bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Phylogeny, DNA Barcoding, and ITS2 Secondary Structure Predictions in the Medicinally Important Eryngium Genotypes of East Coast Region of India
Authors: Acharya Gobinda Chandra , Mohanty Sansuta , Dasgupta Madhumita , Sahu Supriya , Singh Satyapriya , Koundinya Ayyagari V. V. , Kumari Meenu , Naresh Ponnam , Sahoo Manas Ranjan
Published: September 2022

Commercial interest in the culinary herb, Eryngium foetidum L., has increased worldwide due to its typical pungency, similar to coriander or cilantro, with immense pharmaceutical components. The molecular delimitation and taxonomic classification of this lesser-known medicinal plant are restricted to conventional phenotyping and DNA-based marker evaluation, which hinders accurate identification, genetic conservation, and safe utilization. This study focused on species discrimination using DNA sequencing with chloroplast–plastid genes (matK, Kim matK, and rbcL) and the nuclear ITS2 gene in two Eryngium genotypes collected from the east coast region of India. The results revealed that matK discriminated between two genotypes, however, Kim matK, rbcL, and ITS2 identified these genotypes as E. foetidum. The ribosomal nuclear ITS2 region exhibited significant inter- and intra-specific divergence, depicted in the DNA barcodes and the secondary structures derived based on the minimum free energy. Although the efficiency of matK genes is better in species discrimination, ITS2 demonstrated polyphyletic phylogeny, and could be used as a reliable marker for genetic divergence studies understanding the mechanisms of RNA molecules. The results of this study provide insights into the scientific basis of species identification, genetic conservation, and safe utilization of this important medicinal plant species.
The Influence of Space Transformation of Land Use on Function Transformation and the Regional Differences in Shaanxi Province
Authors: Zhang Yaodan , Li Fei , Li Kai , Sun Laiding , Yang Haijuan
Published: September 2022

The development of economy and urbanization promotes the transformation of land use both in space and function. Most existing research perspectives focus only on the transformation of space or function, and analysis of the mutual feedback mechanism between space transformation and function transformation is not deep enough. Therefore, this study constructed a diagnostic method for land use space transformation and function transformation and explored the mutual feedback mechanism between space transformation and functional transformation. The purpose is to deepen the research of land system science, provide a new method for diagnosing the space transformation and function transformation of land use, and clarify the driving mechanism of space transformation on function transformation as well as the mutual feedback mechanism of both. The research results showed that: (1) From 1980 to 2000, the space transformation of land use in the Northern Shaanxi Plateau did not happen, but the degree of trade-off between functions increased, resulting in the occurrence of unsustainable function transformation; the Guanzhong Plain showed a sustainable space transformation during the study period, but the land use functions did not transform; the function transformation and space transformation of the Qinba Mountain area happened in the same direction, and both tended to be sustainable; (2) From 2000 to 2018, the space transformation and function transformation of the Northern Shaanxi Plateau were in opposite directions; the land use space in the Qinba Mountain area was in a state of fluctuation and had not undergone transition, but the land use functions were in an unsustainable transition state; and (3) The function transformation in Shaanxi Province was deeply affected by factors at the policy and cultural levels and the strengthening of its own anti-interference ability, resulting in different performances of space transformation in different regions in different periods. Therefore, Shaanxi Province should rationally plan land resources, coordinate the relationship between space transformation and function transformation, and offer positive feedback to function transformation through sustainable space transformation. Meanwhile, it is necessary to prudently determine the regional land use model according to regional differences.
The Influence of Technostress on Cyberslacking of College Students in Technology-Enhanced Learning: Mediating Effects of Deficient Self-Control and Burnout
Authors: Li Xinghua , Liu Dehua
Published: September 2022

College students frequently experience technostress and engage in cyberslacking whilst participating in technology-enhanced learning (TEL). This research aimed to investigate the influence mechanism of technostress on college students’ cyberslacking. This research recruited 634 students from two Chinese colleges to complete a web-based questionnaire adapted from previous research. Structural equation modelling was adopted and the research results showed that: in TEL (1) college students’ technostress significantly and positively affected cyberslacking; (2) deficient self-control partially mediated college students’ technostress and cyberslacking; (3) burnout partially mediated college students’ technostress and cyberslacking; and (4) deficient self-control and burnout played a chain mediating role between college students’ technostress and cyberslacking. These findings improve our understanding of the influence college students’ technostress has on cyberslacking in TEL, and several suggestions to reduce college students’ cyberslacking in TEL are proposed.
Digital Economy, Environmental Regulation, and Ecological Well-Being Performance: A Provincial Panel Data Analysis from China
Authors: Song Xiaoming , Tian Ze , Ding Chenhui , Liu Chao , Wang Wei , Zhao Ronggai , Xing Yingchun
Published: September 2022

China is currently in a strategic opportunity period for green and high-quality development, and developing the digital economy is an important choice to achieve environmental pollution control, improve regional ecological efficiency, and enhance social welfare. In this context, the impact of the digital economy on ecological well-being performance and the role of environmental regulation need to be examined. In this study, the super-efficiency SBM-DEA model was used to measure the level of ecological well-being performance in 30 provinces of China from 2011 to 2019. On this basis, the mediating effect model and spatial Durbin model were adopted to explore the transmission mechanism and regional heterogeneity of the impact of the digital economy on ecological well-being performance. The empirical results show that the digital economy significantly contributes to regional ecological well-being performance in China, and there is significant spatial spillover as well. Moreover, the findings still hold under robustness tests. The results also show that environmental regulation is an important transmission path for the digital economy to enhance regional ecological well-being performance, and the impact of environmental regulation on ecological well-being performance varies by region; specifically, the impact in eastern China is positive but not significant. However, the digital economy plays a significant positive role in promoting ecological well-being performance in the central and western regions, and is more obvious in the central region. Finally, suggestions are put forward to enhance the role of the digital economy in regional ecological well-being performance, which is of great significance for promoting green economic growth and high-quality development.
Effects of Play in an Upright Position on Intra-Individual Variability of Gross Motor and Language Development in Institutionalized Infants
Authors: Prommin Sunanta , Siritaratiwat Wantana , Bennett Surussawadi , Mato Lugkana , Keeratisiroj Orawan , Kamruecha Worawan
Published: September 2022

(1) Objective: To investigate the effects of play in an upright position on intra-individual variability and to examine the relationship between the variability of gross motor and language development in institutionalized infants aged six to ten months. (2) Methods: Thirty infants were conveniently enrolled in either the experimental or control groups. The Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) and the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile (CSBS-DP) Infant/Toddler Checklist were tested pre and post each monthly intervention for three months. Sixteen infants in the experimental group received an additional program of 45 min play in an upright position three times a week for a 3-month period. (3) Results: There were significant between-group differences in intra-individual variability of the AIMS percentiles (p-value = 0.042). In addition, there was a significant difference in the intra-individual variability of the language percentile between groups (p-value = 0.009). The intra-individual variability of gross motor development was significantly correlated (rs = 0.541; p = 0.03) with language development. (4) Conclusions: Play in an upright position could be applied to improve intra-individual variability in gross motor and language development percentiles in institutionalized infants.
Burnout among Health Care Professionals during COVID-19
Authors: Innstrand Siw Tone
Published: September 2022

The present study examined organizational, situational (i.e., COVID-19-related), and psychological factors associated with burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic among 268 health care professionals in Norway. A total burnout score based on the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), the four core BAT subscales (i.e., Exhaustion, Mental Distance, Cognitive Impairment, and Emotional Impairment), and the COVID-19 Burnout Scale served as the dependent variable. Among the results, organizational factors such as work–home conflict, workload, and role conflict were positively related to burnout. Although autonomy and colleague support were negatively related to burnout, support from leaders was positively related to it, which might suggest a suppressive effect. Organizational factors explained most of the variance in general burnout (i.e., BAT Total), whereas situational (i.e., COVID-19-related) factors (e.g., involvement with COVID-19, fear of COVID-19, and COVID-19-induced stress) seemed to better explain COVID-19 burnout. COVID-19-oriented actions were related only to Mental Distance. Psychological factors such as meaning were negatively related to BAT Total, Exhaustion, and Mental Distance, whereas a breach of the psychological contract was related to all subscales. Such results suggest that organizational and situational factors contribute differently to general and COVID-19 burnout and that administering pandemic-specific assessment tools can clarify how the pandemic has affected mental health.
Proposed Questions to Assess the Extent of Knowledge in Understanding the Radiology Report Language
Authors: Alarifi Mohammad , Jabour Abdulrahman M. , Wu Min , Aldosary Abdullah , Almanaa Mansour , Luo Jake
Published: September 2022

Radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging play a significant role in medical care. The amount of patient participation and communication can be increased by helping patients understand radiology reports. There is insufficient information on how to measure a patient’s knowledge of a written radiology report. The goal of this study is to design a tool that will measure patient literacy of radiology reports. A radiological literacy tool was created and evaluated as part of the project. There were two groups of patients: control and intervention. A sample radiological report was provided to each group for reading. After reading the report, the groups were quizzed to see how well they understood the report. The participants answered the questions and the correlation between the understanding of the radiology report and the radiology report literacy questions was calculated. The correlations between radiology report literacy questions and radiology report understanding for the intervention and control groups were 0.522, p < 0.001, and 0.536, p < 0.001, respectively. Our radiology literacy tool demonstrated a good ability to measure the awareness of radiology report understanding (area under the receiver operator curve in control group (95% CI: 0.77 (0.71–0.81)) and intervention group (95% CI: 0.79 (0.74–0.84))). We successfully designed a tool that can measure the radiology literacy of patients. This tool is one of the first to measure the level of patient knowledge in the field of radiology understanding.
Development and Validation of the Chinese Frailty Screening Scale: A Study among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Shanghai
Authors: Ye Bo , Wang Yi , Chen Hao , Chen Yingwei , Yan Huihui , Fu Hua , Bao Zhijun , Gao Junling
Published: September 2022

Background: Based on intrinsic capacity (IC) as defined by the World Health Organization, an accelerated decline may be an important precursor of frailty among older adults; however, there is a lack of validated instruments that both screen for frailty and monitor IC. This study aims to develop a comprehensive and acculturative frailty screening scale to determine healthy aging among older Chinese adults. Setting and participants: A cross-sectional and a cohort study both based on community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and older. Methods: This study mainly consisted of two parts. First, the selection and revision of 20 items related to frailty based on a literature review, expert consultation, and stakeholder analysis; second, a cross-sectional study was conducted to simplify the scale and test the reliability and validity of the new frailty screening tool. The fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness, and loss of weight (FRAIL) scale, the Tilburg frailty indictor (TFI), and a 49-item Frailty Index (FI) were investigated as criteria. Additionally, a cohort study in Shanghai was conducted to verify the predictive validity of the new screening scale. The disability measured by the activity of daily living (ADL), instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) and all-cause mortality were documented as outcomes. Results: A 10-item Chinese frailty screening scale (CFSS-10) was successfully developed and validated. It presented a Cronbach’s α of 0.63 and an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.73, which indicated good reliability. Taking the other frailty tools as criteria, Kappa values of 0.54–0.58 and an area under the curve of 0.87–0.91 showed good validity. The results of the log-binomial and Poisson models showed a high score, which predicted a higher risk of disability and all-cause mortality. An optimal cut-off point of 5 gave an excellent prediction of one-year disability. Conclusions: The CFSS-10 has good validity and reliability as a quick and acculturative frailty screening scale for community-dwelling older adults in Shanghai. It may also supplement existing frailty screening tools.
Factors That Foster Therapeutic Alliance in Pediatric Sports and Orthopedics: A Systematic Review
Authors: Meyers Rachel N. , McHugh Robyn B. , Conde Alissa M.
Published: September 2022

Therapeutic alliance has been defined as building rapport between provider and patient in order to enhance patient motivation to improve outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify factors that patients look for that help build a strong therapeutic alliance in their pediatric sports or orthopedics healthcare provider, to identify if these factors differ across healthcare professions, and to identify any differences in therapeutic alliance between patients and their provider regarding in-person and telehealth visits. Scientific databases were searched from inception until August 2022. The search strategy resulted in 2195 articles with 11 studies included in the final analysis. The main attributes adolescents look for in their pediatric sports healthcare provider were shared decision making and understanding patients’ sports and goals. These factors were found to differ among parents, sex, race, and socioeconomic status. The top factors improving therapeutic alliance in telehealth were having an already established relationship with the provider, visits lasting longer than 30 min, and having an English-speaking provider for English-speaking patients. The available literature highlights factors that contribute to the development of a stronger therapeutic alliance in the pediatric sports and orthopedics population. As these factors differ among adolescents, parents, sex, race, and socioeconomic status, this review provides insight in what patients and families look for in their provider when seeking care.
Has the Digital Economy Reduced Carbon Emissions?: Analysis Based on Panel Data of 278 Cities in China
Authors: Yu Zhuoxi , Liu Shan , Zhu Zhichuan
Published: September 2022

China is undergoing an urbanization process at an unprecedented scale, and low-carbon urban development is of great significance to the completion of the “dual carbon goals”. At the same time, the digital economy has become an important engine for urban development, and its role in environmental improvement has become increasingly prominent. While the digital economy is booming, can it promote the low-carbon development of cities? Based on the panel data of 278 cities in China from 2011 to 2019, this paper discusses the impact of the digital economy on carbon emissions and the long-term development trend between the digital economy and carbon emissions, the impact of differences in the development level of the digital economy on carbon emissions reduction, and the impact of green energy efficiency in the relationship between the digital economy and carbon emissions. The results show that the digital economy has a significant inhibitory effect on carbon emissions, and with the development of the digital economy, more and more cities show an absolute decoupling of the digital economy and carbon emissions and are turning to low-carbon development. The development level of the digital economy has a heterogeneous impact on carbon emissions. With the improvement of the development level of the digital economy, the effect on emission reduction is more significant. As a threshold variable, green energy efficiency affects the relationship between digital economy and carbon emissions. When green energy efficiency is low, the digital economy promotes carbon emissions, and when green energy efficiency is high, the digital economy reduces carbon emissions.
Moderating Role of Coping Style on the Relationship between Stress and Psychological Well-Being in Hong Kong Nursing Students
Authors: Cheng Winnie Lai Sheung , Young Phyllis Man Chi , Luk Kevin Kar Ho
Published: September 2022

Aims and objectives: To examine whether coping styles moderate the influence of stressors and psychological well-being in Hong Kong nursing students. Background: Stress could contribute to psychological distress in nursing students. Coping strategies are essential to mitigate psychological distress. So far, the moderating effects of coping between stressors and psychological well-being has not been thoroughly investigated. Design: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at four higher education institutions in Hong Kong. Methods: We recruited a convenience sample of 293 nursing students in February 2018. The Stressors in Nursing Students Scale-Chinese version (SINS-CN), Brief Cope Inventory-Chinese version (Brief COPE-C), and the Chinese version of the General Health Questionnaire-12 (C-GHQ-12) were used to measure the stressors, coping styles, and psychological well-being, respectively. Three multiple hierarchical linear regression models were used to identify the associations between the variables. Results: The stressors related to clinical learning, confidence, and personal problems were significant in explaining the psychological well-being. The coping strategies also predicted the psychological well-being and explained 44.5% of the variance. The coping strategy—accommodation—moderated the relationship between personal problems and psychological well-being. Conclusion: Problem-solving and accommodation types of coping were adaptive to stress and effective in promoting psychological well-being. However, using accommodation to cope with stressors related to personal problems will exacerbate the negative effects of the personal problems on the psychological well-being. Relevance to clinical practice: This study reveals the relationships between stressors, coping, and psychological well-being. Nurse educators must be aware of nursing student coping styles so they may devise strategies to promote effective coping to reduce the psychological distress among nursing students.
Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Cerebrovascular Events Related to COVID-19 Coagulopathy and Hypoxemia
Authors: Sojka Michał , Drelich-Zbroja Anna , Kuczyńska Maryla , Cheda Mateusz , Dąbrowska Izabela , Kopyto Ewa , Halczuk Izabela , Zbroja Monika , Cyranka Weronika , Jargiełło Tomasz
Published: September 2022

Since the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous researchers have made an effort to determine the molecular composition of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the exact pathomechanism through which the virus exerts such a devastating effect on the host/infected organism. Recent scientific evidence highlights the affinity of the virus towards ACE2 receptors, which are widespread in multiple human systems, including the central nervous system (CNS) and cerebral vessels. Such an affinity may explain endothelial dysfunction and damage that is observed in COVID-positive patients in histopathological studies, with subsequent dysregulation of the cerebral circulation leading to transient or acute cerebrovascular accidents. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the effects of COVID-related hypoxemia and direct viral invasion on the cerebral circulation, with special respect to the postulated pathomechanism, vulnerable groups of patients, clinical course and outcomes, as well as diagnostic imaging findings.
Colicins and Microcins Produced by Enterobacteriaceae: Characterization, Mode of Action, and Putative Applications
Authors: Marković Katarina G. , Grujović Mirjana Ž. , Koraćević Maja G. , Nikodijević Danijela D. , Milutinović Milena G. , Semedo-Lemsaddek Teresa , Djilas Milan D.
Published: September 2022

Enterobacteriaceae are widely present in many environments related to humans, including the human body and the food that they consume, from both plant or animal origin. Hence, they are considered relevant members of the gastrointestinal tract microbiota. On the other hand, these bacteria are also recognized as putative pathogens, able to impair human health and, in food, they are considered indicators for the microbiological quality and hygiene status of a production process. Nevertheless, beneficial properties have also been associated with Enterobacteriaceae, such as the ability to synthesize peptides and proteins, which can have a role in the structure of microbial communities. Among these antimicrobial molecules, those with higher molecular mass are called colicins, while those with lower molecular mass are named microcins. In recent years, some studies show an emphasis on molecules that can help control the development of pathogens. However, not enough data are available on this subject, especially related to microcins. Hence, this review gathers and summarizes current knowledge on colicins and microcins, potential usage in the treatment of pathogen-associated diseases and cancer, as well as putative applications in food biotechnology.
Reducing Sugar Intake in South Africa: Learnings from a Multilevel Policy Analysis on Diet and Noncommunicable Disease Prevention
Authors: McCreedy Nicole , Shung-King Maylene , Weimann Amy , Tatah Lambed , Mapa-Tassou Clarisse , Muzenda Trish , Govia Ishtar , Were Vincent , Oni Tolu
Published: September 2022

High sugar intake contributes to diet-related excess weight and obesity and is a key determinant for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization (WHO) gives specific advice on limiting sugar intake in adults and children. Yet, to what extent have policy ideas on sugar intake reduction originating at the global level found expression at lower levels of policymaking? A systematic policy document analysis identified policies issued at the African regional, South African national and Western Cape provincial levels between 2000 and 2020 using search terms related to sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and NCDs. Forty-eight policy documents were included in the review, most were global and national policies and thus the focus of analysis. A policy transfer conceptual framework was applied. Global recommendations for effectively tackling unhealthy diets and NCDs advise implementing a mix of cost-effective policy options that employ a multisectoral approach. South African country-level policy action has followed the explicit global guidance, and ideas on reducing sugar intake have found expression in sectors outside of health, to a limited extent. As proposed in this paper, with the adoption of the SSB health tax and other policy measures, South Africa’s experience offers several learnings for other LMICs.
Analysis of the Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Renal Function in Middle-Aged Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Park Yoonjin , Lee Su Jung
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the effects of metabolic syndrome on the estimated glomerular filtration rate in middle-aged participants with diabetes to provide basic data to enable the development of education programs for middle-aged people to prevent diabetic kidney disease. This cross-sectional descriptive study analyzed data obtained in the 2nd year of the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2020 and enrolled 279 participants aged 40–65 years who were diagnosed with diabetes. Multilevel stratified cluster sampling was used to improve the representativeness of the samples and the accuracy of parameter estimation. The risk factors of metabolic syndrome and the risk of elevated eGFR were analyzed using regression analysis and the correlation between the variables was determined using Pearson’s correlation analysis. Middle-aged participants with diabetes whose eGFR was <90 showed a significant difference in their risk for metabolic syndrome based on sex, age, disease duration, and total cholesterol concentrations. Systolic blood pressure and waist circumference in men, and waist circumference and HDL cholesterol level in women were identified as risk factors that contribute to the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviour, Weight Status, and Body Composition among South African Primary Schoolchildren
Authors: Gerber Markus , Lang Christin , Beckmann Johanna , du Randt Rosa , Long Kurt Z. , Müller Ivan , Nienaber Madeleine , Probst-Hensch Nicole , Steinmann Peter , Pühse Uwe , Utzinger Jürg , Nqweniso Siphesihle , Walter Cheryl
Published: September 2022

Background: Over the past decades, childhood overweight has increased in many African countries. We examined the relationship between sedentary behaviour, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and body composition in South African primary schoolchildren living in peri-urban settings. Methods: MVPA was measured via 7-day accelerometry and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis in 1090 learners (49.2% girls, Mage = 8.3 ± 1.4 years). The relationships between MVPA and sedentary behaviour with the various body composition indicators (body fat and fat-free mass [total, truncal, arms, and legs], bone mass, muscle mass, and body water) were tested with mixed linear regressions. Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 9.8% and 6.6%, respectively; 77.1% of the children engaged in ≥60 min of MVPA/day. Girls were more likely to be overweight/obese, to accumulate less than 60 min of MVPA/day, and had significantly higher relative body fat than boys (ps < 0.001). Lower MVPA was associated with a higher likelihood of being overweight/obese, higher relative body fat, and lower relative fat-free mass, bone mass, muscle mass, and body water (ps < 0.001). For lower sedentary behaviour, the associations with body composition pointed in the opposite direction. Conclusions: In this South African setting, girls are a particularly relevant target group for future physical activity interventions to prevent overweight/obesity-related non-communicable diseases in later life.
Pedometers and Accelerometers in Multiple Sclerosis: Current and New Applications
Authors: Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Bertochi Gabriel Felipe Arantes , Meneguci Joilson , Motl Robert W.
Published: September 2022

Pedometers and accelerometers have become commonplace for the assessment of physical behaviors (e.g., physical activity and sedentary behavior) in multiple sclerosis (MS) research. Current common applications include the measurement of steps taken and the classification of physical activity intensity, as well as sedentary behavior, using cut-points methods. The existing knowledge and applications, coupled with technological advances, have spawned new opportunities for using those motion sensors in persons with MS, and these include the utilization of the data as biomarkers of disease severity and progression, perhaps in clinical practice. Herein, we discuss the current state of knowledge on the validity and applications of pedometers and accelerometers in MS, as well as new opportunities and strategies for the improved assessment of physical behaviors and disease progression, and consequently, personalized care.
Perceived Social Support Increases Creativity: Experimental Evidence
Authors: Tan Chee-Seng , Chin Xi-Yuan , Chng Samuel Ta-Chuan , Lee Jazen , Ooi Chia-Sin
Published: September 2022

The literature has consistently shown that social support has a positive relationship with creativity. However, further investigation is needed to clarify the causal relationship between the two constructs. The present study addressed this need by exploring the impact of experimentally induced perceived social support on creativity among young adults. A total of 135 undergraduate students in Malaysia participated in an online experiment. All participants first answered the creative self-efficacy scale and were then randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. Perceived social support was primed by a writing test and measured by the Multidimensional Scales of Perceived Social Support. Both groups also answered a divergent thinking test (measured for fluency, flexibility, and originality) and a self-rated creativity scale. Multivariate analysis of covariance showed that, after statistically controlling for the effect of creative self-efficacy, participants in the experimental group reported higher scores in perceived social support and all creativity measures than their counterparts in the control group. The results demonstrated that the manipulation is effective and the induced perceived social support leads to higher creativity. Our findings not only offer empirical evidence of the causality of social support and creativity but also has practical value for creativity development.
Dynamics of Inflammatory and Neurodegenerative Biomarkers after Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ruder Josefine , Dinner Gianna , Maceski Aleksandra , Berenjeno-Correa Ernesto , Müller Antonia Maria , Jelcic Ilijas , Kuhle Jens , Martin Roland
Published: September 2022

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a highly efficient treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), and hence it likely normalizes pathological and/or enhances beneficial processes in MS. The disease pathomechanisms include neuroinflammation, glial cell activation and neuronal damage. We studied biomarkers that in part reflect these, like markers for neuroinflammation (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL) 9, CXCL10, CXCL13, and chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1)), glial perturbations (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and in part CHI3L1), and neurodegeneration (neurofilament light chain (NfL)) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and single-molecule array assay (SIMOA) in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 32 MS patients that underwent aHSCT. We sampled before and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after aHSCT for serum, as well as before and 24 months after aHSCT for CSF. We found a strong increase of serum CXCL10, NfL and GFAP one month after the transplantation, which normalized one and two years post-aHSCT. CXCL10 was particularly increased in patients that experienced reactivation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection, but not those with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation. Furthermore, patients with CMV reactivation showed increased Th1 phenotype in effector memory CD4+ T cells. Changes of the other serum markers were more subtle with a trend for an increase in serum CXCL9 early post-aHSCT. In CSF, GFAP levels were increased 24 months after aHSCT, which may indicate sustained astroglia activation 24 months post-aHSCT. Other CSF markers remained largely stable. We conclude that MS-related biomarkers indicate neurotoxicity early after aHSCT that normalizes after one year while astrocyte activation appears increased beyond that, and increased serum CXCL10 likely does not reflect inflammation within the central nervous system (CNS) but rather occurs in the context of CMV reactivation or other infections post-aHSCT.
Human Milk Oligosaccharide 2′-Fucosyllactose Modulates Local Viral Immune Defense by Supporting the Regulatory Functions of Intestinal Epithelial and Immune Cells
Authors: Ayechu-Muruzabal Veronica , Poelmann Bente , Berends Alinda J. , Kettelarij Nienke , Garssen Johan , van’t Land Belinda , Willemsen Linette E. M.
Published: September 2022

Human milk contains bioactive components that provide protection against viral infections in early life. In particular, intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) have key regulatory roles in the prevention of enteric viral infections. Here we established an in vitro model to study the modulation of host responses against enteric viruses mimicked by poly I:C (pIC). The effects of 2′-fucosyllactose (2′FL), abundantly present in human milk, were studied on IEC and/or innate immune cells, and the subsequent functional response of the adaptive immune cells. IEC were pre-incubated with 2′FL and stimulated with naked or Lyovec™-complexed pIC (LV-pIC). Additionally, monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDC) alone or in co-culture with IEC were stimulated with LV-pIC. Then, conditioned-moDC were co-cultured with naïve CD4+ T helper (Th)-cells. IEC stimulation with naked or LV-pIC promoted pro-inflammatory IL-8, CCL20, GROα and CXCL10 cytokine secretion. However, only exposure to LV-pIC additionally induced IFNβ, IFNλ1 and CCL5 secretion. Pre-incubation with 2′FL further increased pIC induced CCL20 secretion and LV-pIC induced CXCL10 secretion. LV-pIC-exposed IEC/moDC and moDC cultures showed increased secretion of IL-8, GROα, IFNλ1 and CXCL10, and in the presence of 2′FL galectin-4 and -9 were increased. The LV-pIC-exposed moDC showed a more pronounced secretion of CCL20, CXCL10 and CCL5. The moDC from IEC/moDC cultures did not drive T-cell development in moDC/T-cell cultures, while moDC directly exposed to LV-pIC secreted Th1 driving IL-12p70 and promoted IFNγ secretion by Th-cells. Hereby, a novel intestinal model was established to study mucosal host-defense upon a viral trigger. IEC may support intestinal homeostasis, regulating local viral defense which may be modulated by 2′FL. These results provide insights regarding the protective capacity of human milk components in early life.
Trivalent Cobalt Complexes with NNS Tridentate Thiosemicarbazones: Preparation, Structural Study and Investigation of Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity against Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fathy Amany , Ibrahim Ahmed B. M. , Abd Elkhalik S. , Villinger Alexander , Abbas S. M.
Published: September 2022

New complexes of trivalent cobalt with substituted thiosemicarbazone ligands having an NNS donor system {HL1 = 4-(4-nitrophenyl)-1-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide and HL2 = 4-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-((pyridin-2-yl)methylene)thiosemicarbazide} were synthesized via the in situ oxidation of divalent cobalt chloride accompanying its addition to the ligands. The complexes C1 and C2 were characterized via elemental (CHNS) analysis and 1H NMR, FT-IR and UV-Vis. spectroscopic data. Further, conductometric studies on the DMF solutions of the complexes indicated their 1:1 nature, and their diamagnetism revealed the low-spin trivalent oxidation state of the cobalt in the complexes. The X-ray diffraction analysis of complex C1 indicated that it crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1. The metal exhibits an octahedral environment built by two anionic ligands bound via pyridine nitrogen, imine nitrogen and thiol sulfur atoms. The complex is counterbalanced by a chloride ion. In addition, two lattice water molecules were detected in the asymmetric unit of the unit cell. The ligand HL2 (20 mg/mL in DMSO) displayed inhibition zones of 10 mm against both S. aureus and E. coli, and the same concentration of the respective complex raised this activity to 15 and 12 mm against these bacterial strains, respectively. As a comparison, ampicillin inhibited these bacterial strains by 21 and 25 mm, respectively. Screening assay by HL1 on four human cancer cells revealed the most enhanced activity against the breast MCF-7 cells. The induced growth inhibitions in the MCF-7 cells by all compounds (0–100 μg/mL) have been detected. The ligands {HL1 and HL2} and complex C2 gave inhibitions with IC50 values of 52.4, 145.4 and 49.9 μM, respectively. These results are more meaningful in comparison with similar cobalt complexes, but less efficient compared with the inhibition with IC50 of 9.66 μM afforded by doxorubicin. In addition, doxorubicin, HL1 and HL2 induced cytotoxicity towards healthy BHK cells with IC50 values of 36.42, 54.8 and 110.6 μM, but surviving fractions of 66.1% and 62.7% of these cells were detected corresponding to a concentration of 100 μg/mL of the complexes (136.8 μM of C1 and 131.4 μM of C2).
Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae): Current Status of Biology, Ecology, and Management in Europe with Notes from North America
Authors: Boukouvala Maria C. , Kavallieratos Nickolas G. , Skourti Anna , Pons Xavier , Alonso Carmen López , Eizaguirre Matilde , Fernandez Enrique Benavent , Solera Elena Domínguez , Fita Sergio , Bohinc Tanja , Trdan Stanislav , Agrafioti Paraskevi , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: September 2022

The European Spongy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), is an abundant species found in oak woods in Central and Southern Europe, the Near East, and North Africa and is an important economic pest. It is a voracious eater and can completely defoliate entire trees; repeated severe defoliation can add to other stresses, such as weather extremes or human activities. Lymantria dispar is most destructive in its larval stage (caterpillars), stripping away foliage from a broad variety of trees (>500 species). Caterpillar infestation is an underestimated problem; medical literature reports that established populations of caterpillars may cause health problems to people and animals. Inflammatory reactions may occur in most individuals after exposure to setae, independent of previous exposure. Currently, chemical and mechanical methods, natural predators, and silvicultural practices are included for the control of this species. Various insecticides have been used for its control, often through aerial sprayings, which negatively affect biodiversity, frequently fail, and are inappropriate for urban/recreational areas. However, bioinsecticides based on various microorganisms (e.g., entomopathogenic viruses, bacteria, and fungi) as well as technologies such as mating disruption using sex pheromone traps have replaced insecticides for the management of L. dispar.
High Inferior Vena Cava Diameter with High Left Ventricular End Systolic Diameter as a Risk Factor for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, Cardiovascular and Overall Mortality among Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wu Chung-Kuan , Yar Noi , Kao Zih-Kai , Chuang Ming-Tsang , Chang Tzu-Hao
Published: September 2022

Background: Little is known about the association of inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) with mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Methods: The single medical center observational cohort study enrolled 241 adult chronic HD patients from 1 October 2018 to 31 December 2018. Echocardiography results of IVCD and LVESD prior to dialysis were retrieved and patients were divided into high IVCD and low IVCD groups. Patients who received HD via a tunneled cuffed catheter were excluded. Study outcomes included all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Subgroup analyses of HD patients with high and low LVESD were also performed. Results: The incidence of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and MACE were higher in chronic HD patients with high IVCD (p < 0.01). High IVCD patients had significantly greater all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and MACE (log-rank test; p < 0.05). High IVCD patients are also associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACE relative to low IVCD patients (aHRs, 2.88 and 3.42; 95% CIs, 1.06–7.86 and 1.73–6.77, respectively; all p < 0.05). In the subgroup analysis of patients with high or low LVESD, the high IVCD remained a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality and MACE, and the HR is especially high in the high LVESD group. Conclusions: Dilated IVCD is a risk factor for all-cause mortality and MACE in chronic HD patients. In addition, these patients with high LVESD also have a significantly higher HR of all-cause mortality and MACE.
Correlation between Oral Lichen Planus and Viral Infections Other Than HCV: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lucchese Alberta , Di Stasio Dario , Romano Antonio , Fiori Fausto , De Felice Guido Paolo , Lajolo Carlo , Serpico Rosario , Cecchetti Francesco , Petruzzi Massimo
Published: September 2022

Objectives: This review aimed to evaluate the correlation between viral infections (HPV, EBV, HSV-1, CMV) other than HCV and oral lichen planus to assess if there is sufficient evidence to establish if these viruses can play a role in the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Materials and methods: We reviewed the literature using different search engines (PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library), employing MeSH terms such as “oral lichen planus” and “OLP” in conjunction with other terms. We utilized the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, and Study design (PICOS) method to define our study eligibility criteria. Results: A total of 43 articles of the 1219 results initially screened were included in the study. We allocated the 43 selected items into four groups, according to each related virus: HPV, EBV, HSV-1, and CMV. Conclusions: Heterogeneous results neither confirm nor exclude a direct correlation between the investigated viral infections and oral lichen planus etiopathogenesis and its feasible malignant transformation. Many viral agents can cause oral lesions and act as cancerizing agents. Future studies could be desirable to produce comparable statistical analyses and enhance the quantity and quality of the outcomes to promote the translation of research into clinical practice.
The Unhappy Shoulder: A Conceptual Review of the Psychosomatics of Shoulder Pain
Authors: Vogel Matthias , Binneböse Marius , Wallis Hannah , Lohmann Christoph H. , Junne Florian , Berth Alexander , Riediger Christian
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Chronic pain is a multifaceted disorder genuinely entangled with psychic and psychosomatic symptoms, which are typically involved in the processes of chronification. The impingement syndrome of the shoulder is no exception to this rule, but several studies have shown respective peculiarities among those with pain and impingement of the shoulder. Notably, chronic pain is a lateralized experience, and, similarly, its psychosomatic correlates may be attached to the hemispheres functionally. Aim: The present review therefore gives an overview of the respective findings, with regard not only to psychopathology, but also to personality factors and psychologic trauma, since the latter are reportedly associated with chronic pain. Moreover, we acknowledge symmetry as a possible pathogenic factor. Methods: This narrative review followed the current standards for conducting narrative studies. Based on prior findings, our research strategy included the relevance of psychotraumatologic and symmetrical aspects, as well as comorbidity. We retrieved the relevant literature reporting on the impact of psychopathology as well as personality features on shoulder pain, as published up to January 2022 from the Medline database (1966–2022). Study selecton: We included numerous studies, and considered the contextual relevance of studies referring to the neuropsychosomatics of chronic pain. Results: Pain-specific fears, depression, and anxiety are important predictors of shoulder pain, and the latter is generally overrepresented in those with trauma and PTSD. Moreover, associations of shoulder pain with psychological variables are stronger as regards surgical therapies as compared to conservative ones. This may point to a specific and possibly trauma-related vulnerability for perioperative maladaptation. Additionally, functional hemispheric lateralization may explain some of those results given that limb pain is a naturally lateralized experience. Not least, psychosocial risk factors are shared between shoulder pain and its physical comorbidities (e.g., hypertension), and the incapacitated state of the shoulder is a massive threat to the function of the human body as a whole. Conclusions: This review suggests the involvement of psychosomatic and psychotraumatologic factors in shoulder impingement-related chronic pain, but the inconclusiveness and heterogeneity of the literature in the field is possibly suggestive of other determinants such as laterality.
Effectiveness of Inferior Mesenteric Artery Embolization on Type II Endoleak-Related Complications after Endovascular Aortic Repair (EVAR): Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Niklas Natalia , Malec Michalina , Gutowski Piotr , Kazimierczak Arkadiusz , Rynio Paweł
Published: September 2022

Type II endoleak is one of the most common and problematic complications after endovascular aneurysm repair. It has been suggested that the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) embolization could prevent further adverse events and postoperative complications. This article is a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines. The Medline, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were used to identify studies that investigated the effect of IMA embolization on the occurrence of type II endoleaks and secondary interventions in a group of patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm who underwent EVAR compared with results after EVAR procedure without embolization. A random effects meta-analysis was performed. Of 3510 studies, 6 studies involving 659 patients were included. Meta-analysis of all studies showed that the rate of secondary interventions was smaller in patients with IMA embolization (OR, 0.17; SE, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.41; p < 0.01; I2 = 0%). The occurrence of type II endoleaks was also smaller in the embolization group (OR, 0.37; SE, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.57; p < 0.01; I2 = 16.20%). This meta-analysis suggests that IMA embolization correlates with lower rates of type II endoleaks and secondary interventions.