bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of ADHD Polygenic Risk on Cognitive Performance in Later Life
Authors: Mansoor Marrium , Katz Benjamin
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Understanding the association between polygenic risk for ADHD and cognition throughout aging has not been widely studied. This study aimed to determine whether ADHD risk influences cognitive performance among individuals at both young-old and middle-old age.

Method:

Participants from the Health and Retirement Study, a biennial survey of 20,000 Americans, were compared on executive function and delayed recall measures using regression analyses.

Results:

There was no significant effect of ADHD risk on memory at both age waves for African-ancestry (AA; n = 403) and European-ancestry (EA; n = 2,286). There was, however, a significant association between ADHD risk and performance on executive function for EA at middle-old age ( p = .028), but not young-old age; no such association was observed for AA adults.

Conclusion:

This finding suggests that ADHD risk may differentially influence cognition among older adults throughout the aging process, with important implications for future research.
Amended Safety Assessment of Dialkyl Dimer Dilinoleates as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Cherian Priya A. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel C. , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Fiume Monice , Heldreth Bart
Published: May 2023

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reassessed the safety of 8 dialkyl dimer dilinoleates as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are diesters formed from the reaction of straight-chained or branched alkyl alcohols and dilinoleic acid; these ingredients are reported to function in cosmetics as skin-conditioning agents. The Panel reviewed data relevant to the safety of these ingredients and concluded that Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dicetearyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Diisostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Diethylhexyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dioctyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Ditridecyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Di-C16-18 Alkyl Dimer Dilinoleate, and Di-C20-40 Alkyl Dimer Dilinoleate are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.
Risk of Heavy Metal Poisoning From Consuming Grasscutter Digesta in Ghana
Authors: Quarshie Jude Tetteh , Cofie Judah Kafui , Dewornu Felix Selasi , Quaye Osbourne , Aikins Anastasia Rosebud
Published: May 2023

Grasscutter (cane rat/ Thryonomys swinderianus) digesta is used as a spice in Ghana. Research shows that heavy metals from the environment may accumulate in the internal organs of grasscutters, which raises concerns about the possible contamination of grasscutter digesta, too, with heavy metals. Although grasscutter meat in Ghana has been described as safe for consumption, information is lacking on the health risks associated with ingesting the digesta. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the knowledge and perceptions of a merchant and a consumer about the safety of ingesting grasscutter digesta and to evaluate potential health risks from exposure to heavy metals from the spice. A total of 12 digesta samples were analyzed to evaluate potential health risks from exposure to Cd, Fe, Hg, and Mn using a Varian AA240FS Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The levels of Cd, Hg, and Mn were below the detection limit of 0.01 mg/kg digesta. Also, the estimated daily intake of Fe (0.02 mg/kg) was less than the maximum allowable dose recommended by the US EPA (0.7 mg/kg). The hazard indices of Fe for daily and weekly consumption were <1, suggesting that the consumers may be safe from iron poisoning. Because grasscutter digesta is a relatively expensive spice, it is unlikely to be consumed daily by the average Ghanaian. Moreover, if 10 g of digesta is consumed daily, it can be safely ingested about 971 times in a month. Domestication of grasscutters may be a useful approach to monitor their diet and consequently the quality of their digesta.
Best friends forever – really? The group of friends as the ideal model of sociability in children’s animations
Authors: Saarenmaa Laura
Published: May 2023

This article explores the intensifying friendship ideal current in children’s media culture. The article argues that children’s animations, such as Lego Friends, educate children about a desirable model of sociability, namely that of the closed group of friends. While the recent research on friendship has focused on the technological mechanisms of friendship in specific textual practices and platforms, the concept of friendship itself and its cultural re-significances has received less attention. In this analysis, Lego Friends is approached from the perspective of popular cultural meaning making: how and in relation to what are friendships represented as not only valuable but also necessary social relationships. Drawing on Stuart Hall’s theory of articulation, the article suggests that the intensifying friendship ideal reflects the contemporary adult concern of social exclusion, rooted in neoliberal economic insecurities.
Ingold, hermeneutics, and hylomorphic animism
Authors: Kochan Jeff
Published: May 2023

Tim Ingold draws a sharp line between animism and hylomorphism, that is, between his relational ontology and a rival genealogical ontology. He argues that genealogical hylomorphism collapses under a fallacy of circularity, while his relationism does not. Yet Ingold fails to distinguish between vicious or fallacious circles, on the one hand, and virtuous or hermeneutic circles, on the other. I demonstrate that hylomorphism and Ingold's relational animism are both virtuously circular. Hence, there is no difference between them on this count. A path thus opens for what I call hylomorphic animism. While Ingold's relational animism leads into obscurity, hylomorphic animism is able to explain the differences in power between material things.
Deep learning-based fatigue damage segmentation of wind turbine blades under complex dynamic thermal backgrounds
Authors: Sheiati Shohreh , Chen Xiao
Published: May 2023

Passive thermography is an efficient method to inspect fatigue damage of large-scale structures such as wind turbine blades under cyclic loads. Quantitative damage evaluation often requires the damage region to be segmented from the thermal image, which challenges conventional image process techniques, especially when the structure is moving, and the thermal background is changing. This study proposes a model based on deep learning and thermography to automatically segment complex dynamic background of images taken from a wind turbine blade during cyclic loading and subsequently segment the fatigue blade damages. An automated background segmentation algorithm is developed to isolate the blade from the background using six state-of-the-art deep learning models. The most accurate model is then chosen and improved for the second step of damage segmentation, achieving a level of accuracy comparable to that of human observation, even with fewer images in the training process. The proposed background and damage segmentation methods have recall of 99% and 82%, respectively, indicating that the proposed approach is accurate, efficient, and robust.
Acute Kidney Injury Following Revascularization in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia and Non-Dialysis-Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease: Insights From the NSQIP Database at 30-Day Follow-Up
Authors: Stavroulakis Konstantinos , Tsilimparis Nikolaos , Saratzis Athanasios , Rantner Barbara , Stana Jan , Dayama Anand , Davies Mark G. , Gouveia e Melo Ryan
Published: May 2023

Background:

Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at risk of developing renal injury following revascularization. We aimed to compare the risk of adverse renal events following endovascular revascularization (ER) or open surgery (OS) in patients with CLTI and CKD.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) databases (2011–2017) was performed including patients with CLTI and non-dialysis-dependent CKD, comparing ER to OS. The primary outcome was a composite of postprocedural kidney injury or failure within 30 days. Thirty-day mortality, major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), amputation, readmission or target lesion revascularization (TLR) were compared using multivariate logistic regression and propensity-score matched analysis.

Results:

A total of 5009 patients were included (ER: 2361; OS: 3409). The risk for the composite primary outcome was comparable between groups (odds ratio [OR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53-1.17) as for kidney injury (n=54, OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.39-1.19) or failure (n=55, OR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.39-1.19). In the adjusted regression, a significant benefit was observed with ER for the primary outcome (OR: 0.60, p=0.018) and renal failure (OR: 0.50, p=0.025), but not for renal injury (OR: 0.76, p=0.34). Lower rates of MACCE, TLR, and readmissions were observed after ER. Thirty-day mortality and major amputation rates did not differ. In the propensity score analysis, revascularization strategy was not associated with renal injury or failure.

Conclusions:

In this cohort, the incidence of renal events within 30 days of revascularization in CLTI was low and comparable between ER and OR.

Clinical Impact

In a cohort of 5009 patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia and non-end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD), postprocedural kidney injury or failure within 30 days was comparable between patients submitted to open or endovascular revascularization (ER). Lower rates of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events, target lesion revascularization, and readmissions were observed after endovascular revascularization. Based on these findings, ER should not be avoided due to fear of worsening renal function in CKD patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia. In fact, these patients benefit more from ER regarding cardiovascular outcomes with no increased risk of kidney injury.
Path planning of a mobile robot using an improved mixed-method of potential field and wall following
Authors: Xing Qiang , Xu Sheng , Wang Hao , Wang Jiajia , Zhao Wei , Xu Haili
Published: May 2023

The existing Bug algorithms, which are the same as wall-following algorithms, offer good performance in solving local minimum problems caused by potential fields. However, because of the odometer drift that occurs in actual environments, the performance of the paths planned by these algorithms is significantly worse in actual environments than in simulated environments. To address this issue, this article proposes a new Bug algorithm. The proposed algorithm contains a potential field function that is based on the relative velocity, which enables the potential field method to be extended to dynamic scenarios. Using the cumulative changes in the internal and external angles and the reset point of the robot during the wall-following process, the condition for state switching has been redesigned. This improvement not only solves the problem of position estimation deviation caused by odometer noise but also enhances the decision-making ability of the robot. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is simpler and more efficient than existing wall-following algorithms and can realise path planning in an unknown dynamic environment. The experimental results for the Kobuki robot further validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Sex disparity in stroke outcomes in a multicenter prospective stroke registry in Vietnam
Authors: Ton Mai Duy , Dao Phuong Viet , Nguyen Dung Tien , Nguyen Thang Huy , Tran Cuong Chi , Duong Hai Quang , Nguyen Hoa Ngoc , Nguyen Sam Hoanh , Bui Huyen Thi , Dang Duc Phuc , Dao Nham Thi , Bui Ha Thi Thu , Hoang Hai Bui , Vo Khoi Hong , Nguyen Chinh Duy , Pham Tho Quang , Nguyen Thanh N
Published: May 2023

Background:

Although men have a higher rate of stroke than women, it is not clear whether women have a worse outcome after adjusting for confounders such as vascular risk factors, age, stroke severity, and reperfusion therapy. We evaluated sex differences on 90-day functional outcomes after stroke in a multicenter study in Vietnam.

Methods:

We recruited patients presenting with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke at 10 stroke centers in Vietnam for a period of 1 month from 1 August 2022 to 31 August 2022. We reviewed the patient’s clinical demographics, time from symptom onset to hospital admission, stroke classification, stroke subtype, stroke severity, characteristics of reperfusion therapy, and 90-day clinical outcome. We compared functional outcomes and predisposing factors at day 90 between men and women after an ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. Poor outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale 3–6.

Results:

There were 2300 stroke patients included. Men accounted for 61.3% (1410) of participants. Compared to men, women were older (67.7 ± 13.9 vs 63.7 ± 13.3, P < 0.001), had a higher rate of diabetes mellitus (21.1% vs 15.3%, P < 0.001), a lower rate of tobacco use (1.0 % vs 23.6%, P < 0.001), and a lower body mass index (21.4 ± 2.70 vs 22.0 ± 2.72, P < 0.001). There was a higher rate of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in men (21.3% vs 15.6%, P = 0.001), whereas the rate of subarachnoid hemorrhage was higher in women (6.2% vs 3.0%, P < 0.001). For ischemic stroke, door-to-needle time (36.9 ± 17.6 vs 47.8 ± 35.2 min, P = 0.04) and door-to-recanalization time (113.6 ± 51.1 vs 134.2 ± 48.2, P = 0.03) were shorter in women. There was no difference in 90-day functional outcomes between sexes. Factors associated with poor outcomes included age ⩾50 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–2.66), history of stroke (aOR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.15–1.96), large artery atherosclerosis (aOR: 5.19; 95% CI: 3.90–6.90), and cardioembolism (aOR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.68–6.16). Factors associated with mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke included a history of coronary artery disease (aOR: 3.04; 95% CI: 1.03–8.92), large artery atherosclerosis (aOR: 3.37; 95% CI: 2.11–5.37), and cardioembolism (aOR: 3.15; 95% CI: 1.20–8.27).

Conclusion:

There were no sex differences in the clinical outcome of stroke and ischemic stroke in this prospective cohort of hospitalized Vietnamese patients.
Which cutoff value of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment should be used for post-stroke cognitive impairment? A systematic review and meta-analysis on diagnostic test accuracy
Authors: Wei Xiaoqin , Ma Yuxia , Wu Tingting , Yang Yiyi , Yuan Yue , Qin Jiangxia , Bu Zhaowen , Yan Fanghong , Zhang Ziyao , Han Lin
Published: May 2023

Background:

Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is one of the serious complications of stroke. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), as a brief cognitive impairment screening tool, is widely used in stroke survivors. However, some studies have suggested that the use of the universal cutoff value of 26 may be inappropriate for detecting cognitive impairments in stroke settings.

Aim:

We conducted this study to identify the optimal cutoff value of the MoCA in screening for PSCI.

Methods:

PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies until March 23, 2023. All studies were screened by two independent researchers. The quality of each article was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. A bivariate mixed-effects model was used to pool sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and the summary receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results:

Twenty-four studies with a total of 4231 patients were included in this review. Despite the lack of evidence of publication bias, a high degree of heterogeneity was observed. A meta-analysis revealed that a cutoff value of 21/22 yielded the best diagnostic accuracy. The optimal cutoff varied in different regions, stroke types, and stroke phases as well.

Conclusion:

The optimal cutoff of MoCA was 21/22 for stroke populations rather than the initially recommended cutoff of 26. A revised (lower) cutoff should be considered for stroke survivors.
Is a compact organization important for defensive success in elite soccer? – Analysis based on player tracking data
Authors: Forcher Leander , Forcher Leon , Altmann Stefan , Jekauc Darko , Kempe Matthias
Published: May 2023

The interest in tactical analysis in soccer has increased in the latest years, especially with the growing availability of player tracking data. With it, the defending team's compact organization, which is considered by practitioners to be an important factor in defense, was repeatedly examined. However, the connection between this defensive principle of play and the defending success remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the relation of the principle of playing defensive compact organization to the success of the defense. Based on tracking and event data of 153 games of the German Bundesliga (season 2020/21), the compactness (surface area, spread of the team, and of defending subgroups) and the organization (distances between formation lines) of the defending team was compared between successful and unsuccessful defensive plays. There were almost no differences in the compactness of the whole team, and the organizational measures between successful and unsuccessful defensive plays. The defending subgroup of five defenders closest to the ball showed a higher compactness (smaller surface area and smaller spread) in successful defensive plays compared to unsuccessful ones (−0.08 ≤  d ≤ −0.16). Our results indicate that the compactness of players in areas close to the ball seems crucial for defensive success. However, the compact organization of the entire team does not seem important to regain the ball in defense.
Wearable sensors and features for diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Zhao Huan , Cao Junyi , Xie Junxiao , Liao Wei-Hsin , Lei Yaguo , Cao Hongmei , Qu Qiumin , Bowen Chris
Published: May 2023

Objective

Neurodegenerative diseases affect millions of families around the world, while various wearable sensors and corresponding data analysis can be of great support for clinical diagnosis and health assessment. This systematic review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research that uses wearable sensors and features for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted of studies published between 2015 and 2022 in major scientific databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopes. The obtained studies were analyzed and organized into the process of diagnosis: wearable sensors, feature extraction, and feature selection.

Results

The search led to 171 eligible studies included in this overview. Wearable sensors such as force sensors, inertial sensors, electromyography, electroencephalography, acoustic sensors, optical fiber sensors, and global positioning systems were employed to monitor and diagnose neurodegenerative diseases. Various features including physical features, statistical features, nonlinear features, and features from the network can be extracted from these wearable sensors, and the alteration of features toward neurodegenerative diseases was illustrated. Moreover, different kinds of feature selection methods such as filter, wrapper, and embedded methods help to find the distinctive indicator of the diseases and benefit to a better diagnosis performance.

Conclusions

This systematic review enables a comprehensive understanding of wearable sensors and features for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
The feasibility of remotely monitoring physical, cognitive, and psychosocial function in individuals with stroke or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: French Margaret A , Keatley Eva , Li Junyao , Balasubramanian Aparna , Hansel Nadia N , Wise Robert , Searson Peter , Singh Anil , Raghavan Preeti , Wegener Stephen , Roemmich Ryan T , Celnik Pablo
Published: May 2023

Objective

Clinical implementation of remote monitoring of human function requires an understanding of its feasibility. We evaluated adherence and the resources required to monitor physical, cognitive, and psychosocial function in individuals with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or stroke during a three-month period.

Methods

Seventy-three individuals agreed to wear a Fitbit to monitor physical function and to complete monthly online assessments of cognitive and psychosocial function. During a three-month period, we measured adherence to monitoring (1) physical function using average daily wear time, and (2) cognition and psychosocial function using the percentage of assessments completed. We measured the resources needed to promote adherence as (1) the number of participants requiring at least one reminder to synchronize their Fitbit, and (2) the number of reminders needed for each completed cognitive and psychosocial assessment.

Results

After accounting for withdrawals, the average daily wear time was 77.5 ± 19.9% of the day and did not differ significantly between months 1, 2, and 3 ( p = 0.30). To achieve this level of adherence, 64.9% of participants required at least one reminder to synchronize their device. Participants completed 61.0% of the cognitive and psychosocial assessments; the portion of assessments completed each month didnot significantly differ ( p = 0.44). Participants required 1.13 ± 0.57 reminders for each completed assessment. Results did not differ by disease diagnosis.

Conclusions

Remote monitoring of human function in individuals with either chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or stroke is feasible as demonstrated by high adherence. However, the number of reminders required indicates that careful consideration must be given to the resources available to obtain high adherence.
Cognitive Inhibition in Trauma Recovery Among Asylum Seekers: Test in a Randomized Trial of Mindfulness-Based Trauma Recovery for Refugees
Authors: Amir Iftach , Aizik-Reebs Anna , Yuval Kim , Hadash Yuval , Bernstein Amit
Published: May 2023

Emerging evidence suggests that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) may be one promising intervention approach within the global mental-health crisis of forced displacement. Little is known about the mechanisms of action of MBIs for trauma recovery or among diverse forcibly displaced people (FDP). Within a single-site randomized waitlist-control trial among 143 traumatized East African asylum seekers living in a high-risk urban postdisplacement setting, cognitive inhibition (CI) of trauma- and threat-related information was measured (modified Sternberg task) before and after Mindfulness-Based Trauma Recovery for Refugees (MBTR-R) or a parallel waitlist-control period. At preintervention, a deficit in the CI of trauma- and threat-related but not positively valenced emotionally evocative information was associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Although MBTR-R led to improved CI of trauma- and threat-related information, this change process did not mediate the therapeutic effect of MBTR-R on PTSD. Findings inform theory implicating CI in PTSD, MBI mechanisms of action, and FDP mental health.
The Vietnam Provincial Competitiveness: An Efficiency-based Approach
Authors: Tung Diep Thanh , Loan Nguyen Thi Thuy
Published: May 2023

The provincial competitiveness index (PCI) serves as an important measure for the efforts of localities in Vietnam in improving the business environment. However, the methodology of PCI excludes the influence of the traditional conditions on business growth, only measuring the “net” competitiveness at the provincial level. This study is conducted (1) to supplement the approach to measure the relation between the improvement of the business environment and the changes in the business results of the enterprises; at the same time and (2) to pay attention to factors that have been excluded in the PCI methodology. Measuring technical efficiency (TE) by data envelopment analysis, fixed effect model, and random effect model are employed to achieve these research objectives. The findings show that the impact of PCI to business growth has a lag of approximately 1 year. Furthermore, in the TE approach, the business growth indicators are affected not only by the improvement of the business environment created by the local government but also by the basic conditions of that locality. This approach seems to be “fair” across localities, especially those with low starting points. This theoretical approach, however, also needs to be further complemented, especially regarding data, to overcome its potential limitations.
Saudi Arabian Primigravid Women's Experiences of Mindfulness to Reduce Childbirth Stress: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Alkhunaizi Anwar Nader , Alyousef Seham Mansour , Alhamidi Sami Abdulrahman , Almoammar Danah Nasser
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Pregnancy is a significant transitional life experience. It can also be one of the most stressful experiences in life and some women go on to develop postpartum depression. Adopting mindfulness techniques during childbirth may allow women to experience less labor pain and require fewer medical interventions, which improve the mother's health.

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness in reducing childbirth stress in primigravid women in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

The researcher recruited primigravid women from an antenatal clinic in a government hospital in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The study adopted a qualitative interpretive descriptive design, using individual interviews to collect the data before conducting thematic content analysis using NVivo 10.1 software.

Results

Five key themes emerged from the data: (a) stress reduction, (b) recognition of thoughts and feelings, (c) life satisfaction, (d) insufficient knowledge leads to challenges, and (e) empowerment of a spiritual aspect.

Conclusions

Mindfulness is an effective technique that supports a mother's physical and psychological well-being.
Clinical Outcomes of Symptomatic Horseshoe Tears After Laser Retinopexy
Authors: Choi Stephanie , Goduni Lediana , Wald Kenneth J.
Published: May 2023

Purpose: To determine the clinical course of patients treated for acute symptomatic horseshoe retinal tears (HSTs). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients presenting between January 2014 and December 2021 with acute onset of floaters and/or flashes who were found to have horseshoe retinal tear HRT(s) without retinal detachment (RD). Patients were included if they had at least 3 months of follow-up. Exclusion criteria were a rhegmatogenous RD (RRD) at initial presentation, asymptomatic HST(s), operculated hole, atrophic hole, retinal dialysis, history of trauma, or previous retinal surgery. Charts were reviewed for subsequent new HST(s), progression to RRD, and development of epiretinal membrane (ERM). Characteristics, including age, sex, eye laterality, phakic status, high myopia, lattice degeneration, and vitreous hemorrhage (VH) at initial presentation, were also noted. The main outcome measures were the percentage and timing of subsequent new HST(s), progression to RRD, and development of ERM. Results: The study included 216 eyes (199 patients). The mean age was 60.4 years. Of the eyes, 27.3% had lattice degeneration and 6.5% high myopia. At presentation, 25.9% of eyes had a VH. Twenty-seven eyes (12.5%) experienced new tear(s); 63.0% occurred between 1 month and 3 months. Progression to RRD occurred in 15 eyes (6.9%); 53.3% occurred within 3 months. On multivariate logistic regression, VH was a significant risk factor (odds ratio, 6.48; P = .002) for progression to new HST(s) or RRD. Conclusions: Eyes treated for acute symptomatic HSTs require ongoing follow-up. Although new retinal tears and progression to RRD tends to occur within 3 months, these events can occur later.
SeqWiz: a modularized toolkit for next-generation protein sequence database management and analysis
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Min , Zhou Tao , Chen Daozhen
Published: May 2023

Background

Current proteomic technologies are fast-evolving to uncover the complex features of sequence processes, variations and modifications. Thus, protein sequence database and the corresponding softwares should also be improved to solve this issue.

Results

We developed a state-of-the-art toolkit (SeqWiz) for constructing next-generation sequence databases and performing proteomic-centric sequence analyses. First, we proposed two derived data formats: SQPD (a well-structured and high-performance local sequence database based on SQLite), and SET (an associated list of selected entries based on JSON). The SQPD format follows the basic standards of the emerging PEFF format, which also aims to facilitate the search of complex proteoform. The SET format is designed for generating subsets with with high-efficiency. These formats are shown to greatly outperform the conventional FASTA or PEFF formats in time and resource consumption. Then, we mainly focused on the UniProt knowledgebase and developed a collection of open-source tools and basic modules for retrieving species-specific databases, formats conversion, sequence generation, sequence filter, and sequence analysis. These tools are implemented by using the Python language and licensed under the GNU General Public Licence V3. The source codes and distributions are freely available at GitHub (https://github.com/fountao/protwiz/tree/main/seqwiz).

Conclusions

SeqWiz is designed to be a collection of modularized tools, which is friendly to both end-users for preparing easy-to-use sequence databases as well as bioinformaticians for performing downstream sequence analysis. Besides the novel formats, it also provides compatible functions for handling the traditional text based FASTA or PEFF formats. We believe that SeqWiz will promote the implementing of complementary proteomics for data renewal and proteoform analysis to achieve precision proteomics. Additionally, it can also drive the improvement of proteomic standardization and the development of next-generation proteomic softwares.
SUMOylation of PDGF receptor α affects signaling via PLCγ and STAT3, and cell proliferation
Authors: Wang Kehuan , Papadopoulos Natalia , Hamidi Anahita , Lennartsson Johan , Heldin Carl-Henrik
Published: May 2023

Background

The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) family of ligands exerts their cellular effects by binding to α- and β-tyrosine kinase receptors (PDGFRα and PDGFRβ, respectively). SUMOylation is an important posttranslational modification (PTM) which regulates protein stability, localization, activation and protein interactions. A mass spectrometry screen has demonstrated SUMOylation of PDGFRα. However, the functional role of SUMOylation of PDGFRα has remained unknown.

Results

In the present study, we validated that PDGFRα is SUMOylated on lysine residue 917 as was previously reported using a mass spectrometry approach. Mutation of lysine residue 917 to arginine (K917R) in PDGFRα substantially decreased SUMOylation, indicating that this amino acid residue is a major SUMOylation site. Whereas no difference in the stability of wild-type and mutant receptor was observed, the K917R mutant PDGFRα was less ubiquitinated than wild-type PDGFRα. The internalization and trafficking of the receptor to early and late endosomes were not affected by the mutation, neither was the localization of the PDGFRα to Golgi. However, the K917R mutant PDGFRα showed delayed activation of PLC-γ and enhanced activation of STAT3. Functional assays showed that the mutation of K917 of PDGFRα decreased cell proliferation in response to PDGF-BB stimulation.

Conclusions

SUMOylation of PDGFRα decreases ubiquitination of the receptor and affects ligand-induced signaling and cell proliferation.
Evaluation of pathotype marker genes in Streptococcus suis isolated from human and clinically healthy swine in Thailand
Authors: Kerdsin Anusak , Bamphensin Nichari , Sittichottumrong Kulsatri , Ungcharoen Ratchadaporn , Boueroy Parichart , Chopjitt Peechanika , Hatrongjit Rujirat , Gottschalk Marcelo , Sunthamala Nuchsupha
Published: May 2023

Background

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes substantial economic losses in the pig industry and contributes to human infections worldwide, especially in Southeast Asia. Recently, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process was developed to distinguish disease-associated and non-disease-associated pathotypes of S. suis European strains. Herein, we evaluated the ability of this multiplex PCR approach to distinguish pathotypes of S. suis in Thailand.

Results

This study was conducted on 278 human S. suis isolates and 173 clinically healthy pig S. suis isolates. PCR identified 99.3% of disease-associated strains in the human isolates and 11.6% of non-disease-associated strains in the clinically healthy pig isolates. Of the clinically healthy pig S. suis isolates, 71.1% were classified as disease-associated. We also detected undetermined pathotype forms in humans (0.7%) and pigs (17.3%). The PCR assay classified the disease-associated isolates into four types. Statistical analysis revealed that human S. suis clonal complex (CC) 1 isolates were significantly associated with the disease-associated type I, whereas CC104 and CC25 were significantly associated with the disease-associated type IV.

Conclusion

Multiplex PCR cannot differentiate non-disease-associated from disease-associated isolates in Thai clinically healthy pig S. suis strains, although the method works well for human S. suis strains. This assay should be applied to pig S. suis strains with caution. It is highly important that multiplex PCR be validated using more diverse S. suis strains from different geographic areas and origins of isolation.
Utilization of natural alleles for heat adaptability QTLs at the flowering stage in rice
Authors: Pan Ying-Hua , Chen Lei , Zhu Xiao-Yang , Li Jing-Cheng , Rashid Muhammad Abdul Rehman , Chen Chao , Qing Dong-Jin , Zhou Wei-Yong , Yang Xing-Hai , Gao Li-Jun , Zhao Yan , Deng Guo-Fu
Published: May 2023

Background

Heat stress threatens rice yield and quality at flowering stage. In this study, average relative seed setting rate under heat stress (RHSR) and genotypes of 284 varieties were used for a genome-wide association study.

Results

We identified eight and six QTLs distributed on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 12 in the full population and indica, respectively. qHTT4.2 was detected in both the full population and indica as an overlapping QTL. RHSR was positively correlated with the accumulation of heat-tolerant superior alleles (SA), and indica accession contained at least two heat-tolerant SA with average RHSR greater than 43%, meeting the needs of stable production and heat-tolerant QTLs were offer yield basic for chalkiness degree, amylose content, gel consistency and gelatinization temperature. Chalkiness degree, amylose content, and gelatinization temperature under heat stress increased with accumulation of heat-tolerant SA. Gel consistency under heat stress decreased with polymerization of heat-tolerant SA. The study revealed qHTT4.2 as a stable heat-tolerant QTL that can be used for breeding that was detected in the full population and indica. And the grain quality of qHTT4.2-haplotype1 (Hap1) with chalk5, wx, and alk was better than that of qHTT4.2-Hap1 with CHALK5, WX, and ALK. Twelve putative candidate genes were identified for qHTT4.2 that enhance RHSR based on gene expression data and these genes were validated in two groups. Candidate genes LOC_Os04g52830 and LOC_Os04g52870 were induced by high temperature.

Conclusions

Our findings identify strong heat-tolerant cultivars and heat-tolerant QTLs with great potential value to improve rice tolerance to heat stress, and suggest a strategy for the breeding of yield-balance-quality heat-tolerant crop varieties.
Glucose metabolic upregulation via phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein affects tumor progression in distal cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Fujinaga Atsuro , Hirashita Teijiro , Hirashita Yuka , Sakai Kumiko , Kawamura Masahiro , Masuda Takashi , Endo Yuichi , Ohta Masayuki , Murakami Kazunari , Inomata Masafumi
Published: May 2023

Background

The prognosis of distal cholangiocarcinoma (dCCA) remains poor; thus, the identification of new therapeutic targets is warranted. Phosphorylated S6 ribosomal protein indicates a mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity, and mTORC1 plays a central role in controlling cell growth and regulating glucose metabolism. We aimed to clarify the effect of S6 phosphorylation on tumor progression and the glucose metabolic pathway in dCCA.

Methods

Thirty-nine patients with dCCA who underwent curative resection were enrolled in this study. S6 phosphorylation and the expression of GLUT1 were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and their relationship with clinical factors was investigated. The effect of S6 phosphorylation on glucose metabolism with PF-04691502 treatment, an inhibitor of S6 phosphorylation, was examined in cancer cell lines by Western blotting and metabolomics analysis. Cell proliferation assays were performed with PF-04691502.

Results

S6 phosphorylation and the expression of GLUT1 were significantly higher in patients with an advanced pathological stage. Significant correlations between GLUT1 expression, S6 phosphorylation, and SUV-max of FDG-PET were shown. In addition, cell lines with high S6 phosphorylation levels showed high GLUT1 levels, and the inhibition of S6 phosphorylation reduced the expression of GLUT1 on Western blotting. Metabolic analysis revealed that inhibition of S6 phosphorylation suppressed pathways of glycolysis and the TCA cycle in cell lines, and then, cell proliferation was effectively reduced by PF-04691502.

Conclusion

Upregulation of glucose metabolism via phosphorylation of S6 ribosomal protein appeared to play a role in tumor progression in dCCA. mTORC1 may be a therapeutic target for dCCA.
Large retroperitoneal extraskeletal Ewing’s sarcoma with renal pedicle invasion: a case report
Authors: Wu Shu-Yu , Hsu Chun-Kai , Yue Chung-Tai , Tsai Yao-Chou
Published: May 2023

Background

Extraskeletal Ewing’s sarcoma (EES) is a rare malignant tumor primarily found in children and young adults. Localized disease can present with nonspecific symptoms such as local mass, regional pain, and increased skin temperature. More severe cases may present with systemic symptoms such as malaise, weakness, fever, anemia, and weight loss. Among these lesions, retroperitoneal sarcomas are relatively uncommon and difficult to diagnose. Since they are usually asymptomatic until large enough to compress or invade the surrounding tissues, most are already advanced at first detection. Traditionally, the treatment of choice is complete surgical resection, sometimes combined with postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. We report a case of EES with left renal artery invasion in the left retroperitoneal cavity successfully treated with transarterial embolization and surgery.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old woman with a negative family history of cancer presented at our Urology Department with a large left retroperitoneal tumor found by magnetic resonance imaging during the health exam. Physical examination showed a soft abdomen and no palpable mass or tenderness. Imaging studies showed that the tumor covered the entire left renal pedicle, but the left kidney, left adrenal gland, and pancreas appeared tumor free. Since the tumor tightly covered the entire renal pedicle, tumor excision with radical nephrectomy was advised. The patient underwent transarterial embolization of the left renal artery with 10 mg of Gelfoam pieces daily before surgical excision. Tumor excision and left radical nephrectomy were uneventful the day after embolization. Post-operatively, the patient recovered well and was discharged on day 10. The final histopathological analysis showed a round blue cell tumor consistent with an Ewing sarcoma, and the surgical margins were tumor free.

Conclusions

Retroperitoneal malignancies are rare but usually severe conditions. Our case report showed that retroperitoneal EES with renal artery invasion could be treated safely with transarterial embolization and surgery.
Policies enacted during COVID-19 came with unintended health benefits: why go back?
Authors: Sprague Martinez Linda , Scott Judith C. , Rocco Melanie , Rajabiun Serena , Flores Rodriguez Cecilia , Cummings Ramona , McKinney-Prupis Erin , Minott Malika , Walker-Jones Joy , Downes Alicia , Wangari Walter Angela
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To explore the impact of COVID-19 on the implementation of bundled interventions to improve the engagement and retention of Black women in HIV care.

Methods

Pre-implementation interviews conducted between January and April 202 L with 12 demonstration sites implementing bundled interventions for Black women with HIV. Directed content analysis was employed to examine the site interview transcripts.

Results

The pandemic intensified barriers to care and harmful social conditions. However, COVID-19 also forced pivots in health care and social service delivery and some of these changes benefited Black women living with HIV.

Conclusions

The continuation of policies that support the material needs of Black women with HIV and ease access to care is critical. Racial capitalism impedes the enactment of these policies and thus threatens public health.
Examining public health practitioners’ perceptions and use of behavioural sciences to design health promotion interventions
Authors: Bélanger-Gravel Ariane , Janezic Isidora , Desroches Sophie , Paquette Marie-Claude , Therrien Frédéric , Barnett Tracie , Lavoie Kim L. , Gauvin Lise
Published: May 2023

Background

Behavioural sciences have been shown to support the development of more effective interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles. However, the operationalization of this knowledge seems to be sub-optimal in public health. Effective knowledge transfer strategies are thus needed to optimize the use of knowledge from behavioural sciences in this field. To this end, the present study examined public health practitioners’ perceptions and use of theories and frameworks from behavioural sciences to design health promotion interventions.

Methods

This study adopted an exploratory qualitative design. Semi-structured interviews were conducted among 27 public health practitioners from across Canada to explore current intervention development processes, the extent to which they integrate theory and framework from behavioural sciences, and their perceptions regarding the use of this knowledge to inform intervention design. Practitioners from the public sector or non-profit/private organizations who were involved in the development of interventions aimed at promoting physical activity, healthy eating, or other healthy lifestyle habits (e.g., not smoking) were eligible to participate.

Results

Public health practitioners generally agreed that behaviour change is an important goal of public health interventions. On the other hand, behavioural science theories and frameworks did not appear to be fully integrated in the design of public health interventions. The main reasons were (1) a perceived lack of fit with current professional roles and tasks; (2) a greater reliance on experiential-produced knowledge rather than academic knowledge (mainly for tailoring interventions to local setting characteristics); (3) the presence of a fragmented knowledge base; (4) the belief that theories and frameworks require too much time and resources to be operationalized; and 4) the belief that using behavioural sciences might undermine partnership building.

Conclusions

This study provided valuable insights that may inform knowledge transfer strategies that could be optimally designed to support the integration of behavioural sciences theories and frameworks into public health practices.
Comprehensive analysis of m6A related gene mutation characteristics and prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Jiang Tao , Xing Linshuai , Zhao Lipeng , Ye Ziqi , Yu Dong , Lin Shengtao
Published: May 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer is considered as the second most common cancer worldwide. Studies have shown that m6A RNA methylation abnormalities play an important role in the pathogenesis of many human diseases, including cancer. The current study was designed to characterize the mutation of m6A related genes and explore their prognostic role in colorectal cancer.

Methods

RNA-seq data and somatic mutation data of TCGA-COAD and TCGA-READ were downloaded from UCSC xena for comprehensive analysis. M6A related genes were selected from previous literatures, including "Writer" protein (METTL3, METTL5, METTL14, METTL16, ZC3H13, RBM15, WTAP, KIAA1429), "Reader" protein YTHDF1, YTHDF2, YTHDF3, YTHDC1, YTHDC2, HNRNPC, IGF2BP1, IGF2BP2, IGF2BP3), and "Eraser" protein (FTO, ALKBH5). Kaplan–Meier diagrams were used to explore the correlation between m6A-related genes and colorectal cancer prognosis. The correlations between m6A-related genes and clinical parameters and immune-related indicators were explored by Spearman correlation analysis. And finally, the expression patterns of five key genes (RBMX, FMR1, IGF2BP1, LRPPRC and YTHDC2) were detected by qPCR in CRC specimens.

Results

In CRC, the expressions of m6A-related genes were significantly different between CRC and normal control except METTL14, YTHDF2, YTHDF3. Some of CRC patients (178 in 536) have a m6A-related genes mutation. ZC3H13 has highest mutation frequency of all m6A-related genes. M6A-related genes mainly enrich in regulation of mRNA metabolic process pathway. Patients with high expressions of FMR1, LRPPRC, METTL14, RBMX, YTHDC2, YTHDF2, YTHDF3 have poor prognosis in CRC. There was a significant correlation between the FMR1, LRPPRC, RBMX, YTHDC2, IGF2BP1 expression and the clinical characteristics of CRC. In addition, these genes are significantly associated with immune-related indicators. According to the expression patterns of FMR1, LRPPRC, RBMX, YTHDC2, and IGF2BP1, patients with CRC were clustered into two groups, and their survival was significantly different. By evaluating the tumor microenvironment in two clusters using ssGSEA, expressions of immune checkpoints and GSVA enrichment analysis, we observed that the immune and stem cell index of two cluster were much different. The qPCR results showed that RBMX expression was markedly elevated in cancerous tissues than in the normal colonic tissues.

Conclusion

Our study identified novel prognostic markers associated with immune of CRC cancer patients. Moreover, the potential mechanisms of prognostic markers in regulating the etiology of CRC cancer were investigated. These findings enrich our understanding of the relationships between m6a related genes and CRC, and may provide novel ideas in the therapy of CRC patients.