bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tibetan Pig-Derived Probiotic Lactobacillus amylovorus SLZX20-1 Improved Intestinal Function via Producing Enzymes and Regulating Intestinal Microflora
Authors: Shen Jiakun , Zhang Jie , Zhao Ying , Lin Zishen , Ji Linbao , Ma Xi
Published: March 2022

The interaction between exogenous microorganisms and the host has received great attention, and finding new probiotics is always the way to improve the health of humans and animals. Lactobacillus amylovorus (L. amylovorus) is a kind of Lactobacillus that can efficiently utilize starch, as a food and feed additive, it has been widely used for mildew prevention and antibacterial, bacteriostasis, and enzyme production. Herein, a strain of L. amylovorus was isolated from the feces of Tibetan weaned piglets, named L. amylovorus SLZX20-1. Physiological and biochemical experiments in vitro confirmed that it had a fast growth rate and could produce a variety of enzymes, including α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, α-glucosidase, β-glucosidase, and ferulic acid esterase. In addition, L. amylovorus SLZX20-1 exerted antibiotic effects on the growth of Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) SL1344, Citrobacter rodentium (C. rodentium) DBS100, Salmonella pullorum (S. pullorum) CVCC1791, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) CVCC1882, Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157, E. coli K88, E. coli K99, and E. coli 987P, which are closely related to acid productivity, such as lactic acid and acetic acid. In vitro co-culture, L. amylovorus SLZX20-1 has shown the strong adhesion ability to intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2 cells) and activated IPEC-J2 cells with high expression of host defense peptides (HDPs), such as NK-Lysin, PEP2C, and PBD-1. In vivo experiment, via intragastric administration, L. amylovorus SLZX20-1 significantly improved the feed intake of mice, declined the crypt depth of jejunum and ileum, L. amylovorus SLZX20-1 changed the composition of intestinal microbes, especially at the level of colonic genus, the dominant genus was changed from Lactobacillus to S24-7, which indicated the change of intestinal carbohydrate nutrition. In conclusion, L. amylovorus SLZX20-1 showed strong probiotic characteristics, which met with the standard of probiotics and is worth further exploring its impacts on host health and its potential as a candidate strain of probiotics.
Combined Treatment of Salinity Stress and Fruit Thinning Effect on Tomato
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Jiang Shuqin , Dai Yanyan , Zhang Zhaorui , Senge Masateru
Published: March 2022

This was an experimental investigation of the combined treatments of salinity (SAL) stress and fruit thinning (FT) on the growth, yield, fruit quality, and water use efficiency (WUE) of tomatoes with non-soil cultivation. The experiment was carried out in a plastic tunnel, Japan. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cv. Momotaro seedlings were transplanted in a randomized complete block (RCB) manner with six plants/treatment, and an overall 36 plants in 18 pots (2 plants/pot). The experiment involved varying SAL treatment (no-SAL, moderate SAL, and serious SAL, with electroconductivity of 0.8, 3.0, and 4.5 dS m−1, separately) and FT treatment (NT: no thinning and 3FT: three-fruit treatment). The tomato growth, yield, and WUE were significantly suppressed with increasing SAL. In comparison, FT treatment had less effect on tomato growth and water consumption. Either SAL stress or FT treatment significantly improved fruit quality. The combined treatment proved better than single treatment of either SAL stress or FT, avoided the subsize fruit following SAL stress treatment, reduced fruit cracking found with FT treatment, and greatly improved fruit quality. The SAL thresholds of WUEs in relation to biomass, yield, and marketable yield were approximately 3.0 dS m−1 under these soilless conditions. Path analysis showed that biomass and water consumption were important indexes affecting yield. Logistic equation fitting showed that SAL stress tended to inhibit and delay plant growth; however, FT tended to advance and shorten the period of plant growth.
Using Intermittent Fasting as a Non-pharmacological Strategy to Alleviate Obesity-Induced Hypothalamic Molecular Pathway Disruption
Authors: Oliveira Luciana da Costa , Morais Gustavo Paroschi , Ropelle Eduardo R. , de Moura Leandro P. , Cintra Dennys E. , Pauli José R. , de Freitas Ellen C. , Rorato Rodrigo , da Silva Adelino Sanchez R.
Published: March 2022

Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular intervention used to fight overweight/obesity. This condition is accompanied by hypothalamic inflammation, limiting the proper signaling of molecular pathways, with consequent dysregulation of food intake and energy homeostasis. This mini-review explored the therapeutic modulation potential of IF regarding the disruption of these molecular pathways. IF seems to modulate inflammatory pathways in the brain, which may also be correlated with the brain-microbiota axis, improving hypothalamic signaling of leptin and insulin, and inducing the autophagic pathway in hypothalamic neurons, contributing to weight loss in obesity. Evidence also suggests that when an IF protocol is performed without respecting the circadian cycle, it can lead to dysregulation in the expression of circadian cycle regulatory genes, with potential health damage. In conclusion, IF may have the potential to be an adjuvant treatment to improve the reestablishment of hypothalamic responses in obesity.
Interim Analysis of Impact of Adding Low Dose Pulmonary Radiotherapy to Moderate COVID-19 Pneumonia Patients: IMpaCt-RT Study
Authors: Singh Pritanjali , Mandal Avik , Singh Dharmendra , Kumar Subhash , Kumar Amarjeet , Rakesh Amrita , Ranjan Rakesh , Verma Manika , Rai Deependra Kumar , Bhushan Divendu , Shankar Abhishek , Sinha Arkaprava , Saini Rohit , Saha Arijit , Thovarayi Ashwin , Baral Anindya Kumar , Chauhan Samyak , Kumar Rajhans , Kakoty Priya , Modak Bithika , Ranjan Alok
Published: March 2022

Background

Treatment for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia remains largely supportive till date and multiple clinical trials took place within the short span of time to evaluate the role of investigational therapies. The anti-inflammatory effect of low dose whole lung radiation in treating pneumonia has been documented earlier. This clinical trial analyzed the effect of low dose radiation therapy (LDRT) in a moderately affected COVID-19 pneumonia patient cohort and has evaluated its effect in stopping the conversion of moderate disease into severe disease.

Methods

Patients with moderate COVID-19 pneumonia as characterized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Government of India, were randomized (1:1) to low dose whole lung radiation versus no radiation. All treatment of patients was concurrently being given as per institutional protocol. Patients were followed up with clinical and laboratory parameters monitored on Days 1, 3, 7, and 14. Computed tomography scan (CT scan) of thorax was performed on Days 1 and 7. Patients were evaluated for conversion of moderate into severe disease as per National Early Warning Score-2 (NEWS-2 score) as the primary end point. The secondary endpoints included changes in ratio between peripheral capillary oxygen saturation and fraction of inspired oxygen (SpO2/FiO2), biochemical markers, 25-point CT severity score, and radiation induced acute pulmonary toxicities.

Findings

At the interim analysis, there were seven patients in the radiation arm and six in the control. A whole lung LDRT improved the outcome of SpO2/FiO2 at Day 3; however it did not convert into a statistically significant improvement for the NEWS-2 score. The serum levels of LDH, CRP, Ferritin and D-dimer were significantly reduced on 14 days in the LDRT arm in comparison to the baseline value but were not significant between the two groups.

Interpretation

LDRT seems to have the potential to prevent moderate COVID-19 pneumonia from a deteriorating to severe category. However, further randomized clinical trial with an adequate number of such patients is warranted to establish the definitive role of LDRT in the management of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Funding

An intramural research project bearing code: I-27/621, was sanctioned from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2021/06/033912, 25th May 2021) ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/login.php
PCW-1001, a Novel Pyrazole Derivative, Exerts Antitumor and Radio-Sensitizing Activities in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kang Minsung , Pandit Navin , Kim Ah-Young , Cho Suk Joon , Kwon Young-Ju , Ahn Jiyeon , Lee Kyu Myung , Wu Sangwook , Oh Jeong Su , Jung Kwan-Young , Kim Jae-Sung
Published: March 2022

As pyrazole and its derivatives have a wide range of biological activities, including anticancer activity, the design of novel pyrazole derivatives has emerged as an important research field. This study describes a novel pyrazole derivative that exerts antitumor and radiosensitizing activities in breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. We synthesized a novel pyrazole compound N,N-dimethyl-N’-(3-(1-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)phenyl)azanesulfonamide (PCW-1001) and showed that it inhibited several oncogenic properties of breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. PCW-1001 induced apoptosis in several breast cancer cell lines. Transcriptome analysis of PCW-1001-treated cells showed that it regulates genes involved in the DNA damage response, suggesting its potential use in radiotherapy. Indeed, PCW-1001 enhanced the radiation sensitivity of breast cancer cells by modulating the expression of DNA damage response genes. Therefore, our data describe a novel pyrazole compound, PCW-1001, with antitumor and radiosensitizer activities in breast cancer.
Propofol Inhibits Proliferation and Augments the Anti-Tumor Effect of Doxorubicin and Paclitaxel Partly Through Promoting Ferroptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Sun Chen , Liu Pan , Pei Lijian , Zhao Mengyun , Huang Yuguang
Published: March 2022

Background

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is relatively common in women and is associated with a poor prognosis after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Currently, the mechanism underlying the relationship between propofol and breast cancer is controversial and limited to cell apoptosis. Moreover, there are only a few studies on the effect of propofol on the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of TNBC cells. Therefore, this study explored whether propofol and its commonly used clinical formulations affect the proliferation and chemotherapeutic effects on TNBC cells by regulating cell ferroptosis.

Methods

We selected MDA-MB-231 cells, and the effects of propofol, propofol injectable emulsion (PIE), or fospropofol disodium, alone or combined with doxorubicin or paclitaxel on cell viability, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, ferroptosis-related morphological changes, intracellular Fe2+ levels, and the expression and localization of ferroptosis-related proteins were investigated.

Results

We found that propofol significantly inhibited MDA-MB-231 cell proliferation, and all three propofol formulations augmented the anti-tumor effects of doxorubicin and paclitaxel. The results from the ROS assay, transmission electron microscopy, intracellular Fe2+ assay, western blotting, and multiplex immunohistochemistry revealed that propofol not only induced apoptosis but also triggered ferroptosis-related changes, including morphological changes of mitochondria, increased intracellular ROS levels, and intracellular iron accumulation in MDA-MB-231 cells. The ferroptosis-related p53-SLC7A11-GPX4 pathway was also altered under different treatment propofol, doxorubicin, or paclitaxel regimens.

Conclusion

Propofol showed anti-proliferation effects on TNBC cells and could be a potential adjuvant to enhance the chemotherapeutic sensitivity of TNBC cells partly by promoting cell ferroptosis.
Regorafenib in Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Multi-Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Xu Donghao , Liu Yu , Tang Wentao , Xu Lingsha , Liu Tianyu , Jiang Yudong , Zhou Shizhao , Qin Xiaorui , Li Jisheng , Zhao Jiemin , Ye Lechi , Chang Wenju , Xu Jianmin
Published: March 2022

Background

Regorafenib improves progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Here, we report the treatment patterns of regorafenib in the third- or late-line setting for mCRC in four centers in China.

Patients and Methods

Patients with refractory mCRC in four centers in China administered regorafenib from February 1, 2018 to June 31, 2021 were enrolled. Patients were grouped into 3 cohorts, namely, the monotherapy (regorafenib alone), chemo (regorafenib plus chemotherapy), and immune [regorafenib plus anti-PD1 (programmed cell death 1) antibodies] groups. Demographic, clinical, survival and safety data were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 177 patients were included in this study. Of them, 116 (65.5%) were treated with regorafenib alone, while 28 (15.9%) and 33 (18.6%) were administered regorafenib plus chemotherapy and anti-PD1 antibodies, respectively. The median followed-up time was 9.2 months. The disease control rate (DCR) was 40.7%. The median PFS (mPFS) was 2.43 months and the median OS (mOS) was 12.2 months. The immune group had longer median PFS (3.5 m vs. 2.2 m, p = 0.043) compared with the monotherapy group. Patients administered regorafenib plus chemotherapy had longer median OS (15.9 m vs. 8.4 m, p = 0.032) compared with the monotherapy group. Patients who began regorafenib treatment at 120 mg had longer median PFS and OS compared with those who began at 80 mg (PFS: 3.7 m vs. 2.0 m; p <0.001; OS: 13.4 m vs. 10.2 m; p = 0.005). Patients with a final dose of 120 mg had longer median PFS and OS compared with the 80 mg or less group (PFS: 5.0 m vs. 2.3 m; p = 0.045; OS: UR (unreach) vs. 10.9 m; p = 0.003). There were 87.0% (154/177) patients who experienced AEs. Three groups had similar rates of AEs (86.2% vs. 89.3% vs. 87.9%; p = 0.89).

Conclusion

Patients administered regorafenib alone or regorafenib in combination with other agents were relieved to some extent, with a disease control rate of 40.7%. Regorafenib plus anti-PD1 antibodies showed better PFS, while regorafenib plus chemotherapy had the most benefit in OS. There was no significant difference among three groups in terms of AEs.
A Panel of Bile Volatile Organic Compounds Servers as a Potential Diagnostic Biomarker for Gallbladder Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xin , Gui Xinru , Zhang Yanli , Liu Qi , Zhao Liqiang , Gao Jingxian , Ji Jian , Zhang Yi
Published: March 2022

As no reliable diagnostic methods are available, gallbladder cancer (GBC) is often diagnosed until advanced stages, resulting in a poor prognosis. In the present study, we assessed whether volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be used as a diagnostic tool for GBC. The VOCs in bile samples collected from 32 GBC patients were detected by gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS), and 54 patients with benign gallbladder diseases (BGD) were used as controls. Both principal component analysis and unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis gave a clear separation of GBC and BGD based on the bile VOC data collected from GC-IMS. A total of 12 differentially expressed VOCs were identified, including four upregulated (cyclohexanone, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, acetophenone, and methyl benzoate) and eight downregulated [methyl acetate, (E)-hept-2-enal, hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-pentenal, pentan-1-ol, 1-octen-3-one, and (E)-2-octenal] in GBC compared with BGD. ROC analysis demonstrated a 12-VOC panel con-structed by four machine learning algorithms, which was superior to the traditional tumor marker, CA19-9. Among them, support vector machines and linear discriminant analysis provided the highest AUCs of 0.972, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94.4% in the diagnosis of GBC. Collectively, VOCs might be used as a potential tool for the diagnosis of GBC.
HER2-Altered Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Biology, Clinicopathologic Features, and Emerging Therapies
Authors: Yu Xin , Ji Xianxiu , Su Chunxia
Published: March 2022

Multiple oncogenic molecular alterations have been discovered that serve as potential drug targets in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). While the pathogenic and pharmacological features of common targets in NSCLC have been widely investigated, those of uncommon targets are still needed to be clarified. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2, ERBB2)-altered tumors represent a highly heterogeneous group of diseases, which consists of three distinct situations including mutation, amplification and overexpression. Compared with breast and gastric cancer, previous studies have shown modest and variable results of anti-HER2 treatments in lung cancers with HER2 aberrations, thus effective therapies in these patients represent an unmet medical need. By far, encouraging efforts towards novel treatment strategies have been made to improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. In this review, we describe the biological and clinicopathological characteristics of HER2 alterations and systematically sum up recent studies on emerging therapies for this subset of patients.
Comparison of Health-Related Quality of Life Between Ileal Conduit Diversion and Orthotopic Neobladder in Women: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xing Wenzhou , Zeng Sheng , Xu Zhaoliang , Xing Shaoqiang , Liu Qian
Published: March 2022

Background

Orthotopic neobladder (ONB) reconstruction and ileal conduit diversion (ICD) can have different impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with bladder cancer.

Purpose

To conduct a meta-analysis to explore the comparison of HRQOL between ICD and ONB in women.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for available papers published from inception up to December 2020. The outcomes were the score data from HRQOL questionnaires. The random-effects model was used for all analyses.

Results

Four studies (six datasets; 283 patients) were included. In the EORTC-QLQ-C30, there were no differences between ICD and ONB regarding cognitive functioning (weighted mean difference (WMD)=1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): -20.52,22.88, P=0.915), global health (WMD=1.98, 95%CI: -15.26,19.22, P=0.822), emotional functioning (WMD=0.86, 95%CI: -19.62,21.33, P=0.935), physical functioning (WMD=0.94, 95%CI: -11.61,13.49, P=0.883), role functioning (WMD=-4.94, 95%CI: -12.15,2.27, P=0.180), and social functioning (WMD=-4.71, 95%CI: -20.83,11.40, P=0.567). There were no differences between ONB and ICD for specific symptoms (fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and pain) and single items (dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea, and financial difficulties) (all P>0.05). In EORTC-QLQ-BLM30, there were no differences between ICD and ONB regarding bowel symptoms (WMD=5.45, 95%CI: -15.30,26.20, P=0.607), body image (WMD=-13.12, 95%CI: -31.15,4.92, P=0.154), sexual functioning (WMD=-5.55, 95%CI: -14.96,3.85, P=0.247), and urinary symptom (WMD=5.50, 95%CI: -7.34,18.34, P=0.401), but one study reported better future perspective with ONB (WMD=-14.9, 95%CI: -27.14,-2.66, P=0.017).

Conclusion

Women who underwent ONB do not appear to have a statistically significantly better HRQOL than women who underwent ICD, based on EORTC-QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-BML30.
Vascular Co-Option and Other Alternative Modalities of Growth of Tumor Vasculature in Glioblastoma
Authors: Ribatti Domenico , Pezzella Francesco
Published: March 2022

Non-angiogenic tumors grow in the absence of angiogenesis by two main mechanisms: cancer cells infiltrating and occupying the normal tissues to exploit pre-existing vessels (vascular co-option); the cancer cells themselves forms channels able to provide blood flow (the so called vasculogenic mimicry). In the original work on vascular co-option initiated by Francesco Pezzella, the non-angiogenic cancer cells were described as “exploiting” pre-existing vessels. Vascular co-option has been described in primary and secondary (metastatic) sites. Vascular co-option is defined as a process in which tumor cells interact with and exploit the pre-existing vasculature of the normal tissue in which they grow. As part of this process, cancer cells first migrate toward vessels of the primary tumor, or extravasate at a metastatic site and rest along the ab-luminal vascular surface. The second hallmark of vascular co-option is the interaction of cancer cells with the ab-luminal vascular surface. The first evidence for this was provided in a rat C6 glioblastoma model, showing that the initial tumor growth phase was not always avascular as these initial tumors can be vascularized by pre-existing vessels. The aim of this review article is to analyze together with vascular co-option, other alternative mode of vascularization occurring in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), including vasculogenic mimicry, angiotropism and trans-differentiation of glioblastoma stem cells.
Risk Factors and Clinical Characteristics of Neonatal Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Early Onset Sepsis
Authors: You Ting , Zhou Yan-Rong , Liu Xiao-Chen , Li Lu-Quan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To identify risk factors associated with the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in infants with early onset sepsis (EOS) and to describe the clinical features.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at the Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2000 and October 2020. The infants were divided into ARDS and non-ARDS groups. Clinical characteristics and risk factors were compared between the two groups.

Results

Two hundred fifty infants (58 with ARDS) were included. Smaller gestational age, lower birth weight (LBW), lower serum albumin level, a higher rate of preterm birth, premature rupture of membranes, antenatal steroid exposure, and lower Apgar score were associated with an increased development of ARDS by univariate analysis (P < 0.05). LBW (β = −0.001, P = 0.000, OR: 0.999, 95% CI: 0.998–0.999) and low serum albumin levels (β = −0.063, P = 0.022, OR: 0.939, 95% CI: 0.889–0.991) were identified as independent risk factors for the development of ARDS by logistic regression analysis. A higher frequency of complications, including persistent pulmonary hypertension, intraventricular hemorrhage, pulmonary hemorrhage, septic shock, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, was found in the ARDS group (P < 0.05). The rate of mortality was higher for those in the ARDS group than for those in the non-ARDS group (46.6% vs. 15.6%, χ2 = 24.205, P = 0.000).

Conclusion

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in EOS could lead to a higher frequency of complications and mortality. The risk factors for the development of ARDS were LBW and low serum albumin levels.
A Chinese Medicine Formula (Bushen Huoxue Tongluo) for the Treatment of Chronic Subjective Tinnitus: A Study Protocol for a Pilot, Assessor-Blinded, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhang Hong Wei , Yeung Kammy N. K. , Tong Michael C. F. , Lin Zhi-Xiu , Chang Waitsz W. T. , Ng Iris H-Y. , Sum Chi Him , Leung Ka Chun , Chan Kam Leung , Ngan Kit , Tong Tie Jun
Published: March 2022

Background: Tinnitus is a common problem worldwide. There is still no effective method to cure it. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be a potentially effective treatment approach for tinnitus. However, there is still no clinical trial with scientifically rigorous methodology to evaluate the treatment effect of TCM for tinnitus. Therefore, we propose a pilot study to inform the feasibility of a future full-scale RCT to establish the efficacy of TCM formula for tinnitus.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of a full-scale RCT and explore whether a TCM formula (BHT) has an additional effect on improving tinnitus when compared to informative counseling alone.

Design: An assessor-blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial is used.

Participants: Twenty-four patients with chronic subjective tinnitus will be enrolled.

Interventions: The patients will be allocated randomly to receive a TCM formula (BHT, Bushen Huoxue Tongluo) and informative counseling or informative counseling alone. The oral BHT herbal granules will be taken twice per day continuously for 8 weeks.

Main outcome measures: The primary outcomes include recruitment rate, intervention completion rate, and data completion rate to evaluate the feasibility. The secondary outcomes include Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, tinnitus functional index, tinnitus sensation level, self-rated visual analogue scale on tinnitus loudness and annoyance, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and adverse event. The outcome measures will be collected at baseline, end of treatment, and 4-week follow-up.

Discussion: This trial is currently ongoing and is recruiting patients. The expected study results will find some preliminary evidence about the clinical effectiveness of BHT on chronic tinnitus and will also determine if it is feasible to conduct a full-scale RCT of BHT and identify the necessary changes to the protocol if possible.
Development of a Fringe Printer With 0.35 μm Pixel Pitch
Authors: Yamaguchi Takeshi , Yoshikawa Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

The development of computational devices can provide computer-generated holograms (CGH) of over 100 Giga-pixel easily. The performance improvement of the graphical processing unit makes calculations faster with a normal personal computer. In contrast, the output device of CGH is not reported much. Since CGH is a fringe pattern, high resolution and fine pixel pitch are required for the output device. We have been developing a direct fringe printer, which consists of a laser, an X-Y stage, an SLM, and optical parts available on the market. Our previous report presented a liquid crystal panel, which was used for SLM that had full HD resolution and 7 μm pixel pitch. Since the Pixel pitch of the liquid crystal panel is not small enough for CGH, the optical setup works to demagnify the pixel pitch of the printed fringe pattern. To record high resolution CGH, the calculated fringe pattern is split and exposed in tiles by the X–Y stage. The results showed a 0.44 μm pixel pitch and over 100 Gpixel CGHs. However, to output more high-quality CGH, the development of pixel pitch and resolution is very important. In this paper, we review the optical system of a fringe printer that achieved an output of 0.35 μm pixel pitch CGH. We also investigate the performance of the new fringe printer.
Deep-Learning Computational Holography: A Review
Authors: Shimobaba Tomoyoshi , Blinder David , Birnbaum Tobias , Hoshi Ikuo , Shiomi Harutaka , Schelkens Peter , Ito Tomoyoshi
Published: March 2022

Deep learning has been developing rapidly, and many holographic applications have been investigated using deep learning. They have shown that deep learning can outperform previous physically-based calculations using lightwave simulation and signal processing. This review focuses on computational holography, including computer-generated holograms, holographic displays, and digital holography, using deep learning. We also discuss our personal views on the promise, limitations and future potential of deep learning in computational holography.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection in Pregnancy. A Non-systematic Review of Clinical Presentation, Potential Effects of Physiological Adaptations in Pregnancy, and Placental Vascular Alterations
Authors: Ayala-Ramírez Paola , González Marcelo , Escudero Carlos , Quintero-Arciniegas Laura , Giachini Fernanda R. , Alves de Freitas Raiany , Damiano Alicia E. , García-Robles Reggie
Published: March 2022

In December 2019, the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) rapidly spread to become a pandemic. To date, increasing evidence has described the potential negative impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant women. Although the pathophysiology of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not entirely understood, there is emerging evidence that it causes a severe systemic inflammatory response associated with vascular alterations that could be of special interest considering some physiological changes in pregnancy. Additionally, these alterations may affect the physiology of the placenta and are associated with pregnancy complications and abnormal histologic findings. On the other hand, data about the vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 are limited, but the risks of administering COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy appear to be minimal. This review summarizes the current literature on SARSCoV2 virus infection, the development of COVID-19 and its relationship with physiological changes, and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) function during pregnancy. We have particularly emphasized evidence coming from Latin American countries.
Pancreas—Its Functions, Disorders, and Physiological Impact on the Mammals’ Organism
Authors: Karpińska Monika , Czauderna Marian
Published: March 2022

This review aimed to analyze the scientific literature on pancreatic diseases (especially exocrine pancreatic insufficiency). This review also describes the correlation between the physiological fitness of the pancreas and obesity. The influence of the pancreatic exocrine function on the development of the organism of adults and adolescents was also described. The results of piglet studies available in the literature were cited as an established model used to optimize treatments for pancreatic diseases in humans. The pancreas has an exocrine and hormonal function. Consequently, it is one of the key internal organs in animals and humans. Pancreatic diseases are usually severe and particularly troublesome. A properly composed diet and taken dietary supplements significantly improve the patient’s well-being, as well as the course of the disease. Therefore, a diet and a healthy lifestyle positively affect maintaining the optimal physiological efficiency of the pancreas.
Effects of Hip Joint Angle on Quadriceps Recruitment Pattern During Knee Extension in Healthy Individuals: Analysis by Ultrasound-Based Shear-Wave Elastography
Authors: Deng Weixin , Lin Ming , Yu Suiqing , Liang Hongying , Zhang Zhijie , Tang Chunzhi , Liu Chunlong
Published: March 2022

Purposes: To detect the effects of hip joint position on the quadriceps recruitment pattern of different resistance levels of rectus femoris (RF), vastus intermedius (VI), vastus lateralis (VL), and vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) in healthy people during knee extension.

Methods: Twenty healthy females performed isometric knee extension contractions at 0, 10, 20, and 30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) with a 90° and 0° hip angle. Ultrasound shear-wave elastography was used to evaluate the shear elastic modulus of RF, VI, VL, and VMO during resting and contraction states.

Results: At resting state, stiffness of RF was about 50% higher at 0° compared with at 90° of the hip (p < 0.01). There were significant differences in comparisons between 0 and 10% MVIC, 10 and 20% MVIC, and 20 and 30% MVIC in the four muscles, except that there was no significant difference between 20 and 30% MVIC for RF. There was a significant positive correlation between muscle stiffness and resistance level (r = 0.78–0.94, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Hip joint position had effects on the quadriceps recruitment pattern of different resistance levels in healthy people during knee extension.
Role and Posttranslational Regulation of Cx46 Hemichannels and Gap Junction Channels in the Eye Lens
Authors: Retamal Mauricio A. , Altenberg Guillermo A.
Published: March 2022

Connexins are a family of proteins that can form two distinct types of channels: hemichannels and gap junction channels. Hemichannels are composed of six connexin subunits and when open allow for exchanges between the cytoplasm and the extracellular milieu. Gap junction channels are formed by head-to-head docking of two hemichannels in series, each one from one of two adjacent cells. These channels allow for exchanges between the cytoplasms of contacting cells. The lens is a transparent structure located in the eye that focuses light on the retina. The transparency of the lens depends on its lack of blood irrigation and the absence of organelles in its cells. To survive such complex metabolic scenario, lens cells express Cx43, Cx46 and Cx50, three connexins isoforms that form hemichannels and gap junction channels that allow for metabolic cooperation between lens cells. This review focuses on the roles of Cx46 hemichannels and gap junction channels in the lens under physiological conditions and in the formation of cataracts, with emphasis on the modulation by posttranslational modifications.
Essential Oils Prime Epigenetic and Metabolomic Changes in Tomato Defense Against Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Soudani Serine , Poza-Carrión César , De la Cruz Gómez Noelia , González-Coloma Azucena , Andrés María Fé , Berrocal-Lobo Marta
Published: March 2022

In this work, we studied the direct and indirect plant protection effects of an Artemisia absinthium essential oil (AEO) on tomato seedlings against Fusarium oxysporum sp. oxysporum radicis lycopersici (Fol). AEO exhibited a toxic effect in vitro against Fol. Additionally, tomato seedlings germinated from seeds pretreated with AEO and grown hydroponically were protected against Fol. Plant disease symptoms, including, water and fresh weight loss, tissue necrosis, and chlorosis were less pronounced in AEO-treated seedlings. AEO also contributed to plant defenses by increasing callose deposition and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on seed surfaces without affecting seed germination or plant development. The essential oil seed coating also primed a durable tomato seedling defense against the fungus at later stages of plant development. RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis performed on seedlings after 12 days showed that the AEO treatment on seeds induced transcriptomic and metabolic changes. The metabolomic analysis showed an induction of vanillic acid, coumarin, lycopene, oleamide, and an unknown metabolite of m/z 529 in the presence of Fol. The StNRPD2 gene, the second largest component of RNA polymerases IV and V directly involved in de novo cytosine methylation by RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM), was highly induced in the presence of AEO. The host methionine cycle (MTC) controlling trans-methylation reactions, was also altered by AEO through the high induction of S-adenosyl methionine transferases (SAMts). Our results suggest that AEO treatment could induce de novo epigenetic changes in tomato, modulating the speed and extent of its immune response to Fol. The EO-seed coating could be a new strategy to prime durable tomato resistance, compatible with other environmentally friendly biopesticides.
Genome-Wide Expression and Physiological Profiling of Pearl Millet Genotype Reveal the Biological Pathways and Various Gene Clusters Underlying Salt Resistance
Authors: Awan Samrah Afzal , Khan Imran , Tariq Rezwan , Rizwan Muhammad , Wang Xiaoshan , Zhang Xinquan , Huang Linkai
Published: March 2022

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is a vital staple food and an important cereal crop used as food, feed, and forage. It can withstand heat and drought due to the presence of some unique genes; however, the mechanism of salt stress has been missing in pearl millet until now. Therefore, we conducted a comparative transcriptome profiling to reveal the differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) associated with salt stress in pearl millet at different time points, such as 1, 3, and 7 h, of salt treatment. The physiological results suggested that salt stress significantly increased proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in pearl millet at 1, 3, and 7 h of salt treatment. In addition, pearl millet plants regulated the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase to lessen the impact of salinity. The transcriptomic results depicted that salt stress upregulated and downregulated the expression of various transcripts involved in different metabolic functions. At 1 and 7 h of salt treatment, most of the transcripts were highly upregulated as compared to the 3 h treatment. Moreover, among commonly enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway and peroxisome pathway were significantly enriched. The DETs related to hormone signaling (auxins, ethylene, gibberellin, and abscisic acid), kinases, protein modifications, and degradation were also identified, depicting the possible role of hormones and kinases to enhance plant tolerance against salt stress. Furthermore, the transcription factors, such as ethylene-responsive element binding factors (ERF), basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH), HMG box-containing protein (HBP), MADS, myeloblastosis (MYB), and WRKY, were predicted to significantly regulate different transcripts involved in salt stress responses at three different time points. Overall, this study will provide new insights to better understand the salt stress regulation mechanisms in pearl millet to improve its resistance against salinity and to identify new transcripts that control these mechanisms in other cereals.
Durability and Moisture Dynamics of Douglas-Fir Wood From Slovenia
Authors: Humar Miha , Vek Viljem , Oven Primož , Lesar Boštjan , Kržišnik Davor , Keržič Eli , Hočevar Miha , Brus Robert
Published: March 2022

Wood in outdoor applications is subject to various decomposition factors. Wood degradation can be prevented by construction details, biocide protection of wood, wood modification or selection of naturally durable species. Unfortunately, most species in Europe do not have naturally durable wood. Imported tree species represent a new pool from which we can draw wood species with better natural durability and better resilience towards climate change. The performance of wood when used outdoors depends on the biologically active compounds (extractives) and the water exclusion efficacy. Considering decay, presence of biologically active compounds and water exclusion efficacy, we can estimate the density, modulus of elasticity, extractive content and resistance dose, which reflects the material properties of wood. Recently, the most commonly used model for this purpose is Meyer-Veltrup. Literature data indicate that the durability of the wood from native and new sites is not always comparable, so it is necessary to determine the resistance of non-native wood species from new sites. This paper presents original data on the wood’s overall durability from American Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) grown in Slovenia. Experimental data show that the mature heartwood of Douglas fir is more durable than the wood of European larch (Larix decidua). Durability can be attributed to good water exclusion efficacy and inherent durability. Inherent durability is primarily the result of the high content of extractives. Based on the results, it can be concluded that American Douglas fir grown in Central Europe has a high potential for outdoor use.
Phytochromes A and B Mediate Light Stabilization of BIN2 to Regulate Brassinosteroid Signaling and Photomorphogenesis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Jiachen , Yang Guangqiong , Jiang Lu , Zhang Shilong , Miao Langxi , Xu Peng , Chen Huiru , Chen Li , Mao Zhilei , Guo Tongtong , Kou Shuang , Yang Hong-Quan , Wang Wenxiu
Published: March 2022

Phytochromes A and B (phyA and phyB) are the far-red and red lights photoreceptors mediating many light responses in Arabidopsis thaliana. Brassinosteroid (BR) is a pivotal phytohormone regulating a variety of plant developmental processes including photomorphogenesis. It is known that phyB interacts with BES1 to inhibit its DNA-binding activity and repress BR signaling. Here, we show that far-red and red lights modulate BR signaling through phyA and phyB regulation of the stability of BIN2, a glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3)-like kinase that phosphorylates BES1/BZR1 to inhibit BR signaling. The BIN2 gain-of-function mutant bin2-1 displays an enhanced photomorphogenic phenotype in both far-red and red lights. phyA-enhanced accumulation of BIN2 promotes the phosphorylation of BES1 in far-red light. BIN2 acts genetically downstream from PHYA to regulate photomorphogenesis under far-red light. Both phyA and phyB interact directly with BIN2, which may promote the interaction of BIN2 with BES1 and induce the phosphorylation of BES1. Our results suggest that far-red and red lights inhibit BR signaling through phyA and phyB stabilization of BIN2 and promotion of BES1 phosphorylation, which defines a new layer of the regulatory mechanism that allows plants to coordinate light and BR signaling pathways to optimize photomorphogenesis.
Developing a Model for the Establishment of the Hospice Care Delivery System for Iranian Adult Patients With Cancer
Authors: Beiranvand Samira , Rassouli Maryam , Hazrati Maryam , Molavynejad Shahram , Hojjat Suzanne , Zarea Kourosh
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Making appropriate plans for the provision of hospice care is considered a perceived need in the Iranian health system. The current study aimed to develop a model for establishing hospice care delivery system for the adult patients with cancer.

Materials and Methods

This study is part (data of the third and fourth phases) of a larger study that has been done in four phases. This Health System Policy Research (HSPR) utilized a mixed qualitative-quantitative approach. At the first phase, a qualitative study was conducted which explained the care needs and the requirements for establishing this system from the stakeholders’ perspective (directed content analysis). The second phase aimed to examine the current situation of hospice care delivery in Iran and identify and determine the similarities and differences among them in the selected countries (comparative study). At the third phase, the main areas of the model and the related indicators were extracted and prioritized by consulting with experts (Delphi survey). Then the model was formulated. At the fourth phase, the proposed model was validated and finalized in terms of importance, scientific acceptability, and feasibility.

Results

Based on the developed model the first and the most important step in establishing the hospice care delivery system is laying the groundwork in the health system which requires focusing on policymaking. It is necessary to establish hospice centers and implement public awareness raising programs, train, and supply expert manpower, strengthen family physician and referral process, formulate clinical guidelines, encourage the private sector and NGOs(Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).) to invest, develop end-of-life and hospice care service packages, and create quality care indicators. The proposed model had moderate feasibility.

Conclusion

This model was developed based on the current Iranian healthcare structure and the needs of terminally ill cancer patients. It can be used as a model tailored to the current state of the health system and community in Iran. It is suggested to use this model as a pilot at the regional level.
Family Socioeconomic Status and Adolescent School Satisfaction: Does Schoolwork Support Affect This Association?
Authors: Horanicova Simona , Husarova Daniela , Madarasova Geckova Andrea , de Winter Andrea F. , Reijneveld Sijmen A.
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to explore the association of family socioeconomic status (SES) and internal and external schoolwork support with adolescents’ school satisfaction and whether schoolwork support modifies these associations.

Methods

Data come from the cross-sectional Health Behavior in School-aged Children study collected in 2018 from Slovak 15-year-olds (N = 1127; 52.7% boys). SES was measured by Family Affluence Scale (low; middle; high). School satisfaction was measured via school engagement and attitudes toward education. Schoolwork support was measured regarding two groups of sources inside and outside the family, separately. Logistic regression models were used to explore the associations of SES and schoolwork support with school satisfaction as well as the moderating effect of schoolwork support.

Results

Adolescents with low SES were more likely to feel indifferent toward school and education (odds ratios/95%-confidence interval: 1.77/1.26–2.49), and similarly, adolescents who did not have schoolwork support inside or outside the family (1.38/1.02–1.87, and 1.50/1.01–2.22, respectively). Schoolwork support moderated the associations of SES with school satisfaction. Adolescents with low and middle SES without support inside or outside the family were more likely to feel indifferent than satisfied (2.72/1.21–6.10; 3.00/1.27–7.06; and 2.86/1.05–7.80; 6.04/1.72–21.24, respectively).

Conclusion

Adolescents from low and middle SES without schoolwork support inside or outside the family are more likely to feel indifferent toward school and education.
Research on the Status of Intangible Cultural Heritage Bearers in the Human Capital Perspective
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Zhong , Wang Chenyu , Han Liming , Ruan Yaohui , Huangfu Zhounan , Zhou Shuai , Zhou Lei
Published: March 2022

Culture is the bloodline of the nation and the spiritual home of the people. Intangible cultural heritage (ICH) belongs to the field of culture, and the transmission of ICH is a kind of human-based cultural transmission, which is the shaping of people’s morality, character, sentiment, will, ideals and beliefs, value orientation, humanistic cultivation, artistic taste, way of thinking, wisdom, and ability in the practice of production and life of various ethnic groups. Based on the status acquisition model, this study analyzed the human capital (HC), social capital (SC), and psychological capital (PC) of ICH bearers from three perspectives. In addition to the conventional socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, place of residence, and education level as control variables, status attainment was introduced as a dependent variable, and occupational identity, job satisfaction, and entrepreneurial ability were introduced as mediating variables to construct a conceptual model in the hope of exploring the multiple influencing factors of status attainment among ICH bearers. Interviews were used to gain, the feelings and knowledge of experts, scholars, and ICH bearers, to lay a solid qualitative research foundation for this study. A questionnaire survey was also conducted to obtain basic information and professional experiences of ICH bearers to provide real support for the research analysis and discussion. As per the results of this research, all the hypotheses were supported except, HC did not have any significant impact on JS. Furthermore, SC was not in a significant association with career identity. Moreover, career identity and status attainment did not have a significant relationship.