bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel miRNA-based drug CD5-2 reduces liver tumor growth in diethylnitrosamine-treated mice by normalizing tumor vasculature and altering immune infiltrate
Authors: Liu Ken , Chen Jinbiao , Zhao Yang , Boland Jade , Ting Ka Ka , Lockwood Glen , McKenzie Catriona , Kench James , Vadas Mathew A. , Gamble Jennifer R. , McCaughan Geoffrey W.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Liver cancers exhibit abnormal (leaky) vasculature, hypoxia and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Normalization of tumor vasculature is an emerging approach to treat many cancers. Blockmir CD5-2 is a novel oligonucleotide-based inhibitor of the miR-27a interaction with VE-Cadherin, the endothelial-specific cadherin. The combination of a vasoactive medication with inhibition of immune checkpoints such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) has been shown to be effective in treating liver cancer in humans. We aimed to study the effect of CD5-2 combined with checkpoint inhibition (using an antibody against PD1) on liver tumor growth, vasculature and immune infiltrate in the diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver tumor mouse model.

Methods

We first analyzed human miR-27a and VE-Cadherin expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas for hepatocellular carcinoma. CD5-2 and/or anti-PD1 antibody were given to the DEN-treated mice from age 7-months until harvest at age 9-months. Tumor and non-tumor liver tissues were analyzed using histology, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

Human data showed high miR-27a and low VE-Cadherin were both significantly associated with poorer prognosis. Mice treated with CD5-2 plus anti-PD1 antibody had significantly smaller liver tumors (50% reduction) compared to mice treated with either agent alone, controls, or untreated mice. There was no difference in tumor number. Histologically, tumors in CD5-2-treated mice had less leaky vessels with higher VE-Cadherin expression and less tumor hypoxia compared to non-CD5-2-treated mice. Only tumors in the combination CD5-2 plus anti-PD1 antibody group exhibited a more favorable immune infiltrate (significantly higher CD3+ and CD8+ T cells and lower Ly6G+ neutrophils) compared to tumors from other groups.

Discussion

CD5-2 normalized tumor vasculature and reduced hypoxia in DEN-induced liver tumors. CD5-2 plus anti-PD1 antibody reduced liver tumor size possibly by altering the immune infiltrate to a more immunosupportive one.
Intranasally inoculated bacterium-like particles displaying porcine epidemic diarrhea virus S1 protein induced intestinal mucosal immune response in mice
Authors: Su Kai , Wang Yawen , Yuan Chen , Zhang Yanan , Li Yanrui , Li Tanqing , Song Qinye
Published: September 2023

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) causes acute watery diarrhea and high mortality in newborn piglets. Activation of intestinal mucosal immunity is crucial to anti-PEDV infection. To develop a vaccine capable of stimulating intestinal mucosal immunity, we prepared a bacterium (Lactococcus lactis)-like particle (BLP) vaccine (S1-BLPs) displaying the S1 protein, a domain of PEDV spike protein (S), based on gram-positive enhancer matrix (GEM) particle display technology. We further compared the effects of different vaccination routes on mucosal immune responses in mice induced by S1-BLPs. The specific IgG titer in serum of intramuscularly immunized mice with S1-BLPs was significantly higher than that of the intranasally administered. The specific IgA antibody was found in the serum and intestinal lavage fluid of mice vaccinated intranasally, but not intramuscularly. Moreover, the intranasally inoculated S1-BLPs induced higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in serum than the intramuscularly inoculated. In addition, the ratio of serum IgG2a/IgG1 of mice inoculated intramuscularly was significantly higher with S1-BLPs compared to that of with S1 protein, suggesting that the immune responses induced by S1-BLPs was characterized by helper T (Th) cell type 1 immunity. The results indicated that S1-BLPs induced systemic and local immunity, and the immunization routes significantly affected the specific antibody classes and Th immune response types. The intranasally administered S1-BLPs could effectively stimulate intestinal mucosal specific secretory IgA response. S1-BLPs have the potential to be developed as PEDV mucosal vaccine.
Nonlinear seismic response analysis of layered seabed considering seawater-seabed coupling effects
Authors: Fan Hong-Fei , Wang Yan-Zhen , Chen Guo-Xing , Chen Wei-Yun , Zhao Kai , Zhu Sheng-Dong
Published: September 2023

Earthquake in the sea area is an important factor affecting the safety of marine engineering construction, seabed site seismic response analysis is an important preliminary work for marine engineering construction. Based on a fluid-solid weak coupling model which could simulate seawater-seabed interaction, four typical borehole sections along the proposed tunnel at Qiongzhou strait are selected to establish layered seabed models for studying the seabed site seismic responses affected by the seawater, seabed soft sediments and bedrock earthquake motion under bidirectional seismic excitation, in which the dynamic nonlinearity of the seabed soft soil is simulated by a generalized non-Masing constitutive model (DCZ model). The result shows: the suppression effect of seawater on seabed seismic motion exists only in the shallow range of seabed (< 50 m), and the suppression effect on the vertical seismic response is higher than that along the horizontal direction; the suppression effect of seawater on the seabed surface seismic motion and the frequency response phenomenon of “high frequency suppression, low frequency amplification” of seabed seismic response is positively correlated with seawater depth; The mean lines of the horizontal and vertical spectrum β obtained by numerical calculation are higher than the design spectrum in the land code within several period ranges, and the possibility of adverse effects induced by seawater and seabed soft sedimentation on the seismic resistance of marine engineering should be considered.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii accelerates intestinal microbiota maturation and is correlated with increased secretory IgA production in neonatal dairy calves
Authors: Rostoll Cangiano Lautaro , Villot Clothilde , Amorin-Hegedus Rocio , Malmuthuge Nilusha , Gruninger Robert , Guan Le Luo , Steele Michael
Published: September 2023

Neonatal calves have a limited capacity to initiate immune responses due to a relatively immature adaptive immune system, which renders them susceptible to many on-farm diseases. At birth, the mucosal surfaces of the intestine are rapidly colonized by microbes in a process that promotes mucosal immunity and primes the development of the adaptive immune system. In a companion study, our group demonstrated that supplementation of a live yeast probiotic, Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii (SCB) CNCM I-1079, to calves from birth to 1 week of age stimulates secretory IgA (sIgA) production in the intestine. The objective of the study was to evaluate how SCB supplementation impacts the intestinal microbiota of one-week-old male calves, and how changes in the bacterial community in the intestine relate to the increase in secretory IgA. A total of 20 calves were randomly allocated to one of two treatments at birth: Control (CON, n = 10) fed at 5 g/d of carrier with no live yeast; and SCB (n = 10) fed at 5 g of live SCB per day (10 × 109 CFU/d). Our study revealed that supplementing calves with SCB from birth to 1 week of age had its most marked effects in the ileum, increasing species richness and phylogenetic diversity in addition to expediting the transition to a more interconnected bacterial community. Furthermore, LEfSe analysis revealed that there were several differentially abundant taxa between treatments and that SCB increased the relative abundance the family Eubacteriaceae, Corynebacteriaceae, Eggerthellaceae, Bacillaceae, and Ruminococcaceae. Furthermore, network analysis suggests that SCB promoted a more stable bacterial community and appears to reduce colonization with Shigella. Lastly, we observed that the probiotic-driven increase in microbial diversity was highly correlated with the enhanced secretory IgA capacity of the ileum, suggesting that the calf’s gut mucosal immune system relies on the development of a stable and highly diverse microbial community to provide the necessary cues to train and promote its proper function. In summary, this data shows that supplementation of SCB promoted establishment of a diverse and interconnected microbiota, prevented colonization of Escherichia Shigella and indicates a possible role in stimulating humoral mucosal immunity.
The role of bacteriophages in shaping bacterial composition and diversity in the human gut
Authors: Alkhalil Samia S.
Published: September 2023

The microbiota of the gut has continued to co-evolve alongside their human hosts conferring considerable health benefits including the production of nutrients, drug metabolism, modulation of the immune system, and playing an antagonistic role against pathogen invasion of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). The gut is said to provide a habitat for diverse groups of microorganisms where they all co-habit and interact with one another and with the immune system of humans. Phages are bacterial parasites that require the host metabolic system to replicate via the lytic or lysogenic cycle. The phage and bacterial populations are regarded as the most dominant in the gut ecosystem. As such, among the various microbial interactions, the phage-bacteria interactions, although complex, have been demonstrated to co-evolve over time using different mechanisms such as predation, lysogenic conversion, and phage induction, alongside counterdefense by the bacterial population. With the help of models and dynamics of phage-bacteria interactions, the complexity behind their survival in the gut ecosystem was demystified, and their roles in maintaining gut homeostasis and promoting the overall health of humans were elucidated. Although the treatment of various gastrointestinal infections has been demonstrated to be successful against multidrug-resistant causative agents, concerns about this technique are still very much alive among researchers owing to the potential for phages to evolve. Since a dearth of knowledge exists regarding the use of phages for therapeutic purposes, more studies involving experimental models and clinical trials are needed to widen the understanding of bacteria-phage interactions and their association with immunological responses in the gut of humans.
Alkaline arginine promotes the gentamicin-mediated killing of drug-resistant Salmonella by increasing NADH concentration and proton motive force
Authors: Zhu Chunyang , Zhou Yanhong , Kang Jian , Yang Heng , Lin Jinglin , Fang Binghu
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance, especially the development of multidrug-resistant strains, is an urgent public health threat. Antibiotic adjuvants have been shown to improve the treatment of resistant bacterial infections.

Methods

We verified that exogenous L-arginine promoted the killing effect of gentamicin against Salmonella in vitro and in vivo, and measured intracellular ATP, NADH, and PMF of bacteria. Gene expression was determined using real-time quantitative PCR.

Results

This study found that alkaline arginine significantly increased gentamicin, tobramycin, kanamycin, and apramycin-mediated killing of drug-resistant Salmonella, including multidrug-resistant strains. Mechanistic studies showed that exogenous arginine was shown to increase the proton motive force, increasing the uptake of gentamicin and ultimately inducing bacterial cell death. Furthermore, in mouse infection model, arginine effectively improved gentamicin activity against Salmonella typhimurium.

Discussion

These findings confirm that arginine is a highly effective and harmless aminoglycoside adjuvant and provide important evidence for its use in combination with antimicrobial agents to treat drug-resistant bacterial infections.
Environmental enrichment improves hippocampus-dependent spatial learning in female C57BL/6 mice in novel IntelliCage sweet reward-based behavioral tests
Authors: Bramati Giulia , Stauffer Pia , Nigri Martina , Wolfer David P. , Amrein Irmgard
Published: September 2023

The IntelliCage is an automated home-cage system that allows researchers to investigate the spontaneous behavior and learning abilities of group-housed mice. The IntelliCage enables us to increase the standardization and reproducibility of behavioral outcomes by the omission of experimenter–mouse interactions. Although the IntelliCage provides a less stressful environment for animals, standard IntelliCage protocols use controlled water access as the motivational driver for learning. To overcome possible water restrictions in slow learners, we developed a series of novel protocols based on appetitive learning, in which mice had permanent access to plain water but were additionally rewarded with sweetened water upon solving the task. C57BL/6NCrl female mice were used to assess the efficacy of these sweet reward-based protocols in a series of learning tasks. Compared to control mice tested with standard protocols, mice motivated with a sweet reward did equal to or better in operant performance and place learning tasks. Learning of temporal rules was slower than that in controls. When faced with a combined temporal x spatial working memory task, sweet-rewarded mice learned little and chose plain water. In a second set of experiments, the impact of environmental enrichment on appetitive learning was tested. Mice kept under enriched environment (EE) or standard housing (SH) conditions prior to the IntelliCage experiments performed similarly in the sweet-rewarded place learning task. EE mice performed better in the hippocampus-dependent spatial working memory task. The improved performance of EE mice in the hippocampus-dependent spatial working memory task might be explained by the observed larger volume of their mossy fibers. Our results confirm that environmental enrichment increases complex spatial learning abilities and leads to long-lasting morphological changes in the hippocampus. Furthermore, simple standard IntelliCage protocols could easily be adapted to sweet rewards, which improve animal welfare by removing the possibility of water restriction. However, complex behavioral tasks motivated by sweet reward-based learning need further adjustments to reach the same efficacy as standard protocols.
Novel bi-allelic variants of CHMP1A contribute to pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 8: additional clinical and genetic evidence
Authors: He Tiantian , Sun Huaqin , Xu Bocheng , Qu Haibo , Cai Xiaotang , Zhou Hui , Liu Yanyan , Lin Ziyuan , Zhang Xuemei
Published: September 2023

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 8(PCH8) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder, reportedly caused by pathogenic variants of the CHMP1A in autosomal recessive inheritance, and CHMP1A variants have also been implicated in other diseases, and yet none of the prenatal fetal features were reported in PCH8. In this study, we investigated the phenotype and genotype in a human subject with global developmental delay, including clinical data from the prenatal stage through early childhood. Prenatally, the mother had polyhydramnios, and the bilateral ventricles of the fetus were slightly widened. Postnatally, the infant was observed to have severely delayed psychomotor development and was incapable of visual tracking before 2 years old and could not fix on small objects. The young child had hypotonia, increased knee tendon reflex, as well as skeletal malformations, and dental crowding; she also had severe and recurrent pulmonary infections. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a severe reduction of the cerebellum (vermis and hemispheres) and a thin corpus callosum. Through whole exome sequencing and whole genomics sequencing, we identified two novel compound heterozygous variations in CHMP1A [c.53 T > C(p.Leu18Pro)(NM_002768.5) and exon 1 deletion region (NC_000016.10:g.89656392_89674382del)]. cDNA analysis showed that the exon1 deletion region led to the impaired expression, and functional verification with zebrafish embryos using base edition indicated variant c.53 T > C (p.Leu18Pro), causing dysplasia of the cerebellum and pons. These results provide further evidence that CHMP1A variants in a recessive inheritance pattern contribute to the clinical characteristics of PCH8 and further expand our knowledge of the phenotype and genotype spectrum of PCH8.
PSmad3+/Olig2− expression defines a subpopulation of gfap-GFP+/Sox9+ neural progenitors and radial glia-like cells in mouse dentate gyrus through embryonic and postnatal development
Authors: Ohyama Kyoji , Shinohara Hiroshi M. , Omura Shoichiro , Kawachi Tomomi , Sato Toru , Toda Keiko
Published: September 2023

In mouse dentate gyrus, radial glia-like cells (RGLs) persist throughout life and play a critical role in the generation of granule neurons. A large body of evidence has shown that the combinatorial expression of transcription factors (TFs) defines cell types in the developing central nervous system (CNS). As yet, the identification of specific TFs that exclusively define RGLs in the developing mouse dentate gyrus (DG) remains elusive. Here we show that phospho-Smad3 (PSmad3) is expressed in a subpopulation of neural progenitors in the DG. During embryonic stage (E14-15), PSmad3 was predominantly expressed in gfap-GFP-positive (GFP+)/Sox2+ progenitors located at the lower dentate notch (LDN). As the development proceeds (E16-17), the vast majority of PSmad3+ cells were GFP+/Sox2+/Prox1low+/Ki67+ proliferative progenitors that eventually differentiated into granule neurons. During postnatal stage (P1–P6) PSmad3 expression was observed in GFP+ progenitors and astrocytes. Subsequently, at P14–P60, PSmad3 expression was found both in GFP+ RGLs in the subgranular zone (SGZ) and astrocytes in the molecular layer (ML) and hilus. Notably, PSmad3+ SGZ cells did not express proliferation markers such as PCNA and phospho-vimentin, suggesting that they are predominantly quiescent from P14 onwards. Significantly PSmad3+/GFP+ astrocytes, but not SGZ cells, co-expressed Olig2 and S100β. Together, PSmad3+/Olig2− expression serves as an exclusive marker for a specific subpopulation of GFP+ neural progenitors and RGLs in the mouse DG during both embryonic and postnatal period.
Preferred physical characteristics of lidocaine thin film for women with vestibulodynia
Authors: Silverstein R. Gina , Cromeens Martha Grace , Rowland Caroline , Ogbansiegbe Joseph A. , Mihas Paul , Benhabbour S. Rahima , Carey Erin T.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Vestibulodynia (VBD) is the most common cause of sexual pain in the United States, affecting up to 15% of reproductive-aged women during their lifetime with limited treatment options. The purpose of this study was to describe ideal physical characteristics of a vulvar film designed for insertional sexual pain in sexually active women with VBD.

Methods

Twenty women were recruited to participant in one of six, semi-structured 60-minute focus group discussions regarding treatment options for VBD. Heterosexual women, aged 18–51 years old with a diagnosis of vulvodynia, vestibulodynia or insertional dyspareunia fit the inclusion criteria. Those who reported no episodes of vaginal intercourse in the prior 18 months were excluded. A new vulvar film technology loaded with 50 mg of 5% lidocaine was introduced to the group. Participants took part in focus groups on a rolling basis depending on availability. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Two study investigators coded the transcripts using inductive coding and merged their respective projects to resolve disagreements. We analyzed data related to each code to develop code clusters and higher-level primary topics regarding device preferences. Data related to each of these primary topics was analyzed to assess the range of participant attitudes and preferences and to identify patterns within each primary topic.

Results

One hundred and sixteen women were recruited, and twenty women were enrolled. The mean age for the participants was 33.3 years. Most women were educated with at least some college (93%), White (78.6%), married (75%), and had income greater than $100,000 (50%). Analysis of the focus group discussions identified five common topics addressed by participants: desired loaded medication, film size, film shape, film flexibility, and ease and accuracy of use. Concerns across topics included comfort, sexual spontaneity, and efficacy. Interest in loading the device with other acceptable medications or combination with lidocaine was independently noted in 2/6 (33%) of the focus groups.

Discussion

Mucoadhesive vulvar thin films may be an acceptable drug delivery system for insertional sexual pain for women with VBD.
Can the Chinese study on the normal range of FeNO in children evaluate standardized asthma treatment efficacy in 6- to 12-year-old children?
Authors: Yang Qiuyan , Cai Chunling , Xu Qingrong , Zheng Yuehong , Li Aijun , Liu Ying , Li Shufang , Zhang Yanli
Published: September 2023

Objective

By examining fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels and performing pulmonary function testing, this study explored whether the multicenter study on the normal range of FeNO in children in China can be used to evaluate standardized treatment efficacy in 6- to 12-year-old children with asthma.

Methods

A total of 115 children aged 6–12 years old who were first diagnosed with asthma and received standardized asthma treatment from April 2018 to July 2022 were selected. According to the FeNO level at the first visit, the subjects were divided into different high- and low-FeNO groups according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) guidelines and the Chinese multicenter study recommendations. The consistency of the two grouping methods and the differences between the high- and low-FeNO groups were compared after standardized treatment. The grouping method that was the most suitable for children in the cross group was discussed.

Results

(i) There was fair consistency between the Chinese multicenter study recommendations and the ATS guidelines regarding the classification of high- and low-FeNO groups (Kappa = 0.338). (ii) Repeated-measures ANOVA showed that the level of improvement in FVC%, FEV1%, FEF25%, FEF50%, and FeNO in the American high- and low-FeNO groups differed with the duration of therapy (P < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference between the Chinese groups. (iii) FEV1% and FeNO improved more after treatment in the fixed high-FeNO group than in the cross group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The Chinese multicenter study on the normal range of FeNO in children in China has a limited role in evaluating standardized asthma treatment efficacy in 6- to 12-year-old children. The ATS guidelines are currently recommended for clinical assessment of asthma treatment efficacy.
Pilot study shows skin-to-skin care with parents improves heart rate variability in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Swieter Erin , Gross Jessica M. , Stephen Julia , Watterberg Kristi , Maxwell Jessie R.
Published: September 2023

Background

Skin-to-skin care in the newborn intensive care unit typically lasts for short periods of time and enhances breastfeeding, attachment, and parental self-esteem. Heart rate variability (HRV) increases with gestational age and is a measure of maturation of parasympathetic vs. sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity. HRV measurements may be useful in capturing changes in autonomic regulation in response to skin-to-skin care.

Objective

To analyze the effects of skin-to-skin care on HRV in preterm infants receiving respiratory support. We hypothesized that skin-to-skin care would result in a more mature pattern of parasympathetic activity.

Methods

In this prospective crossover study, infants <30 weeks' gestation and 1–6 weeks postnatal age had HRV recorded for 30 min before, during, and after skin-to-skin care sessions. HRV characteristics analyzed included the standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN), the root mean squared of successive differences of normal-to-normal intervals (RMSSD), and the standard deviation of decelerations (SDDec).

Results

10 infants between 25 5/7–29 6/7 weeks gestational age and 7–41 days postnatal age completed 22 sessions while receiving respiratory support (positive pressure ventilation or nasal cannula oxygen). Two measures of HRV (SDNN and RMSSD) were significantly decreased by the end of the skin-to-skin sessions, compared to pre-session values. SDNN decreased from a median of 10.44 ms before the session to 6.70 ms after being placed back in bed (p < 0.05), with RMSSD decreasing from a median of 6.80 ms before the session to 4.32 ms while being held at the end of 30 min (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Skin-to-skin care with a parent resulted in a more mature autonomic nervous system pattern in preterm infants receiving respiratory support, suggesting physiologic benefit for the infant. No adverse events were seen during any session.
G. lucidum triterpenes restores intestinal flora balance in non-hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma: evidence of 16S rRNA sequencing and network pharmacology analysis
Authors: Xiong Wei , Yang Ce , Xia Jing , Wang Wenxiang , Li Ning
Published: September 2023

Background: Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) is a popular traditional remedy medicine used in Asia to promote health and longevity, which has also been highlighted for anti-cancer effects. This study investigated the molecular pharmacological mechanism of G. lucidum triterpenes in influencing intestinal flora imbalance in non-hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on 16S rRNA sequencing technology and network pharmacology analysis.

Methods: 16S rRNA sequencing data of fecal samples from normal controls and HCC patients were obtained from the SRA database. G. lucidum triterpenes and HCC-related targets were screened by BATMAN-TCM, ETCM, and GeneCards databases. The TCGA-LIHC dataset was downloaded through the TCGA database to analyze the differential expression of key genes. NHBV-related HCC-related transcriptome RNA sequencing dataset was downloaded via the GEO database.

Results: Abundance of intestinal flora in the HBV-related HCC and NHBV-related samples was higher than that of control samples. The intestinal flora of NHBV samples was mainly enriched in apoptosis and p53 pathways. Totally, 465 G. lucidum triterpenes-related targets were intersected with 4186 HCC-related targets, yielding 176 intersected targets. Among them, apoptosis and p53 pathway factors were located at the core of the protein-protein interactions network. Ganosporelactone B, the active component of G. lucidum triterpenes, had the lowest binding free energy to CASP3. CASP3 expression were upregulated in HCC tissue samples, and had higher predictive value in NHBV-related HCC patients.

Conclusion: Therefore, Ganosporelactone B, the active ingredient of G. lucidum triterpenes, improves the imbalance of intestinal flora and ultimately curtails development of NHBV-related HCC.
The influence of adjunctive traditional Chinese medicine therapy on survival in primary liver cancer: a real-world study based on electronic medical records
Authors: Zhao Ruixia , Wang Linlin , Liu Yibing , Shao Mingyi , Yang Wei , Fu Yu , Gao Qilong , Feng Jun’an , Xing Yunfei , Xiang Xinghua
Published: September 2023

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) effectively improves the survival rate and quality of life of primary liver cancer patients, but high-level evidence is lacking.

Patients and methods: Patients were selected from 5 tertiary hospitals in Henan Province, China. Two thousand sixty-seven patients with primary liver cancer were included in the study. The electronic medical records (EMRs) of the patients were collected. Patients who received adjunctive TCM treatment and underwent treatment cumulative time for more than 1 month were classified as the TCM intervention cohort. Patients who did not receive adjunctive TCM treatment or underwent treatment cumulative time for less than 1 month were classified as the non-TCM intervention cohort. The main outcome indicators were the survival rate and overall survival time. The propensity score inverse probability weighting method was used to balance the differences between the groups.

Results: The primary cohort comprised 2,067 patients, including 462 patients who received adjunctive TCM treatment and 1,605 patients who did not receive adjunctive TCM treatment. The results of the Kaplan‒Meier survival curve indicated that the survival rate and median survival time of the exposure group before and after propensity score weighting were greater than those of the control group (p < 0.0001). Univariate Cox regression analysis after propensity score weighting showed that adjunctive TCM treatment was an independent protective factor for survival [regression coefficient = −0.215, hazard ratio (HR) = 0.8066, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.6609–0.9844)].

Conclusion: Adjuvant treatment with TCM has a protective effect on the prognosis of patients with primary liver cancer; it can reduce the mortality and prolong the survival time.
Comparison of the respiratory effects of commonly utilized general anaesthesia regimes in male Sprague-Dawley rats
Authors: Ballók Bence , Schranc Álmos , Tóth Ibolya , Somogyi Petra , Tolnai József , Peták Ferenc , Fodor Gergely H.
Published: September 2023

Background: Respiratory parameters in experimental animals are often characterised under general anaesthesia. However, anaesthesia regimes may alter the functional and mechanical properties of the respiratory system. While most anaesthesia regimes have been shown to affect the respiratory system, the effects of general anaesthesia protocols commonly used in animal models on lung function have not been systematically compared.

Methods: The present study comprised 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats divided into five groups (N = 8 in each) according to anaesthesia regime applied: intravenous (iv) Na-pentobarbital, intraperitoneal (ip) ketamine-xylazine, iv propofol-fentanyl, inhaled sevoflurane, and ip urethane. All drugs were administered at commonly used doses. End-expiratory lung volume (EELV), airway resistance (Raw) and tissue mechanics were measured in addition to arterial blood gas parameters during mechanical ventilation while maintaining positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) values of 0, 3, and 6 cm H2O. Respiratory mechanics were also measured during iv methacholine (MCh) challenges to assess bronchial responsiveness.

Results: While PEEP influenced baseline respiratory mechanics, EELV and blood gas parameters (p < 0.001), no between-group differences were observed (p > 0.10). Conversely, significantly lower doses of MCh were required to achieve the same elevation in Raw under ketamine-xylazine anaesthesia compared to the other groups.

Conclusion: In the most frequent rodent model of respiratory disorders, no differences in baseline respiratory mechanics or function were observed between commonly used anaesthesia regimes. Bronchial hyperresponsiveness in response to ketamine-xylazine anaesthesia should be considered when designing experiments using this regime. The findings of the present study indicate commonly used anaesthetic regimes allow fair comparison of respiratory mechanics in experimental animals undergoing any of the examined anaesthesia protocols.
Using crop intercepted solar radiation and vegetation index to estimate dry matter yield of Choy Sum
Authors: He Yiyin , Wang Zhao , Sun Sashuang , Zhu Lijun , Li Yu , Wang Xiaoxiao , Shi Jiang , Chen Si , Qi Dunchang , Peng Junxiang , Zhou Zhenjiang
Published: September 2023

An accurate assessment of vegetable yield is essential for agricultural production and management. One approach to estimate yield with remote sensing is via vegetation indices, which are selected in a statistical and empirical approach, rather than a mechanistic way. This study aimed to estimate the dry matter of Choy Sum by both a causality-guided intercepted radiation-based model and a spectral reflectance-based model and compare their performance. Moreover, the effect of nitrogen (N) rates on the radiation use efficiency (RUE) of Choy Sum was also evaluated. A 2-year field experiment was conducted with different N rate treatments (0 kg/ha, 25 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, 100 kg/ha, 150 kg/ha, and 200 kg/ha). At different growth stages, canopy spectra, photosynthetic active radiation, and canopy coverage were measured by RapidScan CS-45, light quantum sensor, and camera, respectively. The results reveal that exponential models best match the connection between dry matter and vegetation indices, with coefficients of determination (R2) all below 0.80 for normalized difference red edge (NDRE), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), red edge ratio vegetation index (RERVI), and ratio vegetation index (RVI). In contrast, accumulated intercepted photosynthetic active radiation (Aipar) showed a significant linear correlation with the dry matter of Choy Sum, with root mean square error (RMSE) of 9.4 and R2 values of 0.82, implying that the Aipar-based estimation model performed better than that of spectral-based ones. Moreover, the RUE of Choy Sum was significantly affected by the N rate, with 100 kg N/ha, 150 kg N/ha, and 200 kg N/ha having the highest RUE values. The study demonstrated the potential of Aipar-based models for precisely estimating the dry matter yield of vegetable crops and understanding the effect of N application on dry matter accumulation of Choy Sum.
Genetic improvement of tocotrienol content enhances the oxidative stability of canola oil
Authors: Deng Min , Chen Hao , Zhang Wei , Cahoon Edgar B. , Zhou Yongming , Zhang Chunyu
Published: September 2023

Background

Tocotrienols and tocopherols, which are synthesized in plastids of plant cells with similar functionalities, comprise vitamin E to serve as a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant in plants. The synthesis of tocopherols involves the condensation of homogentisic acid (HGA) and phytyl diphosphate (PDP) under the catalysis of homogentisate phytyltransferase (HPT). Tocotrienol synthesis is initiated by the condensation of HGA and geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGDP) mediated by homogentisate geranylgeranyl transferase (HGGT). As one of the most important oil crops, canola seed is regarded as an ideal plant to efficiently improve the production of vitamin E tocochromanols through genetic engineering approaches. However, only a modest increase in tocopherol content has been achieved in canola seed to date.

Methods

In this study, we transformed barley HGGT (HvHGGT) into canola to improve total tocochromanol content in canola seeds.

Results and discussion

The results showed that the total tocochromanol content in the transgenic canola seeds could be maximally increased by fourfold relative to that in wild-type canola seeds. Notably, no negative impact on important agronomic traits was observed in transgenic canola plants, indicating great application potential of the HvHGGT gene in enhancing tocochromanol content in canola in the future. Moreover, the oil extracted from the transgenic canola seeds exhibited significantly enhanced oxidative stability under high temperature in addition to the increase in total tocochromanol content, demonstrating multiple desirable properties of HvHGGT.
Emotions, COVID-19 related thoughts and satisfaction with life during the critical period from control to relaxation
Authors: Diao Chunting , Tan Huiping , Wen Yanhui , Zhu Ruiyue , Wu Xiaoyue , Zhang Shiqi , Zhao Yongzhi , Liu Nian , Zhou Xuan , Hu Zhen
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In the context of declining mortality rates and increasing infectivity, it has become unavoidable for the majority of individuals to experience a COVID-19 infection at some point. This study aimed to investigate the psychological well-being of the general population during China’s transition period from strict control measures to relaxed policies in COVID-19 prevention and control, as well as the impact of COVID-19 related thoughts on emotion and life satisfaction during widespread infections.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving a sample size of 1578 participants. Participants completed self-report questionnaires assessing positive and negative emotions, thoughts about COVID-19, and satisfaction with life. Demographic characteristics such as sex, age, and education level were controlled for in the analysis.

Results

The findings revealed that individuals who had been infected with COVID-19 (specifically the Omicron variant BA.5.2 or BF.7) reported lower levels of positive emotions compared to those who were uninfected or had recovered from the infection. There was a significant relationship between COVID-19-related thoughts, emotions, and life satisfaction. Positive COVID-19 related thoughts were found to mediate the relationship between negative emotions and satisfaction with life.

Discussion

This study represents a comprehensive examination conducted in China, focusing on assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population during the critical transition period from control to relaxation. Throughout this period, the number of infections experienced fluctuations, initially rising but eventually declining over a one-month span. In such a momentous historical period, maintaining a positive perspective on COVID-19 and its management becomes paramount in enhancing the emotional well-being, life satisfaction and overall well-being of individuals.
Self-efficacy assessment hinders improvement on a deliberate cricket bowling practice task
Authors: Raman Dhruv , Rajaraman Bittu
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Previous research indicates that external focused attention is linked to superior performance on motor tasks. This study examined how attention directed toward one’s self-efficacy affected performance in a cricket bowling task.

Methods

In the pre-test phase, participants attempted to bowl in a designated “good length” zone across 12 trials. Following this, participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, where they rated their own general and task-specific self-efficacy, or a control group, where they rated someone else’s ability. They each then bowled 12 more trials. Their performance was measured based on the number of trials that were bowled within the standard “good length” zone.

Results

Paired t-tests showed that while the performance of the control group improved significantly from pre-test to post-test, t = 2.613, p = 0.008; the experimental group did not show a significant improvement, t = 1.156, p = 0.131.

Discussion

Results indicate that asking people to rate their self-efficacy level may reduce their improvement on a deliberate practice task. Implications for sport performance and researchers are discussed.
Sex and ethnic/racial differences in disordered eating behaviors and intuitive eating among college student
Authors: Yoon Cynthia , Mai Dan , Kinariwala Kush , Ledoux Tracey , Betts Randi , Johnston Craig
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Eating behaviors encompass disordered eating behaviors (e.g., overeating, binge eating, and associated symptoms of binge eating) and intuitive eating. Certain disordered eating behaviors, including binge eating, are more prevalent among female and ethnic/racial-minority college students than male and/or non-Hispanic White college students. However, sex and ethnic/racial differences among college students with other disordered eating (e.g., associated symptoms of binge eating) and intuitive eating behaviors remain unclear.

Methods

In 2022, 887 college students (Mage = 20.9 ± 2.6 years) self-reported their sex, ethnicity/race, disordered eating behaviors (e.g., overeating, binge eating, associated symptoms of binge eating), and intuitive eating. To examine sex and ethnic/racial differences among these students, we used modified Poisson regressions for students who reported disordered eating and linear regressions for students who reported intuitive eating.

Results

Except for overeating, disordered eating behaviors were more prevalent among female [adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.3–1.8] than male college students after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, whereas intuitive eating scores did not differ by sex. Across ethnic/racial groups, disordered eating was more prevalent among all ethnic/racial-minority college students (aPR = 1.2–2.3) than non-Hispanic White college students after adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Moreover, non-Hispanic Black or African American college students had higher intuitive eating scores than non-Hispanic White college students (adjusted β = 0.7, 95% CI = −0.2, 1.6).

Conclusion

In our sample, notable differences emerged in the prevalence of disordered eating behaviors and mean scores by sex and ethnicity/race, while differences in intuitive eating scores emerged based on ethnicity/race.
Polish validation of the Transplant Effects Questionnaire
Authors: Dębska Grażyna , Milaniak Irena , Dębska-Ślizień Alicja , Gołkowski Filip
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The Transplant Effects Questionnaire (TxEQ) assesses specific recipients’ reactions to receiving a transplanted organ, including worry about the transplant, Guilt regarding the donor, disclosure of having undergone transplantation, adherence to medical treatment, and responsibility to the donor, family, or medical staff. Poland has no standardized tool for evaluating the emotional reaction to transplantation. The study aimed to assess the basic psychometric properties, such as the reliability and validity of the Polish translation of TxEQ-PL.

Materials and methods

The study involved 84 patients after kidney transplantation. The average age of the subjects was 49.87 years (±15.27). The study used the diagnostic survey method, the Polish versions of the Revised Life Orientation Test (LOTR-R), the Mental Component Summary of the SF-36 (SF-36-MCS), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to verify the factor structure of TxEQ -P.L. variables.

Results

The TxEQ-PL version has satisfactory internal consistency for each subscale (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.7). The analysis showed a significant negative relationship between optimism (LOT-R) and the TxEQ-PL subscales: worry about transplant and disclosure of having undergone transplantation and a positive relationship in the subscale of adherence to medical treatment. In addition, a significant negative relationship was found between the subscale: adherence to medical treatment and the severity of depression and intensity of anxiety (HADS); also, a positive relationship with the Mental Component Summary of the SF-36 (SF-36-MCS). The intensity of anxiety and severity of depression were positively related to the TxEQ-PL subscale of disclosure of having undergone transplantation and negatively associated with the Mental Component Summary of the SF-36 (SF-36-MCS). The Confirmatory Factor Analysis confirmed the five-factor structure of the TXEQ-PL questionnaire (RMSEA = 0.083). Not the best fit is indicated by the value of comparative fit indexCFI = 0.813 and SRMR = 0.10. The result of the chi-squared test (220) = 340 was statistically significant; p < 0.001.

Conclusion

TxEQ-PL is useful for assessing emotional reactions to organ transplantation. The tool has a factor structure identical to the original English version and comparable psychometric properties.
Naturalistic psilocybin use is associated with persisting improvements in mental health and wellbeing: results from a prospective, longitudinal survey
Authors: Nayak Sandeep M. , Jackson Hillary , Sepeda Nathan D. , Mathai David S. , So Sara , Yaffe Abigail , Zaki Hadi , Brasher Trey J. , Lowe Matthew X. , Jolly Del R. P. , Barrett Frederick S. , Griffiths Roland R. , Strickland Justin C. , Johnson Matthew W. , Jackson Heather , Garcia-Romeu Albert
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The classic psychedelic psilocybin, found in some mushroom species, has received renewed interest in clinical research, showing potential mental health benefits in preliminary trials. Naturalistic use of psilocybin outside of research settings has increased in recent years, though data on the public health impact of such use remain limited.

Methods

This prospective, longitudinal study comprised six sequential automated web-based surveys that collected data from adults planning to take psilocybin outside clinical research: at time of consent, 2 weeks before, the day before, 1–3 days after, 2–4 weeks after, and 2–3 months after psilocybin use.

Results

A sample of 2,833 respondents completed all baseline assessments approximately 2 weeks before psilocybin use, 1,182 completed the 2–4 week post-use survey, and 657 completed the final follow-up survey 2–3 months after psilocybin use. Participants were primarily college-educated White men residing in the United States with a prior history of psychedelic use; mean age = 40 years. Participants primarily used dried psilocybin mushrooms (mean dose = 3.1 grams) for “self-exploration” purposes. Prospective longitudinal data collected before and after a planned psilocybin experience on average showed persisting reductions in anxiety, depression, and alcohol misuse, increased cognitive flexibility, emotion regulation, spiritual wellbeing, and extraversion, and reduced neuroticism and burnout after psilocybin use. However, a minority of participants (11% at 2–4 weeks and 7% at 2–3 months) reported persisting negative effects after psilocybin use (e.g., mood fluctuations, depressive symptoms).

Discussion

Results from this study, the largest prospective survey of naturalistic psilocybin use to date, support the potential for psilocybin to produce lasting improvements in mental health symptoms and general wellbeing.
Community-based care for autistic youth: community providers’ reported use of treatment practices in the United States
Authors: Drahota Amy , Sridhar Aksheya , Moskowitz Lauren J. , Kerns Connor M. , Soorya Latha , Wainer Allison , Cohn Elizabeth , Lerner Matthew D.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

To illustrate the landscape of community-based care for autistic youth in the United States, we identified transdisciplinary psychosocial intervention practice sets that community providers report utilizing to care for this population, and examined characteristics associated with provider-reported utilization.

Methods

The Usual Care for Autism Study (UCAS) Survey assessed provider demographics and provider-reported use of transdisciplinary practices for common ASD co-occurring problems: social difficulties, externalizing behaviors, and anxiety. Community practitioners (N = 701) from allied health, behavioral, education, medical, mental health and other disciplines who treat or work with autistic youth (7–22 years) participated.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis yielded four factors: Consequence-Based Strategies (CBS), Cognitive-Behavioral and Therapy Strategies (CBTS), Antecedent-Based Strategies (ABS), and Teaching Strategies (TS). Providers across disciplines reported utilizing ABS more often than other sets. Providers from behavioral disciplines, with less than 4-year or Master degrees, or with more experience reported the most use of ABS, CBS and CBTS. Medical and behavioral providers reported the most use of TS. Setting and child characteristics were associated with practice set use, indicating variability by disability and client socioeconomic status.

Discussion

Findings reflect the complexity and inconsistency of the service landscape for autistic youth across the U.S. Only by understanding the service landscape and predictors of practice utilization, can researchers, policymakers, provider groups, and the autistic community facilitate effective implementation strategy development and use to ultimately improve community-based care.