bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics in Behcet’s Disease: An Update Review
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhong Zhenyu , Yang Peizeng
Published: June 2022

Behcet’s disease (BD) is one of the most vision-threatening clinical entities of uveitis. Although the etiopathogenesis of BD remains obscure, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to the development of BD. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate association studies have identified several genetic variants strongly associated with BD, including variants in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) -A02, -A03, -A24, -A26, -A31, -B15, -B27, -B35, -B49, -B51, -B57, -B58, -C0704, CIITA, ERAP1, MICA, IL1A-IL1B, IL10, IL12, IL23R, IL-23R/IL-12RB2, IL1RL1-IL18R1, STAT4, TFCP2L1, TRAF5, TNFAIP3, CCR1/CCR3, RIPK2, ADO-ZNF365-EGR2, KLRC4, LACC1, MEFV, IRF8, FUT2, CEBPB-PTPN1, ZMIZ1, RPS6KA4, IL10RA, SIPA1-FIBP-FOSL1, VAMP1, JRKL/CTCN5, IFNGR1 and miRNA-146a. Epigenetic modifications are also reported to play essential roles in the development of BD, including DNA methylation and histone modification. We review here the recent advances in the genetic and epigenetic factors associated with the BD pathogenesis.
Expression of the Cavin Family in Childhood Leukemia and Its Implications in Subtype Diagnosis and Prognosis Evaluation
Authors: Yang Jing , Huang Junbin , Wang Huabin , Liu Yong , Tang Yanlai , Lin Chao , Zhou Qin , Chen Chun
Published: June 2022

Background

Caveolae are plasma membrane subdomains of many mammalian cells that play critical roles in cellular processes, including endocytosis, signal transduction and tumorigenesis. Cavin proteins are essential for caveola formation, structure and function and are reported to be involved in various human diseases, but little is known about their expression and prognostic value in leukemia.

Methods

We performed a detailed analysis of Cavin family mRNA expression levels in different cancer tissues vs. normal tissues via the ONCOMINE, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) databases. Then, we used qRT-PCR and Western blotting to validate Cavin1-4 expression in 10 fresh leukemia samples. Moreover, we estimated their prognostic value in leukemia with the R programming language and GEPIA database.

Results

The expression of Cavin members is low in most human cancers, especially in leukemia. Cavin-1 and Cavin-2 are often more expressed in myeloid leukemia than lymphoblastic leukemia, but Cavin-4 has the opposite pattern. Interestingly, low expression of CAVIN1 and CAVIN4 is correlated with poorer outcome but low CAVIN2 expression is associated with a significantly better leukemia prognosis in leukemia.

Conclusion

The Cavin family showed significant expression differences between leukemia and normal cells. High Cavin-2 and low Cavin-4 levels predict poor survival and could be promising subtype diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers for leukemia.
Dietary Intake and Asthma in Preschoolers: A Logistic Lasso Regression Analysis
Authors: Qu Yangming , Pan Chengliang , Guo Shijie , Wu Hui
Published: June 2022

Background

Asthma is a common chronic disease among children, especially preschoolers. Some evidence suggests that diet may play a role in asthma, but the current findings are contradictory. The objective of our study was to determine the association between dietary intake and asthma in preschool children aged 2–5 years.

Methods

We selected preschool children aged 2–5 years with complete data on asthma diagnosis, diet, and body mass index (BMI) from the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) database. In a selected population, children with self-reported asthma were included in the final sample. In children without self-reported asthma, we further used propensity score matching (PSM) to match age and sex for sampling, maintaining a ratio of 1:4 for cases. Lasso regression was used to identify dietary factors affecting asthma in preschoolers.

Results

A total of 269 children with self-reported asthma and 1,076 children without self-reported asthma were included in our study. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in ethnicity and dietary zinc intake between asthmatic children and children without asthma. After adjusting for all dietary and demographic variables, the results of logistic Lasso regression analysis showed that non-Hispanic black (β = 0.65), vitamin B12 (β = 0.14), and sodium (β = 0.05) were positively associated with childhood asthma, while Vitamin K (β = −0.04) was negatively associated with childhood asthma.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study confirms that non-Hispanic black and dietary sodium intake are associated with a higher risk of asthma in preschoolers. In addition, our study found that dietary vitamin B12 was positively associated with childhood asthma, while vitamin K was negatively associated with childhood asthma.
Consequences of Social Distancing Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic First Wave on the Epidemiology of Children Admitted to Pediatric Emergency Departments and Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Review
Authors: Levy Michael , Lestrade Victor , Said Carla , Jouvet Philippe , Kawaguchi Atsushi
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To synthesize knowledge describing the impact of social distancing measures (SDM) during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute illness in children by focusing on the admission to pediatric emergency departments (PED) and pediatric intensive care units (PICU).

Methods

We searched Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EPOC Register, MEDLINE, Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews, EMBASE, WHO database on COVID-19, Cochrane Resources on COVID-19, Oxford COVID-19 Evidence Service, Google Scholar for literature on COVID-19 including pre-print engines such as medRxiv, bioRxiv, Litcovid and SSRN for unpublished studies on COVID-19 in December 2020. We did not apply study design filtering. The primary outcomes of interest were the global incidence of admission to PICU and PED, disease etiologies, and elective/emergency surgeries, compared to the historical cohort in each studied region, country, or hospital.

Results

We identified 6,660 records and eighty-seven articles met our inclusion criteria. All the studies were with before and after study design compared with the historical data, with an overall high risk of bias. The median daily PED admissions decreased to 65% in 39 included studies and a 54% reduction in PICU admission in eight studies. A significant decline was reported in acute respiratory illness and LRTI in five studies with a median decrease of 63%. We did not find a consistent trend in the incidence of poisoning, but there was an increasing trend in burns, DKA, and a downward trend in trauma and unplanned surgeries.

Conclusions

SDMs in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic reduced the global incidence of pediatric acute illnesses. However, some disease groups, such as burns and DKA, showed a tendency to increase and its severity of illness at hospital presentation. Continual effort and research into the subject should be essential for us to better understand the effects of this new phenomenon of SDMs to protect the well-being of children.

Systematic Review Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: CRD42020221215.
The Diagnostic Potential of Gut Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Preeclampsia
Authors: Li Jialin , Wang Lin , Chen Haimin , Yang Zhenglun , Chen Siqian , Wang Jiayi , Zhou Yuping , Xuan Rongrong
Published: June 2022

Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder leading to multiorgan dysfunction. It has high maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. The study of gut microbiota and its metabolites in PE deserves further exploration. Thirty-eight pregnant women with PE and 29 healthy pregnant women in the third trimester of their pregnancy were recruited in this study. We used a targeted metabolomics approach to evaluate the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in serum samples. The correlation between SCFAs and clinical characteristics was also explored. The results of mass spectrometry (MS) showed significant differences at the metabolomics level of SCFAs between the PE and healthy control. The metabolic levels of acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, and valerate were significantly increased in the PE group than in the healthy control group. In contrast, caproic acid and butyrate levels were significantly reduced. The correlation analysis showed that urea, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure levels were positively correlated with four types of SCFAs (acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and valeric acid) which increased in the PE group. Furthermore, the neutrophil percentage and the fetal birth weight were negatively correlated with isobutyric acid and valeric acid. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis using a generalized linear model showed that multiple SCFAs would be potential diagnostic markers for PE, with high specificity, sensitivity, and area under the curve (AUC). Among them, isobutyric acid (sensitivity: 97.4%, specificity: 100%, AUC = 1.00), propionic acid (sensitivity: 86.8%, specificity: 93.3%, AUC = 0.954) and acetic acid (sensitivity: 86.8%, specificity: 83.3%, AUC = 0.891) depicted significantly higher diagnostic value and potential clinical applications. In summary, the results of this study indicate that SCFAs have the potential to become effective biomarkers for early screening of PE.
Pediatric Kidney Transplantation—Can We Do Better? The Promise and Limitations of Epitope/Eplet Matching
Authors: Charnaya Olga , Levy Erez Daniella , Amaral Sandra , Monos Dimitrios S.
Published: June 2022

Kidney transplant is the optimal treatment for end-stage kidney disease as it offers significant survival and quality of life advantages over dialysis. While recent advances have significantly improved early graft outcomes, long-term overall graft survival has remained largely unchanged for the last 20 years. Due to the young age at which children receive their first transplant, most children will require multiple transplants during their lifetime. Each subsequent transplant becomes more difficult because of the development of de novo donor specific HLA antibodies (dnDSA), thereby limiting the donor pool and increasing mortality and morbidity due to longer time on dialysis awaiting re-transplantation. Secondary prevention of dnDSA through increased post-transplant immunosuppression in children is constrained by a significant risk for viral and oncologic complications. There are currently no FDA-approved therapies that can meaningfully reduce dnDSA burden or improve long-term allograft outcomes. Therefore, primary prevention strategies aimed at reducing the risk of dnDSA formation would allow for the best possible long-term allograft outcomes without the adverse complications associated with over-immunosuppression. Epitope matching, which provides a more nuanced assessment of immunological compatibility between donor and recipient, offers the potential for improved donor selection. Although epitope matching is promising, it has not yet been readily applied in the clinical setting. Our review will describe current strengths and limitations of epitope matching software, the evidence for and against improved outcomes with epitope matching, discussion of eplet load vs. variable immunogenicity, and conclude with a discussion of the delicate balance of improving matching without disadvantaging certain populations.
Fetal Aberrant Right Subclavian Artery: Associated Anomalies, Genetic Etiology, and Postnatal Outcomes in a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cai Meiying , Lin Na , Fan Xiangqun , Chen Xuemei , Xu Shiyi , Fu Xianguo , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong
Published: June 2022

Background

Aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is becoming increasingly common in fetuses. However, there are relatively fewer studies regarding the genetic etiology of ARSA. We performed a genetic analysis of fetuses with ARSA and followed up on the pregnancy outcomes to evaluate the prognosis of the fetuses, providing information for prenatal and eugenic consultations.

Methods

This retrospective study included 112 pregnant females whose fetuses were diagnosed with ARSA from December 2016 to February 2021. Fetal karyotype analysis and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array were performed.

Results

The 112 fetuses were divided into two groups: the isolated ARSA group (n = 48, 42.9%) and the non-isolated ARSA group (ARSA with other ultrasound abnormalities, n = 64, 57.1%). The total rate of pathogenic copy number variation (CNV) observed using karyotype analysis (3/8) and SNP array (5/8) was 7.1% (8/112). The rates of pathogenic CNV in the isolated and non-isolated ARSA groups were 4.2% (2/48) and 9.4% (6/64), respectively. No significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.463). The results of genetic analysis influenced the parents’ decision to terminate the pregnancy. During the follow-up examination, fetuses with ARSA without pathogenic CNV were found to have normal growth and development after birth.

Conclusion

Fetuses with isolated ARSA have a low probability of being diagnosed with pathogenic CNV. However, when ARSA is complicated with other ultrasound abnormalities, the risk of pathogenic CNV remarkably increases. Prenatal genetic counseling and SNP-array should be recommended for better assessment of fetal prognosis.
Serum Metabolomics Coupling With Clinical Laboratory Indicators Reveal Taxonomic Features of Leukemia
Authors: Xiong Hao- , Zhang Hui-Tao , Xiao Hong-Wen , Huang Chun-Lan , Huang Mei-Zhou
Published: June 2022

Metabolic abnormality has been considered to be the seventh characteristic in cancer cells. The potential prospect of using serum biomarkers metabolites to differentiate ALL from AML remains unclear. The purpose of our study is to probe whether the differences in metabolomics are related to clinical laboratory-related indicators. We used LC-MS-based metabolomics analysis to study 50 peripheral blood samples of leukemia patients from a single center. Then Chi-square test and T test were used to analyze the clinical characteristics, laboratory indicators and cytokines of 50 patients with leukemia. Correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between them and the differential metabolites of different types of leukemia. Our study shows that it is feasible to better identify serum metabolic differences in different types and states of leukemia by metabolomic analysis on existing clinical diagnostic techniques. The metabolism of choline and betaine may also be significantly related to the patient’s blood lipid profile. The main enrichment pathways for distinguishing differential metabolites in different types of leukemia are amino acid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. All these findings suggested that differential metabolites and lipid profiles might identify different types of leukemia based on existing clinical diagnostic techniques, and their rich metabolic pathways help us to better understand the physiological characteristics of leukemia.
Mechanism and Potential Target of Blood-Activating Chinese Botanical Drugs Combined With Anti-Platelet Drugs: Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Li Dan , Li Yujuan , Yang Shengjie , Yu Zongliang , Xing Yanwei , Wu Min
Published: June 2022

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) are the most important diseases that endanger people’s health, leading to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. In addition, various thrombotic events secondary to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases need must be considered seriously. Therefore, the development of novel anti-platelet drugs with high efficiency, and fewer adverse effects has become a research focus for preventing of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Blood-activation and stasis-removal from circulation have been widely considered as principles for treating syndromes related to CVDs. Blood-activating Chinese (BAC botanical drugs, as members of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have shown to improve hemodynamics and hemorheology, and inhibit thrombosis and atherosclerosis. Modern medical research has identified that a combination of BAC botanical drugs and anti-platelet drugs, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, not only enhances the anti-platelet effects, but also reduces the risk of bleeding and protects the vascular endothelium. The anti-platelet mechanism of Blood-activating Chinese (BAC) botanical drugs and their compounds is not clear; therefore, their potential targets need to be explored. With the continuous development of bioinformatics and “omics” technology, some unconventional applications of BAC botanical drugs have been discovered. In this review, we will focus on the related targets and signaling pathways of anti-atherosclerotic treatments involving a combination of BAC botanical drugs and anti-platelet drugs reported in recent years.
A National Survey of Community Pharmacists’ Viewpoints About Pharmacovigilance and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsheikh Mona Y. , Alasmari Moudi M.
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacists regarding pharmacovigilance and adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting system in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey of community pharmacists from different regions in Saudi Arabia was performed through convenience sampling between November 2020 and January 2021. The responses were received from 1,172 community pharmacists. Most respondents (86.7%) were familiar with the National Pharmacovigilance and Drug Safety Center, and 830 (70.8%) knew about the ADR reporting form. The majority (94%) of the respondents agreed with the importance of reporting ADRs for patient care and national health. Although 92.2% of the participants asked their patients about ADRs, 90.2% agreed that more training programs are required to be organized by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority for healthcare professionals on the ADR detection and reporting system. Analgesic agents were the most common drug category for which ADRs were reported (67.4%). The majority (92.1%) of ADRs reportedly occurred in patients with chronic diseases. The study concluded that most community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia are knowledgeable and have good attitudes and practices regarding pharmacovigilance and ADR reporting.
Next-Generation Approaches Needed to Tackle Antimicrobial Resistance for the Development of Novel Therapies Against the Deadly Pathogens
Authors: Bhandari Vasundhra , Suresh Akash
Published: June 2022

The advent of antimicrobials was a miracle that saved millions of lives across the globe. With the discovery of penicillin, varieties of other antimicrobials came into play one after another. However, the injudicious use of antimicrobials for therapeutics and prophylactics and overuse in agriculture and animal husbandry industries resulted in its gloominess and rise of antimicrobial resistance. The microbes have slowly outsmarted the human race with diverse mechanisms to evade the antimicrobial effects of the drugs in use. The review aims to discuss the emergence of resistance in bacterial species with time and the various means by which bacterial cells had safeguarded themselves. In addition to that, we have also highlighted new approaches currently used to tackle antimicrobial resistance or practices that could be useful in identifying new treatment options.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging as a New Method: To Reveal the Pathogenesis and the Mechanism of Traditional Medicine in Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Liang Yan , Feng Qiaoqiao , Wang Zhang
Published: June 2022

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) can describe the spatial distribution of molecules in various complex biological samples, such as metabolites, lipids, peptides and proteins in a comprehensive way, and can provide highly relevant supplementary information when combined with other molecular imaging techniques and chromatography techniques, so it has been used more and more widely in biomedical research. The application of mass spectrometry imaging in neuroscience is developing. It is very advantageous and necessary to use MSI to study various pathophysiological processes involved in brain injury and functional recovery during cerebral ischemia. Therefore, this paper introduces the techniques of mass spectrometry, including the principle of mass spectrometry, the acquisition and preparation of imaging samples, the commonly used ionization techniques, and the optimization of the current applied methodology. Furthermore, the research on the mechanism of cerebral ischemia by mass spectrometry was reviewed, such as phosphatidylcholine involved, dopamine, spatial distribution and level changes of physiological substances such as ATP in the Krebs cycle; The characteristics of mass spectrometry imaging as one of the methods of metabolomics in screening biomarkers related to cerebral ischemia were analyzed the advantages of MSI in revealing drug distribution and the mechanism of traditional drugs were summarized, and the existing problems of MSI were also analyzed and relevant suggestions were put forward.
Targeting Lymphatics for Nanoparticle Drug Delivery
Authors: McCright Jacob , Naiknavare Ritika , Yarmovsky Jenny , Maisel Katharina
Published: June 2022

The lymphatics transport material from peripheral tissues to lymph nodes, where immune responses are formed, before being transported into systemic circulation. With key roles in transport and fluid homeostasis, lymphatic dysregulation is linked to diseases, including lymphedema. Fluid within the interstitium passes into initial lymphatic vessels where a valve system prevents fluid backflow. Additionally, lymphatic endothelial cells produce key chemokines, such as CCL21, that direct the migration of dendritic cells and lymphocytes. As a result, lymphatics are an attractive delivery route for transporting immune modulatory treatments to lymph nodes where immunotherapies are potentiated in addition to being an alternative method of reaching systemic circulation. In this review, we discuss the physiology of lymphatic vessels and mechanisms used in the transport of materials from peripheral tissues to lymph nodes. We then summarize nanomaterial-based strategies to take advantage of lymphatic transport functions for delivering therapeutics to lymph nodes or systemic circulation. We also describe opportunities for targeting lymphatic endothelial cells to modulate transport and immune functions.
Signatures of Thalamocortical Alpha Oscillations and Synchronization With Increased Anesthetic Depths Under Isoflurane
Authors: Jiang Jingyao , Zhao Yi , Liu Jin , Yang Yaoxin , Liang Peng , Huang Han , Wu Yongkang , Kang Yi , Zhu Tao , Zhou Cheng
Published: June 2022

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings under propofol exhibit an increase in slow and alpha oscillation power and dose-dependent phase–amplitude coupling (PAC), which underlie GABAA potentiation and the central role of thalamocortical entrainment. However, the exact EEG signatures elicited by volatile anesthetics and the possible neurophysiological mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods: Cortical EEG signals and thalamic local field potential (LFP) were recorded in a mouse model to detect EEG signatures induced by 0.9%, 1.5%, and 2.0% isoflurane. Then, the power of the EEG spectrum, thalamocortical coherence, and slow–alpha phase–amplitude coupling were analyzed. A computational model based on the thalamic network was used to determine the primary neurophysiological mechanisms of alpha spiking of thalamocortical neurons under isoflurane anesthesia.

Results: Isoflurane at 0.9% (light anesthesia) increased the power of slow and delta oscillations both in cortical EEG and in thalamic LFP. Isoflurane at 1.5% (surgery anesthesia) increased the power of alpha oscillations both in cortical EEG and in thalamic LFP. Isoflurane at 2% (deep anesthesia) further increased the power of cortical alpha oscillations, while thalamic alpha oscillations were unchanged. Thalamocortical coherence of alpha oscillation only exhibited a significant increase under 1.5% isoflurane. Isoflurane-induced PAC modulation remained unchanged throughout under various concentrations of isoflurane. By adjusting the parameters in the computational model, isoflurane-induced alpha spiking in thalamocortical neurons was simulated, which revealed the potential molecular targets and the thalamic network involved in isoflurane-induced alpha spiking in thalamocortical neurons.

Conclusion: The EEG changes in the cortical alpha oscillation, thalamocortical coherence, and slow–alpha PAC may provide neurophysiological signatures for monitoring isoflurane anesthesia at various depths.
Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Medicine Lianhua Qingwen for Treating COVID-19: An Updated meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yapeng , Xiao Peng , Liu Nanyang , Zhang Zhijie
Published: June 2022

The traditional Chinese medicine formula Lianhua Qingwen (LQ) combined with western medicine therapy is beneficial to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), but there is still a lack of strong evidence-based. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of LQ combined with western medicine for patients with COVID-19. Seven databases (Chinese and English) were searched by two independent reviewers. Search for relevant keywords such as “Chinese medicine,” “Chinese herbal medicine,” and “Lianhua Qingwen” in the titles and abstracts of articles retrieved in the databases. Randomized controlled trials or case-control studies that reported sufficient data of participants before and after the intervention were included. Two researchers independently reviewed the studies and extracted the data. Fixed-or random-effect model was used to calculate the overall pooled risk estimates. Forest plots were generated to show pooled results. Seven studies involving 916 participants were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with the control group, the total efficacy (OR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.56, 3.18), adverse events (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.18, 0.97), chest computed tomography manifestations (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.12, 2.72), and aggravation rate of conversion to severe cases (OR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.30, 0.75) of the intervention group were better. Moreover, the intervention group has an advantage over the control group in improving clinical symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and expectoration) and shortening the fever duration (p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that LQ combined with western medicine may be more effective in treating COVID-19. However, due to the urgency of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks leading to low methodological quality and not rigorous designs. This meta-analysis cannot draw clear conclusions. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020190757
Beneficial Effect of Edoxaban on Preventing Atrial Fibrillation and Coagulation by Reducing Inflammation via HBG1/HBD Biomarkers
Authors: Yang Chenguang , Wang Xiang , Guo Ying , Meng Xuyang , Li Yi , Xia Chenxi , Meng Lingbing , Dong Min , Wang Fang
Published: June 2022

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. The effectiveness and mechanism of edoxaban in preventing stroke after atrial fibrillation remain unclear.

Methods: The expressions of HBG1 and HBD in red blood cells were tested in AF. Sixty C57B/6J mice were randomly divided into the following groups: the control (CON) group, atrial fibrillation (AF) group, AF + edoxaban group, and AF + rivaroxaban group. H&E staining assay and reticular fiber staining were performed. Myocardial fibrosis was evaluated by the Masson staining assay, Sirius red staining assay, and immunohistochemical assay for the expressions of α-SMA and COL1A1. ELISA and RT-PCR assay were performed for the detection of inflammatory parameters (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Blood lipids were detected by using the Beckman automatic biochemical analyzer. Furthermore, four items of coagulation were detected, and molecular docking among HBG1, HBD, and MASP1 (Xa) was performed by PyMOL 2.1 software. The BP neural network model, cubic spline interpolation, and support vector machine model were constructed to predict prothrombin time based on HBG1 and HBD expressions. COIP assay was performed to construct the interaction between HBG1 and HBD. The functional enrichment analysis was performed by DAVID and Metascape tools.

Results: The expressions of HBG1 and HBD in red blood cells of the patients with atrial fibrillation were decreased. The results showed a lower level of hemoglobin in red blood cells with HBG1-siRNA and HBG1-siRNA. Compared with the AF group, the collagen fiber percentage in the AF + edoxaban group was decreased (p < 0.05). After using edoxaban, the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The LDL-C, TC, and TG levels were downregulated in the AF + edoxaban group. The PT and APTT levels in the AF + edoxaban group were more increasing than in the AF mice (p < 0.05). Compared with the AF group, the expressions of HBG1 and HBD were downregulated in the AF + edoxaban group (p < 0.05). HBG1 protein matched well with HBD and MASP1(Xa) protein surfaces. There exists a significant interaction between HBG1, HBD, and PT via the BP neural network and support vector machine. Enrichment analysis showed that HBG1 and HBD were mainly enriched in blood coagulation.

Conclusion: Edoxaban could prevent atrial fibrillation and coagulation by reducing inflammation, lipids, and fibrosis via HBG1/HBD biomarkers effectively, and the effect was superior to that of rivaroxaban.
α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor May Be a Pharmacological Target for Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorders
Authors: Wei Penghui , Lyu Wenyuan , Xu Lin , Feng Hao , Zhou Haipeng , Li Jianjun
Published: June 2022

Background: The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) is a promising therapeutic target in neurodegenerative diseases. This study examined the effects of surgery and anesthesia on α7nAChR expression in the central nervous system and determined the mechanisms by which α7nAChR mediates neuroprotection in perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PNDs) in aged mice.

Methods: Eighteen-month-old male C57BL/6J mice underwent aseptic laparotomy under isoflurane anesthesia, maintaining spontaneous ventilation to establish the PNDs model. Agonists and antagonists of the α7nAChR and tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) receptors were administered before anesthesia. The α7nAChR expression, peripheral as well as hippocampal interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were assessed. Separate cohorts of aged mice were tested for cognitive decline using the Morris water maze (MWM).

Results: Surgery and anesthesia significantly suppressed α7nAChR expression in the hippocampus and cortex. Surgery-induced IL-1β upregulation in the serum as well as hippocampus and hippocampal microglial activation were reversed by the α7nAChR agonist. A significant reduction in the hippocampal BDNF levels were also observed. The α7nAChR stimulation reversed, and α7nAChR suppression promoted BDNF reduction in the hippocampus. Blocking the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway abolished α7nAChR-induced neuroprotection in PNDs, as evidenced by poor cognitive performance in the MWM test.

Conclusions: These data reveal that α7nAChR plays a key role in PNDs. The mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory pathway and BDNF/TrkB signaling pathways are involved in α7nAChR-meidiated neuroprotection in PNDs.
Neutron-Driven Nucleosynthesis in Stellar Plasma
Authors: Spartà R. , La Cognata M. , Guardo G. L. , Palmerini S. , Sergi M. L. , D’Agata G. , Lamia L. , Lattuada D. , Oliva A. A. , Pizzone R. G. , Rapisarda G. G. , Romano S. , Tumino A.
Published: June 2022

A large uncertainty for the slow neutron capture nucleosynthesis (s-process) models is caused by the amount of neutrons available to the process itself. This quantity is strongly affected by the 13C(α,n)16O, and 22Ne(α,n)25Mg reaction cross sections, whose measurements at energies corresponding to the s-process thermal conditions (∼102 keV) are mainly hampered by the Coulomb barrier. For this reason, indirect approaches could offer a complementary way of investigation and, among these, the Trojan Horse Method (THM) has been applied to determine these cross sections overcoming the Coulomb barrier. With this approach, a low-energy binary reaction cross section can be obtained selecting the quasi-free contribution from a suitable three-body reaction cross section, taking advantage of the cluster structure of proper nuclei.
Multiport Routing of Topologically Optical Transport Based on Merging of Valley-Dependent Edge States and Second-Order Corner States
Authors: Li Meng-Yu , Chen Wen-Jie , He Xin-Tao , Dong Jian-Wen
Published: June 2022

Topological photonics provide a novel platform to robustly manipulate the flow of light and design high-performance nanophotonic devices. To do this, a fundamental mechanism is the flexible control of optical transport based on topological boundary states on edges or corners. In this work, we design a multiport device to route the topologically optical transport by using both valley-dependent edge states (VDESs) and second-order corner states (SOCSs). The VDESs are derived from sublattice symmetry breaking in a honeycomb lattice, while SOCSs are induced by the lattice deformation of Kagome lattice. In terms of unit cell, we find that both configurations can be reconsidered as the same triangular-lattice photonic crystal, which consists of a hexagon-profile air hole array in silicon background. Therefore, a four-port device is designed based on the two configurations. In simulation, we observe the frequency-dependent routing effect of the topologically optical transport by merging of VDESs and SOCSs. This work not only shows a novel platform to explore various topological phases in the photonic system but also provides guidance in the development of topological photonic integrated circuits with mode division multiplexing.
Association Between Retinal Microvascular Metrics Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography and Carotid Artery Stenosis in a Chinese Cohort
Authors: Xu Qian , Sun Hongyi , Yi Qu
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The main aim was to investigate the association between retinal microvascular metrics using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) in an aging Chinese cohort.

Methods: In this cross-sectional and observational study, 138 eyes of 138 participants were examined. Indices of the microcirculation measured by OCTA included mean vessel density (VD), skeleton density (SD), vessel diameter index (VDI), fractal dimension (FD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) of the superficial retinal layer (SRL) and deep retinal layer (DRL), and peripapillary vessel caliber. The correlation of these indices with the carotid atherosclerotic lesions including carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and common carotid artery (CCA) plaque was assessed.

Results: A total of 72 of 138 eyes demonstrated an increased (≥1 mm) CIMT, and 32 of the eyes presented common carotid plaques. Macular VD, SD, and FD were decreased with the increasing CCA caliber diameter (p < 0.05, respectively). Superficial and deep macular FDs were negatively associated with CIMT as well as the existence of CCA plaques (p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: Changes in retinal microvasculature accessed by OCTA may be used as one of the non-invasive early indicators to monitor asymptomatic CAS.
Divergent Ventilatory and Blood Pressure Responses are Evident Following Repeated Daily Exposure to Mild Intermittent Hypoxia in Males with OSA and Hypertension
Authors: Panza Gino S. , Puri Shipra , Lin Ho-Sheng , Mateika Jason H.
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Resting minute ventilation and ventilation during and following hypoxia may be enhanced following daily exposure to mild intermittent hypoxia (MIH). In contrast, resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) is reduced following daily exposure to MIH. However, it is presently unknown if the reduction in resting SBP following daily exposure, is coupled with reduced SBP responses during and after acute exposure to MIH.

Methods: Participants with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and hypertension (n = 10) were exposed to twelve 2-min bouts of MIH (oxygen saturation—87%)/day for 15 days. A control group (n = 6) was exposed to a sham protocol during which compressed air (i.e., FIO2 = 0.21) was inspired in place of MIH.

Results: The hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) and hypoxic systolic blood pressure response (HSBP) increased from the first to the last hypoxic episode on the initial (HVR: 0.08 ± 0.02 vs. 0.13 ± 0.02 L/min/mmHg, p = 0.03; HSBP: 0.13 ± 0.04 vs. 0.37 ± 0.06 mmHg/mmHg, p < 0.001) and final (HVR: 0.10 ± 0.01 vs. 0.15 ± 0.03 L/min/mmHg, p = 0.03; HSBP: 0.16 ± 0.03 vs. 0.41 ± 0.34 mmHg/mmHg, p < 0.001) day. The magnitude of the increase was not different between days (p ≥ 0.83). Following exposure to MIH, minute ventilation and SBP was elevated compared to baseline on the initial (MV: 16.70 ± 1.10 vs. 14.20 ± 0.28 L/min, p = 0.01; SBP: 167.26 ± 4.43 vs. 151.13 ± 4.56 mmHg, p < 0.001) and final (MV: 17.90 ± 1.25 vs. 15.40 ± 0.77 L/min, p = 0.01; SBP: 156.24 ± 3.42 vs. 137.18 ± 4.17 mmHg, p < 0.001) day. The magnitude of the increases was similar on both days (MV: 3.68 ± 1.69 vs. 3.22 ± 1.27 L/min, SBP: 14.83 ± 2.64 vs. 14.28 ± 1.66 mmHg, p ≥ 0.414). Despite these similarities, blood pressure at baseline and at other time points during the MIH protocol was reduced on the final compared to the initial day (p ≤ 0.005).

Conclusion: The ventilatory and blood pressure responses during and following acute MIH were similar on the initial and final day of exposure. Alternatively, blood pressure was down regulated, while ventilation was similar at all time points (i.e., baseline, during and following MIH) after daily exposure to MIH.
Variation in Growth, Wood Density, and Stem Taper Along the Stem in Self-Thinning Stands of Sassafras tzumu
Authors: Diao Songfeng , Sun Honggang , Forrester David I. , Soares Alvaro A. V. , Protásio Thiago P. , Jiang Jingmin
Published: June 2022

Silvicultural practices greatly improve the economic value of wood products from forests. Stem dimensions, wood density, and stem form are closely linked to end-product performance. This research aimed to examine the effects of stand density and stem height on variables that reflect ring growth and wood properties of Sassafras tzumu stands during the self-thinning phase. Between the ages of 10 and 40 years, the number of stems per hectare has declined from 1,068 to 964 due to density-dependent mortality. As the relative stand density decreased, there were significant reductions in the average tree ring width (5.07–3.51 mm) and increases in latewood proportions (49.88–53.49%) and the density of the annual growth ring (165.60–708.58 kg/m3). Therefore, ring density, earlywood density, and latewood density increased with decreasing relative stand density after self-thinning occurred. Ring width, earlywood width, and latewood width significantly increased from the base to the apex of the stem. Stand density and stem height had additive effects on S. tzumu wood properties during the self-thinning phase. A shift in the growth allocation along the longitudinal stem in response to self-thinning resulted in decreasing radial growth, increasing wood density, and improved stem form. In summary, we found a significant influence of stand density on tree ring growth, wood quality, and stem form of S. tzumu trees during the self-thinning phase.
Deliberating Upon the Living Wage to Alleviate In-Work Poverty: A Rhetorical Inquiry Into Key Stakeholder Accounts
Authors: Hodgetts Darrin J. , Young-Hauser Amanda Maria , Arrowsmith Jim , Parker Jane , Carr Stuart Colin , Haar Jarrod , Alefaio Siautu
Published: June 2022

Most developed nations have a statutory minimum wage set at levels insufficient to alleviate poverty. Increased calls for a living wage have generated considerable public controversy. This article draws on 25 interviews and four focus groups with employers, low-pay industry representatives, representatives of chambers of commerce, pay consultants, and unions. The core focus is on how participants use prominent narrative tropes for the living wage and against the living wage to argue their respective perspectives. We also document how both affirmative and negative tropes are often combined by participants to craft their own rhetorical positions on the issue.
Risk and Protective Factors of Psychological Distress in Patients Who Recovered From COVID-19: The Role of Cognitive Reserve
Authors: Devita Maria , Di Rosa Elisa , Iannizzi Pamela , Bianconi Sara , Contin Sara Anastasia , Tiriolo Simona , Ghisi Marta , Schiavo Rossana , Bernardinello Nicol , Cocconcelli Elisabetta , Balestro Elisabetta , Cattelan Anna Maria , Leoni Davide , Volpe Biancarosa , Mapelli Daniela
Published: June 2022

Recent studies reported the development of psychological distress symptoms in patients who recovered from COVID-19. However, evidence is still scarce and new data are needed to define the exact risk and protective factors that can explain the variability in symptoms manifestation. In this study, we enrolled 257 patients who recovered from COVID-19 and we evaluated the levels of psychological distress through the Symptoms Checklist-90-R scale. Data concerning illness-related variables were collected from medical records, while the presence of subjective cognitive difficulties, both before and after the illness, as well as the level of the cognitive reserve (CR), were assessed over a clinical interview. Results revealed that being female and reporting the presence of subjective cognitive difficulties after COVID-19 were associated with higher levels of psychological distress. At the same time, being admitted to the hospital and having a high CR were protective factors. Adding new information to this emerging research field, our results highlight the importance of a complete psychological and cognitive assessment in patients with COVID-19.
The Impact of the Epidemiological Situation Resulting From COVID-19 Pandemic on Selected Aspects of Mental Health Among Patients With Cancer–Silesia Province (Poland)
Authors: Grajek Mateusz , Białek-Dratwa Agnieszka
Published: June 2022

Objective

The study aimed to assess the level of disease acceptance as well as the wellbeing and emotions that accompany cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and Methods

The study involved 1,000 patients of the oncology centers (Silesia, Poland). The following questionnaires were used for the study: WHO-5–Well-Being Index, BDI–Beck Depression Inventory, disease acceptance scale, and proprietary multiple-choice questions regarding the impact of the epidemic situation on the respondents’ lives so far. The questionnaire study was conducted twice: in March-October 2020 (the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland) and March-October 2021 (renewed tightening of sanitary restrictions in Poland). The differences between the given periods were statistically analyzed.

Results

At the time of the study, the respondents felt mainly anxiety related to the possibility of contracting COVID-19, the possibility of infecting a loved one, or staying in quarantine. Anxiety was also caused by the vision of poorer access to health services. Along with the duration of the epidemic, the acceptance of neoplastic disease has decreased and the incidence of depressive symptoms has increased.

Conclusion

The wellbeing of the respondents deteriorated significantly during the pandemic. The respondents, in their daily functioning, were mainly accompanied by anxiety. The risk of depression has increased and the acceptance of the disease has decreased significantly.
Teachers Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Goal Conflicts Affect Teaching Motivation Mediated by Basic Need Satisfaction
Authors: Gorges Julia , Neumann Phillip , Störtländer Jan Christoph
Published: June 2022

Teaching is a highly demanding profession that requires handling multiple and potentially contradictory goals. Therefore, it is likely that teachers experience conflict between work-related goals on a daily basis. Intraindividual goal conflict may occur when individuals pursue multiple goals drawing on the same limited resources (resource-based goal conflict), or when two or more goals are incompatible in terms of goal attainment strategy or desired end states (inherent goal conflict). Because goal conflict is typically associated with negative effects such as attenuated motivation and wellbeing, teacher goal conflict may jeopardize teaching motivation. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of in-service teachers’ (N= 302) goal conflicts on their autonomous (intrinsic and identified regulation) and controlled (introjected and extrinsic regulation) teaching motivation and tested the satisfaction of teachers’ basic need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness as mediators. In line with our hypotheses, results from structural equation modeling showed that frequently experiencing resource-based goal conflict leads to a lower satisfaction of the basic need for autonomy, which, however, was unrelated to teaching motivation. In contrast, frequently experiencing inherent goal conflict attenuates the satisfaction of the basic need for competence, which, in turn, positively predicted autonomous teaching motivation and negatively predicted extrinsic regulation. As expected, relatedness was not associated with the experience of goal conflict. The discussion focuses on differential effects of the two types of goal conflict on teaching motivation and on the relevance to expand research on teachers’ intraindividual goal conflicts.
Knowledge Mapping of Volunteer Motivation: A Bibliometric Analysis and Cross-Cultural Comparative Study
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Chengliang , Tang Yulong
Published: June 2022

Volunteers play an indispensable role in several major events and activities. The purpose of this study is to review studies on volunteer motivation from 2000 to 2021 and to discover the development trends in this field. The Web of Science Core Collection is the main literature data resource, from which 162 papers on volunteer motivation published in the SSCI were selected. Using two visualization analysis tools, CiteSpace and VOSviewer, this study conducts bibliometric analysis and systematic review from multiple dimensions, identifying the authors, countries, institutions, and journals with high productivity in this field. Additionally, we explored highly cited papers, authors, and journals in this field. This study aims to find the research hotspots and theoretical basis through co-occurrence analysis and cluster analysis of keywords and explore the evolution through the time zone map drawn with CiteSpace. Moreover, we focus on the influence of Chinese and Western cultures (represented by China and the United States) on volunteer motivation. It was found that Chinese volunteers were more affected by collectivism, whereas American volunteers were more affected by individualism. The conclusion of this study constructs a clear framework for research on volunteer motivation, which provides researchers with a deeper and thorough understanding of the connotation of volunteer motivation, providing guidance and support for future research in this field.