bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KMT2C mutation is a diagnostic molecular marker for primary thyroid osteosarcoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Wang Xinpei , Wang Qianqian , Su Peng , Chen Chunyan , Han Bo , Liu Zhiyan
Published: November 2022

Primary thyroid osteosarcoma is an extremely rare tumor which is associated with a poor prognosis. In this study, we describe an additional case. A 4.5 × 3.8 cm irregular heterogeneous nodule was examined in the left thyroid gland of a 72-year-old woman. Cytological smears and histopathological specimens showed typical features of osteosarcoma with a neoplastic lesion rich in spindle cells with occasional multinucleated cells and lace-like osteoid matrix. Negative immunoreaction with epithelial markers and positive immunoreaction with SATB2 and low Ki-67 labeling index suggested the diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Multiple KMT2C gene mutations determined by next-generation sequencing further confirmed the diagnosis.
Current advances in the selection of adjuvant radiotherapy regimens for keloid
Authors: Wang Weihao , Zhao Jiang , Zhang Chi , Zhang Wanqi , Jin Manqiu , Shao Ying
Published: November 2022

Keloid is a common benign skin tumor in the outpatient department, and patients are often accompanied by itching and pain. Since the pathogenesis is unknown, the effect of single method treatment is unsatisfactory, and therefore the recurrence rate is high. Therefore, comprehensive treatment is mostly used in clinical treatment. Adjuvant radiotherapy is currently one of the most effective treatments for keloid. After long-term clinical practice, brachytherapy and electron beam radiotherapy has increasingly become the gold standard of treatment, because brachytherapy provides more focused radiation treatment to focal tissue to significantly reduce recurrence rate, and better preserve normal tissue. With the development of new radiotherapy techniques, more options for the treatment of keloid. Currently, adjuvant radiotherapy has been widely recognized, but there is no consensus on the optimal protocol for adjuvant radiotherapy for keloids. This review provides a review of published treatment options and new radiotherapy techniques for adjuvant radiotherapy of keloids and gives a comprehensive evaluation for clinical treatment.
Litter mixing promoted decomposition rate through increasing diversities of phyllosphere microbial communities
Authors: Liu Jiaying , Ding Changjun , Zhang Weixi , Wei Yawei , Zhou Yongbin , Zhu Wenxu
Published: November 2022

Decomposition of forest litter is an essential process for returning nutrients to the soil, which is crucial for preserving soil fertility and fostering the regular biological cycle and nutrient balance of the forest ecosystem. About 70% of the land-based forest litter is made up primarily of leaf litter. However, research on the complex effects and key determinants of leaf litter decomposition is still lacking. In this study, we examined the characteristics of nutrient release and microbial diversity structure during the decomposition of three types of litter in arid and semi-arid regions using 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing technology as well as nutrient content determination. It was revealed that the nutrient content and rate of decomposition of mixed litters were significantly different from those of single species. Following litter mixing, the richness and diversity of the microbial community on leaves significantly increased. It was determined that there was a significant correlation between bacterial diversity and content (Total N, Total P, N/P, and C/P). This study provided a theoretical framework for investigating the decomposition mechanism of mixed litters by revealing the microbial mechanism of mixed decomposition of litters from the microbial community and nutrient levels.
Recent advances on the regulation of bacterial biofilm formation by herbal medicines
Authors: Zhang Meimei , Han Wenyu , Gu Jingmin , Qiu Cao , Jiang Qiujie , Dong Jianbao , Lei Liancheng , Li Fengyang
Published: November 2022

Biofilm formation is a fundamental part of life cycles of bacteria which affects various aspects of bacterial-host interactions including the development of drug resistance and chronic infections. In clinical settings, biofilm-related infections are becoming increasingly difficult to treat due to tolerance to antibiotics. Bacterial biofilm formation is regulated by different external and internal factors, among which quorum sensing (QS) signals and nucleotide-based second messengers play important roles. In recent years, different kinds of anti-biofilm agents have been discovered, among which are the Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs). CHMs or traditional Chinese medicines have long been utilized to combat various diseases around the world and many of them have the ability to inhibit, impair or decrease bacterial biofilm formation either through regulation of bacterial QS system or nucleotide-based second messengers. In this review, we describe the research progresses of different chemical classes of CHMs on the regulation of bacterial biofilm formation. Though the molecular mechanisms on the regulation of bacterial biofilm formation by CHMs have not been fully understood and there are still a lot of work that need to be performed, these studies contribute to the development of effective biofilm inhibitors and will provide a novel treatment strategy to control biofilm-related infections.
Histopathologic differences in granulomas of Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccinated and non-vaccinated cattle with bovine tuberculosis
Authors: Kanipe C. , Boggiatto P. M. , Putz E. J. , Palmer M. V.
Published: November 2022

Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is the zoonotic bacterium responsible for bovine tuberculosis. An attenuated form of M. bovis, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), is a modified live vaccine known to provide variable protection in cattle and other species. Protection for this vaccine is defined as a reduction in disease severity rather than prevention of infection and is determined by evaluation of the characteristic lesion of tuberculosis: the granuloma. Despite its recognized ability to decrease disease severity, the mechanism by which BCG imparts protection remains poorly understood. Understanding the histopathologic differences between granulomas which form in BCG vaccinates compared to non-vaccinates may help identify how BCG imparts protection and lead to an improved vaccine. Utilizing special stains and image analysis software, we examined 88 lymph nodes obtained from BGC-vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals experimentally infected with M. bovis. We evaluated the number of granulomas, their size, severity (grade), density of multinucleated giant cells (MNGC), and the amounts of necrosis, mineralization, and fibrosis. BCG vaccinates had fewer granulomas overall and smaller high-grade granulomas with less necrosis than non-vaccinates. The relative numbers of high- and low- grade lesions were similar as were the amounts of mineralization and the density of MNGC. The amount of fibrosis was higher in low-grade granulomas from vaccinates compared to non-vaccinates. Collectively, these findings suggest that BCG vaccination reduces bacterial establishment, resulting in the formation of fewer granulomas. In granulomas that form, BCG has a protective effect by containing their size, reducing the relative amount of necrosis, and increasing fibrosis in low-grade lesions. Vaccination did not affect the amount of mineralization or density of MNGC.
Application of transcranial Doppler in cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Wan Yuxiao , Teng Xiufei , Li Shiyi , Yang Yanchao
Published: November 2022

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is a rapid and non-invasive diagnostic technique that can provide real-time measurements of the relative changes in cerebral blood velocity (CBV). Therefore, TCD is a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of clinical cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs). In this review, the basic principles of TCD and its application in CVD were outlined. Specifically, TCD could be applied to evaluate occlusive CVD, assess collateral circulation in patients with ischemic stroke, and monitor cerebral vascular occlusion before and after thrombolysis as well as cerebral vasospasm (VSP) and microembolization signals after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Moreover, TCD could predict short-term stroke and transient cerebral ischemia in patients with anterior circulation occlusion treated with endovascular therapy and in patients with anterior circulation vascular occlusion. Additionally, TCD not only could monitor blood velocity signals during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) or carotid artery stenting (CAS) but also allowed earlier intervention through early recognition of sickle cell disease (SCD). Presently, TCD is a useful prognostic tool to guide the treatment of CVD. On the one hand, TCD is more commonly applied in clinical research, and on the other hand, TCD has an increasing role in the management of patients. Collectively, we review the principles and clinical application of TCD and propose some new research applications for TCD.
Association of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor with Alzheimer’s disease and its influencing factors in Chinese elderly population
Authors: Qian Fuqiang , Liu Jian , Yang Hongyu , Zhu Haohao , Wang Zhiqiang , Wu Yue , Cheng Zaohuo
Published: November 2022

Objective

To explore the association of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels with Alzheimer’s disease and its influencing factors.

Materials and methods

A total of 1,615 participants were included in the present study. Among all subjects, 660 were cognitive normal controls (CNCs), 571 were mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and 384 were dementia with Alzheimer’s type (DAT) patients. BDNF in blood samples collected from these subjects was analyzed via the Luminex assay. Additionally, DNA extraction and APOE4 genotyping were performed on leukocytes using a blood genotyping DNA extraction kit. All data were processed with SPSS 20.0 software. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) or analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare differences among groups on plasma BDNF. Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis examined the correlation between BDNF and cognitive impairment, and linear regression analysis examined the comprehensive effects of diagnosis, gender, age, education, and sample source on BDNF.

Results

BDNF levels in DAT patients were higher than those in CNC and MCI patients (P < 0.01). BDNF levels were significantly correlated with CDR, MMSE, and clinical diagnosis (P < 0.001). Age, education, occupation, and sample source had significant effects on BDNF differences among the CNC, MCI, and DAT groups (P < 0.001). BDNF first decreased and then increased with cognitive impairment in the ApoE4-negative group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Plasma BDNF levels decreased in the MCI stage and increased in the dementia stage and were affected by age, education, occupation, and sample source. Unless the effects of sample heterogeneity and methodological differences can be excluded, plasma BDNF is difficult to become a biomarker for the early screening and diagnosis of AD.
The effects of exploratory behavior on physical activity in a common animal model of human disease, zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: DePasquale Cairsty , Franklin Kristina , Jia Zhaohan , Jhaveri Kavya , Buderman Frances E.
Published: November 2022

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are widely accepted as a multidisciplinary vertebrate model for neurobehavioral and clinical studies, and more recently have become established as a model for exercise physiology and behavior. Individual differences in activity level (e.g., exploration) have been characterized in zebrafish, however, how different levels of exploration correspond to differences in motivation to engage in swimming behavior has not yet been explored. We screened individual zebrafish in two tests of exploration: the open field and novel tank diving tests. The fish were then exposed to a tank in which they could choose to enter a compartment with a flow of water (as a means of testing voluntary motivation to exercise). After a 2-day habituation period, behavioral observations were conducted. We used correlative analyses to investigate the robustness of the different exploration tests. Due to the complexity of dependent behavioral variables, we used machine learning to determine the personality variables that were best at predicting swimming behavior. Our results show that contrary to our predictions, the correlation between novel tank diving test variables and open field test variables was relatively weak. Novel tank diving variables were more correlated with themselves than open field variables were to each other. Males exhibited stronger relationships between behavioral variables than did females. In terms of swimming behavior, fish that spent more time in the swimming zone spent more time actively swimming, however, swimming behavior was inconsistent across the time of the study. All relationships between swimming variables and exploration tests were relatively weak, though novel tank diving test variables had stronger correlations. Machine learning showed that three novel tank diving variables (entries top/bottom, movement rate, average top entry duration) and one open field variable (proportion of time spent frozen) were the best predictors of swimming behavior, demonstrating that the novel tank diving test is a powerful tool to investigate exploration. Increased knowledge about how individual differences in exploration may play a role in swimming behavior in zebrafish is fundamental to their utility as a model of exercise physiology and behavior.
ClueDepth Grasp: Leveraging positional clues of depth for completing depth of transparent objects
Authors: Hong Yuanlin , Chen Junhong , Cheng Yu , Han Yishi , Reeth Frank Van , Claesen Luc , Liu Wenyin
Published: November 2022

Obtaining accurate depth information is key to robot grasping tasks. However, for transparent objects, RGB-D cameras have difficulty perceiving them owing to the objects' refraction and reflection properties. This property makes it difficult for humanoid robots to perceive and grasp everyday transparent objects. To remedy this, existing studies usually remove transparent object areas using a model that learns patterns from the remaining opaque areas so that depth estimations can be completed. Notably, this frequently leads to deviations from the ground truth. In this study, we propose a new depth completion method [i.e., ClueDepth Grasp (CDGrasp)] that works more effectively with transparent objects in RGB-D images. Specifically, we propose a ClueDepth module, which leverages the geometry method to filter-out refractive and reflective points while preserving the correct depths, consequently providing crucial positional clues for object location. To acquire sufficient features to complete the depth map, we design a DenseFormer network that integrates DenseNet to extract local features and swin-transformer blocks to obtain the required global information. Furthermore, to fully utilize the information obtained from multi-modal visual maps, we devise a Multi-Modal U-Net Module to capture multiscale features. Extensive experiments conducted on the ClearGrasp dataset show that our method achieves state-of-the-art performance in terms of accuracy and generalization of depth completion for transparent objects, and the successful employment of a humanoid robot grasping capability verifies the efficacy of our proposed method.
The role of microglial exosomes in brain injury
Authors: Chen Yahong , Zhu Jie , Ji Jingjing , Liu Zhifeng , Ren Guangli
Published: November 2022

Microglia are involved in immune responses to central nervous system (CNS) injury. Meanwhile, exosomes derived from microglia are important mediators of information and material exchange in brain, which play an important role in neuroprotective or damaging effects. Microglial exosomes contain a variety of molecular cargos, including microRNAs, soluble proteins, and lipids, which have regulatory effects on other types of cells and microenvironment in brain. In this review, we summarized microglial exosome characteristics, release patterns, pro-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects on neurons and other glial cells, immunomodulatory effects, and regulation of the extracellular microenvironment. Understanding the relationship between microglia exosomes and brain injury can provide new targets for clinical treatment.
Decreased integration of default-mode network during a working memory task in schizophrenia with severe attention deficits
Authors: Cheng Peng , Liu Zhening , Yang Jun , Sun Fuping , Fan Zebin , Yang Jie
Published: November 2022

Background

Working memory (WM) and attention deficits are both important features of schizophrenia. WM is closely related to attention, for it acted as an important characteristic in activating and manipulating WM. However, the knowledge of neural mechanisms underlying the relationship between WM and attention deficits in schizophrenia is poorly investigated.

Methods

Graph theory was used to examine the network topology at the whole-brain and large-scale network levels among 125 schizophrenia patients with different severity of attention deficits (65 mild attention deficits; 46 moderate attention deficits; and 14 severe attention deficits) and 53 healthy controls (HCs) during an N-back WM task. These analyses were repeated in the same participants during the resting state.

Results

In the WM task, there were omnibus differences in small-worldness and normalized clustering coefficient at a whole-brain level and normalized characterized path length of the default-mode network (DMN) among all groups. Post hoc analysis further indicated that all patient groups showed increased small-worldness and normalized clustering coefficient of the whole brain compared with HCs, and schizophrenia with severe attention deficits showed increased normalized characterized path length of the DMN compared with schizophrenia with mild attention deficits and HCs. However, these observations were not persisted under the resting state. Further correlation analyses indicated that the increased normalized characterized path length of the DMN was correlated with more severe attentional deficits and poorer accuracy of the WM task.

Conclusion

Our research demonstrated that, compared with the schizophrenia patients with less attention deficits, disrupted integration of the DMN may more particularly underlie the WM deficits in schizophrenia patients with severe attention deficits.
Distinct characteristics of microglia from neurogenic and non-neurogenic regions of the human brain in patients with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Smith Amy M. , Park Thomas In-Hyeup , Aalderink Miranda , Oldfield Robyn L. , Bergin Peter S. , Mee Edward W. , Faull Richard L. M. , Dragunow Mike
Published: November 2022

The study of microglia isolated from adult human brain tissue provides unique insight into the physiology of these brain immune cells and their role in adult human brain disorders. Reports of microglia in post-mortem adult human brain tissue show regional differences in microglial populations, however, these differences have not been fully explored in living microglia. In this study biopsy tissue was obtained from epileptic patients undergoing surgery and consisted of both cortical areas and neurogenic ventricular and hippocampal (Hp) areas. Microglia were concurrently isolated from both regions and compared by immunochemistry. Our initial observation was that a greater number of microglia resulted from isolation and culture of ventricular/Hp tissue than cortical tissue. This was found to be due to a greater proliferative capacity of microglia from ventricular/Hp regions compared to the cortex. Additionally, ventricular/Hp microglia had a greater proliferative response to the microglial mitogen Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor (M-CSF). This enhanced response was found to be associated with higher M-CSF receptor expression and higher expression of proteins involved in M-CSF signalling DAP12 and C/EBPβ. Microglia from the ventricular/Hp region also displayed higher expression of the receptor for Insulin-like Growth Factor-1, a molecule with some functional similarity to M-CSF. Compared to microglia isolated from the cortex, ventricular/Hp microglia showed increased HLA-DP, DQ, DR antigen presentation protein expression and a rounded morphology. These findings show that microglia from adult human brain neurogenic regions are more proliferative than cortical microglia and have a distinct protein expression profile. The data present a case for differential microglial phenotype and function in different regions of the adult human brain and suggest that microglia in adult neurogenic regions are “primed” to an activated state by their unique tissue environment.
Flexibility of neural circuits regulating mating behaviors in mice and flies
Authors: Karigo Tomomi , Deutsch David
Published: November 2022

Mating is essential for the reproduction of animal species. As mating behaviors are high-risk and energy-consuming processes, it is critical for animals to make adaptive mating decisions. This includes not only finding a suitable mate, but also adapting mating behaviors to the animal’s needs and environmental conditions. Internal needs include physical states (e.g., hunger) and emotional states (e.g., fear), while external conditions include both social cues (e.g., the existence of predators or rivals) and non-social factors (e.g., food availability). With recent advances in behavioral neuroscience, we are now beginning to understand the neural basis of mating behaviors, particularly in genetic model organisms such as mice and flies. However, how internal and external factors are integrated by the nervous system to enable adaptive mating-related decision-making in a state- and context-dependent manner is less well understood. In this article, we review recent knowledge regarding the neural basis of flexible mating behaviors from studies of flies and mice. By contrasting the knowledge derived from these two evolutionarily distant model organisms, we discuss potential conserved and divergent neural mechanisms involved in the control of flexible mating behaviors in invertebrate and vertebrate brains.
Effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation on spasticity evaluated with modified Ashworth scale/Ashworth scale in patients with spastic paralysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pan Jia-Xin , Diao Ying-Xiu , Peng Hui-Yuan , Wang Xi-Zhen , Liao Lin-Rong , Wang Mao-Yuan , Wen You-Liang , Jia Yan-Bing , Liu Hao
Published: November 2022

Background

Spasticity is a common motor disorder resulting from upper motor neuron lesions. It has a serious influence on an individual's motor function and daily activity. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) is a non-invasive and painless approach developed for therapeutic intervention in clinical rehabilitation. However, the effectiveness of this intervention on spasticity in patients with spastic paralysis remains uncertain.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of rPMS on spasticity, motor function, and activities of daily living in individuals with spastic paralysis.

Methods

PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for eligible papers with date up to March 31, 2022. Two independent researchers conducted study screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment. RCTs that explored the effects of rPMS on spasticity, motor function, and activities of daily living in patients with spastic paralysis were included for review. The Cochrane collaboration tool was used to assess methodological quality. The cumulative effects of available data were processed for a meta-analysis using Reedman software.

Results

Eight studies with 297 participants were included. Most of the studies presented low to moderate risk of bias. Compared with the control group, the results showed that rPMS had a significant effect on spasticity (all spasticity outcomes: standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.94 to −0.16, I2 = 40%, and P = 0.006, Modified Ashworth Scale: mean difference [MD] = −0.48, 95% CI: −0.82 to −0.14, I2 = 0%, and P = 0.006), motor function (Fugl–Meyer Assessment: MD = 4.17, 95% CI: 0.89 to 7.46, I2 = 28%, and P = 0.01), and activities of daily living (Barthel Index: MD = 5.12, 95% CI: 2.58 to 7.67, I2 = 0%, and P < 0.0001). No side effect was reported.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis demonstrated that the evidence supported rPMS in improving spasticity especially for passive muscle properties evaluated with Modified Ashworth Scale/Ashworth Scale, as well as motor function and daily activity of living in individuals with spastic paralysis.

Study registration

The reviewed protocol of this study is registered in the international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD42022322395).

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42022322395.
Statistics of the instantaneous interaural parameters for dichotic tones in diotic noise (N0Sψ)
Authors: Encke Jörg , Dietz Mathias
Published: November 2022

Stimuli consisting of an interaurally phase-shifted tone in diotic noise—often referred to as N0Sψ—are commonly used to study binaural hearing. As a consequence of mixing diotic noise with a dichotic tone, this type of stimulus contains random fluctuations in both interaural phase- and level-difference. We report the joint probability density functions of the two interaural differences as a function of amplitude and interaural phase of the tone. Furthermore, a second joint probability density function for interaural phase differences and the instantaneous cross-power is derived. The closed-form expression can be used in future studies of binaural unmasking first to obtain the interaural statistics and then study more directly the relation between those statistics and binaural tone detection.
Non-invasive sampling procedure revealing the molecular events at different abutments of bone-anchored hearing systems–A prospective clinical pilot study
Authors: Johansson Martin L. , Omar Omar , Trobos Margarita , Jonhede Sofia , Peters Hanna , Hultcrantz Malou , Thomsen Peter
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To investigate the molecular activities in different compartments around the bone-anchored hearing system (BAHS) with either electropolished or machined abutments and to correlate these activities with clinical and microbiological findings.

Materials and methods

Twelve patients received machined or electropolished abutments after implant installation of BAHS. Peri-abutment fluid and tissue were collected from baseline to 12 months. Gene expression of cytokines and factors related to tissue healing and inflammation, regeneration and remodelling, as well as bacterial recognition were determined using quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The clinical status was evaluated using the Holgers scoring system, and bacterial colonisation was investigated by culturing.

Results

The gene expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β, and IL-10) and bacteria-related Toll-like receptors (2 and 4) was higher in the peri-abutment fluid than at baseline and in the peri-abutment tissue at 3 and 12 months. Conversely, the expression of genes related to tissue regeneration (Coll1a1 and FOXO1) was higher in the tissue samples than in the peri-abutment fluid at 3 and 12 months. Electropolished abutments triggered higher expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-8 and IL-1β) (in peri-abutment fluid) and regeneration factor FOXO1 (in peri-abutment tissue) than machined abutments. Several cytokine genes in the peri-abutment fluid correlated positively with the detection of aerobes, anaerobes and Staphylococcus species, as well as with high Holger scores.

Conclusion

This study provides unprecedented molecular information on the biological processes of BAHS. Despite being apparently healed, the peri-abutment fluid harbours prolonged inflammatory activity in conjunction with the presence of different bacterial species. An electropolished abutment surface appears to be associated with stronger proinflammatory activity than that with a machined surface. The analysis of the peri-abutment fluid deserves further verification as a non-invasive sampling and diagnostic procedure of BAHS.
Cochlear implant-specific risks should be considered, when assessing the quality of life of children and adolescents with hearing loss and cochlear implants–not just cochlear implant-specific benefits–Perspective
Authors: Huber Maria
Published: November 2022

Cochlear implants (CIs) are electronic medical devices that enable hearing in cases where traditional hearing aids are of minimal or no use. Quality of life (QoL) studies of children and adolescents with a CI have so far focused on the CI-specific benefits. However, the CI-specific risks listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have not yet been considered. From this list, medical and device-related complications, lifelong dependency on the implanted device, and neurosecurity risks (CI technology is an interface technology) may be particularly relevant for young CI users. Medical and device-related complications can cause physical discomfort (e.g., fever, pain), as well as functioning problems (e.g., in speech discrimination, social behavior, and mood). In the worst case, reimplantation is required. Clinical experience shows that these complications are perceived as a burden for young CI users. Furthermore, many young patients are worried about possible complications. Additionally, CIs can be at least a temporary burden when children, typically at the age of 8–9 years, realize that they need the CI for life, or when they become peer victims because of their CI. Concerning neurosecurity risks, it is still unknown how young CI recipients perceive them. In summary, CI-specific risks can be perceived as a burden by young CI users that impairs their QoL. Therefore, they should not be ignored. There is an urgent need for studies on this topic, which would not only be important for professionals and parents, but also for the design of CI-specific QoL instruments.
The low-FODMAP diet and the gluten-free diet in the management of functional abdominal bloating and distension
Authors: Pessarelli Tommaso , Sorge Andrea , Elli Luca , Costantino Andrea
Published: November 2022

This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of low-FODMAP diet and gluten-free diet in functional abdominal bloating and distension, an emerging disorder of gut-brain interaction characterized by remarkable costs for healthcare systems and a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life. Ingested food plays a key role in the pathophysiology of disorders of gut-brain interaction as up to 84% of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) report food-triggered symptoms. Potential pathogenetic mechanisms of food-related symptoms in these patients are discussed, focusing on bloating and abdominal distension. These mechanisms provide the rationale for dietary treatment in patients with functional abdominal bloating and distension. The role of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) and gluten in functional abdominal bloating and distension is examined. Current literature evaluating the efficacy of the low-FODMAP diet and the gluten-free diet in abdominal bloating and distension is analyzed. Available evidence originates mainly from studies on patients with IBS, since clinical studies on selected cohorts of patients with only functional abdominal bloating and distension have been missing to date. Promising evidence on the potential efficacy of the low-FODMAP diet in functional abdominal bloating and distension is provided by the reduction of the bloating observed in patients with IBS. Regarding the gluten-free diet, there is insufficient evidence to recommend it to reduce bloating and abdominal distension. In conclusion, this review asserts the need for a close collaboration with experts in nutrition to optimize the management of these patients and reduce the risks associated with elimination diets.
Role of milk glycome in prevention, treatment, and recovery of COVID-19
Authors: Kaplan Merve , Şahutoğlu Arif Sercan , Sarıtaş Sümeyye , Duman Hatice , Arslan Ayşenur , Pekdemir Burcu , Karav Sercan
Published: November 2022

Milk contains all essential macro and micro-nutrients for the development of the newborn. Its high therapeutic and antimicrobial content provides an important function for the prevention, treatment, and recovery of certain diseases throughout life. The bioactive components found in milk are mostly decorated with glycans, which provide proper formation and modulate the biological functions of glycosylated compounds. The glycome of milk consists of free glycans, glycolipids, and N- and O- glycosylated proteins. Recent studies have shown that both free glycans and glycan-containing molecules have antiviral characteristics based on different mechanisms such as signaling, microbiome modulation, natural decoy strategy, and immunomodulatory action. In this review, we discuss the recent clinical studies and potential mechanisms of free and conjugated glycans' role in the prevention, treatment, and recovery of COVID-19.
Chemical profile and antioxidant activity of bidirectional metabolites from Tremella fuciformis and Acanthopanax trifoliatus as assessed using response surface methodology
Authors: Wu Yuxiao , Liu Yu , Wu Jiayi , Ou Kaiqi , Huang Qian , Cao Junxian , Duan Tao , Zhou Lin , Pan Yufang
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to establish a bidirectional fermentation system using Tremella fuciformis and Acanthopanax trifoliatus to promote the transformation and utilization of the synthesized antioxidant metabolites from fermentation supernatant. The effect of fermentation conditions on the total phenolic content was investigated using response surface methodology in terms of three factors, including temperature (22–28°C), pH (6–8), and inoculum size (2–8%, v/v). The optimized fermentation parameters were: 28°C, pH 8, and an inoculum size of 2%, which led to a maximum total phenolic content of 314.79 ± 6.89 μg/mL in the fermentation supernatant after 24 h culture. The content of total flavonoids and polysaccharides reached 78.65 ± 0.82 μg/mL and 9358.08 ± 122.96 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, ABTS+, DPPH⋅, and ⋅OH clearance rates reached 95.09, 88.85, and 85.36% at 24 h under optimized conditions, respectively. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids and polysaccharides in the optimized fermentation supernatant of T. fuciformis–Acanthopanax trifoliatus increased by 0.88 ± 0.04, 0.09 ± 0.02, and 33.84 ± 1.85 times that of aqueous extracts from A. trifoliatus, respectively. Simultaneously, 0.30 ± 0.00, 0.26 ± 0.01, and 1.19 ± 0.12 times increase of antioxidant activity against ABTS+, DPPH⋅, and ⋅OH clearance rates were observed, respectively. Additionally, the metabolite composition changes caused by fermentation were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) based on untargeted metabolomics and the phytochemical profile of fermentation supernatant differentiated significantly based on unsupervised principal component analysis (PCA) during fermentation from 24 to 96 h. Furthermore, a significant increase in antioxidant phenolic and flavonoid compounds, such as ellagic acid, vanillin, luteolin, kaempferol, myricetin, isorhamnetin, and (+)-gallocatechin, was observed after fermentation. Thus, these results indicated that the fermentation broth of T. fuciformis and A. trifoliatus had significant antioxidant activity, and may have potential application for health products such as functional beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical raw materials.
Deep learning for the diagnosis of suspicious thyroid nodules based on multimodal ultrasound images
Authors: Tao Yi , Yu Yanyan , Wu Tong , Xu Xiangli , Dai Quan , Kong Hanqing , Zhang Lei , Yu Weidong , Leng Xiaoping , Qiu Weibao , Tian Jiawei
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to differentially diagnose thyroid nodules (TNs) of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI-RADS) 3–5 categories using a deep learning (DL) model based on multimodal ultrasound (US) images and explore its auxiliary role for radiologists with varying degrees of experience.

Methods

Preoperative multimodal US images of 1,138 TNs of TI-RADS 3–5 categories were randomly divided into a training set (n = 728), a validation set (n = 182), and a test set (n = 228) in a 4:1:1.25 ratio. Grayscale US (GSU), color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), strain elastography (SE), and region of interest mask (Mask) images were acquired in both transverse and longitudinal sections, all of which were confirmed by pathology. In this study, fivefold cross-validation was used to evaluate the performance of the proposed DL model. The diagnostic performance of the mature DL model and radiologists in the test set was compared, and whether DL could assist radiologists in improving diagnostic performance was verified. Specificity, sensitivity, accuracy, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) were obtained.

Results

The AUCs of DL in the differentiation of TNs were 0.858 based on (GSU + SE), 0.909 based on (GSU + CDFI), 0.906 based on (GSU + CDFI + SE), and 0.881 based (GSU + Mask), which were superior to that of 0.825-based single GSU (p = 0.014, p< 0.001, p< 0.001, and p = 0.002, respectively). The highest AUC of 0.928 was achieved by DL based on (G + C + E + M)US, the highest specificity of 89.5% was achieved by (G + C + E)US, and the highest accuracy of 86.2% and sensitivity of 86.9% were achieved by DL based on (G + C + M)US. With DL assistance, the AUC of junior radiologists increased from 0.720 to 0.796 (p< 0.001), which was slightly higher than that of senior radiologists without DL assistance (0.796 vs. 0.794, p > 0.05). Senior radiologists with DL assistance exhibited higher accuracy and comparable AUC than that of DL based on GSU (83.4% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.041; 0.822 vs. 0.825, p = 0.512). However, the AUC of DL based on multimodal US images was significantly higher than that based on visual diagnosis by radiologists (p< 0.05).

Conclusion

The DL models based on multimodal US images showed exceptional performance in the differential diagnosis of suspicious TNs, effectively increased the diagnostic efficacy of TN evaluations by junior radiologists, and provided an objective assessment for the clinical and surgical management phases that follow.
Latest updates on cellular and molecular biomarkers of gliomas
Authors: Bou Zerdan Maroun , Atoui Ali , Hijazi Ali , Basbous Lynn , Abou Zeidane Reine , Alame Saada M. , Assi Hazem I.
Published: November 2022

Gliomas are the most common central nervous system malignancies, compromising almost 80% of all brain tumors and is associated with significant mortality. The classification of gliomas has shifted from basic histological perspective to one that is based on molecular biomarkers. Treatment of this type of tumors consists currently of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. During the past years, there was a limited development of effective glioma diagnostics and therapeutics due to multiple factors including the presence of blood-brain barrier and the heterogeneity of this type of tumors. Currently, it is necessary to highlight the advantage of molecular diagnosis of gliomas to develop patient targeted therapies based on multiple oncogenic pathway. In this review, we will evaluate the development of cellular and molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis of gliomas and the impact of these diagnostic tools for better tailored and targeted therapies.
Nanocarriers containing platinum compounds for combination chemotherapy
Authors: Fang Guihua , Zhang Aiwen , Zhu Lu , Wang Qiuxiang , Sun Feilong , Tang Bo
Published: November 2022

Platinum compounds-based drugs are used widely in the clinic for the treatment of many types of cancer. However, serious undesirable side effects and intrinsic or acquired resistance limit their successful clinic use. Nanocarrier-based combination chemotherapy is considered to be an effective strategy to resolve these challenges. This review introduces the recent advance in nanocarriers containing platinum compounds for combination cancer chemotherapy, including liposomes, polymer nanoparticles, polymer micelles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, carbon nanohors, polymer-caged nanobins, carbon nanotube, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, and multilayered fiber mats in detail.
Cell penetrating peptide: A potent delivery system in vaccine development
Authors: Hasannejad-Asl Behnam , Pooresmaeil Farkhondeh , Takamoli Shahla , Dabiri Mehran , Bolhassani Azam
Published: November 2022

One of the main obstacles to most medication administrations (such as the vaccine constructs) is the cellular membrane’s inadequate permeability, which reduces their efficiency. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) or protein transduction domains (PTDs) are well-known as potent biological nanocarriers to overcome this natural barrier, and to deliver membrane-impermeable substances into cells. The physicochemical properties of CPPs, the attached cargo, concentration, and cell type substantially influence the internalization mechanism. Although the exact mechanism of cellular uptake and the following processing of CPPs are still uncertain; but however, they can facilitate intracellular transfer through both endocytic and non-endocytic pathways. Improved endosomal escape efficiency, selective cell targeting, and improved uptake, processing, and presentation of antigen by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) have been reported by CPPs. Different in vitro and in vivo investigations using CPP conjugates show their potential as therapeutic agents in various medical areas such as infectious and non-infectious disorders. Effective treatments for a variety of diseases may be provided by vaccines that can cooperatively stimulate T cell-mediated immunity (T helper cell activity or cytotoxic T cell function), and immunologic memory. Delivery of antigen epitopes to APCs, and generation of a potent immune response is essential for an efficacious vaccine that can be facilitated by CPPs. The current review describes the delivery of numerous vaccine components by various CPPs and their immunostimulatory properties.
Effects of physical activity on the severity of illness and mortality in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sittichai Nuttawut , Parasin Nichapa , Saokaew Surasak , Kanchanasurakit Sukrit , Kayod Nuttawan , Praikaew Ketnapa , Phisalprapa Pochamana , Prasannarong Mujalin
Published: November 2022

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between Physical activity (PA) before Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and the severity of illness and mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Methods: A comprehensive search was undertaken to identify retrospective and nonrandomized controlled trial studies comparing the severity and mortality of COVID-19 infection among COVID-19 patients who had previously reported their participation in PA with those who had not. The databases searched were PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Science Direct, EMBASE, OPENGREY.EU, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A random-effects model was used for determining pairwise meta-analyses. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021262548).

Results: Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria (5 cross-sectional, 12 cohort, and 1 case-control studies). All 1 618 680 subjects were adults. PA significantly decreased the risk of death in COVID-19 patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19–0.62; p < 0.001) and the risk of severe outcomes (OR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.48–0.76; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that PA for ≥150 min/wk at a moderate intensity or ≥75 min/wk at a vigorous intensity reduced the risks of severity and mortality. Vigorous PA reduced mortality risk, whereas moderate to vigorous PA reduced the risks of severity and mortality.

Conclusion: PA before infection might reduce severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients, especially PA ≥ 150 min/wk of moderate activity or ≥75 min/wk of vigorous activity. However, careful interpretations should be considered due to the difference in PA patterns and severity definitions among included studies. This finding implies that engaging in regular PA, even in different patterns, has beneficial effects on the severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients.
Analysis of the influence of entrepreneurial psychology on the index system of digital development of the equipment manufacturing industry
Authors: Zhang Lu , Li Jian
Published: November 2022

Entrepreneurs face the high pressure of the environment and may encounter psychological barriers such as entrepreneurial burnout. In order to maintain the growth of enterprises, entrepreneurs need to have toughness and perseverance to adapt to changes in the environment, overcome the negative effects of failure and crisis, and make progress in the crisis. The digital transformation of traditional manufacturing industry is an important way for the integration and development of digital economy and real economy. As the information support system of enterprise strategic psychology, strategic management accounting will also develop to a higher level with the digital transformation of enterprises. By reshaping an efficient spiritual organization, building an integrated innovation platform, and building an intelligent information architecture based on the concept of predictive finance, strategic management accounting will achieve important goals in the context of digital transformation. And give full play to the intellectual support role of its strategic psychology. The change of entrepreneurial psychology is crucial to the success of digital transformation of manufacturing industry. At present, the digital exploration of entrepreneurs’ psychological influence has made some preliminary achievements in technology and management, but according to the analysis in this paper, there is still much room for digital transformation.
Moderated-mediation analysis of multimorbidity and health-related quality of life among the Chinese elderly: The role of functional status and cognitive function
Authors: Li Tongxing , Hu Wei , Zhou Liang , Peng Liuming , Cao Lei , Feng Zhaolong , He Qida , Chu Jiadong , Chen Xuanli , Liu Siyuan , Han Qiang , Sun Na , Shen Yueping
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To investigate the relationship between multimorbidity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and explore the effects of functional status and cognitive function on Chinses elderly behind this relationship.

Methods

The Multivariate logistic regression and Tobit regression models were used to determine the influence of multimorbidity on HRQoL. Bootstrap analysis was used to probe the mediating effects of functional status and the moderating role of cognition on multimorbidity and HRQoL.

Results

Results of the 2,887 participants age  ≥ 60  years included in the analysis, 51.69% had chronic diseases. Stroke (β = −0.190; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.232, −0.149; p < 0.001) and the combination of hypertension and stroke (β = −0.210; 95% CI, −0.259, −0.160; p < 0.001) had the greatest influence on HRQoL. Functional status partially mediated the relationship between the number of non-communicable diseases (No. of NCDs) and HRQoL, while cognitive function had a moderating effect not only in the A-path (No. of NCDs to functional status, β = 0.143; t = 7.18; p < 0.001) and but also in the C-path (No. of NCDs to HRQoL, β = 0.007; t = 6.08; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Functional status partially mediated the relationship between multimorbidity and HRQoL in older adults. And cognitive function, if declined, may strengthen this relationship. These findings suggested that improving cognitive function and functional status in those who developed multimorbidity could be a viable prevention or treatment strategy to improve HRQoL in elderly patients.