bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the current environmental situation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic: urban vs. rural context
Authors: Abouzid Mohamed , El-Sherif Dina M. , Al Naggar Yahya , Alshehri Mohammed M. , Alothman Shaima , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Trabelsi Rayhana , Ibrahim Osama Mohamed , Temraz Esraa Hamouda , Buimsaedah Ahmad , Aziz Ibrahim Adel , Alwan Muhammad , Al Hasan Nuha Hadi Jasim , Ragab Heba Nasser , Koraiem Abdullah Muhammed , Ahmed Mareb H. , Temraz Heba Hamouda , Madeeh Alyaa Khaled , Alshareif Mohanned Osama , Elkhafeefi Fatimah Saad , Badis Imed-Eddine , Abdelslam Asmaa E. , Ali Almajdoub Ali Mohammed , Kotni Nour El Imene , Amer Thuraya
Published: January 2022

Background

Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a massive global socio-economic tragedy that has impacted the ecosystem. This paper aims to contextualize urban and rural environmental situations during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region.

Results

An online survey was conducted, 6770 participants were included in the final analysis, and 64% were females. The majority of the participants were urban citizens (74%). Over 50% of the urban residents significantly (p < 0.001) reported a reduction in noise, gathering in tourist areas, and gathering in malls and restaurants. Concerning the pollutants, most urban and rural areas have reported an increase in masks thrown in streets (69.49% vs. 73.22%, resp.; p = 0.003). Plastic bags and hospital waste also increased significantly with the same p-value of < 0.001 in urban areas compared with rural ones. The multifactorial logistic model for urban resident predictors achieved acceptable discrimination (AUROC = 0.633) according to age, crowdedness, noise and few pollutants.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a beneficial impact on the environment and at the same time, various challenges regarding plastic and medical wastes are rising which requires environmental interventions.
Association of body perception and dietary weight management behaviours among children and adolescents aged 6–17 years in China: cross-sectional study using CHNS (2015)
Authors: Song Lingling , Zhang Yong , Chen Ting , Maitusong Patimaihan , Lian Xuemei
Published: January 2022

Background

Obesity is rapidly globally increasing. Meanwhile, there is an increase in negative perception of the body image and, consequently, an increase in weight control management. Body perception plays an important mediating role between overweight or obesity and weight control behaviours. This study aims to examine whether body perception is associated with dietary weight management behaviours among Chinese children and adolescents.

Methods

Child body perception and health behaviours from Chinese Health and Nutrition Survey (2015) were assessed, and 729 boys and 640 girls who aged 6 to 17 years were included in this study. Variables assessed as covariates were sociodemographic, physical activity and body perception involving self-perceptive weight status and body image dissatisfaction (BID). Multivariate logistic regression was used to explore the association between dietary weight management behaviours and body perception.

Results

60.77% students rightly matched their body mass index (BMI) with self-perceived weight. The prevalence of BID was 59.39%. After adjustment for sociodemographic information, physical activities and BMI, those whose self-perceived weight status as overweight/obesity were associated with an increased risk of dietary weight management behaviours comparing to those who have normal weight in boys (OR = 5.07; 95% CI = 1.86, 13.87; P < 0.001) and girls (OR = 14.28; 95%CI = 5.73, 35.56; P < 0.001). And those who desire to be thinner were strongly associated with dietary weight management behaviours (OR = 9.51; 95%CI = 3.47, 26.09; P < 0.001) comparing to those who were satisfied with their body image in girls.

Conclusions

The results revealed that body perception had a significant association with dietary weight management behaviours and exited the discrepancy according to sex. It is necessary to promote healthy awareness of body perception and to establish self-motivation for improving basic health knowledge in school health education activities.
Age, gender, peers, life skills and quality of life influence risk of cell phone addiction among college teachers in Karnataka, India : a state level epidemiological analysis
Authors: Pradeep BS , Shenoy Anusha B , Shahane S , Srividya RN , Arelingaiah Mutharaju , D’Souza Rochana , Garady Lavanya , Jyoti MK , Rache Suma , Dixit Anand , Shetty Yekkar Gananath , Lingaiah Prathap , Rajneesh Shalini , Gururaj G
Published: January 2022

Background

Cell phones are an integral part of modern day life and have become companions for individuals irrespective of age, gender and socio-economic status. In this study, we assessed the factors affecting risk of cell phone addiction among teachers attending Life Skills Training and Counselling Services (LSTCS) program in Karnataka.

Methods

This cross sectional secondary data analysis utilised data from baseline assessment of trainees attending a Life Skills Training and Counselling Services program (LSTCP). Various factors hypothesised to be affecting risk of cell phone addiction (outcome) was analysed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. All the analysis was done using STATA 12.0 software.

Results

Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted with risk of cell phone addiction as outcome. A conceptual framework of hypothesized exposure variables was developed based on expert consultation and literature review. Overall, data of 1981 participants was utilized. Gender (AOR=1.91; 95% CI=1.27-2.77), number of peers (AOR=1.01; 95 CI=1-1.008) and social quality of life (AOR=1.01; 95% CI=1.00-1.03) were associated with increased risk of cell phone addiction. Age (AOR=0.98; 95%CI=0.96-1.00), empathy (AOR=0.96;95%;CI=0.93-0.99), communication skills(AOR=0.92, 95%;CI=0.88-0.96) and physical quality of life (AOR=0.96; 95% CI=0.95-0.98) were associated with reduced risk of cell phone addiction.

Conclusions

This study on precursors of risk of cell phone addiction, conducted mostly among apparently healthy individuals, provide important insights into interventions to reduce risk of cell phone addiction. The complexity of associations between peers, gender, quality of life and risk of cell phone addiction needs further exploration.
Assessment of regional networks on nutrition in South Asia: a multi-methods study
Authors: Torlesse Harriet , Ruducha Jenny , Mann Carlyn , Murira Zivai
Published: January 2022

Background

Many national and international organizations are working to improve maternal and child nutrition in countries with high malnutrition prevalence and burdens. While there has been progress in strengthening multi-organizational networks on nutrition at country and global levels, the regional level has received much less attention. We conducted a study to 1) determine the existing relationships and levels of engagement between international organizations working to improve nutrition at the regional level or in at least two countries in South Asia; and 2) examine the experiences and perspectives of international organizations on regional-level communication, coordination or collaboration on nutrition in South Asia.

Methods

 A mixed methods approach involving organizational network analysis (ONA) and semi-structured interviews was used to develop an understanding of the existing network and relationships between international organizations working on nutrition in South Asia. ONA data from 43 international organizations was analysed using a social network analysis software (UCINET) to systematically quantify and visualize the patterns of relationships between organizations.

Results

We found a high degree of connectivity between most of the international organizations in South Asia, but there were gaps between the many organizations that knew each other and the work they did together regionally on nutrition. Most organizations worked together only ‘rarely’ or ‘sometimes’ on nutrition at the regional level and high-intensity (collaborative) working relationships were uncommon. Organizations of the same type tended to cluster together, and a small number of UN agencies and multilateral organizations were central brokers in the nutrition working relationships. Perceived constraints to the nutrition working relationships included organizations’ agenda and mandate, threats to visibility and branding, human and financial resources, history, trust and power relations with other organizations, absence of a regional network for cooperation, and donor expectations. There was high demand to remedy this situation and to put network mechanisms in place to strengthen communication, coordination and collaboration on nutrition.

Conclusions

Opportunities are being missed for organizations to work together on nutrition at the regional level in South Asia. The effectiveness of regional nutrition networks in influencing policy or programme decisions and resources for nutrition at country level should be explored.
Risk factors of postoperative pulmonary complications after primary posterior fusion and hemivertebra resection in congenital scoliosis patients younger than 10 years old: a retrospective study
Authors: Ma Lulu , Yu Xuerong , Zhang Jianguo , Shen Jianxiong , Zhao Yu , Li Shugang , Huang Yuguang
Published: January 2022

Background

Postoperative pulmonary complications are common and associated with morbidity and mortality. Congenital scoliosis is a failure of vertebral formation and/or segmentation arising from abnormal vertebral development. Posterior fusion and osteotomy are necessary for these patients to prevent deterioration of spine deformity. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in this specific group of patients, especially young children were unknown.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted and electronic medical records of early-onset scoliosis patients who had primary posterior fusion and hemivertebra resection at our institution from January 2014 to September 2019 were reviewed. The demographic characteristics, the intraoperative and postoperative parameters were collected to identify the predictors of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Results

A total of 174 patients (57.5% boys) with a median age of 3 years old were included for analysis. Eighteen patients (10.3%) developed perioperative pulmonary complications and pneumonia (n=13) was the most common. History of recent upper respiratory infection was not related to postoperative pulmonary complications. Multifactorial regression analysis showed thoracoplasty was the only predictive risk factor of postoperative pulmonary complications.

Conclusions

For congenital scoliosis patients younger than 10 years old, thoracoplasty determine the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Both surgeons and anesthesiologists should pay attention to patients undergoing thoracoplasty and preventive measures are necessary.
Oral health practices and self-reported adverse effects of E-cigarette use among dental students in 11 countries: an online survey
Authors: Alhajj Mohammed Nasser , Al-Maweri Sadeq Ali , Folayan Morenike O. , Halboub Esam , Khader Yousef , Omar Ridwaan , Amran Abdullah G. , Al-Batayneh Ola B. , Celebić Asja , Persic Sanja , Kocaelli Humeyra , Suleyman Firas , Alkheraif Abdulaziz A. , Divakar Darshan D. , Mufadhal Abdulbaset A. , Al-Wesabi Mohammed A. , Alhajj Wadhah A. , Aldumaini Mokhtar A. , Khan Saadika , Al-Dhelai Thiyezen A. , Alqahtani Ahmed Shaher , Murad Ali H. , Makzoumé Joseph E. , Kohli Shivani , Ziyad Tareq A.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

E-cigarette use has become popular, particularly among the youth. Its use is associated with harmful general and oral health consequences. This survey aimed to assess self-reported oral hygiene practices, oral and general health events, and changes in physiological functions (including physical status, smell, taste, breathing, appetite, etc.) due to E-cigarette use among dental students.

Methods

This online, multicounty survey involved undergraduate dental students from 20 dental schools across 11 different countries. The questionnaire included demographic characteristics, E-cigarette practices, self-reported complaints, and associated physiological changes due to E-cigarette smoking. Data were descriptively presented as frequencies and percentages. A Chi-square test was used to assess the potential associations between the study group and sub-groups with the different factors. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS at P < 0.05.

Results

Most respondents reported regular brushing of their teeth, whereas only 70% used additional oral hygiene aids. Reported frequencies of complaints ranged from as low as 3.3% for tongue inflammation to as high as 53.3% for headache, with significant differences between E-cigarette users and non-users. Compared to non-smokers, E-cigarette users reported significantly higher prevalence of dry mouth (33.1% vs. 23.4%; P < 0.001), black tongue (5.9% vs. 2.8%; P = 0.002), and heart palpitation (26.3%% vs. 22.8%; P = 0.001). Although two-thirds of the sample reported no change in their physiological functions, E-cigarette users reported significant improvement in their physiological functions compared to never smokers or tobacco users.

Conclusion

Dental students showed good oral hygiene practices, but E-cigarette users showed a higher prevalence of health complications.
The association between sexual orientation, BMI, obesity diagnosis, and provider recommendation for weight management
Authors: Wolfgang Kristen M. , Takeshita Junko , Fitzsimmons Robert , Guerra Carmen E.
Published: January 2022

Background

National data show that lesbian and bisexual women are more likely to be obese compared to straight women. However little is known about whether provider recommendation for weight management varies across these populations. Furthermore, health care providers have explicit and implicit preferences for straight people in comparison to lesbian or gay people. There is little research that exists depicting how this preference affects quality of patient care. The purpose of the study is: to compare, among lesbian, bisexual, and straight females with BMIs ≥ 30: (1) the average Body Mass Index (BMI); (2) receipt of a diagnostic code for obesity; and (3) receipt of a provider recommendation for weight management.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study of 534 patient records from four outpatient academic internal medicine practices at the University of Pennsylvania between January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 to determine variations in average BMI, proportion of International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes for obesity, and proportion of weight management recommendations offered by providers among lesbian, bisexual and straight females with BMIs ≥ 30. We classified provider recommendations as definite, possible, and absent. Multivariable median (BMI outcome only) or logistic regression was used to evaluate the associations between sexual orientation and each of the following outcomes: BMI, receipt of obesity diagnosis, and weight management recommendations.

Results

There were no significant differences in BMI, receipt of obesity diagnoses, or weight management recommendations between lesbian, bisexual, and straight females with BMIs ≥ 30. However, only about half the patients with BMIs ≥ 30, regardless of sexual orientation, received a weight management recommendation as recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines.

Conclusion

We did not observe disparities in BMI, receipt of obesity diagnoses, or receipt of weight management recommendations between sexual orientation minority and heterosexual females among this sample from an urban population of patients receiving care in a university medical system. However, provider recommendation for weight management was suboptimal in all the groups.
Personal and professional influences on health visitors’ family focused practice for maternal mental illness: a cross sectional study
Authors: Leonard Rachel , Linden Mark , Grant Anne
Published: January 2022

Background

Family focused practice (FFP) is an approach that recognises the inter-related needs of family members and recommends a continuum of activities to support families. While it is recognised that health visitors play a key role in supporting families when mothers have mental illness, there is limited understanding of health visitor’s family focused practice (FFP) in this context and its relationships with factors, such as, workload, training, skill and knowledge, and personal and professional experience. This paper examined the effect of health visitors’ interaction with the family, and personal and professional experience on their family focused practice.

Methods

A cross sectional questionnaire (Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire) was distributed to 488 health visitors within community practice in Northern Ireland, with 230 choosing to take part. Independent t-tests and one-way analysis of variance were used to compare family focused practice scores.

Results

Results found that health visitors who had face to face contact with partners and children (t(221) = 2.61, p = .01), and those that directly supported the partner (t(221) = 2.61, p = 0.01) had a significantly higher mean score of FFP, than those that did not. However, frequency of visits (daily, weekly, monthly or yearly) had no effect on family focused practice scores. Training also had a significant effect on family focused practice scores (F(2,221) = 4.841, p = 0.029). Analysis of variance revealed that personal experience of mental illness had a significant effect on scores (M = 97.58, p = 0.009), however variables such as, age, parental status, time since registration, and being in a specialist position had no effect.

Conclusions

In order for family focused practice to be effective, the quality, and content of visits and contact with family should be addressed, as opposed to a focus on the quantity of visits. However, in order for this to occur health visitors need to have appropriate support in their own right, with manageable caseloads and resources.
Initiating a district-based public–private mix to overcome tuberculosis missing cases in Indonesia: readiness to engage
Authors: Sunjaya Deni Kurniadi , Paskaria Cindra , Herawati Dewi Marhaeni Diah , Pramayanti Meisera , Riani Rini , Parwati Ida
Published: January 2022

Background

District-basedpublic–private mix(DPPM) is a variant of a relatively new PPM strategy of addressing missing cases in the tuberculosis (TB) care cascade in Indonesia. We aimed to determine the readiness of various stakeholders to engage in implementing the DPPM strategy.

Methods

The research design was sequential exploratory mixed methods. A qualitative study in the first stage was carried out through in-depth interviews, FGD and study documents. Data were analyzed through coding, categorizing, pattern matching and theorizing. The second stage was a survey conducted using instruments built in the first stage. Data were analyzed using Rasch modeling and logistic regression.

Results

District TB case detection rate (CDR) has improved from 35% (2018) to 104% (2019). The contribution of private hospitals has increased considerably. However, there were almost none from the private primary healthcare facilities. The substantive theory generated indicates that awareness and concern of the TB problem, TB program comprehension and involvement, and institutional support are behind the readiness of facilities to engage the TB program (the readiness to engage). The measurement results indicate the significant correlation of all dimensions on readiness to engage. Concern of the TB problem and institutional support are variables that influence readiness to engage (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Engaging private and public facility stakeholders is a challenge for local government. Intervention is through a personalized approach, encourages institutional support of health facilities for the TB program and system approach.
Community pharmacist counseling improves adherence and asthma control: a nationwide study
Authors: Putman Barbara , Coucke Louise , Vanoverschelde Anna , Mehuys Els , Lahousse Lies
Published: January 2022

Background

Pharmaceutical counseling (PC) interventions have been shown to improve adherence to controller medication and asthma control. However, the real-life impact of these PC interventions in difficult-to-control asthma patients remains unclear. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of PC interventions in real life using nationwide claims data.

Methods

Demographics and drugs use of patients who received ICS in 2017 with or without pharmaceutical counseling were retrieved from a Belgian claims database. Asthma-related drug use from 1 year before first ICS dispensing in 2017 (reference period) was compared with 1 year after. Outcomes were usage of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in defined daily doses (DDD), proportion of users of short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), antibiotics, oral corticosteroids (OCS), asthma biologicals and controller-to-total (CTT) ratio.

Results

The study population consisted of difficult-to-control asthma patients aged 5–40 years with at least the first interview within 90 days after first ICS dispensing (n = 1350). ICS usage increased significantly in the year after PC intervention compared with the reference period (+ 43.3 DDD/patient, p < 0.05). A nominal decrease was observed in the proportion of SABA (48.0 to 46.2%) and antibiotics (54.5 to 52.7%) after PC intervention compared with the reference period. CTT ratio significantly increased from 0.671 to 0.749 (p < 0.05). The proportion of biological users was nominally lower in the intervention group compared with a control group (n = 50,477) in the post-intervention time period (0.22% versus 0.30%).

Conclusions

This first nationwide study among difficult-to-control asthma patients suggests that community pharmacist counseling is effective in real life to improve controller adherence and asthma control.
Molecular mechanism(s) of regulation(s) of c-MET/HGF signaling in head and neck cancer
Authors: Raj Sibi , Kesari Kavindra Kumar , Kumar Arun , Rathi Brijesh , Sharma Ashok , Gupta Piyush Kumar , Jha Saurabh Kumar , Jha Niraj Kumar , Slama Petr , Roychoudhury Shubhadeep , Kumar Dhruv
Published: January 2022

Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer across the globe. This is generally associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption. Cancer in the pharynx majorly arises through human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, thus classifying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) into HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNSCCs. Aberrant, mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-MET) signal transduction favors HNSCC progression by stimulating proliferation, motility, invasiveness, morphogenesis, and angiogenesis. c-MET upregulation can be found in the majority of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. c-MET pathway acts on several downstream effectors including phospholipase C gamma (PLCγ), cellular Src kinase (c-Src), phosphotidylinsitol-3-OH kinase (PI3K), alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (Akt), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and wingless-related integration site (Wnt) pathways. c-MET also establishes a crosstalk pathway with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and contributes towards chemoresistance in HNSCC. In recent years, the signaling communications of c-MET/HGF in metabolic dysregulation, tumor-microenvironment and immune modulation in HNSCC have emerged. Several clinical trials have been established against c-MET/ hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) signaling network to bring up targeted and effective therapeutic strategies against HNSCC. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanism(s) and current understanding of c-MET/HGF signaling and its effect on HNSCC.

Graphical abstract
Identification of candidate targets and mechanisms involved in miRNA regulation in multiple myeloma
Authors: Yang Yang , Ding Rong , Wang Rui
Published: January 2022

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a complex disease affected by many factors. The recognition of miRNA networks is helpful for specific detection and personalised treatment.

Methods

mRNA expression profiles were obtained from GSE39754 and GSE87830, and differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRs) between MM and controls were identified. The intersection of the two sets of DEmRs in GSE39754 and GSE87830 was identified as common mRNAs, and enrichment analysis was subsequently performed. Moreover, we analysed differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRs) between MM and controls in GSE87830. A regulatory network of target mRNAs related to the overall survival of MM patients was then constructed.

Results

In this study, a total of 356 common mRNAs were identified that were significantly enriched in neutrophil-mediated immunity, Th17 cell differentiation and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways. Moreover, we identified 103 DEmiRs and predicted 91 differentially expressed mRNAs as target mRNAs. Cox regression analysis was used to screen 14 target mRNAs that significantly affected the survival of MM patients. In the constructed integrated regulatory network, HIF1A and THBS1 were found to participate in Th17 cell differentiation and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways.

Conclusion

These findings improve the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of MM. Genes that are part of integrated regulatory networks may represent candidate targets for MM treatment.
Changing self-concept in the time of COVID-19: a close look at physician reflections on social media
Authors: Chiam Min , Ho Chong Yao , Quah Elaine , Chua Keith Zi Yuan , Ng Caleb Wei Hao , Lim Elijah Gin , Tan Javier Rui Ming , Wong Ruth Si Man , Ong Yun Ting , Soong Yoke Lim , Kwek Jin Wei , Yong Wei Sean , Loh Kiley Wei Jen , Lim Crystal , Mason Stephen , Krishna Lalit Kumar Radha
Published: January 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the healthcare landscape drastically. Stricken by sharp surges in morbidity and mortality with resource and manpower shortages confounding their efforts, the medical community has witnessed high rates of burnout and post-traumatic stress amongst themselves. Whilst the prevailing literature has offered glimpses into their professional war, no review thus far has collated the deeply personal reflections of physicians and ascertained how their self-concept, self-esteem and perceived self-worth has altered during this crisis. Without adequate intervention, this may have profound effects on their mental and physical health, personal relationships and professional efficacy.

Methods

With mentions of the coronavirus pervading social media by the millions, this paper set out to collate and thematically analyse social media posts containing first-person physician reflections on how COVID-19 affected their lives and their coping mechanisms. A consistent search strategy was employed and a PRISMA flowchart was used to map out the inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Results

A total of 590 social media posts were screened, 511 evaluated, and 108 included for analysis. Salient themes identified include Disruptions to Personal Psycho-Emotional State, Disruptions to Professional Care Delivery, Concern for Family, Response from Institution, Response from Society and Coping Mechanisms.

Conclusion

It is evident that the distress experienced by physicians during this time has been manifold, multi-faceted and dominantly negative. Self-concepts were distorted with weakened self-esteem and perceived self-worth observed. The Ring Theory of Personhood (RToP) was adopted to explain COVID-19’s impact on physician personhood as it considers existential, individual, relational and social concepts of the self. These entwined self-concepts serve as ‘compensatory’ to one another, with coping mechanisms buffering and fortifying the physician’s overall personhood. With healthcare institutions playing a vital role in providing timely and targeted support, it was further proposed that a comprehensive assessment tool based on the RToP could be developed to detect at-risk physicians and evaluate the presence and effectiveness of established support structures.
A novel FBW7/NFAT1 axis regulates cancer immunity in sunitinib-resistant renal cancer by inducing PD-L1 expression
Authors: Liu Wentao , Ren Dianyun , Xiong Wei , Jin Xin , Zhu Liang
Published: January 2022

Background

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) alone and in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been shown to be beneficial for the survival of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients, but resistance to targeted therapy and ICIs is common in the clinic. Understanding the underlying mechanism is critical for further prolonging the survival of renal cancer patients. Nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFAT1) is expressed in immune and nonimmune cells, and the dysregulation of NFAT1 contributes to the progression of various type of malignant tumors. However, the specific role of NFAT1 in RCC is elusive. As a regulator of the immune response, we would like to systemically study the role of NFAT1 in RCC.

Methods

TCGA-KIRC dataset analysis, Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR analysis was used to determine the clinic-pathological characteristic of NFAT1 in RCC. CCK-8 assays, colony formation assays and xenograft assays were performed to examine the biological role of NFAT1 in renal cancer cells. RNA-seq analysis was used to examine the pathways changed after NFAT1 silencing. ChIP-qPCR, coimmunoprecipitation analysis, Western blot analysis and RT-qPCR analysis were applied to explore the mechanism by NAFT1 was regulated in the renal cancer cells.

Results

In our study, we found that NFAT1 was abnormally overexpressed in RCC and that NFAT1 overexpression was associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Then, we showed that NFAT1 enhanced tumor growth and regulated the immune response by increasing PD-L1 expression in RCC. In addition, we demonstrated that NFAT1 was stabilized in sunitinib-resistant RCC via hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Furthermore, our study indicated that downregulation of the expression of FBW7, which promotes NFAT1 degradation, was induced by FOXA1 and SETD2 in sunitinib-resistant RCC. Finally, FBW7 was found to contribute to modulating the immune response in RCC.

Conclusions

Our data reveal a novel role for the FBW7/NFAT1 axis in the RCC response to TKIs and ICIs. NFAT1 and its associated signaling pathway might be therapeutic targets for RCC treatment, especially when combined with ICIs and/or TKIs.
Leveraging quorum sensing system for automatic coordination of Escherichia coli growth and lactic acid biosynthesis
Authors: Ge Chang , Run Shunqi , Jia Hongkai , Tian Pingfang
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Overproduction of desired metabolites usually sacrifices cell growth. Here we report that quorum sensing (QS) can be exploited to coordinate cell growth and lactic acid production in Escherichia coli.

Methods

We engineered two QS strains: one strain overexpressing acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthesis genes (“ON”), the other strain overexpressing both AHL synthesis and degradation gene (aiiA) (“ON to semi-OFF”). To clarify the impact of the QS system on lactic acid production, D-lactate dehydrogenase gene ldhA was deleted from the E. coli genome, and Enhanced Green Fluorescence Protein (eGFP) was used as the reporter.

Results

Compared to the “ON” strain, the “ON to semi-OFF” strain showed delayed log growth and decreased egfp expression at stationary phase. When egfp was replaced by ldhA for lactic acid production, compared to the wild-type strain, the “ON to semi-OFF” strain demonstrated 231.9% and 117.3% increase in D-lactic acid titer and space-time yield, respectively, while the “ON” strain demonstrated 83.6%, 31%, and 36% increase in growth rate, maximum OD600, and glucose consumption rate, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that both ldhA and the genes for phosphotransferase system were up-regulated in ldhA-overexpressing “ON” strain compared to the strain only harboring QS system. Moreover, the “ON” strain showed considerable increase in glucose consumption after a short lag phase. Compared to the reference strain harboring only ldhA gene in vector, both the “ON” and “ON to semi-OFF” strains demonstrated synchronization between cell growth and D-lactic acid production.

Conclusions

Collectively, QS can be leveraged to coordinate microbial growth and product formation.
Vascular thromboses with retroperitoneal fibrosis: a case report
Authors: Charaf Hanane , Zahraoui Rachida , Soualhi Mouna , Rguig Nezha , Bourkadi Jamal Eddine , Mohamed Daoud Ali , Ittimad Nasser
Published: January 2022

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a systemic inflammatory disease characterized by necrotizing vasculitis that affects small- and medium-sized blood vessels. Granulomatous inflammation affects the lungs, ears, nose, and throat, and commonly affects the kidneys, although the retroperitoneal tissue is rarely affected. Several studies have reported an increased risk of venous thromboembolism. Early diagnosis and treatment are of vital importance due to the rapid progression of the disease.

Case presentation

We present the case of a 66-year-old Moroccan man followed for bilateral jugular thrombosis. Cavitary pulmonary nodules and retroperitoneal fibrosis with thrombosis involving several vascular territories were detected on thoracoabdominopelvic computerized tomography scan. Laboratory analyses revealed that the patient was positive for cytoplasmic antineutrophilic antibodies. The diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis was retained. Treatment with glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents resulted in significant clinical and radiological improvement over the following months.

Conclusions

We describe the diagnostic steps and the difficulty of managing this patient. Rare manifestations, such as retroperitoneal fibrosis, have been reported in the literature in association with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and should not delay the diagnosis and treatment of granulomatosis with polyangiitis owing to its severity.
Left supraclavicular (Virchow’s) node metastasis detected before primary infradiaphragmatic tumor: a case series
Authors: Mochizuki Yumi , Tsuchiya Maiko , Oyama Jun , Wada Akane , Kugimoto Takuma , Kuroshima Takeshi , Hirai Hideaki , Tomioka Hirofumi , Harada Hiroyuki , Ikeda Tohru , Akashi Takumi
Published: January 2022

Background

Metastasis of infradiaphragmatic tumors to the left supraclavicular lymph node is reported to be rare. When metastasis is detected in the left supraclavicular node in patients with head and neck carcinoma, locating the primary cancer remains a difficult and time-consuming challenge despite the dramatic development of screening technologies and treatment methods.

Case presentation

We report three cases of malignant infradiaphragmatic tumor diagnosed following an initial finding of left supraclavicular node metastasis after surgery for tongue squamous cell carcinoma (follow-up period, range 18–62 months). In these cases, adenocarcinoma was diagnosed based on left supraclavicular node biopsies, and a second primary tumor was found, in a 78-year-old Japanese woman with a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, a 64-year-old Japanese man with a diagnosis of bladder carcinoma, and a 61-year-old Japanese man with a diagnosis of prostate carcinoma. In the cholangiocarcinoma case, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 and alpha-fetoprotein levels helped to diagnose cholangiocarcinoma. Palliative care only was given, with survival for 11 months after diagnosis of lymph node metastasis. In the bladder carcinoma case, pathological analysis of fine-needle aspiration biopsy specimen of the metastatic cervical lymph node showed atypical cells with slight squamous differentiation. Hematoxylin–eosin staining of the bladder lesion did not identify a clear glandular or squamous component, and we could not make a definitive diagnosis of whether the lesion was poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or high-grade urothelial carcinoma. GATA3 staining aided in the diagnosis of urothelial bladder cancer with left supraclavicular node metastasis. He survived for 2 months after diagnosis of left supraclavicular lymph node metastasis. In the prostate carcinoma case, 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose uptake was weak. Prostate-specific antigen levels and magnetic resonance imaging findings aided the diagnostic process. This patient underwent bilateral orchiectomy and adjuvant hormonal therapy and survived for 47 months after diagnosis of left supraclavicular node metastasis.

Conclusions

Pathological diagnosis on the basis of immunohistochemistry and specific diagnosis methods such as radiological and serological assessments are important for providing rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Modelling the potential risk zone of Lantana camara invasion and response to climate change in eastern India
Authors: Tiwari Sharad , Mishra S. N. , Kumar Dharmendra , Kumar Basant , Vaidya S. N. , Ghosh Brojo Gopal , Rahaman Sk Mujibar , Khatun Masjuda , Garai Sanjoy , Kumar Amit
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to elucidate the potential risk zones prone to the invasion of perennial ornamental plant Lantana camara, which is native to South America and has invasive tendency in Jharkhand, eastern India, for present (2020) and the future (2050) climatic conditions under four different Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios (RCPs). We analysed the current distribution pattern of L. camara in the plateau region of eastern India and identified potentially suitable habitats prone to its further infestation in the future under the climate change scenario.

Results

Results showed the presence of L. camara invasion in ~ 13% of the geographical area of Jharkhand, Chotanagpur plateau which may expand up to 20–26% by 2050 depending upon emission scenarios as characterised by the four RCPs. Analysis for the current scenario suggests the dominance of L. camara in sub-zone V (12.77% under high risk zones (HRZ) and 9.5% under critical risk zones (CRZ)) followed by sub-zones IV (6.7%: HRZ; 4.19%: CRZ) and VI (2.49%: HRZ; 2.14%: CRZ). Future projection (2050) indicates a possible expansion of its distribution range across all agro-climatic sub-zones with dominance in sub-zones V and IV. Variable Bio_4 (temperature seasonality) was observed as the most contributing factor for the distribution of L. camara for current and future scenarios across all RCPs. Suitable habitat for L. camara mostly occurred under natural vegetation (66.05% of CRZ and 60.71% of HRZ) and agriculture landscape (29.51% of CRZ and 34.48% of HRZ).

Conclusions

The study provides an insight of invasion of L. camara in the plateau region of eastern India, and reveals wide distribution across all the agro-climatic sub-zones of Jharkhand, mostly in open and disturbed areas under natural vegetation and agriculture landscapes. Future projections for the year 2050 suggest a continuous increase in the expansion range of invasion across Jharkhand and call for urgent initiatives to combat its further invasion.
Influence of sports experience on distribution of pro-saccade reaction time under gap condition
Authors: Kunita Kenji , Fujiwara Katsuo
Published: January 2022

Background

Previous studies indicated that substantial individual variation exists in the distribution of pro-saccade reaction times under gap condition. To investigate the influence of sports experience on the distribution, we examined distribution of the pro-saccade reaction time under overlap and gap conditions, for the basketball club, table tennis club, and non-sporting control groups.

Methods

Subjects performed pro-saccade tasks under the overlap and gap conditions, in which the intentional and reflexive disengagement of fixation are important, respectively. Under the overlap condition, the central fixation point was illuminated for a random duration of 1–3 s, then the fixation point was turned off. Just after the switch-off of the fixation point, one of the peripheral targets was illuminated for a duration of 1 s. The visual stimulus under the gap condition was almost the same as that under the overlap condition. However, only the temporal gap between the switch-off of the fixation point and the onset of the target differed between those conditions. The gap duration in the gap condition was set at 200 ms. The mean of median value of the bandwidth showing the earliest peak in the histogram was calculated for each group. Thereafter, for each subject, the bandwidth showing the earliest peak under the gap condition was defined as the criterion bandwidth (0 ms bandwidth). Based on this criterion bandwidth, the mean of the relative frequency was calculated for every 10 ms of bandwidth, for the overlap and gap conditions, in each group.

Results

Under the overlap condition, for all subjects, the pro-saccade reaction times showed unimodal distribution. The means of the median value of the bandwidth showing the earliest peak for the basketball and table tennis groups (approximate 170 ms) were significantly earlier than that for the control group (approximate 190 ms). Under the gap condition, the distribution was bimodal for 11 of 15 subjects in the basketball group and for 5 of 15 subjects in the control group. In the table tennis group, the distribution was not bimodal but unimodal for all 15 subjects. For the basketball group, mean of the relative frequency showed bimodal distribution with approximate 120 ms and 170 ms peaks. For the table tennis and control groups, the mean of the relative frequency showed unimodal distribution with approximate 130 ms and 140ms peak, respectively.

Conclusions

The present study indicated that under the gap condition, the sports experience influenced on the distribution of the pro-saccade reaction time. The pro-saccade reaction time under the condition would show a distinct bimodal distribution for the basketball group and show a distinct and early unimodal distribution for the table tennis group. It was suggested that the physiological factor leading the group difference in the distribution was the effect of sports experience on the disengagement function of fixation.
Pathological complete response achieved by gemcitabine plus cisplatin therapy for initially unresectable advanced gallbladder cancer: a case report
Authors: Miura Yuya , Ashida Ryo , Sugiura Teiichi , Ohgi Katsuhisa , Yamada Mihoko , Otsuka Shimpei , Todaka Akiko , Uesaka Katsuhiko
Published: January 2022

Background

Conversion surgery for initially unresectable gallbladder cancer is rarely performed due to the low response rate for systemic chemotherapy, and a pathological complete response is seldom achieved.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old woman with jaundice was referred to our hospital and diagnosed with unresectable gallbladder cancer with extra-regional lymph node metastasis after examinations. After biliary decompression, gemcitabine plus cisplatin therapy was started. The tumor marker levels markedly decreased, and imaging studies revealed a reduction in the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes. The primary tumor and metastatic lymph node were still shrunk at 4 years after the start of gemcitabine plus cisplatin therapy, so we decided to perform conversion surgery. Gallbladder bed resection and lymph node dissection were performed. The pathological findings of the resected specimen showed only partial fibrosis in the gallbladder wall and no malignant findings in the dissected lymph nodes, indicating a pathological complete response. As of 24 months after the operation, she is alive without recurrence.

Conclusion

Although there have been only a few reports of conversion surgery for initially unresectable gallbladder cancer, it may be worthwhile to perform chemotherapy with the potential goal of subsequent conversion surgery.
Achieving a Carbon Neutral Future through Advanced Functional Materials and Technologies
Authors: Chapman Andrew , Ertekin Elif , Kubota Masanobu , Nagao Akihide , Bertsch Kaila , Macadre Arnaud , Tsuchiyama Toshihiro , Masamura Takuro , Takaki Setsuo , Komoda Ryosuke , Dadfarnia Mohsen , Somerday Brian , Staykov Alexander Tsekov , Sugimura Joichi , Sawae Yoshinori , Morita Takehiro , Tanaka Hiroyoshi , Yagi Kazuyuki , Niste Vlad , Saravanan Prabakaran , Onitsuka Shugo , Yoon Ki-Seok , Ogo Seiji , Matsushima Toshinori , Tumen-Ulzii Ganbaatar , Klotz Dino , Nguyen Dinh Hoa , Harrington George , Adachi Chihaya , Matsumoto Hiroshige , Kwati Leonard , Takahashi Yukina , Kosem Nuttavut , Ishihara Tatsumi , Yamauchi Miho , Saha Bidyut Baran , Islam Md Amirul , Miyawaki Jin , Sivasankaran Harish , Kohno Masamichi , Fujikawa Shigenori , Selyanchyn Roman , Tsuji Takeshi , Higashi Yukihiro , Kirchheim Reiner , Sofronis Petros
Published: January 2022

Current greenhouse gas emissions suggest that keeping global temperature increase below 1.5 degrees, as espoused in the Paris Agreements will be challenging, and to do so, the achievement of carbon neutrality is of utmost importance. It is also clear that no single solution can meet the carbon neutral challenge, so it is essential for scientific research to cover a broad range of technologies and initiatives which will enable the realization of a carbon free energy system. This study details the broad, yet targeted research themes being pioneered within the International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER). These approaches include hydrogen materials, bio-mimetic catalysts, electrochemistry, thermal energy and absorption, carbon capture, storage and management and refrigerants. Here we outline the state of the art for this suite of technologies and detail how their deployment, alongside prudent energy policy implementation can engender a carbon neutral Japan by 2050. Recognizing that just as no single technological solution will engender carbon neutrality, no single nation can expect to achieve this goal alone. This study represents a recognition of conducive international policy agendas and is representative of interdisciplinary, international collaboration.
Gait Biomechanics and Balance Associate with Talar and Subtalar T1ρ Relaxation Times in Those with Chronic Ankle Instability
Authors: WIKSTROM ERIK A. , SONG KYEONGTAK , TENNANT JOSHUA N. , PIETROSIMONE BRIAN
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to determine associations between T1ρ relaxation times of talar and subtalar articular cartilage and commonly altered gait biomechanics and postural control outcomes in those with chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Methods

Fifteen individuals with CAI (21.13 ± 1.81 yr) completed a T1ρ magnetic resonance imaging as well as a postural control and an overground gait assessment. Talocrural and subtalar cartilage was segmented manually to calculate T1ρ relaxation times. Greater T1ρ relaxation times were interpreted as decreased proteoglycan content. Pearson product–moment bivariate correlations examined the relationships between T1ρ relaxation times and the gait biomechanics and postural control outcomes.

Results

Across multiple variables, worse postural control demonstrated moderate to strong associations (range, 0.433–0.642 and −0.713) with greater talar T1ρ relaxation times. At the subtalar joint, greater T1ρ relaxation times were associated with lower peak vertical ground reaction forces, lower average vertical ground reaction force loading rates, and lower peak loading rates (range, −0.438 to −0.622). At the talar dome, greater talar T1ρ relaxation times were associated with increased knee extensor moments (r = 0.457), as well as greater knee flexion (r = 0.482) and knee adduction (r = 0.407) at initial contact. Larger step spatiotemporal gait parameters also associated with greater talar and subtalar T1ρ relaxation times (range, 0.434–0.697).

Conclusions

In individuals with CAI, worse postural control and altered kinematic, kinetic, and spatiotemporal outcomes demonstrate moderate to strong associations with greater talar T1ρ and/or subtalar relaxation times (i.e., less proteoglycan content). Associations between modifiable neuromechanical variables and greater T1ρ relaxation times may represent potential therapeutic interventions to mitigate ankle joint degeneration in those with CAI.