bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baoyuan Jiedu decoction alleviating cancer cachexia–Induced muscle atrophy by regulating muscle mitochondrial function in ApcMin/+ mice
Authors: Zhang Beiying , Bi Qianyu , Huang Shengqi , Lv Siyuan , Zong Xin , Wang Mengran , Ji Xuming
Published: August 2022

Cancer cachexia is a complex syndrome that leads to an ongoing loss of skeletal muscle mass in many malignant tumors. Our previous studies have evaluated the effectiveness of Baoyuan Jiedu decoction (BJD) in alleviating cancer-induced muscle atrophy. However, the mechanisms of BJD regulating muscle atrophy could not be fully understood. Therefore, we further investigated the mechanisms of BJD mitigating muscle atrophy both in an ApcMin/+ mouse model and the Lewis-conditioned medium–induced C2C12 myotube atrophy model. We confirmed the quality of BJD extracts by HPLC. In an In vivo study, body weight loss and muscle atrophy were alleviated with BJD treatment. GO analysis suggested that ATP metabolism and mitochondria were involved. The results of the electron microscope show that BJD treatment may have a healing effect on mitochondrial structure. Moreover, ATP content and mitochondrial numbers were improved with BJD treatment. Furthermore, both in vivo and in vitro, we demonstrated that the BJD treatment could improve mitochondrial function owing to the increased number of mitochondria, balanced dynamic, and regulation of the electron transport chain according to the protein and mRNA expressions. In addition, oxidative stress caused by mitochondrial dysfunction was ameliorated by BJD treatment in ApcMin/+ mice. Consequently, our study provides proof for BJD treatment alleviating cancer cachexia–induced muscle atrophy by modulating mitochondrial function in ApcMin/+ mice.
Dapagliflozin protects against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in db/db mice
Authors: Qiao Panshuang , Jia Yingli , Ma Ang , He Jinzhao , Shao Chen , Li Xiaowei , Wang Shuyuan , Yang Baoxue , Zhou Hong
Published: August 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most common liver disease, is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Although there is no consensus on the treatment of NAFLD, growing evidence suggests that tight glycemic control would contribute to the improvement of NAFLD. However, some insulin sensitizers cannot improve NAFLD, especially nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Whether insulin-independent hypoglycemic drug dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, may improve NAFLD keeps unclear. Therefore, 12-week-old male C57BL/6 wild-type and db/db mice were treated with 1 mg/kg dapagliflozin or vehicle for 12 weeks. Dapagliflozin alleviated NASH, manifesting as decreased alanine aminotransferase and NAFLD activity score in db/db mice. Also, dapagliflozin reduced de novo lipogenesis by the upregulation of FXR/SHP and downregulation of LXRα/SREBP-1c in the liver of db/db mice. Moreover, dapagliflozin treatment reduced inflammatory response by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and alleviated fibrosis by restoring the balance between fibrogenesis and fibrolysis in the liver of db/db mice. In summary, dapagliflozin alleviates NASH mostly by reducing lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. These findings provide new insights for understanding the protective effect of dapagliflozin in NASH and suggest that dapagliflozin may be used to treat NASH.
Identification of a potent NAFLD drug candidate for controlling T2DM-mediated inflammation and secondary damage in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Samsuzzaman Md , Lee Jae Hyuk , Moon Hyejin , Lee Jisue , Lee Heaji , Lim Yunsook , Park Myoung Gyu , Kim Hakwon , Kim Sun Yeou
Published: August 2022

Accumulation of glucose/sugar results in the formation of reactive di-carbonyl compounds such as MGO and GO that interact with several amino acids and proteins to form toxic advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Induction of AGEs breakdown can control symptoms and severity in T2DM and other related complications like NAFLD where AGEs are the key players. Therefore, an AGE cross-link breaker has been suggested for preventing the onset/progression of NAFLD. In this study, we reported novel synthetic naphthalene-2-acyl thiazolium derivatives (KHAGs). Among synthesized KHAG derivatives, we observed that a novel KHAG-04, a 1,4-dimethoxynaphthalen-2-acyl thiazolium salt which is an analog of alagebrium, dramatically cleaves MGO/GO-AGE cross-links, and it also inhibited inflammation by lowering the level of nitric oxide production and IL-1β and TNF-α secretion in LPS and/or MGO-AGE–activated macrophage. Moreover, it also reduced FFA and MGO-AGE–induced lipogenesis in Hep-G2 cells. In mice, KHAG-04 significantly reduced the level of glyoxal in the liver, which was induced by DMC. Furthermore, KHAG-04 treatment significantly reduced blood glucose levels, lipid accumulation, and inflammation in the NAFLD/T2DM animal model. Novel KHAG-04–mediated induction of AGEs breakdown could be the possible reason for its anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, and anti-lipidemic effects in cells and NAFLD in the T2DM animal model, respectively. Further research might explore the pharmacological efficacy and usefulness and consider the ability of this compound in the treatment strategy against various models of NAFLD in T2DM where MGO/GO-AGEs play a key role in the pathogenesis.
Targeted bile acid profiles reveal the liver injury amelioration of Da-Chai-Hu decoction against ANIT- and BDL-induced cholestasis
Authors: Zhou YueHua , Zhou YunZhong , Li YiFei , Sun Wei , Wang ZhaoLong , Chen Long , He Ye , Niu XiaoLong , Chen Jialiang , Yao Guangtao
Published: August 2022

Multiple types of liver diseases, particularly cholestatic liver diseases (CSLDs) and biliary diseases, can disturb bile acid (BA) secretion; however, BA accumulation is currently seen as an important incentive of various types of liver diseases’ progression. Da-Chai-Hu decoction (DCHD) has long been used for treating cholestatic liver diseases; however, the exact mechanisms remain unclear. Currently, our study indicates that the liver damage and cholestasis status of the α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced extrahepatic cholestasis, following DCHD treatment, were improved; the changes of BA metabolism post-DCHD treatment were investigated by targeted metabolomics profiling by UPLC-MS/MS. DCHD treatment severely downregulated serum biochemical levels and relieved inflammation and the corresponding pathological changes including necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, ductular proliferation, and periductal fibrosis in liver tissue. The experimental results suggested that DCHD treatment altered the size, composition, and distribution of the BAs pool, led the BAs pool of the serum and liver to sharply shrink, especially TCA and TMCA, and enhanced BA secretion into the gallbladder and the excretion of BAs by the urinary and fecal pathway; the levels of BAs synthesized by the alternative pathway were increased in the liver, and the conjugation of BAs and the pathway of BA synthesis were actually affected. In conclusion, DCHD ameliorated ANIT- and BDL-induced cholestatic liver injury by reversing the disorder of BAs profile.
Dexmedetomidine alleviates olfactory cognitive dysfunction by promoting neurogenesis in the subventricular zone of hypoxic-ischemic neonatal rats
Authors: Chen Andi , Chen Xiaohui , Deng Jianhui , Wei Jianjie , Qian Haitao , Huang Yongxin , Wu Shuyan , Gao Fei , Gong Cansheng , Liao Yanling , Zheng Xiaochun
Published: August 2022

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is the main cause of neurological dysfunction in neonates. Olfactory cognitive function is important for feeding, the ability to detect hazardous situations and social relationships. However, only a few studies have investigated olfactory cognitive dysfunction in neonates with HIBD; furthermore, the specific mechanisms involved are yet to be elucidated. It has been reported that neurogenesis in the subventricular zone (SVZ) is linked to olfactory cognitive function. Recently, dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been shown to provide neuroprotection in neonates following HIBD. In the present study, we investigated whether DEX could improve olfactory cognitive dysfunction in neonatal rats following HIBD and attempted to determine the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: We induced HIBD in rats using the Rice–Vannucci model, and DEX (25 μg/kg, i.p.) was administered immediately after the induction of HIBD. Next, we used triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and the Zea-longa score to assess the success of modelling. The levels of BDNF, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were determined by western blotting. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect microglial activation and microglial M1/M2 polarization as well as to evaluate the extent of neurogenesis in the SVZ. To evaluate the olfactory cognitive function, the rats in each group were raised until post-natal days 28–35; then, we performed the buried food test and the olfactory memory test.

Results: Analysis showed that HIBD induced significant brain infarction, neurological deficits, and olfactory cognitive dysfunction. Furthermore, we found that DEX treatment significantly improved olfactory cognitive dysfunction in rat pups with HIBD. DEX treatment also increased the number of newly formed neuroblasts (BrdU/DCX) and neurons (BrdU/NeuN) in the SVZ by increasing the expression of BDNF in rat pups with HIBD. Furthermore, analysis showed that the neurogenic effects of DEX were possibly related to the inhibition of inflammation and the promotion of M1 to M2 conversion in the microglia.

Conclusion: Based on the present findings, DEX treatment could improve olfactory cognitive dysfunction in neonatal rats with HIBD by promoting neurogenesis in the SVZ and enhancing the expression of BDNF in the microglia. It was possible associated that DEX inhibited neuroinflammation and promoted M1 to M2 conversion in the microglia.
Prospects for Neutron Reactions on Excited States in High-Density Plasmas
Authors: Thompson Ian J.
Published: August 2022

With the reactions of high flux neutrons, such as in a DT plasma, there is a prospect of seeing new kinds of neutron-nucleus reactions for the first time. If neutrons excite a heavy nucleus, for example, there is possibility of a second neutron reacting on excited states of the residual nucleus before that nucleus has de-excited to its ground state. The possibility of such reactions on excited states has rarely been considered. The cross section for neutron induced fission on the isomeric state of 235U has been measured (D’Eer et al., Phys. Rev. C, 1988, 38: 1270–1276) and calculated (Younes et al., 2003, Maslov, 2007), and reactions on rotationally excited nuclear states has been calculated (Kawano et al., Phys. Rev. C, 2009, 80: 024611). In high flux plasmas, however, a much wider range of reactions is possible. We therefore need to consider excited states at much higher-energies than previously modeled, and then estimate whether second neutrons are likely to rescatter on those excited states. To determine the likelihood of such rescattering events, we first need to know the probable time series of nuclear decays of those excited states. The lifetimes of many low-lying states have been measured experimentally, but now we need to know the lifetimes of the many higher excited states that could be produced from incident 14 MeV neutrons. These are too numerous to be measured and also too numerous to be calculated individually, so statistical Hauser-Feshbach decay models are used. I show some lifetime calculations for 89Y, 169Tm, and 197Au targets, and predictions for the number of rescattering events in plausible plasma scenarios.
Letrozole cotreatment with progestin-primed ovarian stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF treatment
Authors: Liu Yali , Lin Jiaying , Chen Li , Mao Xiaoyan , Wang Li , Chen Qiuju , Yu Sha , Kuang Yanping
Published: August 2022

Background: Progestin is an alternative to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in the follicular phase to suppress the premature luteinizing hormone (LH) surge in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) is always accompanied by increased pituitary suppression and gonadotropin consumption. Previous studies suggested that letrozole appeared to have the potential to reduce the total gonadotropin dose required for ovarian stimulation. A retrospective cohort study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of PPOS with or without letrozole in infertile women with PCOS.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 448 women with PCOS who underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) (n = 224) or hMG and MPA cotreatment with LE (n = 224) from January 2018 to March 2021 after propensity-score matching. The primary outcome measure was the hMG dose. The secondary outcomes were the durations of ovarian stimulation, the implantation rate, the number of oocytes retrieved and viable embryos, oocyte maturity and fertilization rates, the percentage of women with profound pituitary suppression (luteinizing hormone [LH] <1.0 IU/L on the trigger day).

Results: The hMG doses (1949.89 ± 725.03 IU vs 2017.41 ± 653.32 IU,p > 0.05) and durations of ovarian stimulation (9.03 ± 1.79 days vs 9.21 ± 2.18 days,p > 0.05) were similar between the two groups. The implantation rate was significantly higher in the study group (MPA + hMG + LE) than in the control group (MPA + hMG) (42.22 vs 34.69%, p < 0.05). The numbers of oocytes and embryos retrieved were similar between the two groups. Interestingly, letrozole cotreatment was associated with decreased oocyte maturity and fertilization rates in comparison with standard PPOS protocols even though mature and fertilized oocyte yields were comparable. Compared with those in the control group, the LH values on the trigger day were significantly higher in the study group, together with significantly reduced pituitary suppression.

Conclusion: Letrozole combined with PPOS cannot reduce hMG consumption in PCOS patients undergoing IVF treatment and shows no beneficial effect on cycle characteristics of COS. However, letrozole supplementation manifests as a superior implantation rate to that of the standard PPOS protocol in women with PCOS.
Forest gaps alter the soil bacterial community of weeping cypress plantations by modulating the understory plant diversity
Authors: Lyu Qian , Luo Yan , Liu Size , Zhang Yan , Li Xiangjun , Hou Guirong , Chen Gang , Zhao Kuangji , Fan Chuan , Li Xianwei
Published: August 2022

Weeping cypress is an endemic tree species that is widely planted in China, and the simple stand structure and fragile ecosystem of its plantation are common issues. Exploring the effect of different gap sizes on the soil bacterial community structure of weeping cypress plantations can provide a theoretical basis for the near-natural management of forest plantations. We, therefore, constructed three kinds of forest gaps with different sizes in weeping cypress plantations, namely, small (50–100 m2), medium (100–200 m2), and large gaps (400–667 m2), for identifying the key factors that affect soil bacterial communities following the construction of forest gaps. The results suggested that the herb layer was more sensitive than the shrub layer, while the Simpson, Shannon, and richness indices of the herb layer in plots with gaps were significantly higher than those of designated sampling plots without any gaps (CK). The presence of large gaps significantly increased the understory plant diversity and the Shannon and Simpson indices of the soil bacterial alpha diversity. There were obvious changes in the community composition of soil bacteria following the construction of forest gaps. The dominant bacterial phyla, orders, and functions were similar across the plots with different gap sizes. Of the indicator bacterial species, the abundance of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Lysobacter_ yangpyeongensis, and Ensifer_meliloti, was significantly different across plots with different gap sizes and accounted for a large proportion of the bacterial population of plots with medium and large gaps. The understory plant diversity was mostly related to the soil bacterial community than to other soil factors. The results of structural equation modeling indicated that the understory plant diversity was the most important environmental factor in driving the composition and diversity of bacterial communities. The construction of forest gaps significantly improved the understory plant diversity, physicochemical properties of the soil, and bacterial diversity in weeping cypress plantations, and the results of the comprehensive evaluation were in the order: large gaps > small gaps > medium gaps > CK. Our results suggested that large gaps are beneficial for the diversity of above-ground plant communities and underground soil bacterial communities.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene-editing of GmHdz4 transcription factor enhances drought tolerance in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.)
Authors: Zhong Xuanbo , Hong Wei , Shu Yue , Li Jianfei , Liu Lulu , Chen Xiaoyang , Islam Faisal , Zhou Weijun , Tang Guixiang
Published: August 2022

The HD-Zip transcription factors play a crucial role in plant development, secondary metabolism, and abiotic stress responses, but little is known about HD-Zip I genes in soybean. Here, a homeodomain-leucine zipper gene designated GmHdz4 was isolated. Chimeric soybean plants, GmHdz4 overexpressing (GmHdz4-oe), and gene-editing via CRISPR/Cas9 (gmhdz4) in hairy roots, were generated to examine the GmHdz4 gene response to polyethylene glycol (PEG)-simulated drought stress. Bioinformatic analysis showed GmHdz4 belonged to clade δ, and was closely related to other drought tolerance-related HD-Zip I family genes such as AtHB12, Oshox12, and Gshdz4. The GmHdz4 was located in the plant nucleus and showed transcriptional activation activity by yeast hybrid assay. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that GmHdz4 expression varied in tissues and was induced by PEG-simulated drought stress. The gmhdz4 showed promoted growth of aboveground parts, and its root system architecture, including the total root length, the root superficial area, and the number of root tips were significantly higher than those of GmHdz4-oe even the non-transgenic line (NT) on root tips number. The better maintenance of turgor pressure by osmolyte accumulation, and the higher activity of antioxidant enzymes to scavenge reactive oxygen species, ultimately suppressed the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2−), and malondialdehyde (MDA), conferring higher drought tolerance in gmhdz4 compared with both GmHdz4-oe and NT. Together, our results provide new insights for future research on the mechanisms by which GmHdz4 gene-editing via CRISPR/Cas9 system could promote drought stress and provide a potential target for molecular breeding in soybean.
Instructors’ expressive nonverbal behavior hinders learning when learners’ prior knowledge is low
Authors: Wang Mengke , Chen Zengzhao , Shi Yawen , Wang Zhuo , Xiang Chengguan
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the influence of instructors’ expressive nonverbal behavior and nonexpressive nonverbal behavior in video lectures on students’ learning performance and affective experience. We conducted two rounds of experiments using the same materials and procedures, the only difference being the participants. In each round of experiments, participants were randomly assigned to expressive condition or nonexpressive condition. 227 rural primary school sixth-graders took part in experiment 1, participants in expressive condition had better affective experiences and perceived tasks as less difficult, but had lower learning performance than participants in nonexpressive condition. 175 sixth-graders from urban primary schools participated in experiment 2. The results showed that instructors’ expressive nonverbal behavior also improved students’ affective experience and reduced students’ perception of task difficulty, but there was no significant difference in learning performance between the two groups. Comparing the pretest scores of students in the two experiments, it was found that the pretest scores of participants in experiment 2 were higher than those in experiment 1. Overall, instructors’ expressive nonverbal behavior can improve students’ affective experience and reduce their perception of task difficulty. However, when students’ prior knowledge is relatively low, instructors’ expressive nonverbal behavior hinders students’ learning performance. We suggest that teachers adopt expressive nonverbal behavior when lecturing because it is beneficial to maintain students’ long-term interest in learning. However, it should be noted that the difficulty of learning material should be determined by students’ prior knowledge.
The relationship of maternal and child methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor NR3C1 during early childhood and subsequent child psychopathology at school-age in the context of maternal interpersonal violence-related post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Cordero María I. , Stenz Ludwig , Moser Dominik A. , Rusconi Serpa Sandra , Paoloni-Giacobino Ariane , Schechter Daniel Scott
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Interpersonal violent (IPV) experiences when they begin in childhood and continue in various forms during adulthood often lead to chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is associated in multiple studies with hypocortisolism and lower percentage of methylation of the promoter region of the gene coding for the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1). This prospective, longitudinal study examined the relationship of NR3C1 methylation among mothers with IPV-related PTSD and their toddlers and then looked at the relationship of maternal NR3C1 methylation and child psychopathology at school age.

Methods

Forty-eight mothers were evaluated for life-events history and post-traumatic stress disorder via structured clinical interview when their children were ages 12–42 months (mean age 26.7 months, SD 8.8). Their children's psychopathology in terms of internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors was evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist at ages 5–9 years (mean age 7 years, SD 1.1). Percentage of methylation for the NR3C1 gene promoter region was assessed from DNA extracted from maternal and child saliva using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Data analysis involved parametric and non-parametric correlations and multiple linear and logistic regression modeling.

Results

Logistic regression models using child NR3C1 methylation as the dependent variable and maternal NR3C1 methylation and PTSD group status as predictors, as well as the interaction indicated that all three of these significantly predicted child NR3C1 methylation. These findings remained significant when controlling for child age, sex and maternal child abuse history. Overall, maternal NR3C1 methylation when children were toddlers was negatively and significantly associated with child externalizing behavior severity at school age.

Discussion

We found that correlations between mothers and their children of NR3C1 methylation levels overall and at all individual CpG sites of interest were significant only in the IPV-PTSD group. The latter findings support that NR3C1 methylation in mothers positively and statistically significantly correlates with NR3C1 methylation in their children only in presence of IPV-PTSD in the mothers. This maternal epigenetic signature with respect to this glucocorticoid receptor is significantly associated with child behavior that may well pose a risk for intergenerational transmission of violence and related psychopathology.
COVID-19 infection prevention and control procedures and institutional trust: Perceptions of Palestinian healthcare workers
Authors: El Sharif Nuha , Ahmead Muna , Imam Asma
Published: August 2022

Background

Lack of trust in institutional control measures during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks may affect healthcare workers' (HCWs) levels of stress and wellbeing, and as a consequence, may influence their trust and confidence in their organization. This study aims to understand factors associated with healthcare workers perceptions of trust in organizational preparedness, communication, and infection risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs (n = 876) in 16 COVID 19 healthcare facilities between October and December 2020 in Palestine (Gaza Strip, West Bank and East Jerusalem). A stratified purposive sample using an online self-administered Arabic version of a questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire used for this study was adapted from the World Health Organization Blueprint Novel Coronavirus Perceptions of healthcare workers regarding local infection prevention and control procedures for a COVID-19 research protocol.

Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 23. In the bivariate analysis, T-test, one-way ANOVA and χ2 test were used at a significant p-value < 0.05. In the multivariable logistic regression analyses, the adjusted odds ratios and its 95% confidence intervals are presented.

Results

Findings showed that confidence in the systems' ability to manage COVID-19 cases, encouragement and support from senior medical/nursing staff to apply recommended IPC measures, and good levels of mental health increased trust in the organization. Additionally, receiving proper training on IPC procedures for other communicable diseases, having access to clear policies and procedures related to IPC procedures for COVID-19, and providing PPE during the previous clinical shift also increased trust. However, the intention to use recommended PPE when treating patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 when having access to it and feeling emotional was negatively correlated with this trust.

Conclusions

HCWs should be provided with clear, accessible communications about policies and protocols, as well as training about infection prevention and control, personal protective equipment, and support during pandemics to increase their trust in the healthcare system. Additionally, the improvement in HCWs' wellbeing can be attributed to a greater sense of trust in institutions.
Association between sleep duration and chest pain in US adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Wei , Wang Ji-ping , Wang Zi-min , Hu Peng-Cheng , Chen Yu
Published: August 2022

Objective

Herein, we purposed to explore the association of sleep duration with chest pain among adults in US.

Methods

This research work enrolled 13,274 subjects in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2018. The association of sleep duration with chest pain among adults in US was evaluated by Multivariable logistic regression.

Results

To elucidate the association, we made adjustments for gender, BMI, diabetes, smoking status, drinking status, race, marital status, annual family income, hyperlipoidemia, Hypertension. Chest pain incidence decreased by 5% [OR = 0.95 (0.93, 0.98), p = 0.0004] for an increase in sleep duration by 1 h. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used to reseal a U-shaped relationship of sleep duration with incident chest pain. When duration of sleep was <6.5 h, chest pain incidence negatively correlated to sleep duration [OR = 0.77 (0.72, 0.82) P < 0.0001]. However, when sleep duration was ≥6.5 h, chest pain incidence rose with escalating sleep duration [OR = 1.07 (1.03, 1.11) p = 0.0014].

Conclusions

Duration of sleep was established to be independently linked with an increase in the occurrence of chest pain. Excessive sleep, as much as insufficient sleep, increases the risk of chest pain. Both excessive sleep and insufficient sleep are associated with an increased risk of chest pain.
Association between disability, social support and depressive symptoms in Chinese older adults: A national study
Authors: Tian Gang , Li Rui , Cui Yiran , Zhou Tong , Shi Yan , Yang Wenyan , Ma Yulan , Shuai Jingliang , Yan Yan
Published: August 2022

Objective

Disability and social support can impact depressive symptoms of the elderly. Yet, studies infrequently discuss the moderating role of social support when evaluating the association between disability and depressive symptoms. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between disability, social support, and depressive symptoms among the Chinese elderly, and further examine the moderating effect of social support.

Materials and methods

Using the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) data set, we finally selected 9,231 Chinese elderly after screening. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms in the elderly. Disability was measured by basic activities of daily living (B-ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (I-ADL). Social support included contact with family and friends, sick care, and money received, measured by five self-reported questions. We used multiple linear regression and moderating model to explore the association between disability, social support, and depressive symptoms.

Results

A total of 9,231 patients were included in this study, and approximately 26.75% of the elderly had depressive symptoms. Study found that depressive symptoms were associated with social support (βB−ADL = −0.108, 95% CI: −0.168– −0.047; βI−ADL = −0.098, 95% CI: −0.156– −0.039), βB−ADL (β = 0.296, 95% CI: 0.248−0.343) and I-ADL (β = 0.174, 95% CI: 0.152–0.195). Moreover, the result also showed that social support moderated the effects of B-ADL (βB-ADL*socialsupport = 0.034, 95% CI: 0.014–0.053, F = 11.57, p = 0.001) and I-ADL (βI-ADL*socialsupport = 0.025, 95% CI: 0.017–0.033) on depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

The study suggests that disability and social support can affect depressive symptoms, and social support moderates the effect of disability on depressive symptoms. Therefore, taking effective measures to reduce the elderly disability rate of disability and increase their social support are necessary condition for realizing mental health.
Change of weight status during school age and its association with late adolescent blood pressure: Results from a 15-year longitudinal study in China
Authors: Wang Xijie , Dong Yanhui , Huang Sizhe , Dong Bin , Ma Jun , Liang Wannian
Published: August 2022

Background

Change in obesity risk could be related to shift in high blood pressure (HBP) risk, while individualized influence of weight change on high blood pressure is in need of exploration.

Methods

A total of 16,446 children (53.47% boys) and 13,9021 effective annual measurements from 2006 to 2020 were recruited. Children's weight status, both at baseline and endpoint, was categorized as underweight, normal, overweight, and obese according to the age and sex-specific Body Mass Index z scores. HBP at late adolescence was defined with the last two measurements for each child. Populational attributable risk (PAR) of weight trait on HBP risk was calculated.

Results

Compared to children who maintained normal weight during follow-up, staying obese was associated with the highest HBP risk with OR of 6.39 (95% CI: 4.46, 9.15; p < 0.001) and PAR of 28.71% (95% CI: 21.58, 35.54) in boys, and OR of 6.12 (95% CI: 2.80, 13.37; p < 0.001) and PAR of 12.75% (95% CI: 4.29, 21.02) in girls. Returning from obese to normal weight was associated with lowered HBP risk, with ORs of 1.07 (95% CI: 0.69, 1.66; p = 0.771) in boys and 0.73 (95% CI: 0.25, 2.12; p = 0.566) in girls.

Conclusion

Weight loss program could be effective to reduce HBP risk during school age, while the underlying mechanism needs further exploration.
Urodynamic assessment of orthotopic urinary diversions
Authors: Palleschi Giovanni , Cardi Antonio , Falsaperla Mario
Published: August 2022

Orthotopic neobladder represents the best option for bladder reconstruction in terms of body image preservation and postoperative QoL for patients submitted to radical cystectomy. This technique offers also good short-term and logn-term functional outcomes. Nowadays, ileal orthotopic neobladder is the the bladder reconstruction of choice for both sexes of because there is large evidence of its superiority respect to other techniques in terms of surgical and functional results. Complications may develop during the follow-up, therefore clinical and instrumental adequate assessment is mandatory to early recognize alterations of neobladder function thus to prevent damages to the reservoir itself and to the kidney function, which can affect patients’ quality of life. Literature has shown that urodynamics and videourodynamics have significantly contributed to assess the functional aspects of ileal neobladders since the beginning of their use in patients submitted radical cystectomy, helping surgeons to improve the technical aspects of the procedure. After the preliminary results, many groups have observed that urodynamics and videourodynamics are the best tools to evaluate morphology and function of ileal neobladders. These diagnostic methods help to correctly diagnose the cause of altered neobladder function simultaneously providing anatomical informations that can be related to clinical signs and symptoms. Recent studies have confirmed the usefullness of these instruments also in patients with ileal neobladder achieved by laparoscopic and robotic approach, confirming the higher diagnostic value also respect to modern imaging techniques, as three dimensional computed tomography and magnetic resonance.
Breaking immersion: A theoretical framework of alienated play to facilitate critical reflection on interactive media
Authors: Aeschbach Lena Fanya , Opwis Klaus , Brühlmann Florian
Published: August 2022

There is a growing interest in understanding how to best represent complexity using IDNs. We conceptualize this as the aim to make players of such IDNs reflect critically on the complexity being represented. We argue that current understandings of player experience do not lend themselves to this aim. Research on interactive media has assumed immersion to be a universal positive for the player experience. However, in this article we argue that immersion into the Magic Circle of an IDN could be antagonistic to a critical experience. This is because immersion persuades players into suspending their disbelief, rather than facilitating critical reflection. Instead we propose, on the basis of the Epic Theater, an alternative form of play called alienated play. Meaning, a form of play in which the player is playing, while also observing themselves play. This form of play should allow for players to benefit from the enjoyable nature of play, while simultaneously remaining at a critical distance. To illustrate our theory we design two models, one for immersed play and one for alienated play. Furthermore, we present examples of the design for alienation in commercial video games, as well as hypotheses to test out theory in future research. Therefore, this work contributes an initial theoretical and practical informed form of play, specifically designed to facilitate critical reflection on IDNs representing complexity.
Derivation and validation of a prediction score for postoperative delirium in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or hip arthroplasty
Authors: Shen Jiawei , An Youzhong , Jiang Baoguo , Zhang Peixun
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Postoperative delirium is a common complication of patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or arthroplasty and is related to decreased survival time and physical function. In this study, we aim to build and validate a prediction score of postoperative delirium in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or hip arthroplasty.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or hip arthroplasty was established. Variables of included patients were collected as candidate predictors of postoperative delirium. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and logistic regression were used to derive a predictive score for postoperative delirium. The accuracy of the score was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating curve (ROC). We used bootstrapping resamples for model calibration. The prediction score was validated in an extra cohort.

Results

There were 1,312 patients in the derivation cohort, and the incidence of postoperative delirium was 14.33%. Of 40 variables, 9 were identified as predictors, including preoperative delirium, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) with the modified Rankin scale, diabetes with a random glucose level, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), age, application of benzodiazepines in surgery, surgical delay ≥2 days, creatine ≥90 μmol/L, and active smoker. The prediction score achieved a mean AUC of 0.848 in the derivation cohort. In the validation cohort, the mean AUC was 0.833. The prediction model was well-calibrated in the two cohorts.

Conclusion

Based on retrospective data, a prediction score for postoperative delirium in geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery or hip arthroplasty was derived and validated. The performance of the scoring system outperformed the models from previous studies. Although the generalization ability of the score needs to be tested in similar populations, the scoring system will enable delirium risk stratification for hip fracture patients and facilitate the development of strategies for delirium prevention.
Expression of SASP, DNA Damage Response, and Cell Proliferation Factors in Early Gastric Neoplastic Lesions: Correlations and Clinical Significance
Authors: Liang Li , Chai Yijie , Chai Fei , Liu Haijing , Ma Ningning , Zhang Hong , Zhang Shuang , Nong Lin , Li Ting , Zhang Bo
Published: August 2022

The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING)-mediated senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) pathway has recently been identified in the suppression and promotion of cancers. However, its practical role in carcinogenesis remains to be comprehensively elucidated. Here, we describe an investigation analysing SASP activity and its correlations with DNA damage response (DDR), genomic mutations, and cell proliferation in gastric carcinogenesis among 30 cases with available endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) specimens of early neoplastic lesions (including low-grade dysplasia [LGD], high-grade dysplasia [HGD], and intramucosal carcinoma). The positive cells of senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining and cGAS, STING, interferon-regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) expression levels using immunostaining were elevated in HGD and in cancers. Similarly, increased expression of the Fanconi anemia group D2 (FANCD2) protein, tumour suppressor p53 binding protein 1 (TP53BP1), and replication protein A (RPA2) (i.e., primary DDR factors) was detected in HGD and in cancers; these increased expression levels were closely correlated with high expression of Ki67 and minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) proteins. Moreover, genomic mutations in TP53 gene were detected in 56.67% of the evaluated cases (17/30) using next-generation sequencing, and positive staining was verified in HGD and in cancers. Statistical analysis revealed that cell proliferation closely correlated with the expression of DDR factors, of which TP53BP1 was positively associated with SASP factors and IRF3 was positively correlated with cell proliferation. In addition, an analysis evaluating clinical features demonstrated that STAT6-positive cases showed a longer progression-free survival time than STAT6-negative cases. Our evaluation, conducted using a limited number of specimens, suggests SASP may be prevalent in early gastric neoplastic lesions and could be activated by accelerated cell proliferation-induced DDR. The clinical significance of SASP still needs to be determined.
A Comprehensive Bioinformatic Analysis for Identification of Myeloid-Associated Differentiation Marker as a Potential Negative Prognostic Biomarker in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhou Min , Chen Yan , Gu Xuyu , Wang Cailian
Published: August 2022

Objectives: This study aimed to identify a molecular marker associated with the prognosis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Materials and Methods: The RNA sequencing data and clinical information of NSCLC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). The weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the co-expression gene modules and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) by comparing gene expression between NSCLC tumor tissues and normal tissues. Subsequently, the functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs was performed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the GEPIA2 online tool were performed to investigate the relationship between the expression of these genes of interest and the survival of NSCLC patients, and to validate one most survival-relevent hub gene, as well as validated the hub gene using independent datasets from the GEO database. Further analysis was carried out to characterize the relationship between the hub gene and tumor immune cell infiltration, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), and other known biomarkers of lung cancer. The related genes were screened by analyzing the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the survival model was constructed. GEPIA2 was applied in the potential analysis of pan-cancer biomarker of hub gene.

Results: 57 hub genes were found to be involved in intercellular connectivity from the 779 identified differentially co-expressed genes. Myeloid-associated differentiation marker (MYADM) was strongly associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of NSCLC patients, and high MYADM expression was associated with poor prognosis. Thus, MYADM was identified as a risk factor. Additionally, MYADM was validated as a survival risk factor in NSCLC patients in two independent datasets. Further analysis showed that MYADM was nagetively associated with TMB, and was positively correlated with macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, suggesting its role in regulating tumor immunity. The MYADM expression differed across many types of cancer and had the potential to serve as a pan-cancer marker.

Conclusion:MYADM is an independent prognostic factor for NSCLC patients, which can predict the progression of cancer and play a role in the tumor immune cell infiltration in NSCLC.
A Hybrid Game Strategy for the Pursuit of Out-of-Control Spacecraft under Incomplete-Information
Authors: Tang Xu , Ye Dong , Luo Sha , Low Kay-Soon , Sun Zhaowei
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the pursuit problem of out-of-control spacecraft under incomplete-information, and provides new ideas for the disposal of dangerous spacecraft with obstacle avoidance capability. Throughout the pursuit process, the maneuver strategy of the out-of-control spacecraft is unknown, and its possibly unconventional and irregular maneuvers may endanger the safe operation of any other spacecraft on orbit. Based on the differential game theory, complete information game strategy pairs are derived. Then, considering that the control information of the target is unavailable to the pursuer, the target’s maneuver is regarded as the disturbance item. The incomplete information game strategy is derived from the unilateral optimal cost function. Furthermore, the disturbance estimator is designed to identify the missing information of the target. The optimal hybrid game strategy is proposed as an approach to compensate the target maneuver strategy. Simulation study has been conducted and the results have validated that the missing information can be effectively estimated using the estimator. The designed hybrid game strategy can achieve rapid approach, while saving fuel consumption for on-orbit service.
Farm Biosecurity Measures and Interventions with an Impact on Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Butucel Eugenia , Balta Igori , McCleery David , Morariu Florica , Pet Ioan , Popescu Cosmin Alin , Stef Lavinia , Corcionivoschi Nicolae
Published: August 2022

Farm biosecurity management includes a set of practical measures used to prevent and limit the spread of infections to humans and animals. Infections, predominantly caused by zoonotic agents, often occur due to a lack of safety standards monitoring on farms, but also because of the use of inappropriate antimicrobial products leading to bacterial resistance, tolerance to biocides and the emergence antimicrobial-resistant germs. To date, research was mainly focused on studying the antimicrobial resistance in bacterial biofilms and the mechanisms involved in their occurrence. At molecular level, the limited diffusion of biocides in the biofilm matrix, enzyme-mediated resistance, genetic adaptation, efflux pumps, and levels of metabolic activity inside the biofilm are some of the investigated biological mechanisms which can promote antimicrobial resistance in biofilms were also investigated. Interventions, based on the identification of novel antimicrobial compounds, that would exclude the occurrence of bacterial tolerance, including essential oils (oregano, cloves), organic acids (tannic & oleic acid) and natural plant compounds (e.g. alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins and coumarins) were also extensively studied and reviewed given their effectiveness against pathogen-produced biofilms. The aim of this review was emphasize the importance of biosecurity and farm management practices and to assess their impact on bacterial biofilm formation. Furthermore, we present the recent intervention strategies aimed at reducing and combating the formation of bacterial biofilms in livestock farms.
Improving the Sustainability and Profitability of Oat and Garlic Crops in a Mediterranean Agro-Ecosystem under Water-Scarce Conditions
Authors: Martínez-López José Antonio , López-Urrea Ramón , Martínez-Romero Ángel , Pardo José Jesús , Montoya Francisco , Domínguez Alfonso
Published: August 2022

In areas with scarce water resources, population growth and climate change scenarios will mean that there is increasingly less water available for agricultural activity. Thus, optimizing crop irrigation water management is an absolute necessity. To address this situation, the SUPROMED project (sustainable production in water-limited environments of Mediterranean agro-ecosystems), available in an online platform, brings together a series of models and methodologies designed to promote more efficient management of water, energy and fertilizers. A two-year trial (2020–2021) was implemented in the Castilla-La Mancha region (Spain), with the aim of showing the effectiveness of SUPROMED as a farm management support tool. The trial was conducted on two of the region’s most important crops (oats and garlic). A series of productive, economic, and environmental key performance indicators (KPIs) were analyzed to measure the impact of transferring MOPECO (model for the economic optimization of irrigation water use at farm level), the irrigation scheduling model integrated in the SUPROMED platform, to farmers. In 2020, the management plan proposed by SUPROMED achieved a higher yield for oat than that generated by traditional management, using 40% less water. In the case of garlic, the same yield was obtained, using 30% less water. Gross margin and gross economic irrigation water productivity were improved for both crops. In 2021, one of the selected farmers was trained to use the SUPROMED platform to work with garlic crop. This management improved most of the KPIs analyzed compared to previous management without the SUPROMED platform, obtaining similar results to those obtained by SUPROMED in 2020. The results demonstrate that the tools and models included in SUPROMED have been properly adapted and can be easily used by farmers, improving the economic and environmental sustainability of Mediterranean agroecosystems.