bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of percutaneously-implanted epidural stimulation on cardiovascular autonomic function and spasticity after complete spinal cord injury: A case report
Authors: Gorgey Ashraf S. , Goldsmith Jacob , Alazzam Ahmad , Trainer Robert
Published: February 2023

Importance

There is a revived interest to explore spinal cord epidural stimulation (SCES) to improve physical function after spinal cord injury (SCI). This case report highlights the potential of eliciting multiple functional improvements with a single SCES configuration, a strategy which could improve clinical translation.

Objective

To determine whether SCES intended to facilitate walking also acutely yields benefits in cardiovascular autonomic regulation and spasticity.

Design

Case report from data collected at two timepoints 15 weeks apart from March to June 2022 as part of a larger clinical trial.

Setting

Research lab at Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center.

Participant

27-year-old male, 7 years post a C8 motor complete spinal cord injury.

Intervention

A SCES configuration intended to enhance exoskeleton-assisted walking training applied for autonomic and spasticity management.

Main outcomes and measures

The primary outcome was cardiovascular autonomic response to a 45-degree head-up-tilt test. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate (HR), and absolute power of the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components of a heart-rate variability analysis were collected in supine and tilt with and without the presence of SCES. Right knee flexor and knee extensor spasticity was assessed via isokinetic dynamometry with and without SCES.

Results

At both assessments with SCES off, transitioning from supine to tilt decreased SBP (assessment one: 101.8 to 70 mmHg; assessment two: 98.9 to 66.4 mmHg). At assessment one, SCES on in supine (3 mA) increased SBP (average 117 mmHg); in tilt, 5 mA stabilized SBP near baseline values (average 111.5 mmHg). At assessment two, SCES on in supine (3 mA) increased SBP (average 140 mmHg in minute one); decreasing amplitude to 2 mA decreased SBP (average 119 mmHg in minute five). In tilt, 3 mA stabilized SBP near baseline values (average 93.2 mmHg). Torque-time integrals at the right knee were reduced at all angular velocities for knee flexors (range: −1.9 to −7.8%) and knee extensors (range: −1 to −11.4%).

Conclusions and relevance

These results demonstrate that SCES intended to facilitate walking may also enhance cardiovascular autonomic control and attenuate spasticity. Using one configuration to enhance multiple functions after SCI may accelerate clinical translation.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/, identifier NCT04782947.
Age-differential sexual dimorphisms in CHD8-S62X-mutant mouse synapses and transcriptomes
Authors: Lee Soo Yeon , Kweon Hanseul , Kang Hyojin , Kim Eunjoon
Published: February 2023

Chd8+/N2373K mice with a human C-terminal-truncating mutation (N2373K) display autistic-like behaviors in juvenile and adult males but not in females. In contrast, Chd8+/S62X mice with a human N-terminal-truncating mutation (S62X) display behavioral deficits in juvenile males (not females) and adult males and females, indicative of age-differential sexually dimorphic behaviors. Excitatory synaptic transmission is suppressed and enhanced in male and female Chd8+/S62X juveniles, respectively, but similarly enhanced in adult male and female mutants. ASD-like transcriptomic changes are stronger in newborn and juvenile (but not adult) Chd8+/S62X males but in newborn and adult (not juvenile) Chd8+/S62X females. These results point to age-differential sexual dimorphisms in Chd8+/S62X mice at synaptic and transcriptomic levels, in addition to the behavioral level.
Health effects of the time-restricted eating in adults with obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Weiyi , Liu Xiaoli , Bao Lei , Yang Ping , Zhou Huihui
Published: February 2023

Background

The number of people suffering from overweight or obesity has been steadily increasing in recent years. As a new form of diet, the efficacy of time-restricted eating (TRE) remains debatable.

Objective

This meta-analysis quantified the effect of TRE on weight change and other physical parameters in obese and overweight adults.

Methods

We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the TRE interventions on weight loss and other metabolic parameters by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify eligible trials published from database inception up until 23 August 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB-2.0). Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 software.

Results

Nine RCTs with 665 individuals (345 in the TRE group while 320 in the control group) were included. Results indicated that TRE had a greater decrease in body weight (−1.28 kg; 95% CI [−2.05, −0.52], p = 0.001), fat mass (−0.72 kg; 95% CI [−1.40, −0.03], p = 0.04), body mass index (−0.34 kg/m2; 95% CI [−0.64, −0.04], p = 0.03) and diastolic blood pressure (−2.26 mmHg 95% CI [−4.02, −0.50], p = 0.01). However, the meta-analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference between TRE and the control group in lean mass, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Besides, the duration of the study and daily eating window also had an impact on weight change.

Conclusion

TRE was associated with reductions in weight and fat mass and can be a dietary intervention option for adults with obesity. But high-quality trials and longer follow-ups are needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Transcriptome and metabolome profiling unveils the mechanisms of naphthalene acetic acid in promoting cordycepin synthesis in Cordyceps militaris
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Yin , Li Xiue , Sun Lei , Feng Yetong , Sa Fangping , Ge Yupeng , Yang Shude , Liu Yu , Li Weihuan , Cheng Xianhao
Published: February 2023

Cordycepin, an important active substance in Cordyceps militaris, possesses antiviral and other beneficial activities. In addition, it has been reported to effectively promote the comprehensive treatment of COVID-19 and thus has become a research hotspot. The addition of naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) is known to significantly improve the yield of cordycepin; however, its related molecular mechanism remains unclear. We conducted a preliminary study on C. militaris with different concentrations of NAA. We found that treatment with different concentrations of NAA inhibited the growth of C. militaris, and an increase in its concentration significantly improved the cordycepin content. In addition, we conducted a transcriptome and metabolomics association analysis on C. militaris treated with NAA to understand the relevant metabolic pathway of cordycepin synthesis under NAA treatment and elucidate the relevant regulatory network of cordycepin synthesis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), transcriptome, and metabolome association analysis revealed that genes and metabolites encoding cordycepin synthesis in the purine metabolic pathway varied significantly with the concentration of NAA. Finally, we proposed a metabolic pathway by analyzing the relationship between gene–gene and gene–metabolite regulatory networks, including the interaction of cordycepin synthesis key genes; key metabolites; purine metabolism; TCA cycle; pentose phosphate pathway; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; and histidine metabolism. In addition, we found the ABC transporter pathway to be significantly enriched. The ABC transporters are known to transport numerous amino acids, such as L-glutamate, and participate in the amino acid metabolism that affects the synthesis of cordycepin. Altogether, multiple channels work together to double the cordycepin yield, thereby providing an important reference for the molecular network relationship between the transcription and metabolism of cordycepin synthesis.
Geographical traceability of gelatin in China using stable isotope ratio analysis
Authors: Li Shuang , Jiang Di , Li Jinglin , Ma Yuhua , Yao Jian , Du Lin , Xu Yisheng , Qian Yuan
Published: February 2023

Geographical traceability is crucial to the quality and safety control of gelatin. However, currently, methods for gelatin traceability have not been established anywhere in the world. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of differentiating the geographical origins of gelatin from different regions in China using stable isotope technology. To achieve this objective, 47 bovine stick bone samples from three different regions (Inner Mongolia, Shandong, and Guangxi, respectively) in China were collected, and gelatin was extracted from these bones using the enzymatic method. The fingerprint characteristics of stable isotopes of δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H of gelatin from different regions in China were studied. Moreover, isotopic changes from the bone to gelatin during the processing were examined to evaluate the effectiveness of these factors as origin indicators. The results of the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H of gelatin from different regions display significant differences, and using the linear discriminant analysis (LDA), the correct differentiation of origin reached 97.9%. Certain differences in stable isotope ratios were observed during the processing of bone to gelatin samples. Nonetheless, the fractionation effect caused by the processing of bone to gelatin samples was not sufficient to influence the identification of gelatin from different origins, which proves that δ13C, δ15N, and δ2H are effective origin indicators of gelatin. In conclusion, the stable isotope ratio analysis combined with the chemometric analysis can be used as a reliable tool for identifying gelatin traceability.
Artificial intelligence-based prediction of overall survival in metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Barkan Ella , Porta Camillo , Rabinovici-Cohen Simona , Tibollo Valentina , Quaglini Silvana , Rizzo Mimma
Published: February 2023

Background and objectives

Investigations of the prognosis are vital for better patient management and decision-making in patients with advanced metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the capacity of emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to predict three- and five-year overall survival (OS) for mRCC patients starting their first-line of systemic treatment.

Patients and methods

The retrospective study included 322 Italian patients with mRCC who underwent systemic treatment between 2004 and 2019. Statistical analysis included the univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazard model and the Kaplan-Meier analysis for the prognostic factors’ investigation. The patients were split into a training cohort to establish the predictive models and a hold-out cohort to validate the results. The models were evaluated by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. We assessed the clinical benefit of the models using decision curve analysis (DCA). Then, the proposed AI models were compared with well-known pre-existing prognostic systems

Results

The median age of patients in the study was 56.7 years at RCC diagnosis and 78% of participants were male. The median survival time from the start of systemic treatment was 29.2 months; 95% of the patients died during the follow-up that finished by the end of 2019. The proposed predictive model, which was constructed as an ensemble of three individual predictive models, outperformed all well-known prognostic models to which it was compared. It also demonstrated better usability in supporting clinical decisions for 3- and 5-year OS. The model achieved (0.786 and 0.771) AUC and (0.675 and 0.558) specificity at sensitivity 0.90 for 3 and 5 years, respectively. We also applied explainability methods to identify the important clinical features that were found to be partially matched with the prognostic factors identified in the Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses.

Conclusions

Our AI models provide best predictive accuracy and clinical net benefits over well-known prognostic models. As a result, they can potentially be used in clinical practice for providing better management for mRCC patients starting their first-line of systemic treatment. Larger studies would be needed to validate the developed model
Whole-genome sequencing identified novel mutations in a Chinese family with lynch syndrome
Authors: He Wan , Dong Shaowei , Shen Jing , Wu Jiutong , Zhao Pan , Li Dongbing , Wang Dongliang , Tang Na , Zou Chang
Published: February 2023

Background

Lynch syndrome (LS) is caused by a germline mutation in one of the mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2) or in the EPCAM gene. The definition of Lynch syndrome is based on clinical, pathological, and genetic findings. Therefore, the identification of susceptibility genes is essential for accurate risk assessment and tailored screening programs in LS monitoring.

Patients and methods

In this study, LS was diagnosed clinically in a Chinese family using Amsterdam II criteria. To further explore the molecular characteristics of this LS family, we performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) to 16 members in this family and summarized the unique mutational profiles within this family. We also used Sanger sequencing technology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to verify some of the mutations identified in the WGS analysis.

Results

We showed that mutations in mismatch repair (MMR) related genes, as well as pathways including DNA replication, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair, and homologous recombination were enhanced in this family. Two specific variants, MSH2 (p.S860X) and FSHR (p.I265V) were identified in all five members with LS phenotypes in this family. The MSH2 (p.S860X) variant is the first reported variant in a Chinese LS family. This mutation would result in a truncated protein. Theoretically, these patients might benefit from PD-1 (Programmed death 1) immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The patients who received nivolumab in combination with docetaxel treatments are currently in good health.

Conclusion

Our findings extend the mutation spectrum of genes associated with LS in MLH2 and FSHR, which is essential for future screening and genetic diagnosis of LS.
Post-transplant cyclophosphamide versus anti-thymocyte globulin in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from unrelated donors: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Lu , Liu Zhigang , Li Tao , Dong Tian , Wu Qiuhui , Niu Ting , Liu Ting , Ji Jie
Published: February 2023

Background

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) are both common graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis strategies in allo-HSCT from unrelated donors. However, no consensus has reached on which regimen is optimal. Although several studies concerning this topic exist, the outcomes of different studies still conflict with each other. Therefore, an overall comparison of the two regimens is urgently needed to help make informed clinical decisions.

Methods

Studies comparing PTCy and ATG regimens in unrelated donor (UD) allo-HSCT were searched in four critical medical databases from inception to April 17, 2022. The primary outcome was grade II-IV aGVHD, grade III-IV aGVHD and chronic GVHD (cGVHD), and the secondary outcomes included overall survival (OS), relapse incidence (RI), non-relapse mortality (NRM), and several severe infectious complications. The quality of articles was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS), and data were extracted by two independent investigators and then analyzed by RevMan 5.4.

Results

Six out of 1091 articles were eligible for this meta-analysis. Compared with the ATG regimen, prophylaxis based on PTCy achieved a lower incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD incidence (RR=0.68, 95% CI 0.50-0.93, P=0.010, I2 = 67%), grade III-IV aGVHD (RR=0.32, 95% CI 0.14-0.76, P=0.001, I2 = 75%), NRM (RR=0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.84, P=0.17, I2 = 36%), EBV-related PTLD (RR=0.23, 95% CI 0.09-0.58, P=0.85, I2 = 0%) and better OS (RR=1.29, 95% CI 1.03-1.62, P=0.0001, I2 = 80%). The cGVHD, RI, CMV reactivation and BKV-related HC showed no significant difference between the two groups (RR=0.66, 95% CI 0.35-1.26, P<0.00001, I2 = 86%; RR=0.95, 95% CI 0.78-1.16, P=0.37, I2 = 7%; RR=0.89, 95% CI 0.63-1.24, P=0.07, I2 = 57%; RR=0.88, 95% CI 0.76-1.03, P=0.44, I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

In the setting of unrelated donor allo-HSCT, prophylaxis based on PTCy can lower the incidence of grade II-IV aGVHD, grade III-IV aGVHD, NRM and EBV-related complication, achieve better OS compared to ATG-based regimen. And cGVHD, RI, CMV reactivation and BKV-related HC were comparable in the two groups.
Sintilimab plus Lenvatinib conversion therapy for intermediate/locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A phase 2 study
Authors: Wang Lijun , Wang Hongwei , Cui Yong , Liu Ming , Jin Kemin , Xu Da , Wang Kun , Xing Baocai
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Patients with intermediate or locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who are not eligible for radical treatment typically have a poor overall prognosis. Treatment strategies that can convert unresectable HCC into resectable HCC may improve patient survival. We conducted a single arm phase 2 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Sintilimab plus Lenvatinib as conversion therapy for HCC.

Methods

A single-arm, single-center study conducted in China (NCT04042805). Adults (≥18 years) with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage B or C HCC ineligible for radical surgery with no distant/lymph node metastasis received Sintilimab 200 mg IV on day 1 of a 21-day cycle plus Lenvatinib 12 mg (body weight ≥60 kg) or 8 mg (body weight <60 kg) orally once daily. Resectability was based on imaging and liver function. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR), assessed using RECIST v1.1. Secondary endpoints included disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), event-free survival (EFS) in patients who underwent resection, surgical conversion rate, and safety.

Results

Overall, 36 patients were treated between August 1, 2018, and November 25, 2021; the median age was 58 years (range, 30–79), and 86% were male. The ORR (RECIST v1.1) was 36.1% (95% CI, 20.4–51.8) and the DCR was 94.4% (95% CI, 86.9–99.9). Eleven patients underwent radical surgery and one received radiofrequency ablation and stereotactic body radiotherapy; after a median follow up of 15.9 months, all 12 were alive and four had recurrence, median EFS was not reached. Median PFS among 24 patients who did not undergo surgery was 14.3 months (95% CI, 6.3–26.5). Treatment was generally well tolerated; two patients had serious adverse events; there were no treatment-related deaths.

Conclusions

Sintilimab plus Lenvatinib is safe and feasible for the conversion treatment of intermediate to locally advanced HCC initially unsuitable for surgical resection.
Use of proton pump inhibitors in scandinavian children and adolescents: An observational study
Authors: Closs Emilie Raaum , Mårild Karl , Nielsen Rasmus Gaardskær , Størdal Ketil
Published: February 2023

Aims

To examine the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in Scandinavian children with focus on the geographical variation, temporal changes and possible contributing factors to observed changes.

Methods

An observational population-based study of children and adolescents (1-17 years) in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark during the period 2007-2020. Information concerning dispensed PPIs was obtained from the national prescription databases of each country and presented as means per 1,000 children for each country and calendar year in four age categories (1-4, 5-9, 10-13 and 14-17 years).

Results

In 2007, the PPI use in children was similar across Scandinavian countries. An increased PPI use was observed in all countries during the study period, with gradually increasing differences between the countries. In general, Norway showed both the largest total increase and the largest increase in each age category compared to Sweden and Denmark. In 2020 Norwegian children showed, on average, a 59% higher PPI use compared to Swedish children and a more than double the overall dispensation rate than Denmark. In Denmark there was a 19% reduction in dispensed PPIs from 2015 to 2020.

Conclusion

Despite being countries with similar health care systems and without indications of increased incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), we observed considerable geographical variation and temporal changes of PPI use in children. Although this study did not contain data on the indication for PPI use, these large differences across countries and time may indicate a current overtreatment.
Case report: Serotoninergic and cholinergic syndromes induced by self-medication
Authors: Orozco-Solano Sofía , Silva-Castro Martha Milena , Machuca Manuel
Published: February 2023

Self-medication is a part of the self-care practices carried out by the elderly in their environment. The aim of this case report is to show how the self-medication of fluoxetine and dimenhydrinate in an older adult can induce serotoninergic and cholinergic syndromes, showing symptoms such as nausea, tachycardia, tremor, loss of appetite, memory loss, decreased vision, falls, and increased urination. An older adult who has been diagnosed with arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and a recent diagnosis of essential thrombosis is the subject of this case report. After the analysis of the case, cessation of fluoxetine was recommended to avoid withdrawal symptoms, therefore decreasing the need for dimenhydrinate and the medicines used for dyspepsia. After the recommendation, the patient showed an improvement in the symptoms. Finally, the comprehensive evaluation process of the medication in the Medicines Optimization Unit achieved the detection of the problem and improved the patient’s health condition.
Traditional Tibetan medicine to fight against COVID-19: Basic theory and therapeutic drugs
Authors: Zhang Kun , Wang Lijie , Peng Jiayan , Sangji Kangzhuo , Luo Yuting , Zeng Yujiao , Zeweng Yongzhong , Fan Gang
Published: February 2023

The Coronavirus Diseases 2019 (COVID-19) has been rapidly spreading globally and has caused severe harm to the health of people and a substantial social burden. In response to this situation, experts around the world have considered various treatments, including the use of traditional medicine. Traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM), one of the traditional medicines in China, has played an important role in the treatment of infectious diseases in history. It has formed a solid theoretical foundation and accumulated rich experience in the treatment of infectious diseases. In this review, we provide a comprehensive introduction to the basic theory, treatment strategies, and commonly used drugs of TTM for the treatment of COVID-19. In addition, the efficacies and potential mechanisms of these TTM drugs against COVID-19 are discussed based on available experimental data. This review may provide important information for the basic research, clinical application and drug development of traditional medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases. More pharmacological studies are needed to reveal the therapeutic mechanisms and active ingredients of TTM drugs in the treatment of COVID-19.
Dendrobium mixture ameliorates type 2 diabetes mellitus with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease through PPAR gamma: An integrated study of bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification
Authors: Zhuang Shuting , Zhang Jieping , Lin Xiaohui , Wang Xiaoning , Yu Wenzhen , Shi Hong
Published: February 2023

Dendrobium mixture (DM) is a patented Chinese herbal medicine indicated which has anti-inflammatory and improved glycolipid metabolism. However, its active ingredients, targets of action, and potential mechanisms are still uncertain. Here, we investigate the role of DM as a prospective modulator of protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and illustrate the molecular mechanisms potentially involved. The network pharmacology and TMT-based quantitative protomics analysis were conducted to identify potential gene targets of the active ingredients in DM against NAFLD and T2DM. DM was administered to the mice of DM group for 4 weeks, and db/m mice (control group) and db/db mice (model group) were gavaged by normal saline. DM was also given to Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and the serum was subjected to the palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells with abnormal lipid metabolism. The mechanism of DM protection against T2DM-NAFLD is to improve liver function and pathological morphology by promoting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) activation, lowering blood glucose, improving insulin resistance (IR), and reducing inflammatory factors. In db/db mice, DM reduced RBG, body weight, and serum lipids levels, and significantly alleviated histological damage of liver steatosis and inflammation. It upregulated the PPARγ corresponding to the prediction from the bioinformatics analysis. DM significantly reduced inflammation by activating PPARγ in both db/db mice and palmitic acid-induced HepG2 cells.
Nanoparticle-based radiosensitization strategies for improving radiation therapy
Authors: Shen Hongxin , Huang Hong , Jiang Zhimei
Published: February 2023

Radiotherapy remains the mainstay treatment for a variety of cancer forms. However, the therapeutic efficiency of radiation is significantly limited by several aspects, including high radiation resistance caused by low reactive oxygen species concentrations and a low absorption rate of radiation by tumor tissue, inappropriate tumor cell cycle and tumor cell apoptosis, and serious radiation damage to normal cells. In recent years, nanoparticles have been widely used as radiosensitizers due to their unique physicochemical properties and multifunctionalities for potentially enhancing radiation therapy efficacy. In this study, we systematically reviewed several nanoparticle-based radiosensitization strategies for radiation therapy use, including designing nanoparticles that upregulate the levels of reactive oxygen species, designing nanoparticles that enhance the radiation dose deposit, designing chemical drug-loaded nanoparticles for enhancing cancer cell sensitivity to radiation, designing antisense oligonucleotide gene-loaded nanoparticles, and designing nanoparticles using a unique radiation-activable property. The current challenges and opportunities for nanoparticle-based radiosensitizers are also discussed.
Natural products can modulate inflammation in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Liu Zongtai , Zhu Jiabo , Liu Haiyan , Fu Changfeng
Published: February 2023

Intervertebral discs (IVDs) play a crucial role in maintaining normal vertebral anatomy as well as mobile function. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a common clinical symptom and is an important cause of low back pain (LBP). IDD is initially considered to be associated with aging and abnormal mechanical loads. However, over recent years, researchers have discovered that IDD is caused by a variety of mechanisms, including persistent inflammation, functional cell loss, accelerated extracellular matrix decomposition, the imbalance of functional components, and genetic metabolic disorders. Of these, inflammation is thought to interact with other mechanisms and is closely associated with the production of pain. Considering the key role of inflammation in IDD, the modulation of inflammation provides us with new options for mitigating the progression of degeneration and may even cause reversal. Many natural substances possess anti-inflammatory functions. Due to the wide availability of such substances, it is important that we screen and identify natural agents that are capable of regulating IVD inflammation. In fact, many studies have demonstrated the potential clinical application of natural substances for the regulation of inflammation in IDD; some of these have been proven to have excellent biosafety. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms and interactions that are responsible for inflammation in IDD and review the application of natural products for the modulation of degenerative disc inflammation.
Distinguishable cash, bosonic bitcoin, and fermionic non-fungible token
Authors: Kim Zae Young , Park Jeong-Hyuck
Published: February 2023

Modern technology has brought novel types of wealth. In contrast to hard cash, digital currency does not have a physical form. It exists in electronic forms only. To date, it has not been clear what impacts its ongoing growth will have, if any, on wealth distribution. Here, we propose to identify all forms of contemporary wealth into two classes: ‘distinguishable’ or ‘identical’. Traditional tangible moneys are all distinguishable. Financial assets and cryptocurrencies, such as bank deposits and Bitcoin, are boson-like, while non-fungible tokens are fermion-like. We derived their ownership-based distributions in a unified manner. Each class follows essentially the Poisson or the geometric distribution. We contrast their distinct features such as Gini coefficients. Furthermore, aggregating different kinds of wealth corresponds to a weighted convolution where the number of banks matters and Bitcoin follows Bose–Einstein distribution. Our proposal opens a new avenue to understand the deepened inequality in modern economy, which is based on the statistical physics property of wealth rather than the individual ability of owners. We call for verifications with real data.
Deep residual fully connected neural network classification of Compton camera based prompt gamma imaging for proton radiotherapy
Authors: Barajas Carlos A. , Polf Jerimy C. , Gobbert Matthias K.
Published: February 2023

Proton beam radiotherapy is a method of cancer treatment that uses proton beams to irradiate cancerous tissue, while minimizing doses to healthy tissue. In order to guarantee that the prescribed radiation dose is delivered to the tumor and ensure that healthy tissue is spared, many researchers have suggested verifying the treatment delivery through the use of real-time imaging using methods which can image prompt gamma rays that are emitted along the beam’s path through the patient such as Compton cameras (CC). However, because of limitations of the CC, their images are noisy and unusable for verifying proton treatment delivery. We provide a detailed description of a deep residual fully connected neural network that is capable of classifying and improving measured CC data with an increase in the fraction of usable data by up to 72% and allows for improved image reconstruction across the full range of clinical treatment delivery conditions.
Effect of Mucuna pruriens on brain NMDA receptor and tau protein gene expression in cerebral ischemic rats
Authors: Parvatikar Prachi P. , Patil S. M. , Patil Bheemshetty S. , Reddy R. Chandramouli , Bagoji Ishwar , Kotennavar Manjunath S. , Patil Sumangala , Patil Aravind V. , Das Kusal K. , Das Swastika N. , Bagali Shrilaxmi
Published: February 2023

Present study aimed to assess effect of pre-treatment with Mucuna pruriens seed extract and its bioactive molecule(s) on NMDAR and Tau protein gene expression in cerebral ischemic rodent model. Methanol extract of M. pruriens seeds was characterized by HPLC, and β-sitosterol was isolated by flash chromatography. In vivo studies to observe the effect of pre-treatment (28 days) with methanol extract of M. pruriens seed and β-sitosterol on the unilateral cerebral ischemic rat model. Cerebral ischemia induced by left common carotid artery occlusion (LCCAO) for 75 min (on day 29) followed by reperfusion for 12 h. Rats (n = 48) divided into four groups. GroupI (control,Untreated + LCCAO)-No pre-treatment + cerebral ischemia; GroupII(β-sitosterol + Sham)-pre-treatment with β-sitosterol, 10 mg/kg/day + sham-operated; GroupIII(β-sitosterol + LCCAO)-pre-treatment with β-sitosterol, 10 mg/kg/day + cerebral ischemia; GroupIV(methanol extract + LCCAO)-pre-treatment with methanol extract of M. pruriens seeds, 50 mg/kg/day + cerebral ischemia. Neurological deficit score was assessed just before sacrifice. Experimental animals were sacrificed after 12 h reperfusion. Brain histopathology was performed. Gene expression of NMDAR and Tau protein of left cerebral hemisphere (occluded side) was performed by RT-PCR. Results revealed that the neurological deficit score was lower in groups III and IV compared to group I. NMDAR and tau protein mRNA expression in left cerebral hemisphere were upregulated in Group I, downregulated in groups III and IV. Histopathology of left cerebral hemisphere (occluded side) in Group I showed features of ischemic brain damage. Groups III and IV, left cerebral hemisphere showed less ischemic damage compared GroupI. Right cerebral hemisphere showed no areas of ischemia-induced brain changes. Pre-treatment with β-sitosterol and methanol extract of M. pruriens seeds may reduce ischemic brain injury following unilateral common carotid artery occlusion in rats.
Genome-wide analysis of mutations induced by carbon ion beam irradiation in cotton
Authors: Liu Jianguang , Zhao Guiyuan , Geng Jinpeng , Geng Zhao , Dou Haikuan , Liu Xu , An Zetong , Zhang Hanshuang , Wang Yongqiang
Published: February 2023

Carbon ion beam (CIB) irradiation is a powerful way to create mutations in animals, plants, and microbes. Research on the mutagenic effects and molecular mechanisms of radiation is an important and multidisciplinary issue. However, the effect of carbon ion radiation on cotton is uncertain. In this study, five different upland cotton varieties and five CIB doses were used to identify the suitable irradiation dose for cotton. Three mutagenized progeny cotton lines from the wild-type Ji172 were re-sequenced. The effect of half-lethal dose on mutation induction indicated that 200 Gy with LETmax of 226.9 KeV/μm was the most effective heavy-ion dose for upland cotton and a total of 2,959-4,049 single-base substitutions (SBSs) and 610-947 insertion-deletion polymorphisms (InDels) were identified among the three mutants by resequencing. The ratio of transition to transversion in the three mutants ranged from 2.16 to 2.24. Among transversion events, G:C>C:G was significantly less common than three other types of mutations (A:T>C:G, A:T>T:A, and G:C>T:A). The proportions of six types of mutations were very similar in each mutant. The distributions of identified SBSs and InDels were similar with unevenly distributed across the genome and chromosomes. Some chromosomes had significantly more SBSs than others, and there were “hotspot” mutation regions at the ends of chromosomes. Overall, our study revealed a profile of cotton mutations caused by CIB irradiation, and these data could provide valuable information for cotton mutation breeding.
A comprehensive characterization of agronomic and end-use quality phenotypes across a quinoa world core collection
Authors: Craine Evan B. , Davies Alathea , Packer Daniel , Miller Nathan D. , Schmöckel Sandra M. , Spalding Edgar P. , Tester Mark , Murphy Kevin M.
Published: February 2023

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), a pseudocereal with high protein quality originating from the Andean region of South America, has broad genetic variation and adaptability to diverse agroecological conditions, contributing to the potential to serve as a global keystone protein crop in a changing climate. However, the germplasm resources currently available to facilitate quinoa expansion worldwide are restricted to a small portion of quinoa’s total genetic diversity, in part because of day-length sensitivity and issues related to seed sovereignty. This study aimed to characterize phenotypic relationships and variation within a quinoa world core collection. The 360 accessions were planted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates in each of two greenhouses in Pullman, WA during the summer of 2018. Phenological stages, plant height, and inflorescence characteristics were recorded. Seed yield, composition, thousand seed weight, nutritional composition, shape, size, and color were measured using a high-throughput phenotyping pipeline. Considerable variation existed among the germplasm. Crude protein content ranged from 11.24% to 17.81% (fixed at 14% moisture). We found that protein content was negatively correlated with yield and positively correlated with total amino acid content and days to harvest. Mean essential amino acids values met adult daily requirements but not leucine and lysine infant requirements. Yield was positively correlated with thousand seed weight and seed area, and negatively correlated with ash content and days to harvest. The accessions clustered into four groups, with one-group representing useful accessions for long-day breeding programs. The results of this study establish a practical resource for plant breeders to leverage as they strategically develop germplasm in support of the global expansion of quinoa.
Seed color represents salt resistance of alfalfa seeds (Medicago sativa L.): Based on the analysis of germination characteristics, seedling growth and seed traits
Authors: Xie Jin , Li Yao , Jiang Gaoqian , Sun Hongyong , Liu Xiaojing , Han Lipu
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) has significant feed value and ecological improvement function of marginal land. The difference in the maturity period of seeds in the same lots may be a mechanism of environmental adaptation. Seed color is a morphological trait associated with seed maturity. A clear understanding of the relationship between the seed color and seed stress resistance is helpful for seed selection for marginal land.

Methods

This study evaluated the seed germination parameters (germinability and final germination percentage) and subsequent seedling growth (sprout height, root length, fresh and dry weight) of alfalfa under different salt stress, measured the electrical conductivity, water uptake, seed coat thickness, and endogenous hormone content in alfalfa seeds with different colors (green, yellow and brown).

Results

The results showed that seed color significantly influenced the seed germination and seedling growth. The germination parameters and seedling performance of brown seeds were significantly lower than that of green and yellow seeds under different salt stress. The germination parameters and seedling growth of brown seed declined most obviously with the aggravation of salt stress. The results suggested that brown seeds were less resistant to salt stress. Seed color had a significant effect on electrical conductivity, and it indicated that the yellow seeds had higher vigor. The seed coat thickness of various colors did not differ significantly. The seed water uptake rate and hormone content (IAA, GA3, ABA) in brown seeds were higher than that in green and yellow seeds, while the (IAA+GA3)/ ABA in yellow seeds were higher than green and brown seeds. The alterations in seed germination and seedling performance among seed colors are likely due to the combination effect of the content and balance between IAA+GA3 and ABA.

Discussion

These results could improve the understanding of stress adaptation mechanisms of alfalfa and provide a theoretical basis for screening alfalfa seeds with high stress resistance.
Academic achievement is more closely associated with student-peer relationships than with student-parent relationships or student-teacher relationships
Authors: Yu Xiaodan , Wang Xufei , Zheng Haoyue , Zhen Xin , Shao Min , Wang Haitao , Zhou Xinlin
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Personal relationships have long been a concern in education. Most studies indicate that good personal relationships are generally positively correlated with academic performance. However, few studies have compared how different types of personal relationships correlate with academic performance, and the conclusions of existing studies are inconsistent. Based on a large sample, the current study compared how the three closest types of personal relationships among students (with parents, teachers, and their peers) compared with their academic performance.

Methods

Cluster sampling was used to issue questionnaires to students in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, China in 2018 (Study 1) and in 2019 (Study 2). The actual sample size included 28168 students in Study 1 and 29869 students in Study 2 (both studies, Grades 4 and 8), thus totaling 58037 students. All students completed a personal relationship questionnaire and several academic tests.

Results

The results showed that: (1) the quality of personal relationships significantly and positively correlated with academic performance; (2) Among the three types of relationships tested, the quality of student-peer relationships was the most closely associated with academic achievement.

Discussion

This study gives insights into future research directions in this field and also reminds educators to pay attention to the personal relationships among their students, especially peer relationships.
Higher education management in western regions by educational power strategy and positive psychology
Authors: Sun Xiaomeng
Published: February 2023

With the deepening of the strategy of strengthening the country through education, the innovation and development of higher education, system reform and teaching innovation in the western region have become the focus of researchers’ attention, and the optimization of educational power strategy has always been an important basis for the development of teaching work. On the basis of fuzzy models Takagi and Sugeno (T–S), this paper constructs an educational resource recommendation model based on T–S fuzzy neural network, verifies the feasibility of the model, further combines the educational resource recommendation model with university teaching, and analyzes the application effect. The current situation of educational resources investigation in M College is analyzed. It is found that the full-time teachers’ overall academic qualifications are not high, the proportion of young full-time teachers with certain experience is small, and the professional advantages of the school are not obvious. After applying the educational resource recommendation model, the accuracy of educational resource recommendation is obviously improved, and the design is feasible. The educational management mode with positive psychological emotions has a good teaching effect, which can greatly improve teachers’ dedication and concentration. Positive psychological emotions can reduce the possibility of intensification of contradictions and the possibility of behavioral opposition. Teaching resource recommendation mode can improve college students’ interest in the application of teaching resources to a certain extent, and their application satisfaction is obviously improved. This paper not only provides technical support for the improvement of teaching management resource recommendation mode, but also contributes to the optimization of teaching power strategy.
The military occupational stress response scale: Development, reliability, and validity
Authors: Wu Qianwen , Yang Zhibing , Qiu Rui , Cheng Sizhe , Zhu Xia , Han Zheyi , Xiao Wei
Published: February 2023

Soldiers in the military are exposed to numerous stressors, including some that are of an extreme nature. The main objective of this military psychology research study was to evaluate soldiers' occupational stress. Even though several tools have been developed to measure stress in this population, to date, none have focused on occupational stress. Hence, we developed the Military Occupational Stress Response Scale (MOSRS) to provide a tool to objectively measure soldiers' occupational stress responses. An initial pool of 27 items was assembled from the literature, existing instruments, and interviews with soldiers. Of those 27, 17 were included in the MOSRS. The scale was subsequently completed by soldiers from one military region, and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted using Mplus8.3 and IBM SPSS 28.0 software, respectively. A total of 847 officers and soldiers were selected for scale testing, and 670 subjects were retained after data cleaning and screening according to the set criteria. After performing the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett's test, principal components analysis (PCA) was appropriate. The PCA yielded a three-factor model (physiological, psychological, and behavioral responses) with the items and factors strongly correlated. The confirmatory factor analysis revealed loads ranging from between 0.499 and 0.878 for each item. The Cronbach's α coefficient of the MOSRS was between 0.710 and 0.900, and the Omega reliability was between 0.714 and 0.898, which were all higher than the critical standard value of 0.7, indicating that the scale has good reliability. Analysis of the discrimination validity of each dimension revealed that the scale has good discrimination validity. The MOSRS demonstrated sound psychometric characteristics with acceptable reliability and validity, suggesting that it could be used to assess occupational stress in military personnel.
Chunks, pauses, and holistic processing in Mandarin spontaneous speech
Authors: Xie Dongyue , Chen Hua , Li Bin
Published: February 2023

Chunks are multiword sequences with independent meaning and function, or formulaic based on the intuition of native speakers, hypothesized to be holistically restored and retrieved in the mental lexicon. Previous studies suggest that pauses and intonational boundaries tend to occur at the boundaries of chunks, but less discussion was made on the influence of chunk categories over mental processing and on pause placement associated with intonational continuity. This study adopted spontaneous monologs of Mandarin natives in formal and informal settings. It examined the co-occurrence of chunks and pause-defined processing units and pause placement around chunks to explore to what extent chunks are holistically processed. The results showed that Mandarin chunks were likely to be situated within a single processing unit, indicating chunks as smaller units than processing units in spontaneous speech. Major chunk categories exhibited significantly different patterns in co-occurring with processing units, indicating the influence of chunk properties on the mental processing of chunks. In addition, chunks tended to be fluently processed in spontaneous speech production as fewer hesitations occurred before and during chunk production. Major chunk categories shared a similar threshold in encountering hesitations before chunk production and differed significantly in hesitation distribution during chunk production. Hesitations in the middle of chunks were more likely to be situated within intonation units compared to those before chunk production. Speakers’ effort to maintain the intonational continuity of chunks when they encounter processing difficulties reveals the mental reality of the holistic nature of chunks. Furthermore, the co-occurrence of chunks and processing units differed significantly between the formal and informal speech genres, indicating genre influence on the mental processing of chunks. Altogether, the findings of this study have provided implications for theories on chunks and the syntactic-prosody interface and contributed to implications for the design of Mandarin instructions and teaching.