bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD-1 inhibitors plus nab-paclitaxel-containing chemotherapy for advanced gallbladder cancer in a second-line setting: A retrospective analysis of a case series
Authors: Tan Sirui , Yu Jing , Huang Qiyue , Zhou Nan , Gou Hongfeng
Published: November 2022

Background

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a fatal cancer, and the efficacy of the current standard second-line chemotherapy for GBC is limited. Novel therapies need to be explored. This retrospective analysis was aimed to investigate the outcomes of patients treated at West China Hospital with PD-1 inhibitors combined with nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy (nab-paclitaxel monotherapy or nab-paclitaxel plus other cytotoxic agents) in a second-line setting.

Methods

Between April 2020 and May 2022, the patients with advanced GBC receiving PD-1 inhibitors combined with nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy after resistance to first-line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy at West China Hospital were retrospectively screened.

Results

Eleven patients were included, and all received gemcitabine-based chemotherapy as first-line therapy. Eight patients underwent next-generation sequencing (NGS), and all had microsatellite stability (MSS) and a low tumor mutation burden (TMB). Six patients were negative for PD-L1 expression and one patient was positive for PD-L1. Therapeutically relevant genetic alterations were not found. All patients received PD-1 inhibitors in combination with nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy as second-line therapy. Pembrolizumab was administered in 3 patients, and sintilimab was administered in eight patients. One patient had no measurable target lesion. Complete response (CR) was observed in one (10.0%) patient, partial response (PR) in four (40%) patients, and stable disease (SD) in four (40%) patients. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.5 (95% CI: 2.5-12.5) months, and the median overall survival (OS) was 12.7 (95% CI: 5.5-19.9) months. The adverse events (AEs) were manageable.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that PD-1 inhibitors combined with nab-paclitaxel-based chemotherapy as second-line therapy for advanced GBC might be a potential treatment and deserves further evaluation.
TGF-β1 promotes human breast cancer angiogenesis and malignant behavior by regulating endothelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Li Zi-Xiong , Chen Jie-Xin , Zheng Ze-Jun , Cai Wang-Jing , Yang Xiong-Bin , Huang Yuan-Yuan , Gong Yao , Xu Feng , Chen Yong-Song , Lin Ling
Published: November 2022

Background

Endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is an important process of angiogenesis, which plays a significant role in in tumor invasion and metastasis, while its regulatory mechanisms in breast cancer remain to be fully elucidated. We previously demonstrated that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) can induce EndMT in endothelial cells by secreting CCL18 through the activation of the TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways in breast cancer. This study was designed to study the role of EndMT in breast cancer angiogenesis and progression in order to explore the underlying mechanism.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluate the expression of microvascular density (MVD) and EndMT markers in breast cancer. TGF-β1 was used to induce EndMT models of differentiated-endothelial breast cancer stem-like cells (BCSLCs). In vitro cell migration, proliferation and matrigel tube-formation assays, as well as in vivo nude mouse tumor-bearing model and nude mouse dorsal skinfold window chamber (DSWC) model, were utilized to investigate the effects in order to explore the mechanism of EndMT induced by TGF-β1 on breast cancer progression.

Results

In this study, we demonstrated that the EndMT markers were positively associated with MVD indicating unfavorable prognosis of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) patients. Functionally, TGF-β1 promoted migration, proliferation and angiogenesis of differentiated-endothelial BCSLCs by inducing EndMT in vitro and promoted tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Mechanically, we revealed TGF-β1 induced EndMT by activation of TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways with increase of p-Smad2/3 and Notch1 expression. Moreover, we found Snail and Slug were key factors of TGF-β and Notch signaling pathways.

Conclusion

Our findings elucidated the mechanism of TGF-β1 in the promotion of angiogenesis and progression by EndMT in breast cancer.
A delta-radiomics model for preoperative prediction of invasive lung adenocarcinomas manifesting as radiological part-solid nodules
Authors: Chen Wufei , Wang Ruizhi , Ma Zhuangxuan , Hua Yanqing , Mao Dingbiao , Wu Hao , Yang Yuling , Li Cheng , Li Ming
Published: November 2022

Purpose

This study aims to explore the value of the delta-radiomics (DelRADx) model in predicting the invasiveness of lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as radiological part-solid nodules (PSNs).

Methods

A total of 299 PSNs histopathologically confirmed as lung adenocarcinoma (training set, n = 209; validation set, n = 90) in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed from January 2017 to December 2021. All patients underwent diagnostic noncontrast-enhanced CT (NCECT) and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) before surgery. After image preprocessing and ROI segmentation, 740 radiomic features were extracted from NCECT and CECT, respectively, resulting in 740 DelRADx. A DelRADx model was constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator logistic (LASSO-logistic) algorithm based on the training cohort. The conventional radiomics model based on NCECT was also constructed following the same process for comparison purposes. The prediction performance was assessed using area under the ROC curve (AUC). To provide an easy-to-use tool, a radiomics-based integrated nomogram was constructed and evaluated by integrated discrimination increment (IDI), calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and clinical impact plot.

Results

The DelRADx signature, which consisted of nine robust selected features, showed significant differences between the AIS/MIA group and IAC group (p < 0.05) in both training and validation sets. The DelRADx signature showed a significantly higher AUC (0.902) compared to the conventional radiomics model based on NCECT (AUC = 0.856) in the validation set. The IDI was significant at 0.0769 for the integrated nomogram compared with the DelRADx signature. The calibration curve of the integrated nomogram demonstrated favorable agreement both in the training set and validation set with a mean absolute error of 0.001 and 0.019, respectively. Decision curve analysis and clinical impact plot indicated that if the threshold probability was within 90%, the integrated nomogram showed a high clinical application value.

Conclusion

The DelRADx method has the potential to assist doctors in predicting the invasiveness for patients with PSNs. The integrated nomogram incorporating the DelRADx signature with the radiographic features could facilitate the performance and serve as an alternative way for determining management.
S945L-CFTR molecular dynamics, functional characterization and tezacaftor/ivacaftor efficacy in vivo and in vitro in matched pediatric patient-derived cell models
Authors: Allan Katelin M. , Astore Miro A. , Fawcett Laura K. , Wong Sharon L. , Chen Po-Chia , Griffith Renate , Jaffe Adam , Kuyucak Serdar , Waters Shafagh A.
Published: November 2022

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) results from over 400 different disease-causing mutations in the CF Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene. These CFTR mutations lead to numerous defects in CFTR protein function. A novel class of targeted therapies (CFTR modulators) have been developed that can restore defects in CFTR folding and gating. This study aimed to characterize the functional and structural defects of S945L-CFTR and interrogate the efficacy of modulators with two modes of action: gating potentiator [ivacaftor (IVA)] and folding corrector [tezacaftor (TEZ)]. The response to these modulators in vitro in airway differentiated cell models created from a participant with S945L/G542X-CFTR was correlated with in vivo clinical outcomes of that participant at least 12 months pre and post modulator therapy. In this participants' airway cell models, CFTR-mediated chloride transport was assessed via ion transport electrophysiology. Monotherapy with IVA or TEZ increased CFTR activity, albeit not reaching statistical significance. Combination therapy with TEZ/IVA significantly (p = 0.02) increased CFTR activity 1.62-fold above baseline. Assessment of CFTR expression and maturation via western blot validated the presence of mature, fully glycosylated CFTR, which increased 4.1-fold in TEZ/IVA-treated cells. The in vitro S945L-CFTR response to modulator correlated with an improvement in in vivo lung function (ppFEV1) from 77.19 in the 12 months pre TEZ/IVA to 80.79 in the 12 months post TEZ/IVA. The slope of decline in ppFEV1 significantly (p = 0.02) changed in the 24 months post TEZ/IVA, becoming positive. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in clinical parameters and a fall in sweat chloride from 68 to 28 mmol/L. The mechanism of dysfunction of S945L-CFTR was elucidated by in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. S945L-CFTR caused misfolding of transmembrane helix 8 and disruption of the R domain, a CFTR domain critical to channel gating. This study showed in vitro and in silico that S945L causes both folding and gating defects in CFTR and demonstrated in vitro and in vivo that TEZ/IVA is an efficacious modulator combination to address these defects. As such, we support the utility of patient-derived cell models and MD simulations in predicting and understanding the effect of modulators on CFTR function on an individualized basis.
Real-world patterns of opioid therapy initiation in Spain, 2012–2018: A population-based, retrospective cohort study with 957,080 patients and 1,509,488 initiations
Authors: Hurtado Isabel , Robles Celia , Peiró Salvador , García-Sempere Aníbal , Llopis-Cardona Fran , Sánchez-Sáez Francisco , Rodríguez-Bernal Clara , Sanfélix-Gimeno Gabriel
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Europe has seen a steady increase in the use of prescription opioids, especially in non-cancer indications. Epidemiological data on the patterns of use of opioids is required to optimize prescription. We aim to describe the patterns of opioid therapy initiation for non-cancer pain and characteristics of patients treated in a region with five million inhabitants in the period 2012 to 2018.

Methods: Population-based retrospective cohort study of all adult patients initiating opioid therapy for non-cancer pain in the region of Valencia. We described patient characteristics at baseline and the characteristics of baseline and subsequent treatment initiation. We used multinominal regression models to identify individual factors associated with initiation.

Results: A total of 957,080 patients initiated 1,509,488 opioid treatments (957,080 baseline initiations, 552,408 subsequent initiations). For baseline initiations, 738,749 were with tramadol (77.19%), 157,098 with codeine (16.41%) 58,436 (6.11%) with long-acting opioids, 1,518 (0.16%) with short-acting opioids and 1,279 (0.13%) with ultrafast drugs. When compared to tramadol, patients initiating with short-acting, long-acting and ultrafast opioids were more likely to be older and had more comorbidities, whereas initiators with codeine were more prone to be healthier and younger. Treatments lasting less than 7 days accounted for 41.82% of initiations, and 11.89% lasted more than 30 days. 19.55% of initiators with ultrafast fentanyl received more than 120 daily Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MME), and 16.12% of patients initiating with long-acting opioids were prescribed more than 90 daily MME (p < 0.001). Musculoskeletal indications accounted for 65.05% of opioid use. Overlap with benzodiazepines was observed in 24.73% of initiations, overlap with gabapentinoids was present in 11.04% of initiations with long-acting opioids and 28.39% of initiators with short-acting opioids used antipsychotics concomitantly. In subsequent initiations, 55.48% of treatments included three or more prescriptions (vs. 17.60% in baseline initiations) and risk of overlap was also increased.

Conclusion: Opioids are initiated for a vast array of non-oncological indications, and, despite clinical guidelines, short-acting opioids are used marginally, and a significant number of patients is exposed to potentially high-risk patterns of initiation, such as treatments lasting more than 14 days, treatments surpassing 50 daily MMEs, initiating with long-acting opioids, or hazardous overlapping with other therapies.
An orally available small molecule that targets soluble TNF to deliver anti-TNF biologic-like efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Vugler Alexander , O’Connell James , Nguyen Mai Anh , Weitz Dietmar , Leeuw Thomas , Hickford Elizabeth , Verbitsky Alexander , Ying Xiaoyou , Rehberg Markus , Carrington Bruce , Merriman Mark , Moss Andrew , Nicholas Jean-Marie , Stanley Phil , Wright Sara , Bourne Tim , Foricher Yann , Zhu Zhaoning , Brookings Daniel , Horsley Helen , Heer Jag , Schio Laurent , Herrmann Matthias , Rao Srinivas , Kohlmann Markus , Florian Peter
Published: November 2022

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to a family of trimeric proteins with both proinflammatory and immunoregulatory functions. TNF is a key mediator in autoimmune diseases and during the last couple of decades several biologic drugs have delivered new therapeutic options for patients suffering from chronic autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Attempts to design small molecule therapies directed to this cytokine have not led to approved products yet. Here we report the discovery and development of a potent small molecule inhibitor of TNF that was recently moved into phase 1 clinical trials. The molecule, SAR441566, stabilizes an asymmetrical form of the soluble TNF trimer, compromises downstream signaling and inhibits the functions of TNF in vitro and in vivo. With SAR441566 being studied in healthy volunteers we hope to deliver a more convenient orally bioavailable and effective treatment option for patients suffering with chronic autoimmune diseases compared to established biologic drugs targeting TNF.
Economic evaluation of tislelizumab versus chemotherapy as second-line treatment for advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in China
Authors: Shi Fenghao , He Zixuan , Su Hang , Wang Lin , Han Sheng
Published: November 2022

Background and purpose: The latest RATIONALE-302 trial (NCT03430843) showed that tislelizumab therapy significantly improved overall survival benefits for patients with advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) compared with traditional chemotherapy. This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab versus chemotherapy as a second-line treatment for advanced or metastatic ESCC in China.

Methods: A partitioned survival model was developed to predict patients’ lifetime quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) from the Chinese healthcare payers’ perspective. We extracted efficacy and safety data from the RATIONALE-302 trial and the local cost and resource use data from online databases and published studies. One-way sensitivity analysis (OWSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) were performed to explore model uncertainty.

Results: Compared with chemotherapy, tislelizumab generated a higher cost (US$ 10211.78 vs. US$ 7294.72) but yielded more QALY (0.78 vs. 0.51 QALYs). The ICER for tislelizumab was US$11073.85 per QALY gained. The PSA results indicated that the probability of tislelizumab being economical was 76% under a willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of 1.5 times per capita GDP ($17915) in China.

Conclusion: Tislelizumab could be a promising cost-effective strategy as the second-line treatment for patients with ESCC compared with chemotherapy in the Chinese setting.
Efficacy evaluation of pulmonary hypertension therapy in patients with portal pulmonary hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Ruihua , Li Tengfei , Shao Yueming , Bai Wei , Wen Xiaoyu
Published: November 2022

Objective: To determine the therapeutic effect of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) agents for portal pulmonary hypertension (POPH).

Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: POPH is a serious complication of end-stage liver disease with a low survival rate. Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective treatment. Due to the presence of POPH, some patients cannot undergo LT. After PAH treatment, patients with POPH can obtain good hemodynamics and cardiac function for LT, but there are no standard guidelines.

Methods: Two independent researchers searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for studies published from inception to 27 September 2022, focusing on the changes in hemodynamics and cardiac function in all patients with POPH to understand the effect of PAH treatment on the entire population of POPH patients. Among these, we specifically analyzed the changes in hemodynamics and cardiac function in moderate and severe POPH patients. After collecting the relevant data, a meta-analysis was carried out using the R program meta-package.

Results: A total of 2,775 literatures were retrieved, and 24 literatures were included. The results showed that in all POPH patients (n = 1,046), the following indicators were significantly improved with PAH agents: mPAP: (MD = −9.11 mmHg, p < 0.0001); PVR: (MD = −239.33 dyn·s·cm−5, p < 0.0001); CO: (MD = 1.71 L/min, p < 0.0001); cardiac index: (MD = 0.87 L/(min·m2), p < 0.0001); 6MWD: (MD = 43.41 m, p < 0.0001). In patients with moderate to severe POPH (n = 235), the following indicators improved significantly with PAH agents: mPAP (MD = −9.63 mmHg, p < 0.0001); PVR (MD = −259.78 dyn·s·cm−5, p < 0.0001); CO (MD = 1.76 L/min, p < 0.0001); Cardiac index: (MD = 1.01 L/(min·m2), p = 0.0027); 6MWD: (MD = 61.30 m, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The application of PAH agents can improve cardiopulmonary hemodynamics and cardiac function in patients with POPH, especially in patients with moderate to severe POPH, and the above changes are more positive.

Systematic Review Registration:https://inplasy.com, identifier INPLASY202250034.
Microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging for the early detection of canine intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Li Jiawu , Wu Zhenru , Peng Chihan , Song Ling , Luo Yan
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and validation of microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging (TAI) for the early detection of canine intracerebral hemorrhage.

Methods: A TAI system was used to record the thermoacoustic signal (TAS) of canine intracerebral hemorrhage in the study. First, the difference in TAS between deionized water, fresh ex vivo porcine blood and brain tissue was explored. Second, the canine hemorrhagic stroke model was established, and canine brain ultrasound examination and TAI examination were performed before modeling and at 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 4.5 h, 5 h and 6 h after modeling. Finally, pathology and ultrasound were used as the reference diagnoses to verify the accuracy of the thermoacoustic imaging data.

Results: The results showed that significant differences were observed in TASs among deionized water, fresh ex vivo porcine blood and brain tissue. The intensity of the thermoacoustic signal of blood was significantly higher than that of ex vivo porcine brain tissue and deionized water. The intracerebral hemorrhage model of five beagles was successfully established. Hematomas presented hyperintensity in TAI. Considering ultrasound and pathology as reference diagnoses, TAI can be used to visualize canine intracerebral hemorrhage at 0.5 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, 4.5 h, 5 h and 6 h after modeling.

Conclusion: This is the first experimental study to explore the use of TAI in the detection of intracerebral hemorrhage in large live animals (canine). The results indicated that TAI could detect canine intracerebral hemorrhage in the early stage and has the potential to be a rapid and noninvasive method for the detection of intracerebral hemorrhage in humans.
Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi as biostimulants for improving propagation and production of ericaceous plants
Authors: Wei Xiangying , Zhang Wenbing , Zulfiqar Faisal , Zhang Chunying , Chen Jianjun
Published: November 2022

The mutualistic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots is a widespread terrestrial symbiosis. The symbiosis enables plants to better adapt to adverse soil conditions, enhances plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and improves plant establishment and growth. Thus, mycorrhizal fungi are considered biostimulants. Among the four most common types of mycorrhizae, arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and ectomycorrhiza (EcM) have been more intensively studied than ericoid mycorrhiza (ErM) and orchidaceous mycorrhiza (OrM). ErM fungi can form symbiotic relationships with plants in the family Ericaceae. Economically important plants in this family include blueberry, bilberry, cranberry, and rhododendron. ErM fungi are versatile as they are both saprotrophic and biotrophic. Increasing reports have shown that they can degrade soil organic matter, resulting in the bioavailability of nutrients for plants and microbes. ErM fungi can synthesize hormones to improve fungal establishment and plant root initiation and growth. ErM colonization enables plants to effective acquisition of mineral nutrients. Colonized plants are able to tolerate different abiotic stresses, including drought, heavy metals, and soil salinity as well as biotic stresses, such as pathogen infections. This article is intended to briefly introduce ErM fungi and document their beneficial effects on ericaceous plants. It is anticipated that the exploration of this special group of fungi will further improve our understanding of their value of symbiosis to ericaceous plants and ultimately result in the application of valuable species or strains for improving the establishment and growth of ericaceous plants.
Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Salix wilsonii using PacBio HiFi sequencing
Authors: Han Fuchuan , Qu Yanshu , Chen Yicun , Xu Li’an , Bi Changwei
Published: November 2022

Salix L. (willows) is one of the most taxonomically complex genera of flowering plants, including shrubs, tall trees, bushes, and prostrate plants. Despite the high species diversity, only five mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) have been released in this genus. Salix wilsonii is an important ornamental and economic willow tree in section Wilsonia of the genus Salix. In this study, the S. wilsonii mitogenome was assembled into a typical circular structure with a size of 711,456 bp using PacBio HiFi sequencing. A total of 58 genes were annotated in the S. wilsonii mitogenome, including 33 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and 3 rRNAs. In the S. wilsonii mitogenome, four genes (mttB, nad3, nad4, and sdh4) were found to play important roles in its evolution through selection pressure analysis. Collinearity analysis of six Salix mitogenomes revealed high structural variability. To determine the evolutionary position of S. wilsonii, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of the mitogenomes of S. wilsonii and 12 other species in the order Malpighiales. Results strongly supported the segregation of S. wilsonii and other five Salix species with 100% bootstrap support. The comparative analysis of the S. wilsonii mitogenome not only sheds light on the functional and structural features of S. wilsonii but also provides essential information for genetic studies of the genus Salix.
Revealing the mechanisms of the bioactive ingredients accumulation in Polygonatum cyrtonema by multiomics analyses
Authors: Xue Ting , Zhao Miaohua , Chen Jing , Chen Youqiang , Zhang Chuanhai , Li Baoyin
Published: November 2022

Polygonatum cyrtonema is a medicinal and edible herb rich in polysaccharides, steroidal saponins, and flavonoids that has been widely used as a food, vegetable, and medicine over the years. Although previous studies have preliminarily explored the metabolic and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms of the main secondary metabolites in P. cyrtonema, the complex mechanism of microRNA (miRNA)-mediated posttranscriptional regulation remains unclear. Metabolome analysis showed that iso-ophiopogonanone B, (25S)-pratioside D1, disporopsin, and isodiosgenin-Glc-Glc, which are associated with intermediates in the flavonoids and saponins pathways, were significantly upregulated in the stem and leaf compared with the rhizome, and most saccharides, including arabinose, cellobiose, maltotetraose, and panose, showed the opposite trend, suggesting that they may contribute to the formation and accumulation of the main active ingredients in P. cyrtonema. We found that 4-hydroxymandelonitrile have a relatively good inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase, indicating that it may play a role in hypoglycemic functions. Transcriptome and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) were combined to reveal several candidate genes involved in the accumulation of polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids, including PcSQLE, PcCYP71A1, PcSUS, PcFK, and PcMYB102. Integrated analyses of miRNAs and messengerRNAs (mRNAs) showed that novel_miR14, novel_miR49, novel_miR75, and aof_miR164 were negatively correlated with alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, including PcAOS, PcSPLA2, PcFRK1, and PcDELLA, indicating that these miRNAs may coordinately regulate the biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites in P. cyrtonema. These findings will facilitate in-depth research on the functions of these miRNAs and mRNAs related to the main active substances for pathological and biological regulation, which will be beneficial to provide theoretical guidance for the molecular breeding of P. cyrtonema.
Foliar spray of silica improved water stress tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars
Authors: El-Okkiah Samira A. F. , El-Afry Mohamed M. , Shehab Eldeen Safaa A. , El-Tahan Amira M. , Ibrahim Omar M. , Negm Mostafa M. , Alnafissa Mohamad , El-Saadony Mohamed T. , Almazrouei Hessa M. R. S. , AbuQamar Synan F. , El-Tarabily Khaled A. , Selim Dalia A.
Published: November 2022

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a major cereal crop and a staple food across the world, mainly in developing countries. Drought is one of the most important limiting factors for rice production, which negatively affects food security worldwide. Silica enhances antioxidant activity and reduces oxidative damage in plants. The current study evaluated the efficiency of foliar spray of silica in alleviating water stress of three rice cultivars (Giza178, Sakha102, and Sakha107). The seedlings of the three cultivars were foliar sprayed with 200 or 400 mg l-1 silica under well-watered [80% water holding capacity (WHC)] and drought-stressed (40% WHC)] conditions for two summer seasons of 2019 and 2020. The obtained results demonstrated that drought stress caused significant decreases in growth, yield, and physiological parameters but increases in biochemical parameters (except proline) of leaves in all rice cultivars compared to well-irrigated plants (control). The roots of drought-stressed seedlings exhibited smaller diameters, fewer numbers, and narrower areas of xylem vessels compared to those well-watered. Regardless of its concentration, the application of silica was found to increase the contents of photosynthetic pigments and proline. Water relation also increased in seedlings of the three tested rice cultivars that were treated with silica in comparison to their corresponding control cultivars when no silica was sprayed. Foliar application of 400 mg l-1 silica improved the physiological and biochemical parameters and plant growth. Overall, foliar application of silica proved to be beneficial for mitigating drought stress in the tested rice cultivars, among which Giza178 was the most drought-tolerant cultivar. The integration of silica in breeding programs is recommended to improve the quality of yield and to provide drought-tolerant rice cultivars under drought-stress conditions.
Latent transitions across perceived parental marital conflict and family cohesion profiles in high school students
Authors: Gao Tingting , Liang Leilei , Li Muzi , Su Yingying , Mei Songli , Zhou Chengchao , Meng Xiangfei
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to explore the latent profiles across perceived parental marital conflict and family cohesion, as well as the transition patterns within-person and within-sample profiles over time. We conducted a 1-year follow-up study with a sample of first-year high school students from China. A total of 453 participants were included in the present analysis. We identified the following three latent profiles: high parental conflict and poor family cohesion profile, moderate parental conflict and family cohesion profile, and low parental conflict and good family cohesion profile. Female students and those who not lived with parents together were more likely to perceive more parental marital conflict and less cohesion in the family. The majority of students with high transition probability remained in the same profiles over time. The counts of latent transition pattern also demonstrated that students remaining in the primary profile over time accounted for the large proportion. The present study advances empirical bases for confirming the family system theory’s notion that the family is not static, but dynamic. Findings provide the optimal timing of interventions toward healthy transition.
Teachers’ attitudes to cultural diversity: Results from a qualitative study in Russia and Taiwan
Authors: Wang Jui-Sheng , Lan Jesse Yu-Chen , Khairutdinova Rezeda R. , Gromova Chulpan R.
Published: November 2022

This study examined elementary school teachers’ attitudes toward immigrant students and their families in Russia and Taiwan. Qualitative methodology was used for data collection. Teachers’ attitudes and conceptual orientations toward cultural diversity in the classroom were identified. Teachers’ attitudes were categorized into three groups: Attitudes toward children, parents, and diverse ethnic groups. The study found that country-specific attitudes were similar. Both countries prioritize cognition. The Russian teacher may not acknowledge cultural variance (personal attitude) and hold all students to the same standards (professional attitude). Prior experiences have made the Taiwanese instructor more accepting of cultural variety. Teachers of immigrant children often tackle language concerns. Some instructors are less welcoming of immigrants at home. Educators judge immigrants depending on their natal country. These impressions may encourage prejudice, some say. Many teachers dislike minority students. Negative attitudes concerning student achievement lead to low expectations. Instructors use more tolerant approaches with more multicultural engagement.
Childhood maltreatment affects depression and anxiety: The mediating role of benign envy and malicious envy
Authors: Li Xiaojun , Tu Linping , Jiang Xinsheng
Published: November 2022

The influence of childhood maltreatment on depression and anxiety has been reported in many studies, and the mechanism of this influence has been described from different perspectives. However, few research has explored the influence of child maltreatment on depression and anxiety from the perspective of benign/malicious envy. Given that, based on social comparison theory, this study explored the mediating effect of benign envy/malicious envy on child maltreatment, depression, and anxiety. The sample of this study consisted of 2,691 Chinese adolescents. The results showed that benign and malicious envy both played a significant role in mediating the relation between childhood maltreatment and depression and anxiety. Interestingly, we found that there were different mechanisms of benign and malicious envy in this relationship, namely, malicious envy promoted the effects of childhood maltreatment on depression and anxiety, whereas benign envy inhibited the effects of childhood maltreatment on depression and anxiety. These findings not only reveal the different mechanisms between the two socially comparable emotions of benign/malicious envy in the early adverse environment and depression and anxiety, but also provide a specific reference for individuals to regulate the depression and anxiety caused by childhood maltreatment and envy.
Intergenerational support and depressive symptoms in old age: The difference between urban and rural China
Authors: Wang Chenxi , Liu Zhengkui , Chen Tianyong , Wang Jinfeng , Zhang Xin , Han Buxin
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Intergenerational support is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in old age. Uneven development has resulted in huge urban–rural disparities in China, which could lead to different intergenerational relationships. The present study aimed to examine whether intergenerational support was associated with depressive symptoms differently among urban and rural Chinese older participants.

Methods

A sample of 3,498 participants from nine pairs of urban subdistricts and rural villages were included in the present study. Depressive symptoms were measured by the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the intergenerational support mechanisms (financial, instrumental, and emotional) were assessed with a self-designed questionnaire.

Results

Significant areas by support effect for depressive symptoms indicated different associations between intergenerational financial and emotional support and depressive symptoms in urban and rural areas. Specifically, urban older participants receiving emotional support from adult children and rural older participants receiving financial support from adult children showed fewer depressive symptoms. In both areas, participants receiving instrumental support showed fewer depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to compare the urban–rural disparity in association between intergenerational support and depressive symptoms in a developing country, China. The results support modernization theories proposing weakened economic function but intensified emotional ties in societies with higher level of development. Communication-based intergenerational emotional support should be promoted in urban areas, and formal support systems should provide financial and instrumental support to the vulnerable rural older population.
Follow-up conditions of care and associated factors among adult hypertensive patients during COVID-19 at West Arsi public health facilities, Southeastern Ethiopia: A multi-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Hiko Ahmed , Assefa Nega , Ataro Zerihun , Sertsu Addisu , Yadeta Elias , Balcha Teganu , Amano Abdulkerim , Asfaw Henock , Dechasa Deribe Bekele , Nigussie Kabtamu , Abdisa Lemesa
Published: November 2022

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a viral-borne infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Aside from the morbidity and mortality effects, it leaves the majority of hypertensive patients untreated and vulnerable to uncontrolled hypertension.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess follow-up conditions of care and its associated factors among adult hypertensive patients during COVID-19 in public health facilities of West Arsi, Southeastern Ethiopia.

Methods

A health facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 adult hypertensive patients in the West Arsi public health facilities from July 5 to August 6, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit the study participants. A pretested structured face-to-face interviewer and medical records were used to collect sociodemographic variables, basic clinical features, and follow-up data. The follow-up conditions of care were assessed using 12 items with “yes or no” questions. Then, based on the mean value of the items, the follow-up conditions of care were dichotomized into good and poor. As a result, the follow-up condition was good if the score was greater or equal to the mean, and poor unless otherwise. To investigate parameters related with follow-up conditions of care, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used. A 95% confidence interval and a p-value of 0.05 were used to indicate a significant association.

Results

The rate of poor follow-up conditions of care during COVID-19 was 29% (95% confidence interval: 24.9–33.4%), according to this study. Age ≥ 60 years (AOR = 3.55; 95% CI: 2.09–6.03), transportation problem (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.28–4.61), fear of COVID-19 (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.59–7.01), co-morbidity (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.14–3.26) and physical distancing (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 1.44–4.12) were significantly associated with poor follow-up conditions of care.

Conclusions

In our study, 29% of the participants had poor follow-up care conditions. When compared to WHO recommendations, the findings of this study may explain poor follow-up care conditions. To enhance patients' follow-up treatment, evidence-based target interventions should be designed and executed, taking into account individuals at high risks, such as those over the age of 60 and those with comorbidities, and identifying additional risk factors.
Aerosol formation during processing of potentially infectious samples on Roche immunochemistry analyzers (cobas e analyzers) and in an end-to-end laboratory workflow to model SARS-CoV-2 infection risk for laboratory operators
Authors: Burghardt Géza V. , Eckl Markus , Huether Doris , Larbolette Oliver H. D. , Lo Faso Alessia , Ofenloch-Haehnle Beatus R. , Riesch Marlene A. , Herb Rolf A.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To assess aerosol formation during processing of model samples in a simulated real-world laboratory setting, then apply these findings to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to assess the risk of infection to laboratory operators.

Design

This study assessed aerosol formation when using cobas e analyzers only and in an end-to-end laboratory workflow. Recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was used as a surrogate marker for infectious SARS-CoV-2 viral particles. Using the HBsAg model, air sampling was performed at different positions around the cobas e analyzers and in four scenarios reflecting critical handling and/or transport locations in an end-to-end laboratory workflow. Aerosol formation of HBsAg was quantified using the Elecsys® HBsAg II quant II immunoassay. The model was then applied to SARS-CoV-2.

Results

Following application to SARS-CoV-2, mean HBsAg uptake/hour was 1.9 viral particles across the cobas e analyzers and 0.87 viral particles across all tested scenarios in an end-to-end laboratory workflow, corresponding to a maximum inhalation rate of <16 viral particles during an 8-hour shift.

Conclusion

Low production of marker-containing aerosol when using cobas e analyzers and in an end-to-end laboratory workflow is consistent with a remote risk of laboratory-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection for laboratory operators.
Exposure to bacterial and fungal bioaerosols in facilities processing biodegradable waste
Authors: Kontro Merja H. , Kirsi Maija , Laitinen Sirpa K.
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study was to determine the exposure of workers within biodegradable waste processing facilities to bacteria and fungi to identify any exposures of potential concern to health. Occupational measurements were performed in six composting and three bioenergy (bioethanol or methane/biogas) producing facilities. Bioaerosols were measured from breathing zones with Button aerosol or open face cassette filter samplers, and swab specimens were taken from the nasal mucous membranes of the workers. Aspergillus fumigatus, Bacillus cereus group, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Streptomyces spp., and Yersinia spp. were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A. fumigatus, and mesophilic and thermophilic actinobacteria were also cultivated from filters. Bacterial airborne endotoxins collected by IOM samplers were analyzed using a Limulus assay. Bioaerosol levels were high, especially in composting compared to bioenergy producing facilities. Endotoxin concentrations in composting often exceeded the occupational exposure value of 90 EU/m3, which may be harmful to the health. In addition to endotoxins, the concentrations of A. fumigatus (up to 2.4 × 105 copies/m3) and actinobacteria/Streptomyces spp. (up to 1.6 × 106 copies/m3) in the air of composting facilities were often high. Microbial and endotoxin concentrations were typically highest in waste reception and pre-treatment, equal or decreased during processing and handling of treated waste, and lowest in wheel loader cabins and control rooms/outdoors. Still, the parameters measured in wheel loader cabins were often higher than in the control sites, which suggests that the use of preventive measures could be improved. B. cereus group, Salmonella spp., and Yersinia spp. were rarely detected in bioaerosols or nasal swabs. Although Campylobacter spp. DNA was rarely detected in air, as a new finding, Campylobacter ureolyticus DNA was frequently detected in the nasal mucous membranes of workers, based on partial 16S rDNA sequencing. Moreover, especially A. fumigatus and C. ureolyticus spp. DNA concentrations in swabs after the work shift were significantly higher than before the shift, which indicates their inhalation or growth during the work shift. Microbial qPCR analysis of bioaerosols and swab samples of nasal mucosa allowed measuring exposure in various work operations and during the work shift, identifying problems for health risk assessment to improve working conditions, and evaluating the effectiveness of preventive measures and personal protection of workers.
Promoting children's sleep health: Intervention Mapping meets Health in All Policies
Authors: Belmon Laura S. , Van Stralen Maartje M. , Harmsen Irene A. , Den Hertog Karen E. , Ruiter Robert A. C. , Chinapaw Mai J. M. , Busch Vincent
Published: November 2022

Background

To design a comprehensive approach to promote children's sleep health in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we combined Intervention Mapping (IM) with the Health in All Policies (HiAP) perspective. We aimed to create an approach that fits local infrastructures and policy domains across sectors.

Methods

First, a needs assessment was conducted, including a systematic review, two concept mapping studies, and one cross-sectional sleep diary study (IM step 1). Subsequently, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from policy, practice and science provided information on potential assets from all relevant social policy sectors to take into account in the program design (HiAP and IM step 1). Next, program outcomes and objectives were specified (IM step 2), with specific objectives for policy stakeholders (HiAP). This was followed by the program design (IM step 3), where potential program actions were adapted to local policy sectors and stakeholders (HiAP). Lastly, program production (IM step 4) focused on creating a multi-sector program (HiAP). An advisory panel guided the research team by providing tailored advice during all steps throughout the project.

Results

A blueprint was created for program development to promote children's sleep health, including a logic model of the problem, a logic model of change, an overview of the existing organizational structure of local policy and practice assets, and an overview of policy sectors, and related objectives and opportunities for promoting children's sleep health across these policy sectors. Furthermore, the program production resulted in a policy brief for the local government.

Conclusions

Combining IM and HiAP proved valuable for designing a blueprint for the development of an integrated multi-sector program to promote children's sleep health. Health promotion professionals focusing on other (health) behaviors can use the blueprint to develop health promotion programs that fit the local public service infrastructures, culture, and incorporate relevant policy sectors outside the public health domain.
The correlation between attack rates and urban health indicators during the third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey
Authors: Yavuz Melike , Etiler Nilay
Published: November 2022

This study aims to analyze the inter-provincial variation in the increase of attack rates in the third wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey and to determine their relationship with potential urban health indicators. In this ecological study, dependent variables were selected as the COVID-19 attack rates of provinces before the third wave and during the third peak and the attack rate increase ratio. Urban health indicators that can function as determinants of health were calculated for each province under five headings: demographic, health capacity, economic, environmental, and socio-cultural. The epidemiologic maps were produced to show the spatial distribution of COVID-19 attack rates pre- and during the third wave. The associations with urban indicators were conducted using bivariate analysis, including Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis. A multiple linear regression model was run with variables significantly associated with increased attack rates. The results of our study show significant regional variations in COVID-19 attack rates both at the beginning and during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Among the provinces, the attack rate increase ratio has only shown significant correlations to education level and some economic indicators, such as income, employment, industrial activity measured by electric consumption, and economic activity in the manufacturing industry. The multivariate analysis determined that the indicator of economic activity in the manufacturing industry is related to the increase of the attack rate in the third wave. Our results show that the COVID-19 cases are higher in more developed cities with more manufacturing sector activity. It makes us think that it is mainly related to inequalities arising from access to health institutions and testing. It can be determined that the partly lockdown strategy, which excluded the industrial activity in the country, concluded the higher increase in the attack rates in highly industrialized provinces.