bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effectiveness of Self-Esteem-Related Interventions in Reducing Suicidal Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dat Nguyen Tan , Mitsui Nobuyuki , Asakura Satoshi , Takanobu Keisuke , Fujii Yutaka , Toyoshima Kuniyoshi , Kako Yuki , Kusumi Ichiro
Published: June 2022

Suicide is a serious social issue and is often treated using psychological interventions. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effectiveness of self-esteem-related interventions on suicidal behaviors. A systematic literature search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including a self-esteem component was conducted on 29 May 2021 and updated on 4 April 2022. In total, 12 studies were included in the systematic review and five studies were included in the meta-analysis. Small effect sizes were found for suicidal ideation at post intervention [g = −0.24, 95% CI (−0.48, 0.00)] and a 3-month follow-up [g = −0.36, 95% CI (−0.62, −0.11)]. However, these results should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number of included studies and varied sample population. In conclusion, the current review suggests that future intervention studies should incorporate self-esteem enhancement in the treatment of suicidal behaviors, especially for suicidal ideation.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=250882
Validity and Reliability of the Persian Version of COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale Among the Iranian General Population
Authors: Hoseinzadeh Esmaeil , Ebadi Abbas , Sharif Nia Hamid , Sivarajan Froelicher Erika , Rahmatpour Pardis
Published: June 2022

The crisis of the COVID-19 prevalence in Iran, as well as the world, caused mental disorders and anxiety syndrome. The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome scale (C-19ASS) assesses conceptually and psychometrically the nature of the COVID-19 threat experience instead of a response to the threat, fear, and COVID-19 anxiety. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the anxiety syndrome scale of COVID-19 in the population of Iran. The Persian version of C-19ASS was sent to Iranian adults via online social networking applications and finally, 932 adults responded to the questionnaire. The results of exploratory factor analysis revealed two-factor structures for C-19ASS, which explained 48.70% of the total variance. Given the confirmatory factor analysis findings, all goodness of fit indices confirmed the model fit. All coefficients of internal consistency were estimated as acceptable reliability. The results showed that the C-19ASS has good psychometric properties, and can be used by researchers, psychologists, and healthcare providers to assess the anxiety syndrome of the Iranian population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bibliometrics and Visual Analysis of Adult-onset Still Disease (1976–2020)
Authors: Xu Bowen , Wang Jian , Meng Xiaoying , Bao Binghao
Published: June 2022

Background

Adult-onset Still Disease (AoSD) is a rare disorder without standardized diagnostic criteria. People are paying more and more attention to its research. At present, no published studies have assessed the AoSD field using bibliometric tools. This study aimed to analyze research hotspots and frontiers through bibliometrics to provide a scientific and accurate reference for new and existing researchers.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Web of Science core database and analyzed by CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Microsoft Excel.

Results

Involving 86 countries and regions, a total of 11,121 authors published 2,199 articles in 676 journals. These studies were published from 1976 to 2020. The United States published the most related articles (397). The United States, France, Italy, and Germany were the top four countries with a high H-index. Authors and institutions with high number of published articles and high citations are mainly located in France and Italy. High-frequency keywords include classification, criteria, diagnosis, and therapy method. Keyword clustering covers the connection between AoSD and rheumatoid arthritis, disease diagnosis, classification, and risk factors.

Conclusions

The research on AoSD focuses on the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the disease. Targeted therapy will become a research hotspot in the future, and relevant clinical research needs to appropriately expand the sample size and improve the credibility of the conclusions. The data reported in this study can serve as a useful resource for researchers studying AoSD.
Pediatric Multiple High-Powered Magnetic Buckyballs Ingestion—Experience From Six Tertiary Medical Centers
Authors: Ding Guojian , Liu Hongzhen , Zhou Peng , Niu Qiong , Wang Wei , Feng Zhiqiang , Zhang Shisong , Zhang Zhengmao , Geng Lei , Bu Zhaoyun , Fu Tingliang
Published: June 2022

Multiple high-powered magnetic Buckyball ingestions may lead to a high risk of severe complications. Great concerns have been raised by public health workers, and it remains challenging for clinicians to solve this troublesome problem. We report a large case series of children with Buckyball ingestion from six tertiary medical centers. The clinical data, including demographics, medical history, diagnosis tools, management options, intraoperative or endoscopic findings, and outcomes, were retrospectively analyzed. Seventy-one children aged 1–13 years ingested 2–41 Buckyballs. Among them, Buckyballs passed spontaneously on 2–10 days post-ingestion in seven cases; gastroscopic removal was performed in 14 cases; laparoscopic removal in 13 cases; laparoscopic-assisted surgical removal in 6 cases; and open surgical removal in 31 cases. Surgical indications included small bowel obstruction, perforation, peritonitis, acute abdominal pain, or along with ingestion of other metallic foreign bodies. Among those who underwent a surgical procedure, primary intestinal repair was performed in 44 cases, enterectomy with primary anastomosis in 6 cases. The postoperative hospital stay ranged from 5 to 28 days. No major complications occurred. In unwitnessed cases, a vague medical history and nonspecific symptoms usually make the diagnosis difficult. The treatment options should include the watch-and-wait approach, endoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted, or open surgical removal of Buckyballs, with primary intestinal repair or anastomosis. Preventive measures, including children's not having access to Buckyballs, are essential to protect children from this kind of unintentional injury.
A Systematic Review on the Hazard Assessment of Amorphous Silica Based on the Literature From 2013 to 2018
Authors: Krug Harald F.
Published: June 2022

Background

Nanomaterials are suspected of causing health problems, as published studies on nanotoxicology indicate. On the other hand, some of these materials, such as nanostructured pyrogenic and precipitated synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) and silica gel, have been used for decades without safety concerns in industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. However, in addition to many in vivo and in vitro studies that have failed to demonstrate the intrinsic toxicity of SAS, articles periodically emerge, in which biological effects of concern have been described. Even though most of these studies do not meet high-quality standards and do not always use equivalent test materials or standardized test systems, the results often trigger substance re-evaluation. To put the results into perspective, an extensive literature study was carried out and an example of amorphous silica will be used to try to unravel the reliability from the unreliable results.

Methods

A systematic search of studies on nanotoxicological effects has been performed covering the years 2013 to 2018. The identified studies have been evaluated for their quality regarding material and method details, and the data have been curated and put into a data collection. This review deals only with investigations on amorphous silica.

Results

Of 18,162 publications 1,217 have been selected with direct reference to experiments with synthetically produced amorphous silica materials. The assessment of these studies based on defined criteria leads to a further reduction to 316 studies, which have been included in this systematic review. Screening for quality with well-defined quantitative criteria following the GUIDE nano concept reveals only 27.3% has acceptable quality. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo data showed low or no toxicity of amorphous silica. The data shown do not support the hypothesis of dependency of biological effects on the primary particle size of the tested materials.

Conclusion

This review demonstrates the relatively low quality of most studies published on nanotoxicological issues in the case of amorphous silica. Moreover, mechanistic studies are often passed off or considered toxicological studies. In general, standardized methods or the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines are rarely used for toxicological experiments. As a result, the significance of the published data is usually weak and must be reevaluated carefully before using them for regulatory purposes.
Language Choices at Home and Their Relationship With Educational Outcomes, With a Special Focus on Children With Origins in Former Yugoslavia and Turkey in Six European Countries
Authors: Kilpi-Jakonen Elina , Alisaari Jenni
Published: June 2022

Language has been conceptualized as both a measure as well as a predictor of integration among immigrants and their children. However, the relationship between language spoken at home and different educational outcomes remains poorly understood. Many studies indicate that nurturing students' first languages is positively associated with their learning at school. Other research suggests that one of the reasons why children of immigrants tend to perform worse at school is due to speaking a language other than that of instruction at home. In order to shed further light on the role of language choices at home for education, we examine both the correlates of language use at home as well as the relationship between this and reading scores and educational expectations. We differentiate between three language use groups: those who mainly use the language of origin at home, those who only use the language of instruction at home, and those who use both of these. We analyze these relationships using data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). In order to examine country differences, we place a special focus on two immigrant-origin groups that are present in significant numbers in a number of European countries: children with origins in Turkey and former Yugoslavia. These two groups have also been identified as being at major educational disadvantage across Europe. Our results suggest that continuing to (mainly) use the language of origin at home is more prevalent among children from socioeconomically more disadvantaged families, but is supported by more socioeconomically advantaged and more diverse school environments. In the majority of countries studied, switching to the language of instruction is associated with higher reading scores but not with higher educational expectations than continuing to speak mainly the language of origin at home. These relationships are to a large extent confounded (or in some cases potentially mediated) by family factors such as socioeconomic status and school-related factors such as school's socioeconomic composition. We conclude by highlighting the role that linguistically responsive pedagogies and a positive school climate can play for the education of all young people but in particular newly-arrived immigrants.
Case Report: Anesthesia for Cesarean Section in Parturients With Chronic Renal Failure Requiring Hemodialysis: Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Zhang Ting , Xiong Xianwei , Jiang Yiling , Chen Huan , Jin Juying
Published: June 2022

Pregnancies are rare in women with chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis. Although a chance of successful pregnancy and delivery in hemodialysis women has increased over the years, it is still very low, and with high maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity rate compared to normal population. And cesarean section is usually used for delivery. The first case was a 32-year-old Chinese woman with chronic kidney disease stage V undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for six years. The second case was also a 32-year-old patient with a 6-year history of hemodialysis for chronic glomerulonephritis. And due to a history of atrial septal defect and hypertension she received intensive hemodialysis during pregnancy. Both cases were scheduled for cesarean delivery under epidural anesthesia. To help develop reasonable anesthetic methods and management objectives for such patients, we described our anesthetic management and performed a literature search on published cases of cesarean section with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis.
Case Report: J-Shaped External Fixator for Treatment of Mayo Type II Olecranon Fractures – A Novel Surgical Technique and Report of Clinical Applications
Authors: Tian Yue , Ge Xin , Zou Jiyang , Song Fenglei , Cheong John Chun tien chui wan , Ge Changqing , Zhang Weiguo , Li Jie , Tian Kang
Published: June 2022

Purpose

We designed a J-shaped external fixator (J-EF) to provide a minimally invasive, one-step surgical method for olecranon fractures. The aim of this study is to retrospectively review the method and the outcomes in 14 patients treated with J-EF fixation.

Methods

Biomechanical comparative study was performed to test the tensile properties of the J-EF using a universal testing machine. Between January 2002 and December 2005, 14 patients (age range: 25–67 years) with Mayo type II olecranon fractures were treated using the external fixation technique. Follow-up was done by standard measures (radiography, range of motion, and complications monitoring) and patient-reported outcomes (Mayo Elbow Performance Score [MEPS] and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [DASH] scores) 6 months after surgery. Eight of the patients were reviewed 15 years after the surgery.

Results

Results from biomechanical studies indicate the non-inferiority of J-EF to tension-band wiring (TBW) in tensile properties. At the time of release, the mean elbow flexion arc was 132.5° and the mean forearm rotation arc was 173.6°. The mean DASH score was 14.1 points, and the mean MEPS was 93.9 points. Operative time and intraoperative blood loss were decreased by 41.3% and 64.6%, respectively, in J-EF patients than those in a comparable group treated by TBW. All eight patients are still alive after the surgery and maintaining the original outcome.

Conclusions

External fixation using the J-EF could be considered as an alternative treatment for Mayo type II olecranon fractures as it appears to be a reliable, minimally invasive, and time-saving.

Level of Evidence

Therapeutic Level IV.
Improvement of Subjective Olfactory Dysfunction in Chronic Rhinosinusitis With Nasal Polyps After Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Ye Ping , He Shaojuan , Tang Shuangmei , Xie Xinyu , Duan Chen , Zhang Liqiang , Steinke John W. , Borish Larry , Li Xuezhong , Feng Xin
Published: June 2022

Objective

Olfactory impairment is a common complaint in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP), but the influence of endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) on olfaction and the factors predicting olfactory impairment are not fully understood. This study aimed to assess the effect of ESS on improving olfactory dysfunction in patients with CRSwNP and to identify factors that predict prognosis.

Methods

A total of 56 patients with CRSwNP reported their self-evaluated olfactory dysfunction score preoperatively and 1 month, 3 months, and 12 months after ESS. Preoperative clinical characteristics, computed tomography (CT) scan, and sinonasal endoscopy examination results were collected before surgery. Additionally, factors that predicted olfactory loss and affected the improvement of olfaction after ESS were evaluated.

Results

Olfactory improvement can be observed 1 month after ESS. A total of 73.2% (41/56) subjects experienced sustained recovery of subjective olfaction with the self-evaluated olfactory dysfunction score improving from 2.04 to 0.64 (P < 0.001) after 12 months. The Lund–Mackay scores (r = 0.593, P < 0.001) and Lund–Kennedy scores (r = 0.265, P < 0.05) correlated with the preoperative olfactory dysfunction score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that longer duration of olfactory dysfunction, blood eosinophilia, lower Lund–Mackay scores, and peripheral distribution of CT opacification were risk factors that adversely affected the recovery of olfactory function (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

ESS improved self-evaluated olfactory function in patients with CRSwNP. Lund–Mackay scores and Lund–Kennedy scores were correlated with olfactory function prior to surgery, while a longer course of the disease, higher blood eosinophilia, lower Lund–Mackay scores, and peripheral distribution of CT opacification were risk factors for poor olfactory prognosis.
Mapping Adverse Outcome Pathways for Kidney Injury as a Basis for the Development of Mechanism-Based Animal-Sparing Approaches to Assessment of Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Mally Angela , Jarzina Sebastian
Published: June 2022

In line with recent OECD activities on the use of AOPs in developing Integrated Approaches to Testing and Assessment (IATAs), it is expected that systematic mapping of AOPs leading to systemic toxicity may provide a mechanistic framework for the development and implementation of mechanism-based in vitro endpoints. These may form part of an integrated testing strategy to reduce the need for repeated dose toxicity studies. Focusing on kidney and in particular the proximal tubule epithelium as a key target site of chemical-induced injury, the overall aim of this work is to contribute to building a network of AOPs leading to nephrotoxicity. Current mechanistic understanding of kidney injury initiated by 1) inhibition of mitochondrial DNA polymerase γ (mtDNA Polγ), 2) receptor mediated endocytosis and lysosomal overload, and 3) covalent protein binding, which all present fairly well established, common mechanisms by which certain chemicals or drugs may cause nephrotoxicity, is presented and systematically captured in a formal description of AOPs in line with the OECD AOP development programme and in accordance with the harmonized terminology provided by the Collaborative Adverse Outcome Pathway Wiki. The relative level of confidence in the established AOPs is assessed based on evolved Bradford-Hill weight of evidence considerations of biological plausibility, essentiality and empirical support (temporal and dose-response concordance).
Effects of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine on Serum Indices and Hypothalamic AMPK-Related Gene Expression Under Chronic Heat Stress
Authors: Li Zhengqing , Zhao Yulan , Zhuang Yu , Xu Zheng , Wu Cong , Liu Ping , Hu Guoliang , Li Guyue , Chen Wei , Gao Xiaona , Guo Xiaoquan
Published: June 2022

This study aims to investigate the effect of heat stress on the physiological metabolism of young laying hens and whether N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) can effectively alleviate heat stress. 120 Hy-Line Brown laying hens aged 12 weeks were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (fed on basal diet under thermal neutral condition), HS group (fed on basal diet under heat stress condition), CN group (fed on the basic meal supplemented with 1,000 mg NAC per kg under thermal neutral condition), and HS+N group (fed on the basic meal was supplemented with 1000 mg NAC per kg under heat stress condition). The HS and HS+N groups were exposed to 36 ± 1°C for 10 h/day. The effects of NAC on the changes of serum concentrations of T3, T4, and CORT and hypothalamic gene and protein expressions induced by heat stress were measured. Results showed that heat stress upregulated the contents of T3, T4, and CORT, while NAC reduced the contents of T3, T4, and CORT. In addition, NAC downregulated AgRP expression, while upregulated the expression of POMC. Moreover, the expressions of AMPKα1, LKB1, and CPT1 were inhibited by NAC, while the expressions of AKT1, ACC, GPAT, and PPARα were increased after NAC treatment, and HMGR did not change significantly. Western blot and comprehensive immunofluorescence section of AMPK in the hypothalamus showed that NAC attenuated the activity of AMPK. In conclusion, NAC can enhance the resistance of laying hens to heat stress by alleviating the metabolic disorders of serum T3, T4, and CORT induced by heat stress, inhibiting the activation of the AMPK pathway and regulating the expression of appetite-related genes in the hypothalamus.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning was Associated With Lifetime Suicidal Ideation: Evidence From A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Sun Long , Li Keqing , Zhang Yunshu , Zhang Lili
Published: June 2022

Objectives: We want to test the association between carbon monoxide poisoning (CMP) experiencing and lifetime suicidal ideation/suicide plan among community residents.

Methods: This is a population-based cross-sectional study conducted among community residents in Hebei province, China. We analyzed a total of 21,376 valid questionnaires. CMP experience and lifetime suicidal ideation/suicide plan were assessed in this study. Logistic regression and false discovery rate correction were conducted to analyze the associations and correct the p values.

Results: We found that CMP (OR = 2.56, p < 0.001, corrected-p = 0.001) was associated with lifetime suicidal ideation, and the other risk factors were female (OR = 0.53, p < 0.001, corrected-p = 0.001). The association between CMP and suicide plan was not supported after false discovery rate correction (OR = 2.15, p = 0.035, corrected-p = 0.385). For the CMP patients, experiencing ≥2 times CMP (OR = 2.76, p = 0.001, corrected-p = 0.011) was also in higher risk of lifetime suicidal ideation. The association between CMP times and lifetime suicidal plan was not supported after false discovery rate correction (OR = 4.95, p = 0.021, corrected-p = 0.231).

Conclusion: CMP patients are in higher risk of lifetime suicidal ideation. For CMP patients, some strategies are needed to control their suicidal ideation.
COVID-19-Related Health Literacy of Socioeconomically Vulnerable Migrant Groups
Authors: Ruedin Didier , Probst Johanna , Wanner Philippe , Efionayi-Mäder Denise , Bodenmann Patrick
Published: June 2022

Objective: Understand the COVID-19-related health literacy of socioeconomically vulnerable migrant groups.

Methods: We conducted a survey available in 8 languages among 2,354 members of the target population in Switzerland in 2020. We measured health literacy in four dimensions (finding, understanding, evaluating and applying health information) and assessed adherence to official recommendations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: Most migrants felt well informed about the pandemic. Using an extended index of health literacy, we found a moderate correlation (r = −0.28 [−0.24, −0.32]) between COVID-19-related health literacy and socioeconomic vulnerability. The most socioeconomically vulnerable migrants tended to have more difficulty finding and understanding health information about COVID-19 and adhered more to unscientific theses that were not part of the official communication.

Conclusion: Special communication efforts by public health authorities have reached most migrants, but socioeconomic vulnerability can be a barrier to taking precautions.
A Routing Optimization Method for LEO Satellite Networks with Stochastic Link Failure
Authors: Zhao Guohong , Kang Zeyu , Huang Yixin , Wu Shufan
Published: June 2022

In this paper, for an Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network with inter-satellite links, a routing optimization method is developed in the case of stochastic link failure. First, a discrete-time strategy is used for the satellite network to acquire several static topological graphs during a cycle. Based on the static topological graphs regarding stochastic link failure, a constraint model is established that constructs the task revenue, switching times and routing cost as indicators. Then, an improved Genetic Algorithm based on A* is proposed to optimize the topology under the constraint model. In particular, to reduce the cost of computation, a new generation strategy for the initial solution is presented which combines the roulette wheel operator and the A* algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by a group of numerical simulations for the network with stochastic link failure.
Comparison of Navel Orangeworm Adults Detected with Optical Sensors and Captured with Conventional Sticky Traps
Authors: Burks Charles S.
Published: June 2022

Attractants used with sticky traps for monitoring navel orangeworm include artificial pheromone lures, ovipositional bait (ovibait) bags, and phenyl propionate; however, the sticky traps have the limitations of potentially becoming ineffective because of full or dirty glue surfaces and of having access to data dependent on increasingly expensive labor. A study comparing detection with a commercially available pseudo-acoustic optical sensor (hereafter, sensor) connected to a server through a cellular gateway found similar naval orangeworm activity profiles between the sensor and pheromone traps, and the timestamps of events in the sensors was consistent with the behavior of navel orangeworm males orienting to pheromone. Sensors used with ovibait detected navel orangeworm activity when no navel orangeworm were captured in sticky traps with ovibait, and the timestamps for this activity were inconsistent with oviposition times for navel orangeworm in previous studies. When phenyl propionate was the attractant, sensors and sticky traps were more highly correlated than for pheromone traps on a micro-level (individual replicates and monitoring intervals), but there was high variation and week-to-week profiles differed. These results indicate that these sensors represent a promising alternative to sticky traps for use with pheromone as an attractant, but more research is needed to develop the use of sensors with other attractants. These results will guide developers and industry in transfer of this promising technology.
Robust and Lightweight System for Gait-Based Gender Classification toward Viewing Angle Variations
Authors: Upadhyay Jaychand , Gonsalves Tad
Published: June 2022

In computer vision applications, gait-based gender classification is a challenging task as a person may walk at various angles with respect to the camera viewpoint. In some of the viewing angles, the person’s limb movement can be occluded from the camera, preventing the perception of the gait-based features. To solve this problem, this study proposes a robust and lightweight system for gait-based gender classification. It uses a gait energy image (GEI) for representing the gait of an individual. A discrete cosine transform (DCT) is applied on GEI to generate a gait-based feature vector. Further, this DCT feature vector is applied to XGBoost classifier for performing gender classification. To improve the classification results, the XGBoost parameters are tuned. Finally, the results are compared with the other state-of-the-art approaches. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated on the OU-MVLP dataset. The experiment results show a mean CCR (correct classification rate) of 95.33% for the gender classification. The results obtained from various viewpoints of OU-MVLP illustrate the robustness of the proposed system for gait-based gender classification.
Chain-Breaking Antioxidant and Peroxyl Radical Trapping Activity of Phenol-Coated Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Scurti Stefano , Caretti Daniele , Mollica Fabio , Di Antonio Erika , Amorati Riccardo
Published: June 2022

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION) are important materials for biomedical applications, and phenol capping is a common procedure to passivate their surface. As phenol capped SPION have been reported to behave as antioxidants, herein, we investigate the mechanism underlying this activity by studying the reaction with alkyl peroxyl (ROO•) radicals. SPION were prepared by coprecipitation of Fe(II) and Fe(III), using phenolic antioxidants (gallic acid, Trolox and nordihydroguaiaretic acid) as post-synthesis capping agents and by different purification procedures. The reactivity of ROO• was investigated by inhibited autoxidation studies, using styrene as an oxidizable substrate (solvent MeCN, 30 °C) and azo-bis(isobutyronitrile) as a radical initiator. While unprotected, bare SPION behaved as prooxidant, accelerating the O2 consumption of styrene autoxidation, phenol capping provided a variable antioxidant effect that was dependent upon the purification degree of the material. Thoroughly washed SPION, containing from 7% to 14% (w/w) of phenols, had a low reactivity toward peroxyl radicals, while SPION with a higher phenol content (46% to 55%) showed a strong radical trapping activity. Our results indicate that the antioxidant activity of phenol-capped SPION can be caused by its release in a solution of weakly bound phenols, and that purification plays a major role in determining the properties of these materials.
CHK2 Promotes Metabolic Stress-Induced Autophagy through ULK1 Phosphorylation
Authors: Guo Ran , Wang Shan-Shan , Jiang Xiao-You , Zhang Ye , Guo Yang , Cui Hong-Yan , Guo Qi-Qiang , Cao Liu , Xie Xiao-Chen
Published: June 2022

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as a signaling intermediate to promote cellular adaptation to maintain homeostasis by regulating autophagy during pathophysiological stress. However, the mechanism by which ROS promotes autophagy is still largely unknown. Here, we show that the ATM/CHK2/ULK1 axis initiates autophagy to maintain cellular homeostasis by sensing ROS signaling under metabolic stress. We report that ULK1 is a physiological substrate of CHK2, and that the binding of CHK2 to ULK1 depends on the ROS signal and the phosphorylation of threonine 68 of CHK2 under metabolic stress. Further, CHK2 phosphorylates ULK1 on serine 556, and this phosphorylation is dependent on the ATM/CHK2 signaling pathway. CHK2-mediated phosphorylation of ULK1 promotes autophagic flux and inhibits apoptosis induced by metabolic stress. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the ATM/CHK2/ULK1 axis initiates an autophagic adaptive response by sensing ROS, and it protects cells from metabolic stress-induced cellular damage.
Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Neurodegenerative Diseases (NDs)
Authors: Campolo Michela , Paterniti Irene
Published: June 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are the most common chronic neurological diseases associated with age, and they have a strong impact on the patient’s quality of life [...]
The Impacts of Urban Form on PM2.5 Concentrations: A Regional Analysis of Cities in China from 2000 to 2015
Authors: Wang Zefa , Chen Jing , Zhou Chunshan , Wang Shaojian , Li Ming
Published: June 2022

The urban form (e.g., city size, shape, scale, density, etc.) can impact the air quality and public health. However, few studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between the urban form and PM2.5 concentrations on a regional scale and long-term basis in China. In this study, we explored the impact of the urban form on the PM2.5 concentrations in four different regions (i.e., northeast, central, east, western) across China for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015. Five landscape metrics were classified into three characteristics of the urban form (compactness, shape complexity, and urban expansion) using high-resolution remote-sensing data. With considerations given to regional differences, panel-data models and city-level panel data were used to calculate the impact of the urban form on the PM2.5 concentrations. The results of the study indicate that urban expansion is positively correlated with the PM2.5 concentrations across China, with the only exception being the country’s western region, which suggests that urban extension is conducive to increasing the PM2.5 levels in relatively developed regions. Meanwhile, the positive relationship between the irregularity of cities and the PM2.5 concentrations indicates that reducing the urban shape complexity will help to mitigate PM2.5 pollution. Moreover, urban compactness, which mainly refers to the landscape-division-index values, proved to have a negative effect on the PM2.5 concentrations, suggesting that the optimization of urban spatial compactness could reduce PM2.5 levels. The findings of this study are beneficial for a better understanding of the intensity and direction of the effect of the urban form on PM2.5 concentrations.
An Evaluation of Risk Ratios on Physical and Mental Health Correlations due to Increases in Ambient Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) Concentrations
Authors: Shaw Stephanie , Van Heyst Bill
Published: June 2022

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are gaseous pollutants contributing to pollution in their primary form and are also involved in reactions forming ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter. Thus, NOx is of great interest for targeted pollution reduction because of this cascade effect. Primary emissions originate from fossil fuel combustion making NOx a common outdoor and indoor air pollutant. Numerous studies documenting the observed physical health impacts of NOx were reviewed and, where available, were summarized using risk ratios. More recently, the literature has shifted to focus on the mental health implications of NOx exposure, and a review of the current literature found five main categories of mental health-related conditions with respect to NOx exposure: common mental health disorders, sleep, anxiety, depression, and suicide. All the physical and mental health effects with available risk ratios were organized in order of increasing risk. Mental health concerns emerged as those most influenced by NOx exposure, with physical health impacts, such as asthma, only beginning to surface as the fourth highest risk. Mental health conditions occupied seven of the top ten highest risk health ailments. The results summarized in this narrative review show that there are clear positive correlations between NOx and negative physical and mental health manifestations, thus strengthening the argument in support of the reduction in ambient NOx levels.
Characterizations of Matrix Equalities for Generalized Inverses of Matrix Products
Authors: Tian Yongge
Published: June 2022

This paper considers how to construct and describe matrix equalities that are composed of algebraic operations of matrices and their generalized inverses. We select a group of known and new reverse-order laws for generalized inverses of several matrix products and derive various necessary and sufficient conditions for them to hold using the matrix rank method and the block matrix method.
CompositeView: A Network-Based Visualization Tool
Authors: Allegri Stephen A. , McCoy Kevin , Mitchell Cassie S.
Published: June 2022

Large networks are quintessential to bioinformatics, knowledge graphs, social network analysis, and graph-based learning. CompositeView is a Python-based open-source application that improves interactive complex network visualization and extraction of actionable insight. CompositeView utilizes specifically formatted input data to calculate composite scores and display them using the Cytoscape component of Dash. Composite scores are defined representations of smaller sets of conceptually similar data that, when combined, generate a single score to reduce information overload. Visualized interactive results are user-refined via filtering elements such as node value and edge weight sliders and graph manipulation options (e.g., node color and layout spread). The primary difference between CompositeView and other network visualization tools is its ability to auto-calculate and auto-update composite scores as the user interactively filters or aggregates data. CompositeView was developed to visualize network relevance rankings, but it performs well with non-network data. Three disparate CompositeView use cases are shown: relevance rankings from SemNet 2.0, an open-source knowledge graph relationship ranking software for biomedical literature-based discovery; Human Development Index (HDI) data; and the Framingham cardiovascular study. CompositeView was stress tested to construct reference benchmarks that define breadth and size of data effectively visualized. Finally, CompositeView is compared to Excel, Tableau, Cytoscape, neo4j, NodeXL, and Gephi.
Circulating microRNAs Suggest Networks Associated with Biological Functions in Aggressive Refractory Type 2 Celiac Disease
Authors: Bianchi Nicoletta , Doneda Luisa , Elli Luca , Taccioli Cristian , Vaira Valentina , Scricciolo Alice , Lombardo Vincenza , Terrazzan Anna , Colapietro Patrizia , Terranova Leonardo , Bergamini Carlo , Vecchi Maurizio , Scaramella Lucia , Nandi Nicoletta , Roncoroni Leda
Published: June 2022

Despite following a gluten-free diet, which is currently the only effective therapy for celiac disease, about 5% of patients can develop serious complications, which in the case of refractory type 2 could evolve towards intestinal lymphoma. In this study, we have identified a set of 15 microRNAs in serum discriminating between the two types of refractory disease. Upregulated miR-770-5p, miR-181b-2-3p, miR-1193, and miR-1226-3p could be useful for the better stratification of patients and the monitoring of disease development, while miR-490-3p was found to be dysregulated in patients with refractory type 1. Finally, by using bioinformatic tools applied to the analysis of the targets of dysregulated microRNAs, we have completed a more precise assessment of their functions. These mainly include the pathway of response to Transforming Growth Factor β cell–cell signaling by Wnt; epigenetic regulation, especially novel networks associated with transcriptional and post-transcriptional alterations; and the well-known inflammatory profiles.
Research on the Adhesive Performance of a Biomimetic Goat Hoof Track Shoe Pattern
Authors: Zhang Fu , Zhang Chaochen , Teng Shuai , Cui Xiahua , Ali Shaukat , Wang Xinyue
Published: June 2022

In this paper, reverse engineering technique was employed to extract the ridges of the hoof ball contour, and hoof ball tissue structure was analyzed based on the bionic prototype of goat hooves. The quantified geometric features were used to design the bionic track shoe pattern, which can enhance its adhesive performance and solve the problem that agricultural tracked vehicles in hilly and mountainous areas are prone to slip due to poor adhesive performance. The monolithic structure of the biomimetic goat hoof track shoe pattern and the ordinary one-line track pattern were arranged and combined; they included six kinds of track shoe models and the adhesive performance was compared. A discrete element system was established based on soil parameter determination to compare the maximum adhesion of different track shoe models. The bionic track shoe samples were prepared for soil bin tests to verify the reliability of the discrete element analysis results. Compared with the ordinary track shoe, the adhesion of the optimal bionic track shoe was improved by 9.1%.
CircXPO5 Plays a Neuroprotective Function in the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus of Glaucoma by Regulating GRIN2A
Authors: Yan Zhichao , Lai Mingying , Jia Yu , Deng Caibin , Zhuo Yehong
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Previous studies have found the neurodegeneration and atrophy of glaucomatous lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), but the mechanism is still unknown. Circular RNA (circRNA) plays some important roles in physiological and pathological progression of the disease. In this study, we focused on the differentially expressed circRNAs and the mechanism for circXPO5 in LGN degeneration in a macaque glaucoma model. Methods: Using RNA-seq, we analyzed the differentially expressed circRNAs in a macaque glaucoma model. An RT-QPCR was used to check the expression of selected differentially expressed circRNAs, candidate miRNAs and mRNAs. A competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis was performed to examine the mechanism of circXPO5 action. Results: circXPO5 significantly decreased in the glaucoma model and a ceRNA network analysis revealed that circXPO5 can bind to miR-330-5p, which also binds to GRIN2A (ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2A). QPCR detection showed a decrease in GRIN2A and an increase in miR-330-5p. Conclusions: Our earlier studies revealed that the GRIN2A gene regulates the calcium signal pathway. Decreasing of GRIN2A related with neuron apoptosis and neurodegeneration. These findings indicate that the reduction in circXPO5 may have a protective effect on neuronal apoptosis in the visual central system of glaucoma.
Neuronal Intranuclear Inclusion Disease-Related Neurotrophic Keratitis: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Pei , Lin Xuemei , Chen Xiangjun , Utheim Tor Paaske , Gao Wei , Yan Yan , Wu Songdi
Published: June 2022

Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare and slowly progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the presence of eosinophilic neuronal intranuclear inclusions. The clinical manifestations of NIID are diverse, and the most common initial feature in cases of sporadic NIID is dementia. Herein, we report an adult female with keratitis as the initial presentation with subsequent bilateral limb tremor, gait disturbances, overemotional behavior, sweating and constipation. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) showed hyperintensity in the bilateral fronto-parieto-occipital corticomedullary junction. Skin biopsy specimens revealed eosinophilic hyaline intranuclear inclusions in fibroblast cells, sweat gland cells and adipose cells. In vivo confocal microscopy of the cornea indicated the absence of corneal nerves in both affected eyes. The patient’s diagnosis of NIID was based on the presence of intranuclear inclusions in biopsied skin and the characteristic high-intensity signal in the corticomedullary junction obtained with DWI. This case report emphasizes that the clinical heterogeneity of NIID and an examination of the corneal nerves may offer valuable clues to its early diagnosis in some patients.
Analysis of Cross-Combinations of Feature Selection and Machine-Learning Classification Methods Based on [18F]F-FDG PET/CT Radiomic Features for Metabolic Response Prediction of Metastatic Breast Cancer Lesions
Authors: Gómez Ober Van , Herraiz Joaquin L. , Udías José Manuel , Haug Alexander , Papp Laszlo , Cioni Dania , Neri Emanuele
Published: June 2022

Background: This study aimed to identify optimal combinations between feature selection methods and machine-learning classifiers for predicting the metabolic response of individual metastatic breast cancer lesions, based on clinical variables and radiomic features extracted from pretreatment [18F]F-FDG PET/CT images. Methods: A total of 48 patients with confirmed metastatic breast cancer, who received different treatments, were included. All patients had an [18F]F-FDG PET/CT scan before and after the treatment. From 228 metastatic lesions identified, 127 were categorized as responders (complete or partial metabolic response) and 101 as non-responders (stable or progressive metabolic response), by using the percentage changes in SULpeak (peak standardized uptake values normalized for body lean body mass). The lesion pool was divided into training (n = 182) and testing cohorts (n = 46); for each lesion, 101 image features from both PET and CT were extracted (202 features per lesion). These features, along with clinical and pathological information, allowed the prediction model’s construction by using seven popular feature selection methods in cross-combination with another seven machine-learning (ML) classifiers. The performance of the different models was investigated with the receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, using the area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy (ACC) metrics. Results: The combinations, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) + support vector machines (SVM), or random forest (RF) had the highest AUC in the cross-validation, with 0.93 ± 0.06 and 0.92 ± 0.03, respectively, whereas Lasso + neural network (NN) or SVM, and mutual information (MI) + RF, had the higher AUC and ACC in the validation cohort, with 0.90/0.72, 0.86/0.76, and 87/85, respectively. On average, the models with Lasso and models with SVM had the best mean performance for both AUC and ACC in both training and validation cohorts. Conclusions: Image features obtained from a pretreatment [18F]F-FDG PET/CT along with clinical vaiables could predict the metabolic response of metastatic breast cancer lesions, by their incorporation into predictive models, whose performance depends on the selected combination between feature selection and ML classifier methods.
Specialised Surgical Instruments for Endoscopic and Endoscope-Assisted Neurosurgery: A Systematic Review of Safety, Efficacy and Usability
Authors: Aylmore Holly , Dimitrakakis Emmanouil , Carmichael Joshua , Khan Danyal Z. , Stoyanov Danail , Dorward Neil L. , Marcus Hani J.
Published: June 2022

While there have been great strides in endoscopic and endoscope-assisted neurosurgical approaches, particularly in the treatment of deep-sited brain and skull base tumours, the greatest technical barrier to their adoption has been the availability of suitable surgical instruments. This systematic review seeks to identify specialised instruments for these approaches and evaluate their safety, efficacy and usability. Conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, SCOPUS and Web of Science were searched. Original research studies that reported the use of specialised mechanical instruments that manipulate tissue in human patients, cadavers or surgical models were included. The results identified 50 specialised instruments over 62 studies. Objective measures of safety were reported in 32 out of 62 studies, and 20 reported objective measures of efficacy. Instruments were broadly safe and effective with one instrument malfunction noted. Measures of usability were reported in 15 studies, with seven reporting on ergonomics and eight on the instruments learning curve. Instruments with reports on usability were generally considered to be ergonomic, though learning curve was often considered a disadvantage. Comparisons to standard instruments were made in eight studies and were generally favourable. While there are many specialised instruments for endoscopic and endoscope-assisted neurosurgery available, the evidence for their safety, efficacy and usability is limited with non-standardised reporting and few comparative studies to standard instruments. Future innovation should be tailored to unmet clinical needs, and evaluation guided by structured development processes.