bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Smoking Habits From Class-Imbalanced Saliva Microbiome Data Using Data Augmentation and Machine Learning
Authors: Díez López Celia , Montiel González Diego , Vidaki Athina , Kayser Manfred
Published: July 2022

Human microbiome research is moving from characterization and association studies to translational applications in medical research, clinical diagnostics, and others. One of these applications is the prediction of human traits, where machine learning (ML) methods are often employed, but face practical challenges. Class imbalance in available microbiome data is one of the major problems, which, if unaccounted for, leads to spurious prediction accuracies and limits the classifier's generalization. Here, we investigated the predictability of smoking habits from class-imbalanced saliva microbiome data by combining data augmentation techniques to account for class imbalance with ML methods for prediction. We collected publicly available saliva 16S rRNA gene sequencing data and smoking habit metadata demonstrating a serious class imbalance problem, i.e., 175 current vs. 1,070 non-current smokers. Three data augmentation techniques (synthetic minority over-sampling technique, adaptive synthetic, and tree-based associative data augmentation) were applied together with seven ML methods: logistic regression, k-nearest neighbors, support vector machine with linear and radial kernels, decision trees, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting. K-fold nested cross-validation was used with the different augmented data types and baseline non-augmented data to validate the prediction outcome. Combining data augmentation with ML generally outperformed baseline methods in our dataset. The final prediction model combined tree-based associative data augmentation and support vector machine with linear kernel, and achieved a classification performance expressed as Matthews correlation coefficient of 0.36 and AUC of 0.81. Our method successfully addresses the problem of class imbalance in microbiome data for reliable prediction of smoking habits.
A meta-analysis to examine whether nitrification inhibitors work through selectively inhibiting ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Lei Jilin , Fan Qianyi , Yu Jingyao , Ma Yan , Yin Junhui , Liu Rui
Published: July 2022

Nitrification inhibitor (NI) is often claimed to be efficient in mitigating nitrogen (N) losses from agricultural production systems by slowing down nitrification. Increasing evidence suggests that ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) have the genetic potential to produce nitrous oxide (N2O) and perform the first step of nitrification, but their contribution to N2O and nitrification remains unclear. Furthermore, both AOA and AOB are probably targets for NIs, but a quantitative synthesis is lacking to identify the “indicator microbe” as the best predictor of NI efficiency under different environmental conditions. In this present study, a meta-analysis to assess the response characteristics of AOB and AOA to NI application was conducted and the relationship between NI efficiency and the AOA and AOB amoA genes response under different conditions was evaluated. The dataset consisted of 48 papers (214 observations). This study showed that NIs on average reduced 58.1% of N2O emissions and increased 71.4% of soil NH4+ concentrations, respectively. When 3, 4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) was applied with both organic and inorganic fertilizers in alkaline medium soils, it had higher efficacy of decreasing N2O emissions than in acidic soils. The abundance of AOB amoA genes was dramatically reduced by about 50% with NI application in most soil types. Decrease in N2O emissions with NI addition was significantly correlated with AOB changes (R2 = 0.135, n = 110, P < 0.01) rather than changes in AOA, and there was an obvious correlation between the changes in NH4+ concentration and AOB amoA gene abundance after NI application (R2 = 0.037, n = 136, P = 0.014). The results indicated the principal role of AOB in nitrification, furthermore, AOB would be the best predictor of NI efficiency.
Prevalence and antimicrobial-resistant characterization of Bacillus cereus isolated from ready-to-eat rice products in Eastern China
Authors: Chen Jiancai , Zhang Junyan , Zhan Li , Chen Honghu , Zhang Zhen , Huang Cheng , Yue Min
Published: July 2022

Bacillus cereus is a major food-borne bacterial pathogen in the world, which can cause diarrhea and emetic syndrome. This study aimed to reveal the quantitative prevalence of B. cereus in ready-to-eat (RTE) rice products in Eastern China and to gain essential information on the characteristics of B. cereus isolates. A total of 91 out of the 1071 samples were positive for B. cereus. The contamination level of B. cereus in 0.5 % of RTE rice product samples outnumbered 103 CFU/g. The number of B. cereus attained 105−106 CFU/g in one sample. The distribution patterns of virulence genes in B. cereus isolates were identified. 84.6% of the B. cereus isolates had at least one enterotoxin or emetic toxin gene. The predominant pattern was XXV. 9.9% of isolates belonged to it and possessed one enterotoxin gene entFM. The occurrence rate of hblACD and nheABC was 36.3% and 47.3%, respectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed a high resistance rate toward penicillin, and 23.1% of the isolates were multi-drug resistant. B. cereus isolates were genotyped by using ERIC-PCR. 89 genotypes were determined. The Hunter Gaston Discriminatory Index (HGDI) attained 0.9995. Relationships analysis revealed that Group A B. cereus isolates tended to carry hblA, hblC, hblD, nheA, nheB, and show resistance to penicillin/trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. This study was useful for updating the knowledge of the contamination status of B. cereus in RTE rice products in China.
Time to reconcile research findings and clinical practice on upper limb neurorehabilitation
Authors: Boccuni Leonardo , Marinelli Lucio , Trompetto Carlo , Pascual-Leone Alvaro , Tormos Muñoz José María
Published: July 2022

The problem

In the field of upper limb neurorehabilitation, the translation from research findings to clinical practice remains troublesome. Patients are not receiving treatments based on the best available evidence. There are certainly multiple reasons to account for this issue, including the power of habit over innovation, subjective beliefs over objective results. We need to take a step forward, by looking at most important results from randomized controlled trials, and then identify key active ingredients that determined the success of interventions. On the other hand, we need to recognize those specific categories of patients having the greatest benefit from each intervention, and why. The aim is to reach the ability to design a neurorehabilitation program based on motor learning principles with established clinical efficacy and tailored for specific patient's needs.

Proposed solutions

The objective of the present manuscript is to facilitate the translation of research findings to clinical practice. Starting from a literature review of selected neurorehabilitation approaches, for each intervention the following elements were highlighted: definition of active ingredients; identification of underlying motor learning principles and neural mechanisms of recovery; inferences from research findings; and recommendations for clinical practice. Furthermore, we included a dedicated chapter on the importance of a comprehensive assessment (objective impairments and patient's perspective) to design personalized and effective neurorehabilitation interventions.

Conclusions

It's time to reconcile research findings with clinical practice. Evidence from literature is consistently showing that neurological patients improve upper limb function, when core strategies based on motor learning principles are applied. To this end, practical take-home messages in the concluding section are provided, focusing on the importance of graded task practice, high number of repetitions, interventions tailored to patient's goals and expectations, solutions to increase and distribute therapy beyond the formal patient-therapist session, and how to integrate different interventions to maximize upper limb motor outcomes. We hope that this manuscript will serve as starting point to fill the gap between theory and practice in upper limb neurorehabilitation, and as a practical tool to leverage the positive impact of clinicians on patients' recovery.
Risk factors for delayed postoperative hyponatremia in patients with non-functioning pituitary adenomas undergoing transsphenoidal surgery: A single-institution study
Authors: Huang Yinxing , Wang Meina , Wu Jianwu , Lin Kunzhe , Wang Shousen , Zhang Fangfang
Published: July 2022

Purpose

We aimed to assess factors influencing the occurrence of delayed hyponatremia after transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) in patients with a non-functional pituitary adenoma (NFPA).

Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical data of patients who underwent TSS for NFPA between January 2016 and January 2021. The pituitary region was preoperatively scanned with 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging. The risk factors for delayed postoperative hyponatremia for NFPA were identified by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

We selected 166 patients with NFPA who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Delayed postoperative hyponatremia occurred in 28 patients and did not in 138. Multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that higher odds of developing delayed postoperative hyponatremia were independently associated with larger craniocaudal dimension (OR = 1.128, P = 0.034), as well as preoperative hyperprolactinemia (OR = 2.618, P = 0.045) and larger preoperative pituitary stalk deviation angle (OR = 3.033, P = 0.022).

Conclusion

We identified the independent risk factors for delayed hyponatremia after TSS for NFPA; these included preoperative hyperprolactinemia, craniocaudal diameter, and preoperative pituitary stalk deviation angle.
Effect of inotropic agents on oxygenation and cerebral perfusion in acute brain injury
Authors: Coppalini Giacomo , Duvigneaud Elie , Diosdado Alberto , Migliorino Ernesto , Schuind Sophie , Creteur Jacques , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Gouvêa Bogossian Elisa
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Tissue hypoxia and insufficient energy delivery is one of the mechanisms behind the occurrence of several complications in acute brain injured patients. Several interventions can improve cerebral oxygenation; however, the effects of inotropic agents remain poorly characterized.

Methods

Retrospective analysis including patients suffering from acute brain injury and monitored with brain oxygen pressure (PbtO2) catheter, in whom inotropic agents were administered according to the decision of the treating physician's decision; PbtO2 values were collected before, 1 and 2 h after the initiation of therapy from the patient data monitoring system. PbtO2 “responders” were patients with a relative increase in PbtO2 from baseline values of at least 20%.

Results

A total of 35 patients were included in this study. Most of them (31/35, 89%) suffered from non-traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Compared with baseline values [20 (14–24) mmHg], PbtO2 did not significantly increase over time [19 (15–25) mmHg at 1 h and 19 (17–25) mmHg at 2 h, respectively; p = 0.052]. A total of 12/35 (34%) patients were PbtO2 “responders,” in particular if low PbtO2 was observed at baseline. A PbtO2 of 17 mmHg at baseline had a sensibility of 84% and a specificity of 91% to predict a PbtO2 responder. A significant direct correlation between changes in PbtO2 and cardiac output [r = 0.496 (95% CI 0.122 to 0.746), p = 0.01; n = 25] and a significant negative correlation between changes in PbtO2 and cerebral perfusion pressure [r = −0.389 (95% CI −0.681 to −0.010), p = 0.05] were observed.

Conclusions

In this study, inotropic administration significantly increased brain oxygenation in one third of brain injured patients, especially when tissue hypoxia was present at baseline. Future studies should highlight the role of inotropic agents in the management of tissue hypoxia in this setting.
Assessing the Effect of Simultaneous Combining of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation on the Improvement of Working Memory Performance in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Zhao Rui , He Zhao-Yang , Cheng Chen , Tian Qian-Qian , Cui Ya-Peng , Chang Meng-Ying , Wang Fu-Min , Kong Yao , Deng Hui , Yang Xue-Juan , Sun Jin-Bo
Published: July 2022

A previous study found that combining transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) could evoke significantly larger activation on a range of cortical and subcortical brain regions than the numerical summation of tDCS and taVNS effects. In this study, two within-subject experiments were employed to investigate its effects on working memory (WM). In experiment 1, the WM modulatory effects of tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), taVNS, and simultaneous joint simulation of tDCS over the left DLPFC and taVNS (SJS-L) were compared among 60 healthy subjects. They received these three interventions between the baseline test and post-test in a random manner three times. In spatial 3-back task, there was a significant interaction between time and stimulations in the accuracy rate of matching trials (mACC,p=0.018). MACCs were significantly improved by SJS (p=0.001) and taVNS (p=0.045), but not by tDCS (p=0.495). Moreover, 41 subjects in the SJS group showed improvement, which was significantly larger than that in the taVNS group (29 subjects) and tDCS group (26 subjects). To further investigate the generalization effects of SJS, 72 students were recruited in experiment 2. They received tDCS over the right DLPFC, taVNS, simultaneous joint simulation of tDCS over the right DLPFC and taVNS (SJS-R), and sham stimulation in a random manner four times. No significant results were found, but there was a tendency similar to experiment 1 in the spatial 3-back task. In conclusion, combining tDCS and taVNS might be a potential non-invasive neuromodulation technique which is worthy of study in future.
The convolutional neural network as a tool to classify electroencephalography data resulting from the consumption of juice sweetened with caloric or non-caloric sweeteners
Authors: Atzingen Gustavo Voltani von , Arteaga Hubert , Silva Amanda Rodrigues da , Ortega Nathalia Fontanari , Costa Ernane Jose Xavier , Silva Ana Carolina de Sousa
Published: July 2022

Sweetener type can influence sensory properties and consumer’s acceptance and preference for low-calorie products. An ideal sweetener does not exist, and each sweetener must be used in situations to which it is best suited. Aspartame and sucralose can be good substitutes for sucrose in passion fruit juice. Despite the interest in artificial sweeteners, little is known about how artificial sweeteners are processed in the human brain. Here, we applied the convolutional neural network (CNN) to evaluate brain signals of 11 healthy subjects when they tasted passion fruit juice equivalently sweetened with sucrose (9.4 g/100 g), sucralose (0.01593 g/100 g), or aspartame (0.05477 g/100 g). Electroencephalograms were recorded for two sites in the gustatory cortex (i.e., C3 and C4). Data with artifacts were disregarded, and the artifact-free data were used to feed a Deep Neural Network with tree branches that applied a Convolutions and pooling for different feature filtering and selection. The CNN received raw signal as input for multiclass classification and with supervised training was able to extract underling features and patterns from the signal with better performance than handcrafted filters like FFT. Our results indicated that CNN is an useful tool for electroencephalography (EEG) analyses and classification of perceptually similar tastes.
Dietary compounds in modulation of gut microbiota-derived metabolites
Authors: Feng Wuwen , Liu Juan , Cheng Hao , Zhang Dandan , Tan Yuzhu , Peng Cheng
Published: July 2022

Gut microbiota, a group of microorganisms that live in the gastrointestinal tract, plays important roles in health and disease. One mechanism that gut microbiota in modulation of the functions of hosts is achieved through synthesizing and releasing a series of metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids. In recent years, increasing evidence has indicated that dietary compounds can interact with gut microbiota. On one hand, dietary compounds can modulate the composition and function of gut microbiota; on the other hand, gut microbiota can metabolize the dietary compounds. Although there are several reviews on gut microbiota and diets, there is no focused review on the effects of dietary compounds on gut microbiota-derived metabolites. In this review, we first briefly discussed the types of gut microbiota metabolites, their origins, and the reasons that dietary compounds can interact with gut microbiota. Then, focusing on gut microbiota-derived compounds, we discussed the effects of dietary compounds on gut microbiota-derived compounds and the following effects on health. Furthermore, we give our perspectives on the research direction of the related research fields. Understanding the roles of dietary compounds on gut microbiota-derived metabolites will expand our knowledge of how diets affect the host health and disease, thus eventually enable the personalized diets and nutrients.
Effect of ultrasonic degradation on the physicochemical property and bioactivity of polysaccharide produced by Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882
Authors: Li Shiwei , Wang Yingna , Dun Weipeng , Han Wanqing , Xu Chunping , Sun Qi , Wang Zichao
Published: July 2022

Similar to the enzymatic process, there might also be an active fragment in polysaccharides, how to obtain is important for investigating the bioactivity and pharmacological mechanism of polysaccharides. Presently, a Gynostemma pentaphyllum endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum CGMCC 6882 polysaccharide [Genistein Combined Polysaccharide (GCP)] was degraded by ultrasonic treatment, two polysaccharide fragments of GCP-F1 and GCP-F2 were obtained. Physicochemical results showed that GCP-F1 and GCP-F2 had the same monosaccharide composition of arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, and glucuronic acid as compared to GCP with slightly different molar ratios. However, weight-average molecular weights of GCP-F1 and GCP-F2 decreased from 8.093 × 104 Da (GCP) to 3.158 × 104 Da and 1.027 × 104 Da, respectively. In vitro scavenging assays illustrated that GCP-F1 and GCP-F2 had higher antioxidant activity against 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anions, and hydroxyl radical than GCP, the order was GCP < GCP-F1 < GCP-F2. Meanwhile, antibacterial tests showed that ultrasonic degradation increased the antibacterial activity of GCP-F1 as compared to GCP, but GCP-F2 almost lost its antibacterial activity with further ultrasound treatment. Changes in the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of GCP-F1 and GCP-F2 might be related to the variation of their molecular weights.
Extraction, isolation, structural characterization, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from elderberry fruit
Authors: Wei Xinxin , Yao Junxiu , Wang Fangzhou , Wu Dejun , Zhang Rentang
Published: July 2022

The isolation, purification, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides extracted from elderberry fruits were studied. Two neutral polysaccharides (EFP-0 and EFP-1) and three acidic polysaccharides (EFP-2, EFP-3, and EFP-4) were isolated from elderberry. EFP-0, EFP-1, EFP-2, EFP-3, and EFP-4 all contain arabinose, galactose, glucose, and mannose, with molecular weights of 1.7981 × 106, 7.0523 × 106, 7.7638 × 106, 4.3855 × 105, and 7.3173 × 105 Da, respectively. Structural characterization showed that the backbone of EFP-2 consisted of →4)-Manp (1→4)-β-D-Glcp (1→ and →4)-β-D-Glcp (1→5)-α-L-Araf (1→units, and T-α-L-Araf (1→ and T-β-D-Galp (1→ residues were detected by methylation analysis and NMR analysis. In addition, the MTT assay and zebrafish oxidative damage assay showed that EFP-2 had a protective effect on H2O2-damaged RAW264.7 cells in a dose-dependent manner, and zebrafish with the addition of EFP-2 would have low levels of ROS in vivo which showed significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, the results showed that the elderberry polysaccharides have antioxidant activity and can be used as potential antioxidants in functional foods.
Improvement of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂) by enzyme-digested poultry by-product: Growth performance, amino acid and peptide transport capacity, and intestinal morphology
Authors: Yang Xuanyi , Zhao Xumin , Wang Guanghui , Dong Xiaohui , Yang Qihui , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Shuang , Tan Beiping , Chi Shuyan
Published: July 2022

Background

At present, fish meal (FM) resources are in short supply, and competition for food between humans and animals is becoming increasingly critical. Finding non-grain protein sources that can replace FM is the key to solving the rapid development of aquaculture.

Methods

Seven trial diets were prepared with 0 g/kg (EP0), 30 g/kg (EP3), 60 g/kg (EP6), 90 g/kg (EP9), 120 g/kg (EP12), 150 g/kg (EP15), and 180 g/kg (EP18) of enzyme-digested poultry by-product meal (EPBM) by replacing of FM. A total of 630 hybrid groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂) were equally portioned into 21 tanks. At 8:00 and 16:00 each day, groupers were fed until they were full for a cumulative period of 8 weeks.

Results

The results showed that 30 g/kg of EPBM significantly increased the rates of weight gain and special growth (P < 0.05). Significantly higher activities of serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were observed in the EP3 group (P < 0.05). The categories and numbers of the top 10 dominant bacteria in the phylum and genus levels were not significantly influenced by feed (P > 0.05). In the proximal intestine and distal intestine, there were significantly higher expressions of SNAT3, LAAT1, CAT2, and CAT1 in the EP3 group compared with the EP0 group (P < 0.05). In the EP3 group, the expressions of PepT1, LAAT1, B0, +AT, and CAT2 were significantly increased in MI than those in all other groups (except the EP0 group, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

When FM was replaced by 30 g/kg of EPBM, growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and the ability to transport amino acids and peptides of hybrid grouper were significantly improved.
Analysis of the Risk Factors for Elevated D-Dimer Level After Breast Cancer Surgery: A Multicenter Study Based on Nursing Follow-Up Data
Authors: Wang Yanqiu , Liang Xi , Wang Shujun , Wang Yuying , Qin Ling , Chen Danni , Jiang Yanlin , Zhang Hao
Published: July 2022

D-dimer level is often used to assess the severity of trauma as well as the risk of thrombosis. This study investigated the risk factors for high postoperative D-dimer level. This study included a total of 2706 patients undergoing breast cancer surgery to examine the associations between various clinicopathological factors and variation in D-dimer levels. After adjusting for other factors, T stage, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, blood loss, surgery type, diabetes, and elevated leukocyte and neutrophil counts were found to be significant risk factors for D-dimer variation. This study identified several factors associated with elevated D-dimer levels and consequent thrombosis after breast cancer surgery, which may aid in the development of more precise preventive measures and interventions as well as serve as a reference for future research.
Interactions of Colorectal Cancer, Dietary Fats, and Polymorphisms of Arachidonate Lipoxygenase and Cyclooxygenase Genes: A Literature Review
Authors: Gholamalizadeh Maryam , Majidi Nazanin , Tajaddod Shirin , Abdollahi Sepideh , Poorhosseini Seyed Mohammad , Ahmadzadeh Mina , Naimi Joubani Mohammad , Mirzaei Dahka Samaneh , Shafaei Hanieh , Hajiesmaeil Mogge , Alizadeh Atiyeh , Doaei Saeid , Houshiar-Rad Anahita
Published: July 2022

Objective

Genetics and dietary factors play important roles in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying mechanisms of the interactions between CRC, gene polymorphisms, and dietary fat are unclear. This review study investigated the effects of polymorphisms of arachidonate lipoxygenase (ALOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX) genes in the association between CRC and dietary fat.

Methods

All the related papers published from 2000 to 2022 were collected from different databases such as PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Cochran using related keywords such as colorectal cancer, ALOX, COX, polymorphism, and dietary fat. Non-English and unrelated documents were excluded.

Results

Some single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ALOX and COX genes, such as rs2228065, rs6413416, and rs4986832 in the ALOX gene, and rs689465 in the COX gene may play significant roles in the association between the risk of CRC and dietary fats. SNPs of ALOX and COX genes may influence the effects of dietary fatty acids on the risk of CRC.

Conclusion

Some polymorphisms of the ALOX and COX genes may have important roles in the effects of dietary fat on the risk of CRC. If future studies confirm these results, dietary recommendations for preventing colorectal cancer may be personalized based on the genotype of the ALOX and COX genes.
Pregnancy Care for Patients With Super Morbid Obesity
Authors: Olerich Kelsey , Soper David , Delaney Shani , Sterrett Mary
Published: July 2022

The patient with obesity represents unique challenges to the medical community and, in the setting of pregnancy, additional risks to both mother and fetus. This document will focus on the risks and considerations needed to care for the women with obesity and her fetus during the antepartum, intrapartum, and immediate postpartum stages of pregnancy. Specific attention will be given to pregnancy in the setting of class III and super morbid obesity.
The Efficacy and Safety of Diyushengbai Tablet on Preventing and Treating Leukopenia Caused by Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy Against Tumor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xu Xiaoqing , Li Hongmin , Hu Xiwen , Liu Juan , Zhao Fang , Xie Kaiyong , Wang Jun
Published: July 2022

Background: Leukopenia is one of the side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Diyushengbai tablet (DYT) is used to prevent and treat leukopenia caused by various reasons. A meta-analysis was performed to systematically analyze the therapeutic effects of DYT on preventing and treating leukopenia caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Objectives: This study aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of DYT in preventing and treating leukopenia caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search of electronic databases such as PubMed, The Cochrane Library, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and VIP, through November of 2021. The scanning reports deadline is until November 2021. The bias risk evaluation criteria developed by the Cochrane collaborative organization were used to evaluate the literature quality of the included studies. The RevMan5.4 software was used to analyze the data, and the Stata16.0 was used to perform the Egger test.

Results: After selecting all the databases, a total of 41 reports which involved 3,793 cases were analyzed. Meta-analysis showed that DYT could significantly reduce the white blood cell (WBC) suppression caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy and improve the patients’ WBC counts and neutrophils, compared with the efficacy of other oral WBC-elevating drugs such as Leucogen tablets and Batilol tablets and additional utilization of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The results of meta-analysis showed that for preventive medication purpose, the overall incidence of leukocyte suppression was [RR = 0.74, 95%CI (0.59, 0.92), p = 0.006], and the white blood cell count was [MD = 1.12, 95%CI (0.95, 1.29), p < 0.00001]; while for therapeutic purpose, the incidence of overall leukocyte suppression was [RR = 0.61, 95%CI (0.38, 0.95), p = 0.03], and the white blood cell count was [MD = 1.20, 95%CI (0.77, 1.62), p < 0.00001]. More importantly, the additional use of DYT can reduce the application amount of G-CSF. The results showed that the application of G-CSF can be reduced by an average of 1.57 from the beginning of treatment to return normal white blood cells around 2.23 in two cycles of chemotherapy.

Conclusion: DYT is more effective in preventing and treating leukopenia caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy than other oral WBC-elevating drugs, which have a high clinical value.
Irrational Use of Selected Herbal Medicines During Pregnancy: A Pharmacoepidemiological Evidence From Yemen
Authors: Ahmed Mansoor , Hwang Jung Hye , Ali Mohammed Nasr , Al-Ahnoumy Shafekah , Han Dongwoon
Published: July 2022

Background: Recent research indicates irrational use of herbal medicine (HM) during pregnancy that can be harmful to the mother and development of baby. However, no study has been conducted to explore the use of HM among pregnant women in a conflict region.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional research conducted in July and August in the year 2017, at three hospitals in Sana’a, Yemen. Postpartum women were interviewed via the structured instrument to collect data on patterns of HM used during pregnancy.

Results: A total of three hundred postpartum women participated in the study, with 59.3% (178) of them using at least one modality of HM in the previous pregnancy. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum L), ginger (Zingiber officinale Z), barley (Hordeum vulgare P), and garlic (Allium sativum A) were the most commonly used HM. Statistical analysis showed that consumers of HM had a higher rate of caesarian section and complications during and after the delivery.

Conclusion: Consumption of HM during pregnancy was high including contraindicated modalities such as cinnamon (C. verum L) and barley (H. vulgare P). The use of potentially harmful modalities and association with complications pose a threat to the well-being of mothers and newborns. Further studies in this area will be helpful to generate evidence for the rational use of HM during pregnancy.
Urinary Aromatic Amino Acid Metabolites Associated With Postoperative Emergence Agitation in Paediatric Patients After General Anaesthesia: Urine Metabolomics Study
Authors: Li Yueyue , Li Jingjie , Shi Yuhuan , Zhou Xuhui , Feng Wanqing , Han Lu , Ma Daqing , Jiang Hong , Yuan Yongfang
Published: July 2022

Background: Emergence agitation (EA) is very common in paediatric patients during recovery from general anaesthesia, but underlying mechanisms remain unknown. This prospective study was designed to profile preoperative urine metabolites and identify potential biomarkers that can predict the occurrence of EA.

Methods: A total of 224 patients were screened for recruitment; of those, preoperative morning urine samples from 33 paediatric patients with EA and 33 non-EA gender- and age-matched patients after being given sevoflurane general anaesthesia were analysed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a Q Exactive Plus mass spectrometer. Univariate analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structures squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to analyse these metabolites. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to identify predictive variables. The predictive model was evaluated through the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and then further assessed with 10-fold cross-validation.

Results: Seventy-seven patients completed the study, of which 33 (42.9%) patients developed EA. EA and non-EA patients had many differences in preoperative urine metabolic profiling. Sixteen metabolites including nine aromatic amino acid metabolites, acylcarnitines, pyridoxamine, porphobilinogen, 7-methylxanthine, and 5′-methylthioadenosine were found associated with an increased risk of EA, and they all exhibited higher levels in the EA group than in the non-EA group. The main metabolic pathways involved in these metabolic changes included phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan metabolisms. Among these potential biomarkers, L-tyrosine had the best predictive value with an odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) of 5.27 (2.20–12.63) and the AUC value of 0.81 (0.70–0.91) and was robust with internal 10-fold cross-validation.

Conclusion: Urinary aromatic amino acid metabolites are closely associated with EA in paediatric patients, and further validation with larger cohorts and mechanistic studies is needed.

Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04807998
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Cinobufacini Capsule and Injection by UPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Li Ming , Qin Yanhong , Li Zhe , Lan Jinshuai , Zhang Tong , Ding Yue
Published: July 2022

Cinobufacini capsule and injection are two different formulations from the same source, obtained from the extraction of the skin of Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor, which have been approved by the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) for the treatment of various cancers. Our previous study has found that the cinobufacini capsule and injection exhibited different anticancer effects, but their different pharmacokinetic behaviors, which could give a cause of that, have never been reported. So a sensitive and selective method for the simultaneous quantitation of 13 compounds in the rat plasma, including bufothionine, hellebrigenin, bufalin, gamabufotalin, telocinobufagin, cinobufagin, arenobufagin, cinobufotalin, desacetylcinobufotalin, bufotalin, pseudobufarenogin, resibufogenin, and desacetylcinobufagin, was established by using the Agilent 6460 mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI ion source in a multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Chromatographic analysis was accomplished in 6 min by using an Agilent SB-C18 column and a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile in an optimized gradient program at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min. The correlation coefficients (r) of all analytes ranged from 0.9967 to 0.9996, while their lower limits of quantification ranged from 0.20 to 4.84 ng/ml. The method has been fully verified and applied for the pharmacokinetic difference study of the Cinobufacini capsule and injection in rats. The results showed that nine components could be quantitated in rat plasma samples after the administration of the cinobufacini capsule, while only bufothionine, bufalin, arenobufagin, and pseudobufarenogin could be detected in the cinobufacini injection group. Their pharmacokinetic studies indicated telocinobufagin, bufalin, desacetylcinobufagin, and arenobufagin were predicted as the potential active substances of the Cinobufacini capsule, while bufothionine was considered as a major ingredient in the cinobufacini injection due to its relatively high blood drug exposure. Also, the AUC of the nine components in cinobufacini capsule groups with three different doses showed a similar trend with significant differences, and the exposure increased with the increase of the dose. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of all major ingredients in cinobufacini capsules and injection were of wide variation, which could be used to explain differences in the efficacy of the cinobufacini capsule and injection and infer the pharmacodynamic ingredients of various cinobufacini preparations.
Diverse Exotic Orders and Fermiology in Fe-Based Superconductors: A Unified Mechanism for B1g/B2g Nematicity in FeSe/(Cs,Rb)Fe2As2 and Smectic Order in BaFe2As2
Authors: Onari Seiichiro , Kontani Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

A rich variety of nematic/smectic orders in Fe-based superconductors is an important unsolved problem in strongly correlated electron systems. A unified understanding of these orders has been investigated for the last decade. In this study, we explain the B1g symmetry nematic transition in FeSe1−xTex, the B2g symmetry nematicity in AFe2As2 (A = Cs, Rb), and the smectic state in BaFe2As2 based on the same framework. We investigate the quantum interference mechanism between spin fluctuations by developing the density wave equation. The observed rich variety of nematic/smectic orders is naturally understood in this mechanism. The nematic/smectic orders depend on the characteristic shape and topology of the Fermi surface (FS) of each compound. 1) In FeSe1−xTex (nd = 6.0), each FS is very small and the dxy-orbital hole pocket is below the Fermi level. In this case, the small spin fluctuations on three dxz, dyz, and dxy orbitals cooperatively lead to the B1g nematic (q = 0) order without magnetization. The experimental Lifshitz transition below the nematic transition temperature (TS) is naturally reproduced. 2) In BaFe2As2 (nd = 6.0), the dxy-orbital hole pocket emerges around the M point, and each FS is relatively large. The strong spin fluctuations due to the dxy-orbital nesting give rise to the B1g nematic (q = 0) order and the smectic [q = (0, π)] order, and the latter transition temperature (T* ∼ 170K) exceeds the former one (TS ∼ 140K). 3) In heavily hole-doped AFe2As2 (nd = 5.5), the large dxy-orbital hole pocket and the four tiny Dirac pockets appear due to the hole-doping. The B2g nematic bond order emerges on the dxy-orbital hole pocket because of the same interference mechanism. The present paramagnon interference mechanism provides a unified explanation of why the variety of nematic/smectic orders in Fe-based superconductors is so rich, based on the well-established fermiology of Fe-based superconductors.
Characterization and Fine Mapping of qRPR1-3 and qRPR3-1, Two Major QTLs for Rind Penetrometer Resistance in Maize
Authors: Hou Xinwei , Cheng Senan , Wang Shukai , Yu Ting , Wang Yancui , Xu Pingping , Xu Xitong , Zhou Qi , Hou Xuetong , Zhang Guobin , Chen Cuixia
Published: July 2022

Stalk strength is one of the most important traits in maize, which affects stalk lodging resistance and, consequently, maize harvestable yield. Rind penetrometer resistance (RPR) as an effective and reliable measurement for evaluating maize stalk strength is positively correlated with stalk lodging resistance. In this study, one F2 and three F2:3 populations derived from the cross of inbred lines 3705I (the low RPR line) and LH277 (the high RPR line) were constructed for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL), conferring RPR in maize. Fourteen RPR QTLs were identified in four environments and explained the phenotypic variation of RPR from 4.14 to 15.89%. By using a sequential fine-mapping strategy based on the progeny test, two major QTLs, qRPR1-3 and qRPR3-1, were narrowed down to 4-Mb and 550-kb genomic interval, respectively. The quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay was adopted to identify 12 candidate genes responsible for QTL qRPR3-1. These findings should facilitate the identification of the polymorphism loci underlying QTL qRPR3-1 and molecular breeding for RPR in maize.
Beyond task-space exploration: On the role of variance for motor control and learning
Authors: Hossner Ernst-Joachim , Zahno Stephan
Published: July 2022

This conceptual analysis on the role of variance for motor control and learning should be taken as a call to: (a) overcome the classic motor-action controversy by identifying converging lines and mutual synergies in the explanation of motor behavior phenomena, and (b) design more empirical research on low-level operational aspects of motor behavior rather than on high-level theoretical terms. Throughout the paper, claim (a) is exemplified by deploying the well-accepted task-space landscape metaphor. This approach provides an illustration not only of a dynamical sensorimotor system but also of a structure of internal forward models, as they are used in more cognitively rooted frameworks such as the theory of optimal feedback control. Claim (b) is put into practice by, mainly theoretically, substantiating a number of predictions for the role of variance in motor control and learning that can be derived from a convergent perspective. From this standpoint, it becomes obvious that variance is neither generally “good” nor generally “bad” for sensorimotor learning. Rather, the predictions derived suggest that specific forms of variance cause specific changes on permanent performance. In this endeavor, Newell’s concept of task-space exploration is identified as a fundamental learning mechanism. Beyond, we highlight further predictions regarding the optimal use of variance for learning from a converging view. These predictions regard, on the one hand, additional learning mechanisms based on the task-space landscape metaphor—namely task-space formation, task-space differentiation and task-space (de-)composition—and, on the other hand, mechanisms of meta-learning that refer to handling noise as well as learning-to-learn and learning-to-adapt. Due to the character of a conceptual-analysis paper, we grant ourselves the right to be highly speculative on some issues. Thus, we would like readers to see our call mainly as an effort to stimulate both a meta-theoretical discussion on chances for convergence between classically separated lines of thought and, on an empirical level, future research on the role of variance in motor control and learning.
Unique cessation tools in the box: Quitline utilization and effectiveness trends among a large sample of tobacco users reporting mental health disorders
Authors: Hart Jonathan T. , Boeckman Lindsay M. , Beebe Laura A.
Published: July 2022

It is estimated that the prevalence of smoking among adults with MHDs ranges between 40-60%, as compared to about 17% among those without an MHD. In addition, smokers with MHDs smoke more cigarettes, are more nicotine dependent, and experience more difficulty quitting, compared to other smokers. The uniquely high smoking prevalence among the MHD population is a serious public health concern; unfortunately, a majority of individuals experiencing difficulty receive no treatment. The US Public Health Service guidelines, as well as the National Cancer Institute, strongly recommend quitlines as an evidence-based treatment strategy to reduce barriers to cessation treatment, especially among smokers with MHDs; however, the literature is sparse on quitline engagement trends and associated outcomes for quitline participants with MHDs. This study sought to contribute to this gap with the largest sample to-date of MHD-endorsing tobacco quitline (Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline, OTH) participants. From 2015 to 2020, ~65,000 registrants (45-50% of total registered participants) with the OTH identified as having one or more MHDs in addition to their tobacco use. This study tested for the presence of significant differences between groups with and without MHDs (as well as within the MHD-identified group) on program enrollment selections, the intensity of engagement with chosen services, NRT utilization, and quit rates. It also tested for the existence of differences and moderating effects of demographic variables associated with the comparison groups. Statistically significant differences were found between these two groups with regard to: sex, age, racial identity, education level, annual income and insurance status. Significant differences were also found with tobacco use patterns reported by individuals (e.g., timing and daily use amounts). Differences in quitline program selection were demonstrated, such that the MHD-endorsing sample were more likely to participate and agree to the most robust service available. Significantly higher rates of service intensity (number of services engaged) were demonstrated, and MHD individuals were also significantly more likely to receive NRT as a part of their treatment. This study suggests a simplistic “more is better” quitline services approach may suffer in effectiveness because it neglects barriers common to this population. Important information is provided on these unique variables associated with MHD-endorsing individuals trying to quit their tobacco use. These results can help tobacco quitlines conceptualize the unique difficulties experienced by individuals with MHDs and then tailor their approach to respond supportively and constructively to this high need group.
Paving the way for systemic phenomenological psychiatry - the forgotten heritage of Wolfgang Blankenburg
Authors: Thoma Samuel , Konrad Michael , Fellin Lisa C. , Galbusera Laura
Published: July 2022

Phenomenological psychopathology focuses on the first-person experience of mental disorders. Although it is in principle descriptive, it also entails an explanatory dimension: single psychological symptoms are conceived as genetically arising from a holistic structure of personal experience, i.e., the patient's being-in-the-world – and of its dynamic unfolding over time. Yet both classical and current phenomenological approaches tend to identify the essential disorder or “trouble générateur” (Minkowski) of mental illness within the individual, thereby neglecting the relevance of the social context not only for the emergence of symptoms but also for their treatment. The work of Wolfgang Blankenburg on schizophrenia represents a noteworthy approach to overcome this individualistic tendency. He introduced the concept of “loss of common sense” as the structural core of schizophrenic experience and being-in-the-world and he considered the social and most importantly familial context for the emergence of schizophrenic experience. By accounting not only for personal experience but also for interactional structures of families and social milieus in which experience is embedded, Blankenburg thereby offered ways to combine phenomenological and systemic explanations of mental disorders. Beside his most renowned work on “the loss of common sense,” in this paper we also present his family studies of young persons with schizophrenia, which have so far received little if no attention. We thus discuss the different ways in which Blankenburg expanded the phenomenological approach into a more systemic and social direction. We then link Blankenburg's work with current systemic explanatory models of schizophrenia and explore the clinical and scientific implications of this link. Finally, we call for further research on the synergy effects between the two.