bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of astrocytes: From invertebrates to vertebrates
Authors: Falcone Carmen
Published: August 2022

The central nervous system (CNS) shows incredible diversity across evolution at the anatomical, cellular, molecular, and functional levels. Over the past decades, neuronal cell number and heterogeneity, together with differences in the number and types of neuro-active substances, axonal conduction, velocity, and modes of synaptic transmission, have been rigorously investigated in comparative neuroscience studies. However, astrocytes, a specific type of glial cell in the CNS, play pivotal roles in regulating these features and thus are crucial for the brain’s development and evolution. While special attention has been paid to mammalian astrocytes, we still do not have a clear definition of what an astrocyte is from a broader evolutionary perspective, and there are very few studies on astroglia-like structures across all vertebrates. Here, I elucidate what we know thus far about astrocytes and astrocyte-like cells across vertebrates. This information expands our understanding of how astrocytes evolved to become more complex and extremely specialized cells in mammals and how they are relevant to the structure and function of the vertebrate brain.
Baduanjin exercise in the treatment of hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Zhen , Lei Honghui , Tian Kexin , Liu ZhiZe , Chen Ying , Yang Haoqi , Zhu Xiangyu
Published: August 2022

Background

As a therapy to prevent and treat hypertension, exercise is widely used in clinical practice. But due to the lack of documentary evidence, Baduanjin as a relaxed and convenient mode of exercise is not currently recommended by professional health organizations to treat hypertension. The purpose of this article is to examine the efficacy of Baduanjin as an antihypertensive exercise therapy.

Methods

Our systematic retrieved of the entire relevant literatures in 12 databases. Finally, 28 eligible trials involving Baduanjin intervention in hypertension were included. After the quality assessment and bias risk assessment of the included trials, we analyzed the blood pressure values before and after the intervention, and performed meta-analysis on the random effect results. In order to explore the factors influencing the decrease of blood pressure, we also performed a subgroup analysis of the results.

Results

Participants (n = 2121) were adults (61.74 ± 5.85years of age, mean ± SD), with baseline blood pressure (systolic blood pressure (SBP) = 150.7 ± 9.2 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) = 93.2 ± 8.8 mmHg). Baduanjin was practiced 7.5 ± 3.8 sessions / week for 28.2 ± 12.8 min /session for 16.7 ± 9.2 weeks. Overall, Baduanjin resulted in SBP (−9.3 mmHg, d = −1.49, 95%CI: −1.73 to −1.13) and DBP (−6.3 mmHg, d = −1.20, 95%CI: −1.51 to −0.88) vs. the control group (p < 0.001). After a subgroup analysis of age, we found that SBP heterogeneity was significantly reduced in the elderly group.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that Baduanjin can effectively reduce blood pressure (i.e., 9.3 mmHg and 6.3 mmHg of SBP and DBP reductions, respectively), and reduce the incidence rate of cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients. In addition, we will be more likely to recommend that the elderly exercise Baduanjin.
Dental health of pediatric patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) after three years of burosumab therapy
Authors: Brener Rafi , Zeitlin Leonid , Lebenthal Yael , Brener Avivit
Published: August 2022

An inactivating PHEX gene mutation with the resultant accumulation of several mineralization-inhibiting proteins (e.g., FGF23) causes skeletal and dental morbidity in X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). This prospective case-control study explored the effect of burosumab, an anti-FGF23 antibody, on dental health of children with XLH. Ten children (age 4.3-15 years) with XLH underwent burosumab treatment per protocol. Assessment of their dental status at treatment initiation and after 1 and 3 years of treatment included clinical, laboratory and radiographic evaluation of rickets and dentition. Orthopantomographic examinations of ten healthy sex- and age-matched controls were selected for comparison. Coronal and pulp dimensions of a selected permanent mandibular molar were measured with Planmeca Romexis® software. One year of treatment led to improvement of height z-score (p=0.019) and healing of the rickets (p<0.001) in the XLH patients, and those achievements were maintained after three years of treatment. Dental morphology of XLH patients, distinguished by increased pulp-coronal ratios compared to controls (p=0.002), remained larger after the first year of treatment (p<0.001) and did not attain the decrease expected with age after three years of treatment. Five patients had a history of recurrent dental abscesses, with three having undergone at least one episode during the year before burosumab initiation. One patient sustained recurrent abscesses throughout three years of treatment. The persistence of the unique dental morphology of XLH patients undergoing burosumab therapy, as evidenced by excessively larger pulp dimensions, supports the role of other PHEX gene-related local mineralization inhibitors, such as osteopontin, in the pathogenesis of dental morbidity.
Spatio-temporal evolution and influencing factors of net carbon sink in marine aquaculture in China
Authors: Guan Hongjun , Sun Zhenzhen , Zhao Aiwu
Published: August 2022

Marine aquaculture not only has considerable economic benefits, but also provides high-quality “decarbonization space” for carbon neutrality, which is of great significance for realizing the goal of “double carbon”. Using the two-stage LMDI (logarithmic mean division index) method, this paper comprehensively analyzes the mechanism of net carbon sink capacity of mariculture in China from five factors: aquaculture structure, aquaculture efficiency, aquaculture scale, competitiveness of shellfish and algae and aquaculture mode. The results show that: 1) the net carbon sink of mariculture in China has increased year by year from 2010 to 2019, with obvious heterogeneous spatial distribution characteristics in three marine economic zone. 2) The improvement of aquaculture efficiency and innovation of aquaculture model contribute the most to the increase of carbon sink, and technological progress plays an increasingly important role. 3) The weak competitiveness of shellfish and algae seriously hinders the growth rate of carbon sink, and is the main reason for the increasing tightening of carbon sink space. 4) Regional heterogeneity analysis shows that the mechanism of increasing carbon sink in marine aquaculture is regionally heterogeneous and resource-dependent. Based on these findings, strategies are proposed to emphasize the ecological values of marine aquaculture, accelerate the technological innovation of deep-sea marine aquaculture, improve the organizational system and the management level, and expand the space for marine carbon sink.
Metagenomic pathogen sequencing in resource-scarce settings: Lessons learned and the road ahead
Authors: Yek Christina , Pacheco Andrea R. , Vanaerschot Manu , Bohl Jennifer A. , Fahsbender Elizabeth , Aranda-Díaz Andrés , Lay Sreyngim , Chea Sophana , Oum Meng Heng , Lon Chanthap , Tato Cristina M. , Manning Jessica E.
Published: August 2022

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is the process of sequencing all genetic material in a biological sample. The technique is growing in popularity with myriad applications including outbreak investigation, biosurveillance, and pathogen detection in clinical samples. However, mNGS programs are costly to build and maintain, and additional obstacles faced by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may further widen global inequities in mNGS capacity. Over the past two decades, several important infectious disease outbreaks have highlighted the importance of establishing widespread sequencing capacity to support rapid disease detection and containment at the source. Using lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, LMICs can leverage current momentum to design and build sustainable mNGS programs, which would form part of a global surveillance network crucial to the elimination of infectious diseases.
The emerging threat antifungal-resistant Candida tropicalis in humans, animals, and environment
Authors: Lima Ricardo , Ribeiro Felipe C. , Colombo Arnaldo L. , de Almeida Joăo N.
Published: August 2022

Antifungal resistance in humans, animals, and the environment is an emerging problem. Among the different fungal species that can develop resistance, Candida tropicalis is ubiquitous and causes infections in animals and humans. In Asia and some Latin American countries, C. tropicalis is among the most common species related to candidemia, and mortality rates are usually above 40%. Fluconazole resistance is especially reported in Asian countries and clonal spread in humans and the environment has been investigated in some studies. In Brazil, high rates of azole resistance have been found in animals and the environment. Multidrug resistance is still rare, but recent reports of clinical multidrug-resistant isolates are worrisome. The molecular apparatus of antifungal resistance has been majorly investigated in clinical C. tropicalis isolates, revealing that this species can develop resistance through the conjunction of different adaptative mechanisms. In this review article, we summarize the main findings regarding antifungal resistance and Candida tropicalis through an “One Health” approach.
Association of FLG mutation with tumor mutation load and clinical outcomes in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Yicheng Fu , Xin Liu , Tian Yu , Huilin Liu
Published: August 2022

Background: Stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world with a poor prognosis due to genetic heterogeneity. The present study aimed to explore potential prognostic predictors and therapeutic targets that can be used for STAD treatment.

Methods: We collected relevant data of STAD patients from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), including somatic mutation, transcriptome, and survival data. We performed a series of analyses such as tumor mutational burden (TMB), immune infiltration, and copy number variation (CNV) analysis to evaluate the potential mechanism of filaggrin (FLG) mutation in gastric cancer. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed for annotation of differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The STRING online database was used to construct the protein–protein interaction (PPI) and ceRNA network and hub genes were identified. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the effect of selected DEGs on tumor prognosis.

Results: The FLG-mutant group (FLG-MT) showed a higher mutation load and immunogenicity in gastric cancer. GO and KEGG analyses identified and ranked unique biologic processes and immune-related pathway maps that correlated with the FLG-mutant target. GSEA analysis showed that several tumorigenesis and metastasis-related pathways were indeed enriched in FLG-mutant tumor tissue. Both cell cycle–related pathways and the DNA damage and repair associated pathways were also enriched in the FLG-MT group. The FLG mutations resulted in increased gastric cancer sensitivity to 24 chemotherapeutic drugs. The ceRNA network was established using Cytoscape and the PPI network was established in the STRING database. The results of the prognostic information further demonstrated that the OS and DFS were significantly higher in FLG mutation carriers, and the FLG gene mutation might be a protective factor.

Conclusion: The multiple molecular mechanisms of the FLG gene in STAD are worthy of further investigation and may reveal novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for STAD treatment.
Oculocutaneous albinism and bleeding diathesis due to a novel deletion in the HPS3 gene
Authors: Marek-Yagel Dina , Abudi-Sinreich Shachar , Macarov Michal , Veber Alvit , Shalva Nechama , Philosoph Amit Mary , Pode-Shakked Ben , Malicdan May Christine V. , Anikster Yair
Published: August 2022

Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome (HPS) is a group of rare autosomal recessive disorders characterized by oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and bleeding diathesis. To date, 11 HPS types have been reported (HPS-1 to HPS-11), each defined by disease-causing variants in specific genes. Variants in the HPS1 gene were found in approximately 15% of HPS patients, most of whom harbor the Puerto Rican founder mutation. In this study, we report six affected individuals from three nonconsanguineous families of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, who presented with OCA and multiple ecchymoses and had normal platelet number and size. Linkage analysis indicated complete segregation to HPS3. Sequencing of the whole coding region and the intron boundaries of HPS3 revealed a heterozygous c.1163+1G>A variant in all six patients. Long-range PCR amplification revealed that all affected individuals also carry a 14,761bp deletion that includes the 5′UTR and exon 1 of HPS3, encompassing regions with long interspersed nuclear elements. The frequency of the c.1163+1G>A splice site variant was found to be 1:200 in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, whereas the large deletion was not detected in 300 Ashkenazi Jewish controls. These results present a novel HPS3 deletion mutation and suggest that the prevalence of HPS-3 in Ashkenazi Jews is more common than previously thought.
Prognosis analysis of necroptosis-related genes in colorectal cancer based on bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Liang Xiaojie , Cheng Zhaoxiang , Chen Xinhao , Li Jun
Published: August 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one gastrointestinal malignancy, accounting for 10% of cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths worldwide each year. Therefore, it is urgent to identify genes involved in CRC predicting the prognosis.

Methods: CRC’s data were acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GSE39582 and GSE41258 datasets) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differentially expressed necroptosis-related genes (DENRGs) were sorted out between tumor and normal tissues. Univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selectionator operator (LASSO) analysis were applied to selected DENRGs concerning patients’ overall survival and to construct a prognostic biomarker. The effectiveness of this biomarker was assessed by the Kaplan–Meier curve and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The GSE39582 dataset was utilized as external validation for the prognostic signature. Moreover, using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses, independent prognostic factors were identified to construct a prognostic nomogram. Next, signaling pathways regulated by the signature were explored through the gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) algorithm and tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) were used to explore immune correlation in the two groups, high-risk and low-risk ones. Finally, prognostic genes’ expression was examined in the GSE41258 dataset.

Results: In total, 27 DENRGs were filtered, and a necroptosis-related prognostic signature based on 6 DENRGs was constructed, which may better understand the overall survival (OS) of CRC. The Kaplan–Meier curve manifested the effectiveness of the prognostic signature, and the ROC curve showed the same result. In addition, univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses revealed that age, pathology T, and risk score were independent prognostic factors, and a nomogram was established. Furthermore, the prognostic signature was most significantly associated with the apoptosis pathway. Meanwhile, 24 immune cells represented significant differences between two groups, like the activated B cell. Furthermore, 32 immune checkpoints, TIDE scores, PD-L1 scores, and T-cell exclusion scores were significantly different between the two groups. Finally, a 6-gene prognostic signature represented different expression levels between tumor and normal samples significantly in the GSE41258 dataset.

Conclusion: Our study established a signature including 6 genes and a prognostic nomogram that could significantly assess the prognosis of patients with CRC.
Probiotic properties of Bacillus strains isolated from the gastrointestinal tract against pathogenic Vibriosis
Authors: Jlidi Mouna , Akremi Ismahen , Ibrahim Adel Haj , Brabra Wided , Ali Manel Ben , Ali Mamdouh Ben
Published: August 2022

Vibriosis is one of the major diseases leading to massive fish mortality. Probiotics may provide a potential alternative method to protect fish from pathogens and to promote a balanced environment minimizing the use of antibiotics and chemotherapy. The aims of this study were to (i) isolate and purify marine spore-former strains from Sardine and shrimp intestine, (ii) screen for bacteria with potential probiotic properties, and (iii) carry out theirin vitrosafety assessment using a subtractive procedure. Among 108 spore-former strains, five strains exhibited a strong antibacterial activity against Vibriosis such asVibrio harveyiandVibrio anguillarum. These selected strains were unaffected by high-temperature and gastrointestinal conditions; produced amylase, protease, and lipase activities; and showed high percentages of auto-aggregation and co-aggregation with pathogens, as well as a strong adhesion to fish mucus. Partial 16S rDNA gene sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS revealed that isolates areBacillus amyloliquefaciensorBacillus subtilis. All of them were susceptible to antibiotics, while hydrolic enzymes and virulence factors were not detected forB. subtilisS17. In conclusion, based on their proprieties and their safety assessment,B. subtilisS17 could serve as a potential probiotic candidate for aquaculture.
The structural, dynamic, and thermodynamic basis of darunavir resistance of a heavily mutated HIV-1 protease using molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Shabanpour Yaser , Sajjadi Sharareh , Behmard Esmaeil , Abdolmaleki Parviz , Keihan Amir Homayoun
Published: August 2022

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease (HIV-1 PR) is an important enzyme in the life cycle of the HIV virus. It cleaves inactive pre-proteins of the virus and changes them into active proteins. Darunavir (DRV) suppresses the wild-type HIV-1 PR (WT-Pr) activity but cannot inhibit some mutant resistant forms (MUT-Pr). Increasing knowledge about the resistance mechanism can be helpful for designing more effective inhibitors. In this study, the mechanism of resistance of a highly MUT-Pr strain against DRV was investigated. For this purpose, complexes of DRV with WT-Pr (WT-Pr-D) and MUT-Pr (MUT-Pr-D) were studied by all-atom molecular dynamics simulation in order to extract the dynamic and energetic properties. Our data revealed that mutations increased the flap-tip flexibility due to the reduction of the flap-flap hydrophobic interactions. So, the protease’s conformation changed from a closed state to a semi-open state that can facilitate the disjunction of DRV from the active site. On the other hand, energy analysis limited to the final basins of the energy landscape indicated that the entropy of binding of DRV to MUT-Pr was more favorable than that of WT-Pr. However, the enthalpy penalty overcomes it and makes binding more unfavorable relative to the WT-Pr. The unfavorable interaction of DRV with R8, I50, I84, D25′, and A28′ residues in MUT-Pr-D relative to WT-Pr-D is the reason for this enthalpy penalty. Thus, mutations drive resistance to DRV. The hydrogen bond analysis showed that compared with WT-Pr, the hydrogen bonds between DRV and the active-site residues of MUT-Pr were disrupted.
A ferroptosis-related gene signature and immune infiltration patterns predict the overall survival in acute myeloid leukemia patients
Authors: Yin Zhao , Li Fang , Zhou Qinjun , Zhu Jianfang , Liu Zhi , Huang Jing , Shen Huijuan , Ou Ruiming , Zhu Yangmin , Zhang Qing , Liu Shuang
Published: August 2022

Targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an effective strategy, but currently, there are very limited therapeutic targets for AML treatment. Ferroptosis is strongly related to drug resistance and carcinogenesis. However, there are few reports about ferroptosis in AML. This article explores the relationship between ferroptosis-related gene (FRG) expression and prognosis in AML patients from the FerrDb and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. The ferroptosis-related gene ARNTL was observed to have high expression and poor prognosis in AML. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis revealed the predictive accuracy of the signature. The area under the time-dependent ROC curve (AUC) was 0.533 at one year, 0.619 at two years, and 0.622 at three years within the training cohort. Moreover, we found that the ARNTL expression is closely associated with tumor-infiltrating immune cells like the macrophages and NK cells. Inhibiting the ARNTL expression suppressed colony formation and induced ferroptosis in AML cells. Overall, the survival prediction model constructed based on ARNTL accurately predicted the survival in AML patients, which could be a potential candidate for diagnosing and treating AML.
Interrelation between homocysteine metabolism and the development of autism spectrum disorder in children
Authors: Li Bingbing , Xu Yiran , Pang Dizhou , Zhao Qiang , Zhang Lingling , Li Ming , Li Wenhua , Duan Guiqin , Zhu Changlian
Published: August 2022

Evidence is emerging that dysregulation of circulating concentrations of homocysteine, an important intermediate in folate and vitamin B12 metabolism, is associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but comprehensive assessments and correlations with disease characteristics have not been reported. Multivariate ordinal regression and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to estimate independent correlations between serum homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 levels and clinical outcomes and severity of children with ASD. After adjusting for confounding factors, serum homocysteine levels were significantly higher in children with ASD than in healthy controls (β: 0.370; 95% CI: 0.299~0.441, p < 0.001). Moreover, homocysteine had a good diagnostic ability for distinguishing children with ASD from healthy subjects (AUC: 0.899, p < 0.001). The RCS model indicated a positive and linear association between serum homocysteine and the risk of ASD. The lowest quartile of folate was positively associated with ASD severity (OR: 4.227, 95% CI: 1.022~17.488, p = 0.041) compared to the highest quartile, and serum folate showed a negative and linear association with ASD severity. In addition, decreased concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 were associated with poor adaptive behavior developmental quotients of the Gesell Developmental Schedules (p < 0.05). Overall, an increased homocysteine level was associated with ASD in a linear manner and is thus a novel diagnostic biomarker for ASD. Decreased concentrations of folate and vitamin B12 were associated with poor clinical profiles of children with ASD. These findings suggest that homocysteine-lowering interventions or folate and vitamin B12 supplementation might be a viable treatment strategy for ASD.
Lysosomal-associated transmembrane protein 5 deficiency exacerbates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhang Zongyong , Wang Lei , Wang Zhen , Zhang Tingbao , Shi Min , Xin Can , Zou Yichun , Wei Wei , Li Xiang , Chen Jincao , Zhao Wenyuan
Published: August 2022

Lysosomal-associated transmembrane protein 5 (LAPTM5) has been demonstrated to be involved in regulating immunity, inflammation, cell death, and autophagy in the pathophysiological processes of many diseases. However, the function of LAPTM5 in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury has not yet been reported. In this study, we found that LAPTM5 expression was dramatically decreased during cerebral I/R injury both in vivo and in vitro. LAPTM5 knockout (KO) mice were compared with a control, and they showed a larger infarct size and more serious neurological dysfunction after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) treatment. In addition, inflammatory response and apoptosis were exacerbated in these processes. Furthermore, gain- and loss-of-function investigations in an in vitro model revealed that neuronal inflammation and apoptosis were aggravated by LAPTM5 knockdown but mitigated by its overexpression. Mechanistically, combined RNA sequencing and experimental verification showed that the apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1)-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 pathway was mainly involved in the detrimental effects of LAPTM5 deficiency following I/R injury. Specifically, LAPTM5 directly interacts with ASK1, leading to decreased ASK1 N-terminal dimerization and the subsequent reduced activation of downstream JNK/p38 signaling. In conclusion, LAPTM5 was demonstrated to be a novel modulator in the pathophysiology of brain I/R injury, and targeting LAPTM5 may be feasible as a stroke treatment.
Computational Framework for Radionuclide Migration Assessment in Clay Rocks
Authors: Garibay-Rodriguez Jaime , Chen Chaofan , Shao Haibing , Bilke Lars , Kolditz Olaf , Montoya Vanessa , Lu Renchao
Published: August 2022

In the context of nuclear waste disposal, a pre-requisite to assure their long term safety is the need for safety assessment studies aided by computational simulations, in particular, radionuclide migration from the waste to the geosphere. It is established that underground repositories for nuclear waste will provide retardation barriers for radionuclides. However, the understanding of the sorption mechanisms of radionuclides onto mineral surfaces (i.e., illite, montmorillonite) is essential for modelling their migration. On the other hand, mechanistic-based radionuclide migration simulations, typically for 1 million years, poses a computational challenge. Surrogate-based simulations can be useful to enable sensitivity/uncertainty analysis that would be prohibitive otherwise. Considering the current challenges in modelling radionuclide migration and the importance of the results and implications of these simulations (i.e., for the public and nuclear waste management agencies), it is necessary to provide appropriate computational tools in a transparent and easy-to-use way. In this work, we aim to provide such tools in a framework that combines the simulation capabilities of OpenGeoSys6 for radionuclide migration and the approachable nature of Project Jupyter (i.e., JupyterLab), which provides a modular web-based environment for development, simulation and data. In this way, we aim to promote the collaborative research of radionuclide migration assessment and, at the same time, to guarantee the availability and reproducibility of the scientific outcome through the OpenGeoSys initiative.
Primary Ewing’s sarcoma of sphenoid sinus: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wu Kunpeng , Zhu Xiaoyan , Li Yan , Wen Daxiong , Wu Huiyu , Lai Yanzhen , Li Yun , Wu Jian , Liu Zhuoxing
Published: August 2022

Background

Primary Ewing’s sarcoma of sphenoid sinus, observed in children and adolescents, is an extremely rare malignancy. Such rarity makes the imaging features and treatment strategies for Ewing’s sarcoma of sphenoid sinus unclear. This study aimed to offer guidance for treating this very disease by describing a patient with a rare primary Ewing’s sarcoma of sphenoid sinus and reviewing the available data in the literature.

Case description

A case of Ewing’s sarcoma in sphenoid sinus treated with multidisciplinary treatment approaches, including tumor resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and antiangiogenic therapy, was presented in this study. Moreover, literature for Ewing’s sarcoma in the head was systematically searched, and two cases in the sphenoid sinus and five cases in the sphenoid bone were identified. Furthermore, the clinical features, imaging findings, pathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis were summarized.

Conclusion

Tumor resection combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy may provide favorable results for patients with Ewing’s sarcoma of sphenoid sinus and bone. However, more reports are still necessary to further clarify optimal management.
Partial vs. complete course of antenatal corticosteroid prophylaxis: An Italian single center retrospective study
Authors: Xodo Serena , Trombetta Giulia , Celante Lisa , Pittini Carla , Driul Lorenza , Cagnacci Angelo , Londero Ambrogio P.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of preterm infants given 12 vs. 24mg of betamethasone prophylaxis to understand whether a partial course of antenatal corticosteroids (CCS) could prevent or mitigate the major preterm birth complications.

Methods

This is a retrospective single-center cohort study including neonates born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation from 2001 to 2019 at the University Hospital of Udine. The study population was divided into two groups: one group received 12mg, and another received a 24mg dose of betamethasone before the delivery. A separate analysis was performed for single and multiple pregnancies. The two groups were evaluated for various neonatal outcomes.

Results

The study population included a total of 1,258 pregnancies and 1,543 neonates delivered between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation, of which 1,022 (803 single and 219 multiple pregnancies) were exposed to the complete CCS prophylaxis, whereas 236 (192 single and 44 multiple pregnancies) received the incomplete CCS prophylaxis. In single pregnancies, as for maternal characteristics, the most significant differences observed between the two groups are the following: a higher prevalence of spontaneous vaginal deliveries in the incomplete CCS prophylaxis (36.46 vs. 23.91%) and, by contrast, a higher prevalence of cesarean deliveries in the complete CCS prophylaxis group (75.72 vs. 63.02%). As for neonatal outcomes, the low Apgar score in the first and fifth min was significantly more prevalent in the incomplete CCS prophylaxis group compared with the complete CCS prophylaxis group. The group of incomplete CCS prophylaxis reported a higher occurrence of the following outcomes: IVH grade 3-4 (7.81 vs. 3.74%, p < 0.05), PVL (7.29 vs. 1.99% p < 0.05), ROP (23.96 vs. 18.06% p = 0.062), and RDS (84.38 vs. 78.83% p = 0.085). After adjusting for covariates, the complete CCS prophylaxis group in single pregnancies was significantly protective for IVH grade 3-4, PVL, and low Apgar's scores. Similar results were found in multiple pregnancies except for RDS.

Discussion

This retrospective single-center cohort study found that, compared with preterm infants treated with 24mg betamethasone in utero, those given half course of betamethasone had a significantly higher prevalence of IVH grade 3-4, PVL, RDS, and lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min. In conclusion, the evidence from this single-center retrospective study supports the preference for the complete CCS prophylaxis in women at risk of preterm birth because of its beneficial effect on the main adverse outcomes.
The prevalence and years lived with disability of asthma in children under 5 years old in Sichuan Southwest China, 1990–2019: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Luo Yu , Bao Li , Wang Mu , Guo Hui
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To analyze the prevalence and Years Lived with Disability of Asthma in children under 5 years old and the time trends in Sichuan Southwest China from 1990–2019.

Methods

Based on the results of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD2019), we present the time trend, sex specific prevalence, Years Lived with Disability (YLDs) and deaths due to asthma under 5 years old in Sichuan and compared them with national indicators in the same period.

Results

The number of children under 5 years old with asthma decreased overall from 1990 to 2007 and increased overall from 2008 to 2019. The time trend of prevalence rate was similar. In 2019, over 111 thousands children under 5 years old suffered from asthma, the prevalence rate was 2,584 per 100 thousand, YLDs was 4.5 thousands, and YLDs rate was 105 per 100 thousand in Sichuan. Compared with 1990, the number of patients decreased by 48.6%, the prevalence increased by 9.4%, the YLDs decreased by 48.9%, and the YLDs rate increased by 9.7% in 2019. The increase in the prevalence and YLDs rate of asthma children in Sichuan was higher than the national overall, but the number of asthma deaths and deaths rate in Sichuan and the whole nation all decreased.

Conclusions

The results in Sichuan Southwest China show the prevalence and YLDs of asthma children under 5 years old increased over the past 30 years, and were higher than the overall increase in China. Male children are the key population of increasing asthma disease burden and deserves more attention. More targeted prevention and control measures are still needed to reduce the incidence of asthma.
Clinical implementation of plasma cell-free circulating tumor DNA quantification by digital droplet PCR for the monitoring of Ewing sarcoma in children and adolescents
Authors: Seidel Markus G. , Kashofer Karl , Moser Tina , Thueringer Andrea , Liegl-Atzwanger Bernadette , Leithner Andreas , Szkandera Joanna , Benesch Martin , El-Heliebi Amin , Heitzer Ellen
Published: August 2022

Background

Treatment stratification and response assessment in pediatric sarcomas has relied on imaging studies and surgical/histopathological evidence of vital tumor cells. Such studies and evidence collection processes often involve radiation and/or general anesthesia in children. Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) detection in blood plasma is one available method of so-called liquid biopsies that has been shown to correlate qualitatively and quantitatively with the existence of vital tumor cells in the body. Our clinical observational study focused on the utility and feasibility of ctDNA detection in pediatric Ewing sarcoma (EWS) as a marker of minimal residual disease (MRD).

Patients and methods

We performed whole genome sequencing (WGS) to identify the exact breakpoints in tumors known to carry the EWS-FLI1 fusion gene. Patient-specific fusion breakpoints were tracked in peripheral blood plasma using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) before, during, and after therapy in six children and young adults with EWS. Presence and levels of fusion breakpoints were correlated with clinical disease courses.

Results

We show that the detection of ctDNA in the peripheral blood of EWS patients (i) is feasible in the clinical routine and (ii) allows for the longitudinal real-time monitoring of MRD activity in children and young adults. Although changing ctDNA levels correlated well with clinical outcome within patients, between patients, a high variability was observed (inter-individually).

Conclusion

ctDNA detection by ddPCR is a highly sensitive, specific, feasible, and highly accurate method that can be applied in EWS for follow-up assessments as an additional surrogate parameter for clinical MRD monitoring and, potentially, also for treatment stratification in the near future.
A review for the pharmacological effects of paeoniflorin in the nervous system
Authors: Hong Hongxiang , Lu Xu , Wu Chunshuai , Chen Jiajia , Chen Chu , Zhang Jinlong , Huang Chao , Cui Zhiming
Published: August 2022

Paeoniflorin, a terpenoid glycoside compound extracted from Paeonia lactiflora Pall, shows preventive and therapeutic effects in various types of nervous system disorders. However, to date, no comprehensive knowledge on the pharmacological effects of paeoniflorin on the nervous system is available online. Clarification of this issue may be useful for the development of paeoniflorin as a new drug for the treatment of nervous system disorders. To this end, the authors summarize the pharmacological aspects of paeoniflorin and its possible mechanisms, such as restoration of mitochondrial function; inhibition of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular apoptosis; activation of adenosine A1 receptor, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2); or enhancement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and serotonin function, in the prevention of disorders such as cerebral ischemia, subarachnoid hemorrhage, vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, depression, post-traumatic syndrome disorder, and epilepsy, by reviewing the previously published literature.
Assessment of macular structures and vascular characteristics in highly myopic anisometropia using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Wang Xin , Chen Yanhui , Wang Zhiyang , Li Haoru , He Qing , Rong Hua , Wei Ruihua
Published: August 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the macular structures and vascular characteristics of more myopic (MM) and contralateral eyes with highly myopic anisometropia.

Methods: Comprehensive ophthalmic examinations were performed for 33 patients with highly myopic anisometropia. Macular structures (total retinal layer [TRL], ganglion cell and inner plexiform layer [GCIPL], inner nuclear layer [INL], outer retinal layer [ORL], nerve fiber layer [NFL], choroidal layer [CHL]) and vascular characteristics (superficial vascular complex density [SVD], deep vascular complex density [DVD], choriocapillaris perfusion area [CCPA]) were assessed using swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). Macular structures and vascular characteristics of each subregion were compared to those of the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS).

Results: With highly myopic anisometropia, the thicknesses of the TRL, GCIPL, INL, and ORL in MM eyes were smaller than those in contralateral eyes in at least one quadrant of the perifoveal and parafoveal circles (all p < 0.05), with no changes in the foveal and temporal quadrants of perifoveal regions (all p > 0.05). A thicker NFL (p = 0.018) was found in MM eyes than in contralateral eyes in the superior perifoveal quadrant. The CHL (all p < 0.05) in MM eyes was thinner in all regions than in the contralateral eyes according to the ETDRS. There were no statistical differences in the SVD, DVD, and CCPA of MM and contralateral eyes (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion: All retinal layers, except the NFL, tended to be thinner in all subregions, except the temporal perifoveal and foveal quadrants in MM eyes, and choroidal thickness was thinned in all areas.
Positive and negative mood states mediated the effects of psychological resilience on emotional stability among high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Han Fulei , Wang Qiulin
Published: August 2022

This study investigated the parallel mediating effects of positive and negative mood states on the relationship between psychological resilience and emotional stability among first- through third-year senior high school students in China during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of 408 questionnaires distributed from April 11 to April 22, 2022, to students at a high school located in Changzhou, Jiangsu, China, 360 were completed correctly and analyzed using a cross-sectional study design. The questionnaire included items from the modified Chinese version of the Psychological Resilience Scale, the Profile of Mood States scale, and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Short Scale in Chinese, the latter to assess emotional stability. The mediating effects of mood states on the relationship between psychological resilience and emotional stability were explored by using structural equation modeling and bootstrapping methods. The results indicated that psychological resilience directly affected emotional stability but also indirectly affected emotional stability through the mediating effects of positive and negative mood states. The mediating effect of negative mood states was greater than that of positive mood states. This result differs from that of research conducted prior to the pandemic, which found that compared with the damage caused by negative moods to emotional stability, positive moods more strongly promoted emotional stability. Our findings indicate that high school officials in China should consider strengthening mental health support for students who are taking courses online during home quarantine.
How attachment affects users’ continued use intention of tourism mobile platform: A user experience perspective
Authors: Xiang Guopeng , Chen Qian , Li Qiucheng
Published: August 2022

Continued use intention of customers is a critical factor in the development of tourism mobile platforms (TMP), which reflects the degree of users’ attachment to the platforms. However, existing research in this field intends to investigate users’ attachment to a TMP by focusing on the overall cognitive satisfaction of the users, which deviates from the “cognition-affect” framework in psychology. Following the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) framework, this paper draws upon the attachment theory and the user experience theory, and proposes a model depicting how service experience of TMP affects users’ intention to keep using the TMP through the mediation effect of platform attachment. The empirical results (N = 276) showed that functional experience and social experience positively affect TMP users’ development of platform attachment (i.e., platform dependence and platform identity), which in turn enhance their intention to continuously obtain and provide tourism information via the TMP. This study expands the research on the continued use of TMP from an attachment perspective and contributes to the field in both theoretical and practical levels.
Pathological online game use of secondary vocational school students: Current situation and its relation to self-esteem and self-identity
Authors: Yang Lixian , Chen Yuan , Zhang Mengxia , Zhang Jinkun
Published: August 2022

Secondary Vocational School Students are particularly susceptible to online game addiction due to adolescent characteristics and superimposed pressures of academic and employment. Based on the theoretical framework of self-identity and self-esteem, the present research conducted a questionnaire survey using samples of secondary vocational school students to investigate the relationship between pathological online game use (POGU), self-esteem and self-identity. The results showed that 15.56% of secondary vocational students' level of POGU met the diagnostic criteria, and POGU and self-esteem appeared significant differences in gender and family types. Moreover, lower self-esteem and self-identity were associated with higher POGU and self-esteem played a partial mediating role in the relationship between self-identity and POGU. We briefly discussed practical implications of our findings and the future research.
The effect of exercise on the prevention of gestational hypertension in obese and overweight pregnant women: An updated meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Enli , Tao Huimin , Liu Mengqing , Li Changchun , Zhao Qi
Published: August 2022

Background

Gestational hypertension (GH) is a common disease that seriously threatens the safety and health of pregnant women and their newborns. Physical exercise (PE) is widely recognized as a health maintenance method and it has numerous benefits. Studies on the association between PE and the risk of GH in obese and overweight pregnant women have generated controversial findings. This updated meta-analysis was performed to reassess the effects of PE on GH.

Methods

The articles from inception to April 2022, presenting studies investigating exercise intervention and pregnancy outcomes were explored across several online databases. Heterogeneity among the included studies was estimated and tested by Q test and I2 statistic. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated through either random-effect or fixed-effect models. Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and publication bias diagnoses were also conducted.

Results

Twelve with 1,649 subjects were included. PE was associated with a reduced risk of GH in obese and overweight pregnant women (Pooled RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42–0.81, P = 0.001; I2 = 24.3%). Subgroup analysis found significant trends amongst Eastern countries (RR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.36–0.96, P = 0.033). Sensitivity analysis suggested the results were stable. No publication bias was detected based on Begg's test and Egger's test.

Conclusion

PE was associated with reduced risk of GH in obese and overweight pregnant women, especially in Eastern countries. More well-designed studies are still needed to further elaborate on these associations.

Systematic review registration

CRD42022326183.
Studies on irritable bowel syndrome associated with anxiety or depression in the last 20 years: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Chen Yuanfang , Lian Baotao , Li Peize , Yao Simeng , Hou Zhengkun
Published: August 2022

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) associated with anxiety or depression is ubiquitous in clinical practice, and multiple related articles have been published. However, studies that utilize bibliometric analyses to address this topic are rare. In our study, we aimed to reveal research trends in IBS with anxiety or depression. Publications on IBS in relation to anxiety or depression in the last 20 years were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). CiteSpace software (5.8.R3) and GraphPad Prism 8 were used to perform bibliometric analysis of authors, countries, institutions, journals, keywords, and references involved in this topic. A total of 2,562 publications from 716 academic journals were included in this study. The majority of publications (n = 833, 32.51%) were from the USA, and the University of California, Los Angeles, contributed the most publications (n = 97, 3.79%). Active cooperations among countries and institutions were observed. Neurogastroenterology and Motility [impact factor (IF) 2020 = 3.598] published the most papers (170 publications, 6.64%), followed by Alimentary Pharmacology Therapeutics (IF 2020 = 8.171; 88 publications; 3.44%). The literatures related to IBS and anxiety or depression were primarily published in journals related to medicine/medical/clinical, neurology/sports/ophthalmology, and molecular/biology/immunology. Cryan JF and Drossman DA, with the largest number of articles (84 publications) and citations (917 citations), respectively, were considered as the most influential authors in this field. A total of 336 co-cited references were divided into 17 clusters, and #1 fecal microbiota transplantation contained most of the documents published in recent years. Moreover, the keyword “psychosocial factor” had the largest burst strength of 13.52, followed by the keyword “gut microbiota” with a burst strength of 11.71. This study shows the research performance of IBS related to anxiety or depression from 2002 to 2021 and helps researchers master the trend in this field, which should receive more attention.
The Social, Economic, and Ecological Drivers of Planning and Management of Urban River Parks
Authors: Zingraff-Hamed Aude , Serra-Llobet Anna , Kondolf G. Mathias
Published: August 2022

Urban rivers deliver a broad range of contributions of nature to human development. The exploitation of the riverine ecosystem services evolves with uncertainty. In addition to the current decreasing of ecosystem health and changing climate, the impact of societal development on the river system directly reduces the potential delivery of future ecosystem services. What are the drivers of the design of urban river parks and what upcoming challenges will need to be addressed? This paper presents the results of an ex-post-analysis and comparative analysis of planning orientations of two urban river parks, the Isar River in Munich (Germany) and the American River in Sacramento (U.S.). The contribution describes the evolution of the urban rivers based on planning strategy, identifies drivers of changes and discusses the upcoming challenges for urban river parks that need to be addressed in the short and long term. The contribution shows that urban river park designs occur in a larger context of human demographic, technological, and economic changes. The contribution does not intend to solve the very complex and urgent challenges the case study sites face but rather to highlight research needs to support adaptation strategies.