bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal observation of viral load in patients infected with Omicron variant and its relationship with clinical symptoms
Authors: Zhou Kai , Hu Bingjie , Zhao Xinzhuan , Chi Hongbo , Pan Juan , Zheng Yufen , Bi Xiaojie , Chen Mengyuan , Xie Jicheng , Xu Jiaqin , Tung Tao-Hsin , Shen Bo , Zhu Hongguo
Published: January 2023

Objective

In 2022, a new coronavirus variant (Omicron) infection epidemic broke out in Shanghai, China. However, it is unclear whether the duration of this omicron variant is different from that of the prototype strain.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 157 cases of Omicron variant infection in Taizhou Public Health Center from March 29, 2022, to April 18, 2022, and observed the dynamics of nucleic acid Ct values during the admission and discharge of patients. Clinical and laboratory indicators of these patients were also obtained.

Results

Compared to the prototype strain, the Omicron variant showed a broad population susceptibility in infected individuals (regardless of age and presence of underlying disease) and had slight damage to the immune system and renal function; the viral loads peaked was 2-3 days from disease onset; the median duration of omicron variant was 15-18 days; the nucleic acid Ct value of nasopharyngeal swabs of infected patients is lower than that of throat swabs, and the Ct value of oropharyngeal swabs is unstable during the recovery period.

Conclusion

Therefore, we found that the time to peak viral load of this Omicron variant was 2-3 days after the onset of the disease, and the duration was 15-18 days; symptomatic patients had higher viral load and longer hospitalization time. This finding will provide a basis for understanding omicron variants and formulating the national prevention and control strategy.
Host-microbiota interactions and responses of Metapenaeus ensis infected with decapod iridescent virus 1
Authors: Liao Minze , Liao Xuzheng , Long Xinxin , Zhao Jichen , He Zihao , Zhang Jingyue , Wu Tingfen , Sun Chengbo
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Decapod iridescent virus 1 (DIV1) has caused severe economic losses in shrimp aquaculture. So far, Researchs on DIV1-infected shrimp have mainly focused on the hemocytes immune response, while studies on the host-intestine microbiota interactions during DIV1 infection have been scarce.

Methods

This study determined the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of DIV1 to Metapenaeus ensis, preliminarily determining that M. ensis could serve as a susceptible object for DIV1. The interactions and responses between the immune and intestine microbiota of shrimp under DIV1 infection were also investigated.

Results and Discussion

DIV1 infection decreases intestine bacterial diversity and alters the composition of intestine microbiota. Specifically, DIV1 infection decreases the abundance of potentially beneficial bacteria (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria), and significantly increases the abundance of pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio and Photobacterium, thereby increasing the risk of secondary bacterial infections. The results of PICRUSt functional prediction showed that altered intestine microbiota induces host metabolism disorders, which could be attributed to the bioenergetic and biosynthetic requirements for DIV1 replication in shrimp. The comparative transcriptomic analysis showed that some metabolic pathways related to host immunity were significantly activated following DIV1 infection, including ncRNA processing and metabolic process, Ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and Arachidonic acid metabolism. M. ensis may against DIV1 infection by enhancing the expression of some immune-related genes, such as Wnt16, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and C-type lectin 3 (Ctl3). Notably, correlation analysis of intestinal microbial variation with host immunity showed that expansion of pathogenic bacteria (Vibrio and Photobacterium) in DIV1 infection could increased the expression of NF-κB inhibitors cactus-like and Toll interacting protein (Tollip), which may limit the TLR-mediated immune response and ultimately lead to further DIV1 infection.

Significance and Impact of the Study

This study enhances our understanding of the interactions between shrimp immunity and intestinal microbiota. The ultimate goal is to develop novel immune enhancers for shrimp and formulate a safe and effective DIV1 defense strategy.
AlphaFold predicted structure of the Hsp90-like domains of the neurodegeneration linked protein sacsin reveals key residues for ATPase activity
Authors: Perna Laura , Castelli Matteo , Frasnetti Elena , Romano Lisa E. L. , Colombo Giorgio , Prodromou Chrisostomos , Chapple J. Paul
Published: January 2023

The ataxia-linked protein sacsin has three regions of partial homology to Hsp90’s N-terminal ATP binding domain. Although a crystal structure for this Hsp90-like domain has been reported the precise molecular interactions required for ATP-binding and hydrolysis are unclear and it is debatable whether ATP biding is compatible with these domains. Furthermore, the Identification of a sacsin domain(s) equivalent to the middle domain of Hsp90 has been elusive. Here we present the superimposition of an AlphaFold structure of sacsin with yeast Hsp90, which provides novel insights into sacsin’s structure. We identify residues within the sacsin Hsp90-like domains that are required for ATP binding and hydrolysis, including the putative catalytic arginine residues equivalent to that of the Hsp90 middle domain. Importantly, our analysis allows comparison of the Hsp90 middle domain with corresponding sacsin regions and identifies a shorter lid segment, in the sacsin ATP-binding domains, than the one found in the N-terminal domain of Hsp90. Our results show how a realignment of residues in the lid segment of sacsin that are involved in ATP binding can better match equivalent residues seen in Hsp90, which we then corroborated using molecular dynamic simulations. We speculate, from a structural viewpoint, why some ATP competitive inhibitors of Hsp90 may not bind sacsin, while others would. Together our analysis supports the hypothesis that sacsin’s function is ATP-driven and would be consistent with it having a role as a super molecular chaperone. We propose that the SR1 regions of sacsin be renamed as HSP-NRD (Hsp90 N-Terminal Repeat Domain; residues 84-324) and the fragment immediately after as HSP-MRD (Hsp90 Middle Repeat Domain; residues 325-518).
Case report: Identification of acute promyelocytic leukemia during osimertinib resistance followed by granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and pembrolizumab
Authors: Tian Huohuan , Yang Linhui , Hou Wang , Wu Yu , Dai Yang , Yu Jiang , Liu Dan
Published: January 2023

Background

The occurrence of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) during the management of lung cancer is rare and life-threatening. It was mainly reported to be secondary to chemoradiotherapy. A few studies reported an increased incidence of therapy-related acute promyelocytic leukemia (t-APL) after gefitinib became available.

Case presentation

We reported a patient who developed thrombocytopenia after receiving oral osimertinib in combination with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). For half a year, she had an unrecoverable low platelet count, which progressed to concomitant leukopenia and the transient appearance of orthochromatic normoblasts in the peripheral blood test, indicating a dormant myeloid disorder. Due to simultaneous resistance to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), pembrolizumab and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) were administered, revealing prominent signs of hematological malignancy in a peripheral blood test that was later identified as t-APL.

Conclusion

In general, patients undergoing EGFR-TKI combined with local radiotherapy should be concerned about their hematological assessment. If patients exhibit unrecoverable abnormalities in routine blood tests, a secondary nonsolid malignancy other than myelosuppression should be considered, and further lung cancer treatment should be discontinued.
Case report: The treatment for olfactory neuroblastoma combined with leptomeningeal carcinomatosis via an ommaya reservoir
Authors: Peng Yichen , Kang Xun , Jiang Bo , Chen Feng , Yang Shoubo , Kang Zhuang , Wang Ce , Lin Yi , Li Shenglan , Han Jiefei , Zhang Botao , Zhang Weichunbai , Li Wenbin
Published: January 2023

Olfactory neuroblastoma is a rare neoplasm that usually presents in the upper nasal cavity. Although its prognosis is highly unfavorable, effective treatment options are still lacking. Moreover, there is no standard treatment for patients with olfactory neuroblastoma that progressed to leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Here we report an uncommon case of a 59-year-old woman who was diagnosed with olfactory neuroblastoma and leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. For a direct delivery of the drugs to the tumor, and to avoid the impact of lumbar puncture on the patient’s quality of life, the intravenous chemotherapy plus intrathecal administration of MTX via an Ommaya reservoir was chosen. The results were striking, with the disappearance of tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid and the relief of the patient’s symptoms with PR. Our result indicates that chemotherapy via an Ommaya reservoir offers a new potential therapy for patients with meningeal metastases.
Study on differentially expressed genes between stage M and stage MS neuroblastoma
Authors: Wu Yuying , Zhang Jun
Published: January 2023

Objective

To search for the DEGs between stage MS NB and stage M NB and speculate the possible mechanism of spontaneous regression of stage MS NB.

Materials and methods

The NB datasets GSE49710 and GSE45547 in the GEO database were selected to screen the DEGs between children with NB stage MS vs. stage M, < 18 months. GO enrichment and KEGG pathway analysis of DEGs was performed using DAVID. The intersecting genes among DEGs and RCD-related genes were selected, and their survival roles and functions were assessed. We then used the collected clinical samples to validate the expression of these genes at the protein level using IHC methods and further analysis to explore their role.

Results

BIRC5, SLCO4A1, POPDC3, and HK2 were found to be downregulated in stage MS NB and related to apoptosis. BIRC5 and HK2 also participate in autophagy. The TF gene is upregulated in stage MS NB and related to ferroptosis. The above five genes are closely related to the survival of children with NB. And the expression levels of all five genes at the protein level were verified by IHC to be consistent with the results of the preliminary screening described above.

Conclusion

BIRC5, SLCO4A1, POPDC3, HK2 and TF are expected to become new important indicators to predict the prognosis of NB and can be used as the basis for further explored the benign prognosis and spontaneous regression mechanism of stage MS NB.
The apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I Ratio serves as a strong prognostic factor for the overall survival of patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Pan Yangxun , Ye Zhiwei , Ling Yihong , Kong Lingheng , Wang Chenwei , Chen Gong , Wan Desen , Chen Minshan , Hu Dandan
Published: January 2023

Background

The lipid metabolism status of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has not been understood comprehensively. The present study investigated the characteristics of lipid metabolism parameters in CRC patients with or without metastases and identified the independent prognostic factors of long-term prognosis.

Methods

The clinicopathological data of 231 CRC patients along with 259 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples with or without liver or lung metastasis were retrieved and stained for apolipoprotein B (apoB) via immunohistochemistry (IHC) in our center. The correlation and multivariable analysis between blood circulating apolipoprotein A-I (apoA1), apoB and overall survival (OS) were analyzed.

Results

In the multivariable analysis, apoA1, apoB and apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I (apoB/A) ratio, were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS. Moreover, the apoB/A ratio showed a significantly negative association with OS time (R=-0.187, P=0.004). CRC patients with low apoB/A ratio had better 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates than those who had high apoB/A ratio (87.1%, 54.3%, and 37.1% vs. 92.5%, 72.0%, and 59.5%, respectively, P=0.001). On histological level, similar expression intensity of apoB between primary CRC and liver metastases indicated better prognostic outcomes than those with different expression levels (100%, 83.3%, and 77.8% vs. 100%, 66.7%, and 33.3%, respectively; P=0.033). Higher level of apoB in the primary CRC interprets into increased incidence of liver metastases. However, the apoB expression levels in the CRC tumor were not parallel to the circulating lipid metabolism parameters.

Conclusions

The apoB/A ratio was a reliable independent prognostic factor for predicting the long-term OS of CRC patients. Moreover, the IHC of the primary CRC and metastatic lesions verified the metastatic potential of apoB through a different aspect. Lipid metabolism status for cancer progression reported in the present study possessed potentially prognostic value, but bench-scale studies are needed for their future clinical applications.
Prediction of portal dosimetry quality assurance results using log files-derived errors and machine learning techniques
Authors: Lew Kah Seng , Chua Clifford Ghee Ann , Koh Calvin Wei Yang , Lee James Cheow Lei , Park Sung Yong , Tan Hong Qi
Published: January 2023

Objective

This work aims to use machine learning models to predict gamma passing rate of portal dosimetry quality assurance with log file derived features. This allows daily treatment monitoring for patients and reduce wear and tear on EPID detectors to save cost and prevent downtime.

Methods

578 VMAT trajectory log files selected from prostate, lung and spine SBRT were used in this work. Four machine learning models were explored to identify the best performing regression model for predicting gamma passing rate within each sub-site and the entire unstratified data. Predictors used in these models comprised of hand-crafted log file-derived features as well as modulation complexity score. Cross validation was used to evaluate the model performance in terms of R2 and RMSE.

Result

Using gamma passing rate of 1%/1mm criteria and entire dataset, LASSO regression has a R2 of 0.121 ± 0.005 and RMSE of 4.794 ± 0.013%, SVM regression has a R2 of 0.605 ± 0.036 and RMSE of 3.210 ± 0.145%, Random Forest regression has a R2 of 0.940 ± 0.019 and RMSE of 1.233 ± 0.197%. XGBoost regression has the best performance with a R2 and RMSE value of 0.981 ± 0.015 and 0.652 ± 0.276%, respectively.

Conclusion

Log file-derived features can predict gamma passing rate of portal dosimetry with an average error of less than 2% using the 1%/1mm criteria. This model can potentially be applied to predict the patient specific QA results for every treatment fraction.
Distinct cholangiocarcinoma cell migration in 2D monolayer and 3D spheroid culture based on galectin-3 expression and localization
Authors: Sukphokkit Siriwat , Kiatwuthinon Pichamon , Kumkate Supeecha , Janvilisri Tavan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is difficult to cure due to its ineffective treatment and advanced stage diagnosis. Thoroughly mechanistic understandings of CCA pathogenesis crucially help improving the treatment success rates. Using three-dimensional (3D) cell culture platform offers several advantages over a traditional two-dimensional (2D) culture as it resembles more closely to in vivo tumor.

Methods

Here, we aimed to establish the 3D CCA spheroids with lowly (KKU-100) and highly (KKU-213A) metastatic potentials to investigate the CCA migratory process and its EMT-associated galectin-3 in the 3D setting.

Results and discussion

Firstly, the growth of lowly metastatic KKU-100 cells was slower than highly metastatic KKU-213A cells in both 2D and 3D systems. Hollow formation was observed exclusively inside the KKU-213A spheroids, not in KKU-100. Additionally, the migration activity of KKU-213A cells was higher than that of KKU-100 cells in both 2D and 3D systems. Besides, altered expression of galectin-3 were observed across all CCA culture conditions with substantial relocalization from inside the 2D cells to the border of spheroids in the 3D system. Notably, the CCA migration was inversely proportional to the galectin-3 expression in the 3D culture, but not in the 2D setting. This suggests the contribution of culture platforms to the alternation of the CCA cell migration process.

Conclusions

Thus, our data revealed that 3D culture of CCA cells was phenotypically distinct from 2D culture and pointed to the superiority of using the 3D culture model for examining the CCA cellular mechanisms, providing knowledges that are better correlated with CCA phenotypes in vivo.
Increased response to TPF chemotherapy promotes immune escape in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Ruichen , Yan Li , Tian Shu , Zhao Yang , Zhu Yi , Wang Xiaoshen
Published: January 2023

Background: There is an urgent need to identify which patients would benefit from TPF chemotherapy in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) and to explore new combinations to improve the treatment effect.

Materials and methods: Gene-expression profiles in 15 TPF-sensitive patients were compared to 13 resistant patients. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to detect CD8+ T cells in 28 samples. Patient-Derived Tumor Xenograft (PDX) model and IHC were used to verify markers that optimize treatment for HPSCC.

Results: Through RNA sequencing 188 genes were up-regulated in TPF chemotherapy-resistant (CR) tissues were involved in T cell activation, while 60 down-regulated genes were involved in glycolysis. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that chemotherapy-sensitive (CS) group upregulation of the pathways of glycolysis, while immune response was downregulated. CIBERSORT, MCP-counter, and IHC proved that most immune cells including CD8+ T cells in the CR significantly higher than that in CS group. Among the 16 up-regulated genes in CS had close associations, the most significant negative correlation between the gene level and CD8+ T cells existed in SEC61G. SEC61G was related to glycolysis, which was transcriptionally regulated by E2F1, and participated in antigen degradation through ubiquitin-dependent protein catabolic process. Palbociclib, combined with Cetuximab decreased the tumor burden and significantly suppressed the expression of E2F1 and SEC61G while activating MHC-I in PDX model.

Conclusion: Enhanced glycolysis promoted immune escape, but increased response to TPF chemotherapy. SEC61G was the center of the molecular network and targeting the E2F1/SEC61G pathway increased the expression level of MHC-I.
A four-compound remedy AGILe protected H9c2 cardiomyocytes against oxygen glucose deprivation via targeting the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway: Implications for the therapy of myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Xiuying , Chen Qilei , Zhao Jia , Zhao Wei , Fan Ni , Wang Yu , Chen Hubiao , Rong Jianhui
Published: January 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a highly prevalent and lethal disease worldwide. Prevention and timely recovery are critical for the control of the recurrence and heart failure in MI survivors. The present study was designed to investigate the cardioprotective activity of the herbal medicine formula Baoyuan Decoction (BYD) and identify the active compounds and molecular targets. The ethanolic BYD extract (BYDE) was prepared by water extraction and ethanol precipitation of four herbal medicines, Astragali Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Initially, BYDE was validated for the cardioprotective effectiveness in a mouse model of ischemia injury and rat cardiomyocyte H9C2 cells. As results, BYDE effectively reduced infarct size from 56% to 37% and preserved cardiac functions in mouse MI model while protected H9C2 cells against oxygen glucose deprivation. Subsequent network pharmacology analysis revealed that 122 bioactive ingredients, including flavonoids and saponins from the UPLC-MS/MS profile of BYDE, might target 37 MI-related proteins, including inflammatory and apoptotic mediators (e.g., TNF, NFKB1, CASPs, TNFRSF1A, CXCL12, BCL2A1). Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that BYDE might control the cardiac inflammation via targeting the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway while the selected targets were also implicated in IL-17 signaling pathway, lipid and atherosclerosis. Consequently, adenosine, ginsenoside Rh2, isoliquiritigenin, and licochalcone A were selected to generate the four-compound mixture AGILe and validated for the inhibitory effects on the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway. The results of the present study suggested that the mixture AGILe might be a potential cardioprotective remedy against MI.
Neutralization of excessive CCL28 improves wound healing in diabetic mice
Authors: Chen Zhenlong , Haus Jacob M. , DiPietro Luisa A. , Koh Timothy J. , Minshall Richard D.
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Chronic, non-healing skin wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are common in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and often result in limb amputation and even death. However, mechanisms by which T2DM and inflammation negatively impact skin wound healing remains poorly understood. Here we investigate a mechanism by which an excessive level of chemokine CCL28, through its receptor CCR10, impairs wound healing in patients and mice with T2DM.

Methods & Results: Firstly, a higher level of CCL28 was observed in skin and plasma in both patients with T2DM, and in obesity-induced type 2 diabetic db/db mice. Compared with WT mice, adipose tissue from db/db mice released 50% more CCL28, as well as 2- to 3-fold more IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, and less VEGF, as determined by ELISA measurements. Secondly, overexpression of CCL28 with adenovirus (Adv-CCL28) caused elevation of proinflammatory cytokines as well as CCR10 expression and also reduced eNOS expression in the dorsal skin of WT mice as compared with control Adv. Thirdly, topical application of neutralizing anti-CCL28 Ab dose-dependently accelerated wound closure and eNOS expression, and decreased IL-6 level, with an optimal dose of 1 μg/wound. In addition, mRNA levels of eNOS and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 were increased as shown by real-time RT-PCR. The interaction between eNOS and CCR10 was significantly reduced in diabetic mouse wounds following application of the optimal dose of anti-CCL28 Ab, and eNOS expression increased. Finally, enhanced VEGF production and increased subdermal vessel density as indicated by CD31 immunostaining were also observed with anti-CCL28 Ab.

Discussion: Taken together, topical application of neutralizing anti-CCL28 Ab improved dorsal skin wound healing by reducing CCR10 activation and inflammation in part by preventing eNOS downregulation, increasing VEGF production, and restoring angiogenesis. These results indicate anti-CCL28 Ab has significant potential as a therapeutic strategy for treatment of chronic non-healing diabetic skin wounds such as DFUs.
Extractive electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for analytical evaluation and synthetic preparation of pharmaceutical chemicals
Authors: Qin Manman , Qian Yuqing , Huang Lu , Zhong Chao , Li Mingdong , Yu Jun , Chen Huanwen
Published: January 2023

Extraction electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (EESI-MS), due to the unique configuration of its ionization module, enables the effective ionization of trace molecules of interest in samples containing complex matrices with high sensitivity, high selectivity and high responding speed without requiring sample pretreatment, and allows high-energy molecular species to undergo specially designed reactions for advanced functionalization. The typical effects of operating conditions on the analytical performance of extraction electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for various pharmaceutical compounds, pharmaceutical preparations and herbal materials were systematically reviewed. The application prospect of extraction electrospray ionization in molecular functionalization for advanced drug discovery is also briefly introduced.
Cardiovascular profiles associated with white matter hyperintensities in healthy young women
Authors: McBride Carole A. , Russom Zane , Achenbach Ella , Bernstein Ira M. , Dumas Julie A.
Published: January 2023

Women who experience hypertension in pregnancy have increased risk of both chronic hypertension and dementia. High blood pressure is associated with increased evidence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in brain imaging. WMH are disruptions of the white matter of the brain that occur with demyelination and axonal degeneration, are associated with vascular disease, occur more frequently in people with hypertension, and are associated with cognitive impairment. We evaluated the relationship between WMH and subclinical cardiovascular function in healthy young nulliparous women and women with a history of early-onset preeclampsia. Sixty-two reproductive-aged women were assessed during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle after a 3-day sodium/potassium-controlled diet. Half of participants had a history of early-onset preeclampsia, and half were nulliparous. Blood was drawn to assess inflammatory markers. Cardiovascular assessments included tonometric blood pressure monitoring, volume loading to assess vascular compliance, echocardiography to assess cardiac ejection time, brachial pulse wave velocity of the brachial artery, assessing cardiovascular stiffness, and brachial artery flow mediated vasodilation to assess endothelial mediated dilatory response. T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI imaging was obtained. Two raters, blinded to cardiovascular assessments and pregnancy history, reviewed MRI scans for evidence of WMH using the Fazekas rating scale. WMHs were detected in 17 women; 45 had normal white matter structure. Participants with Fazekas score>0 had exaggerated response to volume loading compared to women with a Fazekas score of 0 and longer cardiac ejection times. Fazekas scores >0 had lower brachial flow-mediated vasodilation and increased white blood count compared to those with no evidence of WMH. Women with WMH had reduced cardiovascular compliance, and a trend towards decreased endothelial responsiveness compared to those without WMH. These data demonstrated that the relationship between cardiovascular and brain health was detectable in young, healthy, reproductive-aged women, and may play a role in later development of clinical disease. These findings may help identify women who are at risk for cognitive decline and pathological aging.
Living myocardial slices: Advancing arrhythmia research
Authors: Amesz Jorik H. , Zhang Lu , Everts Bian R. , De Groot Natasja M. S. , Taverne Yannick J. H. J.
Published: January 2023

Living myocardial slices (LMS) are ultrathin (150–400 µm) sections of intact myocardium that can be used as a comprehensive model for cardiac arrhythmia research. The recent introduction of biomimetic electromechanical cultivation chambers enables long-term cultivation and easy control of living myocardial slices culture conditions. The aim of this review is to present the potential of this biomimetic interface using living myocardial slices in electrophysiological studies outlining advantages, disadvantages and future perspectives of the model. Furthermore, different electrophysiological techniques and their application on living myocardial slices will be discussed. The developments of living myocardial slices in electrophysiology research will hopefully lead to future breakthroughs in the understanding of cardiac arrhythmia mechanisms and the development of novel therapeutic options.
The making of the Drosophila mushroom body
Authors: Lin Suewei
Published: January 2023

The mushroom body (MB) is a computational center in the Drosophila brain. The intricate neural circuits of the mushroom body enable it to store associative memories and process sensory and internal state information. The mushroom body is composed of diverse types of neurons that are precisely assembled during development. Tremendous efforts have been made to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms that build the mushroom body. However, we are still at the beginning of this challenging quest, with many key aspects of mushroom body assembly remaining unexplored. In this review, I provide an in-depth overview of our current understanding of mushroom body development and pertinent knowledge gaps.
Selenium seed priming enhanced the growth of salt-stressed Brassica rapa L. through improving plant nutrition and the antioxidant system
Authors: Hussain Saber , Ahmed Shakil , Akram Waheed , Li Guihua , Yasin Nasim Ahmad
Published: January 2023

Various abiotic stresses may affect the germination, growth, and yield of direct-seeded vegetable crops. Seed priming with effective antioxidant mediators may alleviate these environmental stresses by maintaining uniformity in seed germination and improving the subsequent health of developing seedlings. Salt-induced stress has become a limiting factor for the successful cultivation of Brassica rapa L., especially in Southeast Asian countries. The present study was performed to elucidate the efficacy of seed priming using selenium (Se) in mitigating salt-induced oxidative stress in turnip crops by reducing the uptake of Na+. In this study, we administered three different levels of Se (Se-1, 75 μmol L−1; Se-2, 100 μmol L−1; and Se-3, 125 μmol L−1) alone or in combination with NaCl (200 mM). Conspicuously, salinity and Se-2 modulated the expression levels of the antioxidant genes, including catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX). The upregulated expression of stress-responsive genes alleviated salt stress by scavenging the higher reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. The stress ameliorative potential of Se (Se-2 = 100 μmol L−1) enhanced the final seed germination percentage, photosynthetic content, and seedling biomass production up to 48%, 56%, and 51%, respectively, under stress. The advantageous effects of Se were attributed to the alleviation of salinity stress through the reduction of the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, and H2O2. Generally, treatment with Se-2 (100 μmo L−1) was more effective in enhancing the growth attributes of B. rapa compared to Se-1 (75 μmo L−1) and Se-3 (125 μmo L−1) under salt-stressed and non-stressed conditions. The findings of the current study advocate the application of the Se seed priming technique as an economical and eco-friendly approach for salt stress mitigation in crops grown under saline conditions.
OsPRD2 is essential for double-strand break formation, but not spindle assembly during rice meiosis
Authors: Wang Chong , Qu Shuying , Zhang Jie , Fu Ming , Chen Xiaofei , Liang Wanqi
Published: January 2023

Meiotic recombination starts with the programmed formation of double-strand breaks (DSB) in DNA, which are catalyzed by SPO11, a type II topoisomerase that is evolutionarily conserved, and several other accessary proteins. Homologs of MEIOSIS INHIBITOR 4 (MEI4/REC24/PRD2) are proteins that are also essential for the generation of meiotic DSBs in budding yeast, mice and Arabidopsis thaliana. In Arabidopsis, the protein ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA PUTATIVE RECOMBINATION INITIATION DEFECTS 2/MULTIPOLAR SPINDLE 1 (AtPRD2/MPS1) has been shown to have additional roles in spindle assembly, indicating a functional diversification. Here we characterize the role of the rice MEI4/PRD2 homolog in meiosis. The osprd2 mutant was completely male and female sterile. In male meiocytes of osprd2, no γH2AX foci were detected and twenty-four univalents were produced at diakinesis, suggesting that OsPRD2 is essential for DSB generation. OsPRD2 showed a dynamic localization during meiosis. For instance, OsPRD2 foci first appeared as discrete signals across chromosome at leptotene, and then became confined to the centromeres during zygotene, suggesting that they might be involved in assembly of the spindle. However we did not observe any obvious aberrant morphologies in neither the organization of the bipolar spindle nor in the orientation of the kinetochore in the mutant. These findings suggest that in rice PRD2 might not be required for spindle assembly and organization, as it does in Arabidopsis. Taken together our results indicate that plant MEI4/PRD2 homologs do play a conserved role in the formation of meiotic DSBs in DNA, but that their involvement in bipolar spindle assembly is rather species-specific.
Come together: The importance of arts and cultural engagement within the Liverpool City Region throughout the COVID-19 lockdown periods
Authors: Chapple Melissa , Anisimovich Antonina , Worsley Joanne , Watkins Megan , Billington Josie , Balabanova Ekaterina
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Arts and cultural engagement activities have long been found to support wellbeing within the general population. In particular, community arts and cultural involvement during the COVID-19 pandemic have been an invaluable source of mental health and wellbeing support for many individuals across the globe. The initial move to remote engagement following the first United Kingdom lockdown demonstrated the importance of hybrid provisions, with isolated and vulnerable individuals finding online provisions important for wellbeing. With restrictions on movement and service access in the United Kingdom having gradually eased from March 2021, it is now important to explore how individuals navigated the ability to engage with either remote or in-person provisions. The current study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on arts and cultural engagement during periods of restrictions and initial easings on movement within the Liverpool City Region.

Method

The study consisted of two waves of qualitative interviews within a broader longitudinal study. Twelve interviews were conducted during wave 1, which aimed to capture data during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period and the initial easing of restrictions. Eight of these participants were interviewed again for wave 2, which aimed to capture data during the winter 2020 lockdown period.

Results

Framework analysis revealed three overarching themes: (1) The Importance of Arts and Culture for Personal Enrichment, (2) Belongingness through Socialization, and (3) Transitioning and Adjusting Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Discussion

Findings presented in the current study provide further evidence of the value of arts and cultural activities in supporting wellbeing. Specifically, the current data emphasize the value of arts and cultural engagement throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and particularly during times of national restriction. Furthermore, the current study demonstrated that remote engagement provided important wellbeing support throughout the pandemic in a way that protected against mental health consequences, but with limitations on feelings of social connectedness within online environments. Amidst continuing risks from the COVID-19 virus and feelings of uncertainty, this study highlights the importance of hybrid provisions.
The association between leisure activity patterns and the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Xinxin , Guo Linlin , Xu Xinyi , Chen Bingyu , Ma Xiaowei , Li Yan
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to identify leisure activity patterns among older adults and explore the differences in the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of these patterns.

Methods

A total of 352 older adults aged ≥ 65 years in Shijiazhuang were enrolled in this study from June to September 2021. Their leisure activities and cognition were evaluated. Latent class analysis and logistic regression models were used for analysis. The manuscript was organized according to the STROBE guidelines.

Results

We identified three latent classes of leisure activities: multidomain activities (MDA) class (55%), self-improvement activities (SIA) class (21%), and family-centered activities (FCA) class (24%). Three latent classes significantly differed in general characteristics (gender, education, and body mass index) and the prevalence of MCI. The prevalence of MCI was 3.694 times higher in older adults in the FCA class than in older adults in the MDA class (OR = 3.694, P < 0.001) and 2.573 times higher in older adults in the SIA class (OR = 2.573, P = 0.036).

Conclusion

Patterns of low participation in intellectual activities were associated with MCI. Identifying the heterogeneity in leisure activity engagement in later life was critical for tailoring interventions and designing programs that can improve the cognitive function of older adults.
Linguistic distances between native languages and Chinese influence acquisition of Chinese character, vocabulary, and grammar
Authors: Chai Xingsan , Bao Jie
Published: January 2023

How linguistic distance affects second language acquisition is a major concern in cross-language transfer research. However, no study has explored how systematic differences between Chinese and learners’ native language (L1) influences Chinese character, vocabulary, and grammar acquisition, or how these influences change as Chinese proficiency improves. To address this, we employed the World Atlas of Language Structures (WALS) index method to multidimensionally quantify the linguistic distance between Chinese and L1, and examined the effect of systematic linguistic distance on acquisition of Chinese character (Quasi-Experiment 1), vocabulary (Quasi-Experiment 2), and grammatical knowledge (Quasi-Experiment 3) in Chinese as a second language (CSL) learners with elementary, intermediate, and advanced Chinese proficiency levels. We examined a random sample of 58,240 CSL learners’ test scores from 24 different L1 backgrounds, and analyzed 2,250 CSL learners’ Chinese character, vocabulary, and grammar scores in each of the three quasi-experiments. We found that closer linguistic distance facilitated more favorable Chinese character and vocabulary acquisition at elementary, intermediate, and advanced Chinese proficiency levels, and that the influence of linguistic distance on CSL learners’ vocabulary acquisition tended to decrease as Chinese proficiency increased. Finally, linguistic difference did not significantly affect CSL learners’ grammar acquisition at elementary proficiency, but as Chinese proficiency improved, an L1 interference effect occurred among CSL learners with a short linguistic distance from Chinese, which hindered grammar acquisition. These results suggest that linguistic distance has differential proficiency-dependent effects on Chinese character, vocabulary, and grammar acquisition.
Emotional stimulation processing characteristics in depression: Meta-analysis of eye tracking findings
Authors: Huang Genying , Li Yafang , Zhu Huizhong , Feng Hong , Shen Xunbing , Chen Zhencai
Published: January 2023

Objective

To systematically evaluate the attentional bias in patients with depression toward emotional stimuli and to explore eye movement indicators and potential regulatory variables that can distinguish such patients from healthy individuals.

Methods

Case–control studies regarding eye-tracking in major depressive disorder published in PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, The Cochrane Library, EBSCOhost, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases from database initiation until March 12, 2022 were included in the present meta-analysis. Two researchers independently screened the literature and performed data extraction. The quality of the literature was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa quality assessment scale.RevMan 5.4 software was used for Meta-analysis.

Results

Overall, 14 studies were included, including 1,167 participants (Ndepression = 474; Nhealthy = 693). We found that (1) fixation duration was significantly lower for positive emotional stimuli in the depression group than that in the healthy group; however, for negative stimuli, the fixation duration was significantly more in the depression group than in the healthy group. No significant difference was observed in terms of neutral emotional stimuli between groups. (2) Patients with depression exhibited a significantly lower fixation count for positive emotional stimuli than healthy individuals, whereas the fixation count for negative emotional stimuli was significantly higher in the depression group than in the healthy group. No significant difference was found for neutral emotional stimuli between groups. (3) No significant difference was detected in terms of the first fixation duration of the positive, negative, and neutral emotional stimuli between groups. (4) subgroup analysis indicated that age effected fixation duration for positive emotional stimuli. In addition, age and the type of negative emotional picture (sad, dysphoric, threat, anger) effected fixation duration for negative emotional stimuli.

Conclusion

Our research supports that patients with depression exhibit a negative attention bias toward emotional stimuli, and the fixation duration and fixation counts may be used as auxiliary objective indicators for depression screening.
Life after lockdown: The experiences of older adults in a contactless digital world
Authors: Morrison Benjamin A. , Nicholson James , Wood Becca , Briggs Pam
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The digital response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and its effects on the lives of older adults has been well-documented, but less is known about how they experienced the post-lockdown re-emergence into a relatively contactless digital society.

Methods

We report the findings from a qualitative survey (n = 93) and subsequent interviews (n = 9) with older adults aged 50+, where they describe their struggles with some of the newly implemented digital interactions. These struggles cover a range of settings but include using contactless payments, QR codes and apps to facilitate transactions in cafes, bars, and restaurants.

Results

A thematic analysis of our data revealed the intrinsic (e.g. digital literacy) and extrinsic (e.g. malfunctioning technology) factors that limited social inclusion for these participants, and that sometimes even led to moments of public humiliation.

Discussion

Our findings shed light on some of the motivational factors that underpin the age-related digital divide, whilst also highlighting the role of self-directed agism in limiting motivations to learn new digital routines.
Mediating roles of perceived social support and sense of security in the relationship between negative life events and life satisfaction among left-behind children: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Na , Li Xinzheng , Ding Xuemei , Liu Haixia , Zhang Xiaoli
Published: January 2023

Objective

Life satisfaction is closely related to the quality of life. Previous studies showed that left-behind children have low life satisfaction levels due to their separation from their parents. Therefore, it is significant to explore the risk factors and protective factors of left-behind children’s life satisfaction to improve their life quality. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the mediating roles of perceived social support and sense of security in the relationship between negative life events and life satisfaction among left-behind children.

Methods

A survey was conducted on 281 left-behind children in rural Shandong, China using negative life events, perceived social support, a sense of security, and life satisfaction scales.

Results

Negative life events had a negative impact on life satisfaction (β = −0.34, p = 0.001). In addition, not only does social support mediate between negative life events and life satisfaction (β = −0.21, p = 0.001), but also in between, security (β = −0.05, p = 0.030). Moreover, social support and security act as a chain intermediary between negative life events and life satisfaction (β = −0.03, p = 0.010), with an indirect effect share of 4.76%.

Conclusion

Negative life events could directly or indirectly affect the life satisfaction of left-behind children through the chain-mediating effects of perceived social support or the sense of security alone. Perceived social support and the sense of security are two important targets for further improving the life satisfaction of LBC.
Cat scratch disease in a 23-year-old male–Case report
Authors: Waseem Radeyah , Seher Muskan , Ghazal Sohiba , Shah Hussain Haider , Habiba Ume
Published: January 2023

Cat-scratch disease (CSD) is an infectious disease that usually presents with fever, headache, loss of appetite, weight loss, tender lymphadenopathy, and other symptoms. CSD is also the most common cause of infectious lymphadenitis in children, adolescents, and young adults. This contagious disease most often results from a scratch or bite of a cat. The course of this disease depends on the patient's immune status. CSD sometimes presents as a systemic disease and leads to various disease entities. In this study, we describe the case of a 23-year-old man exhibiting fever, generalized weakness, and neck swelling. The patient was unconscious when presented to the Emergency Department. He was given at least 3–4 liters IV bolus of 0.9% normal saline, but it failed to raise the blood pressure. He was then given an inotropic drug (noradrenaline) for low blood pressure and antibiotics (azithromycin) for fever. Venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology came out negative. Histopathology ruled out tuberculosis and malignancy and confirmed necrotizing/suppurative granulomatous inflammation. These features favor the diagnosis of CSD.
Projecting the chronic disease burden among the adult population in the United States using a multi-state population model
Authors: Ansah John P. , Chiu Chi-Tsun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

As the United States population ages, the adult population with chronic diseases is expected to increase. Exploring credible, evidence-based projections of the future burden of chronic diseases is fundamental to understanding the likely impact of established and emerging interventions on the incidence and prevalence of chronic disease. Projections of chronic disease often involve cross-sectional data that fails to account for the transition of individuals across different health states. Thus, this research aims to address this gap by projecting the number of adult Americans with chronic disease based on empirically estimated age, gender, and race-specific transition rates across predetermined health states.

Methods

We developed a multi-state population model that disaggregates the adult population in the United States into three health states, i.e., (a) healthy, (b) one chronic condition, and (c) multimorbidity. Data from the 1998 to 2018 Health and Retirement Study was used to estimate age, gender, and race-specific transition rates across the three health states, as input to the multi-state population model to project future chronic disease burden.

Results

The number of people in the United States aged 50 years and older will increase by 61.11% from 137.25 million in 2020 to 221.13 million in 2050. Of the population 50 years and older, the number with at least one chronic disease is estimated to increase by 99.5% from 71.522 million in 2020 to 142.66 million by 2050. At the same time, those with multimorbidity are projected to increase 91.16% from 7.8304 million in 2020 to 14.968 million in 2050. By race by 2050, 64.6% of non-Hispanic whites will likely have one or more chronic conditions, while for non-Hispanic black, 61.47%, and Hispanic and other races 64.5%.

Conclusion

The evidence-based projections provide the foundation for policymakers to explore the impact of interventions on targeted population groups and plan for the health workforce required to provide adequate care for current and future individuals with chronic diseases.