bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of beer, wine, and baijiu consumption on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Potential implications of the flavor compounds in the alcoholic beverages
Authors: Zhou Yabin , Hua Jin , Huang Zhiguo
Published: January 2023

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and its global incidence is estimated to be 24%. Beer, wine, and Chinese baijiu have been consumed worldwide including by the NAFLD population. A better understanding of the effects of these alcoholic beverages on NAFLD would potentially improve management of patients with NAFLD and reduce the risks for progression to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. There is evidence suggesting some positive effects, such as the antioxidative effects of bioactive flavor compounds in beer, wine, and baijiu. These effects could potentially counteract the oxidative stress caused by the metabolism of ethanol contained in the beverages. In the current review, the aim is to evaluate and discuss the current human-based and laboratory-based study evidence of effects on hepatic lipid metabolism and NAFLD from ingested ethanol, the polyphenols in beer and wine, and the bioactive flavor compounds in baijiu, and their potential mechanism. It is concluded that for the potential beneficial effects of wine and beer on NAFLD, inconsistence and contrasting data exist suggesting the need for further studies. There is insufficient baijiu specific human-based study for the effects on NAFLD. Although laboratory-based studies on baijiu showed the antioxidative effects of the bioactive flavor compounds on the liver, it remains elusive whether the antioxidative effect from the relatively low abundance of the bioactivate compounds could outweigh the oxidative stress and toxic effects from the ethanol component of the beverages.
The molecular mechanisms of quality difference for Alpine Qingming green tea and Guyu green tea by integrating multi-omics
Authors: Xiao Hongshi , Yong Jie , Xie Yijie , Zhou Haiyan
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Harvest time represents one of the crucial factors concerning the quality of alpine green tea. At present, the mechanisms of the tea quality changing with harvest time have been unrevealed.

Methods

In the current study, fresh tea leaves (qmlc and gylc) and processed leaves (qmgc and gygc) picked during Qingming Festival and Guyu Festival were analyzed by means of sensory evaluation, metabolomics, transcriptomic analysis, and high-throughput sequencing, as well as their endophytic bacteria (qm16s and gy16s).

Results

The results indicated qmgc possessed higher sensory quality than gygc which reflected from higher relative contents of amino acids, and soluble sugars but lower relative contents of catechins, theaflavins, and flavonols. These differential metabolites created features of light green color, prominent freshness, sweet aftertaste, and mild bitterness for qmgc.

Discussion

Flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism were uncovered as the key pathways to differentiate the quality of qmgc and gygc. Endophytic bacteria in leaves further influence the quality by regulating the growth of tea trees and enhancing their disease resistance. Our findings threw some new clues on the tea leaves picking to pursue the balance when facing the conflicts of product quality and economic benefits.
Perspectives on lecithin from egg yolk: Extraction, physicochemical properties, modification, and applications
Authors: Zhao Feng , Li Rongji , Liu Yun , Chen Haiyan
Published: January 2023

Egg yolk lecithin has physiological activities as an antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and neurologic, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular protectant. There are several methods for extracting egg yolk lecithin, including solvent extraction and supercritical extraction. However, changes in extraction methods and functional activity of egg yolk lecithin are a matter of debate. In this review we summarized the molecular structure, extraction method, and functional activity of egg yolk lecithin to provide a good reference for the development of egg yolk lecithin products in the future.
Steam explosion pretreatment enhancing enzymatic digestibility of overground tubers of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.)
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Min , Yu Wenqing , Huang Caitong , Xue Huiting , Li Juan , Zhang Dejian , Li Guanhua
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Tiger nut (TN) is recognized as a high potential plant which can grow in well-drained sandy or loamy soils and provide food nutrients. However, the overground tubers of TN remain unutilized currently, which limits the value-added utilization and large-area cultivation of this plant.

Methods

In the present study, the overground tubers of TN were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis to produce fermentable sugars for biofuels production. Steam explosion (SE) was applied to modify the physical-chemical properties of the overground tubers of TN for enhancing its saccharification.

Results and discussion

Results showed that SE broke the linkages of hemicellulose and lignin in the TN substrates and increased cellulose content through removal of hemicellulose. Meanwhile, SE cleaved inner linkages within cellulose molecules, reducing the degree of polymerization by 32.13–77.84%. Cellulose accessibility was significantly improved after SE, which was revealed visibly by the confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging techniques. As a result, enzymatic digestibility of the overground tubers of TN was dramatically enhanced. The cellulose conversion of the SE treated TN substrates reached 38.18–63.97%, which was 2.5–4.2 times higher than that without a SE treatment.

Conclusion

Therefore, SE pretreatment promoted saccharification of the overground tubers of TN, which paves the way for value-added valorization of the TN plants.
Preparation of β-lactoglobulin-derived tryptophan peptide and its effect on anxiety-like behaviors in Zebrafish
Authors: Zhu Xiping , Xie Dan , Zhu Qiong , Li Yufeng , Cui Chun
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to obtain three Trp-containing peptides from β-lactoglobulin and study their effects on anxiety-like behaviors in zebrafish. Three Trp-containing peptides were prepared from β-lactoglobulin by selective enzymatic hydrolysis and identified by UPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS. The anxiety-like behaviors of zebrafish were reduced after two weeks of administrated of β-lactoglobulin Trp peptides (LAWP), VAGTWY, VAGTW and G TW(concentration of 56 μg/mL or 500 μg/mL). As an index of serotonergic activity, we assessed the enhancing abilities of 5-HT synthesis. The treatment remarkably enhanced the 5-HT synthesis by upregulation of Trp concentration and Trp hydroxylase activation. In addition, this study further validated the anti-anxiety effects of whey protein hydrolysate with a high Trp index in animal and the experimental results were consistent with those reported in previous studies. Our results showed that β-lactoglobulin Trp peptides ingestion has a significant anti-anxiety effect as evidenced by the increasing Trp concentration, TPH activation and 5-HT level compared to the control group, with the VAGTW being the more effective.
Liquid biopsy approaches and immunotherapy in colorectal cancer for precision medicine: Are we there yet?
Authors: Mirza Sheefa , Bhadresha Kinjal , Mughal Muhammed Jameel , McCabe Michelle , Shahbazi Reza , Ruff Paul , Penny Clement
Published: January 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with nearly half of patients detected in the advanced stages. This is due to the fact that symptoms associated with CRC often do not appear until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. This suggests that CRC is a cancer with a slow progression, making it curable and preventive if detected in its early stage. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical need to improve CRC early detection and personalize therapy for patients with this cancer. Recently, liquid biopsy as a non-invasive or nominally invasive approach has attracted considerable interest for its real-time disease monitoring capability through repeated sample analysis. Several studies in CRC have revealed the potential for liquid biopsy application in a real clinical setting using circulating RNA/miRNA, circulating tumor cells (CTCs), exosomes, etc. However, Liquid biopsy still remains a challenge since there are currently no promising results with high specificity and specificity that might be employed as optimal circulatory biomarkers. Therefore, in this review, we conferred the plausible role of less explored liquid biopsy components like mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), organoid model of CTCs, and circulating cancer-associated fibroblasts (cCAFs); which may allow researchers to develop improved strategies to unravel unfulfilled clinical requirements in CRC patients. Moreover, we have also discussed immunotherapy approaches to improve the prognosis of MSI (Microsatellite Instability) CRC patients using neoantigens and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a liquid biopsy approach in detail.
Application of the shear wave elastography in the assessment of carotid body tumors: A preliminary study
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zheng Yuehong , Li Jianchu , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the elasticity of carotid body tumors (CBTs) by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (SWE).

Methods

22 pathologically or clinically confirmed CBTs in 16 patients were scanned by SWE. The maximum elasticity value (Emax) and its standard deviation (SDmax) in kPa and m/s for CBTs were obtained by placing a round ROI (2-3 mm) on the stiffest region of the CBTs. Elasticity value was compared between hard and soft groups at manual palpation, benign and malignant groups and among three Shamblin types. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis was performed to evaluate the performance of SWE in the malignancy prediction of CBTs. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were calculated. The cut-off value was obtained by using the Youden index.

Results

There were 19 benign CBTs and 3 malignant CBTs. Emax (kPa and m/s) and SDmax (kPa) were significantly higher in the hard group than in the soft group at manual palpation (P<0.05); The distribution of Emax in kPa and m/s and SDmax in kPa were different in the three Shamblin types (P<0.05), Emax (kPa and m/s)increased from shambling I to Shambling II and Shambling III; Emax (kPa and m/s) were significantly higher in the malignant CBTs than in the benign ones (P<0.05). Emax in kPa and m/s had the similar AUC value (AUC=0.947, P=1.0000) for the prediction of malignant CBTs. Emax in kPa with the cut-off 124.9kPa showed a sensitivity of 100.0%, specificity of 94.7%, and an accuracy of 95.5% (Z=8.500, P<0.0001); Emax in m/s with the cut-off 5.9m/s showed a sensitivity of 100.0%, specificity of 89.5% and an accuracy of 90.9% for the prediction of malignant CBTs (Z=9.143, P<0.0001).

Conclusions

Quantitative analysis of SWE obtained the good performance in the elasticity assessment of CBTs.
Exploring the landscape of immunotherapy approaches in sarcomas
Authors: Pilavaki Pampina , Panagi Myrofora , Arifi Samia , Jones Robin L. , Stylianopoulos Triantafyllos , Constantinidou Anastasia
Published: January 2023

Sarcomas comprise a heterogenous group of malignancies, of more than 100 different entities, arising from mesenchymal tissue, and accounting for 1% of adult malignancies. Surgery, radiotherapy and systemic therapy constitute the therapeutic armamentarium against sarcomas, with surgical excision and conventional chemotherapy, remaining the mainstay of treatment for local and advanced disease, respectively. The prognosis for patients with metastatic disease is dismal and novel therapeutic approaches are urgently required to improve survival outcomes. Immunotherapy, is a rapidly evolving field in oncology, which has been successfully applied in multiple cancers to date. Immunomodulating antibodies, adoptive cellular therapy, cancer vaccines, and cytokines have been tested in patients with different types of sarcomas through clinical trials, pilot studies, retrospective and prospective studies. The results of these studies regarding the efficacy of different types of immunotherapies in sarcomas are conflicting, and the application of immunotherapy in daily clinical practice remains limited. Additional clinical studies are ongoing in an effort to delineate the role of immunotherapy in patients with specific sarcoma subtypes.
Predictive accuracy of elevated mitotic rate on lymph node positivity and recurrence in thin melanomas
Authors: Ly Catherine L. , Blaha Ondrej , Wei Wei , Galan Anjela , Kluger Harriet , Ariyan Stephan , Olino Kelly , Clune James E.
Published: January 2023

Background

Mitotic rate (MR) is considered an important prognostic factor for melanoma but is not currently used for staging because its nuanced effect is not yet well-delineated. We sought to determine if T category-specific MR is predictive of sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity, recurrence, and melanoma-specific mortality (MSM).

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with primary cutaneous melanoma from 1994 to 2020 at a single academic center was performed. Patient demographics and tumor characteristics were recorded. MR was considered elevated for each AJCC8-defined T category if it was ≥2 mitoses/mm2 for T1, ≥4 mitoses/mm2 for T2, ≥6 mitoses/mm2 for T3, or ≥7 mitoses/mm2 for T4. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the predictive accuracy of MR on selected outcomes while controlling for ulceration.

Results

Data from 2,984 patients with complete records were analyzed. Along with Breslow thickness and ulceration, elevated MR was associated with higher risk of MSM (HR 1.816, P=0.0001). There was no difference among patients with ulcerated T1 or T2 tumors regardless of MR, but those with non-ulcerated T1 or T2 tumors and elevated MR were more likely to have positive SLNs (P<0.0001 and P=0.0043, respectively) and recurrence (P=0.0007 and P=0.0004, respectively) compared to counterparts with low MR. There were no notable differences for T3 or T4 tumors based on MR.

Conclusions

Elevated MR is associated with SLN positivity and recurrence in thin melanomas, independent of ulceration. SLN biopsy should therefore be strongly considered for patients with non-ulcerated lesions <0.8 mm thick if the MR is ≥2 mitoses/mm2.
Identification and validation of signature for prognosis and immune microenvironment in gastric cancer based on m6A demethylase ALKBH5
Authors: Ji Tiannan , Gao Xiaohui , Li Dan , Huai Siyuan , Chi Yajing , An Xian , Ji Wenyu , Yang Siming , Li Jianxiong
Published: January 2023

Background

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA regulators play important roles in cancers, but their functions and mechanism have not been demonstrated clearly in gastric cancer (GC).

Methods

In this study, the GC samples with clinical information and RNA transcriptome were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. The different expression genes were compared by the absolute value and median ± standard deviation. Samples with complete information were randomly divided into a training dataset and a test dataset. The differential expression genes (DEGs) between ALKBH5-low and ALKBH5-high subgroups were identified in the training dataset and constructed a risk model by Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression. The model was testified in test datasets, overall survival (OS) was compared with the Kaplan–Meier method, and immune cell infiltration was calculated by the CIBERSORT algorithm in the low-risk and high-risk subgroups based on the model. The protein levels of ALKBH5 were detected with immunohistochemistry. The relative expression of messenger-ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was detected with quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results

ALKBH5 was the only regulator whose expression was lower in tumor samples than that in normal samples. The low expression of ALKBH5 led to the poor OS of GC patients and seemed to be an independent protective factor. The model based on ALKBH5-regulated genes was validated in both datasets (training/test) and displayed a potential capacity to predict a clinical prognosis. Gene Ontology analysis implied that the DEGs were involved in the immune response; CIBERSORT results indicated that ALKBH5 and its related genes could alter the immune microenvironment of GC. The protein levels of ALKBH5 were verified as lowly expressed in GC tissues. SLC7A2 and CGB3 were downregulated with ALKBH5 knockdown.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that ALKBH5 might be a suppressor of GC; ALKBH5 and its related genes were latent biomarkers and immunotherapy targets.
Preservation of thalamic neuronal function may be a prerequisite for pain perception in diabetic neuropathy: A magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Gandhi Rajiv , Selvarajah Dinesh , Sloan Gordon , Greig Marni , Wilkinson Iain D. , Shaw Pamela J. , Griffiths Paul , Tesfaye Solomon
Published: January 2023

Introduction

In this study, we used proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to determine the neuronal function in the thalamus and primary somatosensory (S1) cortex in different subgroups of DPN, including subclinical- and painful-DPN.

Method

One-hundred and ten people with type 1 diabetes [20 without DPN (no-DPN); 30 with subclinical-DPN; 30 with painful-DPN; and 30 with painless-DPN] and 20 healthy volunteers, all of whom were right-handed men, were recruited and underwent detailed clinical and neurophysiological assessments. Participants underwent Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 1.5 Tesla with two 1H-MRS spectra obtained from 8 ml cubic volume voxels: one placed within left thalamus to encompass the ventro-posterior lateral sub-nucleus and another within the S1 cortex.

Results

In the thalamus, participants with painless-DPN had a significantly lower NAA:Cr ratio [1.55 + 0.22 (mean ± SD)] compared to all other groups [HV (1.80 ± 0.23), no-DPN (1.85 ± 0.20), sub-clinical DPN (1.79 ± 0.23), painful-DPN (1.75 ± 0.19), ANOVA p < 0.001]. There were no significant group differences in S1 cortical neurometabolites.

Conclusion

In this largest cerebral MRS study in DPN, thalamic neuronal dysfunction was found in advanced painless-DPN with preservation of function in subclinical- and painful-DPN. Furthermore, there was a preservation of neuronal function within the S1 cortex in all subgroups of DPN. Therefore, there may be a proximo-distal gradient to central nervous system alterations in painless-DPN, with thalamic neuronal dysfunction occurring only in established DPN. Moreover, these results further highlight the manifestation of cerebral alterations between painful- and painless-DPN whereby preservation of thalamic function may be a prerequisite for neuropathic pain in DPN.
Association between parental unhealthy behaviors and offspring’s cardiovascular health status: Results from a cross-sectional analysis of parent–offspring pairs in China
Authors: Ma Qi , Liu Jieyu , Wu Yu , Cui Mengjie , Chen Manman , Ma Tao , Wang Xinxin , Gao Di , Li Yanhui , Chen Li , Ma Ying , Zhang Yi , Dong Yanhui , Xing Yi , Ma Jun
Published: January 2023

Background

Cardiovascular health (CVH) in children and adolescents, which might be largely influenced by parental behaviors, may affect the incidence of cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. However, few studies have been conducted to explore the associations between parental behaviors and CVH status of offspring in China.

Methods

Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in Chinese children and adolescents aged 7–18 years old, with a total of 10,043 parent–offspring pairs included. Parental behaviors included moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), dietary behaviors, and weight status. The CVH status of offspring was consulted by The American Heart Association, including seven factors. The associations between parental behaviors and CVH status of offspring were evaluated by multilevel logistic regression. Stratified analyses were conducted to explore the potential modifying influence of sociodemographic factors.

Results

Most of the offspring had five ideal CVH factors; only 21.04% had six to seven ideal CVH factors. Parental unhealthy behaviors were associated with high odds of nonideal CVH status of offspring. Parental overweight/obesity, insufficient MVPA, and unhealthy dietary behaviors could increase the odds of owning one to three ideal CVH factors in offspring, with corresponding odds ratios (ORs) (95% confidence interval) of 1.61 (1.32–1.96), 1.31 (1.10–1.56), and 2.05 (1.43–2.94), respectively. There was a dose–response relationship between parental single unhealthy behavior and the odds of nonideal CVH status in offspring (P-trend < 0.001). Offspring with overweight parents had ORs of 1.25 for nonideal CVH status, compared to offspring with normal-weight parents. Among offspring who had the same number of ideal CVH factors, the cumulative association between unhealthy behaviors of parents and offspring’s nonideal CVH status increased if parents had more unhealthy behaviors (P-trend < 0.001).

Conclusions

Parental overweight/obesity, insufficient MVPA, and unhealthy dietary behaviors were strongly associated with CVH status in offspring. With a cumulative association, more unhealthy parental behaviors were associated with higher odds of offspring’s nonideal CVH status, suggesting that targeting parental behaviors might facilitate attainment of improving CVH status of children and adolescents.
Systemic ventricular function in Fontan patients at rest and after exercise at altitude
Authors: Quante Hannah , Müller Nicole , Härtel Julian Alexander , Jung Thomas , Manunzio Ursula , Breuer Johannes , Herberg Ulrike
Published: January 2023

Objective

Physical activity at high altitude is expected to pose risks for patients with Fontan circulation and to impair systemic ventricular function. This study aims to determine the effect of high-altitude hypoxia on ventricular function in Fontan patients at rest and after exercise. We hypothesize that systemic ventricular function deteriorates under hypoxic conditions in Fontan patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, 21 Fontan patients (NYHA class I-II) and 21 age-, gender- and body mass index-matched healthy controls were enrolled (median age 17.9 and 16.9 years). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed at rest, after peak (PE) and after continuous exercise (CE) in normoxia and hypoxia at simulated altitude (2,500 m above sea level). The effect of hypoxia on echocardiographic parameters was quantified by linear mixed-effects models and the difference between normoxia and hypoxia (Δ= hypoxia-normoxia).

Results

At rest, cardiac output (CO) estimated by outflow tract velocity time integral × heart rate and annular plane systolic excursion (APSE) were lower in hypoxia compared to normoxia in Fontan patients (CO: Δ = −12.0%, n.s.; APSE: Δ = −9.6%, p < 0.001), an increase was observed in controls (CO: Δ = 8.5%, n.s.; APSE: Δ = 2.5%, n.s.). Other parameters of systolic and diastolic function did not show relevant changes. After exercise under hypoxic conditions, Fontan patients did not show relevant deterioration of systolic function compared to normoxia. Late, active diastolic filling reflected by A-wave velocity remained unchanged in Fontan patients, but increased in controls. Under hypoxic conditions, CO and workload were higher after CE than PE in Fontan patients (CO: PE Δ = 1,530 vs. CE 1630), whereas controls showed higher work load and CO estimates after PE than CE as expected (CO: PE Δ = 2,302 vs. CE 2149).

Conclusion

Fontan patients clinically tolerated short-term altitude exposure up to two hours and exercise and showed no consistent deterioration of systolic systemic ventricular function, but parameters of myocardial contractility, heart rate and cardiac output did not increase as observed in controls. This is likely to be multifactorial and may include intrinsic cardiac dysfunction as well as preload inadequacy and the lack of augmented atrial contraction. CE may be better tolerated than PE.
Laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-J-pouch anal canal anastomosis without diverting ileostomy for total colonic and extensive aganglionosis is safe and feasible with combined Lugol's iodine staining technique and indocyanine green fluorescence angiography
Authors: Nakagawa Yoichi , Yokota Kazuki , Uchida Hiroo , Hinoki Akinari , Shirota Chiyoe , Tainaka Takahisa , Sumida Wataru , Makita Satoshi , Amano Hizuru , Takimoto Aitaro , Ogata Seiya , Takada Shunya , Maeda Takuya , Gohda Yousuke
Published: January 2023

Background

We present the surgical technique and outcomes of reduced-port laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy with ileal-J-pouch anal canal anastomosis (IPACA) without diverting ileostomy for total colonic and extensive aganglionosis (TCA+).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed TCA+ cases between 2014 and 2022. Preoperative ileostomy was performed when transanal bowel irrigation was ineffective. Radical surgery for TCA+ was performed at approximately 6 kg. The surgery was performed using laparoscopy through a multi-channel trocar with or without an additional 3-mm trocar and IPACA reconstruction with indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICG) to assess anastomotic perfusion and Lugol's iodine staining to visualize the surgical anal canal.

Results

Ten patients with TCA+ were included. Ileostomy was performed in seven cases. The median operation time and blood loss were 274.5 min and 20 ml, respectively. No significant postoperative complications were found. All patients experienced frequent liquid stools and perianal excoriation in the early postoperative period, requiring anti-flatulence or codeine. The median follow-up period was 3.5 years. Three patients required irrigation management 1 year postoperatively, and the others defecated a median of 3.5 times per day. The median Kelly's clinical score was 5 in 5 patients aged >4 years.

Conclusion

Reduced-port surgery, combined with Lugol's iodine staining and ICG, was safe, feasible, and had cosmetically and clinically acceptable mid-term outcomes.
Expanding the toolbox of metabolically stable lipid prodrug strategies
Authors: Toti Kiran S. , Pribut Nicole , D’Erasmo Michael , Dasari Madhuri , Sharma Savita K. , Bartsch Perry W. , Burton Samantha L. , Gold Hannah B. , Bushnev Anatoliy , Derdeyn Cynthia A. , Basson Adriaan E. , Liotta Dennis C. , Miller Eric J.
Published: January 2023

Nucleoside- and nucleotide-based therapeutics are indispensable treatment options for patients suffering from malignant and viral diseases. These agents are most commonly administered to patients as prodrugs to maximize bioavailability and efficacy. While the literature provides a practical prodrug playbook to facilitate the delivery of nucleoside and nucleotide therapeutics, small context-dependent amendments to these popular prodrug strategies can drive dramatic improvements in pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles. Herein we offer a brief overview of current prodrug strategies, as well as a case study involving the fine-tuning of lipid prodrugs of acyclic nucleoside phosphonate tenofovir (TFV), an approved nucleotide HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NtRTI) and the cornerstone of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Installation of novel lipid terminal motifs significantly reduced fatty acid hepatic ω-oxidation while maintaining potent antiviral activity. This work contributes important insights to the expanding repertoire of lipid prodrug strategies in general, but particularly for the delivery and distribution of acyclic nucleoside phosphonates.
Shedding light on the 239Pu fission source term with new high-precision experiments and advanced fission modeling
Authors: Neudecker D. , Lovell A. E. , Kelly K. J. , Marini P. , Snyder L. , White M. C. , Talou P. , Devlin M. , Taieb J. , Chadwick M. B.
Published: January 2023

In the last decade, there has been a renaissance of fission research resulting in new high-precision experiments and advanced fission modeling. For instance, the Chi-Nu and CEA teams supplied, for the first time, the 239Pu prompt fission neutron spectrum (PFNS) for broad ranges of incident and outgoing neutron energies. The CEA team also measured 239Pu average prompt neutron multiplicities, ν̄p, with lower statistical uncertainties and a technique significantly different than the one used in the past. The NIFFTE collaboration provided 239Pu(n,f)/235U(n,f) cross section shape ratios with uncertainties below 1% utilizing a novel detector type. Advanced fission event generators were developed, among them CGMF, FIFRELIN, FREYA, and GEF, which calculate post-scission fission observables in a correlated manner. These new experimental data and more consistent fission models change the evaluated PFNS, ν̄p, and (n,f) cross sections, some only modestly, compared to ENDF/B-VIII.0. In turn, the individual new nuclear data distinctly change simulated effective neutron multiplication factors of fast critical assemblies, but their combined impact is small, while affecting the prediction of LLNL pulsed sphere neutron leakage spectra and reaction rates only within experimental uncertainties. Also, the parameters obtained from fitting to ν̄p reproduce various post-scission fission observables within the uncertainties of experimental data. This indicates that new differential experiments and consistent fission modeling reduce compensating errors present in ENDF/B-VIII.0.
Theoretical treatment on externally-seeded superradiance from N2+ in femtosecond laser filamentation in low-pressure nitrogen
Authors: Wang Quanjun , Ding Pengji , Wilkins Shane G. , Athanasakis-Kaklamanakis Michail , Zhang Yuxuan , Liu Zuoye , Hu Bitao
Published: January 2023

We perform a theoretical investigation of a collective emission in tunnel-ionized nitrogen molecules triggered by a coherent seed pulse. A semiclassical theory of superradiance that includes the superradiant temporal profile, characteristic duration, time delay, intensity is achieved. The theoretical predictions of 391-nm forward emission corresponding to the transition between N2+(B2Σu+,ν′=0) and N2+(X2Σg+,ν=0) as a function of nitrogen gas pressure are compared with the recent experimental data [Ding P. Lasing effect in femtosecond filaments in air, Ph.D. thesis, Université Paris-Saclay (2016)]. The good agreement demonstrates that the time-delayed optical amplification inside the molecular nitrogen ions is superradiance.
A novel homozygous mutation in LSS gene possibly causes hypotrichosis simplex in two siblings of a Tibetan family from the western Sichuan province of China
Authors: Zhao Bei , Tang Yisi , Chen Wenjing , Wan Huiying , Yang Jiyun , Chen Xuejun
Published: January 2023

Aim: Hypotrichosis simplex (MIM 146520) is a rare form of monogenic hereditary alopecia. Several genes have been identified as being associated with the disease, including LPAR6, LIPH, and DSG4. LSS encoding lanosterol synthase (LSS) has been shown to cause hypotrichosis simplex, but the related mechanisms have not been elucidated to date. This study aims to find mutations in LSS from a Chinese family, among which a 21-year-old male patient and his 9-year-old sister were affected by hypotrichosis simplex.

Methods: Dermoscopy and histological analysis were used to examine patients’ scalps, while exome sequencing was used to find the mutations in LSS.

Results: The hair loss was only detected on the scalp of the proband and his sister, while other ectodermal structures were normal with no systemic abnormalities. Further, the exome sequencing identified a new homozygous mutation NM_002340.6 (LSS_v001):c.812T>C (p.(Ile271Thr)) in the LSS gene of the proband, which was also found in his sister. In addition, a heterozygous mutation of LSS was found in their asymptomatic parents. Finally, the possible protein structure of the mutational LSS was predicted.

Conclusion: The hypotrichosis simplex reported here could be an autosomal recessive disease in this family. The mutation on LSS might reduce the enzyme activity of LSS, thus leading to the disease.
Response characteristics of root to moisture change at seedling stage of Kengyilia hirsuta
Authors: Chen Xueyao , Chen Youjun , Zhang Wei , Zhang Wenlu , Wang Hui , Zhou Qingping
Published: January 2023

Kengyilia hirsuta is an important pioneer plant distributed on the desertified grassland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It has strong adaptability to alpine desert habitats, so it can be used as a sand-fixing plant on sandy alpine land. To study the response mechanisms of root morphological and physiological characteristics of K. hirsuta to sandy soil moisture, 10%, 25% and 40% moisture levels were set up through potted weighing water control method. The biomass, root-shoot ratio, root architecture parameters, and biochemical parameters malondialdehyde, free proline, soluble protein, indole-3-acetic acid, abscisic acid, cytokinin, gibberellin, relative conductivity and antioxidant enzyme activities were measured in the trefoil stage, and the response mechanisms of roots at different moisture levels were analyzed. The results showed that with the increase of soil moisture, root morphological indexes such as root biomass, total root length, total root volume and total root surface increased, while the root topological index decreased continuously. The malondialdehyde content, relative conductivity, superoxide dismutase activity, peroxidase activity, catalase activity, free proline content, soluble protein content, abscisic acid content and cytokinin content at the 25% and 40% moisture levels were significantly decreased compared with the 10% level (P< 0.05). Thus, the root growth of K. hirsuta was restricted by the 10% moisture level, but supported by the 25% and 40% moisture levels. An artificial neural network revealed that total root length, total root surface area, root link average length, relative conductivity, soluble protein, free proline and moisture level were the key factors affecting root development. These research results could contribute to future agricultural sustainability.
Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed the molecular mechanism of terpenoid formation for salicylic acid resistance in Pulsatilla chinensis callus
Authors: Dong Yanjing , Qin Qian , Zhong Guoyue , Mu Zejing , Cai Yating , Wang Xiaoyun , Xie Huan , Zhang Shouwen
Published: January 2023

As a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel is well known for its anti-inflammation and anti-cancer activities, which are attributed to its active components including total saponins and monomers. To clarify the synthesis and metabolism mechanisms of class components in callus terpenes of P. chinensis, a certain concentration of salicylic acid (SA) hormone elicitor was added to the callus before being analysed by transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. Results showed that the content of Pulsatilla saponin B4 in the callus suspension culture was significantly increased up to 1.99% with the addition of SA. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in 122 metabolic pathways, such as terpenoid metabolism-related pathways: terpenoid skeleton synthesis pathway, monoterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, diterpenoid biosynthesis pathways, and ubiquinone and other terpenoid-quinone biosynthesis pathways. A total of 31 differentially accumulated metabolites were obtained from four differential groups. Amongst 21 kinds of known chemical components in P. chinensis, deoxyloganic acid was the only monoterpenoid; the others are triterpenoids. In summary, this study found that SA elicitors can affect the metabolic changes of terpenoids in P. chinensis callus, which provided a basis for analysing the genetic regulation of terpenoid components of leucons.
Biostimulants promote the accumulation of carbohydrates and biosynthesis of anthocyanins in ‘Yinhongli’ plum
Authors: Yao Lu , Liang Dong , Xia Hui , Pang Yazhuo , Xiao Qiao , Huang Yan , Zhang Wen , Pu Changbing , Wang Jin , Lv Xiulan
Published: January 2023

Biostimulants play an important role in promoting crop growth and development and improving fruit yield, but their influence on fruit quality in horticulture plants is still unclear. In this study, four types of biostimulants, Ainuo (AN), Aigefu (AG), Weiguo (WG), and Guanwu Shuang (GS) were applied to the fruit surface of ‘Yinhongli’ plum at 60 and 75 days after anthesis to investigate their effect on carbohydrates and biosynthesis of anthocyanins, and also analyze the relationship between sugar and anthocyanin accumulation during fruit color change to ripening. Results showed that all biostimulant treatments significantly improved fruit appearance quality, and increased single fruit weight and TSS/TA. Cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and cyanidin 3-O-rutinoside, are the most important anthocyanins in the red skin of the ‘Yinhongli’ plum, and no anthocyanin was detected in the green skin. In addition, WG and GS treatments significantly increased the expression of structural genes involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis compared with the control, especially chalcone synthase (CHS) and flavonoid 3-O-glucosyltransferase (UFGT) at 95-105 d after anthesis, leading to anthocyanin accumulation 10 days earlier than the control. Correlation analysis showed that there was a significant correlation between total sugar and anthocyanin content during fruit coloring and ripening.
Sizing up the crowd: Assessing spatial integration difficulties in body size judgements across eating disorder symptomatology
Authors: Turnbull Georgia , Lego Sophia , Kennedy Briana L. , Alexi Joanna , Li Yanqi R. , Engel Manja M. , Mann Georgina , Bayliss Donna M. , Farrell Simon , Bell Jason
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Body size judgements are frequently biased, or inaccurate, and these errors are further exaggerated for individuals with eating disorders. Within the eating disorder literature, it has been suggested that exaggerated errors in body size judgements are due to difficulties with integration. Across two experiments, we developed a novel integration task, named the Ebbinghaus Illusion for Bodies in Virtual Reality (VR), to assess whether nearby bodies influence the perceived size of a single body. VR was used to simulate the appearance of a small crowd around a central target body.

Method and Results

In Experiment 1 (N = 412), participants were required to judge the size of a central female target within a crowd. Experiment 1 revealed an Ebbinghaus Illusion, in which a central female appeared larger when surrounded by small distractors, but comparatively smaller when surrounded by large distractors. In other words, the findings of Experiment 1 demonstrate that surrounding crowd information is integrated when judging an individual’s body size; a novel measure of spatial integration (i.e., an Ebbinghaus Illusion for Bodies in VR). In Experiment 2 (N = 96), female participants were selected based on high (n = 43) and low (n = 53) eating disorder symptomatology. We examined whether the magnitude of this illusion would differ amongst those with elevated versus low eating disorder symptomatology, in accordance with weak central coherence theory, with the high symptomatology group displaying less spatial integration relative to the low group. The results of Experiment 2 similarly found an Ebbinghaus Illusion for Bodies in VR. However, illusion magnitude did not vary across high and low symptomatology groups.

Discussion

Overall, these findings demonstrate that surrounding crowd information is integrated when judging individual body size; however, those with elevated eating disorder symptomatology did not show any integration deficit on this broader measure of spatial integration.
Development and refinement of the open dialog adherence protocol in complex mental health care
Authors: Lotmore Melissa , Ziedonis Douglas , Alvarez Monjaras Mauricio , Hopfenbeck Mark , Razzaque Russell , Wilson Emily , Pilling Stephen
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Open dialog (OD) is a both a therapeutic practice and a service delivery model that offers an integrated response to mental health care through mobilizing resources within the service user’s family and community networks through joint network meetings. Therapist adherence is a crucial to the effective delivery of interventions. A key way to measure this is through structured observation tools.

Aims

The aim of this research project is to develop and refine the Dialogic Practice Adherence Scale, for use in OD research trials in the United Kingdom.

Methods

This study was a mixed methods approach to the development of an OD practitioner adherence measure. Initial steps involved meetings and discussions with experts and a review of the literature. Content validation studies were completed using a modified Delphi technique. To assess reliability of the measure, OD network meetings were audio-recorded, and tapes were rated by two independent researchers. Inter-rater reliability and internal consistency were assessed through quantitative approaches assessing variance.

Results

Results provide a description of how the OD Adherence Manual was developed in collaboration. Validation surveys showed high levels on consensus among experts in the field on the key elements of OD network meetings. Inter-rater reliability for the total score was excellent and internal consistency analyses suggest the scale is highly reliable.

Discussion

The scale presented here is an initial attempt at rating practitioner adherence in OD network meetings. It provides encouraging evidence that this can be done with strong validity and reliability and can be completed by a range of raters with varying levels of clinical experience.
Innovation as a practice: Why automation will not kill innovation
Authors: Redín Dulce M. , Cabaleiro-Cerviño Goretti , Rodriguez-Carreño Ignacio , Scalzo German
Published: January 2023

As a result of contemporary culture’s focus on continuous innovation and “change before you have to,” innovation has been identified with economic gains rather than with creating added value for society. At the same time, given current trends related to the automation of business models, workers seem all but destined to be replaced by machines in the labor market. In this context, we attempt to explore whether robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be able to innovate, and the extent to which said activity is exclusively inherent to human nature. Following the need for a more anthropological view of innovation, we make use of MacIntyrean categories to present innovation as a domain-relative practice with creativity and practical wisdom as its corresponding virtues. We explain why innovation can only be understood within a tradition as it implies participating in inquiry about the principle and end of practical life. We conclude that machines and “intelligent” devices do not have the capacity to innovate and they never will. They may replicate the human capacity for creativity, but they squarely lack the necessary conditions to be a locus of virtue or engage with a tradition.
A comparative study of postgraduate theses in pedagogy and preschool education in Austria and Turkey
Authors: Pınar Yunus , Gür Dilek , Pınar Nihal Kubilay , Demir Kemal , Iltar Ekin Kaynak , Songören Sevgi Arkılıç , Özenici Salih
Published: January 2023

In this study, postgraduate theses in the fields of pedagogy and preschool education in Austria and Turkey are compared in terms of factors such as similarity index, research designs and quality of academic writing. To achieve this goal, a commonly-used web-based plagiarism detection service was used to determine the similarity indexes of 258 theses prepared in the two countries (124 from Austria, 134 from Turkey) by checking them against existing sources such as articles, theses, and books; and a relational screening model was used to determine the degree of correlation among variables. In addition, the research topics, research designs, and data collection tools employed in each thesis were identified and content analysis was performed on selected theses with an eye to gaining a sense of the methodological approaches used in pedagogy in Austrian and Turkish universities and making comparisons between the two countries. Our results suggest that the mean similarity index between the postgraduate theses in Austria is 8.78 (Std. Dev. 4.91), while the mean similarity index between the postgraduate theses prepared in Turkey is 25.10 (Std. Dev. 9.85). Our analysis indeed indicates that 91% (n 113) of the theses prepared at Austrian universities and only 13% (n 17) of the theses prepared at Turkish universities did not exceed the acceptable similarity index of 15%. The fact that 87% of the theses written in Turkey are dramatically similar to the available resources shows that many of the studies carry potential risks in terms of originality and plagiarism.
The association between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents: Based on survey evidence in rural areas of China
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Hu Xin , Wang Yujie
Published: January 2023

Background

In recent years, muscle strength in children and adolescents has continued to decline, especially in rural areas. Executive function as a higher function of the brain, is closely related to the future achievement of children and adolescents. For this reason, this study analyzed the correlation between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents in rural areas of China to better promote the development of muscle strength and executive function.

Methods

Demographic factors, muscle strength, and executive function were tested in 1,335 children and adolescents in rural China using a three-stage stratified whole-group sampling method. One-way ANOVA and chi-square test were used to compare the differences in executive function among children and adolescents with different muscle strengths. Multiple linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the association that exists between muscle strength and executive function.

Results

When comparing the inconsistently, congruent, 1back, 2back, conversion, size parity, and cognitive flexibility response times of children and adolescents with different muscle strength indexes in rural China, the differences were statistically significant (F = 46.592, 45.610, 10.809, 32.068, 24.095, 19.260, 11.501, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis was performed using children and adolescents with muscle strength index >P80 as the control group. The results showed that the risk of 1back dysfunction was higher (OR = 1.764, 95% CI:1.094, 2.843) in children and adolescents with muscle strength index <P20 (p < 0.05). The risk of 2back dysfunction was higher in children and adolescents with a muscle strength index <P20 (OR = 2.129, 95% CI:1.329, 3.410) (p < 0.01). Compared with children and adolescents with muscle strength index >P80. The muscle strength index <P20 group had a higher risk of cognitive flexibility dysfunction (OR = 1.820, 95% CI:1.111, 2.982) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

There is a association between muscle strength and executive function in children and adolescents in rural areas of China. Those with higher muscle strength have shorter executive function reaction times and are at lower risk of developing executive dysfunction. Future measures should be taken to improve muscle strength and executive function levels in children and adolescents in rural areas to promote healthy physical and mental development.