bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy and Surgery for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Versus Definitive Chemoradiotherapy With Salvage Surgery as Needed: The Study Protocol for the Randomized Controlled NEEDS Trial
Authors: Nilsson Magnus , Olafsdottir Halla , Alexandersson von Döbeln Gabriella , Villegas Fernanda , Gagliardi Giovanna , Hellström Mats , Wang Qiao-Li , Johansson Hemming , Gebski Val , Hedberg Jakob , Klevebro Fredrik , Markar Sheraz , Smyth Elizabeth , Lagergren Pernilla , Al-Haidari Ghazwan , Rekstad Lars Cato , Aahlin Eirik Kjus , Wallner Bengt , Edholm David , Johansson Jan , Szabo Eva , Reynolds John V. , Pramesh CS , Mummudi Naveen , Joshi Amit , Ferri Lorenzo , Wong Rebecca KS , O’Callaghan Chris , Lukovic Jelena , Chan Kelvin KW , Leong Trevor , Barbour Andrew , Smithers Mark , Li Yin , Kang Xiaozheng , Kong Feng-Ming , Chao Yin-Kai , Crosby Tom , Bruns Christiane , van Laarhoven Hanneke , van Berge Henegouwen Mark , van Hillegersberg Richard , Rosati Riccardo , Piessen Guillaume , de Manzoni Giovanni , Lordick Florian
Published: July 2022

Background

The globally dominant treatment with curative intent for locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) with subsequent esophagectomy. This multimodal treatment leads to around 60% overall 5-year survival, yet with impaired post-surgical quality of life. Observational studies indicate that curatively intended chemoradiotherapy, so-called definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) followed by surveillance of the primary tumor site and regional lymph node stations and surgery only when needed to ensure local tumor control, may lead to similar survival as nCRT with surgery, but with considerably less impairment of quality of life. This trial aims to demonstrate that dCRT, with selectively performed salvage esophagectomy only when needed to achieve locoregional tumor control, is non-inferior regarding overall survival, and superior regarding health-related quality of life (HRQOL), compared to nCRT followed by mandatory surgery, in patients with operable, locally advanced ESCC.

Methods

This is a pragmatic open-label, randomized controlled phase III, multicenter trial with non-inferiority design with regard to the primary endpoint overall survival and a superiority hypothesis for the experimental intervention dCRT with regard to the main secondary endpoint global HRQOL one year after randomization. The control intervention is nCRT followed by preplanned surgery and the experimental intervention is dCRT followed by surveillance and salvage esophagectomy only when needed to secure local tumor control. A target sample size of 1200 randomized patients is planned in order to reach 462 events (deaths) during follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04460352.
ZFAND5 Is an Independent Prognostic Biomarker of Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Pei , Wang Yijia , Duan Lingling
Published: July 2022

Background

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly aggressive malignancy with extremely poor prognosis. Perihilar CCA (pCCA) is the most common subtype of CCA, but its biomarker study is much more lagged behind other subtypes. ZFAND5 protein can interact with ubiquitinated proteins and promote protein degradation. However, the function of ZFAND5 in cancer progression is rarely investigated, and the role of ZFAND5 in pCCA is never yielded.

Materials and Methods

In this study, we established a pCCA cohort consisting of 72 patients. The expression of ZFAND5 in pCCAs, and the paired liver tissues, intrahepatic bile duct tissues and common bile ducts (CBD) tissues were detected with IHC. ZFAND5 mRNA in pCCAs and CBDs was detected with qRT-PCR. The pCCA cohort was divided into ZFAND5low and ZFAND5high subsets according to the IHC score. The correlations between ZFAND5 expression and clinicopathological parameters were assessed bychi-square test. The prognostic significance of ZFAND5 expression and clinicopathological parameters was estimated by univariate analysis with Kaplan-Meier method, and by multivariate analysis with Cox-regression model.

Results

Expression of ZFAND5 in pCCAs was substantially higher than that in interlobular bile ducts and common bile ducts, but lower than that in liver tissues. The ZFAND5low and ZFAND5high subsets accounted for 44.4% and 55.6% of all pCCAs respectively. ZFAND5 high patients had much lower survival rates than the ZFAND5low patients, with the average survival time as 31.2 months and 19.5 months respectively. ZFAND5 was identified as an independent unfavorable prognostic biomarker of pCCA with multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

ZFAND5 expression was up-regulated in pCCAs compared with the CBDs. We identified ZFAND5 as an independent biomarker of pCCA, which could provide more evidence for the molecular classification of pCCA, and help stratify the high-risk patients based on the molecular features.
Use of Non-pharmacological Therapies in Individuals With Migraine Eligible for Treatment With Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP)-Signaling: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Rundblad Lucas , Cullum Christopher Kjaer , Sacco Simona , Gil-Gouveia Raquel , Uludüz Derya , Do Thien Phu , Amin Faisal Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Accessibility of treatment with monoclonal antibodies targeting the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling pathway is impeded by regulatory restrictions. Affected individuals may seek out other services including non-pharmacological therapies. Thus, we found it timely to ascertain the use of non-pharmacological therapies in individuals with treatment-resistant migraine eligible for and naïve to treatment with CGRP-signaling targeting monoclonal antibodies.

Methods

We conducted a single-center cross-sectional observational study of patients eligible for and naïve to treatment with monoclonal antibodies targeting CGRP or its receptor. We recorded demographical information (gender, age, educational level, employment status, and income), disease burden (frequency of headache days and migraine days), previous use of preventive pharmacological medications for migraine, and use of non-pharmacological therapies over the past 3 months including frequency of interventions, costs, and patient-reported assessment of efficacy on a 6-point scale (0: no efficacy, 5: best possible efficacy).

Results

We included 122 patients between 17 June 2019 and 6 January 2020; 101 (83%) were women and the mean age was 45.2 ± 13.3 years. One-third (n = 41 [34%]) had used non-pharmacological therapy within the past 3 months. Among these participants, the median frequency of different interventions was 1 (IQR: 1–2), the median number of monthly visits was 2.3 (IQR: 1.3–4), mean and median monthly costs were 1,086 ± 1471, and 600 (IQR: 0–1200) DKK (1 EUR = ~7.5 DKK), respectively, and median patient-reported assessment of the efficacy of interventions was 2 (IQR: 0–3).

Conclusion

Even in a high-income country with freely accessible headache services and universal healthcare coverage, there was a non-negligible direct cost in parallel with low satisfaction for non-pharmacological therapies among patients at a tertiary headache center.
Up to the Challenge: Adapting Pediatric Intensive Care During a Global Pandemic
Authors: Pereira Myra , Akinkugbe Olugbenga , Buckley Laura , Gilfoyle Elaine , Ibrahim Sarah , McCradden Melissa , Somerton Sarah , Dryden-Palmer Karen
Published: July 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has strained health systems world wide. In our region, surging numbers of critically ill adult patients demanded urgent system-wide responses. During the peak of the pandemic, our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) team redesigned the existing educational resources and processes of care to ensure for adult patients for the first time in the hospital’s history.

Aim

Describe the experiences and impacts of the rapidly initiated Adult COVID-19 Program on health care providers (HCP) and family members. Havelock’s Theory of Change framed the examination of Adult COVID-19 Program participant experiences and surfaced lessons learned.

Materials and Methods

A quality improvement review was employed to collect feedback about the program experience from the health care team and patient’s family members. HCP completed a questionnaire 10 months following the implementation of the program and feedback from family members was provided during the program was obtained. Havelock’s Theory of Change was used to explore trends and frame participants’ experiences.

Results

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit bedside team members and clinical leaders (n = 17), adult hospital partners (n = 3), and family members (n = 8) participated. HCP describe; motivation and readiness; concern for personal safety and uncertainty experienced in the early program phases; the importance of supports and resources; use of relationships and collaboration to facilitate change; the emotional impacts of this unique experience; and opportunities for individual and team growth. An overarching theme of ‘doing our part to help’ emerged. Family members described the positive impacts of family-centered interventions offered, individualized care, and shock at their family member’s illness.

Conclusion

The PICU team rapidly adapted to provide care for adults at the peak of the pandemic. Family members expressed feeling grateful for the care their loved ones received in the pediatric setting. The experience of caring for adult patients with COVID-19 was a source of tension, personal growth, and meaning for the pediatric intensive care team.
Improving Post-discharge Practice of Kangaroo Mother Care: Perspectives From Communities in East-Central Uganda
Authors: Kwesiga Doris , Wanduru Phillip , Ssegujja Eric , Inhensiko Justine , Waiswa Peter , Franck Linda
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is among the most cost-effective and easily accessible solutions for improving the survival and wellbeing of small newborns. In this study, we examined the barriers and facilitators to continuity of KMC at home following hospital discharge in rural Uganda.

Methods

We conducted this study in five districts in east-central Uganda, within six hospitals and at the community level. We used a qualitative approach, with two phases of data collection. Phase 1 comprised in-depth interviews with mothers who practiced KMC with their babies and caretakers who supported them and key informant interviews with health workers, district health office staff, community health workers, and traditional birth attendants. We then conducted group discussions with mothers of small newborns and their caretakers. We held 65 interviews and five group discussions with 133 respondents in total and used a thematic approach to data analysis.

Results

In hospital, mothers were sensitized and taught KMC. They were expected to continue practicing it at home with regular returns to the hospital post-discharge. However, mothers practiced KMC for a shorter time at home than in the hospital. Reasons included being overburdened with competing domestic chores that did not allow time for KMC and a lack of community follow-up support by health workers. There were increased psycho-social challenges for mothers, alongside some dangerous practices like placing plastic cans of hot water near the baby to provide warmth. Respondents suggested various ways to improve the KMC experience at home, including the development of a peer-to-peer intervention led by mothers who had successfully done KMC and community follow-up of mothers by qualified health workers and community health workers.

Conclusion

Despite wide acceptance of KMC by health workers, challenges to effective implementation persist. Amid the global and national push to scale up KMC, potential difficulties to its adherence post-discharge in a rural, resource-limited setting remain. This study provides insights on KMC implementation and sustainability from the perspectives of key stakeholders, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to KMC that incorporates its adaptability to community settings and contexts.
Prevalence of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Its Associated Cognitive Risks and Predictive Factors in Women With Severe Mental Disorders
Authors: Shan Jianmin , Tian Hongjun , Zhou Chunhua , Wang Haibo , Ma Xiaoyan , Li Ranli , Yu Haiping , Chen Guangdong , Zhu Jingjing , Cai Ziyao , Lin Chongguang , Cheng Langlang , Xu Yong , Liu Sha , Zhang Congpei , Luo Qinghua , Zhang Yunshu , Jin Shili , Liu Chuanxin , Zhang Qiuyu , Lv Luxian , Yang Lei , Chen Jiayue , Li Qianchen , Liu Wei , Yue Weihua , Song Xueqin , Zhuo Chuanjun ,   China; MODMD Group of China (CMODG)
Published: July 2022

There has been limited studies examining treatment-induced heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in women with severe mental illnesses. The aim of this study was to examine HMB prevalence and HMB-associated factors in young women (18–34 years old) diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BP), major depressive disorder (MDD), or schizophrenia (SCZ) who have full insight and normal intelligence. Eighteen-month menstruation histories were recorded with pictorial blood loss assessment chart assessments of HMB. Multivariate analyses were conducted to obtain odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Drug effects on cognition were assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB). HMB prevalence were: BP, 25.85%; MDD, 18.78%; and SCH, 13.7%. High glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was a strong risk factor for HMB [BP OR, 19.39 (16.60–23.01); MDD OR, 2.69 (4.59–13.78); and SCZ OR, 9.59 (6.14–12.43)]. Additional risk factors included fasting blood sugar, 2-h postprandial blood glucose, and use of the medication valproate [BP: OR, 16.00 (95%CI 12.74–20.22); MDD: OR, 13.88 (95%CI 11.24–17.03); and SCZ OR, 11.35 (95%CI 8.84–19.20)]. Antipsychotic, antidepressant, and electroconvulsive therapy use were minor risk factors. Pharmacotherapy-induced visual learning impairment was associated with HMB [BP: OR, 9.01 (95%CI 3.15–13.44); MDD: OR, 5.99 (95%CI 3.11–9.00); and SCZ: OR, 7.09 (95%CI 2.99–9.20)]. Lithium emerged as a protective factor against HMB [BP: OR, 0.22 (95%CI 0.14–0.40); MDD: OR, 0.30 (95%CI 0.20–0.62); and SCZ: OR, 0.65 (95%CI 0.33–0.90)]. In SCZ patients, hyperlipidemia and high total cholesterol were HMB-associated factors (ORs, 1.87–2.22). Psychiatrist awareness of HMB risk is concerningly low (12/257, 2.28%). In conclusion, prescription of VPA should be cautioned for women with mental illness, especially BP, and lithium may be protective against HMB.
QiShenYiQi Pill Ameliorates Cardiac Fibrosis After Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy by Regulating FHL2 and the Macrophage RP S19/TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Anwaier Gulinigaer , Xie Ting-Ting , Pan Chun-Shui , Li An-Qing , Yan Li , Wang Di , Chen Fan-Kai , Weng Ding-Zhou , Sun Kai , Chang Xin , Fan Jing-Yu , Han Jing-Yan , Liu Jian
Published: July 2022

Purpose: Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it is characterized by cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. However, effective treatments are not available to block cardiac fibrosis after cardiac hypertrophy. The QiShenYiQi pill (QSYQ) is an effective treatment for chronic HF. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear.

Methods: In the present study, a pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy model was established in rats by inducing ascending aortic stenosis for 4 weeks. QSYQ was administered for 6 weeks, and its effects on cardiac fibrosis, myocardial apoptosis, RP S19 release, macrophage polarization, TGF-β1 production, and TGF-β1/Smad signaling were analyzed. In vitro studies using H9C2, Raw264.7, and RDF cell models were performed to confirm the in vivo study findings and evaluate the contribution to the observed effects of the main ingredients of QSYQ, namely, astragaloside IV, notoginsenoside R1, 3,4-dihydroxyl-phenyl lactic acid, and Dalbergia odorifera T. C. Chen oil. The role of four-and-a-half LIM domains protein 2 (FHL2) in cardiac fibrosis and QSYQ’s effects were assessed by small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).

Results: QSYQ ameliorated cardiac fibrosis after pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis, low FHL2 expression, and TGF-β1 release by the injured myocardium. QSYQ also inhibited the following: release of RP S19 from the injured myocardium, activation of C5a receptors in monocytes, polarization of macrophages, and release of TGF-β1. Moreover, QSYQ downregulated TGF-βR-II expression induced by TGF-β1 in fibroblasts and inhibited Smad protein activation and collagen release and deposition.

Conclusion: The results showed that QSYQ inhibited myocardial fibrosis after pressure overload, which was mediated by RP S19-TGF-β1 signaling and decreased FHL2, thus providing support for QSYQ as a promising therapy for blocking myocardial fibrosis.
Preclinical Evaluation of Fingolimod in Rodent Models of Stroke With Age or Atherosclerosis as Comorbidities
Authors: Diaz Diaz Andrea C. , Malone Kyle , Shearer Jennifer A. , Moore Anne C. , Waeber Christian
Published: July 2022

Preclinical data indicate that fingolimod improves outcome post-ischaemia. This study used a rigorous study design in normal male C57BL/6JOlaHsd mice and in mice with common stroke comorbidities to further evaluate the translational potential of fingolimod. Stroke was induced via middle cerebral artery electrocoagulation in 8–9-week old mice (young mice), 18 month old mice (aged mice), and in high-fat diet-fed 22-week old ApoE−/− mice (hyperlipidaemic mice). Recovery was evaluated using motor behavioural tests 3 and 7 days after stroke. Tissue damage was evaluated at 7 days. A lower dose of fingolimod, 0.5 mg/kg, but not 1 mg/kg, increased lesion size but decreased ipsilateral brain atrophy in younger mice, without an effect on behavioural outcomes. Fingolimod-treated aged mice showed a significant improvement over saline-treated mice in the foot fault test at 7 days. Fingolimod-treated hyperlipidaemic mice showed a decreased infarct size but no difference in behavioural performance. Increasing fingolimod treatment time to 10 days showed no benefit in young mice. Pooled data showed that fingolimod improved performance in the foot fault test. Flow cytometry studies showed that fingolimod had marked effects on T cell frequencies in various tissues. The results show that the effects of fingolimod in stroke are less robust than the existing literature might indicate and may depend on the inflammatory status of the animals.
Epimedium koreanum Nakai–Induced Liver Injury—A Mechanistic Study Using Untargeted Metabolomics
Authors: Li Pin , Zhang Lin , Guo Zhaojuan , Kang Qianjun , Chen Cong , Liu Xiaoyao , Ma Quantao , Zhang Jingxuan , Hu Yujie , Wang Ting
Published: July 2022

Epimedii Folium is widely used worldwide as an herbal supplement, and the risk of its induced liver damage has emerged in recent years. Our preliminary study has found that, among several Epimedii Folium species specified in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Epimedium koreanum Nakai has a more severe propensity for hepatotoxicity. However, the mechanism of hepatotoxicity of Epimedium koreanum Nakai is still unclear. In this study, untargeted metabolomics was performed to analyze the serum and liver tissue to explore the mechanism of hepatotoxicity of Epimedium koreanum Nakai. The results of experiments in vivo showed that, after 28 days of exposure to Epimedium koreanum Nakai ethanol extract (EEE), the liver weight, levels of AST, ALP, TBIL, etc. in serum of rats in the EEE group were significantly increased, as well as severe cytoplasmic vacuolation appeared in the liver tissue, which suggested that EEE has significant hepatotoxicity. Subsequently, the results of metabolomics revealed significant changes in the metabolic profile in the liver and serum of rats after EEE exposure, in which metabolites in serum such as flavin mononucleotide, phenylacetylglycine, glutathione, l-tryptophan, and sphingomyelin were able to accurately identify liver injury caused by EEE and could be used as serum markers to reflect EEE-induced liver injury. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that EEE caused extensive effects on rats' metabolic pathways. Some of the most affected pathways included glutathione metabolism, glutamate metabolism pathway, primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway, and sphingolipid metabolism pathway, which were all directed to the biological process of ferroptosis. Then, the main markers related to ferroptosis in the liver were examined, and the results demonstrated that the content of malondialdehyde was significantly increased, the activity of superoxide dismutase was significantly reduced, the ferroptosis inhibitory proteins GPX4 and System xc− were significantly downregulated, and the ferroptosis-promoting protein ACSL4 was significantly up-regulated. Judging from these results, we concluded that the mechanism of hepatotoxicity of Epimedium koreanum Nakai was probably related to the induction of ferroptosis in hepatocytes.
Are the 50 m Race Segments Changed From Heats to Finals at the 2021 European Swimming Championships?
Authors: Arellano Raúl , Ruiz-Navarro Jesús J. , Barbosa Tiago M. , López-Contreras Gracia , Morales-Ortíz Esther , Gay Ana , López-Belmonte Óscar , González-Ponce Ángela , Cuenca-Fernández Francisco
Published: July 2022

This study explored in the 50 m races of the four swimming strokes the performance parameters and/or technical variables that determined the differences between swimmers who reach the finals and those who do not. A total of 322 performances retrieved from the 2021 Budapest European championships were the focus of this study. The results of the performances achieved during the finals compared to the heats showed that the best swimmers did not excel during the heats, as a significant progression of performance was observed in most of the strokes as the competition progressed. Specifically, combining men and women, the swimmers had in freestyle a mean coefficient of variation (CV) of ∼0.6%, with a mean range of performance improvement (∆%) of ∆ = ∼0.7%; in breaststroke a mean CV of ∼0.5% and ∆ = −0.2%; in backstroke a mean CV of ∼0.5% and ∆ = −0.6%, and; in butterfly a mean CV of ∼0.7% and ∆ = −0.9%. For all strokes, it was a reduction of the underwater phase with the aim of increasing its speed. However, this result was not always transferred to the final performance. In any case, most of the swimmers tried to make improvements from the start of the race up to 15 m. Furthermore, the swimmers generated an overall increase in stroke rate as the rounds progressed. However, a decrease in stroke length resulted and, this balance appeared to be of little benefit to performance.
In Arabidopsis thaliana, RNA-Induced Silencing Complex-Loading of MicroRNAs Plays a Minor Regulatory Role During Photomorphogenesis Except for miR163
Authors: Lakatos Lóránt , Groma Gergely , Silhavy Daniel , Nagy Ferenc
Published: July 2022

The shift of dark-grown seedlings to the light leads to substantial reprogramming of gene expression, which results in dramatic developmental changes (referred to as de-etiolation or photomorphogenesis). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate most steps of plant development, thus miRNAs might play important role in transcriptional reprogramming during de-etiolation. Indeed, miRNA biogenesis mutants show aberrant de-etiolation. Previous works showed that the total miRNA expression pattern (total miRNAome) is only moderately altered during photomorphogenesis. However, a recent study has shown that plant miRNAs are present in two pools, biologically active miRNAs loaded to RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex-loaded) form while inactive miRNAs accumulate in duplex form upon organ formation. To test if RISC-loading efficiency is changed during photomorphogenesis. we compared the total miRNAome and the RISC-loaded miRNAome of dark-grown and de-etiolated Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings. miRNA sequencing has revealed that although regulated RISC-loading is involved in the control of active miRNAome formation during de-etiolation, this effect is moderate. The total miRNAomes and the RISC-loaded miRNAomes of dark-grown and de-etiolated plants are similar indicating that most miRNAs are loaded onto RISC with similar efficiency in dark and light. Few miRNAs were loaded onto RISC with different efficiency and one miRNA, miR163, was RISC-loaded much more effectively in light than in dark. Thus, our results suggest that although RISC-loading contributes significantly to the control of the formation of organ-specific active miRNA pools, it plays a limited role in the regulation of active miRNA pool formation during de-etiolation. Regulated RISC-loading strongly modifies the expression of miRNA163, could play a role in the fine-tuning of a few other miRNAs, and do not modify the expression of most miRNAs.
Characterization of a Novel Insect-Induced Sesquiterpene Synthase GbTPS1 Based on the Transcriptome of Gossypium barbadense Feeding by Cotton Bollworm
Authors: Zhang Hang , Liu Enliang , Huang Xinzheng , Kou Junfeng , Teng Dong , Lv Beibei , Han Xiaoqiang , Zhang Yongjun
Published: July 2022

When attacked by insect herbivores, plants initiate sophisticated defenses mediated by complex signaling networks and usually release a blend of functional volatiles such as terpenes against infestation. The extra-long staple cotton Gossypium barbadense cultivated worldwide as natural textile fiber crop is frequently exposed to a variety of herbivores, such as cotton bollworm Helicoverpa armigera. However, little is known about insect-induced transcriptional changes and molecular mechanisms underlying subsequent defense responses in G. barbadense. In the current study, transcriptome changes in G. barbadense infested with chewing H. armigera larvae were investigated, and we identified 5,629 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the infested cotton leaves compared with non-infested controls. H. armigera feeding triggered complex signaling networks in which almost all (88 out of 90) DEGs associated with the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway were upregulated, highlighting a central role for JA in the defense responses of G. barbadense against target insects. All DEGs involved in growth-related photosynthesis were downregulated, whereas most DEGs associated with defense-related transcript factors and volatile secondary metabolism were upregulated. It was noteworthy that a terpene synthase gene in the transcriptome data, GbTPS1, was strongly expressed in H. armigera-infested G. barbadense leaves. The upregulation of GbTPS1 in qPCR analysis also suggested an important role for GbTPS1 in herbivore-induced cotton defense. In vitro assays showed that recombinant GbTPS1 catalyzed farnesyl pyrophosphate and neryl diphosphate to produce three sesquiterpenes (selinene, α-gurjunene, and β-elemene) and one monoterpene (limonene), respectively. Moreover, these catalytic products of GbTPS1 were significantly elevated in G. barbadense leaves after H. armigera infestation, and elemene and limonene had repellent effects on H. armigera larvae in a dual-choice bioassay and increased larval mortality in a no-choice bioassay. These findings provide a valuable insight into understanding the transcriptional changes reprogramming herbivore-induced sesquiterpene biosynthesis in G. barbadense infested by H. armigera, which help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense against insect pests.
Deep Learning Based Greenhouse Image Segmentation and Shoot Phenotyping (DeepShoot)
Authors: Narisetti Narendra , Henke Michael , Neumann Kerstin , Stolzenburg Frieder , Altmann Thomas , Gladilin Evgeny
Published: July 2022

Background

Automated analysis of large image data is highly demanded in high-throughput plant phenotyping. Due to large variability in optical plant appearance and experimental setups, advanced machine and deep learning techniques are required for automated detection and segmentation of plant structures in complex optical scenes.

Methods

Here, we present a GUI-based software tool (DeepShoot) for efficient, fully automated segmentation and quantitative analysis of greenhouse-grown shoots which is based on pre-trained U-net deep learning models of arabidopsis, maize, and wheat plant appearance in different rotational side- and top-views.

Results

Our experimental results show that the developed algorithmic framework performs automated segmentation of side- and top-view images of different shoots acquired at different developmental stages using different phenotyping facilities with an average accuracy of more than 90% and outperforms shallow as well as conventional and encoder backbone networks in cross-validation tests with respect to both precision and performance time.

Conclusion

The DeepShoot tool presented in this study provides an efficient solution for automated segmentation and phenotypic characterization of greenhouse-grown plant shoots suitable also for end-users without advanced IT skills. Primarily trained on images of three selected plants, this tool can be applied to images of other plant species exhibiting similar optical properties.
Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Differences Between Bupleurum chinense DC. and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd.
Authors: Qu Xuejie , Hu Shanqun , Li Tong , Zhang Jiaqi , Wang Baoshun , Liu Changli
Published: July 2022

Bupleurum chinense DC. and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. are two varieties of Bupleuri Radix in Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020. The clinical efficacy of the two bupleurum species is different. The difference in clinical efficacy is closely related to the composition of plant metabolites. In order to analyze the difference in metabolites, we used liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for untargeted metabolome and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for widely targeted metabolome to detect the roots (R), stems (S), leaves (L), and flowers (F) of two varieties, and detected 1,818 metabolites in 25 classes. We performed a statistical analysis of metabolites. Differential metabolites were screened by fold-change and variable importance in the projection values of the OPLS-DA model, and significant differences were found among different groups. The content of active components (triterpenoid saponins) was found to be high in the BcR group than in the BsR group. Other pharmacological metabolites were significantly different. By Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes annotation and enrichment analysis, we found that differential metabolites of the aboveground parts mainly concentrated in monoterpenoid biosynthesis, while the differential metabolites of the root mainly concentrated in sesquiterpenoid and triterpenoid biosynthesis. Differences in metabolic networks may indirectly affect the metabolic profile of Bc and Bs, leading to differences in clinical efficacy. Our study provides a scientific basis for subsequent biosynthesis pathway and related bioactivity research, and provides a reference for developing non-medicinal parts and guiding the clinical application of Bupleuri Radix.
Analysis of Transcriptome and Terpene Constituents of Scots Pine Genotypes Inherently Resistant or Susceptible to Heterobasidion annosum
Authors: Liu Mengxia , Wang Kai , Haapanen Matti , Ghimire Rajendra P. , Kivimäenpää Minna , Asiegbu Fred O.
Published: July 2022

Root and stem rot caused by Heterobasidion annosum is a severe problem in boreal Scots pine. Dissecting the features of disease resistance is generally an essential step in resistance breeding in plants and forest trees. In this study, we explored inherent resistance factors of Scots pine against H. annosum. A total of 236 families consisting of 85 full-sib (FS), 35 half-sib population mix (HSpm), and 116 half-sib (HS) families of Scots pine seedlings were inoculated with a H. annosum isolate. We sampled needle tissues before inoculation for terpene measurements and RNA sequencing. Based on the lesion area, the extremes of 12 resistant and 12 susceptible families were selected for further analyses. Necrotic lesions resulting from fungal infection were in a weak to moderate relationship with the plant height. Monoterpenes were the principal terpene compounds observed in Scots pine seedlings. Concentrations of 3-carene were significantly higher in pine genotypes inherently resistant compared with susceptible seedlings. By contrast, susceptible genotypes had significantly higher proportions of α-pinene. Gene ontology analysis of differential expressed transcripts (DETs) revealed that response to biotic factors was enriched in resistant seedlings. Functional characterization of individual DETs revealed that higher expression of transcripts involved in response to abiotic stress was common in susceptible genotypes. This observation was supported by the annotation of hub genes in a key module that was significantly correlated with the lesion trait through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) of 16 HS and HSpm samples. These findings contribute to our understanding of constitutive resistance factors of Scots pine against Heterobasidion root and stem rot diseases.
Work–Life Enrichment and Interference Among Swedish Workers: Trends From 2016 Until the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Brulin Emma , Leineweber Constanze , Peristera Paraskevi
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered workers' possibilities to combine work and private life. Work and private life could either interfere with each other, that is, when conflicting demands arise, or enrich, that is, when the two roles are beneficial to one another. Analyzing data from the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health through individual growth models, we investigated time trends of interference and enrichment between work and private life from 2016 through March to September 2020, which is during the first wave of the pandemic. The sample included workers who had remained in the same workplace throughout the study period and worked at least 30% of full time, reaching 5,465 individuals. In addition, we examined trends in level of interference and enrichment across gender and industries. Results showed that Life-to-work interference increased over time in the Swedish working population, but neither did work-to-life interference nor enrichment. We observed only marginal differences across gender. Also, in the industries of fine manufacturing and real-estate activities, a decrease in interference, work-to-life interference, and life-to-work interference, respectively, was observed. In the human health and social care industry, an increase in interference and life-to-work interference was seen. Our conclusion is that overall changes to the possibilities to balance work and private life have occurred for workers in Sweden during the first period of the pandemic. Further studies are needed to study development time trends throughout the pandemic and across different occupations.
Psychometric Indicators of the Pro-environmental Attitudes' Questionnaire: Colombian Version
Authors: Sierra Barón Willian , Meneses Baez Alba Lucia
Published: July 2022

The detrimental effect of human behavior on the environment is undeniable. Attitudes are recognized as a predictor of the pro-environmental behavior; therefore, having good quality tools in Colombia to measure them is strategic to assess interventions. This study aims to establish psychometric indicators for the pro-environmental attitudes questionnaire (PEAQ) Colombian version to a sample of 415 volunteers (53% women and 47% men) aged 18–70 years (M = 40.28; SD = 14.06). We used the 28-item PEAQ already linguistically adapted for Colombia. We applied the following questionnaires: Environmental awareness (EA) (11 items), environmental values (EV) (4 items), and the pro-environmental at work questionnaire (PEWQ) (31 items). We used a one-parameter Rasch model and Winsteps program to assess the PEAQ's one-dimensionality and item statistics by gender, and estimated Spearman's rho coefficient between the PEAQ scores and the scales for concurrent validity. The PEAQ in this study has 24 items because 4 items did not fit into the Rasch model criteria. Its one-dimensionality was supported by an explained variance (43%) and the first residual variance (12%). The coefficients, α = 0.95 and Ω = 0.95; Rasch for persons = 0.90; and Rasch for items = 0.95. The correlation between the PEAQ and the EC, EV, and PEWQ scales were Spearman's rho coefficient = 0.859 (p ≤ 0.001), 0.795 (p ≤ 0.001), and 0.885 (p ≤ 0.001), respectively. Thus, the PEAQ Colombian version's psychometric indicators support it as a valid and reliable instrument to measure pro-environmental attitudes in this country.
Does Reiki Benefit Mental Health Symptoms Above Placebo?
Authors: Zadro Sonia , Stapleton Peta
Published: July 2022

Background

Reiki is an energy healing technique or biofield therapy in which an attuned therapist places their hands on or near the client’s body and sends energy to the client to activate the body’s ability to heal itself and restore balance. It was developed in Japan at the end of the 19th century by Mikao Usui of Kyoto. Given the enormous international socioeconomic burden of mental health, inexpensive, safe, and evidenced-based treatments would be welcomed. Reiki is safe, inexpensive, and preliminary research suggests it may assist in treating a wide variety of illnesses. Given that Reiki is a biofield therapy, growing in use, and not yet accepted by the dominant biomedical paradigm, it is important to establish its effectiveness over placebo. This study aimed to examine Reiki’s effectiveness over placebo in treating symptoms of mental health and to explore parameters for its effectiveness.

Method

A systematic review of randomized placebo-controlled trials (RPCTs) examining Reiki’s effectiveness in treating symptoms of mental health in adults was conducted through a systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ProQuest. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane’s Revised ROB 2 assessment tool. This was followed by a grading of recommendations, assessment, development and evaluations (GRADE) assessment.

Results

The evidence to date suggests that Reiki consistently demonstrates a greater therapeutic effect over placebo for some symptoms of mental health. The GRADE level of evidence is high for clinically relevant levels of stress and depression, moderate to high for clinically relevant levels of anxiety, low to moderate for normal levels of stress, and low to moderate for burnout, and low for normal levels of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

The results suggest that, Reiki may be more effective in treating some areas of mental health, than placebo, particularly if symptoms are clinically relevant. To date, there are a small number of studies in each area, therefore findings are inconclusive and, more RCTs controlling for placebo in Reiki research are needed. Most included studies were also assessed as having a risk of bias of some concern. Incorporating Reiki as a complementary treatment to mainstream psychotherapy for depression, stress, and anxiety may be appropriate.

Systematic Review Registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/], identifier [CRD42020194311].
The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Perceptual Responses in Athletes: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Paludo Ana Carolina , Paravlic Armin , Dvořáková Kristýna , Gimunová Marta
Published: July 2022

This article aimed to investigate the effects of menstrual cycle phases on perceptual responses in athletes by means of systematic review and meta-analysis. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Sport Discus databases considering articles with two or more menstrual phases for comparison. The PECO criteria were used for the keywords “menstrual cycle,” “athletes,” and “perceptual responses” with their respective entry terms. Of 1.165 records identified, 14 articles were available for the final evaluation, while eight articles were eligible for a meta-analysis. The perceptual responses evaluated in the studies were: motivation, competitiveness, sleep quality, stress, muscle soreness, fatigue, perceived effort, mood, menstrual symptoms, perceived endurance, and readiness. The meta-analysis was conducted for perceived effort only. The results showed that the level of perceived exertion does not differ two phases of the menstrual cycle (MD = 3.03, Q = 1.58, df = 1, p = 0.209), whereas RPE was 19.81 ± 0.05 and 16.27 ± 0.53 at day 1–5 and day 19–24, respectively. Two studies found statistically significant changes in motivation and competitiveness during the cycle, with better outcomes in ovulatory phase compared to follicular and luteal. One study found an increase in mood disturbance in the pre-menstrual phase (vs. mid-cycle); one decreased vigor in the menstrual phase (vs. luteal); one increased the menstrual symptoms in the follicular phase (vs. ovulation), and one study reported increased fatigue and decreased sleep quality on luteal phase (vs. follicular). The remaining studies and variables were not affected by the menstrual cycle phase. Based on the results from the studies selected, some perceptual responses are affected in different menstrual cycle phases. A “favorable” subjective response in athletes was noticed when the ovarian hormones present an increase in concentration levels compared to phases with lower concentration. Different perceptual variables and methodological approaches limit the generalization of the conclusion.
Interactive Association of Negative Creative Thinking and Malevolent Creative Thinking
Authors: Dou Xinyu , Dou Xinyan , Jia Lin
Published: July 2022

With the existing research available on negative and malevolent creativity, this paper proposes a more narrowly defined concept: the bi-directional relationship between negative and malevolent creative thinking, which is intended to clarify the way forward for research in the area of negative and malevolent creativity. This paper uses qualitative research to identify and correlate an individual's concept of negative and malevolent creativity and uses a Inductive reasoning methodology to outline a preliminary theory. Following this, the preliminary theory was returned to the primary sources for validation, continuous optimization, and presentation. To better demonstrate the bidirectional linkage mechanism of thinking between the two types, this paper constructed a model to describe the relationships between the variables. This study concludes that negative creative thinking is a kind of native thinking based on personal interests that are developed to emphasize the benefits of an individual's interests, while malevolent creative thinking is a kind of native thinking based on the value-added of personal interests and is deliberately harmful. Both types of thinking share a value orientation, environmental stimulation, and subjective motivation. However, they differ in terms of value goals, ways of thinking, and the scale of the subject. It is concluded from the intrinsic thinking logic of individual thinking as well as the temporal dimension of the individual creative process that value-added and intentions to exploit others are factors that drive the transformation of negative creative thinking into malevolent creative thinking, and personal intention is a vital factor for establishing a linkage between negative and malevolent creative thinking.
Global Research Mapping of Psycho-Oncology Between 1980 and 2021: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Ahmad Tauseef , Ornos Eric David B. , Ahmad Shabir , Al-Wassia Rolina Kamal , Mushtaque Iqra , Shah S. Mudasser , Al-Omari Basem , Baig Mukhtiar , Tang Kun
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim

Psycho-oncology is a cross-disciplinary and collaborative sub-specialty of oncology that focuses on the psychological, behavioral, ethical, and social aspects of cancer in clinical settings. The aim of this bibliometric study was to analyze and characterize the research productivity and trends in psycho-oncology between 1980 and 2021.

Methodology

In May 2022, the Scopus® database was searched for psycho-oncology-related publications using predetermined search keywords with specific restrictions. Lotka’s law was applied to check the authors’ productivity, while Bradford’s law was used to assess the core journals in this field. The data was analyzed for different bibliometric indicators in the Biblioshiny package, an RStudio tool for bibliometric analysis.

Results

The initial search resulted in a total of 2,906 publications. Of which, 1,832 publications were included in the final analysis, published between 1980 and 2021. The analyzed publications were written by 7,363 authors from 74 countries and published in 490 journals. There has been a significant increase in psycho-oncology-related publications after 2010. The most productive year was 2021 (n = 365). The annual scientific growth rate was found to be 13.9%. The most relevant leading author in terms of publications was Luigi Grassi from the University of Ferrara, Italy (n = 42). Lotka’s law found that the number of authors declined as the number of papers written increased. The core journals were Psycho-Oncology, Supportive Care in Cancer, and Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. The most frequently used author’s keywords other than searching keywords were cancer, oncology, quality of life, depression, and anxiety. Recent psycho-oncology-related topics included mental health, COVID-19 infection in humans, people, pandemic, and tumor. The University of Sydney was the top-ranked institution. The leading country in terms of publications, citations, corresponding author country, and international collaboration was the United States of America (United States). The United States had the strongest collaboration with Australia and Canada.

Conclusion

The research hotspots include mental health conditions and interventions in cancer patients. We identified international collaboration and research expenditure to be strongly associated with psycho-oncology research productivity. Researchers’ collaboration, which is visible among developed countries, should be extended to low-income countries in order to expand psycho-oncology-related research and understanding.
Differences of Anxiety and Depression in Dry Eye Disease Patients According to Age Groups
Authors: Liu Zhanglin , Sun Shengshu , Sun Xiaowen , Wu Yuan , Huang Yue
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the association between dry eye disease (DED) and DED-related anxiety and depression tendencies, as well as the risk factors for anxiety and depression in patients with DED of different age groups. This was a cross-sectional study involving 160 patients with DED and 80 healthy individuals aged 20–65 years. All participants completed the investigation of the demographic characteristics, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire, and underwent objective clinical eye examinations. In patients aged 20–40 years, anxiety and depression scores were correlated with OSDI, sleep disorders, and Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA). In patients with DED aged 41−65 years, anxiety scores were correlated with sleep disorders, the level of DED impact on life and work, and the severity of DED. Depression scores were correlated with sleep disorders and the severity of DED. The results indicated that the tendency for anxiety and depression was closely associated with DED and sleep disorders. Moreover, the factors affecting anxiety and depression in patients varied with age.