bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of sebaceous gland hyperplasia with dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Lin Er-Yi , Rao Lang , Wang Wen-Ju , Chen Yong-Feng
Published: June 2023

Background

Sebaceous gland hyperplasia (SGH) is a benign cutaneous proliferation of the sebaceous glands that are mostly present on the face or the neck of older adults. They typically appear as single or multiple soft umbilicated papules; however, in challenging cases, it can be difficult to distinguish them from trichoepitheliomas, base cell carcinomas, or other tumors. Although pathological results have diagnostic value, the significance of non-invasive examinations in diagnosis and differential diagnosis is also worth exploring.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe the dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of SGH.

Methods

A total of 31 patients diagnosed with SGH, according to clinical and histopathological standards, were examined using dermoscopy and RCM between March 2018 and January 2022.

Results

Dermoscopically, lesions revealed a yellowish-red background and a faint-yellow background in 25 (80.65%) and six cases (19.35%), respectively. White-yellowish lobulated structures in the center of the lesion were present in 31 patients (100%) and umbilications in 19 patients (61.29%). Crown vessels at the periphery of the lesions were observed in 11 patients (35.48%), whereas irregular linear vessels were observed on the surface of the lesions in 18 patients (58.06%). Under RCM, all lesions presented a honeycomb pattern in the epidermis and the typical morulae-shaped sebaceous lobules in the dermis. A dilated follicular infundibulum was observed in 15 patients (48.39%) and dilated vessels in 26 patients (83.87%).

Conclusion

Dermoscopy and RCM enabled us to describe the imaging features of SGH. Combining these two useful tools provides a non-invasive basis for accurate clinical diagnosis.
Janus kinase inhibitors in systemic lupus erythematosus: implications for tyrosine kinase 2 inhibition
Authors: Nikolopoulos Dionysis , Parodis Ioannis
Published: June 2023

Aberrant activation of the Janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), conferring immune-mediated properties in target tissues. Multiple cytokines activate different combinations of JAKs and STATs to alter the cell fate of target tissue and induce end-organ damage. Thus, the simultaneous blockade of several different cytokines by small molecules acting downstream intracellular signalling has gained traction. JAK inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of several rheumatic diseases, yet hitherto not for SLE. Nevertheless, JAK inhibitors including tofacitinib, baricitinib, and deucravacitinib have shown merit as treatments for SLE. Tofacitinib, a JAK1/3 inhibitor, reduced cholesterol levels, improved vascular function, and decreased the type I interferon signature in SLE patients. Baricitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor, demonstrated significant improvements in lupus rashes and arthritis in a phase 2 and a phase 3 randomised controlled trial, but the results were not replicated in another phase 3 trial. Deucravacitinib, a selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, yielded greater response rates than placebo in a phase 2 trial of SLE and will be investigated in larger phase 3 trials. TYK2 is activated in response to cytokines actively involved in lupus pathogenesis; this review highlights the potential of targeting TYK2 as a promising therapy for SLE.
Bacteroides xylanisolvens possesses a potent anti-hyperuricemia effect in goslings fed on a high-protein diet
Authors: Song Ning , Wang Mingze , Zhong Guangxu , Zhu Kunpeng , Chen Pengju , Zhang Naisheng , Liu Xiaobo , Zhang Wenlong
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Hyperuricemia is widespread in humans and birds which is a necessary physiological factor leading to gout. Studies have shown an inextricable relationship between gut microbiota and hyperuricemia. This study explored the association between intestinal flora and hyperuricemia in Goslings.

Methods and results

The hyperuricemia model was established in gosling by a high protein diet (HPD). 16S rDNA sequencing showed that the cecal microbiota differed significantly between the HPD and control groups (fed with the normal protein). The abundance of Firmicutes was higher in the HPD group, while the Bacteroidetes were lower than in controls. To investigate the role of intestinal flora in hyperuricemia, the cecum microbiotas from the HPD group and the control group were transplanted to the newly born goslings by gavage. The serum uric acid levels of the goslings that transplanted the cecal microbiota of the HPD group were significantly higher than the goslings that transplanted the cecal microbiota of the controls. Furthermore, the transplantation of cecal microbiota also affects the production and excretion of uric acid in goslings. Then we identify the gut bacterium Bacteroides xylanisolvens as an effective anti-hyperuricemia in the Goslings. B. xylanisolvens reduces serum uric acid concentrations in hyperuricemia in the Goslings' model, and it can up-regulation ABCG2 mRNA expression in the kidney and down-regulation XDH mRNA expression in the liver.

Discussion

The intestinal flora acts as a novel target for the therapeutic approach to hyperuricemia and gout, suggest Bacteroides xylanisolvens is a possible route to therapy for hyperuricemia and gout in goslings.
The fitness cost of horizontally transferred and mutational antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli
Authors: Vanacker Marie , Lenuzza Natacha , Rasigade Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria implies a tradeoff between the benefit of resistance under antimicrobial selection pressure and the incurred fitness cost in the absence of antimicrobials. The fitness cost of a resistance determinant is expected to depend on its genetic support, such as a chromosomal mutation or a plasmid acquisition, and on its impact on cell metabolism, such as an alteration in an essential metabolic pathway or the production of a new enzyme. To provide a global picture of the factors that influence AMR fitness cost, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on a single species, Escherichia coli. By combining results from 46 high-quality studies in a multilevel meta-analysis framework, we find that the fitness cost of AMR is smaller when provided by horizontally transferable genes such as those encoding beta-lactamases, compared to mutations in core genes such as those involved in fluoroquinolone and rifampicin resistance. We observe that the accumulation of acquired AMR genes imposes a much smaller burden on the host cell than the accumulation of AMR mutations, and we provide quantitative estimates of the additional cost of a new gene or mutation. These findings highlight that gene acquisition is more efficient than the accumulation of mutations to evolve multidrug resistance, which can contribute to the observed dominance of horizontally transferred genes in the current AMR epidemic.
SMG-BERT: integrating stereoscopic information and chemical representation for molecular property prediction
Authors: Zhang Jiahui , Du Wenjie , Yang Xiaoting , Wu Di , Li Jiahe , Wang Kun , Wang Yang
Published: June 2023

Molecular property prediction is a crucial task in various fields and has recently garnered significant attention. To achieve accurate and fast prediction of molecular properties, machine learning (ML) models have been widely employed due to their superior performance compared to traditional methods by trial and error. However, most of the existing ML models that do not incorporate 3D molecular information are still in need of improvement, as they are mostly poor at differentiating stereoisomers of certain types, particularly chiral ones. Also,routine featurization methods using only incomplete features are hard to obtain explicable molecular representations. In this paper, we propose the Stereo Molecular Graph BERT (SMG-BERT) by integrating the 3D space geometric parameters, 2D topological information, and 1D SMILES string into the self-attention-based BERT model. In addition, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy results and bond dissociation energy (BDE) are integrated as extra atomic and bond features to improve the model’s performance and interpretability analysis. The comprehensive integration of 1D, 2D, and 3D information could establish a unified and unambiguous molecular characterization system to distinguish conformations, such as chiral molecules. Intuitively integrated chemical information enables the model to possess interpretability that is consistent with chemical logic. Experimental results on 12 benchmark molecular datasets show that SMG-BERT consistently outperforms existing methods. At the same time, the experimental results demonstrate that SMG-BERT is generalizable and reliable.
Changes in white matter functional networks across late adulthood
Authors: Li Muwei , Gao Yurui , Lawless Richard D. , Xu Lyuan , Zhao Yu , Schilling Kurt G. , Ding Zhaohua , Anderson Adam W. , Landman Bennett A. , Gore John C.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The aging brain is characterized by decreases in not only neuronal density but also reductions in myelinated white matter (WM) fibers that provide the essential foundation for communication between cortical regions. Age-related degeneration of WM has been previously characterized by histopathology as well as T2 FLAIR and diffusion MRI. Recent studies have consistently shown that BOLD (blood oxygenation level dependent) effects in WM are robustly detectable, are modulated by neural activities, and thus represent a complementary window into the functional organization of the brain. However, there have been no previous systematic studies of whether or how WM BOLD signals vary with normal aging. We therefore performed a comprehensive quantification of WM BOLD signals across scales to evaluate their potential as indicators of functional changes that arise with aging.

Methods

By using spatial independent component analysis (ICA) of BOLD signals acquired in a resting state, WM voxels were grouped into spatially distinct functional units. The functional connectivities (FCs) within and among those units were measured and their relationships with aging were assessed. On a larger spatial scale, a graph was reconstructed based on the pair-wise connectivities among units, modeling the WM as a complex network and producing a set of graph-theoretical metrics.

Results

The spectral powers that reflect the intensities of BOLD signals were found to be significantly affected by aging across more than half of the WM units. The functional connectivities (FCs) within and among those units were found to decrease significantly with aging. We observed a widespread reduction of graph-theoretical metrics, suggesting a decrease in the ability to exchange information between remote WM regions with aging.

Discussion

Our findings converge to support the notion that WM BOLD signals in specific regions, and their interactions with other regions, have the potential to serve as imaging markers of aging.
In search of behavioral and brain processes involved in honey bee dance communication
Authors: Ai Hiroyuki , Farina Walter M.
Published: June 2023

Honey bees represent an iconic model animal for studying the underlying mechanisms affecting advanced sensory and cognitive abilities during communication among colony mates. After von Frisch discovered the functional value of the waggle dance, this complex motor pattern led ethologists and neuroscientists to study its neural mechanism, behavioral significance, and implications for a collective organization. Recent studies have revealed some of the mechanisms involved in this symbolic form of communication by using conventional behavioral and pharmacological assays, neurobiological studies, comprehensive molecular and connectome analyses, and computational models. This review summarizes several critical behavioral and brain processes and mechanisms involved in waggle dance communication. We focus on the role of neuromodulators in the dancer and the recruited follower, the interneurons and their related processing in the first mechano-processing, and the computational navigation centers of insect brains.
Functional and structural lesion network mapping in neurological and psychiatric disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Nabizadeh Fardin , Aarabi Mohammad Hadi
Published: June 2023

Background

The traditional approach to studying the neurobiological mechanisms of brain disorders and localizing brain function involves identifying brain abnormalities and comparing them to matched controls. This method has been instrumental in clinical neurology, providing insight into the functional roles of different brain regions. However, it becomes challenging when lesions in diverse regions produce similar symptoms. To address this, researchers have begun mapping brain lesions to functional or structural networks, a process known as lesion network mapping (LNM). This approach seeks to identify common brain circuits associated with lesions in various areas. In this review, we focus on recent studies that have utilized LNM to map neurological and psychiatric symptoms, shedding light on how this method enhances our understanding of brain network functions.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search of four databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, using the term “Lesion network mapping.” Our focus was on observational studies that applied lesion network mapping in the context of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Results

Following our screening process, we included 52 studies, comprising a total of 6,814 subjects, in our systematic review. These studies, which utilized functional connectivity, revealed several regions and network overlaps across various movement and psychiatric disorders. For instance, the cerebellum was found to be part of a common network for conditions such as essential tremor relief, parkinsonism, Holmes tremor, freezing of gait, cervical dystonia, infantile spasms, and tics. Additionally, the thalamus was identified as part of a common network for essential tremor relief, Holmes tremor, and executive function deficits. The dorsal attention network was significantly associated with fall risk in elderly individuals and parkinsonism.

Conclusion

LNM has proven to be a powerful tool in localizing a broad range of neuropsychiatric, behavioral, and movement disorders. It holds promise in identifying new treatment targets through symptom mapping. Nonetheless, the validity of these approaches should be confirmed by more comprehensive prospective studies.
An exhaustive analysis of post-traumatic brain injury dementia using bibliometric methodologies
Authors: Sang Xian-Zheng , Wang Cheng-Qing , Chen Wen , Rong Hong , Hou Li-Jun
Published: June 2023

Background

It is widely accepted that traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risk of developing long-term dementia, although some controversies surrounding this topic exist. Annually, approximately 69 million individuals suffer from TBI all around the world. Such a large population of TBI patients could lead to a future surge in the number of dementia patients. Due to the potentially severe consequences of TBI, various research projects on post-TBI dementia have emerged worldwide. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend the current status and development of post-TBI dementia for future research.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to provide an overview of the field and identify hotspots, research frontiers, and future research trends for post-TBI dementia.

Methods

Articles related to post-TBI dementia were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection for the period between 2007 and 2022, and analyzing them based on factors such as citations, authors, institutions, countries, journals, keywords, and references. Data analysis and visualization were conducted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and an online bibliometric platform (https://bibliometric.com).

Results

From 2007 to 2022, we obtained a total of 727 articles from 3,780 authors and 1,126 institutions across 52 countries, published in 262 journals. These articles received a total of 29,353 citations, citing 25,713 references from 3,921 journals. Over the last 15 years, there has been a significant upward trend in both publications and citations. The most productive country was the United States, the most productive institution was Boston University, and the most productive author was McKee AC. Journal of Neurotrauma has been identified as the periodical with the greatest number of publications. Three clusters were identified through cluster analysis of keywords. A burst in the use of the term “outcome” in 2019 is indicative of a future research hotspot. The timeline view of references showed 14 clusters, of which the first 4 clusters collected the majority of papers. The first 4 clusters were “chronic traumatic encephalopathy,” “age of onset,” “tauopathy,” and “cognitive decline,” respectively, suggesting some areas of interest in the field.

Conclusion

The subject of post-TBI dementia has raised much interest from scientists. Notably, America is at the forefront of research in this area. Further collaborative research between different countries is imperative. Two topical issues in this field are “The association between TBI and dementia-related alterations” and “chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).” Studies on clinical manifestation, therapy, pathology, and pathogenic mechanisms are also popular in the field.
Diet and lifestyle impact the development and progression of Alzheimer’s dementia
Authors: Arora Sarah , Santiago Jose A. , Bernstein Melissa , Potashkin Judith A.
Published: June 2023

Dementia is a growing public health concern, with an estimated prevalence of 57 million adults worldwide. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for 60–80% of the cases. Clinical trials testing potential drugs and neuroprotective agents have proven futile, and currently approved drugs only provide symptomatic benefits. Emerging epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that lifestyle changes, including diet and physical activity, offer an alternative therapeutic route for slowing and preventing cognitive decline and dementia. Age is the single most common risk factor for dementia, and it is associated with slowing cellular bioenergetics and metabolic processes. Therefore, a nutrient-rich diet is critical for optimal brain health. Furthermore, type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a risk factor for AD, and diets that reduce the risk of T2D may confer neuroprotection. Foods predominant in Mediterranean, MIND, and DASH diets, including fruits, leafy green vegetables, fish, nuts, and olive oil, may prevent or slow cognitive decline. The mechanisms by which these nutrients promote brain health, however, are not yet completely understood. Other dietary approaches and eating regimes, including ketogenic and intermittent fasting, are also emerging as beneficial for brain health. This review summarizes the pathophysiology, associated risk factors, and the potential neuroprotective pathways activated by several diets and eating regimes that have shown promising results in promoting brain health and preventing dementia.
Structural characterization and antioxidant activity of pectic polysaccharides from Veronica peregrina L.
Authors: Yan Su , Liu Xianbin , Wang Yuwen , Yang Xiaomin , Bai Lu , Sun Lin , Zhou Yifa , Cui Sisi
Published: June 2023

Background

Pectins are a class of acidic polysaccharides with complex structures. Different pectin molecules are composed of different domains, which have an important impact on their biological activity.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the structural features and the antioxidant activities of the pectic polysaccharides isolated from Veronica peregrina L.

Methods

The polysaccharide was isolated from Veronica peregrina L by water extraction and fractionated by ion exchange chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. The structure features of the pectic polysaccharides were determined by Fourier transforminfrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The antioxidant activities was evaluated by the DPPH, OH and ABTS radical scavenging ability.

Results

WVPP-A2b and WVPP-A3b, with molecular weights of 48.7 × 104 and 77.6 × 104  kDa, respectively, contained homogalacturonan (HG), rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I), and rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II) domains with a mass ratio of 2.08:2.64:1.00 and 3.87:4.65:1:00, respectively. The RG-I domain contained an arabinogalactan II backbone and arabinans consisting of t-Araf, (1→5)-α-Araf, and (1→3,5)-α-Araf. WVPP-A3b also contained short chains consisting of the [t-Araf-(1→5)-α-Araf-(1→] structural unit. WVPP-A3b showed stronger ability to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radicals, which was potentially associated with its high content of galacturonic acid and presence of the HG domain.

Conclusion

The results provide information for enhancing knowledge of the structureactivity relationship of pectic polysaccharides from V. peregrina and their potential application in the healthcare food field.
Dietary diversity and possible sarcopenia among older people in China: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Du Qiaoqiao , Lu Yanhui , Hu Fan , Feng Xinglin , Zhang Yunquan , Li Shaojie , Zhang Chi , Zhang Hua , Zeng Yi , Yao Yao , Lu Zhaohui , Zhang Wenya , Gao Xiangyang
Published: June 2023

Background

Sarcopenia is a common geriatric disease. Many dietary factors may contribute to the development of sarcopenia. Few studies have been conducted on dietary diversity and sarcopenia in Chinese older adults. Among a nationwide sample, the objective of this study is to assess the association between the dietary diversity score (DDS) and the prevalence of possible sarcopenia. We considered the different patterns of dietary diversity in relation to possible sarcopenia.

Methods

We conducted this analysis utilizing the cross-sectional data from the 2012, 2014, and 2018 waves of the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey (CLHLS). A standard developed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 (AWGS2019) was used to assess the possibility of sarcopenia. On the basis of the DDS generated by previous studies, we have constructed four new indicators as follows: total diet, animal-based diet, plant-based diet, and plant-based diet without the consumption of legume products and nuts. We used the generalized estimation equation (GEE) model to evaluate the associations between the DDS of the total diet, animal-based diet, plant-based diet, and plant-based diet without the intake of legume products and nuts and possible sarcopenia. These associations were statistically adjusted for a variety of potential confounders. Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding some participants who were long-term bedridden, had Alzheimer's disease, or were terminally ill.

Results

The analysis included 6,624 participants (mean age 83.4 years at baseline). In our study, we found that participants with a higher DDS of the total diet (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.51–0.77), animal-based diet (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.49–0.79), and plant-based diet (OR = 0.64;95% CI: 0.51–0.80) were at a lower risk of developing sarcopenia. In sensitivity analyses, the associations remained unchanged.

Conclusion

Taking a diversified diet, including animal foods, may reduce the risk of developing sarcopenia. According to the findings of this study, adopting a diversified diet might reduce the risk of sarcopenia for older adults.
Meta-analysis of effects of yoga exercise intervention on sleep quality in breast cancer patients
Authors: Zhu Jingzhi , Chen Xiaojuan , Zhen Xinxian , Zheng Huan , Chen Hong , Chen Huimin , Liao Huizhao , Zhu Jinru , Wang Chaoyu , Zheng Zhenzhen , Chen Riken , Wang Yang
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study seeks to systematically evaluate and test the effects of yoga exercise intervention programs on sleep quality in breast cancer patients in order to suggest more optimized exercise programs.

Method

Computer searches of the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and CINAHL databases are conducted from the date of their inception to June 8th, 2022 to collect randomized controlled trials on the effects of yoga exercise intervention on sleep quality in breast cancer patients. Two investigators independently carry out the inclusion and exclusion criteria literature screening, data extraction and methodological quality assessment of the included literature by applying the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Subgroup analysis is performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software, and the six moderating variables of intervention format, intervention type, weekly intervention frequency, total intervention duration, single intervention duration and intervention evaluation at different time points are set for the 782 subjects of the 12 included publications.

Results

Twelve randomized controlled trials with a total sample size of 782 subjects are included, including 393 subjects in the experimental group and 389 subjects in the control group. The meta-analysis shows that yoga exercise intervention is effective in improving sleep quality in breast cancer patients [SMD = -0.40, 95% CI: (-0.71, -0.09), P = 0.01]; yoga exercise intervention focusing on positive meditation [SMD = -0.55, 95% CI: (-1.08, -0.03), P = 0.04] is effective in improving sleep; yoga exercise intervention two or three times a week is effective in improving sleep quality [SMD = -0.69, 95% CI: (-1.19, -0.19), P = 0.007]; yoga exercise intervention for 6–8 weeks significantly improves sleep quality [SMD = -0.86, 95% CI: (-1.65, -0.08), P =0.03]; and evaluation immediately after the end of intervention improves sleep outcomes [SMD = -0.17, 95% CI: (-0.33, 0.00), P = 0.05], while differences in sleep quality improvement are not statistically significant for the remaining subgroup outcomes (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The available evidence suggests that yoga exercise intervention has good effects on improving sleep quality in breast cancer patients. Positive meditation intervention type, intervention frequency of two or three times per week, total intervention duration of 6–8 weeks and evaluation immediately after the end of intervention are shown to be effective in improving sleep quality.
CTSL, a prognostic marker of breast cancer, that promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion in cells in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Lianmei , Zhao Yang , Yang Jing , Zhu Yaning , Li Ting , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Pengfei , Cheng Jingliang , Sun Suan , Wei Chunli , Fu Junjiang
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In the world, the incidence of breast cancer has surpassed that of lung cancer, and it has become the first malignant tumor among women. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) shows an extremely heterogeneous malignancy toward high recurrence, metastasis, and mortality, but there is a lack of effective targeted therapy. It is urgent to develop novel molecular targets in the occurrence and therapeutics for TNBC, and novel therapeutic strategies to block the recurrence and metastasis of TNBC.

Methods

In this study, CTSL (cathepsin L) expression in tissues and adjacent tissues of TNBC patients was monitored by immunohistochemistry and western blots. The correlations between CTSL expressions and clinicopathological characteristics in the patient tissues for TNBC were analyzed. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion assay were also performed when over-expressed or knocked-down CTSL.

Results

We found that the level of CTSL in TNBC is significantly higher than that in the matched adjacent tissues, and associated with differentiated degree, TNM Stage, tumor size, and lymph node metastatic status in TNBC patients. The high level of CTSL was correlated with a short RFS (p<0.001), OS (p<0.001), DMFS (p<0.001), PPS (p= 0.0025) in breast cancer from online databases; while in breast cancer with lymph node-positive, high level of CTSL was correlated with a short DMFS (p<0.001) and RFS (p<0.001). Moreover, in vitro experiments showed that CTSL overexpression promotes the abilities for proliferation, migration, and invasion in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, while knocking-down CTSL decreases its characteristics in MDA-MB-231 cell lines.

Conclusion

CTSL might involve into the regulation of the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of TNBC. Thus, CTSL would be a novel, potential therapeutic, and prognostic target of TNBC.
Radiation-induced lung injury after breast cancer treatment: incidence in the CANTO-RT cohort and associated clinical and dosimetric risk factors
Authors: Gueiderikh Anna , Sarrade Thomas , Kirova Youlia , De La Lande Brigitte , De Vathaire Florent , Auzac Guillaume , Martin Anne Laure , Everhard Sibille , Meillan Nicolas , Bourgier Celine , Benyoucef Ahmed , Lacornerie Thomas , Pasquier David , Racadot Séverine , Moignier Alexandra , Paris François , André Fabrice , Deutsch Eric , Duchemann Boris , Allodji Rodrigue Setcheou , Rivera Sofia
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is strongly associated with various clinical conditions and dosimetric parameters. Former studies have led to reducing radiotherapy (RT) doses to the lung and have favored the discontinuation of tamoxifen during RT. However, the monocentric design and variability of dosimetric parameters chosen have limited further improvement. The aim of our study was to assess the incidence of RILI in current practice and to determine clinical and dosimetric risk factors associated with RILI occurrence.

Material and methods

Data from 3 out of the 10 top recruiting centers in CANTO-RT, a subset of the CANTO prospective longitudinal cohort (NCT01993498), were retrospectively analyzed for RILI occurrence. This cohort, which recruited invasive cT0-3 cN0-3 M0 breast cancer patients from 2012 to 2018, prospectively recorded the occurrence of adverse events by questionnaires and medical visits at the end of, and up to 60 months after treatment. RILI adverse events were defined in all patients by the association of clinical symptoms and compatible medical imaging.

Results

RILI was found in 38/1565 (2.4%) patients. Grade II RILI represented 15/38 events (39%) and grade III or IV 2/38 events (6%). There were no grade V events. The most frequently used technique for treatment was 3D conformational RT (96%). In univariable analyses, we confirmed the association of RILI occurrence with pulmonary medical history, absence of cardiovascular disease medical history, high pT and pN, chemotherapy use, nodal RT. All dosimetric parameters were highly correlated and had close predictive value. In the multivariable analysis adjusted for chemotherapy use and nodal involvement, pulmonary medical history (OR=3.05, p<0.01) and high V30 Gy (OR=1.06, p=0.04) remained statistically significant risk factors for RILI occurrence. V30 Gy >15% was significantly associated with RILI occurrence in a multivariable analysis (OR=3.07, p=0.03).

Conclusion

Our study confirms the pulmonary safety of breast 3D RT in CANTO-RT. Further analyses with modern radiation therapy techniques such as IMRT are needed. Our results argue in favor of a dose constraint to the ipsilateral lung using V30 Gy not exceeding 15%, especially in patients presenting pulmonary medical history. Pulmonary disease records should be taken into account for RT planning.
Risk factors associated with cesarean section and adverse fetal outcomes in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Kong Chengcai , Zhu Zonghao , Mei Fenglin
Published: June 2023

Background

To determine the risk factors for cesarean section (CS) and adverse fetal outcomes (AFOs) in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) based on the severity of maternal hypercholanemia.

Methods

A hospital-based retrospective cohort study was performed between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019. A total of 227 nulliparous women with a singleton fetus complicated by ICP were included. The patients were divided into two groups according to the levels of total bile acids, that is, mild (10 μmol/L < total bile acids < 40 μmol/L) and severe (≥40 μmol/L). The patients' clinical characteristics and fetal outcomes were assessed.

Results

Among the 227 eligible women, 177 (78.0%) were allocated to the mild group and 50 (22.0%) were in the severe group. Women with severe ICP also had a significantly higher incidence of planned and unplanned CS compared with mild ICP subjects (52.0% vs. 23.7% and 22.0% vs. 6.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). The indications for CS showed that fetal intolerance (65.4% vs. 14.3%) was higher in severe ICP compared with mild ICP (p < 0.001). Severe ICP was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery (p < 0.001), low birthweight (p = 0.001), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (p < 0.001). Women with severe ICP (OR 6.397, 95%CI 3.041–13.455, p < 0.001) or preeclampsia (OR 12.434, 95%CI 5.166–29.928, p < 0.001) had increased risks of AFOs compared to controls.

Conclusions

Severe ICP and preeclampsia are associated with a higher incidence of AFOs.
Trend of fetal echocardiography use and comparison of medical costs for congenital heart disease treatment based on fetal echocardiography use in a Korean single center
Authors: Choi Ho-Jung , Song Mi-Kyoung , Lee Sang-Yun , Kim Gi-Beom , Bae Eun-Jung , Park Joong-Shin , Jun Jong-Kwan , Kwon Hye-Won , Lim Hong-Gook , Kim Woong-Han
Published: June 2023

Background

The rate of the prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease is increasing along with advances in fetal echocardiography techniques. Here, we aimed to investigate the trend of the use of fetal echocardiography over time and to compare the medical costs of congenital heart disease treatment according to whether fetal echocardiography was performed.

Methods

We reviewed our hospital’s database, and patients who underwent the first surgery for congenital heart disease within 30 days of birth during 2005–2007, 2011–2013, and 2017–2019 were included. The severity of congenital heart disease diagnosed in each case was evaluated according to The Society of Thoracic Surgeons-European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery Mortality Scores (STS-EACTS Mortality Scores) and Mortality Categories (STAT Mortality Categories).

Results

In total, 375 patients were analyzed, and fetal echocardiography use increased significantly after the 2010s compared with in 2005–2007 (19.1% vs. 39%, p = 0.032 in Mortality Category 1–3; 15.5% vs. 69.5%, p = 0.000 in Mortality Category 4–5). Additionally, the mean STS-EACTS Mortality Score was higher in prenatally diagnosed patients than in postnatally diagnosed patients (2.287 vs. 1.787, p = 0.001). In the recent period, there was no significant difference in hospitalization durations and medical costs according to whether or not fetal echocardiography was performed.

Conclusions

This single center study showed the use of fetal echocardiography is increasing. Further, prenatal diagnosis with fetal echocardiography causing no differences in medical costs in recent years. Therefore, we suggest that fetal echocardiography can be applied more widely without increasing the economic burden.
Development of evidence-based indicators for the detection of drug-related problems among ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Rawal Kala Bahadur , Mateti Uday Venkat , Shetty Vijith , Shastry Chakrakodi Shashidhara , Unnikrishnan Mazhuvancherry Kesavan , Shetty Shraddha , Rajesh Aparna
Published: June 2023

Background: Antineoplastic drugs produce serious drug-related problems and their management is challenging. DRPs are critical, for saving on therapeutic costs, particularly in resource poor settings within low-middle-income countries such as India. Indicators are clues that helps to detect DRPs within the healthcare organization and minimize overall harm from medications. Indicators enable healthcare professionals to determine the future therapeutic course. And enable healthcare professionals to take a proactive stand, and stay informed and empowered to both prevent and manage DRPs. This study aims to develop evidence-based indicators for detecting potential drug-related problems in ovarian cancer patients.

Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oncology of a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. Based on literature search, we developed a list of indicators, which were validated by a Delphi panel of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals (16 members). Based on 2 years of ovarian cancer data, we performed a feasibility test retrospectively and classified the DRPs according to the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification of DRPs version-9.1.

Results: The feasibility test identified 130 out of 200 indicators. A total of 803 pDRPs were identified under four main categories: drug selection problem, drug use problem, adverse drug reaction and drug-drug interaction The most frequently observed were ADR 381 (47.45%), DDIs 354 (44.08%), and drug selection problems 62 (7.72%).

Conclusion: Indicators developed by us effectively identified pDRPs in ovarian cancer patients, which can potentially help healthcare professionals in the early detection, timely management, and attenuating severity of DRPs. Identifying the pDDIs can potentially improve interdisciplinary involvement and task sharing, including enhanced pharmacists’ participation within the healthcare team.
Alkalinity modulates a unique suite of genes to recalibrate growth and pH homeostasis
Authors: Bailey Mitylene , Hsieh En-Jung , Tsai Huei-Hsuan , Ravindran Arya , Schmidt Wolfgang
Published: June 2023

Alkaline soils pose a conglomerate of constraints to plants, restricting the growth and fitness of non-adapted species in habitats with low active proton concentrations. To thrive under such conditions, plants have to compensate for a potential increase in cytosolic pH and restricted softening of the cell wall to invigorate cell elongation in a proton-depleted environment. To discern mechanisms that aid in the adaptation to external pH, we grew plants on media with pH values ranging from 5.5 to 8.5. Growth was severely restricted above pH 6.5 and associated with decreasing chlorophyll levels at alkaline pH. Bicarbonate treatment worsened plant performance, suggesting effects that differ from those exerted by pH as such. Transcriptional profiling of roots subjected to short-term transfer from optimal (pH 5.5) to alkaline (pH 7.5) media unveiled a large set of differentially expressed genes that were partially congruent with genes affected by low pH, bicarbonate, and nitrate, but showed only a very small overlap with genes responsive to the availability of iron. Further analysis of selected genes disclosed pronounced responsiveness of their expression over a wide range of external pH values. Alkalinity altered the expression of various proton/anion co-transporters, possibly to recalibrate cellular proton homeostasis. Co-expression analysis of pH-responsive genes identified a module of genes encoding proteins with putative functions in the regulation of root growth, which appears to be conserved in plants subjected to low pH or bicarbonate. Our analysis provides an inventory of pH-sensitive genes and allows comprehensive insights into processes that are orchestrated by external pH.
Genome-wide characterization of SOS1 gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum) and expression analyses under salt and hormone stress
Authors: Liang Liqin , Guo Liuyan , Zhai Yifan , Hou Zhiling , Wu Wenjing , Zhang Xinyue , Wu Yue , Liu Xiaona , Guo Shan , Gao Gang , Liu Weizhong
Published: June 2023

Salt Overly Sensitive 1 (SOS1) is one of the members of the Salt Overly Sensitive (SOS) signaling pathway and plays critical salt tolerance determinant in plants, while the characterization of the SOS1 family in potato (Solanum tuberosum) is lacking. In this study, 37 StSOS1s were identified and found to be unevenly distributed across 10 chromosomes, with most of them located on the plasma membrane. Promoter analysis revealed that the majority of these StSOS1 genes contain abundant cis-elements involved in various abiotic stress responses. Tissue specific expression showed that 21 of the 37 StSOS1s were widely expressed in various tissues or organs of the potato. Molecular interaction network analysis suggests that 25 StSOS1s may interact with other proteins involved in potassium ion transmembrane transport, response to salt stress, and cellular processes. In addition, collinearity analysis showed that 17, 8, 1 and 5 of orthologous StSOS1 genes were paired with those in tomato, pepper, tobacco, and Arabidopsis, respectively. Furthermore, RT-qPCR results revealed that the expression of StSOS1s were significant modulated by various abiotic stresses, in particular salt and abscisic acid stress. Furthermore, subcellular localization in Nicotiana benthamiana suggested that StSOS1-13 was located on the plasma membrane. These results extend the comprehensive overview of the StSOS1 gene family and set the stage for further analysis of the function of genes in SOS and hormone signaling pathways.
Reading-to-Writing Mediation model of higher-order literacy
Authors: Ahmed Yusra , Kent Shawn C. , Keller-Margulis Milena
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Writing difficulties frequently manifest comorbidly with reading challenges, and reading is implicated in particular acts of writing, such as reviewing and editing. Despite what is known, however, there remain significant barriers to understanding the nature of reading-writing relations, as few studies are comprehensive in the number and types of literacy skills evaluated. This study consists of a secondary data analysis of two studies employing structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate relations among reading and writing components skills independently, using the Direct and Inferential Mediation Model (DIME) of reading comprehension and Not-so-Simple View of Writing (NSVW) as theoretical frameworks.

Methods

We examine relations between reading and writing components from these models with a sample of upper elementary students with/at-risk for learning disabilities (n= 405). Lower-order components included word reading, vocabulary, handwriting and spelling. Higher-order components included background knowledge, reading strategies, inferencing, planning, editing, and revision. The literacy outcomes were oral and silent reading fluency, reading comprehension, and writing quality and productivity. We systematically build a Reading-to-Writing Mediation (RWM) model by first merging the DIME and NSVW components in a direct effects model (Aim 1), expanding the joint model to include reading and writing fluency (Aim 2), evaluating indirect effects between DIME and NSVW component skills (Aim 3), and finally, evaluating indirect effects with reading and writing fluency (Aim 4).

Results

The findings suggest that higher order fluency and comprehension skills are differentially related to writing activities and products.

Discussion

The pattern of results helps elucidate the mechanisms of how various reading and writing skills transfer and relate. The results have implications for targeted and implicit instruction in multicomponent interventions and the use of screeners to identify areas of risk.
High performance coach cognition in the wild: using applied cognitive task analysis for practical insights–cognitive challenges and curriculum knowledge
Authors: Taylor Jamie , Ashford Michael , Jefferson Matt
Published: June 2023

Despite significant empirical work in the sport coaching domain, there remains a paucity of evidence to inform practice in high-performance sport coaching. As a result, there are gaps in our understanding regarding coaching expertise at different levels of athlete performance. A significantly underutilized approach in coaching research is Cognitive Task Analysis and it’s knowledge elicitation tools. Addressing these concerns, here we utilize applied Cognitive Task Analysis and a semi-structured interview protocol to elicit the cognitive challenges and use of knowledge by a group of N = 7 high-performance endurance sport coaches from a single national governing body. Analysis suggested prominent and ongoing challenges in day-to-day practice which, in turn require significant adaptive skill. In addition, results show how coaches used knowledge flexibly and conditionally to meet the demands of their role. A novel finding being the identification of the use of curriculum knowledge to mentally project the needs of athletes. The findings suggest opportunities for utilizing Cognitive Task Analysis to investigate the cognitive challenges of sport coaching and enhance coach development practice.
Family intimacy and adolescent peer relationships: investigating the mediating role of psychological capital and the moderating role of self-identity
Authors: Zhou Xin , Huang Jin , Qin Sushu , Tao Kangsheng , Ning Yumei
Published: June 2023

According to existing research, family intimacy affects the formation of peer relationships among adolescents; Parent–child relationships may influence children’s relationships with peers, but the mechanism of its influence is still unclear due to the uncertainty of its effect. According to the ecological systems theory, this study examines how family intimacy affects adolescent peer relationships through psychological capital and how self-identity moderates this effect. These hypotheses were tested based on a survey of 414 adolescents, which showed that family intimacy positively affects adolescent peer relationships; The relationship between family intimacy and adolescent peer relationships is mediated by psychological capital; Self-identity positively moderates the direct effects of family intimacy and adolescent peer relationships; Self-identity not only positively moderates the direct effect of psychological capital and adolescent peer relationship, but also positively moderates the indirect effect of family intimacy on adolescent peer relationship through psychological capital. This study provides new perspectives on the relevant mechanism of family intimacy and adolescent peer relationships.
Zhuangzi and collaboration in animals: a critical conceptual analysis of shared intentionality
Authors: Papadopoulos Dennis
Published: June 2023

Shared intentionality is a specific form of shared agency where a group can be understood to have an intention. It has been conjectured that humans are better equipped for collaboration than other animals because humans but not other great apes share intentions. However, exporting shared intentionality from a debate about the ontology of mental state attributions like intentions to groups does not seamlessly lend itself to evolutionary science. To explore and de-center the implicit assumptions of Western conceptions of cooperation, I look at Zhuangzi’s philosophy of (in)action. This philosophy treats the actions of individuals as always a form of co-action alongside other agencies to whom one must adapt. Thinking of collaboration as a product of skillful co-action, not shared intention, sidesteps asking about cooperation in “kinds” or levels. Instead, it directs attention to the know-how and behavioral flexibility needed to make our constant coordination adaptive.