bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current perspectives on clinical use of exosomes as novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis
Authors: Yi Xiaomei , Chen Jie , Huang Defa , Feng Shuo , Yang Tong , Li Zhengzhe , Wang Xiaoxing , Zhao Minghong , Wu Jiyang , Zhong Tianyu
Published: August 2022

Exosomes are a heterogeneous subset of extracellular vesicles (EVs) that biogenesis from endosomes. Besides, exosomes contain a variety of molecular cargoes including proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, which play a key role in the mechanism of exosome formation. Meanwhile, exosomes are involved with physiological and pathological conditions. The molecular profile of exosomes reflects the type and pathophysiological status of the originating cells so could potentially be exploited for diagnostic of cancer. This review aims to describe important molecular cargoes involved in exosome biogenesis. In addition, we highlight exogenous factors, especially autophagy, hypoxia and pharmacology, that regulate the release of exosomes and their corresponding cargoes. Particularly, we also emphasize exosome molecular cargoes as potential biomarkers in liquid biopsy for diagnosis of cancer.
Applying artificial intelligence technology to assist with breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis prediction
Authors: Jones Meredith A. , Islam Warid , Faiz Rozwat , Chen Xuxin , Zheng Bin
Published: August 2022

Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer in women. Advances in medical imaging modalities and technologies have greatly aided in the early detection of breast cancer and the decline of patient mortality rates. However, reading and interpreting breast images remains difficult due to the high heterogeneity of breast tumors and fibro-glandular tissue, which results in lower cancer detection sensitivity and specificity and large inter-reader variability. In order to help overcome these clinical challenges, researchers have made great efforts to develop computer-aided detection and/or diagnosis (CAD) schemes of breast images to provide radiologists with decision-making support tools. Recent rapid advances in high throughput data analysis methods and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, particularly radiomics and deep learning techniques, have led to an exponential increase in the development of new AI-based models of breast images that cover a broad range of application topics. In this review paper, we focus on reviewing recent advances in better understanding the association between radiomics features and tumor microenvironment and the progress in developing new AI-based quantitative image feature analysis models in three realms of breast cancer: predicting breast cancer risk, the likelihood of tumor malignancy, and tumor response to treatment. The outlook and three major challenges of applying new AI-based models of breast images to clinical practice are also discussed. Through this review we conclude that although developing new AI-based models of breast images has achieved significant progress and promising results, several obstacles to applying these new AI-based models to clinical practice remain. Therefore, more research effort is needed in future studies.
ErbB4 in the brain: Focus on high grade glioma
Authors: Pitcher Jamie-Lee , Alexander Naomi , Miranda Panimaya Jeffreena , Johns Terrance G.
Published: August 2022

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) consists of EGFR, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4. These receptors play key roles in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, cell migration, and in some cases, tumor promotion. ErbB4 is a unique member of the EGFR family, implicated not only in pro-tumorigenic mechanisms, such as cell proliferation and migration, but also in anti-tumorigenic activities, including cell differentiation and apoptosis. ErbB4 is differentially expressed in a wide variety of tissues, and interestingly, as different isoforms that result in vastly different signalling outcomes. Most studies have either ignored the presence of these isoforms or used overexpression models that may mask the true function of ErbB4. ErbB4 is widely expressed throughout the body with significant expression in skeletal tissue, mammary glands, heart, and brain. Knockout models have demonstrated embryonic lethality due to disrupted heart and brain development. Despite high expression in the brain and a critical role in brain development, remarkably little is known about the potential signalling activity of ErbB4 in brain cancer.This review focuses on the unique biology of ErbB4 in the brain, and in particular, highlights brain cancer research findings. We end the review with a focus on high grade gliomas, primarily glioblastoma, a disease that has been shown to involve EGFR and its mutant forms. The role of the different ErbB4 isotypes in high grade gliomas is still unclear and future research will hopefully shed some light on this question.
Day +60 WT1 assessment on CD34 selected bone marrow better predicts relapse and mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Chiusolo Patrizia , Metafuni Elisabetta , Minnella Gessica , Giammarco Sabrina , Bellesi Silvia , Rossi Monica , Sorà Federica , Limongiello Maria Assunta , Frioni Filippo , Piccirillo Nicola , Bianchi Maria , Valentini Caterina Giovanna , Teofili Luciana , Sica Simona , Bacigalupo Andrea
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of WT1 expression after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We studied WT1 expression in bone marrow cells from 50 patients in complete remission on day +60 after transplant. WT1 was assessed on unfractionated bone marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) and on CD34+ selected cells (CD34+). A ROC curve analysis identified 800 WT1 copies on CD34+ selected cells, as the best cut-off predicting relapse (AUC 0.842, p=0.0006, 85.7% sensitivity and 81.6% specificity) and 100 copies in MNC (AUC 0.819, p=0.007, 83.3% sensitivity and 88.2% specificity). Using the 800 WT1 copy cut off in CD34+ cells, the 2 year cumulative incidence of relapse was 12% vs 38% (p=0.005), and 2 year survival 88% vs 55% (p=0.02). Using the 100 WT1 copy cut off in unfractionated MNC, the 2 year cumulative incidence of relapse 13% vs 44% (p=0.01) and the 2 year survival 88% vs 55% (p=0.08). In a multivariate Cox analysis WT1 expression in CD34 cells proved to highly predictive of relapse (p=0.004); also WT1 expression on unfractionated cells predicted relapse (p=0.03). In conclusion, day-60 WT1 expression after allogeneic HSCT is a significant predictor of relapse, particularly when tested on CD34+ selected bone marrow cells.
Case Report: Considerations of nocturnal ventilator support in ROHHAD syndrome in chronic care of childhood central hypoventilation with hypothalamus dysfunction
Authors: Zhao Rui , Dong Xiaosong , Gao Zhancheng , Han Fang
Published: August 2022

Rapid-onset obesity with hypothalamic dysfunction, hypoventilation, and autonomic dysregulation (ROHHAD) is a rare life-threatening disorder that can occur during childhood. All children with ROHHAD develop alveolar hypoventilation during wakefulness and sleep. The key treatment for these patients is the optimization of oxygenation and ventilation. Here, we report the case of a 5-year-old girl with suspected ROHHAD, with rapid weight gain, breathing cessation, decreased height, hypoventilation, central hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, and absolute deficiency of growth hormone, and negative PHOX2B sequencing results. The presentation met the diagnostic criteria for ROHHAD syndrome. During the 5-year follow-up, she presented with progressive deterioration of the function of the hypothalamus and respiratory center, hypoxemia (PO2 < 60 mmHg), and hypercapnia [transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcPCO2) > 70 mmHg] during the first two cycles of N3 sleep with a poor response to ventilatory support. Early diagnosis and application of non-invasive positive pressure ventilation during sleep can improve the quality of life and outcomes of patients with ROHHAD, and polysomnography and TcPCO2 should be repeated every 3–6 months to follow the progress and regulate ventilator support. Multidisciplinary care is crucial for the successful management of these patients.
Determination of salivary concentrations of leptin and adiponectin, ability to reduce ferric ions and total antioxidant capacity of saliva in patients with severe early childhood caries
Authors: Petrović Bojan , Stilinović Nebojsa , Tomas Ana , Kojić Sanja , Stojanović Goran M.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

One of the most common oral diseases affecting children is early childhood caries (ECC). The link between oxidative stress and ECC has been proven in numerous clinical studies. Technical and biological variability were so high in most of the studies that none of the markers have yet been proven suitable for routine clinical use. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant status and the levels of leptin and adiponectin in saliva of children with severe early childhood caries (S-ECC).

Methods

Morning unstimulated saliva samples were collected from children (n = 40, 0–6 years old) for the evaluation of oxidative stress which were measured by total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays, as well as to assess the salivary levels of leptin and adiponectin. FRAP, TAC, leptin and adiponectin concentrations were evaluated in S-ECC group (n = 31) and caries free group CF (n = 9). All results were analyzed based on age and sex.

Results

Overall median salivary leptin and adiponectin levels were 5.59 pg/mL and 24.86 ng/mL, respectively. Significantly lower leptin levels were observed in saliva of caries free children (4.66 pg/mL) than in the S-ECC group (6.64 pg/mL, p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed for adiponectin levels (S-ECC and CF, 25.31 and 23.2 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.961). TAC and FRAP values of saliva had similar values in children with S-ECC and caries free children. TAC and FRAP values also remained stable with the age of the children, without significant differences with respect to sex.

Conclusion

The increased concentrations of leptin in saliva of children with S-ECC suggests that leptin may play a role in inflammatory and immune responses in the development of early childhood caries.
A study of the top-cited studies on drug therapy for HIV
Authors: Tang Jie , Yuan Yanwen , Sun Lei , Wu Bo , Yu Lin
Published: August 2022

Background Research on drug therapy for HIV remained major hot-spots, but relevant data were not satisfactory. We aimed to assess the status and trends of the most cited studies on drug therapy for HIV by using bibliometric methods.

Methods The Web of Science Core Collection database was searched for the drug therapy for HIV studies. The period for retrieval was from the beginning of the database to July 26, 2022. The 100 top cited studies were selected. These general information and bibliometric data were collected and analyzed. VOS viewer software was used for visualization analysis.

Results The number of citations for the 100 top cited studies ranged from 451 to 5597 and were published from 1987 to 2017. These studies were published in 29 journals. The top 3 journals in terms of the number of studies were the New England Journal of Medicine (n = 22), Lancet (n = 15), and JAMA (n = 13). The most frequently nominated author was Matthias Eiger from the University of Bern, who has contributed 5 studies. United States, Switzerland, and England contributed most of the highly cited studies. Research hot spots reflected clinical trials, treatment adverse events, basic research, and clinical adherence.

Conclusion The majority of 100 top-cited studies have been published in the United States, and primarily focused on treatment adverse events, basic research, and clinical adherence. They provide a basic list of the most important and influential academic contributions to literature of HIV drug treatment for researchers.
Integrated bioinformatical analysis, machine learning and in vitro experiment-identified m6A subtype, and predictive drug target signatures for diagnosing renal fibrosis
Authors: Feng Chunxiang , Wang Zhixian , Liu Chang , Liu Shiliang , Wang Yuxi , Zeng Yuanyuan , Wang Qianqian , Peng Tianming , Pu Xiaoyong , Liu Jiumin
Published: August 2022

Renal biopsy is the gold standard for defining renal fibrosis which causes calcium deposits in the kidneys. Persistent calcium deposition leads to kidney inflammation, cell necrosis, and is related to serious kidney diseases. However, it is invasive and involves the risk of complications such as bleeding, especially in patients with end-stage renal diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to identify specific diagnostic biomarkers for renal fibrosis. This study aimed to develop a predictive drug target signature to diagnose renal fibrosis based on m6A subtypes. We then performed an unsupervised consensus clustering analysis to identify three different m6A subtypes of renal fibrosis based on the expressions of 21 m6A regulators. We evaluated the immune infiltration characteristics and expression of canonical immune checkpoints and immune-related genes with distinct m6A modification patterns. Subsequently, we performed the WGCNA analysis using the expression data of 1,611 drug targets to identify 474 genes associated with the m6A modification. 92 overlapping drug targets between WGCNA and DEGs (renal fibrosis vs. normal samples) were defined as key drug targets. A five target gene predictive model was developed through the combination of LASSO regression and stepwise logistic regression (LASSO-SLR) to diagnose renal fibrosis. We further performed drug sensitivity analysis and extracellular matrix analysis on model genes. The ROC curve showed that the risk score (AUC = 0.863) performed well in diagnosing renal fibrosis in the training dataset. In addition, the external validation dataset further confirmed the outstanding predictive performance of the risk score (AUC = 0.755). These results indicate that the risk model has an excellent predictive performance for diagnosing the disease. Furthermore, our results show that this 5-target gene model is significantly associated with many drugs and extracellular matrix activities. Finally, the expression levels of both predictive signature genes EGR1 and PLA2G4A were validated in renal fibrosis and adjacent normal tissues by using qRT-PCR and Western blot method.
Integrative network pharmacology and experimental verification to reveal the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ginsenoside Rh4
Authors: To Kwang-Il , Zhu Zhen-Xing , Wang Ya-Ni , Li Gang-Ao , Sun Yu-Meng , Li Yang , Jin Ying-Hua
Published: August 2022

Inflammation is an innate immune response to infection, and it is the main factor causing bodily injury and other complications in the pathological process. Ginsenoside Rh4 (G-Rh4), a minor ginsenoside of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer and Panax notoginseng, has excellent pharmacological properties. However, many of its major pharmacological mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory actions, remain unrevealed. In this study, network pharmacology and an experimental approach were employed to elucidate the drug target and pathways of G-Rh4 in treating inflammation. The potential targets of G-Rh4 were selected from the multi-source databases, and 58 overlapping gene symbols related to G-Rh4 and inflammation were obtained for generating a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network. Molecular docking revealed the high affinities between key proteins and G-Rh4. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses were used to analyze the screened core targets and explore the target–pathway networks. It was found that the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway may be the key and main pathways of G-Rh4 to treat inflammation. Additionally, the potential molecular mechanisms of G-Rh4 predicted from network pharmacology analysis were validated in RAW264.7 cells. RT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA analysis indicated that G-Rh4 significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, as well as inflammation-related enzymes in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, in vitro experiments evaluated that Ginsenoside Rh4 exerts anti-inflammatory effects via the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways. It is believed that our study will provide the basic scientific evidence that G-Rh4 has potential anti-inflammatory effects for further clinical studies.
Functional and Traditional Resistance Training Are Equally Effective in Increasing Upper and Lower Limb Muscular Endurance and Performance Variables in Untrained Young Men
Authors: Zuo Chongwen , Bo Shumin , Wang Tao , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2022

Background: Functional resistance training (FRT) has been proposed as a safe alternative to traditional resistance training (TRT) for developing neuromuscular adaptation capacity and improving muscular strength and competitive performance. This study sought to compare the effects of 6 weeks of FRT and TRT on upper and lower limb muscular endurance and performance variables in untrained young men.

Methods: Twenty-nine untrained healthy young males aged 18–29 years were randomly given 6 weeks of FRT [40% of 1repetition maximum (RM), 4,5 sets of 20 repetitions, 3 times/week] or TRT (70% of 1RM, 4,5 sets of 12 repetitions, 3 times/week). All participants underwent numerous tests before and after the 6-week training, such as muscular endurance (reps of bench press and leg flexion) and physical performance tests (sprint performance, pull-ups, throwing ability, and jumping ability).

Results: After the 6 weeks of training, the TRT and FRT groups showed an equally significant increase in muscular endurance (p < 0.01), while the throwing and jumping abilities, 30-m sprint, and pull-ups performances in both the groups (p < 0.01) also improved significantly. However, no differences were observed between the groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: These findings indicate that both functional resistance training and traditional resistance training are effective training methods for improving the upper and lower limb muscular endurance and performance in untrained young men.
Running vs. resistance exercise to counteract deconditioning induced by 90-day head-down bedrest
Authors: Robin Adrien , Wang Linjie , Custaud Marc-Antoine , Liu Jiexin , Yuan Min , Li Zhili , Lloret Jean-Christophe , Liu Shujuan , Dai Xiaoqian , Zhang Jianfeng , Lv Ke , Li Wenjiong , Gauquelin-Koch Guillemette , Wang Huijuan , Li Kai , Li Xiaotao , Qu Lina , Navasiolava Nastassia , Li Yinghui
Published: August 2022

Spaceflight is associated with enhanced inactivity, resulting in muscular and cardiovascular deconditioning. Although physical exercise is commonly used as a countermeasure, separate applications of running and resistive exercise modalities have never been directly compared during long-term bedrest. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two exercise countermeasure programs, running and resistance training, applied separately, for counteracting cardiovascular deconditioning induced by 90-day head-down bedrest (HDBR). Maximal oxygen uptake (V˙O2max), orthostatic tolerance, continuous ECG and blood pressure (BP), body composition, and leg circumferences were measured in the control group (CON: n = 8), running exercise group (RUN: n = 7), and resistive exercise group (RES: n = 7). After HDBR, the decrease in V˙O2max was prevented by RUN countermeasure and limited by RES countermeasure (−26% in CON p < 0.05, −15% in RES p < 0.05, and −4% in RUN ns). Subjects demonstrated surprisingly modest orthostatic tolerance decrease for different groups, including controls. Lean mass loss was limited by RES and RUN protocols (−10% in CON vs. −5% to 6% in RES and RUN). Both countermeasures prevented the loss in thigh circumference (−7% in CON p < 0.05, −2% in RES ns, and −0.6% in RUN ns) and limited loss in calf circumference (−10% in CON vs. −7% in RES vs. −5% in RUN). Day–night variations in systolic BP were preserved during HDBR. Decrease in V˙O2max positively correlated with decrease in thigh (r = 0.54 and p = 0.009) and calf (r = 0.52 and p = 0.012) circumferences. During this 90-day strict HDBR, running exercise successfully preserved V˙O2max, and resistance exercise limited its decline. Both countermeasures limited loss in global lean mass and leg circumferences. The V˙O2max reduction seems to be conditioned more by muscular than by cardiovascular parameters.
Acute effects of postural changes and lower body positive and negative pressure on the eye
Authors: Van Akin M. P. , Lantz O. M. , Fellows A. M. , Toutain-Kidd Christine , Zegans Michael , Buckey J. C. , Anderson A. P.
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Entry into weightlessness results in a fluid shift and a loss of hydrostatic gradients. These factors are believed to affect the eye and contribute to the ocular changes that occur in space. We measured eye parameters during fluid shifts produced by lower body negative pressure (LBNP) and lower body positive pressure (LBPP) and changes in hydrostatic gradient direction (supine-prone) in normal subjects to assess the relative effects of fluid shifts and hydrostatic gradient changes on the eye.

Methods: Ocular parameters (intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular geometry, and optical coherence tomography measures) were measured in the seated, supine, and prone positions. To create a fluid shift in the supine and prone positions, the lower body chamber pressure ranged from -40 mmHg to +40 mmHg. Subjects maintained each posture and LBNP/LBPP combination for 15 min prior to data collection. A linear mixed-effects model was used to determine the effects of fluid shifts (as reflected by LBNP/LBPP) and hydrostatic gradient changes (as reflected by the change from seated to supine and from seated to prone) on eye parameters.

Results: Chamber pressure was positively correlated with both increased choroidal thickness (β = 0.11 ,p = 0.01) and IOP (β = 0.06 p < 0.001). The change in posture increased IOP compared to seated IOP (supine β = 2.1, p = 0.01, prone β = 9.5, p < 0.001 prone) but not choroidal thickness. IOP changes correlated with axial length (R = 0.72, p < 0.001).

Discussion: The effects of hydrostatic gradients and fluids shifts on the eye were investigated by inducing a fluid shift in both the supine and prone postures. Both hydrostatic gradients (posture) and fluid shifts (chamber pressure) affected IOP, but only hydrostatic gradients affected axial length and aqueous depth. Changes in choroidal thickness were only significant for the fluid shifts. Changes in hydrostatic gradients can produce significant changes in both IOP and axial length. Fluid shifts are often cited as important factors in the pathophysiology of SANS, but the local loss of hydrostatic gradients in the head may also play an important role in these ocular findings.
Impact of body mass index on postoperative oxygenation impairment in patients with acute aortic syndrome
Authors: Zhang Chiyuan , Bai Hui , Zhang Yanfeng , Deng Zhengyu , Zhang Lei , Chen Xuliang , Fu Zuli , Shi Ruizheng , Zhang Guogang , Xu Qian , Lin Guoqiang
Published: August 2022

Objective: Oxygenation impairment is a common complication of acute aortic syndrome (AAS) patients after surgical repair. The aim of this study is to identify the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk of postoperative oxygenation impairment in AAS patients.

Methods: A total of 227 consecutive patients who were diagnosed as AAS and underwent surgical repair were recruited. They were divided into two groups based on the postoperative oxygenation impairment (non-oxygenation impairment group and oxygenation impairment group). Logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the association between BMI and the risk of oxygenation impairment after surgery. Dose-response curve and subgroup analysis were used to test the reliability of the results of regression analysis. A meta-analysis was then performed to further confirm these results using Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science databases.

Results: For the retrospective study, a significant association was observed after adjusting for a series of variables. BMI was significantly correlated with postoperative oxygenation impairment in patients with AAS (OR, 95% CI, P: 1.27, 1.17–1.46, 0.001). Compared with the normal weight group (18.5 kg/m2 ≤ BMI <23.0 kg/m2), patients with excessive BMI were at a higher risk of oxygenation impairment for the overweight group (23.0 kg/m2 ≤ BMI <25 kg/m2) and obesity group (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) (OR, 95% CI, P: 4.96, 1.62–15.15, 0.005; 9.51, 3.06–29.57, <0.001). The dose-response curve showed that the risk of oxygenation impairment after surgery increased with the increased BMI. Besides, subgroup analysis showed that AAS patients who have an excess weight with a TNF-α ≥ 8.1 pg/ml carried an excess risk of postoperative oxygenation impairment. For the meta-analysis, the pooled result also indicated that AAS patients with high BMI had a significantly increased risk of oxygenation impairment after surgery (OR, 95% CI, P: 1.40, 1.18–1.66, 0.001).

Conclusion: Excessive BMI was an independent risk factor for AAS with postoperative oxygenation impairment.
MADS-box gene AaSEP4 promotes artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua
Authors: Chen Tian-Tian , Yao Xing-Hao , Liu Hang , Li Yong-Peng , Qin Wei , Yan Xin , Wang Xiu-Yun , Peng Bo-Wen , Zhang Yao-Jie , Shao Jin , Hu Xin-Yi , Miao Qing , Fu Xue-Qing , Wang Yu-Liang , Li Ling , Tang Ke-Xuan
Published: August 2022

The plant Artemisia annua is well known for its production of artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone that is an effective antimalarial compound. Although remarkable progress has been made toward understanding artemisinin biosynthesis, the effect of MADS-box family transcription factors on artemisinin biosynthesis is still poorly understood. In this study, we identified a MADS transcription factor, AaSEP4, that was predominantly expressed in trichome. AaSEP4 acts as a nuclear-localized transcriptional activator activating the expression of AaGSW1 (GLANDULAR TRICHOME-SPECIFIC WRKY1). Dual-luciferase and Yeast one-hybrid assays revealed that AaSEP4 directly bound to the CArG motif in the promoter region of AaGSW1. Overexpression of AaSEP4 in A. annua significantly induced the expression of AaGSW1 and four artemisinin biosynthesis genes, including amorpha-4,11-diene synthase (ADS), cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP71AV1), double-bond reductase 2 (DBR2) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1). Furthermore, the results of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed that the artemisinin content was significantly increased in the AaSEP4-overexpressed plants. In addition, RT-qPCR results showed that AaSEP4 was induced by methyl jasmonic acid (MeJA) treatment. Taken together, these results explicitly demonstrate that AaSEP4 is a positive regulator of artemisinin biosynthesis, which can be used in the development of high-artemisinin yielding A. annua varieties.
Foliar selenium fertilization alters the content of dietary phytochemicals in two rocket species
Authors: Schiavon Michela , Nardi Serenella , Pilon-Smits Elizabeth A. H. , Dall’Acqua Stefano
Published: August 2022

Biofortification is the process that aims to enrich crops in micronutrients and valuable compounds. Selenium (Se) biofortification has particularly attracted increasing interest in recent times due to the growing number of individuals suffering from Se deficiency. Selenate and selenite are the Se forms most frequently administered to crops. In this study, Se was applied foliarly as selenate at 2.5, 5, or 10 mg per plant to two rocket species, Diplotaxis tenuifolia and Eruca sativa, grown in soil and the effects in terms of Se enrichment and content of primary and secondary metabolites were comparatively analyzed. We also compared our results with those obtained previously when selenate was supplied to the same species in hydroponics by addition to the nutrient solution. In most cases, the results were the opposite. In E. sativa, foliar Se treatment was more effective in promoting Se accumulation, sulfur (S), cysteine, and glucosinolates. No significant effect of Se was evident on total phenolic content, but there were individual phenols. Among amino acids, the content of proline was increased by Se, perhaps to counteract osmotic stress due to high Se accumulation. In D. tenuifolia, the content of S and cysteine decreased under Se treatment, but the amount of glutathione was steady, suggesting a preferred assimilation of cysteine toward the synthesis of this antioxidant. Consistent, the content of methionine and glucosinolates was reduced. The content of total phenolics was enhanced only by the low Se dosage. In both species, selenocysteine (SeCys) was identified, the content of which was higher compared to plants grown hydroponically. Concluding, most metabolic differences between rocket species were observed at high Se supplementation. Low Se foliar fertilization was effective in an enriching rocket in Se without affecting other phytochemicals. However, the Se dosages sufficient for biofortification could be even lower, as the Se concentration in rocket treated with 2.5 mg Se per plant was still very high and the edible part should not be eaten undiluted. Also, a single method of Se supplementation does not appear to be optimal for all plant species or the same species, as the metabolic responses could be very different.
Sustaining optimal performance when the stakes could not be higher: Emotional awareness and resilience in emergency service personnel (with learnings for elite sport)
Authors: Jacobs Emily , Keegan Richard J.
Published: August 2022

Emergency services personnel are a high stress occupation, being frequently confronted with highly consequential stressors and expected to perform: without fault; under high pressure; and in unpredictable circumstances. Research often invokes similarities between the experiences of emergency services personnel and elite athletes, opening up the possibility of transferring learnings between these contexts. Both roles involve genuine risks to emotional wellbeing because their occupations involve significant stress. Similarly, both roles face obstacles and injury, and their “success” is dependent on high-quality execution of their skills under pressure. As such, both occupations are required to have resilience and effective coping abilities to ensure psychological well-being. Researchers suggest emotional awareness may be a key variable in the management and maintenance of resilience. This study: (1) explored the experiences of emergency services personnel; (2) characterised connections between emotional awareness and resilience; and (3) reflected on the ways these findings can be extrapolated to elite athletes. We analysed 11 interviews with emergency services personnel. Participants identified resilience as crucial when coping with stress, however, many defined resilience as remaining unaffected by stress rather than, for example, managing and responding to it. Participants defined emotional awareness as understanding their emotions, and they recognised associated benefits for coping, resilience, and burnout. Nevertheless, most participants did not engage in practices to improve their emotional awareness. Barriers, such as maladaptive beliefs and help-seeking stigma, interfered with participants’ ability to cultivate emotional awareness, to promote resilience. In contrast, some participants described profound improvements in resilience and coping following the cultivation of emotional awareness. This finding illustrates that systemic change must target the individual, team, and organisation to correct misperceptions about resilience, emotional awareness, and psychological help-seeking. Developing emotional awareness may help emergency services personnel and other high stress occupations like elite athletes process difficult experiences and enhance their resilience, promoting well-being, and career longevity.
The development of positive education combined with online learning: Based on theories and practices
Authors: Lou Jialing , Xu Qinmei
Published: August 2022

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the all-around development and mental health of students in education. Positive education, a rapidly developing ramification of positive psychology, has proved beneficial to students’ learning and wellbeing. Meanwhile, online learning has quickly gained popularity due to the impact of COVID-19. However, there have been few reports discussing the relationship between positive education and online learning by combining theories and practices. To explore the connection between positive education and online learning, we provide a literature review for studies, mostly between 2010 and 2022, of theories and practices for both positive education and online learning. Next, we establish one-to-one links between the relevant theories and practices of online learning to each domain in the PERMA model of positive education, a theoretical framework including Positive emotion(P), Engagement(E), Relationship(R), Meaning(M), and Accomplishment(A). We aim to explore how to promote the development of positive education by applying the theoretical and practical advantages of online learning to the PERMA framework of positive education. This study aims to enrich the research perspectives of positive education and provide a reference for future research.
Knowledge mapping analysis of mental health research on COVID-19
Authors: Zhou Runjin , Lin Xiaoling , Xu Jiamei , Lin Xingdong , Wu Zhibing
Published: August 2022

Objective

A bibliometric analysis of COVID-19 is conducted to examine the developmental context, research hotspots, and frontiers of mental health.

Methods

Using the Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC), we have retrieved articles on mental health research related to COVID-19 which were published between 2019 and 2021. The coauthorship of countries, institutes, and authors was analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.17, and the co-citation map of authors/references was analyzed as well. CiteSpace version 5.8.R3 was used to analyze keyword clusters and forecast research frontiers.

Results

There were 8,856 articles retrieved, including 10,559 research institutes and 1,407 academic journals. The most published country and institutes were the United States (2190) and the University of London (373). Wang, Chengyu owned the highest co-citations (1810). Frontier topics can be identified by trending keywords, including “anxiety,” “depression,” “psychological distress,” “quarantine,” “post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” “insomnia,” and “Healthcare workers.”

Conclusion

The most common psychological problems of people during the epidemic are anxiety and depression. Insomnia and PTSD need to be solved under the normalization of the epidemic. GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scales are the most convenient and effective for screening anxiety and depression. Healthcare workers, older adults, and college students should be concerned, and social and family support is essential.
A simple nomogram for predicting infectious diseases in adult kidney transplantation recipients
Authors: Chen Ruo-Yang , Zhang Sheng , Zhuang Shao-Yong , Li Da-Wei , Zhang Ming , Zhu Cheng , Yu Yue-Tian , Yuan Xiao-Dong
Published: August 2022

Objective

To investigate the risk factors of infectious diseases in adult kidney transplantation recipients and to establish a simple and novel nomogram to guide the prophylactic antimicrobial therapy.

Methods

Patients who received kidney transplantation between January 2018 and October 2021 were included in the study and were divided into a training and a testing set at a 1:1 ratio. Risk factors correlated to infectious diseases were selected using a Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression model. The prediction model was built by incorporating the variables selected by the LASSO model into a logistic regression equation. Calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also applied to assess the model calibration and discrimination. A nomogram consisting of the selected factors was established to provide individualized risks of developing infections. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was adopted to estimate the net benefit and reduction in interventions for a range of clinically reasonable risk thresholds.

Results

In all, 863 adult kidney recipients were included in the study, and 407 (47.16%) of them developed infectious diseases during the 3-year follow–up period. A total of 8 variables were selected using LASSO regression and were retained for subsequent model construction and infection prediction. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.83 and 0.81 in the training and testing sets, with high F scores of 0.76 and 0.77, sensitivity of 0.76 and 0.81, and specificity of 0.88 and 0.74, respectively. A novel nomogram was developed based on 8 selected predictors (requirement for albumin infusion, requirement for red blood cell infusion, triglyceride, uric acid, creatinine, globulin, neutrophil percentage, and white blood cells). The net benefit indicated that the nomogram would reduce unnecessary interventions at a wide range of threshold probabilities in both sets.

Conclusions

Adult kidney transplantation recipients are high-risk hosts for infectious diseases. The novel nomogram consisting of 8 factors reveals good predictive performance and may promote the reasonable antimicrobial prescription. More external validations are required to confirm its effectiveness for further clinical application.
The effectiveness of normative messages to decrease meat consumption: The superiority of dynamic normative messages framed as a loss
Authors: De Groot Judith Irene Maria
Published: August 2022

Consumer behaviors related to food consumption, such as meat consumption, is acknowledged to be a main contributor to the environmental problems. Recent research supports the efficacy of normative messages to change these behaviors for the good. Normative messages make the social norm salient in the behavioral context. Research shows that the normative messages are effective to encourage “desired” pro-environmental behavior if this behavior is carried out by a numerical majority. However, the pro-environmental consumer behaviors are often carried out by a minority of people only. Making salient these behaviors performed by minority of people in normative messages often backfires because the normative message makes salient that it is normal to perform the “undesirable” environmentally harmful behavior. To overcome this shortfall, research has experimented with highlighting that the desired behavior, although still a behavior by minority people, has increased in prevalence (i.e., a dynamic rather than static normative message). However, when such dynamic normative messages are most effective is less clear. Specifically, according to goal-framing theory, it can be assumed that a dynamic normative message highlighting that an increasing minority of people start carrying out the desirable behavior represents a gain frame, while emphasizing that the behavior performed by majority of people is decreasing indicates a loss frame. So far, research on dynamic normative messages only applied gain frames in their messages. This is surprising, as construal level theory (CLT) suggests that the dynamic normative messages will be more effective when framed as a loss. This study therefore tested whether a dynamic normative message is more effective than a static normative message or no message at all, depending on whether it is framed as a loss or a gain. In a one-way between-subject experimental design, including five experimental conditions [i.e., static descriptive normative message (1) gain framed or (2) loss framed; dynamic descriptive normative message (3) gain framed or (4) loss framed; (5) control condition;N= 270], we found that only dynamic normative messages that were framed as a loss were more effective in encouraging a consumer's intention to reduce meat consumption. Therefore, the dynamic normative messages are effective to encourage pro-environmental consumer behaviors of minority of people, but especially when they are framed as a loss rather than a gain.
A sophisticated fracture classification system of the proximal femur trochanteric region (AO/OTA-31A) based on 3D-CT images
Authors: Chang Shi-Min , Wang Zhen-Hai , Tian Ke-Wei , Sun Gui-Xin , Wang Xin , Rui Yun-Feng
Published: August 2022

Objective

Fracture classification evolves dynamically with new and enhanced imaging modalities. This paper aims to introduce a novel hypothesis of a sophisticated fracture classification system for the proximal femur trochanteric region (AO/OTA-31A) based on 3D-CT images and accommodate the clinical requirement of the worldwide outbreak of geriatric hip fractures with large amounts of surgical operations.

Methods

In the current practice of widely preoperative 3D-CT application and cephalomedullary nailing, we attempt to propose a new comprehensive classification system to describe the fracture characteristics in a more detailed and sophisticated architecture, and pay the most important concern to the parameters that contribute to fracture stability reconstruction in osteosynthesis.

Results

The new four-by-four comprehensive classification system, followed the structure of the AO/OTA system, incorporates many fracture characteristics as dividing indexes into multiple grade levels, such as fracture line direction, the number of fragments, the lesser trochanter fragment and its distal extension (>2 cm), the posterior coronal fragment and its anterior expansion (to the entry portal of head–neck implant at the lateral cortex), the lateral wall and anterior cortex fracture, and the anteromedial inferior corner comminution. From a panoramic perspective, there are four types and each type has four subtypes. A1 is simple two-part fractures (20%), A2 is characterized by lesser trochanter fragment and posterior coronal fractures (62.5%), A3 is reverse obliquity and transverse fractures with complete lateral wall broken (15.5%), and A4 is medial wall comminution which further lacks anteromedial cortex transmission of compression force (2%). For subtypes, A2.2 is with a banana-like posterior coronal fragment, A2.4 is with distal cortex extension >2 cm of the lesser trochanter and anterior expansion of the posterior coronal fragment(s) to the entry portal of head–neck implants, A3.4 is a primary pantrochanteric fracture, and A4.4 is a concomitant ipsilateral segmental fracture of the neck and trochanter region.

Conclusion

Classification represents diversity under consistency. The four-by-four sophisticated classification system delineates fracture characteristics in more detail. It is applicable in the time of rapid outbreak of trochanteric fractures in the older population, the large amounts of surgical operations, and incorporates various rare and/or more complicated subtypes which is unclassifiable before.
Spontaneous perforation of a primary duodenal diverticulum stepped treatment model: A 10-patient case report
Authors: Zhong Bin , Li Zhonghu , Lin Zhenyu , Shen Yanbing , Zhang Jianxin , Jin Weidong
Published: August 2022

After colonic diverticula, a duodenal diverticulum (DD) is the second most common type of gastrointestinal diverticulum. DD is mainly caused by poor congenital development, resulting in a limited outward protrusion of the duodenal wall in a sac (primary diverticula). Perforation is one of the infrequent but most severe complications of DD, most commonly in the second segment of the duodenum (D2, 58%), followed by the third segment (D3, 30%). In the current case reports on the treatment of DD perforation, preoperative diagnosis is rare, with most patients being diagnosed and treated by laparotomy; the surgical approach is complex and varied, with artificial choices; and there is a high rate of complications and mortality (6%–34%) after surgical treatment. This study aimed to review our experience treating spontaneous perforation of the primary duodenal diverticulum, focusing on the surgical treatment model. A retrospective review of all spontaneous perforations of primary DD was conducted at one center between January 2010 and January 2022. We identified 10 patients with spontaneous perforation of primary DD (6 women and 4 men; median age: 51.5 years; range: 24–87 years). The patients had a median American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 2. All patients underwent surgical treatment, of which six had percutaneous retroperitoneal drainage, two had diverticulectomy, one had distal gastrectomy + gastrojejunostomy + diverticuloplasty, and one had diverticulum repair. No patients died. The median length of stay was 12 days (range: 3–21 days). There were no long-term complications during the follow-up period (median follow-up of 12 months). A stepwise treatment model for spontaneous perforation of primary DD appears to have more advantages, and transabdominal exploratory surgery should probably not be the preferred treatment modality.
Competitive risk analysis of the therapeutic value of liver transplantation for liver cancer in children: A population-based study
Authors: Xing Huiwu , Yang Chenyu , Tan Bingqian , Zhang Mingman
Published: August 2022

Background

Liver transplantation (LT) is one of the most important treatments for children with liver cancer (CLCa) and has been increasingly used. However, there is a lack of large-scale and multicenter studies on the trend in the application and value of LT for the treatment of CLCa.

Methods

We analyzed the clinicopathological data of CLCa from 2000 to 2018 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We explored the trend in the application of LT for the treatment of CLCa. LASSO Cox regression and the Log-Rank test were used to explore prognostic factors, and we built a nomogram using the screened factors. Propensity score matching was used to balance the baseline data of patients undergoing LT and other surgeries, and then the Log-Rank test was used to evaluate the therapeutic value of LT for CLCa.

Results

The 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year overall survival (OS) rates of CLCa were 88.7%, 80.6%, 76.8%, and 73.0%, respectively. Then, we established a nomogram using many variables including age of diagnosis, regional lymph node metastasis, summary stage, and therapy. Internally validated and externally verified, our nomogram had good predictive power and clinical applicability. LT was increasingly being used to treat CLCa. There was no statistically significant difference in the OS of CLCa between the LT and other surgeries groups. After LT, the hepatoblastoma group had a better prognosis than the hepatocellular carcinoma group.

Conclusion

We built a well-performing nomogram to predict the OS of CLCa. LT could improve the prognosis of CLCa as other surgeries and could be considered an effective treatment choice for CLCa.
Developmental and reproductive toxic effects of exposure to microplastics: A review of associated signaling pathways
Authors: Dubey Itishree , Khan Sabbir , Kushwaha Sapana
Published: August 2022

Microplastics (MPs), small pieces of plastic (∼5 mm), are released into the environment not only as a result of the decomposition of large-sized plastics but also from day-to-day use of plastic products. Chronic exposure to MPs has been attributed to harmful effects on aquatic organisms and rodents. Effects include gastrointestinal toxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicities. Exposure to MPs may also potentially affect human health. Herein, we reviewed the impact of MPs on male and female reproductive systems and the associated mechanisms involved in the reproductive and developmental toxicities of MPs. We performed a literature search in Google Scholar and PubMed using the following keywords: MPs and reproductive toxicity; MPs and developmental studies; MPs and infertility; MPs and aquatics; and MPs and rodents. Evidence of MPs accumulation has been reported in many organs of humans and experimental models. The harmful effects of MPs have been manifested in male and female reproductive systems of mammalian and aquatic animals, including developmental effects on gametes, embryos, and their offspring. This review describes various signaling pathways involved in MPs-associated male and female reproductive and developmental toxicities.