bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric comparison between VMAT plans using the fast-rotating O-ring linac with dual-layer stacked MLC and helical tomotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ju Sang Gyu , Ahn Yong Chan , Kim Yeong-bi , Kim Jin Man , Kwon Dong Yeol , Park Byoung Suk , Yang Kyungmi
Published: September 2022

Background

To compare the dosimetric profiles of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans using the fast-rotating O-ring linac (the Halcyon system) based on a dual-layer stacked multi-leaf collimator and helical tomotherapy (HT) for nasopharyngeal cancer (NPCa).

Methods

For 30 NPCa patients, three sets of RT plans were generated, under the same policy of contouring and dose constraints: HT plan; Halcyon VMAT plan with two arcs (HL2arc); and Halcyon VMAT plan with four arcs (HL4arc), respectively. The intended dose schedule was to deliver 67.2 Gy to the planning gross target volume (P-GTV) and 56.0 Gy to the planning clinical target volume (P-CTV) in 28 fractions using the simultaneously integrated boost concept. Target volumes and organ at risks dose metrics were evaluated for all plans. Normal tissue complication probabilities (NTCP) for esophagus, parotid glands, spinal cord, and brain stem were compared.

Results

The HT plan achieved the best dose homogeneity index for both P_GTV and P_CTV, followed by the HL4arc and L2arc plans. No significant difference in the dose conformity index (CI) for P_GTV was observed between the HT plan (0.80) and either the HL2arc plan (0.79) or the HL4arc plan (0.83). The HL4arc plan showed the best CI for P_CTV (0.88), followed by the HL2arc plan (0.83) and the HT plan (0.80). The HL4arc plan (median, interquartile rage (Q1, Q3): 25.36 (22.22, 26.89) Gy) showed the lowest Dmean in the parotid glands, followed by the HT (25.88 (23.87, 27.87) Gy) and HL2arc plans (28.00 (23.24, 33.99) Gy). In the oral cavity (OC) dose comparison, the HT (22.03 (19.79, 24.85) Gy) plan showed the lowest Dmean compared to the HL2arc (23.96 (20.84, 28.02) Gy) and HL4arc (24.14 (20.17, 27.53) Gy) plans. Intermediate and low dose regions (40–65% of the prescribed dose) were well fit to the target volume in HL4arc, compared to the HT and HL2arc plans. All plans met the dose constraints for the other OARs with sufficient dose margins. The between-group differences in the median NTCP values for the parotid glands and OC were < 3.47% and < 1.7% points, respectively.

Conclusions

The dosimetric profiles of Halcyon VMAT plans were comparable to that of HT, and HL4arc showed better dosimetric profiles than HL2arc for NPCa.
Elesclomol: a copper ionophore targeting mitochondrial metabolism for cancer therapy
Authors: Zheng Peijie , Zhou Chuntao , Lu Liuyi , Liu Bin , Ding Yuemin
Published: September 2022

Elesclomol is an anticancer drug that targets mitochondrial metabolism. In the past, elesclomol was recognized as an inducer of oxidative stress, but now it has also been found to suppress cancer by inducing cuproptosis. Elesclomol’s anticancer activity is determined by the dependence of cancer on mitochondrial metabolism. The mitochondrial metabolism of cancer stem cells, cancer cells resistant to platinum drugs, proteasome inhibitors, molecularly targeted drugs, and cancer cells with inhibited glycolysis was significantly enhanced. Elesclomol exhibited tremendous toxicity to all three kinds of cells. Elesclomol's toxicity to cells is highly dependent on its transport of extracellular copper ions, a process involved in cuproptosis. The discovery of cuproptosis has perfected the specific cancer suppressor mechanism of elesclomol. For some time, elesclomol failed to yield favorable results in oncology clinical trials, but its safety in clinical application was confirmed. Research progress on the relationship between elesclomol, mitochondrial metabolism and cuproptosis provides a possibility to explore the reapplication of elesclomol in the clinic. New clinical trials should selectively target cancer types with high mitochondrial metabolism and attempt to combine elesclomol with platinum, proteasome inhibitors, molecularly targeted drugs, or glycolysis inhibitors. Herein, the particular anticancer mechanism of elesclomol and its relationship with mitochondrial metabolism and cuproptosis will be presented, which may shed light on the better application of elesclomol in clinical tumor treatment.
Clinical nutrition issues in 2022: What is missing to trust supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) in ICU patients?
Authors: Berger Mette M. , Burgos Rosa , Casaer Michael P. , De Robertis Edoardo , Delgado Juan Carlos Lopez , Fraipont Vincent , Gonçalves-Pereira João , Pichard Claude , Stoppe Christian
Published: September 2022

A multidisciplinary group of international physicians involved in the medical nutrition therapy (MNT) of adult critically ill patients met to discuss the value, role, and open questions regarding supplemental parenteral nutrition (SPN) along with oral or enteral nutrition (EN), particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU) setting. This manuscript summarizes the discussions and results to highlight the importance of SPN as part of a comprehensive approach to MNT in critically ill adults and for researchers to generate new evidence based on well-powered randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The experts agreed on several key points: SPN has shown clinical benefits, resulting in this strategy being included in American and European guidelines. Nevertheless, its use is heterogeneous across European countries, due to the persistence of uncertainties, such as the optimal timing and the risk of overfeeding in absence of indirect calorimetry (IC), which results in divergent opinions and barriers to SPN implementation. Education is also insufficient. The experts agreed on actions needed to increase evidence quality on SPN use in specific patients at a given time point during acute critical illness or recovery.
Exosomal Wnt7a from a low metastatic subclone promotes lung metastasis of a highly metastatic subclone in the murine 4t1 breast cancer
Authors: Li Chunning , Yoshimura Teizo , Tian Miao , Wang Yuze , Kondo Takamasa , Yamamoto Ken-Ichi , Fujisawa Masayoshi , Ohara Toshiaki , Sakaguchi Masakiyo , Matsukawa Akihiro
Published: September 2022

Background

Patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) often have poorer prognosis than those with other subtypes because of its aggressive behaviors. Cancer cells are heterogeneous, and only a few highly metastatic subclones metastasize. Although the majority of subclones may not metastasize, they could contribute by releasing factors that increase the capacity of highly metastatic cells and/or provide a favorable tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we analyzed the interclonal communication in TNBC which leads to efficient cancer progression, particularly lung metastasis, using the polyclonal murine 4T1 BC model.

Methods

We isolated two 4T1 subclones, LM.4T1 and HM.4T1 cells with a low and a high metastatic potential, respectively, and examined the effects of LM.4T1 cells on the behaviors of HM.4T1 cells using the cell scratch assay, sphere-forming assay, sphere invasion assay, RT-qPCR, and western blotting in vitro. We also examined the contribution of LM.4T1 cells to the lung metastasis of HM.4T1 cells and TME in vivo. To identify a critical factor which may be responsible for the effects by LM.4T1 cells, we analyzed the data obtained from the GEO database.

Results

Co-injection of LM.4T1 cells significantly augmented lung metastases by HM.4T1 cells. LM.4T1-derived exosomes promoted the migration and invasion of HM.4T1 cells in vitro, and blocking the secretion of exosome abrogated their effects on HM.4T1 cells. Analyses of data obtained from the GEO database suggested that Wnt7a might be a critical factor responsible for the enhancing effects. In fact, a higher level of Wnt7a was detected in LM.4T1 cells, especially in exosomes, than in HM.4T1 cells, and deletion of Wnt7a in LM.4T1 cells significantly decreased the lung metastasis of HM.4T1 cells. Further, treatment with Wnt7a increased the spheroid formation by HM.4T1 cells via activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Finally, infiltration of αSMA-positive fibroblasts and angiogenesis was more prominent in tumors of LM.4T1 cells and deletion of Wnt7a in LM.4T1 cells markedly reduced angiogenesis.

Conclusions

We demonstrated, for the first time, that a low metastatic subclone can enhance lung metastasis of highly metastatic subclone via exosomal Wnt7a and propose Wnt7a as a molecular target to treat TNBC patients.
Reversal Of Arterial Disease by modulating Magnesium and Phosphate (ROADMAP-study): rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial assessing the effects of magnesium citrate supplementation and phosphate-binding therapy on arterial stiffness in moderate chronic kidney disease
Authors: Vermeulen Emma A. , Eelderink Coby , Hoekstra Tiny , van Ballegooijen Adriana J. , Raijmakers Pieter , Beulens Joline W. , de Borst Martin H. , Vervloet Marc G.
Published: September 2022

Background

Arterial stiffness and calcification propensity are associated with high cardiovascular risk and increased mortality in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Both magnesium and phosphate are recognized as modulators of vascular calcification and chronic inflammation, both features of CKD that contribute to arterial stiffness. In this paper, we outline the rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating whether 24 weeks of oral magnesium supplementation with or without additional phosphate-binding therapy can improve arterial stiffness and calcification propensity in patients with stage 3–4 CKD.

Methods

In this multi-center, placebo-controlled RCT, a total of 180 participants with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 15 to 50 ml/min/1.73 m2 without phosphate binder therapy will be recruited. During the 24 weeks intervention, participants will be randomized to one of four intervention groups to receive either magnesium citrate (350 mg elemental magnesium/day) or placebo, with or without the addition of the phosphate binder sucroferric oxyhydroxide (1000 mg/day). Primary outcome of the study is the change of arterial stiffness measured by the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity over 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes include markers of calcification and inflammation, among others calcification propensity (T50) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. As explorative endpoints, repeated 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET-scans will be performed in a subset of participants (n = 40). Measurements of primary and secondary endpoints are performed at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks.

Discussion

The combined intervention of magnesium citrate supplementation and phosphate-lowering therapy with sucroferric oxyhydroxide, in stage 3–4 CKD patients without overt hyperphosphatemia, aims to modulate the complex and deregulated mineral metabolism leading to vascular calcification and arterial stiffness and to establish to what extent this is mediated by T50 changes. The results of this combined intervention may contribute to future early interventions for CKD patients to reduce the risk of CVD and mortality.

Trial registration

Netherlands Trial Register, NL8252 (registered December 2019), EU clinical Trial Register 2019-001306-23 (registered November 2019).
Sperm DNA methylation alterations from cannabis extract exposure are evident in offspring
Authors: Schrott Rose , Modliszewski Jennifer L. , Hawkey Andrew B. , Grenier Carole , Holloway Zade , Evans Janequia , Pippen Erica , Corcoran David L. , Levin Edward D. , Murphy Susan K.
Published: September 2022

Background

Cannabis legalization is expanding and men are the predominant users. We have limited knowledge about how cannabis impacts sperm and whether the effects are heritable.

Results

Whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data were generated for sperm of rats exposed to: (1) cannabis extract (CE) for 28 days, then 56 days of vehicle only (~ one spermatogenic cycle); (2) vehicle for 56 days, then 28 days of CE; or (3) vehicle only. Males were then mated with drug-naïve females to produce F1 offspring from which heart, brain, and sperm tissues underwent analyses. There were 3321 nominally significant differentially methylated CpGs in F0 sperm identified via WGBS with select methylation changes validated via bisulfite pyrosequencing. Significant methylation changes validated in F0 sperm of the exposed males at the gene 2-Phosphoxylose Phosphatase 1 (Pxylp1) were also detectable in their F1 sperm but not in controls. Changes validated in exposed F0 sperm at Metastasis Suppressor 1-Like Protein (Mtss1l) were also present in F1 hippocampal and nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the exposed group compared to controls. For Mtss1l, a significant sex-specific relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression was demonstrated in the F1 NAc. Phenotypically, rats born to CSE-exposed fathers exhibited significant cardiomegaly relative to those born to control fathers.

Conclusions

This is the first characterization of the effect of cannabis exposure on the entirety of the rat sperm methylome. We identified CE-associated methylation changes across the sperm methylome, some of which persisted despite a “washout” period. Select methylation changes validated via bisulfite pyrosequencing, and genes associated with methylation changes were involved in early developmental processes. Preconception CE exposure is associated with detectable changes in offspring DNA methylation that are functionally related to changes in gene expression and cardiomegaly.

These results support that paternal preconception exposure to cannabis can influence offspring outcomes.
Insights into the deriving of rhizosphere microenvironments and its effects on the growth of authentic Angelica sinensis seedlings under continuous monoculture
Authors: Gong Xiaofang , Zhu Ying , Peng Yinan , Guo Zengxiang , Zhou Jianping , Yang Hui , Wang Zhiye
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Continuous monoculture leads to deterioration of soil microenvironment, which can severely threat the quality and efficiency of Angelica sinensis (A. sinensis), especially for seedlings production. However, little attention has been paid to investigate how continuous monocropping affects the growth of A. sinensis seedling, rhizosphere microbial populations, and nutrient status.

Methods

A field experiment consisting of two different planting patterns — raising A. sinensis seedlings in reclamation alpine uncultivated meadow (RW) and 1-year continuous monoculture (CC), was carried out at Min County, Gansu province, China.

Result

The results showed that compared with RW, the growth rate and valid quantity of A. sinensis seedlings were significantly reduced by 195.4% and 36.7% in CC, respectively. Continuous monocropping significantly increased the rhizosphere soil pH value during the growing season, ranging from 6.18 to 7.10, while reducing the content of SOM, total N, and available P and K. Glomalin, AMF spore densities, and the number of actinomycetes, ammonifiers, and azotobacter were also decreased by CC. The CC treatment significantly increased the abundance of fungi. The diversity and richness of bacteria in CC were lower than RW. Furthermore, the composition and structure of bacterial and fungal flora also changed and that the abundance of beneficial bacteria decreased, while the abundance of pathogens increased in CC. Thus, CC appeared to completely upend the relationship between soil nutrient availability and microbial activity.

Conclusion

The results illustrated that continuous monoculture led the flora of bacteria and fungi to changed dramatically, with the abundance of beneficial bacteria decreased and the abundance of harmful microbes, such as Lasiosphaeriaceae, Vishniacozyma, Myrmecridium, and Hypocreales, increased. The function of microbial population has changed from “beneficial bacteria dominated” to “harmful microbes dominant.” We concluded that continuous monoculture significantly reduced the growth and the efficiency of A. sinensis seedlings and deteriorated the rhizosphere soil microenvironment by increasing pH and decreasing nutrient availability, as well as altering the function of interactions between soil nutrients and microbial populations, thereby resulting in an unsuitable microenvironment for A. sinensis seedlings growth.
Review on camel production and marketing status in Ethiopia
Authors: Kena Doyo
Published: September 2022

Pastoralism has been the most productive livelihood option in the dryland of the Horn of Africa although recently its sustainability is becoming challenging. Camel is a livestock species uniquely adapted to the arid and semi-arid areas of the region. Camels are predominantly reared in the drier areas of Ethiopia such as Afar, Ethiopian Somali and the eastern and southern parts of Oromia region. This review is aimed at reviewing the camel population, marketing status, challenges and opportunities related to camel production and marketing in Ethiopia. Official reports on the camel population (1.42 million) underestimate the number of camel populations in Ethiopia while different research reports a higher figure of the camel population up to 4.8 million. However, each report indicated an increasing trend in the camel population. Camel is being adopted by different pastoral groups, in which camel rearing was less customary. The economic importance of the camel over other livestock species is immense, particularly during the harsh seasons due to less decline in its prices and the camel is the most expensive in both pastoral and agro-pastoral areas when compared to other livestock. Camel plays an important role in revenue generation, contributing to the earnings from export. Formal camel export status has shown a flat trend and informal export outweighed the formal one. Despite its ecological and economic importance, the camel has been neglected by researchers and the Ethiopian government. Poor market infrastructure, lack of market information, lack of market-oriented production system, the export ban by many countries and the inconvenience of an export regulatory institutional setting are among the major constraints of camel marketing in Ethiopia. Therefore, policy and development interventions are demanded that recognize the social, economic and ecological importance of camels for pastoral communities and the national economy.
Profile of chimeric RNAs and TMPRSS2-ERG e2e4 isoform in neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Wang Qiong , Chen Junxiu , Singh Sandeep , Xie Zhongqiu , Qin Fujun , Shi Xinrui , Cornelison Robert , Li Hui , Huang Hai
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Specific gene fusions and their fusion products (chimeric RNA and protein) have served as ideal diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for cancer. However, few systematic studies for chimeric RNAs have been conducted in neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). In this study, we explored the landscape of chimeric RNAs in different types of prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines and aimed to identify chimeric RNAs specifically expressed in NEPC.

Methods

To do so, we employed the RNA-seq data of eight prostate related cell lines from Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) for chimeric RNA identification. Multiple filtering criteria were used and the candidate chimeric RNAs were characterized at multiple levels and from various angles. We then performed experimental validation on all 80 candidates, and focused on the ones that are specific to NEPC. Lastly, we studied the clinical relevance and effect of one chimera in neuroendocrine process.

Results

Out of 80 candidates, 15 were confirmed to be expressed preferentially in NEPC lines. Among them, 13 of the 15 were found to be specifically expressed in NEPC, and four were further validated in another NEPC cell line. Importantly, in silico analysis showed that tumor malignancy may be correlated to the level of these chimeric RNAs. Clinically, the expression of TMPRSS2-ERG (e2e4) was elevated in tumor tissues and indicated poor clinical prognosis, whereas the parental wild type transcripts had no such association. Furthermore, compared to the most frequently detected TMPRSS2-ERG form (e1e4), e2e4 encodes 31 more amino acids and accelerated neuroendocrine process of prostate cancer.

Conclusions

In summary, these findings painted the landscape of chimeric RNA in NEPC and supported the idea that some chimeric RNAs may represent additional biomarkers and/or treatment targets independent of parental gene transcripts.
AMP-activated protein kinase α2 contributes to acute and chronic hyperuricemic nephropathy via renal urate deposition in a mouse model
Authors: Yang Chen , Su Hong-yong , An Ning , Wu Hong-luan , Guo Xiao-yan , Li Zhi-hang , Chen Xiao-cui , Zhu Shao-ping , Wu Dan , Li Hui-yuan , Pan Qing-jun , Liang Dong , Liu Hua-feng
Published: September 2022

Hyperuricemia can induce acute and chronic kidney damage, but the pathological mechanism remains unclear. The potential role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) α2 in hyperuricemia-induced renal injury was investigated in this study. Acute and chronic hyperuricemic nephropathy was induced by administering intraperitoneal injections of uric acid and oxonic acid to AMPK α2 knockout and wild-type mice. Changes in renal function, histopathology, inflammatory cell infiltration, renal interstitial fibrosis, and urate deposition were analyzed. In both acute and chronic hyperuricemic nephropathy mouse models, knockout of AMPK α2 significantly reduced serum creatinine levels and renal pathological changes. The tubular expression of kidney injury molecule-1 was also reduced in hyperuricemic nephropathy mice deficient in AMPK α2. In addition, knockout of AMPK α2 significantly suppressed the infiltration of renal macrophages and progression of renal interstitial fibrosis in mice with chronic hyperuricemic nephropathy. Knockout of AMPK α2 reduced renal urate crystal deposition, probably through increasing the expression of the uric acid transporter, multidrug resistance protein 4. In summary, AMPK α2 is involved in acute and chronic hyperuricemia-induced kidney injury and may be associated with increased urate crystal deposition in the kidney.
Comparison of malignancy and spatial distribution between latent and clinical prostate cancer: an 8-year biopsy study
Authors: Zhen Liang , Zhien Zhou , Hanzi Huang , Xingcheng Wu , Yu Xiao , Wenze Wang , Yuzhi Zuo , Yuliang Chen , Yi Zhou , Weigang Yan
Published: September 2022

Background

Current prostate cancer (PCa) screening may detect nonprogressive lesion, leading to overdiagnosis and overtreatment. The purpose of the present study is to investigate whether the tumor pathological origin of latent prostate cancer (lPCa) and clinical prostate cancer (cPCa) are consistent, and to verify the current clinically significant prostate cancer criteria.

Methods

Prostate specimens were obtained from postmortem autopsy between 2014 and 2021 and patients who went through radical prostatectomy from 2013 to 2021. The pathological characteristics and spatial distribution of the lPCa group and cPCa group were compared and analyzed through SPSS software with P < 0.05 representing statistical significant.

Results

In lPCa group, a total of 45 tumor lesions from 24 lPCa cases were included, 54.2% of lPCa patients were ISUP ≥ 2, 12.5% had tumor volume ≥ 0.5 ml, and 16.7% had extraprostatic extension (EPE). In cPCa group, there were a total of 429 tumor lesions in 126 cases, 92.1% of cPCa patients were ISUP ≥ 2, and 82.5% had tumor volume of ≥ 0.5 ml. 36.3% had EPE. LPCa and cPCa have the same spatial distribution characteristics, and no significant difference was detected between the anterior and posterior zone. Peripheral zone tumors were significantly more common than transitional zone tumors. Tumors in apical 1/3 and middle 1/3 were significantly more common than basal 1/3.

Conclusion

The malignancy of cPCa is significantly higher than that of lPCa, and the spatial distribution of cPCa and lPCa is consistent. ISUP grade 2 is not sufficient to determine clinical significance of tumor.
Need to go further: using INLA to discover limits and chances of burglaries’ spatiotemporal prediction in heterogeneous environments
Authors: Boqué Pere , Saez Marc , Serra Laura
Published: September 2022

Near-repeat victimization patterns have made predictive models for burglaries possible. While the models have been implemented in different countries, the results obtained have not always been in line with initial expectations; to the point where their real effectiveness has been called into question. The ability to predict crime to improve preventive policing strategies is still under study. This study aims to discover the limitations to and the success of the models that attempt to predict burglaries based on spatiotemporal patterns of the risk of break-ins spreading in geographic proximity to the initial break-ins. A spatiotemporal log-Gaussian Cox process is contemplated to model the generic near-repeat victimization scenario and adjusted using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA) methodology. This approach is highly suitable for studying and describing the near-repeat phenomenon. However, predictions obtained with INLA are quite monotonous, of low variability and do not reproduce well the local and short-term dynamics of burglaries for predictive purposes. The conclusion is that predictive models cannot be restricted exclusively to distance decay risk, but they must be designed to detect other types of spatiotemporal patterns which, among other possibilities, open up the possibility of correlating distant events and clusters. Although other studies have already highlighted this problem, the proposal here is to go one step further and clearly extend the near-repeat spatial patterns to achieve better prediction results.
Personality and occupational correlates of anxiety and depression in nurses: the contribution of role conflict, core self-evaluations, negative affect and bullying
Authors: Hosseini Zahra , Homayuni Atefeh
Published: September 2022

Background

The work environment and the fatiguing nature of nursing are risk factors that cause psychological disorders. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between role conflict, core self-evaluations, negative affect, and bullying with anxiety and depression in nurses.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on the nurses working in hospitals of Bandar Abbas, Iran over 4 months (August 2019–November 2019). Data were collected using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule scale, Role Conflict Questionnaire, Core Self-Evaluations Scale, Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised, Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II) and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Data were analyzed using t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 22 software and the significance level was considered 0.05.

Results

The findings revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between role conflict (r = 0.422,p < 0.01), negative affect (r = 0.715, p < 0.01), and bullying (r = 0.443,p < 0.01) with anxiety. Moreover, there was a significant negative relationship between core self-evaluations with anxiety (r = − 0.482,p < 0.01). Also, the findings indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between role conflict (r = 0.382,p < 0.01), negative affect (r = 0.672,p < 0.01), and bullying (r = 0.433,p < 0.01) with depression. There was a significant negative relationship between core self-evaluations and depression (r = − 0.603,p < 0.01). Moreover, regression analysis results revealed that negative affect, role conflict, and core self-evaluations predicted 54.3% of anxiety variance significantly. And lastly, negative affect and core self-evaluations predicted 53.3% of depression variance significantly.

Conclusions

Findings indicated that having high negative affect, low core self-evaluations, high role conflict, and exposure to bullying at work enhances the rate of depression and anxiety in nurses. Hence, it is essential to improve the mental health of nurses and thus the quality of care provided by them through recognizing suitable supportive strategies and interventions.
Acupuncture attenuates comorbid anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors of atopic dermatitis through modulating neuroadaptation in the brain reward circuit in mice
Authors: Yeom Mijung , Ahn Sora , Jang Sun-Young , Jang Jae-Hwan , Lee Youngrye , Hahm Dae-Hyun , Park Hi-Joon
Published: September 2022

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is highly comorbid with negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Although acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in AD, its influence on comorbid anxiety and depression remains unclear. We sought to explore the impact and mechanisms of action of acupuncture on comorbid anxiety and depression of AD. AD-like skin lesions were induced by the topical application of MC903 to the mouse cheek. Acupuncture was performed at Gok-Ji (LI11) acupoints. AD-like phenotypes were quantified by lesion scores, scratching behavior, and histopathological changes. The effects of acupuncture on comorbid anxiety and depression-like behaviors were assessed using the elevated plus-maze (EPM), open-field tests (OFT), and tail-suspension test (TST). In addition, biochemical changes in the brain reward regions were investigated by immunoblotting for the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine D1 receptor (D1R), phospho-dopamine and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein-32 kDa (pDARPP-32), phospho-cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB), ΔFosB, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the nucleus accumbens, dorsolateral striatum, and ventral tegmental area. Acupuncture effectively improved the chronic itching and robust AD-like skin lesions with epidermal thickening. Additionally, it considerably reduced comorbid anxiety- and depression-like symptoms, as indicated by more time spent in the open arms of the EPM and in the center of the open field and less time spent immobile in the TST. Higher pCREB, ΔFosB, BDNF, and pDARPP-32 levels, and reduced TH and D1R protein expression in the brain reward regions of AD mice were reversed by acupuncture treatment. The beneficial effects of acupuncture on clinical symptoms (scratching behavior) and comorbid psychological distress in AD strongly correlated with dorsal striatal ΔFosB levels. Collectively, these data indicate that acupuncture had a significant, positive impact on comorbid anxiety- and depression-like behaviors by modulating neuroadaptation in the brain reward circuit in mice with AD, providing a novel perspective for the non-pharmacological management of psychiatric comorbidities of AD.
Crisis-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) in acute mental health inpatient settings (the CRISIS study): protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wood Lisa , Williams Claire , Pinfold Vanessa , Nolan Fiona , Morrison Anthony P. , Morant Nicola , Lloyd-Evans Brynmor , Lewis Glyn , Lay Barbara , Jones Rebecca , Greenwood Kathryn , Johnson Sonia
Published: September 2022

Background

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) has an established evidence base and is recommended by clinical guidelines to be offered during the acute phases of psychosis. However, few research studies have examined the efficacy of CBTp interventions specifically adapted for the acute mental health inpatient context with most research trials being conducted with white European community populations.

Aims

The aim of this study is to conduct a pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT), which incorporates the examination of feasibility markers, of a crisis-focused CBTp intervention adapted for an ethnically diverse acute mental health inpatient population, in preparation for a large-scale randomised controlled trial. The study will examine the feasibility of undertaking the trial, the acceptability and safety of the intervention and the suitability of chosen outcome measures. This will inform the planning of a future, fully powered RCT.

Methods

A single-site, parallel-group, pilot RCT will be conducted examining the intervention. Drawing on principles of coproduction, the intervention has been adapted in partnership with key stakeholders: service users with lived experience of psychosis and of inpatient care (including those from ethnic minority backgrounds), carers, multi-disciplinary inpatient clinicians and researchers. Sixty participants with experience of psychosis and in current receipt of acute mental health inpatient care will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to either the crisis-focused CBTp intervention or treatment as usual (TAU).

Discussion

Findings of this pilot RCT will indicate whether a larger multi-site RCT is needed to investigate the efficacy of the intervention. If the initial results demonstrate that this trial is feasible and the intervention is acceptable, it will provide evidence that a full-scale effectiveness trial may be warranted.

Trial registration

This trial has been prospectively registered on the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN59055607) on the 18th of February 2021.
PP-wave reflection coefficient in stress-induced anisotropic media and amplitude variation with incident angle and azimuth inversion
Authors: Chen Fubin , Zong Zhaoyun
Published: September 2022

The PP-wave reflection coefficient (i.e., the ratio of the amplitude of reflected P wave to the amplitude of incident P wave) has crucial practical applications in many field scenarios, such as seismic inversion and in-situ stress monitoring. However, the effect of biaxial stress, frequently encountered in the earth’s interior, on the PP-wave reflection coefficient is seldom studied. To fill this gap, we first formulate the P- and S-wave moduli and density in a biaxial-stress-induced anisotropic medium based on the acoustoelasticity theory. Then, the stress-dependent anisotropy parameters and normal/tangential rock weaknesses are proposed in the context of the stress-induced anisotropy model to obtain the corresponding effective elastic stiffness tensor and its spatial perturbation. Two stress-induced anisotropy factors (SIAF) are established to quantify the magnitude of anisotropy in a stress-induced anisotropic medium. The media with large SIAF tend to demonstrate strong anisotropy when stressed and tend to be more easily fractured from the perspective of engineering application. Furthermore, an approximate formula for the PP-wave reflection coefficient for biaxial-stress-induced anisotropic media is developed with the scattering theory. Numerical results illustrate how the reflection coefficients are affected by horizontal biaxial stress and demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of our formula. Modeled and field inversion examples illustrate that SIAF can be reasonably inverted with our amplitude variation with incident angle and azimuth inversion method from azimuthal seismic data. Our results help to better understand the effect of biaxial stress on anisotropy and wave propagation in stress-induced anisotropic media.
An accurate analytical model for squirt flow in anisotropic porous rocks — Part 2: Complex geometry
Authors: Alkhimenkov Yury , Quintal Beatriz
Published: September 2022

Seismic waves exhibit strong attenuation and velocity dispersion when they propagate in porous rocks saturated with a fluid. The main cause of such energy dissipation is fluid flow in the pore space, so called squirt flow. Squirt flow takes place between interconnected pores and cracks or grain-to-grain contacts. The corresponding theory can be used to characterize porous rocks in the subsurface with noninvasive seismic methods. We extend the analytical model for a classical pore geometry presented in part 1 of our paper to more complex geometries of the pore space, where the crack edge is partially connected to multiple pores. This pore geometry is much more closely representative of rocks than the classical geometry where the crack edge is fully connected to a toroidal pore. We develop an approach to calculate the model compliance taking into account the interconnectivity of the crack and pores. We redefine a squirt flow length parameter which takes into account the geometrical configuration of the multiple connections between a crack and the surrounding pores. This configuration will control the geometrical flow pattern and thus the diffusion length scale or, in other words, the characteristic frequency. We validate our analytical model against inherently accurate 3D numerical solutions. The analytical and numerical results are in excellent agreement for a range of different pore geometries. Published analytical solutions expect the user to know the dry stiffness (e.g., from laboratory measurements), but in our work, we also provide a way to calculate analytically the dry stiffness for the precise geometry that we consider. The new analytical model redefines the quantitative and qualitative description of seismic attenuation and velocity dispersion due to squirt flow. We provide the MATLAB and symbolic Maple routines to reproduce our main results.
Cell lineage specification and signalling pathway use during development of the lateral plate mesoderm and forelimb mesenchyme
Authors: Newton Axel H. , Williams Sarah M. , Major Andrew T. , Smith Craig A.
Published: September 2022

The lateral plate mesoderm (LPM) is a transient tissue that produces a diverse range of differentiated structures, including the limbs. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive early LPM specification and development are poorly understood. In this study, we use single-cell transcriptomics to define the cell-fate decisions directing LPM specification, subdivision and early initiation of the forelimb mesenchyme in chicken embryos. We establish a transcriptional atlas and global cell-cell signalling interactions in progenitor, transitional and mature cell types throughout the developing forelimb field. During LPM subdivision, somatic and splanchnic LPM fate is achieved through activation of lineage-specific gene modules. During the earliest stages of limb initiation, we identify activation of TWIST1 in the somatic LPM as a putative driver of limb bud epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Furthermore, we define a new role for BMP signalling during early limb development, revealing that it is necessary for inducing a somatic LPM fate and initiation of limb outgrowth, potentially through activation of TBX5. Together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying LPM development, somatic LPM fate choice and early initiation of the vertebrate limb.
Model Study toward Total Synthesis of Mytilipin C
Authors: Umezawa Taiki , Prakoso Nurcahyo Iman , Tsuji Koichi , Ogura Yosuke , Sato Takumi , Matsuda Fuyuhiko
Published: September 2022

Synthetic studies on mytilipin C, belonging to the chlorosulfolipid (CSL) family, with a model substrate are described. Although the isolation and structure determination of mytilipin C were first reported by Ciminiello and Fattorusso in 2002, the originally proposed structure possibly needs revision because the originally proposed structure of mytilipin B, a similar natural product, was revised through excellent work by Carreira. Our synthetic study includes three unique reactions: (1) preparation of a labile α,β-chlorinated Weinreb amide from an epoxide precursor, (2) nucleophilic addition of an acetylide to the resultant amide to give a labile α,β-chlorinated ketone, and (3) effective formation of a highly functionalized acetylide from the corresponding iodoalkyne by treatment with Turbo Grignard reagent. The vicinal coupling constants between α- and β-protons of syn- and anti-α,β-dichlorocarbonyl compounds show small and large values, respectively.
Generating actionable insights from free-text care experience survey data using qualitative and computational text analysis: A study protocol
Authors: Rohde Daniela , Isazad Mashinchi Mona , Rizun Nina , Gruda Dritjon , Foley Conor , Flynn Rachel , Ojo Adegboyega
Published: September 2022

Introduction: The National Care Experience Programme (NCEP) conducts national surveys that ask people about their experiences of care in order to improve the quality of health and social care services in Ireland. Each survey contains open-ended questions, which allow respondents to comment on their experiences. While these comments provide important and valuable information about what matters most to service users, there is to date no unified approach to the analysis and integration of this detailed feedback. The objectives of this study are to analyse qualitative responses to NCEP surveys to determine the key care activities, resources and contextual factors related to positive and negative experiences; to identify key areas for improvement, policy development, healthcare regulation and monitoring; and to provide a tool to access the results of qualitative analyses on an ongoing basis to provide actionable insights and drive targeted improvements.

Methods: Computational text analytics methods will be used to analyse 93,135 comments received in response to the National Inpatient Experience Survey and National Maternity Experience Survey. A comprehensive analytical framework grounded in both service management literature and the NCEP data will be employed as a coding framework to underpin automated analyses of the data using text analytics and deep learning techniques. Scenario-based designs will be adopted to determine effective ways of presenting insights to knowledge users to address their key information and decision-making needs.

Conclusion: This study aims to use the qualitative data collected as part of routine care experience surveys to their full potential, making this information easier to access and use by those involved in developing quality improvement initiatives. The study will include the development of a tool to facilitate more efficient and standardised analysis of care experience data on an ongoing basis, enhancing and accelerating the translation of patient experience data into quality improvement initiatives.
The genome sequence of the pale mottled willow, Caradrina clavipalpis (Scopoli, 1763)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Boyes Clare ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Caradrina clavipalpis (pale mottled willow; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 474 megabases in span. The entire assembly (100%) is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules with the Z sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.6 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the smoky wainscot, Mythimna impura (Hubner, 1808)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Gibbs Melanie ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Mythimna impura (smoky wainscot; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 949 megabases in span. The majority of the assembly (98.39%) is scaffolded into 32 chromosomal pseudomolecules with the W and Z sex chromosomes assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 15.3 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 15,441 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the sallow kitten, Furcula furcula (Clerck, 1759)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Parker Brandon , Plotkin David , Kawahara Akito Y. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: September 2022

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Furcula furcula (the sallow kitten; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Notodontidae). The genome sequence is 736 megabases in span. The entire assembly (100%) is scaffolded into 29 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the Z sex chromosome assembled. The complete mitochondrial genome was also assembled and is 17.2 kilobases in length.
Enhancement of the anticonvulsant effect of the h3 histamine receptor blocker thioperamid against the use of pioglitazone
Authors: Yehorenko O. , Pervak M. , Poshyvak O. , Liashenko A. , Godlevsky L.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of the study was to study the dynamics of foci of epileptic activity, which were reproduced in the cerebral cortex of kindled rats using the sodium salt of benzylpenicillin, under the conditions of individual and combined use of pioglitazone and thioperamid. Under conditions of acute observation in rats kindled with pentylenetetrazole repeated administration (30-35 mg/kg, i.p.), the influence of thioperamid (2,5 and 15,0 mg/kg, i.p.) and pioglitazone(50,0 and 200,0 mg/kg, i.p.) administrations upon penicillin-induced foci in the frontal cortex have been investigated. The data obtained showed that pioglitazone use in a previously ineffective dose (50.0 mg/kg, i.p.) but against the background of the administration of thioperamid (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.) was accompanied by the development of an anticonvulsant effect, which was expressed as inhibition of the amplitude and frequency of epileptic seizures potentials, as well as in reducing the life span of epileptic foci. A similar result indicates the possibility of restoration of sensitivity to the anticonvulsant effects of the studied drugs when they are used together in kindling provoked resistance to the action of antiepileptic drugs. Thus, the development of the antiseizure effect of thioperamid and pioglitazone, which were used in initially not effective dosages (2,5 and 50,0 mg/kg correspondently), have been described. This fact favors the synergy of the antiepileptic action of investigated compounds.
Reversible Cerebral Vasospasm in Acute Intermittent Porphyria: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Hassene Attout , Guez Stephane
Published: September 2022

The porphyrias are rare inherited diseases of heme biosynthesis which can involve the nervous system. The most common neurological manifestations of acute intermittent porphyria are autonomic visceral neuropathy, peripheral motor neuropathy, and central nervous system dysfunction. In rare cases, patients with acute intermittent porphyria have presented with cerebral infarction, suggested to be due to vasospasm in cerebral arteries. We report a case of reversible vasospasm in porphyric encephalopathy demonstrated by both magnetic resonance and conventional angiography. Unexplained abdominal pain occurred before the onset of neurological symptoms.
Co-producing nurse education with academics, students, service users and carers: lessons from the pandemic
Authors: Garner Janet , Gillaspy Emma , Smith Michael , Blackburn Charly , Craddock Adrian , Drew Tonisha , Holmes Steph , Jones Robert ,   Anonymous Service User
Published: September 2022

This article presents a holistic view of re-designing learner-centred nursing curricula in a post-coronavirus pandemic digital educational system while maintaining authentic service user and carer involvement. Higher education is facing turbulent times through ever-increasing recruitment targets and financial demands. This is coupled with increased requirements from health professional bodies to involve students and service users and carers in co-creating curricula. Reflecting on the authors' collective experiences pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19 and looking to the future, they present a service user-and-student-led proposal for the future of digitally enabled nursing education that involves people with lived experience in an authentic way.