstream transcriptional factors (such as Forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3a), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)) as well as antioxidant enzymes, through epigenetic modification and post-translational modification. Most importantly, studies have shown that aberrant sirtuins are involved in the pathogenesis of infectious and inflammatory oral diseases, and oral cancer. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory patterns of sirtuins at multiple levels, and the essential roles of sirtuins in regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and bone metabolism. We summarize the involvement of sirtuins in several oral diseases such as periodontitis, apical periodontitis, pulpitis, oral candidiasis, oral herpesvirus infections, dental fluorosis, and oral cancer. At last, we discuss the potential utilization of sirtuins as therapeutic targets in oral diseases.
Rapid endothermal development of juvenile pacific bluefin tuna
Authors: Kitagawa Takashi , Abe Takaaki K. , Kubo Keitaro , Fujioka Ko , Fukuda Hiromu , Tanaka Yosuke
Published: August 2022

An important trait of Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) is their ability to maintain their body temperature above the ambient temperature, which allows them to occupy a wider ecological niche. However, the size at which this ability in nature develops is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify this point by monitoring the body temperature and the surrounding ambient temperature as the fish grew. PBT with fork lengths (FLs) ranging from 19.5 to 28.0 cm were implanted with archival electronic tags and released into the ocean. Data from 41 fish were obtained (recorded body and water temperatures, light level, and swimming depth (pressure) at 30-s intervals) and analyzed to elucidate the development of the ability of PBT to maintain a high body temperature. Body temperature of a PBT (< FL of ca. 40 cm) decreased in response to a vertical movement down to cooler depths, but higher body temperatures were maintained as the fish grew. The body temperature was then continuously maintained above ambient temperatures and fluctuated independently when fish attained more than 40 cm FL. Estimation of the whole-body heat-transfer coefficient and heat-production rate indicated that the latter decreased slowly with growth, while the former decreased by one order of magnitude when tuna reached 52 cm FL. Additionally, in the daytime, the whole-body heat-transfer coefficient was significantly higher than that at nighttime. Unlike other fishes including other Thunnus species, inhabiting tropical/subtropical waters, PBT rapidly acquire higher thermo-conservation ability when young, allowing capture of high-quality prey abundant in temperate waters to support high growth rates during early life.
Calmodulin and calmodulin-like gene family in barley: Identification, characterization and expression analyses
Authors: Cai Kangfeng , Kuang Liuhui , Yue Wenhao , Xie Shanggeng , Xia Xue , Zhang Guoping , Wang Junmei
Published: August 2022

Calmodulin (CaM) and calmodulin-like (CML) proteins are Ca2+ relays and play diverse and multiple roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. However, CaM/CML gene family has not been identified in barley (Hordeum vulgare). In the present study, 5 HvCaMs and 80 HvCMLs were identified through a genome-wide analysis. All HvCaM proteins possessed 4 EF-hand motifs, whereas HvCMLs contained 1 to 4 EF-hand motifs. HvCaM2, HvCaM3 and HvCaM5 coded the same polypeptide although they differed in nucleotide sequence, which was identical to the polypeptides coded by OsCaM1-1, OsCaM1-2 and OsCaM1-3. HvCaMs/CMLs were unevenly distributed over barley 7 chromosomes, and could be phylogenetically classified into 8 groups. HvCaMs/CMLs differed in gene structure, cis-acting elements and tissue expression patterns. Segmental and tandem duplication were observed among HvCaMs/CMLs during evolution. HvCML16, HvCML18, HvCML50 and HvCML78 were dispensable genes and the others were core genes in barley pan-genome. In addition, 14 HvCaM/CML genes were selected to examine their responses to salt, osmotic and low potassium stresses by qRT-PCR, and their expression were stress-and time-dependent. These results facilitate our understanding and further functional identification of HvCaMs/CMLs.
Two different domain architectures generate structural and functional diversity among bZIP genes in the Solanaceae family
Authors: Choi Jin-Wook , Kim Ha-Eun , Kim Seungill
Published: August 2022

The bZIP gene family is one of the largest transcription factor families and has important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, bZIP genes in the Solanaceae family have not been extensively investigated. Here, we conducted genome-wide re-annotation in nine Solanaceae species and Arabidopsis thaliana. We annotated 935 bZIP genes, including 107 (11%) that were newly identified. Structural analyses of bZIP genes in the Solanaceae family revealed that the bZIP domain displayed two types of architectures depending on the presence of an additional domain, suggesting that these architectures generate diversified structures and functions. Motif analyses indicated that the two types of bZIP genes had distinct sequences adjacent to the bZIP domain. Phylogenetic analyses suggested that the two types of bZIP genes distinctly evolved and ultimately adapted in different lineages. Transcriptome analyses in pepper (Capsicum annuum) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) revealed putative functional diversity between the two types of bZIP genes in response to various abiotic stresses. This study extensively updated bZIP gene family annotations and provided novel evolutionary and functional evidence for the role of bZIP genes in Solanaceae plants. Our findings provide evolutionary and functional characteristics of bZIP genes for a better understanding of their roles in Solanaceae plants.
Molecular cytogenetic identification of new wheat-rye 6R, 6RS, and 6RL addition lines with resistance to stripe rust and powdery mildew
Authors: Ren Tianheng , Sun Zixin , Hu Yuling , Ren Zhenglong , Tan Feiquan , Luo Peigao , Li Zhi
Published: August 2022

Stripe rust and powdery mildew are devastating diseases that have severe effects on wheat production. Introducing resistant genes/loci from wheat-related species into the wheat genome is an important method to improve wheat resistance. Rye (Secale cereale L.) is a cross-pollinating plant and is the most important related species for wheat genetic improvement. In this study, we developed three 6RS ditelosomic addition lines, three 6RL ditelosomic addition lines, and two 6R disomic addition lines by crossing common wheat cultivar Chuannong 25 and rye inbred line QL2. The chromosome composition of all new lines was confirmed by non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) and molecular marker analyses. Disease responses to different Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) races and Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) isolates and cytogenetic analysis showed that the resistance of the new lines was derived from the rye chromosome 6R of QL2, and both arms (6RS and 6RL) may harbor resistance genes against Pst and Bgt. These new lines could be used as a promising bridging parent and valuable genetic resource for wheat disease resistance improvement.
How experience with tone in the native language affects the L2 acquisition of pitch accents
Authors: Zahner-Ritter Katharina , Zhao Tianyi , Einfeldt Marieke , Braun Bettina
Published: August 2022

This paper tested the ability of Mandarin learners of German, whose native language has lexical tone, to imitate pitch accent contrasts in German, an intonation language. In intonation languages, pitch accents do not convey lexical information; also, pitch accents are sparser than lexical tones as they only associate with prominent words in the utterance. We compared two kinds of German pitch-accent contrasts: (1) a “non-merger” contrast, which Mandarin listeners perceive as different and (2) a “merger” contrast, which sounds more similar to Mandarin listeners. Speakers of a tone language are generally very sensitive to pitch. Hypothesis 1 (H1) therefore stated that Mandarin learners produce the two kinds of contrasts similarly to native German speakers. However, the documented sensitivity to tonal contrasts, at the expense of processing phrase-level intonational contrasts, may generally hinder target-like production of intonational pitch accents in the L2 (Hypothesis 2, H2). Finally, cross-linguistic influence (CLI) predicts a difference in the realization of these two contrasts as well as improvement with higher proficiency (Hypothesis 3, H3). We used a delayed imitation paradigm, which is well-suited for assessing L2-phonetics and -phonology because it does not necessitate access to intonational meaning. We investigated the imitation of three kinds of accents, which were associated with the sentence-final noun in shortwh-questions (e.g.,Wer malt denn Mandalas, lit: “Who draws PRT mandalas?” “Who likes drawing mandalas?”). In Experiment 1, 28 native speakers of Mandarin participated (14 low- and 14 high-proficient). The learners’ productions of the two kinds of contrasts were analyzed using General Additive Mixed Models to evaluate differences in pitch accent contrasts over time, in comparison to the productions of native German participants from an earlier study in our lab. Results showed a more pronounced realization of the non-merger contrast compared to German natives and a less distinct realization of the merger contrast, with beneficial effects of proficiency, lending support to H3. Experiment 2 tested low-proficient Italian learners of German (whose L1 is an intonation language) to contextualize the Mandarin data and further investigate CLI. Italian learners realized the non-merger contrast more target-like than Mandarin learners, lending additional support to CLI (H3).
Protective and risk factors of problematic smartphone use in preteens using panel study on Korean children
Authors: Yun Jungim , Han Gyumin , Son Hyunmi
Published: August 2022

Background

Increased smartphone use by children and adolescents places them at higher risk of overdependence. The problematic smartphone use of preteens is rapidly increasing. The preteen period is one of considerable developmental change and the influence of problematic smartphone use should be identified by reflecting on this change and considering its social psychological factors.

Methods

This study employed a secondary analysis using data from the 10th (2017) to 11th (2018) wave of the Panel Study on Korean Children. STATA/BE 17 was used to analyze the panel logit model. Among the 1,286 participants aged 9–10 from the Panel Study on Korean Children, 342 with complete responses were selected as the participants of this study.

Results

The risk group for problematic smartphone use showed an increase from 126 in 2017 to 149 in 2018. Factors influencing risk of preteens' problematic smartphone use were the child's externalizing problems (p = 0.015) and permissive parenting behavior (p = 0.003). Protective factors influencing preteens' problematic smartphone use were peer communication (p = 0.023), parental supervision (p = 0.020), and authoritative parenting behavior (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Preteens with externalizing problems are at a higher risk for problematic smartphone use and are therefore a group to be observed with caution. It is also required to guide them to form good relationships with friends. Finally, in the problematic smartphone use of preteens, parents are both a protective factor and a risk factor. Therefore, guidance is required so that children can behave properly.
Scoliosis among children in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China: A cross-sectional epidemiological study
Authors: Zhou Lijin , Yang Honghao , Hai Yong , Hai Junrui Joanthan , Cheng Yunzhong , Yin Peng , Yang Jincai , Zhang Yangpu , Wang Yunsheng , Zhang Yiqi , Han Bo
Published: August 2022

Background

The average altitude of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau is 4,500 m and most of the residents are Tibetan ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of scoliosis and associated factors among children in this region through a scoliosis screening program.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was preformed between May 2020 and December 2020 in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. A total of 9,856 children aged 6–17 years from schools and nearby villages were screened using visual inspection, the Adams forward-bending test, the angle of trunk rotation, and radiography. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect demographic data. The prevalence of scoliosis and associated factors were analyzed.

Results

The overall prevalence of scoliosis among children in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was 3.69%, with 5.38% for females and 2.11% for males. The prevalence of scoliosis was 3.50% in children resided below 4,500 m while 5.63% in those resided above 4,500 m (P = 0.001). The prevalence of congenital scoliosis (2.14 vs. 0.42%, P < 0.001) and neuromuscular scoliosis (0.34 vs. 0.07%, P = 0.041) were significantly higher in the altitude above 4,500 m. 50.00% of patients resided above 4,500 m were recommended for surgery while 16.24% in those resided below 4,500 m (P < 0.001). Independent associated factors were detected as female (OR = 2.217, 95 CI% 1.746–2.814, P < 0.001), BMI < 18.5 (OR = 1.767, 95 CI% 1.441–2.430, P = 0.005), altitude of residence ≥ 4,500 m (OR = 1.808, 95 CI% 1.325–2.483, P = 0.002), and sleep time < 8 h (OR = 2.264, 95 CI% 1.723–2.846, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of scoliosis among children in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau was 3.69%. With increasing altitudes, the prevalence of scoliosis and its major type were different from that at lower altitudes. Female, BMI < 18.5, altitude of residence ≥ 4,500 m, and sleep time < 8 h were independently associated with the prevalence of this disease. Early screening should be carried out before the age of 7 years, especially in the high-altitude, underdeveloped, and rural areas.
Software's legal future
Authors: Asay Clark D.
Published: August 2022

The software industry's history is also its future. Its history has been defined by both abundance and scarcity, and its future will be, too. In the 1970s and 80s, perceived software scarcity led U.S. legislators to formally grant intellectual property protections to software creators. Later, a different kind of scarcity—a lack of access to source code—led the founders of the free and open source software movement to flip intellectual property protections on their head in an effort to better promote abundance. That movement proved wildly successful, with today's software industry based on vast amounts of freely available open source software resources that both organizations and individuals collaboratively build. Abundance and scarcity will also define software's future, but in different ways. The abundance that the open source software movement spawned is in the midst of a significant commercial phase. That sometimes means that commercial competitors bring to the table a scarcity mindset that conflicts with the norms that made that movement so successful. Intellectual property concerns at times derail what may otherwise be even greater software abundance. And because so much software is moving into the Cloud, trade secrecy may become the software industry's most important form of intellectual property to the extent the industry abandons open models of innovation. The software industry's growing dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to contribute to these trends. The software industry is increasingly becoming synonymous with the AI industry, as more and more software companies either rely on AI in running their services or provide AI products to the public. As with all software, these AI technologies are increasingly provided from the Cloud, where trade secrecy is not only possible, but often preferable. But trade secrecy may be even more likely in the AI context because much of the magic in implementing AI systems lies in the know-how to piece them together from available open source software resources, decades-old AI techniques, and data. Hence, to the extent that software and AI technologists spurn open innovation in favor of a scarcity mindset, trade secrecy is likely to become its dominant form of legal protection. The advent of web3 technologies may eventually change some of these trends. But for now, increasing secrecy seems the most likely outcome. I conclude by arguing that this shift to secrecy is likely preferable to other forms of intellectual property.
Visual state estimation in unseen environments through domain adaptation and metric learning
Authors: Güler Püren , Stork Johannes A. , Stoyanov Todor
Published: August 2022

In robotics, deep learning models are used in many visual perception applications, including the tracking, detection and pose estimation of robotic manipulators. The state of the art methods however are conditioned on the availability of annotated training data, which may in practice be costly or even impossible to collect. Domain augmentation is one popular method to improve generalization to out-of-domain data by extending the training data set with predefined sources of variation, unrelated to the primary task. While this typically results in better performance on the target domain, it is not always clear that the trained models are capable to accurately separate the signals relevant to solving the task (e.g., appearance of an object of interest) from those associated with differences between the domains (e.g., lighting conditions). In this work we propose to improve the generalization capabilities of models trained with domain augmentation by formulating a secondary structured metric-space learning objective. We concentrate on one particularly challenging domain transfer task—visual state estimation for an articulated underground mining machine—and demonstrate the benefits of imposing structure on the encoding space. Our results indicate that the proposed method has the potential to transfer feature embeddings learned on the source domain, through a suitably designed augmentation procedure, and on to an unseen target domain.
A technical solution to a professional problem: The risk management functions of prognosticators in the context of prognostication post-cardiac arrest
Authors: Field-Richards Sarah Elizabeth , Timmons Stephen
Published: August 2022

Cardiac arrest (CA) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Two-thirds of deaths among patients admitted to intensive care units following out-of-hospital CA are due to neurological injury, with most as a consequence of withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, following prognostication of unfavorable neurological outcome. Given the ramifications of prognosis for patient outcome, post-cardiac arrest (P-CA) guidelines stress the importance of minimizing the risk of falsely pessimistic predictions. Although prognosticator use is advocated to this end, 100% accurate prognosticators remain elusive, therefore prognostication P-CA remains pervaded by uncertainty and risk. Bioethical discourse notwithstanding, when located within a wider socio-cultural context, prognostication can be seen to present risk and uncertainty challenges of a professional nature. Such challenges do not, however, subvert the medical profession's moral and ethical prognostication obligation. We interpret prognosticator use as an attempt to manage professional risk presented by prognostication P-CA and demonstrate how through performing “risk work,” prognosticators serve professional functions, mediating tension between the professional duty to prognosticate, and risk presented. We draw on sociological analyses of risk and uncertainty, and the professions to explicate these (hitherto less enunciated) professional risk management functions of prognosticators. Accordingly, the use of prognosticators is conceived of as a professional response – a technical/scientific solution to the problem of professional risk, inherent within the P-CA prognostication process.
Dome control with fuzzy logic
Authors: Castellón A. , Larrubia G. , Castillo R. , Castro-Tirado A. J. , Fernández-García E. , Pérez del Pulgar C. , Reina A. , Castillo-Carrión S.
Published: August 2022

This article describes a fuzzy logic-based method optimized for the dome control of a robotic astronomical observatory. A Mamdani inference has been developed in order to make the decision to open or close the dome. The input variables are obtained from data received from a weather station besides the percentage of cloudy sky as derived by two allsky cameras. The software has been tested at the BOOTES-1 observatory as part of the BOOTES Global Network of Robotic Telescopes led by IAA-CSIC.