bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR‐34a/SIRT1/HIF‐1α axis is involved in cardiac angiogenesis of type 2 diabetic rats: The protective effect of sodium butyrate combined with treadmill exercise
Authors: Sarlak Zeynab , Eidi Akram , Ghorbanzadeh Vajihe , Moghaddasi Mehrnoush , Mortazavi Pejman
Published: August 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide. Recent research has indicated that sodium butyrate (NaB) affects glucose metabolism and exercise has an anti‐hyperglycemic effect in diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NaB and treadmill exercise on heart angiogenesis through the miR‐34a/SIRT1/FOXO1‐HIF‐1α pathway. Diabetic animals received NaB (400 mg/kg daily, orally) and treadmill exercise for 6 weeks. The effect of NaB and treadmill exercise, alone or combined, on miR‐34a expression, SIRT1, FOXO1, HIF‐1α levels, and angiogenesis in diabetic heart tissue was measured. Diabetes caused increased miR‐34a (p < 0.01) and FOXO1 (p < 0.001) expression levels. Also, SIRT1 (p < 0.001) and HIF‐1α (not significant) expression levels were reduced in diabetic rats. NaB and treadmill exercise decreased miR‐34a (respectively p < 0.05 and not significant) and FOXO1 (both p < 0.001) expression levels and improved SIRT1 (both not significant) and HIF‐1α (respectively p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) levels. Also, NaB combined with treadmill exercise decreased miR‐34a (p < 0.001) and FOXO1 (p < 0.001) expression levels, and elevated SIRT1 (p < 0.05) and HIF‐1α (p < 0.001) levels in comparison with the diabetic group. NaB and treadmill exercises modulate the expression of miR‐34a and the levels of SIRT1, FOXO1, and HIF‐1α proteins, thus increasing angiogenesis in the heart tissue of diabetic rats. It can be concluded that NaB and treadmill exercise, alone or combined, may be useful in the treatment of diabetes through the miR‐34a/SIRT1/FOXO1‐HIF‐1α pathway.
The reputational costs of corporate environmental underperformance: evidence from China
Authors: Hossain Md Mosharraf , Wang Lafang , Yu Jing
Published: August 2023

This study evaluates the relative importance of regulative and reputational pressures on corporate environmental performance by exploiting a novel research setting in China, where the financial penalties for corporate environmental wrongdoing are small. Despite the small monetary penalties, we still document a surprisingly strong negative stock price reaction to the news of corporate environmental violations. Additionally, we show that the negative stock market reaction weakens in firms with strong voluntary environmental commitment. But the effect of voluntary environmental commitment is less pronounced in state‐ or foreign‐owned firms. Our study yields important managerial implications: our findings reveal considerable reputational losses associated with environmental misconducts and demonstrate the benefit of voluntary environmental commitment in upholding corporate reputation and helping firms recover during unfavorable environmental crises.
Disparities in cancer mortality patterns: A comprehensive examination of U.S. rural and urban adults, 1999–2020
Authors: Sokale Itunu O. , Raza Syed Ahsan , Thrift Aaron P.
Published: August 2023

Background

Cancer mortality rates overall in the U.S. have decreased significantly; however, the rate of decline has not been uniform across sociodemographic groups. We aimed to compare trends in cancer mortality rates from 1999 to 2020 between rural and urban individuals and to examine whether any rural–urban differences are uniform across racial and ethnic groups.

Methods

We used U.S.‐wide data from the National Center for Health Statistics, for all cancer deaths among individuals aged 25 years or older. We estimated average annual percentage change (AAPC) in age‐standardized cancer mortality rates in the U.S. by cancer type, rural–urban status, sex, and race and ethnicity.

Results

There was a larger reduction in cancer mortality rates among individuals from urban (males: AAPC, −1.96%; 95% CI, −2.03, −1.90; females: AAPC, −1.56%; 95% CI, −1.64, −1.48) than rural (males: AAPC, −1.43%; 95% CI, −1.47, −1.39; females: AAPC, −0.93; 95% CI, −1.03, −0.82) areas. AAPCs for cancer types were uniformly higher among urban areas compared with rural areas. Despite overall decreases, deaths rates for liver and pancreas cancers increased, including in the most recent period among males (2012–2020, APC, 1.34; 95% CI, 0.49, 2.20) and females (2013–2020, APC, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.03, 3.02) in rural areas.

Conclusions

Cancer death rates decreased in all racial and ethnic populations; however, the rural–urban differences varied by race/ethnicity. The rate of decline in mortality rates were lower in rural areas and death rates for liver and pancreas cancers increased, particularly for individuals living in rural America.
Exploring the Potential of Anthraquinone‐Based Hybrids for Identifying a Novel Generation of Antagonists for the Smoothened Receptor in HH‐Dependent Tumour
Authors: Quaglio Deborah , Infante Paola , Cammarone Silvia , Lamelza Lara , Conenna Marilisa , Ghirga Francesca , Adabbo Gennaro , Pisano Luca , Di Marcotullio Lucia , Botta Bruno , Mori Mattia
Published: August 2023

Natural products (NPs) are highly profitable pharmacological tools due to their chemical diversity and ability to modulate biological systems. Accessing new chemical entities while retaining the biological relevance of natural chemotypes is a fundamental goal in the design of novel bioactive compounds. Notably, NPs have played a crucial role in understanding Hedgehog (HH) signalling and its pharmacological modulation in anticancer therapy. However, HH antagonists developed so far have shown several limitations, thus growing interest in the design of second‐generation HH inhibitors. Through smart manipulation of the NPs core‐scaffold, unprecedented and intriguing architectures have been achieved following different design strategies. This study reports the rational design and synthesis of a first and second generation of anthraquinone‐based hybrids by combining the rhein scaffold with variously substituted piperazine nuclei that are structurally similar to the active portion of known SMO antagonists, the main transducer of the HH pathway. A thorough functional and biological investigation identified RH2_2 and RH2_6 rhein‐based hybrids as valuable candidates for HH inhibition through SMO antagonism, with the consequent suppression of HH‐dependent tumour growth. These findings also corroborated the successful application of the NPs‐based hybrid design strategy in the development of novel NP‐based SMO antagonists.
Enhancing mechanical strength of electrospun nanofibers by coaxial electrospinning and thermal treatment
Authors: Li Yifu , Smith Scott A. , Zhou Norman , Tan Zhongchao
Published: August 2023

Electrospinning of nonwoven nanofibrous mats has received significant attention in recent years due to the high versatility and porosity of electrospun mats. However, electrospun mats generally suffer from low mechanical strength. This work reports a method to improve the mechanical strength of nanofiber mats by coaxial electrospinning combined with thermal treatment, without incurring significant dimensional shrinkage. Coaxial polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/polyvinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) mats showed no shrinkage when tested at temperatures up to 240°C for 20 min, compared to a shrinkage of 94% for the homogenous PVDF‐HFP mats when treated at 190°C for 20 min. When treated at 178°C for up to 30 min, the coaxial fibres consistently showed changes in thickness of less than 10% and no significant change in area. The coaxial PAN/PVDF‐HFP mats showed negligible changes in average porosity after treatment at 178°C for 20 min. The mechanical strength of the coaxial samples heat treated at 178°C for 5 min was 7.72 MPa, a 22% increase from that before heating, and a 54% increase compared to the as‐spun homogenous PVDF‐HFP. Thus, the proposed technique of combining heat treatment with coaxial morphologies demonstrates significant potential for improving mechanical strength without dimensional shrinkage.
A new intelligent prediction model using machine learning linked to grey wolf optimizer algorithm for O2/N2 adsorption
Authors: Mashhadimoslem Hossein , Kermani Vahid , Zanganeh Kourosh , Shafeen Ahmed , Elkamel Ali
Published: August 2023

To address the deficiency and predict the adsorption performance in different adsorbents, this study proposes a new optimizer linked to the machine learning (ML) model considering the performance of the adsorption process. The main goal is to predict adsorption under different process conditions with different adsorbents and provide a unified framework, leading to the prediction of adsorption phenomena instead of traditional isotherm models. This research focuses on predicting the adsorbed amount of O2 and N2 on several carbon‐based adsorbents using the ML approach linked to the grey wolf optimizer algorithm (GWO). Experimental isotherm data (dataset 1344) on adsorbent type, temperature, pressure, gas type, and adsorption capacity of the process adsorption were used as input and output datasets. The best algorithm was Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS), a two‐layer network from a multi‐layer perceptron (MLP) method applying 28 neurons. The new MLP‐GWO network would have the best mean square error (MSE) efficiencies of 0.00037, while the R2 (r‐squared) was 0.9934. The new ML‐generated model can accurately predict the adsorption process behaviour of different carbon‐based adsorbents under various process conditions. The results of this research have the potential to assist a wide range of gas separation industries.
Racial disparity in the genomics of precision oncology of prostate cancer
Authors: Le Tu , Rojas Pilar Soto , Fakunle Mary , Huang Franklin W.
Published: August 2023

Background

Significant racial disparities in prostate cancer incidence and mortality have been reported between African American Men (AAM), who are at increased risk for prostate cancer, and European American Men (EAM). In most of the studies carried out on prostate cancer, this population is underrepresented. With the advancement of genome‐wide association studies, several genetic predictor models of prostate cancer risk have been elaborated, as well as numerous studies that identify both germline and somatic mutations with clinical utility.

Recent Findings

Despite significant advances, the AAM population continues to be underrepresented in genomic studies, which can limit generalizability and potentially widen disparities. Here we outline racial disparities in currently available genomic applications that are used to estimate the risk of individuals developing prostate cancer and to identify personalized oncology treatment strategies. While the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer are different between AAM and EAM, samples from AAM remain to be unrepresented in different studies.

Conclusion

This disparity impacts the available genomic data on prostate cancer. As a result, the disparity can limit the predictive utility of the genomic applications and may lead to the widening of the existing disparities. More studies with substantially higher recruitment and engagement of African American patients are necessary to overcome this disparity.
Extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma arising from soft tissues: A rare case report
Authors: Shahnazari Razieh , Montazer Fatemeh , Shirzadi Shahriar , Karaji Sina
Published: August 2023

Background

Chondrosarcomas are an exceedingly rare form of cancer, impacting only a few individuals per million. Among chondrosarcomas, a small fraction belongs to the mesenchymal sub‐type. Furthermore, only one‐third of mesenchymal chondrosarcomas manifest in extraskeletal locations.

Case

A 38‐year‐old woman was referred by a midwife after experiencing pain in the right upper quadrant of her right breast for 2 months. The mass had been palpable for 1 week before the initial assessment. According to radiological evaluations, the tumor is outside breast tissue and not connected to the bones. Hence, a biopsy of the mass is done. The biphasic morphology of the tumor during pathological evaluation, in addition to immunohistochemistry testing, confirms the diagnosis of extraskeletal mesenchymal chondrosarcoma (EMCS). Finally, the mass was surgically removed, and 6 months of chemotherapy were administered to the patient.

Conclusion

Given the tumor's rarity and the lack of established guidelines, diagnosing EMCS can be challenging and prone to errors. As such, meticulous sampling, along with precise pathological and imaging investigations, is imperative to accurately establish the diagnosis of these tumors.
Remarkable Enhancement of Hole Mobility of Novel DA‐D’‐AD Small Molecules by Thermal Annealing: Effect of the D’‐Bridge Block.
Authors: Kuznetsov Ilya E. , Piryazev Alexey A. , Akhkiamova Azaliia F. , Sideltsev Maxim E. , Anokhin Denis V. , Lolaeva Alina V. , Gapanovich Mikhail V. , Zamoretskov Davlad S. , Sagdullina Diana K. , Klyuev Mikhail V. , Ivanov Dimitri A. , Akkuratov Alexander V.
Published: August 2023

Conjugated small molecules are advanced semiconductor materials with attractive physicochemical and optoelectronic properties enabling the development of next‐generation electronic devices. The charge carrier mobility of small molecules strongly influences the efficiency of organic and hybrid electronics based on them. Herein, we report the synthesis of four novel small molecules and their investigation with regard to the impact of molecular structure and thermal treatment of films on charge carriers’ mobility. The benzodithiophene‐containing compounds (BDT) were shown to be more promising in terms of tuning the morphology upon thermal treatment. Impressive enhancement of hole mobilities by more than 50 times was found for annealed films based on a compound M4 comprising triisopropylsilyl‐functionalized BDT core. The results provide a favorable experience and strategy for the rational design of state‐of‐the‐art organic semiconductor materials (OSMs) and for improving their charge‐transport characteristics.
Isolation of Projection‐Specific and Behavior‐Relevant Amygdala Circuit for RNA Sequencing
Authors: He Yu‐Ting , Zou Jia‐Xin , He Ye , Wang Chun‐Yan , Pan Bing‐Xing , Pan Han‐Qing
Published: August 2023

One of the most sought‐after topics in neuroscience is to understand how the environment regulates the activity and function of neural circuitry and subsequently influences relevant behaviors. In response to alterations in the environment, the neural circuits undergo adaptive changes ranging from gene expression changes to altered cellular function. Performing sequencing of the transcriptome involved in these behavior‐related circuits will provide clues to accurately dissect the detailed mechanisms of related behavior. Here, we describe methods for marking and collecting the ventral hippocampus–projecting basolateral amygdala neurons, which have been repeatedly implicated in regulation of anxiety‐like behavior, and subsequently constructing a library ready for sequencing. Specifically, the reported approaches include adeno‐associated virus injection, acute brain slice isolation, cell suspension preparation, cell extraction, and cDNA library construction. By utilizing the techniques described here, researchers can comprehensively investigate the transcriptional levels of neural clusters embedded in particular circuits and discover potential pathogenic and therapeutic targets for behavior‐relevant disorders. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Tagging of behavior‐related neural circuits

Basic Protocol 2: Isolation and capture of fluorescent‐positive cells

Basic Protocol 3: Foundation of sequencing library
Demographic consequences of an extreme heat wave are mitigated by spatial heterogeneity in an annual monkeyflower
Authors: McDonald Laura M. , Scharnagl Anna , Turcu Andrea K. , Patterson Courtney M. , Kooyers Nicholas J.
Published: August 2023

Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense with climate change, but the demographic and evolutionary consequences of heat waves are rarely investigated in herbaceous plant species. We examine the consequences of a short but extreme heat wave in Oregon populations of the common yellow monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus) by leveraging a common garden experiment planted with range‐wide populations and observational studies of 11 local populations. In the common garden, 89% of seedlings died during the heat wave including >96% of seedlings from geographically local populations. Some populations from hotter and drier environments had higher fitness, however, others from comparable environments performed poorly. Observational studies of local natural populations drastically differed in the consequences of the heat wave—one population was completely extirpated and nearly half had a >50% decrease in fitness. However, a few populations had greater fitness during the heat wave year. Differences in mortality corresponded to the impact of the heat wave on soil moisture—retention of soil moisture throughout the heat wave led to greater survivorship. Our results suggest that not all populations experience the same intensity or degree of mortality during extreme events and such heterogeneity could be important for genetic rescue or to facilitate the distribution of adaptive variants throughout the region.
Weathering the hunt: The role of barometric pressure in predator insects' foraging behaviour
Authors: Azevedo Kamila E. X. , Magalhães Diego M. , de Andrade Moral Rafael , Bento José Maurício S.
Published: August 2023

Abiotic factors strongly influence ecological interactions and the spatial distribution of organisms. Despite the essential role of barometric pressure, its influence on insect behaviour remains poorly understood, particularly in predators. The effect of barometric pressure variation can significantly impact biological control programs involving entomophagous insects, as they must efficiently allocate time and energy to search for prey in challenging environments. We investigated how predatory insects from different taxonomic groups (Coleoptera, Dermaptera and Neuroptera) adapt their foraging behaviour in response to variations in barometric pressure (low, medium and high). We also examined the response of different life stages to changes in pressure regimes during foraging activities. Our results showed that the searching time of Doru luteipes (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) was faster in a favourable high‐pressure regime, whereas Chrysoperla externa (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) and Eriopis connexa (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) had similar searching times under varying pressure regimes. Although no differences in prey feeding time were observed among the studied species, the consumption rate was influenced by low barometric pressure leading to a decrease in the number of preyed eggs. Moreover, we provide novel insights into how hemimetabolous (D. luteipes) and holometabolous (E. connexa) species at different life stages respond to barometric pressure. Doru luteipes nymphs and adults had similar consumption rates across all pressure regimes tested, whereas E. connexa larvae consumed fewer eggs under low barometric pressure, but adults were unaffected. This highlights the importance of investigating how abiotic factors affect insects foraging efficiency and predator–prey interactions. Such studies are especially relevant in the current context of climate change, as even subtle changes in abiotic factors can have strong effects on insect behaviour. Barometric pressure is a key meteorological variable that serve as a warning signal for insects to seek shelter and avoid exposure to weather events that could potentially increase their mortality. Understanding the effects of barometric pressure on predatory insects' behaviour can help us develop more effective pest management strategies and promote the resilience of agroecosystems. We provide new insights into the complex relationship between barometric pressure and predator–prey interactions.
The native reed‐specific bird, reed parrotbill, has been detected in exotic smooth cordgrass
Authors: Dawei Wu , Zhenqi Wang , Wei Hu , Changhu Lu , Pan Chen
Published: August 2023

After the smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora invaded coastal China, native birds started avoiding the green desert, and bird diversity declined. After many years, a few passerine birds began to enter and use smooth cordgrass, but only birds with a nonspecialised habitat. In this study, we found that a native reed‐specific bird, the parrotbill Calamornis heudei, flocked and sang in a smooth cordgrass habitat throughout the overwintering period near Sheyang Port in Yancheng, Jiangsu Province. This observation suggests that native obligate birds may be forced to adapt to exotic smooth cordgrass habitats after long‐term coexistence, which would, obviously, affect the distribution, feeding and reproduction of birds. The concern is that this could be an ecological trap, leading to unknown consequences. More research is required to examine the process occurring along the Chinese coast.
Movement patterns and habitat use for the sympatric species: Gambelia wislizenii and Aspidoscelis tigris
Authors: McAlpine‐Bellis Elizabeth , Utsumi Kaera L. , Diamond Kelly M. , Klein Janine , Gilbert‐Smith Sophia , Garrison Grace E. , Eifler Maria A. , Eifler Douglas A.
Published: August 2023

Movement is an important characteristic of an animal's ecology, reflecting the perception of and response to environmental conditions. To effectively search for food, movement patterns likely depend on habitat characteristics and the sensory systems used to find prey. We examined movements associated with foraging for two sympatric species of lizards inhabiting the Great Basin Desert of southeastern Oregon. The two species have largely overlapping diets but find prey via different sensory cues, which link to their differing foraging strategies—the long‐nosed leopard lizard, Gambelia wislizenii, is a visually‐oriented predator, while the western whiptail, Aspidoscelis tigris, relies more heavily on chemosensory cues to find prey. Using detailed focal observations, we characterized the habitat use and movement paths of each species. We placed markers at the location of focal animals every minute for the duration of each 30‐min observation. Afterward, we recorded whether each location was in the open or in vegetation, as well as the movement metrics of step length, path length, net displacement, straightness index, and turn angle, and then made statistical comparisons between the two species. The visual forager spent more time in open areas, moved less frequently over shorter distances, and differed in patterns of plant use compared to the chemosensory forager. Path characteristics of step length and turn angle differed between species. The visual predator moved in a way that was consistent with the notion that they require a clear visual path to stalk prey whereas the movement of the chemosensory predator increased their chances of detecting prey by venturing further into vegetation. Sympatric species can partition limited resources through differences in search behavior and habitat use.
Optimal Heartbeat Energy Harvesting using Electrostatic Energy Harvesters
Authors: Pourahmadi-Nakhli Meisam , Sasanpour Bahareh , Mahdavi Mostafa , Sharifpur Mohsen
Published: August 2023

Microelectromechanical system of electrostatic energy harvesters is modeled using a nonlinear state–space approach in this research. The analytical models of in‐plane overlap, in‐plane gap closing, and their compound structures are used to analyze the energy harvesting performance from heartbeats‐generated vibrations. The detailed models of both electrical and mechanical subsystems including stopper function, motion drag, parasitic capacitors, and energy converter capacitors are developed in the format of state–space equations. To reach the optimal heartbeat energy harvesting, typical 1D harvesters are developed and allowed to move inx–yandx–y–zdirections. Accordingly, the optimal harvester combines the features of in‐plane overlap and in‐plane gap closing energy conversions, and so allows efficient absorption of energy released by heartbeat in different directions. This 3D feature gives a considerable rise to power generation to 35.038 μw at the same size compared to the new rate of the in‐plane overlap or in‐plane gap‐closing electrostatic harvesters individually.
Exotic tree plantations in the Chilean Coastal Range: Balancing effects of discrete disturbances, connectivity and a persistent drought on catchment erosion
Authors: Tolorza Violeta , Mohr Christian , Zambrano-Bigiarini Mauricio , Sotomayor Benjamin , Poblete-Caballero Dagoberto , Carretier Sebastien , Galleguillos Mauricio , Seguel Oscar
Published: August 2023

The Coastal Range in the Mediterranean segment of Chile is a soil
mantled landscape with potential to store valuable supplies of fresh
water and support a biodiverse native forest. Nevertheless, human
intervention has been increasing soil erosion for ~ 200
yr, with  intensive management of exotic tree plantations during the
last ~ 45 yr. At the same time, this landscape has been
affected by a prolonged megadrought, and is not yet well understood how
the combined effect of anthropogenic disturbances and hydrometeorologic
trends affect sediment transport at the catchment scale.

In this study we calculate a decadal-scale catchment erosion rate from
suspended sediment loads and compare it with a
10-year-scale catchment denudation rate estimated
from detritic Be. We then contrast these rates
against the effects of discrete anthropogenic disturbances and
hydroclimatic trends. Erosion/denudation rates are similar on both time
scales, i.e. 0.018 ± 0.005 mm/yr and 0.024 ± 0.004 mm/yr, respectively.
Recent human-made disturbances include logging operations during each
season and a dense network of forestry roads, which increase structural
sediment connectivity. Other disturbances include two widespread
wildfires (2015 and 2017) and one Mw 8.8 earthquake (2010).

We observe a decrease in suspended sediment load during the wet seasons
for the period 1986-2018 coinciding with declines in streamflow,
baseflow and rainfall. The low 10-year denudation
rate agrees with a landscape dominated by slow diffusive soil creep.
However, the low 10-year-scale erosion rate and the decrease in
suspended sediments are not in agreement with the expected effect of
intensive anthropogenic disturbances and increased structural (sediment)
connectivity. These paradox suggest that, either suspended sediment
loads and, thus, catchment erosion, are underestimated, and/or that
decennial sediment detachment and transport were smeared by decreasing
rainfall and streamflow. Our findings indicate that human-made
disturbances and hydrometeorologic trends may result in opposite,
partially offsetting effects on recent erosion, but both contribute to
the landscape degradation.
Finite‐element‐based machine‐learning algorithm for studying gyrotactic‐nanofluid flow via stretching surface
Authors: Chandra Priyanka , Das Raja
Published: August 2023

The Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm with back‐propagated neural network (BLM‐NN) based on machine learning is used in a dynamic fashion in this study to examine the 2D boundary layer flow of a nanofluid comprising gyrotactic microorganisms flowing across a stretchable vertically inclined surface (NGM‐ISSFM), immersed in a porous medium. An extensively verified finite‐element method (FEM) is used to produce the reference data set for BLM‐NN by altering five crucial parameters of the flow model in MATLAB. The main objective of this innovative approach is to minimize longer execution times (for larger number of elements) and more expensive digital computer requirements that are the key barriers to opting the FEM, and in order to obtain the entire function instead of the discrete solution that other numerical methods typically produce. To estimate the NGM‐ISSFM model's result for diverse scenario, BLM‐NN is trained, tested, and validated. Several BLM‐NN implementations using MSE‐based indices have shown the performance's veracity and validity through descriptive statistics. The results show that when the Prandtl number increases, the temperature profile and density profile of microorganisms fall dramatically, implying that a fluid with a low Prandtl number is required to enhance the rate of heat transmission.
A meta‐analysis of the effect of probiotic administration on age‐related sarcopenia
Authors: Shokri‐Mashhadi Nafiseh , Navab Fatemeh , Ansari Shakila , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Hajhashemy Zahra , Saraf‐Bank Sahar
Published: August 2023

Global increase in the prevalence of age‐related diseases, such as sarcopenia, highlights the need of recognizing agents that improve muscle health; however, the evidence synthesis on the impact of probiotic administration on sarcopenia is scarce. To summarize and evaluate findings regarding the effect of supplementation with probiotics on sarcopenia, this meta‐analysis was conducted. Using databases, including PubMed, SCOPUS, ISI–Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, interventional studies were included if they investigate the effect of probiotic administration on at least one of the components of sarcopenia up to 6 October 2022. Risk of bias evaluation was conducted using the Cochrane quality assessment tool. The random‐effects model which takes between‐study variations into account was used to obtain the overall effect sizes. The STATA version 14.0 was used for statistical analyses. Overall, 17 studies were included. There was high certainty of evidence that probiotic supplementation has a beneficial effect on muscle mass (kg) (WMD: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.05, 1.05; I2: 0.0%, p = .995), and muscle function (WMD: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.23; I2: 65.6%, p = .05). Moreover, administration of probiotics for more than 12 weeks significantly increased muscle strength (WMD: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.88, 1.44; I2: 0.0%, p = .77). However, probiotic supplementation had no effect on anthropometric indices, including body mass index. Probiotic supplementation could improve muscle mass and muscle function in adults more than 55 years old. The beneficial effect of probiotics on muscle strength could appear after 12 weeks of supplementation.
Computed tomography‐defined sarcopenia as a risk factor for short‐term postoperative complications in oral cancer patients with free flap reconstruction: A retrospective population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lin Bo , Lin Jianlin , Wang Feng , Wang Yufan , Shen Shiyue , Hong Xia , Yang HuiJun , Wang Shunji , Yang Hongyu
Published: August 2023

Background

Postoperative complications after free flap reconstruction for oral cancer can increase cost and prolong hospitalization. This study explored risk factors for complications, focusing on sarcopenia.

Methods

The study explored the associations between computed tomography‐defined sarcopenia and the occurrence of postoperative complications, adjusted for age, gender, smoking, alcohol, ASA scoring, clinical stage of tumor, tumor site, type of free flap used, presence of tracheotomy, and blood test parameters.

Results

Of 253 patients, 17.39% (44/253) of oral cancer patients had comorbid sarcopenia. Univariate analysis showed an overall postoperative complication rate of 65.90% in the sarcopenia group and 51.67% in the non‐sarcopenia group. Multivariate modeling showed sarcopenia and smoking were major risk factors for total and respiratory complications, increasing the risks by over two‐fold. No factors significantly impacted surgery‐specific complications.

Conclusions

This study identified sarcopenia as a risk factor for postoperative complications in oral cancer patients undergoing flap reconstruction.
Non‐invasive biochemical analysis and comparison of atopic dermatitis and psoriasis skin using handheld confocal Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Dinish U. S. , Yew Yik Weng , Vinod Ram Keertana , Bi Renzhe , Attia Amalina Binte Ebrahim , Teo Xinhui Valerie , Rajarahm Poongkulali , Oon Hazel Hweeboon , Thng Steven Tien Guan , Olivo Malini
Published: August 2023

A handheld non‐invasive confocal Raman system (CRS) was used to evaluate the differences in skin biochemicals between atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis, which are inflammatory skin conditions. Raman spectral measurements in the fingerprint and high wavenumber region were acquired using a portable in‐house CRS system with excitation lasers operating at 671 and 785 nm. It was deduced that relative amount of water decreases in the following sequence of skin: healthy, psoriasis and AD. Moreover, differential trends were observed for the subclasses of ceramides such that ceramide 3 is lower in the lesional AD and psoriasis skin as compared to healthy, while ceramide 2 showed a contrasting trend of decrease in lesional AD and increase in lesional psoriasis as opposed to healthy skin. Amount of cholesterol was significantly higher in lesional psoriasis as compared to lesional AD and healthy skin. These differences can aid in an objective classification of the skin conditions and in the formulation of new disease‐specific topical treatments.
Primary cilia: Structure, dynamics, and roles in cancer cells and tumor microenvironment
Authors: Guan Yi‐Ting , Zhang Chong , Zhang Hong‐Yong , Wei Wen‐Lu , Yue Wei , Zhao Wei , Zhang Dong‐Hui
Published: August 2023

Despite the initiation of tumor arises from tumorigenic transformation signaling in cancer cells, cancer cell survival, invasion, and metastasis also require a dynamic and reciprocal association with extracellular signaling from tumor microenvironment (TME). Primary cilia are the antenna‐like structure that mediate signaling sensation and transduction in different tissues and cells. Recent studies have started to uncover that the heterogeneous ciliation in cancer cells and cells from the TME in tumor growth impels asymmetric paracellular signaling in the TME, indicating the essential functions of primary cilia in homeostasis maintenance of both cancer cells and the TME. In this review, we discussed recent advances in the structure and assembly of primary cilia, and the role of primary cilia in tumor and TME formation, as well as the therapeutic potentials that target ciliary dynamics and signaling from the cells in different tumors and the TME.
Cdon ablation in motor neurons causes age‐related motor neuron degeneration and impaired sciatic nerve repair
Authors: Kim Sunghee , An Subin , Lee Jinwoo , Jeong Yideul , You Chang‐Lim , Kim Hyebeen , Bae Ju‐Hyeon , Yun Chae‐Eun , Ryu Dongryul , Bae Gyu‐Un , Kang Jong‐Sun
Published: August 2023

Background

The functional deterioration and loss of motor neurons are tightly associated with degenerative motor neuron diseases and aging‐related muscle wasting. Motor neuron diseases or aging‐related muscle wasting in turn contribute to increased risk of adverse health outcomes in the elderly. Cdon (cell adhesion molecule‐downregulated oncogene) belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell adhesion molecule and plays essential roles in multiple signalling pathways, including sonic hedgehog (Shh), netrin, and cadherin‐mediated signalling. Cdon as a Shh coreceptor plays a critical role in motor neuron specification during embryonic development. However, its role in adult motor neuron function is unknown.

Methods

Hb9‐Cre recombinase‐driven motor neuron‐specific Cdon deficient mice (mnKO) and a compound mutant mice (mnKO::SOD1G93A) were generated to investigate the role of Cdon in motor neuron degeneration. Motor neuron regeneration was examined by using a sciatic nerve crush injury model. To investigate the phenotype, physical activity, compound muscle action potential, immunostaining, and transmission electron microscopy were carried out. In the mechanism study, RNA sequencing and RNA/protein analyses were employed.

Results

Mice lacking Cdon in motor neurons exhibited middle age onset lethality and aging‐related decline in motor function. In the sciatic nerve crush injury model, mnKO mice exhibited an impairment in motor function recovery evident by prolonged compound muscle action potential duration (4.63 ± 0.35 vs. 3.93 ± 0.22 s for f/f, P < 0.01) and physical activity. Consistently, neuromuscular junctions of mnKO muscles were incompletely occupied (49.79 ± 5.74 vs. 79.39 ± 3.77% fully occupied neuromuscular junctions for f/f, P < 0.0001), suggesting an impaired reinnervation. The transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that mnKO sciatic nerves had smaller axon diameter (0.88 ± 0.13 vs. 1.43 ± 0.48 μm for f/f, P < 0.0001) and myelination defects. RNA sequencing of mnKO lumbar spinal cords showed alteration in genes related to neurogenesis, inflammation and cell death. Among the altered genes, ErbB4 and FgfR expressions were significantly altered in mnKO as well as in Cdon‐depleted NSC34 motor neuron cells. Consistently, Cdon‐depleted NSC34 cells exhibited elevated levels of cleaved Caspase3 and γH2AX proteins, as well as Bax transcription. Cdon‐depleted NSC34 cells also exhibited impaired activation of Akt in response to neuregulin‐1 (NRG1) treatment.

Conclusions

Our current data demonstrate the functional importance of Cdon in motor neuron function and nerve repair. Cdon ablation causes alterations in neurotrophin signalling that leads to motor neuron degeneration.
One‐year change in sarcopenia was associated with cognitive impairment among haemodialysis patients
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Da Jingjing , Yuan Jing , Zha Yan
Published: August 2023

Background

Our study aimed to evaluate change in sarcopenia, its defining components over 1 year follow‐up and investigate associations with subsequent cognitive decline, incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia among patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD).

Methods

In the multicentre, longitudinal study, 1117 HD patients aged 56.8 ± 14.3 years (654 men; and 463 women) from 17 dialysis centres in Guizhou Province, China, were recruited in 2019 and followed up for 1 year in 2020. Sarcopenia was diagnosed with Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria using appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) and handgrip strength (HGS). Body composition was measured using body composition monitor; body water, weight, and height were corrected to calculate ASMI. HGS was measured by mechanical handgrip dynamometer. Cognitive function was measured with Mini Mental State Examination. Multivariate linear, logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were employed to examine the associations of changes in sarcopenia, ASMI, and HGS with Mini Mental State Examination score change, and incident MCI, dementia.

Results

Four hundred fourteen (37.1%) patients had sarcopenia at baseline; during 1 year follow‐up, 257 (23.0%) developed MCI and 143 (12.8%) developed dementia. According to changes in sarcopenia, patients were stratified into four groups: non‐sarcopenia; non‐sarcopenia to sarcopenia; sarcopenia; and sarcopenia to non‐sarcopenia. HD patients in sarcopenia and non‐sarcopenia to sarcopenia groups had higher risk of MCI (34.8%, 32.0%, vs. 17.4%) and dementia (20.6%, 19.8%, vs. 8.7%), compared non‐sarcopenia group (P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression analyses showed that sarcopenia [regression coefficients (β) −1.098, 95% confidence interval (CI) −1.872, −0.324, P = 0.005] and non‐sarcopenia to sarcopenia (β −1.826, −2.441, −1.212, P < 0.001) were associated with faster cognitive decline compared to non‐sarcopenia. HGS decline (β 0.046, 0.027–0.064, P < 0.001) and ASMI decline (β 0.236, 0.109–0.362, P < 0.001) were both positively associated with cognitive decline. Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that patients with sarcopenia and non‐sarcopenia to sarcopenia were both at increased risk of developing MCI [odds ratio (OR) 1.788, 95% CI 1.115–2.870, P = 0.016 and OR 1.589, 95% CI 1.087–2.324, P = 0.017, respectively], but only non‐sarcopenia to sarcopenia was at increased risk of dementia (OR 1.792, 95% CI 1.108–2.879, P = 0.017). Both greater change of ASMI and HGS had lower risk of MCI with adjusted ORs of 0.857 (0.778–0.945, P = 0.002) and 0.976 (0.963–0.989, P < 0.001). Robust associations were found among female individuals, aged >60 years, and with low educational level.

Conclusions

Longitudinal associations were observed between new‐onset, persistent sarcopenia, and cognitive impairment. Early detection and intervention should be implemented to delay the onset of sarcopenia and improve cognitive health among HD patients.
When do the effects of single‐session interventions persist? Testing the mindset + supportive context hypothesis in a longitudinal randomized trial
Authors: Hecht Cameron A. , Gosling Samuel D. , Bryan Christopher J. , Jamieson Jeremy P. , Murray Jared S. , Yeager David S.
Published: August 2023

Background

Single‐session interventions have the potential to address young people's mental health needs at scale, but their effects are heterogeneous. We tested whether the mindset + supportive context hypothesis could help explain when intervention effects persist or fade over time. The hypothesis posits that interventions are more effective in environments that support the intervention message. We tested this hypothesis using the synergistic mindsets intervention, a preventative treatment for stress‐related mental health symptoms that helps students appraise stress as a potential asset in the classroom (e.g., increasing oxygenated blood flow) rather than debilitating. In an introductory college course, we examined whether intervention‐consistent messages from instructors sustained changes in appraisals over time, as well as impacts on students' predisposition to try demanding academic tasks that could enhance learning.

Methods

We randomly assigned 1675 students in the course to receive the synergistic mindsets intervention (or a control activity) at the beginning of the semester, and subsequently, to receive intervention‐supportive messages from their instructor (or neutral messages) four times throughout the term. We collected weekly measures of students' appraisals of stress in the course and their predisposition to take on academic challenges. Trial‐registration: OSF.io; DOI: 10.17605/osf.io/fchyn.

Results

A conservative Bayesian analysis indicated that receiving both the intervention and supportive messages led to the greatest increases in positive stress appraisals (0.35 SD; 1.00 posterior probability) and challenge‐seeking predisposition (2.33 percentage points; 0.94 posterior probability), averaged over the course of the semester. In addition, intervention effects grew larger throughout the semester when complemented by supportive instructor messages, whereas without these messages, intervention effects shrank somewhat over time.

Conclusions

This study shows, for the first time, that supportive cues in local contexts can be the difference in whether a single‐session intervention's effects fade over time or persist and even amplify.
Synthesized 7T MPRAGE From 3T MPRAGE Using Generative Adversarial Network and Validation in Clinical Brain Imaging: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Duan Caohui , Bian Xiangbing , Cheng Kun , Lyu Jinhao , Xiong Yongqin , Xiao Sa , Wang Xueyang , Duan Qi , Li Chenxi , Huang Jiayu , Hu Jianxing , Wang Z. Jane , Zhou Xin , Lou Xin
Published: August 2023

Background

Ultra‐high field 7T MRI can provide excellent tissue contrast and anatomical details, but is often cost prohibitive, and is not widely accessible in clinical practice.

Purpose

To generate synthetic 7T images from widely acquired 3T images with deep learning and to evaluate the feasibility of this approach for brain imaging.

Study Type

Prospective.

Population

33 healthy volunteers and 89 patients with brain diseases, divided into training, and evaluation datasets in the ratio 4:1.

Sequence and Field Strength

T1‐weighted nonenhanced or contrast‐enhanced magnetization‐prepared rapid acquisition gradient‐echo sequence at both 3T and 7T.

Assessment

A generative adversarial network (SynGAN) was developed to produce synthetic 7T images from 3T images as input. SynGAN training and evaluation were performed separately for nonenhanced and contrast‐enhanced paired acquisitions. Qualitative image quality of acquired 3T and 7T images and of synthesized 7T images was evaluated by three radiologists in terms of overall image quality, artifacts, sharpness, contrast, and visualization of vessel using 5‐point Likert scales.

Statistical Tests

Wilcoxon signed rank tests to compare synthetic 7T images with acquired 7T and 3T images and intraclass correlation coefficients to evaluate interobserver variability. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

Of the 122 paired 3T and 7T MRI scans, 66 were acquired without contrast agent and 56 with contrast agent. The average time to generate synthetic images was ~11.4 msec per slice (2.95 sec per participant). The synthetic 7T images achieved significantly improved tissue contrast and sharpness in comparison to 3T images in both nonenhanced and contrast‐enhanced subgroups. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between acquired 7T and synthetic 7T images in terms of all the evaluation criteria for both nonenhanced and contrast‐enhanced subgroups (P ≥ 0.180).

Data Conclusion

The deep learning model has potential to generate synthetic 7T images with similar image quality to acquired 7T images.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Practitioner perceptions on the use of exercise and nutritional interventions for patients with breast cancer receiving radiation therapy
Authors: Feighan Laura , MacDonald‐Wicks Lesley , Callister Robin , Surjan Yolanda
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Radiation therapy treatment for breast cancer may negatively impact patients' health‐related quality of life. Evidence suggests exercise and nutrition interventions may be beneficial to patients experiencing compromised health‐related quality of life. This study investigates whether radiation oncology practitioners support the implementation of a tailored exercise and nutrition intervention for patients and explores their interest in participating in training for exercise and nutrition as interventions.

Methods

Data were collected by an online survey, deployed to public and private radiation oncology departments, across three Australian states (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland). The survey was completed between June and August 2020. Radiation oncologists, radiation oncology registrars, radiation therapists and radiation oncology nurses completed the survey. The survey included demographics, patient assessment and questions regarding the radiation oncology practitioners' use of exercise and nutrition as interventions.

Results

Of 192 practitioners targeted, 76 completed the survey, for a response rate of 40%. Of 76 respondents, 42% ‘sometimes’ recommended exercise and 41% ‘sometimes’ recommended nutrition as health‐related quality of life interventions to their patients. The majority indicated they would benefit from more training in these subjects, with 58% for exercise and 55% for nutrition. 47 per cent of respondents thought patients would benefit from a tailored exercise and nutrition programme and 62% agreed they would refer patients to a programme if it were available.

Conclusions

Radiation oncology practitioners reported they need training in exercise and nutrition to better understand how this can benefit the health‐related quality of life of breast cancer patients. Also, the findings indicate that if such an exercise and nutrition intervention were readily available, practitioners would refer patients who may benefit from this intervention.
Acute localized exanthematous pustulosis of the leg: A case report
Authors: Tiong Wen Shuo , Leong Sean , Chong Wei‐Sheng
Published: August 2023

We report a case of an unusually located site of acute localized exanthematous pustulosis in the right lower limb of a patient treated with beta‐lactams which resolved upon cessation. This case report highlights the need for vigilance as well as an index of suspicion for atypical presentations.