bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Compression Garments Reduce Inter-Limb Balance Asymmetries?
Authors: Noé Frédéric , Baige Kévin , Paillard Thierry
Published: February 2022

Sensory cues provided by compression garments (CG) can improve movement accuracy and potentially reduce inter-limb balance asymmetries and the associated risk of injury. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of CG wearing on inter-limb balance asymmetries. The hypothesis was that CG would reduce inter-limb balance asymmetries, especially in subjects with high level of asymmetries. Twenty-five sportsmen were recruited. They had to stand as motionless as possible in a one-leg stance in two postural tasks (stable and unstable), while wearing CG or not. Asymmetry indexes were calculated from center of foot pressure parameters. The effects of CG wearing were analyzed according to participants’ baseline level of asymmetry (i.e., without wearing CG) with correlation analyses. A qualitative analysis was also performed after a dichotomization procedure to check for a specific influence of CG on the dominant and non-dominant leg. Inter-limb balance asymmetries were reduced with CG in participants with high levels of asymmetries at baseline. However, asymmetries were increased with CG in participants with low levels of asymmetries at baseline. The dominant leg was more affected by this negative effect. CG wearing could reduce inter-limb balance asymmetries and the related injury risk in subjects with high levels of inter-limb balance asymmetries at baseline. Nevertheless, CG should not be used in individuals with low baseline balance asymmetries since it can increase asymmetries in these subjects, likely by confusing and overloading the sensorimotor processing on the dominant leg.
A Novel Constrained Non-negative Matrix Factorization Method for Group Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data Analysis of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Li Ying , Zeng Weiming , Shi Yuhu , Deng Jin , Nie Weifang , Luo Sizhe , Yang Jiajun
Published: February 2022

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood psychiatric disorder that often persists into adulthood. Extracting brain networks from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data can help explore neurocognitive disorders in adult ADHD. However, there is still a lack of effective methods to extract large-scale brain networks to identify disease-related brain network changes. Hence, this study proposed a spatial constrained non-negative matrix factorization (SCNMF) method based on the fMRI real reference signal. First, non-negative matrix factorization analysis was carried out on each subject to select the brain network components of interest. Subsequently, the available spatial prior information was mined by integrating the interested components of all subjects. This prior constraint was then incorporated into the NMF objective function to improve its efficiency. For the sake of verifying the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method, we quantitatively compared the SCNMF method with other classical algorithms and applied it to the dynamic functional connectivity analysis framework. The algorithm successfully extracted ten resting-state brain functional networks from fMRI data of adult ADHD and healthy controls and found large-scale brain network changes in adult ADHD patients, such as enhanced connectivity between executive control network and right frontoparietal network. In addition, we found that older ADHD spent more time in the pattern of relatively weak connectivity. These findings indicate that the method can effectively extract large-scale functional networks and provide new insights into understanding the neurobiological mechanisms of adult ADHD from the perspective of brain networks.
Low Heart Rate Variability Predicts Poor Overall Survival of Lung Cancer Patients With Brain Metastases
Authors: Wu Shuang , Li Guangqiao , Guan Weizheng , Zhao Huan , Wang Jingfeng , Zhou Yongchun , Zhou Yufu , Shi Bo
Published: February 2022

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the association between heart rate variability (HRV) and overall survival of lung cancer patients with brain metastases (LCBM).

Methods

Fifty-six LCBM patients were enrolled in this study. Five-minute electrocardiograms were collected before the time to first brain radiotherapy. HRV was analyzed quantitatively by using the time domain parameters, i.e., the standard deviation of all normal-normal intervals (SDNN) and the root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD). Survival time for LCBM patients was defined as from the date of HRV testing to the date of death or the last follow-up.

Results

In the univariate analysis, SDNN ≤ 13 ms (P = 0.003) and RMSSD ≤ 4.8 ms (P = 0.014) significantly predicted poor survival. Multivariate analysis confirmed that RMSSD ≤ 4.8 ms (P = 0.013, hazard ratio = 3.457, 95% confidence interval = 1.303–9.171) was also an independent negative prognostic factor after adjusting for mean heart rate, Karnofsky performance status, and number of brain metastases in LCBM patients.

Conclusion

Decreased RMSSD is independently associated with shorter survival time in LCBM patients. HRV might be a novel predictive biomarker for LCBM prognosis.
The Interplay of Obesity, Dyslipidemia and Immune Dysfunction: A Brief Overview on Pathophysiology, Animal Models, and Nutritional Modulation
Authors: She Yongbo , Mangat Rabban , Tsai Sue , Proctor Spencer D. , Richard Caroline
Published: February 2022

Obesity has emerged as a leading global health concern. It is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation, which impairs insulin signaling, lipid metabolism and immune function. Recent findings from animal and clinical studies have begun to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of immune dysfunction seen in the context of obesity. Here, we provide a brief review on the current understanding of the interplay between obesity, dyslipidemia and immunity. We also emphasize the advantages and shortcomings of numerous applicable research models including rodents and large animal swine that aim at unraveling the molecular basis of disease and clinical manifestations. Although there is no perfect model to answer all questions at once, they are often used to complement each other. Finally, we highlight some emerging nutritional strategies to improve immune function in the context of obesity with a particular focus on choline and foods that contains high amounts of choline.
Relationships Between Depressive Symptoms, Dietary Inflammatory Potential, and Sarcopenia: Mediation Analyses
Authors: Chen Guo-Qiang , Wang Gang-Pu , Lian Ying
Published: February 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is a major public health problem. Depressive symptoms and dietary inflammatory potential play important roles in the development of sarcopenia. We aimed to disentangle the relationships between depressive symptoms, dietary inflammatory potential, and sarcopenia.

Methods

A total of 6,082 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included in the analyses. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Foundation for the National Institutes for Health (FNIH) criteria. The Depressive symptoms were assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) was calculated based on 24-h dietary recall interview. Two sets of mediation models were constructed separately.

Results

Depressive symptoms and DII were associated with sarcopenia, with odds ratios [ORs] (95% CIs) 2.54 (1.27, 5.13) and 1.17 (1.00, 1.37), respectively. DII score mediated the association of depressive symptoms with low muscle mass, explaining a total of 10.53% of the association (indirect effect = 0.004). Depressive symptoms had a significant mediating effects on the association between DII with low muscle mass, explaining a total of 12.50% of the association (indirect effect = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that both depressive symptoms and dietary inflammatory potential had direct effects, and indirect effects on low muscle mass, handgrip strength, muscle mass, through each other. It provides important insights into integrated nutritional and psychological intervention strategies in preventing sarcopenia.
Chenodeoxycholic Acid Enhances the Effect of Sorafenib in Inhibiting HepG2 Cell Growth Through EGFR/Stat3 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhang Yan , Shi Xiao-Jun , Li Jun-Xiang , Wang Lin-Heng , Xie Chun-E , Wang Yun-Liang
Published: February 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly invasive disease with a high mortality rate. Our previous study found that Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) as an endogenous metabolite can enhance the anti-tumor effect. Sorafenib has limited overall efficacy as a first-line agent in HCC, and combined with CDCA may improve its efficacy.

Methods

HepG2 cells and Balb/c nude mice were used respectively for in vitro and in vivo experiments. Flow cytometry, Western blotting, HE and immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence were used to study the effects of CDCA combined with sorafenib on HepG2 cell growth and apoptosis-related proteins. Magnetic bead coupling, protein profiling and magnetic bead immunoprecipitation were used to find the targets of CDCA action. The effect of CDCA on EGFR/Stat3 signaling pathway was further verified by knocking down Stat3 and EGFR. Finally, fluorescence confocal, and molecular docking were used to study the binding site of CDCA to EGFR.

Results

In this study, we found that CDCA enhanced the effect of sorafenib in inhibiting the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. Magnetic bead immunoprecipitation and protein profiling revealed that CDCA may enhance the effect of sorafenib by affecting the EGFR/Stat3 signaling pathway. Further results from in vitro and in vivo gene knockdown experiments, confocal experiments and molecular docking showed that CDCA enhances the efficacy of sorafenib by binding to the extracellular structural domain of EGFR.

Conclusion

This study reveals the mechanism that CDCA enhances the inhibitory effect of sorafenib on HepG2 cell growth in vitro and in vivo, providing a potential new combination strategy for the treatment of HCC.
Resveratrol Targets AKT1 to Inhibit Inflammasome Activation in Cardiomyocytes Under Acute Sympathetic Stress
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Yanming , Wu Jimin , Guo Yanli , Xiao Han , Zhang Youyi , Ma Ketao
Published: February 2022

Resveratrol shows promizing anti-inflammatory effects in recent clinical trials, however its function in cardiovascular patients remains conflicting, suggesting there may be new mechanisms underlying its cardioprotective activity. Acute sympathetic stress induces early activation of the NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in cardiomyocytes as a critical step for triggering cardiac inflammation. Thus, this study explored targets of resveratrol activity involved in the inhibition of early inflammasome activation in cardiomyocytes following acute sympathetic stress. Network pharmacology was used to analyze common candidate targets in the sympathetic stress pathway, resveratrol activity, and myocardial inflammation and showed the Phosphoinositol 3—kinase (PI3K)/serine threonine protein kinase (Akt) signaling pathway and the target AKT1 may play a critical role. Molecular docking provided support for potential binding of resveratrol on AKT1. Furthermore, the effect of resveratrol on AKT1 activation was determined in cardiomyocytes. resveratrol dose-dependently inhibited AKT1 activation after activation of β-adrenoceptor. The AKT1 inhibitor A-674563 suppressed the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiomyocytes following β-adrenoceptor activation, suggesting that AKT1 is a critical regulator molecule upstream of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Consistently, treatment with resveratrol suppressed β-adrenoceptor-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation in both cardiomyocytes and mouse hearts, as well as the resultant cardiac inflammation. In conclusion, resveratrol targets AKT1 to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation in cardiomyocytes and cardiac inflammation following acute sympathetic stress. AKT1 is an important target of resveratrol, which should be considered as a treatment option for cardiovascular patients, especially those at risk of acute sympathetic stress.
Investigation of Micron-Scale Radiotherapy Dose Deposition in the Lung: Effect of Magnetic Field and Nanoparticles—a Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Montinola Denxybel , McNamara Aimee L. , Kuncic Zdenka , Byrne Hilary L.
Published: February 2022

MRI-Linacs couple magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a linear accelerator (Linac) to enable MR-guided radiotherapy. The magnetic field is known to cause inhomogeneities in the pattern of dose deposition at centimeter-scale air-tissue interfaces such as pockets of digestive gas but has not been studied at the micrometer scale of lung alveoli. Nanoparticle radio-enhancement is a novel therapy enhancing the dose deposition pattern where nanoparticles are delivered to the radiation target, with proposed application to lung cancer treatment through inhalation of nebulized nanoparticles. This study reports the first investigation of the effect of a magnetic field on the pattern of dose deposition at the micrometer air-tissue interfaces of alveoli in the lung, and the impact of incorporating nanoparticles. Monte Carlo simulations investigated a single alveolus model irradiated with mono-energetic, uni-directional electrons and a multi-alveoli model irradiated with a realistic beam at depth. The magnetic field was found to produce field-strength dependent hot- and cold-spot dose inhomogeneities in the tissue surrounding a micrometer air cavity irradiated with low energy (100 keV) electrons. The most affected regions exhibited a dose increase of 37.30 ± 1.29% and a decrease of 31.58 ± 1.01% with the application of a 1.5 T magnetic field. The addition of nanoparticles to the interior surface layer of the alveolus air cavity increased energy deposit by a constant ratio dependent on the nanoparticle concentration regardless of magnetic field strength. A similar but less pronounced effect was observed for a multi-alveolus model irradiated at depth by a 6 MV photon beam. This result warrants further investigation into the biological impact of micrometer-scale dose inhomogeneity on tumor response and normal tissue complication probability.
Chemical Composition of Fresh Leaves Headspace Aroma and Essential Oils of Four Coriander Cultivars
Authors: Kumar Sunjeet , Ahmad Raza , Saeed Sidra , Azeem Muhammad , Mozūraitis Raimondas , Borg-Karlson Anna-Karin , Zhu Guopeng
Published: February 2022

Aroma is one of the key food characteristics determining consumers’ perception and acceptability of products. Coriandrum sativum L. is an aromatic herb commonly used as a food additive and taste enhancer. Besides the culinary applications, coriander is also used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and the food industry. In this study, we aimed to determine aroma composition of fresh chopped leaves and essential oils extracted from the leaves of four coriander cultivars. The essential oils were extracted from the fresh leaves using steam distillation and volatile aroma components were collected from the headspace by solid phase micro extraction technique. Analyses were carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Free radical scavenging activity of essential oils was determined by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. The essential oils were also investigated for their anti-microbial potential. The aroma of freshly chopped coriander leaves was characterized by thirteen compounds, including six aldehydes, four alcohols, one ester and one hydrocarbon. The essential oils were comprised of twenty-seven compounds, where (E)-2-decenal, decanal, (E)-2-dodecenal and (E)-2-tetradecenal were the main components in all cultivars. Free radical scavenging activity of the essential oil samples was in the range of 6–15%. The essential oils of Desi and Hybrid cultivars exhibited least minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against all tested bacterial strains. Fresh green leaves of the Desi and Peshawari cultivars were found to be the richest in six carbon chain length alcohols and acetates, which are important constituents of the aroma giving a characteristic odor referred to as the “green note.” The Hybrid cultivar showed the highest free radical scavenging activity, bearing the highest amount of antioxidants. The study revealed that the fresh leaves HS aroma of Desi and Hybrid cultivars were different, however, their essential oils possessed almost similar chemistry and anti-bacterial activity.
Photosynthetic Induction Under Fluctuating Light Is Affected by Leaf Nitrogen Content in Tomato
Authors: Sun Hu , Zhang Yu-Qi , Zhang Shi-Bao , Huang Wei
Published: February 2022

The response of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation to changes of illumination affects plant growth and crop productivity under natural fluctuating light conditions. However, the effects of nitrogen (N) supply on photosynthetic physiology after transition from low to high light are seldom studied. To elucidate this, we measured gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence under fluctuating light in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) seedlings grown with different N conditions. After transition from low to high light, the induction speeds of net CO2 assimilation (AN), stomatal conductance (gs), and mesophyll conductance (gm) delayed with the decline in leaf N content. The time to reach 90% of maximum AN, gs and gm was negatively correlated with leaf N content. This delayed photosynthetic induction in plants grown under low N concentration was mainly caused by the slow induction response of gm rather than that of gs. Furthermore, the photosynthetic induction upon transfer from low to high light was hardly limited by photosynthetic electron flow. These results indicate that decreased leaf N content declines carbon gain under fluctuating light in tomato. Increasing the induction kinetics of gm has the potential to enhance the carbon gain of field crops grown in infertile soil.
A Novel Guanine Elicitor Stimulates Immunity in Arabidopsis and Rice by Ethylene and Jasmonic Acid Signaling Pathways
Authors: Wang Lulu , Liu Haoqi , Yin Ziyi , Li Yang , Lu Chongchong , Wang Qingbin , Ding Xinhua
Published: February 2022

Rice sheath blight (ShB) caused byRhizoctonia solaniis one of the most destructive diseases in rice. Fungicides are widely used to control ShB in agriculture. However, decades of excessive traditional fungicide use have led to environmental pollution and increased pathogen resistance. Generally, plant elicitors are regarded as environmentally friendly biological pesticides that enhance plant disease resistance by triggering plant immunity. Previously, we identified that the plant immune inducer ZhiNengCong (ZNC), a crude extract of the endophyte, has high activity and a strong ability to protect plants against pathogens. Here, we further found that guanine, which had a significant effect on inducing plant resistance to pathogens, might be an active component of ZNC. In our study, guanine activated bursts of reactive oxygen species, callose deposition and mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Moreover, guanine-induced plant resistance to pathogens depends on ethylene and jasmonic acid but is independent of the salicylic acid signaling pathway. Most importantly, guanine functions as a new plant elicitor with broad-spectrum resistance to activate plant immunity, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly biological elicitor for bacterial and fungal disease biocontrol.
A Preliminary Study Comparing Pre-service and In-service School Principals’ Self-Perception of Distributed Leadership Competencies in Relation to Teaching and Managerial Experience
Authors: Cebrián Gisela , Moraleda Álvaro , Galán-Casado Diego , Andújar-Molina Olvido
Published: February 2022

So far little are the studies that have focussed on exploring school principals’ self-conception of their distributed leadership competencies in relation to their managerial and teaching experience. To do so, an exploratory research was carried out with a sample of 163 pre-service and in-service school principals studying a Master’s programme in School Management, Innovation and Leadership at a Spanish University. Data were obtained by using anAd hocquestionnaire of 7 units of competence and 5 proficiency levels for each unit, based on an existing rubric to analyse students’ self-conception of their development of leadership competencies. The findings of this preliminary study show statistically significant differences in the self-perception in all dimensions associated to Managerial Experience (ME) and Teaching Experience (TE) in schools. Study participants with ME showed statistically higher levels than those who had non-ME in four of seven dimensions: lead the school organisation, address the needs of the students, manage the organisation of the school organisation, and manage administrative work. Similar results were obtained in relation to TE versus non-TE were statistically significant differences are found in six dimensions: manage pedagogical and didactic resources, attend to the needs of students, manage didactic strategies, manage the organisation of the school organisation, manage the link between the school organisation and the community, and lead the school organisation. This study shows the importance of teaching and professional experience to acquire leadership competencies in education, therefore the school principal should also be a teacher. This preliminary study provides insights into the relevance of providing pre-service or in-service school principals with training and professional development programmes on sustainability distributed leadership that enable them to genuinely engage the school community, develop innovative pedagogies and lead the process of change toward building more sustainable schools.
Studying Entrepreneurship-as-Practice Visually: Data Strategies and Analytical Considerations
Authors: Zhao W. G. Will , Ba Lina
Published: February 2022

The objective of this essay is to forge a more explicit link between the “visual turn” and the “practice turn” in entrepreneurship research. Specifically, we explore three key aspects of mobilizing visual methods for studying entrepreneurship-as-practice (EaP), i.e., data sources, collection strategies, and analytical perspectives, highlighting the important theoretical and empirical promises that visual methods hold for said research. This essay bears implications for researchers and educators working at the intersection of entrepreneurship research, the practice theory, and visual methods.
Cross-Cultural Study of the Attitudes of Russian and Chinese Consumers Toward Electric Vehicles
Authors: Zhao Fei
Published: February 2022

Aim

The article presents the results of a study of psychological factors of consumer loyalty concerning electric vehicles. An electric scooter was used as an example of an electric vehicle. The study involved a total of 165 people in China and 150 people in Russia. The study aimed to compare the psychological characteristics of Russian and Chinese consumers based on their attitudes toward an innovative product such as the electric scooter.

Hypotheses

(1) The identity of Russian and Chinese consumers and the perceived individuality of the product (electric scooter) differ significantly; (2) The proximity of the consumer's identity and the image of the product (electric scooter) enhances the positive attitude toward the product; (3) Risk strategies of consumer behavior of Chinese and Russians differ.

Methods

The questionnaire included the scales: (1) “Measuring brand personality” by J. Aaker, (2) “Measuring consumer identity” elaborated by Morozova and Antononva, (3) The risk behavior scale by Vasilenko, Tkachenko.

Results

(1) The first hypothesis was confirmed: there were revealed differences in the consumer behavior of the respondents of these two groups concerning in their self-perception, as well as in the perception of electric scooters. The Russians perceive an electric scooter as energetic, young, extravagant, modern, and unusual; the Chinese are down-to-earth, family-oriented, real. (2) The hypothesis that the correlation of the consumer's identity and the individuality of the product is one of the psychological factors that determine the consumer's loyalty to a product is also confirmed. (3) The Chinese consumers' identity is more close to the product individuality and their loyalty to the product is higher. (4) Risk strategies of consumer behavior of Chinese and Russians significantly differ in terms of satisfaction with choosing of vehicle, the frequency of its use, and the importance of family approval of the choice of vehicle. The results can be used in the marketing strategy development. From the scientifical perspective, these results contribute to an understanding of the consumer loyalty mechanisms associated with consumer identity.
Athlete Leadership Development Within Teams: Current Understanding and Future Directions
Authors: Cotterill Stewart T. , Loughead Todd M. , Fransen Katrien
Published: February 2022

Leadership has been shown to be a fundamental factor influencing the performance of sport teams. Within these teams, leadership can be provided by coaches, formal athlete leaders, such as team captains, and other ‘informal’ athlete leaders. The role of the athlete leader in a team, either formal or informal, has been consistently reported over the last 10 years to have a significant impact upon a teams’ functioning and effectiveness, as well as teammates’ general health and mental wellbeing. As such, cultivating the provision of this leadership within a team has emerged as an important focus for managers, coaches, sport psychologists and scholars alike. While the recognition of the importance of athlete leadership is well established, there has been a lag in the development of systematic approaches to enhance and develop the leadership skills and capabilities of the athletes within sport teams. As a result, this paper seeks to review contemporary examples and current understanding of approaches to athlete leadership development. The paper will also highlight future areas for research and applied practice development.
Economic Recession and the Long Term Risk of Psychiatric Disorders and Alcohol Related Diseases—A Cohort Study From Eastern Finland
Authors: Jarroch Rand , Tajik Behnam , Tuomainen Tomi-Pekka , Kauhanen Jussi
Published: February 2022

Background

Long-term development of psychiatric disorders and alcohol-related diseases after economic recessions is insufficiently studied. We investigated the overall impact of the economic recession between 1991 and 1994 in Finland on the long-term incidence of psychiatric and alcohol-related diseases.

Methods

A population-based sample of 1,774 women and men aged 53–73 years were examined between 1998 and 2001 from the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease Risk Factor Study (KIHD). Participants completed comprehensive questionnaires on the possible impact of the 1990s recession in Finland on their lives. They were followed-up until 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) of new incident psychiatric and alcohol-related disorders during the 20-years follow-up after linkage to the National Hospital Registry. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) of psychiatric disorders at baseline.

Results

At baseline, 93 participants had psychiatric disorders. During 20-years follow-up, 138 new psychiatric disorders and 45 alcohol-related diseases were developed. The covariate-adjusted risk of psychiatric disorders was over twice higher among men who experienced recession-induced hardships compared to those who did not (HR = 2.20, 95%CI = 1.04–4.70, p = 0.04). The risk of alcohol-related diseases was more than four times higher among men with hardships (HR = 4.44, 95%CI = 1.04–18.90, p = 0.04). No such associations were observed among women. No association was observed between recession-induced hardships and having psychiatric disorders at baseline in both genders (multivariate-adjusted p = 0.63 for women, multivariate-adjusted p = 0.36 for men).

Conclusion

Long-term risk of psychiatric disorders and alcohol-related diseases was increased after the 1990s economic recession in Finland, but only among middle-age and older men.
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) as an Adjunctive Therapy for Depression—Case Report
Authors: Doll Jessica P. K. , Vázquez-Castellanos Jorge F. , Schaub Anna-Chiara , Schweinfurth Nina , Kettelhack Cedric , Schneider Else , Yamanbaeva Gulnara , Mählmann Laura , Brand Serge , Beglinger Christoph , Borgwardt Stefan , Raes Jeroen , Schmidt André , Lang Undine E.
Published: February 2022

Depression is a debilitating disorder, and at least one third of patients do not respond to therapy. Associations between gut microbiota and depression have been observed in recent years, opening novel treatment avenues. Here, we present the first two patients with major depressive disorder ever treated with fecal microbiota transplantation as add-on therapy. Both improved their depressive symptoms 4 weeks after the transplantation. Effects lasted up to 8 weeks in one patient. Gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation in particular, were reflected in microbiome changes and improved in one patient. This report suggests further FMT studies in depression could be worth pursuing and adds to awareness as well as safety assurance, both crucial in determining the potential of FMT in depression treatment.
Monitoring the CO2 Emission Trajectory and Reduction Effects by ETS and Its Market Performances for Pre- and Post-pandemic China
Authors: Luo Kun , Xu Aidi , Ye Rendao , Li Wenqian
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused great shocks on economic activities and carbon emissions. This paper aims to monitor the CO2 emission trajectory in China before and after the pandemic outbreak, and analyze the emission reduction effects by ETS and its market performances, which are important determinants underlying the trajectory and key drivers for emission reductions. We firstly find out a rather consistent trajectory of CO2 emissions in pre- and post-pandemic China over a 2-year time horizon, using the near-real-time datasets of daily CO2 emissions by Carbon Monitor and applying the Cox-Stuart trend test and mean equality test. We then examine the emission reduction effects by China's carbon ETS and its pilot market performances, using the methodologies of DID and PSM-DID as well as pre-pandemic region-level emission datasets by CEADs. Furthermore, it's found that the ETS pilot markets, which are immature with defects, have been performing more vulnerably in terms of liquidity and transaction continuity under pandemic shocks, thus undermining the emission reduction effects by ETS. These findings are providing insights into further mechanism design of the carbon ETS to the end of steady emission reductions even under shocks for post-pandemic China. It's of particular importance now that the nationwide market has been launched and needs to be enhanced based on lessons learned.
Eccentric and Isometric Shoulder Rotation Strength and Range of Motion: Normative Values for Adolescent Competitive Tennis Players
Authors: Johansson Fredrik , Asker Martin , Malmberg Andreas , Fernandez-Fernandez Jaime , Warnqvist Anna , Cools Ann
Published: February 2022

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate isometric internal rotation (IR), external rotation (ER), abduction (ABD), and eccentric external rotation (eccER) shoulder strength and rotational range of motion (ROM) in adolescent male and female competitive tennis players. Additional aims of the study were to provide a tennis-specific normative database based on a large sample of players to deepen the knowledge regarding shoulder strength and ROM for adolescent competitive tennis players, and to discuss differences based on sex, age, and level of play. Shoulder strength and ROM was assessed in 301 adolescent competitive tennis players, 176 boys and 125 girls with a mean age of 14.6 and 14.4 years, respectively. Outcome variables of interest were isometric IR and ER strength, ABD strength, eccER shoulder strength, intermuscular strength ratios ER/IR and eccER/IR, IR ROM, ER ROM, and total range of motion (TROM). A General Linear Model two-way ANOVA was used to analyze differences in sex, age, and level of play. The findings of this study demonstrated age, side, and sex differences in the shoulder isometric strength, the eccER strength and ROM in adolescent competitive tennis players. Furthermore, when strength was expressed as ratios ER/IR and eccER/IR both sexes showed a lower ratio for eccER/IR in national players (0.95 ± 0.22 and 0.95 ± 0.23) compared to regional players (1.01 ± 0.32 and 1.07 ± 0.29) for male and female players, respectively. In conclusion, this paper presents a tennis-specific normative database for shoulder rotation strength and ROM in adolescent male and female competitive players. The key points in this evaluation are strength values normalized to body mass, intermuscular ratios, and TROM.
Inferior Vena Cava Collapsibility Index Can Predict Hypotension and Guide Fluid Management After Spinal Anesthesia
Authors: Ni Ting-ting , Zhou Zhen-feng , He Bo , Zhou Qing-he
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We hypothesized that inferior vena cava collapsibility index (IVCCI)-guided fluid management would reduce the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension in patients undergoing non-cardiovascular, non-obstetric surgery.

Methods

A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the diagnostic value of IVCCI for predicting hypotension after induction of spinal anesthesia and calculate the cut-off value. Based on the cut-off variation value, the following prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the incidence of postspinal anesthesia hypotension between the IVCCI-guided fluid administration group and the standard fluid administration group. Secondary outcomes included the rate of vasoactive drug administration, the amount of fluid administered, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting.

Results

ROC curve analysis revealed that IVCCI had a sensitivity of 83.9%, a specificity of 76.3%, and a positive predictive value of 84% for predicting postspinal anesthesia hypotension at a cut-off point of >42%. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.834 (95% confidence interval: 0.740–0.904). According to the cut-off variation value of 42%, the IVCCI-guided group exhibited a lower incidence of hypotension than the standard group [9 (15.3%) vs. 20 (31.7%), P = 0.032]. Total fluid administered was lower in the IVCCI-guided group than in the standard group [330 (0–560) mL vs. 345 (285–670) mL, P = 0.030].

Conclusions

Prespinal ultrasound scanning of the IVCCI provides a reliable predictor of hypotension following spinal anesthesia at a cut-off point of >42%. IVCCI-guided fluid management before spinal anesthesia can reduce the incidence of hypotension following spinal anesthesia.
TDE-Based Adaptive Integral Sliding Mode Control of Space Manipulator for Space-Debris Active Removal
Authors: Zhang Zhibin , Li Xinhong , Wang Xun , Zhou Xin , An Jiping , Li Yanyan
Published: February 2022

The safe and dependable removal of large-scale space debris has been a long-standing challenge that is critical to the safety of spacecraft and astronauts. In the process of capturing and deorbiting space debris, the space manipulator must achieve extremely high control and precision. However, strong couplings, model uncertainties, and various inevitable unknown disturbances cause many difficulties in coordinated control of the space manipulator. To solve this challenge, this study examines the stabilization control of a space manipulator after capturing non-cooperative large-scale space debris and presents an adaptive integral sliding mode control (AISMC) scheme with time-delay estimation (TDE). The coupling term and lumped uncertainty are estimated by TDE technology, which eliminates the requirement of prior knowledge. Adaptive sliding mode control (ASMC) is used as desired injecting dynamics to compensate TDE errors, and a PID-type integral sliding mode surface is designed to reduce steady-state errors. The Lyapunov criterion is used to prove the global stability of the controller. Simulation results show that the controller has high tracking accuracy and strong robustness.
DNA-Based Technologies for Grapevine Biodiversity Exploitation: State of the Art and Future Perspectives
Authors: Villano Clizia , Aiese Cigliano Riccardo , Esposito Salvatore , D’Amelia Vincenzo , Iovene Marina , Carputo Domenico , Aversano Riccardo
Published: February 2022

The cultivated grapevine, Vitis vinifera subsp. vinifera L., is represented by an enormous population of varieties and clones. They arise from the accumulation of gametic and somatic mutations during centuries of sexual and asexual propagation. These varieties represent a vast reservoir of traits/alleles that could be useful in improving the berry quality as well as against environmental stresses. However, most of them are still unexploited. For this reason, an efficient characterization system is essential to define the varietal identity, avoid cases of synonymy (identical genotypes but different names) and homonymy (same names but different genotypes) and deepen our understanding of the existing diversity within the grape germplasm. The plethora of DNA-based high-throughput technologies currently available provides promising tools for the analysis of diversity, overcoming many of the limitations of phenotypic-based diversity analyses. However, the analysis of intra-varietal diversity remains challenging. In this scenario, after summarizing the causes and consequences of grapevine genetic inter- and intra-varietal diversity, we review the DNA-based technologies used for varietal genotyping, emphasizing those able to distinguish clones within a variety. This review provides an update on the technologies used to explore grapevine diversity, the knowledge of which is necessary for an efficient exploitation and conservation of the grapevine germplasm.
Ebb-and-Flow Subirrigation Improves Seedling Growth and Root Morphology of Tomato by Influencing Root-Softening Enzymes and Transcript Profiling of Related Genes
Authors: Wang Kelei , Ali Muhammad Moaaz , Pan Keke , Su Shiwen , Xu Jian , Chen Faxing
Published: February 2022

Ebb-and-flow subirrigation is a promising strategy to increase water use efficiency, avoid waterlogging or drought conditions, and promote the overall growth of vegetable crops. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seedling growth, root morphology, activities of root-softening enzymes, and transcript profiling of those enzyme-related genes in tomato under top sprinkle irrigation and ebb-and-flow subirrigation. The results showed that ebb-and-flow subirrigation could significantly improve stem diameter, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root volume, and root diameter of tomato by 9.42%, 45.92%, 44.82%, 15.61%, and 9.41%, as compared with top sprinkle irrigation, respectively. The ebb-and-flow subirrigation also maintained the root activity and photosynthetic rate of tomato seedlings. The activities of superoxidase dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, glutathione reductase, and ascorbate peroxidase of tomato roots under ebb-and-flow subirrigation were remarkably increased, while the malondialdehyde content was decreased compared with the plants grown under top sprinkle irrigation. Correlation analysis among activities of root-softening enzymes and transcriptomic profiling of their biosynthesis-related genes revealed that 10 genes might be responsible for regulation of studied enzymes. Overall, ebb-and-flow subirrigation could significantly promote the growth of tomato seedlings, so as to maintain high activity and promote the cultivation of high-quality and strong seedlings.
Genetic Mechanisms of Vancomycin Resistance in Clostridioides difficile: A Systematic Review
Authors: Eubank Taryn A. , Gonzales-Luna Anne J. , Hurdle Julian G. , Garey Kevin W.
Published: February 2022

Antimicrobial resistance to treatments for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) poses a significant threat to global health. C. difficile is widely thought to be susceptible to oral vancomycin, which is increasingly the mainstay of CDI treatment. However, clinical labs do not conduct C. difficile susceptibility testing, presenting a challenge to detecting the emergence and impact of resistance. In this systematic review, we describe gene determinants and associated clinical and laboratory mechanisms of vancomycin resistance in C. difficile, including drug-binding site alterations, efflux pumps, RNA polymerase mutations, and biofilm formation. Additional research is needed to further characterize these mechanisms and understand their clinical impact.
Synthesis, Structure, and Antiproliferative Action of 2-Pyridyl Urea-Based Cu(II) Complexes
Authors: Geyl Kirill K. , Baykov Sergey V. , Kalinin Stanislav A. , Bunev Alexandr S. , Troshina Marina A. , Sharonova Tatiana V. , Skripkin Mikhail Yu. , Kasatkina Svetlana O. , Presnukhina Sofia I. , Shetnev Anton A. , Krasavin Mikhail Yu. , Boyarskiy Vadim P.
Published: February 2022

Relying on a recently suggested protocol that furnishes convenient access to variously substituted 2-pyridyl ureas, twelve hitherto unknown Cu(II) complexes have been synthesized in the present work and their structures were evaluated by elemental analysis, HRMS, IR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction study. Two structural motifs ([Cu(L)2Cl]+[Cl]− or (Cu(L)2Cl2) depending on the substitution pattern on the 2-pyridine fragment were revealed. In addition, antiproliferative action of the obtained compounds have been investigated against lung cancer cell lines (A549, NCI-H460, NCI-H1975), and healthy WI-26 VA4 cells were used to monitor non-specific cytotoxicity. Two nitro-group substituted complexes Cu(U3)2Cl2 (IC50 = 39.6 ± 4.5 μM) and Cu(U11)2Cl2 (IC50 = 33.4 ± 3.8 μM) demonstrate enhanced activity against the drug resistant NCI-H1975 cells with moderate selectivity toward normal WI-26 VA4 cells. The antiproliferative mechanism of cell death underlying the growth inhibitory effect of the synthesized complexes was studied via additional experiments, including the cell cycle analysis and the apoptosis induction test. Reassuringly, certain 2-pyridyl urea-based Cu(II) complexes exerted cell line-specific antiproliferative effect which renders them valuable starting points for further unveiling the anticancer potential of this class of coordination compounds.
Time Course of Neurobehavioral Disruptions and Regional Brain Metabolism Changes in the Rotenone Mice Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Troshev Dmitry , Voronkov Dmitry , Pavlova Anastasia , Abaimov Denis , Latanov Alexander , Fedorova Tatiana , Berezhnoy Daniil
Published: February 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by slow progression with a long prodromal stage and the gradual evolution of both neuropsychological symptoms and subtle motor changes, preceding motor dysfunction. Thus, in order for animal models of PD to be valid, they should reproduce these characteristics of the disease. One of such models, in which neuropathology is induced by chronic injections of low doses of mitochondrial toxin rotenone, is well established in rats. However, data on this model adapted to mice remain controversial. We have designed the study to describe the timecourse of motor and non-motor symptoms during chronic subcutaneous administration of rotenone (4 mg/kg daily for 35 days) in C57BL/6 mice. We characterize the underlying neuropathological processes (dopaminergic neuron degeneration, regional brain metabolism, monoamine neurotransmitter and lipid peroxidation changes) at different timepoints: 1 day, 2 weeks and 5 weeks of daily rotenone exposure. Based on the behavioral data, we can describe three stages of pathology: cognitive changes from week 2 of rotenone exposure, subtle motor changes in week 3–4 and motor dysfunction starting roughly from week 4. Neuropathological changes in this model include a general decrease in COX activity in different areas of the brain (acute effect of rotenone) and a more specific decrease in midbrain (chronic effect), followed by significant neurodegeneration in SNpc but not VTA by the 5th week of rotenone exposure. However, we were unable to find changes in the level of monoamine neurotransmitters neither in the striatum nor in the cortex, nor in the level of lipid peroxidation in the brainstem. Thus, the gradual progression of pathology in this model is linked with metabolic changes, rather than with oxidative stress or tonic neurotransmitter release levels. Overall, this study supports the idea that a low-dose rotenone mouse model can also reproduce different stages of PD as well as rats.
Parents’ Challenges beyond the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: Fraying at the Seams while Balancing between Two Worlds, Home and Hospital
Authors: Alzawad Zainab , Lewis Frances Marcus , Walker Amy
Published: February 2022

Background: The dominant tradition in studying parents’ responses to their child’s hospitalization in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is to focus on their immediate environment and their children’s well-being. This view of the parents’ experiences fails to describe the broader set of concurrent challenges beyond the PICU that parents carry with them into the PICU. Objectives: This study describes (a) parents’ reactions to juggling their two worlds, home and hospital, when their child is hospitalized in the PICU, and (b) the impact of this juggling on their lives. Methods: Fifteen parents whose child was admitted into a PICU at a tertiary medical center for children in the Pacific Northwest participated in semi-structured interviews. Data analysis and interpretation were guided by grounded theory. Results: The theory grounded in the data and integrated with the core category was Fraying at the Seams while Balancing between Two Worlds, Home and Hospital. Analyses revealed two categories: Bringing My Life to a Halt and Throwing Our Whole Life Off. Conclusion: Even though parents were physically and emotionally present with their child in the PICU, they felt frayed as they concurrently struggled with their physical distance from other children at home. This strain of living in two worlds caused feelings of inadequacy to fulfill their parental role.
Fractures in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Pathogenesis, Treatment, Rehabilitation and Prevention
Authors: Nijhuis Wouter , Verhoef Marjolein , van Bergen Christiaan , Weinans Harrie , Sakkers Ralph
Published: February 2022

Fractures in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are caused by a decreased strength of bone due to a decreased quality and quantity of bone matrix and architecture. Mutations in the collagen type 1 encoding genes cause the altered formation of collagen type I, one of the principal building blocks of bone tissue. Due to the complexity of the disease and the high variation of the clinical problems between patients, treatment for these patients should be individually tailored. In general, short immobilization periods with flexible casting material, use of intramedullary implants, and simultaneous deformity correction are preferred. Multidisciplinary care with a broad view of the support needed for the patient and his/her living environment is necessary for the optimal rehabilitation of these patients. Increasing bone strength with exercise, medication, and sometimes alignment surgery is generally indicated to prevent fractures.