bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation methods to assess the efficacy of equinovarus foot surgery on the gait of post-stroke hemiplegic patients: A literature review
Authors: de l'Escalopier Nicolas , Voisard Cyril , Michaud Mona , Moreau Albane , Jung Sylvain , Tervil Brian , Vayatis Nicolas , Oudre Laurent , Ricard Damien
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to realize a systematic review of the different ways, both clinical and instrumental, used to evaluate the effects of the surgical correction of an equinovarus foot (EVF) deformity in post-stroke patients.

Methods

A systematic search of full-length articles published from 1965 to June 2021 was performed in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane, and CIRRIE. The identified studies were analyzed to determine and to evaluate the outcomes, the clinical criteria, and the ways used to analyze the impact of surgery on gait pattern, instrumental, or not.

Results

A total of 33 studies were included. The lack of methodological quality of the studies and their heterogeneity did not allow for a valid meta-analysis. In all, 17 of the 33 studies involved exclusively stroke patients. Ten of the 33 studies (30%) evaluated only neurotomies, one study (3%) evaluated only tendon lengthening procedures, 19 studies (58%) evaluated tendon transfer procedures, and only two studies (6%) evaluated the combination of tendon and neurological procedures. Instrumental gait analysis was performed in only 11 studies (33%), and only six studies (18%) combined it with clinical and functional analyses. Clinical results show that surgical procedures are safe and effective. A wide variety of different scales have been used, most of which have already been validated in other indications.

Discussion

Neuro-orthopedic surgery for post-stroke EVF is becoming better defined. However, the method of outcome assessment is not yet well established. The complexity in the evaluation of the gait of patients with EVF, and therefore the analysis of the effectiveness of the surgical management performed, requires the integration of a patient-centered functional dimension, and a reliable and reproducible quantified gait analysis, which is routinely usable clinically if possible.
Relationship between brain activity, cognitive function, and sleep spiking activation in new-onset self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
Authors: Li Yanzhang , Li Yihan , Sun Jintao , Niu Kai , Wang Pengfei , Xu Yue , Wang Yingfan , Chen Qiqi , Zhang Ke , Wang Xiaoshan
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between cognitive function sleep spiking activation and brain activity in self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS).

Methods

We used spike-wave index (SWI), which means the percentage of the spike and slow wave duration to the total non-REM (NREM) sleep time, as the grouping standard. A total of 14 children with SeLECTS (SWI ≥ 50%), 21 children with SeLECTS (SWI < 50%), and 20 healthy control children were recruited for this study. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth Edition (Chinese version) (WISC-IV). Magnetic source activity was assessed using magnetoencephalography calculated for each frequency band using the accumulated source imaging (ASI) technique.

Results

Children with SeLECTS (SWI ≥ 50%) had the lowest cognitive function scores, followed by those with SeLECTS (SWI < 50%) and then healthy controls. There were significant differences in the localization of magnetic source activity between the three groups: in the alpha (8–12 Hz) frequency band, children with SeLECTS (SWI ≥ 50%) showed deactivation of the medial frontal cortex (MFC) region; in the beta (12–30 Hz) frequency band, children with SeLECTS (SWI ≥ 50%) showed deactivation of the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) segment; and in the gamma (30–80 Hz) frequency band, children in the healthy group showed activation of the PCC region.

Conclusion

This study revealed significant decreases in cognitive function in children with SeLECTS (SWI ≥ 50%) compared to children with SeLECTS (SWI < 50%) and healthy children, as well as significant differences in magnetic source activity between the three groups. The findings suggest that deactivation of magnetic source activity in the PCC and MFC regions is the main cause of cognitive function decline in SeLECTS patients with some frequency dependence.
Development and validation of a model for predicting the risk of brain arteriovenous malformation rupture based on three-dimensional morphological features
Authors: Zhang Shaosen , Sun Shengjun , Zhai Yuanren , Wang Xiaochen , Zhang Qian , Shi Zhiyong , Ge Peicong , Zhang Dong
Published: November 2022

Objective

Brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is an important reason for intracranial hemorrhage. This study aimed at developing and validating a model for predicting bAVMs rupture by using three-dimensional (3D) morphological features extracted from Computed Tomography (CT) angiography.

Materials and methods

The prediction model was developed in a cohort consisting of 412 patients with bAVM between January 2010 and December 2020. All cases were partitioned into training and testing sets in the ratio of 7:3. Features were extracted from the 3D model built on CT angiography. Logistic regression was used to develop the model, with features selected using L1 Regularization, presented with a nomogram, and assessed with calibration curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analyze (DCA).

Results

Significant variations in associated aneurysm, deep located, number of draining veins, type of venous drainage, deep drainage, drainage vein entrance diameter (Dv), type of feeding arteries, middle cerebral artery feeding, volume, Feret diameter, surface area, roundness, elongation, mean density (HU), and median density (HU) were found by univariate analysis (p < 0.05). The prediction model consisted of associated aneurysm, deep located, number of draining veins, deep drainage, Dv, volume, Feret diameter, surface area, mean density, and median density. The model showed good discrimination, with a C-index of 0.873 (95% CI, 0.791–0.931) in the training set and 0.754 (95% CI, 0.710–0.795) in the testing set.

Conclusions

This study presented 3D morphological features could be conveniently used to predict hemorrhage from unruptured bAVMs.
The specificity, situational modulations, and behavioral correlates of parent-child neural synchrony
Authors: Liu Yi , Li Jiaxin , Wang Qi , Li Yarong
Published: November 2022

In recent years, aiming to uncover the neural mechanism of parent-child interaction and link it to the children’s social development, a newly developed index, namely, parent-child inter-brain neural synchronization (INS) has attracted growing interest. Existing studies have mainly focused on three aspects of the INS; these are the specificity of the INS (i.e., stronger INS for parent-child dyads than stranger-child dyads), the situational modulations of the INS (i.e., how the valence of the situation or the types of interaction modulate INS), and the associations between the INS and the state-like behavioral tendencies or trait-like individual features of the parents and children. This review summarizes the existing findings in line with these three topics and provides preliminary suggestions to promote parent-child INS. In the meanwhile, the inconsistent findings and unstudied questions were discussed, opening new avenues for future studies.
Systematic errors in the perception of rhythm
Authors: Mansuri Jiaan , Aleem Hassan , Grzywacz Norberto M.
Published: November 2022

One hypothesis for why humans enjoy musical rhythms relates to their prediction of when each beat should occur. The ability to predict the timing of an event is important from an evolutionary perspective. Therefore, our brains have evolved internal mechanisms for processing the progression of time. However, due to inherent noise in neural signals, this prediction is not always accurate. Theoretical considerations of optimal estimates suggest the occurrence of certain systematic errors made by the brain when estimating the timing of beats in rhythms. Here, we tested psychophysically whether these systematic errors exist and if so, how they depend on stimulus parameters. Our experimental data revealed two main types of systematic errors. First, observers perceived the time of the last beat of a rhythmic pattern as happening earlier than actual when the inter-beat interval was short. Second, the perceived time of the last beat was later than the actual when the inter-beat interval was long. The magnitude of these systematic errors fell as the number of beats increased. However, with many beats, the errors due to long inter-beat intervals became more apparent. We propose a Bayesian model for these systematic errors. The model fits these data well, allowing us to offer possible explanations for how these errors occurred. For instance, neural processes possibly contributing to the errors include noisy and temporally asymmetric impulse responses, priors preferring certain time intervals, and better-early-than-late loss functions. We finish this article with brief discussions of both the implications of systematic errors for the appreciation of rhythm and the possible compensation by the brain’s motor system during a musical performance.
Isolation, identification, and characterization of corn-derived antioxidant peptides from corn fermented milk by Limosilactobacillus fermentum
Authors: Xu Jue , Chen Yingyan , Fan Xiankang , Shi Zihang , Liu Mingzhen , Zeng Xiaoqun , Wu Zhen , Pan Daodong
Published: November 2022

Dairy-derived peptides and corn-derived peptides have been identified as essential ingredients for health promotion in the food industry. The hydrolysis based on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) protease system is one of the most popular methods to prepare bioactive peptides. The objectives of this paper are to develop antioxidant fermented milk and to obtain natural antioxidant peptides. In our study, LAB with antioxidant capacity were screened in vitro, and the corn fermented milk with antioxidant capacity was achieved by the traditional fermentation method. Fermented milk was purified by ultrafiltration and molecular sieve, and identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Our findings demonstrate that Limosilactobacillus fermentum L15 had a scavenging capacity of more than 80% of DPPH radicals, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of 0.348 ± 0.005 mmol/L. Meanwhile, the peptide content of corn fermented milk prepared with L. fermentum L15 was 0.914 ± 0.009 mg/mL and TAEC of 0.781 ± 0.020 mmol/L. Particularly important, IGGIGTVPVGR and LTTVTPGSR isolated and extracted from fermented milk were found to have antioxidant capacity for the first time. The synthetic peptides IGGIGTVPVGR and LTTVTPGSR demonstrated a scavenging capacity of 70.07 ± 2.71% and 70.07 ± 2.77% for DPPH radicals and an antioxidant capacity of 0.62 ± 0.01 mmol/L and 0.64 ± 0.02 mmol/L Trolox equivalent, respectively. This research provides ideas and basis for the development and utilization of functional dairy products.
Effect of breast cancer education based on the health belief model on knowledge, health belief, and breast self-examination among female students of Debre Markos University, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2021
Authors: Wondmu Kumlachew Solomon , Tessema Mekuanint Taddele , Degu Genet , Mihiret Getachew Tilaye , Sinshaw Melkam Tesfaye
Published: November 2022

Background

Breast cancer is the primary cause of mortality in female patients around the world and the second most common cancer after lung cancer in both sexes. Socio-cultural factors contribute to the development, maintenance, and change of health behavior; knowledge, attitudes, and motivation are important individual determinants of health behavior change. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effect of health belief model-based breast cancer education on knowledge, health belief, and breast self-examination among female students of Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, in 2021.

Methods

A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 210 samples selected by simple random sampling; samples were assigned to an intervention group and a control group based on their cluster. Data were collected by self-administration questionnaire before and after intervention and then entered into Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. A dependent t-test and an independent t-test were used. Difference in difference was used to assess the effect of the intervention.

Results

Statistically significant differences were observed between groups’ knowledge about breast cancer after educational intervention; monthly breast self-examination practice changes from 20.0% to 57.58% and 17.14% to 24.27% in intervention and control groups, respectively; and average scores of all health belief model constructs show a statistically significant change in the intervention group relative to controls after intervention. Overall knowledge increased by 6.24, perceived susceptibility increased by 4.67, perceived seriousness increased by 6.93, benefit of breast self-examination increased by 3.51, self-efficacy increased by 9.45, cues for action increased by 2.74, barriers of breast self-examination decreased by 3.61, and breast self-examination increased by 2.26 due to educational intervention.

Conclusion

The health belief model-based education is an effective and efficient way to enhance students’ breast self-examination and promote knowledge and health beliefs about breast cancer. Based on the findings of this study, implementing a health belief model-based educational intervention about breast cancer at different phases of life is important to fight the disease.
Monotherapy for low-risk gestational trophoblastic neoplasia with score 5-6
Authors: Kemin Li , Mengpei Zhang , Rutie Yin
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate the monotherapy for gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) patients with FIGO/WHO prognostic score of 5–6.

Methods

The low-risk GTN patients from 2012 to 2019 were enrolled. The study is a retrospective report to analyze the efficacy and safety of single-agent chemotherapy and combination chemotherapy in patients with a high FIGO/WHO prognostic score of 5–6.

Results

75 cases (33.5%) were included. Complete remission was in all patients. Among the 29 cases taking single-agent chemotherapy, 22 cases (75.9%) developed drug resistance. Among the 46 cases taking combination chemotherapy, 7 patients (15.2%) developed drug resistance. There was a statistically significant difference in the drug resistance rate between these two subgroups (P < 0.05), but there was not statistically significant difference in the total number of chemotherapy courses (<2mIU/ml) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Monotherapy showed remarkable advantages in GTN patients with FIGO/WHO prognostic score of 5–6.
T-tube enterostomy in the management of apple-peel atresia: A case series from a single center
Authors: Rashwan Hayssam , Kotb Mostafa
Published: November 2022

Background and objective

Although complex atresias, such as apple-peel and multiple atresias, comprise a smaller percentage, they are usually associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications and mortality rate. Contrary to simple atresias where the surgical technique of choice usually entails bowel resection and anastomosis with or without enteroplasty, managing apple-peel atresia remains more sophisticated. Decompressive and functionalizing stomas are sometimes mandatory to overcome problems such as increased wall thickness and the wide disparity among the anastomotic ends. Few reports discussed using tube enterostomy in the management of apple-peel atresia; nonetheless, no previous prospective studies were conducted to discuss its efficacy on a larger population. In this study, we are describing our experience using this technique on 12 patients suffering from apple-peel atresia in our center.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from June 2015 to May 2020, where all children who were found to have apple-peel atresia were included in the study. T-tube was placed through an enterotomy through the dilated proximal bowel, around 10 cm before the anastomotic line, and was kept in place using a double suture (Stamm technique) before closing the anterior face of the anastomosis. The short distal limb of the T-tube was oriented toward the anastomotic line, while the long proximal limb was directed proximally. After finishing the anastomosis, the T-tube was delivered outside the abdominal wall, anchoring the enterostomy along with the proximal dilated jejunum against the anterior abdominal wall.

Results

A total of 12 cases were encountered throughout the period of study. The mean age at operation was 4 days and the mean birth weight was 2700 g. The mean time for starting oral feeding postoperatively and T-tube removal was 8 and 10.5 days, respectively. Cases were discharged after a mean of 22 days. As regards morbidity and mortality, a single case developed skin excoriations at the site of tube insertion and was managed conservatively using topical ointments and another case died from overwhelming sepsis 3 days after the operation.

Conclusion

T-tube enteroplasty is a safe and feasible option in the surgical management of apple-peel atresia. The main strength of our study is its prospective nature and that it includes apple-peel atresia cases only. However, the main limitation is that a larger sample is needed.
Expression and significance of serum vitamin D and LL-37 levels in infants with bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Zhao Shaojie , He Yixiu , Pan Menglan , Chen Bingzhang , Zhang Siqi , Zhang Yufeng , Zhu Yafei
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate the significance of vitamin D and human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 in the occurrence and development of bacterial pneumonia in infants.

Methods

From January 2021 to January 2022, 80 infants with bacterial pneumonia were selected, including 33 cases of gram-positive bacterial infection (GP) and 47 cases of gram-negative bacterial infection (GN). During the same period, 40 infants who underwent health examination in The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University served as the healthy control group. On the day of admission, peripheral blood was collected from pneumonia patients, and during physical examination of controls; and serum LL-37 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence. The differences in serum LL-37 and 25(OH)D levels and their correlation with disease severity were compared. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between serum 25(OH)D and LL-37 levels in infants with bacterial pneumonia.

Results

The levels of 25(OH)D and 25(OH)D deficiency were significantly lower in patients than in controls (all P < 0.05), and the levels of serum LL-37 were significantly higher in pneumonia patients than in controls (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in serum 25(OH)D and LL-37 levels between cases with GP and GN (all P > 0.05). The serum 25(OH)D level was lower in the severe pneumonia group than in the mild pneumonia group and controls, and the 25(OH)D deficiency rate was higher; the difference was statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The LL-37 level in the severe pneumonia group was lower than that in the mild pneumonia group but higher than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The 25(OH)D level was positively correlated with the LL-37 level (r = 0.8, P < 0.05), and the 25(OH)D level was negatively correlated with procalcitonin (PCT) and length of hospital stay (rs = −0.3, −0.3, P < 0.05); the LL-37 level was negatively correlated with PCT and length of hospital stay (rs = −0.4, −0.2, P < 0.05) in infants with bacterial pneumonia.

Conclusion

A low level of vitamin D is present in infants with bacterial pneumonia, and its status affects the severity and outcome of pneumonia. The level of LL-37 is increased in infants with bacterial pneumonia, but it shows a downward trend with progression of the disease.
Effects of combination therapy with Shenfu Injection in critically ill patients with septic shock receiving mechanical ventilation: A multicentric, real-world study
Authors: Li Xiaoqian , Huang Fan , Zhu Lixia , Luo Tianyi , Zhang Yuzhuo , Gu Huiwen , Guo Liheng , Mao Shuai
Published: November 2022

Background:Septic shock has increasingly become a cause of death threatening human survival. Shenfu Injection (SFI), a patented Chinese medicine, has been widely used in the treatment of patients with sepsis and cardiovascular diseases domestically. We sought to examine whether combination therapy with SFI can improve clinical outcomes in critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (MV).

Methods:This real-world, multicenter retrospective trial enrolled consecutive adult patients with sepsis requiring MV from four medical/surgical intensive care units (ICUs) in China between August 2016 and September 2021. Patients were identified from the medical information department database of each center and assigned to either of two groups (SFI or control) on the basis of the initial treatment received. The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality, and the durations of vasopressor therapy and MV, the ICU length of stay, and costs were assessed as secondary outcomes. Subsequently, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on SFI published before July 2021 to verify our conclusions.

Results:2311 mechanically ventilated patients with septic shock (1128 patients in the SFI group and 1183 in the control group) were analyzed. The survival probability during the first 28 days after admission in the SFI group was greater than that in the control group [p< 0.01 by log-rank test; hazard ratio (HR), 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39–0.72]. Patients in the SFI group also experienced a significantly reduced duration of vasopressor therapy [7.28 (95% CI, 6.14–8.42)vs.12.06 (95% CI, 10.71–13.41) days,p< 0.001], more ventilator-free days [6.49 (95% CI, 5.42–7.55)vs.10.84 (95% CI, 9.59–12.09) days,p< 0.001], a shorter ICU length of stay [18.48 (95% CI, 17.59–19.38)vs.23.77 (95% CI, 22.47–25.07) days,p< 0.001], and more time free from organ failure [14.23 (95% CI, 12.94–15.52)vs.19.07 (95% CI, 16.09–22.05) days,p< 0.001]. No major adverse effects were reported in either group.

Conclusion:Among critically ill patients requiring MV, combination therapy with SFI can improve the survival probability without any obvious adverse reactions.
SLC7A8 coding for LAT2 is associated with early disease progression in osteosarcoma and transports doxorubicin
Authors: Hurkmans Evelien G. E. , Koenderink Jan B. , van den Heuvel Jeroen J. M. W. , Versleijen-Jonkers Yvonne M. H. , Hillebrandt-Roeffen Melissa H. S. , Groothuismink Johanne M. , Vos Hanneke I. , van der Graaf Winette T. A. , Flucke Uta , Muradjan Grigor , Schreuder Hendrik W. B. , Hagleitner Melanie M. , Brunner Han G. , Gelderblom Hans , Cleton-Jansen Anne-Marie , Guchelaar Henk-Jan , de Bont Eveline S. J. M. , Touw Daan J. , Nijhoff G. Jan , Kremer Leontien C. M. , Caron Huib , Windsor Rachael , Patiño-García Ana , González-Neira Anna , Saletta Federica , McCowage Geoff , Nagabushan Sumanth , Catchpoole Daniel , te Loo D. Maroeska W. M. , Coenen Marieke J. H.
Published: November 2022

Background: Despite (neo) adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, doxorubicin and methotrexate, some patients with primary osteosarcoma progress during first-line systemic treatment and have a poor prognosis. In this study, we investigated whether patients with early disease progression (EDP), are characterized by a distinctive pharmacogenetic profile.

Methods and Findings: Germline DNA from 287 Dutch high-grade osteosarcoma patients was genotyped using the DMET Plus array (containing 1,936 genetic markers in 231 drug metabolism and transporter genes). Associations between genetic variants and EDP were assessed using logistic regression models and associated variants (p <0.05) were validated in independent cohorts of 146 (Spain and United Kingdom) and 28 patients (Australia). In the association analyses, EDP was significantly associated with an SLC7A8 locus and was independently validated (meta-analysis validation cohorts: OR 0.19 [0.06–0.55], p = 0.002). The functional relevance of the top hits was explored by immunohistochemistry staining and an in vitro transport models. SLC7A8 encodes for the L-type amino acid transporter 2 (LAT2). Transport assays in HEK293 cells overexpressing LAT2 showed that doxorubicin, but not cisplatin and methotrexate, is a substrate for LAT2 (p < 0.0001). Finally, SLC7A8 mRNA expression analysis and LAT2 immunohistochemistry of osteosarcoma tissue showed that the lack of LAT2 expression is a prognostic factor of poor prognosis and reduced overall survival in patients without metastases (p = 0.0099 and p = 0.14, resp.).

Conclusion: This study identified a novel locus in SLC7A8 to be associated with EDP in osteosarcoma. Functional studies indicate LAT2-mediates uptake of doxorubicin, which could give new opportunities to personalize treatment of osteosarcoma patients.
Effects of Sophora flavescens aiton and the absorbed bioactive metabolite matrine individually and in combination with 5-fluorouracil on proliferation and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells in nude mice
Authors: Hu Huan-Fu , Wang Zheng , Tang Wen-Li , Fu Xue-Ming , Kong Xiang-Jun , Qiu Ying-Kun , Xi Sheng-Yan
Published: November 2022

Background:Sophora flavescens aiton (SFA) and its main bioactive metabolite matrine are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations and have achieved good curative effects for the treatment of various tumors. However, the mechanisms underlying SFA and matrine individually and in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs for treatment of gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear.

Aim of the study: To elucidate the mechanisms underlying the ability of SFA and matrine individually and in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs to inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis of human GC cells.

Materials and methods: Forty-eight nude mice were randomly divided into six groups that were treated with normal saline (model group), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), SFA decoction (SFAD), matrine, SFAD+5-FU, or matrine+5-FU. A subcutaneous heterotopic tumor model was established in nude mice by implantation of human GC BGC-823 cells. All mice were treated for 28 days. Bioactive metabolites in SFA were determined by HPLC-MS/MS. The tumor volume, tumor weight, and tumor inhibition rate of mice were documented. Histopathology and ultramicroscopic pathology of tumor tissues were observed. The tumor cell cycle and apoptosis in vivo were detected. Serum levels of PCNA, BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase-9, Caspase-3 and cleaved Caspase-3 were measured. Protein levels of MS4A10, MS4A8, MS4A7, PCNA, BAX, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-3 were measured in tumor tissues.

Results: Both SFAD and matrine inhibited the growth of transplanted GC cells, which was more effective when combined with 5-FU. The tumor inhibition rates of the 5-FU, SFAD, matrine, SFAD+5-FU, and matrine+5-FU groups were 53.85%, 33.96%, 30.44%, 59.74%, and 56.55%, respectively. The body weight of tumor-bearing nude mice was greater in the SFAD group than the normal saline and matrine groups. SFAD+5-FU and matrine+5-FU blocked BGC-823 cells in the G0-G1/S transition, promoted apoptosis, and significantly decreased the content of serum apoptosis-inhibitory proteins (PCNA and Bcl-2) as well as protein expression of MS4A8, MS4A10, Bcl-2, and PCNA in tumor tissues, while increasing serum levels of pro-apoptotic proteins (Caspase-9, Caspase-3 and cleaved-Caspase-3) and protein expression of BAX and cleaved-Caspase-3 in tumor tissues.

Conclusion: SFAD and matrine both individually and in combination with 5-FU ameliorated malignancy of transplanted tumors by reducing proliferation and promoting apoptosis of BGC-823 cells. These findings confirm the anti-tumor synergistic effect of TCM and chemotherapeutic drugs.
SLC11A1 associated with tumor microenvironment is a potential biomarker of prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy for colorectal cancer
Authors: Ma Yiming , Zhan Lei , Yang Jun , Zhang Jingdong
Published: November 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most lethal cancers of the digestive system. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in the initiation and development of CRC. However, little is known about the modulation mechanism of the TME in CRC. In our study, we attempted to identify a biomarker related to the TME modulation that could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for CRC. We identified differentially expressed genes between the ImmuneScore high/low and StromalScore high/low groups. Using univariate COX regression analysis and hub gene analysis (cytoHubba), SLC11A1 was identified as the only candidate gene for subsequent analysis. CIBERSORT, EPIC, MCPcounter, and immunogenic cell death were performed to evaluate the effect of SLC11A1 on the TME. We also collected samples and performed Real-time quantitative PCR to verify the expression levels of SLC11A1 in CRC and adjacent normal tissues. The IMvigor210 cohort, TIDE score, and immunophenoscore (IPS) were used to analyze the association between SLC11A1 and immunotherapy efficacy. SLC11A1 was highly expressed in CRC tissues compared with its expression in normal colorectal tissues and was associated with poor prognosis and advanced clinicopathological stages. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that TGF-β pathways, JAK-STAT pathways, and angiogenesis were significantly enriched in the high-SLC11A1 group. Single-cell analysis validated the correlation between SLC11A1 and the TME. Using CIBERSORT, EPIC, and MCPcounter algorithms, we found that there was more macrophage and fibroblast infiltration in the SLC11A1 high-expression group. Meanwhile, high-SLC11A1 patients had lower IPS scores, higher TIDE scores, and fewer immunotherapy benefits than those of low-SLC11A1 patients. In conclusion, SLC11A1 plays a crucial role in the TME and could serve as a potential biomarker for poor prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy in CRC.
Resembling the bottleneck effect in p53 core network including the dephosphorylation of ATM by Wip1: A computational study
Authors: Wang DaoGuang , Wang Yaolai , Lü Huaping , Wu Zhangqi , Liang Xiaoming
Published: November 2022

As one of the key proteins, wild-type p53 can inhibit the tumor development and regulate the cell fate. Thus, the study on p53 and its related kinetics has important physiological significance. Previous experiments have shown that wild-type p53-transcribed phosphatase one protein Wip1 can maintain the continuous oscillation of the p53 network through post-translational modification. However, the relevant details are still unclear. Based on our previous p53 network model, this paper focuses on the modification of Wip1 dephosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutant protein ATM. Firstly, the characteristics and mechanism of p53 network oscillation under different numbers of DNA double strand damage were clarified. Then, the influence of ATM dephosphorylation by Wip1 on network dynamics and its causes are investigated, including the regulation of network dynamics transition by the mutual antagonism between ATM dephosphorylation and autophosphorylation, as well as the precise regulation of oscillation by ATM-p53-Wip1 negative feedback loop. Finally, the cooperative process between the dephosphorylation of ATM and the degradation of Mdm2 in the nucleus was investigated. The above results show that Wip1 interacts with other components in p53 protein network to form a multiple coupled positive and negative feedback loop. And this complex structure provides great feasibility in maintaining stable oscillation. What’s more, for the state of oscillation, the bottleneck like effect will arise, especially under a certain coupled model with two or more competitive negative feedback loops. The above results may provide some theoretical basis for tumor inhibition by artificially regulating the dynamics of p53.
State-to-state dynamics of the C+(2P) + SH(X2Π) → H(2S) + CS+(X2Σ+) reaction using a time-dependent wave packet and quasi-classical trajectory methods
Authors: Liu Dong , Zhao Juan , Wang Wei , Song Yuzhi , Meng Qingtian , Zhang Lulu
Published: November 2022

The time-dependent quantum wave packet (TDWP) and quasi-classical trajectory (QCT) are the basic research methods of reaction dynamics. Utilizing these two methods, the total reaction probability (J = 0), integral cross section (ICS), and rate parameter for the C+(2P) + SH(X2Π)(v = 0, 1, 2, 3) → H(2S) + CS+(X2Σ+) reactions are calculated on an accurate potential energy surface [Zhang et al. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2022, 24, 1007]. The results of QCT are slightly different from those of the TDWP in value, but the trend is consistent. They are also weakly dependent on the initial vibrational excitation of SH. The state-to-state reaction probability and ICS at fixed collision energies (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 eV) are first calculated using QCT methods. It is hoped that our work can attract experimentalists to study the dynamics of this interesting but rarely discussed system.
Real-time 3D echocardiographic transilluminated imaging combined with artificially intelligent left atrial appendage measurement for atrial fibrillation interventional procedures
Authors: Sun Aijiao , Ren Sihua , Xiao Yangjie , Chen Yixin , Wang Nan , Li Chendi , Tan Xueying , Pan Yilong , Sun Feifei , Ren Weidong
Published: November 2022

Aims: This study investigated the feasibility and accuracy of real-time three-dimensional (3D) echocardiographic transilluminated imaging (TrueVue Glass) in left atrial appendage (LAA) anatomical morphology and artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted 3D automated LAA measurement (3D Auto LAA) software in the preoperative evaluation of LAA occlusion (LAAO) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Method and results: Thirty-seven patients with AF were selected. Two-dimensional (2D) and real-time 3D transesophageal echocardiography (RT3D-TEE) were performed preoperatively, using conventional 3D, the new 3D TrueVue Glass mode, and cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to assess and type the morphology of LAA. Physiological parameters were measured using traditional 2D and 3D manual (3D Manual LAA), 3D Auto LAA, and CCTA. TrueVue Glass for LAA outer contour display was compared with CCTA. Comparisons were based on correlation and consistency in measuring the maximum diameter (LZ max), minimum diameter (LZ min), area (LZ area), and circumference (LZ cir) of LAA landing zone (LZ). Times and variabilities were compared. The concordance rate for external shape of LAA was 97.14% between TrueVue Glass and CCTA. 3D Auto LAA and 3D Manual LAA have a stronger correlation and higher consistency in all parameters. 3D Auto LAA showed higher intra- and interobserver reproducibility and allowed quicker analysis (p < 0.05). LAAO was performed in 35 patients (94.59%), and none of which had serious adverse events.

Conclusion: TrueVue Glass is the first non-invasive and radiation-free visualization of the overall external contour of LAA and its adjacent structures. 3D Auto LAA simplifies the measurement, making the preoperative assessment more efficient and convenient while ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility. A combination of the two is feasible for accurate and rapid assessment of LAA anatomy and physiology in AF patients and has practical application in LAAO.
Cys-loop receptors on cannabinoids: All high?
Authors: Schmiedhofer Philip , Vogel Florian Daniel , Koniuszewski Filip , Ernst Margot
Published: November 2022

Endocannabinoids (eCBS) are endogenously derived lipid signaling molecules that serve as tissue hormones and interact with multiple targets, mostly within the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a highly conserved regulatory system involved in homeostatic regulation, organ formation, and immunomodulation of chordates. The term “cannabinoid” evolved from the distinctive class of plant compounds found in Cannabis sativa, an ancient herb, due to their action on CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1/2 receptors are the primary targets for eCBs, but their effects are not limited to the ECS. Due to the high interest and extensive research on the ECS, knowledge on its constituents and physiological role is substantial and still growing. Crosstalk and multiple targeting of molecules are common features of endogenous and plant compounds. Cannabimimetic molecules can be divided according to their origin, natural or synthetic, including phytocannabinoids (pCB’s) or synthetic cannabinoids (sCB’s). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) consists of receptors, transporters, enzymes, and signaling molecules. In this review, we focus on the effects of cannabinoids on Cys-loop receptors. Cys-loop receptors belong to the class of membrane-bound pentameric ligand gated ion channels, each family comprising multiple subunits. Mammalians possess GABA type A receptors (GABAAR), glycine receptors (GlyR), serotonin receptors type 3 (5-HT3R), and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Several studies have shown different modulatory effects of CBs on multiple members of the Cys-loop receptor family. We highlight the existing knowledge, especially on subunits and protein domains with conserved binding sites for CBs and their possible pharmacological and physiological role in epilepsy and in chronic pain. We further discuss the potential for cannabinoids as first line treatments in epilepsy, chronic pain and other neuropsychiatric conditions, indicated by their polypharmacology and therapeutic profile.
Field application of silicon alleviates drought stress and improves water use efficiency in wheat
Authors: Johnson Scott N. , Chen Zhong-Hua , Rowe Rhiannon C. , Tissue David T.
Published: November 2022

Detrimental impacts of drought on crop yield have tripled in the last 50 years with climate models predicting that the frequency of such droughts will intensify in the future. Silicon (Si) accumulation, especially in Poaceae crops such as wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), may alleviate the adverse impacts of drought. We have very limited information, however, about whether Si supplementation could alleviate the impacts of drought under field conditions and no studies have specifically manipulated rainfall. Using field–based rain exclusion shelters, we determined whether Si supplementation (equivalent to 39, 78 and 117 kg ha-1) affected T. aestivum growth, elemental chemistry [Si, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N)], physiology (rates of photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and water use efficiency) and yield (grain production) under ambient and drought (50% of ambient) rainfall scenarios. Averaged across Si treatments, drought reduced shoot mass by 21% and grain production by 18%. Si supplementation increased shoot mass by up to 43% and 73% in ambient and drought water treatments, respectively, and restored grain production in droughted plants to levels comparable with plants supplied with ambient rainfall. Si supplementation increased leaf-level water use efficiency by 32–74%, depending on Si supplementation rates. Water supply and Si supplementation did not alter concentrations of C and N, but Si supplementation increased shoot C content by 39% and 83% under ambient and drought conditions, respectively. This equates to an increase from 6.4 to 8.9 tonnes C ha-1 and from 4.03 to 7.35 tonnes C ha-1 under ambient and drought conditions, respectively. We conclude that Si supplementation ameliorated the negative impacts of drought on T. aestivum growth and grain yield, potentially through its beneficial impacts on water use efficiency. Moreover, the beneficial impacts of Si on plant growth and C storage may render Si supplementation a useful tool for both drought mitigation and C sequestration.
Jewish sovereignty and the inclusive exclusion of Palestinians: Shifting the conceptual understanding of politics in Israel/Palestine
Authors: Jamal Amal
Published: November 2022

This article explores the dynamics of Jewish sovereignty when dealing with the massive presence of millions of Palestinians in its sphere of power. It does so by looking at foundational Israeli documents. Two of the best to serve our goal are the Israeli Declaration of Independence (IDI), adopted in 1948, and the Basic Law—Israel: The Nation State of the Jewish People (Nation-State law) enacted in 2018. The aim is not to compare and contrast the two documents as much as to deduce the deep meaning of Jewish sovereignty embedded in them, and its ramifications on the Palestinian presence in the land this sovereignty dominates. It is argued that the two foundational documents establish an underlying differentiation between dissimilar realms of existence. Whereas they construct Jewish presence as dynamically sovereign, they render Palestinians as threatening strangers who should be subordinated or silenced to be tolerated. This means that the documents explicate the main characteristics of Jewish sovereignty. They also implicitly relate to the treatment of the Palestinians, whether considering the periods before or after 1967. To achieve its goal, the article utilizes Jacques Derrida's concept of differance, demonstrating that the Israeli strategy is best understood as the discursive and practical effort to establish differences between different groups of Palestinians and exploit the gaps between these differences to sustain its control over the millions of them who live in the realm of Jewish sovereignty. It shows that differance is about enforcing gaps between forms of being in the world. These forms are best articulated through the differentiation introduced by Martin Heidegger between the “worldless,” “the poor in world,” and the “world forming.”
Impact of psychosocial, behavioral and lifestyle factors on subjective cognitive complaints and perceived quality of life in a large cohort of Italian breast cancer patients
Authors: West Thomas , Cavallero Corrado , Ceccherini Rita , Foladore Silva , Generali Daniele , Versace Francesco , Scaggiante Bruna
Published: November 2022

The impact of psychosocial and behavioral factors on Cancer Related Cognitive Impairment manifestations is still under debate. Study’s purpose is to determine the prevalence rate of cancer related cognitive impairment in a cohort of Italian breast cancer patients and to evaluate the implication of specific behavioral factors. For these purposes, a total of 233 women (106 breast cancer patients and 127 age-matched controls without oncological diagnosis) completed a questionnaire investigating cognitive functionality (FACT-Cog v3.0), sociodemographic characteristics, clinical information, psychosocial and behavioral factors (cognitive reserve, sleep quality, dietary habits, physical activity). The results indicated a higher prevalence rate of subjective cognitive complaints in breast cancer patients (37%) compared to a representative sample of women in the same age group without an oncological diagnosis (p < 0.001). Moreover, breast cancer patients showed significantly lower levels of cognitive reserve (p < 0.05) and worse sleep quality (p < 0.01) compared to age-matched controls. Further analysis revealed that breast cancer patients reporting subjective cognitive complaints differed significantly from breast cancer patients without subjective cognitive complaints on measures of perceived cognitive abilities (p < 0.001) and on the impact of cognitive difficulties on perceived quality of life (p < 0.01). Future studies are needed to examine behavioral directed interventions to prevent subjective cognitive deficits in breast cancer patients.
We can’t afford the candy! The influence of parenting by lying about money on mobile phone addiction and the roles of anxiety and socioeconomic status among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Wei Hua , Lu Lijun , Liu Meiting
Published: November 2022

Background

Extant research has indicated that parenting practice, such as harsh parenting, rejection, and neglect increases the risk of mobile phone addiction. However, no research to date has examined the association between parenting by lying about money and adolescent mobile phone addiction.

Objective

The current study used a survey to test whether parenting by lying about money may be associated with adolescent mobile phone addiction. The mediation of anxiety and moderation of socioeconomic status were also examined.

Materials and methods

We recruited 971 adolescents from five secondary schools in a city in central China. Of the participants, 448 (46.14%) were boys and 523 (53.86%) were girls (Mage = 13.63, SDage = 1.01).

Results

The results of mediation analysis indicated that parenting by lying about money positively predicted mobile phone addiction (B = 0.144, p < 0.01); parenting by lying about money positively predicted anxiety (B = 0.126, p < 0.01) and mobile phone addiction (B = 0.107, p < 0.01). Anxiety positively predicted mobile phone addiction (B = 0.293, p < 0.01). Moreover, the bias-corrected bootstrapping mediation test indicated that the process by which parenting by lying about money predicted mobile phone addiction through anxiety was significant (indirect effect = 0.037, SE = 0.011, 95% CI = [0.017, 0.059]).

Conclusion

The current study suggests that parenting by lying about money may lead to mobile phone addiction through the mediation of anxiety. However, the effect was stronger for adolescents with higher level of socioeconomic status than their counterparts.
Exploring work-life balance among professional women in mainland China: A qualitative study
Authors: Pan Ying , Sun Gong
Published: November 2022

This article introduces a qualitative study utilizing semi-structured interviews to explore the barriers and resources of professional women to attain work-life balance (WLB) in the context of mainland China. Interviews were conducted with full-time employed women who had received higher education and possessed professional qualifications (N = 20). The findings reveal underlying factors in work and non-work domains which influence the achievement of work-life balance among Chinese professional women. Participants were found to perceive and attain their work-life balance differently according to their personal traits. The findings also highlight social and family support resources for Chinese professional women from the perspective of Confucianism. This study contributes to current knowledge on work and life issues through the lens of professional women's work-life balance perceptions and experiences in mainland China.
The influence of job characteristics toward intention to pursue sales career mediated by feelings
Authors: Ab Hamid Siti Ngayesah , Rosli Nadzirah , Abdul Hamid Roshayati , Che Wel Che Aniza
Published: November 2022

The sales profession has suffered from negative perception and misconception. Despite a huge opportunity in this industry, several reasons have been highlighted as deterrents to job applicants from applying for a career in sales including the unethical practices, low prestige, and uncertainty of the job. This study examines the influence of job characteristics and feelings on intention to pursue a sales career among undergraduate and postgraduate students. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 questionnaires analyzed using Partial-Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings suggest that job characteristics and feelings have a favorable impact on intention. Job characteristics, on the other hand, influence feelings, and feelings mediate the relationship between job characteristics and intention. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by examining feelings as one of the constructs influencing sales career intention, and provides several implications to employers and business instructors to develop effective strategies to spark student interest in sales-related careers.