bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endovascular Treatment of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome: Visual Analog Scale Follow-Up
Authors: Senechal Quentin , Echegut Perrine , Bravetti Marine , Florin Marie , Jarboui Lamia , Bouaboua Mehdi , Teriitehau Christophe , Feignoux Jacques , Legou Francois , Pessis Eric
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To evaluate medium-term clinical outcomes of transcatheter embolization and stenting in women with several pelvic venous disorders responsible for chronic pelvic pain and varicose veins of the lower limbs.

Materials and Methods: The study population included 327 consecutively recruited patients referred to the interventional radiology unit from January 2014 to December 2019 due to chronic pelvic congestion (91; 27.83%), lower limb varices (15; 4.59%), or a combination of both the symptoms (221; 67.58%). Preprocedural pelvic, transvaginal Doppler ultrasound (US), and MRI were conducted in all the patients and revealed anatomical varicosities and incompetent pelvic veins in 312 patients. In all the patients, selective catheterization demonstrated uterine venous engorgement, ovarian plexus congestion, or pelvic vein filling. Retrograde flow was detected on catheter venography in the left ovarian vein (250; 78%), the right ovarian vein (85; 26%), the left internal iliac vein (222; 68%), and the right internal iliac vein (185; 57%). Patients were followed-up at 1, 6, and 12 months, and years thereafter systematically by the referring angiologist and the interventional radiologist of center. They were contacted by telephone in November and December 2020 to assess pain perception and quality of life by using the visual analog scales from 0 to 10 with assessments made at the baseline and last follow-up. Of the 327 patients (mean age, 42 ± 12 years), 312 patients were suffering from pelvic congestion syndrome and 236 patients was suffering from lower limb varices. All underwent embolization by using ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx®). Eighty-five right ovarian veins, 249 left ovarian veins, 510 tributaries of the right internal iliac vein, and 624 tributaries of the left internal iliac vein were embolized. A cohort of patients also underwent nutcracker syndrome angioplasty (6.7%) and May–Thurner syndrome angioplasty (14%) with a stent placement.

Results: The initial technical success rate was 80.9% for embolization of pathological veins and 100% for stenting of stenoses. Overall, 307 patients attended 12-month follow-up visits and 288 (82%) patients completed the telephone survey at mean 39 (±18)-month postintervention. Main pelvic pain significantly improved from 6.9 (±2.4) pre- to 2.0 (±2.4) postembolization (p < 0.001), as did specific symptoms in each category. Improvement or disappearance of pain was achieved in 266/288 (92.36%) patients with improved quality of life in 276/288 (95.8%) patients. There were 16 minor and 4 major adverse events reported on the follow-up.

Conclusion: Pelvic vein embolization (Onyx®) is an effective and safe procedure with high clinical success and quality of life improvement rates.
Mean Scar Entropy by Late Gadolinium Enhancement Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Is Associated With Ventricular Arrhythmias Events in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ye Yang , Ji ZhongPing , Zhou Wenli , Pu Cailing , Li Ya , Zhou Chengqin , Hu Xiuhua , Chen Chao , Sun Yaxun , Huang Qi , Zhang Wenjuan , Qian Yu'e , Ren Hong , Yu Feidan , Jiang Chenyang , Mao Yankai , Wang Bei , Augusto João B. , Lai Dongwu , Hu Hongjie , Fu Guo-sheng
Published: November 2021

Background: Ventricular arrhythmias are associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Previous studies have found the late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) was independently associated with ventricular arrhythmia (VA) in HCM. The risk stratification of VA remains complex and LGE is present in the majority of HCM patients. This study was conducted to determine whether the scar heterogeneity from LGE-derived entropy is associated with the VAs in HCM patients.

Materials and Methods: Sixty-eight HCM patients with scarring were retrospectively enrolled and divided into VA (31 patients) and non-VA (37 patients) groups. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and percentage of the LGE (% LGE) were evaluated. The scar heterogeneity was quantified by the entropy within the scar and left ventricular (LV) myocardium.

Results: Multivariate analyses showed that a higher scar [hazard ratio (HR) 2.682; 95% CI: 1.022–7.037; p = 0.039] was independently associated with VA, after the adjustment for the LVEF, %LGE, LV maximal wall thickness (MWT), and left atrium (LA) diameter.

Conclusion: Scar entropy and %LGE are both independent risk indicators of VA. A high scar entropy may indicate an arrhythmogenic scar, an identification of which may have value for the clinical status assessment of VAs in HCM patients.
Circulating Lipopolysaccharides and Impaired Antioxidant Status in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation. Data From the ATHERO-AF Study
Authors: Menichelli Danilo , Carnevale Roberto , Nocella Cristina , Cammisotto Vittoria , Castellani Valentina , Bartimoccia Simona , Frati Giacomo , Pignatelli Pasquale , Pastori Daniele
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is characterized by an oxidative imbalance, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs). It is unclear whether low grade endotoxemia may contribute to the impaired antioxidant status in AF patients. We investigated the relationship between circulating lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and antioxidant status in AF patients.

Patients and Methods:Post-hoc analysis from the ongoing prospective observational cohort ATHERO-AF study including 907 patients. Antioxidant status was evaluated by the activity of glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPx3) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Patients were divided into two groups to evaluate the risk of CVEs: (1) LPS below median and GPx3 above median (n = 254); (2) LPS above median and GPx3 below median (n = 263).

Results: The mean age was 73.5 ± 8.3 years, and 43.1% were women. Median LPS and GPx3 were 50.0 pg/ml [interquartile range (IQR) 15–108] and 20.0 U/ml (IQR 10.0–34.0), respectively. Patients of Groups 2 were older, with a higher prevalence of heart failure. LPS above the median was associated with reduced GPx3 [Odds Ratio for LPS 1.752, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.344–2.285, p < 0.001] and SOD (OR 0.525, 95%CI 0.403–0.683) activity after adjustment for CHA2DS2VASc score. In a mean follow-up of 54.0 ± 36.8 months, 118 CVEs occurred, 42 in Group 1 and 76 in Group 2 (Log-Rank test p = 0.001). At multivariable Cox regression analysis, Group 2 was associated with a higher risk of CVEs [Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.644, 95%CI 1.117–2,421, p = 0.012], along with age ≥ 75 years (HR 2.035, 95%CI 1.394–2.972, p < 0.001), diabetes (HR 1.927, 95%CI 1.280–2.900, p = 0.002), and previous cerebrovascular disease (HR 1.895, 95%CI 1.251–2.870, p = 0.003) and previous cardiovascular disease (HR 1.708, 95%CI 1.149–2.538, p = 0.008).

Conclusions: Our study indicates that circulating LPS may contribute to impaired antioxidant status in patients with AF. Patients with coincidentally high LPS and reduced GPx3 activity showed the highest risk of CVEs.
Association of Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 With Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Impacts Mitochondrial Quality Control, Offering Promise for the Treatment of Vascular Senescence
Authors: Uchikado Yoshihiro , Ikeda Yoshiyuki , Sasaki Yuichi , Iwabayashi Masaaki , Akasaki Yuichi , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: November 2021

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) causes vascular senescence and atherosclerosis. It has been reported that ox-LDL scavenger receptor-1 (LOX-1) is associated with the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). While mitochondria play a crucial role in the development of vascular senescence and atherosclerosis, they also undergo quality control through mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy. The aim of this study was to investigate (1) whether LOX-1 associates with AT1R, (2) if this regulates mitochondrial quality control, and (3) whether AT1R inhibition using Candesartan might ameliorate ox-LDL-induced vascular senescence. We performed in vitro and in vivo experiments using vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), and C57BL/6 and apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE KO) mice. Administration of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to VSMCs induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence accompanied by excessive mitochondrial fission, due to the activation of fission factor Drp1, which was derived from the activation of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Administration of either Drp1 inhibitor, mdivi-1, or AT1R blocker candesartan attenuated these alterations. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry of the co-localization of LAMP2 with TOMM20 signal showed that AT1R inhibition also increased mitochondrial autophagy, but this was not affected by Atg7 deficiency. Conversely, AT1R inhibition increased the co-localization of LAMP2 with Rab9 signal. Moreover, AT1R inhibition-induced mitochondrial autophagy was abolished by Rab9 deficiency, suggesting that AT1R signaling modulated mitochondrial autophagy derived from Rab9-dependent alternative autophagy. Inhibition of the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway also decreased the excessive mitochondrial fission, and Rab9-dependent mitochondrial autophagy, suggesting that AT1R signaling followed the Raf/MEK/ERK axis modulated both mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy. The degree of mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species production, vascular senescence, atherosclerosis, and the number of fragmented mitochondria accompanied by Drp1 activation were all higher in ApoE KO mice than in C57BL/6 mice. These detrimental alterations were successfully restored, and mitochondrial autophagy was upregulated with the administration of candesartan to ApoE KO mice. The association of LOX-1 with AT1R was found to play a crucial role in regulating mitochondrial quality control, as cellular/vascular senescence is induced by ox-LDL, and AT1R inhibition improves the adverse effects of ox-LDL.
The First GAEN-Based COVID-19 Contact Tracing App in Norway Identifies 80% of Close Contacts in “Real Life” Scenarios
Authors: Meijerink Hinta , Mauroy Camilla , Johansen Mia Karoline , Braaten Sindre Møgster , Lunde Christine Ursin Steen , Arnesen Trude Margrete , Feruglio Siri Laura , Nygård Karin , Madslien Elisabeth Henie
Published: November 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response in most countries has relied on testing, isolation, contact tracing, and quarantine (TITQ), which is labor- and time-consuming. Therefore, several countries worldwide launched Bluetooth-based apps as supplementary tools. The aim of using contact tracing apps is to rapidly notify people about their possible exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and thus make the process of TITQ more efficient, especially upon exposure in public places. We evaluated the Norwegian Google Apple exposure notification (GAEN)-based contact tracing app Smittestopp v2 under relevant “real-life” test scenarios. We used a total of 40 devices, representing six different brands, and compared two different exposure configurations, experimented with different time thresholds and weights of the Bluetooth attenuation levels (buckets), and calculated the true notification rates among close contacts (≤2 m and ≥15 min) and false notification of sporadic contacts. In addition, we assessed the impact of using different operating systems and locations of the phone (hand/pocket). The best configuration tested to trigger exposure notification resulted in the correct notification of 80% of the true close contacts and incorrect notification of 34% of the sporadic contacts. Among those who incorrectly received notifications, most (67%) were within 2 m but the duration of contact was <15 min and thus they were not, per se, considered as “close contacts.” Lower sensitivity was observed when using the iOS operating systems or carrying the phone in the pocket instead of in the hand. The results of this study were used to improve and evaluate the performance of the Norwegian contact-tracing app Smittestopp.
Numerical Study of Reactive Flow in Fractured Carbonate Rock
Authors: Zhou Xu , Zhang Qingfu , Xing Hongchuan , Lv Jianrong , Su Haibin , Huang Zhaoqin
Published: November 2021

Acidizing technology is an effective reformation method of oil and gas reservoirs. It can also remove the reservoir pollution near wellbore zones and enhance the fluid transmissibility. The optimal injection rate of acid is one of the key factors to reduce cost and improve the effect of acidizing. Therefore, the key issue is to find the optimal injection rate during acid corrosion in fractured carbonate rock. In this work, a novel reactive flow mathematical model based on two-scale model and discrete fracture model is established for fractured carbonate reservoirs. The matrix and fracture are described by a two-scale model and a discrete fracture model, respectively. Firstly, the two-scale model for matrix is combined with the discrete fracture model. Then, an efficient numerical scheme based on the finite element method is implemented to solve the corresponding dimensionless equations. Finally, several important aspects, such as the influence of the injection rate of acid on the dissolution patterns, the influence of fracture aperture and fracture orientations on the dissolution structure, the breakthrough volume of injected acid, and the dynamic change of fracture aperture during acidizing, are analyzed. The numerical simulation results show that there is an optimal injection rate in fractured carbonate rock. However, the fractures do not have an impact on the optimal acid injection rate, they only have an impact on the dissolution structure.
A Song of Neither Ice nor Fire: Temperature Extremes had No Impact on Violent Conflict Among European Societies During the 2nd Millennium CE
Authors: Carleton W. Christopher , Collard Mark , Stewart Mathew , Groucutt Huw S.
Published: November 2021

The second millennium CE in Europe is known for both climatic extremes and bloody conflict. Europeans experienced the Medieval Warm Period and the Little Ice Age, and they suffered history-defining violence like the Wars of the Roses, Hundred Years War, and both World Wars. In this paper, we describe a quantitative study in which we sought to determine whether the climatic extremes affected conflict levels in Europe between 1,005 and 1980 CE. The study involved comparing a well-known annual historical conflict record to four published temperature reconstructions for Central and Western Europe. We developed a Bayesian regression model that allows for potential threshold effects in the climate–conflict relationship and then tested it with simulated data to confirm its efficacy. Next, we ran four analyses, each one involving the historical conflict record as the dependent variable and one of the four temperature reconstructions as the sole covariate. Our results indicated that none of the temperature reconstructions could be used to explain variation in conflict levels. It seems that shifts to extreme climate conditions may have been largely irrelevant to the conflict generating process in Europe during the second millennium CE.
Selective Chemical Labeling and Sequencing of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine in DNA at Single-Base Resolution
Authors: Li Xiaogang , Shi Xinxin , Gong Yin , Guo Wenting , Liu Yuanrui , Peng Chunwei , Xu Yingchun
Published: November 2021

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), the oxidative product of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) catalyzed by ten-eleven translocation enzymes, plays an important role in many biological processes as an epigenetic mediator. Prior studies have shown that 5hmC can be selectively labeled with chemically modified glucose moieties and enriched using click chemistry with biotin affinity approaches. Besides, DNA deaminases of the AID/APOBEC family can discriminate modified 5hmC bases from cytosine (C) or 5mC. Herein, we developed a method based on embryonic stem cell (ESC) whole-genome analysis, which could enrich 5hmC-containing DNA by selective chemical labeling and locate 5hmC sites at single-base resolution with enzyme-based deamination. The combination experimental design is an extension of previous methods, and we hope that this cost-effective single-base resolution 5hmC sequencing method could be used to promote the mechanism and diagnosis research of 5hmC.
Large Vessel Activity and Low-Frequency Underwater Sound Benchmarks in United States Waters
Authors: Haver Samara M. , Adams Jeffrey D. , Hatch Leila T. , Van Parijs Sofie M. , Dziak Robert P. , Haxel Joseph , Heppell Scott A. , McKenna Megan F. , Mellinger David K. , Gedamke Jason
Published: November 2021

Chronic low-frequency noise from commercial shipping is a worldwide threat to marine animals that rely on sound for essential life functions. Although the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recognizes the potential negative impacts of shipping noise in marine environments, there are currently no standard metrics to monitor and quantify shipping noise in U.S. marine waters. However, one-third octave band acoustic measurements centered at 63 and 125 Hz are used as international (European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive) indicators for underwater ambient noise levels driven by shipping activity. We apply these metrics to passive acoustic monitoring data collected over 20 months in 2016–2017 at five dispersed sites throughout the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone: Alaskan Arctic, Hawaii, Gulf of Mexico, Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument (Northwest Atlantic), and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (Northeast Pacific). To verify the relationship between shipping activity and underwater sound levels, vessel movement data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) were paired to each passive acoustic monitoring site. Daily average sound levels were consistently near to or higher than 100 dB re 1 μPa in both the 63 and 125 Hz one-third octave bands at sites with high levels of shipping traffic (Gulf of Mexico, Northeast Canyons and Seamounts, and Cordell Bank). Where cargo vessels were less common (the Arctic and Hawaii), daily average sound levels were comparatively lower. Specifically, sound levels were ∼20 dB lower year-round in Hawaii and ∼10-20 dB lower in the Alaskan Arctic, depending on the season. Although these band-level measurements can only generally facilitate differentiation of sound sources, these results demonstrate that international acoustic indicators of commercial shipping can be applied to data collected in U.S. waters as a unified metric to approximate the influence of shipping as a driver of ambient noise levels, provide critical information to managers and policy makers about the status of marine environments, and to identify places and times for more detailed investigation regarding environmental impacts.
Trait Response to Nitrogen and Salinity in Rhizophora mangle Propagules and Variation by Maternal Family and Population of Origin
Authors: Richards Christina L. , Langanke Kristen L. , Mounger Jeannie , Fox Gordon A. , Lewis David B.
Published: November 2021

Many coastal foundation plant species thrive across a range of environmental conditions, often displaying dramatic phenotypic variation in response to environmental variation. We characterized the response of propagules from six populations of the foundation species Rhizophora mangle L. to full factorial combinations of two levels of salinity (15 ppt and 45 ppt) reflecting the range of salinity measured in the field populations, and two levels of nitrogen (N; no addition and amended at approximately 3 mg N per pot each week) equivalent to comparing ambient N to a rate of addition of 75 kg per hectare per year. The response to increasing salinity included significant changes, i.e., phenotypic plasticity, in succulence and root to shoot biomass allocation. Propagules also showed plasticity in maximum photosynthetic rate and root to shoot allocation in response to N amendment, but the responses depended on the level of salinity and varied by population of origin. In addition, propagules from different populations and maternal families within populations differed in survival and all traits measured except photosynthesis. Variation in phenotypes, phenotypic plasticity and propagule survival within and among R. mangle populations may contribute to adaptation to a complex mosaic of environmental conditions and response to climate change.
Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Caused by Enzalutamide: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Deng Min , Chai Huirong , Yang Meng , Wei Xueman , Zhang Wenjun , Wang Xuebin , Li Juanjuan , Wang Zhuo , Chen Haitao
Published: November 2021

Objective

Enzalutamide is the most frequently prescribed compound for treating metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Common adverse drug events of enzalutamide are febrile neutropenia, hot flashes, hypertension, and fatigue.

Methods

We present a case of a patient with mCRPC who received enzalutamide and developed Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). The culprit drug was confirmed using the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale. Clinical characteristics and management principles were analyzed in combination with literature reports.

Results

SJS occurred within two weeks of enzalutamide therapy. Supportive care such as steroid treatment led to a complete resolution of skin lesions and improved clinical symptoms after three weeks.

Conclusion

Most cutaneous adverse events occur early during enzalutamide therapy, and close observation should be given within two weeks of starting treatment.
Assessment of Delivery Quality Assurance for Stereotactic Radiosurgery With Cyberknife
Authors: Li Jun , Zhang Xile , Pan Yuxi , Zhuang Hongqing , Wang Junjie , Yang Ruijie
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish and assess a practical delivery quality assurance method for stereotactic radiosurgery with Cyberknife by analyzing the geometric and dosimetric accuracies obtained using a PTW31016 PinPoint ionization chamber and EBT3 films. Moreover, this study also explores the relationship between the parameters of plan complexity, target volume, and deliverability parameters and provides a valuable reference for improving plan optimization and validation.

Methods

One hundred fifty cases of delivery quality assurance plans were performed on Cyberknife to assess point dose and planar dose distribution, respectively, using a PTW31016 PinPoint ionization chamber and Gafchromic EBT3 films. The measured chamber doses were compared with the planned mean doses in the sensitive volume of the chamber, and the measured planar doses were compared with the calculated dose distribution using gamma index analysis. The gamma passing rates were evaluated using the criteria of 3%/1 mm and 2%/2 mm. The statistical significance of the correlations between the complexity metrics, target volume, and the gamma passing rate were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

Results

For point dose comparison, the averaged dose differences (± standard deviations) were 1.6 ± 0.73% for all the cases. For planar dose distribution, the mean gamma passing rate for 3%/1 mm, and 2%/2 mm evaluation criteria were 94.26% ± 1.89%, and 93.86% ± 2.16%, respectively. The gamma passing rates were higher than 90% for all the delivery quality assurance plans with the criteria of 3%/1 mm and 2%/2 mm. The difference in point dose was lowly correlated with volume of PTV, number of beams, and treatment time for 150 DQA plans, and highly correlated with volume of PTV for 18 DQA plans of small target. DQA gamma passing rate (2%/2 mm) was a moderate significant correlation for the number of nodes, number of beams and treatment time, and a low correlation with MU.

Conclusion

PTW31016 PinPoint ionization chamber and EBT3 film can be used for routine Cyberknife delivery quality assurance. The point dose difference should be within 3%. The gamma passing rate should be higher than 90% for the criteria of 3%/1 mm and 2%/2 mm. In addition, the plan complexity and PTV volume were found to have some influence on the plan deliverability.
Ultra-Low-Dose Whole-Body Computed Tomography Protocol Optimization for Patients With Plasma Cell Disorders: Diagnostic Accuracy and Effective Dose Analysis From a Reference Center
Authors: Tore Davide , Rampado Osvaldo , Guarnaccia Carla , Mina Roberto , Oronzio Maria , Santonocito Ambra , Serafini Alessandro , Strazzarino Giulio Antonino , Gianusso Laura , Bringhen Sara , Fonio Paolo , Depaoli Alessandro
Published: November 2021

Background

The whole-body low-dose CT (WBLDCT) is the first-choice imaging technique in patients with suspected plasma cell disorder to assess the presence of osteolytic lesions. We investigated the performances of an optimized protocol, evaluating diagnostic accuracy and effective patient dose reduction using a latest generation scanner.

Methods and Materials

Retrospective study on 212 patients with plasma cell disorders performed on a 256-row CT scanner. First, WBLDCT examinations were performed using a reference protocol with acquisition parameters obtained from literature. A phantom study was performed for protocol optimization for subsequent exams to minimize dose while maintaining optimal diagnostic accuracy. Images were analyzed by three readers to evaluate image quality and to detect lesions. Effective doses (E) were evaluated for each patient considering the patient dimensions and the tube current modulation.

Results

A similar, very good image quality was observed for both protocols by all readers with a good agreement at repeated measures ANOVA test (p>0.05). An excellent inter-rater agreement for lesion detection was achieved obtaining high values of Fleiss’ kappa for all the districts considered (p<0.001). The optimized protocol resulted in a 56% reduction of median DLP (151) mGycm, interquartile range (IQR) 128–188 mGycm vs. 345 mGycm, IQR 302–408 mGycm), of 60% of CTDIvol (2.2 mGy, IQR 1.9–2.7 mGy vs. 0.9 mGy, IQR 0.8–1.2 mGy). The median E value was about 2.6 mSv (IQR 1.7–3.5 mSv) for standard protocol and about 1.5 mSv (IQR 1.4–1.7 mSv) for the optimized one. Dose reduction was statistically significant with p<0.001.

Conclusions

Protocol optimization makes ultra-low-dose WBLDCT feasible on latest generation CT scanners for patients with plasma cell disorders with effective doses inferior to conventional skeletal survey while maintaining excellent image quality and diagnostic accuracy. Dose reduction is crucial in such patients, as they are likely to undergo multiple whole-body CT scans during follow-up.
Preventive Effect of Gonggan (Citrus Reticulata Blanco Var. Gonggan) Peel Extract on Ethanol/HCl-Induced Gastric Injury in Mice via an Anti-oxidative Mechanism
Authors: Wu Ya , Jiang Hua , Chen Guangfang , Chen Xingxing , Hu Chengming , Su Xiaofei , Tan Fang , Zhao Xin
Published: November 2021

Gonggan (Citrus reticulata Blanco var. gonggan) is one of the most popular citruses. In this study, the effect of Gonggan peel extract (GPE) on gastric injury was investigated. The components in GPE were analysed by HPLC and the gastric injury model in mice was established by ethanol/hydrochloric acid. After treatment by GPE, the pathological changes of gastric tissue were observed by optical microscope. The levels of oxidative stress and inflammation were measure by kit. And the mRNA expression of related gene was determined by qPCR assay. HPLC result showed GPE mainly contained the flavonoids narirutin, hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin and 5-demethylnobiletin. Morphological and pathological analysis of gastric tissue revealed that GPE could relieve gastric injury. Also, GPE increased the levels of SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT and decreased the level of MDA. Moreover, GPE decreased the levels of the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-6 to suppress inflammation. In addition, the q-PCR results showed that GPE upregulated the mRNA expression of SOD1, SOD2, γ-GCS, GSH-Px, CAT, and IκBα and downregulated the mRNA expression of NF-κB. In conclusion, GPE alleviated gastric injury caused by ethanol/hydrochloric acid by inhibiting oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. The mechanism by which GPE protects gastric tissues may involve the antioxidative pathway. Therefore, GPE has great potential to be developed as a product to prevent gastric injury.
Efficacy and Safety of Different Doses of Bevacizumab Combined With Pemetrexed and Platinum in First-Line Treatment of Advanced NSCLC: A Retrospective-Real World Study
Authors: Zhou Chun-Hua , Yang Feng , Jiang Wen-Juan , Zhang Yong-Chang , Yang Hai-Yan , Zeng Liang , Liu Li , Xiong Yi , Zeng Fan-Xu , Wang Zhan , Yang Nong
Published: November 2021

Background: Bevacizumab was demonstrated to have efficacy in patients with NSCLC. However, application of different doses of bevacizumab in different clinical trials was overlooked. This study aims to investigate the effects and safety of different doses of bevacizumab in the treatment.

Methods: From January 2016 to March 2020, 79 patients with NSCLC received first-line combination treatment with chemotherapy (pemetrexed + platinum) and bevacizumab for four cycles; patients without progression after four cycles were randomly assigned to maintenance therapy with bevacizumab combined with pemetrexed, of which 57 patients received bevacizumab at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg and 22 patients at a dose of 15 mg/kg. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival, and secondary endpoints were overall response rate, disease control rate, and adverse events.

Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in effectiveness; Median PFS in 7.5 mg/kg group and in 15 mg/kg group were 8.0 and 8.7 months, respectively (p = 0.663), reaching the primary endpoint. The ORR and DCR in the bevacizumab 7.5 and 15 mg/kg group were 45.46 and 86.0% vs. 50 and 90.9% showing no statistical significance (p = 0.804 and 0.717). Most of side effects were tolerable. The incidences of overall toxicities were higher in 15 mg/kg group (p = 0.001). No new safety signals were observed.

Conclusion: We did not detect significant difference of efficacy and safety between 7.5 mg/kg group and 15 mg/kg group for bevacizumab administration, the cost-effectiveness of the 7.5 mg/kg group was significantly better than that of the 15 mg/kg group.
Effects of Nigella sativa, Camellia sinensis, and Allium sativum as Food Additives on Metabolic Disorders, a Literature Review
Authors: Anaeigoudari Akbar , Safari Hamidreza , Khazdair Mohammad Reza
Published: November 2021

Objective:Metabolic disorders (MD) can disturb intracellular metabolic processes. A metabolic disorder can be resulted from enzyme deficits or disturbances in function of various organs including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, cardiovascular system, and endocrine system. Some herbs were used traditionally for spices, food additives, dietary, and medicinal purposes. Medicinal plants possess biological active compounds that enhance human health. We aimed to provide evidence about therapeutic effects of some medicinal herbs on MD.

Data Sources:PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were explored for publications linked to MD until February 2021. The most literature reports that were published in the last 10 years were used. All types of studies such as animal studies, clinical trials, andin vitrostudies were included. The keywords included “Metabolic disorders,” “Nigella sativaL.,” “Thymoquinone,” “White tea”OR “Camellia sinensisL.” “catechin,” and “Allium sativumL.” OR “garlic” were searched.

Results:Based on the results of scientific studies, the considered medicinal plants and their active components in this review have been able to exert the beneficial therapeutic effects on obesity, diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Conclusions:These effects are obvious by inhibition of lipid peroxidation, suppression of inflammatory reactions, adjustment of lipid profile, reduction of adipogenesis and regulation of blood glucose level.
Support-Seeking Strategies and Social Support Provided in Chinese Online Health Communities Related to COVID-19
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhu Yiwei , Xia Yixuan
Published: November 2021

Online health communities have become one of the most important means for people to seek social support during the coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) pandemic. This study details content analysis of support-seeking strategies and social support offered on the online forum “Baidu COVID-19bar” across different stages of initial stage as well as during the entire initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that asking for support and disclosing directly were the main strategies used across the different stages and during the entire initial stage. Informational support and emotional support were the most common types sought in the first two stages and the entire initial stage, and informational support was the main type during the decline stage. Furthermore, asking for support was more likely to elicit informational support while disclosing directly was more likely to elicit emotional support. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Social Networks in Limbo. The Experiences of Older Adults During COVID-19 in Ghana
Authors: Asante Emmanuel Akwasi , Awuviry-Newton Kofi , Abekah-Carter Kwamina
Published: November 2021

While studies exploring COVID-19 and its global influence have begun, social networks and support among older adults in low-and middle-income countries, such as Ghana have been inadequate despite its enormous relevance. Thus, the study presents the voices of older adults in Jamestown, Accra and their social networks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. Using a phenomenological approach, data were collected from 15 older adults through in-depth interviews on older adults' social network experiences during COVID-19 pandemic situation. Older adults generally struggled to maintain connections with their family members, friends, neighbors, and the community, especially during the lockdown. They ascribed their limited interaction to COVID-19 preventive measures, such as social distancing and the limitation of face-to-face meetings imposed by the government. Loneliness, stress, and depression are also linked to the breakdown of social networks. The findings provide a deeper understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on older adults' quality of life. It emerged that the Ghanaian society could reconsider the professional services of gerontologists, social workers, community outreach workers, and philanthropists in mitigating loneliness, stress, and depression among older adults in current and future pandemics.
Does the Goal Matter? Emotion Recognition Tasks Can Change the Social Value of Facial Mimicry Towards Artificial Agents
Authors: Perugia Giulia , Paetzel-Prüsmann Maike , Hupont Isabelle , Varni Giovanna , Chetouani Mohamed , Peters Christopher Edward , Castellano Ginevra
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we present a study aimed at understanding whether the embodiment and humanlikeness of an artificial agent can affect people’s spontaneous and instructed mimicry of its facial expressions. The study followed a mixed experimental design and revolved around an emotion recognition task. Participants were randomly assigned to one level of humanlikeness (between-subject variable: humanlike, characterlike, or morph facial texture of the artificial agents) and observed the facial expressions displayed by three artificial agents differing in embodiment (within-subject variable: video-recorded robot, physical robot, and virtual agent) and a human (control). To study both spontaneous and instructed facial mimicry, we divided the experimental sessions into two phases. In the first phase, we asked participants to observe and recognize the emotions displayed by the agents. In the second phase, we asked them to look at the agents’ facial expressions, replicate their dynamics as closely as possible, and then identify the observed emotions. In both cases, we assessed participants’ facial expressions with an automated Action Unit (AU) intensity detector. Contrary to our hypotheses, our results disclose that the agent that was perceived as the least uncanny, and most anthropomorphic, likable, and co-present, was the one spontaneously mimicked the least. Moreover, they show that instructed facial mimicry negatively predicts spontaneous facial mimicry. Further exploratory analyses revealed that spontaneous facial mimicry appeared when participants were less certain of the emotion they recognized. Hence, we postulate that an emotion recognition goal can flip the social value of facial mimicry as it transforms a likable artificial agent into a distractor. Further work is needed to corroborate this hypothesis. Nevertheless, our findings shed light on the functioning of human-agent and human-robot mimicry in emotion recognition tasks and help us to unravel the relationship between facial mimicry, liking, and rapport.
Are Humans More Like Wolves or Dogs?
Authors: Breski Mati , Dor Daniel
Published: November 2021

What makes humans a unique species? How did ancient humans evolve to live together and cooperate with each other? Research on the evolution of prehistoric humans shows that we have some characteristics in common with domesticated animals, like dogs, cows, and pigs. These similarities led researchers to propose that the human species has also undergone a type of domestication, which decreased our aggression and increased our social nature. In this article, we examine this idea and present an alternative: that the human species did not become domesticated like pets or farm animals, but instead evolved the ability to control its emotions, similar to other highly social species, like wolves. Emotional control allows us to restrain our aggression or promote it, depending on the situation. We think that emotional control is what allowed the human species to develop unique ways of communication in the animal kingdom.
Magnetic Field Gradient Across the Flank Magnetopause
Authors: Němeček Zdeněk , Grygorov Kostiantyn , Šafránková Jana , Šimůnek Jiří , Pi Gilbert
Published: November 2021

Magnetic pressure inside the magnetopause is usually balanced with a sum of thermal plasma and magnetic pressures on the magnetosheath side. However, observations reveal that the magnetosheath magnetic field can be frequently larger than that in the magnetosphere (inverse magnetic field gradient across the magnetopause), and thus, the enhanced pressure from the magnetosheath side seems to be uncompensated. Such events are rare in the subsolar region, but their occurrence rate increases toward flanks. The analysis, based on statistical processing of about 35,000 THEMIS magnetopause crossings collected in the course of the years 2007–2017, shows that these events are more frequently observed under enhanced geomagnetic activity that is connected with a strong southward IMF. Case studies reveal that such a state of the magnetopause boundary layers can persist for several hours. This study discusses conditions and mechanisms keeping the pressure balance across the magnetopause under these conditions.
Prognostic Value of the Distribution of Lymph Node Metastasis in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Chen Bin , Liu Xing , Zhang Yiyi , Zhuang Jinfu , Peng Yong , Wang Ye , Wu Yong , Li Shoufeng , Yang Yuanfeng , Guan Guoxian
Published: November 2021

Background: The objective of this study is to assess the prognostic value of lymph node metastasis distribution (LND) in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

Methods: This study included 179 patients with pathological stage III LARC who underwent nCRT followed by radical surgery. LND was classified into three groups: LND1, lymph node metastasis at the mesorectum (140/179, 78.2%); LND2, lymph node metastasis along the inferior mesenteric artery trunk nodes (26/179, 14.5%); LND3, lymph node metastasis at the origin of the IMA (13/179, 7.3%). Clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed to identify independent prognostic factors.

Result: LND showed better stratification for 3-year DFS (LND1 66.8, LND2 50, and LND3 15.4%, P < 0.01) compared to the ypN (3-year DFS: N1 59.9 and N2 60.3%, P = 0.34) and ypTNM (3-year DFS: IIIA 68.6%, IIIB 57.5%, and IIIC 53.5, P = 0.19) staging systems. Similar results were found for 3-year LRFS and DMFS. According to multivariate survival analysis, LND was shown to be an independent prognostic factor for DFS, LRFS, and DMFS in patients with positive lymph nodes (P < 0.01, in all cases).

Conclusion: LND is an independent prognostic factor in stage III rectal cancer after nCRT. LND can be used as a supplementary indicator for the ypTNM staging system in patients with LARC after nCRT.
Intracellular Replication Inhibitory Effects of Tea Tree Oil on Vesicular Stomatitis Virus and Anti-inflammatory Activities in Vero Cells
Authors: Shao Qi , Huang Junjie , Li Jingui
Published: November 2021

Viral disease management has been proven difficult, and there are no broadly licensed vaccines or therapeutics. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is an active pathogen of wild ungulates and livestock; its infection frequently caused irreversible vesicles on the tongue or other positions, leading to enormous economic loss. Tea tree oil (TTO) has been shown to be a popular remedy for many skin diseases owing to its antibacterial, antipruritic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the potential effect of TTO on VSV proliferation and the corresponding inflammatory response in cells remain unclear. In this study, methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay was used to evaluate the cell viability of TTO, and cytotoxic concentration 50 (CC50) was calculated. Then, fluorescence observation, reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot (WB), and flow cytometry (FCM) assay were used to evaluate the antiviral effect of TTO against VSV under three manners of pre-infection before medication, co-administration, pretreatment before infection at safe doses to Vero cells. Meanwhile, the mRNA expressions of interleukin 8, tumor necrosis factor α, and ISG56 in cells were also detected. The results showed that the maximum safe concentration of TTO to Vero cells was 0.063% and the CC50 is 0.32%. Most notably, TTO dose-dependently inhibited the VSV GFP fluorescence generation and restrained the replication of VSV in gene and protein levels regardless of the treatment modes. Based on the results of the FCM, effective concentration 50 of TTO against VSV is 0.019%. Similarly, the mRNA expression of the above cytokines induced by viral infection was also remarkably curbed. These findings suggest that TTO emerged blocking, prophylaxis, and treatment action against VSV replication and suppressed the related inflammation in Vero cells. This study provides a novel potential for TTO fighting against viral infection and anti-inflammatory activities in Vero cells.
Profiling Activins and Follistatin in Colorectal Cancer According to Clinical Stage, Tumour Sidedness and Smad4 Status
Authors: Refaat Bassem , Zekri Jamal , Aslam Akhmed , Ahmad Jawwad , Baghdadi Mohammed A. , Meliti Abdelrazak , Idris Shakir , Sultan Sufian , Alardati Hosam , Saimeh Haitham Akram , Alsaegh Aiman , Alhadrami Mai , Hamid Tahira , Naeem Mohammed E. , Elsamany Shereef Ahmed
Published: November 2021

This study explored the roles of activins and follistatin in colorectal cancers. Paired malignant and normal colonic tissues were collected from archived paraffin-embedded (n = 90 patients) alongside fresh (n = 40 patients) specimen cohorts. Activin β-subunits, follistatin and Smad4 mRNAs and proteins were measured by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Mature activin-A, -B, -AB and follistatin proteins were measured by ELISA. Cancer tissues having ≤ the 20th percentile of the Smad4 IHC score were considered as low (L-S4) group. The Smad4-intact SW480 and Smad4-null HT29 colon cancer cell lines were treated with activins and follistatin, and cell cycle was analysed by flow cytometry. The cell cycle inducing (CCND1/CCND3) and inhibitory (p21/p27) proteins alongside the survival (survivin/BCL2) and pro-apoptosis (Casp-8/Casp-3) markers were measured by immunofluorescence. Thirty-nine patients had right-sided cancers (30%) and showed higher rates of L-S4 tumours (n = 17; 13.1%) alongside worse clinicopathological characteristics relative to left-sided cancers. The βA-subunit and activin-A increased, whilst βB-subunit and activin-AB decreased, in malignant sites and the late-stage cancers revealed the greatest abnormalities. Interestingly, follistatin declined markedly in early-stage malignant tissues, whilst increased significantly in the advanced stages. All activin molecules were comparable between the early stage right- and left-sided tumours, whereas the late-stage right-sided cancers and L-S4 tumours showed more profound deregulations. In vitro, activin-A increased the numbers of the SW480 cells in sub-G1 and G0/G1-phases, whereas reduced the HT29 cell numbers in the sub-G1 phase with simultaneous increases in the G0/G1 and S phases. The p21/p27/Casp-8/Casp-3 proteins escalated, whilst CCND1/CCND3/BCL2/survivin declined in the SW480 cells following activin-A, whereas activin-A only promoted p21 and p27 alongside reduced CCND3 in the HT29 cells. By contrast, activin-AB increased the numbers of SW480 and HT29 cells in Sub-G1 and G0/G1-phases and promoted the anti-cancer and reduced the oncogenic proteins in both cell lines. In conclusion, activins and follistatin displayed stage-dependent dysregulations and were markedly altered during the advanced stages of right-sided and L-S4 cancers. Moreover, the activin-A actions in CRC could be Smad4-dependent, whereas activin-AB may act as a Smad4-independent tumour suppressor protein.
CD63+ and MHC Class I+ Subsets of Extracellular Vesicles Produced by Wild-Type and CD47-Deficient Jurkat T Cells Have Divergent Functional Effects on Endothelial Cell Gene Expression
Authors: Kaur Sukhbir , Elkahloun Abdel G. , Petersen Jennifer D. , Arakelyan Anush , Livak Ferenc , Singh Satya P. , Margolis Leonid , Zimmerberg Joshua , Roberts David D.
Published: November 2021

T cells and endothelial cells engage in bidirectional communication that regulates angiogenesis and T cell transmigration. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) mediate intercellular communication by the transfer of bioactive molecules including RNAs. EVs produced by a given cell type are heterogeneous in their RNA content, but it is unclear how specific EV surface markers relate to their functional effects on target cells. Our previous work established that Jurkat T cell EVs bearing CD63, MHC-I, or CD47 surface markers contain distinct noncoding RNA populations. The present study reveals that CD63+ and MHC-I+ EVs from CD47-deficient Jurkat T cells are enriched in small non-coding RNAs relative to EVs from wild-type Jurkat T cells. CD47-deficient Jurkat T cells secrete more CD63+ and MHC-I+ EVs, but MHC-I+ EVs are selectively taken up more by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Transcriptomics analysis of endothelial cells treated with CD63+ or MHC-I+ EVs showed surface marker- and CD47-dependent changes in gene expression in the target cells. Gene set enrichment analysis identified CD47-dependent, and surface marker-dependent effects of T cell EVs on VEGF and inflammatory signaling, cell cycle, and lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Thus, subsets of T cell EVs differentially regulate endothelial cell metabolism and inflammatory and angiogenic responses.