bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A salivary GMC oxidoreductase of Manduca sexta re-arranges the green leaf volatile profile of its host plant
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsien , Silven Juliette , Wybouw Nicky , Fandino Richard , Dekker Henk , Vogel Heiko , Wu Yueh-Lung , de Koster Chris , Große-Wilde Ewald , Haring Michel , Schuurink Robert , Allmann Silke
Published: September 2022

Green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are short-chain oxylipins that are emitted from plants in response to stress. Previous studies have shown that oral secretions (OS) of the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta, introduced into plant wounds during feeding, catalyze the re-arrangement of GLVs from Z-3- to E-2-isomers. This change in the volatile signal however is bittersweet for the insect as it can be used by their natural enemies, as prey location cue. Here we identified a (3Z):(2E)-hexenal isomerase (Hi-1) in M. sexta’s OS that catalyzes the conversion of the GLV Z-3-hexenal to E-2-hexenal. Hi-1 mutants that were raised on a GLV-free diet showed developmental disorders, indicating that Hi-1 also metabolizes other substrates important for the insect’s development. Phylogenetic analysis placed Hi-1 within the GMCβ-subfamily and showed that Hi-1 homologs from other lepidopterans could catalyze similar reactions. Our results indicate that Hi-1 not only modulates the plant’s GLV-bouquet but also functions in insect development.
Covid-19 spread determinant factors during the early phase pandemic in Italy
Authors: Urso Patrizia , Cattaneo Andrea , Pulvirenti Salvatore , Vercelli Franco , Cavallo Domenico Maria , Carrer Paolo
Published: September 2022

Although the Covid-19 pandemic is more than two-years ongoing, the environmental factors beyond virus transmission are still partially unknown. This statistical study investigates the early phase of pandemic in Italy, as its heterogeneity in pollution levels and climate conditions provides an ideal scenario for an ecological study. The selected period excludes important confounding factors, as different virus variants, restriction policies or vaccines. The short-term relationship between the infection maximum increase and demographic, pollution and meteo-climatic parameters was investigated, including both winter-spring and summer 2020 data, also focusing separately on the two seasonal periods and on North vs Centre-South. Among main results, the importance of population size confirmed social distancing as a key management option. The pollution hazardous role undoubtedly emerged, as NO2 affected infection increase in all the studied scenarios, PM2.5 manifested its impact in North of Italy, while O3 always showed a protective action. Whereas higher temperatures were beneficial, especially in the cold season with also wind and relative humidity, solar irradiance was always relevant, revealing several significant interactions with other co-factors. Presented findings address the importance of the environment in Sars-CoV-2 spread and suggest prevention strategies in crowded areas, especially if highly polluted and weakly exposed to sun.
A point mutation in the switch I region of myosin’s active site dramatically alters the load-dependence of phosphate-induced detachment from actin
Authors: Debold Edward , Marang Christopher , Scott Brent , Chambers James , Gunther Lara , Yengo Christopher
Published: September 2022

Myosin is a molecular motor responsible for generating the force and/or motion that drive many intracellular processes, from muscle contraction to vesicular transport. It is powered by its ability to convert the chemical energy, released from the hydrolysis of ATP, into mechanical work. The key event in the transduction process is the coupling of the force-generating powerstroke with the release of phosphate (Pi) from the active site, but the mechanisms and the structural elements involved in this coupling remain unclear. Therefore, we determined the effect of elevated levels of Pi on the force-generating capacity of a mini-ensemble of myosin Va molecules (WT) in a three-bead laser trap assay. We quantified the load-dependence of the Pi-induced detachment rate by performing the experiments at three different laser trap stiffnesses (0.04, 0.06 and 0.10pN/nm). Myosin generated higher peak forces at the higher laser trap stiffnesses, and the distance the myosin displaced the actin filament significantly increased in the presence of 30mM Pi, a finding most consistent with the powerstroke preceding Pi-release. In contrast, the duration of the binding events was significantly reduced at higher trap stiffness in the presence of Pi, indicating that the higher resistive force accelerated the rate of Pi-induced detachment from actin. A Bell approximation, was used to quantify the load-dependence of this rate (k1 = ko x exp(Fd/kt)), revealing a d-value of 0.7nm for the WT myosin. Repeating these experiments using a construct with a mutation (S217A) in a key region (Switch I) of the nucleotide-binding site increased myosin’s sensitivity to load five-fold (d = 3.5nm). Thus, these findings provide a quantitative measure of the force-dependent nature of Pi-rebinding to myosin’s active site and suggest that this effect involves the switch I element of the nucleotide-binding pocket. These findings, therefore, provide important new insights into the mechanisms through which this prototypical motor enzyme couples the release of chemical energy to the generation of force and/or motion.
A Movie recommender system based on topic modeling usingmachine learning methods
Authors: Kordabadi Mojtaba , Nazari Amin , Mansoorizadeh Muharram
Published: September 2022

In recent years, we have seen an increase in the production of films in a variety of categoriesand genres. Many of these products contain concepts that are inappropriate for children andadolescents. Hence, parents are concerned that their children may be exposed to these products.As a result, a smart recommendation system that provides appropriate movies based on theuser’s age range could be a useful tool for parents. Existing movie recommender systems usequantitative factors and metadata that lead to less attention being paid to the content of themovies. This research is motivated by the need to extract movie features using informationretrieval methods in order to provide effective suggestions. The goal of this study is to propose amovie recommender system based on topic modeling and text-based age ratings. The proposedmethod uses latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) modelling to identify hidden associations betweenwords, document topics, and the levels of expression of each topic in each document. Machinelearning models are then used to recommend age-appropriate movies. It has been demonstratedthat the proposed method can determine the user’s age and recommend movies based on theuser’s age with 93% accuracy, which is highly satisfactory.
Comovement between Commodities in Ghana, the Role of Exchange Rates
Authors: Barson Zynobia , Junior Peterson Owusu , Adam Anokye Mohammed
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the relationship between commodity prices in Ghana and if any, the role of exchange rate on such relationship using wavelet analysis and monthly data from September, 2007 to March, 2021. We test for the robustness of the empirical findings using multiple wavelet analysis. We find that exchange rate plays an intrinsic role in the dynamic comovement of commodity prices with strong coherence at short and medium terms. The partial wavelet coherence analysis shows that exchange rate drives commodity interdependence. This study is of relevance to other developing export-dependent countries and the Ghanaian government in making strategic trade policies and to investors that are interested in these cross-sector commodities. Governments and investors that are privy to the intrinsic role of exchange rate on its dependent commodities can benefit from this study to diversify against exchange rate fluctuations and the implicit effect of inflation.
Surfactant-Free Stain Removal by a Sustainable Protein Nanofilm
Authors: Fu ChengYu , Wang Zhengge , Gao Yingtao , Zhao Jian , Liu Yongchun , Zhou Xingyu , Qin Rongrong , Pang Yanyun , Nan Songpei , Zhang Jinrui , Zhang Xu , Yang Peng
Published: September 2022

The extensive use of detergents in modern life and industry has seriously impeded ecologically sustainable development. Facing this unresolved global challenge, we herein propose a CAW (coating at will) concept to endow virtually arbitrary surfaces with underwater superoleophobicity that supports the fast and easy removal of oily stains by mere use of water. The key selling point of this CAW concept is its ability to sustainably regenerate the coating throughout an infinite life cycle. The foundation of this concept is to make use of rapid amyloid-like aggregation of lysozyme (Lyz) conjugated with zwitterionic poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA). The resultant phase-transitioned Lyz-pSBMA (PTL-pSBMA) could quickly prime versatile surfaces to afford a robust colourless ultrathin nanofilm on surfaces with high hydrophilicity. As a result, the hydrophilic PTL-pSBMA layer endows materials with excellent underwater superoleophobicity and provides outstanding detergent-free cleaning efficiency to remove oily stains (e.g., greater than 95% on silk surfaces and 99% on dishes). With excellent optical transparency, biocompatibility and negligible effects on wearing comfort, the PTL-pSBMA further showed extraordinary cost-effectiveness ($ 675/ton) and great savings on water and energy by 40%-50%. Overall, this work proposes an ingenious CAW design that breaks down the long-standing surfactant contamination barriers in the traditional detergent industry. Such surfactant-free water washing strategy holds great promise towards scale-up application to replace commercial detergents in the removal of common stains from fabrics and kitchenware surfaces, thereby greatly inhibiting the negative environmental pressures caused by surfactant emissions and providing a transformative response to ecosystems and water resource protection on Earth.
On usage of artificial intelligence for predicting mortality during and post-pregnancy: a systematic review of literature
Authors: Rocha Elisson da Silva , Melo Flávio Leandro de Morais , de Mello Maria Eduarda Ferro , Figueirôa Barbara , Sampaio Vanderson , Endo Patricia Takako
Published: September 2022

Background: Care during pregnancy, childbirth and puerperium are fundamental to avoid pathologies for the mother and her baby. However, health issues can occur during this period, causing misfortunes, such as the death of the fetus or neonate. Predictive models of fetal and infant deaths are important technological tools that can help to reduce mortality indexes. The main goal of this work is to present a systematic review of literature focused on computational models to predict mortality, covering stillbirth, perinatal, neonatal, and infant deaths, highlighting their methodology and the description of the proposed computational models.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review of literature, limiting the search to the last 10 years of publications considering the five main scientific databases as source.
Results: From 671 works, 18 of them were selected as primary studies for further analysis. We found that most of works are focused on prediction of neonatal deaths, using machine learning models (more specifically Random Forest). The top five most common features used to train models are birth weight, gestational age, sex of the child, Apgar score and mother's age. Having predictive models for preventing mortality during and post-pregnancy not only improve the mother's quality of life, as well as it can be a powerful and low-cost tool to decrease mortality ratios.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this SRL, we can state that scientific efforts have been done in this area, but there are many open research opportunities to be developed by the community.
5-azacytidine inhibits the tumorigenesis of esophageal cancer cells through the suppression of NOTCH1 signaling
Authors: Xu Tong , Hu Li-na , Yu Minghua
Published: September 2022

Background: Esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESCC) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) are different pathological types of esophageal cancer (EC) with low patient survival. The methyltransferase inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) has been approved to treat hematological malignancies and malignant solid tumors for years. NOTCH1 pathway plays an important role in both hematological and esophageal cancer and previous studies demonstrated a NOTCH1/IL-7/IL-7R signal in other cancers.
Methods: TE-1 and OE33 cells were employed to represent ESCC and EAC respectively. The effects of 5-azaC on cells were evaluated by CCK8, wound healing, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. Pyrosequencing was performed to detect changes of 18 CpG units in cells after being treated with 5-azaC. Western blot and Quantitative Real-time PCR were conducted respectively to test expressions of NOTCH1/IL-7/IL-7R signal for exploring the mechanisms. siRNA transfections were performed to inhibit IL-7R.
Results: 5-azaC showed anticancer effects and NOTCH1 signaling was also downregulated in both cell lines. Although there were abundant CpG islands in NOTCH1, no change was observed in its methylation level. Moreover, the combination of 5-azaC with NOTCH1 signaling inhibitor DAPT had a synergistic inhibiting effect in EAC but ESCC cells. We proved the existence of the NOTCH1/IL-7/IL-7R signal in the ESCC cell line. Additionally, the activation or inactivation of the IL-7/IL-7R pathway could mitigate or potentiate the potency of 5-azaC on ESCC cells as well.
Conclusions: Our findings showed a possibility of treating esophageal cancer with 5-azaC combining inhibitors of NOTCH1/IL-7/IL-7R signal, hoping to provide novel therapeutic strategies for EC.
Orthorexia Nervosa Tendencies of Liver Transplant Patients Receiving Immunosuppressant Treatment: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kartal Mert , Kapikiran Gurkan , Karakas Nese
Published: September 2022

One of the most important factors after organ transplantation is immunotherapy, which is effective in reducing immune response to prevent post-transplant graft rejection, while another factor is a balanced nutrition. With these considerations in mind, this study aimed to determine the orthorexia nervosa tendencies of liver transplant patients receiving immunosuppressant treatment. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out with patients who underwent liver transplantation at the liver transplantation institute of a university hospital in eastern Turkey. A sociodemographic information form and ORTO-R were used to collect data. The data were collected from patients who attended their follow-ups between May and August 2022. The mean age of the 176 patients who were receiving immunosuppressive treatment was 58.55±7.56, while 86.4% had not received any education on nutrition. The mean ORTO-R score of the patients was 17.09±2.70, which indicated moderate orthorexia. In our study, it was concluded that the majority of the patients who were using immunosuppressive medication had not received any education on nutrition, and they were moderately orthorexic. It should be kept in mind that this obsessive form of eating will affect balanced nutrition among patients who have gone through a major transplant process. To make the drug-diet interaction in patients using immunosuppressive drugs after organ transplantation beneficial, ensure that they have a sufficient and balanced diet, and make this diet sustainable, it is important to monitor these patients. Additionally, it is thought that evaluating the pre-transplant orthorexia nervosa tendencies of advanced-stage liver transplant patients will increase post-transplant success.
Level of evidence: Level V. Cross-sectional survey-based study
Urine cell-free DNA multi-omics to detect MRD and predict survival in bladder cancer patients
Authors: Chaudhuri Aadel , Chauhan Pradeep , Shiang Alexander , Alahi Irfan , Sundby R , Feng Wenjia , Gungoren Bilge , Nawaf Cayce , Babbra Ramandeep , Harris Peter , Qaium Faridi , Hatscher Casey , Antiporda Anna , Brunt Lindsey , Mayer Lindsey , Shern Jack , Baumann Brian , Kim Eric , Reimers Melissa , Smith Zachary
Published: September 2022

Circulating tumor DNA sensitivity remains subpar for minimal residual disease (MRD) detection in bladder cancer patients. To remedy this, we focused on the biofluid most proximal to the disease, urine, and analyzed urine tumor DNA (utDNA) in 74 localized bladder cancer patients. We integrated ultra-low-pass whole genome sequencing (ULP-WGS) with urine Cancer Personalized Profiling by deep Sequencing (uCAPP-Seq) to achieve sensitive MRD detection and predict overall survival. Variant allele frequency, inferred tumor mutational burden, and tumor fraction levels in urine cfDNA significantly predicted pathologic complete response status. A random forest model integrating these factors with leave-one-out cross-validation was 87% sensitive for predicting MRD. Both progression-free survival (HR=3.00, p=0.01) and overall survival (HR=4.81, p=0.009) were dramatically worse by Kaplan-Meier analysis for patients predicted by the model to have MRD, which was corroborated by Cox regression analysis. Additional survival analyses performed on muscle-invasive, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and held-out validation subgroups corroborated these findings. In summary, we profiled urine samples from 74 patients with localized bladder cancer and used urine cell-free DNA multi-omics to sensitively detect MRD and accurately predict survival.
Depression symptoms among New Zealand’s Asian community in the first 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Siegert Richard J. , Ran Guanyu Jason , Zhu Andrew , French Nigel , Johnston David , Liu Liangni Sally
Published: September 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated levels of distress and resulted in anti-Asian discrimination in many countries. We aimed to determine the 10-month prevalence of depression symptoms in Asian adults in New Zealand during the pandemic and to see if this was related to experience of racism.
Methods
Online survey of 1,101 Asians with a 36.5% response rate. A stratified sample of 402 respondents completed the brief Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. Analyses included: descriptive statistics, depression scores by age/gender, factor analysis of the 10 item CES-D and partial correlation network analysis of CES-D items together with questions about experience of racism.
Results
Half the sample reported clinically significant symptoms of depression over the past 10 months. Depression was higher among younger participants but there was no gender difference. Internal consistency was high (α = 0.85) for the CES-D which revealed a clear two factor structure. Network analysis suggested that sleeping problems might be the bridge between experiences of racism and depression. However, this study was cross-sectional which prevents any definitive inferences about causality.
Conclusions
The prevalence of low mood was high with half the sample scoring above the cut-off point for clinically significant levels of depressive symptoms. Depression was higher in younger people and had a modest positive correlation with personal experience of racism - possibly due to its effect on sleep. Longitudinal studies that examine a broader range of dimensions of distress are needed.
Spectrum and clinical features of gene mutations in Chinese pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Shen Diying , Liu Lixia , Xu Xiaojun , Song Hua , Zhang Jingying , Xu Weiqun , Zhao Fenying , Liang Juan , Liao Chan , Wang Yan , Xia Tian , Wang Chengcheng , Lou Feng , Cao Shanbo , Qin Jiayue , Tang Yongmin
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The 5-year survival rate of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is 85–90%, with a 10–15% rate of treatment failure. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified recurrent mutated genes in ALL that might alter the diagnosis, classification, prognostic stratification, treatment, and response to ALL. Few studies on gene mutations in Chinese pediatric ALL have been identified. Thus, an in-depth understanding of the biological characteristics of these patients is essential.. The present study aimed to characterize the spectrum and clinical features of recurrent driver gene mutations in a single-center cohort of Chinese pediatric ALL.
Methods
We enrolled 219 patients with pediatric ALL in our single center. Targeted sequencing based on NGS was used to detect gene mutations in patients. The correlation was analyzed between gene mutation and clinical features, including patient characteristics, cytogenetics, genetic subtypes, risk stratification and treatment outcomes using χ2-square test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables.
Results
A total of 381 gene mutations were identified in 66 different genes in 152/219 patients. PIK3R1 mutation was more common in infants (p = 0.021). KRAS and FLT3 mutations were both more enriched in patients with hyperdiploidy (P < 0.0001, P = 0.0003, respectively). NRAS, PTPN11, FLT3, and KMT2D mutations were more common in patients who did not carry the fusion genes (all p < 0.05). PTEN mutation was significantly associated with high-risk ALL patients (P = 0.011), while NOTCH1 mutation was common in middle-risk ALL patients (P = 0.039). Patients with ETV6 or PHF6 mutations were less sensitive to steroid treatment (P = 0.033, P = 0.048, respectively).
Conclusion
This study depicted the specific genomic landscape of Chinese pediatric ALL and revealed the relevance between mutational spectrum and clinical features of Chinese pediatric ALL, which highlights the need for molecular classification, risk stratification, and prognosis evaluation.
Identification of the targeted mRNA associated with the miRNA microarray of chemo-sensitive choriocarcinoma using bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zhang Taohong , Yang Lei , Xu Huiqiu , Hao Jiatao , Yu Hui , An Ruifang , Xue Yan
Published: September 2022

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important and necessary role in the occurrence and development of various tumours. The aim of our study was to identify miRNAs as new biomarker of choriocarcinoma (CC) chemosensitivity.
Methods
We performed GeneChip hybridization of samples of trophoblastic villi and chemosensitive CC tissues, and differentially expressed miRNAs between the groups were obtained. The possible target genes of the most highly 3 overexpressed and underexpressed miRNAs were investigated through bioinformatics analysis. Then, the enriched pathways and biological functions of the hub genes associated with miRNAs were analysed, and networks were constructed by Cytoscape.
Results
A total of 148 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified from the GeneChip tissue hybridization analysis. The top 3 overexpressed and underexpressed miRNAs were miR‑100-5p, miR-432-5p and miR-144-3p, and miR-512-5p, 515‑5p and 519c‑3p, respectively. In the protein − protein interaction (PPI) networks, the top 18 genes with the highest degree of connectivity with overexpressed and underexpressed miRNAs were selected as hub genes. PTEN was identified as the key hub gene in the miRNAhub gene networks and to be potentially modulated by miR144-3p and miR-519c3p.
Conclusion
According to the results of our bioinformatics analysis, two miRNAs, miR144-3p and miR-519c-3p, may be potential biomarkers of and PTEN may play a crucial role in CC chemosensitivity.
N-acetylaspartate-Like Peak on MR Spectroscopy – A Useful Clue For Brain Metastases that Originate from Mucin- Expressing Primary?
Authors: Ostojic Jelena , Kozic Dusko , Grujicic Danica , Brkic Biljana Georgievski , Dragicevic Dusan , Boban Jasmina
Published: September 2022

Differential diagnosis between high-grade glioma and solitary cerebral metastasis remains to be diagnositc challenge using conventional imaging techniques. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is an advanced clinical magnetic resonance imaging technique that might help in resolivng this dillemma. Here we present a pictorial case series of 5 patients with observed peak close to the resonance of N-acetyl aspartate in the secondary tumors of various origin, potentially associted with the expression of mucin. Two patients had melanoma metastasis, one non-small-cell lung cancer metastasis, one metastasis from oropharyngeal cancer and one from the breast cancer. In all patients contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed solitary infiltrative lesion. MRS was performed in all lesions, and showed dominant peak close to 2.0ppm, and was reported as “N-acetyl-aspartate-like”. Based on the existing knowledge, this peak probably represents N-acetyl glycoproteins, as a reflection of mucin expression on the cancer cells. Thus, this dominant peak might be a very useful clue for attributing the single ring-enhancing lesions to the secondary dissemination of a mucin-expressing producing primary cancers, including melanoma, breast cancer, non-small cell lung cancers and oropharyngeal carcinoma, rather than to a high-grade glioma.
Three-dimensional finite element model analysis of biomechanical differences between classic suture bridge technique and modified "fishing net" suture bridge technique for rotator cuff
Authors: Wang Chen , Gao Ao-Fei , Pan Hai-Le
Published: September 2022

Background
The classic suture bridge technique is one of the most commonly used techniques for the treatment of rotator cuff tears, but there are still some defects when repairing larger rotator cuff tear
Methods
The CT and MRI scan data of the shoulder joint of a healthy adult were imported into Mimics 21.0, 3-matic 11.0, Geomagic studio 2012 and UG NX 9.0 to establish the models of the two surgical methods in turn, and then imported into Hypermesh 2019 to complete the pretreatment operations such as material endowment, meshing, applied load and boundary conditions. Finally, Abaqus 6.14 software was imported to compare the characteristics of stress distribution, peak stress, and mean stress of the two surgical methods at 5 °, 10 °, 15 °, 20 °, 25 °, and 30 ° of simulated shoulder abduction.
Results
At shoulder abduction of 5 °, 10 °, 15 °, 20 °, 25 °, and 30 °, the stress in both surgical models was mainly concentrated around the tendon passed by the suture, but the peak stress in the supraspinatus muscle of the modified "fishing net" suture bridge technique was less than that of the classical suture bridge. And when shoulder abduction was 20 °, 25 °, and 30 °, the mean stress of the modified "fishnet" suture bridge technique was significantly smaller than that of the classical suture bridge technique, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). At 5 °, 10 °, and 15 ° of abduction, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), but the values remained lower than in the classic suture-bridge technique.
Conclusion
The special suture distribution in the modified "fishing net" suture bridge technique can provide better anatomical coverage without increasing the number of anchors, effectively avoid the generation of deformity, and has a more uniform stress distribution inside the tendon, which is biomechanically superior to the classical suture bridge technique and can be used as a technical means in the repair of large rotator cuff tears.
TNF-α contributes to sarcopenia through caspase-8/caspase-3/GSDME-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Wu Jingying , Lin Siming , Chen Weixiao , Lian Guili , Wu Weibin , Chen Ai , HAJARY SAGOR MOHAMMAD ISMAIL , Luo Li , Wang Huajun , Xie Liangdi
Published: September 2022

Sarcopenia has become a leading cause of disability and mortality in the elderly. Decreased size and loss of the number of skeletal muscle cells are the histological manifestations of sarcopenia. Increasing evidence shows that programmed cell death (PCD) contributes to the loss of skeletal muscle fibers. TNF-α is also validated to play a prominent role in sarcopenia through its complex signaling pathways including cell death signaling. However, it is unclear whether TNF-α contributes to sarcopenia by mediating pyroptosis which is one type of PCD. Here, we first established naturally aged mice with sarcopenia model and confirmed an inflammatory state represented by TNF-α in aged mice. Evidence of GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and activation of apoptotic caspase-8/-3 were further found in skeletal muscle cells. We demonstrated that TNF-α triggered GSDME-mediated pyroptosis in myotubes through activating caspase-8 and caspase-3 by using caspase-8 and caspase-3 inhibitors. Comparing the activation of caspase-8 and GSDME expression between TNF Complex IIa and TNF Complex IIb, TNF-α was more inclined to assemble TNF Complex IIb in activating caspase-8 and triggering pyroptosis. Moreover, pyroptotic myotubes were validated to result in decreased expression of MHC1 and finally loss of myotubes by knockdown of GSDME. Our work unravels a novel mechanism that TNF-ɑ/caspase-8/caspase-3/GSDME signaling-mediated pyroptosis plays a pathogenic role in the development of sarcopenia. caspase-3/GSDME signaling-mediated pyroptosis can be a promising therapeutic target for sarcopenia.
“Ariadne’s thread”. Psycho-educational empowerment intervention for patients with metastatic breast cancer. A Case Study
Authors: Alfieri Sara , Murru Luciana , Bosisio Marco , Gangeri Laura , Monfredini Michela , Capri Giuseppe , Lozza Laura , Borreani Claudia
Published: September 2022

Background.
“Ariadne’s thread” is a psycho-educational intervention designed by the Clinical Psychology Unit of an Italian Comprehensive Cancer Center and aimed at promoting empowerment in patients with metastatic breast cancer. It consists of 8 online meetings led by a psycho-oncologist where informational parts discussed by all the doctors that care these patients alternate with moments of stress management.
Aim.
This case study aims to investigate: 1) the feasibility of the "Ariadne's thread" intervention; 2) the satisfaction and perception of efficacy of the pilot intervention by the participants.
Method.
We used a mixed method in which 1) it was detected: the number of acceptance to the intervention both of patients and professionals, the number of help requests by patients and the number of requests of date changing by the professionals; 2) semi-structured interviews to the professionals who participated at the intervention were conducted; 3) 2 focus groups with the patients were conducted and a questionnaire was submitted to each of them.
Results.
The intervention is sustainable for the organisation, professionals and patients point of view. In particular, the patients declare the perception of efficacy in many aspects: improvement of the relation with the doctors, acceptance of their illness, learning of a relaxing technique, possibility to look at the world with trust and hope, etc. The questionnaires show an improvement of empowerment and the satisfaction with the intervention.
Conclusion.
Even though other research are needed, the results are promising.
Diagnostic value of CMA in different phenotypes of fetal congenital heart defects
Authors: Zhang Simin , Pei Yan , Wang Jingjing , Han Jijing , Xiong Xiaowei , Yan Yani , zhang Juan , Liu Yan , Su Fangfei , Xu Jinyu , Wu Qingqing
Published: September 2022

Objective
To evaluate the detection rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities in congenital heart defects (CHD), further dig the potential diagnostic value of Chromosomal Microarray Analysis (CMA) technology for different phenotypes, and explore the possible genetic pathogenic factors of CHD.
Methods
We analyzed the CMA of 427 cases of CHD fetuses, and divided CHD into different groups according to two dimensions. According to whether they were combined with ECA, they were divided into isolated CHD and non-isolated CHD; According to the cardiac phenotype, they were divided into ten groups. The correlation between numerical chromosomal abnormalities (NCA), and copy number variations (CNVs, except likely benign and benign CNVs) with CHD was analyzed by Mantel test.
Results
In general, CHD with ECAs were more likely to have a genetic abnormality than those without ECAs (39.3% vs. 14.8%, P<0.05). The genetic abnormality rate of 427 fetuses was 21.8% (93/427), the detection rate of NCA was 12.9% (55/427), the most relevant were skeletal, Craniofacial, VSD, AVSD (P<0.05); and the detection rate of pCNVs was 8.9% (38/427), the most relevant were IAA, A, IAA, B, RAA, TAPVC, CoA, TOF and thymic abnormality. 22q11.2DS and had the highest detection, the detection rate of 22q11.2DS in the subgroups were IAA, B, RAA, PS, CoA, TOF and thymic abnormality. Overall analysis of cases, the CNV deletion fragment larger than 1 Mb may be pathogenic. In CNV, deletion was more likely to be pathogenic than duplication.
In addition, we detected 12 CNV syndromes; among of them, 9 syndromes that may be related to CHD. gene LIMK1 and MYH11 have been identified as part of a common pathway between cardiovascular and neurological development; candidate genes are considered to be related to heart and/or involved in embryonic development, FLI1, NIPBL, DLL1, PTPN11, TBX5.
Conclusion
Increased risk of genetic abnormalities in non-isolated CHD; CHD phenotype most related to NCA, pCNV and 22q11.2DS was found; and 12 CNV syndromes and 7 meaningful candidate genes were detected.
The effects of hot spring spa-bathing habits on physical and mental health in Japan
Authors: Takeda Midori , Nakamura Hiroki , Otsu Hajime , Mimori Koshi , Managi Shunsuke
Published: September 2022

Hot springs have long been used for medical purposes throughout the world. However, their health effects are still largely unknown. Therefore, we aimed to examine the physical and mental effects of hot spring spa-bathing habits throughout Japan. We conducted a new online questionnaire survey throughout Japan that included questions on spa-bathing behavior, disease prevalence, subjective satisfaction, and lifestyle habits. To understand regional differences, we used previously reported questionnaire data as a comparison. Regarding mental effects, the results showed a significant positive correlation between spa-bathing habits and subjective satisfaction. Moreover, 2% of life satisfaction was explained by spa-bathing habits in the regression model. Regarding physical effects, we found a significant reduction in the odds ratio of hypertension among spa bathers in two populations: elderly people nationwide and elderly people in Beppu. In addition, among elderly individuals in Beppu, the odds ratios of depression and hyperlipidemia were significantly lower among spa bathers, suggesting that there may be differences in the effects of hot springs between regions. This study revealed that hot spring spa-bathing habits positively impacted both physical and mental health. Our findings suggest that spa bathing could improve health status, especially among elderly individuals, by preventing hypertension and improving mental health.
First insights into the genetic diversity of Spodoptera spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) affecting vegetable crops in Jamaica
Authors: Neath Damion Orlando , Robinson Dwight Edward , Tennant Paula Fredericka
Published: September 2022

Spodoptera spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) are economically important insect pests of cereal and vegetable crops in Tropical and Subtropical regions of the Americas, but little is known of their distribution and diversity in countries of the Caribbean, in particular, Jamaica. In this study, larvae collected from hosts in the three major vegetable producing regions of Jamaica were characterized based on morphological characters and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequence data. Three species were identified; S. exigua, S. latisfascia and S. frugiperda. All three species were prevalent on bunching onions (Allium fistulosum); while bell pepper (Capsicum annum) and corn (Zea mays) were also hosts for S. exigua and S. frugiperda, respectively. Species clades at 99% confidence were obtained in phylogenetic analyses with Jamaican COI sequences and those from different geographical locations. Separate clustering occurred with native S. latisfascia and invasive S. exigua populations of the Americas. S. frugiperda corn and rice strain groupings that were closely related to native accessions of the Americas and invasives in Africa and Asia, including populations with recorded insecticide resistance, were distinguished. Based on this sampling, the Jamaican populations are consistent with those previously reported in the Americas and elsewhere. Low intraspecific genetic distances of ≤ 0.6% were obtained with the three species and apart from two exceptions, interspecific distances ranged from zero to 1.4%. The results provide new information about the population dynamics of Spodoptera species affecting vegetable crops in Jamaica and establish a baseline for further studies.
The anti-adipogenic effects of postbiotics derived from plant-based lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Yoon Da Hye , Kim Joo Yun , Keon Heo , Lee Hyeon Gyu , Seo Kunho , Shim Jae-Jung , Lee Jung-lyoul , Kim Hyunsook
Published: September 2022

The anti-obesity effects of postbiotics, non-viable heat killed lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum (HKLP) and Lactobacillus curvatus (HKLC)) were studied in 3T3-L1 cells along with their bioactive components, S-layer proteins (SLPs, LPSLP, and LCSLP). Relative lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was significantly inhibited after HKLP, HKLC, HKLPC (a mixture of HKLP and HKLC), LPSLP, and LCSLP. Expression of adipogenic gene was significantly downregulated by the HKLPs and SLPs. Interestingly, SLPs induced apoptosis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and early adipocytes, which were determined by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining. This was closely associated with a significant decrease in the expression of the anti-apoptosis gene, Bcl-2, and an increase in the pro-apoptosis gene, caspase-3. These results suggest that plant-based postbiotics, HKLABs and SLPs can be used as naturally occurring products in the prevention of obesity.
Relationship between Atmosphere of Psychiatric Wards and Motivation, Attitude and Perception of Patients Hospitalized in Shiraz and Bushehr University Hospitals - 2019
Authors: MA Abolhoseini , Bahreini M , Sh Pouladi , Bagherzadeh R
Published: September 2022

Research Background: Treatment of psychiatric patients is a challenging care issue that requires special attention due to the special nature and conditions of these patients. Detecting the factors affecting the acceptance of treatment by these patients can help control the disease and promote their health. The environment where people live can affect their behaviors. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between ward atmosphere with motivation, perception, and attitude of patients towards continuing the treatment process in psychiatric wards of certain university hospitals in Shiraz and Bushehr in 2019.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 299 patients admitted to the psychiatric wards of Bushehr and Shiraz hospitals. A convenience sampling method was performed. Data collection tools included demographic characteristics form, a short-form psychiatric ward questionnaire, and patient attitude, motivation, and treatment perception questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS 19 and Pearson or Spearman correlation tests, independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and linear regression. The significance level was considered less than 0.05 in all cases.
Results: The mean score of ward atmosphere was lower than average (18.37±2.99) from the patients' point of view. Among the subscales of ward atmosphere from the patients' point of view, the "support" subscale was a predictor of attitude towards continuing the treatment process (P=0.042, β=-0.131). The negative attitude toward treatment was lower at higher levels of support. Two subscales, namely "support" (P=0.048, β=0.120) and "programme clarity" (P<0.001, β = 0.221) were predictors of patients' perception of the treatment continuation; in other words, the patients' perception of the treatment process was higher at higher levels of these two subscales. None of the ward atmosphere subscales were related to the patient's motivation to continue the treatment process from the patient's point of view. (P>0.05)
Conclusion: Given the relationship between at least some sub-scales of ward atmosphere and patients' attitudes and perceptions about continuing the treatment process, designing ward atmosphere optimization programs is recommended to improve patients' attitudes and perceptions to continue the treatment process. It is recommended to study other factors affecting treatment in psychiatric patients.
The clinical differences between patients with pheochromocytoma with hypertension and those with normotension
Authors: Liu Zhenghuan , Zhou Liang , Zhu Yuchun
Published: September 2022

Objective
To explore the clinical differences between patients with pheochromocytoma with hypertension and those with normotension. In addition, we aimed to determine the risk factors associated with the development of hypertension.
Methods
All patients in West China Hospital undergoing surgical removal of pheochromocytoma (PHEO) were retrospectively analyzed to determine those with hypertension and normotension from 5 January 2009 to 19 July 2018. Preoperatively, demographic and clinical data were recorded and analyzed.
Results
Finally, there were 164 (31.3%) patients with normotension and 360 (68.7%) patients with hypertension. Older patients and those with longer courses of PHEO were more likely to develop hypertension. Patients with hypertension were less likely to have extra-adrenal PHEO. In addition, patients with hypertension had higher blood glucose levels and were more likely to develop diabetes. Similarly, the white blood cell (WBC) and blood platelet (PLT) counts of patients with hypertension were both higher than those of patients with normotension. Last but not least, the blood norepinephrine of patients with hypertension, which was positively associated with tumor size, was higher.
Conclusions
A total of 31.3% of PHEO patients might be with normotension. Older patients and those with longer courses of PHEO were more likely to present hypertension preoperatively. Patients with hypertension had higher blood norepinephrine and blood glucose levels. They were also more likely to develop diabetes.
Successful Treatment of Pediatric Systemic Mastocytosis With Omalizumab: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Bossi Grazia , Brazzelli Valeria , De Amici Mara , Raviola Chiara , Naso Matteo , Regalbuto Corrado , Boselli Federica , Fortina Valeria , Marseglia Gian Luigi
Published: September 2022

Background. Pediatric Mastocytosis is a rare and heterogeneous disease, characterized by accumulation of mast cells in the skin (Cutaneous Mastocytosis) and/or, less frequently, in other organs, mainly liver, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes and gastrointestinal tract (Systemic Mastocytosis). Patients affected by Systemic Mastocytosis complaint symptoms caused by the massive release of mast cell mediators: itching, flushing, abdominal pain, generalized weakness, fatigue and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, children with Systemic Mastocytosis are at greater risk of anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions, often poorly controlled by the conventional therapy with antihistamines, mast cells stabilizers and steroids. As a result, children affected by Systemic Mastocytosis have a poor quality of life and suffer the consequence of prolonged steroidal treatment.
Case presentation. A child with Systemic Mastocytosis and severe symptoms, refractory to symptomatic and steroidal therapy, has been successfully treated with Omalizumab, an anti-IgE monoclonal antibody usually employed in allergic patients with severe asthma and orticaria. The onset of clinical benefit of omalizumab therapy was extraordinarily rapid but proved to be strictly dependent on drug administration. The child has become completely and steadily asymptomatic. No other anaphylactic episodes have been reported. Steroid treatment could be definitively withdrawn and all the other medications were reduced. Omalizumab was well tolerated and no side effects have been observed.
Conclusions. In our experience Omalizumab is an effective treatment for children affected by Systemic Mastocytosis not responding to conventional medical treatments. The main strengths of this therapy are its rapid and extraordinary efficacy to control the severe mast cells mediator-related symptoms, the good safety profile and its steroid-sparing effect. However, more extensive and controlled studies in pediatric patients affected by Systemic Mastocytosis are needed to substantiate these promising findings.
The role of sclerostin and irisin on bone and muscle of orchiectomized rats
Authors: Zhou Bing-na , Zhang Qian , Lin Xiao-yun , Hu Jing , Zhao Di-chen , Jiang Yan , Xing Xiao-ping , Li Mei
Published: September 2022

Background: The reduction in androgen level gives rise to a decrease in bone mineral density and muscle strength,but the exact mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the roles of novel cytokines of sclerostin and irisin on bone and muscle of orchiectomized (ORX) rats.
Methods: Twenty 3-month-old male rats were randomized to receive sham or orchiectomy operation. Rats were euthanized after 8 weeks of surgery, and serum levels of sclerostin and irisin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and execution. Grip strength was measured by a grip strength tester at baseline and before execution. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microarchitecture were measured by microcomputed tomography. The samples of bone and muscle were harvested at execution. Bone biomechanics were measured by three-point bending tests and vertebral body indentation tests. Bone and muscle histological features were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin stain, Von Kossa’s stain and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase stain. Simple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the relationships between serum levels of sclerostin, irisin and grip strength and BMD of ORX rats.
Results: Serum sclerostin level increased from 279±44 pg/mL to 586±57 pg/mL since baseline to 8 weeks after ORX (P=0.002), which was significantly higher than that in sham rats (406±20 pg/mL at execution) (P=0.012). The serum irisin level decreased from 4.12±0.20 ng/mL to 3.55±0.29 ng/mL since baseline to 8 weeks of ORX (P=0.048), which was significantly lower than sham rats (4.84±0.37 pg/mL at execution) (P=0.013). Trabecular BMD, parameters of bone microarchitecture, bone strength, grip strength and the myofibers size of soleus muscles were significantly lower in ORX rats than in sham group. Grip strength was positively correlated with femoral trabecular BMD (r=0.713, P<0.001) and bone volume/total volume (r=0.712, P<0.001) in all rats. The serum sclerostin level was negatively correlated to femoral trabecular BMD (r=-0.508, P=0.022) and grip strength (r=-0.492, P=0.028). Serum irisin level was positively correlated with femoral trabecular BMD (r=0.597, P=0.005), but no obvious correlation was found between irisin level and muscle strength in all rats.
Conclusions: Reduced BMD, impaired bone microarchitecture, weak strength of bone and muscle, and thin myofibers were induced by androgen deficiency of ORX rats. Serum sclerostin and irisin levels were significantly changed after ORX, which might be closely correlated with the occurrence of osteoporosis and sarcopenia in ORX rats.