bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diffusion-Weighted Lesions After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Associated MRI Findings
Authors: Wiegertjes Kim , Voigt Sabine , Jolink Wilmar M. T. , Koemans Emma A. , Schreuder Floris H. B. M. , van Walderveen Marianne A. A. , Wermer Marieke J. H. , Meijer Frederick J. A. , Duering Marco , de Leeuw Frank-Erik , Klijn Catharina J. M.
Published: June 2022

The current study aimed to investigate whether diffusion-weighted imaging-positive (DWI+) lesions after acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are associated with underlying small vessel disease (SVD) or linked to the acute ICH. We included patients ≥18 years with spontaneous ICH confirmed on neuroimaging and performed 3T MRIs after a median of 11 days (interquartile range [IQR] 6–43). DWI+ lesions were assessed in relation to the hematoma (perihematomal vs. distant and ipsilateral vs. contralateral). Differences in clinical characteristics, ICH characteristics, and MRI markers of SVD between participants with or without DWI+ lesions were investigated using non-parametric tests. We observed 54 DWI+ lesions in 30 (22%) of the 138 patients (median age [IQR] 65 [55–73] years; 71% men, 59 lobar ICH) with available DWI images. We found DWI+ lesions ipsilateral (54%) and contralateral (46%) to the ICH, and 5 (9%) DWI+ lesions were located in the immediate perihematomal region. DWI+ lesion presence was associated with probable CAA diagnosis (38 vs. 15%, p = 0.01) and larger ICH volumes (37 [8–47] vs. 12 [6–24] ml, p = 0.01), but not with imaging features of SVD. Our findings suggest that DWI+ lesions after ICH are a feature of both the underlying SVD and ICH-related mechanisms.
Altered Regional Brain Glucose Metabolism in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Patients Treated With Cyclophosphamide, Epirubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisone: An Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Study of 205 Cases
Authors: Hu Yuxiao , Zhang Qin , Cui Can , Zhang Yun
Published: June 2022

Background

A growing number of neuroimaging studies reported that chemotherapy might impair brain functions, leading to persistent cognitive alterations in a subset of cancer patients. The present study aimed to investigate the regional brain glucose metabolism differences between diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients treated with cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, vincristine, and prednisone and controls using positron emission tomography with 18F-labeled fluoro-2-deoxyglucose integrated with computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) scanning.

Methods

We analyzed 18F-FDG PET data from 205 right-handed subjects (for avoiding the influence of handedness factors on brain function), including 105 post-chemotherapy DLBCL patients and 100 controls. The two groups had similar average age, gender ratio, and years of education. First, we compared the regional brain glucose metabolism using a voxel-based two-sample t-test. Second, we compared the interregional correlation. Finally, we investigated the correlations between the regional brain glucose metabolism and the number of chemotherapy cycles.

Results

Compared with the controls, the post-chemotherapy group showed higher metabolism in the right hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus (region of interest (ROI) 1) and the left hippocampus (ROI 2), and lower metabolism in the left medial orbitofrontal gyrus (ROI 3), the left medial superior frontal gyrus (ROI 4), and the left superior frontal gyrus (ROI 5). The two groups had different interregional correlations between ROI 3 and ROI 5. In some brain regions—mainly located in the bilateral frontal gyrus—the number of chemotherapy cycles was positively correlated with the regional brain glucose metabolism. Meanwhile, in some bilateral hippocampus regions, these two parameters were negatively correlated.

Conclusion

The present study provides solid data on the regional brain glucose metabolism differences between post-chemotherapy DLBCL patients and controls. These results should improve our understanding of human brain functions alterations in post-chemotherapy DLBCL patients and suggest that 18F-FDG PET/CT scanning is a valuable neuroimaging technology for studying chemotherapy-induced brain function changes.
Neuroprotection by Ozanimod Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Mice
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Xiangyu , Liu Yang , Li Zhe , Wei Ruixue , Zhang Yan , Zhang Ruiyi , Khan Suliman , Yong V. Wee , Xue Mengzhou
Published: June 2022

The destruction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with poor prognosis. Modulation of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) may improve outcomes from ICH. Ozanimod (RPC-1063) is a newly developed S1PR regulator which can selectively modulate type 1/5 sphingosine receptors. Here, we studied the impact of Ozanimod on neuroprotection in an experimental mouse model of ICH, induced by injecting collagenase type VII into the basal ganglia. Ozanimod was administered by gavage 2 h after surgery and once a day thereafter until sacrifice. The results demonstrate that Ozanimod treatment improved neurobehavioral deficits in mice and decreased weight loss after ICH. Ozanimod significantly reduced the density of activated microglia and infiltrated neutrophils in the perihematoma region. Furthermore, Ozanimod reduced hematoma volume and water content of the ICH brain. The results of TUNEL staining indicate that Ozanimod mitigated brain cell death. The quantitative data of Evans blue (EB) staining showed that Ozanimod reduced EB dye leakage. Overall, Ozanimod reduces the destruction of the BBB and exert neuroprotective roles following ICH in mice.
DHA Ameliorates Cognitive Ability, Reduces Amyloid Deposition, and Nerve Fiber Production in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Xiao Min , Xiang Wei , Chen Yashu , Peng Nan , Du Xiubo , Lu Shuhuan , Zuo Yao , Li Boling , Hu Yonggang , Li Xiangyu
Published: June 2022

Background

The etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is very complex. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is important in cognitive ability and nervous system development. A limited number of studies have evaluated the efficacy of DHA in the treatment of AD.

Introduction

We detected neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the hippocampus and cortex of transgenic mice brain through silver glycine staining. We determined the activity of neurons by staining Nissl bodies, used liquid NMR to detect metabolites in the brain, and functional magnetic resonance imaging results to observe the connection signal value between brain regions.

Materials and Methods

We fed 3-month-old APP/PS1 double transgenic mice with DHA mixed feeds for 4 months to assess the effects of DHA on cognitive ability in AD mice through the Morris water maze and open field tests. To evaluate its effects with AD pathology, continuous feeding was done until the mice reached 9 months of age.

Results

Compared to AD mice, escape latency significantly decreased on the fifth day while swimming speed, target quadrant stay time, and the crossing number of platforms increased by varying degrees after DHA treatment. Brain tissue section staining revealed that DHA significantly reduced Aβ and nerve fibers in the brain of AD mice.

Conclusion

DHA significantly reduced the deposition of Aβ in the brain and inhibited the production of nerve fibers, thereby increasing cognitive abilities in AD mice. In addition, DHA suppressed blood lipid levels, and restored uric acid and urea levels, implying that DHA is a potential therapeutic option for early AD.
Structure Characterization, Immunological Activity, and Mechanism of a Polysaccharide From the Rhizome of Menispermum dauricum DC
Authors: Yang Pei , Jin Juan , Ma Yan , Wang Fengshan , Li Yaying , Duan Baoguo , Zhang Yongqing , Liu Yuhong
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structural characterization and immunological activity in vitro and in vivo of a polysaccharide from the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum. A new polysaccharide named MDP was isolated from the rhizome of Menispermum dauricum by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange, and gel-filtration chromatography. MDP was homogeneous and had a molecular weight of 6.16 ×103 Da, and it was an α-D-glucan containing a (1 → 6)-linked backbone, with a glucosyl residue at the C-3 position along the main chain. MDP exhibited immunological activity in vitro, which could significantly promote the proliferation and phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells and the release of TNF-α and IL-6 factors. For immunological activity in vivo. MDP could significantly increase the thymus and spleen indices, enhance the macrophage function, increase the level of cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) and immunoglobulin IgM in the serum and regulate T lymphocyte subsets. Furthermore, MDP elevated the expression of the critical nodes in the TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathways in vivo. These results support the concept that MDP may exhibit immunological activity through TLR4-MyD88 signaling pathway in vivo.
Vitamin D for Recovery of COVID-19 in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chiang Wen-Fang , Hsiao Po-Jen , Chan Jenq-Shyong
Published: June 2022

The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is determined not only by viral damage to cells but also by the immune reaction in the host. In addition to therapeutic interventions that target the viral infection, immunoregulation may be helpful in the management of COVID-19. Vitamin D exerts effects on both innate and adaptive immunity and subsequently modulates immune responses to bacteria and viruses. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) frequently have vitamin D deficiency and increased susceptibility to infection, suggesting a potential role of vitamin D in this vulnerable population. In this paper, we review the alterations of the immune system, the risk of COVID-19 infections and mechanisms of vitamin D action in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 in CKD patients. Previous studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency can affect the outcomes of COVID-19. Supplementing vitamin D during treatment may be protective against COVID-19. Future studies, including randomized control trials, are warranted to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on the recovery from COVID-19 in CKD patients.
Co-Targeting Tumor Angiogenesis and Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment: A Perspective in Ethnopharmacology
Authors: Zhou Jianbo , Wang Li , Peng Cheng , Peng Fu
Published: June 2022

Tumor angiogenesis is one of the most important processes of cancer deterioration via nurturing an immunosuppressive tumor environment (TME). Targeting tumor angiogenesis has been widely accepted as a cancer intervention approach, which is also synergistically associated with immune therapy. However, drug resistance is the biggest challenge of anti-angiogenesis therapy, which affects the outcomes of anti-angiogeneic agents, and even combined with immunotherapy. Here, emerging targets and representative candidate molecules from ethnopharmacology (including traditional Chinese medicine, TCM) have been focused, and they have been proved to regulate tumor angiogenesis. Further investigations on derivatives and delivery systems of these molecules will provide a comprehensive landscape in preclinical studies. More importantly, the molecule library of ethnopharmacology meets the viability for targeting angiogenesis and TME simultaneously, which is attributed to the pleiotropy of pro-angiogenic factors (such as VEGF) toward cancer cells, endothelial cells, and immune cells. We primarily shed light on the potentiality of ethnopharmacology against tumor angiogenesis, particularly TCM. More research studies concerning the crosstalk between angiogenesis and TME remodeling from the perspective of botanical medicine are awaited.
Allicin Facilitates Airway Surface Liquid Hydration by Activation of CFTR
Authors: Qiu Zhuo-Er , Xu Jian-Bang , Chen Lei , Huang Ze-Xin , Lei Tian-Lun , Huang Zi-Yang , Hou Xiao-Chun , Yang Hai-Long , Lin Qin-Hua , Zhu Yun-Xin , Zhao Lei , Zhou Wen-Liang , Zhang Yi-Lin
Published: June 2022

Airway epithelium plays critical roles in regulating airway surface liquid (ASL), the alteration of which causes mucus stasis symptoms. Allicin is a compound released from garlic and harbors the capacity of lung-protection. However, the potential regulatory effects of allicin on airway epithelium remain elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effects of allicin on ion transport across airway epithelium and evaluate its potential as an expectorant. Application of allicin induced Cl− secretion across airway epithelium in a concentration-dependent manner. Blockade of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) or inhibition of adenylate cyclase-cAMP signaling pathway attenuated allicin-induced Cl− secretion in airway epithelial cells. The in vivo study showed that inhaled allicin significantly increased the ASL secretion in mice. These results suggest that allicin induces Cl− and fluid secretion across airway epithelium via activation of CFTR, which might provide therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic pulmonary diseases associated with ASL dehydration.
PNA-Modified Liposomes Improve the Delivery Efficacy of CAPIRI for the Synergistic Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Diao Wenbin , Yang Ben , Sun Sipeng , Wang Anping , Kou Rongguan , Ge Qianyun , Shi Mengqi , Lian Bo , Sun Tongyi , Wu Jingliang , Bai Jingkun , Qu Meihua , Wang Yubing , Yu Wenjing , Gao Zhiqin
Published: June 2022

Tumor-associated antigen mucin 1 (MUC1) is highly expressed in colorectal cancer and is positively correlated with advanced stage at diagnosis and poor patient outcomes. The combination of irinotecan and capecitabine is standard chemotherapy for metastatic colorectal cancer and is known as XELIRI or CAPIRI, which significantly prolongs the progression-free survival and overall survival of colorectal cancer patients compared to a single drug alone. We previously reported that peanut agglutinin (PNA)-conjugated liposomes showed enhanced drug delivery efficiency to MUC1-positive liver cancer cells. In this study, we prepared irinotecan hydrochloride (IRI) and capecitabine (CAP)-coloaded liposomes modified by peanut agglutinin (IRI/CAP-PNA-Lips) to target MUC1-positive colorectal cancer. The results showed that IRI/CAP-PNA-Lips showed an enhanced ability to target MUC1-positive colorectal cancer cells compared to unmodified liposomes. Treatment with IRI/CAP-PNA-Lips also increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. The targeting specificity for tumor cells and the antitumor effects of PNA-modified liposomes were significantly increased in tumor-bearing mice with no severe cytotoxicity to normal tissues. These results suggest that PNA-modified liposomes could provide a new delivery strategy for the synergistic treatment of colorectal cancer with clinical chemotherapeutic agents.
Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Antiviral Efficacy of the MEK Inhibitor Zapnometinib in Animal Models and in Humans
Authors: Koch-Heier Julia , Schönsiegel Annika , Waidele Lara Maria , Volk Julian , Füll Yvonne , Wallasch Christian , Canisius Sebastian , Burnet Michael , Planz Oliver
Published: June 2022

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitor zapnometinib is in development to treat acute viral infections like COVID-19 and influenza. While the antiviral efficacy of zapnometinib is well documented, further data on target engagement/pharmacodynamics (PD) and pharmacokinetics (PK) are needed. Here, we report zapnometinib PK and PD parameters in mice, hamsters, dogs, and healthy human volunteers. Mice received 25 mg/kg/day zapnometinib (12.5 mg/kg p. o. twice daily, 8 h interval). Syrian hamsters received 30 mg/kg (15 mg/kg twice daily) or 60 mg/kg/day once daily. Beagle dogs were administered 300 mg/kg/day, and healthy human volunteers were administered 100, 300, 600 and 900 mg zapnometinib (once daily p. o.). Regardless of species or formulation, zapnometinib maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) was reached between 2–4 h after administration with an elimination half-life of 4–5 h in dogs, 8 h in mice or hamsters and 19 h in human subjects. Doses were sufficient to cause up to 80% MEK inhibition. Across all species approximately 10 μg/ml zapnometinib was appropriate to inhibit 50% of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) MEK activity. In mice, a 50%–80% reduction of MEK activity was sufficient to reduce influenza virus titer in the lungs by more than 90%. In general, while >50% MEK inhibition was reached in vivo at most doses, 80% inhibition in PBMCs required significantly higher doses and appeared to be the practical maximal level obtained in vivo. However, the period of reduced phosphorylated extracellular-signal regulated kinase (pERK), a measure of MEK inhibition, was maintained even after elimination of zapnometinib from plasma, suggesting a sustained effect on MEK consistent with regulatory effects or a slow off-rate. These data suggest a target plasma Cmax of at least 10 μg/ml zapnometinib in further clinical studies.
DA-9805, a Herbal Mixture, Restores Motor Manifestations in 6-Hydroxydopamine-induced Parkinson’s Disease Mouse Model by Regulating Striatal Dopamine and Acetylcholine Levels
Authors: Huh Eugene , Kwon Youngji , Choi Jin Gyu , Lim Myung Gyu , Jeong Jin Seok , Park Ah Yeon , Kim Jeong Hee , Pak Youngmi Kim , Hong Seon-Pyo , Oh Myung Sook
Published: June 2022

Loss of dopamine (DA) is one of the primary features of Parkinson’s disease (PD); however, imbalances of non-dopaminergic neurotransmitters significantly contribute to the disabilities noted in advanced PD patients. DA-9805 is the ethanolic extraction of the root bark of Paeonia × suffruticosa Andrews (Paeoniaceae), the root of Angelica dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth. and Hook.f. ex Franch. and Sav. (Apiaceae) and the root of Bupleurum falcatum L. (Apiaceae), which have been widely utilized as an enhancer of motor function in East Asia. This study aimed to investigate whether DA-9805 modified motor dysfunctions and imbalances associated with DA and other neurotransmitters in a 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PD mouse. We confirmed the expressions of proteins related with neurotransmissions in the striatum. In addition, we measured the striatal neurotransmitters using HPLC and analyzed their correlation. DA-9805 significantly improved motor impairments and restored the altered levels of neurotransmitters in the striatum. Moreover, DA-9805 improved the altered expressions of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), DA transporter, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the ipsilateral part of mouse striatum or SNpc, which implies the neuroprotection. We also found that the level of striatal acetylcholine (Ach) has the moderate negative correlation with motor functions and TH expression in the SNpc. This study indicates that DA-9805 restores motor dysfunctions by normalizing the increased levels of striatal Ach via modulating DA transmission and ChAT expressions as well as its neuroprotective effects.
Therapeutic Potential of Triptolide in Treating Bone-Related Disorders
Authors: Gang Wu , Hao Hu , Yong Huang , Ruibing Feng , Chaowen Li , Yizheng Huang , Chao Li , Haitao Zhang
Published: June 2022

Triptolide, a diterpene triepoxide, is a pharmacologically active compound isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F (TwHF). Triptolide has attracted considerable attention in recent times due to its multiple biological and pharmaceutical activities, with an emphasis on therapeutic importance in the treatment of diverse disorders. With essential medicinal implications, TwHF’s extracts have been used as anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antioxidative, and immunosuppressive agents for centuries, with continuous and relevant modifications to date to enhance its utility in several diseases and pathophysiology. Here, in this review, we accentuate the studies, highlighting the effects of triptolide on treating bone-related disorders, both inflammatory and cancerous, particularly osteosarcoma, and their manifestations. Based on this review, future avenues could be estimated for potential research strategies, molecular mechanisms, and outcomes that might contribute toward reinforcing new dimensions in the clinical application of triptolide in treating bone-related disorders.
The Landscape of Exosome-Derived Non-Coding RNA in Leukemia
Authors: Tang Bing-Jie , Sun Bao , Chen Lei , Xiao Jie , Huang Shu-Ting , Xu Ping
Published: June 2022

Leukemia is a group of life-threatening hematological malignancies which is currently incurable and often accompanied by drug resistance or disease relapse. Understanding the pathogenesis of leukemia and finding specific therapeutic targets and biomarkers is of great importance to improve the clinical efficacy of leukemia. Exosome-derived ncRNAs have been demonstrated as critical components of intercellular communication and function as key facilitators in the leukemia biological process. This review outlines the current investigations of exosomal ncRNAs (including miRNA, circRNA, and lncRNA) as important mediators of leukemia and potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers for leukemia treatment. Moreover, we generally analyze the prospects and challenges for exosomal ncRNAs from the aspects of research and clinical application.
Potential Application of Pyroptosis in Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Authors: Qi Xiaochen , Che Xiangyu , Li Quanlin , Wang Qifei , Wu Guangzhen
Published: June 2022

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of cancer with an increasing rate of morbidity and mortality and is a serious threat to human health. The treatment of RCC, especially kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), has always been the focus of clinical treatment. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database as a starting point, we explored the feasibility of applying the pyroptosis mechanism to KIRC treatment by searching for cancer markers associated with pyroptosis and cancer treatment signatures. The obtained samples were clustered using unsupervised clustering analysis to define the different KIRC subtypes with different pyroptosis expression levels. Based on this, a gene expression analysis was performed to explore the carcinogenic mechanism that is markedly related to pyroptosis. The Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer database and single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm were used to analyze the different treatment methods of the current prominent KIRC to determine whether pyroptosis plays a role. Finally, LASSO regression was used to screen for related genes and construct a model to predict patient prognosis. The expression levels of GSDME, CASP3, CASP4, CASP5, CHMP3, and CHMP4C were incorporated into the model construction. After verification, the prediction accuracy of the 3-, 5-, 7- and 10 years survival rates of our prognostic model were 0.66, 0.701, 0.719, and 0.728, respectively. Through the above analysis, we demonstrated the feasibility of pyroptosis in the clinical treatment of KIRC and provided novel ideas and suggestions for the clinical treatment of KIRC.
Multi-Omics Reveals Inhibitory Effect of Baicalein on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice
Authors: Li Ping , Hu Jianran , Zhao Hongmei , Feng Jing , Chai Baofeng
Published: June 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, whose etiology is poorly understood. Accumulating evidence indicates that gut microbiota plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of various human diseases, including NAFLD. In this study, NAFLD mouse models were established by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD). Baicalein, a natural flavonoid with multiple biological activities, was administered by gavage, and its protective effect on NAFLD was analyzed by histopathological and blood factor analysis. Gut microbiota analysis demonstrated that baicalein could remodel the overall structure of the gut microbiota from NAFLD model mice, especially Anaerotruncus, Lachnoclostridium, and Mucispirillum. Transcriptomic analysis showed baicalein restored the expressions of numerous genes that were upregulated in hepatocytes of NAFLD mice, such as Apoa4, Pla2g12a, Elovl7, Slc27a4, Hilpda, Fabp4, Vldlr, Gpld1, and Apom. Metabolomics analysis proved that baicalein mainly regulated the processes associated with lipid metabolism, such as alpha-Linolenic acid, 2-Oxocarboxylic acid, Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, and bile secretion. Multi-omics analysis revealed that numerous genes regulated by baicalein were significantly correlated with pathways related to lipid metabolism and biosynthesis and secrection of bile acid, and baicalein might affect lipid metabolism in liver via regulating the ecological structure of gut microbiota in NAFLD mice. Our results elucidated the correlated network among diet, gut microbiota, metabolomic, and transcriptional profiling in the liver. This knowledge may help explore novel therapeutic approaches against NAFLD.
The Simplest Memristor Circuit With Hyperchaos
Authors: Liu Xingce , Wang Jinpeng
Published: June 2022

In recent years, with the in-depth study of the memristor, meminductor, and memcapacitor, the fourth basic element has been developed vigorously. The chaotic circuit including the meminductor, memcapacitor, and memristor is designed in this study. The equation of state for the chaotic system is obtained according to Kirchhoff’s volt–current law, and the mathematical model of the chaotic system is obtained through dimensionless processing. The stability of the equilibrium point is analyzed in detail, and the dynamic behaviors of the system are analyzed by traditional methods such as LEs and bifurcation diagram. Moreover, some special phenomena exist in the system, such as state transition and coexistence of attractors. Finally, the circuit is implemented by DSP to prove the realizability of chaotic circuit.
Salvianolic Acid Modulates Physiological Responses and Stress-Related Genes That Affect Osmotic Stress Tolerance in Glycine max and Zea mays
Authors: Kazerooni Elham Ahmed , Al-Sadi Abdullah Mohammed , Rashid Umer , Kim Il-Doo , Kang Sang-Mo , Lee In-Jung
Published: June 2022

Drought is a serious threat worldwide to soybean and maize production. This study was conducted to discern the impact of salvianolic acid treatment on osmotic-stressed soybean (Glycine max L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings from the perspective of physiochemical and molecular reactions. Examination of varied salvianolic acid concentrations (0, 0.1, 1, 5, 10, and 25 μM) on soybean and maize seedling growth confirmed that the 0.1 and 1 μM concentrations, respectively, showed an improvement in agronomic traits. Likewise, the investigation ascertained how salvianolic acid application could retrieve osmotic-stressed plants. Soybean and maize seedlings were irrigated with water or 25% PEG for 8 days. The results indicated that salvianolic acid application promoted the survival of the 39-day-old osmotic-stressed soybean and maize plants. The salvianolic acid-treated plants retained high photosynthetic pigments, protein, amino acid, fatty acid, sugar, and antioxidant contents, and demonstrated low hydrogen peroxide and lipid contents under osmotic stress conditions. Gene transcription pattern certified that salvianolic acid application led to an increased expression of GmGOGAT, GmUBC2, ZmpsbA, ZmNAGK, ZmVPP1, and ZmSCE1d genes, and a diminished expression of GmMIPS2, GmSOG1, GmACS, GmCKX, ZmPIS, and ZmNAC48 genes. Together, our results indicate the utility of salvianolic acid to enhance the osmotic endurance of soybean and maize plants.
Identification and Characterization of Csa-miR395s Reveal Their Involvements in Fruit Expansion and Abiotic Stresses in Cucumber
Authors: Lu Lin , Luo Weirong , Yu Wenjin , Zhou Junguo , Wang Xinfa , Sun Yongdong
Published: June 2022

The miR395 plays an indispensable role in biochemical processes by regulating their target genes. However, little is known about the roles of miR395 in cucumber fruit expansion and response to abiotic stresses. Here, 4 Csa-miR395s and 8 corresponding target genes were identified in the cucumber genome. Csa-miR395s were all located on the same chromosome (Chr 5). Csa-miR395a/b/c and Csa-miR395d were distributed in different branches without a closer genetic relationship. Massive cis-acting elements, including light, phytohormone, and stress response elements, were detected in the promoter regions of Csa-MIR395s, indicating that Csa-miR395s might be involved in complex regulatory networks to control cucumber growth and development and stress response. In addition, Csa-miR395a/b/c shared the same target genes, and Csa-miR395d had its specific target genes. Tissue-specific expression analysis showed that Csa-miR395a/b/c were all expressed in the leaf, root, ovary, and expanded fruit of cucumber and highly expressed in the expanded fruits compared to the ovary, while Csa2G215520 and Csa1G502860 (target genes of Csa-miR395a/b/c) presented a downregulated trend in the expanded fruit compared to the ovary. Meanwhile, the protein co-expression network revealed that these target genes had interactions in sulfur metabolism. These results suggested that Csa-miR395a/b/c targeting Csa2G215520 and Csa1G502860 might promote cucumber fruit expansion by affecting sulfur metabolism. Additionally, Quantitative Real-time PCR analysis validated that Csa-miR395s could be regulated by NaCl stress, and Csa-miR395a/b/c could respond to PEG stress, which further confirmed the reliability of cis-acting elements data. Taken together, our results could be helpful for further exploration of the functions of miR395s in cucumber fruit expansion and response to abiotic stresses.
Collapse of Better Place: A Managerial Cognition Perspective on the Failure of an Entrepreneurial Initiative
Authors: Lin Mei-Hsing , Chou Hsin-Hui
Published: June 2022

The survival of any entrepreneurial initiative depends on a working business model that could create value for the customers and, simultaneously, allow the firm to capture value from what has been created. Despite increased attention to business model research, the understanding of business models’ impact on entrepreneurial development is quite constrained. In particular, the question of how an entrepreneurial firm’s business model is influenced by its organizational members’ managerial cognition remains under-explored. To tackle this research question, we drew a linkage between the business model literature and a managerial cognition perspective to build the theoretical foundation. We used this theoretical lens to investigate the failure of Better Place, an Israeli entrepreneurial company that focused on its proprietary battery-swap electric vehicles. In our findings, we argued that organizational members’ managerial-cognition-based conceptual framework is critical to the business model decision-making of an entrepreneurial firm. The discrepant and strongly held conceptual framework may result in misjudgment of environmental changes, especially when emerging-market numbers in an industry are high, and consensus regarding technology innovation in an industry is still lacking. The improper conceptual framework can generate mistaken business models, which further bring about an organizational decline. It is crucial for entrepreneurial firms to learn and improve existing conceptual frameworks and consequent business models by business interaction in the initiative stage if they are to avoid failure. The research outcome paves the way for future empirical studies to contribute to machine learning in the field of cognitive automation, artificial-intelligence-driven smart manufacturing, and sustainable industrial value creation in the era of digital transformation.
Effects of Group-Play Moderate to Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity Intervention on Executive Function and Motor Skills in 4- to 5-Year-Old Preschoolers: A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bai Jing , Huang Heqing , Ouyang Huahong
Published: June 2022

The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of group-play intervention on executive function (EF) in preschoolers. This group-play intervention was integrated as moderate to vigorous physical activity and cognitively loaded exercise to promote EF in preschoolers. An 8-week group-play MVPA intervention program, consisting of a series of outdoor physical and cognitively loaded games, was designed to improve preschoolers’ EF. This intervention program was implemented in group-play form, and conducted by teachers who received standardized training before the intervention. Two classes of second grade preschoolers (N = 62) were randomly allocated to experimental (n = 30, Mage = 4.16, SD = 0.29) and control (n = 32, Mage = 4.7, SD = 0.43) groups. The intervention group received the intervention three times a week, while the control group exercised as usual in preschool. Before, in the middle of, and after the intervention, 10-m running, standing broad jump, throwing, body flexion, balance beam, and skip jump were assessed as tests of motor skills. In addition, three components of EF were measured separately before, in the middle of, and after the intervention: inhibitory control was assessed by using the silly sound Stroop task, working memory was tested using the empty house task, and shifting was assessed using the dimensional change card sorting task. Although both groups showed an increasing trend in terms of motor skills and EF during the intervention, the increasing amounts of the intervention group were significantly higher than the control group. The findings of the present study suggested that group-play intervention has positive effects on aspects of EF in addition to motor skills in preschoolers.
Media Internalized Pressure and Restrained Eating Behavior in College Students: The Multiple Mediating Effects of Body Esteem and Social Physique Anxiety
Authors: Fu Tiantian , Wang Jun , Xu Shanshan , Yu Jinrong , Sun Guoxiao
Published: June 2022

Background

Restrained eating behavior has become the norm in college students' lives, and considering the harm it causes to college students, it is necessary to explore the factors associated with it. The aim of this study was to explore the association between media internalized pressure, body esteem, social physique anxiety, and restrained eating behavior.

Methods

The participants in this study were 1,032 Chinese college students (439 males and 593 females) and had a mean age of 20.22 years (SD = 1.277). They completed the Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire-3, Body Esteem Scale (BES), Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS), and Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire (DEBQ).

Results

The results showed that media internalized pressure was significantly and positively associated with college students' restrained eating behavior, that body esteem and social physique anxiety played a mediating role between media internalized pressure and restrained eating behavior, respectively, and that body esteem and social physique anxiety can also play a chained mediating role.

Conclusion

This study reveals the relationship between media internalized pressure and restrained eating behavior, and the important role played by body esteem and social physique anxiety. Future interventions targeting restrained eating should focus on the aspects of body esteem and social physique anxiety.
Influence of Mentorship and the Working Environment on English as a Foreign Language Teachers’ Research Productivity: The Mediation Role of Research Motivation and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Li Yanping , Zhang Lawrence Jun
Published: June 2022

Research productivity is an important criterion for the university to assess teachers. Studies about factors that affect teachers’ research productivity are increasing nowadays. It is generally agreed that academics’ research productivity depends on how much mentorship is provided to them and how the current working environment is mediated by their research motivation and self-efficacy. Despite the increasing amount of the literature along this line, we know little about what kinds of situations that Chinese university English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers are in and how they regard the importance of mentorship and what roles their working environments would play in affecting their research productivity. To fill the research gap, we utilized the snowball method to collect the survey data from 546 Chinese EFL tertiary teachers. The results show that mentorship is not correlated with research productivity while the working environment has a positive direct correlation with it. Both motivation and self-efficacy mediate the working environment and research productivity significantly. Specifically, only extrinsic motivation has a negative mediation influence on teachers’ research productivity; teachers’ intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy play a positive mediation role in affecting their research productivity.
Analysing the Relationship Between Immigrant Status and the Severity of Offending Behaviour in Terms of Individual and Contextual Factors
Authors: Fernández-Pacheco Alises Gloria , Torres-Jiménez Mercedes , Martins Paula Cristina , Mendes Silvia María Vale
Published: June 2022

Background

Social inclusion is a context for both risk and protective factors of migrant youth delinquency. This study aims to shed light on the issue by comparing delinquency amongst native, first-generation, and second-generation immigrant youths in Portugal, a country located in the south of Europe, an area where research in this field is still scarce.

Methods

The research is based on the International Self-Reported Delinquency (ISRD-3) dataset, which includes information on over 4,000 adolescents, who self-reported on their socio-demographic status, leisure activities, school and neighbourhood environment, family bonds, and self-control.

Results

Nested Logistic Regression analyses showed that a young first-generation immigrant is twice as likely to commit a crime, with or without violence, as a young native born in Portugal. However, no differences were found regarding the prevalence of delinquency amongst second-generation immigrants and natives, which is likely due to the integration and cultural assimilation of the immigrant over time. Regarding the analysed risk factors, it was found that both structural and individual factors, identified by the theories of control, stress, as well as situational action theory, have a direct effect on the commission of juvenile crimes (both non-violent and violent). Moreover, this effect is significant in adolescents living in Portugal in general, both immigrants and natives. The most influential variable for both types of delinquent behaviour, with and without violence, is peer delinquency, followed by low morality and self-control.

Conclusion

These findings have relevant policy implications and are useful for evidence-based interventions aimed at promoting migrant adolescent well-being and targeting host countries’ performance.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Depression: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Yanwei , Wang Yiwen , Wang Xiangyi , Jiang Zhuoya , Zhu Lijun , Fang Shaokuan
Published: June 2022

Background

Research on neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in depression is still emerging and has increased 3-fold since the first meta-analysis. An updated meta-analysis with sufficient studies can provide more evidence for a potential relationship between NLR, PLR, MLR, and depression.

Methods

We identified 18 studies from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, and Web of Science databases. Meta-analyses were performed to generate pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between patients with depression and controls. Sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and publication bias were conducted.

Results

A total of 18 studies including 2,264 depressed patients and 2,415 controls were included. Depressed patients had significantly higher NLR and PLR compared with controls (SMD = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15–0.52, p < 0.001 and SMD = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.02–0.46, p < 0.05, respectively). MLR was slightly higher in depressed individuals compared to controls (SMD = 0.15, 95% CI: −0.26 to 0.55, p > 0.05), despite the absence of significance. Sensitivity analysis removing one study responsible for heterogeneity showed a higher and significant effect (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.20–0.44) of MLR. Three subgroup analyses of NLR, PLR, MLR, and depression revealed obvious differences in the inflammatory ratios between depressed patients and controls in China and the matched age and gender subgroup. Individuals with post-stroke depression (PSD) had higher NLR and MLR values as compared to non-PSD patients (SMD = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.36–0.67, p < 0.001 and SMD = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.12–0.79, p < 0.01, respectively). Meta-regression analyses showed that male proportion in the case group influenced the heterogeneity among studies that measured NLR values (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Higher inflammatory ratios, especially NLR, were significantly associated with an increased risk of depression. In the subgroup of China and matched age and gender, NLR, PLR, and MLR were all elevated in depressed patients vs. controls. Individuals with PSD had higher NLR and MLR values as compared to non-PSD patients. Gender differences may have an effect on NLR values in patients with depression.
Mental Health in Young Detainees Predicts Perpetration of and Desistance From Serious, Violent and Chronic Offending
Authors: Barra Steffen , Turner Daniel , Retz-Junginger Petra , Hertz Priscilla Gregorio , Rösler Michael , Retz Wolfgang
Published: June 2022

Mental health problems are common among young offenders but their role in predicting criminal recidivism is still not clear. Early identification and treatment of young offenders at risk of serious, violent, and chronic (SVC) offending is of major importance to increase their chances to develop into a healthy and non-criminal future and protect society from further crime. In the present study, we assessed mental health among 106 young offenders while incarcerated and analyzed their criminal careers up to 15 years after release. We found high rates of mental health issues, especially externalizing problems, but also concerning illegal substance and alcohol use patterns as well as personality disorders. Rule-breaking behavior and internalizing problems were negatively related to incarceration time until study assessment, but withdrawal and internalizing problems were positively associated with remaining time to release. Whereas, SVC status before assessment and after release were not statistically dependent, mental health issues predicted perpetration of and desistance from SVC offending after release. Alarming alcohol use appeared to be of specific importance in this regard. Findings indicate that young offenders at risk of future SVC offending may benefit from mental health treatment with specific focus on problematic alcohol consumption to prevent ongoing crime perpetration.
The Association Between Emotion Recognition, Affective Empathy, and Structural Connectivity in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Koevoets Martijn G. J. C. , Prikken Merel , Hagenaar Doesjka A. , Kahn René S. , van Haren Neeltje E. M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Emotion processing deficits often occur in patients with schizophrenia. We investigate whether patients and controls differ in the association between facial emotion recognition and experience of affective empathy and whether performance on these emotion processing domains differently relates to white matter connectivity.

Materials and Methods

Forty-seven patients with schizophrenia and 47 controls performed an emotion recognition and affective empathy task. T1-weighted and diffusion-tensor images (DTI) of the brain were acquired. Using Tracula 5.3, ten fibers were reconstructed and fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were extracted. Groups were compared on task performance, white matter measures and their interactions using ANCOVAs. Correction for multiple comparisons was applied.

Results

Patients scored lower on emotion recognition (p = 0.037) and reported higher levels of affective empathy (p < 0.001) than controls. Patients with poor emotion recognition (PT-low) experienced stronger affective empathy than patients with similar emotion recognition performance as controls (PT-normal; p = 0.011), who in turn reported stronger affective empathy than controls (p = 0.043). We found a significant interaction between emotion recognition, affective empathy and anterior thalamic radiation AD (p = 0.017, d = 0.43). Post hoc analyses revealed that the correlation between AD and empathy differed significantly between all groups (empathy/AD in PT-low < empathy/AD in PT-normal < empathy/AD in controls).

Discussion

In patients with poor emotion recognition, the negative association between anterior thalamic radiation AD and affective empathy was stronger than in patients with normal emotion recognition capacity. Possibly, axonal damage in fronto-thalamic structural connections, as part of a larger frontotemporal network, underlies the association between poor emotion recognition and higher levels of affective empathy in schizophrenia patients.
Cognitive Processes and Personality Traits Underlying Four Phenotypes of Susceptibility to (Mis)Information
Authors: Piksa Michal , Noworyta Karolina , Piasecki Jan , Gwiazdzinski Pawel , Gundersen Aleksander B. , Kunst Jonas , Rygula Rafal
Published: June 2022

Misinformation on social media poses a serious threat to democracy, sociopolitical stability, and mental health. Thus, it is crucial to investigate the nature of cognitive mechanisms and personality traits that contribute to the assessment of news items' veracity, failures in the discernment of their truthfulness, and behavioral engagement with the news, especially if one wants to devise any intervention to stop the spread of misinformation in social media. The current research aimed to develop and test a 4-fold taxonomy classifying people into four distinct phenotypes of susceptibility to (mis)information. In doing so, it aimed to establish differences in cognitive and psychological profiles between these phenotypes. The investigated cognitive processes included sensitivity to feedback, belief updating, and cognitive judgment bias. Psychological traits of interest included the Big Five model, grandiose narcissism, anxiety, and dispositional optimism. The participants completed online surveys that consisted of a new scale designed to classify people into one of four phenotypes of susceptibility to (mis)information, advanced cognitive tests, and reliable psychological instruments. The four identified phenotypes, Doubters, Knowers, Duffers, and Consumers, showed that believing in misinformation does not imply denying the truth. In contrast, the numerically largest phenotypes encompassed individuals who were either susceptible (Consumers) or resistant (Doubters), in terms of veracity judgment and behavioral engagement, to any news, regardless of its truthfulness. Significantly less frequent were the phenotypes characterized by excellent and poor discernment of the news' truthfulness (the Knowers and the Duffers, respectively). The phenotypes significantly differed in sensitivity to positive and negative feedback, cognitive judgment bias, extraversion, conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, grandiose narcissism, anxiety, and dispositional optimism. The obtained results constitute a basis for a new and holistic approach in understanding susceptibility to (mis)information as a psycho-cognitive phenotype.