bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical features decide the atypical seizure manifestation of parahypothalamic hamartomas
Authors: Liu Chang , Hu Wenhan , Zhang Chao , Zheng Zhong , Yang Xiaoli , Wang Xiu , Mo Jiajie , Guo Zhihao , Shao Xiaoqiu , Zhang Kai
Published: September 2022

Background

The intrahypothalamic phenotype of hypothalamic hamartomas (HH) is associated with epilepsy, and the parahypothalamic phenotype usually leads to central precocious puberty but not neurological comorbidities or seizures. No study has confirmed the pathological role of parahypothalamic hamartomas in epileptogenesis, and the underlying mechanism is yet to be elucidated.

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether parahypothalamic hamartomas are intrinsically epileptogenic and elucidate the underlying pathway of epileptogenesis.

Methods

We reviewed 92 patients with HH-related epilepsy, categorized them by the classification system of Delalande and Fohlen, and further classified Type I (corresponding to parahypothalamic HH) into the following three groups based on the relationship between the lesion and mammillary bodies (MB): entirely invaded (Group 1), partially connected (Group 2), and not connected at all (Group 3). We examined different anatomical features with their relationship to clinical manifestations. Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) was implanted in both HH and extra-HH cortices in different groups to identify the epileptogenic zone. Corticocortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) were also used to determine the pathological correlation among different regions to determine the related epileptogenic network.

Results

A total of 13 patients presented with parahypothalamic HH and 10 (76.9%) presented with non-GS only, with late-onset age and normal cognitive development, which is different from classical clinical features. SEEG showed that HH is intrinsically epileptogenic in MB-involved parahypothalamic groups. No statistical difference was found in onset age (p= 0.213), and lesions horizontally oriented from the tuber cinereum without connection to MB were not involved in seizure genesis. CCEP indicated a pathological connection among HH, middle cingulate cortex, and insular cortex.

Conclusion

The parahypothalamic HH can also cause epilepsy and is different from classic HH-related seizures, by non-GS only with the late-onset age and normal cognitive development. MB is proven to be related to non-GS by the mamillo-cingulate-cortex pathway.
Deconvoluting the complexity of autophagy in colorectal cancer: From crucial pathways to targeted therapies
Authors: Qiang Liming , Li Hongpeng , Wang Zhaohui , Wan Lin , Jiang Guangfu
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common gastrointestinal tumor with a high degree of malignancy, and most clinical cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, which has unfortunately missed an opportunity for surgery; therefore, elucidation of the crucial pathways of CRC development and discovery of targeted therapeutic strategies should be anticipated. Autophagy, which is an evolutionarily highly conserved catabolic process, may promote tumorigenesis and development of CRC. On the contrary, autophagy can trigger programmed cell death to inhibit CRC progression. Correspondingly, several targeted therapeutic strategies have been reported in CRC, including small-molecule compounds, polypeptides, non-coding RNAs, photodynamic, and adjuvant therapies. Thus, in this review, we focus on summarizing the crucial pathways of autophagy in CRC, and further discuss the current therapeutic strategies targeting autophagy. Together, these findings may shed light on the key regulatory mechanisms of autophagy and provide more promising therapeutic approaches for the future CRC therapies.
Targeted and cellular therapies in lymphoma: Mechanisms of escape and innovative strategies
Authors: Deshpande Anagha , Munoz Javier
Published: September 2022

The therapeutic landscape for lymphomas is quite diverse and includes active surveillance, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and even stem cell transplant. Advances in the field have led to the development of targeted therapies, agents that specifically act against a specific component within the critical molecular pathway involved in tumorigenesis. There are currently numerous targeted therapies that are currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat certain lymphoproliferative disorders. Of many, some of the targeted agents include rituximab, brentuximab vedotin, polatuzumab vedotin, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, mogamulizumab, vemurafenib, crizotinib, ibrutinib, cerdulatinib, idelalisib, copanlisib, venetoclax, tazemetostat, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells. Although these agents have shown strong efficacy in treating lymphoproliferative disorders, the complex biology of the tumors have allowed for the malignant cells to develop various mechanisms of resistance to the targeted therapies. Some of the mechanisms of resistance include downregulation of the target, antigen escape, increased PD-L1 expression and T-cell exhaustion, mutations altering the signaling pathway, and agent binding site mutations. In this manuscript, we discuss and highlight the mechanism of action of the above listed agents as well as the different mechanisms of resistance to these agents as seen in lymphoproliferative disorders.
Role of autophagy in tumor response to radiation: Implications for improving radiotherapy
Authors: Roy Amrita , Bera Soumen , Saso Luciano , Dwarakanath Bilikere S.
Published: September 2022

Autophagy is an evolutionary conserved, lysosome-involved cellular process that facilitates the recycling of damaged macromolecules, cellular structures, and organelles, thereby generating precursors for macromolecular biosynthesis through the salvage pathway. It plays an important role in mediating biological responses toward various stress, including those caused by ionizing radiation at the cellular, tissue, and systemic levels thereby implying an instrumental role in shaping the tumor responses to radiotherapy. While a successful execution of autophagy appears to facilitate cell survival, abortive or interruptions in the completion of autophagy drive cell death in a context-dependent manner. Pre-clinical studies establishing its ubiquitous role in cells and tissues, and the systemic response to focal irradiation of tumors have prompted the initiation of clinical trials using pharmacologic modifiers of autophagy for enhancing the efficacy of radiotherapy. However, the outcome from the Phase I/II trials in many human malignancies has so far been equivocal. Such observations have not only precluded the advancement of these autophagy modifiers in the Phase III trial but have also raised concerns regarding their introduction as an adjuvant to radiotherapy. This warrants a thorough understanding of the biology of the cancer cells, including its spatio-temporal context, as well as its microenvironment all of which might be the crucial factors that determine the success of an autophagy modifier as an anticancer agent. This review captures the current understanding of the interplay between radiation induced autophagy and the biological responses to radiation damage as well as provides insight into the potentials and limitations of targeting autophagy for improving the radiotherapy of tumors.
A narrative review of the effect of parent–child shared reading in preterm infants
Authors: Boissel Laure , Guilé Jean-Marc , Viaux-Savelon Sylvie , Mariana Charlotte , Corde Pascal , Wallois Fabrice , Benarous Xavier
Published: September 2022

The benefits of book-reading interventions on language development in full-term infants have been well investigated. Because children born preterm face a greater risk of cognitive, language and emotional impairments, this narrative review examines the theoretical evidence, empirical findings, and practical challenges for introducing such intervention to this population. The effect of shared book interventions on typically developing infants is mediated by three components: a linguistic aspect (i.e., exposure to enriched linguistic input), an interactive aspect (i.e., eliciting more synchronous and contingent communication), and a parental aspect (i.e., reducing parental stress and increasing sense of control). Parental shared book reading in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was found to be feasible and well accepted. It provides concrete support for positive parenting in a highly stressful context. Preliminary evidence supports a positive effect of shared reading sessions in physiological parameters of preterm infants in NICU. One study showed that parental shared book reading in an NICU is associated with lower decline in language development during the first 24 months compared to a historical control group. Findings from a community-based birth cohort confirm the positive effect of this intervention on cognitive development with a 2-year-follow up. More structured clinical trials are now needed to confirm these preliminary findings. Questions remain about possible moderators of these interventions, in particular cultural features.
Establishment, immunological analysis, and drug prediction of a prognostic signature of ovarian cancer related to histone acetylation
Authors: Fang Yujie , Zhao Jing , Guo Xu , Dai Yunfeng , Zhang Hao , Yin Fanxin , Zhang Xiaoxu , Sun Chenxi , Han Zequan , Wang Hecheng , Han Yanshuo
Published: September 2022

In recent years, epigenetic modifications have been increasingly regarded as an important hallmark of cancer. Histone acetylation, as an important part of epigenetic modification, plays a key role in the progress, treatment, and prognosis of many cancers. In this study, based on the TCGA database, we performed LASSO regression and the Cox algorithm to establish a prognostic signature of ovarian cancer associated with histone acetylation modulator genes and verified it externally in the GEO database. Subsequently, we performed an immunological bioinformatics analysis of the model from multiple perspectives using the CIBERSORT algorithm, ESTIMATE algorithm, and TIDE algorithm to verify the accuracy of the model. Based on the prognostic model, we divided ovarian cancer patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, and assessed survival and the efficacy of accepting immunosuppressive therapy. In addition, based on the analysis of characteristics of the model, we also screened targeted drugs for high-risk patients and predicted potential drugs that inhibit platinum resistance through the connectivity map method. We ultimately constructed a histone acetylation modulator-related signature containing 10 histone acetylation modulators, among which HDAC1, HDAC10, and KAT7 can act as independent prognostic factors for ovarian cancer and are related to poor prognosis. In the analysis of the tumor microenvironment, the proportion of the B-infiltrating cells and the macrophages was significantly different between the high- and low-risk groups. Also, the samples with high-risk scores had higher tumor purity and lower immune scores. In terms of treatment, patients in the high-risk group who received immunotherapy had a higher likelihood of immune escape or rejection and were less likely to respond to platinum/paclitaxel therapy. Finally, we screened 20 potential drugs that could target the model for reference.
Multi-kingdom microbiota and functions changes associated with culture mode in genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Zhu Haojun , Qiang Jun , Li Quanjie , Nie Zhijuan , Gao Jiancao , Sun Yi , Xu Gangchun
Published: September 2022

Genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) are intensively farmed in China, where most of the yield derives from the pond culture system (PCS). The in-pond raceway system (IPRS) is a new type of highly efficient aquaculture mode, and has been recommended as a novel system for GIFT farming. To determine the effects of these culture modes on the gut microbiome of GIFT, we conducted a 90-days experiment in IPRS and PCS units. A 16S rRNA gene profile analysis showed that the composition of gut microbiota in GIFT under IPRS and PCS conditions gradually separated as rearing progressed, with divergent responses by the midgut and hindgut bacteria. The α-diversity in hindgut decreased significantly by day 90, as compared with on day 7 (p < 0.05), with a significantly greater decrease in PCS-reared fish than in IPRS fish (p < 0.05). The α-diversity of microbiota in midgut remained stable (p > 0.05). The overall dominant gut bacteria were Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes. Rearing mode affected the taxonomic profile of the gut bacteria; in midgut, IPRS samples had more Firmicutes and Fusobacteria compared with PCS samples, but less Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Actinobacteria. Firmicutes was enriched in IPRS hindgut, and Fusobacteria was enriched in PCS hindgut. Using random-forest models and LEfSe, we also screened core taxa that could discriminate between the gut microbial communities under IPRS and PCS conditions. The genus Cetobacterium (of family Fusobacteriaceae) was significantly enriched in midgut in IPRS fish, and enriched in hindgut in PCS fish. The genus Clostridium sensu stricto (of family Clostridiaceae 1) was significantly enriched in both IPRS midgut and hindgut. Analysis with PICRUSt2 software revealed that the culture modes were similar in their effects on the gut microbial metabolic functions. The predicted pathways were significantly enriched in the metabolism class (level 1). Further, the relative abundance of functions related to amino acid metabolic, carbohydrate metabolic, energy metabolic, and metabolic of cofactors and vitamins were high at hierarchy level 2, as the metabolic activity of intestinal bacteria is especially active. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the characteristics of gut microbiota in GIFT under IPRS and PCS culture modes. Moreover, our findings provide insights into the microecological balance in IPRS units, and a theoretical reference for further development of this culture system.
Integrated volatile metabolomic and transcriptomic analysis provides insights into the regulation of floral scents between two contrasting varieties of Lonicera japonica
Authors: Li Jianjun , Yu Xinjie , Shan Qianru , Shi Zhaobin , Li Junhua , Zhao Xiting , Chang Cuifang , Yu Juanjuan
Published: September 2022

Lonicera japonica Thunb., belonging to the Caprifoliaceae family, is an important traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The L. japonica flower (LJF) is widely used in medicine, cosmetics, drinks, and food due to its medicinal and sweet-smelling properties. Considerable efforts have been devoted to investigating the pharmacological activities of LJF; however, the regulatory mechanism of the floral scents remains unknown. We previously selected and bred an elite variety of L. japonica var. chinensis Thunb. called ‘Yujin2’, which has a strong aroma and is used in functional drinks and cosmetics. In order to reveal the regulatory mechanism of the floral scents of LJF, volatile metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the LJF at the silver flowering stage of ‘Yujin2’ (strong aroma) and ‘Fengjin1’ (bland odor) were performed. Our results revealed that a total of 153 metabolites and 9,523 genes were differentially regulated in LJF between ‘Yujin2’ and ‘Fengjin1’. The integrated analysis of omics data indicated that the biosynthetic pathways of terpenoids (i.e., monoterpenoids, including geraniol and alpha-terpineol; sesquiterpenoids, including farnesol, farnesal, and alpha-farnesene; triterpenoid squalene), tryptophan and its derivatives (methyl anthranilate), and fatty acid derivatives, were major contributors to the stronger aroma of ‘Yujin2’ compared to ‘Fengjin1’. Moreover, several genes involved in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway were characterized using quantitative real-time PCR. These results provide insights into the metabolic mechanisms and molecular basis of floral scents in LJF, enabling future screening of genes related to the floral scent regulation, such as alpha-terpineol synthase, geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase, farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, anthranilate synthase, as well as transcription factors such as MYB, WRKY, and LFY. The knowledge from this study will facilitate the breeding of quality-improved and more fragrant variety of L. japonica for ornamental purpose and functional beverages and cosmetics.
Brief report of protective factors associated with family and parental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic in an outpatient child and adolescent psychiatric clinic
Authors: Urban Tamaki Hosoda , Friedman Deborah , Kaskas Maysa Marwan , Caruso Alessandra J. , Canenguez Katia M. , Rotter Nancy , Wozniak Janet , Basu Archana
Published: September 2022

Families of children with mental health challenges may have been particularly vulnerable to emotional distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study surveyed 81 parents of children ages 6–17 years receiving mental health treatment in an outpatient clinic during the pandemic. We sought to characterize the impact of the pandemic on family relationships and parental well-being. Additionally, regression and ANCOVA models examined associations between four potentially protective factors—parents’ psychological resilience, perceived social support, positive family experiences during the pandemic, and children’s use of cognitive or behavioral coping strategies—with family relationships and parental well-being. Findings suggest that families of children with mental health conditions experienced remarkable challenges to family relationships, parental well-being, and parents’ perceived capacity to support their children’s mental health. Nearly 80% of parents reported a negative impact of the pandemic on their own well-being, and 60% reported reduced ability to support their children’s mental health. Simultaneously, protective factors appeared to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic. Particularly, support within the family (e.g., co-parenting) and from external sources (e.g., mental health services) were associated with better self-reported well-being for parents and their capacity to support their children. Children’s use of coping tools, likely enhanced by mental health treatment, was also positively related to better family relationships and parental ability to support children with mental health challenges. Our findings highlight the need for enhancing supports for families at multiple levels including individual skill-building, family-based/parenting support, and community-based support.
“Most tantumising state of affairs”: Mathematical and non-mathematical in quantum-like understanding of thinking
Authors: Plotnitsky Arkady
Published: September 2022

This article addresses the effectiveness of the predictive modeling of cognition and behavior based on quantum principles and some of the reasons for this effectiveness. It also aims, however, to explore the limitations of mathematical modeling so based, quantum-like (Q-L) modeling, and all mathematical modeling, including classical-like (C-L), in considering human cognition and behavior. It will discuss certain alternative approaches to both, essentially philosophical in nature, although sometimes found in literary works, approaches that, while not quantitative, may help compensate for limitations of mathematical modeling there. Most Q-L and C-L approaches beyond physics are realist, insofar as they offer representations of human thinking by the formalism of quantum or classical physical theories. The position adopted in this article is based on the non-realist assumption that such a representation may not be possible, which is not the same as that it is impossible. I designate interpretations that do not make this assumption reality-without-realism, RWR, interpretations, and in considering mental processes as ideality-without-idealism, IWI, interpretations.
The relationship between religious/spiritual well-being, psychiatric symptoms and addictive behaviors among young adults during the COVID-19-pandemic
Authors: Vuzic Xenia D. , Burkart Pauline L. , Wenzl Magdalena , Fuchshuber Jürgen , Unterrainer Human-Friedrich
Published: September 2022

Background

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the COVID-19 pandemic not only poses risks to physical health, but that it also might lead to a global mental health crisis, making the exploration of protective factors for mental well-being highly relevant. The present study seeks to investigate religious/spiritual well-being (RSWB) as a potential protective factor with regard to psychiatric symptom burden and addictive behavior.

Materials and Methods

The data was collected by conducting an online survey in the interim period between two national lockdowns with young adults (N = 306; age: 18–35) in Austria. The primary study variables were assessed through the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18; psychiatric symptom load), the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST; addictive behavior/addiction risk) and the Multidimensional Inventory for Religious/Spiritual Well-Being short version (MI-RSWB 12), with its sub-dimensions Hope (HO), Forgiveness (FO), General Religiosity (GR), and Connectedness (CO).

Results

We observed HO and FO as substantial negative predictors of psychiatric symptom burden. With regard to addictive behavior, HO in particular but also GR seem to have a protective function. Furthermore, we found positive connections between CO, psychiatric symptom burden, and addictive behavior.

Conclusion

In line with our assumptions, HO, FO and to a minor extent GR were confirmed as negative predictors regarding psychiatric symptom burden or addictive behavior in young adults, coping with the psychological threat of COVID-19 pandemic. These dimensions might be further considered as potential resources in clinical treatment. However, the positive prediction of mental illness parameters by increased feelings of CO could also be interpreted as an expression of exhaustion and alienation from the real world.
Evaluating the individual, situational, and technological drivers for creative ideas generation in virtual communities: A systematic literature review
Authors: Zhao Xin , Wang Chunzhen , Hong Jianzhong
Published: September 2022

The setting in which people generate ideas and work collaboratively to solve problems is gradually shifting from traditional face-to-face communities to virtual communities. Virtual communities are, therefore, becoming a new source of creative ideas. Nevertheless, online creativity is not without challenges. The main obstacle seems to be a lack of active engagement from participants within these virtual communities, resulting in a low quality and quantity of creative content when compared to traditional methods of creation. Research suggests that successfully generating creative ideas online involves sustained, active engagement among collaborators. A number of studies have investigated various factors related to the generation of creative ideas within virtual communities. However, a comprehensive understanding of contributing factors remains elusive. This study examines past research on the factors that drive creative ideas generation in online creative communities through a systematic literature review. The study seeks to analyze research findings over the past decade and provide an overview of the main driving factors, research areas, research trends, and implications for future research. Web of Science and Scopus were used to identify relevant articles, while Google Scholar was used to minimize the risk of missing any valuable data related to the aim of this study. The results provide an overview of the studies examining creative ideas generation within virtual communities. By approaching the subject matter from three primary perspectives (individual, situational, and technological), this paper identifies influencing factors associated with the successful generation of creative ideas online. The results of the paper also provide an overview of the research methods and guiding theories adopted by current researchers. The paper concludes with research trends and recommendations for future research.
The association between functional status and physical pain with depressive symptoms after a stroke event: A cross-sectional analysis of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2018
Authors: Zhao William Yang , Zhang Luwen , Wan Yingfeng , Chen Xiaoying , Jin Yinzi , Zhang Lin , Sum Grace , Katar Ameera , Song Lili , Anderson Craig S.
Published: September 2022

Background

Stroke is a major cause of mortality and long-term physical and cognitive impairment. This study aims to: (1) examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms, disability and pain among Chinese adults with stroke; (2) test the associations of functional limitations and body pain with occurrence of depressive symptoms; (3) investigate gender and urban-rural disparities in these associations.

Methods

This study utilized the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2018, involving 969 patients with stroke among 17,970 participants aged ≥ 45 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. We performed multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the associations between activities of daily life (ADL), instrumental activities of daily life (IADL) and pain with depressive symptoms.

Results

Depressive symptoms were found among 40.2% of stroke patients, with a higher prevalence in females (48.2%) than males (32.7%). Prevalence of ADL limitations, IADL limitations and pain among stroke patients were 39.2, 49.8 and 14.0%, respectively. ADL and IADL limitations and pain were more prevalent among females and residents in rural areas. Multivariable regression analyses showed a significant association between ADL limitation (OR = 1.535, 95% CI = 1.168, 2.018), IADL limitation (OR = 1.666, 95% CI = 1.260, 2.203) and pain (OR = 2.122, 95% CI = 1.466, 3.073) with depressive symptoms. Stratified analyses revealed stronger associations among urban residents. Females had a higher association of ADL and IADL with depressive symptoms but similar in that of pain to the males. The impact of ADL and IADL in male patients is higher than in females, but the impact of pain on depressive symptoms is higher in female patients.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms are common amongst post-stroke patients in China and are significantly associated with functional disability and physical pain. Our findings have implications for practitioners on the early assessment of pain and depression after stroke. Future research should explore effective intervention measures for physical-mental stroke complications.
Exploring built environment factors on e-bike travel behavior in urban China: A case study of Jinan
Authors: Yu Yonghao , Jiang Yuxiao , Qiu Ning , Guo Heng , Han Xinyu , Guo Yuanyuan
Published: September 2022

E-bike, characterized as a low-carbon and health-beneficial active travel mode, is gradually becoming popular in China. Although built environment factors are considered to be key parameters that can facilitate or hinder active transportation, such as cycling or walking, few studies have explored the impact of built environment on e-bikes. To fill this gap, this study was the first to explore the relationship between e-bike usage and built environment factors based on population level travel survey in central Jinan, China. Both macro and micro levels of built environment were measured using multi-source data. We employed ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models to explore the aggregation patterns of e-bike trips. Besides, the local Moran's I was employed to classify the aggregation patterns of e-bike trips into four types. The results from OLS model showed that eye-level greenery, building floor area, road density and public service POI were positive significantly related to e-bike trips, while open sky index and NDVI had negative association with e-bike trips. The usage of GWR model provided more subtle results, which revealed significant spatial heterogeneity on the impacts of different built environment parameters. Road density and public service POI posed positive effects on e-bike travel while NDVI and open sky index were found mainly pose negative impacts on e-bike travel. Moreover, we found similar coefficient distribution patterns of eye-level greenery, building floor area and distance to bus stop. Therefore, tailored planning interventions and policies can be developed to facilitate e-bike travel and promote individual's health level.
Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for adult patients with renal sarcoma: A retrospective study based on the SEER database
Authors: Zhu Yongkun , Mao Weipu , Zhang Guangyuan , Sun Si , Tao Shuchun , Jiang Tiancheng , Wang Qingbo , Meng Yuan , Wu Jianping , Chen Ming
Published: September 2022

Background

Renal sarcoma (RS) is rarely seen in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to develop a prognostic nomogram model, which could predict the probability of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in adult patients with RS.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with RS were recruited from the SEER database between 2004 and 2015, and randomized to two cohorts: the training cohort and the validation cohort. Uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses in the training cohort were used to screen independent prognostic factors for OS and CSS. Prognostic nomograms for OS and CSS were created separately for adult RS patients based on independent risk factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to validate the nomograms.

Results

A total of 232 eligible patients were recruited, including 162 in the training cohort and 70 in the validation cohort. Sex, histological type, SEER stage, and surgery were independent prognostic factors for OS, while histological type, SEER stage, surgery, chemotherapy were independent prognostic factors for CSS. Based on the above independent prognostic factors, prognostic nomograms for OS and CSS were created respectively. In the training cohort, the AUCs of the nomograms for OS and CSS were 0.742 and 0.733, respectively. In the validation cohort, the AUCs of the nomograms for OS and CSS were 0.837 and 0.758, respectively. The calibration curves of the nomograms showed high consistencies between the predicted and actual survival rates. Finally, the DCA demonstrated that the nomograms in the wide high-risk threshold had a higher net benefit than the SEER stage.

Conclusion

A prognostic nomogram for renal sarcoma was created and validated for reliability and usefulness in our study, which assisted urologists in accurately assessing the prognosis of adult RS patients.
Technology-assisted adaptive recruitment strategy for a large nation-wide COVID-19 vaccine immunogenicity study in Brunei
Authors: Shim Chin Yee , Chan Si Yee , Wei Yuan , Ghani Hazim , Ahmad Liyana , Sharif Hanisah , Alikhan Mohammad Fathi , Haji Bagol Saifuddien , Taib Surita , Tan Chee Wah , Ong Xin Mei , Wang Lin-Fa , Wang Yan , Liu An Qi , Lim Hong Shen , Wong Justin , Naing Lin , Cunningham Anne Catherine
Published: September 2022

A national study was conducted in Brunei to assess and compare the immunogenicity of the various brands of COVID-19 vaccines administered to the population as part of the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme. Most of the population have had received at least 2 doses of BBIBP-CorV, AZD1222 or MRNA-1273 vaccines. Neutralising antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 induced by these vaccines will be analysed to infer population-level immune protection against COVID-19. During the 5-week recruitment period, 24,260 eligible individuals were invited to the study via SMS, out of which 2,712 participants were enrolled into the study. This paper describes the novel adaptive strategy used to recruit the study participants. Digital technology was leveraged to perform targeted online recruitment to circumvent the limitations of traditional recruitment methods. Technology also enabled stratified random selection of these eligible individuals who were stratified based on age, gender and vaccine brand. Data was extracted from the electronic health records, the national mobile health application and a third-party survey platform and integrated into a dedicated research platform called EVYDResearch. The instant availability and access to up-to-date data on EVYDResearch enabled the study team to meet weekly and adopt an adaptive recruitment strategy informed by behavioural science, where interventions could be quickly implemented to improve response rates. Some examples of these include incorporating nudge messaging into SMS invitations, involving the Minister of Health to make press announcements on this study, media coverage, setting up an enquiries hotline and reaching out to foreign language speaking expatriates of a local multinational company to participate in this study. Data integration from various data sources, real time information sharing and a strong teamwork led to good outcomes adaptable to the progress of recruitment, compared to the more time-consuming and static traditional recruitment methods.
Simultaneous determination of Cu(II), Zn(II), and Pb(II) from aqueous solutions using a polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) based-sensor with 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (PAN) as chromophore and chemometric methods
Authors: Mancilla-Rico Alejandro J. , Rodríguez de San Miguel Eduardo
Published: September 2022

Polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) are developed to be used as colorimetric sensors for the simultaneous determination and quantification of Cu(II), Zn(II), Pb(II) from aqueous solutions using chemometric methods. Different physical and chemical factors that influence the detection process of the analytes are studied, i.e., the concentration of the metal cation, the amount of membrane, and the pH of the solution. The most significant variables within the detection process in membrane sensors are those that are closely related to the chemical reaction of the detection, that is, the concentration of the metal cation and the number of active sites available in the optomembrane. The reversibility and durability of the signal are evaluated as well. The optomembrane reaches 95% of the optical signal attributed to the process of formation of the different colorful complexes in 20 min, regardless of the metal cation. The optomembrane of CTA—TEHP—PAN presents a very narrow linear interval of response to the concentration of the cations, Zn(II) and Cu(II) ranging from 0.6 to 6 ppm; for higher concentrations the polymeric detector presents saturation. The response of the sensor to different concentrations of Pb(II) is not linear, which can be attributed to the lack of chemical affinity to generate the complex in the polymer film. The simultaneous determination of the three metal cations by three chemometric methods [multivariate curve resolution (MCR), artificial neural networks (ANNs) and partial least squares (PLS)] is performed with an experimental central composite design matrix at five levels and three experimental factors. The construction of the quantification model is carried out from the information obtained from the VIS spectrum of the PIMs exposed to the aqueous solutions. The predictive power of the quantification models for each of the metal cations is evaluated contemplating the determination coefficient (R2) and the root mean square error (RMSE) values. Results favors the use of the PLS algorithm, although due to the competition for the actives sites of the chromophore, Pb(II) determination is not satisfactorily acomplished. Principal component analysis (PCA) is in addition employed to visualize patterns in the synthesized membranes.
Responses of soil heterotrophic respiration and microbial biomass to organic and conventional production systems
Authors: Dhakal Kripa , Parajuli Madhav , Jian Siyang , Li Jianwei , Nandwani Dilip
Published: September 2022

The effects of organic and conventional production systems on crop productivity have been greatly explored, but their effects on soil microbial processes were often neglected. A comparative field study of organic and conventional production systems was conducted at the Tennessee State University research farm to determine soil heterotrophic respiration and microbial biomass carbon. Leafy green vegetables were grown in a conventional production system in an open field, and they were grown in an organic production system, using three different row covers (agribon cloth, insect net, and plastic), and in an open field. Soil samples (0-15cm) were collected from the two production systems. Soil heterotrophic respiration rate (RH), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and biomass-specific heterotrophic respiration rate (the inverse is used as a proxy for microbial carbon use efficiency) were quantified. The results showed that the conventional production system significantly increased RH relative to the organic system. Organic production system, however, significantly enhanced MBC and reduced biomass-specific respiration rate indicating an increase in carbon use efficiency. Although MBC remained unchanged among the row covers, insect net increased RH and biomass-specific heterotrophic respiration rate. Our results suggest that the organic production system not only promoted soil microbial abundance but also limited soil heterotrophic respiration to the atmosphere governed by the elevated carbon use efficiency.
Promoting a culture change in junior and youth sport in New Zealand
Authors: Walters Simon R. , Minjares Vincent , Bradbury Trish , Lucas Patricia , Lenton Andrew , Spencer Kirsten , Spencer Simone
Published: September 2022

This paper provides insight into the evolution of a project designed to address longstanding adult attitudes and behavioural issues in junior and youth sport in New Zealand. The project was funded by Sport New Zealand (Sport NZ) and implemented by Aktive, a charitable trust that works with national and regional partners to fund and deliver community sport in Auckland. Aktive collaborated with a team of junior and youth sport researchers, adopting a pragmatic, mixed methods design-based research (DBR) approach to co-design an educational delivery framework aimed at influencing attitudes and assumptions underpinning coaches, parents, and community sport leaders' behaviours. Transformative learning principles informed the delivery framework with the project reaching 4,222 participants. Research evaluations included multiple case studies, surveys, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups, which confirmed awareness of problematic beliefs. The programme expanded to Regional Sport Organisations (RSOs) and National Sport Organisations (NSOs) culminating in a nationwide rollout. The study highlights the effectiveness of theoretically informed adult behaviour change programmes in junior and youth sport, the benefits of programmes being underpinned by a rigorous pedagogical approach, and the benefits of sport organisations and researchers collaborating to design and deliver sustainable change initiatives that address belief systems underpinning current issues.
Athlete experiences of communication strategies in applied sports nutrition and future considerations for mobile app supportive solutions
Authors: Dunne David Mark , Lefevre-Lewis Carmen , Cunniffe Brian , Impey Samuel George , Tod David , Close Graeme Leonard , Morton James P. , Murphy Rebecca
Published: September 2022

Aim

This study aimed to explore athletes' experiences and opinions of communication strategies in applied sports nutrition, as well as capture suggestions for future mobile app supportive solutions.

Methods

A qualitative approach was used for this research. Data was generated from semi-structured focus groups (n = 9) with a purposive sample of 41 (male = 24, female = 17) full time professional athletes (mean age 24 ± 4.59) from five sports (football, rugby union, athletics, cycling, and boxing). Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The analysis identified four higher order themes and five sub themes. Athletes appear dissatisfied with the levels of personalization in the nutrition support they receive. Limited practitioner contact time was suggested as a contributing factor to this problem. Athletes acknowledged the usefulness of online remote nutrition support and reported a desire for more personalized technology that can tailor support to their individual needs.

Conclusion

Athletes experienced a hybrid human-computer approach that combines in-person and remote digital methods to communicate with and receive information from practitioners. Mobile technology may now afford sports nutritionists with new opportunities to develop scalable solutions to support practice.
Portugal nautical stations: Strategic alliances for sport tourism and environmental sustainability
Authors: Pereira Elsa , Martins Rute , Marques João Filipe , Flores Adão , Aghdash Vahid , Mascarenhas Margarida
Published: September 2022

Nautical tourism is a tourist product with great development in the European space and a lot of potential to promote and develop tourist destinations. Considering the dynamics of nautical tourism management and the importance of meeting the specificities of this market niche, the objective of this study was to analyse the strategic alliances for the development of the offer of nautical tourism products, namely the strategic goals and sustainable environmental practices adopted by their actors which integrated the strategic alliances in order to certificate a plethora of nautical stations in Portugal. Between September and December 2021, 17 Portuguese nautical stations' application forms were collected. Content analysis using Nvivo software was the technique used for data analysis. The results showed a multiplicity of strategic objectives associated with the strategic alliance established between the nautical stations. The strategic vision of nautical stations for the development of strategic alliances is built, firstly, on the objective of structuring the tourism offer, followed by increasing governance and promoting and marketing nautical tourism using the image of the destination. Based on these results, it is possible to infer the importance of nautical stations in destination competitiveness and the role of strategic alliances in facilitating penetration in the nautical tourism market. The managers of nautical stations should consider the use of strategic alliances to make a cooperative marketing in order to improve the experience of the clients. Regarding environmental sustainability practices, the results exposed the prominence of environmental education actions in contrast to the reduced number of nautical stations developing actions for the adoption of sustainable transport. This study contributes to a better understanding of nautical tourism and Portuguese nautical stations, a project of strategic investment in sport and tourism, inferring on the objectives underlying the formation of strategic alliances and on the adopted environmental sustainability practices. The conclusions of this study point to the need for future scientific research on the actual operationalization of the objectives underlying the formation of strategic alliances, as well as the environmental practices developed by nautical stations.
Comparison of 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion and open-door laminoplasty in cervical sagittal balance: A retrospective study
Authors: Wang Wenhao , Huang Yixue , Wu Zhikai , Hu Xiayu , Xiang Pan , Liu Hao , Yang Huilin
Published: September 2022

Objective

To compare the clinical efficacy and radiological outcomes of 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and open-door laminoplasty (LP).

Methods

A total of 74 patients from January 2017 to January 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. There were two groups. Group A (30 cases) received 3-level ACDF, while Group B (44 cases) received open-door LP. Clinical evaluation included perioperative parameters, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores. Radiological evaluation included cervical curve depth (CCD), C2–7 angle, C2–7 sagittal vertical axis (cSVA), C7 slope (C7S), and T1 slope (T1S).

Results

Perioperative parameters such as blood loss, drainage volume after surgery, and hospital stay of patients in Group A were significantly less than those in Group B (P < .001). NDI scores decreased and JOA scores increased significantly after surgery in both groups (P < .05). There was a significant difference in both scores postoperatively and at 1 month after surgery between the two groups (P < .05). CCD and C2–7 angle of Group A increased significantly postoperatively at 1 month after surgery and at final follow-up (FFU) (P < .05). There was a significant difference in CCD and the C2–7 angle between the two groups postoperatively at 1 month after surgery and at FFU (P < .05). T1S increased significantly in Group A postoperatively and at 1 month after surgery (P < .05).

Conclusion

3-level ACDF and open-door LP achieved favorable clinical outcomes and ACDF benefited patients in the early stage of rehabilitation. Compared with open-door LP, 3-level ACDF had advantages of reconstructing cervical lordosis with increased CCD and C2–7 angle.
Occurrence–regression–recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma without any intervention: A case report
Authors: Li Weinan , Xiong Yongfu , Shu Xia , Li Jingdong
Published: September 2022

Background

Spontaneous regression of primary liver cancer is a rare event, and currently the exact pathogenesis of spontaneous tumor regression remains unclear.

Case description

Clinical information was collected from a patient with spontaneous regression of liver cancer at our center. The patient was a 41-year-old male. He was admitted to the hospital on 3 May 2019, due to aversion to fatty or greasy food, anorexia, loss of appetite, and abdominal distension. Laboratory examination results included hepatitis B surface antigen positivity, hepatitis B e antigen positivity, and hepatitis B core antibody positivity and tumor marker levels of alpha-fetoprotein 142,938.20 µg/L, abnormal prothrombin 4,599.91 mAU/ml, and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 82.05 U/ml. Upper abdominal enhanced computed tomography indicated right hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus formation. The patient declined any treatment. The tumor in the right lobe of the liver completely regressed after 1 year, and the patient is still undergoing follow-up.

Conclusions

We encountered a hepatocellular carcinoma patient who underwent spontaneous regression, but the exact pathogenesis remains unknown. Understanding the pathogenesis of spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma has the potential to contribute to the development of an effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.