bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of Maternal Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Telomere Length in the Cord Blood and Placenta in Chinese Population
Authors: Liu Xuanyi , Shi Qiaoyu , Fan Xiuqin , Chen Hang , Chen Na , Zhao Yurong , Qi Kemin
Published: January 2022

Few studies have investigated the correlation between maternal polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and telomeres in offspring, and the underlying influential mechanisms. In this study, we assessed the associations of maternal PUFAs with telomere length (TL) and DNA methylation of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter in the cord blood and the placenta. A total of 274 pregnant women and their newborn babies were enrolled in this study. Maternal blood before delivery, the cord blood, and the placenta at birth were collected. Fatty acids in maternal erythrocytes and cord blood cells were measured by gas chromatography (GC). TL in the cord blood and the placenta was determined using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) by calculating the product ratio of telomeric DNA to the single-copy gene β-globin. The TERT promoter methylation was analyzed by DNA bisulfite sequencing. The associations of maternal fatty acids with TL were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression. We found that low concentrations of docosapentaenoci acid (DPA, C22: 5n-3) and total n-3 PUFAs, adrenic acid (ADA, C22: 4n-6), and osbond acid (OA, C22: 5n-6) and high concentrations of linoleic acid (LA, C18: 2n-6) in maternal erythrocytes were associated with the shortened TL in cord blood cells (estimated difference in univariate analysis −0.36 to −0.46 for extreme quintile compared with middle quintile), and that low concentrations of cord blood docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22: 6n-3) were related to the shortened TL in cord blood cells. Differently, high concentrations of α-linolenic acid (LNA, C18: 3n-3), eicosatrienoic acid (EA, C20: 3n-3), DHA, and γ-linoleic acid (GLA, C18:3n-6) in maternal erythrocytes were associated with the shortened TL in the placenta (estimated difference in univariate analysis −0.36 to −0.45 for higher quintiles compared with the middle quintile). Further examination demonstrated that the concentrations of DHA and total n-3 PUFAs in maternal erythrocytes had positive associations with DNA methylation of the TERT promoter in the cord blood instead of the placenta. These data suggest that maternal PUFAs are closely correlated to infant TL and the TERT promoter methylation, which are differently affected by maternal n-3 PUFAs between the cord blood and the placenta. Therefore, keeping higher levels of maternal n-3 PUFAs during pregnancy may help to maintain TL in the offspring, which is beneficial to long-term health.
Mechanisms and Active Compounds Polysaccharides and Bibenzyls of Medicinal Dendrobiums for Diabetes Management
Authors: Li Mingjian , Trapika I. Gusti Surya Chandra , Tang Suet Yee Sara , Cho Jun-Lae , Qi Yanfei , Li Chun Guang , Li Yujuan , Yao Meicun , Yang Depo , Liu Bowen , Li Rong , Yang Ping , Ma Guoyi , Ren Ping , Huang Xi , Xie Deshan , Chen Shaochao , Li Min , Yang Lan , Leng Ping , Huang Yong , Li George Q.
Published: January 2022

Background

Medicinal dendrobiums are used popularly in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of diabetes, while their active compounds and mechanism remain unclear. This review aimed to evaluate the mechanism and active compounds of medicinal dendrobiums in diabetes management through a systematic approach.

Methods

A systematic approach was conducted to search for the mechanism and active phytochemicals in Dendrobium responsible for anti-diabetic actions using databases PubMed, Embase, and SciFinder.

Results

Current literature indicates polysaccharides, bibenzyls, phenanthrene, and alkaloids are commonly isolated in Dendrobium genusin which polysaccharides and bibenzyls are most aboundant. Many animal studies have shown that polysaccharides from the species of Dendrobium provide with antidiabetic effects by lowering glucose level and reversing chronic inflammation of T2DM taken orally at 200 mg/kg. Dendrobium polysaccharides protect pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in liver. Dendrobium polysaccharides up-regulate the abundance of short-chain fatty acid to stimulate GLP-1 secretion through gut microbiota. Bibenzyls also have great potency to inhibit the progression of the chronic inflammation in cellular studies.

Conclusion

Polysaccharides and bibenzyls are the major active compounds in medicinal dendrobiums for diabetic management through the mechanisms of lowering glucose level and reversing chronic inflammation of T2DM by modulating pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in liver as a result from gut microbita regulation.
GBE1 Is an Independent Prognostic Marker and Associated With CD163+ Tumor-Associated Macrophage Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Yicheng , Lei Yangyang , Liang Mei , Du Minjun , Liu Zixu , Li Xingkai , Meng Xiangzhi , Zhou Boxuan , Gao Yushun
Published: January 2022

Glycogen branching enzyme (GBE1) is a critical gene that participates in regulating glycogen metabolism. However, the correlations between GBE1 expression and the prognosis and tumor-associated macrophages in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) also remain unclear. Herein, we firstly analyzed the expression level of GBE1 in LUAD tissues and adjacent lung tissues via The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The effect of GBE1 on prognosis was estimated by utilizing TCGA database and the PrognoScan database. The relationships between the clinical characteristics and GBE1 expression were evaluated via TCGA database. We then investigated the relationships between GBE1 and infiltration of immune cells in LUAD by utilizing the CIBERSORT algorithm and Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database. In addition, we used a tissue microarray (TMA) containing 92 LUAD tissues and 88 adjacent lung tissues with immunohistochemistry staining to verify the association between GBE1 expression and clinical characteristics, as well as the immune cell infiltrations. We found the expression level of GBE1 was significantly higher in LUAD tissues. High expression of GBE1 was associated with poorer overall survival (OS) in LUAD. In addition, high expression of GBE1 was correlated with advanced T classification, N classification, M classification, TNM stage, and lower grade. Moreover, GBE1 was positively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD163+ tumor-associated macrophages in LUAD. In conclusion, the expression of GBE1 is associated with the prognosis and CD163+ tumor-associated macrophage infiltration in LUAD, suggesting that it has potential to be prognostic and immunological biomarkers in LUAD.
Optimization of Donor Lymphocyte Infusion for AML Relapse After Allo-HCT in the Era of New Drugs and Cell Engineering
Authors: Ye Yishan , Yang Luxin , Yuan Xiaolin , Huang He , Luo Yi
Published: January 2022

Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) is a key strategy for the treatment of AML relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) and has been used for either prophylactic, pre-emptive, or therapeutic purposes. However, the prognosis of these patients remains dismal even after DLI infusion (2-year overall survival, ~25%), and the efficacy is achieved at the cost of toxicities such as graft-versus-host (GVH) disease. Attempts to optimize DLI efficacy and safety, such as dose/timing modification and the use of cytoreduction, before DLI have been performed previously. Recently, a great number of novel targeted and immunomodulatory agents have emerged. Some of them, such as hypomethylating agents, FLT3 and Bcl-2 inhibitors, have been used in combination with DLI, aiming to enhance the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Moreover, manipulation of the DLI graft through cell selection (e.g., donor NK cells) or cell engineering (donor CAR-T cells) has shown potentially superior anti-tumor effects but less GVH effect than conventional DLI in clinical trials. This review summarizes the recent advances on the use of DLI for the prophylaxis/treatment of AML relapse and discusses future strategies which may further improve the treatment efficacy.
Noninvasive Predictor for Premalignant and Cancerous Lesions in Endometrial Polyps Diagnosed by Ultrasound
Authors: Xu Jianying , Rao Xuan , Lu Weiguo , Xie Xing , Wang Xinyu , Li Xiao
Published: January 2022

Background

There was no consensus for management of asymptomatic endometrial polyps (EPs) up to date.

Objective

The aim of present study was to determine the risk factors of malignant lesions in EPs diagnosed by ultrasound and establish a noninvasive predictor to decrease unnecessary hysteroscopy for EPs.

Study Design

We reviewed the records of all consecutive patients who underwent hysteroscopy for EPs in the Women’s Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University between January 1, 2001 and December 31, 2018. The patients with histological diagnoses of atypical hyperplasia or cancer were defined as malignancy, while the patients with histological diagnoses of benign lesions were randomly selected as benign group according to the ratio of 1:4 (malignancy:benign), matching by age and year of hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the clinical parameters for predicting malignancy of EPs. A Chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree analysis was performed to find a noninvasive predictor. The sensitivity, specificity, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) were used for assess the efficacy of the noninvasive predictor. New diagnosed EPs patients received in 2019 were used for verifying the accuracy of the noninvasive predictor.

Results

The age in 15,790 cases of benign lesions was significantly younger than that in 230 malignancy cases (41.97 ± 11.53 year vs 53.31 ± 11.61 years, p <0.001). AUB (OR 7.306, 95%CI 4.927–10.835), large EPs (OR 2.595, 95%CI 1.662–4.052), and blood flow signal in EPs (OR 2.690, 95%CI 1.872–3.866) were independent predictive factors of malignancy in all enrolled patients. A noninvasive predictor for malignancy of EPs was established, through combining with AUB, large polyps and blood flow signal. This predictor presented excellent sensitivity and NPV (91.3 and 95.8%), with acceptable specificity and AUC (0.801). Further validation in new diagnosed EPs also suggested excellent sensitivity and reasonable specificity (100 and 58.5%) of the predictor. Factors such as thickened endometrial thickness, menopause shorter than 10 years, hypertension, obesity and nulliparous were also validated as independent predictors of malignancy in different subgroup analysis.

Conclusions

The noninvasive predictor combined with other risk factors from subgroup analysis would be reliable to distinguish the benign lesions from malignancy for EPs diagnosed by ultrasound.
The Role of Graphene Oxide Nanocarriers in Treating Gliomas
Authors: Wang Bin , Guo Hanfei , Xu Haiyang , Chen Yong , Zhao Gang , Yu Hongquan
Published: January 2022

Gliomas are the most common primary malignant tumors of the central nervous system, and their conventional treatment involves maximal safe surgical resection combined with radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy; however, this treatment does not meet the requirements of patients in terms of survival and quality of life. Graphene oxide (GO) has excellent physical and chemical properties and plays an important role in the treatment of gliomas mainly through four applications, viz. direct killing, drug delivery, immunotherapy, and phototherapy. This article reviews research on GO nanocarriers in the treatment of gliomas in recent years and also highlights new ideas for the treatment of these tumors.
Tumor Prognostic Prediction of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Using CT-Based Radiomics in Non-Chinese Patients
Authors: Intarak Sararas , Chongpison Yuda , Vimolnoch Mananchaya , Oonsiri Sornjarod , Kitpanit Sarin , Prayongrat Anussara , Kannarunimit Danita , Chakkabat Chakkapong , Sriswasdi Sira , Lertbutsayanukul Chawalit , Rakvongthai Yothin
Published: January 2022

Purpose

We aimed to construct predictive models for the overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients by using CT-based radiomics.

Materials and Methods

We collected data from 197 NPC patients. For each patient, radiomic features were extracted from the CT image acquired at pretreatment via PyRadiomics. Feature selection was performed in two steps. First, features with high inter-observer variability based on multiple tumor delineations were excluded. Then, stratified bootstrappings were performed to identify feature combinations that most frequently achieved the highest (i) area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for predicting 3-year OS, PFS, and DMFS or (ii) Harrell’s C-index for predicting time to event. Finally, regularized logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models with the most frequently selected feature combinations as input were tuned using cross-validation. Additionally, we examined the robustness of the constructed model to variation in tumor delineation by simulating 100 realizations of radiomic feature values to mimic features extracted from different tumor boundaries.

Results

The combined model that used both radiomics and clinical features yielded significantly higher AUC and Harrell’s C-index than models using either feature set alone for all outcomes (p < 0.05). The AUCs and Harrell’s C-indices of the clinical-only and radiomics-only models ranged from 0.758 ± 0.091 to 0.789 ± 0.082 and from 0.747 ± 0.062 to 0.767 ± 0.074, respectively. In comparison, the combined models achieved AUC of 0.801 ± 0.075 to 0.813 ± 0.078 and Harrell’s C-indices of 0.779 ± 0.066 to 0.796 ± 0.069. The results showed that our models were robust to variation in tumor delineation with the coefficient of variation ranging from 4.8% to 6.4% and from 6.7% to 9.3% for AUC and Harrell’s C-index, respectively.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that using CT-based radiomic features together with clinical features provided superior NPC prognostic prediction than using either clinical or radiomic features alone.
Neutrophils Promote Tumor Progression in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma by Regulating EMT and JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Through Chemerin
Authors: Hu Xiaoyuan , Xiang Fenggang , Feng Yuanyong , Gao Fei , Ge Shengyou , Wang Chengqin , Zhang Xuan , Wang Ning
Published: January 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity. In the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) can promote tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. The aim of our study was to explore the relationship between neutrophils infiltration and Chemerin expression in tumor cells, as well as their relationship with the clinicopathological parameters and clinical prognosis of 74 cases of OSCC. We also explored the role of the interaction between neutrophils and Chemerin in the functions of OSCC cells (Cal27, SCC9, and SCC15) in vitro. Our results showed that in OSCC, Chemerin over-expression may increase neutrophils infiltration in tumor tissues. Chemerin over-expression and neutrophils infiltration were the prognostic factors of poor clinical outcomes. Furthermore, we discovered that neutrophils promoted OSCC migration, invasion, and proliferation and EMT through Chemerin. Neutrophils activated JAK2/STAT3 signaling through Chemerin and then up-regulated its downstream signaling target genes, such as Phospho-Rb, E2F1, CyclinE1, and CyclinD1. Taken together, our results revealed that neutrophils and Chemerin are potentially involved in OSCC progression and metastasis. Neutrophils may promote the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and EMT in OSCC cells through Chemerin.
Superiority of Laparoscopic Gastrojejunostomy Combined With Multimodality Therapy for Gastric Outlet Obstruction Caused by Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Chuandong , Zhang Xiaojuan , Lin Shengtao , Yang Changshun , Zhou BiaoHuan , Mi Yulong , Ye Rong , Chen Yifan , Chen Weijie , Lin Xiaojun , Tan Song , Zhou Yuhang , Li Weihua
Published: January 2022

Background

Data are limited concerning the survival outcomes of patients with gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) caused by advanced gastric cancers according to laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy (LGJ) combined with multimodality therapy (MMT). Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and efficacy of these therapies.

Methods

This single-centered, retrospective analysis included data of 184 patients with GOO due to advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Treatment models were: laparoscopic gastrojejunostomy combined with multimodality therapy (LGJ+MMT), endoscopic metal stent placement combined with multimodality therapy (EMSP+MMT), and multimodality therapy (MMT).

Results

Improved oral intake, better nutritional indices, and better response to chemotherapy were observed in the LGJ+MMT group. Subsequent gastrectomy was performed in 43 (61.4%) patients in the LGJ+MMT group, 23 (37.7%) in the EMSP+MMT group, and 11 (20.8%) in the MMT group (P<0.001). LGJ+MMT was associated with better long-term prognosis. As confirmed by propensity scores and multivariate analyses, the 3-year survival rates in the three treatment models were 31.4% with LGJ+MMT, 0% with EMSP+MMT, and 0% with MMT in conversion therapy, and 50.0% with LGJ+MMT, 33.3% with EMSP+MMT, and 23.5% with MMT in NAC. A forest plot revealed that LGJ+MMT was related to a decreased risk of death.

Conclusions

LGJ combined with MMT was associated with better nutritional status, higher rates of subsequent gastrectomy, and good prognosis. LGJ combined with MMT may improve the long-term survival of patients with GOO caused by AGC.
PSMA PET in Imaging Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tsechelidis Ioannis , Vrachimis Alexis
Published: January 2022

After prostate malignancy diagnosis, precise determination of disease extent are fundamental steps for tailored made therapy. The earlier the diagnosis of the burden of the disease, the longer the survival in many cases. National and international guidelines are based on “classic” imaging technics combining radiological and nuclear medicine scans like CT, MRI and bone scintigraphy (BS). The most recent nuclear medicine development is the prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET and is emerging as the most promising tool of medical imaging, gaining ground every day. Nevertheless, the different onset among multiple studies fails to establish a worldwide admission and incorporation of this technique in guidelines and its position in workaday medical algorithms. It seems that the medical community agrees not to utilize PSMA PET for low-risk patients; intense debate and research is ongoing for its utility in intermediate risk patients. Contrariwise, in high-risk patients PSMA PET is confirmed outperforming CT and BS combined. Additionally, irrespectively to their castration status, patients with biochemical failure should be referred for PSMA PET. Even though PSMA PET reveals more extended disease than expected or exonerates equivalent lesions, thus impacting treatment optimization. Studies being in progress and future trials with clarify whether PSMA PET will be the new gold standard technic for specific groups of patients.
Case Report: Conservative Non-operative Management of a Neonate With Torted Wandering Spleen
Authors: Bourusly Maha , Ayed Mariam , Bahzad Zainab
Published: January 2022

Background

The management of wandering spleen (WS) with torsion, a rare pathological condition, is currently unclear. Most patients with this disorder are treated with surgical interventions, such as splenectomy or splenopexy.

Case Presentation

A newborn female presented with low hemoglobin (10.8 mg/L) and high total serum bilirubin (193 μmol/L) at 3 h of life. A palpable mass was observed during her physical examination, and a magnetic resonance imaging scan of the abdomen confirmed the presence of an infarcted WS with torsion. Upon conservative management with oral antibiotic prophylaxis, careful observation, and repeated follow-ups, the infant remained clinically stable. At 2 years of age, she had normal complete blood count, and a repeat technetium study revealed two splenunculi/splenules in the splenic bed.

Conclusion

Most patients with WS are treated surgically with splenectomy or splenopexy. Non-operative management may be a feasible treatment option in select cases with infarcted WS and may allow the natural process of autosplenectomy to occur.
Gaming Technology for Pediatric Neurorehabilitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Iosa Marco , Verrelli Cristiano Maria , Gentile Amalia Egle , Ruggieri Martino , Polizzi Agata
Published: January 2022

Introduction

The emergence of gaming technologies, such as videogames and virtual reality, provides a wide variety of possibilities in intensively and enjoyably performing rehabilitation for children with neurological disorders. Solid evidence-based results are however required to promote the use of different gaming technologies in pediatric neurorehabilitation, while simultaneously exploring new related directions concerning neuro-monitoring and rehabilitation in familiar settings.

Aim of the Study and Methods

In order to analyze the state of the art regarding the available gaming technologies for pediatric neurorehabilitation, Scopus and Pubmed Databases have been searched by following: PRISMA statements, PICOs classification, and PEDro scoring.

Results

43 studies have been collected and classified as follows: 11 feasibility studies; six studies proposing home-system solutions; nine studies presenting gamified robotic devices; nine longitudinal intervention trials; and eight reviews. Most of them rely on feasibility or pilot trials characterized by small sample sizes and short durations; different methodologies, outcome assessments and terminologies are involved; the explored spectrum of neurological conditions turns out to be scanty, mainly including the most common and wider debilitating groups of conditions in pediatric neurology: cerebral palsy, brain injuries and autism.

Conclusion

Even though it highlights reduced possibilities of drawing evidence-based conclusions due to the above outlined biases, this systematic review raises awareness among pediatricians and other health professionals about gaming technologies. Such a review also points out a definite need of rigorous studies that clearly refer to the underlying neuroscientific principles.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Opioids in the Treatment of Acute Renal Colic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Leng Xie-Yuan , Liu Chang-Ning , Wang Shi-Chan , Peng Hao-Dong , Wang De-Guang , Pan Hai-Feng
Published: January 2022

Background: Although multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to investigate the efficiency and safety of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids in the treatment of acute renal colic, the therapeutic regimen of renal colic is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study was to derive a more concise comparison of the effectiveness and safety between NSAIDs and opioids in the treatment for patients with acute renal colic by a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Design: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials for seeking eligible studies. The pooled mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using the random effects model. The primary outcome was assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results: A total of 18 studies involving 3,121 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. No significant difference between the NSAID and opioid groups was observed, with changes in the visual analog scale (VAS) at 0–30 min (MD = 0.79, 95% CI: −0.51, 2.10). NSAIDs in the form of intravenous administration (IV) had no better effect on the changes in the VAS at 0–30 min, when compared to opioids (MD = 1.25, 95% Cl: −4.81, 7.3). The NSAIDs group in the form of IV had no better outcome compared to the opioids group, as well as the VAS at 30 min (MD = −1.18, 95% Cl: −3.82, 1.45; MD = −2.3, 95% Cl: −5.02, 0.42, respectively). Moreover, similar results of this outcome were also seen with the VAS at 45 min (MD = −1.36, 95% Cl: −5.24, 2.52). Besides, there was a statistical difference in the incidence of later rescue (RR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.89), drug-related adverse events (RR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.71), and vomiting (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.49, 0.96).

Conclusion: There is no significant difference between the NSAIDs and opioids in the treatment of renal colic in many outcomes (e.g., the VAS over different periods using different injection methods at 30 and 60 min), which has been focused on in this study. However, the patients who were treated using NSAIDs by clinicians can benefit from fewer side effects.
P. granatum Peel Polysaccharides Ameliorate Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-Like Dermatitis in Mice via Suppression of NF-κB and STAT3 Pathways
Authors: Chen Haiming , Wang Cheng , Tang Bin , Yu Jingjie , Lu Yue , Zhang Junhong , Yan Yuhong , Deng Hao , Han Ling , Li Shaoping , Lu Chuanjian
Published: January 2022

Psoriasis is a chronic and refractory inflammatory and autoimmune-mediated cutaneous disease affecting approximately 2%–3% of the global population. Most of the current therapies could relieve symptoms rapidly, while the side effects cannot be negligible. Hence, it is urgent to explore much safer and more effective treatments. In the current work, we evaluated the potential beneficial effect of Punica granatum peel polysaccharides (PPPs) in an imiquimod-elicited psoriasis-like mouse model and unraveled their mechanism of action. Firstly, PPPs were isolated from P. granatum peels, and then the molecular weight was determined and monosaccharide analysis was performed. The results revealed that PPPs significantly ameliorated psoriasis-like skin lesions and reduced the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). PPPs also attenuated the expressions of CD3 and Ki67 in psoriasis-like mouse skin and suppressed the serum or skin levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-23. Moreover, PPPs were able to upregulate the mRNA and protein expressions of aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and filaggrin (FLG) in the skin of mice. In addition, PPPs inhibited the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways. Overall, these results indicated that PPPs ameliorated the symptoms of psoriasis through inhibition of the inflammatory cytokines by suppressing the NF-κB and STAT3 signaling pathways and improved skin barrier protection via enhancing AQP3 and FLG. These observations potentially contribute to providing theoretical and experimental evidence for the clinical application of PPPs for psoriasis.
The Adverse Reactions of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule/Granule Compared With Conventional Drug in Clinical Application: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Caiyun , He Bin , Gong Fengfeng , Liang Mingming , Zhao Dongdong , Zhang Guoliang
Published: January 2022

Objectives:Lianhua Qingwen capsule/granule (LHQW) is an innovative patented traditional Chinese medicine with potential curative effects on respiratory diseases. However, no consensus has been reached on the security of LHQW to date. The current meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the safety profile of LHQW in relation to conventional drugs (PROSPERO CRD-42020224180).

Methods:Comprehensive document retrieval was performed from both English and Chinese databases. Results were reported as risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup, sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were conducted to explore the possible sources of heterogeneity across eligible studies.

Results:In total, 217 experimental studies were included. For pooled studies, the incidence of adverse reactions was lower in the LHQW group than the conventional drug group (RR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.58–0.69,p< 0.001). In the evaluation of treating disease, significant reduced incidence of adverse reactions during treatment of influenza A (H1N1) and influenza were detected in the LHQW group. In the evaluation of security indexes, LHQW group has a reduced incidence of respiratory system damage, skin and its appendages injury, nervous system damage and gastrointestinal system damage, along with other adverse reactions. Subgroup analysis additionally revealed a reduced incidence of some adverse reactions in the LHQW group compared to the conventional drug group (Rash of skin and its appendage damage, dizziness or headache owing to nervous system damage, nausea or vomiting from gastrointestinal system damage and resurgence of disease from other adverse reactions).

Conclusion:The current study provides potential a reference for the security of LHQW. Further long-term high-quality studies are essential to validate our conclusions.

Systematic Review Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov/, CRD-42020224180
Confinement of Magnetic Skyrmions to Corrals of Artificial Surface Pits with Complex Geometries
Authors: Matsumoto Takao , Shibata Naoya
Published: January 2022

Magnetic skyrmion is a particle-like swirling spin texture promising for future memory devices. The geometric confinement and artificial control of skyrmions are crucial for such practical applications. In a previous research, we developed a technique to confine skyrmions to simple geometric corrals, such as a rectangle and a triangle, composed of artificial surface pits with nanometer-scale dimensions fabricated by using a focused electron beam. The technique has a potential advantage of facilitating more complex geometries, which has not been fully explored yet. Here we directly visualize skyrmions confined to surface-pit corrals with several complex geometries by using differential phase contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy. We find that individual skyrmions are deformed not only in shape but also in size under a moderate-bias field. We also find that deformed skyrmionic spin textures with opposite polarities coexist in the zero-field condition. The present study provides a guide to confine skyrmions, which should be useful for future applications.
Application of Molecular Emissions in Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy: A Review
Authors: Xu Fanghao , Ma Shixiang , Zhao Chunjiang , Dong Daming
Published: January 2022

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with advantages of rapid, in situ, and little sample pretreatment has been used in various fields. However, LIBS technology remains challenging in the detection of halogens, isotopes, and samples with similar elements. Therefore, molecular emission was proposed to improve the detection ability of LIBS. In this review, we introduced molecular emissions formed by organic elements, oxidizable elements, and halogens. Then, molecular emission in different experiment parameters, such as the acquisition window, laser characters (laser energy, laser wavelength, and pulse duration), and ambient atmospheres, were discussed. In the end, we highlight the application of molecular emissions on element content determination, material type classification, and combustion and explosion process monitoring.
Detection and Localization of Myocardial Infarction Based on Multi-Scale ResNet and Attention Mechanism
Authors: Cao Yang , Liu Wenyan , Zhang Shuang , Xu Lisheng , Zhu Baofeng , Cui Huiying , Geng Ning , Han Hongguang , Greenwald Stephen E.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases, frequently resulting in death. Early and accurate diagnosis is therefore important, and the electrocardiogram (ECG) is a simple and effective method for achieving this. However, it requires assessment by a specialist; so many recent works have focused on the automatic assessment of ECG signals.

Methods

For the detection and localization of MI, deep learning models have been proposed, but the diagnostic accuracy of this approaches still need to be improved. Moreover, with deep learning methods the way in which a given result was achieved lacks interpretability. In this study, ECG data was obtained from the PhysioBank open access database, and was analyzed as follows. Firstly, the 12-lead ECG signal was preprocessed to identify each beat and obtain each heart interval. Secondly, a multi-scale deep learning model combined with a residual network and attention mechanism was proposed, where the input was the 12-lead ECG recording. Through the SENet model and the Grad-CAM algorithm, the weighting of each lead was calculated and visualized. Using existing knowledge of the way in which different types of MI gave characteristic patterns in specific ECG leads, the model was used to provisionally diagnose the type of MI according to the characteristics of each of the 12 ECG leads.

Results

Ten types of MI anterior, anterior lateral, anterior septal, inferior, inferior lateral, inferior posterior, inferior posterior lateral, lateral, posterior, and posterior lateral were diagnosed. The average accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for MI detection of all lesion types was 99.98, 99.94, and 99.98%, respectively; and the average accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity for MI localization was 99.79, 99.88, and 99.98%, respectively.

Conclusion

When compared to existing models based on traditional machine learning methods, convolutional neural networks and recurrent neural networks, the results showed that the proposed model had better diagnostic performance, being superior in accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity.
Plant-Derived Cell-Free Biofactories for the Production of Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Buntru Matthias , Hahnengress Nils , Croon Alexander , Schillberg Stefan
Published: January 2022

Cell-free expression systems enable the production of proteins and metabolites within a few hours or days. Removing the cellular context while maintaining the protein biosynthesis apparatus provides an open system that allows metabolic pathways to be installed and optimized by expressing different numbers and combinations of enzymes. This facilitates the synthesis of secondary metabolites that are difficult to produce in cell-based systems because they are toxic to the host cell or immediately converted into downstream products. Recently, we developed a cell-free lysate derived from tobacco BY-2 cell suspension cultures for the production of recombinant proteins. This system is remarkably productive, achieving yields of up to 3 mg/mL in a one-pot in vitro transcription–translation reaction and contains highly active energy and cofactor regeneration pathways. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that the BY-2 cell-free lysate also allows the efficient production of several classes of secondary metabolites. As case studies, we synthesized lycopene, indigoidine, betanin, and betaxanthins, which are useful in the food, cosmetic, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. Production was achieved by the co-expression of up to three metabolic enzymes. For all four products, we achieved medium to high yields. However, the yield of betanin (555 μg/mL) was outstanding, exceeding the level reported in yeast cells by a factor of more than 30. Our results show that the BY-2 cell-free lysate is suitable not only for the verification and optimization of metabolic pathways, but also for the efficient production of small to medium quantities of secondary metabolites.
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Complex Genetic Architecture of Cadmium and Mercury Accumulation and Tolerance Traits in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Paape Timothy , Heiniger Benjamin , Santo Domingo Miguel , Clear Michael R. , Lucas M. Mercedes , Pueyo José J.
Published: January 2022

Heavy metals are an increasing problem due to contamination from human sources that and can enter the food chain by being taken up by plants. Understanding the genetic basis of accumulation and tolerance in plants is important for reducing the uptake of toxic metals in crops and crop relatives, as well as for removing heavy metals from soils by means of phytoremediation. Following exposure of Medicago truncatula seedlings to cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg), we conducted a genome-wide association study using relative root growth (RRG) and leaf accumulation measurements. Cd and Hg accumulation and RRG had heritability ranging 0.44 – 0.72 indicating high genetic diversity for these traits. The Cd and Hg trait associations were broadly distributed throughout the genome, indicated the traits are polygenic and involve several quantitative loci. For all traits, candidate genes included several membrane associated ATP-binding cassette transporters, P-type ATPase transporters, oxidative stress response genes, and stress related UDP-glycosyltransferases. The P-type ATPase transporters and ATP-binding cassette protein-families have roles in vacuole transport of heavy metals, and our findings support their wide use in physiological plant responses to heavy metals and abiotic stresses. We also found associations between Cd RRG with the genes CAX3 and PDR3, two linked adjacent genes, and leaf accumulation of Hg associated with the genes NRAMP6 and CAX9. When plant genotypes with the most extreme phenotypes were compared, we found significant divergence in genomic regions using population genomics methods that contained metal transport and stress response gene ontologies. Several of these genomic regions show high linkage disequilibrium (LD) among candidate genes suggesting they have evolved together. Minor allele frequency (MAF) and effect size of the most significant SNPs was negatively correlated with large effect alleles being most rare. This is consistent with purifying selection against alleles that increase toxicity and abiotic stress. Conversely, the alleles with large affect that had higher frequencies that were associated with the exclusion of Cd and Hg. Overall, macroevolutionary conservation of heavy metal and stress response genes is important for improvement of forage crops by harnessing wild genetic variants in gene banks such as the Medicago HapMap collection.
Branched-Chain Volatiles in Fruit: A Molecular Perspective
Authors: Bizzio Lorenzo N. , Tieman Denise , Munoz Patricio R.
Published: January 2022

Branched-chain volatiles (BCVs) constitute an important family of fruit volatile metabolites essential to the characteristic flavor and aroma profiles of many edible fruits. Yet in contrast to other groups of volatile organic compounds important to fruit flavor such as terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, and oxylipins, the molecular biology underlying BCV biosynthesis remains poorly understood. This lack of knowledge is a barrier to efforts aimed at obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of fruit flavor and aroma and the biology underlying these complex phenomena. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding fruit BCV biosynthesis from the perspective of molecular biology. We survey the diversity of BCV compounds identified in edible fruits as well as explore various hypotheses concerning their biosynthesis. Insights from branched-chain precursor compound metabolism obtained from non-plant organisms and how they may apply to fruit BCV production are also considered, along with potential avenues for future research that might clarify unresolved questions regarding BCV metabolism in fruits.
Fruits-Based Critical Nitrogen Dilution Curve for Diagnosing Nitrogen Status in Cotton
Authors: Feng Weina , Li Xiaofei , Dong Helin , Qin Yukun , Sun Miao , Shao Jingjing , Zheng Cangsong , Li Pengcheng
Published: January 2022

Estimating the precise nutritional status of crop nitrogen (N) after flowering period is not only important to predict deficiency but the excess that could be revised by fertilization in future crops. Critical N dilution curves describing the critical N concentration ([N]c) in plant tissues during crop growth have been used to estimate the N status of whole plants in cotton. Little is known, however, about the critical N dilution curve for specific plant organs such as cotton fruits. The objective of this study was to verify the feasibility of fruits-based critical N dilution curve as a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosing the N status of cotton crops. A 3-year field experiment was conducted with seven N application rates (0–360 kg N ha–1) using the high-yielding cultivars Jimian 228 and Lumian 28, which differ in maturity. The relationship between fruits dry mass (DM) and N concentration ([N]) was analyzed, and a model of [N]c for cotton fruits was constructed and validated. The results showed that fruits [N]c decreased with increasing fruits DM. The critical N dilution curve based on cotton fruits was described by the equation [N]c = 2.49 × DM–0.12 (R2 = 0.649, P < 0.0001) across cultivar-years. The N nutrition index (NNI) of the fruits (NNIf) with the N dilution curve was significantly related to the NNI of shoot DM, relative yield (RY), and boll density at most sampling dates. For an NNIf of approximately 1, the RY was nearly 95%, while it decreased with a decreasing NNIf below 1. The petiole nitrate-N (NO3-N) concentration was also linearly related to the NNIf, suggesting that the NO3-N concentration in the petiole was a good predictor of the NNIf. Therefore, fruits-based critical N dilution curve and the derived NNIf values will serve as a useful diagnostic tool for diagnosing N status in cotton crops.
Optimized Design, Monitoring System Development and Experiment for a Long-Belt Finger-Clip Precision Corn Seed Metering Device
Authors: Tang Han , Xu Changsu , Wang Ziming , Wang Qi , Wang Jinwu
Published: January 2022

To solve multiple problems, such as the poor seeding process stability in the conventional finger-clip precision corn seed metering device and the inability to monitor the seeding effect, a long-belt finger-clip precision seed metering device was optimized and designed. The overall structure and working principle were described, and the mechanism of smooth transport and delivery was analyzed. A diffuse reflection photoelectric sensor and rectangular optical fiber sensor were used to monitor the number of corn seeds in the seeding process, and the states of multiple and miss seeding were calculated. A corn seeding quality monitoring system was designed. In this study, the seed metering performance of the long-belt finger-clip precision seed metering device was compared to that of the conventional finger-clip precision corn seed metering device. It was shown that the reseeding index, the miss-seeding index and the coefficient of variation can be effectively reduced with increasing seed metering tray speed. At the maximum speed of 65r/min, the qualified index increased from 75.75 to 84.70%, the reseeding index decreased from 13.66 to 8.49%, the miss-seeding index decreased from 10.59 to 6.81%, and the coefficient of variation decreased from 20.69 to 6.83%. The variations of these four evaluation parameters with the seed metering tray rotating speed were analyzed. Furthermore, the effects of the seeding frequency and seeding speed on the four evaluation parameters were studied through single factor and variance analyses. The results showed that the relative errors of the qualified index, the reseeding index, the miss-seeding index and the seeding amount increased gradually with the increase in the seed metering tray rotating speed, and the monitoring accuracy of the sensor decreased gradually. The accuracy of sensor monitoring decreased with increasing seeding frequency and seeding speed. This study provides an optimized scheme for the smooth delivery and movement of conventional seed metering devices and provides a technical reference for the development and design of monitoring systems with multiple index and the miss-seeding index of seed metering devices.
How Environmental Leadership Boosts Employees’ Green Innovation Behavior? A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Xu Binfeng , Gao Xiaopei , Cai Wenjing , Jiang Lin
Published: January 2022

We examined employees’ green organizational identity as a mediator and green organizational climate as a moderator in the relationship between environmental leadership and follower green innovation behavior. Through collecting data (N = 313) from public organizations in China at different times, we found that environmental leadership is positively related to employees’ green innovation behavior through increasing their green organizational identity. Meanwhile, the mediating relationship is conditional on the moderator of green organizational climate. The current study aims to clarify the mechanism and boundary condition in the relationship between environmental leadership and employees’ green innovation behaviors.
“Drunk People Are on a Different Level”: A Qualitative Study of Reflections From Students About Transitioning and Adapting to United Kingdom University as a Person Who Drinks Little or No Alcohol
Authors: Cook Elspeth , Davies E. Bethan , Jones Katy A.
Published: January 2022

Background

Though sobriety in young people is on the rise, students who drink little or no alcohol may experience social exclusion at University, impacting well-being. We aim to understand the social experiences of United Kingdom (UK) undergraduate students who drink little or no alcohol.

Methods

A mixed-methods study using semi-structured, one-to-one interviews and the 24-Item Social Provisions Scale and Flourishing Scale with 15 undergraduate students who drink little or no alcohol. Descriptive statistics are presented for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative.

Results

Eight main themes and four subthemes were generated from thematic analysis summarised in two sections ‘views of drinkers from non-drinkers’ and ‘how peer pressure feels and how people deal with it.’ The initial transition to University represented a challenge, where participants struggled to find their ‘true’ friends. However, students generally had high levels of social provision, well-being and enjoyed close friendships with fewer casual acquaintances. All students experienced some kind of peer pressure (of a varying extremity) and developed coping strategies when in social situations involving alcohol. Fear of missing out on the ‘typical’ University experience heightened self-imposed expectations to drink. Despite participants acknowledging their counter-normative behaviour, some felt they were subject to stigmatisation by drinkers, doubting their non-drinker status, causing feelings of exclusion or being ‘boring.’ Their desire to ‘be like everyone else’ exposed some insight into the negative stereotypes of sobriety, including frustration behind alcohol’s status elevation.

Conclusion

Students adopt strategies to minimise peer pressure and to fit in. Future research should interrogate drinkers’ perceptions of their sober peers to deepen understanding, better break down ‘us and them,’ and mitigate future expectations within the University drinking culture.